Juan Andres Arebalos
Bio
Juan Andres Arebalos was born in the San Fernando Valley, California, on August 29, 1931. At the age of seventeen, with his father’s consent, he enlisted in the United States Army in 1949. After completing basic training, he was stationed in Japan with the U.S. Army 24th Division 19th Regiment. It was there he learned through the radio about North Korea’s invasion of the South. His unit landed in Korea on the Fourth of July and was responsible for holding the enemy back until reinforcements arrived from the United Nations Forces. He took part in the Battle of Taejon and saw the destruction caused by North Korea after they captured the city. His unit was often short of supplies, including food, and had to resort to eating and drinking whatever they could find. During his time on the front lines, he was shot but was saved by a brave fellow soldier. After the war, he worked as a janitor in a Veterans Affairs (VA) hospital. He served as a member of the American Legion and VFW – The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S.
Video Clips
Stationed in Japan
Juan Andres Arebalos recounts his experience sailing on the USS Hope to Japan for advanced training on weaponry and fitness after completing basic training. He notes how every soldier had duties aboard the ship, and he worked in the ship's galley. He shares he visited the location in Hiroshima where the atomic bomb landed during WWII, vividly remembering the indention in the land and people searching for belongings.
Landing in Korea on the Fourth of July
Juan Andres Arebalos recalls playing ping-pong on a Japanese base when an announcement came on the radio about North Korea's invasion of South Korea. He remembers receiving orders to pack his belongings for combat and landing in Korea the next day on the Fourth of July. He recalls seeing bright flashes of lights in the distance that could have been mistaken for fireworks. His shares his duty was to hold the enemy back until reinforcements arrived from the United Nations Forces.
The Battle of Taejon
Juan Andres Arebalos provides an overview of the North Korean's advancements in Taejon. He recounts retreating from the city to reinforce his troops. He remembers observing the city burning after the North Koreans seized it. He provides information about General William Dean, the United States general who was captured during the retreat from Taejon.
Tales of Survival
Juan Andres Arebalos admits he did not feel he would survive the situation in Taejon. He comments on how enemy troops would snatch the food and supplies dropped by United Nations airplanes. He recalls being so hungry he ate fly-infested rice in a South Korean village. He recalls an enemy sniper shooting at them as they filled their canteens with water at a creek. He admits to being unable to sleep at night because of his fear.
Never to Forget
Juan Andres Arebalos provides insight into General MacArthur's plan to contain Chinese forces behind their border. He explains how President Truman opposed General MacArthur's intention to attack Chinese territory, but to the soldiers, it was the best option to prevent further casualties. He expresses his gratitude towards the brave Korean War veterans and his reverence for those who did not make it home.