James Purcell
Bio
James Purcell was born in Chicago, Illinois, on April 5, 1936. He grew up in a working-class family; his mother was a teacher, and his father was an architect. On January 24, 1955, he enlisted in the United States Army, primarily to benefit from the GI Bill. Although the Korean War had ended, he was still deployed there to work in technical intelligence. His duties involved studying foreign weapons, such as tanks and machine guns, to help soldiers recognize them on the battlefield. Specifically, his job was to process captured weapons by photographing them and preparing them for shipment back to America. He received an honorable discharge from the U.S. Army on January 31, 1958.
Video Clips
A Primitive Society
James Purcell reflects on the primitive state of Incheon when he arrived in 1955. He recalls the dirt roads and stone buildings that characterized the region's agrarian landscape. He compares his home in America to a palace, noting the stark contrast with the dwellings of the Korean people at that time.
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Retracing Steps
James Purcell recounts the devastation he witnessed around Seoul after the war. When he arrived, the airport was nearly destroyed, but Incheon's airport has since been transformed into one of the largest in the world. He expresses that he is deeply impressed by the hardworking nature of the Korean people.
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Life After Korea
James Purcell reflects on his life after returning home from Korea. He discusses how he followed in his father's footsteps by working in construction. He states that his military experience contributed significantly to his career advancement.
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https://koreanwarlegacy.org/interviews/james-purcell#clip-3
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