CLASS 22 HOTEL 2 HISTORY

Week 1: 3–9 March

On 3 March 1969, Class 22 Hotel became the new class for the Officer Candidate Regiment. For
the candidates involved, Week One was a week that seemed both lengthy and brief; it was long in
that there was much to be done and to be learned in what seemed like an insufficient amount of
time, and yet this same urgency made the time pass quickly.

There were orientation classes by the Regimental Commander, COL Alfred L. Griebling, by the
Battalion Commander, LTC Edwin J. Williams, by the Company Commander, CPT Thomas H.
Lemasters, by the Company Executive Officer, 1LT Richard Barretto, and by the Senior and Junior
Tactical Officers of 22 H 2, 2LT John R. Eisenhart and 2LT Charles R. Ware, respectively. These
orientation periods left Hotel Company, Second Platoon with a sense of what to expect of the
program, and what the program expects of them. Each officer had stressed in some way the
necessity of developing a sense of purpose and urgency along with a personal and collective
responsibility.

It was, however, the Tactical Officers, assisted by the Junior Class Chain of Command that actually
began to implement the development of these attitudes. The methods and procedures of drill and
ceremonies were learned by trial and error. Eating habits were changed under the helpful and
corrective care of the junior class. The terms "smack", “drive on”, and "eyeball”“ became part of
the new vocabulary. Showering procedures were attended to as well. In addition, the medical
department evaluated our physical condition, and the Honor Council, represented by the Battalion
Executive Officer, CPT Calvin W. Wagie, and by Junior Candidate Ireland, explained the Honor
Code.

On Wednesday, representatives from CONARC inspected the billets and personnel. Week one also
witnessed the creation of the class slogan, "Excel with Hotel!" Week one was in fact a week of
formation for the platoon. Platoon officers were established, and the chain of command changed
twice. The key word was “function.” During the week, Class 22 viewed the graduation of Echo
Company’ s Senior Class, and saw what would take place on 8 August, if we did learn to function.

On Saturday after standing inspection by the Company Executive Officer, ILT Richard F, Barretto,
Second Platoon ran the confidence course, and the enthusiasm displayed there was evidence of
the platoon beginning to take form.

Week Two: 10–16 March seems more or less to have been a transitional week; that is, there was
still adjustment and orientation to be completed, but classes began, and a routine started to take
shape.

The billets were worked on, the initial clothing allotment was completed, and details started. One
of the details turned out to be a highly desirable one, Kitchen Police. A month ago, not one of us
could have been convinced that he actually would look forward to, and enjoy, working in the dish
room. It serves as a good example of rapid adjustment.

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Orientation took the form of branch lectures. We learned that our class would graduate personnel
in branches other than Engineer, and consequently, were addressed by representatives from
Ordnance, Transportation, Quartermaster, Military Intelligence, as well as the Corps of Engineers.
The Volunteer Indefinite Program was also explained in depth.

Classes in map reading, military leadership, and camouflage gave us a small idea of what to expect
academically the next twenty–one weeks. In addition, we were given the opportunity to instruct
in the drill and ceremonies class, and in the command information class. The drill and ceremonies
class on Thursday proved highly informative and productive with the class participating
enthusiastically, in Sandwich March (and Spread) and Twelve O 'Clock March, under the tutelage
of LT Ware. Precision was perhaps lacking somewhat, but potential was more than evident.

Our first Saturday had the Second Platoon on the Confidence Course, and this last Saturday had
the Second Platoon again engaged in physical exercise, but this time on the Physical Training Field.
Second Platoon took its first Physical Training Test, and emerged with a disappointing 358 average.
It is obvious to all that more work is needed, particularly in the areas of grenade throw and the
bars.

As the Third Week: 17–23 March begins, Second Platoon, Hotel Company, finds itself a few pounds
lighter than a week ago, and with one night of experience in the “boony run" department, courtesy
of our former Junior Chain of Command.

The arrival of Friday came as a surprise; week three was lost before we realized it. It was a week
that passed quickly because our time was more than accounted for. It was a week that in several
ways gave the program a personal meaning for the Second Platoon. Maps, rigging, and
camouflage were all considered in the classroom, but for many of us, the methods of instruction
periods were the most interesting and the most rewarding. Each candidate made his five minute
presentation before a limited audience. It is obvious that there is much room for improvement,
and the desire and willingness to attain such, is more than evident.

It was not classes, however, that made week three distinct from the rest; rather, it was the
involvement of the platoon in some underclass activities that we had heard about in the holding
company. First, there was a small "boony run" which, while not excessively long, was nonetheless
a little difficult in that we experienced a simulated gas attack. It is not particularly enjoyable to run
while wearing a protective mask. Breathing and singing are especially difficult. However, the
major problem is neither vocal nor respiratory, but rather visual. In exercising, the lenses of the
protective mask tend to fog and this makes running quite awkward. Despite this hardship, Second
Platoon did survive to run another day.

On Thursday a select group of candidates were invited to meet with LT Ware at his office. It seems
that the tactical office hallway needed buffing, and LT Ware, choosing 29 well fed (from the candy
machines at the Camouflage Building) energetic candidates, assigned each to a five–by–two
section of the floor. For lack of tools and equipment, each candidate used his body as a buffer. No
one was quite sure of the best buffing method so a variety of positions were attempted. After

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approximately an hour and a half, LT Ware approved the job, and the detail wasted little time in
exiting.

On Saturday, after an unsuccessful rifle inspection, there took place a sad affair; that is the
internment of Goldie The Goldfish, late of the Tactical Office. Goldie passed away mysteriously in
the night, and Candidate Golden with heavy heart, made the necessary preparations. With honor
guard, dirge drum, and guitar, the white glove procession winded its way to the P–2 Field, where,
with final eulogy delivered emotionally by Candidate Lynn, Goldie went to that big TAC Shack in
the Sky. The cloud studded sky, the roll of the drum, the rifle salutes, and plaintive guitar, along
with the muffled laments of the mourners, all contributed to the mood of total emotion. Goldie is
dead. Goldie is gone, probably to a far better place than the one she knew on earth. Thus quite
fittingly did week three end.

Week Four: 24–30 March marked the end of the plebe stage for 22 H 2. It would best be
described as exam week, with tests in map reading and rigging, and in camouflage, where the
vending machines remained untouched, with all due credit going to the corrective procedures of
the Tactical Office. Map reading resulted in a crashing 70.4 average, and an equally disastrous
failure rate. A bad time was had by all, with the possible exception of Candidate Morris who
unaccountably posted in with 96. He claimed something about "Alabamian natural talent,
intellect, and just plain good mental moves”, but the rest of the platoon found little solace, and
less belief in that explanation.

On Tuesday we gave our ten–minute presentations in Methods of Instruction, which generally

speaking went off quite well. On Friday we ran the compass course. The sun was shining, the
birds (a few crows) were singing; everything was peaceful. And Henry was lost. He did, however,
wander in after a while, seemingly none the worse for his joust with the complicated piece of
machinery.

Week four was marked by a few other experiences, including a visual inspection of general grade
standard equipment; that is, 1 each spit shined helicopter for use by General Westmoreland.
There were also several fixed wing aircraft. Capacity Eight Stars: (For example, Candidates Marini
and Barkins, and General Abrams).
Candidate Nash's smile problem improved/degenerated/remained the same (Select one--the issue
is open to debate) .

It is probably best mentioned here that our glass–like floors (as of Saturday afternoon) are in no
way a deliberate attempt to embarrass the First Platoon. The offense, therefore, was
unintentional.
So week four was the week of exams, and also the week of 20 extra pushups for the fish. May the
Second Platoon Fish thrive and strive onward ever, tactically speaking, of course.

Week Five: 31 March–6 April began on a serious note with the death of General Eisenhower. The
national day of mourning was observed in the OCR as well as in the rest of the nation.

