Sept 26, 1943
Dearest sweetheart;
Hello Chubbins, old dear, just think, two weeks from right now I'll be by you again. Gosh honey I can hardly contain myself. I'm going to like that an awful lot. Honey if laying on your stomach in front of the fire causes you to write such nice love letters you better try it again sometime. Your Thurs. eve one was a dandy. I'll have to save that one. Enough there to hold over you for life. I'm warning you, I intend to keep you all that time too. You're sweet and I love you.
Marg did get down to see me, but we rather got our signals mixed. She had said in her last letter that she would cable me if she was coming. So when I didn't get a cable I just thought she wasn't coming and then when I got my mail at 10:30 this morning, here was a letter from her saying she would meet me at 9:30 at the depot. So I got my ass in gear, jumped into my O.D.'s and took off. I left word at the orderly room, that if a phone call came for me to say I was on my way. The bus line was a half mile long so it was 1230 when I got to the depot. No Marg and I had no idea how to reach her at her friend's, so I asked when the bus left for Indianapolis and they told me 1-3-5 so I decided to wait until she came back to go home.
Went out and had a little dinner and was back a little before 1. There she sat as big as you please. Nice blue uniform with a gold rocker on each shoulder. She was talking with a soldier and hadn't seen me. I walked over and made my presence known. She knew me and didn't think I had changed so much, just a little thinner. So there to.
She and Chris had waited for me until 10 and then gone back to Chris's quarters. She then decided to phone me, but had forgotten my address, so she called her roommate at Ft.Ben, got the address and by that time I was on my way in. They told her and so she came back to the depot.
She looks good in her uniform. Dark blue. Hat and blouse very much the same as mine, white shirt, black tie, knee length skirt, ordinary color stockings, and black sensible heeled oxfords. She wears no patch on the shoulder yet, but if she stays where she is, will have the five point star on the round background.
It was such a swell fall day we went out to Iroquois Park, that's out by Churchill Downs, and spent the afternoon walking around and talking. Talked like a couple old maids. I took a few pictures of her and she took a couple more of me. Her basic is over now and she will have her regular job and hours from now on. 6 hrs a day. One day a split shift from 7-9 A.M. and 1-5 and the next from 7-1. Will have one Sunday a month off. She says she may be moved any place in the 5th Corps area or she may stay there. She likes it very much so far, but is going to be very disappointed if she's turned down again, when she comes up for reclassification. She's rather pinning her hopes on being able to get into things. She's going to be much like I am. Get sick of staying in a camp and not being able to see where she is doing much good.
Altogether we had a very nice time. Got back in time to eat a sandwich and get her on the 5 o'clock bus back to Ft.Benj.Harrison.
I sure got even with that Lt. Made her wait 3 hrs. for me and didn't even get a bawling out.
Don't worry about the flopping situation honey. If I don't get enough in the time we have, and I'll probably get more than I can handle, why I'll just have to look up some of these girls that think I'm interesting looking.
I wrote Mickey a letter this morning before I left.
Don't kid yourselves about the boys' not getting a kick out of you girls making a fuss over them. They're wolves and don't sort them married or single.
It's way past my bedtime now so I guess I'll let this go for tonight. I'll try to make up for it some other time.
You talk about being fortunate in having a nice husband and etc. but I still think I've got the best end of the deal. You're so sweet and you sure make a very satisfactory wife. I love you darling and I bet that two weeks from tonight I'll be showing you.
your lover
Norm.
P.S. I forgot to tell you that your husband got another promotion and is now T/5.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Letter # 98 September 25, 1943
Sept 25, 1943
Hello sweetheart;
I did very well at mail call again today. One from the nicest person I know, one from Hazel & Mom & one from Vi, so now I have something to keep me out of mischief for a little while answering them. The hell of it is I've about run out of anything to say, so don't be surprised if this wanders all over.
After I read my letters I laid down for a short nap. Gus is still flat on his back and sleeping for all he's worth. He would be a good match for you. Always wants to sleep. I've gotten pretty good at it, but still can't keep up to him.
I got dressed and went down to the bookstore to buy a technical manual on the hydromatic transmission. I thought it might come in very handy some day after I've forgotten half of what I learned here in school, and have a repair job on one of them. It only cost 35 cents so I can't go far wrong. Then I went to the P.X. and bought a Yank. After I finish my lettes I'll do a little reading.
I haven't heard anything from Marg as yet, so I imagine she couldn't get off today.
We had quite a time with "Torchy" today. I said I imagined she would be tempermental and she sure is. We thought we only had a few small adjustments to make today and she would be all set to go. Well she fooled us and we had to work like hell to get her ready to move at all. Angie and i were adjusting the syncronizing rods to the two engines & transmissions and found that one of the control arms to the valve body on the transmission was bent and had to be changed. That was a hell of a job. Lay flat on my back under the old bitch and try to get enough hands up through a hole big enough for one. Well after swearing and sweating for about two hours I finally got the valve body out and then the army doesn't have a new part to repair it with. So we went to work to try and straighten the bent shaft. We got that done and then I swore for another hour or so to put it back on. We finally got her running at noon. We swept & scrubbed the shop and then climbed abord and moved the old dear about a half mile to the sheds where we will work all next week. The sheds are just what the name implies, long shed open on one side with gravel floor. We will continue
Hello sweetheart;
I did very well at mail call again today. One from the nicest person I know, one from Hazel & Mom & one from Vi, so now I have something to keep me out of mischief for a little while answering them. The hell of it is I've about run out of anything to say, so don't be surprised if this wanders all over.
After I read my letters I laid down for a short nap. Gus is still flat on his back and sleeping for all he's worth. He would be a good match for you. Always wants to sleep. I've gotten pretty good at it, but still can't keep up to him.
I got dressed and went down to the bookstore to buy a technical manual on the hydromatic transmission. I thought it might come in very handy some day after I've forgotten half of what I learned here in school, and have a repair job on one of them. It only cost 35 cents so I can't go far wrong. Then I went to the P.X. and bought a Yank. After I finish my lettes I'll do a little reading.
I haven't heard anything from Marg as yet, so I imagine she couldn't get off today.
We had quite a time with "Torchy" today. I said I imagined she would be tempermental and she sure is. We thought we only had a few small adjustments to make today and she would be all set to go. Well she fooled us and we had to work like hell to get her ready to move at all. Angie and i were adjusting the syncronizing rods to the two engines & transmissions and found that one of the control arms to the valve body on the transmission was bent and had to be changed. That was a hell of a job. Lay flat on my back under the old bitch and try to get enough hands up through a hole big enough for one. Well after swearing and sweating for about two hours I finally got the valve body out and then the army doesn't have a new part to repair it with. So we went to work to try and straighten the bent shaft. We got that done and then I swore for another hour or so to put it back on. We finally got her running at noon. We swept & scrubbed the shop and then climbed abord and moved the old dear about a half mile to the sheds where we will work all next week. The sheds are just what the name implies, long shed open on one side with gravel floor. We will continue
Letter # 97 September 24, 1943
Sept 24, 1943
My darling school teacher;
Well honey another Friday and another inspection gone by. Only 2 more and I'll be very close to having you in my arms again. Just think only 14 more days if you come down to get me and 15 if you don't. That sounds a lot better than it did a while back. It'll sound a lot better when I can mark that last day off the calendar. I'm really anxious to see you sweetheart, so watch out for some cracked ribs. Liable to forget myself and squeeze too hard.
I got your Tues. letter this noon and I see a few places for comments.
Chubbins is the name of Judge Robbin's daughter. You know the classy looking gal, with the nice bubbles and is always standing with the wind blowing her dress or sitting so she shows quite a little of a nice looking pair of legs. I never did think the name was a fit for her, she is a little too slim and doesn't look as soft and warm as the picture I get from the name Chubbins. You have the same basic characteristics, nice big, lovely to play with, bubbles, swell looking legs and beside that a lot more soft warm curves that when I get against them, just make me forget all my troubles, and just want to love. Now don't you think it fits you much better than it does her?
I got quite a kick out of "Dirty Gertie" also. There are several more verses but I can't remember the words. I have an idea they have been added to the original and from what I remember, I doubt if they will ever be put in print. Rather dirty.
I guess it really isn't proper army regulations to associate with an officer, but in cases of this kind, nothing is ever said about it. If they did it would be hell to have you an officer. Bet I'd be in the guard house half the time.
I didn't mean to leave you up in the air about the school business, but the whole thing is that way. Nothing is certain, but I doubt very much that I will ever have a chance at it. There is even talk around here that they are going to cut down on the no.of men coming here to school. After this class that I am in they may only have one class a day instead of two. They have already started that in the gunnery and radio schools. That makes it so they already have more instructors than they know what to do with. The staff sgt. we have this week has been here for 3 yrs, and he is worried that he may be sent to some line outfit. He is putting in application for warrant officer.
As for myself, all I know is, I will be sent back to my old outfit and then anything may happen. If the talk of cutting the 8th down about 4000 men and breaking the rest into tank battalions is true, I may end up any place in the U.S. or for that matter, the world. No way to tell except wait and see. If all this is true, and I say if, it begins to look like the army thinks it has enough trained men on hand to finish the job. From all we hear here it looks like things will move pretty fast this winter. It looks mighty good to me over there at the present time. Anything can happen from now on.
Honey. Don't you dare be calling your letters "just notes". I think they are very swell and I love them. If you could see me make a bee line for that mail call you'd know I'm not kidding. I am keeping some of them this time so I can also have a stack of love letters to look at in years to come.
The last line of that letter of mine was an accident. I had it half written before I saw the double meaning, so I just went on and finished it. I thought it was rather good and also very true. It couldn't be anything but hard with you around. It likes you so much it stands up and does tricks for you when I wouldn't think it possible. You got everything it takes to keep us both satisfied. I love you sweetheart and I sure am counting the days.
I found out today you aren't the only one that can get compliments from your picture. Grafton showed me a letter from his wife today and was I surprised. He had sent his wife the same bunch of pictures I sent you. She said the pictures were all good and she liked the one of Grafton and the rest of us by the W.A.C. headquarters sign, best. But she also said and I will quote as nearly as I can remember, "That Effinger sure is a good looking fellow and sounds very interesting. I'd like an introduction if I ever get a chance." So there too. I think that's pretty good, coming from a young woman of 22 to an old geezer like me. She's darn good looking too. Grafton brought the letter over to my room along with his wife's picture. Said he wanted me to read what his wife said about me and also wanted me to see what wanted an introduction. She has brownish red hair, good looking face, and as Grafton says, "big brown eyes". Get what I mean? That's his way of saying, nice bubbles. She is built like a brick shit house, slightly on the heavy side, just like I like 'em. If I wasn't so well satisfied and so much in love, I'm afraid I'd be tempted to stray.
Of course after that I had to tell him about what you said about him and it pleased him a lot. He likes your picture so I guess we're about even there. They all like your pictures but it's something when their wives like mine. I won't forget that right away.
Ernie said his girl thought the picture of the 8th boys would make a good picture of a football team. Tough looking bunch.
Last night Gus and I went to the show. Red Skelton & Elenor Powell in "I Dood It". I don't care much for him but the dancing and musical parts were very good. That gal can sure shake those feet.
We got Torchy just about all back together today. Painting all done, engine running and just a few small jobs left for tomorrow. She nearly got the best of me today. She's an ornery bitch and I'm glad she's only a temporary girlfriend. The engines after being taken out were all out of adjustment and most of that work has to be done with them running. So I spent most all morning twisted up like a pretzel in about 2 cubic feet of empty space in that compartment. To start with, the engines were both too rich and by the time I got that corrected I was pretty well gassed and I had a mean headache for a while, but it didn't last long. Anyhow, she's purring like a kitten now and rarin' to go.
Did I tell you how much I loved you? I still love you more and more all the time honey. I can't find the proper words to tell you how much, but I sure as hell am going to show you soon. You're the sweetest wife and I sure was lucky to get you before you got a chance to look around too much. Night honey. I loves you.
your good looking, interesting husband.
Norm.
My darling school teacher;
Well honey another Friday and another inspection gone by. Only 2 more and I'll be very close to having you in my arms again. Just think only 14 more days if you come down to get me and 15 if you don't. That sounds a lot better than it did a while back. It'll sound a lot better when I can mark that last day off the calendar. I'm really anxious to see you sweetheart, so watch out for some cracked ribs. Liable to forget myself and squeeze too hard.
I got your Tues. letter this noon and I see a few places for comments.
Chubbins is the name of Judge Robbin's daughter. You know the classy looking gal, with the nice bubbles and is always standing with the wind blowing her dress or sitting so she shows quite a little of a nice looking pair of legs. I never did think the name was a fit for her, she is a little too slim and doesn't look as soft and warm as the picture I get from the name Chubbins. You have the same basic characteristics, nice big, lovely to play with, bubbles, swell looking legs and beside that a lot more soft warm curves that when I get against them, just make me forget all my troubles, and just want to love. Now don't you think it fits you much better than it does her?
I got quite a kick out of "Dirty Gertie" also. There are several more verses but I can't remember the words. I have an idea they have been added to the original and from what I remember, I doubt if they will ever be put in print. Rather dirty.
I guess it really isn't proper army regulations to associate with an officer, but in cases of this kind, nothing is ever said about it. If they did it would be hell to have you an officer. Bet I'd be in the guard house half the time.
I didn't mean to leave you up in the air about the school business, but the whole thing is that way. Nothing is certain, but I doubt very much that I will ever have a chance at it. There is even talk around here that they are going to cut down on the no.of men coming here to school. After this class that I am in they may only have one class a day instead of two. They have already started that in the gunnery and radio schools. That makes it so they already have more instructors than they know what to do with. The staff sgt. we have this week has been here for 3 yrs, and he is worried that he may be sent to some line outfit. He is putting in application for warrant officer.
As for myself, all I know is, I will be sent back to my old outfit and then anything may happen. If the talk of cutting the 8th down about 4000 men and breaking the rest into tank battalions is true, I may end up any place in the U.S. or for that matter, the world. No way to tell except wait and see. If all this is true, and I say if, it begins to look like the army thinks it has enough trained men on hand to finish the job. From all we hear here it looks like things will move pretty fast this winter. It looks mighty good to me over there at the present time. Anything can happen from now on.
Honey. Don't you dare be calling your letters "just notes". I think they are very swell and I love them. If you could see me make a bee line for that mail call you'd know I'm not kidding. I am keeping some of them this time so I can also have a stack of love letters to look at in years to come.
The last line of that letter of mine was an accident. I had it half written before I saw the double meaning, so I just went on and finished it. I thought it was rather good and also very true. It couldn't be anything but hard with you around. It likes you so much it stands up and does tricks for you when I wouldn't think it possible. You got everything it takes to keep us both satisfied. I love you sweetheart and I sure am counting the days.
I found out today you aren't the only one that can get compliments from your picture. Grafton showed me a letter from his wife today and was I surprised. He had sent his wife the same bunch of pictures I sent you. She said the pictures were all good and she liked the one of Grafton and the rest of us by the W.A.C. headquarters sign, best. But she also said and I will quote as nearly as I can remember, "That Effinger sure is a good looking fellow and sounds very interesting. I'd like an introduction if I ever get a chance." So there too. I think that's pretty good, coming from a young woman of 22 to an old geezer like me. She's darn good looking too. Grafton brought the letter over to my room along with his wife's picture. Said he wanted me to read what his wife said about me and also wanted me to see what wanted an introduction. She has brownish red hair, good looking face, and as Grafton says, "big brown eyes". Get what I mean? That's his way of saying, nice bubbles. She is built like a brick shit house, slightly on the heavy side, just like I like 'em. If I wasn't so well satisfied and so much in love, I'm afraid I'd be tempted to stray.
Of course after that I had to tell him about what you said about him and it pleased him a lot. He likes your picture so I guess we're about even there. They all like your pictures but it's something when their wives like mine. I won't forget that right away.
Ernie said his girl thought the picture of the 8th boys would make a good picture of a football team. Tough looking bunch.
Last night Gus and I went to the show. Red Skelton & Elenor Powell in "I Dood It". I don't care much for him but the dancing and musical parts were very good. That gal can sure shake those feet.
We got Torchy just about all back together today. Painting all done, engine running and just a few small jobs left for tomorrow. She nearly got the best of me today. She's an ornery bitch and I'm glad she's only a temporary girlfriend. The engines after being taken out were all out of adjustment and most of that work has to be done with them running. So I spent most all morning twisted up like a pretzel in about 2 cubic feet of empty space in that compartment. To start with, the engines were both too rich and by the time I got that corrected I was pretty well gassed and I had a mean headache for a while, but it didn't last long. Anyhow, she's purring like a kitten now and rarin' to go.
Did I tell you how much I loved you? I still love you more and more all the time honey. I can't find the proper words to tell you how much, but I sure as hell am going to show you soon. You're the sweetest wife and I sure was lucky to get you before you got a chance to look around too much. Night honey. I loves you.
your good looking, interesting husband.
Norm.
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Letter # 96 September 23, 1943
Sept 23, 1943
My sweetheart;
Hello. How's my Chubbins today? Hope you are over your cold by now. I don't know, maybe you've thought of it already, but if I were you, I believe I would get a box of those vitamin pills like we had at the store last winter. I think they did me some good. When you are continually exposed as you will be this winter they are well worth the cost. I didn't have a cold after I started taking them.
So Mickey is in Texas. I've heard some of Camp Barkelay but don't know much. It seems to me it is a specialized camp. The location ought to be fair. Abilene is a fair sized town and from all I have ever heard a nice town, but of course an army camp can change all that in a hurry. I'll try to find out what I can about it. Someone here ought to have been there. I just asked out in the barracks and while none of them were from there, two fellows were from Camp Bowie. That is about 70 miles south east at Brownwood. It isn't a specialized camp. They say the 16th Armored Division is there. I wonder if he is attached to them. His address doesn't indicate it. They say it is hot and dry all summer and rather nice in the winter. Never gets very cold. They say it is a nice place to be. Well I hope he has a good place. At least he has a start on his medical training, even if it isn't veterinary. The training in that branch isn't likely to be as tough as a fighting unit. He has one break at least. In the south for the winter.
I imagine it is about 500 miles west and 150 miles north of Camp Polk. I'll write to him as soon as I can find someone from there and get some dope.
You old devil, you be careful who you get to take care of you. You mentioned Ed Selzer might take care of you if you got too cold. You could do a lot better than that honey. Of course I choose to believe you meant as far as coal was concerned, but you didn't state it very well.
Don't hesitate to use the wood. It should be just the thing for fall days. Use the bigger pieces from that pile out back and there ought to be plenty of heat left for you in the morning. You'll just have to start it every night. I imagine you still have plenty of kindling but if you haven't use the smaller pieces from the front piles. They're dry and should make good kindling.
I got another letter from Marg and as yet she doesn't know if she will be free or not but will wire me if she is coming. She plans to stay Sat night with her friend "Cris" and I will go in Sunday morning and meet her at the bus station.
I told Angie that he had made a hit with the gals back home and they wanted me to bring him home with me. He said he would take the invitation if he could, because he always did like country life and country girls. Didn't care if they were married.
He and Gus and Ernie are about the only ones that didn't get leaves. All three disapproved. So you can tell the girls, no luck, and blame it on the army.
