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In 1941, enamored with the United States Marine Corps uniform, 17-year-old Oliver Marcelli and some friends went to New York City and enlisted. Shortly after graduating from boot camp Pearl Harbor was attacked by the Empire of Japan, and Marcelli found himself headed to the Pacific as part of the 1st Marine Division.

In August 1942, Marcelli would get his first taste of combat when he landed on Guadalcanal alongside his fellow Marines. But it would be the ferocious combat on the small coral island of Peleliu that would remain with Marcelli all of his life. Four days into the battle of Peleliu, Marcelli would be wounded and evacuated ending his time in combat.

Interview recorded on August 21, 2021

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