Korean War Legacy Project

Jake O’Rourke

Bio

John “Jake” O’Rourke enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps shortly after graduating high school, eager to serve his country. At the time, he had little idea where he was headed and only learned mid-voyage across the Pacific that he was bound for Korea. He participated in the Inchon Landing, aiming to cut off North Korean supply lines, and later marched through difficult terrain to help recapture Seoul. As a veteran of the brutal Chosin Reservoir campaign, he is honored as one of the “Chosen Few.” After his military service, O’Rourke remained active in veterans’ organizations and played a key role in establishing the Korean War Veterans’ Memorial in Hyannis. His dedication to service extended well beyond the battlefield. Looking back, he shares that he is proud of his contributions and holds no regrets.

Video Clips

Destination Unknown & Inchon Landing

In September 1950, Jake O’Rourke and fellow soldiers boarded a ship in California without knowing their destination. He recalls orders were revealed halfway across the Pacific. They first arrived in Japan, where they endured a cyclone. Soon after, they landed in Inchon to take part in the mission to cut off North Korean supply routes.

Tags: Incheon,Basic training,Monsoon,North Koreans,Prior knowledge of Korea

Share this Clip +


Share YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wFeTLGLdqB0&start=213&end=433

Share from this page:
https://koreanwarlegacy.org/interviews/jake-orourke#clip-1

Embed:

Remembering Death

Jake O’Rourke recalls the profound impact of witnessing his first Marine casualty, a moment that stayed with him. Soon after, he took part in an ambush on three North Korean tanks, where both sides suffered heavy losses. The faces of the fallen still appear in his dreams, prompting deep reflection. He shares his belief that war, sadly, will always exist.

Tags: Front lines,North Koreans,Weapons

Share this Clip +


Share YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wFeTLGLdqB0&start=630&end=843

Share from this page:
https://koreanwarlegacy.org/interviews/jake-orourke#clip-2

Embed:

On the Move to Chosin Reservoir

Jake O’Rourke recalls fighting guerrilla forces in the hills and constantly moving between locations. He notes the extreme cold caused high Chinese casualties from frostbite, calling it both an ally and an enemy. At the Chosin Reservoir, he recalls Chinese bugles signaling attacks and retreats. He also witnessed napalm strikes against enemy forces.

Tags: 1950 Wonsan Landing, 10/25,1950 Battle of Chosin Reservoir, 11/27-12/13,Hagalwoori,Hamheung,Wonsan,Yudamri,Chinese,Cold winters,Front lines,Weapons

Share this Clip +


Share YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wFeTLGLdqB0&start=1126&end=1439

Share from this page:
https://koreanwarlegacy.org/interviews/jake-orourke#clip-3

Embed:

No Regrets and Pride

Jake O’Rourke shares that he has no regrets about his service, comparing it to baseball—you play your best, win or lose. He believes he gave his all and even enjoyed the experience despite the hardships. He expresses deep pride in his service. Though he hasn’t returned to Korea, he follows its progress closely.

Tags: Seoul,Impressions of Korea,Modern Korea,Pride

Share this Clip +


Share YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wFeTLGLdqB0&start=1852&end=2060

Share from this page:
https://koreanwarlegacy.org/interviews/jake-orourke#clip-4

Embed:

Inchon to Seoul

Jake O’Rourke describes the surprise landing at Inchon, where LSTs pulled up and unleashed rockets that lit the sky like the Fourth of July. The sudden assault caught the enemy off guard. He recalls meeting little resistance on the way to Seoul. However, they left the city devastated. The destruction was overwhelming.

Tags: 1950 Inchon Landing, 9/15-9/19,1950 Seoul Recapture, 9/22-9/25,1950 Battle of Pyongyang, 10/15-17,Incheon,Pyungyang,Seoul,Fear,Front lines,Physical destruction,Pride,Weapons

Share this Clip +


Share YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wFeTLGLdqB0&start=904&end=1090

Share from this page:
https://koreanwarlegacy.org/interviews/jake-orourke#clip-5

Embed: