Dear Mom,

Well, I've finally put in my first day in the Army. I suppose you'll get my postcard first, and all the preliminaries are noted there. nothing much happened after that. What we were waiting for in the recreation tent (read postcard), was to be assigned to a tent for the duration of our stay here. We have a regular tent city here, mud & all. I've been assigned to the 5th Receiving Company (all the boys call it the Frozen 5th; it's cold) here at this meat mill. That's all it is: a meat mill. The first thing you notice when you land here is that everybody is waiting to pull out to permanent camps. And that's the way you feel when you've been here a day. But let's not get off on the wrong track. From here, the Army in general looks good, and the eats are swell and plenty of 'em too (we had ice cream tonite). But between waiting for things to do, and taking a lot of guff from buck privates who've been here only 2 or 3 weeks, it's a crying shame. The whole trouble is there's too damn many jerks running around in circles. Tomorrow I'm due for processing (medical, intellectual & mechanical aptitude tests, & maybe classification), and there's a slight chance that I may get my GI issue.

At any rate, from what I've heard, I'll probably be here for anywhere from 3 to 6 or 8 days. Some fellows stay 20, 40 or 60 days. Tell Dot there's a lot of WAAC's here. Take a chance on writing. The address is on the envelope, and I may get the letter, altho I'm not sure. Boys I bun with are reg'lar fellows. Can't telephone, caused we're restricted to area. More later.

Dear Mom: Was about a 2 hr. trip coming out. And about a 40 min. ride on the bus. There's about 20 of us fellows here. First thing we did was eat. Roast beef, potatoes, cabbage, applesauce, bread, gravy, and sugarless coffee. At chow time I met Gil Eaton, From St. Francis, & Mike Burns, St. John's b, both former Michaelmen. After chow we got some tags & went for a short med. inspection. The real thing comes later. Right now we're biding our time in a long tent here, reading, drinking coke, and taking life easy. It's only 2:15 so I don't know what's in store for us. Guess we'll get our GI issue in about 3 days. No address yet. Let you know more later. Can't telephone.

Ash Wednesday, 10:15 PM, Camp Upton, L.I.

Dear Everybody,

By now I suppose you are all wondering what in hades happened to me after I sent that short postcard note. Please rest assured that I am very much alive, and still kicking. As you will note, I wrote a previous letter. That was last nite, Tues. But I did not get a chance to mail it. Then this morning we were rousted out of our tents at 5:30 and the next time I laid eyes on my tent, and my featherbed bunk with its Simmons mattress was exactly 15 ½ hrs later, at 9:30 tonite.

When we lined up in the company street at 5:45 this morn, I forgot to bring along the letter I wrote last nite. But I'll try to enlighten you as to my whereabouts and actions subsequent to this error. After a ½ hr stand in the company street, we marched a quarter mile to chow. Breakfast was good. After the morning repast our motherly 7-day generals (who are really only 7-day old buck privates) marched us in company to the latrine. It seems that one never goes to the latrine unless marched there by the generals. And then it's too damn bad if you're not in the mood for a bowel movement. Because later you're too busy to go to the willie by yourself. Busy doing what?? Why waiting, of course. Waiting, waiting, waiting. That's all we seem to do out here. But, at any rate, after latrine we went for our mental or I.Q. test. I think I did pretty well on this, or at least I hope so. After the I.Q., it was back to the latrine for us. And after that came lunch, which was also good (ham, 4 vegs., ice cream, apricots, bread, grapefruit, and coffee.) After lunch came latrine again. And then an hour and a half of waiting for the medical exam, which I passed with flying colors. The med. took about 2½ or 3 hours. After the medical, latrine, and then supper which was very good (Liver, potatoes, parsnips, carrots, tossed salad, bread pudding, coffee,bread and ice cream). Latrine right after supper. Oh! By the way, I put the money belt on loosely in the morning, and after every meal the damn thing felt like a girdle. Oh well, I should live so!!

Then we marched back to barracks, but before I could get to my tent, I, and 13 other fellows were told to report to the dispensary. We were more or less resigned to this after running around naked all afternoon during the med. We got to the dispensary at 6:30. And, believe it or not, spent 2 hours and 45 minutes getting the wax removed from our ears. Wait! Wait! wait!! 14 fellows. At 9:15 it was all over, so I came back to my tent, went to the latrine, then washed, shaved and brushed my teeth (all of which must  be done at night: orders.)

Tomorrow is going to be my big day. 3 injections (I took my blood test today [RESULT: NEGATIVE]), one of which i for tetanus. The boys call this "the hook." The injection is intramuscular, with a curved needle 2 in. long. The RESULT: one fellow in my tent who had his shots today can't raise his right arm above the shoulder. Oh, well.!! [Just started to rain]

After my shots I'm to get my G.I. issue. Then to the Mickey Mouse movies, next to the classification office, and then to wait for shipping orders, which may come an hour later, but will probably take about 3 or 4 days, with K.P. in the meantime. So wish me luck.

You can try writing to me via the address on the envelope. I may get it but probably won't.
NOTE: the old timers here tell me if I like the food they serve at Upton I won't have any trouble with Army food hereafter.

Well, here I have run plumb out of news. So I'll sign off. I'll try to write soon, when I get the chance.

Love, and As ever, Frank

Thurs, 9:45P.M.

Camp Upton.

Dear Mom:

Well, I hope that by now you've gotten the letters I sent yesterday. I went down to telephone you tonite, but there was about 100 other soldiers ahead of me, and it would have taken me an hour to put the call thru. Meantime, I was due back at quarters to pick up some trousers I had to have altered. So consequently I'm writing this note while waiting for the pants.

Everything went well today. I saw the Mickey Mouse Movies, was classified (don't know in what, but think it may be in the Signal Corps for photography or electricity), got my G.I. issue, which looks swell, and then took out $10,000 insurance and War Bonds (6.50 & 6.25 per. mo. respectively), and finally got my injections. They weren't bad, and I hardly felt them. But there is the natural consequence of a sore arm now; I had a slight headache but got rid of it.

You'd be surprised at how different we soldiers look and feel in uniform. Now that we're outfitted, we have only to do K.P. or special detail, and wait for our shipping orders. I hope they come thru soon.

The food continues to be good; and there's a helluva lot of it. I feel like a bloated pig after every meal. So I ought to put on some weight here in the army. So far, everythings going swell; I feel fine, and like being a soldier. I only hope I don't lose this feeling.

Gee, you should see my shoes (2 pr., size 9½); they're like canal boats with oars. And we've got "long John's," commonly called long underwear. Then there's leggings and 2 fatigue suits, and 4 hats & a plastic helmet; also a swell overcoat, a blouse, 2 summer tans (shirt, cap & trousers), 2 wool trousers, summer underwear, handkerchiefs, gloves, ties, socks, mess kit & canteen, comb, toothbrush and shaving kit, field jacket and an olive drab raincoat. By the way, the boys out here don't call it olive-drab; they name it "diarrhea brown."

When I got to the bottom of the first page, I was interrupted. It's now 11:15. So I guess I'll get to bed. They'll probably roll me out at 3:00 AM for about 17 or 19 hours of K.P.

Be good & keep smiling

As ever, Frank

P.S. When I get to my permanent camp I'm going to need that collapsible hanger we have, & my Vaseline Hair Tonic.
Frank

The KP stint was murder! You probably didn't get it, buy my stint was 16.5 hours long, standing all the time! Army life OK so far. But we have to take so damn much sit from shit-heeling "7-day general" privates! Finished processing: medical, records, insurance, GI issue, classification and shots. Draftee's shipped out quickly, but we ERC's have to wait.  May go to Signal Corps for photography or electricity. Met Mike Burns & Harry Staley.

Aboard Train, Enroute to Gok Knows Where

Tues, 9:45 PM

 March 16 -/43 [ in pencil, Gen's handwriting?]

Dear Mom,

Well, I'm on my way at last!! I phoned you last night, as you know; this morn we were awakened at two A.M. and told we were going to be shipped. At 5:00 A.M. we were rolled out and packed our barracks bags. But we traipsed around in the rain all day, and only boarded the train at Upton at 6:15 P.M. Penn Station was reached at 9 o'clock, and we pulled out of there at 9:25 P.M. Seems strange, my leaving just a day ahead of Dot. We don't know where we're going, but one of the fellows heard a Louie being told that the dining car would be on as far as Harrisburg, Pa. So we figure we're going West or South.

Please don't mind the writing but the damn train is swaying so much it's hard to write. We're not permitted to mail these enroute, so I guess I'll finish this letter by telling you where and wehn we arrived at our destination.

I think that hereafter, if I'm shipped any place, I'll just telegraph my address when I reach my destination. So if you receive the telegram (which should arrive before this letter), you'll know where to write. However, if I'm allowed to gelegraphy my arrival before I know my address, I'll just send the name of the city or camp. Then you'll have to wait for an air-mail letter for the address.

[Section crossed out:

 At any rate, when you write, always include my Army Serial Number (A.S.N.) which is 12110488. More later. ]

[Postscript added to crossed-out section:]

P.P.S. don't put in my A.S.N

Later: Well, here we are at last!! At 9:30 A.M. this St. Patrick's Day morn we rolled across the North Carolina Border. And at 2:30 PM this afternoon, 17 hours after leaving New York, we arrived at our destination. It is Camp Croft, South Carolina, 6 miles from Spartansburg. This is where Richie was, but is he here now? if he is, send me his address and I'll look him up.

This is an infantry unit, Mom, and my training, which will take 13 weeks, begins next Monday. It doesn't look easy but please God, we'll all make it. After the training, I don't know what happens. But this is the Army, and you can never tell. If you write to Joe, give him my address.

Im the first part of this letter I mentioned telegraphing. Well, I can't telegraph my arrival here, since the Telegraph office is out of bounds. I'm going to need a few things, Mom, so send me a carton of cigarettes, $5 or $7, some white hankerchiefs and I guess I could use my Vaseline hair tonic.The weather here is inclement, but I understand that that's unusual. Sometimes they don't have rain for 4½ or 5 months. So my hair is bound to get dry and sandy. Say,  Mom, on second thought, hold off on that Vaseline Hair Tonic. I have to get my hair cut, and I guess I won't need the tonic. But say, I can use some wood soled sandals for use in the shower, to prevent getting athlete's foot.

Say, I just got back from from chow (spaghetti & meat balls, boiled carrots, celery, tea with lemon, bread, butter & peanut butter) and GOOD NEWS!!

When I came in here I thought that I was stuck iin the infantry for good. But now I find out that we merely get our basic training (13 wks.) here. Tomorrow we're to be reclassified, and then we find out where we go after we finish our basic training - Signal Corps; Chemical Warfare; Field or Coast Artillery, etc. So I'll let you know how I'm classified. Gosh but I hope it's in something I like.

By the way, right after I came in, I heard a fellow in the latrine say "Well, looks like they've got a good bunch of officers here. Smart fellows" - I may be presuming, but I think he means us college fellows. So maybe some of us will be going to OCS when we finish our basic training.

From 5:30 P.M. Sat to 11:15 P.M. Sunday our time is our own.

Well, Mom, I'm going to close now. I want to go down to the P.X. and then write some letters. So I'll sign off, now. I'll write soon, probably tomorrow night. So be good & remember all your service sones & daughters in your prayers.

Love, as ever

Frank

P.S. I hear we have to hike up to 25 miles. My poor feet!!

Thurs, 3/18/43 12:10 P.M. Camp Croft

Dear Mom,

I'm getting this letter off just before noon chow call. So before I forget, I want to tell you of some more things I can use. In addition to those mentioned in the letter I wrote yesterday, I can use that Apron kit that Collon gave me, some wood-soled sandals (I think I mentioned them in yesterday's letter), some moleskin for the tender spots on my feet, and 2 white cannon towels. I guess you could throw in some long brown shoelaces, too, and in the top right hand drawer of my dresser, you'll find 2 containers for pencil leads. One is empty; the other isn't. So send the leads along too.

And see if you can send that O.D. shirt along too. (size 14½) I suppose it wouldn't hurt either, if you included The Forty Days of Musa Dagh, which Joe Oussani gave me. I might have a little time to do some reading. I guess that's all I'll need for the present. So take the cost out of my $20.

This morning we rolled out at 6:15 for chow at 6:45. Bacon & eggs, German fried pots., bread, cereal, milk, coffee and peanut butter.

Just got back from noon chow & some drill & then a lecture on orientation & venereal diseases. S'now 2:40 P.M. Gad, but the chow here is good! For dinner we had lamb chops, pork chops, mashed white potatoes & sweet potatoes, creamed carrots, fried onions, soup, bread, butter & jam, and damn good coffee. Compared to Upton, the chow here is heavenly.

This morning we had close order drill & then about an hour of gas mask drill in the barracks. The gas masks are issued to us, and you should ssee how we look in them. You can't even recognize your best friend. Next week we get a tryout on real gas.

We haven't been reclassified yet, and probably won't for a while. There is a possibility that I may be assigned to infantry after all. But, even so, it will probably be good news to me. For I'm beginning to like it fine here. Now I can understand why Joe was so anxious tog et back to camp when he was home on a furlough. No foolin', we're assigned to the best company in the best, or at least one of the best, battallion down here. We have a damn fine reputation to uphold, and after only a half-day of close order drill our non-coms are strutting around like roosters, they're so damn proud of our marching ability. I hope we can do as well in the future as we are doing now. Right now I'm in barracks on a short break,  or period of free time, as they call it. But since we may be called out at any time, I'll sign off now in preparation. I'll write soon again, whenever I get a chance. S'long for a while, and chins up!

Love, as ever, Frank

Close order drill, then classification cards rechecked. I may go into photographic section of Signal Corps, or (less likely) ski troops. Please include pencil flashlight in package. Haircut yesterday: 1/4 inch on top. You wouldn't recognize me.

Waiting to go to mass in a theater. Raining buckets; have only seen sun once in 5 days. We're all coughing our lungs out; it's from sleeping in those cold tents in Camp Upton. Basic begins tomorrow; it'll make us or break us. Had another shot for typhoid yesterday; could hardly sleep on my side. Harmonica duet in barracks: Back in the Saddle again. Sounds good. Guy next to me is Tex McEnery, aka Red River Dave. Sings hill-billy songs; has recorded for Decca. We'll know the Garand rifle like a book soon. Will also study BAR, 30 cal. machine gun, grenade gun and trench mortars. That will be interesting. Wearing Carmelite scapular; sent one to Joe.

Beautiful service [Mass] in Army Chapel. Wrote to Kampfs. Chow, then 3 hour exam. Not feeling well after shots. Think I did well on test.  Took some aspirin and Cheracol. Don't want to go on sick call. Sending postcards of camp. Rec'd letters from you, Joe and Oussani. No meat rationing in Army. Two service films: Army organization and personal hygiene. Had bayonet practice and hand-to-hand combat training. Several guys got parcels, including tangerines! Please send stamps so I can reply AirMail.

Letters sent to Upton finally arrived. Faces light up when mail call comes. Folks at home should see those faces when they receive no mail. Dot should be settled into WAAC by now. About 100 miles from Columbia Air Base; maybe Joe and I will get together. Got my rifle; trained on assembling and disassembling it. It's sure one swell hunk of a gun. Our soldiers are armed with the very best rifle in the world. Had bayonet practice. The Army that will win this war is the one whose men look forward with eagerness to engaging the enemy in had-to-hand combat with the bayonet. Got some cough medicine; hope I lose this cough soon. Two fellows came down with measles; we may be quarantined. Have written to Gert & Charlie, Gladys & Bill, Tommy & Kate. Got a card from Margaret K which I'll answer soon. Give my regards to poor Stupe. Who is "Murphy and the other fellow" that you mentioned?

Pvt Francis J. Shields 12110488

Co. A. 37th Infantry Training Battalion

Camp Croft, S.C.

Glad to hear about Dot; I think she's going to like Army life. Am eagerly awaiting your package. Laundry problem still not straightened out. Still have a cough; medicine did nothing. Letters from Fel, Joe Oussani, Peggy and John Collon.

Your package arrived; gosh what a wealth of stuff! And postage: $1.22! Hit the nail on the head with sandals, flashlight, soap container, bath towels and handkerchiefs! Never expected the rest: candy, peanuts, toffee, cookies, cheese  & crackers, pickles, olives, dates and potato chips. Gosh, Mom, thanks a lot. Passed around some of the cookies to the barracks. Yesterday, two and a half mile hike with 60 lbs of equipment. Today, 5 miles! Soon, 13 miles. Some foot pain, but otherwise OK. Inspection this PM. Two more shots, one in each arm. Test tomorrow for ASTP; have to get 115 on the test and it's supposed to be a stickler. General announced today that OCS quota for post of 80,000 men is only 36, so chances for that are rather small. Have a fever from shots, along with cough and head cold: don't feel so hot. Swell letter from Mrs. Kampf. Also from Joe, Gene Dembinski and John Acer. Will try to get a bottle of Cheracol; that's the awful-tasting stuff you used to give us, right?

Be flattered - I'm dog tired but I'm staying up to write you a line. Glad you're down south with the rest of the clan. Phoned Gen; she says Joe expects to be going soon. Army life is wearing but fun. School & drill from 6:00 AM till 5:30 PM. Graded tests every Sat. Do your courses include: Military Customs & Courtesy; Wearing of the Uniform; Interior Guard Duty; First Aid; Organization of the Army; Article of War. Here for basic, then either to field or Admin school. Some are retained. Listed my CC work and hope for something allied with personnel. But this is the Army: I'll probably wind up in Cooks & bakers!! Not sure I could handle the responsibility of an officer; OCS sounds tough. We probably took same AGCT; those blocks threw me for a loss; got 128 IQ in NY but don't know what I did here. Getting bored writing the same thing to everyone. Write soon & fire questions. Send me a pic for my folder; I'll return the favor when my uniform is complete.

Finished KP as table waiters; wasn't so bad. Will take your advice about Air-mail [not to bother?]. I now have 20 three-cent stamps; will send them to Dot since she doesn't get free mail privilege. When I read what you said about her letter, my heart sank two feet. How you twist some letters around! I can detect no note of regret in it about being in the Army. If you think she's unhappy, then you must think I am too cause I'm amazed at the close parallel of our routine lives. She's leading the same life I am, and I like it. So you have nothing to fear concerning Dot. You try to hard to read between the lines; don't do it! I'll try to mention which of your letters I've received. Still have the cough; got the Cheracol yesterday morning, but lasted only till tonight. It did loosen the cough; I'll get another one tomorrow night. Sending a letter from John [Collon?]; send it to Dot when you're done. It's one of the wittiest I've ever seen. Dotty K's letter was swell! You speak of writing to Cordie & Peggy & Irene. Here's who I've been trying to write to: the Hills, Gil & Eileen, Alfred Kirwan, Joe Sherman, Ane, Gene D., Collon, John Acer, Aunt Martha, Auntie, Mrs. Kampf, the Kirwans, Joe Starace & Oussani. Dot's right: a soldier has very little time to write.

Forgive the card, but don't have time for a letter. Even though we have off from 5:30 till 10, we still have to eat chow, make our beds, clean our rifles, shower, brush teeth, shave & get dressed in O.D's to go to the PX for soda or beer. So not much time left; can't promise to write a letter to Jack. Kept busy writing letters to Gen, Dot & Joe. But I'm damn glad to get your letters.

My cough doesn't warrant the attention of a Dr.; it's just annoying. Looking forward to the medicine you're sending. Everyone has the same problem with their feet; that's why they gradually increase the hikes. Generally get 8 hours sleep. Not worrying about basic training, OCS, college or anything: won't do me any good 90 years from now. Please don't worry about us; we're healthy and happy. Camp Croft is no dump! We like it here. Enclosing Dot's first letter to me. The socks you sent were cotton instead of light wool. Pretty soon I'll send for some of my shorts and shirts. Payday today, but we didn't get any. Sarge says we may get a partial payment on 10th or 12th. May go to a dance here tonight; there's also a movie at the PX.

Your package arrived; my cough has improved, but glad to see your medicine. Candy and cough drops were welcome too. Letter from Charlie Katz today. Gas mask drill this morning; dry shooting this PM. Were on parade grounds, but sand blew in clouds. Were out five and a half hours; ears were filled with sand when we came in. Went to Bttn dance last night. It was too crowded. Went to PX then to bed. Chores tonight: clean rifle, make bed, shower, wash hair, wash handkerchiefs, socks and underwear. Exposed to various gases yesterday; tear gas made us cry like babies. I'll try to remember Mr. Lovett in my prayers.

Mail service is remarkably rapid. Calc course from UofF was worthwhile. Have re-enrolled for an Integral Calc course. Sent application 5 months ago and just received acknowledgement today. The paper for my last letter was all I could find.  Haven't heard from Fel in 6 months. But my Mom says they enjoy the regimented existence and of Fel's debut as a singer on a stage show. She was a hit: lots of clapping and the roof came down. Literally! Too much snow! Have you decided to marry? I'll be one of your men of honor. Moved from New Guinea after being there only 3 months. The crossing on LST was bad; only half had places to sleep below decks. Slept on deck; managed to find 2 cots and a tarpaulin. This island is considered a combat area, but only Japs are high in hills. Only aircraft are ours. At New Guinea, I had TDY as a typist; it was quite the racket. Had own transportation, could come in at almost any hour. Was offered permanent position, but turned it down: too boring. Here, I've been assigned to Main PX, typing, while other guys are sweating, pushing gas drums all over. Have watched several cock-fights. Not uncommon for 2 or 3 thousand pesos to be bet on a match ($.50/peso), with 100 spectators. Birds are held against each other and if they show agitation, the fight is on. Not very exciting: they scuffle a bit, then retreat; the process continues until one tries to escape from the ring or drops. Occasionally, they both die; the last one standing "wins". It's inhumane, but to a Filipino, probably more civilized than 2 humans beating each other to a pulp.

Stunned by the death of FDR. Puts a wet blanket on our joy so near to VE day. No commercials on radio; musical programs are hymns. Have cried about 6 times this AM. Heard about it from a woman while returning from NYC. Peg heard it from neighbors. They are saying such grand things about him. I'm sure Eleanor is wondering if they're talking about someone else. I think VE will be announced Sunday. Hope Truman will be good; I think so since he's a WW I vet. Steve is speechless. Hope the next letter to you will be people's reaction to VE day.

Russians within 4.5 miles of Berlin! Commentator was advertising Studebakers & mentioned their vehicle is used by SigCorps because of speed. Don't tell me you're touring Europe in a Studebaker! I'll stop my War Bonds!

Just sent you a note hoping you'd make Sgt, and then comes word from Gen that you're now a T/4. Very happy for you; you can now save toward an extra green shutter on that love nest.  Sent Gen a wire for funds; she was afraid to open it since she hadn't heard from you in 3 weeks. But then Peg phoned and told her about the stripes and that you're in Germany. You've been through England, Paris, Belgium and now Germany! Hope you are able to cull something useful out of all you've seen and done. Have to keep a positive attitude; have hit bottom several times and later realized it's a solid grip on "Home" that makes it all worthwhile. We all owe the future to millions like you and Joe. God bless you both; you're my favorite people. Finally get more than a nod from the Sgt I work with; you and he would get along. Thought he was from the south, but he's from Rochester. Spent 2 years in the seminary. Our conversations revolve around religion. He is a member of the Catholic Evidence Guild. He's the most wholesome individual of your sex that I've met these many months. I'd given up hope, but if there's one Jack, there must be more.

Your letter made me feel good, it's so cheerful. Dot and Joe spent a few days here; they both looked fine. Ma Kirwan is fine and getting ready for summer vacation. You would think she's 18 instead of 81 years. Uncle Rob has been trout fishing; got 5 one day, 7 the next between 12" & 14". Alfred, Helen and Bobbie are fine. My garden is coming good now: peas, beans, beets, corn, tomatoes.

