Korean War Legacy Project

Mert Lassere

Bio

Lloyd “Mert” Lassere was born in Algiers, Louisiana, on May 26, 1931. He was the youngest of three children and the only boy, though he shared his childhood with cousins that felt more like siblings due to a close extended family. He attended Catholic schools all the way through and eventually went to Martin Behrman High School; however, he chose to leave his senior year and go to work for the railroad.  Just prior to the breakout of the Korean War, he and his cousin, Don Lassere, joined the Marine Reserves and were called to active duty within a matter of weeks. Upon completion of basic training in San Diego, they were given orders for Korea and left by ship together to Kobe, Japan, and then flew on to Pusan. It was rare to be stationed with close of kin, so they especially enjoyed the comfort that brought being so far from home, and they often exchanged each other’s mail in an effort to keep up with news of the family. Although he experienced several close calls with death, he continues to look back on his service with gratitude and pride for what was done for the people of South Korea.

Video Clips

Punchbowl Insecurities

Mert Lassere details the difficulties faced while seeing action in the Punchbowl. Having to ration ammunition and food due to supply chain issues, he recalls daily life was a struggle. He remembers not feeling prepared for combat or having what was needed to withstand the cold weather.

Tags: Cold winters,Fear,Food,Front lines,North Koreans,Weapons

Share this Clip +


Share YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cGG1ji8ZGig&start=1238&end=1488

Share from this page:
https://koreanwarlegacy.org/interviews/mert-lassere#clip-1

Embed:

First Impressions of Korea

Mert Lassere recounts his first experience with stepping on to Korean soil. Having just landed due to mechanical difficulties, he remembers being met with sniper fire while stepping off the plane. He shares no one had ammunition due to in-flight regulations, so they take cover in the ditches. He remembers how they proceeded through a burning town in the cover of night as they marched to form their perimeter, being told to make no noise along the way as Chinese were in the hills waiting for them.

Tags: Imjingang (River),Chinese,Front lines,Impressions of Korea,Weapons

Share this Clip +


Share YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cGG1ji8ZGig&start=885&end=1229

Share from this page:
https://koreanwarlegacy.org/interviews/mert-lassere#clip-2

Embed:

Last Man Standing

Mert Lassere describes close encounters with death on the front lines. He provides an account of having multiple commanding officers killed and how it was always important to stay one step ahead of the enemy with maneuvers. He poignantly details an account of twenty eight men that went on a patrol and how only four men returned, he being one of the four.

Tags: Fear,Front lines,Weapons

Share this Clip +


Share YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cGG1ji8ZGig&start=1681&end=1895

Share from this page:
https://koreanwarlegacy.org/interviews/mert-lassere#clip-3

Embed: