Punchbowl (Korean War)

Transcription

[Farris] USFK Commanding General Walter Sharp and his wife Joanne visited the DMZ. Their first visit to Punchbowl started at the Gachilbong Observation Point where the general was met by several of the ROK Army's top officers. General Sharp received a presentation that included an overview of the Battle of Punchbowl, a battle where a certain Lieutenant Sharp served as a platoon leader. [through interpreter] Back then, Lieutenant Earl Sharp, who is the father of General Sharp, fought in the Battle of Heartbreak Ridge as a platoon leader. He showed the true character of a servicemember with strong loyalty, devotion and sacrifice. [Farris] During the visit, the general greeted veterans of the Korean War and thanked them for their service. [Sharp] Sir, it's an honor. Thank you. [Farris] Afterwards, the attendees moved to the Bloody Ridge Observation Point which sits above the area where General Sharp's father fought. I've been able to read through some of the records that the historians have provided and know exactly what company he was in on what day and I was able to relate that to the land and see the actual fighting positions and the ridge that he was at. So that's pretty emotional to be able to think back, to just kind of put yourself in your father's place. [Farris] General Sharp also spoke about the role his father's service played in his own decision to join the military. With my father, he had just joined the Army before coming over here and then fought here and came back and stayed at active duty and retired 28 years later. So we moved all around the United States. And I never thought, I never dreamed in my wildest dreams, that 35, 36 years later I would be here serving in Korea. Army Private Tyler Farris, Punchbowl, Korea. [♪upbeat music♪] That's the Army Today, Washington.