Jan 28, 1944
Fri. eve.
My Sweetest Sweetheart;
Hello, my wifey. How are you? Well, I hope. You should be in fair shape again by this time. Almost ready to love again. I'd like to love you too.
Got two letters today but neither of them from you. One from Vi and one from Fenstermacher's mother. Remember him? He was one of the boys at Knox. Don't think I talked of him very much. He is the fellow laying like a dead man on top of the tanks in one of the pictures.
A couple of weeks ago, before Brownie and I had our visiting day, I decided that as I hadn't seen Angie or Fenstermacher, I would send their pictures to them. Not knowing their camp address I sent them to their homes. Fenstermacher's mother wrote and thanked me and also sent his address. I sent Finnegan's to him as soon as I got back here. He is the S/Sgt from Calif. The rest of them I saw and delivered the pictures personally.
Vi didn't tell any more takes on you, this time. Mostly what you had already told me.
I also got the Gazette and I noticed that Ford Good bought himself a marriage licence. I guess you know who he is. Paul's brother, uncle of some of your kids. The bug finally got him. He's one of the boys that said he wasn't planning ever getting married. Guess the bug gets them all sooner or later.
If they all have as good luck as I did, there would be a lot of happy couples. They can't have quite as good luck though, because I got the best one ever made. I was lucky to get my rope on her before some other guy did. I love you sweetheart.
We've had quite a day. Going back to basic training again. Rolled us out at 4 A.M. with breakfast at 4:15. Right after breakfast we had the usual monthly cock inspection. See, I have my monthly now too.
Went to work. More eyewash, painting and varnishing the office. About 9 A.M. we were taken for a trip through the gas chamber. This time it was chlorine gas. Go into the gas with masks stiff in carriers, and then hold our breath until we get our masks on. Some of the boys didn't get their masks on properly and had to leave the chamber in a hell of a hurry. Get a couple good lung fulls of that stuff and you're a sick man.
This afternoon we had a short road march, the first I've had since I was at Knox. Walked out about 4 miles to witness a demonstration of the new rocket gun. Out and back made about an 8 mile march, for a starter.
You've probably seen accounts of this rocket gun in the papers and magazines. It's a hell of a looking thing to be a tank destroying weapon. Looks like a six foot section of eve spout with a couple sights and stock and trigger. The rocket looks like a small bomb with an 18" tail and fins on the end of the tail. One man places the rocket in the tube from the rear and pulls the pin on the explosive charge on the nose. The other man holds the launcher like a gun, gets his sight and pulls the trigger. The rocket takes off in a flash of flame like a skyrocket. When the rocket hits it explodes and burns a hole through the tank.
They had an old med tank for a target. Fired a few shots at it and then we went out to see what had happened. There were nice neat little holes about an inch in diameter clear through the heaviest armor, almost 3 inches of steel, but that was only the beginning. The inside of the tank was a mess. All blown apart and lots of parts melted away entirely. It must be hot as hell. Looks like sure death for a tank. Never saw so much hell raised by so small a thing before.
Came back, did some more painting until supper time. Then scrubbed the barracks and now I'm at ease.
Tomorrow we have another road march. 12 miles this time, and sometime in the future we have a 25 mile one coming up. That 25 mile one seems to be a standard test of physical fitness in the army. Almost all outfits are required to make it before that are ready for combat.
We now have a different way of serving chow. Instead of cafeteria style, the grub is all put on the tables and they call it home style. It has advantages and disadvantages. I like one thing about it. When we have a dessert of some kind it doesn't get all mixed up with the rest of the grub on your plate.
Well honey, I seem to be all unwound. Been laying here trying to think of something to finish this page, but nothing seems to click at all. Guess I'll let it end here. I can't write a good long one anymore without getting naughty about it. I'll try to keep them clean for a while or you'll be thinking I'm developing into a very dirty minded man. I'm not. I always was the same only I could express myself by actions. Didn't have to say it in words. I used to say a lot with my hands. Remember? Old feely, you used to call me. Night sweetheart, I love you so much.
your lover
Norm.
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Letter # 190 January 27, 1944
Jan 27, 1944
Thurs. eve.
My Darling Wife.
Another day come and nearly gone. The date says it is exactly 3 months since I headed back for Polk. Think of that, 1/4 of a year already again. First of Feb in a few days. Hardly seems possible.
Nothing very much happening around here today. We had a third army inspection. It was supposed to be on the vehicles and turned out to be on the mechanics instead. They ran true to form. Gave us an examination on wheel vehicles and we are all tank mechanics. They gave me an examination on the 2 1/2 ton truck. Part of it was practical work with the examiner watching and the rest oral questions. I cleaned the fuel filters, cleaned and adjusted spark plugs and adjusted brakes and then answered a lot of questions and described the proper army procedure of doing the work in question. I got along in good shape until the last question.
He asked me if I had one nearly new tire and one nearly worn out, to put on one duel wheel, which tire would I put on the outside. Well that was a new one on me. I had never heard the army way of doing that so I answered it the way nearly all civilian truck drivers do it. Put the worn one on the outside. I should have known it would be backwards in the army. The answer was supposed to be, worn one inside. The examiner laughed and said I was still thinking like a civilian. So I missed one of my questions. Mac & Baker also were asked a few questions and we all came out O.K. Good score for the company.
That will be the last 3rd army test for us, I guess. We were just informed today that we were taken from the 3rd and attached to the 4th army as special troops. Whatever that means, I don't know, but the usual rumors are flying around. Some say we will stay here and maybe go on maneuvers here in La. & Texas. As you said, they don't seem to know what they want to do with us. Probably be as I expected. Keep kicking us around and will never even get out of La. Oh well, we'll just have to wait and see.
Our good weather has left us again for the past couple days. Rain and more rain and mud again. Not quite as much mud here as in the other camp. More concrete roads and drives and walks and etc. Better in that respect. I sure hated all that mud. It is also getting a lot cooler tonight. Have a little winter now I guess. Can't be much more of it though. Only two months later than this when I got here last year and the trees had been in full leaf for a month. I imagine it is very much like spring by the end of Feb. and that is only four weeks away.
Got another nice big six page letter from my sweetie today. I sure look forward to getting them and enjoy them a lot. I usually read each one several times.
You surely made a friend of Mrs. Wilkerson from the sound of things. They are swell people. So are you. Probably why you became such good friends. I wouldn't mind being back there again. We had such a good time, didn't we?
You can take my dirty letter any way you want but it's a positive fact that I'm missing you and loving you a hell of a lot.
Honey, I don't think you realize just what you'd be letting yourself in for by suggesting I fly home if I get another furlough and you would pay the bill. That would be quite a price to pay. The train ticket is less than $30.00 round trip and the plane is over $120.00 each way. It would be worth it, but I'm still scotch. I doubt very much that I could even get a ticket.
I do give you credit for being big enough to back down on your estimate of Betty. I rather thought you would if you ever got to know her. You and I usually agree on our likes and dislikes of people.
Sweetheart, I'm not working myself up to a good loving. I've been worked up to that ever since I left you. Remember I said the old thing misbehaved, already, on the train down here. I've been ready for a good loving a long, long time and hope it won't be too long before we can indulge.
I know I'm a devil but I sure do like to love my mummy. Best loving ever came down the road. You're a dandy, you're my wife, and am I glad of it!
I'm about unwound now so I'll quit for tonight. Night sweetheart, I love you so much.
your favorite husband
Norm.
Thurs. eve.
My Darling Wife.
Another day come and nearly gone. The date says it is exactly 3 months since I headed back for Polk. Think of that, 1/4 of a year already again. First of Feb in a few days. Hardly seems possible.
Nothing very much happening around here today. We had a third army inspection. It was supposed to be on the vehicles and turned out to be on the mechanics instead. They ran true to form. Gave us an examination on wheel vehicles and we are all tank mechanics. They gave me an examination on the 2 1/2 ton truck. Part of it was practical work with the examiner watching and the rest oral questions. I cleaned the fuel filters, cleaned and adjusted spark plugs and adjusted brakes and then answered a lot of questions and described the proper army procedure of doing the work in question. I got along in good shape until the last question.
He asked me if I had one nearly new tire and one nearly worn out, to put on one duel wheel, which tire would I put on the outside. Well that was a new one on me. I had never heard the army way of doing that so I answered it the way nearly all civilian truck drivers do it. Put the worn one on the outside. I should have known it would be backwards in the army. The answer was supposed to be, worn one inside. The examiner laughed and said I was still thinking like a civilian. So I missed one of my questions. Mac & Baker also were asked a few questions and we all came out O.K. Good score for the company.
That will be the last 3rd army test for us, I guess. We were just informed today that we were taken from the 3rd and attached to the 4th army as special troops. Whatever that means, I don't know, but the usual rumors are flying around. Some say we will stay here and maybe go on maneuvers here in La. & Texas. As you said, they don't seem to know what they want to do with us. Probably be as I expected. Keep kicking us around and will never even get out of La. Oh well, we'll just have to wait and see.
Our good weather has left us again for the past couple days. Rain and more rain and mud again. Not quite as much mud here as in the other camp. More concrete roads and drives and walks and etc. Better in that respect. I sure hated all that mud. It is also getting a lot cooler tonight. Have a little winter now I guess. Can't be much more of it though. Only two months later than this when I got here last year and the trees had been in full leaf for a month. I imagine it is very much like spring by the end of Feb. and that is only four weeks away.
Got another nice big six page letter from my sweetie today. I sure look forward to getting them and enjoy them a lot. I usually read each one several times.
You surely made a friend of Mrs. Wilkerson from the sound of things. They are swell people. So are you. Probably why you became such good friends. I wouldn't mind being back there again. We had such a good time, didn't we?
You can take my dirty letter any way you want but it's a positive fact that I'm missing you and loving you a hell of a lot.
Honey, I don't think you realize just what you'd be letting yourself in for by suggesting I fly home if I get another furlough and you would pay the bill. That would be quite a price to pay. The train ticket is less than $30.00 round trip and the plane is over $120.00 each way. It would be worth it, but I'm still scotch. I doubt very much that I could even get a ticket.
I do give you credit for being big enough to back down on your estimate of Betty. I rather thought you would if you ever got to know her. You and I usually agree on our likes and dislikes of people.
Sweetheart, I'm not working myself up to a good loving. I've been worked up to that ever since I left you. Remember I said the old thing misbehaved, already, on the train down here. I've been ready for a good loving a long, long time and hope it won't be too long before we can indulge.
I know I'm a devil but I sure do like to love my mummy. Best loving ever came down the road. You're a dandy, you're my wife, and am I glad of it!
I'm about unwound now so I'll quit for tonight. Night sweetheart, I love you so much.
your favorite husband
Norm.
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Letter # 189 January 26, 1944
Jan 26, 1944
Wed. Eve.
Hello Sweetness;
I hope you didn't miss yesterday's letter that I didn't write, too much. I'm sorry honey. I just couldn't make it. We got us a barracks and moved in right after supper and then we had to go back to work again. Worked until late and I didn't feel like writing, even to you. So I didn't.
I've just had an interruption. Orders came out that all men would attend the basketball game at the field house. It is the 775th team and four of our boys are on the squad. I really had intended to go but when we worked so late last night and I didn't write to you, I had decided to stay in but I went to the game after all.
When I came back here last fall the team had just been organized. They were still selecting players and I passed it up. Thought they were way out of my class. After seeing tonight's game, I wish I had gone in for it. They are only about as good as a good high school team. I think the "old man" would almost stay with them. They were playing a team from Camp Claybourne. Our team won 59 - 40. They have had a rather successful season. Only been beaten three or four times I guess. They have had a good thing out of it. Have been all over La. and over in Texas. Even play civilian teams. Some of their trips have taken a couple days. I imagine it would have been fun, but I imagine my honey would have been hurtin' for letters. Play a couple games a week and practice a couple nights. That would only leave me about three nights to write. That would be hell, wouldn't it?
We got moved into our barracks but that is about all. It's so crowded we are sleeping in double deck beds, don't have any foot lockers, and lots of things are still fucked up. I am sleeping on an upper bunk, Baker under me. Maybe I can fall out and break a leg or an arm and get to see those nurses after all. Anyhow I'm getting way up in the world.
We have had a little excitement. Some of our boys and the paratroopers had a round the other night. Wasn't far from our barracks and the noise soon had most of our battalion and couple of paratrooper battalions all lined up and ready to go. The M.P.'s and the guards charged in with the tear gas bombs and broke it up.
While all this was going on your old man was inside watching from a window. I haven't lost any trouble so I'm not looking for any. Beside I like my own teeth too well to have them pushed down my throat. A few of the boys lost some teeth and hide that night.
Still keeping us busy doing mostly "eyewash". Today I was building a nice little picket fence to separate the Lt's. desk from the rest of the office. He thinks so much of that desk he says he's going to take it home when we leave here. He asked me today what I was supposed to be, carpenter, mechanic, or what.
I know what I'd like to be. I'd like to be nothing but husband and lover of a very sweet gal back in Ohio. I wouldn't give a damn if it was in Ohio, or where the hell, just so that gal was there and would be my wife and lover. I loves you honey.
I didn't get a letter from you yesterday. Old, no letter Tues again. I got a very nice one today though, your Sat & Sun letter. Rather sweet one too. Told me some nice things. I'd like to have you say things like that to me. Must be love because I never used to like that kind of talk.
I'll answer your letters now. I think I still have your Fri one to answer.
Sweetheart, you're way behind time, telling me not to qualify for sharpshooter on the carbine. I have already done that. In fact, I did it the first time I ever fired it. It is a pretty good little gun, although I've seen better. Sights are contrary to what you expected. Not telescopic sights or even good peep sights. The gun is made for battle conditions at shorter ranges, so the sights are very rough. Peep is large to make it very easy to pick up a target quickly. I would like to get one and have some good sights put on it. Would make a dandy woodchuck or fox gun. Very light and easy to carry. Only weighs about 6 pounds loaded with 20 shells.
Don't worry about them making a sniper or something of me. I guess I'm definitely a mechanic from here on.
Baby, dear, I know damn well we'll have a lot of fun trying for that 40 quota and you won't be the only one who knows we've been somewhere. We'll do all we can so you'll have something to talk about when the other gals kid you about your sex life. Bet there won't be many left that will be able to say much. Most of them will soon be war widows, looks like.
Don't think I'd mind a bit, hearing you ask, "What 'cha doin?" "Where you going?" and other similar questions. I used to think you overworked them, but I'd love it now. At least for a while. My soul may still be my own but that is about all. The rest belongs to you and I'm happy about the whole thing.
Honey, I can't imagine what you are talking about when you say some of my letters wouldn't bear quoting. Not much. Think even I'd blush a bit if someone ever read them.
When I said you probably wouldn't understand my mechanical story, I had forgotten you were rather an accomplished mechanic yourself, now days. I wasn't meaning it to belittle your intelligence. I just thought it would be rather hard to grasp when you haven't even seen any of this stuff and a description, like I put out makes it worse. I won't do it again sweetheart.
See, I'm not the only one who thinks you're doing a swell job, keeping things going all by yourself. I know it isn't any fun and not at all glamorous, but, just the same, you're all the things they say - and a hell of a lot more. I haven't time or room enough to write them all down now. You can remember back over things I've told you in other letters. I meant them all. Every word of them.
So Ed and Betty will be changing homes soon. I can't place where Tiffin is. It's quite a way from home isn't it?
I hadn't been introduced to "whiskey & soda" before. That reminds me. Do you ever see any of our real squirrel friends?
By this time you know the answer to your questions about some of the Knox boys.
I have wondered about Gus and have thought about writing his wife, but I don't get to it.
You say you are selfishly glad you made such a deep impression on me and that I need you and want you and you're very important to me. That sentence is all right except for that word selfishly. That word has no place in there. I certainly wouldn't call loving me and giving me as much of yourself as you do, selfish. I'd call it very sweet and generous. You're tops. You're a big help and inspiration to me. I can't believe it myself, but all the day dreams I have, [ and some of the others] are all built around you. I'm like a lost ship out on a stormy sea without you for an anchor. You're the tie that keeps me going. Something to plan for and come back to, when this dirty business is all over. Gosh, I'm glad I gotcha, honey.
It's past my bedtime so I'll say bye for now. I love you so much. You're my sweetheart. Night honey.
Your lover
Norm
Wed. Eve.
Hello Sweetness;
I hope you didn't miss yesterday's letter that I didn't write, too much. I'm sorry honey. I just couldn't make it. We got us a barracks and moved in right after supper and then we had to go back to work again. Worked until late and I didn't feel like writing, even to you. So I didn't.
I've just had an interruption. Orders came out that all men would attend the basketball game at the field house. It is the 775th team and four of our boys are on the squad. I really had intended to go but when we worked so late last night and I didn't write to you, I had decided to stay in but I went to the game after all.
When I came back here last fall the team had just been organized. They were still selecting players and I passed it up. Thought they were way out of my class. After seeing tonight's game, I wish I had gone in for it. They are only about as good as a good high school team. I think the "old man" would almost stay with them. They were playing a team from Camp Claybourne. Our team won 59 - 40. They have had a rather successful season. Only been beaten three or four times I guess. They have had a good thing out of it. Have been all over La. and over in Texas. Even play civilian teams. Some of their trips have taken a couple days. I imagine it would have been fun, but I imagine my honey would have been hurtin' for letters. Play a couple games a week and practice a couple nights. That would only leave me about three nights to write. That would be hell, wouldn't it?
We got moved into our barracks but that is about all. It's so crowded we are sleeping in double deck beds, don't have any foot lockers, and lots of things are still fucked up. I am sleeping on an upper bunk, Baker under me. Maybe I can fall out and break a leg or an arm and get to see those nurses after all. Anyhow I'm getting way up in the world.
We have had a little excitement. Some of our boys and the paratroopers had a round the other night. Wasn't far from our barracks and the noise soon had most of our battalion and couple of paratrooper battalions all lined up and ready to go. The M.P.'s and the guards charged in with the tear gas bombs and broke it up.
While all this was going on your old man was inside watching from a window. I haven't lost any trouble so I'm not looking for any. Beside I like my own teeth too well to have them pushed down my throat. A few of the boys lost some teeth and hide that night.
Still keeping us busy doing mostly "eyewash". Today I was building a nice little picket fence to separate the Lt's. desk from the rest of the office. He thinks so much of that desk he says he's going to take it home when we leave here. He asked me today what I was supposed to be, carpenter, mechanic, or what.
I know what I'd like to be. I'd like to be nothing but husband and lover of a very sweet gal back in Ohio. I wouldn't give a damn if it was in Ohio, or where the hell, just so that gal was there and would be my wife and lover. I loves you honey.
I didn't get a letter from you yesterday. Old, no letter Tues again. I got a very nice one today though, your Sat & Sun letter. Rather sweet one too. Told me some nice things. I'd like to have you say things like that to me. Must be love because I never used to like that kind of talk.
I'll answer your letters now. I think I still have your Fri one to answer.
Sweetheart, you're way behind time, telling me not to qualify for sharpshooter on the carbine. I have already done that. In fact, I did it the first time I ever fired it. It is a pretty good little gun, although I've seen better. Sights are contrary to what you expected. Not telescopic sights or even good peep sights. The gun is made for battle conditions at shorter ranges, so the sights are very rough. Peep is large to make it very easy to pick up a target quickly. I would like to get one and have some good sights put on it. Would make a dandy woodchuck or fox gun. Very light and easy to carry. Only weighs about 6 pounds loaded with 20 shells.
Don't worry about them making a sniper or something of me. I guess I'm definitely a mechanic from here on.
