Necdet Yazıcıoğlu
Bio
Necdet Yazıcıoğlu served in the Turkish infantry during the Korean War. After graduating from the Turkish War Academy, he enlisted in 1949 and deployed to Korea in August 1952. By then, the war had raged for years, and as a result, he witnessed its harshest conditions and the deep desperation of the Korean people. In May 1953, he fought in the Battle for the Nevada Complex. Although peace negotiations were underway, this battle proved critical in securing the 38th Parallel as the dividing line between North and South Korea. Above all, he remains deeply proud of his service and maintains that he would fight again if called upon, even at his age.
Video Clips
Pain of Captivity
Necdet Yazıcıoğlu describes the suffering he witnessed in Busan, where many people had lost all hope and possessions. As a result, countless children, some only four to six years old, were left without parents. In contrast, he shares how Turkish soldiers were well supplied and shared candies, biscuits, and chocolate with local children. He recalls them even taking in a Korean houseboy who ran errands for the soldiers and treated him like family.
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Layout of the Vegas Complex
Necdet Yazıcıoğlu describes the layout of the region referenced as the Vegas Comples. He offers details on the conditions of the war at this location.
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Fear Cannot Be Explained
Necdet Yazıcıoğlu vividly describes what a soldier experiences in battle. First, everything falls unnaturally quiet. Then, thoughts of a wife or parents surface. At the same time, the sound of machine-gun fire breaks through the silence. Finally, he recalls how soldiers with grave wounds often “give up the ghost.”
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Fighting in the Vegas Complex
Necdet Yazıcıoğlu recalls a series of fierce battles in the Vegas Complex in May 1953. At the same time, peace negotiations were underway. Although Chinese forces launched a major offensive, he shares how the fighting ended in a costly stalemate. As a result, this outcome strengthened the United Nations’ position at the negotiating table.
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