Benigno Ramos Perez
Bio
Benigno Ramos Perez was born in San Sebastian, Puerto Rico, in 1930. He was one of seven siblings and had an additional four half-siblings. He tried to volunteer in 1950 when he was twenty years old but was rejected because he was told he was sick with bilharzia. However, two years later, he was recruited into the army as his health exams were clear. He served for nine months and was assigned to an American unit because he knew English. He served during the time in which the war was at a stalemate. He recalls the difficulty of trench warfare and shares an incident in which he was almost killed. He believes that South Korea would not be what it is today were it not for the many who defended democracy in the South. The progress of the nation, in his opinion, sweetens the bitter memories of the war.
Benigno Ramos Pérez nació en San Sebastián, Puerto Rico en 1930. Era uno de siete hermanos y tenía cuatro medios hermanos más. Intentó presentarse como voluntario en 1950 cuando tenía veinte años, pero fue rechazado porque le dijeron que estaba enfermo con bilargia, sin embargo, dos años más tarde fue reclutado por el ejército y sus exámenes de salud salieron bien. Sirvió durante nueve meses y fue asignado a una unidad estadounidense porque sabía hablar inglés. Sirvió durante el tiempo en que la guerra estaba en un punto muerto. Recuerda la dificultad de la guerra de trincheras y comparte un incidente en el que casi muere. Él cree que Corea del Sur no sería lo que es hoy si no fuera por los que defendieron la democracia en el Sur. El progreso de la nación, en su opinión, endulza los recuerdos duros de la guerra.
Video Clips
Dangerous Moments / Momentos Peligrosos
Benigno Ramos Pérez shares some of the most difficult moments he experienced during the war. He explains how an enemy combatant tried to infiltrate their unit and was caught trying to do so. Following that incident, he recounts how a young man in his unit was killed during a forward observing mission. He shares the story in which his clumsiness saved his life as a mortar fell where he should have been if he had not dropped his helmet.
Benigno Ramos Pérez comparte algunos de los momentos más difíciles que vivió durante la guerra. Explica cómo un soldado enemigo intentó infiltrarse en su unidad y fue atrapado al intentar de hacerlo. Después de ese incidente, comparte la historia de cómo un joven de su unidad murió durante una misión de observación avanzada. Por último, comparte la historia en la que su torpeza le salvó la vida cuando un mortero cayó donde debería haber estado si no se le hubiera caído el casco.
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Letter to Future Wife / Carta Para Su Futura Esposa
Benigno Ramos Pérez has his wife read a letter he wrote to her from the front lines. Within the letter, he provides a firsthand account of the dangers he encountered and comments on his inability to sleep. He details how two sergeants were injured during combat and praises American troops. He emphasizes the importance of their love in the letter.
Benigno Ramos Pérez hace leer a su esposa una carta que le escribió cuando él estaba en Corea. Dentro de la carta, provee un relato de los peligros que encontró y comenta como no podía dormir. Detalla cómo dos sargentos resultaron heridos durante el combate y comenta que las tropas estadounidenses eran buenas. Incluye la importancia de su amor en la carta.
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An Emotional Letter / Una Carta de Amor
Benigno Ramos Pérez reads a letter he wrote to his girlfriend who became his wife of sixty-one years. He explains the toll the separation had on his psyche and the belief that God would reunite them. His reading brings tears to his wife who accompanies him on this portion of the interview.
Benigno Ramos Pérez lee una carta que le escribió a su novia, quien se convirtió en su esposa de sesenta y un años. Explica lo duro que fue la separación y su creencia de que Dios los reuniría. Su lectura hace llorar a su esposa que lo acompaña en esta parte de la entrevista.
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Video Transcript
INTERVIEWER: Quiero que usted me diga algo, primero que todo, quiero su nombre completo, dónde y cuándo nació y hable algo de su familia, de sus padres, cuantos hermanos tenia, de que trabajaban sus padres, entiende? Pero comience con su nombre y ¿dónde y cuándo nació?.
INTERVIEWER: First of all, I want your complete name, when, and where you were born and, talk to me about your family. About your parents, how many brothers did you have? Where did your parents work? Do you understand? But begin with your name and, when, and where you were born.
0:00:30
RAMOS PEREZ: Mi nombre es Benigno Ramos Pérez, nací en San Sebastián Puerto Rico, en Febrero 24 de 1930. Mi padre, de nombre Domingo Ramos, mi madre , de nombre Felicita Pérez, tengo siete hermanos por parte de madre y padre
RAMOS PEREZ: My name is Benigno Ramos Perez. I was born in San Sebastian, Puerto Rico on the 24th of February 24, 1930. My father´s name was Domingo Ramos, my mother´s name was Felicita Perez. I have 7 siblings from my father and my mother
0:01:00
RP: y cuatro hermanos eran por parte de padre nada mas. Existen con vida, existimos con vida nada mas que siete de todos los once.
RP: and, 4 siblings from my father only. They exist with life, we exist with life only 7, out of the 11.
I: ¿De esos cuantos eran varones y cuantos sirvieron en el ejercito? ¿Usted fue el único que estuvo en Corea?
I: And from those, who many were male? And how many served in the Army? Where you the only one in Korea?
RP: El único que estuvo en Crea no. Estuvo un hijo mío pero…
RP: The only one in Korea was… No, there was a son of mine but
0:01:30
RP: …se tuvo que retirar, no estuvo mucho tiempo, un par de meses nada mas. Tuve un hermano que estuvo en Panamá, en la segunda aguerra mundial.
RP: he had to retire. He was not there for a long time, only for about 2 months. I had a brother who was in Panama during WWII.
I: ¿Y de que se dedicaban sus padres, trabajaban?
I: And where did your parents work?
RP: Yo trabajé con mi padre desde que tenia 16 años, el tenia negocio, una tienda de mercancía al detal de ropa mixta…
RP: I worked with my father since I was 16 years old because he had a business, a retail merchandise store of mixed clothing.
0:02:00
RP: …y yo pues estuve con el hasta el 1948, yo me gradué de cuarto año, fui al colegio de agricultura por seis meses, y después el me necesitó y me tuve que ir trabajando con el y no seguí estudiando porque mis hermanos, habían como cuatro mas que iban para la universidad, y alguien tenia que quedarse ayudándolo a el…
RP: And I was with him until 1948. I graduated from 4th grade. I went to agricultural college for six months and after that, I had to stay working with him and I didn’t continue studying because my brothers, there were about 4 of them, that were going to college and somebody had to stay and help out
0:02:30
RP: …y ese fuí yo el elegido, por lo tanto pues de ahí para allá estuve trabajando con el 25 años y hasta de morir, el se enfermó de diabetes y yo quería comprarle el negocio, el mismo negocio de el, pagándole con lo que yo vendía en el negocio, ahí, en eso quedamos y yo fui dueño de negocio…
RP: and that was me, the one that was chosen. So, from then on, I was working with him for 25 years and before he died, he got sick with diabetes, and I bought the business from him, his business, paying him with what I sold in the business, etc. That’s what we agreed on and I owned the business,
0:03:00
RP: …25 años después.
RP: 25 years later.
I: Pero antes de… se me esta adelantando…
I: But before… You are getting ahead.
RP: Aja.
RP: Yes.
I: Quiero regresar a Puerto Rico.
I: I want to go back to Puerto Rico.
RP: Ah, bien.
RP: Ah, okay.
I: Quiero saber cuando, cómo llegó al ejercito, cuanto años tenía, se acuerda el mes y el año, si lo llamaron o usted de fue de voluntario.
I: I want to know how did you arrive in the Army? How old were you? If you remember the month and the year? If they called you? If you went as a volunteer?
RP: Con la cuestión de la entraba en el ejercito, en el 1950, yo con do compañeros míos,
RP: About joining the Army, in 1950, with two mates of mine,
0:03:30
RP: …me fui voluntario, a mi me rechazaron y a los dos los cogieron, quizás porque o tenia 20 años nada mas, fue por eso que me rechazaron, entonces en 1952 me llamaron obligatorio. Estando haciéndome los exámenes: “pero si a mi me rechazaron en tal fecha, porque yo tenia supuestamente bilargia”, pero si en los estudios apareces sin bilargia, sin nada y ente en el ejercito en 1952.
