In April of 1944, Vernon Ingraham was sent overseas to serve in the U.S. Army's 361st Regiment, one of the most battle-involved regiments during World War II.

Just barely out of high school, the 18-year-old Ingraham completed amphibious training in North Africa, and was therefore ready to fight both on land and at sea.

On Monday, November 12, Ingraham will serve in another capacity. He has been named grand marshal of Wareham's Veterans Day parade, which will step off at 10:30 a.m. at Besse Park.

"Every platoon had a flamethrower," the 14-year Wareham resident said of the gun that projects a long stream of fire. "And I was the flamethrower."

His platoon-mates had volunteered him for the job, Ingraham recalled, and he enthusiastically agreed... likely due to his young age.

"The youngest wasn't smart enough to realize that the flamethrower is the first to get picked off!" he noted.

Ingraham entered into battle in Italy in June, 1944. Luckily, he never had to use that flamethrower.

But he and his platoon did deal with what Ingraham calls "considerable competition" while fighting.

Ingraham and his unit were involved in the liberation of Rome.

"But it got downplayed," he said.

That's because Normandy was invaded that same day.

The soldiers then traveled from Rome toward Florence, Italy.

In September, 1944, Ingraham was injured when a fragment of mortar shot through his hand in the Apennine Mountains.

Ingraham was sent to a hospital in Rome, and when released, served limited duty. He separated from the Army on December 30, 1945, earning the Combat Infantry Badge, the Purple Heart, and the Bronze Star Medal for his efforts.

Ingraham said he's grateful for the time he spent in the military.

"It gave me an opportunity to mature before I went to college," he said. "I was a lot more studious and serious."

Ingraham went on to study teaching at the University of New Hampshire, Amherst College, and Dean College. He received a doctorate from the University of Pennsylvania. He most recently taught English at UMass Dartmouth.

A 10-year member of Wareham's Veterans Council, Ingraham said he's "honored" to be involved in this year's parade. The Council unanimously chose Ingraham for grand marshal.

"I have a lot of respect for [Veterans Agent] Jimmy Newman and the other members who have served," Ingraham added, before noting: "But we all feel the need for new blood."

The Veterans Council got some much-needed help last year, when residents Bob White and Sharon Boyer, along with veteran John Wagner, began organizing the parade.

"These fellows who have been shouldering it all are tired," Ingraham said. "They're worn out."

White and Boyer are determined to make sure the parade is a memorable experience for all of Wareham.

Ingraham will be escorted in style... in a World War II vintage Jeep.

While the vehicle is familiar to him, he noted with a laugh: "Most of my travel in Europe and Italy was on foot! It wasn't riding in a Jeep!"

In addition to the morning parade down Main Street to Town Hall, a ceremony in the Town Hall parking lot and a luncheon for veterans and their families is planned.

"I think it's important to realize the price of freedom," Ingraham said. Veterans Day is "a reminder that freedom comes at a great cost."

The event will be held rain or shine. To volunteer to help, contact Bob White at 508-274-4963, Sharon Boyer at 508-291-0187, or e-mail wrcw@verizon.net.