Dear Friend May 1, 1944 - June 12, 1944

Free mail
La Junta CO envelope dated May 1, 1944
Saturday
Dear Friend:
As I sit here answering your letter, the rain is pouring down in sheets
and the water is just sipping through the walls. All this is just
appropriate for letter writing so I hope this letter will be found as
interesting reading matter as I am finding pleasure in writing it.
I am not angry at all and even if I were, your mother's words have
soften my heart so that all is well again. I can't help myself now, so
I'll just have to write another request letter to show my appreciation
for her kind thoughts.
I was very glad to hear that you won't have to be operated on so that no
it is up to yourself to lift your spirits --- by the way your letter
does sound more cheerful and I must admit you are a very good girl now.
I read it to him that little piece concerning Charlie and somehow in
trying to defend himself he said to say that really at heart he's only a
kind loving soul - - a sort of a Romeo - - and if his appearance is that
of a wolf his heart belongs only to his one and only, and he thanks you
for being on the side of the marrying men. We have quite a few of them
around here, especially one whose always talking about his beautiful
one. But when she delays in writing to him (his name is Louis) he looks
awfully depressed and that's when I come in to console him - - the good
Samaritan - - now you can understand what I mean when I say "poor fellow".
Did I mention K.P. in my last letter? Well, I still didn't get it but
within two more weeks ……. That's enough of that. It's very distasteful
to talk about it and if for a moment you have any thoughts in your mind
such as - helping with dishes , etc, - you will be greatly disappointed
because when us boys are back we won't want to look at dishes and etc.
So sorry please.
When your letter arrived I received one from Sal at the same time also a
letter from my folks saying that they received one too and sent it on to
me to answer it for them. My folks are happy to hear from Sal and so am
I but now I'll have to be patient and write to him even if I don't hear
from him although it is a pleasure to write to write to him for I can
understand how those boys always hope for news from the home front.
What can I say about Dewey????
I'll say that he's quite inexperienced although it's contradictory to my
former beliefs but then he'll have his advisors just like Roosevelt has
his. What we should do is vote in their advisors instead. What we need
is young heads because old ones just follow the same old routine until
it is proven outmoded by an axis temporary victory then, and only then
they try new tactics.
It looks like Lucille is picking up what you left off - - ha! Ha! -- and
getting teeth too (by the way your not losing any, eh!) Just think when
Sal gets back how proud he'll be to see her grown up and - - say, isn't
it about time for her to start walking? I'm looking forward to seeing
her if and when I get my next furlough.
And now, about myself - - - that's gong to be pretty tough to write about.
I am now the official gardener and all I do is water my garden although
today the weather is taking care of that……The boys are joking me and
keep telling me to go out and water the grass. Oh yes, you should see my
beautiful garden. I have such wonderful weeds growing and a few poppy's
to give my garden a sort of flowery affect.
I was in town the other day and weighed myself. Found to be 144 lbs.
I've got to protect my waistline.
Last night they opened up the servicemen club for Pvts. & Pfc.'s and so
to commemorate this gala event, the P.X. gave out free beer to the boys.
You can rest assured that I didn't fail to show up.
Emma, that's John, is on K.P. this week as that only Frank, that's
Merry, and myself were over making a pig of ourselves.
On the next page is a request which you can use for either your brother
or Sal. All you need do is tear this letter in half. I don't know
whether or not you need it at present but all the same, just in case you
do, I am sending it along. I got myself a couple more rolls and pretty
soon I'll have enough rolls to last me the whole summer.
So I close another letter with regards to your folks and friends and a
great big kiss for my little sweetheart Lucille.
As always
Your friend
Tony
May 27, 1944
Dear Jean:
This is a request for roll of film that I need. Please get me rolls of
film for my camera which is No.
Thanking you for this kind favor I remain as usual

Tony Romano

Free mail
La Junta CO Sat. April 8
Dear Jean:
Somehow I had a feeling that you were going to send me those rolls of
films and was glad to get your letter this morning stating that they
were on the way. Our P.X. don't get very many rolls and generally when
they do come in, which is once a month, there is always a line-up for
them and we are lucky enough to get any, besides we're only allowed one
roll. Many times they are all sold out before I get a chance to hear
about it so you can imagine how grateful I am to find a friend in you
who will go to the bother to get films for me. I am very grateful to you
and wish to offer my thanks. Enclosed you will find two dollars ($2.00)
and fifty cents in stamps which you undoubtedly can use. You will also
receive some pictures in the near future, but first let me go with this
letter.
Yesterday, Charlie Pleger, another fellow called Carroll and myself went
out to Rockyford airfield to straighten out some cones and lights. We
left right after the noon chow and brought my camera along. In the way
over we stopped by Holbrook lake . Are you surprised to hear we have a
lake out here where it's hot and dry? I've noticed it lately that this
part of Colorado seems to have an abundance of small and large lakes. As
I was saying, we stopped by the lake and took some pictures. Then after
arriving at the airfield we finished up our work which we started the
day before, afterwards we looked around for some good photographic
scenes. In our search we found a skeleton of a dog, intact (revolting
isn't it) and this we used in a picture. I hope these pictures come out
because we were using a sensitive film which belonged to Charlie. If
they do come out good I will have some extra prints made of them and
send you some of the best ones. When we got back to the barracks we took
some more pictures of all the boys in the field lighting crew because it
won't be long before we may be all scattered around this global war.
All we hear now is shipping orders coming out of headquarters quite
regularly and before long I too may find myself on one of these orders.
One never knows what will happen next. We lost one crew member two weeks
ago and another one is leaving next week. In this squadron along we have
about a dozen leaving next week. I received a letter from Sal about two
days ago and I've answered him yesterday. I try to write to him weekly
whether or not I hear from him. He's made contact with two other boys
who are overseas too, whose addresses I've sent him and he's heard from
them too. He doesn't say much in his letters but I guess it's hard to
write about anything without it being cencored. I am glad to know that
you hear from him every day.
It will be a good thing for you top get away for awhile. Country air
will do you good and it may help to steady yourself a bit.
I agree with you. If they'd only leave politics out, this war would end
sooner than it would otherwise but then what we do about it? If Elearror
runs again I will vote Republican (Thank God Wilkie dropped out). We had
a discussion and we think that the party's only concern is to outdo one
another and in this battle, the public is somehow left out. Anyway,
we're the under-dogs and no matter what comes, we pay out the most in
life and blood.
As you already know Frank(Merry) is in 1010 sq. and they were having a
big party in one of the hangers. Emma & intended to crash in.
Sun. April 9
Well' we finally walked in on the party nonchalantly after hanging
around like two unconcerned persons walking around minding our own
business and a good time we had too. Free beer & sandwichs besides some
wonderful entertainment straight from Denver. These were girls and - woo
-woo! What girls too. This party was given with the 1010th squadron
money and I heard they spent plenty too. 311th is spending their's on
Venetien blinds and we don't get much fun out of that.
This afternoon we went to a movie - this is, Merry, Emma, and myself, -
and we saw "The Hour Before The Dawn" I think it was pretty good. After
that we went over to Emma's barracks and enjoyed some of his wife's
foodstuffs. I must make a note of it - send Emma's wife a letter to
thank her for sending that stuff to Emma. We all enjoyed the little
private picnic.
How could I be angry with you for delaying? After all the trouble you're
going through and besides there are times when I do the same to others
because it can't be helped. We try to enjoy ourselves whenever we get a
chance and many times I allow a letter to lie for days unanswered. Quite
selfish don't you think?
You told me about your brother Frank & Larry in your last letter and I
think he deserves the Silver Star after all he's going through.
I forgive your scribbling although I don't know why. Compared to my
handwriting I believe it is I who should ask you to overlook such
terrible scribbling and again I will mention it; hope you don't mind the
stamps. I thought you could use them. Tell me if you do object.
Monday
We've had a terrible hail yesterday and it started in to rain at night.
This morning it's snowing and it looks like I'll have to hybernate till
it's over. The planes are grounded because of the damage done by the ice
storm.
Today we played some pinocle with the boys and somehow it don't seem the
same like when we used to play it back home.
The films haven't arrived yet but will tell you next time how they
arrive. For the present I'll close with regards to everyone at home & a
kiss for Lucille.
As usual
Tony

