Jesus Perez
Bio
Jesus Perez was born in Mercedes, Texas, on December 25, 1932. He began working with his father at the gas station at the age of nine and continued to do so until he was eighteen, at which time he enlisted in the United States Air Force. Throughout his basic training, he excelled in all areas and was selected to be an instructor, but he refused because his desire was to go to Korea and serve his country where servicemen were needed. He felt that there was honor in duty, and he wanted to do his part. After his tenure in the Air Force was completed, he joined the Army and completed four tours in Vietnam. His military career took him back to Korea at times, and he was impressed with the structural and economic recovery the country had made since the war. He understood the importance of teaching the youth of today about the cost of war.
Video Clips
Message For Future Generations
Jesus Perez shares an important message for future generations about why it is necessary to learn our history. He explains the significance of understanding sacrifice and the suffering of war, so that we can be better prepared should we face it again. He describes the impact of seeing orphans fighting for garbage because they were hungry.
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C3VkqlI6kw4&start=1410&end=1476
Share from this page:
https://koreanwarlegacy.org/interviews/jesus-perez#clip-1
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A Special Memory From Korea
Jesus Perez shares one of his happiest memories from Korea that took place on his birthday, which was also Christmas Day. He tells how his commander arranged for him to take a special leave to celebrate his birthday and how sneaky the crew had to be to pull off a surprise party. He also describes memories that were sad, such as having to repair aircraft stained with the blood of fellow soldiers who did not make it.
Share YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C3VkqlI6kw4&start=999&end=1095
Share from this page:
https://koreanwarlegacy.org/interviews/jesus-perez#clip-2
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