Today’s #VeteranOfTheDay is Army World War II and Korean War Veteran Bertran F. Wallace.
Bertran’s enduring military career spanned over 30 years, during which he served with the Battalion and Prisoner of War Command and the 743rd Military Police. In an interview with the Veterans History Project, he chronicled his journey as a soldier steadfastly serving his country across two wars.
In 1942, there was a call for pilots to join the 99th Pursuit Squadron, otherwise known as the Tuskegee Airmen. At the time, Bertran was training to be a pilot at Lincoln University and knew he wanted to serve. He would eventually be assigned to Company A, Military Police Battalion and shipped to North Africa and Italy to perform security duties.
After World War II, Bertran obtained a graduate degree from Columbia University and received his commission as a second lieutenant. He would later serve in the Korean War where his duties included supervising prisoner of war operations in Koju-do.
Bertran retired from the Army in 1978. His commitment to serving others turned to advocating for education as a professor and administrator. He also remained involved in various Veterans’ organizations.
He said of his time in the Army, “Because I felt this was where I could best serve my country. And I want you to know that this is my country. I am an American. And I’m very proud to be an American. And I will always be an American, and I’m going to fight for this country that I love.”
Bertran passed away in 2015.
We honor his service.
Nominate a Veteran for #VeteranOfTheDay
Do you want to light up the face of a special Veteran? Have you been wondering how to tell your Veteran they are special to you? You’re in luck! VA’s #VeteranOfTheDay social media feature is an opportunity to highlight your Veteran and his/her service.
It’s easy to nominate a Veteran. All it takes is an email to newmedia@va.gov with as much of the information as you can put together with some good photos. Visit our blog post about nominating for how to create the best submission.
Veterans History Project
This #VeteranOfTheDay profile was created with interviews submitted to the Veterans History Project. The project collects, preserves, and makes accessible the personal accounts of American war Veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Find out more at http://www.loc.gov/vets/.
Graphic created by Carl J. Valentino: Carl J. Valentino is a student at the University of Delaware with a Major in International Business and a Minor in Graphic Design.
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