Bolo knife Archives - Moss Letters

21 April 1945

Dear Folks:

So much mail has been coming in from you folks that I would feel like a heel if I did not write you every opportunity I have. This has been a fairly quiet day and it looks like tonight before dark I might have time to get a few letters off. Some of the boys killed a hog so for supper tonite we enjoyed pork – good treat it was.

I was sorry to hear that you did not get the sandals but in talking to some of the fellows they said that perhaps the hemp used in them might contain insects or germs. I couldn’t tell from your letters whether you received the bolo knife complete with the case or what. Dad said only the handle came and Mom sounded like the whole thing arrived. I don’t wonder that you don’t understand how it is used but a Filipino almost builds his life around it. He can build a house, split coconuts, get food with it and fight with it. Even the smallest boys carry one. I know you would have liked the sandals.

In your letters were many clippings which I’m always anxious to get. I think that in as much as the Free Press is many months in coming it would be a good idea to put a copy in an envelope and mail it first class – in that way it is somewhat recent.

In connection with requests here is another. I’m publishing a battalion newspaper and it is to be run off on the mimeograph. Now the request is this. In order to reproduce headlines and column headings onto a stencil we need print letters which are usually cut out of cellulose so they can be traced onto the stencil. There may be other means that I don’t know about but that is one. So when you are in ‘Bluffs perhaps, LeRoys or Rominger’s or a stationary and supply house, could fix me up.

No, I haven’t received the packages you mailed last February but perhaps these will come through.

On today’s mail I had two letters each from Mom and Dad, and I wished I was allowed to tell you how fast they came. I would certainly like to get home now when spring is beginning to green the land and to see the house.

Yes, I was certainly shocked at the President’s death and undoubtedly he will rank as one of the world’s greatest men. And Ernie Pyle too. I understand he was here on Okinawa for awhile before going to Ice Island. He was buried in the army cemetery there along with GI’s he wrote so skillfully about.

I think your letters are very good Dad, contrary to your occasional reference to their inferiority, and I know it isn’t always easy to write. I gather that your business is doing good and I’m sure it is. I knew you could do good when you got the opportunity. So much has happened since I left – more probably than you realize.

I haven’t seen Dick in the last 2 days. He is very busy to say the least. He is certainly a good kid and he is all around okeh. And the Army is not coercing him. I will let you know when I see him again.

Had a letter from Nancy today and from the more mature tone of her letters, I can hardly reconcile her to the youngster she was when I left. It is beginning to look like the Mosses are getting romantically inclined. I think Dick is more than interested in Helen Emick and I would certainly like him to promote that gal. I’m aching for the quietness, contentedness, and satisfaction that I hope I can soon have in my own home. I’m developing into a family man and I hope before too many years, a part of that ambition will materialize.

Love,

18 February 1945

Dear Folks:

Here it is Sunday again and even over here that means some respite even if it isn’t much. This morning the protestant chaplain had communion services. The chapel is a squad tent and the dirt floor comprises the seats. The altar is a homemade wooden affair while on either side are candles set in candlesticks made from shell cases. A small portable organ adds a slight civilian touch to the scenery but the crowd doesn’t sing out too much, most of the songs are in too high a key. I’ve seen services held in many places and under varying circumstances and I’m sure that if you could have seen a few of them it would have struck a sentimental note within you. The one I remember most was a service I saw here on the island. We were riding in trucks when I saw a long line of infantry men who looked as though they were waiting for (a) show. They were still in combat (clothing) and of course were very dirty and tired. Their rifles were on their backs, as well as some other equipment. They were lined up beside a gutted, blackened shack that perhaps they themselves had fired and destroyed only a short time ago. Around the corner, offering a slight bit of privacy, was a Catholic priest dressed in his white robes hearing confessions. The priest had a small wooden box with a cross on it and the men knelt before it. There was many men there and too (many) have wanted church under those conditions they surely must have felt a great need for help and prayer. Quite a paradoxical situation. That was just one scene and more are going on everywhere. Well so much for church.

I mailed the bolo (knife) and sandals today and I hope it has more luck in reaching you than yours to me. Be careful when you open it, the scabbard is off and the blade is exposed and it’s sharp as a razor.

Most of the afternoon I took it easy and read a little and later two Filipinos came around trying to trade off a bolo so we haggled about that awhile. They try to jew you out of all they can, and at first they got away with it.

Dan Gettman was over for a while yesterday but only a few minutes.

Had a letter from Dad today – your layout of the town is darn good. It sounds like plenty of changes have taken place.

As far as news goes, there isn’t much to relate, so I’ll wind up here.

Love,

16 February 1945

Dear folks,

I just finished cleaning up my mess then lit up a cigar and opened a beer and now ready to spend the balance of the evening writing letters—and always you’re the first on the list. I made the mess while trying to build a box to send the bolo and the scandals and finally completed the job and I think it will stick together at that. I had a Filipino girl get the scandals for me and she did pretty good. She’s also the laundry girl.

