- (This photo of my brother Joe (on left)
and I was taken in the summer of 1946, back in America at 53
North Street, Mt. Vernon, NY).
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- (This photo is of me at 17 years old when
I was in the SeaBees).
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- I was born on April 30, 1927 to Mary and Joseph Sisco. At
the age of 5, we moved to Mt. Vernon, New York from Westerly,
Rhode Island. I attended public schools until the March of 1944.
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- I start my story by saying I was not a high school graduate.
At the end of the 11th grade in 1944, I joined the Navy. After
5 weeks, I changed to the Sea Bees and was sent to Norfolk Virginia.
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- Six weeks later I was on my way to the Hawaiin Islands. After
40 days of circling, I arrived as a member of the 121st Division,
attached to the 4th Marine Division to which my brother, Joe,
belonged.
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- We made arrangements to see one another. After getting permission
from Joe's commander, we were supposed to spend Christmas together,
but it was put off until the 2nd week in January because he had
been wounded at Iwo Jima.
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- Going to see my brother Joe, one morning at 8 o'clock, I
took a mail boat to Guam which was 200 miles away, and arrived
at 5 that evening in the pouring rain. The 6th Marine Division
was camped there. After asking where the 4th Marine Division
was, I was told they were 15 miles up the road. After trying
to hitch hike for some time, a Marine M.P. picked me up. When
he saw me in a blue shirt and blue dungarees, he asked me why
my shirt sleeves were cut and if I knew what was the uniform
of the day. I told him I did not know and I showed him my orders.
He asked if I had any other clothes, and I answered "Yes,
I have Marine Greens." He said "Put them on" because
Admiral Nimetz headquarters was there.
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- After arriving at Admiral Headquarters, I asked for PFC Joe
Sisco. The Marine officer said Joe was on duty at Personnel Headquarters
15 miles back where I just came from. Now the tears started from
my eyes. I then hitch hiked back to Personnel Headquarters and
again asked for Joe Sisco. I now was told he was on guard at
Admiral's Headquarters and so I went back there. After arriving
back at Admiral's Headquarters, I was told he was shipped to
Port of Embarkation, which was at the far end of the 60-mile
long island. After hitch-hiking again, I arrived at the campsite
at 1 o'clock in the morning.
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- The camp was loaded with all tents. I walked past all the
tents with lights on, calling "Joe, Joe" I got the
answer I was looking for.
- He cried out "Bud! Over here!" He was all dressed
and told me to grab his sea bag, and to follow him. He jumped
onto a truck.
- I said "Where are you going?"
- He said he was going to receive a Purple Heart on the carrier
Saratoga and then he was going home.
- I said "I'll see you again in April when I get discharged."
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- The total time together was less than 5 minutes, after spending
13 months in trying to get together.
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- After leaving my brother and on my journey back, while hitch-hiking,
a lieutenant stopped to pick me up. It happened to be an old
buddy of mine. He was in charge of a P.O.W camp, which he took
me to. There I was fed a hot cooked meal, served for the first
time on a dinner plate, cup and saucer. He then made arrangements
for me to be flown back to Saipan. After arriving at Saipan,
the next morning looking out over the ocean from my room I saw
the carrier Saratoga, moored out less than one mile away. I snapped
a photo of the carrier which was carrying my brother back to
America, whom I would join again in a few months.
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- My journey to see my brother was filled with obstacles, but
was worth it even though I had only a few moments together with
him. My brother Joe passed away on March 18, 1995. I hope I'll
see him again someday. This time in heaven.
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