Preserving The Oral HistorIES of Combat Veterans
3:26 | Gene Owen describes the dreadful effect of a historically bitter Korean winter, and the struggle to find appropriate gear to combat the challenging conditions.
Keywords : weather weather dangers equipment boots rubber mattress frostbite Gene Owen Korea gear
Gene Owen talks about the factors that led him to serve in the Army, and his subsequent orders to report for duty in Korea. He details his experience shipping out to Pusan.
Gene Owen describes his harrowing first action, an ambush that leaves him little time to find adequate cover.
On his way up the Uijeongbu Corridor, Gene Owen encounters a grisly sight: truckloads of bodies from an ill-fated mission.
Gene Owen falls victim to a birthday prank, which leads to a nasty hangover.
Gene Owen wakes up alone in his foxhole to discover the Chinese Army marching into a hot zone where they faced an awesome display of US firepower. The scene is reminiscent of a Basic Training exercise known as The Mad Minute.
Gene Owen observes the dearth of experienced leadership in the early months of the Korean conflict, and how necessity called upon the NCOs to lead the troops through challenging situations.
A ferocious firefight in the Iron Triangle, as the 3rd Infantry holds the line in a broad front-line offensive. The battle becomes a textbook example of the effectiveness of intense firepower against overwhelming forces.
After contracting a deadly illness, Gene Owen is saved by an observant medic and sent to a military hospital in Yeongdeungpo, where he is diagnosed with hemorrhagic fever. Soon after, he is rotated back home, reunites with his family, and returns to school. For Gene's actions in Korea, he was awarded a Silver Star, Bronze Star, and two Purple Hearts.
Following the battle for Hill 717, Gene Owen discovers a shocking revelation about a brave soldier.
Gene Owen remembers the 8,000 MIAs from the Korean War, and shares his concerns about later generations and future conflicts.
