Duane Carroll Archives - Page 2 of 2

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,

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,

21 February 1945

Dear Folks:

Just came from the show, didn’t like it so we came back. Anyway it looks like a rainstorm. Had a letter from Dick a few days ago – one of his usual ‘shorties’. But it sounded like he was in good spirits and generally taking it easy. Said he had met Duane C. and according to Dick, he has about the same line of B.S. Maybe before I leave the Pacific, I will be able to see him although I wouldn’t miss the visit.

For the past few days have had an attack of my old albumen trouble. A few nights it was really painful but today it is much better. Went to the hospital for a urinalysis but it failed to show anything however the doctor told me to keep a close eye on it and to take it easy if it gets bad again. I can’t imagine what started it. Had a little attack after coming in the Army but it wasn’t bad. I don’t think it will cause me much trouble although it is a bad ache when it sets in.

Have been pretty busy lately and the time seems to be flying. Am getting more optimistic about rotation although it will be many months before I am eligible. Mail, first class, has been coming in good, although no more packages have arrived. I’m beginning to think the greater part of them were lost, although a few more may possibly come. I did get the pen and pencil set which I wanted most. It is certainly a beauty.

I’m about stopped for news, not much to tell, so just as well quit here. I’m always thinking of you and looking forward to the day when we can be together.

Love,

14 September 1944

Dearest Folks:

No show tonight and I have about (an) hour to spend before hitting the hay so I should be able to get a few letters finished. Received my last one from you a few days ago, but haven’t had much time to do any writing since then. Today was Sunday and I had expected to put in some leisure time watching a ball game or playing volleyball, but neither materialized. Have been going strong all day and it looks like we will keep up the pace for a while. The paper war is still going strong. Well for all they ride it and cast humorous aspersions at it, I still think it is pretty important and at some time in the future perhaps a good many arguments will be settled over them. We have not been paid in five months and preparing a payroll covering that length of time is quite a long and arduous job. Well I think that (is) enough shop talk. Now to my very limited personal life.

Yesterday went to Saipan on a ‘duck’ which is a two and a half ton amphibious truck. Pretty convenient machines – you just drive till you hit the water and then start the propeller going and there you have a boat. But they don’t move very fast and it was about a two hour trip. After taking care of a small amount of official business at the Finance Office, hitchhiked up Jack’s way and had dinner and then spent part of the afternoon with him. It was his day off so we took off our clothes, sat, sweated and talked, and there was a lot of talking done too. This time we discussed Jack’s love life and dwelt on the probable paths that Emick and Chambers and I will take, also. And then we got around to what our postwar plans were. Jack seems undecided between going to a photo school in Los Angeles or back to the University. And I’m undecided about taking a world tour (haven’t I had enough already?) and just taking it easy or going back to school. I hope you put the pressure on to go back, and Dick too. Probably that’s what I’ll do, although if I were to go back now I think I would feel a little funny somehow. It’s rather unexplainable but the circumstances seem a little different now. We were also a little irritated about the reports of civilian laxity back home and their little regard for the war, but I think it’s all pretty human and natural. But it seems to be a growing topic of discussion.

I haven’t seen Dick for quite some time now you know and I suspect he’s no longer around. I wrote to him about three weeks ago and haven’t got a reply yet. Even though he’s been gone only a short time I sure long to see him again. He’s such a good guy and I hate to see him run into any more trouble the same as you do. About his letter with the ‘beefing’ in – I don’t think he’s much different than many others. He used to talk to me about the subject and in many ways he is right. I’m surprised that the War Department would write about his injury since it was so light. And it would have to ruin your Denver vacation. That scrap he got into was certainly a rough one, and when I think about it I wished some people back home could have had a glimpse of the sordid scenes of Saipan when things were the hottest. I was just interrupted by the air raid sirens, and things were blacked out in a hurry but nothing showed up and now I can see again. The Nips haven’t given any trouble in the air since the battle ended. I heard the news yesterday about the Task Force strike near Manila. Sounds good and the noose is tightening quickly now. Another interruption, and this time a good one, a fellow just brought me a letter from Mom, a good long one and full of good stuff to write about. Whenever you hear any little gossip about somebody I knew or any clippings, be sure and give me the lowdown. Your first paragraph was about Dick and I believe I explained that pretty well a few days ago. I don’t know anything about the trouble or whether Dick received his box – I haven’t seen him in quite a while. Yeah, I am having a ‘spitting’ good time with all the seeds – the problem though is too keep the ants away. The major has been very good to me and loaned me his jeep to take Jack around the island last week. I’ll explain the circumstances some day. And I often wonder about why some people get the breaks as you say and seemingly don’t deserve them, but that often seems the case, and it doesn’t do any good to think about it. So the Carroll’s took off – that’s spotlight news. By the way Jack and I really get warmed up on how Duane is helping win the war. It’s hard to imagine him in the army with as many furloughs and leaves he has had. And probably Mrs. Carroll is anxious to expound on his experiences and army career. And Mildred Fry – that’s hot stuff too – we talked about her too, but it wasn’t all good.

