Excerpt from Pen Pictures of the Great World War, 1917-18: The Personal Experiences of Our Boys in the Service

Pril 7, 1917, I enlisted in the U. S. Navy. Well do I remember that day. It was not until September 10, 1917, that I was called into active service and reported at Pier 19, North Wharves, as an app; entice seaman.

I, along with the men who reported the same day, was sent to Wissahickon Barracks, Cape May, N. J.

When we arrived there we were given inspection and clothes that fit us quick. Our first meal at the barracks consisted of cold beans and cheese. Just, think what I left behind me at home!

All I can now remember is drill, drill, drill, and to be yelled at by a fellow no better in civil life than oneself and called a mush head. Later on I became a little better than a greenhorn and was put on guard at the wireless station. It was the day before Thanksgiving, and I was wishing I was home to get some of those good meals that mother prepared. We were relieved at A. M., Thanksgiving morning, and when I got back to the barracks I found a box of good things to eat from Young, Smyth, Field Go. I ate some of them and they tasted good, and the rest of the boys, who also had some of the good things, pronounced them fine.

I was beginning to get tired of the barracks, and each day it seemed to get harder. At last, on December I was transferred to the Submarine Patrol Boat No. 639.

We patrolled the water front of Philadelphia Navy Yard until the ice formed inthe river, when we had to stop. It was a cold winter, and all that we had was three oil stoves to keep us warm, one of which was no good.

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