Korean War Legacy Project

James R. Kaleohano

Bio

James Kaleohano was born on May 25, 1933, in Hawaii. He joined the United States Army on July 20, 1950, becoming part of the 25th Infantry Division. He flew from Hawaii to Japan and then on to Korea, landing there in mid-November amidst freezing temperatures and without winter clothing. After serving three tours in Korea, he later served in Vietnam.

Video Clips

Replacement Company

James Kaleohano recalls arriving in Korea just as his company was preparing to replace a unit that had recently been ambushed. He remembers being transported in cattle cars to the front lines in North Korea. Upon arrival, his company went directly to the front line, where he was assigned the role of a machine gunner.

Tags: Pyungyang,Cold winters,Fear,Front lines,Weapons

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The Will to Live

James Kaleohano describes the harsh winters in Korea. He remembers arriving from Hawaii with his company, which lacked winter clothing. He recalls the Chinese army pushing them back to Seoul, emphasizing the extreme cold that sometimes caused their weapons to malfunction and fail to fire.

Tags: Seoul,Chinese,Cold winters,Fear,Front lines,Impressions of Korea,Living conditions,Pride,Weapons

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Photos

Kaleohano and Friends

A picture of James R. Kaleohano with friends.

Kaleohano and Friends

Kaleohano

A picture of James R. Kaleohano.

Kaleohano

Kaleohano in Uniform

A picture of James R. Kaleohano and other soldiers in uniform attire.

Kaleohano in Uniform

James R. Kaleohano

A picture of James R. Kaleohano.

James R. Kaleohano

Kaleohano, Friends, and Bunker

A picture of James R. Kaleohano and friends sitting on a bunker.

Kaleohano, Friends, and Bunker

Kaleohano, Friends, Flag

A picture of James R. Kaleohano, Kenny, and Asham holding up a captured Chinese flag.

Kaleohano, Friends, Flag

The Beach

The Beach

Kaleohano

Kaleohano

Land Mine Remains

A picture of the remains of a soldier who stepped on a land mine that James R. Kaleohano set up.

Land Mine Remains

Land Mine

A picture of a land mine or boobie trap that James R. Kaleohano set up explode.

Land Mine

Kaleohano

Kaleohano

Soldier

A picture of a soldier nestled in a tunnel opening.

Soldier

Kaleohano and Beach

Kaleohano and Beach

Kaleohano

A picture of James R. Kaleohano.

Kaleohano

James R. Kaleohano and Friends

A picture of James R. Kaleohano resting with friends.

James R. Kaleohano and Friends

Crossing the Water

A picture of James R. Kaleohano and other soldiers crossing the water.

Crossing the Water

Soldiers

Soldiers

Soldier Group Picture

Soldier Group Picture

James R. Kaleohano

A picture of James R. Kaleohano.

James R. Kaleohano

James R. Kaleohano and Friend

A picture of James R. Kaleohano with a friend.

James R. Kaleohano and Friend

Collage

A collage of photos taken by James R. Kaleohano during his years of service.

Collage

Soldiers and Truck

A picture of soldiers seated in a military truck.

Soldiers and Truck

James R. Kaleohano Portrait

A portrait of James R. Kaleohano.

James R. Kaleohano Portrait

Pictures

Pictures

James R. Kaleohano Black Belt

James R. Kaleohano in his black belt uniform.

James R. Kaleohano Black Belt