Baby, dear, I know damn well we'll have a lot of fun trying for that 40 quota and you won't be the only one who knows we've been somewhere. We'll do all we can so you'll have something to talk about when the other gals kid you about your sex life. Bet there won't be many left that will be able to say much. Most of them will soon be war widows, looks like.
Don't think I'd mind a bit, hearing you ask, "What 'cha doin?" "Where you going?" and other similar questions. I used to think you overworked them, but I'd love it now. At least for a while. My soul may still be my own but that is about all. The rest belongs to you and I'm happy about the whole thing.
Honey, I can't imagine what you are talking about when you say some of my letters wouldn't bear quoting. Not much. Think even I'd blush a bit if someone ever read them.
When I said you probably wouldn't understand my mechanical story, I had forgotten you were rather an accomplished mechanic yourself, now days. I wasn't meaning it to belittle your intelligence. I just thought it would be rather hard to grasp when you haven't even seen any of this stuff and a description, like I put out makes it worse. I won't do it again sweetheart.
See, I'm not the only one who thinks you're doing a swell job, keeping things going all by yourself. I know it isn't any fun and not at all glamorous, but, just the same, you're all the things they say - and a hell of a lot more. I haven't time or room enough to write them all down now. You can remember back over things I've told you in other letters. I meant them all. Every word of them.
So Ed and Betty will be changing homes soon. I can't place where Tiffin is. It's quite a way from home isn't it?
I hadn't been introduced to "whiskey & soda" before. That reminds me. Do you ever see any of our real squirrel friends?
By this time you know the answer to your questions about some of the Knox boys.
I have wondered about Gus and have thought about writing his wife, but I don't get to it.
You say you are selfishly glad you made such a deep impression on me and that I need you and want you and you're very important to me. That sentence is all right except for that word selfishly. That word has no place in there. I certainly wouldn't call loving me and giving me as much of yourself as you do, selfish. I'd call it very sweet and generous. You're tops. You're a big help and inspiration to me. I can't believe it myself, but all the day dreams I have, [ and some of the others] are all built around you. I'm like a lost ship out on a stormy sea without you for an anchor. You're the tie that keeps me going. Something to plan for and come back to, when this dirty business is all over. Gosh, I'm glad I gotcha, honey.
It's past my bedtime so I'll say bye for now. I love you so much. You're my sweetheart. Night honey.
Your lover
Norm
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Letter # 188 January 24, 1944
Jan 24, 1944
Mon. Eve.
My Darling Wife;
Another day gone. Another letter from my honey. Your Friday one.
I spent most all day on "eye wash" as we call it. Fixing things up in great style, like the army wants it, and then we had to work for a while this evening to get the tanks all ready to go out tomorrow. We call it a lot of shit but it's the way the army works.
I spent all day rebuilding a table to answer for a desk for the motor Lt. It was a varnished table with a plywood top and wasn't in bad shape, but I had to plane all the varnish off and refinish it. I liked the job all right but once in a while it gripes me to do some fooling around like that, when there is work to do.
We've had a few bottles of beer on the way back from the shop tonight, so I don't know how this letter will turn out. I'm slightly "that" way.
I got a letter from Jim the other day. He doesn't say much so I won't bother to send it along. I also got a letter from Hazel today and she says Gus Maitland was inducted. From what you said, she must be mistaken. I hope she is anyhow. Every month he stays out is that much better chance he has of missing it entirely.
I went out a walked around a bit yesterday and got a look at a little of the camp. This is a lot like Knox. Nice big service club, lots of P.X.'s, gyms and etc.
The paratroopers didn't even look cross eyed at us. I was with one other fellow, about my size. Don't think it was because we were big, because they must pick those boys for size. They are all as big or bigger than I. They are like everyone else. If a fellow doesn't look for trouble, he usually isn't molested.
The two boys that were at Knox came in today. I don't think I was quite as sick, coming back, as they were. They sure hated it. Can't say as I blame them a bit. They had short delays en rout and they were cancelled because of the alert.
We are still sleeping on the floor in the day room and they are hollering for the lights to go out. I don't feel like going to the latrine to write tonight, so I guess I have to end this fast.
Night sweetheart. I'm loving you and thinking of you constantly. I love you . You're a darling. Your hubby.
Norm.
Mon. Eve.
My Darling Wife;
Another day gone. Another letter from my honey. Your Friday one.
I spent most all day on "eye wash" as we call it. Fixing things up in great style, like the army wants it, and then we had to work for a while this evening to get the tanks all ready to go out tomorrow. We call it a lot of shit but it's the way the army works.
I spent all day rebuilding a table to answer for a desk for the motor Lt. It was a varnished table with a plywood top and wasn't in bad shape, but I had to plane all the varnish off and refinish it. I liked the job all right but once in a while it gripes me to do some fooling around like that, when there is work to do.
We've had a few bottles of beer on the way back from the shop tonight, so I don't know how this letter will turn out. I'm slightly "that" way.
I got a letter from Jim the other day. He doesn't say much so I won't bother to send it along. I also got a letter from Hazel today and she says Gus Maitland was inducted. From what you said, she must be mistaken. I hope she is anyhow. Every month he stays out is that much better chance he has of missing it entirely.
I went out a walked around a bit yesterday and got a look at a little of the camp. This is a lot like Knox. Nice big service club, lots of P.X.'s, gyms and etc.
The paratroopers didn't even look cross eyed at us. I was with one other fellow, about my size. Don't think it was because we were big, because they must pick those boys for size. They are all as big or bigger than I. They are like everyone else. If a fellow doesn't look for trouble, he usually isn't molested.
The two boys that were at Knox came in today. I don't think I was quite as sick, coming back, as they were. They sure hated it. Can't say as I blame them a bit. They had short delays en rout and they were cancelled because of the alert.
We are still sleeping on the floor in the day room and they are hollering for the lights to go out. I don't feel like going to the latrine to write tonight, so I guess I have to end this fast.
Night sweetheart. I'm loving you and thinking of you constantly. I love you . You're a darling. Your hubby.
Norm.
Letter # 187 January 23, 1944
Jan 23, 1944
Sun. Afternoon.
Hello Sweetheart;
We got out and worked like hell this morning and now we have the shop pretty well settled. Consequently we now have the rest of the day off. Rather glad 'cause I'm feeling like you were when you wrote your Thurs. letter [ which I got today ]. I'm kinda droopy. Can't be I'm going to flop. I guess I caught another slight cold. My head is kinda blocked up. I really don't think the cold is the reason. I think it's still spring fever.
The weather is sure swell, a whole week of it now. We have all the doors and windows open in our temporary day room barracks and it's almost too warm. I'm still dressed for winter. Guess I'll have to peel my long johns. It must be over 70 degrees out today. The sun feels like summer back home.
The natives say it is usually like this all winter except for short spells of cold.
This winter nearly all of Dec and first part of Jan. were unusually cold and nasty. I still can't believe it will stay this way. Surely doesn't seem like Jan. as I'm used to it. I wouldn't mind the winter if it would only snow and freeze up, but these cold, rainy, muddy days are not very pleasant.
I think maybe I'll renege on my letter writing today and go out and see what makes this camp tick. I really should write to Mr. Rex but I'm not in the mood for such a letter. Don't even think this one will be much account. Maybe after I look around I'll feel like writing this evening.
Sure is a beautiful day to take my honey for a walk in the woods, only I haven't got a honey here.
I guess I didn't tell you yesterday that they took us all out on the range in the morning, early and we each had a few hand grenades to throw. Get us used to them. Harmless looking little metal cylinder, with a handle and ring on the top. Just a nice size to grasp in one hand. Get a good firm grip on it with the handle against the palm of the right hand, grasp the ring and pull the pin. As long as the handle is held down nothing happens. Throw it much like a football. As soon as it leaves the hand the handle releases and ignites the fuse. They are timed to explode in about 4 seconds. They are little but mighty. Explode with a roar like a 3 " gun and I bet they would do a hell of a lot of damage.
Another thing they can add to the completeness of our training.
Now for your Thurs. letter.
The news of Ed going to work with Drake on that kind of job sounds good. About the kind of job he should like.
If it wasn't for this alert business, I was rather sure of getting home, but now I don't know. It all depends on what they decide to do with this outfit. The 8th hasn't been placed on the alert and that is why Cole got home.
From what you say my calendar must have been nearly right. You'd better not have a reason for not flopping. That would have been rather hard to explain, now that I haven't been home in three months.
Boy! seems like a long time. Only a few more weeks and it will be as long as the first time. Maybe, by that time something will happen I hope.
I guess I'm run down. Can't get in the mood today. I'll go clean up and step out a while.
Bye sweetheart, I love you so much it hurts.
your hubby
Norm.
Sun. Afternoon.
Hello Sweetheart;
We got out and worked like hell this morning and now we have the shop pretty well settled. Consequently we now have the rest of the day off. Rather glad 'cause I'm feeling like you were when you wrote your Thurs. letter [ which I got today ]. I'm kinda droopy. Can't be I'm going to flop. I guess I caught another slight cold. My head is kinda blocked up. I really don't think the cold is the reason. I think it's still spring fever.
The weather is sure swell, a whole week of it now. We have all the doors and windows open in our temporary day room barracks and it's almost too warm. I'm still dressed for winter. Guess I'll have to peel my long johns. It must be over 70 degrees out today. The sun feels like summer back home.
The natives say it is usually like this all winter except for short spells of cold.
This winter nearly all of Dec and first part of Jan. were unusually cold and nasty. I still can't believe it will stay this way. Surely doesn't seem like Jan. as I'm used to it. I wouldn't mind the winter if it would only snow and freeze up, but these cold, rainy, muddy days are not very pleasant.
I think maybe I'll renege on my letter writing today and go out and see what makes this camp tick. I really should write to Mr. Rex but I'm not in the mood for such a letter. Don't even think this one will be much account. Maybe after I look around I'll feel like writing this evening.
Sure is a beautiful day to take my honey for a walk in the woods, only I haven't got a honey here.
I guess I didn't tell you yesterday that they took us all out on the range in the morning, early and we each had a few hand grenades to throw. Get us used to them. Harmless looking little metal cylinder, with a handle and ring on the top. Just a nice size to grasp in one hand. Get a good firm grip on it with the handle against the palm of the right hand, grasp the ring and pull the pin. As long as the handle is held down nothing happens. Throw it much like a football. As soon as it leaves the hand the handle releases and ignites the fuse. They are timed to explode in about 4 seconds. They are little but mighty. Explode with a roar like a 3 " gun and I bet they would do a hell of a lot of damage.
Another thing they can add to the completeness of our training.
Now for your Thurs. letter.
The news of Ed going to work with Drake on that kind of job sounds good. About the kind of job he should like.
If it wasn't for this alert business, I was rather sure of getting home, but now I don't know. It all depends on what they decide to do with this outfit. The 8th hasn't been placed on the alert and that is why Cole got home.
From what you say my calendar must have been nearly right. You'd better not have a reason for not flopping. That would have been rather hard to explain, now that I haven't been home in three months.
Boy! seems like a long time. Only a few more weeks and it will be as long as the first time. Maybe, by that time something will happen I hope.
I guess I'm run down. Can't get in the mood today. I'll go clean up and step out a while.
Bye sweetheart, I love you so much it hurts.
your hubby
Norm.
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Letter # 186 January 22, 1944
Jan 22, 1944
Sat eve.
Hello Sweetheart;
I have more time than I expected to get this evening. The moving went very well. We are completely moved to our new home, but a hell of a way from settled. Got over here with the last load just at chow time tonight. The rest of the company was here a long time before we were and we found we were left out in the cold. No place left to sleep. Whoever did the planning for this move did it in true army style. All fucked up. They knew how many men they had to have accommodations for and still there are about twelve of us sleeping on the floor in the day room. Guess we will be for a couple days until they scare up some more barracks.
Don't know a thing about the camp yet but I imagine it will be a little better than North Camp. It's older and more established. More P.X.'s, shows, and amusement. Even more gals over here. Maybe that's bad. I might get notions. Would if I could forget you for a little while. I can't seem to do that though. You're always on my mind. Even when I see a nice looking gal, I find myself contrasting her to you . You've never suffered by comparison with any of them yet. Don't think you ever will. I love you honey.
The boys are all taking this as a lark and talk is running high. We were just talking about not seeing any cockroaches over here yet, [we soon will] and Baker said he was already a little homesick for his many legged friends. Said he had just gotten them trained to the place where he could give them drill formations and now he had to leave them. We assured him it wouldn't be long and he'd have a new bunch of rookies.
Ever since we heard we might be going overseas, Brownie has been practicing throwing his knife and he had been using cockroaches for targets. He hasn't hit many yet. Tonight he's walking around with his knife but can't find any targets. They don't seem to be quite so thick over here.
There might be a little excitement around here if things break the right way. We are sandwiched in between battalions of paratroopers and for some reason, there seems to be friction between the "grasshoppers" and the armored force. Some of our boys came back from Leesville the other day a little beat up. Said they had tangled with an outfit of paratroopers from South Camp. Now we are right here with them, and we are only one battalion against a dozen or more.
Brownie says for us to slip a hammer in out pocket and not fool with them. Cold cock them and leave them lay. They are cocky fellows. A lot like Marines.
I got a nice long letter from you today. Your Wed. one. Guess I hadn't as yet answered your Tues one. I'll get at it now. While I think of it. The address is still the same except you drop the North and write only Camp Polk, La.
If I remember correctly, the letter I started to put the R.F.D. on my address was one of my nicer naughty letters and it had me a little excited. You bother me that whay. [look at how I spelled way] , whenever I think of you. You've got a lot of power over me, you sweet old devil you. I love you.
I'll tell you what you told me. Don't be ashamed of your "notes." I know you have lots of things to do and when a person is writing so much you go stale once in a while. I know I do. I'd love your notes and be satisfied with them if they only said Hello & night and told me everything was O.K. with you. Of course, I like to get good long ones, telling all about you, what you've been doing and news from the home front, but you can't write that kind all the time. Remember you've only missed writing me a couple of days since I've been in the army and I'd say that was damn near a record. Just think, nearly 10 mo. - 300 letters - that's a hell of a lot of 'em. You're sweet. I loves you.
Honey, you're a brave gal and an unusual one, staying at our place all by yourself with no one to look after you. I'm very proud of you. Not many gals would do it. See there are so many ways you have the others of your sex bettered. Like I've been telling you. You're one in a world full. Is it any wonder I love you? I'd be a damn fool if I didn't.
Glad to hear the car is behaving so well for you. She's like my wife. Faithful old gal. Also glad you are managing to get along with the furnace, even if you aren't very warm most of the time. I was afraid that was the part that would bother you most.
Maybe you think I wouldn't take care of that "wolfing" in Ohio, if I could only get there. Boy! I'd take to that like a duck to water. There's a day coming and then_________________.
Remember the letter I wrote the other day_____.
Judging from the Hugert's experience, I guess I'm glad I made a hell of a big cistern. At $20.00 a crack it wouldn't take long to pay for a big one. In fact our whole cistern only cost about $60.00.
Sweetheart, If you're ever too hard up for beer, maybe I could send you some in place of gum. Gotta keep you happy you know. I hope yo don't take me seriously.
Love won't be rationed in the Effinger family when I get home again, I bet. Won't even need any ration stamps. It'll be free to you. Only be willing to accept and you shall receive.
Tomorrow is a workday again so I guess I better get cleaned up and hit the hay. I worked like a damn fool all day and can probably use the rest.
Night sweetheart, I love you so much, I'm proud of you, I'm glad I gotcha, you're sweet and everything.
Lots of love and loving coming your way____ soon I hope.
Your soldier,
Norm.
Sat eve.
Hello Sweetheart;
I have more time than I expected to get this evening. The moving went very well. We are completely moved to our new home, but a hell of a way from settled. Got over here with the last load just at chow time tonight. The rest of the company was here a long time before we were and we found we were left out in the cold. No place left to sleep. Whoever did the planning for this move did it in true army style. All fucked up. They knew how many men they had to have accommodations for and still there are about twelve of us sleeping on the floor in the day room. Guess we will be for a couple days until they scare up some more barracks.
Don't know a thing about the camp yet but I imagine it will be a little better than North Camp. It's older and more established. More P.X.'s, shows, and amusement. Even more gals over here. Maybe that's bad. I might get notions. Would if I could forget you for a little while. I can't seem to do that though. You're always on my mind. Even when I see a nice looking gal, I find myself contrasting her to you . You've never suffered by comparison with any of them yet. Don't think you ever will. I love you honey.
The boys are all taking this as a lark and talk is running high. We were just talking about not seeing any cockroaches over here yet, [we soon will] and Baker said he was already a little homesick for his many legged friends. Said he had just gotten them trained to the place where he could give them drill formations and now he had to leave them. We assured him it wouldn't be long and he'd have a new bunch of rookies.
Ever since we heard we might be going overseas, Brownie has been practicing throwing his knife and he had been using cockroaches for targets. He hasn't hit many yet. Tonight he's walking around with his knife but can't find any targets. They don't seem to be quite so thick over here.
There might be a little excitement around here if things break the right way. We are sandwiched in between battalions of paratroopers and for some reason, there seems to be friction between the "grasshoppers" and the armored force. Some of our boys came back from Leesville the other day a little beat up. Said they had tangled with an outfit of paratroopers from South Camp. Now we are right here with them, and we are only one battalion against a dozen or more.
Brownie says for us to slip a hammer in out pocket and not fool with them. Cold cock them and leave them lay. They are cocky fellows. A lot like Marines.
I got a nice long letter from you today. Your Wed. one. Guess I hadn't as yet answered your Tues one. I'll get at it now. While I think of it. The address is still the same except you drop the North and write only Camp Polk, La.
If I remember correctly, the letter I started to put the R.F.D. on my address was one of my nicer naughty letters and it had me a little excited. You bother me that whay. [look at how I spelled way] , whenever I think of you. You've got a lot of power over me, you sweet old devil you. I love you.
I'll tell you what you told me. Don't be ashamed of your "notes." I know you have lots of things to do and when a person is writing so much you go stale once in a while. I know I do. I'd love your notes and be satisfied with them if they only said Hello & night and told me everything was O.K. with you. Of course, I like to get good long ones, telling all about you, what you've been doing and news from the home front, but you can't write that kind all the time. Remember you've only missed writing me a couple of days since I've been in the army and I'd say that was damn near a record. Just think, nearly 10 mo. - 300 letters - that's a hell of a lot of 'em. You're sweet. I loves you.
Honey, you're a brave gal and an unusual one, staying at our place all by yourself with no one to look after you. I'm very proud of you. Not many gals would do it. See there are so many ways you have the others of your sex bettered. Like I've been telling you. You're one in a world full. Is it any wonder I love you? I'd be a damn fool if I didn't.
Glad to hear the car is behaving so well for you. She's like my wife. Faithful old gal. Also glad you are managing to get along with the furnace, even if you aren't very warm most of the time. I was afraid that was the part that would bother you most.
Maybe you think I wouldn't take care of that "wolfing" in Ohio, if I could only get there. Boy! I'd take to that like a duck to water. There's a day coming and then_________________.
Remember the letter I wrote the other day_____.
Judging from the Hugert's experience, I guess I'm glad I made a hell of a big cistern. At $20.00 a crack it wouldn't take long to pay for a big one. In fact our whole cistern only cost about $60.00.
Sweetheart, If you're ever too hard up for beer, maybe I could send you some in place of gum. Gotta keep you happy you know. I hope yo don't take me seriously.
Love won't be rationed in the Effinger family when I get home again, I bet. Won't even need any ration stamps. It'll be free to you. Only be willing to accept and you shall receive.
