Korean War Legacy Project

James Rominger

Bio

James Rominger was born on December 12, 1932, in Millport, Alabama. He joined the United States Army in 1947 and served in Japan for two years before being deployed to Korea in 1950. Initially, he worked as a Morse code operator and radio repairman before advancing to the role of radio communications sergeant. During his time in Korea, he had many interesting experiences, including interactions with his houseboy and dealing with frequent shortages of supplies. Over the course of more than 25 years in the military, he rose to the rank of master sergeant.

Video Clips

Korean House Boys

James Rominger discusses the responsibilities of the Korean house boys, who managed various housekeeping tasks for the soldiers. He outlines the duties of the house boys, including washing clothes, cleaning shoes, and maintaining cleanliness in the foxholes and bunkers in exchange for food and clothing. He explains why one particular teenage boy was unable to return home.

Tags: Busan,Daegu,Seoul,Civilians,Front lines,Living conditions,South Koreans

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Unprepared for War

James Rominger states that initially, North Koreans were winning the war because American soldiers were unprepared. They faced severe shortages of food, and many had worn-out boots. He describes how soldiers were operating in the North Korean territory of Kumhwa Valley, working diligently to stabilize an area that had been completely devastated.

Tags: Daegu,Seoul,Front lines,Impressions of Korea,Living conditions,North Koreans,Physical destruction

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A Typical Day in the Kumhwa Valley

James Rominger describes a typical day in the life of a radio sergeant. He shares details about the food they ate and where they slept, as well as the responsibilities of his job. He recalls the procedures for repairing the radios and the necessity of delivering them to the forward observers.

Tags: Food,Front lines,Living conditions

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