Furloughs Archives - Page 2 of 6

8 February 1945

Dear Folks,

Just unloosened my belt after a good meal and now before beginning a bridge game better write you a while. I’m in the mood and have some news. All day today I tore down the mimeograph machine and of course I had to get good and black as I usually do. I can remember you wondering how I got so dirty. I had parts all over but I got it back together and pretty good job too. After I finished took a dip and then showered. Feel swell now.

Yesterday three packages came—two from you and one from Mrs. D. A. Grove. Your packages were in perfect condition and everything completely intact. The birthday cakes were in very good condition not even smashed. Ate a little of them last nite and they are right in line with your good cooking. They were especially welcome now that the only eats before bed is what you get from home. In the other box was the Absorbine and olives and tuna. All came thru okay. I’m looking forward to some cake and beer tonight after the show. Of course as always when I get a box from home I get sentimental as the devil and catch a tear coming loose. Mrs. Grove sent me a lot of candy and small stuff. I must write her very soon. And today two letters and 4 Free Presses came. One was a Valentine card from you two and one a letter from Dad. The Free Presses were fairly recent—last November. Perhaps all of our second class (mail) will now arrive.

Finally found two bridge players for me and my partner so tonight will have a game. Probably make a lot of boners. A few of the officers play and I hope we can play them sometime.

I was a little surprised to read about what Dad had to say about the Helmicks and if that’s right I hate ‘em too. If he has no feeling for the war effort I would like to personally slug him but hard. I wish to hell he could get over here for a while and see what the hell’s going on. I have no use for anyone who doesn’t know there’s a war going on. Perhaps he should get a look at some young kids lying in a ditch all blown to hell, he’d change his mind. I’m working to a boil—better slow down.

Had a letter from June a few days ago and I’ll bet she’s very lonesome.

One day my hopes go up for rotation and the next time they go down so I’m staying noncommittal. Today took my hopes up again as I understand all over 30 months are being reported. I complete 30 next month, but I can’t imagine me going home. Just too good to be true. There are no furlough quotas.

I guess this is all, better shape up for the show and bridge game. Boy I’m getting to be a terrible writer. Get in too much of a hurry. Thanks again for the boxes and let’s hope next Christmas you won’t have to send any.

Love,

7 February 1945

Dear Folks:

Better drop you a line before going to bed. I know I haven’t written for several days but have been pretty busy. I’ll get back in the swing again. Just came from a show. About half way thru a brisk shower began but that didn’t affect the patrons much.

No Christmas mail nor second class mail has yet arrived and of course I feel like you do about it, however I understand the post office finally has us located and it is on the way, so I’ll give them a little more time before really getting sore.

Am feeling fine and we have good living conditions now. A swim, a show and a beer about make up the entertainment end of things. I can hardly realize I’ve been gone almost four years and I hope something will surely break. Furlough quotas are out so I can just wait.

Had a little letter from B. Emick yesterday – he’s a swell guy and I think a lot of him. We had some real [good] times together.

I really haven’t anything to write [about] and the lights will be out shortly so I better figure on quitting. Perhaps I can do better next time. Sent you $50 yesterday. I can’t think of anything fitting and proper so I’ll just knock off.

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,

30 December 1944

Dear Folks:

I hope you will excuse all the V-mail I have been using lately but I haven’t much stationery and then this has to travel a hell of a long way, and I think this is the surer and faster way. Had a letter from Dad tonight and good and interesting as ever. You were discussing Dick and his post war future and so I thought I’d write about what I might do. Dreaming of when I get back and what I’ll do is a very important part of my thoughts and I have a lot of time to put to them. I think the first thing is to take a good, independent, lazy rest, with nothing to do. And after that I want to take advantage of this education deal. But when I arrive at the conclusion that this is what I’ll do, I think I ought to get started in something but then I think the best way to do this is to go back to school and pitch in like nobody’s business and get all I can out of it. Of course I’d like to get married too – I’ll probably be thirty before I can get around to it. I was almost a kid when I came in this army but here I am 26 already and will probably be twenty-eight when it’s over. Although I’ve been travelling around quite a bit, I think I’d like to take a honeymoon in Mexico or Panama or Brazil. What do you think of all this? On your letter today I noticed you are still using APO 969 – I thought by now you would surely have my new APO of 235. It’s a fairly nice evening here tonight and pretty quiet. It’s just a littler after supper and some of the boys (are) playing cards and others listening to the GI radio. On this radio we can get almost any station in the world and we listen to the bull from Berlin, London, Tokyo and Japanese controlled China. Australia also has some good programs. After it gets dark there is little to do for there is a pretty rigid blackout and the Japs might come flying over looking around. My work has been going at a good pace and it seems to me the administrative work of the army is increasing. Lugging our typewriters, field desks, and records we sometimes get a rib from the other sections but just the same plenty will depend on these records in the future. I have been thinking of increasing my allotment, but believe I will send treasury checks from ‘Frisco so if you get one it’s from me. There is almost no way to spend money here and lugging it around, it might get misplaced. That is one good aspect to this situation. From where I sit, it looks like the Philippines are shaping up for a good loss for Japan. At the first I guess it was a little tough but things are coming around. The Japanese on the radio are admitting the situation is becoming very serious. I hate the guts of every Jap. One morning a Jap came around the area and he was blasted in a hurry. They’re sneaky as hell. In these grass huts that were burned usually there is several burned, crisp Japs lying around. Some of them are very gruesome, as you can probably imagine. You can certainly tell when any dead ones are around but the terrific stench – boy it’s something awful. Well it’s beginning to get a little dark, so guess I’ll finish off the evening by listening to the radio and maybe some of that good stuff from the ‘old country’. I read about guys getting home everyday but it doesn’t seem to come this way. The same routine every day, and the slim prospects of getting back on furlough sometimes darken my outlook but it will come some sweet day, and like Mom (said), that will be Christmas no matter what day it is. Yesterday we had an issue of four bottles of beer, but don’t worry about us getting too much. I believe this is it for tonight – tomorrow night is New Year’s Eve – wow here is 1945.

