by Cpl. Robert L. Cook
Jan. 42~Sept. 45
Way back there in '42
When the war was
So brand new,
They issued me a pack,
It was for my back
This pack.
This pack had really
Been around.
It was from another town,
I think 'twas Paris,
I'd been told.
It wasn't neat,
Or squared away,
The way that
They are today.
It must have had
A dozen straps.
And even more
Than that of flaps.
You tucked your gear
Where e'er you could.
You tied it down
The way you should.
Your had your share
Of Irish lace.
That stuck out
From every place.
To make the thing
A bigger pain.
It never turned
Away the rain.
Oh, well,
That was the Corps
In '42.
*
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**About the author: Robert Cook served with Reg. Weapons Co.(2d-2d) from 1942~44, at Guadalcanal and Tarawa, during a 33-month overseas tour.
