BURT, General MacArthur, and GHQ

About the Book

This book is really about this teenager, graduating from High School in Waterloo, Iowa, in 1943, and knowing that most likely he will soon be drafted into military service. It is a book with lots of humor, and with many personal experiences. It is the story of this kid's "war time" life in the Army starting out in the Combat Engineers, at Camp Abbot, Oregon going through basic training in this branch and then going overseas to the replacement camp at Oro Bay in New Guinea and waiting assignment into combat. Being in the "combat engineers" is pretty serious stuff and the chances for survival are very slim. Th e book takes us through more training and preparation for combat. Th e Buna campaign in New Guinea, and Guadalcanal in the Solomons, were either fi nished or winding down, and not a pretty picture for any future combat engineer! Th ere were constant battles and campaigns along the northern coast of New Guinea---until the Japanese were totally defeated. On his nineteenth birthday (6/16/44) he got his orders to fl y to Brisbane, Australia to join General MacArthur's headquarters (GHQ). Because he took so many courses in drafting in high school, and working in a defense plant as a draftsman after school each day during his senior year, he was prepared to be a draftsman (map maker) and was assigned to G-3 Plans and Operations as a map maker. He was in this (G-3) from Brisbane to Tokyo (the entire war). Th is book shares many of the hundreds of happenings that this kid experienced with many GI's, and offi cers ranging to the fi ve star Commanding General. It was a job of ultra top secrecy, and great responsibilities---and, very fascinating! Even though there were tremendous demands placed upon the guys because of the kind of work they did, they also had many moments of fun and hilarity with their fellow GI's. Th ey constantly lived by the slogan of "TOP SECRET."

About the Author

After returning home after World WAR II, Burton went to college at Iowa State Teachers college in Cedar Falls, Iowa. He became a very successful high school history teacher in Palatine, Illinois. After "Sputnik," he taught the first course in Russian History in the suburbs. He was also involved in his school's "extra-curricular activities." After several years, he created a high school activities program which became the model for the schools in Illinois. His specialty was Student Council which provided excellent training for student leadership in a high school. He was recognized as "Mr. Student Council" in Illinois and throughout the country. In addition to his first love of the academics, Burton became a World Traveler probably continuing his War time experiences of travel to exotic places. His background of History prepared him for his interest in "travel" in the world. The chances are if you name it, he has been there! He was called the “Indiana Jones" of Palatine. After retiring from teaching in 1983, Burton got very involved in genealogical/patriotic societies such as Sons of the American Revolution; Order of the Magna Charta, Crown of Charlemagne, and many others, becoming a national officer in most of them. After 35 years of being active in all of these, he has now chosen to be less involved and is resting on his laurels, but, is still involved with Veterans groups in the U.S.