Free mail
La Junta CO Nov. 9, 1943
Dear Friend:
I sat myself down, pencil in hand to typewrite a letter to you. Pardon
the ink as I have no crayon.
I don't live where I used to live because I moved to where I live now.
(Don't look at my return address, now.) When When you want to write to
me, you can ask anyone where I live because no one knows anyhow. I'm
sorry we live so far together I wish we're closer apart.
We are having more weather this year than last year.
I started for Kansas to visit you, but on the way I saw a sign saying
"This Takes You to Kansas," So I got on the sign and waited three hours
but the darn thing wouldn't move.
I am mailing you my coat by express. I cut off the buttons to make it
lighter and put them in the pocket.
If you don't get this letter let me know and I will mail it back.
Sincerely
A Moron
P.S. Enclosed you will find a picture of myself but for fear of losing
it, I took it out.
………………………………...............................................
Gosh, but you do call me the nicest names. I like that "igneranter".
I've got a dictionary in my locker (it's a nice place to keep it) and
every time I come across a word I'm not so sure of, I'm nowhere near
that dictionary, therefore I substitute another word or else hope you
don't notice it but it seems you let nothing pass you by. Now, that's
not fair.
Slaving hours? It's downright disgusting, humiliating, shameful, unjust;
why it's moider! I can't get enough sleep these days. Up at 4:30A.M.
Now, is that a human thing to do to us. You're lucky there wasn't any
flying last night and I'm up pretty early today so as to catch up on my
writing. If in the future my letters are delayed, don't blame me, cuss
that Colonel for it. He's the one who is doing all this to us. So you
don't sympathize with my having to dress up for a beer. You don't seem
to understand. Have you never felt like wanting to stay in your house
dress after a hard hays work. After all who are we to make an impression
for? There's no one around but ourselves. And besides a gentleman is
born not made. I just try being myself. That's all. Is there anything
wrong in that?
So I got yer scaired, eh? I thought I would so don't you go a-warning me
either. I'm taking lesson in pistoling. Just the other day I was out on
the range and hit the bull's eye three times. Yes, three times…. What do
you say to that,…. Never mind the other shots, I still can't find them.
After that Sloan's Liniment, my bones feel O.K. now I never wanted yo'
whiskey no how. I'm not a drinking man, I'm not.
So the time has arrived for Charlie, poor Charlie no wonder he hasn't
written to me about it lately because it's got him worried. I'm just
wondering how he'd take to it. Let me know in what branch of the service
your brother Joe is getting in.
You're not gibing me a break at all when you have Lucille listen on
concertos and such. What kind of an impression will I make when playing
the piano for her. So "Ma' is her first word, eh! She sure knows what
side of the bread her butter is on. Smart kid. So you practice with her
all the time. I bet she's got you goo-gooing all over the place.
That was very nice of your girl friends to send their regards to me. Do
the same for me , will you?
I'm anxiously a-waiting that picture you're promising to send; now don't
disappoint me. I want to show her off to all my friends as my niece. You
won't mind? You see. Merry lies a Milly and Emma has a Angie. And I must
have a Lucille.
Yes I must admit you are getting fresh…. Fresh as a daisy. Nice
compliment huh.
Now I must tell you something about our last parade. It stunk. We were
in a column of six when we started "passing review" so that by the time
we made our turn and started down again we winded up as a column of
five. What happened to that sixth line is a mystery and they've got
someone on the case now, going through the whole thing with us once a
week for two hours to solve the case, Yea. It's on our own time too.
After all we have no time of our own , it all belongs to the army. All
we sing now is "I'm just a slave to you".
There is a great change going on around here. They are shoveling the
boys around, some end up in the guard squadron and other's may go on
the line and be transferred to 1010 squadron. So far I am still on the
same job and won't know for how long it will be .Maybe they'll keep me
there. Anyway by next week I may know for certain.
Shall I talk about the weather? All I can say for it, is that it's cold.
And when I say cold I mean cold.
I have arrived at the point where I must end this letter, as much as I
regret to do so, it must be and so I say farewell for the present and
regards to your family and love to my little darling. I remain as usual
Your friend
Tony
P.S. You must forgive all the "I"s and the "me's". After reading it over
it sounded quite conceited but it's not meant to be that way. Wonder if
a letter could be written without any "I"s. Have you ever tried it?
