April 27, 1944
Thurs. eve.
My special wife;
Got two letters from my wifey today. Sun and Monday ones. Very nice ones too.
We finished our packing this afternoon and are all ready for orders to load up and take off. Oh, we still have some cleaning and etc. at the garage but not much. We nailed the lid on the last box at about 2:30 and Brownie says, "Fuck it. Let's close her up and fuck off for the rest of the day." We did.
Gebby and I went down the road to where the 8th has moved in and tried to look up a few old friends. Ernie was the only one I succeeded in finding. Same old boy only it's surprising how much he has aged in the past few months. He's almost as grey headed as a man of 60. Seems the same as always in other ways.
He tried to tell me that since he has been married he's gotten so he can lay down beside it and go right to sleep. I poo-pooed that and he did admit it wasn't quite that bad. Still had some life left. I was kidding him how he liked married life by now. Said it was the best thing ever happened to him and then said he had forgotten to thank me for urging him to get married. Said I had praised it so highly to him all the time that he believed it. Glad he did too. There, see how I talk about us? I like married life swell. Only wish I could live it. Ernie didn't know much about any of the other fellows. His wife is down here again and he spends all his time with her. Lucky devil.
I got a little more of my new clothes today. Field jacket and 3 new suntan shirts. Now I can start sewing stripes again. No patches though. They all must come off and stay off until further notice. The rest of my clothes are supposed to be coming. I must be an unusual size or something.
Offered us all three day passes today. Fri, Sat. & Sun. I didn't figure I wanted one very bad after all. I'll save mine for later if we get a chance to get together. I'm expecting to be in some camp for a while and if they allow us any liberty at all, I'm expecting to see my honey. A three day pass then would be a bit of all right. Wonder if I'd be as worn out as Gebby was. I'll sure work at it.
I guess that is all the news and now I'll answer your letters.
I was so interested in your shopping trip. I like to see my wife in nice clothes and now that I can't see her, I can imagine, when you tell me about them, how you look in them. I had nearly guessed how you looked in your black one, but not quite. Looked better and more beautiful than I had expected. These new ones sound good too, especially the brown one. I like you in summer dresses. Nothing hidden and, honey, you're an eye full. Plenty to see and thrill to. I loves you.
Get the alarm clock fixed if you possibly can or try to buy a new one. Don't forget, if you come this summer to bring it along. I might be able to stay all night with you this time.
Silly. Asking if you could persuade me to sleep with you. Of course you can't. I'm not that kind of man. Who wrote that? You damn well know it won't take any persuasion at all. It would take a whole army to keep me away from you.
Honey, I've always wanted you to come see me, you don't know how bad, but I just couldn't ask or even let you get yourself into this mess down here. My desire to have you here or anyplace I may be, has gotten the better of my desire to protect you. I just want as much of you as it's possible to have.
Carl Wacker's rumor about Calif. may be very true but I wouldn't swear to it. That has been my guess all along and still is. Hope it's right and we are someplace where accommodations for you are better.
Gebby and I were remarking the other night about how we would have to be a little more careful of what we said in our letters, if they are censored. The censor would sure have gotten a kick out of some that I've written you. Wow!
May 26 sounds plenty good to me, if the army only doesn't fuck up our plans. I'm crossing everything too.
Two pounds off already. If you keep it up honey, you'll have a bathing beauty shape on top of all your other attractions. Poor me. How could I stood it? Bet you won't be able to love any better. You're perfect now. I loves you sweetheart. Bye now. I'm dreaming of you.
Your hubby.
Norm.
Saturday, April 30, 2011
Letter # 354 April 26, 1944
April 26, 1944
Wed. eve.
My darling wife;
Gosh, honey, the 26th of April already. Soon be the 1st of May and then it won't be long, I hope, until I'll see you again. I'm still hoping and really believe we will be in some other camp for at least a month or two before we push off, if we ever do. Anyhow, I'm not worrying about it a bit. Of course we are doing an awful lot of wondering and wishing. Arguments are hot and heavy about where we will go and no one knows any more then the other about it. It's funny to listen to it. No new developments along that line yet.
We almost finished our packing work today and now we will have a day or so cleaning and scrubbing the garage all spotless for the next outfit that moves in here.
Brownie came back last night, so once again we have a full crew. Said he had a wonderful time, fishing and fucking. Came out after while that he had only been fishing one day. So - make your own guess. I suppose it's plenty of fun that way too, but I still can't think I would like it nearly as well as when I have my wife. It would be an outlet valve but I wouldn't be in love and I'd think that would make a big difference. Don't reckon I'll ever know, cause, honey, I'm more than satisfied to wait until I can have you again. You spoiled me sweetheart. I'd never be satisfied with any other girl. I'm sure of it. You're a peach.
Here is a clipping I found and got a kick out of. Remember when we were first married and I talked about twin beds? I may have thought then that I wanted twin beds, but now I'm like that girl. Haven't any idea what a twin bed would be good for. Of course, it could be used to keep a spare redhead in, but that is about all I can think of. I don't like to sleep alone anymore. Even when I can't play. I like to feel you there beside me. Nice thrilling and yet comfortable feeling. Nothing like it. I love you, honey.
Didn't get a letter today and haven't much to say so I guess I'll let it rest at this for tonight. Bye sweetheart, I'm missing you like hell and loving you more than that. I love you, my chubby wife, You're a darling.
Your hubby.
Norm.
Wed. eve.
My darling wife;
Gosh, honey, the 26th of April already. Soon be the 1st of May and then it won't be long, I hope, until I'll see you again. I'm still hoping and really believe we will be in some other camp for at least a month or two before we push off, if we ever do. Anyhow, I'm not worrying about it a bit. Of course we are doing an awful lot of wondering and wishing. Arguments are hot and heavy about where we will go and no one knows any more then the other about it. It's funny to listen to it. No new developments along that line yet.
We almost finished our packing work today and now we will have a day or so cleaning and scrubbing the garage all spotless for the next outfit that moves in here.
Brownie came back last night, so once again we have a full crew. Said he had a wonderful time, fishing and fucking. Came out after while that he had only been fishing one day. So - make your own guess. I suppose it's plenty of fun that way too, but I still can't think I would like it nearly as well as when I have my wife. It would be an outlet valve but I wouldn't be in love and I'd think that would make a big difference. Don't reckon I'll ever know, cause, honey, I'm more than satisfied to wait until I can have you again. You spoiled me sweetheart. I'd never be satisfied with any other girl. I'm sure of it. You're a peach.
Here is a clipping I found and got a kick out of. Remember when we were first married and I talked about twin beds? I may have thought then that I wanted twin beds, but now I'm like that girl. Haven't any idea what a twin bed would be good for. Of course, it could be used to keep a spare redhead in, but that is about all I can think of. I don't like to sleep alone anymore. Even when I can't play. I like to feel you there beside me. Nice thrilling and yet comfortable feeling. Nothing like it. I love you, honey.
Didn't get a letter today and haven't much to say so I guess I'll let it rest at this for tonight. Bye sweetheart, I'm missing you like hell and loving you more than that. I love you, my chubby wife, You're a darling.
Your hubby.
Norm.
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Letter # 353 April 25, 1944
April 25, 1944
Tues. eve.
My knock out Wife;
No news report from here for today. Not even any new rumors. Hard to believe, but nevertheless true. I guess everyone had exhausted his stock of guesses and is waiting for something new to happen to start some more rumors.
We got most of our packing finished up today. Getting ready to take off for places unknown.
The11th Airborne division that has been here in camp with us moved out the past few days. They are still going and probably will be for a couple days more. The 8th division, my old outfit, is moving in, where the 11th is moving from. I should say, what is left of the 8th. They broke the outfit up and all the Pfc's, privates, were put in the infantry and are being sent out for oversea shipment. The noncoms and rated men are forming cadres and are apparently going to train some rookies someplace. See what would have happened if I had stayed with the 8th. I'd be here in the states training rookies for a while at least. If it wasn't for you and the chance it would give me to see you, I wouldn't even consider that kind of job to be able to stay near you. You would more than make up for anything I'd miss seeing or doing.
Baker came back last night. Water went down enough so he could get through. He got one extra day out of it and is mad he didn't get another. Said he had a redhead school teacher all lined up for an evening and then he had to leave. Thought he was going to get a little "meat" from her. I told him to watch his step with school teachers. They have a way of fascinating a man and making him love her, when he really didn't intend to do that at all. I know. I've had experience along that line. I'm not at all sorry though. Best thing that ever happened to me or ever will happen. If all school teachers are like mine they should never be allowed to become old maids. They make much too nice wives for any such waste. I'm in love with you, honey. Madly in love.
That's the idea sweetheart, keep up the old "crossing everything" routine and maybe it will work again. It's done very well so far. Beside if you keep your legs crossed you can't get in very much trouble.
You say you are getting tough and can take anything anymore. Part of that may be true. You can sure take all I can give you and do it very well too. I don't know about the tough part though. You only just told me you were sore from my "damned old exercises" and I bet if you have any fillings to put in you'll faint on Stan again. You're only an old softie and I love you soft. Makes me feel like you need me to take care of you.
The fellows that were A.W.O.L. got off so damned easy I'm sorry I didn't stay a few more days with you. The most any of them have gotten, so far is a restriction and a fine. The restriction for only a week and the fine. Buy a war bond a month for three months. That fellow had been over for 8 days too. The best one though was one of our fuck ups who was over for 4 days. Seems that he took a minor girl over the state line for a couple days and the girl's parent had the law on him. He telegraphed for an extension to get married and was refused so he came back unmarried and late. When he was called up on the charge of A.W.O.L. he told his story and added if they didn't give him time to go back and marry the girl he was going over the hill again. He got a 10 day leave and even borrowed $60.00 from the Major. Beat that one if you can. The only thing we can figure is the Major thinks he is going over with us if we go and he doesn't want to get shot in the back by someone he has punished.
Guess I forgot to say I got your Fri letter today. I've already answered it.
I'm all unwound now so I'm going to say bye for now. I'm loving you, honey, more and more and more. I'm crazy about you. You're my wife and sweetheart.
Your hubby.
Norm.
Tues. eve.
My knock out Wife;
No news report from here for today. Not even any new rumors. Hard to believe, but nevertheless true. I guess everyone had exhausted his stock of guesses and is waiting for something new to happen to start some more rumors.
We got most of our packing finished up today. Getting ready to take off for places unknown.
The11th Airborne division that has been here in camp with us moved out the past few days. They are still going and probably will be for a couple days more. The 8th division, my old outfit, is moving in, where the 11th is moving from. I should say, what is left of the 8th. They broke the outfit up and all the Pfc's, privates, were put in the infantry and are being sent out for oversea shipment. The noncoms and rated men are forming cadres and are apparently going to train some rookies someplace. See what would have happened if I had stayed with the 8th. I'd be here in the states training rookies for a while at least. If it wasn't for you and the chance it would give me to see you, I wouldn't even consider that kind of job to be able to stay near you. You would more than make up for anything I'd miss seeing or doing.
Baker came back last night. Water went down enough so he could get through. He got one extra day out of it and is mad he didn't get another. Said he had a redhead school teacher all lined up for an evening and then he had to leave. Thought he was going to get a little "meat" from her. I told him to watch his step with school teachers. They have a way of fascinating a man and making him love her, when he really didn't intend to do that at all. I know. I've had experience along that line. I'm not at all sorry though. Best thing that ever happened to me or ever will happen. If all school teachers are like mine they should never be allowed to become old maids. They make much too nice wives for any such waste. I'm in love with you, honey. Madly in love.
That's the idea sweetheart, keep up the old "crossing everything" routine and maybe it will work again. It's done very well so far. Beside if you keep your legs crossed you can't get in very much trouble.
You say you are getting tough and can take anything anymore. Part of that may be true. You can sure take all I can give you and do it very well too. I don't know about the tough part though. You only just told me you were sore from my "damned old exercises" and I bet if you have any fillings to put in you'll faint on Stan again. You're only an old softie and I love you soft. Makes me feel like you need me to take care of you.
The fellows that were A.W.O.L. got off so damned easy I'm sorry I didn't stay a few more days with you. The most any of them have gotten, so far is a restriction and a fine. The restriction for only a week and the fine. Buy a war bond a month for three months. That fellow had been over for 8 days too. The best one though was one of our fuck ups who was over for 4 days. Seems that he took a minor girl over the state line for a couple days and the girl's parent had the law on him. He telegraphed for an extension to get married and was refused so he came back unmarried and late. When he was called up on the charge of A.W.O.L. he told his story and added if they didn't give him time to go back and marry the girl he was going over the hill again. He got a 10 day leave and even borrowed $60.00 from the Major. Beat that one if you can. The only thing we can figure is the Major thinks he is going over with us if we go and he doesn't want to get shot in the back by someone he has punished.
Guess I forgot to say I got your Fri letter today. I've already answered it.
I'm all unwound now so I'm going to say bye for now. I'm loving you, honey, more and more and more. I'm crazy about you. You're my wife and sweetheart.
Your hubby.
Norm.
Letter # 352 April 24, 1944
April 24, 1944
Mon. eve.
