Basic Training - Infantry


Pvt. Roy N. Van Arsdall

Co. C, 39th Inf. Tng. Bn.

Camp Croft, S.C. Bldg. 337


April - July 1943




April 22, 1943


Dear Dad,

    Don’t have much time to write, so if Mother wants to she can give my address to some of the folks. I haven’t written them. Just got 3 typhoid, 1 small pox and 3 tetanus shots!

    The camp is about six miles outside Spartanburg. We had a private Pullman all the way to camp. Got 4 meals on the diner. Had to come to Atlanta because we missed our train in Cincinnati. Had a very good trip. Only 17 of us so we had plenty of room. Came into the station in Atlanta and some woman thought we were English because of our helmets. Said she was so glad to meet some English troops.

    We are quarantined to our regiment area for 2 or 3 weeks. Then we have the liberty of the post. Saturday afternoon we have from 6:30 to 11:00 P.M. Sunday nite. All we have to do is sign out to go to town. Don’t need a pass. Out of 35,000 people in Spartanburg, there are 10,000 cases of venereal disease. They are really strict with us in fighting it. A soldier is court martialed if he contracts it without taking the treatment within 2 hours. I think our guys are pretty good. Most are from U.K.

    We’re stuck in the infantry. Only transfer is to pilot training. Nothing else. Practically a zero chance for OCS. Captain said that 600 applied for May and there are 36 vacancies. Only half will probably pass. I think I’d rather have less responsibility anyhow, seeing what they have to do.

    It’s a pretty camp. Much prettier then B.H. Smaller than most, around 25, 000 I think.

    We are strictly combat troops. We can’t even have a garrison cap. All we wear now is fatigues, leggings, and helmets. Summer uniforms come May 1.

    This is more like army than B.H. You can hear machine guns popping all the time. Boys crawl under live fire in training. Be quite rugged, I expect.


Roy




April 23, 1943


Dear Mother,

    Camp is 6 miles out of Spartanburg. We came down on a Pullman and had 4 meals. Missed train in Cincinnati and had to come to Atlanta. Not too warm, but all trees are out.


Love,

Roy




April 26, 1943


Dear Mother and Dad,

    We now have full equipment. When it’s all draped on it looks like a Christmas tree and feels like a ton. They gave us a big service mask and not the training masks. Our training schedule is pretty rugged. We get off around 5:00, but we have to hit it until then.

    Those that don’t get OCS or Army Specialized Training will go directly into active combat from this 13 weeks of basic. Looks kinda short to me, but I guess they know what they’re doing. Sarg said it was three years crammed into three months. I’ve about quit hoping for OCS. The casualties are highest in Loueys anyhow. They have to lead their men so they take the biggest risks.

    You should hear the guys in bayonet practice. They make them growl and grunt like something inhuman. Puts them in a better mood, I think.

    The camp is about as pleasant as you could expect. I like it as camps go. The food is better here. We eat more like at home and have table waiters.

    I’ve probably written most of this before, but I don’t remember what or who I’ve written.


Love,

Roy


P.S.--This is an infantry replacement center.



My quarters in barracks on right




April 26, 1943


Dear Mother,

    It was hot as blazes here today, but I’m ready for warm weather. I washed all the dirty clothes I had today. We have our laundry taken next Saturday. I went to church this morning. Very pretty chapel. On Sunday we can sleep all day if we’re not on K/P. Food is very good. We settle down into real training tomorrow. We get no furlough at the end of our basic. If we’re assigned to a division, we have to stay in it 4 months; then get a 10 day furlough.

    Listen, I want you to send me any little cards or anything Roger has that would help me identify planes. Better be small. I will return them but I need them now.


Love,

Roy



Squeeze it! Don’t jerk it!!


April 27, 1943


Dear Roger,

    You should see the planes here. They roar over singly and in squadrons all day. you can hear anti-tank and machine guns going too. Quite like the army. Wish I knew the types of planes like you do. I want your small card pictures.


Your brother,

Roy



Hup! Tup! Trep! Hor!




April 30, 1943


Dear Mother,

    This place is as hot now as it gets at home in the summer. In bayonet drill the sweat nearly blinded me. In all our classes we sit right down in the sun on that white sand. They say it stays around 120 degrees F here in the summer. Hotter here than in Florida.

    Some of my equipment:

        1 - overcoat

        1 - raincoat

        1 - field jacket

        1 - wool dress coat

        2 - wool dress shirts

        2 - wool dress pants

        3 - summer uniforms

        2 - pairs leggings

        2 - pairs long wool underwear

        5 - pairs summer underwear

        1 - fatigue suit with hat

        1 - summer hat

        1 - overseas hat

        1 - helmet

        1 - knit wool hat

        1 - pair wool dress gloves

        2 - barracks bags

        4 - handkerchiefs

        6 - pairs socks (3 dress)

        2 - ties

        2 - pair shoes

        3 - towels

        Shaving brush, razor, tooth brush, rifle, bayonet, mess kit, field pack.

    I probably left out some things. I can use all my white handkerchiefs. There are lots of things that have to be bought such as polish, creams, rifle cleaning, etc. I have a foot locker to put this in. The latest mail I’ve received was dated the 22nd.

