| 60 Years Ago Today -- an Important Day for Me 01:12 - Jun 23 with 1096 views | Davillin |
Exactly 60 years ago today, I was inducted into the U.S. military. I was 17. [Photo below taken a year later in Korea.]
I arrived to the induction center in Philadelphia very early in the morning, took a battery of aptitude and intelligence tests, had physical and psychological examinations, attended classes in military subjects to prepare us for basic training, and took the oath. I have forgotten neither the oath nor the taking of it.
Later that evening we were driven to a Philadelphia airport to board an Air Force C-47 ["Dakota" to Brits] to fly to my basic training base in lovely upstate New York. [The photo below is of a different airplane, one of our squadron's, later when I was in the Far East.]
My first flight was in an airplane I had almost worshipped from the days of World War II, so I was quite thrilled.
Later, I was fortunate enough to be an aircrew member and flew in several other iconic airplanes. As a passenger I flew in the C-46 [an airplane owned and operated by China Air Transport, formerly part of the Flying Tigers], the C-124 Globemaster, and the C-121 Constellation; and as a crewmember on the C-47, C-119 "Flying Boxcar" [known familiarly as "the widow-maker," one of several to be stigmatized with that nickname], C-123, and C-130, and with most aircrew time in the SA-16 Albatross [a seaplane] and the H-19 helicopter.
 
I served in New York State, Tennessee, South Carolina, and North Carolina, and in Korea, Taiwan, and Japan.
I was first trained as an Aeromedic, went to the Far East into the Air Rescue Service, serving at various bases around Korea where I flew on my first life-saving mission at the age of 18, then Taiwan, back to Korea, and then Japan, was later was re-trained as an Independent Medical Duty Specialist, but was transferred back to the States before assignment when my unit was deactivated and absorbed into another unit.
I came back to the States and served in a Tactical Medical Center [Air Force term for what the Army called "a M.A.S.H. unit"], and then in tactical aeromedical evacuation. Between those two assignments and my time in Korea and Taiwan, I spent more time living in field conditions [tents, outdoor sometimes hand-dug "facilities," field kitchens, C-rations and K-rations, etc.] than I did in wooden barracks. I did not find that a hardship, however, but enjoyable. [Photo below of my tent row in Taiwan.]
My last duty station was on Pope Air Force Base, which is contained within Fort Bragg, North Carolina, and hosted the airplanes and crews which serviced the 101st Airborne. My outfit's mission was to fly into a drop zone which had been secured by Airborne parachutists, in either a C-123 or C-130 along with the Airborne troops who flew in instead of jumping. We used makeshift dirt or grass airstrips and after the Airborne troops had offloaded, re-configured the aircraft to carry out litters with wounded.
As part of that outfit, I went on field maneuvers several times, full field conditions. The stunning highlight ["lowlight"?] for me came when I and a couple of buddies from my unit took a wrong turn in the woods in a Jeep and were captured and finished the maneuver as POWs.
Our Commanding Officer was not happy.
On another of those maneuvers, I rolled over a weapons carrier in the wee hours of the morning on a one-lane unlit road through the forest, and walked away from it. Fortunately, as I was a considerable distance from our bivouac area, someone came by and drove me there, where I was put in a "meat wagon" and taken to the nearest military hospital, with a couple of cracked ribs and some cuts and abrasions.
This time our Commanding Officer was SO "not happy" that he gave me "an Article 15" with a fine [to cover payment for the damages to the weapons carrier] and confinement to base for some period of time [relatively short as I remember because my four-year enlistment was about up, but long enough that they could take the fine out of my pay].
I remember my service as the most satisfying and valuable thing I have done in my life. And, to be candid, I enjoyed virtually every moment of it. [Post edited 23 Jun 2014 1:14]
|  |
| |  |
| 60 Years Ago Today -- an Important Day for Me on 06:50 - Jun 23 with 1062 views | 1jack |
Nice read, I believe there's a few on here that could do with a bit of that.  |  | | |
| 60 Years Ago Today -- an Important Day for Me on 11:19 - Jun 23 with 992 views | perchrockjack |
respect Tone. You ve lived a life alright |  |
| |
| 60 Years Ago Today -- an Important Day for Me on 13:03 - Jun 23 with 950 views | Catullus |
| 60 Years Ago Today -- an Important Day for Me on 06:50 - Jun 23 by 1jack |
Nice read, I believe there's a few on here that could do with a bit of that. |
A few on here, and many more out in the real world!!
