Ken Beaton: ‘A date which will live in infamy’

What did a recent high school graduate really know during the Great Depression? Having celebrated his 18th birthday in November 1939, Robert Lloyd of Dayton knew he wanted to see New Kensington, Pa., in his rearview mirror.He told the local Army recruiter, “I really want to join the Navy and be stationed in Honolulu, Hawaii.” Instantly, the Army recruiter countered, “Join the U.S. Army Air Corps, and I’ll get you assigned to Honolulu.” Bob enlisted on Dec. 11, 1939