    I’m a table waiter tomorrow. We wait tables and clean up till about 10:00 P.M. Have to drill just the same.



Strictly for the folks back home


Bayonet is the most strenuous. We’ve been shown the Jap and German methods, but we work on our own. One of the German methods is to throw gun and all. Usually surprises the opponent. One of the greatest things stressed is to not get the bayonet stuck. We have to raise one leg and withdraw with both hands harder than we go forward. If it is twisted or off line of entrance, they say it will break before it comes out. We have a Lieu that is pretty good. We also study hand to hand combat. Pretty dirty fighting--on the hard parade ground, too.

    Our Corp said he’d never use a bayonet if he had a shell. He feels about like me. I don’t like the things. I guess they’re effective if you can use them.

    My ROTC was very valuable. Most of the things that I’m having now have already been covered. Only the physical training will be much help. Of course bayonet training is new.

    Light and heavy machine guns and some artillery made a big racket just over the hill all day. Sure shot up plenty of amo.

    We march about 2 miles about twice a day to see some short training film.



Pup tents are better than nothing - but not much better



Days were supposed to end but they almost never did



I can usually go to the show. The PX is a good place to eat odds and ends.

    I want my bathing suit, good shorts, and white handkerchiefs. If that suit is any good, OK. If not get me some kind. Don’t have a chance to here. We’re still quarantined to regiment area. Should lift soon. There are numerous planes of all kinds going over all the time. Squadrons go from 3 up to 15.

    If Dad ever does come down, he could get me after 4:30 usually. Or if I’m not on KP, I have all day off on Sunday. They could direct him to where to go. We don’t get paid for a month or so, so maybe you’d better send me $10.00. I still have $8.00 or so. Send cash. Don’t send money order. Have to get officers to sign. Keep writing.


Love,

Roy




May 4, 1943


Dear Mother,

    I got the cigarettes along with your letter today. The plane book and cards came also. Thanks a lot. That will be all I’ll need on planes.

    Our restriction was lifted today and we could go to town, but I was too tired to go. Thursday we got our first hike with full pack. It was only 2 1/2 miles, but we had it on nearly all afternoon just going here, there, and yonder before the hike. Even had to sit in a show with those things on. A full pack weighs about 65#. You can imagine carrying that. At home I couldn’t have made 1/2 mile with that weight. The straps begin to cut after awhile. Friday we got a 5 mile hike. Next will be 7 1/2, 10, 12 1/2, 15, 20, 25, and then a forced march of 35 miles. It would all be simple if it wasn’t for the weight.

    We’ve had squad skirmishes and formations. We have to run and hit the ground with a pack, rifle and mask. Pack will nearly mash you. We’ve had to wear masks several times. I’d nearly as soon be gassed as wear those things in hot weather. We had to run about 1/3 mile once with them on. Nearly choked the whole outfit. A man with full equipment and mask looks like a pile of junk coming at you. It really is heavy after you wear it awhile.

    We put on our summer suits today. Sure are comfortable. We fight in green or blu / e fatigues. (Right where the line is is where the lights went out last night).

    You have no idea what a noise a machine gun makes from radio or show sounds. One 30 cal is deafening. On one range the woods are dead for a mile or more. Where the hill dips away they are cut off perfectly level. Looks queer and its heavily wooded with big trees.

    I just learned that we go thru the gas chamber tomorrow. Sarg says we’ll appreciate our masks more from now on.



Yuck!!!


Some of us went to town today. Right pretty. Went to two USO’s and went swimming at the YM. Good place and only costs 25 cents. They are putting up a big pool here.

    There are 4 platoons in our company. All but ours are entirely ERC men. About half of ours are foreigners. Guys with names like Balchoskia. There are much worse names than that. The Col said they had special plans for all ERC. He doesn’t know for sure yet just what.

    There isn’t anything you can send that I can’t buy as cheap or cheaper except something home made. Cookies or anything of that sort will be appreciated, but you all don’t have enough sugar and I can get all I need here. I can use my brown shoes, all jockey-made underwear and tops, and all white handkerchiefs. Oh yes, my tooth  brush. Had to use my issued one to clean my rifle.

    If Dad ever did come down he better let me know way ahead or I might be on detail. Might be anyway. They even have places for women to stay at 50 cents a night on camp if reservations are made far enough ahead. Don’t think would be very good, tho.

    Better quit.


Love,

Roy




May 7, 1943


Dear Mother,

    I got the things and thanks a lot. The suit is perfect. Only wish I could use it at home. I’m trying out one suit of U.W. It’s a little small. We’re going on a 10 mile hike tomorrow. If it doesn’t hurt me then, I guess it will be OK. I’ll need the sewing kit, too.

    Sure was glad to see Dad. I was cleaning up the Rec Hall when he came. I called him from there. Everything is OK and I’m behind on my writing.

    I can get the candy, etc., but it’s better from home. Don’t put yourself out, tho, because I can get it easily.


