His experiences while employed by the Civilian Conservation Corps during the Great Depression. Childhood in Arkansas; joining the CCC; assignment to Company 5702 at Camp North Fork (F-123) near Pierce, Idaho; transfer to Company 229 at F-188 near Emida, Idaho; description of camps; life in camps.

His experiences while aboard the submarine USS Sculpin in the Pacific Theater during World War II. Assignment to the Sculpin, 1941; his responsibilities as a radioman; various patrols off the Netherlands East Indies and in the South China Sea, 1942-44; lifeguard duty off Japan for downed airmen, 1944-45.