This document was kindly shared by Marc Shafer (whose father was a 298th member).

Transcribed by Bob Kipke (March 2013) – Attempts have been made to maintain the original formatting, within my limited HTML capabilities, and the differences between a 1940’s typewriter and a modern computer keyboard. Formatting (inconsistent in original) such as capitalization, underlining, punctuation, use of quotes, etc. have been maintained. A typo is noted by the use of [sic] other errors are probably my own. For ease of recognition, names are in a bold red font.

DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY

THE ADJUTANT GENERAL’S OFFICE

WASHINGTON

DEPARTMENTAL RECORDS BRANCH, A.G.O.

HISTORICAL RECORDS SECTION

ROOM MB-858 PENTAGON

ENBN-298-0.7 (26637) Master Jul – 298^th Engr C Bn

JOURNAL
Transcribed by Bob Kipke 2013				298 Journal Organization 298th Engr C Bn From: 0001 Oct 1/43 To: 2400 Oct 1/43 Place: Cp Young, California
Time In Out	Serial No.	Time Date	Incidents, Messages, Orders, etc		Action Taken
1100 Oct. 1/43	162	1100 Oct. 1/43	At meeting with Co Commanders & Staff, Maj. Liedike, CO, reveals 298th to construct roads at Cp Iron Mt in lieu of structures according to latest information; informs Co Commanders t submit names of potential cadre.

1700 Oct. 1/43	163	1700 Oct. 1/43	298th Engr (C) Bn participates in big Retreat parade of Engr. units approx. 1 ½ mi. from Bn. Area. Dress; cottons w leggings, under arms.

1830 Oct. 1/43	164	1830 Oct. 1/43	First “Mail Call” in two weeks as Bn. Mail orderlies begin distribution of 35 sacks of mail. Most mail had been to Ala. & Tenn.

JOURNAL
Transcribed by Bob Kipke 2013				298 Journal Organization 298th Engr C Bn From: 0001 Oct 2/43 To: 2400 Oct 2/43 Place: Cp Young, California
Time In Out	Serial No.	Time Date	Incidents, Messages, Orders, etc		Action Taken

0830 Oct 2/43	165	0830 Oct. 2/43	First serial of trucks for Bn arrives from Yuma, Arizona.

1100 Oct. 2/43	166	1100 Oct. 2/43	Maj. Liedike, CO, attends meeting of organization commanders under immediate command of 1120th Engr Combat Battalion.

1300 Oct. 2/43	167	1300 Oct. 2/43	Maj. Liedike, CO holds meeting with Co Commanders & Staff Officers.

1700 Oct. 2/43	168	1700 Oct. 2/43	First Calif. recreational convoy takes 25% of Bn personnel to Indio, Calif. for weekend trips.

JOURNAL
Transcribed by Bob Kipke 2013				298 Journal Organization 298th Engr C Bn From: 0001 Oct 3/43 To: 2400 Oct 3/43 Place: Cp Young, California
Time In Out	Serial No.	Time Date	Incidents, Messages, Orders, etc		Action Taken

0001 Oct. 3/43	169	2400 Oct 3/43	Mechanics, drivers, assistant drivers of Bn Motor Pool work in 24 hour shifts to make newly acquired vehicles fit for rugged field service with 298th Engrs.

JOURNAL
Transcribed by Bob Kipke 2013				298 Journal Organization 298th Engr C Bn From: 0001 Oct 4/43 To: 2400 Oct 4/43 Place: Cp Young, California
Time In Out	Serial No.	Time Date	Incidents, Messages, Orders, etc		Action Taken

1400 Oct. 4/43	170	1400 Oct. 4/43	S0 # 86 transfers five EM from 298th Engr (C) Bn to 297th Engr (C) Bn.

1430 Oct. 4/43	171	1430 Oct. 4/43	CO advises all personnel of Bn to be prepared to leave Cp Young for Cp Iron Mountain on “short notice.” EM begin packing clothes & equipment in single barracks bag. Other preparations made upon receipt of CO’s warnings.

