Tag: Chuncheon

Political/Military Tags

1950 Pusan Perimeter, 8/4-9/18 1950 Inchon Landing, 9/15-9/19 1950 Seoul Recapture, 9/22-9/25 1950 Battle of Pyongyang, 10/15-17 1950 Wonsan Landing, 10/25 1950 Battle of Chosin Reservoir, 11/27-12/13 1950 Hamheung Evacuation, 12/10-12/24 1951 January 4 Withdrawal, 12/31-1/7 1951 Battle of Bloody Ridge, 8/18-9/15/1951 Battle of Heartbreak Ridge, 9/13-10/15/1951 Battle of Jipyeongri, 2/13-15 1952 Battle of Old Baldy, 6/26-8/4 1952 Battle of White Horse, 10/6-15 1952 Battle of Triangle Hill, 10/14-11/25 1952 Battle of Hill Eerie, 3/21-6/21 1953 Battle of the Hook, 5/28-29 1953 Battle of Pork Chop Hill, 3/23-7/16 1953 Sieges of Outpost Harry, 6/10-18 1953 Armistice 7/27 1968 Pueblo Abduction 1968 Blue House attack 1969 EC-121 1976 Poplar Tree Ax Incident 1983 Langgoon blowup 1996 Gangneung attack 1999 Yeonpyeong naval battle 2000 South-North Summit 2002 2nd Yeonpyeong naval battle 2008 Geumgang Mountain killing 2006 1st nuclear test, 10/9 2009 2nd nuclear test, 5/25 2010 Cheonan sinking 2010 Yeonpyeong Island bombing 2013 3rd nuclear test, 2/12 2016 4th and 5th nuclear tests, 1/6 and 9/9

Geographic Tags

Anyang Aprokgang (Yalu River)Busan Byeokdong Cheonan Cheongcheongang (River)Chuncheon Daegu Daejeon Dongducheon East Sea Euijeongbu Gaesong Gangneung Geojedo Geumgang Geumgang (River)Gotori Hagalwoori Hamheung Hangang (River)Heungnam Hwacheon Hwangchoryeong Imjingang (River)Incheon Jangjin Jipyeongri Kunsan Kunwoori Langgoon Masan Nakdonggang (River)Osan Panmunjeom Pohang Pyungyang Seokdong Seoul Sudong Suwon Wolmido Wonju Wonsan Yellow Sea Yeongdeungpo Yeonpyeong Yudamri

Social Tags

Basic training Chinese Civilians Cold winters Communists Depression Fear Food Front lines G.I. Bill Home front Impressions of Korea KATUSA Letters Living conditions Message to Students Modern Korea Monsoon North Koreans Orphanage Personal Loss Physical destruction Poverty POW Pride Prior knowledge of Korea Propaganda Rest and Relaxation (R&R)South Koreans Weapons Women

Asefa Mengesha

Action in Korea

Asefa Mengesha recounts seeing his friends die and was proud that his unit never surrendered nor left a man or body behind. He reveals his wounds suffered from 16 mm mortar rounds. He describes how one shell failed to fire from his mortar and exploded in front of him.

Chinese Prisoners

Asefa Mengesha shares how he captured two Chinese prisoners by himself. He says Ethiopians captured many Chinese but the Chinese never captured any Ethiopians. He remembers his unit would lie in wait at night for the enemy to pass in front and then they would attack from behind. He explains the Chinese were trying to find their bunker but they found the Chinese first.

Belachew Amneshwa Weldekiros

Battle of Triangle Hill

Belachew Amneshwa Weldekiros describes the Battle of Triangle Hill. Ethiopian forces were located on Papasan Hill (Hill 1062) during the battle. Ethiopian forces never went on the offensive and defended the Hill. He also describes how no Ethiopian forces were ever taken as prisoners of war (POW). He explains this is because of their motto that Ethiopian forces never surrender.

