Private Roscoe D. Schlink

The Army was getting desperate in nineteen-forty-three, For warm bodies to fill vacancies in the good old infantry. Alas, the draft board beckoned causing his heart to sink. Thus, began the notorious career of Private Roscoe D. Schlink! He was a naive country boy from Bean Blossom, Indiana. They sent him for training to Fort Fumble in Louisiana. Only five-feet-four, he was issued clothes much too large. "Don't worry, I'll make a man of you, son!" said old sarge! At marching and drilling he proved less than deft. He could never figure out his right foot from his left! Sergeants growled at him with uncouth elocution. Roscoe just couldn't do anything with sharp execution! On long treks he was in the rear running to catch up. Petulant sergeants ever screaming, "Closeup! Closeup!" During inspections he amassed reams of damning demerits, And spent many weekends paring heaps of taters and carrots! Later in the heat of battle he reached deep within his soul. When those with lesser mettle faltered, he assumed control. That day his gallantry overshadowed others by far. For his courage he was awarded the coveted Silver Star! Robert L. Hinshaw, CMSgt, USAF, Retired (© All Rights Reserved)