Description

36 pages
Located at the junction of Person, Granville, and Durham counties in North Carolina, Camp Butner, named after North Carolinian Major General Henry Wolfe Butner of World War I fame, was activated on June 15, 1942. In an area where formerly a peaceful farmhouse was observed here and there, there have been developed facilities needed for the successful transformation of peaceful men into fighting men. Drill fields; obstacle, bayonet and hand grenade courses; the most modern type firing ranges; gas chambers and other training aids were constructed to afford the modern soldier the best training which is possible. Here at this combat training camp, the soldier prepares for battle on terrain that is ideal for training purposes since it varies from flat to rolling ground with adequate vegetation to assist the soldier in performing the art of camouflage. There are many streams which assist the soldier in practicing river crossings. But when the grime and grit, of this training under actual battle conditions, is washed off in the evening, a soldier turns to relaxation and entertainment. One of the favorite haunts of the men are the service clubs. Here they can dance, chat, and sip soft drinks with one of the hostesses who comes from a nearby town. The latest motion pictures are shown in the theatres on the post. But should the soldier want to visit one of the towns, frequent bus schedules are maintained regularly. Today, Camp Butner itself is a modern city complete with theatres, fire houses, post offices, traffic signals, libraries, filling stations, banks, and even rationing boards.