Collin shares his up, close and personal involvement during an ambush where quick decisions had to be made.
A Smile that Left an Impact
Collin tells of an incident while on duty that has affected him greatly to this day.
Nothing Quite Like It!
Collin speaks about his first impression upon landing in Afghanistan and the adrenalin rush it gave him to get the mission started.
A Part of the First Special Service Force
Mr. Summersides recalls volunteering for the First Special Service Force and enjoying the short-lived but much improved menu before being sent to the Anzio Beachhead.
Training with Little to Eat
Mr. Summersides describes the environment within the training camp and the limited amount of rations provided.
Joining Under Peer Pressure
Mr. Summersides recounts his training and being drafted to go overseas to Naples.
One Big Family
Mr. Lecouffe has high esteem for his fellow soldiers, especially those raw untrained recruits from the inner cities, as well as for his association. He regards them all as family.
Food Drops
Mr. Lecouffe notes a new friendliness among the Japanese guards, only to find that they all soon disappear. The Americans begin a non-stop food drop which Mr. Lecouffe deems more frightening than a real bombing raid.
Risking Extra Food
Mr. Lecouffe describes sneaking out of camp after dark and raiding local gardens for extra food, which, although suspicious, the Japanese guards were never able to find.
Working in the Sendai Coal Mine
Mr. Lecouffe describes a fourteen hour work day in the coal mine, where the men were expected to meet a tonnage quota of coal every day.
Tokyo is Firebombed
Mr. Lecouffe describes the costly American air raid which leveled Tokyo. Ironically, the camp guards are forced to protect the prisoners from locals incensed by the devastation.
Working in the Shipyard
Mr. Lecouffe describes being paraded to the shipyard and how risky it was to weld with no eye protection. He has high praise for two of his honchos, who helped the POWs and shared information about the war at risk of death should they be caught.