Church Archives - Page 4 of 5

27 April 1943

Dearest Folks:

Here’s another letter from that APO in the Pacific and I guess it’s about time. I was developing somewhat of a peeve against my mainland correspondents and resolved not to write until the letters started coming, however this wasn’t directed against you for yours come regularly and consistently. When I read your letter today I felt pretty low and at the same time sore at myself. You mentioned dad’s birthday and I did nothing about remembering him, and although I know what you would say, I still feel bad about it. However, perhaps I can make it up by a telephone call. Arrangements have been made for transpacific calls, so perhaps at the end of next month when I will get my increased pay I can swing the deal. I think it would be a great experience and something to remember for a long time. And this time it will be on me for no collect calls are possible. I suppose you have the pictures and the bond by now, and soon I will have the prints of the ones we took on the hike to the ranch. Well last Sunday I got off for the dance and had a good time despite the heat and the crowdiness. In the morning I attended Easter services in a very beautiful and inspiring church, but despite the singing and the flowers could not feel the same response from my own church. I have been invited to the convent again for a revisit, and hope I can keep the date if only for the supper. In order to write a letter I have to start thinking about a day or two in advance and then hope that I haven’t forgotten what I was going to say, but that is usually what happens. Last night a fellow in the band got ahold of an old fiddle and when he started playing I couldn’t help going over and having a look. Finally a little later, I even got a stroke or two myself and found I was pretty rusty, but with the little privacy and my propensity for shyness I’m afraid I won’t improve. Here is the end of the sheet and the end of this too.

Love,

13 November 1942

Dear Folks:

If you could see me writing this one you might get a good laugh—sitting on the floor using a stack of books for a back prop and a cracker box for a desk. Now you’ve got the setting, get set for some dopey dogma. Since the last time I sent you a letter I’ve received three of yours so it’s a good time I got ambitious again and one from Dan and Dick.

To get underway—what you really want to know about. Managed to make it to church last Sunday then tackled a vahine at a hoedown. She danced like an epileptic fit but I’m no Astair. The remainder of the week could be covered in about one word “ditto”. My mail has been on the lookin’ up side. I got squalmy one nite when the stars were dishing out and wrote a letter to Wylema. Said she dropped you a note about it. Guess I’m still a Houdini puzzle.

All the words about Katie’s jump takes on the scope of a witch dance—wished I was operating one of the drums but you know that.

I finally adopted an edition of “Shake Hands with the Dragon” that you mentioned. Haven’t got the dust from it yet.

Now don’t ration your stationery on me. Everyone I answer. You’re doing swell and I got plenty of ink too.

This covers it again I guess. Again soon I’ll take a three hour barah(?) and devote it all to you.

I’ve got more memories than mosquito bites and I need eight arms to scratch ‘em.

Love,

7 November 1942

Dear Folks:

I don’t know how long I can hang on but here goes nothing. My mail has been pretty good lately and I want to keep it that way. Among others had a letter from Mrs. Davis–she sounds like she’s a little better off than when I was there—boy how I long to get back there. Another letter, V one was from Nancy and I’ll get busy on that one pronto.

I had forgotten about the battalion pictures but I’m glad you got them—guess that will always be a shining relic. It isn’t too good a picture but that’s not important.

Glad Mrs. Carroll liked my letter—I like to get one from her occasionally too—she gave me Duane’s address but I lost the letter.

I haven’t received the Free Presses yet but expect they’ll be here soon. I’m anxious to see one of them.

Answered a letter of Katie’s last nite—sounds like she’s bouncing around in the blue.

Your letters are very readable. I mean the V-mail—it shows up well. Well the war news has been looking up lately and I think it will until it’s over—news like that makes me feel better all over. The current bit of lingo is buying a ticket on the “A” train for home.

This has got to be it for another letter I guess—Sunday—tomorrow and hope I make it to church —there is an Episcopal one in town and a nice one too.

Goodnite and keep your eyes off the dark clouds—they’ll just be niches in a lifetime someday.

Love,

29 October 1942

Dear Folks:

I rang the bell today with three letters thanks to the ambition of Dick and Nancy and I’ll answer them ‘ poste roote’. All were V letters. For the past two weeks have been news fatherer for the outfit and when the next issue is pointed, I’ll send you the column to file among my service memories. News is as scarce as a Jap in Lockheed so probably most of my letters are repetition. Sure I get good grub. I’m still riding a wave of optimism concerning the war and hope I’m right. I can’t imagine it otherwise.

