By Honorary Reporter Maria Lynette J. Callanta from Philippines

Korean War veteran Ludovico S. Marticio Jr. as a member of the PEFTOK Veterans Association holds the banner of the U.N. Peace Memorial Hall. (Ludovico S. Marticio Jr.)

Ludovico S. Marticio Jr., a veteran of both the Korean War and the Vietnam War, was a good comrade of my late grandfather. He said one of his closest companions at the time died a week after they arrived in Korea on March 16, 1953, to join the Philippine Expeditionary Force to Korea (PEFTOK).

On a cold rainy night, Marticio said he saw his colleague killed by mortar while their battalion leader suffered a major injury that rendered him physically disabled. Despite this nightmare, he said his dedication to fulfill his duty as a Philippine soldier made him stronger.

The veteran said he clearly remembers how passionate he was in applying to PEFTOK. The physical and mental training he had at Fort Magsaysay and the three-month ground preparation in Marikina were the only preparation such forces had before going off to war. Seven days before leaving, he secretly visited his hometown in Pangasinan to bid farewell to his parents and his girlfriend.

The day before leaving for Korea, he said the Philippine army played a farewell song under the expectation that not everyone would return home. "I actually feared the big possibility that I would die during the war, but my courage to fight and my sworn promise as a member of the Philippine army made me stronger and confident," he said.

Although he only spent a year in Korea, he said the war's influence on his life was beyond what he imagined.

The Ambassador for Peace Medal and a medal for Korean War veterans from the Korean government. (Ludovico S. Marticio Jr.)

Comparing his Korean War experience with the one he had in the Vietnam War, he said serving in Korea was more intense and risky. Despite the Korean War being his most dangerous mission, he said he would not trade anything for his experience. Earning medals and honor after serving and returning home were just a bonus for him.

Under an invitation from the Korean government, Marticio visited Korea last year on Nov. 11 with other veterans. He said the U.N. mission at the time was rewarding to Korea not only because the country formed strong diplomatic relations with the Philippines, but also because Korea raised its global status.

A mark showing the Korean government's message of gratitude to all Philippine veterans of the Korean War at the War Memorial of Korea in Seoul. (Maria Lynette J. Callanta)

Tombs of those killed during the Korean War at the U.N. Memorial Cemetery in Busan. (Maria Lynette J. Callanta)

To end the interview, he thanked the Korean government for "its unwavering support and for constantly giving honor to war veterans."

To youth, the veteran said, "Despite the differences in the meaning of freedom between the 1950s and 60s and today's generation, please don't forget that freedom shouldn't divide a nation but further unite us under one goal."

chaey0726@korea.kr

*This article is written by a Korea.net Honorary Reporter. Our group of Honorary Reporters are from all around the world, and they share with Korea.net their love and passion for all things Korean.