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. He later decided to enlist in the United States Army, taking advantage of the education benefits provided by the GI Bill. After a twelve-month waiting period, he was inducted into the Army and completed basic training at Fort Dix, New Jersey. Before the Korean War broke out, he spent six months training the Chinese military on how to use surplus American weapons. In 1950, his enlistment was extended, and he was transferred to Korea. Shortly after arriving in Korea, his segregated company was retrained as transport drivers for the United States Army’s 32nd Infantry Regiment. After a brief 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 that he first learned about Korea in 1948 during a mission to Peking, China. This mission was part of President Truman’s program, which provided the United States surplus weapons to Jiang Jieshi (Chiang Kai-Shek). He recounts being sent to China to train soldiers on the use of these weapons. Prior to 1950, his experiences with Korea included observing soldiers disembarking at Incheon.
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A Cruise to Wonsan
Joe Ager shares his experience of landing in Korea. He describes the journey as feeling like a cruise, as they were unaware of the impending invasion. As they approached land, he remembers the sudden silence of gunfire and the shock of wading through water that reached up to their knees. Upon reaching the airfield, he notes that they were the only African American troops in Wonsan.
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Bob Hope Showed Up
Joe Ager shares his memories of Bob Hope's visit to entertain the troops in Korea. He recalls that Bob Hope was scheduled to entertain the First Marine Division in Wonsan, but unfortunately, the performance did not take place. He reminisces about dancing during the event and receiving a kiss on the forehead from actress Monica Lewis.
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Confusion on Thanksgiving
Joe Ager provides details about his experience on Thanksgiving in 1950. During the meal, he recalls an announcement over the loudspeaker from General MacArthur, informing everyone that the war was over. He emphasizes that there was a great deal of confusion among the troops at that moment. A few days later, another message was delivered, stating that the troops would head to the Yalu River. As a member of the 31st and 32nd regiments, 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 arriving at the location where the 5th Marines had been stationed, he explains their decision to stop and dig in. He highlights the harsh living conditions they faced and describes the surprising attack in which they found themselves surrounded by Chinese forces.
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Glad To Have Survived
Joe Ager provides an overview of the withdrawal under the orders of Lieutenant Colonel Don Faith. They began abandoning resources to prevent the Chinese from realizing that they were retreating. He reflects on Lieutenant Colonel Faith's treatment of African American soldiers. During the withdrawal, he recalls encounters with the Chinese forces and the heavy losses they suffered. Out of the two thousand men, only three hundred eighty-five made it to Heungnam. He expresses feelings of guilt for having survived but emphasizes the importance of not wasting time and energy on regret.
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