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Mary Boop
Lester Earnest Hoard was born March 22, 1905 in Hamilton county, Texas.
He was a farm boy with very limited education, but was patriotic to the core. He immediately followed his call to war when n...view moreLester Earnest Hoard was born March 22, 1905 in Hamilton county, Texas.
He was a farm boy with very limited education, but was patriotic to the core. He immediately followed his call to war when needed.
When grown, he moved to California, where he resided until enlisting in the United States Army in 1940.
He was immediately sent to the Philippines after completing basic training. He was assigned to and served in the Corps Of Engineers for the 803rd Engineer Battalion, Aviation Unit.
Most of Mr. Hoards’ service time was served as a POW to the Japanese. He participated in and survived the Battan Death March. After Battan Mr. Hoard was relocated to a Prison Camp, Bilibib Prison Manila, Cabanatuan Camp 123.
Here he was forced into “slave labor” in the mines.
Upon being freed at wars end he settled once again in the Los Angeles, California area. He married Jewel Eunice Straley of Adamsville, Texas and worked many years as an inspector for Chrysler Corporation.
Having read the account of his time in the military and prison camp, one develops a new appreciation for the man. He was one to never let someone, stranger or friend, go hungry again.
He was unable to stop smoking the rest of his life, and now we better understand why.
He spoke very little of his past experiences but retained bitterness for many years. In his later years he found peace through his church activities and I believe he finally forgave all who had mistreated him.
During his marriage, he had no children of his own, but always had other children following him around.
Mr. Hoard passed away May 18, 1980 at the age of 75. He is buried at Straley Cemetery in Adamsville, Texasview less