"First Liberty"
In early May '45, after 15 months on Johnston/Sand, I was assigned to Casual Company in Camp Catlin to await further assignment. For my first liberty back in civilization I joined George Fowler, of Newport News, VA.
He had just come off Midway Island. From Camp Catlin, we hitched a bouncy ride on a pickup into Honolulu. When we jumped out of the truck, a street photographer took our picture. (see below)
Later, as we walked in front of the Royal Hawaiian Hotel, we were approached by another Marine who stated, "You guys must have just come from Johnston or Midway." I asked, "How did you know?" He replied, "You both have the stares."
Later, I realized that I had more than that. One evening after attending an outdoor movie at Camp Catlin, I was walking back to my tent. I knowingly passed my tent but could not consciously turn into it. I kept on walking until I came to a chain-link fence and came out of my trance. I then went back to my tent.
This mental block followed me into civilian life. I can remember crossing the main streets at home knowing the red light was against me but still stepping out into traffic. Fortunately, it wore off.