Arthur C. Golden
Bio
Arthur C. Golden enlisted in the United States Marine Corps ten days before his eighteenth birthday in 1948. Shortly after attending boot camp at Parris Island, he completed radio school at Camp Del Mar, California. In August 1950, he arrived in Pusan (Busan) with the United States 1st Marine Division. His first assignment in Korea was establishing the Pusan Perimeter. After the perimeter was secured, he was sent to take back Seoul during the Incheon Landing and then to the Chosin (Jangjin) Reservoir. After eight months in Korea, he returned to the United States and finished his service at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.
Video Clips
Baptism By Fire (Graphic)
Arthur Golden recounts his first days in Korea and the fear he experienced when the shooting began. He describes the experience of his company moving to set up the perimeter and a rifle company digging in near them. He remembers meeting the rifle company's squad leader while digging a foxhole and the following day seeing that soldier’s lifeless body removed. He shares as part of their role for the United States Marine Corps 1st Division, they successfully pushed the enemy back. Following this success, he remembers they regrouped for the Incheon Landing. He describes the retaking of Seoul and moving down to Wonsan following the Incheon Landing.
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We Should Not Have Gone Up There
Arthur Golden reflects on why soldiers were sent to Korea and General Douglas MacArthur’s decision to push further north. Now looking back, he reveals he disagrees with General MacArthur’s choice and rationale to push further north. He remembers the struggles they faced because of the cold and the surprise of suddenly being surrounded by one hundred twenty thousand enemy soldiers. After fighting their way out, he states they were lucky to make their way to Heungnam.
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Never Could Get Used to the Cold
Arthur Golden notes that fighting in the cold weather was the hardest part of his time in Korea. He recalls one experience in which their sleeping bags were never delivered. He recalls how they continuously walked back and forth all night in order to stay warm. Throughout the night, he remembers hearing people moaning from the frostbite. He shares how his legs eventually gave out. He explains that he was lucky the enemy was not around because he just laid in the snow.
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