In From the Cold

Time Magazine ^ | 12-05-04 | JIM FREDERICK

[Slicksadick]

In From The Cold
Deserter Charles Jenkins, who spent nearly 40 years in secretive North Korea, tells his story to TIME
By JIM FREDERICK CAMP ZAMA

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Sergeant Charles Robert Jenkins arrived at south Korea's Camp Clinch in 1964. Although he had already served in the Army for six years and had overseas postings, this was by far his most perilous assignment.

The Americans patrolled along the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) that separated the two Koreas and occasionally drew hostile fire from North Korean soldiers across the border—even though an official cease-fire had been in place since 1953. Jenkins had served with enough distinction to find himself leading reconnaissance missions.

But he couldn't cope with the danger.

A seventh-grade dropout from Rich Square, N.C., Jenkins possessed an intelligence that military aptitude tests determined was far below average. He had doubts about his ability to lead men into battle, and he slid into bouts of depression and heavy drinking. His life was about to get worse........

[Slicksadick]

Extended story on Jenkins desertion.

[daviddennis]

I agree with the clemency towards him, because I think 30 years in North Korea is enough of a sentence for anyone.

D

[Lonesome in Massachussets]

I think 30 years in North Korea is enough of a sentence for anyone.

He did forty. I don't think the U.S. would have taken him back at all, expect for the sake of his Japanese wife and children, and a request from the Japanese government. There were a couple of young smartasses who had fairly menial jobs with the NSA in 1970's. Basically glorified janitors. They turned materials they were supposed to destroy over to the Soviet Union for money. Before they were discovered they fled to Moscow and at a press conference announced their crimes and renounced their U.S. citizenship. About a year later, they wanted to return to the U.S. to face the music, but the State Department, said, "No, no thanks, you're not U.S. citizens anymore." Far as I know they're still there, poor bastards.

[sticker]

I disagree, to me there is the question of did his actions have any negative effects on America. Did information he provided the north koreans cause the death of any Americans in Vietnam? If Japan wants him, let them have but take away his citizenship(if he still has it) and never allow him into America

[Slicksadick]

I agree as well, I'm thinking he gave some useful information to our side upon his return.

[LenS]

It would seem unlikely that a low ranking NCO based in Korea could have given the North Koreans any damaging information on the war on Vietnam, especially since he hadn't served there yet. The fact that the Army only charged him with the teaching of English in terms of aiding the enemy also seems to back up that unlikelihood.

He probably should stay in Japan. But I would permit him a supervised visit to the US for his mother's sake.

Also, I give the Japanese PM a a big thumbs up for getting him out. It was a decent thing to do.

[FierceDraka]

Good read.

I am as much of a hawk as anyone around here, with no compassion for deserters and traitors. But in this case, I believe that spending 40 years under the yoke of the Kims of NorKor was more than sufficient punishment for his crimes.

Let him live out the rest of his days in Japan.

[sticker]

I am sure that the fact the gov't wanted to make nice to the Japanese figured into the Army's decision. The "man" ran out on his unit, because he thought he might get shipped to Vietnam(does anybody know if the unit was deployed?). To me this is nothing but desertion in the face of the enemy. He is like the ones hiding out in Canada now, they were fine with the military until they found out they might have to actually do what the military is for, fight for their country.