You won't have to follow me around like any little puppy dog. I won't get far enough away from you, so you can follow. Honey you can bet I'll stay plenty close, the closer the better. I love you and I'm going to make an attempt to show you how much, because, after all, 15 days isn't very long and who knows when I'll have another chance. I don't have any plans and don't intend to make any. Just let circumstances take care of that. All I have in mind is a third honeymoon and very few plans necessary for that. I'm going to spend as much time at home alone with you as I decently can. That's both threat and promise.
Chubbins, I'm surprised at you, saying there was a tapering off point on our 2nd honeymoon. You may be right to some extent, but I lay a lot of it to damn hot weather. I know of 3 or 4 times when that stopped me before I really wanted to quit. That shouldn't bother us this time so if there is a tapering off point this time, I won't have any excuse except old age.
We had a rather interesting experience in school this morning. At 8 o'clock they told us that would be out last break until 12, because we were going to be visited by some English officers and soldiers. Kinda made us mad at the time. Have to give up our chance to rest and smoke for 10 minutes every hour for 4 hrs. That makes a soldier mad. Well the first bunch, mostly officers, came through about 10. We had all been told to be on the ball and look like we were working like hell. It looked like it alright. We had just started to paint "Torchy" and most of the other groups had their tanks all torn apart. Looked like a real assembly line. By the time they got there we had "Torchy" about half covered with a new coat of paint and we were all 2/3 covered. They just walked through and paused here and there to look.
About 11 another bunch came along. One captain in charge and the rest were just soldiers like ourselves, Sgts, pvts, etc. They marched in, in formation. Of course we were all watching and trying to appear busy at the same time. When they march they swing their arms far backward and forward. We swing ours 3"inches back and 6" foreword, and when they halt they do a cute little jump step. Funny to watch but looks good. They are dressed in uniforms much the color of our O.D.'s. The trousers have large patch pockets on the front of the legs that come nearly to their knees, and they wear a very short legging, just over the shoe top, the trousers are caught in them. The shirts looked more like a light weight lumberjack with a shirt collar, but were worn inside the trousers. The cap is much the same as ours. They wear chevrons upside down in comparison to ours and they are much larger.
They fell out and scattered around the building and seemed very much interested. One bunch of 5 gathered around our tank. Angie and I were just putting her name back on. Angie was holding the stencil and I was doing the painting. From the way they watched every move we made, it must have been a new operation to them. It was all wet paint. Then they asked a few questions, and honey I'm telling you, I never knew English could be spoken so I couldn't understand it. But that was nearly it. One asked about the armor thickness and Angie says, "Huh?" I happened to catch it and told them a little about the tank. I guess they didn't understand me very well either. Then another asked how many passengers the tank carried. Sgt.Finnegan says, "It doesn't carry any passengers, just the driver, assistant driver, tank commander, and gunner." It was rather funny to us but I guess it wasn't to them. I would have liked a chance to talk to them but no chance. They soon left on their tour of the camp. They are from a crack anti-aircraft battery and are supposed to be here for a rest.
Angie says they are over here to make room for our soldiers over there. After they left we all took a twenty minute break and then cleaned up and it was time to quit.
We now have "Torchy" nearly ready to run again. Still have a little painting inside to do and a few adjustments to make.
All these tanks are painted with white enamel inside and are supposed to be kept spotless. When the hatches are all closed as they would be in battle the white paint reflects the light and makes it a lot easier to see.
Well honey it's chow time so I'll have to quit. Gus and I are planning on a show tonight.
Bye darling, I'll be seeing you in 16 more days.
Your loving hubby
Norm.
My sweetheart;
Hello. How's my Chubbins today? Hope you are over your cold by now. I don't know, maybe you've thought of it already, but if I were you, I believe I would get a box of those vitamin pills like we had at the store last winter. I think they did me some good. When you are continually exposed as you will be this winter they are well worth the cost. I didn't have a cold after I started taking them.
So Mickey is in Texas. I've heard some of Camp Barkelay but don't know much. It seems to me it is a specialized camp. The location ought to be fair. Abilene is a fair sized town and from all I have ever heard a nice town, but of course an army camp can change all that in a hurry. I'll try to find out what I can about it. Someone here ought to have been there. I just asked out in the barracks and while none of them were from there, two fellows were from Camp Bowie. That is about 70 miles south east at Brownwood. It isn't a specialized camp. They say the 16th Armored Division is there. I wonder if he is attached to them. His address doesn't indicate it. They say it is hot and dry all summer and rather nice in the winter. Never gets very cold. They say it is a nice place to be. Well I hope he has a good place. At least he has a start on his medical training, even if it isn't veterinary. The training in that branch isn't likely to be as tough as a fighting unit. He has one break at least. In the south for the winter.
I imagine it is about 500 miles west and 150 miles north of Camp Polk. I'll write to him as soon as I can find someone from there and get some dope.
You old devil, you be careful who you get to take care of you. You mentioned Ed Selzer might take care of you if you got too cold. You could do a lot better than that honey. Of course I choose to believe you meant as far as coal was concerned, but you didn't state it very well.
Don't hesitate to use the wood. It should be just the thing for fall days. Use the bigger pieces from that pile out back and there ought to be plenty of heat left for you in the morning. You'll just have to start it every night. I imagine you still have plenty of kindling but if you haven't use the smaller pieces from the front piles. They're dry and should make good kindling.
I got another letter from Marg and as yet she doesn't know if she will be free or not but will wire me if she is coming. She plans to stay Sat night with her friend "Cris" and I will go in Sunday morning and meet her at the bus station.
I told Angie that he had made a hit with the gals back home and they wanted me to bring him home with me. He said he would take the invitation if he could, because he always did like country life and country girls. Didn't care if they were married.
He and Gus and Ernie are about the only ones that didn't get leaves. All three disapproved. So you can tell the girls, no luck, and blame it on the army.
You won't have to follow me around like any little puppy dog. I won't get far enough away from you, so you can follow. Honey you can bet I'll stay plenty close, the closer the better. I love you and I'm going to make an attempt to show you how much, because, after all, 15 days isn't very long and who knows when I'll have another chance. I don't have any plans and don't intend to make any. Just let circumstances take care of that. All I have in mind is a third honeymoon and very few plans necessary for that. I'm going to spend as much time at home alone with you as I decently can. That's both threat and promise.
Chubbins, I'm surprised at you, saying there was a tapering off point on our 2nd honeymoon. You may be right to some extent, but I lay a lot of it to damn hot weather. I know of 3 or 4 times when that stopped me before I really wanted to quit. That shouldn't bother us this time so if there is a tapering off point this time, I won't have any excuse except old age.
We had a rather interesting experience in school this morning. At 8 o'clock they told us that would be out last break until 12, because we were going to be visited by some English officers and soldiers. Kinda made us mad at the time. Have to give up our chance to rest and smoke for 10 minutes every hour for 4 hrs. That makes a soldier mad. Well the first bunch, mostly officers, came through about 10. We had all been told to be on the ball and look like we were working like hell. It looked like it alright. We had just started to paint "Torchy" and most of the other groups had their tanks all torn apart. Looked like a real assembly line. By the time they got there we had "Torchy" about half covered with a new coat of paint and we were all 2/3 covered. They just walked through and paused here and there to look.
About 11 another bunch came along. One captain in charge and the rest were just soldiers like ourselves, Sgts, pvts, etc. They marched in, in formation. Of course we were all watching and trying to appear busy at the same time. When they march they swing their arms far backward and forward. We swing ours 3"inches back and 6" foreword, and when they halt they do a cute little jump step. Funny to watch but looks good. They are dressed in uniforms much the color of our O.D.'s. The trousers have large patch pockets on the front of the legs that come nearly to their knees, and they wear a very short legging, just over the shoe top, the trousers are caught in them. The shirts looked more like a light weight lumberjack with a shirt collar, but were worn inside the trousers. The cap is much the same as ours. They wear chevrons upside down in comparison to ours and they are much larger.
They fell out and scattered around the building and seemed very much interested. One bunch of 5 gathered around our tank. Angie and I were just putting her name back on. Angie was holding the stencil and I was doing the painting. From the way they watched every move we made, it must have been a new operation to them. It was all wet paint. Then they asked a few questions, and honey I'm telling you, I never knew English could be spoken so I couldn't understand it. But that was nearly it. One asked about the armor thickness and Angie says, "Huh?" I happened to catch it and told them a little about the tank. I guess they didn't understand me very well either. Then another asked how many passengers the tank carried. Sgt.Finnegan says, "It doesn't carry any passengers, just the driver, assistant driver, tank commander, and gunner." It was rather funny to us but I guess it wasn't to them. I would have liked a chance to talk to them but no chance. They soon left on their tour of the camp. They are from a crack anti-aircraft battery and are supposed to be here for a rest.
Angie says they are over here to make room for our soldiers over there. After they left we all took a twenty minute break and then cleaned up and it was time to quit.
We now have "Torchy" nearly ready to run again. Still have a little painting inside to do and a few adjustments to make.
All these tanks are painted with white enamel inside and are supposed to be kept spotless. When the hatches are all closed as they would be in battle the white paint reflects the light and makes it a lot easier to see.
Well honey it's chow time so I'll have to quit. Gus and I are planning on a show tonight.
Bye darling, I'll be seeing you in 16 more days.
Your loving hubby
Norm.
Letter # 95 September 22, 1943
Sept. 22, 1943
Wed. aft. 1500
My darling wife;
I don't quite know how it happened but I got your Sunday letter last eve and your nice long Sat. letter this noon. You really must have worked on that one. 5 whole pages. I'll have to call that one a short novel or something. I got it after chow and it took me so long to read it I was almost late for Peter T.I. [short arm inspection to you]. I sure do like them, I'm talking about the letters again, but don't use all your spare time writing. I know it must have kept you from a very nice nap.
You're a sweet old devil and I love you even if you do make more fuss over Angie than you do over me. As long as you only make the fuss over them and save the rest for me I'm satisfied.
So the boys at the P.O. think I'm writing too many letters. If they would take a real good look at what I'm writing to, they would wonder why I didn't write more. You can tell them I'll give them a rest in a couple weeks and after that maybe they will have me back to work and I won't have time to write every day. I'm just taking advantage of it while I can. Can't let you forget me especially now when it's only a couple weeks until I expect to be with you for a while. Gotta have you all primed, so I won't have to waste any time priming after I get there. Want you just like you were down here. From all indications I will be all ready. I dreamed about you again last night, and although all I could remember of it was that I discovered after I was home that I had forgotten my furlough papers and had to come back after them. There must have been more because I sure had a mess. Had to get up and change underwear. Must have been loving you for quite a while.
By the time 17 more days roll around I should be in good shape, if that is any indication. We like you honey. You bother us even when you're 350 miles away. You're quite a girl.
Glad Harold got the razor fixed. I was just a little afraid they might not be repairing them anymore. I'll see him about the cost when I get home. It wouldn't be more than $1.50 or $2.00.
You can tell the girls that it's O.K. that they are married because Angie is too. I didn't know that until just recently. He doesn't exactly act married.
Schindler is single and his hair is somewhat curly. He comes from St. Louis.
So you think you might be a 150 pound glamor girl soon? Don't let it get that bad honey. While you would be a swell looking person if you were, I like you just the way you are and I know the only way you would get that light would be from too much work or worry or not enough to eat. So don't do it.
I'm afraid my new girlfriend "Torchy" will spoil those nice soft hands of mine. Grease and wrenches for the rest of the time I'm here. Nevertheless I'll still use my hands on you whether they be soft or hard, and you better like it too.
It will be swell if Gus can come and get me, and as far as me not being home so soon if we stay over till Sunday, what the hell do I care about that as long as I have you? In fact, that way we would probably be able to start that 3rd honeymoon several hours quicker.
It would be too much to drive down and back without rest. We can see the Wilkersons again too. If you really decide to come down, you had better drop her a line, so we'll have a place to stay. I didn't say sleep.
Well honey I guess that about covers your letter.
We all took our bedding out for an airing this afternoon and some Son-of-a-bitch stole one of my blankets. I reported it as soon as I knew, but if it doesn't show up I suppose the army will try to charge me for it. I'm going to have my say first though. They are supposed to have guards on duty all the time the beds are out.
I was on detail again this afternoon. It was about as usual only we were done at 3 instead of 4. We only worked about 1/2 hr. As I said before we had a Peter T.I. right after chow. Didn't say I had caught anything yet. All these girls I've been out with must be O.K.
Today we started putting "Torchy" together again and have gotten most of her insides back already. I guess tomorrow we will give her a new dress of O.D. paint and then she will begin to look better. She sure is a tough baby to work on though. I'll be a contortionist when I get through. Every square inch is used for something.
Night sweetheart. I'll try not to dream quite so hard about you tonight. Not much fun and beside that I want to save it all for you in person. I love you Chubbins. Boy only 17 more days.
your dreaming husband.
Norm.
Wed. aft. 1500
My darling wife;
I don't quite know how it happened but I got your Sunday letter last eve and your nice long Sat. letter this noon. You really must have worked on that one. 5 whole pages. I'll have to call that one a short novel or something. I got it after chow and it took me so long to read it I was almost late for Peter T.I. [short arm inspection to you]. I sure do like them, I'm talking about the letters again, but don't use all your spare time writing. I know it must have kept you from a very nice nap.
You're a sweet old devil and I love you even if you do make more fuss over Angie than you do over me. As long as you only make the fuss over them and save the rest for me I'm satisfied.
So the boys at the P.O. think I'm writing too many letters. If they would take a real good look at what I'm writing to, they would wonder why I didn't write more. You can tell them I'll give them a rest in a couple weeks and after that maybe they will have me back to work and I won't have time to write every day. I'm just taking advantage of it while I can. Can't let you forget me especially now when it's only a couple weeks until I expect to be with you for a while. Gotta have you all primed, so I won't have to waste any time priming after I get there. Want you just like you were down here. From all indications I will be all ready. I dreamed about you again last night, and although all I could remember of it was that I discovered after I was home that I had forgotten my furlough papers and had to come back after them. There must have been more because I sure had a mess. Had to get up and change underwear. Must have been loving you for quite a while.
By the time 17 more days roll around I should be in good shape, if that is any indication. We like you honey. You bother us even when you're 350 miles away. You're quite a girl.
Glad Harold got the razor fixed. I was just a little afraid they might not be repairing them anymore. I'll see him about the cost when I get home. It wouldn't be more than $1.50 or $2.00.
You can tell the girls that it's O.K. that they are married because Angie is too. I didn't know that until just recently. He doesn't exactly act married.
Schindler is single and his hair is somewhat curly. He comes from St. Louis.
So you think you might be a 150 pound glamor girl soon? Don't let it get that bad honey. While you would be a swell looking person if you were, I like you just the way you are and I know the only way you would get that light would be from too much work or worry or not enough to eat. So don't do it.
I'm afraid my new girlfriend "Torchy" will spoil those nice soft hands of mine. Grease and wrenches for the rest of the time I'm here. Nevertheless I'll still use my hands on you whether they be soft or hard, and you better like it too.
It will be swell if Gus can come and get me, and as far as me not being home so soon if we stay over till Sunday, what the hell do I care about that as long as I have you? In fact, that way we would probably be able to start that 3rd honeymoon several hours quicker.
It would be too much to drive down and back without rest. We can see the Wilkersons again too. If you really decide to come down, you had better drop her a line, so we'll have a place to stay. I didn't say sleep.
Well honey I guess that about covers your letter.
We all took our bedding out for an airing this afternoon and some Son-of-a-bitch stole one of my blankets. I reported it as soon as I knew, but if it doesn't show up I suppose the army will try to charge me for it. I'm going to have my say first though. They are supposed to have guards on duty all the time the beds are out.
I was on detail again this afternoon. It was about as usual only we were done at 3 instead of 4. We only worked about 1/2 hr. As I said before we had a Peter T.I. right after chow. Didn't say I had caught anything yet. All these girls I've been out with must be O.K.
Today we started putting "Torchy" together again and have gotten most of her insides back already. I guess tomorrow we will give her a new dress of O.D. paint and then she will begin to look better. She sure is a tough baby to work on though. I'll be a contortionist when I get through. Every square inch is used for something.
Night sweetheart. I'll try not to dream quite so hard about you tonight. Not much fun and beside that I want to save it all for you in person. I love you Chubbins. Boy only 17 more days.
your dreaming husband.
Norm.
Letter # 94 September 21, 1943
Sept 21, 1943
My own Chubbins;
Hello gorgeous;
I'm still counting the days and if I can still count it is only 18 more days until that day. Boy oh Boy! It's in the 'teens now honey so, as you say, it can't be so very long anymore. The days seem to fly past and yet the 9th of October seems to be quite a way off. I'm just too anxious to start that third honeymoon I guess. Can't blame me can you, after the way this second one turned out. I still can't get over it honey. Best time I ever had. I think you rather enjoyed it too.
So Art and Jr. enjoyed the trouble shooting letter. I'm surprised I wrote enough that wasn't rather personal, so you could read it to them.
Glad you liked the pictures. I'll try to get some more to bring home with me. I'd like to get some the week we are in the field with the tanks. I don't know if they will allow it or not, but I'll see.
Mick must be having himself quite a train ride. If I remember correctly it was only 5 days from the time I left Columbus until you had the letter I wrote on the train. I rather expected from the way Louise talked that she would follow Mickey if it was at all possible. It may be rather foolish. It all depends on where he is and what outfit he is in. There are lots of camps like this one where wives can find good accommodations and work. Mickey will probably be guaranteed to camp for the first 4weeks, but in lots of camps, after that the rookies are allowed to have night passes at any time they aren't on duty. If he happened to get into an outfit like that, it wouldn't be so bad. She really doesn't have so much as you do to hold her at home. I would advise her to wait until Mick has been located a month or so and has a chance to find out what is what. I hope it does work out that way for them. It's no fun being separated and no one knows it any better than we do. I'd gladly give you the encouragement if I thought it best, but in the outfit I'm in and the place we were in it was definitely out. If I was to be here at Knox for an indefinite time, I think I would probably encourage you a little. I might even ask you to come stay with me. In fact, if you didn't come then I'm afraid I'd beg you to come. It sure was a lot nicer for me. It almost made me forget I was in the army. Just about like having a civilian job that took me away for a couple days at a time.
You seem to be rather necessary for me to be completely satisfied with life anymore. You're a swell old devil and I love you.
Just got back from chow and I'm actually stuffed. Had cauliflower, new potatoes, real good sausage, and sliced peaches, and raisin bread. It tasted so good that Gus and I went around for the second time. Getting to be a regular chow-hound. Boy will I go for my sweeties' cooking when I get home. Seems to me I have a shortcake coming. Maybe a cake or a pie also, if I can leave her alone long enough to bake them. Just have to wait and see if my appetite for something to eat or something to love is strongest.
Well honey, today we started to tear old "Torchy" apart. Got her nearly stripped naked. She isn't even very exciting in that condition but she sure is built to stand a lot of wear and tear. All her curves and corners are hard as hell. I've got some bumps on my head and shins to prove it, and she doesn't respond worth a damn. She really is cold potatoes. Well anyhow we took off her "bustle", removed one of her engines, and generally disarranged her insides. She's a good patient, never says a word or moves a bit. If we get her back together, I guess she'll be good as new.
