Born in Hopkinton, Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 323 (VMF-323) was where Harold “Hal” O. Pentheny performed his duties during the Battle of Okinawa. Like fellow Hopkintonian Tony DeStefano, Pentheny enlisted in the Marines and attended aircraft mechanic school, but unlike DeStefano who was assigned to VMF-312, Pentheny was assigned to VMF-323. The squadron was nick-named “Death Rattlers” and flew Chance Vought F4U Corsairs, a carrier-capable fighter aircraft. Hal was a Tech Sergeant responsible for servicing Corsairs and ensuring that they were air and combat worthy.