Free mail
Bell System stationery
Written at the Telephone Center
Provided here by the Mountain States Telephone & Telegraph Co.
Nov. 20, 1943
Dear Jean:
This may turn out to be a short letter but my mind is a bit distracted
and somehow I 'm trying my best to answer you letter. For the past weeks
I've been in the slums and when I got your letter it sort of cheered me
up a great deal. I'm so glad for you and Sal and it was nice getting
that extension. But let me explain myself why I've felt so down lately.
There's been transfers going on all over the base. About thirty boys
went on the line (1010sq) and four of us (I included) went to the Guard
Squadron. Although regulations has it that L.S. boys are exempt from
guard duty they persisted on playing dumb. Trying to get us to do it.
I've been going to the hospital and haven't gotten any direct
satisfaction but they have not as yet put me on altho' the other boys
went on today. We shall se tomorrow whether or not I go on but will try
not to. If only they had an investigation on the field of the going on ,
surely many will have to answer some embarrassing questions but as it is
what doesn't get out of the base, they needn't worry any. Just now I am
sweating it out and will not give up no matter what happens. I've made
up my mind and try my best to find out ways of getting that discharge.
Before I close I wish to state that Sal wrote while on his furlough and
expect to hear from him soon . I can imagine how happy you've felt
during those two weeks. I'm glad your brother was deferred. He should be
happy over it. I'll try to make my next letter , more cheerful . Just
now you must forgive this hasty letter cause I can't think straight.
Regards to all
Tony
Free mail
La Junta CO Sat. Dec. 4, 1943
Dear Jean:
And so I delay again in answering your letter. It's a good thing you've
got an understanding heart and such a forgiving nature about you that it
makes it easier for me to explain and hope you shall bear with me for
the present as I do not know just how long all this will keep up. As
your own brother often has written to you, I too. Keep saying "Tomorrow
-- tomorrow" but, oh what a difference in our positions still these
petty things can be awful annoying and can cause about as much misery
and discomfort to a person that even life seems or appears to make me
wonder. Just at present I had to sneak off to write this letter to you
and it may be interrupted often, If so, and this letter appearing
disconnected; you will understand why. Just doing K.P…. Why? I wish I
really knew but I have my suspicions.
You say not to get discouraged. I wish it were as easy as that. I guess
I'm too serious at times about life and human nature and this army is
just spoiling all the good things a man feels for and loses faith in
both mankind and all that's around him. I just look forward to the day
when all this will be over. I want so much to get back and make up the
things I've should have done when I had my chance. Did we ever stop and
wonder how our mother's felt. Their youth gone and all those precious
years of toil and anguish, all of their strength. Their love, their
care, .. For us… and in return we gave them more heartaches and worries,
petty arguments which could have been avoided. I can really feel now
just how they feel about us .Yes, I'm homesick. Funny, one of my age to
get this way. Can't understand why I get so sentimental. This is more of
girl stuff than man.
I see where Frank is going through a lot. I can wonder at all he must
have written to you. We often look at postcards and pictures in
magazines thinking, what a gorgeous place this town or that country is
wishing we could visit it. Yet, beauty is found in our hearts making any
town that we wish to appear beautiful to us but at present all those
countries at war is shamefully destroyed.
Sal has written and he spoke about Lucille. He'd rather have me see her
for myself. I'll try to answer his letter too, if possible. After I' m
through with this one.
Yes , my furlough is overdue and I won't be able to get one for a long
time. This new squadron that I'm in is hard to get leave so I must do
without one at present. But let me explain just what's happened:
I've been transferred to the Guard Squadron. You will see my new address
on the envelope. We moved in (four of us) on a Tuesday and for two
days we studied up on interior guard. In those two days I went to the
hospital to complain and although I'm certain I shouldn't do guard, they
are trying to Shanghai me. Even the hospital passes the buck now.
Anyway, on Thursday, the fellows went on Guard and I waited . Then
Saturday I heard I was to do one weeks K.P. That is ,from Sunday to
following Saturday, the hours are from 4A.M. to 8:30 or 9P.M. There were
two others with me too. Then came the last day and I saw that I or we
was on again for another week. It's getting tiresome but no one seems to
care whether or not we get enough sleep. The usual psycology is being
used such as: "Someone has to do it" or "Try the best you can " or else
the old reliable "If that's the attitude you're taking, we won't do
nothing for you." Oh human rats, can such really exist even among doctors?
