Eddie Reyes Piña
Bio
Eddie Reyes Piña served in the 17th Infantry Regiment, 1st Battalion, A Company of the United States Army near the end of the Korean War. He volunteered for the draft at just sixteen years of age, with a little help from his cousin who provided altered papers to allow him to do so. At seventeen, he was sent to Korea following heavy weapons training in Hokkaido, Japan. He served during the stalemate portion of the war in trenches. He fought in the Battle of Pork Chop Hill, Hill 255. After the Armistice signing in July, he helped build Camp Casey, located in the DMZ. The Camp helps train South Korean soldiers that defend the country. He later served two tours in the Vietnam War (1966-’67 and 1971-’72). He received a Bronze Star with Valor and many other medals for his service to his country.
Video Clips
Many Felt We Had No Business Over There
Eddie Reyes Piña recounts how he volunteered for the draft before he was eligible. He recalls entering the service on August 20, 1952. He shares what those around him were saying about U.S. involvement in the Korean War and the subsequent treatment of Korean War veterans when they returned.
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A Change to Trench and Outpost Warfare
Eddie Reyes Piña recalls receiving training with heavy mortars in Hokkaido, Japan, and moving to Incheon and then on to the area of Pork Chop Hill. He notes that by the time he arrived, fighting had transitioned to more trench and outpost warfare. He offers insight into the differences between outposts and listening posts.
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Witnessing the Horrors of Pork Chop Hill and Then the Armistice
Eddie Reyes Piña served his country as part of the Battle of Pork Chop Hill. He reflects on how the unit fought back against the Chinese and North Koreans. He notes how he left his position in the rear guard to assist a medic in bringing the dead and wounded back. He further explains that the medic received a Bronze Star for Valor, but he did not in part because he did not know how to advocate for himself to ensure he received the medal. He concludes by sharing his recollections of witnessing the Armistice.
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Impressions of Korea and the Korean People
Eddie Reyes Piña recalls always being in danger while serving in Korea. He recounts how, prior to returning home in 1954, he assisted in building Camp Casey and protecting the DMZ. He reflects favorably on the country of Korea and the Korean people themselves.
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Discrimination
Eddie Reyes Piña, as a soldier of Mexican-American ancestry, recalls only one real incident of seeing discrimination which dealt with a Puerto Rican Infantry unit that refused orders. He remembers becoming a translator for several of them when their unit was disbanded for refusing orders. He notes he did not personally experience any discrimination while serving in Korea.
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"If You Do Not Know the Unknown Then You Are Going to Be Fearful"
Eddie Reyes Piña recalls how he returned from Korea while still a teenager. He reflects on the importance of learning about the Korean War and the country itself. He believes that by learning about the unknown we can eliminate much of the fear in the world.
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