Veteran recalls three wars
Editor’s note: This is the ninth article in The Inter-Mountain’s Unsung Heroes series, which will feature veterans in our area and share first-hand accounts of their military service. The series will publish each Monday through Veterans Day. To suggest an Unsung Hero, call 304-636-2121, ext. 120.
ELKINS — An Army veteran who served during World War II, the Korean War and Vietnam War says he has no regrets, and he’d do it all again if he could.
Col. Herman A. Conrad, of Elkins, spent 29 years of active duty with the U.S. Army as well as 13 years in standby status. Born in Missouri and raised in Arkansas, Conrad was drafted 10 days after his 18th birthday.
“It seems like yesterday,” he said in a recent interview at his home, recalling the cramped sleeping quarters on the ship that left Portland, Oregon, taking 30 days to carry Conrad and the other soldiers to the South
Pacific.
He started out in the infantry in WWII, serving in the tail end of the Okinawa campaign with the 7th Infantry Division.
Some of his work included maintaining records and writing letters to notify next of kin about a soldier’s death.
Conrad’s military service took him all over the world, as he also served in Korea, Vietnam, Europe, Washington, D.C., and Alaska — which was his favorite assignment because of the fishing and skiing opportunities.
Conrad worked his way up the chain of command, and he specialized in military intelligence.
“I had the goal in mind — move as high as you could,” he said. “I was 42 when I made colonel; I was 21 as a second lieutenant. It took me about 20 years — that’s average.”
He said working in the intelligence field was stressful “all the time,” and there were many stories he’s not at liberty to discuss. But he said he truly enjoyed it.
“I’d do it again if I was young enough. I really would, because this is the best country in the world. It really is … because we have the freedom that no other country has. I’ve been proud that I had the opportunity to serve my country.”
While he said his work did not take him out in the field much, there were still plenty of dangerous situations and problems, particularly during the Vietnam War.
“Any job there was pretty tough, because you never knew when something might hit you.”
During his years of service, he said he was extremely lucky to never have suffered severe injuries or received a Purple Heart. He did recall at least three near misses with enemy explosives that failed to detonate. In one incident in 1969, he said 265 pounds of explosives were found right next to his living quarters.
“The detonating device never went off, thank heavens,” he said.
In another incident during that time period, TNT exploded from a motorcycle’s gas tank just as his bus was passing by, full of American soldiers.
“It wasn’t safe going down the street,” he said. “Things like that happened all the time.”
Conrad did lose a number of fellow soldiers, including two very close friends, during his service. He has visited the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., and said he recognized many names of those killed in action.
“It brought back fond memories — and sadness,” he said of the memorial. “(It’s) too sad that these young boys have to lose their lives that way, to give up their lives for their country.”
He said that’s the way it is for any person in the military, because all soldiers are aware that they might pay the ultimate sacrifice.
“None of us want to, but we’re willing,” he said, later adding, “The most precious thing we have to guard in this country is our freedom. It really is.”
Conrad became highly decorated, earning the Legion of Merit with two oak leaf clusters, the Bronze Star and many other medals and military commendations.
“This is the one I’m most proud of,” he said about the Legion of Merit, explaining it is equal to the Silver Star, and it is awarded for meritorious service in peace time. “I think this is one of the prettiest medals we have.”
He continued, “I enjoyed the military very much. It was awfully good to me.”
Nearly 91, Conrad said he has been blessed with a good life and a wonderful family, which includes his wife, Betty, who was originally from Norton; six children; and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren. The couple met while they both were working in Washington, D.C., in February 1970.
The family moved to Elkins after Conrad retired, and the couple has enjoyed traveling, collecting antiques and attending auctions. In fact, the Conrads have made a point to purchase wheelchairs, hospital beds, walkers and other equipment at auctions and then donate the items to local senior agencies.
They said they often can purchase a walker in good condition for $5 or less, and it helps other people who might not be able to afford a new one, which can cost an average of $85.
“I bought 46 wheelchairs, probably 200 other things like crutches, walkers, shower chairs, five hospital beds. … That’s a hobby of ours (to donate the items). A lot of people can’t afford this stuff,” he said. “It does people some good.”
Conrad also teaches Sunday School at First United Methodist Church in Elkins, and he has been involved in the Randolph County Committee on Aging, veterans groups and other community organizations.
He said he enjoys spending as much time as possible with his wife and family, and he also enjoys fellowship of his church family.