During 1944, while aboard the LCI
(L) 35, Dad, now 21 years old, participated in two major invasions
and approximately 24 follow up landings, troop transfers, or escort
assignments. The Invasions of Anzio
in January and Normandy in June were
especially difficult because they came while the LCI (L) 35 was under
heavy enemy artillery fire. Dad, as well as all his shipmates, performed
their duties admirably during these invasions and throughout 1944.
Dad completed his overseas duty on November 15, 1944 when the LCI
35 was decommissioned. Dad returned to the States in early December
1944.
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This section contains excerpts
from the letters that Dad sent to his sister Mae during 1944.
They reflect Dad's thoughts at the time, including the emotions
that only a war can invoke. His thoughts on Navy life, being a
cook, receiving news, mail and packages from home, and life in
general were at one time or another discussed in his letters to
Mae. |
| At left is a photo of Stan with
his sister Mae taken in January 1943 before he shipped out for
North Africa on the LCI 229. |
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| Of course many of the letters talked
about Blondie and his deep feelings toward her. Those strong feelings
withstood over two years of separation since they first met in August,
1942. Shortly after Dad returned to the States he did marry the girl
he left behind. Blondie became his wife and mother to his three sons. |
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