DEAR ABBY: I have read with interest the letters in your column about providing condoms to youth in high schools to protect them from pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases. I am reminded of something that happened during World War II.
A company of young U.S. infantry soldiers was preparing to invade a Pacific island. Our company was assembled on the upper deck of our ship, and we were told we would have to wade ashore under enemy fire. All of our personal belongings except our battle gear were put in duffel bags for storage. Our sergeant then gave each man a cellophane-wrapped package. Much to our surprise, each package contained four condoms! You can imagine the comments that were made about what kind of invasion this was to be!
However, our speculations were short-lived because we were told to roll our socks and put one in each condom and tie the end so that water could not get in. Of course, we immediately understood the importance of this command. Since the infantry travels on its feet, it was mandatory that we put dry socks on at the first opportunity after getting ashore.
No doubt some high-ranking "dog-face" in the Pentagon thought of this detail, and we owe him a debt of gratitude. -- JIM ISBELL, FORT WORTH, TEXAS