Ed & Ray Hersman in WWII - Robert Marks.org

3.4. ARMY TRAINING Ed & Ray Hersman in WWIIbaths at the Y.M.C.A. and started to get in shape for the Army.3.4 Army TrainingOne day I received notice to report for induction into the Army. I was inductedinto the Army at the induction center on West Third St. in Cleveland,Ohio.3.4.1 Fort Haynes, ColoradoWe were sent to Fort Hayes, Columbus, Ohio, where I received my firstreal introduction to the Army. The soldiers who took care of the inducteesseemed to have been chosen for their ability to yell, and generally make ourlives miserable.We were run from place to place, where we received our uniforms andshots. Naturally after the running we had to stand in line for hours. Welearned at once the old Army adage “Hurry up and wait.”After running around all day we were glad to turn in that night. Oursleep was interrupted constantly by the soldier bellowing things over theloudspeakers. About four o’clock he bellowed “All K.P.’s turn out.” Somebodyyelled back “Go to hell you sons of bitches.” Promptly the order cameback “Everybody turn out and stand by their bunk for inspection.” Theywalked up and down looking at us but didn’t find who yelled. They finallylet us go back to bed for another hours sleep.In the latrine at Fort Hayes was a urinal with a sign over it “For VenerealDisease Only.” I have always been puzzled by that sign since it seems unlikelythat anyone would admit having something by using that urinal.3.4.2 Camp Atturbury, the Hellhole in IndianaWe left by train from Fort Hayes and didn’t figure out where we were goingfor many miles. Finally one man said “I know where we are going, to that24