CHECKERS SET, folding pouch, coated and painted cotton duck, with playing pieces of light-blue (13) and orange (14) cardstock mounted in circular metal frames, red-and-black "board" with black stars on red squares; black loop attached to side of ocher-colored cover or pouch; board open is 8.5" (21.6 cm) square; diameter of playing pieces slightly under 1" (2.2 cm); excellent condition.

Most soldiers usually face two enemies in time of war: the opposing army and sheer boredom. Checkers, cards, or reading were some of the diversions that helped American troops to pass the time between routine duties, drilling, awaiting deployment, and actual combat. Shown here is a small checker set that Lieutenant Umstead carried with him. Its near-pristine condition suggests that the busy supply officer had little free time to use it.