Justin+Lee+Awesome+Interview

= Korean War Oral History Project =

=__//INTERVIEW//__=

“This is Justin Lee and I am interviewing Natalie Jeung about Harry R. Peterson on May 29, 2010 at a cafe. We are going to talk about Harry R. Peterson’s experience and his partaking in the Korean War."

What is your name and how old are you? - I am Natalie Jeung. I am 21 years old. I am currently attending Ewha Womans’ University

What is his name? - His name is Harry R. Peterson.

How did you get to know Harry R. Peterson? - He was my host grandfather. He pasted away 4 years ago.

Where did you meet Harry R. Peterson? - I have known him since I was 10 years old.

How old was Harry R. Peterson when you met him? - He was 70 years old.

What did he tell you about the war? - He said it was horrible. Everything was out of control and seemed to be never ending.

When was he born? Where was he born? He was born in November 26, 1929 in Reno, Nevada.

Did he finish his education? - No, he finished most of his education and entered University of Nevada, but wasn’t able to graduate.

Was he married? If so, did he have any children? - Yes, he was married to Joanna M. Peterson before the war. They had 6 kids.

What was his major occupation? - He was an engineer.

When did he enroll in the military? - He enrolled in the military in 1951.

What was his first reaction when he found out that the Americans had to help the Koreans? - He didn’t know about the country, Korea. He didn’t know what to expect from the war or why they need to help Koreans.

What was his first impression when he was in Korea? Everything was a mess. People were begging for food and clothes.

What was his feelings, fighting in another country? - At first, he couldn’t understand the purpose of fighting but only after not many days, he wanted to help Koreans to win the war.

How did he view the North Koreans? - They seemed to be crazy about destroying everything. They weren’t trying to negotiate.

What was his feelings during the war? He wanted to go back to his country to be with his family but at the same time, he was proud that he could dedicate himself for the country.

Did he get any injury? - His arms was injured from the blowing parts from the bomb but fortunately, he was able to get back to his place after a month.

Did any of his close friends from the military get wounded or killed? - Yes, more than half of my unit experienced any kind of injury or was even killed.

How was it for him to get back to his normal life, after the war? - It was very difficult. It took me a long time to overcome aftereffect such as not being able to sleep well and being too sensitive about some situation which could be just let it go.

Where his friends still alive? - No, about half from his whole station and about a quarter from his unit was dead.

What were his feelings after the war? - He never wanted to experience it again. It is a disaster that creates orphans, diseases, unemployment, poverty, and pain. It makes unforgivable scar to people.

What was his major concern before the war, during the war, and after the war? - His major concern before the war, during the war was about his wife and family. He felt guilty for not being there for his own family. After the war, he was concerned about the consequences that many countries including both Koreas will go through.

Was it easy to get a occupation? Thankfully, the country gave me quiet an advantage for taking a part in the war. They gave me a house, a car, and a job right after I was sent back to home.

25. Is there anything you want to add? (like personality, characteristics, advices, appearance) - He was a very generous man. He was very family-oriented and liked to be around people. He always had a big smile on his face. He was in a very good health condition overall. He died in heart-attack which made everyone who loved him to be in a huge shock and sadness.

“Thank You for your time and for this great interview!”

=__//REFLECTION POST//__=

The interview of a soldier that fought in the Korean War got me to understand the true feelings of the Korean War better. I interviewed a patriot that fought for and helped the Koreans during the Korean War against the North Koreans. South Korean soldiers knew what was going on, but the American soldiers didn’t really know what was really going on and didn’t really know what to expect. And also, Harry R. Peterson mentioned that everything was messed up and the North Koreans are crazy about destroying everything and not trying to negotiate. Even those these are very valuable facts and a lot can be learned from these historical facts, historical facts can be read in history books, while feelings and emotions can’t be read in history books. Feelings and emotions only comes with the experience. I knew the historical facts and the dates, but I didn’t know the details, feelings, and emotions that only the people of that time period has. We can learn better by feeling and sympathizing with the soldiers’ feelings and emotions. The personal experience helps me to understand how the soldiers fought, and makes me thankful that great people like Harry R. Peterson fought for our country. The history books make war sound horrifying and deadly, but Harry R. Peterson made me realize that war is not always deadly. The way the Harry R. Peterson described the feelings of being proud of what he have done made me actually want to join the army.