Nov 30, 1943
Tues. Eve.
Dear Mummy;
Starting this early before supper and will probably finish it sometime later tonight. Have to go back to work for a couple hours. The tanks are going out again tomorrow and so far we only have 10 able to go. We have been trying to keep at least 12 on the operating list all the time. Have a couple that don't need too much work. Get them running and we will quit.
They issued an order in the battalion that all mechanics will take calisthenics so we now have an hour of exercise a few mornings a week. First I had taken since about the middle of Sept. Thought it would be kinda hard on the old man, but it wasn't. Can still touch my toes after I get warmed up. The belly isn't as much in evidence now as when I left, but they aren't taking me down nearly as fast as they did the first time down here. Have only lost about four of the ten you put on me when I was home. In the same length of time last spring I lost at least 15 lbs. Guess I'm getting used to army life. Never fear, I'll never come to like it well enough to stay any longer than necessary. I like to be with my little wife too much. I love you honey.
Today was payday again, rather close together this month. Got most of the last one left yet so I'm quite wealthy now. Come see me sometime and I'll take you out and show you a time, without taking you out.
Well honey we're back from work and it's only 2000. Did pretty good.
I got a letter from Jim today. Didn't waste much time answering it. He didn't, I mean. I probably won't get to answer it until the last of the week. As soon as I get it answered I'll send it on to you.
Sounds like I'm going to have something to eat before I go to bed at night. I imagine I'll tie into that as soon as it arrives, but I promise not to open the rest until time.
Glad you finally got the rest of your coal, probably have enough to last the winter now.
Well honey, I'll have to cut short again tonight. Have some things to do yet before bed time. I love you honey. I'm thinking of you a lot. Night sweetheart. I love you and love you.
your soldier
Norm.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Monday, November 29, 2010
Letter # 139 November 29, 1943
Nov 29, 1943
Mon. eve.
Darling Babe;
Got two very nice letters from you today. One was a six pager. Your Thurs. and Friday ones. Kinda makes me a little ashamed of laying down on the job last night and only writing one page. I had very good intentions. I finished the others I was writing and then about the middle of the afternoon, started one to you, got a little tired and read until supper thinking I had plenty of time in the evening to finish. As it turned out I guess I was wrong. Brownie had spent most of the day sleeping and after supper he came out of his lair, has a room he shares with another Sgt, sat his ass down on my bunk and the shit began to fly. Talked about everything but no women. Don't think they were even mentioned. Hunting, fishing, trapping, timbering, machinery, country we had seen, and lots of things. The shit got pretty thick at times, but we had a very pleasant evening. It was time for lights to go out before I knew it, so I had to hastily write a few more lines and send it to you as is. Sorry honey, I'll try to write my letters before I get into one of these bull sessions again.
Just had an ordinary day in the shop today. The outfit went out but Brown sent a couple other boys and kept me in the shop. Repaired a couple cripples and then worked on the new engine. Got it all ready to go into the tank tomorrow. I don't know if all engines of that type need so much checking and adjusting or if it is just due to fast production and inexperienced help, but they sure aren't ready to run. I've spent a couple days on it and just finished it. It wouldn't even have run the way it was. Valves & pistons out of time, in fact, nearly everything had to be checked and reset. Maybe it won't run now. Not much worried about it though. Got time as fast as it's made and they won't fire me. If they would I'm afraid I might be tempted to "fuck up" good. Then I'd come home and let my wife take care of me and support me. I sure would like to have you taking care of me again. I loves you gorgeous.
I had always been rather independent until I got you and now I'm just the opposite. You did things to me honey. Damn near made a different person of me. I'm happy about the whole thing and wouldn't have it changed for anybody or anything. Love is great stuff to receive and return. I love you.
I'll try to get the issue of Yank you mention and will relay it to you sometime. I have been watching for the songbook you wanted but I haven't seen it anyplace. Looked at all the magazines stands on the way down too. I hadn't forgotten you wanted it. Even remember the name and description you gave me. If I ever see it I'll get one for you.
I see from Tony's new address that you answered one of my recent questions. The Pvt. part. I thought he would probably have a rating by now. The address sounds like he must not be quartered in a barracks. Of course, I know they would have a place in town, but usually the mail goes to the barracks. 185 Wash St. doesn't sound like a barracks to me. I wrote this address in my book. Learned a lesson maybe.
Real maneuvers would be about like the three days last week, only last for, at least six weeks and probably more.
I have no more news as to what is in store for us. I try to tell you the rumors as they turn up, and they are all I have to go on. The latest rumor is that we will be here for another 6 months. Hope not. I'd just as soon see some other part of the country and we might accidentally move closer to home. I'd go to Knox again and not complain a bit. I might even encourage you a little to come see me some weekend. You can bet I would get all the three day passes they would let me have. I'd come home too.
Honey, don't let it worry you, what they are going to do to us. As long as I'm in the army it doesn't make much difference. We can't be together so I don't see why we should worry about where I will be. They can't hurt me any and when it's all over I'll be back pestering you again. Just forget about it except to hope it's over and I can be loving you soon.
That was a very nice love letter honey and you can double everything you say about our years together, past and to come. I love you honey and I'll do all I can to be what you say I am.
It was swell of you to help the folks move. I hope the next time I'm on hand so you won't work yourself too hard.
Who's the one that always used to laugh at me because I was always getting myself into work, helping someone out? I knew you didn't mean it. You're a sweet wife and I love you ever and ever so much.
If you're tuned into the proper wave maybe you can feel me kissing and loving you. I am anyhow. I love you sweetheart.
your hubby
Norm.
Mon. eve.
Darling Babe;
Got two very nice letters from you today. One was a six pager. Your Thurs. and Friday ones. Kinda makes me a little ashamed of laying down on the job last night and only writing one page. I had very good intentions. I finished the others I was writing and then about the middle of the afternoon, started one to you, got a little tired and read until supper thinking I had plenty of time in the evening to finish. As it turned out I guess I was wrong. Brownie had spent most of the day sleeping and after supper he came out of his lair, has a room he shares with another Sgt, sat his ass down on my bunk and the shit began to fly. Talked about everything but no women. Don't think they were even mentioned. Hunting, fishing, trapping, timbering, machinery, country we had seen, and lots of things. The shit got pretty thick at times, but we had a very pleasant evening. It was time for lights to go out before I knew it, so I had to hastily write a few more lines and send it to you as is. Sorry honey, I'll try to write my letters before I get into one of these bull sessions again.
Just had an ordinary day in the shop today. The outfit went out but Brown sent a couple other boys and kept me in the shop. Repaired a couple cripples and then worked on the new engine. Got it all ready to go into the tank tomorrow. I don't know if all engines of that type need so much checking and adjusting or if it is just due to fast production and inexperienced help, but they sure aren't ready to run. I've spent a couple days on it and just finished it. It wouldn't even have run the way it was. Valves & pistons out of time, in fact, nearly everything had to be checked and reset. Maybe it won't run now. Not much worried about it though. Got time as fast as it's made and they won't fire me. If they would I'm afraid I might be tempted to "fuck up" good. Then I'd come home and let my wife take care of me and support me. I sure would like to have you taking care of me again. I loves you gorgeous.
I had always been rather independent until I got you and now I'm just the opposite. You did things to me honey. Damn near made a different person of me. I'm happy about the whole thing and wouldn't have it changed for anybody or anything. Love is great stuff to receive and return. I love you.
I'll try to get the issue of Yank you mention and will relay it to you sometime. I have been watching for the songbook you wanted but I haven't seen it anyplace. Looked at all the magazines stands on the way down too. I hadn't forgotten you wanted it. Even remember the name and description you gave me. If I ever see it I'll get one for you.
I see from Tony's new address that you answered one of my recent questions. The Pvt. part. I thought he would probably have a rating by now. The address sounds like he must not be quartered in a barracks. Of course, I know they would have a place in town, but usually the mail goes to the barracks. 185 Wash St. doesn't sound like a barracks to me. I wrote this address in my book. Learned a lesson maybe.
Real maneuvers would be about like the three days last week, only last for, at least six weeks and probably more.
I have no more news as to what is in store for us. I try to tell you the rumors as they turn up, and they are all I have to go on. The latest rumor is that we will be here for another 6 months. Hope not. I'd just as soon see some other part of the country and we might accidentally move closer to home. I'd go to Knox again and not complain a bit. I might even encourage you a little to come see me some weekend. You can bet I would get all the three day passes they would let me have. I'd come home too.
Honey, don't let it worry you, what they are going to do to us. As long as I'm in the army it doesn't make much difference. We can't be together so I don't see why we should worry about where I will be. They can't hurt me any and when it's all over I'll be back pestering you again. Just forget about it except to hope it's over and I can be loving you soon.
That was a very nice love letter honey and you can double everything you say about our years together, past and to come. I love you honey and I'll do all I can to be what you say I am.
It was swell of you to help the folks move. I hope the next time I'm on hand so you won't work yourself too hard.
Who's the one that always used to laugh at me because I was always getting myself into work, helping someone out? I knew you didn't mean it. You're a sweet wife and I love you ever and ever so much.
If you're tuned into the proper wave maybe you can feel me kissing and loving you. I am anyhow. I love you sweetheart.
your hubby
Norm.
Letter # 138 November 28, 1943
Nov 28, 1943
My darling sweater girl;
Well here it is Sunday again and a rest day at that. Seems rather good to have a day off now and then. I've been trying to catch up on some of my letters and was doing swell. Gus & Vi, Mom & Hazel, Marg, and Steve. That one to Steve is where I hit the snag. I would have sworn I wrote his new address in my little book when you sent it but it isn't there, so now that I have the letter all written I can't send it. Be your same sweet, natural self and send it to your forgetful husband again, Will you honey?
I just destroyed all your old letters the other day. I have Jim's new address in my little book but not Steve's and you sent them both about the same time. Guess I'm slipping sweetheart. Need me a good wife or secretary to take care of me. You have me so badly spoiled. I can't get along without you anymore. Funny but I sure like to be spoiled by you. You're a peach, honey and I love you and miss you an awful lot.
I finally made it to the P.O. this morning and mailed you your letter box of Yanks. Also put a very small surprise in for you. I also got some air mail stamps and will try them for a while. Let me know how much quicker you get them, if any.
I also came very near to going to town today, but I had so many things I should do and it's been raining steadily all day. I got half drowned going to the P.O. so I thought it wouldn't be much fun. They tell me it's dead as hell on Sunday anyhow, only a few hot spots open for business. Someday, if they ever give me a chance I'm going to see the place on Sat. night.
I looked at the show schedule for this afternoon and there wasn't anything I wanted to see, so I'm going to spend the evening laying around and reading. Have a nice quiet lazy evening. Most of the boys that are here today have spent the whole day sleeping. I don't see how they do it. More than my honey. I bet some of these boys can out sleep you by quit a lot.
Honey, it is just 8 months to the day that I was spending my last day at home with you. It sure seems a lot longer than that. Almost seems that long since I last saw you and it isn't even that many weeks yet. A lot has happened in those eight months. Lost all my belly, have become a mechanic [I guess], been in two army camps, found out just how much I love you, you came and spent three of the nicest weeks of my life with me, then I returned the favor and spent two perfectly grand weeks with you at the house, and here it is almost 5 weeks again since I left you.
Well honey, I had good intentions of writing you a longer letter than this but "Brownie" came up here, plunked his ass down on my bunk, and we've been shooting the shit, hunting, fishing, timbering, and etc. all evening. So you are hurtin for a letter. I love you honey and will try to do better next time.
My darling sweater girl;
Well here it is Sunday again and a rest day at that. Seems rather good to have a day off now and then. I've been trying to catch up on some of my letters and was doing swell. Gus & Vi, Mom & Hazel, Marg, and Steve. That one to Steve is where I hit the snag. I would have sworn I wrote his new address in my little book when you sent it but it isn't there, so now that I have the letter all written I can't send it. Be your same sweet, natural self and send it to your forgetful husband again, Will you honey?
I just destroyed all your old letters the other day. I have Jim's new address in my little book but not Steve's and you sent them both about the same time. Guess I'm slipping sweetheart. Need me a good wife or secretary to take care of me. You have me so badly spoiled. I can't get along without you anymore. Funny but I sure like to be spoiled by you. You're a peach, honey and I love you and miss you an awful lot.
I finally made it to the P.O. this morning and mailed you your letter box of Yanks. Also put a very small surprise in for you. I also got some air mail stamps and will try them for a while. Let me know how much quicker you get them, if any.
I also came very near to going to town today, but I had so many things I should do and it's been raining steadily all day. I got half drowned going to the P.O. so I thought it wouldn't be much fun. They tell me it's dead as hell on Sunday anyhow, only a few hot spots open for business. Someday, if they ever give me a chance I'm going to see the place on Sat. night.
I looked at the show schedule for this afternoon and there wasn't anything I wanted to see, so I'm going to spend the evening laying around and reading. Have a nice quiet lazy evening. Most of the boys that are here today have spent the whole day sleeping. I don't see how they do it. More than my honey. I bet some of these boys can out sleep you by quit a lot.
Honey, it is just 8 months to the day that I was spending my last day at home with you. It sure seems a lot longer than that. Almost seems that long since I last saw you and it isn't even that many weeks yet. A lot has happened in those eight months. Lost all my belly, have become a mechanic [I guess], been in two army camps, found out just how much I love you, you came and spent three of the nicest weeks of my life with me, then I returned the favor and spent two perfectly grand weeks with you at the house, and here it is almost 5 weeks again since I left you.
Well honey, I had good intentions of writing you a longer letter than this but "Brownie" came up here, plunked his ass down on my bunk, and we've been shooting the shit, hunting, fishing, timbering, and etc. all evening. So you are hurtin for a letter. I love you honey and will try to do better next time.
Saturday, November 27, 2010
Letter # 137 November 27, 1943
Nov 27, 1943
Sat eve.
Darling;
Sat. night again and we don't have to work tomorrow. That is unless they change their minds. Did myself a little washing. Two pair of fatigues, and boy oh boy, were they dirty. Good thing you aren't like some of the other gals and living here with me, because then I wouldn't have time to do my own laundry. You'd have to do it for me and I can just hear what you would say about it. You wouldn't even recognize me after a day's work. Just like a _____. Have more grease on me than the tanks have on them.
We worked all day until 1700 and then quit. Have most of the battle wagons ready to roll for a day or so again. Still haven't got the new engine in yet. Kept me too busy fixing the others today.
Went and got myself another haircut tonight. Maybe that is another habit I'll keep after I come home. [You hope] It still hurts a little to get a haircut that often but not as bad as it used to. Maybe if I live long enough I'll acquire some good habits after all.
I hear they keep the Post Office open a couple hrs. on Sunday morning. I'm going to walk over and see tomorrow and if so, I'll send you those Yanks I've been saving for you. Wish I could send you some other things I'm saving, but I don't know how to go about it. Kinda hard to send so far. Anyhow I love you lots and lots and am storing it up for the time when you are close enough to show you. I loves my chubby wife and I don't mean maybe. If you ever doubt it just remember honeymoons number 2 & 3 and add a little more and you will have an idea of what number 4 will be like.
I got your Thanksgiving morning letter today. The pictures were nice of you honey, also of Mom. I got quite a laugh at myself though. That blouse is so long or something that I look like I was a short leg man, mostly body. That isn't quite the case. You probably know that. The rest of me looks good, in fact, I think as good as any photos I've ever seen of myself. Even look happy and it's sure easy to see why I would be. With such a nice hunk of good looking, exciting female so close to me. Any man should be happy. What more could I want? You've got everything. You sure look good honey. Even if Mom does say they are rather "titty", I'll take that kind of picture of you any day. What's the use of having something that good, if you don't show it. Kinda makes me want to whistle and follow you.
I still remember you promised me a date the first time I get a chance. I'm holding you to that promise, young lady and don't you forget it. Of course. I'm warning you, I may be a wolf, so you can prepare any defenses you think you might need. I love you sweetheart. How could I help it? You're all I could ask for, for a wife.
I don't quite know what Vi means by my "hardware" look. I'll have to ask her so I know if it's a compliment, criticism or what. I guess I'll get a chance to catch up on my back correspondence if I don't get lazy.
Tony's new job sounds like it would be right down his alley. Sure will be swell for them if they do get in the same office together. Just like being at home. I guess we aren't the only lucky ones. Good luck to them. I don't believe you ever said if Tony had any kind of rating yet. Seems as if he should.
How did Gus make out with the gun? Did it work as well for him as it used to for me, or is it a one man gun? I think he's the only one beside myself to fire it.
Did Pop ever get the radio fixed? Was there much wrong with it and how does it work?
I guess I didn't tell you that when we were out in the field the first of the week, Dick Elder and another medic went along with us. They rode in the half track with me. I can see why Franklin had such a tale about Camp Polk. Dick is really disgusted and wants nothing so bad as to move out of here. I expect he told them all the worst about it and nothing of the good. He sure has a soft job while he's out. Very seldom that anyone is hurt and they did nothing but ride along and sleep all the time we were out. Probably gets rather monotonous and makes the time go slow as hell.
Now me, I don't have that trouble and the time goes fast. It really didn't seem like three days and two nights at all, just flew by.
The weather has still been holding swell. No rain since the first week or so I was here. Just perfect temperature for me. One of the local barbers told me tonight that it is time for the yearly rainy season to begin. Says it usually rains almost every day through Dec & Jan. Doesn't sound so good to me. If that is the case, I bet there won't be much maneuvering around here. These heavy babies would just go out of sight and stay there till it dried up. Maybe give us a chance to get them fixed up again. Well my good looking sweater girl it's almost 2400 so I guess I better say bye for this time. I'll talk to you again tomorrow. I'd like to talk to you, make love to you, and even sleep with you. Brazen aren't I? I would though, so there too. I love you sweetheart and even if I can't understand how I was lucky enough to get you for my own, I'm sure as hell not kicking a bit about it. Perfectly happy and satisfied about the whole thing. Night honey. I loves you. Should we eat or should we love? I'd like to love but seeing I can't, I guess I'll have to be satisfied with eating. But I can dream can't I?
your loving hubby.
Norm.
Sat eve.
Darling;
Sat. night again and we don't have to work tomorrow. That is unless they change their minds. Did myself a little washing. Two pair of fatigues, and boy oh boy, were they dirty. Good thing you aren't like some of the other gals and living here with me, because then I wouldn't have time to do my own laundry. You'd have to do it for me and I can just hear what you would say about it. You wouldn't even recognize me after a day's work. Just like a _____. Have more grease on me than the tanks have on them.
We worked all day until 1700 and then quit. Have most of the battle wagons ready to roll for a day or so again. Still haven't got the new engine in yet. Kept me too busy fixing the others today.
Went and got myself another haircut tonight. Maybe that is another habit I'll keep after I come home. [You hope] It still hurts a little to get a haircut that often but not as bad as it used to. Maybe if I live long enough I'll acquire some good habits after all.
I hear they keep the Post Office open a couple hrs. on Sunday morning. I'm going to walk over and see tomorrow and if so, I'll send you those Yanks I've been saving for you. Wish I could send you some other things I'm saving, but I don't know how to go about it. Kinda hard to send so far. Anyhow I love you lots and lots and am storing it up for the time when you are close enough to show you. I loves my chubby wife and I don't mean maybe. If you ever doubt it just remember honeymoons number 2 & 3 and add a little more and you will have an idea of what number 4 will be like.
I got your Thanksgiving morning letter today. The pictures were nice of you honey, also of Mom. I got quite a laugh at myself though. That blouse is so long or something that I look like I was a short leg man, mostly body. That isn't quite the case. You probably know that. The rest of me looks good, in fact, I think as good as any photos I've ever seen of myself. Even look happy and it's sure easy to see why I would be. With such a nice hunk of good looking, exciting female so close to me. Any man should be happy. What more could I want? You've got everything. You sure look good honey. Even if Mom does say they are rather "titty", I'll take that kind of picture of you any day. What's the use of having something that good, if you don't show it. Kinda makes me want to whistle and follow you.
