Kenneth Newton
Bio
Following his family’s long tradition of military service, Kenneth Newton enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps on August 1, 1948. He completed basic training at Camp Lejeune and later learned of the outbreak of the Korean War while on leave. Immediately afterward, he was ordered back to base, where his unit began preparing for deployment. By September 15, 1950, they reached Incheon and joined the fighting. During the brutal conditions at the Chosin Reservoir, he was injured, which ultimately ended his service in Korea. Looking back, he speaks highly of the South Korean people, emphasizing their enduring gratitude for the sacrifices made during the war.
Video Clips
Unaware Why We Are Here
Kenneth Newton described his arrival in Korea during the Incheon Landing. First, he and his unit secured Wolmido before advancing into Incheon. As he arrived, he formed his initial impressions of Korea, noting how unfamiliar everything felt. At the time, he and many fellow soldiers did not fully understand the political reasons behind their deployment.
Share YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uU2TCjCwFfg&start=208&end=432
Share from this page:
https://koreanwarlegacy.org/interviews/ken-newton#clip-1
Embed:
Battle of Chosin Reservoir
Kenneth Newton recounted the days leading up to the Battle of Chosin Reservoir, noting that he even saw Manchuria and shared a Thanksgiving meal. Later that night, he woke to explosions and realized the Chinese had launched an attack. Suddenly, chaos spread through the camp as everyone received a weapon and was sent to the front lines.
Share YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uU2TCjCwFfg&start=627&end=882
Share from this page:
https://koreanwarlegacy.org/interviews/ken-newton#clip-2
Embed:
Chinese American vs. Chinese Soldiers
Kenneth Newton described Chinese soldiers, recalling how many froze to death in the harsh weather. During this time, he shared a story of an American officer of Chinese descent who spoke the language fluently. Using his skills, the officer bravely countered enemy orders, confusing the opposing troops and demonstrating both courage and quick thinking on the battlefield.
Share YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uU2TCjCwFfg&start=1429&end=1658
Share from this page:
https://koreanwarlegacy.org/interviews/ken-newton#clip-3
Embed:
A Message to America's Youth
Kenneth Newton offered a message to younger generations, noting that American youth could learn gratitude from the South Korean people. He urges them to develop a love for their country, if they have not already, and to actively embrace their responsibilities as citizens, becoming committed stewards of good citizenship.
Share YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uU2TCjCwFfg&start=2113&end=2180
Share from this page:
https://koreanwarlegacy.org/interviews/ken-newton#clip-4
Embed: