Blogger's Note - More letters inserted

More from the folder labeled “Unknown”. One inserted post is an address card for Poops from Camp Barkeley, dated February 26, 1942. I'm guessing each person was required to send this to their closest relative. Another insert post is a letter from Poops' first day at Camp Barkeley which is dated February 20, 1942.

Blogger's Note - Happy Thanksgiving

I added the newest post as the first one of this blog which is Poops' letter to report for a physical prior to induction.

I will be taking a break from posting for a week. Have a nice Thanksgiving!

March 22, 1942 - Cleaning for Another Inspection

Sunday Afternoon

Dear Mom + Dad,

Here it is Sunday again but no day of rest this time. I guess I told you about the inspecting general visiting us tomorrow. We had to stay in all day to clean up the place and make sure everything shines. This makes the third day in a row now that we have been bothered by inspections. Our weekly one on Saturday plus cleaning today and then to top it all again tomorrow. I’ll be a virtual wreck by Tuesday at least I’m well on my way now. If I come a blibbering idiot, you can blame it on the inspections.

I haven’t been doing a lot of special interest since I last wrote to you. As I quoted in my first paragraph, nothing but inspections.

Your letters were gratefully received. Unless my memory fails me I eluded to them in the last letter. I just can’t seem to be able to use my brain anymore. There is absolutely nothing to stimulate my powers of concentration and reasoning. Please forgive me if I become a little incomprehensible in my next letters.

Emily has written me several letters and much to my surprise a carton of cigarettes arrived from here today. It sure is a pleasure to have friends like that. She asked me in one of my letters if I wanted any. I didn’t even say anything about it, and the next thing I knew they arrived.

I’m now half way through my training period now. I have only four more weeks to go. I sure will be glad when it is over. I’m still pulling for a chance to get back east. Keep your fingers crossed for me.

I hope you are feeling better, Mom. Of course being sick is nothing new to you but it still isn’t pleasant. Dad, you get Mom away for a few days rest do so. Now I shall stop my preaching and keep quiet, but don’t forget my advice.

Glad to hear that you found the shorts in "Sweetheart” Don’t work to hard on her as if it is in good shape I won’t know it when I come home. I really miss not having the car. It seems I’ve forgotten how to drive but I guess I really haven’t.

I closing no(w) to go to show will write again soon.

Love Bob.

March 19, 1942 - Wind Storm

Company B, 2nd Platoon
53 MRTC
Camp Barkeley, Texas

Thursday Eve.

Dear Mom + Dad,

I received your letters today and was glad to hear from you. How do you like the new paper? It cost me only a quarter and it comes in a nice writing portfolio. I think it is rather nice. Thank you very much for the stamps. It seems to cost me a fortune to keep myself in them.

I presume you got my letter asking for 2 or 3 pairs of shorts and my drum sticks + brushes. I want to keep my drumming in shape so I need them to practice with. I can make a pad so that it won’t make to much noise and bother the boys.

I got a letter from Charlie Neff today. He is in Fort Monroe in Virginia. He is going to a specialist school for electrician. He is supposed to get a rating but it is hard to say for sure about those ratings. I hope he gets through it though.

I have now only four more weeks of basic training to go. Then I’m going to keep my fingers crossed and hope to get back east. I might be able to get a few days off when I reach my permanent camp to get home.

Peekskill wasn’t the only one who had a blackout Sunday night we had one in camp. It came about the same time as yours. Our lights were off for about 20 minutes – Some fun.

We are having a terrific wind storm here today. Talk about your dust bowl. You should see this place. You go outside and you get it in your eyes ears and mouth. It really is terrible. The wind really blows around here and not just a light breeze. I’ve never seen anything like it. As far as I’m concerned you can take the state of Texas and throw it in the Atlantic. The most popular song around here is Deep in the heart to Texas. That’s the only song you get around here. I wonder why?

The other day we went over what we call the obstacle course. You have to climb over walls, ladders, then pipes, jump water, etc. It is about ¼ mile long. It is really easy but very hard for some fellows. In fact one fellow got hurt and had be taken away in an ambulance. To make it harder we had to go over ti with a full pack on our backs.