Highs and Lows of His Time in Korea

Belachew Amneshwa Weldekiros reflects on both the hardships and happy moments he experienced in Korea. One of the greatest challenges for Ethiopian soldiers was the weather. Surprisingly, the summer heat proved difficult for them to handle. Moreover, the harsh winters brought extreme conditions they were not accustomed to. Besides the weather, they constantly faced the threat of mortar attacks.

Bezuneh Mengestu

Most Dangerous Moment

Bezuneh Mengestu recounts his most dangerous moment caught behind the lines by the Chinese. He explains his unit was sent to spy on Chinese movements and did not realize they had travelled past their boundaries. He states the Chinese opened fire on their truck but they refused to surrender.

What Makes Ethiopian Soldiers Different?

Bezuneh Mengestu describes what he believes make an Ethiopian soldier unlike others who fought in Korea. He discusses the respect they have for their commanders and emperor who sent them with the command to "kill or be killed." He explains they were taught to never surrender and never leave any man behind.

Finding Turkish Soldiers in the Cold

Benuneh Mengestu describes the most difficult moment was when he found several Turkish soldiers dead. He explains they perished in the cold weather and did not have an opportunity to work with them because they had all died.

Charles Carl Smith

Eleven and a Half Months in a Bunker

Charles Smith recounts his harrowing train journey from Pusan to Chuncheon during the Korean War. Several times along the way, he and the other passengers were abruptly ordered to disembark as the train came under attack. Each time, they fired into the darkness, unsure of what lay ahead. Despite these tense moments, they eventually reached Chuncheon. There, he waited for his assignment, which soon came—he was to move with the 24th Division to the Main Line of Resistance (MLR) near the Punch Bowl, where he would spend nearly a year.

Life in the Punch Bowl

Charles Smith vividly describes his experience in the trenches along the Main Line of Resistance (MLR) during the 11 and a half months he spent in the Punch Bowl. Day and night, he faced the constant barrage of gunfire and artillery, a constant reminder of the dangers surrounding him. He shares a memorable story about his first encounter with enemy troops, recalling the anxiety he felt and his determination not to show fear or be seen as "yellow."

The Greatest Respect

Charles Smith remembers that while serving on the front lines, he encountered no civilians—only soldiers from the Republic of Korea Army (ROK) and the Korean Augmentation to the United States Army (KATUSA). Even now, he holds deep respect for these men, who demonstrated remarkable bravery and made invaluable contributions to the war effort. Their courage and determination left a lasting impression on him.

PTSD

Charles Smith openly shares his battle with severe PTSD following his service in Korea. He recalls that while on the front lines, he deliberately avoided learning the names of fellow soldiers, perhaps as a way to shield himself from the pain of potential loss. Upon returning home, he recalls facing the challenge of finding support to cope with his PTSD, navigating a difficult path toward healing.

Charles Eugene Warriner

Korea After the Armistice

Charles Eugene Warriner talks about arriving at Incheon and his assignment near the DMZ in the time just after the signing of the Armistice. He describes building a bunker and collecting lumber. He shares how although the war was over, one could still feel and sense the horror of war overhead.

Winter in Korea

Charles Eugene Warriner describes the winter conditions at his outpost near the DMZ in 1953. He remembers there was a terrible ice storm. He describes wrapping barbed wire around his boots to aid walking upon the ice.

"You Do Crazy Things"

Charles Eugene Warriner tells a story of how he took pest control into his own hands when faced with a rat problem in his mess hall. He explains he shot the rat. He describes how it helped not only the rat problem but to cure boredom as well.

Korean Children

Charles Eugene Warriner speaks about seeing impoverished Korean children while on his way to his unit. He describes the emotional impact the experience had on him. He recalls how many of those children were starving and had lost their families and homes.

Pumpkin Pie Out of Strained Beans

Charles Eugene Warriner recalls a funny story when, as a cook, he came up with a clever way to use cans of strained beans. He explains the strained beans were like baby food. He describes how he used them to create a pumpkin pie.

Chong Rae Sok

The Battle of the Chosin Reservoir

Chong Rae Sok talks about his participation in the Battle of Chosin Reservoir. He describes the conditions that his unit faced including cold weather, loss of communication, and little food. He talks about the fighting that took place, taking one hill at a time.

