Oral history interview with Robert Wallace, 1999.

ArchivalResource

Wallace, Robert, 1920-. Oral history interview with Robert Wallace, 1999.

Oral history interview with Robert Wallace, 1999.

http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/56891255

Wallace, a Madison, Wis. veteran, discusses his military service prior to and during World War II and in the Korean War as a "Buffalo Soldier" with the 9th Cavalry, attached to the 5th Army. Originally from Leavenworth (Kansas), he describes the positive attitude of Blacks in Leavenworth toward the Buffalo Soldiers and difficulty entering the unit due to its popularity. Wallace talks about several of the soldiers he served with who became officers, learning to ride and caring for horses, and the differences between working with horses and mules. He touches upon the transition from horses to tanks, the formation of several all-Black tank units, changes in training after Pearl Harbor, racism at Fort Jackson (South Carolina), and joining the all-Black 92nd Division. Wallace comments on participating in the Tennessee Maneuvers, service in Oran (Africa), and being wounded in Italy. He also touches upon his service with the 758th Tank Battalion during the Korean War, including operating tanks in a cold climate. Wallace mentions retiring prior to the Vietnam War, moving to Madison (Wis.), and the monument to Buffalo Soldiers at Fort Leavenworth.

Sound recording : 2 sound cassettes (ca. 100 min.) : analog, 1 7/8 ips.Transcript : 38 p.Videorecording : 1 videocassette (ca. 100 min.) : sd., col. ; 1/2 in.Master sound recording : 1 sound cassette (ca. 100 min.) : analog, 1 7/8 ips.Military papers : 0.1 linear ft. (1 folder)

Wisconsin Veterans Museum Research Center