George Parsons
Bio
George Parsons was born in 1930 in Brooklyn, New York. He joined the United States National Guard in 1950. Shortly after, his unit was deployed to Korea following the outbreak of the Korean War to join a United States Army combat team. He describes his arrival on the Korean peninsula and his initial experiences, recalling the bitter cold and the widespread physical destruction. Although he moved around frequently while serving, he admits that it was chaotic and he was often unaware of the names of most locations at the time. Parsons reflects on why the Korean War is often called the “Forgotten War” and discusses the legacy of the conflict and its veterans. He expresses his fondness for the Korean people and government, noting that both have shown continuous gratitude over the years. He is extremely proud of his service in the Korean War and supports the reunification of Korea.
Video Clips
Bound for Korea and First Experiences
George Parsons recounts his departure from the United States and arrival in Korea. He describes the journey aboard the troop ship USS Anderson and recalls landing in Pusan. He recounts the cold weather as it was January of 1951 and recalls there being no lodging available, stating that he remembers sleeping out in the field and crowding around fires to stay warm. He details his travels to Incheon and through Seoul, sharing that Seoul was completely devastated from the fighting.
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Returning Veterans
George Parsons explains that the Korean War is difficult to characterize because it was a conflict we could have won, yet we failed to see it through to completion. He shares his experience of returning home from Korea, noting the lack of recognition compared to the warm welcome given to WWII veterans. This disparity contributes to his belief that the Korean War is often referred to as the "Forgotten War." He expresses pride in the fact that the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) still exists as a boundary between North and South Korea at the 38th Parallel, protecting the people for whom he fought during the war.
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Enduring Fondness for Korea and Koreans
George Parsons emphasizes that the Korean War and its veterans should be remembered with honor and appreciation for their role in helping establish a free country. He shares his enduring fondness for the people and government of Korea, attributing it to their ongoing appreciation for the sacrifices made by Korean War veterans. He recalls an instance of gratitude he experienced while waiting in line at a donut shop, which reflects this sentiment.
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Legacy of the Korean War and Korean War Veterans
George Parsons discusses the legacy of the Korean War and the contributions of Korean War veterans. He believes that these veterans willingly saved a country and a people who were worth saving. He asserts that the United States made the right decision by fighting to defend South Korea and subsequently returning the country to its citizens. He feels strongly about the reunification of the Korean Peninsula and provides compelling reasons to support this belief.
Share YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q67F7aRv534&start=1202&end=1328
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Photos
George Parsons Participating in the Communion with His Comrades in Between Battles
Subject : Chorwon
Description : George Parsons participating in the Communion with his comrades in between battles
Coverage : Chorwon, 1951
Creator : George Parsons
Publisher : George Parsons
Contributor : Daniel Kim
Rights : KWVA Veterans & KWVDM
Date : 1951
A Destitute City in North Korea
Subject : North Korea
Description : A destitute city in North Korea
Coverage : North Korea, January 1951
Creator : George Parsons
Publisher : George Parsons
Contributor : Daniel Kim
Rights : KWVA Veterans & KWVDM
Date : January, 1951
George Parsons with a Teenage Orphan Named Kim
Subject : Kimhwa Valley
Description : George Parsons with a teenage orphan named Kim who stayed with Parsons for a few weeks until he was adopted by a Korean family
Coverage : Kimhwa Valley, July 1951
Creator : George Parsons
Publisher : George Parsons
Contributor : Daniel Kim
Rights : KWVA Veterans & KWVDM
Date : July, 1951
Houses in Chorwon
Subject : Chorwon
Description : Houses in Chorwon
Coverage : Chorwon, June 1951
Creator : George Parsons
Publisher : George Parsons
Contributor : Daniel Kim
Rights : KWVA Veterans & KWVDM
Date : June, 1951
George Parsons in Kumhwa Valley
Subject : Kumhwa Valley
Description : George Parsons in Kimhwa Valley
Coverage : Kimhwa Valley, Sept 1951
Creator : George Parsons
Publisher : George Parsons
Contributor : Daniel Kim
Rights : KWVA Veterans & KWVDM
Date : Sept, 1951
George Parsons on a Battlefield Against the Chinese Forces in Kumhwa Valley
Subject : Kimhwa Valley
Description : George Parsons on a battlefield against the Chinese forces in Kumhwa Valley
Coverage : Kimhwa Valley, 1951
Creator : George Parsons
Publisher : George Parsons
Contributor : Daniel Kim
Rights : KWVA Veterans & KWVDM
Date : 1951
A Temple in North Korea
Subject : North Korea
Description : A temple in North Korea
Coverage : North Korea, April 1951
Creator : George Parsons
Publisher : George Parsons
Contributor : Daniel Kim
Rights : KWVA Veterans & KWVDM
Date : April, 1951
Children in North Korea
Subject : North Korea
Description : Children in North Korea
Coverage : North Korea, April 1951
Creator : George Parsons
Publisher : George Parsons
Contributor : Daniel Kim
Rights : KWVA Veterans & KWVDM
Date : April, 1951
George Parsons on a Battlefield Against the Chinese Forces in Kumhwa Valley
Subject : Kumhwa Valley
Description : George Parsons on a battlefield against the Chinese forces in Kumhwa Valley
Coverage : Kumhwa Valley, 1951
Creator : George Parsons
Publisher : George Parsons
Contributor : Daniel Kim
Rights : KWVA Veterans & KWVDM
Date : 1951
Chorwon
Subject : Chorwon
Description : Chorwon
Coverage : Chorwon, June 1951
Creator : George Parsons
Publisher : George Parsons
Contributor : Daniel Kim
Rights : KWVA Veterans & KWVDM
Date : June, 1951
M114 155mm Howitzer Used by George Parsons During the War
Subject : The DMZ
Description : M114 155mm Howitzer used by George Parsons during the war
Coverage : The DMZ, June 2011
Creator : George Parsons
Publisher : George Parsons
Contributor : Daniel Kim
Rights : KWVA Veterans & KWVDM
Date : June, 2011
A Temple in North Korea
Subject : North Korea
Description : A temple in North Korea
Coverage : North Korea, April 1951
Creator : George Parsons
Publisher : George Parsons
Contributor : Daniel Kim
Rights : KWVA Veterans & KWVDM
Date : April, 1951
A Temple in North Korea
Subject : North Korea
Description : A temple in North Korea
Coverage : North Korea, April 1951
Creator : George Parsons
Publisher : George Parsons
Contributor : Daniel Kim
Rights : KWVA Veterans & KWVDM
Date : April, 1951
A Demolished Town in North Korea
Subject : North Korea
Description : A demolished town in North Korea
Coverage : North Korea, Jan 1951
Creator : George Parsons
Publisher : George Parsons
Contributor : Daniel Kim
Rights : KWVA Veterans & KWVDM
Date : Jan, 1951
A Temple in North Korea
Subject : North Korea
Description : A temple in North Korea
Coverage : North Korea, April 1951
Creator : George Parsons
Publisher : George Parsons
Contributor : Daniel Kim
Rights : KWVA Veterans & KWVDM
Date : April, 1951
