Vmail
Censored July 3, 1944
Dearest Jean,
Received your letter of June 19th, a nice long one, two of Frank's photo's also. I think he looks real swell, he's grown a bit also, don't you think.
According to your description the baby's party must have been a huge success.
Very touching indeed, about the uninvited guest. Glad you made him feel at home.
Wish you wouldn't mention ice-cream, they haven't had any here for five years.
Don' t send that record until I let you know, we have no facilities for playing it just yet.
Its a little late for him to start worrying now, you know who I am referring to.
Give my love to a real Dad & Mom, also Joey and the baby.
Your loving husband
Sal.
Vmail
Censored July 7, 1944
Dearest Jean,
Received yours of the 29th of June, glad to hear that you are beginning to get my mail.
I hope you take it nice and easy at the farm, and try to put n some weight.
I received a letter from Jimmy to-day, it was sent while he was aboard ship, somewhere in the South Pacific. I gather from his letter that he has been selected for some sort of special duty. He also states that he hasn't received any news for three months. His mail hasn't been getting there neither.
You should be receiving come negatives which I sent you pretty soon.
Give my love to all.
Your loving husband
Sal.
Free mail
Censored July 16, 1944
Dearest Jean,
I received your letter, also a package, containing the fruit cake, pineapple and soup. Thanks a million! No I didn't receive the socks, were they in the same package; it doesn't matter though as I can't use them anymore.
Also received a letter from Frank. He says he has been moving continuously and that he expects to see me soon, I really don't know what he means by that. In any event I hope its true.
The weather is still the same, we haven't had a day without rain yet. Maybe we'll get accustomed to this darn weather, they you won't hear me complain anymore.
We have a few Mexican boys in my hut, one of them is playing the guitar and the others are singing, sing the same song you used to love to sing, remember how mad I used to get when you would turn on the radio to listen to Xavier Kugat, I had to have my classics. Well when I come home you can listen to that type of music all day long if you wish.
Did you receive the negatives as yet, they may take a little longer as they have to go thru a rigid censorship.
I wish to repeat again not to send me anymore packages until I request them, don't feel hurt, but there is a very good reason, one which I can't explain for the present.
According to your last letter, my brother is on his way over here, I hope he will be able to find me, he may find it difficult with the information he has at hand.
Frank in his letter says he wishes he was home so he could take baby Lucille by the hand, walk her down to the candy store and buy her some ice-cream. I guess Larry thinks of doing the same thing, so does Joey and pop and mom, and me too, she's going to get an awful lot of ice-cream to eat.
It really looks as if we will be coming home this year, maybe that's what Frank meant in his letter, when he said he would be seeing me soon.
Nothing more to say except to give my love to all, and remember me to my friends. Here's hoping Danny finds me.
Your loving husband
Sal.
FRANCE FRANCE FRANCE FRANCE FRANCE FRANCE FRANCE FRANCE
Free mail July 29, 1944
Censored FRANCE
Dearest Jean,
Two of your Vmail came to-day #150 & 151, hope you have had a good rest. What sort of a place did you go to.
If the people back home could only see the utter destruction all about us, beautiful cities completely ruined, people walking around in a daze, incidentally quite a few are dressed in mourning; they would soon realize that war is hell.
We are living in an apple orchard a pup tent for a home and a fox hole for safety, go to bed with all our clothes on except shoes, wash our face once a day eat biscuits which are hard as rocks and taste like hell, otherwise everything is swell. Best wishes and love to all.
Your loving husband
Sal.
Free mail France
Censored July 30, 1944
Dear Jean,
I received your letter and Vmail yesterday, that was a very good color photo of your dad and the baby. I don't believe I will ever get the package with the socks in it, chances are that it has been lost. It doesn't matter, as I have enough socks to last me awhile.
You are probably wondering what sort of a place this France is, well here goes; hoping it passes censorship.
The trip across was very pleasant, no seasickness, a direct contradiction of newspaper reports. I can't tell you have or where we landed ,nor where I am now stationed. We drove through a certain city, all we could see were homes, churches, and hotels razed to the ground, a few hardy people still living in these homes, minus roofs and windows, guess they didn't have anywhere's else to go. An old woman gave me a bouquet of roses, which I put on the windshield. Most of the people I have seen looked awfully sad and disconsolate, and believe me, they have real good reason to feel that way.
We arrived at our bivouac area, which is an apple orchard, and pitched our tents under the trees. I noticed that the soil here is much better and richer than of the place I left. We dug our foxholes and went to sleep for the night. The next day we tried to make the are livable. Some of the boys began collecting German souvenirs, some too dangerous to handle, seems to me the Germans left in an awful hurry, judging from what the left behind.
They tell me there is still a little sniping going on around here, but I have my doubts.
All around us are shell holes and craters. A neat job, thanks to our air force. Those boys are really making it hot for the Jerries. it's a great feeling to see all these friendly planes in the air, we thank God they are not otherwise.
Awhile back some enemy planes did pay us a visit, much to their sorrows.
We all sleep with our clothes on, haven't had mine off for a long time, intend to go down to the creek and wash myself, so I can change my clothes. Its darn cold here, and I don't want to catch a cold if I can help it.
There isn't much more I can tell you except that we are all very optimistic and really expect this way to end soon.
Hope you have had a good rest and were able to put some weight on.
How is everything home, is everyone fine?
I received a letter from my sister Theresa asking for your address as she wished to pay you a visit, I told her it was sort of silly asking me, when she could get it from some one closer to home than I. She may get peeved at me for that answer, but that's just how I felt, needless to say I didn't give her the address.
One good thing about this country is that we get occasional sunshine, it sure feels good.
I am sorry that I didn't study French in High School instead of Latin, it would come in handy right now, as it is we have to gesture with our hands. This place reminds me of our honeymoon into Canada. Maybe I'd better not go into that, it seems so long ago.
I also received a letter from Frank telling me of Roy's brother, glad to hear that he is now doing well. He seems to have a good reason to believe that I am in France, I will have to write him and tell him is guess is correct.
Don't imagine Danny is going to have any luck looking me up, anyway I'm not looking forward to it.
Oh yes, I didn't forget your love for perfume, now mind you I'm not making any promises, but if there is any left around I will do my best to get it for you.
Thats all for now Jean, give my love to Mom, dad Joey, baby Lucille and the D'Anolfo gang, also my aunt and uncle and all my other friends. Take good care of yourself.
Love
Your loving husband
Sal.
Free mail August 12, 1944
Censored mail France
Dear Jean,
I have received two of your letters which were sent while you were away for a rest. Hope it has helped you, to put on some weight.
You notice that when I write to you I may not answer your questions well I am receiving them all-right, but we are moving around so often that I misplace them, and try my best to answer them from memory.
This is really beautiful country, excepting of course the cities which are shambles, destroyed beyond recognition.
The horses and cattle here are the best I have ever seen, they are so healthy and well kept, that goes for the people also.
Their homes are mostly one-storied affairs, their floors are of concrete and they eat, sleep and drink in the dame room, its not an uncommon sight to see three double beds, a kitchen table, a bench to sit on and an open fireplace all in a room sixteen ft, by sixteen ft.
These people are really glad to see us Americans, it is quite evident by their actions and their warm hospitality, everywhere we go they wave at us, ad at times give us bouquets of flowers. We are in the heart of the apple country, apples are as many as the sands on a beach, cider flows like water over a fall.
The kiddies here are starving for sweets, we give them the chocolate bars and biscuits that we get with our rations, can't understand why they like them, seeing as we can't stand the sight of them, the chocolates are the bitter-sweet, the biscuits are hard tacks.
We get are rations of cigarettes gum, tooth paste, candy and so forth, free of charge, so far I am well supplied. I am running low on films, if you please will you send me some more. I am not able to get the ones I have taken developed; therefore will have to hold on to them until I get home, which shall be soon.
Frank wanted to bet that he would get to Berlin first, well Frank will get to Berlin first, of that I am quite certain, and you can tell him I said so.
The Jerries pay us visit every night, there is a consolation though, for everyone they send we repay them with a thousand of our own.
The weather here is grand, the sun is so nice and warm, haven't had any rain for a long time, its so different from the climate of England.
The roads are strewn with capsized vehicles and tanks, they are all German too.
Well Jean the sun is going down, and I am having trouble finishing this letter, I am underneath a large tree and it is getting dark fast.
Give my love to Mom, dad Joey and baby Lucille. Remember me to my aunt and uncle, the Danolfo's, the Garguilos andSaetta's.
Bye bye for awhile
Your loving husband
Sal.
Free mail August 20, 1944
Censored France
Dear Jean,
A few days ago I received eight letters, one from Helen, Mary my sister Teresa, one from my cousin Jimmy, Tony Romano, one from a friend at the plant, my company, and last but not least one from yourself.
It was nice hearing from my friend all at one time, but I'm afraid it will take me some time before I can answer them.
Don't know whether I told you or not that the weather and scenery is beautiful hereabouts, another thing these French people are better off that you have been led to believe. Eggs for one thing are not scarce, ripe tomatoes and apples are abundant, looks like we beat the Germans to the harvest this time.
I just retuned from a long trip, one which was made more pleasant, by the people alongside the road waving at us, and throwing of all things, "apples" at us, had to be careful I didn't get konked on the head by one, whenever we stopped people would offer us fresh fruits, tomatoes, cider and in some cases cognac, besides that everyone has to shale our hand even the two and three year old tots. All in all these people are a hospitable lot, and darn glad to see us Yanks.
Another thing, these people are well dressed, and the girls really know how to use make-up, no I haven't tasted any of their lipstick, so don't get mad. Would like to taste some of the lipstick you are using though, maybe I will before the year is up.
It is getting dark Kean so I will have to close now, without of course the usual salutations to your mom dad Joey and the rest of the gang, give Lucille a great big kiss for me.
Your loving husband
Sal.
Vmail (no date)
Censored FRANCE
Dearest Jean,
A few lines to let you know that I am well and safe.
From all appearances its going to be rough from here on.
it's a strange sight to see these French people so sad, they have a reason to be that way, most of them have lost their homes, their worldly possessions, and their loved ones.
Some of the boys are still digging their fox-holes, an entirely new experience for most of us. Frank told me there would be days like this.
Give my love to all, will write again as soon as conditions permit.
Your loving husband
V-DAY SOON! Sal.
Vmail August 23, 1944
Censored France
Dear Jean,
Sorry I haven't been able to write to you as often as I would have liked to, as we are kept very busy these days. In any event don't worry about me as I am all-right and in the best of health.
We have the Jerries on the run now, and everything looks real bright, We may still be home for Christmas.
It does get a bit lonesome here, and the yen to get home is strong within all of us, but we must have victory first so as to ensure a lasting and durable peace.
Love to all from your loving
Sal.
Free mail France
Censored Sept 1, 1944
Dear Jean,
I finally received one of your letters dated August 4. It seemed as if I would never get any mail, don't misunderstand me no one in my outfit received any.
Honestly we are much to busy to play around with these French gals, we have to admire them from afar, and anyway who in hell can speak French. Why didn't I study French in high school instead of Latin.
