L. Timothy Whitmore
Bio
L. Timothy Whitmore was born on November 15, 1935, in Dayton, Ohio, and spent much of his childhood with his grandparents in Ontario, Canada. After returning to Ohio, he graduated from Greenville High School and then attended Wittenberg College in Springfield. Following college, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force on December 16, 1953. After completing basic and medic training in San Antonio, Texas, he was sent to Korea, arriving at K-2 Air Base (Daegu) in March 1954 as an Airman First Class assigned to the hospital. During his service, he worked as a medic and earned the Korean Service and UN Service medals. He left Korea in June 1955 but remained in the Air Force, serving as an OR technician, Technical Instructor, and 1st Sergeant. Later, he completed physician assistant training and pursued a career as a physician assistant. Currently, he serves as Commander of Tidewater Chapter 191 of the KWVA and enjoys photography.
Video Clips
Strange Assignments in Post War Korea
L. Timothy Whitmore described Daegu when he first arrived as still quite chaotic. He notes that the hospital lacked sufficient personnel and that many, including himself, were undertrained. After arriving at K-2 Air Base in 1954, he took on various tasks, including breaking down rations and inspecting food, gaining hands-on experience while helping the hospital function under challenging conditions.
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Treating Disease at K-2 Airbase
L.T. Whitmore described his role as a lab technician at K-2 Air Base just after the armistice, frequently treating airmen and soldiers with venereal diseases. He explained the standard treatments and highlighted differences in how the Army and Air Force managed these cases. Through his work, he gained insight into military medical practices and the varying approaches between branches.
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What Could I Do?
L.T. Whitmore recalled some of his most vivid memories from Korea, including witnessing refugees and their living conditions and caring for Koreans in hospitals. He described the extreme poverty he encountered and the overwhelming sense of hopelessness and helplessness among the people. These experiences left a lasting impression, shaping his understanding of the war’s impact on civilians.
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https://koreanwarlegacy.org/interviews/l-timothy-whitmore#clip-3
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Living Conditions at K-2 Airbase
L.T. Whitmore described the living conditions at K-2 Air Base in 1954, where soldiers stayed in tents or mud buildings left by the Japanese occupation. Seeking better accommodations, he managed to move into the library, which had one of only two working bathrooms on base. This arrangement improved his daily life amid otherwise challenging conditions.
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https://koreanwarlegacy.org/interviews/l-timothy-whitmore#clip-4
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