Lyle Hocking
Era: World War II
Military Branch: Marines
Mr. Hocking served in the U.S. Marine Corps from January 1943 until December 15, 1945 in World War II in the Pacific Theater.
He had basic training in San Diego, California, and advanced training at Boat Basin, Oceanside, California. He was then sent to New Zealand and was trained on Fiji Island.
Subsequently, he saw combat at the Battle of Tarawa (November 20–23, 1943), where he was wounded. He was evacuated to Pearl Harbor naval hospital. Subsequently, he was sent to Saipan, Tinian, and Okinawa.
His rank was Corporal.
Mr. Hocking was decorated with the Purple Heart.
Mr. Hocking was born on November 7, 192_, in Jackson, Minnesota, the son of Dewey and Mona Hocking.
Source: Veterans’ Memorial Hall Veteran History Form; veteran’s account (see below)
"Enter camp – January 1943 – training at San Diego, California. Further training at Boat Basin, Oceanside, California. Overseas to New Zealand – training on Fiji Island. Combat at Tarawa – wounded – hospital and naval hospital of Pearl Harbor – on to Saipan, then to Tinian on to Okinawa.
War ended – thank goodness. Home in December, 1945."
