Korean War Legacy Project

Howard W. Bradshaw

Bio

After graduating from high school, Howard W. Bradshaw served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on a Native American Reservation near San Francisco. News of the Korean War soon led to his call to military service in spring 1951. He completed Army basic training at Fort Lewis, WA, and further training at Fort Lee, VA. By late 1951, he was in Pusan, Korea, as a Personnel Supervisor for the 6th Army, 98th Quartermaster Battalion. There, he taught English and his faith to many Koreans. He and his wife, Lavern, corresponded through letters, sharing their separate experiences. She joins him this interview to discuss her life on the home front with their new baby.

Video Clips

Impressions of the Korean People

Howard Bradshaw cherishes his memories of the Korean people, especially the children he met during the Korean War. While serving in Pusan, he often encountered orphans in the streets. He actively showed his fondness for these children by giving them candy and taking their photographs so he could reflect back on his experience in Korea.

Tags: Busan,Civilians,Food,Front lines,Impressions of Korea,Living conditions,Orphanage,Physical destruction,Poverty,South Koreans

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English and the Mormon Church

During the Korean War, a Cornell professor and fellow soldiers taught English to Korean civilians, often sharing their faith in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This early outreach helped establish the Church in Korea, eventually leading to a temple and a growing membership, which he now estimates at 125,000.

Tags: Busan,Civilians,Impressions of Korea,Living conditions,Modern Korea,Pride,South Koreans

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A Soldier's Wife Remembers Life without Her Loved One

Like her husband Howard, Lavern Bradshaw wrote letters every night to stay connected. She shared stories of growing a vegetable garden to save money, while neighbors occasionally provided venison to help feed her family. Meanwhile, Howard described his efforts to help feed orphans in Korea. Their letters bridged the distance with everyday details and mutual support.

Tags: Busan,Civilians,Food,Front lines,Home front,Letters,Living conditions,Orphanage,Physical destruction,Poverty,Pride,South Koreans,Women

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Lavern Bradshaw's Perspective After Visiting Korea

Howard Bradshaw’s detailed letters vividly described life in Korea, keeping Lavern well-informed about his surroundings. When she later visited modern Korea for the first time, she recognized many places from his stories. Traveling from Seoul to Pusan, they were struck by the number of buildings and the country’s dramatic transformation. They both found it absolutely beautiful.

Tags: Busan,Seoul,Impressions of Korea,Living conditions,Modern Korea,Pride,Prior knowledge of Korea

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