A couple of the boys just came in to play a trick on Gus. They knew he was out. They unhooked all the springs on one end of his cot and then tied it back up with string. The bedding can then be put back on and it will hold until a man's weight hits the bed, and then go through. It's a good trick and I've seen it done before. This time Gus caught them before they were quite done, so they had to put it back together. Gus says I'm a hell of a guy to sit there and let them do that to him. I told him I thought it would have been fun to see him go through his bed.
Night sweetheart, I'm loving you and counting the days.
Your lover husband.
Norm.
My own Chubbins;
Hello gorgeous;
I'm still counting the days and if I can still count it is only 18 more days until that day. Boy oh Boy! It's in the 'teens now honey so, as you say, it can't be so very long anymore. The days seem to fly past and yet the 9th of October seems to be quite a way off. I'm just too anxious to start that third honeymoon I guess. Can't blame me can you, after the way this second one turned out. I still can't get over it honey. Best time I ever had. I think you rather enjoyed it too.
So Art and Jr. enjoyed the trouble shooting letter. I'm surprised I wrote enough that wasn't rather personal, so you could read it to them.
Glad you liked the pictures. I'll try to get some more to bring home with me. I'd like to get some the week we are in the field with the tanks. I don't know if they will allow it or not, but I'll see.
Mick must be having himself quite a train ride. If I remember correctly it was only 5 days from the time I left Columbus until you had the letter I wrote on the train. I rather expected from the way Louise talked that she would follow Mickey if it was at all possible. It may be rather foolish. It all depends on where he is and what outfit he is in. There are lots of camps like this one where wives can find good accommodations and work. Mickey will probably be guaranteed to camp for the first 4weeks, but in lots of camps, after that the rookies are allowed to have night passes at any time they aren't on duty. If he happened to get into an outfit like that, it wouldn't be so bad. She really doesn't have so much as you do to hold her at home. I would advise her to wait until Mick has been located a month or so and has a chance to find out what is what. I hope it does work out that way for them. It's no fun being separated and no one knows it any better than we do. I'd gladly give you the encouragement if I thought it best, but in the outfit I'm in and the place we were in it was definitely out. If I was to be here at Knox for an indefinite time, I think I would probably encourage you a little. I might even ask you to come stay with me. In fact, if you didn't come then I'm afraid I'd beg you to come. It sure was a lot nicer for me. It almost made me forget I was in the army. Just about like having a civilian job that took me away for a couple days at a time.
You seem to be rather necessary for me to be completely satisfied with life anymore. You're a swell old devil and I love you.
Just got back from chow and I'm actually stuffed. Had cauliflower, new potatoes, real good sausage, and sliced peaches, and raisin bread. It tasted so good that Gus and I went around for the second time. Getting to be a regular chow-hound. Boy will I go for my sweeties' cooking when I get home. Seems to me I have a shortcake coming. Maybe a cake or a pie also, if I can leave her alone long enough to bake them. Just have to wait and see if my appetite for something to eat or something to love is strongest.
Well honey, today we started to tear old "Torchy" apart. Got her nearly stripped naked. She isn't even very exciting in that condition but she sure is built to stand a lot of wear and tear. All her curves and corners are hard as hell. I've got some bumps on my head and shins to prove it, and she doesn't respond worth a damn. She really is cold potatoes. Well anyhow we took off her "bustle", removed one of her engines, and generally disarranged her insides. She's a good patient, never says a word or moves a bit. If we get her back together, I guess she'll be good as new.
A couple of the boys just came in to play a trick on Gus. They knew he was out. They unhooked all the springs on one end of his cot and then tied it back up with string. The bedding can then be put back on and it will hold until a man's weight hits the bed, and then go through. It's a good trick and I've seen it done before. This time Gus caught them before they were quite done, so they had to put it back together. Gus says I'm a hell of a guy to sit there and let them do that to him. I told him I thought it would have been fun to see him go through his bed.
Night sweetheart, I'm loving you and counting the days.
Your lover husband.
Norm.
Monday, September 27, 2010
Letter # 93 September 20, 1943
Sept 20, 1943
Dear Chubbins;
You can bet I was there on time for mail call today. Got two nice letters from you too. Kinda nice to have two to read all at once, but I don't think I will make it a habit to miss a day just so I can have two the next. Not much percentage in that.
Once in a while I run out of writing material and have to have a letter from you to give me something to write about. That's about the case today and yesterday. I had to fall back on fond memories to get the inspiration for a letter. You know honey, in some ways this army is rather a good thing. It gives me time to think. It took me nearly all afternoon to write that letter yesterday. I would write a few lines and then sit looking out the window daydreaming. Gus yelled at me several times and asked me what the hell was the matter with me. I told him I was just thinking of the old days. It's the truth, honey, so help me. While I was courting you and while we were together after we were married, I was always so busy, I just never took time to think about things that were happening to me and us. Now I have lots of time and as I look back and remember little forgotten incidents, they all fall together like a jigsaw puzzle and form a definite pattern and the predominating thing in the pattern seems to be LOVE. Probably we never realize just what all the small incidents mean until after they have happened and we see them in a group in our minds. I know damn well I had never taken the time to put them all together and see what they looked like. Since I've been in the army I've spent a lot of time doing just that and it sure is surprising. I can begin to understand now, how you made me love you so completely without me knowing it. As long as I was with you I was so satisfied inside I just took things as they came and never stopped to analyze them. I had to leave you and miss you like hell and then have time to think, before things showed up in their true value to me.
This is probably old stuff to you, because I think all this had occurred to you long ago, but as I wake up I just have to tell you. I'm dumb honey, but give me time and have patience and I'll be all right. I have a fairly good memory, especially of the things about us and someday I'll get them all in their proper place and then maybe I'll be as good a husband as you so nicely say I am now. I mean all this too honey, I'm not just writing to fill up space.
Every time I start gathering up the happenings of the past 7 years, I find out so many things I never realized. I just have to give you an idea of what it's doing to me.
You're a swell wife to wait so long for me to really wake up. It's no wonder I love you so much. You're a peach, darling, beside being good for me. You're so many other things too, sweet and thoughtful, understanding, intelligent, good looking, face and figure both. Don't laugh at that. I know that as a bathing beauty you wouldn't go too far, but to me it's perfect, just what I like. As you said of me, I say of you. I love every inch and pound of you and always want you just as you are.
So there too. Do you still like love letters, honey? If so maybe I'll get around to writing a good one some day, after I've had enough practice. Just give me time.
I'm glad you like the little pin. It's the only thing I've seen that even came close to what I thought you would want. I like to get things for you, but I never know what to get. You're a very satisfactory person to buy for because you always seem to get such a kick out of any little thing.
As for the nick names or rather pet names, I don't care much what you call me, even bitch-bastard, just so long as you still have that certain light in your eyes. That's what I like to see.
From the score of the football game it sounds like Medina might have the makings of a team there. I hope they do a good job the night I'm there to see them play.
Glad to hear school teaching has some days that aren't too bad. Can't have you wearing yourself down too much, honey. I like you just as you are.
We started another week of school today and it looks like the study part is over. From here on out it will be mostly actual work and we will have the same tank and same instructor for the rest of the time. They assigned us to groups of 5 and each group has a tank that they will keep until graduation day. For the first time Ernie and I are in different bunches. My group is Sgt Finnegan, Pfc. Ercanbrack, Pfc. Fenstermacher, Angie and I. We have a staff sgt. for instructor. Today we gave the tank a good wash job and checked it all over. For the rest of the week we will work on the engines, completely taking them out of the tank and overhauling them and putting them back in. We are also going to give it a new paint job.
Next week we will dismantle the entire power train and tracks and do any necessary repair work. The third week we take it to the field and try to wreck it. If we have done our work well the first two weeks we won't have so much to do the last. Sounds rather interesting. It sure feels good to go back to work again and get a little dirty again.
This morning sure went fast, didn't even take time to get hungry. Our tank is named "Torch" so I am inclined to think of her as a redheaded girl. I imagine she will be about as temperamental as a redhead. Anyhow, I've got to have a girlfriend of some kind. She's not very nice to look at and she's rather larger, 16 ton to be exact, and she sure doesn't have any nice soft places or curves, but for the next three weeks I'll do my part to take care of her. She'll do until Oct 9th when I hope to have a real girl again, and a hell of a nice one at that.
It would be swell if Gus & Vi did come to get me and you came along. That way I would get to see you several hours longer and, honey, I want all the hours I can get with you.
We had another of our tough afternoons. It rained so we had a talk by the Captain and some war news by a Lt. and a lecture on military courtesy. I'm damn near worn out and I still have to do my S's so I'm going to quit for tonight. They sure are rough on us up here. I don't see how I stand it.
Well night Chubbins darling. It's only about 19 more days and I won't have to say night by pen. I'll be where I can get hold of you and say it the way I want to. I'll let you guess how I want to say it. I love you darling and I'm as impatient as hell.
your awakened lover
Norm.
Dear Chubbins;
You can bet I was there on time for mail call today. Got two nice letters from you too. Kinda nice to have two to read all at once, but I don't think I will make it a habit to miss a day just so I can have two the next. Not much percentage in that.
Once in a while I run out of writing material and have to have a letter from you to give me something to write about. That's about the case today and yesterday. I had to fall back on fond memories to get the inspiration for a letter. You know honey, in some ways this army is rather a good thing. It gives me time to think. It took me nearly all afternoon to write that letter yesterday. I would write a few lines and then sit looking out the window daydreaming. Gus yelled at me several times and asked me what the hell was the matter with me. I told him I was just thinking of the old days. It's the truth, honey, so help me. While I was courting you and while we were together after we were married, I was always so busy, I just never took time to think about things that were happening to me and us. Now I have lots of time and as I look back and remember little forgotten incidents, they all fall together like a jigsaw puzzle and form a definite pattern and the predominating thing in the pattern seems to be LOVE. Probably we never realize just what all the small incidents mean until after they have happened and we see them in a group in our minds. I know damn well I had never taken the time to put them all together and see what they looked like. Since I've been in the army I've spent a lot of time doing just that and it sure is surprising. I can begin to understand now, how you made me love you so completely without me knowing it. As long as I was with you I was so satisfied inside I just took things as they came and never stopped to analyze them. I had to leave you and miss you like hell and then have time to think, before things showed up in their true value to me.
This is probably old stuff to you, because I think all this had occurred to you long ago, but as I wake up I just have to tell you. I'm dumb honey, but give me time and have patience and I'll be all right. I have a fairly good memory, especially of the things about us and someday I'll get them all in their proper place and then maybe I'll be as good a husband as you so nicely say I am now. I mean all this too honey, I'm not just writing to fill up space.
Every time I start gathering up the happenings of the past 7 years, I find out so many things I never realized. I just have to give you an idea of what it's doing to me.
You're a swell wife to wait so long for me to really wake up. It's no wonder I love you so much. You're a peach, darling, beside being good for me. You're so many other things too, sweet and thoughtful, understanding, intelligent, good looking, face and figure both. Don't laugh at that. I know that as a bathing beauty you wouldn't go too far, but to me it's perfect, just what I like. As you said of me, I say of you. I love every inch and pound of you and always want you just as you are.
So there too. Do you still like love letters, honey? If so maybe I'll get around to writing a good one some day, after I've had enough practice. Just give me time.
I'm glad you like the little pin. It's the only thing I've seen that even came close to what I thought you would want. I like to get things for you, but I never know what to get. You're a very satisfactory person to buy for because you always seem to get such a kick out of any little thing.
As for the nick names or rather pet names, I don't care much what you call me, even bitch-bastard, just so long as you still have that certain light in your eyes. That's what I like to see.
From the score of the football game it sounds like Medina might have the makings of a team there. I hope they do a good job the night I'm there to see them play.
Glad to hear school teaching has some days that aren't too bad. Can't have you wearing yourself down too much, honey. I like you just as you are.
We started another week of school today and it looks like the study part is over. From here on out it will be mostly actual work and we will have the same tank and same instructor for the rest of the time. They assigned us to groups of 5 and each group has a tank that they will keep until graduation day. For the first time Ernie and I are in different bunches. My group is Sgt Finnegan, Pfc. Ercanbrack, Pfc. Fenstermacher, Angie and I. We have a staff sgt. for instructor. Today we gave the tank a good wash job and checked it all over. For the rest of the week we will work on the engines, completely taking them out of the tank and overhauling them and putting them back in. We are also going to give it a new paint job.
Next week we will dismantle the entire power train and tracks and do any necessary repair work. The third week we take it to the field and try to wreck it. If we have done our work well the first two weeks we won't have so much to do the last. Sounds rather interesting. It sure feels good to go back to work again and get a little dirty again.
This morning sure went fast, didn't even take time to get hungry. Our tank is named "Torch" so I am inclined to think of her as a redheaded girl. I imagine she will be about as temperamental as a redhead. Anyhow, I've got to have a girlfriend of some kind. She's not very nice to look at and she's rather larger, 16 ton to be exact, and she sure doesn't have any nice soft places or curves, but for the next three weeks I'll do my part to take care of her. She'll do until Oct 9th when I hope to have a real girl again, and a hell of a nice one at that.
It would be swell if Gus & Vi did come to get me and you came along. That way I would get to see you several hours longer and, honey, I want all the hours I can get with you.
We had another of our tough afternoons. It rained so we had a talk by the Captain and some war news by a Lt. and a lecture on military courtesy. I'm damn near worn out and I still have to do my S's so I'm going to quit for tonight. They sure are rough on us up here. I don't see how I stand it.
Well night Chubbins darling. It's only about 19 more days and I won't have to say night by pen. I'll be where I can get hold of you and say it the way I want to. I'll let you guess how I want to say it. I love you darling and I'm as impatient as hell.
your awakened lover
Norm.
Letter # 92 September 19,1943
Sept 19, 1943
Chubbins, sweetheart;
Well honey, today is the halfway mark. 3 weeks since you left and three weeks from now I should be home or well on my way home at least. Gee darling it seems like three months instead of three weeks since I saw you. This business of having a furlough so long ahead is harder on me than not having one. I'm just too damn impatient for the time to roll around. If it wasn't for that the time here would be just flying. I've been here seven weeks already and about to start on the eighth. I rather let myself get out of hand, planning so much on this leave. If something does happen to it, I'm going to be one disappointed boy. They'll have to put me in a padded cell for a day or two or I'll tear the place apart.
All the boys that finished Sat. and had leaves took off yesterday afternoon and the ones that were going back to their camps are just getting ready to leave this afternoon. A few of them don't leave until tomorrow. One fellow had quite a bump. His furlough had been approved a couple weeks ago and he was all set to take off. Went down to get his papers and they weren't there and no record of them. Been lost someplace. They are holding him here for a day or so to try and straighten it out. He was sure blue last night and I can understand how he feels. He'll probably get it but it will be a day or two late.
Honey you should see our room. Looks like a sewing bee. Gus and I have been struggling with buttons, patches and stripes all morning. Trying to get our O.D.'s ready to wear. So far I've taken off two patches and replaced them, so they look a little better and have put on two pairs of stripes. Took me all morning. Boy am I fast and handy with a needle. I'm just taking a break and writing to my wifey, and then if I'm still ambitious I'll go back at it. Gus is still working on his and if I look as much at home with a needle as he does it would really be fun to watch. Uses that needle like a crowbar. I guess I would match up with a hammer or wrenches a lot better, but I'll get it done somehow or other.
The damn mail clerk didn't announce mail call this noon and Gus and I were so busy sewing we missed it, so I don't have any letter from my Chubbins to read. Kinda miss it but just think, I'll have two to read tomorrow. I guess if you can get along without one on Sunday, I can also.
The salvage came back yesterday and now I have a nice new raincoat again. It's not too good but a hell of a lot better than the other one ever was. Looks like light green canvas on the outside and is synthetic rubber lined on the inside. Guess maybe I can keep dry for a while with this one. I sent a pair of shoes, the old ones I wore to see you once, in the other day and rather hoped they would give me a new pair to wear when I come home, but no luck there. They put new soles & heels on and sent them back. I don't care anyhow because they are just to the point where they are really comfortable.
Gus got back sometime after I went to bed last night. Says they had a good time but is road sore from walking so much. Imagine a soldier getting sore from walking. That's what our vacation is doing to us. We'll have to take basic all over again to get back in shape.
I'm sorry, honey. I forgot to put Steve's letter in with yours yesterday. I'll try to remember to get it in this one. I'm just the same as I always was. I can't love you and do anything else at the same time. I just can't seem to love you halfway. I have to put all I've got in it. I can't try to do something else and love you along with it, because very soon I've forgotten all about what I was doing and am using all my energy on you. You have the same effect as a lot of real good wine on me. I just can't keep my head when you're close to me. My heart or something just takes charge then. Maybe it's just animal instinct, but I don't think so. If it was that why don't other women have the same effect on me? I know I like to look at them all and I like the looks of lots of them, but that's as far as it goes. Something lacking in them all.
Before I started going with you, I went out with a few girls and never had much desire to touch them or I probably wouldn't have waited until I found you. Almost as soon as I started going with you I had the biggest desire to get hold of you. I wanted to so bad, I was afraid to try for fear you wouldn't like it and wouldn't go out with me again. Then when I did finally get nerve enough to kiss you once you scared me out by acting like it was repulsive to you. "Huh! whiskers" which is what you said and wiped your mouth off and walked away. That scared me for a while again. Then came your birthday and we sat in the living room by ourselves and talked a long time and you acted rather human and looked so damn kissable and desirable that I just had to take another chance. That time you kissed very nice and even returned it. I liked it so well I had to get the hell away before I forgot myself. Honey I was so thrilled I bet I got out to the car in two jumps and that night I dreamed about you. Rather messy too. From then on, honey, you had me even if I didn't know just what had happened until that trip to Put-in-Bay. I was rather slow and dumb darling, but after I got started I don't think I was so slow. I just couldn't keep my hands off you and still can't.
I remember one day when you and I went to Gus & Vi's when they were on Bean St. and they made the remark about the way I looked at you it wouldn't be long. They knew then but I wouldn't admit it or realize it until July 4th. That incident was early in the spring. I remember I was wearing my blue lumberjack. For some reason or other I remembered the incident. Probably because without me knowing it, it started me wondering. Maybe without their help I wouldn't have wakened up and you would have had to do the proposing. Then I could have just grunted and gone back to sleep. Remember they kinda wanted us to sleep together that night at Put-in-Bay and you wouldn't. They tried their best to get us together. I just wonder what would have happened if we had slept together that night. Would you or wouldn't you? I know I would have been more than willing, but at that time you hadn't quite grown up and I just wonder. It took me a hell of a long time to make you forget yourself and show a little passion. And now after 3 years of marriage I still didn't know how passionate you could be until you came to see me down here. Are you still developing honey? or have I sen the limit now? Boy if you still haven't reached your limit I'm going to be hurtin, because I don't think I could keep up with you if you get any "hotter". That was heaven, honey. Maybe that is why I am so impatient to get home again. As for myself, I don't think I can show any more passion than I already have, but I can keep on loving you more all the time.
You're swell honey and I'm sure glad I got you. That lifetime honeymoon is in the bag and I think it will continue to grow nicer as the years roll by. Perhaps some of the passion will wear off in the next 30 years or so but there is a lot of something else left to fill in the space left by physical infirmity. You said you liked love letters so here is one honey. I couldn't think of much of anything else to write. I do love you ever so much and think you are the best wife a man could have.
your lover
Norm.
