Korean War Legacy Project

Charles Bissett

Bio

Charles Bissett joined the United States Army after initially trying to join the Navy but was turned away due to too many men trying to join. He details his arrival in Pusan in the early part of the war. He describes meeting North Koreans on the battlefield armed only with guns when they had tanks. He recounts meals from K-Rations consisting of meat products and fruit. He also describes the PTSD battles he faced upon his return home and shares that they were hard to deal with.

Video Clips

North Korean Offense with Tanks

Charles Bissett describes the incoming forces of North Koreans armed with tanks against the, initially, light weapons of the American forces. He recounts no aid given after calling in artillery forces for assistance. He adds that many soldiers were killed.

Tags: Front lines,North Koreans,Weapons

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K-Rations and Where a Soldier Sleeps

Charles Bissett describes eating K-Rations while in Korea as there were no cooks for them. He recounts the K-Rations containing meat products and fruit. He recalls sleeping on the ground during the summer months.

Tags: Food,Front lines,Living conditions

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PTSD and Its Effects on Personal Life

Charles Bissett describes his battle with PTSD. He shares that upon his return, he was quick to anger not only with his wife but with others. He describes his nightmares of seeing part of the war and his reaction to automatic weapon firing. He shares it was hard to deal with.

Tags: Depression,Fear,Weapons

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Arrival and Encounter with North Koreans

Charles Bissett recalls his arrival in Korean during the early part of the war. He recounts arriving in Pusan and then transferring north to Daegu where they were met by North Korean soldiers and suffered casualties. He shares that he served as a wireman in communications for a period of time.

Tags: 1950 Pusan Perimeter, 8/4-9/18,Busan,Daegu,Front lines,North Koreans

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https://koreanwarlegacy.org/interviews/charles-bissett#clip-4

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