RP: I went as a volunteer. I was rejected and they accepted the two of them. Maybe because I was only 20 years old. That is why they rejected me. So, in 1952, I was called mandatory. When I was presenting the exams, I told them that I had been rejected at a certain date because, in theory, I had bilharzia, but the exams didn´t show without bilharzia or anything and I joined the Army in 1952.
0:04:00
I: ¿Dígame que es eso, bilargia?
I: Tell me what is that, bilharzia? Bilharzia?
RP: Bilargia es una enfermedad que afecta cierta parte, se va comiendo de uno cierta parte del cuerpo y uno puede morir de ella.
RP: Bilharzia is a disease that affects certain parts, it eats certain parts of the body and you can die of it.
I: ¿Y aun así lo aceptaron en el ejercito?
I: And regardless of that, did they accept into the Army?
RP: No porque en la segunda vez, cuando me llamaron obligatorio yo dije que a mi me habían rechazado…
RP: No, because the second time, when they called me compulsory, I told them that I had been rejected
0:04:30
RP: …en el 50, porque supuestamente yo tenia bilargia, pero como ya habían hecho los estudios, hicieron estudios y yo aparecí sin bilargia. Por lo tanto me quede en el ejercito.
RP: in 1950, because in theory I had bilharzia, but since had done the exams, I showed without bilharzia. So, I stayed in the Army.
I: ¿Y como se sentía usted sobre el servicio obligatorio, tenia opinión?
I: And, how did you feel about the compulsory service? An opinion.
RP: Como a mi me gustaba eso, yo fui Boy Scout también, me gustaba, de hecho yo cogí todos los entrenamientos,
RP: Well, since I liked that, I was also a boy scout, I like it. In fact, when I did all the training,
0:05:00
RP: …pues a mi me asignaron para la escuela de lideres, y también fui a la escuela de lideres y salí de la escuela de lideres y después que fui a la escuela de lideres después del entrenamiento me quedé como ayudante, como asistan del Patrol Sargent.
RP: they designated me to the leaders’ school and I also went to the leaders’ school. I graduated from the leaders’ school. After I got out of the leaders’ school, after training, I stayed as assistant of the platoon sergeant.
I: ¿Y eso fue antes de ir a Corea?
I: That was before going to Korea?
RP: Antes de ir a Corea.
RP: Before going to Korea.
I: ¿Y cuantos años dijo que tenia cuando ingresó?
I: And, how old were you when you join the Army?
RP: 20 años.
RP: 20 years old.
0:05:30
I: 20 años.
I: Already 20 years old?
RP: No yo vine a tener 22 ya, porque fue en el 50 yo tenia 20 años, 22 años tenia.
RP: No, I was already 22 years old because it was in 1952, so I was 22 years old.
I: ¿Y que me puede decir de su entrenamiento, usted cree que fue suficiente para mandarlo a combatir?
I: And what can you tell me about your training and if you think it was enough to send you to fight?
RP: Fue suficiente y yo pues, estaba mas preparado que los otros porque cuando yo terminé como le dije el entrenamiento regular fui a la escuela de lideres y ahí tuvimos un entrenamiento mas rígido que el otro,
RP: It was enough and I was more prepared than the others because when I finished, as I told you, the regular training, I went to the leaders’ school and we had more rigid training
0:06:00
RP: por lo tanto para mi fue fácil que el otro, porque aunque mas complicado pero estuve bien, iba bien preparado para allá, en otras palabras.
RP: than the other one. So, for me, the other one was easy because, even though more complicated, but I did well. I went well prepared there, in other words.
I: ¿Y que sabia usted de Corea, cuando estalló la Guerra, ya había comenzado, usted era remplazo, ya las tropas estaban allá en Corea y cuando estalló tenia opinión de la guerra, sabia que estaba pasando allá, sabia de la…
I: And what did you know about Korea? When the war broke out, it had already begun, you were a replacement, right? The troops were already in Korea. And when it broke out, did you have an opinion about the war? Did you know what was going on there? Did you know about the history
0:06:30
I: …historia de Corea, sabia donde estaba en el mapa?
I: of Korea? Did you know where it was on the map?
RP: Si, porque ya uno siempre busca de Corea, además, en ese tiempo, ¿cómo se llama, puedo decirlo yo? Lo de Corea, como uno oía noticias sabia uno que la cosa estaba bien mala, difícil y para el 65 de infantería, pero aun porque se oían cosa horribles, de que los usaban para una cosa u otra y etcétera,
RP: Yes, because one always looks up about Korea. Besides that, at that time, how can I say it? The issue about Korea, as one heard the news, one knew that the circumstances were bad, difficult and for the 65 of Infantry even worse because there were terrible things, that they used them for one thing and another, etc., etc.
0:07:00
RP: …pero yo no sabia para donde iba exactamente cuando nos montamos en barco. Nosotros en la rutina del barco entramos a buscar gente a Panamá, entramos a Colombia también, como a tres países distintos, y después nos llevaron hasta Japón, en Japón cogimos un pequeño entrenamiento también, después de decir como dispara y etcétera…
RP: But, I didn´t know where I was going exactly when we got on the ship. We, during the journey of the ship, picked up some people in Panama, we also went to Colombia. We went to about three different countries. And then, they took us to Japan. In Japan we also had a small training, to learn how to shoot
0:07:30
RP: …etcétera y entonces como un mes estuve en Japón y de ahí para allá hasta que me mandaron a una unidad americano, yo no sabía que iba para unidad americana, pero afortunadamente como yo entendía un poco de ingles, además ya yo tenia experiencia en el mismo ejercito, como líder, pues yo, “vamos a los que es”,
RP: the rifle, etc., etc. And then, I was in Japan for about one month, and from there, they sent me to an American unit. I didn´t know I was going to an American unit, but luckily, since I understood a bit of English, besides, I already had experience in the Army, as a leader, I did what had to be done. And over there
0:08:00
RP: …y allá en Corea….
RP: …in Korea…
I: ¿Le voy a preguntar a cual compañía…? Dios mío! Cuando oiga ruido así pare, porque yo le voy a decir que lo repita, ¿dígame por favor, si se acuerda, a cual compañía, unidad lo asignaron y cual era su especialidad?
I: To what company (noise in the background). My God. When you hear a noise like that, stop because I have to tell you to repeat it. Tell me please, tell me, if you remember, to which company and unit where you designated and which was your specialty?
RP: la compañía mía era la compañía F, creo que era el segundo pelotón
RP: My company was Company F. I think I was in the 2nd platoon
0:08:30
RP: …del regimiento 180 de infantería, como dije antes División 45, Thunderbird, y a mi me asignaron como Squad leader del segundo pelotón.
RP: of the regiment 180 of Infantry. As I said before, of the 45th Division Thunderbird. And I was designated as squad leader of the 2nd platoon.
I: ¿Cómo infantero?
I: As an infantryman?
RP: Como infantero, allá todo el tiempo fue infantería.
RP: As an infantryman, I was all the time in the Infantry.
I: Mhm.
I: Mhm.
RP: Si.
RP: Yes.
I: ¿Y cual fue su primera impresión de Corea, usted nunca había estado fuera del país, verdad, de Puerto Rico?
I: And which was your first impression of Korea? You had never been outside the country, right? Out of Puerto Rico?
RP: Bueno…
RP: Well…
0:09:00
I: ¿Cuándo usted llegó, que vio de ese país, que impresión le dio?
I: And when you arrived, what did you see in that country and what was your impression?
RP: Bueno…
RP: Well…
I: Ah!, un momentico… [0:09:11 inaudible]
I: Wait a minute because of the micro fall…
RP: Este…
RP: Well…
I: ¿Cual fue su impresión de Corea?
I: Which was your impression of Korea?
