On a hot summer’s day in July 1963 at Fort Gordon, GA, my basic training company marched to the rifle firing range to continue our familiarization with the M-1. We had a break to go to the latrine to relieve ourselves. I didn’t think that I had to go. However as my fellow trainees returned to their firing positions, I decided that I did have to go. There did not seem to be enough time to make it to the latrine so I did what any country boy would do, I went to the side of the firing line. I started to relieve myself when I heard the range master on the bullhorn, “Hey you. What are you doing?” I turned my head and yelled to him what I was doing. He then asked me my name and dutifully I told him.

When I finished my business, I returned to my position. A short time later I heard Field First Sergeant Edwards coming down the line, asking each man their name. Someone offered me up and pointed Sergeant Edwards toward me. When he got to my position, he said, “Report to me at 1800 hours with your entrenching tool.” Well I knew what he had in mind.

Promptly at 1800 hours I showed up at his tent with my entrenching tool, ready to dig the prescribed hole in the ground. I asked for Sergeant Edwards, but another sergeant informed me that he was not there. He asked if he could be of help. Politely I told him no, and that I would come back later. Of course I didn’t. Apparently Sergeant Edwards forgot about our rendezvous.

I spent the rest of our bivouac time wondering when I would be called upon to receive my punishment. Fortunately it never came. Later in my training, Sergeant Edwards approached me to tell me what a good soldier I was.

I loved that man.