12. The American transportation infrastructure was overwhelmed by the returning troops
Once back in the United States the returning American servicemen weren’t quite home yet. Processing by the military was necessary before they were discharged and released to make their way home. The processing took place in camps which were for the most part used to train troops bound for combat only months before. They received indoctrination on their rights under the new GI Bill, their final medical and dental examinations, and the requisite training regarding sexually transmitted diseases. They watched films and Private Snafu cartoons, received their back pay, if any, and finally their discharges. Then they had to get home.
The primary means of long-distance travel in the United States in December, 1945, was by rail. The railroads did what they could to increase the number of available trains, but were limited by years of depleted stock. Traffic jams routing the trains led to delays of up to 12 hours and more for trains departing the west coast stations by mid-December 1945. By Christmas week 94% of the passengers on those trains which were available were returning servicemen. The railroads were unable to handle all of traffic. Many who made it to the states and were discharged in time for Christmas found themselves spending the holiday in the strange environs of the processing camp, among mostly strangers.
