This is a photo of “Agony-Misery Hills” at the military reservation at Fort Knox, Kentucky. This is where I trained with the 3rd Armored Division before going to Germany. I was in the Armored Infantry, and we know what infantry means. We marched out to the training areas and this is the route we took going out and coming in. Some days we were lucky and were transported by trucks.
This picture looks pretty rough, but in reality it is worse–especially when marching. Even the vehicles needed to shift to the lower gears to make it to the top of these grades. “Agony Hill” was the hill we marched down to get to the training area. It wasn’t too bad when we were fresh. We had to march up “Misery Hill” on our way back to our company area after training all day. It wouldn’t be a very miserable walk for a Sunday stroll with shorts, t-shirt, and walking shoes, but with rifles and other various pieces of equipment it was not a pleasant journey. Some times we were even “allowed” to jog up “Misery.” I can tell you this–it was appropriately named.
While I was at Fort Knox, I started running. There was a 2 mile cross-country course that was truly cross-country. There wasn’t a flat area on the course. It started at the top of “Misery” and came around the mountain on a ledge, through a creek bottom, and then angled back to the top. There was one section that contained an obstacle course. It was great for staying in top condition.
I never thought about it until this morning but I recall the old saying: “Misery loves company.” Maybe that’s why they named the other hill “Agony.” As I look back on those times it really wasn’t bad…not now!
So, what is the moral of this story? It could be many things. I know that on top of the mountain (company barracks) we felt pretty safe and secure. As we moved from this safety, we suffered a little “agony” as we went out into the boondocks for training. Before we could return to safety, it was necessary to suffer a little “misery.” Maybe that is what happens when we leave the safety of the mountain top with God and go out into the world. That is where we receive our training to deal with the dangers we will face throughout our lives. The main thing to remember is to remain focused on the mountain top and never forget that God is faithful in His Promise to never leave us. It is when we leave Him that “agony and misery” come into our lives.
If you have other thoughts about “agony & misery,” I would welcome a response.
Update: Please read “AGONY – MISERY UPDATE” also.
jbburrows.wordpress.com 
April 6, 2010 at 1:43 pm |
Running = agony and misery!
July 9, 2010 at 10:38 am |
Oh yah good old agony and misery, I went thru basic there in 1990, still remeber those marches, sheesh
August 4, 2010 at 3:50 pm |
I went thru basic in 1990 (4th Plt A181) and ran Agony and Misery. The last road march was pure….Agony and Misery lol.
August 4, 2010 at 4:00 pm |
Jon
I had the pleasure many times in 1955 and 1956.
Hq & Sv Co, 29th AIB, 3rd Armored Division, Spearhead
Jerry
August 9, 2010 at 6:27 am |
I was there in the winter of 1958..These two hills I will never forget. Some of the guys had a hard time with the hills, but we were in pretty good shape before going up and down..I had a great time in the service.. was fortunate that I was never in combat..I was stationed in Germany for two years and when I got back to the states I was extended 4 months because of the Berlin airlift…L Butler PS I now live in Australia and I really enjoy this country.(6 years) I lived in Ct. most of my life but was born in Maine…
August 12, 2012 at 5:27 pm |
Jerry I was at Ft Knox in the winter (October – December) of 1958. I also spent 2+ years in Butzbach and Mannheim Germany, got extended because of the Berlin Wall. Discharged in January of 1962.
3rdARB 51st Infantry.
I remember well …Agony and Misery
September 9, 2010 at 8:29 pm |
I remember those hills I was there in 2000 in E troop 3rd platoon 5/15 cavalry those were the worst.
September 15, 2010 at 2:27 pm |
1957 here. Remember the gas chamber at the top?
September 15, 2010 at 2:41 pm |
Yes, I remember the gas chamber well, because I forgot some of the instructions
and did a little crying. Thank you for your service to our country and may God
bless you beyond all imagination.
September 17, 2010 at 2:20 pm |
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September 17, 2010 at 5:27 pm |
Fantastic paragraph,gratitude embattled putting reading this consideration! “This is certainly plainly one awesome declare. Thanks for the important patterns and insights you have so provided here. Keep this particular!”
September 21, 2010 at 12:41 am |
good points and the details are more precise than elsewhere, thanks.
– Norman
December 21, 2010 at 9:43 am |
yup good ol misery and agony and the gas chamber does add the perfect touch at the top. im at knox right now bravo troop 5/15 1st platoon assassins
December 21, 2010 at 10:22 am |
Thanks for the comment. Thank you for your servie to our country and may God bless you this Christmas season and all the days of your life.
