From My Service in Korea

From My Service in Korea, I learned…

Oscar Russell

(1991-1992)

Before deploying to Korea

During 1991, I was with the 3^rd ACR. We were deployed to Kuwait in support of Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm. In one action my Squadron was attacking the Ar Rumayia Airfield. I quickly used direct fire to engage and destroy an Iraqi Republican Guard D-30 Artillery Piece and captured 4 Republican Guards making them my prisoners. I was awarded an ARCOM with V device for Valor for this action. In June of 1991, I was awarded the “Order of the Spur”.

After performing combat duty in the Gulf War

I was reassigned to Camp Casey in Korea. My unit was Co. D, 2^nd Battalion, 72^nd Armor. One evening I left the local watering hole and was on my way back to the barracks. On the way I noticed this little girl. She was black, and I thought it odd for her to be on the streets this late. I approached her and asked her if she lived nearby. The child responded in Korean language, and this is when I realized she was Amerasian. She spoke little broken English. I decided to follow her to make sure she would be safe.

She entered an orphanage. Once inside and safe, I continued to my barracks. The thought of that little girl haunted me. I was determined to see if I could help. The next opportunity I went to the orphanage to offer whatever help I could.

My offer was initially met with caution but as time went by, they (people running the orphanage) became increasingly trusting in me to the point where I would read the kids bedtime stories and help tuck them away. The kids really looked forward to my visits, and I was tackled every time I walked in the door.

Thanksgiving

At Thanksgiving I marched the entire troop of orphans to the Battalion’s Dining Facility. As we approached the gate, the guard hesitated for a split second then realized, my company were just kids. I had 4 holding tight to one arm, 4 holding tight to the other arm, and one on the back of my neck. They had never been on base before, and I was determined to get them a meal and I had extra money.

The Mess Hall

When we walked into the hall all eyes were on us, it got quiet.

I expected to pay for each meal out of my own pocket. Then as I was taking out my wallet, one by one, the soldiers in the Battalion came up to the head count and paid for their meal. They came by our table and started interacting with the children.

I noticed some of the soldiers tearing up only to be followed by an outburst of fun and laughter. They wanted to know everything about the kids and how they could help. Shortly after, they started trickling into the orphanage.

Christmas

With Christmas coming, I wrote home asking friends and family to send clothes, books, crayons, and anything they could spare. The outpouring was magnificent. I brought the kids to the Base for Christmas dinner. This time, three on one arm, three on the other arm, and one straddled around my neck. The mess Sergeant said, “these kids do not pay” and then a repeat of our visit from Thanksgiving transpired.

Going back to the world

I was soon coming up on my return to the U.S. I could not force myself to tell the kids good-bye. I only asked my fellow soldiers to keep with the tradition and to help the children the best they could.

My chain of command became aware of my kindness and generosity.

I was awarded a Certificate of Appreciation from the Board of Governors of the USO, and $200 which I spent every penny on the kids. I received my third ARCOM for Meritorious Service and Volunteer work while assigned to the unit.

As I transitioned to go back stateside, I noticed soldiers that I had informed of the Orphanage were spending more time with the kids, so I slowly disengaged without saying goodbye.

I was also picked to spend time with a host family.

My tour of Korea was a learning experience, it was priceless.

If I could do it all over again,  I would have held my kids one last time and said goodbye.

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.

READ MORE STORIES HERE.

From My Service in Korea, I learned…

Enoch Ibarra

US Navy

(1976 – 1978)

My first visit to Korea came shortly after my twenty first birthday, on assignment as an US Navy hospital Corpsman.

Having never been to Korea, I didn’t know what to expect and knew very little about the country at the time.

As a member of a very small US Marine unit, attached to a much larger Amphibious Ready Group, it gave me the opportunity to see quite a bit of the country during that first visit.

I was privileged to travel from Pusan to Seoul, and on to Imjingak with a fellow platoon member, and had the privilege of experiencing Korea at my own pace.

