Richard A. Houser

Bio

Richard A. Houser was born in Syracuse, New York. He worked as a welder at Carrier Air Conditioning Company in Syracuse until he was drafted for military service, serving from 1953 until November 1954. During his deployment in Korea, he went to Incheon and was stationed in the Kumwha-Chorwon Valley, specifically at “Pork Chop Hill,” from April 1953 to May 1954. He served as a Private with Company E, 17th Regiment, 7th Infantry Division. As an infantry rifleman, Richard received several honors, including the Combat Infantry Badge, Purple Heart, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Korean Service Medal, United Nations Korean Service Medal, New York State Conspicuous Service Cross, Korean Presidential Unit Citation, and the Korean Ambassador for Peace Medal. Richard took great pride in serving the people of South Korea and was pleased to witness the significant progress their nation has made.

Video Clips

The Korean War Draft and Basic Training

Richard A. Houser recalls being fully employed and recently married when he received his draft notice in 1953. He remembers that it took one month from the time he got the draft letter until he was sent to boot camp at Fort Devens in Massachusetts and Fort Jackson in South Carolina. He expresses his feelings of disappointment about being drafted, but he also recognizes it as his duty. He mentions that he was aware of the war before being drafted because a classmate was killed in action.

Tags: Basic training,Fear,Home front,Impressions of Korea,Personal Loss,Prior knowledge of Korea

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Arriving in Korea in 1953

Richard A. Houser describes arriving in Incheon, Korea, in April 1953 after a lonely 20-day voyage. He recalls seeing the leveled city of Seoul, with thatched homes and dirt roads, during his journey to the base. He explains that his station was located in the Chorwon Valley, known as the Iron Triangle.

Tags: 1953 Battle of Pork Chop Hill, 3/23-7/16,Gangneung,Incheon,Pyungyang,Seoul,Civilians,Fear,Food,Front lines,Impressions of Korea,Living conditions,Physical destruction,Poverty

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The Korean War Ceasefire

Richard A. Houser remembers fighting tirelessly until the last moment to hold Pork Chop Hill in the Chorwon Valley, just before the ceasefire. He recalls feeling a profound sense of gratitude once the ceasefire was established, which allowed him to build new trenches further away from the 38th parallel. He expresses high regard for the South Koreans who supported his unit by handling many essential tasks.

Tags: 1953 Battle of Pork Chop Hill, 3/23-7/16,1953 Armistice 7/27,Gangneung,Pyungyang,Chinese,Communists,Fear,Front lines,KATUSA,Living conditions,Personal Loss,Physical destruction,South Koreans

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Fighting Alongside with UN Nations

Richard A. Houser shares his experiences serving alongside soldiers from Turkey, Australia, Ethiopia, Greece, and Colombia in the fight against communism. He mentions that the Chinese were particularly fearful of the Turks and Ethiopians, who would take ears from their enemies as trophies. He notes the pride the Turkish soldiers had in their trucks, often sending home photos of themselves posing with their vehicles.

Tags: 1953 Battle of Pork Chop Hill, 3/23-7/16,Geumgang,Pyungyang,Chinese,Communists,Fear,Front lines,Living conditions,Pride,Weapons

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The Ceasefire, Korean Civilians, and the Death of a Friend

Richard A. Houser explains that he defended the 38th parallel throughout the winter of 1953 from a trench at Camp Casey. He recalls that after the ceasefire, many civilians wanted to return to their land to farm, but it was filled with mines, which resulted in numerous casualties among the local population. He recounts the story of a friend who declined an opportunity to join the special forces in order to stay with his division, and ultimately, he died in action.

Tags: 1953 Armistice 7/27,Gangneung,Pyungyang,Civilians,Cold winters,Front lines,Living conditions,Personal Loss,Physical destruction,Poverty,South Koreans,Weapons

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Returning Home After Serving in the US Army

Richard A. Houser recounts his return to the United States in the spring of 1954. He mentions that most people from his hometown were unaware that he had been away. He explains that newspapers did not cover the Korean War because they were still focused on World War II, resulting in many veterans not receiving a warm welcome home. He notes that the company he worked for before being drafted had secured his job, allowing him to return to the same position afterward.

Tags: Civilians,Depression,Home front,Impressions of Korea,Living conditions,Pride

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Korea Revisit

Richard A. Houser reflects on his visit to South Korea with his wife a few years prior to the interview. He describes the bright lights, towering buildings, and the overall prosperity of the Korean people. He expresses pride in having fought against communism during the Korean War.