William Rooyakkers
Bio
William Rooyakkers was born in the Netherlands in 1926. As a youth, he and his uncle would save American crewman from downed planes before the Germans could find them during WWII. He spent some time with the resistance effort before traveling to the United States. Proud to fight with the Americans in the Korean War, he enlisted in the Army. He always felt he wanted to do something greater than himself to help others. After the war, he settled down in the United States and raised his family.
Video Clips
Dangerous Duty
William Rooyakkers describes his duty of hauling ammunition from the ships to the front lines. He recalls the day his truck hit a mine, resulting in serious injury. He remembers being carried out by a M.A.S.H. chopper and receiving care on a hospital ship.
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zyl68xlPjts&start=1017&end=1234
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https://koreanwarlegacy.org/interviews/william-rooyakkers#clip-1
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Coming Home
William Rooyakkers describes coming home after being wounded. He remembers the warm welcome he received from his hometown and how special it was to be welcomed with cheers and appreciation. He especially remembers the joy coming from putting aside differences and becoming friends with former enemies.
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zyl68xlPjts&start=1524&end=1617
Share from this page:
https://koreanwarlegacy.org/interviews/william-rooyakkers#clip-2
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