Made an allotment which will save me dough on money orders: $35 on the first of the month. Sending to Kezar's in case you don't want it public knowledge. Still seeing Leo & hearing from Ed - keeps my heart & head in a whirl. Have decided to be sensible and wipe him off the "hopeful" list. Leo quite attentive - so much like Johnny [Nelson]. We enjoy ourselves the most when we're visiting at the Sully's. Went last night for dinner; Leo washed the dishes under pressure. Then played "hearts" and had coffee; home 11:30. Not quite sure where the hole affair leaves me. There are times I'm quite fond of him - others when he exasperates me. Feel lost and neglected if he stays away for a few days. Foolish to surmise about a man, but I suspect he likes me a wee bit. Will let things run their course: what will be, will be. Auntie's letters: she not only reads between the lines, she writes her own footnotes. Told her about settling into Daytona, doing social work, being forced to mix socially & professionally. Added that I have an occasional date and so am reaching a stage of development I should have years ago. Auntie's reply guessed that I've found the perfect man, and that it would make her and Unk very happy for their favorite niece. Had to laugh, knowing how sincere she is. Maybe I only THOUGHT I wrote what I did; perhaps I sent her someone else's letter. Why does everyone want to marry me off? I promise not to be a burden in my old age. Billie working night and day; brother Harry in Europe and Jim in school in MD. Dottie Held on a pass to NJ this weekend for her brother's wedding. Her sister-in-law is her former bunkmate; they exchanged brothers as correspondents, although Dottie never wrote. But Marge corresponded with Fritz Held; when they met it was the "real thing". Is your job over for the summer; how is Ma? Auntie said Unk had a "breathless" heart attack; how is he?

You must've heard about Duffy's death: 31 missions, 2nd Lt, only a month before VE day - Rough. Duffy's are fine people, all of them. Problems with U of FL correspondence course: had lost textbook for Integral Calc while at Finschafen. Cost of course covered textbook, so thought they'd send me a new one. Instead, sent $1.60 rebate. Returned the check, explained need for new book; now they bill me for an extra $1.60! Trip to Manila: caught a C-46 going to Luzon; like most fought-over cities, it's a shambles. But hadn't seen a city since Suva, Fiji. It was worth it. Was stationed at 2nd platoon CP in the middle of a desolate waste. Existed on 10-in-1's and rainwater for almost a month. But we were able to rig a shower using "borrowed" equipment and a nearby stream. [Illustration included.] Seems I'm doomed to a life of TDY; this time as radio operator in AA Operation room. As exciting as a week-dead mackerel. My point score is actually 53; we did manage to get a battle star for nothing more than outflanking a heard of caribou.

You're on my mind more than my flow of letters would indicate; lay it to the lassitude induced by the "tropics." 8/14/45: Kept in touch with you thru 7/19 from Mom and for a while thru Peg; haven't written her since my furlough. She sent me copies of your "diary" letters. She must've given up in despair. Last saw her sporting a saber-pin that some affectionate GI sent her from ETO. Exchanged several of your letters verbally; seems you have a lot of champions back here, Sgt! Plans for private meeting with future Mrs S. did not materialize. 8/15/45: Wonderful news last night of the end of WWII!! I've looked forward to it for so long - now it's hard to take in. It would have more meaning if we were all home together to share the news. Strongly suspect you're on your way to Pacific. Makes the waiting easier, knowing that no matter how long it may take to return, the hazard of war itself has been removed. But now "home" is definitely closer. Joe is the luck boy: he gets the joy of welcoming the two of us home. Too early to know how WAC demobilization will be handled. I was there when you left & I would like to be there to welcome you back. 8/16/45: Wondering how you received the news; came to us during an "in-service" meeting. Got the 2 day holiday the president proclaimed. Today went to beach hoping rain would stop, but no soap.

Our deal of going to Batangas was called  off, so little likelihood that we'll be seeing each other. See you in the States! Used to be quite a bit of air traffic on the strips here, but now they've all been abandoned. Still waiting for CO to return and to learn if we'll leave Mindoro or not. If we do, it's probably not to Luzon.

List of items in 6 packages  sent to Frank in Oct. 1945. Items include: sardines, milky ways, Hershey bars, cheese, dates, ravioli, Lobster, Tuna, pepperpot, fruitcake, socks, shirt, pint of rye, pen nibs, pretzels, caramel popcorn, licorice whips, potato chips, blackberry jam, saltines, hair tonic, after shave, peaches, tooth paste, toothbrush, nuts, razor blades.

Grand hearing from you after 17 day silence. Peggy called a couple of times hoping I'd heard from you; don't care who gets the mail so long as one of us does. Glad you got all the packages and Peg's picture. Sent so long ago I'd forgotten about them. Box with beer is the last one sent; sorry could only send 2 bottles - with 3 it was over 5 lbs. Thought surely they'd be broken on arrival. No news from Mary Malone. Sent you some pics of dining room with panels torn down. I'm working next fall in hopes I can afford to do the living room; need a new rug and furniture re-covered first. Dot left last Monday; you can imagine what a void it leaves, especially after having both her and Joe home. Joe has changed a lot: always singing and wise-cracking; treats the kids as adults and no fault-finding. Says he'll look for a job after June 1st. Also gets his pension check but doesn't know how long those will keep up. He spends it all within 2 to 3 weeks. Jimmy had second cyst operation; wrote Helen that he thinks it's successful this time. Will be in CA for another 2 months. John Seegal set fire to papers in their cellar, but no damage. Had to call ambulance for Grandpop at 6:45AM on Wed.; it's one of those nose hemorrhages. Tried 2 Dr's but they're as scarce as cigarettes or meat. One arrived from Kings Co. but they're just first-aiders and he acted awful dumb. Finally told him how an interne packed it last time (5 years ago) and he did likewise so it stopped. Pop OK now, but it was a scare. John Flanagan (up the block; he's 17) was caught with 5 others committing a burglary; caught once before but let go. This time they confessed to 30 other burglaries; he got 6 years. Figures given the type of mother they have. Mary Malone hasn't heard from Frank since 4/26. They were in Worms and other places; doesn't know a thing about 3186 Co except those with him. Says they live on 10K rations. John Duffy was killed in a plane crash on VE day; they weren't on a bombing mission, but were on a trip into Germany. Mrs. Collon came to tell us; had never met her. She dreads writing John; he's fine and likes his job. Mr. C. hasn't worked since last Nov - his nerves again. Mrs. Duffy learned the news via phone before official notice. Mrs. C said they were a very religious family. That's 2 of John C's personal friends in less than 10 months. Joe Oussani's brother mentioned that they had a mass card from you. Anna Keezar says to send her cigarettes back; she laughed when she read you had 7 cartons. It's so bad here one would be tempted to pick up butts off the street.

Glad to hear you arrived safely in Manila. How much ice cream did you eat in Panama? Frank Malone's letter arrived in 7 days. Mrs. Lewis called: no word from Arthur; I keep her up on the latest. Lonely here tonight: Dot left yesterday to report to Daytona Beach. She has 31 points but no idea when she'll get out. Peggy was here Saturday night; high time you got home and took her in tow. She arrived 45 minutes late for dinner, went out with Ronnie & Dot, wound up at Gibbons with Joe and got home at 3AM, then made coffee. When Peggy climbed into bed, the side of the bed broke, and they started laughing. John Seegal woke her up at 7AM with his noise. Chief fixed the bed later. Alfred Kirwan expected home in 2 weeks. Dora was buried a week ago today; Chief still feels pretty blue. He says he misses her something awful. Dot's & Betty's birthdays last Saturday. No fuss: just gave them some cash, not even cards. Heard you were on the  Monterey; Mary Malone hopes 3186th will be home for Xmas. Joe is working, but nerves aren't too good. Vee got a good report card; only 18 more months to go. Ronnie has only 6 months.

Your picture taken at Marseille looks swell. If you come back through Frisco, I'd like you to look up Virge Hutter, and Jimmy [Kirwan?] expects to be there for a year. You got 5 letters from me dated July and August; there were 4 others. I keep track of when I write to you and Dot. Used new APO from Mary Malone; that may reach you before the one sent to the old APO in which I told you of Dora's death. Your letter from Manilla sent 9/1 got here in 11 days - not bad! Mrs. Lewis is sending me two pictures (Robert sent film home); she thinks you're in them. You've been overseas almost a year now. How we've missed you. Praying for your return before your next birthday. Mary fears Japan is in the offing; we hope not. I listed to the reception to Gen. Wainwright this morning; he mentioned the havoc in Manila. Don't expect report soon on Jack Benny as Chief is in the dumps. He took the car out only to go see Dora in the hospital. He spent his whole vacation downstairs painting ceilings and bathing her leg. Grandpop looks good, but seems so lonesome. He won't come up and eat with us, so not much we can do. He's adjusting better than the Chief though. Joe says Bob Angele gets out of the Army tomorrow. So are guys Joe knows named Boyle and Burns. Don't count on gum from Joe; he doesn't carry any stock. They go to assigned stores and fill shelves with Beechnut Baby food. He gets $35 per week and only works 4 hours per day. It suits him to a T. Hope you're able to get in touch with Jim Morris and Gene Dembinski. Saw news about James Hawkins, a paratrooper overseas for 2 years, killed at Lake George a month after getting out. He's Aunt Ellie's nephew and gave Joe the pinstripe suit for Aikens wedding, so we'll have to go to the wake.

Monday, Sept 24/45

At the Filter

Dear Fan, So now we hear your headed for Japan. Have had only that one letter from Manila written Sept 1st.  Mary Malone had one written Sept 7 as so did Mrs Burns and then silence, but from hints in their letters Mary's pretty sure the 3185 went to Yokohama or Kohe. So we'll see just how near right we were again. Had only two letters from Dot since she went back from her emergency furlough. Things with her are very quiet and no one knows what gives re discharges. According to newspapers WAC's points will be reduced to 34 by Nov 1st. Up to Sept 17th Dot has 30 pts. Quoting papers again soldier pts will be down to 60 by Nov 1st. Just where does that leave you? We figure 30 for number of months 12 for overseas and (according to Dot) 15 for invasion stars. If that's right you should have 61 by Nov 1st. But I suppose that won't mean a dam thing if the army says your essential. Joe is still with Beechnut. Kids at school and Chief back to work. Only thing new is Ma is sick. She only came home last week after being down to NY since July 4th. She spent 3 weeks with me - two with Kate and the rest of time she was in Teaneck. Was only back here a day when she had a slight stroke. Two days later she was well enough to be let set up in chair for 4 hrs. That was last Sat. On Sunday they let her up again for a few hrs, and right after she had dinner she had another stroke which left her right side completely paralyzed. Right eye she can't keep open. They phoned me immediately and I got Ane & Tommy & Kate and we were here last nite (Sunday Sept 23) by 6:30. Dr. had been here and he says she may live a day or 20 years. There's a clot on the left side of brain. Her pressure is 180 and her heart is equal to a youths of 20. She knows us all and is very keen but as right side of face is helpless she talks rather thick. I stayed up all nite with her last nite and she didn't sleep for 5 minutes. Wanted to get up. Talked, etc. Tommy & Kate went home. Ane and Dick just left now but Ane is coming back tomorrow and I'm going home. Ane will stay till Sunday and then Kate will come back for the following week. I'll try to get up weekends. We can't leave Theresa alone as it takes 3 or 4 to move her she is so heavy and helpless. Dr. said if she pulled through for 3 weeks she'd be up and around again. But no Dr. can say just how a thing like this will act. So Fan we'll just have to hope for the best.

Thought I'd contact Peggy today as she is supposed to be back to work after her vacation, but I'm here so will have to wait till I get home.

They thought Alfred Kirwan would be on the Europa last week but on inquiry find he's not and he's not listed for next week or the Queen Mary. You know he's at South Hampton awaiting shipment home. By the way I sent your watch strap. Some flints and some gum. Also sent you a pic of Kathy[?] and one of Ma. Sent them a week ago.

Well Fan that's about all the news. Grandpop is fine but insists on staying home downstairs, once in a while we can get him up for a glass of beer.

Will close Fan as I want to drop Dot a line.

By now and I'm still praying for your speedy home coming.

Mom

Tuesday nite Sept 25/45 8PM

Fan,

I'm back home from Filter - Ma no worse.

Just read your letter of Sept 8th. Now I'm wondering if your still at Manila or did you move. Well write soon - Mom.

Sunday Sept 30th

Dear Fan

For want of news I'm enclosing a clipping about two boys whom Vee and Betty know well enough to talk to. What is the younger generation coming to. Imagine anything like this going on when you and Joe were 16. Guess this is some of the bunch John Flanagan used to hang out with. You know he's away for 5 years. Nothing new around town.

Peg told me you said there was a rumor of getting out on 50 pts. Wish it were true. Am still wondering what you want for Xmas. Have only two weeks left to get them out in and one of those weeks will be spent at the Filter taking my turn in the care of Ma. She's still the same. She'll probably get better but will always be paralyzed. There's nothing new with the family. Joe is still with Beechnut and I haven't heard from Susie in two weeks. They're still waiting for Alfred K. to get home. Did you make that trip to Leyte?

Don't mind writing Fan am doing it with one hand while I wheel Dennis Katz with the other. Gert and Charlie went to a party this afternoon and were to be back at 7 - it's now 9 - Bobby has gone to sleep on Dot's bed but the baby is awful cranky.

Joe was at a party at Fel's last nite - her mother's wedding anniversary. Said he had a good time (kid just fell asleep)

By the way Fan you should see the swell colored pictures Tommy makes now. He paid for a set of coloring tubes and you should see how much better they look than the black and white. Cordie sold her place and is moving to Gloucester Oct 4th. Bought a 12 room house and 5 room bungalow there. George and Dewey are going to live with her in 6 rooms on the 1st floor. She'll rent the upper also the bungalow. Old man Norton sold his place this week to people named Olsen - he's going to Boston to marry the housekeeper he used to have and Amelia is moving to Ridgewood. Aunt[?] K doesn't know yet if she'll have to move. Soooo that's all the news.

Till later love and prayers, Mom

PS heard from Mrs Lervis[?] you got your case of beer. Mail seems awful slow. only had 2 letters from you since arriving in Manilla.

[Note from Chief:, written on back of Board of Education Child Attendance form:]

Ask Frank to try and contact a Miss Irwin, head nurse, and a Doctor Erickson who were attached to the Seventh Day Adventists Sanitarium in Manila. The nurse is a Philipino, the doctor an American. He was taken prisoner by the Japs. Ask them to disclose what has become of or happened to the people known to Henry Friedman, principal of Public school in Brooklyn. He was ill in hospital there several years ago.

Dear Frank,

Your letter of the 3rd arrived yesterday. Can't understand why it took so long unless it was because you didn't mark it "Inter-Island" and it went to Frisco. Also even during censorship you could say almost anything you wanted in Inter Island mail.

I sure am glad to hear you're in Manila; I'll try to get down there as soon as I can get away. We've been having it light since I corps went to Japan, but a load of work came in today. Still I'll probably be able to get down there next week sometime.

In the meantime, Frank, you can buzz up here in about 3 hrs.; if you can get a day off do it. Here's how: go north on Rizal bvd. until you hit the monument at the edge of town, go around the circle and continue north on Route #3. You follow route #3 all the way, passing thru San Fernando South (by) Clark Field, Tarlac, Panique. You'll notice road markers showing kilometer distances - between 161 and 162 from Manila, on the left of the road, you'll see a large house, a warehouse, a lawn, a bamboo barracks and a sign "671st C.P." - anyone will tell you where to find me. Also, Frank, if you get to Rosales and the 1/2 mile long bridge you've gone too far. Hitchhiking is damn good on these roads.

Now for the news in brief. I'm now a combination platemaker and pressman and still a pfc (I was robbed, which is what they all say). Since I last wrote it's been the same thing day in and out - work and work, a little wine, no women, and no song in my heart. Stay away from drink - except G.I. beer - over here, Frank; a good deal of it si poison and all of it (except stateside stuff) is raw, raw rotgut. They say that the longer you're over here the whiter the natives get; that's true for the first couple of months but now, brother, they seem blacker than black. I've been to quite a few dances and fiestas and after the novelty wears off, they're quite dull. All in all, I'm really set to head for home.

However, we've been here since May (this area I mean) and we've build a lot of stuff - day room, ping pong table, volley ball court and most important a tennis court. I play a hell of a lot of tennis, and that with ping pong, bridge, and reading helps some to pass the time.

We're going to Japan soon - beginning of October.

Now, to look at your letter. First, congrats on your T/3; Frank, you've really been pluggin' ... You'll get used to the weather, besides the rainy season is almost over ... I haven't heard from Ed in almost a year, wonder what happened to the guy, also Pete & Davy.

Send Peggy my love, she's a swell gal. That know tying business sounds serious, I'd shudder at the thought of a ball and chain around my leg. But she's the gal for you and you'll be right to grab her while you can.

When we get back to lil' ol' New York, I'll probably still be draggin' Janne around (though I may surprise myself and be squiring her sister Gerry). Janne and I are still friends, I write about once a week, but our letters are hum drum affairs. I really didn't break clean, Frank, simply decided that she was not the girl for me to marry. I hope that doesn't make my intentions dishonorable. On the other hand, I've been building up a correspondence with Gerry, who slings a mean pen - sort of laying the groundwork for a post war blitz, and you get what I mean.

Points: V-J gives me 53. But according to the news today, any man with 2 years service in December is "eligible for immediate discharge." We may well be home sooner than we expect. Up to now I figured I'd make it between March & June, and I don't think I'll change those views yet.

Eleven o'clock and I work tomorrow so I'll sign off. Let's try to get together soon, and I do mean before October.

From F/O [Flight Officer] J. Duffy T-132888

326th Bomb Sqd

92nd Bomb Gp

March 20

Dear Fran,

Well boy I just got your letter of February 13 today - that certainly isn't to good for mail service - is it. I am still a flight officer but I think I'll be a second Lt. in about 2 weeks - not that it really makes much difference though - because it is really unimportant. I have 19 missions in and with any kind of luck, I expect to finish next month God willing.

John I guess is pretty well settled now in Cairo and Eug in New Guinea. I guess Frank both of us have a lot to be thankful for considering what so many others are going through. I've been to London twice and it some ways it resembles New York but on the whole it is dwarfed when held in comparison to it. Take good care of yourself and know that I'll be expecting an answer as soon as possible. May God bless you,
As ever
Johnnie D.

Avoided assignment to TX; out of Teletype school; trying for a discharge; condition worse; cast first vote; making ends meet; engaged to Harriet; Gen doesn't know

+++

Sleeping habits; hopes for discharge; weighs 135 lbs; tried to appear normal for Dot's visit, but feeling depressed; hates Vmail; F. weighs 150 lbs; bomber flights; thoughts about missions; real work begins 30 mins before target; Anzio in Feb 44; swap of AAF and infantry; infantry refused air combat; Harriet; rather stay single; F's 21st birthday; payday; Combat symbol

+++

Out of the Army; 70% disability for shoulder dislocation; unsure of plans ??? Civil Service perhaps; broke up with Harriet; will look for work soon; clothing selection & prices

+++

146 - 92 Street
        Brooklyn, NY
        Feb. 21, '45

Dear Frank,

This will be a surprise to you, Frank, hearing from an old gal like myself.

But your letter to John came about ten days ago, after John had left here for his "post" abroad. His mail is piling up here and I haven't any address yet that I can forward it to.

I received one picture postcard which didn't tell me much as it was censored. But he left here Jan 28th, and as to-day is Feb. 21st I feel I ought to be getting something from him soon.

He went all the way by air plane, from here to Ireland, then to Casablanca, then on to the end of his journey, you know where?

He told me not to forward any of his mail until I hear from him. So I got thinking that if it will take all this time for his mail to reach him after I get a definite address to send it to, Lord knows when you would get an answer to your letter, so I am passing this information on so you will understand.

Now, Frank, I must confess that I opened your letter and read it, not that I'm nosey. Frank, never think that! I just wanted to know what was in it, that's all, ha!

But to tell the truth, John told me to open all of his overseas mail, and when I write to send him any change in A.P.O., or any important news in my first letter, so he wouldn't have to wait until I send them all on, and he peruse through them.

So I will send your A.P.O. address on in case it is different than the one he has, just as soon as I get word from him, then he can write you.

There are two letters here from Eugene, in which he tells John of some exploring he did on the Isle he is on. He doesn't seem to be very busy[?] about anything, but then, you can't tell much from Eugene whether he is or not. There are two snapshots of him here that his mother sent John, quite primitive, in the nude, all but shorts. It sure must be warmer there than it is here. Boy! have we had winter here!

There are a car load of letters here from John Duffy, he writes about every day I guess.

John is in England and had his first mission over Germany last week, by now I suppose he has had more. Don O'Connor is in England too. He, like John Duffy, doesn't like the cold, wet, weather there, lonesome too, that's another letter I read. I'm having lots of fun!

There are several here from Frank Meyer, he is in France, do you know him? I'm not sure. And one from Norman Krone, you remember him from St. Anselms, don't you? He is in the Navy and stationed some where near Holland and France, (land based).

That's all about the boys that I can tell you, Frank. About us, John's father has been sick since Thanksgiving time, nervous breakdown. I believe he is improving, but it is slow. John was quite worried about it when he went away.

"I" am disgustingly healthy. Frank Brennan was home sick for four or five weeks, be is alright now I guess.

Brooklyn looks terrible, you never saw such dirty streets in all your life. We have had so much snow and ice and it has hardened so that they cannot clean up the streets. But I'll bet, Frank, you would love walking along those dirty old streets, wouldn't you? Meat is getting scarcer and scarcer. I haven't seen any beef or lamb for months and last Friday I went down to 86th Street to see if I could get any pork at "Merkles", and I had to line up outside on the sidewalk for twenty minutes before I could get inside the door, after more than an hour. I went home without anything, because all they had left was pigs knuckles, pigs tails, and pigs liver, besides blood sausage, so we had bacon and eggs for Sunday, I had the bacon in (lucky me).

I go to Mass every morning at the visitation now because it is Lent. I like to play a game, Frank, when I'm there, and imagine, my John, and you, are in the same seat (back seat, left hand side) with me. You know I just look straight ahead and never look sideways even out of the corner of my eye, in that way I can imagine you are both there. Gee! I wish you were. But you are there in spirit I know, and I pray for you both.

I sure enjoyed your letter, you write a very interesting one. But don't bother to answer this one, Frank, I was just batting for John.

Best wishes from us.

Kathryn C. Collon

"Thinking of you" type card

Sent 2 pics; doesn't like F's haircut

Writing from office; kitchen redecorated; bike ride; saw movie; hopes to see F. soon

Commuter stereotypes; Gen phoned

Rec'd several letters from F; cooking; cleaning typewriter; F wants motorcycle post-war;  sunburn; will copy Dot & Gen on F's letters; saw movie

Rec'd mail of 5/8 & 5/30; "GI Bill of Rights"; consideration of marriage prospects; beach

Rainy; saw 2 movies; victory gardens; Fel & Eileen to visit; no word from 87th St. 

Gen said F shipped from Würzburg to Weisbaden; reference to F&P's grandchildren; request forewarning if impending visit; bike ride

News from Gen; where will F go next? Japan?; Fel & Eileen visit & escapades; weather

Have missed F since 9/20/44; skipped work; bike ride; beach; "our little girl"; meat rationing

July 4th weekend visit to Norwalk CT Water Works w/Shields family; don't keep her waiting for her wedding

Vmail might be quicker; Cat ran away; news of brother & nephew

got 6/21 & 6/28 letter; Ref to LaGuardia; request snapshot; Fel & Eileen; phoned Gen; Joe in Waterbury; USO & bowling; swim at Coney Island

Newspaper Delivery strike; LaGuardia broadcasts; Cruise ships with returning soldiers

Weekend mail; letter of 7/12; anticipating mail delay; Fel & Eileen visit; beach; haircut; J Acer won't make F&P's wedding; tennis lessons

Shopping for electric iron; pricey antiques; victory garden

Difficulty finding film; F sent P's letters back to her; weather

Call from Gen; rumor F. sailed on 7/21; popular radio songs; letter of 7/2; 

Rain; USO & a movie; P's work at Foster Wheeler; letter from Fel

No wife beating; saw 2 movies; dress shopping; Empire State Bldg damage; dinner & drinking w/Fel & Eileen; trolley ride; Dewey; Riis Park; blood donation; tennis

Anticipating Jap Surrender; F's telegram; Atomic Bomb; talked to Gen; Fel & Eileen

V-Day when F is home; USO is slow; possible false news on VJ day; how P heard; wonders where F was when announced; visited 87th st; Gen handing out steak sandwiches

Gen at Waterbury; block party with Joe, John Acer; Joe's dancing; tennis; saw movie; ships heading for US; hard to find news on 3186th SigServBn; Foster Wheeler work

Rumor 3186 going to Manila; newsreels on Manila; map of Panama; Long Beach; attended Dora's wake; occupation of Japan; 

Rain; visit to 87th St; Dot, Ronnie & P went for a beer; met Joe; broken bed; woken by neighbor; back home; rec'd letter from F with pics; got raise at Foster Wheeler

Able to afford a wedding; what type of wedding?; where will F complete EE?; mystery stories; knitted mittens for Fel

Surprised F has taken up boxing; tennis; Fel & Eileen visited; saw movie; building employee's strike; elevators not running; vacation extended

Strike still on; made a hat; went to movie with Fel; Fel's date; talked to Joe

Gen says F doesn't have a lot to do; strike ending soon; swimming with Fel & Eileen; met Joe at beach; Fel, Joe & P go to Bay Ridge bar

F's letter to Gen said when he expects to be home; Xmas shopping; P mis-guesses that Fel is about to marry Joe; Joe has improved; dislikes F's haircut in pic; F's language in letter; lost ID bracelet given by F; P's brother

Received your nice letter a few days ago, and was very glad to hear from you. I feel I should have written sooner in case you were moved, but I'd be glad to have you miss it, if the reason was your coming home.

