Overview
My War Years is a detailed, first person account of Pharmacist Mate Paul W. Smith, who served in the United States Marine Corp in the Pacific Theater of World War II. He intimately describes the hardships, horrors and humor of nearly four years of service to his country. Paul Smith took part in the invasions of Guam and Okinawa, where he was wounded in action. His rating as Pharmacist Mate brought him to the front lines of the conflict, providing medical care to the maimed and wounded in some of the bloodiest battles of the war. He begins and ends his narrative with personal recollections of family and friends that he left behind in Salt Lake City, in particular the long-distance love affair with his eventual wife of over 60 years, Alice Buckmiller Smith. The story is a personal triumph of faith and commitment from a generation that will soon be without a living testimony.
