Richard Fradella - Mickey Strand - Veterans Series

Mickey Strand - Veterans Series

Korean War

Click on Veteran's photo to see their service story. These Warriors served during the Korean War

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Where can I donate?

I have created a way to accept donations to grow the project, use the WWII Veterans Portrait Series Go Fund Me.

Where are you located?

I live in the San Diego area but have traveled to many locations to interview and photograph Veterans.


How Long is an Appointment?

Appointments usually last an hour. But please free up time for Mickey to set up lights and cameras, hold the interview, and take some still photographers for in the project.

Do you accept reservations?

Yes is the simple answer to the question. Each appointment is set up as an individual session. Group sessions have been set up when I visited a senior living facility or many of the California Veterans Homes.

Copyright © 2024 Mickey Strand – Veterans Series
US Army SP3(T) Korean War Richard Fradella was born on Jan 14, 1932, and grew up in San Gabriel, California. He graduated from Mark Keppel High School in Monterey Park in 1949. Richard attended college at UC Berkeley, studied engineering, and was drafted into the Army after he was refused deferment to complete his degree. Richard reported to Fort Ord, California, to receive his basic training. He said the training was not so good, crawling in the mud and getting hollered at all the time. He completed basic and was transferred to Fort Bliss, El Paso, Texas, to attend Advanced Individual Training as a specialist in anti-aircraft artillery. Private Fradella was now a trained anti-aircraft artillery technician. His unit mustered up at Fort Louis, Washington, preparing for the transit to Korea via a troop transport ship. They arrived after three weeks at sea, and his platoon was assigned to an anti-aircraft placement at a rear support base of the 82nd Airborne. He remembers working for a great Captain who always ensured the troops on guard duty at his quarters were fed. Like all Army Privates, he stood guard duty on many posts, walking along the perimeter. Many hours were spent walking the fence for his two years in the country. Richards's unit was reassigned to the Republic of Formosa, known today as Taiwan. One day, the Master Sergeant asked if anyone could type. Richard put his hand up and was reassigned to the adjutant’s office as a clerk typist. Richard was promoted to Specialist Third Class while in Korea. He spent a few months working there when his time in the country was up. Richard typed up his orders, sending him home after his time in the country was completed. Richard returned to the US via troop transport and remembered returning under the San Francisco Golden Gate Bridge. He was honorably discharged on December 29, 1955, and transferred to the US Army Reserve. Richard returned to UC Berkeley to finish his BS in engineering. He then attended Cal Tech, receiving his Master of Science. He was invited to finish a Ph.D., but the job offers were pouring in, and he was excited to get to work at the Jet Propulsion Labs in Pasadena and then the Naval Ordinance Test Center in Pasadena, California. Richard loves talking about science and his time helping build the future of technology. Richard was awarded the National Defense Medal and a Good Conduct medal during his service.
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Richard Fradella - Mickey Strand - Veterans Series
US Army SP3(T) Korean War Richard Fradella was born on Jan 14, 1932, and grew up in San Gabriel, California. He graduated from Mark Keppel High School in Monterey Park in 1949. Richard attended college at UC Berkeley, studied engineering, and was drafted into the Army after he was refused deferment to complete his degree. Richard reported to Fort Ord, California, to receive his basic training. He said the training was not so good, crawling in the mud and getting hollered at all the time. He completed basic and was transferred to Fort Bliss, El Paso, Texas, to attend Advanced Individual Training as a specialist in anti-aircraft artillery. Private Fradella was now a trained anti-aircraft artillery technician. His unit mustered up at Fort Louis, Washington, preparing for the transit to Korea via a troop transport ship. They arrived after three weeks at sea, and his platoon was assigned to an anti-aircraft placement at a rear support base of the 82nd Airborne. He remembers working for a great Captain who always ensured the troops on guard duty at his quarters were fed. Like all Army Privates, he stood guard duty on many posts, walking along the perimeter. Many hours were spent walking the fence for his two years in the country. Richards's unit was reassigned to the Republic of Formosa, known today as Taiwan. One day, the Master Sergeant asked if anyone could type. Richard put his hand up and was reassigned to the adjutant’s office as a clerk typist. Richard was promoted to Specialist Third Class while in Korea. He spent a few months working there when his time in the country was up. Richard typed up his orders, sending him home after his time in the country was completed. Richard returned to the US via troop transport and remembered returning under the San Francisco Golden Gate Bridge. He was honorably discharged on December 29, 1955, and transferred to the US Army Reserve. Richard returned to UC Berkeley to finish his BS in engineering. He then attended Cal Tech, receiving his Master of Science. He was invited to finish a Ph.D., but the job offers were pouring in, and he was excited to get to work at the Jet Propulsion Labs in Pasadena and then the Naval Ordinance Test Center in Pasadena, California. Richard loves talking about science and his time helping build the future of technology. Richard was awarded the National Defense Medal and a Good Conduct medal during his service.