The thought of having to finish the job in the Pacific theatre must have put a damper on your joy at the victory over there. Please God it will not take too long. I notice in Don's letters lately more talk of getting home than ever before That should help to reconcile you boys in Europe, to know that the boys in the Pacific are happy to think you are coming to help them, so they too can come home.

I am glad you heard from Bob from Italy, and if you do have the letter you mentioned at home, I hope you will bring it with you when you come to see us. He never mentioned anything in our letters about being in action except to say, "we infantry boys have been busy with things pertaining to the war effort," or something equally indefinite. I think of him so much, of what he must of gone through at Anzio, and yet his letters never gave a hint of it. I am reading Ernie Pyle's book Brave Men, and I have learned more of what actually happened than I ever knew before.

It is true Frank, that as you say, "The picture memories almost disappear of the ones we love." But I find it a great help to look at the actual pictures I have of Bob and Don. We always took lots of snapshots, and now they are such a comfort to me. I can usually recall just how they looked at a certain time, by going over the pictures. Were it not for them, I'm afraid their dear faces would soon be very indistinct in my mind. It's hard to believe, but it's very true. But also, the happy memories of the years gone by will never fade. We are very grateful for your kindness in having the Masses said for Bob and John. That kind priest sent me the cards, and I sent John's to his family. May God reward you by bringing you home safe and soon.

I don't believe I told you that the Kurchey's had a double loss. John's brother died in a German prison camp. They are the only family in Granville to have suffered the loss of two boys. I sincerely hope all your dreams may come true. You and your lovely girl are equally fortunate I think, in having each other. Will look forward to seeing you both in the near future. I certainly hope you will be more fortunate than Don. Of course he is only nineteen, but he had been going with a girl since early high school days and he at least hoped it was a permanent attachment. She wrote him as usual, and then without any warning told him she was engaged to another boy. We all felt badly for him, but he said if he could stand it to lose Bob, nothing else could hurt him too much. So he realized of course too, it was better it happened now, than later. Will close now, with all good wishes for you. May God bless you and keep you safe.

I guess I'd better introduce myself. I'm Bob Roche's brother, Don. I suppose you've heard a little of me from Bob.

You may wonder why I'm writing to you Frank. The fact is, that I'll always consider you as Bob's buddy. He wrote a lot of you and was pretty broken up when you were separated. I feel as though I already know you because of the frequent mention of you, by Bob, in his letters to me.

Mom said that you wrote to her a few times since we got the bad news. That was a swell gesture and we appreciate it.

Bob's personal things arrived home quite sometime ago. His diary went as far as Oct. I guess after that he didn't have time for anything extra.

From your address I gather that you got out of the Infantry and into communications. That was a break. Bob told us of how both of you tried to get out. He drove a truck before shoving off from Shenango. Then he went right back in the Inf.

I imagine you'll be on your way to the Pacific before too long. There'll no doubt have to be as many here as in Europe, in the end. Bob's Division is on its way home. I heard that over the news today. There's no sense in dwelling on how nice it'd be if he were with them still. They say that very few of the original men are left.

I guess I've said about all there is right now. I'm not much of a letter writer anyway. My object in writing was merely to let you know that I appreciate your having dropped a line to Mom. Also to let you know that your being a friend of Bob's makes you a friend of mine. I envy you for having been with him in the Army. I wish I could have been with him all the way.

Mom still has the picture of you and Bob, taken in the States.

So long and good luck Frank.

So glad to hear from you. I'd begun to think my letter had been lost. Of course, your letter explained the delay. You certainly do get around, don't you?

I realize fully what a genuine friend means to a fellow, while in basic training. Knowing that, I can very well understand how close you and Bob were. You spoke very well of him in you letter and having lived with him for some 17 yrs, I know you meant it. You have him figured to the "T".

As you will notice, I'm on Tinian. You've probably heard of it. Saipan always did make the headlines. Our airfield here, which incidentally, is the largest in the world, is the reason for our having to take the back seat, where publicity was concerned. The field was a "hush-hush" job, during war-time. Obviously, there's little hope of our meeting while in the Pacific; but I will remember that you intend to visit my home when the War is nothing but an unpleasant memory.

I certainly  hope that you are discharged as soon as you hope to be. You must have enough points by now; having served in both theaters. I have practically 22 moths in this corner of the Earth, to my credit now and have hopes of being rotated soon. I have only 58 points and surely will stay in the U.S. if I'm lucky enough to get back. The Marine Corps always did expect two tours of Pacific duty,  from a man; but now they don't send them back out with more than 36 points.

To straighten you out a bit: Bob and I graduated from High School together in 1942. I enlisted in the Marine Corps shortly after my 17th birthday, on Feb. 15, 1943. However, I wasn't called for active duty until June and of course, in the meantime Bob went to Camp Croft.  Our trains passed each other between home and S.C. when Bob was returning to Croft and I was on my way home, from Parris Island. I'll always regret missing him at that time; when we'd already begun to realize how close we were as brothers.

I gather, from you letter, that your girl-friend is among the ranks of the faithful. Mine, I'm sorry to say, called the whole thing off, some six months ago. She's married now, to another Marine no less. Congratulations, on your choice and the best of luck to both of you in the future.

Hoping to hear from you soon, I'll sign off now. Sorry we aren't a little closer. It'd be swell to meet you. How about a rain-check on that? Swell!

I write, "inter island", on the envelope. That's an assurance that the letter won't go to  San Francisco and then out again. I think your letter went all of the way.

I forgot completely to thank you for the picture of you and Bob. Thanks a lot Frank. I had only two pictures of him in uniform. Both of you look happy.

George's operation; Trip to the "Filter" with Gen & Chief; beer bucket; Peggy; Dot

It was a surprise when we received your new address from Gen. She says you like the place a lot. We had already sent your boxes when the change came, so they may take a bit longer to get to you. Ma is fine; so is Unkle Rob, Helen and Bobbie. Alfred hurt his ankle in shop and is home a week now: torn ligaments, and very painful. Dr. says it will take a long time to heal. Saw Dot; she looks grand. Sorry you didn't see her while she was here.

Q's for F; Lack of mail from F and Joe; Rob hunting; papered LR; all well but Alfred

Alfred better, has been cross; sent Joe B-day card; heard F not receiving mail; boxes coming.

How is F?; Xmas money divided & thanks; fight with Ronnie; R&V went to movies; M Salerno & B Sherman expected for Xmas; present list; Xmas decorations; pls write

Hope you are enjoying the best of health and tranquility of mind during this Blessed Season. Gosh, you are missed. For the longest time we stopped whenever the bell rang; we were getting use to your coming home on weekend passes. Tommy is quite the enthusiast in photography. He used to watch me developing and printing, then I let him try it. He became expert in a short time. He'd come over with the cutest excuses and finally urge me to the cellar to start the enlarger. Pictures were taken, films developed, prints made and beer drank. He finally gets a combination film & plate rear-view camera; next thing I know he has a swell enlarger. He now has a lot of other gear as well. Forgot to tell you I got a photo-meter and a timing clock; now we're able to make precision enlargements to order. Only drawback is that Tommy likes to start at 10PM and wind up around daybreak. Routine life is about the same: come 11:30 or 12:00PM and the old can rushes the gauntlet to Boyles. Then the fiery arguments and suppressed emotions awaiting the girls' exit from their final facial touch up. Just as we're sinking into the arms of peaceful slumber, the air is rent with the moans of Grandma stalking Grandpop and putting the squeeze-play on him for being out all night dancing with some pinup girls. Joe has been ordered back to St. Petersburg; he is thoroughly disgusted and hopes they will give him a medical discharge. Mary Salerno was home last weekend; she is a nurse's aid at Valley Forge Gen. Hosp. Tommy got a new shoe for the REO; maybe Jack Benny rides again!

Thanks for gifts; Vee bought 1/8 bbl; presents received from kids; weather; Gelston Ave on New Years eve; M Salerno & Peggy stayed over; J Collon visited & is going to Cairo; Geo Troy ill with ulcers; Dot made Sgt

Delayed note; last heard of F at Camp Crowder; updates on Charlie Campbell, Little Kenny, Hester, Pete & Jim; F's love life; D. married in Oct; duties; Northwest visit

Tally-ho & off you go, huh? Was hoping to get another look at your ugly mug, but I suppose this is more important. You carry with you my love and deepest wishes for a safe & successful mission. Gen makes a good middle-man in this correspondence racket. Thought you'd be gone soon; breathing quietly awaiting your APO. Judy Woodman has a bro-in-law, Doug Smit in the 3170 SigSrvBtn. Ever bump into him? My female curiosity has me guessing your destination. The season is almost over on the Riviera, so I assume you're taking a Coo's Tour to one of the S. Pacific islands. If you are, you might run into people we know: Richie Thornhill, Dembinski, etc. I know practically a whole company of WACs in Australia. If you need someone to fan the breeze with, let me know and I'll send you my little red book. You sure hammed up Xmas: not even a suggestion for a present. I shall pull a Betty and get you a nice arm band and a beer for myself. Speaking of beer, I hear you can get 16% stuff in Brisbane! I've deteriorated so that even 3.2 can get me down; I'm ashamed! Wrote to Peg; suggested we have a night out. Hope she understands my brand of humor. Won't see Joe on my furlough; can't afford a skylarking trip to Chicago AND NY. This year was good to us: saw us scattered to hell, then brought home within a week of each other. Now you're taking Joe's place in combat. Perhaps '45 will see us back in 244 again. I'm going to be behind the 8-ball when we trade war stories. Ah well, who else can claim they were "Latrine Queen of '43!"

"Do I miss you?"

Back on post since 10/13; life in Paris; no letter yet; wants to hear his travel exp; sent box; request some items for next one; tobacco pouch?; has F's glasses; missed Joe on his way thru; will write soon (maybe)

Vmail stingy but might be quicker; has F left Paris?; sleeping on floor; Joe hoping for Chicago assignment; Joe says he's engaged - after 6 weeks!

"I miss you!"

"Merry Christmas"

Dearest Frank:

My warmest, fondest wish is that this will be  your last Christmas away from home. Meantime, I know the three of us will "kindo steal away & go home for Christmas," this year.

All my love, prayers & wishes for a pleasant cheerful holiday.

News about F is second-hand; loved his cards; Joe shared his B-day card from F; don't waste time trying to quit smoking; Sent cigarettes in several pkgs; must ASK for more; Peg's last mail; Pearls for Peg; Joe in hosp. in St. Pete; prognosis; Joe's relationship with Harriet; wrote to JCollon; quotes his reply; will write again

Augment to individual letters; lengthy description of Christmas  experience, first with Dottie Held in Brainerd, then on post; best Christmas she'll ever see in service

Lot of change in a year; driving "the big ones"; Wife and boy are fine; regards to family

Very busy at work; election; Ed is a "Dewey man" or was; GI's finished their training; football; wife and boy send regards; hope things are OK with F

F's letter of 11/13; plenty of work; more GI's training; F getting around; don't drink too much champagne; thinking of F on Xmas

"Mighty fine pal"

19 Oct. '44

Dear Fran:

First, how do you find the overseas adventure? As a neophyte, of course, you realize that now you're eligible for candidacy in the thousand-yard-stare league. Or perhaps you'll be too busy to reminisce on life back in the states for quite a while? After a year on this rock of paradise (I saw a travel poster reading: "Come to ---, where romance still lives"!) I'm not doing badly - have hardly reached the 500 yard stage.

Fel mentioned that you're in Paris, no less. 'Z 'at so? And is there anything to this story of your having flown all or part of the way? No doubt you've brushed the dust from the old "Mon Guide" (pronunciations by Bro. Bryan accepted "à Paris"?) and are well on the way to establishing cordial relations with the sundry citizenry at the metropolis. Or, again perhaps you're still too busy for such shenanigans.

Things down here are still very much the same - the daily routine of infantry drill or bayonet drill, half-ass classes, and the afternoon devoted to "supervised recreation"; all this intermintently tempered with trips to town, a detail now or then, and such. All in all, it's pretty dull, but compared to living in and out a fox-hole, it's a luxurious life. What with good food in town ... the restaurants and Red Cross, beer or coke rations, and even fresh eggs purchaseable from the quarter-master, the eating situation is satisfactory. Naturally, camp food is the usual ... dehydrations and cans. But even so, there is fresh meat & fresh vegetables occasionally, and at times, we enjoy feasts, like spaghetti or fish dinners, made possible through the Battery fund. Ho-hum, pardon me while I reach for a tooth-pick!

Otherwise there's not much to look forward to. Movies every night of the week become tiring! However, I have finished that correspondence course in differential calc. successfully and will try to polish off integral next. With plenty of time on my hands, I've found such studying advantageous, not to mention it's time-killing qualities.

Couple of weeks ago, I finally got around to taking my 7-day furlough. Not that there's anything to see or do that hasn't been seen or done before, but a change of scenery and immediate environment is revitalizing. A group of 5 of us stayed at one of the private homes in the capital city. For a buck per nite, some of the whites there give lodging to servicemen. In this case, we 5 occupied a small cottage that this particular woman rents out. Its' very convenient - we're by ourselves, we don't bother the people, they don't bother us. The seven days we spent walking about town, eating, "bull-shitting," seeing a movie every nite, and swimming in the salt-water pool there. Noting spectacular, just a quiet, restful vacation. Practically so, anyway. It's true that I did more walking those 7 days than in all the time I've been on the island, and it's true that we did have one little "incident".

Notwithstanding the temptations extended by the half-dozen pubs in town, we kept respectable all the time. However, one afternoon, 2 of the boys had guzzled enough beer all afternoon to feel pugnaciously plastered. Accordingly, while they were waiting to have their order served in one of the restaurants, in walked an inebriate (barely capable of self-locomotion) who started tousling one of the boy's hair.

"Hey! Cut it out, fella."

Move vigorous tousling.

"Listen, cut it out. Don't be bothering me."

Still, the coiffure-cuddling persisted.

"You're a - - pain in my ass. For the last time, go 'way."

He didn't and in a moment, was lying on the floor, our boy on top of him, calmly choking him! Before the drunk turned purple, we finally pulled off our would-be assassin, and little damage was done.

In general, though, it was an uneventful vacation.

Have you heard from Duffy or Collon recently? The last I learned, Duffy had graduated and Collon seems to have some kind of position in Washington, temporary, I think, in the diplomatic service.

For now, I've no more to add, but

Luck, Eugene

We were flabbergasted with the thought of you flying across. How did you enjoy your first plane ride? Found out your hotel was at 1 Park Ave near 29th St and that you were one of 47 to come up from Jersey. Figure you're either in Ireland or England; hope you run across Alfred K. Rec'd your allotment notice from North Atlantic Air Transport Command; figured out your direction from that. I can't make myself believe you're overseas. It happened so suddenly I feel like the turkey who got the ax. If you're in Ireland that will be the last straw for Dot; she wanted to go so badly. When you write, ask for some books; that will let me get a box off once in a while. Salerno will be here for the 10 days of Dot's furlough. Unkle Tommy is here putting up a new dining room dome; something I've wanted since I moved here. Am buying the Chief an exposure time meter from Macy's for $5. Now let him come up with bum pictures and I'll beat him! Hope your cold is improved. Chief figures the trip took about 12 hours. After the war, people will be saying "I spent the weekend in Europe." Not for me though. When you swapped coats with Malone you got his lucky 50¢ piece. Mary says save it till he catches up with you. How many made the trip with you? Write as often as you can. We did a good job bringing Joe home safely with our prayers and the same will go double for you. Much as we'll miss you, I think Peg will miss you the most.

Thank God you arrived safely. Rec'd your vmail 9/30 just a week after you sent it. Called Peggy; she was glad to hear you were in England. Where are you headed for? France? Wish you were in England long enough to look Alfred K. up. Malone was glad to know we'd heard from you so soon. Have been assured you will be at least 200 miles away from any combat area. You're only likely injury will be if you fall and break your leg, and if you're going to do that, why go to Europe? Joe expects you'll enjoy Europe from an educational viewpoint. Malone says you're a nice chap but too damn conscientious. Sending you some pictures Chief and Tommy stayed up till 4AM printing. Dot arrives tonight at 1AM; Salerno, Ronnie & I will meet her at Penn Stn. Dot said she couldn't sleep when she heard about your sudden departure. Imagine: US and Europe in 24 hours. She also heard that Mary Case's brother who was reported missing was found in a hospital in England. Sherman is trying to pull strings to get Dot with her. Dot is hoping but says it's too good to ever happen. About the lighter: Peggy said she'd look for one. You should have asked for 3 things; now Peggy, Dot and I will be hair pulling to see who gets to send it.

Paris!; Talked to Peg; lighter; flashlight; 4 Xmas boxes sent, all food; No word from Alfred; W King injured; Dot to Waterbury & Filter; Gertie's shower; Fel and Eileen sworn into Waves; Gen broke glasses; Kezars taking G&C to dinner

Elections; Peg heard F not recv'g mail; Dot wants transfer; Joe avoided TX; wants Chanute Field; lost watch; Alfred recovered; Al's store; Joan had a son; A Connors wedding; pic of Harriet; Tommy & Chief activities; Joe voted for Rosy; Stupe

Dot left; slept a lot; Joe leaving Chicago; liked recruiting; made connections; met gal he almost married; Fel; marriages; F. Malone in NJ; prayers for Dot's transfer; news of friends; 8th box sent; people sending boxes to F; Aunt Martha annoyed; perfume; Peg, Fel & Eileen; Joe's plaque

Mon Oct 16/44 [Written in Frank's hand; remainder is in Gen's]

The latest from Joe -> Miami Beach Fla.

[See Doc #112, Joe's 10/16/44 letter to Gen & Chief].

Now what do you think of your whirlwind brother. His heart sure healed fast. Think from that SAGE head of yours you could dare to write him some advice - I'm not saying to him don't but I do wish he'd take time to be sure of both himself and the gal. Had a note from Susie this AM, after her return to Ga - Says it's the first time she felt like shedding tears at heaving to go back, but at this point figures they're all war weary. He[r?] Cap't has been sent to Atlanta[?], Ga for a couple of months so has to wait her return to see if she can be transferred to the Second Service Command, but which she holds out little hopes of ever getting.

Well Fan there's not much new on the home front - Hear Connors is at a rest camp. He sure must be battle weary by now.

Me and Gladys roll bandages for the Red Cross Wed nites at St. Anselm's - had your change of address taken care of at the Tablet[?] office.

Still  praying for you, Love from Mother

Rec'd 10/3 vmail; Dot enjoyed furlough; M Salerno; B Sherman; Joe in Miami; casualty statistics; no silk stockings; nylon better; any pay yet?; 18 boxes for F; note who sent them & write; news of acquaintances; 10 days to get glasses repaired; Xmas in Paris

Mail after silence; news from Malones; F sleeping on floor; meat shortage; soap for laundry?; Peg; Dot: no mail from bros; trying for 2nd Svc Cmd; Joe & Harriet; pic isn't Harriet; Gen and Gladys to donate blood; Harriet not catholic

F in Belgium but no mail; Peg & Dot got F's mail; Antwerp?; Joe in Ill; medical discharge; Dot in GA; tour Europe as civilian; Peg's mother invited them over - Gen wants to wait till F is home; Gran wanders; Chief & Tommy

Collon visited; Vice Consul; Duffy in TX; F Malone home; Thanksgiving; no Turkey unless Blk Mkt; Joe at Chanute; Alfred Aiken gripes; Connors wounded but OK; Joe 22 in 2 days

Hope this is F's only Xmas abroad; have a beer & merry Xmas; together in spirit

Money order; 8 days to deliver; F rec'd box; soap; cigarette shortage; Dot sent some; Alfred K; card from Collon in DC; Duffy shipping out; Joe to go to St. Pete; M Salerno visited; Dot still in GA; bought Peg Pearls for Xmas; Joe asking to cash a bond

Rec'd 12/8 mail; St Nicholas day; Peg; mail problems; no word from F Malone; Pete Kirwan; Joe to St. Pete week ago; Harriet is swell; F in path of German advance of 12/15?; Xmas every day when Dot, Joe & F home

"Thinking of you at Christmas"

Very slow mail; N. Africa & Italy mail quicker; rum cake?; another box; Joe dislocated left arm; Dot is Sgt; base closes 4/1; Stupe is getting old; Ronnie evening gown; Ft. Hamilton prom; reminds Gen of F's prom; hope F weds soon; Chief's Lederkranz cheese sandwich

No mail lately; Chief has grippe; John said C to take 10 days off; write to John; B Sherman visited en route to TX; Dot has 72 hr pass to see Joe; Peg asked for F's picture; Tommy printed some; pic taken 2 yrs ago; pic of Gen for F; Geo Troy to be operated on

Perfume & bayonet pin arrived; Peg visit; G Troy doing well; Chief  convalescing; Tommy sick; snow; Dot in FL; base not closing; Ron's Jack expecting call up; met J Collon; J Duffy may be overseas; Money from Gen, Ronnie & Vee; Gen sore from shoveling; mending fence in snowstorm; furnace 

Dear Mom and Dad

Well here I am, safe and sound. Thank God, but I sure wish I were back in Chicago. That's really one of the swellest places I've been. I wired Dot to meet me at Chattanooga but she wasn't there so I guess she couldn't make it. What's to become of me now I don't know. I went up to Classification today and saw some of the boys and they tell me that they are sending most of the returned gunners  to Denver, Colo. but that since I've been classified for clerical work they might be able to help me. I sure don't like the looks of things. I sure as hell wish I could get near Chicago again or up near home, but you know the Army they do as they damn please. Everything here is pretty much the same as when I left. I believe I could get a permanent job here but I'd rather take the gamble on getting north.

Well Mom it looks like I've fallen in love again. I hope that this time it's for keeps. I believe that if I'd been in Chicago for the full 4 mo's I would have gotten married - now don't go preaching about the short time I've known her. Love doesn't take time or conditions into consideration when it hits you. Besides we're not married and more than likely we never will be. You know my ideas about being married and I'm still sticking to them. When I can support some one properly I'll take the leap but not before then ___ I hope.

This is just a quickie to let you know where I am. Send Frank my address. By now and write soon.

My love always

Staff Sgt. J. E S - 12124740

1020th, AAF, Base Unit Sec. K

Traymore Hotel

Miami Beach, Fla.

About to join WAVES; thanks for encouragement; getting ready; Peg will update F

Delay in writing; Ft Belvoir; Ft L. Wood; Camp Beale; weekend passes in St. Louis; trip to CA; Q's about F; Peggy; news about P Dolan, D Morgan, K Woodward, B Morris

Letter rec'd; F first to reach Paris; sights to see; news of E Dembinski, Duffy, O'Conner; Nick S(?), Joe Oussani's body; soldiers dying; info on F from Mrs Dembinski; shared experiences in 1930's; Vice Consul appointment; prayers

Newspaper clipping from Chicago Daily Times featuring a picture of Joe presenting an award. 

