Packages to home Archives - Page 3 of 4

18 February 1943

Dear Dad:

I received your typewritten V-mail today and to attest to my vow of early reply, here I come. Your letter was very interesting and I took a long time reading it. Your free style manner of detail and continuity add a punch of zest and life. Anyway I like ‘em bushels and you should write more often. In case you haven’t guessed, to write a lengthy and appealing letter over here is quite a task and often I quit in disgust. I hope you liked what I sent a while back but I think you will go more for what I sent yesterday. As a result I am on a precariously balanced budget for the rest of the month, but that is nothing new. And I had a great deal of satisfaction in sending them. I’m drawing seventy-nine bucks every thirty days now so I plan to increase my allotment to about thirty-five dollars. By the way I’m a corporal now. That’s where the extra dough is coming from. I hope the bonds have started to come regularly now. Tonight, or the forepart of it, was very unusual. For the first time in the Army I got into a bridge game and by a real stroke of luck came out on top. It was contract so I did more guessing than anything else. My partner and I worked together like a pistol and a wheel. Today two Free Presses came but I couldn’t figure out the handwriting on the wrapper. The Reader’s Digest also came. Since the latest postal regulations, mail has been slower and not so frequent but on the whole it is pretty good. Perhaps you wouldn’t think it would get very chilly here but I’m using an overcoat and raincoat along with three blankets. If I had a mattress it would seem much warmer though. In my estimation a bed is man’s best friend and when I get home I’m going to stretch in all four directions at one time. The war news seems to be changing color every day and I’m earnestly reviving hopes of a homecoming in early 1944. This is the end of the communiqué tonight. In a way I hate to stop but I couldn’t think of anything anyway. I’ll buy you a banana leaf hat for your garden this summer.

Love,

17 February 1943

Dear Folks:

I just got back from pass only a little while ago and now before I do anything else this evening maybe I can get to writing you once again. But before I got back I departed with a goodly share of my lettuce (money) gone. I found the table covers that you wanted and hope that they will be to your liking. They showed me two kinds and I couldn’t make a choice so I bought both. They cost a good deal so they should be pretty good. But that wasn’t the end of my shopping. I saw several other things that I thought might look nice around the Moss manor, so kept on going. Besides the cover, there was a pair of trunks for Phil, a salt and pepper set, a sewing kit and a small souvenir surf board. I almost bought dad a banana leaf hat but I ran out of dough too soon. I’ll do that next month.

Aside from this bit of shopping I saw a show and ate a couple of my favorite lettuce and tomato sandwiches. I called it a day on this and rode the last bus back to camp. The bus was packed to the windows with school kids and it was only a great deal of twisting and squeezing that I got on and off. Supper was especially good tonight with chicken and noodle soup topped off with biscuits. Apparently the butter shortage is biting us too, for we haven’t had any for quite a while now. One thing that is very frequent on the diet is dehydrated foods that you have probably read quite a bit about. Eggs for an example are somewhat stronger than the fresh but it is scarcely noticeable after a few helpings. Cabbage, onions and potatoes are others. The other day at the kitchen I noticed a discarded beef carton with the Cook Packing Company of Scottsbluff written on the side. During mess it was announced that any complaints about the braised beef should be carried to me, when they found out I am a Nebraskite. I guess this is everything for this communique tonight. Everything is getting brighter and the dawn won’t be far off now.

Love,

11 February 1943

Dear Folks:

