European front news Archives

11 August 1945

Dear Folks:

It’s been sometime since I’ve written so I better settle down and get some written. Events have been transpiring fast and my morale has been improving. Last night I was playing cards when somebody ran down the streets yelling ‘turn on the radio’. We did and heard it say the Japs were ready to surrender. Although our battery didn’t take it hook, line, and sinker apparently the rest of the island did, because searchlights went on, and machine guns and anti-aircraft began firing, and the sky was colored with red tracers. It looked like a Hollywood premier. Although we know this may not be the real thing, something is definitely going on and perhaps this is the first step. The thought of the war being over is too much to grasp at once, and I know just how you would both feel if it is time.

Today I heard on the radio that a Jap emissary was coming here on a warship to discuss negotiations. I understand they want to leave the emperor in his position. Dad certainly called his shots good – Russia coming in and now talk of peace. At least it looks like you are quite the prophet.

Tomorrow is Sunday and I see on the bulletin board that an Episcopal communion [service] is being held at eight-thirty. I better go.

Last night after the excitement and after I had got into bed, the CO had a few of us in for some drinks. The first whisky I had tasted in ages, and it didn’t set too good with any of us. I didn’t feel so hot this morning and had to stand [during] inspection at nine-thirty. But we had the rest of the day off and tonight I feel pretty good. A pretty good show on tonight so I better go down.

A few days ago we worked an afternoon and put a floor in our tent. The first time I’ve had a floor in a long time. Well it makes pretty good quarters. We are having it pretty easy now, no wonder in the afternoons, but it’s almost too hot to work anyway. Played a little softball a few days ago and got a sore, swelled finger out of it. About as big as a weeny.

Men have been leaving every day on readjustment but they are still quite a way from my name. Each morning it looks like a railroad depot with guys shaking hands and saying goodbye. After living together for several years and going through operations together, you sometimes feel a little sentimental about seeing some of them go.

The magazines arrived – two big envelopes and a Free Press today. Also the mimeograph letters and styles came. Unfortunately the paper deal fell through, but we can still use them for other work.

Well this will have to do for another time. Sorry I didn’t write sooner but I’ll try to get on the ball a little more.

Love,

9 May 1945

Dear folks:

This has been a beautiful and sunshiny day making the war seem far off and entirely inconsistent, but the war is here. We received the news today of Germany’s unconditional surrender but there is little outward signs of celebration. All day the radio has been broadcasting speeches from high leaders and right now General Marshall is on. It is hard to believe that there is actually peace in Europe for it has lasted so long and been so much on our minds, that when it ended so suddenly it will take a while to really soak in. Now of course I hope it won’t be long until the full weight can make itself felt against Japan. The surrender has also raised our hopes for returning home and possibly demobilization, but the main thing is to get back. I wonder how long Japan can last now. I saw infantrymen returning from the front today and I felt very humble. The parents of those boys would hardly recognize them. It is certainly tough up there, and people owe an everlasting debt of gratitude to each of them.

Yesterday it rained very hard and made it almost impossible to walk around. Our office became flooded out and in the midst of it we had to move. I slept like a kitten last night.

I thought I’d stick in a piece of invasion money issued to us before we landed. 50 sen represents an American nickel. I’ll send you a little more of different denominations when I get paid.

Well about all now.

Love,

7 May 1945

Dear Folks:

While sitting here listening to the rain tap on the tent perhaps I can get off a short letter. No mail today but it’s about the first day. Am expecting your packages to arrive as much 4^th class is coming in.

Have had a busy day all day and feel a little tired tonight.

Yes, Dan Gettman is still in the battalion but haven’t seen him since leaving Leyte. He is in Battery B. He is okeh and probably one of these days he’ll come trotting over with a stack of Star Heralds.

