Dad’s Letters Home
The Best Friend I Met
June 25, 1943. A letter home from Dad. He is still waiting to hear from Base HQ about his application for ASTP. He hopes to hear back soon. He assures his family that “trying out for ASTP is not a scheme to try to deprive you of my furlough or to prolong my stay on … Continue reading
The Value of Knowing Something More
June 22, 1943. Dad writes home. He acknowledges receipt of his sister’s letters of the 16th and the 18th. The letter of the 18th is in the “archive” but the letter of the 16th is missing. From Dad’s letter we get an idea of what Anna has been writing. Apparently, Theresa Marie is starting to … Continue reading
I Hope to Learn Some Profession
June 19, 1943. It’s a Saturday, and Dad takes some time on his day off to write home from Topeka. The pictures of his brother Stanley with his niece Theresa-Marie have finally made their way to him. He comments, “He and Theresa-Marie look like relatives indeed. I think those pictures are the best ever taken … 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
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
Like Peter the Tramp
May 22 & 24, 1943. Two more letters home from Dad. The letters about Stanley’s first furlough have finally made it to him. He comments that he “read the part of the letter where Stanley made his entrée in to the house on the first morn. Stanley sure got changed by the Army…I guess Stanley … Continue reading
I Have Seen Plenty So Far
May 20 & 21, 1943. Dad writes a few letters home. He writes his letter of the 20th from the USO in Salina, the town next to the base. He writes “I got a pass and thought that I should take a look around town.” Commenting, “The City of Salina has a very nice attitude … Continue reading
I am Learning Plenty
May 18 & 19, 1943. Two letters home from Dad. He starts be asking how many teeth mama has left to be pulled commenting “I remember that she didn’t exactly have that many of them as it was.” He also wishes her “enough strength to carry on.” Dad also addresses Anna’s questions in her May … Continue reading