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In the 1940's my father was starving in the Oklahoma dustbowl. At 15 years of age, his parents signed a paper stating his age as 18 so he could join the Marine Corps.
He turned 16 on a transport ship heading to the South Pacific. He was a machine gunner and made the first beach landing on Guadalcanal. After getting malaria and being wounded twice, he was hit by a mortar shell and spent 2 years in the hospital. Like your grandfather, he has very little to say about the war.
Over the years I have known several men who served with my dad. Most of the stories I've heard were told by them.
You're a good man for taking care of your grandfather. We all owe him a debt of gratitude.
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My work here is nearly finished.
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