After that, my unit reported to the Korean Marine Base at Pohang where we trained side by side with some of the Republic of Korea’s elite Marines.

At Pohang I learned cold weather survival, amphibious raiding, and mountain warfare tactics.  I was immediately impressed by the discipline and dedication of the ROK Marines.

During my time off duty, I had the privilege of being invited into the homes of local people who were immediately welcoming and friendly.  It was through the influence and example of these friends that I gained a deep love for Korea as a nation, and for its people.

Through many of those people who became my friends, I was able to learn much about the culture of the Republic of Korea and some of its traditions and customs.

Nearly a year later, I returned to my unit’s home base in Okinawa and prepared to be sent to a unit in Hawaii, never expecting to have an opportunity of being able to return to Korea.

Almost exactly a year later, an opportunity presented itself to be able to return to Korea.  And, through some difficult negotiations I was able to convince my commanding officer to authorize my return to the Republic of Korea for my last military deployment.

At the time, I knew very little about the actual location or nature of the duties involved.  But I looked forward to this assignment with excitement and great expectations because it would allow me the opportunity of returning to Korea.

Within a couple of weeks of reporting to the headquarters of the Commander of Naval Forces Korea, I found myself assigned to the demilitarized zone, working alongside Army medics of the Joint Security Area at Pan Mun Jom.

There I got a first-hand look at some of the military and political challenges facing the nation of Korea.  It also gave me the privilege of working with young soldiers of the ROK Army who were serving with the United Nations Command.

Through my service in Korea, I learned of its rich history, and the dedication and loyalty of the Korean people to their great nation.  It gave me a deep and abiding respect and love for the Republic of Korea and its people.

From my time spent with Korean community members, military and world leaders I gained a deep appreciation, love and respect for the Republic of Korea and the Korean people.

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.

READ MORE STORIES HERE.

From My Service in Korea, I learned…

Richard Hayward

1974 to 1976

I enlisted in the US Army and served my entire enlistment assigned to Camp Kitty Hawk, JSA, Joint Security Area. The JSA is the furthest North to the DMZ and our motto is, ‘In Front of Them All’. I was assigned to the escort unit and became the personal driver for the Commander of JSA. As the Commanders driver I would drive the Commander and a Major General assigned to the United Nations Command to the MAC meetings (Military Armistice Commission) that were held in Panmunjom. There are three blue United Nations buildings that sit right on the MDL, Military Demarcation Line which divides North Korea & South Korea. At the meeting site there would be KPA, Korean People’s Army soldiers, United Nations soldiers to include US Army and the news media. Inside the center blue building is where the North Korean representative, a KPA General with his Chinese ally meet with the United Nations representative a US Major General. At the time of these meetings, you can expect the North Korean soldiers to try and start some type of provocation. On June 30, 1975, Major William D. Henderson our Deputy Commander for JSA was viciously attacked by the KPA and the North Korean media. I saw the KPA and US Army soldiers scuffling in between two of the buildings. The KPA had their hands on their holstered pistols as they were running up to what became an all-out fist fight. One of the platoon sergeants had me bring my vehicle around to evacuate the General. As I pulled up with the vehicle the area was packed with people. The fighting had stopped but there was huge tension between both sides as I slowly pulled up. Our guys formed a secure line to my vehicle to evacuate the General and my Commander.  Once in the vehicle I drove them back to the helipad. Major Henderson was medevac to Seoul and later to Walter Reed with a crushed larynx.