Gotta have a Shields in ETO; stay away from Vino in France; send back a French Babe or two; Chicago nightlife; met swell girl; J is not the marrying type; Peg is swell; recruiting duties - good deal; will regret leaving; broke; lean Xmas

+++

Recruiting cut short; reporting to Miami; Pullman upper; hope to see Dot in GA; Paris; future unclear; engaged, but don't tell G&C; Harriet Janda; may settle in Chicago; short on money; don't send Vmail

+++

Rec'd letter from F; no  time to write; broke; cashing in war bonds; going back to St. Pete soon; nerves acting up; 3rd birthday in army; remembering civilian life; discharge; problems with army in US; will be better out; Jeeps; engaged to Harriet at 3 months; description; combat area symbol

+++

"To a swell brother on Christmas"

In hospital again with same old thing

+++

Looking forward to seeing F home soon

Fri the 13th; weather; Paris without pay; Q's about Paris; Don may be near F; presents for French children in F's boxes; work

hope F will be home next Xmas; offerings; fitting gift

Voting; money for bank, or will send

Christmas wishes

Delay in writing; working at A&S; off soon, will write; thanks for present; merry Xmas

Unsigned Birthday card; found with other '45 cards

Frank's Overseas letter folder; held letters & cards (no envelopes) to Frank from 9/44 - 2/45; addresses on inside cover

Rec'd letters; similar experiences in army; Gen's view of their lives; third platoon struggles; vaccinations; Joe going overseas soon; training; foot pain; 14 hr KP duty; got a shot & mail

Passed inspection; penalty for not passing; 4 hr hike and feet are fine; letter from Dot; Gen misreporting F's mood to Dot; feeling better; card from Troy's; letter from Fel; will write to Peg, Eileen & Fel; went to movie & had a beer; signed payroll; expect pay in 10 days; KP on Monday

Finished KP; reading Joe Oussani's book; wrote to Gene, Joe, Dot & 3 Sisters; writer's dilemma: hard to know who was told what; hike tomorrow; no time to write to Touhey; likes to see movies & have a beer; aborted latrine story; mail system complaint

Letter to Auntie; 8 mile hike and bivouacked; slit, not shit, trenches. Company recv'g new basic training regimen. I made ASTP. Examining board makes final decision; basic ends June 20

Rec'd letter denying Gen reads between lines; more shots; have not been to Spartanburg yet; rumor payday Saturday; Gil; shooting next week; Rec'd $1 from Auntie; please thank her; went to Mass; weekday mass when possible; send "Radio Replies" volume w/info on divorce; going to show or movie

Rec'd $2; Kate's letter; hard to write often: activities include hikes, shooting, chow, scrubbing barracks, cleaning rifles, inspection, etc.; Payday Monday?; down to last $.75; saw Ned Mildie; confirms new training; F weighs 152 vs 143; no word from Dot; advice to Vee re Latin; Chief & Tom plans for Victory Garden; tan faces, pale bodies; Army life is good; Touhey's bad break; why are the Flatbush girls visiting 244 without Joe & F?; queer people, women

5:40 AM; going to range soon; pleasure to fire M1; zeroing in; shooting at 200 yards; platoon did well; Lt Ginter; sandstorm; F's score 17/20; payday yesterday; expenses leave $21.25 out of $50; more upcoming expenses; hope to send money home later; Spburg this weekend?; no news on ASTP

No news from Dot in 2 weeks; Vi music lessons; Ned Mildie; 4 beers on Thurs; Kate & Gert?; F expert shot, did it right-handed; went to Spburg finally; had a good time; Tablet subscription; discussion with minister re divorce, with F in favor; F used "Platonian" system,  won argument; thanks to Radio Replies; Joe not shipping out soon?; request civilian clothes; cake, candy & cookies welcome

Rec'd mail from Gen and Fel; joshing Gen about phrasing; Easter card from Collon; explains combat course; compliment from Btn Colonel; Joe Sherman; no news from Dot; Fel fainted giving blood

Reason for not writing much; Col Hobby; FDR reviewed graduating class; assignment to Ft. Oglethorpe in classifications; preferred Administration; diff between basic and regular posting; friendships will break your heart; trips to town; went to Lookout Mt, TN; wish G&C could see it; called home; Joe is on his way, sent wire; chances of meeting up; laundry; advantage of regular posting; 1 "gig" in basic, but 2 in first week at posting;

Easter cards; money rec'd; Gen's $1 to be spent only on beer; working hrs 7AM-11PM; upcoming hikes; Easter; night navigation; Time off spent cleaning; no word from Dot; hoped to see Joe; Richie's comment; aborted 4/5 story: cadet had spinal meningitis; no apples for chickens; Stupe; "Eagle shits" on Friday: payday

Rec'd letter & pkg; no food, only clothes; night hike, setting up camp; went to movies; KP tomorrow; "one beer borrowed another"; Vee's report card v. good; letter from Dot; owe letters to Collon, Ane, Helen & CKatz

Went to USO's in town; bought sunglasses; sending $25 home for use as needed; hope some goes for beer; letter from Dot; prayers for Joe & Dot; no furlough at end of basic; chickens; missing Stupe; $1 from Auntie

Rec'd letter; F's letters to Gen missing; John L. Lewis; Joe Sherman & brother; Cordy plans for remarriage; one chick died; letters from Kate, Dotty K; V Garden; going to PX for beer

Photos arrived; $1 from Etta Hill; heat exhaustion; potato situation at home; price of seed potatoes; firing Browning Automatic Rifle; tactical maneuvers; Bizerte & Tunis news

Rec'd Fri's letter; quiet weekend; BAR shooting again; Stupe is 6; got him at Charlotte McLain's; memories of Stupe; previous names; lesson on .30 light machine gun (LMG); 5 more weeks of basic; no word on ASTP; no letter from 3 sisters for 3 weeks

Rec'd Monday's letter; letter from Dot; V Garden; Dodgers; Richie on the move as M.P; no word from Gene; beer party tomorrow; Jackie Meyer; $3.50 till next payday; request for $3 or $4; easier to write if G asks questions

Rec'd Easter cards; inconvenience of cashing check; payday tomorrow; send cash in future; Mass; shooting '03 tomorrow; start school next week; Fel should not have told Gen news; concerned about wedding rumors; ETO war near end?; classified A-POR, "Potential Overseas Replacement"; Max Walkoff

Enclosing 2 letters from Dot; Dot may be able to visit; Fel, Peg & Eileen visit to 87th St - what happened?; send camera and film; mailing instructions; .30 LMG this week; cost & quantity of ammo used

Hoping to visit Camp Croft 5/6; will ask CO, not 1st Sgt; F's assignment after basic?; Dot's pay; see why Joe never had money; Mother's day present. Am enclosing 2 lousy[?] snapstaken on Lookout Mt, but they're the B&O's I've got. Send pics of yourself; the heat; Joe Sherman; questions about family & friends; letters vs gossip; work slow lately; WAAC quota; Army inefficiencies; Army food and weight; Richie; met any nice girls?; lots of men, no one to date

Saw 1st Sgt; pass possible; don't want furlough, need time for NY later; will see CO; request reply on dates to visit, day off; trip details, reservations; reserve 1 male friend; need section chief approval; send info special delivery

In firing pit, bullets whiz overhead; diagram of pits; fired LMG; busy cleaning guns & doing KP; no word from Dot; letters from Collon, Gene D., Aunt Helen. Rec'd money order, snapshots & Joe's letter; Ronnie is prettier every day; Gen doesn't smile; inconvenience of M.O.; Touhey's accident; no beer in 2 weeks; 3 sisters (Fel, Eileen, Peg?) are poor writers; 4 weeks to go; assignment after basic likely near Spartanburg; camera sent?; Joe overseas; V Garden

Dot may come up, but must go thru "channels"; camera not here yet; film scarce; V Garden progress; apt dwellers must envy; no place like NY & NE; Aunt Helen sent $2; only short not from Fel; 60mm mortar; didn't qualify on LMG, but had barracks high score using it single-fire; "shitted my load"

Two night problems last week, two more this week, one on Fri when Dot arrives; will have time to meet her; waited tables; Eagle shits tomorrow; camera has arrived; camp news article enclosed; also enclosed letter from Dot; firing mortar this week; Starace called up

"Youth will win" article from Camp Croft paper. Reverse also included. Date is estimated.

F's note welcome; furlough looks good; 11 hr train ride; $1 reservation; F. has it soft, working at HQ company tougher; loss of drinking capacity; no unauthorized fun in 3 months; F's assignment; won't apply for OC(S?); Joe in Africa; wish we knew location, etc.; so much to talk about; interesting letter from Gene D.; Ane sent Virtue's "Co. Administration", will ask Flo K. for Officer's Guide

Too hot to write; softball, calisthenics and combat instruction; sunburn on nose, helmet doesn't shade; payday, so took pics; will meet Dot tomorrow, but have night exercise after; 6:30 mass; Gen painting house; recall when Joe & F did it; Felix and Joe together again; J Collon at Mellon Industrial Research Institute; Dot arrived, but no time to talk; 4 hours sleep

Dot's train late & exercise moved up; made it back in  time; took Joe Woolf to see Dot on Sat. evening; nice dinner, then to beer hall; discussed OCS for Dot; Sunday activities; took pics; camera and film now with Dot; got Pepsi and went to Dot's room w/Bob Roche; took rum back to camp and shared with buddies; Dot left Mon.; had a swell time; battle conditioning course; KP tomorrow

Dot did not arrive back in time; enclosing negatives; haven't written to Ane; list of people F's writing to; 20 mile hike this week; final week schedule; letter from JCollon; laundry; pls send $3

Leaving in 4 hours on 3 day maneuvers; wire $25 immediately; very urgent

Left Camp Croft yesterday; train dirty; raining at arrival; trucked to NC State U.; 2 men per room; length of stay uncertain; interviews/tests will determine where next; rumors; not anxious to stay in school during wartime; furlough unlikely; Dot's furlough; maneuvers: 65 miles in 3 days, more info later; spent $1 of $25

Wants out of ASTP; not winning war; Math and Physics; exams; 4 men per room in bunk beds; should be here at least a week; news from Dot or Joe?; $1 from Auntie; may not get furlough for 3 months; shipping to many schools from here; going into town; Kikes get under his skin; Chow; met some girls in town; reminded F of nights with the 3 sisters in Flatbush; girl named Betty; Church in town; bought cap; $19.50 left;

No news as F was busy (Sat); hope he has news from home

"Advice to Catholic Recruits"

"Dear Mom Leaving Tomorrow. Destination Uncertain"

Rec'd Wed. letter; met Harry Staley at NCSU; he left for BU; Engineering rankings; F to be given refresher, then join Advanced section in EE; schools are usually MIT, Georgia or Alabama Tech; heard from Joe; will send him Vmail; Joe has best of training & quick mind; bunkmate P Angiolillo knows J DiFucio; Gen's comment about John Russell; "Yank" magazine; Dot getting ahead fast; School on Sat!

Leave tomorrow for Purdue U!; received travel per diem; P Angiolillo will call, he's going to Fordham; likely 15 months at Purdue; will be useful post-war; Electronics is "up and coming"; prefer Communications over Power - might work on "Radar"; sent voice record from USO; don't write till I send address

US is big; Gt Smokey Mts; geyser; corn fields; Lafeyette at noon; 31 churches; Wabash R; 800 acre campus; staying in frat house; 4 from NCSU are in one room; went to town with Ed Conley; best beer since NY; variety show, student union dance; classes tomorrow; no mail from home in 2 wks; lost "miraculous medal"

Sen Pete Kirwan's address; may go to Chicago

The Society for the propagation of the faith

Pullen Park; at RR station about to leave for IN; new address; promoted to Pfc!

Rec'd letters of 7/6 and 7/10, also Vee's & Auntie's; Joe's to Dot interesting; Sicily; why typewritten?; Joe's lack of pay; F's lack of pay; payday soon?; welcome speech from CO; 7/14 letter rec'd; laundry woes; dance tonight; didn't dance, but will next week; Jimmy (Kirwan?) shipped out; Richie; only F left in US; Cordy - remarried?; Chief's trip to filter; hike from rubber mill to Auntie's; missed Gene's furlough; no furlough for F for 3 months; enclosing pics of Purdue; Dot never sent snapshots from Spartanburg; must be 21 to drink here; send my sneakers & slide rule; will want shorts, undershirts later

Send gym socks & shorts, books on physics and math, cigarettes; payday delayed due 2 weeks for F, Ed, Pete and Jim; borrowed $2 from Ed; shoes need repair

"Congratulations. Lasting Happiness to  you both. You are more than ever in my thoughts at this time. All my love. Joseph E Shields"

Card from office of U president welcoming F to ASTP at Purdue. Work will count towards degree.

"Herewith additional $5.00 on Money order you received on Aug 7th Lafayette Ind from Frank Shields"

"Money arrived yesterday. Leave tomorrow for North Carolina Teachers College. Furlough, if any, will come through from there . Thanks for everything. Love, Frank"

Eugene Dembinski's address at Camp Davis, North Carolina

Well Frank I believe it is finally here my day of departure from this hole. I cannot tell  you the exact date because that is a violation of the instructions given me but it is very soon.

I called my mother last evening & she said that you and Mandy are going March 3. If this is so I wish you the best of luck in your new approaching army life. You will find it a bit trying & boring but on the whole a lot of fun.

Recently I went to the rifle range & also had machine gun practice. We used Thompson automatic guns. The rifles were 30 caliber Enfield rifles - a very powerful weapon with not too much kick however.

Frank give my best regards to Eugene in all your letters. He is a swell fellow and we all want him to know that we are all thinking of him.

Frank I want to thank you for the letter because boys in the service sure appreciate them from their friends at home.

As I write this letter I am looking forward to a very unpleasant day at tent pitching so I shall have to go to bed early. I shall close now wishing you the best of luck and hopeing that you & yours are in the best of health. Your true friend.
   Johnnie D.

PS Don't write here but to my home & my mother will send the letter to me with others.

"If you wasn't so Dog-gone headstrong You'd write!"

Frank:

I'll give you just one more chance to write me. After that I'll disown you. Whats wrong are you mad at me. Have I done something wrong. Come on Kid, I still love you, so give with a line or 2. Thanks.

Your brother & Pal Joe

---

Rec'd letter from F; pls send Joe's address; basic training finished; back to Camp Davis soon; furlough soon?; hoping for ASTP news; radio school; tune receivers to music or propaganda; German prop. talks of Allied defeats; English prop. talks of Allied victories; lack of radios so we do telecommunication work; bivouac procedures; foxholes; write soon

Eighth Army HQ Schedule of Catholic Services, Christmas Week. While found in papers relating to 1943, 8th Army wasn't formed until 6/10/44, and saw service in the Pacific. Also, days of week for dates match with calendar from 1945. 

Dot not cheerful; J Collon is 4F; package arrived; sneakers useful; Vmail forms; Bob Roche in Camp Kilmer, overseas soon; Ed Conley; furloughs after 50 air combat missions: does Joe get that?; pay; Frank Brennan & draft board; Classes; 9 weeks till furlough

Test this week; package arrived, thanks; "cigs are helpful", "kept us alive"; registered letter waiting, thanks in advance; all 4 are broke; rumor: pay on Thurs; miraculous medal;  Gen's trip to CT; message for "Ma"; letter from Dot; Jimmy at Brooklyn Navy yard; relatives; Neil Ruddy; sent letter to Joe; El [McNeely]; "Radio Replies"; religious question for fellow catholic; pics of F & Dot

"No member of such a fine home is absent from it on Christmas."; Christmas and family gatherings

Gen's letter of 7/28; rec'd medal; corn; killing chickens; snake whip; "Gran and Pop"; 8/4 letter; Dot's visit home & promotion; furlough plans in 7 weeks; 3 sisters; weekly pay rates; Fel & Joe; religion; confession; 8/6 letter; Joe's Army anniversary; difference in F & J's relationship before and after joining army; consequence of no money in package; candy; payday celebration; 8/9 letter; money sent home; send clothes; beer parties; Jimmy Kirwan; El McNeely; power of prayer; Cordy

Confession; German church; tavern wouldn't serve F: not 21; movie; Mass; letters to Auntie, Gov. of IN (re: drinking age); Rum; boring; pay; Term half over; pie & beer; "Damn Hoosiers"; money sent home; Davy Joe; Chief's grandchildren; red-heads; pics of F, Dot & Roche; Richie in New Guinea

Sending home $21; expenses; money is for Gen.

Loss of furlough; learn to expect such in Army; Surrender of Italy; Term end & start dates; furlough between terms; hope to get home on 10/24; Bob Roche's APO; rec'd ack for $21; gastrointestinal distress; back to normal; cards from Dot, Charlie K, Betty & Gen; Joe has 19 flights

Gen sent $2; F and Ed need haircuts; expenses; thanks for $; food to have on hand; Joe promoted to SSgt; 28 flights; shoes; dress cap vs overseas cap; didn't forget anniversary; wasn't sure of date; naval trainee death at Purdue; tough day with PT and touch football

Song on radio; Gen's favorite song; ration stamps; Jimmy (K?), Joe Sherman, John Collon; Gene Dembinski; newsreels; believes being sent to infantry is not a punishment; "chicken-shit" politics; football; ROTC guys; Columbus day; feeling listless; owe letters; enclosed letter from Dot; Joe at 31 missions; more chicken-shit: must store possessions while on furlough; enclosed pics of F taken by Ed Conley; scenes of Lafayette, IN

Write to new address; don't want mail trailing after me; will write later; furlough?

We've been wondering about Frank - You see he and my son Bob were pals at Camp Croft and no doubt you have pictures of them taken together. I have 3 counting the one of the whole platoon.

Bob was killed at the Anzio beach a year ago this month. He was reported missing Apr 1st, and on July 27th we got the telegram that instead he had been killed in action. Every time I look at the pictures I wonder if Frank was lucky enough to escape so far. He was going to school when they left Camp Croft, and Bob was sent to an embarkation post - three of them in fact, but finally went overseas in August.

Bob felt very badly when he and Frank were separated. He thought the world of him.

I hope this reaches you safely. I'm not sure of the address - If it does, will you send us some news of Frank? We'd really like to hear from you.

Mail delivery times; new address; events leading up to move; social work 2 weeks, now at 3rd Btn HQ; may transfer; want OUT of Army, not a "joiner"; end of war, hoping for miracle; F's T/5 well deserved;  Frank's "not-so-perfect" relationship with Peggy; Dot & F: mind over heart; "joy to read your heart on paper"; anticipation of wedding; visit to New Orleans; F and Chief would love it; post-war travel: America, Europe & Africa with Dot, Joe, Frank & Peggy; honeymoon?; chocolate bars; brother RED; Joe's discharge; transition to civilian life; shoulder problems; first one home; Jimmie (K?) visit; orders to ship; Alfred K. wants out

Christmas Greetings, "a speedy return"

"5 beers under"; sleeping; Touhey; writing letters; Gen's visit; apologies for feeling low; good for Gen to get out of Bay Ridge; visit raised Dot's morale; news of Joe & Fel; D & Gen ache to talk to Joe; Joe's 30 day furlough; Dot will visit at end

Frank's sudden trip; glad it's Europe; Dot's visit home; bar at 2AM; 22 hour ride; Kampf's; Hitchcock Lake; F & Joe's visit to lake; Auntie's; Al injured, xrays; Unk had lobsters and beer; Billie Sherman; Gertie's shower; males: Chief, Katz, Tommy & Kezar; Sheepshead Bay; Astor with Mary & Peggy; nice girl, Peggy; Rudder Club; Boyles; Ice show with Ronnie; Bird-in-the-Hand on Broadway; Gladys & Bill; Mary cooking; Anne & George coming; 1/8 keg on window;  Joe leaves for Miami; did good job in Chicago; almost got married to Harriet

Frank's 21st birthday; separation; wishes for F's future; Peggy; F's note welcome; gets news from Gen; shares F's letters with bunkmate; F's movements around Europe; battle of the bulge; more moving around?; F's request for aspirin; Missing Pages; lovely vacation?; 21 hour ride; Boyles; hospital, Dr & CO; Brian Donlevy; Joe & 2 buddies; wonderful time; analysis of Joe; ambition to get discharge; might not solve problems; marriage to Harriet off; rebound after Fel; wish his eventual partner would hove into view

Your letter a pleasant surprise; read it to Steve; we miss you; teased Peggy; Gen called Peggy; V Garden; John Acer still at sea; Mary Dolan; "Miami Mary"; Mike hit daily double; Bess is fine; dogs fighting; Alice Early, Uncle Bill; Election; FDR is the favorite; on the road to victory; Donald, Eileen (Moran?) & Fel; price of champagne

Sunday Morning,, Temperature 0°, Sleepiness 100%, Moronity 100%+++

Dear Frank (We like that best);

Your generous donation is gratefully accepted and duly appreciated by the needy of this household.

We are glad to say that we are not having too much trouble adjusting the grown (you know crown) - but the brim, that is a problem. It's maddening when one can't get "just the right curve."

However in you courageous way we keep quoting "If at first you don't succeed try, try again."

Thank you again from the bottom of our hearts.

Slaphappily yours,

Felicity & "The Underdog"

PS "Explanation of the Underdog"

All I did was cut a piece out of her when opening the package. She almost bled to death and I howled. (She didn't think it was so funny. H'mm I wonder why ???!! )

Finis - You lucky fellow you!!!!

[On Envelope] "Brooklyn Dodgers N.L. Champions"

March 3, 1942

Dear Frank,

Honestly, I don't know what else to do but forgive you, only heavens knows what for. With all that work plowing you under I could hardly say a word to you. You just didn't give me a chance. Mean! and here I was stewing for days. Oh Well .. Next time, maybe - huh?

I really  would enjoy the skate Saturday night ... or am I being optimistic when I say skate. I'm afraid this is one time we're in the same boat. We certainly will look a happy pair - holding each other up - or knocking em down. So at Saturday at 7:30

Now lets see ... since I've seen you last nothing really exciting has happened. I went to an opera Thursday night Ipegenia en Tauris at the Juliard School of Music. It was beautiful. Friday night I went to our singing club - Saturday Virginia (another girlfriend) came over and we completed our class prophecy. (from St. Francis) Tell you more about it Sat. night.

Sunday, Eileen, Peggy and I roamed around New York -- Riverside Church. - Grant's Tomb - St. Patrick's - a ride on a 5th Avenue bus - and wound up in the Automat as usual. We enjoyed ourselves too.

Almost forgot, Peggy got a job, Tuesday, in the Fidelity & Casualty Insurance Co. - 80 Maiden Lane. She's terribly happy about it.

Well times a fleein' or as we say in shorthand [shorthand notation]

Until Sat. nite then.

Bye Felicity

PS You figure it out I can't [refers to more shorthand notation]

Voucher for Frank's transportation on LIRR to Yaphank, NY (Camp Upton)

Pay stubs for Frank for 7/15/41 and 7/30/41; pay envelope. Lunham & Reeve

City of New York War Emergency Identification Card

Recruitment information for ROTC Engineering Battalion

Recruitment Ad for Army Signal Corps. Perhaps this is what caused Frank to join?

Train schedule for January, 1942. South Norwalk CT to NY. Assume they used this train to get to "The Filter" when driving wasn't possible.

Christmas Blessings

"O'Donoghue Memorial - Niagara University, N.Y."

Dear Frank - It's so cold up here the ink in the room is forzen. Drop me a letter or something at this address?

Mr. Aurelius J. Sclafani

"Mary Christmas" Card plus clipping from what appears to be the St. Michael's school paper(?): "The Bite Angle" column , title: "It could be Cuter" by Francis Shields.

A Birthday Salute

"Nutty" Birthday Card, lots of puns.

"Recipe for a Happy Birthday"

CCNY report card for term ending Feb '42.

CCNY report card for term ending June '42.

"A very special Christmas Greeting"

"Life of a Gunner" by Ernie Pyle.

Mother's Day message.

Frank's address book for 1941. Has addresses of a lot of friends and relatives.

Japanese 50 Sen note found inside his address book.

RSVP messages for a beer fest planned for 12/27/41.

Replies received from: Stanley Keyes, Bill Flanigan, "Charlie" [Ellsworth or Devoy], "Frank" [Fraser], Skip [Sclafani], Edward Hess, John McCormack, Walter Johnsen, Ed Tahan, T. J. Sullivan

Dear Frank

When you said, a while ago, that you liked to write a "plentiful letter" you meant it, - didn't you. T'was a letter and a half and it took me all during supper time to read ... admist the annoying exclamations of .. "put it down - your supper's getting cold," but such are mothers - wonderful. I'm afraid though Frank, you're going to spoil me - not that I'm not already , but it just isn't good for me, so the experts say.

It was good to hear that everyone had a nice time Sunday. Little did I think it would turn into such a gathering. Everyone was great to me. It really was fun.

