William Hall
Bio
William Hall was born in Virginia on April 19, 1933. He joined the United States Marine Corps in 1949 and underwent basic training in Camp Pendleton, California, and Nevada. In 1950, his unit was deployed to Korea where they replaced other troops at the Jangjin (Chosin) Reservoir. He served as a member of the mortar company and eventually rose to the rank of sergeant. He vividly remembers the harsh and dangerous living conditions of the Korean War. He suffered several injuries during the war and was forced to spend twenty-seven months in the hospital.
Video Clips
Hot and Cold Basic Training Conditions
William Hall reminisces about his time at Camp Pendleton, California, where he underwent rigorous training as a United States Marine Corps recruit. He recalls the intense physical training, weapon qualifications, drill sergeants, and church services. He remembers when his unit was sent to Nevada for additional training where they had to endure the frigid temperatures.
Dangerous Situations in Korea
William Hall recalls his experience as one of the first troops to land in Korea in 1950. He shares he lost a close friend in an ambush during the early days of their arrival. He discusses his role in the mortar company when his unit took over from other soldiers at the Jangjin (Chosin) Reservoir. He describes the dangerous situation they faced and how he felt his survival was uncertain.
Wounded but Alive
William Hall recognizes how lucky he was to have survived the Korean War without being captured or killed. He vividly remembers the harsh conditions of the Korean landscape and the poverty-stricken state of the local population. He shares how, after being wounded in Korea, he was sent to a hospital in California where he received medical attention.
Wounded
William Hall recalls the moment on the front lines when his legs were severely injured. He remembers retaliating by throwing grenades into an enemy bunker. A short time later, he was ejected from a helicopter by enemy fire. He recounts having to spend twenty-seven months in the hospital as a result of his battle wounds.