Joe H. Ager
Bio
Joseph H. Ager was born on November 17, 1928, in Shelby, North Carolina. After graduating from Cleveland High School in 1945, he began studying chemistry at North Carolina College in Durham, North Carolina. Because of the education benefits from the GI Bill, he chose to enlist in the United States Army. After a twelve-month wait, he was inducted and completed basic training at Fort Dix, New Jersey. Prior to the outbreak of the Korean War, he trained the Chinese military for six months on how to use the surplus of America’s weapons. In 1950, his enlistment was extended, and he was transferred to Korea. Shortly after landing in Korea, his segregated company was retrained as transport drivers for the United States Army’s 32nd Infantry Regiment. Following a short attachment to the 17th Infantry Regiment, he returned to the United States in 1951.
Video Clips
Learned About Korea While Training the Chinese
Joe Ager shares he first learned about Korea in 1948 during a mission to Peking, China. The mission he describes was part of Truman’s program that gave the United States' surplus of weapons to Jiang Jieshi (Chiang Kai-Shek). He recounts being sent to China to train soldiers on these weapons. He shares that before 1950, his experience with Korea included watching soldiers disembark at Incheon.
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A Cruise to Wonsan
Joe Ager describes his experience landing in Korea. While on their way, he explains it felt like a cruise and they were not even aware of the upcoming invasion. As they made their way to land, he remembers the sudden end of gunfire and the shock of charging through water up to their knees. Making their way to the airfield, he shares that they were the only African American troops in Wonsan.
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Bob Hope Showed Up
Joe Ager elaborates on his experience during Bob Hope’s visit to entertain the troops in Korea. He explains how Bob Hope was there to entertain the First Marine division in Wonsan, but they never showed up. He reminisces about dancing and receiving a kiss on the forehead from an actress, Monica Lewis, during the show.
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Confusion on Thanksgiving
Joe Ager provides details about his experience on Thanksgiving in 1950. During the meal, he remembers an announcement from General MacArthur coming over the loudspeaker stating that the war was over. He emphasizes there was a great deal of confusion among the men. He recalls a few days later another message stating the troops will head to the Yalu River. As part of the 31st and 32nd regiment, he describes the cold journey to the area east of the Chosin Reservoir.
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We Did Not Expect an Attack
Joe Ager shares details about the slow drive along the narrow roads to the east of the Chosin Reservoir. After reaching where the 5th Marines had been, he explains how they chose to stop and dig in. He notes the harsh living conditions they experienced. He describes the surprise of being attacked and surrounded by the Chinese.
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Glad I Survived
Joe Ager offers an overview of the withdrawal. Under the orders of Lieutenant Colonel Don Faith, they began abandoning resources so that the Chinese would not know they were retreating. He reflects on Lieutenant Colonel Don Faith’s treatment of African American soldiers. During the withdrawal, he remembers encounters with the Chinese and the heavy loses they suffered. He shares that three hundred eighty-five out of the two thousand men reached Heungnam. He reflects on feelings of guilt for surviving but emphasizes not wasting time and energy on regret.
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