Edward F. Grala
Bio
Edward Grala was born in Syracuse, New York in 1933. After graduating Eastwood High School, he joined the New York National Guard in 1953. During the Korean War, he was stationed in Alaska and assigned as a crew chief on a C-47 Skytrain. He helped maintain the aircraft and deliver supplies to radar sites. He was discharged in February 1957 and returned to Syracuse. After his time in the military, he was active in the American Legion and KWVA Chapter 105.
Video Clips
C-47 Crew Chief
Ed Grala talks about his job in the US Air Force, crew chief on a C-47 Skytrain. He describes his job of maintaining the aircraft, delivering supplies, and helping set up radar sites around Alaska.
Share YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CYb2hQwK7iA&start=130&end=357
Share from this page:
https://koreanwarlegacy.org/interviews/edward-f-grala#clip-1
Embed:
The Korean War and Alaska
Ed Grala talks about the importance of the Korean war and his job helping maintain radar sites to protect the US during the Cold War. He tells a story of when his aircraft strayed into Russian airspace.
Share YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CYb2hQwK7iA&start=862&end=1103
Share from this page:
https://koreanwarlegacy.org/interviews/edward-f-grala#clip-2
Embed:
Photos
One square inch of north pole, Alaska (front)
One square inch of north pole, Alaska (front)
One square inch of north pole, Alaska (back)
One square inch of north pole, Alaska (back)
US Air Force flight
US Air Force flight
US Air Force flight
US Air Force flight
Edward Grala sitting on trash can
Edward Grala sitting on trash can
Edward Grala in his bed
Edward Grala in his bed
Picture of Sampson Air Force Base, Geneva, N.Y. in the Finger Lakes - checkpoint
Picture of Sampson Air Force Base, Geneva, N.Y. in the Finger Lakes - checkpoint
Picture of Sampson Air Force Base, Geneva, N.Y. in the Finger Lakes - church
Picture of Sampson Air Force Base, Geneva, N.Y. in the Finger Lakes - church
Edward Grala and a pair of skis
Edward Grala and a pair of skis
Edward Grala and his friend infront of building
Edward Grala and his friend infront of building
Edward Grala and his friend in front of tent
Edward Grala and his friend in front of tent
Edward Grala and his friends in plain clothes
Edward Grala and his friends in plain clothes
Edward Grala making a fire
Edward Grala making a fire
Edward Grala in his uniform by a car
Edward Grala in his uniform by a car
Edward Grala in basement
Edward Grala in basement
Edward Grala with a big smile
Edward Grala with a big smile
Armed Force Liberty Pass
Armed Force Liberty Pass
Anchorage Dog Mushers Club
Anchorage Dog Mushers Club
Meal Card
Meal Card
Immunization Register (front)
Immunization Register (front)
Immunization Register (back)
Immunization Register (back)
Making a fire in tent
Making a fire in tent
Building in military base, Alaska
Building in military base, Alaska
Edward Grala and his friend
Edward Grala and his friend
Edward Grala and his friend
Edward Grala and his friend
Edward Grala and his friend
Edward Grala and his friend
Edward Grala in plain clothes
Edward Grala in plain clothes
Edward Grala by a plane
Edward Grala by a plane
Discharge record
Discharge record
Discharge Report
Discharge Report
USA Day emphasizes safety, sacrifice
USA Day emphasizes safety, sacrifice
