Sept 26, 1943
Dearest sweetheart;
Hello Chubbins, old dear, just think, two weeks from right now I'll be by you again. Gosh honey I can hardly contain myself. I'm going to like that an awful lot. Honey if laying on your stomach in front of the fire causes you to write such nice love letters you better try it again sometime. Your Thurs. eve one was a dandy. I'll have to save that one. Enough there to hold over you for life. I'm warning you, I intend to keep you all that time too. You're sweet and I love you.
Marg did get down to see me, but we rather got our signals mixed. She had said in her last letter that she would cable me if she was coming. So when I didn't get a cable I just thought she wasn't coming and then when I got my mail at 10:30 this morning, here was a letter from her saying she would meet me at 9:30 at the depot. So I got my ass in gear, jumped into my O.D.'s and took off. I left word at the orderly room, that if a phone call came for me to say I was on my way. The bus line was a half mile long so it was 1230 when I got to the depot. No Marg and I had no idea how to reach her at her friend's, so I asked when the bus left for Indianapolis and they told me 1-3-5 so I decided to wait until she came back to go home.
Went out and had a little dinner and was back a little before 1. There she sat as big as you please. Nice blue uniform with a gold rocker on each shoulder. She was talking with a soldier and hadn't seen me. I walked over and made my presence known. She knew me and didn't think I had changed so much, just a little thinner. So there to.
She and Chris had waited for me until 10 and then gone back to Chris's quarters. She then decided to phone me, but had forgotten my address, so she called her roommate at Ft.Ben, got the address and by that time I was on my way in. They told her and so she came back to the depot.
She looks good in her uniform. Dark blue. Hat and blouse very much the same as mine, white shirt, black tie, knee length skirt, ordinary color stockings, and black sensible heeled oxfords. She wears no patch on the shoulder yet, but if she stays where she is, will have the five point star on the round background.
It was such a swell fall day we went out to Iroquois Park, that's out by Churchill Downs, and spent the afternoon walking around and talking. Talked like a couple old maids. I took a few pictures of her and she took a couple more of me. Her basic is over now and she will have her regular job and hours from now on. 6 hrs a day. One day a split shift from 7-9 A.M. and 1-5 and the next from 7-1. Will have one Sunday a month off. She says she may be moved any place in the 5th Corps area or she may stay there. She likes it very much so far, but is going to be very disappointed if she's turned down again, when she comes up for reclassification. She's rather pinning her hopes on being able to get into things. She's going to be much like I am. Get sick of staying in a camp and not being able to see where she is doing much good.
Altogether we had a very nice time. Got back in time to eat a sandwich and get her on the 5 o'clock bus back to Ft.Benj.Harrison.
I sure got even with that Lt. Made her wait 3 hrs. for me and didn't even get a bawling out.
Don't worry about the flopping situation honey. If I don't get enough in the time we have, and I'll probably get more than I can handle, why I'll just have to look up some of these girls that think I'm interesting looking.
I wrote Mickey a letter this morning before I left.
Don't kid yourselves about the boys' not getting a kick out of you girls making a fuss over them. They're wolves and don't sort them married or single.
It's way past my bedtime now so I guess I'll let this go for tonight. I'll try to make up for it some other time.
You talk about being fortunate in having a nice husband and etc. but I still think I've got the best end of the deal. You're so sweet and you sure make a very satisfactory wife. I love you darling and I bet that two weeks from tonight I'll be showing you.
your lover
Norm.
P.S. I forgot to tell you that your husband got another promotion and is now T/5.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Letter # 98 September 25, 1943
Sept 25, 1943
Hello sweetheart;
I did very well at mail call again today. One from the nicest person I know, one from Hazel & Mom & one from Vi, so now I have something to keep me out of mischief for a little while answering them. The hell of it is I've about run out of anything to say, so don't be surprised if this wanders all over.
After I read my letters I laid down for a short nap. Gus is still flat on his back and sleeping for all he's worth. He would be a good match for you. Always wants to sleep. I've gotten pretty good at it, but still can't keep up to him.
I got dressed and went down to the bookstore to buy a technical manual on the hydromatic transmission. I thought it might come in very handy some day after I've forgotten half of what I learned here in school, and have a repair job on one of them. It only cost 35 cents so I can't go far wrong. Then I went to the P.X. and bought a Yank. After I finish my lettes I'll do a little reading.
I haven't heard anything from Marg as yet, so I imagine she couldn't get off today.
We had quite a time with "Torchy" today. I said I imagined she would be tempermental and she sure is. We thought we only had a few small adjustments to make today and she would be all set to go. Well she fooled us and we had to work like hell to get her ready to move at all. Angie and i were adjusting the syncronizing rods to the two engines & transmissions and found that one of the control arms to the valve body on the transmission was bent and had to be changed. That was a hell of a job. Lay flat on my back under the old bitch and try to get enough hands up through a hole big enough for one. Well after swearing and sweating for about two hours I finally got the valve body out and then the army doesn't have a new part to repair it with. So we went to work to try and straighten the bent shaft. We got that done and then I swore for another hour or so to put it back on. We finally got her running at noon. We swept & scrubbed the shop and then climbed abord and moved the old dear about a half mile to the sheds where we will work all next week. The sheds are just what the name implies, long shed open on one side with gravel floor. We will continue
Hello sweetheart;
I did very well at mail call again today. One from the nicest person I know, one from Hazel & Mom & one from Vi, so now I have something to keep me out of mischief for a little while answering them. The hell of it is I've about run out of anything to say, so don't be surprised if this wanders all over.
After I read my letters I laid down for a short nap. Gus is still flat on his back and sleeping for all he's worth. He would be a good match for you. Always wants to sleep. I've gotten pretty good at it, but still can't keep up to him.
I got dressed and went down to the bookstore to buy a technical manual on the hydromatic transmission. I thought it might come in very handy some day after I've forgotten half of what I learned here in school, and have a repair job on one of them. It only cost 35 cents so I can't go far wrong. Then I went to the P.X. and bought a Yank. After I finish my lettes I'll do a little reading.
I haven't heard anything from Marg as yet, so I imagine she couldn't get off today.
