Wilbur Barnes
Bio
Wilbur Barnes was drafted into the United States Army in 1951. He describes his experiences in the newly integrated U.S. Army and his feelings towards integration. He served in Korea in the artillery, initially as a gunner on a 105mm Howitzer and later as a forward observer after experiencing hearing loss. One of his memories is of the harsh cold weather and particularly eating cold food because they could not have fires. He discusses getting mail and packages in Korea and how different it was to communicate with families back home, compared to the ways soldiers can communicate with their loved ones today. He recounts almost missing out on a promotion, and he is proud of being the only Black Sergeant in his unit.
Video Clips
Basic Training and Integration
Wilbur Barnes discusses his experiences in the newly integrated United States Army, including basic training at Camp Chaffee in Arkansas. He shares how the camp still had separate clubs based on race, even though anyone could go to either club. He explains why he chose to undergo training in Arkansas instead of California, as it was closer to his home and would allow him to travel easily during his leave.
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Serving in Korea
Wilbur Barnes discusses his experience on a 105mm Howitzer crew. He remembers losing his hearing during his service in the artillery, which led to him being transferred to a forward observer position because of his hearing loss. He notes that in such situations, every place is the front.
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Cold Living Conditions
Wilbur Barnes recalls that during his time on the front line, they had to eat cold food since they were not allowed to light fires. He remembers being on duty for long hours, ranging from thirty-six to forty-eight hours at a time. He mentions that the quality of canned food available today is better than he experienced in Korea.
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Receiving Mail and Supplies
Wilbur Barnes remembers how he used to communicate with his family through letters while serving in Korea. He recollects how he and the other soldiers could receive packages from their loved ones and how he did not receive many of them due to their high cost. He shares how purchasing items in Korea was limited and challenging.
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0gOrbXUjRAw&start=1236&end=1485
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Promotion Experience
Wilbur Barnes shares his experience of almost missing out on a promotion to Sergeant. He credits the Master Sergeant in his unit for advocating for his promotion. He takes pride in being the only Black Sergeant in his unit.
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0gOrbXUjRAw&start=2990&end=3212
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https://koreanwarlegacy.org/interviews/wilbur-barnes#clip-5
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