Willie Frazier
Bio
Willie Frazier served in the United States Marine Corps for several years. He was drafted into the Marine Corps in 1945 at the age of eighteen. He served in Saipan, where he was responsible for guarding Japanese Prisoners of War. After being discharged in 1946, he re-enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in 1948, the same year the U.S. military was desegregated. He notes that the first African American to become a Marine was in 1942, just three years before his induction into the U.S. Marine Corps. During his service in Korea, he faced many challenges, including digging foxholes during enemy fire. He lost two of his closest friends during this attack. Despite the tough conditions, he remembers Rest and Relaxation (R&R), which involved music and food. After military service, he moved to Chicago, where he eventually worked in construction. He served his country with pride and honor.
Video Clips
Serving in Korea
Willie Frazier remembers arriving in Korea at Incheon, where he noticed General McArthur was stationed. Later, he relocated to Seoul and Wonsan. He speaks about his friends who served in "Graves Restoration," which involved retrieving fallen soldiers. He discusses his thoughts on serving in the laundry unit instead of being on the front lines.
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Enemy Fire and Life Near the Front
Willie Frazier describes the challenging conditions he faced during an enemy fire, such as digging foxholes. He remembers the loss of two of his closest friends during this attack, which he considers the most frightening event he experienced while serving in Korea. On a more positive note, he reflects on Rest and Relaxation (R&R), which involved music and the food he ate, which consisted mainly of C-Rations.
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Integration of the U.S. Military
Willie Frazier provides an overview of President Truman's order to desegregate the United States military in 1948. He discusses Eleanor Roosevelt's role in helping to integrate the armed forces after her visit to Camp Lejeune. He explains that Eleanor Roosevelt questioned why African Americans received basic training at Montford Point, a segregated facility within Camp Lejeune. He notes that the first African American to become a Marine was in 1942, just three years before his induction into the U.S. Marine Corps.
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