Chubbins, sweetheart;
Well honey, today is the halfway mark. 3 weeks since you left and three weeks from now I should be home or well on my way home at least. Gee darling it seems like three months instead of three weeks since I saw you. This business of having a furlough so long ahead is harder on me than not having one. I'm just too damn impatient for the time to roll around. If it wasn't for that the time here would be just flying. I've been here seven weeks already and about to start on the eighth. I rather let myself get out of hand, planning so much on this leave. If something does happen to it, I'm going to be one disappointed boy. They'll have to put me in a padded cell for a day or two or I'll tear the place apart.
All the boys that finished Sat. and had leaves took off yesterday afternoon and the ones that were going back to their camps are just getting ready to leave this afternoon. A few of them don't leave until tomorrow. One fellow had quite a bump. His furlough had been approved a couple weeks ago and he was all set to take off. Went down to get his papers and they weren't there and no record of them. Been lost someplace. They are holding him here for a day or so to try and straighten it out. He was sure blue last night and I can understand how he feels. He'll probably get it but it will be a day or two late.
Honey you should see our room. Looks like a sewing bee. Gus and I have been struggling with buttons, patches and stripes all morning. Trying to get our O.D.'s ready to wear. So far I've taken off two patches and replaced them, so they look a little better and have put on two pairs of stripes. Took me all morning. Boy am I fast and handy with a needle. I'm just taking a break and writing to my wifey, and then if I'm still ambitious I'll go back at it. Gus is still working on his and if I look as much at home with a needle as he does it would really be fun to watch. Uses that needle like a crowbar. I guess I would match up with a hammer or wrenches a lot better, but I'll get it done somehow or other.
The damn mail clerk didn't announce mail call this noon and Gus and I were so busy sewing we missed it, so I don't have any letter from my Chubbins to read. Kinda miss it but just think, I'll have two to read tomorrow. I guess if you can get along without one on Sunday, I can also.
The salvage came back yesterday and now I have a nice new raincoat again. It's not too good but a hell of a lot better than the other one ever was. Looks like light green canvas on the outside and is synthetic rubber lined on the inside. Guess maybe I can keep dry for a while with this one. I sent a pair of shoes, the old ones I wore to see you once, in the other day and rather hoped they would give me a new pair to wear when I come home, but no luck there. They put new soles & heels on and sent them back. I don't care anyhow because they are just to the point where they are really comfortable.
Gus got back sometime after I went to bed last night. Says they had a good time but is road sore from walking so much. Imagine a soldier getting sore from walking. That's what our vacation is doing to us. We'll have to take basic all over again to get back in shape.
I'm sorry, honey. I forgot to put Steve's letter in with yours yesterday. I'll try to remember to get it in this one. I'm just the same as I always was. I can't love you and do anything else at the same time. I just can't seem to love you halfway. I have to put all I've got in it. I can't try to do something else and love you along with it, because very soon I've forgotten all about what I was doing and am using all my energy on you. You have the same effect as a lot of real good wine on me. I just can't keep my head when you're close to me. My heart or something just takes charge then. Maybe it's just animal instinct, but I don't think so. If it was that why don't other women have the same effect on me? I know I like to look at them all and I like the looks of lots of them, but that's as far as it goes. Something lacking in them all.
Before I started going with you, I went out with a few girls and never had much desire to touch them or I probably wouldn't have waited until I found you. Almost as soon as I started going with you I had the biggest desire to get hold of you. I wanted to so bad, I was afraid to try for fear you wouldn't like it and wouldn't go out with me again. Then when I did finally get nerve enough to kiss you once you scared me out by acting like it was repulsive to you. "Huh! whiskers" which is what you said and wiped your mouth off and walked away. That scared me for a while again. Then came your birthday and we sat in the living room by ourselves and talked a long time and you acted rather human and looked so damn kissable and desirable that I just had to take another chance. That time you kissed very nice and even returned it. I liked it so well I had to get the hell away before I forgot myself. Honey I was so thrilled I bet I got out to the car in two jumps and that night I dreamed about you. Rather messy too. From then on, honey, you had me even if I didn't know just what had happened until that trip to Put-in-Bay. I was rather slow and dumb darling, but after I got started I don't think I was so slow. I just couldn't keep my hands off you and still can't.
I remember one day when you and I went to Gus & Vi's when they were on Bean St. and they made the remark about the way I looked at you it wouldn't be long. They knew then but I wouldn't admit it or realize it until July 4th. That incident was early in the spring. I remember I was wearing my blue lumberjack. For some reason or other I remembered the incident. Probably because without me knowing it, it started me wondering. Maybe without their help I wouldn't have wakened up and you would have had to do the proposing. Then I could have just grunted and gone back to sleep. Remember they kinda wanted us to sleep together that night at Put-in-Bay and you wouldn't. They tried their best to get us together. I just wonder what would have happened if we had slept together that night. Would you or wouldn't you? I know I would have been more than willing, but at that time you hadn't quite grown up and I just wonder. It took me a hell of a long time to make you forget yourself and show a little passion. And now after 3 years of marriage I still didn't know how passionate you could be until you came to see me down here. Are you still developing honey? or have I sen the limit now? Boy if you still haven't reached your limit I'm going to be hurtin, because I don't think I could keep up with you if you get any "hotter". That was heaven, honey. Maybe that is why I am so impatient to get home again. As for myself, I don't think I can show any more passion than I already have, but I can keep on loving you more all the time.
You're swell honey and I'm sure glad I got you. That lifetime honeymoon is in the bag and I think it will continue to grow nicer as the years roll by. Perhaps some of the passion will wear off in the next 30 years or so but there is a lot of something else left to fill in the space left by physical infirmity. You said you liked love letters so here is one honey. I couldn't think of much of anything else to write. I do love you ever so much and think you are the best wife a man could have.
your lover
Norm.
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Letter # 91 september 18, 1943
Sept. 18, 1943
My darling Chubbins;
Glad you liked the new "pet" name. Wish I could "pet" the owner. I'm feeling real ornery and full of pis & vinegar or something.
You know Honey, I think I'll have to keep a few of these love letters of yours. You're really getting very good at writing them and I'll just have to have something in writing to counterbalance all the letters you have from me. You're sticking your neck out far enough in some of them for me to be able to hold you for life. That's just what I intend to do, in case you didn't know it. From what you say I don't think it will be at all necessary to blackmail you, but just in case an especially nice truck driver shows up, I'll have the evidence.
Honey that damn love bug has gone clear through me several times already and seems to like his home so well, I don't believe he will ever leave. I'll sure put up a holler if he ever tries to leave. I would be very nearly empty inside if he decided to move. I think I've told you once or twice already that I love you honey, but I am going to keep on telling you the same thing over and over until you can't forget it. 00I would a lot rather show you part of the time but as things are, I can't so I'll tell you. Maybe when I have you by me all the time again I'll forget to tell you part of the time, but I'll bet I never forget to show you. You're the nicest thing to show that was ever created.
Now it's only three more weeks and I can start doing some showing. Gives me tingles just to think of it. You can ask for nothing more but just to have me by you with just a little of the other thrown in. I may be getting older and more bald every day but all I need is my Chubbins in bed with me and I get young very quickly. Get young ideas at least.
I went to get my daily letter from my sweetheart this noon and instead of only one from you, I got a whole handful. Boy honey, I'm popular. Two of the letters were from Lts. too Marg & Steve. Also got a letter from Vi.
Marg says she expects to have next weekend off and if so is going to try to come down to Louisville to see me. She is going to let me know later in the week. Seems to like the army but is still hoping to get a reclassification from limited service. As it stands now she thinks she will stay here in the central states someplace, unless they need nurses badly in some other area of the U.S.
I can't imagine what ails Steve. He answers very promptly. I just wrote last Sunday and have an answer already today. I had told him I would like to see him and that I thought it might be fun to tell a Lt. to go to hell and have a chance of getting away with it. He says to go ahead and see who cares. I'll enclose the letter so you can see what else he says. Sounds like a real army man.
Vi wrote a very nice letter and mentioned the possibility of them coming down after me. I'll write what I know and can tell them about it.
The 181 lbs. is with my clothes on so you can see I'm not getting very fat.
You know Honey, I made a very bad mistake in reading your letter and just now discovered it as I was reading it for the third time. I thought you said you were back to 170 lbs. now, very "fat" tummy and altogether quite nice. I discover now you said "flat" tummy. I can believe all the rest and even add some to it but the flat tummy I can't and don't want to believe. Remember since I'm skinny you have to furnish the padding. You can have a nice tummy but not a flat one.
Sorry if school is getting on your nerves once in a while. I can imagine it would be easy to let it bother you, but don't do it Honey. You can do a good job of it without letting it get you down. No job is all to our liking so just say, "What the hell, they can't worry me." "I can quit any time I want to and will as soon as this war is over if not before." Remember Honey I love you and am for you all the way. I know you're doing a good job.
Well Honey I finished this week up with a bang. First in the class all the week and 5 points ahead of Ernie. The average this week was rather low. I don't know why. It didn't seem so hard, but most of the boys were 25 or 30 points behind. The closest was 10 below Ernie.
We didn't have very much today. Just practical work test and I was first. It was simple business. From then on about all we did was sit around the engine and shoot the shit. During the session the Captain came in and crooked his finger to me, wanting me to follow him. We went into the Major's office and believe it or not Honey I got several compliments. The first I have ever received in the army.
After I had saluted and told to be at ease and have a chair the Lt. told the Major about me. "Pfc. Effinger here has the highest score in the class, in fact the highest we've had in this phase for a long time." "He lacks 2 points of a perfect score." "Has always been neat and soldierly in actions and appearance and has the best shinned shoes in the building."
I thought, Boy what a buildup coming from an army Lt. I was just a bit uneasy, not used to being interviewed by a Major but he put me at ease when he turned with a smile and said, "Well soldier, You have a rather unusual record."
"Yes Sir."
"How would you like to be an instructor in this school?"
"I think I would like it, Sir."
"How old are you?"
"30, Sir."
"Married?"
"Yes Sir."
"Where do you live?"
"Medina, Ohio, Sir."
"Be rather nice for you to be stationed here."
"Yes Sir, It would."
"Do you think you could handle the work?" "Of course you would be given a few weeks extra training before you would start work."
"Yes Sir, I'm sure I could."
"Good." "The only trouble is you are already assigned to the 8th and it's hard to get a man out of that outfit." "Are you by any chance a limited service man?"
"No Sir."
"I'm sorry, but that about stops that." "We had been able to get nearly any man we wanted but now there are so many limited service men, it is hard to get an A-1 man."
He shuffled a few papers on his desk and looked at one for a minute and then asked, "Do you speak Spanish?"
"No Sir. I took it in high school but I don't speak it."
From the conversation that followed between the Major & Lt. I learned that they had a special order for a few trained tank mechanics that could speak Spanish. Evidently to be sent to South America as instructors. They needed them bad enough to take them from anyplace I guess.
The Major turned to me again. "We'll keep your name on the list and you may get a call sometime." "We appreciate you fellows that come here and work as hard as you have." "You know you fellows are the boys that make us look good and we'll give you a boost if we can."
"Thank you, Sir." I saluted, about faced and walked out. You must meet all kinds in the army. Here were two officers that really seemed to think I was doing something for them and were grateful. I guess I've seen everything now.
That was close, Honey. If I had been able to talk Spanish I bet I would have been on my way to So. America soon. I wouldn't mind going there, but not as an instructor. If they are going to send me that far away from you I don't want it as an instructor. You're the only reason I was considering it anyhow. You're a devil, but a very nice one and I would do anything I can to stay near you. I'm a very happily married man and I love my darling Chubbins so much!
Making the rest of our life together one long honeymoon sure sounds very attractive to me and I'm willing to start anytime, but unlike you I wish it could be just as ardent as the last honeymoon. I'm afraid though that the old man couldn't stand that pace forever without loosing the rest of my hair. The sweet and affectionate part shouldn't be too hard, especially if we have more than just a little of the other thrown in. Honey, I just can't forget that 'other' as it was down here. As near to heaven on earth as I'll ever be.
Gus went to town this afternoon with a bunch of the fellows. I didn't want to go and was rather relieved when he got the others to go with him. That probably explains this long letter. No one to bother me here in my private room so I can concentrate on you. He usually writes his wife every day also, but only what I call a note, so he gets done by the time I've started and then wants to talk, interrupts my thoughts. Just like loving you on the davenport and someone walking in on us. I like you all to myself when I'm in a loving mood.
Night sweetheart, I'll have to save something to write tomorrow. I love you and it won't be long, but it will be hard.
Your love bug bitten husband
Norm.
P.S. I like that last line and also the ending.
My darling Chubbins;
Glad you liked the new "pet" name. Wish I could "pet" the owner. I'm feeling real ornery and full of pis & vinegar or something.
You know Honey, I think I'll have to keep a few of these love letters of yours. You're really getting very good at writing them and I'll just have to have something in writing to counterbalance all the letters you have from me. You're sticking your neck out far enough in some of them for me to be able to hold you for life. That's just what I intend to do, in case you didn't know it. From what you say I don't think it will be at all necessary to blackmail you, but just in case an especially nice truck driver shows up, I'll have the evidence.
Honey that damn love bug has gone clear through me several times already and seems to like his home so well, I don't believe he will ever leave. I'll sure put up a holler if he ever tries to leave. I would be very nearly empty inside if he decided to move. I think I've told you once or twice already that I love you honey, but I am going to keep on telling you the same thing over and over until you can't forget it. 00I would a lot rather show you part of the time but as things are, I can't so I'll tell you. Maybe when I have you by me all the time again I'll forget to tell you part of the time, but I'll bet I never forget to show you. You're the nicest thing to show that was ever created.
Now it's only three more weeks and I can start doing some showing. Gives me tingles just to think of it. You can ask for nothing more but just to have me by you with just a little of the other thrown in. I may be getting older and more bald every day but all I need is my Chubbins in bed with me and I get young very quickly. Get young ideas at least.
I went to get my daily letter from my sweetheart this noon and instead of only one from you, I got a whole handful. Boy honey, I'm popular. Two of the letters were from Lts. too Marg & Steve. Also got a letter from Vi.
Marg says she expects to have next weekend off and if so is going to try to come down to Louisville to see me. She is going to let me know later in the week. Seems to like the army but is still hoping to get a reclassification from limited service. As it stands now she thinks she will stay here in the central states someplace, unless they need nurses badly in some other area of the U.S.
I can't imagine what ails Steve. He answers very promptly. I just wrote last Sunday and have an answer already today. I had told him I would like to see him and that I thought it might be fun to tell a Lt. to go to hell and have a chance of getting away with it. He says to go ahead and see who cares. I'll enclose the letter so you can see what else he says. Sounds like a real army man.
Vi wrote a very nice letter and mentioned the possibility of them coming down after me. I'll write what I know and can tell them about it.
The 181 lbs. is with my clothes on so you can see I'm not getting very fat.
You know Honey, I made a very bad mistake in reading your letter and just now discovered it as I was reading it for the third time. I thought you said you were back to 170 lbs. now, very "fat" tummy and altogether quite nice. I discover now you said "flat" tummy. I can believe all the rest and even add some to it but the flat tummy I can't and don't want to believe. Remember since I'm skinny you have to furnish the padding. You can have a nice tummy but not a flat one.
Sorry if school is getting on your nerves once in a while. I can imagine it would be easy to let it bother you, but don't do it Honey. You can do a good job of it without letting it get you down. No job is all to our liking so just say, "What the hell, they can't worry me." "I can quit any time I want to and will as soon as this war is over if not before." Remember Honey I love you and am for you all the way. I know you're doing a good job.
Well Honey I finished this week up with a bang. First in the class all the week and 5 points ahead of Ernie. The average this week was rather low. I don't know why. It didn't seem so hard, but most of the boys were 25 or 30 points behind. The closest was 10 below Ernie.
We didn't have very much today. Just practical work test and I was first. It was simple business. From then on about all we did was sit around the engine and shoot the shit. During the session the Captain came in and crooked his finger to me, wanting me to follow him. We went into the Major's office and believe it or not Honey I got several compliments. The first I have ever received in the army.
After I had saluted and told to be at ease and have a chair the Lt. told the Major about me. "Pfc. Effinger here has the highest score in the class, in fact the highest we've had in this phase for a long time." "He lacks 2 points of a perfect score." "Has always been neat and soldierly in actions and appearance and has the best shinned shoes in the building."
I thought, Boy what a buildup coming from an army Lt. I was just a bit uneasy, not used to being interviewed by a Major but he put me at ease when he turned with a smile and said, "Well soldier, You have a rather unusual record."
"Yes Sir."
"How would you like to be an instructor in this school?"
"I think I would like it, Sir."
"How old are you?"
"30, Sir."
"Married?"
"Yes Sir."
"Where do you live?"
"Medina, Ohio, Sir."
"Be rather nice for you to be stationed here."
"Yes Sir, It would."
"Do you think you could handle the work?" "Of course you would be given a few weeks extra training before you would start work."
"Yes Sir, I'm sure I could."
"Good." "The only trouble is you are already assigned to the 8th and it's hard to get a man out of that outfit." "Are you by any chance a limited service man?"
"No Sir."
"I'm sorry, but that about stops that." "We had been able to get nearly any man we wanted but now there are so many limited service men, it is hard to get an A-1 man."
He shuffled a few papers on his desk and looked at one for a minute and then asked, "Do you speak Spanish?"
"No Sir. I took it in high school but I don't speak it."
From the conversation that followed between the Major & Lt. I learned that they had a special order for a few trained tank mechanics that could speak Spanish. Evidently to be sent to South America as instructors. They needed them bad enough to take them from anyplace I guess.
The Major turned to me again. "We'll keep your name on the list and you may get a call sometime." "We appreciate you fellows that come here and work as hard as you have." "You know you fellows are the boys that make us look good and we'll give you a boost if we can."
"Thank you, Sir." I saluted, about faced and walked out. You must meet all kinds in the army. Here were two officers that really seemed to think I was doing something for them and were grateful. I guess I've seen everything now.
That was close, Honey. If I had been able to talk Spanish I bet I would have been on my way to So. America soon. I wouldn't mind going there, but not as an instructor. If they are going to send me that far away from you I don't want it as an instructor. You're the only reason I was considering it anyhow. You're a devil, but a very nice one and I would do anything I can to stay near you. I'm a very happily married man and I love my darling Chubbins so much!
Making the rest of our life together one long honeymoon sure sounds very attractive to me and I'm willing to start anytime, but unlike you I wish it could be just as ardent as the last honeymoon. I'm afraid though that the old man couldn't stand that pace forever without loosing the rest of my hair. The sweet and affectionate part shouldn't be too hard, especially if we have more than just a little of the other thrown in. Honey, I just can't forget that 'other' as it was down here. As near to heaven on earth as I'll ever be.
Gus went to town this afternoon with a bunch of the fellows. I didn't want to go and was rather relieved when he got the others to go with him. That probably explains this long letter. No one to bother me here in my private room so I can concentrate on you. He usually writes his wife every day also, but only what I call a note, so he gets done by the time I've started and then wants to talk, interrupts my thoughts. Just like loving you on the davenport and someone walking in on us. I like you all to myself when I'm in a loving mood.