Remember G. G. promised me some drawings? (secondary to your masterpiece though). Well I got them. He depicted me on Easter Sunday and darn if he didn't get the shoes, hat & bag (the snazzy ones) down to a tea [ or is it T?]. Which reminds me - I'm going to invest in a pocket dictionary - know why? You certainly keep me busy perusing those pages - an excellent brain duster. Which again reminds me (fool that I am for letting you know about it.) remember the word "matriculate" - well you were right as usual - It means to enroll - as in a college. Enough professor!

Before I go much further - let's get Friday night down pat. You'll call for me at about 8:15 - for Peggy too.  One thing more "Why save Gene trouble, you have double your share."

There is something else I wanted to remember .. Oh yes, your card ... it was beautiful. Thanks so much Frank.

I'm surprised to hear that Helen S. figures Joe out. He certainly is a puzzle to me. I can't make him out at all. Dual personality mystery man. [unknown]

Just to use an all too familiar battle cry ... "Chem, oops I mean Steno. is staring me in the face (some of my marvelous subtile sarcasm and as it is I'm 1/2 week behind schedule ... Oh excuses, excuses, how I loath excuses. Oh well such is life.

Soo - -

Until then - When? Oh then - I'm your friend

(an apprentice one at that)

Felicity

PS Who was it that said (in some effect) "Follow out your convictions."

PPS I'm afraid this doesn't half come up to your writing standards but gee - I tried.

PPPS Another "loathful" excuse - "The pen was crumby." -

F.

Dear Frank, Before it slips my mind allow me to return the greeting of a Happy Easter to you all -- a little late I fear but the holiday spirit still lingers on. Things have been so rushed and muddled up about here that Easter doesn't seem to hold that certain ring. It passed by as "just another day" - - in fact a lonesome one at that. Dad and I grope around like two lost sheep without mom. But I suppose we can take it  (no maybe's) knowing that she is enjoying herself to the nth degree witnessing that wonderful event. Then too maybe I'm just a little bit disappointed that I'm not there with her. But as you say "you can't have everything."

Perhaps, Frank you can express yourself better in writing than when you have crowds to contend with. But there I'm afraid we differ. Expressing myself in writing has always been difficult [. I always fear being immature.] The thoughts I have and the way I'd most enjoy to delineate them don't flow like water from my pen.

Even in speaking, I'm sometimes at a loss [(Oh its one thing to ramble on in unimportant matters [as I do]] and another to expound what you really feel).  Joan often told me if the ideas which I created could be put down in writing equally as beautiful and effective they would be something - but I was never any literary genius and then too I always selected something so abstract that it was [always] extremely difficult to interpret.

So having broken down the two greatest assets to personality ie. writing & speaking eloquently, the only things left are my exuberant actions _ _ [ and there I fare out best - - am I wrong?] - [ It takes little to change my mind & opinions]. Enough. - -

Well after I left you Wed. - nite. - - - went to bed, naturally. Early Thursday morning [ after mom left] my aunts and myself took grandpa to Aunt Ellas in Jersey. From there we went shopping in N.Y. Take it from me - never go shopping with a bunch of foreigners. - They insist upon going to far-fetched places and knowing impossible things. That evening they took me to "Jack Dempseys" - It's noting to rave about. Some Hindu told my fortune - Well Frank I'll either be dead by the end of the year - or - a Mrs. Which is worse?

Friday morning [ slept 3 in a bed in Jersey] I took my Aunt Von to Grand Central Stations, from there to Jersey again and then back to B'klyn. - where I more or less collapsed. - The first time in my life I have ever been "downed."

Sunday, Dad & I went to Jersey to dinner - It was nice. And so went my holidays. Now its back to the old grind.

Its surprising how things crop up in bunches. Listen to this for a weekend I thought was going to be free & I was determined to make it that way too.

Wed. - to see Roxie Hart.

Thurs. - opera "Don Giovanni"

Fri. - Eileen's = (her birthday)

Sat. - I'll keep it open - hm. a (priviledged character).

Sun. - Eileen's again.

Beside that one had already been postponed in in order to keep it free and look what goes and happens - - "Ma vie - interessante non?" Fates are against me. - but I love it.

Sure it's O.K. with me if you two call for me Sunday - In fact its an honor for me - Ahem. But - what about Helen S.

Right at this moment I don't know what time you should call though _ _ I'll have to get in touch with Eileen first. Then I'll drop you a line - card I mean  - or if its too late I'll call. - (Would Doris Blake approve I heard you - don't shout - )

I'm surprised to hear that Gil Bishop is being inducted. He's such a happy-go-lucky fellow I'm sure he'll make life easy for his mates.

As far as that block party goes, you can consider it closed.  - It's a well idea and I'll bet we have loads of fun. especially with a crowd. Can you tell I'm geetting weary - I'm writing in snatch phrases now. -

Well I hope I've covered pretty near everthing "contained herein."

So. - I'll remain your friend Felicity

Dear Frank, Well you beat me to it again.  - Just when I was going to break down that semingly impregnable barrier concerning my letter writing. .. Yep, I was actually going to write first _ against my better judgement and personal philosophy. It was needless. When I received your letter it veritably floored me. In fact I had to think for three solid days before I even dared to attempt answering it. But here I am perhaps a  trifle at a loss of what to say but trying my best to put it over.

First of all Frank [to jump off the deep end - and I hope, not over my head.] you must realize that I could never find it in me to tell anyone what was wrong with them. I'm in no position myself, to denote such things, for in order to help someone to be perfect I'm afraid I'd have to be perfect myself and I'm far from that - believe me.

Another thing - that which I would probably consider a disadvantage and maybe even a defect would be to you one of the highest of virtues. Basically that could never be, but speaking from a social standpoint it often happens. For instance your seriousness. - It's just your nature to be so and heaven or hell could never break that trait in one snap.

I know Frank, that, as you say, coming into contact with other people and conventions, will undoubtedly be the only remedy for what you believe you need most. Perhaps if we could all take life less seriously we would be far happier, instead of groping for what we can't explain and insisting that others grope too. Perhaps Joe is your greatest example. - Why does everyone like him - because he's natural . Sometimes he doesn't realize he aggravates people but its this unconscious thoughtlessness that makes you like and enjoy him. You can forgive him for practically anything - - But as far as you're concerned Frank you are one of those few fellows [and there are many] whom I know I could believe wholeheartedly. Doubting your word would be rather difficult. Its this sincerity,which is a rare trait in a fellow, that endears you to us all.

However I'm almost afraid Frank that you will be hurt. For hasn't it always been those whom you think most of that do the hurting. I should hate like the devil to ever have [you] think less of me but serious thinking seems to have harbored itself inside of me and that's where I should like most to keep it at present. I hope and pray, that pedestal you've erected won't crumble.

Perhaps the best thing for me to say is not to be such a worrysome guy over how you are striking people. It's the greatest asset in the world to be natural. And Frank if you really proved irksome, do you think that I'd continue seeing you? For that matter, all of us?

Try to understand when I say writing what I did _ was rather difficult. Never before have I been called upon to write so seriously. I hope I've not made a mistake.

Well at this point I believe going to a lighter trend is rather forceful on my part. Little did I think that I would ever permit myself to become "knee-deep" in letter writing. It has always been, more or less, a policy of mine to write a light and humorous letter - Oh well!

To begin where I should have begun, I must say that I could have choaked you for writing that little story about your cousin Alfred the way you did. You had me gasping & oh's aring[?] & goshing all the way through. I even said to mom "Huh, you think you have troubles wait till you here this." - Some relief when, the true course of events came to light. Crumb that you are for leading an innocent girl on!

I can't believe I'll ever forgive you for falling asleep during that Giants - Dodger game. For that I'll drag you to the park with me someday and make you sit through one of those those[?] games. Ok. what punishment. Boy. O.K.?

I saw Peggy's mother get married Wednesday. It seemed strange calling her Mrs. Haleran. We went to the reception afterwards and had a swell time. I sat beside a senator. Some class. Hm. I wonder, now, did I zoop my soup. One thing riles me though I didn't catch the brides bouquet - I guess that fortune teller was full of marlarky - or something.

Chet went back Wednesday afternoon. So I had a holiday. In fact I took two, Tues. & Wed. Tuesday we went bowling - now hold your hat & don't get excited. I was the most unhappy person about it all. Listen now I bowled a splendid 72 & an excellent 81 - While mon frere did 176 - 193 - Ouch - how that hurt. I received the worse ribbing of my life. But I grit my teeth & agreed with everything. Gee what else could I do. Some disgrace.

He was really very anxious to meet you people. Everytime the doorbell would ring he'd say "Is that those bunch of jitterbugs?" & then feel disappointed when Peggy would say no this is someone else. But he said if you fellows were all right with me you were OK with him. So I guess your in solid. He's coming up again some time in June. & he claims I had better have you over or submit myself to a broken neck. There's just no way out. - he's some tough customer.

Well I've been at this now for two solid hours and my hand is rather weary. So until I see you soon,

I am your friend Felicity

PS Come around anytime you feel the urge. Your always welcome Frank. I should say that all of you are welcome.

By again Fel

PPS - again. - I hope nothing I've said has offended you. For I'd be one miserable person if I thought that I had mixed you up. - Let's hope not.

Your friend with the pen with the droop.

Felic or Felix or Frasty or Fiscasity or Philadelphia or name your own.

Dear Frank,  Sorry to have left so abruptly the other night but it was unavoidable. The place is pretty dull without you or Joe. Today's a "yid" Holiday so Harry and Ken are out & Bill Paul (?) is out too.

 I passed the City College test and am leaving the "Royal" tomorrow. I sure hope to see you up a "city". You'll probably be the only gentile I'll know there.

 Hubay's still driving me nuts - we have a new girl who's taking my place named Hildagarde and boy is she a "dog." She's undoubtedly the most ugly girl I've ever seen. She'd be a perfect subject for a plastic surgeon.

How about writing me and tell me whether you expect to return to city.

Sincerely, Bill (Grossman) 337 East 87th Street N.Y.C.

Masters Frank Joe Shields

[Drawings for "Sally" , Charmaine, June O'Dea, "Bubbles" Southern, "Last Bow", "Margie Hart" and "Mme. Wong"]

April 25, 1942

Dear Boys,

Well the big(?) night is drawing closer, and I just wanted to amke sure you're still coming ...

I've sent a map and directions to Gene as to how to get here. If he shouldn't get the car, call me up any nite at 6:00 - 7:00 and I'll tell you other ways to come ..

Do, Doan't Forget,

Saturday May 2, 1942 @ 5:00 PM R.S.V.P.

Geney

Boys - Please don't stand and gape at the tall buildings in Glendate - Come in to my house quickly - Thank you!!

Huh -

Some crust - darin to pin on me sick insinuatin turrible phrases. For that I disknow you. No poison can insult my fambily and get away with it. Na. sir ee. Yup' indeed my pap is a huskey man but never let it be said that he wrestled with a hot torch - for anything else but to throw "de bum" out at first. Requiescent in pace (I'm a forgivin sort of a gal)

But to make with the punch line quick in a hurry. "I'm not working yet." -

Analysis and Explanation

I went down Monday - (as they required me to do) - walked in - gave my name [but twice] - and then was called over to a Miss McGlarity's desk. She picked out my application and then proceeded to give me that interview. The very first question she asks me is a lulu.

"You're taking up typewriting in business school - aren't you?" "Gulp" I replied. - "Have you time for a test?" Ouch - right then and there I began to feel uncomfortable - but uncomfortable - for all I know about a typewriter yet. She called a young girl over and told her to take me to one of the offices. Up we trapsed to a place just overflowing with workers. [Here is where my knees decide to play tag with each other.]. Another young woman cordially relinquished her machine. I sat down in her place, was given a piece of paper & told to set it up.  When this was accomplished she handed me the test, looked at her watch and said - "Go". I nearly fell right on the floor. I felt so awfully conspicuous. My hands shook as if I had palsy. Never before in my life did I spell men min, are - aer, people -piople, or business - bisniss. What made it worse was, the typewriter I had was the nearest thing to a junk yard I had ever seen. Every hesitation or mistake I made was as noticable as a scream in the dark.

What an experience [34 words a minute with 20 errors] was I embarrassed. But then what a surprise and dirty trick. Well to go on.

I went back to the personnel dept. and then she proceeded to tell me about the job that's supposedly waiting for me by Friday. Its duplicating records. I'd do a bit of bookeeping - math and then write most of the day. She explained that it was a very boresome and responsible job. The reason she said they picked out my application was because I had a good handwriting and presumably a good head. Naturally I agreed with her. - Oh!

She also remarked that an elderly woman and myself would be the only girls in the bank [A den of hungry wolves]. By, the way it's about a 15 minutes ride from my home. (Church Avenue & Flatbush).

I hope it goes through. Mom puts a wet blanket on it by saying that "When they say they'll let you know - you wait".

Here's keeping my fingers crossed. I've already quit day school admist many storms and am pretty sure I'll start this Thurs. night.

Well that's that and for the time being I'm a lady of leisure. Playing baseball one day and rope the next . . . . That's right - the kids [all nine year olds] ganged up on me and played on my good nature to turn rope for them. I felt silly, but it pleased them and thats what counts _ _ Gotta keep up my good name ye know. Dad again insisted that I go a few rounds with him. This time I ripped one of my  finger nails. [ He nurses it with proud & loving care. - Mom says "Serves you right." What are you going to do with a family like that?]

I'm really beginning to feel these workouts in my shoulder. But dad has his remedies. "What - got a kink? - Oh just twist the old arm this way and that way etc." by the time I'm finished , I've got - - lord knows what.

Last Sunday I saw my cousin receive his first Holy Communion through half closed lids [2 hrs sleep]. However it was impressive and he looked so awfully "holy" - - & cute. That afternoon I finished my mission [ by all rights I shouldn't be writing to you - - - men ugh. -] (it's funny how things like that make you blue - unless I was in a rare mood). Immediatement apres le sermon je suis allee a la chapel et lit those candles pour vous. (I tried les dommen[?] a ma mere - mais elle a dit eclarer les candles instead, and beein as I'm an obeyin [said with ??] child - I did.

So the're out to get pal Joe - again. Well more power to him. If I know Joe (even if its only one tiny hair on his head) he'll make a darn good soldier. He's like Chet in one way - beefs about how he won't do a thing and then turns around and does it at his best. Some people you just can't figure out and he's one of them but a nice one.

Hey Joe - did you finish painting the sidewalk yet? And how did you enjoy that farewell party? Deserter!

Well as far as that baseball game between the "stooges" and the "bloomer girls" goes - I'm afraid - well it just ain't. I didn't get much of a chance to make plans and I doubt if we'll be able to count on G.G. and Walter A. because they live so far out. Besides I don't think G.G. was very keen on it. I guess it will have to be between the Brooklyn gang - We'll talk about that when we get together again. I'm still for it and Eileen and Peg are rarin to go. If you need any sort of inducement for Joseph tell him that dinner's in the bargain. Help - no pushin.

Well Frank here's my stop. I however will make it abruptly instead of torchering you with a _ _ _ _ una joke [ no reflections]

So until next time. I am your friend Fel

PS Mom can't get over the length of our letters. Only having seen you Sat. too. But you know we very seldom get a chance to really talk together.

Then too I never thought I could say so little in so much

Which reminds me - never mind I changed my mind. - Nothin' like keepin you guessin.  Bye again.

Invitation from St. Michael's Alumni Association to abanquet with the Xaverian brothers at Felzmann's restaurant

Dear Frank:

Certainly sounded like a whale??? of a time you had at your cousins and by danged if you're not rested by now I'll grant myself the exclusive authority to think murderous thoughts and the right to follow out my convictions. Although from all outward signs, you should have collapsed in bed, doubled over with a severe attack of "indigestion." (eating two dinners in one day is something but now that I recall past events it isn't unusual with you it's a matter of course. Seems to me you should be well on the road to another "Gill")

Speaking of "Gill," I was somewhat surprised to hear he had been transferred so quickly - Texas at that. V. is a long way from home - I'll bet Eileen V feels it. Guess he proved too much of a patriot to be last in non-combat duty. Watch em "roar by" now.

Well, nothing new or exciting happening this way either. Went to a bingo Fri. night as usual won nothing - not even close. Sat Eileen, Peg & myself went to St. George. You might know, as always, we over did it by far. This time it will take un long temps pour mai to recouperate. We stayed in the gym for 2 1/2 hrs, playing basketball (my lost art) with a bunch of "rough & ready's". Oh  ooh *(astiric). We were taught how to punch a "punching bag," raced mile races on the bicycles, threw the medicine ball around, rowed, jumped ROPE & Lord knows what. Usually you don't realize the strain until the day after. This time I could hardly carry myself from the gym. Of course we went swimming then for another 2 hrs. Monday was all I needed - Everyone at work called me "gimpy."

Another thing, they weren't bluffing when they said I had lost weight. I am happy to inform you 10 lbs have gone to the hinterlands. Where it flew from only I will tell & since I'm the shy-demure type I'll keep it to myself - (not much gussin' huh? - just tryin' to be coy!) Well that's that!

About those tickets - I can get any amount you want for any Sat. game. - The 27th WAS a good day - Pitsburg Pirates - but seein' how they went to pieces, maybe you'd rather pick yourself another day. "Shoot yourself and let me know." And for heavens sake be specific - Let's have definite Instructions. Aye aye Sir.

Bien j'ecrit cetle lettre encore de ma maison de tranille et depuis "temps un wastin" il faut que j'are alee.

So until I hear from you encore, Je suis Votre (crumby french) amie Felicity

Fel to you.

PS I've made no revisions. One thing though I hope you've noticed how largely I wrote. Just another experiment to help keep me out of "situations". F.

*moan

Invitation to attend Peggy's graduation from Academy of St. Francis Xavier

Dear Frank: Just saying "Thanks" doesn't half explain to you how truly pleased I am with my beautiful braclet. I claim that half the world has seen it by now.

Need I say more.

Felicity

Anniversary card from Joe (hand-made)

+++

"Patrol Torpedo Boat"

Hi Frank,

A reply to your letter is on its way. Start getting ahead of yourself in your school work, save some dough so we can go out.

Joe

Meeting reminder for the Alumni Association of St. Michael's HS. Frank S. must have been on the Dance and Legislative Committees.

Thurs. morning

Hi Frank, Sorry I didn't write sooner but you see we are having only four weeks training to do what took three months in peacetime. So I am kept pretty busy. I only wrote a couple of letters besides the ones to my people.

I am having a swell time and enjoying every minute of it. The time flies here. You have something to do all the time. Here it's three weeks I have been away and I have not even managed to scribble off a letter to my old pal - one of the last guys I had a drink with. I'll try to make it up with this letter.

Yesterday was a busy day. We got up at 4:45 regular awakening time here. We went out to exercise - Gene Tunny. We had a real workout. They tell us that we only have 15 min exercise in the morning but I'd bet anything it's more like twenty five.

Sun morning

I got your letter Friday after having just started writing a letter to you Thurs. You needn't excuse yourself for not writing sooner. I am just as much at fault as you. You can see how busy I am. I started Thurs and the next time I picked up the pen it's Sunday. Boy, when you are busy like down here, you write your letters in two, three or four installments. I can understand how difficult it is trying to find some time, when you are going to school - especially college. It seems we are both in the same boat. I have something doing every minute and when I haven't I write letters to my people and friends. The other correspondence was by postcards. Among the people (friends) who got letters from me were Joe Owens & June White. I got a lot of inside stuff from Joe. Flash!!! Regina Shanohan got married!!! Sob, Sob, Sob. Flash!!! Dan Miney's going to the army at the end of the month. Flash!!! Harry Pollack trying to dodge draft. I was thinking that you, me, Danny, Joe, Ken, Marty Patches go over to the Iceland some night with girls while I'm home. Joe & Danny can't wait until I go home so we can go out. How about the Iceland. I heard so much about it, I don't think it would cost so much and I am sure everyone would have a swell time dining, Dance, etc. I'll call you up Wed, 6:00 PM when I get home and settled. Meanwhile, something will come in the mail. I hope it holds you, until we go out. That party at the Iceland could be a real reunion. It could be for my return and Danny's going away. After that I don't think we'll see each other for some time so we'll make it good. Another Flash!! Just came in ¨Joe Owens is going with Rose elevator operator. You couldn't have been more glad to hear from me than I was to hear from you. Gee, a letter from someone you know is the greatest thing on earth. I was surprised myself to wind up in Virginia. You see we went to the recruiting station for a final check up at 8:00 A.M. We were through there at 1P.M. From there we headed for Penn Station. I thought I was off for Newport for sure. Then they told us to meet at the spot in Penn. Station where they had brought us at 10P.M. O'clock. Then I started figuring - 23 hrs to Chicago. We are taking a sleeper. We ain't going to Newport. If we were why would they have us come back at 10 o'clock, when we could make it in 4 hrs to Newport. Get there at a nice time - 5 P.M. I thought of Norfolk but I figured the same as I did of Newport. I thought it was only a 6 hr trip instead it turned out to be 11 hrs. We got in Norfolk at about 10 A.M. o'clock. So to my dismay I found out that I wasn't as good as Dick Tracy in patching up little details and get a correct solution. Well, I am glad I got down here. I ain't too near home - Newport - or too far - Chicago and it's swell weather down here. If I went to either of the other places, I would be wearing my blues all the time. Right down here we wear our whites (when we dress up) and denim overalls [work clothes] & blouses, when we work. We usually roll  the sleeves up and it's very seldom that you need a sweater or any extra clothing. We having been exercise every morning in our bathing trunk, crew (skivvy) shirt and sneakers. Lately it's been a bit chilly in the early morning so we wear our denim dungarees, black wool sweater & sneakers. They tell you that you exercise for 15 min but if they said 20 or 30, it would be more like it. Besides doing these morning exercises we usually have a set of 12 different coordination exercises in the afternoon. These coordination exercises are really whacky - move right foot forward, left arm backward, etc. Real crazy. Besides that we have been taken out twice to the parade grounds from about 9 to 11 o'clock in the morning by the instructors. They are all college graduates or sports figures - Tony Zale, our C.P.O. was a member of 1936 Olympic team.

P.T. They get a chief specialist rating - chief boatswain. Exercises are about the only thing they can do. When they pick us up to bring us from our barracks to the drill field in the morning, we get a couple of laughs. The only two commands they know are "March" and "Halt." You want to see them try to get us in position. It's hot stuff. But they really know their exercises. After they get through with you, you know that you have exercised. You want to hear the guys curse Gene Tunney especially the guys that are up over 23 but I rather like it. It's a good conditioner. If you did what they told you everyday for a year you would have every muscle in your body developed. Whey they take us out to the parade grounds we do everything - play games, relay races, and every imaginable exercise. yes, it is some training. That's the physical part. The mental training is just like it. We attend lectures and movies on every imaginable subject - Flag signals, compass, parts of ship, gunnery, first aid, oral hygiene, seamanship, boat drills, rowing, syphilis, conduct on leave, saboteurs. If they don't have movies on the subject, they have model's, diagrams or illustrations. It's very interesting and entertaining. I really like it. It  would be hard to dislike. Yes, we have a happy hour. We also have a smoker every Friday nite. They have a big name band (had Mitchell Ayres and this week Abe Lyman;[)] professional entertainers and amateur boxing bouts (fellows on base).  I have been so busy that I didn't even go to one of them. You are through at 3:30 or 4. You are free but usually you have wash to do or something else. I really wanted to go to these Smokers but I couldn't - too busy. One day I washed ten pieces of clothes, hammock & sea bag. I was out ashing, until you couldn't see any more it was so dark. Another night I had a dental appointment etc.

You can let me have your brother's address, when I come home. Maybe, we'll bump into each other sometime. I'd like to drop him a card or letter. Ween will he get a leave.

That enlisted Reserve sounds pretty good. Too bad you didn't join the Navy. I know you'd like it. It's swell. I passed Captain's Inspection Sat, yesterday. That meant I got shore leave. I went into Norfolk and had a swell time. We had a couple of beers, something to eat (Turkey dinner), and walked around town, went to a Penny Arcade.

I don't know if it was my sister who called but it sounds like her. I don't think that she would fool around with your mother, though. I think that she would have sense enough to wait until you got  on. She always kids around like that but I doubt, if it was she.

I am about 4 to 6 hrs from my aunt in Asheville, N.C. I might visit her, if I get stationed here. I am not being sent to trade school. I am going to sea probably right after I come back.

I got plenty of time to write. You see today is Sunday and we have off. Writitive, ain't I. That's a Winchell.

