Macon beacon. [volume] (Macon, Miss.) 1859-1995, 1918-07-12
w. o.o.
Letter from Charles ST. John
Paris Island, S. c.,
Monday Afternoon.

MDludg Alltl HULL
Dear Beacon:
will have to trouble you to change
NY address. The SEND Company ID
s. no more. Our company leaves in
he morning with about a dozen more
or Overseas" begged for the
hance, but our commander said he
ccded me here for a few weeks
more. must 20 to the non-cOm-
lissionod officers school. He prom
EOS that after five weeks Of intensive
raining in trench warfare and bayo-
vet fighting, if care to go on as
orporal or sergeant without taking
three months training in the officers
amp, that he will make an effort to
atisfy me. From the way things look
n the papers of late, | will not have
iide if am to see service "over
there never realized that the Ma
rine Corps was so efficient. But
when n stops to think, the strict
discipline that one has to subject
himself to here is productive Of effici-
ency of the highest degree. No man
secures promotion from the ranks
without five weeks training in the
n. G. O. school, and after that, If let
ters of recommendation are satisfac-
tory and work at the school iustifies,
IA three months training at the Off
GERS camp is given If the student de-
sires it,. understand that the great
CT per cent of them prefer service 70
the chance of securing commission.
We have had some very interest
ing training here. The bayonet fight
ing is very interesting and thrilling.
The aim of the bayonet is always at
the neck " stomach. AS the in
structor said. 1--WE aim at the soft
and delicious spots of the anatomy
We learn to give short and long
lunges, guard positions and how to
rapidly withdraw bayonet from the
body so as to be ready for the next
Hun that dares approach. We lear
from a real trench, go over the tor
and pierce dummies. The spots, soft
and delicious, are open and the stuff
fins, twigs from trees, can be seen
easily.
We have also mastered the scirm.
ish drill and various other method,
OF open warfare, There is abso
lutoly no reasOn why a real marine
should not protect his country anC
himself and do great harm to the
Hun.
We have had twelve days of YER,
strenuous rifle practice. You would
think. at first, that the rifle rang,
work would be real sport. but tn,
peculiar positions which are called
into play take all the pleasure out o
lie Tor the first week. at least. w,
have learned to shoot in sitting
kneeling. prone and standing posi-
tions, When | say learned" | meal
Just that. When can be taught t,
such a degree that am able to viii
a marksman's medal, you may know
that the work is very effective. w
have two coaches to every man tina
goes upon the firing line, and shoe
nj small targets from 200 yards. 80.
yards, 500 yards and 600 yards. w
have slow and rapid fire.
| did not like the life, in the least
at first. | tell you it takes concen
trated patriotism to stand the 'boo
training here. | never was curse
and kicked SC much in my life. A
the expression goes here. it is a erea
life if YOU don't weaken. The har
period is about over. will soon b
relieved of the task of washing m
own clothes. am now treated kinG
~ and am very much interested /
my work.
| am getting The Beacon each Nor
day and read it with much pleasur,
want to keep up with everybod
and everything through your column
and would like to reach my friend
through you at some time. | great
appreciate the many letters and card
| have received and want to hear frol
more of the home people.
With every expression of regard fC
The Beacon and with pride for oil
NoXubee I am,
Yours in the service,
Private Chas. ]. st. John.
| N. c, o. School.