Frank Churchward
Bio
Frank Churchward grew up in Dodge Center, MN, in a family that saw service to the country as important. Shortly after graduating from high school, he attempted to sign up for a two-year enlistment, but he was informed the situation in Korea was under control so they didn’t need him to commit to active duty. As a result, he joined the National Guard in the Fall of 1953 and eventually enlisted in the Army for three years in January 1954. He describes his extensive training and his time in Korea after the war working with a Combat Engineering Company to build roads and bridges from Seoul to the DMZ.
Video Clips
Rebuilding Efforts in Korea
Frank Churchward worked in a Combat Engineering Company, supporting infrastructure rebuilding through preventative maintenance and repairs. He was responsible for maintaining a large area of land, ensuring it remained functional for various operations. He also describes the process of creating roads, detailing the numerous tasks involved in this essential work.
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Arriving in Korea Busan to Incheon
Frank Churchward recalls arriving in Korea, first landing in Busan before traveling to Icheon. He explains that a project was nearing completion when he arrived, marking a significant phase of his work. He also reflects on how the area has changed since then.
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Newlywed Abroad
Frank Churchward left for Korea less than two months after his wedding. He recalls feeling down, especially during the rainy season. Despite the challenges, he found comfort in writing and receiving letters from his new bride. These letters provided a connection to home and helped lift his spirits during his deployment
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Working to Rebuild Korea
Frank Churchward recalls that some of the most rewarding moments of his time in Korea were seeing projects completed, particularly a bridge project he remembers in detail. He explains that his unit was frequently reassigned to different units within the 11th Battalion, depending on the ongoing projects. When stationed up north, they were often positioned on the sides of mountains, facing challenging conditions.
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