Mehmet Cemil Yasar
Bio
Mehmet Cemil Yasar enlisted in the Turkish Army in 1949 and was deployed to Korea in 1950 as part of the initial wave of Turkish soldiers. He witnessed combat in notable battles such as the Battle of Kunu-ri and the Geumyangjangri Front. Throughout his service, the Allied forces successfully regained control of Seoul and advanced into territories north of the 38th Parallel. Despite the harrowing experiences of war, Yasar takes pride in the bravery and resilience of the Turkish fighters
Video Clips
Geumyangjangri Front
Mehmet Cemil Yasar recounts the challenging fighting conditions at the Geumyangjangri Front, where the Chinese forces were surrounded and unable to escape. He notes this battle significantly aided the Allies in retaining control over the advancing Chinese Army. Additionally, Yasar describes the widespread devastation caused by the war, with streets littered with numerous casualties. Towns were left bombed out and looted. Interestingly, he remembers that despite the destruction, Pyongyang still had inhabitants, while the South suffered greatly.
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Battle of Kunu-ri
Mehmet Cemil Yasar recounts the Battle of Kunu-ri, a notable engagement for Turkish soldiers. He remembers the battle as intensely fierce, but the Turkish forces managed to repel a larger Chinese force. Yasar describes how the Chinese attacked at night, resulting in significant casualties among the Turkish fighters during the Battle of Kunu-ri.
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First Experiences of War
Mehmet Cemil Yasar recalls the desolate scenes he encountered upon arriving in Korea. He describes Busan as a ghost town, with bullet-riddled buildings and a haunting sight of only one person who had frozen to death. The war, he notes, brought widespread hunger, misery, disease, and death. He highlights the constant danger, with numerous traps set by the enemy adding to the perilous conditions.
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Chinese Strategy
Mehmet Cemil Yasar describes the Chinese strategy during the Korean War, which involved drawing the Allied forces further north. He recalls this tactic complicating the Allies' resupply efforts while benefiting the Chinese, who were closer to their supply lines in Manchuria. Yasar also notes the high level of guerrilla-style training among the Chinese forces.
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