Letters To Home - November 25, 1950

Fort Dix, New Jersey
November 25, 1950

Miserable weather today. Almost hurricane-force winds, and much rain. Not very cold, which is good, since most of the power lines are down and we won't have any power until tomorrow, at the earliest. We have been placed on orders to stand by in case we have to do guard duty in some of the surrounding towns. Quite a few of the towns have been flooded, so we may have some rescue duty.

The schedule for next week is full. Monday and Tuesday, firing on the combat range. Wednesday is hand grenade and rifle grenade day. Thursday is bazooka-firing day, firing at a real, live, moving tank. Interesting.

Thanksgiving Day dinner was wonderful. Menu as follows: green olives, celery, sweet pickles; tomato juice, roast turkey with dressing, whipped potatoes, giblet gravy, cranberry sauce, candied sweet potatoes, Waldorf salad, Parker House rolls, jam, butter, pumpkin pie with ice cream, coffee, mixed fruits, hard candies and mixed nuts. Some of my buddies had their families and girl friends here for dinner. The civilians were quite impressed. I was, too. I helped out on the serving line; worked about three hours. Lots of fun.

I got to meet many parents, wives and sweethearts. The mess sergeant gave us our orders: everything in its proper place on the serving tray, no exceptions, and no spilling of food. He was pleased after it was all over; gave us all we wanted to eat.

A list was posted today containing names of all qualified for Officer's School. Only eight out of our whole company aren't qualified. Some kind of a record, I hear.

Next week we start getting passes. About time.