After the Pearl Harbor attack on December 7, 1941, the large kitchen tables of many households became the center for more serious topics. The war was upon us and each family felt the need to contribute as they could. Vital decision needed to be made. Men and women were needed to defend our country and way of life. Families were that source of supply, and as such, families would be altered. The Schneider family had three young men of draft age. Raymond had been married to Alice Heersink in April of 1941 and was farming one of the adjacent Schneider farms. Marvin at age 17 was somewhat young to enter armed forces. Lee at age 19 seemed to be the logical person to represent the family in the war effort. Realizing the gravity of the situation in 1941, our family was formally photographed to document the family unit. Possibly the would represent the last time we would be together.
Draft Boards were waiting. At age 19, Lee registered on June 30, 1942 for Local Board #39 in Alamosa. His residence was listed as Waverly District. On September 18, 1942, Lee and twenty-plus other others from Alamosa were into the army in Pueblo, Colorado. There they were given physicals while in the nude, a new experience for Lee who had not attended high school gym classes. They were sent back home briefly for a 9 a.m., October 2, 1942 return on the train to Fort Logan, Colorado. There they received medical injections, clothing, and assignments. Among the men were Orval Monroe, who was placed in the Battery A of the Gunnery Unit. Harvey Bolen and Lee were placed in Service Battery of 692nd Field Artillery Batallion. Vernon Heersink, because he became ill during injections, was sent to the Mule Pack at Camp Hale near Leadville in Colorado, thus being enabled to go home on weekends.
As a private, Lee was sent to Camp Bowie, Texas in early October 1942 for his basic training. Here he was taught how to handle firearms, how to march, and how to fix equipment. Many years later, when Lee's nephew, Gary, tore down the red brick Schneider home, within the walls was found a folding postcard Lee had sent to John (his six year old brother) from Camp Bowie! It remained in the wall for years as John's hidden treasure. Lee sent his mother a music powder box that still plays and a New Testament that Lee treasures today. Both grace his table along with his Purple Heart. Lee was very good about remembering those of us who remained at home thinking about him and being concerned for him.
You can read more about the Schneiders in
Stars in the Window.
