"Bug Out Boogie"

Summer 1950. Korea. Trucks like this GMC deuce-and-a-half were an indispensible component of U.S. Army logistics throughout the Korean War.  In 1950, these and other vehicles were left-overs from World War II.  Some worked better than others. Drivers not only worked long hours, they occasionally confronted enemy guerrilla forces seeking to disrupt the Army's rear-eschelon activities.

Here on the truck, we see Charles Gilmore (left) and Louis Diggs (right), the latter of Catonsville, a suburb of Baltimore. Diggs became an author in his later years.  The young Korean boy with them is unidentified.  

This post is as good a time as any to share the U.S. foot soldier's iconic Korean War song, co-opted from a then-popular tune by the Canadian singer Hank Snow. “I’m Movin’ On” was ostensibly a truck driver’s lament rendered with a country swing. The song in its entirety was as innocent as its first verse:

That big eight-wheeler rollin’ down the track

Means your true-lovin’ daddy ain’t comin’ back

‘Cause I’m movin’ on, I’ll soon be gone

You were flyin’ too high, for my little old sky

So I’m movin’ on

“I’m Movin’ On” made its way onto Armed Forces Radio Network broadcasts. It was probably assimilated by drivers of the Eighth Army’s transport companies, who in turn shared it with men all through the combat supply chain, from the port in Pusan to the front lines. Soldiers took the liberty of modifying the lyrics to suit their circumstances. Ruminating on the dreaded strategy of delay and retreat, “Bug-Out Boogie” emerged as the unofficial anthem of fighting men in Korea. The lyrics morphed over time as the Americans fought through the summer and fall of 1950. Immediately cynical and ribald, the modified lyrics unequivocally captured the American soldier’s Korean War experience. One rendition of the song began as follows:

Hear the patter of running feet

It’s the old First Cav in full retreat

They’re moving on; they’ll soon be gone

They’re haulin’ ass, not savin’ gas

They’ll soon be gone.

That opening verse was typically modified to implicate the singer’s neighboring organization. By the end of 1950, the lyrics reflected China’s commitment to the fray:

Over on that hill there’s a Russian tank

A million Chinks are on my flank

I’m movin’ on, I’ll soon be gone

With my M1 broke, it ain’t no joke

I’ll soon be gone.

Million Chinks comin’ through the pass

Playin’ burp-gun boogie all over my ass

I’m movin’ on, I’ll soon be gone

With my M1 broke, it ain’t no joke

I’ll soon be gone.

Twenty thousand Chinks comin’ through the pass

I’m tellin’ you, baby, I’m haulin’ ass

I’m moving on; I’ll soon be gone

I’m haulin’ ass, not savin’ gas

I’ll soon be gone.

Standin’ in a rice paddy up to my belly

From then on, they called me “Smelly”

I’m moving on; I’ll soon be gone

I’m haulin’ ass, not savin’ gas

I’ll soon be gone.

Here’s papasan comin’ down the track

Old A-frame strapped to his back

He’s moving on; he’ll soon be gone

He’s haulin’ ass, not savin’ gas

He’ll soon be gone.

Here’s mamasan comin’ down the track

Titty hangin’ out, baby on her back

She’s moving on; she’ll soon be gone

From her tits to her toes, she’s damn near froze

She’ll soon be gone.

I sung this song for the very last time

Gonna get Korea off my mind

I’m moving on; I’ll soon be gone

I done my time in the shit and slime

I’m movin’ on.