Harry Edmonds has lived through one Korean War nightmare, but fears for the horror that may come.
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The Wagga-based veteran said the conflict escalating between the US and North Korea was “frightening”.
It follows the Prime Minister’s announcement this week pledging support to America if an attack was launched.
Mr Edmonds said he didn’t want to think about the innocent people and families that would be killed if the leaders of either country “pushed a button”.
“It is beyond my comprehension how people can think this way,” Mr Edmonds said. “It’s so futile and ridiculous, in my opinion.”
See also: Trump’s latest warning to North Korea
Mr Edmonds was one of 17,000 Australians who fought as part of the United Nations forces, defending South Korea from the communist-controlled North in the early ‘50s.
Learn more about the Korean War HERE.
The RSL sub branch president said if the ceasefire was lifted, the conflict could be “very different”.
He said the war of words between Trump and Kim Jong-un, genuine or not, was “frightening a lot of people”.
As someone who had seen war first-hand, Mr Edmonds said staring down the barrel of the enemy, going into battle, taking a town or a village and knowing innocent people would die was heart breaking.
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“This is what they call war,” he said. “It’s brutal and it’s hard.”
One of Wagga’s history and politics experts said the situation overseas was worrying, but he didn’t believe the threat was real.
Charles Sturt University lecturer Troy Whitford said war was more complex than social media jibes.
“There’s a lot more that goes on behind the scenes,” Mr Whitford said. “Not just mouthing off.”
While threats from North Korea are nothing new, Mr Whitford said normal leaders – unlike Trump – chose to ignore.
“There’s a vested interested in not having a war,” he said. “If Trump was to act, it would be a grave mistake.”