Toward the end of school I got my next assignment, Clark Air Force Base, Philippine Islands. I had another 10-day leave before reporting to Camp Stoneman at Pittsburg, California for a troop ship to Manila. Again I crossed the US by train (Pullman), courtesy of my rich Uncle Sam. Enjoyable, no problem trip. Looking back, I was very aware of the changing landscape as we moved west, like Bill Blake in "Dead Man." Everything but the smoldering tepees.

I'm second from left, standing

Last day at Scott before Camp Stoneman and the Philippines. I had recently turned 18.