RP: Corea en si, como a nosotros cuando llegamos a territorio de Corea, no engancharon y nos pusieron a caminar
RP: Of Korea, itself, since when we arrived in Korean territory, we were hooked up
0:09:30
RP: para subir monte, una montaña grandísima, que nosotros llegamos a un área, donde estaban en la montaña y sobre esa había otra mas alta todavía, que había que caminar montañas a todo lo que daba, fue la primera impresión que yo tuve, ¿que es esto?, que aquí nos atacan, yo no sabia si era que había un ataque o no, porque era una unidad americana, no era una unidad del 65 de infantería, mas tarde,
RP: and set out on a hike up the mountain, a very big mountain. We came to an area where there were only mountains, mountains and on top of that, there was an even higher one. We had to walk as far up the mountain as we could. That was the first impression I had. What is this? If they attack us here… I didn’t know if they were going to attack us or not because it was an American unit, it wasn’t a 65th infantry unit. Later,
0:10:00
RP: de esa posición a nosotros nos cambiaron a otra área distinta, nos montaron en unos camiones y de noche nos cargaban esos camiones, y allá en esa segunda posición a mi me pusieron a hacer guardia, cierto, en una quebrada y ahí me dijeron: “pues si el enemigo viene, viene por ahí, por frente ahí adelante a hay un resto de nosotros de hacer guardia, y pues no había problema yo hacia guardia ahí…
RP: from that position, we were moved to a different location. They brought some trucks and at night they loaded us on those trucks. And from there, in that second position, they put me on guard duty, near a ravine and they told us that if the enemy comes, he comes that way, but behind there are some guard posts and there is no problem. And I was on guard there.
0:10:30
RP: Después de ahí nos mudaron de ese sitio porque era el mas arriba, con un coreano a hacer guardia, me explicó, nos explicó a los dos, al coreano también, por un lado, la ventanilla que había de arena, mira, si acaso viene el enemigo viene por esta área. Pero no nos explicó a nosotros que abajo había otro OP haciendo guardia, y en un momento dado, yo escuche unas voces y le dije al coreano…
RP: After that place, they sent me higher up, with a Korean to stand guard. He explained to me then, he explained to both of us, to the Korean also, that through a window that was sand, look if the enemy comes, he is coming through this area, but he didn’t explain to us that below there was another man standing guard. At one point, I heard some voices and said to the Korean:
0:11:00
RP: …“enemigo”, el coreano salió: “ita… ita…”, corriendo, yo cogí [0:11:05 inaudible] a cargarlo y esperarlo, pero estaba el sargento al lado, me dijo: “¿Qué paso?”, “bueno, ahí se [0:11:10 inaudible…], creyó que era el enemigo y yo dije y este salió en panda huyendo”, dijo: “no, no, no muchachos que allá hay otro OP haciendo guardia”, “Ah! Pues perdón”.
RP: enemy. The Korean ita, ita, ran out and I stayed waiting for him. But the sergeant was next to me and asked me what happened? And then I told him that I heard voices and I thought it was the enemy and I said so and he ran away. And the sergeant said, no, no guys, there’s a spy standing guard over there. Oh well, sorry.
I: ¿Lo abandonó entonces, lo dejo solo?
I: So, he abandoned you? Did he leave you alone?
RP: Me dejo solo, envandado, “ita, ita”, corriendo. Ellos dicen “ita, ita”, por miedo, como si hubiese pasad algo.
RP: Yes, he left me alone. Ita, ita, running. They said “ita, ita” when we were afraid and run afraid as if something could happen.
0:11:30
RP: …”ita” es me duele o gritando. Bueno, entonces de esa otra posición nos mudaron a una segunda posición, esa otra cuando yo estaba subiendo con todas las cosas que teníamos acá atrás, yo paré, ya estábamos en medio del invierno, en su apogeo, y me paré en una orilla que tenia hielo, me resbale y me caí, no podían levantarme los compañeros,
RP: “Ita” means it hurts, yelling. Well, from that position, they took us to a second position. That other one, when I was climbing with all the things we carried on our backs, the winter was already at its peak, and I stood on an icy shore. I slipped and fell. I couldn’t get up
0:12:00
RP: …me ayudaron no podían levantarme, porque yo no podía porque ya el peso era muy grande, y yo era muy delgado, pesaba como 98 libras nada mas, porque en la travesía yo baje peso porque no podía comer, porque el va y vén del barco era lo que me [0:12:16 inaudible], la comida perdón. Y llegamos a esa segunda posición. En esa segunda posición estuvimos bastante tiempo haciendo guardia y cuando desbandaron…
RP: and some of my companions helped me up because the weight of the equipment was too heavy and I was too thin. I weighed about 98 pounds just because I couldn’t eat during the crossing because on the boat, I had to throw up my food. And so, we got to that second position, in that second position we spent a lot of time on a watch. And when they disbanded
0:12:30
RP: …el 65 de infantería, me enviaron conmigo un muchacho que era del 65 de infantería, de Morobi, y con una guitarra, chévere y cantábamos y todos y estuvo lo mas de bien. Ahí cayeron unas nevadas que cubrían la trinchera que tiene como seis pies, se tapaba uno ahí, y cuando yo fui de descanso a Japón,
RP: the 65th Infantry, they sent me a boy who was from the 65th Infantry. From Morovis and with a guitar, cool. He sang very well. He was the best. There was a snowfall that covered the trench, which was about 6 feet high. It covered it completely. When I went to Japan for a break,
0:13:00
RP: …en RnR, que llaman en Japón n a descansar supuestamente, pues este… estando en Japón se coló un chino-coreano, no se eso era un chino-coreano, toda la ropa sucia y el vestuario, y lo capturaron estando yo en Japón y entonces cuando regresamos allá,
RP: they called it the R&R. To Japan, to rest supposedly. Well, while I was in Japan, a Korean, I don’t know if it was a Chinese or a Korean. He had dirty clothes and they caught him while I was in Japan. So, when we came back from there,
0:13:30
RP: …después en ese lugar habían, que si se hacían, guardia de noche, que iban ¿cómo se llama la palabra?, a hacer…
RP: in that place, they were guarding at night. He was going, what do you call the word? To do…
I: ¿Reconocimiento, inteligencia?
I: Recognition, intelligence?
RP: ¿Ah?
RP: Pardon?
I: Buscar inteligencia?
I: Intelligence?
RP: Si, pero era…
RP: Yes, yes, but it was…
I: Scout.
I: Scout.
RP: A otro sitio para averiguar, como sea… Bien., había un joven que iba siempre de voluntario…
RP: It was to another place to find out… Well, there was one young man who always volunteered,
0:14:00
RP: …y ese día no quería ir, ¿qué pasó? Que fue porque tenia que ir, y hubo una emboscada y lo mataron en esa área donde estábamos nosotros, bien, de ahí para allá pues… después de eso nos cambiaron a una tercera posición, ese monte, era un monte pedregoso que las trincheras no tenían ni dos pies de alto, yo tenia una ametralladora conmigo y yo como squad líder con la ametralladora
RP: and that day he didn’t want to go. What happened? It was because he had to go. And there was an ambush and they killed him in that area where we were. From there, after that, they moved us to a third position. That mountain was a rocky mountain, the trenches were not even two feet high. I had a machine gun with me.
0:14:30
RP: …la ametralladora que la ponía así bajita pues allá esa área que estábamos, un día nos invito el Platon Sargent que era un mexicano, al Cital Platon Sargent que era un muchacho bueno, americano, un cabito que era medic,
RP: Since I was a squad leader, I had a machine gun. I would put it in that area that we were in. One day we were invited by the platoon leader, excuse me, the platoon sergeant, who was a Mexican, the assistant platoon sergeant, who was a nice guy, American, a corporal, who was
0:15:00
RP: …y este servidor, estando allí que era un área que llaman “Juchi”, que era arena pero cabía uno sentado, como era piedra no se podía cavar, sentado lo que daba era hasta pena, cabía uno sentado, ¿qué pasa? Como a eso de las seis de la tarde, empezó un bombardeo, enorme, estaban los coreanos, aparentemente, yo deduje, que tenia ya en mente terminar el conflicto,
RP: a medic, and yours truly. While we were there, which was an area, which they called Huchi, which is sandy but we walked sitting down. Because it was stone, you couldn’t dig. What happened? At about 6:00 in the evening, a tremendous bombardment began. The Koreans were sending… Apparently, I deduced that they already had in mind to end the conflict,
0:15:30
RP: pero estaban botando todo lo que era el armamento, y yo sentía mas que: “medic, medic”, y llamando a gritería pues había gente herida, y el sargento dijo: “váyanse para allá”, y yo salí corriendo también, el cabo salió primero y yo salí detrás, y cuando iba se me cayo el helmet, y yo: “ay Dios mío”, y solté el rifle y fui a buscar el helmet y yo: “ay, que lo encuentre”, porque yo eso es protección para mi, me tarde un ratito, cuando seguí para allá, el sargento ya estaba como a mas de 200 pies de la posición donde yo tenia la guardia…
RP: but they were throwing all their weapons around. And there was nothing but “Medic, medic” and they were screaming because people were wounded. And the platoon sergeant told us to go over there. I ran out too. The corporal came out first and I was behind him. And as I was going, I dropped my rifle. And I said: oh my God, let him find it. It took me a rat. When I went over there, I was about 200 feet away from the position
0:16:00
RP: …como a 75, vamos a decir, a cierta cantidad, cae un mortero por donde yo tenia que pasar, grrrr… tremendo, y yo habían una posición abandonada que tenia unos sacos de arena, me metí ahí, ahí amanecí y no vi nada mas, por aquel bombardero, y yo dije: “bueno, si por ahí cae un de esos, me mata”, al otro día cogí un pedazo de mortero que había allí, que medía como…
RP: where I was on guard, about 75, let’s say 100… well, a certain amount, a mortar fell where I was supposed to pass. It made a tremendous noise. And there was an abandoned position, which had some sandbags and I got in there. That’s where I woke up and I didn’t move anymore because of the shelling. I said if I move, they will kill me. The next day, I took a piece of mortar that was there,
0:16:30
RP: …como 15 pulgadas por dos de ancho. Que si lo van a pensionar a uno eso no sirve para nada y me fui a la posición. Como 15 días después me llaman, era ya el tiempo mío de rotación, por poco no lo logro y hasta ahí estuve, ya eso fue ya como Septiembre mas o menos, cerca de Septiembre, llegando a Septiembre mas o menos.
