William Dean
Bio
William Dean was born in Veazie, Maine in 1935. His parents divorced when he and his twin brother were just five years old. His father was drafted in 1942 to serve in the Second World War which left him in the custody of aunts and grandparents. He recalled how the war impacted him and his friends despite being so young and how they pledged to serve their country when they became of age. After the war, his father remarried and they moved to Maryland where he spent his teenage years. It was there that he enlisted himself and his brother to fulfill his childhood pledge. It was 1954 and the Korean War had just come to a close. It was his desire to serve in Korea but was instead sent to Germany. He spent his time acquiring new skills and training so that he could carry it over to civilian life when his time in the service was ended. He was grateful to have carried on his family legacy of service and desired to see all young people trained to serve in case the country had to call upon them in the future. He felt the education and training could help anyone get a head start in life.
Video Clips
Unearthing a German Machine Gun
William Dean recalls unearthing a German machine gun left from the Second World War while digging a trench in Germany. He describes being excited about the find and hoping to bring it home. He shares how he was quickly relieved from the scene and not allowed to keep it.
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFoiQYMakw4&start=269&end=341
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https://koreanwarlegacy.org/interviews/william-dean#clip-1
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Living a Legacy
William Dean shares that he always knew he would serve in the military. He remembers how Pearl Harbor affected him and how he and friends made a pact to serve at a very young age. He describes coming from a family of military service and longing to uphold the legacy.
Share YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFoiQYMakw4&start=663&end=820
Share from this page:
https://koreanwarlegacy.org/interviews/william-dean#clip-2
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Words of Wisdom
William Dean imparts of words of wisdom for younger generations. He discusses the importance of training and education that the military provides. He encourages all young people to serve and be prepared in case the country should ever need them.
Share YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFoiQYMakw4&start=821&end=896
Share from this page:
https://koreanwarlegacy.org/interviews/william-dean#clip-3
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