Jesus L. Balaoro

Bio

Jesus L. Balaoro enlisted in the Philippine Army in 1952 after leaving high school. He completed basic training in Marikina and was deployed to Korea from 1953 to 1954, where he served in B Company. His main responsibility was operating 60 mm mortars during combat. Committed to his duty, Balaoro was prepared to sacrifice his life if needed, believing his lack of a wife or children made the risk more bearable. Although his parents objected to his decision, he remained steadfast in his resolve to serve during the Korean War. He remains very proud of his contribution to the Korean War effort.

Video Clips

Family Cries as Balaoro Goes to War

After completing training in the Philippines, Jesus Balaoro learned he was being deployed to Korea. He recalls his family crying when he shared he was destined for Korea. Despite their fear, he remained calm, explaining he wasn’t afraid to sacrifice his life since he had no wife or children at the time. His sense of duty outweighed his fear.

Tags: Basic training,Fear,Home front

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Koreans Happy to See Filippinos

When Jesus Balaoro arrived in Korea, he was struck by the warm welcome from the Korean people, who were grateful for the Filipinos’ efforts to help save them. He noticed that, despite the devastation, a few villages remained untouched by the war, offering brief glimpses of peace amid the chaos.

Tags: Busan,Daegu,Civilians,Impressions of Korea,Physical destruction,South Koreans,Weapons

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Jesus Balaoro Defied Orders, Won Award

During the Battle of Christmas Hill, Jesus Balaoro’s friend was wounded. Defying his commander’s order to stop, he carried his friend up the hill to reach a rescue helicopter. His brave act saved his friend from the battlefield. Though the friend survived his injuries, his friend later died from disease, a loss he never forgot.

Tags: Chinese,Front lines

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Returning to Korea

Jesus Balaoro returned to Korea twice after the war. When he left in 1953, the country lay in ruins. Decades later, he was amazed to see how completely it had been rebuilt, a powerful contrast that left a lasting impression on him.