Free mail
La Junta CO envelope dated June 12, 1944
Sunday morning
Dear Jean:
I don't think I'll ever get so vexed by your insufferable delays, in
answering my letters, as to make me that angry. Answering so many
letters does make one become irritable, not because we don't wish to
correspond with anyone in particular but because after awhile we find
very little to talk about as we live a very hum-drum life and sooner or
later we run out of interesting news. And for that reason , I too, delay
in answering letters hoping that the other party des likewise so that I
have more time to collect further writing material. Altho' your letters
are always interesting and something to look forward to, if you do
delay, don't feel like you're being offensive. If you could only see
John Emma, you'd know what I mean to say and also Merry. Every time one
or the other looks for John, he's always found writing letters and going
a but nuts trying to catch up with his writing. Just when he's just
about caught up - bingo!! - four or five more letters pop up. It gets to
be annoying after a while. Especially when you go around to see a friend
and find him too busy writing letters that you'd have to look for
someone else to go to a movie or to whatever else etc. etc.
Now that Lucille is getting ready to walk soon, she sure will give you
plenty of work to do. I can just see that house being upset and you
having to straighten it out every time.
Don't you dare wish me no long and delightful K.P. - I'm an Elephant I
is - anyway, by the time you get this letter I will have had half the
week of K.P. done.
Well, the wolf - er - I mean Pleger, is gone. But let me tell it from
the beginning: Two men were wanted for Aerial Mechanic school so we
volunteered. The next day Charlie was taken but I wasn't. Guess why? You
couldn't if you tried so I'll tell you. Take heed Jean!!! I was too old
- ha! Ha! - what a laugh. That's one on me. It's the first time it ever
happened where I was called too old. This means that from now on and
even in civilian life I'll be too old for something or other. I wonder
whatever happened to my crutch, I can't get around without it. "Oh
youth! Thy joys I miss Why hast thou forsaken me - "
Back to my story again" Charlie left a week ago Saturday and is now in
New Mexico. I heard from him once but there is very little to tell as he
hasn't had a chance to gripe yet.
I know how you must feel, not getting any mail and especially now that
the invasion is on - no - I won't talk about that lest of open up an old
wound. Let's not even think about it - well - anyway not too much
otherwise it'll get the best of you.
Many boys are leaving this camp; in my department alone, two boys left
last week and two more are going tomorrow sometime. Guess where they are
going - New Hamshire. It's a break in a way but then I hear that they
are going over. By the looks of things I'm afraid I won't have this
racket much longer and maybe I too will go with the others. The place is
getting a bit on my nerves so I won't mind it a bit . We only have eight
fellows for night work and three for day work. Before long this camp
will be left with only a skeleton crew.
You got the address right except for the number. It's 3020 and not 1010.
How does it go? - What the clothes is to a line, this line comes to a
close - is that correct?
Best wishes and regards to all and love to Lucille friend
Friend Tony

Free mail
La Junta CO Sunday, June 25,
Dear Jean:
I don't know about that girl who had four of them. Instead of being a
help sometimes they turn out to be more work. I don't know about K.P.
either; it being tame. At least I'm glad Lucille is teething finally.
She can take a few bites for me. I've heard so much about the Catskill
that I guess it must be a swell place. If it has no sports, then it's
just the place for you. You sure do need rest. So that's the kind of
town it is. You have to look twice so you don't pass it by. I think it's
a pretty good idea having a rocking chair but none of that modernistic
stuff. Just a plain comfortable one would do, and as to my age, well,
Sal & I were both born the same month & year. That's something you never
knew. Ha! Ha!
Yes, you misunderstood me. What I meant to say was that one never knows
what will happen next. As to Hampshire to me it's still a Ham. Yes, it's
one of those rotten holes. Just heard form those boys that left and
they're complaining already.
Just got a letter from Sal. It arrived a few days ago and came on the
same letter he wrote it on. He wrote it on May 31st. All he had to say
was that he had a new APO number and that he writes to my folks. He
asked about Charlie. Also that he can't say no more. I hope you heard
from him but if you haven't, it's because they're holding back some of
the mail.
Now that they have or should have Cherberg I hope things will move fast
so that it'll end soon.
I can't think of anything to write. My mind is so distracted so forgive
this crude letter and patience. Hoping that God will bring peace to us
once again I end this with regards to one and all from
Friend Tony

Fw: Dear Friend

 

Holbrook Lake Colorado     Rockford Airfield Colorado

 

Night Field Lighting Crew

La Junta CO 4-7-44

top row: Schreiner, Pleger, Carroll, Kazar

bottom row: Romano, Cohen, Randler, Armenderis    

 

Rockyford Auxilliary Field

4-7-44

Charles Pleger

Dear Friend Feb 16, 1944 - April 4, 1944

Free mail
USO stationery
La Junta CO Feb. 16, 1944
Dear Jean:
Leaving on the 7:55 P.M. train for New York. I do not know just when I
can make it over to see you but will call you up if up still have the
phone.
I know this is a surprise to you as much as it was for me. Will arrive
home on Friday evening if the train doesn't delay very much from the
first day home I may be rushed around so much that it will be hard to be
over but will call you up instead.
Will make this short as it won't be long before I'm on that train. Give
my best of regards to the family and a kiss for Lucille.
Your friend
Tony

Free mail envelope dated Mar 27, 1944
La Junta CO Monday night
Dear Jean:
Those pictures did come out better than I expected and I believe those
pictures of the baby were pretty good. I should have taken one of a
close-up. Well, anyway, I believe with those two lights and a timing of
2 to 5 seconds should be sufficient. But not more than 5 seconds. The
one on the high-chair is clearer than the one on the sofa although the
latter is more natural looking except that it's slightly blurred. But I
like it better.
Sorry to hear about your illness and glad to know you both are coming
along fine.
After having us on pins and needles for over a week. The General was
shipped over-seas (best place for these guys) but his staff was around
for 10 days and then left us in peace.
We're all on edge here concerning that invasion and feel it might come
off any day now, their starting point is now a restricted area. You know
what that means.
You must feel glad to have heard from your brothers and your mother must
feel proud that Frank received that medal. Although I know, she'd rather
have them home. He really earned that award after all he's been through.
I agree with you, the dull finish is the best of the two, and thanks so
much for those pictures. I showed them to the boys and passed her off as
my child but the fellows took one look at me and …. Well, they didn't
believe me, at least, not with my looks anyway.
I believe you are having the war jitters. Perhaps, not often. But
nevertheless you show sign of it. Now buck up, and pray that it soon be
over. After all, it can't last forever, God forbid, and before we know
it, we will be looking back at all this and thank God for giving us the
fortitude to bear it as we are doing. My thoughts lately have been
reverting to those golden days of yesteryears but that's only natural
for all of us to get those moods now and then. Perhaps those memories
will always remain with us, hoping we can enjoy them again in the near
future. But then all God's wisdom are contained in these two words on
"Wait and Hope." That's a favorite phrase of mine and I hope you would
make them yours. I believe that'd help you out whenever you find
yourself all mixed up. Love to Lucille and Regards Friend Tony

Free mail
La Junta CO Monday, May 15
Dear Jean:
Yes, I agree with you, you should hang your head in shame, not for
writing to me sooner but for neglecting your brothers & Sal. Am I not an
agreeable one. Let me know how everything turns out with you although I
feel it really is only nerves and I don't think its too much their fault
although I know that you try to overcome whatever it is that's upsetting
you or do you?!
Glad you liked those pictures. I thought they were cute. By the way,
Charlie told me to tell you that, that skeleton is not or was not a dog.
"twas a coyote and the one beside it is a wolf. (Just like Charlie to
say a thing like but the truth if it is that he's as harmless as a fly
and a lazy one too.) He's really a sport and goes fishing and hunting a
lot when he's home. Since he's been in the army he's got himself engaged
with some girl he knew before the war and I'm afraid that he'll come
back a married man on his next furlough which will be in July sometime.
Poor fellow, - he's on K.P. this week and that means that in a few more
weeks it'll be poor me.
Glad to hear that everything else is fine and about the films, - I'm
grateful to you both to know that I have someone whom I can depend on in
case I need films. Just at present I've been lucky enough to get a few
more rolls so if and when I see that my supply is running down and
there's no chance of getting any from the P.X. I'll remember to make my
request on a separate sheet of paper. I don't want to overstock on them
and I only use them for certain occasions. I will make a request for
some rolls so that you can send them to Sal & your brothers and please
remind me of it in each of your letters so that I won't forget to do it.
I know how tougher it is for Sal to get them. I forget the number of
your camera but I think it was 120. I'll leave the number out so that
you can fill it in.
I haven't gone to Cheyenne as yet although I may do so soon. It's that
darn train ride I detest. It'll take me over ten hours and I'm too
restless for that.
I think you should know their names so that you'll know whom I'm
speaking of when I mention them by either their first name or second
name. John Emma is a (thick) Red Headed fellow. Frank Merendino (Merry)
is a slim tall fellow. What a combination we make when we walk together.
You show good judgement when keeping things from Sal and your brothers
but as for me, well, truthfully I don't mind at all and in fact it keeps
me from worrying over my own troubles if any should come up so just go
right ahead and pour it all out. It'll make you feel better and it'll
relieve you of all anxiety.
So Addie & Pete were over with the kids. I hope they're O.K. and that
Pete won't be called.
In a way I believe Roosevelt is the better man but then he's not the
only man. If we have to depend on one man we'd might as well turn
totalitarian. Lot's of things I don't approve of what he's done and I'll
never forget those words of his. I quote "- and I promise that your sons
won't be sent across, etc etc." in the meantime some of our boys were
already in Iceland. I don't mind that so much but why lie about things.
He should of told us the truth at least.
I know that Sal isn't able to write too often with the invasion coming
along so that's, O.K. He sent my folks a letter and I got one about a
week ago too.
Sorry about the furlough. It won't be for at least another four months
as things stand now.
I'll close now with regards to you and your folks and a great big kiss
to my apple dumpling bundle of joy and happiness. How much does she
weigh now?
I remain
Your friend
Tony
P.S. Note the new address. Just been changed. It's the same squad.

Free mail
La Junta CO
(four photos enclosed) envelope dated April 4, 1944
Wed. morning
Dear Jean:
As I look back, it seems to me a long time since I last wrote you so
that I am taking this opportunity to write you a few lines to say that
all is well and I hope you are too, including all at home.
Your rolls of films arrived about three or four days after I wrote to
you the last time and they came in perfect order, also in the meantime
the P.X. got some and I managed to get two rolls although I haven't used
any of them as yet. The snapshots we took a few weeks back came out
fairly well. Some of them are great. I am sending you a few and I hope
you'll like them.
By the way, in my last letter I sent you the money in bills & the change
in stamps. I was wondering if you felt slighted. If you do, don't hide
it from me. After all, just be frank cause I'm that kind of a person.
Tell me if you got it. If not then don't hesitate to let me know.
I wrote to your husband again, although I don't think we'll hear from
him for awhile on account of the invasion; or do you?
My sister-in-law wrote and told me that her sister was about three
hundred miles away from here and would like to have me come up to see
them(she's with her husband who is stationed in Cheyenne, Wyoming) and
since then I've been making plans and getting certain data's so as I'll
be able to get a three day pass without it interfering with my lectures,
calisthenics, drills, first-aid, etc. All this stuff has been piling up
on us steadily so as to keep us pretty busy on our off hours. All this
won't last for long but it does keep me on the go and the few evenings I
have free I spend in writing to the folks and some friends if I can, and
try to slip in a movie with John, and Merry. John has his troubles too
with his work and once in awhile he moans. Merry is getting the same
deal as John & I. He also has Chemical Warfare to attend to. So now I
hope you won't hold it against me for not answering sooner.
Yesterday we had to go through the Gas Chamber and real gas was used. It
is called Phosgene and it was a strong dose too. This place is about a
half mile away from my barracks which is next to a hanger. During this
time we saw a plane taking off and finally it lost altitude and tuned
off and swung into the buildings and crashed. We felt bad about it and
after awhile we thought of it being close to our place for we saw the
smoke next to this hanger. When we were through whit the Gas Chamber we
got back to look at the wreck. It was about a half block away and it hit
a small building. The three in the plane are gone but luckily no one in
the building was hurt except for a woman. She got burned a little but
not in danger.
Give my love to Lucille and best regards to all.
Your friend
Tony
P.S. Enclosed are 4 pictures.

Wed. afternoon
Dear John:
This is in answer to your letter which I just received. After I went to
lunch I found your letters waiting for me so I will drop this one with
the other one instead of re-writing the whole letter.
First, I am not vexed at all but felt maybe something was wrong so
instead I made my excuses instead. Now, you've got to get hold of
yourself. I know it's tough but at the rate you're going it is not going
to help matters any especially now that you've got to think of your
child more than anyone else. I know your husband too would feel the same
way. We've lived half of our life-time. Now the other half should be
given to our children. That is your job. But then, I'm not bawling you
out but really feel angry at this war which could have been avoided if
we'd of taken precausions. Bit that's done so the best we can do is to
hold out. After all God isn't cruel isn't cruel as to take away
something in return, I noticed that your husband doesn't write more
often but he's not to blame. The invasion is about to start so they
don't want anything of value to the enemy to leak out. You've lost 20
pounds and that's not to be sneezed at, You've just got to pull yourself
together, at least, for your child's sake. I'm glad you write to me
about your troubles, it doesn't give us a chance to worry much about
ourselves but I hope you do keep it from those overseas(your husband, &
brothers) because their burden is too great. I know you understand.
I've made my excuses for the way I sent you the money but as you didn't
mind it, it makes me feel better.
Thanks. You id right in sending it ordinary ways, because I got the
package in perfect condition.
By sensitive film, I mean that the film is more sensitive to light than
ordinary film. I t could be used with less sunlight. Most of them came
out good but I picked out the best and had duplicates made and I'm
sending them to you in this letter. Holbrook lake is just plain looking;
no buildings around. Perhaps it gives a more primative appearance and
it's scenery is fine. I never for a moment thought I was good at
description so thanks for the compliment. You're quite good at letters
yourself.
No matter what candidate gets in it won't alter matters any as far as
the war is concerned. That's planned out and will go on as expected to.
Dewey against Roosevelt; that's the way it'll be. Our squadron finally
broke down and tried to compete with 1010 but couldn't come near it. At
least we got free beer, sandwiches, nick-nacks, and some fun furnished
by our own boys A new order came out that the squadron could not have
more than $25.00 in the treasury so we got a beer party. Wasn't that great?
I haven't gained any and am afraid I'll probably keep this way until
this rotten war is over. Why the heck do we have to be so animalistic in
nature. Life wasn't meant to be killed . Won't we ever learn?
It's good to get out & see people and forget everything else. It's not
wrong to do so.
I'm dying to see Lucille again and hope maybe soon it could be possible.
Give her a kiss for me. Regards to the family and take care of yourself.
I remain always
Your friend
Tony

