FORT HOOD TURNS 75

A KILLEEN DAILY HERALD PUBLICATION 2017

INSIDE THIS ISSUE Letter from U.S. Rep. Roger Williams Page 4 Letter from Harker Heights Mayor Spencer Smith Page 4 Letter from Killeen Mayor Jose Segarra Page 5 Letter from Copperas Cove Mayor Frank Seffrood Page 5 An overview: turns 75 Page 6 Fort Hood commanders Page 9 Camp Hood Page 10 Area history Page 12 Famous faces Page 13 Gen. Robert M. Shoemaker Page 14 Capt. Robert M. Gray Page 16 Army vehicles through history Page 18 761st Tank Battalion Page 20 Mounted Warfare Museum Page 22 Fort Hood’s economic impact Page 24 USO Fort Hood Page 25 Old Post Chapel Page 26

FORT HOOD TURNS 75 A Killeen Daily Herald publication | 2017 Contact Us Managing Editor: Rose Fitzpatrick Section Editors: Jacob Brooks and David A. Bryant Photo Editor: Eric J. Shelton Editorial: [email protected] | 254-501-7542 Advertising: 254-501-7500 | Circulation: 254-501-7400 Find more news at KDHnews.com.

FORT HOOD TURNS 75 | 3 75 years later, ‘The Great Place’ remains the gold standard for the Army epresenting Fort Hood — one U.S. REP. Since becoming a permanent of the largest military bases ROGER Since 2003, this post deployed and military installation in the 1950s, R in the world — is the greatest Fort Hood has come a long way — it honor I have as the representative of WILLIAMS has been dealt a hand that has been ’ 25th Congressional District. redeployed more than 852,000 soldiers. more trying than most in the past Known as ‘The Great Place,’ it is the years, where time and time again, it gold standard for the U.S. Army. It vious administra- divisions within its campus. This has proven resiliency in the tough- is composed of some of the bravest tion, job opportuni- allows for it to be a Texas military est of conditions. It is made up of and most selfless people we have in ties are essential for hub, as well as a significant eco- some of the finest soldiers I have this country. These men and women the growth of this nomic frontrunner year after year. ever had the opportunity to meet, are not only an asset to Central nation. Fort Hood is committed to those of and I would like to congratulate Texas, they are vital to achieving Fort Hood’s us who are lucky enough to call the ‘The Great Place’ on reaching its the ’ national security influence does not stop at the local Lone Star State home by providing diamond anniversary; 75 years. strategy. level. As a true treasure of Texas, the most employees on a single site Three-quarters of a century of Located near Killeen, this 340- this small but powerful area affects in the state of Texas. being a fully-operational, active square-mile installation is invalu- the entire state. Recent findings When it comes to our nation’s military post is something we can, able to the local community. Home from 2015 estimated that Fort Hood national security, Fort Hood does and should, be tremendously proud to approximately 140,000 people, this contributed $35.4 billion to the Texas not shy away. Since 2003, this post of. As I said before, Fort Hood is a post provides economic relief for a economy. That equates to providing deployed and redeployed more than special part of the 25th district and I multitude of families by fostering employment to 201,538 U.S. citizens. 852,000 soldiers overseas. As the am humbled to have the opportunity over 12,000 civilian jobs. Whether Fort Hood’s distinctive characteris- greatest state within the greatest to fight on behalf of these brave it is in one of the three counties or tics of military friendliness allow it country in the world, we know how men and women each and every day seven local communities, Central to be instrumental to the contribu- important it is to maintain our sta- in Washington. Texas is a place for almost 400,000 tion of Texas’ economy. tus as a strong and ready-for-action residents. In a time where our Currently, Fort Hood is the only military. Fort Hood displays lead- U.S. REP. ROGER WILLIAMS is the representative country is finally recovering from post in the U.S. capable of station- ership through its state-of-the-art for Texas’ 25th Congressional District, which includes Fort Hood. financial turmoil caused by the pre- ing and training two full armored training for the 21st century soldier. His office is located in Austin.

Happy anniversary from Harker Heights Harker Heights has the oppor- providing municipal services that go The city of Harker Heights wishes a tunity to interact with a large above and beyond. For all who serve our happy 75th anniversary to Fort Hood! number of our Army’s finest. great country, we say “thank you.” Since its beginning as Camp Hood in We in Harker Heights are Happy 75th anniversary Fort Hood, we 1942 through today, what we now call honored to be a part of Fort look forward to many more anniversa- Hood’s story as we provide ries as we serve locally as you defend our Fort Hood has a proud history in defense Smith of our country. municipal services to our sol- great nation! Given the size of Fort Hood and the diers and their families. Spencer H. Smith number of soldiers stationed on the base, It is our goal to honor their service by Harker Heights mayor

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4 | FORT HOOD TURNS 75 Happy anniversary to ‘The Great Place’ It is fitting that Fort Hood be recognized on its 75th an- niversary. As mayor of the great city of Copperas Seffrood Cove, I along with the citizens of this appreciative city, wish for many more years of associa- tion with “The Great ERIC J. SHELTON | HERALD Place.” Fort Hood is marking its 75th anniversary this year. The post opened in 1942 as Camp Hood to train troops to fight in World War II. Fort Hood is very im- portant to our city and Killeen celebrates strong relationship with Fort Hood we appreciate the day- to-day and long-term he City of Killeen celebrates where you’re from or how joint-use airport, Texas A&M Univer- interactions with you. with you — The Great Place of long you’re here. sity- and countless busi- The very existence T Fort Hood — on your 75th an- Fort Hood is clearly nesses and services that have added to niversary. It also marks 75 years that the economic engine in the region’s quality of life. of Fort Hood is the Killeen and Fort Hood have been great our city. It’s the largest It stands to reason that more and keystone that binds partners in this community, and we single-site employer in more soldiers and their families our economy ensuring continue to value that partnership Segarra the state of Texas and choose to make Killeen home when the continuation of every day. has an annual economic their military service ends. This is growth. Killeen continues to be the home of impact of $35 billion. Its value to this a testament to what we have created It is my pleasure to the many soldiers and their families. community and to the state cannot be together. The relationship between The military is what brought me overstated. It’s our duty to be the civil- Killeen and Fort Hood grows stronger wish Fort Hood, “The here, like so many others, 27 years ian voice advocating on behalf of the with each year and is the standard Great Place,” happy ago. Now, as mayor, I can tell you what installation and its future, a role we by which other military communi- anniversary from “The great pride our city takes in being have embraced. ties are judged. It is a proud day to Great City.” a military town and what a great The City of Killeen values its part- celebrate The Great Place on its 75th Frank Seffrood responsibility we feel in serving those nership with Fort Hood. The coopera- anniversary. Copperas Cove mayor who serve. We strive to make Killeen tion between community and post Jose Segarra a place that feels like home no matter has brought improved highways, a Killeen mayor

