John E. Gragg
Bio
John E. Gragg was born in Wilmar, Arkansas in 1927. He was drafted while still in high school and was allowed a deferment in order to complete his schooling. After completing high school and basic training, he was sent to the Philippines to relieve troops that had been serving during the Second World War. When the Korean War broke out, he transitioned there, arriving only seven days after the start of the war. He specialized in infantry and was stationed with Duck Company where he commanded landing craft, referred to as ducks. He experienced first hand the transition from segregation to integration amongst troops. He felt immense empathy for the civilians of Korea as he witnessed the hardships they endured. Leaving Korea and returning home was his fondest memory of the war.
Video Clips
Segregation in the Korean War
John Gragg explains segregation in the United States Army. He recalls how the organization was slow to enact the executive order for troops to be integrated and that black units continued to have mostly white officers. He describes how living in the South had given him a thick skin which helped him deal with the inequity.
Share YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=amKiUQsm-OU&start=757&end=1145
Share from this page:
https://koreanwarlegacy.org/interviews/john-e-gragg#clip-1
Embed:
Incheon Invasion and River Crossings
John Gragg describes the amphibious invasion at Incheon. He recalls how his company came in after the assault to deliver supplies, food, and ammunition using the ducks due to their ability to maneuver between water and land. He discusses the importance of the ducks for river crossings due to so many bridges having been destroyed.
Share YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=amKiUQsm-OU&start=272&end=585
Share from this page:
https://koreanwarlegacy.org/interviews/john-e-gragg#clip-2
Embed:
Going Home
John Gragg recalls the happiest moment of the war for him was going home. He remembers being asked to extend his service by a month in exchange for a promotion and obliging his commander. He expresses the pride he felt when adding that stripe to his uniform.
Share YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=amKiUQsm-OU&start=1310&end=1382
Share from this page:
https://koreanwarlegacy.org/interviews/john-e-gragg#clip-3
Embed: