June 23, 1943
2030 Wed eve.
Hello Darling;
I have been outside watching a storm come up. It is one of the meanest looking ones I have ever seen. It hasn't done anything but blow so far but it looks like a bad one. The whole southern and eastern sky is a mass of jet black and smoke colored clouds boiling one over the other and mixed in are a few angry red ones casting a pinkish light over the landscape. Beautiful and terrifying to watch. Great streaks of lightening are now flashing across the sky and thunder is rolling almost continuously. The wind has turned from hot to very nice and cool. I think the rain is nearly here.
Monday evening after we had chow I was just sitting down to write you a nice love letter and the whistle blew and the top kick yelled "All Out", so we tumbled out and were told to pack our field equipment and be ready to move in 10 minutes. We had no idea what for or anything. The army never explains. You just do as they say. They had only called out about 35 names and Max and I were among them. I really felt sorry for Max. He hadn't found his wife until about 1800 Sunday night so she stayed at the guest house and he really hadn't seen her alone Sun. eve. at all. Here was Monday evening and they were going in to town and get her settled in her room and now he had to leave. No time to go tell her even. He got one of the fellows to take her a note.
We loaded in trucks and started out. Leo was along also. We drove and drove and finally halted along the road. The Lt. leading us had lost his way and we were all lost in the woods. The boys were all having a great time and hoping we would stay lost. We had the mess truck and all, along with us so they weren't worried. After an hour or so we finally got back on the right road and about 2230 we arrived at our destination. Way out in the pine woods somewhere, about 50 miles from camp. We pitched out tents and went to bed. Max was sleeping with me and he had a wife back at camp. Rather disappointing.
They hammered the gong at 0430 in the morning. We ate chow in darkness and rolled up our tents and then they told us we were on the combat target range for 30 Cal. machine gun, and would spend the day there.
By the time it was daylight we had our guns all set up and ready to go. There was a series of 10 targets the size of a kneeling man at 400 yards, 4 the size of a man standing at 500 yards, 4 the size of a man at 700 yards, and one target 6 ft square at 800 yards. That is nearly a half mile. We were to fire 3 shots at each of the first, 6 at each of the 2nd and 3rd and 15 at the last. I was one of the first to fire and did fairly well. I had a total score of 74 and was 5th high in the outfit. After we had finished firing, we were firing in groups of eight, we went out on the range to score and paste the holes in the targets for the next group. There is a dugout built of logs and covered with several feet of dirt where we stay while firing is in progress. We are in constant contact with the firing line by telephone and radio and we keep under cover until every gun is empty and then move out to the targets. There is a little motor driven car on rails that takes us to the targets and back. It was interesting to sit there in the dugout and hear the bullets going by overhead. Every third shot fired was a tracer. It has a glowing ball of fire on it so you can see where your bullets are going. You can see them go for a mile or more and tell if you are hitting anywhere near the targets.
By the time all the boys had fired it was chow time and after chow we started all over again. This is where the sad part comes in. I fired the same course over again and when the score was phoned in I had only made 19. I don't know why I didn't hit a single one of the 400 or 500 yd targets, only two of the 700 yd and 15 or perfect on the 800 yd. The only thing I can think of is I was just barely shooting over the first targets so close I couldn't tell I wasn't hitting them. They sure looked like they were hitting. This is once when I fell way down. Not as good a soldier as I've led you to believe. The top score for the day was 181 and I had 93. I only have one consolation. There were 10 below me even then.
The low scores always clean the guns when we get back so I was cleaning guns until 2200 last night. Leo was also cleaning guns, but Max got to see his wife.
She doesn't like it here a bit. They live in the Wyoming mountains and the heat here is nearly killing her. She plans to stay a couple weeks and then go home.
This morning they found a new way to see if we could take it. Loaded full field equipment on our backs and took off on a 3 1/2 mile run and walk march. Time for the march was 25 1/2 minutes. I think it was the toughest one yet but we made it.
I guess that's all the news so I'll look over your letters and comment.
I received your box Sunday eve with the cakes and knives. I went over to the P.X. got a quart of milk and had a feast on cakes and milk. Really was a treat. Thanks a lot honey. You're so damn sweet I could hug you to death if I could get hold of you. You also did O.K. in picking a knife. You're nice.
Glad to hear you have set a date to quit working. You need a rest and beside I never did want you to have to work, but this war changes everything. When you do quit don't kill yourself trying to keep the place up. Do what you want and let the rest go. I won't mind if you don't do anything. I don't want a skinny wife either.
I got your Sat & Sun letters today and the pictures. You look just as good as I've said you did. You look very sweet and happy and I believe a little of the pudgy belly is gone. You look swell. Only one fault. You should have had a tighter sweater on.
The pictures of Mick & Louise are also very nice. From the picture the fence row doesn't look natural but I bet it looks nicer and lets in a lot more breeze. I sure would like to be laying under those trees with you beside me. Sure looks inviting.
well I guess I better go to bed. I love you honey and wish I could be with you. Even though you don't have a tight sweater on in the pictures you look good enough to make me want to come back. If I could I'd start tonight. That's how much I love you. Night honey. The days are flying by and bringing us closer to that day.
your loving husband
Norm.
P.S. I don't know what has happened to the pictures I had taken, but I expect they'll be coming sometime.
your lover.
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Friday, June 18, 2010
Letter #46 June 19,1943
June 19, 1943
Sat eve. 1735
Dear Wifey;
Don't worry I forgive you for missing writing me a letter on Tues. I think you have done darn well to write a letter every day for the 12 weeks I've been gone. I haven't done nearly that well by you, and I know you have plenty to keep you busy. I don't see how you do it. You're sweet to spend all that time and energy on me. I love to hear from you but as I've said before don't make it a burden. If you are tired or too busy forget it. If I get three or four a week I'll be satisfied. Maybe then I could match you letter for letter.
Boy is it hot. They tell me it was 110 degrees today.
I have drawn my first duty as acting corporal. I am C.Q. [charge of quarters] from 1600 Sat to 1200 Sunday. It's a rather bust evening, all the boys are coming in for passes and it is my responsibility to write them out and see that they are properly dressed to leave camp.
This week they all are to be able to draw out a battle bivouac plan, locating all the different units in the position they would assume in battle. I am writing this letter in between passes so if I get a battle plan mixed up in it think nothing of it. There are three fellows drawing their plans here at the present time. When they get stuck I help them a little. They only posted this plan yesterday and while it isn't hard to learn, some of these boys aren't to fast in the head and get twisted up. The weekend pass means a lot to these hard working boys and I think a lot of this stuff is horse shit anyhow, so I help them a little. These single fellows and some of the married ones just have to get to town or they aren't happy. I don't know why. We have everything here at camp they can find in town except licquor and bad women and we even have some of them here. But they seem to want to go.
So you stayed alone all night and nothing happened. Wish I could sneak in some night when you are all alone. But something would happen then. As long as I'm out of the state you will be safe enough. Other men don't know how nice you are to love or you might have company. I was just looking at your picture and the thought struck me that it's been so long since I've seen you I'll have to get acquainted all over again. Bet I don't wait three months before I kiss you like I did when we first went together. I was bashful and afraid of you then. I won't be either this time. Probably be very brazen and on the make within a short time. I love you honey ever so much.
So you sit and write to me in your underclothes and say you know what I would do if I was there. You may have an idea but I would be a lot worse than I was when I left you. I sure would like to feel you up good and maul and chew the old things. I get so excited just thinking about it. I can't even spell old. Just think, I haven't even really talked to a woman since I left you. I'll be a man's man and won't even know how to act when I get home again. You did so teach me a lot and it'll be fun to have you as a teacher again. Only I won't bring you any apples to gain favor. I'll just love you till you holler quits.
You should see me when I write my letters; usually sitting on my bunk stark naked and writing on my knee. If you could see me maybe you would do something. The boys all think I'm in good fighting trim and am a fair figure of a man again. If they keep up the present training schedule I'll stay that way too. Hard as nails and can take nearly anything.
I got Louise's cookies yesterday and were they good. I got more than a taste. I'm getting smart and keeping quiet when I get something like that. Just a few special friends get in on it. Selfish am I not?
You're playing me dirty telling me you have a surprise for me in a couple weeks and letting me wonder what it is. I'll fire you someday. I do like surprises from you and would bet I'll enjoy whatever it is. You're sweet and even if you do tease me I love you.
I haven't heard a word from Tony either. I wrote last several weeks ago and he never answered. I guess he is having a tough time of it.
Glad to hear the strawberries are doing so well. I was rather surprised after the weather you had that they came so early. Very nice of Art to let you freeze some, so I can have a shortcake when I come home. That's a date. We had shortcake here once several weeks ago. It was very good but I'll still take yours when I can get it.
It just doesn't seem possible Bob Kindig is old enough to get married but I guess he is. Wish him all the luck in the world and hope he got as good a wife as I did. That honeymoon business would be swell. Don't worry we'll have it again sometime and it'll be a dandy.
I didn't get a chance to see Leo's girl while she was here. She had to leave Thurs. and we were out on bivouac so Leo didn't even know where she went until she wrote and told him. She stayed 4 days at the guest house and then had to leave. She hadn't decided where she was going to stay at the time. She is now in DeRidder and Leo has K.P. tomorrow so unless he can trade with someone he won't be able to see her. I can't help him because I'm on duty until 1200 and K.P.'s go on at 0530. I won't have K.P. anymore so long as I have these stripes so I didn't do so bad, only 3times since I've been in. I think it about the hardest work in the army.
Max Stansbury got a telegram last night. His wife was getting in Leesville at 1400 today so he went in and succeded in getting a room. They kept us on duty until 1600 today so he couldn't meet her. She didn't know where the room was and I'm wondering what she did until he got there. I'm just telling you these things so you can see why I didn't want you to come down unless I can't get home. I'm afraid it would be very unsatisfactory to you.
It isn't like in civilian life. If you really had somthing to do you could get off or arrange it for your off time, but here there is no set duty time. We are on duty 24 hours a day and never know for sure when we will be off.
We didn't have anything new happen the past three days except the blackout convoy we were starting out on when I wrote the last letter. It was one of those beautiful nights I have told you about. Bright moonlight and nice and cool. They are really made for loving but I didn't have anything to love.
That kind of driving is rather tricky even in bright moonlight. We are supposed to keep about 50 yards between vehicles but the dust and deceptive light fool your eyes and the first thing you know you are either way behind or too close to the vehicle ahead. I drove part of the way. We, Max & I were in the maintenance half track truck and were the last in the column. We had one tank and one truck go haywire and stopped and fixed them. That is part of my job if I stay a mechanic. I still like my school. It is getting more interesting everyday. We had a test Friday and I got 100 in it. Couldn't do much better could I? Max got 94 so he is doing O.K. also. We didn't drive as long as they had said we would. We were back at bivouac area about 0200 and the cooks had rolls and coffee waiting. Then Max and I crawled in our little tent and caught a little sleep. Up at 0530, had breakfast and spent the morning running tanks up on stumps and then learning how to get them off. Also learned how to build a boat out of a canvass that will carry a peep across a river. Sure is a wide selection of things to learn.