Night sweetheart, I'll have to save something to write tomorrow. I love you and it won't be long, but it will be hard.
Your love bug bitten husband
Norm.
P.S. I like that last line and also the ending.
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Letter # 90 September 17, 1943
Sept 17, 1943
Hello Sweetheart;
Got your Tues evening letter this afternoon and also one from Mom & Hazel. They sent some more pictures, evidently taken when Bob was home. One of Hazel & Bob, one of Marg & her girlfriend, one of Mom and best of all, one of Marg's friend and my wife. You were wearing a sweater and this time you look very much like a sweater girl. Boy what I could do to those "bubbles" if I could get hold of them right now.
I showed Gus the pictures and just happened to neglect to say who was in that picture. "Wow" he said. "I bet your wife wouldn't send you a picture like that." "She would be afraid you wouldn't come home." I told him I guessed you wouldn't mind too much seeing as how you were the one he was looking at. He says now he can see why I didn't seem too interested even when I get hit in the eye. The men all like you honey. Here's one man that more than likes you. I love you like hell honey.
Well today I stole a march on Ernie. We had two tests of 20 points each, and I made 39 but he only made 37 so I am now 4 points to the good. Have 119 points out of a possible 120. I fucked up on one question. I knew better too, but just didn't stop to think long enough. Tomorrow will tell the story again. Maybe I can even up those two points he took me for a couple weeks ago.
Mom says you have had a couple of light frosts already. We haven't had any here yet, but it's right snappy along about 4 A.M. when we roll out for breakfast. I've been putting on a wool undershirt every morning for a week or so. Usually have to take it off by noon. The days are just swell. My kind of weather. It has been raining every couple days but it doesn't make any difference up here. Never have to get in the mud. My shoes haven't been dirty since I've been here.
We had a personal and barracks inspection this afternoon. Stood by our bunks in suntans and had our foot lockers open for inspection. Captain hardly looked at us or our lockers. After inspection he told us to get our O.D.'s ready. We will change into woolens the 4th of October. I was hoping they would before I come home and I guess they must have known. I like the wool uniforms so much better than the cottons. They look a hell of a lot better too. I gotta look my best to live up to what you have been telling people about me. Bragging about how good looking I am. You can't fool them honey, they all know what I look like. I'm just not so pudgy anymore, but otherwise about the same.
Don't worry about me writing too much. I've got a lot of spare time and I enjoy writing to you as much as anything I've got to do. Of course if I have too many "tits" poked in my eye I might change my mind. Couldn't hardly blame me could you? Even if that would happen, which it won't, darn it, I would still write to you nearly every day. Can't afford to let you forget me because I couldn't find another mummy like you.
I've got a very unusual wife, has all kinds of men asking her for dates, and her husband is away all the time and still she isn't interested. Kinda makes me think I must be quite a man. I'll be getting egotistical yet if you keep on telling me how nice I am.
I'm wondering how you meant that about loving every inch of me. Must be in height. If you meant it any other way you couldn't be loving me very much. "I am what I am", honey.
Chubbins darling, I'll sure make a gallant try at taking those two weeks of loving. I'll wear myself to a frazzle before I give up. In case you do wear me out maybe we can find another soldier or truck driver or someone willing to help. You old devil. Just act like you did down here and I won't be able to get enough. I'll practically live on it.
Wish I was going to the football game with you tonight. Tell me how they come out and how the team looks.
So Mickey is on his way to becoming a soldier. Hope he gets a good spot. I guess it must not have been a second honeymoon for them, if Louise is complaining of her feet. That wasn't what bothered us.
I gotta quit thinking of that. It bothers me. I think I'm going to be ready to love you good. Only 22 more days honey. I'm getting all impatient already.
Glad your school is going as well as can be expected and everyone is so nice. I'll have to keep that music teacher in mind, just in case you're the one that wears out.
I love you darling. Keep your legs crossed just a little longer and then--Oh Boy!
Night Mummy dear
your lover
Norm.
Hello Sweetheart;
Got your Tues evening letter this afternoon and also one from Mom & Hazel. They sent some more pictures, evidently taken when Bob was home. One of Hazel & Bob, one of Marg & her girlfriend, one of Mom and best of all, one of Marg's friend and my wife. You were wearing a sweater and this time you look very much like a sweater girl. Boy what I could do to those "bubbles" if I could get hold of them right now.
I showed Gus the pictures and just happened to neglect to say who was in that picture. "Wow" he said. "I bet your wife wouldn't send you a picture like that." "She would be afraid you wouldn't come home." I told him I guessed you wouldn't mind too much seeing as how you were the one he was looking at. He says now he can see why I didn't seem too interested even when I get hit in the eye. The men all like you honey. Here's one man that more than likes you. I love you like hell honey.
Well today I stole a march on Ernie. We had two tests of 20 points each, and I made 39 but he only made 37 so I am now 4 points to the good. Have 119 points out of a possible 120. I fucked up on one question. I knew better too, but just didn't stop to think long enough. Tomorrow will tell the story again. Maybe I can even up those two points he took me for a couple weeks ago.
Mom says you have had a couple of light frosts already. We haven't had any here yet, but it's right snappy along about 4 A.M. when we roll out for breakfast. I've been putting on a wool undershirt every morning for a week or so. Usually have to take it off by noon. The days are just swell. My kind of weather. It has been raining every couple days but it doesn't make any difference up here. Never have to get in the mud. My shoes haven't been dirty since I've been here.
We had a personal and barracks inspection this afternoon. Stood by our bunks in suntans and had our foot lockers open for inspection. Captain hardly looked at us or our lockers. After inspection he told us to get our O.D.'s ready. We will change into woolens the 4th of October. I was hoping they would before I come home and I guess they must have known. I like the wool uniforms so much better than the cottons. They look a hell of a lot better too. I gotta look my best to live up to what you have been telling people about me. Bragging about how good looking I am. You can't fool them honey, they all know what I look like. I'm just not so pudgy anymore, but otherwise about the same.
Don't worry about me writing too much. I've got a lot of spare time and I enjoy writing to you as much as anything I've got to do. Of course if I have too many "tits" poked in my eye I might change my mind. Couldn't hardly blame me could you? Even if that would happen, which it won't, darn it, I would still write to you nearly every day. Can't afford to let you forget me because I couldn't find another mummy like you.
I've got a very unusual wife, has all kinds of men asking her for dates, and her husband is away all the time and still she isn't interested. Kinda makes me think I must be quite a man. I'll be getting egotistical yet if you keep on telling me how nice I am.
I'm wondering how you meant that about loving every inch of me. Must be in height. If you meant it any other way you couldn't be loving me very much. "I am what I am", honey.
Chubbins darling, I'll sure make a gallant try at taking those two weeks of loving. I'll wear myself to a frazzle before I give up. In case you do wear me out maybe we can find another soldier or truck driver or someone willing to help. You old devil. Just act like you did down here and I won't be able to get enough. I'll practically live on it.
Wish I was going to the football game with you tonight. Tell me how they come out and how the team looks.
So Mickey is on his way to becoming a soldier. Hope he gets a good spot. I guess it must not have been a second honeymoon for them, if Louise is complaining of her feet. That wasn't what bothered us.
I gotta quit thinking of that. It bothers me. I think I'm going to be ready to love you good. Only 22 more days honey. I'm getting all impatient already.
Glad your school is going as well as can be expected and everyone is so nice. I'll have to keep that music teacher in mind, just in case you're the one that wears out.
I love you darling. Keep your legs crossed just a little longer and then--Oh Boy!
Night Mummy dear
your lover
Norm.
Letter # 89 September 16, 1943
Sept 16, 1943
My sweetheart;
Hello Chubbins, how are you today? Here it is Thursday afternoon again and I'm flat on my back resting. I'm getting so I can do that better than anything else. I just finished reading your Mon. eve letter. Very nice love letter. I believe you must love me a little even after three years of being with me. I love you too honey and will even after 30 years. The passing time seems to make it just that much better. If I keep on loving you more and more all the time I soon won't be worth a damn for anything else. I'll just want to spend all my time making love to you. It's a very nice occupation and I was very lucky to get such a swell person to share the occupation.
Glad to hear Mickey likes the army. It makes it a lot easier. He seems to be getting a different start than I did. I didn't like it worth a damn there at Ft. Hayes. Probably because they rushed us through so fast. They must not have a place to put him yet. It would be a nice piece of luck for him if they decided to keep him there at Fort Hayes. Tell Louise I'm wondering what they did to pass the time. They hadn't been separated long enough to start a second honeymoon yet.
Yesterday I told you what Ernie did to me, well today I got even with him. He had an electrical trouble to trace out, so while the instructor was setting up the trouble and Ernie was out of the room, I took the test light, took out the bulb and put a piece of paper in the socket and screwed the bulb back in. That fixed it so the bulb wouldn't light.
Ernie came in, tried to start the engines but the starters wouldn't work, so he picks up the test light and starts checking the cables for power. Of course the bulb wouldn't light, but he could tell from the instruments that the battery was O.K. so he just keeps on taking wires loose and checking. No success anyplace. We are all getting a big kick out of it and trying to fuss him up. He checked just about every wire on the tank, and there are plenty of them, so he decided the battery must be so low it just wouldn't turn the engine over. He told the instructor that all the wiring was O.K. and the only thing it could be was a dead battery. The instructor grinned and using another test light, tested the battery and got a light.
Ernie just stood there with his mouth open for a minute and then the light began to dawn. He inspected his test and then took the bulb out, thinking it was bad. When he took it out the paper fell out.
"Who the hell thought of that mean little trick?" he says.
Then he had to go all through his check again but it didn't take him long to find it with a good test light. The instructor asked Ernie if he didn't remember him saying to always be sure the test was good before using it. Ernie agreed and said, " I sure as hell won't forget that lesson for a long time."
We had another test this morning and we both got another perfect mark, so I still hold my 2 point lead for the week. 58 to 60. The next nearest are Grafton & Schindler with 54 each. It looks like another close race.
Wed. we were scheduled to take a hike and some of them did, but I was on a detail again. Took the covers off the mattresses I mentioned piling the other day. Three of us to do the job. About 1/2 hrs work but we had to make it last nearly 2 hrs, so you can see how hard we worked. Nearly killed me.
Gus and I just came back from a walk over to the old Post. Gus wanted some buttons for his blouse. We stopped at the Service Club for another sundae. I also wanted to see if my girlfriend with the "tits" was still there. She wasn't so we didn't stay long. On the way back across the parade field we stopped and watched a bunch of W.A.C.S. doing close order drill. As Ernie would say, There was some pretty good looking G.I. fucking there.
Thanks for the compliment honey. Telling me to go show them how it's done. I'm just an old has-been and beside I haven't seen many that would interest me very much. My wife has 'em all beat and I love her. I'll rest up real good and save all my energy for my Tootsie Wuggles. If she's like she was a few weeks back I'll need it all and then some. Probably wear me plumb out. I'm more than willing to be worn out. I'll try like hell honey.
Night sweetheart. I wait for the chance to try.
your loving soldier
Norm
My sweetheart;
Hello Chubbins, how are you today? Here it is Thursday afternoon again and I'm flat on my back resting. I'm getting so I can do that better than anything else. I just finished reading your Mon. eve letter. Very nice love letter. I believe you must love me a little even after three years of being with me. I love you too honey and will even after 30 years. The passing time seems to make it just that much better. If I keep on loving you more and more all the time I soon won't be worth a damn for anything else. I'll just want to spend all my time making love to you. It's a very nice occupation and I was very lucky to get such a swell person to share the occupation.
Glad to hear Mickey likes the army. It makes it a lot easier. He seems to be getting a different start than I did. I didn't like it worth a damn there at Ft. Hayes. Probably because they rushed us through so fast. They must not have a place to put him yet. It would be a nice piece of luck for him if they decided to keep him there at Fort Hayes. Tell Louise I'm wondering what they did to pass the time. They hadn't been separated long enough to start a second honeymoon yet.
Yesterday I told you what Ernie did to me, well today I got even with him. He had an electrical trouble to trace out, so while the instructor was setting up the trouble and Ernie was out of the room, I took the test light, took out the bulb and put a piece of paper in the socket and screwed the bulb back in. That fixed it so the bulb wouldn't light.
Ernie came in, tried to start the engines but the starters wouldn't work, so he picks up the test light and starts checking the cables for power. Of course the bulb wouldn't light, but he could tell from the instruments that the battery was O.K. so he just keeps on taking wires loose and checking. No success anyplace. We are all getting a big kick out of it and trying to fuss him up. He checked just about every wire on the tank, and there are plenty of them, so he decided the battery must be so low it just wouldn't turn the engine over. He told the instructor that all the wiring was O.K. and the only thing it could be was a dead battery. The instructor grinned and using another test light, tested the battery and got a light.
Ernie just stood there with his mouth open for a minute and then the light began to dawn. He inspected his test and then took the bulb out, thinking it was bad. When he took it out the paper fell out.
"Who the hell thought of that mean little trick?" he says.
Then he had to go all through his check again but it didn't take him long to find it with a good test light. The instructor asked Ernie if he didn't remember him saying to always be sure the test was good before using it. Ernie agreed and said, " I sure as hell won't forget that lesson for a long time."
We had another test this morning and we both got another perfect mark, so I still hold my 2 point lead for the week. 58 to 60. The next nearest are Grafton & Schindler with 54 each. It looks like another close race.
Wed. we were scheduled to take a hike and some of them did, but I was on a detail again. Took the covers off the mattresses I mentioned piling the other day. Three of us to do the job. About 1/2 hrs work but we had to make it last nearly 2 hrs, so you can see how hard we worked. Nearly killed me.
Gus and I just came back from a walk over to the old Post. Gus wanted some buttons for his blouse. We stopped at the Service Club for another sundae. I also wanted to see if my girlfriend with the "tits" was still there. She wasn't so we didn't stay long. On the way back across the parade field we stopped and watched a bunch of W.A.C.S. doing close order drill. As Ernie would say, There was some pretty good looking G.I. fucking there.
Thanks for the compliment honey. Telling me to go show them how it's done. I'm just an old has-been and beside I haven't seen many that would interest me very much. My wife has 'em all beat and I love her. I'll rest up real good and save all my energy for my Tootsie Wuggles. If she's like she was a few weeks back I'll need it all and then some. Probably wear me plumb out. I'm more than willing to be worn out. I'll try like hell honey.
Night sweetheart. I wait for the chance to try.
your loving soldier
Norm
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Letter #89 September 15, 1943
Sept 15, 1943
Darling wife;
Here it is the middle of September, only 24 more days until---Whoope. The days keep rolling by rather swiftly but not a bit too fast to suit me. I'm anxious to see my honey again.
School is interesting again this week. To date I still have my two point lead on Ernie. We have 38 & 40 points respectively. I have gotten 2 perfect papers and Ernie one. Most of this week is working on the engines themselves with just a couple hours classroom work. They have the engine all set up exactly as they would be in the tank with all the power train and differential hooked up but instead of sprocket & tracks, they are hooked up to a system of water brakes so we can load the engines as though they were driving the tank out in the field. That way we can simulate actual driving conditions and can experiment with the carburetion, ignition, lubrication, and cooling systems and then be able to tell if we had them properly adjusted so the tank would operate efficiently if it was in the field.
One of the problems I had today was: I was sent from the engine room and the instructor "fucked" up the engines and then called me back in. He says, "Well Effinger this damn tank doesn't run very well and you're a tank mechanic, so fix her up." The first step is to start the engines and then diagnose the trouble. I climbed on the seat and went through the G.I. inspection of all instruments and gauges. Have a panel like an aeroplane, about 20 different gauges and etc. Everything seemed in order so I flipped the switches and pressed the starter buttons. The engines turned over but didn't even cough, so I eased up on the starters and took another look at my instruments. Everything still O.K. so I tried again. This time one engine coughed and turned over a few times but wouldn't keep running so I threw the switches and took a break to think things over. Of course the other fellows are all sitting around watching and getting a kick out of watching the other fellow try to find the trouble, and they start asking questions. Ernie especially. I do the same thing to them. Ernie and I have a big time trying to confuse each other.
Ernie asks, "What's the matter with her?" "What did you find out?" I told him, "I found out the damn thing won't run. One engine is flooded and the other acts like no ignition." Then the question, "How do you know?"
"Black exhaust smoke, loping and won't keep running usually indicates flooded engine." "The other one didn't even fire so it is likely to be ignition."
"Oh! Right on the ball aren't you?" says Ernie.
"You damn betcha."
"What you going to do now? Just sit there and look at it?"
"Hell no, if you guys will just stop asking questions, I'll go to work and check out the trouble."
"Well get off your dead ass and get going."
We have a good time badgering each other and the instructor enjoys it along with us. The more questions we ask each other, the more we learn and the less he has to do.
I went back to the dead engine, grounded a spark plug and had one of the boys turn her over. It fired good.
Ernie laughed, "So you guessed wrong. Now what you going to do?" "Big gun like you can see in the pictures."
All the fellows know what is wrong and get a big kick out of it.
"Just don't get your shit hot, I'll get to it." Next thing is to check for gasoline at carburetor."
"Why?" says Ernie.
"Well the damn thing won't run without gasoline." I say. I check the gasoline and it is O.K.
"Now what do you know?" asks Grafton.
"I know the ignition is O.K. and I have gasoline up to the carburetor so it must be trouble in the carburetor or intake manifolds."
"Check." says Grafton.
So I examined the carburetor and found they had the automatic choke all screwed up. I fixed that and tried to start the engine. It started but it wouldn't run above an idle.
"Now what's wrong?" says Ernie.
"Well," I answered, "It acts to me like one of you bastards took off a part of the accelerator linkage."
Ernie just gets that shit eating grin on his face and pulls a piece of the linkage out of his pocket. I put the piece back in, started the engine and she runs like a new one, so I have half the job done. I still have the flooded engine to start. I thought the damn fools might have just poured some raw gas in to flood it and after standing it might start, so I tried it. Knowing what I was thinking and knowing it wasn't the trouble they give me the horse laugh.
"Well laugh you damn monkeys, it was worth a try." I said.
"Boy if you find this one before dinner I'll take my hat off to you." says Ernie.
I just walked back to the engine again and inspected that carburetor. The choke on that one was screwed up, so I fixed it and tried to start it again. No soap. All grinning at me like a bunch of apes, so I took another break and thought things over and mentally eliminated possibilities until I got a hunch. Went back and took off the air filter inlet pipe to the carburetor and looked through it. Sure enough, there was Ernie's cap wadded up and crammed in the pipe. I poked it out, reassembled the parts and she ran like a top. I climbed down off the seat and here stands Ernie with his cap in his hand and bowing as nice as you please.
"At ease soldier and take your seat." I told him. I'll get even with him some other time, or maybe I am even already. I've pulled some on him too. It took quite a while to tell all this and I hope it isn't too boring, but you asked for it honey so I gave it to you. I always try to satisfy whether it be writing or loving or whatever. If you can understand all that and want more say so. I tried not to make it too technical. It is somewhat of a description of how we pass out time.
Gus just suggested that we do as he and another buddy have done: send our wives the other's addresses. He says he and this other buddy did this quite some time ago and the girls have a steady correspondence and almost feel they know each other. Gave him your address and also took hers. I don't know if you will be interested or not. I'm just telling you so if you get a letter from her you'll know what it's all about. Here is the address:
Mrs. Gustav Redinger
Tappan, N. Dakota
Her first name is Amelia.
