James M. Cross
Bio
James Cross was drafted into the Army in September 1950 and quickly began infantry training at Fort Ord, California. After completing basic training, he deployed to Japan for three months of occupational duty and attended soldier training school. From there, he traveled through Pusan to Seoul, Korea. He saw heavy combat at the Chosin Reservoir, Heartbreak Ridge, and Hill 362. After returning to the U.S. in June 1952, he struggled with PTSD but remains proud of his service. He also praises South Korea for its remarkable development since the war.
Video Clips
Impressions of Korea
James Cross recalls his first impressions of Korea as striking and somber. He saw small, devastated towns and hungry children everywhere. Driven by compassion, he handed out candy bars and shared whatever food he had. The suffering left a lasting impact, and he felt a strong urge to help however he could.
Share YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kZbkKOJJFw4&start=266&end=448
Share from this page:
https://koreanwarlegacy.org/interviews/james-m-cross#clip-1
Embed:
Heartbreak Ridge and PTSD (graphic content)
James Cross recalls enduring brutal marches and witnessing fallen Marines stripped by the enemy. As the war wore on, he grew to deeply resent the Chinese, admitting he would have killed any he encountered. His wife, Phyllis, adds he often woke from nightmares, haunted by the memory of friends dying beside him.
Share YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kZbkKOJJFw4&start=639&end=798
Share from this page:
https://koreanwarlegacy.org/interviews/james-m-cross#clip-2
Embed:
Scared or Mad (graphic content)
James Cross often felt scared or angry at the Chinese, especially during the intense fighting at Heartbreak Ridge. He remembers receiving just one hot meal a day and coming under attack shortly after finishing one. As he saw more suffering among American soldiers, his anger deepened, and he fought fiercely to stop the enemy at any cost.
Share YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kZbkKOJJFw4&start=849&end=1074
Share from this page:
https://koreanwarlegacy.org/interviews/james-m-cross#clip-3
Embed:
If Given a Chance to Meet the Chinese Today
James Cross says he would shake hands with a Chinese soldier today, knowing they were both following orders. He remembers how the Chinese, despite lacking proper uniforms, fought with determination. He takes great pride in serving as an American soldier. On his final night in combat, he killed nine Chinese soldiers who had advanced into American trenches.
Share YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kZbkKOJJFw4&start=1077&end=1296
Share from this page:
https://koreanwarlegacy.org/interviews/james-m-cross#clip-4
Embed:
Proud to Be a Veteran
James Cross takes deep pride in his service as a veteran. Although the Army drafted him, he doesn’t want his children or others to endure the same fate. He stresses the importance of choosing to serve and praises South Korea for its remarkable progress since the war.
Share YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kZbkKOJJFw4&start=1530&end=1679
Share from this page:
https://koreanwarlegacy.org/interviews/james-m-cross#clip-5
Embed: