I was drafted into the service at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, on December 22, 1944 for the duration plus. Just before Christmas. What a Christmas present! I attended Basic Training at Fort Hood, Texas, then I was sent to Fort Meade, Maryland. First, they issued me clothing for the European Theater. My orders changed, so I turned in winter clothing, and boarded a troop train to California. There I was issued summer clothing, and boarded a ship headed to the Pacific Theater. I sailed out under the Golden Gate Bridge to the unknown and thirty some days later, to Manila Bay. At Manila Bay I spent time searching the hills around Manila for Japanese who were hiding in the hills. I boarded a ship headed toward Japan. We were told we would be the first invaders. While in route, the bombs were dropped on Japan, and the treaty was signed on another ship. The ship I was on continued on to Yokohama Bay where we went over the side of the ship with full field gear and into a landing craft, and on the shore line. It was unknown if there would be any kind of resistance. It was peaceful and quiet. I will be forever grateful that the bombs were dropped and the treaty signed. Many, many lives were saved. I am unable to include any dates as my records were destroyed in the fire at The National Personal Record Center in St. Louis, Missouri. I received an honorable discharge November 18, 1946 at Fort Lewis, Washington. I am very proud to have served my country.