Before I go any further I would like to tell you that I sent you and your mother a little gift, your mothers gift is a pair of rosary beads, you will have to wait to find out what I sent you, No it isn't perfume, seems the Germans ran off with all of it.
Dan's address won't be of much use to me now, sorry I missed him. Glad to hear that he is going out with such a nice girl, hope he puts off the wedding until I get home, so I can play a few tricks on him just to get even.
Yes at times I do pause and stare into space, and my thoughts wander back to the ones I love and to the home waiting for me when I return.
Lately I have been having trouble falling asleep at nights, just thinking and thinking, and wondering when I get home, just how much has everybody and everything changed.
I myself may have changed I can't tell, I would need some one to let me know.
Over here there is constant talk of the war ending soon, some seem to think that it won't last this month, however I'm not so optimistic I still pick the month of November, it could even happen on the eleventh.
These German prisoners are an awful sad lot, they are dirty, tired and haggard looking, there are old men and young boys, even they say that Germany can't hold out much longer. They are far from being the super race they were told they were.
Don't worry about me. I'll come home safe and sound, then we will start life all over again.
This France is beautiful and scenic, "pardon the different colored ink," I can't tell you where I have been, but you read about these places every day in your daily newspaper.
There it goes getting dark again, just when I was going to try and write you a real long letter, just hold on while I address the envelope and if its still possible to write will do so. O.K. I addressed the envelope, but it getting dark fast.
It's real nice to hear that the baby is coming along so well, do you think she will recognize me, or will she bawl when she sees me. How stupid of me of course she doesn't know who I am, so she's entitled to bawl if she wishes. Its really dark now Jean and I can't see a thing, so long for awhile and give my love to all, Mom, pop Joey the baby and everyone else.
Your loving husband
Sal.
(two 3 cents WIN THE WAR UNITED STATES POSTAGE stamps) France
Censored Sept 9, 1944
Dear Jean.
I received two letters and package from you, there was no sate on the package, therefore I will let you k now the contents so you may know which one it is, here goes, two cans of peaches, "one jar of olives, which were delicious" and three packs of cigarettes, the package arrived in good condition, also when to was needed most, let me say 'thanks a million,' to you and yours.
The weather has been chilly the last few days, and I fear those warm sunny days we knew, will not return, we really have no complaint to make about the weather here as it is typical New York climate, hope we don't have to spend the winter here.
We are always moving, moving and moving, we fell like a bunch of gypsies, its funny though the further away from home we go, the closer we get, we'll all be glad to settle down in the States someday.
You may ask me all the questions you like, except of course where I am, and what I am doing, I'll do my best to answer them.
In answer to one of your queries, the French people, at least in this part of the country are really glad to see as, it seems as if we arrived here just in time to prevent complete destruction of this beautiful -----. For this they are very grateful and do not hesitate in showing it.
About packages, gosh how I really don't need anything, I'll let you know.
Don't worry about me catching cold, I haven't had one since I joined this man's army. Pretty good considering the slop and mud I've trampled thru. I've got my fingers crossed, hope I haven't spoken too soon.
Do you mean to tell me that my sister hasn't been down to see you yet. If she can't find time to visit you and the baby, then I don't see why O should inconvenience myself writing her, I could be writing you instead of her.
Furthermore I don't believe she is writing for herself, but for some one else, as far as I'm concerned he can still go to hell.
You'd think that these conditions would have altered my feelings for him, instead I have become more bitter to-wards him.
Frank isn't coming here the way you think, I believe he means that we will meet, when both armies come to-gether. He's not very far from France at the present writing. If Frank and I meet, and you say he speaks French, well its going to be just too bad for you and Helen, of course I couldn't introduce him as my brother-in-law, I'd just have to say that we were friends from Brooklyn. We could really paint this town red, a bright red, so as to cover the dark red that has been spilt.
I believe the possibility is greater of me meeting Frank than Danny, your presumption is correct on that score.
Before I go any further, did you receive the package I sent you, if so, how do you and mom like the gifts. I had intentions of sending you another gift, but we are not permitted to send any more packages to the States, it seems like a dirty trick, but an order is an order, however I believe the restriction is only temporary.
There just doesn't seem to be enough daylight for me to write you a real long letter, as you can guess, its getting dark, so I will have to close. Give my love to all and hope to be seeing you soon.
Your loving husband
Sal.
P.S Give my love to the baby, Enclosed you will find some snapshots.
Free mail September 10, 1944
Censored
Dear Jean,
To-day is our anniversary, never thought five years ago we would be so far apart, just the fortunes of fate over which we have no control. I received your anniversary card also two letters and one from my sister Teresa. The card was beautiful, I'm sure I'll be home for the next one.
Thanks also for the package which is on its way, hope they don't handle it too rough, will let you know of its condition when it arrives.
I received a letter from Pete a few days ago which I haven't answered as yet, glad to hear that he is feeling much better now. Give them all my best wishes.
Tony is right this mess is about cleared up now, we, except the very pessimistic; expect to hear the good news any day now, it's the day that we have all been waiting for, when it does come I think it will rock the world, hen comes Japan or rather then Joes Japan into the dust.
I don't blame your family for being proud of Frank, he's only my brother-in-law and I'm proud as hell, you know Generals don't have their pictures taken with anybody but those who deserve recognition. Frank took a big chance, especially when he took off his uniform to don civilian clothes, if he had been captured, you know what the penalty is. He was instrumental in clearing the way for the infantry, that sentence alone explains everything.
Talking about Bing Crosby he was out our way, but I was too tired to go see him, he had Fred Astaire with him. You say my letters take thirteen days, well yours was postmarked Aug 24 and Sept 2, figure it out for yourself.
What do you mean I'm seeing something good, do you think I am on a sightseeing tour, all my travels are strictly in the line of duty, if you think seeing tanks, vehicles and buildings burned to a crisp, as seeing something ,then I'd rather not see them at all, the only good part about it is that they are German.
You must be nuts when you say you were thinking of enlisting, from what I've seen of the Wac's they are not what I would call the better class of women. that's just one mans opinion, mine.
I've been on another trip, much longer than previously, I believe I have been through almost every town and city that you have read about in the papers. All along the road you see people with all their belongings trudging along trying to get back to their homes, I'd hate to see the looks on their faces when they find their homes a mass of wreckage, wrecked beyond recognition. Furthermore if they are not careful they may step on a mine or a booby trap, then we would need a shovel to collect the remains. Which reminds me of an incident, while driving through a town, incidentally this town was quite prominent in the papers awhile back, well I looked up a tree, and forty feet above believe it or not, was an honest to goodness cow, hanging from the branches. The answer of course is simple, the cow had stepped on a land mine. If she wasn't so dam high I would have cut myself a steak.
In answer to you query about these French girls, they really are pretty and they are wonderful dressers, their clothes are the latest styles. Of course a lot depends on the locality. Don't you worry about me getting mixed up with any of these gals. I've got two gals back home that mean more to me than anything else in this world.
Glad to hear that you are gaining in weight, keep up the good work.
Yes I remember Ann Catapane, awful nice of her to think of you and the baby that way. I can't seem to place Bob Gemalaro is he the one who went on a vacation with your brother Frank.
Say its funny, Larry says he has written me but as yet I have not received any of his letters.
You say Charlie is in France, that's news to me, I doubt very much if I shall be able to contact him, especially since his address and Apo, number doesn't say much. It seems to me he would be able to find me much easier. You can't tell though we may bump into each other. I've see hundreds and hundreds of soldiers and as yet have to meet up with one familiar face from the States.
How is my gray suit holding out, have the moths gotten to it yet. When I get home you and I are going on a little shopping tour. We are going to buy ourselves some clothes and I mean clothes, no we won't forget the baby.
Well to-night I finally was able to finish a letter without worrying about darkness over taking me, its creeping up on me though.
So as the French say "Au Revoir" don't even know if I spelt it right, Au Revoir for awhile. Give my love to all, especially your mom, dad Joey and the baby.
Your loving husband
Sal.
P.S. Did you receive the gift yet?
Vmail France
Censored Sept 13, 1944
Dearest Jean,
The weather here has been wet of late, but don't worry I am keeping myself dry as we have discarded the old fashioned fox-holes for something more modern, for awhile we were living if all places, in a seminary, all the comforts of home too.
The natives would bring us fresh eggs and big ripe tomatoes, g welcome change to our diet, oh yes, this French bread tastes pretty good too. Don't know about the lipstick haven't tasted any yet.
How is everything doing at home?
Give my love to all. Your loving
Sal.
Vmail France
Censored Sept 14, 1944
Dearest Jean,
I received another package from you which had in it the Italian pastry, as usual the package was in perfect condition. It's swell of you and your mother to think of me that way.
Everything is nice and quiet here the Germans have their hands full trying to protect their homeland, so please don't worry about me.. Don't forget we are not the only ones who are separated, Mary Guarracci was separated from her husband for seven years, and under worse conditions. We will be to-gether again very shortly believe me.
I am doing my best to convince you that I am safe and sound. Keep well! Love to all. Your loving husband
Sal.
Vmail France
Censored Sept 15, 1944
Dear Jean,
Received your V-mail of the fifth, pretty good service, don't you think!
You may rest assured that this war will be over by Christmas, perhaps a whole lot sooner. The Germans are beaten and they know it, there would be no sense in them continuing to fight a losing war.
So the baby is learning to sing, think she'll be as good as her Mom. You continue to teach her, and she may make the grade. If she takes after her old man she'll probably be singing "Sweet Ad-o-line," which aint good.
Be seeing you soon Hon.
P.S. Did you receive the gift? Love
Sal.
Vmail France
Censored Sept 16, 1944
Dear Jean,
Hope you have been receiving my letters, I have been try into to write to you as often as possible so as not to cause you undue alarm.
I am in the best of health and doing fine, now don't you worry about snipers they have all been taken care of, not by me but by some one who really knows his job.
Everything is peaceful and quiet, the people are moving back to their homes. And the shops are opening up again to resume business.
The end is near, we'll all be home soon. Love to all. Your loving Sal.
Vmail France
Censored Sept 17, 1944
Dear Jean,
Well those sunny days are here again, just a few days of rain and we were complaining. We ought to be ashamed of ourselves.
How could anyone complain about the weather after spending some time in England.
An interesting note: these stores have the latest fashions in women's wear, so if you send me your size I may be able to send you a dress .I'm not promising, so don't depend on it.
Tell Pete I received his letter and give them all my best wishes. Best wishes to Mom, Pop, Joey and baby .
Yours
Sal.
Vmail October 6, 1944
Censored PARIS
Dear Jean,
This city is one of the most beautiful I have ever seen, New York with all its glamour doesn't compare with this place. Its people are very friendly, they have opened their hearts and homes to the American soldier. Champagne is as plentiful as water in the Seine river.
These people in my opinion are the best dressed in the world.
Will write more in one of my future letters.
Give my love to all, especially my little girl Lucille.
Yours
Sal.
Vmail October 6, 1944
Censored France
Dear Jean,
I received your letters and the package, the package was in good condition, thanks for the bouquet of roses, the cigarettes came in handy too. I could use another package just like the one you sent me.
Glad to hear that you and your family are coming along swell. Oh yes, I have been receiving quite a big of mail, also got one from Charlie Fontana, I haven't been able to answer any of them as yet.