Tomorrow is a workday again so I guess I better get cleaned up and hit the hay. I worked like a damn fool all day and can probably use the rest.
Night sweetheart, I love you so much, I'm proud of you, I'm glad I gotcha, you're sweet and everything.
Lots of love and loving coming your way____ soon I hope.
Your soldier,
Norm.
Letter # 185 January 21, 1944
Jan, 21, 1944
Fri. Eve.
My Precious Sweetheart;
When I looked at my little calendar tonight for the date, I noticed a curious little check mark over the date. Can't imagine what it is for. Can you? I think you know what it is there for. Was it right? Keep me posted on that so I may be able to regulate that "maybe" furlough to fit. I'm still dreaming but not doing much planning. Maybe the next furlough I get will be the one we are looking for. Permanent. The war over and then_____. Boy, I can hardly wait. I love you sweetheart and I'm not bird terding.
This is going to be a rather short letter. It is really happening. We are moving tomorrow and Sunday. Once again, I have my barracks bags all packed, ready to take off. Wish I was going as far and in the same direction as last time. At least, it's a start. Maybe they will keep us on the move now, I hope. Gotta see more than La out of all this time in the army.
We have all the tanks and etc. repaired and ready and nearly all the shop equipment loaded and ready to take off. A hell of a lot of work to move a few miles south.
We'll probably be busy as bees for a couple days, so don't be surprised if I don't write for a few days. I will if I possibly can.
I got your Tues letter today. I'll answer at your Mon & Tues ones now.
Honey, from the way you talk about your kids and job, a fellow would think you didn't like it very much. Of course, I know you love it and it would be very hard to persuade you to give it up. Nothing like loving your work. Some day I'm going to insist you stop teaching and concentrate on taking care of me. Believe me, after all this army life, I'll soak up a lot of the kind of taking care of, you put out.
I haven't been able to get any line on Kenny but I imagine he was out with the 8th on their 3 week maneuvers in Texas. I told you about that I think. They also have to get out of North Camp Polk. More maneuvers I guess.
Honey, if I was there and you couldn't stay awake for at least a little while, I'm afraid I'd take advantage of you and love you while you were a sleep. Never tried that, but there is always a first time.
This is about all I have time for tonight. As you say, you'll forgive me won't you? I love you sweetheart. You're the apple of my eye. You're my inspiration. You're everything to me. Night sweetheart. I loves you.
Your hubby.
Norm.
Fri. Eve.
My Precious Sweetheart;
When I looked at my little calendar tonight for the date, I noticed a curious little check mark over the date. Can't imagine what it is for. Can you? I think you know what it is there for. Was it right? Keep me posted on that so I may be able to regulate that "maybe" furlough to fit. I'm still dreaming but not doing much planning. Maybe the next furlough I get will be the one we are looking for. Permanent. The war over and then_____. Boy, I can hardly wait. I love you sweetheart and I'm not bird terding.
This is going to be a rather short letter. It is really happening. We are moving tomorrow and Sunday. Once again, I have my barracks bags all packed, ready to take off. Wish I was going as far and in the same direction as last time. At least, it's a start. Maybe they will keep us on the move now, I hope. Gotta see more than La out of all this time in the army.
We have all the tanks and etc. repaired and ready and nearly all the shop equipment loaded and ready to take off. A hell of a lot of work to move a few miles south.
We'll probably be busy as bees for a couple days, so don't be surprised if I don't write for a few days. I will if I possibly can.
I got your Tues letter today. I'll answer at your Mon & Tues ones now.
Honey, from the way you talk about your kids and job, a fellow would think you didn't like it very much. Of course, I know you love it and it would be very hard to persuade you to give it up. Nothing like loving your work. Some day I'm going to insist you stop teaching and concentrate on taking care of me. Believe me, after all this army life, I'll soak up a lot of the kind of taking care of, you put out.
I haven't been able to get any line on Kenny but I imagine he was out with the 8th on their 3 week maneuvers in Texas. I told you about that I think. They also have to get out of North Camp Polk. More maneuvers I guess.
Honey, if I was there and you couldn't stay awake for at least a little while, I'm afraid I'd take advantage of you and love you while you were a sleep. Never tried that, but there is always a first time.
This is about all I have time for tonight. As you say, you'll forgive me won't you? I love you sweetheart. You're the apple of my eye. You're my inspiration. You're everything to me. Night sweetheart. I loves you.
Your hubby.
Norm.
Letter # 184, 1944
Jan 20, 1944
Thurs. Eve.
Hello Darling;
After that screwy, [and I mean screwy] letter I wrote last night, I think I'll write a plain, ordinary one tonight. Got two letters from you today. A big, long 8 page combination Sat & Sun one and your Mon. one. I think the idea of combining the two is a good one. I get one nice long one instead of two shorter ones and it comes on the same day anyhow. Keep it up if you
want to.
I sure had a hard day today. We went to the shop this morning and worked at odd jobs for a couple hours and then Brownie said, "To hell with it." "Let's lock the damn place up and go to the service club and get some coffee and doughnuts." We did. sat there and gassed a while and then got the idea of going over to where the old 80 AR was, to see if we could find any of the old gang.
We ran into Ernie and Schindler. Ernie has his wife down here and is living in DeRidder. He has a pal there that had a small house and they are living with them. She had been here since the first of the month. Had a 30 day leave from her job. Then she is going back home. Ernie will be out on maneuvers by the 1st of Feb. anyhow. He's still the same old boy. Just as crazy and cheerful and carefree as ever. Says he is well satisfied with married life. Had a good talk and speculated on what might be going to happen. He is much like I. Hasn't seen a light tank since he's been back. Still a buck Sargent.
Schindler is rather disgusted. They made him a medium tank driver. He got a T/5 for that but he doesn't like it. Says he is trying to enlist in the air corpse. He sees Angie occasionally. Says he is still the same. He is a mechanic and still a T/5.
I guess from the looks of things I was a lot luckier than most of the boys. For most of us, that trip to Knox was just a swell vacation at the army's expense. I'd accept another anytime they see fit to give it. Then I wouldn't have to write letters like yesterday's. I could show you. I think I'd have you down there. I betcha'.
Brownie and I killed the rest of the morning visiting and then this afternoon we went back to the shop and puttered around until 4:30 and locked her up and headed for the barracks. First gold bricking work day I've put in since I came back here. Imagine we'll pay for it next week. I guess we are really moving to South Camp next week. I bet that will be a busy time. Hell of a lot of trouble to move six or seven miles.
Don't worry about the address. Keep using the same one until I change it. I guess that is all the news so I'll answer your letters.
Honey, it's a good thing you explained that $5.00 so quickly. When I opened the letter and that bill dropped out, I was getting as you had anticipated. Rather up on my ears. I wondered why in the hell you were sending me more money. You've already had to stake me more than you should. You should have kept the $3.00 anyhow to pay some of the bills.
That was very nice of Mr. Rex and Dorothy. They are hard people to beat. As you say. Poor me, another letter to write. I really have wanted to write to Mr. Rex anyhow and now I guess I will get at it.
Your remark about not liking Gus's sister too much rather tickled me. I remember she once told me she didn't like you either. I guess it must be mutual.
Your story about the ducks is interesting. Usually the tame ones take off with the wild. Maybe she was hurt and by the time she was well, decided she had a good home. Liable to take off this spring when the wild ones go back north.
Sounds like the income tax people got ahead of me a little. I guess I explained that well enough the other day. No hurry. If you have any questions, ask 'em and when you get the dope on the new regulations, let me know.
Sweetheart, your memory is at fault on the first time I made you. The one I mentioned, when we went to Pete's with Gus & Vi was quite a while before the night we loved, out under the stars at our place. First time we ever loved at our own place too. This one was after the rainy spell was over and the basement was nearly dug. What a question! Do I remember it? You damn betcha I remember it. I remember a lot of other nights when I wasn't so lucky too.
Honey, if you ever have another courtship, it better be fast and that guy better never let me see him. I'll use my carbine on him, sure as hell. I love you and I wouldn't like it a bit if some other guy cut me out. All kidding aside. I'm inclined to agree with you. No more long courtships. I didn't want it to be so long. I was ready to marry you when I asked you [and you only grunted] but I wasn't making enough to support a wife then. It was a lot of fun and also a lot of pain. Anyhow, we made it and I'm surely not sorry about that.
Now, I guess this is a rather sensible, unexciting letter isn't it? Gotta rest between those naughty ones. I love you sweetheart. You're my favorite wife.
Night darling, I'm loving you more and more.
Your hubby.
Norm.
Thurs. Eve.
Hello Darling;
After that screwy, [and I mean screwy] letter I wrote last night, I think I'll write a plain, ordinary one tonight. Got two letters from you today. A big, long 8 page combination Sat & Sun one and your Mon. one. I think the idea of combining the two is a good one. I get one nice long one instead of two shorter ones and it comes on the same day anyhow. Keep it up if you
want to.
I sure had a hard day today. We went to the shop this morning and worked at odd jobs for a couple hours and then Brownie said, "To hell with it." "Let's lock the damn place up and go to the service club and get some coffee and doughnuts." We did. sat there and gassed a while and then got the idea of going over to where the old 80 AR was, to see if we could find any of the old gang.
We ran into Ernie and Schindler. Ernie has his wife down here and is living in DeRidder. He has a pal there that had a small house and they are living with them. She had been here since the first of the month. Had a 30 day leave from her job. Then she is going back home. Ernie will be out on maneuvers by the 1st of Feb. anyhow. He's still the same old boy. Just as crazy and cheerful and carefree as ever. Says he is well satisfied with married life. Had a good talk and speculated on what might be going to happen. He is much like I. Hasn't seen a light tank since he's been back. Still a buck Sargent.
Schindler is rather disgusted. They made him a medium tank driver. He got a T/5 for that but he doesn't like it. Says he is trying to enlist in the air corpse. He sees Angie occasionally. Says he is still the same. He is a mechanic and still a T/5.
I guess from the looks of things I was a lot luckier than most of the boys. For most of us, that trip to Knox was just a swell vacation at the army's expense. I'd accept another anytime they see fit to give it. Then I wouldn't have to write letters like yesterday's. I could show you. I think I'd have you down there. I betcha'.
Brownie and I killed the rest of the morning visiting and then this afternoon we went back to the shop and puttered around until 4:30 and locked her up and headed for the barracks. First gold bricking work day I've put in since I came back here. Imagine we'll pay for it next week. I guess we are really moving to South Camp next week. I bet that will be a busy time. Hell of a lot of trouble to move six or seven miles.
Don't worry about the address. Keep using the same one until I change it. I guess that is all the news so I'll answer your letters.
Honey, it's a good thing you explained that $5.00 so quickly. When I opened the letter and that bill dropped out, I was getting as you had anticipated. Rather up on my ears. I wondered why in the hell you were sending me more money. You've already had to stake me more than you should. You should have kept the $3.00 anyhow to pay some of the bills.
That was very nice of Mr. Rex and Dorothy. They are hard people to beat. As you say. Poor me, another letter to write. I really have wanted to write to Mr. Rex anyhow and now I guess I will get at it.
Your remark about not liking Gus's sister too much rather tickled me. I remember she once told me she didn't like you either. I guess it must be mutual.
Your story about the ducks is interesting. Usually the tame ones take off with the wild. Maybe she was hurt and by the time she was well, decided she had a good home. Liable to take off this spring when the wild ones go back north.
Sounds like the income tax people got ahead of me a little. I guess I explained that well enough the other day. No hurry. If you have any questions, ask 'em and when you get the dope on the new regulations, let me know.
Sweetheart, your memory is at fault on the first time I made you. The one I mentioned, when we went to Pete's with Gus & Vi was quite a while before the night we loved, out under the stars at our place. First time we ever loved at our own place too. This one was after the rainy spell was over and the basement was nearly dug. What a question! Do I remember it? You damn betcha I remember it. I remember a lot of other nights when I wasn't so lucky too.
Honey, if you ever have another courtship, it better be fast and that guy better never let me see him. I'll use my carbine on him, sure as hell. I love you and I wouldn't like it a bit if some other guy cut me out. All kidding aside. I'm inclined to agree with you. No more long courtships. I didn't want it to be so long. I was ready to marry you when I asked you [and you only grunted] but I wasn't making enough to support a wife then. It was a lot of fun and also a lot of pain. Anyhow, we made it and I'm surely not sorry about that.
Now, I guess this is a rather sensible, unexciting letter isn't it? Gotta rest between those naughty ones. I love you sweetheart. You're my favorite wife.
Night darling, I'm loving you more and more.
Your hubby.
Norm.
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Letter # 183 January 19, 1944
Jan 19, 1944
Wed eve.
My Darling Wife;
Hello sweetheart. I've got a nice big kiss for you. Would you like to get it? How's my luscious girlfriend tonight? I'm in love with her. Very much so. So much in love with you I can't tell it in words. I'll have to be where I can show you and tell you.
"No letter Today." That makes two days again. This mail business is the shits. They seem to keep the mail someplace for a couple days and then send it out. Bet I get two or three tomorrow.
The company went out again this afternoon. Once more all the tanks went out. They are staying out tonight and coming back tomorrow I guess. Then out Friday again. I was lucky. I went out yesterday and so I missed the bivouac. Mac and Baker both went this time. That will make it my turn again Friday. Don't know if that will be overnight or not. Only a dozen of us in garrison tonight.
Brownie and I will have to look for something to do tomorrow. All of our vehicles are out. Nothing here to work on. We swept the garage and hosed it out this afternoon and closed the shop at 4:30 already. Earliest we have ever quit since we've been here.
We wandered over to the P.X. and had us a few beers before supper. Seems a little like civilian life, being able to do about as you please. All the big shots are out in the field. Brownie is high man in the company here tonight. Your husband is second. We were late for supper. [drank one too many beers] so the cooks fed us special. Had all the pineapple we could eat and even a jar of honey. First time I've seen that in the army.
We had just gone to the barracks and word came in that the boys were in trouble. Had one tank out of action and needed help. Brownie went out. Said he'd take a look. Figured there was plenty help out there. All they needed was a boss. I didn't argue. I wanted to write to my honey and I can't do that and fire tanks.
Boy sweetheart, we sure are having a swell stretch of weather. If it was like this all the time, it would be swell. It is all dried up and since Sunday, the sun has been out all day everyday and I imagine it was at least 65 degrees today. Perfect spring. Even had spring fever. I'm afraid it's too good to last. The wind was shifting to the north and that seems to mean trouble down here.
Here is a little more news fresh from the shit house rumor department. Hot off the first stool. They say we are moving within a week, but not far. Just to South Camp Polk. Supposed to be another division coming in here about the 27th. There may be some truth in it because when I saw Henry a couple weeks ago, he said then that the 8th had to be out by the last of Jan to make room for another division. The 8th originally filled this camp so if a new one is coming I expect we will leave. That will be a slight change of scenery at least.
The officers and tank commanders and gunners are getting a nice trip. They go to Beaumont, Texas for a week or 10 days to get instruction on aerial gunnery. They are supposed to go about Sunday. Wish I was a gunner instead of a mechanic for a week or so.
I've been laying here doing a little day dreaming. Bet you can't guess what about. I was dreaming about our next meeting and what I'm going to do to you, or you do to me or something. It really isn't anything new, because, long ago, before we were married I used to dream about the same thing, only Mummy never broke down and did it. Maybe I can do a little better dreaming now. I know more about it and know how nice the realization of that dream can be.
I can't decide for sure which one of my dreams I want this meeting to be like, but I think I like this one best.
I'd like to come home and catch you a little bit by surprise, like last time. You'd know I was coming but not exactly when. You'd be waiting for me dressed very scantily, either in a bathrobe or a nice, revealing dress of some sort. I'd take you in my arms and squeeze you good and tight, so I could feel all the nice lush curves pressing tight against me. Hold you that way for a while and kiss you good. Long, loving kisses on soft, red, parted, clinging lips. Probably even kiss a few happy tears away. Then let loose of you for a little and just let my eyes feast themselves on a fascinating, exciting person. Then talk to you and sit up close and hug you while I tell you a little of how much I like you. While I tell you, I'll be showing you a little as well as teasing a little.
Start by petting a big, soft handful of juicy breast. I hope it isn't confined or, if it is, not very tightly. Then the other hand can start at or a little above a promising, uncovered knee and tickle it way up a thrilling leg to a place where the legs lead to and stop. I wouldn't want you wearing long underwear either.
A little of that while we try to get closer to each other and we get up and go to the bedroom. I can't let go of you that long so I walk behind with you hugged up very close to me, by the pressure of my hands on two titties that are already beginning to get hard nipples. Your head tipped way back on my shoulder so I can steal a kiss. A nice, juicy, passionate one.
I hate to let loose of you but I want very badly to get undressed so I do and undress in a hurry. I like to beat you so I can tease a little while you finish. Especially like to play with your tits when you stoop over to take off your socks. Like to come up behind you and press the old hard [and probably wet] thing hard against your big soft butt. Sometimes, if I'm lucky, it even slips through between your slightly parted legs and rubs against the nice, soft , warm thing he is looking for. I like to be squeezing both breasts at the same time.
We get over to the bed without changing position very much and Mummy falls flat on her tummy, me on top. We separate and straighten around side by side, facing each other.
I feel and pet and tickle everything I can and then we can't wait any longer.
We get the Vaseline and I grease Mummy's already warm and wet thing and you grease my old thing. I like it when you get a good hold on it and rub back and forth while I finger you. It feels so good and makes a wild man of me. Thrill all over in anticipation.
Now everything is all ready. You roll over on your back, spread your legs and arms and wait until I'm kneeling above you. Then you grab me around the neck and I take a hard red nipple in my mouth and "chew" a bit. While I'm doing that maybe you reach down and give the old thing a final rub and squeeze, just for luck, or maybe you hold on to it and aim it. I let loose of the nipple and press my lips to your parted, passionate ones and, as I settle down against your breasts and tummy, the eager head of the "old thing" finds his place and slowly slips in the warm, slippery, quivering, thrilling hole.
At the same time, I'm giving you a good tonging and getting one back. You raise your legs straight up in the air as the old thing goes in as deep as it can, and spread them wide, putting your thing up where I can give you all I got. [wish it was more].
After slipping it in and out slowly a few times you tell me I can hang a little if I want. I want and I do. I like to go easy a few times and then bang it in and then go easy again and bang it and maybe even let it soak and jump a little, as far in as it will go. It always wants to go off too quickly and, if I let it soak for a bit, I can do some more banging without it coming. I like it to last about 10 minutes and then you really get hot and can't lay still. You come to meet me on every stroke and very soon I can feel the inside of your old thing squeezing tighter and tighter around mine and it begins to jump. Then I bang you real good a few times and my balls hurt so good while they shoot the shiny stuff out and then it's all over.
We separate and lay still for a bit. We both feel so good we want to revel in the feeling. In a half hour or less it's as much fun to go through it all again as it was the first time.
Whoops honey. I've got a hell of a hard on. Wish you were here now. There, I finally wrote another naughty letter. Night sweetheart, I love you so much.
your "screwy" hubby.
Norm.
Wed eve.
My Darling Wife;
Hello sweetheart. I've got a nice big kiss for you. Would you like to get it? How's my luscious girlfriend tonight? I'm in love with her. Very much so. So much in love with you I can't tell it in words. I'll have to be where I can show you and tell you.
"No letter Today." That makes two days again. This mail business is the shits. They seem to keep the mail someplace for a couple days and then send it out. Bet I get two or three tomorrow.
The company went out again this afternoon. Once more all the tanks went out. They are staying out tonight and coming back tomorrow I guess. Then out Friday again. I was lucky. I went out yesterday and so I missed the bivouac. Mac and Baker both went this time. That will make it my turn again Friday. Don't know if that will be overnight or not. Only a dozen of us in garrison tonight.