Hi, Babe darling;
Monday gone again. Time moves along, but gosh, honey, it seems a hell of a lot more than two weeks since I left you. Seems like it must be at least 2 months since I got my last kiss. I sure do miss all those sweet contacts with you and seeing that look in your eyes that says I love you, I'm all yours. It seems to be a rather empty life without all that. I get rather used to it or resigned to it after awhile but I miss you all the time. Most though after I first leave you. Seems like it should be the other way around but it isn't. I never get enough of you or ever seem to want to be away from you. You're so sweet and good and fine, I'll never be able to see enough of you to suit me. No help for me honey. I'm in love with you, head over heals.
It has been a very beautiful spring day, not hot and not cold, perfect. We worked packing tools all day, except for a couple hours this morning when we saw a sex hygiene film. You know, keep your peter in your pants if you can, if you can't, be sure to use proper preventatives and take a pro. - If you don't, here are some examples of what might happen. Then follows a series of pictures of extreme cases of syph and clap and blue balls and etc. Same old film I've seen a dozen times. Some of the pictures would scare a man out. At least they would me. I'll stick to Mummy, she's clean and oh such good loving! Couldn't find another girl that would even be fun in comparison to your brand.
Baker didn't get back. He is now overdue, but I guess he has an excuse. They say Kansas has the worst flood in a half century and the trains can't come through. Isn't he lucky? The damn country couldn't flood when I was home so I could stay a few more days. I don't have that kind of luck. I had my share of good luck when you married me. That's enough for a lifetime of good luck in other ways.
We got a few more pieces of new equipment today and tomorrow we turn in part of the old. They also say we are to be issued life preservers tomorrow. Imagine that! Crazy isn't it? Lug all that stuff along when they could just as well give it to us when we get to the coast. Situation normal. All fucked up. Snafu!
I hope you aren't trying to read more in these letters than I am putting in them. I'm telling you everything I know as quick as I know it. I'm not keeping a thing back in an effort to keep you in the dark. I don't know a damn thing more than I've told you and your guess is as good as mine. My guess is the same as it has been. Some camp, probably on one coast or the other for another period of training. I could be right or I could be wrong.
I got your Thurs letter today. Also got an absentee primary ballot by special delivery. They must need votes bad. I hadn't requested one. I'm so far out of the know, I don't feel qualified to even vote. Would be like flipping a coin. Don't even recognize many of the names.
I'll answer your letter now. I can't answer for Tony, but I think it would take a lot more than a 17 mile march to make me forget my duties as a husband.
Of course, when the red flag is flying I might have to sleep all day too, to keep from busting something. We have surely been lucky in that respect so far. Only lost one day that we were together. The last one in Ky. Remember? That's darn good, I'd say. Hope our luck holds.
No comments to make on your decision as to what you are going to do about working. You are a level headed girl and capable of making your own decisions. I only hope I can keep you busy doing things for me. I'm selfish. I don't even want to work for anyone else.
You bet you look good when you dress up for me. I don't think I told you how good you did look but I'll bet if you can read my eyes, they told you plenty. I'm proud of you anytime. You don't need to take a back seat for looks at anytime. You are actually beautiful when you fix up and get that look in your eye. Make a wild man of me. Good thing we are married or I'd be up for abduction or something. I want you terribly. I'm glad I gotcha. You're my wife and sweetheart. I'm in love with you. Bye now.
your lover
Norm.
Mon. eve.
Hi, Babe darling;
Monday gone again. Time moves along, but gosh, honey, it seems a hell of a lot more than two weeks since I left you. Seems like it must be at least 2 months since I got my last kiss. I sure do miss all those sweet contacts with you and seeing that look in your eyes that says I love you, I'm all yours. It seems to be a rather empty life without all that. I get rather used to it or resigned to it after awhile but I miss you all the time. Most though after I first leave you. Seems like it should be the other way around but it isn't. I never get enough of you or ever seem to want to be away from you. You're so sweet and good and fine, I'll never be able to see enough of you to suit me. No help for me honey. I'm in love with you, head over heals.
It has been a very beautiful spring day, not hot and not cold, perfect. We worked packing tools all day, except for a couple hours this morning when we saw a sex hygiene film. You know, keep your peter in your pants if you can, if you can't, be sure to use proper preventatives and take a pro. - If you don't, here are some examples of what might happen. Then follows a series of pictures of extreme cases of syph and clap and blue balls and etc. Same old film I've seen a dozen times. Some of the pictures would scare a man out. At least they would me. I'll stick to Mummy, she's clean and oh such good loving! Couldn't find another girl that would even be fun in comparison to your brand.
Baker didn't get back. He is now overdue, but I guess he has an excuse. They say Kansas has the worst flood in a half century and the trains can't come through. Isn't he lucky? The damn country couldn't flood when I was home so I could stay a few more days. I don't have that kind of luck. I had my share of good luck when you married me. That's enough for a lifetime of good luck in other ways.
We got a few more pieces of new equipment today and tomorrow we turn in part of the old. They also say we are to be issued life preservers tomorrow. Imagine that! Crazy isn't it? Lug all that stuff along when they could just as well give it to us when we get to the coast. Situation normal. All fucked up. Snafu!
I hope you aren't trying to read more in these letters than I am putting in them. I'm telling you everything I know as quick as I know it. I'm not keeping a thing back in an effort to keep you in the dark. I don't know a damn thing more than I've told you and your guess is as good as mine. My guess is the same as it has been. Some camp, probably on one coast or the other for another period of training. I could be right or I could be wrong.
I got your Thurs letter today. Also got an absentee primary ballot by special delivery. They must need votes bad. I hadn't requested one. I'm so far out of the know, I don't feel qualified to even vote. Would be like flipping a coin. Don't even recognize many of the names.
I'll answer your letter now. I can't answer for Tony, but I think it would take a lot more than a 17 mile march to make me forget my duties as a husband.
Of course, when the red flag is flying I might have to sleep all day too, to keep from busting something. We have surely been lucky in that respect so far. Only lost one day that we were together. The last one in Ky. Remember? That's darn good, I'd say. Hope our luck holds.
No comments to make on your decision as to what you are going to do about working. You are a level headed girl and capable of making your own decisions. I only hope I can keep you busy doing things for me. I'm selfish. I don't even want to work for anyone else.
You bet you look good when you dress up for me. I don't think I told you how good you did look but I'll bet if you can read my eyes, they told you plenty. I'm proud of you anytime. You don't need to take a back seat for looks at anytime. You are actually beautiful when you fix up and get that look in your eye. Make a wild man of me. Good thing we are married or I'd be up for abduction or something. I want you terribly. I'm glad I gotcha. You're my wife and sweetheart. I'm in love with you. Bye now.
your lover
Norm.
Letter # 351 April 23, 1944
April 23, 1944
Sun. afternoon.
Sweetheart;
Last night I did as you thought I might have done a week ago. Went to town and didn't get back in time to write you a letter. This one will have to be for Sat & Sunday this time. As you have probably found out by now, I did write a week ago Sat.
I had been looking around camp for some suitable Mother's Day cards without any luck, so I went to DeRidder, thinking I would have better luck. I did find some that are passable, but I had to take them both alike. I don't know if I'm way early or if they don't think of Mother's Day down here, but I had quite a search to find even the ones I have. I went to all the drug stores, 5& 10's and etc in town. When I didn't see any in the card displays I'd ask and get the same "no" in most cases. I did get some nice smiles too, but I'm an old married man and didn't try to make anything of it. However, in the 5& 10 where I did find these, I was slightly tempted. I had a rather pretty, well built girl waiting on me and trying to be helpful. What made it even more tempting, she was a redhead. Lots of very pretty red hair. I was even wondering if it would feel different than brown hair. I didn't find out though, damn it.
I don't know the exact date of Mother's Day, but due to the uncertainty of where I will be and etc. I thought I'd better get the cards and will probably send them soon. I guess it won't be unbearable if they arrive early.
I darn near got myself soaked too. I had bought the cards and was going back towards the bus station when I met a couple of the boys. Marshal was one of them. The fellow from Penna. who had been to military school before coming to the army. We bought a round of sundaes and then went to a show in town. Very cheap western that I don't even remember the name of. When we came out it was raining as it can only in La. The water was running, actually a foot deep in the streets and kept up for an hour or more. We finally made it to the bus during a lull and then when we got to camp it was the same thing all over again. After waiting at the station for some time we waded out during another lull which lasted only long enough for us to get about halfway to the barracks. We did the last half on a dead run and staggered panting into the barracks only half soaked. Good thing we tried it then though because it poured all night. I left my window open about three inches at the top and woke up later in the night, half drowned. The wind was blowing like hell and bringing the rain in on me in a shower.
Today is beautiful again. Cooled off just right.
Worked all morning yesterday. After dinner we had dress inspection in our suntans and were presented with our medals for gunnery and etc. I have a whole handful of scrap iron now that I don't know of any good use for, and they say I have more coming. They didn't have them for all our accomplishments. I got a sharpshooter medal with three bars, machine gun, sub machine gun, and pistol, a mechanic's medal with a bar saying mechanic on it, and I still have an expert medal for the carbine and a driver's medal [tank and wheel vehicles] coming yet. They didn't have the service ribbons either, so I have another installment coming. Some junk. If I'd wear them all I sound like a cow with a bell on, every time I moved. It's not compulsory to wear them. That's something.
The captain told us that he now knew where we were going, but of course he couldn't tell us. At least I guess it's almost certain that we will move about the 1st of May. He also said we must send all our personal things that aren't G.I. issue home, because we only are allowed one barracks bag per man on the move. I'm waiting for Baker to come back with my little bag, [he should be in today] and then I'll pack it all in that and send it to you. There will also be a piece or so of G.I. stuff that I'm not charged for.
We are not allowed to wear any of our new clothes yet. We are getting them and are to mark them and get the stripes all sewed on and ready to wear. So far, we haven't had orders about the patches. Don't know if we can wear them or not. That depends on where or rather what this move is. If it should be P.O.E. we won't wear patches.
I haven't got any of my clothes yet to sew stripes on, but I did get all my new field equipment and etc marked this morning. Lots of sewing. Damn it honey, I really need a wife.
They are still trying to make us believe that this is an overseas movement. It may be, but I'm hard to convince. I'm still planning on seeing you this summer. I will be too, until I walk on to the boat.
That is all the news I can think of now. I've got two letters here to answer so here goes. Tues & Wed ones.
You are darn right I was glad to hear from you. I always am and when I don't expect to and do, I'm really tickled. You're so sweet and thoughtful I should be glad to hear from you. Shouldn't I?
You do a very good job of keeping me in trim, but you spoil it by feeding me too good. 10 lbs in a week. At that rate you would have me back to my 200 in about three weeks. Then I wouldn't be in trim. I'd have a belly again. Some padding for my bones too. You didn't complain much about that this time. You were too glad to have me, I bet.
Keep on planning honey. If our plans don't work out, they don't cost anything and they are lots of fun. Every night before I go to sleep, I think it's one day closer to the time and plan or day dream about what we will do and how much fun we will have. If they don't work out we will both be very disappointed but we will only put the plans off for a while. They're too nice of plans to discard.
You're a very surprising girl, honey. I thought I knew you very well and here you surprise me again. Taking exercises! I can hardly believe it. I know you said you were going to, but you always said you intended to sometime. Keep trying, honey, and you'll be able to do them after a while, only don't fall on the bubbles too hard. They are mine and I don't want them abused. I like the old things a lot. Make you very appealing. That isn't the word. You know what I mean.
I really should go see Phinney again but I haven't yet. I neglect things like that.
You may be fishing for compliments, sweetheart, but why shouldn't you if you like the ones I hand out. That's about all I can give you by mail. You surely didn't waste much time sleeping this time and you were more than willing to spend the time any way I wanted you to. You were sweet. You are improving so much in more ways than one that I soon won't be able to keep up with you. Gosh, honey, I love you.
I'm glad you are through "flying the red flag" but it doesn't do me much good. You are a little mean, teasing me about it. You know or at least you should be able to guess that I'd be ready to show you a little loving by this time. I could really go for some of your "brand" again anytime and all the time. You're the best loving ever made and I really believe it. So there too.
Either I wrote it wrong or you took it wrong. I didn't mean the mark of 300 to be added to the 80. The 300 was the mark for a normal year and I still say it's about right. The way I really like it is once a day every day you are in shape and when we celebrate or feel specially young, as many as we want. I don't think we missed that mark too far either as long as I was home. Fun! Boy, honey, we've got a lot to look forward to.
You can bet our dreams are going to come true. Maybe they won't for a while yet, but they will sometime. I know we aren't loosing any of our love or affection for each other. We are only loosing a little time in which to show each other and enjoy it. The time will come and then we can make up for the time we are loosing now.
Well honey, I guess I'm unwound now. This isn't so bad though.
I'm loving you and dreaming and waiting. I love you, darling.
Your hubby.
Norm.
Sun. afternoon.
Sweetheart;
Last night I did as you thought I might have done a week ago. Went to town and didn't get back in time to write you a letter. This one will have to be for Sat & Sunday this time. As you have probably found out by now, I did write a week ago Sat.
