William Steele
Bio
William Steele moved to the town of Pittsville, Massachusetts, at the age of six when his father purchased a business there. It became his home where he went to school and later raised his own family. He was the youngest of four boys, all having served in the military during the Second World War, so he naturally enlisted. After a series of events, he landed with the Marine Corps and was soon deployed with the 1st Marine Division at the outbreak of the Korean War. He made the infamous Incheon Landing with hopes of being home by Christmas but soon realized it would not be that easy. He survived the Chosin Reservoir, though wounded and suffering from frostbite. Years after the war, he has enjoyed reunions with fellow soldiers and has longed for a return to Korea to see its prosperity.
Video Clips
Sacrifice: Serving Others Before Self
William Steele details the sacrifice made by the Navy Corpsman assigned to them. He recalls how the corpsman kept them patched up and always appeared with dry socks for their feet in hopes of avoiding frostbite. He remembers how checked them all in upon arrival at the hospital, putting himself last only to have his own foot come off with his boot.
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The Honor Flight
William Steele describes the emotion felt when participating with the Honor Flight, a flight where veterans are taken to the nation's capital to be honored and celebrated for their service to the country. He recalls the warm send-off and all of the details that go into that day. In particular, he shares the tribute made by a ninety-four year old woman who was a retired B-17 Bomber mechanic that stood outside and saluted them as they went by her house.
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UMZZwT6UPzI&start=1521&end=1625
Share from this page:
https://koreanwarlegacy.org/interviews/william-steele#clip-2
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