I still remember you promised me a date the first time I get a chance. I'm holding you to that promise, young lady and don't you forget it. Of course. I'm warning you, I may be a wolf, so you can prepare any defenses you think you might need. I love you sweetheart. How could I help it? You're all I could ask for, for a wife.
I don't quite know what Vi means by my "hardware" look. I'll have to ask her so I know if it's a compliment, criticism or what. I guess I'll get a chance to catch up on my back correspondence if I don't get lazy.
Tony's new job sounds like it would be right down his alley. Sure will be swell for them if they do get in the same office together. Just like being at home. I guess we aren't the only lucky ones. Good luck to them. I don't believe you ever said if Tony had any kind of rating yet. Seems as if he should.
How did Gus make out with the gun? Did it work as well for him as it used to for me, or is it a one man gun? I think he's the only one beside myself to fire it.
Did Pop ever get the radio fixed? Was there much wrong with it and how does it work?
I guess I didn't tell you that when we were out in the field the first of the week, Dick Elder and another medic went along with us. They rode in the half track with me. I can see why Franklin had such a tale about Camp Polk. Dick is really disgusted and wants nothing so bad as to move out of here. I expect he told them all the worst about it and nothing of the good. He sure has a soft job while he's out. Very seldom that anyone is hurt and they did nothing but ride along and sleep all the time we were out. Probably gets rather monotonous and makes the time go slow as hell.
Now me, I don't have that trouble and the time goes fast. It really didn't seem like three days and two nights at all, just flew by.
The weather has still been holding swell. No rain since the first week or so I was here. Just perfect temperature for me. One of the local barbers told me tonight that it is time for the yearly rainy season to begin. Says it usually rains almost every day through Dec & Jan. Doesn't sound so good to me. If that is the case, I bet there won't be much maneuvering around here. These heavy babies would just go out of sight and stay there till it dried up. Maybe give us a chance to get them fixed up again. Well my good looking sweater girl it's almost 2400 so I guess I better say bye for this time. I'll talk to you again tomorrow. I'd like to talk to you, make love to you, and even sleep with you. Brazen aren't I? I would though, so there too. I love you sweetheart and even if I can't understand how I was lucky enough to get you for my own, I'm sure as hell not kicking a bit about it. Perfectly happy and satisfied about the whole thing. Night honey. I loves you. Should we eat or should we love? I'd like to love but seeing I can't, I guess I'll have to be satisfied with eating. But I can dream can't I?
your loving hubby.
Norm.
Friday, November 26, 2010
Letter # 136 November 26, 1943
Nov 26, 1943
Fri. Eve.
Sweetheart;
Here it is Friday night again. Four weeks since I arrived here. If it wasn't for missing a certain old devil it would have seemed very long. Have been so busy the days just roll by. Can't realize that Wed. is the first of Dec. already. No snow or cold weather to make it seem at all like winter. When I left last March, Dec and the first of 1944 seemed a hell of a way off, but here they are just around the corner. It won't be long and it will be a year that I've been a soldier. Hardly seems possible. Didn't think I could stand being away from you that long, but I've done it, so I guess I can stand the rest of the time. Hoping this will all be over and I can come home before another like period rolls around. I love you honey and don't want to spend too much time away from you. You might get used to being without me and not want me back again. "Then I'd be hurtin and plenty bad."
Haven't got much to report today. Just an ordinary busy day in the garage, repairing tanks. Was putting a new engine in one today. They are finally giving us a few new parts. Now if we get the time maybe we can get these old babies on the ball again.
Grafton's outfit hasn't gone yet, but the indications are still good. They have about a hundred flatcars on the siding and part of them are already loaded. The latest shit house rumor is that instead of Knox, they are going to Calif. and we are supposed to follow by the 1st of the year. Just keeping you posted on the rumors. They usually don't mean anything, as you well know by now.
Mac is still in the hospital, and I haven't heard anymore from him.
Don't know if we work again Sunday or not, but it looks like it. You'll just have to make excuses to people for me not writing, if they continue to keep us as busy. Just have time to write to my honey and then get to bed when I get my chores done. Have a bucket of fatigue stew brewing now. Will finish them after lights go out.
Well now I guess I can finish answering your letters. I got your Tues. letter this evening so I now have Sun. Mon, & Tues to answer, to bring me up to date.
You're a sweet, thoughtful old devil to assure me you wouldn't be disappointed if I didn't get you a Christmas present. I have been thinking and wondering about it. Don't get a chance to get to town when any of the stores are open. So, much as I hate it I may not be able to do anything about it. You always were such a satisfactory person to get things for, get such a kick out of it. I don't like to be forced to do it to you but I'll sure try to make it up when I get home again. You're a sweet old devil and I love you like hell. Just one thing about this as I've said before. Don't send me any presents unless it's something to eat. You also save your money for the next honeymoon. That will be the best present ever no matter when it comes. I mean this too, you old devil.
I can't figure what happened to that Wed. letter either. I suppose they lost it someplace. I can't remember what I wrote but I guess nothing so very important. Probably just a love letter.
So you flopped already again. You sure keep me changing the marks on my calendar. What's happened to you? Used to be able to tell the day by your periods. That nearly puts you back on schedule again. Must be I was a disturbing influence the last time. By the way you haven't said how Margaret came out. O.K. I hope.
Also, if you get hold of a small calendar, preferably one sheet with all on it, send it. I may not get one and I need it to keep track of the days.
My itch is all gone. That hot salve did the job. Only took a couple applications.
I haven't been out of camp, but as far as the fishy business is concerned, I wouldn't have to. When the boys don't get out for a couple weeks, the gals come in. I can assure you that I got that itch innocently. Haven't been away from you long enough yet to be strongly tempted.
I am figuring on going to town sometime, but just so I can say I've been in that infamous town. It would take a hell of a good gal to really tempt me, after having you for three years. I'm just too particular now. There just aren't many like you made. I love you honey.
It's nice of you to throw a party for Louise. It's too bad she's gotten so ornery, but I can see a little excuse. I know I get a little ornery and your Mom says you do too. Not so much fun being separated. Just not quite satisfied. Something missing and you know what.
Your letters are very sweet and I love 'em all. Like you I always get a lift out of them. Just something between us.
Night sweetheart. I'm still loving you as much as ever and thinking of you constantly. Never thought one person could so dominate my thoughts and actions, especially when you are so far away. You're some gal, honey. I love you so much.
Your soldier.
Norm.
Fri. Eve.
Sweetheart;
Here it is Friday night again. Four weeks since I arrived here. If it wasn't for missing a certain old devil it would have seemed very long. Have been so busy the days just roll by. Can't realize that Wed. is the first of Dec. already. No snow or cold weather to make it seem at all like winter. When I left last March, Dec and the first of 1944 seemed a hell of a way off, but here they are just around the corner. It won't be long and it will be a year that I've been a soldier. Hardly seems possible. Didn't think I could stand being away from you that long, but I've done it, so I guess I can stand the rest of the time. Hoping this will all be over and I can come home before another like period rolls around. I love you honey and don't want to spend too much time away from you. You might get used to being without me and not want me back again. "Then I'd be hurtin and plenty bad."
Haven't got much to report today. Just an ordinary busy day in the garage, repairing tanks. Was putting a new engine in one today. They are finally giving us a few new parts. Now if we get the time maybe we can get these old babies on the ball again.
Grafton's outfit hasn't gone yet, but the indications are still good. They have about a hundred flatcars on the siding and part of them are already loaded. The latest shit house rumor is that instead of Knox, they are going to Calif. and we are supposed to follow by the 1st of the year. Just keeping you posted on the rumors. They usually don't mean anything, as you well know by now.
Mac is still in the hospital, and I haven't heard anymore from him.
Don't know if we work again Sunday or not, but it looks like it. You'll just have to make excuses to people for me not writing, if they continue to keep us as busy. Just have time to write to my honey and then get to bed when I get my chores done. Have a bucket of fatigue stew brewing now. Will finish them after lights go out.
Well now I guess I can finish answering your letters. I got your Tues. letter this evening so I now have Sun. Mon, & Tues to answer, to bring me up to date.
You're a sweet, thoughtful old devil to assure me you wouldn't be disappointed if I didn't get you a Christmas present. I have been thinking and wondering about it. Don't get a chance to get to town when any of the stores are open. So, much as I hate it I may not be able to do anything about it. You always were such a satisfactory person to get things for, get such a kick out of it. I don't like to be forced to do it to you but I'll sure try to make it up when I get home again. You're a sweet old devil and I love you like hell. Just one thing about this as I've said before. Don't send me any presents unless it's something to eat. You also save your money for the next honeymoon. That will be the best present ever no matter when it comes. I mean this too, you old devil.
I can't figure what happened to that Wed. letter either. I suppose they lost it someplace. I can't remember what I wrote but I guess nothing so very important. Probably just a love letter.
So you flopped already again. You sure keep me changing the marks on my calendar. What's happened to you? Used to be able to tell the day by your periods. That nearly puts you back on schedule again. Must be I was a disturbing influence the last time. By the way you haven't said how Margaret came out. O.K. I hope.
Also, if you get hold of a small calendar, preferably one sheet with all on it, send it. I may not get one and I need it to keep track of the days.
My itch is all gone. That hot salve did the job. Only took a couple applications.
I haven't been out of camp, but as far as the fishy business is concerned, I wouldn't have to. When the boys don't get out for a couple weeks, the gals come in. I can assure you that I got that itch innocently. Haven't been away from you long enough yet to be strongly tempted.
I am figuring on going to town sometime, but just so I can say I've been in that infamous town. It would take a hell of a good gal to really tempt me, after having you for three years. I'm just too particular now. There just aren't many like you made. I love you honey.
It's nice of you to throw a party for Louise. It's too bad she's gotten so ornery, but I can see a little excuse. I know I get a little ornery and your Mom says you do too. Not so much fun being separated. Just not quite satisfied. Something missing and you know what.
Your letters are very sweet and I love 'em all. Like you I always get a lift out of them. Just something between us.
Night sweetheart. I'm still loving you as much as ever and thinking of you constantly. Never thought one person could so dominate my thoughts and actions, especially when you are so far away. You're some gal, honey. I love you so much.
Your soldier.
Norm.
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Letter # 135 November 25, 1943
Nov 25, 1943
Hello Sweetheart;
I'm doing like you seem to do in writing your letters, start now and finish later. They turned us loose at 1430 this afternoon to get ready for the parade this evening at 1630. So I have a little time to write now and I'll finish it tonight after our
Thanksgiving supper. Haven't heard yet what it will be. I'll tell you about it after supper.
Sgt. Brown came back from his furlough last night. Says he got everything he went home to get. Went hunting and got two nice four point bucks, and had good luck fishing. Says he spent several days in Reno. That was his old scratching, hunting ground, so I imagine he found some of that also. Says he sure hated to leave the hills and come back down here. Had nice weather all the time. Winter is just coming in that country. Unusually late this year he says. He sure picked a nice time to come back. Most of his tanks in need of repair after that 3 day march. I started to tell him all the troubles, got about half through and he says, "Fuck 'em", "We'll deadline them until we get a chance to fix them." Not a bit bothered about it.
Mac went to the hospital last night before we got in. The boys say they thought he might have pneumonia. I don't hardly think so myself. I think he just hurt his back and that made his whole chest sore. Just can't seem to keep the whole crew on the job all the time.
Well sweetheart, I guess that about covers the news, and now for your letters. Got quite a few to cover. They brought your Thur, Fri, & Sat letters out to the field, and I got your Sun one last night. Your Mon one this noon. That makes 5 of yours to answer. I still haven't answered any of the others. May get a chance this weekend.
So my chubby darling wife is really back to work again. Probably loose that extra 10 lbs again. Glad to hear it wasn't too bad getting to work again. Wish I could be home to keep you busy taking care of me. You're undoubtedly a very good teacher, but I know darn well you're a very swell wife and I love you like hell. I'll show you when that 4th honeymoon rolls around.
Just think darling 4 weeks yesterday, already since I left you. The time really goes fast. The faster it goes the quicker I'll have you with me again. Can't come too quick for me. The old man isn't quite satisfied when he doesn't have his sweet wife someplace close around. Like to see you, talk to you, and get hold of you. You're a very exciting yet comfortable person to have around. I miss you, "honey.
I guess I forgot to tell you that Gus M. had asked to use my gun and while I don't like to loan it, I thought they had been very good and that he would take care of it, so I said he could. We got talking about other things and I forgot about it altogether until you mentioned it in your letter. It's O.K. I'm glad you let him have it. Sorry I forgot to tell you about it. If anyone but Pop wants any shells, just keep on forgetting where you put them. I might want to hunt before they make any more to sell.
You're the devil. Here you are, already making plans to be with me next summer. Maybe I'll be home with you by that time or maybe I'll be way across the water. It's nice to think we can be together next summer but don't plan so far ahead. It gets too hard counting the weeks and days. I had that experience at Ft. Knox. The days didn't seem to go fast enough the last couple weeks.
Well honey, the retreat parade is all over and Thanksgiving supper is all over but not forgotten. Honestly darling, I've never eaten a better Thanksgiving dinner anyplace and that isn't belittling anyone either. Boy, I'm so full I can hardly write. The old belly is bulging way out over my belt and almost aches. Here is a small description.
We were all dressed in our best for the parade and had orders to eat, fully dressed, blouse and all. "Try to be gentlemen instead of chow hounds for once." the first Sargent told us. The whistle sounded and we all lined up and filed in. Instead of the usual bare board tables they were all dressed up in white sheets and two candles lighted on each. It was just dusk outside and the candles were the only light. The flickering light revealed sparkling china and silver and tables just heaped with food. Home style instead of the usual cafeteria style. Didn't seem at all like the old mess hall. We all got to our places and remained standing while the company officers and their wives came in and occupied a table reserved for them. When all were in their places the captain asked Pfc Fears to ask the blessing after which we seated ourselves and proceeded to work a disappearing act on the food. It did disappear too, but it was the first time in my army experience that I have ever seen food left on the table and everybody so full they could hardly get up.
Really honey it was swell. Only one thing missing and that isn't anything to eat, although I sometimes think I could take a bite out of her. Yes sweetheart, you were the missing item. It would have been perfect if you could have been here. I love you gorgeous and miss you a lot.
Here is the menu. I know you have been anxious to know, so I took pains to identify everything and will give it the proper nomenclature, as near as I can.
Roast turkey and dressing with plenty of gravy. Sweet potatoes, biscuits, sliced tomatoes on a garnish of lettuce, pickles, olives, asparagus, two kinds of pie, pumpkin and apple, cake, ice cream, fruit, apples, oranges and grapes, nuts, candy, and a pack of Camels for each man. I forgot, coffee and lemonade for drink. There I think I have everything written down.
What do you think of that? Okay huh? Funny what a good meal like that does to a bunch of men. All bitching all day because of working the last two Sundays and today. Now they are mostly all gathered around a fellow with a guitar and singing. Happy as larks. Seeing I can't help any on their singing, I'm spending my time writing to my honey. I love her, you know and sometime I'm going to show her but good.
Hope you had as nice a dinner as I did but I'm selfish enough to hope that you missed me a little also. I love you Chubbins.
Quite a bit different from other recent Thanksgiving days I have spent. Those recent ones I have always had you with me. There are other differences but that is the main one.
Seems awful hard to realize it is Thanksgiving and almost December, and to be sitting here on my bunk, with all the windows open and being perfectly comfortable. Remember last year? It was raw, windy & cold and then the next day we had our first big snow and it stayed until Christmas. Just can't get used to living in the south. Think I would sooner be in the north and see a little snow once in a while.
Maybe someday we can take a winter vacation and I can bring you down south so you can see what it's like. Make another honeymoon out of it. Boy we ought to have lots of them coming up. I love 'em. Here's to more and if possible better ones. Here's a long distance loving just to keep you warmed up. I love you sweetheart.
Now for the rest of your letters. I got sidetracked. So Tony is in Norwalk. Does that mean shipping soon or is it a permanent job?
Don't feel bad about the rest of the gals all seeing their husbands. We have ours coming and, as you say, will do it up brown, or something when it does come. I won't be satisfied until I have you all the time either. I mean that in more ways than one too. I do have a lot of fun dreaming about what we will do together when we get back together again. Kinda like letter writing though not as satisfactory by a long way as actually doing it. I loves you and loves you. You're a darling.
I can see your point about Gus Hugert but I don't particularly envy him. Sure, he's making a lot of money and is home, but both Gus and Vi are paying a price for it. You know you wouldn't want me out of it any more than I would want to be out. We can always say we tried to do our part. I really don't think I'm doing as much good here as I would at home, but that isn't the way people look at it. You wouldn't want people looking at me and asking why I wasn't in the army. It looks to me like it would take a lot more guts to stay on a job, than it does to be in the army. It is bad when they take men with families and leave others without, but I don't put the blame on them. The blame lies with the big shots who are running the show. I know Gus will do a lot more good where he is than he would here. I guess that's enough for that. It's hard to take but lots of things in this life are. It's like Louise said, "Say what the hell and forget it."
What do you mean? I should be thankful I'm not living with you. That's a crock of shit. You always did like to bitch about some things but you really didn't mean it. I'd keep you in line if I was there. Only too glad to live with you anyhow. I love you.
The picture you sent was rather a rough comparison but I get the idea. The gal with the shovel there, hasn't got much in comparison to you. Why honey, she is almost flat chested and doesn't have a tummy at all. Lacks a lot of the curve appeal you have.
I imagine the smoking trouble is because of soot in the chimney. Are you burning some wood? That will usually keep it cleaned out, or if you will throw in some papers or cardboard and have the damper open until it burns up it will probably clean it out. Do that sometime when you are going to be there for a while, so you can check it if it gets going too good. If it doesn't smoke too much, don't worry. Are you using the brush to clean the flues every week? Sounds like you are becoming quite a fireman. Good for you. I knew you could. Did you ever get any more coal?
Well honey, it's nearly lights out, so I'll have to quit. Will finish answering your letters tomorrow. Night sweetheart. I love you ever and ever so much. Wish I had you here to warm my bed for me.
your lover
Norm
Hello Sweetheart;
I'm doing like you seem to do in writing your letters, start now and finish later. They turned us loose at 1430 this afternoon to get ready for the parade this evening at 1630. So I have a little time to write now and I'll finish it tonight after our
Thanksgiving supper. Haven't heard yet what it will be. I'll tell you about it after supper.
Sgt. Brown came back from his furlough last night. Says he got everything he went home to get. Went hunting and got two nice four point bucks, and had good luck fishing. Says he spent several days in Reno. That was his old scratching, hunting ground, so I imagine he found some of that also. Says he sure hated to leave the hills and come back down here. Had nice weather all the time. Winter is just coming in that country. Unusually late this year he says. He sure picked a nice time to come back. Most of his tanks in need of repair after that 3 day march. I started to tell him all the troubles, got about half through and he says, "Fuck 'em", "We'll deadline them until we get a chance to fix them." Not a bit bothered about it.
Mac went to the hospital last night before we got in. The boys say they thought he might have pneumonia. I don't hardly think so myself. I think he just hurt his back and that made his whole chest sore. Just can't seem to keep the whole crew on the job all the time.
Well sweetheart, I guess that about covers the news, and now for your letters. Got quite a few to cover. They brought your Thur, Fri, & Sat letters out to the field, and I got your Sun one last night. Your Mon one this noon. That makes 5 of yours to answer. I still haven't answered any of the others. May get a chance this weekend.
So my chubby darling wife is really back to work again. Probably loose that extra 10 lbs again. Glad to hear it wasn't too bad getting to work again. Wish I could be home to keep you busy taking care of me. You're undoubtedly a very good teacher, but I know darn well you're a very swell wife and I love you like hell. I'll show you when that 4th honeymoon rolls around.
Just think darling 4 weeks yesterday, already since I left you. The time really goes fast. The faster it goes the quicker I'll have you with me again. Can't come too quick for me. The old man isn't quite satisfied when he doesn't have his sweet wife someplace close around. Like to see you, talk to you, and get hold of you. You're a very exciting yet comfortable person to have around. I miss you, "honey.
