EDITOR'S NOTE: These stories are part of an ongoing series in which The Herald profiles local World War II veterans.

"However my country wants me to serve, that's how I'll serve.'' That was the response of Farrell native and current Greenville resident Michael Kolesar to every assignment he received in World War II -- including ones for which he had neither experience nor inclination.

After joining the army on March 20, 1942, at the age of 26, he was assigned to the training section of the 2nd Convalescent Hospital at Camp Langdon, in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Because of years of experience in the Civilian Conservation Corps, he became detachment clerk and helped with the training.

"I had to make a large chart that listed the men and the and the subjects they would need to be trained in,'' Kolesar said. "The commanding officer came in and wanted to know if we had any individuals with clerical experience. I said yes, sir, here's a fellow, and showed him the chart. But he said he hasn't enough training.''