Korean War Legacy Project

Degu Terfe

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Bio

Degu Terfe was born in 1924 and lives in Gulele sub-city of Addis Ababa, specifically in Woreda 06, at his private house. Before his military service, he was a student. At his request, he was hired as a security guard. At the age of 23, he went to Korea with the 3rd Battalion. The Battalion was commanded by Colonel Weldeyohannes Shita, with Lt. Colonel Sahlu Yirgu serving as the next in command.

During his time in Korea, Degu remembers some of the locations where he fought, including Yok Mountain, Arsenal Mountain, and Pork Chop Hill. Remarkably, he was not injured during the war. For his service, he received several honors, including the Gold and Silver Medals from His Majesty Emperor Haile Selassie, the United Nations Medal, the United States Medal, the Korean War Memorial Medal, and recognition as part of the Korean War Adventure Unit Site.

After returning from Korea, he worked as an engineer in Uganda. After retiring in 1971, he lived with his five family members.