Here it is another evening about through and no letter to you yet. There isn’t anyone around just now so maybe I can get the job done. Last night was the regular meeting and the time when the local talent gets up and does their song and dance. But last night there was something especially interesting—anyway it was for me. One of the officers has a powerful short wave radio and he brought it along to listen to a nightly broadcast direct from Tokyo. Since Guadalcanal has fallen into our hands it was especially revealing and contained the usual abundance of propaganda. Perhaps you would be interested in a few of the minor details. In the first place the announcer had a very good command of English and aside from the announcement and the tainted propaganda it sounded like any state station. Yesterday was the anniversary of the birth of the Emperors and subsequently the broadcast was full of the glory and promising future of the Nipponese. On the capture of Guadalcanal he said our losses in ships amounted to 117 (177?) while the Japs lost only 17. Among our casualties, they gave 7 aircraft carriers. The whole text was full of the invincibility of their forces. What was equally interesting was a short program of transcriptions made by American war prisoners and broadcast to relatives back home. The prisoner’s voices and the context sounded very much like a well worn set of phrases. In all cases they were entirely happy and talked of the splendid treatment from the Jap forces. Among other things the announcer orated on the happiness of the people relieved from British oppression, the poor job an American representative did of explaining our lack of success to the House of Representatives, and the great advances made in controlled territory. At the end of the broadcast he reiterated the Japs promise of complete domination over Anglo-Saxon peoples and lands everywhere. I was very interested in the whole program and finally had a first hand chance to hear some of their fantastic baloney. A little later, ironically, I returned to my billet and heard the US version of the fight and a stranger or anyone unknown to the action could never have guessed they were both on the same topic. Well so much from the mouths of Tojo’s hopheads.

I hope by this time you have received the small gifts I sent some time ago, and I’ll get the others that you wanted soon.

I hate to stop here because every time I write I feel like it’s sort of gas stove chat, but tonight I can’t find much to talk about. Instead of talking I’d like to sit down and work on the mountain of popcorn that was so frequent at home and the apple supply that never diminished. Believe it or not, our household conventions during the winter are what always stand out more vividly than anything else when I get to thinking what makes a home more than walls and a roof.

I guess I’ll have to shut off the faucet here—

Love,

9 February 1943

Dear Folks:

I have one of those seldom felt feelings that so rarely finds itself with me and that is to write and write some more and make a night of it. But sadly there isn’t much to put down so perhaps my ardor will diminish before very long. I bought another picture that was taken while Joe Brown was here. I believe this shot was taken when he was doing a caricature of Hitler. The picture gives a stage door view of our plush lined, soundproofed theatre. I believe you can spot me hugging the far left edge, and I was really much happier than the camera shows. Everyone in the shot looks pretty happy and he did make a real hit. Also a few days ago I sent you a Honolulu paper as a matter of interest, but I haven’t found the bridge set yet but I’ve just started to look.

Last night I saw ‘Kings Row’ and in my estimation it lived up the billing I had heard previously. A lot of good lessons in the show other than the story itself. The newsreel showed the final game of the World Series.

I had another red letter day on mail getting about five or six including one from Gladys Davis and Wylma whose correspondence is steadily increasing. And now I am this far (and) I am stumped for anything else. I hate to stop here because I know you want me to write about a lot of things you want to know and must wonder about but I’ll have to have something to talk about when I get home. I’m really very fine and think the climate is the best yet. It looks like this is the best I can do tonight.

Love,

31 January 1943

Dear Folks:

Now is a swell time to get off a few lines to you when everything is quiet and another day is done. As usually happens I just got back from the show and saw a World Series game in the newsreels. Today was Sunday but I spent most of it behind a typewriter or in the office. It was a beautiful day to get out with a camera but I didn’t but in lieu of that, here is a picture that was taken when Joe E. Brown was here last week. Of course you can spot him in the center and if you look close in the left upper corner you can see me. I’m standing almost in front of the guy with the open jacket. I think it is a good shot don’t you? The portion of the building in the center background is our projection booth.

In a couple of days I will be on pass and will get the table set you mentioned. I’m glad my bonds have been arriving. I was beginning to get a little worried. Soon I will send you a Honolulu paper. Perhaps you would like one and on the other hand, maybe you can get a little more scope of the islands. I hope you have received the other things by now.

I really can’t think of much to write about except anything very perfunatory (?). Today we had a very swell dinner centered around delicious ham. Last night I attended a party at my old battery and was even called upon to give a speech. It was a good deal with lots of beer and the other accessories of cheese, etc.

