Michael Corona

Bio

Ismael “Mike” Corona aspired to join the military from a young age, so he attended a school outside his district to participate in the ROTC program before enlisting in the Marine Corps. He was assigned to the 1st Marine MAG 33, VMF(N) 542 Squadron, where he served as a radio repairman. His responsibilities included fixing the radios and radars of F4U Corsairs and F7F Tigercats after the pilots completed their maneuvers. In September 1950, his unit boarded the CVE-88 USS Cape Esperance, a Casablanca-class escort carrier that arrived during the Inchon Invasion. His squadron was the first to operate out of Kimpo, conducting “wheels down” bombing raids. After moving close to the Chosin Reservoir ahead of the Chinese invasion, they reorganized in Japan for a quick response. His unit returned to Korea in February 1951, south of Pusan, where he continued repairing radar on planes before takeoff. Since his service, Mike Corona has returned to Korea multiple times, appreciating the architectural changes since his experience at Inchon Landing.

Video Clips

Sheer Strength

Mike Corona pays tribute to the strength of both U.S. soldiers and Koreans as they worked together to load 1-ton rockets onto the Landing Ship Tank (LST). He vividly recalls South Korean soldiers harnessing wooden boards to their shoulders, using chains to connect to the rockets. As they dragged the heavy load onto the LST, four South Korean soldiers sang a song in unison, showcasing their teamwork and resilience.

Tags: Incheon,Civilians,Front lines,Impressions of Korea,Living conditions,Pride,South Koreans,Weapons

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Korea: A Huge Empty Lot to Magnificence

When Mike Corona first arrived in Korea, he described it as a vast, empty lot with no significant buildings, sidewalks, or streets. In contrast, on his return trips, he was amazed to find Korea transformed, resembling Las Vegas with its beautiful streets, landscapes, and multi-story buildings. During his third visit, he had the opportunity to witness the Korean government's reenactment of the Inchon Landing, further highlighting the remarkable changes in the country.

Tags: Incheon,Front lines,Impressions of Korea,Living conditions,Modern Korea,Physical destruction,Poverty,Pride,Weapons

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Living Conditions in Korea

Wherever Mike Corona's unit was stationed, they always had to dig a hole to sleep, regardless of how long they stayed. Although he saw very few civilians, he fondly remembers two houseboys whom the soldiers named "Pat" and "Mike." These boys helped clean and assisted the soldiers with their daily needs. In exchange for their help, the U.S. soldiers provided the boys with food and clothing as payment.

Tags: Wonsan,Civilians,Food,Front lines,Impressions of Korea,Living conditions,Poverty,South Koreans

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Brief Time at Yon Po Air Base

Ismael Corona remembers spending a brief period at Yon Po Air Base, where he serviced F7F Tigercats returning from missions. His tasks included checking the radar to ensure it was functioning properly and removing any faulty units for repair. Eventually, he and his unit were relocated to Hungneum to board any available ship as the Marines and others were evacuating from the Chosin Reservoir.