I must close, try and have patience. I won't be able to answer too soon
unless things change for I fear I've got another week coming. They do
the same to these other boys who were with me so it can't be that they
have it in for me. Give my love to Lucille and best of regards to you
and all at home. Remember me to your brothers when you write to them .
Tony
Free mail
La Junta CO Dec 11, 1943
Dear Jean:
Received your letter and after reading it through I come to realize that
I must bet you to it. I keep trying to make good and somehow we get
little for our pains. I ask for no reward but the least they can do is
not to treat us like we were orphans. I mean the Limited Service men. It
is well known how we've been shoved around ever since we came into this
army. As for patriotism. We have but to remove the cloak and we would
soon discover the truth although I think it's best not to know the truth
for then life would have no significance whatsoever. Better to go on
pretending and hoping soon it will be over.
You said that you were looking for a shoulder to weep on. Well, I should
of offered mine rather than pour more troubles upon yours. I, many a
times , keep humming that aria from Madame Butterfly "One fine day" and
wonder at the many wifes' and mothers' who are doing the same thing.
Hoping and praying that they too will see their ship entering their
harbor of love and welcoming their loved ones back. Oh what a glorious
moment that day when they come marching home again.
Many of us could be used for important work but instead many of us are
really wasted out here. After this war you will hear and know a lot
more. Just now a war is going on so we all go on doing what we believe
is our part in this war. Do you know that the one trip I made to Russia
has done more good to the war effort than the 15 months I've been in the
army. I'd rather be back with all the danger than to waste my time here.
But let me thank you for the wonderful xmas card you sent me and the one
Lucille sent too was a cute one. I really like that picture of Lucille.
She is a dear & I'm showing her off to the boys as my niece. They like
her. Is she always smiling? How cheerful and happy she fells. I know
what, every time I feel like things are not going my way I shall gaze
upon her happy face. Just at present I am listening to Tristan and
Isolde and I miss those weekly operas. Out here it starts at noon and at
one I must fall out in formation.
I was put on K.P. for a third week but on the second day I was replaced
by one of the new boys who came into the squadron with several other
boys. About two of them got Medical excuses and Tomorrow we will all be
on K.P. again. Oh, well, call me the K.P. kid from now on. I'll make the
best of it somehow for it all has to come to an end soon. It can't last
forever anyway.
A few of the new boys just came in and I hear from them that they are
going on Tomorrow night as M.P.'s.
I hardly see Merry and Emma these days although Emma has been on K.P.
last week. There will be many boys we will remember perhaps meet again
in the future.
Did I tell you that we went out on the range and fired the carbine and
what a wonderful piece of firearm it is too. We kept no score and fired
just to get the feel of the gun. We fired at all different positions.
Today we got pills at the hospital. They're supposed to be for colds and
it appears that they weren't satisfied with giving us one. They had to
give us four of them. We joked about them as if they were concentrated
food pills saying, that was a tough piece of steak, and etc.
So much is in the wind that I feel something is sure to pop soon but
don't know exactly what it will be. Many may go overseas. Perhaps they
may reduce this field to it's minimum.
Plenty of snow and so far we've had it every Thursday. Quite cold too.
I do not really know as yet what they intend doing with us boys that
they can't use for guard duty. Maybe they may keep us awhile and then
again they may transfer us back to our old squadron. I do hope they
transfer us off the base to some other field. Maybe we may get a better
brake somewhere else. The future can only tell what's in store for us.
I have little time left so after writing my own xmas greeting to you
from time to time at it comes to me I shall mail this letter.
To Lucille & Jean:
Often as I sit and ponder
Of that day when first we met,
Little then, did I wonder
That in you I found a friend
Now that war has called us off
To wage a battle 'gainst our foe
Life has blessed you with a joy
I hope it's love will stay & grow
To greet us on that happy day
When we come home
Nevermore to roam.
Happy holidays to you and my
little sweetheart
From Friend Tony
Free mail
La Junta CO envelope dated Dec 17, 1943
(Card)
At CHRISTMAS
To Jean:
Sincere
Christmas Greetings
And may you be happy
Today, tomorrow,
And always!
