Church Archives - Page 2 of 5

19 May 1945

Dear Folks:

I’ve missed writing you the last few days and for no good reason either so I better get busy. As a matter of fact things have been a little easier for me despite what radio reports you may be receiving about this fighting. For several days now no Jap shells have come over and of course that is a real relief. I must knock on wood though, they may start again any time.

Received the small package from Mrs. Conklin yesterday but the cards were ruined – all stuck together and wet. Wrote a short note to Dick a few days ago. I’m sure he is alright. Haven’t seen Duane Carroll since our visit some time ago – it’s pretty difficult right now to see each other.

Talk and rumors of discharge are now going around full blast. I suppose you have read about it. A few men flew back yesterday to be discharged but an insignificant number in relation to those eligible. I certainly hope the government will stand back of its statements and all that talk is not for the public. Being over here, it’s hard to get transportation and replacements so we feel that those men in the states, or not in combat have better chances. They say we will rotate you or discharge you if the military situation, etc. So don’t be looking for me back very soon.

Well tomorrow is Sunday and I hope the chaplain can make it. I received the prayer book. I already had one that this chaplain gave me.

The weather lately has been beautiful with occasional light showers and the island looks green and fertile.

I cut this page from Yank magazine. The woman looks typical of many of the old people so bent over and wrinkled.

Kind of short, but want to let you know I’m alright. I think the campaign won’t last too much longer although the fighting is still bitter.

Love,

12 May 1945

Dear folks:

Had a nice letter from Dad today so I feel like I better answer it. I could feel in the letter that you are worrying a lot, and more than you really should, because I’m sure everything will come out alright.

Nobody is talking anything else these days but discharge and rotation since the WD announced it’s new plan. But I keep feeling that someone along the line will put the kibosh on it. It seems like this outfit seldom gets a break. Today we got a furlough quota of 2 while almost everyone in the battery is eligible. You see how tough it is to get one. This is the first quota since back on Tinian. It seems like all this stuff is meat dangled in front of you but you can never quite reach it. But what I am chiefly interested in is that something takes effect before I get in another operation.

Had a letter from Aunt Edna and one from Pat today. So I rated pretty good on the mail. But I should (since) I’m trying to keep it coming by writing often. Still no mail from Wylma, can’t figure it out—at least an answer.

Early this morning the Japs sent some shells this way but it didn’t last long. The shellings are less frequent than before. According to the radio, they have killed over 38,000 Japs which is a pile of them. An infantryman told me they counted 537 Japs in one cave. As an idea of how the Japs are dug in, is well illustrated by the story D. Carroll told me. He said he saw one cave dug in a hillside capable of holding 25-30 vehicles. You can imagine how hard it is to dig them out. They use slit trenches as deep as 20 feet and pillboxes two or three stories with several exits and entrances. The hills are honeycombs of tunnels and fortified caves. But despite the better fight in the Southern end, there is great construction activity on the other, and every night the lights look like a fair sized city. When an air raid sounds one by one the lights snuff out. Then comes the buzz of a plane and suddenly the sky fills with streams of tracers, bullets, and more often than not, the plane bursts into flames and crashes. We watch the show and pull like hell that the gunners will get him. If they do, we cheer and if they don’t we think they aren’t worth a damn.

Well, so much for tonight. Tomorrow is Sunday and I hope we can have church services. We probably will. Dick is okay and so am I. I’m feeling good.

Love,

6 May 1945

Dear folks:

About an hour before church so perhaps I can write you a few short lines before then. Communion is being held today and as a special treat we will have an organ. A small portable one but it sounds good.

Mail is continuing to come in good—both 1^st and 4^th. Yesterday got a package from June and today two Free Presses and March Reader’s Digest, so I’m expecting the February package any time.

I thought I better write too today because you have probably been reading about the Jap counterattack in which they landed behind our lines and we shot down 168 Jap planes. Well I was in my foxhole all night listening to artillery shells land but they did no damage, and aside from the tenseness all I got from it was more battle experience, of which I’ve had all I want. And Dick is okay. You can rest at ease about him.

My partner is trying to get me to buy in on a fruit orchard in Texas. His dad wants to sell it to him at $200 an acre for twenty acres or $4,000, and us split the cost. He figures in five years under normal years it will bring in an estimated $10,000 yearly and in 15 years will represent a value of 15 to 20 thousand. His dad has his own farms in Kansas and wants to sell the orchard. That’s a pretty cheap price. Right now his dad gets about $1,500 yearly but it is not all planted. Well it’s an idea and it sounds like a good investment but lots to think about.

Well better wash up a little for church so better get ready.

