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.
Share YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nT87dgU74lU&start=473&end=641
Share from this page:
https://koreanwarlegacy.org/interviews/james-burroughs#clip-1
Embed:
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.
Share YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nT87dgU74lU&start=1378&end=1614
Share from this page:
https://koreanwarlegacy.org/interviews/james-burroughs#clip-2
Embed:
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.
Share YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nT87dgU74lU&start=1622&end=1884
Share from this page:
https://koreanwarlegacy.org/interviews/james-burroughs#clip-3
Embed:
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.
Share YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nT87dgU74lU&start=2080&end=2172
Share from this page:
https://koreanwarlegacy.org/interviews/james-burroughs#clip-4
Embed:
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.
Share YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nT87dgU74lU&start=2483&end=2752
Share from this page:
https://koreanwarlegacy.org/interviews/james-burroughs#clip-5
Embed:
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.
Share YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nT87dgU74lU&start=3080&end=3223
Share from this page:
https://koreanwarlegacy.org/interviews/james-burroughs#clip-6
Embed: