Virgil Julius Caldwell
Bio
Virgil Julius Caldwell attended Lane College and earned a dual degree in music and Social Studies. He had plans to attend graduate school to continue his study of music, but he was drafted into the United States Army in 1951. He was aware of the Korean War and was unsure if he wanted to go there, but he knew it was his duty. From the first day in Korea, he was under artillery fire, and the threat of artillery attack was always present. One harrowing experience caused by the extreme cold of Korea came when his heater exploded, causing their position to come under fire, and he was forced to pay for the damage to the stove. After the Korean War, he went to graduate school at Columbia University and became a teacher, choir director, and minister.
Video Clips
Perception of Korea and the Korean War
Virgil Julius Caldwell shares his thoughts on Korea, the Korean War, and his experience in basic training. When he was drafted, the Korean War was in full swing, and he had doubts about going to Korea. He recognized that the War was an opportunity to receive the GI Bill and pay for graduate school. He shares how he was placed in an integrated unit and was housed with other college graduates.
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Landing at Incheon
Virgil Julius Caldwell describes his experience of landing at Incheon. He recalls being informed on his first day that the bones of the previous unit were found on a nearby hill, which made him feel uneasy. He remembers being attacked by mortar and artillery while he served as an anti-aircraft gunner.
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Reflections on Combat
Virgil Julius Caldwell describes the terrain of Korea and his job firing on locations identified by a forward observer. He comments on the fear caused by the whistling sound of mortar shells. He details the feeling of being out in the open during an attack, lying on the ground, and hoping to not get hit.
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Daily Life and Friendships in Combat
Virgil Julius Caldwell discusses his daily life in the Korean War, which included maintaining the squad's halftrack and sleeping in his bunker. He notes how, in combat, the members of one's squad become one's best friends. He recalls meeting a soldier from his squad even after fifty years, and shares how the bond between soldiers remains strong, despite the time that has passed.
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Food and the Front Lines
Virgil Julius Caldwell discusses hot meals and how the food served by the United States Army in Korea made him feel at home amidst the difficult conditions on the front lines. He describes the conditions on the front lines and becoming accustomed to the stress of serving in a war zone. He recounts life when pulled off the line, which included being shelled by the enemy and how soldiers used their helmets to bathe.
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Stove Explosion Incident
Virgil Julius Caldwell recounts his experience during the winter of 1952, describing how his squad had to use gasoline as it was too cold for diesel to run the heater. He shares how his squad was unlucky, and the stove blew up, causing the enemy to shell their location. He explains how the explosion caused the enemy to shell their location, how he was court-martialed, and how he was forced to pay for all damages caused by the explosion. He notes that even though he was court-martialed, he still received an honorable discharge when he left Korea.
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