RP: which was about 15 inches by 2 inches wide. If that hits you in the chest you don’t survive. And I went to my position. About 15 days later, they called me. It was time for my rotation. I almost didn’t make it. And that’s as far as I got. That was about September, more or less. Around September or so.
I: ¿Y cuanto meses en total estuvo allá?
I: How many months in total were you there?
RP: Yo estuve en corea nueve meses…
RP: I was in Korea for 9 months.
0:17:00
RP: …dure siete meses en la línea. Eso es tiempo, después durmiendo en unos catres de madera y con una estufita de madera y con esa nos calentábamos.
RP: 7 months in the frontline. All the time. He slept on cots, wooden cots, with a little wood stove. That’s what we used to keep warm. Well? So…
I: Mhm.
I: Mhm.
RP: Así que…
RP: So…
I: ¿Y déjeme preguntarle, cuando estuvo con la unidad americana había otros puertorriqueños con ustedes?
I: Let me ask you when you were in the American unit, there were other Puerto Ricans with you?
RP: Bueno…
RP: Well…
I: ¿Cuantos eran?
I: How many was?
RP: En el barco íbamos unos 8 puertorriqueños nada mas.
RP: On the ship, we were about 8 Puerto Ricans, only.
I: ¿Y se quedaron unidos allá?
I: And did you stay together there?
RP: Ocho y entonces…
RP: 8 and we were
0:17:30
RP: …quedamos en la misma compañía.
RP: in the same company,
I: ¿Y se…?
I: And…?
RP: Pero no en el mismo pelotón.
RP: but not in the same platoon.
I: ¿Cómo fue?
I: Sorry?
RP: Que no fue en el mismo pelotón.
RP: It was not in the same platoon.
I: Estaban separados.
I: You were divided.
RP: En ese pelotón estaba yo solo como puertorriqueño, nada mas.
RP: In that platoon, I was the only Puerto Rican.
I: ¿Y tuvo problemas bregando con los otros americanos?
I: And did you have problems dealing with the other Americans?
RP: No afortunadamente.
RP: No, luckily.
I: ¿Lo trataron bien?
I: Did they treat you well?
RP: No, muy bien.
RP: Very well.
I: ¿Pudo comunicarse bien con ellos?
I: Could you communicate well with them?
RP: No, afortunadamente no, porque… ¿cómo se llama?, en un día yo me recuerdo que estábamos haciendo guardia y por la noche…
RP: Luckily, always. Yes. Because, how do you say? One day, I remember, we were guarding and at night…
I: Un momento, un momento que esta haciéndome muchos cuentos…
I: One moment, you are telling many tales
0:18:00
RP: Ah ya.
RP: Okay.
I: …y yo tengo una lista de preguntas.
I: and I have a list of questions.
RP: Ok, bien.
RP: Ok, good.
I: …Y no me esta dejando… entonces mire, usted tiene muchos cuentos pero yo se que no podemos oírlos todos, entonces yo le estoy dando una oportunidad para que me cuente el que usted cree que fue el mas peligroso o el que mas impactante el tiempo que estuvo allá, uno?
I: You are not letting me… So, you have many tales, but I know we can´t hear them all. So, I am giving you an opportunity to tell me which do you think was the most dangerous or the most impactful during the time you were there. One
RP: Bueno, ese fue el mas peligroso porque hubo un ataque, un bombardeo…
RP: That was the most dangerous one because there was an attack, a bombing.
I: ¿El que me menciono…
I: The one you mentioned
RP: El ultimo.
RP: The last one.
I: …anteriormente?
I: before?
RP: En el ultimo que estuve.
RP: in the last one I was.
I: Oh, el ultimo… OK.
I: Oh, the last one.
RP: Porque en lo otros…
RP: Because in the other ones,
0:18:30
RP: Pues yo estaba en mi medalla allá y nunca hubo disparos para nosotros.
RP: I was in my area and there was never any shooting for us.
I: ¿Hubo patrullas mas que nada?
I: There were mainly patrols. right?
RP: Nada, nada de eso.
RP: Nothing of that.
I: Okay.
I: Okay.
RP: Nada de eso.
RP: Nothing of that.
I: ¿Iba a decir algo, me iba a decir algo?
I: Okay… Were you going to say something?
RP: No, esta bien.
RP: No. It is okay.
I: Pues entonces… que era lo que iba a preguntar, se me olvido. ¿Hay alguna anécdota mas, que tenemos tiempo
I: So, so… What I was going to ask? I forgot it. Is there any other anecdote, I am going to let you. We have time for another
0:19:00
I: para una anécdota mas que quiera decir? Si ya dijo la mas peligrosa y entonces yo tengo otras preguntas que hacerle.
I: anecdote that you want to tell? If you already talked about that one, the most dangerous and so, I have other questions to make you.
RP: Prácticamente la alimentación era a base de … ¿ay Dios mío como se llama?
RP: Okay. Practically… Oh, the food was based on, oh my God, how do you say it?
I: Rations.
I: Rations.
RP: Si cajitas.
RP: Yes, small boxes.
I: Las raciones. Las latas.
I: The rations, the tins?
RP: Si. Que prácticamente no era comida hecha acá…
RP: Yes. It was not food made here. So,
0:19:30
RP: …los coreanos les gustaba mucho el Frank food. Y como yo era el que los repartía, a mi me gustaba darles lo orto, que era sopas y eso, pues yo se las cambiaba. Pero as momentos difíciles ningunos. Yo siempre que iba a salir a la posición para ir a… ¿Cómo se llama?, vamos a decir la letrina allá, allá no hay letrinas ninguna pero a salir, llamaba al platton leader y le informaba,
RP: the Koreans liked Frankfurt very much and since I was the one who distributed them, I liked the others, that was soup and that, so I changed them. But difficult moments, none. Every time I was going out of the position to go to… how do you say it? Let´s say the latrine. There were no latrines, but to go out, I called the platoon leader
0:20:00
RP: siempre informaba, “voy a salir un momentico y el puesto va quedar solo”.
RP: and informed him. I always informed him, I am going out for a while and the post is going to be alone. But…
I: ¿En el tiempo que usted estuvo ahí, mayormente fue entre las negociaciones, eran mas patrullas y no eran tanta ofensiva, verdad?
I: During the time you were there, mainly it was the time during the negotiations? It was more patrols and not that much offensive, right?
RP: ¿Perdon?
RP: Pardon?
I: ¿En el tiempo que usted estuvo ahí era mas de patrullas pero no tanto de ofensiva, de mucho combate?
I: During the time you were there, it was more of patrols but not that much of offensive, of much combat?
RP: Nosotros no, nosotros mismo hacemos guardia, patrulla por sentido de orientación que era uno.
RP: No, we went to guard and observation patrols.