Dear Friend Jan 4, 1944 - Mar 9, 1944

Free mail
La Junta CO envelope dated Jan. 4, 1944
Dear Jean: Mon. 5:30P.M.
As they say in Italian "Bona Fiesta Fate". And so we enter into the New
Year with hopes of peace ahead.
You may notice something new in my return address which I will explain,
further on in this letter so first I shall answer yours of the 21st and
then of the 24th of which I wish to state how happy I as to receive them.
That fellow Sal introduced you to, wearing glasses is Cosmo and I've
heard Joey Piz, who is Cosmo's Nephew. He is now home with his folks. My
brother told me all about him .As for that clipping from "The News"…..
if I knew Cosmo to be the same now as he was a while back I would say it
to be just a Publicity Stunt and nothing more.
Yes, I was glad to get that extra letter.
Do you want to know something, -- I knew the word was spelt wrong but
time was short and I was too much occupied on writing that I just
couldn't interrupt myself my asking someone how to spell the word,
besides I can't give myself away to my friends and have them discover
how 'igerant' I am.
Glad you liked that poem. What a great surprise to hear that Sal is
still around and close by too. I hope he gets to see you often. I just
wrote to him on Sat.
How time does fly; Lucille is growing fast and it won't be long before
she starts walking. Hope that Santa treated her well this past year.
Now you must take care of yourself. I hear that the flu broke out in
California but all is well here. I believe the army does everything to
prevent any ill to enter our field. Believe me I get less colds here ,
than when I used to be home. It's because the weather is dry out this way.
I may not do so bad without my glasses when writing but you should see
me when I have to attend my movie on different subjects such as
'Maleria'(I know, it's spelt wrong), 'Battle of Russia' and etc. You can
always find me in the front row, and even then I can't make out the
picture so well. I haven't seen a good movie for ever so long but I'll
make up for it as soon as my glasses are repaired. It takes a little
time to get them fixed.
That was a wonderful xmas present to have Sal home for the holiday.
Charlie wrote and told me about the special greeting he got from the
President. He should feel proud.
I was very sorry to hear that your mom got the flu and hope she will be
over it by the time you get this letter.
My paragraphs may appear short and to the point. That's because I'm a
bit excited in finding myself in new surroundings.
I was on K.P. as usual, when I received your two letters. Since then
I've had so many more that I am finally catching up with them. Yesterday
I was off and wrote quite a few and today or rather tonight I intend to
write two more after this one. Then I will be all caught up.
We've had a dirty deal played on us while we were in the Guard Squadron.
But now I am happy to break the news to you. I have finally been
transferred. In fact, all of us who were unqualified for guard duty were
transferred to various squadrons. Three boys went to 402 Hq. Sq. Another
two boys were sent to the Line Sq. which is called 1010 Sq. The rest of
us which amounted to four were sent back to our old Sq. 311 After moving
all our clothes back9which didn't tale us long and we left so fast you
could feel the swish if win). Then we reported to our C.O. who was glad
to have us back. He reassigned us to various jobs. Two of us, I being one
of them were assigned to 'field lighting'. It has something to do with
the air fields and it's lighting system. Will tell you more about it
later on as I haven't had a chance to get acquainted with my duties as
yet. We had to move all our stuff,(clothes, bed, etc.) out nearer to the
field. I'm glad for at least we're by ourselves with no one bothering us.
I had been busy all day in moving and going over to the hospital for
another shot that at this moment I find myself with time on my hands.
It is now 7:30P.M. You must be wondering what takes me so long in
writing this letter. I admit I am a little slow in letter writing but a
while back the radio had some funny program on that I had to listen. It
had me in stitches. Then there was some news of the war which was good
but concerning that ship in New York Harbor wasn't so good.
Christmas was spent with Merry and Emma. Emma's wife sent Merry and me a
xmas card. That was very thoughtful of her. We had some stuff and so we
got together and chewed the fat while eating. Then we went to the P.X.
and had some near beer, Emma was a fireman over at the Ground School and
was promoted to another job. He's now filing Teck orders. Merry is some
sort of a record keeper out on the line(he's in 10 sq.)and keeps a
record on the blackboard of the aeroplanes that are still out.
Some bad news now, Furloughs are being frozen in 311 Hq. & Hq. Sq. so
that now I will have to do without for sometime to come. I feel a great
change will occur on this field soon. I'll let you know if there is .
Just now they're going over our records to see if we had our full basic
training. If not we must take it over again.
I am now on my last page. Guess I'll let those other two letters go for
awhile. Me and another fellow., (he was in the guard squadron with me)
his name is Charlie Pleger; we will take a walk to the P.X. and taste
some of that rotten beer. It sort of breaks the monotony and gives us
something to do. So now I will end this letter hoping your folks are
well and also yourself and Lucille. Remember me to all and with my love
to Lucille I remain
As usual
Tony
P.S. If Sal is still around(which I hope he is) give him my regards.

Free mail
La Junta envelope dated Jan 25, 1944
Monday night
Dear Jean:
How the boys are envying me-pages and pages of writing- all were filled
with curiosity to know what the letter contained so I've got them
guessing. It's all in fun but they're still in the dark.
I must interrupt this letter…..
Oh what wonderful music. I just had to listen to him. He's one of my
favorite baritones - Enzio Pinza - and guess what he sang? Three
numbers. An old Italian live song, Lothario's aria - I'm not so well
acquainted with it but it sounder beautiful - and a trio, with two new
comers, from Faust. That trio is at the end of the opera and the English
title for it is "Holy angels in Heaven bless't" I just could not resist
the urge to stop and listen to him. Very seldom I get a chance to listen
to that kind of music because the boys around here don't go for
classicals or operas. The music of Chopin's I've always enjoyed,
especially his Waltzes and Preludes. They're very short pieces but quite
melodious.
Never.. Never make excuses for delays in writing but as for an extra
boring letter, I will always enjoy receiving them. Bore me to death
won't you please???
Now I've got a whole bottle of milk beside me, an apple, and a sandwich.
Want some? Bet you're wondering how we do it - well- we work nights so
we're allowed to bring back with us some midnight snack but tonight
they're not using the auxiliary fields, so many of us are off. It's only
8:00P.M. so I felt a bit hungry. Oh! What a life.
How happy it makes me to hear that Sal has arrived safely. I hope we'll
hear from him soon. Just wrote him another letter -Vmail- I guess we're
both boring him with letters. It's good to hear that your brother Frank
is away from the front. He deserves a rest after all he's been through.
He'll have some tall tales to tell when we all return home again.-sprout
wings and start cooing,,,oh,oh! Is my face red. I slipped that time.
Please don't give me away or I'll never live it down.
I guess I have to admit that my letters may not have been very
interesting but I can say, they were dull. Somehow it's not so very easy
to write when all that I get is a letter scribbled in such a manner that
it's obvious he was too busy to spare a few minutes for those in
service. I do not take advantage of the fact that because I'm in the
army, I should get letters all the time, but at least I expect an answer
to my letters. I had to write to Pete twice to remind him that I was
still waiting to hear from him. Then finally after delaying a long time
he writes. I know how Pete is so I don't hold it against him so when I
write to him, I just make it brief -but not cold- and tell him just how
things are going, etc, etc. Perhaps my letters lack humor when I write
to Pete. Yes, come to think of it, I believe that's it.
By the looks of it, the draft board are not overlooking anyone. Just
like them. Oh boy, won't I be happy when they draft our draft board.
That'll call for a celebration.
-mad as a cow-tsk,tsk, you sure do slay me. Where do you pick these
quaint sayings?…they're good.
Why should I worry about P.T.C. My nephew broke down and finally wrote
me a letter. He addressed me as Colonel.
I'm doing very poorly. You've wrote me 6 pages and I'm returning only 4.
Well I owe you two. But then, my handwriting is very small….will that
compensate for the shortage? Huh? No-o? Ah please, only this one time.
Few more lines to go; now what can I fill them with ….oh I know. Regards
to all and for Lucille I give these xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
From Dear old uncle Tony

Free mail
La Junta CO Feb. 4, 1944
Dear Jean:
It's really a pleasure to write to you. Your letters are interesting and
something to look forward to… That's why I try to write my best hoping
that I am succeeding. It's a good idea to come home but I'm afraid it
won't be for some time now. Many boys have left & many more will be
leaving for overseas. You've read in the papers that they expect to get
2/3 over by the end of the year so we never know who will be going from
here. Last week I was called back for a physical but rejected because of
poor vision so now you know that for the present I will have to remain
here.
Some boys that were discharged are being drafted again. What a crazy
army. Or is it, that there's a tough battle ahead of us . I guess
that's it.
I have already heard from Sal, sometime last week altho' he hasn't
received any of my letters yet. He seems disappointed as far as England
is concerned, He wanted so much to go to Italy.
I like your proverb. It's very nice.
Yes, you should get out more. After all staying home and pining won't
help matters any. That's all I do. Go to movies at least three times a
week. Here's some of the pictures I've seen: "Song of Russia", "Ali
Barba & 40 Thiefs", "Cross of Lorraine" (all three were very good,
especially the last named) and "The Seabees". This one was poor.
We've had plenty of snow lately and when they began to clear the runways
& taxiways they cut up all the wire so that we had to use pods for
lights. In the meantime we had plenty of work splicing the wire.
I haven't told you about Merry. This is gonna be good. Buz-z-z……….Merry
got a furlough about three months ago. He had no girl friend. While at
home he had a wonderful time. When he came back, Emma and I became
suspicious and noticed the long letters he wrote, Soon he began to
receive letters which we couldn't help seeing how they were sealed. Yes,
you've guessed it. Sealed with a kiss. We soon got it out of him. He's
got a girl friend and it's turning into a real love affair. When a guy
spends a dollar for a Valentine, it must be love. He used to kid Emma
along about his letters to his wife. He used to write a letter a day.
Now Merry is doing it and Emma is ribbing him for it. Emma is getting
his revenge. Merry claims he's not in love but I guess he hates to admit
it. We've got him going now. Probably on his next furlough he may get
hooked. He's being true to his one and only so there's no more town for
him and we're keeping our eye on him too. By the way we even found out
her name. It's Millie. Nice name don't you think. That's what Emma says.
Had to leave off to give the boys a hand with some wires out on the
ramp, and just got through now. It's 10:30 and after fixing the fires
I'll turn in . So au revoir and regards to all. Love to Lucille
from
Your Friend
Tony