FORT HOOD TURNS 75 | 5 Fort Hood — The Great Place — turns 75

BY DAVID A. BRYANT AND JACOB BROOKS KILLEEN DAILY HERALD Camp Hood opened

ort Hood was born 75 years ago. Sept. 18, 1942, as a F The reason? World War II. As Allied troops clashed with tank destroyer training the armies of the Axis powers in the early years of World War II, U.S. military minds brainstormed site; 75 years later, the on ways to counter the heavy tank battalions of Germany that were blitzkrieging through Europe and sprawling post, home to threatening to turn all humanity into Adolf Hitler’s twisted vision. Enter Fort Hood — or Camp Hood approximately 36,000 as it was known in those days. The Army post officially opened Sept. 18, 1942, as a tank destroyer training troops, is still here. site; 75 years later, the sprawling post, home to approximately 36,000 by Fort Hood in some way or form: troops, is still here. countless. Units came and went: the 1st Further, the post has been an Armored Division, 2nd Armored Army leader in developing methods Division, 4th Infantry Division. to deal with improvised explosive Many, like the 1st Cavalry Divi- devices, paved the way for new sion — which played a key role in Army-wide medical review boards Vietnam and Iraq — are still here. and embraced the Army mentality But the post, and its “Great Place” of focusing on soldiers’ families that reputation for top-notch field train- came about in the 1980s — all that, ing, never wavered. while keeping intact its reputation The growth is still here, too. While ERIC J. SHELTON | HERALD for a place of combat live-fire exer- the number of military personnel, The Tank Destroyer Forces of World War II memorial is seen, Sept. 5 at Fort Hood. cises and some of the best training their families and civilian contrac- grounds in the country. tors account for more than 55,000 and area residents in Central Texas medical needs met at the state-of- Fort Hood’s soldier population has people who use the post to live and and 16 counties. Many of those the-art Carl R. Darnall Army Medi- ebbed and flowed with the nation’s work, Fort Hood supports nearly people shop at Fort Hood stores, eat cal Center. military needs of the era. During 400,000, including many retirees at restaurants on post or have their The number of people impacted the early Camp Hood days, there

6 | FORT HOOD TURNS 75 ERIC J. SHELTON | HERALD Capt. Andrew Daniele, left, and Sgt. 1st Class William Carhuff medically evacuate a simulated casualty during their UH-60 Black Hawk training exercise in October at North Fort Hood. were nearly 100,000 troops on the • 378 Bradley Fighting Vehicles missile guidance and power made 34,943 acres in Coryell County near post, quickly moving through their • 312 Strykers it possible for the Soviet Union to Gatesville were purchased, accord- training and then heading to the • 179 aircraft attack the site, leading to weapons ing to mybaseguide.com. The site World War II battlefronts. being stored closer to their bombers. near Gatesville was known as the During and after the Cold War, WEST FORT HOOD The site was decommissioned as a sub-camp and later as North Fort about 50,000 troops were here. In In 1947, West Fort Hood was nuclear storage bunker in 1969. Hood. During the war years, North recent years, amid Army downsiz- known as Killeen Base, and it, along On Oct. 1, 1951, Gray Air Force Fort Hood housed nearly 40,000 ing, the troop numbers have shrunk, with locations at Kirtland Air Force Base was officially established in troops and 4,000 prisoners of war, but Fort Hood has the ability to take Base, New Mexico, and Fort Camp- what is now known as West Fort and was the site for the southern on more at moment’s notice. bell, Kentucky, became an ideal spot Hood. The base was transferred to branch of the U.S. Disciplinary Bar- With nearly 200,000 acres devoted to store the nation’s nuclear arsenal. the Army in 1963 and redesignated racks. to Army training area, Fort Hood is Killeen Base became known as Robert Gray Army Airfield, ac- The area is now used primarily also home to: Site Baker, which was jointly run by cording to a 2012 Herald report. It by First Army Division West to • 78 small arms ranges the U.S. Air Force and the Atomic became an official part of Fort Hood train and certify reserve component • 11 tank and Bradley ranges Energy Commission. in 1969. forces for deployment. • 10 urban training areas As nuclear weapons became According to the unit’s website, • 2 airborne drop zones smaller and more efficient, the need NORTH FORT HOOD www.first.army.mil/divwest, • 2 underground training facilities for Site Baker became less impor- In January 1943, an additional • 261 Abrams tanks tant. Additionally, improvements in 16,000 acres in Bell County and CONTINUED PAGE 8

FORT HOOD TURNS 75 | 7 FROM PAGE 7

Division West supports pre-mobili- zation training for reserve compo- nent forces in accordance with the Army Force Generation model; as- sesses and reports pre-mobilization readiness for reserve component forces; conducts mobilization and demobilization operations; con- ducts counter-improvised explosive device, counter insurgency and es- calation of force training; provides command and control over assigned and mobilized forces; and provides ERIC J. SHELTON | HERALD operational force protection. Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center is a state-of-the-art hospital. It opened last year, replacing an older facility.

DARNALL ARMY MEDICAL CENTER hospital since 2003. The new facility while the new building has 58 beds 95 volunteers). The hospital serves In June 2016, Carl R. Darnall officially opened for patient care on and an additional six available for 160,300 active-duty soldiers, retirees Army Medical Center officially April 3, 2016, and is 60 percent larger triage. and their families, which includes opened a new, state-of-the-art than the old building. Rooms are single-patient rooms approximately 10 percent of active- hospital on Fort Hood. Darnall The $561 million hospital has six three times bigger than the old duty Army forces. originally opened its doors on floors and 947,000 square feet of hospital, are nicely furnished with Darnall treats military retirees Fort Hood in 1965, according to the space. The building is roughly 60 spaces for a family member and and beneficiaries from a multi- medical center’s history. The need percent larger than the old hospital windows to the outside in every county area. It is the only hospital for a larger facility became appar- and also offers a pharmacy twice room. There are 128 surgical beds in the Killeen area capable of treat- ent when more than 2,200 wounded the size of the old building. The and bassinets (staffed), 2,453 staff ing trauma patients, including civil- soldiers evacuated from Iraq and emergency department at the old members and employees (907 civil- ians, with wounds similar to those Afghanistan passed through the building had 26 beds for patients, ians, 609 military, 950 contractors, found in a combat zone.