January 2, 2011 at 11:52 am |
[…] “AGONY – MISERY” March 2010 13 comments 3 […]
January 8, 2011 at 3:20 am |
I was in Fort Knox in the fall of 1983. I remember those hills like it was yesterday. The Gas Chamber is something i’ll never forget. Went in 4 times because my drill seargent wanted to find out who the real men were so i went in each time he asked that question. Best days of my life.
January 10, 2011 at 10:41 am |
Thanks for the comment. Thank you for your servie to our country and may God bless you this this new year and all the days of your life.
January 20, 2011 at 3:57 pm |
I remember marching these hills in 2003 and have to say the worst was doing it while wearing our pro-masks before the going to the gas chambers. Not fun but wouldnt trade thos edays for anything.
January 21, 2011 at 8:22 am |
Shane:
I pray God’s blessings for your service to our country.
January 27, 2011 at 6:10 pm |
I took basic training at Fort Knox during the Korean war, 1952. I remember misery hill very well and the times the command to “double time” came as we approached the hill. I also clearly remember the gas chamber where the drill sergant was from Texas and made us remove our gas masks and sing “Deep in the Heart Of texas” until we did it to his satisfaction. Lots of tears by all.
January 28, 2011 at 8:20 am |
Bob: I too am from Texas with many other Texans in 1955. Our DI was not from Texas, but he made all of us Texans sing the same song. I thank you for your service to our country and pray God’s blessings on you.
February 26, 2011 at 10:21 pm |
I did Agony, Misery, Heartbreak and No Name in July of 76. Proud to be apart of the alumni. Thank you all for your service. “Never Forget”
February 27, 2011 at 9:11 am |
Thank you for your comment and God bless you for your service.
November 19, 2015 at 10:31 pm |
Hey what comp and platoon were you in.My name Donald Herron in basic inj
July or Aug 76 Charlie comp 3rd platoon Remember my Drill Sargent Williams. Trying to get a. Comp platoon pic of basic training
December 1, 2015 at 3:51 pm
Donald: I was a Fort Knox in 1955/56. Third Armored Division, 29th AIB, Headquarters company with the recon platoon. I worked in battalion headquarters and we went to Germany in 1956. I was stationed at Gelnhausen, Germany.
God bless you for your service.
Jerry
August 1, 2016 at 1:02 am |
I was there in july 76 going thru the hell of agony , misery and surrounding hills -drill sgt made the gas chamber our best friend.
August 1, 2016 at 6:31 pm
God’s blessings for your service!
August 2, 2016 at 3:59 am
The winter of 70. Spent 2 weeks in Ireland Army hospital with pneumonia. I wasn’t recycled just pushed through. Next stop Fort Gordon and then on to the Republic of South Vietnam.
August 2, 2016 at 8:12 am
God’s blessings on you for your service to our nation.
Jerry
August 2, 2016 at 11:37 pm
Keith Godsey B 17 4, thanks for your service Kevon
August 1, 2016 at 1:04 am |
I was there in 76
March 15, 2011 at 6:13 pm |
I took basic at Ft Knox.started 1st week of July 1962.the same week Marilyn Monroe died. i too remember misery hill…i was just a skinny 17 yr old with all that gear! but we made it…went on to Germany and then Japan…ahhhhh the memories…..
March 16, 2011 at 9:17 am |
Thanks for the comment, Richard. I was there in 1955-56 and gyroscoped to
German with the 3rd Armored Division to Gelnhausen. God bless you for your
service to our country.
July 23, 2015 at 7:30 pm |
Hi Richard,
I started my basic at Ft Knox in May 1962 and was there until December 1962. From there went to Baumholder and eventually out to the border. Scary times for sure, and the hills were excruciating. Do you remember the buildings at Knox? Oh my gosh, windows wouldn’t open, no air circulation and freezing in the colder months. Then there was all the coughing I did thanks to the spraying that went on to wipe out all the bugs. Did that stuff stink.
July 24, 2015 at 8:30 am
Gerald: Thanks for your comment. I remember the buildings quite well. We moved in in September, 1955 and the barracks had been closed since WW 2. The coal dust covered the walls, ceiling, and floors. We had to clean the coal dust off before we were allowed to sleep. That is only one of the FOND memories of Fort Knox.
Have a great day! May God bless you for your service to our great nation.
Jerry
July 24, 2015 at 10:05 am
Basic 1980. DS 1985. Civilian Employee Now. Work for Range Control. Photo is Heartbreak. Looking for Photos from Your time at Knox
July 24, 2015 at 10:40 am
Arlin:
I was at Fort Knox during 1955 and 1956 before debarkation to Germany. I imagine things were much different in 1980. I will search for photos for the time I was there and send them to you.
