Joining Company G in the Middle of Battle

Ken Vander Molen, from Detroit, Michigan, joined Company G as a replacement just days after the landing on Cebu. He was immediately hurried to the front lines, and joined the gruff veterans, who were initially hesitant to make friends with this new man. Inexperienced replacements often became battle casualties, and veterans kept their distance. Vander Molen survived the remaining months of combat, and accompanied the unit to Japan. He re-enlisted in the army, and served at home with the Fifth Army at Fort Sheridan, Illinois, until his discharge in December, 1946. He lives today in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and has penned a book about his experiences during the war. Vander Molen has a twin brother Gordon - who also served with Company G.