Interview with William J. Huebner, WWII - Korean veteran. CCSU Veterans History Project.

Interview conducted by Eileen Hurst. Huebner was drafted into the U.S. Army in March of 1943 at the age of 17. He originally signed up with the Army Air Corps, but his vision deteriorated after flight training. He then volunteered for the infantry, and was sent to the South Pacific. He describes the conditions his squad encountered in New Guinea, including both the lack of fresh food and a base camp. He contracted both Dengue Fever and malaria while in New Guinea. Huebner's main job in the South Pacific was to provide security to the radar technicians that would set up portable radar units wherever they could. He fought and received medals in the Philippine, British New Guinea, and Dutch New Guinea liberations. Huebner returned home in December of 1945, but remained in the reserves after the war in order to retain his rank and pension. He returned home and after attending college for a time he began to run the "Harwich Independent", a small newspaper located in Cape Cod. When the Korean War began in 1950, Huebner was recalled into active duty. He was made squad leader and promoted to staff sergeant where he was involved in combat. Huebner was made into a news correspondent for the 3rd infantry division when it was found that he had a background in newspaper writing. It was Huebner's job to generate positive press for the army and act as a liaison for members of the Associated Press and other journalists. Huebner notes that the conditions as correspondent were much better than if he had remained in the infantry. He was sent home in December of 1951 and discharged in 1953. When he returned home he started work as a writer for the "Hartford Times" where he remained for 25 years, and then later worked for the Connecticut Road Builders Associated where he remained for 18 years before retiring. He now lives in Avon, CT where he is a member of the VFW post 3272.

Category:

Education

Tags:

• CCSU
• VHP
• WWII
• WW2
• Korean War
• veteran
• interview
• oral history
• Interactive transcript

[InsanelyChill]

Hey Huebner, this is Theodore Green I served with you for many years. Remember the old Japs theme? Haha good times buddy, good times.

[ccsuvhp]

@InsanelyChill We are very sorry to inform of the death of William Huebner. Mr. Huebner passed away in 2010.

[Burtshulman]

My father was a a combat cameraman in WW II who shot mostly 35mm motion pictures, but also stills. He was awarded a Bronze Star, a Purple Heart and was recommended for a Silver Star. The battle he spoke most about was Biak Island. He described being pinned down for two weeks when Armed Forces Radio announced that "mopping up operations continue on Biak Island," while he and his fellow soldiers were being pounded with shells. MacArthur had badly mis-calculated, but never admitted it.

[InsanelyChill]

@ccsuvhp Well thanks, this whole life long experience has really recollected many past encounters and relationships with my fellow vets. R.I.P Huebner, you were a man of pride.