When the 508th returned to Nottingham from Normandy, the regiment strength had dropped by approximately 1200 men.  As fresh troops filtered in from various Replacement Depots, it was important that they be indoctrinated in the way of the 508th.
     This two page letter made sure that they knew what to expect, and what was expected of them.

HEADQUARTERS 508TH PARACHUTE INFANTRY
APO 230, U.S. ARMY

SUBJECT: Facts About Your Regiment

TO:            All Replacements

     We welcome you as members of this Regiment.  Our regiment has always had a fine record and high standards of conduct, training and discipline.  We expect every man who joins us to live up to this record and standards.  Listed below are various rules and regulations which are standard in this unit and which we expect everyone of you to become familiar with and to comply with.

SECTION I

UNIFORM REGULATIONS

a.        The uniform of the day for training and fatigues will be prescribed by the unit to which you are assigned.  Fatigues when worn will be clean and if worn with service shoes, leggings are prescribed.   When the sump suit is prescribed, jump boots will be worn in lieu of leggings.

b.      Helmet Liners will be worn when fatigues and jump suits are prescribed.

c.       When going on pass the Class “A” uniform with or without jump boots will be worn.  It is permissible, if the weather warrants it, to dispense with the blouse.  Ties will be worn at all times.  When blouses are worn, they will be kept buttoned.  Field jackets will not be worn on pass.  No member of this command, unless on training, will be dressed in other than Class “A” uniform outside the limits of this camp.  The wearing of authorized service ribbons and decorations is optional.

SECTION II

MILITARY COURTESY

     This unit expects all members to conform at all times with the requirements of military courtesy.  Enlisted men will be on the alert for officers and will render the prescribed salute at all times.

SECTION III

PERSONAL APPEARANCE

     The personal appearance of members of this command will be maintained at a high level at all times.

      a.  Hair will be cut frequently and not be allowed to become shaggy or unkempt.
b.  All personnel will be clean shaven.
c.  Clothing will be clean and well pressed.
d.  Headgear will be worn at all times.
e.  Caps will not be removed and slung under shoulder loops of blouses.
f.   Drunkenness in uniform in public places will not be tolerated.

SECTION IV

CONTACT WITH CIVILIANS

     a.  All contact with the local population will be made such as to leave a good opinion of this unit and our branch of the service.
b.  Members of this command will (illegible) order conduct no matter where they may be – in camp or on pass.
c.  Under no circumstances will any member of this command engage in altercation with Negro troops or frequent establishments patronized regularly by them.
d.  Proper precautions to prevent venereal disease will be taken before
and immediately after any sexual contact.

SECTION V

PASSES

     Off duty --- 50% of command.     24 to 48 hours --- 10% o command.

      a..  Off duty passes are ordinarily in effect from 1700 hour to 2359 hour during the week; from 1200 hour to 2359 hour Saturdays; and 0900 hour to 2359 hour on Sundays and holidays.  These are Class “B” passes good only in Nottingham, Beeston and Ilkeston.
b.  24 hour and 48 hour passes are ordinarily in effect for distances not to exceed a sixty (60) mile radius on weekends and for special reasons not interfering with training.
c.  Current regulations change on the above matters, and the pass situation will be dictated by this.  Inquire of your 1st Sergeant for information.
d.  Identification cards, passes, and dog tags will be in the possession of all enlisted personnel going on pass.

SECTION VI

PAY

     This unit has always paid its personnel promptly and any pay matters are quickly straightened out.  You will be paid on time and in full at all times unless circumstances beyond our control prevent us.

SECTION VII

AWOL’S

     AWOL’s are not tolerated and are dealt with quickly and stiffly.

SECTION VIII

RECREATION AND SSO

     Our SSO has a continuous program of entertainment which includes dances, parties, movies, reading room, Special Services Hall (ask your First Sergeant for location) with all facilities for play, lounging, reading or writing.

MISCELLANEOUS

                Our Battle Cry:   Diablo
                Our Aim:            To Give the Enemy Hell
                Our Morale         Always the Best
                Our Convictions   We’re the best Regiment, attached to the best Division, in the best Army, of the best country in the World.  Fellows – you’ve really hit the jackpot.  Dig in and join the Regiment with everything you’ve got.            

                                By order of Captain Milam:

                /s/ ARTHUR N. HAMLIN
                CWO, USA