Now for your Sunday eve letter.
I think it would be a good idea to get some coal in even if you don't intend to stay there. If you can't pay for it on the spot, Ed will wait for a while.
As for Gus coming down to get me or taking me back, that would be swell, although hardly necessary unless they want to see the camp. However, I won't kick a bit if they do. It would be swell.
I don't and won't know if I report back to camp here or just catch a train from somewhere else until I get my orders the day I leave. I also won't know anything absolutely definite about leaving until I get the same papers on the 9th. However if I don't hear about my leave being cancelled at least a week before I leave it is very likely that everything will go as planned. If that is the case and they do as is the usual practice I would be able to leave by 6 P.M. on the 9th. Of course there is the chance that they would have all the trouble for nothing. If we were sent someplace else we probably wouldn't go until Sunday and I could see them for a little while. It's all a gamble, but it would be swell of them.
Well honey I've gone on and on and and I still have to do the S's of personal maintenance so I'll quit and finish tomorrow. I love you Chubbins darling. I'm thinking of you and loving you by long distance.
your lover
Norm.
Darling wife;
Here it is the middle of September, only 24 more days until---Whoope. The days keep rolling by rather swiftly but not a bit too fast to suit me. I'm anxious to see my honey again.
School is interesting again this week. To date I still have my two point lead on Ernie. We have 38 & 40 points respectively. I have gotten 2 perfect papers and Ernie one. Most of this week is working on the engines themselves with just a couple hours classroom work. They have the engine all set up exactly as they would be in the tank with all the power train and differential hooked up but instead of sprocket & tracks, they are hooked up to a system of water brakes so we can load the engines as though they were driving the tank out in the field. That way we can simulate actual driving conditions and can experiment with the carburetion, ignition, lubrication, and cooling systems and then be able to tell if we had them properly adjusted so the tank would operate efficiently if it was in the field.
One of the problems I had today was: I was sent from the engine room and the instructor "fucked" up the engines and then called me back in. He says, "Well Effinger this damn tank doesn't run very well and you're a tank mechanic, so fix her up." The first step is to start the engines and then diagnose the trouble. I climbed on the seat and went through the G.I. inspection of all instruments and gauges. Have a panel like an aeroplane, about 20 different gauges and etc. Everything seemed in order so I flipped the switches and pressed the starter buttons. The engines turned over but didn't even cough, so I eased up on the starters and took another look at my instruments. Everything still O.K. so I tried again. This time one engine coughed and turned over a few times but wouldn't keep running so I threw the switches and took a break to think things over. Of course the other fellows are all sitting around watching and getting a kick out of watching the other fellow try to find the trouble, and they start asking questions. Ernie especially. I do the same thing to them. Ernie and I have a big time trying to confuse each other.
Ernie asks, "What's the matter with her?" "What did you find out?" I told him, "I found out the damn thing won't run. One engine is flooded and the other acts like no ignition." Then the question, "How do you know?"
"Black exhaust smoke, loping and won't keep running usually indicates flooded engine." "The other one didn't even fire so it is likely to be ignition."
"Oh! Right on the ball aren't you?" says Ernie.
"You damn betcha."
"What you going to do now? Just sit there and look at it?"
"Hell no, if you guys will just stop asking questions, I'll go to work and check out the trouble."
"Well get off your dead ass and get going."
We have a good time badgering each other and the instructor enjoys it along with us. The more questions we ask each other, the more we learn and the less he has to do.
I went back to the dead engine, grounded a spark plug and had one of the boys turn her over. It fired good.
Ernie laughed, "So you guessed wrong. Now what you going to do?" "Big gun like you can see in the pictures."
All the fellows know what is wrong and get a big kick out of it.
"Just don't get your shit hot, I'll get to it." Next thing is to check for gasoline at carburetor."
"Why?" says Ernie.
"Well the damn thing won't run without gasoline." I say. I check the gasoline and it is O.K.
"Now what do you know?" asks Grafton.
"I know the ignition is O.K. and I have gasoline up to the carburetor so it must be trouble in the carburetor or intake manifolds."
"Check." says Grafton.
So I examined the carburetor and found they had the automatic choke all screwed up. I fixed that and tried to start the engine. It started but it wouldn't run above an idle.
"Now what's wrong?" says Ernie.
"Well," I answered, "It acts to me like one of you bastards took off a part of the accelerator linkage."
Ernie just gets that shit eating grin on his face and pulls a piece of the linkage out of his pocket. I put the piece back in, started the engine and she runs like a new one, so I have half the job done. I still have the flooded engine to start. I thought the damn fools might have just poured some raw gas in to flood it and after standing it might start, so I tried it. Knowing what I was thinking and knowing it wasn't the trouble they give me the horse laugh.
"Well laugh you damn monkeys, it was worth a try." I said.
"Boy if you find this one before dinner I'll take my hat off to you." says Ernie.
I just walked back to the engine again and inspected that carburetor. The choke on that one was screwed up, so I fixed it and tried to start it again. No soap. All grinning at me like a bunch of apes, so I took another break and thought things over and mentally eliminated possibilities until I got a hunch. Went back and took off the air filter inlet pipe to the carburetor and looked through it. Sure enough, there was Ernie's cap wadded up and crammed in the pipe. I poked it out, reassembled the parts and she ran like a top. I climbed down off the seat and here stands Ernie with his cap in his hand and bowing as nice as you please.
"At ease soldier and take your seat." I told him. I'll get even with him some other time, or maybe I am even already. I've pulled some on him too. It took quite a while to tell all this and I hope it isn't too boring, but you asked for it honey so I gave it to you. I always try to satisfy whether it be writing or loving or whatever. If you can understand all that and want more say so. I tried not to make it too technical. It is somewhat of a description of how we pass out time.
Gus just suggested that we do as he and another buddy have done: send our wives the other's addresses. He says he and this other buddy did this quite some time ago and the girls have a steady correspondence and almost feel they know each other. Gave him your address and also took hers. I don't know if you will be interested or not. I'm just telling you so if you get a letter from her you'll know what it's all about. Here is the address:
Mrs. Gustav Redinger
Tappan, N. Dakota
Her first name is Amelia.
Now for your Sunday eve letter.
I think it would be a good idea to get some coal in even if you don't intend to stay there. If you can't pay for it on the spot, Ed will wait for a while.
As for Gus coming down to get me or taking me back, that would be swell, although hardly necessary unless they want to see the camp. However, I won't kick a bit if they do. It would be swell.
I don't and won't know if I report back to camp here or just catch a train from somewhere else until I get my orders the day I leave. I also won't know anything absolutely definite about leaving until I get the same papers on the 9th. However if I don't hear about my leave being cancelled at least a week before I leave it is very likely that everything will go as planned. If that is the case and they do as is the usual practice I would be able to leave by 6 P.M. on the 9th. Of course there is the chance that they would have all the trouble for nothing. If we were sent someplace else we probably wouldn't go until Sunday and I could see them for a little while. It's all a gamble, but it would be swell of them.
Well honey I've gone on and on and and I still have to do the S's of personal maintenance so I'll quit and finish tomorrow. I love you Chubbins darling. I'm thinking of you and loving you by long distance.
your lover
Norm.
Letter # 88 September 14, 1943
Sept 14, 1943
My darling wife;
Got your Sat night or rather Sunday morning letter this noon. My, My, such a business, staying out until 1:30. If you hadn't explained I would have thought one of your truck drivers had you out. Get in practice, honey, because when I come home I'm libel to keep you up or at least awake later than that.
Gosh sweetheart it seems like a hell of a long time since you went home, but when I look at the calendar it says only 2 weeks and 2 days. I think the damn thing is telling a lie. It must be a year and that long. I guess it must be because I'm so anxious for that furlough to start. Only 25 more days now. Doesn't sound very long but it's going to seem plenty long to me. Honestly honey I believe I miss you more this time than I did the first time. I love you Chubbins.
Sounds like your pop did a swell job on the bonds. $1,000,000 is a lot of money to take in three days. If everyone else does that well the third bond drive ought to go over big. From the figures on the cost of this war, I guess they'll need it all.
Watch those pancakes honey, they make fat fast, especially when you eat them for the 4th or 5th meal. I'd have liked some myself. I don't have to watch my waistline anymore. No belly at all. Don't mind me honey. I'd love you if you weighed 200.
I mailed your little trinket today. Wrapped it up in another Yank.
School is doing O.K. so far this week. We sure have a hell of a time trying to keep ahead of each other. Guess we'll have to give up and call it a draw.
We have been having much the same kind of weather as you have, but today it warmed up a bit. First time for a week or more that it has been warm enough to be outside without my undershirt. Rained like hell most of last night and looks like it will again tonight.
I'm not the only one that gets gigs. Ernie got another today, his second since he's been here and had to sweep street this afternoon. He was rather burned up because he had a date in town. He sure took off in a hurry when they turned him loose.
Monday afternoon we had a fairly good workout. 1 hr. of close order drill and half an hour on the trainasium and the obstacle course and then a half hour of calisthenics. Boy I sure am getting soft. I was a little tired after that. I'm going to be hurtin when I go back to work again. My hands are the softest I have ever seen them. Almost like a woman's.
Went over to the barbershop and got another haircut this afternoon. Kinda gripes me to have to get them so often. If I was home a haircut would last 6 weeks instead of three. They must have taken pity on me this time and charged in proportion to hair only 35 cents.
Gus has been trying to get me interested in going to town someday soon. I'm not much interested but I may go along. He hasn't been out of camp since we've been here and he says he can't leave without going to town at least once.
Hope school is going smoothly for you by now. Maybe you'll even get to like it.
I may be a little W.A.C. or woman minded honey but it's only natural for a young buck like me to look. It's amusing and harmless as long as it's only in the mind. I am also very conscious of the fact that I have a wife and that goes a lot deeper than the mind. That's way down in the heart so I can't forget it.
I love you sweetheart and I'm counting those days. Night gorgeous, you're sweet.
Your W.A.C. Minded husband.
Norm.
My darling wife;
Got your Sat night or rather Sunday morning letter this noon. My, My, such a business, staying out until 1:30. If you hadn't explained I would have thought one of your truck drivers had you out. Get in practice, honey, because when I come home I'm libel to keep you up or at least awake later than that.
Gosh sweetheart it seems like a hell of a long time since you went home, but when I look at the calendar it says only 2 weeks and 2 days. I think the damn thing is telling a lie. It must be a year and that long. I guess it must be because I'm so anxious for that furlough to start. Only 25 more days now. Doesn't sound very long but it's going to seem plenty long to me. Honestly honey I believe I miss you more this time than I did the first time. I love you Chubbins.
Sounds like your pop did a swell job on the bonds. $1,000,000 is a lot of money to take in three days. If everyone else does that well the third bond drive ought to go over big. From the figures on the cost of this war, I guess they'll need it all.
Watch those pancakes honey, they make fat fast, especially when you eat them for the 4th or 5th meal. I'd have liked some myself. I don't have to watch my waistline anymore. No belly at all. Don't mind me honey. I'd love you if you weighed 200.
I mailed your little trinket today. Wrapped it up in another Yank.
School is doing O.K. so far this week. We sure have a hell of a time trying to keep ahead of each other. Guess we'll have to give up and call it a draw.
We have been having much the same kind of weather as you have, but today it warmed up a bit. First time for a week or more that it has been warm enough to be outside without my undershirt. Rained like hell most of last night and looks like it will again tonight.
I'm not the only one that gets gigs. Ernie got another today, his second since he's been here and had to sweep street this afternoon. He was rather burned up because he had a date in town. He sure took off in a hurry when they turned him loose.
Monday afternoon we had a fairly good workout. 1 hr. of close order drill and half an hour on the trainasium and the obstacle course and then a half hour of calisthenics. Boy I sure am getting soft. I was a little tired after that. I'm going to be hurtin when I go back to work again. My hands are the softest I have ever seen them. Almost like a woman's.
Went over to the barbershop and got another haircut this afternoon. Kinda gripes me to have to get them so often. If I was home a haircut would last 6 weeks instead of three. They must have taken pity on me this time and charged in proportion to hair only 35 cents.
Gus has been trying to get me interested in going to town someday soon. I'm not much interested but I may go along. He hasn't been out of camp since we've been here and he says he can't leave without going to town at least once.
Hope school is going smoothly for you by now. Maybe you'll even get to like it.
I may be a little W.A.C. or woman minded honey but it's only natural for a young buck like me to look. It's amusing and harmless as long as it's only in the mind. I am also very conscious of the fact that I have a wife and that goes a lot deeper than the mind. That's way down in the heart so I can't forget it.
I love you sweetheart and I'm counting those days. Night gorgeous, you're sweet.
Your W.A.C. Minded husband.
Norm.
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Letter #87 September 13, 1943
Sept 13, 1943
Hello Chubbins darling;
Whoops-a-daisy. Another day checked off and now only 27 more and I should have you within range again. You say I mentioned that I love you. I thought that was about all I was saying in my letters. I don't know how to make it any stronger in words. I'll just have to show you. Anyhow I love you as much as anyone could and not blow up. Speaking about you beginning to get worked up and ready for that next round and wondering if I am. Boy honey you should know me better than that. Why I was ready for another round the last night you were here. Since then I've done so much resting I'm ornier than ever, if that's possible. Why honey I damn near took a bite out of a pair of "tits" that got shoved in my face last night at the Service Club. I'll have to tell you the story. It isn't quite as bad as it sounds, but it was entertaining and if I wasn't an old married man I think I would have tried to make something of it. Just another time you kept me out of trouble.
Gus and I laid around the barracks all day shooting the shit and writing letters. I wrote to my sweetheart, to Vi, to Steve, and to Marg. By the time evening came we decided we'd have to get out and get the stink blown off, so we went for a walk and ended up at the Service Club for a sundae. The place was packed to the gills and we happened to get an aisle table. We had our sundaes and I was busily working on mine when someone bumped the table. Naturally, I look up and this "tit" nearly put my eye out. It was that close and of course there was another not far away. I could see that one better. The one that was so close, I could hardly see. Hell of a nice pair too. Big enough to make a large handful and sticking straight out, could even see a suggestion of a nipple. Boy oh Boy, it took all my willpower to keep from snapping at them. Low necked dress too. I watched them go by and the owner sat down at the next table. I took a look at Gus and his eyes were sticking out so you could knock them off with a ball bat. I shook my head to clear my eyes and grinned at him and he at me. I then took a look at the owner to see what make of critter she was, and it wasn't bad. Dark hair and eyes, nice looking and a shape that matched the bubbles. She was alone too and I couldn't see any rings. You see I was looking. It's a good thing you're so nice and I love you so much or you would have lost your husband. To explain the situation, as I said the room was crowded and she had to squeeze between our table and another to get to hers. In doing that she leaned forward over our table. I think it was accidental. She didn't look like the type. To make it worse she got up and did the same thing on the way out. In a few minutes she came back, but this time she stuck her butt in my face. That was rather nice too. Gus says it was a damn good thing I didn't have false teeth or they would probably have jumped out of their own accord and taken a bite of those things. See honey you're not the only one that might have a chance to jump the fence. We don't want to though, do we? We're particular and beside that, very much in love.
Also while we were roaming around we stopped in one of the PX's and I saw a little trinket I thought you might like so I bought it for you. I'll send it as soon as I find a box to pack it in. I suppose I ought to keep you in suspense as to what it is but I gusee I got even for that other time so I'll tell you. It's a little pin, made up a lot like a fraternity pin with an armored division insignia connected by a little chain to a little tank. It wasn't expensive but I thought it might do. Haven't been able to find what I wanted along that line. Hope you like it. If you don't I won't be disappointed. Now that I'm rich again I just wanted to send you something.
I did something else today you wanted me to do. I bought a beak garrison cap. I was something like a woman. I didn't need it and can't wear it here at the post but it was a bargain so I bought it. All of a $1.00. It's a fairly good one, probably cost 6 or $7.00 and has hardly been worn. Fellow had one given to him, a real good one, so he was trying to get rid of his other one. I was the only one it would fit so he wanted me to make an offer. Just joking and not expecting him to take me up I offered a buck and he took it, so I was stuck. It's still a bargain, even has a rainproof cover with it. I'll probably keep it as a souvenier or sell it if I get a chance.
Hello Chubbins darling;
Whoops-a-daisy. Another day checked off and now only 27 more and I should have you within range again. You say I mentioned that I love you. I thought that was about all I was saying in my letters. I don't know how to make it any stronger in words. I'll just have to show you. Anyhow I love you as much as anyone could and not blow up. Speaking about you beginning to get worked up and ready for that next round and wondering if I am. Boy honey you should know me better than that. Why I was ready for another round the last night you were here. Since then I've done so much resting I'm ornier than ever, if that's possible. Why honey I damn near took a bite out of a pair of "tits" that got shoved in my face last night at the Service Club. I'll have to tell you the story. It isn't quite as bad as it sounds, but it was entertaining and if I wasn't an old married man I think I would have tried to make something of it. Just another time you kept me out of trouble.
Gus and I laid around the barracks all day shooting the shit and writing letters. I wrote to my sweetheart, to Vi, to Steve, and to Marg. By the time evening came we decided we'd have to get out and get the stink blown off, so we went for a walk and ended up at the Service Club for a sundae. The place was packed to the gills and we happened to get an aisle table. We had our sundaes and I was busily working on mine when someone bumped the table. Naturally, I look up and this "tit" nearly put my eye out. It was that close and of course there was another not far away. I could see that one better. The one that was so close, I could hardly see. Hell of a nice pair too. Big enough to make a large handful and sticking straight out, could even see a suggestion of a nipple. Boy oh Boy, it took all my willpower to keep from snapping at them. Low necked dress too. I watched them go by and the owner sat down at the next table. I took a look at Gus and his eyes were sticking out so you could knock them off with a ball bat. I shook my head to clear my eyes and grinned at him and he at me. I then took a look at the owner to see what make of critter she was, and it wasn't bad. Dark hair and eyes, nice looking and a shape that matched the bubbles. She was alone too and I couldn't see any rings. You see I was looking. It's a good thing you're so nice and I love you so much or you would have lost your husband. To explain the situation, as I said the room was crowded and she had to squeeze between our table and another to get to hers. In doing that she leaned forward over our table. I think it was accidental. She didn't look like the type. To make it worse she got up and did the same thing on the way out. In a few minutes she came back, but this time she stuck her butt in my face. That was rather nice too. Gus says it was a damn good thing I didn't have false teeth or they would probably have jumped out of their own accord and taken a bite of those things. See honey you're not the only one that might have a chance to jump the fence. We don't want to though, do we? We're particular and beside that, very much in love.
Also while we were roaming around we stopped in one of the PX's and I saw a little trinket I thought you might like so I bought it for you. I'll send it as soon as I find a box to pack it in. I suppose I ought to keep you in suspense as to what it is but I gusee I got even for that other time so I'll tell you. It's a little pin, made up a lot like a fraternity pin with an armored division insignia connected by a little chain to a little tank. It wasn't expensive but I thought it might do. Haven't been able to find what I wanted along that line. Hope you like it. If you don't I won't be disappointed. Now that I'm rich again I just wanted to send you something.
