Royal Vida
Bio
Royal George Vida was born in Maui, Hawaii, on January 15, 1930. He graduated from St. Anthony High School in 1948 and shortly after joined the United States Army. Due to a lack of job opportunities in his hometown, he joined the United States Army. He does not remember learning about Korea before joining. He received his boot camp training in Schofield Barracks in O’ahu, Hawaii. After his training in 1948, he left Honolulu for Japan. While in Japan, he served in Osaka alongside the 56th Combat Engineers of the 25th Division. When the Korean War broke out in the summer of 1950, he was sent to Busan.
Video Clips
Most of the Time They were Running
Royal Vida describes the situation in Taejon after the capture of General Dean. He makes note about his assignment to an all black regiment and the drastic shift from being stationed in Japan to their assignment in Korea. During the withdrawal, he discusses one time when the Integrated 159th Field artillery was the only regiment able to hold the position. He briefly reflects on the experience of being assigned to an integrated unit. He recounts the confusion and experience of constantly moving and the sadness he felt while watching the Korean people fleeing from the battle.
Share YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hMeT0kt73fk&start=545&end=849
Share from this page:
https://koreanwarlegacy.org/interviews/royal-vida#clip-1
Embed:
No One Knew What Was Happening
Royal Vida provides details about entering a deserted Pyungyang and his perceptions of North Korea. From Pyungyang, he states his unit moved up to the Yalu River and here they met an intense Chinese intervention. As they were retreating, he describes the loss of life he encountered and that no one can prepare for what you will encounter during a battle. Additionally, he shares his diagnosis of PTSD.
Share YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hMeT0kt73fk&start=1128&end=1293
Share from this page:
https://koreanwarlegacy.org/interviews/royal-vida#clip-2
Embed:
Does Not Know Why So Many Had to Suffer (Graphic)
Royal Vida expresses his sorrow for the loss and suffering the Korean people endured during the war. He shares memories of seeing the remains of hundreds of slaughtered Koreans and does not know why innocent people suffer. After sharing details about the resilience of the Korean people, he reminisces about the local food soldiers acquired and recalls an unpleasant experience with hot chocolate.
Share YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hMeT0kt73fk&start=1770&end=2010
Share from this page:
https://koreanwarlegacy.org/interviews/royal-vida#clip-3
Embed: