Pete Arias
Bio
Pete Arias was born in 1919 in Lynwood, California. As a boy, he often helped his father with farm work, but he realized he wanted to do something different with his life. In 1942, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, where he served during World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. He was selected as a Second Raider, which was a special outfit he was proud to be part of. During World War II, he was deployed to Midway and Guadalcanal and witnessed his first dead body during the Battle of Midway. On Guadalcanal, he had a harrowing experience where only two of his squadron members survived a surprise attack by Japanese soldiers. After being discharged from the military in 1946, he enlisted in the United States Reserves and was transferred to an outfit in Seoul during the Korean War. There, he spent most of his two years typing documents and disseminating information among the troops. He achieved the rank of Gunnery Sergeant, which is the seventh enlisted rank in the U.S. Marine Corps.
Video Clips
Second Raiders
Pete Arias has vivid memories of being chosen as a Second Raider in the United States Marine Corps. He vividly recalls the excitement he felt when he became a part of the special outfit that was newly created. He shares the meaning behind the name Gung-ho Raiders, which translates to “work together.” He details his rigorous training as a Raider, which involved learning hand-to-hand combat and water rescues. However, he admits to feeling a sense of arrogance due to the fancy equipment and unique uniforms they received as Raiders.
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Battle of Midway
Pete Arias, during WWII, was deployed to Midway. He recounts an incident where their ship encountered a Japanese submarine while en route to the island. He shares how, upon arriving at the island, their unit was ordered to dig holes to squat in. He remembers the morning when the Japanese forces invaded Midway. He recalls that it was during the Battle of Midway where he witnessed his first dead body.
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Battle of Guadalcanal
Pete Arias shares, during WWII, he had a harrowing experience on Guadalcanal. He recalls trudging through the dense jungle with a limited supply of food. He remembers being part of the squadron that led the platoon in a surprise attack on Japanese soldiers. He recounts how, during the maneuver, the enemy fired a machine gun at their squadron. As a result, only two of them survived the attack.
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Serving in Korea
Pete Arias shares his experiences of being discharged from the military in 1946 and later enlisting in the United States Reserves. He recounts how his brother was captured while serving in the U.S. Army overseas and spent thirty-four months in a prisoner of war camp. He remembers when the military planned to send him home, but he refused as he wanted to stay and fight for his captured brother. As a result, he was transferred to an outfit in Seoul, which he admits was the best living conditions he had experienced while serving in the military.
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