Garry Hashimoto
Bio
After high school, Garry Hashimoto left his job at a pineapple cannery to enlist in the Army. He went through Bootcamp at Fort Ord, California, then shipped out to Korea with a friend. They traveled through Japan before arriving in Busan. Hashimoto joined Company B, 1st Battalion, 32nd Infantry Regiment, in the 7th Infantry Division. As a point man, he was always on watch for ambushes while his unit moved through the region. He left Korea around Christmas in 1951.
Video Clips
Experiences on the Front Lines
Garry Hashimoto reflects on his experiences on the front lines, where he initially served as a rifleman. However, due to his experience, he was promoted to forward observer after just three months, a role that required him to stay 100 feet ahead of his platoon to scout for ambushes. He recalls the constant dangers, including machine gun fire and relentless artillery bombardments, particularly from the Chinese.
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Chinese Soldiers and His Own PTSD Experience
Garry Hashimoto shares his perspectives on Chinese soldiers, recalling that they often seemed "crazy" and frequently appeared to be under the influence of drugs. He believes they took drugs to stay awake and fight continuously, as they were often found high. Reflecting on the harsh realities of war, he also mentions his struggles with PTSD, noting how one of his replacements was killed shortly after taking his post.
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Life on the Front Lines
Garry Hashimoto recalls the hardships of being on the front lines in Korea, where he spent at least thirty days without a shower or the ability to brush his teeth. He wore the same uniform and socks the entire time, and even when his boots filled with water, he couldn’t take them off until reaching a safe place. He remembers the unbearable smell of his socks and suffering from trench foot. Despite the conditions, he never went hungry, ate C-rations, and always had plenty of cigarettes, while his "bed" was a cold foxhole.
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Point Man
Garry Hashimoto recalls his role as a point man during much of the war, where he was alone at the front with the second point 50 yards behind and the rest of the platoon another 50 yards back. His primary responsibility was to scout for ambushes, a task he carried out daily without any extra pay. Despite the constant danger, he performed this duty without hesitation.
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