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.
Showing posts with label World War II. Show all posts
Showing posts with label World War II. Show all posts
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Letter # 38 June 2, 1943
June 2, 1943
6 A.M. Wed.
Hello Honey;
Happy Birthday to me. I know you are wishing me that. You're sweet. If it wasn't so far I'd send a telegram to the store and laugh at them. They can't paddle me this year. I don't feel a bit older even if I am 30 and bald headed. In fact I feel better phyisically than I have the past several years. See how tough I am. I really am in swell shape now. I have lost all the "pudge? but not skinny. Remember how I looked a year or so before we were married? Well I'm just about the same now in every way except for a few less hairs. Don't worry about me becoming so acclimated to army life that I won't want to come back to you. As soon as this is over and they release me I will make a streak of dust a mile high from where ever I am to where ever you are. This army life is O.K. for younger men with no ties but as soon as my call to duty ends I won't stay a minute longer than necessary.
Don't think from the time on this letter that I'm crazy. The whole company rolled out for 4:45 breakfast and part of them went to the firing range and part to the driving range. The rest of us are going to schools and don't report until 7:45 so I am just making use of my time. I was interupted and it is now 7:30 P.M.
I was talking to Carl Wacker at class today and he says his wife and Wayne Good's wife are down here now. Got in last eve. They came by bus and it took 54 hours. They have rented a room in Leesville for $10.00 a week and plan to stay a while. I asked him how often they planned to see them and he said, "Just on weekends." I bet the womeen get plenty sick of that. He is also running the chance of his company being restricted over a weekend for something. Our company will be restricted this weekend because 3 men were caught out on the range without their overall tops on. It doesn't seem fair to restrict the whole co. but that is the way the army works.
I don't care a bit this week. I wasn't going anywhere but it sure would make me mad if that happened and you were down here. Things are just to uncertain to plan on in the army.
I am very much pleased with the mechanics school. We have classes until 10 in the morning and then we go to our company shop and really work on vehicles. There are only 3 from our company. We have two very nice motor sargents. Sarg. Brown & Sarg. Marinics and the nicest Lt. of the bunch is motor Lt. King so I think it's going to be O.K. We are each given a complete set of tools. It sure does feel good to get some tools in my hands and a deffinite job to do again. I wish it was every day instead of 3 days a week.
Mac Stanisbury, from Wyoming, a former truck driver and mechanic and a man of my age, with a 9 mo. old boy, is one of the other two. I don't know the other one very well. His name is Botca and just out of school.
The motor Sarg. asked us a few questions and being satisfied with the answers, he turned Mac and I loose and said if we got stuck to call him so we work as we please with very little interuption. It's greasy but I'm used to that.
Just saw Wayne and Carl and their wives walk past the barracks so the girls must be staying at the guest house for a few days.
I'm sorry you had so much trouble with the insurance on the glasses. I knew it would be and that is why I suggested we leave it go. I get along so well without the glasses that I think I will only wear them for reading or close work and forget them the rest of the time. I sweat so much they would only be a nuisance anyhow. The only time I missed them at all was Sat aft. when we went to the two shows. My eyes got tired then.
We are gradually getting more and more exercise and running. Mon. morning we ran 2 miles without a break and then had 30 minutes of calisthentics after that. I was soaking wet but hardly at all tired. Will you believe me now when I say I'm tough?
Leo got his teachers job. It is part time the same as the rest of the schools, so he is happy also.
We are getting up at 4:30 tomorrow so I guess I better quit and get ready for bed.
I haven't told you many nice things in this letter, but the words are so ineffectual that I get disgusted trying to say what I mean. You're so nice I can't begin to express it in words, but I'll sure express it in actions someday. If I ever fall down again in showing I love you, just show me a few of these letters and make me realize how much I missed you while I was away. I had gotten so used to going places and doing things with you, I am lost without you. All the kick is missing. You're a devil but I love you like hell. Night honey. I'll be thinking of you.
Your hubby.
