Ali Muzaffer Kocabalkan
Bio
Ali Muzaffer Kocabalkan, served as a Private in the Turkish Army during the Korean War and came from a well-known family with roots dating back to the Ottoman Empire. His father, a captain during the Balkan Wars, set a precedent for military service, which he and his brother followed by fighting in the Korean War. Stationed near Cheorwon, close to the 38th Parallel, he served until the signing of the Armistice, then returned home. Later in life, he revisited South Korea and felt immense pride in his service and contributions.
Video Clips
Recounts From Post-Armistice Korea
Ali Muzaffer Kocabalkan vividly describes post-Armistice South Korea, painting a picture of women with small feet due to forced stunting and the widespread suffering of the war-torn population. Witnessing the people starving, he recalls giving them food, despite it being against military rules. Consequently, he spent fifteen days in military prison for his act of compassion. Additionally, he discusses the societal taboos surrounding the suffering of the people.
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A Brother's Narrative
Ali Muzaffer Kocabalkan describes the Korean War from his brother's perspective, focusing on his brother's service in the Turkish Army during the battle of Kunu-ri. He recalls his brother telling him this battle, primarily a guerrilla war, involved intense close combat with bayonets affixed. The Turkish military engaged the North Koreans in perilous and hard-fought encounters.
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Selling of American Military Equipment
Ali Muzaffer Kocabalkan recounts that after the Armistice, the Turkish military sold US equipment to the South Korean people. For example, they sold a car, unbeknownst to the Americans, which was then used for public transportation. Additionally, a generator was sold to provide electricity. These transactions highlight the pressing needs of the Korean people in the aftermath of the war.
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Arriving in Korea and Heading to the Front Lines
Ali Muzaffer Kocabalkan recalls his arrival in Busan as a rather misty day. Among his vivid memories are the sight of people, probably refugees from North Korea, sleeping in cages. The region struck him as underdeveloped and in a pitiful state. He recounts his movements, describing his progression from the front near Uijeongbu to Cheorwan.
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