Charles Lydon enlisted in the US Army in 1943 at age 19 to fight in WWII. He was stationed in New Guinea for 2 and a half years, where he befriended other soldiers and local Pygmy people. During downtime, Charles and his fellow soldiers found ways to feel more at home by engaging in recreational activities, fixing equipment, and bonding with each other despite missing their families. This helped them cope with the difficulties of being away at war.