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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
