Korean War Legacy Project

Marion Burdett

Bio

Marion Burdett was born on September 7, 1931 in Owensboro, Kentucky. As a young man, he lived on a farm. He enlisted with in the United States Army after World War II and was stationed with the 1st Calvary Division in Japan for a year and half at the time that the Korean War started. His unit was one of the first to be sent over to Korea in June 1950. During his time in service, he was a Field Artillery Operator, and he blames his hearing loss on the thousands of rounds shot off during the Korean War. Following his discharge, he reenlisted with the U.S. Army and was stationed in Germany for three years.

Video Clips

The Forgotten War and Causes of PTSD

Marion Burdette feels the Korean War is known as the "Forgotten War" because there was not a lot of publicity back on the home front. He recalls how many of the veterans did not speak about the war when they returned back home. He shares how he shot thousands of rounds of artillery while serving in Korea, leading to hearing loss. He recounts how he was stationed in Northern Korea and mentions he was almost caught as a POW. Due to his experiences on the front line, he shares that he has nightmares and PTSD.

Tags: Chinese,Civilians,Fear,Front lines,Home front,Impressions of Korea,Living conditions,Personal Loss,Physical destruction,POW,Pride,Weapons

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Post-War Readjustment

Marion Burdette recounts walking in front of his vehicle when multiple land mines killed U.S. Army soldiers in his regiment. After clearing the land mines in the area, he recalls being able to set up the howitzer guns to engage in warfare. He describes how the impact of war on his life led him to feel that he needed to traveled the U.S. to release his stress. He recounts how he decided to reenlist in the Army for three years. He adds it was hard to readjust to life back in the United States.

Tags: Civilians,Depression,Fear,Front lines,Home front,Impressions of Korea,Living conditions,Personal Loss,Physical destruction,Pride,Weapons

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Enlisting in the United States Army

Marion Burdette's job in the U.S. Army was a Battle Commander's Traveler. He recalls being sent to Yokohama, Japan, in early June to prepare for the invasion of Korea. He recounts entering Korea from an L3T and then storming the beaches on June 27, 1950. He shares he did not know much about Korea at the time.

Tags: Osan,Basic training,Front lines,Pride,Prior knowledge of Korea,Weapons

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