I missed a nice convoy trip Friday because I was in school. The boys took off early and covered about 150 miles and they say they saw some nice country and also some nice girls. One of them was telling about what he called a swamp girl walking up the road. Said she had the best pair of bubbles he had seen in a long time. They evidently weren't supported, because he said they sure shook nice as she walked. Nearly broke up the convoy. Good thing I wasn't along and driving. I know I would have looked and maybe went in the ditch.
We had another big inspection today. Had all our clothes laid out on our bunks. We all passed O.K.
I guess they finally have a 3rd suit of suntans for me. Sure need them down here. I wear clothes for a short time and they are soaked with sweat.
Well honey I guess I'll quit for tonight and get my bunk made up here in the orderly room. Most of the passes will be in by 0100 and then I can sleep. I'd like a nice bed partner about your size. Night honey, take care of yourself.
your hubby.
Norm.
Sat eve. 1735
Dear Wifey;
Don't worry I forgive you for missing writing me a letter on Tues. I think you have done darn well to write a letter every day for the 12 weeks I've been gone. I haven't done nearly that well by you, and I know you have plenty to keep you busy. I don't see how you do it. You're sweet to spend all that time and energy on me. I love to hear from you but as I've said before don't make it a burden. If you are tired or too busy forget it. If I get three or four a week I'll be satisfied. Maybe then I could match you letter for letter.
Boy is it hot. They tell me it was 110 degrees today.
I have drawn my first duty as acting corporal. I am C.Q. [charge of quarters] from 1600 Sat to 1200 Sunday. It's a rather bust evening, all the boys are coming in for passes and it is my responsibility to write them out and see that they are properly dressed to leave camp.
This week they all are to be able to draw out a battle bivouac plan, locating all the different units in the position they would assume in battle. I am writing this letter in between passes so if I get a battle plan mixed up in it think nothing of it. There are three fellows drawing their plans here at the present time. When they get stuck I help them a little. They only posted this plan yesterday and while it isn't hard to learn, some of these boys aren't to fast in the head and get twisted up. The weekend pass means a lot to these hard working boys and I think a lot of this stuff is horse shit anyhow, so I help them a little. These single fellows and some of the married ones just have to get to town or they aren't happy. I don't know why. We have everything here at camp they can find in town except licquor and bad women and we even have some of them here. But they seem to want to go.
So you stayed alone all night and nothing happened. Wish I could sneak in some night when you are all alone. But something would happen then. As long as I'm out of the state you will be safe enough. Other men don't know how nice you are to love or you might have company. I was just looking at your picture and the thought struck me that it's been so long since I've seen you I'll have to get acquainted all over again. Bet I don't wait three months before I kiss you like I did when we first went together. I was bashful and afraid of you then. I won't be either this time. Probably be very brazen and on the make within a short time. I love you honey ever so much.
So you sit and write to me in your underclothes and say you know what I would do if I was there. You may have an idea but I would be a lot worse than I was when I left you. I sure would like to feel you up good and maul and chew the old things. I get so excited just thinking about it. I can't even spell old. Just think, I haven't even really talked to a woman since I left you. I'll be a man's man and won't even know how to act when I get home again. You did so teach me a lot and it'll be fun to have you as a teacher again. Only I won't bring you any apples to gain favor. I'll just love you till you holler quits.
You should see me when I write my letters; usually sitting on my bunk stark naked and writing on my knee. If you could see me maybe you would do something. The boys all think I'm in good fighting trim and am a fair figure of a man again. If they keep up the present training schedule I'll stay that way too. Hard as nails and can take nearly anything.
I got Louise's cookies yesterday and were they good. I got more than a taste. I'm getting smart and keeping quiet when I get something like that. Just a few special friends get in on it. Selfish am I not?
You're playing me dirty telling me you have a surprise for me in a couple weeks and letting me wonder what it is. I'll fire you someday. I do like surprises from you and would bet I'll enjoy whatever it is. You're sweet and even if you do tease me I love you.
I haven't heard a word from Tony either. I wrote last several weeks ago and he never answered. I guess he is having a tough time of it.
Glad to hear the strawberries are doing so well. I was rather surprised after the weather you had that they came so early. Very nice of Art to let you freeze some, so I can have a shortcake when I come home. That's a date. We had shortcake here once several weeks ago. It was very good but I'll still take yours when I can get it.
It just doesn't seem possible Bob Kindig is old enough to get married but I guess he is. Wish him all the luck in the world and hope he got as good a wife as I did. That honeymoon business would be swell. Don't worry we'll have it again sometime and it'll be a dandy.
I didn't get a chance to see Leo's girl while she was here. She had to leave Thurs. and we were out on bivouac so Leo didn't even know where she went until she wrote and told him. She stayed 4 days at the guest house and then had to leave. She hadn't decided where she was going to stay at the time. She is now in DeRidder and Leo has K.P. tomorrow so unless he can trade with someone he won't be able to see her. I can't help him because I'm on duty until 1200 and K.P.'s go on at 0530. I won't have K.P. anymore so long as I have these stripes so I didn't do so bad, only 3times since I've been in. I think it about the hardest work in the army.
Max Stansbury got a telegram last night. His wife was getting in Leesville at 1400 today so he went in and succeded in getting a room. They kept us on duty until 1600 today so he couldn't meet her. She didn't know where the room was and I'm wondering what she did until he got there. I'm just telling you these things so you can see why I didn't want you to come down unless I can't get home. I'm afraid it would be very unsatisfactory to you.
It isn't like in civilian life. If you really had somthing to do you could get off or arrange it for your off time, but here there is no set duty time. We are on duty 24 hours a day and never know for sure when we will be off.
We didn't have anything new happen the past three days except the blackout convoy we were starting out on when I wrote the last letter. It was one of those beautiful nights I have told you about. Bright moonlight and nice and cool. They are really made for loving but I didn't have anything to love.
That kind of driving is rather tricky even in bright moonlight. We are supposed to keep about 50 yards between vehicles but the dust and deceptive light fool your eyes and the first thing you know you are either way behind or too close to the vehicle ahead. I drove part of the way. We, Max & I were in the maintenance half track truck and were the last in the column. We had one tank and one truck go haywire and stopped and fixed them. That is part of my job if I stay a mechanic. I still like my school. It is getting more interesting everyday. We had a test Friday and I got 100 in it. Couldn't do much better could I? Max got 94 so he is doing O.K. also. We didn't drive as long as they had said we would. We were back at bivouac area about 0200 and the cooks had rolls and coffee waiting. Then Max and I crawled in our little tent and caught a little sleep. Up at 0530, had breakfast and spent the morning running tanks up on stumps and then learning how to get them off. Also learned how to build a boat out of a canvass that will carry a peep across a river. Sure is a wide selection of things to learn.
I missed a nice convoy trip Friday because I was in school. The boys took off early and covered about 150 miles and they say they saw some nice country and also some nice girls. One of them was telling about what he called a swamp girl walking up the road. Said she had the best pair of bubbles he had seen in a long time. They evidently weren't supported, because he said they sure shook nice as she walked. Nearly broke up the convoy. Good thing I wasn't along and driving. I know I would have looked and maybe went in the ditch.
We had another big inspection today. Had all our clothes laid out on our bunks. We all passed O.K.
I guess they finally have a 3rd suit of suntans for me. Sure need them down here. I wear clothes for a short time and they are soaked with sweat.
Well honey I guess I'll quit for tonight and get my bunk made up here in the orderly room. Most of the passes will be in by 0100 and then I can sleep. I'd like a nice bed partner about your size. Night honey, take care of yourself.
your hubby.
Norm.
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Letter # 45 June 16, 1943
June 16, 1943
Wed aft. 2 P.M.
My darling wife.
They changed plans a little. Instead of going on bivouac this morning we aren't going until 2000 tonight. I get so used to writing time that way it just slipped in so I'll leave it and explain in case you don't understand. In the armed forces time is spoken of in periods of 24 hours starting at midnight, instead of two 12 hr. periods. Thurs. 8 P.M. is 2000 and any time up to 10 is written as 0600 or 0130 or 0215 or whatever time it is. There are always 4 figures. That eliminates the chance of forgetting to put AM or PM on and making a mistake as to which period it is meant for.
We are leaving tonight about 2000 on an all night mounted road march under blackout conditions, no lights on any vehicles. That'll sure be a new experience. If it is clear it won't be bad because we now have nearly full moon. I don't know if I will be driving or not. They gave us this afternoon off to sleep or whatever. I tried to sleep but it is so damn hot I was drowned in no time so I thought I'd write my honey a letter. We will bivouac someplace along toward morning and come back either tomorrow night or Friday.
I'm sitting out back of the barracks under a tree trying to keep somewhat cool while I'm writing, but I'm not very successful. Sweat keeps trying to get on the paper and mess it up.
You won't have to worry about the W.A.A.C.S. luring me off the straight and narrow anymore. They are discontinuing the training center for them here. I don't know why, unless they had to send too many pregnant ones home. So there's one worry off your mind. Now all you have to worry about is these southern gals. I still haven't seen any that looked as good as my memory of you. You must have something honey, to be as far away as you are and still holding my interest to such an extent. How do you do it?
I know you're sweet, nice looking, have a very suggestive and interesting shape with lots of nice soft curves, but so have other girls and still I'm not interested in doing more than looking. I do plenty of that whenever I get a chance. What have you got honey that keeps me so securely tied? The answer must be you made me love you and I'll never get over it. I don't want to either. I'm very much satisfied with the grand little wife I've got and love her so much it hurts, but it hurts good. I'll show her some fancy loving the next time I get a chance. Just think honey we'll both be the same as virgins again. Whoope!!!
I have a few things to do yet this afternoon and I'm going to try to take a nap again. Bye darling. Don't forget I love you and always will. You're sweet. Here's a nice kiss and a couple squeezes.
your loving soldier
Norm
Wed aft. 2 P.M.
My darling wife.
They changed plans a little. Instead of going on bivouac this morning we aren't going until 2000 tonight. I get so used to writing time that way it just slipped in so I'll leave it and explain in case you don't understand. In the armed forces time is spoken of in periods of 24 hours starting at midnight, instead of two 12 hr. periods. Thurs. 8 P.M. is 2000 and any time up to 10 is written as 0600 or 0130 or 0215 or whatever time it is. There are always 4 figures. That eliminates the chance of forgetting to put AM or PM on and making a mistake as to which period it is meant for.
We are leaving tonight about 2000 on an all night mounted road march under blackout conditions, no lights on any vehicles. That'll sure be a new experience. If it is clear it won't be bad because we now have nearly full moon. I don't know if I will be driving or not. They gave us this afternoon off to sleep or whatever. I tried to sleep but it is so damn hot I was drowned in no time so I thought I'd write my honey a letter. We will bivouac someplace along toward morning and come back either tomorrow night or Friday.
I'm sitting out back of the barracks under a tree trying to keep somewhat cool while I'm writing, but I'm not very successful. Sweat keeps trying to get on the paper and mess it up.
You won't have to worry about the W.A.A.C.S. luring me off the straight and narrow anymore. They are discontinuing the training center for them here. I don't know why, unless they had to send too many pregnant ones home. So there's one worry off your mind. Now all you have to worry about is these southern gals. I still haven't seen any that looked as good as my memory of you. You must have something honey, to be as far away as you are and still holding my interest to such an extent. How do you do it?
