SSG Paul Cunningham, USAF, Korea

Paul Cunningham graduated from high school in 1948 and had no idea what he wanted to do with his life. After some convincing from the local Air Force recruiter, he was off to train as a radar repairman. Just two years later, he was at war halfway around the world in Korea.

In this edition of "Veterans Chonicles," Cunningham describes his work assembling, repairing, and moving radar equipment as the conditions of the war changed. He explains the critical role that radar played in assisting the allies and spotting enemy planes long before they arrived.

Cunningham also describes the shock of assuming the war was nearly over in late 1950 only to see the Chinese pour into Korea and extend the war for another two-and-a-half years. He also tells us what Korea was like in the early 1950s, as so many there lived in abject poverty.

He contrasts that with his recent visit back to Korea and that stunning differences he saw there thanks to the freedom the South Koreans enjoy as a result of the sacrifices made by the U.S. and our allies. He also stresses the enduring gratitude of the South Korean people towards those who liberated them.

Finally, Cunningham, who later became a history teacher, stresses the need to teach our kids about the Korean War, why it happened, and the aftermath that impacts us to this day.