I had been looking around camp for some suitable Mother's Day cards without any luck, so I went to DeRidder, thinking I would have better luck. I did find some that are passable, but I had to take them both alike. I don't know if I'm way early or if they don't think of Mother's Day down here, but I had quite a search to find even the ones I have. I went to all the drug stores, 5& 10's and etc in town. When I didn't see any in the card displays I'd ask and get the same "no" in most cases. I did get some nice smiles too, but I'm an old married man and didn't try to make anything of it. However, in the 5& 10 where I did find these, I was slightly tempted. I had a rather pretty, well built girl waiting on me and trying to be helpful. What made it even more tempting, she was a redhead. Lots of very pretty red hair. I was even wondering if it would feel different than brown hair. I didn't find out though, damn it.
I don't know the exact date of Mother's Day, but due to the uncertainty of where I will be and etc. I thought I'd better get the cards and will probably send them soon. I guess it won't be unbearable if they arrive early.
I darn near got myself soaked too. I had bought the cards and was going back towards the bus station when I met a couple of the boys. Marshal was one of them. The fellow from Penna. who had been to military school before coming to the army. We bought a round of sundaes and then went to a show in town. Very cheap western that I don't even remember the name of. When we came out it was raining as it can only in La. The water was running, actually a foot deep in the streets and kept up for an hour or more. We finally made it to the bus during a lull and then when we got to camp it was the same thing all over again. After waiting at the station for some time we waded out during another lull which lasted only long enough for us to get about halfway to the barracks. We did the last half on a dead run and staggered panting into the barracks only half soaked. Good thing we tried it then though because it poured all night. I left my window open about three inches at the top and woke up later in the night, half drowned. The wind was blowing like hell and bringing the rain in on me in a shower.
Today is beautiful again. Cooled off just right.
Worked all morning yesterday. After dinner we had dress inspection in our suntans and were presented with our medals for gunnery and etc. I have a whole handful of scrap iron now that I don't know of any good use for, and they say I have more coming. They didn't have them for all our accomplishments. I got a sharpshooter medal with three bars, machine gun, sub machine gun, and pistol, a mechanic's medal with a bar saying mechanic on it, and I still have an expert medal for the carbine and a driver's medal [tank and wheel vehicles] coming yet. They didn't have the service ribbons either, so I have another installment coming. Some junk. If I'd wear them all I sound like a cow with a bell on, every time I moved. It's not compulsory to wear them. That's something.
The captain told us that he now knew where we were going, but of course he couldn't tell us. At least I guess it's almost certain that we will move about the 1st of May. He also said we must send all our personal things that aren't G.I. issue home, because we only are allowed one barracks bag per man on the move. I'm waiting for Baker to come back with my little bag, [he should be in today] and then I'll pack it all in that and send it to you. There will also be a piece or so of G.I. stuff that I'm not charged for.
We are not allowed to wear any of our new clothes yet. We are getting them and are to mark them and get the stripes all sewed on and ready to wear. So far, we haven't had orders about the patches. Don't know if we can wear them or not. That depends on where or rather what this move is. If it should be P.O.E. we won't wear patches.
I haven't got any of my clothes yet to sew stripes on, but I did get all my new field equipment and etc marked this morning. Lots of sewing. Damn it honey, I really need a wife.
They are still trying to make us believe that this is an overseas movement. It may be, but I'm hard to convince. I'm still planning on seeing you this summer. I will be too, until I walk on to the boat.
That is all the news I can think of now. I've got two letters here to answer so here goes. Tues & Wed ones.
You are darn right I was glad to hear from you. I always am and when I don't expect to and do, I'm really tickled. You're so sweet and thoughtful I should be glad to hear from you. Shouldn't I?
You do a very good job of keeping me in trim, but you spoil it by feeding me too good. 10 lbs in a week. At that rate you would have me back to my 200 in about three weeks. Then I wouldn't be in trim. I'd have a belly again. Some padding for my bones too. You didn't complain much about that this time. You were too glad to have me, I bet.
Keep on planning honey. If our plans don't work out, they don't cost anything and they are lots of fun. Every night before I go to sleep, I think it's one day closer to the time and plan or day dream about what we will do and how much fun we will have. If they don't work out we will both be very disappointed but we will only put the plans off for a while. They're too nice of plans to discard.
You're a very surprising girl, honey. I thought I knew you very well and here you surprise me again. Taking exercises! I can hardly believe it. I know you said you were going to, but you always said you intended to sometime. Keep trying, honey, and you'll be able to do them after a while, only don't fall on the bubbles too hard. They are mine and I don't want them abused. I like the old things a lot. Make you very appealing. That isn't the word. You know what I mean.
I really should go see Phinney again but I haven't yet. I neglect things like that.
You may be fishing for compliments, sweetheart, but why shouldn't you if you like the ones I hand out. That's about all I can give you by mail. You surely didn't waste much time sleeping this time and you were more than willing to spend the time any way I wanted you to. You were sweet. You are improving so much in more ways than one that I soon won't be able to keep up with you. Gosh, honey, I love you.
I'm glad you are through "flying the red flag" but it doesn't do me much good. You are a little mean, teasing me about it. You know or at least you should be able to guess that I'd be ready to show you a little loving by this time. I could really go for some of your "brand" again anytime and all the time. You're the best loving ever made and I really believe it. So there too.
Either I wrote it wrong or you took it wrong. I didn't mean the mark of 300 to be added to the 80. The 300 was the mark for a normal year and I still say it's about right. The way I really like it is once a day every day you are in shape and when we celebrate or feel specially young, as many as we want. I don't think we missed that mark too far either as long as I was home. Fun! Boy, honey, we've got a lot to look forward to.
You can bet our dreams are going to come true. Maybe they won't for a while yet, but they will sometime. I know we aren't loosing any of our love or affection for each other. We are only loosing a little time in which to show each other and enjoy it. The time will come and then we can make up for the time we are loosing now.
Well honey, I guess I'm unwound now. This isn't so bad though.
I'm loving you and dreaming and waiting. I love you, darling.
Your hubby.
Norm.
Monday, April 25, 2011
Letter # 350 April 21, 1944
April 21, 1944
Friday eve.
Sweetheart;
As you say another day marked off the calendar. Won't be long now until the First of May and then the first of June. Let her come. I'm ready any time.
It rained like hell all last night and up to noon today. Was raining so hard this morning we didn't even have calisthenics, but went right to work. Another day of rest and the old man has gotten over all the sore muscles of a few days ago.
Still working at our tool packing in between other things. We drew part of our new clothes and equipment today. I didn't get very much so far. They didn't have my sizes. I guess they will get them soon. You should see the undershirts and shorts. Instead of white they are brown or very nearly the same color as the socks I have. Don't look like much but I guess they will answer the purpose. Won't show the dirt very easy anyhow.
They herded us all up to the dispensary this afternoon and punched another hole in my arm. Another tetanus shot. They are the ones that only hurt for a few minutes as soon as given and leave no sore muscles. It's a wonder the old arm is still hanging on after all the needles its had in the past year.
I didn't get any letter today. Really didn't expect to because I got two yesterday. I'll answer the one I have left.
I imagine you did your part of Flora very well. Bet you looked very pretty too. I know you wouldn't hurt any reputation I ever set at such things. I did them but never liked it very much and wasn't as good as you say I was. You're the public appearance agent in our family. You've got the looks for it too. Very nice to look at.
I didn't tell anyone of my day in bed with my tantalizing nurse. They all think I'm an old man and would think I was only bragging if I even mentioned that I could get very bothered. They don't know me. Think because I don't go out, I'm too old to give that stuff a thought. Anyhow, we had our day in bed together that we had talked of beforehand. I would sooner that I had been in slightly better condition, but we didn't do so bad anyhow. It was fun. If we get together the first of June we'll be able to try it again. Won't have anyone to bother us by calling either. Just you and I and we'll forget about anyone else. Boy! Happy day.
We won't have any idea where we will go until we get there and we won't be allowed to communicate with anyone in any way while the movement is on.
We changed into our suntans today. They feel much more comfortable than the wools down here. It was so hot last night that I slept all night last night that laying on top of the covers and stark naked. Shameless aren't I?
This business of no blouse and no necktie is, I imagine, only for this move. If we don't go over I imagine the tie will go back on and the blouse won't be worn until next fall anyhow.
I'm an old meany, but until you mentioned it I wasn't aware of any change in your writing. You aren't bad at it. I have always been able to read your letters without any trouble. It's sweet of you to try to make it better, but all I want is lots of letters like the ones you have always written. I've been writing mine laying in bed again, since I've been back. It had been so long I had forgotten how, so you may have trouble reading mine.
Honey, you said it when you said the hugging and loving didn't last. It sure doesn't. I miss it as soon as I'm away for even a few hours. I, too, want it all the time and not just for a few days now and then. It's like eating only a lot more fun. Miss a day and I'm hungry as hell. I guess I had my fill while I was home, but it was all gone and I wanted more already the next day. The day is coming closer all the time sweetheart, and then just you try to get away from me. I'll follow you and stay by you all the time. You're too damn nice to me. I can live with you but I sure can't live without you anymore.
Night, you chubby, luscious old devil. I love you so much I hurt all over. [some places more than others]. You're a very sweet wife. I love you.
Your hubby.
Norm.
Friday eve.
Sweetheart;
As you say another day marked off the calendar. Won't be long now until the First of May and then the first of June. Let her come. I'm ready any time.
It rained like hell all last night and up to noon today. Was raining so hard this morning we didn't even have calisthenics, but went right to work. Another day of rest and the old man has gotten over all the sore muscles of a few days ago.
Still working at our tool packing in between other things. We drew part of our new clothes and equipment today. I didn't get very much so far. They didn't have my sizes. I guess they will get them soon. You should see the undershirts and shorts. Instead of white they are brown or very nearly the same color as the socks I have. Don't look like much but I guess they will answer the purpose. Won't show the dirt very easy anyhow.
They herded us all up to the dispensary this afternoon and punched another hole in my arm. Another tetanus shot. They are the ones that only hurt for a few minutes as soon as given and leave no sore muscles. It's a wonder the old arm is still hanging on after all the needles its had in the past year.
I didn't get any letter today. Really didn't expect to because I got two yesterday. I'll answer the one I have left.
I imagine you did your part of Flora very well. Bet you looked very pretty too. I know you wouldn't hurt any reputation I ever set at such things. I did them but never liked it very much and wasn't as good as you say I was. You're the public appearance agent in our family. You've got the looks for it too. Very nice to look at.
I didn't tell anyone of my day in bed with my tantalizing nurse. They all think I'm an old man and would think I was only bragging if I even mentioned that I could get very bothered. They don't know me. Think because I don't go out, I'm too old to give that stuff a thought. Anyhow, we had our day in bed together that we had talked of beforehand. I would sooner that I had been in slightly better condition, but we didn't do so bad anyhow. It was fun. If we get together the first of June we'll be able to try it again. Won't have anyone to bother us by calling either. Just you and I and we'll forget about anyone else. Boy! Happy day.
We won't have any idea where we will go until we get there and we won't be allowed to communicate with anyone in any way while the movement is on.
We changed into our suntans today. They feel much more comfortable than the wools down here. It was so hot last night that I slept all night last night that laying on top of the covers and stark naked. Shameless aren't I?
This business of no blouse and no necktie is, I imagine, only for this move. If we don't go over I imagine the tie will go back on and the blouse won't be worn until next fall anyhow.
I'm an old meany, but until you mentioned it I wasn't aware of any change in your writing. You aren't bad at it. I have always been able to read your letters without any trouble. It's sweet of you to try to make it better, but all I want is lots of letters like the ones you have always written. I've been writing mine laying in bed again, since I've been back. It had been so long I had forgotten how, so you may have trouble reading mine.
Honey, you said it when you said the hugging and loving didn't last. It sure doesn't. I miss it as soon as I'm away for even a few hours. I, too, want it all the time and not just for a few days now and then. It's like eating only a lot more fun. Miss a day and I'm hungry as hell. I guess I had my fill while I was home, but it was all gone and I wanted more already the next day. The day is coming closer all the time sweetheart, and then just you try to get away from me. I'll follow you and stay by you all the time. You're too damn nice to me. I can live with you but I sure can't live without you anymore.
Night, you chubby, luscious old devil. I love you so much I hurt all over. [some places more than others]. You're a very sweet wife. I love you.
Your hubby.
Norm.
Letter # 349 April 20, 1944
April 20, 1944
Thurs. eve.
Darling Chubbins;
Two letters all at once from you today. Both very nice sweet letters too. The weekend one and Monday one. I've got lots to answer now.
The old man is still alive and kicking. They took pity on us today and instead of double time or calisthenics we played ball for our physical training today. I guess the first sarge and the officers were so stiff and sore they couldn't take it so they told us to go play ball. That was enough to work the stiffness out of all but one muscle and I feel good tonight. Ready to start all over again tomorrow.
Still working on the tools and we are finally getting to the place where it looks like we have been doing something. Almost all greased and part of them wrapped in the wax paper.
We had one of the army's visual dental inspections and as a result, Mac has been at the dentist all day and never even got to the chair. He'll have to go back again tomorrow and wait until they get to him. They said mine were O.K. I knew they were as far as anyone could tell from that type of check up.
They gave us change of address cards for us to sign today. They will send them out when we leave so you will get one someday. Maybe you'll know as soon as I do where I am. If you do have a few days without letters you can guess we are on our way, someplace. We may not be allowed to write the last few days.
I haven't sent the package I mentioned yet. I will as soon as I get around to it.
I guess that is all that is new so I'll answer your letters.
I was wondering a little if you were going to worry me like you did last time. I had tried to be real careful but it's damn hard to do when we have that wonderful feeling. Never can be certain and then that one rubber rather betrayed us. I was sure it was still "clean" but even then I wasn't sure. Sometimes I don't know from nothing at those times. Gee honey, it's so much fun and you're so damn good loving. Best ever came down the road. According to my calendar you were exactly on time. 28 days on the dot. I didn't disturb you as much this time. Maybe I couldn't do as good as I should have. Anyhow I'm glad to know you are still normal. "Haven't got a cake in the oven", as I heard one fellow say it.
I'm glad the battery turned out to be all right. Good old Art is right. I'm going to owe him a lot for taking such good care of you.
I guess I did forget to tell you I had used your lunch to very good advantage. I ate at St. Louis and your lunch took me from there on to camp. Very nice lunch and very thoughtful of you. You're nice even when you're a long way away. You're more than nice when you're close to me. The closer the better. [Stay down boy. She isn't here. I'm only thinking of her.] You'll have to excuse "his" bad manners. Maybe someday he'll learn to behave as he should.
I guess Mick is in much the same stew as we are. Waiting and wondering and don't know anything. That cough must be similar to the thing I had when I first came down here last year. I wasn't completely rid of it for nearly a month.
Sounds like you had a busy Sunday afternoon with all your callers. I bet you liked it though even if you didn't get the old grade cards done.
You bet it's hot down here. I worked at the garage, stripped to the waist all day and was still plenty sticky & stinky. Time for me to go north, like the birds do.
You're not crazy to start counting the days. In fact you'd be crazy if you didn't. After all, not every girl such a nice husband to be going to see. I've been counting the days too. I'm sure planning on having a very nice time with you, wherever it may be. I'm very lucky to have a wife like you to look forward to being with. You're a peach. None better.
This only answers one of your letters. I think I'll save the other. I may not get one tomorrow.
Night, sweetheart, I'm very much in love with you. I'm missing you a hell of a lot. I loves my wifey.
Your hubby.
Norm.
Thurs. eve.
Darling Chubbins;
Two letters all at once from you today. Both very nice sweet letters too. The weekend one and Monday one. I've got lots to answer now.
The old man is still alive and kicking. They took pity on us today and instead of double time or calisthenics we played ball for our physical training today. I guess the first sarge and the officers were so stiff and sore they couldn't take it so they told us to go play ball. That was enough to work the stiffness out of all but one muscle and I feel good tonight. Ready to start all over again tomorrow.
Still working on the tools and we are finally getting to the place where it looks like we have been doing something. Almost all greased and part of them wrapped in the wax paper.
We had one of the army's visual dental inspections and as a result, Mac has been at the dentist all day and never even got to the chair. He'll have to go back again tomorrow and wait until they get to him. They said mine were O.K. I knew they were as far as anyone could tell from that type of check up.
They gave us change of address cards for us to sign today. They will send them out when we leave so you will get one someday. Maybe you'll know as soon as I do where I am. If you do have a few days without letters you can guess we are on our way, someplace. We may not be allowed to write the last few days.
I haven't sent the package I mentioned yet. I will as soon as I get around to it.
I guess that is all that is new so I'll answer your letters.
I was wondering a little if you were going to worry me like you did last time. I had tried to be real careful but it's damn hard to do when we have that wonderful feeling. Never can be certain and then that one rubber rather betrayed us. I was sure it was still "clean" but even then I wasn't sure. Sometimes I don't know from nothing at those times. Gee honey, it's so much fun and you're so damn good loving. Best ever came down the road. According to my calendar you were exactly on time. 28 days on the dot. I didn't disturb you as much this time. Maybe I couldn't do as good as I should have. Anyhow I'm glad to know you are still normal. "Haven't got a cake in the oven", as I heard one fellow say it.
I'm glad the battery turned out to be all right. Good old Art is right. I'm going to owe him a lot for taking such good care of you.
I guess I did forget to tell you I had used your lunch to very good advantage. I ate at St. Louis and your lunch took me from there on to camp. Very nice lunch and very thoughtful of you. You're nice even when you're a long way away. You're more than nice when you're close to me. The closer the better. [Stay down boy. She isn't here. I'm only thinking of her.] You'll have to excuse "his" bad manners. Maybe someday he'll learn to behave as he should.
I guess Mick is in much the same stew as we are. Waiting and wondering and don't know anything. That cough must be similar to the thing I had when I first came down here last year. I wasn't completely rid of it for nearly a month.
Sounds like you had a busy Sunday afternoon with all your callers. I bet you liked it though even if you didn't get the old grade cards done.
You bet it's hot down here. I worked at the garage, stripped to the waist all day and was still plenty sticky & stinky. Time for me to go north, like the birds do.
You're not crazy to start counting the days. In fact you'd be crazy if you didn't. After all, not every girl such a nice husband to be going to see. I've been counting the days too. I'm sure planning on having a very nice time with you, wherever it may be. I'm very lucky to have a wife like you to look forward to being with. You're a peach. None better.
This only answers one of your letters. I think I'll save the other. I may not get one tomorrow.
Night, sweetheart, I'm very much in love with you. I'm missing you a hell of a lot. I loves my wifey.
Your hubby.
Norm.
Friday, April 22, 2011
Letter # 348 April 19, 1944
April 19, 1944
Wed. eve.
Hello Baby darling;
A week ago at this time I was just getting back here in camp. I'm getting back into the swing again but I sure as hell miss you. Seem to miss you more every time I go away. You'll have to quit being so nice to me when I come home, then maybe I wouldn't miss you so much. But no matter what I say don't do it. I love to be treated nice by you.
It's been quite a week, not so much hard work, but boy are they trying to toughen us up. Today we double timed two miles and had an hour of calisthenics and a half hour of bayonet practice and then worked until noon. This afternoon we took a 12 mile fast road march, 2 hrs & 35 minutes. It was hot as hell too. Must have been well over 90. Sweat more today than I have since last summer.
The old man feels a bit older tonight than he usually does. I'm not the only one though. Poor Gebby hasn't as yet gotten over his leave and he is really a "Sad Sack" tonight. I don't know if he did a better job of making up than we did or not. Maybe he can't take it like we can. We surely didn't miss many opportunities. Only one I can remember when we both went to sleep and left the light burn all night. The way I feel I might do the same thing tonight. I don't know though. I have an idea if I crawled into bed with you, I'd get a recharge of vitality from somewhere and show you a little at least.
You reminded me in your yesterday's letter not to forget to see the Foote boy. I haven't forgotten but I haven't done anything about it yet, either. I'm so sure we won't be here I hardly think it worth while. If I go to town I may look him up regardless. Can't afford to miss a bet in that respect. I want to have a place for you to stay when the time comes. This time I'm going to urge you to come see me. You promised you know. You're sweet and I love you.
Leo and his wife had gone home on furlough a few days before I did and she was taken sick in Kansas City on the way back. Leo had to leave her there in the hospital and come back. Then he got a leave to go back and he took her home and left her there. Someone is teaching in her place. If we move she won't come back.
Leo says it is strange as hell to live on the post again. First for him since last August. I don't know what her trouble is. I didn't ask and he didn't volunteer. Only said she was better but would be in bed for a couple weeks yet.
Most of the fellows have sent their wives home and either sold their cars or took them home as they had their furloughs. Wild is about the only one that still has his wife here. He says she will drive the car home when we move out. He was showing me pictures of their wedding today. Apparently a big affair. She had a real bridal dress with what looked like yards of train spread on the floor around her. One of the pictures showed the party and all of the women had long dresses. The men were all soldiers. She is a darn nice looking girl and built right in the right places. Don't blame him for keeping her here as long as possible.
No letter from you today and I'm about run out of chatter so I'll quit and rest my weary bones. One of them isn't weary. Hasn't worked for over a week. Damn it.
Night sweetheart. I love you. Gee I'm glad I gotcha. You're the best gal I've ever seen yet. I mean it too.
Your lover
Norm.
Wed. eve.
Hello Baby darling;
A week ago at this time I was just getting back here in camp. I'm getting back into the swing again but I sure as hell miss you. Seem to miss you more every time I go away. You'll have to quit being so nice to me when I come home, then maybe I wouldn't miss you so much. But no matter what I say don't do it. I love to be treated nice by you.
It's been quite a week, not so much hard work, but boy are they trying to toughen us up. Today we double timed two miles and had an hour of calisthenics and a half hour of bayonet practice and then worked until noon. This afternoon we took a 12 mile fast road march, 2 hrs & 35 minutes. It was hot as hell too. Must have been well over 90. Sweat more today than I have since last summer.
The old man feels a bit older tonight than he usually does. I'm not the only one though. Poor Gebby hasn't as yet gotten over his leave and he is really a "Sad Sack" tonight. I don't know if he did a better job of making up than we did or not. Maybe he can't take it like we can. We surely didn't miss many opportunities. Only one I can remember when we both went to sleep and left the light burn all night. The way I feel I might do the same thing tonight. I don't know though. I have an idea if I crawled into bed with you, I'd get a recharge of vitality from somewhere and show you a little at least.
You reminded me in your yesterday's letter not to forget to see the Foote boy. I haven't forgotten but I haven't done anything about it yet, either. I'm so sure we won't be here I hardly think it worth while. If I go to town I may look him up regardless. Can't afford to miss a bet in that respect. I want to have a place for you to stay when the time comes. This time I'm going to urge you to come see me. You promised you know. You're sweet and I love you.
Leo and his wife had gone home on furlough a few days before I did and she was taken sick in Kansas City on the way back. Leo had to leave her there in the hospital and come back. Then he got a leave to go back and he took her home and left her there. Someone is teaching in her place. If we move she won't come back.
Leo says it is strange as hell to live on the post again. First for him since last August. I don't know what her trouble is. I didn't ask and he didn't volunteer. Only said she was better but would be in bed for a couple weeks yet.
Most of the fellows have sent their wives home and either sold their cars or took them home as they had their furloughs. Wild is about the only one that still has his wife here. He says she will drive the car home when we move out. He was showing me pictures of their wedding today. Apparently a big affair. She had a real bridal dress with what looked like yards of train spread on the floor around her. One of the pictures showed the party and all of the women had long dresses. The men were all soldiers. She is a darn nice looking girl and built right in the right places. Don't blame him for keeping her here as long as possible.
No letter from you today and I'm about run out of chatter so I'll quit and rest my weary bones. One of them isn't weary. Hasn't worked for over a week. Damn it.
Night sweetheart. I love you. Gee I'm glad I gotcha. You're the best gal I've ever seen yet. I mean it too.
Your lover
Norm.
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Letter # 347 April 18, 1944
April 18, 1944
Tues. eve.
Sweetheart;
You know I'm in love with you - you devil. Wish you were where I could show you, not just once in a while, but all the time. Every day at least. Every hour would be better. I don't mean passionate loving that often, although that would be swell if I could stand it, I mean nice, comfortable tender love all the time. Oh hell! You know what I mean. I just can't say it but I feel it.
We are still greasing and packing tools in between road marches, calisthenics, and retreats. This is much like the period Tony {Horvath?} has been going through. About the same as basic all over again. Trying to toughen us up again I guess. If they aren't careful they will take off that 10 lbs. you put on me while I was home. They just won't let you fatten me up, honey. You can do that and make it stick when I come home to stay for always.
We didn't work more than an hour or so last night. I had intended to write you some more, but I got lazy and read a book instead. Terrible aren't I ? Reading a story instead of writing to my sweetheart.
The army orders for packing our tools are like this. Clean them thoroughly and grind off all rust spots. Dip them in hot solution of wax grease. Look like ice cream suckers with chocolate covering on the outside. Let that harden, then wrap each one in special wax paper and seal by dipping the package in melted wax. That makes them completely air and water tight. Some business huh? Must think we are going to get wet. I'm guessing it to be another phase of training in preparation for the real thing. I still expect to be in the U.S.A. for some time. I'm not trying to make you feel good. That is my honest opinion and I'm still dreaming of seeing you this summer. Must be only about six weeks now. Boy I hope they fly. I'm anticipating. Have been since I left you the other night. That's over a week ago already. Times going, honey.
I got your Thurs. letter last night after I had written my short note. Today I got your Fri one, so I have two to answer.
You are having quite a time with the wildlife lately aren't you? I wish the squirrels had gotten tame enough to stay around. I like to see the little devils. I may not have found the only mouse hole but I sure as hell plugged up one of them at least. If you continue to have them I'll have to look again.
I see by the article in the Gazette that they are finally getting to the point where they are going to try to defer fellows like Gus. Too late, of course, to do him any good. Fucked up like all the army activities.
The only reason you have trouble sleeping all night when you go to bed early is that you are trying to sleep without a nice man beside you. It's a big comfort as well as being good for you. You want to try it sometime. Only you better be careful who you try it with. I miss feeling a nice woman in bed with me too. Don't think I ever want those twin beds I once talked about. Not any more. I've had enough of sleeping alone.
I'm sorry to hear about the trouble with the car battery. I expect it's partly my fault. Remember the night you asked me if the ammeter needle should jump around like that? Well I fully intended to look at the battery because I had a suspicion that very thing might be causing it. No water in the battery. I forgot it. Guess I must have been like you said I was the last time. Not responsible. Couldn't think of much but you.
