Edward Rowny
Bio
Video Clips
The Landing Saved the Marine Corps
Edward Rowny provides valuable insight into the planning of the Incheon Landing, a pivotal operation during the Korean War. As a key member of the planning team, he explains how they successfully persuaded the Joint Chiefs of Staff to approve the mission, despite its considerable risks. He further emphasizes the operation’s significance, noting that it not only advanced UN efforts but also helped preserve the future of the Marine Corps. Consequently, the operation became a turning point in the war.
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Successful Landing in Incheon
Edward Rowny recounts his experience working alongside General MacArthur during the Incheon Landing, overseeing the operation’s three waves. He provides a detailed account of the complex logistics required to execute the landing. After its success, he vividly recalls General MacArthur's elation as the mission was declared a triumph. During the third wave, he accompanied General Edward Almond to visit the troops and reflects on the controversial decision to push the forces forward across the Han River.
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Revisiting Korea to Oversee the DMZ
Edward Rowny shares that he revisited Korea six or seven times after the war, witnessing the country’s remarkable progress. In addition, he reflects on his experience commanding the first combined U.S.-Korean Corps at the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) a generation after the conflict. Over the years, he observed how the Korean military, once disorganized, gradually transformed into a highly effective and efficient force. This transformation, he notes, highlights the incredible strides the country made in rebuilding. Ultimately, these changes were a testament to Korea’s resilience and growth
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Two- Sided Legacy of the Korean War
Edward Rowny expresses his surprise at how industrious and successful Korea became after the war, highlighting the country's global leadership in technology and describing it as an "economic miracle." He voices concerns that the current generation may not fully grasp the ongoing threat posed by North Korea. He stresses the importance of maintaining a well-trained and well-equipped military, urging that this readiness is crucial, even with the U.S.'s nuclear capabilities.
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Writing about His Experiences
Edward Rowny shares that he has authored books, including An American Soldier's Saga in the Korean War, which received significant coverage and was translated into Korean. He reflects on his experience at the 2015 Teachers' and Veterans' Youth Corps Convention, where he discussed his work. He urges students to pay attention to their lessons to help prevent future conflicts like the Korean War. He summarizes his book as a personal account of his experiences and accomplishments during the war.
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Dropping the Bridge in Chosin Reservoir
Edward Rowny reveals that he is the Corps Engineer who designed and later famously dropped the bridge from the air into the Jangjin (Chosin) Reservoir. This was one of the most important parts of the Jangjin (Chosin) Reservoir Battle. He shares how the Chinese were firing at them while they were building it. He recounts how this project was successful in stopping the Chinese long enough to evacuate the troops, without which there would have been tremendous casualties.
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Why Didn't MacArthur do More About the Chinese?
Edward Rowny explains how the Chinese forces' numbers gradually increased over time. Concerned, his staff reported these developments to a skeptical General Willoughby in Japan. In response, he recalls inviting General Willoughby to meet two Chinese prisoners they had captured, pointing out their distinct features, which he recognized from his anthropology studies. Despite this, his observations were dismissed. As a result, he notes that General Willoughby was wrong, and unfortunately, General MacArthur sided with him, ultimately disregarding him and his corps' assessment.
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Evacuation from North Korea
Edward Rowny recounts overseeing the evacuation of 600,000 tons of supplies, 100,000 troops, and 100,000 refugees at the port of Heungnam in North Korea. His responsibilities also included blowing up the port to prevent it from falling into Chinese hands. He was scheduled to be on the last ship to leave, but it was destroyed before he could board. Eventually he and two others were rescued by an American plane and made it home by Christmas.
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