Clyde Fruth

"You Can Take Your Purple Heart..."

Clyde Fruth describes the mission and the dangers of being a forward observer. He recalls his mission was to deliver coordinates and then assess the damage inflicted on the enemy. He relays during one instance, rock shrapnel bounced off and hit his arm. He accounts his Lieutenant advised him to seek medical attention and he could receive a purple heart but he refused saying "you can take your purple heart."

"Up to the Hill"

Clyde Fruth describes the daily routine of an Army forward observer. He explains he spent most of his time on the lookout, observing through binoculars at the enemy. He details the type of technology he used as well. He explains he could not look too high because he did not want to be hit by a sniper. He also describes his living conditions.

Snow and Supplies

Clyde Fruth discusses the most difficult times he had in Korea. He explains deep snows forced traveling by foot to his mountain forward observer post. In this predicament, he recalls having to carry all their heavy food, supplies, water, and weapons in the cold up the side of the mountain.

Dan McKinney

An Amazing Coincidence

Dan McKinney describes his capture by enemy forces and the way he was able to let his family know that he was still alive. He describes telling another POW who was scheduled to be released to tell his girlfriend and family that he was still alive when he returned stateside. He is still astounded by an amazing coincidence; the Marine told him that he had actually double dated with his girlfriend back in Texas before the war.

David J. Smith

The 47th MASH Unit

David J. Smith talks about his job as a medical technician attached to the 47th MASH Unit. He describes his job working with doctors during surgery, interviewing patients who came in off the field, and taking care of sick soldiers during sick call. He says he was not in direct combat but there were a few guerilla attacks. He also describes the layout of the unit, comprised of seven quonset huts.

Proud to be a Korean War Veteran

David J. Smith is surprised to see the places he was stationed such as Chuncheon built up into cities today. He is proud of his service and is disheartened that Korean is the forgotten war. He believed his legacy is as a Korean War veteran.

David Valley

Arrival in Korea

David Valley talks about arriving in Korea. He was sent to Jinju and attached to an intelligence reconnaissance platoon. He describes bring separated from his unit on his first night of fighting and having to make his way back while behind enemy lines. He also discusses a friend that was killed before his unit even learned his name.

Demetrios Arvanitis

The Fog Dissolved

Demetrios Arvanitis provides an account of the Chinese army, just days before the armistice, attempting to penetrate through the center of the UN lines. He recalls the fog creating more issues for the Chinese than anticipated. As the fog lifted, he comments on the heroism of his men, which led to the capture of fourteen Chinese soldiers and their commanding officer.

He Would Have Surrendered in 1950

Demetrios Arvanitis provides an account of an altercation he had while the Chinese soldiers were surrendering. He describes a wounded Chinese soldier turning an automatic rifle on him and his quick actions that led to disarming the soldier. Because of his interaction with the prisoner of war, he shares how the prisoner of war tried to give him a service medal and sent a letter to President Eisenhower praising Demetrios Arvanitis.

Danger Remained Before Our Eyes

Demetrios Arvanitis discusses his near death experience shortly before the ceasefire went into effect. He describes how the Chinese seemed focused on removing his unit from their location north of the 38th parallel. During the night before the ceasefire, he remembers shells detonating and cutting down all of the trees surrounding his trench. He reveals how the chaplain held a mass the following morning at the location in which he escaped death.

Donald J. Zoeller

Adventures at the Battalion

Donald Zoeller describes some interesting events that happened while he was stationed near Chuncheon. He describes walking into a minefield with his commander and their duties while in camp. He also remembers an airplane trip he took over enemy territory.

Doug Mitchell

First experiences with death

Doug Mitchell recalls a particularly dark night on duty as a machine gunner, where the lack of light and glare from glass sights made visibility nearly impossible. As a tank approached, his team shouted for identification, warning they would fire if no one responded. A lieutenant stepped forward, confirming his identity, but moments later, a mortar struck; Mitchell managed to reach safety, but the lieutenant was killed instantly. He tearfully remembers that night and shares that the hardest moment he faced was the first time he had to use his bayonet.