JOURNAL
Transcribed by Bob Kipke 2013				298 Journal Organization 298th Engr C Bn From: 0001 Oct 5/43 To: 2400 Oct 5/43 Place: Cp Young, California
Time In Out	Serial No.	Time Date	Incidents, Messages, Orders, etc		Action Taken
0630 Oct. 5/43	172	1839 Oct. 5/43	Personnel of Bn. labor all day to prepare for movement from Cp Young to Cp Iron Mountain.

JOURNAL
Transcribed by Bob Kipke 2013				298 Journal Organization 298th Engr C Bn From: 0001 Oct 6/43 To: 2400 Oct 6/43 Place: Cp Young, California & Enroute to Cp Iron Mountain, California
Time In Out	Serial No.	Time Date	Incidents, Messages, Orders, etc		Action Taken

1100 Oct. 6/43	173	1100 Oct. 6/43	CO instructs Co Commanders re disposition of area to be vacated by Bn with respect to police etc. S-3 informs Staff of plans for Bn in new area at meeting in Bn Hq.

1400 Oct. 6/43	174	1400 Oct. 6/43	Entire Bn moves by truck convoy fr area at Cp Young to Cp Iron Mountain. Medical Officers make sanitary inspection prior to departure of troops. Trailer of S-1 unhooks itself and leaves road – only incident of trip.

1630 Oct. 6/43	175	1630 Oct. 6/43	Bn makes temporary base of operations in area near new site at Cp Iron Mountain.

JOURNAL
Transcribed by Bob Kipke 2013				298 Journal Organization 298th Engr C Bn From: 0001 Oct 7/43 To: 2400 Oct 7/43 Place: Cp Iron Mountain, California
Time In Out	Serial No.	Time Date	Incidents, Messages, Orders, etc		Action Taken

0700 Oct. 7/43	176	0700 Oct. 7/43	Entire personnel of Bn work to erect tents and set up Bn Hq & Staff Sections in new area at Cp Iron Mountain. New postal address for Bn – APO # 182-A Unit 14, c/o Postmaster, Los Angeles, Cal.

1000 Oct. 7/43	177	1000 Oct. 7/43	Memo to All Companies: Camp rule requires EM to wear fatigue blouses inside trousers waist.

JOURNAL
Transcribed by Bob Kipke 2013				298 Journal Organization 298th Engr C Bn From: 0001 Oct 8/43 To: 2400 Oct 8/43 Place: Cp Iron Mountain, California
Time In Out	Serial No.	Time Date	Incidents, Messages, Orders, etc		Action Taken

1300 Oct. 8/43	178	1300 Oct. 8/43	S0 # 88 appoints Lt. Cohen Exchange Officer

1330 Oct. 8/43	179	1330 Oct 8/43	Telephone communication established with Cp Young & Cp Iron Mountain

1830 Oct. 8/43	180	1830 Oct. 8/43	Bn PX, open for first time at night, does rushing business

JOURNAL
Transcribed by Bob Kipke 2013				298 Journal Organization 298th Engr C Bn From: 0001 Oct 9/43 To: 2400 Oct 9/43 Place: Cp Iron Mountain, California
Time In Out	Serial No.	Time Date	Incidents, Messages, Orders, etc		Action Taken

1100 Oct. 9/43	181	1100 Oct. 9/43	CO, Maj. Liedike, makes aerial inspection of Bn area & terrain from observation plane.

1330 Oct. 9/43	182	1330 Oct. 9/43	Par. 3 of S0 # 89 sends 12 EM from 298th on DS with 297th to pursue course in “Radio Repair.”

1500 Oct. 9/43	183	1500 Oct. 9/43	Troops of Bn paid off on Sept P/R by Class “A” Agent Officers

1530 Oct. 9/43	184	1530 Oct 9/43	Recreational truck convoy takes 25% of Bn to San Bernardino.

1545 Oct. 9/43	185	1545 Oct. 9/43	Supply Sergeants accept laundry from EM for first time since Bn departed from Cp Rucker, Ala.

JOURNAL
Transcribed by Bob Kipke 2013				298 Journal Organization 298th Engr C Bn From: 0001 Oct 10/43 To: 2400 Oct 10/43 Place: Cp Iron Mountain, California
Time In Out	Serial No.	Time Date	Incidents, Messages, Orders, etc		Action Taken

0800 Oct 10 1943	186	2000 Oct. 10/43	Personnel Section of Bn Hq put in 12 hour workaday to catch up with paper work.

1300 Oct 10/43	187	1300 Oct 10/43	EM of Bn read complimentary remarks of CG of 30th Inf Div re work of Bn in 2d Army maneuvers in Tenn.

JOURNAL
Transcribed by Bob Kipke 2013				298 Journal Organization 298th Engr C Bn From: 0001 Oct 11/43 To: 2400 Oct 11/43 Place: Cp Iron Mountain, California
Time In Out	Serial No.	Time Date	Incidents, Messages, Orders, etc		Action Taken




0700 Oct. 11/43	188	0700 Oct 11/43	12 EM leave on DS for Radio school with 297th engr (C) Bn.

1100 Oct. 11/43	189	1100 Oct. 11/43	4 EM return to Bn from ASTP via Ft Bragg Repl Bn. Join “B” & “C” Companies per SO.

JOURNAL
Transcribed by Bob Kipke 2013				298 Journal Organization 298th Engr C Bn From: 0001 Oct 12/43 To: 2400 Oct 12/43 Place: Cp Iron Mountain, California
Time In Out	Serial No.	Time Date	Incidents, Messages, Orders, etc		Action Taken

1440 Oct. 12/43	190	1440 Oct. 12/43	Memo to All Companies: Re Bn Stockade for prisoners.

1845 Oct. 12/43	[sic – no No.]	1845 Oct. 12/46	Courts Martial cases tried in S-3 tent.

JOURNAL
Transcribed by Bob Kipke 2013				298 Journal Organization 298th Engr C Bn From: 0001 Oct 13/43 To: 2400 Oct 13/43 Place: Cp Iron Mountain, Calif.
Time In Out	Serial No.	Time Date	Incidents, Messages, Orders, etc		Action Taken

1300 Oct. 13/43	191	1300 Oct. 13/43	Spec CM Orders # 4 published sentencing Pvt Jackson, Co C to Bn Stockade for AWOL Charge.

JOURNAL
Transcribed by Bob Kipke 2013				298 Journal Organization 298th Engr C Bn From: 0001 Oct 14/43 To: 2400 Oct 14/43 Place: Cp Iron Mountain, Calif.
Time In Out	Serial No.	Time Date	Incidents, Messages, Orders, etc		Action Taken

1000 Oct. 14/43	192	1000 Oct. 14/43	Co. Commanders informed Officers & EM may make plans for leaves & furloughs following receipt of information from Hq 1120th Engr (C) Group.		T

JOURNAL
Transcribed by Bob Kipke 2013				298 Journal Organization 298th Engr C Bn From: 0001 Oct 15/43 To: 2400 Oct 15/43 Place: Cp Iron Mountain, Calif.
Time In Out	Serial No.	Time Date	Incidents, Messages, Orders, etc		Action Taken

1500 Oct. 15/43	193	1500 Oct. 15/43	Truck from “C” Company involved in collision on mountain side with resulting injury to Pvt. Frank Scali. Scali taken to Hosp. for treatment.

1530 Oct. 15/43	194	1530 Oct. 15/43	3 EM asgd to Med Det par par [sic] 3 S0 # 92 this Hq published this date. EM from Med Repl Tng Center, Camp Barkeley, Texas. Same S0 orders guards despatched [sic] for AWOL members of command.

JOURNAL
Transcribed by Bob Kipke 2013				298 Journal Organization 298th Engr C Bn From: 0001 Oct 16/43 To: 2400 Oct 16/43 Place: Cp Iron Mountain, California.
Time In Out	Serial No.	Time Date	Incidents, Messages, Orders, etc		Action Taken

1530 Oct. 16/43	195	1530 Oct. 16/43	Capt. Sewell, Co Commander of ”C” Commander of “C” Company, granted lv of abs for 12 days per S0 # 93 this Hq published this date.

1535 Oct. 14/43	196	1535 Oct. 16/43	Recreational convoys to Palm Springs & Banning, Calif. EM take cots, blankets.

1730 Oct. 16/43	197	1730 Oct. 16/43	Pvt. Carl J. Miller, H&S Co., found injured with gunshot wound in hand fired from M-1. Wound believed self-inflicted. Miller taken to Hosp.

2100 Oct. 16/43	197 A	2100 Oct. 16/43	Many Em from Bn see Hollywood stage show at Cp Iron Mountain theater featuring film stars Jack Haley, Linda Ware, & Kitty Carlisle.

JOURNAL
Transcribed by Bob Kipke 2013				298 Journal Organization 298th Engr C Bn From: 0001 Oct 17/43 To: 2400 Oct 17/43 Place: Camp Iron Mountain, California
Time In Out	Serial No.	Time Date	Incidents, Messages, Orders, etc		Action Taken

1000 Oct. 17/43	198	1000 Oct. 17/43	Prisoners put in regular work day. Now confined in Bn stockade under immediate supervision of Sgt. Mushow.

JOURNAL
Transcribed by Bob Kipke 2013				298 Journal Organization 298th Engr C Bn From: 0001 Oct 18/43 To: 2400 Oct 18/43 Place: Cp Iron Mountain, Calif.
Time In Out	Serial No.	Time Date	Incidents, Messages, Orders, etc		Action Taken

1300 Oct. 18/43	199	1300 Oct. 18/43	S0 # 94 this Hq published this date assigns Pvt. James F. Brennan to Med Det. Brennan reported to this Hq from Ft. Douglas, Utah, RRC. Same S0 grants Lt. Halterman Jr., Company “B”, lv of abs for 10 days.

2000 Oct. 18/43	200	2000 Oct. 18/43	First cold night for Bn since move to Calif. Tent flaps rolled down & other precautions taken to prevent illness to personnel.

JOURNAL
Transcribed by Bob Kipke 2013				298 Journal Organization 298th Engr C Bn From: 0001 Oct 19/43 To: 2400 Oct 19/43 Place: Cp Iron Mountain, California
Time In Out	Serial No.	Time Date	Incidents, Messages, Orders, etc		Action Taken

1330 Oct. 19/43	201	1330 Oct. 19/43	S0 # 95 this Hq published this date appoints Board of five officers to probe shooting incident involving Pvt. Miller of H&S Company; Capt Foster aptd Pres. of said Board.

1400 Oct. 19/43	202	1440 Oct. 19/43	Maj. Liedike, C. O., praises personnel of organization for excellent rating won by Bn for police following inspection Oct. 16/43 by Gen Ott of XV Corps Artillery.

JOURNAL
Transcribed by Bob Kipke 2013				298 Journal Organization 298th Engr C Bn From: 0001 Oct 20/43 To: 2400 Oct 20/43 Place: Cp Iron Mountain, California
Time In Out	Serial No.	Time Date	Incidents, Messages, Orders, etc		Action Taken

1000 Oct. 20/43	203	1000 Oct. 20/43	Large sand turtle appears on scene & is promptly named Pet # 1 of H&S Co. thus joining in long procession of H&S pets, replacing dog & cat.

JOURNAL
Transcribed by Bob Kipke 2013				298 Journal Organization 298th Engr C Bn From: 0001 Oct 21/43 To: 2400 Oct 21/43 Place: Cp Iron Mountain, California
Time In Out	Serial No.	Time Date	Incidents, Messages, Orders, etc		Action Taken

1300 Oct. 21/43	204	1300 Oct. 21/43	Par 1 S0 #97 this Hq published this date appoints Capt Foster Summary Court. Par. 2 orders 3 officers, 6 EM to proceed to Cp Pilot Knob, Ariz., to 294th Engr. (C) Bn. for maneuver umpiring. Par. 3 sends 1st Lt. Kahofer to Enger. Sch., Fort Belvoir, Va. for Camouflage Course for 2 weeks.

