ww2letterproject

Bill is given a day pass and spends the evening traveling miles to the nearest bar. He arrives back at camp late and spends time on KP duty.

Abe enlisted in the US Army in 1940. His service started in Ft. Thomas, Kentucky, with the 10th Infantry Regiment of the 5th Division. He later transferred to the 83rd Infantry Division and is currently stationed at Camp Atterbury near Edinburgh, Indiana. At about this time he requests and is granted a transfer to Fort Benning, Georgia to undergo airborne training. He is injured during training and does not complete jump school.  Instead he returns to the Infantry. His wife Velma and their children, Bill and infant Ben, move and briefly stay with Anna and William and the kids.

 

 

 

September 7, 1943 — Camp Van Dorn, MS

Dear Mom:

Well it looks like I’ll get a chance to catch up on my mail for a change. I see I have three from you that must be ans.

We’re resting up for a few days until the 15th and then we move again. And there’s quite a rumor that we’ll be going to P.O.E. How true that is I don’t know, but, we’re eligible for it any time. Us boys in the 395th reg or the 5th combat team have definitely proved to this camp that we are superior to anyone else as a combat team. We’ve never been beaten yet even when fighting against odds. And I mean big odds. Oh yes!

Before I forget about it, remember not to write after the tenth of this month. Because it won’t get here until after we leave. Well it looks like it never will get cool down here. Still its getting so that it rains almost every day. So maybe it’ll cool off. Oh yes! While I think of it, I’m sending Pat a birthday gift so you can buy him a cake. And while you’re at it get something for you & Dad. I’ve got it left over. And I’ve already had my pass 5 hrs long, during which I traveled over 70 miles one way to get a few bottles of beer and a hard drink. I was three hrs. late getting back. Because it took three hrs. to go one way. But still I don’t regret it. I started with 18.60 and I still had 10 left when I came in this morning. Believe me that was the first beer I tasted this month except for a couple of bottles of hot beer that I got at a px one day when it came thru here. I’m sure going to be glad to move for a change. It seems as though I never will cease my running around. Maybe Ardis will see to that end of things later on when I get this job finished. Oh yes! You asked me about those papers that were made out before. I’m not altogether sure about who I did put on that list. But, I’m almost certain that Pat wasn’t put on it I haven’t any way of finding out for sure until my maneuvers is over and completed. I’ll tell you what you may be able to find out from the Draft Board or probably if they can’t tell you they will more than likely know how to find out.

Be careful who reads this

Say mom you mentioned Abe’s wife staying at home. Here’s the way I see the situation. As long as any of the kids are at home, single and unable to take care of themselves or having a run of bad luck, then they’re welcome to all I’ve got,

but, Abe’s making more than I am. And Velma should be able to get along on what he gets. If we had plenty it wouldn’t make any difference, but, this is a difference. They should use that money to live on anyway instead of vacationing on it. Besides Abe’s feathered his nest so let him lay in it. I don’t ever intend living at home when I’m married and so I can’t see others doing it. In the first place thats no way to build a home. But, shucks I guess you know the whole story so there’s no [need] in me rattling on like that. But if they don’t leave in good time, I’ll take it into my own hands to tell them what the score is. I think where my trouble is mom, I’m too much like you. Big hearted enough to give any one the shirt off your back.

Oh Boy! Mail call and here I have a letter from Ruth. She tells me she’s sending a little box. That’s sure swell because I can certainly use a little something.

Well such is life. It’s been three hrs since I wrote that last paragraph. The reason I just finished a hitch on KP. And I’ll be on again tomorrow. I don’t know how much longer. That of course is for being AWOL for three hours this morning. Say mom you mentioned getting some late friers. Do that and if you need some extra money why maybe I can rake up a little. Say that reminds me try to hang onto that stock and I’ll help you.

And what ever you do keep that cow. With the family we have at home we really need a cow. And anyway some day maybe in the near future I want to drop around and try my hand at milking a cow. God knows I sure like fresh milk, butter and cottage cheese and butter milk. And we sure play the devil getting any here. Say I sure hope the kids do get some sort of place to buy. It’ll be one the best investments they’ll ever make. That would really be swell.

I hope the kids had a swell time at the fair. I wish I could have been there to go with them. Well its getting dark mom and I’ll have to hurry if I’m going to scribble any more letters. I only have 10 or 11 to ans. yet.

Well Bye now

Bill

PS: Give my regards to grandpa and say hello to Cliff for me.

September 10, 1943 — Camp Van Dorn, MS