We would assemble as a platoon and do a 10-mile march. Sometimes after the march there would be a deuce-and-a-half waiting on us to carry us back to the barracks area and we would disembark from the deuce and return to the barracks and clean our weapons before chow.
Other times we would arrive at the bivouac area and set up camp for the night.
At the bivouac area we would attach our shelter-half with another GI and get ready for the night. First thing on the agenda was the perimeter guard would be chosen (two hour shifts) and we would then settle in for our evening meal (C-rations). The highlight of the evening was to see what meal we got in our C-rats pack and who would want to trade meals and the cigarettes that was in the box (Pall Mall, Lucky Strike or Camel), and don't forget the chicklets chewing gum. Cold C-rats, who can forget?

George Lucas, Rushville, Ill.