Kornbluth, Martin Leonard

Item

Title
Kornbluth, Martin Leonard
Performer
Martin Leonard Kornbluth
Interviewer
William Vollano
Description
Martin was born on Long Island, New York, on June 11, 1925. He did not like High School, so he quit and joined the Marines on March 17, 1943. Because he was only 17, his mother signed for him. After boot camp at Parris Island, Martin was assigned to an Anti-Aircraft Group, and sent to the South Pacific. He was on several islands, but participated in only two battles, Saipan, and Okinawa. At the time of his discharge from the Marines, Martin was undecided about a career, so after nearly a year, he entered Long Island University. Eventually, he transferred to the University of Missouri, where he received his master’s and doctorate degrees in English Literature. He taught in Missouri, Texas Tech, Idaho, Marrouth (N.J.), Michigan State, and finally Easter Michigan University, where he retired after 26 years of service. Martin has been married to his second wife for 49 years. He had four children in his two marriages. His only citations while in service were two Battle Stars and the Victory Medal. He never received his Good Conduct Medal because he spent five days in the brig for being AWOL. Martin now lives in Ypsilanti, Michigan.
Date Span
1943-1945
Dates of Service
Subject
Enlisted; United States Marine Corps; 1st Provisional Anti-Aircraft Group, V Amphibious Corps; World War, 1939-1945; Second World War - Pacific Theater; Corporal
Publisher
Veterans History Project, American Folklife Center, Library of Congress
Center for Oral History Research at Eastern Michigan University
Center for Oral History Research at Eastern Michigan University
Collection Location
3/4
https://memory.loc.gov/diglib/vhp/bib/loc.natlib.afc2001001.73394
Spatial Coverage
Second World War - Pacific Theater