Preserving The Oral HistorIES of Combat Veterans
6:15 | When he was stationed in Fort Benning, Georgia, Bill Ozmint was stationed on the 38th Parallel in Korea for a year. Being along the DMZ was difficult as you had to act carefully to remain safe from enemy fire.
Keywords : 38th Parallel Korea Korean Conflict wartime DMZ(Demilitarized Zone) border North Korea South Korea army stationed Fort Benning
Bill Ozmint remembers his upbringing in rural South Carolina and joining the ROTC during college, which got him introduced to the military. Since he knew so many people involved in the war, joining the military was always on the table for him.
Bill Ozmint remembers patrolling on the border and the various precautions they had to take to safely navigate his platoon through enemy territory. Seeing friendly casualties as they were ascending a hill put into perspective how dangerous the war really was.
Bill Ozmint remembers arriving in Korea and getting prepared to replace a company in country there. Facing the weather was a huge challenge for them as they had to learn how to cope with the extreme cold.
Bill Ozmint remembers leaving Korea and returning home, which his company was ready to do after their year in-country. After returning home, he was able to find work through a family friend and was able to secure his future career in the pharmaceutical industry.
Bill Ozmint reflects on the current problems going on in Korea and where he thinks things will go from here. He sees further action needing to be taken in the near future and wonders if his time in Korea was somewhat of a waste.
