Early Life and Enlistment
Bouck was born in St. Louis, Missouri, the second child in his family. His father was a carpenter, and Bouck grew up during the Depression and moved frequently with his family. With four siblings, (Robert, Bernice, Eugene and John) they often lived in homes with only one bedroom and no indoor plumbing or electricity. Bouck enlisted in the National Guard at age 14 so he could earn one dollar per drill day to help his family. He was never asked his age. He was rapidly promoted to Supply Sergeant at age 16, making more than most of his civilian friends. At the outset of World War II, when his unit was sent to Alaska, he opted to choose another direction. He volunteered for the paratroop school, Officer Candidate School, or a third option. Officer Candidate School responded first, and Bouck graduated at the top of his class at Fort Benning, doing so well that he was kept on as an instructor.
Read more about this topic: Lyle Bouck
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