This 89-year-old vet was sent to Fort Lee, Va. for basic training and Army Bandsman School to follow at the end of World War II. I was 1 of 150 recruits who was auditioned and accepted for trombone in the Bandsman training upon completion of basic training.
About two-thirds of the way through basic training, our entire group of 150 trainees was marched to a sudden Classification and Assignment building for a very brief “confirmation of status.” What?
For some reason, I suspected this procedure was “bad news.” Against all rules, I wandered over to a group of “non-coms” and asked if they knew what was going on. “They are being classified to fill a shortfall in a quota for a troop shipment to Japan,” I was told.
After a sleepless night, I decided to skip a training class that didn’t take a roll call and hoof it over to the Band School where we were auditioned, about a mile away. The Band School officer’s name was posted on the building. Upon entering, I stated to the non-com in charge that I was related to the captain and would like to speak to him. I was escorted into the captain’s office. “Sir, I need to advise you that I am told that your 150 musicians will not be coming as expected.” I explained my source and commented that it was only hearsay.
While being escorted out by the Master Sergeant, I asked if I could just call him in a day or two to see if my information was correct. He did not reply but pointed to his phone. I noted the number.
Of course, I called him late the next day. His words were “Off the record – you and your gang WILL BE STARTING BAND SCHOOL AS SCHEDULED! Keep your mouth shut!” Then he hung up on me.
Soon after we started band school, I came face to face unexpectedly with the sergeant. He recognized me and said “We won’t talk ever about our meeting. Understood?!” I replied, “Yes, sir! And can I say ‘gracias?’” He quietly whispered “It’s mutual!”
I have heard many tales from veterans about their destination orders being suddenly altered. I am proud to say this buck private managed to play a major role in preventing an imminent change in his group’s shipping orders!
By the way, I never told a soul until we arrived in Germany about three months later!