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But that would have made for an awkward situation. He had commanded us once,

and had been the heir apparent after that. To return now as S-3 would be a comedown.

And since he had been senior to Eric Peach as a major, and especially since he was highly

popular with everyone who had served under him, his presence might cause divided

These were the problems that Lt Col Peach must have been wrestling with during

the several days in which nothing was said on the subject. By anyone. At least not in my

I began to be nervous. Of course we could worry along with only one officer in

the FDC during this period of little action, but it would not be feasible when we began to

move again and we would have to split into a forward and rear FDC. Besides, I wanted

the job, and I was tired of living in suspense. I had already been passed over once - I was

senior to Doug Myers when he was made Exec and promoted to major - and if it was to

happen again I wanted to find out.

We did not get Major Hughes, but we did get a new-or second hand-captain. Arlo

Knowles had been wounded while serving as liaison officer in the 344th FA Bn. Now he

was well, but there was no vacancy in the 344th, so he came to us instead. Lt Col Peach

had come from the 344th too, so I expect they knew each other. All our liaison officer

slots were filled, so Knowles hung around the CP, waiting for assignment. Maybe he was

as nervous as I was.

At last I became desperate. I didn't feel I could confront Peach, demanding to

know my fate, but I did approach Major Myers.

"Doug, has Eric said anything about a new S-3?" "No, not to me. Why?"

"Well, I'd kind of like to know. And if he gives Don Thomson the job, he'll need

Myers looked at me. "Oh, I don't think Eric would do that. But you're right; he

should be doing something. I'll talk to him." And the next day, Lt Col Peach called me

over. "Bob, I want you to take Captain Knowles under your wing and teach him how to

be an S-2. I'll be needing you as S-3."