A G.I.'s Wish List

[floydragsdale]

A G.I’s wish list.

What did a Soldier talk about up on the front lines when there was a lull in the fighting?

The fellows, many times, talked about what they missed; things that were only available at home.

One night during the B.O. B., in the comfort of a bunker (a sand bagged hole in the ground for 6 or eight men) the topic of a discussion was what every ones “druthers” were. Although I cannot remember what all of the G.I.’.s wants were, it was usually the common things in life. For instance, perhaps a simple walk to the corner drug store for a milk shake, or a soda; a game of pool at the local pool parlor. One fellow just wanted to take his girlfriend to the movies at the local theater.

A Lieutenant, who was quietly listening, finally spoke up and said, “You guys can have all of your wishes and wants but just give me my home town newspaper and a good comfortable bowel movement in a warm bathroom.”

Unlike present day movies about the war, a WWII Soldier rarely used vulgar language except to “fly off the handle” in extenuating circumstances.

The Lieutenant was about 24 years of age and past the teen stage of life. Surly, he missed one of the personal privileges of home, to say the least.

An outhouse in the back yard, at home, would have been a luxuary behind the front lines during WWII.

Floyd

[floydragsdale]

Several days ago this discussion group member posted a message pertaining to a G.I.’s wish list. That is to say, what front line soldiers missed the most and wished they could have.

The message ended by quoting what a twenty-three year old Lieutenant wanted for himself.

Perhaps the message may have seemed objectionable and out of place to those who read it. However, I was attempting to illustrate the wretchedness of front line duty.

A Soldier “up front” did not know if he would see the sunset, or the sunrise the next day. There were days when simply being able to sleep was considered a luxury. When he did have time to rest, there was the problem of just tying to stay warm.

There were instances when his body was distressed with fatigue and demanded rest yet, he had to keep going, or die.

When the temperature was minus twenty-five below zero life in a foxhole was miserable, at best. Under those kind of conditions death seemed to be better than living.

When soldiers were shielded from the elements of war within a bunker and sub-zero weather they had a tendency to do some wishful thinking for all the simple things of life back home.

Here’s my apologies to those who may have been offended by my post, A G.I.’s Wish List. .

Floyd
424th Regiment

[connie]

Floyd,

I doubt anyone considered your references the nitty gritty of wartime realities objectionable. It gives a clear picture. I know that even when pulled out of line, disorders of the intestinal nature were rampant. And, of course, thoughts of the good life back home were something that both free GI's and those in POW camps used to sustain hope as they put one foot in front of another. This is a great topic. Thanks for starting it!

I can tell what I've read and heard. But your voice of real experience tops anything I can stay. Still if others want to chime in on this topic, go for it!

Connie

[Diana E]

I echo Connie's sentiments. I want the real story, and am grateful that you, Floyd, are writing these things for us.

[Larry Heider]

Floyd, your honesty and openness in sharing your war history makes for a great read. Anyone offended by your story of the Lieutenant has probably never been more than an hour away from indoor plumbing. Please continue this topic, it's a very intriguing idea.

[engineercutoff44]

I agree with everyone else Floyd!I have been up in the woods in the dark and cold without enemy fire etc around me yet you learn never to take the simplest things for granted...

[floydragsdale]

Hello Everyone:

Thanks for your kind comments.

Here at home now, in the Midwest, U.SA. we midwesterners are experiencing near zero temperatures after the sun goes down and in the daytime the thermometer climbs to just above freezing.

These cold days always remind me of Belgium and the front lines in Dec. 1944 - 45. - - - For a Soldier, many times, simply having a chance to get some sleep was a luxury. Memories of a warm living room, in front of a fireplace with glowing embers back home, were a real asset while attempting to drift off to sleep. Pleasant thoughts such as those were a blessing and like a sleeping pill for a weary Soldier.

Floyd
424th Regiment