The bombing of Pearl Harbor was a pivotal moment in U.S. and world history. The attack thrust the U.S. into World War II and set in motion a series of events that would transform the country into a global superpower and guardian of international order.
Frank Trimual Wall would be a volunteer that joined the Marine Corps several days before smoke blackened the skies above Pearl Harbor on the morning of 7 December 1941. As a young seventeen year old that had worked diligently the year before trying to set the stage for gaining entry into the Corps, he was already of the state-of-mind to risk what military service may offer.
After passing through the rigors of Parris Island and New River, Wall's notable backwoods charisma would see him pass through the horrors of combat while serving overseas for some twenty-nine continuous months. Upon returning to the states after his time in the Pacific, Frank Wall would commence on a path with the Corps that saw numerous assignments at various bases with a major emphasis being placed on his ability to play baseball for those locations he was assigned.
Fire Creeping in Short Grass is an inspiring story of an unassuming man who lived and died as a shinning example of what is best found among the United States Marine Corps.
About the Author: Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) Henry Grady Weaver, III is originally from Darlington, South Carolina, and in 1970 enlisted in the South Carolina Army National Guard to become a Combat Medic in the Darlington Unit (Company B Medical, 163rd Support Battalion).
Grady graduated from St. John's High School in 1966 and attended Shorter University (Rome, Georgia) under a basketball scholarship. He graduated in 1970 with a Bachelor of Art degree in History/Political Science and received his commission in Combat Arms following his attendance at the Palmetto Military Academy (State OCS Program) in 1974.
LTC Weaver holds a Master of Science in Human Resource Management from Troy University (Troy, Alabama). His military education includes Officer Basic & Advanced Certification in Infantry, Armor, Medical and Civil Affairs branches along with his attending Command and General Staff College-while also obtaining various intermediate level qualifications.
Weaver's Command and Staff positions include Army National Guard Units in Florida and Kentucky along with the 360th Civil Affairs Brigade (Reserves) at Fort Jackson (Columbia, South Carolina). His 27 year military career has seen assignments in Germany, Panama and Haiti. His desire to serve in uniform was based upon his very military family upbringing. Relatives can be traced to having served as Patriots during the Revolutionary War. He carries the name of his uncle who died on mission flying the Hump (Himalayas) during the WWII China/Burma/India campaign.
Grady retired from Sonoco of Hartsville, South Carolina, in 2014 where over the span of 37 years he held various positions in Production, Sales and Human Resources for the global Industrial and Consumer Packaging Company. He is married to Fran Wall Weaver (49 years), formally of Darlington, South Carolina. They have one daughter Lezlie, son-in-law Gil and a grandson Rhett. The Weavers are members of St. Luke United Methodist Church while currently residing in Hartsville, South Carolina.
Weaver is the Present Past Post Commander of Darlington American Legion Post 13. He holds Life Memberships with the Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels, the National Guard Association, the American Legion, the Military Officers Association of America and the National Rifle Association.