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Week five marked the exit of the upper class squad leaders. It saw the billets' inside walls get a
new coat of paint, badly needed, not to mention the racing–striped shower. There was a field
fortifications examination and a map exam, and the twenty minute method of instruction
presentation.

And then there was pay. It was quite an unusual experience to be in the possession of money
again. Of course, the acquaintance was brief as the debit vultures soon descended to take their
due. On Tuesday, the first of eighteen weekly parades took place, and needless to relate, a good
time was had by all. On Friday, Second Platoon was introduced to the bayonet course which is
another example of the fine work of the Army Engineers. Candidate Golden, displaying all the
suaveness that makes him such a competent parade marshal, managed to impale himself with his
bayonet. Showing good initiative, he accomplished this on the very first obstacle.

Laurels are also in order for Candidate Jackson, who, in reaction to lunch, and/or the effective
writing class, managed to induce such a physical state as to get himself two days of bed rest.
Along health lines, we were all happy to learn (in one of our classes) that when we go to Vietnam,
it is highly likely that we will contract malaria and/or intestinal worms. A spirited cheer was silently
rendered for the mysterious Orient.

Friday was the big day of the week, however. Friday was the “Turning Red Problem” for the upper
class. Faced with a motivated Second Platoon aggressor force, the invaders fought valiantly to
decimation and defeat. The victory was not achieved without trial and tribulation, as the five–ton
aggressor truck successfully smacked itself in. Up to its frame in adhesive mud, try as it might, the
aforementioned vehicle would not move until at last, a relief column posted in with the necessary
manpower. The upper class meanwhile, gathered up the survivors of the war, and marched back
to a gaily bedecked billets complete with ample nourishment, courtesy of its underclass, and Mrs.
Leadbetter and Mrs. Hunter.

On Saturday, two events of significance took place. First, the PT test was taken again with a
resultant average of 405, a gain of approximately 50 points over last time, On Saturday afternoon
a major assault was made during the civil disobedience class. The platoon had been softened up
by the Friday night aggressor action, and by the PT test. Moving swiftly and silently, a massive
force of big chickens swooped into the area wreaking soporific havoc on the unsuspecting Second
Platoon. The week and class ended in an impressive pile of chicken feathers.

Week Six: 7–13 April was outside week; in week six we had two night missions, one FTX in
communications, and we ran the land navigation course. The experience of the land navigation
class was indeed a mixed experience. The platoon as a unit did quite well, with Candidate Jones
blitzing through in record time. In addition, Candidates Jones and Buckley tested the efficacy of
barbed wire with regard to impediment of constant motion. The barbed wire scored high, at the
expense of two pair of fatigue trousers.

Candidate Lyle, despairing of the darkness of the impenetrable forest, set off a trip flare to
perhaps in some way give light and direction to his wanderings. The platoon, however, wandered

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not, but rather proceeded directly to the now infamous pogey bait truck. The party was well
attended, to include both Tactical Officers of the Second Platoon, who, while arriving late, were
nevertheless on time to join in the ending festivities. Like all good parties, this one really had no
end; envisioning the possibility of driving on with the activity, LT’s Eisenhart and Ware encouraged
continuing the event back at the billets--which we did. Like all good parties, people were dropping
left and right, and the billets ended up in an ADM shambles. Thus endeth land navigation.

Second Platoon's performance in the Radio Telephone Procedure section has given cause for that
group of instructors to reevaluate their program. The section failed to comprehend how the "Z–
Out Kings” of the Fabled Second performed so well on the FTX. CPT Harris went so far as to write
up a good OR on the performance, the first time he has done so in six weeks. During the exercise,
Candidate Miller, using his initiative, added "Drive On - Candidate" to the list of authorized
prowords.

In addition, the Fleet Second participated in two compass exercises on Monday and Tuesday
evenings. On Monday, Candidates Golden and Cooper, displaying all those characteristics that
make them such a capable team, ran the course in tremendous time. This feat was truly
impressive when one considers the fact that they missed both their intermediate points, and were
in fact totally lost for the entire time. When queried on this point, Candidate Golden replied,
"Well, Candidate Cooper and I didn't want to embarrass the rest of the platoon, so we deliberately
missed those points.” I mean there is such a thing as being too proficient.

On Tuesday night there was another exercise, generally known as the swamp tromp. The purpose
of the exercise was to encourage class unity by allowing the entire class to navigate itself into the
middle of one each swamp, purportedly to find a definite location. To no one's great surprise, the
location proved to be nonexistent. Sure was fun, though.

Week six had a few other moments, Candidate Emerson became the first of our platoon to father
an Army Brat. Candidate Leadbetter got himself smacked in for taking too small bites at the
evening meal. Easter Sunday was Regimental Privilege Day for the entire platoon, which, needless
to say, was much appreciated. Furthermore, in week six, smoking privileges were granted, and an
appropriate class was given on Saturday by LT Ware to finally end the week.

Week Seven: 14–20 April was a super–notable week for the Second Platoon. First of all, our much
admired and respected senior tactical officer, LT Eisenhart, left us to go to the first platoon. Our
loss is the First's gain, though on that first 0500 run they may have thought otherwise. In his place
came LT Harry to take the reins of the Fleet and Fighting Second.

LT Eisenhart, however, was with us on Monday night on our night recon patrol. Tactically
speaking, we are improving as in addition to Monday night's mission, we acquitted ourselves
commendably as well on the Saturday aggressor problem, led by Candidate Martin.

Week seven also saw many hours of military justice, climaxed in a fantastically moving trial scene,
with defendant Nash being found guilty as charged, in the eyes of the court. Nash, meanwhile, in
a Saturday after dinner dissertation, suggested to LT Heien that perhaps there could be a greater
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degree of comradeship between those individuals of the same geographical area. LT Heien, in
turn, suggested that this new comradeship be ushered in formally at the Tactical Officer's Office.
Nash considered, and in ending, made statement to the effect that he was still on profile.

We also learned this week, the many nuances of mess management. In doing so, we found out
that training area mess halls are in a never–never land in the overall culinary system of the Army .
Therefore, while every regular mess hall has an abundance of milk, training areas are justifiably
short. Mark it up to another success of Army logic.

A brief note of dissappointment -- Tuesday’s parade was canceled much to the despair of all those
involved who, incidentally, had already changed into their parade uniforms. On a lighter note,
Candidate Rissmiller will pause next time before issuing forth any indiscriminate lay holds. LT
Ware found little humor in it as he came in off the fire escape.

But the week was ended in grand and glorious fashion with our trip to Washington. The trip was
for the entire class, and was to mark (1) the changing of Second Platoon Tactical Officers, (2) LT
Heien's forthcoming trip to the mysterious orient, and (3) LT Eisenhart's new silver bar. The outing
was a tremendous success with a beautiful day and beautiful dates. Candidate Heffner may sit up
for the lovelies he procured, but there was nothing that could have, and nothing that did, spoil the
tremendous time that was had by all.

The Eighth Week: 21–27 April of OCS certainly was the week that was. It commenced with a class
trip to Washington, and ended by Class 22 Hotel turning White.

Academically speaking, this week we were concerned mostly with combat operations and
weapons familiarization. Our old friend General Subjects made a visit Tuesday to see if we had
been doing our homework. Among the knowledge we acquired in class was the new proword
"rogertive.” Sergeant First Class Goodman was responsible for this excellent addition to Army
lingo. On the plus side were two good OR's received from our Military Justice and Combat
Operations instructors.

Every week has its tragedy, and this week was no exception. This week was a big setback for the
Big Chicken when the mandatory seven and a half hours of sleep was announced.

A big hand goes to OC's Finlay, Pace, Beauchamp, Cooper, Lindsay, Lynn, and Rissmiller, who were
largely responsible for the superb job on the class project, a scale model of a Bailey Bridge.

Along the lighter side, Candidate Cooper found his strength exceeded the supporting capacity of
one wall—Tactical Office type, through which he managed to put his hand. OC Morris
commented that he really enjoyed being selected once again to fire the M-60 one–shot machine
gun. He said that it just "beat him like a drum.” Not to be overlooked was the damage OC Lyle
managed to do to our ears. That Candidate has a command voice!

