Korean War Legacy Project

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. Chinese spies were a constant threat. For example, they would disguise themselves with leaves and move slowly. Also, when attacking a battle the soldiers affixed bayonets for close combat fighting. Enemies were not spared. The Ethiopians were unable to take one hill. However, they were not overrun.

Tags: Chinese,Fear,Front lines,Pride,Weapons

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Military Training and a Fight

Aragaw Mselu describes the military training. For example, there were many trainings for the soldiers, attack, defense, hunting spies, and searching for mines. In addition, soldiers were to respect other soldiers. However, Aragaw Mselu describes how he fought with other soldier. Subsequently, this caused him to end up in military prison for ninety days.

Tags: Seoul,Basic training,Front lines,Pride

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Conditions in Korea

Aragaw Mselu describes the conditions he fought in. He remembers the extreme cold the most. Soldiers would have to wear four pairs of socks. In addition, he also describes how soldiers did not sleep at night. The soldiers would be on alert from possible attack. The war comprised not just of the major nations, rather many nations participated.

Tags: Chinese,Cold winters,Communists,Fear,Front lines,Living conditions

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Poem about War

Aragaw Mselu describes a poem he made after defeating the Chinese at one particular mountain. Importantly, the poem is about his experience. Ethiopia came to Korea to defeat the enemy. Above all the enemy would have to kill the Ethiopians to take Korea. The poem illustrates the resolve of Aragaw Mselu.

Tags: Chinese,Communists,Front lines,Impressions of Korea,Message to Students,Pride,South Koreans

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