Roy entered service with the U.S. Army from Big Spring,
Texas. The date was October 18, 1944. He was 18 years old.
Roy was assigned to the 25th Infantry Division.
The 25th was also known as Tropic Lightning. It sometimes has been
known as the Hawaiian Division as well since it has always been based at Scholfield
Barracks, Hawaii. It was activated on October 1, 1941. The division saw 260
days of combat in such places as Guadalcanal, New Georgia and Luzon. This
writer’s uncle was also a member of the 25th, and fought on those
three islands. He was killed at the Battle of Balette Pass on Luzon, Philippine’s
in March, 1945.
After the surrender of the Japanese in August, 1945 Roy landed
in Japan for occupation duty. One of his most memorable experiences was driving
a staff car for the many judges involved in prosecuting Japanese accused or war
crimes during the war.
Roy was discharged from the military on October 18, 1946
with the rank of Tech Sergeant. He received the Philippine Liberation medal,
Combat Infantryman’s badge and the Good Conduct medal.
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