About four nights I saw a leg show with real white girls and civilians. The USO put on ‘Hellz-poppin’. There must have been a dozen chorus girls and two or three men. Needless to say the theater area was packed and the fact that a brisk shower cut loose had little effect on the guys. Neither did the singer complain—she just stood in the rain and kept going. It was full of laughs and with the right amount of spice. It was the best overseas show I’ve seen yet. I hope we can have more of them.

Had another letter today—a V-letter from Mom. I’m afraid I can’t answer the questions you put in that one.

Also two Free Presses came along but haven’t had much time to read them yet. Did see the pictures of the Sage boys, but the boys. I can imagine the banker Sage is quite a cigar smoking important individual.

A few days ago last week a Red Cross dame came around with a truckload of cold Coke and peanuts so we lined up with our mess cups and drank up. She had on slacks with the pants rolled up and about everyone was looking in the same direction. We must be getting to be wolves, huh?

I wished I could think of more to write about but nothing seems to want to pop up. I can’t help but feel that this year sometime we will either get a few furloughs or rotation. In every Free Press I read about fellows getting back. It seems like everyone has been home at some time or other. It’s hard to imagine myself getting home. About every night we get a strong blow and lots of rain and sometimes I think the tents will come down. If they would we’d be a sorry bunch of wet rats. A rain can from out of a clear sky in five minutes and then it all cuts loose. And after that it’s hot as hell. Had steaks for dinner yesterday with good dark gravy so that was a treat.

That’s really all I’m good for so this is it.

Love,

14 February 1945

Dear Folks:

Just enough time to write a letter before going to bed. Just finished a bridge game with two officers and luckily we beat them 1200 points. But we screwed up plenty at that. Had a letter from Jay Echelberger a few days ago, he’s a civilian in Los Angeles. Wants me to write him pretty bad so I better do it.

A few days ago got a hold of a nice Philippino bolo knife with a nice case and hope to get it sent pretty soon. But first I’m waiting to get you a pair of woven sandals. They look pretty nice and I’m sure you will like them.

I’ve been hitting darn good on the mail and don’t think I’ve missed one in a long time. You and Dad must be kept pretty much on the move to keep up with all your correspondence.

Nothing exciting has happened to me lately so in order to make up some kind of a letter guess I’ll have to make a commentary on some of your letters. In the first place question number 1, Aunt Bessie put in candy, some cards, some canned stuff and things like that. Last night I received your letter with Wylma’s address in it so thought I might knock her out a letter, but after I wrote it tore it up and gave it up for a bad job. And then I don’t know if she is a miss either. Sometime ago there was a deal that I was to be transferred to Group Hq as a M/Sgt but a change in commanders changed the deal. Yes I see Dan often, he isn’t very far away and occasionally he strolls in the office ready to talk your leg off and always grinning. Lately he has (been) bringing over stacks of Star-Heralds so I have plenty of reading material. So darned old though, I (have) known most of the news. I sure feel like you do about the Carroll’s and there’s hardly two bits worth in the lot. And I don’t think Margie is much better. And lastly I did faintly know the McVay boy although just by sight. Received a Free Press today and a picture of Ralph Curry, who was killed in action. Received a card and V-mail from Gram and Gramp the other day. Gram is so good to write I must write her soon but you let her know that I think of her often and always hoping Gramp will come through in good shape and soon be around well again.

I wished I could write more and make a newsy letter out of this but I’m getting sleepy and besides there isn’t anything more so just as well quit.

Love,

11 January 1945

Dear Folks:

Just finished a pinochle game then wrote a letter to Dick and after writing to you I’ll about be ready for bed. Get a pretty good night’s sleep too – last night took an amatol and slept soundly. We have cats, so keep off the damp ground, and the evenings are pretty cool. All I worry about is a Jap sneaking in but of course that is watched closely. Didn’t work too hard today, still feel a little groggy but steadily improving.

Two letters came in tonight one from Gram and one from Washington. It must be an effort for Gram to write and its swell of her to do it. Glad to hear Gramp is going to Omaha – perhaps they can do him some good. I should write to June soon – I’ll bet she’s pretty blue and busy as hell with her children. Better write Loyd too.

From the tone of Dick’s last letter he sounded in pretty good spirits so I think he’s alright and probably enjoying what he is doing. He’ll make out okeh.

The natives have been working around the area cleaning up and helping get (everything) arranged. Each one has a bolo knife and with that he can do practically anything – build a house, get a dinner, build a boat or what have you. The girls do our washing and do a pretty good job too, but they always want soap.

I’m fine, have a slight cold, and am getting used to the place. Will write again soon. The bill is a Jap money used when they were here. It is worthless now. A peso is equal to fifty cents of our money. Am getting used to saying guess and centavo now.

Love,