Harlan Nielsen
Bio
Harlan Nielsen was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1952. Although he initially felt reluctant about serving in Korea, he now takes pride in his military service. First, he served as an infantryman, and later, he worked as a supply and ammunition specialist near Incheon. However, due to lingering traumatic memories, he avoids detailed discussions about his battlefield experiences. Indeed, his wife notes his postwar sensitivity to loud noises and his startled reactions. Ultimately, Nielsen believes his service exposed him to hardship, enabling him to truly value the good in life.
Video Clips
Living Conditions and the Front Lines
While Harlan Nielsen avoids detailing the horrific frontline conditions and combat deaths he witnessed in Korea, he acknowledges the harsh realities of war. Furthermore, he expresses concern that North Korea's current actions suggest a renewed threat of conflict.
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End of the War and Its Effects
After the armistice, Harlan Nielsen performed duties in Korea before returning home. However, upon his return, his wife recalls his extreme sensitivity to loud noises, noting he would instinctively drop to the floor. Consequently, following a prank where she startled him, he explicitly asked her never to do it again, revealing the lasting impact of his wartime experiences.
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Afterthoughts of War
Reflecting on his Korean War service, Harlan Nielsen believes that wartime experience can be a necessary part of life. Furthermore, he asserts that American involvement in the conflict served a worthy purpose. Ultimately, he concludes that witnessing hardship allows one to fully appreciate the good in life.
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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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