Front Line of History

A fascinating series of snapshots showing a medic's experience of the Korean War have been uncovered by his grandson

- JACK BERESFORD

DOUG WEAVER DIDN'T KNOW A WHOLE LOT about the early part of his grandfather Victor Josi's life but had fond memories of their times together. But that all changed when, after Josi's death, Weaver discovered a collection of fascinating slides of his granddad's time as a medic in the Korean War.

Josi was one of the 6.8 million American men and women who served in Korea in the period running from June 27, 1950, to January 31, 1955 (an armistice was signed on July 27, 1953). But Josi's experience was different to that of many who went out there.

Josi was a pacifist and served as a medic. “Granddad did not like to talk about the war," Weaver said. "He was a conscientious objector and he was treated very poorly for his decision not to carry a rifle. As a medic, he saw a lot of people suffering and he did his best to help them. He didn't have the medical training that doctors have and he had to learn as he went. Often, doing his best was not enough to save a life."

Josi's experience of Korea only emerged after his sad passing. "When my granddad died, the slides were found in his closet along with his medals from the war, his camera and all of his camera equipment," Weaver said. "No one knew the photos existed."