God Still Walks.....

It was a hot, humid day in late August. I was in Korea. About twelve of us had been sent out to infiltrate enemy territory for the purpose of capturing a certain high ranking individual. When it was dark, we settled in for the rest of the nightt outside a small village .....our target area. Early in the morning we realized we were trapped. Artillery support had only alerted the village that we were there. Hand to hand combat ensued until there were only two men left... Myself, and one enemy soldier.

The day before I was impressed with the thought to take twice as many hand grenades as I usually did. These I strapped around my waist, in a pouch, hanging at the base of my spine. Now, my enemy tried to end my life by pelting me with his grenades, which I was able to elude. Until one blew before I could take proper action. I was only able to turn away. My screams assured him of his victory. However, the day was not to end as he had assumed.

 He made a fatal mistake by standing up in his trench. I was ready. With my M2 carbine on full automatic, the first round hit the dirt squarely in front of him, and as I held the trigger, the light kick of that weapon caused each round to fire higher and higher. He was dead by the time he hit the ground. I attempted to take inventory of my remaining ammo. I discovered there were no hand grenades, the pouch had been torn to shreds. My stash of grenades deflected shrapnel and had protected my spine from being wiped out. I had no idea where they were. A flack jacket had protected above that. Several pieces of shrapnel had entered my leg which was totally damaged. I attempted then, to crawl back in the direction of my company. Suddenly, I heard the sound of scraping boots. I could tell there were several men coming around a small hill. Still within enemy territory there was no reason to expect any of my people! One grenade, I thought, would get them. I had none. I hoisted my rifle and trained my sights on the area where they were likely to appear. Soon I saw the face of my enemy. He had no helmet on, no identifying clothing. I had him in my sights, waiting for more to come into view. As I was about to fire, I saw the helmet of an American soldier directly behind him carrying a radio. I collapsed in relief.

The men managed to drag me to the aid station where they strapped me to a litter. I was unable to move, and very uncomfortable, but thankful I was back with our forces. I do not remember any other casualties in the aid station and I was about as centered there as the metics could place me. Within a few seconds, the enemy began shelling the aid station, and as far as I could tell, I was the bull's eye! The metics scattered and ran. I was alone. Panic began to set in for the first time... but it was short lived. The 23rd Psalm began to run through my mind.... "The Lord is my shepherd: I shall not want.. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: He leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His Name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of death, I will fear no evil: for thou are with me: thy rod and thy staff they comfort me..... " By the time I got to that point, all panic was gone and a peace engulfed me. I knew that if the next round landed on me then and there, I would have gone from His presence in that aid station, to His presence in Glory! I still have that peace.

I had accepted the Lord's saving grace as a Junior High School student. God remembered my commitment, and He more than honored His. Looking back, I am constantly amazed at God's hand in this situation. I had grenades when I needed them... but they were for my protection. I didn't have them when I thought I needed them, thereby protecting those men coming over the hill. The American soldier had his helmet on, when the other oriental American soldier did not. Did you ever consider that your "Helmet of Salvation " (Ephesians 6:17) might be for the protection of others? And what about those screaming mortars landing all around me.... they missed their target! Why do I write this? Not for any personal or sensational reason, but to share with you what God's hand has done for me, what He'll do for others, and to reassure my fellow Christians who may be afraid for themselves, or their loved ones, in a far away place in harm's way. Remember in Hebrews 13:5 God said, "I will never leave thee nor forsake thee". And that means even when the lead is flying in every direction. God is in the tanks, the planes, and the hearts of our Christian footsoldiers. When our men and women come home, they will tell you too, that God still walks the dark valley.

 God Bless you, God Bless America Rev. Irv. Edgerton B.A. M.A. D.Min.