WEBER, Lee (b. 1919) | Oral History

WEBER, Lee (b. 1919)

Oral Histories

Businessman. His experiences at Guadalcanal and Tarawa in the Pacific Theater during World War II. Prewar work experience with the United Fruit Company in Honduras; decision to join the Marine Corps Reserve, 1939, and assignment to a machine gun company in the 15th Battalion; call to active duty, October, 1940, and assignment to H Company at San Diego; his work as H Company armorer; posting to American Samoa, 1942; living conditions on Samoa; his promotion from the enlisted ranks to second lieutenant and assignment to E Company, 2nd Battalion, 8th Marines; Guadalcanal Campaign, 1942-43; living conditions on Guadalcanal; personal attitudes toward the Japanese; rest and recuperation in New Zealand; forming of the 2nd Marine Division in New Zealand, 1943; his transfer to F Company, 8th Marines; his comments about and personal relationship with then Major Henry P. ("Jim") Crowe, commander of the 2nd Battalion, 8th Marines; the Tarawa Campaign, 1943; the assault on Tarawa at "Red Beach 2"; his battle wound and evacuation.
Date of Interview: September 23, 1999

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