US Naval Reserve Midshipmens School - Side Boy Yearbook (New York, NY)

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the drill grounds in its determined conquest. The Fort offered little of compromise but appeared to be demanding. Nor did the impression change during the first week that passed. It was a nightmare of ringing bells, roll calls, banging lockers and of the tempered remarks of 350 men pushing, sweating and straining to please all but their fellow midshipmen. Many were those who strolled disconsolately along the seawall that week. Time passed however, and acquaintances grew. They grew over a quick cigarette in the lounge before formation, over shaves in the busy washrooms, in class and during the last few minutes before taps. With friendship came warmth of understanding and the gray walls of Fort Schuyler brightened considerably. Came the day AXS no longer adorned the address on the incoming mail. The apprenticeship had been served. Congratulations and toasts from the coke machine were in order. All-Bilt and Saks delivered their precious cargo and the mirrors in the washroom reflected many shining faces. With their newly acquired set of Tropical grays and title of Midshipmen, the trainees streamed through the gates that week-end on their first full fledged liberty. Those who were lucky received the proud and admiring remarks and glances of parents and sweethearts that memorable week-end. Those whose homes and sweethearts were far away settled for the bright lights of Broadway and Times Square. The rugs under the clock at the Astor and a few of New York's famous bars caught hell those few days. More week-ends came and went, enjoyed by all except those who had a military post to man. Classes, homework, watches, interviews, departmental exams and the latest scuttlebutt filled up the ensuing weeks. At night after secure study had been sounded there were bull sessions. On occasions when the moon hung low over the Sound and the tide pulled gently at the seawall, there was reminiscing and talk of future plans. i Came the day the knowledge the midshipmen needed could not be found in books or classrooms. The title of junior ofilcer in the Navy was at hand. Their training period was over, experience loomed as the next and most difficult teacher. During their training period their status in the Navy had been radically changed. Peace had come and with it overwhelming joy and gladness. It was overshadowed only by the fact that most of them had not been able to take a more active part in winning the peace that had cost the country so dearly. As one looks back, the perspective of Fort Schuyler has changed like the very day into night. Many lasting friendships have been formed and very enjoyable times had. Its gray frame buildings and sandy plots hold only memories of the good that was accomplished there. Those memories will help to fill the lonely moments that most certainly lie ahead in everyone's life. 220

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