But the most important thing that happened this week was “Turning White.” Led by “ one–eye–
recon-Buckley", Class 22 successfully completed their mission of securing a helicopter landing

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zone. Mistakes of course, were made, but then again, how else can we really learn but from our
errors. Upon the completion of our mission, we ran back to the billets, a la protective masks,
singing all the way.

Saturday morning, after a full field gear inspection, we waited with eager anticipation till the
moment we would turn white. After a hilarious hour and a half of clothing drills, we marched to
the Golf side of Building 1877, and proceeded to crawl to victory. It was a moment of glory as
Class 22 emerged on the other side of the billets, white tabs in place and smiles from ear to ear. It
was a triumph that we will not soon forget.
The house came down when we learned that we were not the only ones who had turned white —
so had LT Harry and LT Ware.

OC Bateman (among the ten percent who never get the word) was the last Candidate to turn
white. His white tabs were pinned on in a special ceremony by OC Lyle while the class sang "Far
Across the Chattahoochee" at present arms.

But the eighth week is over, and Class 22 continues to set higher goals. As the song states “ever,
forward - backward never.”

Week Nine: 28 April–4 May was "White Week" for the Second Platoon. It was with great pleasure
that “eyeballing” and normal table procedures were resumed. As personal appearances improved,
so did marching, to the point that Hotel Company took first in the Battalion in the Tuesday parade.
Week nine was also the week of the Nuclear Biological Chemical Warfare Exam, appreciated by
absolutely no one. Classes were oriented primarily to combat operations; however, there was a
two–hour block of Atomic Demolition Munitions Instruction about which, at the end, we were told
to forget. The Army, like God, does indeed work in strange ways.

Along classroom lines, Major Quantock Is to be commended for his training aids, which are to be
commended for their very fine existence. Major Quantock also impressed upon us the necessity of
avoiding capture on the A P Hill Escape and Evasion Course. Needless to say, he was convincing.

Of the other highlights of week nine, one was the trouser leg length inspection by our company
commander, Captain Thomas H. Lemasters. Also Candidate Knoernschild, in a brilliant return
engagement of food consumption misjudgment, stood inspection with pogey bait crumbs
adorning his freckled chin. Approximately thirty candidates dropped for their participation, and as
they started “pushing them out” , a sigh of nostalgia went up from the group. Candidate Hunter,
recently designated by LT Barretto as the “Post The Cookies To The Tac Shack Man” was singled
out by LT Ware for service above and below the good sense level.

Week nine also saw our eagle–eyed Tactical Officer, LT Ware , discern among the myriad of faces
in Classroom 2332, Candidates Cooper and Lyle drifting off into sleep city. Cooper and Lyle were
instructed in a brief remedial alert and awake course conducted in the conducive confines of the
Tactical Office hallway. Both assured our junior tactical officer of their willingness to actively avoid
any future deviations from the path of righteousness.

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There were a few other incidents in week nine; "dream sheets" for overseas assignments were
filled out. The purpose of these sheets is to give those men in personnel a moment or two of
amusement as they fill out our papers for shipment to the mysterious orient. Also, on a more
serious side, Candidate Kemper's wife was given five merits for her outstanding combat boots. It
was suggested that on 8 August, she should cross the stage to receive a commission.

The big event of the week was however:

THE LOG

The biggest and most outstanding boony log in the regiment was secured by Class 22 Hotel on
Saturday morning. Working in unison, the one hundred or so galley workers carried the five–
thousand pound log back to the company area. With LTs, Ware, Dawson and Bundy astride the
log, the procession was strongly reminiscent of the triumphal entrance processions of the
conquering Caesars in an earlier era. Only the Appian Way was missing. As a result of the pre–
noon log emplacement, Class 22 having successfully completed their mission; was granted post
privileges. Sometime during the adventure, OCS brass, complete with a white tab, unaccountably
appeared on the log. As Saturday, and week nine closed, OC Beauchamp, fresh from an exciting
engagement at the OC Club, was last seen trying to singlehandedly lift the aforementioned log.
However, he was not alone in this task as Candidates Bateman and Barkins, obscured by the
shadows, urged him on to new heights of aspiration and expectation.

Week Ten: 5–11 May began with a smooth transition from the company area to Camp A P Hill,
that military paradise near Fredericksburg, Virginia. It was not long before the candidates located
the Post Exchange, or before the tactical officers located the girls' school in Fredericksburg. In
fact, A P Hill week seemed very close to being a tactical officer R & R. The many good tunes
emanating from within the TAC SHACK, did little to belie this impression. R & R was not confined
to the tactical officers; however, pogey bait was in evidence. In great quantities as well as they
provided sustenance being both plentiful and good. For the first few days at least, everyone put
on weight.

On Monday we fired for record with “old reliable” otherwise known as the M14. The consequence
of this action was a temporary loss/destruction of hearing as well as the revelation that like
candidates, there are some rifles that flatly refuse to function. Also, it was at the record range that
we had our first field meal. OC Morris ended up wearing more than he ate. During a break on the
range, LT Ware introduced a fortunate group of OC's to the 15th exercise of Army Drill one; that is,
the "stand on your head.”

"Everybody get on your head.” A few candidates were somewhat skeptical of their ability to
perform said exercise, but with a little tactical encouragement, managed to acquit themselves
eminently.

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The following day witnessed the further and final disintegration of all hearing ability due to the
practice firing of the 3.5 inch rocket launcher. On the same day, the M60 machinegun and the
M70 grenade launcher were fired as well. Also, when we went to the hand grenade range, we
were overjoyed, nay ecstatic to discover that we would throw real practice grenades, rather than
the rocks they usually have to use.

Let's hear it for the great Army training facilities.

We did, however, have an excellent fire power demonstration complete with a deer slaying.
Daniel Boone would have been proud. There was also a multicolored smoke and flame
demonstration. Second Platoon is now trying to secure some thickened fuel for LT Ware's next fire
mission with support.

However, no week with our tactical officers would be complete without a group smack-in, and this
week was no exception. All those candidates who in vain hope of getting a tan on their pale,
wasted bodies took the initiative and discarded their T–shirts while cleaning weapons, participated
later on in group corrective exercises. Furthermore, LT Ware desired one hundred good pushups,
but OC Nash, brought the “no exercise within a half hour rule” to his attention, and thereby saved
candidates Cooper and Golden. Rumor had it that Cooper was ineligible anyway, as he is a
professional.

On Wednesday, OC Lindsay led the platoon in a successful tactical assault. OC's Barkins, Bateman,
and Buckley supported from the flank with a withering display of fire power from their 3.5 inch
rocket launcher and 81mm mortar. The weapons fire a 3.5 inch stick and an 81 mm pine cone, but
were nonetheless effective. OC Barkins was recommended for the Bronze Star and the Purple
Heart for his valiant actions.

On Thursday, OC Jones completely impressed the Captain of the Infantry Committee with his
platoon assault. In the evening OC Ellis ran patrols from within the Second Platoon's impregnable
perimeter. The perimeter was impregnable due to: (1) the total blackness of the night (no one
could get through the woods and (2) OC Morris' fish line defense. His fish line was so effective
that it earned him a seven cases of beer price on his head on the escape and evasion course. The
perimeter, incidentally, was never penetrated except by the numerous insects which came out
despite the constant rain. As if insects weren't bad enough, we also encountered a group of
copperheads.

Let's hear it for the snakes!

Friday morning witnessed a “boony march" led or directed by OC Heffner. During the march, LT
Ware stepped off into the swamp and ended up in hip deep water. Seeing OC Hughes slyly and
alertly keeping dry while crossing on a log, LT Ware looking out as usual for the welfare of his men,
informed OC Hughes as to the dangerous nature of his action (the log was booby trapped) and
consequently, OC Hughes ended up in the swamp.