I once argued with an ex squaddie about national service. he was dead against it he said, because he didn't want all those low lives and scum in his army!!!!!!!
Sort of overlooking the fact that a stint would maybe have stopped them becoming low lives etc.
And sort of overlooking the fact that the British army has the vast majority of it's history built on forces made up of the "scum of the earth" as I believe Wellington once referred to them.
A good read though Tony. You have lived more of a life than many will ever know exists! | |
| |
| 60 Years Ago Today -- an Important Day for Me on 13:54 - Jun 23 with 922 views | China_Jack |
I came from Mainland China. the "Flying Tigers" were so famous during the Sino-Japanese War. and the air battles in Korean War and Taiwan Strait had already became a part of history of PRC Air Force. It's nice to see the stories form the opposite. for me it's a tragedy that killing each other between Chinese and Taiwanese pilots which had been separated by ideology and politics. |  | | |
| 60 Years Ago Today -- an Important Day for Me on 14:47 - Jun 23 with 908 views | Davillin |
I found a photo of a C-46 from the China Air Transport - not the one I flew in, but the same model airplane with similar markings.
 | |
| |
| 60 Years Ago Today -- an Important Day for Me on 15:06 - Jun 23 with 870 views | JackoBoostardo |
| 60 Years Ago Today -- an Important Day for Me on 14:47 - Jun 23 by Davillin |
I found a photo of a C-46 from the China Air Transport - not the one I flew in, but the same model airplane with similar markings.
|
Had no idea Davillin - but you have my respect.
Great OP. |  |
| |
| 60 Years Ago Today -- an Important Day for Me on 15:08 - Jun 23 with 892 views | Davillin |
| 60 Years Ago Today -- an Important Day for Me on 13:54 - Jun 23 by China_Jack |
I came from Mainland China. the "Flying Tigers" were so famous during the Sino-Japanese War. and the air battles in Korean War and Taiwan Strait had already became a part of history of PRC Air Force. It's nice to see the stories form the opposite. for me it's a tragedy that killing each other between Chinese and Taiwanese pilots which had been separated by ideology and politics. |
Thanks, China_Jack.
A lovely woman who has been in my life for almost 50 years told me after her father died that he had served in the Flying Tigers during WW2. In hindsight, his character and personality squared perfectly with that experience. It's good that she didn't tell me when he was alive or I'd have pestered him endlessly for photos and stories.
When I was on Tainan Air Base, Taiwan, for three months in October-December 1955, serving on an Air Rescue "element" [one H-19, two pilots, an aeromedic, and a crew chief] our tent and our "operations" tent were right on the flight line. I was awakened almost every morning by the sound of Nationalist Air Force F-84s firing up, taxiing, and taking off.
We were there to provide rescue cover for them in the Formosa Strait. Fortunately, while I was there, we didn't have to make a rescue. | |
| |
| 60 Years Ago Today -- an Important Day for Me on 17:27 - Jun 23 with 829 views | orion3016 |
Good read that, respect davillin |  |
| |
Login to get fewer ads
| 60 Years Ago Today -- an Important Day for Me on 19:05 - Jun 23 with 784 views | fbreath |
Used to have a good laugh with the USAF guys when they used to bring their v52 bombers to brize norton on exercise. They couldn't land them anywhere else. What a massive wing span and unbelievable that such a big machine can get off the ground. The wings have an undercarriage for when heavily loaded because the wings droop so much.
They would be with us for a few weeks and would bring their own coke machines as they said the uk stuff didn't taste the same they would also be during bud during the day when on tea break.
