December 11, 2024: Preparations

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Stewart went by troop train to Camp Roberts in California and was there from June to October, 1943. There he experienced basic training and learned about the Field Artillery, specifically the 105 Hotwitzer. He was supposed to spend 13 weeks there, but it was extended to 17 weeks.

By the end of 1943, he was transferred to the Army Specialized Training Program (ASTP) at John McNeese Junior College in Lake Charles, Louisiana. Soldiers who were tapped for this program had to have a high IQ. They studied engineering, map making, physics, etc. The colleges were hurting for students and the army was expecting high casualties from D-Day and needed to have others trained to step into leadership roles. This program was canceled since it was time to go. The soldiers were sent to the 99th Infantry Division in Paris, TX. Going over there was eminent.

Time To Go

Stewart arrived in the summer of 1944 to hot, humid, buggy Camp Maxey. Here was where the book smart and street smart formed lasting bonds. It was a rocky start, but they soon gelled as a division. Stewart had Basic Training again but this time differed in educating the soldier on necessary survival skills. He felt that his survival in the elements was due to this training.

On September 12, the 99th Infantry Division boarded a troop train without knowing the destination. to Camp Miles Standish in Boston. This would be the last time that they were on American soil.

Our preparations began with the end in mind. We traveled by bus to La Gleize and Stoumont where there was heavy fighting to stop the German advance. Peiper spearheaded an SS Panzer Division and was able to get the farthest, but he ran out of time and fuel before ever getting to the goal: Antwerp. He was able to get the farthest. In the end, he had to walk back to Germany.