Aragaw Mselu
Bio
Aragaw Mselu served in the Ethiopian military during the Korean War. He served as part of the famed First Kagnew Battalion. The Ethiopian soldiers were very brave and did not lose a battle during the duration of the war. His experience in Korea has had a positive lasting impression on him. Importantly, the government of South Korea helps him with medical bills for his service. Aragaw Mselu sacrificed his life and is happy Korea has changed. He would still be willing to fight to keep South Korea democratic.
Video Clips
Ethiopians in Battle
Aragaw Mselu describes fighting conditions. He explains the Chinese spies were a constant threat as they would disguise themselves with leaves and move slowly. He also remembers when attacking the soldiers affixed bayonets for close combat fighting. He demonstrates fighting tactics, explaining enemies were not spared. He recalls even though the Ethiopians were unable to take one hill, they were not overrun.
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=449iGQKQPPc&start=1237&end=1531
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https://koreanwarlegacy.org/interviews/aragaw-mselu#clip-1
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Military Training and a Fight
Aragaw Mselu describes the military training which included for attack, defense, hunting spies, and searching for mines. In addition, he explains soldiers were to respect other soldiers. However, he admits he fought with another soldier and this resulted in him to end up in military prison for ninety days.
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=449iGQKQPPc&start=835&end=1065
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https://koreanwarlegacy.org/interviews/aragaw-mselu#clip-2
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Conditions in Korea
Aragaw Mselu describes the conditions he fought in. He remembers the extreme cold the most because soldiers would have to wear four pairs of socks. In addition, he also describes how soldiers did not sleep at night as they would be on alert from possible attack. He was impressed many nations came to support South Korea.
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=449iGQKQPPc&start=1669&end=1863
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https://koreanwarlegacy.org/interviews/aragaw-mselu#clip-3
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Poem about War
Aragaw Mselu recites a poem he wrote after defeating the Chinese at one particular mountain. He relates the poem is about his experience as Ethiopia came to Korea to defeat the enemy. Illustrating his resolve, he explains the enemy would have to kill the Ethiopians to take Korea.
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=449iGQKQPPc&start=3034&end=3176
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https://koreanwarlegacy.org/interviews/aragaw-mselu#clip-4
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