Promotion Archives - Moss Letters

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,

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.

26 December 1943

Dear Folks:

Regardless of what I have to do I’m going to get a letter off to you today. I think this is the third one I’ve started. And I have quite a bit to write about this time, at least it’s pretty good. In the first place, another Christmas and another birthday have come and gone. The night before Christmas we played bridge, had some cheer, and listened to Roosevelt’s speech. But the real surprise and a most welcome present came at reveille when the commanding officer announced that I was promoted to technical sergeant. It was entirely unlooked for and made my whole Christmas day very happy. At noontime the commanding officer had the first three graders in his quarters for a round of drinks and some toasts to the new year. The drink whetted my appetite and of course later we had the customary meal for the GI epicureans. In the evening I went to a dance in town and there finished off a swell day. Also had a turkey dinner in a hotel. As long as I couldn’t be home, the day couldn’t have been a better one for me. But Christmas eve and the next day I think everyone was doing a lot of thinking about how nice it would be to get home for a while and wonder what the folks were doing and how they were spending their holiday. I hope that next year will bring the war a lot closer to the finish but I’m still pretty pessimistic about an early end. But let’s hope Dad’s predictions come true. And also I wondered how Dick was enjoying his day. I imagine he also had a good time.

When I returned from my pass I had a batch of letters to read and answer and some papers to read. I’m still trying to catch up. I didn’t send many (Christmas) cards this year. Received several from the Lewellen’s, Mrs. Conklin, Sandison’s and some others.

I hope my picture will reach you before long. I couldn’t find a suitable frame for it but hope that you will put one around it. I think it’s a pretty decent one. I will send on to Gram and one to Kate too.

Had my eyes rechecked recently and will soon get two new pairs (of glasses).

Well I hope you and the family had a merry Christmas and had all you could eat. Christmas is a pretty sentimental time when you are so far away from home and I was no different. But I always hope and know that when we all are together again, we will appreciate Christmas more than ever

Love,

5 November 1943

Dearest Folks:

I have plenty to do tonight, tomorrow is inspection, shining shoes, clean the rifle etc. but better take time out to drop you a line or two. I’m in good spirits today and once more got a boost in my morale. The cause for this good feeling is that I got a promotion today to staff sergeant and a corresponding increase in pay which makes it a hundred fifteen per (month) now, so guess I better increase my allotment a little. Of course it’s good to get the new rank and will mean a few more privileges. I hope that now I can cut the mustard and get the other stripe that my job calls for.

I’m wondering how Gramp is coming along and how the operation turned out. Gram wrote me a short letter and from the tone of it she sounds like she’s about whipped. I can’t imagine anything happening to gramp and it would be especially sorrowing at a time like this. I’d like to see him so bad and try to cheer him up a little.

Among the other things that I do in my job I occasionally go out to investigate court martial charges and tomorrow morning early means another such assignment. Remember the days I used to walk over to Mrs. Dick’s and sweat over some shorthand? Well it seems to be of some good now although I mostly use a combination of longhand and the other that makes a script that nobody but myself could read. Running somewhat into what I am studying I like the job although sometimes I swear I can never write down all they say but somehow things seem to work out. Last week we investigated a case that involved a Japanese storekeeper and he talked like a whirlwind and had the usual accent and I thought several times I was hopelessly lost. But it’s always interesting and breaks up the monotony of the routine. The fact that I know a little shorthand is the reason for my transfer to this battery some time ago so it seems that the few bucks I put out didn’t go to naught. If Mrs. Dick could see my notebook she’d probably tear her hair out though.

I just remembered your writing about Dan Gettman and the Star-Heralds he gives me. He is the one boy that I know from Nebraska and I used to be in the same outfit with him. I knew him well and Danny and I would often talk about things in common that we knew about the valley. Since I was transferred I don’t see him very often and occasionally I talk to him in town or whenever I get down to his battery. He is the usual Russian stock like is in the valley but he’s a pretty good little guy. A couple of weeks ago he sent me a stack that was as big around as my waist.

And another little item about the bank deposit box. I had forgotten completely about it and as I don’t need the use of it any longer you can dispose of it as you want to.

Katie sent me one of the announcements—the little one with the automobile motif—it was pretty cute and all the guys in the billet thought it was clever although they didn’t get the drift right at first.

Well I’m coming to the last act I believe, so here comes the curtain. I intend to write to B. Emick but somehow I don’t get around to it. Also had a letter from Mrs. Lewellen yesterday so there’s another to answer. Jack is lucky being in the Navy and getting a chance to get home. Well goodnite for another time and one less toward the end of the way.

