The following came from a scrapbook belonging to Elwin Haak, kindly provided by his son-in-law Chris Rosendall. I have transcribed all the printed material (to make it search engine friendly) attmepting to keep the original fomatting, done with a typewriter, as near as possible using my limited HTML skills. Underlining and capatilization match the original. Even the background graphic of old paper is from the original document. When you see [sic] it denotes a typo in the original (other mistakes are probably mine). -Bob Kipke
OUR HISTORY In addition to the vast amount of both technical and tactical training experience furnished by Major Liedike, he is assisted by Captain George W.B. Eliason formerly of the 336th Engineer Regiment, also of Camp Rucker, who is serving with the 298th Engineers as Executive Officer. The 336th Engineer Regiment also furnished the 298th Engineers with an excellent enlisted cadre. They are a group of non-commissioned officers full of life, ambition, and |
GREETINGS GENTLEMEN: pride and responsibility for creating a Battalion of Combat Engineers trained for active theater of operations duty. The men of the organization came generally form the north middle-west sector of the United States and are young and full of ambition to become hardened soldiers. The average age of the men is the Battalion is very low, while the Intelligence tests given them at the time of their induction shows that the average score is well above the 110 mark. (cont. page 2) |
EDITORIAL STAFF Already these men are showing indications of becoming the type of soldiers who will make history to be proud of for the 298th Engineer Battalion. Just between you and I, I believe that the first platoon now holds all records for falling out. It seems that they were extremely slow the other day, and they had a little practice on it by a certain red-headed Lieutenant. As a result they are really on the ball now, including yours truly. |
shoes. What for Sarge, can’t we keep this nice red sand on ‘em? Speaking of baseball, I’ve heard alot [sic] of contrevorsy [sic] as to what company has the best soft ball team. So what say fellows, how about passing out a few challenges? Lieut. Sewell, company C commander informed the men that a pool table would be installed when company C arrives at their new barracks. This table shall be purchased by contributions of the men of that company. It sounds like such a swell idea that I believe the other companies should follow suit. It will benefit all concerned. They tell me that there is quite a number of supposedly expert ping-pong players in our midst. If so, we believe that we could fix up some stiff competition for them. Being that we are moving into a new area soon where pingpong [sic] tables will be available, you will have an opportunity to prove yourself skillful. |
Here are some hard cold facts about the food distribution of the 298th Engineers Battalion. Any time you stroll over in the direction of the mess hall, you may notice a portly chap, with a genial smile. That, gentlemen, is Sgt. Gillapio, our mess sergeant. If you over feel inclined to grumble about waiting in line for chow, remember that you are one of 832 men fed in a hall that has a seating capacity for 525. That’s right soldier, there are 800 enlisted men, and 32 officers in our outfit. At present there are six cooks filling your empty stomachs. They also teach eight student cooks. If you have ever tried cooking, you probably realize the difficult task these men have before them. These men “rise and shine” at 3 A.M. to prepare your breakfast. By the way, Joe Battontio, one of the student cooks, has finally learned how to make coffee. All of you that have been on K.P. you eat your fill, and under Sgt. Krychta you probably work your fill too. If the chow is not to your taste, please address all complaints to the war department, for it is they who send the menu along with the rations. Although some of the food may not appeal to you, remember it contains all of the necessary vitamins to bring out your pop and energy. As you know, fellow, you are in the best army in the world, and you are fed and treated accordingly. Many of you already know that the 298th Battalion has an H & S company. What, you may ask, is an H & S company? It is a headquarters and services company divided into two sections. The headquarters sections, which is the smallest, has the responsibility of running and supervising equipment. On the other hand, the section known for services is divided into many technical groups whose operations are both necessary and essential to the proper functioning of the 298th Engineers. They must furnish the 298th with its water supply, many of its trucks, reconnaissance details, radio men, etc. As a result of the time they devote to this work, they do not undergo as much basic training as do the line companies. |
It seems that we have a great number of talented men in this battalion, such as singers, impersonators, various instrument players, and master-of-ceremonies. Why not start organizing some of these talents and put them to use for the benefit of all? It is not too early to start thinking of dances, shows, etc. If you are a show producer, why not step forward and get it going??? Who know, we may have a second Glen Miller or mickey Rooney in our midst. A fine example of our existing talent was displayed last Friday night by our battalion. Among the various participants were harmonica, guitar, piano, trumpet, and saxophone players, assisted by a swell impersonating act. All vocal chords were exercised by group singing. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * MAJOR R.R. LIEDIKE LIEUT. B.L. STAFFORD CPL. J. JASPER CPL. F.F. PERRONE TO MAKE THIS EDITION POSSIBLE * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * At Service Clup #1.......................April 30, 1943 Adm. 40¢ .................................... 8 P.M. G I R L S G A L O R E |
The pioneers of Early America advanced in history and education. Thus, we are also anxious to make History for the 298th Engineers’ Combat Battalion. Remember, we are soldiers and need morale. Our papers will permit this morale among us. Keep contributing and keep reading the best little soldiers’ newspaper in America for the “Fighting Engineers”, who are on their way in the best army in the world. A letter received by one of our men’s wife’s sister. Dearly Beloved, You will probably be shocked at my forwardness, but I have tried time after time to lead up to this matter, and somehow never could. Since it has been in my mind for several weeks I have at last decided to ask you. Ever since I first met you, you were very friendly, but as weeks and months have passed by, my feeling for you has grown into something more sincere. I never thought such a question would enter my mind at such a time as |
???? ????? Have you ever been in Love (Pvt.) with a small town like Lonstermaker (2nd Lt.) located in Africa? Here is where the Decon (pvt.) lives. Otherwise known as high clock Krikorian (Pvt.) seated in his Rector (Pvt.). You would be a-Maise (Pvt.)-ed and Joy (Sarg.) would Steel (Pvt) over you as you would see the Masterviedo (Pvt) of our bugler, and songs sung by the Martin (Pvt.) birds. With a drink of Beer (Pvt.) and a bit of a Gram (Staf. Sarg) crackers or Smimeny (Pvt.) broad, you would be lost in this town. This town is more beautiful than Jackson (Staf. Sarg.) ville, the nearest town, where all the black Smiths (Pvt.) are located. One Taylor (Pvt.) however, is the only working man in town, who is usually shining Sterling (Pvt.) silver or hunting wild Beaver (Pvt.). Watts (Pvt.) the difference if you’re a Kerr (Pvt.) or Wheeler (Pvt.) you will Steel (Pvt) enjoy this little village. Even (1st Sarg.) if you aren’t a Gentelman (Pvt.) you would care to see Nicholas (Pvt.) Hepcat [sic] dance. Dwyer (1st Lt.) is home by postal telegram at once. Here’s Hogan (Line Sarg.) that you will, for we need the money. |
(assumed from The Washington Post) Fort Belvoir GIs Cut Grass With Bayonets |
(assumed from The Washington Post) Bayonet Grass Mowing Cut Short at Belvoir |