Salvatore Schillaci
Bio
Salvatore ‘Sal’ Schillaci was born on December 6, 1929, in Buffalo, New York. Following his draft into the United States Army in 1951, he served as a rifleman for nighttime reconnaissance missions in Korea. During one mission in 1952, he was wounded in the abdomen which resulted in an honorable discharge from the United States Army. Upon his release from Murphy Army Hospital, he pursued his passion and utilized the benefits from the GI Bill to earn an advanced degree in geology. He admires the Korean people and proudly served as a chaplain for his Korean War Veterans post in New York.
Video Clips
Wounded During a Mission
Salvatore Schillaci recounts being wounded in the abdominal during a nighttime reconnaissance mission. While on patrol, he remembers his Sergeant ordering him to investigate what looked like an abandoned enemy machine gun. As they approached, he describes how the enemy began their assault and how he was hit in the abdomen. Shortly after being stitched up in the medical tent, he shares how his wound opened up and that he was evacuated out of Korea. He recounts his experience before a military board and receiving an honorable discharge.
Share YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NZnRdaTqXkk&start=995&end=1160
Share from this page:
https://koreanwarlegacy.org/interviews/salvatore-schillaci#clip-1
Embed:
Pieces of His Body (Graphic)
Salvatore Schillaci reflects on how a lot of bad things happened during his service. He elaborates on the experience seeing his friend die only a few feet in front of him. Years later, he can still recall the horrific memory of his friend stepping on a landmine and the remains of his friend scattering around him.
Share YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NZnRdaTqXkk&start=262&end=379
Share from this page:
https://koreanwarlegacy.org/interviews/salvatore-schillaci#clip-2
Embed:
Pork and Beans All Over the Engine
Salvatore Schillaci shares memories of the living conditions for the reconnaissance team. He recalls the sleeping arrangements which included foxholes or on the open ground. Additionally, he remembers the extreme cold and the time another soldier stole his extra clothing. For the most part, he notes only having access to C-rations and shares pork and beans were his favorite. He reminisces about one unsuccessful attempt to heat up a can of pork and beans on the exhaust of a deuce and a half cargo truck.
Share YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NZnRdaTqXkk&start=720&end=908
Share from this page:
https://koreanwarlegacy.org/interviews/salvatore-schillaci#clip-3
Embed: