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The nineteenth of March was not just another day in Upper Assam history. For more than one hundred and fifty Station Six GIs it was something more - a date never to be forgotten. For them the nineteenth meant the end of two long years overseas. Two years seemed like ten times two years to these hardened veterans of two monsoons. And so to those few who remained of the original Fighting Third, the men who boarded the USAT Brazil in Charleston harbor under Major McClure's command, it seemed only fitting that some suitable celebration be arranged to mark the occasion.
Thus it happened that what without doubt may be called the greatest social event in the regions of Assam was staged on the evening of March 19, 1944. Toward seven o'clock the men gathered at the chosen spot. They were a fine lot, immaculately dressed and bedecked zebra-like with the stripes earned during their overseas service. Old friends met; the atmosphere was one of good cheer. The men had come for an evening of good fellowship.
For some it was an opportunity to feast on unaccustomed delicacies; for other, who had learned of the surprise windfall of four cases of Schenley's Old Charter and Ancient Age, the thought of good food was secondary. Strains of the familiar jive filled the brightly illuminated hall. Officers and enlisted men of the Third Ferrying Squadron talked over old times while waiting for the party to begin.
Meanwhile the food was spread on the long banquet table which extended along one wall. There was white cloth on the tables and a floral centerpiece. A bright rug ran along the center of the floor, and comfortable chairs were placed about the hall. Behind the bar there was great activity as food was prepared and handed over the counter. This was the picture immediately before the word was given to fall in for chow.
Even to those who were sweating out the opening of the bar the banquet was something to talk about. From a farm high in the hills had come delicious ham, cheese, and fresh butter, and there was good fresh bread for sandwiches. Further down the buffet line were huge pans of baked beans and catsup, pickles, potato salad, and deviled eggs. Pabst Blue Ribbon beer helped wash down the ham. At the end of the line were the best GI doughnuts ever turned out in Assam. The whole menu had been prepared perfectly. Without a doubt it was the best meal most of the old gang had tasted during the overseas tour of duty.
With stomachs full everyone began to yell for the opening of the bar. Tables were cleared and the hall put in shape for the orgy. First there were some photographs of the gathering and several very brief speeches by the guest of honor, Major Laubaugh and several Brazilites. The crowd was not in the mood for lengthy addresses and was interested chiefly in immediate opening of the bar.
At the bar the chosen bartenders and would-be bartenders argued over how to set things up and how to dole out the four cases of Schenley's, which happened to arrive as a gift from the distilleries just in time for the party. The total stock of liquor at the start of the evening was seven cases of Carew's and Hayward's gin and the four cases of Schenley's, looked like ample liquor and proved to be more than enough. The cleanup squad arriving on the scene the next day actually found three quarts hidden away under the counter.
Almost all of the hundred and fifty odd at the party lined up outside the bar and shouted until the windows were opened. Liquor hungry GIs, who for more than two years had seen little or no real American whiskey, returned again and again for more shots. At the same time the bartenders had their hands full holding on to the stock and preventing most of it from walking out the back door.
As the evening moved along the Schenley's cases were emptied and the crowd went to work on the gin. What started out as a mild din in the hall gradually became a roar, as singing, yelling, screaming, and loud laughter filled the air. One GI pounded on a door, trying to pick a fight, and gave up only after he had broken a finger. Many staggered; some fell to rise again; others fell and were carted off to trucks. There were several groups of singers, each trying to out-sing another group.
The few officers who remained on the scene joined in wholeheartedly with the men, singing and joking up until the end. The bartenders like those outside the bar grew less and less responsible, but nevertheless remained at their posts filling the jiggers and pouring out the squash. Before midnight the majority of the old Brazil gang had staggered off, or had been carted off to bed. The bar, as far as the last stragglers were able to find in their unsteady condition, was empty and the party about over. To all those who were still able to navigate it had been a great party. A bigger and better one would be had next year. Long live the Brazil and the old Third.
Few had taken time to think about the morning after, even if they were still able to think. March 20th dawned. It too was a memorable day but not in the same sense as was March 19th. Few who had attended the overseas anniversary banquet reported for work. Many did not even get out of bed. There were many who swore that it would never happen again. Several awoke in the hospital and discovered for the first time injuries of the night before. March 20th was a rough day for most of the boys, yet by March 21st almost all had agreed that after all it had been a great party which none would have wanted to miss.
