Korean War Legacy Project

William Dumas

Bio

William Dumas was born on October 24, 1930, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He was just seventeen years old and still in high school when he joined the United States Marine Corps. On April 1, 1950, he parachuted into Korea on the outskirts of Seoul with the 1st Marine Brigade whose mission it was to help in the evacuation of selected civilian and government personnel. Later in 1950 after the invasion of South Korea by the North, he participated in the Inchon landing as well as the Battle of the Chosin Reservoir. During his time in Korea, he was twice wounded by shrapnel from exploding enemy ordinance. He also sustained severe cold-related injuries (“not frostbite”) that affect both his hands and feet.

Video Clips

Seoul Evacuation- April 1950

William Dumas describes the parachute training he received prior to parachuting into Seoul on April 1, 1950. He discusses landing in a rice patty on the outskirts of Seoul. He shares the evacuation plan he was given.

Tags: Seoul,Basic training

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Wounded for the First Time

William Dumas describes the first time he was wounded in Seoul. He shares the lasting effects of the shrapnel still in his body. He shares his experiences working for General Lewis B. "Chesty" Puller.

Tags: Seoul,Yudamri,Front lines,Weapons

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JwoWsFzIVLg&start=790&end=933

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Retreat from the Chosin Reservoir

William Dumas describes his temporary attached duty. He describes his experiences during the retreat from the Chosin Reservoir. He explains the work of the Seabees to rebuild a bridge that facilitated the withdrawal.

Tags: 1950 Battle of Chosin Reservoir, 11/27-12/13,Yudamri,Front lines

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JwoWsFzIVLg&start=939&end=1041

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https://koreanwarlegacy.org/interviews/william-dumas#clip-3

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Loss of a Friend

William Dumas describes his second injury in 1951. He describes the incident in Korea and losing his radioman. He describes how difficult it was.

Tags: Fear,Front lines,Personal Loss

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JwoWsFzIVLg&start=1140&end=1214

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https://koreanwarlegacy.org/interviews/william-dumas#clip-4

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