We had quite a time with "Torchy" today. I said I imagined she would be tempermental and she sure is. We thought we only had a few small adjustments to make today and she would be all set to go. Well she fooled us and we had to work like hell to get her ready to move at all. Angie and i were adjusting the syncronizing rods to the two engines & transmissions and found that one of the control arms to the valve body on the transmission was bent and had to be changed. That was a hell of a job. Lay flat on my back under the old bitch and try to get enough hands up through a hole big enough for one. Well after swearing and sweating for about two hours I finally got the valve body out and then the army doesn't have a new part to repair it with. So we went to work to try and straighten the bent shaft. We got that done and then I swore for another hour or so to put it back on. We finally got her running at noon. We swept & scrubbed the shop and then climbed abord and moved the old dear about a half mile to the sheds where we will work all next week. The sheds are just what the name implies, long shed open on one side with gravel floor. We will continue
Letter # 97 September 24, 1943
Sept 24, 1943
My darling school teacher;
Well honey another Friday and another inspection gone by. Only 2 more and I'll be very close to having you in my arms again. Just think only 14 more days if you come down to get me and 15 if you don't. That sounds a lot better than it did a while back. It'll sound a lot better when I can mark that last day off the calendar. I'm really anxious to see you sweetheart, so watch out for some cracked ribs. Liable to forget myself and squeeze too hard.
I got your Tues. letter this noon and I see a few places for comments.
Chubbins is the name of Judge Robbin's daughter. You know the classy looking gal, with the nice bubbles and is always standing with the wind blowing her dress or sitting so she shows quite a little of a nice looking pair of legs. I never did think the name was a fit for her, she is a little too slim and doesn't look as soft and warm as the picture I get from the name Chubbins. You have the same basic characteristics, nice big, lovely to play with, bubbles, swell looking legs and beside that a lot more soft warm curves that when I get against them, just make me forget all my troubles, and just want to love. Now don't you think it fits you much better than it does her?
I got quite a kick out of "Dirty Gertie" also. There are several more verses but I can't remember the words. I have an idea they have been added to the original and from what I remember, I doubt if they will ever be put in print. Rather dirty.
I guess it really isn't proper army regulations to associate with an officer, but in cases of this kind, nothing is ever said about it. If they did it would be hell to have you an officer. Bet I'd be in the guard house half the time.
I didn't mean to leave you up in the air about the school business, but the whole thing is that way. Nothing is certain, but I doubt very much that I will ever have a chance at it. There is even talk around here that they are going to cut down on the no.of men coming here to school. After this class that I am in they may only have one class a day instead of two. They have already started that in the gunnery and radio schools. That makes it so they already have more instructors than they know what to do with. The staff sgt. we have this week has been here for 3 yrs, and he is worried that he may be sent to some line outfit. He is putting in application for warrant officer.
As for myself, all I know is, I will be sent back to my old outfit and then anything may happen. If the talk of cutting the 8th down about 4000 men and breaking the rest into tank battalions is true, I may end up any place in the U.S. or for that matter, the world. No way to tell except wait and see. If all this is true, and I say if, it begins to look like the army thinks it has enough trained men on hand to finish the job. From all we hear here it looks like things will move pretty fast this winter. It looks mighty good to me over there at the present time. Anything can happen from now on.
Honey. Don't you dare be calling your letters "just notes". I think they are very swell and I love them. If you could see me make a bee line for that mail call you'd know I'm not kidding. I am keeping some of them this time so I can also have a stack of love letters to look at in years to come.
The last line of that letter of mine was an accident. I had it half written before I saw the double meaning, so I just went on and finished it. I thought it was rather good and also very true. It couldn't be anything but hard with you around. It likes you so much it stands up and does tricks for you when I wouldn't think it possible. You got everything it takes to keep us both satisfied. I love you sweetheart and I sure am counting the days.
I found out today you aren't the only one that can get compliments from your picture. Grafton showed me a letter from his wife today and was I surprised. He had sent his wife the same bunch of pictures I sent you. She said the pictures were all good and she liked the one of Grafton and the rest of us by the W.A.C. headquarters sign, best. But she also said and I will quote as nearly as I can remember, "That Effinger sure is a good looking fellow and sounds very interesting. I'd like an introduction if I ever get a chance." So there too. I think that's pretty good, coming from a young woman of 22 to an old geezer like me. She's darn good looking too. Grafton brought the letter over to my room along with his wife's picture. Said he wanted me to read what his wife said about me and also wanted me to see what wanted an introduction. She has brownish red hair, good looking face, and as Grafton says, "big brown eyes". Get what I mean? That's his way of saying, nice bubbles. She is built like a brick shit house, slightly on the heavy side, just like I like 'em. If I wasn't so well satisfied and so much in love, I'm afraid I'd be tempted to stray.
Of course after that I had to tell him about what you said about him and it pleased him a lot. He likes your picture so I guess we're about even there. They all like your pictures but it's something when their wives like mine. I won't forget that right away.
Ernie said his girl thought the picture of the 8th boys would make a good picture of a football team. Tough looking bunch.
Last night Gus and I went to the show. Red Skelton & Elenor Powell in "I Dood It". I don't care much for him but the dancing and musical parts were very good. That gal can sure shake those feet.
We got Torchy just about all back together today. Painting all done, engine running and just a few small jobs left for tomorrow. She nearly got the best of me today. She's an ornery bitch and I'm glad she's only a temporary girlfriend. The engines after being taken out were all out of adjustment and most of that work has to be done with them running. So I spent most all morning twisted up like a pretzel in about 2 cubic feet of empty space in that compartment. To start with, the engines were both too rich and by the time I got that corrected I was pretty well gassed and I had a mean headache for a while, but it didn't last long. Anyhow, she's purring like a kitten now and rarin' to go.
Did I tell you how much I loved you? I still love you more and more all the time honey. I can't find the proper words to tell you how much, but I sure as hell am going to show you soon. You're the sweetest wife and I sure was lucky to get you before you got a chance to look around too much. Night honey. I loves you.
your good looking, interesting husband.
Norm.
My darling school teacher;
Well honey another Friday and another inspection gone by. Only 2 more and I'll be very close to having you in my arms again. Just think only 14 more days if you come down to get me and 15 if you don't. That sounds a lot better than it did a while back. It'll sound a lot better when I can mark that last day off the calendar. I'm really anxious to see you sweetheart, so watch out for some cracked ribs. Liable to forget myself and squeeze too hard.
I got your Tues. letter this noon and I see a few places for comments.
Chubbins is the name of Judge Robbin's daughter. You know the classy looking gal, with the nice bubbles and is always standing with the wind blowing her dress or sitting so she shows quite a little of a nice looking pair of legs. I never did think the name was a fit for her, she is a little too slim and doesn't look as soft and warm as the picture I get from the name Chubbins. You have the same basic characteristics, nice big, lovely to play with, bubbles, swell looking legs and beside that a lot more soft warm curves that when I get against them, just make me forget all my troubles, and just want to love. Now don't you think it fits you much better than it does her?
I got quite a kick out of "Dirty Gertie" also. There are several more verses but I can't remember the words. I have an idea they have been added to the original and from what I remember, I doubt if they will ever be put in print. Rather dirty.
