Tough Subjects

Ben is at the University of Connecticut for the Army Specialized Training Program.  The program covers a number of subjects in a very short period of time, a big challenge for a June high school graduate without any background in one or more of the subjects.

October 14, 1943   
Storrs, Connecticut

Dear Folks,
I’m only dropping you this “jeep” cause I haven’t got time to write a full length letter.  Got to get on my homework.  And what homework!!  Right now I have issued to me 10 books with two more to come.

Every subject is going to be tough.  Especially the math & physics.  What we take up in one hour normally takes up from one to two weeks in high school.  That trigonometry sure is hard, but I’m getting a little help from some of the fellows.  Physics, which is probably the most important subject, has the worst teachers, in the opinion of the last cycle & I confirm it. 

Everybody takes for granted that you should know the stuff right away.  In the last cycle, out of 400, 150 flunked out.  I got a bunch of mail tonight but I don’t see how I’ll ever get it answered, cause they give us homework over the weekend, too.  This is all the time I can afford.

Love,
Ben

Take It Easy!

Ben is at the University of Connecticut for A.S.T.P. school  which is the Army Specialized Training Program.  Link over to his website to listen to the ASTP song from "Take It Easy" musical about WW11.

October 7, 1943  
Storrs, Connecticut
Wednesday

Dear Folks,
(That’s as far as I got before chow sounded).  Speaking of chow, we still can’t get over the good food and atmosphere in which we eat.  Leather chairs instead of benches, not having to wait for the command “eat” before we pitched in, a bottle of milk every meal, a napkin, jelly & butter, not having to dip our dishes (& hands) in greasy soapy water, getting another napkin after taking our tray to a disposal table.  That second napkin astounded us.  Oh, this is heaven.  You can take that star out of the window, I’m not in the Army, at least not until Monday.

We started out today by getting up at quarter to seven after having a beautiful night’s sleep on a nice thick mattress.  Then we had about an hour of close order drill, without rifles.  That’s all we did all morning.  In the afternoon we had a couple of lectures on history with a couple of international professors.  The rest of the time was spent walking around the campus or in the College Store which has a fountain, toilet articles, etc.  There’s also a post office connected to it.

Oh, I forgot to mention that there are about 850 friendly women here.  We were talking with some of them in the Store & on the Campus.  Probably won’t have much time after school starts.  After I write some cards notifying people of my address, I’m going out for a while.  There are also about 850 A.S.T.P. men here with about 200-300 4-F’s.

How about hunting around for a razor for me.  My G.I. is made of plastic & is beginning to stink.  Something on the order of Bob’s or anything you can get.  These buildings remind me of the University of Rochester.  Same type.  They’ve got a beautiful library here, too.  Well, haven’t got anything else to write about, so

Love,
Ben

Troop Train

Ben is on a troop train traveling to the University of Connecticut for A.S.T.P. school.  He is 18 years old.   Click on Troop Train to link over to Ben's website to view a US War Department Movie “Troop Train.”   This 1943 film follows the staging of trains for the war effort.

Storrs, Connecticut
October 6, 1943
Tues Noon
Still Aboard the Troop Train 

Hi Folks,
Boy, I feel good.  Good meals, going up North again, & swell scenery.  Gee, it was good to see the same cities & countryside that I saw on my way down to Camp Croft.  Got off at Philadelphia to change cars because ours developed a flat wheel. 

Boy did that Northern air feel invigorating.  It was nice to see black dirt again instead of the red clay of South Carolina and to see clear rivers & streams instead of the muddy ones of the South.  And the skyline of New York City is just as beautiful especially at this time of day.  Right now we’re traveling through the suburbs of New York.

One thing about traveling now, you know there’s a war on.  You see the factories busy at work & trainloads of tanks & big guns.  Just entered Greenwich, Connecticut.  Should be there in a couple of hours.

Love,  
Ben

U. Conn

Civilians and soldiers help to fund the war effort by buying war bonds.  Finally, Ben will be going to the University of Connecticut’s ASTP school.

Camp Croft Envelope   
October 2nd, 1943
8:30 AM

Hello Folks:
Take a good long look at the return address of this letter, cause it’s probably the last time you’ll ever see it.  From now on, all my mail will be postmarked from Conn. (at least for a coupla weeks).  I’m going to the U. Of Conn. which is located, from what I’ve heard, in the jerk town of Storrs, somewhere near Hartford.  We’re leaving Monday.  I think it’s going to be worse than basic training.

Well the same old mail situation is here again.  I’m way behind in my correspondence.  I got about 6 letters yesterday, including one from Bob & Madeline.  I hope I have time on the train.

I hope you had a nice New Year’s.  As I told you on the phone, we came in the night before for the starting services, but we came in too late.  But next morning we went to chapel (that’s what they call it in the Army).  That service was Conservative.  We also went Thursday night & the morning (the whole morning).  These services were Orthodox.  I don’t whether I’m going tonight or not cause we’ll be pretty busy getting our equipment ready to turn in & having show down inspections (which are a pain in the neck) of all the equipment issued to us.

Got both boxes & they sure disappeared fast.  That was O.K. about buying the bond.  That’s what I wanted done with it but forgot to write you.  The Colonel gave us a talking to about buying bonds & practically everyone did buy one.  I got paid today but haven’t decided how much to send home.  Probably won’t be able to send home as much when I’m in college.  Cost of living will go up with no P.X.  Bob’s letters sure are interesting aren’t they.  Say fix up the watch until it’s perfect even to new hands.  Use my extra money.

Love,  
Ben

Furlough

Link over to the website to see the 1943 musical trailer of “This Is the Army,” a movie Ben mentions here.   Two actors in this film became famous politicians - President Ronald Reagan and Senator George Murphy.  When Ben mentions the Times, he is referring to the evening Times-Union newspaper in Rochester, NY.  In those days, Gannett published morning and evening editions.  The morning Democrat and Chronicle survives.

Camp Croft, South Carolina
September 26, 1943    
Saturday

Hi Folks,
Well, it’s the same old excuse again.  There just isn’t anything new to write about.  The same old routine everyday.  We’ve been having a lot of physical training & drilling lately.  But they’re making it more interesting.  Instead of the old common marching formations, we’ve been doing fancy ones.  They’re not supposed to teach them to us, but they do to break the monotony.  I don’t need the toilet articles bag.  I don’t even use the apron type because all our stuff is laid out neatly in our locker (ha ha) & I just grab what I need & run down to the latrine.