3 Dreadful Components of the Korean War

Doug Mitchell recalls three things he hated most about war: night patrols, crawling to knock out enemy machine guns, and the relentless stress that haunted soldiers in their dreams. He describes the terror of crawling toward an enemy machine gun, knowing his own men were firing over him while he inched close enough to throw a grenade—hoping all the while that no rifleman would spot him. Bayonet fights were another dreadful experience, and he believes no one should have to endure such brutal combat.

Douglas C. Fargo

Heartbreak Ridge

Douglas C. Fargo recalls his role as a platoon leader on Heartbreak Ridge from November 1951 to March 1952, where he led eleven combat missions. He describes serving alongside South Korean soldiers and the sorrow of losing men under his command. He also recounts capturing North Korean soldiers during both attacks and patrols.

Ed M. Dozier

Operation Mouse Trap: Dog Company Used as Bait

Ed M. Dozier describes his participation in Operation Mousetrap, near Chuncheon in May 1951. He notes that his company, Dog Company, was used as bait to lure the enemy to a mountain near the front line. He recalls the Chinese coming across the valley and being met by a squadron of American Black Widow aircraft. He explains how a few of the Chinese were able to drop in between Dog Company and the tanks in their rear as well as the fighting which ensued.

Operation Mousetrap: The Loss of a Friend

Ed M. Dozier describes his participation in Operation Mousetrap, near Chuncheon in May 1951. He notes that Dog Company was to follow the assault on a hill after Fox Company, but when Fox Company was hit so badly his company became the first ones up the hill. He recalls how, in the end, there were only three of the twelve men in his squad that survived the attack. He shares the struggles to come to terms with the loss of a friend during this operation and how closure came through connecting with this soldier's widow years later.

Wounded by a Mortar Shell

Ed M. Dozier recalls his experience of being wounded by a mortar shell while on patrol along a rice paddy on April 10, 1951. He describes how he suffered shrapnel wounds to his shoulder and near his jugular vein. This resulted in an evacuation by helicopter, despite his own disagreement, to "Easy Med" (E Med) near Chuncheon.

Ernesto Sanchez

Being Drafted and Making a Living

Ernesto Sanchez describes his mother's reaction to his being drafted. As a result, his mother said she would go with him, which clearly she could not. When first arriving in Korea, the US Army provided winter clothing due to the cold, but expected to Ernesto Sanchez and his platoon to walk from Incheon to Seoul. While walking he was able to hitchhike aboard some American tanks the distance to Seoul.

Frank Seaman

Arriving in Korea and Bed Check Charlie

Frank Seaman describes his arrival in Korea, ferrying over from Japan to Pusan and then by rail up to Chuncheon. He recalls viewing the aftermath and destruction from the Pusan Perimeter battle on his way to Chuncheon. He offers insight to his regular duties which entailed bringing ammunition up from the south. He also recounts his introduction to Bed Check Charlie following breakfast while washing his mess kit.

Korean War: Forgotten and Its Importance

Frank Seaman shares his view on why the Korean War is known as the Forgotten War. He shares that when he came home, no one knew where he had been and that the war was not even talked about; life just went on. He also describes why he feels the Korean War was important and how the war changed South Korea.

Franklin M. Sarver, Jr.

Calculation of Combat Pay

Franklin Sarver, Jr. describes the responsibility he was assigned to calculating enlisted men's pay. He shares how he and a small group of men handled the payment of soldiers. He explains the criteria necessary to receive combat pay.

Fred Liddell

The capture of Fred Liddell: POW

Fred Liddell was captured by the Chinese in May 1951 at Hill 151 (Jirisan Mountain). His regiment was supposed to hold this hill until the US artillery saturated the hill. As Fred Liddell went down a slope around rocks, he met up with the Marines that were milling around near multiple vehicles on fire. The Chinese surrounded the US soldiers even as Fred Liddell was killing some of them in the bushes. Injured US soldiers were burned to death in a hut while over 300 POWs were forced to march to a cave and then onto Camp Suan.