I: ¿Que no eran muchas batallas pero era…?
I: There were not many battles but they were…
RP: No, batallas no teníamos…
RP: No, battles we didn´t have.
0:20:30
RP: …de la posición penúltima que yo estuve, yo veía a los coreanos cuando bajaban a las cuesta así, porque son montañas así una al lado de la otra. Y se veían puntitos negritos pero los veía.
RP: … was many patrols. We didn´t have. From the penultimate position I was in, I could see the Koreans going down the slopes, because they are mountains, one next to the other, and you could see little black dots.
[0:21:47 – 0:33:10 No video, no audio]
[00:20:50 – 00:33:12 there is no video or sound at all]
I: ¿Cuando regreso a Puerto Rico?
I: When you came back to Puerto Rico?
RP: Bueno a Puerto Rico yo regresé me parece fue en Octubre, en Octubre del 53.
RP: I came back to Puerto Rico; I think it was in October. In October 1953.
I: Del 53.
I: 1953.
RP: Si, porque a mi…
RP: Yes because I…
I: ¿Y cuando usted regresó esa experiencia que tuvo en Corea, le impactó en su vida o pudo
I: And when you came back, that experience that you had in Korea impacted your life or
0:33:30
I: normalizarse rápido o tuvo problemas de ajuste?
I: you can normalize it fast? Or did you have problems adjusting?
RP: Bueno, mi madre decía que yo parecía un loquito, ¿por qué? Porque yo no me estaba quieto y actualmente la esposa mía un día, yo usaba unas muñequeras, hice así, Pam!: “quítatelas que me vasa matar”, y es que tengo un tic nervioso, yo nunca reclame nada pero tengo todavía, además yo siento un ruido duro y brinco para arriba, tengo afectados los nervios también…
RP: My mother said I seemed like a crazy man. Why? Because, how do you say it? I couldn´t stay still and currently, my wife, one day, I was sleeping, I used some wrist bracelets and I did like this, pum, take them out that you are going to kill me. Those are nervous ticks. I didn´t claim anything but I still have them. Besides, I feel a noise and immediately jump. I have my nerves affected
0:34:00
RP: … y el sentido, pero nunca reclamé nada porque no me gusta reclamar esa cosas.
RP: in that sense. But I have never claimed anything because I don´t like to claim those things.
I: ¿Y tuvo pesadillas?
I: And did you have nightmares?
RP: Pesadillas en cuanto recordar, pasar allá, no, nunca he tenido pesadillas gracias a Dios.
RP: Nightmares? No, I have never had nightmares, thanks to God.
I: ¿Pero cree que pudo ajustarse con tiempo?
I: But do you think you were able to adjust in time?
RP: Si, yo me ajuste con tiempo, como yo fui Boy Scout, y esas cosas y como joven pues yo siempre estaba caminando por los montes allá con los amigos míos y era pues libre,
RP: Yes, I got adjusted in time, since I was a boy scout and those things and when I was young, I was always walking in the mountains, with my friends, and I was free.
0:34:30
RP: …a pesar de eso, tenia libertad para hacer, pues no me sentía… simplemente cumpliendo la ordenes y etcétera…
RP: Regardless of that, I had the freedom to do it. I didn´t feel it, how do you say it? I was simply obeying the orders, etc.
I: Mhm.
I: Mhm.
RP: …lo que había que hacer.
RP: Because it had to be done.
I: ¿Entonces, usted tiene un retrato en su mente de cómo veía Corea en ese entonces verdad, que estaba destrozado…?
I: So, you have a picture in your mind of how Korea looked at that moment, right? That it was destroyed…
RP: Bueno lo que pasa es que nosotros no pudimos ver ciudades ni nada…
RP: Well, what happened was that we couldn´t see cities or anything of that.
I: Pero…
I: But…
RP: Estábamos en los montes. Yo supe por los ataques, yo escuchaba que si que tenia que estar destrozado.
RP: We were in the mountains. I suffer from the attacks that I heard. I supposed it had to be destroyed.
0:35:00
I: ¿Pero tiene una idea de como se veía, era un país en guerra, verdad?
I: Yes, but do you have an idea of how it looked, it was a country at war, right?
RP: Si.
RP: Yes.
I: Y no sabe si esta consiente de cómo se ve Corea hoy día? Del progreso económico que han tenido, que es un país democrático, de los avances que han tenido en rascacielos, ciudades, usted ha visto eso, esta consiente de ese progreso?
I: And don´t you know if you are conscious of how Korea looks nowadays? Of the economic progress, they have had? That it is a democratic country. Of the advances, they have had? Of the skyscrapers, cities. Have you seen that? Are you conscious of that progress?
RP: Yo, yo en un sentido, en un sentido no he visto progreso en Corea del Norte.
RP: Well, I, in certain sense, in certain sense haven´t seen any progress in North Korea.
0:35:30
I: No. Corea del Sur.
I: No, South Korea.
RP: Corea del Sur.
RP: South Korea.
I: Corea del Sur.
I: South Korea.
RP: Ah! es que están combinados.
RP: Ah, they are combined.
I: Estamos hablando de Corea del Sur.
I: We are talking about South Korea.
RP: Ah en Corea del Sur si porque Corea del Sur a echado para adelante con ayuda del pueblo norteamericano. ¿Ve?
RP: Oh, South Korea, yes, because South Korea has forged ahead with the help of the Americans.
I: Mhm.
I: Mhm.
RP: para que solucionen sus problemas porque ellos también, y yo en mis oraciones los tengo siempre a ellos y a los otro también para que suspendan lo que están haciendo.
RP: In my prayers, I always have them and the others as well, for them to stop what they are doing.
I: ¿Usted cree en la reunificación de las Dos Coreas?
I: Yes, do you believe in the reunification of both Koreas?
RP: Si.
RP: Yes.
I: ¿Usted es eso lo que desea?
I: That is what you wish?
RP: Si.
RP: Yes.
I: Explíqueme de eso.
I: Explain that to me.
RP: Perdón la pregunta.
RP:
I: Hábleme de eso.
I: Sorry, what is the question?
0:36:00
I: ¿Porque usted quiere que se reunifiquen las dos Coreas?
I: Talk to me about that. Why do you want reunification?
RP: Lo siguiente, Corea del Norte esta hacienda dos cosas malas, esta amenazando a Estados Unidos con atacarlos y a los hermanos de Corea del Sur, y además esta lanzando misiles hacia las costas, aguas cercanas de Corea del Sur. ¿Si cae un misil en tierra que va a pasar? vamos a tener una guerra mundial porque Estados Unidos se va a meter, etcétera, etcétera. Y por eso yo quisiera que…
RP: Well, because of this. North Korea is doing two things wrongly. It is threatening the United States to attack them and the brothers of South Korea. Besides, is sending missiles to the near coasts of South Korea. If a missile falls on that land what is going to happen? We will have a world war because the United States is going to defend themselves, etc., etc. And that´s why I would like
0:36:30
RP: …el presidente de Corea del Norte, sentara cabeza con que ya eso no se consiguió nada con la otra guerra, que lo que hubo fue muchas muertes y destrozos, que entienda pero parece que nadie hay para hacerle, lo instruya en algo y se acabe eso.
RP: the President of North Korea to settle down because nothing was achieved with the other war, what there was a lot of death and destruction, so he should understand that. But it seems that there is no one to approach him to instruct him and he is doing that.
I: ¿Y usted lee sobre lo que esta pasando en Corea, las dos coreas, usted lee en donde, libros, periódicos?
I: And do you read about what is happening in Korea? On both Koreas? Where do you read about it? On books, on newspapers?
RP: No yo no leo libros, solo lo que se oye…
RP: No, I don´t read books, but what I heard on the…
I: En las noticias.
I: On the news.
RP: En las noticias y esas cosas.
RP: On the news and so on.
0:37:00
I: ¿Pero no sabe mucho del progreso de Corea del sur verdad?, ¿Para que usted sepa el señor Han me dice que ahora, hoy día Corea del Sur es el país 11…? ¿Como se dice once? The Eleven…
I: But don´t you know a lot about the progress of South Korea, right? Well, for you to know Mr. Han is telling me that nowadays South Korea is
RP: Eleven.
RP: Eleven.
I: Eleven país con progreso económico mas grande? ¿Usted sabe que ellos hacen carros, tienen muchos productos que hacen en un…
I: the 11th country with the biggest economic progress. You know that they do cars, have many products?
