After the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, at the age of 17, Vernon Staley tried to join the military. However, his father refused to let Vernon join as he wanted him to finish high school.

After graduating from high school, Staley was drafted into the U.S. Army. He was assigned to the 70th Infantry Division, where he served as a combat medic. The 70th Infantry Division spent nearly 90 days in combat during the final days of the European Theater.

In December 1944, upon arriving in France, Staley was assigned to Task Force Herren. Task Force Herren played a role in fighting the German winter offensive–Operation Nordwind.

Staley took part in a rescue operation of the 276th Regiment, which had been captured by German troops. During the operation, Staley was pinned down in a field. After making it to safety, Staley was assigned to tag the dead soldiers.

In July 1946, Staley finished with the rank of Private First Class. He was awarded a Combat Medical Badge.

Interview recorded on May 12, 2023

00:00 Intro
02:09 Family Background
02:35 Pearl Harbor Attack
03:50 Drafted
7:30 Arrived in France
08:21 Deployed to the Rhine River
09:25 Battle of the Bulge
10:33 Crossing an open field under MG fire
14:43 Tagging the dead
15:53 Man jumps on grenade
17:12 Dodging an artillery shell
19:30 Other medic's who were killed
20:08 Horrible prison camp conditions
23:50 Patton's MP's take his car
25:58 The war is over


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