Homer M. Garza
Bio
Homer M. Garza was born in Beeville, Texas, on May 8, 1933. He later moved to Petronila, Texas, which is near Corpus Christi. In November 1948, Homer M. Garza decided to enlist in the National Guard. Two weeks later, he was transferred to the United States Army. His first station was in Japan, where he was assigned to the 7th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, at Camp Drake. He spent less than two weeks there before his unit was deployed to Korea. His unit arrived on the east coast of South Korea on July 18, 1950. While in Korea, he was injured twice. The first injury occurred on August 30, 1950, when he was shot three times in his left leg. The second injury happened on January 14, 1951, when a Chinese hand grenade struck his arm. His most memorable moment during the war was receiving the news that he would be going home. Upon returning home from the Korean War, he chose to remain in the U.S. Army. He married his wife, Hilda, in July 1952, and together they started a family, eventually having one daughter and three sons. After retiring from the Army as a Command Sergeant Major in 1973, he and Hilda settled near Harker Heights, Texas.
Video Clips
Arriving in Korea
Homer M. Garza recalls arriving in Korea on July 18, 1950. He recounts his first combat experience, witnessing the aftermath of the massacre at Nogeun-ri. He describes their retreat south to establish the Pusan Perimeter.
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Account of the Noguen-ri Massacre
Homer M. Garza reflects on the Noguen-ri massacre, located about 100 miles southeast of Seoul. He discusses his unit's encounters with North Korean forces during their time near the site of the massacre. He mentions that his unit was outnumbered by a ratio of 21 to 1.
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Food and Letters Home
Homer M. Garza describes the food he and his unit survived on during their first two weeks in Korea. He discusses writing letters home. He mentions using paper bags as envelopes.
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Crossing the Han River
Homer M. Garza discusses his unit's crossing of the Han River as they pushed to force the enemy back north. He reflects on the loss of men from his unit.
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North Korean Brutality
Homer M. Garza describes the treatment of U.S. casualties and prisoners of war by the North Koreans. He remarks on the dwindling number of Korean War veterans, reflecting a poignant reminder of the importance of preserving their stories for future generations.
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