Reginald Clifton Grier
Bio
Reginald Clifton Grier’s military experience spans from World War II to the Vietnam War. He Joined the United States Army in 1946 so that he would be able to use the GI Bill to help pay for college. He describes refusing to give up his seat on a trolley when in Louisiana for basic training and how different this experience was from New York. During War II he was sent to Italy and served as a Military Policeman. He discusses his pride in serving in a all-Black Military Police Company. After World War II, he went back to college, but was recalled to military service in 1952 when he was sent to Korea. In Korea, his primary job was as a Criminal Investigator. In 1956, he was in Korea again, but this time as a signal officer. After serving in Vietnam, he again found his way to Korea with this time him adopting a child from an orphanage he frequently visited. After retiring from the U.S. Army, he earned a doctorate degree and taught at the college level.
Video Clips
Experiencing Racism When on Day Pass
Reginald Clifton Grier recalls an experience during basic training. He describes being on a day pass, and being asked to move from his seat on a trolley car. He refused to move and he explains since he was from New York, he was not used to being treated like this.
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Criminal Investigations in Korea
Reginald Clifton Grier discusses, going back to the reserves and college after World War II. He recalls that in 1952, he was called back into service and spent eight months in Korea. He describes his primary job of investigating accidents and other crimes in the Busan area.
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Back to Korea as a Signal Officer
Reginald Clifton Grier explains that in 1956 he was sent back to Korea, but this time as a communication officer. He describes how he made sure that their was communication between companies all the way to regimental headquarters and with artillery and other divisions. to This included both radio and VHF modes of communication.
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Experiences in a Desegregated Military
Reginald Clifton Grier describes how desegregation of the military changed the institution but not always the people in the military. He recalls receiving lower evaluations just because his commanding officer couldn't give a Black and White solder the same rating. He explains how when he was evaluating junior officers, he took his experience and made sure to always look at their leadership and skills.
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Third Return to Korea
Reginald Clifton Grier discusses returning to Korea for a third time in 1969. He discusses being in Korea as United States forces and South Korean forces changed places guarding the border with North Korea. He recalls having the opportunity to work with an orphanage when he was in Korea and having a little girl follow him around every time he visited. He admits that he adopted this little girl and he now has four grandchildren.
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