McDowell, Wilbert Calvin, Sgt

TO THE BEST OF YOUR KNOWLEDGE, WHAT INFLUENCED HIS/HER DECISION TO JOIN THE MARINE CORPS?
The outbreak of WWII. W.C. McDowell went with his buddy to join the Marine Corps in October 1942. His buddy ended up not joining at the time, but W.C. did.

TO THE BEST OF YOUR KNOWLEDGE, PLEASE DESCRIBE THE DIRECTION OR PATH HE/SHE TOOK IN HIS/HER MILITARY SERVICE. WHERE DID THEY GO TO BOOT CAMP AND WHAT UNITS, BASES, SHIPS OR SQUADRONS WERE THEY ASSIGNED TO? WHAT WAS HIS/HER REASON FOR LEAVING?
MC Boot Camp San Diego (Oct 1942), Camp Pendleton, joined 1st Raider Battalion, 4th Provisional Marine Brigade. 4th Marine Regiment - 6th Marine Division. Participated in the Landing of Emirau, Battle of Guam, and Battle of Okinawa. Wounded twice on Okinawa - once in hand (gunshot) on first Marine approach on Mt YaeTake, and then later from shrapnel in arm which occurred south of Sugar Loaf Hill. Medically discharged in 1946.

IF HE/SHE PARTICIPATED IN ANY MILITARY OPERATIONS, INCLUDING COMBAT, HUMANITARIAN AND PEACEKEEPING OPERATIONS, TO THE BEST OF YOUR KNOWLEDGE, PLEASE DESCRIBE THOSE YOU FEEL WERE THE MOST SIGNIFICANT TO HIM/HER AND, IF LIFE-CHANGING, IN WHAT WAY.
Landing at Emirau (unopposed); Battle of Guam; Battle of Okinawa. W.C. McDowell never forgot the pain of losing his friends and brothers in combat. The memories of his brothers and those events were very fresh in his mind for the rest of his life.

FROM THEIR ENTIRE MILITARY SERVICE, DESCRIBE ANY PERSONAL MEMORIES, YOU MAY BE AWARE OF, WHICH IMPACTED HIM/HER THE MOST.
The painful memory of Houser getting hit in the chest on Mt. YaeTake (Okinawa).

WHAT PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENTS DO YOU BELIEVE HE/SHE WAS MOST PROUD OF FROM HIS/HER MILITARY SERVICE?
W.C. McDowel's unit received the Navy Unit Commendation (NUC) for actions on Guam (1st Provisional Marine Brigade) and the Presidential Unit Citation (PUC) for actions on Okinawa (4/6).

OF ALL THE MEDALS, AWARDS, FORMAL PRESENTATIONS AND QUALIFICATION BADGES HE/SHE RECEIVED, WHICH WERE THE MOST MEANINGFUL TO HIM/HER AND WHY?
I believe W.C. McDowell would say the Marine Corps Good Conduct (GC) Medal. Those were different times and earning the GC medal was not a given. The NUC and PUC were of particular pride to him as they were earned in combat by he and his brother Marines.

IF KNOWN, PLEASE LIST ANY INDIVIDUAL(S) FROM HIS/HER TIME IN THE MILITARY WHO STOOD OUT AS HAVING THE MOST POSITIVE IMPACT ON THEM AND WHY?
(Frank?) Houser was always mentioned fondly and it was very painful to see him get hit in the chest on Mt YaeTake. W.C. McDowell was the squad leader on that particular occasion. McDowell was also wounded in the hand during that first Marine approach to Mt YaeTake (Battle of Okinawa).

ARE YOU AWARE OF ANY PARTICULAR INCIDENT FROM HIS/HER SERVICE, WHICH MAY OR MAY NOT HAVE BEEN FUNNY AT THE TIME, BUT STILL MADE THEM LAUGH LATER ON?
Just the general camaraderie of his Marine brothers.

IF HE/SHE SURVIVED MILITARY SERVICE, WHAT PROFESSION(S) DID HE/SHE FOLLOW AFTER DISCHARGE?
W.C. McDowell following the war worked in the Aircraft Industry and later many years with the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Office. He raced speed boats (National Champion) and raised race horses.

IF KNOWN, WHAT MILITARY ASSOCIATIONS WAS HE OR SHE A MEMBER OF, IF ANY? ARE YOU AWARE OF ANY SPECIFIC BENEFITS THEY DERIVED FROM THEIR MEMBERSHIPS?
Marine Corps 1st Raider Association and the 6th Marine Division Association. The camaraderie of the members - his brother Marines.

IF HE/SHE SURVIVED MILITARY SERVICE, IN WHAT WAYS DO YOU BELIEVE HIS/HER SERVING IN THE MILITARY INFLUENCED THE WAY THEY APPROACHED THEIR PERSONAL LIFE, FAMILY LIFE AND CAREER?
W.C. McDowell enjoyed life and his family. He was a loving and caring man.

IF THEY WERE HERE TODAY, WHAT ADVICE DO YOU THINK HE OR SHE WOULD GIVE TO THOSE WHO FOLLOWED IN THEIR FOOTSTEPS AND RECENTLY ENTERED MILITARY SERVICE?
I believe W.C. McDowell would advise those still serving to work hard, take care of each other, and make whatever sacrifices are necessary for your country, your brother Marines, and fellow service members.

HOW EFFECTIVE HAS TOGETHERWESERVED.COM BEEN IN HELPING YOU RECORD YOUR REMEMBERED PERSONS MILITARY SERVICE? DO YOU HAVE ANY ADDITIONAL COMMENTS OR SUGGESTIONS YOU WOULD LIKE TO MAKE?
As the administrator of my uncle's TWS profile and a TWS life member myself (USN RET), it is my honor to keep my uncle's memories and service accomplishments alive, honor him, and to connect with his brother Marines - past, present, and future.








CJH
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