sharpshooter, and expert rifleman medals, won on the range with the new M-1 rifle. The fact
that the American soldier is traditionally a good shot was substantiated. Men who had been
privates just a few short weeks ago are now sporting brand new corporal’s and sergeant’s stripes.
Things were moving along.
On 15 September, the Regiment was motorized in conformance with the Army order to
convert a limited number of infantry divisions into motorized divisions. The initial glee of those
who thought their walking days were over was short lived, however, for the foot work continued.
First and last, the Regiment was still a “paddle foot” outfit.
Lt. Col. John W. Sheehy assumed command of the Regiment on 20 November to replace
Colonel Patrick who was assigned to a higher post. Lt. Col. Sheehy’s long period of command
had a profound effect upon the spirit and fighting qualities which the Regiment was to display
later in combat. His knowledge of human nature and the problems of the common soldier won
for him the respect and admiration of every man in the Regiment.
From 13th to 19th December, 1942, the Regiment took part in a one-week maneuver at
Camp Bowie, Texas, completing battalion firing tests which comprised the firing of live artillery
over the heads of the men for the first time, and the use of live small arms ammunition in attacks
on simulated enemy positions. The Regiment was addressed by Lt. General Dan I. Sultan, then
Major General in command of the VIII Corps, who stressed the importance of artillery in
command, and assured the men that artillery support would not be lacking when the real thing
came. This was later proved to be absolutely correct.
During the months of the December and January, the Regiment completed the
Regimental Combat Team and Divisional Unit Training phases in the wooded hills surrounding
Camp Barkeley. These problems were conducted under simulated combat conditions. The
weather was extremely cold at times, but fires or other comforts which a soldier in combat is
denied were taboo here also. The Regiment was now living outdoors more than it was indoors.
The men were in fine physical condition, each having gained an average of 10 pounds, and were
beginning to feel that they knew something about soldiering.
Concurrent with the above training, the Regiment conducted basic training for newly
received filler replacements, most of which came from the Atlantic seaboard states.
The men now knew their jobs, had learned to work as a team, and consequently were
ready for some big scale maneuvers. On 26th January, 1943, the Regiment moved with the
Division 600 miles by truck to the vicinity of Leesville, Louisiana. During the two months the
Division was engaged in Third Army maneuvers against the 77th Infantry Division. The piney
woods in East Texas, and densely wooded swamps along the Sabine River and in western
Louisiana made an excellent battle ground and gave them an inkling of what was to be required
of them. The Regiment made an excellent record during this maneuver.
The 2nd of April found the Regiment back at its permanent station at Camp Barkeley.
Training was continued with stress being placed on infiltration courses, small unit firing
problems, range firing, and physical conditioning. The men were able to knock off 25 miles in
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