The Boo

by Pat Conroy

  Our new President, General Harris is still looking around, not saying much. He gave all of The Corps Thanksgiving leave his year. At his inauguration on 15 October he rescinded all punishment, by the 15 December there were 61 black “little lambs” walking tours, plus over 400 lambs serving confinements.

  This year I sat in the senior date section at the football names. Didn’t need a drink, the fumes kept me going. One cadet introduced a non-Citadel man in Citadel uniform into the senior date section. I was lucky enough to spot him. The cadet only received 10/40/2 months.

  The basketball team has only two veterans, but they are lighting.

  President Harris is putting complete new beds and furniture in the cadet rooms. In about four years it will be The Hilton Citadel.

  My wife has lost 60 pounds. I have lost 40 pounds by dietrig. My son, Alfred, has lost 50 pounds by being a plebe in Company A. My daughter will graduate from U.S.C. in June 66 with a degree in Biology (took her three years) and has already been accepted at the Medical College of South Carolina to study to be a real human doctor.

  Oh yes, the plebes are the worse class to ever enter The Citadel, but they are being “shaped up” and will make the grade. The class of ’66 is doing a good job.

  The Citadel has had at least 8 graduates killed in Viet Nam and quite a number wounded. Major Savas, a former Assistant Professor of Military Science, died in Viet Nam in October ’65 from a back injury he had before he left here.

  We are always proud of our lambs.

  My family and I, and Miss Betsy send our love and regards.

  Boo

  ’66

  Merry ’66 Christmas, Lamb

  As usual we are marching along. September ’66 saw over 2,100 so called cadets, with only 650 ‘knobs.’ Most of the remainder were refugees from Saigon U. Now we are down to 2040, however, the ‘knob’ percentage is the same.

  The Citadel Hilton has acquired 2000 brand new beds with box springs and ten inch (honest) inner springs, have to have MC’s and PP’s now; also 1,000 new desks and 350 new chairs. It is hoped by September ’67 to have everything new, except cadets.

  General Harris likes to give amnesty, having given six in 11 months. The Corps and I really cooperate to keep him happy. One lamb earned 160 tours in 3 weeks and a friend of his 140 tours, so you can see we are trying.

  As you may know Mrs. Clark died in October. There was a memorial service for her in Summerall Chapel well attended by cadets. We have lost 16 lambs in Viet Nam, Skip Murphy ’65 being the latest. Cheer up, the good die young; you and I will be around a long time. But always remember, I’m going to be Sgt. of Lesesne Gate in Hell.

  The same lamb, whom I took blue jeans off in the middle of the parade ground during Summer School, showed up at Christmas muster in civilian long tails and white tie. He had his coat and tie just like regulation state.

  All the jock teams are playing hard even though they aren’t winning all of them.

  Colonel John Williams, Assistant Commandant, is retiring in June ’67. He is a West Pointer who has been with The Citadel over 20 years and has helped the college in many ways.

  My family, Miss Betsy and all The Citadel send our best regards to you and yours.

  Boo

  ’67

  Happy ’67 Christmas Lambs,

  The Ashley and the Cooper keep rolling along and so does El Cid. For the first time in 3 years, we started off in September only about 20 over in barracks. With all the new furniture in the rooms they are really crowded now. With 3 men rooms, you have to go outside to change your mind. With 4 men rooms, you can move around, and 2 men rooms are fat cats; more places to hide junk.

  Major Freda, Dr. Cathcart, Colonel Warren Stutler and Colonel Causey all died during the past year. General Clark was married in October 1967. The new Chemistry Building is being built across from #4 Barracks and should be ready for use by September ’68. Also the Alumni have a new house outside SOUTH Gate.

  The Tactical Officers handle WEL’s and C.P.’s in their Companies; it sure has been a help to me, no more late calls. Had our 8th suspension of punishment in September. However, the quad has not been empty. Cdr. Coussons is “Tac” to Company “Top” and is doing a good job. Can you picture “Tango” winning a parade? They did! Colonel John Williams retired last June and has been running all over the nation. This year General Harris let 5 year men live off the campus and be “Day Students.” J. Bowditch, S. Dewey, Fletcher, etc.; what a blessing. The old green dragon is gone; I now operate a Blue ’66 2 door low priced Ford.