The European was news is good – so good in fact it has buoyed up our hopes for getting back. All kinds of talk goes on around the subject, and yesterday on the radio we heard the army would release two million men within a year after the end in Europe. Between you and me rotation looks pretty good but I can’t let myself be too optimistic because it seems things can be changed very easily. But if I don’t get home this year, I won’t be worth a darn.

Well pretty short this time but not a lot to write about. I hope I can enjoy those fires with you.

Love,

24 April 1945

Dear Folks:

Better write again. It’s raining out and sitting here in my pup tent, I may as well do something. It’s so slippery and muddy out it’s almost a feat to walk to chow and back. And the mud is like glue. But I have a dry place to sleep so the rain doesn’t bother too much. Our hut-tent is small but comfortable.

Had a V-mail from Mom today and a letter from Loyd Johnson. It was an old letter and at that time he had only been in two weeks. When Dick was to see me day before yesterday, I gave him all the mail. I had received so (much) I don’t have your letters to comment on. Dick asked me for them almost the first thing. And then he gave me what he had received. I hope he will have time to stop around again soon.

The war news continues to be good and I think that for practical purposes the war in Europe is over. Perhaps that will mean more replacements for the Pacific and then perhaps return home. Was busy figuring points today under the new rotation setup. Once again I feel I will get home this year although it is all problematical.

So much for another time.

Love,

28 February 1945

Dear Folks:

I’m afraid this week won’t be much of a letter but I’m fiddling around so just as well write. Just listened to the news and it’s very good. Sounds like a big break through in Europe, am still sticking with the first of May.

A guy in my barracks has been talking to me about buying some citrus fruit land in the Rio Grande in Texas after the war. He’s been giving me all the dope and talking it up pretty strong. He’s been quoting figures, costs, help, machinery, and so forth and for all I know about it, it sounds good. His dad is a Kansas wheat farmer and he has an orchard down there. We’ve had a lot of fun talking about it and if he keeps (it) up I may get interested. He figures on 20 acres at $150 an acre, and after three years or more, an estimated gross income of $3,000.00. He’s got it all figured out. It sounds good but of course a lot may happen before the war is over. We figured on a government loan and the expert advice help of his old man. It’s (a) great pastime to plan it.

The rain is coming down in a furious driving gale and sometimes I’m afraid the tent will give way. If it should, we’re sunk.

Am going to the hospital tomorrow for the results of my urinalysis. Have felt pretty good today except for right now which began after supper.

Had a nice letter from my Washington reporter. She has certainly set a record in letter writing. She sent a Valentine card and is always enclosing a small book that she thinks I would like. When I was in Fort Lewis, she would bake me cookies and take me to Seattle and Tacoma. She thinks a lot of me. Better write her tonight.

A short epistle tonight but a letter regardless. So until the next one.

Love,

24 February 1945

Dear Folks:

Had a lot of mail today so the least I can do is to sit down a while and answer a few of them. Had two letters from Dad, one from Mom, one from Pat and one from Washington. A very good day for mail. And all in good time.

Went to the show for a while but didn’t stay long – couldn’t sit still long enough. Been busy all day – a big inspection tomorrow that seems like a lot of baloney to me, but there’s nothing to be done about it.

I’ve been thinking a lot about you the last few days and last night had a glorious dream of being home. Read a few Star-Heralds tonight and in the service column noticed there is always men returning and with much less overseas time than mine. I sneered when I saw an article that said so and so receives his first furlough in over two years. What a laugh. I’ve had damn near four [years] and never been home. Of course someday our chance will come but it seems impossible to enjoy once again some civilian relaxation. Guess I should have signed up for the Navy.

Listened to the news a while tonight and hear the Marines have a scrap on their hands at Iwo Jima. But they’ll finish them off. The Japs are crazy and in [a] tight spot, go nuts and beserk. They are madmen. The news from Europe is good and Germany will crack any time, but it is taking plenty of casualties to do it.

Been reading my law books lately and the more I do, the stronger is the desire to seriously study it. But lately I have had only intermittent opportunities to read and then not for as long as I would like. If I never use it at least it is a goal to acquire an LLB.