I had already seen the picture of the boys who left the 13th, as one of the boys from town had it sent to them. I knew quite a few of them. I haven’t heard from Bonky at all. I dropped him a card but didn’t receive an answer. Maybe he’ll drop me a line when he gets in camp. He might even land here. I think we are due for a new shipment here soon.

Mary Ryan’s boyfriend from Long Island went in about a week ago. I guess all of them will be in pretty soon. Practically all my friends are in or will be in. It is a dirty rotten shame but what can we do about it.

The whole company had their picture taken yesterday. The studio that took them had the nerve to ask $1.50 for one picture. I’m sure I’m not going to buy one. I don’t imagine they’ll sell very very many.

Mom, you take care of yourself and don’t let “Doc” get you down. I can imagine how you must feel and you have my sympathy.

I’ll write you again on Sunday. Drop me a line when you get the chance. Give my regards to Marion + Harold + Nana.

Love Bob

March 17, 1942 - Guard Duty

Company B, 2nd Platoon
53 M.R.T.C
Camp Barkeley, Texas
Tuesday Evening.

Dear Mom + Dad,

I received your second package and was very surprised and gratified. A lot of the boys with me have been getting stuff from home so we’ve been having quite a feast lately. It was really good and disappeared in no time.

I went roller skating Sunday afternoon with the fellows and it was a lot of fun. The rink in Abilene is rather small. I guess it doesn’t compare to the one in Peekskill from all the reports I’ve heard of it.

Last night I was on guard duty. I had a very good shift from 8 to 10. A guard is on for two hour shifts from 8PM to 6A.M. I was lucky to get one of the early shifts. It isn’t bad at all except that it cuts into your own time.

I don’t know what to write as I don’t feel in the mood for it. My letter writing tasks seem to be getting harder + harder all the time. I just can’t seem to find the time to do it. I usually can’t write during the day and after hours I have time to relax and just hate to get around to it. I hope you will forgive my lousy letters of late.

I’m beginning to be fairly happy here. I just made up my mind lately to try and like it. Of course I don’t believe I really can like it but it isn’t bad at all. It is just getting broke in that is hard. I’m getting used to it now and take it for granted.

We were just informed tonight that our company was picked to put on an inspection for some general coming in on Monday. We do such a good job on our weekly inspections that we get this additional pain in the neck. We also will not be issued any passes this weekend so we can prepare for inspection. It just doesn’t pay to do anything right in the army, I guess. Inspections are just a pain in the neck as everything has to be laid out just so. Then every time we do it they change the way they want us to do. Oh well I can’t figure the army methods out. It seems there are two ways the right way and the army way.

I’m sorry to hear brother hasn’t been feeling well. I’ll drop Marion and him a line in the next few days. How is Marion’s baby coming?

I’m going to close now as it is almost time for lights out. I’ll write you again on Thursday

Love Bob

Blogger’s Note – Re-sequenced, and 2 New Letters Embedded Within Previous Blog Entries

You will notice that the letters thus far are not dated. They only have the day of week that they are written (“Sunday afternoon”, “Tuesday Evening”, etc.). This has presented some challenges as you have to trace various themes in the letters such as “getting a pass into town”, or “still haven’t received the package”, or pick up on other clues, in order to get their sequence and date correct. This isn’t an issue with later letters (starting in April) as they have dates on them. These dates are written using different color ink than that used by Poops on the letters. Thus I assume these were put on by one of his parents as they collected and stored these letters (per Poops’ request in March 3rd letter).

With that said I have come to realize that I have incorrectly sequenced (i.e. dated) one of the letters. The letter I originally dated Sunday, March 8th should have been dated Sunday, March 15th. Thus I have made this correction in the blog. As this March 8th letter is full of gripes about the training routine, I felt I should re-labeled the subsequent March 12th letter (originally labeled “Gripes”) to “More Gripes”.

There is a set of letters, or miscellaneous extra pages to letters (e.g somehow page 2 got separated from page 1) which I filed in a folder labeled “Unknown”. These letters/pages have no dates on them and the stationary or letter titling doesn’t give a hint as to the location where it was written. Flipping through this folder again recently, I found one letter that I can now tell is from Tuesday, February 17th as Poops writes that he is going to Camp Barkeley in Texas.

