Interviewed: Terry McAffee
Relations to Interviewed - Grandfather
War Involved in - Korean War (1945-1950)
Which war did you serve in and were you drafted or did you sign up?
"My military experience took place during the Korean War which lasted from 1945-1950. I was drafted into the army, this wasn't too surprising since many of my peers had already been drafted and they were calling for many boys my age to enlist."
Where were you stationed and what were conditions like?
"I didn't actually go to Korea at first. I was sent to France instead. I began my training camp there and worked practically alongside with the French Batallion, ready to be called to Korea in a moments notice. Conditions in France were pretty decent since this wasn't the actual location that the war was being fought at. Extra food was always welcome though."
Tell me more about the training camp...what was it like?
"Well I was trained as a soldier to fight head on in the War, yet I was mainly trained in communications. I was in charge of broadcasting and recieving signals and making statements to our generals using the radio."
What were the people in France's reaction to US military centered in their country?
"Most of the people were decents, although there were some protestors to what we were doing. I got along with many of the people there and even picked up a lot of the language."
What are some of your main memories from this time?
"I remember I was worried about family and friends due to people being seperated and sent off in different directions during the war. But I was also excited and fascinated with things dealing with the war. The communication systems amazed me at that time in the War and it was great to learn new things and techniques."