I was a passenger in a car. The driver, a friend, and I had spent the day at the beach in Long Beach, California. We were on our way home to Pomona. Half way there we saw newsboys selling papers on the corners. We heard that the Japanese had attacked Pearl Harbor. This probably the first time that I had heard the words, Pearl Harbor.
On Monday morning, December 8, the student body of Pomona High School were called into the auditorium. We listened to President Roosevelt give his "Day of Infamy" speech over the radio. I remember mingling in the halls and discussing the war.
Two of my older brothers were in the military. George was a pilot in the Marines. Warren was a mechanic in the Navy Air force. Both had joined prior to the draft. Most everyone was expecting going to war.
The next morning I rode the street car into Los Angeles. I got in line at the Marine Recruiting Station. Very soon in the line I failed the eye exam. When I got off the bus back in Pomona I immediately walked to the office of an eye doctor. The Doctor told me that I needed glasses to be 20/20. I did not know that my eyes were bad. The Marines, at that time did not accept people who needed glasses. If I had passed the exam I might not have lived to see today.
I spent a year and a half desperately wanting in the Military. I tried to join the Army and Navy but my Dad would not sign his permission. I was quite upset.
I remember being yelled at from passing cars. Four F!!. Draft dodger!!. I was big for 16. Boy did I feel bad.
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