I did something else today you wanted me to do. I bought a beak garrison cap. I was something like a woman. I didn't need it and can't wear it here at the post but it was a bargain so I bought it. All of a $1.00. It's a fairly good one, probably cost 6 or $7.00 and has hardly been worn. Fellow had one given to him, a real good one, so he was trying to get rid of his other one. I was the only one it would fit so he wanted me to make an offer. Just joking and not expecting him to take me up I offered a buck and he took it, so I was stuck. It's still a bargain, even has a rainproof cover with it. I'll probably keep it as a souvenier or sell it if I get a chance.
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Letter # 86 September 12, 1943
Sept. 12, 1943
Hi Chubbins darling,
I haven't invented a new name for you for a long time and I have almost decided that "Chubbins" would be a swell one. It's not a bit original, the girl in the Prince Albert advertisements is called that but somehow or other I've always liked the sound of it. Rather warm and soft and comfortable. Fits you in lots of ways. Babe is also a very nice name but we'll just keep that for the public. I have to have a private name of some kind for you. Makes you seem more "all mine". I didn't decide on Chubbins just because of those 10 lbs you seem to pick up and drop so easily, but just because I think it fits you and I like it. You probably won't, but you said you didn't care what I called you, just as long as I loved you. I love you darling and always will. Even if I hadn't loved you before I would have been forced to since your visit to Kentucky. You were swell honey. I just can't forget that time. It was a milestone that will always stand out with a limited number of others in my memory. If I was to name them in rotation it would come first but in sequence as they happened they are: Put-in-Bay 1937, 1st of August 1937, when I first asked you to marry me, and you just grunted, 7th of August 1937, when I came back from my vacation in Ky, and you greeted me rather warmly, Michigan, Labor Day 1939, Sept 8, 1940, I do and I will and then the honeymoon week, Aug. 7 1943 Boy oh Boy, how that one stands out, and I don't think it is only because it is the most recent. I think a lot of it is due to the fact that up until the army took me, I hadn't fully realized how much I loved you and needed you. Judging from your actions I almost believe it affected you a little the same way. Boy honey! I could just squeeze you to pieces.
Just think, only 28 more days and maybe we can add another milestone to this list. "Think we will Chubbins?" I do.
If you get tired of reading these half baked love letters, I'll try to contain myself and write about something else. I just can't seem to write about anything else. I'll have lots of other things I intend to get in a letter and then forget all about them. You get me all stirred up whenever I think about you. Some girl. Can be many miles away and have as much influence on me as if she were right here. I can't understand it. Love must be the first wonder of the world.
I got your Friday morning letter already last evening. I thought that business about you getting up early was too much to be true. If you can't sleep on Sun or on week days, I bet you do on Sat. Go to it honey, I don't blame you. I'm even doing the same thing now. Don't have anything much to do so I just stay in bed. 11 hrs. last night. I'm getting terrible. If I don't get out of here soon I'll be able to out sleep you.
I guess I forgot to tell you Gus & I went to "Salute to the Marines" Fri night. It's swell, although you probably wouldn't care much about it. War picture of the first attack on the Philippines. Wallace Berry always was good. If all service women were like the marine in that picture you'd have to watch me a little closer. I might forget myself and be tempted to try my wings or something. We bought a couple boxes of popcorn and had a big time eating it during the show. I got so interested I had some left when we came out. We were home and in bed by 9 so I guess we couldn't have been very bad boys. Bought us a book of 10 theater tickets also. Now we'll have to got to a show at least once a week to use them up. 12 cents a ticket.
Yesterday afternoon Gus and I moved into our "private" room. Maybe I won't get quite so much sleep now. We can keep the lights on as long as we like, so I may do a little reading.
Glad to hear Louise is doing O.K. Tell her Hi for me. We all love her and we are wishing her a lot of luck.
It was sweet of you to send Mrs. Wilkerson the fork. You are a sweet person you know. Sounds like she did like me a little. That's always my luck, if I make a hit with them, they're married.
Got another letter from Steve yesterday. I'll enclose it. Sounds like we might just possibly be home about the same time. Don't know what happened to make him answer so quick.
Also got a letter from Vi.
As far as wishing I was with another exhibit at the fair is concerned, forget it. I'd do it if I had to, to get home, but that's the only way. Don't care if I never see another fair from a display booth.
In one of your other letters you remarked about my maybe gaining some weight because I didn't have the O.D.'s taken in so much. That isn't the reason. The O.D.'s fit better to begin with and I didn't want them too tight because I may be in a cold climate where I'll want my long handled drawers or something under them. The last time I weighed some time last week, I was at 181 so I can't be gaining much. Sleeping myself poor or maybe I'm pining away because of you. You're a devil but I love my Chubbins a lot.
The temperature is still swell. Nice and brisk at night and just comfortable, about 68-70 degrees during the day. My time of year. I wish I was home with my honey today. Just about time to go looking for nuts & mushrooms.
Well honey I guess my sugar report is in for today. Do a little reading and maybe Gus & I will step out for a time later on. I'm going to have to find some stationery someplace soon or I'll be writing my sugar report on toilet paper and send it to you by the roll.
Bye, Bye Chubbins darling. I'll be seeing you soon. I love you.
Your wild soldier
Norm.
Hi Chubbins darling,
I haven't invented a new name for you for a long time and I have almost decided that "Chubbins" would be a swell one. It's not a bit original, the girl in the Prince Albert advertisements is called that but somehow or other I've always liked the sound of it. Rather warm and soft and comfortable. Fits you in lots of ways. Babe is also a very nice name but we'll just keep that for the public. I have to have a private name of some kind for you. Makes you seem more "all mine". I didn't decide on Chubbins just because of those 10 lbs you seem to pick up and drop so easily, but just because I think it fits you and I like it. You probably won't, but you said you didn't care what I called you, just as long as I loved you. I love you darling and always will. Even if I hadn't loved you before I would have been forced to since your visit to Kentucky. You were swell honey. I just can't forget that time. It was a milestone that will always stand out with a limited number of others in my memory. If I was to name them in rotation it would come first but in sequence as they happened they are: Put-in-Bay 1937, 1st of August 1937, when I first asked you to marry me, and you just grunted, 7th of August 1937, when I came back from my vacation in Ky, and you greeted me rather warmly, Michigan, Labor Day 1939, Sept 8, 1940, I do and I will and then the honeymoon week, Aug. 7 1943 Boy oh Boy, how that one stands out, and I don't think it is only because it is the most recent. I think a lot of it is due to the fact that up until the army took me, I hadn't fully realized how much I loved you and needed you. Judging from your actions I almost believe it affected you a little the same way. Boy honey! I could just squeeze you to pieces.
Just think, only 28 more days and maybe we can add another milestone to this list. "Think we will Chubbins?" I do.
If you get tired of reading these half baked love letters, I'll try to contain myself and write about something else. I just can't seem to write about anything else. I'll have lots of other things I intend to get in a letter and then forget all about them. You get me all stirred up whenever I think about you. Some girl. Can be many miles away and have as much influence on me as if she were right here. I can't understand it. Love must be the first wonder of the world.
I got your Friday morning letter already last evening. I thought that business about you getting up early was too much to be true. If you can't sleep on Sun or on week days, I bet you do on Sat. Go to it honey, I don't blame you. I'm even doing the same thing now. Don't have anything much to do so I just stay in bed. 11 hrs. last night. I'm getting terrible. If I don't get out of here soon I'll be able to out sleep you.
I guess I forgot to tell you Gus & I went to "Salute to the Marines" Fri night. It's swell, although you probably wouldn't care much about it. War picture of the first attack on the Philippines. Wallace Berry always was good. If all service women were like the marine in that picture you'd have to watch me a little closer. I might forget myself and be tempted to try my wings or something. We bought a couple boxes of popcorn and had a big time eating it during the show. I got so interested I had some left when we came out. We were home and in bed by 9 so I guess we couldn't have been very bad boys. Bought us a book of 10 theater tickets also. Now we'll have to got to a show at least once a week to use them up. 12 cents a ticket.
Yesterday afternoon Gus and I moved into our "private" room. Maybe I won't get quite so much sleep now. We can keep the lights on as long as we like, so I may do a little reading.
Glad to hear Louise is doing O.K. Tell her Hi for me. We all love her and we are wishing her a lot of luck.
It was sweet of you to send Mrs. Wilkerson the fork. You are a sweet person you know. Sounds like she did like me a little. That's always my luck, if I make a hit with them, they're married.
Got another letter from Steve yesterday. I'll enclose it. Sounds like we might just possibly be home about the same time. Don't know what happened to make him answer so quick.
Also got a letter from Vi.
As far as wishing I was with another exhibit at the fair is concerned, forget it. I'd do it if I had to, to get home, but that's the only way. Don't care if I never see another fair from a display booth.
In one of your other letters you remarked about my maybe gaining some weight because I didn't have the O.D.'s taken in so much. That isn't the reason. The O.D.'s fit better to begin with and I didn't want them too tight because I may be in a cold climate where I'll want my long handled drawers or something under them. The last time I weighed some time last week, I was at 181 so I can't be gaining much. Sleeping myself poor or maybe I'm pining away because of you. You're a devil but I love my Chubbins a lot.
The temperature is still swell. Nice and brisk at night and just comfortable, about 68-70 degrees during the day. My time of year. I wish I was home with my honey today. Just about time to go looking for nuts & mushrooms.
Well honey I guess my sugar report is in for today. Do a little reading and maybe Gus & I will step out for a time later on. I'm going to have to find some stationery someplace soon or I'll be writing my sugar report on toilet paper and send it to you by the roll.
Bye, Bye Chubbins darling. I'll be seeing you soon. I love you.
Your wild soldier
Norm.
Letter # 85 September 11, 1943
Sept 11, 1943
Hello sweetness
Got your Weds. night letter this noon. Sounds like you might be rather busy, school, fair and choir as well as going to church on Sunday. Something must have happened to you since I've been in the army. First you show me you have developed into a very nice big armful of passion and now you tell me you are even going to give up sleeping late on Sunday. Just can't believe it honey. Are you sure you didn't have an identical twin sister or something? If you did have, I hope you let the one that came to Ky. to see me be my wife from now on. I love both of them a lot but if I have my pick, I'll take this second one. She's really got "it". When I said I'd trade you for two younger models, I still had the first sister, but now that I've got the second, and more passionate one I wouldn't even consider trading you for half a dozen. One like you is all I can handle. I love you honey. Only 29 more days and maybe I can show you.
Well Ernie and I had quite a race this week and when all the scores were in at noon today neither one of us had anything to say. Tie score 259 points out of a possible 267 for both of us. We were on top of the heap but both together. The school rewarded us for having the high scores by presenting us with a technical book on electrical equipment. I guess most of the school work is over now. From now on we will be on practical work. May have a few lectures and a few tests but not so many.
The 'gig' was just a joke. Reported at 2 to the supply room and they sent me up to the store room to take in the beds & mattresses from the fellows leaving here. I worked about 1/2 hr. and then spent most of the rest of the afternoon on a six foot pile of mattresses. Like to wore myself out. Done at 3:30. I can't stand much more of this.
Can't think of much else to say honey so night darling. I love you more each day.
Your soldier
Norm.
Hello sweetness
Got your Weds. night letter this noon. Sounds like you might be rather busy, school, fair and choir as well as going to church on Sunday. Something must have happened to you since I've been in the army. First you show me you have developed into a very nice big armful of passion and now you tell me you are even going to give up sleeping late on Sunday. Just can't believe it honey. Are you sure you didn't have an identical twin sister or something? If you did have, I hope you let the one that came to Ky. to see me be my wife from now on. I love both of them a lot but if I have my pick, I'll take this second one. She's really got "it". When I said I'd trade you for two younger models, I still had the first sister, but now that I've got the second, and more passionate one I wouldn't even consider trading you for half a dozen. One like you is all I can handle. I love you honey. Only 29 more days and maybe I can show you.
Well Ernie and I had quite a race this week and when all the scores were in at noon today neither one of us had anything to say. Tie score 259 points out of a possible 267 for both of us. We were on top of the heap but both together. The school rewarded us for having the high scores by presenting us with a technical book on electrical equipment. I guess most of the school work is over now. From now on we will be on practical work. May have a few lectures and a few tests but not so many.
The 'gig' was just a joke. Reported at 2 to the supply room and they sent me up to the store room to take in the beds & mattresses from the fellows leaving here. I worked about 1/2 hr. and then spent most of the rest of the afternoon on a six foot pile of mattresses. Like to wore myself out. Done at 3:30. I can't stand much more of this.
Can't think of much else to say honey so night darling. I love you more each day.
Your soldier
Norm.
Saturday, September 11, 2010
Letter # 84 September 10, 1943
Sept 10, 1943
Hi there Tootsie Wuggles;
Another day gone by honey and now only 30 more to go. Boy oh Boy it's getting closer and closer all the time. It can't get too close to suit me. I wouldn't mind a bit if tomorrow was the 11th of Oct instead of Sept. The days can go as fast as they want until then, but then I wish they would slow down to a stand still. I'm afraid they'll go entirely too damn fast.
The eagle finally got over his case of constipation this afternoon and shit me a small handful of greenbacks. $24.90 this mo. Boy am I rich, over $50.00 in my pocket again. Good thing too because it's probably my last pay until the 1st of Dec. You see payday is the 10th of Oct and if I can get out of here the 9th I sure am not going to wait for it. I won't get back to the outfit in time to sign the payroll for Oct so it's going to be a long time until the eagle gets another case of the shits. Be a good pay when he does though. Good thing I've got a rich generous wife to fall back on or I'd be "hurtin".
Had another first experience today. Finally slipped and broke my record. Got a "gig". Had some specks of dust on my footlocker so I'll have a couple hours work detail tomorrow afternoon. I'd be mad as hell if my little woman was down here, but as it is it will just be a little pass time.
Ernie and I are still running a neck and neck race. Both have a score of 78 out of a possible 81. Tomorrow will have to tell the story again this week. Maybe your "haunting" will help, but I bet it's a close race. Next week we will work on engines. The instructor will mess them up and we'll have to find the trouble and get them running again. Should be fun.
The weather is still nice and cool, in fact damn near cold. This morning I had to put on the shirt to my long handled drawers. Left it on until noon and it felt damn good.
Didn't have any inspection this afternoon. Just got paid and had about 20 minutes close order drill and were all done.
Don't wonder about the stationery. I just ran out of the other and haven't been able to buy anymore the last few days so I'll use up the last of my Polk stationery. Guess it'll carry the message as well as anything else.
Gus and I are going to see "Salute to the Marines" tonight. Got our pockets full of money again so we'll go on a tear. Probably stay out until at least 9 P.M. Might even look at a girl or two if I get a chance. You won't need to loose any sleep over it though honey. I'd never be able to even find one to come close to you. I'm particular. Nothing but the best for me. Gosh honey I must really be in love. I dreamed about you again last night. I can't remember what it was but your Mother was mixed up in it somehow. That's something I never remember doing before. Dreaming about you two nights in succession. They weren't specially satisfactory dreams but at least they were about you and not some other woman. I wasn't even trying to make you in either one, but both mornings when I rolled out, I sure would have tried if you had been in range. We like you a lot and "it" is sure showing how much "it" misses you. More than when I left you the first time. You spoiled me by coming down here. I sure like to be spoiled that way.
Looks like you will have a chance to satisfy some of the mother instinct with 30 little angles. I can almost see the sarcasm on the angles. Keep a stiff upper lip honey. It won't be so bad. If you were at the diner you'd have wolves to deal with instead of angles. Kinda sounds like the wolves are still howling too. I always did say you looked exciting. You can sure live up to your looks when you want to.
I love you sweetheart. I'll say night for today and go to see my show. Maybe I can dream about you again tonight.
Your lover and husband
Norm.
Hi there Tootsie Wuggles;
Another day gone by honey and now only 30 more to go. Boy oh Boy it's getting closer and closer all the time. It can't get too close to suit me. I wouldn't mind a bit if tomorrow was the 11th of Oct instead of Sept. The days can go as fast as they want until then, but then I wish they would slow down to a stand still. I'm afraid they'll go entirely too damn fast.
The eagle finally got over his case of constipation this afternoon and shit me a small handful of greenbacks. $24.90 this mo. Boy am I rich, over $50.00 in my pocket again. Good thing too because it's probably my last pay until the 1st of Dec. You see payday is the 10th of Oct and if I can get out of here the 9th I sure am not going to wait for it. I won't get back to the outfit in time to sign the payroll for Oct so it's going to be a long time until the eagle gets another case of the shits. Be a good pay when he does though. Good thing I've got a rich generous wife to fall back on or I'd be "hurtin".
Had another first experience today. Finally slipped and broke my record. Got a "gig". Had some specks of dust on my footlocker so I'll have a couple hours work detail tomorrow afternoon. I'd be mad as hell if my little woman was down here, but as it is it will just be a little pass time.
Ernie and I are still running a neck and neck race. Both have a score of 78 out of a possible 81. Tomorrow will have to tell the story again this week. Maybe your "haunting" will help, but I bet it's a close race. Next week we will work on engines. The instructor will mess them up and we'll have to find the trouble and get them running again. Should be fun.
The weather is still nice and cool, in fact damn near cold. This morning I had to put on the shirt to my long handled drawers. Left it on until noon and it felt damn good.
Didn't have any inspection this afternoon. Just got paid and had about 20 minutes close order drill and were all done.
Don't wonder about the stationery. I just ran out of the other and haven't been able to buy anymore the last few days so I'll use up the last of my Polk stationery. Guess it'll carry the message as well as anything else.
Gus and I are going to see "Salute to the Marines" tonight. Got our pockets full of money again so we'll go on a tear. Probably stay out until at least 9 P.M. Might even look at a girl or two if I get a chance. You won't need to loose any sleep over it though honey. I'd never be able to even find one to come close to you. I'm particular. Nothing but the best for me. Gosh honey I must really be in love. I dreamed about you again last night. I can't remember what it was but your Mother was mixed up in it somehow. That's something I never remember doing before. Dreaming about you two nights in succession. They weren't specially satisfactory dreams but at least they were about you and not some other woman. I wasn't even trying to make you in either one, but both mornings when I rolled out, I sure would have tried if you had been in range. We like you a lot and "it" is sure showing how much "it" misses you. More than when I left you the first time. You spoiled me by coming down here. I sure like to be spoiled that way.
Looks like you will have a chance to satisfy some of the mother instinct with 30 little angles. I can almost see the sarcasm on the angles. Keep a stiff upper lip honey. It won't be so bad. If you were at the diner you'd have wolves to deal with instead of angles. Kinda sounds like the wolves are still howling too. I always did say you looked exciting. You can sure live up to your looks when you want to.
I love you sweetheart. I'll say night for today and go to see my show. Maybe I can dream about you again tonight.
Your lover and husband
Norm.
Letter # 83 September 9,1943
Sept 9, 1943
Hello Sweetheart;
I don't know how far I'll get with this letter but I'll try. I've been trying to get started ever since dinner and haven't had any luck. We've just been batting the breeze and telling stories. Gus Redinger and I got started telling cow stories and we soon had an audience. From there the talk went from war to women and back to W.A.C.S. and etc. The last question was, "Did you ever see bed bugs fucking?" and just now one fellow asked, "What's the only impossible thing in the world?" Ans. Straddle a ditch with a wheelbarrow. That one was rather clean for this bunch. Had some really good and supposedly true experiences these boys have had with women. Wish you could be a mouse and hear some of these bull sessions. I think you'd get a kick out of it. You always did like to hear all the dirt and it sure was inches deep around here this afternoon.
