Korean War Legacy Project

James Burroughs

Bio

James Burroughs was drafted into the United States Army in 1951 and served as a rifleman and machine gunner during the Korean War. Initially excited about the opportunity to become a decorated soldier, his feelings changed quickly during combat. He served on the front starting as an ammo bearer but was promoted to machine gunner after the previous machine gunner in his squad was killed. During his service, he captured a Chinese soldier who warned of an impending attack and was assigned to guard duty during the Korean War Peace talks. After the war, he returned to college and became a math teacher.

Video Clips

Advanced Infantry Training

James Burroughs recounts his experience of advanced infantry training. He vividly remembers being trained in using bayonets and fighting hand-to-hand as a part of their preparations for the Korean War. He discusses learning to fire all weapons, especially the .30 caliber machine gun, which he later used in Korea. He acknowledges that training and battle are not always the same, as in battle, one's objective is simply to survive.

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Start: 7:53
End: 10:41

Tags: Basic training,Weapons


Combat as a Machine Gunner and Friendly Fire

James Burroughs explains how ammo carriers would replace a machine gunner if he was killed. He recalls a Master Sergeant being shot and killed by a sniper while standing next to him. He discusses fellow soldiers in his unit being injured and U.S. Army artillery fire not always landing where intended.

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Start: 22:58
End: 26:54

Tags: Fear,Front lines,Personal Loss,Physical destruction,Weapons


Taking an Enemy Position

James Burroughs describes the fierce battles fought for hills in Korea, highlighting the strategic advantage of holding the high ground. He shares how officers disguised their ranks to avoid being targeted by enemy snipers. He recalls the intense experience of capturing an enemy position, being forced to spend the night sleeping among the dead bodies, and then rolling the corpses down the hill the following morning.

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Start: 27:02
End: 31:24

Tags: Chinese,Fear,Front lines,Weapons


Loss of a Friend

James Burroughs recalls when the machine gunner of his squad was shot and killed. He speaks of how he carried his friend back to receive medical care and how he was reprimanded by an officer for leaving his post. He explains that he later returned to the line and became the squad machine gunner.

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Start: 34:40
End: 36:12

Tags: Basic training,Front lines,Personal Loss,Weapons


Cold Korea and Capturing a Chinese Soldier

James Burroughs reminisces about the bitterly cold weather he experienced during his service in Korea. He recalls wading through snow that was up to his shoulders. He recounts finding a Chinese soldier behind the line and learning that his unit was about to be attacked by the Chinese and North Koreans the next day. He discusses his unit's preparations for the attack and firing until they had to replace his gun barrel.

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Start: 41:23
End: 45:52

Tags: Wonsan,Chinese,Cold winters,Front lines,North Koreans,Weapons


Korean War Peace Talks

James Burroughs recounts when he was pulled from the line and being ordered to guard the peace talks between the Chinese, North Koreans, South Koreans, and United States. He describes the experience of being surrounded by generals from all sides. He comments on being part of a regimental combat team.

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Start: 51:20
End: 53:43

Tags: Chinese,Front lines,North Koreans,Physical destruction,South Koreans,Weapons