Nick Cortese
Bio
When Nick Cortese heard about the bombing at Pearl Harbor, he felt the need to serve his country even at a young age. When he turned 17, he enlisted in the Army. He served a tour overseas, but was called back to the reserves when the Korean War broke out. As a member of the 24th Infantry Division his unit worked on laying mines, a very dangerous responsibility. He recalls two instances when he lost members of his unit- a comrade and his commander. Nick Cortese describes how he was horrified because he never knew what would happen next. His unit, with the help of the 187th Airborne Division was apart of a construction team to widen roads and to capture the enemy during the Seoul Recapture. Nick Cortese is very proud of his service and thankful that he was able to serve his country.
Video Clips
Losing Men Who Were Doing Their Job (GRAPHIC)
Nick Cortese recalls the terrible moments of clearing and laying the mines. He remembers one of his peers who died after making a fatal mistake- he describes in graphic details what happened. He states this that is one of the dangers of that particular job.
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=281S0-mLH2Y&start=525&end=588
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https://koreanwarlegacy.org/interviews/nick-cortese#clip-1
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Bouncing Betty Mine
Nick Cortese describes what happened when the 19th Infantry was moving north and came across a "Bouncing Betty Mine." . As the Chinese were dropping artillery his company commander jumped to get out of the way and set off the mine that detonated, killing the commander. It was later that Nick Cortese found out that this occurred in the Iron Triangle area.
Share YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=281S0-mLH2Y&start=629&end=714
Share from this page:
https://koreanwarlegacy.org/interviews/nick-cortese#clip-2
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Not Knowing What Could Happen Next
Nick Cortese explains that he was horrified watching his friends dying. He often worried that he might be the next one. He explains that he was very religious, and he always carried his Bible and rosary. He again mentions how his company commander died unexpectedly.
Share YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=281S0-mLH2Y&start=947&end=1005
Share from this page:
https://koreanwarlegacy.org/interviews/nick-cortese#clip-3
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Photos
Sgt. Nickols and Nick Cortese on Dozier Tank: Spring 1951
Nick Cortese
Guam, Saipan, 24 Infantry Division, UN Flag, Korean Flag Patches
Nick Cortese Orders to come home from Korea
Nick Cortese
Report of Separation from the Armed Forces of the United States
Nick Cortese
Orders for Extended Active Duty
Map of Korean War 1950-1953
Safe Conduct Pass
Major U.S. Combat Casualties in Korea
A Deadly Reconnaissance Patrol: Page 1
Nick Cortese's Battalion before he arrived
A Deadly Reconnaissance Patrol: Page 2
LTOR SGT Funk, SGT. Ellison, SGT. Brady
A Deadly Reconnaissance Patrol: Page 3
Brother Tony, Friend in the Middle, Me (Nick Cortese)
Laying Mines When We Were Attacked
Bob and I Went to School and Joined the Army Together
Arriving in Seattle, Washington: July 31, 1951
Roman Yewchen on Guam and Nick Cortese on Saipan
Hyzers Tygerz
Souvenir from the Alley Cat: Seattle
Korea Veterans Return
North Korean and Chinese Drop Propaganda
North Korean and Chinese Drop Propaganda: Page 2
North Korean and Chinese Drop Propaganda
Total U.S. Deaths Worldwide during the Korean War Era
Postcard from PFC Ken Draper
One of first soldiers that landed at Pusan. His brother was killed in action while with the 19th Infantry.
Pictures
ROK Soldier
Me (Nick Cortese) and Brammer
Tubes for draining culverts
Pictures
Prisoners and Children Nick gave candy to
Hyzer's Tiger Tank and Pontoon Bridging
From Active Duty to Reserves
Eating Bananas
Important Facts About Volunteering for the Draft
