My Grandpa, The Marine

"My motivation was love of country, protecting our people from defeat by Japan and other countries who hated us, pride in being a Marine with it's aura of being the best, respect, and proving my country and competence." Only a sophomore in high school in 1939 when Germany invaded Poland and other middle European countries, my grandfather describes this time in great detail. The United States was brought closer and closer to going to war to help Great Britain and France, our allies and friends. He recalls that while some demanded that we stay out of the war, others were convinced that the only way for the war to end was for the U.S. to get involved. In any case, emotions were high and news of war overwhelmed the media (radio broadcasts and newspapers) each day. 

Halfway through his senior year at a boarding school back east, Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor and many other islands in the Pacific in 1941. The loss of many lives and ships were horrible and there was a great fear of the Japanese attacking the mainland next. But more than fear was a feeling of intense anger that we had been attacked. The focus was now on counterattacking the Japanese and soon the Germans and Italians, who were winning the war. 

"Unlike the Iraq war, every American was determined to defend this country's honor and defeat the aggressor nations." Conversations at school revolved around joining the war. Not only did he feel that all of America had taken part in this counterattack, but he had motivation through his family. His two brothers, who were several years older, enlisted immediately. Jack went to the Navy and was sent out to sea as an ensign. Jim went to the Army as a doctor. 

My grandpa found interest in the U.S. Marine Corps, who was fighting in the Pacific Ocean at the time. It was such a personal challenge and commitment because he learned what the Marine Corps truly was; "a very tough outfit, requiring challenging physical training, iron discipline, and the willingness to work as a team." Before graduating high school, he joined the Marines in 1942 for many reasons, including wanting to prove to himself and his family that he could do great things in the rigorous Marines setting. 

Boot camp was in Parris Island, South Carolina. "We were told by our drill instructors that we were going to learn an entirely new way of life that removed our individuality and reshape us as Marines. Motivated and inspired, he and his fellow boots did what they were told, no matter how bad the task was. He learned how to kill people with rifles, postols, bayonets, and knives in hand to hand combat. "And most important of all, we were asked if we were willing to give our lives if necessary for our country and our fellow Marines. If we weren't, we would be discharged immediately." Strictly enforced was the command to never leave a wounded Marine behind when in battle. No matter the circumstances, they had to try to rescue them. 

The biggest motivation my grandpa had was to do something with his life that was greater than his own self interests and to "prove himself in the face of danger."