Leonard R. Stanek
Bio
Leonard R. Stanek served in the United States Marine Corps during the Korean War from October 1952 until March 1954. He was born in Austin, Minnesota, on January 22, 1935, and later moved to Eberle, Minnesota, where he attended school before dropping out to enlist in the U.S. Marine Corps. Leonard volunteered to go to Korea and arrived shortly after his 18th birthday in January 1953. During the Korean War, he served with EZ Company, 2nd Battalion, 1st Division, 7th Marines, along what would later become the demilitarized zone. He participated in three major engagements against the enemy and was wounded in the head by shrapnel on July 26, 1953, just one day before the signing of the Armistice. After completing his military service in March 1955, Leonard went to work for the Wilson Meatpacking Company, where he remained employed for 35 years.
Video Clips
Welcome to Korea
Leonard R. Stanek recounts his arrival at Incheon Harbor in 1952. Although Incheon was secured by the U.S. military, he remembers hearing artillery fire from 30 miles away. Shortly after his arrival, he was sent to the front lines due to significant losses in his company, including both deaths and injuries. He describes the food available on the front lines, noting that his favorite meal consisted of C-Rations, specifically SPAM and eggs served with crackers.
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Wounded
Leonard R. Stanek recounts the events of July 26, 1953, when the Chinese launched an attack just before the Armistice took effect. He describes how one of the final artillery shells exploded, sending a piece of shrapnel that pierced his helmet while he hunkered down in a trench. He notes that he was evacuated to the Hospital Ship Haven for recovery and was awarded a Purple Heart for his injuries.
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The Armistice
Leonard R. Stanek recounts the moment he learned about the signing of the Armistice. He explains that after suffering a head injury, he was evacuated to a hospital ship. He recalls waking up there—either from his injury or sheer exhaustion—and receiving the news of the Armistice. A week later, after he had recovered, he rejoined his unit. He remembers learning about the loss of a friend who had been helping to retrieve the wounded when he returned.
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Video Transcript