Boot camp at Parris Island with Thirteenth Recruit Battalion. Outposted to Field Music School, Parris Island; alternately under instruction or confined to base hospital through summer 1944. Transferred to Infantry Training Regiment, Camp Lejeune, fall of 1944, and assigned to 17th Replacement Draft for transit to the Pacific.
Joined Charlie Company, First Battalion, 24th Marines at Camp Maui on 22 November 1944.