A slender, spectacled corporal was already reviewing aerial reconnaissance photos when others were still finishing breakfast. His tasks were meticulous: maintain battalion situation maps, verify overlays, and coordinate observation post reports with the S-3 section. The work rarely paused and days stretched into nights.  Nearly blind without his horn-rimmed glasses, Steven Godzuk had joined Headquarters Company, 2d Battalion, 31st Infantry at the end of April 1951 as assistant intelligence sergeant.  He was a quiet type who preferred radio, stamps, and novels rather than sports, dancing, or parties and in his slight Russian accent admitted he was 'not outstanding' during his basic training.  He was, however, bright and independent, pursuing night school courses in architectural drafting and blue print reading which undoubtedly led to his assignment with map and overlay work.  

Very quickly he showed a willingness to labor long hours through the night and accept additional duties.  Within a few months, he was promoted and given command of a squad, which he trained extensively in establishing and manning observation posts and continuing instruction in map and overlay work.  Soon he progressed the battalion command post ensuring the accuracy of tactical overlays, coordinating with forward observers, and deciphering captured enemy documents. His knowledge of terrain analysis and map interpretation quickly earned respect, ultimately heightening the efficiency of the S-3 section and contributing significantly to the effectiveness of the unit, as later acknowledged by a Commendation Medal.  Each day, he watched friendly and enemy positions move around on acetate sheets trying to cling to terrain features until the enemy had pulled back past the Pukhan River to form a solid defensive line to prevent any advance of friendly units.

These positions remained throughout the summer while the regiment was in reserve.  Temperatures soared, often exceeding 100°F and dust clung to every surface, making clean paper and acetate overlays nearly unusable without care. When it was not hot and dry, it rained incessantly and became nearly impossible to stay dry.  Godzuk worked from the battalion command post, monitoring reports and integrating data from patrols and signal intercepts. The troops’ days were filled with training operations and drilling to remain active while they waited for action.  

They finally reentered the frontlines in early August and by September 1st were manning outposts overlooking the Pangdangdong-ni and Hudong-ni valleys.  As the battalion advanced near Heartbreak Ridge, he provided updated intelligence on Chinese trench networks, often under terrible pounding from enemy artillery. He translated raw field sketches and verbal debriefs into detailed operational maps used by staff and platoon leaders alike through a mild autumn while the regiment continued supporting operations.  While other sections rotated out, Godzuk continued his shifts in the command post, adjusting fire grids, recording terrain features, and plotting bunker systems for assault teams.  The regiment shifted back to the fog-shrouded Mundung-ni valley where the weather cooled, but the terrain remained much the same, though North Korean forces replaced the Chinese on the opposing slopes.  The regiment returned to reserve during a grey November that churned six inches of mud during rains.  This soon froze and the skies turned to snow as they entered the front once again.

The grueling days continued with predictable repetition, passing into a white winter that thawed into a wet, muddy spring.  This did nothing to dull Godzuk’s enthusiasm for his job.  His year in Korea was not marked as much by rifle fire or bayonet charges but by incredible focus, calculated mapping, and quiet determination—traits no less vital to the success of his battalion than those at the tip of the spear.