Korean War Legacy Project

Harlan Nielsen

Bio

Harlan Nielsen was drafted in the United States Army in 1952. He would have preferred not to have been drafted and sent to Korea but is proud of his service nonetheless. He describes his preference to not discuss the battles of the Korean War due to the impact of his memories. His wife explains his aversion to loud sounds after the war and his reaction when they occurred. Finally, Harlan Neilsen explains that his service showed him the bad so that he was able to appreciate the good.

Video Clips

Living Conditions and the Front Lines

Harlan Nielsen explains the living conditions on the front lines and not wanting to talk about Korean War battles he witnessed from the front lines. He recalls that many soldiers were killed. He continues to say that he feels war is close again with the activity of North Korea.

Tags: Food,Front lines,Impressions of Korea,Living conditions,North Koreans,Physical destruction

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End of the War and Its Effects

Harlan Nielsen offers an account of his duties while in Korea following the signing of the armistice and his return home. His wife chimes in and explains his reaction of dropping to the floor anytime there was a loud noise after his return. She describes a story in which she hid and jumped out to scare him. He dropped to the floor and told her afterwards never to do it again.

Tags: 1953 Armistice 7/27,Fear,Front lines,Home front

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Afterthoughts of War

Harlan Nielsen explains his thoughts on his service in the Korean War. He explains that serving in war can be necessary to a person's life and that American service during the war went to a good cause. He also describes how knowing the bad helps one recognize the good.

Tags: Impressions of Korea,Modern Korea,Pride,South Koreans

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l6ZdCH1V6Lc&start=1041&end=1155

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https://koreanwarlegacy.org/interviews/harlan-nielsen#clip-3

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