Packages from home Archives - Page 2 of 8

17 February 1945

Dear Folks:

What a pleasant day this has been. After I got through today there was a small package for me and of course it was the pen and pencil set. It is certainly a nice and beautiful set. I will have much use for it. I am always writing or doing paper work. You are a good shopper and it’s exactly what I wanted, and Schaeffer is my favorite brand.

Also had a letter from Pat and she always writes a long rambling one that is really good to read. She wants to send me something. And also received the October issue of Reader’s Digest. Things are gradually catching up with me. Perhaps all packages will arrive before long. And also had a letter from Mom. I think I’d have a hard time finding that fellow you mentioned, it’s quite a job to locate anyone and tougher to get around. And as he is in the Marine Air Corps, it would be harder yet. But you can never tell. Was glad to hear Gramp is better and especially that the pain has subsided. But I wonder what they will do now – probably wind up back in California. With all the Red Cross work you have, I imagine you will be very busy. But I guess all the Mosses are busy now. How different it must be now from what it was a few years back when the care and maintenance of your brood was more than a full job. I hope it will always be easy for both of you from now on.

It will be suppertime soon and after that will probably drink a beer and play a little cards. Perhaps there will be a show tonight. Got another shot yesterday and today the arm is a little tender. Tried to get a refraction at the hospital a few days ago but they were too busy. I have one pair but you can never tell when you might break them. Well this is all. I wrote this with the new pen – good stuff. Thank you many times.

Love,

14 February 1945

Dear Folks:

Just enough time to write a letter before going to bed. Just finished a bridge game with two officers and luckily we beat them 1200 points. But we screwed up plenty at that. Had a letter from Jay Echelberger a few days ago, he’s a civilian in Los Angeles. Wants me to write him pretty bad so I better do it.

A few days ago got a hold of a nice Philippino bolo knife with a nice case and hope to get it sent pretty soon. But first I’m waiting to get you a pair of woven sandals. They look pretty nice and I’m sure you will like them.

I’ve been hitting darn good on the mail and don’t think I’ve missed one in a long time. You and Dad must be kept pretty much on the move to keep up with all your correspondence.

Nothing exciting has happened to me lately so in order to make up some kind of a letter guess I’ll have to make a commentary on some of your letters. In the first place question number 1, Aunt Bessie put in candy, some cards, some canned stuff and things like that. Last night I received your letter with Wylma’s address in it so thought I might knock her out a letter, but after I wrote it tore it up and gave it up for a bad job. And then I don’t know if she is a miss either. Sometime ago there was a deal that I was to be transferred to Group Hq as a M/Sgt but a change in commanders changed the deal. Yes I see Dan often, he isn’t very far away and occasionally he strolls in the office ready to talk your leg off and always grinning. Lately he has (been) bringing over stacks of Star-Heralds so I have plenty of reading material. So darned old though, I (have) known most of the news. I sure feel like you do about the Carroll’s and there’s hardly two bits worth in the lot. And I don’t think Margie is much better. And lastly I did faintly know the McVay boy although just by sight. Received a Free Press today and a picture of Ralph Curry, who was killed in action. Received a card and V-mail from Gram and Gramp the other day. Gram is so good to write I must write her soon but you let her know that I think of her often and always hoping Gramp will come through in good shape and soon be around well again.

I wished I could write more and make a newsy letter out of this but I’m getting sleepy and besides there isn’t anything more so just as well quit.

Love,

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,

2 February 1945

Dear Dad:

Let’s make this a man-to-man talk only put it on paper. Now that I have a little free time thought I better attempt to catch up a little and maybe write you a letter. Just opened a nice beer and earlier had a swim, and a shower so I feel good. And later will go to the show. Pretty good movies have been coming in lately.

Well my law books have caught up with me and the last two nights have looked into them some, however I believe I better send them home – you can never tell what may happen – and then of course I’m going to be home in 1945 – hm. I hate to send them back but I think it’s the best.

Well no packages have arrived so now I think the Christmas mail must have been sunk – I can’t understand where they can be. I wish more positive action would be taken by the proper authorities. And I surely would like to have some of that popcorn – with our small stove we can always pop it.

The last few days have been rainy ones and on a few occasions a blinding driving rain. I hope it never blows the tents away. It’s a job to keep dry.

For the first time in many months I put on a pair of suntans and I feel like a Sunday School boy. Before it has been fatigues.

Before I started writing you I was talking to a Sgt. in the guerillas and he was telling me of his experiences in fighting the Japs. He seemed fairly intelligent as Filipinos go. Said his brother was shot and hung by the Japs in October 1943. Some interesting tales.

Had a letter from Dick a few days ago and he seems in good spirits. I hope he continues to take it easy.

Well better quit I guess but I’ll write more tomorrow when I will have a little more time. Sent you $50.00 today. Have you received the $40.00 I sent? Are the bonds coming? You’re doing a good job of writing and they mean a lot.

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,

17 January 1945

Dear Folks:

Better get busy with another letter before I get too far behind. A pretty decent sort of day today and I felt more like working. After supper tonight had another shot in the arm – I believe it’s to counteract worms on stomach ailments. My stomach is pretty well shaped up now and I’m eating a little more.

More packages came in today but I couldn’t rate. At least it looks like they know where we’re at and perhaps they will be coming in better order. Many of the boxes today were busted open and stuff was scattered all over the ground. You sure have to wrap them good. But I did get another August Free Press and an August Reader’s Digest. There must be at least 5 more somewhere. And I’ll tell you something else you can send me – a good wallet. This weather is pretty tough on them and mine is pretty beat up. The watch is really okeh – several times it was soaked in salt water and more often it was dusty etc, but it always comes out okeh.