Art is surely taking good care of you. I appreciate it a hell of lot too. Hope I get a chance to pay him back in some way.
It might be possible that the battery is ruined. If it is, I'd buy an ordinary battery, not the best, because if the car stands this summer it won't be any good anyhow.
It may not be news that you love me but I always like to hear it. Always gives me a little thrill no matter how often I hear it.
I love you too and am even getting so I like to tell you as well as show you. Night, darling, I love you so much. You're my sweet wife:
Your hubby.
Norm.
Tues. eve.
Sweetheart;
You know I'm in love with you - you devil. Wish you were where I could show you, not just once in a while, but all the time. Every day at least. Every hour would be better. I don't mean passionate loving that often, although that would be swell if I could stand it, I mean nice, comfortable tender love all the time. Oh hell! You know what I mean. I just can't say it but I feel it.
We are still greasing and packing tools in between road marches, calisthenics, and retreats. This is much like the period Tony {Horvath?} has been going through. About the same as basic all over again. Trying to toughen us up again I guess. If they aren't careful they will take off that 10 lbs. you put on me while I was home. They just won't let you fatten me up, honey. You can do that and make it stick when I come home to stay for always.
We didn't work more than an hour or so last night. I had intended to write you some more, but I got lazy and read a book instead. Terrible aren't I ? Reading a story instead of writing to my sweetheart.
The army orders for packing our tools are like this. Clean them thoroughly and grind off all rust spots. Dip them in hot solution of wax grease. Look like ice cream suckers with chocolate covering on the outside. Let that harden, then wrap each one in special wax paper and seal by dipping the package in melted wax. That makes them completely air and water tight. Some business huh? Must think we are going to get wet. I'm guessing it to be another phase of training in preparation for the real thing. I still expect to be in the U.S.A. for some time. I'm not trying to make you feel good. That is my honest opinion and I'm still dreaming of seeing you this summer. Must be only about six weeks now. Boy I hope they fly. I'm anticipating. Have been since I left you the other night. That's over a week ago already. Times going, honey.
I got your Thurs. letter last night after I had written my short note. Today I got your Fri one, so I have two to answer.
You are having quite a time with the wildlife lately aren't you? I wish the squirrels had gotten tame enough to stay around. I like to see the little devils. I may not have found the only mouse hole but I sure as hell plugged up one of them at least. If you continue to have them I'll have to look again.
I see by the article in the Gazette that they are finally getting to the point where they are going to try to defer fellows like Gus. Too late, of course, to do him any good. Fucked up like all the army activities.
The only reason you have trouble sleeping all night when you go to bed early is that you are trying to sleep without a nice man beside you. It's a big comfort as well as being good for you. You want to try it sometime. Only you better be careful who you try it with. I miss feeling a nice woman in bed with me too. Don't think I ever want those twin beds I once talked about. Not any more. I've had enough of sleeping alone.
I'm sorry to hear about the trouble with the car battery. I expect it's partly my fault. Remember the night you asked me if the ammeter needle should jump around like that? Well I fully intended to look at the battery because I had a suspicion that very thing might be causing it. No water in the battery. I forgot it. Guess I must have been like you said I was the last time. Not responsible. Couldn't think of much but you.
Art is surely taking good care of you. I appreciate it a hell of lot too. Hope I get a chance to pay him back in some way.
It might be possible that the battery is ruined. If it is, I'd buy an ordinary battery, not the best, because if the car stands this summer it won't be any good anyhow.
It may not be news that you love me but I always like to hear it. Always gives me a little thrill no matter how often I hear it.
I love you too and am even getting so I like to tell you as well as show you. Night, darling, I love you so much. You're my sweet wife:
Your hubby.
Norm.
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Letter # 346 April 17, 1944
April 17, 1944
Mon. eve.
Babe darling;
This is very apt to be a very short letter. We are going to have to work for a while tonight. I don't think it will be long but it might be. After telling us to go ahead and oil and pack our tools, and we have part of them all done, they now decide that they are to be greased with special grease and wrapped in special wax paper and then dipped in melted wax to completely waterproof them. Then we must take measurements of all our equipment so they can have boxes built to fit them. That is what we must do tonight. I mean take the measurements. The rest can be done later. Just another case of the army changing its mind or not knowing what it wants. Same old shit. Looks like a hell of a lot of trouble to move back to North Camp, which is probably where we will end up.
Rumors are flying about every camp in the States and even India, Australia, and China. Take your pick. I'll take Ft. Knox. How about you?
I went to see "Buffalo Bill" last night. Waited in line for 1 1/2 hrs and then made it by a slim margin. It was a good, entertaining show. Nothing great but very pretty. Good scenery and all in color.
Gebby came back this morning just in time for reveille. [that's not spelled right] Had nearly three days at home and is all worn out. Slept all day at the garage.
Haven't gotten a letter yet today. May get it at evening call. You see I am fucking out of retreat and writing to my wifey.
Two of our boys are still over the hill almost a week now.
Well this is all for now. I may write more later if I have time. Bye , sweetheart, I'm loving you so much. You're my knock out wife. You're swell.
I love you
Norm.
Mon. eve.
Babe darling;
This is very apt to be a very short letter. We are going to have to work for a while tonight. I don't think it will be long but it might be. After telling us to go ahead and oil and pack our tools, and we have part of them all done, they now decide that they are to be greased with special grease and wrapped in special wax paper and then dipped in melted wax to completely waterproof them. Then we must take measurements of all our equipment so they can have boxes built to fit them. That is what we must do tonight. I mean take the measurements. The rest can be done later. Just another case of the army changing its mind or not knowing what it wants. Same old shit. Looks like a hell of a lot of trouble to move back to North Camp, which is probably where we will end up.
Rumors are flying about every camp in the States and even India, Australia, and China. Take your pick. I'll take Ft. Knox. How about you?
I went to see "Buffalo Bill" last night. Waited in line for 1 1/2 hrs and then made it by a slim margin. It was a good, entertaining show. Nothing great but very pretty. Good scenery and all in color.
Gebby came back this morning just in time for reveille. [that's not spelled right] Had nearly three days at home and is all worn out. Slept all day at the garage.
Haven't gotten a letter yet today. May get it at evening call. You see I am fucking out of retreat and writing to my wifey.
Two of our boys are still over the hill almost a week now.
Well this is all for now. I may write more later if I have time. Bye , sweetheart, I'm loving you so much. You're my knock out wife. You're swell.
I love you
Norm.
Monday, April 11, 2011
Letter # 345 April 16, 1944
April 16, 1944
Sun. Aft.
My Darling Wife;
Sunday again. Just had a very good dinner. Chicken & dressing, potatoes, corn and even apple pie and ice cream. Not bad. huh? Almost like some of the meals of a week ago. Some difference though in all other respects. No wife with me only other soldiers. Seems like a long time already. I sure as hell am in love with my wife and miss her all the time.
I think I'd be in favor of this army adopting the policy of the English army with their native African troops. Allow them to take their wives into the army with them. I think that would be fun for me. Maybe I'll write Washington and propose a bill or something to that effect.
I'm rather all alone here today. Brownie & Baker on furlough. Gebby got a three day pass with today making it four so he went home. It's only about 700 miles so he can do it easily in that time. Mac is out at his usual place making what might be a goodby call. The fellow I mentioned that had the gal knocked up is getting married today and most of the others are making their goodbys to La. this week, because it's possible that we will be restricted next week if we are still here.
I've been busy all morning writing letters. Steve, Jim, Mom, Marg, and now you. I guess this will be my last for today. Must finish my book and do a few chores, clean up and then if I can get in, I think I'll go to the show tonight. "Buffalo Bill". Sounds good and is supposed to be a real spectacale. All in color. I can see you turn up your nose but I think I'll like it. Wild West, bang, bang stuff. If you were here I might even insist you go with me. I know damn well I wouldn't go without you.
It's a beautiful sunshiney day again today with a cool north wind keeping it nice and comfortable. Very nice day for a walk or to be out digging or to be sitting under a tree with a very nice girl, talking and loving and just taking it easy and enjoying life. That's a word picture promie of us someday in the future. That's the way I would like to spend a lot of our days. We will too.
I got your Wed. letter today. Too bad your weather is so mean all the time. Seems like it should be time for spring soon. Oh well, honey, the longer it stays cold, the less you will have to mow the lawn. Is that any comfort?
I haven't as yet had any indication of Kelly's measles and don't think it very likely.
You were a knock out Monday night and all the rest of them too. You looked good enough to eat. I'm like Art. That dress is a peach and you can sure fill it out so it's beautiful. You are a very good looking woman when you want to be. You look so good I can hardly believe you could be my wife. Gosh, I'm sure glad you are.
I guess I've written too much already today. Can't think of anything to say.
Bye now darling. I'm watching the calendar for the 1st of June to get here also. I love my darling wife so much.
Your hubby.
Norm.
Sun. Aft.
My Darling Wife;
Sunday again. Just had a very good dinner. Chicken & dressing, potatoes, corn and even apple pie and ice cream. Not bad. huh? Almost like some of the meals of a week ago. Some difference though in all other respects. No wife with me only other soldiers. Seems like a long time already. I sure as hell am in love with my wife and miss her all the time.
I think I'd be in favor of this army adopting the policy of the English army with their native African troops. Allow them to take their wives into the army with them. I think that would be fun for me. Maybe I'll write Washington and propose a bill or something to that effect.
I'm rather all alone here today. Brownie & Baker on furlough. Gebby got a three day pass with today making it four so he went home. It's only about 700 miles so he can do it easily in that time. Mac is out at his usual place making what might be a goodby call. The fellow I mentioned that had the gal knocked up is getting married today and most of the others are making their goodbys to La. this week, because it's possible that we will be restricted next week if we are still here.
I've been busy all morning writing letters. Steve, Jim, Mom, Marg, and now you. I guess this will be my last for today. Must finish my book and do a few chores, clean up and then if I can get in, I think I'll go to the show tonight. "Buffalo Bill". Sounds good and is supposed to be a real spectacale. All in color. I can see you turn up your nose but I think I'll like it. Wild West, bang, bang stuff. If you were here I might even insist you go with me. I know damn well I wouldn't go without you.
It's a beautiful sunshiney day again today with a cool north wind keeping it nice and comfortable. Very nice day for a walk or to be out digging or to be sitting under a tree with a very nice girl, talking and loving and just taking it easy and enjoying life. That's a word picture promie of us someday in the future. That's the way I would like to spend a lot of our days. We will too.
I got your Wed. letter today. Too bad your weather is so mean all the time. Seems like it should be time for spring soon. Oh well, honey, the longer it stays cold, the less you will have to mow the lawn. Is that any comfort?
I haven't as yet had any indication of Kelly's measles and don't think it very likely.
You were a knock out Monday night and all the rest of them too. You looked good enough to eat. I'm like Art. That dress is a peach and you can sure fill it out so it's beautiful. You are a very good looking woman when you want to be. You look so good I can hardly believe you could be my wife. Gosh, I'm sure glad you are.
I guess I've written too much already today. Can't think of anything to say.
Bye now darling. I'm watching the calendar for the 1st of June to get here also. I love my darling wife so much.
Your hubby.
Norm.
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Letter # 344 April 15, 1944
Apr. 15, 1944
Sat. eve.
Sweetheart;
Whew! It's summer down here today and no mistake. Can sweat just sitting around in the breeze. Nice fresh breeze too. That old La. sun is beginning to pour it down again.
Let her go. I'm almost certain we won't be here very much longer. We may go someplace equally hot, but at least it will be a change of scenery and maybe a better place for you to come to. You see, I'm planning on you coming to see me also. It may not develop but we can think about it and I'm already anticipating - you know what. After the way you have been the last few times we have been together, I've got plenty to anticipate. You're swell. I love you and I'll show you how much if I ever get time enough. Can't do a very good job of showing when I only have a week or two at a time. Wait until I have years to show you. Boy! Fun huh?
I heard a rather reliable rumor today. It has it that we will be given special packing boxes for our tools and etc. They say we are only allowed a specified amount of space on the boats and when our boxes are full - that is all we can take. It seems to indicate that we are expected to ship over. It may be but I still bet it will be some time before they get around to it. I'm still planning to have you with me for a while at least this summer.
We got off at noon today. Played ball for a while and since then have been reading a story. It's good. Almost couldn't lay it down long enough to write to you. It's "Trumpet in the Dust" by Gene Fowler. Story of a young newspaper reporter and it's a bit of a "fuck story". I think you would like it. I'll send it along with a package of excess clothing I'm going to send home one of these days.
I got your Tues. eve letter tonight. You better mean it when you say I'm a darling husband because I mean everything I say about you and lots I don't know how to say. Besides I think I'm pretty nice too.
Your experience with the woodpecker was rather amusing. I can very well imagine how you acted. Remember the time, over at your folks, we were doing a little loving or petting and a bat came down the chimney and flew around the room until I killed it.
Too bad about your do dads getting broken. I doubt if it will happen again in years. Just one of those freak accidents.