It made me good to know that you remembered just how long I have been in – and last night I was saying this will be the 4^th Christmas away from all of you. The wonderful feeling of being free again I believe is beyond your imagination, and sometimes it seems hard to tell myself that it’s bound to be over someday. Well I’m going to taper off for tonight and I’ll be looking for some more mail from you tomorrow.

Love,

3 March 1944

Dear Folks:

Longhand isn’t my specialty anymore but maybe I can scratch out a letter if I use a little patience. Little to write about but maybe something will come up. Had a letter from Mrs. Carroll – said Duane might be taking a European trip. That situation over there doesn’t appeal to me. I can imagine that every time you hear of action in the Pacific you wonder if Dick and I are there but so far so good. Many ‘veterans’ can be seen in Honolulu with their bronze stars on their Asiatic-Pacific ribbons and the 7^th Division with two – for Atter and Kwayelein.

Dick called up last nite and we will probably get together in a few days. We’re having a tough time getting the shells you wanted. The beach isn’t too accessible and where it is, many others have been there before. But we’re still looking and we’ll get them as reasonable facsimiles.

Pretty quiet and peaceful in the billet tonite – most of them are doing what I am – writing letters. Three of the fellows are married and one has a 22 month old son who he is itching to see. I can well imagine. The radio is the biggest morale builder in the evenings and we would be lost without it. Practically all the mainland programs are broadcast so we don’t miss much (in) that respect.

People over here really buy bonds. Hawaii’s quota was $15 millon and at the end of the campaign sold $32 million. Quite a record and earned them the best record in the US. Perhaps the people feel the war more having gone though the blitz. Quite an assortment of stories and almost humorous but tragic episodes about that morning of the December 7. The confusion and frustration that was going on everywhere must have been terrific. Downtown Honolulu has many contrasts. In one section are the big modern business houses and a few blocks away the Jap fish and fruit markets with their disagreeable odor. And all kinds of people on the streets. All the ‘kaaminas’ (old timers) talk with rapidity and an oriental twang. Newcomers are known as ‘malakinis’. The Hawaiian words might look hard to pronounce but actually they are very easy. All words end in vowels and all vowels are pronounced. I think the words and names are picturesque. A short time ago I had the opportunity to visit a part of the island more scarcely populated and saw some real scenery. Steep green hills came down to the sea and the heavy surf put a mysterious mist over the whole thing.

This is Friday nite and the time I should be devoting to polishing up for inspection. Had a letter from Gram today saying they had arrived and were getting ready to start work. I surely hope they will be happy. Now you will have to be something of an intermediary between me and them.

Well until the next time keep the Moss Manor in good shape and remember there’s no place I’d like to see so badly.

Love,

26 January 1944

Dear Folks:

I started out to do something else tonight but after receiving your letter it made me feel so good that I had to answer immediately. A four page one too, pretty good, and full of interest. I know my letters get pretty dull sometimes but I hope that occasionally you find something of interest. I understand full well what our letters mean to you. Well I’ll dig up the letter and make a little commentary on it to make this one (letter) a little longer. Last night our GI foursome got together and I turned out the goat. After having a five bid served up tight I fumbled and went down two. But we won in the end.

I’m glad you liked the book and I believe you probably feel much as I do about the islands. And about the sharks. Yes, there (are) plenty in the waters around and we are always cautioned to swim in designated areas and stay close to shore. Only a few months ago a soldier disappeared and sometime later a shark was caught with his remains inside. I saw the shark. In ‘Born in Paradise’ you will probably remember how Von Tempski would swim the cattle to the boat and how they were often attacked by the sharks. I often think if you were here how we could see the place much as we did in ‘Frisco, and I know you would enjoy it immensely. I’m very glad you made the request for the shells and I’ll get you the best sets the Waikiki district has to offer. I’m sure I can find something that you will like and I’ll get a big kick of really shopping for something.

