Dad’s Letters Home
Short Sheeting
February 26, 1943. A two page letter from Dad to Home. Dad tells Anna he heard from the Weiss’ in Chicago. He says that “every other weekend we get a pass good for 100 miles and if you want to go to Chicago, all you have to do is show the ticket and you will … Continue reading
We Miss that Good Old Keilbasy
February 22 & 24, 1943. Two letters home from Dad. Dad passes along the news that he began his training at the Savanna Ordnance School on the 22nd and that he has access to the typewriters in the classroom between 6 and 9 in the evening. In an earlier letter Anna asked if the tape … Continue reading
I’m Quite the Optimist
February 18, 19 & 20, 1943. Dad writes a number of letters home from his new station at the Savanna Ordnance Depot in Illinois. It seems he has some time on his hands since his course of instruction doesn’t start until the 22nd. He expects to be in Savanna for the next two months. He … Continue reading
Riding the Rails Again
February 14-17 1943. Dad writes home while en route by train to his new assignment at the Savanna Section Ordnance School in northwestern Illinois. The base is located near the Mississippi River, due west of Chicago and not too far from the Wisconsin border. He chronicles his trip. The first detail to note is that, … Continue reading
I am Saying Good-bye to Miami Beach
February 10, 11 & 13, 1943. Dad is sending home some photos that were taken of him around camp. He notes that they were taken in the sun, so he is squinting a little bit. He also introduces us to Joe Demusis, a Lithuanian fellow that he met from Brooklyn who, like Dad is in … Continue reading
Keep on Writing
February 4th and 7th, 1943. A few letters from Dad to home. Dad has guard duty on the 4th. It consists of running the elevator from 10 PM to midnight. He admits that it is an easier assignment than having to guard around the buildings like some of the other guys have to do. Of … Continue reading
If You Just Think About Poland, That’s Enough
January 27, 28 and 30, 1943. Dad writes home. The suitcase that his mom sent has arrived and it has been stuffed with all that he asked for and even more. “I would like to thank you for the candy and cookies but please do not send any more in such great quantities as it … Continue reading
Our Beach Patrols Have Itchy Trigger Fingers
January 24, 1943. Sunday evening. Dad writes home. They are given Sundays off and he had an opportunity to check out the city and the beach. “However, we do not dare go out at night to the beach as our Beach (night) Patrol has itchy trigger fingers, and you yourself have heard of things happening … Continue reading
If You Want to be a Gunner They Make You a Welder
January 20, 1943. Dad reports a slow day during which they are being classified. He learns that he is being placed in the ordinance department and believes they will be assigned to the Air Corps. He is disappointed that he was not assigned to radio work, but instead is being classified as a clerk (stenographer) … Continue reading
An Eyefilling Panorama
January 19, 1943. Dad is settling into Army life in Miami Beach and his taste buds are adjusting. He is “getting along fine” and “the food here is at times somewhat better.” The big news of the day is that in the afternoon they got their gas masks and an extra summer uniform complete with … Continue reading