Korean War Legacy Project

Edward R. Valle

Bio

Edward R. Valle enlisted in the United States Air Force in December 1951. His basic training at Lackland AFB in San Antonio, Texas, was followed by technical school (Electronics) at Lowry AFB, Colorado. He completed his training at Griffiss AFB in Rome, New York, as an Airborne Camera Repair Technician. After two weeks on a troop ship from California to Japan, he was sent to Kimpo Air Base, Korea, to an A-26 Invader squadron (5th Air Force, 67th Wing, 12th Tanker Reconnaissance Squadron) where he was stationed through the end of his deployment. After completing his service, he returned to Minnesota to raise six children while working in an electronics company in the St. Paul/Minneapolis, Minnesota, area for thirty-four years before retiring to River Falls, Wisconsin. He has held leadership roles as an active member of the Minnesota Korean War Veterans Association.

Video Clips

Frightened During Guard Duty

Edward Valle expresses his surprise when he was directed to take guard duty while serving in Korea. He shares he thought this duty was left up to the Army. He recalls the fear he experienced when he encountered ROK soldiers patrolling the same perimeter.

Tags: Fear,Front lines,South Koreans

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Arriving in Korea

Edward Valle notes he arrived in Korea in June 1954. He recalls the chaplain taking photos to send home to families to reassure them their soldier had arrived and that he would keep them safe. He describes the transport from Japan to Korea by plane and hearing rumors of planes being shot down en route.

Tags: Chinese,Communists,Fear,Living conditions

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Finding Camaraderie

Edward Valle describes the genesis of the Minnesota Korean War Veterans Association. He shares the meetings evolved from a few veterans getting together to tell war stories to a well-organized association. He adds that the Association takes part in community activities and provides an honor guard for Korean War Veteran funerals.

Tags: Home front,Pride

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"This is the Best Thing Jim Ever Did"

Edward Valle explains how the Minnesota Korean War Veterans Association has expanded its mission to include a social arm of the organization that now includes the wives. He recalls a story when a wife of a disabled Korean War veteran related to him that joining and participating in the Minnesota Korean War Veterans Association provided closure and healing for her husband who had been bitter about the war.

Tags: Home front,Personal Loss,Women

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Experiencing Segregation

Edward Valle explains he enlisted in the United States Air Force in December 1951 and underwent basic training in San Antonio. He shares that, although he had grown up in the very diverse city of Chicago, it was in San Antonio where he first experienced segregation laws at local theaters. He concludes by focusing on the importance of President Truman desegregating the military.

Tags: Basic training,Home front,Living conditions

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