I can easily envision all the activity around the home site on Katie’s big day—just to meet Tommy would be something. Who’s going to say the words? And to have Gram and Gramp there will be something too.

Well Christmas is again at hand and so far I’ve had a time finding anything suitable although I’ll find something. Last Sunday went to church and our own too although the pews were warmed only by a major and two privates.

Guess I told you about the subscription to Time and The Reader’s Digest.

Sorry about the brevity of this but there isn’t any more—what a paltry of peas would taste like right now.

Love and goodnite,

24 October 1942

Dear Folks:

You are probably thinking I walked into a switch engine on a dark night by this volley of paper but there isn’t anything to do in the evenings.

Something I just thought of that I would appreciate very much—a subscription to Time and The Reader’s Digest. Reading is the best way I know to spend leisure time.

Tomorrow is Sunday and I’m going to church there in a small Episcopal one in town. Maybe a ball game too and I’m the guy that keeps the score, etc. Last Sunday we got beat 15-0 but we just begun.

Two more letters today but none from you for three days. Suppose they are somewhere enroute.

Well guess this will have to fill the bill this time—after all it was only 24 hours since I wrote you last. Aloha—hate to go to bed—one guy in(the) tent snores and it sounds like a Brooklyn ball game.

Love,

22 July 1942

Dear Folks:

Time to write another letter while I’m goldbricking and while there is still some semblance of coolness in the air. Next Tuesday, a week from today we will be back in Fort Lewis and that won’t be too soon for me. Last Saturday and Sunday was in Yakima and had a good time getting my fill of dancing and good time. The place is about like Scottsbluff with eight some thousand people. There are plenty of places to go(to) and nice parks to go to. Also went to the Episcopal church, typical of most, covered with foliage and made of brick. Next Sunday and Saturday afternoon thinking of going berry or fruit picking. There is a shortage of workers so the soldiers are making up parties and picking in their spare time. Six thousand went out from Ft. Lewis last Sunday and there will probably be more this weekend.

Had a little excitement last nite when a seven foot rattlesnake attempted to share a fellow’s sleeping bag with him.

There are rumors that when our outfit returns to Lewis the cadre is going to Oregon and the outfit back to California. No word about furloughs. This morning we got a letter from an irate Montanan father who requested his son be granted a 30 day furlough. Of course it was turned down—impossible now.

Yesterday was a day of excitement and a little tragedy. It seems that C battery is a jinx for hard luck. Yesterday afternoon two cooks were burned, one seriously, when a unit in the stove blew up and sprayed gasoline all over the truck and the whole kitchen. The orderly tent is just a few yards from it and when it blew up we heard it first. Both cooks jumped off the truck screaming hysterically and flaming like torches. We threw blankets around them and rushed them to the doctor. Last nite and today one was given blood transfusions. The one most seriously burned happens to live in Yakima and can be with his folks. Before we got him out, two of his ribs were sticking out. That’s the first time I ever saw anyone so seriously burned and I was plenty jittery.

Later in the day we went swimming and when we got back we had to fight a prairie fire that was headed for the camp. The dust and smoke was so thick I could hardly breathe and it was one o’clock a.m. before I got to bed. The whole camp was there with trucks and graders and sprinklers and it was a great holocaust of excitement. Jeeps were tearing around like mad hens and bugles were blowing somewhere in the dust.

Guess this is enough for this time—going to a USO dance tonight if nothing else happens.

Some Red Cross women came around this morning with a station wagon full of cookies to put in our lunches. They wanted to see the stoves and help make the sandwiches so they pitched in. One lady went for a jeep ride and bounced all over the seat. We gave them about ten pounds of sugar and some grease.

Well see you in the next letter.

Love,

23 June 1942

Dear Folks:

I just wrote you last nite but another one won’t hurt and besides I got your last letter this afternoon.

Was surprised to hear that Dick was home. Thought he would go back sometime but not so soon. Hope he finds a good job soon.

Next Monday (June 29) we go to Yakima for intensive training and firing. It is about one (hundred) forty miles from here and over the high mountains past Mt. Rainier. They tell me it’s pretty hot over there, but we have our suntans so it won’t be as bad as the woolens. We will be there for at least a month so you can send me some cookies there. Suppose we will start using our sleeping bags again. It’s going to seem tough leaving these luxurious barracks but also good to get into the open again. During these operations we will have aircraft observations and dummy bombs of flour.

