So, you think this week has been a little too cold for your liking?

Having served in Korea in 1950 Bob Reichard, 89, who lives on a farm near Andreas, can tell you something about cold. He is a veteran of The Battle of Chosin Reservoir, one of the decisive battles of the Korean War.After being surprised and encircled by approximately 67,000 Chinese troops, some 30,000 United Nations troops, nicknamed "The Chosin Few" engaged in a 17-day battle in freezing weather. Reichard was with the 88th Military Police Company, helping with the withdrawal of the 1st Marine Division to Hungnam Harbor on the Sea of Japan to South Korea.Conditions were brutal after a cold front from Siberia sent temperatures plunging as low as minus-35 degrees.Treating the frostbite casualties was a nightmare since medical supplies froze. The morphine surettes had to be defrosted in a medic's mouth before they could be injected and frozen blood plasma was useless on the battlefield. Even cutting off clothing to deal with a wound risked gangrene and frostbite.Those soldiers on the line soon found lubrication in the guns gelled and were useless in battle. They also found the springs on the firing pins would not strike hard enough to fire the round, or would jam.Transportation was also difficult. Batteries used for the Jeeps and radios did not function properly and quickly ran down.Reichard said trying to find a warm place in the minus 20-30 degree temperatures was impossible since troops were equipped with summer sleeping bags. His pile jacket, field coat and experimental leggings which provided an extra layer of cover, helped him get through the deep freeze.On one occasion he returned to his tent and decided to brush his teeth. When he attempted to pour the water from his canteen, he found that it was frozen solid.Soldiers froze to death in their foxholes. In some cases, cotton uniforms had gotten wet with perspiration and the cold weather did the rest.Before you complain about the cold, remember how good you have it compared to what those "Chosin Few" endured 63 years ago.By Jim Zbickeditor@tnonline.com