James Borboa - Mickey Strand - Veterans Series

Mickey Strand - Veterans Series

World War 2

Click on Veteran's photo to see their service story. These Warriors served during the World War 2.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Where can I donate?

I have created a way to accept donations to grow the project, use the WWII Veterans Portrait Series Go Fund Me.

Where are you located?

I live in the San Diego area but have traveled to many locations to interview and photograph Veterans.


How Long is an Appointment?

Appointments usually last an hour. But please free up time for Mickey to set up lights and cameras, hold the interview, and take some still photographers for in the project.

Do you accept reservations?

Yes is the simple answer to the question. Each appointment is set up as an individual session. Group sessions have been set up when I visited a senior living facility or many of the California Veterans Homes.

Copyright © 2024 Mickey Strand – Veterans Series
US Marine Corps CPL World War 2 James Borboa enlisted in the US Marine Corps in 1942 at the age of 17. Joining alongside his older brother Gilbert, who was 21 at the time of his enlistment, the two siblings served together. To facilitate James’s underage enlistment, their father signed the necessary papers to ensure that both brothers would remain stationed together during their service. Following their enlistment, James and Gilbert underwent training at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot (MCRD) in San Diego. After completing the condensed seven-week wartime training, they earned the coveted Eagle, Globe, and Anchor pin. The brothers were then transferred forty miles north and assigned as infantrymen to the First Marine Detachment, known as “The Mighty First,” stationed on Camp Pendleton. Here, they underwent Advanced Infantry Training (AIT) and received instruction in tactics tailored for the anticipated amphibious operations awaiting the Marines. James and Gilbert were assigned to the newly established 3rd Amphibious Corps, First Marine Division. They were deployed to the Battle of Peleliu Island, landing on the island and operating with their unit from 15 Sep to 14 Oct 1944. The 3rd Amphibious Corps, in which they served, participated in several significant military campaigns, including the Solomon Islands campaign, the Mariana and Palau Islands campaign, and the Battle of Okinawa. James recounted stories from the four months of operations, including their redeployment to the Battle of Okinawa, which took place from 1 Apr - 15 August 1945. James and Gilbert earned multiple battle stars for their meritorious participation in various campaigns, and these were added to their Asiatic–Pacific Campaign Medal. Following these intense campaigns, James had another deployment, this time to Tianjin, China, where he served from September 1945 to January 1946 as part of the northern Occupation forces. Their service during these campaigns and occupations reflected their dedication and contributions to the military efforts in the Asiatic-Pacific region. James returned to the United States after four years of dedicated service and was subsequently discharged from active duty. He proudly shared his shadowbox, filled with memories from his days in the Corps. Like many Marines, he embraced the ethos that resonates in the motto, “Once a Marine, always a Marine.” Semper Fidelis – Always Faithful. This enduring commitment and loyalty to the Marine Corps reflect the strong bond forged during James’s service.
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James Borboa - Mickey Strand - Veterans Series
US Marine Corps CPL World War 2 James Borboa enlisted in the US Marine Corps in 1942 at the age of 17. Joining alongside his older brother Gilbert, who was 21 at the time of his enlistment, the two siblings served together. To facilitate James’s underage enlistment, their father signed the necessary papers to ensure that both brothers would remain stationed together during their service. Following their enlistment, James and Gilbert underwent training at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot (MCRD) in San Diego. After completing the condensed seven-week wartime training, they earned the coveted Eagle, Globe, and Anchor pin. The brothers were then transferred forty miles north and assigned as infantrymen to the First Marine Detachment, known as “The Mighty First,” stationed on Camp Pendleton. Here, they underwent Advanced Infantry Training (AIT) and received instruction in tactics tailored for the anticipated amphibious operations awaiting the Marines. James and Gilbert were assigned to the newly established 3rd Amphibious Corps, First Marine Division. They were deployed to the Battle of Peleliu Island, landing on the island and operating with their unit from 15 Sep to 14 Oct 1944. The 3rd Amphibious Corps, in which they served, participated in several significant military campaigns, including the Solomon Islands campaign, the Mariana and Palau Islands campaign, and the Battle of Okinawa. James recounted stories from the four months of operations, including their redeployment to the Battle of Okinawa, which took place from 1 Apr - 15 August 1945. James and Gilbert earned multiple battle stars for their meritorious participation in various campaigns, and these were added to their Asiatic–Pacific Campaign Medal. Following these intense campaigns, James had another deployment, this time to Tianjin, China, where he served from September 1945 to January 1946 as part of the northern Occupation forces. Their service during these campaigns and occupations reflected their dedication and contributions to the military efforts in the Asiatic-Pacific region. James returned to the United States after four years of dedicated service and was subsequently discharged from active duty. He proudly shared his shadowbox, filled with memories from his days in the Corps. Like many Marines, he embraced the ethos that resonates in the motto, “Once a Marine, always a Marine.” Semper Fidelis – Always Faithful. This enduring commitment and loyalty to the Marine Corps reflect the strong bond forged during James’s service.