I know you're sweet, nice looking, have a very suggestive and interesting shape with lots of nice soft curves, but so have other girls and still I'm not interested in doing more than looking. I do plenty of that whenever I get a chance. What have you got honey that keeps me so securely tied? The answer must be you made me love you and I'll never get over it. I don't want to either. I'm very much satisfied with the grand little wife I've got and love her so much it hurts, but it hurts good. I'll show her some fancy loving the next time I get a chance. Just think honey we'll both be the same as virgins again. Whoope!!!
I have a few things to do yet this afternoon and I'm going to try to take a nap again. Bye darling. Don't forget I love you and always will. You're sweet. Here's a nice kiss and a couple squeezes.
your loving soldier
Norm
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Letter # 44 June 14, 1943
June 14, 1943
Mon eve 6:30
Hello honey, you old devil
Got two letters from you today. Your Wed. and Thursday ones. From the way you wrote in that Thurs one, you are also becoming a letter writer. Nearly a volume and after you hadn't had any sleep for 24 hours. I can hardly believe it. Maybe army training is good for you also.
I really had to laugh at your being locked out. I thought I had put a key in the bird feeder before I left. Did you look behind the box that holds the grain? It just lifts out. It seems I can remember putting one there but maybe we just talked of it. Glad you got in so easy.
How are the Barrs coming with the house? I got a short letter from Jr & Garnet and also the Gazette so I had a lot of reading this evening.
The Company is throwing a beer party for us tonight along with supper. We will eat at 7:30 and then drink beer for the evening. All the profits from the P.X. except 10 which is given to the manager, who is a civilian, are divided among the companies of this regiment and our co. is spending some of our fund for this party tonight.
I see by the Gazette that Larry Newberry is an instructor at the airport. Glad to see he is going to get some good out of all his training.
They just sounded the call to come and get it.
Hello Honey;
This is Tues noon. Boy was that a party. We had 80 gal. of beer and 30 cases of soft drinks, cold sandwiches, pickles, olives, cookies, and potato salad. I even ate a little of the latter but concentrated most on the rest. For some reason or other only about 90 men were present so that made nearly a gal. of beer per man so you can imagine what this part of the army looked like last night about 10 P.M. Remember some of those [Spelling lesson #2] wild parties we used to have when we all wound up sleeping here and there? Well multiply the number of persons till you have 90 and you can see what I mean. We didn't have time enough for any of them to go to sleep but most of them didn't reach the barracks before they were heaving their toes.
The men that planned the party had dug up some singers and entertainers from the ranks and even though unrehearsed they were really good. In the condition most of us were in they seemed doubly good.
All the officers put in an appearance about an hour after the party started and were good fellows. All rank forgotten. They each told a story or sang or whatever they could do and in general took a good ribbing from the men.
Hello Honey. This is now Tues eve. To continue my story. We got in the barracks and spent the next two hrs taking care of drunks. Carry 'em down to the showers and throw them in. It's a rather effective remedy. After we had sobered them up we made them clean up the mess where they had heaved on the floors. Boy it was some mess.
I had my share of beer also but didn't get sick. The first time I've been feeling high for a long time.
We had a 10 mile forced hike this morning and everyone made it. 10 miles in 1 hr 58 minutes. Very good for a bunch of drunks. You should have seen us when we came in. The beer made everyone sweat so much we looked like we had been walking in a heavy rainstorm. When a bunch of fellows can do that after such a party, it's my opinion they are in top shape. Didn't seem to be anyone very tired.
I can't see too well to write this so excuse it if you can't read it. I'm crying believe it or not.
This evening was regimental parade and while we were on the parade grounds a P40 swooped over us and dropped a gas bomb, tear gas. Maybe you think that formation didn't break up in a hurry. The officers were 15 minutes getting us all back in ranks. The Colonel nearly tore his hair out. Here he was showing his regiment to a bunch of brass hats and his men were crying so much they couldn't see to stay lined up. The parade was very sloppy. No one seems to know the story on the gas but seems to think some bastard was playing or it was done by mistake. At dress parade we don't have our masks so we just had to take it. Doesn't hurt, just makes the eyes and nose smart so you cry like hell. It's clearing up now.
Have another bowl formation tonight so if this letter ends abruptly you know the fallout was sounded.
I talked to Carl and Wayne yesterday. Carl was restricted over the weekend so he was really mad. They didn't know if Kenny's wife was here yet or not. I asked Wayne how his wife liked Leesville and he said she was the same as everyone else, didn't like it but was glad to be here because of him. Carl seconded it. It's just what I thought they might stay but not because they liked it.
Leo's girl arrived Friday and they spent the weekend in Lake Charles. He says they had a hell of a time finding a place to stay but had a swell time. She is now here at the guest house. He says they haven't made any plans yet, but seems to think she will go home soon. I haven't seen her so I can't tell you anything about her.
So Louise is sending a contribution. Good for her. They won't be wasted I bet.
It might be nice for you to have a man to keep you company but I don't think I would approve unless he was too old to be interested in a nice exciting female and seeing that female is you, he'd have to be so close to dead he would probably smell and wouldn't be very nice to have around. I'll find myself a fiery southern gal if you get anything else.
Do you believe in dreams? last night the beer must have disturbed me. It seemed like I was dreaming all night. I was being transferred. I don't know where. I was sure having a hell of a time packing my barracks bags and getting to the train. I had just found you someplace when they yelled "hit the deck". When I did the "old thing" was standing up ready for business. I had only just met you in a dream and hadn't even kissed you yet. See how I'll be when I really see you and get you in my arms again. Boy-Oh-Boy-Oh-Boy. Will that be fun. I love you honey and miss you a lot.
I guess the co. is going out on a 3 day bivouac tomorrow morning and I'll have to go out to sleep tomorrow night and Thursday so I probably won't have a chance to write until Sat. or Sun. Even though I neglect you, just remember I mean all I have written in every letter I have written you. Night honey. I'm loving you.
Your hubby
Norm
Mon eve 6:30
Hello honey, you old devil
Got two letters from you today. Your Wed. and Thursday ones. From the way you wrote in that Thurs one, you are also becoming a letter writer. Nearly a volume and after you hadn't had any sleep for 24 hours. I can hardly believe it. Maybe army training is good for you also.
I really had to laugh at your being locked out. I thought I had put a key in the bird feeder before I left. Did you look behind the box that holds the grain? It just lifts out. It seems I can remember putting one there but maybe we just talked of it. Glad you got in so easy.
How are the Barrs coming with the house? I got a short letter from Jr & Garnet and also the Gazette so I had a lot of reading this evening.
The Company is throwing a beer party for us tonight along with supper. We will eat at 7:30 and then drink beer for the evening. All the profits from the P.X. except 10 which is given to the manager, who is a civilian, are divided among the companies of this regiment and our co. is spending some of our fund for this party tonight.
I see by the Gazette that Larry Newberry is an instructor at the airport. Glad to see he is going to get some good out of all his training.
They just sounded the call to come and get it.
Hello Honey;
This is Tues noon. Boy was that a party. We had 80 gal. of beer and 30 cases of soft drinks, cold sandwiches, pickles, olives, cookies, and potato salad. I even ate a little of the latter but concentrated most on the rest. For some reason or other only about 90 men were present so that made nearly a gal. of beer per man so you can imagine what this part of the army looked like last night about 10 P.M. Remember some of those [Spelling lesson #2] wild parties we used to have when we all wound up sleeping here and there? Well multiply the number of persons till you have 90 and you can see what I mean. We didn't have time enough for any of them to go to sleep but most of them didn't reach the barracks before they were heaving their toes.
The men that planned the party had dug up some singers and entertainers from the ranks and even though unrehearsed they were really good. In the condition most of us were in they seemed doubly good.
All the officers put in an appearance about an hour after the party started and were good fellows. All rank forgotten. They each told a story or sang or whatever they could do and in general took a good ribbing from the men.
Hello Honey. This is now Tues eve. To continue my story. We got in the barracks and spent the next two hrs taking care of drunks. Carry 'em down to the showers and throw them in. It's a rather effective remedy. After we had sobered them up we made them clean up the mess where they had heaved on the floors. Boy it was some mess.
I had my share of beer also but didn't get sick. The first time I've been feeling high for a long time.
We had a 10 mile forced hike this morning and everyone made it. 10 miles in 1 hr 58 minutes. Very good for a bunch of drunks. You should have seen us when we came in. The beer made everyone sweat so much we looked like we had been walking in a heavy rainstorm. When a bunch of fellows can do that after such a party, it's my opinion they are in top shape. Didn't seem to be anyone very tired.
I can't see too well to write this so excuse it if you can't read it. I'm crying believe it or not.
This evening was regimental parade and while we were on the parade grounds a P40 swooped over us and dropped a gas bomb, tear gas. Maybe you think that formation didn't break up in a hurry. The officers were 15 minutes getting us all back in ranks. The Colonel nearly tore his hair out. Here he was showing his regiment to a bunch of brass hats and his men were crying so much they couldn't see to stay lined up. The parade was very sloppy. No one seems to know the story on the gas but seems to think some bastard was playing or it was done by mistake. At dress parade we don't have our masks so we just had to take it. Doesn't hurt, just makes the eyes and nose smart so you cry like hell. It's clearing up now.
Have another bowl formation tonight so if this letter ends abruptly you know the fallout was sounded.
I talked to Carl and Wayne yesterday. Carl was restricted over the weekend so he was really mad. They didn't know if Kenny's wife was here yet or not. I asked Wayne how his wife liked Leesville and he said she was the same as everyone else, didn't like it but was glad to be here because of him. Carl seconded it. It's just what I thought they might stay but not because they liked it.
Leo's girl arrived Friday and they spent the weekend in Lake Charles. He says they had a hell of a time finding a place to stay but had a swell time. She is now here at the guest house. He says they haven't made any plans yet, but seems to think she will go home soon. I haven't seen her so I can't tell you anything about her.
So Louise is sending a contribution. Good for her. They won't be wasted I bet.
It might be nice for you to have a man to keep you company but I don't think I would approve unless he was too old to be interested in a nice exciting female and seeing that female is you, he'd have to be so close to dead he would probably smell and wouldn't be very nice to have around. I'll find myself a fiery southern gal if you get anything else.
Do you believe in dreams? last night the beer must have disturbed me. It seemed like I was dreaming all night. I was being transferred. I don't know where. I was sure having a hell of a time packing my barracks bags and getting to the train. I had just found you someplace when they yelled "hit the deck". When I did the "old thing" was standing up ready for business. I had only just met you in a dream and hadn't even kissed you yet. See how I'll be when I really see you and get you in my arms again. Boy-Oh-Boy-Oh-Boy. Will that be fun. I love you honey and miss you a lot.
I guess the co. is going out on a 3 day bivouac tomorrow morning and I'll have to go out to sleep tomorrow night and Thursday so I probably won't have a chance to write until Sat. or Sun. Even though I neglect you, just remember I mean all I have written in every letter I have written you. Night honey. I'm loving you.
Your hubby
Norm
Monday, June 14, 2010
Letter # 43 June 13, 1943
June 13, 1943
Dear Wife;
I thought the regimental paper might be of interest to you. I'm sending a copy and a little explanation as you read it.