0:37:30
I: económicamente tan fuerte y han hecho, yo fui a Corea, precioso, muchos rascacielos. ¿Yo quiero saber que opina usted de su participación como un soldado en la guerra de Corea?, un momento que se le salió esto.
I: They are economically strong. I went to Korea. It is beautiful, with many skyscrapers. I want you to know, what do you think about your participation as a soldier in the Korean War… One moment because the microphone dropped… (conversation in the background).
RP: Otra vez.
RP: Again.
I: Es que… se dobla…
I: This goes…
RP: [0:37:56 Inaudible]
RP:
I: Si, si, si.
I: Yes, yes, yes
RP: Son como los muchachos.
RP: We are laike the young ones.
I: Usted dobla los pies y…
I: Yuu fold your feet.
RP: Toco como a los muchachos perdón.
RP: Like the young ones.
I: No hay problema. Esta pregunta es…
I: This question is
0:38:00
I: …De… ¿Que opina usted de su participación como un soldado durante la Guerra de Corea y lo que le paso el país, el cambio que tuvo?, ¿Si usted cree que fue en vano, si fue justo, si se arrepiente de su servicio, entiende?
I: about your opinion about your participation as a soldier during the Korean War and what happened to the country? The change that it has. Do you think it was in vain? If it was fair? If you regret your service? Do you understand
RP: Bueno… para mi, combatir, y nosotros participar en eso,
RP: Well, for me to combat
0:38:30
RP: …pues beneficio porque si no se mete el pueblo americano, esa gente de allá, entonces Corea del Norte no llegaría a lo que es ahora, ¿entiende? Entonces para mi pues claro que si, tengo que aceptar esa pregunta como correcta, fue beneficioso.
RP: and us to participate in that was beneficial because if the American people hadn´t been involved that people from there, North Korea wouldn´t be what is now. Do you understand? So, for me, of course, yes. I have to accept that question as correct. It was beneficial.
I: ¿Aun con lo que sufrió allá?
I: Regardless of what you suffered there?
RP: No, no, el sufrimiento por un lado es felicidad, aunque todavía no se ha firmado la paz,
RP: No, no. Suffering on one hand is happiness, even though peace hasn´t been signed yet
0:39:00
RP: …porque hay es un armisticio, en el sentido de que, y ahora mas todavía si no es que Corea del Sur aprovecharon mucho, pues mucho mejor, pues gracias a que los combatimos tenemos esta vida. O así mismo nos arriesgamos para eso. ¿entiende?
RP: because there is an armistice, right? In the sense, that… And even more now, if South Korea has progressed much more and much better, thanks to that we fought and offered our lives, we contributed for that, do you understand?
I: ¿Usted nunca mas regresó a Corea?
I: Did you ever went back to Korea?
RP: No, no he vuelto.
RP: No, I haven´t go back.
I: ¿Le gustaría regresar, le interesa?
I: Would you like to go back? Are you interested?
RP: Bueno yo… No se porque a Corea pues… una…
RP: I don´t know. To Korea…
0:39:30
RP: …ya estamos hecho dos muchachitos chiquiticos, yo tengo 86 años ya.
RP: On one hand, we are not any more two small kids, I am 86 years old already.
I: Mhm.
I: Mhm.
RP: Los cumplí hace dos o tres días. El día 10.
RP: My birthday was 2 or 3 days ago, on the 10th.
I: Feliz Cumpleaños.
I: Happy birthday.
RP: Pues este… ¿como se llama? Y tengo ciertos achaques y dolores.
RP: So, now I have certain pains so…
I: Porque el país del Corea del Sur tiene un programa para que los veteranos de Corea regresen y ellos aportan un mayor, una mayor cantidad de dinero para, del gasto,
I: Because the country of South Korea has a program for the Korean veterans to go back and they pay a bigger portion of money for the expenses.
0:40:00
I: el veterano tiene que pagar algo, yo no se si como el 30% y ellos tienen pagan el resto que es como el pasaje, y el hotel y hacen un tour para el veterano y un acompañante.
I: The veteran has to pay something, I don´t know if it is about 30%, but they pay the rest, that is the ticket, hotel and they do a tour for the veteran and a companion.
RP: En realidad como yo nunca vi a Corea, antes de la guerra.
RP: Really, since I never saw Korea before the war and neither saw it during the war,
I: Si.
I: Yes.
RP: Ni la vi dentro de la Guerra, pues no puedo hacer comparación ninguna.
RP: so, how can I say it? I can´t do any comparisons.
I: Pues ha progresado inmensamente y es bien bonito.
I: It has progressed greatly.
RP: Y con lo queme dicen ustedes, me siento satisfecho de esa parte como si tu…
RP: But, from what you are telling me, I feel satisfied with that part,
0:40:30
RP: …hubieses visto o hubieses como esta ahora y que Dios quiera que sigan las cosas así, y que este otro loco que hay allá no haya formado un conflicto mas grande.
RP: as if I had seen how, they are doing now. God willing, things will continue this way. That the crazy man who is there won´t make a bigger conflict.
I: Y en concluir, quiero saber si usted tiene un mensaje para lo que están viendo esta entrevista, un comentario, o algo que usted quiera.
I: To conclude, I want to know if you want to give a message to those who are watching this interview. Any comment or something that you want…
RP: Bueno yo, en primer lugar a los hermanos del 65 de infantería que se sientan orgullosos de su trabajo.
RP: In the first place, to the brothers of the 65 of Infantry, for them to feel proud of their job.
0:41:00
RP: Yo a pesar que no tuve la situación de ellos mas que en una sola vez y fue mayor fatal para yo perder la vida, pero yo los felicito a todos ellos ya sus familiares, etcétera. Que no guarden rencor de ninguna clase con nadie. Lo contrario oren para que la paz y esa gente cambie sus actitudes y que confluya paz en el mundo en todo el mundo. pues que…
RP: Even though I was not in their situation, except for one time, and, I almost lost my life, but I congratulate all of them and their relatives, etc. That there be no grudge of any kind against anyone. On the contrary, pray for peace and for those people to change their attitudes and that there is peace in the world, in the whole world.
0:41:30
RP: …las experiencia que hemos vivido, amargas, son dulces, al frente el país esta progresando de Corea que es diferente a lo que estaba en aquel tiempo, pero yo sinceramente me preocupa, preocupa no por Corea del Sur, sino por sus hermanitos de Corea del Norte, y quisiera que ello siguieran viviendo por toda la vida, la felicidad que tiene ahora mismo.
RP: The bitter experiences we have lived through are sweet when seeing that Korea is progressing. Do you understand? It is different now than what happened at that time. But honestly, I am worried. I am not worried about South Korea, but the brothers in North Korea. And I wish they can live for the rest of their lives, the happiness they are having right now.
I: Muchas gracias por su participación.
I: Thank you very much for your participation.
0:42:00
RP: Bien, estamos en la onda para serviles.
RP: We are at your service.
[00:42:05 Benigno reads a letter]
RP: Esta carta la escribí el 29 de Enero de 1953. A mi queridísima novia mía desde Corea. Cuanta alegría recibí hoy al coger la carta tuya, no sabes lo mucho que estoy sufriendo en ese remoto lugar, pues tu ausencia
RP: I wrote this letter on the 29th of January 1953 for my dearest girlfriend from Korea. How happy I was today when I picked up your letter. You don´t know how much I am suffering in this remote place, since your absence,
0:42:30
RP: y recuerdos me llenan de nostalgia, y el mío, que lindas son las canciones que últimamente me enviaste, dicen tanto y son tan apropiadísimas para un par de enamorados a quienes el destino separó, esos somos tu y yo, que a pesar de la distancia en que estamos,
RP: and the memories fill me with nostalgia. My God, how beautiful are the songs that you recently sent me? That you sent me. They say so many things and they are so appropriate for a couple of lovers to whom the distance separated. This is what you and I are, that regardless of the distance that we are,
0:43:00
RP: nuestro amor esta mas ferviente que antes. Seguimos unidos en nuestros pensamientos porque a cada paso viene a nuestra mente el recuerdo de un amor verdadero y sano. Del instante en que nos entregamos el éxtasis del amor, igual que antes, te siento mía y mia serás…
RP: our love is more fervent than before. We keep together in our thoughts because in each step the memory of true and healthy love comes to our minds, of the moments in which we give ourselves to the ecstasy of love. Just as before I feel you mine, and you will be mine
0:43:30
RP: …con ayuda de Dios todo poderoso, y así haremos realidad nuestra añoranzas, sueño, quiero que olvides todos los agravios y sin sabores que con mis ultimas cartas te cause, he sido un poco friolento y difícil, pues deje que dominara la impaciencia, pero no es mi culpa
RP: with the help of God Almighty and so we will make our yearnings come true. Fello, I want you to forget all the grievances and sorrows that I caused you with my last letters. I have been a little cold and difficult because I let my impatience get the better of me.