Love,

19 August 1943

Dear Folks:

Again I’ve let the time go by without writing you as often as I should and I hope you haven’t worried about it. Part of it was on account of the book that just came—the one you sent. I was on a hike when it came and when we got back I didn’t feel so good but the sight of the package on my bunk made me forget my physical ailments. So since that day I have read it some every night and when I get going on it, neglect to write as I should. I can’t tell you exactly how good I felt about getting it or thanking you for sending it, but I know I’ll always hang on to it as a treasure. And then besides occupying myself with the book we have our bridge games that are rapidly developing into teams of severe competition. I think my game is improving but you can test that when I get home. And golf is something again that I indulge in occasionally. Although my rounds aren’t so frequent we usually manage a nine (hole) about once a week, with rented clubs. I can’t help but remember the times when I so assiduously tried to be a golfer on the hometown course that was really little more than a glorified pasture. The first time I played on the course here I must have looked like an unconscious duffer in the movies. Some of the fellows on the course play without shoes, as they do everything else, and recently the winner of a tournament was a barefooted fellow.

Probably I’m an uncle now and the sooner the better. It’s a good feeling to know that the Moss’ are still growing. Katie hasn’t written for quite a while but then I don’t expect her to, I just want to get an announcement.

I hope you had a good vacation full of a lot (of) leisure, for you certainly deserve one if anyone does, and I hope in the future that you will both have your full share. We were talking about Denver in the billet the other night and nice to have someone else familiar with the place as I am.

This was Sunday but nothing unusual or much to write about. And thinking of church on Sundays, I must repay a visit to the Sisters at the convent. It has been sometime since I was there, but even though they do insist, I hesitate, I suppose for no good reason. The Father is a Belgian, a hearty, witty fellow, with a guttural booming talk, that always makes you feel that you are his best friend. The Sisters, via the grapevine I guess, became aware that I torture the fiddle a little and always attempt to force a number but I remain obdurate. Occasionally I go borrow the violin, but with no privacy, I keep pretty well in check.

One of the fellows in the billet is taking an extension course in economics and with him studying his subject and myself usually reading the law book, we are almost ready to inaugurate a study period. I think the promotion you mentioned will be forthcoming, as a matter of fact, I think it may be even better than that, and although my patience grows thin at times, I guess that is a perquisite to all of them. I believe this is all I (can) scrape together tonight, and I will write again soon. Thanks again for the book and now I’m itching for the next one to arrive.

Love,

16 April 1943

Dearest Folks:

I’m in a pretty good state of being tonight and now that my promotion has come thru will get busy writing you. Today was also pass day so that was a celebration of a sort. The raise will bring my pay to about ninety-three or (ninety) four dollars and it should be possible to save a great part of it. It looks like I am getting a good break and I hope this promotion will just be the start.

On my way to town this morning I was picked up by Miss VanTempksi whom I wrote you about previously. I felt a little honored and very lucky and during the few miles that she took me, she talked intelligently and interestingly of the war. When I did get to town it was noon so ate a frugal dinner and then after talking to a few fellows from my old battery, am back to camp early. Tonight, after cleaning up for inspection, I played a little bridge and playing two bits a rubber, broke even. I guess this will have to suffice to tonight but I’ll write tomorrow.

Love,

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,

15 August 1942

Dear Folks:

I know you must be anxious to hear from me and now is a good time to get it done. I just had some ice cream from the canteen then shaved and showered so I feel pretty good now ready to be quiet for the rest of the evening.

Thursday we left Fort Lewis and the next day arrived at an embarkation camp near Pittsburgh and about 30 miles from Frisco. It is a brand new place and the barracks swell, but they are painted dark OD and don’t look very impressing. Incidentally our CO said this morning that during our trip someone had burned 300 feet of thistle in the mountains and we were re-routed—shows the need for secrecy I guess. Since we have been here we have had two physical inspections on eyes, teeth, heart, etc. By the way the dentist said my teeth were sound but that the army could make no allowance for the broken tooth. This all seems to indicate that we will be moving soon—understand that two of our batteries are leaving immediately then we will follow. Again I’ve rejected hope for furloughs, tough as it is.

The kitchen here serves cafeteria style and requires 60 kp’s. The canteen is practically in our backyard–that comes in handy in off hours. This morning we had to sign slips to the effect that we understood that any AWOL, even for a short time, constituted desertion and we are liable for execution or loss of citizenship and a dishonorable discharge. Guess it has to be that way though.

Passes are tough to get and I have little hope of getting out to see Frisco.

Everything seems pretty much the same at least as much as possible. I can’t seem to find much to write about even though you probably think I should fill a book. Suppose the sleeping bag has reached you by now.

All I can think of is a little time off with all of you and loafing around home and when I think of all the time in the past when we could have been granted them, it sort of irks me that before we left Lewis all organizations not subject to overseas duty were authorized to grant 15 day furloughs.

