Korean War Legacy Project

Harry Castro

Bio

Frustration with martial law restrictions in Pearl Harbor drove Harry Castro to enlist in the U.S. Army. Previously, he worked as a sheet metal worker there, and despite draft deferment as a government employee, he volunteered. Subsequently, he completed basic training in Tyler, Texas. Then, his early service involved travel across the Pacific. Later, in 1945, a typhoon forced him to Inchon Harbor, where he witnessed the devastation left by the Japanese in Korea. Finally, he contributed to building American bases in Okinawa.

 

 

Video Clips

Experiences at Incheon in 1945

Harry Castro recalls experiencing snow for the first time while spending Thanksgiving in the area. He describes the stark visuals of the landscape and notes that they had no weapons, having been stationed there due to a typhoon. He also reflects on the destruction he witnessed, which he believes was likely caused by the Japanese, in other nearby locations.

Tags: Incheon,Cold winters,Front lines,Living conditions,Physical destruction

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Food for Thought

Harry Castro recalls his experience eating on the ship, mentioning that some days he didn’t have lunch. However, he notes that, for the most part, he was fed regularly.

Tags: Incheon,Food

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