Will write you a detailed letter soon. Note my new address.
I hope you receive the gift soon. Best wishes to all.
Love
Sal.
Censored mail October 16, 1944
Dearest Jean, PARIS
Everything is going along swell, excepting of course the weather which has been rainy for the past few days.
There isn't anything mew I can tell you about this place at present.
We are all hoping that this mess ends real soon, my prediction was November, hope I cone close, although I may have to give it up as a bad guess.
I have sent the German helmet home, you may get it in a few weeks.
Don't forget the cigarettes I asked for. Give my best to all.
Yours
Sal
Censored mail Paris
October 19, 1944
Dear Jean,
A short letter to let you know that I am well and safe. I have been sight seeing about town, the more I see of this place, the greater the respect I have for these Frenchmen, they certainly have originality, it is evident everywhere one goes.
I sent you a Christmas gift which I hope you receive in time instead of surprising you, I am going to tell you what it is, it is perfume. I also wrote the price on each bottle so you may compare prices in the States. Hope you like the gift. Please send me some cigarettes as I am running low on them. Love to all.
Yours
Sal
Censored mail Paris
October 20, 1944
Dear Jean,
Here it is the twentieth of October and its been raining all day, matter of fact we have had rain for the past two weeks.
I sent you a V mail telling you of the gift I sent you, which is perfume. Everything is very expensive here The other day I bought a sandwich in town, it looked like a cheese spread on the bread, it tasted lousy too, nevertheless it cost forty francs which is ninety cents our money. Everything costs so much and the people seem to have so darn much money that I feel we have inflation. Its awfully tough on lower class people as they are the exception to the rule.
These stores have some beautiful gifts, but prices are so high that we can't touch them.
Say did you ever receive the gift I sent you, I may as well tell you what they were, there was two necklaces for you and a pair of rosary beads for your mother. Hope they didn't get lost. I also sent home a German helmet.
If any of my friends have the same Apo as I let me know so I can look them up. I received a letter from Charlie Fontana he is here in France, but he is not assigned to a regular outfit, he is at a replacement center, hoping to be assigned, I wonder how he ever got there, I an going to try to look him up.
How is my little baby coming along. Is she walking around yet by that I mean is she certain of her foot steps. How tall has she grown and has she put on any weight. Talking about weight, how about you, have you gained any, you know you should be gaining, as now your mind is at ease about me, for a while we were in combat zones, but now we have it comparatively easy, good food, good beds and good barracks.
I'll have to end this now as I am going to bed, so give my best wishes to your dad, Mom, Joey and the baby, and don't forget to send me some cigarettes, any brand will do, as we have heard it difficult to get the popular brands back home.
So long for a while.
Love from
Sal
P.S. Don't send me any film as I can buy them here.
Paris
October 22,1944
Dear Jean,
I haven't heard from you now for the past week, that's how our mail situation is, no mail for a week then we get them all at once.
I've been to Paris a few times. Spent some of my time at the world famous Moulin Rouge Cabaret. It is similar to our Copacabana back in the states. The Arc of Triumph and Eiffel Tower is something worthwhile to investigate. Then a promenade down the Champs Elysees, Cognac at a sidewalk café, then a stroll through its beautiful parks all too soon our day has ended. It is difficult to believe that I am in France, so far away from home. We really have a swell deal here, there are no signs of war at all, excepting the soldiers dressed in uniforms of their respective countries, there are quite a few of them too of all nationalities.
I have met quite a few Italians here, natives I mean which has made it much simpler for me to get along. Furthermore I am learning to speak French, which makes this Paris more interesting.
I'm sure you'll like the perfume I sent you, at least I hope so, I'm, not so sure about the dress, I believe you need tickets, or points as you call them back home. I haven't forgotten your size, size 14 isn't it.
I haven't heard from Frank in a long time, wrote to him yesterday to find out why, also wrote to Charlie Fontana.
I'd like to ask you again if you don't mind to send me some cigarettes, as I am running short of them.
It really looks as if this war may end any day now. The Germans are catching hell on their own soil, when that happens they usually throw in the towel and call it quits.
I wrote to my brother Dan and told him to look me up if he can. Sure would like to see him.
That's all for now Jean, take care of yourself and the baby till I get home, which won't be long. Give my love to your family.
Your loving husband
Sal
P.S.
I still love you Jean.
Paris
October 25
Dear Jean,
Answering your 175th letter dated October 9th which I received a few days ago.
Glad to hear that the gift finally arrived, pleased to know that you and your mother liked it, Tell Mom she doesn't have to thank me as I owe it to her. I also wish I were there to put those necklaces around your neck, I'm afraid that Uncle Sam has first choice in the matter for the present.
Yes, your suppositions are correct, I've been to the places you mentioned but am not there now as you can readily see by the heading of this letter.
This war has to end soon, it just can't last much longer. I'm hoping my guess is correct on the date.
That reminds me did you ever receive the twenty dollars I sent you.
Yes, that town was St Lo, I believe I read somewhere that New York had adopted it. it's a good thing because only New York could afford to rebuild it. Those pictures you saw were authentic as the Signal Corp. is the official photographer for the U.S. Army.
Jim Barra is at the opposite end of France, no chance of me seeing him.
I am now trying to locate Charlie, may get a chance to see him.
Sorry to hear about Tessie's brother, tell her for me won't you. Too bad about Ann, I should have written to her more often.
I heard about Al Smith and Wilkie one week after they passed away.
Long time no see is correct, wonder how long it will be before we do see each other.
I don't know about buying a brown suit I don't think I would care for any color that reminds me of Olive Drab.
You asked me if I received your package, the answer is yes, the bottle of hair tonic was in perfect condition, you did a good job in packing, hope I have done as good a job with your perfume. Don't forget to send me some cigarettes, if you don't mind, I would rather have them than food.
I am getting on to this French language now, which helps a little.
I've been sightseeing around Paris again, it's a great city, prices are so high that it is impossible to buy anything. I did try to buy you some Chanel #5 perfume, but it's impossible to get, I'll keep trying though.
They do have some pretty baby clothes which I may get next pay day. This pay of ours doesn't go very far in this town.
Guess I haven't much more to say in this letter.
Take good care of the baby and yourself, give my best wishes to all.
Yours as ever
Sal
P.S. Don't send me any film as I can buy them here.
Censored mail Paris
October 30
1944
Dear Jean,
I received your letter dated the 17th of October and am surprised to hear that Frank is in France, please try to get an idea where he is at and I will try my best to visit him. I would like to meet him, if it is at all possible I will.
You will be surprised to know that I located Charlie Fontana in Fontainebleau and had quite a visit with him. He looks very well, and it seems as if the army life has done him some good. He told me how well the baby is getting along, he also told me that you did quite a bit of worrying over me, I'm sorry if I caused you any worry.
He is still at a replacement depot waiting to be assigned to a regular out-fit. He also has it quite easy and has plenty of time to write, while I am kept on the go constantly. And do you know I am heading out Charlie's way to-morrow and may get a chance to look him up again. Charlie was good enough to give me five packs of cigarettes which I needed real bad.
Now don't you let this war get the best of you, not at this stage any way, the end is in sight. It won't last much longer, it just can't.
Glad to hear that Larry is OK I still haven't heard from him. Well you know that now I am in Paris, here are the names of some of the towns I have visited, Cherbourg, Valognes, Montebourg Granville, Avranches St.Lo Coutances Carentan, Caen, Lavale Rennes, Lemans too numerous to mention here. A few more important towns I've been to like Verdun Nancy, Toul, and very close to the famous town of Metz.
If you wish you may buy the baby all the dresses you care to I don't mind suggesting the colors.
If Frank is with the General you mentioned then the chances are good that I will meet him.
This letter may not be co-herent, but I have your letter before me and I am trying to answer it the best I can.
That is an interesting account you gave of my best girl, very good reading. Don't forget you're my best girl too. This is one case where it takes two to make one. You and the baby are my best girl, not good grammar but its true any way.
Now a little about myself I am getting along swell, Paris still fascinates me. Paris is cleaner and more beautiful than New York and you can tell Mayor LaGuardia I said so. By the way is he still mayor! Or did they sneak someone else in while I've been away.
I wonder if you have received the German helmet and the perfume I sent you. I've got I've got my fingers crossed on the perfume, as I afraid some of the bottles may arrive broken, I don't think I did as good a job as you did with the hair tonic. Please let me know, as soon as you receive it, so I can catch up with my sleep. Also would like to know if you receive the twenty dollar money order.
Will let you know in my next letter, whether or not I was able to contact Charlie again. Give Tessie, his wife my best wishes.
Meanwhile I am going to try to locate your brother Frank. Its not going to be an easy job.
Its getting late Jean, and I have to get up early to-morrow for that trip, I had better get to bed, and get some rest, so good-night , give my love to all.
Your loving
Sal.
P.S. Don't forget the cigarettes.
*******************
(also enclosed: 20 francs with the marks 064655780 X.26
10 francs 108902098 P.44 F.25=31943.F.
5 francs 118626349 M.48 Z.22=7=1943.Z
2 francs 01314542 series 1944
2 francs 85228089 series 1944
1 groot een gulden serie FN 698538 1 October 1938
1 groot een gulden serie DS 713724 I October 1938
1 groot een gulden serie DU 592476 I October 1938
1 groot een gulden serie DU 592475 I October 1938)
Censored mail October(crossed out) 5, 1944
November-
Paris
Dear Jean,
Received your Vee of the 19th of October, also had one from your brother Frank.
He is, as you stated in your letter, in France. However he is not with the army you mentioned instead he is with the seventh army. I've read quite a bit about his outfit in the Stars & Stripes and have an idea where he is at, I doubt very much if I will ever be going out that away. If by chance I should, you may rest assured that I will do my utmost to see him.
Please don't send me any clothes as I have enough, I would appreciate the cigarettes though, even though it is a few packs.
I was able to see Charlie again, and had quite visit with him. He has it quite easy, although the uncertainty of a replacement center has him upset. He is anxious to get placed in a regular outfit. I may not get a chance to see him anymore. Everything is so uncertain in this mans army.
Did you receive the helmet and perfume? I am really worried about the perfume hope they all arrive in good condition. I went into a store to buy the baby a dress, it was a beautiful dress, but they wanted $14.00 for it, they didn't have anything cheaper, so I had to walk out empty handed.
Is there anything you care for particularly in Paris, if so let me know and I will try to get it for you next pay day.
I had some pictures taken in Paris which I am enclosing, they are not very good, I am sending them anyway.
Do you remember the friend I had at N?Y? Butchers, well he still sends me packages, I received two from him a few days ago. I never realized how sincere a friend he was until I got into the army.
Your brother Frank gets a kick out of the baby's doings, I would have liked to have seen her pouring that corn starch on pop while he was sleeping in the easy chair. I'll bet she laughed like the hell when pop bawled her out for doing it.
Say pop, how's your pinochle coming along, can't understand why I could never beat you at that game, you weren't cheating were you. We'll have some more pinochle games when I get home, only next time I'm going to watch you more closely. The only time Kean and I could beat you was when I would stack the cards and give Jean the 400 hand. So long for a while Pop.
