Richard W. Malsack
Bio
Richard W. Malsack was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on November 5, 1931. He graduated from his hometown high school and went directly to Lawrence University in nearby Appleton, Wisconsin, majoring in German and English. In 1952, he was drafted into the Army and was sent to Korea, though he felt he was a sure fit for Germany. He served in the latter part of the war and was thankful for enduring little combat, though what he did endure was life changing. The poverty and destruction he observed made it impossible for him to think Korea would ever become the thriving nation it is today. Upon his return visit, he stood amazed at the infrastructure and high-rise buildings of Seoul, so unlike the dust and mud of the once ravaged city.
Video Clips
Eleven Days to Hold the Line
Richard W. Malsack describes the eleven days in which he had to hold the front line. He explains it was a duty he volunteered for, not expecting to encounter combat. He recalls having to do things he regrets in order to survive.
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Letters
Richard W. Malsack recalls writing home nearly every day as a means of keeping up with family and friends. He explains how the letters just scratched the surface of what he was going through and that it was not until his involvement in veteran organizations that he was able to truly talk about his experiences. He remembers getting rid of all of the letters when decluttering.
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A Good Colonel
Richard W. Malsack remembers one colonel in particular he was very fond of serving alongside, Colonel Reynolds. He recalls the colonel making him and the other men feel special in the way he handled them. He describes the desire he had to locate him, stating he would go anywhere to see him and talk with him, but later found out he had passed away.
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https://koreanwarlegacy.org/interviews/richard-w-malsack#clip-3
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