Robert Tamura
Bio
Robert Tamura was drafted on October 8, 1951. After completing basic training at Schofield Barracks in Hawaii, he was sent to Virginia to await assignment. Ultimately, he was assigned as part of the Army Security Agency. Throughout his time in Korea, he was assigned to a unit that escorted prisoners of war. This unit was based at Geoje-do POW Camp on Geoje Island in the southernmost part of Gyeongsangnam-do, South Korea. Eventually, his main duty became as a clerk/typist for the unit.
Video Clips
Arriving in and Returning to Korea
Robert Tamura shares he served as part of the Army Security Agency during the Korean War. He recalls how much of his time was spent in Korea at Koje-do Prison Camp and later at Geoje-do POW Camp on Geoje Island. He begins with his recollections of revisiting Korea where he saw firsthand the development of Seoul. He continues to share his memories of basic training and being assigned to assist in escorting prisoners of war as part of the 8th Army's Army Security Agency.
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The Future of Korea
Robert Tamura shares his hopes of seeing the official end of the Korean War and the reunification of North and South Korea. He reminisces about life back in the States following his service. He explains he has had the privilege of returning to Korea as part of a revisit program sponsored by the Korean government. He recalls that during his revisit, he visited the DMZ and cemetery. He muses about a friend who took his photo while he served at Koje-do, but the photo was lost so he has no proof of serving there.
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EEvLB2HvTkM&start=889&end=1161
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https://koreanwarlegacy.org/interviews/robert-tamura#clip-2
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