Military Service, 1943-1965

Entered Merchant Marines, Sept. 15, 1943, Stationed at Catalina Island until Dec. 25, 1943.

Enlisted in Army Transportation Corp., Dec. 25, 1943.

Stationed in St. Petersburg, Florida Dec. 25, 1943-March 1, 1944.

Transferred to New Orleans, LA., March 1, 1944-May 4, 1944.

Entered U.S. Army Transportation Corp, May 4, 1944.

Stationed at Fort Gordon Johnston, Florida, May 4, 1944.

Promoted to 2nd Lt., June 20, 1944.

Embarked for overseas duty December 16, 1944.

Arrived at Philippines Station, Feb. 1, 1945.

Promoted to 1st Lt., June 1, 1945.

Served in Layte, Luzon, Cebo, New Guinea, Japan and Okinawa from Feb 1, 1945 to Sept. 1946.

Promoted to rank of Captain, Feb. 25, 1947.

Promoted to rank of Major, May, 1958.

Commissioned Officer (Commanding Officer) of 449th Civil Affairs Co., 1962-1966.

Retired from military service with 23 years of active and retired duty, 1966.

I (Scott) had the privilege of taking Dad to the funeral services of one of his military buddies at the Archer Cemetery. It was about a year before he passed away. Because of Dad's health, we were able to attend the graveside services only. As we approached a group of his surviving friends, they greeted him with smiles and a salute. One of them shook his hand, smiled and said, "Well, Ross, the Boss." They all had a good chuckle. It was a rare privilege to watch this group of true heroes and see my father interact with them. I was enjoying the conversation when Dad told them that he wanted them to meet me. I felt somewhat unworthy to be noticed by this calibre of valiant men, but seeing the pride in Dad's eyes as he introduced me revealed how much he valued all his children and grandchildren. How could we ever disappoint someone who believed so much in us?