Love,

23 December 1944

Dear Dad:

I thought I’d write you a letter tonight because you’ve been doing such a good job writing me. For the second time since I’ve been in the Philippines, received mail from you – one from Mom and one from Kate. Not too recent but that doesn’t make much difference. I don’t know how good the airmail service is yet so I’m sticking by V-mail which I know will get there fast. Well this afternoon about three, I took a cooling dip in the ocean – a swell place to swim – it’s better than Waikiki Beach. Reread your letters then went to supper. Probably will see a show tonight. Air raids sometimes force the movie to stop but so far we’ve been able to see every one through. Opposite from where I’m sitting, two Filipino women are pounding rice in holes cut into coconut logs. After pounding it they hold the rice in the breeze and let it blow away the chaff. I certainly wish you could spend a day here and see how they live. About all they eat is fish, rice and coconuts. One girl is 21 and has had five children – nothing slow about them. Of course the money here is pesos and centouos which we are paid in. Haven’t been paid yet but I have some pesos. Two pesos equal one buck.

Mom was inquiring about reassignment. Under the rotation plan you are returned and reassigned but on a furlough you return overseas. Both prospects are getting dimmer as I see it and I don’t look forward to either one although I expect to see something happen after Germany is whipped.

Well, I’ll stop here and get ready for the show. Don’t worry for I’m fine.

Love,

5 November 1944

Dear Folks:

I guess it’s high time I tortured this typewriter again and see if I can’t take care of a few current unanswered letters. Just finished off another Sunday, an easy loafing one although a ball game this morning took a little of the vinegar out of me, and this afternoon I had no trouble sleeping. I play shortstop on the team but my prowess is doubtful.

Well last night after the show two communiques from your front were here–one with the drawing of the house layout. Even though you’re no civil engineer Dad it was plenty okeh and I looked at it a long time before I had to go to bed because I couldn’t stay awake any longer. Of course I have the whole thing figured out in my mind and I’m sure it’s fully as nice as I think it is, and you don’t know how much I’d like to make an inspection.

Hey you people when you see any clippings about me or any of the others, cut it out and put it in the envelope. We haven’t received any 2^nd class mail in two months and if I have to wait for the papers I may never receive it. So the next letter be sure and get those articles you mentioned and send them. I’m pretty anxious to see them. I don’t know how many Free Presses must be on the way but I know the number is pretty high.

Perhaps the biggest thing since D-Day happened today. We all had the long delayed pleasure of sinking our fangs into some fresh meat. Good old steak, and besides this there was the rest to go with it, so my outlook improved considerably today. After this I reposed in customary Sunday style on the bunk, read a while then slept until about four. The Army should have more days like that.

Those much discussed but elusive furloughs were again given out a few days back, but its wait some more for me. We had the drawings at the theatre, walking by a can and grabbing a slip, and the one I pulled out was the blankest looking slip of paper I ever saw. I felt a little tense like the fellows you wrote about, and when it was over felt let down and a little defeated, but there’ll be another day (I hope). To be eligible you must have two year’s overseas service, so Dick won’t be eligible until about next May or June, I believe. If it is possible to get a quota every month perhaps my time won’t be far off, although getting the quota may be problematical.

Another high spot in last week’s seven days was the first payday in six months, and of course everyone is loaded with dough. I arranged a sort of Christmas present for you and I hope I can send it in my next letter. Working in personnel I’m glad to see everyone paid off as it means less paper work and liquidates a lot of little things to accumulate.

Also received a letter from Nancy last night and she sounds like she’s growing up. I’ll be plenty surprised when I have my first look at Philip and her because probably I don’t realize how much they’ve actually changed.

I think I better take off for the cinema–our shows start at six so I have to hurry to write you. I really enjoy your letters Dad. You put all the stuff in that interests me more than you think, and your style doesn’t make any difference. I wish I could tell you all I know because of course every GI has his ideas about what will happen next but I can’t say anything about that. Probably you have read about the little excitement we had the other night. Well I’ve really gotta stop and I’ll be around again soon.

