Korean War Legacy Project

Arthur C. Golden

Bio

Arthur C. Golden enlisted in the United States Marine Corps ten days before turning eighteen in 1948. After boot camp at Parris Island, he completed radio school at Camp Del Mar, California. Upon his arrival in Pusan (Busan) with the United States 1st Marine Division in August 1950, he assisted in establishing the Pusan Perimeter. After securing the perimeter, he was transferred to Seoul during the Incheon Landing and then to the Chosin (Jangjin) Reservoir. Following eight months in Korea, he returned to the United States and completed his service at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.

Video Clips

Baptism By Fire (Graphic)

Arthur Golden vividly recalls his initial days in Korea and the fear that gripped him when the shooting began. He recounts his company's movement to set up the perimeter and the rifle company's nearby digging-in process. While digging a foxhole, he distinctly remembers meeting the rifle company's squad leader, only to see the soldier's lifeless body removed the following day. As part of their role with the United States Marine Corps 1st Division, they successfully pushed the enemy back. Following this success, he remembers regrouping for the Incheon Landing. Shortly after the landing, he describes the retaking of Seoul and their subsequent move down to Wonsan

Tags: 1950 Pusan Perimeter, 8/4-9/18,1950 Incheon Landing, 9/15-9/19,1950 Seoul Recapture, 9/22-9/25,Busan,Incheon,Seoul,Wonsan,Fear,Front lines,Personal Loss,Physical destruction

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We Should Not Have Gone Up There

Arthur Golden ponders the reasons soldiers were sent to Korea and General Douglas MacArthur’s decision to push further north. Reflecting on the war's events, he disagrees with General MacArthur’s choice and rationale. He vividly remembers the struggles they faced due to the cold and the shock of being suddenly surrounded by one hundred twenty thousand enemy soldiers. After fighting their way out, he emphasizes their luck in making their way to Heungnam.

Tags: 1950 Battle of Chosin Reservoir, 11/27-12/13,Heungnam,Cold winters,Front lines,North Koreans,Rest and Relaxation (R&R)

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Never Could Get Used to the Cold

Arthur Golden remembers fighting in the cold weather standing out as the toughest part his time in Korea. He recounts an experience where their sleeping bags were never delivered, leading to continuous walking back and forth during the night to stay warm. Throughout the night, he vividly recalls hearing people moaning from frostbite. On one occasion, his legs eventually gave out, and he considers himself lucky that the enemy was not around, allowing him to lay in the snow.

Tags: 1950 Battle of Chosin Reservoir, 11/27-12/13,Chinese,Cold winters,Living conditions,North Koreans

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Thoughts on Modern Korea

Arthur Golden and his wife joined a revisit program in 2010. He observes that while the Korean War has largely faded from memory in the United States, the Koreans have not forgotten. Recounting his experiences visiting Seoul and the DMZ, he also reflects on the improbability of a unified Korea.

Tags: Seoul,Communists,Impressions of Korea,Modern Korea,North Koreans,South Koreans

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