Military History
From the archivesSmall MP detachment covers large area
Stars and Stripes
June 7, 2026
MP duty patrol going out to cover the Suwon and Chonan area is briefed by Sgt. Anthony J. Linza (center). The patrolmen, Pvt. John P. Kane (left) and PFC James L. Farris, and Linza are members of Det. 1. Co. C, 728th MP Bn., at Pyongtaek, Korea. The men have the same duties and responsibilities of larger units. (Christian Weinrich/Stars and Stripes)
This article first appeared in the Stars and Stripes, Pacific Edition, December 26, 1958. It is republished unedited in its original form.
Pyongtaek, Korea, Dec. 1958 — A small military police detachment here is doing a big job covering a giant area. Det. 1, C Co., 728th MP Bn., under CWO Bennie S. Niemczura, provost marshal, operates between Suwon and Chonan with the prime responsibility of guarding K-6.
The MPs go out on patrols, furnish gate guards at K-6, and handle Investigations. They even have a detachment of sentry dogs.
Talking things over on local law enforcement are Maj. Howard Wood (right), Pusan Area provost marshal, and Lt. Bukun Kim of the Korean National Police. Close cooperation is kept between the two units in coordinating police work. (Jack Muhlenbeck/Stars and Stripes)
Quartet of children listens attentively as Korean National Police officer Sang Kyu Cho (left) warns them of the ever-present danger of playing the streets in Pyongtaek. Military Police PFC Judson F. Foskett, Det. 1, C Co., 728th MP Bn., looks on. (Christian Weinrich/Stars and Stripes)
“BECAUSE OF our size and the big area we cover,” Mr. Niemczura said, “the men operate much more on their own. In some cases, they have a bigger job to do than MPs on a larger force.”
The detachment works closely with the Korean National Police, and much stolen property is recovered through their efforts. Sgt. Anthony J. Linza says of his unit, “The morale is good and the men like it here.”