Paul Noll Joins the US Army

1. Basic Training at Fort Ord, California

After I had completed my physical in Los Angeles, California, I was given a train ticket to Salinas, California. I also was given a bus ticket from there to Ford Ord. When I arrived I discovered that I was the first recruit to arrive to Battery B of the 29th Field Artillery Battery of the Fourth Infantry Division. Being the only one in the company, I received somewhat undue attention from the commanding officer. When answering a question from the Captain I failed to say sir. The Lieutenant reprimanded me and the Captain reminded him that I had been there only a few minutes. It was the last time I ever failed to say Sir. I was then taken to the mess hall and the cook fixed my breakfast. A breakfast for one soldier.