Maurice L. Adams
Bio
Maurice L. Adams first enlisted in the United States Army in 1945 during World War II. Based on the length of his service he had earned three years of the GI Bill. After the GI Bill ran out, he joined the ROTC to help pay for completing college. In 1953, he was called back to duty in the U.S. Army and was commissioned as a second lieutenant. He describes his experience of being one of two Black officers in his battalion and how officers were not being replaced at the end of the war. He recalls being able to go home earlier than he thought and the trip back to the United States. He recounts dropping off Colombian troops in Colombia and crossing through the Panama Canal. When arriving back in the United States, he explains he decided to keep his cold weather gear since he found out he was going to Washington state. He decided to make the military a career and also served in the Vietnam War, earning the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.
Video Clips
Finishing College and Being Called to Active Duty
Maurice L. Adams joined the ROTC program for three years during college to supplement his GI Bill from World War II. He discusses the benefits of joining the ROTC and eventually finishing college. He recalls being called to active duty and describes the different locations he went for training to become a second lieutenant.
Experiences in the Integrated U.S. Army
Maurice L. Adams describes his experience in training and being one of only two Black officers in his battalion. He notes that his unit was decimated after the battle for Hill 421. He remembers how after the war, officers were not being replaced, and this caused issues since there were many more enlisted men than officers.
Going Home Early
Maurice L. Adams shares how he managed to return home a few months earlier than expected. He explains that the date of his arrival in September would determine when he could leave. He recalls after understanding the situation and being asked when he arrived, he agreed to the earlier date and was able to return back with his division.
Returning to the United States
Maurice L. Adams describes his transportation back to the United States. He recounts how after dropping off Colombian troops in Colombia, his ship then crossed the Panama Canal. Upon arriving in New Orleans, he attended a parade thrown for the returning soldiers where a civilian made a comment about his shoes needing a shine. He recalls finding out he was being sent to Fort Lewis in Washington and keeping his cold weather gear from Korea since he knew Washington was close to Alaska and that he would be cold.