Korean War Legacy Project

Dolores Hainer

Bio

Delores Hainer served in the United States Army from 1949 to 1953. She completed her basic training at Camp Lee in Virginia. From 1950 to 1951, she was stationed at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, Texas, before being assigned to Okinawa, Japan. She reflects on her experiences with segregation and working with patients as a medic at Fort Sam Houston. She returned home from Japan in 1953 and continued her career in the medical field, working as a licensed practical nurse at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Bangor, Maine. Delores is proud to have served in the United States military and continues to serve others by volunteering at a museum in Maine.

Video Clips

Leading by Example

Delores Hainer recollects her experiences of training in the United States military, beginning in 1949. At basic training, she was assigned to Company G, 2nd Battalion at Camp Lee, Virginia. She recalls witnessing segregation for the first time in her life as she traveled from her home in Maine to Virginia. She recalls being a staff sergeant medic in the United States Army, which would later influence her decision to pursue a civilian career as a licensed practical nurse. She remembers caring for wounded soldiers returning from Korea with frostbite while stationed at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, Texas.

Tags: 1950 Battle of Chosin Reservoir, 11/27-12/13,Basic training,Chinese,Cold winters,Home front,Message to Students,Physical destruction,Pride,Weapons,Women

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Experiencing the South and the West

Delores Hainer remembers witnessing segregation for the first time while traveling on a train to military training in the southern states, where there were separate cars for Black and white passengers. She recalls being playfully teased at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, Texas, for having been raised in Maine, in the far north. She reflects on her experiences traveling from San Francisco to Japan for deployment.

Tags: Basic training,Civilians,Home front,Message to Students,Pride

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Pursuing Passions

Delores Hainer speaks about how reconnecting with fellow veterans after the COVID-19 pandemic was crucial for their morale. She shares her hobbies, which include volunteering at a museum in Maine. Delores delivers a powerful message to the youth about the importance of using their gifts to pursue their passions in life.

Tags: Message to Students,Pride

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Photos

Plaque highlighting service at Cole's Transportation Museum

Plaques are placed in the museum to honor those who volunteer to share their stories with local students.

Plaque highlighting service at Cole's Transportation Museum