Norm
P.S. I got a card from Franklin Elder, the postman, asking if I ever saw his son. He said he hadn't heard from him since the 15th of May. I intend to write to him but I haven't had a chance. I see Dick every so often and he looks good and seems happy. He said he had gotten the packages and money his dad had sent him and would write. If you happen to see Franklin you might pass on the information and I'll write as soon as I can. Thanks.
I love you honey.
your devoted husband.
Norm
6 A.M. Wed.
Hello Honey;
Happy Birthday to me. I know you are wishing me that. You're sweet. If it wasn't so far I'd send a telegram to the store and laugh at them. They can't paddle me this year. I don't feel a bit older even if I am 30 and bald headed. In fact I feel better phyisically than I have the past several years. See how tough I am. I really am in swell shape now. I have lost all the "pudge? but not skinny. Remember how I looked a year or so before we were married? Well I'm just about the same now in every way except for a few less hairs. Don't worry about me becoming so acclimated to army life that I won't want to come back to you. As soon as this is over and they release me I will make a streak of dust a mile high from where ever I am to where ever you are. This army life is O.K. for younger men with no ties but as soon as my call to duty ends I won't stay a minute longer than necessary.
Don't think from the time on this letter that I'm crazy. The whole company rolled out for 4:45 breakfast and part of them went to the firing range and part to the driving range. The rest of us are going to schools and don't report until 7:45 so I am just making use of my time. I was interupted and it is now 7:30 P.M.
I was talking to Carl Wacker at class today and he says his wife and Wayne Good's wife are down here now. Got in last eve. They came by bus and it took 54 hours. They have rented a room in Leesville for $10.00 a week and plan to stay a while. I asked him how often they planned to see them and he said, "Just on weekends." I bet the womeen get plenty sick of that. He is also running the chance of his company being restricted over a weekend for something. Our company will be restricted this weekend because 3 men were caught out on the range without their overall tops on. It doesn't seem fair to restrict the whole co. but that is the way the army works.
I don't care a bit this week. I wasn't going anywhere but it sure would make me mad if that happened and you were down here. Things are just to uncertain to plan on in the army.
I am very much pleased with the mechanics school. We have classes until 10 in the morning and then we go to our company shop and really work on vehicles. There are only 3 from our company. We have two very nice motor sargents. Sarg. Brown & Sarg. Marinics and the nicest Lt. of the bunch is motor Lt. King so I think it's going to be O.K. We are each given a complete set of tools. It sure does feel good to get some tools in my hands and a deffinite job to do again. I wish it was every day instead of 3 days a week.
Mac Stanisbury, from Wyoming, a former truck driver and mechanic and a man of my age, with a 9 mo. old boy, is one of the other two. I don't know the other one very well. His name is Botca and just out of school.
The motor Sarg. asked us a few questions and being satisfied with the answers, he turned Mac and I loose and said if we got stuck to call him so we work as we please with very little interuption. It's greasy but I'm used to that.
Just saw Wayne and Carl and their wives walk past the barracks so the girls must be staying at the guest house for a few days.
I'm sorry you had so much trouble with the insurance on the glasses. I knew it would be and that is why I suggested we leave it go. I get along so well without the glasses that I think I will only wear them for reading or close work and forget them the rest of the time. I sweat so much they would only be a nuisance anyhow. The only time I missed them at all was Sat aft. when we went to the two shows. My eyes got tired then.
We are gradually getting more and more exercise and running. Mon. morning we ran 2 miles without a break and then had 30 minutes of calisthentics after that. I was soaking wet but hardly at all tired. Will you believe me now when I say I'm tough?
Leo got his teachers job. It is part time the same as the rest of the schools, so he is happy also.
We are getting up at 4:30 tomorrow so I guess I better quit and get ready for bed.
I haven't told you many nice things in this letter, but the words are so ineffectual that I get disgusted trying to say what I mean. You're so nice I can't begin to express it in words, but I'll sure express it in actions someday. If I ever fall down again in showing I love you, just show me a few of these letters and make me realize how much I missed you while I was away. I had gotten so used to going places and doing things with you, I am lost without you. All the kick is missing. You're a devil but I love you like hell. Night honey. I'll be thinking of you.
Your hubby.