Article #1 is so close to the way it actually happened, I might have written it myself only I came through Fort Hayes and didn't have K.P. until I had been here 3weeks and didn't have any trouble making my bed. I had learned that at Fort Hayes.
#2 is about the Division Parade I wrote you of. I wish the picture was better because the arrow points to me. It was taken as we passed the reviewing stand. We are wearing our suntan uniforms with pistol belt, leggings, and helmets. They placed us in ranks according to height and that put me in the second rank. The first rank, saluting are the officers.
#3 is about the trip to lake Charles
#4 shows and describes a typical personnel inspection in the barracks and will also give you an idea of what our home looks like. It doesn't happen to be in our Co. but they all look alike.
#5 is an article about our Company and the men in it. Pvt. Cantor who writes the article is a former newspaper man from Philadelphia. He is a jew I believe. He is a very nice fellow about my size, dark complexion, wears hornrim glasses, rather homely, about 26 years old and talks too much.
#6 is about the yardbird of the co. He has spent most of his time on K.P. or extra detail because he won't conform to army life.
#7 is about one of the squad leaders I mentioned in another letter.
#8 is about the fellow in mechanics school with me. He came back drunk one night and was telling about this phone number he had.
#9 Curtis was my old bed partner.
#10 Pvt. Rema is the barber who usually cuts my hair. The reference to being clipped refers to cards and dice. There is usually a game of each in the day room every night as long as there is any money in the outfit.
#11 is one of the projects I mentioned working on.
#12 is the name we gave our own platoon.
#13 will give you an idea of how we look in work clothes. One piece green coveralls, pistol belt, leggings, and helmets.
#14 is a scene during pup tent pitching for inspection. All field equipment laid out in front. That is what we load on our backs and go on these marches. 1/2 of the tent, 5 tent pegs, 1 tent pole, 1 tent rope, 2 blankets, 1 qt. canteen full of water, gas mask, dust respirator, goggles, field bag containing mess kit, toilet articles, towel, underwear, 2 pr. socks, handkerchief, raincoat, canned rations for 3 days, we haven't used them yet but we carry them, cigarettes, matches, adhesive tape, foot powder, and writing material.
I don't know if you will get much out of this or not but the pictures will tell you more than I could in several letters. If it is interesting I will send you another sometime. The rest of the paper is about other companies in this regiment.
Reconnaisance Company is the one that Carl Wacker and Wayne Good are in. The rest of the Medina boys are in different regiments so aren't in this paper.
I am also enclosing a rather sentimental little verse, which although written to apply to a soldier and girl being married first before he leaves for war, I think it also applies to us. It seems we were just married a short time and I had to leave. It describes much better than I can what I have tried to tell you, you mean to me, and was the cause of me saying I wasn't a bit sorry I was married and had a very nice wife back home waiting for me. I happened to see this today, so I am sending it along. I had better quit adding to this letter or they will be charging you postage to receive it.
Beyond my school I don't know what the schedule for this week is going to be and I think I have told you all the past news so I'm about run down.
I got your Wed eve letter this eve and was much surprised to hear you had been in Akron without buying anything. You must be slipping or else you have become a real miser.
I hope Mickey can work out his vetrinary proposition. If he has one flat foot he'll be like Tony is if he gets in an active unit.
Remember this man Moore I spoke of a long time ago? He had both flat feet and ended up in the hospital for several weeks. He has now been transferred to limited service. I don't know where. It's a hell of a racket if anything is wrong with feet or legs or anything else for that matter.
I didn't know Kenny's wife was coming down. I haven't seen him for several weeks. I hope she makes out all right, but I still think it's selfish to ask your wife to come down here. Maybe if they get enough of them down here they can start a colony of their own.
I would like to see you as much as any of them but I still can't bring myself to ask you to come down here in this hole except as a last resort. I think we will have a lot better opportunity to see each other at some later date. We'll wait a while and see how things go.
I love you honey and always will. If they keep me as busy all the time as I was last week I probably won't write you many letters, so don't worry, if you don't get one for several days. I'm not out with a W.A.A.C. or anyone else, but just busy. Good night honey. I'm going to sleep soon.
Wish you were here to sleep with me. I mean go to bed with me. I don't think I would want to sleep for a while. We'll have a chance again. Nighty night honey.
I love you.
Your hubby.
Norm
Dear Wife;
I thought the regimental paper might be of interest to you. I'm sending a copy and a little explanation as you read it.
Article #1 is so close to the way it actually happened, I might have written it myself only I came through Fort Hayes and didn't have K.P. until I had been here 3weeks and didn't have any trouble making my bed. I had learned that at Fort Hayes.
#2 is about the Division Parade I wrote you of. I wish the picture was better because the arrow points to me. It was taken as we passed the reviewing stand. We are wearing our suntan uniforms with pistol belt, leggings, and helmets. They placed us in ranks according to height and that put me in the second rank. The first rank, saluting are the officers.
#3 is about the trip to lake Charles
#4 shows and describes a typical personnel inspection in the barracks and will also give you an idea of what our home looks like. It doesn't happen to be in our Co. but they all look alike.
#5 is an article about our Company and the men in it. Pvt. Cantor who writes the article is a former newspaper man from Philadelphia. He is a jew I believe. He is a very nice fellow about my size, dark complexion, wears hornrim glasses, rather homely, about 26 years old and talks too much.
#6 is about the yardbird of the co. He has spent most of his time on K.P. or extra detail because he won't conform to army life.
#7 is about one of the squad leaders I mentioned in another letter.
#8 is about the fellow in mechanics school with me. He came back drunk one night and was telling about this phone number he had.
#9 Curtis was my old bed partner.
#10 Pvt. Rema is the barber who usually cuts my hair. The reference to being clipped refers to cards and dice. There is usually a game of each in the day room every night as long as there is any money in the outfit.
#11 is one of the projects I mentioned working on.
#12 is the name we gave our own platoon.
#13 will give you an idea of how we look in work clothes. One piece green coveralls, pistol belt, leggings, and helmets.
#14 is a scene during pup tent pitching for inspection. All field equipment laid out in front. That is what we load on our backs and go on these marches. 1/2 of the tent, 5 tent pegs, 1 tent pole, 1 tent rope, 2 blankets, 1 qt. canteen full of water, gas mask, dust respirator, goggles, field bag containing mess kit, toilet articles, towel, underwear, 2 pr. socks, handkerchief, raincoat, canned rations for 3 days, we haven't used them yet but we carry them, cigarettes, matches, adhesive tape, foot powder, and writing material.
I don't know if you will get much out of this or not but the pictures will tell you more than I could in several letters. If it is interesting I will send you another sometime. The rest of the paper is about other companies in this regiment.
Reconnaisance Company is the one that Carl Wacker and Wayne Good are in. The rest of the Medina boys are in different regiments so aren't in this paper.
I am also enclosing a rather sentimental little verse, which although written to apply to a soldier and girl being married first before he leaves for war, I think it also applies to us. It seems we were just married a short time and I had to leave. It describes much better than I can what I have tried to tell you, you mean to me, and was the cause of me saying I wasn't a bit sorry I was married and had a very nice wife back home waiting for me. I happened to see this today, so I am sending it along. I had better quit adding to this letter or they will be charging you postage to receive it.
Beyond my school I don't know what the schedule for this week is going to be and I think I have told you all the past news so I'm about run down.
I got your Wed eve letter this eve and was much surprised to hear you had been in Akron without buying anything. You must be slipping or else you have become a real miser.
I hope Mickey can work out his vetrinary proposition. If he has one flat foot he'll be like Tony is if he gets in an active unit.
Remember this man Moore I spoke of a long time ago? He had both flat feet and ended up in the hospital for several weeks. He has now been transferred to limited service. I don't know where. It's a hell of a racket if anything is wrong with feet or legs or anything else for that matter.
I didn't know Kenny's wife was coming down. I haven't seen him for several weeks. I hope she makes out all right, but I still think it's selfish to ask your wife to come down here. Maybe if they get enough of them down here they can start a colony of their own.
I would like to see you as much as any of them but I still can't bring myself to ask you to come down here in this hole except as a last resort. I think we will have a lot better opportunity to see each other at some later date. We'll wait a while and see how things go.
I love you honey and always will. If they keep me as busy all the time as I was last week I probably won't write you many letters, so don't worry, if you don't get one for several days. I'm not out with a W.A.A.C. or anyone else, but just busy. Good night honey. I'm going to sleep soon.
Wish you were here to sleep with me. I mean go to bed with me. I don't think I would want to sleep for a while. We'll have a chance again. Nighty night honey.
I love you.
Your hubby.
Norm
Saturday, June 12, 2010
Letter # 42 June 12, 1943
June 12, 1943
Sat. Eve. 8 P.M.
Hi my darling wife;
I guess I will finally have time to write a letter or so this weekend, but to be safe I'll start with you and if I don't have time to write the others, they'll just have to wait. I have ten beside yours that I should answer. I'll try but I may wear out before I finish. You're sweet and will probably keep most of them posted and say hello for me. I'm sorry I can't seem to match you letter for letter but I'll try to write good long ones to make up for the few in number. If you wait for mine like I wait for yours a long letter is a poor substitute for the number. I guess you understand and will forgive me. You're so nice you would say you did anyhow. Someday I'll be where I won't have to write letters to say "I love you" I won't even have to say it to let you know. I'll be able to show you.
In your letter the other day you said it had been 9 weeks since I have been away and it seemed years. That goes double but you better count your weeks. It'll be 11 weeks Monday and I have been in this camp 10 weeks last night. Boy a lot can happen in that many weeks. I didn't think the army would change me much but it has in two ways at least that I know of now. The minor way is physically. As I've told you I am streamlined again and feeling swell and in really good condition as you probably tell from what I tell you we do.
The shorts I bought in lake Charles were 36. I just guessed at how much my waist had shrunk and guessed wrong. I could wear 34 now, so say goodbye to the pudge you used to know. We now have a scale here in camp and according to that I haven't lost as much as I thought. It weighs me at 187 so I've only lost about 10 lbs. I sure am glad I didn't have all that I had last summer at this time. These boys that were real heavy have taken a beating. Some have lost up to 40 lbs. Those that were underweight have gained, in some cases as much as 20 lbs. So you see it works both ways. That is one reason I feel sorry for Mick. If he gets in as tough an outfit as this it'll be hard on him until he gets worn down to shape.
The major way it has changed me I think you can guess from what I have said in other letters. I never realized while I had you how much you meant to me. I loved you and I think appreciated you quite a little but not nearly as much as I do now. I just didn't know how much you had become a part of my life. I hope I never forget either. We will have a swell time together when I come home again. I love you honey and miss you a lot. I almost wish I had put on a Navy uniform so I could be home on a 9 day leave as the others are. Oh well, guess I can wait until I do get one and we still have it to look forward to. Believe me I am looking forward to it more than I have ever looked forward to anything.
If we aren't transferred they may start giving furloughs after the 1st of August. Don't build your hopes on that because nothing is certain in the army. Whenever it does happen I won't loose any time taking off for home, you can bet.
Well honey I have made one step on the ladder to success in the army. After inspection which we passed O.K. we were all called out and the Co. Commander presented 10 of us with acting corporal stripes, and believe it or not I was one of them. All that means at present is that he thinks we are the most likely ones to become non-commissioned officers and our work will be watched rather carefully for the next few weeks and after the next mo. or more we will probably get a P.F.C. rating and after that go up as fast as we deserve.