I am still in the best of health, and everything is fine. The more I see of Paris the better I like it. There are quite a few boys down here from Frank Tasso's division on a forty eight hour leave. I've been asking for him but no luck.
Give your mother, dad and Joey my best wishes, and take care of yourself and the baby.
As ever, yours
Sal.
P.S.I am enclosing Franks letter, and don't forget the cigarettes, if you please.
Dear Sal,
I received your letter of July 12 and was glad to hear from you. I am in the best of health except for a cold and everyone has one here. You surely know where I'm at as I am part of the 7th Army and you've probably been reading about the exploits of my outfit in the Stars & Stripes. Everyone at home is in the best of health and they all say the baby is just like a little doll. I get a kick out of reading about everything she does such as opening the door of the washing machine, pouring oil on the floor, putting corn starch on my father while he's asleep and a thousand other little things she does. I sure wish this damn mess would end so I can see her while she's still small. The going is pretty rough now and I believe it's going to take a spring offensive. By the time Danny gets here, and if he wants to look me up, we'll probably be in Germany, so you know where I'm at. Write soon and take care of yourself.
Your bro-in-law
Frank
Censored mail Nov 6, 1944
Paris
Dear Jean,
Received two of your letters to-day, the letter was dated the twenty-third and the Vee the twenty-seventh.
I don't believe it would help any to send my letters by air-mail, however if you send me the stamps I'll use them.
You still ask if Charlie and I have met, I imagine by this time you have received my two letters telling you of our meeting, I doubt very much if I will get a chance to see him again.
I'm sorry I flew off the handle, concerning my father and sister, haven't heard from Tessie now for a long time.
I think it's about time Frank was sent home on a furlough, he may be getting one, you never can tell in this army.
Tell your mother I said thanks, those olives will come in handy.
Remember me to Helen and her family.
My French is coming along pretty good, have no use for the sign language any more. If they keep us here much longer, we'll all be speaking fluent French. As far as I'm concerned, that Brooklyn lingo is good enough for me.
Gosh Jean, I don't know what to tell you about this war, one day it seems as if it would end soon, the next day it seems as if it is going to last a long time,
Will you let me know what luck I have in contacting your brother Frank.
Don't forget to send me some cigarettes, if it is not too much trouble.
Give my best wishes to your folks, Joey, the Saettas and the Gargiulo's. By the way, I am also trying to make contact with Frank Tasso, no luck as yet.
My love to you and the baby.
Your loving husband
Sal
Censored mail Nov 10, 1944
Paris
Fri-nite
8:30
Dearest Jean,
It seems as of my prediction was wrong, to-morrow is Armistice day and the war still continues, of course everything looks much brighter now than it has for a long time.
To-morrow will be a big day in Paris, there will be parades aplenty. These French just love them. I don't think I will get a chance to see it as we are very busy. I haven't heard from you now for a few days, I did receive a beautiful Xmas card from my company, I'm glad they haven't forgotten me, as I expect to go back to my old job after this mess is over.
The weather here has been terrible, rain, rain and more rain, its not very cold though, which fact makes it quite bearable. How is the weather back home?
I haven't been able to see Charlie any more, as I said in my previous letter its doubtful whether I'll get a chance to see him or not. I wish I could get a chance to see your brother Frank but he is so far away, as you can readily see if you read your newspapers. He is not with the third army but with the seventh. I'm not giving up hope however as the opportunity may come, as remote as it does seem for the present. One never knows where one will be in this mans army.
Concerning you, how are you getting along, are you putting on any weight or are you still concerned about my welfare. Your only worry now should be whether I drink too much cognac or champagne. No you don't even have to worry about that, as both are to expensive for me to handle, and I don't like beer or wine. So put yourself at ease and relax, and maybe you'll gain in weight.
How is our little baby getting along? I think I'll have her take singing lessons, if she takes after her mom, she ought to be pretty good. I never did tell you that you were and probably still are a darn good singer. There are a lot of things I should have told you but neglected to do so. Perhaps I'm a bit braver via mail.
Have you received the German helmet, the perfume or the money order as yet. It seems to take so darn long for packages to get to and from the states,
Is there anything you would care for here in Paris, if so please let me know.
I'm going to shop around on my next day off and see if I can't get something for the baby.
I'll have to sign off now, not forgetting of course to give my best wishes to your mom, dad and Joey also Pete and Marion the Saettas and Helen and her crew.
As ever
Yours
Sal
P.S. I'm sending you some French money and some Holland money which was used by the Germans when they were occupying that country.
Also sending this letter air-mail as you requested. Please try to send some cigarettes.
Censored mail Nov 14, 1944
Paris
Dear Jean,
Received two of your V-mail letters a few days ago. Glad to hear that everything is going along fine.
It's the same complaint about the weather, rain, rain and more rain, of course we don't mind it very much as we have a nice dry place to live in.
So sorry to hear about your cousin Ann passing away. Nice of Gus to take care of everything the way he did.
You can buy the baby anything you wish and don't worry about the price. That goes for you too. Wish I were home to take the baby to see Santa Claus.
I am very sorry that I will have to disappoint you this Christmas, it doesn't look like I'll be home to celebrate. You can bet your last dollar that I'll be home for the next one. This mess is going to end real soon, its only a matter of time now.
No luck contacting your brother Frank yet , am still trying though.
The cigarette situation here is very bad, last week we were issued three packs, and this week we may not get any at all. We can't understand why it should be that way at all, unless it's because they are trying to supply the entire world with cigarettes. I now owe five packs of cigarettes to a friend and don't know when I am going to repay them unless I receive some from you and my brother Roy.
Did you receive the perfume I sent?
Give my best wishes to all, and continue to take good care of the baby and yourself.
Your loving husband
Sal
Censored mail Nov 17, 1944
Fri-nite
7.05 P.M.
Dearest Jean,
Its still raining, so this is sunny France, everything is a quagmire if mud, and if that sun don't shine real soon we'll need a divers suit. I can't seem to get it straight whether or not it snows here, one person says yes and the other will disagree hope I don't have to stick around to find out for myself.
I've got some news for you, or rather for the Tasso family, now don't get excited I didn't get to see Frank but I did meet one of his sargents, in fact he told me that Frank works directly under him, his name is T/Sgt. Saunders. This sargent told me that Frank is well and in the best of health, also that hi is in Germany, which puts him about two hundred and fifty miles from me. I gave the sargent a message to give Frank for me. He also said that Frank may be coming to Paris on a forty-eight hour pass. If that is true then I should get to see him,
Haven't had any luck contacting your brother I have an idea where he is at. I may get to see him, although the chances are very slim. If he had been with either the First or Third army, it would have made things a lot easier.
How are those grapes in Pete's yard, are they any good to eat, or are they wine grapes. Three gallons is pretty good, tell Pete I'll be home to taste it.
I took a ride on one of these Paris subways, here they call it the "Metro" you think those New York trains are crowded, well Paris has them all beat. The people just push and push they are in a hurry too, just like back home. You can just picture me on the station trying to get some directions, everybody gathers around trying to be helpful abut no one seems to understand me, finally some one steps up who speaks a little English he understands me, then everyone wants to direct me, I finally arrive at my destination, not knowing how I did it. Its all very amusing and interesting.
I also went to the Moulin Rouge again, with two soldier friends sans women believe it or not. We ordered a bottle of champagne which cost us 600 Francs twelve dollars American money. They have two swell orchestras and a grand floor show. The place is always packed solid. One hour after the doors open, there are no vacant tables, and people line up outside, if four people leave, they allow four to enter, and so to goes thru the night. They call this section the Montmartre of Paree. It reminds me of Greenwich village, the same old stuff, clip joints, bars and cabarets.
Now listen when you receive that perfume you go right ahead and use it, when its all used up let me know and I will send you more, if there is any particular kind you prefer let me know and I will try to get it for you.
No luck in getting something for the baby as yet, still trying.
You should be getting one of those bonds every month. Are you?
Didn't you receive that twenty dollar money order, how about the German Helmet and perfume.
Continue to send me cigarettes,(any brand) until I tell you to stop. We are now receiving three packs a week, so far I owe one of my buddies five packs.
As you have gathered from my letter I am enjoying myself and having quite a time of it.
Of course there is no place like home and I am anxious to return, if only this darn war would end.
I yearn to set eyes on my little baby, and on my big baby too, wonder if you two have changed any,
So long for a while Jean, give my love to your folks, and remember me to my friends.
Yours
Sal.
Censored mail Paris Nov 19, 1944
Sun-nite
8.15 P.M.
Dear Jean,
I received your mother's Christmas package to-day, as usual it was in excellent condition, everything will come in handy, especially two packs of cigarettes. Tell your mother I said "thanks a lot."
By the way, before I forget, you can send me some more cigarettes, if you don't mind.
It had finally stopped raining, for which we are very grateful, maybe some of this mud will dry up.
It doesn't look like I will be home for Christmas, even if this war were to end to-morrow, they could never ship us home in time. Don't get discouraged now, this thing is about over and it won't be too long before I'll be home again.
Haven't heard from your brother Frank yet. There isn't much to write home about except that I am in the best of health and doing fine.
How is my little baby getting along?
Give my best wishes to all and a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
Your loving husband
Sal.
P.S. Gosh almost forgot to tell you, "I love you."
Censored mail Paris Nov 21, 1944
Tues-nite
7.30 P.M.
Dear Jean,
Haven't had a letter from you now in over a week, this mail situation is terrific.
I believe I told you in my last letter, that I received your mother's package.
I also told you that it had stopped raining, well the following day it came down in buckets. Now it has stopped raining again, to-morrow, who knows. This darn rain helps to prolong the war. It is very difficult for men and machines to operate efficiently in this kind of weather.
It looks like your brother Frank got to Germany before I did. He is associated with a darn good outfit and they have really gone places and did things.
I am getting along fine as usual, everything is quiet hereabouts.
The only complaint we have is that we are not getting any cigarettes, again this week, the same old story, no cigarettes, we will get four bars of candy, wish they would keep their candy, and substitute cigarettes. Here comes my request again, please send me some cigarettes. I am going to write to Tony Romano also and ask him if he can't send me some also.
Give my best wishes to your Mom, Dad, Joey and my friends, tale good care of yourself and the baby.
Your loving husband
Sal.
Censored mail Nov 25, 1944
Sat-nite
7.30P.M.
My dear Jean,
Here in France they have a holiday which they call Sadie Hawkins day, its an old and odd custom.
All single girls of the age of twenty-five and over, go out to-night in search of a husband. As I have a wife back home. (incidentally one whom I love very dearly) I have decided to stay in my barracks, and write to her.
I have been able to find out where your brother Frank is at, I know the exact location of his outfit. But I doubt very much if I will be able to see him. Don't give up hope though, something may turn up.
Before I go any further I should let you know that two Christmas packages arrived, one had #7 written on it, the other had #9. As usual they arrived in good condition, Thank your mother and dad for me, won't you.
In your next package will you please include some cigarettes. We haven't had any for two weeks, and there's talk now that we may receive two packs this week. All the boys are out of cigarettes, and now we are beginning to pick up second-hand butts off the floor, even they are hard to find now.