I saw “This is the Army” the other night.  I thought it was pretty swell.  Don’t think about me getting a furlough, cause if I don’t happen to get one, you won’t be disappointed.  I doubt myself whether I’ll get one.

Did my subscription run out for the Times?  I haven’t gotten the paper for the past week.  Well, that’s all I can think of.  I hope I have some definite news to tell you in the next letter.

Love,
Ben

Tennessee Maneuvers

In the Army three months, Ben’s platoon has completed the famed Tennessee Maneuvers.  Ben’s first sentence is to the tune of “By the Light of the Silvery Moon” song.  There is a link to the Fats Waller version on the website.

Tennessee Maneuvers
Saturday Nite,  25th

By the light...... of the flickering candle..... I sit and write....... to you folks back home.  Yes, indeed, it’s your little son once again, from the hills and valleys of Tennessee, writing to you from under a blanket of stars, letting you know that Maneuvers are finally over with.  The last problem ended last Thursday.  It was a beautiful week and a beautiful problem.  We were in Corps reserves, so we were behind the lines, only moving twice, by trucks.  What a grand feeling when we knew that the problem was over with.

Friday, we traveled 90 miles East, out of the maneuver area.  What a change in the scenery.  No more fields torn up by tanks or trucks.  No more highways littered with C-ration cans.  It was like another State, even with green fields.  At present we are bivouacked in a beautiful area, just like the
spot we had the first week of maneuvers.  It’s a nice little forest, with soft ground, plenty of fire wood, and a small creek about 100 yards away.

We’re just staying here until Wednesday, and then we’re on our way to Fort Jackson.  We’ll probably arrive there by Friday.  And, don’t you think it won’t feel wonderful to know that you have a bed, with mattress, springs, and sheets awaiting you every night.  And a P.X. where we can get ice cream & pop, movies to go to.  It will also mean becoming a Garrison soldier again.  Shoes polished, clothes clean, drill, etc.  But it’s worth it.  Surprisingly enough, I haven’t lost weight like I thought I would.  In fact, I don’t think I’ve lost any weight, but I may have lost a little about the waist.  Can’t think of anything else,

Love,
Ben

"Camel Caravan"

In the Army four months, Ben begins using a pipe rather than cigarettes most soldiers smoked.  Here he asks for pipe tobacco.  The R. J. Reynolds cigarette company provided entertainment for the soldiers with their “Camel Caravan” shows. 

Camp Croft, SC
September 22, 1943     
Tuesday

Dear Folks,
I don’t know why I’m writing tonite cause I’ve got nothing to write about & no time to write it in cause I’m going to see the Camel Caravan.  The weather was still rainy today.  They’ve started the furnace fire in the barracks, but we don’t really need it during the day.

The latest rumor is that we’re going to the NorthEast part of the U. S.  No confirmation but I hope it’s true.  How about sending me that underwear?  Also send some mixture 79 pipe tobacco.  About two - 30 cent packages.  You can only get it in Litz’s Cigar Store.  It’s near Liggett’s on Clinton Avenue.  That’s all I can think of.

Love,
Ben

Caught Hell

Commando Kelly was a highly decorated war hero.

Camp Croft, SC
September 17, 1943     
Sunday

Dear Folks,
Sorry I didn’t write during the past week, but even when I had the time, I was too busy scratching my chigger bites.

As is the natural procedure with the Y.D. (Yankee Division), we moved out on our own time, leaving Sunday around 10:00 A.M.  It was a beautifully hot day.  Just the type that is so enjoyable for a drive in the country.  So what do we do?  We hiked for 4 1/2 miles and then were picked up by trucks which took us the rest of the way.  Once there, we had the rest of the day to ourselves, after we dug our slit trench.  But that was easy.  The ground was sandy & it was possible to dig it with only one hand.

Monday I was on duty.  The events that happened that day made me feel lower than I’ve ever felt.  It was a hot day, & since everyone had gone out training, I decided to take off my shirt & get a little sun tan.  About 15 minutes later, a warrant officer from Regimental comes along inspecting.  And did he find things wrong.  Me and a runner had our shirts off, another runner was reading a paper, the slit trenches around Message Center weren’t camouflaged too good, & a few other things. 

Then things began to pop.  This fellow turned in his report to the Regimental Executive Officer, who promptly called up my Battalion Commanding Officer & bawled him out.  The Colonel then came down to Message Center & gave me hell.  Next my own Company Commander bawled me out.  Then my platoon leader came down & wanted to know what the trouble was.  Well you can imagine how I felt after all that.  I thought I’d be thrown out of Message Center in a minute, but I’m still in, until something else happens.

Tuesday, I went thru the Woods Combat Course.  It’s just what the name implies, advancing thru the woods & firing at silhouette targets.  In the afternoon I went thru the Nazi Village Fighting.  It’s similar to the one we had at Camp Croft.  Rushing & taking over a small town.  Wednesday I fired the Anti-tank grenade.  Wow, what a kick that has.  Then I fired the bazooka.  What a difference.  It’s more effective and no kick at all.

Thursday, we threw some live grenades.  I slept the rest of the day cause I worked the nite before.  The 1st Sergeant made me go out & throw grenades, but after that I hid on him so he couldn’t make me go on any other courses.

Friday, we heard Commando Kelly & that Indian Lieutenant who threw rocks in place of grenades.  Kelly is alright.  He speaks our language & gave us a lot of interesting facts.  That nite, those of us who had missed the 25 mile hike, marched back to camp.  It was a cool nite, thank God.   We arrived in camp at 0700, after marching for eight hours.  That about finishes up everything I have to say.  I have plenty of letters to answer, so....

Love,
Ben

The Party

The Battalion dinner, enjoyed by all, was a great success.

Camp Croft, SC
September 16, 1943
Wednesday

Hello Folks,
Received your package yesterday and, as usual was very glad to get it, especially the plums.

Yesterday morning was spent on the machine gun range.  Although I didn’t make expert, I did make lst class gunner, which is next highest.  I’m not offering this as an excuse, but it was pretty hard to shoot the machine gun accurately, especially with the worn out guns that we have here.  They’ve got too much play in them (where it’s attached to the tripod) & they jump all over.  We were shooting at a 1000 inch range which isn’t far, at a square about 1 1/2” x 1 1/2”.  The target looked like this. __________ I could have made expert, with the aid of a 30 cal. pencil, but after thinking it over, I thought that two different medals would look better than just one, so.....

I had to interrupt this letter to go to the start of our beer party, which every company has before the end of the cycle.  We just had the meal & was it delicious.  They’re clearing the tables now & then we’ll go back for the fun.  If I’m able, I’ll write about it later.

Tell Dad to give my regards to everyone in N.Y. , when he gets there.  I haven’t anything definite as to what we’re going to do for the Jewish holiday.  We talked with the head chaplain & he said he’d let us know.  If I go to town this weekend, I’ll try to see if I can get some cards.  If I can’t I’ll let you know so you can send me some & also a list of people I should send them to.  (Buffalo, N.Y. & all points).

Just got back from the party.  Had a helluva lot of fun.  Singing, drinking, impersonations, jokes, etc.  Our officers were there & they joined in the fun. It was just like in school when you impersonate your teachers.  They laughed just as hard.  Well, that’s about all,

Love, 
Ben

35th Infantry

COMPANY “B”, 35th INFANTRY TRAINING BATTALION - 15TH CYCLE
ANNIVERSARY DINNER

Camp Croft, SC
September 15, 1943      

This is not a letter. It is a recognition of the men who trained with Ben at Camp Croft.  Click on Ben’s name below to view the eight pages of names of soldiers in Company “B.”   Their names are listed at a banquet dinner which is held at the end of every training cycle.   In his September 16th letter, he describes the good time had by all.

The 15th Cycle anniversary pages are placed here so that viewers can read the names of those who attended.   Names of soldiers might be recognized by some family members.  Our brave soldiers not knowing what will come next.

William R. Zander, on the list, was also from Rochester.  Ben mentions meeting him later in Europe. 

Ben

Rolled Packs

Basic training continues.  Ben compliments Arnette, his sister, on her new position in the sorority.  Life goes on back home.

Camp Croft, SC
September 14, 1943  
Monday

Hi Folks,
Had another easy day today, even if I did get up at 3:45.  That was another example of the Army’s efficiency.  All we did was stand & sit & wait for a few hours before we fired.  In fact, I think it was around nine o’clock.  A classic example of the inefficiency though is our packs.  We’re always rolling them one way and then the order will come thru to roll them a different way.  That’s exactly what happened this weekend, only we must have rolled them about five different times.  First a heavy field pack, then a light pack, then heavy & finally the combat pack (raincoat only.)

We only fired for practice this morning and boy, I’ll need plenty of practice if I want to shoot accurately.  That little gun jumps all over the place. After we fired a few times, we came back, ate and waited around the barracks for a couple of hours for the doctor who gives us a periodic physical checkup.  Then we went out for an hour and a half of instruction in the assembling & disassembling of the B.A.R (Browning Automatic Rifle) which we’re taking up next.

Then most of us had a little grass detail for about 1/2 hour.  Before I forget, send me a couple of pairs of underwear about size 32.  I think I can squeeze into them now.  Also couple of T-shirts.  Some of mine didn’t come back from the laundry & I don’t know how long it’ll be before I get them back.  Also send some adhesive tape & Tootsie Rolls.

I see where Arnette was elected Corresponding Secretary.  What was she last year, Publicity?  Well, anyhow, I know the girls can depend on her to do a good job.  That’s all for now.
Love,
Ben

15 Mile Hike

Everybody’s preparing for a change in the weather after a very hot South Carolina summer.

Camp Croft, SC   
September 13, 1943
Sunday

Hi Folks,
How’s the weather in Rochester?  It’s cold down here, at least in the morning and at nite.  Everybody’s wearing their winter underwear at night & this morning, just for the heck of it, we were trying on our winter clothes.  My winter flannels are a bit small, but with more than a month to go before I start wearing them, I might possibly lose some weight.  At least I should. 

 Last Friday nite we went on a 15 mile hike.  Boy, I didn’t think my feet would ever get accustomed to hiking but although they were tired, they didn’t hurt as much as the 6 mile hike when I was walking on the side of my feet.  Tomorrow, we go on the machine gun range.  They’ve got the same racket about scores too.   It’s just to please our Battalion Commander.

How about sending me about 6 buttons, black or brown, about this size  (Ben draws the size).  Please send them right away in a letter.  Also send a box of Jeep notes.  Well, I can’t think of anything else, so _ _ _ _ _ _.
Love, 
Ben

Ben's ETO

Ben's ETO will be posted in this blog several times during his training as a reminder to us of what his future holds.

Tracer Ammunition

Ben gives a very good description of tactical problems and about advancing to a larger obstacle training course.

September 11, 1943
Camp Croft, South Carolina
Thursday

Hi Folks,
Seeing as I haven’t anything else to do, I might as well drop you a line, just to keep you informed on what I’ve been doing, etc.  Yesterday morning we ran a different obstacle course which is twice as good as the little one that we have been running.  It is long & has more obstacles, but it isn’t as tough as the little short one.  Here’s how it goes:

First we jump a 1 1/2 foot hurdle, broad jump a water-filled ditch, climb an 8 foot wall, but with the aid of a rope & a block of wood to put a foot on halfway up the wall, which makes it twice as easy as the short wall.  Then we jump another small hurdle, cross a ladder over a water-filled ditch, swing on a rope across another water-filled ditch, cross a log over another ditch, run up a hill, step thru some crisscrossed wire, climb up a wall made of ladders, climb down the other side, crawl thru a tile pipe, and we’re thru.  Of course between these obstacles we have to run short distances  So you see, the course itself isn’t hard, it’s just a little exhausting.  But I wanted to do it more than we did, on account of my stomach, which I can’t seem to lose.

Then we spent the afternoon and evening out in the field on some very interesting tactical problems.  Did some shooting at siloette (all right, I know it’s wrong ) targets.  I couldn’t start to explain the tactics.  All about flanking movements, security men, mop-up men, & etc.

At night we ran a 20 minute problem, attacking an enemy machine gun nest.  We crawled under some barbed wire (only about 3 ft. & very loose, fixed bayonets & attacked.  They were firing tracer ammunition over our heads (when we were standing).  You never saw a sight like that.  Very pretty red color.  I was leaning on both elbows watching it, it was so absorbing.  After we finished the problem, we watched another platoon go thru it.  We were right by the machine gun, the same kind that we’re working with now.  What a beautiful picture that would have made.  It was almost like the movies.  The prettiest red was spurting from the muzzle, this turned into a light green streak which turned into a red streak which went winging its way thru the darkness. Today we worked some more on the machine gun, learning to elevate & transverse it.  We also shot an anti-tank grenade.

Friday.........Didn’t have time to finish yesterday, so I’m taking time on my lunch hour.  We were working on the machine gun again this morning & went over that obstacle course again.

No Arnette, I’m not kidding about the easy life.  We have 5 men behind a machine gun, all sitting or lying down.  Only one kid can work at a time & all he has to do is get in position behind the gun, & turn the sighting knobs for about 5 minutes.   And then you go to the end of the line.  See.............

I got a card from Bob today but he told me the same thing that he wrote in the letter. Say, how’s the weather up in Rochester?  Wednesday was a cloudless day, for which we were thankful.  Thursday, the sun was out however & today it was cold in the morning.  Even though it was chilly, we didn’t squawk cause we’d rather have that than the sun.

So long for now,
Ben

Machine Gun

Ben is adjusting to Army life.  He finds the daily practical work with weapons more interesting than the preliminary study.

September 7th, 1943
Camp Croft, South Carolina
Hi Folks,

Nothing much happening lately, although it isn’t boring in the least. Sunday I went to town and had a steak dinner.  Then I came back to camp and saw Bob Hope in “Let’s Face It.”  It’s just as funny as his other pictures.

Yesterday morning we started studying the light machine gun.  Now, there is a neat little weapon.  Then half the company went out to the Mortar Range & shot some mortars.  After we finished, the rest of the company came out & we marched back to camp.  They took one squad of our platoon for K.P. to relieve the regular K.P.’s.  They couldn’t very well do anything with 3/4 of a platoon, so they told us to go in the barracks.  It was about 2:00 & we didn’t know what to make of it.  This had never happened before to us.   We kept very quiet in hopes that they would forget us.  They probably did because we didn’t have to fall out again.  Boy, it felt swell to get off in the middle of the afternoon.

Today we spent the whole day on the machine gun.  Setting it up & taking it down.  Trying to see how fast we can do.  It’s very interesting work, & we have speed trials in it.  Tomorrow I think we go on an attack problem, but I’m not sure.  I’ll write you more about it.

As I’ve told you before, this practical work is 100 times more interesting than the preliminary studying.  We don’t worry about the problems, we just try to compete with one another.

What kind of a position is it that Bob was interviewed for?  Send me more details.  I got a letter from Uncle Leo and he seems to think that Bob is in the Army.  I’m going to write him tonite & tell him all about it, as much as I know.  I forgot to mention in my other letter that I received the box Saturday & that the fruit was in excellent condition.  I bought a pair of “ropies” at the P.X. so don’t bother sending any.  My pen’s been acting up lately, too, so I think I’ll buy a Shaeffers for about $8.75 at the P.X.  I had $10 left over from last months pay but the P.X. is out of money order blanks so I’m going to take a chance & send it in this letter.  Notify me when you get it.  That’s about all,

Love,
Ben

Automatic Rifles

B.A.R.’s are  Browning Automatic Rifles.  The training is getting more and more serious.  Here soldiers learn how to infiltrate enemy lines.

September 5, 1943    
Camp Croft, South Carolina
Sunday

Hi Folks, 

Boy, I can just imagine the excitement Tuesday when Bob was getting ready to leave.  I can hardly wait to hear what’s going to happen.  I guess Ruth will have to learn to drive again, or has she already?  Well, you won’t have to eat spaghetti every nite now.  Speaking of food, yesterday our squad was table waiters.  And did we have a delicious meal.  Everything was cooked perfectly & we had jello & fruit cocktail mixed.  And being table waiters we got all we wanted.  We get plenty of butter here at camp, but if he finds some kids wasting it, he holds out on it for a meal or two.

Yesterday, we had a Regimental Parade.  There wasn’t much to it.  We marched in Company formation instead of by Platoon.  There were about 4,000 men in all.  We just marched up to the field, stood at attention & Parade Rest (which is no rest, but another form of attention) while they marched with the colors & a band played.  Then we did a few Manual of Arms & then passed in review.  Last week, we had a Battalion Parade with about 1,000 men.

Yes, I’m still keeping up my correspondence with Bill, & he has got a gal.  His last letter was all about her.  Her nickname is Cherry, she’s beautiful & she’s part Indian.  About my social life, I haven’t any.  The Jewish U.S.O. never holds any dances & I haven’t been to town on Saturday nite recently. I’m going to town today for a steak dinner.  Haven’t had one in a long time.  I’m also going to take in Bob Hope’s picture, I forgot the name.

Gee, I almost forgot to tell you what we did Friday nite.  We infiltrated thru the enemy lines.  It was another tactical problem.  The enemy was simulating machine guns (with flashlights) and B.A.R.’s (with red flashlights) & also used flares.  It took us about an hour & half.  It was a very practical problem & very interesting.  We have been taught all this stuff and now we are using it.  Well this is about all for now.

Love,
Ben

Barracks Orderly

Ben has been in the Army a little more than two months.  His father asks questions about a farm because Ben’s sister, Arnette, is marrying a farmer.  Bob is his brother who will be working at a new job.

September 4, 1943
Camp Croft, South Carolina 

Howdy Folks,
Well, things seem to be O.K. for the Kaplow family.  Everyone has had a vacation.  Bob is getting a good job (I hope) and this week is one of the easiest I’ve had.

In answer to Dad’s question, as of now, I think the Army is better than a farm.  I was a little undecided at first, but right now it isn’t bad at all.  Can you sleep until 10 in the morning on a farm, like we did Thursday morning?  No sir, the cows won’t wait.  Of course we had a little hike the night before, but it wasn’t bad at all.