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However, the big event of AP Hill took place on Friday night when we ran the escape and evasion
course. Of the twenty–two Hotel Candidates captured, only three were from the Second Platoon.
Of those three, Candidate Knoernschild was one; he seems to have a knack for getting caught.

One thing was clear from the very start of the course; that is, no one told the beavers about the
map. What was supposed to be a creek became instead a swamp.

Let's hear it for the beavers. Word has it that despite its map designation as Mill Creek, each
candidate at some time during the evening searched through his vocabulary to find a more
appropriate term.

OC Murrell was our first candidate in. He shot a straight South azimuth and drove on. However, it
seems that there was a rather significant disparity between his compass and the position of the
North Star. OC Murrell blamed the compass; he would have done much better to learn which star
was really the North Star.

Let's hear it for Camelopardalus.

And as we all straggled in, we had the pleasure of traversing a genuine US Army rope bridge. OC
Daiutolo, displaying all that marvelous sense of balance and skill that make him such an all around
outstanding maintenance officer, miscalculated and ended up in the swamp directly below.

The trip back was a trip no one will remember. People were asleep before the bus even started.
Word has it that A P Hill will do that for you.

Let's hear it for A P Hill!

Week Eleven: 12–18 May was ushered in by the Combat Operations examination on which the
Fleet and Fighting Second scored an average of 81%. An outstanding critique of the
aforementioned examination was rendered by LT Burke of the Infantry Section, who succeeded in
alienating the entire platoon in an amazingly short time. However, the week quickly improved
with a great softball game supervised by our Junior Tactical Officer. OC Lindsay made a dubious
name for himself (and spent some time in the front leaning rest) for his tremendous display of
proficiency in the field, particularly with regard to LT Ware's batting prowess. OC Barkins, the
umpire, didn't do too badly either:

Barkins: Out!
LT Ware: Safe.
Barkins: Sir, he's out!
LT Ware: Drop. Safe.
Barkins: (from the ground) safe.

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Week Eleven was in fact, a great week for PT. “ PT” Hunter had Harry's Hustlers working out all
week for the Saturday morning PCPT. All the soreness paid off, however, as we scored an average
of 436. “ PT” credited this impressive score to his intensive training program, while the majority of
the platoon believed rather that the reason lay in softball games and clean living habits. OC
Sundstrom, perhaps inspired by his recently arrived wife, posted in with a 482, and thereby
wrested the number one spot from OC Jones. OC Jones undoubtedly was pre–occupied by his
mental plans for calling home.

When he did so, the operator, being a rational individual, was at first skeptical that any other
normal individual would desire to talk to Alaska, assuming of course that Bell Telephone had
indeed managed to get phones into the wilderness. However, Mother Bell had, and Jones did,
despite the fact that he spent more time placing the 108 quarters into the phone than he spent
making the call. Fortunately, the operator did not lose count.

One of our more notable events of the week, and undoubtedly the program, was the Wednesday
night problem. On our exercise we again experienced tear gas. However, it seems that the cool
night breeze wafted said gas over, around, and about the Officers' Club, where, among other field
grade personnel, Colonel Griebling was relaxing with friends. CS does very little to contribute to an
evening's entertainment; however, this time, it more or less brought down the house. Colonel
Griebling took time out from his busy schedule to pay a personal visit to the Hotel Company
Orderly Room. It seems he wanted some sort of literary endeavor from LT Harry which would
graphically explain just how and why the regimental area came to be introduced to CS. Map
overlays were to be included in the effort as well. LT Ware thought there was a possibility of grass
drills in the Colonel’s office, but this contingency never materialized.

Week eleven also saw a general stracking up of the billets to include the creation and installation
of a work shelf in the typing room. When all the papers were organized and pigeon–holed, it was
discovered that Candidates Heffner and Jones had not gone AWOL, but had been in fact merely
covered, concealed, and generally, rat holed away beneath the paper morass. It just goes to show
that there was never a patent on Pandora's Box.

There is little question that week eleven will be remembered not for the great leadership classes.
(Wakefield was as happy as a clam in deep water), but rather for our first, much desired, much
thought about, and much appreciated OFF POST PASS. Candidates Murrell and Buckley
immediately went to ground with their Washington female friends. Candidate Doggett,
meanwhile, was totally lost somewhere in the DC area in his attempt to locate Georgetown.
Rumor has it that someone saw him later on, standing on M Street trying to identify and secure
key terrain. The only thing he got, however, was a salute from three enlisted men. Dupont Circle
was invaded by a large curious contingent of culturally starved candidates who decided to view
and critique a current major art film. Some found it satisfactory, while others failed to
comprehend the overwhelming significance of such a film in delineating media boundaries of
moral permissiveness. Back in Georgetown, Candidates Lyle and McCarley, utilizing super
Southern moves, picked up exactly . . . no one. The South may rise again, but if it relies on OC's

Page 11 of 25
Lyle and McCar1ey, it will go stag. Candidate Lyle blames it on the hair, or lack thereof; the rest of
the platoon is more inclined to credit it to the good taste of the Washington females.

Some candidates decided (or had it decided for them) to remain on or near the post. The married
members got to see their apartments for the first time. OC Wilson set a platoon record in turning
out thirteen letters in one night. Alabama may not be prepared to handle so many letters in one
day. OC Golden sought diversion at the OC Club and found it embodied in one young lovely,
courtesy of the first platoon. Candidate Golden has threatened to write an OR on Candidate Svitil
for his part in the date. The evening was not a total loss, however, as she did promise Paul a
season pass to any Baltimore Colts game — unless of course, she gets cut from the squad . . . .

As week eleven ends, OC Greenlee continues to wrestle with the overwhelming logistical problems
of cigarette accounting. OC Finn perseveres in fighting a rear guard action to avoid marriage.
However, when even your mother is against you, there seems to be little hope. And if week eleven
is noted for nothing else, let it be recorded here that much to everyone's surprise, the legendary
book bags finally arrived. And concerning arrivals, the members of the Fleet and Fighting Second
begin week twelve looking ahead to the imminent arrival of their own underclass.

Week 12: 19–25 May was ominously ushered in by a two hour softball game held in the pouring
rain. The Platoon functioned like a well-oiled (or soaked) machine with the possible exception of
OC Miller who uncharacteristically, blew a bundle of chances. He blamed the weather, though
there was a a good chance he could have been nervous about his “Turning White Party” date.

As for the “Turning White” preparation, the plans and arrangements changed as much as possible.
We were all elated by this as it gave us a chance to totally confuse our dates as we kept them
informed. The various wives and girlfriends were therefore allowed a unique and valuable insight
into the efficient and logical workings of the Army in general, and OCS in particular.

Week twelve did have some more serious moments, however. On Wednesday LT Ware gave a
remedial class in boony boot care. It seems he found a few boots hidden behind footlockers. OC
Bateman is to be congratulated for his outstanding pair; that is they were so covered with mud
that they should have been left out standing in the parking lot. OC Kemper of super shine fame,
had his problems too:

LT Ware: Kemper; where are your boony boots?

Kemper: Ratholed in the lounge, Sir.
LT Ware: Kemper, that's three demerits for concealed articles,. one for being insufficiently
shined , two for dirt,. and one for being unaligned - if they're ratholed they can't be
aligned now, can they?
Kemper: But I washed them off Sir.
LT Ware: Undoubtedly you missed some dirt around the sole. Two demerits.

Page 12 of 25
The whole problem was that we had no seniors to set the example. Yes, in week twelve, Class 15H
graduated. However, they didn't go silently as led by Senior Candidate Flagg, they made a
midnight assault upon the underclass billets. OC’s Sundstrom and Nash experienced some
difficulty in keeping their beds in one piece. Strange.

OC Sundstrom meanwhile, rose above all this upper class harassment and led a five man crew of
strack troops (Martin, Morris, Hughes, and Buckley) to usher at the Graduation Ball. OC Morris
using all his Southern charm (and judgement) asked LT Ware's date to dance. (Unsuccessfully) He
must be taking lessons from Lyle and McCarley.

