Robert J Samples Loc: Round Rock, Texas

During World War II, there were draft boards established almost immediately. Most of the early draftees were younger men, but as the war progressed on both oceans, older and older men were drafted. My Uncle Claude was somewhere in his middle 30’s and eventually was drafted. My father was in his late 30’s and believe he would be called soon.
Claude was the last of my family to enter the service, by volunteering or draft. There were other interesting stories, but one he related that I thought stood out and is worth retelling. He had been in some weeks, but finally they were to take their 12-mile hike.
When they reached the end of the hike, the drill sergeant said, “O.K. you are free to go back at any pace you like. Uncle Claude took off running! When the drill sergeant saw that it appeared he was going all the way back to camp at a run, he began yelling for him to halt. However, Claude was far enough away, he pretended he didn’t hear the drill sergeant. He kept on going all the way back to the barracks and had a lot of free time to clean his weapon, shine his boots and take a nap before the platoon arrive back at their barracks. I don’t think the drill sergeant ever said a word to him.
For a lot of country boys from the South, the U.S. Army was a better life, better food than they were used to at home. A lot wrote home about being given all their new clothes, and all the ammo they could shoot, and well, life was good. That is until they entered combat. I expect the fun was gone when they had to sleep in foxholes with about a foot of ice and water in the bottom. Just Sayin…RJS

The Outcast Loc: NE Michigan

Great story Mr. Samples!
So much different than today. My Father enlisted in the Navy in 1943 at 17 years old with his parents permission. Way before Information Age! Radio and Newspapers were about it…he was near enough to Japan when they dropped the bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki that he was on shore a week after… all he ever said was it was like nothing he had aver seen. Sorry I got carried away a bit…

Slimshady Loc: Central Pennsylvania

Good story RJ and more than a little truth in there pertaining to the home life

EZ Fishing Loc: College Ward, Utah

Another great story Robert thanks for all of your stories.

bapabear Loc: Blaine, Washington

So true. My dad was a Virginia raised white Commanding Officer of an all black unit (period term), from basic through combat in Europe. He told stories about teaching hygiene, reading and so on. That being said, by the end of the war he had gained great respect for his company and until he died, he was a strong supporter and defender of equal rights. Us kids are so lucky he passed that on. At any rate, he said nearly the entire remaining company became lifers. Life at it's worse in the army, was better than what many had waiting at home. It often makes me wonder about the spoiled complainers I took basic with. What would be the basic training repeat and section 8 rate today if the draft was reestablished?

Graveytrain50 Loc: DFW Area Texas

This is a great story.Always great reading🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