Donald Peppard
Bio
Donald Peppard, born in Waverly, New York, in 1937, enlisted in the United States Navy immediately after graduating high school in 1955. After completing basic training in Bainbridge, Maryland, he became an administrator for a team of cryptologic technicians. In 1967, his team was assigned to the USS Pueblo as part of a mission along the North Korean coast following the Korean War. He explains that the USS Pueblo was equipped to detect sonar and radar signals, enabling them to gather intelligence on North Korean equipment. During the mission, the ship was attacked by North Korean forces, and he and the crew, were taken prisoners. He recounts enduring beatings during his captivity but eventually being released. Despite these hardships, Peppard remains proud of his service and deeply values his freedom.
Video Clips
Inside the USS Pueblo
Donald Peppard describes the advanced equipment aboard the USS Pueblo, which could detect sonar and radar signals. The mission focused on identifying the types of equipment used by the North Koreans. He explains the plan to sail along the North Korean coast to gather intelligence while recounting encounters with North Korean vessels. These tense interactions escalated until the ship was ultimately attacked.
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Pueblo Abduction
Donald Peppard recounts the moment when North Korean forces ordered the USS Pueblo to follow them into port. He vividly describes the attack, recalling how the ship came under fire from the North Koreans. Despite the assault, the crew could not return fire because their two .50 caliber machine guns were exposed and frozen in the bitter cold. As a result, all 83 crew members were captured and taken as prisoners.
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Taken Prisoner
Donald Peppard recalls how North Koreans boarded the USS Pueblo, navigated it to shore, and docked it at a pier in Wonsan. He describes being taken prisoner along with the crew, tied up, blindfolded, and separated from one another. While half the crew was loaded onto a train, Peppard and the others were taken by bus to a building where they endured multiple beatings from a crowd. Eventually, he reunited with the other crew members on the train and recounts the tense ride to Pyongyang. The experience left a profound impact on him.
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Surviving North Korea
Donald Peppard describes how he and his fellow crew members passed the time during their eleven months as prisoners in North Korea. To cope, they entertained themselves with card games, exercise, and reading or writing. However, he recalls the brutal experience of what they called "Hell Week," when they endured continuous beatings for 48 hours. Despite this ordeal, their release followed shortly after, bringing an end to their captivity.
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Destroying Materials
Donald Peppard recalls that after its capture, the USS Pueblo took about seven hours to reach Wonsan. During the journey, he and many crew members feared execution, especially if the United States retaliated for their capture. With little else they could do, Peppard and others worked to dispose of sensitive materials to prevent them from falling into North Korean hands. The tension and uncertainty during the voyage left a lasting impression on him.
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Life as a Prisoner
Donald Peppard describes his life as a prisoner of war near Pyongyang, where he was held in two separate locations. He details the harsh living conditions, including room arrangements, minimal accommodations, and infrequent opportunities to bathe. Food was scarce and inadequate, adding to the physical strain on the men. He also recalls enduring frequent beatings and brainwashing sessions during interrogations. These experiences underscored the daily challenges faced by him and his fellow prisoners.
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