While walking to school one morning, he made a detour and went to the recruiting office where he was inducted into the U.S. Army on November 13, 1943. Come to find out, that journey was not uphill both ways. After boot camp, he was assigned to a anti-tank co., 148th Infantry Regiment, 37th Division (Buckeye Division). He was shipped out to the northern Solomons where he was involved in several beach landings and intense combat in Luzon, Bougainville, New Guinea and Manila as a machine gunner.
While in the jungle, Daddy adopted a monkey that he named Susie. Susie stayed with him throughout his campaign and would alert him to sounds in the jungle that only she could hear. When rations ran low, he would watch her and eat whatever she ate. When Daddy was to be shipped out of the Philippines, he made sure she had all of her shots so he could bring her home. While waiting to board the ship, an announcement was made that if any animals were found on the ship, they would be thrown overboard. He couldn’t take that chance, so he gave Susie to a G.I. truck driver and told him to take good care of her. He talked about Susie for the rest of his life.
Daddy was awarded the World War II Victory Medal, Asiatic – Pacific Theater Ribbon and two Bronze Stars, the Philippine Liberation Ribbon with one Bronze Star, Good Conduct Metal with Bronze Arrowhead and the Purple Heart.
On November 26, 1947, he joined hands and entered into the bond of holy matrimony with our mother, Mary Lee Jackson. They celebrated their wedding at Mammoth Cave and remained devoted husband and wife for 74 years.
Daddy had a long 37 years career as an Electrician/Lineman with the L&N Railroad. Always one for wearing a uniform, Daddy served as Assistant Scout Master and later Scout Master for Boy Scout Troop 317 where he helped shape boys into young men.
Daddy is survived by daughters Letitia Ann Oswald, Joyce Carol Stone and son William David Tucker (Jackie). Three grandchildren, Donnie Oswald (Adrianne), Greta Oswald (Pearl Fiancé), Joseph Stone (Shannon Fiancé), great granddaughters, Kyla and Keira Stone.
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