​Excerpt from My Grandfather's WWII Diary

Foreword

"All actual heroes are essential men,
And all men possible heroes."
E.B. Browning

I open this diary with one thought in mind—that is, that if and when my son finds it necessary to enter the armed services, I hope that these words will give him a better understanding and possibly some good advice as to the road that lies ahead.

In a changing world the army is, fundamentally, constant because it depends solely and wholly upon team work, and team work is dependent on discipline—which is the most easily understood yet the most laborious to endure—term in the army.

It is not only impractical but impossible to buck against discipline.

The only way to be happy is to ride with the tide and do your best at whatever you put your hand to.

If you do this, you are cooperating with your officers and friends and also building a background of rank and good conduct.​

Page from the diary compiled into a hardcover book.

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"The only way to be happy is to ride with the tide and do your best at whatever you put your hand to."

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June 1, 1945

"Worse than war is the fear of war."
Seneca

It seems I've been neglecting my dear 'ol diary as I've been busy what with guard school and home (at least it's a place to hang my hat).

I'm now stationed at Gulfport, Mississippi. I served 8 weeks in Lincoln in more or less of a pool and then we were sent here for overseas training–so here is some news.

Germany is done–they surrendered on May 6, 1945 – of course, that don't affect my army career as I'm slated for the South Pacific.

Also, Franklin Delano Roosevelt passed away just before the war in Germany ended of a cerebral hemorrhage in Warm Springs, Georgia.

I am now assigned to a crew.

Original handwritten diary entry.

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