8 | FORT HOOD TURNS 75 Commanders of Camp/Fort Hood Maj. Gen. A.D. Bruce, April 1942-April 1943 Maj. Gen. Orlando Ward, May 1943-March 1944 Brig. Gen. W.R. Nichols, March 1944-July 1944 Col. B.F. Delamater Jr., July 1944-April 1946 Maj. Gen. John L. Leonard, June 1946-July 1946 Maj. Gen. John M. Devine, July 1946-Oct. 1946 Maj. Gen. L.S. Hobbs, Oct. 1946-Aug. 1947 Maj. Gen. J.G. Christiansen, Sept. 1947-June 1949 Maj. Gen. Albert C. Smith, June 1949-Oct. 1950 Maj. Gen. W.B. Palmer, Nov. 1950-Dec. 1950 Maj. Gen. Bruce C. Clarke, Jan. 1951-April 1953 Maj. Gen. L.L. Doan, April 1953-July 1953 Maj. Gen. William S. Biddle, Oct. 1953-April 1954 Maj. Gen. Hobart S. Gay, April 1954-Oct. 1954 Maj. Gen. Thomas L. Harrold, Oct. 1954-June 1956 Maj. Gen. William N. Gillmore, June 1956-Aug. 1957 Lt. Gen. G.P. Seneff Jr., July 1971-Sept. 1973 Lt. Gen. Leon J. LaPorte, Aug. 1998-Aug. 2001 Maj. Gen. William S. Biddle, Aug. 1957-March 1959 Lt. Gen. Allen M. Burdett Jr., Sept. 1973-March 1975 Lt. Gen. B.B. Bell, Aug. 2001-Nov. 2002 Maj. Gen. Earle G. Wheeler, march 1959-March 1960 Lt. Gen. Robert M. Shoemaker, March 1975-Nov. 1977 Lt. Gen. Thomas F. Metz, Feb. 2003-May 2006 Maj. Gen. Edward G. Farrand, April 1960-June 1961 Lt. Gen. Marvin D. Fuller, Nov. 1977-Jan. 1980 Lt. Gen. Raymond T. Odierno, May 2006-July 2008 Maj. Gen. W.H.S. Wright, July 1961-March 1962 Lt. Gen. Richard E. Cavazos, Jan. 1980-Feb. 1982 Lt. Gen. Rick Lynch, July 2008-Sept. 2009 Lt. Gen. Thomas W. Dunn, April 1962-Oct. 1963 Lt. Gen. Walter F. Ulmer Jr., Feb. 1982-June 1985 Lt. Gen. Robert W. Cone, Sept. 2009-April 2011 Maj. Gen. H.J. Jablonsky, Nov. 1963-Jan. 1964 Lt. Gen. Crosbie E. Saint, June 1985-June 1988 Lt. Gen. Donald M. Campbell Jr., April 2011-Dec. 2012 Lt. Gen. Harvey H. Fisher, Jan. 1964-Feb. 1965 Lt. Gen. Richard G. Graves, June 1988-June 1991 Lt. Gen. Mark A. Milley, Dec. 2012-Aug. 2014 Lt. Gen. Ralph E. Haines, March 1965-April 1967 Lt. Gen. H.G. Taylor, June 1991-Oct. 1993 Lt. Gen. Sean MacFarland, Aug. 2014-March-2017 Lt. Gen. George R. Mather, June 1967-Sept. 1968 Lt. Gen. Paul E. Funk, Oct. 1993-Dec. 1995 Lt. Gen. Paul E. Funk II, March 2017-Present Lt. Gen. B.E. Powell, Sept. 1968-July 1971 Lt. Gen. Thomas A. Schwartz, Dec. 1995-Aug. 1998 Compiled by David A. Bryant

FORT HOOD TURNS 75 | 9 The people behind the creation of Camp Hood during World War II BY ROSE L. THAYER crowd of military and community HERALD CORRESPONDENT leaders. “One young guy looked at Frank ... and said, ‘Geez, pops, hile the federal government what’s this war coming to?’” scouted potential locations Mayborn was honorably dis- W for its new tank destroyer charged in 1945 as a major and he training grounds in 1941, communi- returned to editing his newspaper. ties vied for the economic benefits Other locals mentioned in Skid- and pride in supporting the war more’s book as dedicated to bringing effort. Camp Hood to town included Sante The Killeen area’s congressman, Fe Railroad officials, Will Sutton, the U.S. Rep. W.R. “Bob” Poage, fought Killeen Chamber of Commerce and to acquire this new training camp Killeen Mayor R.T. “Top” Polk. for his district, but largely remained The book, “Fort Hood, The First neutral as to where exactly. His 50 Years,” by Odie B. Faulk and hometown Valley Mills, near Waco, HERALD | FILE Laura E. Faulk, also mentioned help was also in the running, accord- Fort Hood’s east entrance was renamed and dedicated in Frank W. Mayborn’s honor in 2013. from Santa Fe railroad officials, ing to the book “Historic Killeen: particularly Jim Reinhold, who was An Illustrated History” by Gerald Mayborn, who owned the Temple this time in his life back when Fort assigned to Washington, D.C., to Skidmore. However, the influential Daily Telegram and later the Killeen Hood dedicated the east entrance of keep track on plans for war plants. newspaperman and then-president Daily Herald until his death in 1987, the post in Frank Mayborn’s honor Reinhold, the book points out, of the Temple Chamber of Com- was so dedicated to the war effort in 2013. shared information with Mayborn, merce Frank W. Mayborn, did not he even joined the Army at the age “He was unpacking in the bar- which he got from Senate friends of have to remain neutral. He worked of 39 and was assigned to the newly racks. He looked around, it was Santa Fe. closely with Poage to bring the camp formed Camp Hood. all kids surrounding him,” Sue But ultimately, the final say was to Killeen. His widow, Sue Mayborn, recalled Mayborn said during remarks to a left to Maj. Gen. A.D. Bruce, the

10 | FORT HOOD TURNS 75 HERALD | FILE Ranchers and farmers in rural Coryell County were displaced in 1941 to make room for Army training when Camp Hood was established during World War II. post’s first commander. But for all those reaping in the leases on the military installation Aunt Rene had come to the place Camp Hood brought both eco- rewards of the newfound economy, even today. as a bride of 20 and raised her six nomic gain and patriotism to an there were those who lost every- The story of one family matri- children there. When the govern- area where merchants were used thing. More than 300 farm and arch, Irene Margaret Clements ment took the home place and Aunt to an agricultural economy, mainly ranch families had to give up their Elms, known as Aunt Rene, was Rene was told she had to move, she cotton and wool. A bad year for homes and land to make way for the chronicled in the book “Unforget- was quoted as saying: “Well, I have cotton crops could mean a bad year installation. Many felt they were table Decade” produced by Killeen lived through the Civil War, the financially for the regular mer- underpaid for their land, but most Project 1930s Inc. She was 91 years Spanish American War, and the chants as well as the cotton traders. understood why it had to happen. As old and blind, and she lived with her World War and if it is necessary for A military installation would be a part of their displacement, many of daughter’s family, the McClurg fam- this war that I have to move, I can more stable economy. these families retain cattle grazing ily, at Sugar Loaf. do it.”

