Also
on the island was a theater at Bottomside, and a combination bar and restaurant
situated in Barrio San Jose. A large bakery was also located at Bottomside. It
seemed that 
A
major storm struck the area just after we were settled into our new barracks and
we were to experience the effects of a typhoon. Since mosquitoes were rigidly
controlled on the island, the huge concrete barracks at both Topside and
Middleside were open and airy. When the vicious gale force winds struck the
island, large sliding shutters were moved across the openings of the verandas
and it became snug and cozy inside the barracks, although I was surprised to
learn that it could become cold in the tropics. During the rainy season, from
June through the remainder of the year, I learned that one could become chilled
on
I
was assigned to a squad, and also a gun crew. I now had a corporal (Cpl. Sam
Lynch) and a sergeant, (Sgt. Bill Gardner) and I was meeting new men in the
battery each day and settling into a comfortable routine. Many of the new men
came over on the Republic and somehow, it seemed to give us something in common.
The noncoms were transfers from original units of the 60th, several of those
from "D" Battery, each awarded promotions.
I found that “H” Battery was blessed with reliable non-coms, starting
with First Sergeant Bezalee Fooshee. I had nothing but respect for Sgt. Howard
Frank, Sgt. Charlie Jackson and Sgt. Len Naylor. There were too many good
non-commissioned officers to mention in “H” battery and they held the men
solidly together through the black
days ahead. 
A
notice was posted ordering all men to prepare for a visit to the rifle range the
following day. Recruits must qualify on the 200 yard range. We were to fall in
at
