John was still in high school on December 7, 1941. That day, when the Japanese started the war by the surprise attack on the US Pacific fleet, John was living in Granville New York.
He reported for basic training in the Marine Corps on August 16, 1943 at the age of 18.
After basic training John was shipped to the South Pacific. He was assigned as an anti-aircraft gunner. He participated in the Palau Islands campaign. Among the islands in this chain was the island of Peleliu, the scene of savage fighting between Marines and the Japanese.
John says that his experience in WWII caused him to grow up in a hurry. He also found out that there was a big-big world outside of his hometown of Granville, New York!
He was discharged as a Corporal on February 8, 1946.
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