FORT HOOD TURNS 75 | 11 Remembering Central Texas in the days before Camp Hood BY JULIE A. FERRARO ing about moving off the land for KILLEEN DAILY HERALD Fort Hood,” said Ledger. “Although it was a sad time, he always said ‘If giv- t’s never easy to lose one’s home. ing up our land saves one American For hundreds of families popu- boy’s life, then it is worth it.’” I lating over 20 Central Texas com- The ranchers’ dilemma of what to munities in the early 1940s, though, do with their livestock was solved by giving up their land was mostly seen U.S. Congressman W.R. “Bob” Poage. as part of the effort to defeat Ger- In “Fort Hood: The First Fifty Years,” many during World War II. Odie and Laura Faulk credit Poage The federal government used emi- with ensuring the displaced ranch- nent domain to seize the land, accord- ers retained grazing rights on Camp ing to Sylvia Edwards’ thesis, “Land Hood property. Acquisition in Coryell County ... A Former Copperas Cove mayor John Civilian Perspective.” Edwards, cur- Hull’s family owned 600 acres of land rently graduate program coordinator which is now part of Fort Hood. for the School of Journalism at the “Back in the ’30s and ’40s, Cove University of Texas at Austin, added was a big cattle shipping point,” Hull how the Second War Powers Act in HERALD | FILE said in a Herald article published 1942 made creating what was then People locate old family property in Coryell County during a historical marker dedication Oct. 12, 2012. After Camp Hood was known as “Camp Hood” possible. ceremony in 2013 at North Fort Hood. About 470 families were forced to abandon more established, the economy definitely Prior to the land becoming a train- than 20 Coryell County communities in 1942 to make way for Camp Hood. changed. ing ground for tanks, cattle roamed Perhaps the last tangible vestige and grazed. Ranchers whose families years passed, however, cattle and “History of Fort Hood and Local of Fort Hood’s pre-history as a col- had occupied their homes for genera- cotton helped restore the economy. Area” how one witness recalled some lection of small communities was tions were abruptly left with nothing. Railroad lines constructed through families’ reaction to being told of the Reynolds House, torn down in April Settlers had come to the area in the the area improved communication, land seizure. “They had been born 2015. Where most buildings were 1830s, according to the Texas State bringing an influx of immigrants. upon that land; and their forefathers demolished or moved prior to Camp Historical Association. More perma- Into the 20th century, the area were buried there. They had labored Hood’s official establishment, the nent settlements were not formed which became Camp Hood remained to improve it and expected to pass it five-bedroom residence built in 1915 until the 1840s, once attacks by Native mostly agricultural. World War I saw on to their sons and daughters.” initially housed the post’s command- Americans subsided. the populace eagerly supporting the Indeed, not only were families ing general. In the decades which Frequent droughts and an uncer- effort, with draft quotas exceeded and forced to move, but cemeteries were followed, other general officers and tain water supply caused the early citizens groups formed to support relocated. Some houses were actually senior noncommissioned officers settlers to deem the land worthless rationing and maintain morale. transported to other sites. lived there. Eventually the Red Cross for anything but cattle and sheep. It must be presumed the residents Copperas Cove resident Les Ledger occupied the space, according to prior Eventually, the land was tamed so never expected — during that con- was interviewed for a Herald article Herald articles. corn, wheat and cotton could be suc- flict, or when the U.S. entered World commemorating Fort Hood’s 70th The most enduring evidence of the cessfully grown. War II — their property would be anniversary, Sept. 18, 2012. His family land’s history remains: the sight of The Civil War and its aftermath claimed for use as a military post. moved to the area in 1854. cattle meandering along remote Fort took a toll on land values. As the Author J. Aikens wrote in his book “I remember my grandfather talk- Hood roads, looking for a tasty meal.

12 | FORT HOOD TURNS 75 Many famous faces have called Fort Hood home in the past 75 years BY JULIE A. FERRARO The Air Force and Navy had offered KILLEEN DAILY HERALD to make special arrangements if he enlisted in their service. Even ince Camp Hood was estab- the Army suggested he be part of lished on Sept. 18, 1942, it can “Special Forces” as an entertainer S be safely estimated that mil- or recruiter. Presley refused any ce- lions of soldiers have marched on lebrity treatment. He arrived at Fort the post. Of those, a few were either Hood by bus on March 28, 1958, and famous before they were stationed his blossoming stardom brought out at what became Fort Hood, or fans by the hundreds. achieved fame after their departure. A news conference asked that Jackie Robinson, a second lieuten- Presley be given privacy during his ant when he arrived at Camp Hood, training, but reporters even fol- found himself the victim of ongoing lowed him to the mess hall, continu- discrimination against African- ing the questions while he ate a Americans during the 1940s. transferred to the 758th Tank Bat- his discharge, he pitched for the dinner of perch and french fries. Robinson had been assigned to the talion, whose commander signed Minnesota Twins and then in the Assigned to Company A, 37th 761st Tank Battalion. In early July, the papers. Provinciale League in Canada. Armor Battalion, 2nd Armored Di- 1944, an on-post incident reminded Robinson was charged with in- Sierra even got a chance to appear vision, Presley completed his basic the pioneering baseball player that subordination, disturbing the peace, on the big screen. In the 1993 sequel training by June 1958. After a brief prejudice still existed. A letter Rob- drunkenness, conduct unbecoming “Major League II”, he appeared as a break, he returned to finish his inson wrote, archived in the Records an officer, insulting a civilian wom- coach for the White Sox. tank training, driving a light truck. of the Office of the Secretary of an, and refusing to obey the lawful The world of Mixed Martial Arts He lived off-post during that period War, explained what happened that orders of a superior officer, accord- competitions brings together assort- with his family in a rented home at fateful day. He had been at the “col- ing to Jules Tygiel’s article, “The ed fighters who train hard. Perhaps 605 Oakhill Drive in Killeen. ored officers club” on post, and took Court-Martial of Jackie Robinson.” Jorge Rivera, known as El Con- Fans would flock to the house, a shuttle bus to the central station. Acquitted by a jury of eight whites quistador, got some of that training according to reports in the Killeen “I noticed one of the officer’s wife and one African-American, Robin- while serving as a 19K armored Daily Herald. Sometimes, Presley and sat down beside her.” son was transferred to Camp Breck- cavalry scout with A Company, 1st would step out and sign autographs. Though the woman had light skin, inridge, Kentucky, and discharged Battalion, Often, though, he snuck in through she was African-American. The from the Army in November 1944. at , Louisiana. When that a back entrance to avoid the crush. driver objected to Robinson’s choice Another baseball player, Pedro unit moved to Fort Hood in 1991, Presley departed Fort Hood much of seat, and told him to move to the Sierra, pitched a no-hitter while a Rivera participated in the transfer. more quietly in September with his rear of the bus. Robinson refused, member of the Fort Hood Tankers Ten years after his discharge, Rivera unit, headed for Germany. and the driver threatened to make team in 1961. The event took place in stepped into the ring, and has had a Quiet may be the key word when trouble for him. “Upon reaching the front of baseball great Ted Williams, stellar UFC career. it comes to being famous and being bus station, a white lady tells me who was instrumental in Sierra be- Getting the most attention during stationed at Fort Hood. The list that she is going to prefer charges ing signed for the major leagues. his stay at Fort Hood: Elvis Presley. of the famous might be far more against me.” When his own com- Cuban by birth, Sierra had played At age 22, Presley had been drafted extensive, but so many who have manding officer refused to press baseball in the Negro Leagues prior into the Army in the 1950s, like served don’t mention their link to for a court-martial, Robinson was to being drafted into the Army. After thousands of others in that era. The Great Place.

