Mehmet Aksoy
Bio
Mehmet Aksoy served in the Turkish Army during the Korean War. His father worked as a builder, and his mother was a housewife. Mehmet completed his education up to the fourth grade, which was quite common at the time. He volunteered for the army and went to Korea in 1952, serving on the battlefronts as a Wire Communication soldier. In this role, he was responsible for maintaining the wire communications that relayed messages from headquarters to the front lines. Mehmet later revisited Korea and came to view the Koreans as his brothers and sisters. Most importantly, he took great pride in the achievements of the Korean people and in the contributions made by the Turkish forces during the war.
Video Clips
Condition of Seoul
Mehmet Aksoy describes the situation of the people in Seoul as desperate. He recalls that many individuals were constantly begging for food and supplies, frequently uttering the phrase "chab chab." He notes that the Turkish soldiers, who were well supplied, offered food to those in need. He remembers that much of the city was in ruins, and the remaining buildings were marked by bullet holes.
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Service During the Korean War
Mehmet Aksoy shares his experiences during the Korean War, detailing the various fronts where he was stationed. Among these were the Vegas Front and the Cheorwon Front, both located along the 38th Parallel, which saw heavy fighting. He states that although he did not personally witness intense combat, he played a crucial role in maintaining communication by ensuring the phone line between headquarters and the troops remained operational. He explains that this communication was vital, as interruptions often occurred due to enemy mortar fire. His efforts were instrumental in helping the Turkish military fend off the Chinese advance.
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Pride for Service
Mehmet Aksoy reflects on his return to Korea with a deep sense of admiration. He is amazed by the gratitude that the Korean people express for the sacrifices made by Turkey during the Korean War. He wishes that the people of Turkey could show the same level of appreciation and consideration as the Koreans do. He admits he never imagined the remarkable transformation that Korea has undergone. Feeling proud of his service during the war, he views the people of Korea as his brothers and sisters.
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Video Transcript