How I earned my F.IB.

Even though my memory is full of holes, I am convinced that I was called on to serve on more than my share of working parties, some for hours without food. This did not apply to the event I am remembering here.

I was dizzy and probably feverish as several of us gathered on the deck at the place where I had seen fully equipped Marines climb down to enter the boats. As I crawled over to clamber down, I let loose and fell, either because I was dizzy or careless.

I struck the bottom of the boat with my back and right shoulder. There was lots of pain but worse was I was totally paralyzed. My thoughts were, "Here I am, not yet 19, and I will be completely paralyzed all my life."

The boys in the boat moved me to a more comfortable position while above deck a stretcher was being prepared. Some feeling returned to my legs and with help I was able to walk up the gangway.

I spent a week in sickbay where I had visitors, two of whom I recall. The navigator said I survived because I was a good person. The exec said to see him and I wouldn't need to fall to avoid a working party in the future.

And that's how I earned my F.I.B. (Fell into boat)
























careless.

was dizzy or careless.