Stanley joined the Australian Army due to a lack of employment opportunities in Western Australia. He had first tried to volunteer for K Force but was too young, so he enlisted in the regular army and remained for 6 years.
Assigned to 3rd Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment (3 RAR), Stanley served 342 days in Korea through 2 tours. The first began 27 May 1951 and ended 10 January 1952. The second was from 18 February 1952 to 9 June 1952. He attained the temporary rank of corporal.
Stanley recalls one incident when a load of propaganda leaflets, meant for the enemy, were dropped accidentally close to his position. He crept out to investigate because he and his mates were unsure what had fallen nearby.
The effectiveness of he enemy's artillery and mortars is an enduring memory. Stanley remembers it as 'not a lot of fun'.
