Julius Wesley Becton, Jr.
Bio
Julius Wesley Becton, Jr. began his military career by enlisting in the United States Army in 1944. During World War II, he served in the Philippines. He remained in the United States Army Reserves and decided to return to active duty in 1948. In Korea, he led troops in combat and was wounded twice. After the Korean War, Lt. General Becton continued his military service until his retirement in 1983.
Video Clips
Volunteering to Return
Julius Wesley Becton, Jr. discusses his decision to return to active duty in the United States Army in 1948 after serving in the Reserves at the end of World War II. He did so because he learned that his wife was pregnant and he wanted to provide for his growing family. He elaborates on an opportunity to volunteer and compete with other Reserve officers to become a regular U. S. Army officer.
Remembering Training and Deployment to Korea
Julius Wesley Becton, Jr. shares his experience of training in one of the two Black Battalions and receiving the notification that he would be deployed to Korea. He reflects on the second phase of his competitive officer tour and considers the possibility of switching units. He describes his meeting with the commanding officer and ultimately deciding to stay with his current unit. He shares that, due to the lack of soldiers, non-infantry troops were trained on the ship en route to Korea.
Combat and Being Tested
Julius Wesley Becton, Jr. discusses his first days in Korea after landing in the Pusan Perimeter. He describes how his unit was pulled out of his regiment because some in the United States Army doubted the effectiveness of all-Black units. He shares how his unit was positioned in a valley between North Korean and American troops, and was caught in the crossfire from both sides, which resulted in him receiving his first injury.
Medical Care and Rejoining the Unit
Julius Wesley Becton, Jr. explains how he was wounded in September of 1950. He reflects on a situation where his patrol encountered the enemy, but his report was not believed by his officer. Despite his insistence, he was forced to go back to his position where the injury occurred. He admits he was not pleased with the officer who did not believe him. He remembers showing his wound to the officer and asking, "Are you happy now?"
Returning to the Hospital
Julius Wesley Becton, Jr. discusses being wounded right before the Chinese attacked. He shares how he knew that he would not be able to return home for Christmas if the Chinese were involved. He explains how, after returning back to his unit, he was given command of a company since most of the officers in his battalion had been killed during the Chinese advance. He comments that he received two Purple Heart Medals, a Silver Star, and the Combat Infantry Badge for his services.
Returning Home and Graduation
Julius Wesley Becton, Jr. describes what it was like when he returned to the United States. He shares how soldiers were generally treated and his own experience of being forced to do degrading work due to his battalion being all Black. He recounts attending officer training after his return to the United States and graduating as a commissioned officer in the United States Army.
Photos
Julius Wesley Becton, Jr. Collection (AFC/2001/001/75519), Veterans History Project, American Folklife Center, Library of Congress https://www.loc.gov/resource/afc2001001.75519.pm0001001/?st=gallery
Julius Wesley Becton, Jr. Collection (AFC/2001/001/75519), Veterans History Project, American Folklife Center, Library of Congress https://www.loc.gov/resource/afc2001001.75519.pm0001001/?st=gallery
Julius Wesley Becton, Jr. Collection (AFC/2001/001/75519), Veterans History Project, American Folklife Center, Library of Congress https://www.loc.gov/resource/afc2001001.75519.pm0001001/?st=gallery
Julius Wesley Becton, Jr. Collection (AFC/2001/001/75519), Veterans History Project, American Folklife Center, Library of Congress https://www.loc.gov/resource/afc2001001.75519.pm0001001/?st=gallery
