The United States Army, which also consists of the United States Army Reserve and the Army National Guard, enjoys high numbers of intelligent, loyal volunteers willing to risk their lives to protect the freedoms of this nation. While today's Army is solid, it wasn't always the case. Following is an abbreviated synopsis of the history of the United States Army. Excerpts used are from a complete history written by David W. Hogan, Jr.

Following the history of the Army, we delve into the days when Harold O'Neill served this country during World War II. As Harold's adventure unfolds over the next several months, it must be stressed Harold's journey through France and Germany was not the same path taken by his entire division.

The United States Army originated in 1775 - more than a full year before the Declaration of Independence - and the Army has played an extremely important role in the growth and development of America ever since. Although the defense of the nation as always been the Army's number one priority, from the beginning, they have been involved with internal improvements such as building roads, canals and railroads, natural disaster relief, economic assistance, as well as achieving domestic order.

From winning the new Republic's independence in its struggle against Great Britain to preserving the Union during the Civil War, the United States Army has always been where they were needed. During times of peace in the early days of this nation, soldiers were well suited for exploration; they were organized, disciplined and trained to survive in hostile environments. President Jefferson sent an Army expedition, led by Capt. Meriwether Lewis and Lt. William Clark, to explore and gather geographic and scientific data, crucial in strengthening the American claim to the Pacific Northwest. Many other expeditions over time would aid the nation in settling new territories.

Army contributions in the field of medicine were significant as well, working in areas such as small pox vaccinations and later developing preventive measures for malaria and rabies. The surgeon general also directed hospitals to collect data on weather conditions for medical use, and its involvement contributed to the evolution of a national meteorological system. The Army's use of interchangeable parts in the manufacture of armament also contributed to the Industrial Revolution in the United States, and while the Army involved itself in the growth and success of the nation, it continually kept track of military developments on American soil and across the pond.

The main objective of the Army was to prepare for war, and prepare it did. American intervention in World War I caused enormous friction for the nature of such a battle was unprecedented, and though the young Army would make mistakes, it became stronger and wiser with each battle.

During the Great Depression, the Army played an important role in the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), part of Franklin D. Roosevelt's plan to provide work for the unemployed through public improvements. The greatest burden of the CCC fell on the War Department, which built the CCC camps and provided food, fuel, vehicles, medical care, and supervision. In its first six years, the CCC offered employment to over three million men, and the program drew heavily on the Army's manpower, involving over 20 percent of its officers at the start. Training these large numbers of men would prove to be a valuable learning experience, one which served the Army well when it needed to prepare for the expansive mobilization of troops for the upcoming war.

By mid-1940, Nazi Germany and Imperial Japan were powers to contend with. Having only a 230,000-man trained army which still included horse cavalry, the Army seemed ill-prepared to challenge either Germany or Japan. Wisely, the Army had devoted much of its efforts after World War I to mobilization planning and to educating and preparing officer and enlisted cadres, enabling them the capabilities of handling a major expansion.

Congress authorized the President to call up the National Guard and passed the Selective Service Act of 1940, the nation's first peacetime draft. As a result, the Army expanded to a strength of over 1.6 million men by the end of 1941 and 8 million men and women by the end of 1945. It organized these soldiers into a modern fighting force, which effectively used tanks, planes and other wartime equipment to achieve victory. The United States Army used its role to serve as a symbol of national unity, bringing together individuals from across the country in a common effort. A young man by the name of Harold O'Neill was one such individual who answered the call of duty to serve in the United States Army during World War II, and following is his story.

Harold O'Neill had aspirations of joining the United States Navy, so at the age of 20, he signed up to serve his country. The year was 1940, and Franklin Delano Roosevelt led the country as Commander-in-Chief. While the world was a bit unsettled across the pond, the United States remained a neutral force - 'a sleeping giant' so to speak. Though Harold was ready for the Navy, they weren't quite ready for him. In 1940, there was a 30-day waiting list for new naval recruits, so Harold filled his days by working at the gas station in Ruth.

After the 30-day waiting period, Harold was supposed to report to Virginia for aviation machinist training. Before his orders came, however, Harold's father died suddenly, and life as Harold knew it would change drastically. Now with three younger school-aged siblings and a mother to support and care for, thoughts of leaving for the Navy would have to be put on hold. Harold decided to write a letter explaining his situation, and the Navy responded by notifying him they would hold his enlistment for a year.

Meanwhile, Harold took a better paying job in Detroit, traveling back to Huron County every weekend to help his mother at the family's home on Schock Road. While he worked in Detroit, Harold lived in Macomb County and boarded with his sister and her husband, Irene and Edwin Stein. One year of working in Detroit turned into two, and in July of 1942, Harold married Betty, the love of his life.

All thoughts of joining the Navy disappeared, that is until the draft came around a few months later. The United States had declared war on Japan after the bombing of Pearl Harbor in December, 1941, and in turn, Germany declared war on the United States a few days later. As a result, young men were gearing up all over the country to fight.

When Harold received his draft notification, he immediately contacted the Navy as it was the branch of service he preferred, but they told him he was too late. Since the Army had sent the draft notification, the Army it would be. At first Harold didn't think the Army would even take him since he was not only supporting his new bride, he was also still financially responsible for his mother and three younger siblings. As it turned out, the Army was snatching everyone they could get there hands on, and when Harold registered for the draft in his county of residence, Macomb County, he officially joined the United States Army. The date would be forever engrained in his memory: October 20, 1942.

Without any time for lengthy good-byes to his wife or his mother, Harold was put on a bus that very same day: his destination - Fort Custer in Battle Creek, Michigan. Fort Custer was a staging area where Harold and other new recruits underwent a battery of tests which checked their health, aptitude and intelligence. The Army decided Harold should be a mechanic, and the following day, a tag was put around his neck that read: 90th Reconnaissance, 10th Armored Division.

Next, Harold and a host of other young men found themselves on a train bound for Fort Benning, Georgia, where the group would go through basic training. Everything was happening so fast; it was all Harold could do just to hold on for the ride. Although basic training lasted three months, Harold would call Fort Benning home until June, 1943. While he was there, he learned a great deal not only about the Army but himself as well.

Harold enjoyed participating on the precision drill team; it required the recruits to pay attention to detail, and eventually he and his new comrades were invited over to the main post to present a little show to the officers and paratroopers who were there at the time. Although not a vain man, with a 29 inch waist and weighing 148 pounds, Harold couldn't help but think he looked mighty fine in a uniform!

Along with enjoying the drill team, Harold discovered he was a worthy adversary in the boxing ring. Weighing less than 150 pounds, he qualified as a welterweight, and he learned a few tricks he would later rely on in order to stand up for himself.

Look for the continuation in next month's issue where I will describe a situation this soldier encountered when he was forced to teach another soldier a lesson in manners.