Thursday I was B. O. (Barracks Orderly)  It’s an easy job. Just have to sweep & keep the water hot.  I had it scalding hot.  Today was another easy day.  Had a lot of movies & other stuff.  The only trouble with this easy stuff is that there isn’t anything to write about.  Please excuse me for not writing before.  It was entirely my fault.  I was just too lazy.

There’s only about 4 more weeks of training & that makes us happy too.  Maybe after I get to college I’ll change my ideas about the farm.

Well, so long for now,
Ben

Combat Course

Ben really appreciates the (P.X.) Post Exchange, a store on the base for soldiers.    Among other items he could buy a copy of “Life” magazine which was a very popular magazine filled with photos of the world.  Here he refers to his sister, Ruth, and his brother, Bob, who both work in the family deli store.

September 2, 1943
Camp Croft, South Carolina  
Thursday

Hello Folks,
Well the seventh week is almost over and time passes so quickly we hardly realize we’ve been here almost two months.  It doesn’t seem so long ago that we had our first hike & were so confused by all the commands.  We’re pretty used to all that now.  It’s just monotonous.

Still been shooting this week.  Tuesday it was stationary targets at ranges that we would have to guess at & then set our sights accordingly.  Wednesday was horizontal, climbing, diving, & overhead moving targets.  They’re hard as hell to hit.  Today we went thru a combat course.  That is walking along a path & targets would spring up unexpectedly & we’d shoot in a split second.  Tomorrow night is a little hike & practice in setting up tents in the dark.  That ought to be fun.

The weather here has been decidedly different the past two days.  In fact, it’s actually been cold in the morning.  Even had to sleep under the covers.  Something I haven’t done in a long time.  But we all loved it.  Reminds us of the weather up North. 

Had K.P. yesterday, again.  From 5 A.M. until 9:25 P.M.  I wish I hadn’t had it, not that the work was hard, cause it wasn’t, but because I eat too much.  And I was feeling so good because I lost some weight during range week.  All day long, we were eating strawberry preserve sandwiches. (You may not think it’s much, but it’s a treat to us).  We also had some cantaloupes that the cook gave us.  Besides the ones that we hooked, also hooked a cucumber.  Tasted swell, even without salt.  And being on K.P. we eat first & naturally can have all we want, so we take advantage of the opportunity.  Had macaroni & cheese for supper.  Was very good but not half as good as what Mom makes.  I saved that melon until tonite & went over to the Beer Garden & ate it a la carte.  Yum, Yum.

Say, you can include “Life” in the packages because I don’t always find time to get over to the P.X. before they’re sold out.  But don’t send it until you’re all thru with it, cause I don’t want it for the current news, but just for some interesting picture stories.  I just finished tonite catching up on the newspapers.

So the city waits until I get into the Army before they repair Plymouth Ave.  Dad probably remembers how I used to go home by a different route rather than ride on that noisy street.  Say, Ruth, are you driving yet?  You said you were going to learn again.  What with the pleasure ban lifted, you ought to get plenty of driving in.  Tell Dad that if he doesn’t need the car, too bad, to just ship it down here.  I’ll take care of the rest.  Say, what’s happening with Bob?  Is he going to wait until Ruth takes her vacation or what?

Speaking of vacations.  I’m sure that both Mom & Dad hated to get back to the ?XX?lT blankety blank store after spending such a swell time at Camp Yungvelt.  Well, I’m writing this letter on the steps because lights are out, but before I close, I want to wish Mom & Dad a very happy wedding anniversary.  And I know there will be many more to come.  Even though you’ve had your little quarrels, you’ve stuck together for 28 years.  Well, I guess that’s all for tonite.

Love,
Ben

A.S.T.P.

A.S.T.P.  =  Army Specialized Training Program - Sounds like Ben is thrilled and apprehensive at the same time.

August 31, 1934      

Postcard from Camp Croft

Monday

FLASH!!!!!

Have been temporarily accepted in A.S.T.P.

Subjects will be Math, Physics, Chem., English, History, Geography.

-------------GULP--------------------BEN

Village Fighting

In this letter, Ben writes: “ Someday this week the whole company is going swimming as part of the training.”   This innocent statement shows his willingness, but in his November 5, 1943 letter, Ben talks about “a close escape from death.”   Swimming was not for him.

August 30, 1943      
Camp Croft, South Carolina
Monday

Hi Folks
Just a short line tonite, just to let you know this Army life isn’t too tough for me.  In fact I think all our tough stuff is over with.  We were talking with the Chaplain on the last hike (yep, he marched along, too) & he said the reason we had our village fighting & infiltration in our 8th week instead of our 11th week was just to clear the required training in case the A.S.T.P. (Army Specialized Training Program) called the fellows to college early.  That is no guarantee that everyone will go to college or that the cycle will be shorter.  He said it would be a 17 week cycle while our Sarge & Lieutenant said it was a 13 week.  I should have some more news on the A.S.T.P. this week, but with those limited choices, I don’t know where I stand. 

This week we’re taking up mortars.  All we did all day was practice setting it up & taking it down & using the sight.  And that reminds me.  Guess who made the sight.  B.&L. (Bausch & Lomb) of good old Rochester & I let everybody know it.  What a feeling to know that you’re using something made in your own city.  We had a team of 5 guys & 2 guys were working at a time.  Very, very, tough time.  We had to lay on our stomachs practically all the time.  Must have fallen asleep 15-20 times.  So you can see how tough it was.  It was probably one of the easiest days we’ve had.

Someday this week the whole company is going swimming as part of the training.  We’re having it pretty easy lately.  Getting more rest periods.  We have a lot of fun at Camp.  Lot of little incidents that keep us amused.  Like today.  We marched about 1/4 mile from our drill area for some practical work in map reading.  Find out we forgot to bring compasses.  So we spent the whole hour telling jokes.

Last nite we set up an obstacle course in the barracks after lites out.  We pushed some foot lockers out in the aisle & put crackers in the beds of the fellows that weren’t in yet.  It was funny as he(ll) when they bumped into them all the way down the aisle.  One kid fell flat on his puss, & what a noise those lockers make.  Like a cannon.  We were laughing till the beds nearly fell down.

