Central Illinois World War II Stories - Oral history interview with Ralph Woolard, August 7, 2007

Ralph Wagner Woolard, Veteran with the U.S. Army 36th Infantry Division 142d Regiment 3rd Battalion, served from April 1943 to October 5, 1945. He was in an intelligence squad and his highest rank at the end of the war was Staff Sergeant. Ralph Woolard was in combat for the majority of his service in Europe except for recuperation from wounds (twice). He saw action in some of the bitterest battles in Italy, France, Germany and Austria (for example Monte Cassino, Selestat, on the Siegfried Line). His decorations are two Purple Hearts with oak leaf cluster, Bronze Star, and the Combat Infantry Badge.

[@julianboone9542]

The interviewer is among the best in the oral history program. She posed broad questions then let the soldiers talk with full details without interrupting.

[@sueferrell3376]

I liked how the interviewer let Mr. Woolard talk without interupting him. He was articulate and appeared honest and humble. I found him impressive and admirable.

[@nwpia]

I thought the interviewer did a really good job. She was soft-spoken, asked good questions, and allowed the person telling the story to ....tell his story.

[@thebestyouneverheardof]

A very interesting interview. Mr Woolard is a wealth of information. Thank you for sharing this with us.

[@yoandrew4886]

My dad lost at lost 50% hearing, he wouldn't apply for any disability, he said his sacrifice was small, he said he came home, with all his parts. Was able to gain employment and raise a family. The thing I remember is his reoccurring bouts of malaria. He was 110 ibs when arriving in Newnan Ga, the home of his wife to be, my mother. He then traveled to LaFayette, Ga. to his mother and father.

[@FerallHog]

Men like this built America! Real Men. The finest Americans. Wise. Responsible. Diligent. Strong.

[@yoandrew4886]

His comments on Southern Boys have areal foundation, traditionally they were from familys that weren't later immigrants, raised outdoors with a rifle slipping through and living outside. They could build, use rope, improvise cook, weld fix anything.

[@deanschaal8054]

How could anyone ever have​ survived that much combat

[@halspencer6613]

Mr Woolard was a member of the 36th Infantry Division - an original National Guard division from Texas and Oklahoma. The division landed in southern Italy and fought all the way north of that country, fighting in serious and close battles. The commander was General Walker whose 2 sons were on his staff. One son, Was my commander in the 1950s in the 4th Regimental Combat Team at Fort Devens, Massachusetts.

[@g18886]

I don't think he explained how he earned the Bronze star and the interviewer didn't ask.

[@revwahfair]

There's 2 other interviews with Ralph on here.

[@yoandrew4886]

They didn't have all the small town parades, were some, but everybody was involved, not a few, if you had a parade their would be nobody watching, they would all be marching. Most overseas guys came to home town individually.

[@packrat76]

Soft spoken and tone almost identical to Doctor Ben Carson.

[@tinklvsme]

I know this is old, but to the interview lady, u say Ahh, Umm too much. Proper public speaking is so important. Using unnecessary filler words are distracting. He also says Umm. Ahh , And too much. I can't watch

[@WD-41469]

In the future, we’ll all ahh.. umm.. do our best to work around your ocd

[@WestCoastKilties]

I'd like to hear you describe the trauma of battle and close combat without an uh or an ummmm? You could feel the emotional power in every word this gentle man spoke of his experience in the war. It was a riveting interview.

[@celticfm]

Ralph Woolard. The best human being ever. Full stop. What an example of truth and humility, respect and dignity. Could just listen to him for ever.

[@henrykelly7837]

Excellent,

[@KennyMcC]

I’ve watched many of these types of videos. This one is the best one. What a great man. Thank you.

[@loisdiorio8164]

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