Camp Davis N.C.

                                                                                                            May 28, 1941

 

Dear Pauline –

                        Last week I received my last shot in the arm. Each man is required to be vaccinated and have a shot for small pox, typhoid, and diphtheria. The second shot takes the most effect. You’re in quarantine and can’t leave camp for ten days. Here is our daily routine so far: At 5.45 am is the first call, you get up wash your hands and face, brush your teeth, then you make your bed and don’t leave no wrinkles. Reveille is 6 a.m. When you hear that call, you drop whatever you are doing, no matter what, and run like hell for the ranks.

                        Your cap must set on the front of your head; all buttons on your uniform must be buttoned. Your tie must be tucked between the 2nd and 3rd buttons of your shirt. Three ranks are formed by stepping in to the left of each man forming three columns. When the 1st sergeant calls Attention you go into it snappy. Your heels together – toes pointed out at 45 degree angle chin up and head and eyes straight ahead – chest out – shoulders back – your arms hanging so the thumbs of your hands are in line with

 

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the seams of your trousers. Once you’re in that position, don’t move even if there is a fly on your nose. The sergeant then calls the roll, which

you answer by saying “here and loud.” After the roll call comes calisthenics. At 6:30 a.m. you go back to the barracks and finish doing what you left off. Shave, sweep the floor or make the bed. Breakfast is at 7 A.M. After breakfast you go back to the barracks and smoke or read. 8 a.m. is the time for drilling when you hear that whistle you run like hell again and fall in at attention. You’re then off for drilling.

                        At 11.30 mail time – 12.00 is dinner, then 1 P.M. drill again – 4.30 mail again – 5.00 supper, rest of eve is yours – 9.30 lights out in barracks and no talking or noise. Saturday afternoon and all day Sunday is yours to do as you please. You can get a pass and go to town 30 miles away called Wilmington, which is $50 or more for a round trip ticket, or you can go to the ocean and swim – 4 miles away. In between times you study and listen to lectures. After we master the foothills, we go into the rifle drills. I saw two of the rifles today, they are Springfield’s 30MI1903, 8 ¾ lbs and shoot 4 miles.

                        Here are some details each man is required to do, about once a month. Work in kitchen, wait on table, work in lavatory and room orderly. I am holding my own so far, at least I’m not

 

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in the awkward squad yet. This squad drills all day and a little in the evening so they can catch up with the regular squad. I am closing now. Will let you know how I make out with the rifle drills and best regards to all –

                                                            Your  bro.

                                                                   Pete.

P.S.

            Here are some articles I can use if you care to send them – make the package about the size of a cigar box – you don’t have to register it or send it all at once.

 

Bedroom slippers, size 10 brown color

Propert’s saddle soap.

Small sponge

Castile soap, it comes in oblong shape

We use this to washing and polish leather.

Later on try to send me of those

$2.00 Browne cameras with films