Ali Saglik
Bio
Ali Saglik was born in 1930 in the country of Turkey. He was one of five children born into a family of farmers. He was able to complete the sixth grade and enlisted in the army when he turned twenty years old. He originally enlisted in the gendarmerie of Turkey but was refused due to his small stature. He then chose to be trained in artillery and was soon sent to Korea to fight in the Korean War. He saw action at the Battle of Kunu-ri and Sandbag Castle. The loss of men and friends has stayed with him over the years. He feels proud to have served and helped the Korean people.
Video Clips
The Hard Job
Ali Saglik describes the defense measures he took in order to protect his troops at the Battle of Kunu-ri and Sandbag Castle. He recounts laying mines in the front and having dogs defending their flanks. He recalls how grisly the battles were and fighting it out with bayonets. He remembers the heaviness of losing soldiers under his command.
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t8MuUFdvF_o&start=537&end=792
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https://koreanwarlegacy.org/interviews/ali-saglik#clip-1
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A Civilian War
Ali Saglik recalls how enemy forces would hide in civilian houses waiting to attack. He describes an event in which Turkish forces captured a female spy. He explains how some civilians were just trying to survive and would help the soldiers by providing fresh fish.
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t8MuUFdvF_o&start=366&end=534
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https://koreanwarlegacy.org/interviews/ali-saglik#clip-2
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Gendarmerie Status Denied
Ali Saglik recalls volunteering to be a gendarmerie, a Turkish National Defender, but was refused due to his short stature. He explains how he enlisted in the infantry instead and was sent to Korea to fight in the Korean War. He describes himself as cold-blooded and not afraid of death.
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t8MuUFdvF_o&start=133&end=335
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https://koreanwarlegacy.org/interviews/ali-saglik#clip-3
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