I guess it really isn't proper army regulations to associate with an officer, but in cases of this kind, nothing is ever said about it. If they did it would be hell to have you an officer. Bet I'd be in the guard house half the time.
I didn't mean to leave you up in the air about the school business, but the whole thing is that way. Nothing is certain, but I doubt very much that I will ever have a chance at it. There is even talk around here that they are going to cut down on the no.of men coming here to school. After this class that I am in they may only have one class a day instead of two. They have already started that in the gunnery and radio schools. That makes it so they already have more instructors than they know what to do with. The staff sgt. we have this week has been here for 3 yrs, and he is worried that he may be sent to some line outfit. He is putting in application for warrant officer.
As for myself, all I know is, I will be sent back to my old outfit and then anything may happen. If the talk of cutting the 8th down about 4000 men and breaking the rest into tank battalions is true, I may end up any place in the U.S. or for that matter, the world. No way to tell except wait and see. If all this is true, and I say if, it begins to look like the army thinks it has enough trained men on hand to finish the job. From all we hear here it looks like things will move pretty fast this winter. It looks mighty good to me over there at the present time. Anything can happen from now on.
Honey. Don't you dare be calling your letters "just notes". I think they are very swell and I love them. If you could see me make a bee line for that mail call you'd know I'm not kidding. I am keeping some of them this time so I can also have a stack of love letters to look at in years to come.
The last line of that letter of mine was an accident. I had it half written before I saw the double meaning, so I just went on and finished it. I thought it was rather good and also very true. It couldn't be anything but hard with you around. It likes you so much it stands up and does tricks for you when I wouldn't think it possible. You got everything it takes to keep us both satisfied. I love you sweetheart and I sure am counting the days.
I found out today you aren't the only one that can get compliments from your picture. Grafton showed me a letter from his wife today and was I surprised. He had sent his wife the same bunch of pictures I sent you. She said the pictures were all good and she liked the one of Grafton and the rest of us by the W.A.C. headquarters sign, best. But she also said and I will quote as nearly as I can remember, "That Effinger sure is a good looking fellow and sounds very interesting. I'd like an introduction if I ever get a chance." So there too. I think that's pretty good, coming from a young woman of 22 to an old geezer like me. She's darn good looking too. Grafton brought the letter over to my room along with his wife's picture. Said he wanted me to read what his wife said about me and also wanted me to see what wanted an introduction. She has brownish red hair, good looking face, and as Grafton says, "big brown eyes". Get what I mean? That's his way of saying, nice bubbles. She is built like a brick shit house, slightly on the heavy side, just like I like 'em. If I wasn't so well satisfied and so much in love, I'm afraid I'd be tempted to stray.
Of course after that I had to tell him about what you said about him and it pleased him a lot. He likes your picture so I guess we're about even there. They all like your pictures but it's something when their wives like mine. I won't forget that right away.
Ernie said his girl thought the picture of the 8th boys would make a good picture of a football team. Tough looking bunch.
Last night Gus and I went to the show. Red Skelton & Elenor Powell in "I Dood It". I don't care much for him but the dancing and musical parts were very good. That gal can sure shake those feet.
We got Torchy just about all back together today. Painting all done, engine running and just a few small jobs left for tomorrow. She nearly got the best of me today. She's an ornery bitch and I'm glad she's only a temporary girlfriend. The engines after being taken out were all out of adjustment and most of that work has to be done with them running. So I spent most all morning twisted up like a pretzel in about 2 cubic feet of empty space in that compartment. To start with, the engines were both too rich and by the time I got that corrected I was pretty well gassed and I had a mean headache for a while, but it didn't last long. Anyhow, she's purring like a kitten now and rarin' to go.
Did I tell you how much I loved you? I still love you more and more all the time honey. I can't find the proper words to tell you how much, but I sure as hell am going to show you soon. You're the sweetest wife and I sure was lucky to get you before you got a chance to look around too much. Night honey. I loves you.
your good looking, interesting husband.
Norm.
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Letter # 96 September 23, 1943
Sept 23, 1943
My sweetheart;
Hello. How's my Chubbins today? Hope you are over your cold by now. I don't know, maybe you've thought of it already, but if I were you, I believe I would get a box of those vitamin pills like we had at the store last winter. I think they did me some good. When you are continually exposed as you will be this winter they are well worth the cost. I didn't have a cold after I started taking them.
So Mickey is in Texas. I've heard some of Camp Barkelay but don't know much. It seems to me it is a specialized camp. The location ought to be fair. Abilene is a fair sized town and from all I have ever heard a nice town, but of course an army camp can change all that in a hurry. I'll try to find out what I can about it. Someone here ought to have been there. I just asked out in the barracks and while none of them were from there, two fellows were from Camp Bowie. That is about 70 miles south east at Brownwood. It isn't a specialized camp. They say the 16th Armored Division is there. I wonder if he is attached to them. His address doesn't indicate it. They say it is hot and dry all summer and rather nice in the winter. Never gets very cold. They say it is a nice place to be. Well I hope he has a good place. At least he has a start on his medical training, even if it isn't veterinary. The training in that branch isn't likely to be as tough as a fighting unit. He has one break at least. In the south for the winter.
I imagine it is about 500 miles west and 150 miles north of Camp Polk. I'll write to him as soon as I can find someone from there and get some dope.
You old devil, you be careful who you get to take care of you. You mentioned Ed Selzer might take care of you if you got too cold. You could do a lot better than that honey. Of course I choose to believe you meant as far as coal was concerned, but you didn't state it very well.
Don't hesitate to use the wood. It should be just the thing for fall days. Use the bigger pieces from that pile out back and there ought to be plenty of heat left for you in the morning. You'll just have to start it every night. I imagine you still have plenty of kindling but if you haven't use the smaller pieces from the front piles. They're dry and should make good kindling.
I got another letter from Marg and as yet she doesn't know if she will be free or not but will wire me if she is coming. She plans to stay Sat night with her friend "Cris" and I will go in Sunday morning and meet her at the bus station.
I told Angie that he had made a hit with the gals back home and they wanted me to bring him home with me. He said he would take the invitation if he could, because he always did like country life and country girls. Didn't care if they were married.
He and Gus and Ernie are about the only ones that didn't get leaves. All three disapproved. So you can tell the girls, no luck, and blame it on the army.
You won't have to follow me around like any little puppy dog. I won't get far enough away from you, so you can follow. Honey you can bet I'll stay plenty close, the closer the better. I love you and I'm going to make an attempt to show you how much, because, after all, 15 days isn't very long and who knows when I'll have another chance. I don't have any plans and don't intend to make any. Just let circumstances take care of that. All I have in mind is a third honeymoon and very few plans necessary for that. I'm going to spend as much time at home alone with you as I decently can. That's both threat and promise.
