I volunteered draft out of High School graduation in 1957. Basic training was at Ft. Benning, Georgia starting in September.

Shortly after starting with the 3rd Infantry Division we were told we would have 6 weeks of basic training and 6 weeks of advanced basic training as we would be in a Gyroscope troop movement by ship to Swiengfurt, Germany. Normal basic training was 8 weeks of both sessions.

At that time I was 18 years old. Number 1 was, I'm thinking, I will get a short haircut. So I thought I did? Wrong! I wasted my money.

Number 2. I had a thin beard at that time. Thinking I can cut my time getting ready at role call I shaved the night before. Wrong again. For a week I carried 2 razor blades and a razor in my pocket and also had them under my pillow.

Number 3. One of my buddies and I had heard that if we qualified shooting the B.A.R. we would be assigned one for our time in service. We got our heads together and decided to shoot at each others targets on the range to make sure neither of us qualified. One of us managed to shoot a cable holding the targets about the same time the Range officer saw what we were doing.

We had KP for a week and ended up being qualified as marksman. It was never put on my DD214 as it should have been recorded.

I also was awarded Sharpshooter with the M1, and that is on my DD214. I received the Good Conduct medal. I received my Honorable Discharge August 1963.

I am a Life member of Post 104 Standish, Mi. but live in Florida now. US55626060.