I guess I forgot to tell you that Gus M. had asked to use my gun and while I don't like to loan it, I thought they had been very good and that he would take care of it, so I said he could. We got talking about other things and I forgot about it altogether until you mentioned it in your letter. It's O.K. I'm glad you let him have it. Sorry I forgot to tell you about it. If anyone but Pop wants any shells, just keep on forgetting where you put them. I might want to hunt before they make any more to sell.
You're the devil. Here you are, already making plans to be with me next summer. Maybe I'll be home with you by that time or maybe I'll be way across the water. It's nice to think we can be together next summer but don't plan so far ahead. It gets too hard counting the weeks and days. I had that experience at Ft. Knox. The days didn't seem to go fast enough the last couple weeks.
Well honey, the retreat parade is all over and Thanksgiving supper is all over but not forgotten. Honestly darling, I've never eaten a better Thanksgiving dinner anyplace and that isn't belittling anyone either. Boy, I'm so full I can hardly write. The old belly is bulging way out over my belt and almost aches. Here is a small description.
We were all dressed in our best for the parade and had orders to eat, fully dressed, blouse and all. "Try to be gentlemen instead of chow hounds for once." the first Sargent told us. The whistle sounded and we all lined up and filed in. Instead of the usual bare board tables they were all dressed up in white sheets and two candles lighted on each. It was just dusk outside and the candles were the only light. The flickering light revealed sparkling china and silver and tables just heaped with food. Home style instead of the usual cafeteria style. Didn't seem at all like the old mess hall. We all got to our places and remained standing while the company officers and their wives came in and occupied a table reserved for them. When all were in their places the captain asked Pfc Fears to ask the blessing after which we seated ourselves and proceeded to work a disappearing act on the food. It did disappear too, but it was the first time in my army experience that I have ever seen food left on the table and everybody so full they could hardly get up.
Really honey it was swell. Only one thing missing and that isn't anything to eat, although I sometimes think I could take a bite out of her. Yes sweetheart, you were the missing item. It would have been perfect if you could have been here. I love you gorgeous and miss you a lot.
Here is the menu. I know you have been anxious to know, so I took pains to identify everything and will give it the proper nomenclature, as near as I can.
Roast turkey and dressing with plenty of gravy. Sweet potatoes, biscuits, sliced tomatoes on a garnish of lettuce, pickles, olives, asparagus, two kinds of pie, pumpkin and apple, cake, ice cream, fruit, apples, oranges and grapes, nuts, candy, and a pack of Camels for each man. I forgot, coffee and lemonade for drink. There I think I have everything written down.
What do you think of that? Okay huh? Funny what a good meal like that does to a bunch of men. All bitching all day because of working the last two Sundays and today. Now they are mostly all gathered around a fellow with a guitar and singing. Happy as larks. Seeing I can't help any on their singing, I'm spending my time writing to my honey. I love her, you know and sometime I'm going to show her but good.
Hope you had as nice a dinner as I did but I'm selfish enough to hope that you missed me a little also. I love you Chubbins.
Quite a bit different from other recent Thanksgiving days I have spent. Those recent ones I have always had you with me. There are other differences but that is the main one.
Seems awful hard to realize it is Thanksgiving and almost December, and to be sitting here on my bunk, with all the windows open and being perfectly comfortable. Remember last year? It was raw, windy & cold and then the next day we had our first big snow and it stayed until Christmas. Just can't get used to living in the south. Think I would sooner be in the north and see a little snow once in a while.
Maybe someday we can take a winter vacation and I can bring you down south so you can see what it's like. Make another honeymoon out of it. Boy we ought to have lots of them coming up. I love 'em. Here's to more and if possible better ones. Here's a long distance loving just to keep you warmed up. I love you sweetheart.
Now for the rest of your letters. I got sidetracked. So Tony is in Norwalk. Does that mean shipping soon or is it a permanent job?
Don't feel bad about the rest of the gals all seeing their husbands. We have ours coming and, as you say, will do it up brown, or something when it does come. I won't be satisfied until I have you all the time either. I mean that in more ways than one too. I do have a lot of fun dreaming about what we will do together when we get back together again. Kinda like letter writing though not as satisfactory by a long way as actually doing it. I loves you and loves you. You're a darling.
I can see your point about Gus Hugert but I don't particularly envy him. Sure, he's making a lot of money and is home, but both Gus and Vi are paying a price for it. You know you wouldn't want me out of it any more than I would want to be out. We can always say we tried to do our part. I really don't think I'm doing as much good here as I would at home, but that isn't the way people look at it. You wouldn't want people looking at me and asking why I wasn't in the army. It looks to me like it would take a lot more guts to stay on a job, than it does to be in the army. It is bad when they take men with families and leave others without, but I don't put the blame on them. The blame lies with the big shots who are running the show. I know Gus will do a lot more good where he is than he would here. I guess that's enough for that. It's hard to take but lots of things in this life are. It's like Louise said, "Say what the hell and forget it."
What do you mean? I should be thankful I'm not living with you. That's a crock of shit. You always did like to bitch about some things but you really didn't mean it. I'd keep you in line if I was there. Only too glad to live with you anyhow. I love you.
The picture you sent was rather a rough comparison but I get the idea. The gal with the shovel there, hasn't got much in comparison to you. Why honey, she is almost flat chested and doesn't have a tummy at all. Lacks a lot of the curve appeal you have.
I imagine the smoking trouble is because of soot in the chimney. Are you burning some wood? That will usually keep it cleaned out, or if you will throw in some papers or cardboard and have the damper open until it burns up it will probably clean it out. Do that sometime when you are going to be there for a while, so you can check it if it gets going too good. If it doesn't smoke too much, don't worry. Are you using the brush to clean the flues every week? Sounds like you are becoming quite a fireman. Good for you. I knew you could. Did you ever get any more coal?
Well honey, it's nearly lights out, so I'll have to quit. Will finish answering your letters tomorrow. Night sweetheart. I love you ever and ever so much. Wish I had you here to warm my bed for me.
your lover
Norm
Monday, November 22, 2010
Letter # 134 November 24, 1943
Nov 24, 1943
Thanksgiving eve.
Dear Mummy;
Well, here it is Wed evening already. Boy these past 3 days sure did go fast, and we are now back in camp. Got in about 1830 this eve.
I'm very sorry I couldn't get a chance to write to you on Mon or Tues, but they sure as hell kept me too busy. Only had about an hour's sleep Monday night and when we got through about 2000 last night I was too tired and I would have had to write by flashlight so I just didn't. As it turned out, the mailman didn't come out today so I couldn't have mailed it anyhow.
I'll tell you a little about it. We left here Mon. morning about 1100 with 15 tanks. Baker and myself, the only mechanics. The motor Lt. Lt.Newberger, was along, but of course, he isn't a lot of help. Just takes the responsibility of the job from me. I let him make the decisions after I tell him what I think and that leaves me in the clear if anything happens. He's O.K. Always rides in the half track with us mechanics. Just one of the boys. When we are out, offers his cigarettes and bums them if he's out.
To get on with the story we had a couple breakdowns on the way that afternoon. Accelerator stuck on one and generator quit on the other. Took an hour or so to get them both rolling again. Got to our bivouac area about 1800 and then the troubles started rolling in. Captain's peep wasn't running very good. That was the first job. Didn't take very long because we didn't have anything to fix it with, along. Cylinder head gasket was leaking water into one cylinder.
Then had a blown out boggie wheel. That's the small hard rubber tired wheels that support the tank and roll on the tracks. Maybe it sounds crazy to say "blown out" but that is the term. They get so hot from the friction that the rubber tread just explodes. Sounds like a gun when they go out. About an hour to do that job.
Another was missing, one magneto was out of action. Fixed that up and it was O.K. Another needed a clutch adjustment, couldn't shift gears. About an hour for that job. Then came the good one. Driver reported that his accelerator was sticking. Thought it was the usual 10 minute job, but it wasn't. The cable from the driver's seat in front, back to the engine, had "frozen up". Have to just about take the damn tank apart to get it out. Baker and I worked until 1 in the morning getting that fixed. That was a rather tough job. Blackout camp. Weren't even allowed to smoke. Had to work with flashlights with blue paper over the lens. It only sheds a very small amount of light. Supposed to be under conditions that would exist in actual combat. Well anyhow we did it. That was all the troubles so we thought we would get a little sleep. Went to the half track to get my bedroll and someone had beaten me to it. Both blankets were gone. One of the boys, the one that drives the half track for us, had forgotten his roll and had just helped himself to mine. I still had a G.I. comforter and the shelter half and thought I could get along with it. Flopped down and went to sleep like a light. Hardly seemed to get asleep and somebody was shaking me. Time to get up he says. I asked him, "What the hell?" "I just laid down."
"Hell", he says, "It's 02:30 already. What you kicking about?" "Chow in 15 minutes and be ready to move out, blackout, for a dawn attack at 0330."
I had gotten awake by then and realized I was shivering like a dog shitting bricks. Cold as hell. About then I didn't feel so charitable toward the guy that had my blankets. Had chow in pitch dark. Think it was potatoes and scrambled eggs and piss warm coffee but I'll never know for sure. Loaded up our tools and bed rolls ready to move out. Runner comes up with the news that one tank wouldn't crank over. Gathered me up an armful of tools and took out. I had a suspicion what was wrong. Hydrostatic lock. [oil or gasoline gathering in one of the lower cylinders and keeping it from turning over] Sure enough, that was the trouble. Only took long enough to remove a couple spark plugs and drain off the oil, then she took off.
We started off on our march, pitch black night, only stars for light. One tank just follows the other by the exhaust flashes. Cross country through woods, over creeks & washouts, logs and stumps and everything. Took us until 0630 to cover about 5 miles to the scene of the attack. Waited about 45 minutes for daybreak and started the attack using blank ammunition.
The officials had laid out the battle ground and had other tanks concealed in strategic positions all over the area. The company knew nothing of the location of these guns and were supposed to make their plans as they went along.
We followed along behind the last tanks and watched. It was rather fun. Our tanks, according to the referees, didn't do so good. Lost 9 of our tanks, but put all the enemy guns out of action. Too costly, the referees say.
The enemy also had snipers out with Tommy guns, some in trees, some in foxholes and they took shots at us as we went by. One of the tank commanders, they ride with their heads out of the top of the turret, part of the time, so they can see better, spotted a sniper up a pine tree and called to him, not to shoot or he would knock his tree down. Just sounded funny as hell. The "battle" was over by 1000 and we gathered and stopped to repair and refuel the tanks.
Several small jobs and one big one. A blown exhaust port on one of the engines. I got it all taken off only to find that the bolt threads were stripped out of the cylinder. Couldn't be fixed in the field so I wired her up with bailing wire and we sent it back home as a cripple. First casualty when I was along.
It was 1430 before we were ready to move out for the next bivouac area. Just got started and a set of clutch throw out bearings gave out. Changed them and believe it or not they all made it to the area without any more trouble. Got there about 1900 and by the time I had supper and read your Sat. letter [by firelight] I was ready for bed. Two busy days with only about an hour's sleep was about enough for the old man.
This bivouac wasn't tactical and we could have fires. I unrolled my bed, I had it all this time, by the fire and boy did I sleep. 8-5:30 and don't believe I moved a muscle all night.
Didn't have so very much repairing this morning, only a couple sets of throw out bearings to replace and I was done with that by the middle of the morning.
The company was firing the 75 M.M. Cannon today, so the motor Lt. got me in on it. Mechanics aren't given any training on that. We were each firing 5 shells and I surprised myself by hitting two targets at 1200 yards. Boy I'd like to have a truckload of ammunition to fire. It's fun. Big bang when she goes off and another when the shell lands. Bullets are loaded with nitro and explode when they hit. That 75 M.M. is about a 3 inch gun. One of my targets was near a pine tree. I missed the target, but boy did I get the pine tree. It just lifted out of the ground and fell. It was a good sized one too. About 10 or 12 inches diameter and 40 ft. tall. Get a lot of action with that kind of stuff. The whole tank jars back a couple inches when the gun fires. I was surprised by the lack of noise inside though. Doesn't bother a bit, but if you are close outside, the ears will ring a long time. Very easy to fire, telescope sights, an electric trigger and another man loads the shells in the gun. The shells weigh about 20 pounds apiece.
We started home just after dinner and boy did we have our troubles. Four more boggie wheels
blew up. We changed one, that was all the spares we had. The other three had to limp along in on "flats". Two had oil pump trouble and one had transmission trouble. We managed to keep them all going and they all pulled in under their own power. That's something, but boy have we got some repairs to make tomorrow.
We covered about 200 miles in the three days. At that we did better than I ever expected.
On the way back Lt. Newberger said he thought we had the best maintenance crew in the battalion. Maybe that was a backhand compliment. I don't know, but I do know I worked like hell to get them all back in.
We will work tomorrow, at least part of the day. Have a damn parade in the evening. Say we will have Thanksgiving dinner at 1730. I'll tell you about it tomorrow. I will also answer your letters in my next letter and do a little love making. It's late and I got to clean up a bit. So night sweetheart. I'm loving you.
Your hubby.
Norm.
Thanksgiving eve.
Dear Mummy;
Well, here it is Wed evening already. Boy these past 3 days sure did go fast, and we are now back in camp. Got in about 1830 this eve.
I'm very sorry I couldn't get a chance to write to you on Mon or Tues, but they sure as hell kept me too busy. Only had about an hour's sleep Monday night and when we got through about 2000 last night I was too tired and I would have had to write by flashlight so I just didn't. As it turned out, the mailman didn't come out today so I couldn't have mailed it anyhow.
I'll tell you a little about it. We left here Mon. morning about 1100 with 15 tanks. Baker and myself, the only mechanics. The motor Lt. Lt.Newberger, was along, but of course, he isn't a lot of help. Just takes the responsibility of the job from me. I let him make the decisions after I tell him what I think and that leaves me in the clear if anything happens. He's O.K. Always rides in the half track with us mechanics. Just one of the boys. When we are out, offers his cigarettes and bums them if he's out.
To get on with the story we had a couple breakdowns on the way that afternoon. Accelerator stuck on one and generator quit on the other. Took an hour or so to get them both rolling again. Got to our bivouac area about 1800 and then the troubles started rolling in. Captain's peep wasn't running very good. That was the first job. Didn't take very long because we didn't have anything to fix it with, along. Cylinder head gasket was leaking water into one cylinder.
Then had a blown out boggie wheel. That's the small hard rubber tired wheels that support the tank and roll on the tracks. Maybe it sounds crazy to say "blown out" but that is the term. They get so hot from the friction that the rubber tread just explodes. Sounds like a gun when they go out. About an hour to do that job.
Another was missing, one magneto was out of action. Fixed that up and it was O.K. Another needed a clutch adjustment, couldn't shift gears. About an hour for that job. Then came the good one. Driver reported that his accelerator was sticking. Thought it was the usual 10 minute job, but it wasn't. The cable from the driver's seat in front, back to the engine, had "frozen up". Have to just about take the damn tank apart to get it out. Baker and I worked until 1 in the morning getting that fixed. That was a rather tough job. Blackout camp. Weren't even allowed to smoke. Had to work with flashlights with blue paper over the lens. It only sheds a very small amount of light. Supposed to be under conditions that would exist in actual combat. Well anyhow we did it. That was all the troubles so we thought we would get a little sleep. Went to the half track to get my bedroll and someone had beaten me to it. Both blankets were gone. One of the boys, the one that drives the half track for us, had forgotten his roll and had just helped himself to mine. I still had a G.I. comforter and the shelter half and thought I could get along with it. Flopped down and went to sleep like a light. Hardly seemed to get asleep and somebody was shaking me. Time to get up he says. I asked him, "What the hell?" "I just laid down."
"Hell", he says, "It's 02:30 already. What you kicking about?" "Chow in 15 minutes and be ready to move out, blackout, for a dawn attack at 0330."
I had gotten awake by then and realized I was shivering like a dog shitting bricks. Cold as hell. About then I didn't feel so charitable toward the guy that had my blankets. Had chow in pitch dark. Think it was potatoes and scrambled eggs and piss warm coffee but I'll never know for sure. Loaded up our tools and bed rolls ready to move out. Runner comes up with the news that one tank wouldn't crank over. Gathered me up an armful of tools and took out. I had a suspicion what was wrong. Hydrostatic lock. [oil or gasoline gathering in one of the lower cylinders and keeping it from turning over] Sure enough, that was the trouble. Only took long enough to remove a couple spark plugs and drain off the oil, then she took off.
We started off on our march, pitch black night, only stars for light. One tank just follows the other by the exhaust flashes. Cross country through woods, over creeks & washouts, logs and stumps and everything. Took us until 0630 to cover about 5 miles to the scene of the attack. Waited about 45 minutes for daybreak and started the attack using blank ammunition.
The officials had laid out the battle ground and had other tanks concealed in strategic positions all over the area. The company knew nothing of the location of these guns and were supposed to make their plans as they went along.
We followed along behind the last tanks and watched. It was rather fun. Our tanks, according to the referees, didn't do so good. Lost 9 of our tanks, but put all the enemy guns out of action. Too costly, the referees say.
The enemy also had snipers out with Tommy guns, some in trees, some in foxholes and they took shots at us as we went by. One of the tank commanders, they ride with their heads out of the top of the turret, part of the time, so they can see better, spotted a sniper up a pine tree and called to him, not to shoot or he would knock his tree down. Just sounded funny as hell. The "battle" was over by 1000 and we gathered and stopped to repair and refuel the tanks.
Several small jobs and one big one. A blown exhaust port on one of the engines. I got it all taken off only to find that the bolt threads were stripped out of the cylinder. Couldn't be fixed in the field so I wired her up with bailing wire and we sent it back home as a cripple. First casualty when I was along.
It was 1430 before we were ready to move out for the next bivouac area. Just got started and a set of clutch throw out bearings gave out. Changed them and believe it or not they all made it to the area without any more trouble. Got there about 1900 and by the time I had supper and read your Sat. letter [by firelight] I was ready for bed. Two busy days with only about an hour's sleep was about enough for the old man.
This bivouac wasn't tactical and we could have fires. I unrolled my bed, I had it all this time, by the fire and boy did I sleep. 8-5:30 and don't believe I moved a muscle all night.
Didn't have so very much repairing this morning, only a couple sets of throw out bearings to replace and I was done with that by the middle of the morning.
The company was firing the 75 M.M. Cannon today, so the motor Lt. got me in on it. Mechanics aren't given any training on that. We were each firing 5 shells and I surprised myself by hitting two targets at 1200 yards. Boy I'd like to have a truckload of ammunition to fire. It's fun. Big bang when she goes off and another when the shell lands. Bullets are loaded with nitro and explode when they hit. That 75 M.M. is about a 3 inch gun. One of my targets was near a pine tree. I missed the target, but boy did I get the pine tree. It just lifted out of the ground and fell. It was a good sized one too. About 10 or 12 inches diameter and 40 ft. tall. Get a lot of action with that kind of stuff. The whole tank jars back a couple inches when the gun fires. I was surprised by the lack of noise inside though. Doesn't bother a bit, but if you are close outside, the ears will ring a long time. Very easy to fire, telescope sights, an electric trigger and another man loads the shells in the gun. The shells weigh about 20 pounds apiece.
We started home just after dinner and boy did we have our troubles. Four more boggie wheels
blew up. We changed one, that was all the spares we had. The other three had to limp along in on "flats". Two had oil pump trouble and one had transmission trouble. We managed to keep them all going and they all pulled in under their own power. That's something, but boy have we got some repairs to make tomorrow.
We covered about 200 miles in the three days. At that we did better than I ever expected.
On the way back Lt. Newberger said he thought we had the best maintenance crew in the battalion. Maybe that was a backhand compliment. I don't know, but I do know I worked like hell to get them all back in.