God’s blessings for you and your service to our great nation.
Jerry
April 16, 2011 at 8:56 am |
I remember both of them very well, in March of 1957 i marched up both of them with full field gear and rifle, i was just a 17 year old kid at that time, but they made a soldier out of you, our training was done by instructers that had the thoughts of thier battles in Korea just a few years earlier and drilled the hell out of us. Spent eight months at FT Devens MASS going to morse code school , then to Germany for two years and three months. I was in the ARMY SECURITY AGENCY and it was a none combat outfit because of our top secret type of work.
April 16, 2011 at 8:26 pm |
Terry: God bless you for your service to our country. I am returning to Gelnhausen, Germany this fall.
September 16, 2011 at 4:48 pm |
I went to Ft. Knox and Permanent party at Ft. Devens 77-80. I used to drive by the “Antenna Farm” there. I was in the 36th Med Bn. Ft. Devens is gone now but it was a great smaller Post and I have many fond memories of great friends I met there.
May 16, 2011 at 3:50 am |
I started basic in August, 1962 and most definitely remember those hills, as well as Heartbreak. I think what I remember most was an assault course that we went through. It was called Tokyo Ridge or something like that. We had live ammo and targets popping up as we moved forward. I remember thinking that this was a good place to get killed because if a target popped up beside you, someone was firing at it although you were only a few feet away.
After basic, I went to the Automotive School. While there, the Cuban Missle crisis started up and they took all our senior NCO’s and shipped them out to who knows where?
My barracks was at the corner of Wilson rd. and 7th Ave.. Directly across 7th Ave. there were a lot of Cubans training for something, never did figure that one out. Went on to Germany in January, 1963.
May 16, 2011 at 7:24 am |
Thanks for your comment. I pray God’s blessings on you for your service to our country. I was at Fort Knox in 1955 with the 3rd Armored Division and shipped to Germany in 1956 to Gelnhausen, Germany.
September 18, 2011 at 12:13 am
RC, I remember something similar to what you have mentioned. but a little different spin. We were on the side of that some similar ridge when bell hueys went over top of us throwing out smoke and CS gas. We were hanging on to twigs or anything else before the choppers came to stay upright. After the gas many GIs slide down the slope and someone lost a M16. We stayed out there until it and every piece of EQ was found. Salute, Thanks for your service.
July 4, 2011 at 9:14 am |
I was there is 1957 too and we did both Agony and Misery Hills with full pack and rifles. I had been in the hospital with Pneumonia just before so I really had a tough time. My buddies pulled me along and I did not drop out. After basic, I was i the best shape of my life.
July 6, 2011 at 7:54 am |
Thanks for the comment. Gold bless you for your service
to our great nation.
July 6, 2011 at 7:52 pm |
I was there in 1961 and one of the guys in our platoon was dumb enough to say to the platoon sgt “let’s do it again” so he stopped the platoon on the top of Agony Hill and was kind enough to let the guy run down and back up! Now that’s kindnes…lol
July 7, 2011 at 7:26 am |
It is a lot better to think back about Agony & Misery than to be there and experience them. I pray God’s blessings on you for you service to our great nation.
September 16, 2011 at 4:37 pm |
Wasn’t there a “Heartbreak” Hill too? The first time I saw them was at night marching back from the Range, in fall of ’77. I saw an aircraft in the night sky as I was trudging along. As I watched it the plane came lower and lower until it finally drove past, it was a Ambulance that was accompanying us! Thats when the “little voice” in my head said, Uh Oh, 🙂
September 19, 2011 at 8:13 am |
Marke: There was indeed a “Heartbreak Hill.” I experienced all of these hills in 1955-56, but I am sure they were unchanged while you were there.
Thank you for your comment and also for your service to our great nation. I pray God’s blessings on you always.
December 25, 2013 at 10:11 pm |
Heartbreak was much farther out it was twice as long as misery and had sections as steep as agony. It was impossibly difficult up and down with pack and rifle.
September 18, 2011 at 12:01 am |
Marke, I remember “Heartbreak, agony and misory, and I once made it to “noname” also. Salute, Thanks for your service.
September 19, 2011 at 8:15 am |
Keith: Thanks for you commenbt. You were a little ahead of me in passing the “Heartbreak” information to Marke.
I experienced the HILLS in 1956-57 before gyroscoping to Germany with the 3rd Armored Division. I thank you for
your service to a great nation and pray God’s blessings on you always.
October 11, 2011 at 7:55 pm |
How soon we all forget,while marching up agony and misery hills with full field gear in 90 degree heat we all had to sing about good old jodie.