Although I wouldn’t exert myself excessively it would be good to see Conklin. He must be back on rest or something. It’s hard to imagine him a soljer but guess that’s the case with many of us. The $140 I get a month really is okeh and as soon as I get the (dental) bridge I hope to increase my allotment again. You should receive $60 a month beginning February 1. I’m always anxious to know that the right amount is getting home for I know that many of them become very mixed up. Working in the Personnel office and being the personnel Sgt Major, I work with many such tangled cases. I guess you know the dependency allotments are compulsory for married men. It is surprising the number of wives who leave their men and that creates trouble for us and for them. But in many cases the situation is applicable to both members.

I remember seeing Dan Gettman at the dance you mentioned and he always plies me with question of folks he knows around Minatare. He is a typical Russian as we know them –rather dull, bold and unaware of his own ignorance. But he is a pretty good kid, always tries hard but can’t make the grade.

I can imagine Duane and Margy as you mentioned. Is Marge any fatter or unshaped? I hope my fixture is a little better proportioned.

I know how you must feel when my letters slow up and I always try to keep up with them. There are many things I would like to tell you and you probably wonder why I haven’t but that’s ‘verboten’. Dick’s future, from what I can gather, is still centered around agricultural interests. I have never heard him mention Miss Sagle but he misses the times he had at home. I never felt the urge to go to school so much as I have now and I always know the fact that time is so short for me to study. Sometimes my plans and dreams occupy a lot of my time and again, I get a little discouraged at the outlook, but never stop believing that all will turn out okeh.

Willis Nichols’ marriage was certainly a big surprise to me but I don’t think he ever quite lived up to the standards of the rest of the Nichols. He’s pretty lucky to stay home.

Probably many times in my growth you thought I was a hopeless case and I know I did little to deserve your attention but now, and everyday a little more, I picture more clearly your patience showing, working and planning you did to ensure my livelihood and wellbeing. Somethings are impossible to see until they are taken away and no longer there to be taken for granted. Now I remember little things you told me at the time I thought you were nagging and old fashioned and couldn’t see the reason for them but now they all fit in the picture much differently. I couldn’t see how fortunate I was.

Well guess this (is) ‘pau’ for this communique but I will find the shells and the best too and make another special request again soon too. I will have as good a time buying them as you will receiving them.

Goodnite to love,

25 January 1944

Dear Folks:

I’m so far behind in my writing that I hardly know what to write to start off. Recently I’ve had a change of station and that has meant a lot to do and little time to do it in. I suppose you have been wondering what has happened and maybe worried a little, but as a matter of fact I think this place is a better deal than before. Now I am where I can see Dick pretty often and call him up once in a while. Last Saturday I called him to make arrangements on a pass day, so Sunday morning he came around and we went to town and spent a civilian Sunday walking around the beach and looking at fish in the aquarium. He’s looking good and seems a little more talkative and lively than ever before. We heard a good band in the afternoon – Claude Thornhill. We talked about a lot of things and one of them was Phil. From what he told me there’s a little difficulty some place and I’m a little worried about him. I can imagine what you feel and know you wonder what to do about it. Also in Kate’s letter she mentioned it but made me promise that I would say nothing to you. I would be sick too if he should quit school to do what he has in mind, and I would do everything to keep him from it. Fellows on the outside see only one side of this military life and never hear of the other. I wish I was around to help you out. My spirits will drop a good deal if I hear that he has quit and taken the other road. I hope it isn’t as bad as I fear.

Around the lighter side – I have a new APO number now 958 and I’m on Oahu. Having visited here twice before on pass I was broke in a little and knew a little what to expect. The big city is a cauldron of fast moving traffic and big crowds of people hurrying to get someplace. With the…..cut out by the censor. Every bar, theater and café has a line in front of it with people waiting a long time for a little service, and it’s hard to escape the crowds no matter where you go. It’s hard to imagine that there was a time when everything was plentiful and all you had to have was the dough. But with all this activity we were moved into a quiet secluded cool spot that makes me forget once in a while that there is a war going on. This would be the spot for you Mom with the big trees and numberless shrubs everywhere. Adjacent to our area is a large open lawn space with a baseball diamond and volleyball court. Each afternoon we put in a couple of hours at volleyball and absorb a little sunshine. Yesterday while we were out the ‘Mars’ – the new flying boat that recently flew to Brazil and back – flew very low overhead and gave us a real idea of just how big it really is.

