Korean War Legacy Project

Jesse Englehart

Bio

Jesse Englehart joined the Marine Corps in 1949 at 18 years old. He completed basic training and then Engineering School at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina training to be a Combat Engineer. From El Toro Air Base in California, he traveled by sea to Kobe, Japan finally reaching Busan, Korea on August 4, 1950. He describes taking part in calling in air strikes on enemy combatants in many battles including Pusan Perimeter, Incheon Landing, Wonsan Landing, and Chosin Reservoir. After the war, he continued in the Marine Corps including multiple tours in the Vietnam War as well as serving as a part of White House staff security at Camp David until he retired.

Video Clips

Kill or Be Killed

Jesse Englehart discusses landing in Busan. He discusses the personal hardship of being on a ship for such a long time. He explains how they quickly he was thrust into combat. He explains how he adapted.

Tags: 1950 Pusan Perimeter, 8/4-9/18,Busan,Front lines,North Koreans,Weapons

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The Luxury of Food

Jesse Englehart describes a resourceful Master Sergeant. Unlike other units, this Master Sergeant would get food using a boat. He explains how they were even able to get a freezer allowing the Master Sergeant to supply his unit with good food on the front lines.

Tags: Food,Front lines

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You Get Used to It

Jesse Englehart describes how a South Korean man was communicating with North Korea. He remembers an incident and seeing this man beaten with a bat. He explains how in war soldiers become desensitized to violence.

Tags: 1950 Wonsan Landing, 10/25,Wonsan,Fear,Front lines,North Koreans,South Koreans,Weapons

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Taking a Hill

Jesse Englehart describes his part in taking a hill. He explains how he prepared for battle with his helmet. He described weapons used against him and others during the Battle of Chosin Reservoir. He also explains that he was lucky to survive and how they made sure they left nothing the enemy could use.

Tags: 1950 Battle of Chosin Reservoir, 11/27-12/13,Yudamri,Chinese,Fear,Front lines,North Koreans,Weapons

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The Hazards of War

Jesse Englehart describes what he forgets and remembers from the war. He explains the weapons used. He explains incidents of death in what he calls the "hazards of war."

Tags: 1950 Battle of Chosin Reservoir, 11/27-12/13,Chinese,Front lines,Physical destruction,Weapons

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