Chubbins, I'm surprised at you, saying there was a tapering off point on our 2nd honeymoon. You may be right to some extent, but I lay a lot of it to damn hot weather. I know of 3 or 4 times when that stopped me before I really wanted to quit. That shouldn't bother us this time so if there is a tapering off point this time, I won't have any excuse except old age.
We had a rather interesting experience in school this morning. At 8 o'clock they told us that would be out last break until 12, because we were going to be visited by some English officers and soldiers. Kinda made us mad at the time. Have to give up our chance to rest and smoke for 10 minutes every hour for 4 hrs. That makes a soldier mad. Well the first bunch, mostly officers, came through about 10. We had all been told to be on the ball and look like we were working like hell. It looked like it alright. We had just started to paint "Torchy" and most of the other groups had their tanks all torn apart. Looked like a real assembly line. By the time they got there we had "Torchy" about half covered with a new coat of paint and we were all 2/3 covered. They just walked through and paused here and there to look.
About 11 another bunch came along. One captain in charge and the rest were just soldiers like ourselves, Sgts, pvts, etc. They marched in, in formation. Of course we were all watching and trying to appear busy at the same time. When they march they swing their arms far backward and forward. We swing ours 3"inches back and 6" foreword, and when they halt they do a cute little jump step. Funny to watch but looks good. They are dressed in uniforms much the color of our O.D.'s. The trousers have large patch pockets on the front of the legs that come nearly to their knees, and they wear a very short legging, just over the shoe top, the trousers are caught in them. The shirts looked more like a light weight lumberjack with a shirt collar, but were worn inside the trousers. The cap is much the same as ours. They wear chevrons upside down in comparison to ours and they are much larger.
They fell out and scattered around the building and seemed very much interested. One bunch of 5 gathered around our tank. Angie and I were just putting her name back on. Angie was holding the stencil and I was doing the painting. From the way they watched every move we made, it must have been a new operation to them. It was all wet paint. Then they asked a few questions, and honey I'm telling you, I never knew English could be spoken so I couldn't understand it. But that was nearly it. One asked about the armor thickness and Angie says, "Huh?" I happened to catch it and told them a little about the tank. I guess they didn't understand me very well either. Then another asked how many passengers the tank carried. Sgt.Finnegan says, "It doesn't carry any passengers, just the driver, assistant driver, tank commander, and gunner." It was rather funny to us but I guess it wasn't to them. I would have liked a chance to talk to them but no chance. They soon left on their tour of the camp. They are from a crack anti-aircraft battery and are supposed to be here for a rest.
Angie says they are over here to make room for our soldiers over there. After they left we all took a twenty minute break and then cleaned up and it was time to quit.
We now have "Torchy" nearly ready to run again. Still have a little painting inside to do and a few adjustments to make.
All these tanks are painted with white enamel inside and are supposed to be kept spotless. When the hatches are all closed as they would be in battle the white paint reflects the light and makes it a lot easier to see.
Well honey it's chow time so I'll have to quit. Gus and I are planning on a show tonight.
Bye darling, I'll be seeing you in 16 more days.
Your loving hubby
Norm.
My sweetheart;
Hello. How's my Chubbins today? Hope you are over your cold by now. I don't know, maybe you've thought of it already, but if I were you, I believe I would get a box of those vitamin pills like we had at the store last winter. I think they did me some good. When you are continually exposed as you will be this winter they are well worth the cost. I didn't have a cold after I started taking them.
So Mickey is in Texas. I've heard some of Camp Barkelay but don't know much. It seems to me it is a specialized camp. The location ought to be fair. Abilene is a fair sized town and from all I have ever heard a nice town, but of course an army camp can change all that in a hurry. I'll try to find out what I can about it. Someone here ought to have been there. I just asked out in the barracks and while none of them were from there, two fellows were from Camp Bowie. That is about 70 miles south east at Brownwood. It isn't a specialized camp. They say the 16th Armored Division is there. I wonder if he is attached to them. His address doesn't indicate it. They say it is hot and dry all summer and rather nice in the winter. Never gets very cold. They say it is a nice place to be. Well I hope he has a good place. At least he has a start on his medical training, even if it isn't veterinary. The training in that branch isn't likely to be as tough as a fighting unit. He has one break at least. In the south for the winter.
I imagine it is about 500 miles west and 150 miles north of Camp Polk. I'll write to him as soon as I can find someone from there and get some dope.
You old devil, you be careful who you get to take care of you. You mentioned Ed Selzer might take care of you if you got too cold. You could do a lot better than that honey. Of course I choose to believe you meant as far as coal was concerned, but you didn't state it very well.
Don't hesitate to use the wood. It should be just the thing for fall days. Use the bigger pieces from that pile out back and there ought to be plenty of heat left for you in the morning. You'll just have to start it every night. I imagine you still have plenty of kindling but if you haven't use the smaller pieces from the front piles. They're dry and should make good kindling.
I got another letter from Marg and as yet she doesn't know if she will be free or not but will wire me if she is coming. She plans to stay Sat night with her friend "Cris" and I will go in Sunday morning and meet her at the bus station.
I told Angie that he had made a hit with the gals back home and they wanted me to bring him home with me. He said he would take the invitation if he could, because he always did like country life and country girls. Didn't care if they were married.
He and Gus and Ernie are about the only ones that didn't get leaves. All three disapproved. So you can tell the girls, no luck, and blame it on the army.
You won't have to follow me around like any little puppy dog. I won't get far enough away from you, so you can follow. Honey you can bet I'll stay plenty close, the closer the better. I love you and I'm going to make an attempt to show you how much, because, after all, 15 days isn't very long and who knows when I'll have another chance. I don't have any plans and don't intend to make any. Just let circumstances take care of that. All I have in mind is a third honeymoon and very few plans necessary for that. I'm going to spend as much time at home alone with you as I decently can. That's both threat and promise.
Chubbins, I'm surprised at you, saying there was a tapering off point on our 2nd honeymoon. You may be right to some extent, but I lay a lot of it to damn hot weather. I know of 3 or 4 times when that stopped me before I really wanted to quit. That shouldn't bother us this time so if there is a tapering off point this time, I won't have any excuse except old age.
We had a rather interesting experience in school this morning. At 8 o'clock they told us that would be out last break until 12, because we were going to be visited by some English officers and soldiers. Kinda made us mad at the time. Have to give up our chance to rest and smoke for 10 minutes every hour for 4 hrs. That makes a soldier mad. Well the first bunch, mostly officers, came through about 10. We had all been told to be on the ball and look like we were working like hell. It looked like it alright. We had just started to paint "Torchy" and most of the other groups had their tanks all torn apart. Looked like a real assembly line. By the time they got there we had "Torchy" about half covered with a new coat of paint and we were all 2/3 covered. They just walked through and paused here and there to look.
