THE K-COMPANY MARINES

This is a record of my personal experiences covering the period from my entry into the United States Marine Corps on 8 September 1942, until my discharge on 12 October 1945.

It contains a short version of my youth in my hometown of Toledo, Ohio and when I left for boot camp at the age of sixteen years old.

I received my boot training at Parris Island S. C. where I learned to take orders and keep my mouth shut. Then I was transferred to Camp Lejune N. C. for rifle training, where it became apparent that I was no Sharpshooter. From there I was transferred to San Diego, California where I embarked aboard the USS Day Star, a very large rust bucket headed for Pago Pago, Samoa. Was then assigned to a French Island, Uvea or also called Wallis Island. It was on this Polynesian Island of Uvea, that I became a rifleman in K-Company, 3^rd Battalion 22^nd Marine Regiment. It was then that I learned the true meaning of virtue and the high price of honor.

I dedicate this book to the memory of the men and women who gave their lives during World War Two.