I know you must be wondering about a lot of things but I’m afraid I can’t answer many questions. I hope if Farley does come this way he can look me up but as you say the Philippine

Islands cover a lot of territory and perhaps we can’t get together. Almost got a transfer and a promotion last week but at the last minute some changes were made so it didn’t materialize. Perhaps it will yet develop. Went to our local barber who has his business located under a banana tree and got a close clip. Have had my haircut short for a long time.

This really isn’t much of a letter but I guess that doesn’t mean a lot. Hope some mail will come in tonight – one is due from Mom. Keep hoping ’45 is my year.

Love,

Dan Gettman came around last nite and we talked over the ‘old country’. Said his mother had moved to Idaho for the winter. Told him about Prester but he didn’t know him.

15 January 1945

Dearest Folks:

A little while ago I had a refreshing bath in the river nearby, and so now after having finished supper I feel like one of the old folks who likes to sit in the evening shade and just relax until dark. I’m feeling better every day, but still feel a little abnormal at times. How good it would be to inhale a bit of frosty air or walk through a snowdrift, with both cheeks rosy and cold. Perhaps they wouldn’t appeal to you, but after having been in the hot climates for better than two years, such an experience would be a treat. The weather here is extremely sultry and depressing and sometimes it seems to sap your will to work. Now I’m sweating but this year in the sincere hope that I will be able to see you sometime in 1945. Still our Christmas mail has not come and at this late date I’m beginning to think that someone should be held accountable, and explain for the situation. I’m sure it has been a failure on someone’s part after having seen other units getting theirs. One package arrived today from Mrs. D. A. Grove. It was well beat up and looked as though it had been kicked around from pillar to post. Also received a Free Press, the first in many months and dated the 17^th August. And a November Reader’s Digest came. Although the second class mail has indeed been fouled up, the first class has been coming regularly, as of course it must. The night before last had a V-mail from mom.

Well I hardly know what to write about now. My work has been going along about the same. New things coming in each day and reports to keep up. I believe our administration is at a greater peak than when we were in garrison. I’m sure that Dad’s reports are very few in comparison to what we submit. I suppose I will always be connected with higher headquarters. I see Arden Conklin is talking officer’s training—it’s hard to imagine a man of his qualities getting the opportunity. Applications at present are out and quotas in what I might qualify in are extremely rare. The last enlisted man to leave our outfit for OCS was over a year ago. The rain has been keeping our area in quagmire and it is a job to walk around without stepping in ankle deep mud, and I suppose the rain will always be much as it is now. It’s great for the many water buffaloes around but sad for the sad sack. I guess this is all to this epistle, and you just keep breaking wishbones, and throwing horseshoes over your shoulder until I hit the states again. Hey here’s an odd little request – getting soft – can you get Wylma N’s address for me? I owe her a letter. What do you think?

Love,

10 January 1945

[The second of two letters written to his parents, just hours apart]

Dear Folks:

I just wrote you a letter only a few hours ago but after writing it I thought it wasn’t a very good one and I know you want to know all I can tell you. It’s a little after suppertime now and I feel pretty decent. I think by tomorrow I will feel almost up to par again, and I hope I never get another attack like that again. I’m so glad you liked the watch and I hope it was just what you wanted – Dad wrote me about it so I knew you were getting it. I can imagine Dad hardly being able to wait until Christmas. I’m darned glad to hear Phil is going to the Merchant Marines. I know he seems very young to you to be put into the world, but even though he will run into a lot of hard talking rough minded men, it won’t hurt him if he doesn’t want it to. I’m sure he will be better off there than in the Army. On a boat he always knows where he’s going to sleep, gets good food, and can always keep clean, while here you’re often moving, sleeping in the dirt and eating boxed rations. I’m glad all over, that he will (should be ‘went’?) where he did. I know you’re hearing all the news about what’s going on in the Philippines and where and what I’m doing but I can’t tell you much about that. Perhaps at some later date they will let us put out more information. About a week ago I sent you forty dollars and it will come in the form of a treasury check, probably you have received it by this time. I will probably send more next month. Also this morning I had three letters from Dad including one V-mail and one from Nancy, and to me they mean everything – other letters don’t spell much. Also there was three letters from Mom and all of them were recent. I understand our mail is routed direct from Frisco avoiding the stop at Hawaii. The mail situation has been pretty good although nothing but first class has arrived in many months. I haven’t received a Reader’s Digest in five months or a Free Press since last August, and aside from the two packages, no other boxes have arrived. But we’re expecting an avalanche one of these days. There must be tons of it somewhere.

I have thought of a couple of things that would come in handy now. One is either a rubberized bag to hold toilet articles or else a small zipper packet to hold the same thing. I think a flat folding one would be the best, pretty compact but one that will hold the standard size articles. And a good sturdy one that water and banging around won’t hurt too much, and put about three combs in it. And the other is a waterproof cigarette holder, to keep cigarettes dry and unsmashed, and a cigarette lighter with plenty of flints, I know they are hard to get and probably you can’t find them.

I think this is all I have in mind now, and twilight is starting to take over, so can’t write much longer anyhow, so goodnight once again.

Love,

10 January 1945

[First of two letters written on this day to his parents]

Dear folks,

Well you haven’t heard from me for a while again so you must be getting a little anxious and now that I’m free for a while maybe I can write a few lines. I just returned from the hospital this morning after a miserable attack of dysentery. I was in for a week and the first three days were bad. I couldn’t eat so they gave me an intravenous injection. After that I improved. I feel pretty good now and am getting better. Lost a little weight but will pick it up again. Had a nice batch of letters waiting which helped a lot. Still no Christmas boxes.

I know you are wondering a lot of things—where I am etc. but I can’t tell you anything more. Don’t you worry for I’m all right and soon we’ll wake up and find ourselves together again.

Love,