Free mail
La Junta CO march 8, 1944
Dear Jean:
Arrived safe and sound but not too overjoyed in my retuning. All the way
over, the train ride was a bit weary and tiresome, although that was to
be expected but in spite of all that I must confess that we made pretty
good time, arriving here on Tuesday morning at 8 o'clock. The U.S..O.
was still closed at the time so I had to wait around awhile until it
opened . About a half hour or so I hung around until it did , so then I
got myself a nice clean shave and a good shower and then caught the ten
o'clock bus into camp. I spent the rest of the day getting all my
clothes set and took in a move early in the evening called ?Hie Rookie.
It was a pretty good show and I enjoyed it all the way through. I forgot
to mention that after getting myself all straightened out, I went in
search of Emma and Merry. They sure were glad to see me. We all went to
show together and after the movie we had some beer at the P.X.
Today we cleaned up the place extra special This had been going on now
for over two weeks. Of course you can figure out the rumors why for as
usual, we are expecting the general to pop around any day now. The news
is that he's coming in tomorrow.
From today on we are to put in one hour of close order drill each
week. This came up while I was away so today I put in my hour and it all
reminded me of my first days on the army and of my basic training.
Considering the length of time we haven't been doing this stuff I must
admit we were pretty good at it and made fine showing soldiers.
There isn't anything new, here at the field except for one feature. We
must now march to and from work each time by ourselves, that is if we
are more than three in a formation. Guess they're looking to militarize
this field and make it look more like an army post, so that now, we have
to contend with this new order that came out of headquarters. Same old
camp. It never changes much.
When I went over for my mail I didn't expect to find any so you can
imagine my surprise when I was handed a hand full of mail with three V
mails included, two of which were from Sal. All he had to say was that
he's getting along fine and from his point of view it didn't look like
it was going to be over soon. He's been receiving my mail right along
and he's been writing to you everyday but can't understand why you
haven't been receiving his letters. He's asked for the baby and after I
get thru' with this I'm going to write to him to tell him all about
everything that I left out of that letter I wrote to him while I was home.
Hope you could send just a couple, say about two of those pictures that
we took and in the letter state the time exposure also mention the
amount of watts that bulb contained . I hope this letter finds you all
well and healthy, I now close with regards and love to Lucille from Tony

Dear Friend Nov 9, 1943 - Dec 19, 1943

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

Interuption - The Washington Post Presidential Candidates Debate sponsored by the Peter G. Peterson Foundation

So why does it not say the United States of America Republican Candidates Debate

 

The overriding soundbite is that the candidates blame the Federal Government for all the problems we are facing. Government involvment is thwarting free enterprise is what is choking  the marketplace. Government intervention in everything is forcing compliance and regulatory reporting giving businesses more paperwork and legal headaches. The government used to be a place where people had redress with problems that individuals had with businesses. The cart is now before the horse and business, small business is becoming extinct, there is no longer the mom and pop diner, or the independent clothing store, or the local butcher, baker or fish monger. The world has changed, now there are international corporations, one for this and one for that. The world is now the one place there is  and we have to adapt to the idea that some things will and are no longer made in the USA, not because of any other reason but the economies of scale. We are better off it one country makes one thing and another country makes another thing and so forth. But there are individuals who want to keep up the small family business, and that should be their right? We have to decide about our priorities, We are a nation of retiring baby boomers and we are the majority and we should decide what we want, not what they want for us. We have to choose.

 

Another issue resounding was China - China has taken all the jobs and China sells us more than they buy, that China has subsidized all the products that are so inexpensive.  BUT, we allowed this to happen is what they are not saying. We have created the market for Chinese goods by buying them, we have gone after the cheapest products we can buy. We celebrated the idea of really cheap. We saw on the news programs the Chinese workplace and all the youngpeople working. And we still bought the cheapest, because we thought we were saving money. We, as individuals allowed this to happen. We, all of us who have bought all the inexpensive Chinese products have created the Chinese connection and not China. And Walmart - one of the largest if not the largest importer of Chinese goods, and because Walmart opened the market they were able to force the reduction in the workplace. Because Walmart is so large they have impacted every state where they do business. They have forced out all the competition and thus have forced communities to buy only what they sell or travel far to other communities for competitive choice. Their, Walmart brand Great Value is a cheap alternative but it is not the best choice. Great Value is not a quality product and not worth the price, but, in small communities they have eliminated choice. And they force down the hourly wages of small communities. We are better off doing without than buying from Walmart. 

 

Repeal Obamacare, balance the budget, end spending more than the government takes in , repeal the regulations that are choking small business(do you think big business cares) Energy jobs in America, they did not say anything about coal, gas was the wind in their sails.

Melt the federal government, let local government serve the population.

 

If you saw the debate, it was interesting to see the candidates sitting around a table and of course Mitt was seated center stage. Newt came across as the smartest but Mitt will probably get the nomination. Herman got a lot of attention and held his own even when questioned about his role at the KC Fed.

 

I will do this and I will do that was heard again, but they, whomever they were, did not say how they would get the senate and house to agree with them. It is great to see these debates, it's like the christmas wish list, the dreams of childhood. They said we need a leader, they said they would repeal Obamacare and the regulations choking progress and they said they would create jobs and shrink government, but they did not say how. They did not say that each senator and represenative had constituents that want something and they did not say which lobbyist was behind them and they did not say which corporations were funding their campaign.

 

So, unless your senator and represenative hears from you, it does not matter much who is president, because this nation of the people by the people and for the people can not run if we are deaf dumband blind to what is going on.

Dear Friend October 4, 1943 - October 28, 1943

Free mail
La Junta CO Oct 4, 1943
Dear Jean:
As I start this letter I wonder if it'll turn out to be long or short
but by the time you finish it you will hear of very good (if not
definite) news so bare with me for this one time only.
A few days before your letter I received Sal's new address and I'm so
glad he's nearer home and away from that other discouraging place.
So finally Lucille is teething… it looks like her curiosity will find
her putting teeth marks all over.
Should I say I'm surprised over that Charlie or his wife? I don't know.
The will to learn and achieving some knowledge through that learning is
what counts. I wonder how they'll come out of all this .
Although my mind isn't bothered with his, how should I put it? Anyway
you know what I mean . Just imagine me talking about "the will to do"
Listen, you've got no bone to pick with me, altho' I appreciate your
kind offer in a bone. But…. A ,bone…. Tch, tch,… Why not a steak. I'd
like that better. Well, anyway, your prophecy (did I spell it
correctly?) may after all come true and you are a true, true, friend to
reveal such good tidings because I too feel that by the end of this
week(my fingers crossed0 or at least by the 15th I hope to collect that
kiss Lucille Promised me in person. I can't say much more except that
the Major O.K.'d our releases but we may have to wait for it to go
through the usual channels. I will tell you more of this when next I see
you. In fact, do not answer this letter until I write to you again.
Maybe I won't need to. And also this news I have imparted to only you
and your husband so keep it secret for awhile longer. If I do get out I
wish to surprise the folks and also the family in it's entirety. So I
close with regards to all and love to Lucille hoping soon to see you in
person.
Your friend
Tony

(no envelope) Oct. 10, 1943
Dear Friend:
What a wonderful sunny Sunday morning this is , pass the blanket kid
course something has happened to the weather. And such a picturesque
scene with trees all around and birds humming., flowers blooming, and
listen to that beautiful singing, why it's our C.O. serenading us and…..
Club that you. Why did he have to wake me up for anyhow. If life could
be like this then everything would just be dandy I guess.
So it looks like you will have to be disappointed again cause we must
still wait some more We won't get discharged until they get a
replacement on this field. The major told us that it's only a matter of
time now. I wonder how long that will be.
Out here , the weather is terrible. Four seasons all in one day. Of
course we could build a fire in the stove but we're waiting for the next
man to do it. At one end of the barracks one of the boys finally gave in
and made a fire/ I happen to be on the other end and the boys on that
end are made of much finer stuff, and as I freeze on.
Did I tell you about our first aid course. I've learned some interesting
ways how to make a bandage and how to apply a tranquil too. If there's
someone you don't like and his neck bleeds just let me know and I'll put
my practice in use. Last week we held a class in Chemical Warfare out in
the open. Several gasses were used and we were to name their respective
odors,. Of course it was only a small concentration of each and they
couldn't harm us. We took a will of Phosgene, Musterd, suisite, etc.
(the odors were like horse radish, new morn hay, apple blossom, fly
paper, etc. All this I read out of a book because truthfully I couldn't
tell one from another because they all stunk the same to me. You should
see me run out of the way like a jack rabbit each time they let go of a gas.
And so finally they caught up with us on calisthenics by issuing cards
to us and having to have them punched each time we go. Darn those
calijumpics they've given me a pain in the legs so that each time I move
a foot I can hear my bones cracking. Must be old age creeping up in me
at last, the villain. I've been dodging that guy for a long time now and
he's finally got me cornered .I wonder where that fountain of youth is
located anyway. But I keep my spirits up somehow. Just like the spirit
of '76. Onward forever onward. I wonder whatever happened to the drum
and the piccolos anyhow. Do you know.
And so with that puzzle on my mind I will close hoping you will continue
to write to me here until I am certain of that hopeful day of days when
I shall leave all this behind me. If only Lucille will bear with me just
a little linger. Not very much longer I hope.
Regards to all from
Your friend
Tony

