Korean War Legacy Project

Mehmet Esen

Bio

Mehmet Esen served in the Turkish infantry as a corporal during the Korean War. He was part of the first Turkish soldiers that went to Korea. These soldiers fought in the memorable battle of Kunu-ri. Mehmet Esen spent time in the hospital after a wound in battle. There he met an orphaned Korean girl Chin Chol and provided her money for school. He revisited Korea in 2016. He has much love for the country he served in.

Video Clips

Caring for Orphans

Mehmet Esen describes how he cared for two orphans he met while in Korea. While he was in a hospital he met Chin Chol. He provided her with money for her schooling. He also provided for another orphan named Kerim. Kerim followed the Turkish troops everywhere they went.

Tags: Seoul,Civilians,Living conditions,Orphanage,Poverty,South Koreans,Women

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Battle of Kunu-ri aka Wawon

Mehmet Esen describes the Battle of Kunu-ri. This battle is also known as Wawon. Mehmet Sen describes the American retreating, while the Turkish soldiers stayed. He provides details about how there were approximately five hundred and fifty Turkish soldiers that fought. After the fighting stopped only sixty-nine remained.

Tags: Chinese,Fear,Front lines

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Battles in Korea

Mehmet Esen describes the fighting conditions when he first arrived in Korea. The Turkish soldiers fought near the Manchurian line. One famous battle was Cheorwon in North Korea. Another battle he describes is Sandbag Castle, or Kumkale. During one of the battles, he was wounded and sent to a hospital in Seoul.

Tags: Chinese,Fear,Front lines,North Koreans

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