Luigi A. Leone

Monrovia, MD

What was your occupation BEFORE you entered the military?
Blacksmith

How old were you when you entered the military?
22

Where were you living BEFORE you entered the military?
Washington, DC

Were you single or married?
Single

Any children?
No

How did you enter the military? (signed up, drafted, etc.)
Signed up

What branch of the military?
Army Engineers

Any other information you would like to include?
I enlisted in the Army one year before World War II.
I decided to enlist in the National Guard so I could choose
where I wanted to be.

Where did you go for Basic Training/Boot Camp? 
Fort George Meade

How long was basic training?
No formal Basic Training received

What was life like during your basic training?
N/A

Hardest part of basic training?
N/A

Funniest Thing about basic training?
N/A

How was the food?
N/A

How much were you paid at that time?
$1.00 a day

What was your rank?
T-5

What was the weather like?
Hot/Hot

Where did you go after Basic Training?
Figi Islands

Other information you would like to add?

What was your "specialty" / job?
Blacksmith, Heavy Machine Operator

Were you in a combat zone?
Yes

If so, where?
Figi, Guadalcanal, New Georgia, Philippines, Bouganville  

How long in combat zone?
3 years, 9 months

Any injuries?
No

What were your living conditions?
Not too good

Were you able to get R & R?
No

If so, where did you go?
N/A

Who were your 'Buddies"?
George Snyder, Angus MacDonald, Ben Ressul, 
George Hayes, Walter Cubbage

What was your Rank?
T-5

What was your length of service?
4 years, 9 months

Year Discharged?
July 23, 1945

Rank at Discharge?
T-5

Any Awards, Medals, Commendations? (Please list)
Good Conduct Medal
Asiatic Pacific Service Ribbon
American Defense Medal
Philippine Liberation Ribbon w/Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster Medal 
Bronze Star

What did you do after the military? 
Got married, had three daughters and worked as a Heavy Machine Operator for 45 years. Retired in 1986