Brownie and I will have to look for something to do tomorrow. All of our vehicles are out. Nothing here to work on. We swept the garage and hosed it out this afternoon and closed the shop at 4:30 already. Earliest we have ever quit since we've been here.
We wandered over to the P.X. and had us a few beers before supper. Seems a little like civilian life, being able to do about as you please. All the big shots are out in the field. Brownie is high man in the company here tonight. Your husband is second. We were late for supper. [drank one too many beers] so the cooks fed us special. Had all the pineapple we could eat and even a jar of honey. First time I've seen that in the army.
We had just gone to the barracks and word came in that the boys were in trouble. Had one tank out of action and needed help. Brownie went out. Said he'd take a look. Figured there was plenty help out there. All they needed was a boss. I didn't argue. I wanted to write to my honey and I can't do that and fire tanks.
Boy sweetheart, we sure are having a swell stretch of weather. If it was like this all the time, it would be swell. It is all dried up and since Sunday, the sun has been out all day everyday and I imagine it was at least 65 degrees today. Perfect spring. Even had spring fever. I'm afraid it's too good to last. The wind was shifting to the north and that seems to mean trouble down here.
Here is a little more news fresh from the shit house rumor department. Hot off the first stool. They say we are moving within a week, but not far. Just to South Camp Polk. Supposed to be another division coming in here about the 27th. There may be some truth in it because when I saw Henry a couple weeks ago, he said then that the 8th had to be out by the last of Jan to make room for another division. The 8th originally filled this camp so if a new one is coming I expect we will leave. That will be a slight change of scenery at least.
The officers and tank commanders and gunners are getting a nice trip. They go to Beaumont, Texas for a week or 10 days to get instruction on aerial gunnery. They are supposed to go about Sunday. Wish I was a gunner instead of a mechanic for a week or so.
I've been laying here doing a little day dreaming. Bet you can't guess what about. I was dreaming about our next meeting and what I'm going to do to you, or you do to me or something. It really isn't anything new, because, long ago, before we were married I used to dream about the same thing, only Mummy never broke down and did it. Maybe I can do a little better dreaming now. I know more about it and know how nice the realization of that dream can be.
I can't decide for sure which one of my dreams I want this meeting to be like, but I think I like this one best.
I'd like to come home and catch you a little bit by surprise, like last time. You'd know I was coming but not exactly when. You'd be waiting for me dressed very scantily, either in a bathrobe or a nice, revealing dress of some sort. I'd take you in my arms and squeeze you good and tight, so I could feel all the nice lush curves pressing tight against me. Hold you that way for a while and kiss you good. Long, loving kisses on soft, red, parted, clinging lips. Probably even kiss a few happy tears away. Then let loose of you for a little and just let my eyes feast themselves on a fascinating, exciting person. Then talk to you and sit up close and hug you while I tell you a little of how much I like you. While I tell you, I'll be showing you a little as well as teasing a little.
Start by petting a big, soft handful of juicy breast. I hope it isn't confined or, if it is, not very tightly. Then the other hand can start at or a little above a promising, uncovered knee and tickle it way up a thrilling leg to a place where the legs lead to and stop. I wouldn't want you wearing long underwear either.
A little of that while we try to get closer to each other and we get up and go to the bedroom. I can't let go of you that long so I walk behind with you hugged up very close to me, by the pressure of my hands on two titties that are already beginning to get hard nipples. Your head tipped way back on my shoulder so I can steal a kiss. A nice, juicy, passionate one.
I hate to let loose of you but I want very badly to get undressed so I do and undress in a hurry. I like to beat you so I can tease a little while you finish. Especially like to play with your tits when you stoop over to take off your socks. Like to come up behind you and press the old hard [and probably wet] thing hard against your big soft butt. Sometimes, if I'm lucky, it even slips through between your slightly parted legs and rubs against the nice, soft , warm thing he is looking for. I like to be squeezing both breasts at the same time.
We get over to the bed without changing position very much and Mummy falls flat on her tummy, me on top. We separate and straighten around side by side, facing each other.
I feel and pet and tickle everything I can and then we can't wait any longer.
We get the Vaseline and I grease Mummy's already warm and wet thing and you grease my old thing. I like it when you get a good hold on it and rub back and forth while I finger you. It feels so good and makes a wild man of me. Thrill all over in anticipation.
Now everything is all ready. You roll over on your back, spread your legs and arms and wait until I'm kneeling above you. Then you grab me around the neck and I take a hard red nipple in my mouth and "chew" a bit. While I'm doing that maybe you reach down and give the old thing a final rub and squeeze, just for luck, or maybe you hold on to it and aim it. I let loose of the nipple and press my lips to your parted, passionate ones and, as I settle down against your breasts and tummy, the eager head of the "old thing" finds his place and slowly slips in the warm, slippery, quivering, thrilling hole.
At the same time, I'm giving you a good tonging and getting one back. You raise your legs straight up in the air as the old thing goes in as deep as it can, and spread them wide, putting your thing up where I can give you all I got. [wish it was more].
After slipping it in and out slowly a few times you tell me I can hang a little if I want. I want and I do. I like to go easy a few times and then bang it in and then go easy again and bang it and maybe even let it soak and jump a little, as far in as it will go. It always wants to go off too quickly and, if I let it soak for a bit, I can do some more banging without it coming. I like it to last about 10 minutes and then you really get hot and can't lay still. You come to meet me on every stroke and very soon I can feel the inside of your old thing squeezing tighter and tighter around mine and it begins to jump. Then I bang you real good a few times and my balls hurt so good while they shoot the shiny stuff out and then it's all over.
We separate and lay still for a bit. We both feel so good we want to revel in the feeling. In a half hour or less it's as much fun to go through it all again as it was the first time.
Whoops honey. I've got a hell of a hard on. Wish you were here now. There, I finally wrote another naughty letter. Night sweetheart, I love you so much.
your "screwy" hubby.
Norm.
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Letter # 182 January 18, 1944
Jan 18, 1944
Tues. Eve.
Hello Wifey, dear.
I was right, no letter today, but I got that situation all fixed. Have two of yours to answer yet. First, I'm going to tell you something. I love you. Did you know it? I think you're tops in every way.
Had quite a day. Went out with the tanks. It was my turn again. You asked about that once. We do take turns only sometimes I skip mine. If it's a small run or there is a lot of work in the shop, Brownie sometimes keeps me in. I've only skipped it two or three times.
It was a beautiful, warm, sunshiny day. Perfect spring. Had a dry run on the big battalion problem that is coming up. For once we sent all our tanks out. Had to send one back in. Burned out all the rings on one piston.
The whole battalion of tanks were out there. It was some sight. Tanks scattered all over the country side as far as I could see. Must have been well over a hundred out there, participating in the problem. It was surprising how much it had dried up the last few days. Three nice days without rain.
The problem was about half over , when we stopped for dinner. The Captain's tank was the only one in trouble. Generators weren't charging at all and the batteries were absolutely dead. He had been using his radio a lot, until it wouldn't work anymore. I went to work expecting to fix it in a little while. There was more trouble than I expected. The fuses on one generator were burned out and that didn't take long, but the other wouldn't run at all. It is an auxiliary generator, much the same as the light plants people used to use on farms.
I had the cooks bring my dinner to me and I stayed in the tank and ate it. Gotta stay on the good side of the Captain. I'll be asking for a furlough one of these days when they allow them again.
I checked it all over and still no results, so the Captain took another tank and went on. Well, I finally decided the fuel, a mixture of gas and oil, wasn't right, too much oil, so I told the tank crew to get a gallon of gas and dump it in the tank. That would thin the mixture. They did and I stood there and watched them pour it in. Confident now that it would start. I tried it. No luck. So what the hell now? Took the carburetor and everything all apart again and found nothing wrong. Disgusted and beat, I climbed out and sat my ass on the ground while I smoked a cigarette and puzzled over what the trouble could be. I was looking at a 5 gal can and not seeing it. Finally, it focused and something clicked. I began to have a suspicion. I asked the boys where they got the gasoline they poured in the tank. They said it came from the can I was looking at. For a minute, I felt like cussing and raising hell, and then the funny side came out and I had to laugh at myself. Here I had stood and watched them pour cleaning solvent in the gas tank instead of gas and wondered why it wouldn't run. We drained the tank, put in some more fuel, this time it was gasoline mixed with the proper amount of oil, and the damn thing ran like a new one. It kind of made me laugh at myself. Here I'm supposed to be a mechanic and I try to make an engine run on cleaning solvent. Brownie got a big kick out of it when I told him tonight.
By this time the tanks were miles away. We went after them. When we caught up we found the whole company gathered around five of them, that were nearly buried in a swamp. I'm not kidding. All you could see was the turrets. Looked like pill boxes with the 75's sticking out. That wasn't my worry so I stood and watched while they pulled them out. Took four tanks, all pulling together to pull each one out. Sure dug some canals in that swamp.
Made us late getting in but all the tanks made it and only minor troubles to fix up tomorrow.
You probably won't understand a lot of this story. I thought it was too good to keep.
You can see what kind of a mechanic your husband is, so don't brag too much.
{I couldn't finish this letter before dark, {lights out} , so I have moved to the day room.
I'll answer you're letters now.
Sweetheart, you're going to be a handy gal to have around if you keep on. Can earn your own living, fire the furnace, carry out the ashes, trap mice, pay the bills, mow the lawn, do the housework, and now you have even become a plumber. Cleaned out the bathroom trap. You're some gal. I know a lot of other things she can do very well also.
I wouldn't use Drano or anything in the bathroom. Gus and Vi only have their toilet going into the septic tank, but everything in the bathroom [ours] goes into it. If you have any trouble with it better call Carl.
I surely wish I was there to take advantage of some of that good skating. Hasn't been so good the past couple years. I know it would seem damn good to go skating again with Mummy on my arm. Period.
The little cut from the paper is similar to what we had in mind for the other bay corner. The shelves would please you. I can see that. I never heard those gadgets you pick up, called "knock-nicks" before. I thought it was "knick-nacks". Maybe some more of the German in me coming out. Who's right? If this damn war hadn't come along it might have been built by now and you could have all your "knock nicks" up on display. You can save them for a while and maybe then you can display them. If I don't kill myself catching up on my lost loving, before I get to
building it.
You keep your fingers and everything else crossed and do as much hoping as I am and maybe I'll get home before the "big push" as you call it. I'll sure try.
How do you expect to keep that girlish, tantalizing figure, eating waffles and sausage
11 o"clock at night? You're a devil but I'll love every pound of you, if you weighed 250. Only I couldn't give quite as much attention to every pound. Just don't get such a big belly that the old thing won't reach. Remember, it isn't too long, now. I loves my honey.
I was wondering about Thurston, since you told of Bob Indoe being sent over. I also see by the Gazette that he is a Sargent now. Did Bob get a promotion also? I haven't seen any of the other fellows from Ft Knox at all. Can't seem to locate them. Don't have much time to look either.
San Diego is a big Marine base and the 710 was to go there for amphibious training. The rumor says we will follow.
You say not to worry about letters to other people. As long as I keep you satisfied that's all that is necessary. It's a hell of a big and not too satisfying of a job, keeping you satisfied --- by letter. It may be a big job to keep you satisfied when I'm with you, but it sure will be pleasant and satisfying to try my best.
I'm resting up and saving any energy and waiting for the day when I come back to you to stay. That's going to be one day I'll never forget. Be another date like Sept 8, 1940. Start of a new, better, and fuller life. This time I'll appreciate it more. It'll have to be a hell of a big thing to ever get me to leave you very long again. I at least learned that much from this experience. I need you and will always need and want you more than anything else.
You slipped up on me and made me love you so much. I still can't believe it possible, but it sure as hell is. You're some gal, honey.
Night sweetheart. I've got to get my beauty nap and keep rested up for "that" day. I love you, sweetheart, you're so nice and sweet and you're my wife.
Night baby, darling.
Your soldier.
Norm.
Tues. Eve.
Hello Wifey, dear.
I was right, no letter today, but I got that situation all fixed. Have two of yours to answer yet. First, I'm going to tell you something. I love you. Did you know it? I think you're tops in every way.
Had quite a day. Went out with the tanks. It was my turn again. You asked about that once. We do take turns only sometimes I skip mine. If it's a small run or there is a lot of work in the shop, Brownie sometimes keeps me in. I've only skipped it two or three times.
It was a beautiful, warm, sunshiny day. Perfect spring. Had a dry run on the big battalion problem that is coming up. For once we sent all our tanks out. Had to send one back in. Burned out all the rings on one piston.
The whole battalion of tanks were out there. It was some sight. Tanks scattered all over the country side as far as I could see. Must have been well over a hundred out there, participating in the problem. It was surprising how much it had dried up the last few days. Three nice days without rain.
The problem was about half over , when we stopped for dinner. The Captain's tank was the only one in trouble. Generators weren't charging at all and the batteries were absolutely dead. He had been using his radio a lot, until it wouldn't work anymore. I went to work expecting to fix it in a little while. There was more trouble than I expected. The fuses on one generator were burned out and that didn't take long, but the other wouldn't run at all. It is an auxiliary generator, much the same as the light plants people used to use on farms.
I had the cooks bring my dinner to me and I stayed in the tank and ate it. Gotta stay on the good side of the Captain. I'll be asking for a furlough one of these days when they allow them again.
I checked it all over and still no results, so the Captain took another tank and went on. Well, I finally decided the fuel, a mixture of gas and oil, wasn't right, too much oil, so I told the tank crew to get a gallon of gas and dump it in the tank. That would thin the mixture. They did and I stood there and watched them pour it in. Confident now that it would start. I tried it. No luck. So what the hell now? Took the carburetor and everything all apart again and found nothing wrong. Disgusted and beat, I climbed out and sat my ass on the ground while I smoked a cigarette and puzzled over what the trouble could be. I was looking at a 5 gal can and not seeing it. Finally, it focused and something clicked. I began to have a suspicion. I asked the boys where they got the gasoline they poured in the tank. They said it came from the can I was looking at. For a minute, I felt like cussing and raising hell, and then the funny side came out and I had to laugh at myself. Here I had stood and watched them pour cleaning solvent in the gas tank instead of gas and wondered why it wouldn't run. We drained the tank, put in some more fuel, this time it was gasoline mixed with the proper amount of oil, and the damn thing ran like a new one. It kind of made me laugh at myself. Here I'm supposed to be a mechanic and I try to make an engine run on cleaning solvent. Brownie got a big kick out of it when I told him tonight.
By this time the tanks were miles away. We went after them. When we caught up we found the whole company gathered around five of them, that were nearly buried in a swamp. I'm not kidding. All you could see was the turrets. Looked like pill boxes with the 75's sticking out. That wasn't my worry so I stood and watched while they pulled them out. Took four tanks, all pulling together to pull each one out. Sure dug some canals in that swamp.
Made us late getting in but all the tanks made it and only minor troubles to fix up tomorrow.
You probably won't understand a lot of this story. I thought it was too good to keep.
You can see what kind of a mechanic your husband is, so don't brag too much.
{I couldn't finish this letter before dark, {lights out} , so I have moved to the day room.
I'll answer you're letters now.
Sweetheart, you're going to be a handy gal to have around if you keep on. Can earn your own living, fire the furnace, carry out the ashes, trap mice, pay the bills, mow the lawn, do the housework, and now you have even become a plumber. Cleaned out the bathroom trap. You're some gal. I know a lot of other things she can do very well also.
I wouldn't use Drano or anything in the bathroom. Gus and Vi only have their toilet going into the septic tank, but everything in the bathroom [ours] goes into it. If you have any trouble with it better call Carl.
I surely wish I was there to take advantage of some of that good skating. Hasn't been so good the past couple years. I know it would seem damn good to go skating again with Mummy on my arm. Period.
The little cut from the paper is similar to what we had in mind for the other bay corner. The shelves would please you. I can see that. I never heard those gadgets you pick up, called "knock-nicks" before. I thought it was "knick-nacks". Maybe some more of the German in me coming out. Who's right? If this damn war hadn't come along it might have been built by now and you could have all your "knock nicks" up on display. You can save them for a while and maybe then you can display them. If I don't kill myself catching up on my lost loving, before I get to
building it.
You keep your fingers and everything else crossed and do as much hoping as I am and maybe I'll get home before the "big push" as you call it. I'll sure try.
How do you expect to keep that girlish, tantalizing figure, eating waffles and sausage
11 o"clock at night? You're a devil but I'll love every pound of you, if you weighed 250. Only I couldn't give quite as much attention to every pound. Just don't get such a big belly that the old thing won't reach. Remember, it isn't too long, now. I loves my honey.
I was wondering about Thurston, since you told of Bob Indoe being sent over. I also see by the Gazette that he is a Sargent now. Did Bob get a promotion also? I haven't seen any of the other fellows from Ft Knox at all. Can't seem to locate them. Don't have much time to look either.
San Diego is a big Marine base and the 710 was to go there for amphibious training. The rumor says we will follow.
You say not to worry about letters to other people. As long as I keep you satisfied that's all that is necessary. It's a hell of a big and not too satisfying of a job, keeping you satisfied --- by letter. It may be a big job to keep you satisfied when I'm with you, but it sure will be pleasant and satisfying to try my best.
I'm resting up and saving any energy and waiting for the day when I come back to you to stay. That's going to be one day I'll never forget. Be another date like Sept 8, 1940. Start of a new, better, and fuller life. This time I'll appreciate it more. It'll have to be a hell of a big thing to ever get me to leave you very long again. I at least learned that much from this experience. I need you and will always need and want you more than anything else.
You slipped up on me and made me love you so much. I still can't believe it possible, but it sure as hell is. You're some gal, honey.
Night sweetheart. I've got to get my beauty nap and keep rested up for "that" day. I love you, sweetheart, you're so nice and sweet and you're my wife.
Night baby, darling.
Your soldier.
Norm.
Monday, January 17, 2011
Letter # 181 January 17, 1944
Jan 17, 1944
Mon. eve.
Chubbins, Darling;
I told you I'd get lots of letters today.
Did too. Got three from you. Your Wed. Thurs. & Fri ones. Funny part about it is, I got your Wed & Fri ones this noon and tonight got your Thurs. one. Same thing with the Gazette. Got the Fri one at noon and Tues. one tonight. Screwy business. I also got a letter from Mom & Hazel.
We fired our new carbines this morning and they work O.K. We had a series of 15 targets the size of a kneeling man to fire at. The first three were at 50 yds, second three at 100 yds, 3rd three at 150 yards, 4th three at 200 yds, and 5th at 300 yards. Had 25 shells to fire with. A high score of 25. The object was to hit each target once and, if possible, use only one shell. Each target hit counted one point and each shell left unfired counted one point. I lucked up on one target on the 300 set and had to fire twice to hit it, so I only had 24 points. Brownie, the old devil, beat me. He hit 'em all with one shot each.
I spent a nice easy hour this afternoon cleaning and oiling my baby. After it has been fired it has to be cleaned every day for three days and when it is just laying on the shelf it has to be cleaned once every three days. Sure ought to stay clean. It's a lot of horseshit to me but the army insists. Wear the damn things out cleaning them. Don't just clean the barrel and oil it as I always did with mine. They must all be taken apart down to the last screw and spring.
Another fatal accident today. This time in the company. A few boys hadn't gone through the combat village yet. I wrote about the time I went through it. They went today and after they had finished and gotten back to the company, one of the boys jumped from the truck and bumped his gun on the ground. It wasn't supposed to be loaded, but it was. Went off and drilled a neat little hole from under his chin, out the top of his head, steel helmet and all. Killed instantly. Just another case of carelessness. He was from Connecticut. The army is sending the body home. A fellow from a nearby town is going along as a guard of honor. I guess it is customary when they die here in the states.