Wait till you see me. I had my hair cut twice since I have been here. You want to see how these uniforms fit. I look like I was poured into mine. The uniforms are swell though.

As you can probably see on one of these pages, I was out under a tree writing this letter when it started raining. Some of the ink is smeared. We only had about 3 bad days, since I have been here. On two of these three days it rained and on the other day it was real chilly.

I amd getting speechless so I think I'll close.

See you at the Iceland, your pal,  Joe

Just signed my pay receipt. You have to put your fingerprints on back of check.

P.S. If you want to have a good hearty laugh, I'll let you have a look at my Navy Identification Card.

Peter Joseph Sherman

Platoon 504 NOBNTS, Norfolk, VA.

8:30
Hello!
Guys & Gals
This is to let you know yer invited to a Kiddie Party on Halloween (Oct. 31, 1942) ........ Please wontcha come ....... huh- Please. It's to be held at .....
Miss Margaret G. Doyle's
1003 East 5 St.
Brooklyn, N.Y
Now that ain't all ---
General Makeup ..... (not admitted without it ....... naturally!)
For you guys _____
Item I SHORT pants
Item II Big Bow Tie
and whatever will add to the general childishness of the get-up.
Admission: One large all day sucker.
Here's hopin' we'll be seein' you.
Love n' kisses
The Three Little Sisters
Peg, Eileen, Fel.
R.S.V.P. (P.D.Q.)
P.S. For further information and acceptance call headquarters (Doyle- Haleran residence) - NA-8-5872 (avoid Mon. Tues. & Wed. nights.)
OR ...
Es-5-1825 (on the "avoid" nights) ask for Eileen.

Hi Frank,

I guess you have been wondering where the hell I am. I'm attached to a naval air station down here. Right now I'm working around the barracks as a comparment cleaner. For a month I was on the gas and oil detail, plane security - tie down planes. They have us new guys doing everything. Some of the fellows are working in the beach crew - beach planes. Others are in the mess hall. It's pretty good though. We have to take a lot of junk for about a couple of months until we can strike for some rating when an opening occurs. Then it will be really nice and I can learn something about planes. If you get a rating in radio, aviation machinist's mate, aviation metalsmith, you can become a member of a flight crew. You make 50% bonus for your time in the air once you become a member of a flight crew. I'm now getting a 20% bonus for this is considered sea duty or overseas. Don't you send me any money or I'll break your arm.

How did you enjoy yourself the night we went out together. What's your girl friends name I want to put it on the back of the picture. How's school and the reserve. How's your brother, Joe. Where is he? Write soon and tell me what goes. Your pal, Joe Sherman

"To Mother and Dad from Your Son in the Service"

Mom & Dad:

I'm sorry I couldn't get a card like Dot's. They were all gone. Even Dots isn't the one I wanted. I wanted the one with sister on it. It was much nicer. Bye now & write soon.

May God shower his blessings on the best Mom & Pop a guy could ask for. May God bless & protect you & speed our victory, so I may be home with you soon.

All the Love a fellow could have for his Mom & Pop

Joe

+++

Christmas card from the Institute of Social Order

"The open door" - Christmas card.

Remember last Saturday what happened?

After almost giving up hope for your safety in that cruel world of rationnings, shortages, curtailments & the like, I finally received your letter. It was good to hear from you.

Now that our 10-day quarantine has expired, I fear my little vacation with pay (no cracks, please) is coming to a swift end.

Basic train'g began in earnest yesterday, though we had received lectures on first aid, aircraft identification, the M1, or Garand, rules & regulations, etc., for a few days previously. From 0600 to 1730 (6:00 to 5:30) my time will strictly belong to mine Uncle Sammily.

But on Monday, I hit K.P. with 7 other fellow-unfortunates whose last initials are in the B to D range. While the rest of the men were out in the clean, clear air learning the sombre art of sighting a rifle, I languished by the greasy window of the mess hall leaning disconsolately upon a mop and almost suffocated from the nauseating odor of smoking bacon fat. This was the second time in two weeks that I was stationed in the now familiar kitchen. The first time - I think I mentioned it to you before - when the s'g't. came in and asked for 2 volunteers. Thinking it would be for only an hour or two, I got six instead. This latest session was a Lulu. Sweating at mopping, washing, & cleaning, for 14 hours, I did gain the most beautiful soft white pair of hands (beats Italian Balm) this side of masculinity. As a soldier, I am going to make some woman a good wife. If you get nothing else out of K.P., you do get a belly-full of good food (was eating full-bodied, juicy tangerines for 4 hours straight, in addition to the 3 squared squares. Not having been classified for any particular branch of A.A. or automatic weapons, I still don't know what I'm going to do in this Army.

They handed us mimeographed sheets, recently, listing 8 possible types of service. The types were: cook, supply, driver, instrument operator, 40mm A.A., .50 cal. machines, electrician, inst. op., & driver. However, I don't know whether we'll actually get the choices we indicated.

Recently, too, I spoke to my top-kick questioning him about the possibilities for Air Cadet Train'g. (At Upton, I gained the info that the Army is accepting volunteers for the Air Cad. Train., from the ranks of the inductees since the flow of enlistments has been plugged.) Either the Sarge was irritable, drunk, or in a hurry - he was very sharp & curt in manner. From my little discussion with him, I gathered that I was just stuck with this outfit & that he didn't know his elbow from his _ _ _.

Nothing daunted, I saw one of our "looeys" the next day, and he informed me that opportunity will be given to apply for Air Cad. Tr. - to all comers - after basic train'g is completed here. Such is the story up to this point.

You expect to be in by Feb., isn't that right, chum? How come you don't want to finish as much school as possible, by re-enrolling? At least, six more mos. of school now will mean six less after all's been done. Have you any guaranty that you'll receive any specific training or schooling if you get into active service now? For my part, I see practically no means of obtaining what I think I might qualify for. It's all a very uncertain proposition, and all you can hope for is that by chance you might get what you want, or something you can easily interest yourself in.

Incidentally, a day or two ago I experienced how a homeless bum feels - our barracks were fumigated that day and guards were posted at each of the two entrances, behind them signs reading: "Danger POISON GAS Keep Out."

We couldn't get into the b'rr'ks all day & part of the evening. Not that we were endowed with too many cockroaches, bed-bugs and such - but merely as a matter of routine were the b'rr'ks fumigated (with hydrocyanic gas, too. - You could still smell the stuff 2 days afterwards - probably the small quantity of gas adsorbed by all the clothing & bedding which were sealed in the building.)

They had to do it just when I had about fully trained a squad of 4 big, intelligent bed-bugs to fix my bed properly for reveille, with the blankets pulled tight, smoothed, and tucked in according to camp rules.

For now, - enough.

- Write soon.

Dear Frank, I am sorry that I have not written before but I shall attempt to write in the future. Today I received my shots and boy is my arm sore. Well Frank I shall see you within a month. J. Duffy

"Happy Easter, Father", smoking-themed card; "My best to the greatest guy in the world"

+++

Being away from home at Christmas; Joe's second; 9 wonderful days at Rest Camp (Capri?); took pictures; Purdue; football and basketball; camera; how are Frank & Peggy?; Joe isn't a ladies man; Polish Bombshell (Fel); Joe's New Year; Al Aiken is 4F; war more dirty than glory; enough is enough; facilities in Corsica; "Yank" magazine; Happy Birthday

---

Governors Island, NY, October 21 1904

Dear Sir: Your son Joseph E. Shields who is a member of my company and who has been ill for the last week has been suddenly taken with a turn for the worse. He may not live until morning. You can come over to the Island tonight or tomorrow with any member of your family. The last boat tonight leaves the dock next to the South Ferry at 12:30 tonight, after that you cannot get a boat until morning. This letter will be authority for you or your family to go on boat.

Yours very truly

[?] Johnson, Capt 8th Infty

"Good Luck to you on St. Patrick's Day"

Dear Frank, Hope this finds you and all the folks well and happy. I would love to have a nice long letter from you. You used to write me such nice long letters but I think you must have forgotten me. All send love and best wishes to all. Lovingly, Allie

21 Grant St. Anacostia

"A Joyous Easter"

Dear Cousin Frank

Just a line to wish you a happy Easter. Have missed your letters so much, please do write. I enjoy your letters so much Love to Uncle Frank & Aunto Dora, Lovingly Allie

643 11th St. N. E.

Lunham & Reeve pay receipt and envelope.

Organization of an Infantry Regiment and Organization of a Rifle Company; ROTC documents from CCNY

ROTC schedule for Fall '42 - Spring '43; Frank's study notes in margins and on reverse

Frank's membership card for Newman Club at CCNY

Dear Fran:

Lo and behold! I now am a rookie first class, complete with uniform, work clothes, underwear (completely comfy coverall class) and at least 199 lbs. more of spare clothes and equipment packed into two husky duffle-bags. The "processing" we go through here at Upton consists (chronologically listed) of: Mechanical aptitude & intell'g'nce tests, clothes outfitting, 3 "shots", a motion picture (popularly called the "Mickey Mouse") concerning venereal diseases, and an appreciation of Job's patience, gained from standing on line in the cold waiting to get into the mess hall. However, all in all, the life's not so bad. Will be here, supposedly, only 4 or 5 days, so will write again from perm. camp. - Gene D.

Home - 11:00 PM (tired too)

Dear Joe,

At last I've really gotten down to doing one of those things I've been meaning to do "in my spare time" (please note sarcasm.) As  you see it's pretty late (no don't get excited, I'm not going to leave so soon. Don't think you can get off that easy. You're stuck you've got to listen.) Whew! All that in one breath. The pace is killing me!

Anyhoo - I started to tell you that I just got in from work and had my supper (#2), listened to a prize-fight (on the radio of course) - (We don't do that here any more. Its too much of a mess to clean up afterwards!) when this idea of writing struck me and knocked me down on a chair with pen and paper in front of me. So what was to do? I had to write, the temptation was too great (more sarcasm). Seriously though I've been kept pretty busy here of late.

I'm still going to school on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday nights & home work. Also I've been working overtime quite a bit lateley and weekends well you know how it is, they just fly by leaving you in a daze for days.

Christmas was pretty nice only I'm kinda in the dog house over it. I went over to Eileen's Christmas eve and missed exchanging gifts after midnight Mass because I stopped at Fel's. That wasn't enough it seems. I had to go and forget my perfunctory New Year's visit next door. I do feel bad about it. Christmas didn't seem the same.

I suppose this is only one of the many things which all added up to spoil it in a way.

Among other things there was one big factor, I think I mentioned to you before that Brud (Donald) was planning to get married after he finished Officer's Training. Well, He came home on the 18th of December and according to the law Evelyn Mayer was made Mrs. C.D. Doyle Dec 20th. Need I say more? I think you've guessed what I'm driving at. That's right. He was "married" by her minister. Of course this put the damper on everything since it was very unexpected.

Gosh Joe I'm sorry, this letter has turned out to be a sob story and I wanted to avoid that. You've got enough to be concerned about yourself without listening to my woes.

How goes everything with you, soldier. Say that picture you sent Fel certainly is a honey. Honestly its so lifelike I had to turn it to the wall New Year's eve when we were going to be at Fel's.

Gee we missed you this year, Frank, Gene D., Helen, John Acer, Gene's cousin & his girl friend and Denham (remember him, you met him at the beach?) and Fel, Eileen & myself all congregated at Fel's to see the New Year in. We missed that handsome? grin and snappy come-back of your so we took "you" off the piano and put "you" between the bay window in the livingroom. The following Saturday night Eileen & I wanted to take "you" to Helen's brother's farewell party, but Fel wouldn't let us. She said you'd probably get messed up with beer at the bar or somebody'd hit you with a dart. I'd be insulted if I were you. Why anyone would think you couldn't take care of yourself if they heard that.

She didn't do so well herself as I remember. On the way to the "Culver" Jack Moran said "I can see I'm going to have my hands full with the three of you!" We had just decided to make it a hilarious party. Fel chimed in at that moment with "Let's fool him and stay 'stober' (sober) - and with that she was down on all fours climbing hand over hand up the curb of east 2nd St.

Last Monday night we went to Gene D's farewell party (I played hooky). The first thing that struck us as we entered the door was the sight of GeneG.  whom we haven't seen since your party going through his antics to the tune of a hot record as if he'd never been missing. It certainly was a sight for sore eyes. He is getting a commission in the Navy soon. He's in the reserve.

Well, Joe, I think it's about time I wandered off to bed. As you have probably noticed I'm gettin' groggy. Be good.

Tout m'amour et assez de bonne fortune a vous.

Translation - All my love and lots of good luck to you.

Peggy.

Well, thank goodness the Holidays are finally dispensed with. That running around is swell but boy it certainly feels good to know what a bed feels like again. As usual the New Year was going to be greeted in a quiet sort of way. Just Peg, Eileen & I  to celebrate & cry in our "lonesome" beers. But no - it didn't turn out that way. We all got together - [Frank, Gene, John Acer, Denham, John Dembinski, & Joe O. - Eileen, Peg, Dolores, Martha & myself.]] at our house and I think had a pretty good time of it. We remembered the previous year and all admitted that we never shall see as wonderful a time again. But heck - why live in the past. Somehow it's not worth it. Too much reminicing. Anyhow to get on - New Years Day we three girls decided to go calling - (as everyone told us "It just ain't kosha") - Soo we first trapsed over to Gene's. (had dinner there) Then - to our surprise - Frank & Joe O. walked in - so we went on from there together. Our first stop was to see John Collon - he was ill with bronchitis. You could never immagine the look of complete horror on his face when we girls walked head long into his boudoir (or somethin' - bedroom to you) <- to me too!). After he had recovered from the shock we proceeded to hold a gab fest for the next three - I'm a liar - it was two -hours. Noting his appearant fatigue we excused ourselves and made way to that "time honored domicile" - The Shields Residence. Your Mom - Vi & Betty were in - and as usual we enjoyed ourselves immensly. I had a fine time trying on ski boots - Jackets & caps - I was all set to go skiing - over N. Years but my job held me back - Next time maybe.

(We're short on good writing paper - There just ain't no more)

Well - we would up that evening eating Pitzz at Rex's on 86th St & Fourth Ave. We met Ronnie there - She certainly is turning into one pretty young lady. Yumm. -

(I'll bet this seems like pretty old news to you buy now. but it's still nice & fresh in my mind.)

Excuse - while I continue to ramble! - That following Monday Gene D. had his farewell party. - [I just got a card from him _ he's now at Upton going through the wringer.] G.G. was there in all his glory. He's still the happiest fellow I know. Really - it was like old times - anyhow the nearest thing to it.

Well, Joe that about covers everything at a quick glance. - Peg & Eileen send their usual rememberences - (They haven't changed a bit - except - Peg's a year older now. ) & Mom just told me to say "Hi" for her. - Keep em flying -

Until soon again - I am - affectionately yours, Fel

As a soldier of a week's standing, I think the Army life won't be half bad. Of course, the last week hasn't been strictly regulation, and we rookies, (grade: - 1st class) oh, the horror of it all, have time on our hands. In addition we have to withstand a 10-day quarantine, during which we don't drill and occassionally do only a little work "policing" the area around the barracks - "policing" being the gathering, by hand, of matches, butts, scraps of paper, and such debris left lying on the ground.

Out here in Camp Davis, N.C., the warm sun is shining, the atmosphere is a breath of spring, and sand gets into everything. But the climate is worth that 18 hr. train trip (in decrepit coaches) we had to suffer. In addition to getting only fitful periods of sleep, I and my partner had a beautiful freezing breeze pouring down our backs from a hole I put in the train window next to our seats. While we were struggling to tear down the coach seats, in order to rearrange them for making beds, I unintentionally shoved a corner of one of the seats thru the window pane. Well it could have been worse - suppose the whole seat went thru and out!

Nothing of interest happened here at Davis yet. You'll notice from my address:

Pvt. E. Dembinski

Battery E, 510th Coast Artillery (Anti-Aircraft)

Barracks T-405

Camp Davis, N.C.

that Davis is a Coast Artillery organization, but as yet, I haven't been classified for any particular branch of the service, so it doesn't necessarily mean I'll be a gunner after basic training. Perhaps when I meet up with the classifying officer, I can express a choice for Aviation Cadet training. At Camp Upton, I inquired about getting into Av. Cad. train., and they informed that it would be best were I to wait until I reached permanent camp. So in a few days (a week) I'll see what the situation is.

Meanwhile, how's about writing and letting me know what's doing down your neck of the woods?

As one soldier to another soldier, "kwitcherdambellyakin." you'll be here soon too.

Eugene D.

Dear Frank & family,

It's late boy, lights out in 15 minutes, so I'm writing this fast. I go to Ft. Jackson tomorrow at 4:45 AM. to fire on the rifle range. Then monday we are suppose to go to Myrtle Beach, to qualify as armourer-gunners. So I had to send this card & note tonight. I'll write you from the "beach" & let you know how things are coming. If I go to Eng. school I won't leave here till some time in June, so tell mom not to worry about me going over, not for the time being.

Hows things with you Frank, Everything going right. Don't worry about the army Frank. I hear they are starting to take C.O.R. men the 10th of Feb. So keep your chin up, they'll get to you yet.

Have you heard any more from G. D.? He hasn't written me yet. Well Frank it's late now & I have to be up in the morning, so take it easy.

Happy Birthday brother, & all the luck in the world, to you. Remember, I'm rooting for you Frank, so when they get you come through with a commission for me, will you.

Bye now & God Bless you. Love to all Your brother

+++

"Wising you a PURR-FECT Birthday"

Love and x's (for your birthday)

Peggy

"For your Birthday", multi-layered card with Tassel

"Birthday Greetings"

With money wishes for a taxless birth day. Your Dollar Daddy and Dollar-less mom.

Honorable Discharge from ROTC at CCNY; Joined 02/06/1941; Cadet Sergeant

Special Deliveries; chosen for DC conference & recruiting, then changed to A.G. school; personnel issues; poor judgement by Army; going to Washington Jefferson College in PA; affect on furlough; may not come back to Ft. Oglethorpe; like leaving home; chance to see Frank or Touhey?; will call

Still here; left barracks; new address next week; write vs call; furlough plans; finger cut and swollen; sent Joe tobacco kit

In school AGAIN; 24 hr trip to PA; living in Frat house; activities after arrival; next two months will be hard; first WACs in area; official welcome; yearns for civilian life; prefers footlocker over dresser; 150 men in class

Wed. 5¹⁵PM, 10-20-43

Dear Mother & Dad:

Am not going to mess so thought I'd better get a note off to you while I have a few minutes & before I give in to the wild desire to sleep. I can't afford to sleep and if I can keep awake another half-hour maybe I'll hold out until bed-check.

Don't know where to begin on all this, but you asked why I need more school when I've had two years of interviewing. It would take me a book to explain Army Classification (of which  interviewing is only a part) to you - it's going to take us 2 mos just to get the fundamentals.  Social-work interviewing only gives you Ease in dealing with people & perhaps a technique in getting information as far as this job is concerned. And our interviewing here requires a lot more technical knowledge. Briefly (very) Army Classification consists in testing, interviewing, classifying, assigning enlisted men to military jobs according to their civilian & military skills. In our interviewing we list a lot of identifying data, as well as a person's 1st & 2nd main civilian occupations, on a large form card. All of which sounds simple. But there are Army Regulations, volumes of them, governing all  this - all the way down to how words shall be abbreviated & just how CARDS SHALL BE PRINTED!! In addition there are 30,000 jobs, with given identification numbers, into which a man's civilian occupation may fall. So one must know the most commonly met ones of these by title, number, and definition, as well as know how & where to find the rest in the proper books. Also, there is ever so much judgement to be exercised in deciding what are all a man's main jobs - considering their importance, longevity, income, his skill, his test scores, plus his training & education. It ain't easy, McGee, & for my $$, there'll still be plenty to learn even after years at this job. So - that's why we're in school. All boring to you, no doubt, but you asked for it.

Perhaps a copy of our schedule will help you know why I won't be writing you very often - perhaps only on week-ends. And so you'll get the benefit of the physical effort involved, keep in mind that I live on the top (3) floor (double flights!) and make at least 20 trips up & down during the day; also mess & school are a 10-15 minute march away - all laden down with about 5-6 lbs of books in left arm AND all up-and-down hill. So here goes:

5:30 AM - rise & shine - with only 3 sinks for 25 girls you need a half-hour to get all done up in full uniform so as to be ready by

6:00 AM - fall out for reveille - march off to mess-hall for breakfast. Then back to barracks about 6:35

6:35 - 7:00 - change into fatigues to clean & for P.T. later. Make bed, put clothes away, clean room, do squad detail. - all of which was much easier in our barracks in camp 'cause you were confined to about a foot of space all around your bunk, & your shelf, for cleaning. In this barn, you're never done, and there are more damn dust collectors than you can shake a stick at. The thought of keeping a room again kills me!

7:00 - 7:45 - P.T. in the back yard.

7:45 - 8:15 - put the finishing touches to the room. By this time you're well sweated up & nice & dirty with Pa. soot! So you clean your face again, do you hair, & put on the A uniform again.

8:15 fall out for classes

8:30 - 11:20 classes - 3 of them with Army instructors - good looking, witty, Lts, Colo., Major, Capts - aces at their job - never fail to take a crack at the WACs. We're the first they've seen & I don't believe they fully appreciate our presence in a strictly men's school (see paper) & are undoubtedly chagrined at the fact that we may someday be interviewing in the men's army. Also we cramp their style of "men's talk" in lectures. Every time the male students put on a demonstration skit, they never fail to insert some good-humored barbs about the WACs. It's really funny, we can take it, & we may grow on them before the course is over. We hope so.

11:30 - by this time we're in the chow line again. And the meals here are the best we've EVER eaten! Army has taken over part of one of the hotels & our Cooks are civilian women. Eat with the men but have 2 tables reserved only for us.

12:15 - We're home again by this time with a whole half-hour to do as you please!! Most if it is spent running up & down stairs to mail call, or the Johnny to freshen up.

12:45 - fall out for classes

1:00 - 3:50 - 3 more class sessions. Then the 10 main march back to the house.

4:00 - 5:00 close-order drill under an Army Lt. This I really like. Most of our cadre & officers can't drill us worth a damn & we really have potential[?]. But the snap & precision of an Army Louie really keeps you on the ball & you love it. Also it wakes Shields up so she can get started on the Evening Session.

5:00 - 5:30 on your own again.

5:30 - fall out for mess - it's 6:15 now & the kids aren't back yet!

6:30 - 11PM is yours BUT there's a ream of written material, books, etc. to be studied for the following day's lectures. And the tches aren't averse to gentle dirty cracks if it's evident you haven't studied. Well, I've been conscientious about that, and find it requires 3-4 hours just to READ the given assignments, to say nothing of taking time out to absorb them.

So you're never tucked in before 11:30 & from then till 5:30 AM is only 6 hrs sleep. Besides which, every 8 days we draw CQ and fire guard duty. Which is given in 3 shifts: 5PM to 10PM; 10PM to 3AM; 3AM to 7:30 AM. During this you stay in the orderly room on the 1st floor, are responsible for the barracks, & once an hour make the rounds to check for fires etc. (Are you still with me, or are you as tired as I am?) Friday is my shot at CQ & with my luck I draw the 3AM to 7:30 shift. Have to be in full uniform & awake, 'cause the O.D. comes around during the wee hrs to check. Can't imagine how I'll get through Saturday!

Well, there it is. And if you think there aren't times when my "arss" is draggen, you just ain't thinkin'. Now I know what Frank is going thro. And when I think of the subjects HE takes, with the consequent home work, I get weak. Let me know how he looks & how he's bearing up.

Joe's letter was really something. With 36 trips in, it shouldn't be long now. If he should get home & I'm in Oglethorpe, I'm sure I can arrange an Emergency furlough. Let's hope for it. Maybe that's why I got up here & won't be home for Xmas. Who knows, you may have a couple of us at once, yet.

Started a letter to Touhey & can't get it finished. Aunty wrote today (to Geo) & I know I can't answer it. Will you please excuse me to them?

Well, they say our first exam, tomorrow, is a lalapalooza. Also our first class is at 7:30. Just discovered that happens once a week - Oi oi! It's 6:30 no so I'm going to cry "uncle." Don't let me know with mail.

Love, Dot.