Norm
P.S. I got a card from Franklin Elder, the postman, asking if I ever saw his son. He said he hadn't heard from him since the 15th of May. I intend to write to him but I haven't had a chance. I see Dick every so often and he looks good and seems happy. He said he had gotten the packages and money his dad had sent him and would write. If you happen to see Franklin you might pass on the information and I'll write as soon as I can. Thanks.
I love you honey.
your devoted husband.
Norm
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Letter #29 May 17, 1943
May 17, 1943
Mon. Aft 4 P.M.
Hi Sweetheart;
Well here I am way out in the La. woods and imagine having time to write in the middle of the afternoon. I drew K.P. duty again today and when we are out the K.P.'s stay on duty all day. We have our work all done until about 5 so I will use the time to write to my darling wife. I love you honey.
You should see the layout we have for a field kitchen. A large canvas stretched up for a tent on a hill in the woods. We are in complete shade and even though it is hot there is a grand breeze making it very comfortable. The cooking is done on 6 large gasoline burners and they can also be slipped under three large portable ovens to do the baking. Two large canvas water bags hang on tripods and hold our drinking water. The water all has to be hauled from the camp. It takes a surprising amount of water for a bunch of men like this, nearly 300 gal of water today.
I got interrupted and it is now 8 P.M. Just finished my K.P. duties and shaved and will write until dark. I hear we are going in tomorrow eve and come back Thursday and Friday, so I will probably get this mailed Tues eve.
I helped break the eggs for scrambled eggs for breakfast, 35 doz of them. It must be quite a job to cook for so many all the time.
I am sitting here with my back against a big pine, we are camped in the middle of a large grove on a hilltop, the moon is just beginning to be bright enough to cast the shadow of my hand on the paper as I write, the sun has just gone down and the western sky is a mass of color, there is a brisk cool breeze blowing through he pines and the pine scent is heavy on the air. All very pretty and restful. Wish you were here honey. It is a perfect setting for a lover's meeting. I don't think I would need all the background to get in a lover's mood if you were here, but it's nice and just perfect for love making. I'm loving you by long distance honey.
Can you feel it?
From the way you answer some of my questions before you even get the letters it seems you must almost know what I'm thinking. I love you and still think you're gorgeous. I am now writing entirely by moonlight so if you can't read it put in words of your own and make them plenty sweet.
Got your Thurs. letter today, one from Tony and one from Clyde Ambrose. I will send Tony's along with this. He sure is getting a tough break.
You must have had one of your spells when you wrote that letter but like always I know that as soon as you finished saying it you were your old self again.
Vi has written me a couple of nice letters and I have answered them.
It sure was swell of Mick to mow the lawn for you. Looks like the boys all must think you're sweet. You are too. Hope they don't take all the men in the army, so you won't have anyone to take care of you. They are real friends. Hope we sometime have the opportunity to return the favors. It's very comforting to know they are all taking care of you while I'm away. Hope Mickey doesn't have to go. In the shape he was when I last saw him it would be plenty hard on him until he looses some weight.
As I have said before it is no place for a married man. I'm not complaining at all but I still don't want other happy couples to be separated as we are. It makes it hard on both but hardest on the wife. Just think how hard my own sweet wife is working and how much change it has made in her life. You're doing a swell job honey. Deep it up for a while longer and I'll be home and make you forget the hard time you are having now.
Don't worry about me being disappointed about you. I know you very well and know you aren't an angel. [note: he spelled it angle!] I never even called you one but even though you have some faults I still mean every word I have said. Who the hell wants an angel. I'd have to be perfect then and you know I'm a hell of a way from that. In fact almost a devil. I don't know how I was lucky enough to get you unless it was to get you out of teaching school.
All I want is a girl just like you, and now that I've had a chance to miss you and realize how much you mean to me I consider myself very lucky to have you for a wife, waiting impatiently for my return. In comparison with any other girl I have ever known you are best and if I could have my pick I would still pick you.
I may have been very slow to realize it, but remember that in all the time we went together and since we have been married we were always together with never even a spat so I had no chance to miss you and fully appreciate what you mean to me. So never fear that I will be disappointed, and don't be scared by what I am going to do to you. You can take anything I have to give.
