My Father's War
Bill Sharp
A son's tribute to his father's part in World War II

 

Discharge Status and Metals/Ribbons

Upon returning to the USA, he received an honorable discharge on February 3, 1946 at Fort Dix, New Jersey. He was promoted to Staff Sergeant prior to discharge. He received $300 mustering out pay and $4.90 travel pay. The one memorable souvenir from the war was a Gurka knife, a large curved short sword in a hard leather case which he kept hidden in a closet at home.

Decorations and Citations:

  • American Service Medal
  • Asiatic Pacific Service Medal
  • Distinguished Unit Badge
  • Good Conduct Medal
  • World War II Victory Medal

He returned to civilian life with his wife, Jo, living in the duplex apartment below his in-laws in Prospect Park, New Jersey. He restarted his milk delivery business as the demand grew from soldiers coming home and starting families and expanded into newly developing suburbs. They began having children in 1947.

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