Preserving The Oral HistorIES of Combat Veterans
4:04 | George Mason and his division had a long crossing to get to American Samoa in the Pacific. For a 17-year old, these new experiences were challenging but enjoyable.
Keywords : Guadalcanal American Samoa Samoa British Samoa training seasick caution heavy winds doctor young seventeen
George Mason recalls growing up without a father which led him to drop out of high school to support himself. Once he turned 17, his mother signed his waiver for him to join the service.
Training was essential for George Mason and his division as they faced challenges in the Samoan islands in the Pacific.
Being a gunner in his division, George Mason had to react quickly when faced with direct infantry combat. The enemy were nighttime fighters which prompted their division to have to adapt to that type of warfare.
George Mason remembers the Japanese fighters they faced in battle and the distinct smell that you could sense once they came near the division. Because of the difficult island conditions, disease was always a problem for Mason and his fellow soldiers.
After such extensive training, Mason and his division got into outstanding shape that assisted in each of their new assault landings in the Pacific.
Facing the difficulties of jungle warfare, George Mason and his division had to deal with the fierce Japanese fighters, unique diseases and increasing hunger.