My driving would lead me all over South Korea with many trips to Seoul driving US Senators, diplomats and many other dignitaries. This opened many opportunities to meet the South Korean people who I found to be extremely friendly and grateful for our presence. I drove other officers from our unit from time to time and one was Captain Arthur Bonifas, my company commander. Capt. Bonifas was the most personable person I had the pleasure of driving. Shortly after I left Korea and the service, Captain Bonifas was axed to death by the KPA along with Lt. Mark Barrett. The Army renamed Camp Kitty Hawk to Camp Bonifas.  I share this to honor the incredible sacrifices made by Captain Arthur Bonifas, Lt. Mark Barrett. And on November 20, 1974, US Navy Commander Robert M. Ballinger who was killed while checking out a booby-trapped spy tunnel and seriously wounding US Marine Major Nastase. Keeping their memory alive is important for all of us. Witnessing the differences between the North and South is striking and a reminder on the cost of keeping a free society free.

In Front of Them All,

Richard Hayward

Me with KPA checking me out.

Escort Crew for JSA.

Me next to my vehicle.

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.

READ MORE STORIES HERE.

From My Service in Korea, I learned…

Eiji Teragouchi

1965 – 1966

During my time stationed at Fort Carson, Colorado, in January 1965, I received orders to relocate to South Korea for a 13-month tour of duty. In February of the same year, I found myself enroute to Kempo Air Force Base, where I would begin my assignment. Upon arrival, we were directed to a military bus where we received our individual assignments for the next 13 months. I was assigned to the 5th CAV/1st CAV Division and 2^nd Infantry Division mid 1965, near Paju, South Korea.

Leaving behind the cold of Colorado, I soon discovered that the winter chill near the DMZ was far more intense. As I acclimated to the cold temperatures, I also experienced the onset of the monsoon season. Despite these seasonal challenges, our duties often involved late-night searches for North Korean infiltrators crossing the frozen Imjin River, especially during the winter months. We, American soldiers and KATUSA (Korean Augmentation to the United State Army) conducted night foot patrols along the south side of the Imjin River’s dirt path, braving the elements.

During the warmer months, both American soldiers and KATUSA troops collaborated to construct concrete bunkers atop the mountains. It was during this time that I immersed myself in Korean culture, learning over 100 Korean words and the traditional song “ARIRANG” from my KATUSA counterparts.

One afternoon, while exploring a local village, I had the opportunity to observe elderly women making winter kimchi. With their permission, I sat and watched as they prepared the spicy dish, realizing that its heat came from the addition of copious amounts of crushed hot peppers. Throughout my time in South Korea, I forged many friendships with the local community.

Upon returning to the United States, I found myself working in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where I had the pleasure of meeting a Korean gentleman who was a former two-time Korean Judo Champion, Mr. Kim. Our friendship blossomed as we shared stories and bonded over our shared experiences. It was during these gatherings that I would often use Korean words and join Mr. Kim in singing “ARIRANG.” Despite moving on to different projects, our friendship endured for over 50 years.

I have included pictures of me, Eiji – sp4, in the pictures with fellow soldiers, American and KATUSA.

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.

READ MORE STORIES HERE.

From My Service in Korea, I learned…

Dave Nutter

1970’s & 1980’s

My Name is Dave Nutter, I retired from the Army in 1993 as a SFC with 20 years of service. I quit high school the summer before beginning my senior year and enlisted in the Army in September of 1973, one day after my 17^th birthday. My father a Command Sergeant Major who had only been back from Vietnam a little over a year only asked if I was sure that was what I wanted to do. I arrived in Korea in April of 1974. I was assigned to C Company 1/72 armor and began as the driver on the platoon sergeants’ tank; going to the field for a month for gunnery/tank crew qualifications a few days after I reported in. When my high school class was graduating, my unit was on Chipori range firing tank table VIII.

17 is an interesting age, not quite a boy and not quite yet a man. During my 18 months in the 2d Infantry, I learned a lot about myself, structure, self-discipline, and teamwork. Many of those lessons, that took a while to take, and my experiences during my military service have served me quite well in life and the corporate world.