Guess this is quits tonight. Wished I could think of something to end this properly but I can’t, but I do think about you all the time.

Love,

26 January 1943

Dear Folks:

It took a lot of nerve for me to sit down and write you a letter after not writing to you in more than a week, and I know you must feel pretty anxious, and I haven’t any real excuse, I just didn’t do it. And I should have been especially prompt with letters this week. Katie and Tom sent me a whopping big box of cigarettes and a wedding picture, then there was the tobacco and pouch and pipe from you and the stationery, all this in addition to the mail. This is the first and last time such a delay will happen. I received your two page V-letter today. In your letter I recall something about some table napkins and a cover. I had been planning to get a set for you and I will do it next payday. I have seen plenty of nice ones and although some of them are pretty expensive, I’m sure I can get what I want pretty reasonably. I hope my taste don’t fail me. And I will write the letter to Mrs. Peters. I had intended to and I will and soon too. Bringing up rationing, perhaps I should send dad a couple of pounds of coffee. As far as I know, excepting gasoline, there is no food rationing although a supply might not always be available. I guess I did look pretty thin in the pictures and I have lost a little weight since I came home, but I still top a hundred forty. I have a few more pictures and I will send them in a separate letter. I have been getting the Presses and the Digest—it came yesterday. The V-mail supply was very welcome. Its use is advocated and encouraged but it isn’t easy to get very many sheets. Many of the guys don’t like it, but I do. I sent you a few things about three weeks ago and I believe I insured them. There was an India made tray and a necklace, if I remember correctly. I guess I’m getting near the end of the sheet so I better taper off. I’m really sorry for not writing sooner and I know and consider your feelings. It won’t happen again. Thanks isn’t near enough for what you just sent me but I’ll say it anyway.

Love,

12 January 1943

Dear Folks:

It’s high time I got around to writing you again. Been several days now. Time seems to slip by faster than I can keep up with it. Was on pass today and saw a couple of things in a store that I thought you might like so they are on the way. I mailed them from a store so let me know if you get them. Quite a while back I sent Dan a knife among some things for you. Did you get it? You never said but I suppose you have.

Here I am at the end of the first paragraph and I’m stymied already. Had a letter from Katie today and it was full of pep and life. Said she mailed me a picture of her and Tom but I haven’t gotten it yet but it takes quite a while I guess. The gal in Washington is very faithful in writing. Had a picture from her yesterday. I sure miss the midnight turkey we used to have. Sunday afternoon took in the civilian dance and had some fun and arranged for some in the future. Just a few minutes ago came back from the show. Having movies every night helps a lot. I was going to put in another request for something but I see that packages from the mainland have been curtailed except on request from an officer. Lately I’ve been reading some law books and have read all in the library in town and can’t get anymore that I want. That’s why there has been fewer letters. I get to reading and forget to write. Saw “This Above All” last night but didn’t go for the film version as much as the book. The ending especially seemed to dampen its dramatic punch.

I hate to nip this off in this stage but I can’t do very much about it. It’s hard as heck to write a letter. I’m really feeling fine and getting a lot of good grub and developing a stenographer’s spread working in the office. Tomorrow night means the weekly battery get together in the rec hall. They are quite a bit of fun and everyone that comes seems to have a good time. I’ve almost forgotten what winter is like although it gets pretty cool in the evenings and early morning. I’ll stick myself with a pin where it will do the most good and write more often.

I want to get back to all of you as soon as possible and when I do I won’t take anything for granted as I did before.

Love,

7 December 1942

Dearest Folks:

I’ve let you go for three days now, about the longest yet, so I better redeem myself.

Yesterday I got the Thanksgiving box and it was swell. And in the book I found the pictures and the wedding invitation. I’ve been looking at them both about every fifteen minutes—there’s nothing like pictures. And the stationary was just the thing. Then today got a carton of cigarettes from Pat making a total of eleven boxes received. I’m certainly not being neglected. Three days ago I mailed you two boxes, small ones, and a coconut. I’m afraid you might not know what it would be so thought I better tell you. They sell them in the PX and it’s kind of a novelty. Many of the guys paint hula girls and Hawaiian scenes on them.

