George Covel
Bio
George Covel was born in Brooklyn, NY, and he was a college student at Juilliard School of Music and Hofstra University before enlisting. Serving in the 8th US Army Band and the Honor Guard as a SGT-E5 while in Korea, he offers an account of his unique experience. He was a bandsman, a high-speed radio operator, and participated in Spring-Summer 1953 while there. For his commitments, he received the Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Award, the Korean Campaign Medal, and the UN Medal. After returning to the United States, he became a court reporter and raised a family. He is proud of his service and the legacy of Korean War veterans, and he offers a message to future generations in his closing remarks.
Video Clips
Enlistment and Leaving Loved Ones Behind
George Covel describes his enlistment and leaving behind his wife who was 6 months pregnant at the time. He details his role as a bandsman and placement in the Honor Guard and recounts serving as a ceremonial bandsman during the war, about 11 miles away from the front lines. He expresses that he was fortunate enough to avoid firing weapons on most occasions.
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First Impressions of Korea and Living Conditions
George Covel describes his first impressions of Korea as shocking and recounts significant devastation. He recalls his living conditions, stating that he was one of the fortunate ones to have lived in an old sergeant's quarters with cots, houseboys, and enough clothing. He mentions that an officer peddled their food on the black market which rendered poor food options for the bandsmen.
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j-zFn4sPcrI&start=349&end=517
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https://koreanwarlegacy.org/interviews/george-covel#clip-2
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Armistice Signing
George Covel shares his memories of the day the Armistice was signed. He recalls making bets with fellow soldiers who did not believe it would occur when he predicted, and he recounts their surprise when it actually took place. He also describes the "big switch, little switch" and the release of prisoners following the Armistice.
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j-zFn4sPcrI&start=669&end=805
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A Rewarding Life, Legacy, and Message
George Covel discusses some of the challenges he faced regarding the GI Bill and choosing a differing career pathway when he returned to the States following the war. He emphasizes that the Army and his service made him a better man, and he offers his thoughts on the importance of the Korean War and the legacy of Korean War veterans. He stresses the importance of not forgetting history and encourages future generations to listen and learn from veterans so that they avoid the mistakes made in the past.
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j-zFn4sPcrI&start=1047&end=1297
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Photos
Band
American G.I. George Covel
Incheon Harbor, low tide
Seoul Railway Station in 1950s
Korean Vegetable Garden
Korean Traditional House
Hospital
Traditional Korean House
LST 520 that took communist POW from Keojedo to Incheon, Wolmido
Shoeshine boy in Incheon
Lst 520 (side view)
American G.I band and Korean children
Load a Korean Woman carries
Korean girls presenting flowers to band
Pagoda behind Chosun hotel
Incheon Custom House
Pagoda around Chosun hotel
Shoeshine boy
Seoul
Water fountain in Chosun hotel
Woman carrying load using her head
Chosun hotel
George Covel
houseboy
band marching in
Seoul
A memorial for the dead 8th army in seoul
Government center (Senator Knowland Korean People Welcome You)
Plaque in the memorial for the dead of the 8th army in Seoul.
Behind bus depot (trace of severe battle between the 8th army and communist)
Inside Finance building courtyard
General Taylor
Bernie Powers
The 7th TMRS field
Seoul
Where I live now
Seoul
Barracks on old Japanese officers
Indian troops
Jim Beaty our room in the old compound
Indian troops
Desolate Seoul
Indian troops
Seoul in 1953
Indian troops
Seoul in 1953
Honey bucket
Indian troops
Papasan with a frame
Indian troops
Seoul street
Kids in Seoul street giving out candy
Seoul street
Group of kibitzers over a game of Korean chess
Welcome Vice President Richard Nixon
Korean kids
Yongsan school house
Women in Seoul street
1000 steps
Orphange
Incheon harbor
Korean burial ground
Seoul
Han River bridge
US Finance building
Han River Railroad bridge
George Covel
Old rice store