John J. Considine
Bio
John J. Considine was born on May 8, 1932, in the Bronx, New York. He enlisted in the United States Army and was deployed to Korea in the fall of 1952, serving until the war officially ended on July 27, 1953. During his time in Korea, he worked with the Korean Civilian Corps and participated in patrols throughout the Kumhwa Valley. Considine earned two Purple Hearts for injuries sustained to his head, neck, and shoulder. A notable moment during the war was his reunion with his brother. He re-enlisted in 1955 and returned to Korea from 1957 to 1958.
Video Clips
Typical Day in Kumwha Valley as a Soldier
John J. Considine explains that he was embedded with the Korean Civilian Corps, which constructed trenches and bunkers for the troops. He shares that his role in the U.S. Army involved looking for and listening to potential enemy activity while on patrol. Although he did not sustain any injuries during these missions, he is aware of a unit of U.S. troops that was entirely killed.
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Two Purple Hearts
John J. Considine shares that he earned two Purple Hearts during his time on the front lines after his bunker was hit by a barrage of artillery. He mentions that he was the only survivor of the attack in his bunker on March 24, 1953. After three weeks of recovery from head and neck wounds, he recalls being sent back to the front lines. However, just three days after returning, he was shot in the back of his shoulder while on patrol, causing him to be ejected over a 60-foot cliff.
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A Family Affair
John J. Considine describes the experience of his brother, Matthew, who entered the Korean War after him. He recalls receiving a call from his older brother in January of 1953 while Matthew was in Kumwha. During his time in Korea, he mentions that he saw his brother twice. In July, he had the opportunity to spend two days with his brother during a period of rest and relaxation (R&R). He shares that after this visit, he was informed he would be returning home.
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