John Christiansen joined the marines several days after the attack at Pearl Harbor at the age of seventeen. He left for training on December 27, qualified for radio school, and left for Guadalcanal on June 22 where he worked as a high-speed radio operator. He received a wound by a bullet that entered his rear just half an inch from his spine and exited about a half an inch from his hipbone. By the end of his service, he achieved the rank Corporal and returned to the United States.
Mr. Christiansen's attitude during this trip is extremely positive. He loves to laugh and tell humorous stories about the trying times he and the other marines experienced during the war, but none of these stories end in disaster.
It is an outstanding experience to talk with Mr. Christiansen about his time and involvement in the war effort.
Today we went ashore on Pavuvu, where Mr. Christiansen was stationed during the war. He came ashore and walked around. It was incredible to see how quickly the jungle reclaimed its territory; however, Mr. Christiansen could still recognize several places, and he pointed out the approximate place where Bob Hope and Francis Langford entertained the troops. We found several concrete foundations but no standing structures remained.
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