Raymundo L. Bumatay
Bio
Raymundo L. Bumatay commenced his service in Korea as part of I Company of the 19th Battalion Combat Company upon his arrival in Pusan in mid-May 1952. Engaging in the Battle of Eerie, he was stationed on or near Hill 191, Hill 200, T-Bone Hill, and Christmas Hill. During intense combat at the center front of the line, they faced North Korean cannon fire every 30 minutes. In 2018 the Philippine government recognized his service with the Gold Medal Peace Award. He takes great pride in his role during the Korean War and admires Korea’s remarkable progress.
Video Clips
Korean Bus Boy
Raymundo L. Bumatay recollects that during his time in Korea, he encountered very few Korean civilians, aside from those who assisted the military effort. He mentions that they had a 14-year-old house boy in their bunker who would run errands for them in exchange for a small sum of money and c-rations.
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Battle Experience
Raymundo L. Bumatay reminisces about his time on the central front, where they faced constant cannon fire from the North Koreans every 30 minutes. After enduring this for several months, he was transferred to Hill 191 and Hill 200, where his role shifted from mortar duty to handling a 50 caliber assault viper. During this time, he recalls receiving orders for hand-to-hand combat and engaging in attacks on American bunker complexes. He participated in actions during the Battle of Eerie, Hill 191, Hill 200, T-Bone Hill, and Christmas Hill.
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Korea Before and Now
Raymundo L. Bumatay reflects on his two return trips to Korea, one in 2018 and another in 2019. During his 2018 visit, he was honored with the Gold Medal Peace Award by the Philippine government. Expressing his awe at the country's development, he describes Korea as incredibly green and exceptionally clean. These trips, he notes, have filled him with pride for the part he played in the country's history.
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