Rahill is the only one I have introduced to you that got the stripes. For the present it means that we will have duties we haven't had before. Charge of quarters, regimental guard duty and others that have formally been done by the N.C.O.'s. If I don't fuck up, as the army expression is, do something wrong, I will someday have a rating. In this outfit no ratings are given until after 13 weeks and very seldom then. Usually 4-5 mo.
The mechanics school is still very interesting and fun. Friday we stayed in school all day. They gave us a truck first thing and said to tear it apart and put it together again so it would run. Mark Stansbury and I worked together and our truck was second out of 40 to be running again. We had the engine out and all apart. It was fun and boy did the day go fast.
Carl and Wayne have been running themselves ragged this week, trying to get to town in time to see their wives for an hour or so each evening. I guess the girls haven't decided for sure if they will stay or not. I'd think it would be lonesome for them.
Wed. & Thurs. nights we were on bivouac again and had a new experience. About 9 P.M. they started us off on a compass course. They had placed 8 stakes out in the woods and gave us the compass readings on each. We were to follow the compass for
1 1/2 miles south by east and be accurate enough to find a stake with a tin can on top of it. If we found it there would be a compass course there to follow to the next stake. If we didn't find them we would probably be lost in the woods for the night. There were 14 groups of 5 men each sent out. It was a dark stormy night and hard to see 10 feet in front and we were not allowed any lights. The compass has a luminous face. I wasn't at all sure I had any faith in that compass either. We took off counting our paces to judge how far we had gone and when we thought we had covered our 1 1/2 miles we hadn't found our stake so we spread out and hunted. I was much pleased to find it. We were only off about 50 yards. We had about the same luck on the rest and got back to camp about 1 A.M. We had covered about 10 miles through woods, over swamps, up hill and down, falling over logs, and into holes, and were plenty tired, but I now have faith in a compass. I had no idea where camp was by the time we had gone a couple miles. This country looks very much the same all over and would be easy to get lost even in the daylight.
Our group was 3rd in and the cooks had coffee and doughnuts for us. They sure were welcome. Some of the boys didn't get in until 4 A.M.but no one got lost so our instructors must have taught us something.
It's getting late so I guess I'll go to bed and write some more tomorrow. I had a very nice dream about you the other night. Maybe I can duplicate it tonight. Night Tootsie Wuggles. I love you.
Good morning honey. I had a good night's sleep, a good breakfast, and only a couple hours work today. Feeling swell.
I had a funny little incident occur the other day. I got a letter from Harold, opened it and began reading. I blinked my eyes and read it again and it still said the same. It was snowing and the roads were slippery. I thought to myself, " What the hell?" and then looked at the postmark. It was mailed April 15 and had just gotten here. He had addressed it to the 86th A.R. and it took some time to straighten out.
I got a note to appear at the Post Office and sign for the broken glasses. You will probably be called in to collect one of these days. It's sweet of you to go to all of that trouble. Buy yourself a new hat with the money or something.
Got a letter from Bob last eve. I guess he must have had quite a wound. He doesn't say just what it was, but says his wrist is still stiff. He also says he is glad the Co. is paying the bill. It cost over $300.00. He is back to work but he doesn't seem to be very satisfied. Would like to get out of there. He also says he has another deferment until October.
I'm glad you're all settled on your teaching job, certificate, contract, and all. I think you will like it better than you did before. You know now what other kinds of work are like. No job is any picnic. I think you are best qualified for a teacher. Look at all you taught me. I am much more satisfied to have you there. I don't think it will be nearly so hard on you. Give the Diner a couple weeks notice and quit for a nice vacation whenever you want to. You've earned it and have money enough to afford it. Just think of all the sleep you can get with no job and no husband to bother you.
I had a letter from Steve saying he had been transfered and liked the new spot very much. He also repeats. If we need anything at all to let him know. Guess the army is softening him up also.
I bet Harold and Phyllis are busy, but as I always said I didn't think John was too much help.
The card you sent is O.K. but I haven't done anything like that yet although at times I'm thinking of you enough to do it.
I don't know what the trouble with Harold's ice cream freezer is. If he wants and you aren't using it let him have ours.
Keep up the good times you are having with the kids and don't worry about me. I'm doing O.K. Well honey I guess I'm about run down for this time. I'm going to write a couple more letters and then do my work, get cleaned up and maybe go to the service club for a couple beers or something.
You're the sweetest little wife a man ever had. Take care of yourself and don't work too hard. I'm loving you all the time and will be coming home some day to tell you and show you in person. By now honey.
your loving soldier
Norm.
Sat. Eve. 8 P.M.
Hi my darling wife;
I guess I will finally have time to write a letter or so this weekend, but to be safe I'll start with you and if I don't have time to write the others, they'll just have to wait. I have ten beside yours that I should answer. I'll try but I may wear out before I finish. You're sweet and will probably keep most of them posted and say hello for me. I'm sorry I can't seem to match you letter for letter but I'll try to write good long ones to make up for the few in number. If you wait for mine like I wait for yours a long letter is a poor substitute for the number. I guess you understand and will forgive me. You're so nice you would say you did anyhow. Someday I'll be where I won't have to write letters to say "I love you" I won't even have to say it to let you know. I'll be able to show you.
In your letter the other day you said it had been 9 weeks since I have been away and it seemed years. That goes double but you better count your weeks. It'll be 11 weeks Monday and I have been in this camp 10 weeks last night. Boy a lot can happen in that many weeks. I didn't think the army would change me much but it has in two ways at least that I know of now. The minor way is physically. As I've told you I am streamlined again and feeling swell and in really good condition as you probably tell from what I tell you we do.
The shorts I bought in lake Charles were 36. I just guessed at how much my waist had shrunk and guessed wrong. I could wear 34 now, so say goodbye to the pudge you used to know. We now have a scale here in camp and according to that I haven't lost as much as I thought. It weighs me at 187 so I've only lost about 10 lbs. I sure am glad I didn't have all that I had last summer at this time. These boys that were real heavy have taken a beating. Some have lost up to 40 lbs. Those that were underweight have gained, in some cases as much as 20 lbs. So you see it works both ways. That is one reason I feel sorry for Mick. If he gets in as tough an outfit as this it'll be hard on him until he gets worn down to shape.
The major way it has changed me I think you can guess from what I have said in other letters. I never realized while I had you how much you meant to me. I loved you and I think appreciated you quite a little but not nearly as much as I do now. I just didn't know how much you had become a part of my life. I hope I never forget either. We will have a swell time together when I come home again. I love you honey and miss you a lot. I almost wish I had put on a Navy uniform so I could be home on a 9 day leave as the others are. Oh well, guess I can wait until I do get one and we still have it to look forward to. Believe me I am looking forward to it more than I have ever looked forward to anything.
If we aren't transferred they may start giving furloughs after the 1st of August. Don't build your hopes on that because nothing is certain in the army. Whenever it does happen I won't loose any time taking off for home, you can bet.
Well honey I have made one step on the ladder to success in the army. After inspection which we passed O.K. we were all called out and the Co. Commander presented 10 of us with acting corporal stripes, and believe it or not I was one of them. All that means at present is that he thinks we are the most likely ones to become non-commissioned officers and our work will be watched rather carefully for the next few weeks and after the next mo. or more we will probably get a P.F.C. rating and after that go up as fast as we deserve.
Rahill is the only one I have introduced to you that got the stripes. For the present it means that we will have duties we haven't had before. Charge of quarters, regimental guard duty and others that have formally been done by the N.C.O.'s. If I don't fuck up, as the army expression is, do something wrong, I will someday have a rating. In this outfit no ratings are given until after 13 weeks and very seldom then. Usually 4-5 mo.
The mechanics school is still very interesting and fun. Friday we stayed in school all day. They gave us a truck first thing and said to tear it apart and put it together again so it would run. Mark Stansbury and I worked together and our truck was second out of 40 to be running again. We had the engine out and all apart. It was fun and boy did the day go fast.
Carl and Wayne have been running themselves ragged this week, trying to get to town in time to see their wives for an hour or so each evening. I guess the girls haven't decided for sure if they will stay or not. I'd think it would be lonesome for them.
Wed. & Thurs. nights we were on bivouac again and had a new experience. About 9 P.M. they started us off on a compass course. They had placed 8 stakes out in the woods and gave us the compass readings on each. We were to follow the compass for
1 1/2 miles south by east and be accurate enough to find a stake with a tin can on top of it. If we found it there would be a compass course there to follow to the next stake. If we didn't find them we would probably be lost in the woods for the night. There were 14 groups of 5 men each sent out. It was a dark stormy night and hard to see 10 feet in front and we were not allowed any lights. The compass has a luminous face. I wasn't at all sure I had any faith in that compass either. We took off counting our paces to judge how far we had gone and when we thought we had covered our 1 1/2 miles we hadn't found our stake so we spread out and hunted. I was much pleased to find it. We were only off about 50 yards. We had about the same luck on the rest and got back to camp about 1 A.M. We had covered about 10 miles through woods, over swamps, up hill and down, falling over logs, and into holes, and were plenty tired, but I now have faith in a compass. I had no idea where camp was by the time we had gone a couple miles. This country looks very much the same all over and would be easy to get lost even in the daylight.
Our group was 3rd in and the cooks had coffee and doughnuts for us. They sure were welcome. Some of the boys didn't get in until 4 A.M.but no one got lost so our instructors must have taught us something.
It's getting late so I guess I'll go to bed and write some more tomorrow. I had a very nice dream about you the other night. Maybe I can duplicate it tonight. Night Tootsie Wuggles. I love you.
Good morning honey. I had a good night's sleep, a good breakfast, and only a couple hours work today. Feeling swell.
I had a funny little incident occur the other day. I got a letter from Harold, opened it and began reading. I blinked my eyes and read it again and it still said the same. It was snowing and the roads were slippery. I thought to myself, " What the hell?" and then looked at the postmark. It was mailed April 15 and had just gotten here. He had addressed it to the 86th A.R. and it took some time to straighten out.
I got a note to appear at the Post Office and sign for the broken glasses. You will probably be called in to collect one of these days. It's sweet of you to go to all of that trouble. Buy yourself a new hat with the money or something.
Got a letter from Bob last eve. I guess he must have had quite a wound. He doesn't say just what it was, but says his wrist is still stiff. He also says he is glad the Co. is paying the bill. It cost over $300.00. He is back to work but he doesn't seem to be very satisfied. Would like to get out of there. He also says he has another deferment until October.
I'm glad you're all settled on your teaching job, certificate, contract, and all. I think you will like it better than you did before. You know now what other kinds of work are like. No job is any picnic. I think you are best qualified for a teacher. Look at all you taught me. I am much more satisfied to have you there. I don't think it will be nearly so hard on you. Give the Diner a couple weeks notice and quit for a nice vacation whenever you want to. You've earned it and have money enough to afford it. Just think of all the sleep you can get with no job and no husband to bother you.
I had a letter from Steve saying he had been transfered and liked the new spot very much. He also repeats. If we need anything at all to let him know. Guess the army is softening him up also.
I bet Harold and Phyllis are busy, but as I always said I didn't think John was too much help.
