A Corporal Once is an account of four years, two months, twenty-five days and five and a half hours of military service written to preserve for those coming after him details of his wartime experiences -- in contrast to the almost complete lack of information about the military service of the father and the two grandfathers who preceded him.
Most of his service was with the famous 509th Parachute Infantry Battalion -- .the first USA paratroop organization to go into action as the leading element in the invasion of North Africa where they jumped to seize vital airports near Oran, Algeria and Youks les Bains in Tunisa. Later, to disrupt German traffic and the flow of supplies to the enemy's front, the battalion made parachute drops behind enemy lines during the successful Allied landings at Salerno, Italy.
The battalion was committed as infantry in the mountains south of Rome to secure the left flank of the advancing 45th Division Again, as infantry it led. the assault landings at Anzio where the Author was seriously enough wounded so as to terminate active duty with the paratroops. Mr Inglesby was awarded the Bronze Star, the Combat Infantry Badge and the Purple Heart.