About 11 another bunch came along. One captain in charge and the rest were just soldiers like ourselves, Sgts, pvts, etc. They marched in, in formation. Of course we were all watching and trying to appear busy at the same time. When they march they swing their arms far backward and forward. We swing ours 3"inches back and 6" foreword, and when they halt they do a cute little jump step. Funny to watch but looks good. They are dressed in uniforms much the color of our O.D.'s. The trousers have large patch pockets on the front of the legs that come nearly to their knees, and they wear a very short legging, just over the shoe top, the trousers are caught in them. The shirts looked more like a light weight lumberjack with a shirt collar, but were worn inside the trousers. The cap is much the same as ours. They wear chevrons upside down in comparison to ours and they are much larger.
They fell out and scattered around the building and seemed very much interested. One bunch of 5 gathered around our tank. Angie and I were just putting her name back on. Angie was holding the stencil and I was doing the painting. From the way they watched every move we made, it must have been a new operation to them. It was all wet paint. Then they asked a few questions, and honey I'm telling you, I never knew English could be spoken so I couldn't understand it. But that was nearly it. One asked about the armor thickness and Angie says, "Huh?" I happened to catch it and told them a little about the tank. I guess they didn't understand me very well either. Then another asked how many passengers the tank carried. Sgt.Finnegan says, "It doesn't carry any passengers, just the driver, assistant driver, tank commander, and gunner." It was rather funny to us but I guess it wasn't to them. I would have liked a chance to talk to them but no chance. They soon left on their tour of the camp. They are from a crack anti-aircraft battery and are supposed to be here for a rest.
Angie says they are over here to make room for our soldiers over there. After they left we all took a twenty minute break and then cleaned up and it was time to quit.
We now have "Torchy" nearly ready to run again. Still have a little painting inside to do and a few adjustments to make.
All these tanks are painted with white enamel inside and are supposed to be kept spotless. When the hatches are all closed as they would be in battle the white paint reflects the light and makes it a lot easier to see.
Well honey it's chow time so I'll have to quit. Gus and I are planning on a show tonight.
Bye darling, I'll be seeing you in 16 more days.
Your loving hubby
Norm.
Letter # 95 September 22, 1943
Sept. 22, 1943
Wed. aft. 1500
My darling wife;
I don't quite know how it happened but I got your Sunday letter last eve and your nice long Sat. letter this noon. You really must have worked on that one. 5 whole pages. I'll have to call that one a short novel or something. I got it after chow and it took me so long to read it I was almost late for Peter T.I. [short arm inspection to you]. I sure do like them, I'm talking about the letters again, but don't use all your spare time writing. I know it must have kept you from a very nice nap.
You're a sweet old devil and I love you even if you do make more fuss over Angie than you do over me. As long as you only make the fuss over them and save the rest for me I'm satisfied.
So the boys at the P.O. think I'm writing too many letters. If they would take a real good look at what I'm writing to, they would wonder why I didn't write more. You can tell them I'll give them a rest in a couple weeks and after that maybe they will have me back to work and I won't have time to write every day. I'm just taking advantage of it while I can. Can't let you forget me especially now when it's only a couple weeks until I expect to be with you for a while. Gotta have you all primed, so I won't have to waste any time priming after I get there. Want you just like you were down here. From all indications I will be all ready. I dreamed about you again last night, and although all I could remember of it was that I discovered after I was home that I had forgotten my furlough papers and had to come back after them. There must have been more because I sure had a mess. Had to get up and change underwear. Must have been loving you for quite a while.
By the time 17 more days roll around I should be in good shape, if that is any indication. We like you honey. You bother us even when you're 350 miles away. You're quite a girl.
Glad Harold got the razor fixed. I was just a little afraid they might not be repairing them anymore. I'll see him about the cost when I get home. It wouldn't be more than $1.50 or $2.00.
You can tell the girls that it's O.K. that they are married because Angie is too. I didn't know that until just recently. He doesn't exactly act married.
Schindler is single and his hair is somewhat curly. He comes from St. Louis.
So you think you might be a 150 pound glamor girl soon? Don't let it get that bad honey. While you would be a swell looking person if you were, I like you just the way you are and I know the only way you would get that light would be from too much work or worry or not enough to eat. So don't do it.
I'm afraid my new girlfriend "Torchy" will spoil those nice soft hands of mine. Grease and wrenches for the rest of the time I'm here. Nevertheless I'll still use my hands on you whether they be soft or hard, and you better like it too.
It will be swell if Gus can come and get me, and as far as me not being home so soon if we stay over till Sunday, what the hell do I care about that as long as I have you? In fact, that way we would probably be able to start that 3rd honeymoon several hours quicker.
It would be too much to drive down and back without rest. We can see the Wilkersons again too. If you really decide to come down, you had better drop her a line, so we'll have a place to stay. I didn't say sleep.
Well honey I guess that about covers your letter.
We all took our bedding out for an airing this afternoon and some Son-of-a-bitch stole one of my blankets. I reported it as soon as I knew, but if it doesn't show up I suppose the army will try to charge me for it. I'm going to have my say first though. They are supposed to have guards on duty all the time the beds are out.
I was on detail again this afternoon. It was about as usual only we were done at 3 instead of 4. We only worked about 1/2 hr. As I said before we had a Peter T.I. right after chow. Didn't say I had caught anything yet. All these girls I've been out with must be O.K.
Today we started putting "Torchy" together again and have gotten most of her insides back already. I guess tomorrow we will give her a new dress of O.D. paint and then she will begin to look better. She sure is a tough baby to work on though. I'll be a contortionist when I get through. Every square inch is used for something.
Night sweetheart. I'll try not to dream quite so hard about you tonight. Not much fun and beside that I want to save it all for you in person. I love you Chubbins. Boy only 17 more days.
your dreaming husband.
Norm.
Wed. aft. 1500
My darling wife;
I don't quite know how it happened but I got your Sunday letter last eve and your nice long Sat. letter this noon. You really must have worked on that one. 5 whole pages. I'll have to call that one a short novel or something. I got it after chow and it took me so long to read it I was almost late for Peter T.I. [short arm inspection to you]. I sure do like them, I'm talking about the letters again, but don't use all your spare time writing. I know it must have kept you from a very nice nap.
You're a sweet old devil and I love you even if you do make more fuss over Angie than you do over me. As long as you only make the fuss over them and save the rest for me I'm satisfied.
