Morse Code radio operator Archives

10 December 1941

Dear Folks:

Just got your letter today and before I leave for classes perhaps I can get it answered. Well the camp has more or less realized the situation and taken measures in case the need be. From now on classes at nite are compulsory so that we can finish up in a hurry. It is rumored here we will probably be thru by Christmas or the first. From then-well we’ll both guess. Tonite was real blackout instruction and how to conduct ourselves in case of an attack. You can fill in the details. Several of our command cars have been sent to, I heard, the Phillipines and at nite trucks are moved to the shelter of trees in the valley. This morning at four had an air raid drill-get up fast, jump in overcoats to get out. Also we wear tin hats everywhere and the room orderly’s now carry pistols. Tonite are having a full field inspection preparatory to an overnite hike tomorrow.

To get away from this war fervor, I just completed reading “For Whom the Bells Toll” and now reading “As the Earth Turns”. I have “Green Light” reserved and have read the “Citadel”. Don’t know what will be done about Christmas leaves. I believe, though, that we will get a couple of days so that I can see Gram. I see Berg quite often and I believe perhaps he will go soon. Eighty three from the 54^th were shipped out yesterday. I’ll write a good letter later because got to go now. I think about you always and hope you will not be too worried. I am in no immediate danger. My money holds out fine. Till the next letter.

All my love,

My money holds out fine.

7 December 1941

Dear folks:

In view of what has happened this morning, I feel compelled to write you. Have just heard a few minutes ago that Japan has really declared war now and that we will retaliate immediately. Bulletins are constantly coming over the air that all leaves and passes are cancelled and just a moment ago a bulletin referring to Camp Roberts was given stating that all men are to return immediately to quarters. Our sergeant on a fifteen day [pass] will be back tonite. As far as this will effect me and my training [to be a Morse Code operator] haven’t much idea what will develop but suppose the training period will be stepped up to terminate in a few weeks. All that goes with this war fervor is taking place all along the coast with patrols, listening posts, and ship movement orders being given. I can hardly believe that such a gigantic step has actually been taken by the Japs, but it is certain it will be a terrific battle of economic strangulation of Japan. The Japs are too wise to go into a war knowing it would be a short fight.

I hope, but I know it is a vain hope, that you will not worry unnecessarily and not be overly anxious about me. Of course I will write often to tell you all I can, not knowing what will be done with the mail.

To Mother and Dad just hope and pray and everything will be okay.

Love,

2 December 1941

Dear folks:

I just wrote you a letter day before yesterday but guess I have time to write another.

Yesterday ushered in something new again—this time being on guard duty. I went on yesterday at 4:30 PM and was on for twenty-four hours however we only walk during darkness. I walked two hours then slept four—walked two and slept four. We slept in the guardhouse in our clothes, thereotically to be ready for call. My hours were six to eight then midnite until 2 AM. I was sure tired when I was awakened at twelve, and does that rifle get heavy after two hours. However, we had nothing to do all day but lay around and read.

The radio work is very interesting and now I know all the code but have one lesson yet to pass before try for speed. I believe 10 words a minute are required as minimum for the course.

Many of the fellows are pretty glum today just getting the news that our furloughs are going to be short and many had already planned on going home. The men in the 88^th infantry were today sent to Panama. Berg is in the 87^th. Something seemingly a little unusual happened yesterday and that was all the Japanese boys were taken out of our battery. Wonder if it relates to the crisis. They would have a good vantage point in a radio outfit.

Got a letter from Gram today and she’s expecting me down for Christmas. She didn’t help me any on my bus fare but promised to for the next time; but June and Loyd took care of other expenses. I never got to see Uncle Will. They had such short notice she couldn’t get word to him. In answer to your next questions we have six more weeks of training after this one. This will probably end about the 1^st of February. I have no idea where we might be sent.

I’ll say the cake was good and it wasn’t broken a bit, in very good shape and so soft and delicious. The fellows raved about it and agreed you were a superior cook.

Delighted to hear about the game—can imagine the unlimited excitement that went on all day.

This is all I can think about for this time. Everything going fine. No rain yet and still getting heavier.

All my love,

Thought about something else. Regarding Christmas gifts, I know it would be of little avail to caution you on expenses. But I’ll give you my list of what I can think of now.

Cheap pocket watch
A camera
Pair of brown civilian shoes (no two tone)
Sweatshirt
Small leather bag for toilet articles
Eversharp
Keycase (for trunk locks)
Stationary folder (for envelopes, stamps, etc.)

Please don’t fill the list but just pick one or two and that will be more than enough to ask for.