Love,

Roy




May 10, 1943


Dear Mother,

    Not much to write about. Went to town last night, but there wasn’t much to do. The underwear will do OK. Looks like the boys are doing OK in Africa. Hope they run them out.

    You can send anything to eat that you want to, but don’t go to any trouble. Did you send my shoes?


Love,

Roy




May 14, 1943


Dear Mother,

    This is the first time that I was so busy that I actually couldn’t write. They say work from 7:15 to 4:30, but we get up at 5:00 and get our beds, packs, and clothes made, stand reveille and wash. Then we eat at 6:00. From then to 7:15 we mop the barracks and police the grounds and get everything in order. At 11:30 we eat and at 12:15 we are ready to fall out. At 4:30 we start cleaning our rifles, equipment and ourselves. At 5:10 we stand inspection and retreat. We eat at 5:30. Then we’re supposed to be off, but the Captain has us working. He court martialed a guy for a dirty rifle. We take them down every night in minute detail, and clean every screw and crack. We have to lay them on our beds every night for an inspection like that. Last night I got two day’s restriction. No one in the barracks got off with less than two. They can find dust or rust that’s not there. Everyone hates the Captain--even the other officers. Today he court martialed a guy because he lost a tiny screw out of the butt. Not but a week’s punishment, but that is a court martial on his record and that’s bad. Hope I don’t get one. I’ve even had a letter in my pocket for more than 12 hours and not got to look at it. Just got my restriction lifted tonight. Two more weeks detailed inspection, tho.

    We had a bad day Tuesday. At 12:15 we started out for combat practice. It started raining at the same time and rained all evening so hard you couldn’t see. We ran up and down those old red clay hills all evening . We practiced running and falling for an hour (with bayonets on). I was so muddy I could hardly carry myself. Then we fell in one place and rolled to another. Then we had to crawl about 200 feet. If your face or anything showed you had to do it over. You had to crawl to where you could see another guy before he saw you. Boy, was I low. I made it. Worst was last. We crawled up the field and were under heavy fire. We had to dig (with our toy like shovels) a hole big enough for us. That was with your face flat in the mud. I never did get one all the way big enough, but I got a fair one in an hour. My gun was solid with red clay mud, but she still worked. I never hope to be a bigger mess.

    Lately we’ve been firing on the dry range. That’s not hard, but hot and tiresome. Tomorrow we march from 7:15 to 3:00, attack, take the place and dig in--with full field packs. I’m not hollering about the work as long as we have some free time at night. Work is hard and very hot, but OK. They gave out salt pills tonite.

    Got paid $27.00 yesterday. Got shoes and thanks for the $1.00. Mother, you spend the money on yourself. I can make more than I need, and you need it I know.

    So Punk is coming back. Kinda scared of the place I’m in, isn’t he.

    We wont take any prisoners unless they surrender in large groups. Lieu said if he had some prisoners who were in his way, he’d turn them over to the platoon Sarg and men. He said he knew about what would happen to them. Said that’s what the Japs would do to us and we would give them the same.

    I’m up for KP--I’m afraid on Sunday. They are in the T’s now. If you get any films developed, send me some pictures from time to time. Guess that’s all.


Love,

Roy



We would all be happy to turn the job over to mama


May 21, 1943


Dear Mother,

    I know you’ve been wondering where I’ve been, but we’re dead on our feet today. Up at 4:00 and go to the range (4 mi.) with full equipment. We make that in less than an hour. We never get back before 8:30. Have to eat, wash, and clean our guns. Lights out usually catches us with nothing done. A dirty rifle is a court martial.

    This is our range. All the country is pretty, but it’s hot. Especially in the pits it’s hot. Two men work each target. The bullets go from 2’ to 3’ over your head. They crack very loud, but you can hear when your special bullet goes over. The crack is unmistakable once you’ve heard it. Those targets are shoved up and down all day long. You put a marker in the hole, send it up, and disk it to tell his score. They are 5-4-3-2-0. Then you paste the hole over. Not so hard, but hot, long, and tiresome. Looking at bright targets all day is hard on eyes.



Oh??


I told you we had some money for winners. I’m happy in one way and not in another. $20.00 first, $10.00 second. We had 200 possible (all bulls), 180 expert, 165 sharp shooter, 140 marksman. I was firing tops yesterday. It was a good day. I had only 500 yards at prone left today. The wind and dirt was coming in gusts. I couldn’t keep my sights adjusted. Got 35 points out of 40--3 bulls and 5 very close. 500 yards is about as far as the sycamore tree.



Shooters near; pits and targets far - 100, 200, 500 yards


I was complemented much by all the officers. One of my best was 18 out of 20 at 200 yards standing. Capt. said it was about the best he’d ever seen. Sam Weakley (AGR) got 186 (wonderful expert). I dropped to 185 (I get $10.00). Anyhow, I got the highest grade the army can give. This is the best gun I’ve ever had my hands on, if you know how to shoot it, and aren’t scared of it. I get an expert medal. Got 185 bulls out of 200 from 200 to 500 yards in all positions. We fire nine shots in 51 seconds. You load one shell. When the target comes up you jump into position, fire, and load a clip of eight, and fire them. I fired 43 out of 45 at 200 sitting; 39 out of 45 at 300 yards.

