Thomas E. Cork, Sr.
Bio
Thomas E. Cork, Sr. served in the United States Marine Corps and fought in the Incheon landings and the Chosin (Jangjin) Reservoir during the Korean War. He experienced pushing the North Koreans up to the Chinese border and the feeling that the war was over. He discusses not expecting the Chinese to enter the war and fighting their way back south to meet the United Nations troops coming from the south. During the battle at Chosin (Jangjin) Reservoir, he suffered from severe frostbite and lost several toes, which forced him to return to the United States. With all his experiences, he still takes immense pride in being a U.S. Marine and serving during the Korean War.
Video Clips
Fighting at the Chosin (Jangjin) Reservoir and Frostbite
Thomas E. Cork, Sr. recalls fighting at the Chosin (Jangjin) Reservoir during the Korean War. He recalls how his unit discovered Chinese soldiers behind their front line and how they fought both from the front and behind as they moved south to meet United Nations soldiers coming from the North. He describes the cold and cutting the ground with his knife to dig foxholes. He shares that he suffered frostbite so severe that he lost some of his toes.
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Landing at Incheon and Fighting at Chosin (Jangjin) Reservoir
Thomas E. Cork, Sr. speaks of landing at Incheon and ending up at the Chosin (Jangjin) Reservoir. He describes the Chinese weapons and being outnumbered. One night, while he was on watch, he thought a bush was a Chinese unit attacking, but he decided not to shoot. He admits that this incident earned him the nickname "Bush Guy."
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Heavy Fighting and British and Turkish Marines
Thomas E. Cork, Sr. discusses heavy fighting in Korea and how the Chinese would play bugles and would fire heavy air bursts of artillery to keep the Americans awake and on edge. He recalls running into British and Turkish Marines as they headed south. He describes how the British and Turkish soldiers made sure to identify themselves as allies, and not Chinese or North Koreans. He observed that both the Turkish Marines and the Chinese soldiers did not wear helmets.
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Food in Korea and the Chinese Attacking Across the Border
Thomas E. Cork, Sr. discusses his experience with food in Korea. He recalls that the eggs they had would explode when cooked and did not even taste like eggs when they were finally cooked. He recalls that the eggs would exploded when cooked, and even when they were cooked, they did not taste like eggs. He discusses eating candy bars and his love for chocolate. He admits that his love of black coffee started during the war. He discusses being stationed close to the Chinese border and being able to see people walking on the other side of the river. He expresses that they thought the river was secure before they were attacked.
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Proud to be a U.S. Marine and Korean War Veteran
Thomas E. Cork, Sr. expresses his pride in serving his country as a U.S. Marine during the Korean War. He appreciates the recognition he receives for his service. Despite being injured, he does not harbor any bitterness, considers himself fortunate to have good health, and acknowledges the sacrifices made by all who served. He reflects on the support he has received from the Veterans Administration after being injured and is grateful for their assistance.
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