Current data for Contributor

Smither, James (Interviewer)

Current data for Creator

Leet, James

Current data for Date

2017-11

Current data for Description

James Leet was born in Manistee, Michigan in 1930 and graduated from Manistee High in 1947 after which he spent a year doing carpentry work. In 1948 Leet enlisted in the Army and was sent to Fort Knox for eight weeks of basic training, after which he was sent to Fort Eustis, Virginia for training exercises as a shipfitter for four weeks. For regular duty Leet was sent to Oakland Army Base, California where he became a mail clerk, but took a brief furlough. During this time Leet received his orders to return to Fort Eustis and join the 714th Battalion, a railroad transportation battalion. After a stop in Japan, Leet’s battalion headed to Busan, South Korea in August of 1950 where he worked manning railroad stations. While working Leet visited cities such as Taegu, Andong, and Daejeon during his eight months in Korea. He was discharged at the end of March in 1952 at Fort Custer. After the Army, Leet worked doing drafting until he was approached to join the Instrument Department which he worked with until he retired.

Current data for Source

Veterans History Project collection, (RHC-27)