Ref: The Hearthstone Town and Country Pennsburg, Montgomery County, PA Thursday - November 20, 2003 Surnames: Aliff, Diamond LOCAL LIVES - THREE FACES OF WAR Part III - Role Models By Larry Roeder A half century ago, the heroes and role models of America's youth were different than today. Some folks say we live in a time when too many youngsters look up to million dollar athletes with zillion dollar sneaker contracts. It appears that the "bad boy" or "bad girl" images projected by many singers, actors and athletes are idolized and imitated to a degree where the public feels compelled to march into their nearest outlet store to purchase signature products endorsed by the already rich and famous. We can all opine on today's idols - good or bad. After learning about a local Marine who served during the Korean War, I wondered what kind of a role model would entice an 18-year-old athlete from East Greenville to join the Marines in 1949 and spurn scholarships to five different universities including Clemson and Penn State. Thomas Raymond ALIFF (picture) was an outstanding baseball and football player for the East Greenville High School Yellow Jackets. His four-year high school football career was highlighted when the local gridiron team won the County Championship in 1948. ALIFF was a "60-minute man" (as were most players) playing offensive and defensive tackle. His on-the-field athletic skills and classroom abilities garnered him five different football scholarships, but young ALIFF had other plans after graduation. Thomas was determined to join the Marine Corps and make it his career. According to a newspaper account, ALIFF "was inspired by the accomplishments of the legendary Marine Master Gunnery Sergeant Leland (Lou) DIAMOND." DIAMOND (picture) enlisted in 1917, and saw action in three wars. He was heralded as "the most famous of all old breed fighting Leathernecks." He was decorated on many occasions for bravery and even offered an officers' commission that he turned down saying "no one is going to make a gentleman out of me." He was thought of often as "Mr. Marine." His self-confidence and earthly manner endeared him to many. Those who trained under him attested to his ability as an instructor, leader and morale booster. ALIFF's military record shows he worked hard to live up to the standards of his role model. In 1950 the Citizens Committee for the Army and Navy, Inc., of New York City, established the American Spirit Medal. The award was to be conferred on a new Marine "who best demonstrates the American spirit of honor, loyalty and exemplary conduct." Thomas ALIFF was the recipient of the first American Spirit award in July of the medal's inaugural year. Thomas received his basic training at Parris Island, and trained at the Motor Transport School at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. He shipped out for Japan in August of 1950, and on to Korea shortly after that. The summer of 1950 saw the outbreak of full-scale hostilities in Korea. It was a conflict that would eventually lead to the direct battle deaths of 33,686 members of the American armed forces. It was on June 25th when eight divisions of the North Korean Peoples Army, equipped with Soviet tanks, mobile artillery, and supporting aircraft crossed the 38th Parallel and invaded the Republic of South Korea. Two days later, the United Nations proclaimed the attack a breach of world peace and requested member nations to assist South Korea. The first United States Marines stepped onto Korean soil at Pusan on August 2nd. The 1st Marine Division made an unopposed landing on the east coast of Korea at Wonsan. It was the first United Nations operation in northeast Korea. After establishing security for the port of Wonsan, the division was ordered to advance northwest of Hungnam along a mountain road to the Chosin Reservoir, the site of a large hydroelectric plant. No enemy resistance developed until November 2. On that day, and the ensuing week, the main supply route to Wonsan was continually cut. Convoys were turned back on several occasions, and once an air drop of supplies was necessary. Most of the enemy attempts consisted of roadblocks, either undefended or manned by concealed forces lying in wait for convoys. And though the resulting firefights were on a small scale, a succession of North Korean attacks testified to the vulnerability of United Nations troops in a mountain area of few and poor roads. PFC Thomas Raymond ALIFF was serving with Company B, 7th Motor Transport Battalion of the 1st Marine Division near Wonsan airfield on November 2, 1950. He was part of a convoy of trucks moving men and supplies inland that day. On a narrow mountain road, not far from the airfield, the transport fleet was ambushed and ALIFF was killed. He was nineteen years old. We all share a responsibility to ensure that future generations of Upper Perkiomen-ites will know the names of all of our veterans, understand what they did, appreciate their heroism, and be inspired by their sacrifice.