Asefa Werku Kassa
Bio
Asefa Werku Kassa served in the Ethiopian military during the Korean War as a half-lieutenant with the renowned Kagnew Battalion, 2nd Battalion. Born in Gondar, Ethiopia, he attended Orthodox Church School before becoming a guard for Haile Selassie. His promotion came not from his name but from his skills and talent. In Korea, a fierce engagement with the Chinese left him with a long scar from a knife. Reflecting on his experiences, he views Korea as his child, given the blood he sacrificed there.
Video Clips
Engaging the Chinese
Asefa Werku Kassa recounts an intense engagement with the Chinese that left a deep scar on his forearm. Stationed along the frontlines, he frequently encountered Chinese infantry. During one such encounter, a Chinese soldier inflicted a deep gash on his arm before another Ethiopian soldier came to his aid. He eventually shot and killed the attacker. Additionally, he notes that Ethiopian soldiers never surrendered, following strict instructions from the Ethiopian Emperor, who warned of severe repercussions for their families.
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Korea, like my Baby
Asefa Werku Kassa likens Korea to his baby, having sacrificed his blood for its freedom. He passionately states that he would still fight for South Korea. Reflecting on his past, he expresses a strong desire to revisit and witness the results of his sacrifices seventy years later.
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Battle Experience
Asefa Werku Kassa recounts his service in Korea, emphasizing the rugged mountains and challenging terrain. Although he can't recall the exact locations due to constant movement, he vividly remembers the landscape. Providing a look at his scar from a Chinese military encounter, he continues to detail his role as a unit leader. Frequently relocating his unit to avoid danger, he often frustrated his commanders with these maneuvers.
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