On Nov.7-8th, Allies landed in North Africa, the start of Operation Torch.’Til now, this was the largest operation performed by any armies. It involved the British Army and Nayy, the U.S. Army and Navy and some Vichy supporters. We were not aware of it’s success or progress. Reading my letters for December, I can now understand our Bn.’s action. On two occasions, we did dry runs of packing our clothing and equipment, making ready for a move to an unknown destination. We also labeled everything in code, 02-J J. We were all guessing and came up with Feb. Jersey Junction.
Meanwhile, I was studying camouflage work with another GI. This prompted me to request a transfer to the Air Force for Aerial Reconnaisscance. Lt. McMinn was all for it and he also mentioned that the Army was looking for newsreel photographers. He asked me if I could do it. I said sure, even though I never did motion picture work. I knew how to use the cameras. I was also busy trying to get a transfer to the Geiger Field Photo Lab, a permanent station. The head of the lab was an older man who was eligible to be dismissed due to an edict that the government passed, that men over the age of 38 were to be dismissed from service. He entered me as a replacement and I thought I would get it. But then I discovered that all transfers were being denied. Our roster had been filled and all transfers were being denied. Prior to this edict, Lt. McMinn had been transferred. I lost my guidance counselor. His replacement asked me, “why do you want to transfer?”. I said “To do the work I enjoy”. He informed me that all changes are frozen by command.
To keep us occupied during the month of Dec., we did lots of drilling and marching. One particular incident is still vivid in my memory bank. Our squad of 50 were lined up 10 across, five deep. We were being drilled by the Master Sgt. He was having a difficult time getting us organized and marching in synch. He was very frustrated and couldn’t manage us. There was one GI, who didn’t know his left foot from his right. Instead of getting off on his left foot first, he always went right. This threw off the entire squad. The Sgt. was angry and the squad was chuckling, causing the Sgt. to to get so frustrated that he yelled at me, (I had a big smile on my face, enjoying the humor of the situation), “Okay, Roth come up front. You think this is funny and a big joke. Take over the squad and drill them. Let’s see what you can do.”
Well, there I was in front of the squad. So I gave them a pep talk. Let’s show the Sarge how good we are. But first I want to make a change. I called the GI with left foot problem and told him to get white paint and put it on his left shoe, so he will know to start the march properly. I dismissed him for the day and then gave the squad a pep talk. Let’s show the Sarge how good we are. And really we were drilling in unison, marching up and down the parade grounds. I was in front and chanting Hup,2,3,4 and left, right ,etc. We were really into it for ten minutes, and I thought to myself to take a break after 5 more minutes. I was facing the squad about 5 feet in front of me and walking backwards while chanting “left, right, 3,4. , when I suddenly tripped and fell on my back. I was senseless for a short period and when I recovered, I looked around me and found the squad still marching in unison. They were now about 10-15 feet away, with their backs in view. I stood up quickly and yelled, ” Halt” They stopped at once. They waited for my next command, which I gave, ” About face”. “Forward march” and the squad marched towards me. When they came close, about 2 ft. in front of me, I yelled “Halt”. “At Ease”. I said. I thanked the squad for their behavior and said “Dismissed”. After this occurrence, whenever I passed the members of our group, they would tease me with the chant !,2,3,4.
(The GI with the left foot problem,, painted his left shoe white. Problem solved).
(PS) I was tripped by an exposed wire that had been embedded in the soil.