I wouldn't worry about saying anything about your contract for next year. Just tell 'em no and stick to it. No use letting anyone talk you into anything you don't want, at least not until you know what is going to happen to me. Let time take care of your answer. If I should be shipped you can make up your mind then what you want to do. As much as you dislike teaching, I would think you could definitely say no now. I imagine you can get a job of some sort anytime. I really haven't much to say on that subject. You're very capable of taking care of yourself and making your own decisions about what you want to do.
Shame on you honey. I thought you weren't going to bawl this time. I know how you feel. I could bawl sometimes myself. This separation is no good. We're too much in love.
Maybe the "old thing" can use some rest but it didn't show any indications of wearing out while I was there. It seemed to be ready anytime I was. Afraid if the time had been longer, I would have been the one to wear out first. My "old thing" didn't do too bad either. He even turned to stone a couple times on the train. No reason either unless it was habit.
You certainly didn't let me down at all this time. I knew you could do it only you wouldn't let yourself go. Bet you'll keep me hustling from now on to keep up. Boy, honey. I'll die happy trying.
This letter is ending about like yours but who cares. I think it's a good ending. I'm loving you and that's part of it.
Night sweetheart. I'm dreaming and planning and anticipating.
I love you.
Your Sargent
Norm.
Sat. eve.
Sweetheart;
Whew! It's summer down here today and no mistake. Can sweat just sitting around in the breeze. Nice fresh breeze too. That old La. sun is beginning to pour it down again.
Let her go. I'm almost certain we won't be here very much longer. We may go someplace equally hot, but at least it will be a change of scenery and maybe a better place for you to come to. You see, I'm planning on you coming to see me also. It may not develop but we can think about it and I'm already anticipating - you know what. After the way you have been the last few times we have been together, I've got plenty to anticipate. You're swell. I love you and I'll show you how much if I ever get time enough. Can't do a very good job of showing when I only have a week or two at a time. Wait until I have years to show you. Boy! Fun huh?
I heard a rather reliable rumor today. It has it that we will be given special packing boxes for our tools and etc. They say we are only allowed a specified amount of space on the boats and when our boxes are full - that is all we can take. It seems to indicate that we are expected to ship over. It may be but I still bet it will be some time before they get around to it. I'm still planning to have you with me for a while at least this summer.
We got off at noon today. Played ball for a while and since then have been reading a story. It's good. Almost couldn't lay it down long enough to write to you. It's "Trumpet in the Dust" by Gene Fowler. Story of a young newspaper reporter and it's a bit of a "fuck story". I think you would like it. I'll send it along with a package of excess clothing I'm going to send home one of these days.
I got your Tues. eve letter tonight. You better mean it when you say I'm a darling husband because I mean everything I say about you and lots I don't know how to say. Besides I think I'm pretty nice too.
Your experience with the woodpecker was rather amusing. I can very well imagine how you acted. Remember the time, over at your folks, we were doing a little loving or petting and a bat came down the chimney and flew around the room until I killed it.
Too bad about your do dads getting broken. I doubt if it will happen again in years. Just one of those freak accidents.
I wouldn't worry about saying anything about your contract for next year. Just tell 'em no and stick to it. No use letting anyone talk you into anything you don't want, at least not until you know what is going to happen to me. Let time take care of your answer. If I should be shipped you can make up your mind then what you want to do. As much as you dislike teaching, I would think you could definitely say no now. I imagine you can get a job of some sort anytime. I really haven't much to say on that subject. You're very capable of taking care of yourself and making your own decisions about what you want to do.
Shame on you honey. I thought you weren't going to bawl this time. I know how you feel. I could bawl sometimes myself. This separation is no good. We're too much in love.
Maybe the "old thing" can use some rest but it didn't show any indications of wearing out while I was there. It seemed to be ready anytime I was. Afraid if the time had been longer, I would have been the one to wear out first. My "old thing" didn't do too bad either. He even turned to stone a couple times on the train. No reason either unless it was habit.
You certainly didn't let me down at all this time. I knew you could do it only you wouldn't let yourself go. Bet you'll keep me hustling from now on to keep up. Boy, honey. I'll die happy trying.
This letter is ending about like yours but who cares. I think it's a good ending. I'm loving you and that's part of it.
Night sweetheart. I'm dreaming and planning and anticipating.
I love you.
Your Sargent
Norm.
Letter # 343 April 14, 1944
April 14, 1944
Fri. eve.
My Darling Wife;
Gosh, honey, I didn't expect to hear from you so soon. I got a letter already today. It wasn't very long but it was sweet of you to write so soon. I really didn't expect you to start until Tues. night at least and here you write before going to school in the morning.
I was wondering if you had gotten home before the big rain. It started to rain in Cleve. when I got on the train and rained like hell nearly all the way to St. Louis. Water standing in lakes over nearly all the land in Indiana & Illinois. Sure looked wet. The old Mississippi River was up and muddy and running like hell. She's some stream of water when it's up in flood stage.
I thought we had a swell time in Cleve. that night too. Art and Marg are good people to have around under such conditions.
I'm afraid I didn't thank them properly. I didn't dare take much time or I might have gotten a bit drippy myself. It isn't very much fun to walk away from you, when I know I won't be seeing you for a long time again. Anything more than a couple days is a long time to be away from you. I loves you and need you all the time.
I'm glad you weren't in too bad shape after I left. You're a good soldier. I know you felt bad because I know how I felt. It gets harder to leave each time, instead of easier. Hope it isn't necessary to leave many more times.
You go ahead and do all the hoping and dreaming you want to. It's fun to dream, only don't get too serious about your dreams. You're right. I am rather am rather skeptical about things turning out the way we want them to, but no one but old man time can tell the story. I'm hoping and dreaming right along with you. I even did a little scouting around and planning about how we would arrange to meet in Shreveport, in case I'm still here when the time comes. Got your hotel all picked out. I won't take time to go into detail about the plans now. I doubt if they will ever be used. It looks to me like a move of some sort.
I see that in spite of the strenuous week we put in you enjoyed the furlough as much as I did. The times we have been together in the past year have all been perfect and yet, each one seems to be better than the last. The only thing that could be better would be longer or permanent leave. That will be coming one of these days and then you will have your troubles again. A husband to take care of and keep track of - and satisfy.
We are still cleaning tools and getting them ready to pack. The rest of the company is doing very little but physical training and having a few classes. We aren't working very hard either. Taking our own sweet time.
Took calisthenics with the rest this morning and they were rather hard on the old man. 2 miles of double time and I haven't had any of that for a long time. I made it but I was winded and legs were plenty tired when we quit. Didn't seem to have any permanent effect though. Few minutes rest and I was as good as new. Guess maybe my exercises every day with you put me in shape. Think so?
You know, honey, I was thinking back and adding up our score for the past year and we aren't hurtin too much at that. As near as I can figure the score is well over eighty and that means more than once a week which I suppose isn't too bad for some people. For us it's about 300 short at least. Lot of catching up to do yet and more adding on all the time.
If things work right this summer we'll catch up a bit I bet. Here's to more and better times coming.
I guess I'll sign off for tonight. Night sweetheart, I'm loving you by long distance again, but nevertheless, I'm loving you. You're the best loving ever came down the road. You're my wife.
your lover
Norm.
Fri. eve.
My Darling Wife;
Gosh, honey, I didn't expect to hear from you so soon. I got a letter already today. It wasn't very long but it was sweet of you to write so soon. I really didn't expect you to start until Tues. night at least and here you write before going to school in the morning.
I was wondering if you had gotten home before the big rain. It started to rain in Cleve. when I got on the train and rained like hell nearly all the way to St. Louis. Water standing in lakes over nearly all the land in Indiana & Illinois. Sure looked wet. The old Mississippi River was up and muddy and running like hell. She's some stream of water when it's up in flood stage.
I thought we had a swell time in Cleve. that night too. Art and Marg are good people to have around under such conditions.
I'm afraid I didn't thank them properly. I didn't dare take much time or I might have gotten a bit drippy myself. It isn't very much fun to walk away from you, when I know I won't be seeing you for a long time again. Anything more than a couple days is a long time to be away from you. I loves you and need you all the time.
I'm glad you weren't in too bad shape after I left. You're a good soldier. I know you felt bad because I know how I felt. It gets harder to leave each time, instead of easier. Hope it isn't necessary to leave many more times.
You go ahead and do all the hoping and dreaming you want to. It's fun to dream, only don't get too serious about your dreams. You're right. I am rather am rather skeptical about things turning out the way we want them to, but no one but old man time can tell the story. I'm hoping and dreaming right along with you. I even did a little scouting around and planning about how we would arrange to meet in Shreveport, in case I'm still here when the time comes. Got your hotel all picked out. I won't take time to go into detail about the plans now. I doubt if they will ever be used. It looks to me like a move of some sort.
I see that in spite of the strenuous week we put in you enjoyed the furlough as much as I did. The times we have been together in the past year have all been perfect and yet, each one seems to be better than the last. The only thing that could be better would be longer or permanent leave. That will be coming one of these days and then you will have your troubles again. A husband to take care of and keep track of - and satisfy.
We are still cleaning tools and getting them ready to pack. The rest of the company is doing very little but physical training and having a few classes. We aren't working very hard either. Taking our own sweet time.
Took calisthenics with the rest this morning and they were rather hard on the old man. 2 miles of double time and I haven't had any of that for a long time. I made it but I was winded and legs were plenty tired when we quit. Didn't seem to have any permanent effect though. Few minutes rest and I was as good as new. Guess maybe my exercises every day with you put me in shape. Think so?
You know, honey, I was thinking back and adding up our score for the past year and we aren't hurtin too much at that. As near as I can figure the score is well over eighty and that means more than once a week which I suppose isn't too bad for some people. For us it's about 300 short at least. Lot of catching up to do yet and more adding on all the time.
If things work right this summer we'll catch up a bit I bet. Here's to more and better times coming.
I guess I'll sign off for tonight. Night sweetheart, I'm loving you by long distance again, but nevertheless, I'm loving you. You're the best loving ever came down the road. You're my wife.
your lover
Norm.
Friday, April 8, 2011
Letter # 342 April 13, 1944
April 13, 1944
Thurs. Eve.
My Darling Wife;
Back to the old army routine and back to writing letters again. Kinda hard to get started writing again after seeing you and telling you and showing you what I wanted to express. I'd a hell of a lot rather tell you and show you and I'm not bird terding. It was so nice to see you and live with you again, even if only a short time. You were so sweet to me, honey. Very nice to come home to. Almost wish I had stayed and to hell with the army. You're nice and I love you.
I got in camp at about 7 last night and got most of my equipment settled by bed time, so I didn't do so badly after all.
It is much as we surmised, the rumors are really flying around. The date for our move has been set for about the first of May. That is putting it off again, but it really looks like the real thing this time. I mean a move to some other place. I don't think it means over for a while yet.
Our tanks and vehicles are all gone. All we have left are two trucks and our small equipment. That's our mechanics tools and etc.
Due to the added two weeks time, Baker and Brownie left on furloughs on Wed afternoon. I'm glad for them. Of course they don't have a nice wife to go home to, but I'll bet they like to get home just the same.
Mac and I have been cleaning, painting, and oiling and packing our tools so they can be shipped. Quite a job. Each single pliers and screwdriver, and etc must be individually wrapped and oiled so they won't rust. Keep us busy for several days I guess. They have just given us a complete new set of tools. All we should have had all this time.
They called me up from the shop this morning to inspect all my clothes and equipment. Result is I get almost a complete new outfit. See! Even in the army I get a new Easter outfit. I haven't got it yet, but they say I will in a few days. Three new outfits of suntans. My size this time. New field jacket, shoes, fatigues, underclothes, socks, helmet, raincoat, one new O.D. trousers, new field equipment and lots of things.
They say we will not have a blouse, [coat to you] neckties, or leggings from now on. That part sounds good to me. Be more at home with my shirt collar open. Hope we can roll our sleeves too. Our new fatigues will be two piece - shirt and trousers - maybe we can leave the tops off when it gets too warm. Afraid it's all too good to be true.
Honey, I guess I wasn't the only one that didn't want to come back. So far there are four of them overdue. Getting nearly as good as Mick's outfit. Almost wish I was one of them. Don't get that wrong, sweetheart, I'm all right only I'm missing you a hell of a lot already. I don't like being away from you at all. I didn't see anywhere near enough of you to satisfy me in those few short days. Just can;t get enough of you - you sweet old devil. Believe it or not I didn't even get enough loving. I can still turn to stone when I think of you and how nice you love. Gosh, honey, you're tops.
In one of your old letters that I got today, you say that you are going to tag me around everyplace when I get home again. Well, honey, that's plenty O.K. by me. I hope you stick to that promise. I'm in love with you.
I had four letters from you waiting for me. The news was stale but I enjoyed them anyhow. You told me some nice things. I like the things you say about me. I'm nice.
I also had a letter from Jim, one from Steve and one from Marg. Lots of mail but no news to you. You've heard it all! Jim's letter was V mail this time. It was blacked out in a couple of places where he was saying something about moving.
I guess this is about the best I can do tonight. Can't get back into the swing of writing again. Have to work up to it gradually. I can still show you better than I can tell you. This isn't nearly as satisfactory. I can't get hold of you and love you or anything. Right now I could sure squeeze you and hug you hard enough to make your chest sore all over again. Gosh, honey, you were good loving. Even if we did loose track I have a very good idea that we set a new record to shoot at the next time. Who said we were getting old! If that is getting old I wish I was 50.
