Jasper County Democrat, Volume 22, Number 91, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 11 February 1920 — NOW IN UNCLE SAM’S SERVICE [ARTICLE]

NOW IN UNCLE SAM’S SERVICE

Son of Dr. Maloy, Former Rensselaer Boy, Writes Relatives Here. Mrs. James Maloy received a letter a few days ago from her grandson, B. J. Maloy, who is now a private in the service of his Uncle Samuel and is stationed at Paris Island, S- C. He is a son of Di. Bernard Maloy, formerly of Rensselaer but now located in Chicago, and he enlisted some six weeks ago in the service. Among other things, of a private nature, he writes: “All arrivals at the island are placed in quarantine for three weeks. It is not known what disease an arrival may have that has not developed and so this segrega-

tion is done as a precaution for the safety of those in the camp proper. In quarantine you are not permitted to go beyond a certain limit. You eje not allowed to associate in any way with others than those under quarantine. In order to keep you from getting the blues you are kept busy. You are taken out of bed at six in the morning. In six minutes you must dress and fall in

line for roll call. You are then sent back in the barracks to make up your bunk and clean up the barracks inside and out. At sixthirty you eat. You must get back to your barracks, put on your leggings, shine your shoes, roll your pack and fall in for drill at 7:30. You are drilled until 11:30, and drilled hard. You are then taken off of the field and back to the barracks where you must clean up and prepare for chow, and you must be dean, hair combed, shoes shined, body clean, finger and toe nails trimmed and clean, clothes brushed and all buttons sewed on etc. At twelve you go to chow. At one you have inspection. On Monday body inspection to see that you are clean. On Tuesday clothes and bunk inspection, and other days other inspections, such as different kinds of packs, to see that you know how to roll them correctly and inspection of other equipment. At one fifteen you again go to drill. At four you come off the field and are given until five to bathe, wash clothes, black leggings and clean up around your building. At five you again go to chow. At six roll is called, colors are lowered while you give them the military salute. You are given until six thirty to clean up your rifle, your bayonet, equipment and wash your mess gear, frying pan, canteen, cup, knife, fork, spoon, etc., and they must be polished until they shine. At six thirty you are taken to the movies. You must go whether you care to or not. Arriving at the theatre you are lectured to until seven thirty. Then the movie begins, partly regular piovies <and partly military instructive pictures. Back to the barracks at nine thirty where you must make your bed, undress and if your rifle and bayonet are not thoroughly cleaned they must be cleaned. At ten you are inspected to * see that you are ' stripped of everything, underwear and all and in your pajamas, to see

that your bed is made up correctly and your rifle and bayonet are inspected. The clothing you wore the day before is inspected to see that you are not wearing dirty clothing At ten taps are sounded and all lights go out and you had better be in bed and quiet or—something is going to happen. So I did not have any time which was my own while in quarantine. I will have more time and will write often now. We will now spend two weeks on the range with rifles and revolvers and will have bayonet practice. We will soon be sent away from here and it is no telling where we will go. I went to church this morning as I have ever since I enlisted. All men here are made to attend church of some denomination. I do not have to be made. The K. of C’s have a very pretty little chapel about a mile from where mass is said. After catholic services protestant services are held. There is a priest on the island all the time. I will write to you often and to dad. (Dr. Maloy of Chicago) and sis. All my love to Gumpey, Bro.