Nick Cortese
Bio
Nick Cortese was born on July 1, 1931, in Detroit, Michigan. After losing his mother at a young age, he was raised by his grandparents. As a boy, the attack on Pearl Harbor made a strong impression on him and inspired him to serve his country. At seventeen, he enlisted in the Army. He served overseas and was later called back to the reserves when the Korean War began. In the 24th Infantry Division, his unit was responsible for laying mines, which was a dangerous job. He remembers losing both a comrade and his commander. For him, the most frightening part of war was not knowing what would happen next. With support from the 187th Airborne Division, his unit helped widen roads and capture the enemy during the Seoul Recapture. He felt grateful for the chance 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 and describes in graphic detail what happened. He states that this 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 encountered a "Bouncing Betty" mine. He recalls a moment when the Chinese were dropping artillery, and his company commander jumped to get out of the way, setting off the mine that detonated and killed him. He explains how he later found out that this occurred in the Iron Triangle area.
Share YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=281S0-mLH2Y&start=629&end=714
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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 die. He recalled worrying that he might be the next one. He explains that he was very religious, always carried his Bible and rosary, and prayed continually.
Share YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=281S0-mLH2Y&start=947&end=1000
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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