October 12, 2011 at 8:29 am |
Thanks for your comment Mike. I can still remember those hills, and I was there in 1955-56.
I pray God’s blessings on you for your service to our nation.
December 7, 2011 at 8:45 am |
1975 D-19-5 BUILT ON PRIDE, FRESH OUT HIGH SCHOOL WRESTLING I WAS IN THE BEST SHAPE OF MY LIFE AND THEY WERE STILL HARD, MILITARY SERVICE WAS THE BEST THING I EVER DID, I WISH I WAS STILL IN!!!!
THANKS FOR YOUR SERVICE.
December 7, 2011 at 9:55 am |
Thanks for you comment and for your service to a great nation.
Agony & Misery made a better man out of each of us. God bless you.
February 10, 2012 at 2:02 am |
Just ran into your website. Recently I was telling my brother about these hills. Did my basic training at Ft. Knox in 1969/70. I still remember the day long, full-pack, marches up and down those hills. The tanks racing by and throwing up gravel, doing pushups on gravel the size of your fist, and marching past the tank target range with the targets on railroad tracks. Went on to MP training at Ft. Gordon and eventually, through a weird set of circumstances, ended as a Lt. in the Infantry (Queen of Battle). Finished out my tour as an Executive Officer in an Infantry Battalion, HQ company. Luckily, by the time I finished all my training they were cutting back on sending troops to Viet Nam so I stayed State-side. I always tell people that the military was a great experience, as was all of the various training, but I don’t think I would want to do it again (the training, that is). I remember that in Basic I was 23 years old and was called the “old man.” Most everyone else was 21 years old or younger. Some fond memories. Thanks for the website and the reminder of Ft. Knox.
February 10, 2012 at 8:22 am |
Thanks for you comment Wally. I trained at Fort Knox in 1955 and was not considered the “old man.” I was 19 years old.
So far, your view of this post is number 1,344, so that tells me there are many who have had an interest in those hills.
I pray God’s blessings on you for your service to a great nation.
April 19, 2012 at 6:36 am |
I grew aquainted with Agony and Misery in March, 1960. Basic, AIT and Turrent Mechanic in 1961. I also remember those hills well. I will be leaving tomorrow morning to revisit Fort Knox, the museum, and Misery and Agony. I also would not trade my 3 years of military service. Great memories
April 19, 2012 at 8:21 am |
Have a great visit, James. Some things we will remember always.
God bless you for your service to our nation.
April 19, 2012 at 8:37 am
I read yesterday that the Museum at Ft. Knox is nothing like it used to be. The Armor Center moved to Ft. Benning and they say that the museum at Ft. Knox is in disarray and not worth seeing.
April 19, 2012 at 9:59 am
Robert: God bless you for your service to our nation. I haven’t been
back since Operation Gyroscope in 1956, but I would like to return
for a visit to see the changes….but not to experience the HILLS!
June 15, 2012 at 11:04 am |
I was in basic training at fort knox in 1976 and again at FK as a drill sergeant 1989-90. I know both of these hills personally,(while marching with full ruck sack, weapon, etc…) as well as heartbreak hill. It bring back memories and thankfully that all. Hope to never get any closer to those hills than this picture! H.G. Rodman
June 18, 2012 at 8:22 am |
H.G. Thanks for you service and may God bless you.
June 22, 2012 at 12:14 pm |
I was here in 1970. Remember these hills very well. Hated being on misery and hearing “double time” and the gas house at the top. That which doesn’t kill you, makes you stronger.
June 22, 2012 at 1:14 pm |
Michael: I was there in 1955-56 and the hills were correctly named for those who spent
time on them. Thank you for your service to our great nation and Gob’s blessings for you.
June 23, 2012 at 3:53 am |
JB, I’ve noticed a few mentions about the Fort Knox Museum. My son in law is stationed at Ft Knox after 2 tours in Iraq and 1 in Afghanistan. Ft Knox is now home to the Big Red 1 which most likely was in Germany while you were there. Do you remember Patton Chapel? I remember all of us having to whistle “Bridge on the River Kwai” while entering the chapel. Thanks for this blog, God Bless, Never Forget.
June 25, 2012 at 8:22 am
Keith: I have received comments from others that brought back memories that I had forgotten.
Thanks for the reminders. God bless.
June 30, 2012 at 5:40 pm |
I remember well Agony. Misery and Heartbreak. I did my Basic Training there in 1978.
July 2, 2012 at 8:06 am |
Mark: Thanks for your service to our great nation and God bless you.