0:44:00
RP: el haberme expresado tan bruscamente, ni tuya tampoco, se dolió pues la incertidumbre que me causa todo esto. También creo que como yo vivo tan amargado y sin tiempo para nada, asumo que en la vida civil todo es color de rosa.
RP: But it is not my fault for having expressed myself so abruptly, nor yours either. I know that the uncertainty that all this causes me to hurt. I also think that because I live so bitterly and with no time for anything, I assume that in civilian life everything is rosy. Let’s get back to reality
0:44:30
RP: Volveremos la realidad y dejemos los chistes para siempre, tu y yo somos dos almas en personas, que solo triunfaremos si luchamos fuerte. De hoy en adelante, seguiré siendo el Minin de antes, cariñoso y complaciente solo para ti.
RP: and leave the jokes for good. You and I are two souls in person, who will only triumph if we fight hard. From now on, I will remain the same as before, loving and accommodating only for you.
I: Wow. Dios mio. Que bello.
I: My God, how beautiful. Oh
0:45:00
I: He is a good writer. Oh Dios mio.
I: He is a good writer.
JH: (English) So, could you translate in English, briefly?
I: Yes she can.
JH: That was you, what is your name?
Ana: Ana.
JH: ¿Ana?
A: Yes.
JH: How old have you been married to him?
A: 61 years.
JH: Oh my goodness, 61 years old, marriage.
BR: Marriage.
JH: 61-year-old marriage.
A: Yes.
0:45:30
JH: Could you summarize briefly in English what he wrote to you?
A: He is asking if I could… no.
I: A summarize of what the letter is saying but in English.
A: Not in English, only…
Nohemi: I can translate and scan. Do you want me to scan and translate?
I: Do you want Nohemi to translate?
JH: Yes.
I: Come here, you do this page like this
0:46:00
I: and there is a page there, okay? And then…
N: (English) January 29th, 1953. My dearest girlfriend, how happy I was to receive your two letters today. You don´t how much I have suffered in this remote place because your absence and memories
0:46:30
N: fill me with nostalgia.
JH: Oh
N: My dear, how beautiful are the songs that you sent me last. They say so much and so appropriate for a pair of loved ones. To a pair of people who love each other, which destiny has
0:47:00
N: …separated. That is you and I that even though there is a distance, there is a distance we are still very much in love. And our love is just as strong and fervent as ever. And that our sentiment, our
0:47:30
N: thought of each other are united because every step, at every step at in my mind I called our love that is wonderful. (I am reading this for the first time, so I need to read with more comprehension). From the day,
0:48:00
N: …from the minute that we gave our love to each other, the extasis of love. Just as I feel that you are mine, (Spanish- just as I feel that you are mine and…what is this?)
RP: Seras mia…
RP: And you will be mine.
0:48:30
N: Oh yes. Just as much as I feel that you are mine and that you will be mine with the help of God Almighty and that we will make real our dreams. I hope that you forget all the unfortunate sad moments that my last letter caused you.
0:49:00
I: “…Pero no es mi culpa al haberme…
I: (Spanish – I have been a bit cold eh?).
0:49:30
RP: …expresado…
RP: have been…
I: tan…”
I: So much…
RP: tan brusco…
RP: cold.
I: Y… [0:49:40 inaudible]… no entiendo eso, “pero no es mi culpa… pero no es mi culpa…”
I: I have been… it is difficult because but it is not my fault… (reading for herself)
RP: …el haberme expresado tan bruscamente, ni tuya tampoco,
RP: But it is not my fault for having expressed myself so abruptly, nor yours either.
0:50:00
N: Okay this part I can read it and then I can translate but it gives you an idea. Right? It gives you an idea that basically he is missing his sweetheart. All right? And it goes on and on for many pages.
I: I know.
JH: Okay.
I: ¿Se esta poniendo emocional?
I: Getting emotional.
NS: I know.
JH: I feel like I am crying.
0:50:30
JH: This is something that people have to know. What war can do to humans for love? You know? Wow, this is beautiful.
N: I have to officially translate for you so that it would be accurate since I am having a hard time reading it. I haven´t read it yet.
I: You are getting emotional. It Brings back memories. He is getting emotional.
A: Precisamente , como son tantos años y la letra esta y esa era tinta, no era…
A: (Spanish). After so many years the letter and that was ink.
0:51:00
I: Yes, it was ink so it is [00:51:03 inaudible].
I: He is getting emotional.
A: Si.
A: Yes.
JH: Hold on.
A: [0:51:10 inaudible]
I: La lea exacto, el día, de donde escribió y para quien.
I: Yes, read it. The date, where did you write from and for whom.
JH: Hold
I: Ahora.
I: Now.
A: ¿Ahota?
A: Now?
I: Mhm.
I: Mhm.
A: Esta carta m la escribió…
A: This letter was written to me
0:51:30
A: …quien hoy es mi esposo cuando éramos novios, el siete de noviembre yo vivía en Rio Piedras porque yo soy de ese pueblo, el siete de noviembre de 1952. Y dice: “Amada mía, ya estoy bastante cerca del peligro, pues ayer fui trasladado hacia el frente y a las 11…
A: by whom is now my husband when we were boyfriend and girlfriend, on the 7th of November, I lived in Entrepiedras, because I am from that town, on the 7th of November 1952. And it says: My loved one, I am already quite close to danger, as yesterday I was moved to the front and at 11:00
0:52:00
A: …para las líneas, anoche dormí en la cocina que esta al lado del un riachuelo entre dos grandes montañas. No dormí casi nada, puesto que el… el culebrón estaba muy duro, era tierra, nos levantamos temprano y mas tardecito desayunamos, después
A: for the lines. Last night I slept in the kitchen which is next to a stream between two large mountains. I didn’t sleep much at all because the… the mattress was very hard. It was dirt. We got up early and later had breakfast. Then
0:52:30
A: …no hemos estado haciendo nada hacia las 11 que voy para el cielo, pues es donde queda el bunker o trinchera, que es en la copa de una de esta pequeñas montañas, ahí permaneceré velando al enemigo que esta esta a unas 1500 yardas de dicho lugar, estoy conforme pues todos los americanos, aunque he podido hablar,
A: we have not been doing anything until 11:00 and I go to the sky, because that is where the bunker or trench is, which is in the top of one of these small mountains. There I will keep watch for the enemy which is about 1,500 yards from this place. I am happy because all the Americans
0:53:00
A: son buena gente y no han dicho que aquí los vemos pequeños, pero no son muchos. Dentro de 17 días el regimiento va para la reserva a descansar unos 20 días y después volveremos para la líneas, además no dijo un sargento…
A: I have been able to talk to are good people and they have told us that we see them small here, but there are not many of them. In 17 days the regiment will go to the reserve to rest for about 20 days and then we will return to the lines. A sergeant told us
0:53:30
A: …que pasando tres meses tendremos seis días de pase para Japón. Allí se hará lo que pueda para aliviar las penas y además nos bañaremos todos los días. Después de esos seis días volveremos para el frente a evitar que el enemigo se cuele para nuestro sector. También te digo que hay que andar con cuidado porque cada pedazo de tierra esta minado. Cualquier camino equivocado…
A: that after three months we will have a 6-day pass to Japan. There we will do what we can to alleviate the pain and we will have a bath every day. After those 6 days, we will return to the front to prevent the enemy from sneaking into our sector. I also tell you that you have to be careful because every piece of land is mined. Any wrong path
0:54:00
A: …nos puede costar la vida y perder a cualquiera parte del cuerpo, ayer dos sargentos pisaron una mina y uno de ellos esta grave y el otro levemente herido. Aquí estoy escribiendo rápido pues se va el cartero y nos dio 5 minutos par escribir y además tengo las manos frías. Por eso es que la ortografía es tan mala.