If you noticed anything wrong with my letter yesterday that was also the reason. I tried to write that one with a bull session going on around me and I don't know how much of it got into the letter. I finally gave up and quit without really finishing it. I don't know why but these sessions usually seem to center around my part of the barracks. Maybe it's the same reason that other parties we are with always seem to get rough. I must be the bad influence. I'll have to change my habits I guess. Anyhow we have fun. If I have a few more weeks of these true experience sessions I'll have all the build up I need by the time I get home. With all the rest and a good build up I should be all set for you honey. If you're in the same shape you were in when you landed here, we should have a glorious time. Boy oh Boy honey and only 31 more days to wait. Keep those legs crossed good and hope like hell. I'm looking forward to being with you so much that I'm afraid it'd hurt like hell if anything happened. Gosh honey but I love you. Feel just like a love sick kid with his first girl. I take a look at your picture and get a tight feeling in the chest. Can't even breathe right for a few seconds. It must be love honey. Must be rather evident.
Gus just interrupted me and when I looked up he said, "God Damn Effie don't look at me like that." I asked why? "Why for Christ's sake man you looked just like you were going to get up and kiss me." I told him to blow it out and get the hell away and leave me alone when I was writing my wife. "I know" he says "You're damn near homesick and your wife has only been gone 2 weeks." I'm not homesick, but I sure do miss you honey. You're a swell person to have around. I love you.
Gus knows how it is. He evidently thinks as much of his wife as I do mine. They were married 3 yrs ago the 20th of Sept and they now have a 6 mo. old son. He is 28 yrs old and a farmer from Tappan, North Dakota. He has been in the army for a little over a year. Like most of us he is ready to go back to his wife any time the war is over.
From the sounds of things on the radio and in the papers, things are beginning to move our way at last. A few more weeks will probably tell us a lot about how long the war in Europe will last. If Germany can hold Italy it will be quite a while. If not I would think that part will be cleaned up by spring. I sure hope so.
We sure are having a swell spell of fall weather. Hasn't been over 75 all week and at night I've had two blankets over me. Haven't even sweat a drop for several days and boy do I sleep at night.
Talking about sleeping, last night I had a dream about you. I guess I must have been on furlough, anyhow I was in uniform. We went out to some dine & dance place and, believe it or not, we were dancing and you told me I was a swell dancer. When the dream ended we were skating in the rain and having a big time. Rather crazy but it was fun while it lasted. I don't recall dreaming about anything else, but when I rolled out this morning I had quite some little trouble keeping the "old thing" under control. He's missing you too honey. We both like you an awful lot.
Don't worry about my not wanting to hear about your school work. Remember honey I love you and everything you do is interesting to me. I want to know all about it.
I got your Sun and Monday letter last evening already, but you failed me today honey. So now it's my turn to threaten to lay down on the job if you don't get busy mummy. I don't mean that honey. I just had to get it back at you. I know you're busy and won't kick a bit if you don't write all the time. The positions are reversed now. A while ago I was too busy to write and you didn't kick, but just kept on writing every day. Now I can maybe even up with you.
You're a sweet old devil and will probably break your neck to write me. Don't make it hard on yourself honey. You don't want to spend all your time off writing to me. I'll love you just as much.
School is going along the same as always and everything is swell. Tomorrow is payday and then comes Sat & Sunday and a lot of rest. If you get too far behind on your sleep maybe I can send you some of the extra I'm getting.
Hope your first week of school didn't worry you too much. Just don't let it worry you a damn bit and go out and have yourself a time whenever you can.
Well gorgeous I can't think of much more to say this time so I'll say nighty night. I love you honey chile. Night sweetheart.
Your faithful but impatient lover
Norm.
Hello Sweetheart;
I don't know how far I'll get with this letter but I'll try. I've been trying to get started ever since dinner and haven't had any luck. We've just been batting the breeze and telling stories. Gus Redinger and I got started telling cow stories and we soon had an audience. From there the talk went from war to women and back to W.A.C.S. and etc. The last question was, "Did you ever see bed bugs fucking?" and just now one fellow asked, "What's the only impossible thing in the world?" Ans. Straddle a ditch with a wheelbarrow. That one was rather clean for this bunch. Had some really good and supposedly true experiences these boys have had with women. Wish you could be a mouse and hear some of these bull sessions. I think you'd get a kick out of it. You always did like to hear all the dirt and it sure was inches deep around here this afternoon.
If you noticed anything wrong with my letter yesterday that was also the reason. I tried to write that one with a bull session going on around me and I don't know how much of it got into the letter. I finally gave up and quit without really finishing it. I don't know why but these sessions usually seem to center around my part of the barracks. Maybe it's the same reason that other parties we are with always seem to get rough. I must be the bad influence. I'll have to change my habits I guess. Anyhow we have fun. If I have a few more weeks of these true experience sessions I'll have all the build up I need by the time I get home. With all the rest and a good build up I should be all set for you honey. If you're in the same shape you were in when you landed here, we should have a glorious time. Boy oh Boy honey and only 31 more days to wait. Keep those legs crossed good and hope like hell. I'm looking forward to being with you so much that I'm afraid it'd hurt like hell if anything happened. Gosh honey but I love you. Feel just like a love sick kid with his first girl. I take a look at your picture and get a tight feeling in the chest. Can't even breathe right for a few seconds. It must be love honey. Must be rather evident.
Gus just interrupted me and when I looked up he said, "God Damn Effie don't look at me like that." I asked why? "Why for Christ's sake man you looked just like you were going to get up and kiss me." I told him to blow it out and get the hell away and leave me alone when I was writing my wife. "I know" he says "You're damn near homesick and your wife has only been gone 2 weeks." I'm not homesick, but I sure do miss you honey. You're a swell person to have around. I love you.
Gus knows how it is. He evidently thinks as much of his wife as I do mine. They were married 3 yrs ago the 20th of Sept and they now have a 6 mo. old son. He is 28 yrs old and a farmer from Tappan, North Dakota. He has been in the army for a little over a year. Like most of us he is ready to go back to his wife any time the war is over.
From the sounds of things on the radio and in the papers, things are beginning to move our way at last. A few more weeks will probably tell us a lot about how long the war in Europe will last. If Germany can hold Italy it will be quite a while. If not I would think that part will be cleaned up by spring. I sure hope so.
We sure are having a swell spell of fall weather. Hasn't been over 75 all week and at night I've had two blankets over me. Haven't even sweat a drop for several days and boy do I sleep at night.
Talking about sleeping, last night I had a dream about you. I guess I must have been on furlough, anyhow I was in uniform. We went out to some dine & dance place and, believe it or not, we were dancing and you told me I was a swell dancer. When the dream ended we were skating in the rain and having a big time. Rather crazy but it was fun while it lasted. I don't recall dreaming about anything else, but when I rolled out this morning I had quite some little trouble keeping the "old thing" under control. He's missing you too honey. We both like you an awful lot.
Don't worry about my not wanting to hear about your school work. Remember honey I love you and everything you do is interesting to me. I want to know all about it.
I got your Sun and Monday letter last evening already, but you failed me today honey. So now it's my turn to threaten to lay down on the job if you don't get busy mummy. I don't mean that honey. I just had to get it back at you. I know you're busy and won't kick a bit if you don't write all the time. The positions are reversed now. A while ago I was too busy to write and you didn't kick, but just kept on writing every day. Now I can maybe even up with you.
You're a sweet old devil and will probably break your neck to write me. Don't make it hard on yourself honey. You don't want to spend all your time off writing to me. I'll love you just as much.
School is going along the same as always and everything is swell. Tomorrow is payday and then comes Sat & Sunday and a lot of rest. If you get too far behind on your sleep maybe I can send you some of the extra I'm getting.
Hope your first week of school didn't worry you too much. Just don't let it worry you a damn bit and go out and have yourself a time whenever you can.
Well gorgeous I can't think of much more to say this time so I'll say nighty night. I love you honey chile. Night sweetheart.
Your faithful but impatient lover
Norm.
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Letter # 82 September 8, 1943
Sept 8, 1943
My reluctant school teacher;
Good thing you said faithful wife and reluctant teacher instead of the reverse. I'd have taken right off for the W.A.C. camp if you had.
This evening after chow I met Ernie and Angie out on the street, all dressed up and heading for the camp. Both broke and can't go to town so they are going to see if they can find a willing W.A.C. or two to play with. Guess maybe I was cramping their style yesterday. Ernie said he was on the wolf and proceeded to prove it by howling. Guess he was too. He was so anxious to get going he had forgotten to put on a belt.
School was a little better today. Studied gun control mechanism. I don't imagine you would care much for details so I won't go into that. We had a 49 question test and Ernie and I are tied again, 48 each, so here we go again.
We sure had a tough afternoon today. Instead of our regular Wednesday afternoon hike we worked. I'm so near worn out I can hardly write this letter. They took 30 of us over to the mess hall and put us to work. I steel wooled two metal water pitchers and polished my dog tags, all in two hours. Even had lemonade to drink. Honestly honey, if they don't let up soon I'll be a physical wreck and will have to cut that quota back down to 30 or less. Be so worn out I'll have to rest instead of love. Could be I'll not even need any rest. I'm sure storing up a lot of excess energy.
I got a letter from Marg today. Was going to send it but from what you say you have already heard the news. She sent me one of the pictures of you and I, taken the day before I left. Good picture. My wife looks very nice. Think I'd like her just from the picture, without knowing her. Even with the coat on she shows a little of what I like to see. If I remember right they're real too. Like to have a couple handfuls of them right now.
Readinger says "Hell man you got a good looking wife" I told him I knew it and that wasn't all either. She's just as good as she looks.
Ernie got a letter from one of the sargents down at Polk today. Here is the news as reported from there. The 8th is scheduled to move about the end of September and while no one knows where, they all seem to think it will be to Fort Riley, Kansas. In one respect that sounds swell to me. Be damn glad not to go back to Polk and from all I have heard Fort Riley is much like this camp. Old established post with everything handy and not too far from Kansas City. About 60 or 70 miles I think, west. The part I don't like about it is this. This is all my own guess and I hope it's wrong. The time for moving is too close to the 9th of October to suit me. They will probably move all the men and equipment by convoy seeing it is only 700-800miles and if they do that they may want a full maintenance crew. Hope not.
But you better really keep those nice legs crossed and hope like hell. If they do that to me I'll really be tempted to go over the hill but I won't. We won't worry about it until it happens.
Sorry honey, that I'm writing letters you can't read to your friends but I just have to love you a little somehow. I do love you honey and Boy, only 34 more days. I hope.
Well Bye honey. I'm loving you.
your hubby
Norm
My reluctant school teacher;
Good thing you said faithful wife and reluctant teacher instead of the reverse. I'd have taken right off for the W.A.C. camp if you had.
This evening after chow I met Ernie and Angie out on the street, all dressed up and heading for the camp. Both broke and can't go to town so they are going to see if they can find a willing W.A.C. or two to play with. Guess maybe I was cramping their style yesterday. Ernie said he was on the wolf and proceeded to prove it by howling. Guess he was too. He was so anxious to get going he had forgotten to put on a belt.
School was a little better today. Studied gun control mechanism. I don't imagine you would care much for details so I won't go into that. We had a 49 question test and Ernie and I are tied again, 48 each, so here we go again.
We sure had a tough afternoon today. Instead of our regular Wednesday afternoon hike we worked. I'm so near worn out I can hardly write this letter. They took 30 of us over to the mess hall and put us to work. I steel wooled two metal water pitchers and polished my dog tags, all in two hours. Even had lemonade to drink. Honestly honey, if they don't let up soon I'll be a physical wreck and will have to cut that quota back down to 30 or less. Be so worn out I'll have to rest instead of love. Could be I'll not even need any rest. I'm sure storing up a lot of excess energy.
I got a letter from Marg today. Was going to send it but from what you say you have already heard the news. She sent me one of the pictures of you and I, taken the day before I left. Good picture. My wife looks very nice. Think I'd like her just from the picture, without knowing her. Even with the coat on she shows a little of what I like to see. If I remember right they're real too. Like to have a couple handfuls of them right now.
Readinger says "Hell man you got a good looking wife" I told him I knew it and that wasn't all either. She's just as good as she looks.
Ernie got a letter from one of the sargents down at Polk today. Here is the news as reported from there. The 8th is scheduled to move about the end of September and while no one knows where, they all seem to think it will be to Fort Riley, Kansas. In one respect that sounds swell to me. Be damn glad not to go back to Polk and from all I have heard Fort Riley is much like this camp. Old established post with everything handy and not too far from Kansas City. About 60 or 70 miles I think, west. The part I don't like about it is this. This is all my own guess and I hope it's wrong. The time for moving is too close to the 9th of October to suit me. They will probably move all the men and equipment by convoy seeing it is only 700-800miles and if they do that they may want a full maintenance crew. Hope not.
But you better really keep those nice legs crossed and hope like hell. If they do that to me I'll really be tempted to go over the hill but I won't. We won't worry about it until it happens.
Sorry honey, that I'm writing letters you can't read to your friends but I just have to love you a little somehow. I do love you honey and Boy, only 34 more days. I hope.
Well Bye honey. I'm loving you.
your hubby
Norm
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Letter # 81 September 7, 1943
Sept 7, 1943
Darling wife;
Hello! How's my honey tonight? I suppose after your first day of school you're rather tired and grouchy. Wish I was there. I'd make you forget all about school for a little while at least. Hope it's going all right and isn't going to be too hard on you. Tell me about it.
Got another letter form my sweetie this noon. Just as regular as clockwork. I like 'em and look forward to mail call more than anything that happens.
Glad to hear Louise is getting straightened out. I imagine she'll be all right as soon as she gets used to the idea. Looks like you've had a chance to start paying your obligation to her, and I bet you're doing a good job of it. I know I'd like to have you in debt to me. It would sure be nice collecting.
You devil, what do you mean saying you think I'm nearly as anxious to see you as you are to see me. There isn't any nearly business about it. I'm every bit as anxious as you are if not more so. So there too. I love you more than you think I do. I know it's a lot more than I thought I ever could love anyone. You're a devil but I like it.
School isn't going so good this week. It should be real interesting and I should be learning a lot, but we have a very poor instructor. They have broken us up in groups of 8 men and we are supposed to be learning the generators. Each group has its own instructor and we happened to get a poor one. He seems to know the stuff but can't teach it. I think his main trouble is liquor, anyhow he smells rather strong. Don't know how he gets away with it but he seems to. I don't know how it will affect us. We'll see later.
This afternoon several of us, all from the 8th decided to go buy some more film and take a few pictures. So we went over to the old port, by the bus station, and each got a roll for my camera. Lynn Grafton, I think I told you of him, Angelo Canova, an Italian boy from N.York City, about 5'8" tall, stocky and typical Italian. Lot of fun and a good fellow, Shindler, from St. Louis, just an ordinary fellow, Ernie, and I. We got the film and then tried to think of poses and backgrounds for pictures. Finally decided what we needed was a few W.A.C.S. for scenery so we took off for their camp. Guess our luck wasn't very good because they all seemed to be missing. The few we did see weren't good enough to decorate our pictures so we didn't even ask. I wouldn't have anyhow but don't think Ernie and Angie wouldn't have. Ernie said they might be all right if a man needed a little fucking but he sure didn't want them in a picture with him. Ornery devil isn't he.
We finally compromised and took some pictures leaning against the W.A.C. Hdq. sign. Then we took a walk out by the building where nearly all the gold in the world is stored at the present time. Couldn't get very close, about 1/2 mile. Guards all over the place, so we didn't get any pictures. Came back to the barracks and took a lot of snaps of all of us. Got 5 rolls of film to take up for developing. Will get some more some of these days. See what these look like first.
Glad to hear Tony seems to be on his feet at last. Evidently he got through his basic this time. He'll be O.K. now. The worst is over and I expect he'll have some sort of an office job when he finishes school.
Did I tell you I love you? Well I do. I think you're sweet and the best little wife a man ever had. I'm missing you a lot. But just think honey, only 35 more days and I will have you where I can get hold of you and show you. Whoope! Gives me a thrill to just think about it. Bye, Bye, darling, I love you.
Your soldier
Norm
Darling wife;
Hello! How's my honey tonight? I suppose after your first day of school you're rather tired and grouchy. Wish I was there. I'd make you forget all about school for a little while at least. Hope it's going all right and isn't going to be too hard on you. Tell me about it.
Got another letter form my sweetie this noon. Just as regular as clockwork. I like 'em and look forward to mail call more than anything that happens.
Glad to hear Louise is getting straightened out. I imagine she'll be all right as soon as she gets used to the idea. Looks like you've had a chance to start paying your obligation to her, and I bet you're doing a good job of it. I know I'd like to have you in debt to me. It would sure be nice collecting.
You devil, what do you mean saying you think I'm nearly as anxious to see you as you are to see me. There isn't any nearly business about it. I'm every bit as anxious as you are if not more so. So there too. I love you more than you think I do. I know it's a lot more than I thought I ever could love anyone. You're a devil but I like it.
School isn't going so good this week. It should be real interesting and I should be learning a lot, but we have a very poor instructor. They have broken us up in groups of 8 men and we are supposed to be learning the generators. Each group has its own instructor and we happened to get a poor one. He seems to know the stuff but can't teach it. I think his main trouble is liquor, anyhow he smells rather strong. Don't know how he gets away with it but he seems to. I don't know how it will affect us. We'll see later.
This afternoon several of us, all from the 8th decided to go buy some more film and take a few pictures. So we went over to the old port, by the bus station, and each got a roll for my camera. Lynn Grafton, I think I told you of him, Angelo Canova, an Italian boy from N.York City, about 5'8" tall, stocky and typical Italian. Lot of fun and a good fellow, Shindler, from St. Louis, just an ordinary fellow, Ernie, and I. We got the film and then tried to think of poses and backgrounds for pictures. Finally decided what we needed was a few W.A.C.S. for scenery so we took off for their camp. Guess our luck wasn't very good because they all seemed to be missing. The few we did see weren't good enough to decorate our pictures so we didn't even ask. I wouldn't have anyhow but don't think Ernie and Angie wouldn't have. Ernie said they might be all right if a man needed a little fucking but he sure didn't want them in a picture with him. Ornery devil isn't he.
We finally compromised and took some pictures leaning against the W.A.C. Hdq. sign. Then we took a walk out by the building where nearly all the gold in the world is stored at the present time. Couldn't get very close, about 1/2 mile. Guards all over the place, so we didn't get any pictures. Came back to the barracks and took a lot of snaps of all of us. Got 5 rolls of film to take up for developing. Will get some more some of these days. See what these look like first.
Glad to hear Tony seems to be on his feet at last. Evidently he got through his basic this time. He'll be O.K. now. The worst is over and I expect he'll have some sort of an office job when he finishes school.
Did I tell you I love you? Well I do. I think you're sweet and the best little wife a man ever had. I'm missing you a lot. But just think honey, only 35 more days and I will have you where I can get hold of you and show you. Whoope! Gives me a thrill to just think about it. Bye, Bye, darling, I love you.
Your soldier
Norm
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