War vs Chess

War vs Chess

Fighting a war is like playing a chess game. The perfect chess game has never been played and the perfect war has never been fought.

In Iraq, Sadam has advisors whispering in his ear, pointing out any suspected weakness they see in the coalition game plan.

In England, Blair has advisors whispering in his ear, pointing out any suspected weakness they see in the coalition game plan.

In the US, SOME of the media (especially CNN) is SHOUTING at the whole world, pointing out any suspected weaknesses in the coalition game plan.

It seems to me some of the U.S. media values money, ratings and exposure higher then they value the lives of our solders.

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From the Editor

Dr. Zoe Simmons

The way to the future is learning from our past. It gives me great pride to see the interest of fellow Americans to preserve our past for our children. To share with them the stories of heroic soldiers, photographs, wars, and good ole days. Our Nations past will never be forgotten.

I would like to thank all the contributors to this section and throughout the magazine. I'm enjoying reading stories and learning much more than could ever have been taught in school. I can say my true excitement has been sharing this with my two children, Tiffany and Christopher.

If you have any stories of soldiers, the wars, questions, please send them to this magazine. We would love to share your memories with others,

Thank you.

Dr. Zoe Simmons

Editor

Wartime Section

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Attention New Soldiers at Camp Lee, Virginia

Captain Richard H. Harding, QMC, Supply Officer, states in a handout to newly inducted soldiers stationed at Camp Lee, Virginia in 1943.

1.) In this building you will be issued clothing and equipment, FOR WHICH YOU ARE FINANCIALLY RESPONSIBLE, in case of loss or damage. The items are listed below, in the order of their issue. Items marked with a double asterisk (**) will be issued to you in your company. Items marked with one asterisk (*) are issued to you upon your arrival in camp. Items:

** 2 tags identification 1 hat, herringbone Twill

* 1 Raincoat, 1 Liner, Helmet with 1 Neckband *1 Shaving brush: and 1 headband

* 1 Toothbrush 1 cap, Garrison, O.D.

* 1 Comb 2 caps, Garrison, Khaki

* 1 Razor with 5 blades 1 Cap, Wool, Knit

*2 Towels, huck 1 Meat Can

* 1 Towel, bath 1 Knife

* 2 Barrack bags 1 Fork

5 Drawers, Cotton 1 Spoon

5 Undershirts, Cotton 4 Handkerchiefs, cotton

2 shirts, wool, O.D. 1 Tape for Ind. Tags, Cotton

2 Shirts, Cotton, Khaki, 1 Canteen 1 Jacket Field

1 Cover, Canteen 2 Trousers, Cotton, Khaki

1 Manual, Basic Field 1 Pair Leggins

2 Neckties, Mohair 1 Pair Gloves Wool

3 Pair Gloves wool 3 Pair Socks, Wool, Light

1 Belt, Web, Waist 5 Pair Socks, Cotton, Tan

1 Coat, Serge, O.D. 2 Pair Shoes, Service

1 Overcoat, Wool, O.D. 2 Jackets, Herringbone Twill

2 Trousers, Herringbone Twill

2.) As you pass along the issue line; all items will be carefully checked and all that you are not required to wear at that time will be placed in your barrack bags. Upon completion of the issue you will be assembled in the Assembly Room of the warehouse and all items issued you will be checked by an Officer from your company to make certain that you have received all that you are entitled to, NO CLAIM CAN BE MADE AFTER LEAVING THIS BUILDING –THINK--

3.) Items requiring alteration should be taken to the tailor shop in this building upon completion of the issuing of your property. All clothing should be tried on as soon as possible and ill-fitting items exchanged between 1-2 p.m. the following day after completion of all processing.

4.) Your appearance as a soldier is largely up to you – COOPERATE!

Signed: Richard H. Harding, Captain, QMC, Supply Officer

Dr. Zoe Simmons

Editor

Wartime Section

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KOREA..... THE FORGOTTEN WAR

I CAN'T FORGET
ONE MONTH I LOST 9 FRIENDS
I CAN'T FORGET
MY FRIEND LOST BOTH LEGS
I CAN'T FORGET
A HIGH SCHOOL FRIEND LOST ONE LEG
I CAN'T FORGET
MY FRIEND LOST HIS MIND
I CAN'T FORGET
I KILLED
I CAN'T FORGET
I DID THINGS I CAN'T TALK ABOUT
I CAN'T FORGET
I STILL SEE FRIENDS SICK FROM THE WAR
I CAN'T FORGET
I DREAM AND FIGHT THE WAR OVER AND OVER
I CAN'T FORGET
HOW COLD I WAS
I CAN'T FORGET
NOW I'M OLDER WILL MY GOD FORGIVE ME
I CAN'T FORGET
I WAS A COMBAT SOLDIER
I CAN'T FORGET
I HURT MY LOVED ONES
I CAN'T FORGET

US CASUALTIES

   DIED: 54,245
   WOUNDED: 103,284
   M.I.A: 8,177
   CAPTURED: 7,140
   WE CAN'T FORGET

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Published in U S Legacies Magazine May 2003

Wartime Memories