All Rights Reserved by Weber State University, including the right of reproduction, in whole or in part, and in any form. Published by: Weber State University 3701 University Circle Ogden, UT 84408-3701 http://alumni.weber.org Publisher: Weber State University Alumni Association Printed by: Weber State University Printing Services Editorial Committee: David Bishop, Margie E. Esquibel, Lynell Gardner, John Knight '68, Cindy Jones, Vance C. Pace '55, Nancy H. Pace '59, Donna M. Roberts '67, Shannon Solomon, Gary Toyn '91 Designed by: Weber State University Department of Communications Cover Design: Hillary Wallace and Kedrick Ridges Designed and manufactured in the United States of America Copyright 2004 - Weber State University Alumni Association The information contained in this book was obtained from Weber's own World War II veterans, their family members and friends, and reflects the emotions and expressions common during that period of time. We appreciate all those who shared their memories with us. Some editing was necessary for clarity, historical accuracy and space constraints, and we regret any omissions or errors resulting from the editing process. Acknowledgements Weber's WWII Veterans' project was the brainchild of James C. Hurst, who served as an officer in the Emeriti Council of the Weber State University Alumni Association. It was his desire to recognize the contributions made by Weber's alumni during World War II. Hurst proposed a 'Greatest Generation' celebration, which would occur during Homecoming Week of 2003. Under the leadership of Vance Pace, Emeriti Alumni Council President, the proposal was unanimously approved, and Hurst agreed to chair the project. A 24-person Core Planning Committee, consisting of representatives from alumni, faculty, staff, students and the community, participated in the year-long planning process. The celebration included a three-day WWII Film Festival, two panels featuring WWII veterans, numerous lectures and events throughout campus, and an extensive memorabilia display of WWII items. Veterans were further honored at a banquet and events connected with the homecoming football game. Thousands of volunteer hours and donations made it all possible. This book is the end result of this project. Our hope is that it will honor our WWII veterans and their families and provide a written history of their memories and experiences. Project Advisors: The publisher wishes to acknowledge the following individuals, who lent valuable assistance to Weber's WWII Veterans' project: E. LaMar Buckner '42 Don A. Buswell '41 Dean W. Hurst '48 James C. Hurst '59 John A. Lindquist '39 Special Acknowledgement: The Stewart Education Foundation provided substantial funding for Weber's WWII Veterans' project.