Excuse the hurried writing but I want to make the U.S.O. show at the Amphitheater’s Hollywood Gaieties with girls - girls - girls & girls.  Well, goodbye for now.

Love,
Ben

Troop Trail

“Ropies” were sandals that could be worn into the shower. “Life” magazine was a very popular magazine filled with photos of the day from all over the world.

August 30, 1943      
Camp Croft, South Carolina
Sunday

Hi Folks,
I received the package yesterday & all the fruit was in excellent condition.  You really don’t have to send so many kinds every week.  It must cost quite a lot.  But always send oranges.  I always take them on the hikes & sometimes in the afternoons.  I’d kinda like some plums again, so....You can also send me some “Jeep Notes” & a pair of “ropies sandals.”

Don’t get the idea from the pictures that I’m just a scarecrow, cause I’m not.  I’ve still got my stomach.  Why, I don’t know.  It probably was the photography.  They just sit you down and - snap - snap.  Took about 2 seconds.  All those pictures cost $4.  But don’t worry about the money angle.  I’ve still got some left, with pay day this Tuesday.  A lot of the guys are broke though because they visit all the bars on Saturday nite and get stinko.  I’m probably not normal, but I don’t care.  I had a sip of beer yesterday.  That’s all I could drink.  The occasion was this Rochester fellow’s birthday, yesterday.  He had cake, candy, peanuts, etc. from home.  We held it over at the Beer Garden, which is just like one of those stands in South Park with tables & benches.

Friday nite we had a so-called cross country hike.  The rumors were flying fast & thick that it was going to be from 7 P.M till 3 A.M. & all that.   But it turned out to be only 3 hours & we only traveled the two hours of daylight by cross country.  The other hour was spent on the Troop Trail.  We went rather slow & it was a cool night, so it wasn’t bad at all.  I wasn’t even tired.  And our rolls & coffee were waiting for us.  This past week we’ve been having patrol & scout work.  That is, advancing across the countryside.  An example of it is in this week’s “Life”  (I’ve already seen it so you don’t have to send it) where they are advancing on Tronia.  Well I’ve got to write some more letters,  so.....

Love,
Ben

Air Raid Drill

Ben is 18 years old.  He has been in basic training at Camp Croft, South Carolina for two months.  

August 26, 1943    
Wednesday

Dear Folks,
Sorry that there was a two day lapse between letters but a card is just as hard to dash off as a letter.  I wrote a card last nite but forgot to mail it this morning. Here’s the news of the week.  Monday nite we had a 10 mile hike.  We were fortunate in having good roads all the way.  We weren’t physically tired, just our feet.  And when we got back, there were rolls and coffee waiting for us.  And after a refreshing shower, the hike didn’t seem so bad after all.

Tuesday wasn’t so bad.  We got up at 6:45 instead of 5:15.  It was a rest after the hike.  Had easy work all day.  We all went to bed at 9:30 in preparation for today.  I was sleeping peacefully when activity around me woke me up.  Everybody was getting dressed & putting on their packs.  I couldn’t figure out why everybody was putting on their packs before breakfast.  Then I heard that it was an air raid & it was only 11:00.  I jumped out of bed & started fumbling for my clothes.  It was pitch black outside & I couldn’t see anything.  I got my pants but couldn’t find my shirt.  I was groping all over, on the floor, on the window sill, but I couldn’t find it.  Then the guy next to me tells me that it was hanging from the ventilator in the aisle. 

During all this time everybody was laughing & joking because it was so dark & they had difficulty in finding anything.  I was just about dressed when some guys down the other end of the room wakes up & wants to know what the hell we’re doing.  Perhaps it doesn’t sound funny to you but it came at just the rite psychological moment.  We all burst out laughing & couldn’t stop.  I then go to the rifle rack, grope for my gun, and am just ready to start down the stairs when the order comes to sit tight on our foot lockers.  We’re all wondering what’s up & hope we don’t have to run all the
way over to our area thru the rain when the street lites go on.  It all happened in the space of 10 minutes & it was really funny.

They told us this morning that today would be our most exhausting day at Camp Croft.  At times it was & at other times it wasn’t.  Never did so much double-timing or had so many rest periods as I did today.  We marched out near the range & had the following.  The whole company ran a 500 yard obstacle course which consisted of going under barbed wire twice & the rest running over logs, across ditches, & up & down a hill. 

Then we had demonstrations on demolition & high explosives, mines, anti-tank grenades, dynamite T.N.T., etc.  Then we had the village fighting that you’ve probably heard about before.  But it was nothing compared to what I thought it would be.  It was very safe.  You didn’t fire until a non-com told you to.  It was fun taking the building & everything.  I was as assistant machine gunner, but I didn’t fire today, not even my rifle, for which I am glad because I didn’t have to clean it as thoroughly.  They had booby traps set all over the place but they were controlled so they were very safe.  They also had dynamite & T.N.T. exploding around all day, just to get us used to the noise. 

Later, we each threw a hand grenade, finally, after hours of practice on the drill field.  Then we went on the infiltration course, the course that we had heard so much about.  You know, crawling under barbed wire with machine gun bullets whizzing over our heads & mines exploding around us.  Well there was nothing to lit.  The bullets were 30 inches over our head & in the middle was a 15 inch rise which gave us about 5 inches clearance.  While on the straight ground it was about 20 inches.  It wasn’t all barbed wire, half of it was open space.  After we once started crawling, we didn’t even pay any attention to the bullets.  Half the time we were so absorbed in getting thru the barbed wire, that we wouldn’t ever hear them.  They only had one mine explode & that was controlled.

As on all the things we do in the Army, this was overplayed.  It certainly wasn’t dangerous in the least.  We were just exhausted and dirty.  But there was a small creek near there where we washed ourselves for a half hour.  Right after we finished the course, we looked like & felt like a soldier that had been on Guadalcanal.  Probably the only time during our training that that will happen at the same time.  Had a swell meal out there.  Roast beef, mashed potatoes, fresh tomatoes, beets, bread & butter, apple & ice water.  Had plenty of it too, and I had an orange, too.  Always take one along in my pack.

I bet Mom is glad the company left so soon, especially since it was time for Bob & Ruth’s vacation.  Hope your sunburn is better, but bet you’re just as tired. Where are they going on their vacation?  Well I’ve got to close again.

