While at Parris Island boot camp, March 1954, Platoon #187, we went to dental services late one afternoon. I was not treated until closing. When ready to depart, I realized my cover and cartridge belt were missing. I left to return to quonsets about six to eight blocks away. Without a cover, I knew I was out of uniform and could not salute the many officers I encountered. Therefore, I would hide behind anything – trees, shrubs and bushes - when they approached. Upon returning to quarters, I was asked by drill instructor Private First Class Kerlin why I was out of uniform. After explaining, I was ordered to return to the dental office first thing in the morning and “improvise” until then. I did so, returned to quarters, and all was well except for the sand fleas I’d encountered. All enlistees west of the Mississippi River went to San Diego in those days. I always thought St. Louis was west; guess I just got lucky!