Philip E. Hahn
Bio
Philip E. Hahn was born May 22, 1929, in Elyria, Ohio. Growing up, he admired an older cousin who served in the United States Marine Corps, and he recalled knowing he wanted to be a Marine. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps after graduating from Elyria High School in 1949. He received his basic training at Parris Island, thriving with the structure and discipline the Corps offered and proud of the tradition he became a part of. Following the outbreak of the Korean War, he received orders to deploy and was soon on a ship heading to the infamous Incheon Landing. With bazooka in hand, he began his journey into Korea and was shocked by the destruction of the land and its people. He soon found himself at the Chosin Reservoir where he recalled being surrounded by the Chinese, though not afraid for he had confidence in his fellow Marines. He suffered wounds from a mortar round that eventually led to him being pulled from the front lines and sent home. Upon revisiting Korea, he was amazed at the recovery and progress that had been made, as well as the sheer determination of its people to survive. He will always be thankful for the Korean people’s appreciation for his service.
Video Clips
The Battle at Hagaru-ri
Phillip Hahn recalls the challenges of the extreme cold and minimal rations while at Hagaru-ri. He shares his feelings of not having any regrets for standing the line with his fellow Marines. He describes feeling protected and secure with his brothers by his side, despite heavy losses all around. He tells of the moment he was pulled from the front lines due to his wounds he suffered from a mortar explosion.
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Encountering Guerrillas and Civilians
Phillip Hahn recalls the heartbreak of war when he describes seeing children serving as guerrillas and watching as they had to be eliminated. He describes the plight of the many refugees who barely had the clothes on their backs. He remembers being hungry enough while on the front lines to fight for dead soldier's rations.
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Landing at Inchon
Philip E. Hahn shares his experience of landing as part of the first part of the Inchon Landing. He recalls there being little resistance initially but it became more dangerous as they worked their way inland. He recounts the death of one of his commanding officers who died while trying to destroy a Chinese pill box with a flame thrower. His memories of the people he initially saw were of people living in poor conditions who had nothing.
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From Inchon to Seoul and on to Pusan
Philip E. Hahn recalls leaving Inchon and marching to Seoul. He notes they met very little resistance until they were inside the city. He describes Seoul as in terrible condition with nearly everything knocked out. He remembers hiding in a pigpen to avoid being shot at during the night. He admits to not thinking he would survive, but being glad he was a Marine.
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