The card you sent is O.K. but I haven't done anything like that yet although at times I'm thinking of you enough to do it.
I don't know what the trouble with Harold's ice cream freezer is. If he wants and you aren't using it let him have ours.
Keep up the good times you are having with the kids and don't worry about me. I'm doing O.K. Well honey I guess I'm about run down for this time. I'm going to write a couple more letters and then do my work, get cleaned up and maybe go to the service club for a couple beers or something.
You're the sweetest little wife a man ever had. Take care of yourself and don't work too hard. I'm loving you all the time and will be coming home some day to tell you and show you in person. By now honey.
your loving soldier
Norm.
Letter # 41, June 11, 1943
June 11, 1943
Friday 12 A.M.
Hello darling wife;
I've been forced to neglect my letter writing to you for a few days. I haven't had an opportunity to write since Monday night. Terrible isn't it? I want to but just don't seem to have time. I am starting this during noon hour and if I'm lucky I may finish it this evening.
Tues, night we had our regular bowl formation. Wednesday night we went out on bivouac and stayed until this morning. At the present time I haven't even had my shoes off since Tues. night. They really try to keep us busy. Mail call right now. I'll see if I get one from you.
I didn't get a chance after mail call to write any more. It is now 9 P.M. and I have just finished scrubbing barracks and finally have gotten out of my clothes. I'm going to make this letter very short because I want to preform the 3 s's of personnel maintenance - shit, shower, shave and then go to bed. I haven't had more than 6 hours sleep in the past two nights, guard duty and going on a night compass course of several miles have kept me on my feet most of the time. I don't feel very tired or sleepy but I think I better rest. Inspection day tomorrow and I must look my best.
I did very well with the mail call. One from Steve, one from Clyde, and two from the nicest woman in the world. I think you are and I love you more than you think. I'll prove it sometime. Wish I could now. I just feel like loving tonight.
Well I'm going to quit now. I'll write you a nice letter over the weekend. Sorry I can't seem to write more often. It's mean but I can't help it. Night honey, I love you.
your loving soldier,
Norm.
Friday 12 A.M.
Hello darling wife;
I've been forced to neglect my letter writing to you for a few days. I haven't had an opportunity to write since Monday night. Terrible isn't it? I want to but just don't seem to have time. I am starting this during noon hour and if I'm lucky I may finish it this evening.
Tues, night we had our regular bowl formation. Wednesday night we went out on bivouac and stayed until this morning. At the present time I haven't even had my shoes off since Tues. night. They really try to keep us busy. Mail call right now. I'll see if I get one from you.
I didn't get a chance after mail call to write any more. It is now 9 P.M. and I have just finished scrubbing barracks and finally have gotten out of my clothes. I'm going to make this letter very short because I want to preform the 3 s's of personnel maintenance - shit, shower, shave and then go to bed. I haven't had more than 6 hours sleep in the past two nights, guard duty and going on a night compass course of several miles have kept me on my feet most of the time. I don't feel very tired or sleepy but I think I better rest. Inspection day tomorrow and I must look my best.
I did very well with the mail call. One from Steve, one from Clyde, and two from the nicest woman in the world. I think you are and I love you more than you think. I'll prove it sometime. Wish I could now. I just feel like loving tonight.
Well I'm going to quit now. I'll write you a nice letter over the weekend. Sorry I can't seem to write more often. It's mean but I can't help it. Night honey, I love you.
your loving soldier,
Norm.
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Letter # 40 June 7, 1943
June 7, 1943
Mon. Eve. 8 P.M.
Hello sweetheart;
I got two letters from you today. One from Tib and some pictures and one from Hazel & Mom. Really hit the jackpot on mail.
I'm going to have to hurry this letter so don't feel bad about hurrying yours to me. I have been so damn busy I hardly have time to write to you the way I want to but I'll do the best I can and write to the others when I can.
I was very much pleased to hear the news of your going back to teaching. Remember that is what I thought you ought to do all along. Teaching may be hard but other jobs are just as hard if not harder. The one you have now is about as hard as any job you could have. I know what it is to wait on customers and I bet you do by now. It's no cinch and the hours you have are terrible. I'm very glad you decided to change and was secretly hoping it would happen that way. Poe is very handy and in that job you will be able to get gas and probably even tires if need be. I think you'll find teaching much easier than working at the Diner.
If you are worried about the nights you know what I told you. Do anything with the place you want to. You're the boss and I know whatever you do will be O.K. with me.
As for the vacation you do what you want but I think you should rest for at least a month or so before you go to school. You've earned it and can stand it financially from what you say you have in the bank. I always was afraid the Diner would be too much work along with keeping the place and everything going. I was afraid you were going to wear yourself out. I sure as hell don't want you to do that. I want my wife back as she was when I left her and not worn out. Just do as you please. As you say you're very sensible.
As far as coming down to see me, don't worry about that yet. By the end of the summer things may be changed a lot. We were told that after basic the schedule would slow down as it usually does in most camps, but if anything it has speeded up here. This is only a guess on my part and probably is entirely wrong, but from what I see, my guess is they are either going to rush our training and ship us out early in the fall, or move us from this camp. There are and have been for some time rumors to the effect that the 8th Division is moving to Pine Camp, New York. I didn't put much stock in it until the past few days and that is the reason I hadn't mentioned it, but the way they are training us I believe there is something in the air. They are calling all the sargents and officers out and having them take the same exercises we do, which is something they never have done. This entire outfit is being put in top physical shape for something. Gen. Devers who was our commander until he was recently sent to Africa to replace the foriegn commander of the Armored Forces has made the statement publicaly, that he wants the 8th as soon as they can be trained.
That suits me, these camps would get to be old stuff if we were here too long. Due to the fact that the desert fighting is over I wouldn't be surprised if they did move us north for maneuvers because it is my belief that the Armored Forces will drive on Germany from the north.
Don't be alarmed or get your hopes up about all this. It is only a guess on my part and may be only wishful thinking. It would be nice to go to N.Y. for training. I'd be quite a little closer to you then. We'll just have to wait and see what happens.
The schedule for the Co. was tough today. 30 minutes of exercises and then 2 miles of running without a stop. I'm really in good shape, wasn't even tired. I then went to my mechanics class, but the rest of the boys not going to school went on a fast road march 5 miles in a little over an hour with full packs and it was about 106 degrees here today. Then they kept them busy at other training all day. That is a sample of the training we are getting now.
Tomorrow I will be with the Co. and we are scheduled for a 200 mile motor march. That is in trucks, tanks, and etc. They are also training the tank men to load their tanks on railroad cars.
This letter is as you said of yours, all business and not much love letter. I do love you a hell of a lot and hope I can show you sometime soon. I bet I've forgotten how to love by this time but I'm willing to have you teach me again. I'll probably be ornery like I used to be before we were married. You used to worry and feel sorry for me because you were a good girl. Or were you? You were for a while anyhow. That won't be necessary this time so watch out. I'll be a wild man. I love you honey.
Honestly honey, I'm tickled pink you are going back to teaching. I think it'll be swell for you. I probably won't be gone more than a year and that will work swell. Even if I get home sooner your teaching won't interfer much so good luck to you. You can do it. You're sweet and the best wife ever.
I'm going to take a shit, shower and shave and go to bed. Maybe I can dream of you again. I love you honey.
your hubby.
Norm.
Mon. Eve. 8 P.M.
Hello sweetheart;
I got two letters from you today. One from Tib and some pictures and one from Hazel & Mom. Really hit the jackpot on mail.
I'm going to have to hurry this letter so don't feel bad about hurrying yours to me. I have been so damn busy I hardly have time to write to you the way I want to but I'll do the best I can and write to the others when I can.
I was very much pleased to hear the news of your going back to teaching. Remember that is what I thought you ought to do all along. Teaching may be hard but other jobs are just as hard if not harder. The one you have now is about as hard as any job you could have. I know what it is to wait on customers and I bet you do by now. It's no cinch and the hours you have are terrible. I'm very glad you decided to change and was secretly hoping it would happen that way. Poe is very handy and in that job you will be able to get gas and probably even tires if need be. I think you'll find teaching much easier than working at the Diner.
If you are worried about the nights you know what I told you. Do anything with the place you want to. You're the boss and I know whatever you do will be O.K. with me.
As for the vacation you do what you want but I think you should rest for at least a month or so before you go to school. You've earned it and can stand it financially from what you say you have in the bank. I always was afraid the Diner would be too much work along with keeping the place and everything going. I was afraid you were going to wear yourself out. I sure as hell don't want you to do that. I want my wife back as she was when I left her and not worn out. Just do as you please. As you say you're very sensible.
As far as coming down to see me, don't worry about that yet. By the end of the summer things may be changed a lot. We were told that after basic the schedule would slow down as it usually does in most camps, but if anything it has speeded up here. This is only a guess on my part and probably is entirely wrong, but from what I see, my guess is they are either going to rush our training and ship us out early in the fall, or move us from this camp. There are and have been for some time rumors to the effect that the 8th Division is moving to Pine Camp, New York. I didn't put much stock in it until the past few days and that is the reason I hadn't mentioned it, but the way they are training us I believe there is something in the air. They are calling all the sargents and officers out and having them take the same exercises we do, which is something they never have done. This entire outfit is being put in top physical shape for something. Gen. Devers who was our commander until he was recently sent to Africa to replace the foriegn commander of the Armored Forces has made the statement publicaly, that he wants the 8th as soon as they can be trained.
That suits me, these camps would get to be old stuff if we were here too long. Due to the fact that the desert fighting is over I wouldn't be surprised if they did move us north for maneuvers because it is my belief that the Armored Forces will drive on Germany from the north.
Don't be alarmed or get your hopes up about all this. It is only a guess on my part and may be only wishful thinking. It would be nice to go to N.Y. for training. I'd be quite a little closer to you then. We'll just have to wait and see what happens.
The schedule for the Co. was tough today. 30 minutes of exercises and then 2 miles of running without a stop. I'm really in good shape, wasn't even tired. I then went to my mechanics class, but the rest of the boys not going to school went on a fast road march 5 miles in a little over an hour with full packs and it was about 106 degrees here today. Then they kept them busy at other training all day. That is a sample of the training we are getting now.
Tomorrow I will be with the Co. and we are scheduled for a 200 mile motor march. That is in trucks, tanks, and etc. They are also training the tank men to load their tanks on railroad cars.
This letter is as you said of yours, all business and not much love letter. I do love you a hell of a lot and hope I can show you sometime soon. I bet I've forgotten how to love by this time but I'm willing to have you teach me again. I'll probably be ornery like I used to be before we were married. You used to worry and feel sorry for me because you were a good girl. Or were you? You were for a while anyhow. That won't be necessary this time so watch out. I'll be a wild man. I love you honey.
Honestly honey, I'm tickled pink you are going back to teaching. I think it'll be swell for you. I probably won't be gone more than a year and that will work swell. Even if I get home sooner your teaching won't interfer much so good luck to you. You can do it. You're sweet and the best wife ever.
I'm going to take a shit, shower and shave and go to bed. Maybe I can dream of you again. I love you honey.
your hubby.
Norm.
