Korean War Legacy Project

Benito B. Arabe

Bio

Benito B. Arabe, born in the Philippines, served in Korea from 1952 until after the armistice was signed in 1953. He comes from a large family of seven brothers and three sisters. He fought on the front lines near Hill 010 as part of King Company. His company was sent in to replace American soldiers who had been fighting in the region. Although he shares instances of fighting he was involved in along the front lines, he remarks that he was not afraid because he “liked to fight the Communists”. He recently had the privilege of returning to Korea with one of his daughters. He is proud of his contribution as a veteran of the Korean War.

Video Clips

Fighting on Hill 010

Benito B. Arabe, after arriving in Busan, joined King Company on Hill 010 on the front lines. He recalls walking three kilometers to the mountain where he joined the Americans they would soon replace. He recounts seeing many dead in the trenches. He offers a detailed account of nightly bombings including one where a bomb landed about five meters from them as they were hiding.

Tags: Busan,Front lines,Living conditions,Personal Loss,Weapons

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I Liked to Fight with Communists

Benito B. Arabe describes his units pulling out from the battle at Hill 010. He shares how members of his unit had no idea where the enemy was and states he was not afraid as he "liked to fight with the Communists". He recounts how he remained in Korea until after the armistice concluded the fighting. He offers some detail of his return trip to Korea where he saw many houses and happy people and returned to the boundary between North and South Korea.

Tags: Communists,Fear,Front lines,Impressions of Korea,Personal Loss

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Life on the Front Line

Benito B. Arabe describes his experience on the front lines near Hill 010. He shares the only thing on his mind was his mission to fight. He recounts living conditions while on the front which include sleeping and eating in the bunkers near the front line.

Tags: Food,Front lines,Letters,Living conditions,Rest and Relaxation (R&R)

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