Night. sweetheart, I love you so much. Let these next seven weeks fly and get us settled someplace. I'm ready for you anytime. I love you.
Your hubby.
Norm.
Thurs. Eve.
My Darling Wife;
Back to the old army routine and back to writing letters again. Kinda hard to get started writing again after seeing you and telling you and showing you what I wanted to express. I'd a hell of a lot rather tell you and show you and I'm not bird terding. It was so nice to see you and live with you again, even if only a short time. You were so sweet to me, honey. Very nice to come home to. Almost wish I had stayed and to hell with the army. You're nice and I love you.
I got in camp at about 7 last night and got most of my equipment settled by bed time, so I didn't do so badly after all.
It is much as we surmised, the rumors are really flying around. The date for our move has been set for about the first of May. That is putting it off again, but it really looks like the real thing this time. I mean a move to some other place. I don't think it means over for a while yet.
Our tanks and vehicles are all gone. All we have left are two trucks and our small equipment. That's our mechanics tools and etc.
Due to the added two weeks time, Baker and Brownie left on furloughs on Wed afternoon. I'm glad for them. Of course they don't have a nice wife to go home to, but I'll bet they like to get home just the same.
Mac and I have been cleaning, painting, and oiling and packing our tools so they can be shipped. Quite a job. Each single pliers and screwdriver, and etc must be individually wrapped and oiled so they won't rust. Keep us busy for several days I guess. They have just given us a complete new set of tools. All we should have had all this time.
They called me up from the shop this morning to inspect all my clothes and equipment. Result is I get almost a complete new outfit. See! Even in the army I get a new Easter outfit. I haven't got it yet, but they say I will in a few days. Three new outfits of suntans. My size this time. New field jacket, shoes, fatigues, underclothes, socks, helmet, raincoat, one new O.D. trousers, new field equipment and lots of things.
They say we will not have a blouse, [coat to you] neckties, or leggings from now on. That part sounds good to me. Be more at home with my shirt collar open. Hope we can roll our sleeves too. Our new fatigues will be two piece - shirt and trousers - maybe we can leave the tops off when it gets too warm. Afraid it's all too good to be true.
Honey, I guess I wasn't the only one that didn't want to come back. So far there are four of them overdue. Getting nearly as good as Mick's outfit. Almost wish I was one of them. Don't get that wrong, sweetheart, I'm all right only I'm missing you a hell of a lot already. I don't like being away from you at all. I didn't see anywhere near enough of you to satisfy me in those few short days. Just can;t get enough of you - you sweet old devil. Believe it or not I didn't even get enough loving. I can still turn to stone when I think of you and how nice you love. Gosh, honey, you're tops.
In one of your old letters that I got today, you say that you are going to tag me around everyplace when I get home again. Well, honey, that's plenty O.K. by me. I hope you stick to that promise. I'm in love with you.
I had four letters from you waiting for me. The news was stale but I enjoyed them anyhow. You told me some nice things. I like the things you say about me. I'm nice.
I also had a letter from Jim, one from Steve and one from Marg. Lots of mail but no news to you. You've heard it all! Jim's letter was V mail this time. It was blacked out in a couple of places where he was saying something about moving.
I guess this is about the best I can do tonight. Can't get back into the swing of writing again. Have to work up to it gradually. I can still show you better than I can tell you. This isn't nearly as satisfactory. I can't get hold of you and love you or anything. Right now I could sure squeeze you and hug you hard enough to make your chest sore all over again. Gosh, honey, you were good loving. Even if we did loose track I have a very good idea that we set a new record to shoot at the next time. Who said we were getting old! If that is getting old I wish I was 50.
Night. sweetheart, I love you so much. Let these next seven weeks fly and get us settled someplace. I'm ready for you anytime. I love you.
Your hubby.
Norm.
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Letter # April 12, 1944
Apr. 12, 1944
Wed, Aft.
Hello, sweetheart;
I finally got here. Four hours late, but better late than never. I'm in Shreveport now and catch the 3:15 bus to Leesville. Get there about 7:30 tonight. I had hoped to be in camp early enough to get settled before bedtime, but I guess I can do that tomorrow.
I had a seat all the way, so I came out rather lucky at that. There was a freight train wreck up in Arkansas that held us up from 2 A.M. to after 6 A.M. today. That's where we lost the time. Had time enough at St Louis and also here to eat and etc.
Gee, Honey, I'm missing you already, a hell of a lot too. Wish it had been so you could come along. Damn it!
Seven weeks won't be so long and then, oh boy! here we go again.
It's getting close to bus time. Bye for now, sweetheart. I'll write you tomorrow and give you the rumors and stuff.
I love you, you passionate devil.
Your hubby.
Norm.
Wed, Aft.
Hello, sweetheart;
I finally got here. Four hours late, but better late than never. I'm in Shreveport now and catch the 3:15 bus to Leesville. Get there about 7:30 tonight. I had hoped to be in camp early enough to get settled before bedtime, but I guess I can do that tomorrow.
I had a seat all the way, so I came out rather lucky at that. There was a freight train wreck up in Arkansas that held us up from 2 A.M. to after 6 A.M. today. That's where we lost the time. Had time enough at St Louis and also here to eat and etc.
Gee, Honey, I'm missing you already, a hell of a lot too. Wish it had been so you could come along. Damn it!
Seven weeks won't be so long and then, oh boy! here we go again.
It's getting close to bus time. Bye for now, sweetheart. I'll write you tomorrow and give you the rumors and stuff.
I love you, you passionate devil.
Your hubby.
Norm.
Postcard # 340 April 11, 1944 St Louis, MO 6:30 PM
T/4 Effinger
A.S.N. 35607651
Co. C 775 Tk. Bn.
Camp Polk, La.
TO:
Mrs Velma Effinger
R.F.D. # 1
Medina, Ohio
Dear Babe;
Train way late so don't have much tome to write. Leave here at 5:15 and should be in Shreve. at 8 tomorrow
Love
Norm.
A.S.N. 35607651
Co. C 775 Tk. Bn.
Camp Polk, La.
TO:
Mrs Velma Effinger
R.F.D. # 1
Medina, Ohio
Dear Babe;
Train way late so don't have much tome to write. Leave here at 5:15 and should be in Shreve. at 8 tomorrow
Love
Norm.
Letter # 339 March 28, 1944
Mar 28, 1944
Tues. Eve.
My Sweetheart;
Tomorrow is an anniversary. One year since I actually left to enter the army. Hell of a long time to be away from my wife. When I came in I really didn't expect to be in much longer than this, but now - who knows?Anyhow I'm hoping for an early end to it so I can get back to my wife. I love her so much. It's hard to live without you. Not very full or satisfactory life. The single boys can say "why buy a cow when you can get all the milk you want anyhow?" There is a hell of a lot more to having and loving a wife than that. I know! I'll stay married as long as I can. To one wife too. I love her.
I haven't had a chance to write since Sunday. Been too busy. Monday morning we moved to an area several miles south of Oberlin. Trip of about 50 miles. Got in shortly after noon and didn't have a bit of trouble all the way and no work, much, after we got there. We were supposed to stay there until early Tues morning and then go back to our original area before daylight. Of course, the plans were changed and we left at 6 that evening instead. They say the La State government has outlawed all maneuver troops from the state. No more going where they please all over the state. Must stay on the reservation from now on.
We moved to our original area and had all the trouble on the way back. It was after 2 in the morning when we brought the last one in. Out early this morning catching up on our work and then this noon we moved back on the reservation to a place only 15 miles or so from camp. We are supposed to stay here until Friday and then go in.
We had a rainy, misty day all day Monday. Nice today, all day, but tonight it's raining like hell. The damn tent is leaking a little too. Hot though. I was sweating like hell until the rain started. Now it's nice. I'm laying on the top of my roll in shorts, so you know it can't be cold.
I've gotten a lot of fun out of this trip even if I have had to work like hell. I had a chance to go back in camp tonight and stay, but I pulled my rank on Baker and sent him instead.
They were sending a mechanic and several men in to start work cleaning the tanks we left in camp. They are supposed to be cleaned up and in good shape to sign over to someone else inside a couple weeks. Sounds good. Maybe we'll get out of La. after all.
I've three letters of yours to answer. I'll skip over them and then get some sleep. I need to catch up a bit. That's a drip. [ink smear on the page from the rain]
I was wondering how Gus made the navy with his eyes. I guess his recommendation came in handy. I'm glad to hear he is on limited service. Probably won't even have a very tough basic or boot training as the navy calls it.
There isn't much to answer in your Thurs. letter. You're some gal, going to sleep and then writing at 2 in the morning. I think I would have said "fuck it" and gone back to sleep.
Well, sweetheart, I'm going to sign off now and go to bed. I'm sleepy. I love you. You're my wife. You're sweet and lovable and passionate and lots of things. I love you.
Your lover.
Norm.
Tues. Eve.
My Sweetheart;
Tomorrow is an anniversary. One year since I actually left to enter the army. Hell of a long time to be away from my wife. When I came in I really didn't expect to be in much longer than this, but now - who knows?Anyhow I'm hoping for an early end to it so I can get back to my wife. I love her so much. It's hard to live without you. Not very full or satisfactory life. The single boys can say "why buy a cow when you can get all the milk you want anyhow?" There is a hell of a lot more to having and loving a wife than that. I know! I'll stay married as long as I can. To one wife too. I love her.
I haven't had a chance to write since Sunday. Been too busy. Monday morning we moved to an area several miles south of Oberlin. Trip of about 50 miles. Got in shortly after noon and didn't have a bit of trouble all the way and no work, much, after we got there. We were supposed to stay there until early Tues morning and then go back to our original area before daylight. Of course, the plans were changed and we left at 6 that evening instead. They say the La State government has outlawed all maneuver troops from the state. No more going where they please all over the state. Must stay on the reservation from now on.
We moved to our original area and had all the trouble on the way back. It was after 2 in the morning when we brought the last one in. Out early this morning catching up on our work and then this noon we moved back on the reservation to a place only 15 miles or so from camp. We are supposed to stay here until Friday and then go in.
We had a rainy, misty day all day Monday. Nice today, all day, but tonight it's raining like hell. The damn tent is leaking a little too. Hot though. I was sweating like hell until the rain started. Now it's nice. I'm laying on the top of my roll in shorts, so you know it can't be cold.
I've gotten a lot of fun out of this trip even if I have had to work like hell. I had a chance to go back in camp tonight and stay, but I pulled my rank on Baker and sent him instead.
They were sending a mechanic and several men in to start work cleaning the tanks we left in camp. They are supposed to be cleaned up and in good shape to sign over to someone else inside a couple weeks. Sounds good. Maybe we'll get out of La. after all.
I've three letters of yours to answer. I'll skip over them and then get some sleep. I need to catch up a bit. That's a drip. [ink smear on the page from the rain]
I was wondering how Gus made the navy with his eyes. I guess his recommendation came in handy. I'm glad to hear he is on limited service. Probably won't even have a very tough basic or boot training as the navy calls it.
There isn't much to answer in your Thurs. letter. You're some gal, going to sleep and then writing at 2 in the morning. I think I would have said "fuck it" and gone back to sleep.
Well, sweetheart, I'm going to sign off now and go to bed. I'm sleepy. I love you. You're my wife. You're sweet and lovable and passionate and lots of things. I love you.
Your lover.
Norm.
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Letter # 338 March 26, 1944
Mar. 26, 1944
Sun. Eve.
My Darling Wife;
Boy, Honey, did we eat pancakes this morning. There were only a few of us in camp and the cooks made plenty and just as we wanted them, so they were nice and hot. We sure made a hole in the can of syrup. Poured it on so the pancakes nearly floated and were they good. Syrup for pancakes is one thing that is piss poor in the army. I guess they make it from brown sugar and it's like water and only give you enough to taste. We fixed 'em this morning. Had all the syrup we wanted and it was mighty good. I think I ate 10 cakes myself. The rest weren't far behind. You can tell Mom & Pop that the syrup went over big with all of us. It was a big treat to the others. They don't come from a maple syrup country and it was about the first real syrup they ever had. It sure is good. We have about enough for another meal yet.
Sun. Eve.
My Darling Wife;
Boy, Honey, did we eat pancakes this morning. There were only a few of us in camp and the cooks made plenty and just as we wanted them, so they were nice and hot. We sure made a hole in the can of syrup. Poured it on so the pancakes nearly floated and were they good. Syrup for pancakes is one thing that is piss poor in the army. I guess they make it from brown sugar and it's like water and only give you enough to taste. We fixed 'em this morning. Had all the syrup we wanted and it was mighty good. I think I ate 10 cakes myself. The rest weren't far behind. You can tell Mom & Pop that the syrup went over big with all of us. It was a big treat to the others. They don't come from a maple syrup country and it was about the first real syrup they ever had. It sure is good. We have about enough for another meal yet.
The mail just came in, so here I go. Hope I get one from Mummy.
Shucks, no letter from you today. I got one from Vi. Nothing much to say. Mentions the possibility of Geo being called up in the April call. They have surely been on the uncertain list a long time.
I see some of the boys got their first installment of Yank today. I reckon you'll be getting yours soon. Let me know if you don't and I'll check up on it.