Love,

1 May 1945

Dear Folks:

I’ve been doing a pretty [good] job of writing you lately, haven’t I? Well whenever I get a letter I feel I should answer it right away and try to answer some of the questions you have. And your mail has been coming good. I can’t tell you how fast but they come as fast as mine get to you. Its noon right now, just finished eating, and now getting ready to go back to work. Got your letter just before noon.

Well, I wrote you a pretty good letter last night with the good news in it so I don’t hardly know what to write about. You should be hearing from Dick now as he will have time to write. He looks so good and cleancut beside Duane Carroll. I couldn’t help but notice it. He is the same guy that left you and he’ll be good as ever when he gets back. He always wants me to do most of the writing and be sure to let you know we get together, and I’m glad to oblige. I wished we could get home together and I’m not telling myself it is entirely out of the question. Boy what a time that would be.

Went to church last Sunday afternoon at four o’clock. We had services among some trees and about every time the chaplain said something a gun would go off or planes roar overhead and drown out what he would say. Next Sunday holy communion is scheduled so I hope I can go.

I’m glad Jack C. got to come home but now he will have to serve another year before becoming eligible for rotation. According to present war department policy, anyone returned after overseas service on rotation is not again sent over. Of course there [are] qualifications to this but that is the general policy. If I don’t make it this year, well I’ll never believe in anything. Some 45 day furloughs are given but believing I’m close to rotation, I don’t believe I’d take it now, but I hope Dick will get a crack at one.

According to the news clippings M. Niederhaus has moved into Farguha’s [spelling?] house. I think some people might take offense at them moving up. I cannot see Vic Sage married. Every year it seems the Russians influence is taking hold of more and more people. W. Nichols, J. Lupher and now Sage. Believe I’ll get something different. Wrote to Wylma about the middle of March but have heard nothing since so I don’t know what to think.

Haven’t enough to start another page so better end. I’ll write as often as possible. I’m giving that fountain pen a workout.

Love,

17 April 1945

Dear Folks:

I’m afraid this letter will be very brief, but I had to write because of some good news. Dick called me on the phone so I got in a jeep and picked him up. Then we came back and had supper and did a lot of talking. He is looking very good and full of cheer and smiling. One of the first things we had was to exchange our letters as all mail has a high value. He was all dirty so before chow he cleaned up. After mess we talked for a while then he had to leave. Said he sees Dye Carroll often and his mouth still puts out a torrent of baloney. Dick said he acts like an old veteran, but if he starts on me I’ll blow my lid. Wait till he gets a belly full of it. I’m in no mood to tolerate a fresh stateside cookie.

I’m fine and feeling good because much mail has been coming but one thing I want you to do is this. Mail the Free Press in a large envelope first class. It never gets to me as second class. I haven’t received one in months. Also I would like you to send Time magazine and Newsweek the same way. It’s the only way I can get up to date news from periodicals.

Well I’ll write more later. Reading my Episcopal prayer book is a great source of confidence and knowing you are thinking of me helps greatly.

Love,

13 April 1945

Dear folks:

Time to write you a few lines before another day ends. I was deeply affected by the news of the President’s death this morning and it seems impossible that such a great man and one so close to the heart of the people, has passed away. The world certainly has lost a great man, and it will be a long time before history can replace him.

From the radio and news reports you must be receiving of the fighting here, you can tell it must be a hot spot. I have seen several Jap planes shot down and heard the whine of their artillery shells. The days are not so bad but I sometimes get a little jittery at night. A foxhole can become damn important, a hole in the ground but a blessed little hole.

Am feeling fine and eating good. Went to church a day or two ago, a little hard to hear for the firing and uncomfortable sitting on gas cans. The chaplain gave me an Episcopal prayer book and I read it.

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,

24 January 1945

Dear folks,

It’s about a half an hour before mess and I’m taking it easy now after cooling off in the creek so I’m in a good mood to write. Occasionally a Jap will be found at the river, but we don’t worry much about it. The day before yesterday we killed one. He was in terrible shape and weighed probably about 65 pounds, probably had been living on coconuts and grass. One more good Jap.

Well today and yesterday were occasions for a few small pleasures, as pleasures are measured over here. Probably first on the list is the fact that we had steaks yesterday. Pretty good, and the whole meal was excellent. In conjunction we had butter that doesn’t melt —in other words fresh butter. All meant a great deal. And last nite we popped some corn that the Grove’s sent me and poured that good butter over it. And also we got an issue of 12 bottles of beer and of course it went well with the corn. Quite a treat. And while I was munching away, I had three swell letters to read–two from Mom, one from Dad. They were full of clippings which of course I always enjoy. And the nite before that received a fat letter from Mona containing the Christmas Day pictures. Boy they were really good—and I had to show them around. I’m still looking at them often. So yesterday was slightly memorable. No packages have arrived yet and I want them plenty bad. Surely they will come soon unless the boat they were on was sunk.