FORT HOOD TURNS 75 | 13 Local Army legend Gen. Shoemaker left lasting legacy

BY ROSE L. THAYER such a decorated leader: “We should HERALD CORRESPONDENT never forget his leadership during one of the most difficult times in our t doesn’t take long for new nation’s history.” residents of Fort Hood or Killeen Retired Lt. Gen. Pete Taylor, a Bell I to hear the name Robert Shoe- County resident, first met Shoemak- maker. Whether hearing tales about er in Vietnam in 1969, and is proud his courage and leadership in the to call him a friend and mentor. Army, the accomplishments of his Throughout the years, their paths eight years as a Bell County com- crossed on various projects. missioner, or simply attending the “He was courageous — to a fault Killeen high school named in his probably — and never backed away honor, it’s clear he’s a man who left from anything,” said Taylor, who an impact on his community. delivered the eulogy at Shoemaker’s Shoemaker, who died in June at funeral. “He taught me a lot of good age 93, began his Army career as lessons in combat, out of combat a West Point cadet during World and in the civilian world.” War II — graduating in 1946 — and At Shoemaker’s funeral, Taylor retired as a four-star general in 1982. took note of the many ways his During his 36 years of service, the ERIC J. SHELTON | HERALD friend “Gen. Bob” left a legacy for Michigan native participated in the Retired Gen. Robert M. Shoemaker died in June at age 93. He served 36 years in the Army. the entire community: “Reflect- Korean and Vietnam Wars, where ing on the life of Bob Shoemaker he eventually commanded two air Division, then as III Corps and Fort Upon Shoemaker’s passing, Act- reminds us that he was not just cavalry units. Later, he served as Hood commander, and later led U.S. ing Secretary of the Army Robert an incomparable soldier, a gifted the commander of the 1st Cavalry Army Forces Command. Speer noted the nation’s loss of statesmen, an exceptional leader

14 | FORT HOOD TURNS 75 his wife, Tuke, settled into Central Texas and became familiar faces at Fort Hood ceremonies, community events and educational institutions. While Taylor was Fort Hood com- mander and Shoemaker a county commissioner, the two worked togeth- er to bring Texas A&M-Central Texas to Killeen. He also set up a $600,000 scholarship endowment to support graduates of Shoemaker High School to attend Central Texas College and Texas A&M-Central Texas. “His memory is carried on by the high school,” Taylor said. “His legacy will live on through those kids.” Shoemaker often referred to the students of his high school as his grandchildren and each year the school would host a birthday party for him. “While his extraordinary life on AMY PROCTOR | HERALD earth is complete, he will always Retired Gen. Robert M. Shoemaker stands next to his assistant, Leslie Francis, and cuts his cake at his 92nd birthday celebration in 2016. be an inspirational figure to those of us privileged to have known and and a wonderful husband, brother friend, mentor and source of energy, of us who served with and for him served with him, both in and out of and uncle, at the end of the day, encouragement, thoughtful advice; over the years.” uniform and in peace and war,” Tay- Gen. Bob was also an extraordinary an example and role model for those After retirement, Shoemaker and lor said at the close of his eulogy.

FORT HOOD TURNS 75 | 15 Hometown hero of WWII remembered through airport, proclamations BY ROSE L. THAYER HERALD CORRESPONDENT

ust as Killeen was preparing for its new status as a military J community, one of its own, Robert Manning Gray, shipped off to war and showcased extraordinary courage. Born in Killeen on May 24, 1919, Gray joined the Army Air Corps at age 21 and learned to fly the B-25 aircraft. He was a skilled pilot who was chosen to fly in the famous Doolittle Raid over Tokyo on April 18, 1942. Though his plane crashed, he survived. He served in the China-Burma-In- dia Theater for another six months before being killed in action in the China-Burma Campaign on Oct. 18, 1942. He was 23 years old.

GROWING UP “(Gray) graduated from Killeen High School in 1937, in what later became the Avenue D Elementary School and is now the home of some city government offices (City Hall),” said Mark Philliber, Gray’s nephew. HERALD | FILE “He played on the high school foot- This bronze statue of Capt. Robert M. Gray is in the Killeen airport that bears his name. ball team as a receiver. His nick- name was ‘Bullet Bob’ because of childhood was very happy. He was a lar. One of our very good friends were making light of her and how his quickness.” bit of a prankster at school, but in a who was the same age as Bob and Bob stepped in and quickly put an Philliber said from what he heard fun-loving way. graduated with him, always remem- end to it,” he said. growing up, it sounded like Gray’s “He was very well liked and popu- bered the time when some boys Philliber’s mother, Marjorie

