Arthur Hernandez
Bio
Arthur Hernandez is a veteran who served in the Korean War from 1952 to 1954. He was drafted into the United States Army shortly after his marriage and was sent to Fort Ord, California, for processing before being deployed to Yokohama, Japan. In Korea, he served on the front lines of White Horse Mountain where he faced periodic shelling, aerial bombings, and mortar attacks by the Chinese forces. While in the military, he served as a typist, Honor Guard to General Taylor, Supply Sergeant, and instructor in unarmed combat and light infantry weapons. After military service, he used the GI Bill to attend UCLA. He was awarded a Fulbright scholarship to teach at a secondary school in England. He experienced a fulfilling career in administration at the Los Angeles Unified School District and East L.A. Community College.
Video Clips
Introduction to Military Service
Arthur Hernandez reminisces about the day he received the draft letter in 1952, shortly after his marriage. He shares the letter instructed him to report for duty immediately. He remembers boarding a train with troops and heading to Fort Ord, California, for processing after his initial physical examination. He distinctly recollects reaching Fort Ord shortly after midnight and having only three hours of sleep before waking up at three a.m. for breakfast.
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By Ship to Japan
Arthur Hernandez reflects on the moment he first laid eyes on the ship in San Francisco that was to transport his unit to Yokohama, Japan. He remembers three days of bad weather at sea, which caused most of the passengers to fall ill. Upon arriving at a base in Japan, he recalls how he and just one other soldier were called out of line among three thousand men. He shares how an officer asked them if they could type, and since he could, he was selected. He mentions encountering extremely cold weather for the first time during that period.
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White Horse Mountain
Arthur Hernandez recalls his journey from Japan to Busan, Korea, during the frigid winter. He remembers taking a troop train from Busan north towards the front lines. Upon reaching their destination, he describes being escorted up a mountain which lay on the front line. As they hiked up the mountain, he remembers seeing the remains of the enemy. He provides details of a ten-day battle which took place at the location known as White Horse Mountain.
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Life on the Front Lines
Arthur Hernandez shares his experience of serving on the front lines of White Horse Mountain. He recalls facing periodic shelling, aerial bombings, and mortar attacks by the Chinese forces. He mentions meeting a soldier from Puerto Rico who purposely injured his foot to return home from the war zone. However, he recalls the wounded soldier returning to the front lines after healing, only to later become a casualty of enemy fire.
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An Attack at Night
Arthur Hernandez describes the intense darkness he experienced while serving on the front lines. He remembers resting in his foxhole one night and a grenade exploding nearby. He recalls firing rounds at a Chinese soldier who was running towards their position. He explains how friendly artillery barraged their position until daylight to counter the Chinese attack. After the attack, he remembers discovering a photograph on the deceased Chinese soldier that depicted him holding a violin.
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