Eleftherios Tsikandilakis
Bio
Eleftherios Tsikandilakis, who lived in Crete, Greece, an area renowned for its abundant vegetables and fruits, volunteered for the Greek Army in 1950 and was immediately sent to Busan. After spending eight days in Seoul, he witnessed the extensive physical destruction caused by the war. Seeing Korean children begging United Nations soldiers for food deeply affected him, leading him to give his leftover scraps to the children. Tsikandilakis was severely injured by grenade and artillery attacks, leaving him with scars on his arm, face, and leg. Despite his injuries, he is very proud of his role in protecting South Korea and has even returned twice to see the country’s advancements since the war.
Video Clips
Preparation for Joining the Greek Army
Eleftherios Tsikandilakis states he knew nothing about the Korean War when it began. At the time, he was a civil servant responsible for caring for military horses. He explains his role during the Korean War involved transporting food and ammunition on mules.
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Entering the Korean War
Eleftherios Tsikandilakis shares he joined the Korean War in December 1950, entering through Pusan. After some time there, he moved through Seoul and then advanced to the 38th Parallel. Throughout this period, he notes he did not engage in any combat.
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Scars From the Korean War
Eleftherios Tsikandilakis shares he sustained numerous injuries during the Korean War. He explains that a grenade exploded near his face, causing pain and scarring on his right cheek. Additionally, a military artillery shell detonated close to him, almost costing him his right leg and arm.
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Modern Korea
Eleftherios Tsikandilakis states he left Korea in July/August 1951. After returning to Korea twice, in 2008 and 2013, he was amazed by the significant advancements the country had made. He remarked that Korea's progress was a century ahead of Greece.
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Destruction in Seoul
Eleftherios Tsikandilakis shares the extreme hunger and devastation he witnessed upon entering Seoul. The recalls the situation being so dire that he felt Korea was a century behind Greece in 1950. He remembers Korean children would beg UN troops for food as they left restaurants and food tents.
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https://koreanwarlegacy.org/interviews/eleftherios-tsikandilakis#clip-5
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