His experiences in the Southwest Pacific Theater during World War II; his youth in Dallas during the Great Depression; his decision to join the 112th Cavalry, 1939, at age sixteen; mobilization and assignment to Fort Bliss, El Paso, Texas, 1940; Louisiana Maneuvers, summer, 1941; assignment to Fort Clark, Brackettville, Texas, and duty along the Texas-Mexico border; assignment to New Caledonia, August, 1942; assignment to New Guinea, June, 1943; landings on Woodlark Island, June, 1943; landings at Arawe, New Britain, December 1943; Battle of the Driniumor River, Aitape, New Guinea, July, 1944; assignment to Leyte, Philippines, 1944; his medical evacuation due to malaria, dysentery, and hookworm, December 1, 1945.