39 Years, 6 Months, 4 Days (2005) | 60 Minutes Archive

60 Minutes
60 Minutes
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Published 2024-05-12
In 2005, Scott Pelley spoke with Charles Robert Jenkins, a former U.S. soldier who had deserted to North Korea in 1965, about the abuse and control he suffered over his nearly 40 years there.

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All Comments (21)
  • @lelandunruh7896
    The stupid decisions I made in my twenties resulted in hospital visits and empty bank accounts. I can't imagine living with a mistake for that long!
  • @dabprod
    I was in Korea as an American soldier in 1964, but returned home in March. I don't remember hearing about this. He's very lucky to be alive.
  • @ibuprofenPill
    We don’t need to put him in prison, he’s been in one for almost 40 years.
  • @bobcharlie2337
    That's some mistake, but he had two daughters from this. And when he came back he did the right things and made amends.
  • @adilkanouni5461
    That last part Mama... Hit hard couldn't stop crying as a men
  • @CafeMich
    Wow, just wow. I'm at a loss of words by this story. To have recklessly sacrificed your freedom and endured suffering in a totalitarian regime is just total insanity. I'm glad he survived and was able to reunite with his wife (extremely bizarre circumstance, too) and his mother in NC. The ending actually made me tear up 😢
  • @moebarcelona3765
    Its a blessing for both mother and son to reunite after them long years. What a beautiful story.
  • @m.b.88
    This illustrates how systems and policies effect human beings more than they effect countries, politics and the privileged. You can say whatever you like about him, but he was a human being who deserved and deserves compassion just like everyone else does.
  • @user-bo1rj2xu2s
    Wow. 60 Minutes was must see TV every Sunday night for decades. Why don't I remember this excellent episode? Thanks for posting this!
  • @lil----lil
    Who amongst us was not once young & stupid? He PAID a price that nearly killed him. You can see a deep sense of remorse and regret from him. This old man learned his lesson. RIP. Mr. Jenkins.
  • @emjay2045
    And I thought that was a clip of Ross Perot before I read his name. 😶
  • @peterlafayette5595
    I'm a veteran, I hold none, not a spec of ill will or feeling svs towards this man. I wish him and his family well.
  • @mrsjmehta
    What a story!! I'm glad he was really loved by his wife & was reunited with his mother.
  • @stoicfreediver
    After 10 beers people do crazy things. Dang. Glad I don’t drink anymore!
  • @tammardacosta7094
    I've watched this twice and still can't find the words..I'm proud,astounded, disappointed and most of all thankful to witness love, determination and resilience..thank God you're home soldier🫡
  • @Blackbird_Singing_in_the-Night
    I’m a vet and I have nothing but love for this poor man. For those wanting to judge him, remember he was still a young boy when he dropped out of school and joined the military. Teenagers are not known for their wisdom! If the scene with his Mama doesn’t put a lump in your throat or a tear to your eyes, you may need someone to check your pulse! This was a beautiful story, thank you for sharing it!