  I know all of you will enjoy hearing that Dan Brailsford, ’66, was caught non-brown-bagging at the Furman game; our future Governor.

  My little girl is a soph at Medical College and Al is trying to catch up to be a Second Classman.

  The Citadel has lost more than her fair share in Viet Nam this year, all fine, good, young men, so you lambs don’t worry, you are too wicked to die. You will be back here wanting a pass or 3 merits.

  The footballers played well, there just was not enough of them to go around for ten games. The new basketball Coach has them fired up. Can you picture Bridges or Cauthen excited? H. Read, Business Manager, is leaving 1 January ’68.

  We are still here trying to produce the “whole” man, but there is always something missing; a toe, finger, or head.

  My family, Miss Betsy, and I wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy, Safe New Year.

  Best Always,

  Boo

  ’68

  Dear Lambs:

  We have had a few changes; General Tucker was relieved in Feb. 68, Miss Betsy quit in Feb. 68 and I was relieved 1 May 68. Filled in for John Holliday as Provost Marshall until 1 Aug.

  John had quite a serious operation but has recovered real well and is doing fine. Dr. Sandifer & Miss Maloney have left the Hospital, Rembert J. ’61 is in English, Moore J. R. ’62 & Muller K. L. ’66 are Asst. PMS’s. I have heard that at least 9 PhD’s have joined the faculty.

  I am now the Supply & Property Officer, it is ‘fat city’ but I do miss the contact with cadets. I do have one big problem if I can clear up, it will be gone for good. I found 546 pieces of luggage belonging to cadets who have departed from The Citadel. I have sent out over 300 pieces but still have a hard core I can’t find. Attached is a list, if you run into any of them. Please ask them to write me for their luggage.

  The football team was magnificent, good boys (no bums) playing hard, but we really were hurt in the legs and neck. At one time the top three line backers could not play. Nine will require leg operations this year. Six made All-Southern and three made All State. Ken Diaz was on both of them and it was well deserved.

  Basketball is getting off to a good start but we don’t have any goons, our tallest duckbutt is 6’5”. , I don’t know much of cadet life these days as I don’t see them.

  Tom Evans ’68 (Co D) was killed in an auto wreck in Atlanta in Nov. 68, first of his class. We still have a lot in V.N. but Thank God not many killed or wounded. Goble ’66 was wounded bad but has recovered and is still over there.

  “Sandy” Kelly widow of Bennie Kelly ’61 KIA, V.N. presented The Citadel with a “Kelly Cup” for the best drilled squad awarded each year, in addition the Squad leader will get a medal.

  Larry Latini, an animal if there ever was one, had his sister draw a charcoal portrait of me. It is one of the finest gifts I have ever received.

  Incidentlly, Latini, Coburn, Windham, all crack football players gave it up to study and all graduated with their class.

  My office is in the luggage warehouse so I will be changing from a cariBoo to a Swamp Rat.

  My wife is not too well, my little girl is doing well as a junior in Med school and Al needs 120 Q.P.’s, with the grace of God and a long handle spoon he should make it in Aug. 69.

  We all wish you the best.

  Boo

  Dear Lamb:

  ’69

  1969 has been quite a year for me, besides the men walking on the moon. My son
Al graduated in August so that’s one worry I’ll never have again. All my family except myself have been sick but everyone is fine now except my wife.

  The Corps is in good shape; ’69 got an extra weeks’ furlough last Christmas and had a girl in a parade, June week. ’70 had a mob visit to Furman, they did too much damage and made the Furman football team mad but our cadets were quite shrewd.

  Our football team was good, you won’t see a better game anywheres the day we beat Davidson. The basketball team is young but is hustling. We play our first basketball game with Vanderbilt this year and our first football game in Sep. ’70 with Vanderbilt.

  The new Chemistry Building SW of Bond Hall is a dream, even you could pass chemistry in Byrd Hall. The West wing of Bond Hall is completely down and is being rebuilt. For the past two years and the next two, 4th Bn won’t be able to hear an artillery barrage come in, when they leave The Cid.

  We lost some mighty good boys this past year. ’68 T. H. Evans, C. A. Peterson

  ’67 F. J. Carter MIA, G. L. Miner, N. A. Rowe, Jr., B. R. Welge ’63 E. M. Collins, Jr.

  The good part is that some of our biggest bums and I do mean bums have gone out and have done well. I wouldn’t have enlisted them in the Salvation Army.

  We have a lot more beds than bodies this year, so if you can send something warm down here please do, not quite as shiftless as you were but some body to fill a bed and pay the tuition.

  The Citadel will be on College BOWL (TV) Mar. 8, 1970 hold both of them for us.

  Saw Miss Betsy about two weeks ago and she is fine.

  I have the best job I ever had in my life but I miss the Lambs.

  With all the best wishes for a New Year.

  Boo

  AFTERTHOUGHTS

  The next letter was sent to Cadet Dave Savarene in 1964. Cadet Savarene came to The Boo as soon as he got the letter, swore he had not been frequenting Charleston brothels, and could not understand how the underworld had put him on its mailing list. The Boo racked him about loose morals and sins of the flesh, then told him he was the victim of a cadet prank. Greatly relieved, Savarene left the letter with Boo and departed from his office determined to lead the righteous life.

  The letter goes:

  198 Market Street

  Charleston, S.C.

  January 11, 1964

  Cadet Dave Savarene

  Citadel Military College

  Charleston, South Carolina

  Dear Cadet Savarene:

  We were extremely pleased to hear of your interest in our new business. It is located, as you probably know, at 198 Market Street. We understand that it may be your wish to do business with us. Before you commit yourself any further, we wish you to understand more about our establishment.

  Our establishment is not of ordinary caliber. You will find that it is clean above ordinary standards of cleanliness. Our girls believe in cleanliness before godliness. Our employees have the desire to please all mankind.

  We feel that our girls are not here just to make a living … they are, in a sense, here to be a boost to all mankind. If a man is not satisfied in his sexual life, it makes sense that he will be high-strung, nervous, and in general, hard to get along with. It is our business to fulfill that need.

  A cadet often needs relations with girls because of their continuous male environment. The weekend is his release for these pent up emotions … and these emotions must be spent. If you are going with a girl, you do not want the possibility of having an illegitimate child. You have your education to think of and you would not want to endanger it, we are sure. Because of this, you should come to our establishment. Your safety from disease is insured because of the high standards of cleanliness we proclaim.

  Our girls are clean, wholesome, and well-versed in the skill of love-making. They are not unexperienced!! They are well trained and it is to your advantage to come to us.

  The price is well within your range. Ask your friends to come with you for a very enjoyable evening worth every penny you pay!!

  There is no need to worry about having to make love to pigs because we pride ourselves in having some of the most gorgeous girls in the south. Their figures are truly God’s own creation!

  Sincerely yours,

  /s/ J. P. McDonald

  J. P. McDonald,

  Director of Social Events

  JPM/tsl

  The next letter is from Anita Murphy. She wrote The Boo after her son received a punishment order. The Boo loved the spirit of the woman and wished out loud that every Citadel parent shared her attitude.

  Dublin, Georgia

  December 17, 1962

  Lt. Colonel T. N. Courvoisie

  The Citadel

  Charleston, South Carolina

  Dear Sir:

  Regarding your letter of December 12, 1962, if The Citadel Censor, in this particular case, happens to be one Cadet David Murphy, then you have my full permission to turn him over on the other side and paddle the daylights out of him. I have very little respect for an informer and if I were physically able, I would take care of him personally. You have my deepest sympathy, sir, for having to be subjected to the endless antics of boys like my son and parents like me.

  I am very happy to learn that David is in excellent health. That would seem to indicate that his ulcer has healed over. Also, since he has loads of time to study and there are no young (or old) women to disturb him, then he won’t be needing my car and you can tell him to send it home, because I get awfully cold walking to work every day.

  We wish for you and yours a very Merry Christmas and hope that you won’t be too lonely or that things won’t be too dull while “Little Dave” and the other boys are away.

