Author Archives: John
You Know the Army
June 14, 1943, Dad’s friend, Joe Damusis, whom he met at Savanna Ordnance Training School in Illinois, writes to him. Joe’s letter is interesting in that he provides some detail on where some of the other guys who they both met at Savanna have ended up. As a point of context the letter is being … Continue reading
We Do Different Things
June 14, 1943. Uncle Stanley writes to Dad from Geiger Field near Spokane, Washington. His group (the 401st Bomb Group) continues to grow. He reports that they got 14 new men in just as he finished doing the payroll. As a clerk he reports “when you get into the personnel work this is where your headaches … Continue reading
That is Better
June 11, 1943. Anna writes a letter to Dad. For the most part she is responding to letters that her brothers Stanley and Anthony have been writing home. Anna assures Dad (Anthony) that his father has made the second quarterly payment on his income tax. She also addresses a comment Dad made in an earlier … Continue reading
Stanley’s Blood Pressure
June 10, 1943. Stanley writes a brief page and a half letter to Dad. He is settling in at Geiger Field while Dad has been settling in at Topeka. Stanley has been keeping track of their movements and writes, “That is your 5th place where you are since you are in the Army. This place … Continue reading
I Was a “G” Man
June 8, 1943. A letter home from Dad. He seems to have settled into life at Topeka Army Air Base, reporting “things are going along without any changes.” He is looking forward to spending some time at home soon. He comments, “When I get home on a furlough next month I am sure the weather will agree … Continue reading
Here I am in Topeka
June 1, 1943. Dad writes a letter home. He gets to the big news right up front “Here I am in Topeka and am not doing so bad. When I get accustomed to the surroundings and the base regulations I think it will be alright.” He notes that with the move from Smoky Hill to … Continue reading
Sore Feet and Blisters
May 29 & 31, 1943. Stanley writes to Dad. After a two week furlough (six day travel time and a week at home), he is back on the base in Ephrata, Washington. He writes, I sure enjoyed my stay at the house on furlough.” He reports that he enjoyed spending time with the baby and … Continue reading
Chemical Warfare Training
May 26 & 29, 1943. Dad writes two letters home. He reiterates that he now reports to the 21st Air Wing for duty. He says “I am getting along as usual in this Army which isn’t so hot but it ain’t too bad. Today we had a fast physical checkup and of records as well … Continue reading