CENTER FOR U.S. WAR
VETERANS' ORAL HISTORIES
Korean War
Daniel A. Moynihan
Korean War Oral History Interview
US Army, NY National Guard
Date: October 16, 2006
Interviewer: Carol Fowler
Summarizer: Sadie Sitar with edits by Mark Cianciosi
Veterans History Project
Summary
Born in September 1933 in New York City, Daniel A. Moynihan knew from an early age that he wanted to join the US Army. In 1948, at the age of just 14½, he decided to answer the call, and joined the New York National Guard. Just three years later, at age 17, Moynihan enlisted in the Regular Army, where he would undergo training to become a tank driver/crewman.
In his first days in the army, Daniel underwent Basic Training at Fort Hood, TX. Following that, he was assigned to the 4th Medium Tank Battalion, 1st Armored Division, where he would also undergo Ranger Command training.
In March of 1952, Moynihan felt a “need to be there”, and volunteered to do his part in the conflict in Korea. Shortly thereafter, he would be assigned to the 40th Division of the California National Guard, who would soon land at Inchon, South Korea. From there, Moynihan and his unit boarded a train to transport them to their first frontline duty station at Chorwon Valley, with the 2nd ROK (Republic of Korea) Battalion in front of Sniper’s Ridge. The dangers of the war would soon become known to him. He recalled having to lay on the floor of the train car throughout the journey, as this would give him the best possible chance of survival should the enemy ambush them along the route.
In his basic training, Moynihan was taught that, once you stop hearing the whistle of an incoming projectile, it means it is coming in your direction. This small bit of information proved to be lifesaving on one occasion, while he was busy behind his tank cleaning and maintaining a machine gun away from potential enemy fire, when he heard the whistle of an incoming shell. Despite this, Moynihan thought nothing of it, since he could hear the whistle of the ordnance travelling through the air. Suddenly, however, the whistling stopped. It was then that he knew he was in trouble. Immediately, Moynihan jumped under the tank and took cover as the shell landed. Thanks to his training, to which he credited his survival in no uncertain terms, he escaped this harrowing experience with damage only to his hearing.
Moynihan’s tank unit then drove to the port of Pusan and stayed there for a week, helping with providing aid and other duties. After, he was assigned to Koje-Do, a prison for captured North Korean and Chinese POWs located on Koje Island in South Korea. Tasked with guarding prisoners, Moynihan would drive his World War II era Sherman tank (later, M-46 tanks) around the compound, in order to stop/prevent prison riots, and to “assert dominance over the North Koreans”. He was stationed there for one month.
On the way back from Koje-Do, while passing another tank coming in the opposite direction, Moynihan’s unit was attacked by Communist Chinese forces. In response, Moynihan quickly began to close the driver’s roof hatch, when his tank was suddenly struck with a mortar shell that landed in front of him. The explosion severely injured him, and he required immediate medical attention. Moynihan was airlifted to an Army hospital in Tokyo, and stayed there for around one month for treatment and recovery.
North Koreans were more beat than the Chinese.
After his release from the hospital, Moynihan received orders to return stateside, and was put aboard a ship headed to California. During his trip back, he recalled spending Christmas Eve on board the ship, and a huge buffet was served to the soldiers and crew. Once Moynihan arrived stateside, he was immediately put on a plane for Philadelphia the next day. He was then stationed at Camp Kilmer in New Brunswick, New Jersey, where he served out the rest of his time in service. Upon his return home, Moynihan recalled that he and his fellow servicemen were treated as if they were outsiders. He recalled how no one would really go out of their way to say thank you or congratulate him on making it home: “We weren’t really treated any better than Vietnam vets.”
While at Camp Kilmer, Moynihan was assigned to a Military Police (MP) unit at Fort Monmouth, where he would continue to work until even after his discharge. During his final months of service, he was able to return home to New York City and see his family occasionally, since he would have to travel into the city for military funerals.
After his discharge from the military, Moynihan continued serving as an MP at Fort Monmouth. Additionally, he also worked as law enforcement in the county jail for some time. Once his time as Police Chief of the Boro of Belmar was done, Moynihan became a substitute teacher at Belmar Elementary School in Belmar, New Jersey.
Moynihan went to many Veterans Day and Memorial Day celebrations, and he loved sharing his stories with his community. Often, he would tell his students about his experiences in the war, and would give them helpful life advice that only someone who lived through what he did could ever possess.
Daniel’s military career spanned from 1948 to 1954. During that time, he saw action in the Spring and Winter Offensives of the Korean War. For his service, Moynihan earned numerous military awards and decorations, to include: the New York Conspicuous Service Cross, Combat Infantryman Badge, Purple Heart Medal, National Defense Medal, Republic of Korea War Medal, Korean Presidential Unit Citation, Korean Service medal with 1 Bronze Star, United Nations Korean Service medal, New Jersey Korean Service Medal, and the New Jersey Meritorious Service Medal.
Daniel Andrew Moynihan passed away at the age of 83 on May 18, 2017 with his devoted family at his side. He was loved by many and will be dearly missed.