16 | FORT HOOD TURNS 75 Evelyn (Gray) Philliber, was Gray’s day will be set aside permanently as only sibling. Killeen’s 18th mayor, R.T. Polk, was the the memorial to a brave heart that “Killeen was a small farming and winged its way into the very vitals railroad town prior to the war. The of enemy territory and destroyed population was about 1,200 before first Killeen mayor to proclaim April 18 — the the military objectives that were cal- Camp Hood was established in Jan- culated to bring harm and destruc- uary 1942, everyone knew everyone tion to our great country.” and everything about each other,” anniversary of the Doolittle Raid — as Bob Gray Day Current mayor Jose Segarra car- Mark Philliber said. “In a town that ried on this tradition, as have the small, that couldn’t help but be the mayors before him, proclaiming case. Bob’s grandparents, going in memory of the hometown hero. April 18, 2017, Bob Gray Day. back to the late 1870s, I believe, lived In the years since Gray’s death, in two adjacent farms on Cowhouse the ROTC at that school. The next “Bob then flew down Avenue D the city has also named Sixth Street, Creek near Elijah — on what is now thing I know, he was in Dallas at going west and flew over the high formerly a main thoroughfare of Fort Hood — so all of the families in Love Field taking advanced flying school building, and everyone there downtown Killeen, after him. this area knew each other going a lessons. This was in 1939 or 1940. asked who that could be — and “Most recently, when the city’s long way back.” The next thing I remember was that Mr. Peebles said it could be no one new joint-use airport was construct- Gray’s first cousin, James Freddie he was in Kelly Field in San Antonio except ‘Bob Gray.’ The editor of the ed on the east side of the airfield, we “Fred” Page, remembers attending (after joining the Army Air Corps).” Killeen Herald, Pat Taylor, told me took the opportunity to honor Gray his cousin’s high school graduation. Mark Philliber said that before that he could see Bob grinning as he with a permanent statue, replica “His life was going to school in the raid, Gray was part of a bomber flew so low.” of his B-25, Whiskey Pete, and a Killeen, raising sheep and cattle group stationed in Pendleton, Unable to land because of strong historic display so that all those who for agricultural shows, milking the Oregon, and then was in Tacoma, winds, Gray took off, wagged his passed through the airport could cows (and) chopping wood for the Washington, flying B-25s in anti-sub- wings and flew off. “He was trying learn of the local hero,” said Hilary old cast iron stove to keep the house marine patrols off the coast before to say goodbye to his parents and Shine, city spokeswoman. warm,” Page said. “He did have a transferring to Florida to begin friends. This was the last time any- The military refers to its side of Pinto pony that he named ‘Whisky training for the raid. When Gray one saw him,” Page said. the Killeen-Fort Hood Regional Air- Pete.’ He and best friend, ‘Screw- was flying back to the West Coast port as Robert Gray Army Airfield. driver’ Arnold and others formed a after his training in Florida, he LASTING LEGACY Gray is buried in Killeen City band and played for dances, mainly decided to make a little trip through Killeen’s 18th mayor, R.T. Polk, Cemetery. His relative Mark Man- south of Belton, in the area where Killeen, Page said. was the first Killeen mayor to pro- ning still lives in the area and partic- the Czechs lived.” “The boys had been encouraged to claim April 18 — the anniversary ipates in the annual observance of Page’s daughter, Noralyn Ripps, practice low-level flight. Bob came of the Doolittle Raid — as Bob Gray Bob Gray Day. added that Gray would later name down the old Nolanville Hill road Day in memory of the hometown “Because of Gray’s distinguished his B-25 bomber after his horse. that was being rebuilt, and was so hero. service and strong ties to Killeen, “He attended Texas A&M but was low that I was told the construction According to Killeen’s public the community saw fit to continue later transferred to John Tarleton crew jumped off their machines information office, Polk ordered that his legacy,” Shine said. College in Stephenville,” Page and headed into the bar ditch,” Page “flags will fly from every socket and recalled. “He became an officer in said. flag pole in the community, and the DAVID A. BRYANT contributed to this report.

FORT HOOD TURNS 75 | 17 The M4 “Sherman” , above left, was small compared to today’s . The Sherman’s 75 mm gun couldn’t pack quite the punch of the Abrams’ 120 mm main gun.

The most common small personnel carrier of World War II was the Jeep, right. Today, the High Mobility Multi-Wheel Vehicle (HMMWV) — com- monly pronounced as a “humvee” — carries small units around.

The biggest difference between the WWII “Deuce and a Half” 2.5-ton truck, below left, and today’s 5-ton Light Medium Tactical Vehicle, below right, is the size. | PHOTOS BY ERIC J. SHELTON

18 | FORT HOOD TURNS 75 The Bell H-13 Sioux helicopter, at right, was acquired by the Army in 1946. Today, the UH- 60 Black Hawk does many of the same missions. PHOTOS BY ERIC J. SHELTON Vehicles of war: A 75-year difference he vehicles used to carry soldiers around small compared to today’s M1 Abrams. The and to conduct combat missions have Sherman’s 75 mm gun couldn’t pack quite the T been through many changes over the punch of the Abrams’ 120 mm main gun. years. The soldier training at Camp Hood 75 As for the “King of Battle,” the Redlegs in In 1942, artillery power came with a self-propelled 105mm years ago could never have foreseen what the 1942 managed to ride around in a 105mm How- Howitzer Motor Carriage M7. Today’s troops use the M109 soldier of 2017 would use to go to war. itzer Motor Carriage M7, which was adopted in Paladin, which carries a 155 mm Howitzer, seen below. The most common small personnel carrier 1941 because more power was needed to defeat of World War II was the Jeep. Today, the High modern armor of the time. Today, artillerymen Mobility Multi-Wheel Vehicle (HMMWV) have the M109 Paladin, which carries a 155 mm — commonly pronounced as a “humvee” Howitzer with an effective firing range of 11 — carries small units around. The biggest dif- miles. ference? Jeeps had no armor. While helicopters weren’t in full military The larger personnel carriers, however, use until the , the units of Fort would still be recognizable to the soldier of Hood had no problem adopting them into their 1942. The biggest difference between the WWII inventory. The Bell H-13 Sioux helicopter was “Deuce and a Half” 2.5-ton truck and today’s acquired by the Army in 1946 and was used 5-ton Light Medium Tactical Vehicle (LMTV) is for various tasks from wire-laying to medical the size. evacuations. Today, the UH-60 Black Hawk heli- When it comes to heavily-armored vehicles, copter does many of the same missions — only the tankers of World War II would probably with a lot more room and a much greater fly- have been green with envy of today’s tank- ing distance. ers. The M4 “Sherman” Medium Tank was David A. Bryant

FORT HOOD TURNS 75 | 19 ‘Black Panther’ Battalion has historic place at Fort Hood

