Korean War Legacy Project

Irwin Saltzman

Bio

At age twenty-one, Irwin Saltzman was drafted into the U.S. Army. During processing at Camp Kilmer, he joined a team assigned fireman duties, which involved stoking furnace fires. After nearly a month there, he began basic training and radio repair school at Camp Gordon, Georgia. Later, he advanced to radar repair school at Ft. Monmouth, New Jersey, where he trained on a new counter-mortar radar system designed specifically for Korea. In January 1953, he deployed to Korea, spending most of his service in Yeongdeungpo.

Video Clips

Experiences with Counter Mortar Radar

Irwin Saltzman explains he was first trained as a radio operator. Soon after, he received additional instruction on counter-mortar equipment. He frequently rotated between headquarters in Yeongdeungpo and the front lines to inspect and maintain this equipment. Meanwhile, the Signal Corps actively operated 26 positions ahead of the artillery and regularly launched harassing fire into enemy territory.

Tags: Yeongdeungpo,Front lines,Weapons

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Party Until We All Get Home

Irwin Saltzman fondly recalls the weekly Friday parties that followed the Armistice. Because ships home departed on Mondays, his unit held celebrations early to honor those returning to the U.S. He proudly explains how his group actively contributed by securing steaks and drinks, ensuring each departing soldier received a proper and memorable send-off.

Tags: 1953 Armistice 7/27,Yeongdeungpo,Food,Rest and Relaxation (R&R)

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With the Help of Koreans

Irwin Saltzman recalls the hardships Korean civilians faced but highlights their kindness, especially houseboys and cooks who supported his unit. He also remembers how those handling laundry used a clever system to identify and return each soldier’s clothing accurately, ensuring nothing was misplaced.

Tags: Yeongdeungpo,Living conditions,South Koreans

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Photos

Certificate of Service Front

Front of Irwin Saltzman's certificate of service in Korea.

Certificate of Service Front

Certificate of Service-back

The back of Irwin Saltzman's Certificate of Service.

Certificate of Service-back

Geneva Identification Card

Irwin's Geneva Identification Card. Geneva Identification Cards are the only form of information for each soldier has if captured.

Geneva Identification Card

Irwin St. and Saltzman St.

Picture of two streets at The Signal School at Fort Monmouth, NJ interestingly named Irwin St and Saltzman Ave.

Irwin St. and Saltzman St.

Graduating Class Photo

Saltzman and his graduating class of The Signal School in 1952. Saltzman is standing in the 2nd to top row on the right.

Graduating Class Photo

Saltzman with a Group of Technicians and Repairmen

Saltzman pictured with a group of technicians and repairmen taken around June 1953 in Yeongdeungpo.

Saltzman with a Group of Technicians and Repairmen

Counter Mortar Radar Equipment

Counter Mortar Radar Equipment which detected oncoming mortars is pictured. Saltzman monitored the equipment and specialized in it. This radar was located in the Forward Location (MLF and forward of artillery)

Counter Mortar Radar Equipment

Counter Mortar Radar Equipment

Another angle of the previous image of the Counter Mortar Radar.

Counter Mortar Radar Equipment

Forward Position

Forward Position where the equipment was stored and where the Americans stayed. Bunkers were there as well. The Forward Position was north of Seoul.

Forward Position