Saiyud Kerdphol
Bio
Saiyud Kerdphol came from a rural village in Thailand as his father was a farmer and traded in the village. He moved to Bangkok in his final year of school because his cousin lived in the city. After school, Saiyud Kerdphol entered the military academy and became an officer within two years even though it usually required three years of training. Saiyud Kerdphol believed the reason Thailand was the first Asian nation to defend South Korea was because they learned they need to defend against aggressor nations in World War II when they were invaded by Japan. During the Korean War, Saiyud Kerdphol patrolled in the Iron Triangle to preserve security for the region and help ensure Seoul would not be overrun once again.
Video Clips
Pity of Korea Turns to Great Respect
When Saiyud Kerdphol first went to Korea, he pitied the people. He was astounded by the condition of the civilians. He would take American surpluses and give food to Korean children. Acknowledging Korean dislike of Japan, Saiyud Kerdphol believed Japan was the motivating factor for South Korean growth. He said the competition between the countries enabled South Korea to overcome it's wartime losses within twenty years.
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Had to Patrol So the Enemy Would Not Creep Up
Saiyud Kerdphol led his patrol in the Iron Triangle. He explained they had to go on patrol through the night or the Chinese would creep up on you. Saiyud Kerdphol explained you did not have to go on the attack but it was for security measures. They needed to accurately relate their positions to American air support. As a result, none of Saiyud Kerdphol's men were killed while on patrol.
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Could Not Lose - If We Die We Die
Saiyud Kerdphol related the importance of Pork Chop Hill. They could not lose or else it was a straight shot to Seoul. There were repeated fights and they were ordered to hold at all costs. Saiyud Kerdphol emphasized "if we die, we die." Despite the harsh fighting, if they stayed in the bunkers they survived. Only those that left the bunkers were killed.
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