From
A Friend
(over)
Dear Jean:
Just received a card stating that perhaps Sal has left for overseas
duty. In this darkest hour I realize how you must feel so keep in mind
one thing "This too shall pass"
I wish to offer words of courage but all I can say is "Chin Up". I'm
sorry for one thing' I wish I could have been with Sal too. Remember one
thing, this can't last much longer so good cheer.
As usual
Tony
Free mail
La Junta CO Dec. 19, 1943
Dear Jean:
Glad to hear that you enjoyed that poem although I didn't think it would
pass then cencor.
I will first discuss our view-points on the out come of this present
conflict with you. It is true that we have hardly covered much ground in
the past two years. But remember one thing (look it up if you must), the
Germans weren't far during their last major drive in World War I from
Paris when within a few months she crumbled and surrendered. Already
there are signs that her saterlites are weakening and trying to break
away from her. Weather conditions has been our worst enemy so far that
it has hindered our drives towards the enemy countries. No, friend, it
isn't ground that counts so much but airfields so that we can pound hell
out of these barbarians.
At present our allies, the Russians are not so far away from the Polish
border. The Germans are trying their best to keep their morale up or
else the Gestapo's are doing a good job in keeping their people in line.
But when Russians begin to draw closer to Germany proper what do you
think the effect would be? It becomes desperate of course. Berlin has
been bombed so badly and other cities are receiving the same treatment
that even though they try not to show it, the people are in a state of
anxiety hoping for the tide to turn but when instead of turning for the
best it becomes worst and this because of the coming invasion either
through the balkins or else the English Channel. Then the people are
lost completely and begin to get out of hand. A surrender or a
revolution becomes inevitable. In the last war our soldiers were far
from German soil and yet we won. It could happen again. I pray to Got it
would for the sake of the millions of our boys and of other nations who
are suffering unknown discomforts.
I would like to feel the same, knowing that God rules our actions, but
it would be unfair to Him. I feel more certain that he has left us to
our destiny only to judge our actions when the right time comes. It is
up to us to lend a hand to fate to shape our futures.
Sal had sent me a letter stating that rumors were going around saying
they were going to leave within a week. A few days later he sent me a
xmas card with two words written on top " Bye Bye" I knew then he was
preparing to leave. Two days later I got the same Government card. I
will write to him often, you can depend on me but I think he'd rather
hear more about you & Lucille so make it a point to give him every
little detail concerning your child no matter how trifle it may seem to
you it will make him feel like being nearer to you when reading those
letters.
Emma & Merry were both Limited Service at the Time but Merry wasn't
recommended for a C.D.D. At present there is no such thing as Limited
Service and all of us will be used to the best advantage or else be
discharged. Today was the first time in a week that I've seen Emma
because of our working hours. Merry, I haven't seen for about a month.
This week after our K.P. ordeal we will go on Latrine duty which is a
better deal than K.P. anytime.
You can be assured that sharing your troubles with me is no bother at
all; in fact haven't I shared mines with you. It somehow enlightens your
heart to do so making mine appear Trivalings.
It may be true that carbines are given to those going overseas and
perhaps that may be our reason why we all had to have our chance in
firing it because some of us may have to get ready to go too. But rest
assured. I am not one of them or I would have known by this time. It's
just that something is going to pop pretty soon. The pills were a
precausion against the flu but no epidemics has reached us yet. I've had
no overseas exam and fellows that go over are first sent for a physical
exam. I haven't received one and neither been told about making a will .
For the present they won't send us former L.S. men over but will keep us
here.
In the Guard Squadron furloughs are hard to get and some fellows haven't
had any and others had theirs over a year ago. So that leaves me out for
some time to come. But if I'm transferred back to 311 I will put one in
for the first possible date that is open. I can't wait much longer I
long for that old homestead of mine.
Excuse my handwriting because it is an effort to write without glasses
making me irritable. I believe I've told you about my glasses breaking
some time back and I've been trying my best to get along without them
until they are fixed.
In closing I wish to say that I will write to Sal more often and longer
letters and hope you will keep well; at least for your child's sake try
not to worry too much.