I was especially glad to hear Dad had gotten his Purina deal through and from all I can judge from where I am, it smacks of a good solid business. Of course you are welcome to use my funds if you desire.

I know the car you bought will come in handy. You know [it’s hard to believe] I will be home someday and I can find use for it. With Phil’s, yours, this one and the ‘T’ you must have the place looking like a used car lot.

Well now I’m going to dig out your letters and see what I can write about. First off church–it would seem just as good to me to enjoy the quiet atmosphere of our own church. I never before realized the dignity and background of our church before, and the thoughts of what religion can be, really help me, especially in situations of this kind. You can actually realize that there is something far greater than mortals.

And here in the middle of this page something good again, I’m really rating on the mail deal. A letter from Dad and one from Mrs. Dick. Her letters are a remarkable reflection of her life and her orderly ways. At the end she quoted a very inspiring passage. Her letter was indeed a good one and that’s an understatement.

Well I just finished chow and now I can get back to writing. A light meal but we have a ‘special’ planned for tonight. Bananas and cream and sugar–how I’m looking forward to it.

Last nite slept pretty good but a damned Jap plane kept circling over so I had to keep one eye open. More nuisance than anything else.

Thoughts of Johnny Hirasawa put me hot all over. The guts of the guy to enjoy our privileges and then join the Jap army as an officer. His guts will end up a grease spot for the vultures to have.

I’m glad the War Department sent you the picture of Dick. My last letter from him indicated he was feeling better and enjoying himself as much as possible.

I especially liked the shot of the table with the candles and dishes. Gee how wonderful it would have been to have enjoyed it together, but the longer I am away the greater our enjoyment will be at some future time. I hope you will soon receive a telegram from me stating I’m homeward bound. Although it’s bad to be unduly optimistic I feel the end of the European war will institute many changes. Actually I hope I won’t get a furlough but will get back on rotation. Furlough entails coming back while rotation will mean sometime in the states. The letter enclosed is an exaggeration, but nevertheless a glimmer of the truth of how we have developed army habits and how we must re-adapt. Read it over—it should pull a laugh.

Our bridge games are no longer. No players so I’m probably pretty rusty. All these birds play is pinochle.

Every evening has meant a listen to the news and the remarkable Russian drive. The last report I had was that they were 145 miles from Berlin. Surely the Germans can not long resist these pushes. We will soon be celebrating the end, although to us here, although it will be a great bit of news, it will just be another day. Also heard tonight that we are 40 miles from Luzon. Undoubtedly the Philippine campaign is being regarded as past, contemplating greater moves.

I just opened a beer and it is really good. I must ration them to make them last.

Well I’m getting writer’s fatigue so I’m going to lick my chops and get ready for our tent. I believe this letter will reflect our good spirits and we compensate for those that were the other way. Keep my mail up-you are doing great. I am especially awaiting the moccasins and the lighter. They will feel good after taking off these heavy GI’s. I guess this is all. Believe what Mrs. Dick told you for I do myself and someday this will only be something for reflection and an inspiration to do all I can to avoid future debacles.

Love,

21 January 1945

Dear Folks:

A quiet Sunday morning and I’m taking it easy so a good time to write a letter and perhaps take care of some others. Will probably go to church services this afternoon held in the mess hall across the road. Last Sunday listened to a very good divisional chaplain. The Catholic chaplain who serves our battalion strikes me as a very understanding and likeable fellow, and I think he is the best we’ve had. I hope he comes this afternoon.

Well it was rainy yesterday and everything is mud again but this morning is hot and sunny like a typical June Sunday at home. I even feel the mood of the day, and the morning funnies would complete the setting. But instead of funnies had service records to look at.

Haven’t received any mail the past three days due to the inclement weather. The first class comes in by the plane so if it’s dirty weather, no mail. Should rate several today. No second class has yet come in.

Dan Gottman came in a few days ago with an armload of Star-Heralds and only yesterday I finished reading them. Only a few of them were later than September so everything was pretty old, but still good.

Last nite afforded something a little different in the way of eats. Supper was (a) little weak so we fried a can of bacon that we’ve been lugging around for some time. It’s the best bacon and it was certainly enjoyed. To top this we ate fruit cake that one of the boys received. Each section has a small one burner cook stove so we can heat up a meal when we’re not eating from the kitchen. Probably tonight we will cook the popcorn that the Groves sent me, if we can find anything to substitute for butter. Once in a while we get a PX issue of a few candy bars. The cigarette shortage seems to be felt here also. Now we are issued one pack every two and sometimes three days and that isn’t near enough. Plenty of smokes for the fighting front doesn’t apply here. Have been expecting a hurricane but it hasn’t materialized yet.