  Apologetically yours,

  /s/ Anita B. Murphy

  Anita B. Murphy

  The cadets who walked tours formed a kind of fraternity of their own. The fifty minute walk, back and forth across the second battalion quadrangle, cemented many friendships that ordinarily would never have been made. This was a fraternity of lawbreakers and inveterate challengers of the system. They walked tours together, they laughed together, they joked with The Boo together, and after their punishment was served, they drank beer together. The Boo knew these cadets as well as he knew any on campus. They exchanged wisecracks. They bantered each other mercilessly. The miscreants who walked tours were proud of their relationship with The Boo. Tom McDow was prouder than most. In order to preserve the traditions of the perennial tour-walkers, McDow drew up the following document:

  THE SOUTH CAROLINA CORPS OF CADETS

  The Citadel, Charleston, S. C.

  29 September 1962

  SUBJECT: Request for authority to form a cadet drill team

  known as “The Caribou Raiders.”

  THROUGH: The Commandant of Cadets.

  TO: The President

  1. I request authority to hold a meeting on Saturday, 29 September 1962 on the quadrangle on Number Two Barracks of all tour-walking cadets who are interested in forming a cadet drill team to be called the Caribou Raiders.

  2. The purpose of this drill team shall be:

  a. to honor the good shepherd, Lt. Colonel T. N. Courvoisie, who has done an outstanding job of handling his lambs.

  b. to add color to all tour formations so that they will reflect greater credit on The Citadel and the great association of privates.

  c. to improve the drill of senior privates.

  d. to provide entertainment for visitors on Homecoming Day, Parents’ Day, Corps Day, and the birthday of Lt. Colonel Courvoisie.

  e. to plan social activities that will tighten the bonds of friendships formed on the quad and also to insure that members do not long remain off the squad.

  3. At this organization meeting, it is proposed that officers will be elected as the group desires and that a constitution will be approved by the membership. The action taken at this meeting will be reported to the authorities of The Citadel through channels for final approval.

  4. I am f
amiliar with General Order 20, Headquarters of The Citadel, dated 19 February 1962 and Blue Book Regulations 13.01; 12.02; 13.03; and 13.04. If this request is granted, no advantage will be taken of these or other Blue Book Regulations.

  Once in a while the cadet would raise his voice in a song of agony. He would do it for no other reason than to be heard. He needed pity for a single moment. Whether he was serving confinements or walking tours, the lamentation which issued from his mouth was an indication that the pressure was getting too much. Cadet Black wrote his poem in a bleak frame of mind and sent it to The Boo. The Boo’s reply is written below. Two poets locked in combat. What is lacking in meter is made up for in emotion. The Boo-poem proves that the Colonel was wise in choosing the Army as a career instead of literature. But the cadets loved these word battles. Even if his verse was suspect, The Boo never lost one of these matches.

  CONFINEMENTS

  Many an hour at my desk I sit

  Wishing like hell I hadn’t pulled that …

  Cursing the system and raising hell

  And swearing in the future I shall do well

  For all wrongs committed one has to pay

  In cadet tradition, what can I say

  But from it all a lesson is taught

  If you do something wrong dammit don’t get caught!!!

  “67”

  BLACK

  (handwritten)

  You are so right

  And you would look bright

  at Joe College where you would

  Always be right.

  /s/ Boo

  THE GREEN COMET

  An ugly car. No doubt about it, a very ugly car. It was squat and awkward, a car neither to be raced or exhibited with pride, but a car which became the most immediately recognizable symbol of discipline on The Citadel’s campus. The General’s car displayed several waving flags. It was brash and imposing—a black Cadillac that reminded one of wreaths and funerals. The cadets ignored the General’s car, for it was commonly conceded among the Corps that you could be raping a Vestal Virgin and never merit a glance from the exalted eyes in the back of the great Cadillac. The green Comet called for vigilance. Usually when you saw it, it was already past you or coming up to you. Its pace was slow and determined as it wound through the well planned environs of The Citadel, as it circumnavigated the parade ground, or cut behind the barracks to intercept cadets intent on a stolen day in Charleston. The cadet knew this car like he knew the face of his mother, the bark of his dog, or the sound of reveille at 6:15 in the morning.