Talk:Major Henderson incident

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Military history: North America / United States

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Possible contradiction?

This article says:

"A North Korean Reporter...ordered Major Henderson to move out of his way. When Major Henderson refused to obey the order, the reporter spat on him. Major Henderson stood up and the North Korean reporter struck the Major. Major Henderson returned the punch and several North Korean guards then attacked him."
Meanwhile Joint Security Area states:

"...a DPRK journalist...verbally accosted Major Henderson...When Major Henderson failed to respond to the verbal insults and rude gestures, the journalist struck him in the face. Rising to protect himself, Major Henderson was attacked from behind by a KPA guard..." The implication of this article is that Henderson punched the reporter and was immediately attacked by a number of North Koreans. The other article implies that Henderson was simply moving defensively (not necessarily to attack) which was immediately followed by an attack by only one person and therefore that Henderson did not actually hit the reporter. This might simply be a case of the accounts being unclear but this should be cleared up. --(Made formatting changes)Hydraton31 21:11, 21 August 2007 (UTC)[reply]

I wasn't there for this incident, I didn't arrive until September 1975, so I can't claim to be witness to this. The other guys who were there simply said Maj. Henderson was attacked, but not how it started. I think what we have is just a case of the two reports not being clear. I do know from other occasions, the "official" report from the Army is intentionally vague. wbfergus 23:50, 21 August 2007 (UTC)[reply]

The other article seems to actually be a direct copy of the second source of this article (copyright is acceptable since the site is a work of the US military) so the other source probably needs to be checked. Is there an official Army report on this incident as that would be a valuable source? --Hydraton31 05:11, 22 August 2007 (UTC)[reply]

Report

Han Chol, after making an insulting comment to a ROK newsman, indicated in words and gestures that he wanted Henderson to move his cap (which was on the bench). Henderson didn't reply so Han Chol climbed on the bench and sat on the backrest (maybe kicking Henderson's cap in the process). After climbing up on the bench Han Chol began making derisive comments and gestures with his hands (pretending to pick his nose and flick it at Henderson) while another Nork took pictures. Henderson then stood up and exchanged words with Han Chol (both sides using strong language). Han Chol then struck Henderson. All witnesses agree that Han Chol struck first, but vary on force and nature of blow.

Above summary from Report of Proceedings by Investigating Officer (not dated - but reported on 6 July 1975). Sure looks like another "vague" official report. I'm too lazy and apathetic now to want to contribute to any wikipedia article, but you can if you request a copy of the unclassified report from UNCMAC. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 144.59.12.230 (talk) 07:22, 21 November 2008 (UTC)[reply]