July 13, 2012 at 1:51 pm |
I did BCT at Ft. Leonard Wood in 2008, but my reserve unit does a couple FTX’s here every year, and we’ve rucked Agony and Misery. It hasn’t gotten easier! I have to say, the downhill is worse than the uphill because of what it does to my feet!
July 13, 2012 at 2:57 pm |
Sgt E: You mentioned something I had never thought of. “It hasn’t gotten easier!” That thought
has never entered my mind. I also didn’t remember the toughness of the downhill march. The hills
are very appropriately named. I was there in 1955-56. Thank you for your service to a great nation
and God’s blessings for you. Jerry
July 23, 2012 at 5:59 am |
I was there in 2008, I almost died from a Spyder hole in / on my stomach, at age 28 I was observant that Knox is a helluva lot tougher than many other BCTs in the country, wimps need not apply, I was tired the whole time,,,,to the hunters and shooters of the world that promote peace through actions!
July 24, 2012 at 8:43 am |
Joel: Thanks for your commenbt. I was there in 1955-56. God bless you for your service.
August 19, 2012 at 11:29 pm |
JB, I just returned from my visit with my daughter and son in law and I had the opportunity to go to Fort Knox where they are stationed. I have a pic of Heartbreak that I would like to share with you. If you like please send a email to kagodsey@aol.com and I’ll forward the pic. Salute, Keith
September 6, 2012 at 11:56 am |
I did basic at Fort Knox in 1975, Delta-13-4. We were in the Disney Barracks which I was told was relatively new at the time. Ill never forget Agony, Misery, and Heartbreak, humping it out to whatever training we were doing that day. Ill never forget the NCO’s at Easy Gap fire and manuever range had been drinking and wouldnt let us at the lister bags to fill our canteens and we went nuts. Two men in my company had heat strokes that day and General Leslie saw to it we were driven back to the company area after training. Two (2), 55 gal. barrel drums full of ice and beer were brought out to us. The red flag had been up all day and it was about 110 degrees in the shade. I feel like I pushed at least 3 feet of Fort Knox away from the atmosphere doing push ups for the Drill Sgt., Lionel Sylvas and Sgt. Wheelahan.
September 6, 2012 at 1:58 pm |
Adrian: I forgot about all the fun times (HA). Thank you for your comment and for your service to our nation.
I pray God’s blessings for you in all things.
Jerry
October 11, 2012 at 12:41 pm |
Ft Knox Basic first day Apr 21 st 1974 d-11-5 yea agony misery and heartbreaker
October 11, 2012 at 1:37 pm |
Charlie: Thanks for your comment. May God bless you for your service to our great nation.
Jerry
February 1, 2013 at 8:18 am |
Charlie Trp 5/15. Started OSUT 25 yrs ago today, triggered some memories and a google search brought me this picture. Thanks for the post, humping those mothers seems like yesterday. Scouts Out!
February 1, 2013 at 8:30 am |
Thanks for the comment James. I was at Fort Knox in 1955-56 before gyroscoping to Germany with the 3rd Armored Division.
We all have memories, both good and bad. Those hills were bad at the time, but they turned boys into men. My best wishes
for you and I thank God for your service to our great nation.
February 7, 2013 at 4:45 pm |
WoW – did that route a few times in 1959
February 7, 2013 at 5:07 pm |
I was there in 1955-56 before gyroscoping to Germany with the Third Armored Division.
God’s blessings on you for your service to our great nation.
February 11, 2013 at 4:41 am |
Was introduced to agony and misery in 1999 had a race back to the barracks to see who got to use the phones that day. Thanks for the picture maybe people will believe the stories now.
February 11, 2013 at 8:17 am |
Thanks for your comment and thanks for your service to a great nation.
May God bless you for your service.
March 12, 2013 at 9:42 am |
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March 12, 2013 at 10:03 am |
Thanks for your comment. I hope you enjoy reading from the archived blogs.
April 5, 2013 at 7:28 am |
Stationed @ Fort Knox in 1971 (basic training). Then on to Gordon for AIT and ultimately the Republic of South Vietnam (127th MP Company). Although a draftee I wouldn’t trade the experience!
April 5, 2013 at 8:02 am |
Bob: I was also drafted. I volunteered for the draft in 1955 and figured I could escape wartime because Korea had just ended. Fort Knox has many memories, both good and bad. Thanks for your comment and may God bless you for your service to our great nation.
April 5, 2013 at 8:16 am
BTW I didn’t mention that I’m second gen Army. My Dad was in the 101st and 82nd Airborne in WWII. Jumped into Holland and fought at the Bulge! I’m also second gen law enforcement, again following in my Dad’s footsteps. He’s gone but never forgotten!
