Early the war, everyone knew I was an artist. Nylon stockings were unavailable, so girls used an eyebrow pencil to draw a fake seam up the back of their leg. (Stockings at that time were sewn together in the back.)

I used to “volunteer” to paint the seam on the backs of their legs. I’d ask them if they wanted short stockings or long stockings!

THE FORGOTTEN HEROES OF WWII

I went into the Marines in 1942. The service changed many people’s lives. It took me in a different direction. I wanted to be a man. I became totally self-reliant. I learned things I would have never learned.

Most people want to record war stories that are dangerous and exciting…escaping death. On that count, I feel left out and forgotten. I spent two-and-a-half years as a rifle instructor. I instructed in the M-1 carbine. I was told we were the first platoon to be issued the M-1.

I was probably responsible for killing more Japanese than any Marine. It was like the lady pilots that ferried airplanes; we were forgotten about.