WWII Photos:
Edward W. DuBeck

Philadelphia-born Edward Walter DuBeck joined the Mairnes “cause everybody else was joining… I wanted to do my part, too.” Do it he did. On Roi-Namur, in defiance of his platoon leader’s orders, DuBeck blazed away through the night and accounted for 40 enemy soldiers. On Tinian, he took command of a rifle squad and attacked a bunker with a carbine and some grenades. The feat won him a Silver Star – and a Purple Heart for shrapnel in his hand. He returned to duty in time for Iwo Jima, and received yet another commendation for bravery.

Ed’s photos are centered around life at New River, North Carolina in the winter of 1942-1943. All pictures are courtesy of the DuBeck family.

The Marine Corps – you’re out to get killed, really, aren’t ya?
We went through hell, I gotta admit, we went through hell losing everybody. You train with these fellows and everything and first thing you know – they’re not there with you, you feel like you’re all by yourself. You look for them, call their name… everything changes on landing. How I survived, I do not know. There’s lots of times I sit on the edge of my bed at night, and that’s what comes to me. How did I survive?

Edward DuBeck, from an interview with Shane Hickey, 2016

Ed DuBeck at New River, North Carolina.

Joe Devoy, Ed DuBeck, Joe Peterpaul.

Ed with buddies at New River, 1942-1943.

Ed DuBeck sporting a sweater during the winter of 1942.

Ed DuBeck at New River.

Relaxing for a moment at New River.

A .30 caliber Browning machine gun – DuBeck's primary weapon.

DuBeck practices the sitting position with the "assistance" of an NCO.

Climbing down a net to simulate going over the side of a ship.

Laundry at Camp Pendleton, 1943.

Ed at Camp Maui with a buddy.

Able Company machine gunners in Hawaii. Ed DuBeck is at center.

Officers escort me up the hill; the Marine Corps regimental band was playing as we marched up there. Looked a little foolish, but you gotta go along with that bullshit. So I went up and the big shots were there, they presented me with the medal. What thrilled me was most of my battalion marched right by me in battle fatigues and everything, with the machine guns and equipment, parading right past me, eyes right, saluting me. I felt like the kid from Bridesburg! What the hell am I doing here?

Edward DuBeck, from an interview with Shane Hickey, 2016