![]() ![]() This train ride included stops along the journey in Montgomery, AL, New Orleans, Alexandria, Los Angeles, Dallas, Tucson, and Phoenix before finally joining the Third Marine Division, Fleet Marine Force, which had been activated at Camp Elliott in San Diego. ![]() Upon completion of his training at New River Wes was allowed furlough for a home visit to see family and loved ones for the last time until the war ended.Īfter enjoying furlough Wes took the long train ride to his final preparation training at Camp Elliott, not far from San Diego. Camp Lejeuneįrom Parris Island, Wes and his fellow boots were transported to Fleet Marine Headquarters at New River, North Carolina (now called Camp Lejeune) for training that included obstacle courses, additional rifle training, improvising rope bridges and endless practice sessions for debarking from ship’s cargo nets onto Higgins Boats and then hitting the beach.Īs a welcome respite from the rigorous training Wes enjoyed Liberty in nearby Jacksonville, NC. These instructions were necessary rites of passage in preparation for the inevitability of actual combat with the enemy. The boots received what seemed to be endless instruction on the rifle range, bayonet instruction, swimming, and hand-to-hand combat. ![]() Upon arrival at Parris Island it became apparent to Wes that he must make the transition from citizen-scholar to Marine Corps “boot” and finally to combat-ready Marine.Īfter being introduced to his Drill Instructor, Wes and his fellow boots endured countless hours of hiking and physical training at all times of the day and night under a variety of environmental conditions. Wes Eastman’s preparation for his future Marine combat in the South Pacific began as an enlistee leading a group of fellow enlistees on the long train ride from Boston to the eventual destination of Parris Island, South Carolina for boot camp training. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |