In Recognition of Veterans Day - Coffee with Vets [Image 25 of 25]

BOISE, ID, UNITED STATES

09.30.2019

Photo by Thomas Alvarez 

Idaho Army National Guard

Mel Stokes, 93, U.S. Marine Corps, 1944 - 47.

In the last months of World War II, over 88,000 Marines landed on the beaches of Okinawa, on April 1, 1945 beginning one of the last major engagements against Japanese forces in the Pacific. Eighteen-year-old Marine Mel Stokes came ashore with the largest amphibious assault in the Pacific theater five months before Japan surrendered in August 1945.

Stokes vaguely remembers rescuing a young girl he found in a cave who was taking cover from artillery bombardment. He said that some years later after the war, he met her in Idaho. He also saw duty on the islands of Guam and Saipan, then serving as a military policeman in China. Overall, he said he felt a sense of pride and accomplishment about his military service.

In civilian life after World War II, Stokes said he worked in the consumer finance industry. The first job offered to him after the war was from the bank, he borrowed money from to fix his car. Every time he dropped off his monthly payments, the bank offered him a job. He eventually made his living setting up direct loans and car financing for customers.

Stokes said he came to Boise about 30 years ago. His son had been recently divorced and had custody of the children. Stokes said his son asked for help taking care of them. He came to help and stayed.

• Date Taken: 09.30.2019
• Date Posted: 11.08.2019 10:29
• Photo ID: 5897851
• VIRIN: 191101-Z-XK920-0025
• Resolution: 2700x1800
• Size: 2.03 MB
• Location: BOISE, ID, US