You have never mentioned the money I sent home. I’m getting just the slight bit uneasy. $40 was sent the 6^th of January and $50 around the 1^st of February. It is a new system so perhaps that accounts for the delay.

Your letters today were certainly welcome and read and re-read many times. I guess our whole relationship the past 3 ½ years has been dependent on letters. Perhaps they are wonderful things.

It’s getting late and as it usually does, it’s beginning to rain. I think I’ve seen more rain since being overseas than in all my ‘old country’ days. Well this is it for tonight.

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,

31 August 1944

Dear Folks:

Oh what a day rain, rain, rain. And when it rains it is a scramble to see that everything is dry and will stay that way. A few days ago my roommate and I built ourselves a home from the remnants of a Jap barn and covered the top with tin, shelter halves and ponchos. We thought we had it pretty well waterproofed but the acid test today proved differently, and before I knew it, the center of my bed looked like the old swimming hole. Later I put out my blankets to dry and then forgot to bring them in when it starting raining again. But, a few tent poles and some redecorating, patched the place up pretty well. Just after supper when it started to rain so hard, I stripped off and showered in the rain water.

Last night was a little different and for the first time in quite a while played a little bridge. We bid five twice, made it both times and was doubled once. We had a hot streak. Players are pretty hard to find and lately we haven’t found time to play much. Besides this diversion we have two volleyball courts laid out and occasionally get out to play a game, but I seem to be getting worse instead of better. A few days ago we went off daylight savings time and now it gets dark so early that we don’t have much time after supper.

I suppose everyone at home is very optimistic especially since the fall of Paris and the surrender of Bulgaria and Rumania. It certainly does look bright in Europe and probably it won’t last another ten months. Our group colonel told us yesterday he thought the war here would last probably until late 1945. If it ends that soon it’ll be sooner than I expect but I hope I’m wrong. Tokyo continues to broadcast especially for the GI’s on Saipan and calls us ‘orphans’ and ‘boneheads’. Also they have ‘Moby Dick’ who drawls along and gets sarcastic cracks in often. Tokyo like Germany is withdrawing according to plans, etc. etc.

Our mail has been delayed for some reason and haven’t heard from you in over two weeks and so I haven’t any of your mail to comment on. But someday it will catch up with me and I’ll have reading to last a week. But it isn’t so good getting along without it.

Well the boys are paging me for a pinochle game and there isn’t a lot of time. I think I’ll stop and come back again soon. The watch is running perfectly and just the thing I wanted. Well so long for tonight.

Love,

16 August 1944

Dear Folks:

It’s time I was writing you again, and several good things to report. Yesterday I made a flying visit to Saipan again and once more saw Jack. We see each other fairly often although you can never tell which one will be the last one. Well after I got back I saw the mail orderly sweating out six or so bags of mail and I was hoping your package would be on this load. Sure enough it was. The watch is exactly the thing I wanted and I’m nuts about it. I almost hated to wear it. This batch of mail was the first time we had received anything but first class mail, and now everyone is reading their hometown papers and magazines. I received three issues of the Free Press, the earliest dated 11 [illegible] and the last June 8 so I must have a bunch more floating around somewhere. But no matter how old they were they were gobbled up eagerly. I see I rated the paper with a little about my visit with Bob Harris. I hope Dick has received his issues by this time. Anyway with all the mail and packages the morale [illegible] a while anyway. Boy that stuff has to come a h__ of a long ways. Yesterday [illegible] the news of the landings in Southern France and it seems that things [illegible] lasting in Europe. Incidentally I listened to the Nazi commentator [illegible] and it was almost ridiculous to hear his account and then listen [illegible] only after he spoke the axis overseas musical program for the Allied [illegible] with the comment it was especially for the ‘boys on Saipan”. [illegible] yesterday I took quite a comprehensive look at the island from the [illegible] was rather surprised to find how nice looking an island it is. [illegible] look out and see almost all of the island, with [illegible] the rolling slopes, green and laid out with [illegible] imagine the maddened Japanese occupying such a [illegible] every battle the Japanese put up their [illegible] it was equally as bloody and dis- [illegible] fourteen Jap officers who had [illegible]. They are nothing short of [illegible] certain we came to the airport [illegible] every one had a burned Jap plane [illegible] climbed into the cockpit of one [illegible] Japs lost so many planes on the [illegible].

