In September of 1964, I was finishing basic at Fort Knox, Kentucky.

I had just fired "Expert"with my M14 rifle. Those who did were rewarded with a 48 hour pass, but it had a 50 mile radius restriction.

I few home to Chicago to see my girlfriend and my family, way beyond the mileage limits. On my return trip, the bus took forever from the airport to the base. Me and another guy, who did the same thing, ran into the CQ office of our company.

The sergeant on duty was waiting for us, and as we cleared the door, yelled out "AWOL one hour and five minutes".

He had us standing at attention for over three hours screaming in our faces that he would see us both court-martialed. We were both on extra duty for the rest of basic training.

I will never forget those wonderful 48 hours home, or that miserable creature wearing sergeant strips.

Randy Johnson Palatine, IL.