Well I guess I better quit and go to bed. It is a swell night and I still wish you were here to snuggle up to. When I think, I can almost feel those nice soft curves fitting up to me. Night mummy. I loves you honey.
your loving husband
Norm
Mon. Aft 4 P.M.
Hi Sweetheart;
Well here I am way out in the La. woods and imagine having time to write in the middle of the afternoon. I drew K.P. duty again today and when we are out the K.P.'s stay on duty all day. We have our work all done until about 5 so I will use the time to write to my darling wife. I love you honey.
You should see the layout we have for a field kitchen. A large canvas stretched up for a tent on a hill in the woods. We are in complete shade and even though it is hot there is a grand breeze making it very comfortable. The cooking is done on 6 large gasoline burners and they can also be slipped under three large portable ovens to do the baking. Two large canvas water bags hang on tripods and hold our drinking water. The water all has to be hauled from the camp. It takes a surprising amount of water for a bunch of men like this, nearly 300 gal of water today.
I got interrupted and it is now 8 P.M. Just finished my K.P. duties and shaved and will write until dark. I hear we are going in tomorrow eve and come back Thursday and Friday, so I will probably get this mailed Tues eve.
I helped break the eggs for scrambled eggs for breakfast, 35 doz of them. It must be quite a job to cook for so many all the time.
I am sitting here with my back against a big pine, we are camped in the middle of a large grove on a hilltop, the moon is just beginning to be bright enough to cast the shadow of my hand on the paper as I write, the sun has just gone down and the western sky is a mass of color, there is a brisk cool breeze blowing through he pines and the pine scent is heavy on the air. All very pretty and restful. Wish you were here honey. It is a perfect setting for a lover's meeting. I don't think I would need all the background to get in a lover's mood if you were here, but it's nice and just perfect for love making. I'm loving you by long distance honey.
Can you feel it?
From the way you answer some of my questions before you even get the letters it seems you must almost know what I'm thinking. I love you and still think you're gorgeous. I am now writing entirely by moonlight so if you can't read it put in words of your own and make them plenty sweet.
Got your Thurs. letter today, one from Tony and one from Clyde Ambrose. I will send Tony's along with this. He sure is getting a tough break.
You must have had one of your spells when you wrote that letter but like always I know that as soon as you finished saying it you were your old self again.
Vi has written me a couple of nice letters and I have answered them.
It sure was swell of Mick to mow the lawn for you. Looks like the boys all must think you're sweet. You are too. Hope they don't take all the men in the army, so you won't have anyone to take care of you. They are real friends. Hope we sometime have the opportunity to return the favors. It's very comforting to know they are all taking care of you while I'm away. Hope Mickey doesn't have to go. In the shape he was when I last saw him it would be plenty hard on him until he looses some weight.
As I have said before it is no place for a married man. I'm not complaining at all but I still don't want other happy couples to be separated as we are. It makes it hard on both but hardest on the wife. Just think how hard my own sweet wife is working and how much change it has made in her life. You're doing a swell job honey. Deep it up for a while longer and I'll be home and make you forget the hard time you are having now.
Don't worry about me being disappointed about you. I know you very well and know you aren't an angel. [note: he spelled it angle!] I never even called you one but even though you have some faults I still mean every word I have said. Who the hell wants an angel. I'd have to be perfect then and you know I'm a hell of a way from that. In fact almost a devil. I don't know how I was lucky enough to get you unless it was to get you out of teaching school.
All I want is a girl just like you, and now that I've had a chance to miss you and realize how much you mean to me I consider myself very lucky to have you for a wife, waiting impatiently for my return. In comparison with any other girl I have ever known you are best and if I could have my pick I would still pick you.
I may have been very slow to realize it, but remember that in all the time we went together and since we have been married we were always together with never even a spat so I had no chance to miss you and fully appreciate what you mean to me. So never fear that I will be disappointed, and don't be scared by what I am going to do to you. You can take anything I have to give.
Well I guess I better quit and go to bed. It is a swell night and I still wish you were here to snuggle up to. When I think, I can almost feel those nice soft curves fitting up to me. Night mummy. I loves you honey.
your loving husband
Norm
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)