Korean War Legacy Project

William Rooyakkers

Bio

William Rooyakkers was born in the Netherlands in 1926. As a youth, he experienced the Second World War as he and his uncle would save American crewman from downed planes before the Germans could find them. He spent some time with the resistance effort before coming 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 America 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.

Tags: Busan,Seoul,Front lines

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