Still nothing on furloughs. Two of our men are on them but they are only for emergencies and the Red Cross makes a thorough investigation.

Payday will really be something this time with the fifty bucks. I haven’t heard anything about the two paydays a month, but I think it would be a good idea. Along with the raise in base pay was a special arrangement for dependents. For every $22 the soldier sends home the government adds $28 to it. This is mandatory for married men and only available for men with dependents. A pretty good deal. The $12.50 for my bonds will be taken out this month. As the bonds accumulate they will be sent to you.

Now to reread your letter and answer the questions. Yes I still go to church, there is a big brick chapel on the post. I use cream to shave with the lather type but with the tube stipulation, soap is alright. I’m well supplied with toilet articles but can always use razor blades, shaving cream, or face soap. The number of division is the Fortieth, the emblem of which is a yellow sun on a dark blue background.

Boy does it rain around here—wish Nebraska could get some of it. Guess that’s why I don’t mind it so much.

Tomorrow night the Camel Caravan is coming and if it’s as good as the one I saw at Roberts it is pretty good.

Guess I told you about my excursion in Seattle last Saturday.

I plumb forgot about Dan’s birthday but I must remember him someway—and sixteen too. That reminds me of the days that I was sporting a pout because I was too young to pedal a bike.

Well l am going to listen to Fibber McGee and Bob Hope so until next time.

Lots of love,

5 April 1942

Dear Folks:

Suppose you are wondering what has happened to me for not writing so long but last week was a busy one with moving and guard duty and I feel off a little.

Last Wednesday thirteen of our battery were transferred to Carlsbad to join another battery in our regiment, to patrol the coastline. It is about twenty miles from Escondido but a little closer to San Diego. We are living in tents in a eucalyptus grove just about a mile from the coast back in the hills. A nice shower room and washstand has been built so it isn’t so bad here. Carlsbad is about a mile away and Oceanside about four. We do guard duty six hours at a time, either from six until twelve or twelve until six at nite only. Each outpost is dug out in the sand and lined with sandbags and equipped with a stove and charts, etc. Ours sits on a bluff overlooking the sea. Two stay in the dugout while two walk on patrol, our post is 3 ½ miles so we walk seven miles each nite. Time seems to go pretty fast though, walking along the beach or highway 101 and watching the surf pound in. In the afternoon we drill 3 hours.

Well today was big one on the calendar, being Easter. I got up at nine and hitchhiked to Oceanside and went to the Episcopal church there. I also took communion. The church is right on the highway 101 in town and during the sermon he was forced to almost yell while a marriage party went by. After church I hitchhiked back to my station.

Was in Coronado last Tuesday on a 23 hour pass and had a nice time with the folks there. I talked to Dick again about the Navy and I believe he will refrain from joining.

Just got Dan’s letter and picture. Boy, he’s good looking. He shouldn’t have any trouble with girls. Also got a card from the Colson’s. By the way even tho I’m here at Carlsbad still address my mail to Escondido. It will be sent out daily.

Haven’t heard from Kate for some time. Believe she owes me the letter.

I just had Sunday chow a few minutes ago—peaches, cheese, cold meat, beets, coffee, and potato salad. Pretty good. Guess I’ll read awhile tonite before going out on guard.

Well another Easter has come and gone and for the first time I didn’t have to be particular about what I wore. Everyone was dolled up in church and was the only soldier there. Hope I’m not wearing OD’s when the next one comes around.

Sorry I didn’t write in time for the box but I know everything you put in it will be something I can use.

Love,

18 March 1942

Dear folks:

I have plenty of free time while I’m waiting to take my guard tour so I can catch up on any back correspondence. Today the battery begins its tour of battalion guards which will last a week so that will mean no going out for awhile anyway. Walking four hours and sleeping eight for six days gets pretty old stuff but we will get a 24 hour pass when it is over.

Last weekend I had another pass so left about four o’clock for San Diego and the folks. I was there in time for supper. When I got there Dick was sleeping on the couch and Gram was in the kitchen and I walked in and had my soaking clothes off before they knew I was around. Boy was it raining! In the evening Dick and I went to a dance. The next morning Gram, Dick and I went to church and in the afternoon we played 18 holes of golf. The Johnson’s (Mrs. E. Johnson and Helen) were there when we got back. I missed the last bus to Escondido but had no trouble hitch-hiking the 35 miles back.

