Memoirs of 2dLt W. B. Jackson, USMC
PRE-WAR AND ENLISTMENT
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In the winter of 1916-17 I was employed by the Stockyards National Bank of Denver as an individual accounts bookkeeper and was attending the University of Denver downtown, four nights a week.
My chum and pal was Olin J. Butterfield, who at the time was a dental student in the University of Denver, downtown, during the day. We spent most of our spare time together and were very compatible.
On April 6, 1917, the U.S. Congress declared war against Germany and her then Allies. Jack and I had discussed the possibility for some time and had decided that if war came we would immediately try to enlist. Our thought ran to the Marine Corps, influenced to an extent by the natty uniform and posts of far flung tropic stations with palm trees, beautiful sea coasts etc.., rather than any immediate desire to meet the German army.
Suffice it to say we went down to the Marine Corps recruiting station together on the afternoon of April 8th to see what could be done.
The office was in charge of a spit and polish Captain by the name of Guggenheim. All Marine Corps recruiting at the time was on a strictly volunteer enlistment for a four year period. We explained that we were in college and when the war was over we wanted to return to our education. Hence we wanted to enlist for the duration of the war only. Captain Guggenheim immediately wired Headquarters for permission to so enlist us. There was a delay of a few days but eventually permission came through and were enlisted "for the duration only" among the very first in the country. (Later, after I became an officer, I saw my record book and learned I had been duly sworn in for four years.
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