Trip "home"; Dot retained in "Interviewing", others going into field; B Sherman plans; hard getting back into gear; Xmas party on base; furlough good, but didn't get enough time with Family; Shaw & Salerno; "Christmas doesn't feel so Christmassy"; sore throat

Christmas feeling; Shields' are scattered; Reminiscence of past Christmas's; "we'll all be home for Christmas"; no time to shop this year; Gen & Chief to share money order; late gifts for Frank, Ronnie, Vee & Betty; midnight mass

Requesting the girls wait a few weeks for Santa's gifts to arrive

Hope that all will be home for next Christmas; "no words to say how much Mom & Chief mean to us"; in each others thoughts

Changes: receiving money from "kid" sisters; will miss watching Ronnie & Vee grow up as she could for Joe & Frank; advice on being companions to  Gen & Chief;  appreciate gift; Santa will be late

Thank you; "promotion" to Sergeant; box sent to Dot is wonderful & shared by entire barracks; lucky Dot; mirror present from Dot; hopes for next Christmas

Grades for Fall '42 term at CCNY. Drafting & Math

Meeting announcement for St. Michael's HS Alumni Association. Last meeting for the duration.

"A Good Luck message on your Birthday"

I received both of your letters and was tickled to hear from you. I hope you'll excuse me for not writing sooner. When I got your second letter, I felt like a heel. I was really busy. You'll understand it some, if you go in the army. You see I get letters from everybody and all over and sometimes they pile up on me and I get busy down here. By the time I start to answer them, I have a box full Well that was the case with yours. I had sixteen letters on hand and I kept getting more. I tried to answer my family's letter as they came along with as many of these as I could. I had an envelope addressed to you from about three days after I received your letter but I could not find time to write that letter. Yours finally hit the top of the pile yesterday, the same day I got your letter.  I'm really sorry I didn't write sooner. Well, now to write a nice newsy letter. Thanks for the Christmas card. It was swell. Now for that long awaited letter.

I was quite surprised myself to land in Cuba. I thought I was going on board a ship. I told my mother I'd probably be home for Christmas. I figured I'd get on a destroyer and pull in the Bklyn Navy Yard every now and then. Quite a few guys around the neighborhood did that. One of my friends is stationed down there now. You probably heard me talk about him - Eddie Johnson. Do you remember the day I was reading a letter from him to you and Joe Owens down in the basement of Royal right by the candy counter. Incidentially I owe that guy [candy counter] a nickel. Remind me to pay him some day. About four guys I know took part in the raid on Casablanca - Jimmy Kelly, Bill Lodge and a couple of others I can't think of now. Then three other guys I know real well are in the Pacific. One of the guys, Oscar Hildago, who is only 18 was wounded when his ship went down in the Pacific. I got a postcard and V letter - which never reached me - from another of the three who is on a ship around New Zealand. Then I got a Christmas card from a guy who has seen almost every bit of action there was in the Pacific. I get a lot of dope about all the guys in all branches of the service from a newspaper - "The Bridge" - The Road Home for Gowanous Servicemen. It's put out by a couple of fellows around the neighborhood who haven't been drafted, because of poor health or dependents. It's real good. You cann't beat the spirit in Bklyn. The Bklyn Daily Eagle also prints everything that goes in that paper and puts it in the "Service Section" or something. My name has been mentioned a couple of times. I like down here a lot but I would like to get some sea duty abouard an aircraft carrier or destroyer before the war's over.

I'll send you a postcard of Morro Castle. I'm find out how the other half lives. We go on liberty to the town called Caimanero. It's the most different from anything you have ever seen. It's an experience in itself to go to town. It's real nice down here. Anyone that has an eye for beautiful would really appreciate it. I find myself gazing over the blue waters of the Caribbean and at the surrounding mts, palm trees and cactus and really admiring it. I'm on a pretty good detail now. I'm in the beach crew. All we wear all day are bathing trunks and sneakers. I'm really enjoying this. We beach big flying boats. We handle rope and do work like you would expect a sailor. I might be able to get seaman first out of it in about three months. We move the planes around to get them ready. I'm sitting in the shade of a tractor writing this. I parked another one so It would provide shade but some took it to move a plane. It's a lot of fun. I'm learning how to drive pretty good. You say in your letter how your brother looks good like all service men. Well, I wish you could see me. Boy, I really got a swell tan and I have put on weigh.

I know we always had a swell times when we went out and I'm looking forward to a lot more. I felt kind of funny with that lousy haircut I'll never get one of them again. And in a place like that. Boy, that bring up about the gang getting pleasantly plastered as you put it every payday but that certainly brought up some pleasant memories that I won't forget.

Glad to hear that your brother is doing so well. I was surprised to hear that he was a sergeant. Boy, he's really right in there. He get what he wanted and is already assigned to a plane. I don't think the war will be over until April '44. I hope I'm wrong though. I'll be able to get flight orders by that time. It takes about fourteen months before you can become rated. Boy, that sounds like the life listening to the hit Parade at 13000 ft. I was in the forward gunner's position on one of our planes. Just looking around there seemed like enough room for me there but when I tried the tail position I was all cramped up. There's more to it then shotting a gun. Tell him if he is ever down this way to look me up. I'd be more than glad to show him around. Your cousin must be a pretty bright lad. I got your first letter Jan 2 and the latest one Feb 3. I had a swell Christmas and New Year's. Boy, they certainly treated us Royal. You couldn't have beaten the eats we had. We had Turkey and Ham and all the dressings to excess. Then we all got a bag of Christmas candy, bag of nuts, pack of cigarettes and a cigar. We had a very good U.S.O. show down here though there were no prominent stars. We had singing of Christmas carols Christmas eve. I was on guard duty when the New Year came in. The guys didn't get in until all hrs. A couple of them offered me a drink about 2 o'clock. They were really potted. I don't know how many times I met them while walking my post. I was dreaming up New Year's resolution all the time I was on. Most of which I have already broken. I have been promising myself I'd learn Spanish since I came down here. I bought a book on it Sp. in 20 lessons by some professor at the Univ. of Miami . after I was down here about two weeks but have never used it. My mother was the same with me she said you don't need anything you'll be in the service soon and I'm glad she was that way. I'm glad to hear that your brother got leave I bet youse had some time celebrating. I wish I could have been with you. Even though I only know Joe slightly I really liked him and took to him. He's an accepted member for getting a stew on with. Incidentially we have a little puppy for a mascot. We call him "Two Beer". I wouldn't mine hearing from Joe. I'm glad he liked my present so well. They are a real good bunch at Royal. Now to tell you about them all. Harry Pollack is still on the loose. Ken Soha is in Field Artillery, Ft. Bragg, N.C. Dan Miney[?] drafted Army Air Corp, Atlantic City. Marty Patches is in Army. I don't know where. I write to his house until he gets settled. Joe Owens expects to be called soon. Tony[?] rejected by Army. Taking a gov't course for a defense job. There's a good guy, if you ever met one. Bob Reinnagel in Field Artillery. That's the boy that was going in the Army Air Corp or nothing. John Hannon drafted to Army. Now at Oswego, N.Y. Nick DePola, Tony's brother was about to be drafted when I last heard of him. I imagine Dutch will be going soon. Haven't heard nothing yet. How's this for a team for a good time - Dutch, Tony, Dan, Ken, Joe, you and I. I got the same things from Royal Guard as Joe. My people are all O.K. My brother is getting ordained April 28 and my sister's getting married right after that. I hope to get home for that. Lights are going out. I tried finishing this when I came back from the movies. The lights are out now. So I close.

Anything else you want to know give me the word.

Valentine's card from Fel, Peggy and Eileen.

I received your letter and was thankful for it. I guess all soldiers are anxious and glad to receive mail from those who they know are their friends.

Do not think me pessimistic Frank but army life is not all its cracked up to be. It is a hard lean life - that part is swell but in all your life you perhaps will see very few things that have got more confusion than the army.

As far as John liking it is concerned I am certain he wouldn't because the fellows here on the average are not like you and I.  I don't think that John would appreciate their company.

I had my shots Saturday & this coming Saturday I get them again. Don't let anyone scare you Frank they do not hurt at all.

My dad & mother are coming to see me this weekend because I expect to leave here for probably some college sometime next week. When my address changes I will notify you of it.

Give my best regards to Gene if you write him before me. I hear he is sick - tell him my hopes are all for him.

Hoping this finds you & yours in good health I remain you devoted friend

Johnnie D.

At last - a pretty long lost, at that, - I've managed to drag out the "avec quoi écrire", find myself with 8 hours of the nite partly at my disposal, and seat myself at a lieutenant's desk, all preparatory to writing you. Finally, I've gained two of the conditions conducive to writing - time, and a place to write. Allow me to explain. Right now, I am on 24-hr fireman duty, tending to the wants of 2 soft-coal burning furnaces the one in our barracks, and the other, in another building, the Day Room (A day room is a  place set aside for the use of the soldier when he has a leisure moment and wishes to read a magazine, or write, in surroundings other than the barracks. Not that they're any more luxurious or attractive, in this case, but the building is there anyway, and has to be heated.)) To continue - the furnaces seem to function properly for about an hour without care, so  until the hour arrives, the intervening time is mine. (Until daybreak, of course, when sergeants might appear to queer things, letter-writing & reading being "verboten" while on duty.) At this moment, awaiting the hour of 2300, I am in the Orderly Room sitting at one of the lieutenant's desks. The Orderly Room is "open all nite", with a man on duty, likewise for 24 hours. It is deserted except for the C.Q. (Charge of Quarters, i.e., charge of the Orderly Room, i.e., the man on duty), another fireman, and myself.

That explains the circumstances. Say, chum, are they so backward up at City C. in the ROTC that they actually give cadence count in English? - hup, two, three, four; hup, two, three, four. In reality, it should sound: up, tuh, tip, fuh, up, tuh, tip, fuh, with variations encouraged. Each sergeant or looey has his own pet arrangement of those 4 breath expirations, some gasping, others muffling, & still others abbreviating. So help me, it's bad enough being out of step, but you can't tell when you should fall back in. Then the sarge urges: "Pick up that cadence. - Pick it UP! - Pick it up, IT AIN'T SHIT!" To go on in same vein, or worse, so pardon my blush, (got out of that stage the first 3 days in the Army) we have a corporal who, in the ungodly hour of reveille, at 1730, flashes the lights on, and before you've fallen completely out of sleep's stupor, instead of incanting the usual "Rise & shine, boys" bellows out - "Let down your --- & pull up your socks".

One moment, please, have to see how the fires are making out. ('tis now 2300, and taps have just been sounded. It's just the 2nd time I've ever heard them. Once, I happened to awake while they softly carolled their mournful notes to the still nite.)

There, that should hold 'em for at least an hour and a half (getting reckless).

You know, during the week Feb 7 to 14 (now that can't be - it was the previous week.), I was in the camp hospital recovering from a severe cold, cough, fever, sore throat, and a few incidental blisters accrued previously. When I reported for sick-call I felt so disgustingly weak & loose-kneed that another day would have seen me clutching the sands of Camp Davis. As it was, believe it or no, I slept 20 out of 24 hrs. for the first 3 days at the hospital (no drugs). After that, I was good as new, even better, since I was already broken in.

The hospital was located about 50 ft. from, and ran parallel to, the airport. They would ahve done just as well had they built that groan-garage in a R.R. yard. Every 3 or 4 mins. the window panes would actually rattle from the beat produced by powerful motors lifting some plane skyward. They even shook when single-motored planes took off. But those surging beats and the crescendoes & diminuendoes of a motor being gunned to a roar and then throttled to a purr would have proven fatal to a nerves patient. But I thrived on it.

Recently we underwent a demonstrations of the effectiveness of the gas-masks which had been issued us a week previously. (Mine fits - and feels - like a glove). We went thru 2 gas chambers containing a lachrymator, and SO₂ . Of course, the lachrymator concentration was a mild one, since each man, before leaving the chamber, had to pull his mask from his face and tarry a moment. When that part of the game had been completed, he could, and everyone did, tear and tear for the door leading out. Each of us in the group of 20 that went thru the chamber had watery eyes for about 5 minutes later, and the group looked comical, everyone crying as though each had just suffered a terrible sorrow.

So far, I haven't asked for any passes (bet you fellows get plenty, now) to see the outside world, but expect to see what "Boom-town," just outside the camp boundary, and Wilmington, 18 miles distant (we have a bus service) have to offer this week-end. Everyone says there's nothing to see or do, but I suppose I'll have to go at least once for the record, and for the bus ride.

To go back to the paragraph preceding the last one, - I forgot to mention that that the process for entering the SO₂ chamber consisted of each man's entering without his mask on, and then slipping it on, once inside. All went well with me. Following instructions, I took a deep breath of clean air, held it until I reached my place in the chamber, fumbled and flushed[?] out my mask, and gratefully poked the puss into the bag. Now, once you've your mask over your face, you're supposed to hold the exhaust valve and exhale the deep breath that you've been holding. The excess pressure would free itself thru the edges of the mask, and it would be "cleared" of any traces of gas which had entered before the mask was adjusted to the face. Unaccustomed as I was to breathing via tubes and filters, I forgot to hold the exhaust valve shut. As a result, I cleared the mask through the valve instead of through the edges. My next inhalation made me aware of a tinge of SO₂. After that, there were no more traces of it. My point is this - is the mask as effectively cleared through the valve as thru the edges? The same amount of air is displaced in each case, so I think that one doesn't have to hold the valve. But I didn't get a chance to a repeat performance, so couldn't ascertain whether clearing the mask thru the edges would still leave a tinge of gas. However, I daresay the amount of gas remaining by either method is so small that it would have no physiological effect, even were it a lethal gas.

Time to quit now, so until you write, "Au Écrire". (Is that allowable?)

Say, see if Joe doesn't owe me a letter. I think I wrote last, but can't remember exactly. It's been quite a while since I've heard from him. At least 2 mos.

Call to Active Duty. Frank withdrew from CCNY; called to duty on 3/9/43. Orders (3 copies) for Frank to report to Camp Upton, NY included.

Response to request for information. Regulations pertaining to conditions for enlistment. Opportunity for OCS; Air Corps vs Aviation Cadets.

I received your letter and was very glad to hear from you. I would have answered sooner only I didn't get the chance. Your brother is right about it being no easy job to answer the mail.

You letter arrived in swell condition just as if you had it in an envelope. It wasn't even wrinkled or didn't show no signs of its travel. Your letter wasn't micro-filmed. I got a letter from a friend of mine in New Zealand and his letter was micro-filmed. Boy, that's a swell idea. I only got one page from him. I don't imagine you are permitted to write much. Boy, it really is tiny and you have to have good eyes to read it.

I rather that neighborhood paper every month than a five dollar bill. You'll probably see my name again in Eagle one of these days. I don't go for that stuff of sending in pictures. When they finally get Pollack in the Army that would be like him to send in his picture to some paper with the title - Pollack Joins Army - Now Doing His Part for Uncle Sam.

I hope to get S 1/C within the next two months. Then I'll be making more than I ever did with Royal. I have a course out on it and when I get time I study it a bit. The job I got is pretty alright. I'd like to make seaman first and lean all the things about it. It's real interesting and will probably prove helpful later on. They might give it to me because we do a lot of work with lines and stuff and probably pick up some fundamentals.

That secretary stuff sounds convincing. [Top of second page]

I got to give my letter atmosphere. After all I am a sailor and you expect that I'd be on a ship. So that accounts for my writing downhill from left to right. That's the ship rocking. All kidding aside, I usually write my letters while setting on my bunk. I lean the pad on my knees and that's what happens. But cann't you note an improvement in this letter.

I think I know what your brother means when he says you can't depend on anything in the army. I'll be coming up for my brother's ordination - April 27 if nothing happens. I don't know what I'd do if I was a civilian with things as they are. You know how I like to eat. You got the right idea. The only place you get a good meal now is in the service. I hope to see you when I'm home if you are around. Dan Miney's down Atlantic City and he's getting a weekend liberty when I'm home. John Hannon's is a M.P. on a pier in N.Y. My sister's boy friend is out on a trip. He expects to be home around April. He was somewhere around Austrailia as he states in one of his letters. He has been out about five months now. Really stepping. Dutch is still around. He is a good guy. I pray every night that they'll get Pollack but I'm afraid that's one prayer that will never get answered.

At long last you got around to writeing me. Boy its about time. Now don't go giveing me any excuses. You haven't been going to school, so you have no excuse. You better get into the habit of answering soon Frank. I'm not fooling. Its a sure way of keeping friends. It makes no difference if you  have nothing to say. Just shoot a line of shit. People don't care what you say. Its just hearing from you that they want. This is just a little advice from my book: "How to write letters & loose friends."

So your comeing in! Well its sort of a shock & a plesent surprise all at once. I was sorta hopeing you would stay home. Your going to break Mom's heart, you know that don't you. But you "dooded it" so there is no sence in crying now. All I can say is: the best of luck to you Frank. Ya know, I've always look at you as my kid brother, not looking down on you, mind you. Looking up to you would be more like it. You always had such poise & finess, (slippery ass McCue). I guess it was your brains & will power that I envied most. Gee I wish I had gotten a decent education. But now that you are becomeing one of us, well at last we are on the same level.

For a short while anyhow, I guess it won't be long till your above me though. By God, if you don't get to the top, & fast, I'll come home & punch you silly.

Soy Jay Olive is going in the Marines. Good for him. Sure I know the "dish" Frank. Thats a little "Filly" that lives on Narrows Ave. Some "dish" huh!

I'm not sure who wrote last. Gene or I. But if I'm not too tired when I finish, I'll drop him a line. I've been on Guard all this week, Grave yard shift, 12:30 till 6:30. We have 18 hours off after each shift. But you can't get much sleep in a barracks like this. You did some nice work on thoes pictures Frank, but is it possible that there is dust on the lens. It looks a little cloudy.

Tell Mom that Aunty wrote & sent me a dollar. I also got her letter the other day, but I guess she has my last letter by now. Frank tell Mom I got a cartoon of "butts" from: Julius Aderer, Inc. 115 @ 45th St. N.Y. Who the hell he is I don't know. I guess some one gave him my name. I'll have to write him & find out how come he knows me. Frank is Dot sick, or dead. I have written her 3 letters & have not heard from her once. Tell Mom that I haven't written Mr. Lovett either, because of Guard. But I'll get around to it as soon as possible.

Well Frank, by the time you get set in this Army, I'll be in combat. We'll be leaving here some time in March. I've made out all my paper's & I expect to get my over seas clothes some time next week. I'm to get Staff Sgt. as soon as I get to my P.O.E. So tell Mom I'll be sending home about $100 or $115 per month as soon as my rateing comes through. That won't be till some time in May.

Well sojer, I'm tired, so I'll hit my "fart sack" (bed) again. Bye now & all the luck in the world to you Frank. Just keep your mouth shut, your bowels open & don't volunteer for anything. Your brother

Joe

+++

Yesterday rec'ved your 3-day letter, & learned that you start your rapid rise to a commission Mar. 9th. Won't be able to get out a letter to you before that time, so am writing via postcard. We have finished the 1st 6 weeks of primary basic. Am going to radio school for the remaining 6 wks. 8 hrs. per day, living & eating @ barracks, but no more details, K.P., & such annoyances. Haven't any free time worth mentioning, except Sundays. Teaching us telegraphy, radio voice & telegraph procedure, & the workings of the various superb transmitters & rec'vers that the Army uses. Will be pastime, not work, to be in radio. Will probably find time in near future to write fully. Meanwhile, let me know when you get into, & out of, Upton. Good Luck! - AR (end of transmission & standing by)

"To the best darn Soldier"

Dear Frank,

So sorry I will not bave the pleasure of seeing you before you leave for the Army on Tuesday next.

I want you to have the enclosed "Crucifix." I have not had it blessed, perhaps your Chaplin will bless it for you.

Frank told me your party was a delightful one. He enjoyed it so much.

Please be assured of our humble prayers at the Altar of God when prayers matter most.

Frank joins sending all good wishes. (God bless you)

Sincerely, Mary Agnes Brennan
Sunday, March 7, 1943

Dear Frank,

The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass will be offered for your special intention by Ref. Father Edwin Kron C.S.P., a friend of mine.

As ever, Frank B.

Various items that presumably were given to Frank at the going-away party. Cards from Ronnie, Vee & Betty; Al & Helen; Fel Kazalski; Gert & Charlie, John Collon,

205 Gelston Avenue,

Brooklyn. NY

March 9, 1943

Dear Fran,

I hope you arrived at camp okay. When I brought over these cigarettes you were gone. I thought that you would be their. I am going to Mass and communion for you and Joe. I am trying to be good as you said.

As ever. Write soon to me

Margaret K.

Dear Frank,

I spent a lot of time debating whether I should send a letter or only a card; as a result I haven't sent anything until now; and still only a card (obviously). Let me know if you'll be there where you are long enough to warrent a letter; but at least when you reach the permanent abode, inform me chop-chop and a letter will chop-chop be forthcoming. Your frequent attendance at "La Trine" interests me. Is it a salon or a nite-club flowing with golden wines? Why, Frank, I flush to think of it. Let me know when you commence to hate "l'armie", so I can say "I told you so"

John C.

Rec'd letter; no request for return letter; apologies for not writing; Merchant Marine dance; saw The Immortal Sergeant; Camp Croft looks like bus stop at Rye Park; brother Ed reclassified 1A; Don's hopes for Umpire school; in hot water

Hope you don't get KP; "do you see Joe?" (evidently believes Frank and Joe in same Camp); no answer from Joe; "Unkel" Frank is sick; pair of "pagarmers" (pajamas?) with soldiers on it; saving thoughts for another letter; your loving "cosin"

All well except Tom, he's getting smaller for want of beer; Dot's (Kirwan) letter; she thinks Frank & Joe are in same camp; news of acquaintances; Chief here last night; party "stunk on ice": "Gert did not even get drunk"; "I'm not drunk"; letter all mixed up; took 2 weeks to write; 0 degree weather; Chief looked like a lobster

Storekeeper school in RI; it's tough; daily schedule; liberty; sleep in hammocks; how is everyone?; send addresses; ready for chow at any time

"Hope you make it"; "poor souls" get special attention; Mass at night; Susie's (Dot's) prospects?; basic ending; short basic for WAACs; mid-terms; Vee jittery about Latin; money; Chief and Tommy planning V Garden; Gen using Red Cross sessions as an excuse; leak in kitchen; Touhey's job troubles; Fel, Peg & Eileen plan to visit every other Sunday; Gen to make ice cream; Chief cussing in the kitchen

Send pic of yourself; Joe enclosed one of himself; war bonds; GI laundry loses items; Yank magazine; busted; living in town & renting car; letter from Fel; sold watch; goldbricking; "you're supposed to fuck the government"; Chief went off on bender when Joe left; Dot relayed info home that Joe thinks she shouldn't have; met John Darcey from 92nd St; scapular medal

+++

Paycheck?; OCS for Dot; ships out 16th; Vee music training; which instrument?; Hill girls phoned; Kate & Tommy; Chief gardening; snow; Chief wouldn't tell Gen what he wrote to Frank; enclosing letter from Joe - return it; didn't upset me; Joe shipping out soon; Grandma behaving herself; Gladys arrived

Usual hurried note; First Aid night; marksmanship; enclosing Dot's letter (return it); staying at Oglethorpe; Easter card from Joe; Hill girls sending $1 on Gen's advice, thank them; parish club kit; sending shorts & shirts soon; clipping Joe Sherman's brother?; Betty gave Gen chick for Easter, had to buy 3 more, all in living room; V Garden not planted, but beer drinking continues; Vee's report card

"Thinking of you at Easter"

Telegram from Joe: he's on the move; Dot called, hoped to talk to Chief but he's working; pray for save arrival overseas; Dot happy in Army; money sent to Joe; Collon's writing; Touhey here tonight; 3rd can of beer; 4 chickens thriving; Stupe hides from chicken; started V Garden; furloughs; comment on Vee's report card; Joe & religion; Dot Keck engaged; did you get undies?

Forwarding Joe's letter; per his request, not letting kids see it.  Not telling Fel either. Eileen is sick.  Joe's probably thrilled he's going overseas. Hill girls like your letter. Joe's a turret gunner. Not telling Felix's girl. If Joe goes to England, maybe he could contact Alfred Kirwan. Will continue to write Joe letters, but send them all at once.