So the boys at the P.O. think I'm writing too many letters. If they would take a real good look at what I'm writing to, they would wonder why I didn't write more. You can tell them I'll give them a rest in a couple weeks and after that maybe they will have me back to work and I won't have time to write every day. I'm just taking advantage of it while I can. Can't let you forget me especially now when it's only a couple weeks until I expect to be with you for a while. Gotta have you all primed, so I won't have to waste any time priming after I get there. Want you just like you were down here. From all indications I will be all ready. I dreamed about you again last night, and although all I could remember of it was that I discovered after I was home that I had forgotten my furlough papers and had to come back after them. There must have been more because I sure had a mess. Had to get up and change underwear. Must have been loving you for quite a while.
By the time 17 more days roll around I should be in good shape, if that is any indication. We like you honey. You bother us even when you're 350 miles away. You're quite a girl.
Glad Harold got the razor fixed. I was just a little afraid they might not be repairing them anymore. I'll see him about the cost when I get home. It wouldn't be more than $1.50 or $2.00.
You can tell the girls that it's O.K. that they are married because Angie is too. I didn't know that until just recently. He doesn't exactly act married.
Schindler is single and his hair is somewhat curly. He comes from St. Louis.
So you think you might be a 150 pound glamor girl soon? Don't let it get that bad honey. While you would be a swell looking person if you were, I like you just the way you are and I know the only way you would get that light would be from too much work or worry or not enough to eat. So don't do it.
I'm afraid my new girlfriend "Torchy" will spoil those nice soft hands of mine. Grease and wrenches for the rest of the time I'm here. Nevertheless I'll still use my hands on you whether they be soft or hard, and you better like it too.
It will be swell if Gus can come and get me, and as far as me not being home so soon if we stay over till Sunday, what the hell do I care about that as long as I have you? In fact, that way we would probably be able to start that 3rd honeymoon several hours quicker.
It would be too much to drive down and back without rest. We can see the Wilkersons again too. If you really decide to come down, you had better drop her a line, so we'll have a place to stay. I didn't say sleep.
Well honey I guess that about covers your letter.
We all took our bedding out for an airing this afternoon and some Son-of-a-bitch stole one of my blankets. I reported it as soon as I knew, but if it doesn't show up I suppose the army will try to charge me for it. I'm going to have my say first though. They are supposed to have guards on duty all the time the beds are out.
I was on detail again this afternoon. It was about as usual only we were done at 3 instead of 4. We only worked about 1/2 hr. As I said before we had a Peter T.I. right after chow. Didn't say I had caught anything yet. All these girls I've been out with must be O.K.
Today we started putting "Torchy" together again and have gotten most of her insides back already. I guess tomorrow we will give her a new dress of O.D. paint and then she will begin to look better. She sure is a tough baby to work on though. I'll be a contortionist when I get through. Every square inch is used for something.
Night sweetheart. I'll try not to dream quite so hard about you tonight. Not much fun and beside that I want to save it all for you in person. I love you Chubbins. Boy only 17 more days.
your dreaming husband.
Norm.
Letter # 94 September 21, 1943
Sept 21, 1943
My own Chubbins;
Hello gorgeous;
I'm still counting the days and if I can still count it is only 18 more days until that day. Boy oh Boy! It's in the 'teens now honey so, as you say, it can't be so very long anymore. The days seem to fly past and yet the 9th of October seems to be quite a way off. I'm just too anxious to start that third honeymoon I guess. Can't blame me can you, after the way this second one turned out. I still can't get over it honey. Best time I ever had. I think you rather enjoyed it too.
So Art and Jr. enjoyed the trouble shooting letter. I'm surprised I wrote enough that wasn't rather personal, so you could read it to them.
Glad you liked the pictures. I'll try to get some more to bring home with me. I'd like to get some the week we are in the field with the tanks. I don't know if they will allow it or not, but I'll see.
Mick must be having himself quite a train ride. If I remember correctly it was only 5 days from the time I left Columbus until you had the letter I wrote on the train. I rather expected from the way Louise talked that she would follow Mickey if it was at all possible. It may be rather foolish. It all depends on where he is and what outfit he is in. There are lots of camps like this one where wives can find good accommodations and work. Mickey will probably be guaranteed to camp for the first 4weeks, but in lots of camps, after that the rookies are allowed to have night passes at any time they aren't on duty. If he happened to get into an outfit like that, it wouldn't be so bad. She really doesn't have so much as you do to hold her at home. I would advise her to wait until Mick has been located a month or so and has a chance to find out what is what. I hope it does work out that way for them. It's no fun being separated and no one knows it any better than we do. I'd gladly give you the encouragement if I thought it best, but in the outfit I'm in and the place we were in it was definitely out. If I was to be here at Knox for an indefinite time, I think I would probably encourage you a little. I might even ask you to come stay with me. In fact, if you didn't come then I'm afraid I'd beg you to come. It sure was a lot nicer for me. It almost made me forget I was in the army. Just about like having a civilian job that took me away for a couple days at a time.
You seem to be rather necessary for me to be completely satisfied with life anymore. You're a swell old devil and I love you.
Just got back from chow and I'm actually stuffed. Had cauliflower, new potatoes, real good sausage, and sliced peaches, and raisin bread. It tasted so good that Gus and I went around for the second time. Getting to be a regular chow-hound. Boy will I go for my sweeties' cooking when I get home. Seems to me I have a shortcake coming. Maybe a cake or a pie also, if I can leave her alone long enough to bake them. Just have to wait and see if my appetite for something to eat or something to love is strongest.
Well honey, today we started to tear old "Torchy" apart. Got her nearly stripped naked. She isn't even very exciting in that condition but she sure is built to stand a lot of wear and tear. All her curves and corners are hard as hell. I've got some bumps on my head and shins to prove it, and she doesn't respond worth a damn. She really is cold potatoes. Well anyhow we took off her "bustle", removed one of her engines, and generally disarranged her insides. She's a good patient, never says a word or moves a bit. If we get her back together, I guess she'll be good as new.
A couple of the boys just came in to play a trick on Gus. They knew he was out. They unhooked all the springs on one end of his cot and then tied it back up with string. The bedding can then be put back on and it will hold until a man's weight hits the bed, and then go through. It's a good trick and I've seen it done before. This time Gus caught them before they were quite done, so they had to put it back together. Gus says I'm a hell of a guy to sit there and let them do that to him. I told him I thought it would have been fun to see him go through his bed.
Night sweetheart, I'm loving you and counting the days.
Your lover husband.
Norm.