Regards to your folks and my love to Lucille. I remain
Your friend
Tony
La Junta CO Nov. 9, 1943
Dear Friend:
I sat myself down, pencil in hand to typewrite a letter to you. Pardon
the ink as I have no crayon.
I don't live where I used to live because I moved to where I live now.
(Don't look at my return address, now.) When When you want to write to
me, you can ask anyone where I live because no one knows anyhow. I'm
sorry we live so far together I wish we're closer apart.
We are having more weather this year than last year.
I started for Kansas to visit you, but on the way I saw a sign saying
"This Takes You to Kansas," So I got on the sign and waited three hours
but the darn thing wouldn't move.
I am mailing you my coat by express. I cut off the buttons to make it
lighter and put them in the pocket.
If you don't get this letter let me know and I will mail it back.
Sincerely
A Moron
P.S. Enclosed you will find a picture of myself but for fear of losing
it, I took it out.
………………………………...............................................
Gosh, but you do call me the nicest names. I like that "igneranter".
I've got a dictionary in my locker (it's a nice place to keep it) and
every time I come across a word I'm not so sure of, I'm nowhere near
that dictionary, therefore I substitute another word or else hope you
don't notice it but it seems you let nothing pass you by. Now, that's
not fair.
Slaving hours? It's downright disgusting, humiliating, shameful, unjust;
why it's moider! I can't get enough sleep these days. Up at 4:30A.M.
Now, is that a human thing to do to us. You're lucky there wasn't any
flying last night and I'm up pretty early today so as to catch up on my
writing. If in the future my letters are delayed, don't blame me, cuss
that Colonel for it. He's the one who is doing all this to us. So you
don't sympathize with my having to dress up for a beer. You don't seem
to understand. Have you never felt like wanting to stay in your house
dress after a hard hays work. After all who are we to make an impression
for? There's no one around but ourselves. And besides a gentleman is
born not made. I just try being myself. That's all. Is there anything
wrong in that?
So I got yer scaired, eh? I thought I would so don't you go a-warning me
either. I'm taking lesson in pistoling. Just the other day I was out on
the range and hit the bull's eye three times. Yes, three times…. What do
you say to that,…. Never mind the other shots, I still can't find them.
After that Sloan's Liniment, my bones feel O.K. now I never wanted yo'
whiskey no how. I'm not a drinking man, I'm not.
So the time has arrived for Charlie, poor Charlie no wonder he hasn't
written to me about it lately because it's got him worried. I'm just
wondering how he'd take to it. Let me know in what branch of the service
your brother Joe is getting in.
You're not gibing me a break at all when you have Lucille listen on
concertos and such. What kind of an impression will I make when playing
the piano for her. So "Ma' is her first word, eh! She sure knows what
side of the bread her butter is on. Smart kid. So you practice with her
all the time. I bet she's got you goo-gooing all over the place.
That was very nice of your girl friends to send their regards to me. Do
the same for me , will you?
I'm anxiously a-waiting that picture you're promising to send; now don't
disappoint me. I want to show her off to all my friends as my niece. You
won't mind? You see. Merry lies a Milly and Emma has a Angie. And I must
have a Lucille.
Yes I must admit you are getting fresh…. Fresh as a daisy. Nice
compliment huh.
Now I must tell you something about our last parade. It stunk. We were
in a column of six when we started "passing review" so that by the time
we made our turn and started down again we winded up as a column of
five. What happened to that sixth line is a mystery and they've got
someone on the case now, going through the whole thing with us once a
week for two hours to solve the case, Yea. It's on our own time too.
After all we have no time of our own , it all belongs to the army. All
we sing now is "I'm just a slave to you".
There is a great change going on around here. They are shoveling the
boys around, some end up in the guard squadron and other's may go on
the line and be transferred to 1010 squadron. So far I am still on the
same job and won't know for how long it will be .Maybe they'll keep me
there. Anyway by next week I may know for certain.
Shall I talk about the weather? All I can say for it, is that it's cold.
And when I say cold I mean cold.
I have arrived at the point where I must end this letter, as much as I
regret to do so, it must be and so I say farewell for the present and
regards to your family and love to my little darling. I remain as usual
Your friend
Tony
P.S. You must forgive all the "I"s and the "me's". After reading it over
it sounded quite conceited but it's not meant to be that way. Wonder if
a letter could be written without any "I"s. Have you ever tried it?
