I got into Instrument and Survey work in the Field Artillery. Our training was very rough, and we completed it in 13 weeks. We took long hikes, did calisthenics, obstacle course running, worked with instruments, and did surveying. We also learned to drive trucks, and had guard duty one night per week.
At the end of Basic Training, we went out for maneuvers for a week in the Salinas Valley in California.
We fired 150 MM Howitzers, and my job was to calculate the data for the range and deflection that the guns were to shoot. I also drove a large truck and trailer. On the last day of maneuvers, we went on a 25-mile hike.
We were then given a 7-day furlough (plus traveling time), so I spent a happy week in Seattle with my family. I then returned to Camp Roberts for a week. Here is where my real story begins.
On the Fourth of July, 1943, we left Camp Roberts on a train and went to Camp Shenango, Pennsylvania. The trip took four days. Camp Shenango was a replacement depot for training, and we all received our Infantry training there.
Personal Lette Home from Robert to His Family:"July 14, 1943--Camp Shenango. Dear Folks and Elsie: They say that we will probably be shipped overseas soon, so if you don't get any letters for a long time, you will know I am on my way. There is no use to worry, because it is just something that has to be faced. All we can do is hope and pray and trust in the Lord. We went to Camp Patrick Henry until September 11, 1943. We got up that morning at 3 a.m. and with our packs on our backs, we hiked to the train, which took us to the docks. There we marched single-file down the dock to the ship, hauling two barracks bags plus all of our other equipment. The Red Cross Girls were handing out coffee and doughnuts, but we didn't have time to stop and get any."
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| Camp Roberts, California |
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