HISTORY OF COMPANY “P” 2ND REGIMENT
W. F. BUNTING
Company “P” was born on the thirty-first day of July and grew to full size the following day. And what a jolly bunch of “green” rookies we were! For once in a group of
boys, one knew as much as another. That first weekend was devoted to getting fully equipped and getting acquainted with our officers and buddies, of whom were the finest in Camp.
The next week started our real soldiering for the good old U. S. A. and Company “P” held its own with any other Company. Afternoons were spent in the athletic fields in all
branches under competent instructors. We were, however, instructed by Lieutenant Erskine. Under him we developed baseball, basketball and track teams worthy of mention, playing their part in winning glory for
the old Second Regiment in the final events.
The close of that week found us with appetites growing, muscles tightening, chest expanding and all parts lifting out of that old easy slouch that had been so characteristic.
Much to our regret the close of the week brought us a change in commanders, Captain Bogan being replaced by Lieutenant Rodes. So the week ended with the knowledge that we had
learned more, had accomplished more and had had more good times in that week than any other in our lifetime, and still looked like a bunch of rubes when we passed in review.
The new week brought new drills, new talks and new items of all kinds with a lot of new vim on the part of the men. Tents began to slick up and the men with them, while
“bawlings out” increasingly decreased. And so we worked, played and learned in spite of those three reviews during the week.
The next week found us on the rifle range, the place we had all been looking forward to, where we could actually use the gun; there never was a prouder nor more excited bunch of
boys than when we pulled the trigger for the first shot. We acquired our share of medal records and celebrated by attending the CMTC show where Company “P” was again represented and where we carried off our
share of praise. Lieutenant Short left us that week but not without a hearty yell by the Company while Lieutenant Glassey who had been with us a short time was heartily received in Lieutenant Short’s place.
As the last week rolled around we were given new work so interesting that we lost all track of time until we found ourselves lined up, while medals were given out, putting Grams,
our best soldier, Kramer, our best athlete, and McRae and Smith, our sharpshooters, on the honor list of Company “P”. It was only when we returned those glorious-colors that we realized the closeness of our
withdrawal. At last we bade each other good-bye.
We finished the Citizens’ Military Training Camp for the year 1924 feeling that Uncle Sam had accomplished his yearly purpose. We came to Camp with a feeling that we should
learn to be men and knowing that “Our Country” wants us to be men. We leave camp as better men; men with higher ideals and plans; men with better ideas of the government of this, our great country, and with
a loyalty that cannot be shattered.
We leave with a rousing cheer for Company “P” and the officers that have so patiently trained us, a cheer for the CMTC of Camp Custer and a cheer that will echo and
re-echo throughout all the hills and valleys of the land for that great government that has brought us here as boys and sent us away as citizens.
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