John L. Johnsrud
Bio
John L. Johnsrud, known as J, was a native of Albert Lea, Minnesota. He was managing his father’s business when he was drafted into the United States Army in 1950 at the age of 22, during the Korean War. In March 1951, he was sent to Korea by troop ship, where he fought along the 38th parallel. As a member of the Intelligence and Reconnaissance Platoon, J engaged with North Korean forces, maintained communication between battalions, gathered intelligence on enemy troops, and collaborated with the South Korean Army. After nine months on the front lines, a friend from boot camp helped him secure a position in the Special Services group, which provided him with a safer role. In this capacity, he was responsible for transporting rations from Incheon to the troops by truck. When he returned to the United States in the spring of 1952, there was no grand welcome since the Korean War had largely been overlooked, and many were unaware of the conflict in Asia. He resumed working with his brother and took pride in his service overseas.
Video Clips
The US Draft and Arriving in Busan
John L. Johnsrud recalls being drafted at the age of 22 in 1950. He remembers traveling for 19 days by boat from Seattle to Yokohama, Japan, before continuing on to Busan, Korea. He mentions that he arrived in Busan on a troopship alongside 5,000 other soldiers. He reflects on his duties while serving on the front lines.
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Reconnaissance Work, Weather Conditions, and Dependence on Fellow Warriors
John L. Johnsrud explains his responsibilities within a reconnaissance platoon, which included maintaining communication for battalions, collaborating with the South Korean Army, and gathering intelligence on the enemy. He emphasizes that Hawaiian soldiers, who had been in the war since the beginning, were invaluable assets. They taught the newer soldiers how to effectively protect their foxholes.
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Special Services
John L. Johnsrud recalls being transferred from the Intelligence and Reconnaissance group to Special Services with the help of a friend from boot camp. He explains that he was originally assigned to care for movie stars, but since none ever arrived, he ended up being responsible for transporting food and beer rations for the U.S. soldiers. He mentions that several young Koreans were assigned to assist his Special Services unit.
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Video Transcript