Gerald Land

Government Issued (G.I.) Gear

When they arrived at Inchon, Gerald Land had to wear khakis and a short sleeve shirt in the middle of the winter while traveling to Chuncheon. Once the soldiers arrived at Chuncheon, they were given two pairs of long underwear, a towel, soap, brush, pants, fatigues, field jacket, and pile lined jacket (no overcoat). The men were also given a M-1 Rifle w/ bandolier, cartridges, and a helmet.

Hiroshi Shima

The Hills were Bare

Hiroshi Shima recalls his earliest impressions of Korea. He speaks of the fear felt when he first arrived on the front lines and notes that since there was no action in the area how they were assigned to night patrol. He offers a good contrast between life on the front lines with life in Chuncheon where he was later assigned.

Howard A. Gooden

Landing at Incheon and Traveling to the 38th Parallel

Howard A. Gooden shares his experience of landing in Incheon, Korea. He remembers being on a barge with two hundred to two hundred fifty soldiers, heading to land, and being passed by another landing barge with the same number of soldiers who were ready to go home. He describes taking a Korean train from Incheon and how small the seats were. He explains that guards would ensure nobody was getting on or off at every stop. He recalls how trucks finally met the train and how he was dropped off at the 38th Parallel with the field artillery.

Jack Sherts

Retracing My Steps

Jack Sherts retraced the exact locations they traveled during the war the entire time he was in Korea. His work as a radio operator helped him to know the towns they were in at all times. He recorded these names in a Bible that he carried around the entire time he was in the war.

Close Encounters under Fire

Jack Sherts described his closest encounters under enemy fire during the war. Early in his tour, he had to deliver batteries to the soldiers in the infantry line. On the journey, he slipped down a mountain and lost his helmet as it rolled into the valley. Soon thereafter, he came under enemy fire. He also described relaying fire orders for the 18 guns of his unit as radio operator. He would often take mortar and artillery shells but was never injured by them.

James Butcher

Entering Korea in 1952

James Butcher was sent Korea with the 17 Infantry Regiment 7th Division in 1952. After arriving in Inchon, he took a train to Army headquarters and then worked his way to the front lines. As James Butcher traveled through the country, he saw whole towns brought to the ground.

The Loss of a Close Friend During the Battle of Triangle Hill

James Butcher fought during the battle of Triangle Ridge/Hill. On Oct. 18, 1952, he charged up one specific section of the ridge that included Jane Russell Hill to fight the Chinese. Unfortunately, his friend was killed right next to him as they were taking out Chinese trenches.

A Close Encounter with a Chinese Soldier

James Butcher went face-to-face with a Chinese soldier as he was fighting for Triangle Hill. The Chinese soldier was getting ready to throw a grenade at the US troops and he became scared when he saw James Butcher in the trench with him. After a long pause, James Butcher took down the enemy trench.

James M. Oyadomari

Arriving in Korea

James M. Oyadomari shares the story of his arrival in Korea and the travels to his station at headquarters, about four miles behind the front lines. He recollects traveling from Busan to Incheon and Seoul on a slow train. From Seoul, he recalls traveling via truck through the West Gate to Chuncheon and ultimately to headquarters near the Kunson River. He recalls building bunkers for the first couple of months before transferring to a radio relay station closer to the front lines at a location referred to as Hill 949.

John Funk

Painful Memories

John Funk shares how he saw more devastation and pain than the average soldier because he was with the medical unit. He recounts the stories of three patients which have remained with him through the many years since his service. He recalls one centering on a Korean solider he transported in the middle of the night, another regarding an American soldier that had attempted suicide and was airlifted to his team, and finally, the image of a Korean child who lost both parents.

Kebede Teferi Desta

Battle Experience

Kebede Teferi Desta describes his battle experience. He was a young kid. The military leaders hesitated to send him into battle. He had to implore the leaders to send him into battle. Eventually, he was sent into battle, where he did not encounter the enemy. Once safe in the bunker, the enemy started firing.

