This gave me chills @truth_seeker .... so young, so willing and proud to answer the call.
Thank God generations continue to follow in their footsteps.
My own father was young for WWII, but when he reached age 17 he enlisted in the Marines. Trained at Camp Pendleton for amphib tank driver.
After floating around the Pacific for a time, was on first wave landing on Okinawa. He was wounded after 45 days of combat, and then stayed in hospital in Honolulu.
When recovered and ready for return to full duty and possible landing of Japan main islands, the war ended.
We simply do not make very many men like we used to have in America. He was discharged from active duty with over 2 years service, before reaching age 20.