Page:The history and achievements of the Fort Sheridan officers' training camps.djvu/237

 THE FIRST OFFICERS' TRAINING CAMP

��On down the line he read, the names being in order of rank, each name registering a sentiment of approval, commendation or surprise. Feelings of approval outnumbered those of surprise, and it was generally agreed that awards had been properly made. The task of the instructor in classifying so large a number of men, known by him for so brief a period, was admittedly one of extreme difficulty. Age, previous experience and training camp record had been carefully weighed. Of these, age was considered of greatest impor- tance. Of course, some mistakes were made, but the majority of appoint- ments, considering the fund of excellent material, could not have been improved upon.

The aw^ards of August 9th were to be kept secret until public announce- ment in the newspapers had been made.

Following the general publication of the commissions awarded came the announcement of the names of those men who had been appointed to act as instructors at the Second Officers' Training Camp. Tw^o such men of the rank of either captain or first lieutenant were chosen from each company, battery and troop.

Another announcement w^hich came as a total surprise to every candidate, whether included in the appointment or not, was a list of officers assigned for duty overseas The method of choosing these men varied in different camps

���NOTABLES OF MANY STATES REVIEWING THE FIRST CAMP MEN

�� �