Free mail
Bell System stationery
Written at the Telephone Center
Provided here by the Mountain States Telephone & Telegraph Co.
Nov. 20, 1943
Dear Jean:
This may turn out to be a short letter but my mind is a bit distracted
and somehow I 'm trying my best to answer you letter. For the past weeks
I've been in the slums and when I got your letter it sort of cheered me
up a great deal. I'm so glad for you and Sal and it was nice getting
that extension. But let me explain myself why I've felt so down lately.
There's been transfers going on all over the base. About thirty boys
went on the line (1010sq) and four of us (I included) went to the Guard
Squadron. Although regulations has it that L.S. boys are exempt from
guard duty they persisted on playing dumb. Trying to get us to do it.
I've been going to the hospital and haven't gotten any direct
satisfaction but they have not as yet put me on altho' the other boys
went on today. We shall se tomorrow whether or not I go on but will try
not to. If only they had an investigation on the field of the going on ,
surely many will have to answer some embarrassing questions but as it is
what doesn't get out of the base, they needn't worry any. Just now I am
sweating it out and will not give up no matter what happens. I've made
up my mind and try my best to find out ways of getting that discharge.
Before I close I wish to state that Sal wrote while on his furlough and
expect to hear from him soon . I can imagine how happy you've felt
during those two weeks. I'm glad your brother was deferred. He should be
happy over it. I'll try to make my next letter , more cheerful . Just
now you must forgive this hasty letter cause I can't think straight.
Regards to all
Tony
Free mail
La Junta CO Sat. Dec. 4, 1943
Dear Jean:
And so I delay again in answering your letter. It's a good thing you've
got an understanding heart and such a forgiving nature about you that it
makes it easier for me to explain and hope you shall bear with me for
the present as I do not know just how long all this will keep up. As
your own brother often has written to you, I too. Keep saying "Tomorrow
-- tomorrow" but, oh what a difference in our positions still these
petty things can be awful annoying and can cause about as much misery
and discomfort to a person that even life seems or appears to make me
wonder. Just at present I had to sneak off to write this letter to you
and it may be interrupted often, If so, and this letter appearing
disconnected; you will understand why. Just doing K.P…. Why? I wish I
really knew but I have my suspicions.
You say not to get discouraged. I wish it were as easy as that. I guess
I'm too serious at times about life and human nature and this army is
just spoiling all the good things a man feels for and loses faith in
both mankind and all that's around him. I just look forward to the day
when all this will be over. I want so much to get back and make up the
things I've should have done when I had my chance. Did we ever stop and
wonder how our mother's felt. Their youth gone and all those precious
years of toil and anguish, all of their strength. Their love, their
care, .. For us… and in return we gave them more heartaches and worries,
petty arguments which could have been avoided. I can really feel now
just how they feel about us .Yes, I'm homesick. Funny, one of my age to
get this way. Can't understand why I get so sentimental. This is more of
girl stuff than man.
I see where Frank is going through a lot. I can wonder at all he must
have written to you. We often look at postcards and pictures in
magazines thinking, what a gorgeous place this town or that country is
wishing we could visit it. Yet, beauty is found in our hearts making any
town that we wish to appear beautiful to us but at present all those
countries at war is shamefully destroyed.
Sal has written and he spoke about Lucille. He'd rather have me see her
for myself. I'll try to answer his letter too, if possible. After I' m
through with this one.
Yes , my furlough is overdue and I won't be able to get one for a long
time. This new squadron that I'm in is hard to get leave so I must do
without one at present. But let me explain just what's happened:
I've been transferred to the Guard Squadron. You will see my new address
on the envelope. We moved in (four of us) on a Tuesday and for two
days we studied up on interior guard. In those two days I went to the
hospital to complain and although I'm certain I shouldn't do guard, they
are trying to Shanghai me. Even the hospital passes the buck now.
Anyway, on Thursday, the fellows went on Guard and I waited . Then
Saturday I heard I was to do one weeks K.P. That is ,from Sunday to
following Saturday, the hours are from 4A.M. to 8:30 or 9P.M. There were
two others with me too. Then came the last day and I saw that I or we
was on again for another week. It's getting tiresome but no one seems to
care whether or not we get enough sleep. The usual psycology is being
used such as: "Someone has to do it" or "Try the best you can " or else
the old reliable "If that's the attitude you're taking, we won't do
nothing for you." Oh human rats, can such really exist even among doctors?
