Boonsanong Disatien
Bio
Boonsanong Disatien attended NCO school in Thailand following his high school graduation in 1945. After two years of basic training, he served as a naval machinery specialist in the Thai Navy. In April 1953, he arrived in Korea and served a year aboard the frigate, the Tachin. His primary duties were maintaining the frigate’s engines but he also served guard duty when the ship was at sea. He is proud of his service in the Korean War and has been amazed by the progress he has witnessed in his two return trips to the country.
Video Clips
Leaving for Service in Korea
Boonsanong Disatien recalls applying for NCO school after graduation. Following nearly two years in basic training he left for Korea in April 1953. He shares that his training specialty was naval machinery.
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Military Action on the Tachin
Boonsanong Disatien explains that his primary duty was to the maintain the engines on board the frigate, the Tachin. He recalls one occasion where the bearings of the engine melted and a United States repair ship arrived to fix the concern. He also remembers the fear of one military action when the Tachin caught the signal of a submarine nearby and contacted the US Navy to come to their assistance.
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No Cease Fire Announcement
Boonsanong Disatien recalls naval operations continuing beyond the declaration of the cease fire. He notes there was never an official announcement of the cease fire for those fighting at sea. Like many of his fellow veterans, he comments on the cold weather being one of the most difficult things of his time in Korea.
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