I can't remember much of the next few months and I didn't make entries into my diary during this time. I finally boarded the transport ship Poelau Laut. I remember it was dirty and it stunk. After leaving the United States we began
submarine evasive tactics and took a zigzag course all the way from San Francisco to New Caledonia. I was sea sick most of time. Along the way, we crossed the equator and were forced to meet Neptunus Rex, Ruler of All Living Things of the Sea. Those who had previously crossed the equator made life a living hell for those of us who hadn't. Each of us stood before Neptunus Rex and received a sentence for invading the forbidden waters. I was sentenced to be christened with raw eggs and to run through a paddle line. Afterwards we were given membership cards and
duly initiated into the Solemn Mysteries of the Ancient Order of
the Deep. I stayed in New Caledonia for a while then moved to Vella Lavella where I waited to be assigned to my new outfit.
On November 5, 1943, I was assigned to the 129th Infantry, Company G. Just in time for the invasion of Bougainville. I joined them at Guadalcanal were they were preparing to board ships for Bougainville. I boarded the transport ship Crescent City, which was one of several transport ships used, along with several Naval War Ships. As this was to be my first time in combat, I had loaded up on ammunition and food. I was armed for bear and ready for anything. On the way over we got word that the headline "Marines Leave Japless Bougainville" We figured this was true, so we got rid of the extra ammo and food weight. This turned out to be a big mistake.
The rest is under construction