ron_R
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lying about age by enlistement
hello
i adopted the grave of Arthur W Miller who was killed in 14 jan 1945
he was the BTG on the bull session of the 91th BG 323 BS
acoording the NARA he was born in 1925
but found out that he was born in 1926 en enlistment on 5 okt 1943 thats make him 17
he went overseas on 12 dec 1944 flew 3 missions and was killed on 14 jan 1955
was did happens more and doesn't people have to show a ID
and if somebody have more information or photo's about Arthur W Miller please let me know
was it
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tonystro
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Re:lying about age by enlistement
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Ron,
Minimum enlistment age was 17 years, to be drafted it was 18. I presume some documentation was required, however, personal identification in America didn't become common place until a license was required to drive.
Nonetheless, many men (boys) were able to enlist before they were actually old enough. Two veterans I knew had different stories. One's mother helped him lie about his age, the other said, "I looked older. When I said I was 18 they didn't question it."
Tony Strotman, MSgt (ret.), USAF Son of T/Sgt Francis E. Strotman, Engineer-Gunner, 491st Bm Sq / 341st Bm Gp (M), Yangkai, China "USAAF in CBI Tribute" http://www.usaaf-in-cbi.com
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ron_R
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Re:lying about age by enlistement
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thx tony
never knew that
so the entlistend at 17 and went back to school or work
and the joint the airforce
thank you fot your answer
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SHAEF1944
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Re:lying about age by enlistement
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My dad joined the Navy the day after his 17th birthday during the war. Parental or guardian permission was all that was required for age 17.
This may be of interest on this subject ....
The youngest US serviceman was 12 year old Calvin Graham, USN. He was wounded in combat and given a Dishonorable Discharge for lying about his age. (His benefits were later restored by act of Congress).
Also :
James Clark looked big for his age as a teenager and ran with an older crowd. So when his friends reported to the draft board, he followed.
It was 1943, and the country needed troops. Young men were supposed to report when they turned 18.
About a month later, Clark received his orders for basic training.
The U.S. Army had just drafted a 13-year-old.
"They didn't ask for any proof of age," said Clark, a 78-year-old retiree living in Shelton, Wash. "I figured out what year I needed to say to make me 18, and I just told them. They didn't ask anything more about that."
Clark's story is not unusual.
At least 200,000 men and women under the legal age served during World War II, according to an estimate from the Veterans of Underage Military Service organization. The group has 1,279 active members, national commander Bernie Doyle said, and the median age is 78.
( 2008 news article )
SHAEF1944 American Veterans Museum
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Yunch
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Re:lying about age by enlistement
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I joined the Navy when I just turned 17. I had to show a birth certificate and have parental permission. At the enlistment I had the choice of USN, which was 4 yrs, or minority cruise, discharge the day before turning 21. My father turned down signing for both, which left USNR, durration of the war and x number of months after. One of my Navy mates was 16 yrs old with a forged birth certificate and parental signing.
Fair Winds and Following Seas, John GM 3/C USS Snowden DE246--Frost DE144 Kin to LT. John W. Farnkopf 15th AF, 52 FG, 4th FS MIA 11/11/44 remains found 12/8/53 "Freedom is not free, it is paid for"
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ron_R
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Re:lying about age by enlistement
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always thougt that if you were 18 you entlist and up you go
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Bob Gilbert
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Re:lying about age by enlistement
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As is usual there is more than one answer to a simple question. First a birth certificate, or authorized proof of birth in the absence of an actual birth certificate, was required to certify age and national origin.
I believe that only the Navy allowed 17 year olds to enlist into active duty. The Army, including the Army Air Corps, did not allow 17 year olds to enlist into active duty. The Air Corps did allow 17 year olds, meeting certain requirements, to enlist as Aviation Cadets, but were held in the Enlisted Reserve Corps until 18 years old prior to being called to active duty. I entered the Air Corps in that manner 24 days after reaching 18.
Bob Gilbert S/Sgt, 35 missions Ball Turret Gunner, Goldin crew 381st Bomb Gp., 533rd Bomb Sq. US 8th Air Force Author: "The View From The Bottom Up" memoir
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Ocelot
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Re:lying about age by enlistement
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My late father also enlisted when he was underage. I remember it being mentioned at some point when I was a child, and that my grandmother had reluctantly given her permission; however, when I saw his enlistment record, it has him a year older than he really was. I'm thinking he probably just lied about his age and had my grandmother back him up, so he could get into the Air Corps. He enlisted 23 days after he turned 17.
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Yunch
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Re:lying about age by enlistement
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The Coast Guard came under Navy jurisdiction durring the war, allowed 17 yr olds to enlist. The Marines also a part of the Navy then and now allowed only 18 yr olds. You had to register for the draft upon reaching 18 yrs. of age. If I remember correctly, you could request a specific branch of the Armed Forces at that time, but no guarantee you would get it.
post edited by Yunch -
Fair Winds and Following Seas, John GM 3/C USS Snowden DE246--Frost DE144 Kin to LT. John W. Farnkopf 15th AF, 52 FG, 4th FS MIA 11/11/44 remains found 12/8/53 "Freedom is not free, it is paid for"
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ron_R
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Re:lying about age by enlistement
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thank you for all your answers nou its all clear to me
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