Korean War Legacy Project

Jose Tamayo

Bio

Jose Tamayo was born on November 7, 1929, in the Philippines. His father and two bothers also served in the military. Jose Tamayo joined the military in 1950 and was stationed in South Korea in 1952. He reported the country was very cold in the winter and the Korean people were very poor. He believed Korea was a beautiful country nonetheless. He was injured during the war by a mortar shell and received a medal. When he returned he searched for an errand boy named Kim that helped him during the war.

Video Clips

Poor but Beautiful

Jose Tamayo recalls it was very cold when he arrived in Korea. He notes the Korean people were very poor. However, he believes Korea is a beautiful country.

Tags: Civilians,Cold winters,Food,Impressions of Korea,Living conditions,Physical destruction,Poverty,South Koreans

Share this Clip +


Share YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9SsDxdsNEaI&start=264&end=412

Share from this page:
https://koreanwarlegacy.org/interviews/jose-tamayo#clip-1

Embed:

Errand Boy

Jose Tamayo has told his family about children that would look for food in the garbage and beg for food for others. When he returned to Korea, he tried to find his errand boy named Kim. He reports he practically adopted the boy. He is happy for what he has done to support Korea.

Tags: Civilians,Food,Impressions of Korea,Living conditions,Poverty,South Koreans

Share this Clip +


Share YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9SsDxdsNEaI&start=846&end=1053

Share from this page:
https://koreanwarlegacy.org/interviews/jose-tamayo#clip-2

Embed: