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[pg 52] Sandy Blair, on December 15, 1917, left Red Bird for Louisville and on the 18th enlisted in the regular army. He was sent to Camp Taylor; and when fitted out by the supply sergeant, insisted that he must have a fit. He pursued the policy of the importunate widow so persistently that when he came forth his well developed chest, broad shoulders and lean muscular legs were so fittingly encased as to make him the most conspicuous of the four hundred and sixty “rookies” who that day had been received and outfitted.
He represented that he had been sergeant in a company of the state guards for more than two years and in order to substantiate the declaration paid his corporal to induct him to the manual of arms and follow up the introduction by several strenuous drills; in the meanwhile finding an excuse for evading the first drill or two to which his raw company was subjected; though he stood to one side watching and listening carefully.
He paid the corporal two dollars to drill him all Sunday afternoon; and when he suggested that he would be too stiff and sore to drill the following morning, answered: “Not on your tin type. I may have a rookie head but my legs are veterans. Don’t think these few pranks will worry these hayr arms and legs; I have put in the last five winters swinging big fat gals. And I’ve got a back like a pack mule, made to tote things on; but it’s never been broke to a pack saddle and never will be.”
On Monday he took his place with his company and went through the drill with the snap and precision of a veteran. As intended, he caught the eye of the captain; and when he was told to step forward, saluted him like a general; and stood at attention.
“Well, my man, what experience have you had?”
[pg 53] “Two years as drill sergeant, Company C, ———— Regiment of the Kentucky State Guards.”
“What is your name?”
“William L. Blair, though most people call me Sergeant Sandy Blair.”
“Return to the ranks.” (This order came near getting him—but as the captain turned away, he resumed his place in line.)