Korean War Legacy Project

Jesus L. Balaoro

Bio

Jesus L. Balaoro was born in 1932 in the Philippines and served in the Korean War from 1953 to 1954. He worked with 60 mm mortars during combat, serving under B Company. He was dedicated to his service during the Korean War and was willing to give his life if necessary because he did not have a wife or children at the time despite the objections from his parents.

Video Clips

Family Cries as Balaoro Goes to War

Jesus Balaoro completed his training in the Philippines. He learned he was being sent to Korea to fight in the war. When he told his family, his parents cried. However, Jesus Balaoro says he was not scared because he had no wife and kids at the moment and he was not afraid to sacrifice his life if necessary.

Tags: Basic training,Fear,Home front

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Koreans Happy to See Filippinos

Jesus Balaoro arrived in Korea and the Korean people were happy to see the Filippinos. They were happy the Filippinos were trying to save them. Jesus Balaoro noted there were actually a few villages that were not destroyed by the war yet.

Tags: Busan,Daegu,Civilians,Impressions of Korea,Physical destruction,South Koreans,Weapons

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Jesus Balaoro Defies Orders, Wins Award

In the Battle of Christmas Hill, Jesus Balaoro's friend was wounded. Jesus Balaoro carried his friend to the top of the hill to be taken to a hospital by a helicopter. Along the way, his commander ordered him to stop but he defied orders and continued up the hill. Jesus Balaoro's friend was able to survive the battle wound, but later died from disease.

Tags: Chinese,Front lines

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Photos

Four Soldiers

Four Soldiers

Christmas Hill

Christmas Hill

Chattanooga Telecom

Chattanooga Telecom

Jess & American Friend

Jess & American Friend

Combat Preparation

Combat Preparation