We are back to normal here in camp now. Lights, water, and everything on the beam again. I got myself a shave and shower last evening and it felt fine.
Now I'll start on your letters. I'll only answer one or two and save the rest for tomorrow. I shouldn't get any and that will leave me something to say.
Honey, I don't think I'd go from Sat. morning to Wed. night without a cigarette for anyone unless it was necessary. My old wifey must have an awful lot of will power. Can't see how it was quite necessary. You used to smoke when you were home. Couldn't you get at least one on the way to and from school? Anyhow, I bet Mom & Pop wouldn't say a word. They know damn well you smoke anyhow.
The little ditty is alright but I can't quite see why it should be your theme song. You surely are fascinating enough to make all the men go wild. All you would have to do is put up the red light and you'd have all the business you could take care of. I can assure you, you are a very fascinating bitch. I should know. I never could leave you alone more than a day or two at a time and when it was that long it usually wasn't my idea. Most fascinating woman I ever saw. I love you honey. You're my fascinating bitch and my legitimate wife. So there too.
You spoke of Dick Elder having felous and suggesting maybe that was what I had. I never thought of that. It could easily have been. Acted a lot like it but I never heard of them anyplace but on hands and fingers.
Too bad they are calling Gus Maitland again. I rather thought he was going to miss it long enough to keep him out.
I see you are sticking to your quote of 40 and even adding a challenge. "We'll see who wears out first." I'm afraid if you are feeling like you have the last times, I wouldn't want to bet much money on me outlasting you. You always could wear me out easily when you were in the mood. However, I'm not going to back down either. You've got to show me. I'll stay with you as long as I can. I'll even bet that when I do wear out, you'll know you've been someplace. You know, like you had run into a door or a good stiff prick. I've got big ideas and lots of plans of what I'm going to do to you. They may be mostly in my head, but some of them are in the "old thing." He's got a lot all saved up and waiting. All he needs is you and he'll go to work again.
I love you, honey. I'll try to keep you satisfied. I'll be glad when we can go along from day to day again and not have to wait for months and months between honeymoons. The honeymoons are swell but the price, separation, is a bit too stiff. I want you all the time, see you every day, and sleep with you every night, and love you all the time. Night sweetheart, I'm loving you.
your loving husband.
Norm.
Mon. eve.
Chubbins, Darling;
I told you I'd get lots of letters today.
Did too. Got three from you. Your Wed. Thurs. & Fri ones. Funny part about it is, I got your Wed & Fri ones this noon and tonight got your Thurs. one. Same thing with the Gazette. Got the Fri one at noon and Tues. one tonight. Screwy business. I also got a letter from Mom & Hazel.
We fired our new carbines this morning and they work O.K. We had a series of 15 targets the size of a kneeling man to fire at. The first three were at 50 yds, second three at 100 yds, 3rd three at 150 yards, 4th three at 200 yds, and 5th at 300 yards. Had 25 shells to fire with. A high score of 25. The object was to hit each target once and, if possible, use only one shell. Each target hit counted one point and each shell left unfired counted one point. I lucked up on one target on the 300 set and had to fire twice to hit it, so I only had 24 points. Brownie, the old devil, beat me. He hit 'em all with one shot each.
I spent a nice easy hour this afternoon cleaning and oiling my baby. After it has been fired it has to be cleaned every day for three days and when it is just laying on the shelf it has to be cleaned once every three days. Sure ought to stay clean. It's a lot of horseshit to me but the army insists. Wear the damn things out cleaning them. Don't just clean the barrel and oil it as I always did with mine. They must all be taken apart down to the last screw and spring.
Another fatal accident today. This time in the company. A few boys hadn't gone through the combat village yet. I wrote about the time I went through it. They went today and after they had finished and gotten back to the company, one of the boys jumped from the truck and bumped his gun on the ground. It wasn't supposed to be loaded, but it was. Went off and drilled a neat little hole from under his chin, out the top of his head, steel helmet and all. Killed instantly. Just another case of carelessness. He was from Connecticut. The army is sending the body home. A fellow from a nearby town is going along as a guard of honor. I guess it is customary when they die here in the states.
We are back to normal here in camp now. Lights, water, and everything on the beam again. I got myself a shave and shower last evening and it felt fine.
Now I'll start on your letters. I'll only answer one or two and save the rest for tomorrow. I shouldn't get any and that will leave me something to say.
Honey, I don't think I'd go from Sat. morning to Wed. night without a cigarette for anyone unless it was necessary. My old wifey must have an awful lot of will power. Can't see how it was quite necessary. You used to smoke when you were home. Couldn't you get at least one on the way to and from school? Anyhow, I bet Mom & Pop wouldn't say a word. They know damn well you smoke anyhow.
The little ditty is alright but I can't quite see why it should be your theme song. You surely are fascinating enough to make all the men go wild. All you would have to do is put up the red light and you'd have all the business you could take care of. I can assure you, you are a very fascinating bitch. I should know. I never could leave you alone more than a day or two at a time and when it was that long it usually wasn't my idea. Most fascinating woman I ever saw. I love you honey. You're my fascinating bitch and my legitimate wife. So there too.
You spoke of Dick Elder having felous and suggesting maybe that was what I had. I never thought of that. It could easily have been. Acted a lot like it but I never heard of them anyplace but on hands and fingers.
Too bad they are calling Gus Maitland again. I rather thought he was going to miss it long enough to keep him out.
I see you are sticking to your quote of 40 and even adding a challenge. "We'll see who wears out first." I'm afraid if you are feeling like you have the last times, I wouldn't want to bet much money on me outlasting you. You always could wear me out easily when you were in the mood. However, I'm not going to back down either. You've got to show me. I'll stay with you as long as I can. I'll even bet that when I do wear out, you'll know you've been someplace. You know, like you had run into a door or a good stiff prick. I've got big ideas and lots of plans of what I'm going to do to you. They may be mostly in my head, but some of them are in the "old thing." He's got a lot all saved up and waiting. All he needs is you and he'll go to work again.
I love you, honey. I'll try to keep you satisfied. I'll be glad when we can go along from day to day again and not have to wait for months and months between honeymoons. The honeymoons are swell but the price, separation, is a bit too stiff. I want you all the time, see you every day, and sleep with you every night, and love you all the time. Night sweetheart, I'm loving you.
your loving husband.
Norm.
Letter # 180 January 15, 1944
Jan 15, 1944
Sat Eve.
My Darling Wife;
We sure are having an experience. We're orphans, almost completely isolated and on our own. The storm gave out sometime in the night and, believe it or not, there was even a sprinkling of snow this morning. Had to look close but there was some snow. Everything loaded with ice and glistening like diamonds. It didn't last long, though. Today the sun came out bright and warm and by noon the ice was all gone. Our electric power is still off however, and we are almost completely out of water. Have a little to drink, but can't wash or shave, or even use the toilets. Have a trench dug out between the barracks and that will answer for a crapper until things get back to normal. Some of the towns and cities round about have lights back again this evening. I imagine ours will be on again by tomorrow. They better be. I won't be able to finish this. It's getting dark now and my flashlight just about gave out last night. I'll finish this tomorrow. Guess we have the day off tomorrow. I can maybe write you a good one and also get a few others off. Night sweetheart, I'm loving you so much.
Hey Maw. Time to get up. I need my breakfast. It's 0900 already. Sound natural? I don't need my breakfast, but I would like to have you. I had my breakfast a couple hours ago by candlelight. Only about a dozen of us got up and boy I sure had my share. 9 big pancakes and about 1/2 pound of bacon. I still like my breakfast usually on Sunday. I eat a big breakfast, fair dinner and don't even go near the mess hall for supper.
Our lights are still off. Took my after breakfast shit out in the yard, squatting over a frosty latrine trench. The ground was actually frozen hard enough to carry a man's weight this morning. Nice to be able to walk without sinking in mud to your shoe tops. Only trouble, by noon it will be worse than ever. Sun is out nice and bright and will make short work of the frost.
Couple newsboys were around this morning and I armed myself with Sunday papers. As you can guess, I've just finished them. Everything still waits until I've read my funnies. After my wife and my breakfast, the funnies are my first love. Used to be closer to the top of the list than that until a very distracting young gal wiggled her way into my affections and now claims most of my attention. Somehow, I don't mind in the least. She is easily worth more attention than I can ever give her. I love her so much.
Bet she wouldn't love me very much this morning. Haven't washed my face or shaved since Friday morning. I can just hear her say, "Salty and whiskery." "I'm not going to love you that way." Couldn't blame you in this case. Feels like sandpaper. About as long as I can remember going without shaving.
Most of the boys went out last night as soon as the restriction was lifted. While the lights in surrounding towns were off, we were restricted to company area. P.X. wasn't even open. Baker and I are the only two mechanics here. Rest all took off, as Brownie puts it, to get some meat for his tiger. Over the holidays he found a gal someplace south of here that needed some male attention and he's been attending to her every chance he's had since. He can't figure out what's wrong with me. Thinks there must be something wrong when a man stays in camp all the time, with so much "hot cunt" running around loose. I tell him I'm too old and worn out. Couldn't even raise a good piss hard if I had the hottest gal in La. in bed with me. Don't know if they believe it or not, but they don't insist on me going along anymore. I know damn well I don't believe it. I only think of you and the old thing starts begging. He can't understand what's happened to his playmate. Doesn't think he treated her so mean that she should stay away so long. Can't understand he is the one staying away. Doesn't know his playmate wanted to come see him and I told her to stay at home. Meanie, aren't I?
I loves my mummy and I'm not "bird terding". I'll be showing her one of these days. Soon, and I hope for always.
Didn't hear from you yesterday. I imagine the lack of electric has a slowing effect on the mail also. I'm going to keep working on this one and make it a Sat. & Sun. combined. I'll probably get at least one letter today and I'll answer it in this one, if something doesn't interfere.
I got a letter from Steve yesterday. I'll send it along one of these days. Almost need an interpreter for it. I'm like you. Forgot exactly what I did say to him. I know I was ribbing him for getting hooked and then wished him the best and told him that for us, this marriage business was the best ever. Some of his remarks I can't get. Probably too dumb.
We are being issued our own individual guns and we go out tomorrow and fire them. I now have a carbine to clean every other day and keep spotless. Gives me a chance to get out of the garage and goldbrick a bit.
I guess I'll write a few other letters now and finish this one later. I love you darling.
Back to my honey after writing a bunch of other letters. I always seem to come back to you no matter what I've been doing or where I've been. Some very strong magnetic attraction always pulls me back. I'm not very reluctant to come back either. I love you. You're my wife.
The lights came back on a little while ago, and they say we will have water to shave and wash with by evening.
I didn't get a letter again today. Get lots of them tomorrow I bet.
Hope by this time you have entirely gotten over your cold and are feeling your old self again.
Now for a little bit of business. I don't know how you stand on your income tax or if you will even need to fill out a blank. If you don't know you better contact someone and find out. I understand it's rather complicated this year. If you or we have to turn in a blank, I imagine it will be best to file a joint return. As I understand it a service man and his wife have an exemption of $2100.00 before they pay any tax. I left a record of my earnings on that calendar in the basement, up to the time I came to the army. From then on our combined income from me, that includes your government check, was this:
1st of April to 1st of August $78.00 per mo.
for 4 mo. or $312.00
1st of Aug. to 1st of Oct $82.00 per mo.
for 2 mo. or $164.00
1st of Oct to 1st of Dec $94.00 per mo.
for 2 mo. or $188.00
1st of Dec to 1st of Jan. $106.00 per mo.
for 1 mo. or $106.00
Total. 312.00
164.00
188.00
106.00
--------
$770.00
I don't know exactly what I made until I left but I imagine it is about $450.00. That would be a total of $1220.00. Whatever you made, and I guess you can figure that, couldn't have been more than $650.00 to $700.00 and that still doesn't make $2100.00. I'm not sure of my information. It's what they tell me here. If you don't know I'd suggest contacting Bennett or someone and letting them do it for you. If you file a return yourself I imagine you'll have to
pay tax.
The real estate taxes will soon be due also. Last year they were $33.00 for the whole year, I believe. They probably will be more this year. Might as well pay for the year and then if you aren't home in June, it will be taken care of. The auto insurance is also due. You've probably already paid it by this time. Due on the 14th I believe. You may get a statement from the Lodi Auto Club. Disregard it. I dropped it last year.
The house insurance and auto licence will come in March and I guess that cleans up the bills and business until next summer. This is probably all very unnecessary but I was thinking about it and passed it on to you. Some more things mummy has to do until I get back again. If you need money I can send you some. Just holler.
This is a hell of a love letter. I do love you sweetheart. Bye for now.
your hubby.
Norm.
Sat Eve.
My Darling Wife;
We sure are having an experience. We're orphans, almost completely isolated and on our own. The storm gave out sometime in the night and, believe it or not, there was even a sprinkling of snow this morning. Had to look close but there was some snow. Everything loaded with ice and glistening like diamonds. It didn't last long, though. Today the sun came out bright and warm and by noon the ice was all gone. Our electric power is still off however, and we are almost completely out of water. Have a little to drink, but can't wash or shave, or even use the toilets. Have a trench dug out between the barracks and that will answer for a crapper until things get back to normal. Some of the towns and cities round about have lights back again this evening. I imagine ours will be on again by tomorrow. They better be. I won't be able to finish this. It's getting dark now and my flashlight just about gave out last night. I'll finish this tomorrow. Guess we have the day off tomorrow. I can maybe write you a good one and also get a few others off. Night sweetheart, I'm loving you so much.
Hey Maw. Time to get up. I need my breakfast. It's 0900 already. Sound natural? I don't need my breakfast, but I would like to have you. I had my breakfast a couple hours ago by candlelight. Only about a dozen of us got up and boy I sure had my share. 9 big pancakes and about 1/2 pound of bacon. I still like my breakfast usually on Sunday. I eat a big breakfast, fair dinner and don't even go near the mess hall for supper.
Our lights are still off. Took my after breakfast shit out in the yard, squatting over a frosty latrine trench. The ground was actually frozen hard enough to carry a man's weight this morning. Nice to be able to walk without sinking in mud to your shoe tops. Only trouble, by noon it will be worse than ever. Sun is out nice and bright and will make short work of the frost.
Couple newsboys were around this morning and I armed myself with Sunday papers. As you can guess, I've just finished them. Everything still waits until I've read my funnies. After my wife and my breakfast, the funnies are my first love. Used to be closer to the top of the list than that until a very distracting young gal wiggled her way into my affections and now claims most of my attention. Somehow, I don't mind in the least. She is easily worth more attention than I can ever give her. I love her so much.
Bet she wouldn't love me very much this morning. Haven't washed my face or shaved since Friday morning. I can just hear her say, "Salty and whiskery." "I'm not going to love you that way." Couldn't blame you in this case. Feels like sandpaper. About as long as I can remember going without shaving.
Most of the boys went out last night as soon as the restriction was lifted. While the lights in surrounding towns were off, we were restricted to company area. P.X. wasn't even open. Baker and I are the only two mechanics here. Rest all took off, as Brownie puts it, to get some meat for his tiger. Over the holidays he found a gal someplace south of here that needed some male attention and he's been attending to her every chance he's had since. He can't figure out what's wrong with me. Thinks there must be something wrong when a man stays in camp all the time, with so much "hot cunt" running around loose. I tell him I'm too old and worn out. Couldn't even raise a good piss hard if I had the hottest gal in La. in bed with me. Don't know if they believe it or not, but they don't insist on me going along anymore. I know damn well I don't believe it. I only think of you and the old thing starts begging. He can't understand what's happened to his playmate. Doesn't think he treated her so mean that she should stay away so long. Can't understand he is the one staying away. Doesn't know his playmate wanted to come see him and I told her to stay at home. Meanie, aren't I?
I loves my mummy and I'm not "bird terding". I'll be showing her one of these days. Soon, and I hope for always.
Didn't hear from you yesterday. I imagine the lack of electric has a slowing effect on the mail also. I'm going to keep working on this one and make it a Sat. & Sun. combined. I'll probably get at least one letter today and I'll answer it in this one, if something doesn't interfere.
I got a letter from Steve yesterday. I'll send it along one of these days. Almost need an interpreter for it. I'm like you. Forgot exactly what I did say to him. I know I was ribbing him for getting hooked and then wished him the best and told him that for us, this marriage business was the best ever. Some of his remarks I can't get. Probably too dumb.
We are being issued our own individual guns and we go out tomorrow and fire them. I now have a carbine to clean every other day and keep spotless. Gives me a chance to get out of the garage and goldbrick a bit.
I guess I'll write a few other letters now and finish this one later. I love you darling.
Back to my honey after writing a bunch of other letters. I always seem to come back to you no matter what I've been doing or where I've been. Some very strong magnetic attraction always pulls me back. I'm not very reluctant to come back either. I love you. You're my wife.
The lights came back on a little while ago, and they say we will have water to shave and wash with by evening.
I didn't get a letter again today. Get lots of them tomorrow I bet.
Hope by this time you have entirely gotten over your cold and are feeling your old self again.
Now for a little bit of business. I don't know how you stand on your income tax or if you will even need to fill out a blank. If you don't know you better contact someone and find out. I understand it's rather complicated this year. If you or we have to turn in a blank, I imagine it will be best to file a joint return. As I understand it a service man and his wife have an exemption of $2100.00 before they pay any tax. I left a record of my earnings on that calendar in the basement, up to the time I came to the army. From then on our combined income from me, that includes your government check, was this:
1st of April to 1st of August $78.00 per mo.
for 4 mo. or $312.00
1st of Aug. to 1st of Oct $82.00 per mo.
for 2 mo. or $164.00
1st of Oct to 1st of Dec $94.00 per mo.
for 2 mo. or $188.00
1st of Dec to 1st of Jan. $106.00 per mo.
for 1 mo. or $106.00
Total. 312.00
164.00
188.00
106.00
--------
$770.00
I don't know exactly what I made until I left but I imagine it is about $450.00. That would be a total of $1220.00. Whatever you made, and I guess you can figure that, couldn't have been more than $650.00 to $700.00 and that still doesn't make $2100.00. I'm not sure of my information. It's what they tell me here. If you don't know I'd suggest contacting Bennett or someone and letting them do it for you. If you file a return yourself I imagine you'll have to
pay tax.
The real estate taxes will soon be due also. Last year they were $33.00 for the whole year, I believe. They probably will be more this year. Might as well pay for the year and then if you aren't home in June, it will be taken care of. The auto insurance is also due. You've probably already paid it by this time. Due on the 14th I believe. You may get a statement from the Lodi Auto Club. Disregard it. I dropped it last year.
The house insurance and auto licence will come in March and I guess that cleans up the bills and business until next summer. This is probably all very unnecessary but I was thinking about it and passed it on to you. Some more things mummy has to do until I get back again. If you need money I can send you some. Just holler.
This is a hell of a love letter. I do love you sweetheart. Bye for now.
your hubby.
Norm.
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Letter # 179 January 14, 1944
Jan 14, 1944
Fri. Eve.
My Sweetheart;
I don't know how far I'm going to get with this letter or if you can read it, if I do get very far. We are still having our ice storm and boy is she a honey. Our electric went off about 2100 last night and still isn't back on. I'm writing this by the last of the daylight and as soon as that is gone which will be in a few minutes, I'll have to finish by flashlight.
