I must admit I surprised myself at my ready acceptance to do this article. I have not been one to talk about my time in the Army, except with those who shared some of the same experiences. I think I am not alone in those feelings.
Both of my brothers had served in the military. Serving our country was a family tradition. During the winter break of my senior year of college, I enlisted in the Army. My report date was delayed until after I graduated from the University of Maryland at the beginning of June 1967. By the end of June, I was in the Army!
I was sent to Ft. Dix, NJ for my Basic and Advanced Infantry Training courses. In November 1967, I reported to Infantry Officer Candidate School at Ft. Benning, GA. Our class started with 250 candidates.
There was one other Jewish Officer Candidate in the class. When the class graduated, there were only 120 men remaining. Ironically, our graduation date of June 3, 1968 was one year to the day after my graduation in College Park.
When I enlisted, I requested Military Intelligence branch. I was very happy to find my request was fulfilled. I received my commission as a 2LT in the Military Intelligence branch of the Army.
From Ft. Benning, I was sent to the Army Intelligence School at Ft. Holabird here in Baltimore. After the grueling previous year, it was a treat for me to be able to spend some time in my hometown. It was also interesting to be able to expose my comrades to the benefits of being in Baltimore.
I know that a few engagements and marriages occurred in our ranks. I was able to assist a few of the fellas in purchasing engagement rings at David’s Jewelers in Pikesville. Most of those marriages are still intact over 50 years later!