I really received a surprise to-day, a letter from Angie, she tells me that everything is going along fine at home. I will try to answer her to-night. Also had a thanksgiving card from Mary and a Christmas card from Charlie.
Now I an really going to get mad, you can't seem to realize that I am out of danger, you are worrying yourself sick for no reason at all. I've told you before and I'm telling you again Don't worry, I'm all-right. You can't expect me to do my job properly if I know you are upset all the time. I also know that you are very run-down and losing weight. That will never do. Now you listen to me, pull yourself together. Cheer-up. This dam war is about over, and I promise you that I will be home real soon.
You may be worrying over Frank and Larry, well don't. They have come this far without any trouble, they surely can finish it the same way.
Gosh Jean, I don't like to bawl you out this way, but you just have to face realities. This is war, and we can't come home till its over, over here.
We've got those Germans licked now, and they know it, the only reason they are still fighting is because they don't like our peace terms. They are going to have to accept those terms real soon whether they like it or not.
Of one thing you may be sure, this is our last Christmas overseas. The next one will find me home dressing the tree for our little baby.
Have you received the helmet or perfume yet: how about the money order, did that get to you. You should be receiving all of them soon.
I asked you if there was anything you cared for particularly here in Paris, but you haven't mentioned anything. After all this war is going to end soon and they will cut short my visit by sending me home.
Remember me to all my friends and keep smiling.
Your loving husband
Sal.
Censored mail Paris Nov 28, 1944
Tues-nite
7.30 P.M.
Dear Jean,
Your letter of the 31st of October arrived to-day, pretty good service don't you think! Of course we don't know what the cause of the delay is, whatever it is, it sure has us boys upset. I notice that you are having the same trouble with my mail.
Didn't you receive that German helmet yet? No there isn't any story attached to it. At least nothing interesting enough that it can't wait.
Pleased to hear that you go out occasionally, its just what you need to break the monotony, I wish I had been up there on Broadway with you. The time will come, when we will be strutting together down that same avenue.
Talking about taxicabs, you should see the Paris cabs, they are bicycles, two wheeled ones, drawing small trailers, which hold two persons, the operation has to pedal all the time.
No I haven't taken any pictures, the reason: the camera still has a flaw in it. I am going to try to buy one here in town, Whatever you do, don't send me one. Instead invest that money in cigarettes, and send them on to me, Incidentally, I got my rations for the week, two packs of cigarettes. Ordinarily two packs last one day, now I have to make them last a week.
I haven't heard from my sister Tessie for a long time, If she writes, she may expect an answer.
Gosh I would like to see the antics of my little baby, bet she's conical. So she has eight teeth, doing all-right.
It is still raining, and what I mean rain, the river Seine, has risen about seven feet, and is now overflowing it's banks it's a serious threat to the war effort and the civilian population, and if it don't stop raining, well it had just better stop, or there is no telling what the damage will be.
I received your Xmas package marked #2, a few days ago, that means I now have #9, #7 and #2 an received them in that same order.
The opportunity may arise, which may bring me in contact with your brother Frank, don't raise your hopes too high, as it's a long shot.
I hope Dan gets around to see me, as I would like to see him. I guess its another long shot.
How are you making out, have you enough money to get along on? If not don't hesitate to draw from our account. Say did I ever sign over my credit union book to you. If I didn't, and you need the money, send it on to me and I'll endorse it under your name.
There isn't anything interesting go on here, its as if there was no was going on at all.
I received another letter from Frank Tasso, as yet have not received an answer from your brother.
Give my best wishes to your Mom, Dad, Joey and Lucille. Also Helen and her family, Pete and Marion, and the rest of my friends.
Be seeing you soon.
Your loving husband
Sal.
Censored mail Dec 2, 1944
Paris
Sat - 7.30 P.M.
Dear Jean,
It seems ages since I heard from you, I trust that you are not having the same trouble with your mail.
Did I tell you that I received your package #2, it was in excellent condition. Thanks a million.
I received a Xmas package from my company, it comes direct from Chicago, a swell package it was too. I wrote and thanked them.
Well its still raining and the river is rising and rising, we're getting tired of singing "River Stay away from my Door". If it comes up any higher we'll have to build a 'Noah's Ark.'
I took some snaps yesterday and as soon as I have them developed I will send them on.
One of my room-mates is disturbing my trend of thought, he keeps talking about his girl--friend her name is Pearl Epstein and she comes from the Bronx. He tells us of the type home he is going to have and the thousand and one things he is going to do when he gets home, we kid him along by telling him that he is destined for the army of occupation and that he will probably get home in forty-eight.
There are four of us trying to write letters, two quit, the fellow from the Bronx and myself are still trying, it had now turned in to a round table discussion, occasionally I put my two cents worth into the conversation, it takes different angles, now its about cigarettes(that reminds me, don't forget to send me some) a little while ago it was about furniture, here it goes back to Pearl Epstein.
It is now 10.45 PM none of us have been able to finish a letter, and with only fifteen minutes to go, so I will have to sign off and get ready for bed before the lights go out
How is my baby coming along? Take good care of her.
Give my best wishes to your Mom, Dad Joey and the rest of the gang.
And for the luva-pete take care of yourself.
So long for a while.
Love
Sal
Finis at 10.55 PM.
Good-night my love.
Censored mail Dec 4, 1944
Paris
Mon. - 7P.M.
Dear Jean,
I received a letter from you dated Nov 27, not bad service, although there must be some of your earlier letters still held up some where . It seemed like an awfully long time between letters.
That was a nice picture you sent me of the baby, I can hardly believe she has grown so much. Cute too, ain't she! Takes after her mommy all-right. The darn lights just went out and I am trying to write by the light of a flash-light. Its awfully hard on my eyes.
In regards to the Stars and Stripes, I've been trying to subscribe to it for a long time, but we are only allowed so many copies. Nevertheless I'll see if I can't send you a copy occasionally.
You probably heard everyone in my barracks shout hooray! Reason: the lights just went on again. Their joy was short lived because they just went out again. Am now using my trusty flash-light once more.
I won't ask you to listen in on what the boys said when the lights decided not to co-operate, as its unfit to print.
I have bought three dresses for the baby, and will send them on as soon as possible. You may keep it to yourself if you wish but they cost me $18.00 or 900 francs, in our language.
According to your letter you haven't received any of my packages as yet, tell me have you been getting my mail, in some of the letters I had enclosed French money and Holland money, also have been writing quite often of late.
I'll see if I can't get a music box and a pair of Rosary beads, it may take a little time though.
The lights are on again this time no one said a word, as they expect them to go off again. They're off again, this time they let go, the soldiers I mean, the result; I've learned some new swear words.
I intend to send this friend of mine a bottle of perfume, as soon as finances permit.
You tell pop that I know he never cheats at cards. I was only kidding him. He's a darn good pinochle player, hey pop; we'll have to play poker from now on.
The lights are on now, guess they will remain that way for a while.
Don't you worry about me staying in this army when this war ends, the combined allied armies couldn't keep me in uniform.
About Frank Tasso, I received a letter from him, as yet no luck in contacting him, no luck with your brother neither. I did receive a letter from him by the didn't have much to say.
This fellow is off again, he's talking about his Pearl Epstein from the Bronx, he just glanced at my letter and read what I am writing so he said he was going to give us a break and not talk about Poil to-night.
Chanel #5, when available cost $4.00 for a small bottle, It is really very difficult to obtain.
If Danny is in Panama it means he is on his way home. Maybe on his next trip he will be coming out this way.
No I haven't received any cigarettes from anyone, I wish some would arrive real soon, By the way here's another request for cigarettes also some soap if you can get it in the same package.
Wish I was home to taste some of that lasagne you used to make, it won't be long and I'll be tasting it again.
I would still like you, and love you no matter how you are, fat or thin, although I think you look lots better with some added weight.
You talk about comfort, why lady you are very fortunate you have your mom, dad Joey and the baby, I know lots of folks who have no one at all, and finally Larry and Frank are doing fine, and I never felt healthier in my life. Do you realize how lucky you are!
Talking about rain, its still raining here, and the river refuses to settle down, its on a rampage and taking everything along that gets in its way. We are situated right on the banks of this river(Seine) thats the reason we are so concerned.
It is now 10.30 PM, every time we sit down to write letters it turns out to be a round table discussion of everything imaginable. We talk about women, cigarettes, home, nite-clubs and a thousand and one other topics, strangely enough we very rarely discuss the war.
Well, bye-bye for a while give my love to Mom, Dad Joey and the baby and take care of yourself.
Your loving husband
Sal.
Censored mail Paris Dec 10, 1944
Sun-nite
My dear Jean,
I received a Xmas package #8, and a letter dated Nov 11, to-day.
I try to answer your letters as best as I can but when they come so irregular and late its hard to do so. This mail situation is terrible.
No I haven't received any cigarettes as yet, though I do wish they would come. Just in case that that postmaster won't let you send me a package, here's a request for cigarettes and soap. S'il vous plait.
I sent you a package containing three dresses for the baby and a set of old-fashioned kerosene lamps I didn't buy the lamps. So don't worry.
Don't tell me they have a Chinese restaurant on Ave U now, that quite an improvement for the community. How's the chow there any good?
I have yet to taste a good French dimmer, have eaten in quite a few restaurants and find the meals bad, to passable, none have been excellent. There is a shortage of food here in Paris which may account for the terrible meals. That is not true for the U. S. Army we are eating better now that we did in the States.
Gosh is the baby 32 ½ in., that's pretty good, and she weighs 29 lbs, keep up the good work.
I am glad that you are finally convinced that I am not in combat, we were in a couple bombings but no one was hurt, that was when the Germans still had some planes. All that is passe now, we hope.
About the photo cards, yes I have seen most of those places, they are a common sight to me now.
No, don't send me anything to eat, not even cheese spreads, unless I write and request them.
Tell pop I said "thanks for the cigarettes' they sure will come in handy. Will let you know as soon as they arrive.
The weather is bad still raining, the river ahs receded, for which we are all very thankful. It had us all worried.
Everything is going fine with me, still feeling great.
Here it is two weeks till Christmas, no I'll never get home in time this year. I'll be home for the next one I promise.
Here's hoping you all had a Merry Xmas and may the New Year be one of re-union for all.
Your loving husband
Sal.
Censored mail Paris Dec 13,1944
Wed-nite
7.30P.M.
Dear Jean,
I received a package today from Gene Ray's mother. It contained a large fruit cake, it also arrived in good condition, I think it was nice of her to send me a package, seeing as she has never met me I wrote and thanked her for the gift.
Everything is fine here except for the cigarettes and mail situation. This week we received two pack of cigarettes and much less on the mail, between these two items they have is going nuts. What could be the reason for it, that's what we would like to know.
I am sending you a few photos which were taken by me, most of the pictures were spoiled. However I will borrow a camera from a friend and will try to take some good pictures.
How is everything back home? When do they think this war will end? You people back home know more about this war than we do.
For a change its not raining to-night, its been raining for the past three months. We didn't think it was ever going to clear up. If it would only stay this way for a while we may be able to get rid of all this mud.
There isn't much to say in this letter, so I'll close with the best wishes to all.
Your loving husband
Sal.
