By Honorary Reporter Maria Lynette J. Callanta from Philippines

Photos= Francisco M. Lagarico 

Francisco M. Lagarico as a member of the Philippine armed forces

Francisco M. Lagarico as a member of the Philippine Expeditionary Force to Korea (PEFTOK)

Francisco M. Lagarico

Francisco Malto Lagarico arrived in Korea more than a year after the Korean War ended. Despite not experiencing any combat, he recalled that his year-long tour of Korea was the most memorable experience of his life.

His story began on a cold and breezy evening in Busan on Dec. 24, 1954. As part of a unit directly attached to the United Nations and the U.S., he never had a problem with communication. One night, however, he was the lone radio staff for monitoring and reporting all radio calls, working 48 straight hours without leaving his post. He said he wanted to make sure that Philippine soldiers would make no mistakes to avoid creating a major problem for the entire unit, despite not receiving sufficient training for an overseas post.

Lagarico said he vividly remembers how Korean and American soldiers always helped Philippine troops to adjust immediately. In addition to the war's aftermath, he dealt with a cold and lonely environment, having to shower in freezing water and fight Korea's cold winter. He said the biggest lessons his tour taught him were discipline and training.

Francisco M. Lagarico wears his Philippine army uniform.

Francisco M. Lagarico attends a PEFTOK event.

During the interview, he and his daughter-in-law expressed thanks to the Korean people for the continuous honor and assistance given to Philippine veterans since the end of the war.

The veteran's family is also a beneficiary of the Korean government's scholarship program, with two of Lagarico's grandchildren receiving Philippine Expeditionary Force to Korea scholarships. The family also received face masks from the Korean government earlier this year.

Francisco M. Lagarico holds a protective mask and a thank-you message to Korean and Philippine veterans of the Korean War.

Though he has not gone to Korea since his tour ended, Lagarico said he hopes to visit with his family so they can also see what he considers his second home. "Thank you, Korea, for the experience and opportunity," he said in closing.

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.