Cevdet Sidal
Bio
Cevdet Sidal served in the Turkish Army as a signaler during the Korean War. Born the youngest of three siblings in Istanbul, Turkey, he participated in the Battle of Kunu-ri and various other engagements, often involving guerrilla-style warfare. Amid constant danger, he lost many friends. His role as a signaler was integral to the success of the fronts, as he communicated the troops’ needs for ammunition and other supplies. Despite the hardships, he found opportunities for fond memories in Korea and remains proud of his service.
Video Clips
Battle of Kunu-ri
Cevdet Sidal shares intimate details from the Battle of Kunu-ri, the first foreign soil engagement for Turkish fighters since World War I. He describes being surrounded and suffering heavy losses to the enemy. Additionally, he recounts the presence of enemy warplanes in the battle. He narrowly escaped death when a friend pulled him behind a jeep just before their position was fired upon.
Share YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6beGqUeksXo&start=413&end=588
Share from this page:
https://koreanwarlegacy.org/interviews/cevdet-sidal#clip-1
Embed:
Conditions of the Battle of Kunu-ri
Cevdet Sidal describes the harsh conditions at various battlefields. At the Battle of Kunu-ri, he recalls Turkish soldiers found themselves surrounded and even forced to eat grass for three days. They faced a constant threat from machine gun fire and enemy aircraft support. Their only defense against air attacks was to turn sideways, minimizing their bodies as targets. Fearful of death, he turned to prayer. The extreme cold caused water to freeze to their faces while shaving.
Share YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6beGqUeksXo&start=786&end=1117
Share from this page:
https://koreanwarlegacy.org/interviews/cevdet-sidal#clip-2
Embed:
Folly During Wartime: An Important Mission
Cevdet Sidal recalls receiving sudden orders for a mission, but he and his friends had just discovered a sul (rice wine) factory. The Turkish troops, drunk from the factory, went into battle but luckily survived. Returning to base proved difficult when their jeep got stuck, and American forces had to pull them out so they could rejoin their battalion. Healso described fishing by grenade, which provided fresh fish for the soldiers.
Share YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6beGqUeksXo&start=1352&end=1677
Share from this page:
https://koreanwarlegacy.org/interviews/cevdet-sidal#clip-3
Embed:
First Impressions of Korea
Cevdet Sidal recalls arriving in the Pusan area and witnessing extensive, unpredictable guerrilla warfare. He notes they didn't see much of the cities, but those he remembers were in miserable condition. Families often approached the soldiers with their babies, seeking food, and the soldiers helped as much as they could.
Share YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6beGqUeksXo&start=172&end=394
Share from this page:
https://koreanwarlegacy.org/interviews/cevdet-sidal#clip-4
Embed: