Letters To Home - December 11, 1950

Fort Dix, New Jersey
December 11, 1950

We went on bivouac for five days; not bad at all. We marched out about three miles, set up our pup tents in a wooded area. Ray and I bunked together, of course. Our tent was successful in that it leaked through in only two places during the two nights of rain. We learned early how to keep warm. First, spread raincoats on bare ground; then, four blankets. Climb into sleeping bags, and then, two blankets on top. If any additional warmth is needed, it's surprising what a candle or two will do in such a confined space.

Our days were spent shooting blank cartridges at each other while attacking the infamous Taylor Mountain. Also, attending map-reading courses, undergoing simulated air attacks, etc. Almost like the good old days of youth, playing Cowboys and Indians. Had one large night problem. The sergeants led us through a sizeable swamp. Every once in awhile, a flare would go up, and we were all supposed to hit the deck when that happened. Weather has been pleasant, though. Really hasn't been cold here in New Jersey yet.

Shot the bazooka last week. Not the big 3.5-inch one, but the small one. We shot at still targets first, then at a moving tank. It's a fun weapon to fool around with; very noisy, but with no recoil at all. The shell is fired electronically; looks like a large sky-rocket. Makes a wonderful noise when fired, and a very satisfactory "clang" when the practice round hits the tank.

Got our first week-end passes after coming off bivouac. Went to Philadelphia and stayed with a friend who was attending Temple University. Found some excellent restaurants; lived on oysters, lobsters and Italian food, and rested.

Had our first noticeable snow yesterday, but not enough to cause any problems. New Jersey seems to be considerably warmer than Western Pennsylvania.

I am requesting a .30-caliber, 3-piece cleaning rod, Hoppe's No. 9 solvent, and a large supply of flannel patches for Christmas. Cleaning materials are still hard to find here. Not nearly enough to go around. I wonder if things are better in Korea.