1750 Oct. 21/43	205	1750 Oct. 21/43	Personnel of Bn fed canned turkey at evening chow. Reaction: favorable.

1755 Oct. 21/43	[sic- no No.]	1755 Oct. 21/43	Non-commissioned-officers of first 3 grades, who so requested, taken to rice via convoy for evening off.

JOURNAL
Transcribed by Bob Kipke 2013				298 Journal Organization 298th Engr C Bn From: 0001 Oct 22/43 To: 2400 Oct 22/43 Place: Cp Iron Mountain, California
Time In Out	Serial No.	Time Date	Incidents, Messages, Orders, etc		Action Taken

0800 Oct. 22/43	206	0800 Oct. 22/43	All Companies & Staff Officers on Bn. go on 8 mile hike over desert roads. Hike completed in 2 hours, 35 minutes. Weather: Clear & warm. Moral of troops: Excellent. No incidents.

1300 Oct. 22/43	207	1300 Oct. 22/43	S0 # 98, this Hq, published this date, appoints Lt. Silva Defense Counsel in case of Pvt. Donald A. Davis, Co “B”.

JOURNAL
Transcribed by Bob Kipke 2013				298 Journal Organization 298th Engr C Bn From: 0001 Oct 23/43 To: 2400 Oct 23/43 Place: Cp Iron Mountain, California
Time In Out	Serial No.	Time Date	Incidents, Messages, Orders, etc		Action Taken

1300 Oct. 23/43	208	1300 Oct. 23/43	S0 # 99 this Hq published this date. Par 2 appoints Lt. Radtke PX Inventory Officer. Par 3 transfers S/Sgt Willett from Co “B” to “H&S” Co.

1615 Oct. 23/43	209	1615 Oct. 23/43	Recreational convoy takes 25% of enlisted personnel to Palm Springs, Calif.

JOURNAL
Transcribed by Bob Kipke 2013				298 Journal Organization 298th Engr C Bn From: 0001 Oct 24/43 To: 2400 Oct 24/43 Place: Camp Iron Mountain, California.
Time In Out	Serial No.	Time Date	Incidents, Messages, Orders, etc		Action Taken

2100 Oct. 24/43	210	2100 Oct. 24/43	Recreational convoy leaves Palm Springs, Calif. for camp.

JOURNAL
Transcribed by Bob Kipke 2013				298 Journal Organization 298th Engr C Bn From: 0001 Oct 25/43 To: 2400 Oct 25/43 Place: Camp Iron Mountain, California
Time In Out	Serial No.	Time Date	Incidents, Messages, Orders, etc		Action Taken

0230 Oct. 25/43	211	0230 Oct 25/43	Recreational convoy reached Cp fr Palm Springs, Calif. Trip without incident.

1830 Oct. 25/43	212	1830 Oct 25/43	Co. “A” has party – Award for having best kitchen previous wk.

JOURNAL
Transcribed by Bob Kipke 2013				298 Journal Organization 298th Engr C Bn From: 0001 Oct 26/43 To: 2400 Oct 26/43 Place: Camp Iron Mountain, California
Time In Out	Serial No.	Time Date	Incidents, Messages, Orders, etc		Action Taken

1300 Oct. 26/43	213	1300 Oct. 26/43	S0 #100, this Hq, published this date. Par 1 apts Class “A” Agent Finance Officers for payment of troops for month of Oct.

JOURNAL
Transcribed by Bob Kipke 2013				298 Journal Organization 298th Engr C Bn From: 0001 Oct 27/43 To: 2400 Oct 27/43 Place: Camp Iron Mountain, California
Time In Out	Serial No.	Time Date	Incidents, Messages, Orders, etc		Action Taken

1300 Oct. 27/43	214	1300 Oct. 27/43	S0 #101, this Hq, published this date. Par 1 sending Capt. Earl D. Foster to Field Officers School at Ft. Belvoir, Va., early in Dec.

1330 Oct. 27/43	216	1800 Oct. 27/43	298th completes 1st month desert training in Calif.

JOURNAL
Transcribed by Bob Kipke 2013				298 Journal Organization 298th Engr C Bn From: 0001 Oct 28/43 To: 2400 Oct 28/43 Place: Camp Iron Mountain, California
Time In Out	Serial No.	Time Date	Incidents, Messages, Orders, etc		Action Taken

1230 Oct. 28/43	217	1230 Oct. 28/43	Sgt. Wylston and 7 other guards of Co. “C” returned from Detroit, Mich. with 4 prisoners. Prisoners confined to Bn Stockade to await trial.

1630 Oct. 28/43	218	1630 Oct. 28/43	Co. “A” working on installation of RR siding at Freda, Calif. Work progressing satisfactorily.

1630 Oct. 28/43	219	1630 Oct. 28/43	1 Platoon of Co. “B” at needles using 4-T truck and 8-T trailer to move rails from Needles to Goffs, Calif.

JOURNAL
Transcribed by Bob Kipke 2013				298 Journal Organization 298th Engr C Bn From: 0001 Oct 29/43 To: 2400 Oct 29/43 Place: Camp Iron Mountain, California
Time In Out	Serial No.	Time Date	Incidents, Messages, Orders, etc		Action Taken

1300 Oct. 29/43	220	1300 Oct. 29/43	3 EM returned to this organization from Detachment of Patients, Station Hospital, Camp Rucker, Ala.

2000 Oct. 29/43	221	2000 Oct. 29/43	1 Platoon of Co. “B”, working at Needles, Calif., returns to camp upon completion of work.

2030 Oct. 29/43	222	2030 Oct. 29/43	Convoy of 7 trucks leave camp under command of Lt. Groach to pick up men returning from furlough.

JOURNAL
Transcribed by Bob Kipke 2013				298 Journal Organization 298th Engr C Bn From: 0001 Oct 30/43 To: 2400 Oct 30/43 Place: Camp Iron Mountain, California
Time In Out	Serial No.	Time Date	Incidents, Messages, Orders, etc		Action Taken

0100 Oct. 30/43	223	0100 Oct. 30/43	Word received Lt. Hollis injured in motor vehicle accident while driving in blackout. Taken to 97th Evacuation Hospital.

0400 Oct. 30/43	224	0400 Oct. 30/43	Convoy returns from Indio, Cal. with men returning from furlough. 6 men AWOL.

0800 Oct. 30/43	225	0800 Oct. 30/43	“C” Co. goes to Goffs, Cal. per Work Order, 1135th engr (C) Gp

1300 Oct. 30/43	226	1300 Oct. 30/43	S0 #103 published. Par. 2 – Lt. Faust trfd to “C” Co.; Par. 3 – Lt. Forsythe trfd from “C” Co. to “B” Co. as Company Commander.

1630 Oct. 30/43	227	1630 Oct. 30/43	Co. “A” still working on installation of RR siding in Freda, Cal.

JOURNAL
Transcribed by Bob Kipke 2013				298 Journal Organization 298th Engr C Bn From: 0001 Oct 31/43 To: 2400 Oct 31/43 Place: Camp Iron Mountain, California
Time In Out	Serial No.	Time Date	Incidents, Messages, Orders, etc		Action Taken

1300 Oct. 31/43	228	1300 Oct. 31/43	S0 #104 published. Par 2 – Class “A” Agent Finance 0’s aptd for payment of tps Par. 3 – Asgmt Lt. Koehler to sp dy with “A” Co. Par 4 – Lt. Hollis relvd as Defense Counsel, Lt. Koehler aptd new Defense Counsel

1430 Oct. 31/43	229	1430 Oct. 31/43	Word rec’d to be ready to move into Maneuver Area on Tues. morning.

1730 Oct. 31/43	230	1730 Oct. 31/43	Co. “C” has party in PX, award for having best kitchen and company st. during previous week

1930 Oct. 31/43	231	1930 Oct. 31/43	USO mobile picture show in Bn area, featuring Alice Faye, Tyronne Powers and Al Jolson in Rose of Washington Square”.

Transcribed by Bob Kipke – May 2013

Please e-mail me at the address below.