James Burroughs
Bio
James Burroughs was drafted, entered service with the United States Army in 1951, and served as a rifleman and machine gunner in the Korean War. He was excited when he found out he was going to Korea since he saw it as a chance to come back a decorated soldier. His feelings changed quickly in combat, however. He served on the front starting as an ammo bearer, and when the machine gunner in his squad was killed, he was moved to machine gunner. His experiences include capturing a Chinese soldier that warned of an impending attack and being assigned guard duty during the Korean War Peace talks. After his service in the war, he went back to college and became a math teacher.
Video Clips
Advanced Infantry Training
James Burroughs describes advanced infantry training. He recalls learning to use a bayonet and to fight hand-to-hand as preparation for Korea. He discusses learning to fire all weapons, especially the .30 caliber machine gun, which he later used in Korea. He admits training and battle are not always the same since one is just surviving in battle.
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Combat as a Machine Gunner and Friendly Fire
James Burroughs explains how ammo carriers would replace the machine gunner if he was killed. He recalls a Master Sergeant being shot and killed by a sniper as he stood 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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Taking an Enemy Position
James Burroughs describes the fighting for hills in Korea and the advantages of the high ground. He details how officers hid their ranks to make it harder for enemy snipers to shoot them. He recalls taking an enemy position, having to sleep on dead bodies overnight, and then rolling the bodies down the hill in the morning.
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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 for leaving his post by an officer. He discusses how he then went back to the line and was then the squad machine gunner.
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Cold Korea and Capturing a Chinese soldier
James Burroughs recalls the extreme cold in Korea and how the snow was up to his shoulders. He recounts finding a Chinese soldier behind the line and learning that the his unit was about to be attacked by the Chinese and North Koreans the next day. He discusses his unit setting up for the attack and firing until his gun barrel had to be changed.
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nT87dgU74lU&start=2481&end=2752
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https://koreanwarlegacy.org/interviews/james-burroughs#clip-5
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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 discusses seeing the general on all sides. He comments on being part of a regimental combat team.
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nT87dgU74lU&start=3080&end=3224
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https://koreanwarlegacy.org/interviews/james-burroughs#clip-6
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