Calvin E. Trow was 69th Armored Infantry Battalion COC Anti Tank Platoon 1st Squadron MOS Drive Half Track. In 1943, the President of the United States signed a law stating that 18-year-old men would be inducted into the service of our country. Calvin was one of the first two 18-year-olds to be drafted in Ottawa County, Kansas. He was assigned to the 16th Armored Division at Fort Knox, Kentucky. Being among the top scorers, Calvin was selected to go to Aberdeen, Maryland, for additional training. Following this, he went to Camp Campbell, Kentucky. Training included Armored Basic Training, Artillery Mechanic Light and Anti-Tank Gun Crewman and a backup half track driver. As it ended up, he was the actual driver. Under General George S. Patton, his unit went to Europe. They were the spearhead which went to Pilzen, Czechoslovakia. Orders were to end the German occupation in Czechoslovakia. The assigned driver of the half track was afraid of being shot by the enemy through the open slot so he took cover and Calvin drove the half track. This suited him fine. Behind the half track he also pulled a 57-mm anti-tank gun. They met a group of Germans lined up along the way ready to surrender. When the Germans were told they had to surrender to the Russians instead of the Americans, the Germans picked up their weapons and said they would fight the Russians. One of these Germans, a Colonel, gave Calvin his pocket watch, watch fob and his German pistol together with the holster. While in Europe, the war ended with the Germans. When the call came out that 'anyone wanting to volunteer for Pacific Duty come sign up,' Calvin signed up. He did not want to go alone so he signed up some of his buddies who, at the time, were out playing. When they all got back to camp, the ones he had not signed up were upset because they wanted to go, too. They were unable to get their names on the list so had to stay behind and come later. When Calvin was almost to the U.S. shore, he learned that Japan had surrendered days after the Atom bomb was dropped. He was then sent to Fort Smith, Arkansas, for the remainder of his enlistment.