A: could cost us our lives and we could lose any part of our bodies. Yesterday two sergeants stepped on a mine and one of them is in serious condition. The other is slightly wounded. Here I am writing fast because the letter carrier is leaving and he gave us 5 minutes to write and my hands are cold. That’s why the spelling is so bad.
0:54:30
A: He soñado varias veces contigo y cada vez que lo hago mi amor hacia ti aumenta, a veces pienso que no debería quererte tanto, pues solo el pensar en ti me tortura. Alma mía quisiera, quiéreme y sígueme queriendo y quien me de…
A: I have dreamed about you several times and every time I do, my love for you increases. Sometimes I think I shouldn’t love you so much because just thinking about you tortures me. My soul loves me and keeps on loving me and send me
0:55:00
A: …frases de aliento para luchar con mas fuerza y fervor, tengo que volver a ti para cumplir lo ya predispuesto y necesito tanto tus cartas como la ayuda divina de la Virgen del Carmen. Lo siento pero tengo que cortar, te ama con toda mi alma. Minin.
A: encouraging phrases to fight with more strength and fervor. I have to come back to you to fulfill what I have already predisposed and I need both your letters and the divine help of Our Lady of Mount Carmel. I am sorry but I have to cut. He loves you with all his soul, Minin.
I: Oh Dios mio.
I: Oh my God.
0:55:30
JH: (English) This is the picture where they were together right before Mr. Ramos left for Korea, right?
A: Yes.
JH: Mujer Bonita.
JH: (Spanish) Beautiful woman.
A: Gracias.
A: Thank you.
0:56:00
JH: How long have you been separated?
RP: Separated?
I: En Corea.
I: In Korea.
RP: 21 months.
RP: 21 months.
JH: 21 months?
RP: In Korea only nine months.
JH: Nine months.
I: ¿Pero separados sin verse?
I: But separately without seeing each other?
RP: Separados. 21 months.
RP: Separated. 21 months.
A: Si porque el estuvo…
A: Yes, because he was…
RP: No, no, no…
I: Wow.
0:56:30
JH: Thank you again for your prayer for the reunification of the Korean Peninsula. I want to pray for you. The Korean War [00:56:45 inaudible] under the providence of God who created the universe, who sent his only begotten son to save us from the dead and by making him resurrected from the dead, Jesus got alive
0:57:00
JH: and we live with him. And, many Puerto Rican veterans came to fight against communism, protected South Korea, now is South Korea is one of the largest economies in the world and that what you sacrificed for and your sacrifice never been wasted. Let us heal from the scar,
0:57:30
JH: the Lord please heal us and so many untold love stories and so that we can recover the humanity, the love and bless these Puerto Rican Korean War veterans and their families and lovely wives. Let us keep this beautiful memory, the love letters so that our young children can learn from it.
0:58:00
JH: The love of the humanity. We pray in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
I: Y me miran a mi. Una, dos y tres. Oh my Godness. Ha sido increíble esta historia de ustedes.
I: And you look at me. You look at me. 1, 2, and 3. This story of yours has been incredible.
A: Ahora ya me falta una firma, ya sabe.
A: Now we are doing well, you know?
I: Ah, no, no. I loved it.
RP: Nosotros fuimos tres años y medio novios. Y 61 de casados.
RP: We were boyfriend and girlfriend for 3 and a half years. And 61 of being married.
0:58:30
A: y 62 ahora este año. 62
A: Our 62st anniversary is this year.
I: Oh, si déjeme buscar que quiero su información.
I: Let me look up that I want your information.
RP: Fue en Julio 25…
RP: Now, on the 25th of July.
I: Very handsome. Handsome man. Era bien guapito el.
I: Very handsome, handsome man. Right? He was handsome there.
A: Era lindo.
A: He was beautiful.
JH: I better say, beautiful woman.
N: Hombre guapo.
N: Handsome man.
I: ¿Cual es su teléfono?
I: What is your phone number?
A: Te voy a poner el celular mejor ¿sabes?
A: I am going to give you the mobile phone.
I: Si, si.
I: Yes, yes.
A: 787-410…
A: 787 410
RP: Este ya estaba listo para posar.
RP:
0:59:00
A: …9026.
A: 9026
I: ¿Y su nombre? ¿Tiene dirección postal o…?
I: And your name? Do you want a postal address?
A: A mi me dicen Anita, yo soy Ana, pero me dicen Anita. Y a el siempre le han dicho Minin.
A: Ana, but they call me Anita. And he has always been called Minin.
N: Minin. El Minin.
N: Minin. The Minin.
I: G 4 ED
I:
A: San Sebastian, 00…
A: G-4, San Sebastian, 00
0:59:30
A: …685.
A: 685.
[End of Recorded Material]
Photos
Letter Envelope Benigno Ramos
The envelope containing a letter Benigno Ramos sent back home in Puerto Rico.
Letter by Benigno Ramos, page 1
"Translated Letter:
November 7, 1952
My dearest,
I am very near the danger zone because yesterday I was transferred to the front and at eleven o'clock I left for the front lines. Last night I slept in a kitchen which is near a brook between two large mountains. I hardly slept anything because the mattress was very hard, it was dirt. We awoke early and later ate breakfast. Then we have not been doing anything until 11 when we go to the heavens which is where the ""bunker"" or foxhole is at the top of one of those small mountains. I will remain there observing the enemy which is about 1500 yards of that place. I am pleased that all the Americans I have spoken to are good people who have told us that small arms are not used here much.
Within 12 days the regiment will go to Reserve to rest for 20 days and then we will return to the front lines. Also, a sergeant told us that after three months we will get a 6-day pass for Japan. There I will do what I can to relieve the sadness and also we will bathe every day. After those 6 days, we will return to the front lines to prevent the enemy from entering our sector. Also, I am telling you that we must walk with caution because every piece of terrain is mined. Any mistaken path could cost us our lives or we could lose a part of our body. Yesterday two sergeants stepped on a mine and one of them is in grave condition and the other lightly wounded.
I am writing now very quickly because the postman is leaving and has given us 5 minutes to write and also, because my hands are very cold. That is why the penmanship is so bad.
I have dreamt several times with you and every time I do my love for you grows. Girl, sometimes I think that I should not love you so much since only thinking about you is torture for me. Sweetheart, love me, and continue to love me and write me words of comfort so I can fight harder and with fervor. I must return to you to fulfill my destiny and I need your letters as much as I need the help of the divine Virgin of Carmen.
I am sorry but I must leave.
I love you with all of my heart,
Benigno Ramos"
Letter by Benigno Ramos, pg 2
"November 7, 1952
My dearest,
I am very near the danger zone because yesterday I was transferred to the front and at eleven o''clock I left for the front lines. Last night I slept in a kitchen which is near a brook between two large mountains. I hardly slept anything because the mattress was very hard, it was dirt. We awoke early and later ate breakfast. Then we have not been doing anything until 11 when we go to the heavens which is where the ""bunker"" or foxhole is at the top of one of those small mountains. I will remain there observing the enemy which is about 1500 yards of that place. I am pleased that all the Americans I have spoken to are good people who have told us that small arms are not used here much.
Within 12 days the regiment will go to Reserve to rest for 20 days and then we will return to the front lines. Also, a sergeant told us that after three months we will get a 6-day pass for Japan. There I will do what I can to relieve the sadness and also we will bathe every day. After those 6 days, we will return to the front lines to prevent the enemy from entering our sector. Also, I am telling you that we must walk with caution because every piece of terrain is mined. Any mistaken path could cost us our lives or we could lose a part of our body. Yesterday two sergeants stepped on a mine and one of them is in grave condition and the other lightly wounded.
I am writing now very quickly because the postman is leaving and has given us 5 minutes to write and also, because my hands are very cold. That is why the penmanship is so bad.
I have dreamt several times with you and every time I do my love for you grows. Girl, sometimes I think that I should not love you so much since only thinking about you is torture for me. Sweetheart, love me, and continue to love me and write me words of comfort so I can fight harder and with fervor. I must return to you to fulfill my destiny and I need your letters as much as I need the help of the divine Virgin of Carmen.
I am sorry but I must leave.
I love you with all of my heart,
Benigno Ramos"