At brize we had a 3 lane bowling alley. Was in there one day and asked a few of the Americans if they had ever played it before . I can't write here what their reply was I think they were a bit insulted. |  |
| We are the first Welsh club to reach the Premier League Simples |
| |
| 60 Years Ago Today -- an Important Day for Me on 20:16 - Jun 23 with 760 views | westwiltsjack |
Hey Mr Davillin
You ever serve in Ft Dix (McGuire)? I spent some time there in 2002 or maybe 2003 running around like a fecking idiot with elements of the USAF Security Forces. Flew into Philadelphia (didn't fly mil to McGuire for some reason) and picked up by a USAF Deuce and and a half which then packed up on Interstae 295 - waited in the baking heat for 3 hours for a replacement. A bad start to the trip but fortunately not a portent for the remainder, which was memorable in many ways - hoooah! | | | |
| 60 Years Ago Today -- an Important Day for Me on 20:31 - Jun 23 with 746 views | Davillin |
| 60 Years Ago Today -- an Important Day for Me on 20:16 - Jun 23 by westwiltsjack |
Hey Mr Davillin
You ever serve in Ft Dix (McGuire)? I spent some time there in 2002 or maybe 2003 running around like a fecking idiot with elements of the USAF Security Forces. Flew into Philadelphia (didn't fly mil to McGuire for some reason) and picked up by a USAF Deuce and and a half which then packed up on Interstae 295 - waited in the baking heat for 3 hours for a replacement. A bad start to the trip but fortunately not a portent for the remainder, which was memorable in many ways - hoooah! |
No to both questions. I did get a military truck-driving licence which was really great on maneuvers because I got to sit up front on the padded driver's seat instead of on the wooden slats in the back, as you probably did. My commiserations, even though late.
Very candidly, I'm glad to hear that your experience with the U.S. military was "memorable." In my experience military from different nations do tend to get along because of the intense shared experience. Except sometimes when intoxicants get involved.
p.s. as much as I disliked riding in the back of a Deuce and a half [in my in my time called "a six-by"], I did enjoy driving them. | |
| |
| 60 Years Ago Today -- an Important Day for Me on 20:38 - Jun 23 with 731 views | westwiltsjack |
| 60 Years Ago Today -- an Important Day for Me on 20:31 - Jun 23 by Davillin |
No to both questions. I did get a military truck-driving licence which was really great on maneuvers because I got to sit up front on the padded driver's seat instead of on the wooden slats in the back, as you probably did. My commiserations, even though late.
Very candidly, I'm glad to hear that your experience with the U.S. military was "memorable." In my experience military from different nations do tend to get along because of the intense shared experience. Except sometimes when intoxicants get involved.
p.s. as much as I disliked riding in the back of a Deuce and a half [in my in my time called "a six-by"], I did enjoy driving them. |
They even gave me a temporary Hummer licence for the time I was out there - now that was pretty damned cool. | | | |
| 60 Years Ago Today -- an Important Day for Me on 20:49 - Jun 23 with 715 views | Newhousemustscore |
Wow. Great read. People write on here and I have no knowledge of the age, sex, colour or their background. The only thing I know of them (unless the site is infiltrated) is that they are all Jack bastards. Where do you live now? & why the Swans? | | | |
| 60 Years Ago Today -- an Important Day for Me on 21:56 - Jun 23 with 686 views | Davillin |
| 60 Years Ago Today -- an Important Day for Me on 20:49 - Jun 23 by Newhousemustscore |
Wow. Great read. People write on here and I have no knowledge of the age, sex, colour or their background. The only thing I know of them (unless the site is infiltrated) is that they are all Jack bastards. Where do you live now? & why the Swans? |
To spare the rest, PM on the way shortly, thanks. | |
| |
| 60 Years Ago Today -- an Important Day for Me on 11:06 - Jun 24 with 631 views | Catullus |
| 60 Years Ago Today -- an Important Day for Me on 21:56 - Jun 23 by Davillin |
To spare the rest, PM on the way shortly, thanks. |
Don't spare me Davillin!! You've had an interesting life, well worth hearing about.
