January 23, 1944 - Sailing from San Diego to New Caldonia

Daddy sailed from San Francisco San Diego on the SS President Tyler (no pictures to be found) Jan 23, 1944, arriving at New Caledonia Feb 12, 1944.

January 18, 1944 - Promoted to PFC

Daddy noted that the promotion warrant was dated January 5th.  I'd bet he made sure any pay change reflected that date!

January 12, 1944 - Camp Elliott

November 13, 1943 - Camp Pendleton

Upon graduation from boot camp, Daddy went to Camp Pendleton for training.  He remained there until January 1944.  His training record lists it as "Field Artillery Instrument Course", which must have been how he was a fire control specialist at some point.

November 10, 1943 Commandant of the Marine Corps' Birthday Message

LtGen Thomas Holcomb is seen delivering the Marine Corps Birthday message in 1943.

Major General Clayton Vogel cuts a piece of cake at the Marine Corps Birthday celebration in San Diego, 1943.

November 9, 1943 - End of boot camp into Camp Pendleton

I'm not sure what the date of Daddy's official graduation from boot camp into the Marine Corps was, but he obviously was "set free" to some degree on November 9th, because he sent a telegram home asking for money.  He probably figured this may be his last time to ask before being shipped overseas.

October 1943 - Boot Camp

As boot camp continued at RDMCB San Diego, Daddy had quite a few memories in the making.  He recounted a few of those experiences to our family over the years.