Letters To Home - March 8, 1951

Fort Benning, Georgia
March 8, 1951

Back in camp after maneuvers. Haven't done much of anything since we came back. Tomorrow the air force is giving a demonstration. Sixteen F-84s are coming in from Polk Air Base to shoot up some targets, drop bombs, napalm, etc., and fire rockets. Should be a good show. The planes went over this afternoon, quite low, and in perfect formation.

Learning to shoot the .50-caliber machine gun this afternoon. The .50 will be our main protection against air attack, will be mounted on the roof of our gun truck's cab on an anti-aircraft mount. I shot the .50 at Dix in basic, but there was not enough ammo to really work it over, and the training guns didn't work too well.

Latest word on training is that we'll most likely be here until May 1, but that leaves will start around March 28. Hope my leave will be scheduled after pay day. Am looking into train schedules. Can leave Columbus on Centrl Of Georgia Railroad at 3 p.m., arrive in Pittsburgh at 8:55 the next morning. Not bad. Also, can get a special rate by rail.

Weather is still hot. When it rains, the rain is warm. Very beautiful in the country. Lillies in bloom, also peach and apple blossoms.