I did receive the packages from Colson’s and Carroll’s and I will answer them with a little letter if I can first find time to answer my ’must’ correspondence.

Tonight the open air theatre the local USO put on a variety act affair that to me was very boring and corny. The big part of it was hula dancing and that’s pretty tiresome by now. But there were girls in it so we had to go. Mentioning the Carroll’s, another change has taken place with Shirley now taken out of circulation. So she married a soljer? I hope she got out of the usual Carroll rut and picked someone with a little better prospects. Duane is pretty lucky to stay in the States and been near his wife and get home once in a while. If I am here much longer when people ask me…..(cut out by the censor) where I am from I will say the Hawaiian Islands, and strolling around the better sections of the big city that idea doesn’t sound bad.

You have been doing a good job of writing – all of you – and I especially liked your commentary on the Christmas holiday. I could visualize the whole affair and know having Stevie and Kate and Tom with you must have made the celebration especially happy. You can’t imagine how much Dick and I would have given to have been with you, and when we get back to the next (Christmas) it will have more meaning than any before. Everything I did as a kid and in school and later in Lincoln seems like a short dream I had last night after eating too much before going to bed.

I have the books with me after carefully packing them for the trip and I try to find time to study every day and I hope in the near future I can put things on somewhat of a schedule. Being here perhaps I can get a taste of things more urban. This month there is a symphony concert of 65 pieces and I want to hear it so darn bad. My experience with the Nebraska symphony is now a most valued experience and a cherished memory. The University of Hawaii is also here but probably I can’t do anything about that. Well I think I’ve said my speil for tonight and I hope you will forgive me for not answering as I should. Watch Phil and I hope everything works out to a happy solution. I’m glad you liked the picture – I thought it was pretty good too. Well goodnight – the time seems endless before I will be home.

Love,

Mom:

Advise Reader’s Digest of my change of address

20 September 1943

Dear Folks:

After that punitive letter I wrote yesterday, and the one I got from you today, I guess you well deserve another one immediately. For some reason your letter seemed to reflect a low spirit and maybe a little worried. I also have not heard from Dick for a month or so, but I thought he would write you regularly. I think it’s more this attitude than anything else. You know he never concerned himself too much with such matters. I will write him immediately and see what the score is. No, I don’t think it would do any good to send smokes to Dick—he never smoked any during our visit and I don’t think he does now. I know I should write you often to relieve your anxiety and although I don’t realize it as much as I should, I can imagine how you feel when no letters come. Of course it’s pretty verboten for me to express any opinions as to what may be in store but for the present things look pretty routine.

Only a little while ago I returned from pass but after spending the morning in town, gave it up for a bad job and came back to read and sleep. I make a daily effort to read at least two hours and I believe the result is definitely beneficial. The town seems pretty dead and I swim enough on Sunday afternoons.

I hope you don’t go to any great deal of trouble to find something for Christmas because there are so few things that I need or can use. I do remember one thing that you mentioned—and that was a ring. You always wished I had a good one.

‘Panama Hattie’ is at the theater tonight so better go. Our ‘theatre’ looks like an old gay ninety ‘bowery’ with the Hawaiian girls and signs painted on the walls. Something like the old curtain the Aladdin used to use.

Your letter seemed to touch me quite a bit, I don’t know just how but you all seemed pretty close when I read it. You are so good about everything, and I often feel that I haven’t done as well by you as I should have.

I can’t figure you out not liking avocadoes, because it seemed that I was always the one to turn down your inventions in the way of salads and new dishes. I like them very much and usually have some at dinner and supper. Yes, we use mess kits and I guess I’m like Dick in wanting to sit down at a table with a tablecloth and the food in bowls. And another pleasing prospect will be to use a tile bathroom again instead of the community stable that puts up a stifling stench to say the least. And we have chicken, usually on Sundays although the cooks, in my opinion, lack plenty in the way they prepare it.