The Ball was a success and the seniors did recover to graduate. Before leaving however, they ran
a minor Marshall Plan to the underclass billets. A steady stream of men bearing fatigues, couches,
clocks, and boxes emptied Building 1878 and filled 1876. In addition, they also left us some of
their excellent military bearing and attitude (as if we need it! ) ,

But graduate they did, and leave they did quickly. 22H immediately celebrated with a four week
belated “Turning White Party.” There was good food, good drinks, good tunes, and not good, but
great times. Even the “University of Maryland Female Delegation” turned out to be a success.
Heffner gets a merit. Led by Lieutenants Harry and Ware, the moving and grooving Second, wailed
and flailed to the solid sounds until time came to move to the attractive OD buses.

Congratulations are in order for OC Martin's date who despite rain, sleet, and snow (?) , managed
to arrive just in time to leave.

Also, word has it that Lt Ware was trying to find Mrs. Kemper to counsel her on the proper method
of boot shining. And then of course, there came the issue of

THE STAIRS

In order for anyone to go anywhere- at any time on Sunday, the stairs had to be sanded down
from their multi–colored condition (A great, blow to Jackson Pollock fans,). Led by OC’s “one
foot" Ellis, Beauchamp, and Buckingham, a 0530 AM crew went to work. Motivation was not a
problem and by 0800 everyone had off post passes. And the stairs were lighter by seven (7) coats
of paint.

As week twelve ends, the “over the hump" Second, continues to strack up. After all the "beans"
are in, and it's up to Harry's Hustlers to set the example. There has been a major change though,
under the “New Program” the underclass can be addressed only as “Mister" and "Candidate”.
Undoubtedly they are destined to hear and bear with statements prefaced by, "Well, in the old
program . . . .” I guess that makes us veterans.

Week Thirteen: 26 May–1 June blitzed by with bedazzling rapidity. It was a short week to begin
with (Memorial Day) and extremely busy besides. On Monday the new class put on their brass and
officially became our smacks. In numbed disbelief did we regard the beans.
Page 13 of 25
Did we look like that In March? Hard to believe?
Needless to say, the bean chain of command had their problems. Platoon Leader Barkins (OC ILL
Humor to the smacks) had a particularly trying time. Showing dubious initiative, one of his charges
even managed to fall through the ceiling. It could be a long eight weeks.

On Tuesday, LT Harry gave us a tentative breakdown by percentage, of the branch quotas for our
class. It perhaps should be noted here for the edification of all, that Class 22 H 2 now consists of
138% rather than the customary 100%. This must be what they mean when they talk about the
“New Action Army.”

LT Harry also brought to our attention the possibility of attaining a branch designation in Infantry.

Isn't one of the leadership principles, “Look out for the welfare of your men?”

On Tuesday night, Company Commander Henry led the high spirited Class 22 on yet another
dramatic . . .

NIGHT PROBLEM

Contrary to popular belief, we did not — I say again -- did not get totally decimated. Not totally.
Jackson had his squad off in some swamp counting frogs, and missed all the action. Henry
meanwhile was lying dead in the road (mortar round) and nobody realized it, or took the time to
find out. No one it seems wanted to get involved. And the Audie Murphy Award goes to OC
Golden who acting above and beyond the call of either duty or reason, gallantly charged the
enemy ambush — alone. Two merits for dying in style, of a sort. The problem ended with Class 22
walking half the way back. Three merits for enlightened leadership.

But of course, the big event of the week was the three day weekend. It was not divided into thirty-
seven separate but equal parts as expected but was organized rather, on the basis of a fairly
coherent rotational system. But what is a weekend without “priority projects?” (Answer: Non–
existent). Harry's Hustlers had to secure eight (count them— eight) boony logs by taking lessons
from OC’s Lyle and McCarley.

The Fourteenth Week: 2–8 June marked another step forward toward 8 August 1969. It was not a
particularly exciting week, however, it did produce certain events that make the OCR a unique
world of its own.

Academics was highlighted by the mines and demolitions exam. Candidates were heard to say it
was a “mind blower”. Some others were heard to say stronger words, but they would hardly be
quotable in this passage. This week we began floating bridges and assault boats. The boating fans
in the Platoon are particularly excited about this course,

Page 14 of 25
Candidate Morris lent his hand to liven up what other wise would have been a dull affair. Trying to
put into practice all that he had learned during mines and demolitions OC Morris booby trapped
his wall locker. His demerit sheet was quite interesting: 7 demerits—wall locker not ready for
inspection, 7 demerits—wall locker booby trapped.

LT Ware appeared to be very content with his new walking cane, and it has been rumored around
2nd Battalion that the request is coming down from other Tactical Officers for a similar item.
Congratulations are in order to OC Hogue for an outstanding initiative project.

There are pogey bait runs and then there are pogey bait runs. Saturday night may have been the
most unique one yet. OC's Doggett, Batty, and Morris, while eating at the NCO club, collected
bones for Short, the regimental canine in residence. Alas, Short was less than sly, cunning, and
alert and was caught by a Senior Candidate while burying her goods by the dumpster. Just drop on
down and do pushups Short.

This weekend found a lot of Candidates madly studying in the Post Library. Though this at first
glance looked like a valid attempt at self-improvement, it was soon discovered that instead of
intellectual giants what we really had here were avid baseball fans. They were on a special mission
(attached, detached, unattached—it never was quite known) to discover the history and habits of
their favorite team—the Washington Senators. Such dedication to one team is to be admired.

This weekend also gave Hotel Company a chance to participate In the Post Track Meet.
Representing Second Platoon were light footed Golden, Morris, Buckley, Moon, and Assantes.
Without the aid of any practice OC Golden took second place in the mile, and second in the two
mile run. OC Buckley took a second in the two mile run, a second in the two mile walk, and a third
in the mile run. OC Morris placed a second in the high jump. He also distinguished Hotel
Company by running in one red track shoe and one black one while wearing sun glasses.

LT Harry may be concerned about his Viet Nam alert orders; however, LT Ware has enough to
worry about with a future marriage. It will be interesting to see who is in charge of that formation.

The men of the Flashingly Fleet and Fearlessly Forceful Fighting Second also had to complete
“Mission Albatross.” That is, we had to finish the stairs. They are finally completed hopefully, for

good, though it's doubtful.

And the weekend moved on. Lyle and McCarley descended once again, on unsuspecting
Georgetown and this time succeeded in meeting some of the local lovelies. Next week they're
even going to try to find some that speak English.

And then there was the crew of eleven (OC’ s Eleven) led by Zelenka and Cooper. They made the
appropriate arrangements for a really great evening but failed to provide one thing—dates, though
it was not from lack of trying. Still a nice quiet night watching TV is enjoyable too, right? And the
married men had dates with their wives. Bateman and Daiutolo saw their female friends, and Kern
and Buckley ended up with some girls reluctantly supplied by a Marine Lieutenant.

Page 15 of 25
There were a few other matters of interest in Week Thirteen:

Heffner bought a new car because it was hot and he wanted air conditioning.
Lynn bought a new GTO because he liked the color Green.
And Hesselbacher bought a Firebird because it was Ground Hog Day and seemed like a good idea
atthe time Captain Lemasters joins the “Lost On The Path Crew” and the new CO doesn't like the
color blue, so everything will be repainted,

LT Ware took advantage of the Friday night "Off Posters" and led them in a four hour Saturday
morning baseball game. The OC's performed not unlike the Washington Senators, and ended up
about twenty "points in the hole.

And lastly, OC Knoernschild didn't get caught at anything.

After fourteen weeks the "Fighting Second" finally obtained a guidon. The flag design was
submitted by OC Lindsay and made by, who else, an OC wife. They seem to be a necessary part of
the program and will probably receive a PHT (Putting Hubby Through) on 8 August.

The fourteenth week may have been a little dull and little exciting all at the same time. One thing
for sure, though, it was not "just another week "—what week is in the OCR?

