The following March 1, 1951, Lowell Tribune article was found on page 2, column 2:
FOUR LOWELL YOUTHS ENLIST IN MARINES
Today (Thursday) finds Richard Dodge, James Sharkey, Harold Karlson and Henry Kaszuba enroute to San Diego, California where they will receive eight weeks of training with the Marines.
The boys were sworn in yesterday at the Marine center in Chicago. All four were graduated from Lowell high school with the class of 1949.
"Dick" is the son of Mr. and Mrs. E.A. Dodge of Belshaw, "Jim's" parents are Mr. and Mrs. Robert Sharkey, Sr., of Cottage Grove Avenue, "Oley" is the son of Mrs. Roy Karlson of Washington street and "Hank's" parents are Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Kaszuba of West Creek.
A series of family dinners and parties bade the boys farewell.
This March 8, 1951, Lowell Tribune article was found on page 10, column 2:
"WITH THE U.S. MARINES"
Recruiting Sergeant H.I. Parks, son of Mrs. Anna Parks of Lowell, announced recently that four Lowell boys, Richard O. Dodge, Harold L. Karlson, Henry B. Kaszuba and James B. Sharkey, who enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps for three years, are now stationed at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego, California. While stationed at San Diego they will receive eight weeks of recruit training.
The boys applied for enlistment at the Marine Recruiting Office located in the Post Office Building, Gary, Indiana, on February 12th. At this time, Sgt. Parks and Sgt Bracken, took their applications and interviewed them for duty as Marines.
Then on the 27th of February the Gary recruiters transferred them to the District Headquarters Recruiting Station, Chicago, Ill., where they were processed and sworn in to start their duty in the U.S. Marine Corps as privates.
This May 10, 1951, Lowell Tribune article was found page 2, column 3:
Four Marines, Richard Dodge, Henry Kaszuba, Jim Sharkey and Harold Karlson, all graduates of Lowell high school, class of '49, who have completed their training at San Diego, California, arrived home late last night (Wednesday). The boys have a two-week leave.
In a May 17, 1951, Lowell Tribune article (page 1, columns 2-5) it is mentioned that Pfc. Harold Karlson completed his boot training two weeks previouis, took a ten-day leave, then returned to Camp Pendleton, California, to study tank mechanics.
The following June 14, 1951, Lowell Tribune article was found on page 2, column 3:
Pfc. Harold "Oley" Karlson, with the Marine Corps, is now stationed at Camp Del Mar, part of Camp J.H. Pendelton, near Oceanside, Calif. "Oley" has been taking a course in tank mechanics since he returned from his leave upon completion of boot training. He would appreciate letters from Lowell friends. His address is: Pfc. Harold Karlson 1180152, T.V.M. Sch., Co. S.A. Tran. Bn., Tran. R.C., Camp Del Mar, Camp J.H. Pendelton, Oceanside, California.
This October 11, 1951, Lowell Tribune article was found on page 2, column 1:
Pfc. Harold Karlson, 1180152, Service Co. 2nd Marine Div. F.M.F. LANT, 2nd Tank Batt., Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, left Sept. 19th aboard the USS Rockwall and landed on the tiny island of Virgie, off Puerto Rico, on Oct. 2nd. "Oley" write that maneuvers will last two months.
This November 29, 1951, Lowell Tribune article was found on page 1, column 2:
Rest after maneuvers brings "Oley" Karlson home on a 15-day leave from Camp LeJeune, N.C., while "Hank" Kaszuba comes from Camp Pendleton, Calif., to enjoy 20 days at home after competing a course in radio. Karlson recently completed studies in tank mechanics.
Harold, the son Mrs. Roy Karlson, and Henry, son of Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Kaszuba, enlisted in the Marine Corp last February along with Dick Dodge, son of the E.A. Dodges, and Jim Sharkey, son of the Robert Sharkeys. The fellows, all graduates of L.H.S. class of '49, took their recruit training together in California. Now Dick is in Korea, and Jim, who spent the last weekend at home, is attending school in Nashville, Tenn.
The following December 13, 1951, Lowell Tribune article was found on page 1, column 5:
Injured in Auto Accident
Harold "Oley" Karlson, son of Mrs. Ida Karlson, whose 15-day leave from Camp LeJeune, N.C., terminated this week, is not enjoying his extended leave for he has been a patient at St. Margaret's hospital since Saturday morning when he was the victim of an auto accident. "Oley" was riding with Henry Kaszuba, who was also home on leave, when their car was involved in a collision with one driven by Howard Miller, 19, of St. John. "Oley" and Howard were quite seriously injured. Oley's throat and head were cut as his head went through the windshield. Hoard suffered elbow and wrist fractures as well as internal injuries. Both are making satisfactory recovery and Oley is expected to be released today (Thursday) or Friday. He has plane reservations to return to his base Sunday evening.
The following February 28, 1952, Lowell Tribune article was found on page 1, column 5:
Harold "Oley" Karlson came from Camp LeJeune, North Carolina, Friday afternoon and spent the weekend with his mother, Mrs. Ida Karlson, and other relatives and friends. Oley accompanied five buddies who were driving to Chicago. The boys returned to camp Sunday morning. With the Marine Corps., Oley serves as a tank mechanic.
This March 27, 1952, Lowell Tribune article was found on page 1, column 1:
Promoted to Corporal
Harold "Oley" Karlson, with the Marine Corps, stationed at Camp LeJeune, North Carolina, was promoted to corporal last week. Oley, who is a tank mechanic, would appreciate letters from home. His address is: Cpl. Harold Karlson, 1180152, Serv. Co., 2nd Tk. Bn., 2nd Mar. Div., FMF, Camp LeJeune, N.C.
This June 26, 1952, Lowell Tribune article was found on page 1, column 3:
Cpl. Harold "Oley" Karlson, stationed at Camp LeJeune, N.C., has just returned from maneuvers. Oley hopes to be home over the Fourth. He recently took his test for sergeant stripes and passed it, but he figures he'll have a long wait if he does get the rating.
This July 17, 1952, Lowell Tribune article was found on page 2, column 3:
Cpl. Henry Kaszuba and Cpl. Harold Karlson returned to their bases on Tuesday afternoon. Henry went back to Camp J.H. Pendleton via plane, and Harold drove back to Camp LeJeune with some Marine buddies.
The following August 28, 1952, Lowell Tribune article appeared on page 2, column 3:
Sgt. Harold Karlson On Mediterranean Cruise
Harold "Oley the Swede" Karlson, who recently was promoted to the rank of sergeant, is now on a Mediterranean cruise. The cruise is to last six to eight months, and will include nearly three months spent around Sweden and Denmark. Oley hopes he can see some of Sweden, his "homeland." He will spend about three months in the Mediterranean area.
Harold, who is a tank mechanic, said he was only given a day's notice of the cruise, as he had to fill in for another mechanic who had to take an emergency leave.
Oley, who was stationed with the Marines at Camp LeJeune, North Carolina, would appreciate hearing from friends back home. His new address is: Sgt. Harold Karlson 1180152, 1st Tank Platoon, 3rd Bnd., 2nd Marines (RIENF), F.P.O., New York, New York.