by Cpl. Robert L. Cook
Jan. 42~Sept. 45
I remember the day
I shot the range:
'Twas cold and rainy.
That ol' DI walked
Up and down
To check up
On his training.
We lay there on that
Damp ol' ground,
Our ponchos spread about.
Our elbow dug into the mud,
Our shoulders did cry out.
We squeezed them off
One by one
And watched them
Hit the bull.
And when they were
All counted out
Our score was
Pretty full.
I walked with pride
Down mountainside
To campground
Far below.
I was one of the few
That day
Who brought
The high score home.
I wore it on my blouse
With pride
And added another, too.
My pistol arm
Was in great form,
Which helped
For number two.
I qualified for
Every one
Of the weapons
That we drew.
I felt so proud
To be allowed
A member of
The Few.
* * *
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.
