Background: Etsyl Sparkman of Springfield, Missouri, went into service December 11, 1942. After “basic”, he trained as a communications specialist at the Signal Corps training school in Davis, California and was then transported to Port Moresby, New Guinea, and from there taken to Dobodura to his assignment to the 9^th Fighter Squadron, 49^th Fighter Group, 5^th Air Force in October 1943.
     There were two communication sections in the 9^th FS. He assumed the rank of Corporal at Dobodura and became a section chief (staff sergeant) while still in New Guinea. He was promoted to “Tech” sergeant (E-7) as he became the non-commissioned officer in charge of both sections, thereby becoming “Communications Chief” for the 9^th in the Philippines. “Sparky” remained the 9^th’s Communications Chief from Lingayen Gulf, through Okinawa and Japan. He left the service November 18, 1945.