Quite honestly, the Army immediately post-Vietnam was quite a mess and the leadership had quite a challenge on their hands and 2d ID was no different except that we had General Emerson (Gunfighter) as the division commander. Who excelled in meeting those challenges. We spent an awful lot of time training, and I would guess that between us and 2/72 armor, we expended all the 105mm, 7.62mm and 50 cal ammo in the ammo dump at Tobong Son and kept the folks there quite busy with incoming shipments. The physical training was quite challenging as well, especially during the winter as PT was not canceled unless the temperature went below zero. For a period in the summer of 74 during the fuel shortage, we were also trained as infantry.

7 years later I was serving with the 38^th ADA Bde on an isolated missile site applying those lessons. Much of military service is learning how to deal with sleep deprivation and that tour was no exception to the rule. In the last couple of months of that tour, my maintenance section was down to three people with a requirement to have 2 of us on the missile site 24/7. During the Cold War air defense units pulled their wartime missions. Hawk missile systems were in various stages of alert all over the world. Systems were up, and running, and manned 24/7, 365 days a year unless in a maintenance state. Maintaining that state of readiness is quite challenging for everyone in the unit from the clerks to the tactical control officers.

During both tours, I learned to love Korea and have said many times I would have been quite happy if I could have spent all my service there. Both times it was obvious that Korea was still recovering from the war. In 1981 progress was evident. I observed how resilient and resourceful the Korean people are. There is an old saying about slaughtering a pig and using everything but the oink. I am convinced they found ways to use the oink as well. Nothing went to waste that I saw. From the less fortunate souls we had out on our ranges trying to collect what metal they could from napalm casings to shrapnel and shell casings to the street merchants using discarded paper from the base as containers for the street food they sold. Things we should be doing in today’s throwaway world. All the people I met were exceptionally nice. There were many times when we traded our c-rations with the locals for Korean food. In 1981-1982 my friends and I made it a point to try and go off the beaten path where most Americans would not.

Interestingly many members of my family served in Korea. One of my father’s brothers was assigned to Korea in 1948. Dad spent almost the entire war in Korea arriving in the late summer of 1950, his unit was attached to the 2d ID and they were up north when the Chinese entered the war, he was with the units that had to run the gauntlet to get back south. His brother was a Marine WWII veteran who was in the reserves and was called up and arrived in Korea before my father, he was at the Chosin Reservoir, and I know that haunted him for the rest of his life. The picture below is of my father at age 22 just before the armistice.

When I was in Korea the 2d time, 81-82 my older stepbrother was assigned to 2d Aviation and stationed at Camp Casey, we did manage to spend one weekend together.

Having recently visited Korea in October, it is quite evident that the alliance between in U.S and Korea has revolved exponentially, growing stronger over the years. The changes I saw in Korea make me wish I could bring my father and his brothers to Seoul so they could see what they have been a part of.

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.

READ MORE STORIES HERE.

From My Service in Korea, I learned…

Robert E. Jenkins

March 1953 – December 1956

My name is Robert E. Jenkins.  I served in the U.S. Navy in the Korean War from March 1953 till December 1956.  I was in the waters around Korea on two different ships (USS Fechteler DDR870 and USS Isherwood DD520).  I was a radarman 3^rd class.   It was the job of the radar crew to keep track of all the boats and planes in the area and to protect the aircraft carriers.  I learned a lot of responsibility and how to meet challenges.

I never set foot on the ground until this Revisit Korea program. So what an honor and opportunity for me to visit South Korea, especially since I have a grandson that lives in Seoul and teaches English.   I learned how much the Korean people honor our service to their country.  There were young people and their parents that wanted to shake my hand.  I was very impressed with how clean, beautiful and modern the country of South Korea is today. This trip was a dream of a lifetime and something I will always cherish.  I was treated with such honor.

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.

READ MORE STORIES HERE.