We will work tomorrow, at least part of the day. Have a damn parade in the evening. Say we will have Thanksgiving dinner at 1730. I'll tell you about it tomorrow. I will also answer your letters in my next letter and do a little love making. It's late and I got to clean up a bit. So night sweetheart. I'm loving you.
Your hubby.
Norm.
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Letter # 133 November 21, 1943
Nov 21, 1943
Sun, noon
Darling;
Don't know if we will be working tonight or not, so I'm starting this at noon and will finish it sometime tonight. Gotta get this one written because it may be the last for a few days. Hope not, because I like to write to you when I can't do anything better. Lot rather have you where I can tell you and show you. I love you honey.
Didn't get a letter from you today yet. We may have a second mail call today, because it's a work day, but I doubt it.
Got a letter from Vi, a card from Gus, and a card from Dick Gayer. I don't guess I'll get a chance to answer Vi's letter for several days now. Dick's card is postmarked, Seattle, Wash. Army Post Office. Says they are about through with their work up there and he doesn't know what next. Cold and lots of snow he says.
Still have a couple tanks to make repairs on this afternoon, the new engine to put in and the half track has to be equipped for three days in the field. Mount the air compressor, put in the tool cabinets and etc. So I guess I will be plenty busy all afternoon and maybe night.
I guess you just haven't got the letter I wrote after I got the cookies, or maybe it's another that was lost. I did get them and they sure were good. I ate every last crumb of them. Still have the box and if I ever get a chance I'll send it back full of Yanks and etc. Been buying one every week, just on purpose to send to my sweetie, but I can't seem to find time to get to the P.O.
Well darling, it's now 2000 - 8P.M. to you and we are done for the day, I hope. We didn't get all finished, but they took pity on us I guess and said we could quit. Everything is ready but the tank that gets the new engine. Aren't going to take that one out this time.
Didn't have any mail call this evening so I don't have a letter to answer. Haven't seen any more of the boys so I don't have any more news. I did notice as we came up from the motor park tonight that the outfit Grafton is with, has their heavy wreckers and equipment all loaded and packed for travel. If it isn't a dry run I guess they will be moving soon.
I ran out of time and paper last night so I didn't make all the comments I could about what Franklin said.
A lot of the boys are disgusted and restless. Want to be on the move. They liked the tanks until the novelty wore off and it began to be work. Now they want to try something else. There are about a dozen of them that have been accepted by the air corpse and are just waiting for call. Will go soon now. Lots more are thinking about it. I probably would too if I wasn't such an old man. Seeing I can't get in the air corpse, I'm as well satisfied with this as anything the army has. Don't even mind camp Polk now that it's a livable temperature. I wouldn't do much running around no matter where I was, unless a certain very nice woman was nearby. So the lack of someplace to go doesn't bother me. It is a hell of a way from you but as long as we couldn't be together I guess it is just as well. I think it bothered me more when I was so close and couldn't see you, than it does now that it is impossible.
If I was as lucky as some of these boys, and had a job that would give me a three day or weekend pass every month or so and could be close to home it would be swell. If I ever do get back close again I probably wouldn't be able to get any time off. As you can see mechanics are kept rather busy.
We'll just have to do as you say, count the weeks until this is over or until next summer when you will have time enough to come see me. I love you ever so much and miss you like hell, but I can stand it as long as I know I have you to come back to. That's something to look forward to and I don't mean maybe.
This letter may get to you about Wed. so here's to a very nice Thanksgiving for you. I won't be with you but my heart is there and I'll be loving and thinking of you. I am very thankful I have such a sweet, desirable wife to think about. Still can't understand how I was lucky enough to get you before someone else did. Maybe it was because I had you cornered before you were old enough to think about it much. You were only 19 when I started following you around and I stayed so close you didn't get a chance to look at anyone else. We didn't miss being together very many nights did we? It was fun, but not nearly as much as the last 3 years or as much as the coming ones will be. I love you gorgeous and always will.
Your lover
norm.
Sun, noon
Darling;
Don't know if we will be working tonight or not, so I'm starting this at noon and will finish it sometime tonight. Gotta get this one written because it may be the last for a few days. Hope not, because I like to write to you when I can't do anything better. Lot rather have you where I can tell you and show you. I love you honey.
Didn't get a letter from you today yet. We may have a second mail call today, because it's a work day, but I doubt it.
Got a letter from Vi, a card from Gus, and a card from Dick Gayer. I don't guess I'll get a chance to answer Vi's letter for several days now. Dick's card is postmarked, Seattle, Wash. Army Post Office. Says they are about through with their work up there and he doesn't know what next. Cold and lots of snow he says.
Still have a couple tanks to make repairs on this afternoon, the new engine to put in and the half track has to be equipped for three days in the field. Mount the air compressor, put in the tool cabinets and etc. So I guess I will be plenty busy all afternoon and maybe night.
I guess you just haven't got the letter I wrote after I got the cookies, or maybe it's another that was lost. I did get them and they sure were good. I ate every last crumb of them. Still have the box and if I ever get a chance I'll send it back full of Yanks and etc. Been buying one every week, just on purpose to send to my sweetie, but I can't seem to find time to get to the P.O.
Well darling, it's now 2000 - 8P.M. to you and we are done for the day, I hope. We didn't get all finished, but they took pity on us I guess and said we could quit. Everything is ready but the tank that gets the new engine. Aren't going to take that one out this time.
Didn't have any mail call this evening so I don't have a letter to answer. Haven't seen any more of the boys so I don't have any more news. I did notice as we came up from the motor park tonight that the outfit Grafton is with, has their heavy wreckers and equipment all loaded and packed for travel. If it isn't a dry run I guess they will be moving soon.
I ran out of time and paper last night so I didn't make all the comments I could about what Franklin said.
A lot of the boys are disgusted and restless. Want to be on the move. They liked the tanks until the novelty wore off and it began to be work. Now they want to try something else. There are about a dozen of them that have been accepted by the air corpse and are just waiting for call. Will go soon now. Lots more are thinking about it. I probably would too if I wasn't such an old man. Seeing I can't get in the air corpse, I'm as well satisfied with this as anything the army has. Don't even mind camp Polk now that it's a livable temperature. I wouldn't do much running around no matter where I was, unless a certain very nice woman was nearby. So the lack of someplace to go doesn't bother me. It is a hell of a way from you but as long as we couldn't be together I guess it is just as well. I think it bothered me more when I was so close and couldn't see you, than it does now that it is impossible.
If I was as lucky as some of these boys, and had a job that would give me a three day or weekend pass every month or so and could be close to home it would be swell. If I ever do get back close again I probably wouldn't be able to get any time off. As you can see mechanics are kept rather busy.
We'll just have to do as you say, count the weeks until this is over or until next summer when you will have time enough to come see me. I love you ever so much and miss you like hell, but I can stand it as long as I know I have you to come back to. That's something to look forward to and I don't mean maybe.
This letter may get to you about Wed. so here's to a very nice Thanksgiving for you. I won't be with you but my heart is there and I'll be loving and thinking of you. I am very thankful I have such a sweet, desirable wife to think about. Still can't understand how I was lucky enough to get you before someone else did. Maybe it was because I had you cornered before you were old enough to think about it much. You were only 19 when I started following you around and I stayed so close you didn't get a chance to look at anyone else. We didn't miss being together very many nights did we? It was fun, but not nearly as much as the last 3 years or as much as the coming ones will be. I love you gorgeous and always will.
Your lover
norm.
Saturday, November 20, 2010
Letter # 132 November 20, 1943
Nov 20, 1943
Sat. Eve.
My darling wife;
Got your Wed letter today. I'm sorry honey that you are getting such poor service on my letters to you. If they ever give me a few minutes off when the P.O. is open I'll get some air mail stamps and will try that for a while. Keep me so busy that until this evening I hadn't even been to the P.X. for two weeks. Was nearly out of cigarettes and writing paper or I probably wouldn't have gone tonight.
It's time for lights out now, but I'll go to the day room and finish this. Don't have to get up until 0700 tomorrow, so I can afford to stay up. Go to work at 0830. They give us that much of Sunday off.
Just finished doing my weekly laundry and my hands are clean again for the first time this week. Honestly sweetheart, I never had a job where I got myself and my clothes so dirty. Put on a clean pair of fatigues and in a few minutes they look like they had never been washed, so I usually just make a pair do all week. By Thurs. or Friday I have to climb up on something and jump into them in the morning. They are too stiff with grease to bend. After I have them on a few minutes they warm up and bend freely. Some shit huh? Not quite that bad. We do most of the work in good weather outside. Plenty of oil and grease and then lay in the dust under a tank and you can imagine what happens. You used to think my old plumbing overalls were dirty. You should see these. Becoming a real grease monkey.
The army is so short of the regular fatigues that this week they issued us each a set of salvage suntans, just a patch here and there, but plenty good for work clothes. The army always has to be uniform, so they tell us all to wear these suntans the last two days of the week. I bet you can imagine what mine looked like when I came in tonight after two days of wiping the grease from all the odd parts of tanks and then being out in the field all day herding a company of 15 tanks. They are just a nice color now. Won't show either dust or grease very much. Maybe I'll leave them that way.
I also got a new pair of shoes this week, for the ones that wore out at Knox. They aren't really new. They are completely rebuilt ones and they sure do a good job of it. Except for a scratch or slight cut here and there in the uppers, they couldn't be distinguished from new ones. I'll try to keep them polished up. I even took time to polish my work shoes this evening for the first time in a couple weeks. They don't look at all bad either. Terrible isn't it? But that is like the clothes, no use to try keeping them shined.
I had a good rest today, even though on duty. They sent me out to ride herd on the tanks, 15 of them. Went out on battle problems. Covered about 50 miles, all cross country and, believe it or not, only three of them required any attention at all and they only took about 10 minutes apiece. Foot accelerator stuck wide open on all three. Just a small job and the rest of the time I just sat in the maintenance half track and followed them. Didn't even have to do the driving. Furnish me a chauffeur now.
One tank got stuck and I mean stuck. Hit a sink hole going about 30 and it just seemed to drop like it had hit a hole. Only about 3 ft. of the hull showing above ground. No work to that either. Got another tank to pull it out and the tank crews even hooked the cables. It was fun watching them maneuver.
First time I had ever watched a whole company on a battle problem. They pick a series of hills on which enemy guns and fortifications are supposed to be and then they go about capturing them. Four or five of them will stay just behind the closet hill to the one they are trying to take and first one will move up to the crest and fire a shell. They don't fire the shells, but go through the motions. Then back down quick before the enemy can get a sight on them and another goes up at another point and does the same. They keep that up, always going to the top at a different place, and then while they keep the enemy busy, the others scurry off around the hill like big beetles and try to flank the enemy. The officers stand on the "enemy" hill and act as referees. After the problem they tell the boys what they did wrong and how many tanks they think the enemy would have knocked out.
Rather interesting to watch these big animated steel battle wagons, go scurrying around, like a bunch of busy ants. Almost unbelievable how such heavy monsters can get around, over all types of terrain. A cloud of dust hangs over them all the time and they sure set up a racket. Seems like the enemy could hear them for miles. Just seem to shake the ground.
We have some work to do on them tomorrow. Got a new engine to put in one and then I guess all 17 of them will go out Monday. As far as I know all the mechanics will go with them and we won't be back until Wed. night. If I have a chance I'll write out there, but I'm not promising. If you miss a few letters it isn't because I was tired of writing to you, but because I didn't have the opportunity.
The weather has been just perfect, nice and snappy, morning and evening and nice and warm through the day. It even felt good to be in the shade today. Hope it stays like that while we're out this week.
Well I guess that's enough of this stuff. You said you wanted to know everything I did, so there. Now to answer your letter.
So you are back to work again? Bet you are so tickled. Poor, honey, have to get up early every morning and teach a bunch of brats all day long. Sooner have you getting my breakfast, dinner & supper and darning my old socks and loving me instead of teaching brats. The time will come and I hope soon, when you can have that job back again. That is, if you want it. I'll promise not to be too hard to work for. I'll even love you if you'll let me. Will you? You'd better, or by damn I'll find me a red head to take your place.
I didn't think your letter sounded "bitchy". I thought you were just telling me things as they were and that's what I want. After all if everything was just perfect I would know you weren't telling me the truth. I like every one of your letters. They are all I have of you to love and, gosh honey, I sure do love you.
As for the school business I don't think the captain is blaming me. He's as nice as can be, but I didn't like to start out that way.
So far when I've gone out with the tanks I've been the only mechanic, but so far I've gotten them all back under their own power. Keeping my fingers crossed though.
Don't worry about me going crazy, sweetheart. I couldn't go crazy more than once and I already did that, over you. About you, I should say.
This isn't the best camp in the world by a long way, but most of the boys are just restless. Want to get moving. Can't blame them a bit.
I expect Franklin just remembered the worst Dick said.
Here's a little jingle about the army wolf I mentioned. It's pretty good I think.
Night sweetheart, I love you so much.
Your loving husband
Norm.
Sat. Eve.
My darling wife;
Got your Wed letter today. I'm sorry honey that you are getting such poor service on my letters to you. If they ever give me a few minutes off when the P.O. is open I'll get some air mail stamps and will try that for a while. Keep me so busy that until this evening I hadn't even been to the P.X. for two weeks. Was nearly out of cigarettes and writing paper or I probably wouldn't have gone tonight.
It's time for lights out now, but I'll go to the day room and finish this. Don't have to get up until 0700 tomorrow, so I can afford to stay up. Go to work at 0830. They give us that much of Sunday off.
Just finished doing my weekly laundry and my hands are clean again for the first time this week. Honestly sweetheart, I never had a job where I got myself and my clothes so dirty. Put on a clean pair of fatigues and in a few minutes they look like they had never been washed, so I usually just make a pair do all week. By Thurs. or Friday I have to climb up on something and jump into them in the morning. They are too stiff with grease to bend. After I have them on a few minutes they warm up and bend freely. Some shit huh? Not quite that bad. We do most of the work in good weather outside. Plenty of oil and grease and then lay in the dust under a tank and you can imagine what happens. You used to think my old plumbing overalls were dirty. You should see these. Becoming a real grease monkey.
The army is so short of the regular fatigues that this week they issued us each a set of salvage suntans, just a patch here and there, but plenty good for work clothes. The army always has to be uniform, so they tell us all to wear these suntans the last two days of the week. I bet you can imagine what mine looked like when I came in tonight after two days of wiping the grease from all the odd parts of tanks and then being out in the field all day herding a company of 15 tanks. They are just a nice color now. Won't show either dust or grease very much. Maybe I'll leave them that way.
I also got a new pair of shoes this week, for the ones that wore out at Knox. They aren't really new. They are completely rebuilt ones and they sure do a good job of it. Except for a scratch or slight cut here and there in the uppers, they couldn't be distinguished from new ones. I'll try to keep them polished up. I even took time to polish my work shoes this evening for the first time in a couple weeks. They don't look at all bad either. Terrible isn't it? But that is like the clothes, no use to try keeping them shined.
I had a good rest today, even though on duty. They sent me out to ride herd on the tanks, 15 of them. Went out on battle problems. Covered about 50 miles, all cross country and, believe it or not, only three of them required any attention at all and they only took about 10 minutes apiece. Foot accelerator stuck wide open on all three. Just a small job and the rest of the time I just sat in the maintenance half track and followed them. Didn't even have to do the driving. Furnish me a chauffeur now.
One tank got stuck and I mean stuck. Hit a sink hole going about 30 and it just seemed to drop like it had hit a hole. Only about 3 ft. of the hull showing above ground. No work to that either. Got another tank to pull it out and the tank crews even hooked the cables. It was fun watching them maneuver.
First time I had ever watched a whole company on a battle problem. They pick a series of hills on which enemy guns and fortifications are supposed to be and then they go about capturing them. Four or five of them will stay just behind the closet hill to the one they are trying to take and first one will move up to the crest and fire a shell. They don't fire the shells, but go through the motions. Then back down quick before the enemy can get a sight on them and another goes up at another point and does the same. They keep that up, always going to the top at a different place, and then while they keep the enemy busy, the others scurry off around the hill like big beetles and try to flank the enemy. The officers stand on the "enemy" hill and act as referees. After the problem they tell the boys what they did wrong and how many tanks they think the enemy would have knocked out.
Rather interesting to watch these big animated steel battle wagons, go scurrying around, like a bunch of busy ants. Almost unbelievable how such heavy monsters can get around, over all types of terrain. A cloud of dust hangs over them all the time and they sure set up a racket. Seems like the enemy could hear them for miles. Just seem to shake the ground.
We have some work to do on them tomorrow. Got a new engine to put in one and then I guess all 17 of them will go out Monday. As far as I know all the mechanics will go with them and we won't be back until Wed. night. If I have a chance I'll write out there, but I'm not promising. If you miss a few letters it isn't because I was tired of writing to you, but because I didn't have the opportunity.
The weather has been just perfect, nice and snappy, morning and evening and nice and warm through the day. It even felt good to be in the shade today. Hope it stays like that while we're out this week.
Well I guess that's enough of this stuff. You said you wanted to know everything I did, so there. Now to answer your letter.
So you are back to work again? Bet you are so tickled. Poor, honey, have to get up early every morning and teach a bunch of brats all day long. Sooner have you getting my breakfast, dinner & supper and darning my old socks and loving me instead of teaching brats. The time will come and I hope soon, when you can have that job back again. That is, if you want it. I'll promise not to be too hard to work for. I'll even love you if you'll let me. Will you? You'd better, or by damn I'll find me a red head to take your place.
I didn't think your letter sounded "bitchy". I thought you were just telling me things as they were and that's what I want. After all if everything was just perfect I would know you weren't telling me the truth. I like every one of your letters. They are all I have of you to love and, gosh honey, I sure do love you.
As for the school business I don't think the captain is blaming me. He's as nice as can be, but I didn't like to start out that way.
So far when I've gone out with the tanks I've been the only mechanic, but so far I've gotten them all back under their own power. Keeping my fingers crossed though.
Don't worry about me going crazy, sweetheart. I couldn't go crazy more than once and I already did that, over you. About you, I should say.
This isn't the best camp in the world by a long way, but most of the boys are just restless. Want to get moving. Can't blame them a bit.
I expect Franklin just remembered the worst Dick said.
Here's a little jingle about the army wolf I mentioned. It's pretty good I think.
Night sweetheart, I love you so much.
Your loving husband
Norm.
Friday, November 19, 2010
Letter # 131 November 19, 1943
Nov 19, 1943
Fri, Eve.
Hello Sweetheart;
Got your Tues. letter this noon. Won't have much time to answer it tonight - maybe. I'm starting this after supper. Have to go back to work again in a little bit. We may be through rather early and then again we may not. Just can't predict on mechanical work. Since no one has been there to do much for the past week things have piled up. Only 6 tanks able to go out this morning. The battalion Commander decided today that we should have them all ready to go out tomorrow so nothing for us to do but go to work. Will also work again Sunday I guess.
We are supposed to go to the woods Mon, Tues, & Wed. Back in Thurs, and then out again Friday. At least that is the schedule. I don't know if I will be out all the time or not, but if I am, you may be a few letters short. Just telling you so you won't be surprised or too disappointed.
Guess maybe we will be here for Thanksgiving. That's Thurs. isn't it? Anyhow I'm wishing you a very nice and happy Thanksgiving. Wish I could be with you, but as I can't I'll be thinking of you and loving you and very thankful I have such a swell wife, waiting for me at home. You know I think you're about perfect and love you like hell.
I had rather guessed the reason you hadn't been seeing so much of Louise lately. I could see when I was home that she wouldn't be too congenial company. Too bad she has to be that way. She's just making it harder for herself. Friends just won't stick around if they aren't made welcome. Maybe if they get together for a time it will sweeten her up. Good pair to be talking about separation being good for a couple. Can't see it. Don't like it.
So I'm getting some presents from three organizations. Swell. I'll have to sit down and compose some thank you notes I suppose. Don't let me hear that you cried again if they ask you to read them.
Well sweetheart it's getting late and I have a busy day ahead, nearly 12, so I'll get me some sleep. I may have time to write you a nice letter tomorrow. I love you darling.
your lover
Norm.
