John Burton Forse
Bio
John Burton Forse was born in Jasper City, Texas, on December 23, 1930. After attending Stephen F. Austin University and the University of Colorado, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps at the age of 19. Following his training, he was deployed to Korea in the summer of 1951 as a basic infantryman. Upon arriving in Busan, he was reassigned to serve as a tanker, operating M26 and M46 tanks. During the next ten months, he participated in numerous battles. He returned to the United States in the spring of 1952. Today, he resides in Royse City, Texas, and remains active in his local chapter of the Korean War Veterans Association.
Video Clips
First Experience in a Tank
John Burton Forse describes his initial experience inside an M26 Pershing tank after being assigned as the assistant driver upon his arrival in Korea. He recalls needing to readjust to operating the machine gun within the tank. He vividly describes the various sounds and sensations he experienced while inside the tank.
Share YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=38OinoK0jyY&start=959&end=1102
Share from this page:
https://koreanwarlegacy.org/interviews/john-burton-forse#clip-1
Embed:
First Time Driving an M46 Patton Tank
John Burton Forse recounts an experience when a Colonel requested him to drive an M46 Patton tank up and down a hill. He mentions that he had no prior experience operating this type of tank. He recalls the challenges he faced while maneuvering the tank up the hill and making turns.
Share YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=38OinoK0jyY&start=1194&end=1398
Share from this page:
https://koreanwarlegacy.org/interviews/john-burton-forse#clip-2
Embed:
Traveling to Incheon by Ship
John Burton Forse describes his journey from the east coast of Korea to Incheon on a tank landing ship (LST). He notes that the conditions on the LST were significantly better than what he had experienced earlier, as they had access to improved food, showers, and other amenities. During the voyage, he recounts experiencing a severe storm, during which one of the tanks on board became loose.
Share YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=38OinoK0jyY&start=1594&end=1800
Share from this page:
https://koreanwarlegacy.org/interviews/john-burton-forse#clip-3
Embed:
First Time on Patrol
John Burton Forse reflects on his emotions during his first tank patrol. He recalls experiencing a blend of confidence and reluctance, acknowledging that this was the moment for which soldiers are trained. He describes the situation with the phrase, "this is it." He mentions the sight of numerous deceased Chinese soldiers surrounding him.
Share YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=38OinoK0jyY&start=2051&end=2161
Share from this page:
https://koreanwarlegacy.org/interviews/john-burton-forse#clip-4
Embed:
Video Transcript