Camp Polk

Camp Polk covered eight square miles in the piney woods of Western Louisiana. There were 869 buildings to accommodate training for 14,000 men serving with armored divisions. The battalion arrived there January 15, 1943.

The Louisiana terrain was thick with mud and swamp land. Tanks would drive over what appeared to be a patch of dirt but would sink deep into mud.

The men were trained in combat maneuvers, fired machine guns and rifles, had landing net drills, waterproofed their tanks, and endured endless inspections. But occasionally they did more than train. There was plenty of poker and pinochle, and occasionally fists would fly in a local bar.

February 18 — We got in late last night. I think Mac [McMullen] and Mike are still under the weather. Came back to camp in a company truck loaded twice its capacity. First thing this morning I heard a rumor that some of the boys mixed it up in Alexandria with personnel of the 77th Division with whom we're to maneuver.

March 30 — The Colonel said today we would be in some theatre of operation shortly. Maybe a few weeks. Maybe a few months. Anyhow, we have top priority around here.

April 7 — I found out today we will put on our full field equipment Saturday afternoon and climb up and down a contraption line on the post that is about so high; 3 or 4 feet thick with a rail on top, and has huge rackers, and a rope net.

April 14 — Had one man pretty well blown up yesterday. Heard the shot and saw him run. Dynamite cap went off in his hands. He's okay.

May 5 — Went out on machine gun range about 30 miles out yesterday. Fire again tomorrow.

May 12 — Have to be up at 4:00 in the morning! I think our firing will be completed tomorrow except for the filler replacements we're getting. Possibly more in June. Ammunition ordered for it anyhow.

May 17 — Memorandum from Captain Jack Duke: "To insure completion of all required activities, the duty day of this battalion will be from 0630 to 2100 for Mondays through Friday. The duty day for Saturdays and Sundays will be from 0730 to 1700."

Beautiful Dreamer

Dennis would arrive at Camp Polk a single man but would leave six months later a married one. Two weeks after setting foot in Louisiana, he attended a USO dance where he met Gertrude Lawson. He was captivated from the moment he met her, and remained so for the rest of his life.

May 29 — Wedding day. Dennis and Gertrude married in Lake Charles, Louisiana. His friend, Mac, from the 741st, served as best man. His father was able to travel from Kentucky to attend, despite the rationing that was in effect. Dennis requested the song "Beautiful Dreamer" be played at the wedding because it reminded him of Gertrude.

June 7 — The battalion received orders to transfer to their next encampment, which would be in Virginia.

June 12 — The 741st Tank Battalion boarded a train bound for Camp Pickett.