Enlisted at Hartford, CT on 20 February 1944; placed on inactive duty until 23 May 1944. Boot camp at MCRD Parris Island with Eighth Recruit Platoon. Outposted to TC Camp Lejeune for infantry training; assigned to 17th Replacement Draft for transit to Pacific theater.
Joined Able Company, First Battalion, 24th Marines at Camp Maui, Hawaii, 22 November 1944.