Fri, Eve.
Hello Sweetheart;
Got your Tues. letter this noon. Won't have much time to answer it tonight - maybe. I'm starting this after supper. Have to go back to work again in a little bit. We may be through rather early and then again we may not. Just can't predict on mechanical work. Since no one has been there to do much for the past week things have piled up. Only 6 tanks able to go out this morning. The battalion Commander decided today that we should have them all ready to go out tomorrow so nothing for us to do but go to work. Will also work again Sunday I guess.
We are supposed to go to the woods Mon, Tues, & Wed. Back in Thurs, and then out again Friday. At least that is the schedule. I don't know if I will be out all the time or not, but if I am, you may be a few letters short. Just telling you so you won't be surprised or too disappointed.
Guess maybe we will be here for Thanksgiving. That's Thurs. isn't it? Anyhow I'm wishing you a very nice and happy Thanksgiving. Wish I could be with you, but as I can't I'll be thinking of you and loving you and very thankful I have such a swell wife, waiting for me at home. You know I think you're about perfect and love you like hell.
I had rather guessed the reason you hadn't been seeing so much of Louise lately. I could see when I was home that she wouldn't be too congenial company. Too bad she has to be that way. She's just making it harder for herself. Friends just won't stick around if they aren't made welcome. Maybe if they get together for a time it will sweeten her up. Good pair to be talking about separation being good for a couple. Can't see it. Don't like it.
So I'm getting some presents from three organizations. Swell. I'll have to sit down and compose some thank you notes I suppose. Don't let me hear that you cried again if they ask you to read them.
Well sweetheart it's getting late and I have a busy day ahead, nearly 12, so I'll get me some sleep. I may have time to write you a nice letter tomorrow. I love you darling.
your lover
Norm.
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Letter # 130 November 18, 1943
Thurs. eve.
Nov 18, 1943
Darling sweater Girl;
Got your Monday eve. letter this evening. Something rotten in Denmark if you aren't getting a letter every day or at least one for every day, because, so far, I have managed to write some sort of a note or letter every night. I wondered about it a little. Seemed like a kind of a slip-shod method of handling mail here. If it happens any more I'll jack someone up a bit. Can't have that kind of business. Let me know if you miss any more sweetheart.
Your mom can call that picture "the titty one" if she wants to and I would say there is some excuse for it, but I think it's swell. Looks so good I could almost love the picture. Really good of you, so natural I almost think I can reach up and get hold of you and yours. Wish I could. Bet I'm in pretty fair shape again.
Glad to hear you got a picture that will answer for the cards. You can do as you wish about sending the cards. I can send them if you want, and have time to get them to me. I don't care either way, and there is no one in particular I want to send one to. Just our friends. Like you always did.
It's swell of Vi to go to all the trouble of knitting me a sweater and pair of gloves. They will probably come in very handy. If she does make the gloves I would sooner have regular gloves. The army is supposed to issue us leather gloves and we use the wool ones inside in cold weather.
Thanks sweetheart for the clippings of the O.S.U. game. I had read a short account of it in the Shreveport paper, but not many of the details. I bet that would have been a swell game to see, also the Wads, Medina one. The account in the Gazette sounded good even if we did loose. If we had a gallon of wine like last year, we soon wouldn't have cared who won. I can still see Mickey doing the hula.
By the way, I see by the Gazette that Gleason Halliwill has a commission in the Navy Reserves as an ensign. Not bad. Probably be in Cornell for quite a spell. If you get any dope on it let me know. Cornell is in Ithaca, New York, isn't it? I just wonder if that means that he is in for a period after the war. I think that is what it means. Just curious. While I'm thinking along that line, I wonder if Mickey knows that a 3 or 4 yr. period at least is required of the boys they send to college, after the war. That part isn't generally known and the army doesn't seem to make that too clear, until they are sworn in, and then it's hard to get out of. The idea is that the army and navy want trained men to take over the reconstruction job in Europe after the war. Most of the boys that went from here, just left this week and they were all signed for at least 3 yrs. overseas after the war. Might mention this to Louise, if they don't know it. It might not apply to Mickey but he had better be sure.
Too bad about Margaret, but they can always try again. Lots of fun trying. At least I think it would be. Don't misunderstand, I mean trying with you.
That picture of you sure suggests that you would be just what I want to love. You haven't lost the old appeal, honey, even a picture of you gives both of us a thrill. One of us almost stood up and begged. It just can't behave when you are near.
I don't imagine you are very mad about the long vacation from school. Pretty nice.
I wish the army needed some repairs and would send me home for a vacation like that. I wouldn't be very mad either. I bet you catch hell when you do go back to work again. Probably will cut your Christmas vacation short and anything else they can to make up. Darn near a month isn't it? Rather hard to make up.
I think you're very wise to forget about trying to see me over the holidays. Just not time enough to go through all you would have to getting here. Travel would be hell, I bet. I want to see you as much as you want to see me, but I can't see asking you to try it now. I'm also doing all the things I know of to bring us another lucky break.
I don't like this separation business a bit and if it was at all possible you can bet I'd be all for having you with me. I can't get enough of you at any time to last more than a few hours. This business of seeing you a few days every few months is a hell of a lot better than nothing, but very unsatisfactory. I love you way too much to keep you away from me if it would be at all possible to have you with me.
Even if I had a dozen gals down here I'd still want you and your special brand of loving. So there too.
Night Sweetheart. I loves my sweater gal wife an awful lot. That picture should be good for a very nice dream. I love you and love you and love you.
your lover
Norm.
Nov 18, 1943
Darling sweater Girl;
Got your Monday eve. letter this evening. Something rotten in Denmark if you aren't getting a letter every day or at least one for every day, because, so far, I have managed to write some sort of a note or letter every night. I wondered about it a little. Seemed like a kind of a slip-shod method of handling mail here. If it happens any more I'll jack someone up a bit. Can't have that kind of business. Let me know if you miss any more sweetheart.
Your mom can call that picture "the titty one" if she wants to and I would say there is some excuse for it, but I think it's swell. Looks so good I could almost love the picture. Really good of you, so natural I almost think I can reach up and get hold of you and yours. Wish I could. Bet I'm in pretty fair shape again.
Glad to hear you got a picture that will answer for the cards. You can do as you wish about sending the cards. I can send them if you want, and have time to get them to me. I don't care either way, and there is no one in particular I want to send one to. Just our friends. Like you always did.
It's swell of Vi to go to all the trouble of knitting me a sweater and pair of gloves. They will probably come in very handy. If she does make the gloves I would sooner have regular gloves. The army is supposed to issue us leather gloves and we use the wool ones inside in cold weather.
Thanks sweetheart for the clippings of the O.S.U. game. I had read a short account of it in the Shreveport paper, but not many of the details. I bet that would have been a swell game to see, also the Wads, Medina one. The account in the Gazette sounded good even if we did loose. If we had a gallon of wine like last year, we soon wouldn't have cared who won. I can still see Mickey doing the hula.
By the way, I see by the Gazette that Gleason Halliwill has a commission in the Navy Reserves as an ensign. Not bad. Probably be in Cornell for quite a spell. If you get any dope on it let me know. Cornell is in Ithaca, New York, isn't it? I just wonder if that means that he is in for a period after the war. I think that is what it means. Just curious. While I'm thinking along that line, I wonder if Mickey knows that a 3 or 4 yr. period at least is required of the boys they send to college, after the war. That part isn't generally known and the army doesn't seem to make that too clear, until they are sworn in, and then it's hard to get out of. The idea is that the army and navy want trained men to take over the reconstruction job in Europe after the war. Most of the boys that went from here, just left this week and they were all signed for at least 3 yrs. overseas after the war. Might mention this to Louise, if they don't know it. It might not apply to Mickey but he had better be sure.
Too bad about Margaret, but they can always try again. Lots of fun trying. At least I think it would be. Don't misunderstand, I mean trying with you.
That picture of you sure suggests that you would be just what I want to love. You haven't lost the old appeal, honey, even a picture of you gives both of us a thrill. One of us almost stood up and begged. It just can't behave when you are near.
I don't imagine you are very mad about the long vacation from school. Pretty nice.
I wish the army needed some repairs and would send me home for a vacation like that. I wouldn't be very mad either. I bet you catch hell when you do go back to work again. Probably will cut your Christmas vacation short and anything else they can to make up. Darn near a month isn't it? Rather hard to make up.
I think you're very wise to forget about trying to see me over the holidays. Just not time enough to go through all you would have to getting here. Travel would be hell, I bet. I want to see you as much as you want to see me, but I can't see asking you to try it now. I'm also doing all the things I know of to bring us another lucky break.
I don't like this separation business a bit and if it was at all possible you can bet I'd be all for having you with me. I can't get enough of you at any time to last more than a few hours. This business of seeing you a few days every few months is a hell of a lot better than nothing, but very unsatisfactory. I love you way too much to keep you away from me if it would be at all possible to have you with me.
Even if I had a dozen gals down here I'd still want you and your special brand of loving. So there too.
Night Sweetheart. I loves my sweater gal wife an awful lot. That picture should be good for a very nice dream. I love you and love you and love you.
your lover
Norm.
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Letter # 129 November 17, 1943
Nov 17, 1943
Wed. eve.
My Darling Wife;
Hello sweetheart, how are you? Well and lovely and sweet as ever I recon. I was right about getting two letters from you today and I didn't have to wait as long as I thought either.
We got back early from the range, about 1430 and I got your Sat. letter then, and your Sun. one this evening. Both very nice letters. Honey if you don't quit saying such nice things about me, I'll begin to believe them and get a swelled head. I just eat it up though, sweetheart. Never used to like that kind of thing until it came from you. Seems I like most anything you do. Must be because I love you so much.
I did fairly well with the carbine today. Scored 136 out of a possible 150. It was just a routine detail, one of those things that just have to be done every so often. Have to fire the weapons you are supposed to use in combat, a certain number of times before they can send you across. I have now finished the minimum number on all the weapons I, as a mechanic, will be required to handle.
The captain put his foot down today and says no more of this battalion school for any of us. Too much work to do on the tanks. Mac goes on the firing range tomorrow so I'm boss for one day. I imagine that will be enough. The captain says he is going to give us some more men also. They probably won't be mechanics, but they can do a lot of jobs and the rest of us can do the mechanical work.
I had to go to the dispensary and get get some dope for some kind of itch or something I've picked up. Guess I must have been playing with the wrong girl for the past couple weeks. I've been scratching my balls and didn't think much of it until it got bad, itched all the time. Took a look and I've got a patch on both legs the size of my hand, right in the crotch, even a little on the balls. I didn't get it from any old bitch. The medics say it is something caused by diet and climate. Just red and irritated looking and rather uncomfortable. They gave me some sort of salve that sure gave me a hot spot. Burns, but they say it will cure. About half the boys here have the same thing. All go around scratching. Think we all had a bad dose of crabs. Have to get that fixed up before I see you again. It isn't catching but it would be too bad to have you scratching all the time. Make that thing sore and I wouldn't want that. Maybe you'd let me scratch it for you.
So you went to an old maids dance. From the way you talked you didn't even dance. What's the matter couldn't you find a man to dance with? They must be blind or just plain damn fools if they don't want to get as close to you as possible. That's one reason why I could never do much dancing. I like to rub bellies and it affects me strangely.
I'm glad you loaned Gus my suitcase. Hope he has a nice trip. How long is he going to be gone?
Tell me where Tony goes to and what he is doing when you find out.
Wish I could be certain enough of something to tell you to pack up and come along. The army would be a rather nice place if I could go home to you every night and forget it all. Be just like working any other place then.
I won't call you "cold potatoes" anymore, darling. I really couldn't after the performance you put out the last two honeymoons. You were swell, just like I always had thought a perfect wife would be. I'll never forget either, unless you show me something so much better that I can only remember that. I don't see how it would be possible, but you seem to be full of surprises these days. Didn't really know what I had for a wife until recently. I always did think you were swell and you sure looked like what I wanted, and now I find you were more than I ever dreamed you could be. Just took me a long time to discover all the nice things about you.
I don't have much time to read. Hardly do justice to what I have so don't bother to send me anything else. You're a thoughtful old devil. I love you honey. Always taking care of me aren't you?
We have a library at the service club but that is a mile away so I don't get there very often.
I know the holidays aren't far away, and it will be the first we haven't been together, but I'll be thinking of you and with you in spirit even if I can't be there physically.
You were a little mixed about listening to the football game on the car radio, in the Cleve parking lot. That was the Duke - U.S.C. New Year's Game in'39. Sure I remember it. I remember all the things we did together. All red letter days in my life, even if I didn't know it at the time. You just slipped up on me and I didn't know it. I love you sweetheart and always will. Have lots more red letter days as the years go along.
Night honey, I love you.
your lover
Norm.
Wed. eve.
My Darling Wife;
Hello sweetheart, how are you? Well and lovely and sweet as ever I recon. I was right about getting two letters from you today and I didn't have to wait as long as I thought either.
We got back early from the range, about 1430 and I got your Sat. letter then, and your Sun. one this evening. Both very nice letters. Honey if you don't quit saying such nice things about me, I'll begin to believe them and get a swelled head. I just eat it up though, sweetheart. Never used to like that kind of thing until it came from you. Seems I like most anything you do. Must be because I love you so much.
I did fairly well with the carbine today. Scored 136 out of a possible 150. It was just a routine detail, one of those things that just have to be done every so often. Have to fire the weapons you are supposed to use in combat, a certain number of times before they can send you across. I have now finished the minimum number on all the weapons I, as a mechanic, will be required to handle.
The captain put his foot down today and says no more of this battalion school for any of us. Too much work to do on the tanks. Mac goes on the firing range tomorrow so I'm boss for one day. I imagine that will be enough. The captain says he is going to give us some more men also. They probably won't be mechanics, but they can do a lot of jobs and the rest of us can do the mechanical work.
I had to go to the dispensary and get get some dope for some kind of itch or something I've picked up. Guess I must have been playing with the wrong girl for the past couple weeks. I've been scratching my balls and didn't think much of it until it got bad, itched all the time. Took a look and I've got a patch on both legs the size of my hand, right in the crotch, even a little on the balls. I didn't get it from any old bitch. The medics say it is something caused by diet and climate. Just red and irritated looking and rather uncomfortable. They gave me some sort of salve that sure gave me a hot spot. Burns, but they say it will cure. About half the boys here have the same thing. All go around scratching. Think we all had a bad dose of crabs. Have to get that fixed up before I see you again. It isn't catching but it would be too bad to have you scratching all the time. Make that thing sore and I wouldn't want that. Maybe you'd let me scratch it for you.
So you went to an old maids dance. From the way you talked you didn't even dance. What's the matter couldn't you find a man to dance with? They must be blind or just plain damn fools if they don't want to get as close to you as possible. That's one reason why I could never do much dancing. I like to rub bellies and it affects me strangely.
I'm glad you loaned Gus my suitcase. Hope he has a nice trip. How long is he going to be gone?
Tell me where Tony goes to and what he is doing when you find out.
Wish I could be certain enough of something to tell you to pack up and come along. The army would be a rather nice place if I could go home to you every night and forget it all. Be just like working any other place then.
I won't call you "cold potatoes" anymore, darling. I really couldn't after the performance you put out the last two honeymoons. You were swell, just like I always had thought a perfect wife would be. I'll never forget either, unless you show me something so much better that I can only remember that. I don't see how it would be possible, but you seem to be full of surprises these days. Didn't really know what I had for a wife until recently. I always did think you were swell and you sure looked like what I wanted, and now I find you were more than I ever dreamed you could be. Just took me a long time to discover all the nice things about you.
I don't have much time to read. Hardly do justice to what I have so don't bother to send me anything else. You're a thoughtful old devil. I love you honey. Always taking care of me aren't you?
We have a library at the service club but that is a mile away so I don't get there very often.
I know the holidays aren't far away, and it will be the first we haven't been together, but I'll be thinking of you and with you in spirit even if I can't be there physically.
You were a little mixed about listening to the football game on the car radio, in the Cleve parking lot. That was the Duke - U.S.C. New Year's Game in'39. Sure I remember it. I remember all the things we did together. All red letter days in my life, even if I didn't know it at the time. You just slipped up on me and I didn't know it. I love you sweetheart and always will. Have lots more red letter days as the years go along.
Night honey, I love you.
your lover
Norm.
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Letter # 128, November 16, 1943
Nov 16, 1943
Darling Tootsie Wuggles;
No letter from you today, honey. I guess Sunday interfered. Probably get two tomorrow, and I won't be here to get them until late tomorrow night. Oh well, guess I can wait. Don't know what I would do if my wife wasn't a very faithful letter writer. Love letter writer I should say. They're sweet honey and I love 'em.
I finished school today and have to go out and fire the carbine tomorrow. All day detail I expect. McDonald starts the same school I just finished. Boy they sure fuck things up in great shape. All the mechanics work we have to do and then they won't let any of us work. Didn't learn very much at the school anyhow. The first three days were good, but the rest has just been a waste of time.
For the next week while Mac is at school I will be the mechanic in charge. Some business. 2 weeks in an entirely new outfit and I will have to take charge. In some ways this outfit is crazy as hell and in others it is O.K. I guess they are all the same and all the army. Situation normal, all fucked up.
I'm just doing a little bitching, but don't try to make anything of it. Just telling you what is what and I don't feel any different about it than I always have. I haven't done much bitching before so I thought I better explain a bit, so you wouldn't think I was too disgusted.
Grafton dropped in for a few minutes just now. First time I've seen him since we've been back. Says they are keeping him plenty busy. Lots of work getting their equipment in shape. I guess I told you he is now a T/4. You don't know the others but they were at Knox with us. I guess it's true that they are leaving soon and the rumor is still Fort Knox. Grafton says they were told to send all extra clothes and things home, and they are already on the alert ready to move at any time, and no one allowed to leave the camp. They were told they would probably be at some camp for a couple months and then they might take a long trip. Sounds very much like the real thing. Grafton says too much like it to suit him, but he is getting ready, bought himself a hell of a big hunting knife. Must have a blade a foot long. Says if he gets cornered he's going to cut his way out.
These two Tank Bns. were formed at the same time, 710 & 775 and are the only men out of the original eighth division. I don't know if it means anything to this outfit or not. Not at present at least. For the past two weeks the 710 has been getting new equipment and we haven't so I don't think we are ready to move yet. Probably have some advance warning.
From what Grafton says I am not the only one that has been fucking up. Ernie was almost broken for failing to salute some smart bastard of a 2nd Lt. He had his back to him and didn't even see him. He finally got out of it by a very slim margin.
Schindler is in the same outfit as Ernie apparently and Grafton says he really got screwed. Still a Pfc. and no prospect for anything different. Wild is also a Pfc. He was the smarty boy I spoke about when we were first at Knox. Grafton says he is really burned up.
Angie is in the mechanized Calvary and still has his T/5. I guess that is all the news I got from him.
Piecing on some more of your cookies. They sure taste swell. I wasn't quite as selfish with them as I was with the cake but I saw to it that I kept most of them.
Just think sweetheart the 16th of Nov. If I was home I bet I'd have the old shotgun all shined up and ready for the first big day. I don't know when it is this year but I imagine soon. First time in 12 years that I've missed it. Maybe that will be like some other things I miss, a lot more enjoyable when I get a chance again. I don't miss the hunting half as much as I miss the other things I was thinking of. Bet you can't guess what I'm referring to. I knew you couldn't. You are all the things rolled into one person. A very nice, loving and altogether lovable person too, so there.
Hope your cold is better and if you have gone back to school I hope it wasn't too hard on you. That was quite a vacation. Over a month. Boy, do I wish I could have been there all the time.
Night darling, I'm loving you and missing you a lot. Here's a nice squeeze and kiss, several of them. I'd go further than that but the distance is too great. I love you.
Norm.
