Michael T Tracy

The Story of Robert B. Tracy U.S. Marine Corps 1943-1945 Michael T Tracy

Bob Tracy did not go up to Kalamazoo, Michigan to work at his uncle's gas station that spring of 1943. Every summer since the spring of 1940 Bob worked as a gas station attendant at the station in Kalamazoo, Michigan. He along with his brothers and sister would always spend their summers with relatives in Kalamazoo. This spring would be different for Bob. He was working as a painter with the Norrie Construction Company in Harvey, Illinois. His wages were about $57.00 a week. On Thursday, 20 May 1943 Bob enlisted with his local draft board as required. He received his Enlistment Card from the government and was classified into Class 1A. To enlist in the Marine Corps, Bob fudged his date of birth stating he was born on Sunday, 10 May 1925, which was common to do when enlisting. He was in actuality, 17 years old, 10 months and 9 days, just short of his 18th birthday. He elected to go into the U. S. Marine Corps, the first member of his family to do so. According to his enlistment papers, Bob stood 69 1/2 inches tall, blue eyes and brown hair. He would have seven days to get his things in order and report again to the local draft board for final assignment.