Korean War Legacy Project

Edward Redmond

Bio

Edmond John Redmond was born in Dublin, Ireland, on August 24, 1924. Growing up in poverty, he left school to help support his family. At 19, he joined the Irish Army, but when it became overstaffed, he enlisted in the British Army. During training, he was selected for special commando training, which proved valuable in both World War II and the Korean War. As part of the Middlesex Regiment, he led his platoon through the mountains to the Nakdong River, guarding Pusan from North Korean forces. After advancing to Pyongyang, he witnessed the devastation of burned villages, mass refugee trails, and orphaned children. His platoon reached the Yalu River, but they were pushed back by the Chinese during the Battle of the Chosin Reservoir. With only his jungle fatigues and limited supplies, he endured harsh conditions alongside U.S. and Australian troops before being pulled from the front lines in April 1951.

Video Clips

Arriving in Pusan and Protecting the Pusan Perimeter

Edward Redmond remembers arriving in Pusan aboard the Unicorn, where an all-African American regimental band warmly greeted them with music. After enduring a grueling 12-hour train ride, he and his troops dug defensive positions near the Nakdong River. When reinforcements were urgently needed to defend the Pusan Perimeter, he helped lead a group of paramilitary soldiers into the mountains to confront North Korean forces. Their efforts played a crucial role in protecting the perimeter.

Tags: 1950 Pusan Perimeter, 8/4-9/18,Busan,Nakdonggang (River),Communists,Fear,Front lines,Living conditions,North Koreans,Physical destruction,Pride,South Koreans,Weapons

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The Battle at Pyongyang

During the Battle of Pyongyang, Edward Redmond recalls his battalion suffering their first casualties. He expresses uncertainty about how one soldier was killed but believes the incident was covered up. After these losses, he notes that the determination to fight grew stronger among the troops. However, he also observed that the Republic of Korea Army (ROK) and the American forces lacked sufficient training.

Tags: 1950 Battle of Pyongyang, 10/15-17,Nakdonggang (River),Pyungyang,Fear,Front lines,North Koreans,Personal Loss,Physical destruction,Pride,South Koreans,Weapons

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Retreat from the Yalu River

Edward Redmond describes being surrounded by evacuating Korean refugees, many fleeing burned homes and abandoned land. After pushing the North Koreans back to the Yalu River, he and his unit held their position until the unexpected American retreat, which surprised the British Army. He expresses frustration with how the "Yanks" conducted the war, particularly in handling the civilian population.

Tags: 1950 Battle of Pyongyang, 10/15-17,1951 January 4 Withdrawal, 12/31-1/7,Aprokgang (Yalu River),Pyungyang,Chinese,Civilians,Fear,Front lines,Living conditions,North Koreans,Personal Loss,Physical destruction,Poverty,Pride,South Koreans,Weapons,Women

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Standing Up for a Good Cause with Help From Journalists

Edward Redmond recalls losing close friends during the Korean War and feeling deeply disappointed by how their bodies were hastily buried behind a building in Taegu. A reporter documented Redmond's sentiments and published them in a newspaper, drawing attention to the issue. However, the article angered a top general, who disapproved of the media leak and nearly court-martialed Redmond. This incident left him frustrated with how the situation was handled both on and off the battlefield.

Tags: 1950 Battle of Chosin Reservoir, 11/27-12/13,1951 January 4 Withdrawal, 12/31-1/7,Aprokgang (Yalu River),Cheongcheongang (River),Daegu,Chinese,Civilians,Cold winters,Fear,Front lines,Living conditions,North Koreans,Personal Loss,Physical destruction,Poverty,Pride,South Koreans,Weapons

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