Darling Tootsie Wuggles;
No letter from you today, honey. I guess Sunday interfered. Probably get two tomorrow, and I won't be here to get them until late tomorrow night. Oh well, guess I can wait. Don't know what I would do if my wife wasn't a very faithful letter writer. Love letter writer I should say. They're sweet honey and I love 'em.
I finished school today and have to go out and fire the carbine tomorrow. All day detail I expect. McDonald starts the same school I just finished. Boy they sure fuck things up in great shape. All the mechanics work we have to do and then they won't let any of us work. Didn't learn very much at the school anyhow. The first three days were good, but the rest has just been a waste of time.
For the next week while Mac is at school I will be the mechanic in charge. Some business. 2 weeks in an entirely new outfit and I will have to take charge. In some ways this outfit is crazy as hell and in others it is O.K. I guess they are all the same and all the army. Situation normal, all fucked up.
I'm just doing a little bitching, but don't try to make anything of it. Just telling you what is what and I don't feel any different about it than I always have. I haven't done much bitching before so I thought I better explain a bit, so you wouldn't think I was too disgusted.
Grafton dropped in for a few minutes just now. First time I've seen him since we've been back. Says they are keeping him plenty busy. Lots of work getting their equipment in shape. I guess I told you he is now a T/4. You don't know the others but they were at Knox with us. I guess it's true that they are leaving soon and the rumor is still Fort Knox. Grafton says they were told to send all extra clothes and things home, and they are already on the alert ready to move at any time, and no one allowed to leave the camp. They were told they would probably be at some camp for a couple months and then they might take a long trip. Sounds very much like the real thing. Grafton says too much like it to suit him, but he is getting ready, bought himself a hell of a big hunting knife. Must have a blade a foot long. Says if he gets cornered he's going to cut his way out.
These two Tank Bns. were formed at the same time, 710 & 775 and are the only men out of the original eighth division. I don't know if it means anything to this outfit or not. Not at present at least. For the past two weeks the 710 has been getting new equipment and we haven't so I don't think we are ready to move yet. Probably have some advance warning.
From what Grafton says I am not the only one that has been fucking up. Ernie was almost broken for failing to salute some smart bastard of a 2nd Lt. He had his back to him and didn't even see him. He finally got out of it by a very slim margin.
Schindler is in the same outfit as Ernie apparently and Grafton says he really got screwed. Still a Pfc. and no prospect for anything different. Wild is also a Pfc. He was the smarty boy I spoke about when we were first at Knox. Grafton says he is really burned up.
Angie is in the mechanized Calvary and still has his T/5. I guess that is all the news I got from him.
Piecing on some more of your cookies. They sure taste swell. I wasn't quite as selfish with them as I was with the cake but I saw to it that I kept most of them.
Just think sweetheart the 16th of Nov. If I was home I bet I'd have the old shotgun all shined up and ready for the first big day. I don't know when it is this year but I imagine soon. First time in 12 years that I've missed it. Maybe that will be like some other things I miss, a lot more enjoyable when I get a chance again. I don't miss the hunting half as much as I miss the other things I was thinking of. Bet you can't guess what I'm referring to. I knew you couldn't. You are all the things rolled into one person. A very nice, loving and altogether lovable person too, so there.
Hope your cold is better and if you have gone back to school I hope it wasn't too hard on you. That was quite a vacation. Over a month. Boy, do I wish I could have been there all the time.
Night darling, I'm loving you and missing you a lot. Here's a nice squeeze and kiss, several of them. I'd go further than that but the distance is too great. I love you.
Norm.
Monday, November 15, 2010
Letter # 127 November 15, 1943
Nov 15, 1943
Sweetheart;
Not much of interest happened here today. Just went to school all day and am now back on my bunk, dreaming of you. Nice pleasant occupation too.
Only about a dozen of us here at the barracks. The rest are all out in the woods someplace yet. They were supposed to come in tonight and I expect they will be sometime. McDonald went out to herd them back in.
Since the fuss about the school the other day they are very careful to see I stay there. The officers don't want any more restrictions. Nearly every night they tell me to be sure and be there on time next day.
I am supposed to go on the firing range for another try with the carbine tomorrow, but they say the school comes first. I guess we are going to fire all the guns over again, just to keep in practice. The carbine is the one I fired after working all day and all night without any sleep. Remember the note in the regimental paper?
I don't know when the school will be over and I don't think they do either.
Got your Friday letter today. Sorry to hear you are still more or less confined with your cold. Wish I was home, I'd work it out of you. I don't really mean work. I mean love it out of you. After this much rest, I think I could do a fairly good job again. I love you enough and like your special brand of loving enough to keep at it until we are both mere shadows. I do love and miss you a lot.
Your weather sounds rather interesting to me. Of course I can say that now, sitting here by an open window in my shorts and writing. It sure is a nice temperature here and I like it, but seems funny to think of the middle of Nov and have it like this. Kind of makes me homesick to hear you talk of snow. I always did like winter and I guess I always will. I'm still a northern man at heart and as long as you are there, I know my heart will be there with you.
From your comments you seem to be getting along with the furnace O.K. I'm glad. Thought you could do it if you would just get over being afraid of it. I hope you aren't shitting me, just to make me feel good.
You won't get a chance to go hunting with Brown, because when he left here he was headed for California. He is very good looking, just about my present build but with black hair and snappy brown eyes. If it was anyone but you and he was loose in the vicinity, I'd be a bit worried. He's quite a wolf. But I'm not a bit worried about my darling wife cheating on me. I've got her fooled into thinking I'm about as nice as any man she could find. I love you "Chubbins" and am going to show you sometime.
Got a letter from Harold today. He talks about Steve not saying anything in his letters. He sure doesn't either. Didn't even send Steve's new address. Good thing you did. I haven't as yet had a chance to write him, but I will soon.
Also got a letter from Mom & Hazel and they say the place is sold but don't say if they have to move or not. Hope they can find something if they do.
Well honey I guess I have about exhausted all I have to say. Just had late mail call. The boys came in and I got a very nice box of swell cookies. I can give you full credit this time. You're a sweet old devil, always doing something nice for me. They're swell honey. How would I ever get along without you? I bet life would be pretty dull and uninteresting without you. You're just as near perfect as anyone can be and still be human. I loves you darling.
I also got the Gazette today. Last Friday's and they even had the address correct. Well night sweetheart, I'm eating your cookies and loving you. Night honey, sweet dreams.
Your hubby.
Norm.
Sweetheart;
Not much of interest happened here today. Just went to school all day and am now back on my bunk, dreaming of you. Nice pleasant occupation too.
Only about a dozen of us here at the barracks. The rest are all out in the woods someplace yet. They were supposed to come in tonight and I expect they will be sometime. McDonald went out to herd them back in.
Since the fuss about the school the other day they are very careful to see I stay there. The officers don't want any more restrictions. Nearly every night they tell me to be sure and be there on time next day.
I am supposed to go on the firing range for another try with the carbine tomorrow, but they say the school comes first. I guess we are going to fire all the guns over again, just to keep in practice. The carbine is the one I fired after working all day and all night without any sleep. Remember the note in the regimental paper?
I don't know when the school will be over and I don't think they do either.
Got your Friday letter today. Sorry to hear you are still more or less confined with your cold. Wish I was home, I'd work it out of you. I don't really mean work. I mean love it out of you. After this much rest, I think I could do a fairly good job again. I love you enough and like your special brand of loving enough to keep at it until we are both mere shadows. I do love and miss you a lot.
Your weather sounds rather interesting to me. Of course I can say that now, sitting here by an open window in my shorts and writing. It sure is a nice temperature here and I like it, but seems funny to think of the middle of Nov and have it like this. Kind of makes me homesick to hear you talk of snow. I always did like winter and I guess I always will. I'm still a northern man at heart and as long as you are there, I know my heart will be there with you.
From your comments you seem to be getting along with the furnace O.K. I'm glad. Thought you could do it if you would just get over being afraid of it. I hope you aren't shitting me, just to make me feel good.
You won't get a chance to go hunting with Brown, because when he left here he was headed for California. He is very good looking, just about my present build but with black hair and snappy brown eyes. If it was anyone but you and he was loose in the vicinity, I'd be a bit worried. He's quite a wolf. But I'm not a bit worried about my darling wife cheating on me. I've got her fooled into thinking I'm about as nice as any man she could find. I love you "Chubbins" and am going to show you sometime.
Got a letter from Harold today. He talks about Steve not saying anything in his letters. He sure doesn't either. Didn't even send Steve's new address. Good thing you did. I haven't as yet had a chance to write him, but I will soon.
Also got a letter from Mom & Hazel and they say the place is sold but don't say if they have to move or not. Hope they can find something if they do.
Well honey I guess I have about exhausted all I have to say. Just had late mail call. The boys came in and I got a very nice box of swell cookies. I can give you full credit this time. You're a sweet old devil, always doing something nice for me. They're swell honey. How would I ever get along without you? I bet life would be pretty dull and uninteresting without you. You're just as near perfect as anyone can be and still be human. I loves you darling.
I also got the Gazette today. Last Friday's and they even had the address correct. Well night sweetheart, I'm eating your cookies and loving you. Night honey, sweet dreams.
Your hubby.
Norm.
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Letter # 126 November 14, 1943
Nov 14, 1943
My Darling wife;
Boy-oh-boy two more letters from you today. Both written on Thursday. You're just getting too ambitious. I'm really not worth that much. One of them was even a six pager.
Had a very busy day. Went to work at 0800, worked until noon and then had just time enough to eat and get my letters from you and then beat it back to the motor park and load the maintenance half track and follow the convoy out to the bivouac area. Had 16 tanks to ride herd on and we went about 40 miles. Only had a couple of breakdowns and they weren't very serious. I herded the last one into the bivouac area about a half hour after the rest got there. About 1800 then, so I ate supper in the field and then came back. I sure didn't loose much time on the way back. 50 minutes for the 40 miles and that was all over sandy roads that are as bad to drive on as ice. The motor Lt. came back with me and he told me to pour the gas to her, so I did. You should have been along honey, I know you would have shit your pants a couple times. Went around a few curves, sideways. Really are bitches to drive on fast until you get used to it. Then you just let her slide. She always comes out of it someplace and if you go in the ditch or off the road, What the hell's the difference? Can't get stuck with them so all you have to do is miss the trees. That's what the Lt. says. Claims he could make a good army driver of me if he had the time. He sure is a crazy devil with a vehicle of any kind. Be scared to ride in a civilian car with him.
It sure seems funny to think of it being the middle of Nov. and going out for an 80 mile ride in an open air job and being comfortable with just a wool shirt and pair of fatigues on. Our rainy weather has passed for a few days and it is really swell. Nice and cool, even a little snappy in the morning and evening and just perfect during the day. Even the country looks much better to me since I don't need to wipe the sweat out of my eyes to get a look at it. Might be I'll get to like the country after all. No kidding. I do like it down here this time of year. The pines are really beautiful, real nice green now. In the summer they seemed a dirty brownish green.
The pretty sunsets and nights are still with us. Moon so nice and bright and stars by the million. Perfect nights to sit and love a certain very nice female I know. The only trouble is she is too damn far away. I have to love her by remote control and that isn't nearly as nice as I imagine it would be at close range. Of course I don't know anything about it but I intend to find out for sure someday. Do you think the gal I'm talking about will cooperate and let me find out? I love her, you know.
Well I've got four letters from you here to answer, so I guess I better get busy. Honey if you don't quit talking about me and quoting me so much, people are going to think you are in love with me. I'm going to be very sure of it if you keep on writing such nice love letters.
I have been meaning to go to the P.O. and get some air mail stamps, but I haven't had time to get there yet. I will someday. It seems to make about a day difference and I guess it won't break us up to buy stamps. It does seem to take a long time to get an answer. Just about a week to make a round trip.
I've been getting a Yank every week and will send them to you one of these days.
I was very much pleased that you are saving a date for me. That will be fun. But you'll have to watch out, you know I'm an army wolf and they're bad. Liable to be a bit fresh and free with my hands, more than that if I get any encouragement at all. I love you a lot sweetheart.
Sorry to hear you have another cold and can't go to the Wads. football game. What's the matter with you, honey? Do you need a man or what, to keep you from catching cold. You never had that many when I was home. Bet it's because you keep the windows shut all the time.
I don't think I want the moccasins or anything yet for a while. Wait and see if they have anything in store for us.
So Louise is going to try and get a little closer to Mickey after all. Their separation idea may be alright, but I bet they will be plenty glad to see each other again.
I'd even like to see you again, already. In fact I wanted to see you again as soon as you were out of sight, but I think we had better wait for a better opportunity. You wouldn't have time enough to come here at Christmas.
It may be a waste of time to fool with these old tanks, but it sure is good training and anyhow we do have to have something to use until we get new ones.
No, Honey. I didn't mean you when I was talking about coaching some women. At least it doesn't apply to you recently asking me if I remembered the "Shall we eat or shall we love?" "Let's love." How could I forget it? Never will be able to forget it and I want a lot more like it.
Well honey, it's time to go to bed again. Alone too, damn it. I'm going to expect you to make good on that date and some of that special brand of loving one of these days, so take care of yourself and keep in shape.
I'm loving you gorgeous. Maybe I'll even take a chance and try to dream about you a little.
Your lover
Norm
My Darling wife;
Boy-oh-boy two more letters from you today. Both written on Thursday. You're just getting too ambitious. I'm really not worth that much. One of them was even a six pager.
Had a very busy day. Went to work at 0800, worked until noon and then had just time enough to eat and get my letters from you and then beat it back to the motor park and load the maintenance half track and follow the convoy out to the bivouac area. Had 16 tanks to ride herd on and we went about 40 miles. Only had a couple of breakdowns and they weren't very serious. I herded the last one into the bivouac area about a half hour after the rest got there. About 1800 then, so I ate supper in the field and then came back. I sure didn't loose much time on the way back. 50 minutes for the 40 miles and that was all over sandy roads that are as bad to drive on as ice. The motor Lt. came back with me and he told me to pour the gas to her, so I did. You should have been along honey, I know you would have shit your pants a couple times. Went around a few curves, sideways. Really are bitches to drive on fast until you get used to it. Then you just let her slide. She always comes out of it someplace and if you go in the ditch or off the road, What the hell's the difference? Can't get stuck with them so all you have to do is miss the trees. That's what the Lt. says. Claims he could make a good army driver of me if he had the time. He sure is a crazy devil with a vehicle of any kind. Be scared to ride in a civilian car with him.
It sure seems funny to think of it being the middle of Nov. and going out for an 80 mile ride in an open air job and being comfortable with just a wool shirt and pair of fatigues on. Our rainy weather has passed for a few days and it is really swell. Nice and cool, even a little snappy in the morning and evening and just perfect during the day. Even the country looks much better to me since I don't need to wipe the sweat out of my eyes to get a look at it. Might be I'll get to like the country after all. No kidding. I do like it down here this time of year. The pines are really beautiful, real nice green now. In the summer they seemed a dirty brownish green.
The pretty sunsets and nights are still with us. Moon so nice and bright and stars by the million. Perfect nights to sit and love a certain very nice female I know. The only trouble is she is too damn far away. I have to love her by remote control and that isn't nearly as nice as I imagine it would be at close range. Of course I don't know anything about it but I intend to find out for sure someday. Do you think the gal I'm talking about will cooperate and let me find out? I love her, you know.
Well I've got four letters from you here to answer, so I guess I better get busy. Honey if you don't quit talking about me and quoting me so much, people are going to think you are in love with me. I'm going to be very sure of it if you keep on writing such nice love letters.
I have been meaning to go to the P.O. and get some air mail stamps, but I haven't had time to get there yet. I will someday. It seems to make about a day difference and I guess it won't break us up to buy stamps. It does seem to take a long time to get an answer. Just about a week to make a round trip.
I've been getting a Yank every week and will send them to you one of these days.
I was very much pleased that you are saving a date for me. That will be fun. But you'll have to watch out, you know I'm an army wolf and they're bad. Liable to be a bit fresh and free with my hands, more than that if I get any encouragement at all. I love you a lot sweetheart.
Sorry to hear you have another cold and can't go to the Wads. football game. What's the matter with you, honey? Do you need a man or what, to keep you from catching cold. You never had that many when I was home. Bet it's because you keep the windows shut all the time.
I don't think I want the moccasins or anything yet for a while. Wait and see if they have anything in store for us.
So Louise is going to try and get a little closer to Mickey after all. Their separation idea may be alright, but I bet they will be plenty glad to see each other again.
I'd even like to see you again, already. In fact I wanted to see you again as soon as you were out of sight, but I think we had better wait for a better opportunity. You wouldn't have time enough to come here at Christmas.
It may be a waste of time to fool with these old tanks, but it sure is good training and anyhow we do have to have something to use until we get new ones.
No, Honey. I didn't mean you when I was talking about coaching some women. At least it doesn't apply to you recently asking me if I remembered the "Shall we eat or shall we love?" "Let's love." How could I forget it? Never will be able to forget it and I want a lot more like it.
Well honey, it's time to go to bed again. Alone too, damn it. I'm going to expect you to make good on that date and some of that special brand of loving one of these days, so take care of yourself and keep in shape.
I'm loving you gorgeous. Maybe I'll even take a chance and try to dream about you a little.
Your lover
Norm
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Letter # 125 November 13, 1943
Nov 13, 1943
Hello Sweetheart;
After that short letter last night, I had very good intentions of writing you a nice long letter tonight, but just as I was getting started, Max Stanisbury dropped in, remember him, so I lost a lot of time gabbing and now I don't think I'll make a very long one after all.
Max is like the rest of us old men, doesn't like the army as much as he could, but is still here. He is also still in the motor park and has Peterson for C.O.
We are working tomorrow, at least most of the day. Start at 0800 and the tanks are to go to the field on overnight bivouac at noon. We mechanics will have to go out with them and then come back, so I imagine it will be most all day. I have to be back here to go to school Monday, so I know I'll come back in anyhow.
I've got a little story to tell you about how well I'm getting off with the new Co. commander. I rather fucked up, partly my fault and partly someone else. In a way it's rather funny.
This school that I'm going to is at the bottom of the whole business. It is apparently something the battalion commanders aren't in favor of, but is ordered by the 19th Corpse. Anyhow no one seemed to pay much attention to it. They came around Monday and just told us to go morning and afternoon and no specified time. Well the first morning we went at 0730 and the instructor never showed up until about 0830. He is a civilian, wasn't an army man in charge at all. At noon we went back at 1300 and again he wasn't there until quite a bit later. Next day was the same story and then in the afternoon they pulled me out and sent me to the field. Next day the same old story. At noon the company was all out in the field, mechanics and etc. were all the men at barracks. As you probably know they always blow a whistle when it's time to go to work. Well this day the first Sargent must have forgotten, we had all gone to sleep and didn't wake up until about 1315, 15 minutes late. We went right down to the motor park and then to school. Got there about 25 after 1 and of course, that was the day the 19th Corpse officers were checking on the school. There was supposed to be about a dozen of us there and Baker, one of our mechanics and I, were the only ones there and we were 25 minutes late. The 19th Captain singled me out because I had the highest rating, asked me why we were late and I just told him I hadn't known of any specified time to be there. I smelled a rat and couldn't think of anything else that wouldn't put someone else in trouble. He then proceeded to make it clear that we were to start at 0700 and 1300 sharp. Then he wanted to know where the rest were and of course I couldn't tell him. They came straggling in about then. Then come to find out our motor Lt. was supposed to be there and a tec. Sargent from another company was to be there as an assistant instructor. Neither had ever been there. I had been acting as a half ass assistant instructor. The factory man had put me in charge of the group on one engine the first day and I found out later he had passed on a good recommendation for me. Me, who never even saw a medium tank before.
