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SOFREP Interview with Tom Rice: Tennessee Maneuvers

BY Guy D. McCardle / May 8, 2024

To quote Tom: “Even as we headed to Europe, knowing some of us might not return, the strong camaraderie among the soldiers kept our spirits high.”

Tom Rice through the years.

Welcome to the SOFREP Interview With Tom Rice: Tennessee Maneuvers.

Tom shares a detailed account of his military experiences, including anecdotes from training and deployment during World War II. He talks of graduating in 1940 and joining the military after attending San Diego State University. His story covers a range of topics, from the Tennessee Maneuvers, where his unit practiced large-scale military tactics, to personal stories about mixing with local civilians and funny stories about military equipment.

Key moments in his unit included their preparations for deployment overseas, where he and his men trained intensively and adapted to various challenges, both logistical and personal. Rice speaks vividly about the atmosphere among the soldiers, their camaraderie, and the mood as they shipped out to Europe, knowing they were heading into significant conflict and many would not return.

Tom is no longer with us, but his words have been preserved for all who will listen.

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