P.S Don't forget the cigarettes.
Censored mail Paris Dec 19, 1944
Tues-nite
8.P.M.
Dear Jean,
It's been ten days since I heard from you. I know its not your fault, you are probably having the same trouble.
However I did receive three packages, one from you which had the salami and cookies, one from my friend at the plant and one from Pete and Addie, the latter had a carton of cigarettes. They sure looked good to me. I repaid out of the ten the seven which I had borrowed. Is still in a rampage, it has calmed a bit, maybe
Sal.
P.S. Don't forget to send some cigarettes.
Censored mail Dec 21, 1944
Paris
Dear Jean,
I received a package from you to-day. The one I have been waiting for, it's the one with the cigarettes. Fifteen packs of them.
Tell your dad I said thanks a million. It will help a loot on making Christmas overseas bearable.
This is going to be a short letter, as I wrote you yesterday and I only wanted you and your family to know that I received the cigarettes.
I have not had any letters as yet from anyone, expect some soon though.
I am in the best of health and doing fine. How is everyone home?
Give my love and best wishes to all. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
From
Sal.
Censored mail Paris Dec 22, 1944
Fri-nite 7 P.M.
Dearest Jean, Rain
It has been such a long time since I heard from you that I am wondering if everything is all-right back home. Is everything all right?
Did you ever get those gifts I sent? It seems to me that you should have received them by now.
Between the mail and cigarettes situation its enough to drive us batty. We are still being rationed two packs a week.
I believe I told you in my previous letter that I received the package containing the cigarettes. They sure come in handy. Tell everyone I said "thanks again."
There isn't much doing here, everything is very quiet.
I am feeling fine and in the best of health.
As usual we are kept very busy, trying awfully hard to bring this darn war to an end.
Is my brother Danny home? I think he is supposed to arrive in New York for the holidays. How is my brother Roy making out? Did he go into business yet?
Only three days till Christmas, I can imagine the rush and commotion in New York, everybody doing their shopping.
Are you going to have a tree for the baby? Rather should I say, did you have a tree. If the mail runs true to form you should receive this letter by Easter.
Nothing much to say except to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Take good care of yourself and the baby.
Your loving husband
Sal.
Censored mail Paris Dec 23, 1944
Sat-nite 7P.M.
Clear?
Dearest Jean,
"No letters to-day," you may or may not have heard this song, but it is very popular here in this camp. The only way it can lose its popularity is by he mailman bringing us some letters.
The boys claim I have no reason to complain as I just received two more of your Christmas packages #3 & #4, and furthermore they contained seven packs of cigarettes. Thanks a lot, Honey, you're the bestest wife in the world.
I'll bet you are going to like those baby dresses I sent Lucille, they are real cute. I am trying to get a pair of rosary beads for you, when I do I will send them on to you. Well it has stopped raining, we can hardly believe it. If only it would stay this way foe awhile. The river is behaving pretty good. It just keeps rolling along.
How did you enjoy the Christmas holidays? Not very well I imagine. I am waiting for the day when we will all be around the table, the same as we used to do a long time ago, such a long time ago its seems.
I guess you have read in the papers about the German counter-attack. All we know about it is what we have read also. It doesn't seem to cause too much concern.
Thanks again for the packages, and give my love to all. Give the baby a big kiss for me.
Your loving
Sal.
P.S. I could use some cigarettes. Sil vous plait.
Censored mail Paris Dec 25, 1944
Mon -7. P.M.
Dearest Jean, Cold
To-day is Christmas and what a day. We had thirty children, all orphans over for dinner. In the center of the mess-hall we had a large tree with all the trimmings on it, underneath were all the presents for the kiddies.
The kiddies rushed into our mess-hall all jabbering in French, they hadn't had anything like it for four years, for some it was their first real Christmas. Their ages I believe were from three to six years old.
One little tot, had tears in her eyes, either from joy or sorrow, couldn't exactly make out.
They sat and ate at the same tables with the soldiers. We tried to make conversation with them, the few who spoke French "the soldiers I mean," handled the situation very well.
For dinner we had:-
1- Grapefruit juice
2- Roast turkey
3- mashed Potatoes
4- Baked Carrots
5- Dressing. Gravy
6- Cranberry sauce
7- Bread - butter
8- Canned peaches
9- Pie
10-Coffee
11- Apple
12- Hard candy
Quite a dinner, don't you think!
How was your Christmas dinner? Did you have anyone over?
Everything is going fine, the war situation has improved a little since yesterday, and things are beginning to look bright again.
I received a Christmas card to-day from my sister-in-law Mary, it's the first mail I have had in two weeks. Will try to write her to-night.
Here's hoping you had a pleasant holiday, and give my love to all. Say hello to the baby for me.
Your loving husband
Sal.
Censored mail Dec 26, 1944
Tues-nite
7.P.M.
Dearest Jean,
I received your typewritten letter of December 11, and was pleased to hear from you, its been the first letter I have had in two weeks.
Nice to know that Danny was home for the holidays. Did he have an interesting trip? Did my letter reach him? Are Jimmie and Joe Friscia both in the Dutch East Indies?
I can't seem to visualize Lucille growing up, I can see her as a tiny baby always smiling. That's the only memory I have of her, it's a pleasant memory too.
You don't mention a thing in your letter about the gifts. Didn't you receive them?
You can tell Mom and Pop that they can have the nurse maid job that is until I come home, then, maybe I'll take over. Maybe!
Please don't send me any juices or films, as both are available here in camp.
The weather, the past few days has been cold and clear, not too cold, just enough to pep us up.
Thanks for the cigarettes you have sent and are sending, I could always use them. Tell Larry I said 'thanks' won't you/
Give my best wishes to everyone. Take good care of yourself and the baby.
Happy New Year.
Your loving husband
Sal.
***************
(enclosed: The New York Butchers Dressed Meat Co. thank you for serving
Notice of Masons lodge meeting)
Censored mail Dec 29, 1944
Fri-nite
Paris
Dearest Jean,
The mail situation is still the same, no letters! Don't misunderstand me. I'm not blaming you, I know that you are writing, its just that they are short handed in the post office.
I believe you read in the papers about the Jerries paying us a visit, well they did but the damage was negligible.
There isn't much going on here, everything is nice and peaceful???
I hope your brother Frank will be able to get here on that three day pass. We'll paint the town red. No, I don't need any money.
How is everything back home? Are you all-right: is the baby in the best of health?
I am in the best of health and doing fine. The weather has cleared up, thank God, and the mud is beginning to fade away.
How is pop making out with his pinochle? Still winning I'll bet. Well he'd better win now, because when Frank and I get home we're going to take him broke. Ask Frank if he doesn't agree.
How are mom and Joey? Both of them still working?
Please remember me to all my friends, Roy and Mary, the Garguilo's, Saetta's Helen and her family and my aunt and uncle. Also tell Danny to drop me a line.
Au revoir,
Your loving husband
Sal.
Censored mail Paris Dec 30, 1944
Sat-nite
9 P.M.
Dearest Jean,
It's raining again, darn it. Maybe to-morrow it will clear up. Maybe?
I am still complaining about the mail, not that it does me any good, They are doing the best they can to alleviate the situation.
Haven't heard from Charlie Fontana in a long time. Will write him soon. He may have been moved.
To-morrow night is going to be a wild night in Paris, but I am going to stay in camp. If I change my mind and go to town I will write you and give you a detailed account of the festivities.
One of the boys in our barrack bought a loud speaker and we connected it to the radio in our mess-hall. It has its advantages and dis-advantages, for instance we have to listen in to whatever the cooks decide to tune in on, the advantage is that once they have selected a program the boys in the barrack can't change it. Right now I am listening to excerpts from Carmen broadcast by the B.B.C. symphony orchestra. It kinda makes me homesick. I think when I get home we will have to buy a new radio, a good one too, and some baby furniture for our little girl. And you, well I'll let you decide what you want. As a matter of fact you don't even have to wait till I get home, you may go out now and buy any thing your little heart desires.
And listen, if your mother needs some linens you may let her use ours, after all its up to you as they were given to you. I am still in the best of health and doing fine.
How is my little baby coming along, all-right how are you?
Say pop, do you know I haven't played pinochle since I have been overseas. That's exactly one year. I have played some poker and have been pretty lucky. Guess I'm due for a losing streak. So what that's all this money is good for, for gambling. You can't buy anything with it as everything is so expensive.
It is getting late Jean so I will have to sign off, not without saying "Happy New Year to all."
Your loving husband
Sal.
1945 1945 1945 1945 1945 1945 1945 1945 1945 1945 1945
Paris, France
June 14, 1945
Dear Jean,
Haven't received any mail from anyone as yet, can't imagine what is holding it up.
Larry surely must be home by this time. How is he, how does he look?
I notice here in Paris so many boys from Frank's division that I am beginning to doubt if he is on his way home as yet. I incidentally I have written to him but have not had an reply.
It seems strange to be here in France now that the war has ended. Don't have to worry about the Jerries bombing us. Everything is so nice and peaceful.
The French have begun to rebuild their country, it's a slow process though due to the shortage of material transportation and food. As one Frenchman told me," its very difficult to do a hard says work knowing that when you go home there will not be enough to eat for you and your family."
I am wondering if you have received the rosary beads and jacket as yet. Also let me know when you receive the check for the baby.
How about that other watch, were you able to get it fixed. If so send it on to me. Also see if you can't buy a couple of cheap wristwatches on Canal st and send them to me. When you do, let m know what you paid for them. I sold the last one you sent me for $30, hence a gift for the baby. One other thing make sure they are men's watches.
How is everyone home? How are you and my baby Lucille. Am thinking of you constantly.
Lots of love
Your loving
Sal.
Western Union Telegram June 28, 1945
HAVING A SWELL TIME WISH YOU WERE HERE FROM FRANK PAT AND SAL WILL WRITE
(No envelope) Paris, France
July 7, 1945
Dear Jean,
I have three or four of your letters which I am going to get to answer to-night. It has been quite difficult answering letter of late, because of the numerous inspections we are having now. I guess they have to give us something to do, just to keep us busy.
Is Larry out of the Marines for good, or is he stationed in the states?
Tell Larry that the only thing keeping me here now is 3100 miles of water.
However as you know from one of my letters we are scheduled to return to the States sometime in November. That is if -- this is the catch, if they don't change our orders. Most of the boys seem to think that we will be home before Christmas.
Before I go any further I would like to ask you to send me some cigarettes as I am completely out again. I have the darnedest time trying to keep myself in cigarettes. You needn't send me any food.
How is Dan making out? I did want to write him but I am never sure if his address. I hope he understands.
Frank and I had quite a time in Paris as you already know. We had quite a chat about Nancy husband Jim. Glad to hear that he is now home. Say 'hello ' to him for me.
I am enclosing the withdrawal slip as requested. Hope you know what you are doing.
I wish you wouldn't tell people that the perfume is for sale because the way I feel now, I don't believe I will sell any of it.
I received your letter containing the photo's of the baby's party. Seems as if everyone had a goodtime, The baby seems to be coming along fine too. Does she always smile, the way she used to, or has she changed.
