Hoeck, Gerald A.

Obtained a Degree in Journalism from the University of Washington.

Gerald A. Hoeck graduated from the Japanese Language School in June 1943. A few graduates opted to go into the Marines, including Hoeck. They were sent to a small place called Green’s Farm outside of Camp Elliott, San Diego. A few months later, Hoeck was assigned to the 4th Marine Division. Because of training, they did not sail until January, 1944. He, along with a few other men, were sent briefly to the Army Language School at Savage, Minnesota for a Japanese refresher period. They rejoined their division in December and saw their first combat at Kwajalein. Howek said, “Kwajalein was a picnic compared to what went on the following June and July when we invaded Saipan and Tinian.” On Saipan, Hoeck “ran the gamut” from talking soldiers out of caves, from trying to stop women and children from jumping off cliffs, from trying to get information from prisoners, to looking for codebooks and important documents.

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