Germaye Beyene Tesfaye
Bio
Germaye Tesfaye enlisted in the Ethiopian Army in 1951 and served in Korea starting in 1952. Emperor Haile Selassie sent Ethiopian troops to Korea out of sympathy for a nation that had been colonized by Japan. While attending religious school in Gondar, Ethiopia, Germaye learned about the war and decided to join the military. He takes great pride in his service and often shares his experiences with his grandsons. During his interview, his grandsons express a desire to visit Korea with him one day. His story continues to inspire them and strengthen their bond.
Video Clips
Helping Starving Civilians and Funding Orphanages
When Germaye Tesfaye arrived in Korea in 1952, he witnessed widespread destruction and saw Koreans in desperate conditions. Ethiopian soldiers responded by sharing their food leftovers with hungry civilians and donating their salaries to establish orphanages for children who had lost their parents in the conflict. These selfless acts of kindness left a profound and lasting impression on him.
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Shooting Chinese from Hidden Vantage Points
Germaye Tesfaye served as a heavy machine gunner for the Third Battalion, stationed on the front lines. To avoid being discovered and killed, he often took cover while using heavy weaponry to shoot enemies from a distance, contributing to the death of numerous Chinese soldiers. During intense fighting, he was eventually shot but continued to persevere.
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Stopped by the Armistice
Germaye Tesfaye laments the Armistice, which stopped him and his fellow Ethiopians from conquering North Korea. Despite this, he marvels at Korea's extraordinary progress since the 1950s. He finds pride in the significant economic success of the nation he fought to defend.
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Proud Grandsons Planning a Trip to Korea
Germaye Tesfaye hopes to see a peaceful Korea before he dies, a wish his grandsons also share as they look forward to visiting. They are proud of his service and frequently reflect on his lasting legacy. Moreover, he is deeply grateful for the strong relationship between Korea and Ethiopia.
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