This sure is a honey of an ice storm. Don't think I ever saw one as bad in my life. It doesn't freeze on the ground but the trees and wires surely catch hell. There is quite a woods between the barracks and the motor park and tonight it looked like pictures of a battle area. At least a third of the trees are broken off either at the ground or just below the tops and another third have all the limbs broken off. Looks like someone had trimmed them down to a pole, and most of the others are bent double. Pine trees 50 - 60 ft high are actually bent so the tops touch the ground. It's really pretty, but I hate to see the trees broken like that.
Contradictory side of my nature. I like to cut timber but hate to see it destroyed. Even in La. Funny aren't I?
We are also on short water rations. Plenty to drink but no showers or unnecessary washing. Guess the camp must be supplied by electric pumps and of course they aren't running.
Brownie was just saying he hoped it would keep on raining and freezing until there wasn't a tree or a pole or a wire standing in the whole state of La. Rather shows what he thinks of La. doesn't it? Sure isn't wishing the state any good luck.
I've been writing this side of the page by flashlight. It isn't too unhandy so maybe I can make out, if this damn G.I. flashlight holds out. It's now nearly 7 o'clock and just dark. You see it's different than at home. Doesn't get light until after 8 in the morning and gets dark about 7 in the evening. Guess it's because we are so far south and west and also the war time.
We kinda had a gold bricking day today. Didn't even go to the garage until after 8 and then we fooled around all morning trying to fire up some lights so we could see to work. Then, this afternoon we did a little work, but it was too cold to do much. The heating system in the garage is operated by electric fans and so, no heat! Have plenty in the barracks. Heated by gas stoves. It's so warm in here I'm actually uncomfortable and I'm clad only in shorts. Some of these boys are as cold blooded as you. Can't have any fun warming them up though. I know someone I'd like to warm up and I don't mean maybe. I'd even let her warm her feet on me and like it. I loves you honey. You're so sweet and lovable.
I haven't had time to write to anyone but you, for the past two weeks or so. That is why the folks hadn't heard from me. I usually depend on Sunday to do my writing. This past one we worked and the one before I got lazy and went calling on Henry. When I step out I have to neglect my writing. I guess I'm just naturally slow when it comes to writing. Takes me an hour to an hour and a half to write to you and then there isn't time to write to anyone else. Maybe I'll get a few off this weekend.
I got your Tues letter today. I got your air mail stamps a day or so after I got a new supply of my own. I forgot to mention it I guess. I intended to at least say thanks, but I slipped. I'm sorry honey. It was sweet of you to send them.
Sweetheart, you may not feel very exciting, but it would sure as hell take more than a cold to keep you from looking exciting. You may be a bit bleary eyed and have a red nose, but the rest of you is still the same as always, I bet. If you think you don't look exciting, I won't argue the point now, but you watch me the next time I see you. Bet I'll be plenty excited.
No. Asking me for a loan didn't sound a bit material, coming from you. You never so much as even asked me for a dime more than I gave you each week. Never even so much as hinted you wanted a new hat, or dress, or pair of shoes or anything unless you already had the money saved from your small allowance. It's like I always have been telling you. You're one in a million and I know it. Never gave me many reasons, even very small ones, to find fault with you. Sure, you're hard to get up in the morning and not over ambitious, but hell, honey, those faults are only minor and so far outweighed by other, more numerous good points, they don't mean anything. You weren't always as passionate as I wanted you. I said weren't. Now it's an entirely different story. She's "hot" stuff now. As nearly perfect as you dare to be. If you were any more perfect you'd have a pair of wings and then I couldn't be with you. That would be hell. I guess you know I love you. If you don't, I swear I don't know how to tell you. Boy! How I'll show you.
Take care of yourself sweetheart, and get rid of that cold. I don't like to have you sick. You're too sweet and I love you too much. Night gorgeous, luscious, beautiful, Chubbins, Tootsie Wuggles, sweetheart, darling, wife. I love you so much.
Your hubby.
Norm.
Fri. Eve.
My Sweetheart;
I don't know how far I'm going to get with this letter or if you can read it, if I do get very far. We are still having our ice storm and boy is she a honey. Our electric went off about 2100 last night and still isn't back on. I'm writing this by the last of the daylight and as soon as that is gone which will be in a few minutes, I'll have to finish by flashlight.
This sure is a honey of an ice storm. Don't think I ever saw one as bad in my life. It doesn't freeze on the ground but the trees and wires surely catch hell. There is quite a woods between the barracks and the motor park and tonight it looked like pictures of a battle area. At least a third of the trees are broken off either at the ground or just below the tops and another third have all the limbs broken off. Looks like someone had trimmed them down to a pole, and most of the others are bent double. Pine trees 50 - 60 ft high are actually bent so the tops touch the ground. It's really pretty, but I hate to see the trees broken like that.
Contradictory side of my nature. I like to cut timber but hate to see it destroyed. Even in La. Funny aren't I?
We are also on short water rations. Plenty to drink but no showers or unnecessary washing. Guess the camp must be supplied by electric pumps and of course they aren't running.
Brownie was just saying he hoped it would keep on raining and freezing until there wasn't a tree or a pole or a wire standing in the whole state of La. Rather shows what he thinks of La. doesn't it? Sure isn't wishing the state any good luck.
I've been writing this side of the page by flashlight. It isn't too unhandy so maybe I can make out, if this damn G.I. flashlight holds out. It's now nearly 7 o'clock and just dark. You see it's different than at home. Doesn't get light until after 8 in the morning and gets dark about 7 in the evening. Guess it's because we are so far south and west and also the war time.
We kinda had a gold bricking day today. Didn't even go to the garage until after 8 and then we fooled around all morning trying to fire up some lights so we could see to work. Then, this afternoon we did a little work, but it was too cold to do much. The heating system in the garage is operated by electric fans and so, no heat! Have plenty in the barracks. Heated by gas stoves. It's so warm in here I'm actually uncomfortable and I'm clad only in shorts. Some of these boys are as cold blooded as you. Can't have any fun warming them up though. I know someone I'd like to warm up and I don't mean maybe. I'd even let her warm her feet on me and like it. I loves you honey. You're so sweet and lovable.
I haven't had time to write to anyone but you, for the past two weeks or so. That is why the folks hadn't heard from me. I usually depend on Sunday to do my writing. This past one we worked and the one before I got lazy and went calling on Henry. When I step out I have to neglect my writing. I guess I'm just naturally slow when it comes to writing. Takes me an hour to an hour and a half to write to you and then there isn't time to write to anyone else. Maybe I'll get a few off this weekend.
I got your Tues letter today. I got your air mail stamps a day or so after I got a new supply of my own. I forgot to mention it I guess. I intended to at least say thanks, but I slipped. I'm sorry honey. It was sweet of you to send them.
Sweetheart, you may not feel very exciting, but it would sure as hell take more than a cold to keep you from looking exciting. You may be a bit bleary eyed and have a red nose, but the rest of you is still the same as always, I bet. If you think you don't look exciting, I won't argue the point now, but you watch me the next time I see you. Bet I'll be plenty excited.
No. Asking me for a loan didn't sound a bit material, coming from you. You never so much as even asked me for a dime more than I gave you each week. Never even so much as hinted you wanted a new hat, or dress, or pair of shoes or anything unless you already had the money saved from your small allowance. It's like I always have been telling you. You're one in a million and I know it. Never gave me many reasons, even very small ones, to find fault with you. Sure, you're hard to get up in the morning and not over ambitious, but hell, honey, those faults are only minor and so far outweighed by other, more numerous good points, they don't mean anything. You weren't always as passionate as I wanted you. I said weren't. Now it's an entirely different story. She's "hot" stuff now. As nearly perfect as you dare to be. If you were any more perfect you'd have a pair of wings and then I couldn't be with you. That would be hell. I guess you know I love you. If you don't, I swear I don't know how to tell you. Boy! How I'll show you.
Take care of yourself sweetheart, and get rid of that cold. I don't like to have you sick. You're too sweet and I love you too much. Night gorgeous, luscious, beautiful, Chubbins, Tootsie Wuggles, sweetheart, darling, wife. I love you so much.
Your hubby.
Norm.
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Letter # 178 January 13, 1944
Jan 13, 1944
Thurs. Eve.
We had quite a long day today. Rolled us out at 4 this morning. The company was to go out on a problem of some sort and were to be on their way by 0600. They did get started, got out a couple miles and came back. It's been raining steadily for three days now and it's so muddy they didn't dare leave the road, or the tanks would have disappeared. Today was really a bitch. Raining all day and a hell of a cold north wind. This afternoon it got cold enough to freeze ice on the trees again. Still at it too. I know that doesn't sound cold as we know cold, but I'm telling you it feels a lot colder than zero weather at home. Wear all the clothes I've got and still shiver when I get out. Been wearing my long handled wool underwear every day for the past several weeks and sometimes two pair of pants and two shirts over that. I never used to wear so much clothes in the coldest weather at home.
The fellows that have recently been north on furloughs said they didn't feel a bit cold up there. Seems strange but I guess it's true. It's so damn damp and raw down here. Thermometer seldom goes to freezing and it doesn't take much heat in the barracks. Drive the dampness out and it's comfortable. Work out in it for an hour or so and get chilled clear through. Just mean. I guess that is enough bitching about the weather and things.
I got your Monday letter today.
So you are staying with Mom & Pop a little longer than you intended? Just a little bit Mommas girl yet aren't you? I'm kidding now. I don't blame you a bit. I'd think you would enjoy living with someone again for a change. Of course, as you say, you can't, or I should say don't, sit down and have a cigarette whenever you want and you couldn't come in too drunk on beer. Otherwise I bet you do enjoy it. I really did expect you probably would close the house and go live with them until spring. You're sticking it out a lot longer than than I thought. Getting to be a really independent gal. Aren't you?
I'm a little jealous of your folks. I'd like to take over the job of waiting on you or give you the job of waiting on me or something like that. I love you sweetheart and I don't like being away from you very much.
So the old lizzie finally let you down did she? I'm rather surprised she hasn't done it before this. After all she isn't so young anymore. 6 years last Oct. and that is the first time anything has ever been done to the brakes. Pretty good record at that. I probably could have fixed it alright but I'd still have had to buy new line and being in the winter I doubt very much if I would have done the work either. It would have happened with me or anyone as quickly as it did to you. Just worn out, not broken. Has the old girl been giving you any other trouble, starting, tires, or anything? I like to know things like that.
Sure glad to hear you are recovering so fast and were even able to go to school again Mon. Maybe not having an ornery husband to keep you worn out helps a little. Think so? I'd sure like to keep you worn out for a while.
I hadn't been conscious of any change in me over this maybe moving business. I really don't expect it until I see it. However, I will say. I would welcome a move to some new place. Help to keep it interesting. Also I've been hoping like hell I wouldn't be here this summer again. It's no place for you and you have declared you are coming if you can. Like to be someplace near civilization so you can find a decent place to stay.
I think if my letters are different it's because I haven't had much to write about and I'm getting a bit stale at it. Beside that I wasn't feeling very well for several days. I surely didn't mean to sound like I was any farther away. Lord knows I'm far enough now. I like to be close to my honey.
The vaccination was a smallpox booster, I guess. It never took at all.
I can easily understand how different a bunch of kids of that age would be from truck drivers. Now, if you were a high school teacher, it might be a lot different. I know I used to look 'em over very well and I even liked to get a chance to look down low neck dresses or see a nice pair of knees. If I had had one built like you I might even have tried to do more than look. The kids you have now are a little too young. Your lush build and looks are all wasted on them. At least I don't have to be jealous of them.
I'll bolster your ego again one of these days. At least I'll do and say all I can to put your ego way back up there again. Keep those beautiful legs and nice, white fingers crossed and maybe it won't be too long before we get another swell break. I'm dreaming of it and hoping for it. You don't know how much.
Do you realize that it is now 11 weeks again. Only about 7 more and it will be as long as our first separation. Time for something to happen.
I loves you honey. I'm thinking of you and missing you so much.
Night sweetheart, I can almost feel you loving me at times when I'm in a dreaming mood. Only trouble, you are like the little man who isn't there. Can't get hold of you. Night honey.
I love you.
Your "far away" lover.
Norm.
Thurs. Eve.
We had quite a long day today. Rolled us out at 4 this morning. The company was to go out on a problem of some sort and were to be on their way by 0600. They did get started, got out a couple miles and came back. It's been raining steadily for three days now and it's so muddy they didn't dare leave the road, or the tanks would have disappeared. Today was really a bitch. Raining all day and a hell of a cold north wind. This afternoon it got cold enough to freeze ice on the trees again. Still at it too. I know that doesn't sound cold as we know cold, but I'm telling you it feels a lot colder than zero weather at home. Wear all the clothes I've got and still shiver when I get out. Been wearing my long handled wool underwear every day for the past several weeks and sometimes two pair of pants and two shirts over that. I never used to wear so much clothes in the coldest weather at home.
The fellows that have recently been north on furloughs said they didn't feel a bit cold up there. Seems strange but I guess it's true. It's so damn damp and raw down here. Thermometer seldom goes to freezing and it doesn't take much heat in the barracks. Drive the dampness out and it's comfortable. Work out in it for an hour or so and get chilled clear through. Just mean. I guess that is enough bitching about the weather and things.
I got your Monday letter today.
So you are staying with Mom & Pop a little longer than you intended? Just a little bit Mommas girl yet aren't you? I'm kidding now. I don't blame you a bit. I'd think you would enjoy living with someone again for a change. Of course, as you say, you can't, or I should say don't, sit down and have a cigarette whenever you want and you couldn't come in too drunk on beer. Otherwise I bet you do enjoy it. I really did expect you probably would close the house and go live with them until spring. You're sticking it out a lot longer than than I thought. Getting to be a really independent gal. Aren't you?
I'm a little jealous of your folks. I'd like to take over the job of waiting on you or give you the job of waiting on me or something like that. I love you sweetheart and I don't like being away from you very much.
So the old lizzie finally let you down did she? I'm rather surprised she hasn't done it before this. After all she isn't so young anymore. 6 years last Oct. and that is the first time anything has ever been done to the brakes. Pretty good record at that. I probably could have fixed it alright but I'd still have had to buy new line and being in the winter I doubt very much if I would have done the work either. It would have happened with me or anyone as quickly as it did to you. Just worn out, not broken. Has the old girl been giving you any other trouble, starting, tires, or anything? I like to know things like that.
Sure glad to hear you are recovering so fast and were even able to go to school again Mon. Maybe not having an ornery husband to keep you worn out helps a little. Think so? I'd sure like to keep you worn out for a while.
I hadn't been conscious of any change in me over this maybe moving business. I really don't expect it until I see it. However, I will say. I would welcome a move to some new place. Help to keep it interesting. Also I've been hoping like hell I wouldn't be here this summer again. It's no place for you and you have declared you are coming if you can. Like to be someplace near civilization so you can find a decent place to stay.
I think if my letters are different it's because I haven't had much to write about and I'm getting a bit stale at it. Beside that I wasn't feeling very well for several days. I surely didn't mean to sound like I was any farther away. Lord knows I'm far enough now. I like to be close to my honey.
The vaccination was a smallpox booster, I guess. It never took at all.
I can easily understand how different a bunch of kids of that age would be from truck drivers. Now, if you were a high school teacher, it might be a lot different. I know I used to look 'em over very well and I even liked to get a chance to look down low neck dresses or see a nice pair of knees. If I had had one built like you I might even have tried to do more than look. The kids you have now are a little too young. Your lush build and looks are all wasted on them. At least I don't have to be jealous of them.
I'll bolster your ego again one of these days. At least I'll do and say all I can to put your ego way back up there again. Keep those beautiful legs and nice, white fingers crossed and maybe it won't be too long before we get another swell break. I'm dreaming of it and hoping for it. You don't know how much.
Do you realize that it is now 11 weeks again. Only about 7 more and it will be as long as our first separation. Time for something to happen.
I loves you honey. I'm thinking of you and missing you so much.
Night sweetheart, I can almost feel you loving me at times when I'm in a dreaming mood. Only trouble, you are like the little man who isn't there. Can't get hold of you. Night honey.
I love you.
Your "far away" lover.
Norm.
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Letter # 177 January 12, 1944
Jan. 12, 1944
Wed. Eve.
My Darling Wifey;
Got your Sat & Sun letters today. Very sorry to hear you are having an attack of the flu. I know how you feel and it isn't good. This one I had was a bitch. Didn't seem to be much cold with it. Head only stuffed up one night, but I ached all over and my stomach was all upset. Had a good appetite and ate all the time, but I shit like a goose on pasture. Managed to make the crapper every time but sometimes it was rather close. Hope you get over it real quick. I should be there to hold your hand or something. I'm all well and good as new again. Lots of the boys that had the same thing went to the hospital and most of them stayed 7-10 days. Just think how well I could become acquainted with some red headed nurse in that many days. Trouble is I don't take the opportunities that present themselves. I'm so slow that way I still wonder how I ever happened to catch you. Guess maybe you caught me. It was leap year you know.
Gosh, going on four years already and I still love her. In fact I find I'm still getting acquainted with my darling wife more all the time. I don't exactly know what I expected married life to be. Probably a short period of honeymoon and then a pleasant, comfortable, every day life with a nice, companionable wife. I know I never expected that after this long I'd still be discovering new and exciting things about my wife and loving her more than I ever did before. It is a swell and very exciting experience. I wouldn't miss it for anything. Wish I didn't have to be away, so we could be enjoying it to the fullest all the time. Sweetheart, I love you so much. I'm about the luckiest man in the world. Have a very unusual gal for a wife. Unusually nice in every respect. I loves you honey.
So you got the package with the Yanks & stuff. Can't figure how so much gum got in that package or what you will do with so much all at once. I know you don't like it and wouldn't think of asking me to send you any. Hope you can use it. Maybe if you asked me real nice I might start buying up another supply and send it to you when I think you might be out. I know darn well, if you were here you would probably find a way to bribe me into buying some more, but I don't know how you are going to work it, by letter. Maybe you can tell me how nice I am and get a pack or so for that. I'd gladly pay several packs for a good kiss and a hug and I'd buy the whole damn P.X. for a good loving, but you can't send any of that by letter. How you going to manage?
You're a sweet old devil and I love you so much, I'm afraid I'd send you anything I can, if you ask for it. I'm very much in love with my gorgeous little wife. Did you know it? Have I told you recently or do you want another naughty letter to reassure you?
I'm being an old devil aren't I? Knowing how you like "dirty" stories. I bet you are expecting each letter to be that naughty one I promised you. If I remember right you even hinted it was about time for another one. Of course you wouldn't come out and say you wanted another, but be a little subtle about it, like asking for more gum. "Of course I'm not hinting for any more gum." "Just telling you I'm about out." You old devil you. I love you.
I'd squeeze that flu bug clear out of you if you'd come in reach. Just imagine I'm doing it anyhow. Maybe it'll do some good.
I was wondering what the nickname "Allie" for Steve's gal was all about. Couldn't see just why he even mentioned it. Isn't his style. I didn't know her middle name was Alexandria, so I was completely in the dark. Thought maybe it would be explained someday. Good old mummy always comes through without even being asked.
I was very pleased that the moving business didn't seem to excite you too much. It may be a dry run and then there is always a chance it may be the real thing. As I've told you, I don't expect to be shipped out before we have maneuvers, but I disagree with Tinstman. I don't think we'll maneuver in the desert or in La. either. I expect it to be someplace north or else a type of amphibious maneuvers on one of the coasts. More guessing, entirely my own.
I'm ready to move and see some other part of the country for a change. I've seen all of La. I want to for a while. If this is a sample of winters in the south, other people can have it. I'll still take mine up in the north. I think a nice six foot snow drift would look good enough to eat.