From My Service in Korea, I learned…

Bill Castro

From my service in Korea, I quickly learned how to become a man of Men. Let me explain, I was 18 years old when I volunteered for service in the Far East Command, the government’s fancy name for service in the “Korean Police Action”. After 16 weeks of Basic Combat Training at Schofield Barracks Hawaii, graduating “Bravo 940” “Cum Laude”, I found myself landing at Haneda Airport, Tokyo, Japan where we were bussed to Camp Drake, the Main Replacement Depot for all assignments in the “Far East Command” and after a few days of loading us with Pile Jackets, Snow Boots, Winter Sleeping Bags and Oh yeah, Rifles with no Ammo, we were loaded unto a train to Sasebo, the southernmost Japan port and gateway to Pusan, Korea. The date was around the first week of January 1951.

After landing in Pusan, we were immediately, again, boarded onto Train Cars and sat all day without moving because, we were told, that the route we were supposed to travel on was in repairs after an attack on the train traveling before us. We all were disturbed the biggest part of the night with a Train that arrived late into the night and unloaded what seemed to us as bags of trash since they were throwing it from the top of train cars onto the platforms below. The next morning as we were heading out to breakfast with our mess kits and canteen cups, we saw that the contents in the bags were not trash but human bodies they were just unloaded and left there on the platforms and most were well on the way to decay where the stench was unbearable. We all turned around and headed to the other end of the train, most declaring, “So much for breakfast”. 3-4 days later we were in Suwan and the 3rd Infantry Division Replacement Center where we were further assigned and I went to Co. C, 1st Bn., 15th Regiment. My platoon, like the others, was extremely short-manned since they had just regrouped from being over-run and in re-treat (ops, I mean withdrawn) from the Chosin Reservoir in the North.

I was assigned as assistant B.A.R. man and carried the ammo for the B.A.R. Man. We were on a hill and the next day marched over heavy snow hills and lowland rice patties for 3 or 4 days with only the food we carried which ran out after 3 days. We had no contact that I could see with other allied units.

March 1951 with a B.A.R.

On the very early morning of the 4th day around 2 am, we were attacked and after 15 to 20 minutes under constant rifle and machine gun fire the B.A.R. man jumped out of the foxhole and left saying, we’re down here alone and can’t hold, let’s go up to the next higher position. I got so excited that when trying to put my rifle on lock, I accidentally removed the trigger housing and my rifle fell in two parts on the snow. I shouted to my partner to wait but he just kept moving on. By the time I finally dug up the two parts of the Rifle and trigger housing and put them all together the Enemy was all around my position firing all around so wildly that one of them fell into my hole with me, looked at me with a Burp gun in hand and jumped out yelling in Chinese, what, I don’t know. After that little incident, I got my wit together and stayed in the hole just firing all around, sometimes at shadows, sometimes at their white uniforms shown clearly with the help of a lighted flare from time to time. Daylight came all of a sudden, I was all alone with what seemed like dead bodies all over the place. My platoon Leader came up to me and said, “How come you didn’t follow your Gunner’s orders and moved your position” and I replied, “I thought we were supposed to remain and cover from this position you assigned us, Sir.”  He smiled and said, “Yes, you’re right.. and by the way, pick up the B.A.R. from my CP (CommandPost), you are now the B.A.R. Man for 2nd Squad. Two or three days later on, the offense attacked a hill around Uijeongbu I was bringing up the left rear of the point when Johnson, a young new replacement fresh from the States, started retreating on his own and upon passing me dropped and left the rifle. I picked it up and ordered my assistant, also fresh from the States but he followed orders to cover Johnson’s position. About a couple of hours or so later reaching the top of the hill and seeing our enemy now on the retreat I saw Johnson approaching my position and I handed him his rifle, which I was carrying along with my heavier B.A.R. The Squad Leader looked back at us and asked, “What happened?” and Johnson replied, “Well I was scared and was going back to the vehicles down the road when this guy yelled at me, “Hey you there, get your ass back up that hill to your outfit or so help me I’ll shoot you myself.”  The Man was not young or wearing a helmet instead he had this pile hat with Stars all around it and he looked like a huge giant. He scared me even more so I turned and hurried back.”