Another interruption. Just had chow. We worked until about 3 today and then they had a truck ready to take us back to camp if we wanted to shower and clean up. Brownie, Gebby, and I decided we didn't want to go way in there for that. It's about 50 miles over dusty road. Be as dirty when we got back as we were before. Instead, we walked over in the woods to a creek and took us a bath. Felt very good too. Came back to the tent, heated a little water and shaved, so I'm all nice and sweet now.
We have some grease pails we've cleaned up and are using to heat water. We use our steel helmets for wash basins and, believe it or not, we keep as clean as we did in camp. Aside from that one day we've had nice weather. I've really been enjoying it. Out in the field, all the "chicken shit" part of army life is forgotten. It's almost like a vacation. If we had conditions like this, I wouldn't mind staying out all summer. I can sleep as well on the ground as in an army cot anyhow. We get fed as good if not a little better than in camp.
Today has been a warm cloudy day. Even dripped a bit about noon and it is thundering now. I suppose it will have to rain again. As I write this, I'm sitting on an old pine stump in front of our tent, stripped to the waist and feeling fine. The breeze has that warm, damp before a storm feel. Very pleasant.
Gebby's wife sent him a box of cigars and we are all smoking on him.
We are bivouacked on a rather flat stretch of ground, spotted here and there by scrub oak trees and the inevitable burned remnants of pine stumps. This country must have had a hell of a lot of timber in its day. It reminds me a lot of some of the burned over stump country we saw in Michigan on that never to be forgotten trip. Wish I could sleep with you tonight, even under the same conditions. I could at least get hold of you and feel you. I like the "feel" of my soft, chubby sweetheart. I like to love her too. Maybe you don't know it but I'm going to love her again some of these days. Keep on loving her as long as I've got the strength to do it.
Well sweetheart, I guess that is about all the news I have. I'm going back over your letters for this week and answer them more fully. I kind of skimmed over them when I did answer.
In checking over my calendar I find you are still pretty much on schedule with the indisposed days. Must be I'm the cause of your irregularity at times. Wish I could be keeping you irregular all the time. Fun doing it, but not much fun to leave when you're overdue. Remember? You had me a bit worried.
Winter is hanging on it seems to make up for the lack of it the first part of the winter. You should soon be getting some good weather. Probably be a very poor sugar year again.
You people are hard on soldiers. Every time we come home you feed us so good we loose our streamlined figure and have to work like hell to get it back again. I can see Mickey expanding around the middle. I remember I gained 10 lbs when I was home and I was getting a very good workout all the time too. I'm ready for another workout anytime.
I'm glad to hear Jean has her problem worked out. I would think it about the best thing she could do. The kids make the situation more complicated than ours was.
I don't blame Tony for being disgusted. I would be too. I've been very lucky that way. I only had K.P. four times in my army career. I still draw a clean up and latrine duty in turn. Everyone in the barracks does that.
I know we can stand it if I don't get home before June but I don't want to. It would be rather complicated in that case. You'd probably only get down here and then I'd get furlough and we'd go back home again. Lots of arguments either way. We can speculate about it, but let time decide the issue.
I'm anxious to know how you intend to let me make up for the lack of letters while I'm in the field. I can guess but I may be wrong. You crossed me up once lately on the package. I thought I had one on you but it turned out the other way around.
Well honey, I'm unwound so Night Sweetheart. I love you.
Your hubby.
Norm.
Today has been a warm cloudy day. Even dripped a bit about noon and it is thundering now. I suppose it will have to rain again. As I write this, I'm sitting on an old pine stump in front of our tent, stripped to the waist and feeling fine. The breeze has that warm, damp before a storm feel. Very pleasant.
Gebby's wife sent him a box of cigars and we are all smoking on him.
We are bivouacked on a rather flat stretch of ground, spotted here and there by scrub oak trees and the inevitable burned remnants of pine stumps. This country must have had a hell of a lot of timber in its day. It reminds me a lot of some of the burned over stump country we saw in Michigan on that never to be forgotten trip. Wish I could sleep with you tonight, even under the same conditions. I could at least get hold of you and feel you. I like the "feel" of my soft, chubby sweetheart. I like to love her too. Maybe you don't know it but I'm going to love her again some of these days. Keep on loving her as long as I've got the strength to do it.
Well sweetheart, I guess that is about all the news I have. I'm going back over your letters for this week and answer them more fully. I kind of skimmed over them when I did answer.
In checking over my calendar I find you are still pretty much on schedule with the indisposed days. Must be I'm the cause of your irregularity at times. Wish I could be keeping you irregular all the time. Fun doing it, but not much fun to leave when you're overdue. Remember? You had me a bit worried.
Winter is hanging on it seems to make up for the lack of it the first part of the winter. You should soon be getting some good weather. Probably be a very poor sugar year again.
You people are hard on soldiers. Every time we come home you feed us so good we loose our streamlined figure and have to work like hell to get it back again. I can see Mickey expanding around the middle. I remember I gained 10 lbs when I was home and I was getting a very good workout all the time too. I'm ready for another workout anytime.
I'm glad to hear Jean has her problem worked out. I would think it about the best thing she could do. The kids make the situation more complicated than ours was.
I don't blame Tony for being disgusted. I would be too. I've been very lucky that way. I only had K.P. four times in my army career. I still draw a clean up and latrine duty in turn. Everyone in the barracks does that.
I know we can stand it if I don't get home before June but I don't want to. It would be rather complicated in that case. You'd probably only get down here and then I'd get furlough and we'd go back home again. Lots of arguments either way. We can speculate about it, but let time decide the issue.
I'm anxious to know how you intend to let me make up for the lack of letters while I'm in the field. I can guess but I may be wrong. You crossed me up once lately on the package. I thought I had one on you but it turned out the other way around.
Well honey, I'm unwound so Night Sweetheart. I love you.
Your hubby.
Norm.
Saturday, April 2, 2011
Letter #337 March 25, 1944
Mar 25, 1944 Sat. Eve. Sweetheart; I guess it's Sat eve, but not sure. The days are so busy and go so fast out here in the woods, it's hard to keep track of the days. This letter may be a little hard to follow. I'm laying on my bed roll and I see the lines aren't as straight as they might be. I've done a lot of writing before, laying down, but I have a pillow to slant the board on. I didn't do like Brownie. When he unrolled his roll the other night, there was his pillow. We got a kick out of it and have been kidding him ever since. Some field soldier when you need to bring a pillow along. Think maybe he's got something there at that. This damn rain coat of mine gets rather hard. We brought along a couple of big tarps and a lot of odd pieces of canvas, so we have one large tent for the six of us and have plenty left to lay on the ground to keep out the dampness. Very heavy dew at night. Almost like rain. We always pull the half track up close to the tent and hook a trouble light to the battery so we have electric light in our tent also. Some class to us. We've had beautiful weather the past three days. Not too warm, just nice and crisp in the morning and evening and perfect during the day. I imagine it was about 75 degrees today. Clear and bright. I had guessed it when I figured we would be busy. We sure are. This is the first night we haven't worked until at least 10 and some nights we have been a hell of a lot later. Time out for a laugh. It's dark out now and Brownie has been heating some water to wash and shave. He'd packed it about a 1/4 mile from the creek and now, after he had heated it and was ready to wash he stumbled over a stump in the dark, between the tent and the fire, and spilled the whole pail of it. First I heard the pail hit the ground and then Brownie began to swear. Now he is sitting here trying to make life miserable for Gebby. Gebby has hung his mosquito net over his bed. It forms a square canopy about 3 ft high over the bed. We've been catching June bugs and putting them inside. Won't he have a nice lot of bedfellows when he comes in? I can hear it, if he doesn't come in until we turn off the light. He's outside playing cards by the campfire. There must be at least 50 of them in there and getting more all the time. I'm so busy putting bugs in his bed I'm not getting much writing done. Brownie sure is getting a hell of a kick out of it. So are the rest of us. Now, to go back to the story. The tanks have been doing very well considering. They have been through a lot of tough country and covered quite a lot of miles. Yesterday we took a road march [on the highway] of about 80 miles and we had all the tanks in by about 3 in the afternoon. Gebby just came in and got in bed with his bugs. He didn't see them for a minute and then he blew his top. He's still picking bugs. Back to the trip. We traveled from the bivouac area to Pitkin, then to Oakdale, then to Oberlin, and back to the bivouac area. You can find those towns on the map. You know the one I thought was in the book case and wasn't. It was a rather interesting trip. Saw a lot of country I had never seen before and most of it is lots better looking than we have around camp. Some rather nice farms and homes. Gals too. Too bad I'm a married man and faithful to my wife. If was single and didn't have to work tomorrow I think maybe I would find some meat for my tiger. All the boys that had their work done are off and can stay out until Mon. morn. We have enough work to keep us busy until noon tomorrow at least, maybe longer. Monday we move our bivouac area to someplace around Oberlin and then Tues. night we come back here, I guess. Blackout drive. That means no lights on the vehicles. We haven't had time yet to get into the syrup - Tomorrow maybe. There is lots more I could write but I don't know if I'll get a chance tomorrow so I think I better answer a few of your letters now. I got your weekend one yesterday and Mon & Tues. one today. I meant to send your menu the other night but I see when I get out the letters I didn't. Getting forgetful or something. I can very well imagine how the basement looks. It used to be an every Sunday morning job for me to keep it clean at all. Don't worry about it. I'll clean it up. Can't hurt anything. You're still as perfect as I want you to be even if you don't keep the basement clean. My job anyhow. I love you sweetheart. I guess I put one over on you, about having the car with us, didn't I? I've been thinking about it all along. If we only had good enough tires so you wouldn't have trouble on the road, everything would be set. We'll wait and see what happens. I know you are a very capable person, I've said so more than once, but I don't think you're much at changing tires or monkey wrenching a car. So Gus is in the navy. Good for him. It's as good or better than most places. When does he report for duty? You speak of maybe being persuaded to lay your book down if approached properly. I can't say I know the proper approach but it usually seemed to get results at that. If the approach doesn't meet your expectations you can start in with your teaching right there. That is if I can wait long enough for any instruction. I don't think I will at first. I love you and I'm hurtin to show you. You are not a bitch and never were. Never will be either. You used to be a bit "ouchy" at times, but who isn't? By far, the largest part of the time you were your own sweet, lovable self, sometimes even a bit passionate. Boy do I like you that way. Wow. Well, honey the boy wants to go to bed so I guess I have to quit. Night, Sweetheart. I love you, I miss you and am thinking about you. You are a sweet thing to think about. I love you so much. your hubby. Norm.
Letter # 236 March 23, 1944
Mar. 23, 1944 Thurs. Eve. Hello Sweetheart; Another short one. We moved a few miles today to another area and are going on a 70 mile trip tomorrow. Worked until well after dark and have just got cleaned up and beds made. I got your weekend letter today but won't take time to answer it. Probably have time to do that over Sunday and also write enough to be a decent letter. I also got the package from Mom Kelser. You were right after all. I was very much surprised. I thought it would be cake, cookies, or something like that. When I got the package it was so heavy I knew I was wrong but still had no idea what it was. It was a very pleasant surprise. Don't worry about us not being able to use it in the field. We will and I don't mean maybe. Tell Mom & Pop thanks a lot. Had a very nice day and it's a beautiful, clear night. Looks good for tomorrow. I don't have any idea where we are going or nothing. I'll tell you all about that some other time when I have more time. The menu was quite elaborate. I'm sending it right back, because if I don't it's liable to get lost. This is surely a piss poor letter but I'm loving you as much as ever, even if I haven't time to tell you properly. I bet I could find time to show you if you were here. Afraid you wouldn't enjoy it very much though. Not much of a "rough it" girl. Night sweetheart. I'm loving you and loving you so much. You're my wife and I'm glad I gotcha. Lots of love & hugs & kisses & everything. You're sweet. your lover Norm.
Letter # 235 March 22, 1944
Mar 22, 1944 Hello Sweetheart; I'm afraid this is going to be a short note. We've had a hell of a time so far these two days. Started to run the problem in a driving rain and only two of our tanks ever reached the objective. All mired down in gooey mud. We built enough log road again today to pave half the roads in La. We still have three of them to get out yet tomorrow. We worked until dark and then gave up for today. Hadn't had a bite to eat since early this morning. You can bet the candy & etc we had with us came in handy. The rain never let up all day and you can imagine what we were like by night. Wasn't too warm either. We have just finished building our tent and have a big fire out in front so we are very comfortable and drying out in good shape. In spite of the rugged weather I've rather enjoyed it. Only trouble is a fellow gets so damn mad at the ignorance of the officers. As many times as we have been hung up in this territory they still insist that we go back into it again and again. I didn't get a letter today but the mail man tells me I have a package. I'll get that in the morning I guess. We have quite a little work on the tanks to do before we can move out again. We might even stay right here for a couple days before we move. I have a letter of yours to answer - Got it yesterday - I think it was your Friday one, but I'm damned if I know where it is now. Someplace in the half track. I'll find it tomorrow and maybe tomorrow night I'll have more time to write. This is an awful short letter but I'm going to stop now and shit, shave, and go to bed. - No shower. I had that all day with my clothes on. I'm loving you all the time, honey, and I always will. You're darn nice loving and I don't mean maybe. Night sweetheart, I'll see you in my dreams. Your hubby. Norm.
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