My own Chubbins;
Hello gorgeous;
I'm still counting the days and if I can still count it is only 18 more days until that day. Boy oh Boy! It's in the 'teens now honey so, as you say, it can't be so very long anymore. The days seem to fly past and yet the 9th of October seems to be quite a way off. I'm just too anxious to start that third honeymoon I guess. Can't blame me can you, after the way this second one turned out. I still can't get over it honey. Best time I ever had. I think you rather enjoyed it too.
So Art and Jr. enjoyed the trouble shooting letter. I'm surprised I wrote enough that wasn't rather personal, so you could read it to them.
Glad you liked the pictures. I'll try to get some more to bring home with me. I'd like to get some the week we are in the field with the tanks. I don't know if they will allow it or not, but I'll see.
Mick must be having himself quite a train ride. If I remember correctly it was only 5 days from the time I left Columbus until you had the letter I wrote on the train. I rather expected from the way Louise talked that she would follow Mickey if it was at all possible. It may be rather foolish. It all depends on where he is and what outfit he is in. There are lots of camps like this one where wives can find good accommodations and work. Mickey will probably be guaranteed to camp for the first 4weeks, but in lots of camps, after that the rookies are allowed to have night passes at any time they aren't on duty. If he happened to get into an outfit like that, it wouldn't be so bad. She really doesn't have so much as you do to hold her at home. I would advise her to wait until Mick has been located a month or so and has a chance to find out what is what. I hope it does work out that way for them. It's no fun being separated and no one knows it any better than we do. I'd gladly give you the encouragement if I thought it best, but in the outfit I'm in and the place we were in it was definitely out. If I was to be here at Knox for an indefinite time, I think I would probably encourage you a little. I might even ask you to come stay with me. In fact, if you didn't come then I'm afraid I'd beg you to come. It sure was a lot nicer for me. It almost made me forget I was in the army. Just about like having a civilian job that took me away for a couple days at a time.
You seem to be rather necessary for me to be completely satisfied with life anymore. You're a swell old devil and I love you.
Just got back from chow and I'm actually stuffed. Had cauliflower, new potatoes, real good sausage, and sliced peaches, and raisin bread. It tasted so good that Gus and I went around for the second time. Getting to be a regular chow-hound. Boy will I go for my sweeties' cooking when I get home. Seems to me I have a shortcake coming. Maybe a cake or a pie also, if I can leave her alone long enough to bake them. Just have to wait and see if my appetite for something to eat or something to love is strongest.
Well honey, today we started to tear old "Torchy" apart. Got her nearly stripped naked. She isn't even very exciting in that condition but she sure is built to stand a lot of wear and tear. All her curves and corners are hard as hell. I've got some bumps on my head and shins to prove it, and she doesn't respond worth a damn. She really is cold potatoes. Well anyhow we took off her "bustle", removed one of her engines, and generally disarranged her insides. She's a good patient, never says a word or moves a bit. If we get her back together, I guess she'll be good as new.
A couple of the boys just came in to play a trick on Gus. They knew he was out. They unhooked all the springs on one end of his cot and then tied it back up with string. The bedding can then be put back on and it will hold until a man's weight hits the bed, and then go through. It's a good trick and I've seen it done before. This time Gus caught them before they were quite done, so they had to put it back together. Gus says I'm a hell of a guy to sit there and let them do that to him. I told him I thought it would have been fun to see him go through his bed.
Night sweetheart, I'm loving you and counting the days.
Your lover husband.
Norm.
Monday, September 27, 2010
Letter # 93 September 20, 1943
Sept 20, 1943
Dear Chubbins;
You can bet I was there on time for mail call today. Got two nice letters from you too. Kinda nice to have two to read all at once, but I don't think I will make it a habit to miss a day just so I can have two the next. Not much percentage in that.
Once in a while I run out of writing material and have to have a letter from you to give me something to write about. That's about the case today and yesterday. I had to fall back on fond memories to get the inspiration for a letter. You know honey, in some ways this army is rather a good thing. It gives me time to think. It took me nearly all afternoon to write that letter yesterday. I would write a few lines and then sit looking out the window daydreaming. Gus yelled at me several times and asked me what the hell was the matter with me. I told him I was just thinking of the old days. It's the truth, honey, so help me. While I was courting you and while we were together after we were married, I was always so busy, I just never took time to think about things that were happening to me and us. Now I have lots of time and as I look back and remember little forgotten incidents, they all fall together like a jigsaw puzzle and form a definite pattern and the predominating thing in the pattern seems to be LOVE. Probably we never realize just what all the small incidents mean until after they have happened and we see them in a group in our minds. I know damn well I had never taken the time to put them all together and see what they looked like. Since I've been in the army I've spent a lot of time doing just that and it sure is surprising. I can begin to understand now, how you made me love you so completely without me knowing it. As long as I was with you I was so satisfied inside I just took things as they came and never stopped to analyze them. I had to leave you and miss you like hell and then have time to think, before things showed up in their true value to me.
This is probably old stuff to you, because I think all this had occurred to you long ago, but as I wake up I just have to tell you. I'm dumb honey, but give me time and have patience and I'll be all right. I have a fairly good memory, especially of the things about us and someday I'll get them all in their proper place and then maybe I'll be as good a husband as you so nicely say I am now. I mean all this too honey, I'm not just writing to fill up space.
Every time I start gathering up the happenings of the past 7 years, I find out so many things I never realized. I just have to give you an idea of what it's doing to me.
You're a swell wife to wait so long for me to really wake up. It's no wonder I love you so much. You're a peach, darling, beside being good for me. You're so many other things too, sweet and thoughtful, understanding, intelligent, good looking, face and figure both. Don't laugh at that. I know that as a bathing beauty you wouldn't go too far, but to me it's perfect, just what I like. As you said of me, I say of you. I love every inch and pound of you and always want you just as you are.
So there too. Do you still like love letters, honey? If so maybe I'll get around to writing a good one some day, after I've had enough practice. Just give me time.
I'm glad you like the little pin. It's the only thing I've seen that even came close to what I thought you would want. I like to get things for you, but I never know what to get. You're a very satisfactory person to buy for because you always seem to get such a kick out of any little thing.
As for the nick names or rather pet names, I don't care much what you call me, even bitch-bastard, just so long as you still have that certain light in your eyes. That's what I like to see.
From the score of the football game it sounds like Medina might have the makings of a team there. I hope they do a good job the night I'm there to see them play.
Glad to hear school teaching has some days that aren't too bad. Can't have you wearing yourself down too much, honey. I like you just as you are.
