Training in the heat

In 1945, just out of high school and a country boy, I was drafted into the Army. I was sent to Camp Wolters, Texas, May 25 for 16 weeks of tough basic infantry training.
In June, July, August and September, the hot desert temperature was over 100 degrees – in the shade. But there was no shade. The object was to make me tough and know how to kill or be killed. I was homesick, and two songs made me cry: “Sentimental Journey” and “Don’t Fence Me In.” My fondest memory was to finish the tough training.
My worst would be having to cradle the barrel of a 50-caliber machine gun while running double-time.
I have served in the Army, Navy and Air Force and am retired 27 years as master sergeant, USAF.

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