22-H-2 rolled through the 15th Week: 9–15 June in another grand style of splendor much like
Sherman's march to the sea. Monday morning started fast with OC -Hogue taking his gang of “
Wood Butchers" to the D area to build the 1876 Annex. After a day’s work of chopping, hacking,
slamming and one labor strike, the final product with one maladjustment on a corner was finished.
OC Buckley designed and built a sign for the building which was quickly named "Board Feat.”

Tuesday brought us a new chain of command and put OC Buckley in charge of the Bean Garden.
Dummy Art found a new method of keeping his gig line straight. He buttoned the button of his
shirt to his trousers and promptly blew OC Buckley's mind. Thus the Bean Commander started his
week of turmoil and problem solving.

We also received a new officer for the platoon, that of the “Rumor's Officer” to which OC Cochard
was appointed. OC Cochard 's PT average should soar to new heights as his three a day workouts
in the TAC Shack have become the standard. The "Pass the Buck Rule" came into effect as OC
Beauchamp posted to the TAC Shack with OC Cochard's rumor of a June wedding change. To take
up the slack, OC Hughes posted to blood alley to participate (in proxy of OC Cochard and OC
Beauchamp) in the Ware's Daily Grass Drill Routine.

Rumors ran rampant following the appointing of the new officer. Rumors had it that a big cut back
in troop strength was to take place when our "Lost on Path" board was to be increased in size. By
the end of the week no less than eight Candidates had been tapped for turn back by the Blood Alley

Page 16 of 25
Boys. The big rumor of the week was that OC Cochard and OC Jones were to become part of the
'Black Cloud' and time will only tell.

By midweek we had been told that we were gross in appearance and needed haircuts. Out came
the sheep shearing champions who proceeded to cut the hair of the Second Platoon hippies. The
most popular model was that of the “Friar Tuck Style" worn so well by OC Beauchamp.

With the setting of the sun on Thursday, OC Beach's Rambling Rangers headed for the R area in
hope of crushing the awaiting enemy. All praise was turned toward Short (the OCR mascot dog,)
who tactically led us out of the wilderness to our objective. As the platoon moved toward the
objective in attack position LT Dawson killed OC Henry to which OC Henry replied in the still night.
"No fair Sir!" Our forces regrouped following the mass suicide attack in the smoke filled
intersection at 0030 hours to begin the long run to the billets and the pogey bait which was to be
waiting our return. Faithful Short received an outstanding OR for the night as both LT Ware and LT
Harry received unsatisfactory OR's for getting lost in the woods. It was later found out that LT
Ware did not belong to the Pathfinder's Club as had been previously thought. Once back in the
billets our beloved Armorer, OC Cooper was almost assassinated by OC Coburn in the arms room.

Friday morning wake–up time failed to motivate anyone to get out of bed. Sixty-one tired souls
stood Battalion formation with hope in their hearts that it was all a bad dream. Upon returning
from Battalion the Friday the 13th Bad Luck struck as the fire extinguisher was dumped on the
floor causing removal of the highly buffed shine. Somehow everyone made it to class only to see
the biggest chicken attack since the new nightly sleep program was initiated.

Friday night brought the long awaited trip to RFK Stadium to see the fabulous Senators battle the
equally exciting California Angels. Our class was first mistaken for a group of Boy Scouts but later
thought to be Marines. Our class designation was flashed across the Magic Message board with
cries of "War Mongers" from the crowd. Meanwhile the Senators edged the Angels 6—2 on Frank
Howard's home run. The crowning moment of the night was that of a gleaming LT Ware with his
new pair of baseballs received during the game.

Early morning groans were heard again in Building 1876 as an enthusiastic and hungover Second
Platoon flew out of their bunks to prepare for the Saturday morning inspection. A trembling OC
Cooper opened his arms room to hand out the carbon covered weapons for inspection. Just as
expected our billets failed to meet standards and our weapons were put into the category of
unserviceable items. Once again the gleaming "Championship Mr. Clean Trophy" eluded the grasp
of the Second Platoon and again the unison response was echoed throughout the OCR of "Oh
Darn!”

A stack was held in our grubby latrine, with its new OC Daling's Mondrian paint on the wall, prior
to the noon meal. It was reminiscent of the old smack–bean days as the entire platoon was
dumped by LT Harry and to push out one zero as a unit.

Page 17 of 25
All in all it was quite a week as we prepared to “Turn Red Week.” We spent most of our class time
at the beach playing with rafts, bridges and boats. Our biggest feat was managing to arrive late for
every class thus upholding the 22 H 2 tardiness record. We certainly want to thank our local motor
pool for the opportunity to keep this record.

What new and exciting events will come our way will only be told in time. So, be ready for next
week’s exciting episode of the continuing story of 22 H 2 which should be quite a story following
the world biggest boony run — the “Turning Red Problem.”

Week Sixteen: 16–22 June marked yet another tide line for the Fleet and Fighting Second. Like
most weeks in the OCR, this one blasted by and left in its wake, confusion and turmoil. When the
smoke did clear however, it was observed that Class 22 did indeed, turn red. But not without cost.

OC Barkins, company commander emeritus, led yet another mission against the ever persistent
"Aggressors.” This time however, possibly as a concession to our "soon to be status”, we went by
boat. In the dead of dusk we stealthy slipped across the water and assaulted the enemy shore. In
the execution, we more than proved why the last river assault took place in the Korean War.
Undaunted by the 90 to 100 percent causalities, Black Bart (Barkins) led the troops to ye old VC
village where in a human wave attack, Class 22 emerged victorious. However, the attrition rate
along the way was stupendous, staggering even. Black Bart himself was the victim of an insidious
plot; LT Eisenhart waiting in the weeds, riddled the CO without even giving him a chance.

The aggressors did not get off lightly however. They took their share of casualties and LT Ware
took more than his share of CS. Seems no one passed the word to mask. Furthermore, he never
got the all clear either and for quite a while you could hear muffled voices say "Who was that
masked man?”

The problem was a success and we decided to celebrate with a boony run back. Once back we low
crawled around for a while beneath the billets, drove on to a bundle of push ups, and finally
turned red during an assault on the bean billets. The beans meanwhile had prepared a veritable
feast for the new Senior Candidates. It was really unbelievable and so plentiful that LT Barretto
suggested we have another party on Saturday night (which seemed like a good idea) after another
problem and boony run (which did not seem like a good idea). At any rate, it earned the beans an
“at ease" meal whether they needed it or not.

Week Sixteen was remarkable for more than turning red; we also found out the results of our
leadership evaluation sheets known colloquially of course, as "bayonet” sheets. In addition we
found out our class standing which determines our branch designation. We also indicated what
branch we would like. OC Buckley, number one in the class, made the supreme sacrifice in
choosing Adjutant General over Combat Engineers. As it was the only slot open for AG, the others
chose Transportation, Quartermaster, Ordnance, or Combat Engineers. Quartermaster in fact, will
get quite a delegation from Hotel Company which will undoubtedly raise the quality of the Corps.

Page 18 of 25
And speaking of quality, three of the better men in the platoon seem destined to be TAC's. OC’s
Jones, Ellis, and Sundstrom passed the first interviews and wait now to talk to the Battalion and
Regimental Commanders. OC Cochard "chose not to run" and opted instead to become a LRRP.

OC Cochard meanwhile has been "pushing them out” for his superior performance as Rumor
Officer. Rumor has it that when he took the job he didn't know what exactly it entailed. This is one
instance where “Ignorance Is Not Bliss.”

Week sixteen also saw Second Platoon win the Silver Spike Award. (Note: first platoon won only
the Rusty Tack Award). Also, we did our Log PT which was of course, exciting. Naturally, the paint
hadn’ t dried yet. In addition our new Company Commander, Captain Porter went on the “Turning
Red Problem” with us. Rumor has it that he has a six week old raccoon as a pet; that’s something
for the protocol officer to think about.