    That’s really fast shooting when you have to get into position and load too. A man must have perfect nerves. Getting to firing is tension enough, but think of 250 rifles all firing nine shots in 51 seconds. They are nothing like a shotgun. Much louder and higher crack. I fired so good at the start that the Captain put me in as a coach. I raised one man from 80 of 200 to 163 of 200. He liked that. But the racket! You’ve no idea! We wear cotton in our ears, but the coaches can’t hear hardly at all. Probably wont for a day or two. Number 17 was mine (left end). They are on the 200 yard range; 500 yards is back of the edge of the picture.

    The officers followed me telling me what they’d give me if I did so and so. I won $1 and eight packs of cigarettes. If it hadn’t been for the wind I could have had my rifle zeroed and shot about 6 of 8 bulls. No one gets extra shells, but the Lt. gets them and he and I shot at everything. I shot about 100 rounds with him yesterday. He would have given me expert without shooting the last time at 500 yards. Most of the Ky. boys are good shots.

    We fire at silhouettes tomorrow. They jump up and you snap shoot. I never shot anything at home like I shoot here. Trees are cut off level behind the pits. The Lt. and I fired at about 1,000 yards on those high banks to the right. We were on the 500 yard line to the left. He’d bet $5.00 on me shooting a bull every time. I can beat him, too. We still have to fire carbines, BAR’s, machine guns, and throw grenades.

    We’re always dripping with sweat after marching out. Several guys can’t take it. We pass about 15 out of the Company stretched out in the shade with their heads hanging down and out cold. Doesn’t hurt me at all.

    I’m really pleased with my shooting except losing the $20.00 at 500 yards in high wind. I could have zeroed in if the wind had been constant, but it wasn’t. Proud of my top rating, tho.

    I can use funnys.


Love,

Roy



May 24, 1943


Dear Mother,

    Might have told you, but last week we had total blackout about 9:00. I had to take my gun apart, clean it, and assemble it in the dark.

    Saturday, our best shots went back to the range and fired some more carbine. Wind blew them off pretty bad, but it wasn’t for record.


Love,

Roy



May 24, 1943


Dear Dad,

    I was sorry to hear about the steers. Looks like something usually happens, but I guess it will work out OK.

    They let the best shots fire about 50 rounds with the officers carbines. They are smaller than a 22, very light, but fire a 30 cal. shell. They fire 15 rounds. They are carried over the left shoulder slung muzzle down and can be drawn and fired much faster than a pistol. We go on BAR and machine guns next.


Roy




May 25, 1943


Dear Mother,

    This is our little town. Not all of it, but it’s rather pretty, don’t you think? Fixing to rain out now, I think.


Love,

Roy



Camp Croft’s home town


May 28, 1943


Dear Dad,

    We’ve been on night detail laying barbed wire, etc. Going again now. No time at all. Get in about 12:00. Have about 5 minutes now.

    Passed mental for air corps. Must have three letters of recommendation from someone at home. Leadership, character, etc. is what they want most. Just a good recommendation. I guess Supy would be OK, and anyone else you wish.

    Have them send these three letters to this address:

        Aviation Cadet Examiners Board

        Army Induction Station, bldg. 781

        Camp Croft , S.C.

Must be within the next two weeks and I’ve already waited two days. Also send a Photostat copy or something of my birth certificate to same place. Do so soon as possible.

    Have to take physical yet.


Roy




May 29, 1943


Dear Dad,

    Wrote that letter in such a hurry that you might not have gotten it. I want those three letters of recommendation (character) and a Photostat or transcript of my birth certificate sent to:

        Aviation Cadet Examining board

        Armed forces Induction St.

        Building # 781

        Camp Croft, S.C.

    These must be sent soon. Make sure those letters get out OK because I don’t want a slip-up. I take the physical soon. There is where I’ll probably fall down. I weight 146 pounds, but that’s still way under weight. Made 21 more points than I needed to pass mental. I’m all OK now except very tired. Got about 14 hours sleep in last 3-4 days. Lost a little skin and got a few bruises in bayonet combat in the woods, but I didn’t come out on the bottom. Got a letter from Mr. Crim. Wants me to come out. Going this week end if I don’t have some detail.


Roy



Sorry! Got worn out chasing girls



May 29, 1943


Dear Mother,

    I haven’t had a chance to write since the first of the week. I had some kind of a detail the first couple days, I forget what. Wednesday nite at about 6:00 P.M. I was put in charge of a detail of men. I picked 30 of my own choice. We had to go about 3 miles and lay 150 yards of barbed wire entanglement. First I ever laid and all I had to go by was a diagram, but we got it done OK. There were several things we had to practice. We got back at 12:30. Thursday we put on the demonstration. Started at 9:30 PM and lasted until 11:00. Had all kinds of different sounds made by a soldier from different yardage’s. Bad and good ways of going thru barbed wire. Bad and good ways of hiding in the light of flares. Different ways of ambushing a patrol. Big dipper and north star. Capturing machine gun nests. Fun, but were we tired. Tonite we scrubbed the whole barracks.