April 5, 2013 at 6:26 pm |
Was happy to find this page, brought back many fond memories. I remember Agony, Misery, and Heartbreak! Charlie 2/46 3rd Platoon (House of Pain) BCT August 1990
April 8, 2013 at 7:06 am |
Thanks for your comment. May God bless you for your service to our nation.
May 31, 2013 at 6:55 am |
I have vivid memories not only of Misery, Agony and Heartbreak, but also all of the orange mud we trudged through in April, 1964. I trained with D-13-4.
May 31, 2013 at 7:12 am |
On second thought, I can’t say that I remember Heartbreak; only Misery and Agony Hills. I wonder if Heartbreak came after my time there.
May 31, 2013 at 2:56 pm |
I was in Fort Knox in 1955-56, and Heartbreak Hill was indeed there at that time. Maybe you just escaped that pleasure.
Thank you for you service to our great nation and I wish God’s blessings on you.
Jerry
June 15, 2013 at 11:49 pm |
thanks for the memories, I was the old man at 23 yrs old in Mar.-June,1953. 16 wks basic fort knox then to Baumholder Germany 2nd armored (hell on wheels) as tank commander.I thought misery hill was gravel at that time. every young man should have the experience .teaches self reliance & discipline. D. Beaufore
June 17, 2013 at 8:18 am |
Darwin: Thanks for your comment. I was there in 1955-56 and then sent to Gelnhausen, Germany. Thank you for your service to our great nation and may God bless you. Jerry
September 14, 2013 at 6:38 am |
Went thru basic in 80 and then I was a DS there in 85 thru 88. Now I work there as a Civil Servant, for the Range Control.. Know those hills very well. The photo above is actually of Heartbreak. I am compiling a photographic history of the post for our Archives. If anyone has photo’s they would like to share please send them to
Arlin.a.kramer.civ@mail.mil. Your name will be placed with the photo’s as the contributor . This will be placed in our Historical Archives. History dies if it is not remembered and preserved.
Thank you
September 16, 2013 at 8:35 am |
Arlin: Thanks for your correction on the hill. They all looked about the same to me in 1955 and all had their own form of misery. Thank you for you service to a great nation and may God bless you always.
September 16, 2013 at 9:47 am
Classification: UNCLASSIFIED Caveats: NONE
Sir I Thank you for your service also, and I would be really be interested in Photo’s from 1955 if you have any.
Thanks Arlin
Range Foreman DPTMS, Range Comm# 502-624-3536 Fax# 502-624-7202 DSN 464 Govt Blackberry# 270-272-5767 arlin.a.kramer.civ@mail.mil
I shall continue to do what I think is right Whether anybody likes it or not. Harry S. Truman 33rd President United States of America
September 16, 2013 at 11:03 am
I will check my old photos for pictures from Fort Knox in 1955-56
September 16, 2013 at 11:36 am
Classification: UNCLASSIFIED Caveats: NONE
Thanks
Thanks Arlin
Range Foreman DPTMS, Range Comm# 502-624-3536 Fax# 502-624-7202 DSN 464 Govt Blackberry# 270-272-5767 arlin.a.kramer.civ@mail.mil
I shall continue to do what I think is right Whether anybody likes it or not. Harry S. Truman 33rd President United States of America
September 16, 2013 at 11:29 am
I too was stationed (basic) @ Fort Knox in the Winter/Spring of 1971 and spent some time in Ireland Army hospital (pneumonia). Afterward it was off to Fort Gordon (MP School) and ultimately the Republic of South Vietnam. Thank you one and all for your service and wish you a long life and continued health.
Robert D. Foreman
Retired Sergeant/Miami-Dade PD
September 16, 2013 at 11:18 am |
In the summer of 1962 I knew one hill from the next. Really didn’t make much difference. Road march going downhill was only slightly better than going up. “Up the hill…down the hill…every day…All the way! A-15-4 Sir! The spirit of the bayonet is to kill!
October 27, 2013 at 2:52 pm |
Hi to all that survived misery hill. I was there in Oct of 1959 and was right accross the street from the reception center in A-8-3. Stg Barnett was the drill instructor. Anyone wants to contact me OK, Jim Mahews 614-778-1295. Ready on the right, ready on the left, click-bang————Who fired that %#@+ shot.
October 28, 2013 at 1:29 pm |
Jim: Thanks for your comment and God bless you for your service to a great nation.
Jerry
October 28, 2013 at 1:36 pm
Sir do you have any photos of your time here at Knox?
