Korean War Legacy Project

Johnney Lee

Bio

Johnney Lee was born in Seoul, South Korea, and recalls leaving technical school to join the United States 8th Army in 1951. He shares that he was stationed at Panmunjeom and offers an account of his duties as a quartermaster while there. He offers an account of his living conditions and shares memories of traveling back and forth each day between camps for negotiations, leaving in the morning for Panmunjeom and returning in the evening to base camp. He recalls feeling frustrated that the negations lasted nearly two years while soldiers died and adds that he wanted peace quickly. He reflects on his experiences while working for the United States 8th Army and shares the lessons he learned during that time.

Video Clips

Stationed at Panmunjeom

Johnney Lee recalls leaving technical school to join the United States 8th Army. He shares that he was stationed at Panmunjeom and offers an account of his duties while there. He describes his role as quartermaster and recounts sorting supplies.

Tags: Panmunjeom,Food,Pride,South Koreans

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Working for the United States 8th Army

Johnney Lee recalls being paid for his work with the United States 8th Army. He describes the living conditions at the time and states that he was assigned to at tent with US soldiers. He remembers traveling back and forth each day between camps for negotiations, leaving in the morning for Panmunjeom and returning in the evening to base camp.

Tags: Panmunjeom,Civilians,Living conditions,North Koreans,Pride,South Koreans

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Reflecting on Experiences

Johnney Lee reflects on his experiences while working with the United States 8th Army at Panmunjeom. He recalls that in his younger years when asked about his time serving, he would simply say that he was working and trying to survive. He shares that he now speaks of how good the experience was for him as he understands the difference between Communism and Democracy.

Tags: Panmunjeom,Impressions of Korea,North Koreans,Pride,South Koreans

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Long Negotiations

Johnney Lee shares that the negotiations at Panmunjeom lasted nearly two years. He recalls feeling frustrated that the negotiations seemed to be going nowhere while soldiers died. He adds that he wanted peace quickly, but the same story seemed to be playing out after each meeting.

Tags: Panmunjeom,Impressions of Korea,North Koreans,South Koreans

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