In answer to yours of June 23rd I am glad that you received the rosary beads and the jacket. Nice to know that everyone liked the beads. Everything is so expensive here that it is difficult to pick out a suitable gift for anyone.
Gosh, I hadn't noticed Tessie in the picture, and her Barbara, they both seem to be doing well. Say hello to her for me, also to Marion and the rest of the gang.
Jean, I am really sorry that I missed up on your birthday. But you can help yourself to as much perfume as you wish and call it a birthday present from me to you.
You don't need an answer to your question of coming here, as I've told you that we are coming to the States.
Wish your people lots of luck with their new home.
I am terribly sorry to hear about Mary and Josie, tell them I wish them both a speed recovery.
I am enclosing the pictures Frank and I had taken and they seem to have come out pretty good. No explanation is necessary as they speak for themselves. I'm sure you are all anxious to see them. Frank really looked good and was expecting to be home within a month.
So - long, love to the baby and everyone else.
Good night my love
Your
Sal.
Paris France
July 10, 1945
Dear Jean,
Received two of your letters dated the 3rd one dated the 4th and your 'Hello' card to-day.
I think it is a very pretty card and quite appropriate. I also received a letter from my company, and one from Frank. He is still in Germany.
Say don't go digging up any more relatives for me. The only ones who interest me are my aunt and uncle. Don't start looking up my family tree, I'm afraid of what you may find.
I am sorry if I caused any undue alarm by my cablegram. I didn't mean to.
I have your letter telling me that you sent me a cablegram also. No cablegram as yet. Stick to writing letters honey, its quicker and much cheaper.
In one of my other letters, I enclosed the withdrawal slip and some photos of Frank and I. Don't expect you received the this date.
Say you really remember dates, I'm not very good at that, it goes back to my history class when the teacher told us to disregard the dates as they were unimportant. I realize now how wrong he was.
Another piece about my relatives in your letter if the 4th Ugh!
Give my best wishes to your aunt Rosaria and her entire family, also the Caliendos and Danolfos.
You may not hear from me as often as you are accustomed to, but don't let it worry you. I've explained why, its because of these darned inspections. To-day we had one by the General. Wonder if he ever has to stand inspection.
I am getting along fine and in the best of health. Haven't heard anything about my company going home as yet, that is nothing official.
Don't forget to send me some cigarettes and the watche as I requested, if possible.
Best of luck and love to my darling wife and baby.
Yours
Sal.
P.S. Hope you got that long you were wishing for.
***************************
(Souvenir de Paris post card in an American Red Cross Envelope) Paris, France
July 18, 1945
To my dear Baby Lucille,
Hope this finds you in the best of health and good cheer.
Your loving Daddy
(To my dear wife post card in an American Red Cross envelop)
Paris, France
July 18, 1945
Dear Jean,
A few words to let you know that I am in the best of health. Hope to be home for Christmas.
Au revoir
Sal.
(Loving Greetings post card in an American Red Cross envelop)
**********************************
Paris, France
July 18, 1945
Dear Mom and Pop
Hope you are all in the best of health and that I shall be home soon.
Your son- in law
Sal.
Via air mail 6cents Paris, France
July 18, 1945
Dear Jean,
I have before me three of your letters dated July 7, 8, and 11th Will try to answer all of them in order.
Those pictures of the baby are real good . Gosh, she is changing so, that I hardly recognize her. However I do recognize the two other kids as the ones who live beneath you.
Tell Helen not too bad about Frank not writing, he is kept on the go all the time and hardly had time to write.
Sorry to hear that your dad is so sick hope he shows signs of improving.
Wish you would send me those watches and don't forget to include some cigarettes. Try to make it as soon as possible.
O.K. when I get back I will call you up, when _________?
Frank and I really had a swell time, don't worry everything was kept above board. We had some good clean fun.
That three day pass was really a stroke of luck and it came in handy. I haven't taken any furlough as yet, If I wish I may go to either Paris, the Riviera England or Switzerland, the last one is a new addition. I am going to wait and see if the put Italy on the list.
The Tahiti is a night club in the Montmartre section of Paris. They have swell music and it is quite expensive. For instance orangeade $1.40 a glass, Cognac $1.80 per glass, and champagne is $14.00 per bottle. Very expensive joint.
That Folies Bergere was really something, its only for men to discuss.
Honest, all we did was eat spaghetti at that girls home, anyway she had a crush for Frank not me, and he didn't have time to capitalize on it. It was his last day in Paris.
It's really good news to hear that Larry is getting out of the army and so is Frank. I can't tell you when Frank is coming home as he wants to surprise all of you. It won't be long.
No neither of us cried when we met each other we were to overjoyed for that. Frank has lost some of his hair, and I believe he is conscious of it, but, it isn't as bad as he thinks.
There isn't anyway of you knowing when I am coming home as my outfit at present is not with any division or army. We were with the 3rd army, We have always operated alone and have had to take care of ourselves. Without help from anyone.
When I get back to the Stated I don't believe I will get a discharge, because I think my company is going to be re-deployed to the Pacific, but the fellows with the high points may be stationed in the Stated somewhere. I don't know if I will go to the Pacific or remain in the States.
Glad to hear that everything is fine at home. The baby is looking swell.
Don't you worry about the French gals, you're my wife aren't you. That ought to be enough.
Your loving
Sal.
Via air mail 6 cents July 26, 1945
Paris, France
Dear Jean,
Haven't had a letter from you in over a week. How is everything home; and how is the baby? Is your dad any better, how about yourself and the rest of the gang.
Have you had any news from Frank as yet!
As you know there isn't much doing here now that the fighting had ended.
I have some news for you. Yesterday I was interviewed for a broadcast to the States. I made a recording for Station W.M.C.A. as it is to be broadcast shortly. After the broadcast you may write to the station to which you are listening and they will send a transcription on to you.
Please let my aunt and uncle know about it also my brother Roy and my other friends whom you may think are interested. I am the second one to go on.
The station will notify you of the time and day of the broadcast.
How is the cigarette situation? Are you sending any to me? I am running short.
Nothing more to say except take care of yourself and hope to be seeing you soon.
Your loving husband
Sal.
Air mail 6 cents August 1, 1945
Paris, France
Dear Jean,
Received two of your letters dated July 31 and 25th.
I was sorry to hear that Frank won't be home for awhile. But that's the way this army works.
You ask about the weather here, well - we have been having some real nice weather, much better than we ever had in New York.
I can't understand why you are trying to get three rooms and how you are going to keep them up, if as you say you are having financial trouble now. However its O.K. with me.
This is in answer to your letter of the 25th.
You shouldn't worry about not hearing from me very often, as a matter of fact I have been waiting to hear from you before writing, perhaps that is the reason for the delay.
I am sorry to hear that you were and still are so sick. Don't worry about the money end of it. Spend every darn penny if you have to, and if need be cash the bonds.
How much do you owe on the furniture? Instead of putting it in storage we should have sold it.
Say how the heck did you ever get ulcers of the stomach? I was surprised to hear that. According to your accounts you are coming along all-right.
Another thing you don't have to worry about. Is me going to the Pacific.
According to latest reports we are now in category 'A'- which means army of occupation. That of course is subject to change. In spite of all this our C.O. still insists that we will be home for this Christmas. We hope he is right.
Have you heard my broadcast? If so what did you think of it.
Don't know if I will get a chance to see Frank if I do. I will surely ask him, as you requested, in a diplomatic way, of course.
Glad to hear that Dan is getting out of the sea lanes, and becoming a civilian again. Give him my best wishes. Also glad to hear that Larry will be out soon. My best wishes to him also.
Here's hoping this letter finds you in better spirits. Don't worry about the money and take good care of yourself till I get home, then I'll do the worrying. My best wishes to the baby and all my friends.
Yours ,as ever
Sal.
Paris, France
August 5, 1945
Dear Jean,
Received yours of the 28th of July a few days ago. I am surprised to hear that you haven't been receiving my mail. Of course I have written you more than one letter for the month of July. Can't imagine what is happening to the mail.
You have nothing to worry about as I am in the best of heath and doing fine.
Furloughs to Italy have been approved, which means that I will be able to go.
So gather up all the information you can and send it on to me. If you have any friends you want me to look up let me know. Ask Red Massini and his wife also as I may get a chance to see her folks. Give them my best wishes , won't you.
Something else, I was speaking to one of the officers in reference to you being sick, and he said that if you go to the Red-cross they may send me home on a thirty day furlough, that is besides the one to Italy. If you are still sick see what you can do. However don't expect too much.
Excuse me honey, but the chow bugle us sounding off, see you in a little while--
Well - I had some chow and it was pretty good. Here's the menu- Bologna, salami., cheese, mashed potatoes corn, lettuce and tomato salad, sweet pickles, pineapple, bread, butter and iced-tea. Darn good supper, don't you think?
Haven't you received the bank draft as yet? How about my broad-cast, have you heard it yet?
How is my other baby coming along? Is she all-right?
I hope Frank does get to Paris again. He is foolish to worry about his hair, as it really isn't as bad as he makes it.
Don't forget to send me the information I requested also some cigarettes if that is possible.
Bye bye for a while
Yours as ever
Sal.
Because these Germans were walking with their arms resting on their heads. They were already prisoners, some Yanks had captured them and were walking them down from the front.
I didn't even stay to finish my coffee, I drove out, and didn't stop until I was safe in Paris.
Guess your husband will never make one of those bold dashing heroes as the movies depicts.
Well Jean that's all for now.
Give my best wishes to all.
Much to late to for me to send your dad a birthday card so wish him for me a happy Birthday. Oh yes, and also my brother Roy. To-day is his birthday.
Best wishes again from your loving husband
Sal.
Air mail 6 cents Paris, France
August 15, 1944
Dear Jean,
I have five of your letters before me one postmarked the 7th, two are of the 8th and the others of the 10th that is pretty good service. Will try to answer your letters in the order received.
Too bad you are having such bad weather in New York. This Paris weather is really beautiful. We get a hot sun all say, then it cools off at night. It is ideal weather.
I still have the negatives of those pictures, which I will bring home with me.
I hope that package with the cigarettes and watch get here soon. And keep on sending me some cigarettes, Thanks a million honey.
Give my regards likewise to Frenchie and her sister,
Looks like your hunch was right , I'll be home this year, so will most of the other boys.
You ask how the soap situation is here, well it's very scarce, and if you can possibly do so send some on to me, that is face soap and it don't make any difference how cheap it is.
Don't let them kid you about me and these French gals. Its not as bad as they make it. Gosh I don't know what to write about concerning you and the baby to help your morale. All I can say is that I love you both very much.
I think you had better start looking for rooms, as I think I will be home in six months. However take your time and don't rush into any bad rooms.
I am sorry if I gave you the impression that I was mad about you spending the money. I was not, as I expected you to use the money , knowing that what you were getting was not enough. As far as that money in the credit union, you can use that too if you need it! Don't worry about the furniture, I will take care if that .
No, I haven't heard from Frank since he went to England. I'll drop him a line.
Surprised to hear that you havent heard my broadcast as yet. Maybe they won't even use it now that the war is over. I have a copy of the script somewhere, when I find it I will send it to you.
Guess by the time you receive this letter V.J. day will be official.
