Gregory Garcia
Bio
Gregory Garcia, born in Puerto Rico, moved to the United States at age three. In 1949 with parental consent, he enlisted in the U.S. Army at sixteen. Inspired by his cousin, he trained as a paratrooper. Subsequently, the Army deployed him to Korea in September 1950 to help recapture Seoul, but the Marines had already retaken Seoul by his arrival. Instead, Garcia and his unit conducted “guerrilla-stomping” operations, securing hills in the mountains. Notably, he cites his combat jump at Pyongyang as his most terrifying experience. Finally, after completing 65 jumps, the Army discharged him on April 4, 1952.
Video Clips
Change in Plans
Gregory Garcia's battalion deployed to Korea in late summer 1950, intending to reinforce Marines in Seoul. Upon arrival, they found Seoul secured. Consequently, he recalls their mission shifted to cleanup at Gimpo and guerrilla missions in the surrounding mountains.
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Jumping into Combat
During the fall and winter of 1950, Gregory Garcia recalls fighting in Pyongyang to combat Chinese and North Korean infiltration. Notably, he describes his most perilous moment as a combat jump where he landed while firing. Unfortunately, the weight of his Griswold bag, containing knives, caused it to detach during the jump.
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Living Conditions in Korea
During his time in Korea, Gregory Garcia recalls enduring harsh living conditions, often sleeping in foxholes, sleeping bags, or tents in Taegu. On top of this, he earned just over $100 per month as a soldier, with an additional $45 added to his pay due to his paratrooper status. Despite the challenges, his service continued under these difficult circumstances.
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