BY JULIE A. FERRARO KILLEEN DAILY HERALD “The operations of the 761st in the Bulge split the enemy lines at three

hen the name “Black Panthers” is spoken, some points, preventing the resupply of German forces.” W might think of a group from the 1960s. Author Matt Helm, in an article 11 Silver Star Medals is tangible would never have asked for you if Long before that, however, the posted on the website BlackPast. proof. you weren’t good. I don’t care what 761st Tank Battalion bore the org, wrote, “The 761st consisted of The 761st Tank Battalion was color you are as long as you go up name. Their motto: “Come Out 760 black men and white officers formed on March 15, 1942, and there and kill those Kraut (exple- Fighting!” primarily operating the M-4 Sher- activated April 1, 1942, at Camp tive). Everyone has their eyes on you The African-American unit man battle tank.” Claiborne, Louisiana. The soldiers and is expecting great things from known as the Black Panthers An article in the Killeen Daily received advanced training at Camp you. Most of all, your race is looking fought in the Herald on Aug. 20, 2006, stated the Hood from Sept. 15, 1943, switching forward to your success. Don’t let during World War II, and three oth- unit had 793 members. Joseph E. from light to medium tanks. There them down and damn you, don’t let er major campaigns during those Wilson, in his article from “World they remained until August 1944. me down!” years. They faced other battles War II Magazine” in January 1998, During those months at Camp In his book, “Brothers in Arms: back on U.S. soil, though — even lists 36 officers and 593 enlisted Hood, the soldiers of the 761st The Epic Story of the 761st Tank while stationed at Fort Hood. men as the complement. were advised not to leave the post. Battalion, WWII’s Forgotten He- Accounts differ in the number of Concerns about racial prejudice roes,” former NBA great Kareem soldiers assigned to the unit. Army DEDICATION AND COURAGE remained very real. Abdul-Jabbar wrote, “The 761st historical records indicate the total However many served, their The unit arrived in France by way Tank Battalion was one of the most was 713: six white and 30 African- dedication and courage cannot be of on Oct. 10, 1944. effective tank units to participate American officers and 676 enlisted denied. Being awarded 300 Purple Gen. George S. Patton, commander in hostilities during WWII. Their men. Hearts, 70 Bronze Star Medals and of the Third Army, hailed them, “I entry into the European theatre was

20 | FORT HOOD TURNS 75 marked by one crucial success after honors due the unit were delayed, another.” in 1978, a Presidential Unit Cita- That success could be attributed tion was issued by President to the fact that — unlike other units, Jimmy Carter. The document read, which spent an average of two “Throughout this period of combat, weeks on the front lines — the 761st the courageous and professional ac- saw 183 straight days of action at tions of the members of the “Black the front. Panther” battalion, coupled with Wilson wrote, “In a major battle at their indomitable fighting spirit Tillet, Belgium, the 761st operated and devotion to duty, reflect great for two continuous days against credit on the 761st Tank Battalion, German Panzer and infantry units, the , and this who withdrew in the face of the nation.” Black Panthers’ attack.” In 2005, a statue commemorat- Adding more detail, “The opera- ing the 761st Tank Battalion was tions of the 761st in the Bulge split erected at Fort Hood. It is, appropri- the enemy lines at three points, ately, located on the street named preventing the resupply of German for the unit. At III Corps, the VIP forces.” room includes the 761st unit insig- Statistically, Wilson included, nia among its decorations. “The unit inflicted 130,000 casu- Only one member of the original alties on the German army and 761st Tank Battalion survives, to captured, destroyed or aided in the the knowledge of Ivan Harrison Jr., liberation of more than 30 towns, son of Lt. Col. Ivan Harrison Sr., the several concentration camps, four unit’s second commanding officer. airfields,” and other sites. The 761st A handful of soldiers who joined ERIC J. SHELTON | HERALD also saw action in six European the unit later also survive, but the In 2005, a statue commemorating the 761st Tank Battalion was erected at Fort Hood on countries. battalion’s memory will live as long the street named for the unit. Though much of the praise and as history is told.

FORT HOOD TURNS 75 | 21 Mounted Warfare Museum aims to make designs a reality

BY ROSE L. THAYER will match the importance of this HERALD CORRESPONDENT history. Crouch said they are now about 75 percent done with the de- n the six years since the sign of a museum and about 70 per- National Mounted Warfare cent to their funding goal, making I Foundation began advocating a 2018 groundbreaking ceremony a for a military museum in Central possibility. It total, the foundation Texas, plans and architecture may is raising nearly $37 million, and a have shifted; but the true goal has thermometer on their homepage is always remained the same — to tell tracking the steady progress. the story of mounted warfare and The museum will be built on Fort Hood. Army property, which means the Bob Crouch, vice president of the foundation does not need to find National Mounted Warfare Foun- and acquire land for the project dation, said that always has been — a cost savings of $10 million. and remains today the vision that Some of the larger, more signifi- drives the organization. cant donations have included a $5 “The primary responsibility of million anonymous gift, a $250,000 a museum is to tell stories — to pledge from Union State Bank, have a place to display artifacts $125,000 of pro bono work from the and exhibitry,” Crouch said. The project’s architect, Huckabee, Inc., main areas of focus are to tell the COURTESY | NATIONAL MOUNTED WARFARE and ongoing support from the cit- story of the cavalry and armored The interior of the National Mounted Warfare Museum is shown in this rendering. ies of Killeen and Harker Heights. Army units, along with the history A group of community members, of it in Central Texas and to train three-story facility. of Camp Hood, and cover the units led by Copperas Cove residents, soldiers and educate the public. “It will really tell the story and that have been stationed at Fort also organize an annual Homecom- In its most recent and likely fulfill that basic mission with a Hood over the past 75 years. For ex- ing for Heroes Gala to benefit the final design, the museum will be better design,” Crouch said. “In the ample, the 2nd Armored Division foundation. a one-story structure located at current design, 75 percent of the once called Fort Hood home, but Once the museum opens its main entrance to Fort Hood. It will museum is dedicated to telling the has since inactivated. It’s archives doors, the Army will take over the be 42,000 square feet with 24,000 of story.” remain stored on the post and will museum and integrate the current that dedicated to permanent exhi- The exact storyline of the muse- be included in the new museum. 1st Cavalry Division Museum and bition space and another 1,600 for um continues to evolve, but Crouch Established in January 2011, the 3rd Cavalry Regiment Museum temporary exhibitions. Originally said it will begin in the cavalry’s foundation has worked to raise into the design. Staff from those plans called for a larger, costlier early days, move into the creation funds for a museum supporters say museums will integrate into the

22 | FORT HOOD TURNS 75 COURTESY | NATIONAL MOUNTED WARFARE FOUNDATION A rendering shows the proposed National Mounted Warfare Museum at Fort Hood. new museum, and the foundation are currently awaiting approval of Crouch also wants to make sure we haven’t maximized our expo- will remain to fundraise for future the Secretary of the Army. Approv- every person from the surrounding sure,” he said. “It gets better all the developments and upkeep. al could come as early as spring Fort Hood area knows about the time. “It’s a true partnership between 2018, and if funding is in place, museum. “We went from a series of draw- the Army and the foundation,” construction could begin toward “Until everybody in Killeen, ings and images, which were nice Crouch said. the end of that spring. Harker Heights, Copperas Cove … to a much more tangible project. Because the Army will absorb While finalizing the remainder of and the greater community around People see we are that far along the museum, architecture plans the funding is an important goal, Fort Hood is aware of the project, and it is very serious,” he added.