Rec'd letter; missed Dot at Easter; enclosing $1 for cig or candy; letter from Joe; wrote Alfred Kirwan; Richie Thornhill was home, his grandfather died; Ma (Kirwan) wishes to be remembered to Frank; praying for her grandchildren; did I write before?; will keep list; garden plans

Frank's appendix; mad-house at Upton; Duffy; Shields boys not coddled; "your damn dog"; no offspring for Stupe; Dot awaiting instructions, dental work: private pay vs army dentist; Helen Aiken arriving; Alfred arriving Sat; 90 minutes to get some beef; Chief still home; scandal re Henderson at OPA; Chief "letting cusses out by the yard"; Ned Mildie to Upton soon; Gen's reaction to Frank's departure

"Hope you get a 'Kick' out o' this, Soldier"

+++

"A Toast to you in the Service"; 2 poems by John Acer.

Monday 10:30 PM

Dear Frank:

Needless to say, I've just gotten up after a 2½ hour nap. Brother, this round of fond farewells has just about gotten me in shape for Saranac - or Bklyn State. So I'm loking forward to the Army where I can get some well needed rest - or am I kiddin'? At least I can lead a well-ordered life & brother is my physique yearnin' for that!!

My writing is solely in your behalf - 'cause my better judgement tells me that just as soon as Unk Semyou'll gets wind of this "missile" coming your way he'll rouse you at 4 AM and say, "let's get it on the road boys", and that is what you want isn't it?
Permutations and combinations are all against it, but wouldn't it be great if you headed south - someplace where we could get together & pan this whole outfit. Spent the week-end in Aries[?] (with Helen & Eileen) and got a look at some good Esso maps that Unk Dick filched someplace. Looks like I'm to be in Oglethorpe, a real one-horser, about 50 miles from Macon, the nearest city. And that's just about where Richie is stationed as an MP in the Air Corps:

Pvt R. E. T.

1129th MP Co. (AVN)

Robins Field

Warner Robins,

Georgia

It's also about 250 miles from Joe but there seems to be plenty of air fields in Ga if he'd only get to them. Incidentally he was to go to the Bahamas on Thurs. with stop-over in West Palm Beach. Boy, he certainly is the khaki aristocrat in this family! And now I'm wondering if he's one of the crew of 7 from Columbia who had to take to their chutes over N.C. on Sat & let the plane crash & explode. What an experience!

The 3 bits of "do" at home this week:

1. Chief cut his moustache - oh sad, sad, day.
2. You got a vmail from Al Kirwan. Mother will forward.
3. We are now just about 3 memories on a beautiful service flag 8"x12" [ drawing of service flag]
4. I leave 10:30 PM Thurs from Penn. Sta.
   

So my next will be from camp - oh joy! Hope you're settled in the sunny south by then. Good luck & love.

Dot (A203711)

Mickey Rooney just rejected by Army!

Monday

Dear Fan

It was good to hear from you tonight, but you should have reversed the charges. The letter you wrote on Thursday only came this morning. Mail sure slow at Upton. I forgot to tell you you had a letter from Alfred. I'm enclosing it and hope it doesn't go astray. I changed your shirt today and got size 14½ - by the way you're eating I probably should have left it a 15.  Do you want it sent when you reach a permanent post - when we get no mail we're hoping your gone. I hope you don't get stuck in that place too long. I got the insurance paper you sent. I got one of them for Joe June 2nd for the second 5,000 he took out but never received the policy. Guess I'll have to write the Veterans bureau. I should ahve been through by now. Sorry you got stuck with K.P. Joe never had any till he reached Columbia. He was only at Upton from Thursday to Saturday. Hear Connors was in for 72 hours but none of us saw him. His grandmother[?] told Betty he had 3 medals for sharp shooting.

Richie is at Robins Field, Warner Robins, Georgia. Dot says this is 50 miles from Oglethorpe. They said he refused Officer training to take M.P. at the airport. he thought this would be better. Sounds like a crackpot. The enclosed clipping was in Sunday's news. Don't think Joe was in it because he was supposed to be on his way back from the Bahama's on Sat. There is a lot of nice Irish names on Dot's list. She leaves at 10:30 Wed night from Penn station. Looks like she'll be traveling two days as her list calls for allowances for 6 meals. Thur train most likely will be hooked to a troop train. Wouldn't it be something if you could be on the same line of trans. No other news around here. Think Stupe misses you as he trys sleeping under every bed till around 3AM - then gets in with V and Ronnie. Gladys and Bill came over around 11PM Sat night thinking we'd be lonesome. Nice of them. They were asking for you.

I'll enclose Joe's last letter will you return it. Is Murphy and the other fellow still with you. I know Dot is wishing her initiation was over. Here's hoping your next letter will be from a permanent post. In a rush Fan as I have to go to Novena - Love from Mother.

Was very glad to hear from you & glad to hear everyone is fine. Hope I bump into Joe, & if I do you can bet it will be more than a couple of beers we'll drink on you & Jimmy. Am going to write to Joe to-morrow nite. Tell your mother & father I was asking for them also Dot & the kids. How long has Richie Thornhill been in Officer's Training School? After I get back I think I'll move my bed into a place like Boyle's for a couple of weeks & I'm not kidding either. Fran you should hear some of the jokes they pull over here & they get away with it, also get paid. If Tommy was over here he'd make enough to retire on, he wouldn't even have to try to act. Is Gil in the Army? Tell Eileen I was asking for her also Gil. We get Jack Benny & Bob Hope on once in awhile, Sundays & Fridays. Well Fran guess I'll have to close, remember me to everyone & write soon. Tell Tommy & Kate I was asking for them.

Monday 15, 1:30 PM
Dear Frank,

Congratulations, old boy. You took that K.P. like an old trooper. If you hadn't complained I would have know that you didn't like the army. But when you come through in veteran[?] style, I know they'll make a soldier out of you ..... some day!
I see you are liveing in Tent City. How do you like it. I haven't been in a tent yet. You are comeing in the hard way. But at least you are closer to the mess hall than I was. Don't let that K.P. get you down. I've only pulled it 1st. since I've been in. Pretty lucky huh! Another thing Pvt., (you don't mind if I call you pvt, do you, remember this is a Sgt. talking) don't let those "shots" get you down. You took yours a lot better than I did. I was one sick soldier for about 2 hours. Thoes first 3 are the worst. The rest hurt a little when they put that "horse juice" in you. But other wise there is nothing to them. I've had all of mine, 14 in all. I'm getting ready to start all over again. How do you like the "movies". Bit crude a what!! Here is a "Sad Sack", I thought you might enjoy. I went to school with Mike Burns, Frank Staley was six months behind me. Gil Eaton was just ahead of us wasn't he. This is at Grammar school I mean. Gene D. wrote me Frank he is at another camp now, but will be back at Davis soon.
I drew all my Air Corp. equipment Frank, so it won't be long till I take off in the "big hop." I hope its soon. I'll hand up now Frank. write soon, & stay on the ball. Bye now.
Love from the Sgt.

Joe +++

Show that to the boys [arrow pointing to "Love"]

Tuesday March 16/43

Dear Fan,

Another quickie, have to leave for Red Cross in 20 minutes. Heres what I want to know - if you have all  your outfit why haven't I received your civies. I bought a wadrobe to put them into.

Mrs Mac called up today to see if you had a permanent post so El could send you the Readers Digest. Mrs Mac says Ned Mildie leaves on the 6:30 tomorrow night (Wed) for Upton. - he is Ruth's brother and El's cousin - Ruth worked in C.C. with Dot but is now in the Waves. He went to Villanova - try and look him up - Dot is down at Elenore's now - spent all day today in bed getting ready for her trip to Georgia. This will be her last opportunity for the duration to stay in bed. I planned on having steak and mushrooms for Dots last meal at home but I hear there is no steak to be bought.

I resumed[?] this morning so went around to the Visitation - was looking around for John but didn't see him. The "Chief" is still assing around the house. Guess he just don't feel like going back to work. Plan on going to Penn station tomorrow night with Dot and Eileen - that is if I'm let.

I got Joe's scarfs embroidered today - cost 2.00 but they look swell. That's how his money goes - 13.27 for scarfs - 2.00 for embroidery names - 15.27  - SOooo that means no money in the bank for him this payday.

Will have to say Bye now - its late

Love from mother

Write when you can.

Those at home look forward to mail from those in service; writing styles: emulates Gene Dembinski, John Collon & Joe(?); 3 sisters reaction to KP; bar-rag to revive Frank (joke); will take Collon to see the girls; exam pressure; St. Pat's parade from Church steps; Latin quote from Collon

Fled to phantom love: adventure; Mother Army; "nipple of regret"; Frank wrote very soon after joining; F's cool and shieldaic head; midterms & sickness: classroom & assroom; movies; Duffy's complaints; "happy high-school days"; Mrs Fee's class; describe your location; tasks for F's response.

Sending Betty to PO; enclosing money; lost $2 to Joe; sending parcel next week; will write again tonight; Chief to go back to work on 3/22: out 2 weeks.

Classification; Picture of Joe & Felix; Joe giving scarfs to officers; hopes they won't think him an A.K.; sent $5 earlier; Dot 24 hrs behind Frank; F. 90 mi. from Joe; Richie; Eileen, Chief & Gen saw Dot off; 30 hr trip;  draftees; shots; Beer with Chief & Grandpop; shoes for Grandpop; Henry Alfke(?) at Camp Dix; cost of fixing Ronnie & Vee's teeth; meat shortage; beef tongue; rationing 4/1; cost of veggies; cousins joining up(?): Grace, Edward; Anastasia & Ralph Bartel(?); IQ

Scapulars; Joe not the Catholic Frank & Dot are; get $5?; Chief still home: "to hell with them"; called Roberson(?); letter from Dotty Kirwan, thinks Army one big family; not much news from Dot; letter from Dot Crowley, Frank should write to her; Gene Dembinski's thank you letter; parcel sent today

No news from Collon or Oussani; won war yet?; washing dishes, mopping floor (joke); dinner at Fel's; visited Eileen's aunt; going away theater party; very funny show; Copacabana: Jimmy Durante, Ella Logan, Bill Corum, Artie Shaw; Frank Brennan impersonations; Volunteer work: nurses aid or staff assistant; sick on St. Pat's day; mail from Joe

Basic training; radio operator course; no theory, only practical operations; Morse Code; 12 words/min required; communication procedures; 3 different radios to learn; code receiving; excused from day hikes; facilities at Ft. Fisher; newly constructed; southern accents

We're close by; back from Chicago; drunk as lords; Ft Wayne; expect to be home overnight sometime; possible visit to see Frank or Dot; missed Fel's birthday; no time for mail, lot of travel; thanks for scapular

+++

Letters arrive 2 at a time; all Gen's time spent writing letters; Dot's address, sounds discouraged; she needs a break; OCS; didn't get expected call from her; Joe writes faithfully; don't use airmail; no free mail for Dot; Bill Connors going to OCS, Gen thinks is bullshit; meat shortage; shopping yields eels and tomatoes and sore feet; price of chicken; butter rationed; rationing point system; meat takes a lot of points; Touhey arrived; Cordy asked for you; Peggy & Irene Busby

Glad you like army; Gene Dembinski; rain in SC; plenty of sun soon; gift useful; enjoy times together; farewell party; Mary Dolan; 3 sisters having a good time; heard from Joe or Dot?; brothers doing OK, but far apart; letters help mother; Uncle Sam will call for John soon

Haven't forgotten you; quiet at home; miss the noise & fights?; Chief listening to radio; Gen knitting; chicken dinner, but no beer; rationing; Gen obtained 10 lbs of fat; Eileen visiting; Gert Katz has new job; babysitting $.25/hr; can I use your shirt?; J Ledi from St. Mike's left for Upton; NY tomorrow; miss your help with Latin & Math; send Jack a card; Bobbie Katz says "hello"

Spartanburg in 1917; moonshiners; visited to 87th St on 3/28; didn't recognize area; stories from Gen & Chief: Joe's scalping at age 4, day J&F went missing for 3 hours; Frank following German band; Ronnie's birthday; visited Dembinski's; Vince; KofC dance; don't fall for Southern dames

Don't waste money on airmail; sorry you're not feeling well; see a Dr.; have your feet looked at; get sleep; sent cough medicine; don't let it get you down; try not to worry; shouldn't have to take exams after getting shots; Dot phoned; is Camp Croft a dump?; Gertie started job; Gene ? had stroke; Chief has a new boss; saw Fel, Peggy & Eileen; Chief told them stories about you & Joe; expect some razzing; sending another $5; sent pkg to Dot; "haven't prayed so much in my whole life"

Enclosing 2 clippings about Giants and Dodgers; comparing the two columns: Dodgers don't get no respect; Gertie has job as comptometer operator; Chief planning V Garden; Army life; hikes; OCS; Gil's weight; furlough

Glad Frank was able to take exam; offered mass; communion; Gladys' letter; advanced 1st Aid class for Gen; MD is the one who treated Joe after scalp sewn back on; Sgt Monahan called at Joe's request; also called Felix's girl; Joe might come to NY soon; Gen requested Joe visit Frank; no word from Dot; hope Joe can visit her; Camp Croft seems nice; cough meds; Jimmy K's address; Mrs. Troy called

Using Vmail; Frank's writing style similar to Bro. Joachim's; Frank in SC is near Gene, Joe & Dot; saw J. Collon; Duffy's solo flight; F Brennan: job as special investigator; Latin quote and translation; heard from Gene

Fel's hysterics re Frank's KP duty; birthday card; visit to Dembinski's; talked about Gene, Duffy & Collon; Cosgroves restaurant; 87th St; Gen and Eileen Touhey left; entertained by Chief; Betty arrived, Ronnie left with Jack; stories of Joe & Frank: lit matches out window; set fire to excelsior(?); German street band; homemade ice cream; kids fine; Ronnie pretty; Vee's schooling; Betty lively; Chief's pet names; Stupe; Chief leaning from upstairs window; stayed at Eileen's; F's cough

Dot, Joe & Frank must have Army blood; Gladys rcv'd F's letter; taking advanced first aid; confused writing to 3 soldiers; Collon's letter; saving letters; beer at night; Chief home cold sober on payday; Boyles for beer; Touhey house warming; Jackie Meyers drafted; Dora is getting worse, insists Grandpop is someone else; rational on all other subjects; Dora gave wrong info on Dot to Grandpop; lonely?; cough medicine & $5?; air mail; communion for exam results

Surfeit of letters, can't keep up; only Card from Dot; shots; reading between lines; not worrying; growler every night; Chief cussing: shortchanged on beer?; Spartanburg; exam results?; Touhey beer party: Kampfs, Kirwans, Katz's and Shields present; arrived 11PM; Tommy as usual, Gil pain in the ass; left 2:15, still beer left; don't desert: can't feed you; cost of food; Cordy & Hill Girls

Misbehaving; writing on company time; desk moved without notice; unemployment benefits; visit to 87th St; Dembinski visit; finding the house; very interesting visit with Chief; be nice to us; USO clubs; "sweet young things" vs "SC sirens"; jokes

Not much to say; flying over Croft; crap games; sorry, can't send you money; How come only $10 left?; don't buy shit you don't need; insurance; war bonds; plane crashed, 2 buddies killed; not Felix; haven't heard from Fel; bought her birthday present, but may not send it; KP; lean how to goldbrick yet?

+++

"Victory Gardeners" want to get together for a beer; can't write with talking machine [Tommy] around; marksmanship; Catholic College when done; cold here; V Garden going to dogs; pay; cost of socks; get Radio Replies?; Joe says going overseas soon; Dot finishes basic today; 3 sisters noshow on Sunday; Easter; showing off; Ane has a phone; Richie home, going to England; says Camp Croft is swell; Stupe to blame for litter; Easter present from Betty: baby chick; buying 2 more; eggs soon

"I'm a stinker"; giving blood; low blood pressure; collapsed after 350 cc's; out of work 2 days; Peg also gave, feels fine; Eileen goes 5/1; trip to Phila.; cousin graduated; speech by Frank Whitmore; human cube; train trip back; singing; Song list; Easter pageant at Radio City; we miss you; drying dishes

"Happy Easter"; keeping in touch through Gen; some money for beer; picked lots for who to write; Ann picked Joe, hope he won't die of shock

Good Frank couldn't go to Columbia: Joe was in FL; picture of Dot in Eagle; looks awful; pic of 13th Co WAACs; for her in later years; Stupe getting lazy; 6 years old on 5/6/43; sleeps with Vee and Betty; scared of chicks; bombers; Joe left from FL; may have gone thru S. America; Alfred Kirwan; kids shocked at Army term for payday;  Chief at Boyles on payday for 4 hrs; going to movie

V. Garden a flop; planted too early; start again: corn, beets, peppers, celery, lettuce, eggplant; Gert & Charlie here with 1/2 gal to celebrate Stupe's birthday; anything for a beer; Gert had to stay home from work; long letter from Dot; mother's day present; Gen wishes she spent the money on herself; Joe's new address; Joe and Felix left separately; bombers to England; write to Joe

May not write for a while; write and maybe letters will get here; Phil (Felix) and Joe didn't ship out together; likely meet "over there"; stopped in S. America; met fellow from Metal Trades and another from 76th St; met gunnery school friends; "old home week"; next stop somewhere in Africa; Fel

Rushing to Red Cross; write to Joe; sent copy to Dot; did you get money order?

Medical issues since arriving in FL; Msgr Hickey died; letter from Sister Frances Dolores; Dot's graduation (HS?); Florida weather and flora; lonesome; sun-baths; Sr Joan Bernadette; Helen has boyfriend; How is family; how Fran has grown; Leo's baby not doing well; soon to draft married men?; Sr Louis Beatrand?; recall cleaning her classroom; Red Hook; Love to Gen, Chief & kids

Even Fel can't understand her letters; not busy; Fel's 19th birthday; party day before with Peg, Eileen, Aunt Ella and Jack; presents; co-worker's presents and their meaning; chambermaids

Frank at Camp Croft; address & distance from Dot & Joe; left 24 hours before you; Dot Crowley & Ruth Mildie; Joe writing faithfully; scarfs; Miss White phoned; Gen's busy schedule; shopping for meat; will call Red Hook; Touhey here overnight; need to write Joe, Auntie & Ane; Chief home; ready to retire?; mustache; visits from Larry?, Gladys, Tommy & Kate, Touhey; E. Dembinski's letter;  Etta [Hill] called; waiting for Dot's call; First Aid class with Gladys; taught by Dr who took care of Joe; OCS; patriotic Shieldses

Can't picture Dot up at 5AM; Gen & I practically bosom buddies; Gen read letters to CW and Foxie; proud of her three children; contest on describing the life of the WAAC; Eileen called; bathroom humor; miss Dot & her accessory items; Office personnel issues

Congratulations; news of Dot's assignment; Lots of Luck; was in Hospital: from ship to Ambulance; under control now; In England; seen a bit of London

Always wanted to know how to fix a radio; fire carbine tomorrow; dog-tired tonight

News Bulletin of the Employees Association of Catholic Charities; Dot's name mentioned in the "In Service" section; "Foxie" mentioned.

Familiar stationery; Dot's weight; Dot's letter to Gen; old place ain't the same; oatmeal and worms?; sore throat; shots; strawberry plant; Miss White wrote; how are the boys?

Joe thinks I'm ready to quit thanks to Gen; can't we gripe?; shots, double vs triple typhoid, tetanus; Interior Guard Duty; feet; KP; bayonet practice; signed payroll; Mass in the Army; confession; saving all my mail: interesting reading after the war

"Forgotten man"; all letters to "Dear Mom"; joshing; Chief reads and re-reads every letter; orderly house after war; Office moved to 18th Ave; PS134; boss had stroke; Dora's delusions about Grandpop; he hangs out in cellar; other delusions; Chief at a loss; visits from Charles & Gerty, Gladys & Bill; things not what they used to be; beer fest at Touhey's; enjoyable until Gil yelled at Tommy; left shortly after; bought pint at Boyles with Grandpop; everything fine with Dora now; planting garden and have chickens; clipping of WAACS on parade in Africa

Often go to Jacksonville to get gas; Flew in plane 61 on Sunday, different plane on Monday; met new crew of 61 at Jack; know some of the guys; planes flew back, but 61 didn't show; forced landing near Savanna, GA; 4 bodies recovered; need to wait for remainder; gunner married a month ago; knowing what can happen & still go on: that's what makes Air Force; Joe last one to talk to crew; 10 hours sooner, it would have been Joe; don't mention to folks; leaving end of April?; passes; NY trip is off; sending a few bucks; will try to send more

+++

Can't keep up with mail; don't write every day; I'd raise hell if you three were here; you misunderstand my letters; Joe write that Gen had him down and that Chief might brood and go on a drunk; He's never been better, but now wants to know what I've been writing; Frank's weight; Chief thin until after prohibition; no more nonsense; compulsory military training for boys & girls; weather; Ned Mildie

Sissies in army?; severe discipline will make a man out of you; sometimes can't spell; exchanging mail with Frank & Joe; Gen's not worrying; Dot's lack of interest in job at Catholic Charities (CC); Army duties, want details; communion

Damn Irish reserve; express ourselves better on paper; trust Dot implicitly; integrity; let me know what I can do for you; Gen in good spirits, busy being clearing house for 3 of you; may not see you on furlough; happenings at CC in Red Hook; miss you a great deal; writing paper

Forgotten me?; present; week more of training; only Mom writes me; no word from Fel in 3 weeks; bought her $50 watch, sold it to Felix; don't like people to tell me how to spend my dough; plane crash: we're taking that crew's place; on alert for shipment; pen vs pencil; where are you going?; drop me a line

+++

How is Army life; how do you like getting up so early?; we used to live in Atlanta, loved it; write when you have time.

OCS; Marguerite Godfrey is back; Touhey protested her assignment; looking for another job; had to cool off before writing; Gen "s.o.b.'ed" the whole outfit; may work out for the best; kids taking exams & Chief's mustache has grown back in; Gen doing OK; recall Mary Murphy? ... she had a baby; will be glad to leave; when will you be back?

"Happy Easter"

What do you think of Army?; good place to be; taken off alert, will be here another month; tell me about yourself & your work; field (Airfield) operating full blast; sent more crews to combat than any other group; losing plenty; two folded up, most saved; five burned to death, seven injured; heard from Red and the gang?; restricted for two weeks; only water to drink here; write soon; 480th Squadron; send photos

Pulling out; orders from Lt;  air conditioned Pullman; traveling with Whalen, Shelten, Wood, Soles, Williams, Dolly & Judy; going forward and backward; cars being added; arrive TX next morn; donkeys; Stevenson, AL; cotton; swamp; Whalen thinks Dot is cute; brown bag lunch; joke about "chocolate babies"; Sheffield, AL; Dolly caused accident; Corinth MS; Memphis; lower berth; dinner in locked room; Texarcana, TX; trees; Commerce is dry town

"Girls' Dormitory, East Texas State Teachers College, Commerce, Texas"; This is where I live; two meals I've had are delicious; get 14 books tomorrow

Classes; clothes alterations & cleaning; instructors are men; new PX; Mess; marching; additional courses of I wanna go home; bunk beds; course schedule & books; pinball machines; drill

FDR at Ft Oglethorpe ; aftereffects of getting drunk on 3.2 beer; latrines; Pass policy at Camp Croft; possibility of Dot visiting; payday; sending money order home; "close as brothers" but bound to be separated; Auntie & Etta Hill's letters; may not see each other till after war; ASTP news; laundry; radio

Dot's vocabulary; Baptist church; College Pres. welcome to Commerce, TX; drawing of room; sent to field after course; new uniforms; seems like home; farmers in town; Sgt says course requires study; beer 20 miles away; breakfast in room; No beer and no coke; Left two boys waiting on steps

Easter outfit; clothes shopping; colors & styles limited; Gen's new hat; Gert borrowing clothes; Easter day; mass with Jack; met his parents; Jack now visits 87th St.; teaching Ronnie to dance; came for dinner; went to NY to pay bills; going to see Harry James tomorrow; Coney Island; please write Jack; Ronnie cooked dinner; Air Raid;  Chief's V. Garden; miss you & your yelling; miss Frank; house is clean

Chief slept through Random Harvest; Boyles with Gert & Charlie; Chief broke, so can of beer with Gen & Vee; Ronnie & Vee grades; Strike; Father Sherman's first mass; Joe Sherman up from Cuba; Pollack going in; mail to Joe being forwarded?; Air Raid; description of St. Agnes' church; thrilling to witness such a scene; Cordy's concerns about marriage;  one chicken died

Bobby Katz; working late; only see Bobby for a little while; pictures of Vee & Bobby; Bobby pics out Dot's picture in Brooklyn Eagle; send pic of you in uniform