Coral Phelps was 20 years old when he was drafted into the Army in June 1943. The Carlton County native was deployed to Luzon, Philippines, in the Southwest Pacific Theater of operations on Feb. 1, 1945 with Company B27 of the 25th Infantry Division.
Shortly after their arrival, the Japanese were planning to shoot all of their prisoners in Manila.
“We made a deal if they let the prisoners go then we would let them go,” Phelps said.
The Japanese would dig fox holes and hide by covering themselves. They could feel the vibrations of people walking as they got closer and take them by surprise when they would pop out of the foxhole, according to Phelps.
Phelps was a scout out in front of the men when he stumbled upon an enemy soldier hiding in a foxhole. The man, who looked to be close in age to Phelps, stood up and pointed his gun at Phelps, but when he tried to shoot the gun jammed. Phelps took the man prisoner. When his group caught up to Phelps and saw the prisoner they encouraged Phelps to shoot him, but Phelps refused.
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“That’s not fighting, that’s murder!” said the 90-year-old Phelps. “God was with me so many times over there.”
Phelps went right back into action and was shot in the arm shortly after. His doctors argued whether they should amputate part of his arm, but one of the doctors refused, saying he could save the arm, and he did.
It still hurts everyday, but Phelps said even though it is weaker than his other arm, he can use it.
When Phelps was released from the hospital four months later, he was transferred to personnel where part of his job was to write letters to relatives after someone had died as well as gather their belongings together.
Phelps received the Purple Heart. He met Maxine, his wife of almost 60 years, at a dance the night after he came back. He has been active with the Carlton Honor Guard since he came back to Carlton. He retired from his 30-year position as Wrenshall postmaster 35 years ago.
Phelps, who often wears his World War II baseball cap, has noticed that he has been getting more thank yous from strangers lately, which he appreciates.
