Letters To Home - March 13, 1951

Fort Benning, Georgia
March 13, 1951

Weather has made a turn for the worse. Very cold, with actual snow. The natives appear to be in shock, as are most of the Californians. Only supposed to last a day or so.

The demonstration by the air force was terrific. A mortar company from the 4th. shot some smoke to indicate the target. An infantry officer then called in the air support. They worked the target over with their machine guns, dropped some 500-lb. bombs, dropped some napalm, finally finished with rockets. Very, very impressive.

While at the demonstration, ran into my old buddy, the disgraced squad leader from basic. He is still a Private, in the 22nd Infantry, appears to be the class clown.
Didn't have much to say.

We took our gunnery tests this afternoon, and "B" Battery took top honors for the entire 4th Division.

We took a 6-mile forced march yesterday afternoon; took just one hour to do it. Then, played two hours of touch football. We'll be playing football again this afternoon.

Latest scuttle-butt is, according to the Captain, that we will get leaves starting March 29. The whole battalion will shut down for 15 days, possibly less. The 42nd Infantry is shutting down the same time, so there will be a hectic time getting out of town.

Latest scheme; some are planning to hire a bus to Pittsburgh if enough guys are interested and can be located.

Signed up for the battalion rifle team today. We will be shooting competition against other outfits in the 4th Division.