Korean War Legacy Project

James Low

Bio

Before enlisting in the U.S. Army in 1951, James Low was working at General Electric in Syracuse, NY. Shortly after joining the service, he was deployed to Pusan and later stationed near the 38th Parallel from April 1953 to January 1954. He served with the 21st Battalion, AAA AW BN of the 25th Infantry Division. Although he began as a private, he rose through the ranks to become a Sergeant First Class by the time of his discharge. While in Korea, he served as a Platoon Sergeant and earned several awards for his dedication, including the Good Conduct Medal, American Defense Medal, Korean War Medal, United Nations Medal, Korean Service Medal, and the New York State Star. Today, he remains active by participating in the “Tell America Program,” helping to educate others about the Korean War.

Video Clips

Truman's Executive Order 9981: Desegregation of the Military

James Low remembers racial tension rising sharply after President Truman issued Executive Order 9981, which integrated the armed forces. During his time in the U.S. National Guard, he witnessed a confrontation between Southern soldiers and African American troops from Harlem, New York. Unlike many around him, he had attended an integrated school. Therefore, his beliefs and attitudes differed significantly from those of many Southern soldiers.

Tags: African American Perspective,Civilians,Fear,Home front,Living conditions

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Contemporary Korea and a Message to Future Generations

James Low hopes that, in the future, generations will witness a unified, democratic Korea. Moreover, he emphasizes the importance of recognizing that the Korean War was fought against three Communist powers—North Korea, China, and Russia. He further believes the war played a critical role in halting the spread of Russian Communism. As a result, it helped shape the course of global democratic progress.

Tags: Civilians,Communists,Home front,Impressions of Korea,Living conditions,Message to Students,Modern Korea,North Koreans,Pride,South Koreans

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Begging to Join the US Army

James Low wanted to join the U.S. Army after graduating high school because, like many inspired by WWII, he felt a strong sense of duty. Each month, he and a group of friends volunteered together, waiting patiently for an open spot. Eventually, in February 1951, he was accepted. However, he had to wait until turning 18 to enlist, as his mother refused to sign for him at 17.

Tags: Civilians,Fear,Home front,Living conditions,Women

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Army Gunner with Old WWII Weapons

James Low initially hoped to train as a radar repairman in Texas; however, he was not accepted into the program. As a result, he was instead trained as a .50 caliber machine gunner. During this time, he learned to travel, work with people from diverse backgrounds, and operate his weapon effectively. Nevertheless, the outdated WWII-era anti-aircraft gun, combined with faulty ammunition, made shooting down enemy planes nearly impossible.

Tags: Front lines,Living conditions,Physical destruction,Weapons

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Photos

Identification Card (front)

Identification Card - Armed Forces of the United States

Identification Card (front)

Identification Card (back)

Identification Card - Armed Forces of the United States

Identification Card (back)

Notice of Classification (front)

Notice of Classification

Notice of Classification (front)

Notice of Classification (back)

Notice of Classification

Notice of Classification (back)

Notice of Classification (front)

Notice of Classification

Notice of Classification (front)

Notice of Classification (back)

Notice of Classification

Notice of Classification (back)

Notice of Classification (front)

Notice of Classification

Notice of Classification (front)

Notice of Classification (back)

Notice of Classification

Notice of Classification (back)

Registration Certificate (front)

Registration Certificate

Registration Certificate (front)

Registration Certificate (back)

Registration Certificate

Registration Certificate (back)

Can opner directions

Can opner directions - enevelope of can opener

Can opner directions

Machin gun and soldiers

Machin gun and soldiers

Machin gun and soldiers

James Low by machine gun

James Low by machin gun

James Low by machine gun

James Low cooking

James Low cooking

James Low cooking

James Low and his friend

James Low and his friend

James Low and his friend

James Low coming out of tent

James Low coming out of tent

James Low coming out of tent

Gathered soldiers infront of tent

Gathered soldiers infront of tent

Gathered soldiers infront of tent

Ridge of mountains

Ridge of mountains

Ridge of mountains

Ridge of mountains

Ridge of mountains

Ridge of mountains

James low

James low

James low