Like you, a lot of the memories have faded from boot camp. However, one thing that has stuck in my mind, was how prisoners were treated by the Marines. Our company commander always harped on us about not speaking, or even looking at brig prisoners who were brought to the mess hall for meals.

One day during noon mess, the prisoners were brought in, and we were lined against the wall so they could pass. They maintained really tight order and silent. One prisoner forgot, and spoke to a boot he knew from civilian life. The nearest Marine guard struck this prisoner behind his knees, and the poor sap went down like a sack of potatoes. The Marine reminded him, "NO TALKING!". Never will I forget this moment.

I was a reserve and our boot camp only lasted three weeks, then directly to a two-week cruise at Norfolk, on an old Sumner Class destroyer. I went on active duty the next year, and served with the Seabees, even though I was a fleet rate disbursing clerk.