(no envelope)
Wed. 20 Oct. 1943
Dear Friend:
You need not send me a cane, I just oil up the joints and it seems to do
the trick. No more bones cracking, only flexibility is setting in. When
they get through with us, we'll go in got aerobatics. You wonder what
would happen if you were to cut your finger… nothing much ….it'll only
bleed.
I wish I could of surprised you sooner by my home coming but you know
how it is. Remember when I used to write about that clerical job/Well,
this is a sort of a hide-an-seek game. Now I've got it, not I ain't….
I'm afraid it's going to be the dame old game with my discharge. And to
top it all , I just received a letter from one of the boys in Miami
Beach. Let me quote you a few passages so that you can see the situation
I am in:

Quote"--- and while I don't want to seem to dampen your hopes I have
heard that it's virtually impossible for anyone to get out of the place.
C.D.D.'s are virtually out. All the men that were eligible for it here
(he means Miami Beach) were reclassified to active service, and told no
matter what their physical condition. They would be given a job
according to their ability. All of our gang that is left here, and we
are all limited service, are now marked active duty. Even poor old
Hess(this fellow must be passed 38 years) is now on active duty list.
Etc., etc., etc., So that is why I say that you ought not to bank too
heavily on a discharge--" unquote.
All this has me thinking and I am now in the wondering stage, kidding
myself that maybe there is still a chance. All wasteful thinking I calls
it but I just won't give up hopes. What is your opinion?
You're telling me…. I agree with you. They all smell so bad that a skunk
wouldn't associate wit them. Including many a brass hatter.
So glad you heard from Frank and U hope you'll hear from Larry soon. I
can just imagine how happy that sort of news makes you that even I would
celebrate but not over an extra half glass of wine. Tch, tch, I can see
you can't take it (hic - hic) Excuse me,, that was the extra glass of
beer I had on Merry, Oh, you don't know him? Let me tell you all about him:
Here we are again, The Three Musketeers. We went celebrating the other
day(over what? - over nothing. Just celebrating.) Guess where? Over the
P.X. Restaurant on the base. Now, one of the trio, Frank Merendino by
name, but we call him Merry, tried to put one over on us. Here is what
happened. As we entered the P.X. I bought a round of beer(They come in
bottles) and while we're drinking. Merry suggests something to go with
it, so Emma (that's the other musk, his names' John Emma) decides to buy
so merry orders a sandwich and a side dish of French Fried Potatoes.
(And to think we had just got through eating supper.) By this time we
we're all through with our beer so Merry buys the next round of beer.
Then he suggests per-a-la-mode intending to have me buy it so Emma & I
get in a buddle and a conspiracy ensues. Of course, this all is in fun
and it ends up where merry pays for the pie and I for the ice-cream. He
is now in for it cause the very next evening we wind up at the P.X.
again, Emma buying the first round of beer this time, hoping to get
Merry stuck for the sandwiches even tho' we weren't hungry but this
scheme fails. By this time we had finished the beer and before Merry
know it his beer was gone without him drinking more that a quarter of
the bottle. I bought the next and Merry winds up buying peanuts, cheese
crackers and also the beer besides us smoking his cigarettes. We're
always in some sort of argument. This time it's overran Italian word. In
English I believe it means Ruffian although the meaning is more harsh in
it's Italian form. He claims it means "mice or cute boy" because his
Mother called him that many times when he was a kid. And so we kid him
along. He's only twenty-two and is quite tall. His fatigues have shrunk
on him and he looks quite comical in them. Like he had outgrown them
he's the one I play chess with what a battle we have. It takes over an
hour to finish just one game. Emma doesn't care for this game, instead,,
he plays pool with Merry and the two at this game are a scream. Whenever
we three play pool we always get a forth to join us and then Merry and
Emma always team up against me. When it's ping-pong, then it's Emma and
I against Merry. What a trio. You should see us. Tonight we're going to
take in a movie. Now a little of something else.
I'm now doing the second shift this week therefore I work two hours in
the morning around the supply and six hours in the afternoon at the
parachute building. This morning we did some landscaping. You'd be
surprised at the amount of knowledge we've accumulated around this berg.
landscaping consists of raking and pulling out weeds. Also I am an
unlicensed Pilot. I pile it here and I pile it there. Then along comes a
dust storm, oh heck, what's the use. The fellow that works with me says,
when we get out of this army we can write a book that'll never end with
all we go through. How true it is .
This letter is being written while I'm working. Once in awhile I am
interrupted by someone coming in for a parachute. And I thought the rush
was over but they still come in.
And now for some news all in one scene.
So you wanted to be a meanie but I know you can't be/ If you fell that
way again just take it out on the flies because they're meanies. Yep, we
still haves some lift. H just killed two last night (mm, I'm a sure
killer, oh , oh). You should see the flies we have around here. Their
size is the same but oh what a temper they have. If I chase them away,
they just get madder. First they circle around my head and them before I
know it they zoom down at me, buzzing away like mad. They're quite a
persistent bunch around here.
Charlie wrote and told me about his troubles and just the other day
Addie wrote to me and told me about Ann. Ant not forgetting your
husband, J just wrote to him the other day. We correspond with one
another frequently. Gosh my writing must of sounded like music to
Lucille that it put her to sleep. I didn't know my words sounded so sweet.
Well, I think this sought to make up for all my previous scrimpy letters
that I sent you and so with these final words I'll close with best of
regards to your folks and your aunt a& Red, with a great big kiss for
Lucille, my sweet little sweetheart from
Your friend
Tony

Free mail
La Junta Co Thurs. Oct.28, 1943
Dear Jean:
After a strenuous day of hard labor I came back for mail and noticed
your cheerful letter awaiting me with bells on. During the course of
your writing you got yourself all twisted up, that even I felt like I
was getting a cold all over again. Believe it or not (with apologies to
Ripley) I too had a cold for a while, a sort of lingering cold and it
couldn't make up it's mind whether it wanted to get better or worse. But
finally it turned out for the better,… not the cold but my health.
Oh, oh, so you're making me out as a bad man from the whilly west. I
would never think of interfering with somebody elses job. Oh, no, not
me. By the way, did you know that me and work get along swell I ;ole
work, yes siree, I can sit and watch work all day long without it
bothering me for a moment but somehow these clucks around here don't
seem to like it that way. They much rather see us tangle with one
another. It
S just like them to be that way. I can't understand it . And starting
Monday, yes . This coming Monday, Nov.1, 1943, I'll put that down in my
book as Black Monday; we will begin working on a twelve hour shift, from
six in the morning to six at night. We are in for it now and it's going
to be tough going from now on. To make matters worse, we can't go to the
P.X. Restaurant or the Post Exchange in our fatigues anymore .That means
we will have to dress up in our O.D.'s from now on, after working hours
in order to go and have a beer. It's sure getting worse and worse around
here but they can't keep a good man down, not me anymore. Let them dish
it out, what do I care, I'll show
em how I can take it …..(oh yeah?).
Is it my sense of humor that has returned to me or am I getting giddy
lately. I believe it's the latter. You know how insane persons act.
Well, it won't be long now. Before I join them in the act and the role I
will play will be Shakespeare running all over the place crying over and
over again "Oh what fools these mortals be." But if working a twelve
hour shift can bring the war to a close sooner, then I would gladly do
it. But I've seen too much going on that I have my doubts. Why, even the
war prisoners are having a better time than we are that's why I can't
understand these things at all. --But, the heck with all this . I won't
worry my silly head over these trifles anymore. Nope,,, not me. And I
mean it this time too. (What? don't you believe me?)
So even your cousin has been disappointed. Oh well, that's the last
straw. I'll drink my poison straight from the bottle. I won't discuss
about my discharge anymore. If I get my walking papers they you will see
me in person, otherwise, I ''just go on as though I never was offered a
C.D.D. I can understand how though it is ,as much for you folks back
home as it is for us, I'm so glad my letters are interesting and amusing
but somehow I felt maybe they might bore you once in a while. I'll try
to keep it up and I want to thank you very much for your lovely letters.
They have brought me many moments of pleasure.
Now listen Jean, put away your pistol and listen to reason. Just because
I called your daughter, sweetheart was no reason for you to go a
-gunning for me. Ah, believe me, I had no ill-designs, on my bended
knee, I swear. I'm on my right knee. My other knee hurts. Ah reckon
Lucille had something to say, huh! What does she say anyway.
If Lucille ever heard me play she'd probably fall asleep on me. Did I
ever tell you the time when Charlie was over my house reading a paper
and I was passing away some time on the piano. Well, your right; he fell
asleep on me. Any your husband too. He dood it. Oh, those two… what an
audience they'd make. Even in our day room when I sit down to play for
passtime, they always turn on the radio. I guess they want to show the
rest of the boys just how much better I sound compared to the radio.
Ain't that swell of them . Such nice boys.
They have parted the Three Musks for this week. Emma is on K.P. and how
he is a-moaning. Merry is working in the afternoon 'til late and I am
working nights.
Did I ever tell you about the soldier who went around picking up papers?
Well, this particular soldier went around all day and all he did was
pick up a paper, looks at it and says to himself "No, that's not it."
One day while he was doing this the C.O. notice him and sends him over
to a Psychiatrist. Well, to make a long story short, he is finally sent
before the board and they discharge him from the service. When they
handed him his discharge papers, he takes a look at them and says "mm,
that's it."
And so I close this letter hoping I will hear from you again and please
remember me to your folks, brothers, and to Red and his wife. And please
give my love to sweetening…oop, excuse please, I mean Lucille. Be good
and always remember to keep my chin up. So long for now from
Your friend
Tony

