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 helping establish the Pusan Perimeter. With the perimeter secured, he was returned to Seoul during the Incheon Landing and then on 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 recalls regrouping for the Incheon Landing. Shortly after the landing, he describes the retaking of Seoul and moving down to Wonsan.
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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. Reflecting on the events of the war, 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 describes how 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 remembers continuously walking back and forth during the night to stay warm. Throughout the night, he vividly recalls hearing people moaning from the frostbite. He shares how on one occasion his legs eventually gave out. He explains he was lucky the enemy was not around because he just laid in the snow.
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Thoughts on Modern Korea
Arthur Golden and his wife participated in a revisit program in 2010. He notes that while the Korean War has largely been forgotten in the United States, the Koreans have not forgotten. He shares his experiences of visiting Seoul and the DMZ. He also reflects on the unlikelihood of a unified Korea.
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