Korean War Legacy Project

Clara K. Cleland

Bio

Clara K. Cleland, after receiving her nursing degree, joined the Army Nurse Corps. She shares she was influenced by the service of two brothers and a sister in World War II. She began basic training at Fort Sam Houston and later transferred to Walter Reed Hospital. In June 1950, after receiving orders to prepare to go to Korea, she went to Fort Lewis, Washington. Following her departure from the United States, she arrived in Japan and began assisting in a hospital. Later, she and her unit arrived in the harbor of Incheon, approximately ten days following the Incheon Landing. Upon her arrival, she began treating patients, including both civilians and soldiers. During her service, she and her unit set up Mobile Army Surgical Hospitals in locations throughout North and South Korea. She describes her nursing duties, daily life, memorable patients, and some harrowing experiences.

Video Clips

Caring for Patients Upon Arrival

Clara Cleland discusses her arrival in Korea, approximately ten days after the Incheon landing. She shares her first assignment was to what she remembers as an old schoolhouse which was being used as a hospital to treat civilians. She especially remembers the children she treated there who suffered from burns and other injuries. She recounts how she and other nurses came under fire while attempting to help injured servicemen.

Tags: Busan,Incheon,Seoul,Civilians,POW,Women

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Nursing Wounded Soldiers After Various Campaigns

Clara Cleland describes her nursing duties as various battles were occurring, including taking care of patients from the Jangin (Chosin) Reservoir. She recalls how she and her unit set up various Mobile Army Surgical Hospitals (MASH) and remembers witnessing the U.S.S. Missouri firing its guns and heavy fire from other ships as well. She explains how her unit was then moved to assist another unit on a hospital ship and how, from there, they began treating non-emergent patients with illnesses.

Tags: 1950 Battle of Chosin Reservoir, 11/27-12/13,1950 Hamheung Evacuation, 12/10-12/24,Busan,Hamheung,Heungnam,Chinese,Front lines,South Koreans

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Nursing Duties and Medical Facilities

Clara Cleland describes her nursing duties prior to the Chinese invasion. She explains what the medical facilities looked like, the types of patients she treated, and the types of supplies they had. She recalls some patients she remembers well.

Tags: 1950 Inchon Landing, 9/15-9/19,Incheon,Women

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