I hope to get down again a week from this coming Saturday. Dick is really swell and we had a great time.

Well the war goes on and on and everyday I wonder what will happen next. This morning at reveille formation a circular about pay allotments was read. It said that all men in eminent prospect of being shipped should consider allotting so much of their pay to dependents or to their family. I think I will do this.

You say men are enlisting everyday, yes that is true, what I mean is that any man already in one branch of the service cannot enlist or reenlist in another, which means because I am in the FA I cannot transfer to the Air Corps (except flying cadets), Intelligence, or any other branch. Right now I’m hoping to get a chance at a commission in the FA as a clerk of some kind. I have applied for an application and believe my background of ROTC and college and banking will swing it. It is as an officer in the Adjutant General’s office. Each candidate is interviewed before a board of officers and graded on appearance, bearing etc, and I hope I can get over this hurdle if the chance comes for me. In my army intelligence test I scored 132 out of 150 and only 116 is required for an officer, and 100 for the Air Corps. That’s a pretty good rating.

The weather has been so sunny and the sky so clear, except for the rain last weekend. I suppose you noticed when you were here how big and bright the stars were. I can’t get over it. Suppose you know Palomar, with the telescope, is only 18 miles from here.

Well finished ‘Kabloona’ and ‘Mantrap’. Kabloona was sure a good one, so descriptive and such a study of values and the real worth of our ‘civilization’. When the war is over I’m going on a trip like that.

The oranges are pretty plentiful now and the other day when we were in an orange grove with the gems we all had our fill. Also lemons.

Patsy sent me another box of candy yesterday so I’ll have to answer and thank her. Gramma also sent a box of fruit, and cigarettes and cupcakes.

Well so much for another letter. I got all the Free Presses so I know about everything in Minatare.

See you in the next letters.

Love,

19 January 1942

Dear folks:

I just mailed you a letter only this afternoon but thought I’d write another because you have some questions. If you could only see me writing this letter you’d be quite amused I believe. I’m in a tent as you know and it’s nite and we are using candles until lights are installed. There are five in our tent but only 3 of us are here. Two are cutting wood for the little inverted ice cream cone shaped stove we have and I’m sitting down leaning on my cot with a candle sitting atop a tent stake being used as a candleholder. The fellows in my tent are attached to headquarters battery which includes a lineman, an artillery mechanic, the bugler, a driver and myself, assistant battery clerk. So we hear the bugle plenty good and loud. Our schedule now is reveille at 5:55 and calestinics at six fifteen and breakfast at six forty five. It’s a little hard getting started some mornings but exercises loosen up the kinks.

Now to get around to your letter and go thru it as the questions come up. The first item is the sweater, yes, a nice sleeveless sweater would come in handy. Several of the fellows have them. Olive drab or khaki is the best color. The next is the mail, it’s all coming thru okay I believe. I got the two bucks, the Free Press regularly and other mail. All but the box. The boys in the tent say that as soon as you put in a claim on it they will dig it up pronto. I’m very disappointed. If they do get it here and it appears mutilated and rifled, I’ll turn it over to the post office here. Now comes around reading. The USO is plentifully supplied with all kinds of magazines but the Readers Digest is about the only one I read. Until we get lights in our tent I can’t do much but currently I’m reading ‘The Fight for Life’ by Paul DeKriuf. It’s plenty good and an eye-opener as to the prevalency of diseases. About three weeks ago I applied for a city library card but it had to be signed by a city property holder and with the constant prospect of moving in a hurry it’s a little risky. No, we’re not getting any leaves yet. Just today I applied for a twenty four hour leave to Coronado but I couldn’t even get by the first sergeant to see the battery commander. I called Grandma yesterday nite and I think they are coming up again Sunday. June always wants to know if there is anything I need. Yep, it might have been me calling you that nite, from taps ‘till reveille. I think about home and all the family.

I went to church yesterday and I could remember most of the prayers without using the book. After the service a lady turned around and shook hands and asked me if I was an Episcopalian and when I replied ‘all my life’ she said ‘I thought you were’. She asked me to join the choir.

I guess that’s all the questions. I really feel swell and getting heavier all the time. I took some pictures today of me climbing up the tent trying to put on the last joint of chimney and keep from sliding down at the same time. Hope they are good.

Well goodnite Mom and Dad and don’t feel too low. I want to go back to school all the more now but we’ll see how things come out.

Better send me your pictures so I can set them in front of me when I write.

Love,