Korean War Legacy Project

Ramon D. Soto

Bio

Ramon D. Soto, Sr., was born, in Texas on February 28, 1930, to parents who immigrated from Mexico. He is the second to oldest of 9 children. He enlisted in the Army in 1948, and was deployed to Korea from 1952-1953. He was a Private and a rifleman in the 25th Infantry Division defending the ground at Heartbreak Ridge. He served his time in Korea on the front line, in the trenches. Mr. Soto also served in the Vietnam War. He credits his faith in God for seeing him through the Korean War without any injuries.

Video Clips

Life in the Trenches

Ramon D. Soto remembers life on the frontline in the trenches. He discusses the difficulties soldiers faced such as trench foot, frost bite, horrible sleeping conditions, rationing of food, and nightly fear of Chinese soldiers. In this clip, Ramon D. Soto recalls the $75 a month he earned, and sent home each and every month. He also recalls the letters from his wife that he read while on the frontline.

Tags: Chinese,Communists,Fear,Front lines,Letters

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Going Back and Being Amazed

Ramon D. Soto talks about his return to Korean is 1961. He speaks about the new infrastructure that had been constructed so soon after the armistice. This was the only time he returned to Korea.

Tags: Impressions of Korea,Living conditions,Modern Korea

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Impressions of Modern Korea

Ramon D. Soto reflects on his impressions of modern Korea. He speaks of the pride he has of his service as he understands his efforts made lasting contributions.

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