23 November 1941

Dear Folks:

I’ve been a little slow in writing this time—last week seemed a very fast one. Thanksgiving Day was the hi-spot of the last fast week. Everything was in traditional Turkey Day setting and food was more than plentiful. To give the layout of menu we had of course all the most delicious turkey we could push down, potatoes, candied sweet potatoes with marshmallows, celery, ham, corn, beans, two kinds of pie, two kinds of cake, nuts, cranberry sauce, ice cream, dressing and probably other things I’ve forgotten about. It was all beautifully laid out cooked just right. Unfortunately I was on KP duty all day so had to work the holiday. I ate, as we all did, leftovers and I was almost waddling instead of walking.

Probably the thing that added most to the hurried flight of the week was that our radio training began in earnest on Monday. The first thing of course is to master the international Morse code. We sit at long tables opposite each other and listened by the hour to the code as it comes from the tape. Almost all of the fellows, after the first horn, feel they can’t tell a dot from a dash and will never learn the d— stuff. It does become depressing to hear the constant taboo of the sounds. Also we have classes in map reading, organization and duties of message center personnel, and the different kinds of code used by radio operators. We have three textbooks and a notebook. It’s all very interesting.

But of course what was most looked forward to and what made you all seem closer was the overflowing box. I certainly have a grandiose array of supplies and eats. It was so much appreciated especially when the work and care and money that you put into it was considered. It was a real delight to open it and wonder what each grab would produce. To get such a show of love from home, makes me recall times when my own conduct was anything but appreciation and gratitude in return for the deprivation and care that goes into the building of twenty years in a boy’s life. Anything I could write would be inadequate. But the candy and cookies were really swell and the rest of the items are all necessities that almost certainly are needed.

I guess this covers my past week’s activities, so so long for a while. And I still think I should say thanks again for the box. Mrs. Carroll sent a box of candy so I had 3 in all.

All my love,

17 November 1941

Dear Folks:

I’m back from my ‘vacation’ and so much has happened hardly know where to begin this treatise. Almost need an outline to organize it. In the first place I caught my bus at eleven Friday nite and arrived in San Diego eleven thirty Saturday morning. The trip there was in one way uneventful but on the other hand saw Hollywood including many of the nationally famous entertainment houses. Loyd met me at the depot and went immediately to Coronado where Grandma was overjoyed to see me. Granny got off work about 5 and we talked about everything. Both look the same as ever and seem to be very contented. Of course my big moment came in the evening and Loyd and June and I began the rounds of the nite spots. Went into the Towers, San Diego’s ultra-modern building, which has been built since you were there. Also took in Sherman’s, the Gay Nineties and even a burlesque show—and boy what a show. We came back fairly early though around two thirty. I almost forgot we also went to the Rainbow Gardens and saw plenty a plastered sailor. Sunday morning two of the fellows I met in Fort Leavenworth came over and we all ate together. Hoffman’s and the E.M. Johnsons and Helen also came over in the morning.

But my ride home was certainly anything but uneventful. At Los Angeles I was forced to sit down by an old woman who later, as we became friendly, took over your place until I got back to camp. She was a fairly wealthy woman, a Norwegian immigrant some forty years ago and a woman with a delightful brogue of the Swedes and Norwegians. She was very interested in me and gave me barrage after barrage of questions concerning the camp, entertainment for the soldiers, our living conditions and a thousand other things. She told me all about her life in Norway; as we inevitably approached the question of the younger question. She was notably lacking in many age old traditions that old people have, but at the same time still held on to such ideals as people from the old country possess. But the greatest surprise came when she finally confided in me that she was on her way to be married! At sixty-four! She was bubbling over about their honeymoon tour of the nation and said they originally planned to travel around the world. She was very sweet and of course asked me all about you folks; and called me a darling when I told her I had just visited my grandparents. She is so vitally engrossed with the younger generation.

But something tragic later happened. Outside of Los Angeles saw a horrible auto wreck and went to sleep on the bus trying to forget it. Suddenly the bus stopped and when I looked out saw a very gruesome sight. Yes another wreck between a semi-trailer with two horses aboard and a brand new Chrysler carrying a woman and two men. They had (been) hit almost directly head-on. The woman was crying frantically waving her arms and wiping the blood from her face. I was in the front seat of the bus so the driver and I were the first ones there. The horses had their legs broken and one man was lying face down pinned under the car and we didn’t know whether he was dead or not. But first we had to get the man out of the seat as the car was ready to flame up any minute. We had to cut his pants off. I was plenty sick afterwards but at the time thought I did pretty good. All the people were afraid to act but finally stirred them to action, I practically pulled the man out myself. Later we got the man from under the car and did all we could for them. Finally the cops and the ambulance came to take them away. I’ve thought about it all day.

