Basilio MaCalino
Bio
Basilio MaCalino was born December 5, 1935 in Maui, Hawaii. He was a six year old child when the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor and he recalls the events of the day. Basilio MaCalino joined the Marines on February 12, 1953. He went to boot camp in San Diego and was stationed at Camp Pendleton. He served in the Korean War and was a supply man which meant that he supplied the troops with whatever items that they needed to stay alive.
Video Clips
First-Hand Account of Japanese Bombing Pearl Harbor, HI
Basilio MaCalino remembers observing the attack on Pearl Harbor when he was six years old.
Because Japanese pilots flew so low to the ground between two mountains, he recalls seeing their faces. He discusses the attack on the lagoon harbor on the island of Oahu, Hawaii, as Pearl Harbor was bombed.
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What Am I Doing Here?
Basilio MaCalino remembers how difficult life was training for Korea and his service in Korea. He recounts his salary was $87 per month for a job where he hoped he didn't die. He recalls asking himself "What am I doing here?" He claims one of the worst parts of his experience was during training because the whole platoon would be punished if one soldier messed up.
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https://koreanwarlegacy.org/interviews/basilio-macalino#clip-2
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The Dangers of Providing Supplies for Troops
Basilio MaCalino shares landing at Incheon in March 1953. From there, he reports going to Sasebo on his way to his station in Ascom City. He remembers the human waste was everywhere and the smell was something that he'll never forget. He expresses his fear while being shot at multiple times when leaving his station in a truck to bring supplies to troops.
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https://koreanwarlegacy.org/interviews/basilio-macalino#clip-3
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Life in Ascom City
Basilio MaCalino recounts being stationed at Ascom City. He shares he hated that there wasn't any fresh milk, eggs and other food to eat or hot water for his shower. When it was cold, he states he only showered once a week. He recalls sleeping in an old building and was assigned house boys to help around the base.
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BWPTVWlAMYI&start=498&end=709
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https://koreanwarlegacy.org/interviews/basilio-macalino#clip-4
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