Preserving The Oral HistorIES of Combat Veterans
5:26 | Willis Brown was drafted out of college into the Army and headed south to Turner Field in Georgia. He didn't like the way he was treated there and asked for a transfer, but was denied. He reveals how he beat the system and got out of there. (This interview made possible with the support of RICHARD VALUCKAS)
Keywords : Willis Brown Columbus OH Ohio State University train Turner Field Georgia Eleanor Roosevelt Franklin D. Roosevelt (FDR) Tuskegee University Albany GA mail race discrimination letter
His unit went ashore at Oran, Algeria and Willis Brown says it was beautiful and exotic. He was good with languages and he tells how he made friends among the locals. He did the same thing when they moved on to Italy. (This interview made possible with the support of RICHARD VALUCKAS)
When Willis Brown returned home after his deployment to Africa and Italy, he made full use of his GI benefits. After getting two history degrees, he picked up a degree in education, which served him well in a long teaching career. (This interview made possible with the support of RICHARD VALUCKAS)
It was an inner voice that kept Willis Brown from harm in the war, something that most would call instinct. He suggests that it it was not that, it was a higher power. (This interview made possible with the support of RICHARD VALUCKAS)
Looking back on his war experience and a lifetime of teaching history, Willis Brown reckons there will always be war. It's just human nature and the constant competition for resources. (This interview made possible with the support of RICHARD VALUCKAS)
