Camp Pickett

After a five-day train ride, the battalion arrived at Camp Pickett, Virginia on June 16, 1943. They were the only tank outfit on the post. At Pickett they learned where to place TNT charges to destroy vehicles and they were given amphibious training.

June 22 — Went swimming about six miles out last night. Two truck loads of us. Swimming again this morning. Regular classes. Learned one new stroke. Yesterday I swam a hundred yards over and came back and I was really pooped. Couldn't have made it much further. You get rusty if you don't keep that up. We'll need it soon, too. You'd be surprised at the number that can't swim at all. We may go out to sea for 35 days. Will be landing and loading along the coast.

June 23 — That schedule I wrote about yesterday has been postponed. Went swimming three times yesterday.

June 25 — We leave for Camp Bradford the morning of the 2nd. Will be gone seven days.

June 29 — I planned on going to Norfolk Saturday but the morning inspection put us under restriction to barracks for the weekend. I took a detail out this morning for a six or seven mile hike before reveille. I was wet with sweat when I got in. Suppose I walked us too fast. Should have gotten out at 4:30 but didn't until 5:00. Got in at 7:00. We're having the most extensive training here there is. No nights off until around 8:00 and alternate in the office.

June 30 — We climbed ropes and nets up and down all morning. I took a fall from the boat but didn't get hurt much. Just skinned up as usual. The training is extensive and intensive. No recreation. We don't have time anymore.

July 30 — We've scrubbed and mopped and cleaned windows galore tonight. Getting cleaned up for tomorrow. Payday is tomorrow, too. It should be a busy day. This morning I went to the field and was given a group of men and a compass. Came out on top even though I hadn't had one in my hand for over a year. They are pretty complicated and I know nothing about them.

August 24 — Probably leave this area Sunday or Monday. Change of station. Fort Dix, New Jersey, this time. Have to be there the 1st. No embarkation as yet. I really have a job on my hands with 350 of the outfit in Wellfleet, Mass. on anti-aircraft firing. Meet us in Dix and that isn't good for me. Now I have to pack all this, or supervise it anyhow, because the Sgt. Major has gone on the firing. I have the file clerk's job, my job, and the Sgt. Major's job and for how long I don't know. It's a job with all this work and packing. I only have to write up four court martials tomorrow. Held them today and I had to be the reporter again.

August 26 — Our orders came through today. Our move must occur 1st September by rail and not convoy. Will be there the next day. I don't want you at Dix too close to 'boat' time. I can't see myself sailing and you there. And I know it would affect you the same way, Darling. I am not going back to visit my sister this weekend. I don't want to see them cry again. Getting calisthenics every morning. Drilled the platoon most of the morning. Most listen to me and do what they are told.