Leo Calderon
Bio
Leo Calderon was born and raised in El Paso, Texas. Inspired by his childhood experiences of seeing German and Italian prisoners of war from World War II in his hometown, he decided to join the military. At the age of seventeen, he enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1952. He was deployed to Korea in 1954, after the war had ended. While there, he observed the extreme poverty that afflicted South Korea and the living conditions of its people. Serving as a military police officer, he was responsible for protecting American assets from those in dire need. Despite the challenging circumstances, he felt a sense of pride in the progress that South Korea had made in modern times. Leo Calderon reenlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 1956 and was redeployed to Korea, where he served as a desk sergeant. He later joined the U.S. Army and completed two tours in the Vietnam War. He spent 19 years working at a civilian position for the U.S. Army at Fort Bliss, Texas, before retiring.
Video Clips
You Can't Blame Them for Having Nothing
Leo Calderon discusses his job of maintaining security for the planes while stationed in Suwon, South Korea. He states that he was responsible for guarding the planes around the clock, working in eight-hour shifts. He recounts an incident where a local man (papasan) attempted to steal a tip tank, and he had to chase after him to retrieve it.
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Desperate Times
Leo Calderon describes the atmosphere in South Korea after the war. He notes that some people resented the American presence. He highlights the rampant crime and poverty during this time. People resorted to selling anything they could, including personal belongings, haircuts, and even services like boot shining, all in exchange for cigarettes. He mentions that American soldiers were restricted from going beyond the Main Supply Route (MSR).
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They Have Everything Now
Leo Calderon describes the contrast between his first impressions of Korea during the war and the country it has become today. He recounts the physical characteristics of Seoul at that time, noting that the buildings were only half a story tall, the roads were full of potholes, and homes were constructed from hay and mud. He notes that back then, people had very little, but today they possess a great deal.
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Video Transcript