[illegible] well that is the typical [illegible] can smell a Jap before you can [illegible] it rains often. Our office [illegible] rain out and provides a little [illegible] time. I’m very fine as usual [illegible] can’t worry about me. I’ll see Dick in a [illegible].

Love,

15 July 1943

Dearest Folks:

Another of those evenings that seem long and empty, but maybe it will shorten if I try to catch up on some letters. Everyone seems to be taking great interest in the news and sticking around the radio to keep up with events. The situation does seem pretty good, at least there is action to put some life in the pessimistic, such as myself perhaps. Perhaps the war will terminate with a suddenness that will surprise a lot of us—some of the brass hats are even foreseeing a finish that they didn’t express last year, and when they begin to talk and think that way, it is something to really consider. Anyway I have felt more encouragement than I have in a long time. This whole discussion makes me think of a professor I had in sociology that said that the opinions and predictions of the public as a whole are many times more accurate than the experts and statistians. I hope he wasn’t exercising his lungs. I think it is nothing short of a miracle that the Russians have shown the world by holding the Germans, and it looks like they are going to do even more than that. Occasionally I can’t help but imagine how I would act under fire and when I do. I always think of the guys that are going down and who in the future will be probably little more than another number on the casualty list. If, when I am a citizen and civilian again, I don’t add my little squeak, no matter how small it is, to try to avert future wars like this, then I and anyone has no right to be a citizen. When you stop and retrospect and try to figure the situation out and relate it to what we think of as a civilized people, it all becomes very contrary to reason and senseless. Perhaps these things are getting like a custom or an unbreakable habit. Well I could go on for quite a few paragraphs in this manner, and at the same time get madder and madder but you might think I am developing into (a) pessimist or something like that—but that is far from the truth. Everyone should practice more reason and rely less on his guts. Maybe this letter does reflect a little of the bluer but if you stop to think about it, I don’t think that it does. I believe that anyone that thinks about it becomes wiser for the better and to a better advantage than the one who forms his ideas from the surface. Of course we have to be tough and relentless now, but the time that is spent creating the circumstances for these wars is many times more important than a year or two of fighting. As I see it the whole world must be ready to adopt and draft a new set of laws regarding dependency and relationship that heretofore were based on conceptions of isolation and dominance. I cannot honestly see how anyone can deny that. Perhaps few will theoretically but practically, many. My personal outlook is bright and I never for a minute feel that everything is dismal and hopeless. I hope you will believe that.

Since I came back from pass I haven’t heard from Dick and I’m beginning to feel a little anxious, but then maybe he’s just more delinquent than anything else. I wrote to him but as yet no answer.

The pictures I thought I’d stick in for the album. The group one is in front of the ‘office’. The Regimental CO is stepping out of the door. It was posed—I think the ‘old man’ has a propensity for his picture being taken.

I don’t know how I’m going to get a start for this sheet but I guess I’ve said about enough anyway. I think of how hot it must be at home, how it feels to get out in the sun awhile. Here it is about the same all the time and the seasons don’t have the meaning that they do there. I have to stop and remember just what season you are going through. The climate is absolutely the best I ever ran into. The evenings are perfect to sleep; the days never get too hot and there is very seldom any fog or any amount of rain to complain about. Of course not all of the island is so lucky as we are.

Well, it’s about time for the last bugle and they might miss me at bed check. So long for a while.

Love,