Love,
Ben

Slit Trench

"A tank ran over a foxhole I was in."

August 23, 1943   
Camp Croft, South Carolina
Sunday

Dear Folks,
Well, here it is Sunday again, and being that I haven’t written anybody for the past two weeks, except home, I’ll have to write a few this afternoon and then go see “So Proudly We Hail.”  I saw “The Human Comedy” last night.  Good acting, but I thought it was far too sad.

Friday, I had a new experience happen to me.  A tank ran over a fox hole I was in.  All part of a course in Defense against mechanized attack.  How to destroy a tank and all that.  We’ve also been doing quite a lot on Techniques of Fire.  That is the way a squad of men fire on an enemy position.  Getting into concealed position & understanding the fire orders.  Just like those landscape targets I told you about, only using the real countryside. 

Friday nite we went on a practice bivouac. We went off in a dense woods & pitched our tents while it was just growing dark.  Then we had to dig a slit trench 2 feet wide, 2 feet deep, 6 feet long.  Nobody dug it that deep however because it was so dark we couldn't even see the dirt where we were digging (no moon) & because there were big roots running all the way thru the earth.  It was really funny.  Everybody was falling & stumbling over the holes & bumping into the trees.  And when we got ready to move out we had to hold on to each others pack until we reached the Troop Trail.  Then, marching home in the dark on that trail was really a scream. 

Next week we’re going to have village fighting.  In preparation for it, we practiced on our own Battalion barracks.  The Battalion is arranged like this.  I’ll make a better picture.  Well anyway half the company took C & D & the other half took A & B.  We crawled under the barracks, threw grenades (firecrackers in potatoes) & rushed the building.  There were some stationed in the barracks representing the enemy.  They blockaded the doors & things like that.

Got your box this noon & was I glad to see those plums.  They were out of this world.  Don’t know what I need for next week except fruit, bottle of glue & couple of packages of gum.  I got a box from Madeline yesterday.  Toll House cookies, candy bars & potato chips.  Those cookies were very good.

About Dave’s letter.  I can’t imagine what the surprise could be.  I guess you’ll just have to wait.  I bet Mom was glad to see the company drop in on her.  If they’re still there when you receive this letter, give them my best. Well, so long for now,

Love, 
Ben

Ben's Photo

Ben is 18 years old. Click over to his web site to see his photo.   

August 22, 1943
USO postcard from Camp Croft
Saturday

Dear Folks,
Well, I finally sent you come pictures at last.  I don’t like them in the least.  In fact I think they stink, but you were yelling bloody murder for some, so take the consequences.  I’m in town tonite, so I don’t want to waste any time.  I’ll probably write you a letter tomorrow, so until then.

Love,
Ben

Human Body

Ben requests a dictionary to use when he writes his letters.  To read a funny story about "Targets Up" click on Ben's sign-off to transfer to the link on his web site.

August 17, 1943
Camp Croft, South Carolina  
Monday

Dear Folks,
Well, it seems as if I was wrong about range week being all over.  Today we went to a range somewhat nearer our barracks than the other range, where we shot the .22 rifle.  In the morning we shot at landscape targets.  That is, pictures of the countryside painted on the target frames  We would all line up & count off.  Then we proceeded as we would do in actual battle. 

The squad leaders give the order - 350 yards - right front -  Enemy machine gun nest at base of third telephone pole from right  of barn - Commence firing - or it could be an enemy skirmish line between lone pine on right of barn to 2nd telephone pole.  It’s just practice in everybody concentrating on one point & also, in the case of the skirmish line, everybody firing in his own particular section so that the entire enemy line is covered & not just in spots.  In the afternoon we fired at targets pulled along above the ground.  That was to learn to take leads.

Say, how about sending me a small size dictionary, not that I would ever use it when writing home, knowing that you don’t care, but I might use it when writing other letters.

Well to get back to more range.  Tomorrow, we’re going to a range farther than the one we were on last week & have transition fire, shooting at targets resembling the Human Body.  Still rumors flying around about basic coming to an end because most of the non-coms are shipping out & some from Panama are replacing them.  Well, I’ve got to go sign the pay roll.

Love,
Ben

Target Scores

Ben mentions working in the “pits.”   Standing in pits about six feet deep, the worker sets up targets shaped like a man for soldiers to aim at in target practice.

August 10, 1943        
Camp Croft, South Carolina
Monday nite
(In the Latrine)

Dear Folks,
Well, the first day on the range wasn’t bad at all, except for the 50 minute hike to & from, over the worst trail you ever laid your eyes on.  Hilly, rutted, & strewn with stones.  The sun wasn’t out at all in the morning for which I was mighty thankful because I fired in the morning.  It was only practice fire but I made a pretty good score.  Here’s the score picture --

    Prone position        54 points    out of sixty
    Sitting        “           36     “         out of forty
    Squatting   “           35     “         out of forty   
    Kneeling     “          37     “         out of forty
    Standing     “          34     “         out of forty   

(most unsteady position & was only luck that I got 3 bulls eyes in this.  This was above the average of the other fellows in this position.  But I’m not gloating over this score because it was just practice.  I’m worried about the rapid fire but hope for the best.

Your package was waiting for me when we arrived back tonite.  Those pears sure were delicious.  I’m going to take an orange & 2 pears with me on the range tomorrow to eat with my lunch.  The apples didn’t stand up too well, though.  Well I’ve got to get to sleep as we’re getting up at 3:30.  Oh, I forgot to tell you that I was in the pits in the afternoon.  Nice & cool there & wasn’t hard work either.  I’m going to be in the pits tomorrow morning too & shoot in the afternoon.

Love  
Ben

Latrine Rumors

It’s not unusual for soldiers to hear “Latrine Rumors.”   Yankee Division got their news through the “latrine grapevine,” and not surprisingly, the 26th Infantry Division, 104 Infantry's weekly newspaper in Europe was called “Grapevine.”

August 9, 1943
Camp Croft, South Carolina
Postcard  Sunday

Dear Folks,
I’m taking it easy this weekend, resting up for the coming week. By now, Mom & Dad must be gone.  Hope it’s not too busy in the store, for your sake.