    We’ve gotten pretty good in bayonet. Lt. takes our squad and divides them in half. I take one and Polz takes the other. We go back in gullies, etc. in the woods. First one ambushes and then the other. He said he’d lose his bars if they ever found out what he was doing. Pretty rough, but the only way we’ll ever learn. We sure have learned to work in pairs and threes on a man and how to get him in the back. Once we piled brush over into a trench-like gully and then jumped on them. Guys often get flattened right in the creek.

    I got this off my prize letter. Keep it for me. Send my Gillette. Broke my army razor. Going to Mr. Crim’s this week if I can.


Love,

Roy




May 31, 1943


Dear Mother,

    I got the box OK. It was swell. All the boys here are OK about things like that. They all eat your stuff, but in a right way. Most all of them will give you anything they have. They’ll set it out and holler “come and get it!” Some one always has something.

    Letters will probably be short again this week. We are up for marches and bivouacs all next week. I know we’ll be out three nites until 12:00. Tomorrow we’ll march all day. At nite we’ll set up camp, dig fox holes, fill them up and come in.



Like we ever get to ride!!


I tried to get Mr. Crim on the phone several times and I went in, but he wasn’t home. I’ll try to see him next week. Details will come heavy now, tho. We can get KP, table waiter, barracks guard, latrine detail, regimental headquarters detail, and guard duty. They all come alphabetically.

    Not much else. Will write later. Tell Dad to be sure to get that stuff I wanted.


Love,

Roy




June 1, 1943


Dear Mother,

    We had a 14 mile hike today. He only gave us 3 ten minute breaks. We had to dig trenches and go back. We can’t have water on those days and the food isn’t anything. We make up for it when we get in.

    The other guys are out till 12:00 tonite. Some of us are here supposedly resting for an air corps test that many will not pass because of what we’ve been doing. Frankly, I don’t think I have a chance.

    I don’t know how they figure our pay, but I got $36.00 today. I’m sending $20.00 today. Give it to Daddy. He gave me $20.00 when he was down. There’s no use him giving me something for nothing now. I have enough left. Make him take it.


Love,

Roy




June 3, 1943


Dear Dad,

    Those three recommendation letters and birth certificate are very important to me. Make doubly sure that they reach the right place. They should be there now. Let me know as soon as they’ve gone.


Love,

Roy




June 5, 1943


Dear Mother,

    We are back at last. I’ve never been so completely fagged out in my life, I don’t believe. I lost 4 pounds. Everyone lost anywhere from 3 to 12 pounds. I think we have a couple of officers who are complete slave drivers.

    Thursday morning we got up at 5:00 and went into grenades and attacking positions with bayonets. We were tired before we started, but they nearly ran us to death. Then about 11:00 we went two miles and went over an obstacle course with packs on. Then double-timed back for chow. We were supposed to have all afternoon off to rest up for the march. Captain said he was sorry, but we’d have to study the BAR. They weigh 21 pounds. We took them out in the boiling sun on the white parade ground for 4 1/2 hours straight. Then we had to get all of our equipment ready and eat. At noon we have 40 minutes, but we always have to rush to get some equipment ready. We left at 8:30 and took a troop trail (they are merely dirt paths through the mountains). We got a ten minute break at 9:30 and one at 10:30. At about 11:00 we left the trail and started through the fields. Then we hit about two miles of jungle. The worst I ever saw. There were no lites and no talking. We all fell a hundred times. When we started thru the jungle we held to the guys in front. We went straight up and straight down. Limbs smacked you and vines caught your rifle. We waded a small river and went up a steep embankment.

    Only one guy could go out at a time and lots of them fell back. Right there we lost contact with half the platoon. Anyhow they later found us. We marched until 2:00. He made us do that four hours with no break. My clothes were wet with sweat, but everyone fell down just anyplace to sleep. I woke up just as dawn was coming about frozen. Some guys were already up trying to get warm. We carried a full canteen of water, but couldn’t drink any during the march. They weren’t going to let us have any at all, but they did let us have some. All our water like that is just like the water that sits on the cistern in the crock. We ate (half cup coffee, 1 egg, bacon sandwich) and lit out for defensive positions. We were 15 miles out from camp setting up a defense. The whole battalion was there. We made a good sight starting--columns as far as you could see. We set up on a ridge of hills three miles long. Most had to dig fox holes (3 1/2’ x 2’ x 7’). It would be OK with good tools, but with one toy shovel in that rock hard stuff? And hot in that hole. I put mine right in the middle of a big bank of honey suckle. By noon I had tediously gotten to my neck. Then we ran and ate again. As usual about the time we were half thru Captain hollers, “Hurry and fill your holes and fall out ready to move.” I got mine OK, but I sure pitied those guys who had to lug those big machine guns and mortars. They had plenty of 30 and 50 caliber machine guns, both light and heavy, and 60 and 81 mm mortars. They had some really big holes to dig, too.