We were told today by our depat commander that as soon as we clean up this place we will go home. Now don't get the idea that we have very little to do, instead we have this place packed with materials which were supposed to have gone to the Pacific., now we don't know what to do with it. It will take us a few months to clean it up. Then we will be on our way home, Till then keep your chin up, and for God's sake don't worry "I still love you".
I have another request to make its not for me though, its for an eleven year old French boy. He is a boy scout and he lacks a hat, so I promised him I would write you to see what could be done. If my memory is in order, and I think it is , one of my cousins either Jimmy or Tony had one of those Boy scout hats, if they have no use for it please send it on to me. Or if that's not possible try to buy one. I am sure this kid would appreciate it. Don't be afraid to fold up the hat when making the package.
Well, Jean take care of the baby and give my best wishes to all and sure hope to see you all soon.
Sure I love you, you dope.
Yours, your husband
Sal.
Air mail 6 cents Paris, France
August 18, 1945
Dear Jean,
Received yours of the 13th to-day that is darn good service. Your letter made better time than mine.
You say in your letter that you are trying to get me home on a dependency discharge. That would have been a good idea if the war had not ended. This is my advice, just wait and see what happens I believe that by the time the papers went through, I would be well on my way home. Anyway I would much rather get an honorable discharge with no strings attached. As much as I would like to get home at this time I think that the best thing to do would be to wait a few more months. It shouldn't be to long now.
Nice to know that my Uncle Angelo comes down to see you once on a while. How did those seeds come out which I had sent him. Am anxious to know.
If you wish you may send me your dads folks address, and if possible will try to see them. As yet I don't know when I am going on this furlough.
What in heck do you expect me to do no the Isle of Capri, sing a song. O.K. I'll try to find out what inspired the composer.
Don't expect to much from my broadcast, you may be disappointed.
Give Livia and her husband my best wishes. Hope they have plenty of luck.
I had a letter from Charlie to-day. He didn't have much to say except that he too is taking life easy.
Well Jean, not much more to say, except that I am in the best of health and doing fine, also waiting patiently for the day when I may come home.
How are you a; - feeling any better? How is my little baby? Is she O.K.?
Give my best wishes to all and hope to be seeing them all real soon.
Yes I love you_________________
Yours as ever
Sal.
Air mail 12 cents August 25, 1945
Paris, France
Dear Jean,
Received your air mail of the 21st of August, this evening. The service is really improving. You're not getting as good service with my mail, are you!
I received Reds, and his wife's picture. It I go to Italy I will try my best to see them. However I wish you would explain to them, that as yet I am not sure, whether or not I will get the furlough.
Hey, you stay away from those young boys, the idea of kissing boys. Guess, I will have to forgive you this time. Seeing as it was in celebration of the ending of the war. Something like the liberation of Paris, wasn't it!
Sorry to hear that your pop was in an accident, Lucky he wasn't hurt, and may be - he may get a new truck on the deal. I hope so.
I'm afraid that your hunch concerning my getting home for September, isn't going to come true.
We could never clean this place out by that time. Best predictions are that we should have this place empty by December, the more pessimistic think it will be March.
Don't you worry because, now the war is over and the next stop is going to be home sweet home.
Glad to hear that you are sending me some more cigarettes. Keep sending them till yell quits. I realize that it is very difficult for you to get them and also bothersome, but cigarettes here mean more than money, and yes, more than food too. So please eliminate the food. If you must fill in the package use either soap or candy bars. I would like to give you a better explanation but I simply can't.
Don't worry about the broad-cast, write to the station and they will send you a record. Incidentally I am enclosing the original script for the broad-cast. We were not permitted to send any personal messages, just in case you are wondering.
Don't worry about Frank, he'll be coming home soon. Haven't heard from him since he went to England.
Well give my best wishes to my brothers Dan and Roy and the latters family. Also my best to you and yours. To the baby especially and to all my friends.
Yup. I love you_____ guess I'm not much of a romantisist. Bet I've even spelt it wrong.
So long my love
Your loving
Sal.
(enclosure)
Demby wmca 25 July
Demby The Engineers have been said to be one of the most active units in the war… and Pfc. Salvatore Acito of 1978 West 4th Street, Brooklyn, is a member of this valuable branch of service. Sal - when did you receive your best news from home?
Sal I guess that was when my wife wrote to me that my kid was starting to talk.
Demby Boy or girl - and how old..
Sal A girl - and twenty five months.
Denby What do you do at your engineer depot?
Sal Right now we're processing spare parts for the Pacific. While the war was going on we were rushing gears, tires, batteries, carburators, half tracks and tons of other stuff for the combat engineers.
Demby I understand you drive a truck for your outfit. What was your most interesting job.
Sal Going to Metz when General Patton's armies were bogged down around that city. One of the general's enlisted men was at our depot gathering the parts that were needed. The Third Army was in such a hurry, that the enlisted man went to our officer and I was dispatched to race supplies to Metz. And brother that was some ride. I had to day and night - and the roads were bad. Frankly, I don't know how I made it - I couldn't use the lights at night. But I guess I'm just lucky.
Demby How many points have you?
Sal 63... But I have luck, I'll be home before the year's end - I bet!! I hope!! Air mail 6 cents Paris, France
August 29, 1945
Dear Jean,
Received two of your letters yesterday which were postmarked the 24th. Service is really improving. I also received a letter from Mary which I will try to answer to night.
Very sorry to hear of all the misfortune which come to Mary and her Lucille. It is nice to know that they are now well on the way to recovery.
That is a cute picture that you sent of Lucille #1 - my but she has grown quite a bit. I hope our Lucille, takes after her cousin in all respects as Lucille #1 - was always a well behaved and mannerly girl, and one whom you could always reason with. How is Roy making out with Pat? Why doesn't he go up to my former place, I imagine he would earn more money there, and less hours too.
Mary suggests that Roy and I go into some sort of business. Actually I still have intentions of buying a small farm. All I need is the money. Its funny but while the war was going on it never entered my mind, but now that its all over, that bug is beginning to bite me again. Maybe Roy will get a place near us somewhere.
Say what kind of a car had Roy anyway. Is it in good shape? We may have to borrow it for awhile that is if he will let us have it, - when I get home.
I haven't received the package you sent me as yet. Here's another request for more cigarettes. Thanks.
I think it is beginning to look as if I may get a chance to go to Italy after all. Will let you know as soon as something definite develops.
Glad to know that you received the request for the Boy scout hat. When I told the kid that I had written for one he was overjoyed. Then he seemed to have some misgivings as if it was too good to be true.
I'm afraid you are being optimistic when you say you expect me home next month. Figure on four or five months then you won't be disappointed.
Gosh, I haven't forgotten Lucille, I have been looking around for a long time trying to get something for her. A dress for her if cheap materials would cost from $60- to $100-. I wish you or Mary would give me an idea just what to get her. It would most certainly be a gift from me.
Here's my idea of the projects. I hate all the projects especially the one where Pete and Ade live. The rooms are nice and so are the neighbors but its proximity to Greenwich village appalls me. Sorry my opinion differs with yours.
V-J day was not a big day here very little celebration. Nothing to compare with V.E. It was just another day to us.
What is Danny doing now? Is he looking around for a job. When is he going to be married? Give him and her my best wishes.
Also remember me to Mom and dad and my little Lucille.
Here's hoping I'll be home soon__________
Your loving husband
Sal.
Air mail 6 cents Paris, France
August 31, 1945
Dear Jean,
Your package containing the cigarettes, the watch and the food arrived yesterday, and in excellent condition, Also when I needed the cigarettes badly. Thanks a million honey. I wish however that you wouldn't send me any food, as we are getting enough to eat. I wore the watch all day to-day and it keeps good time, therefore I may keep it for myself.
Here's another idea, have you any old gold rings that you don't need, if so send them on to me in your next package. I believe you have a gold ring of mine with my initials engraved on it, send that also. Thanks again.
I have been trying to get Lucille something, but no luck as yet.
Well according to the papers most of us boys should be home this winter I hope its true.
I am in the best of health and doing fine. How are you and the baby? Are you feeling any better? Just take things easy for awhile, and I'm sure you will be all-right.
There isn't much more to say from here, except I hope to see all of you real soon. My love to all.
Yours as always
Sal.
Paris, France
Sept 7, 1945
Dear Jean,
Received your anniversary card, It is a very pretty card and quite appropriate. Also received your letter of Aug 28.
It's great news to hear that Larry is home at last. I believe that we will all be home at Christmas time. Its been an awfully long time, hasn't it.
That new address you are moving to, is that the home your folks purchased. Tell them I wish them the best of luck.
I received one of your packages; the one with the watch. But I wrote you about it in my last letter. Will let you know as soon as the other one arrives.
Wish you are successful in getting that scout hat as I'm sure this Grench kid would appreciate it.
So Dan got a ring from his gal. He's a lucky guy. When is he going to be married?
Larry is getting himself all togged out. Well he deserves it after being away so long. Say, how are my clothes. Are they in good shape. I'll be needing them soon, you know.
Which reminds me, I wish you would sort out my books, I believe you know the ones I like, and pick out the ones you like and throw the rest of them away. Don't be bashful neither. We have a hell of a lot of junk that we will have to dispose of. You use your own discretion anything that you think we won't need or can't use throw it away.
Sorry I couldn't send you anything for an anniversary present, and I'm afraid I will have to disappoint Mary and Lucille also. I can't find a thing for her. I'll keep on trying though.
I had a day off yesterday, and when I came back to camp they told me that Frank was in Paris, he had called up my orderly room. But I was too late as Frank had already left. I'll see him in Brooklyn soon.
I am getting along fine. Not much to do except to eat sleep and play and oh yes, those darn inspections.
Most of us boys are waiting around just hoping that they will decide to send us home.
Well it's the same old ending - Give my best wishes to your mom, dad, Joey Larry, my brothers Dan and Roy and all my other friends.
Take especial care of Lucille and yourself.
Yours as ever
Sal.
P.S. I sent you three of the most popular songs here in Paris in a special envelope.
Airmail 6 cents Paris, France
Sept 9, 1945
Dear Jean,
Received your letter of Sept 3 and also your package containing the cigarettes and olives and soup. Thanks a lot honey. The package arrived in fairly good shape. Although a little the worse for wear. However the contents were in good shape.
There is talk of us getting an increase of three packs in our rations right now we are allowed seven per week. Here's a request for more cigarettes, in case the post office clerk wants to see it.
By the way do we still have to request our packages? I am curious to know.
I realize to-morrow is our anniversary - so here's hoping you a pleasant one.
Things are beginning to happen here. I believe this week our company is to be sent to Germany - as army of occupation but I will not go with them, instead I expect to be sent to an outfit which is due to go home. Now don't get excited, all this takes time, I may be home for Christmas if not, surely in February.
I'll be seeing you soon, hon.
Talking about Eddie and his wife looking for rooms, if its that tough, where in heck are we going to live. Keep your eyes open for rooms.
Danny ought not to worry about those tatoo's he should leave me alone. When is he going to be married?
Give my best to my brothers and Mary and the kids. Also my little big girl and take care of yourself.
Love to all
Yours forever
Sal.
P.S. Sorry can't find a gift for Lucille.
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