Week sixteen marked also our first overnight pass which needless to say, was much appreciated.
The weekend was an unusually quiet one however, as the majority of the platoon (if not everyone)
was totally exhausted from the turning red activities. OC Hughes did use the weekend to piece
himself together. It seems he half destroyed himself when in attempting to eyeball a girl at the
pool, he experienced a violent confrontation with the pavement. Three demerits for improper
formation, one merit for attention to detail, and one demerit for abuse of government property.

So Class 22 now moves into its Red Stage, with the extra responsibility of being Senior Candidates.
For the first time however, there does seem to be a light at the end of the tunnel, just about seven
weeks distance away.

Week Seventeen: 23–29 June was our first week as senior candidates. Some members of the
platoon took it quite seriously and turned red physically; that is a good portion of the platoon
developed poison ivy. Rather than send a mob to Dewitt Army Hospital, OC Beach was designated
platoon “Ivy Leaguer", and posted over to secure a supply of calamine lotion. Rumor has it that
those individuals involved will get a three-day pass rather than go on FTX.

Week seventeen was actually a quiet week, OC Wardlaw got himself married, OC Heffner got
stood up at church Tuesday night. She lost her directions, right Dave? Right. Our branches
became official, and the Quartermaster crew of Barkins, Bateman, Connolly, Martin, Golden,
Buckingham, Greenlee, Wilson, and Hughes were officially (and appropriately) designated "the
zoo.” OC Bateman, marvelling at the gods of fate, continues to question just why he had to get
smack Art as his ACQ (Assistant Charge Of Quarters). Art performed with his usual degree of
incompetency, and managed to lock the key box key inside the key box. Needless to relate,
Bateman was impressed.

And then there was the morning when LT Barretto came through the billets . . .

LT Barretto: Open up your footlocker, candidate.

OC Sweat: Sir, Candidate Sweat, yes sir

Page 19 of 25
LT Barretto: What are those?
O C Sweat: Sir, Candidate Sweat, Mangoes, Sir,
LT Barretto: Mangoes? What are they doing in your footlocker?
OC Sweat: Sir, Candidate Sweat, Ripening, Sir.

Fortunately for Sweat, there’ s no place on the demerit sheet for improperly displayed mangoes,
ripe or unripe.

Then came the weekend. To no one’s great surprise, we got smacked in. We decided to paint the
boony room. Great. Except for the color. Curious gray. The boony room now looks not unlike the
inside of a tin can. Vince Hughes particularly dislikes the color. Seems he had a hard time getting
the paint off the floor. Floor? Well, Hughes must have thought we were going to wax the walls
and paint the floor, and so sometime during the course of the afternoon he managed to knock
over 1 each gallon of attractive gray paint. It just hasn’t been his week. In the Command
Information class, he mistyped "War in Vietnam" to read "Ware in Vietnam.” LT Ware failed to see
the humor of it all.

LT Ware: Drop, Hughes. Knock out about 10 (pause) 25 is about 10. Hughes didn't mind,
however; he realized that LT Ware was just helping him get in shape for the Saturday “last ever" PT
Test. The fleet and fighting Second braved the ridiculous heat and humidity, and posted in with a
447 average. We owe it all to LT Ware’s softball games.

The weekend also witnessed Battalion finally succeed in moving the cars out of the parking lot.
Just when Barkins brought up his truck. Barkins said that he was hard pressed to decide between
the truck and an Austin America. Guess he liked the color of the truck better. Henry, meanwhile,
went into D. C. on Sunday to look at his car in the showroom window. It was gone. Maybe they’re
trying to tell you something, Henry.

Week Seventeen was quite noteworthy in one other respect; our junior Tactical Officer got a new
commander. On 26 June, rumor has it that the flags of the fort flew at half-staff as Bachelor LT
Ware became Husband LT Ware. The question in that relationship is not who wears the pants, but
rather who wears the hat. She has already shown her power by convincing him to take a two week
leave when it’s well known he’d much rather be playing softball with the troops.

And so as the sun slowly sets in the West, week seventeen closes with POV Officer Doggett
standing in the parking lot forlornly gazing at his keys, looked inside the car.

Week Eighteen: 30 June–6 July was Fourth of July Week. In honor of Independence Day, we had
post privileges. Only problem was, everything on the post was closed. So we stayed around the
regiment and pulled a few details. The renovation of the confidence course was begun (under our
excellent supervision) by the smacks. Also, in the continuing story of the boony room, Hotel
Company did not have enough of one light colored paint, so it remains an attractive battleship
gray. However, it has now been handsomely trimmed in British racing green.

Page 20 of 25
Week eighteen also witnessed the Soils Exam and the Fixed Bridges Exam. A good time was had by
few. One of our classes was in the camouflage building, which brought back a mist of nostalgia for
the 29 veterans of Pogey Bait Hill. OC Jackson was not available for comment. However, there
was little temptation as the machine had been decimated by the smacks. One consolation—the
classroom was air conditioned, which has to be a first in the OCR.

The big event of the week was the visit by the Office of Personnel Operations (OPO). And the
word was “vol-indef.” Alas, many of the members of the Fleet and Fighting Second succumbed to
the Siren's Song, and were lured upon the rocks. The few who held out were asked if they knew
the road directions to Forts Bliss, Polk, Gordon, Benning, and that garden spot of the Midwest,
Leonard Wood.

Needless to say, everyone looked forward to a rehabilitating weekend. The Fourth was a
disappointment, but we were allowed to stay overnight on the Fifth. The Fleet and Fighting
Second wasted no time in getting away. OC Batty cleverly secured a room in a motel that did not
have a liquor license. Proper prior planning . . . . Sandy Emerson’s wife and child were flown in
from Idaho, courtesy of the Second Platoon. Sandy had never seen his child which was born while
he was here. His was a busy weekend.

OC Finn went to the other extreme, and got himself engaged. Heffner, Cochard and Hughes, in an
attempt to impress someone, wined and dined females at Blackie’s and as a finishing touch,
invited them to see Little Anthony and the Imperials. But then the check arrived. Well, the
evening was finished off with a visit, not to the Cellar Door but rather to a "quaint local
establishment" that, unlike the Door, gives one a “true sense of immediacy in the experience of
contemporary music.” The dates were truly impressed.

And speaking of disasters, OC’s Hogue, Melton and Doggett searched for an even more iniquitous
den. They succeeded in getting their palms read. Such was their fortune. Henry's fortune took a
turn for the better. The dealer still had his car, so he picked up a new black Fiat. The color, he
said, was appropriate for an Military Intelligence Triple Six Man. OC Daling saw wisdom in this,
and playing the role of the good guy, bought a white one. Furthermore, Cooper decided to buy
one, but figured yellow was his best color . . . . However, in looking back, the Week Eighteen “Trial
and Tribulation Award” goes to OC Connolly who drew COG on 5 July. To make matters worse,
during his tour of duty there was a minor accident in the parking lot, then a sudden thunder storm
at Building 1714 which wrapped the flag around the pole, and finally, one of his Juniors butt-
stroked an EM who was passing time by stoning a guard. On such a note did Week Eighteen
fade/lumber/ crawl Into the paste.

Week Nineteen: 7–13 July was one of those "academic weeks.” With great effort did we, the Fleet
and Fighting Second Platoon, plunge into morass of bituminous, concrete, and drainage. The
dryness of the material was exceeded only by the great ventilation of the old hospital area
classrooms.

Page 21 of 25
But drive on we did, and the week was not without its good moments. OC Coburn really got
involved in a concrete class and came away with a scraped and bleeding nose. Something about
testing the resistance factor of the desk top and edge. OC Heffner meanwhile ran another type of
measurement test:

Heffner(at 2300 hrs): I don't see how a tall person fits in one of these beds; I stretch from top to
bottom.

Barkins: Yeah — and from side to side.