    We left at 1:00 and got here a little after 5:00. He gave us two breaks. And boy are those trails steep, hot, dusty and close. I carried one boy’s rifle the last three miles. He could have fallen out, but they always say you’re gold bricking and you get extra duty. Well, here we’re in at 5:30. We’re supposed to have Saturday morning off, but they find a piece of paper on the floor. When we had time to get it up I don’t know. Well, we get up at 5:00 and clean the barracks using all our free time. Almost restricted us for the weekend. It goes on like that all the time. The guys are getting kinda discouraged. I’ve had four free Sundays and about half my nights since I left home. Only those four days. We always have to clean rifles at nite. I came out OK except for a swollen shoulder from two rifles, sore feet and fagged out.

    Every man in the company is doing his best to get out. Some even volunteered for the paratroops. That’s one reason I went to the air corps. There are eight out of our platoon going there. It may not be as good in some ways, but all feel that they’d rather go anywhere than stay in this. It’s a stiff physical. Half or more fail. Eyes and blood pressure mostly. All I need now is a report on my x-rays and blood test. And I think they’re OK. I weighed in at 143. You sure are OK if you can pass that exam. I got 24 more than I needed on the mental. I have to pass a board of officers and that mentioned above. If recommendation papers are OK, then I’m in. I think they’re going to try to blast both Germans and Japs with planes. At least it looks that way from here.

    Tell Dad that I’m not going to try to get out. It’s twice as hard and long as farming, but I’ve got to put up with it. There’s too many others in just like me. Looks like I’ll be lucky to get home by Christmas. They don’t give furloughs here. And we won’t finish till August.

    If I ever do get back there are only two things I want to do. I want to sit down and drink something cold. At least when you work on the farm you can drink.

    Well, enough of my troubles. They’re small enough compared. I got the box of candy OK. It was swell. Just haven’t had time or memory. (Boy, it’s terribly hot here in the barracks). Also I got razor today. I should make the air corps and it couldn’t be any worse.


Love,

Roy




June 8, 1943


Dear Mother,

    I told you most of what happened last week that’s interesting.

    Six of us went to Lake Lenair(sp?) at Tryon, N.C. Its just 30 minutes away. Its a beautiful place right in the Blue ridge Mountains. First lake I ever saw in the mountains. Got water lilies in bloom all round the bank. No pools--just a dock. Plenty of room.

    We got into Tryon (small) about 10:00 PM and couldn’t find anywhere to stay. Two hotels were full with some guys fixing to leave. Two got a place on a sun porch. We then went to the USO (small) to a dance. First time there weren’t so many soldiers. Almost even. The lady in charge said she’d take the four of us home with her. We left about 1:00. She tries to find places for anyone without them. She had one of these big resort places about 1 1/2 miles from town. Rooms were very beautiful. Nice chairs, beds, private baths, etc. We had two rooms and a big bed each. The mountain air feels just like the cool breeze before a storm. Got up at 9:30 and went out back to a big enclosed porch full of big chairs. There was a river about 200 feet away. There was forest all around and we were right in the bottom with nice croquet grounds around. The Blue Ridge Mountains rose behind the house. Rooms, I expect, would cost $10.00 a nite the way they looked. The lady’s mother was an old woman and awfully nice. She let us have it for $1.50 each. It was worth it all. People close to camp are not very nice to soldiers at all, but here everyone will do most anything they can. She took us back to town and we helped her set up some tables in the USO. Then she hired a taxi out of the funds to take us to the lake (1/2 mile from town). Her husband is a colonel overseas. We got a little boat and played around till 5:00. They have dressing rooms, but you lay your clothes up in the woods. Water was just right (I kinda miss June 1st.) We were sure sweating that day. At 3:30 today it was 108 degrees F. We caught a ride all the way back to camp.

    Today we paid for it. We’re all cherry red from toes to ears. We’ve been pouring on the lotions, but we had to carry a heavy pack today. We nearly couldn’t stand that. Can’t say anything and no sick call. If you miss any duty because of sun burn it’s a court martial. You’re not supposed to get them. I suppose, tho, we’ll go back as soon as possible.

    I wrote Jane that I got the box. Maybe she didn’t get the letter. This mail service may slip. She writes often and so does Wilma. Got three in one day from her. We are so pressed that I have to write when I can.

    Got the birth certificate and those letters should be there. Don’t know, tho. I should pass into the air corps OK. Most went out on high BP. Two of my best friends. BAR is Browning Automatic Rifle, weighs 21 pounds, fires about 150 per minute, from hip or shoulder.

    I’d like to have all my undershirts and sweat shirts, UK, etc.


Love,

Roy




June 14, 1943


Dear Mother,

    I’m sorry I haven’t written, but I didn’t get it. Four of us got the dirty end of the stick. Here are the details. We went before the final air corps board and were accepted. That was Thursday. The officer there told us we could have a furlough starting in a day or so. He gave us letters to our Company commander. He also said we’d have to get them in the next ten days or not at all because we’d be put on shipping suspension in ten days. He also said that we’d go into intensive training in the air corps. He said there was a rare chance of a man getting one at the end of that training (from 9 to 16 months). Well, the C.C. had our furloughs made out and signed. Mine was from June 14-June 29. The 14th was on Monday so I was going to leave after retreat Saturday (4:30). To make a long story short, Saturday at noon when we were about ready to go, he says no furloughs will be granted. Gives us no reason, but I think they don’t like it because the air corps officers are giving us things. So now unless something drastic happens it looks like my case will be about like J.C.’s. And I’m just getting off Sunday KP. That makes four and I’m getting disgusted with that stuff on Sunday every time.

    Well, no use howling. I didn’t get my furlough so I just guess I didn’t get it. Anyhow, I’m in the air corps for certain. Tell Dad not to come after a week or so because I might not be here. Don’t worry about me. I may not have a furlough, but we’re going to win this war soon and then I wont need one.


Love,

Roy




June 15, 1943


Dear Mother,

    I was kinda mad because they wouldn’t give us furloughs, but I’ve cooled down a bit now. I’d rather have the air and no leave than the infantry and get leaves. We’re no worse off than a lot of infantry boys. Lots of them go straight from here and have APO addresses. I still think we’ll get some kind of furlough. (Took off and went to the show.) I’m certain I’ll be here for a week more, but after that I may leave any time. However, some guys stay six or eight weeks.

    Three of us from UK (if we don’t catch some detail) are going to a girl’s home up in the mountains this week end. There are three girls and we were invited last week, but I had KP so no one went. They have a private swimming pool. Hope we get to go.

    There have been only a few accidents during training. The boy from our platoon that fell from the rope climb has a broken back. He will live, I think. One fellow was killed on the range--stray bullet from another I think. Folks at home would be scared purple if they could see a tracer when it glances off something. They really take off. You’d be surprised how they cover things up. That guy was killed on our range and we didn’t know until a corpsman told us. Then some guy, as he was crawling under the live machine gun fire, got scared and jumped up suddenly. They buried him, too. A Lt. died in the shower after a hot day and a boy died from coke in his canteen on a hike. Not all happened in our regiment.

    Can’t use heavy jerseys or pajamas or slippers. Use wooden clogs to go to shower. Have received every thing you’ve sent OK. Will write more later.


Love,

Roy



June 16, 1943


Dear Roger,

    Well, boy, I’m in the air corps now. I may not make a pilot, but I think I’ve got a pretty good chance. There sure are plenty of planes around here. Most all of them are B-25’s from the Greenville air base. We saw a lot of them the day I took my physical. They have a few B-26’s and they are fast. You also see lots of planes towing gliders.

    If I get a chance to get what I want to fly it will be a B-17. If I can’t have that, I want a P-47. Those planes are really doing the work now. Anyhow, I’m going to fly something.

    I think the war will be over in a couple of years, but if it isn’t, they’ll probably be getting set for some of you guys. Well, all I can say is, “Don’t let them draft you if you can help it because it’s awfully hard to get out of this infantry once you’re in.” And it sure isn’t any fun the way they have to fight.

    I know tomorrow nite our platoon is a commando unit. We have to crawl 800 yards. And boy, even your heels have to be down. You push with your toes (some help with elbows). We have two hours to do it. We have to get thru another platoon without being seen. We work in pairs and I just know we’ll have to conk some guy to keep from being captured.

    The basic training is hard in anything, but I still don’t like the infantry fighting. If I was free, I’d join the navy. You can’t do that from here. Now, however, I’m well pleased with the air. What would you fly if you had your choice?


Your brother,

Roy




June 24, 1943


Dear Mother,

    I told Dad all that’s happened to me. You pump him dry and you’ll know all that’s going on. I got back from town about 1:00 and we got up at 4:15. I got ten points above expert on the machine gun. Many didn’t make it. A guy watches with glasses and tells you where to shoot and you try to hold the gun down.

    One fellow (cpl.) from another company was shot thru the leg by a gun from behind the lines. Some Lt. will get busted for not clearing that gun. Will ship in a week or so, I think. Going back to the mountains this week. A swell place. Got candy, etc. Swell. Boys like to eat. Will write more later.


Love,

Roy




June 29, 1943


Dear Mother,

    I’m sorry I haven’t written, but we’ve been going in circles. I got the suitcase Saturday and it was swell. It’s better than the little bag I had. It was just about like Christmas going thru it. You sure put enough stuff in it. And I needed practically every thing in it. I saved most all the eats and found my box of fudge had another layer. It was all good, thanks a lot. But don’t go spending all your money on me.

    We had a swell time at the lake this week end. Went back to the same place but met some new folks. If nothing happens we’re going out to a girl’s house for dinner next Sunday (and swimming again).

    We’re working on the mortar now. That’s our last weapon.

    We put on our air corps sleeve insignias and little wings on our hat. Should be shipping soon. Try to write more later, but have more letters to whip off.


Love,

Roy




July 1, 1943


Dear Mother,

    Today at noon the “top” told me I had had my last infantry training. Felt kinda queer falling out of ranks by myself and putting my equipment up with all the other guys going out. However, I’m glad I’m thru. One other guy from our platoon (Ohio) is going with me. Seven out of the company--I know them all well. All I do now is putter around the supply room. I don’t know for sure when or where I’m going, but I’ve got a darn good hunch that it’s Keesler Field, Miss. on Sunday. That’s a new camp 90 miles from New Orleans and is on the Gulf.

    I got all (nearly) my infantry training, so it’ll help a lot in combat. Will try to call. Maybe Sunday morning about 6:30 or 7:00. Maybe later or not at all, but I will if I can. Probably reverse charges on you too. Lazy Sunday morning, huh? Writing with matches as lites are out.

    Had dates Saturday in Spartanburg and Tryon Sunday. All off, I guess.


Love,

Roy




Recollections……


    The scent of wild honeysuckle filled the air. The damp coolness of a before sunrise spring morning had us feeling good as we marched toward the firing range. Except for the red dirt and pine forests I could as well have been home in Kentucky.

    The buck sergeant in charge of my platoon always wore a sad expression. He regularly pleaded with us in a mild sort of way to do better, to work harder. He’d say over and over that we didn’t know what it was like ‘over there’. No, we didn’t. And we couldn’t feel the pain of his obviously shattered jaw. We never asked how it happened; he never volunteered any information.

    My platoon was a mix of guys who had been pulled out of college, and blue collar fellows, mostly of Italian descent, from the Northeast. By common consent we segregated ourselves in separate parts of the barracks.  Come pay day the Italian guys shot craps until a couple of them had all the money. The losers then borrowed enough to get by until next pay day. Many had apparently grown up in a survival mode. Early on Sarg had to do some serious talking to convince some of them that share and share alike was the rule in our family style mess hall.

    Our lieutenant had the full back look and was fiercely competitive. He took lots of liberties that could have gotten him into trouble. He was impressed with my ability with the M-1. He’d hand me an extra clip of ammo, point to a hawk sailing high above and 500 yards out, and tell me to give him a try. Then he’d tell me to shoot down rapid fire the five targets to my right. Guys recorded bulls who never got one before.

    The lieutenant had a mean streak; he hated weakness. He persecuted those who showed weakness without mercy. Right from the beginning one skinny wimpy little guy from another platoon got the reputation of being a cry baby and a whiner.  He was to the lieutenant like blood to a shark. When the lieutenant needed someone on which to demonstrate a combat technique, he nearly always chose this lad. Twice he hurt him. Once when showing a rifle butt jab to the head, his foot slipped and he made full contact. Another time a swipe with a bayonet could have been lethal as the scabbard came off the blade. I can still see the little guy stumbling around the parade ground trying desperately to hold his M-1 above his head as he ran penalty laps.

    I came to full draw on the long bow, elevated my aim to compensate for the distance to the target, and let fly. Then I dropped the bow and all of us ran! We were on our first ever pass and had gone to the USO in Spartanburg. Among other things they had set up an archery range with the first manufactured archery equipment I’d even seen. Nice! Unfortunately, they didn’t know how to set up a proper backstop; I didn’t know how to use the ‘good’ stuff. As we watched, my arrow sailed over the back stop, across the street, and right over the back of a man who had just opened his front door and bent over to retrieve his newspaper. It must have made quite a thud burying itself in his living room wall.

    Bob Pride, my frat brother and best army buddy at that time, was a smooth dancer.  He really wowed the girls at the Spartanburg USO that Saturday night. I benefited from being his apprentice. Nice girls! Janet and Jean, Christine, Jelolo, and others. At closing time the boss lady asked where we were staying the night. Oh, somewhere, anywhere, maybe the park. She took us to her home - a beautiful place nestled in the mountains near Tryon, North Carolina. Sunday we spent on the beach at Lake Lanier.

    The cook gave us some vinegar. That was the only medicine we had for our no longer white hides which had been severely blistered by too many hours  under the summer sun. We could go on sick call and have our burns treated. Should we choose that route, however, we were promised a court martial. Uncle Sam gave us clothes to wear for protection against the elements. Fail to wear them; suffer the consequences. For days afterward we kept thumbs hooked under pack straps trying to ease the pain.

    Our Tryon hostess gave us an odd look as we entered her house for a second weekend visit. We had hardly gotten into our room before daughter Jean came in obviously quite upset. She said, “You guys have a nerve coming here smelling to high heaven of whisky!” “Us? No way! We don’t even drink!” Then I got a whiff of bourbon and felt the wetness of my little canvas bag. We’d racked our brains for a nice gift. I happened to see just the thing in a liquor store window - Dowling Brothers Deluxe - a bourbon made within sight of my home. So we bought a fifth, stashed it in my bag, then obviously failed to give it adequate protection. Our hostess thanked us for the thought,  hugged us, and told us it was good that the bottle broke. The man of the house had had to swear off drinking.

    Bob and I had our things laid out neatly that last day at Camp Croft. Shortly we would be leaving for Keesler Field and a career in the air force. I had some papers to sign, but could not find my Parker 51 which I was certain I’d put on my bunk minutes earlier. Bob had its twin so I borrowed it, signed the papers, dropped the pen on my bunk, and made a quick pit stop. Transportation was outside so we grabbed our things - all except Bob’s pen. It had vanished. We had time only to catch the smug looks on faces at the far end of the barracks. Two Parker 51’s in ten minutes? Small price to pay for the trip out of there.