Page 70 - Senior Link Magazine Fall 2023 - Online Magazine
P. 70
After the atomic bombs were from Eddy County (Carlsbad
dropped and the Japanese and Artesia), were among those
surrendered, American troops forced to take part in the Bataan
liberated the survivors at Death March. On VJ Day 1945,
Fukuoka #3 in Japan. Carl’s long only 1,022 New Mexico National
way home included a train ride Guardsmen were released
through the destroyed city of from Japanese prisoner of war
Nagasaki, travel by plane, ship, camps. Thus, 45% of the crack
and a final train back to his home New Mexico National Guard
state to receive treatment at a regiment gave their lives for their
hospital in Santa Fe. country.”
His total time in captivity was 41 Though some of the emotional
months. Carl told his family that, and physical wounds stayed with
if he’d known his fate, he would him for a lifetime, Carl Curtis
have used all his ammunition Foster made it home, and his
that first day and died without family is grateful.
surrendering.
War is hell! Let us never forget!
A local report said, “Some 1,841
men from the New Mexico
National Guard, including Troop Carl on a return visit to the Philippines
“F” of the 200th Coast Artillery
70 Lubbock Senior Link