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Letter # 39 June 5, 1943
June 5, 1943
Sat. Eve. 7:30
Dear Wife;
Here it is Sat. evening again. The weeks seem to fly by. I guess because they keep us so busy. Just think, it is 10 weeks ago that I left you. In that respect it seems an awful long time, but otherwise not so long. I haven't had much time to write you this week and haven't written to anyone else at all for a couple weeks. Guess I'll have to get busy and catch up.
This past week I worked until 9 every night. I have been given the thankless job of assistant to the non-commissioned recreational officer. He is this Sgt.Rush I bunked with on the range that night and because I didn't keep my mouth shut it led to more work. While we were talking that night he found out I knew a little about a lot of things and decided I would be a good one to help him. We built a volly ball court this week and this coming week we are to build a horseshoe court and boxing ring. Now you can see where I come in. I know too much about construction. We are also going to try to cut sod and sod the area in front of the orderly room. It is an area about as big as our front lawn, so you can see we have a good sized job to do. We will have plenty of men to help and he says I am not to do any work, just see that it is done, but I never was much good at sitting down and letting the other fellow do all the work, so I'll probably get my exercise for the next week or two. There is so little good sod in this country that we hunted for some time before we found some suitable, about 8 miles north of camp. We just took a truck and started looking and looked until we found it.
The barracks are nice and quiet and empty tonight. We just got paid and all the boys are at the P.X. trying to drink all the beer and soft drinks in La. The boys were all broke so badly they didn't even have cigarettes. I loaned all the carton you sent me, so the boys all thank you. You're sweet. I have them all back now, also all my money that I had loaned. I did a lot better this mounth. { I put a 'u' in month again. I won't do it again. } I got $19.90 after all deductions. Add that to what I had left and what you sent and I again have $48.00 so I'm doing O.K. Don't worry if I ever go broke I'll call on you. I'm not that stubborn. You should be getting your check soon and, as you tell me, don't be afraid to spend it if you want to. I guess you'll have to spend most of it. The life insurance and car insurance will be due the first part of July and you will probably get the statements soon.
Don't pay any attention to the income tax statements. I'll write them a note, but if you should receive more statements, just burn them up. Don't pay a cent on them.
I sent you a special note on this at noon hoping it would get out yet today but you may get both letters together. While I'm thinking of it, did you open the cellar windows? If you haven't, impose on one of our good friends to do it for you when they are there.
I love you honey, here's a couple of long distance squeezes. Oh Boy!
Yesterday being Friday, I worked at the motor park all day. Along about 4 P.M. we got notice from headquarters that there would be an inspection of all equipment Sat morning, and the names on several of the vehicles had to be changed and we had a half track that would have to be painted before inspection, so I worked there until 10 last night, but we did it.
That is one of the biggest faults with the army. They give you almost no time and very little equipment to work with and will accept no excuses. Just get it done somehow and on time or as the expression in the army goes, "You'll be hurtin." meaning a good tongue lashing, and you can't talk back, or extra detail. Don't misunderstand. I like the job as much as ever, but was just trying to give you an idea of what the army expects the men to do.
I don't know if I told you or not, but Leo is teaching a 1 hour class every day. There are over 100 men in this regiment that cannot read or write and Leo and three others are given the job of teaching them to if they can. Most of them are from Kentucky & W. Virgina. Norm Rahill is in army intelligence and Carl Bauman is in the personell office, so we are all getting set in jobs of some kind.
There are several men they didn't place in jobs being transferred to someplace else and there will be more transferred later because the division is about 2000 men over strength at present. They will be sent someplace in the next couple mo. If they go north I wouldn't mind being one of them.
I got my hair cut at the post barber shop today and the barber is a native. He says it will get 115 degrees here in the next mo. I would just as soon not be here then. I don't seem to mind the heat so much anymore so I'll make it. I'm feeling swell and healthy as a horse.
Don't be too thrilled about the pictures or expect too much. It's hard to make a good picture of me and all these damn fools were standing around distracting my attention. I haven't seen any proofs or anything so I have no idea of how they will look. I'll send me along as soon as I get me. Wish I could send me in person instead of likeness. I could give you a good loving.
I got the glasses in good shape. Thanks honey. You're sweet and I love you like hell.
I also was thinking of the trips we used to take over weekends. I took mine but it wasn't nearly as much fun as those used to be. You were missing and believe me I really miss you at times like that. It just doesn't seem right to go someplace without you. While working I don't miss you so much, but when I'm off duty, part of me is missing and I'm like a lost dog. I love you honey.
Time for lights out so I'll quit for tonight. I hear we get up at regular time tomorrow and there will be some work details, so I may not have much time to write after all.
Sun. Morn. 8:30
Hi sweetheart. We did get up at 5:30, had chow and then had the articles of war read to us again. After that they sent about half of us on details and I'm one of them. I guess it doesn't pay to be a good worker. This is the first Sunday we have been on duty and you ought to hear the bitching. I'm even doing a little but not as much as the boys that wanted to go someplace.
This is the first Sunday we have been on duty and you ought to hear the bitching. I'm even doing a little but not as much as the boys that wanted to go someplace. They have money again and the Co. is restricted to camp and on top of that we have work to do. I would like to catch up on my letters but aside from that I don't care. When I'm busy the day goes so much faster and as I've said before, the faster they go the quicker I come home to you again.
11 A.M. Sunday
Just got back from getting a load of sod so I'll write a little more.
In following your last few letters:
So Mick is getting his first exam Tues. If he passes I suppose that will mean he will be in the army about the middle of July. I hope for his sake he doesn't get sent to the south for the summer. In fact I hope he doesn't get sent at all, but I imagine he feels as I do and wants to do his part. Good thing Jr. is left or you would soon be by yourself.
Marg had told me Bob was on the sick list but not serious, just incapacitated for a time.
I thought I had written that I was getting the Gazette. I have gotten it for a couple weeks. I haven't written your folks since so thank them for me. I enjoy reading it now that I am away from home.
I see you are still contributing your part to it. One of the issues, the whole South Pike news was composed mostly of news of the Effingers. Mrs. Norman Effinger was here and Mrs. Norman Effinger was there and etc. You're doing O.K. honey.
About the car. If it bothers stalling too much leave it at Laurenz's or the Ply. garage along side the Diner and have it fixed. It is the wiper and not the hose that is bad and if that is the trouble have them put on a new or rebuilt one. I think you could probably get a rebuilt one at Laurenz's. I doubt if that is the trouble, probably needs carburator adjustment for idling.
I still think you were more homesick than constipated on our honeymoon but I won't argue the point. It was the best week I ever spent in any case. We'll have another after this again. Better than the first.
Don't worry about loosing any more weight to keep up with me. A few cans of ice cream and several of those meals at card parties will put it all back on me again. I'm back in real good shape and feeling swell. Don't even burp anymore.
Just had mail call. No mail but Marg sent me a copy of "See Here, Private Hargrove".
Don't know when I'll have time to read it, but I may.
I love you honey and still think you're the best thing that ever happened to me.
your loving soldier,
Norm
P.S. I almost forgot. Sometime when you send me another package, I hope, send me my hunting knife, the one with the leather sheath. It's on the workbench I think, and also one of the pocket knives I have laying around. Thanks honey. No hurry about this.
Sat. Eve. 7:30
Dear Wife;
Here it is Sat. evening again. The weeks seem to fly by. I guess because they keep us so busy. Just think, it is 10 weeks ago that I left you. In that respect it seems an awful long time, but otherwise not so long. I haven't had much time to write you this week and haven't written to anyone else at all for a couple weeks. Guess I'll have to get busy and catch up.
This past week I worked until 9 every night. I have been given the thankless job of assistant to the non-commissioned recreational officer. He is this Sgt.Rush I bunked with on the range that night and because I didn't keep my mouth shut it led to more work. While we were talking that night he found out I knew a little about a lot of things and decided I would be a good one to help him. We built a volly ball court this week and this coming week we are to build a horseshoe court and boxing ring. Now you can see where I come in. I know too much about construction. We are also going to try to cut sod and sod the area in front of the orderly room. It is an area about as big as our front lawn, so you can see we have a good sized job to do. We will have plenty of men to help and he says I am not to do any work, just see that it is done, but I never was much good at sitting down and letting the other fellow do all the work, so I'll probably get my exercise for the next week or two. There is so little good sod in this country that we hunted for some time before we found some suitable, about 8 miles north of camp. We just took a truck and started looking and looked until we found it.
The barracks are nice and quiet and empty tonight. We just got paid and all the boys are at the P.X. trying to drink all the beer and soft drinks in La. The boys were all broke so badly they didn't even have cigarettes. I loaned all the carton you sent me, so the boys all thank you. You're sweet. I have them all back now, also all my money that I had loaned. I did a lot better this mounth. { I put a 'u' in month again. I won't do it again. } I got $19.90 after all deductions. Add that to what I had left and what you sent and I again have $48.00 so I'm doing O.K. Don't worry if I ever go broke I'll call on you. I'm not that stubborn. You should be getting your check soon and, as you tell me, don't be afraid to spend it if you want to. I guess you'll have to spend most of it. The life insurance and car insurance will be due the first part of July and you will probably get the statements soon.
Don't pay any attention to the income tax statements. I'll write them a note, but if you should receive more statements, just burn them up. Don't pay a cent on them.
I sent you a special note on this at noon hoping it would get out yet today but you may get both letters together. While I'm thinking of it, did you open the cellar windows? If you haven't, impose on one of our good friends to do it for you when they are there.
I love you honey, here's a couple of long distance squeezes. Oh Boy!
Yesterday being Friday, I worked at the motor park all day. Along about 4 P.M. we got notice from headquarters that there would be an inspection of all equipment Sat morning, and the names on several of the vehicles had to be changed and we had a half track that would have to be painted before inspection, so I worked there until 10 last night, but we did it.
That is one of the biggest faults with the army. They give you almost no time and very little equipment to work with and will accept no excuses. Just get it done somehow and on time or as the expression in the army goes, "You'll be hurtin." meaning a good tongue lashing, and you can't talk back, or extra detail. Don't misunderstand. I like the job as much as ever, but was just trying to give you an idea of what the army expects the men to do.
I don't know if I told you or not, but Leo is teaching a 1 hour class every day. There are over 100 men in this regiment that cannot read or write and Leo and three others are given the job of teaching them to if they can. Most of them are from Kentucky & W. Virgina. Norm Rahill is in army intelligence and Carl Bauman is in the personell office, so we are all getting set in jobs of some kind.
There are several men they didn't place in jobs being transferred to someplace else and there will be more transferred later because the division is about 2000 men over strength at present. They will be sent someplace in the next couple mo. If they go north I wouldn't mind being one of them.
I got my hair cut at the post barber shop today and the barber is a native. He says it will get 115 degrees here in the next mo. I would just as soon not be here then. I don't seem to mind the heat so much anymore so I'll make it. I'm feeling swell and healthy as a horse.
Don't be too thrilled about the pictures or expect too much. It's hard to make a good picture of me and all these damn fools were standing around distracting my attention. I haven't seen any proofs or anything so I have no idea of how they will look. I'll send me along as soon as I get me. Wish I could send me in person instead of likeness. I could give you a good loving.
I got the glasses in good shape. Thanks honey. You're sweet and I love you like hell.