I wish you (could) see the sunset as I see it now. The sky is aflame with purple and red setting down on the hills and the ocean. And to think that on the other side of that body of water is the mainland – ho hum. From the papers it looks like Duane C is receiving a round of good times on his furlough. I wonder if Margy is getting any fatter or more ill shaped. I hate to speculate on what our first reunion will be like, or maybe on the other hand the habits of the Army of sitting around in the evenings and chewing over the day’s business, will prevail, who knows.

Well it’s getting show time and my news line is exhausted so it’s so long until the next one.

Love,

2 November 1941

Dear Folks:

I just got off duty a few minutes ago so I’ll have time to write you a good long letter. Today is Sunday again and a very dull one it seems but I guess most of them are. Today I was table waiter in the mess hall so work during the eating hours. I would get it on Sunday. Have been here two weeks so had a pass last night. My buddy and I went to Paso Robles about 15 miles from here. It all turned out very badly. I was looking for some entertainment but there wasn’t a thing, not even a dance. Every store and building was crammed to overflowing with soldiers and the only thing to do was go to the show or roller-skate. And everything seems priced very high. Hamburgers 15 cents, show 35 cents, and roller-skating 40 cents. Two fellows with us bought a couple sandwiches for 52 cents. With so much business it seems things would be cheaper. Anyway we roller-skated until 10 o’clock then came back to the camp. Perhaps if I can get into Los Angeles or San Francisco things will be different. Have written several letters to Grandma and hope to get down if I can get three days off. Round trip is only eight, eighty-five but I would have so little time with a day and a half that it would be hardly worth the time. They want me to come down badly.

My actual radio training hasn’t started yet but will soon. First we must get the basic fundamentals of marching and firing. Two days ago last week were spent on our very latest and modern rifle range. We fired our rifles from a distance of two and three hundred yards. About 100 men can fire at one time. Two way telephone connections are set up from the firing line to the fellows in the pits that run the targets. I pulled targets one day—that is, was in a deep concrete trench and raised and lowered the targets and flashed back the score by means of flags and dices. Boy those bullets whistle overhead; also some bullets hit the dirt in front of the pit and spray dirt all over. In my firing I made ninety-nine out of a possible one fifty. Hope to do better next time.

Last week also had our periodic physical exam for lice, etc. It’s what the boys call a ‘short arm’ inspection. It was very funny. We all lined up with just our overcoats and shoes on, and with a cold wind blowing we shivered plenty. Some fellows lined up, then bent over, and pulled their coats up over their buttocks and had their picture taken.

My buddy and I have decided to try for officer’s training school, after our first six months are up. I think we have a good chance to make it.

So Bill Emick’s home? I just got a letter from him about a week and a half ago telling me of his roommate and the course he was taking. I’m very surprised. He did say though he was flat broke and couldn’t see how he was going to get there. I didn’t think he would ever come back to Minatare. And Wilma with another baby; another surprise. She must like ‘em. How is Duane getting along and what about the marriage scandal?

I have all the mail you sent. I got the shirt and the package and the two dollars. All very much appreciated and thanks so much. Mail call is the most important time of the day, and everybody jumps when the sergeant yells.

The fellow next to me is a very funny and fastidious fellow and about once a week thinks he must have an enema. You’d die if you knew his nickname.

Don’t know anything about Berg or the other fellows. Saw long lines of infantry marching back from a long hike and watched for him but didn’t see anything. Boy those guys in the infantry take a beating. They also have bayonet practice and of course they don’t hit the dummy squarely. A long pole swings around and smacks them. Also saw them throwing hand grenades and practically flattening out on the ground.

No my laundry is not $1.50 a week, but a buck fifty a month. There is no limit on the amount we can send. By the way if you want you can send my slippers and couple pair of shorts and skirts. I like plenty for Friday inspections. I will just about have everything then. We will be issued another suit; a field jacket and two more pairs of shoes so will always have clean clothing. Last week got up at four thirty to go to the rifle range but effective yesterday we operate on a winter schedule with reveille at six and retreat at four thirty in the afternoon. To sleep until six seems like a Sunday morning.

Last Tuesday nite went to a show ‘Camel Caravan’ sponsored by Camel cigarettes and saw some darned good entertainment. My buddy got in without tickets on the pretext of using the library. Guess tonight I’ll go to the show (14 cents).

I guess this is everything that’s been happening to me. Did you get the camp paper I sent? Should get a letter from Kate tomorrow. My buddy and I are going to buy a cheap camera to take some pictures so I’ll be sending some. I will get paid the tenth so will send you some money.

Write soon.

Love,