Military Enlistment at Camp Shelby
Dees Jr. enlisted in the military at the Camp Shelby Army Base in Hattiesburg, Mississippi on September 23, 1943. Before enlisting in the military, Dees Jr. worked as a general industry clerk.
Camp Shelby was a training site that was shut down in 1918 after World War I, but eventually reopened in 1940 as World War II approached. He served in the 83rd Chemical Battalion in the U.S. Army. The 83rd Chemical Battalion campaigned throughout the Mediterranean and European mainland. |
Sinking of the LST-422
All members of the 83rd Chemical Battalion were on the LST-422, a U.S. Navy landing ship used during the war. This ship was supplied to Great Britain in 1942. On the night of January 25, 1944, the LST-422 left Naples full of trucks, Jeeps, M3 halftracks, ambulances, and other vehicles. Dozens of gallons of gasoline and ammunition were also on board. The ship arrived on the coast of Anzio, Italy on January 26 in the wee hours of the morning. A strong storm was blowing through with gale force winds and 20-30 feet high waves. A flash of lightning struck the ship, igniting the gasoline on board. This intense explosion killed hundreds of members of the 83rd Chemical Battalion. 454 Americans and 29 British sailors were killed.
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Attack on Mount Sammucro
American forces were met with resistance as they approached San Pietro and Cassino. Ranger attacked the mountain range where the 83rd was. Fighting took place for several days until the Rangers reached the sector being maintained by Cos. A and D. At this time, A and D began firring heavily. Co. C added their manpower to support the other companies. On November 12, paratroops moved in to the area that the companies were occupying. Cos A, C, and D were within 100 yards of the paratroops. Paratroops began to fight off the mortar fire and fired back with heavy amounts of ammunition. Enemy planes bombed and strafed the mountainous area. On November 13, 1943, Germans moved in attacked the Fourth Ranger battalion in Mount Sammucro, which is located Italy. Some of the shells from this attack landed in the 83rd Chemical Battalion, where Mack was serving, injuring and killing dozens