Dear Friend July 16, 1943 -September 25, 1943

Free mail
La Junta CO July 16, 1943
Dear Jean:
Two days ago I received your letter and yesterday I received a card from
your husband while he was at Upton. I was glad to hear from both of you.
It's funny what a tremendous appetite kids have as soon as they enter
into our world and because of that one little habit of ours, eating, all
this striving would be avoidable.
I can imagine how Sal must miss you both. I guess he is funny that way
not to show too much of his affections.
If I had said anything about shipping making you think that I may be
shipped across, it wasn't really meant that way. It's just a shipment of
boys to various camps to fill in a certain quota of jobs I guess. That
goes on now quite often. From one fellow to about twenty is an am't that
goes out often during the month.
We sure have artistic boys around here. In our Mess-hall we have
sketches of army Life displayed all around the place. Here are some:
Two boys tossing dishes to one another as they get through washing them
and the title is "Our Unsung Heroes". Another is "Sunrise Serenade" and
the sarg. Is blowing the whistle. And still another of the doctor with a
needle quite an enormous one and this caption "Medic's delight" But the
best of all is the one of the soldier who is supposed to be raking the
grass but instead, he's laying on the grass with a vision over his head
while he's dreaming. "On Furlough" is the name of this one and he's
dreaming of lying on the beach, with a blond no less.
I wonder if all this is silly can't think of much to write about so I'd
thought I'd fill in somehow. Hope you are amused reading this as I was
amused looking at the pictures.
The invasion of Italy is on. This gives me energy to carry on as by the
looks of things, it can't be much longer. And those Russians are doing
pretty well I think.
I close this note with my best regards to the folks and you and a
special kiss to Lucille. From
Your Sincerest Friend
Tony

Free mail
La Junta CO Sunday, Aug. 1
Dear Jean:
I must first make my apologies for not answering your most welcomed
letter sooner. All last week I was on K.P. This is a squadron detail
which falls my way about every two months. It's kind of hard, working on
K.P. and after a day's work of it I feel so tired that I have all to do
to concentrate. But I've been lucky to get today off and I thought I'd
catch up on some of the letters which I haven't answered yet. It's quite
a job and I'm now on my second one.
I received a card from your husband while he was at Upton and as yet he
hasn't written again. I can understand why. it's pretty tough trying to
keep up with his correspondence while he's going thru' his basic training..
There is always something that seems to draw your feelings back to your
loved ones. Many a quarrel was had when I was home and yet home is
always on my mind. Everything I do doesn't seem right somehow.
So far as things are going now I can't say for sure whether I'll be
transferred to another squadron or to another air base. Time will only
tell.
I'm just as anxious for Lucille too and hope by the time she says her
first word we'll all be home again. I can just picture how all of you
are caressing that child. She is bringing new hopes to the ones who love
her so. Yes. I guess it is a joy to one's life to have babies but I'm
afraid I have delayed too long. Just think if I did get knotted for
good, I'd be an old man by the time the little tot be old enough to get
wedded.
You want me to speak of myself but what can I say that I haven't said
before. I sometimes re-read what I've written and it makes me feel like
a repetitionist. These are a few more things that has occurred since
last I wrote; we attend 1st Aid and Sanitation lectures once a week (a 2
hour period) on our own time. This burns me up because we don't (and I
mean "we") pay any attention to what is being said anyhow. I know we
should but somehow we are changing. We look at life in a different
manner. Our opinions of other are taking a drastic change for the worse.
One of the reasons for this is their ways of doing things. They're
always passing the buck This is an expression which I compare it with
the picture of Pontius Pilate during the trial of Christ. I may be wrong
but my feelings are such that it will remain with me for a long time
after all this nonsense is over,. Sometimes I wonder if we are in the
right or not but I guess only God knows just what it's all about.
Sometimes I think he just lets us bang our heads around on perpoise to
teach us a lesson but I'm afraid we'll never learn Shakespeare was right
when he said quote "What fools these mortals be" unquote.
We will have retreat formations once every five days and three times a
week I go for calisthenics. I'm getting so lazy that I hate everything I
do and I know I'll never le the same again. Many of us will just be bums
after the war. Just think of it, they worry more about triviala than the
important things. It doesn't sound possible but It's true in many
incidents I have met up with. For instants, we're never finished with a
certain job without them finding something else for us to do even if
it's not important. So we in turn learn to stall and try to make it as
easy as possible for ourselves. Why not? Some may say it's wrong but why
should I care about others? Do they worry about us? I should say not. We
don't mean a thing to them outside of being puppets on a string and that
string is pretty thin too. That's why I asked for a C.O.O. and I hope
to get it to. Let the other guy break his neck. I'll break mines only
when things are runs straight and honest and man again regains his
rightful place and becomes honorable towards others. I'm pouring my
feelings to you and I shouldn't Please forgive me.
We have such warm weather here that it surprises me how a place could be
so cold in winter. What a contrast.
I'm still working at the parachute building and this week we will know
more about transfers. And with this I will now close hoping you are
feeling better and kiss Lucille for me. Regards to all, and lots of luck
to you.
Your friend Tony
P.S. Don't worry about your husband. I think he'll make something of
himself while he's in. That is where we are different.

Free mail
La Junta CO Aug. 11, 1943
Dear Friend:
It's funny sometimes how things happen at the same time. Both your letter
and Sal's reached me the same day. I was sure glad to hear from both of you.
What a break for Sal if he is shipped to Ohio. At least anywhere away
from the middle and western states is a good deal. Altho' Ohio isn't
exactly east but it's not so far away from home.
It's not that I can't find Miss Right. I'm afraid that I'm not the Mr.
Right for the Miss Right but funny things do happen so maybe, perhaps,
somehow, someways, who knows.
It's going to be pretty tough on Sal, I know; I too believe it's on
account of his breaking up home. After all how else could he feel. He
misses both of you, sure as my name is Nunzio. I could easily have seen
it between the lines too. But I have a feeling that it won't be long now
.I wrote to him back a pretty sized letter and we hope to continue our
correspondence.
Who wouldn't be charmed by a cute little baby girls. You might think:
How do I know, I haven't even seen her yet. To that I would reply,
'after all aren't all baby's cute when there small. It's when they grow
up, that's the time they get in your hair. But with all that, we always
look back at those happy days again in our memories" Do you know what I
advise you to do: Take pictures of her every so often to show how she is
growing. Each picture will leave a story in later years.
It's always 100 degrees to 105 degrees here and awful dry too. .Our
water doesn't taste so good. It never did.
How should I say it 'I am honored." Yes, that's it. I mean having your
little Lucille call me Uncle. Funny how many uncles I am now. Maybe
someday I'll promote myself to being a Daddy instead. Oh heck, I'm so
contrary. First I talk of being a Bachelor and then , of being a papa.
I'll just wait till all this mess is over first.
I now close with all my regards to you and your folks and friends and
last but not least a great big kiss for Lucille from
Your friend
Tony

