Korean War Legacy Project

LaVerne Neve

Bio

LaVerne Neve began his military service on July 21, 1944, when he was drafted into the U.S. Army. His career spanned over 26 years. After basic training at Fort Bliss, Texas, he received specialized instruction as a bugler. This also prepared him to serve as a driver, scout, patroller, and office assistant. Neve took part in major global events, including World War II, the Korean War, the Berlin Wall crisis, and the Cuban Missile Crisis. He served in locations around the world. Thanks to his rank, he often had the rare privilege of bringing his family on deployments. After retiring from the Army in November 1970, he worked for Power Pac in Marshfield. Today, he remains active in veterans’ groups. These include the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the American Legion, and the Disabled American Veterans.

Video Clips

Drafted into a Life of Service

LaVerne Neve explains that he was drafted into the U.S. Army in July 1944, launching a military career that spanned 26 years. He completed basic training at Fort Bliss, Texas, then advanced to specialized instruction as a bugler—training that also prepared him to serve as a driver, scout, and more. Building on this foundation, Neve details his global service, which took him to Europe, Japan, Cuba, and Korea during key moments in history.

Tags: Basic training,Home front

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World War II Service

LaVerne Neve recalls training as a rifleman for advanced infantry units, but upon arriving in Europe, he was quickly reassigned to the 573rd Automatic Self-Propelled Anti-Aircraft Battalion. As World War II drew to a close, his role shifted to supply operations, where he took on a new challenge—helping organize displaced Jewish persons into a military unit intended for the Polish Army. Although the effort ultimately failed, it represented a distinct and demanding chapter in his military service.

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Supervising Food Distribution

After World War II, LaVerne Neve expanded his skill set with training in food distribution and shipping. He put that training into action during his deployment to Korea in May 1952. As a First Sergeant with a tractor-trailer refrigeration company, he oversaw food deliveries from central distribution hubs to locations near the front lines. Later promoted to a supervisory role, he took charge of ensuring accurate rations reached not only soldiers, but also military pigeons and dogs

Tags: Food,Front lines

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