Julius Wesley Becton, Jr.
Bio
Julius Wesley Becton, Jr., started his military service by joining the United States Army in 1944 and served in the Philippines during World War II. He remained in the United States Army Reserves and decided to return to active duty in 1948. He led troops in combat in Korea and was twice wounded. His military career continued after the Korean War with him retiring in 1983 at the rank of Lt. General.
Video Clips
Volunteering to Return
Julius Wesley Becton, Jr., discusses his decision to volunteer to go back to active duty in the United States Army in 1948 after being in the Reserves at the end of World War II. He shares he enjoyed the Army, and after finding out he and his wife had a baby on they way, he decided the United States Army would be a good way to support his family. He elaborates on an opportunity to volunteer to compete with other Reserve officers to become a regular United States Army officer.
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Julius Wesley Becton Jr. remembers training and deployment to Korea
Julius Wesley Becton, Jr., discusses training in one of two Black Battalions and being alerted that he would be going to Korea. He reflects on the second phase of his competitive officer tour and the possibility of changing units. He describes meeting with his commanding officer and ultimately remaining with his unit. He shares that, due to the lack of soldiers, non-infantry troops were trained on the ship in route to Korea.
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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 in a valley between North Korean and American troops, taking fire from both sides and receiving his first wound.
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Julius Wesley Becton Jr discusses medical care and rejoining his unit
Julius Wesley Becton, Jr., explains he was wounded in September of 1950. He recounts being sent to a hospital in Japan. He describes being able to walk and wanting to rejoin his unit. He comments on his return and shares a situation that occurred after his unit moved into North Korea. He reflects on how after reporting his patrol encountered the enemy, he was not believed, was forced to go back to his position, and was subsequently shot. He admits he was not too happy with the officer that did not believe him. He remembers showing his wound to the officer and asking, "Do you believe me now?"
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Julius Wesley Becton Jr shares returning to the hospital and rejoining his unit again
Julius Wesley Becton, Jr., discusses being wounded right before the Chinese attacked. He shares how he knew when the Chinese were involved, he would not be home for Christmas. He explains how, after returning back to his unit, he was commanding a company due to the fact that most officers in his battalion had been killed in the Chinese advance. Recounting the experience of the Korean War, he reflects on receiving two Purple Heart Medals, a Silver Star, and the Combat Infantry badge.
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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 received in general and his own experience of being forced to do degrading work because his battalion was 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.
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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