Slept pretty well last nite in contrast to a few restless ones. These dark nights make me afraid some Japs may bust in the area and start shooting things up. I imagine they are pretty desperate and hungry now. I always keep my pistol loaded under my pillow together with my knife. Of course we’re pretty well protected but I still wake up easily when I hear a sound.

For the past three nights have been dreaming of getting home. I hope it’s an indication. Last night I dreamt of hitting the streamliner from ‘Frisco and was nervous as a cat. But I can’t help but feel that something will happen that will get me home this year. After I get in the 30 months bracket my chances will increase. Next month the 3^rd I will complete 29.

The Gooks as we call the Filipinos, are working around the area digging drainage holes and cleaning up. It takes about four of them to do an ordinary man’s job. I think they’d be better off working for themselves but a grass hut and a bolo knife seems to satisfy them. (See how I need that pen and pencil set). This one is okeh but it needs a little coaxing occasionally and I’m always using one.

I’m certainly over the dysentery but have a slight cold that keeps my handkerchief busy.

I hope all my mail is getting to you in good order. They seem to censor and dispatch it in good time and I hope they are not too old when they get to you. All the envelopes we get stick together and it’s a job getting them open. Maybe it would be a good idea if you enclosed an airmail envelope occasionally.

I guess I haven’t anything else to write about and it’s about dinnertime now so I’ll knock off, and hope the mailman rings plenty tonight.

Love,

30 October 1944

Dear Folks:

Kind of a lazy Sunday morning with not very much to do, so a good time to write you a letter while I won’t have to rush. Church services are in the afternoon. For a while this morning watched some volleyball games and then walked up to the baseball diamond, but it was pretty hot so I came back. While many things aren’t so convenient for us it helps a lot to get some time off and to be able to relax occasionally.

Since I started this I was interrupted and now it is about eight o’clock in the evening. I received three letters just before the show and just now could read them. This was the first mail in four days and I was beginning to think something had gone wrong again. Two of the letters were from you and one from Washington, so I had a boost in my morale. You once remarked Mom how I could write so much, well you are practically the only ones I write to, and many nights it’s a relief to write rather than trying to kill time and thinking about home so much, so I start writing, and when I’m doing it, it seems like I get a little closer to you somehow.

For the first time in several years I played baseball. The battery organized a third team and today I played third base. I guess I did alright although my hands are a little sore from catching the ball. In the battalion we have two leagues, the American (and) the National set up, so there are a lot of games. I’m on the first three graders volleyball team too, but not so hot at that racket. But there aren’t many of us so I have to play.

Of course the news from the Philippines on the water and on land is drawing our attention as it must be yours. I listen to every news broadcast I can, and we can get them from all sides, Australia, Japan, Germany and London. Two nights ago I ran onto a particularly interesting shortwave broadcast while dialing around. Correspondents for UP, INS and AP were transmitting their messages to ‘Frisco from Leyte and the procedure of getting the news to their agencies was interesting. Of course the Japs are claiming victories on a larger scale than ours, and claim Task Force 58 was annihilated off Formosa. The line of rot they propagate is really something to hear. In connection with the war I happened to get a hold of some interesting stuff on (the) Saipan operation and thought you might like to read it. Some of the commentators seem to think the Naval victory may shorten the war a few months and I’m not inclined to disagree. I hope the Philippines don’t bog down into another New Guinea affair and drag on for many months. Those yellow b___’s can live like gophers and it’ll take a lot to dig them out. They use ‘em to haul garbage from camp and when I see them go by on the truck I wonder what they’re thinking about. They are still bringing them out of the hills. About a month ago three of them were seen in a cane field next to one of the batteries and after killing two of them the other gave up. One of them was almost out in two bullets.

Just a few minutes ago I opened a can of beer and even had peanuts to go with it. The PX got a pretty good supply in and after waiting in line for 45 minutes finally was able to buy a few things.

Yesterday went to the dentist and had a small filling taken care of. My gum had swollen a little but wasn’t too sore so I thought I better see what was up. Luckily it wasn’t bad and he didn’t have to drill around too much. My teeth are in good shape now, and contrary to my civilian habits I brush them regularly.

Well I think I’ve run out for this time. Another Sunday gone by and another week on the way. Time seems to be flying for me to and I hope the next year goes as fast as the last one, for then I will be eligible for rotation. And pray that when we get our next furlough quota I will walk up and draw the little slip with the magic words on it. I worry more about you folks than I do about myself and I hope you don’t upset yourselves too much. Well there’s the curtain on another act so, so long –

Love,