A True Brotherhood Of Combat: Twin Medics During The Korean War

Tom and Tony Bezouska


Twins Tom and Tony Bezouska were born in Chicago, but grew up in Berwyn, Illinois. The Boy Scout organization was an important part of their lives, and, to this day they remain very involved with scouting. In 1951 they were drafted into the infantry, and they volunteered for the airborne. They deployed to the Korean War and were assigned to the Rakkasans, the 187th Airborne Regimental Combat Team, participating in quelling the riot at the Koje-Do prison camp. When their unit ran short of medics, the brothers volunteered because they wanted to help preserve life and they completed a brief medical training, which augmented what they had learned in the Boy Scouts. Returning to their company, they served the remainder of the war as medics. After the war, they both had difficulty dealing with memories of what they had seen in Korea. Eventually, they reconnected with Army buddies, and participating in reunions helped them reconcile their experiences. In this interview, they talk about their childhood, growing up together, and entering the Army. They describe some of the people they served with, and the situations they encountered. They recall the pain of lying to mortally wounded friends as they tried to comfort them in their dying moments. Finally, they talk about recovering from the emotional wounds of the Korean War, and their pride in having served.


conflicts Korean War
topics Camaraderie Courage Injuries Military Techniques Returning from War PTSD Patriotism Morale
interviewer David Siry
date 16 August 2018


name Tom and Tony Bezouska
service Infantry / Medics
unit L Company, 3rd Battalion, 187th Airborne Regimental Combat Team
service dates 1951 1954