To get to the brighter side, today started on our radio work in earnest. I know it’s going to be very interesting.

We have Thursday off for Thanksgiving so will have a little more time off.

Anyway had a good time with Grandma and Gramp. She gave me some fruit to bring back and Loyd gave me some initialed watches with cuts that say “Private Moss’ on them.

Well goodnite folks, have to get up at five tomorrow to go on a 100 mile trip for blacktop. Keep up the good work. See you in the next letter.

All my love,

9 November 1941

Dear Folks:

Just returned from church services so have some time before dinner to write to you. The service was a general one and open to all denominations. Haven’t found out anything about Episcopal services. The chapel is quite built with simplicity but dignity, and cost the government twenty five thousand. Overhead in the back is a balcony and a Hammond electric organ that costs plenty. Also the regiment has an orchestra that is really good. The church was well filled and there were a few visitors and fellows with their girlfriends.

Last Friday took quite a little trip and saw a little more of California. A convoy of thirty trucks went to Taft, in the oil fields, to get cargoes of black top used to surface our drill area. As the place is one hundred two miles from here rode most of the time. But got to see some of the big oil fields, and get a glimpse of something outside an army post. The longer I’m here in camp around so many fellows the more it seems that everything and everyone is military. It just seems there isn’t enough people to make up a civilian population.

Yesterday went thru the long nervous ordeal of inspection. About eight officers came thru and all of us acted like we had pokers up our backs and rocks in our mouths. An officer asked a fellow if he shaved the nite before and the poor private answered ‘no’, and the officer retorted ‘no what’, and the private said ‘no blades’. The officer was demanding a ‘sir’ and not this unexpected reply. Our platoon didn’t get first but our battery kept the sign.

Last nite and afternoon did nothing in particular, mostly reading. However did locate Berg after quite a search. He is in the other end of the camp in the infantry. He is coming over this afternoon for a visit.

Wish it was possible for you to be here next Tuesday Armistice Day. Visitors will be given a big show and will eat with us in the mess halls. Also our big coliseum is being dedicated and the field artillery gunners are going to fire the 75’s.

Next week will have all day Saturday off so hope I can hitchhike to San Diego to see Grandma. Couldn’t make it this week. Train service, because of the hills is terribly slow. It takes nine hours to Los Angeles only 200 miles from here. Want to see the Golden Gate in San Francisco sometime before I leave too.

After my radio training, I will be assigned to a tactical combat unit which will be my permanent post. You see, here all of us are trained to set up radio equipment and do not act as a fighter but upon our transfer will become part of a unit that operates exactly as it will in wartime. Boy it does seem like we are getting closer to it all the time. The officers and candre continually impress on us the means of protection to ourselves in case we go into the field. Radiomen operate sometimes near and sometimes far from the front. Some of the last batch of trainees were sent to Alaska. We just as well forget all about that though if we can.

Last week got another shot in the arm (tetanus) and those kids really hit a guy. It lasted only a couple of hours though. By the way when I was waiting for the shot I weighed myself and weighed one hundred forty. I had on my pants and shoes but even at that, I’m doing pretty good—and I’m really getting a tan too. The days are very warm but as soon as the sun goes down it cools off quickly. Last Friday going to the oil fields it was very hot and had my shirt off most of the time. It is hard to imagine that it is almost the middle of November. The grass around our orderly room to mess hall is getting very green and pretty. Also we are setting out small trees and shrubs.

Haven’t heard from Kate for some time and I’m sure it is she that owes the letter. Suppose she will write soon.

I’m thinking or trying to think what to tell you to put in the box and will write you about it. I know one thing right now and that is cookies and homemade candy.

Well better quit now but hope all of you are getting on okay.

All my 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,

25 October 1941

Dear Dick:

The ‘Old Man’ (that’s our top sergeant) went soft on us this afternoon, or perhaps he didn’t, as we just had a stiff tetanus shot, and let us have the rest of the afternoon off. So perhaps I can answer your letter. At the same time I got a card about the homecoming. Kind of ironically humorous. Sure hope we win the game. Hope Bayard isn’t the nemesis they usually are.

Now everyday I go to class and learn the international Morse code and all about maps and set-up of radios and nets, kilocycles, megocycles, and everything about radios. One of the most interesting sets we have is a one ninety-four or what we call a ‘walkie talkie’. It’s a twenty pound complete transmitting and receiving set with headphones and a microphone. Although it’s range is ordinarily only a few miles, stations as far as Missouri and Honolulu have been picked up. It is carried on the back just like a knapsack with an 8 foot aerial sticking in the air. A very compact radio station. Upon completion of the course I understand we will be eligible for an amateur radio license.

