The Death of Ray Bolger

I was a 17-year-old Marine on Guadalcanal in the Solomon Islands in 1942 and part of 1943. This was really the first offensive action taken against the Japanese very early in World War II.

I recall so vividly the first entertainment we had seen. There was Ray Bolger doing some of his best song and dance routines with the late great “Little Jack Little” at the beat-up piano.

The enemy was very close and we were constantly under air strikes. I remember thinking that it took a lot for them to be there, Guadalcanal of all places.

I have only asked one celebrity for his or her autograph in my lifetime. But I got Ray Bolger to sign his on my “Liberty Card,” which I used two years later. I’ll never forget him. If there is a Yellow Brick Road up there, I hope he is on it. Thanks.

M. RAY FENSTER

Los Angeles