Arriving in Korea

Kebede Teferi Desta describes his arrival in Korea. He had no previous knowledge or experience with Korea. He was part of the First Kagnew Battalion arriving in 1951. Kebede Teferi Desta describes the situation as bleak for the people. Buildings were destroyed, with lots of destruction overall.

Korean Transformation

Kebede Teferi Desta describes the worst and best parts of his Korean War experience. He has since revisited Korea. Korea has undergone a complete transformation. He describes the large train stations and road network. Overall, he is happy about the transformation.

Lakew Kidane Goshene

Korea in 1954

Lakew Kidane Goshene describes the conditions of the country upon his arrival. He describes how Korean women would scavenge for wood. He also explains how his unit would share their rations with civilians. He is amazed at how different the Korean people's lives are now from then.

Modern Korea

Lakew Kidane Goshene never thought that South Korea would become what it is today. He remembers the poverty and poor living conditions in 1954. He thinks the transformation is a miracle and nothing he thought could happen.

Leo Ruffing

Missionary Work in Korea

Leo Ruffing shares how he became a minister after retiring from the military. He changed his mind about his future plans after helping friends and even himself with alcoholism. He would later return to Korea for ministry, including helping young children.

Lewis Ewing

Arriving in Korea

Lewis Ewing talks about his arrival in Korea, his journey to his unit in Chuncheon, and his first impressions of war. He explains how he felt about his deployment, and describes his rapid journey to the front lines. He recalls the living conditions on the base where he arrived.

Pete J. Nadeau

From Rubble to Democratic Metropolis: The Rise of South Korea

This clip articulates the epiphany Pete J. Nadeau had while revisiting South Korea. He frequently contemplated the legacy and purpose of the war as well as the lives lost, including some of his good friends. He came face to face with that legacy when he revisited South Korea in 2000. He recalls being in awe of the roads, the cars, the children going to school, the growth in population, and the complete renewal of a country he left in 1951. When he left, the country lay in ruins.

Rafael Gomez Hernandez

Chosin Reservoir Experience

Rafael Gomez Hernandez describes his experience at the Battle of Chosin Reservoir. He recalls the deep snow, cold temperatures, cold food, and having to fight the Chinese. He shares that he saw many refugees at the time and that his unit was the last to leave the Heungnam port during the Chosin Reservoir evacuation.

Ralph Howard

Paratrooper Battles During Korean War

Ralph Howard recalls traveling all over Korea. He recounts how he performed airdrops into assorted battles including the Battle of Sukchon-Sunchon, the Battle of Triangle Hill, and the assault of Kot'o-ri. He described a mission where he was supposed to stop an enemy train carrying Allied POWs; however, the enemy had killed all but twenty-six POWs right outside the train.

Richard Preston Vaughn

Picking Up The Dead After A Battle

Richard Vaughn talks about his memories of picking up dead enemy soldiers after a battle near where he was stationed.

Robert D. Davidson

First Impressions of Seoul

Robert Davidson recalls landing in Incheon and his first impressions of Seoul. He describes the devastation and damaged buildings he witnessed. He shares that civilians lacked housing and food and adds that the city of Chuncheon was leveled. He comments on Korea's weather, comparing its similarities to the weather of Wyoming.

Robert R. Moreau

Daily Duties in Korea

Robert R. Moreau shares he arrived in Korea as part of the 13th Engineer Combat Battalion of the 7th Division in late July 1951. He explains their primary duties were clearing minefields, building roads, and checking the Bailey Bridges which the U.S. had deployed across the rivers. He notes that these bridges need to be checked almost daily because the North Koreans frequently snuck in and loosened the bolts that held them in place.

Stephen Frangos

Nuclear Weapons

Stephen Frangos talks about the first nuclear weapons to leave the United States after the atomic bombs from World War II. The weapons were delivered to South Korea in 1958. The weapons were eventually brought back to the U.S. in 1991.

What Did You Do in Korea?

