Irwin Saltzman
Bio
Irwin Saltzman explains how he was drafted at twenty-one. He describes his service in the Army as part of a selective team. He explains his specialty training. He shares how he was in charge of repairing and monitoring radar that had been developed to track mortar shells. He spent a majority of his time in Yeongdeungpo. He shares that he traveled each month to the front lines to replace and deliver equipment. He shares how he finds the kindness of Korean people, as well as their economic growth, unbelievable.
Video Clips
Experiences with Counter Mortar Radar
Irwin Saltzman describes Initially trained as a radio operator. He explains that he then was told he would receive additional training on equipment built for counter mortar operations. He describes rotating between headquarters at Yeongdeungpo and traveling to the front line to check on equipment. He explains how the Signal Corp maintained twenty-six positions in front of the artillery at the front lines and regularly sent harassing fire into enemy positions.
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Party Until We All Get Home
Irwin Saltzman discusses the weekly parties after the Armistice was signed his outfit would have every Friday. He explains the ships home would leave on Monday so they would celebrate on Fridays for those who were returning to the United States. He shares the honor of his group and how it helped provide libations and steaks for these parties.
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vqBJVB4nQyQ&start=1105&end=1180
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With the Help of Koreans
Irwin Saltzman describes briefly the conditions of the Korean civilians during the war. He shares that the Koreans that helped his group were very kind. He shares how his group had the help of Korean houseboys and cooks. He also remembers a special way the Koreans who cared for the soldiers' clothes were able to identify the soldier's items.
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vqBJVB4nQyQ&start=1392&end=1468
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Photos
Certificate of Service Front
Front of Irwin Saltzman's certificate of service in Korea.
Certificate of Service-back
The back of Irwin Saltzman's Certificate of Service.
Geneva Identification Card
Irwin's Geneva Identification Card. Geneva Identification Cards are the only form of information for each soldier has if captured.
Irwin St. and Saltzman St.
Picture of two streets at The Signal School at Fort Monmouth, NJ interestingly named Irwin St and Saltzman Ave.
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.
Saltzman with a Group of Technicians and Repairmen
Saltzman pictured with a group of technicians and repairmen taken around June 1953 in Yeongdeungpo.
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
Another angle of the previous image of the Counter Mortar Radar.
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.
