From My Service in Korea, I Learned – John Eory
Yobo seo. I arrived in Korea in October 1970 as a new 2LT and became an infantry platoon leader at North Camp Custer. Despite my graduation from Officer Infantry School at Fort Benning, I was rather unprepared for the reality of this position. I quickly realized that I needed a lot to learn and was in debt to some great NCOs who did the heavy lifting.
All went well until I was suddenly told that in the absence of a more senior officer for the job, I was now the Brigade Adjutant which meant moving to Camp Hovey (a distinct upgrade in living quarters).
What an adjustment. In any event, I performed as well as I knew how while receiving OJT along the way.
I met several military and civilian Koreans during my tour and in so doing learned that our cultural differences and personal stereotypes (which were mutual) broke down as we got to know each other. I realized we were all part of a much larger family, an idea I brought home and have tried to live by.
You never know where you will learn such lessons as I did far away and long ago. Thanks for reading and “Keep Up the Fire.”
What did you learn from serving in Korea? Let us know –
Sharing your experiences from serving in Korea can be a powerful way to connect with others who have had similar experiences. By sharing your story, you may be able to help others who are currently serving in Korea or who are preparing to do so. You can share insights about the culture, the people, and the challenges you faced while serving. Your story can also help to shed light on the sacrifices that service members and their families make in order to protect our freedoms. So, if you have a story to share, we encourage you to take the time to put it down in writing and send it to KDVA.MyServiceInKorea@gmail.com along with any photos that help to tell your story.
Your contribution may be just what someone needs to hear in order to feel connected and supported.
I walked into the Recruiting Office in Bismarck, ND, and signed up for a 3-year enlistment from 12 June 1962 to 11 June 1965 and then Standby Reserve to the final 11 June 1968. My Army Enlistment started June 12, 1962, and I took Basic Training at Ft Leonard Wood MO until August 17, 1962. I came home on leave and then proceeded to FT Bliss Texas on August 31, 1962-October 26, 1962.
I served in Korea from December 2002 to January 2004. What I learned from serving my country on the Korean peninsula was adaptability and how to work in a high-stakes, fast-paced environment.
I was born and raised in California, in the Bay Area. My family moved to Oregon during my freshman year of high school after my father retired from AT&T. I enlisted in the U.S. Army infantry on August 29, 1989. At that time, Ft. Benning was the place to be for basic training as an infantry soldier, it was the home of the infantry. After graduating from basic training and advanced infantry training (AIT) in December of 1989, I took one month of leave. I flew from Portland, Oregon to Seattle, Washington, then to Seoul, Korea on January 14th, 1990.
During my time in Korea, I visited many temples and had the opportunity to witness several traditional Korean weddings. These ceremonies were fascinating, showcasing the deep-rooted culture and pride of the Korean people. It was clear to me that they held a strong respect for their heritage. One of the most striking experiences was seeing the older generation still working in the rice paddies. I watched as elderly men and women carried their farming tools and equipment on their backs, yet they walked just as swiftly as we soldiers did while carrying 50 or 60 pounds of gear. I also had the privilege of speaking with many older Koreans who expressed their gratitude for the U.S. military’s role in keeping their country safe. When I was in Korea in 1990, many of them still remembered the war—some had fought in it, while others had lived through it as children. I often sat in restaurants just outside the base, listening to their stories. I believe they appreciated that a young soldier like me took an interest in their experiences and the history of their country. I found it all truly fascinating.
I enlisted in the Army in April 1958 and did basic training at Fort Dix, NJ. After basic training, I spent 8 weeks at Fort Gordon, GA, attending MP school. At the end of this training, all but one man was sent to Korea. We flew from Augusta, GA, to Seattle, WA, where we spent most of a week waiting for a troop ship to take us to Korea. The ship stopped in Kodiak, AK, to drop off some families and then on to Yokohama, Japan to drop off more passengers and give us a few hours of shore time. Then it was on to the port of Inchon and debarkation. We were trucked up to ASCOM city to await assignment. After a few days about 24 of us were sent to Hq & Hq Company, US Army Port Inchon. This facility was based on Wolmido Island which is off the coast of Inchon harbor.
I would put on my M1911 45 caliber pistol, the commander would get the money bag with the cash, and off we would go. After a stop at the officer’s club for lunch, we would go to the exchange. The money that would fill a small satchel on the way up would fill two duffel bags on the way back. In 1958 and 1959 Korea was a proud country but it had seen the ravages of war. Many people had little or nothing. The roads, what few of them there were, were still torn up from war. There were no private automobiles, and the only businesses were small shops selling necessities. I had the opportunity to return to Korea in 1983, just 24 years after I had left. I was amazed to see the transformation. There were superhighways filled with cars. Beautiful buildings and hotels filled the city, and it was obvious the people were prospering. I was taken aback to be thanked as a representative of a country that had assisted them in creating a modern, prosperous society. My service in Korea is a part of my life that I am most proud of.