I’m not sure, but I believe that our course is going to be lengthened to 17 weeks.  It may be just a “latrine rumor” for our Battalion, but I know that one Battalion has had its cycle lengthened.  In case I might forget, send a box of Brillo soap pads in next box.

Love, 
Ben

Range Week

It’s easy to visualize how soldiers learn the various techniques of shooting accurately, as Ben describes in this letter.  Click Ben’s name at the end of this letter to get to his website to view a “1943 Army Rifle Training Movie” revealing the Army’s serious determination to have a well-trained force.

August 8, 1943
Camp Croft, South Carolina      

Dear Folks,
Well range week is all through, and all and all, it wasn’t too bad.  The shooting itself was really fun, especially the rapid firing.  What a nice feeling, just lying there and squeezing off the shots till your clip is empty.  We also shot slow fire, shooting at will, and taking our time.  But in the rapid fire, we would be standing & at a given signal, all the targets would go up together.  Then we would drop into our position, get the proper sight picture & commence firing.  There’s really more to shooting than just squeezing the trigger.  We have a regular formula to figure out for the elevation & windage

(Wind Velocity x Range   = clicks to turn on Knob).
         10

Once you get that figured out, you can put your shots into the bulls-eye practically every time, providing your position is correct in every little detail.  Remember how I used to hate getting in those uncomfortable positions (& I do mean they were uncomfortable) but now I realize that they mean a lot because after you get used to them, they are the most steady.  The pits was where we had to keep on our toes.  When a bullet goes thru your target it makes a noise like a small firecracker.  We have to yank it down, mark it, patch up the previous hole, run it up, & disk it.  It’s not hard work, just have to keep alert.  And if we weren’t, we would have to double time for about 10 minutes in the sun.  And if you had your pack & rifle in the pits with you, you had to wear them while you double timed.  I had to double time once, without the pack, & I didn’t have to button up my shirt because I ripped the button out.

Saturday, we fired the Carbine.  Boy is it light, you hardly know you’re carrying it.  That’s why all the officers carry them instead of the Garand.  It’s used mostly for close work because it’s not very accurate over 200 yards.  It has a magazine that holds 15 shots.

I probably told you about the Troop Trail.  Well, we didn’t have to go home by it since Wednesday.  No, it wasn’t for our benefit.  It rained like hell Wednesday, Thursday, & Friday at about 4 every afternoon.  So we went home by the highway.  On no, not on the concrete, but on the muddy shoulder.  Walk two steps & slide back one.  Boy this Carolina mud.  Saturday, they had a band greet us as we entered the gate.  Boy, that music lifted us right up.  We stopped dragging our feet & started strutting.

When you hear anybody squawking about a 10 hour day, tell them we were on a 15 hour day, plus 2 hours for cleaning the x8?!!%*/* (blankety blank) rifle.  You have to keep it free from rust, which seems to congregate in all the dark corners.  We have to keep the bore from getting pitted, because if we don’t we have to pay for it.  Boy, do we get mad, when after spending all nite on it, the Sarge or Lieutenant finds some rust on it.  On the range, the Commanding Officer was going around & putting down names in his little black book.  This morning he came around & inspected every rifle in the whole company.  There’s going to be inspection for the next three days too, because after firing, we have to keep using bore cleaner on it so it won’t get pitted.

Oh, I almost forgot to tell you.  I made Expert (the highest), & I made it honestly.  I say that because there was a lot of cheating, not that we wanted it, but because the C.O. wanted everybody an expert (he’s bucking for a Captaincy), so they would jack up the scores, but I can honestly say, they didn’t jack up mine.  Also one afternoon, there was cheating in the pits.  The officer in charge wouldn't allow any misses, two’s or three’s, just 4’s & bulls eyes.  But after a while they had to stop that because the Colonel was paying out too much money ($1) for 9 bulls eyes out of 9 shots.  But I didn’t fire that afternoon so I know that I didn’t get my Expert dishonestly.  Most of the fellows didn’t like that business because we want to know just what we
can shoot, not what the officers want us to.  We had a $60 bet on with the next platoon but there was nothing else to do but call it off.  Well you’re probably tired of hearing about the range, so on with the news. 

Yes, Ruthie deary, I did write Mom & Dad, but just once.  I received all their letters too.  I hope you & the rest weren't worried about me because you didn’t receive mail for a week, but you'll have to learn to expect that. Another latrine rumor is going around that there are only 4 more weeks to go.  I don’t pay any attention to them anymore. Keep sending the Times.  I like to read it when I get time.  The other Rochester boys gets the Democrat & we swap. Got a letter from Hessy yesterday.  Gave me the usual advice.  Got a letter from Bella too.  She sends best regards.  Also got a letter from Madeline but I’m not writing any more letters this weekend.  So if you see her, tell her I’m glad she had such a nice time on her vacation & thanks again for the 2 pounds of Fanny Farmer candy. Starting tomorrow we can sleep until 5:15 because we don’t have 6 stand reveille (?) as a result of having no A.W.O.L’s (Absent Without Leave) during the six weeks.  It’s going to be heaven sleeping those extra 15 minutes.

Arnette (Ben’s sister) sure is getting plenty of practice for her married life, from what you say in your letters.  If those brownies are an example of her work, you must get swell meals.  They were really tasty.  I got the box today & enjoyed those pears & peaches immensely.  They were a little soft in spots but still delicious.  I’m a popular man around here now that I’ve got the cleaning brushes.  Say that toothpowder arrived just in time, because this morning I dropped my small box of Lyons in the sink, full of water.  I haven’t opened the raisins or figs yet.  I’m saving those for the middle of the week.  I can just taste those figs in my mouth.  My pipes sure needed that pipe cleaner, too.

Here’s my order for next week. Tootsie Rolls, Couple of  pairs of underwear because sometimes the laundry is late,  couple of  pairs of wool socks to replace worn ones. Tell Bob to pick out the best pretty girl pictures from the old desk & include them in next week’s box.  Also the color pictures of Veronica Lake & Rita Hayworth.  We’re not allowed to have them on the walls but we paste them in our lockers.  (Again excuse the style, spelling & English of this letter) Guess I’ll go see “DuBarry” now.

Love,
Ben