L. B. as every body called him came to H Company, 141st Infantry Regiment in January, 1941, with the first consignment of draftees who, incidently, were mostly from Texas. L.B. was the sort of fellow whom everyone liked and he was one who stood out in a crowd. You just knew that he was a great guy and seemed like he had earned your respect before you even got to know him. He earned that respect the way he lived, the way he treated others and his undying loyalty to his family, his country and his buddies. When he was just a teenager, because his Dad became ill he left school when he was in the 10th grade and went to work at the East Mayfield saw mill as a carpenter. When his Dad died in May 1936, LB continued to work at the saw mill to support his Mother and four siblings. In July 1937 after the saw mill burnt down, LB moved to Dallas, TX with only $1.00 in his pocket. He found work even though it was during the depression days and after paying $5.00 per week and walking to work to save streetcar fare, he sent his Mama the rest of his earnings and he did without lunch. In July 1938 he moved his Mother and three brothers to Dallas. His sister had married, one less mouth to feed. He was drafted January 15, 1941 and came to the 36th where he suddenly found that he has a whole Company of friends. He was promoted to Sgt. March 19, 1942 and soon to Staff Sergeant and in November 18, 1942 while the Division was at Camp Edwards Mass, LB was promoted to 1st Sergeant. LB seemed to have been born to some day become a 1st Sergeant, he had that ability to get along with his troops and at the same time be respected, not just because of his personality but he took his job to heart and the welfare of the men in the Company was his first concern at all times. He of course experienced what we all did, the hardships of maneuvers in the States, the landing at Salerno, through the unbelievable rain, mud, cold and artillery and small arms fire at Mt. Rotondo, Mt. Lungo, Altavilla, San Pietro, Cassino and the Rapido River. And here at the Rapido River began the most horrible and terrible experiences of 1st Sergeant Easley's life. Here at this ill-fated river crossing where so many of our troops were killed, wounded and/or captured began the torturous days and months of his POW days. During the time he and many other American GI's were transferred to POW camps in Germany they suffered greatly from lack of food and medical attention. At one time for four days and four nights they had no food at all. During the time LB was a POW he was Chief of approximatly 750 to 1500 men while interned at seven different prison camps. They experienced extreme cold and without adequate food and clothing their suffering was undescribable. He remembered the dehydrated rutabaga soup and wormy peas and one small loaf of bread for six men. He did his best to protect the men and remembers vividly when a German Guard awakened him in the middle of the night and told him of the death of President Roosevelt. On May 5, 1945 he was released from the POW camp and eventually returned to his home in Dallas, Texas and his family. He was separated from the Army on September 10, 1945. He was married to Doris B. Woodfin September 16, 1945 and they had two daughters together, Julie and June. LB was very active in the 36th Division Association from its' beginning in 1946 until the day he passed away. LB was born Dec. 2, 1917 in Hephill, Texas and passed away August 10 1990. The last few years of his life he suffered as a result of time he spent in POW Camps with the lack of proper food and medical attention. LB kept in touch with many of the men from H Company, 141st and other Companies of the 141st and was responsible for those men to know about the 36th Division Association and many of these same men are still members and in turn have located others who had not known of the Association. LB was a great soldier and served his country as a soldier should, he was loyal to his comrades and his family to the very end of his life. LB EASLEY ONE OF THE BEST.