Stephen Frangos, as a 2nd Lieutenant, was a platoon leader of a radio platoon. He describes the radio relay spots in Korea and what his platoon did to keep communications flowing, supporting the ROK army. He talks about the other types of radios they had. He remembers that his troops were all over, near the 38th parallel. He discusses having to fly often due to the remote locations of some of the radio relayers and adds that he survived three flight accidents.

What Did You Do While Not Working with Radios?

Stephen Frangos recalls spending a great deal of time in the fields. He mentions the poverty that was still common. He shares that he befriended a group of Irish priests, and together, they helped build orphanages. He recalls how the orphans would often go to the Army camp to have meals. He adds that many Americans also sent food and clothing over to help the orphanages.

Thomas O’Dell

Chinese Propaganda Leaflets and Speeches

Thomas O'Dell fought against the Chinese and North Koreans. There was propaganda slogans broadcast over loudspeakers throughout the night to try to brainwash the US troops. Leaflets were shot over the trenches by the Chinese to convince the US troops to surrender or to switch to the Chinese's side.

Fighting the Chinese While Eating Kimchi

Thomas O'Dell was told not to shoot the Chinese, so he fought hand-to-hand combat against a a soldier with a sword. While fighting on the frontlines, he received food from the South Korean soldiers who were stationed with him. Still to this day, Thomas O'Dell makes fresh kimchi just like he was fed in the trenches by his allies.

No Fear and The Invincibility of Thomas O'Dell as a Fifteen Year Old in the Korean War

Thomas O'Dell was not scared during the Korean War because he was only fifteen years old and he felt invincible. During the Battle of Pork Chop Hill, as he was dug in the trenches, Corporal Thomas O'Dell was confronted with his commander with his birth certificate. He was caught being a fifteen year old in the Korean War, but he was able to sneak back into another battle during the mayhem.

Tsege Cherenet Degn

Impressions of Korea on Arrival

Tsege Cherenet Degn arrived in Korea in September of 1954. He comments on how empty and devoid of plants and green his post was near the DMZ. Even though the war was over, he was not sure peace would continue and was on constant alert.

His Most Important Contribution

Tsege Cherenet Degn was most proud of his work with the poor in South Korea. He recounts his work helping with the poor children and their school. His pride also extended to an orphanage that was sponsored by the Ethiopian army.

Warren Middlekauf

The Significance of the 52nd Ordnance Ammunition Company

Warren Middlekauf's ship landed in Incheon in Jan. 1953 after a long trip. After loading a train to Pusan, he dropped off supplies and traveled to Taegu. While driving his truck, filled with ammunition, Warren Middlekauf went to Osan to unload boxes of weapons to supply Yongjong.

William Alli

In the Midst of Combat

William Alli explains the details of getting sick while in a fox hole. After his recovery, he went back to the line to face combat with North Korean and Chinese enemy fire as a part of the stretcher crew, carrying bodies of the wounded out of the combat area. He describes having to find his way to safety in the dark, with only the light of flares that were being dropped by planes from above.

Raining Flares and Mistaken Identity

William Alli describes his experience with retreating a major combat zone. He recalls helping his foxhole buddy who was wounded in combat. He further describes a unique experience in Korea where he reconnected with his father's cousin, who was fighting as a part of the United Nations forces with the Turkish troops. While on route to visit his cousin, he was mistaken for a Communist spy. He describes how he was arrested and had to get out of this situation.

Yilma Belachew

Ethiopian Kagnew Soldiers

Yilma Belachew describes the Ethiopian soldiers' experience. He identifies that no Ethiopian soldier became a POW and that the soldier must sacrifice their life. Therefore, men who were injured would continue to fight even when seriously injured. Yilma Belachew also describes training by Swedish elite soldiers. Soldiers must prepare their minds for combat in addition to the physical battle.

Ambush Patrol

Yilma Belachew describes his command of the Ambush Patrol. He describes how he would encounter Chinese on the front with just fourteen other soldiers. His platoon did not lose a single man. The patrols were very dangerous and difficult. Ambush Patrols were carried out in the dark with no lights and then waiting for the enemy with a small number of soldiers.