Moss Letters

WWII Letters

11 August 1942

Dear Folks:

I should be working I suppose but I’m going to try to write you a letter before they catch up with me.

Perhaps the wind is beginning to blow a different direction because there are again some rumors of furloughs—as a matter of fact the CO told us that he thought perhaps we might be given a little time off after we got to ‘Frisco—but for how long I don’t know.  We’re still in Fort Lewis but leaving for Frisco tomorrow on the train.  On your next letters address them to San Francisco at the address I gave you.

Got your two swell letters yesterday and was gong to write last night but felt so tired out that gave it up.  I’m all over the flu but it made me feel pretty low and weak for awhile.  Took it easy over the weekend but Sunday night that girl I’ve told you about came around with her car so we went to the beach and later to Tacoma.  She made me a batch of cookies but they are practically all gone now.

I’m going to buy a dozen rabbits feet, throw horseshoes over my shoulder and engage in any other good luck omen that I can think in hopes that it will promote some kind of a furlough.  I was thinking of it last night when I went to bed and thought how swell it would be.  Logically it would seem like it would be better for the fellows if they could be granted a little vacation but maybe the military strategists know what they are doing.  If I could get a little travel time along with it the trip wouldn’t be such a rush.

I’ve got a lot of new equipment and have been getting rid of any telltale markings on my old stuff, have my bags marked and about ready to take off.

I better write a letter to Grandma and let her know my new address or I’ll have mail chasing me all over the country.  I was thinking it would be a good idea for you to send the Star Herald to me but I don’t know what arrangements or what newspapers would be allowed overseas; perhaps I can find out.

It seemed I had so much on my mind last night to write about but now it seems to have gone like the darkness.  Suppose Katie is home now and you are enjoying her.

This didn’t turn out to be much of a column but at least it’s a token of a letter.  Suppose my friend the censor will be reading my letters pretty soon and won’t let any out for awhile but maybe that won’t be for sometime yet.

Will see you in the next letter and all of you keep your mugs in the breeze and your shoulders back.

Love,

Harold Moss Signature

8 February 1942

Dear Folks:

I guess it’s been sometime since I’ve written—hadn’t realized the time had gone by.

Today was walking on the edge of town taking some pictures with another fellow when we were picked up by an elderly Swedish couple and taken to dinner.  They were the swellest people and showed us all around their 55 acre orange and lemon ranch.  The place is located atop a hill overlooking Escondido.  A very beautiful place and he was especially proud of his pumping system and fine home.  The old fellow is a man of varied talents one of them being fabrication of rayon and silk raigo.  I never saw such a beautiful carpet.  Very intricate and exacting.  It is a hobby with him and he has had big offers from large firms.  Another of his talents is playing the guitar.  He used to broadcast over a Los Angeles stations and give lessons.  He entertained us royally and never stopped talking.

Got acquainted last week with a girl with a car so last nite we went to a dance a ways out of town.  Eleven o’clock is pretty early to get in though for a dance.

Last weekend went to San Diego.  They all missed me at the ferry so after I waited until twelve June and I decided to go back across.  We hit some hot spots and fooled around until we missed the last ferry back so sat in the police station til it started again.  Dick and Porky brought me back Sunday afternoon.  I think Dick will get on soon by the way he talks and what he said they told him.  Gram says he is going to night school for plumbing.  Guess Porky got a job in a grocery store.

Well my application for the Air Corps came to naught.  Just after I applied an order came out to the effect that all reenlistments and enlistments in the regular army were suspended.  So I’ll be in this outfit from now on.  Suppose drafters will be taken in the Air Corps if they are qualified.  Under a new order anyone who feels he is qualified can apply for an officer in the infantry.  A high school education is all that is required.  I’m thinking about it but the infantry is a dangerous place to be.

I have no idea where Purkey Berg is.  He is in the infantry.  The last I heard he was still at Roberts but he has probably left by now.  We have been given German haircuts too.  I had my eyes checked and was given a slip for a new set at my own expense.  The examination showed that my right eye has become worse.

I believe at Schwaner’s the eyes checked 20/60 and here it checked 20/80.  I haven’t had myself measured yet but think I’ll probably get new lenses for the old frames.  I may get new ones though as we are allowed a forty percent reduction.  My eyes feel better without glasses than they used to.

I don’t believe the article was mine. I never wrote on such a subject.

Guess this is everything that’s of any importance and got to write a letter to Kate.

Love,

Harold Moss Signature