Well that was the end of it until the next noon. Thursday. We were only working for half a day because of the Armistice parade. We got to the company at noon and the Co. clerk said the motor Lt. wanted to see me in the orderly room. I went in and he asked me about the same questions the 19th Captain had and then my opinion of the instructor and the school. I had to be honest and tell him I didn't think much of either. He seemed satisfied with that answer and then he asked about what time the instructor had been getting there. I was honest about that also. I didn't know what was in the wind and I was going slow and sticking to facts. Then he wanted to know if I had had any instructions about time to be there and I told him no. He was the one that was supposed to have told us. That was all he wanted to know so I went to barracks and started to get ready for inspection and parade. Had just showered and had my shorts on when the clerk came running in and said the Captain, our co. commander wanted me in the orderly room. I grabbed a pair of fatigues and left on the run. I knew something was cooking and I didn't want it to get too hot. Went in and the Captain was waiting for me. I saluted and etc. He put me at ease and then the first question was, "What about this school business?" I knew what he wanted but was still feeling my way. "Just what do you want to know sir?" I countered. He asked much the same questions about the school instructor and etc and then he wanted to know why I was late 25 minutes. I still couldn't say any different than I had without getting someone else in trouble, the first Sargent was right there and he hands out all the extra details so I gave him the same answer. Had no instructions about time to be there. Then he asked some more questions and found out we didn't leave the company on time. Never asked me why so I didn't volunteer information. He then asked me if I knew he and the motor Lt were restricted for a week because of me being late. I said no, I didn't know it. At the same time I was thinking of a week or two of K.P. extra duty or something for me. But he just smiled a little and dismissed me, and I haven't heard or felt anything more from it yet. Most Co's would have restricted me for twice as long as he was restricted for.
I found out later that all the Captains and motor Lts. in the Battalion were restricted for a week for not having their men at the school. That is also why we are working tomorrow, the whole battalion.
In case you don't know, restricted means they can't leave the camp.
So even if it wasn't all my fault you can see I'm on the good side of the Captain. Even a little surprised they didn't break me down to a buck "ass" private again.
Well honey it's time for lights out so I'll have to quit and I didn't get anything but the story written. I'll write again tomorrow if I get time and answer your last letters. I loves my honey and am thinking of her a lot. Night sweetheart, I love you.
your "fuck up" soldier
Norm
Hello Sweetheart;
After that short letter last night, I had very good intentions of writing you a nice long letter tonight, but just as I was getting started, Max Stanisbury dropped in, remember him, so I lost a lot of time gabbing and now I don't think I'll make a very long one after all.
Max is like the rest of us old men, doesn't like the army as much as he could, but is still here. He is also still in the motor park and has Peterson for C.O.
We are working tomorrow, at least most of the day. Start at 0800 and the tanks are to go to the field on overnight bivouac at noon. We mechanics will have to go out with them and then come back, so I imagine it will be most all day. I have to be back here to go to school Monday, so I know I'll come back in anyhow.
I've got a little story to tell you about how well I'm getting off with the new Co. commander. I rather fucked up, partly my fault and partly someone else. In a way it's rather funny.
This school that I'm going to is at the bottom of the whole business. It is apparently something the battalion commanders aren't in favor of, but is ordered by the 19th Corpse. Anyhow no one seemed to pay much attention to it. They came around Monday and just told us to go morning and afternoon and no specified time. Well the first morning we went at 0730 and the instructor never showed up until about 0830. He is a civilian, wasn't an army man in charge at all. At noon we went back at 1300 and again he wasn't there until quite a bit later. Next day was the same story and then in the afternoon they pulled me out and sent me to the field. Next day the same old story. At noon the company was all out in the field, mechanics and etc. were all the men at barracks. As you probably know they always blow a whistle when it's time to go to work. Well this day the first Sargent must have forgotten, we had all gone to sleep and didn't wake up until about 1315, 15 minutes late. We went right down to the motor park and then to school. Got there about 25 after 1 and of course, that was the day the 19th Corpse officers were checking on the school. There was supposed to be about a dozen of us there and Baker, one of our mechanics and I, were the only ones there and we were 25 minutes late. The 19th Captain singled me out because I had the highest rating, asked me why we were late and I just told him I hadn't known of any specified time to be there. I smelled a rat and couldn't think of anything else that wouldn't put someone else in trouble. He then proceeded to make it clear that we were to start at 0700 and 1300 sharp. Then he wanted to know where the rest were and of course I couldn't tell him. They came straggling in about then. Then come to find out our motor Lt. was supposed to be there and a tec. Sargent from another company was to be there as an assistant instructor. Neither had ever been there. I had been acting as a half ass assistant instructor. The factory man had put me in charge of the group on one engine the first day and I found out later he had passed on a good recommendation for me. Me, who never even saw a medium tank before.
Well that was the end of it until the next noon. Thursday. We were only working for half a day because of the Armistice parade. We got to the company at noon and the Co. clerk said the motor Lt. wanted to see me in the orderly room. I went in and he asked me about the same questions the 19th Captain had and then my opinion of the instructor and the school. I had to be honest and tell him I didn't think much of either. He seemed satisfied with that answer and then he asked about what time the instructor had been getting there. I was honest about that also. I didn't know what was in the wind and I was going slow and sticking to facts. Then he wanted to know if I had had any instructions about time to be there and I told him no. He was the one that was supposed to have told us. That was all he wanted to know so I went to barracks and started to get ready for inspection and parade. Had just showered and had my shorts on when the clerk came running in and said the Captain, our co. commander wanted me in the orderly room. I grabbed a pair of fatigues and left on the run. I knew something was cooking and I didn't want it to get too hot. Went in and the Captain was waiting for me. I saluted and etc. He put me at ease and then the first question was, "What about this school business?" I knew what he wanted but was still feeling my way. "Just what do you want to know sir?" I countered. He asked much the same questions about the school instructor and etc and then he wanted to know why I was late 25 minutes. I still couldn't say any different than I had without getting someone else in trouble, the first Sargent was right there and he hands out all the extra details so I gave him the same answer. Had no instructions about time to be there. Then he asked some more questions and found out we didn't leave the company on time. Never asked me why so I didn't volunteer information. He then asked me if I knew he and the motor Lt were restricted for a week because of me being late. I said no, I didn't know it. At the same time I was thinking of a week or two of K.P. extra duty or something for me. But he just smiled a little and dismissed me, and I haven't heard or felt anything more from it yet. Most Co's would have restricted me for twice as long as he was restricted for.
I found out later that all the Captains and motor Lts. in the Battalion were restricted for a week for not having their men at the school. That is also why we are working tomorrow, the whole battalion.
In case you don't know, restricted means they can't leave the camp.
So even if it wasn't all my fault you can see I'm on the good side of the Captain. Even a little surprised they didn't break me down to a buck "ass" private again.
Well honey it's time for lights out so I'll have to quit and I didn't get anything but the story written. I'll write again tomorrow if I get time and answer your last letters. I loves my honey and am thinking of her a lot. Night sweetheart, I love you.
your "fuck up" soldier
Norm
Friday, November 12, 2010
Letter # 124 november 12, 1943
Nov 12, 1943
Dear Wifey;
This is going to be one of those real short notes. Been in school all day and when the boys came back from the field they brought a lot of trouble back with them. We thought we could finish most of them before we came up to supper but at 7:30 we finally gave up and came to supper. Will go back again in a few minutes and work until we get through. Probably be rather late when we get done.
I didn't expect any letters from you today after three yesterday, but got two more today. Your Tues. and Wed ones. Guess the air mail is what hurried them up.
I'll write on this until the rest of the boys are ready to go back to work and then I probably won't get time to write any more. I'll probably need my sleep. They say we are going out Sunday and stay out a few days. Not sure about it but if you don't get a letter for a few days, that will be the reason.
Sweetheart you are really out doing yourself on this love letter business. I'll have to take some lessons from you. They're sweet. If I needed any convincing about how much you love me, I think they would do it.
Honestly, Honey, if you continue to improve, in showing and telling, as much as you have since I've been in the army I don't know how I'll stand it. Probably kill myself trying to keep you satisfied. But boy oh boy is it fun to kill myself that way. I can live on the kind of love you give me, almost. Just need a little something to eat once in a while.
I do love you ever and ever so much sweetheart, and I'm just waiting until I get a chance to show you.
Night sweetheart; we're going to work now. I'll be seeing you in my dreams.
your hubby.
Norm.
Dear Wifey;
This is going to be one of those real short notes. Been in school all day and when the boys came back from the field they brought a lot of trouble back with them. We thought we could finish most of them before we came up to supper but at 7:30 we finally gave up and came to supper. Will go back again in a few minutes and work until we get through. Probably be rather late when we get done.
I didn't expect any letters from you today after three yesterday, but got two more today. Your Tues. and Wed ones. Guess the air mail is what hurried them up.
I'll write on this until the rest of the boys are ready to go back to work and then I probably won't get time to write any more. I'll probably need my sleep. They say we are going out Sunday and stay out a few days. Not sure about it but if you don't get a letter for a few days, that will be the reason.
Sweetheart you are really out doing yourself on this love letter business. I'll have to take some lessons from you. They're sweet. If I needed any convincing about how much you love me, I think they would do it.
Honestly, Honey, if you continue to improve, in showing and telling, as much as you have since I've been in the army I don't know how I'll stand it. Probably kill myself trying to keep you satisfied. But boy oh boy is it fun to kill myself that way. I can live on the kind of love you give me, almost. Just need a little something to eat once in a while.
I do love you ever and ever so much sweetheart, and I'm just waiting until I get a chance to show you.
Night sweetheart; we're going to work now. I'll be seeing you in my dreams.
your hubby.
Norm.
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Letter # 123 November 11, 1943
Nov 11, 1943
Thurs. Eve.
Dear Mummy;
Got your Sunday evening letter this noon. From the sound of your letter you must not be getting very good service on my letters or else I don't remember what I wrote, when. So far I have written every day. Are you getting them O.K.? We seem to have kind of a hit or miss mail system here and I was just wondering.
Honey it isn't that I don't love you as much as ever, if I haven't done as well on the love letter business, but just that I haven't as much time to write. Those love letters took a lot of time, hunting for the proper words. I have so far had news enough to take up most of my letter. Someday when I run out of news and have a lot of time, I'll write you one of the old love letters again.
Well Honey, I just got interrupted by being called out for the parade. You see I was writing this in some spare time after I had gotten dressed. I've now had supper and mail call and what do you know? I got two more letters from my sweet wife. Your Monday aft. & Monday night ones. You sure are getting to be some letter writer. I can't hope to compete with that. 2 letters each day for 2 days. I thought I was doing pretty well to keep up the one a day, but that sure beats me. I just can't keep up with you. I love them though and you can write as many as you wish.
I see there are a few questions in your letters so I'll go over them now. All three of them. You're a devil but I love you, love you & love you.
I might agree with Mickey to a very small extent, that separation may be good for a couple, but only a very, very little. All the good I can see that has come of it, is, that I have come to realize just how much you mean to me and how very much I love you. That's worth a lot, but I think the price is rather high also. I don't like it a bit. I'd sooner have all my time with you. After all we got a late start and can't have more than 50 or 60 yrs left. The three we've had have been so perfect that even the 60 more wouldn't be enough. So there too. I love you and don't forget it.
Kinda funny as I read your Sun. letter, I find a sentence almost exactly the same as one I wrote you. We had both gone to the show Sunday night, by ourselves and we both say the same thing, "Nobody to hold hands with." Must be we are both rather lost without the other.
I don't care if you do call yourself my sweet, generous, natural wife. I think you are too and I can add a lot more nice adjectives to that. Good looking, good natured, very exciting, curvaceous, soft, warm, loving and even passionate. Best wife a man ever had. I could do better than that if I could just think of the words. Next time we meet, I'll show you and you can also gather from the contented look about me how much I mean all I've said.
You don't have to apologize for not being quite in top shape the last few days. I thought you were just about perfect. Even when you didn't feel the urge you still kept up the good work, just to satisfy me. You were swell honey, and don't be getting the idea you weren't.
I'll take that as a promise, that you will try to be like I like you the next time. I'm sure looking toward that time already. I know it won't be long. { I'm too old for it to grow anymore} but I think I can promise it will be hard and all rested up, ready for action. Whoope.
The news from Mickey sounds very good. Hope he makes it. Even if they do think separation is good for them, I bet they won't loose much time getting together again, given the opportunity. That would be just about perfect to be sent to Columbus for college. That would even be a better break than we had. He would be there a lot longer. If he really is chosen he won't have any trouble cutting the last two weeks of basic. I've got my fingers crossed for them.
That's no. two letter and now for your third. The very nice love letter. You are getting very good, sweetheart, keep it up. I love 'em even if you do say a lot of things about me that aren't true. I just eat it up coming from you.
I wrote about Sgt. Brown but I see you have looked back and gotten the dope from one of the old letters.
I gather you aren't liking the teaching any better than ever. Can't say I blame you, but as long as you have to do something I still think it's about as good as you could do. You had better be wanting to be my wife, because if I have anything to say about it, that is what you are always going to be, and I'm not "bird terding".
When this damn war is over and they turn me loose again, you're going to stay at home and be my loving wife. I know you are a good teacher, but I also know you are a better wife, and anyhow you can do your teaching on me.
I really don't know what to say about Bob {Effinger} either, for Christmas I mean. I haven't seen him for so long, he's a stranger. I would think the tie or a shirt or something like that would be as good as anything. Money wouldn't mean much, he probably has that to burn anyhow.
As far as a package to me. There really isn't a thing I need or want except you and you can't very well send yourself. I don't want to carry any more stuff around with me. I expect to be moving around quite a bit and it may start most anytime, so you can understand.
Why don't you just send me a cake or something like that. I will appreciate that as much as anything and can get rid of it in a hurry. Then you can save your money and if we get a chance, spend it to come see me. I would like that a lot. About the only thing I'm short of is a few pairs of wool or part wool socks. Grey if possible. You see when we go on maneuvers we can only take so much baggage.
As for sending them I would think the 10th or 12th of Dec would be plenty of time. As you say I couldn't have a package around very long. If it comes late what's the difference? I'll be thinking of you anyhow.
I have already written my impression of you coming way down here on those few days and at that time of year. Travel will be hell, I bet. Just hold your horses and maybe we will get a better chance.
Thanks a lot sweetheart for taking care of the family Christmas. I was going to ask you anyhow. I'll give you a big kiss and a hug, next time I see you. Remind me if I forget. As for the cards, do whatever you want.
I may not have anything better stored up in me anywhere along love making lines but I sure have a lot more of the same. What I meant by getting a chance was a longer time, years in fact. Can't do anymore than get a good start in 15 days.
Well honey, I guess that covers your letters and I'll quit for tonight. Running out of time. You aren't the only one that wished I could warm you and your bed. I like that job. Night darling wifey. I love you.
Your lover
Norm.
Thurs. Eve.
Dear Mummy;
Got your Sunday evening letter this noon. From the sound of your letter you must not be getting very good service on my letters or else I don't remember what I wrote, when. So far I have written every day. Are you getting them O.K.? We seem to have kind of a hit or miss mail system here and I was just wondering.
Honey it isn't that I don't love you as much as ever, if I haven't done as well on the love letter business, but just that I haven't as much time to write. Those love letters took a lot of time, hunting for the proper words. I have so far had news enough to take up most of my letter. Someday when I run out of news and have a lot of time, I'll write you one of the old love letters again.
Well Honey, I just got interrupted by being called out for the parade. You see I was writing this in some spare time after I had gotten dressed. I've now had supper and mail call and what do you know? I got two more letters from my sweet wife. Your Monday aft. & Monday night ones. You sure are getting to be some letter writer. I can't hope to compete with that. 2 letters each day for 2 days. I thought I was doing pretty well to keep up the one a day, but that sure beats me. I just can't keep up with you. I love them though and you can write as many as you wish.
I see there are a few questions in your letters so I'll go over them now. All three of them. You're a devil but I love you, love you & love you.
I might agree with Mickey to a very small extent, that separation may be good for a couple, but only a very, very little. All the good I can see that has come of it, is, that I have come to realize just how much you mean to me and how very much I love you. That's worth a lot, but I think the price is rather high also. I don't like it a bit. I'd sooner have all my time with you. After all we got a late start and can't have more than 50 or 60 yrs left. The three we've had have been so perfect that even the 60 more wouldn't be enough. So there too. I love you and don't forget it.
Kinda funny as I read your Sun. letter, I find a sentence almost exactly the same as one I wrote you. We had both gone to the show Sunday night, by ourselves and we both say the same thing, "Nobody to hold hands with." Must be we are both rather lost without the other.
I don't care if you do call yourself my sweet, generous, natural wife. I think you are too and I can add a lot more nice adjectives to that. Good looking, good natured, very exciting, curvaceous, soft, warm, loving and even passionate. Best wife a man ever had. I could do better than that if I could just think of the words. Next time we meet, I'll show you and you can also gather from the contented look about me how much I mean all I've said.
You don't have to apologize for not being quite in top shape the last few days. I thought you were just about perfect. Even when you didn't feel the urge you still kept up the good work, just to satisfy me. You were swell honey, and don't be getting the idea you weren't.
I'll take that as a promise, that you will try to be like I like you the next time. I'm sure looking toward that time already. I know it won't be long. { I'm too old for it to grow anymore} but I think I can promise it will be hard and all rested up, ready for action. Whoope.
The news from Mickey sounds very good. Hope he makes it. Even if they do think separation is good for them, I bet they won't loose much time getting together again, given the opportunity. That would be just about perfect to be sent to Columbus for college. That would even be a better break than we had. He would be there a lot longer. If he really is chosen he won't have any trouble cutting the last two weeks of basic. I've got my fingers crossed for them.
That's no. two letter and now for your third. The very nice love letter. You are getting very good, sweetheart, keep it up. I love 'em even if you do say a lot of things about me that aren't true. I just eat it up coming from you.
I wrote about Sgt. Brown but I see you have looked back and gotten the dope from one of the old letters.
I gather you aren't liking the teaching any better than ever. Can't say I blame you, but as long as you have to do something I still think it's about as good as you could do. You had better be wanting to be my wife, because if I have anything to say about it, that is what you are always going to be, and I'm not "bird terding".
When this damn war is over and they turn me loose again, you're going to stay at home and be my loving wife. I know you are a good teacher, but I also know you are a better wife, and anyhow you can do your teaching on me.
I really don't know what to say about Bob {Effinger} either, for Christmas I mean. I haven't seen him for so long, he's a stranger. I would think the tie or a shirt or something like that would be as good as anything. Money wouldn't mean much, he probably has that to burn anyhow.
As far as a package to me. There really isn't a thing I need or want except you and you can't very well send yourself. I don't want to carry any more stuff around with me. I expect to be moving around quite a bit and it may start most anytime, so you can understand.
Why don't you just send me a cake or something like that. I will appreciate that as much as anything and can get rid of it in a hurry. Then you can save your money and if we get a chance, spend it to come see me. I would like that a lot. About the only thing I'm short of is a few pairs of wool or part wool socks. Grey if possible. You see when we go on maneuvers we can only take so much baggage.
As for sending them I would think the 10th or 12th of Dec would be plenty of time. As you say I couldn't have a package around very long. If it comes late what's the difference? I'll be thinking of you anyhow.
I have already written my impression of you coming way down here on those few days and at that time of year. Travel will be hell, I bet. Just hold your horses and maybe we will get a better chance.
Thanks a lot sweetheart for taking care of the family Christmas. I was going to ask you anyhow. I'll give you a big kiss and a hug, next time I see you. Remind me if I forget. As for the cards, do whatever you want.
I may not have anything better stored up in me anywhere along love making lines but I sure have a lot more of the same. What I meant by getting a chance was a longer time, years in fact. Can't do anymore than get a good start in 15 days.
Well honey, I guess that covers your letters and I'll quit for tonight. Running out of time. You aren't the only one that wished I could warm you and your bed. I like that job. Night darling wifey. I love you.
Your lover
Norm.
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Letter # 122
Nov 10, 1943
Wed. eve.