Well today was the anniversary of the war and the day that shattered my hopes of getting out in a year. Here on the island, as everywhere I suppose, a bond campaign is underway with soldiers and sailors doing the selling. A booth has been set up in the square. I hear the islands doubled their quota. My bonds should be reaching you by now and after December should have, or will have $87.50 worth and $105.00 in allotments. About the most I ever had in a lump sum.

On the island the weather is very good but when the wind begins to blow from the south, it’s a warning that a rainstorm or a cona, as they call it, is ahead. Then it really rains, but with all the rain we had in Nebraska I still like it.

Tonight is a typical night except that we have an unusual duet for entertainment. A guy got a piccolo sized instrument from his wife and another has a beat up Hawaiian guitar—they’re trying to collaborate on “Old Black Joe’. Occasionally they attempt to sing and they aren’t too terrible—now it’s ‘Daisy’.

I took some pictures yesterday of my ball team and some other and I’ll send you them when they are developed. And our team won for (a) change too.

Well this is enough for tonight—let’s hope the war doesn’t have more than one anniversary.

All of you sure seem close to me tonight.

Love,

3 December 1942

Dear Folks:

I’m quite a ways behind in my letters—got a hot full two days ago after the dam broke so I’ll probably be here all night answering them. And today received a telegram from Katie and Tom, sent from Torrington. Hope she has mine by now. I wish I could tell you something that has been happening lately but that will have to be storytelling later. Anyway I was able to sleep half the day, then take a swim in a reservoir. But I still feel like I’d run a marathon foot race. Two nights ago missed a letter to you for writing the news for the paper. The issue today was the sixth. Wished I could get more space. Then last Sunday spent the afternoon watching our ball team get beat again.

With mild weather prevailing here, it’s hard to imagine all of you shivering under overcoats. The flowers continue to bloom and skies to stay blue. It’s much warmer than last winter in Escondido but cool enough to sleep nights.

So far I’ve received three packages from you so I probably have the Thanksgiving box. I mailed two to you today. They weren’t insured and I hope they don’t get broke. I’m going to send some shorts for the kids soon. I know its winter there but they are so distinctive want to buy a couple pairs. And have you received the ones sent about a month ago?

Suppose Gram and Gramp are back on Coronado by this time. Bet you all had a swell time together. And Katie and Tom are deep in the throes of married ecstasy.

Haven’t got the Reader’s Digest yet—hope they start coming soon.

I guess this about covers everything this time. Yes, it would be swell if we could annilate a turkey together next Thanksgiving. Perhaps—who knows?

Goodnight another time.

Love,

5 November 1942

Dear Folks:

This is going to (be) a short round and definitely not newsy but stationery is plentiful and I’m loafing so here goes.

All your duck and pheasants sound good from here—Don must be developing a shootin’ eye. I guess him and Hammy really made a pair.

I’m enclosing the first page of our paper and on it you will find a few lines by me on the outfit—this is the second time I’ve been in but couldn’t find a copy of last weeks.

For the past three days a crew of men have been harvesting a field of cane adjacent to our camp—it’s quite a process and entails the use of a lot of equipment including caterpillars and derricks to lift the cane onto small cars on a narrow gauge railroad track. But before the stuff is cut it is burned to destroy the underbrush and facilitate cutting.

All that fancy stuff about Kate’s wedding has the tone of a coronation.

I might be putting on the gloves with the censor but we are near a town about the size of Ritchell and it has a large Kress store and a couple other up to date establishments. I mailed two or three packages a few days ago so let me know if you get them. Couldn’t find anything for Don or Dick but I’ll find something.

There’s a soldier’s program from Hawaii, in fact two or three I believe and I think you can get them.

I think I’m getting all your mail although it doesn’t arrive as rapidly as mine does to you.

The General was around today but guess we’re up to snuff enough to satisfy him.

Well, am out of material so here’s the curtain.

Love,