To qualify my statement, I volunteer with a charity that helps the elderly. I love hearing their stories. I live and learn, every day. | |
| |
| 60 Years Ago Today -- an Important Day for Me on 12:54 - Jun 24 with 605 views | Davillin |
| 60 Years Ago Today -- an Important Day for Me on 11:06 - Jun 24 by Catullus |
Don't spare me Davillin!! You've had an interesting life, well worth hearing about.
To qualify my statement, I volunteer with a charity that helps the elderly. I love hearing their stories. I live and learn, every day. |
I'm not really sure how to take that"helps the elderly" as it applies to "hearing [my] story" , but p.m. on the way with my other p.m. answer. | |
| |
| 60 Years Ago Today -- an Important Day for Me on 13:32 - Jun 24 with 592 views | Davillin |
| 60 Years Ago Today -- an Important Day for Me on 13:03 - Jun 23 by Catullus |
A few on here, and many more out in the real world!!
I once argued with an ex squaddie about national service. he was dead against it he said, because he didn't want all those low lives and scum in his army!!!!!!!
Sort of overlooking the fact that a stint would maybe have stopped them becoming low lives etc.
And sort of overlooking the fact that the British army has the vast majority of it's history built on forces made up of the "scum of the earth" as I believe Wellington once referred to them.
A good read though Tony. You have lived more of a life than many will ever know exists! |
I feel the need to respond to your first two sentences, in complete agreement.
First, I'd bet the farm that what I will write here about the U.S. military applies 100% to the British military.
As we know, not everyone who goes into the military is a former altar boy and citizen of the decade, but the military takes them because it knows how to reach the best in recruits and turn them for the better.
Their training principles and methods start with the notion that they quickly get the recruit back to basics and build him from there. For example, about 15 years ago, when I was teaching high school, I was invited to spend several days at Camp Lejeune, the Marine Corps' basic training camp in North Carolina. The Marines do this periodically and invite people they know are Marine- and military-friendly.
The point of this is that I had a moment of great epiphany when we were taken to the arrival centre for new recruits and I discovered that it was almost exactly like mine about 45 years earlier! Slightly disheveled civilians ragged from a long day of intake and sleepiness; footprints painted on the pavement in front of the entrance; a good ice-cold splash of military discipline; etc.
The thing that hit me was that both they and I arrived at our intake center in the wee hours of the morning, tired, disheveled, a bit disoriented at the discipline.
I know that after some formalities, my basic training intake group were immediately put to work, all "dirty work" like mopping floors, cleaning latrines, etc. My group finally marched to our new barracks just before dawn, and were awakened to military duty not more than two hours later.
The Marines did the same thing. Get civilian comforts out of your system immediately and learn to be military as quickly as possible.
The other thing we learned from that was that we were all in it together, and had to work together to survive and thrive. Self-discipline was a most honourable goal, indeed.
I mean this absolutely. For the first couple of days, the only piece of military clothing we were issued was a field jacket. I still have a photo of poor recruits marching along looking exactly like raw recruits, with total envy of the others they saw in full military uniform -- envy even though they might have been only a few days "older." We absolutely could not wait until we got our uniforms so we didn't look so silly and out of place. The Marines did that, too. All of this was done on purpose to make us want to be military.
The military did not care about your life before you hit the painted footprints, only what you were becoming.
Finally, they refused to give up on us. The Marines, too. If you were having a problem, they worked on it. If you fell behind, they simply re-assigned you to a later group. If you still didn't make it, they sent you to a kind of rehabilitation unit. I visited the one at Lejeune and found young men with health problems, physical injuries, discipline problems -- every one of them getting almost personal attention from the Corps to bring them back. When they did that, off the recruit went to a new, later unit and everyone worked to success.
I can tell you that no-one in my basic training unit wanted to be set back! Not only did it mean a longer time there, but it meant losing the camaraderie of the unit.
Ex-military will tell you that that camaraderie and the unit are the vital essence of success.
Where do young men learn that in civilian life?
