When Dad was deployed to Germany he and his buddies all pitched in and purchased a Hallicrafters Model S-38C radio for $47.50. Each of them engraved their name on the radio case. After the deployment they played a poker game and the winner got to take the radio home. Dad won the poker game.

In the 1950’s a Corporal (E-4) would have made about $150 a month. A $50 radio (almost $600 today) would have been a big purchase. I remember Dad getting an antenna and placing it outside my window to search and listen for various shortwave stations. That was in the late 70's and it still worked. Radio tubes and all.

One of the stories dad told me about his Army days was about a time he was deployed to Germany. He was a radio operator in the Army. He worked out of a RATT RIG. Basically a military truck with a Connex Box on the back that contained the radio equipment. He and his battle buddy were assigned to setup on top of a large hill for the best radio reception. On top of the hill was a cherry tree. He said by the end of the day they ate so many cherries that they were sick the next day. His First Sergeant was not too happy with them. Hence, KP and a lot of potatoes to peel the next day.

That was in the 1950's. I supported the Army beginning in the 1980's and used the same RATT RIG. Not much changed during those 30 years (or the next 20).