Quote Originally Posted by cajunscot View Post
Alan,

I must say that is quite the fitting tribute to the old building. Several months ago one of the local universities tore down the last of some WWII-era barracks that were part of O'Reilly General Hospital. As the building (which had been used as administration offices) came down, one of the vice-presidents & his son broke the windows with rocks.

My grandfather was one of thousands of GIs that were treated at O'Reilly. In 1946, he had a relapse of malaria on the public square (he contracted it India) and had to be hospitalised.

When I read of the disrespectful behaviour of that VP, I was livid. It's nice to see someone show respect to a piece of history, even its final moments.

Sorry for the .

T.
Your story about your grandfather reminded me of when I was at "Sandhill" (basic training, Ft. Benning GA).

Though the barracks we were in were modern & new(er), I got field radio training etc at some locations with older WWII era buildings (former barracks etc) hidden away amongst the Georgia pines, and visited an old church there that was also WWII era (I should say they were late 30's / early 40's era).
Anyhow, I found out later that my cousin, a WWII vet of Merrill's Marauders, also trained at Sandhill and probably was at some of those same locations.

However, the incident that sent shivers up my spine was one night a few of us were detailed to clean the offices of Ranger officers housed within another pre-WWII building. I was in one room that had a beautiful heavy oak table, and matching leather covered chairs. I had to sit in one. Then I noticed the b&w photos on the wall. When I looked closer I noticed the familiar faces of Ike, Bradley & Patton, taken in that very room, sitting at that very table, in those very chairs!
According to the caption the photo was taken on the eve of America's involvement in WWII.

It was nice to see the buildings still being used.

Just had to share that with you