Samuel Henry Bundles, Jr.
Bio
Samuel Henry Bundles, Jr. was drafted into the United States Navy in 1945 and earned the rank of Coxswain. During his service, he learned photography and even wrote for his base newspaper. After completing his service, he utilized the GI Bill to finish his education at Indiana University, where he pursued journalism. In 1948, he joined the US Army Reserve to avoid being drafted again and to retain his rank from the Navy. When the Korean War started in 1950, he was called to active duty. Due to his deployment to Korea, he missed officer candidate school and instead served in a Medical Collecting Company. He ultimately decided to leave the US Army after his service. He was able to return to Korea later while working as a sales manager for the Madam C. J. Walker Hair Company.
Video Clips
Using the GI Bill After World War II
Samuel Bundles, Jr. shares that he was drafted at the end of World War II. After the war, he used the GI Bill to finish his studies at Indiana University. He recalls how he fell in love with photography during his time in the US Navy and even wrote for a Navy base newspaper. He reflects on how this experience caused him to change his major to journalism at Indiana University.
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Joining the US Army
Samuel Bundles, Jr. discusses how he signed up for the US Army Reserves in 1948 to avoid being drafted. He explains that he joined the Army Reserves because there was no Navy reserve in Bloomington Indiana where he lived at the time. He explains that he was married and had a new car when the Korean War started. He notes that due to his Navy experience, he was a sergeant in basic training. He shares that he took the test for officer candidate school but was ordered to Korea before he could attend.
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From Japan to Korea
Samuel Bundles, Jr., discusses his experience of being deployed to Japan and being assigned to a Medical Company. He recalls waiting two or three months before arriving in Pusan, Korea, and eventually working at a hospital that was located ninety miles away from Seoul. He recounts how he played second base on a baseball team during his downtime to entertain troops.
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Promotion or Home
Samuel Bundles, Jr. remembers receiving a call from 8th Army headquarters to appear for an examination and interview for commission as a 2nd Lieutenant. He mentions that during that time, he had earned enough points to return home. He reveals that he was offered the commission, but he ultimately declined it.
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Returning to Korea
Samuel Bundles, Jr. reflects on his return to Korea. He shares that after working for various companies, he returned to Korea to purchase wigs. He recounts observing how Seoul had started to become a modern city.
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