Uncle Sam's Boys as Sergeants; or, Handling Their First Real Commands

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

27679

Title

Uncle Sam's Boys as Sergeants; or, Handling Their First Real Commands

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

In this spirited adventure, Corporals Hal Overton and Noll Terry of the Thirty-fourth Infantry seek to master military signaling and telegraphy. Their journey involves rigorous training, a dramatic competition against a traveling circus, and a display of perfect discipline that captivates the public. The story celebrates soldierly virtues, camaraderie, and the thrilling life of young Americans in the Army.

Summary up to 500 words

In H. Irving Hancock's *Uncle Sam's Boys as Sergeants*, Corporals Hal Overton and Noll Terry, already renowned for their bravery, seek to expand their utility to the regiment by mastering new technical skills. They request signal flags from the quartermaster and begin rigorous lessons with Sergeant Hupner on wig-wag signaling. Simultaneously, Noll Terry secures a position in charge of the battalion's telegraph office under Lieutenant Prescott, demonstrating that true soldiering requires not just physical strength but also intellectual growth and discipline. The narrative builds toward a grand tournament at the ball grounds, where the Thirty-fourth United States Infantry prepares to compete against a famous circus. Despite initial fears that the civilian crowd would prefer the circus's entertainment, the Army's performance becomes a resounding success, drawing a massive audience that dwarfs the competing show. The event showcases the precision, chivalry, and enduring spirit of the Regular Army. The parade features mounted cavalry stunts, including daring feats where riders leap over fences and handle mock casualties, as well as artillery salvos and a simulated battle involving engineers and the Signal Corps. A highlight of the program is a riot drill, which demonstrates the battalion's ability to maintain order in a chaotic mob, earning the admiration of the entire city. The narrative also touches on the darker underbelly of military life through the character of Private Hinkey, a disaffected soldier plotting against the regiment's honor, before focusing on the triumphant public display. The story concludes with officers discussing future deployments, hinting that the regiment will soon be sent to the Philippines to fight against foreign enemies. This volume emphasizes that while the soldiers enjoy the camaraderie and excitement of garrison life, they remain ready for the grim realities of war, balancing their duties with a commitment to intellectual and moral improvement.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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Categories

• History
• Fiction