Honey, I'm afraid you're expecting a little too much of the army when you ask if I can sing, now too. I'm afraid I'll always be a disappointment to you there. Just isn't in me. I always did know a few song titles, but I could never tell one from the other and still can't. I did so listen when I was home. Sometimes anyhow.
Don't worry about me forgetting any of our dates. I won't and I'll probably add some more after I get there.
You keep on waiting and maybe someday you'll get that call or wire and will have to prove, personally, how much you love me. After telling me so much I'll be expecting a lot too.
Night gorgeous baby. I'm loving you and missing you.
your soldier.
Norm.
Wed. Eve.
My Darling Wifey;
Got your Sat & Sun letters today. Very sorry to hear you are having an attack of the flu. I know how you feel and it isn't good. This one I had was a bitch. Didn't seem to be much cold with it. Head only stuffed up one night, but I ached all over and my stomach was all upset. Had a good appetite and ate all the time, but I shit like a goose on pasture. Managed to make the crapper every time but sometimes it was rather close. Hope you get over it real quick. I should be there to hold your hand or something. I'm all well and good as new again. Lots of the boys that had the same thing went to the hospital and most of them stayed 7-10 days. Just think how well I could become acquainted with some red headed nurse in that many days. Trouble is I don't take the opportunities that present themselves. I'm so slow that way I still wonder how I ever happened to catch you. Guess maybe you caught me. It was leap year you know.
Gosh, going on four years already and I still love her. In fact I find I'm still getting acquainted with my darling wife more all the time. I don't exactly know what I expected married life to be. Probably a short period of honeymoon and then a pleasant, comfortable, every day life with a nice, companionable wife. I know I never expected that after this long I'd still be discovering new and exciting things about my wife and loving her more than I ever did before. It is a swell and very exciting experience. I wouldn't miss it for anything. Wish I didn't have to be away, so we could be enjoying it to the fullest all the time. Sweetheart, I love you so much. I'm about the luckiest man in the world. Have a very unusual gal for a wife. Unusually nice in every respect. I loves you honey.
So you got the package with the Yanks & stuff. Can't figure how so much gum got in that package or what you will do with so much all at once. I know you don't like it and wouldn't think of asking me to send you any. Hope you can use it. Maybe if you asked me real nice I might start buying up another supply and send it to you when I think you might be out. I know darn well, if you were here you would probably find a way to bribe me into buying some more, but I don't know how you are going to work it, by letter. Maybe you can tell me how nice I am and get a pack or so for that. I'd gladly pay several packs for a good kiss and a hug and I'd buy the whole damn P.X. for a good loving, but you can't send any of that by letter. How you going to manage?
You're a sweet old devil and I love you so much, I'm afraid I'd send you anything I can, if you ask for it. I'm very much in love with my gorgeous little wife. Did you know it? Have I told you recently or do you want another naughty letter to reassure you?
I'm being an old devil aren't I? Knowing how you like "dirty" stories. I bet you are expecting each letter to be that naughty one I promised you. If I remember right you even hinted it was about time for another one. Of course you wouldn't come out and say you wanted another, but be a little subtle about it, like asking for more gum. "Of course I'm not hinting for any more gum." "Just telling you I'm about out." You old devil you. I love you.
I'd squeeze that flu bug clear out of you if you'd come in reach. Just imagine I'm doing it anyhow. Maybe it'll do some good.
I was wondering what the nickname "Allie" for Steve's gal was all about. Couldn't see just why he even mentioned it. Isn't his style. I didn't know her middle name was Alexandria, so I was completely in the dark. Thought maybe it would be explained someday. Good old mummy always comes through without even being asked.
I was very pleased that the moving business didn't seem to excite you too much. It may be a dry run and then there is always a chance it may be the real thing. As I've told you, I don't expect to be shipped out before we have maneuvers, but I disagree with Tinstman. I don't think we'll maneuver in the desert or in La. either. I expect it to be someplace north or else a type of amphibious maneuvers on one of the coasts. More guessing, entirely my own.
I'm ready to move and see some other part of the country for a change. I've seen all of La. I want to for a while. If this is a sample of winters in the south, other people can have it. I'll still take mine up in the north. I think a nice six foot snow drift would look good enough to eat.
Honey, I'm afraid you're expecting a little too much of the army when you ask if I can sing, now too. I'm afraid I'll always be a disappointment to you there. Just isn't in me. I always did know a few song titles, but I could never tell one from the other and still can't. I did so listen when I was home. Sometimes anyhow.
Don't worry about me forgetting any of our dates. I won't and I'll probably add some more after I get there.
You keep on waiting and maybe someday you'll get that call or wire and will have to prove, personally, how much you love me. After telling me so much I'll be expecting a lot too.
Night gorgeous baby. I'm loving you and missing you.
your soldier.
Norm.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Letter # 176 January 11, 1944
Jan 11, 1944
Tues. Eve.
Our inspection came off this morning and we went back to work again this afternoon. I knew they wouldn't let us lay around very long. I guess everything was in satisfactory order. At least I didn't hear anything to the contrary. All of our equipment, vehicles, and tools were declared unfit for anything but training so if we do move out it looks like we'll have all new equipment. That is something.
They have just come out with some new nuisance orders. Every man will have a haircut every 10 days and every man will wear his cap on the right side of his head from now on. Remember mine was always on the left. Armored force was the only one to wear them on the left. Now we are the same as all the rest of the army. Taking our distinction away from us.
That haircut business gets me. Can't see why so often. I had been getting them every two to three weeks but every 10 days. That's too much. Glad I'm on sgts pay or I'd be broke buying haircuts. Maybe I could learn to do it myself. If I can cut some one else's, why not my own? Anyhow, I couldn't hurt it much. By the time I get a G.I. there isn't enough to worry about anyhow. Bald as an onion. Sure makes it easy to wash. Dries as fast as my face. Kinda handy. Think I'll always wear what is left of my hair in G.I. style. How about it?
No letter from you today, but I still have part of your Thurs one to answer, so I'll do that now.
Honey, you wonder how I remember all the things we did. How could I forget most of them? Lots of fun. I don't remember nearly all, but some of the things stick in this thick scull of mine. When they get in they can't get out.
About the "making you". I guess maybe I did rather misstate myself there and I think you did also. Even I can't remember the first time I made you. It was such a gradual process, I really don't know when it did first happen. The first time I can remember really making you and good was the spring we were digging the basement. It was during the time we were rained out. One Sunday, we were laying around wondering if it would dry off enough to work and Gus and Vi wanted us to go up to "Pete's" woods for a picnic. Remember? Anyhow while we were waiting for Gus & Vi to come, we somehow got upstairs on your bed and I loved you good. I'll never forget it because you said, "Never again before going on a hike or a picnic." "Makes me all worn out." That was in the days before you found out you liked it. It was just, "not too objectionable" to you then. You were a devil. Don't see why I kept coming to see you. Maybe, unconsciously, I had an idea how nice you would turn out. In those days you surely weren't a very "hot" number. Could go to sleep with me laying tight against you, one hand squeezing a nice handful of bubbles and the other playing around as high up your leg as I dared to go. Surely must not have been only your sex appeal that held me. Who would have thought that a few years later even after three years of being married to me, the same old gal would insist on being loved before she would eat? She has even on occasion, wanted a loving in the morning before breakfast, and quite often before going out someplace. Doesn't seem to wear her out so much anymore. In fact, I think she could live on it for a day or two and still like it. Boy, I'm glad I got her. She's the best little wife ever and boy is she swell loving.
Honey, I'll never forget the first few times we loved after being separated for several months. You acted like I had always wanted you to act. Like you liked it as much or more than I did and didn't ever want to stop. I can still see [and feel] you laying on the bed, lusciously bare, legs in the air and spread wide open, loving me. Eyes closed, a very happy satisfied look on your face and sighing the kind of sighs a cat purrs when it is being petted and loves it. It gives me the tingles to think about it, honey. Here's to lots more times like that all the time.
You said that if I talked to you the way I write, you'd go wild and really love me. Well, if you always love me the way you have these past couple times we've been together, I think you could get me to do anything you wanted me to do. You could really wind me around your little finger. Maybe you could even get me to go to church with you if you said the word. Look how I went over to school with you that day. Don't believe I'd have done that a couple years ago. Do you? I'm slowly finding out how really nice you are and loving you more and more as I discover you. That is one you can remember and try when I get hard to handle.
Don't get the idea that I am expecting you to keep on improving. I'm not. I don't see how you could improve much more. If you did you'd have to get another man soon, because I'd love myself to death. You're perfect the way you are. I sure love you honey.
I also am dreaming of that maybe furlough. Even if we do move out or go on maneuvers I'll stand a chance of getting one in the next two or three months. I'm not going to really plan on it, but as you say, "I can dream can't I ?" As long as I got you I'm afraid I'll always do some dreaming. You're even fun to dream about and I don't mean messy, sleep dreams. They're fun too but I was thinking of daydreams. I make lots of plans for you and I in my dreams. Can't wait until we can carry out some of these dreams.
Night gorgeous, I'm going to bed now. Maybe I'll night dream a bit. Who knows?
Night sweetheart, I loves you so much.
your hubby.
Norm.
Tues. Eve.
Our inspection came off this morning and we went back to work again this afternoon. I knew they wouldn't let us lay around very long. I guess everything was in satisfactory order. At least I didn't hear anything to the contrary. All of our equipment, vehicles, and tools were declared unfit for anything but training so if we do move out it looks like we'll have all new equipment. That is something.
They have just come out with some new nuisance orders. Every man will have a haircut every 10 days and every man will wear his cap on the right side of his head from now on. Remember mine was always on the left. Armored force was the only one to wear them on the left. Now we are the same as all the rest of the army. Taking our distinction away from us.
That haircut business gets me. Can't see why so often. I had been getting them every two to three weeks but every 10 days. That's too much. Glad I'm on sgts pay or I'd be broke buying haircuts. Maybe I could learn to do it myself. If I can cut some one else's, why not my own? Anyhow, I couldn't hurt it much. By the time I get a G.I. there isn't enough to worry about anyhow. Bald as an onion. Sure makes it easy to wash. Dries as fast as my face. Kinda handy. Think I'll always wear what is left of my hair in G.I. style. How about it?
No letter from you today, but I still have part of your Thurs one to answer, so I'll do that now.
Honey, you wonder how I remember all the things we did. How could I forget most of them? Lots of fun. I don't remember nearly all, but some of the things stick in this thick scull of mine. When they get in they can't get out.
About the "making you". I guess maybe I did rather misstate myself there and I think you did also. Even I can't remember the first time I made you. It was such a gradual process, I really don't know when it did first happen. The first time I can remember really making you and good was the spring we were digging the basement. It was during the time we were rained out. One Sunday, we were laying around wondering if it would dry off enough to work and Gus and Vi wanted us to go up to "Pete's" woods for a picnic. Remember? Anyhow while we were waiting for Gus & Vi to come, we somehow got upstairs on your bed and I loved you good. I'll never forget it because you said, "Never again before going on a hike or a picnic." "Makes me all worn out." That was in the days before you found out you liked it. It was just, "not too objectionable" to you then. You were a devil. Don't see why I kept coming to see you. Maybe, unconsciously, I had an idea how nice you would turn out. In those days you surely weren't a very "hot" number. Could go to sleep with me laying tight against you, one hand squeezing a nice handful of bubbles and the other playing around as high up your leg as I dared to go. Surely must not have been only your sex appeal that held me. Who would have thought that a few years later even after three years of being married to me, the same old gal would insist on being loved before she would eat? She has even on occasion, wanted a loving in the morning before breakfast, and quite often before going out someplace. Doesn't seem to wear her out so much anymore. In fact, I think she could live on it for a day or two and still like it. Boy, I'm glad I got her. She's the best little wife ever and boy is she swell loving.
Honey, I'll never forget the first few times we loved after being separated for several months. You acted like I had always wanted you to act. Like you liked it as much or more than I did and didn't ever want to stop. I can still see [and feel] you laying on the bed, lusciously bare, legs in the air and spread wide open, loving me. Eyes closed, a very happy satisfied look on your face and sighing the kind of sighs a cat purrs when it is being petted and loves it. It gives me the tingles to think about it, honey. Here's to lots more times like that all the time.
You said that if I talked to you the way I write, you'd go wild and really love me. Well, if you always love me the way you have these past couple times we've been together, I think you could get me to do anything you wanted me to do. You could really wind me around your little finger. Maybe you could even get me to go to church with you if you said the word. Look how I went over to school with you that day. Don't believe I'd have done that a couple years ago. Do you? I'm slowly finding out how really nice you are and loving you more and more as I discover you. That is one you can remember and try when I get hard to handle.
Don't get the idea that I am expecting you to keep on improving. I'm not. I don't see how you could improve much more. If you did you'd have to get another man soon, because I'd love myself to death. You're perfect the way you are. I sure love you honey.
I also am dreaming of that maybe furlough. Even if we do move out or go on maneuvers I'll stand a chance of getting one in the next two or three months. I'm not going to really plan on it, but as you say, "I can dream can't I ?" As long as I got you I'm afraid I'll always do some dreaming. You're even fun to dream about and I don't mean messy, sleep dreams. They're fun too but I was thinking of daydreams. I make lots of plans for you and I in my dreams. Can't wait until we can carry out some of these dreams.
Night gorgeous, I'm going to bed now. Maybe I'll night dream a bit. Who knows?
Night sweetheart, I loves you so much.
your hubby.
Norm.
Letter # 175 January 10, 1944
Jan. 10, 1944
Mon. Eve.
Babe Darling;
This is some scotch stationery I'm using tonight. A fellow was going to throw it away and I took it, thinking to use it for note paper around the shop. I put it in a stationery box and when I came in late tonight and dug out my paper and ink, I got the wrong box and I'm too lazy to go back up to the barracks and get the other. Anyhow, I guess you can't kick too much. You used some about like it on me.
I don't know how far I'll get with this letter. It's late, so it depends on what mood I'm in.
We worked until about 2200. We've been working all day, cleaning, sand papering, and shining our tools. We have a dry run inspection on all our tools in preparation for the time when we will really sign them back to the government and take off for some other part of the country. The tools weren't at all in bad shape, can't be when you use them all the time, but you know the army. Have to all be spotless and look like new for inspection. We've got them all laid out in neat rows over the shop floor. Of course the floor had to be scrubbed spotless first and that in itself is no little job. Greasy garage floor! The inspection is indefinitely scheduled for either tomorrow or Wed. Hope it isn't until Wed. Then we'll get a rest. Can't work without tools and can't use the tools before the inspection because we'd get them dirty again.
Probably find something for us to do or put us on K.P. or something. Couldn't bare to see good men doing nothing.
I ran into Grafton at the P.X. last night. Just in time to say goodbye to him. His outfit is finally moving out. Part of them had already gone and the rest were leaving today. San Diego, Calif is where they told them they were going. As far as we are concerned I know nothing more. We are getting ready to move but it may be a dry run. I am beginning to believe it myself. That is my own opinion.
I'm having a hell of a time trying to keep up with my correspondence lately. I can just about write my honey a note and that is all. The rest will have to wait until I get more time. Also I'm afraid the nice-naughty ones to you will also have to wait. Have to have time to think when I write those kind.
Got your Thurs letter today. Evidently the mail service isn't quite back to normal yet. Usually get your Thurs. ones on Sun.
Honey, you know damn well your legs lead someplace and you also know what I mean. They may be taking you home, but I bet, if I was to start at the knee and gradually work my hand up I'd eventually come to the same old, nice, soft, warm, hairy place. It better still be there. If it isn't you better be getting it there before I come home again. I'll be looking for it and mighty anxious to find it. I'm warning you.
They are turning out the lights in the day room now, so I guess I have to quit. I'll try to do better next time.
Night sweetheart, I love you so much.
your hubby.
Norm.
Mon. Eve.
Babe Darling;
This is some scotch stationery I'm using tonight. A fellow was going to throw it away and I took it, thinking to use it for note paper around the shop. I put it in a stationery box and when I came in late tonight and dug out my paper and ink, I got the wrong box and I'm too lazy to go back up to the barracks and get the other. Anyhow, I guess you can't kick too much. You used some about like it on me.
I don't know how far I'll get with this letter. It's late, so it depends on what mood I'm in.
We worked until about 2200. We've been working all day, cleaning, sand papering, and shining our tools. We have a dry run inspection on all our tools in preparation for the time when we will really sign them back to the government and take off for some other part of the country. The tools weren't at all in bad shape, can't be when you use them all the time, but you know the army. Have to all be spotless and look like new for inspection. We've got them all laid out in neat rows over the shop floor. Of course the floor had to be scrubbed spotless first and that in itself is no little job. Greasy garage floor! The inspection is indefinitely scheduled for either tomorrow or Wed. Hope it isn't until Wed. Then we'll get a rest. Can't work without tools and can't use the tools before the inspection because we'd get them dirty again.
Probably find something for us to do or put us on K.P. or something. Couldn't bare to see good men doing nothing.
I ran into Grafton at the P.X. last night. Just in time to say goodbye to him. His outfit is finally moving out. Part of them had already gone and the rest were leaving today. San Diego, Calif is where they told them they were going. As far as we are concerned I know nothing more. We are getting ready to move but it may be a dry run. I am beginning to believe it myself. That is my own opinion.
I'm having a hell of a time trying to keep up with my correspondence lately. I can just about write my honey a note and that is all. The rest will have to wait until I get more time. Also I'm afraid the nice-naughty ones to you will also have to wait. Have to have time to think when I write those kind.
Got your Thurs letter today. Evidently the mail service isn't quite back to normal yet. Usually get your Thurs. ones on Sun.
Honey, you know damn well your legs lead someplace and you also know what I mean. They may be taking you home, but I bet, if I was to start at the knee and gradually work my hand up I'd eventually come to the same old, nice, soft, warm, hairy place. It better still be there. If it isn't you better be getting it there before I come home again. I'll be looking for it and mighty anxious to find it. I'm warning you.
They are turning out the lights in the day room now, so I guess I have to quit. I'll try to do better next time.
Night sweetheart, I love you so much.
your hubby.
Norm.
Monday, January 10, 2011
Letter # 174 January 9, 1944
Jan 9, 1944
Sun. Aft.
Hello! Wifey dear;
I still like the sound of that little old "wife" word. Seems to stand for an awful lot that makes life worth living, to a man. It surely is one of the first words in the dictionary to me. I loves you, honey, more and more.
I neglected you again last night. Didn't intend to, but just as I was getting ready to clean up a bit, Brownie said that he had gotten word that one tank and the maintenance half track were stuck out on the road a few miles. We mounted up and took out to find them.
Boy! the mud: You mentioned our road being muddy. You should see this. Took us two hours to get about 8 miles. We found the tank first. Got it fixed up and started in, and then we went on until we found Mac and his helper. They had thrown a track on the half track and hadn't been able to get it back on. I don't think they tried very hard. It only took Brownie and I about 1/2 hr. to fix it up. They had been sitting there 4 or 5 hrs. Had the top on the half track, engine running, and heater turned on, so they were nice and warm. It was cold and mean as hell out, just about freezing, mud ass deep, and I'm not exaggerating either. I was damn near frozen by the time we got back in. Maybe that helped to make me disgusted. Anyhow I was rather burned up at Mac. Sitting there on his ass waiting for another crew to come put on a track. It was 2330 when we got back and I was tired, so you are short a letter. We worked all day today until 1500 this afternoon.
Got a letter from you yesterday and one today. Also got one from Vi and one from Marg. Guess I won't get them all answered today. Got to go to the P.X. yet and get cigarettes and etc.
