Korean War Legacy Project

Henry Martinez

Bio

Inspired by his older brothers who served in World War II, Henry Martinez enlisted in the United States Army in 1947 at just sixteen. He completed his basic training at Ft. Ord, California, where he became proficient in operating a variety of Army weapons. In 1948, he was sent to Incheon, Korea, where he spent a year training the Korean Army and assisting with loading and unloading supplies. After finishing his overseas duty, he volunteered to return to Korea just two days after the war broke out, driven by a desire to help the Korean people. Later, he joined the American Legion Post 416, where he served as post commander twice.

 

 

Video Clips

Joining the Military at 16

Henry Martinez explains that at 16, he joined the military after feeling unfulfilled in school and struggling with his peers. He gives an overview of his basic training experience. Martinez adds that his parents, though reluctant, signed for him to enlist, believing he had a strong desire to serve and follow in his brothers' footsteps.

Tags: Basic training,Impressions of Korea,Message to Students,Pride

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Back to Korea

Henry Martinez had completed his tour of duty when the Korean War broke out. He recalls first hearing about the war while stationed in Japan. Despite having the option to go home, he chose to go to Korea, driven by a sense of duty. He also recounts a disastrous fire in port during the early days of his second deployment to Korea.

Tags: Incheon,Civilians,Living conditions,Poverty,Pride,South Koreans,Weapons

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Escape from the Chosin

Henry Martinez recalls delivering supplies during the war, including a Thanksgiving meal to the Chosin Few. However, he describes how he and his unit had to turn back when the mountains were frozen and the Chinese forces were rapidly approaching. They retreated to Pusan, where he was restricted from going anywhere else.

Tags: 1950 Battle of Chosin Reservoir, 11/27-12/13,Chinese,Front lines,Pride

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Supplying the Front Lines

Henry Martinez explains that he worked with supplies during the war, staying near the front lines along the Pusan Perimeter as troops were quickly running out of resources. While in Pusan, many of his friends were reassigned to infantry units, and he wanted to join them. Although he didn’t immediately get the chance, he later participated in the push through Taegu.

Tags: 1950 Pusan Perimeter, 8/4-9/18,Busan,Daegu,Seoul,Front lines,Living conditions,Weapons

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