(2 page letter folded, written and on front and back)
Camp Upton
Sunday Afternoon
Dear Mom and Dad,
I have nothing to do this afternoon so I’ll drop you a line. We left Peekskill on the 1:30 train Friday, hit New York about 3PM. We then went to Penn Station and boarded a special train to Camp Upton. We arrived at Upton about 6PM and went through a short physical check up. Then we had our first supper at camp. We were then herded into a room to take mental exams. We were then issued blankets and sheets and assigned to barracks. We were just getting ready to go to bed when we were called our for some more stuff. We were measured for our uniforms and several things were put on record cards and then (we were) sworn into the Army. And so to bed at 1AM. At quarter of four we were called out again for line up and then they decided they didn’t need us after all and sent us back. We hung around for awhile and went to breakfast. We were sent to what they call the Processing Building were we received inoculations in the arm. We took our government life insurance there. I took out a policy for $2,000 with you both as beneficiaries. It costs me $1.32 a month. I wanted to take out more but I figured I have some home and that I couldn’t afford anymore anyway. We were then issued our equipment. They had a pile of clothes all laid out for you. They called your name and you got the clothes. Nine times out of ten they fit properly. All my clothes fit me, even the shoes. We took all the stuff to the barracks and left them there. We then went to dinner. At 12:30 we were shown a movie on military courtesy and sex life. We then went back to the barracks where we were given a talk by a sergeant and then taught to do retreat, which is the lowering of flag, all very simple. After that we had supper and were free. I went up and had 2 beers and bought a paper, went home and read until lights out at 9:30. We were awaken at 6 this morning. On lining up my name was called out to report for the air corps at 7:45. This was fudged on the basis of your mental exam. They told us all about it but I don’t want to go in just yet. If I can get to the quartermasters corp, which I signed up for, I won’t take it. But if I get something I don’t like I’ll join up in it. We haven’t anything to do this PM so I’ve been loafing around.
There is a rumor around that over 500 will be shipped out tomorrow. Imagine it’s true as there will be a big load coming into tomorrow. I kind of hope so as its getting boring around here. There is nothing for you to do except KP, pick up papers, etc. There is no equipment for training as this is an induction center so if we hang around something like that will happen to me. I’ve been lucky and avoided this so far.
The sooner I get set and start on a regular job it will be a lot better. I’ll let you know as soon as I get set as I want to hear from you and some of the gang. So until then
Lots of love,
Bob
3 comments:
Do you know what he meant when he said "nothing for you to do but K.P?"
If I had to guess I would say that it meant Kitchen Patrol. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/KP_duty) Because he feared that by sitting around idol he would get stuck with it. Any thoughts or information?
Yup, that is what KP is. But as I understand it can also include any menial job beyond the kitchen, such as cleaning a bathroom with a toothbrush.
I also would agree that he is saying that by sitting around idol, he would get stuck with it.
Here is a link to what I think is the sex video Poops was talking about. It's in three parts, haven't watched it yet, but if your interested, here is the link, http://www.realmilitaryflix.com/public/684.cfm
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