We started another week of school today and it looks like the study part is over. From here on out it will be mostly actual work and we will have the same tank and same instructor for the rest of the time. They assigned us to groups of 5 and each group has a tank that they will keep until graduation day. For the first time Ernie and I are in different bunches. My group is Sgt Finnegan, Pfc. Ercanbrack, Pfc. Fenstermacher, Angie and I. We have a staff sgt. for instructor. Today we gave the tank a good wash job and checked it all over. For the rest of the week we will work on the engines, completely taking them out of the tank and overhauling them and putting them back in. We are also going to give it a new paint job.
Next week we will dismantle the entire power train and tracks and do any necessary repair work. The third week we take it to the field and try to wreck it. If we have done our work well the first two weeks we won't have so much to do the last. Sounds rather interesting. It sure feels good to go back to work again and get a little dirty again.
This morning sure went fast, didn't even take time to get hungry. Our tank is named "Torch" so I am inclined to think of her as a redheaded girl. I imagine she will be about as temperamental as a redhead. Anyhow, I've got to have a girlfriend of some kind. She's not very nice to look at and she's rather larger, 16 ton to be exact, and she sure doesn't have any nice soft places or curves, but for the next three weeks I'll do my part to take care of her. She'll do until Oct 9th when I hope to have a real girl again, and a hell of a nice one at that.
It would be swell if Gus & Vi did come to get me and you came along. That way I would get to see you several hours longer and, honey, I want all the hours I can get with you.
We had another of our tough afternoons. It rained so we had a talk by the Captain and some war news by a Lt. and a lecture on military courtesy. I'm damn near worn out and I still have to do my S's so I'm going to quit for tonight. They sure are rough on us up here. I don't see how I stand it.
Well night Chubbins darling. It's only about 19 more days and I won't have to say night by pen. I'll be where I can get hold of you and say it the way I want to. I'll let you guess how I want to say it. I love you darling and I'm as impatient as hell.
your awakened lover
Norm.
Dear Chubbins;
You can bet I was there on time for mail call today. Got two nice letters from you too. Kinda nice to have two to read all at once, but I don't think I will make it a habit to miss a day just so I can have two the next. Not much percentage in that.
Once in a while I run out of writing material and have to have a letter from you to give me something to write about. That's about the case today and yesterday. I had to fall back on fond memories to get the inspiration for a letter. You know honey, in some ways this army is rather a good thing. It gives me time to think. It took me nearly all afternoon to write that letter yesterday. I would write a few lines and then sit looking out the window daydreaming. Gus yelled at me several times and asked me what the hell was the matter with me. I told him I was just thinking of the old days. It's the truth, honey, so help me. While I was courting you and while we were together after we were married, I was always so busy, I just never took time to think about things that were happening to me and us. Now I have lots of time and as I look back and remember little forgotten incidents, they all fall together like a jigsaw puzzle and form a definite pattern and the predominating thing in the pattern seems to be LOVE. Probably we never realize just what all the small incidents mean until after they have happened and we see them in a group in our minds. I know damn well I had never taken the time to put them all together and see what they looked like. Since I've been in the army I've spent a lot of time doing just that and it sure is surprising. I can begin to understand now, how you made me love you so completely without me knowing it. As long as I was with you I was so satisfied inside I just took things as they came and never stopped to analyze them. I had to leave you and miss you like hell and then have time to think, before things showed up in their true value to me.
This is probably old stuff to you, because I think all this had occurred to you long ago, but as I wake up I just have to tell you. I'm dumb honey, but give me time and have patience and I'll be all right. I have a fairly good memory, especially of the things about us and someday I'll get them all in their proper place and then maybe I'll be as good a husband as you so nicely say I am now. I mean all this too honey, I'm not just writing to fill up space.
Every time I start gathering up the happenings of the past 7 years, I find out so many things I never realized. I just have to give you an idea of what it's doing to me.
You're a swell wife to wait so long for me to really wake up. It's no wonder I love you so much. You're a peach, darling, beside being good for me. You're so many other things too, sweet and thoughtful, understanding, intelligent, good looking, face and figure both. Don't laugh at that. I know that as a bathing beauty you wouldn't go too far, but to me it's perfect, just what I like. As you said of me, I say of you. I love every inch and pound of you and always want you just as you are.
So there too. Do you still like love letters, honey? If so maybe I'll get around to writing a good one some day, after I've had enough practice. Just give me time.
I'm glad you like the little pin. It's the only thing I've seen that even came close to what I thought you would want. I like to get things for you, but I never know what to get. You're a very satisfactory person to buy for because you always seem to get such a kick out of any little thing.
As for the nick names or rather pet names, I don't care much what you call me, even bitch-bastard, just so long as you still have that certain light in your eyes. That's what I like to see.
From the score of the football game it sounds like Medina might have the makings of a team there. I hope they do a good job the night I'm there to see them play.
Glad to hear school teaching has some days that aren't too bad. Can't have you wearing yourself down too much, honey. I like you just as you are.
We started another week of school today and it looks like the study part is over. From here on out it will be mostly actual work and we will have the same tank and same instructor for the rest of the time. They assigned us to groups of 5 and each group has a tank that they will keep until graduation day. For the first time Ernie and I are in different bunches. My group is Sgt Finnegan, Pfc. Ercanbrack, Pfc. Fenstermacher, Angie and I. We have a staff sgt. for instructor. Today we gave the tank a good wash job and checked it all over. For the rest of the week we will work on the engines, completely taking them out of the tank and overhauling them and putting them back in. We are also going to give it a new paint job.
Next week we will dismantle the entire power train and tracks and do any necessary repair work. The third week we take it to the field and try to wreck it. If we have done our work well the first two weeks we won't have so much to do the last. Sounds rather interesting. It sure feels good to go back to work again and get a little dirty again.
This morning sure went fast, didn't even take time to get hungry. Our tank is named "Torch" so I am inclined to think of her as a redheaded girl. I imagine she will be about as temperamental as a redhead. Anyhow, I've got to have a girlfriend of some kind. She's not very nice to look at and she's rather larger, 16 ton to be exact, and she sure doesn't have any nice soft places or curves, but for the next three weeks I'll do my part to take care of her. She'll do until Oct 9th when I hope to have a real girl again, and a hell of a nice one at that.
It would be swell if Gus & Vi did come to get me and you came along. That way I would get to see you several hours longer and, honey, I want all the hours I can get with you.
We had another of our tough afternoons. It rained so we had a talk by the Captain and some war news by a Lt. and a lecture on military courtesy. I'm damn near worn out and I still have to do my S's so I'm going to quit for tonight. They sure are rough on us up here. I don't see how I stand it.
Well night Chubbins darling. It's only about 19 more days and I won't have to say night by pen. I'll be where I can get hold of you and say it the way I want to. I'll let you guess how I want to say it. I love you darling and I'm as impatient as hell.
your awakened lover
Norm.
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