Your letters sound funny to hear about snow and blizzards when here the days are mostly warm and cloudless. It gets damn chilly at nite but the days nice, almost nice enough to go swimming.

Glad to hear you are working all the time and the ribs don’t keep you down. Hope my rooting for Minatare did some good. Keep writing.

Love,

25 October 1941

Dear Folks:

Although I think you still owe me a couple of letters I’ll write while I have nothing to do. This is Saturday afternoon and a beautiful day here. I just got through playing baseball with my shirt off. It’s pretty hot. Just got out of the shower and sitting around in my shorts luxiously relaxing. Everybody is listening to a radio wondering how their team will come out. Wish I could hear Nebraska.

Haven’t started my radio schooling yet and won’t for a couple of weeks. Since I’ve been here in the specialist battery we’ve been working on an oil mat to drill on. Boy that’s hard work and plenty dirty but it makes me feel good and eat plenty. When the rainy season begins here it rains all the time and the mud is actually on the tops of knee boots. That’s why all the work on the oil matting. Yesterday laid an oil mat for a basketball court. After this is finished I will begin my technical training on radio work. This battery I’m in has quite a good past. Since it was formed nine months ago our battery has never lost the “Best Battery” sign which hangs on our orderly building. It is the best battery in the whole camp and the best in the special battalion. The radio battery of the specialists is considered the best and to have the best and smartest in it. Also our regiment has had the regimental banner 5 out of 6 times. I’m quite proud to be here. The fellows seem to take more interest in things here. Sidewalks have been built up and a lawn and patches of flowers are around the barracks. Also by the mess hall we have a fountain with a square cupola over it plus an old Dutch windmill on top of it. But being in this battery means plenty of work. Friday nights we get on our hands and knees and scrub the floors. On Saturdays the latrine is cleaned. Yesterday I washed windows on the second floor—plenty of them and to think I used to gripe at home to just wash a few. This morning I was latrine orderly and had to polish the bowls and brass til it shone like the sun.

Thursday nite the camp gave a broadcast over NBC but I didn’t go. Don’t know what I’ll do tonight suppose go the show or the service club. This service club is quite a building. In it is a large cafeteria and café, a dance floor and a balcony around it. Also there is a library and a larger fireplace. I have signed up for two night school classes given in the Paso Robles high school. The courses are Spanish and trigonometry but don’t know whether can take trig or not.

My pal now is a fellow who is from Omaha and formerly worked in the War Department finance office. He also is a graduate of Nebraska University in Business Administration. He’s a swell fella and we go every place together. Practically all the fellows in my barracks are from Missouri or Kansas.

All soldiers do get half rates on transportation that is a cent a mile. Also I get a ten day leave at Christmas. I can go to Grandmas if I can’t get to you. It would take quite a bit to come home. I’ve written letters to Grandma but haven’t heard from her. I’ve had some trouble getting my correspondence straightened out after all these changes, however I’ve gotten mail from you, one from Dad (keep ‘em coming) and note from Mom with a buck in it. Thanks so much.

Got a letter from Kate and one from Bill Emick yesterday. Kate didn’t say much though I’ll answer today. By the way I suppose you addressed your letters to me from the card mailed from Leavenworth but be sure and address the rest from the card I sent that is Battery D, 55^th FA Tng. Bn. Use private and not mister.

Guess that’s everything. Say hello to the kids.

By the way I did know Professor Walker very well. Used to wait on him when I worked on “Bucks”.

See you in the next letter.

Lots of love,

20 October 1941

Dear Folks:

I’m pretty anxious to get this letter written for several reasons. In the first place I’m now in an organization that is probably the last place I expected to be as a drafter but one that I am delighted about. I mentioned, I believe, in one of my letters that I took a radio aptitude test. Well twelve in our battery of two hundred sixty-two passed the test. Yep, I was one so now I’m in a specialist battery that supplies technicians for the regular field artillery batteries. As a radio man I now get special privileges such as only forty five minutes drill a day and class B passes that are good for any nite of the week. The rest of the time I will go to school where there are long rows of receiving sets. On the enclosed pamphlet I have encircled the battery that applies to me. Ratings for radio men are many after our basic training period. So much for that.

Nothing special has happened since my last letters. Sunday we all marched to church singing “Onward Christian Soldiers”. Life photographers were taking pictures of us. Sunday nite went to the service club to hear a variety program all soldier talent. It’s a swanky place but all free. Shows here are 14 cents and the very latest too. I’m going tonight.

I’m sending a card advising you of my new address. This is permanent so perhaps we can get started again. Send the Free Presses. This is my address again, just in case: Battery D, 55^th FA Bn, Camp Roberts, California.

I’ll write again soon as I hear from you.

Lots of love,