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,

12 October 1944

Dear Folks:

Maybe if I hurry I’ll have time to write you a few lines before show time. It’s raining again and I don’t think that will make any difference to the customers. A few minutes ago received my absentee ballot and a letter from Mom. I will vote ‘no’ also on the prohibition proposal. I think I’ll mail it in although I know very little about what’s going on or who the candidates are.

By the sound of your letter you must have the house finished now and I’m glad you’re not moving. I know a little time at home would be good for Dick and I and I hope I’ll be lucky enough to draw a furlough soon. The rotation system seems to be working now. That is a deal whereby you return to the states after at least 36 months overseas service and I still have about 11 months to go. It’s quite a matter for discussion and it’s what everyone is thinking about. I hope it’s still working when my time comes.

I’ve heard the news about the raids on Luzon and Formosa and other islands and it does sound good. We’re almost across the Pacific now. It seems impossible that only about 1,500 miles away is Japan – that’s not very far as distances go over here.

I don’t remember what else I can write about. My watch runs perfectly and I never need to set it. Feeling entirely normal again after the dengue. Well it’s about show time so I better grab my raincoat and take off. So goodnight once again.

Love,

10 October 1944

Dear Dad:

I was all set to go to bed and call it another day but just received a letter from you so thought I’d answer it while there is still a little time before bed.

It’s about time you received the package I sent you. I mailed it about a month ago and I’m anxious to hear what you have to say about them, the souvenirs I mean. Dick is anxious to know about them. I imagine they will make quite a stir.

As usual it rained plenty again today. A guy from Nebraska would go nuts with all the rainfall here. Everything is green now and the island looks very fertile. Radio Tokyo a few nights ago answered that all civilians and soldiers had died on the island and raved about their glorious stand. But all of them couldn’t see the ‘suicide’ stand and there’s still plenty of civilians around trying to get another start with what there is left. Of course they can only move around in certain areas and of course don’t get around the military areas. I don’t trust any of them.

I’m glad to hear, in a way, that you’re not moving to Bridgeport however whatever you would have done would have been okeh with me. I’m very anxious to see the house for it must be a beauty with all the work you have been doing, and how super lovely it will be to enjoy it. You don’t know how much I think about all the little things that you probably never think about. How I’d like to pull a bottle of ice cold beer from the refrigerator and drink it with you.

I’m feeling pretty good after the dengue fever but I’m not overly fat, if you know what I mean. Boy how I could sit down to a home cooked meal with all my favorites and eat forever.

Saw an Abbot and Costello show tonight that was a stinker. You should see us at a show. We sit in the worst rain and never notice it or wait a half an hour while they change a reel or get a bug off the lens. The Aladdin at its worst was a palatial ‘Hippodrome’ beside ours. In a few days Betty Hutton will appear with a troupe. The guys will probably go nuts over her not having seen a white woman since last May. And although we haven’t seen a white woman in a long time still we have our sex morality lectures and are told the customary things. A little ironical.

Well I wasn’t lucky enough to draw a furlough but maybe my luck will change someday. The quotas seem to be getting bigger and I’m hoping I’ll soon be lucky, however don’t be expecting to see me because anything can happen and then it’s better to be a little pessimistic. But after three years it seems something ought to happen.

Mom intimated I might have somebody in mind back there – feminine I mean but that’s not the case. I haven’t written to a girl in a long time but I’m thinking I ought to do something about it. I’ll have to start from scratch when I get back.

Been playing a little bridge lately but it’s hard to find players in this outfit – they all play pinochle.

Well I’m about finished for tonight. Just wrote Gram a letter – should write them more often. You’ve been doing a good job of writing – it’s depressing to not get a letter at mail call and you’ve been seeing to it that that doesn’t happen often, so I got to keep up my end too.

Well better stop and do some more dreaming.

Love,

8 October 1944

Dear Folks:

We’re having an early chow tonight and I only have a few minutes to write but there isn’t much news anyway. Last night a furlough quota was given the battalion and in order to pick the lucky ones, a drawing was held. Of course I sought the help of the gods but they were all drawn before I got a chance to pull out a ticket. It would be too good to happen I guess. Now I’m hoping we will get another quota next month and perhaps I’ll get lucky.

Received your letter with Katies (letter) in it – hope she gets settled soon.

So you saw a movie The Battle of the Marianas? We haven’t seen any newsreels of it yet and I’m sort of looking forward to it – wished I could have seen it with you.

Last night it rained a pouring downfall and my house started leaking and was finally forced to abandon it and set up in the office. Boy was I sore. I’ll tear the damn place down if it leaks again.

The office is still very busy and it doesn’t seem it will let down. Now it’s payrolls. We haven’t been paid in five months and preparing the rolls is a big job. Having completed 3 years service I get a five percent increase which will give me a little over one forty now. You may not receive my bond (until) after September as a result of a new issuing system but you will get them as soon as I get paid.

Well not much else and it’s show time so, so long for this time.

Love,