corporal albert billingsley
1922-1997
Life Story
A Newton County Soldier Captured and Freed During the Korean War
Albert Billingsley’s life stands as a testament to the resilience and sacrifice of the generation of Americans who lived through both World War II and the Korean War. Born on December 25, 1922, in Newton, Mississippi, Albert came of age in the segregated Jim Crow South, the son of Dewitt Billingsley and Zena Mae Hopkins Billingsley. His early life reflected the realities faced by many Black families in rural Mississippi—hard work, limited educational opportunities, and a determination to build a better future.
Early Life in Newton County
Albert grew up in Beat 4 of Newton County, in a household that included several siblings: Lewis, Bernice, Dan Richard, May Nell, Luzena, and Judith Billingsley. The 1930 census shows the family living in a modest rural home where his father worked to support the large household.
By 1940, seventeen-year-old Albert had already entered the workforce. Census records show him employed as a servant for a private household, working 48 hours a week for the entire year and earning $104 annually. His formal education ended after the third grade, but like many young men of his generation, Albert possessed a strong work ethic that would later carry him into military service.
World War II Service
On June 30, 1942, Albert registered for the military draft in Newton, Mississippi. His registration card described him as 5 feet 7 inches tall, weighing 138 pounds, with black hair and black eyes. He listed his mother, Zena Mae Billingsley, as his next of kin.
Albert officially enlisted in the United States Army on February 18, 1943. During World War II he served in the Field Artillery, and after the war he reenlisted on December 30, 1945, for service in the Hawaiian Department as part of the Regular Army.
This decision to remain in military service would eventually place him in the center of another global conflict.
The Korean War: Capture and Release
By 1950, Albert had risen to the rank of Corporal in the U.S. Army Infantry. During the early months of the Korean War, he was deployed to the Korean Peninsula as part of United Nations forces fighting against North Korean and later Chinese troops.
On November 27, 1950, during one of the most chaotic phases of the war, Albert was captured by enemy forces in the South Korea sector. His capture occurred during the same period as the massive Chinese offensive that surrounded United Nations forces near the Chosin Reservoir, one of the most brutal battles of the conflict.
Fortunately, Albert’s captivity lasted only a short time. On December 17, 1950, he was returned to military control.
A newspaper report dated December 18, 1950, announced the release of several prisoners of war:
“Nine prisoners of war, including three Americans, returned to United Nations lines along the 38th parallel after being released by the North Koreans.
The liberated Americans, members of the 3rd Infantry Division, said they had been treated well.”
The Americans were identified as:
- Corporal Earl E. Roush
- Corporal Albert Billingsley
- Private First Class Vincent Fasci
Following his release, Albert was admitted to the Tokyo Army Hospital in December 1950 for observation and recovery before returning to duty in January 1951.
Family Life
Around the same period, Albert began building a family of his own. By 1950, he had married Irene Russell, and the couple was living in Columbus, Georgia, in the household of Irene’s family.
They had at least one son:
- Albert Billingsley Jr.
Even while maintaining a family life, Albert continued his military career for several more years.
Final Military Service
Albert reenlisted again on October 6, 1952, continuing his service during the Korean War period. He remained in the Army until October 7, 1955, completing more than a decade of military service that spanned two major wars.
His career reflects the experience of many African American soldiers who served with distinction despite the challenges of segregation in the armed forces during much of their service.
Later Years and Burial
In later life, Albert relocated to Los Angeles, California, where he spent his remaining years.
He passed away on September 3, 1997, at the age of 74.
Albert Billingsley was laid to rest with military honors at:
Riverside National Cemetery
Riverside, California
Section 48, Site 1848
His headstone commemorates a soldier who served his country across two wars, endured captivity during one of the Korean War’s most dangerous moments, and returned home to build a life for his family.
Military Service Summary
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Albert Billingsley |
| Birth | December 25, 1922 – Newton County, Mississippi |
| Parents | Dewitt Billingsley and Zena Mae Hopkins Billingsley |
| Branch | United States Army |
| Enlistment | February 18, 1943 |
| Rank | Corporal |
| Units | Field Artillery, later Infantry |
| Conflicts | World War II and Korean War |
| POW Status | Captured Nov. 27, 1950 – Released Dec. 17, 1950 |
| Final Discharge | October 7, 1955 |
| Death | September 3, 1997 – Los Angeles, California |
| Burial | Riverside National Cemetery, Riverside, California |
Resting Place
Riverside National Cemetery, Riverside, California
Photos/Albums
Sources
- 1930 Federal Census
- 1940 Federal Census
- 1950 Federal Census
- The Newton Record, Dewitt Billingsley Obituary, Wed, Dec 22, 1965 ·Page 12
- U.S. WWII Draft Cards Young Men, 1940-1947
- U.S., Find A Grave Index, 1600s-Current
- U.S., Social Security Applications and Claims Index, 1936-2007
- U.S., Social Security Death Index, 1935-2014
- California, U.S., Death Index, 1940-1997
- U.S. Veterans’ Gravesites, ca.1775-2006
- U.S., Department of Veterans Affairs BIRLS Death File, 1850-2010
- U.S., World War II Army Enlistment Records, 1938-1946
- Fold3.com
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