Honey, you must have had a good time at Vi's party. She has been telling stories about you. I got a kick out of it. Could see you floating around. I still can't see how you bumped your head on the ceiling and lost the flower in your hair. Knowing your condition, I can well imagine you thought you were floating "high" enough to bump the ceiling, but I'm afraid I'll keep my own opinion on it. I wish I had been there to take you home. Bet you'd have loved and loved and loved and liked it all. I'd guess you really did have a swell time. I'm glad. Only regret I couldn't have been there to get "high" with you.
Now I'll answer your letters.
Don't worry about any of my buddies ever seeing anything you write. I'm careful about that. They sometimes comment on me grinning when I read your letters but I don't explain very often. These letters are just for you and I. Wouldn't think of sharing them with anyone anymore than I would let some other man go to bed with you when I was there to go to bed with you. Strictly private. Our little secrets.
I could go ahead and make a date for that good banging you say you would enjoy, but I won't. I'll wait and see how you want it when I get there. If you give me a chance I bet you get the banging. Can't hardly imagine, old take it nice and easy you, saying she would like a banging. Remember honey, any time you want it, just spread those nice legs wide open and say you want a banging. I'll do my best from then on. The old thing says he'd like to try right now. He's ornery thinking about it.
Sweetheart when you set a quota, you really set one don't you? Sounds good to me but with only about 6 days at home that would be 7 a day. Wow! Don't think the old man could stand the pace. Don't get me wrong. I'm not trying to cut the quota, and I'm certainly not going to ante it either. If you respond like you have at times and we stay by ourselves enough, I think I could make it. I'd sure like to try. I've got the right kind of wife to try it with. She looks like loving and is such swell loving I never really want to stop. It's like being in heaven.
You are definitely asking for another naughty letter and if I get time you'll get it too. You're doing very well yourself honey. You surprise me. I like 'em.
From the sound of your experience with your "angel" that shit his pants, I don't think you'd be a very good mother. You'd have to make the living and keep me at home to change the baby. Don't think I'd like it either.
I don't get the point about you trying it, but not having a baby. You're twisted honey. I don't get the point, but you sure as hell do. More than the point. Every fraction of an inch of it. Wish it was longer so I could give you more of it.
You talk about your letters being screwy. How about these? I can't sit down and write a good one very quickly. I have to have time on my hand and nothing on my mind to do for a while. I'll be glad when I can tell you what I've got to say without writing it. Some ways, writing is all right, but I'll do my love making and talking to my honey at close range anytime.
Just think, all the time I've been writing this, I could have told you a lot more and better and done a little loving along with it.
Nighty night you old sweetheart. I'm loving you and missing you bushels. Here's a long distance loving for you. Not very good is it? I love you darling.
your hubby.
Norm.
Sun. Aft.
Hello! Wifey dear;
I still like the sound of that little old "wife" word. Seems to stand for an awful lot that makes life worth living, to a man. It surely is one of the first words in the dictionary to me. I loves you, honey, more and more.
I neglected you again last night. Didn't intend to, but just as I was getting ready to clean up a bit, Brownie said that he had gotten word that one tank and the maintenance half track were stuck out on the road a few miles. We mounted up and took out to find them.
Boy! the mud: You mentioned our road being muddy. You should see this. Took us two hours to get about 8 miles. We found the tank first. Got it fixed up and started in, and then we went on until we found Mac and his helper. They had thrown a track on the half track and hadn't been able to get it back on. I don't think they tried very hard. It only took Brownie and I about 1/2 hr. to fix it up. They had been sitting there 4 or 5 hrs. Had the top on the half track, engine running, and heater turned on, so they were nice and warm. It was cold and mean as hell out, just about freezing, mud ass deep, and I'm not exaggerating either. I was damn near frozen by the time we got back in. Maybe that helped to make me disgusted. Anyhow I was rather burned up at Mac. Sitting there on his ass waiting for another crew to come put on a track. It was 2330 when we got back and I was tired, so you are short a letter. We worked all day today until 1500 this afternoon.
Got a letter from you yesterday and one today. Also got one from Vi and one from Marg. Guess I won't get them all answered today. Got to go to the P.X. yet and get cigarettes and etc.
Honey, you must have had a good time at Vi's party. She has been telling stories about you. I got a kick out of it. Could see you floating around. I still can't see how you bumped your head on the ceiling and lost the flower in your hair. Knowing your condition, I can well imagine you thought you were floating "high" enough to bump the ceiling, but I'm afraid I'll keep my own opinion on it. I wish I had been there to take you home. Bet you'd have loved and loved and loved and liked it all. I'd guess you really did have a swell time. I'm glad. Only regret I couldn't have been there to get "high" with you.
Now I'll answer your letters.
Don't worry about any of my buddies ever seeing anything you write. I'm careful about that. They sometimes comment on me grinning when I read your letters but I don't explain very often. These letters are just for you and I. Wouldn't think of sharing them with anyone anymore than I would let some other man go to bed with you when I was there to go to bed with you. Strictly private. Our little secrets.
I could go ahead and make a date for that good banging you say you would enjoy, but I won't. I'll wait and see how you want it when I get there. If you give me a chance I bet you get the banging. Can't hardly imagine, old take it nice and easy you, saying she would like a banging. Remember honey, any time you want it, just spread those nice legs wide open and say you want a banging. I'll do my best from then on. The old thing says he'd like to try right now. He's ornery thinking about it.
Sweetheart when you set a quota, you really set one don't you? Sounds good to me but with only about 6 days at home that would be 7 a day. Wow! Don't think the old man could stand the pace. Don't get me wrong. I'm not trying to cut the quota, and I'm certainly not going to ante it either. If you respond like you have at times and we stay by ourselves enough, I think I could make it. I'd sure like to try. I've got the right kind of wife to try it with. She looks like loving and is such swell loving I never really want to stop. It's like being in heaven.
You are definitely asking for another naughty letter and if I get time you'll get it too. You're doing very well yourself honey. You surprise me. I like 'em.
From the sound of your experience with your "angel" that shit his pants, I don't think you'd be a very good mother. You'd have to make the living and keep me at home to change the baby. Don't think I'd like it either.
I don't get the point about you trying it, but not having a baby. You're twisted honey. I don't get the point, but you sure as hell do. More than the point. Every fraction of an inch of it. Wish it was longer so I could give you more of it.
You talk about your letters being screwy. How about these? I can't sit down and write a good one very quickly. I have to have time on my hand and nothing on my mind to do for a while. I'll be glad when I can tell you what I've got to say without writing it. Some ways, writing is all right, but I'll do my love making and talking to my honey at close range anytime.
Just think, all the time I've been writing this, I could have told you a lot more and better and done a little loving along with it.
Nighty night you old sweetheart. I'm loving you and missing you bushels. Here's a long distance loving for you. Not very good is it? I love you darling.
your hubby.
Norm.
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Letter # 173 January 7, 1944
Jan 7, 1944
Fri. eve.
My Sweetheart;
Got another letter from my partner in love today. Your Mon. one. You know honey, if you keep on you're going to be writing some very "hot" letters yourself. Sounds like you are about in shape to take a lot of loving and still want more. That fourth honeymoon should be a pip!
Had a very routine day, except for pay day. Got my first pay as a sgt. $46.00. Just think of that. You married a rich man.
The tanks went out in a pouring rain. Mac was leading them. They left the tanks out there with a few guards and brought the company back in for the night. Too many men with bad colds for them to sleep out in the wet. It is wet too, and I don't mean maybe. Your "old man" is as good as new again if not better.
Now I'm going to get caught up on your letters or know why.
I did so get a prize package when I got you. More than a prize package. I'd call it a constant surprise package. Every year I have you, I find out I still don't know all there is to know about you. Who would ever have thought that old "cold potatoes mummy" would turn out to be the passionate wife I know I have. Didn't get a rise out of her by playing, feeling and teasing all evening, a few years ago, and now I write her a nasty-naughty letter and get a lot more reaction. Yet she's still the same sweet gal in other ways. Even blushes when she reads my unprintable letters. [she says] Now she is even writing me some, nearly as bad.
You admitted you may have the brains, and you have, but still won't admit the rest I tell you.
She can't seem to realize that she has good looks, sweet personality, and a very disturbing body. Boy! Those nice, soft round breasts, chubby tummy, very nice legs and ankles and big, inviting butt. Sure looks like she was built to satisfy. Boy! She sure does. So damn nice to love. I wouldn't be able to stop if my body didn't wear out.
Trouble is, I always wear out too quick. Can't do justice to what I've got to work on. Think I would do fairly well for a day or so right now, I bet. I love you, sweetheart.
I guess I must have neglected saying that I got the Dulaney's box. About three days after Christmas. Popcorn balls and cake. Very good. I haven't as yet acknowledged it. Will, as soon as I get to it. Very nice of them.
Can't figure why everyone is so nice to me unless it's because I have such a nice wife, back home, plugging for me.
So you aren't having such good luck trapping for the little mouse that isn't there. Those "short" mice are hard to catch.
I'm afraid I'd be very little help at cleaning the house if I were there. I think I'd be a big hindrance. Don't think you could love me and work at the same time. I know I can't. Remember? I didn't like to play with you when I had work to do. Didn't dare or the work wouldn't have been done. Never could "half way" love you. Have to go all the way or stay clear. You're so nice and there is so much of you to love, you demand all my attention.
I think Vi was a lot more help cleaning the house, but I'd have given a lot to swap places with her. To hell with the house and the P.T.A. We'd come first. I'd say you were doing very well with your help situation, in spite of labor shortage. We've got some good friends.
Honey, you're saying some very nice, sweet things about me. Did you know it? I like to hear them as much as you do, but you want to watch out I don't get to believing it too much. I might get too cocky.
Don't worry about your letters making me feel sad or hurting me. They can't. You wouldn't write anything that would. Remember I know you very well and can just about pick out your moods, from your letters. Each one is like a little talk with you and I love every word of them. I love you too - so much I can't express it nearly all.
I got a laugh over your explosion over the Norman W. Effinger signature. I couldn't resist after you bawled me out for signing the telegram that way. I still like to tease you. Can't do it physically, but I can this way.
I bet it was hard to get back to work after that lazy vacation. I was thinking of you. Wish you didn't have to do it. However, I don't think you can live on this long distance love.
Thanks for the tip, about talking to you the way I write. If I ever need to stir you up again, I'll try it if I can get it out. I always did think these things of you but when I'm face to face with a person, I never seem to be able to say what I want to. You'll have to teach me. You, yourself, once said in one of your letters, "It's hard to say such things about you when I'm looking at you." "Kinda chokes you up or something." Remember it? Was one of your first letters after I came down here this time. I have learned a few other things and maybe I can learn that too. I'll try. If the returns are big enough it might not take me long to learn.
Mrs. Velma Effinger, I'm bawling you out for feeling guilty about having a good time while I go to bed. I want you to have all the good time you can and don't be getting any more such foolish ideas. It would make me unhappy if you didn't have a good time, so, damn it, go to it. I don't even impose any restrictions.
I've finally almost caught up on your letters. No time now to write a love letter though. I do love you, honey, and want you and miss you and everything.
Night , honey, I'm loving my mummy.
Your lover
Norm.
Fri. eve.
My Sweetheart;
Got another letter from my partner in love today. Your Mon. one. You know honey, if you keep on you're going to be writing some very "hot" letters yourself. Sounds like you are about in shape to take a lot of loving and still want more. That fourth honeymoon should be a pip!
Had a very routine day, except for pay day. Got my first pay as a sgt. $46.00. Just think of that. You married a rich man.
The tanks went out in a pouring rain. Mac was leading them. They left the tanks out there with a few guards and brought the company back in for the night. Too many men with bad colds for them to sleep out in the wet. It is wet too, and I don't mean maybe. Your "old man" is as good as new again if not better.
Now I'm going to get caught up on your letters or know why.
I did so get a prize package when I got you. More than a prize package. I'd call it a constant surprise package. Every year I have you, I find out I still don't know all there is to know about you. Who would ever have thought that old "cold potatoes mummy" would turn out to be the passionate wife I know I have. Didn't get a rise out of her by playing, feeling and teasing all evening, a few years ago, and now I write her a nasty-naughty letter and get a lot more reaction. Yet she's still the same sweet gal in other ways. Even blushes when she reads my unprintable letters. [she says] Now she is even writing me some, nearly as bad.
You admitted you may have the brains, and you have, but still won't admit the rest I tell you.
She can't seem to realize that she has good looks, sweet personality, and a very disturbing body. Boy! Those nice, soft round breasts, chubby tummy, very nice legs and ankles and big, inviting butt. Sure looks like she was built to satisfy. Boy! She sure does. So damn nice to love. I wouldn't be able to stop if my body didn't wear out.
Trouble is, I always wear out too quick. Can't do justice to what I've got to work on. Think I would do fairly well for a day or so right now, I bet. I love you, sweetheart.
I guess I must have neglected saying that I got the Dulaney's box. About three days after Christmas. Popcorn balls and cake. Very good. I haven't as yet acknowledged it. Will, as soon as I get to it. Very nice of them.
Can't figure why everyone is so nice to me unless it's because I have such a nice wife, back home, plugging for me.
So you aren't having such good luck trapping for the little mouse that isn't there. Those "short" mice are hard to catch.
I'm afraid I'd be very little help at cleaning the house if I were there. I think I'd be a big hindrance. Don't think you could love me and work at the same time. I know I can't. Remember? I didn't like to play with you when I had work to do. Didn't dare or the work wouldn't have been done. Never could "half way" love you. Have to go all the way or stay clear. You're so nice and there is so much of you to love, you demand all my attention.
I think Vi was a lot more help cleaning the house, but I'd have given a lot to swap places with her. To hell with the house and the P.T.A. We'd come first. I'd say you were doing very well with your help situation, in spite of labor shortage. We've got some good friends.
Honey, you're saying some very nice, sweet things about me. Did you know it? I like to hear them as much as you do, but you want to watch out I don't get to believing it too much. I might get too cocky.
Don't worry about your letters making me feel sad or hurting me. They can't. You wouldn't write anything that would. Remember I know you very well and can just about pick out your moods, from your letters. Each one is like a little talk with you and I love every word of them. I love you too - so much I can't express it nearly all.
I got a laugh over your explosion over the Norman W. Effinger signature. I couldn't resist after you bawled me out for signing the telegram that way. I still like to tease you. Can't do it physically, but I can this way.
I bet it was hard to get back to work after that lazy vacation. I was thinking of you. Wish you didn't have to do it. However, I don't think you can live on this long distance love.
Thanks for the tip, about talking to you the way I write. If I ever need to stir you up again, I'll try it if I can get it out. I always did think these things of you but when I'm face to face with a person, I never seem to be able to say what I want to. You'll have to teach me. You, yourself, once said in one of your letters, "It's hard to say such things about you when I'm looking at you." "Kinda chokes you up or something." Remember it? Was one of your first letters after I came down here this time. I have learned a few other things and maybe I can learn that too. I'll try. If the returns are big enough it might not take me long to learn.
Mrs. Velma Effinger, I'm bawling you out for feeling guilty about having a good time while I go to bed. I want you to have all the good time you can and don't be getting any more such foolish ideas. It would make me unhappy if you didn't have a good time, so, damn it, go to it. I don't even impose any restrictions.
I've finally almost caught up on your letters. No time now to write a love letter though. I do love you, honey, and want you and miss you and everything.
Night , honey, I'm loving my mummy.
Your lover
Norm.
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Letter # 172 January 6, 1944
Jan 6, 1944
Thurs. Eve.
My Darling baby doll;
Whoops, honey, I have now added another trade to my list of accomplishments. Bet you could never guess what it was. Something I never thought I'd ever try. Barber! Imagine that. Me a barber. They issued orders today that everyone would have a G.I. haircut as of now. We had one fellow here that had clippers and etc, but way too many men to work on. I jokingly said I could cut hair and some of them believed me so I went to work. Cut two heads of hair and they didn't look bad. I was more surprised than anyone.
Got your Sunday letter today. You seem to be doing good on your letters, but , lately I can't seem to get time to write you a decent letter. We didn't work late at the garage tonight. We had to give the barracks a good scrubbing, wash the windows and all. Then, by the time I had completed my haircuts it was getting pretty late. Guess you'll have to suffer for a letter again.
My cold is much better tonight. Afraid I'm going to get well, without going to the hospital. Thought maybe I was going to get a chance to see some of those nurses, but no such luck. Hear there are some redheads there too. Hope they stay there until I get sick enough to go see.
I only got a vaccination today and so far I don't know I've got it. Don't think it'll work at all.
No more news of any kind. I'll manage to keep you posted even if I don't seem to write very long letters. Don't know if I go out tomorrow or not. If I do, no letter for you tomorrow night.
Now back to answering your letters. I'm only in the middle of your Thurs. one.
Thanks for permission to go on a tear, [as long as I keep it clean] and talk to all the women I want to, [as long as I only talk] and get howling drunk. [no reservations there]. You're a devil but such a sweet one I can't help loving you. I do you know.
As I've told you before, you don't have to worry about me "jumping the fence". There isn't good enough competition to make me want to. They can't come close to competing with my darling wife. I can see from your letters that you still don't believe what I tell you about you. I'll have to show you I guess. Then maybe you'll believe it. Seems funny to hear you belittle yourself. It was usually the other way. Remember how you used to say, "I'm nice", "I'm sweet", and others along the same line? Doesn't sound like my egotistical wife. Needs a husband to build up her moral again. Wish I could do that little thing for you right now.
Night sweetheart, I'm loving you by remote control. Feel it? I loves you.
your note writing sarge.
Norm.
Thurs. Eve.
My Darling baby doll;
Whoops, honey, I have now added another trade to my list of accomplishments. Bet you could never guess what it was. Something I never thought I'd ever try. Barber! Imagine that. Me a barber. They issued orders today that everyone would have a G.I. haircut as of now. We had one fellow here that had clippers and etc, but way too many men to work on. I jokingly said I could cut hair and some of them believed me so I went to work. Cut two heads of hair and they didn't look bad. I was more surprised than anyone.
Got your Sunday letter today. You seem to be doing good on your letters, but , lately I can't seem to get time to write you a decent letter. We didn't work late at the garage tonight. We had to give the barracks a good scrubbing, wash the windows and all. Then, by the time I had completed my haircuts it was getting pretty late. Guess you'll have to suffer for a letter again.
My cold is much better tonight. Afraid I'm going to get well, without going to the hospital. Thought maybe I was going to get a chance to see some of those nurses, but no such luck. Hear there are some redheads there too. Hope they stay there until I get sick enough to go see.
I only got a vaccination today and so far I don't know I've got it. Don't think it'll work at all.
No more news of any kind. I'll manage to keep you posted even if I don't seem to write very long letters. Don't know if I go out tomorrow or not. If I do, no letter for you tomorrow night.
Now back to answering your letters. I'm only in the middle of your Thurs. one.
Thanks for permission to go on a tear, [as long as I keep it clean] and talk to all the women I want to, [as long as I only talk] and get howling drunk. [no reservations there]. You're a devil but such a sweet one I can't help loving you. I do you know.
As I've told you before, you don't have to worry about me "jumping the fence". There isn't good enough competition to make me want to. They can't come close to competing with my darling wife. I can see from your letters that you still don't believe what I tell you about you. I'll have to show you I guess. Then maybe you'll believe it. Seems funny to hear you belittle yourself. It was usually the other way. Remember how you used to say, "I'm nice", "I'm sweet", and others along the same line? Doesn't sound like my egotistical wife. Needs a husband to build up her moral again. Wish I could do that little thing for you right now.
Night sweetheart, I'm loving you by remote control. Feel it? I loves you.
your note writing sarge.
Norm.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)