Cevdet Sidal
Bio
Cevdet Sidal served in the Turkish Army as a signaler during the Korean War. He was born the youngest of three siblings in Istanbul, Turkey. He was part of the Battle of Kunu-ri and various other engagements with the enemy, fighting in guerrilla style warfare. He lost many friends and was in constant harm. While in Korea, his occupation of signaler was integral to the success of the fronts. A signaler sends messages about the needs of the troops, whether for ammunition or other supplies. Despite the hardships, he found opportunities for found memories while in Korea. He is proud of his service in Korea.
Video Clips
Battle of Kunu-ri
Cevdet Sidal described intimate details from the Battle of Kunu-ri. This battle was the first engagement on foreign soil for Turkish fighters since World War I. He provided details about being surrounded and the heavy losses to the enemy. He also described how there were enemy war planes used in the battle. He nearly lost his life in this battle as the position he was at was fired upon just after he was pulled behind a jeep by a friend.
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Conditions of the Battle of Kunu-ri
Cevdet Sidal described conditions at various battlefields. At the Battle of Kunu-ri the Turkish soldiers were surrounded. One master sergeant had to eat grass for three days. There was constant threat from machine gun fire. Also, the Chinese had aircraft support. The only defense from aircraft attacks was to turn sideways to make your body a smaller target. He turned to praying due to fear of death. The conditions were so cold that water would freeze to your face while shaving.
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Folly During Wartime: An Important Mission
Cevdet Sidal was sent on a sudden mission. However, he and his friends had found a sul (rice wine) factory prior to receiving their orders. The Turkish troops drank at the factory and were drunk when they were sent on their mission but everyone survived that battle. The troops had trouble returning to base because their jeep got stuck. Americans had to pull them out so they could catch up with the rest of the battalion. He also describes fishing by grenade. As a result, this provided fresh fish for the soldiers.
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6beGqUeksXo&start=1368&end=1677
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https://koreanwarlegacy.org/interviews/cevdet-sidal#clip-3
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