Melvin J. Behnen
Bio
Melvin Behnen was born on July 4, 1927, in New Munich, Minnesota. As the eldest of nine growing up on a small dairy farm during the depression, money was tight. Following his freshman year, his family could no longer afford the bus fare and clothing for him to attend school. After thinking he would not be able to finish, the owner of the trucking company he worked for provided the financial support for him to continue and graduate. Shortly after, he purchased the trucking company from that gentleman. Unfortunately after being drafted in 1951, he was forced to sell the company. He received eight weeks of training and then headed to Korea. For the majority of his time in Korea, he was stationed in the Iron Triangle searching for mines and widening roads. During and after his service, he dealt with the long-term effects of exposure and malaria.
Video Clips
First Days in Korea
Melvin Behnen describes his first few days in Korea in February of 1951. He shares the challenges of staying warm because soldiers were only provided summer gear. He emphasizes how even with all of their clothes on, they still froze. He remembers the soldiers moving in makeshift box cars to their new assignments shortly after arriving. With only eight weeks of training, he explains that many felt certain they would not be put immediately into battle. Yet, he recalls encountering artillery fire shortly after arriving at their assignment.
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It Haunts You (Graphic)
Melvin Behnen describes the challenge of taking care of enemy soldiers killed in action. He shares details about dealing with the remains of those killed on the battlefield, and the fear of finding explosives within the bodies made the ordeal extremely challenging. He elaborates on the struggles he faced seeing the loss of life and reveals how he sought out help to cope with the memories.
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https://koreanwarlegacy.org/interviews/melvin-j-behnen#clip-2
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Exit Out of the War
Melvin Behnen describes his journey out of Korea and his reaction to the signing of the armistice. He explains how the shallowness of the harbor made departure for soldiers a little challenging. For example, he provides an account of a man falling to his death during the boarding process. While recovering from polio, he recalls hearing about the signing of the armistice. He reflects on the feelings of disappointment over the lack of a formal treaty.
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https://koreanwarlegacy.org/interviews/melvin-j-behnen#clip-3
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I Was Bitter
Melvin Behnen reveals that being drafted and forced to sell his company made him bitter at first. He shares that during the trip to Korea, he came to terms with his reality and focused on his duty. Nonetheless, he advises future generations to do their best. He recalls how when his son entered the Marines, he provided this same advice to him. He draws connections between his son’s experiences in the Persian Gulf and his experiences in Korea.
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https://koreanwarlegacy.org/interviews/melvin-j-behnen#clip-4
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We Lost a Lot of Good Men
Melvin Behnen reflects on the time he found his buddy from his hometown stationed near him. He elaborates on the time he met with Elmer Sand. Sadly, he shares how his mother informed him through a letter that Elmer was killed a few days after their meeting.
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https://koreanwarlegacy.org/interviews/melvin-j-behnen#clip-5
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