Howard Street
Bio
Howard Street, born on April 17, 1933, in Boston, MA, enlisted in the Army shortly after finishing high school. He completed basic training at three different camps, including Camp Crowder in Missouri, as well as facilities in Wisconsin and Kentucky. Trained as an amphibious tank commander, he arrived in Pusan, Korea, just after the July 1953 ceasefire. He vividly recalls the widespread destruction and the many challenges he faced during his service. Today, he remains proud of his time in the military and actively participates in the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars in both Michigan and California.
Video Clips
Prior Knowledge of Korea and Basic Training
Howard Street admits he knew little about Korea when he enlisted, other than the fact that a war was underway. He recounts completing basic training and specializing in amphibious tanks, a role that prepared him for overseas deployment. He adds that he arrived in Pusan, Korea, just after the ceasefire in July 1953.
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Destruction Everywhere
Howard Street recounts Pusan's terrible condition. He remembers everything being destroyed, even in Seoul. He recalls that he and other soldiers rode a train north for 2 plus days with little food and that people were throwing things at their train.
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Difficulties Faced
Howard Street recalls that his biggest challenge in Korea was simply staying clean. Showers were scarce, and finding decent food was just as difficult. He describes sleeping on the ground in tents, often in six feet of snow and temperatures dropping below 40 degrees.
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Korea Today and Legacy
Howard Street expresses pride in his service in Korea and says he has no regrets about his time there. Reflecting on history, he shares strong views about President Truman’s decision to fire General MacArthur. He believes it was a major mistake and feels the outcome would have been better had MacArthur remained in command.
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