John Balleza
Bio
John Balleza was born and raised in San Antonio, Texas. In July 1950, he was called to active duty in the United States Marine Corps and was deployed to the Korean War. By September, he was fighting for the liberation of Seoul with the 7th Marine Regiment. He landed at Incheon a week after the 1st and 5th Regiments, grateful to have missed the initial assault due to bad weather at sea. While in Korea, he witnessed numerous casualties and fierce battles in North Korea. One significant moment involved driving a truck filled with wounded soldiers that had no brakes; he successfully navigated it to safety. Through his service, Balleza not only honored his country but also experienced the enduring impact of war and the resilience of a transformed nation.
Video Clips
Landing in Incheon in 1950
John Balleza reflects on being called to active duty in the United States Marine Corps in July of 1950. By September, he found himself fighting for the liberation of Seoul, Korea, with the 7th Marine Regiment. He recalls landing at Incheon a week after the 1st and 5th Regiments, which was due to bad weather at sea. He remarks that providence was on his side, as he was not present in Incheon during the brunt of the attack.
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Revisiting Korea 50 Years Later
John Balleza recalls how much South Korea has advanced since the war during his visit in 2001. He compares the mud roads of the 1950s to the sophisticated expressways of the 21st century. He notes that the north gate of Seoul, from which he stood watch during the war, is now located in the heart of downtown Seoul due to the city's significant growth. He remembers the area in Euijeongbu, where a tank skirmish took place during the war, which remains largely unchanged as a reminder of the fighting that occurred there.
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Fighting on the Front Lines
John Balleza recounts the first time he came under fire in South Korea. He recalls the commander urging everyone to get down, explaining that those were not pesky insects to swat away; they were bullets. He vividly remembers witnessing his first casualties of war near the front lines. He describes his first major battle in North Korea, which resulted in significant destruction.
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Aerial Support on the Front Lines
John Balleza describes how his company operated on the front lines. He recalls a significant battle in Sudong against the Chinese forces. He remembers the aircraft carriers that provided crucial support to his company, and they would even pray for clear skies to ensure that aerial support could arrive.
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Transporting Wounded Soldiers
John Balleza recalls an incident from his time searching for food when he encountered a school friend. He remembers the friend asking him to drive a truck that was filled with wounded soldiers, but he soon discovered that the truck had no brakes. He describes how he had to drive across a bridge in low gear to safely transport the injured men.
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