Robert D. Edwards
Bio
Robert D. Edwards enlisted in the United States Army in 1950 after finishing high school. He admits that college was not on his mind, so he decided to join the U.S. Army. He recounts that many of the soldiers were sent to Korea with only eight weeks of training. Because of high casualty rates with these troops, he received extended combat infantry training in Korea. He discusses his experience with integration in the U.S. Army and notes that he saw much more integration of troops in Korea than during basic. He reflects that the terrain and different culture in Korea, took time to get used to, but eventually he did learn some Korean phrases so he could interact with civilians. In addition to combat, his war experiences include guarding Chinese and North Korean prisoners. He recalls one time when a General was grabbed by the prisoners, and tanks were sent to make sure the General was released. After seven years in the U.S. Army, he left the military, got married, and raised a family.
Video Clips
Infantry Training in Korea
Robert D. Edwards explains how the first soldiers in Korea were not prepared and had large casualty rates. Because of the casualties, part of combat infantry training took place in Korea. He comments that because of the hilly terrain and not knowing Korean, it took a while to get accustomed to being in Korea. He shares that he started as a Regimental Reserve, then a Battalion Reserve, and then was sent to combat.
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Living Conditions and Food in Korea
Robert D. Edwards describes living in bunkers that were made with logs and filled in with dirt. He recalls the rats that would come out and run over them at night. He details that there was little choice of food in Korea, and he ate packaged foods like C or K rations. He notes that the food could be warmed up but that it was all pretty much the same. He provides that each stage had points and that once a soldier reached enough points, they would go home.
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Learning Korean and Japanese
Robert D. Edwards discusses learning some Korean and Japanese will stationed in Korea and Japan. He recalls that the Korean people spoke much better English then he spoke Korean. He shares that the people in Korea appreciated him speaking some Korean. He remembers how to say a morning greeting in Korean.
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Guarding Chinese and North Korean Prisoners of War
Robert D. Edwards describes guarding Chinese and North Korean Prisoners of War. He describes the POWs living behind barb wire and he mentions that that some of the POWs cooked the food that was provided. He recalls a situation where a General was grabbed by the prisoners during an inspection. He recounts how the entire camp was surrounded by tanks to get the general out. He explains that the prisoners would greet him and try to be friendly and sometimes receiving gifts like a homemade Chinese flag. He discusses the difference between how Chinese and North Koreans POWS were treated in comparison to American POWs
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