I also was thinking of the trips we used to take over weekends. I took mine but it wasn't nearly as much fun as those used to be. You were missing and believe me I really miss you at times like that. It just doesn't seem right to go someplace without you. While working I don't miss you so much, but when I'm off duty, part of me is missing and I'm like a lost dog. I love you honey.
Time for lights out so I'll quit for tonight. I hear we get up at regular time tomorrow and there will be some work details, so I may not have much time to write after all.
Sun. Morn. 8:30
Hi sweetheart. We did get up at 5:30, had chow and then had the articles of war read to us again. After that they sent about half of us on details and I'm one of them. I guess it doesn't pay to be a good worker. This is the first Sunday we have been on duty and you ought to hear the bitching. I'm even doing a little but not as much as the boys that wanted to go someplace.
This is the first Sunday we have been on duty and you ought to hear the bitching. I'm even doing a little but not as much as the boys that wanted to go someplace. They have money again and the Co. is restricted to camp and on top of that we have work to do. I would like to catch up on my letters but aside from that I don't care. When I'm busy the day goes so much faster and as I've said before, the faster they go the quicker I come home to you again.
11 A.M. Sunday
Just got back from getting a load of sod so I'll write a little more.
In following your last few letters:
So Mick is getting his first exam Tues. If he passes I suppose that will mean he will be in the army about the middle of July. I hope for his sake he doesn't get sent to the south for the summer. In fact I hope he doesn't get sent at all, but I imagine he feels as I do and wants to do his part. Good thing Jr. is left or you would soon be by yourself.
Marg had told me Bob was on the sick list but not serious, just incapacitated for a time.
I thought I had written that I was getting the Gazette. I have gotten it for a couple weeks. I haven't written your folks since so thank them for me. I enjoy reading it now that I am away from home.
I see you are still contributing your part to it. One of the issues, the whole South Pike news was composed mostly of news of the Effingers. Mrs. Norman Effinger was here and Mrs. Norman Effinger was there and etc. You're doing O.K. honey.
About the car. If it bothers stalling too much leave it at Laurenz's or the Ply. garage along side the Diner and have it fixed. It is the wiper and not the hose that is bad and if that is the trouble have them put on a new or rebuilt one. I think you could probably get a rebuilt one at Laurenz's. I doubt if that is the trouble, probably needs carburator adjustment for idling.
I still think you were more homesick than constipated on our honeymoon but I won't argue the point. It was the best week I ever spent in any case. We'll have another after this again. Better than the first.
Don't worry about loosing any more weight to keep up with me. A few cans of ice cream and several of those meals at card parties will put it all back on me again. I'm back in real good shape and feeling swell. Don't even burp anymore.
Just had mail call. No mail but Marg sent me a copy of "See Here, Private Hargrove".
Don't know when I'll have time to read it, but I may.
I love you honey and still think you're the best thing that ever happened to me.
your loving soldier,
Norm
P.S. I almost forgot. Sometime when you send me another package, I hope, send me my hunting knife, the one with the leather sheath. It's on the workbench I think, and also one of the pocket knives I have laying around. Thanks honey. No hurry about this.
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Letter # 38 June 2, 1943
June 2, 1943
6 A.M. Wed.
Hello Honey;
Happy Birthday to me. I know you are wishing me that. You're sweet. If it wasn't so far I'd send a telegram to the store and laugh at them. They can't paddle me this year. I don't feel a bit older even if I am 30 and bald headed. In fact I feel better phyisically than I have the past several years. See how tough I am. I really am in swell shape now. I have lost all the "pudge? but not skinny. Remember how I looked a year or so before we were married? Well I'm just about the same now in every way except for a few less hairs. Don't worry about me becoming so acclimated to army life that I won't want to come back to you. As soon as this is over and they release me I will make a streak of dust a mile high from where ever I am to where ever you are. This army life is O.K. for younger men with no ties but as soon as my call to duty ends I won't stay a minute longer than necessary.
Don't think from the time on this letter that I'm crazy. The whole company rolled out for 4:45 breakfast and part of them went to the firing range and part to the driving range. The rest of us are going to schools and don't report until 7:45 so I am just making use of my time. I was interupted and it is now 7:30 P.M.
I was talking to Carl Wacker at class today and he says his wife and Wayne Good's wife are down here now. Got in last eve. They came by bus and it took 54 hours. They have rented a room in Leesville for $10.00 a week and plan to stay a while. I asked him how often they planned to see them and he said, "Just on weekends." I bet the womeen get plenty sick of that. He is also running the chance of his company being restricted over a weekend for something. Our company will be restricted this weekend because 3 men were caught out on the range without their overall tops on. It doesn't seem fair to restrict the whole co. but that is the way the army works.
I don't care a bit this week. I wasn't going anywhere but it sure would make me mad if that happened and you were down here. Things are just to uncertain to plan on in the army.
I am very much pleased with the mechanics school. We have classes until 10 in the morning and then we go to our company shop and really work on vehicles. There are only 3 from our company. We have two very nice motor sargents. Sarg. Brown & Sarg. Marinics and the nicest Lt. of the bunch is motor Lt. King so I think it's going to be O.K. We are each given a complete set of tools. It sure does feel good to get some tools in my hands and a deffinite job to do again. I wish it was every day instead of 3 days a week.
Mac Stanisbury, from Wyoming, a former truck driver and mechanic and a man of my age, with a 9 mo. old boy, is one of the other two. I don't know the other one very well. His name is Botca and just out of school.
The motor Sarg. asked us a few questions and being satisfied with the answers, he turned Mac and I loose and said if we got stuck to call him so we work as we please with very little interuption. It's greasy but I'm used to that.
Just saw Wayne and Carl and their wives walk past the barracks so the girls must be staying at the guest house for a few days.
I'm sorry you had so much trouble with the insurance on the glasses. I knew it would be and that is why I suggested we leave it go. I get along so well without the glasses that I think I will only wear them for reading or close work and forget them the rest of the time. I sweat so much they would only be a nuisance anyhow. The only time I missed them at all was Sat aft. when we went to the two shows. My eyes got tired then.
We are gradually getting more and more exercise and running. Mon. morning we ran 2 miles without a break and then had 30 minutes of calisthentics after that. I was soaking wet but hardly at all tired. Will you believe me now when I say I'm tough?
Leo got his teachers job. It is part time the same as the rest of the schools, so he is happy also.
We are getting up at 4:30 tomorrow so I guess I better quit and get ready for bed.
I haven't told you many nice things in this letter, but the words are so ineffectual that I get disgusted trying to say what I mean. You're so nice I can't begin to express it in words, but I'll sure express it in actions someday. If I ever fall down again in showing I love you, just show me a few of these letters and make me realize how much I missed you while I was away. I had gotten so used to going places and doing things with you, I am lost without you. All the kick is missing. You're a devil but I love you like hell. Night honey. I'll be thinking of you.
Your hubby.
Norm
P.S. I got a card from Franklin Elder, the postman, asking if I ever saw his son. He said he hadn't heard from him since the 15th of May. I intend to write to him but I haven't had a chance. I see Dick every so often and he looks good and seems happy. He said he had gotten the packages and money his dad had sent him and would write. If you happen to see Franklin you might pass on the information and I'll write as soon as I can. Thanks.
I love you honey.
your devoted husband.
Norm
6 A.M. Wed.
Hello Honey;
Happy Birthday to me. I know you are wishing me that. You're sweet. If it wasn't so far I'd send a telegram to the store and laugh at them. They can't paddle me this year. I don't feel a bit older even if I am 30 and bald headed. In fact I feel better phyisically than I have the past several years. See how tough I am. I really am in swell shape now. I have lost all the "pudge? but not skinny. Remember how I looked a year or so before we were married? Well I'm just about the same now in every way except for a few less hairs. Don't worry about me becoming so acclimated to army life that I won't want to come back to you. As soon as this is over and they release me I will make a streak of dust a mile high from where ever I am to where ever you are. This army life is O.K. for younger men with no ties but as soon as my call to duty ends I won't stay a minute longer than necessary.
Don't think from the time on this letter that I'm crazy. The whole company rolled out for 4:45 breakfast and part of them went to the firing range and part to the driving range. The rest of us are going to schools and don't report until 7:45 so I am just making use of my time. I was interupted and it is now 7:30 P.M.
I was talking to Carl Wacker at class today and he says his wife and Wayne Good's wife are down here now. Got in last eve. They came by bus and it took 54 hours. They have rented a room in Leesville for $10.00 a week and plan to stay a while. I asked him how often they planned to see them and he said, "Just on weekends." I bet the womeen get plenty sick of that. He is also running the chance of his company being restricted over a weekend for something. Our company will be restricted this weekend because 3 men were caught out on the range without their overall tops on. It doesn't seem fair to restrict the whole co. but that is the way the army works.
I don't care a bit this week. I wasn't going anywhere but it sure would make me mad if that happened and you were down here. Things are just to uncertain to plan on in the army.
I am very much pleased with the mechanics school. We have classes until 10 in the morning and then we go to our company shop and really work on vehicles. There are only 3 from our company. We have two very nice motor sargents. Sarg. Brown & Sarg. Marinics and the nicest Lt. of the bunch is motor Lt. King so I think it's going to be O.K. We are each given a complete set of tools. It sure does feel good to get some tools in my hands and a deffinite job to do again. I wish it was every day instead of 3 days a week.
Mac Stanisbury, from Wyoming, a former truck driver and mechanic and a man of my age, with a 9 mo. old boy, is one of the other two. I don't know the other one very well. His name is Botca and just out of school.
The motor Sarg. asked us a few questions and being satisfied with the answers, he turned Mac and I loose and said if we got stuck to call him so we work as we please with very little interuption. It's greasy but I'm used to that.
Just saw Wayne and Carl and their wives walk past the barracks so the girls must be staying at the guest house for a few days.
I'm sorry you had so much trouble with the insurance on the glasses. I knew it would be and that is why I suggested we leave it go. I get along so well without the glasses that I think I will only wear them for reading or close work and forget them the rest of the time. I sweat so much they would only be a nuisance anyhow. The only time I missed them at all was Sat aft. when we went to the two shows. My eyes got tired then.
We are gradually getting more and more exercise and running. Mon. morning we ran 2 miles without a break and then had 30 minutes of calisthentics after that. I was soaking wet but hardly at all tired. Will you believe me now when I say I'm tough?
Leo got his teachers job. It is part time the same as the rest of the schools, so he is happy also.
We are getting up at 4:30 tomorrow so I guess I better quit and get ready for bed.
I haven't told you many nice things in this letter, but the words are so ineffectual that I get disgusted trying to say what I mean. You're so nice I can't begin to express it in words, but I'll sure express it in actions someday. If I ever fall down again in showing I love you, just show me a few of these letters and make me realize how much I missed you while I was away. I had gotten so used to going places and doing things with you, I am lost without you. All the kick is missing. You're a devil but I love you like hell. Night honey. I'll be thinking of you.
Your hubby.
Norm
P.S. I got a card from Franklin Elder, the postman, asking if I ever saw his son. He said he hadn't heard from him since the 15th of May. I intend to write to him but I haven't had a chance. I see Dick every so often and he looks good and seems happy. He said he had gotten the packages and money his dad had sent him and would write. If you happen to see Franklin you might pass on the information and I'll write as soon as I can. Thanks.
I love you honey.
your devoted husband.
Norm
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