Ralph A. Milton
Bio
Ralph A. Milton was born in Gordan, Nebraska, on December 9, 1929. He graduated from Pine Bluffs High School in 1948 and joined the United States Marine Corps along with several others to honor a friend who had joined the Marine Corps but was killed in action at the Battle of Iwo Jima. He received his basic training in San Diego and was assigned duty as a clerk, though that was not what he wanted to do for he joined the Marine Corps to fight. When the Korean War broke out, he was sent with the 1st Motor Transport Battalion as a runner. He first drove for Colonel Olin Beall and was inspired by his knowledge of and commitment to the Marine Corps. However, he found himself disenchanted with General MacArther and the misinformation about the Chinese that led to the treacherous and devastating Battle of Chosin Reservoir. He saw action all across the peninsula of Korea and witnessed the devastation to the land and to its people. He revisited Korea later in life and witnessed the remarkable recovery and successes of South Korea, feeling pleased that he had a part in it.
Video Clips
The Impact of Chosin Reservoir
Ralph Milton describes the impact the Battle of Chosin (Jangjin) Reservoir has had on his life. He details some of the struggles he faced there as well as the struggles that followed him home. He describes seeing those he pulled from the Reservoir later in life and the friendships that grew from the experience.
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DtBCPTxx1tA&start=2774&end=3076
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https://koreanwarlegacy.org/interviews/ralph-a-milton#clip-1
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Fighting Within
Ralph Milton recalls a time of frustration and anger when General MacArthur kept secret that they were actually fighting the Chinese. He describes the chaos and peril so many faced when they encountered this foe. He recounts the in-fighting between the Army and the Marines at the Chosin Reservoir.
Share YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DtBCPTxx1tA&start=549&end=1100
Share from this page:
https://koreanwarlegacy.org/interviews/ralph-a-milton#clip-2
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