Wes Eastman entered military service on July 22, 1942, but his preparation for his future Marine combat in the South Pacific began as he lead a group of fellow enlistees on the long train ride from Boston to Parris Island, South Carolina for boot camp training. Upon arrival at Parris Island, it became apparent to him that he was no longer a citizen-scholar but a Marine Corps “Boot”. Thus began his long journey toward combat-ready Marine.
After being introduced to his Drill Instructor, Wes and his fellow “Boots “endured countless hours of hiking and physical training at all times of the day and night and under a variety of environmental conditions
The Boots received what seemed to be endless instruction on the rifle range, bayonet instruction, swimming and hand to hand combat. These instructions were necessary rites of passage in preparation for the inevitability of actual combat with the enemy.
From Parris Island Wes and his fellow “Boots” were transported to Fleet Marine Headquarters at New River, North Carolina (now called Camp Lejeune) for training that included obstacle courses, additional rifle training, improvising rope bridges and endless practice sessions for debarking from ship’s cargo nets onto Higgins Boats and then hitting the beach.
As a welcome respite from the rigorous training Wes enjoyed Liberty in nearby Jacksonville, NC.
Upon completion of his training at New River, Wes was allowed furlough for a home visit to see family and loved ones for the last time until the war ended.
After enjoying furlough, Wes was then was transported by train with many of his fellow graduates to join the Third Marine Division, Fleet Marine Force, which had been activated at Camp Elliott, nearby San Diego.
In all, the train ride included stops in Montgomery, AL; New Orleans; Alexandria, LA; Dallas; Tucson; and Phoenix before finally arriving in San Diego.
While at Camp Elliott and Camp Pendleton, Wes received specialized Signal Corps training as a lineman, as were a number of Navajo Code Talkers. In addition, he received desert training and more advanced instruction on ship disembarkment via Higgins Boats.
After enjoying one final leave in Los Angeles, Wes and his Marine “sweat brothers” traveled to San Diego to make preparations for their journey toward combat: the long boat ride to New Zealand.
Military Combat
Once Wes completed his training at Camp Elliott, he left San Diego via the SS Lurline, arriving at Auckland, New Zealand on February 23rd, 1943.
In June 1943, the Third Division moved from Auckland onto Guadalcanal for additional training. Wes fought bravely with his infantry regiment at Bougainville, British Solomon Islands from November 6,1943 to January 9, 1944. In the course of the Battle of Bougainville, over 400 Marines were killed.
After Bougainville, Wes returned with the Third Division back to Guadalcanal for rest and training (which included reading and letter writing and preparation) for the Battle of Guam where he fought from July 21, 1944 to August 10, 1944. During this battle alone, 677 Third Division Marines were killed and 3,623 wounded.
The Third Division remained on Guam for training until they were deployed for the Battle of Iwo Jima. Wes fought at Iwo Jima from February 24, 1945 to March 27, 1945. During this bloody battle, 1,131 Third Division Marines were killed in action and 4,438 were wounded. Wes Eastman would receive a Purple Heart for his wounds at Iwo Jima.
A United States Marine Corp Major General wrote “in the first of these three campaigns, Corporal Eastman served as Lineman, at Guam as ambulance driver, and at Iwo Jima he served as ambulance driver. Throughout these periods of repeated action against the enemy, Corporal Eastman distinguished himself by his initiative, his unflagging zeal in the face of the extreme hardship and danger. His courage and outstanding devotion to duty was an inspiration to all who served with him. He made a material contribution to the success of these operations. His exemplary conduct was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.” (see citation)
In all, Wes served in or visited the following areas while enlisted in the Marine Corps: New Zealand, New Caledonia, Guadalcanal, Bougainville, Guam, Eniwetok, Kwajalein, Iwo Jima, and Pearl Harbor.
He returned to the United States from Sumay, Guam via the USS Samuel Chase on April 4th, 1945, arriving in San Diego on April 23rd, 1945.
Wes was discharged at Newport, Rhode Island on October 3rd, 1945 with a rank of Corporal, having been awarded the Purple Heart and Navy Letter of Commendation, having served overseas for 29 months.
Discharge Papers
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