Francis John Ezzo

Bio

Francis John Ezzo was born in 1932 in Salina, New York. He worked as a service station attendant before enlisting in the United States Marine Corps. He carried out his military service from 1949 to 1952. From September 1950 to May 1951, he was stationed in Korea. He served in 1st Company, 3rd Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division as a private and rose to corporal before the time of his discharge. He was a light machine gunner and participated in the Chosin Reservoir Battle and 1951 Spring Counteroffensive. He received multiple awards for his commitments, including a National Defense Medal, Korean Service Medal with One Silver Star, UN Service Medal, Republic of Korea Presidential Citation, and Presidential Unit Commendation Ribbon with Two Bronze Stars. Upon returning to the United States, he worked at Charlestown Navy Yard in Boston, Massachusetts. After being discharged from military service, he married and raised four children. He worked forty-two years for O’Brien and Gere Engineers.

Video Clips

Just Doing My Job

Francis Ezzo explains that he does not remember specific hills or battles because he was just doing his job. He describes being outnumbered at the Chosin Reservoir. He recalls that the Chinese were not well equipped as some did not have rifles or shoes.

Tags: 1950 Battle of Chosin Reservoir, 11/27-12/13,Chinese,Cold winters,Front lines,Living conditions,Weapons

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Korea Then and Now

Francis Ezzo describes walking through the countryside. He recalls seeing rice paddies and giving kids some food. He shares that even though he has never been back, he is thankful that Koreans appreciate the sacrifices American soldiers made for their country.

Tags: Civilians,Food,Impressions of Korea,Living conditions,Message to Students,Modern Korea,Pride,South Koreans

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War Made Me a Better Person

Francis Ezzo says the war made him a better person because he saw what happened during war. He explains that he heard about Word War II, but experiencing war helped him understand what war was like. He shares that the experience helped him appreciate life more.