Charles Francis Jacks
Bio
Charles Jacks was born into a farming family in Alabama in 1933 and later moved to Huntland, Tennessee, with his parents and siblings. After graduating from Huntland High School, he enlisted in the United States Navy in 1951. He trained as a hospital corpsman at Bainbridge, MD. Feeling fatigued by hospital duties, he requested a new role and subsequently joined the Fleet Marines. Following the Armistice in 1953, he uniquely journeyed home with released POWs. Reflecting on Korea’s transformation since the war, he values the lessons learned and remains proud of his service and the United Nations’ efforts during the conflict.
Video Clips
Making His Way to Korea
Charles Jacks enlisted in the United States Navy and trained as a Hospital Corpsman before receiving his initial assignment at St. Albans Veterans Hospital in Long Island, New York. After growing tired of his duties, he recalls requesting a transfer and taking a position with the Fleet Marines. During the twenty-one day voyage to Korea, he endured a typhoon and experienced a brief stop in Japan. In 1952, they landed at Incheon and advanced up the Main Line of Resistance (MLR)
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Assignment, Living Conditions, and Patrol Dangers
Charles Jacks discusses his assignment with the Marines, explaining how they used trench lines for protection against incoming fire. He notes that corpsmen were dispatched to various locations as needed, often traveling by jeep and into dangerous situations.
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Medical Duties
Charles Jacks recounts bandaging the wounded on the battlefield and describes how jeep ambulances transported them to field medical stations. Stationed between Seoul and Incheon with Dog Medical Company (D Company), he assisted two doctors—one Korean and one American—at a hospital. They treated a range of injuries, from minor to more serious wounds sustained on the front lines.
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Returning Home with POWs
Charles Jacks recalls returning home on the USS General Walker with the first group of released POWs. After the Armistice was signed in 1953, both sides exchanged prisoners of war. He details the voyage back to the United States and their arrival in California, where they were greeted with fanfare and TV cameras capturing the moment.
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The Korean I Saw
Charles Jacks describes the Korea he saw in the 1950s, noting small villages and rice paddies. He also recalls the civilian housing and the unique heating systems used to keep homes warm during the winter.
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