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Independence, MO —
James Willoughby was born in Norman, Okla., in 1953. In 1959, the family moved to Fresno, Calif., where James’ dad worked for the Fresno Irrigation District, a farmer based organization that helped ensure farmers got their allotted amount of water throughout the summer months.
Knowing that he was going to get drafted, James enlisted in the Army on an early entry program. He knew it was his duty to serve his country; so it was an honor to join. James attended basic training at Fort Ord in Monterey, Calif., where he attended wheel school.
TRAINING
He was then stationed at Fort Sill so he could go through track school and hydraulics classes to learn every aspect of what made tanks and artillery operate.
James left Fort Sill, was transferred to Fort Knox and assigned to the 76th Heavy Equipment Maintenance Company. They would completely tear down tanks and rebuild them. James was also taught all about generators and large and small engines. He enlisted to go to Vietnam, but because he was an only son, he was told he could not go to Vietnam, so he was sent to Korea.
KOREA
It was bitter cold in Korea. Once when they checked the temperature regarding the wind chills, it was 60 below zero. James had to see the medics several times to get help regaining feeling in his extremities. That was just from being outside for 15 minutes at a time. While in Korea, James repaired wheeled vehicles and missile transporters.
James knew their mission was air defense, making sure no aircraft or missile entered South Korean air space. They were also told to maintain good relations with the locals. There were ground troops in the immediate area as well, which were Republic of Korea troops. They also had Korean civilians in their motor pool, and they taught Jim and his fellow soldiers a lot about the culture. Jim re-enlisted while he was in Korea.
When Jim left Korea, he went to Fort Bliss, Texas. The air defense board needed a sergeant who was familiar with all types of recovery vehicles. Jim was transferred to Fort Carson, Colo., to the 8th Infantry and was back in a motor pool, where he was responsible for maintaining armored personnel carriers, and all track vehicles. Jim was the assistant motor sergeant.
GERMANY
His next transfer was to Germany to one of the oldest tank battalions that fought in WWII; the 2nd Battalion 68th Armor. There he was responsible for all of the tanks (M-60s). Jim got hurt while on duty when he was in the hull of a tank and a mount broke pinning Jim between the transmission and the hull. He still walks with a slight limp due to this injury. Jim left the service and to this day wishes he had stayed in longer.
James Willoughby was born in Norman, Okla., in 1953. In 1959, the family moved to Fresno, Calif., where James’ dad worked for the Fresno Irrigation District, a farmer based organization that helped ensure farmers got their allotted amount of water throughout the summer months.
Knowing that he was going to get drafted, James enlisted in the Army on an early entry program. He knew it was his duty to serve his country; so it was an honor to join. James attended basic training at Fort Ord in Monterey, Calif., where he attended wheel school.
TRAINING
He was then stationed at Fort Sill so he could go through track school and hydraulics classes to learn every aspect of what made tanks and artillery operate.
James left Fort Sill, was transferred to Fort Knox and assigned to the 76th Heavy Equipment Maintenance Company. They would completely tear down tanks and rebuild them. James was also taught all about generators and large and small engines. He enlisted to go to Vietnam, but because he was an only son, he was told he could not go to Vietnam, so he was sent to Korea.
KOREA
It was bitter cold in Korea. Once when they checked the temperature regarding the wind chills, it was 60 below zero. James had to see the medics several times to get help regaining feeling in his extremities. That was just from being outside for 15 minutes at a time. While in Korea, James repaired wheeled vehicles and missile transporters.
James knew their mission was air defense, making sure no aircraft or missile entered South Korean air space. They were also told to maintain good relations with the locals. There were ground troops in the immediate area as well, which were Republic of Korea troops. They also had Korean civilians in their motor pool, and they taught Jim and his fellow soldiers a lot about the culture. Jim re-enlisted while he was in Korea.
When Jim left Korea, he went to Fort Bliss, Texas. The air defense board needed a sergeant who was familiar with all types of recovery vehicles. Jim was transferred to Fort Carson, Colo., to the 8th Infantry and was back in a motor pool, where he was responsible for maintaining armored personnel carriers, and all track vehicles. Jim was the assistant motor sergeant.
GERMANY
His next transfer was to Germany to one of the oldest tank battalions that fought in WWII; the 2nd Battalion 68th Armor. There he was responsible for all of the tanks (M-60s). Jim got hurt while on duty when he was in the hull of a tank and a mount broke pinning Jim between the transmission and the hull. He still walks with a slight limp due to this injury. Jim left the service and to this day wishes he had stayed in longer.
CIVILIAN LIFE
He went back home to California, got married and started his family.
He and his wife recently moved to Independence and they just joined a bowling league and are looking forward to spending time doing that.
Jim says that he feels honored to have served his country and wishes he could have done more. He hopes that maybe due to his efforts while he was in the service, we had good machinery.
Beginning in mid-November, Veteran Salute will be published monthly. Peggy Sowders with the Independence Parks and Recreation Department helps veterans from throughout the area tell their stories for a historical record at the Truman Memorial Building. If you would like to help a veteran tell his or her story, contact her at psowders@indepmo.org.
