Paul Spohn
Bio
Paul Spohn was drafted into the United States Army in 1953, serving time in Japan following the Korean War. He details his experience with IBM computers, explaining his duties to convert information from paper to computer while abroad. He recounts utilizing the GI Bill to improve his life upon his return home, finishing courses and graduating from college. He offers his thoughts on Korea’s transformation since the Korean War and is proud of Korea’s efforts. He expresses that the transformation embodies what is good about Western civilization.
Video Clips
Conversion from Paper to Computers
Paul Spohn shares his first experience with computers known as IBM at the time. He recounts his daily duties of comparing records and using punch cards. He explains that his duties also involved converting old written records to the newer IBM records.
Share YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jgsOr3xz5rs&start=927&end=1071
Share from this page:
https://koreanwarlegacy.org/interviews/paul-spohn#clip-1
Embed:
Living Well on the G.I. Bill
Paul Spohn recounts using the GI Bill to continue his education. He shares that he received $110 a month and was able to live comfortably and purchase a car from the funds while attending school. He comments further on his economically sound living conditions.
Share YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jgsOr3xz5rs&start=1545&end=1688
Share from this page:
https://koreanwarlegacy.org/interviews/paul-spohn#clip-2
Embed:
The Transformation of Korea
Paul Spohn offers his thoughts on Korea's transformation since the war. He shares that it embodies a lot of what is good about Western civilization. He adds that humankind's main emphasis should be that everyone experiences a good life.
Share YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jgsOr3xz5rs&start=1901&end=2088
Share from this page:
https://koreanwarlegacy.org/interviews/paul-spohn#clip-3
Embed: