Daily life of U.S. Coast Guard basic

It was late fall in 1967 in Cape May, N.J.—lots of close order drills, seamanship classes, seabag high porting along the surf of the Atlantic, obstacle courses and swimming lessons.

Can't swim? Simple, you're pushed into the deep end. Broom handles kept new learners from grabbing the pool edge.

The day started at 4:45 a.m. and lights were out at 10 p.m. From 9:20 p.m. to 10 p.m. it was shine shoes and boots, wipe down your non-firing M-1 Garand and read or write letters.

Warm memory? Sure, the recruit next to me was weeping a bit while shining his shoes. I was thinking it was maybe a death in the family or a Dear John letter.

"What's wrong buddy?" I asked.

"This is my first pair of new shoes and boots," he said.

"Good for you, buddy," I said as I patted him on the back. I thought to myself, a 30-year man for sure.

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