Korean War Veteran, Melvin Lubbers, was interviewed on July 16, 2021, in Mitchell, South Dakota. SGT Lubbers with the 3rd Division, 7th Regiment, in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. SGT Lubbers describes his involvement in combat at Whitehorse Mountain as well as fighting against the Chinese. SGT Lubbers received the Bronze Star and the Combat Infantry Badge during the Korean War. @MakingHistoryProject
Summary:
Melvin Lubbers, a Korea War veteran, was interviewed by Patrick Russell on July 16th, 2021, in Mitchell, South Dakota. Born in Hansen County, Alexandria, South Dakota, Melvin grew up in a rural farming community where he attended a small country school and later high school in Alexandria.
After high school, Melvin worked in a hatchery before being drafted into the military in 1952 during the Korean War. He underwent basic training at Camp Roberts, California, and received intensive combat and weapons training.
Melvin was deployed to Korea after additional training in Japan. As a sergeant, he commanded four .50 caliber machine guns and was involved in significant combat, including the intense and fluctuating battle at White Horse Mountain, where control changed hands multiple times.
During his service, Melvin experienced harsh conditions, including a severe winter that caused lasting frostbite. He discussed the psychological impact of war, mentioning ongoing nightmares and the intense realities of combat that persisted in his memories.
After returning from the war, Melvin settled back into civilian life, eventually starting his own carpet laying business. He reflected on the cost of freedom, emphasizing the personal and societal impacts of war, and advocating for a strong military to prevent future conflicts.
5 сен 2024
