1945 Duckworth ChantHome |
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1945 Duckworth Chant - The Original Unit On a cold spring evening in May 1944, the divisional training center was returning from a long tedious march through swamps and rough country, a chant broke the stillness of the night. Upon investigation, it was found that a negro soldier by the name of Willie Duckworth, on detached service with the Provisional Training Center Fort Slocum, was chanting to build up the spirits of his weary comrades. It was not long before the infectious rhythm was spreading through the ranks. Foot-weary soldiers started to pack up their steps in cadence with a growing chorus of hearty male voices. Instead of a down-trodden, fatigued company, here marched 200 soldiers, with heads up, a spring to their step, and happy smiles on their faces. This transformation occurred with the beginning of the Duckworth Chant. Upon returning to Fort Slocum, Private Duckworth, with the aid of the Provisional Training Center instructors, composed a series of verses and choruses to be used with the marching cadence. Since that eventful evening, the Duckworth Chant has been made a part of the drill at Fort Slocum, as it has proved to be not only a tremendous morale factor, while marching, but also coordinated a movement of close-order drill with true precision. Horeward: HARCH! Sound off (one, two!) Eeny meeny miney moe Sound off (one, two!) We will march to beat the band Sound off (one, two!) I had a good home but I left (you're right!) Sound off (one, two!) It won't get by if it ain't GI Sound off (one, two!) We will march with a broken leg Sound off (one, two!) The Second Platoon is just like Krauts Sound off (one, two!) The Third Platoon can't stand the [gaffe?] Sound off (one, two!) If I get shot in a combat zone Sound off (one, two!) I had a good home but I left (you're right!) Sound off (one, two!) I don't mind to take a hike Sound off (one, two!) I don't mind a bivouac Sound off (one, two!) I don't mind if I get dirty Sound off (one, two!) The WACs and WAVEs will win the war Sound off (one, two!) I had a good home but I left (you're right!) Sound off (one, two!) Gump'knee, HALT! |
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