Marines, Guadalcanal, Hardship discarge = possible scenario?

World War II American Military
#1

I’m researching a writing project and wondered if anyone here could comment on the plausibility of this scenario -

I’m developing a novel and have at the center of my story a Marine who

  • is from Richmond, Virginia
  • fights in the First Division on Guadalcanal
  • and, while on leave in Australia [in Dec 1942],
  • is given a hardship discharge as a result of his father dying.

Being in my mid-thirties and having no military family to consult on such matters, I thought I would inquire here, where it appears many knowledgeable folk congregate.

I’m in the earliest stages of character development and am looking to see if this scenario holds water. If anyone could comment as to its plausibility, I would be most grateful.

#2

Don’t know for sure if the hardship discharge is plausible for that time, but I would assume it is. My brother in law received a hardship discharge while on orders for Viet Nam, his father died and his mother was disabled and still had two children at home - if it happened in 1968 I don’t see why it couldn’t then. After all they “saved Pvt. Ryan” didn’t they?
Good luck with the book.

#3

A hardship discharge may be different than the Pvt. Ryan situation, he was the “Sole surviving Son” of the family, which may have carried more weight than the “hardship” .
This site may answer some questions.
www.apd.army.mil/pdffiles/p600_8_11.pdf

#4

You might want to check the records for the 1st Div.

Robert Leckie, 1st Div veteran of Guadalcanal and author of Helmet for my Pillow, didn’t get to Australia on leave until the second half of January 1943.

#5

Thanks to everyone who took the time to respond to this thread, I thoroughly appreciate it. To Rising Sun, yes, actually, I have that data in my research - thanks for the detailed reminder. And thanks again to all. Appreciate the thought, muscogeemike, and the link, tankgeezer.