My Sweetheart;
I don't know just how much time I'll have to write this evening, so I'm getting a head start, before supper. You see, being a mechanic has its compensations. We don't stand retreat, which is what the rest are doing at present, and as the set up is now, we don't have guard or K.P. either and that is something. So far we haven't had any company duty at all. Just fall out and go to the motor park at 0700, come up for dinner and go back at 1300. Work until 1630 and come back to the barracks. It all works out except the 1630 quitting time. We usually don't get up from the motor park until 1730 and then sometimes we go back and work at night. It isn't all bad. I still like it better than anything else I've seen in the army. Not nearly so much "chicken shit" or "fucking" around as there is with most of these army jobs. Besides, I am busy enough that the days go by rather fast. Don't get too much time to think about how much I miss my wife. The old darling.
The faster the days roll by the quicker I'll be home to stay. Just think another two weeks have already passed. They sure went a lot faster than the last two weeks at Knox. I love you darling.
Just had chow and have a few minutes before we go to an aircraft identification class. You know, training us to be able to recognize all our own and allies planes on sight. I expect it will last for an hour or so and that is the reason I was getting an early start on this letter.
Got your Sunday afternoon letter tonight. That was good service. Postmarked 8 A.M. Monday and I get it Wed. eve. Very nice newsy letter and also you say you have some cookies on the way. Swell. This time I can give you credit and not be complimenting the wrong person. I don't know if I will be as selfish as I was the last time or not. Just depends on how I feel, and how good the cookies are.
So Fred Hazen has a white collar, traveling job. Sounds rather interesting and apparently he is very much on his own. Bet he likes that.
Tony is still all "fucked up" from the sound of things. Looks like he is going to be one of the army misfits. Tough shit. I feel sorry for him.
Foreign cadre would be the same as cadre here, only sent overseas to do their work. A bunch of Sgts, Caps, and etc. sent out to train a new bunch of men in some line or other. I don't believe you ever said if he had any kind of rating yet.
Your T bone steaks sound very good, but I want you to know we had a small steak for dinner, Sunday. Small was right, only about 4 bites, but they were swell. Nice and tender and very tasty.
Time out for class and now I'll finish. They haven't been feeding us too badly, but it sure isn't like being at home and eating the chow you put out. Damn near spoiled me in those few days I was home, honey.
Got paid today and I got quite a nice surprise. Instead of about $30.00 as I thought. I got $40.00. They paid me for the part of the month before October, that I had the rating. So you see you don't have to worry about my money situation. I'm nearly rich.
Glad it's Margaret that's going to do "it" instead of you. I wasn't at all in favor of that business. Has Art {Nichols}ever said anymore about the draft business?
I was in school all day today again. I thought this was to be the last, but a captain from the 19th Corpse, he is in charge of the school, said we were to keep on until he told us to quit. I don't care. I'll go to all the school they want to send me to, but they sure pick a hell of a time for it. Just sent two mechanics to Knox and Brownie on a furlough. Mac, that is T/4 McDonald says maybe he will have to lock the door yet.
This school will help a lot. I'm getting fairly well acquainted with the engines and that was what I needed most. Few more days and I'll be back on the beam again.
Tomorrow we are having a big Armistice Day parade at 1:30 and then a dance afterward. Going to import a bunch of girls I guess. Afraid the dance and the girls don't do me much good. I've been home too recently to be much interested in any strange women yet.
You know honey, I did dream of you last night, and if they hadn't got us out a half hour early, I'm afraid it wouldn't have been clean. I was just ready to love you but good. He was sure liking you and ready for business. I won't try to dream about you tonight, but I am loving you ever and ever so much. Night sweetheart. I love you
Your lover
Norm.
Wed. eve.
My Sweetheart;
I don't know just how much time I'll have to write this evening, so I'm getting a head start, before supper. You see, being a mechanic has its compensations. We don't stand retreat, which is what the rest are doing at present, and as the set up is now, we don't have guard or K.P. either and that is something. So far we haven't had any company duty at all. Just fall out and go to the motor park at 0700, come up for dinner and go back at 1300. Work until 1630 and come back to the barracks. It all works out except the 1630 quitting time. We usually don't get up from the motor park until 1730 and then sometimes we go back and work at night. It isn't all bad. I still like it better than anything else I've seen in the army. Not nearly so much "chicken shit" or "fucking" around as there is with most of these army jobs. Besides, I am busy enough that the days go by rather fast. Don't get too much time to think about how much I miss my wife. The old darling.
The faster the days roll by the quicker I'll be home to stay. Just think another two weeks have already passed. They sure went a lot faster than the last two weeks at Knox. I love you darling.
Just had chow and have a few minutes before we go to an aircraft identification class. You know, training us to be able to recognize all our own and allies planes on sight. I expect it will last for an hour or so and that is the reason I was getting an early start on this letter.
Got your Sunday afternoon letter tonight. That was good service. Postmarked 8 A.M. Monday and I get it Wed. eve. Very nice newsy letter and also you say you have some cookies on the way. Swell. This time I can give you credit and not be complimenting the wrong person. I don't know if I will be as selfish as I was the last time or not. Just depends on how I feel, and how good the cookies are.
So Fred Hazen has a white collar, traveling job. Sounds rather interesting and apparently he is very much on his own. Bet he likes that.
Tony is still all "fucked up" from the sound of things. Looks like he is going to be one of the army misfits. Tough shit. I feel sorry for him.
Foreign cadre would be the same as cadre here, only sent overseas to do their work. A bunch of Sgts, Caps, and etc. sent out to train a new bunch of men in some line or other. I don't believe you ever said if he had any kind of rating yet.
Your T bone steaks sound very good, but I want you to know we had a small steak for dinner, Sunday. Small was right, only about 4 bites, but they were swell. Nice and tender and very tasty.
Time out for class and now I'll finish. They haven't been feeding us too badly, but it sure isn't like being at home and eating the chow you put out. Damn near spoiled me in those few days I was home, honey.
Got paid today and I got quite a nice surprise. Instead of about $30.00 as I thought. I got $40.00. They paid me for the part of the month before October, that I had the rating. So you see you don't have to worry about my money situation. I'm nearly rich.
Glad it's Margaret that's going to do "it" instead of you. I wasn't at all in favor of that business. Has Art {Nichols}ever said anymore about the draft business?
I was in school all day today again. I thought this was to be the last, but a captain from the 19th Corpse, he is in charge of the school, said we were to keep on until he told us to quit. I don't care. I'll go to all the school they want to send me to, but they sure pick a hell of a time for it. Just sent two mechanics to Knox and Brownie on a furlough. Mac, that is T/4 McDonald says maybe he will have to lock the door yet.
This school will help a lot. I'm getting fairly well acquainted with the engines and that was what I needed most. Few more days and I'll be back on the beam again.
Tomorrow we are having a big Armistice Day parade at 1:30 and then a dance afterward. Going to import a bunch of girls I guess. Afraid the dance and the girls don't do me much good. I've been home too recently to be much interested in any strange women yet.
You know honey, I did dream of you last night, and if they hadn't got us out a half hour early, I'm afraid it wouldn't have been clean. I was just ready to love you but good. He was sure liking you and ready for business. I won't try to dream about you tonight, but I am loving you ever and ever so much. Night sweetheart. I love you
Your lover
Norm.
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Letter # 121 November 9, 1943
Nov 9, 1943
Tues. eve.
Babe darling;
I was just thinking. Two weeks ago tonight was the last night I spent with my sweetheart. Time kinda flies but it seems a lot longer than that since I've seen you. Wish I could always have you with me. You're so nice and comfortable to have around beside being good for me. On top of all that I love you like hell. I still can't believe that any woman could become so necessary to me, that I would miss her as much as I do you. You sure slipped up on me, but don't get the idea I'm sorry. I wouldn't trade you for anyone or anything else I've ever seen or heard tell of. I'm not very good at telling you how much I love you, but when that fourth honeymoon comes around, I'll sure do my best to show you.
I don't know how we could make the next any better than the last. I'm really looking forward to it. Nevertheless it can't come too soon or last too long to suit me.
We sure had a wonderful time. We can now mark up another outstanding event in our lives. You were so loving and sweet and so much the perfect wife. I still don't know how I ever was able to leave you. I sure as hell didn't want to. I know I hated it a lot more than I did the first time. I had to kiss you quick and run away or I think I would have bawled like a baby. I sure felt like I was lost or not altogether or something. Empty I guess might come close to it.
We can now look forward to the next time and hope we don't have to part again. We will both be busy and the time will go very quickly, so I guess we can stand it. Just make us appreciate each other more than ever.
The Clearview game was rather a disappointment but I guess they can't win them all. Do they have a game with Wadsworth yet? Remember last year, just about this time of month too. That was the night Mickey got to feeling so good. That was quite a night.
So you were surprised to hear form me so often, but I gather you weren't exactly sorry, so I'll try to keep up those little surprises.
So Fred Hazen is also home. That about accounts for all the boys that left with me, I guess.
Glad to hear Gus Maitland got a small deferment. Maybe something will happen in Washington or someplace to save him yet. I sure hope so.
Ernie hasn't done so bad. Two furloughs in 5 months, but I still think if he was getting one it's too damn bad he couldn't get it from Knox. I haven't seen him yet. Guess he will be back about tomorrow.
Grafton's T/4 is three stripes and a tee. Just add a stripe above mine and you have it. It was a nice break for him. I probably would have the same if I had been put in light tanks. That's the breaks of the game. We already have a T/4 mechanic, McDonald, in this outfit so I imagine I will stay a T/5 for quite a spell.
I guess I'll have to agree with you that there was some excuse for Lady's delinquency. All females around an army camp either do or have to get out. Your remark about her probably liking it too, rather tickled me. Would almost think you were speaking by comparison with yourself. Can't believe old "cold potatoes" mummy would ever come to think it fun. You did kinda act as though it wasn't objectionable. You're a devil.
I didn't get much time in school today. Had to herd a bunch of tanks out to the firing range this morning and then go back out this afternoon and see they all got back again. Good thing I did I guess. All went well on the way out, but this afternoon when I got out there a couple of them wouldn't start and then two developed troubles on the way home. Nothing very serious and they were easily fixed. Anyhow I got them all herded back into the motor park under their own power. I was rather scared of the detail, going out alone to monkey wrench a bunch of tanks I know very little about, but it turned out O.k. this time. Maybe I'll make a mechanic yet.
I got my Esquire and the Nov 5 Gazette today. I see you gave me a write up. Got your Friday letter also.
Night for today, sweetheart. I love you and I think it's about time to have a nice dream about you. Just a nice clean one, I mean.
With lots of love
Norm.
Tues. eve.
Babe darling;
I was just thinking. Two weeks ago tonight was the last night I spent with my sweetheart. Time kinda flies but it seems a lot longer than that since I've seen you. Wish I could always have you with me. You're so nice and comfortable to have around beside being good for me. On top of all that I love you like hell. I still can't believe that any woman could become so necessary to me, that I would miss her as much as I do you. You sure slipped up on me, but don't get the idea I'm sorry. I wouldn't trade you for anyone or anything else I've ever seen or heard tell of. I'm not very good at telling you how much I love you, but when that fourth honeymoon comes around, I'll sure do my best to show you.
I don't know how we could make the next any better than the last. I'm really looking forward to it. Nevertheless it can't come too soon or last too long to suit me.
We sure had a wonderful time. We can now mark up another outstanding event in our lives. You were so loving and sweet and so much the perfect wife. I still don't know how I ever was able to leave you. I sure as hell didn't want to. I know I hated it a lot more than I did the first time. I had to kiss you quick and run away or I think I would have bawled like a baby. I sure felt like I was lost or not altogether or something. Empty I guess might come close to it.
We can now look forward to the next time and hope we don't have to part again. We will both be busy and the time will go very quickly, so I guess we can stand it. Just make us appreciate each other more than ever.
The Clearview game was rather a disappointment but I guess they can't win them all. Do they have a game with Wadsworth yet? Remember last year, just about this time of month too. That was the night Mickey got to feeling so good. That was quite a night.
So you were surprised to hear form me so often, but I gather you weren't exactly sorry, so I'll try to keep up those little surprises.
So Fred Hazen is also home. That about accounts for all the boys that left with me, I guess.
Glad to hear Gus Maitland got a small deferment. Maybe something will happen in Washington or someplace to save him yet. I sure hope so.
Ernie hasn't done so bad. Two furloughs in 5 months, but I still think if he was getting one it's too damn bad he couldn't get it from Knox. I haven't seen him yet. Guess he will be back about tomorrow.
Grafton's T/4 is three stripes and a tee. Just add a stripe above mine and you have it. It was a nice break for him. I probably would have the same if I had been put in light tanks. That's the breaks of the game. We already have a T/4 mechanic, McDonald, in this outfit so I imagine I will stay a T/5 for quite a spell.
I guess I'll have to agree with you that there was some excuse for Lady's delinquency. All females around an army camp either do or have to get out. Your remark about her probably liking it too, rather tickled me. Would almost think you were speaking by comparison with yourself. Can't believe old "cold potatoes" mummy would ever come to think it fun. You did kinda act as though it wasn't objectionable. You're a devil.
I didn't get much time in school today. Had to herd a bunch of tanks out to the firing range this morning and then go back out this afternoon and see they all got back again. Good thing I did I guess. All went well on the way out, but this afternoon when I got out there a couple of them wouldn't start and then two developed troubles on the way home. Nothing very serious and they were easily fixed. Anyhow I got them all herded back into the motor park under their own power. I was rather scared of the detail, going out alone to monkey wrench a bunch of tanks I know very little about, but it turned out O.k. this time. Maybe I'll make a mechanic yet.
I got my Esquire and the Nov 5 Gazette today. I see you gave me a write up. Got your Friday letter also.
Night for today, sweetheart. I love you and I think it's about time to have a nice dream about you. Just a nice clean one, I mean.
With lots of love
Norm.
Monday, November 8, 2010
Letter # 120 November 8, 1943
Nov 8, 1943
Monday eve.
My darling wife;
Got your Thursday eve letter this noon. I guess I should call it your Friday morning letter. You're a devil writing a letter at 2 A.M. I think you had better stayed working nights. You seem to be up all night anyhow. You will have some more adjusting to do if you ever go back to school again.
If this letter gets a little screwy, I'm not drunk or anything, but we have been having a geography quiz among ourselves and I've had a hell of a time sorting states and cities out of what I was writing.
I'm glad to be in the medium tanks and after I get acquainted with them it will be swell especially if we get the new Fords they are talking about.
They have put me in school again, but only for a couple days I guess. They have a factory man here, giving a few of us the dope on these Wright Whirlwind engines. I was already getting a fair acquaintance with them and this will help a hell of a lot. Give me a month and I'll know which end to start on. Nothing very hard. Just have to know how they work. I'll make out O.K. At least they can't fire me.
Sgt. Brown left today for a 15 day furlough. First one for him in over a year. Says he's going to hunt, fish, and fuck. Bet he does all three, unless he finds something especially good along the fucking line first.
We sure have a variety of weather down here. This morning it was rather cold. There was even a light frost. I didn't suppose I would see any of that for several weeks to come. I imagine it was caused by the tornado along the Gulf Sat. night. You may have read of it or heard it on the radio. I guess it was quite a storm. All we had here was a hell of a thunder storm, with rain drops like cherries, coming down in almost a solid mass for about an hour.
Glad to hear you are getting along with the firing. I think you have hit on the right method. Fire it and forget it. It can't hurt anything. You always were too afraid of it.
I think you gals must have had a case of beer or something at that party. Honey, I'm surprised at you letting someone sell you on the talking table idea. I don't blame Gus for thinking you were nuts, only I would sooner believe you were "high".
Steve's address does sound a bit like the real thing. I'll write him a line as soon as I get around to it.
I saw Dick Elder the first day I was here and he said he wanted to see me on Sunday, the next day, but he didn't show up. I imagine the furlough was the reason.
I had quite a day yesterday. Wrote 8 letters, even got a nice long one off to Jim Johnson. I wrote to Mom & Hazel, Marg, Harold, Mickey, Gus & Vi, and best of all, my sweet wife. Then I read a little, did a few housewife jobs and then went to see, "This is the Army". You never said if you had managed to see it or not. I thought it was a peach of a show. Glad I went to see it. I almost didn't. There was a hell of a line up an hour before show time, but I decided to wait it out. I didn't have any nice thrilling feminine hand to hold, but I enjoyed it anyhow. You know, Honey, it doesn't seem right to be going to a show or anyplace without you. You've become a habit with me, but a darn nice one. I love you sweetheart and miss you a lot.
Don't worry about them working me too hard. I just won't do it. They can keep me on duty long hours, but I can work very slow and easy when I want to. I think it will ease up a bit soon. We are getting most of these iron buggies in half ass shape and when we once get caught up, I think we will be able to keep ahead of them.
I may not always be able to write you every day, but I will as often as I can. I like to write to you. It compensates in a small measure for not being able to be with you. I loves my chubby wife an awful lot and think of her most of the time I'm not busy and even then she manages to squeeze in and interrupt my work. She's a devil, but a very nice one. I love her so much.
Your soldier
Norm.
Monday eve.
My darling wife;
Got your Thursday eve letter this noon. I guess I should call it your Friday morning letter. You're a devil writing a letter at 2 A.M. I think you had better stayed working nights. You seem to be up all night anyhow. You will have some more adjusting to do if you ever go back to school again.
If this letter gets a little screwy, I'm not drunk or anything, but we have been having a geography quiz among ourselves and I've had a hell of a time sorting states and cities out of what I was writing.
I'm glad to be in the medium tanks and after I get acquainted with them it will be swell especially if we get the new Fords they are talking about.
They have put me in school again, but only for a couple days I guess. They have a factory man here, giving a few of us the dope on these Wright Whirlwind engines. I was already getting a fair acquaintance with them and this will help a hell of a lot. Give me a month and I'll know which end to start on. Nothing very hard. Just have to know how they work. I'll make out O.K. At least they can't fire me.
Sgt. Brown left today for a 15 day furlough. First one for him in over a year. Says he's going to hunt, fish, and fuck. Bet he does all three, unless he finds something especially good along the fucking line first.
We sure have a variety of weather down here. This morning it was rather cold. There was even a light frost. I didn't suppose I would see any of that for several weeks to come. I imagine it was caused by the tornado along the Gulf Sat. night. You may have read of it or heard it on the radio. I guess it was quite a storm. All we had here was a hell of a thunder storm, with rain drops like cherries, coming down in almost a solid mass for about an hour.
Glad to hear you are getting along with the firing. I think you have hit on the right method. Fire it and forget it. It can't hurt anything. You always were too afraid of it.
I think you gals must have had a case of beer or something at that party. Honey, I'm surprised at you letting someone sell you on the talking table idea. I don't blame Gus for thinking you were nuts, only I would sooner believe you were "high".
Steve's address does sound a bit like the real thing. I'll write him a line as soon as I get around to it.
I saw Dick Elder the first day I was here and he said he wanted to see me on Sunday, the next day, but he didn't show up. I imagine the furlough was the reason.
I had quite a day yesterday. Wrote 8 letters, even got a nice long one off to Jim Johnson. I wrote to Mom & Hazel, Marg, Harold, Mickey, Gus & Vi, and best of all, my sweet wife. Then I read a little, did a few housewife jobs and then went to see, "This is the Army". You never said if you had managed to see it or not. I thought it was a peach of a show. Glad I went to see it. I almost didn't. There was a hell of a line up an hour before show time, but I decided to wait it out. I didn't have any nice thrilling feminine hand to hold, but I enjoyed it anyhow. You know, Honey, it doesn't seem right to be going to a show or anyplace without you. You've become a habit with me, but a darn nice one. I love you sweetheart and miss you a lot.
Don't worry about them working me too hard. I just won't do it. They can keep me on duty long hours, but I can work very slow and easy when I want to. I think it will ease up a bit soon. We are getting most of these iron buggies in half ass shape and when we once get caught up, I think we will be able to keep ahead of them.
I may not always be able to write you every day, but I will as often as I can. I like to write to you. It compensates in a small measure for not being able to be with you. I loves my chubby wife an awful lot and think of her most of the time I'm not busy and even then she manages to squeeze in and interrupt my work. She's a devil, but a very nice one. I love her so much.
Your soldier
Norm.
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