Aarvig, Dean (1920-1998)

https://reflections.mndigital.org/catalog/stc:9891#/kaltura_audio

Biographical Information: Dean H. Aarvig was born on October 15, 1920 in Willmar, Minnesota. He graduated from high school in 1937 and was drafted into the Army in 1942. After completing basic training, Aarvig went to Officer Candidate School (OCS) and joined the 9th Armored Division in France as a platoon leader that conducted intelligence & reconnaissance missions. During his service, Aarvig participated in the Battle of the Bulge and the Battle of Remagen. After the war’s end, Aarvig returned to Minnesota, where he and his wife ran a newspaper in Grand Meadow, as well as farmed. In November of 1950, Aarvig was recalled into the service and served with the 25th Infantry Division as a Company Commander in Korea. Aarvig was married and had two children. He passed away on July 2, 1998.

Transcript Summary: Dean H. Aarvig described his experiences in World War II with the 9th Armored Division in France, as well as his experiences with the 25th Infantry Division in Korea. He was drafted into the United States Army in 1942, but scored high enough on the entrance exam to qualify for Officer Candidate School. After arrival in France, Aarvig’s unit was part of the Battle of the Bulge as well as the Battle of Remagen. During his service in World War II, Aarvig was primarily an Information and Reconnaissance officer, responsible for scouting out enemy positions before the infantry moved in. After his World War II service, Aarvig returned home to his wife, and together they ran a newspaper. He was also a farmer until he was recalled into service during the Korean War in 1950. Aarvig discussed his displeasure with the Korean War and how it was handled from an administrative standpoint. He also talked about his thoughts on those in Vietnam burning their draft cards and going to Canada. Aarvig felt that these individuals had every right to do so, and his experiences in Korea shaped his opinions about America’s involvement in Vietnam.

Interview by David Overy