The next morning after successfully defending our position from a counterattack, at breakfast the squad Leader says, “Castro you now Assistant Squad Leader so give your BAR stuff to Johnson”….. Johnson became a pretty good B.A.R. Man, and wondered who that giant man was with the star-studded pile cap?

Several days later going through a village I heard the men shouting our Leader got hit and fell into this crater. I ordered Johnson to cover the rear field of fire I had and hurried up front to our fallen Leader, and he lays there, right arm slit open bone showing and bleeding profusely. I immediately applied a tourniquet and held it until the medics arrived. Our Platoon Lt. also arrived and told me, “You’re Squad Leader now, so get your men in order and stand by.” I always never get asked, just told and in less than 45 days in Combat, I am a Squad Leader, no longer a boy I am now responsible for the lives and actions of 9 men and our achieving success in all our combat missions. That my friend is the Mark of a Man. 1951-1952.

The Secretary of Veterans Affairs for South Korea

Then Gov. of Hawaii.

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.

READ MORE STORIES HERE.

From My Service in Korea, I learned…

Daniel McPharlin

7th Infantry Division, 1st Battalion 31st Regiment HHC Recon platoon

As an infantryman serving with the 7^th Infantry Division in the summer of 1968 up on the DMZ, I saw and experienced the aggression towards South Korea by North Korean soldiers.

On one of our stakeouts inside the DMZ to intercept North Koreans heading south of the Military Demarcation Line a firefight started. We killed two of them feeling for our trip flares and Claymore mine wires. The other North Koreans fired at us but we were not hit. We detonated a Claymore mine and threw grenades at them and near dawn they withdrew from us.

On October 5^th that night a call came over the radio that a squad inside the DMZ had been hit and they requested extraction of their wounded. The first vehicle to go through the barrier fence gate was an Armored Personnel carrier followed by a machine gun jeep. Next was an Army field ambulance then a machine gun jeep. The APC bulldozed into the woods and brought the wounded man out to the road. Two medics carried the stretcher to the ambulance. I was the driver of the rear jeep and could see they performed CPR on him before closing the ambulance doors. All three vehicles raced back to camp two miles away. Sp4 Stephen Nassani died from a North Korean grenade explosion that night.

In the winter we got ordered to go to the barrier fence where a North Korean infiltrator was killed. He was lying in a small trailer and on his face was a grimace of pain frozen in death. Rifle fire blew out his shoulder blade and knee cap. When a squad went to get him, he took his grenade and blew his chest out. They would not be taken alive if possible. Our South Korean KATUSA soldiers remarked his family must be wealthy because he was wearing thermal insulated under garments. Most other infiltrators were found with straw under their clothes to try keeping warm.

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.

READ MORE STORIES HERE.

From My Service in Korea, I learned…

Song Pak Stisher

“Resiliency through Building Cultural Respect, Trust and Friendship”

As a newly commissioned Second Lieutenant in 1990, my first assignment in the Army as a Medical Service Corps Officer (70B) was a Medical Platoon Leader at the 568th Medical Company (Ground Ambulance), 52nd Medical Battalion, at Camp Humphreys, Pyongtaek, Korea. Camp Humphreys was quite different back then, a fenced in perimeter of post surrounded by pig farms and rice paddies. I can still smell the pig farms as I often ran the 10 mile perimeter o dark thirty in the morning.

My unit, the 568th Med Co, was a very unique in a sense it was a multi comp TOE unit consisted of US Army active duty personnel, Korean Service Corps (KSCs) and Korean Nationals (KNs). We didn’t have any KATUSAs assigned to 568th, however, our sister company, the 560th Medical Company did. I was assigned as one of the three Platoon Leaders at the 568th and within my platoon, I was in charge of about 30 KSCs, along with my platoon sergeant. The KSCs were unique in their skill sets as medics and civilian service members, fluent in both Korean and English. They were also senior in grade and time in service. They were well trained and skilled in various medical treatment and evacuation operations. I quickly gained a tremendous respect for them as I was a brand new Lieutenant who was their new leader. But I also faced some unique cultural challenges.