October 28, 2013 at 3:33 pm
I may have some. I will check and if so, I will let you know and I
can scan them for you.
Jerry
October 28, 2013 at 4:59 pm
Thank you Sir I work for Knox and one of my duties is Historian. I am trying to build an Archive. Any photos would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
My Email is
arlin.a.kramer.civ@mail.mil
November 19, 2013 at 11:39 pm |
I too double timed those hills with full field pack Mar. Thru. June, 1953 17 weeks basic training when the temperature got into the 90’s we were trucked out to the training area’s. I may be wrong in my advanced age but it seems to me the roads were covered with pea stone.
November 20, 2013 at 6:13 am |
Classification: UNCLASSIFIED Caveats: NONE
Any Photo’s of your time there would be greatly appreciated. I am building a Photographic history.
Thanks Arlin
Range Foreman DPTMS, Range Comm# 502-624-3536 Fax# 502-624-7202 DSN 464 Govt Blackberry# 270-272-5767 arlin.a.kramer.civ@mail.mil
I shall continue to do what I think is right Whether anybody likes it or not. Harry S. Truman 33rd President United States of America
November 28, 2013 at 1:30 am |
From Dick Oldham for all you younger fellows. I took basic in1951 and sufered Misery hill while going through training in Heavy Infantry.
December 2, 2013 at 12:16 am |
I distinctly remember Agony, Misery and Heartbreak hills! And lots of other stuff from the years 1978-79 when I did my basic and AIT at Disney Barracks Ft. Knox.
Alpha Two One – Forward Sir!
Logan Tyler
April 17, 2014 at 11:22 am |
I was introduced to Agony, Misery, and Heartbreak in 2003. It was not a very pleasant intro. While doing a paced road march a drill sergeant yelled “Incoming! 100 meters!” and continued to do so until both Agony and Misery had been hit. I recall the Hills With No Names and Mount MFer as well.
April 19, 2014 at 4:43 pm |
It was my pleasure to be Drill Sgt in1967-68 to give the trainees the chance to encounter Misery & Agony.
Sgt. Neilson
April 21, 2014 at 9:55 am |
Bill:
Only a Drill Sgt would comment he gave trainees the chance to encounter those hills. But,
we all later understood those hills were an opportunity.
I thank you for your service to our nation an wish God’s richest blessing for you.
Jerry
April 30, 2014 at 2:33 pm |
Brings back basic training 1969 I’ll never forget Misery & Agony. Glad to see it made such a lasting impression on all of us.
May 1, 2014 at 8:14 am |
Thanks for your service to our nation and God bless you.
Jerry
October 20, 2014 at 2:16 am |
Misery & Agony hill, I remember them well. I took basic with the 37th AIB,3rd armored Div. Jul 1949/ Oct 1949. Billy C
November 10, 2014 at 12:57 pm |
Thanks for your service to a great nationa and may God bless you.
Jerry
December 4, 2014 at 4:44 pm |
God, I recall marching/running up those infernal hills incessantly always seeming to be in the middle of rain storms. I still remember them “fondly” in Basic Training” September/October 1968. Went on to Interrogation School and Vietnamese Language training. Spent 18 months in Vietnam doing crazy things as we all did. Loved my service to my country.
December 5, 2014 at 8:28 am |
William: May God bless you for your service to our country
during a very difficult time. It has been a long time coming, but
people are beginning to appreciate your sacrifice. I pray God’s blessings
on you for protecting you in the past, His presence with you today, and
especially what He has in store for you tomorrow.
Jerry
December 5, 2014 at 8:55 am |
Salute,
March 15, 2015 at 8:46 am |
Who could forget Sept 1975 Delta 13-4 SFC
Kelly Goheen (ret)
March 23, 2015 at 10:58 am |
I attended basic training in the late Fall/Winter of 1970. A13-4. I went on to Fort Gordon for AIT and ultimately spent a year in the Republic of South Vietnam. I contracted pneumonia while @ Fort Knox as a result of the marches. I would build up a pretty good sweat beneath my clothing and then sit for extended periods listening to instruction and participating in training exercises. Nearly 2 weeks in Ireland Army Hospital did not warrant my being re-cycled. All that said I have fond memories of Sr. Drill Sergeant Evans and am appreciated for their time, efforts and patience. My nick-name was “Killer?” Don’t ask. There has been an incredible shift in the last 10-15 years with the oft said “Thank you for your service.” There are times when I feel a bit overwhelmed that people are now expressing their appreciation. 1972 was a different narrative completely.
Bob Foreman
Waukesha, WI
March 23, 2015 at 11:13 am
Bob: Thanks for your comments and I truly do appreciate your service to a great nation. I pray Gold’s blessings for you.
