James M. Oyadomari
Bio
James M. Oyadomari was drafted into the United States Army in late November 1951. He was assigned to the 176th Armored Field Battalion, a National Guard unit from Pennsylvania. Notably, he comes from a family where all five brothers served during the Korean War era, some overseas (including one other brother who also served in Korea) and others stateside. He recounts his time near the front lines where he assisted in building bunkers before being transferred to a radio relay station two miles behind the front lines. While in Korea, he learned Morse Code but noted using mostly voice radio transmissions during his time of service.
Video Clips
5 Brothers Served in Korean War Era
James M. Oyadomari shares he was one of five brothers who served either in Korea or stateside during the Korean War era. He notes that three of them volunteered after he was drafted. He recounts how he and his oldest brother were both drafted and that his oldest brother served following his return to the United States. He remarks that they were all fortunate to return home safely.
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Arriving in Korea
James M. Oyadomari shares the story of his arrival in Korea and the travels to his station at headquarters, about four miles behind the front lines. He recollects traveling from Busan to Incheon and Seoul on a slow train. From Seoul, he recalls traveling via truck through the West Gate to Chuncheon and ultimately to headquarters near the Kunson River. He recalls building bunkers for the first couple of months before transferring to a radio relay station closer to the front lines at a location referred to as Hill 949.
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I Couldn't Even Imagine: Returning to Korea
James M. Oyadomari shares he has been fortunate to return to Korea on two occasions. Although his recollections of what the country was like while he was stationed there are limited, he explains he was amazed by how much it has been rebuilt over the past 50 years. He shares he is proud of the country's success and the role he played in it. He articulates he would like to one day see the war officially come to an end and lead to a unified Korea, but he questions how this will be possible under the current leadership of North Korea.
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I Just Accepted What I Had to Do
James M. Oyadomari describes how he was assigned as a radio operator at a relay station just behind the front lines during his time in Korea. He recalls that most of the incoming fire flew well over their heads but that one round landed nearby. He confesses to being somewhat afraid but notes that he did not panic. He shares the struggles many of the younger soldiers dealt with while serving in Korea. He recalls the time as difficult but that he simply accepted what he had to do.
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