I was a 22 year old, Korean American, a female US Army Officer in charge of a group of very seasoned KSCs and this was their very first experience working for a woman, someone who was half their age, without much time and grade and very “green.” They didn’t really know what to expect from me, never mind taking orders from me. I quickly realized this was a very difficult situation for the KSCs, who have traditionally reported to male leaders in a male dominant society and culture. I also realized that respect is not simply given but earned and this was a two way street. I had to first prove to them that I respected their contributions and commitment to the unit’s mission. We were able to do this through various field training exercises, team building  and leadership training. Over time and collaborations, we were able to build mutual trust, respect and acceptance of each other. We accomplished many missions and tasks throughout the 12 months we spent together at Camp Humphreys. I can honestly say that by the end of my tour in Korea, we became family.

As I look back to my time in Korea and the unique experience gained working with the KSCs at 568th, I can still remember all of their smiling faces. I will never forget friendship, culture and humanity we shared during our time together. And best of all, it truly taught me the importance of resiliency when challenged with unique cultural differences and how we can all overcome these challenges through mutual respect and trust. We believed in our motto “Katchi Kapshida” – Let’s Go Together.

This journey was very special to me as I had returned to Korea to serve since my family immigrated to the US in 1978. I hope to revisit Korea soon and walk through the journey one more time.

Thank you for allowing me to share my story.

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.

READ MORE STORIES HERE.

From My Service in Korea, I learned…

David Benbow

My service in Korea with Charlie Company, 3/23rd Infantry, 2nd Infantry Division, Feb 1968 to June 1969 taught me to love the Republic of Korea and its citizens. The 12-15 KATUSAs I served with in my company were outstanding soldiers. The people of the Republic of Korea were industrious and hard working. I am proud of the huge economic growth of the Republic of Korea since 1953. They love their country and so do I. I have formed life-long bonds with my brother DMZ vets and with some of the family members of Michael Rymarczuk, killed July 30, 1968 on DMZ night ambush. Everywhere I go, I carry the memories of my fellow 3rd platoon buddy, Michael Rynmarczuk and my 3rd platoon foxhole buddy, KATUSA Pvt. Kwan, who was killed in the DMZ on night ambush in August 1968.

  Army Signalman, Mike Reynolds, who was killed in my company area of the DMZ while stringing wire to our Guardpost Gladys, September 27, 1968 and new 2LT James Weeks, killed on his first patrol into the DMZ on July 20, 1968, both had family members reach out to me and we have become friends.  I found Michael Rymarczuk’s mother, brother and daughter in Philadelphia and we became friends. I told Michael’s daughter, Micki, that her father was my DMZ Brother. She calls me and several of her father’s other Charlie Company, 3rd platoon buddies, her “uncles”, because her father, who was killed before he could hold his baby girl, was our brother.  Earl Jeffery, WIA July 30, 1968 , also in my 3rd platoon, was flown home after being wounded and we never heard from him again. I found his daughter several months ago in Dennison, Texas. She told me, her father had just died last year and that even though he had survived his multiple wounds from that long night,  he had limped all his life and had nightmares. I wish I had been able to find Earl before he died. I carry my DMZ brothers’ memories with me every day. I am proud we helped defend the people of the Republic of Korea from North Korean aggression.  Whenever I have to make a public speech, or try a jury case in court, or have a serious doctor’s appointment,  I carry my  Imjin Scout patch, which I removed from my fatigue shirt, in my pocket. I would not trade that 55 year old faded green cloth patch for any other medal or military award.  It says that I served in dangerous situations with some of the best men I have ever met. David Benbow, Statesville, NC (formerly Sgt (E-5) David Benbow, Charlie Company, 3/23rd Infantry, 2nd Infantry Division.

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.

READ MORE STORIES HERE.