Frederick Schram
Bio
Frederick Schram grew up in San Francisco, California, attending George Washington High School which overlooked the Golden Gate Bridge. With the encouragement of a professor at the junior college, who was a retired Army major, he joined the United States Army Reserves in 1952 and activated into the regular Army in 1953. He arrived in Korea after the signing of the armistice and was first assigned with the 25th Division to secure the area. In 1954, he chose to stay in Korea to work with KMAG, the Korean Military Advisory Group, to assist in the recovery of South Korea. As part of his work with KMAG, he was a member of the team who oversaw the reconstruction of the Korean railroad near Busan.
Video Clips
Sheer Devastation and Poverty
Frederick Schram describes arriving in Incheon in 1953 and his first impressions of Korea. He recounts arriving in a city annihilated from shelling. As they began their journey north, he recalls interacting with groups of Koreans who were living in sheer poverty. As they traveled through communities, he remembers soldiers distributing bars of soap from the train and witnessing desperate people fighting over the bars.
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Potpourri From Around the World
Frederick describes his first assignment with the 25th Division in Dongducheon and his decision to stay in Korea. While in Dongducheon, he comments on the encampment being made up of people from all over the world. He shares vivid memories about the various groups and issues they dealt with while in the camp. Since the 25th Division was returning to Hawaii, he discusses his decision to join KMAG, the Korean Military Advisory Group, to work directly with Koreans in Busan.
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KMAG's Critical Role
Frederick Schram describes his time with KMAG working on the reconstruction of the railroad near Busan. He discusses the critical role the KMAG played in the rebuilding of South Korea after the war. Since his MOS was a transportation specialist, he describes his role working on rebuilding the transportation corridor for the Korean railroad.
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Challenging but Gratifying Experiences
Fredeirck Schram recounts his experience adjusting to seeing people forced to live in deplorable conditions. On a daily basis, he remembers seeing people searching for assistance. In order to help, he recalls finding ways to purchase goods from civilians. Even though he originally wished for another assignment, he shares how it was exciting and gratifying to be able to help the Korean people. Along with seeing extreme levels of poverty, he expands on another challenging experience which resulted in the loss of several men during the reconstruction of the railway system.
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