I must close, try and have patience. I won't be able to answer too soon
unless things change for I fear I've got another week coming. They do
the same to these other boys who were with me so it can't be that they
have it in for me. Give my love to Lucille and best of regards to you
and all at home. Remember me to your brothers when you write to them .
Tony
Free mail
La Junta CO Dec 11, 1943
Dear Jean:
Received your letter and after reading it through I come to realize that
I must bet you to it. I keep trying to make good and somehow we get
little for our pains. I ask for no reward but the least they can do is
not to treat us like we were orphans. I mean the Limited Service men. It
is well known how we've been shoved around ever since we came into this
army. As for patriotism. We have but to remove the cloak and we would
soon discover the truth although I think it's best not to know the truth
for then life would have no significance whatsoever. Better to go on
pretending and hoping soon it will be over.
You said that you were looking for a shoulder to weep on. Well, I should
of offered mine rather than pour more troubles upon yours. I, many a
times , keep humming that aria from Madame Butterfly "One fine day" and
wonder at the many wifes' and mothers' who are doing the same thing.
Hoping and praying that they too will see their ship entering their
harbor of love and welcoming their loved ones back. Oh what a glorious
moment that day when they come marching home again.
Many of us could be used for important work but instead many of us are
really wasted out here. After this war you will hear and know a lot
more. Just now a war is going on so we all go on doing what we believe
is our part in this war. Do you know that the one trip I made to Russia
has done more good to the war effort than the 15 months I've been in the
army. I'd rather be back with all the danger than to waste my time here.
But let me thank you for the wonderful xmas card you sent me and the one
Lucille sent too was a cute one. I really like that picture of Lucille.
She is a dear & I'm showing her off to the boys as my niece. They like
her. Is she always smiling? How cheerful and happy she fells. I know
what, every time I feel like things are not going my way I shall gaze
upon her happy face. Just at present I am listening to Tristan and
Isolde and I miss those weekly operas. Out here it starts at noon and at
one I must fall out in formation.
I was put on K.P. for a third week but on the second day I was replaced
by one of the new boys who came into the squadron with several other
boys. About two of them got Medical excuses and Tomorrow we will all be
on K.P. again. Oh, well, call me the K.P. kid from now on. I'll make the
best of it somehow for it all has to come to an end soon. It can't last
forever anyway.
A few of the new boys just came in and I hear from them that they are
going on Tomorrow night as M.P.'s.
I hardly see Merry and Emma these days although Emma has been on K.P.
last week. There will be many boys we will remember perhaps meet again
in the future.
Did I tell you that we went out on the range and fired the carbine and
what a wonderful piece of firearm it is too. We kept no score and fired
just to get the feel of the gun. We fired at all different positions.
Today we got pills at the hospital. They're supposed to be for colds and
it appears that they weren't satisfied with giving us one. They had to
give us four of them. We joked about them as if they were concentrated
food pills saying, that was a tough piece of steak, and etc.
So much is in the wind that I feel something is sure to pop soon but
don't know exactly what it will be. Many may go overseas. Perhaps they
may reduce this field to it's minimum.
Plenty of snow and so far we've had it every Thursday. Quite cold too.
I do not really know as yet what they intend doing with us boys that
they can't use for guard duty. Maybe they may keep us awhile and then
again they may transfer us back to our old squadron. I do hope they
transfer us off the base to some other field. Maybe we may get a better
brake somewhere else. The future can only tell what's in store for us.
I have little time left so after writing my own xmas greeting to you
from time to time at it comes to me I shall mail this letter.
To Lucille & Jean:
Often as I sit and ponder
Of that day when first we met,
Little then, did I wonder
That in you I found a friend
Now that war has called us off
To wage a battle 'gainst our foe
Life has blessed you with a joy
I hope it's love will stay & grow
To greet us on that happy day
When we come home
Nevermore to roam.
Happy holidays to you and my
little sweetheart
From Friend Tony
Free mail
La Junta CO envelope dated Dec 17, 1943
(Card)
At CHRISTMAS
To Jean:
Sincere
Christmas Greetings
And may you be happy
Today, tomorrow,
And always!