Heffner may be long and wide but contrary to customary belief, the rest of the seniors were not
short. The academic classes, the weather, and the short and shortened weekend saw to that.
Kemper reports however, that his wife is short. Alas, she's been giving him a hard time about his
boots. She thinks he’s old enough to do them now. For justification she’s just putting leadership
principle number ten into practice: Employ your command in accordance with its capabilities.

Week nineteen also saw LT Harry go off to war (RVN Training) and LT Ware return from his FTX. LT
Ware’s first action was to drop OC Buckingham; life was again back to normal. OC Henry later took
the initiative and asked for permission to wash his new car during study hall:

LT Ware: Is your car dirty Henry?

Henry: Sir Candidate Henry, filthy sir.
LT Ware: Ten demerits. Henry, dirty car.

And beside that; the answer was no.

Nash meanwhile definitely left his mark on week nineteen. While on regimental CQ, he followed
the misprinted instructions and sounded reveille at 0430. The seniors on Regimental Staff (Golf
Company) were needless to say, not exactly happy.

Saturday was unquestionably the best day of the week. We ran the leadership reaction course and
in addition to having a good time, we also learned a great deal. It was an entirely worthwhile
experience and according to the OIC, we were better than the last seven classes.

Captain Johnson of the Infantry was there and by the end of the day, had Morris and Nash doing
pushups in one of the water obstacles. OC Sweat meanwhile experienced a tremendous letdown
— about eight feet worth into that same pool. He was the man on the stretcher which had been
"expertly" secured by a member of our sister platoon. It was not unlike a burial at sea; the knot
slipped, the stretcher tipped, and Sweat zipped by feet first, arms smacked in along his sides, an
expression of surprise/shock on his face. His rifle and helmet were not far behind. While all this
was going on, OC Hughes was earning himself a nickname "He rocks, He rolls. He goes round and

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round.” It’s the “Human Cam.” Hughes it seems, just couldn’t get across a small log; like the man
said, he just kept going round and round,

Not everything was funny however; in the course of the day, OC’s Cooper, Zelenka, Hesselbacher
and Morris managed to injure themselves. Morris also managed along with Wardlaw, Murrell, and
Cochard, to get himself immortalized on the celluloid strip of CPT Miller’s home movies.

Week nineteen ended with overnight passes, a three o’clock PM Sunday parade practice, and POV
Officer Doggett once again smacking himself in. Doggett leaped into his car on Saturday night all
set for his “Big Date" only to find that by leaving his radio on all week, he had managed
successfully to drain his battery. He assessed himself three demerits for a half–hearted charge and
wandered off to seek aid and assistance.

And 22 H 2 pushed onward into the Roaring 20’s.

20th Week: 14–20 July It was a very eventful week with three tests. FTX and Round Robin all
scheduled for the weeks activities. LT Ware returned to harass the seniors on their length of hair
and wearing of helmet liners indoors. The truth of the chopped up walking stick was told to a
group of amazed seniors as the good captain had viciously cut the prized stick of the nasty man
from blood alley. OC Jones finally hit the big time as he became regimental commander only to
relinquish his duties after a few minutes of being commander to go on FTX.

A fired up, enthusiastic, gleaming, hard core group of seniors pulled out in their convoy for FTX at
the same time an item of lesser importance was taking place. (The moon shot). Once at the camp,
Hotel Company settled into their comfortable foxholes for a few days of camping and fun. The
calm was soon broken as the platoons moved out to their job sites flashing the symbol of peace
from their five ton dump trucks.

OC Cochard quickly saw action as aggressors attacked his position. In the scuffle that followed,
Cochard was declared to be using unfair tactics and had to Iow crawl around the job site. OC
Henry was found to be using improper tactics when he ran from the aggressors and was tackled
and viciously beaten. In the kangaroo court that followed, Henry was found guilty of badmouthing
the aggressors.

Green beret bound Morris quickly set up his array of booby traps around his area. His ingenious
beer can trap caught the unsuspecting Captain and covered him with beer. The quick Morris
escaped through the woods taking with him the satisfaction of a well-executed booby trap and the
thought of a wet Captain.

OC Lynn was air evacuated from the camp site as his three days in his chair in the CP had given him
a case of the Sore Rear. The medics went wild again as those recovering from poison ivy from the
“Turning Red Problem” found that they had cultured new cases of the dreaded ivy. OC Seamans
was really surprised when he found the hair stick that he carried for three days was poison oak.

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And with the sun set high in the Friday sky, a tired, weary, dirty scratching croup of seniors moved
from their FTX site for the short ride back to the billets. Saturday brought us the eight problem
Round Robin. One group had not moved too far before OC Bateman sadistically shot a POW for
wounding a friend. The same POW was later shot by a firing squad. OC Melton quickly moved his
group into an area and secured a latrine thinking something of value was stored there. It is
rumored that OC Melton is of Polish ancestry. OC Lawhon attempted to post his RTO only to be
dropped by LT Harry who found no humor in being a posting RTO. Saturday was a big day for all of
Hotel, we became teenagers with 19 and a duffle bag drag. It was bayonet sheet day for both
classes as back slapping, smiles, helping hands, and general false friendliness was the order of the
day.

The bean heads finally became juniors with the added responsibility of being gross by themselves
as the seniors relinquished the honor. It was with a tear in their eyes that OC Buckingham and
Hughes were the last in a long line of upper-class chain of command for the underclass. Parting as
they did, the underclass is one step closer to being on their own.

Night brought the mass exit of Hotel Company for the big city. The real city boys: Kern, Jones,
Morris, and Cochard found their way to a sleek motel to sip a case of beer and drink cokes. Others
found movies, art shows, ticket buying, and girl seeking more to their fancy.

So ended another week of 2 H 2 with a longing look toward that magic date of 8 August. The word
“short” has been whispered throughout the billets obviously referring to the mascot dog Short.

Mech and tech, mech and tech, mech and tech: snore, boredom, mech and tech. In a sense that
sort of sums up the Twenty-First Week: 21–27 July of OCS. Against all these odds, however, the
fighting Second managed to make a dent into what would have otherwise been a good week.

It was noted that OC Seamans may have won the “I love mech and tech" award when he fell off his
chair from sheer excitement -- or was he asleep? Speaking of excitement Hotel 2 was never seen
to move go fast or with such urgency as when the Pogey Bait truck made its regular trip to the hill.

OC’s Heffner, Cochard, Assantes, and Seamans were rumored to have started polishing up their
surf boards for Hawaii. They were quoted to have said they expect a lei when they get off the
plane. OC Golden, our man on the ski slopes, predicts Heidelberg may surpass the South Pacific.

On Saturday morning; Second Platoon began to feel a bad case of “shortitis” coming on when they
posed for pictures at Wallace Hall. It was hard to tell who the candidates were and who were the
TACs. This was soon decided when thirty–seven of' the most senior seniors in the Regiment, acted
as aggressors and lane graders for Echo Company’s “round robin" exercise. OC Bateman said that
a good time was had by all.

Across the Regiment, Saturday the word went out. “The O. D. is a bear tonight.” Fear was struck
in the hearts of all as he was seen bee-bopping around the Regiment. “Everybody drop.” OC’s

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Zelenka and McCarley soon learned of his terror when they danced out of the Officers Club into
LT Ware’s path. What’s that leadership principle about sound and timely decision? OC Golden
was seen going from phone boot to phone booth doing his best to slip into Georgetown.

Twenty-one weeks of Army films had conditioned too many candidates to slip into the “land of
nod.” When the movie started at Theatre Three OC Hogue immediately fell asleep along with
several others. Saturday came to a quiet end at Building 1876—with one exception. The football
season came early as OC Bateman called signals while OC Cochard gave tremendous blocks
against some unassuming wall lockers. At the end of the first quarter the score was OC Cochard
one sore arm and wall lockers nothing.

The twenty-first week is over. With eleven days and a wake up we surge forward to another
week of mech and tech and to the end of classes. Mech and tech, mech and tech, mech and
tech, snore, z-z-z-z-z-z-z-z-z-z-z!

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