Free mail
La Junta CO August 28, 1943
Dear jean:
I never mind delays because sometimes I have to do it too. As long as I
hear from you is enough and I am happy to receive your letters altho' it
must be hard on you writing to so many of us soldiers. But we always
long for news especially those we who are overseas so even if you do
delay, I have no licks coming because I should be thankful that I'm here
and not over the other side, It is often said "Patience is a virtue" but
really "Patience is a necessity." Gosh, I must have lost it some how.
It's very inconsiderate of me. After all, there are so many in a tighter
spot than I'm in. I must have sounded quite selfish but believe me my
bitterness was toward men as individuals and not as a whole. I've read
that part of your brother's letter. It is true; that is really the
feeling one gets when such a position as he is in, I felt the same way
that other time. It was beautifully said and made me feel ashamed of
myself for forgetting so soon. And yet looking back it seems like
yesterday. Have I really changed so soon? Could I have forgotten in so
short a time? Thank God my reasoning power has not left be to open my
eyes to the realization that after all I've got it easy and shouldn't
kick about it either. The old folks have a saying that goes "It's the
full stomach that makes one kick." And how true it really is.
I've received your husbands letter yesterday and he is making out swell.
He'll soon be leaving for Ohio but I guess he told you that already.
After I get through with this letter I'm going to answer his. I just got
through with Charlie's. He's been waiting a long time for an answer.
What you write, never annoys me. There is a feeling of relief when you
can find someone you can write to without others reading it too. I guess
we've known that for sometime somehow because Sal and I have always
confided in one another. That is why I write to you as I did.
I've heard that there is a possibility that soon I can pay my respects
to Lil' Lucille and if she is patient enough my next kiss will be in
person but just now it'll be by remote control.
I close now with best wishes to everyone from
Your sincerest friend
Tony

Free mail
La Junta CO Sept. 5, 1943
Dear Jean:
It's funny how letters sometimes get to their destination at different
lengths of time. I remember once when my mother wrote to me she sent her
letter by ordinary mail and the very next day she sent me an air mail
letter. Well believe it or not I got her first letter before the air
mail letter.
Yes, by September 15, it'll be one year to the day that I'm in this army
but I will still have to wait six months from the last one that I had.
But I'm keeping my fingers crossed hoping to get out before then.
Just now I'm being interrupted by my friend who insists that it's my
turn to buy him a coke. We're having a debate on this and he insists
that I should buy but I insist that he didn't deserve a coke; It winds
up where my other friend gets stuck and has just gone out to buy the
cokes. We're the musketeers and are always acting this way. I've a
feeling that altho' I got away with buying the cokes I'll get stuck with
the beer tonight. We intend to go to the movie tonight to see Hi Diddle
Diddle.
It's good to write to him every day .At least he can look forward to
getting a letter and that'll make him feel that he's close to you.
I think that Larry must be with boys who had Malaria and that they are
taking measures to prevent others from getting it too. This is only my
opinion.
Well, I've come to the end of my letter and so I close with regards to
all and a kiss to Lucille from
Your friend
Tony

Free mail
La Junta CO Sept. 15, 1943
Dear Friend:
Four years of marriage…. And yet it seemed like yesterday you two had
met. I recall that day too well. That summer Sal broke the news to me
and at the time my thoughts were far from forming an opinion on this
event. I remember correctly I believer I had met you only once or twice.
That was in August…. Oh no, that was really May or June because I left
for the country on the 1st of July and didn't return till after you two
were wed. I knew then it was the best thing that could have happened to
both of you and I felt envious, and uncertain whether I too will end in
a wonderful union… or will I be the only one of the three musketeers to
remain single? Here is something I never mentioned before to anyone
there was a time when I was close to getting to well acquainted with
someone, no thought of marriage was in my mind at the time because we
had met only a few times but as soon as I knew she was getting serious,
I became afraid, being so uncertain of myself and the future that I did
not give it a chance to go any further. Ever since then I remained the
same, My fear for the future has lost me many years of joy and
happiness,,,,, what will my lot be? I wonder, And yet I'm happy for you
two with four years of marriage to look back on, and now a little girl
to fill your future with a bountiful of happiness. These present months
of separation will soon be a thing of the past. "And this too will pass
away." if only we could hold back the hands of time, will we not use it
to our advantage. Holding back time at that moment when we are in our
greatest joy. But we are mortals and subject to the laws of nature. Make
the best of it. Some are in tears as others laugh. That is life and
remember this. The longer Sal is in this country, even if you do not
hear from him at times, the better you should feel. Let's hope that this
war ends soon and I do feel that by the looks of things, even if we lose
some ground at times. The Germans are licked. It is only a matter of
time now.
My letters have shrunk considerably, and the fault lays on this
uncertain feeling of mine. I'm selfish, I preach but do not practice it,
all I want is to get out, I don't reason with myself and don't care too.
Oh well, as we would say why moan? Sometimes I get this way too.
Hi-Diddle-Diddle was a pretty good comedy. May I suggest you to see
"This is the Army" There has been nothing like it for a long time. A
grand musical and what gorgeous scenes. You should go to a movie once in
a while for relaxation. In these times we need it.
Italy's sad blight is a thorn in many people's hearts. Let's hope it
ends soon.
And the beers… oh yes… I did get stuck on them but I get even. John,
he's one of the trio, got news, bad news, so he got an emercensy
furlough. For a while we shall be only two now. I seldom go anywheres. A
movie or some bars. That's about all. We still have beer but it's
running low too.
Singing…. Yes I love it and I hope Lucille will inherit your voice………..I
hesitate for loss of something more to say, forgive this letter. I was
to write you something humorous but instead it's the other way around.
I'm afraid I lost my sense of humor. I hope maybe next time I'll be in a
better mood so as to write you a nice long cheerful letter, so for the
present let this letter, serffice and keep your chin up but if you can't
then get a double chin so's you keep one up and one down,… oh no… you
better not I don't think that'll become you and besides that isn't the
style these days.
I will close now wishing you will keep well and love to Lucille. From
Your Friend
Tony

Free mail
La Junta CO Sept. 25, 1943
Dear Jean:
Having received your letter I now set me down at a desk where I work and
like a white collar worker I write you these lines hoping you will bear
good news and always good news from your loved ones. If not good news,
then let there be no news at all for we know that no news is good news.
But honestly I realize what anguish your mother is going through and
yourself also for your husband. In fact the millions of mothers who
having bourn us, now await us hoping and praying in the good God in
Heaven to keep us from harm.
One of the three Mustketeers had an emergency furlough. His father had
died and he left that same day. Only last week I received news that my
cousin Jim passed away. You may have heard about him, he's the one who
had T.B, and his sister lives on 44 st at 8th Ave. in B'klyn. The queer
thing about this he died not from T. B., but from a pain in his spine.
They'd probably use him for a guinea pig now. What I feel so bad about
is that he was there all alone so far away from his kinsfolks. Oh, what
is life anyway.
This evening I came to work at 6:00 and no sooner I got here, they
started coming in with their chutes. They came in so fast that I was in
a fog for awhile. I got thru' at 7:30. Maybe there won't be any flying
tonight but if there is then about 8:00 I'll have to start giving out
chutes again and get them back around 2:00 A.M. I have to check there
nanes in and put them away in their rightful bins and pile the harnesses
away neatly. About 90 of them had to be taken care of. Oh hum, what an
existence. This I do, day in and day out,. Would you like to change
places with me. Auh…mm….No.o… of course not. You've got your bundle of
joy and I , woe is me, I remain with bundles of parachutes. How can I
make love to chutes when all I get back are arm aches.
Do you know something. I is now taking up chess. Yep. What a game. Oh of
course not. I only play with my friend because he too is a beginner and
besides with him at least I can win a few games.
We'll you want me to be a little less serious, don't you. Well here is
something that my niece sent me by request of her father. Now keep your
mind clear:
Only a Boy
I remember the first time I tried it. I was only a kid of 15
And tho' she was younger than I was she was far more composed & serene.
I was eager, yet awkwardly backward uncertain of how to proceed
But she seemed not to notice my shyness with which I prepared for the deed
It was in the barn I remember at the close of a hot summer day
And the evening was scented with clover and the fragrance of new mown hay
I remember I spoke to her gently and the touch of her body was warm
And my fingers moved awkwardly While she nestled her lead in my arms
Looking back at it now, I remember how I stood while my head seemed to spin
With the thought of the thing I was going to do yet reluctant to begin
Twenty years have gone by since that evening but I've never
Forgotten, I vow
The thrill and the joy that I felt as a boy
On the day that I first milked a cow.
That's all folks see you next time. With regards to all and my love to
Lucille
I remain
Your friend
Tony.
P.S. I heard from Sal and he's well. We keep writing to each other often
altho' we hear from one another about every two weeks the most.