At Lejeune, we finished our visit at their "confidence course" [I forget the real name for it], where for a week of hell they come slammed up face to face with themselves, tested and tested. Teamwork. Individual strength and effort. Success. We then attended their "graduation." I remember mine with great clarity, and they were the same. Very proud, very much more mature than they could have imagined as they stood on the yellow footprints. A snap in their steps, straight and upright young men. [Post edited 24 Jun 2014 13:36]
| |
| |
| 60 Years Ago Today -- an Important Day for Me on 22:14 - Jun 24 with 536 views | Catullus |
| 60 Years Ago Today -- an Important Day for Me on 13:32 - Jun 24 by Davillin |
I feel the need to respond to your first two sentences, in complete agreement.
First, I'd bet the farm that what I will write here about the U.S. military applies 100% to the British military.
As we know, not everyone who goes into the military is a former altar boy and citizen of the decade, but the military takes them because it knows how to reach the best in recruits and turn them for the better.
Their training principles and methods start with the notion that they quickly get the recruit back to basics and build him from there. For example, about 15 years ago, when I was teaching high school, I was invited to spend several days at Camp Lejeune, the Marine Corps' basic training camp in North Carolina. The Marines do this periodically and invite people they know are Marine- and military-friendly.
The point of this is that I had a moment of great epiphany when we were taken to the arrival centre for new recruits and I discovered that it was almost exactly like mine about 45 years earlier! Slightly disheveled civilians ragged from a long day of intake and sleepiness; footprints painted on the pavement in front of the entrance; a good ice-cold splash of military discipline; etc.
The thing that hit me was that both they and I arrived at our intake center in the wee hours of the morning, tired, disheveled, a bit disoriented at the discipline.
I know that after some formalities, my basic training intake group were immediately put to work, all "dirty work" like mopping floors, cleaning latrines, etc. My group finally marched to our new barracks just before dawn, and were awakened to military duty not more than two hours later.
The Marines did the same thing. Get civilian comforts out of your system immediately and learn to be military as quickly as possible.
The other thing we learned from that was that we were all in it together, and had to work together to survive and thrive. Self-discipline was a most honourable goal, indeed.
I mean this absolutely. For the first couple of days, the only piece of military clothing we were issued was a field jacket. I still have a photo of poor recruits marching along looking exactly like raw recruits, with total envy of the others they saw in full military uniform -- envy even though they might have been only a few days "older." We absolutely could not wait until we got our uniforms so we didn't look so silly and out of place. The Marines did that, too. All of this was done on purpose to make us want to be military.
The military did not care about your life before you hit the painted footprints, only what you were becoming.
Finally, they refused to give up on us. The Marines, too. If you were having a problem, they worked on it. If you fell behind, they simply re-assigned you to a later group. If you still didn't make it, they sent you to a kind of rehabilitation unit. I visited the one at Lejeune and found young men with health problems, physical injuries, discipline problems -- every one of them getting almost personal attention from the Corps to bring them back. When they did that, off the recruit went to a new, later unit and everyone worked to success.
I can tell you that no-one in my basic training unit wanted to be set back! Not only did it mean a longer time there, but it meant losing the camaraderie of the unit.
Ex-military will tell you that that camaraderie and the unit are the vital essence of success.
Where do young men learn that in civilian life?
At Lejeune, we finished our visit at their "confidence course" [I forget the real name for it], where for a week of hell they come slammed up face to face with themselves, tested and tested. Teamwork. Individual strength and effort. Success. We then attended their "graduation." I remember mine with great clarity, and they were the same. Very proud, very much more mature than they could have imagined as they stood on the yellow footprints. A snap in their steps, straight and upright young men. [Post edited 24 Jun 2014 13:36]
|
And this is exactly why I'm all for national service. We have too many young people with no self discipline, no sense of their own worth and no direction.
And on the previous post, you are as old as you feel. I'm 47 and have a medical condition that makes me feel much older physically. But mentally I am still young. I actually have more enthusiasm and zest for life now, than I did 30 years ago.
Maybe it was becoming a dad that worked that miracle! | |
| |
| |
By continuing to use the site, you agree to our use of cookies and to abide by our Terms and Conditions.