Jerry
March 23, 2015 at 11:31 am
Thank you Jerry. BTW I was drafted and had a job awaiting me in law enforcement otherwise I would seriously have considered a career in the Army. That said I spent 29 years with the Miami-Dade Police Department and don’t regret a minute. God has been very good to me in spite of myself. Thank you for your service. God is forgiving and merciful!
July 30, 2016 at 10:13 pm |
I was at Knox in the fall of 1961, never forgot Misery, Agony or Knox. Great, proud days to be an AMERICAN!
July 31, 2016 at 12:28 am |
May God’s bless you for your service to a great nation.
Jerry
August 3, 2016 at 7:24 am |
Drill Sgt Evans. A great man. “A 13-4, we’re the best the hell with the rest, amen”
Then there was “the yellow bird”
“a yellow bird with yellow bill, perched upon my window sill, I coaxed him in with crumbs of bread and then I crushed his f*+~<n head"
My nickname was "killer." Like yesterday hearing Sgt Evans yelling into the pa "2nd platoon? Yes Drill Sgt, is killer there? Yes Drill Sgt. Send him down!"
August 3, 2016 at 8:21 am |
Thank you for your service and God’s blessings for you.
September 25, 2016 at 3:32 pm |
Amen Brother
I went through 19D training at Knox and had many encounters with agony and misery. The worst was when they made use wear NBC masks. That added a little something special.
October 19, 2016 at 5:59 pm |
Thank you for your service to our great nation. God’s blessings for you!
October 20, 2016 at 5:52 am
Last year I was traveling and spent the night in Louisville. Early the next morning I thought I’d stop by Fort Knox because surely I would recognize some locations and that would evoke memories. The only thing I recognized was Ireland Army Hospital. After marches up and down ‘Agony and Misery then being seated for blocks of instruction (Winter) I contracted pneumonia and spent 2 weeks there. I thought for sure I’d get recycled but that didn’t happen. Off to AIT and ultimately the Republic of South Vietnam.
October 20, 2016 at 6:17 am
God bless you for your service. Thanks for your comments.
January 31, 2017 at 7:50 am |
I remember Misery and Agony basic training June 1965. The hills are definitely ass kickers. Looking back wish I could still walk or double time them. Fatigues, boots, full field pack and all.
January 31, 2017 at 8:29 am |
Dick: Thanks for you comments and thanks for your service to our great nation.
God’s blessings for you.
Jerry
August 31, 2017 at 1:39 pm |
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“AGONY – MISERY” | Jbburrows's Blog
October 31, 2017 at 7:49 pm |
I remember the “Hills ” from basic there 1965….I had pleasure of driving my 1st Deuce and a half …full of men up and down them praying that truck wouldn’t blow-up …It Didn’t.
November 1, 2017 at 8:26 am |
Mike, I thank you for your service and with God’s blessings on you.
Jerry
March 13, 2018 at 11:07 pm |
JBBurrows:God bless you for bringing Ft.Know solders,{old and new} to a common place where we can all share our fond and hard memories. first plt. c company 19th engr. bn 1990-1992. THAT WHICH DOES NOT KILL US MAKES US STRONGER!
August 30, 2018 at 8:47 pm |
Like everyone else I did agony and misery in basic at Knox. Something I wouldn’t want to try again today. 1971 was a loooong time ago.
August 30, 2018 at 9:05 pm |
John: I was there in 1955-56 and you are right about it’s been a long time.
August 31, 2018 at 6:31 am
I believe my unit was A13-4????? New barracks. Sr Drill Sgt Evans. Summer/Fall of 70.
November 29, 2018 at 8:29 pm |
I took BCT in the winter of 1960. Fond? memories of agony and misery. I was in D-9-3 and we were in the old barracks. They were drafty, I woke up one morning with snow on my blanket. One plus was we didn’t have to wax the floors like the guys in the “pink palaces”. Our drill sgt was SFC La Scalia, a Korea vet. Good guy.
November 29, 2018 at 9:29 pm |
Tom: I was there in 1955-1956 for training before gyros-coping to Germany with the Third Armored Division, we were also billeted in the old barracks that had been closed after WWII. When we arrived, we had to scrub the coal dust from the floors and walls. I guess we cleaned them up for you and your guys. I thank God for your service.
Jerry
May 30, 2019 at 7:05 am |
August 1971, BCT C-12-5 looking for info on that class.
September 5, 2020 at 8:36 pm |
I remember misery my last name was Wisuri so I was at the end of the column. You had to run to keep up.