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CHAPTER ONE - ACTIVATION TO ACTION
The 90th Division was activated at Camp Barkeley, Texas on 26 March 1942. Officers for the
division arrived before this date in order to prepare the billets, to get acquainted, and to plan the training
programs. At this time Major V. Strauss commanded the battalion. 1st Lt. Thomas J. Morris, Jr., was
the Battalion Adjutant, and 2nd Lt. Clive P. Jaffray, Jr., was the Headquarters Detachment Commander.
Other original officers of the Battalion who subsequently landed in France, still with the organization
were: 1st Lt. John W. Marsh, of Company M, 2nd Lt. Robert F. Burns of Company K, 2nd Lt. Arnold S.
Waterbury of Company K, 2nd Lt. James A. Prugal of Company L and 2nd Lt. Donald D. Benedict of
Company M.
Original enlisted men’s cadre, from the 20th Infantry, arrived several weeks early also. Among
these men were S/Sgt. William W. Masters of Company M, S/Sgt. James L. Leath of Company I, S/Sgt.
Robert L. Hoffler and S/Sgt. Marion G. Lanzarini of Company L.
A seventeen week basic training course was immediately undertaken in the hot Texas sun, during
which Major Strauss was promoted to Lt. Col. After this course was completed, a twelve day review
course of similar nature was instituted. Maj. Jack A. Goodman assumed command of the Battalion at
this time. These courses included problems up to units the size of a battalion.
In the fall of 1942, the 90th Division was motorized so that all companies had sufficient
transportation to ride all personnel and equipment. On this transportation the Battalion rolled to Camp
Bowie, Texas to partake in its first combat firing problem in November. Then in succession, followed
Regimental Combat Team and Divisional tactical problems during the months of December 1942 and
January 1943. These problems umpired by officers of the 95th Division, were always preceded by long
motor marches to contact the “enemy” on Hankins, Cox or Sears ranch. The hot Texas weather of the
previous summer now gave way to frigid experiences riding in motor vehicles and pitching pup tents in
the snow and sleet.
In late January 1943 the Battalion moved with the Division to Louisiana for a two month
maneuver with the 77th Infantry Division as opponents. The final two weeks of these maneuvers were
well underway before the Division was allowed for the first time to attack in full strength. The “enemy”
was immediately routed and “cut to pieces.” Near the close of this maneuver, Col. Joseph H.
Ryustemeyer, our tough, efficient Regimental Commander, left and was succeeded by Lt. Col. James V.
Thompson, formerly Division G-3.
Upon return to Camp Barkeley, Maj. Jacob W. Bealke, Jr., assumed command of the Battalion.
Under his able direction, the outfit gradually developed into a highly disciplined and well trained tactical
organization.
Early September found the entire Division en route to Yuma, Arizona for training in desert
warfare. Operating out of the newly constructed Camp Granite, the Division received additional
instruction under the burning desert sun, ending up with a month of maneuvers against the 93rd Infantry
Division, a colored outfit. In maneuvers the 90th became the first Division to successfully "crack" the
Palen Pass fortified defense line. Christmas found Major Bealke promoted to Lt. Colonel. A few
enlisted men and officers were allowed three day passes to see the sights of Los Angeles.
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