Probably I’ll write again tomorrow being Sunday with little to do, so maybe I can write a little more.

Love,

PS I have been promoted to Private First Class so put PFC in front of my name. Also don’t forget to use APO 1288.

31 May 1942

Dear folks:

I’m supposed to be a fire warden today but looks more like a small town philosopher, leaning back in my chair and taking it easy. This has been a sad weekend. Saturday being Memorial Day we were promised two days off with passes, but as you probably read in the paper, Stimson says the coast is in danger so our leave was cancelled and guards doubled and new ones added. Saturday I was on KP and what was left of the battery went on a 20 mile hike in the woods. Sunday (today) a hike of 25 miles was scheduled but because about everyone is on guard somewhere it was called off. We have guards in the halls, on the balconies and everywhere. This morning (Sunday) we had to fall out for reveille, something we don’t usually do. All of us were in bed when the fall-in whistle blew so plenty were AWOL for not hitting in the line in time. I was afraid my puttees would fall off any minute and my pants weren’t even buttoned. But I got by, I went on guard at ten this morning and will be on until six this afternoon. What a weekend! And then we didn’t get paid on time for some reason and haven’t got it yet. No money, no pass, no liberty I’m disgruntled. Oh well it can’t last forever.

I guess our outfit is being split up to take men for cadre positions. I’ve heard something is in store for me but I’ll write when it’s definite.

All this wonderful chow you read about in the papers is a lot of phooey as far as I’m concerned. Our rations get slimmer all the time. Once in a while we get good stuff but some meals are really terrible. Don’t think I’m not getting enough to eat or the right kind but the way it tastes sometimes is bad. Don’t think the army only uses grade A stuff either. Most of it is second quality.

(author switches from pen to pencil)

Well a couple of days have passed since I wrote. Guess you think I’m getting to be an agitator or something or maybe a guy isn’t a good soldier unless he’s crabbing.

Threw together the above so maybe I can add a little more to my army career.

Our outfit was reorganized lately and I was given a rating of corporal on the cadre. The cadre is a group of sixteen men chosen to form the nucleus as framework of a new battery. The rating will not go into effect until we are moved. I may go anywhere and the latest is to Michigan or the east where several new divisions are being organized. I’m hoping so. Or I may go back to California. Don’t know of course when the cadre will move but I believe it will be soon. My position is battery clerk.

Got Dan’s letter today. Will answer it tomorrow.

Will write again tomorrow so will cut this off here.

Love,

29 December 1941

Dearest Folks:

I just got some of my mail from Roberts today so I’m going to be busy answering letters tonite.

I’m a little worried about the package you sent to me-here it is the 29^th. Did you send it to Roberts or Escondido? I’m so anxious to dig into it but I’m not worried as long as it is insured. I know it will really be something. I had a lovely Christmas dinner but we were allowed to be away from the billet long enough for the meal and that was only a couple of hours. I really felt down Christmas Eve. We were all packed up ready to get on the move, and afraid we would have no Christmas at all. Then it was my birthday and my first Christmas away from home. With your letters I feel much better and not so alone. Christmas Day I had a private invitation to a home and we had everything. The people were simply grand and after the meal gave me some cigarettes, cookies and suckers. All soldiers who didn’t have invitations were fed at the grade school and all got a gift. The whole day celebration that was planned had to be called off because we were all on the alert. Laying around Christmas nite was bad. Harold Bill Wright lives here and he had some boys out for Christmas dinner. They all raved about how swell a guy he was.

Had hoped to be with Gram and Gramp but as you can see couldn’t go. Had looked for them last Sunday but guess they will be up next weekend.

Again last Friday the town had a dance for us but because I had to go on guard at ten couldn’t stay long.

Yes we have a field kitchen in a truck that goes along with us. We eat in the open and in the mornings and evenings it’s plenty cool. Our place has no heat and at nites we have all extra clothes on us.

About the sleeping bag, I’m not particular what kind but I’m afraid you will have to pay at least ten for it. I hate to ask this of you but it’s almost a necessity and our battery commander requested we have one.

I was appointed assistant battery clerk the other day so am hoping for a rating after January 18, the end of my four months.

Last Sunday rented a bicycle and rode around town and saw acres of oranges, grapefruit and lemons all over. One of our guard posts is the city reservoir and around it are orange trees so we eat plenty—to many.

Got the Free Press today, a welcome item.

I’m going to call you some nite but I’m afraid it will take pretty long to get it through. I’ll make it about January the 8^th to the 11^th and I’ll call early in the afternoon if possible. You won’t have to stay up all nite. I guess the calls are off inasmuch as I just called you. It was so darn good to hear you but too bad Dad couldn’t be there. I would call when he wasn’t there.

I guess there’s nothing else to say after the call so until the next letter.

Love,