From
A Friend
(over)
Dear Jean:
Just received a card stating that perhaps Sal has left for overseas
duty. In this darkest hour I realize how you must feel so keep in mind
one thing "This too shall pass"
I wish to offer words of courage but all I can say is "Chin Up". I'm
sorry for one thing' I wish I could have been with Sal too. Remember one
thing, this can't last much longer so good cheer.
As usual
Tony
Free mail
La Junta CO Dec. 19, 1943
Dear Jean:
Glad to hear that you enjoyed that poem although I didn't think it would
pass then cencor.
I will first discuss our view-points on the out come of this present
conflict with you. It is true that we have hardly covered much ground in
the past two years. But remember one thing (look it up if you must), the
Germans weren't far during their last major drive in World War I from
Paris when within a few months she crumbled and surrendered. Already
there are signs that her saterlites are weakening and trying to break
away from her. Weather conditions has been our worst enemy so far that
it has hindered our drives towards the enemy countries. No, friend, it
isn't ground that counts so much but airfields so that we can pound hell
out of these barbarians.
At present our allies, the Russians are not so far away from the Polish
border. The Germans are trying their best to keep their morale up or
else the Gestapo's are doing a good job in keeping their people in line.
But when Russians begin to draw closer to Germany proper what do you
think the effect would be? It becomes desperate of course. Berlin has
been bombed so badly and other cities are receiving the same treatment
that even though they try not to show it, the people are in a state of
anxiety hoping for the tide to turn but when instead of turning for the
best it becomes worst and this because of the coming invasion either
through the balkins or else the English Channel. Then the people are
lost completely and begin to get out of hand. A surrender or a
revolution becomes inevitable. In the last war our soldiers were far
from German soil and yet we won. It could happen again. I pray to Got it
would for the sake of the millions of our boys and of other nations who
are suffering unknown discomforts.
I would like to feel the same, knowing that God rules our actions, but
it would be unfair to Him. I feel more certain that he has left us to
our destiny only to judge our actions when the right time comes. It is
up to us to lend a hand to fate to shape our futures.
Sal had sent me a letter stating that rumors were going around saying
they were going to leave within a week. A few days later he sent me a
xmas card with two words written on top " Bye Bye" I knew then he was
preparing to leave. Two days later I got the same Government card. I
will write to him often, you can depend on me but I think he'd rather
hear more about you & Lucille so make it a point to give him every
little detail concerning your child no matter how trifle it may seem to
you it will make him feel like being nearer to you when reading those
letters.
Emma & Merry were both Limited Service at the Time but Merry wasn't
recommended for a C.D.D. At present there is no such thing as Limited
Service and all of us will be used to the best advantage or else be
discharged. Today was the first time in a week that I've seen Emma
because of our working hours. Merry, I haven't seen for about a month.
This week after our K.P. ordeal we will go on Latrine duty which is a
better deal than K.P. anytime.
You can be assured that sharing your troubles with me is no bother at
all; in fact haven't I shared mines with you. It somehow enlightens your
heart to do so making mine appear Trivalings.
It may be true that carbines are given to those going overseas and
perhaps that may be our reason why we all had to have our chance in
firing it because some of us may have to get ready to go too. But rest
assured. I am not one of them or I would have known by this time. It's
just that something is going to pop pretty soon. The pills were a
precausion against the flu but no epidemics has reached us yet. I've had
no overseas exam and fellows that go over are first sent for a physical
exam. I haven't received one and neither been told about making a will .
For the present they won't send us former L.S. men over but will keep us
here.
In the Guard Squadron furloughs are hard to get and some fellows haven't
had any and others had theirs over a year ago. So that leaves me out for
some time to come. But if I'm transferred back to 311 I will put one in
for the first possible date that is open. I can't wait much longer I
long for that old homestead of mine.
Excuse my handwriting because it is an effort to write without glasses
making me irritable. I believe I've told you about my glasses breaking
some time back and I've been trying my best to get along without them
until they are fixed.
In closing I wish to say that I will write to Sal more often and longer
letters and hope you will keep well; at least for your child's sake try
not to worry too much.
Regards to your folks and my love to Lucille. I remain
Your friend
Tony
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