FORT HOOD TURNS 75 | 23 ERIC J. SHELTON | HERALD The Clear Creek Main Exchange is seen Sept. 5 at Fort Hood. The sprawling post has an economic impact of $35.4 billion on Texas. Fort Hood has $35.4 billion economic impact on Texas

BY ROSE L. THAYER ways that military installations HERALD CORRESPONDENT impact Texas, so there could be ad- ditional positive impacts it does not ort Hood not only impacts the account for. Of the 15 military in- landscape and culture of Cen- stallations in Texas, Fort Hood has F tral Texas, it also impacts the the greatest impact, Hager added. It wallets of about 200,000 Texans, ac- also includes the indirect jobs that cording to an economic impact study result from the installation’s place- from the Texas Comptroller’s Office. ment in Texas. Released in 2016, the report esti- “There’s no question ‘The Great mates that Fort Hood contributes Place’ makes me proud to be a $35.4 billion to the state’s economy Texan,” said U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, and generates about $12 billion R-Texas. “‘Support our troops’ is in disposable income. It used 2015 more than just a phrase in Texas, information such as troop levels, it’s a way of life. The soldiers and civilian jobs on post and the annual airmen at Fort Hood, along with operating budget. The nearly $63 their families and the surrounding million of educational Impact Aid community built to support their provided to local school districts in service, have truly dedicated them- the 2016-2017 school year also played selves to their fellow Americans. I’m into it. grateful for their service every day, Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar and I’m honored to represent such traveled to Fort Hood to announce outstanding public servants in the the report’s findings and said the U.S. Senate.” post directly employs more than The previously released report 60,000 service members and civil- from 2014 showed Fort Hood’s ians, making it the largest single- economic impact as $25.3 billion site employer in the state. The statewide, and in 2008, the post had report also states in can sometimes just under an $11 billion impact on be difficult to recognize the tangible the Texas economy.

24 | FORT HOOD TURNS 75 ERIC J. SHELTON | HERALD The USO Fort Hood building is seen Sept. 5. The USO was created during World War II. USO Fort Hood supports soldiers from beginning to end of careers

BY ROSE L. THAYER Fort Hood director. “Our mission is HERALD CORRESPONDENT to keep soldiers and families strong by supporting their everyday needs ike Fort Hood, the creation through our centers and programs.” of the USO also comes from Some of the services include free L World War II. Tasked in 1941 lunch for soldiers on weekdays, to provide morale and recreation computer and Internet access, video services to military personnel, games and various family-friendly the organization continues to do programs. The main post center so today — though it may look a — which caters to about 120,000 visi- bit different than what President tors a year — underwent a $100,000 Franklin D. Roosevelt could have renovation in 2014 and also features ever imagined. a children’s play area, a movie the- In August 2001, the USO Fort Hood ater and a snack bar. opened in the Rivers Building, as “The center is a resting place,” one of the nonprofit’s early expan- Hubbard said. “It’s a place to sit, re- sions beyond airport lounges and lax, take a break from the challeng- overseas locations and onto garri- ing duty day, and have a cold drink son military installations. or a meal.” Today, the USO operates its main Much of the work at the USO Fort center out of a former World War II- Hood wouldn’t be possible with- era barracks building near III Corps out dedicated volunteers to serve Headquarters, a North Fort Hood lo- lunches, greet visitors, or dress up cation, and a Pathfinder site where as movie characters as part of Mov- transitioning service members and ies on the Lawn. their spouses can get support mov- “We welcome you into the Army, ing into the civilian workforce. we walk alongside you for your “We’ve been on Fort Hood for 16 whole career, and then we’re here years now and only because of the while you transition back to civil- wonderful relationship we have ian life,” Hubbard said. “That’s how with garrison and III Corps com- we’ve evolved over 75 years. It’s the mands,” said Isabel Hubbard, USO new face of the USO.”

FORT HOOD TURNS 75 | 25 Still standing: A look at the oldest building on post BY JASON DOUGLAS at old chapel was the traditional HERALD CORRESPONDENT Latin mass,” Proctor said. “This is the form that the Catholic Church s Fort Hood turns 75 this year, used for the last 1,400 years until ap- so too does the oldest building proximately 1965; the oldest facility A on the Army post: the Old Post on Fort Hood was housing the oldest Chapel. It was built of wood and was Christian service in the world.” rapidly assembled to meet soldiers’ Proctor said the service is no lon- spiritual needs during the mobiliza- ger offered at the chapel because the tion of more than 12 million people Catholic chaplain reached manda- during the onset of World War II. tory retirement age and the other Sgt. Maj. John Proctor, who served Catholic chaplains on the Army post as the III Corps chaplain sergeant don’t know the ceremony. major from June 2015 to June 2017, The building next to the Old Post said the chapel was built with a Chapel is being used as the USO of- standard blueprint of the time with fice and was also built in 1942 as part an expected life span of five to 10 of the same complex for use with years. ERIC J. SHELTON | HERALD the chapel. “The fact that it’s still there 75 The Old Post Chapel is the oldest facility at Fort Hood. The wooden structure was built in “The USO building that’s next years later is a testament to what 1942 to serve the spiritual needs of troops training at Camp Hood. door used to be the post chaplain’s people thought was temporary in office,” Proctor said. “Those three 1942,” Proctor said. “In the 1950s, these three major traditions to ac- could hear you speaking perfectly buildings all used to be owned by the military chapels began being con- commodate the three primary faiths because the church didn’t use mi- post chaplain.” structed of brick.” which would have been these big crophones in 1942,” Proctor said. There are 16 total religious sup- Proctor said the functional design three in 1942,” Proctor said. “If you The chapel had fallen into disre- port facilities and at least 11 chapels of the chapel was standardized go in there the altar can be pushed pair and was being used primarily on Fort Hood. during the war, meaning almost all into the wall and the cabinets above for weddings until Proctor arrived Proctor said that while the reli- atonement chapels looked like the the altar open, which is where the in 2015. He, along with three soldiers gious observation will no longer be Old Post Chapel from 1942 to at least Jewish rabbi would put the tablets and numerous requests for work held there for the time being, it is the late 1950s, and had the option of and scrolls of the Jewish scrip- repairs, finally brought the chapel still actively being used for mar- hosting Jewish Sabbath services, tures.” back to life and began holding a spe- riages. He hopes one day the Old Roman Catholic masses and Protes- Proctor also said the chapels were cial service there until July 30 when Post Chapel will be named a histori- tant services. created with perfect acoustics. the ceremony was conducted for the cal landmark because it won’t be “They had to have a facility that “You could speak from the pulpit last time. able to be used for much other than could flex back and forth between and the members of the church “The last religious active service a museum.

26 | FORT HOOD TURNS 75