So for today, you can read the March 8th and February 17th entries to read the most recent additions to this blog. I’m sure this will happened again as there are a fair amount of letters/pages that I’m not sure of their date. I’ll note when I insert letters in the sequence with a “Bloggers note” like this each time. Thanks!

March 15, 1942 - Camp Pass Granted - Trip to Abilene

Co B 2nd Platoon
53 M R.T.C.
Camp Barklely, Texas
Sunday Morning

Dear Mom and Dad,

The package came on Friday just after I wrote my letter to you. Thank you very much. The kit is just what I needed and I really appreciate the cigarettes. It seems that most of my money goes for cigarettes so it will tide me over for awhile. Again I thank you.

I finally got into Abilene last night for the first time. It sure was swell to get away from camp for awhile. Our passes were only good until 11P.M. but that was enough. I took a bus in from here at about 6. The bus is very inexpensive only 30 cents for a round trip. Abilene is about 9 miles from camp. I did a lot of shopping and got things I needed but couldn’t get here. I bought some sock and a pair of underwear. Speaking of underwear will you send me down about 3 of my shorts. I have been issued nothing but winter underwear. It is getting to be so hot down here that they will kill me.

Ray Puff bought a second hand radio last night while we were in town. It is a small set and it cost him $8. Vin Calabrese and I had to talk all night to get him to get it and we finally accomplished our mission. Puff had just received a $30 check from home so he had plenty of money. I really missed the radio and it seems mighty good to hear one. I would have sent for mine but it is too big to carry around when I get moved out of here.

I can get a pass almost any night I want now until 11P.M. The boys have decided to go roller skating this afternoon. There is a very nice rink in Abilene and it will be lots of fun.

I’m enclosing one of the 3 for a dime pictures. There are horrible but at least you can see me in uniform. Vin is having his camera sent down and we intend to take some snapshots. I’ll send you some when I get them taken.

I’m also going to enclose my insurance blank. You can file it somewhere so as I might lose it here.

There is a rumor that our course here will be only six weeks. I really hope so as I would kike to get back east again. Anyway one month has passed behind me now. It doesn’t seem possible that it was only a month.

That trip to town really picked me up a lot. The monotony of this life was getting me down. Now I feel a lot better about the whole thing. It isn’t really bad when you can get out once in awhile.

I’ll close now for awhile and see if I hear from you at mail call. Please send me my drum sticks & brushes please. Book of addresses of Insurance C. Write Tuesday again

Love Bob

March 13, 1942 - Room Orderly

Co. B. 2nd Plat.
53 M.R.T.C
Camp Barkeley, Texas
Friday

Dear Mom + Dad,

Well here is the letter I should have written yesterday. It seems I’m a day behind on my schedule this week. I’ll try to catch up by Sunday. I received your letter, but as yet, I haven’t received the package. If you mailed it the first week I should be getting it soon.

I got paid last Wednesday for one half month. I received the grand total of $11.26. Isn’t that wonderful. I worked 2 weeks for that and I can remember when I made more than that in 2 days. It still seemed good to get it. We will get a full month salary at the end of the month. That will bring me up to date.

On Wednesday I also got two shots in the arm. It didn’t hurt at all. The three I got at Upton were much worse. These have not bothered me at all while the others ached for 3 days. I have only to get two more and then I have completed my seven. I’ll be glad to get them all over with.

Today completes my first month in the Army. It seems like ages ago when I think back on it and yet it has only been a month. The first two weeks were the toughest; time is beginning to pass much faster now. I guess I’m getting into the routine of it. However I’m still wasting a lot of time – I’ve already spoken my little piece on that so I won’t start again.

Thank you for filing my income tax. I mailed it in a hurry after I got it as I wanted you to have it by the 10th. I trust you will get it in time. I still don’t think you should have to file it but as long as its’ done now lets forget it.

I’m working as room orderly today. Another fellow and I are on. I have to clean all the barracks and stay in all day and watch in case of fire etc. It is a snap job as I finished all the work in the morning and now have time to loaf. The rest of the boys are out on an afternoon hike, so I managed to miss that. Ain’t I lucky. The hikes wouldn’t be bad if you didn’t have to carry a pack and walk in step. However these things make it a pain in the neck.

I’m going into town definitely this weekend even if I don’t get a pass. I’ll go nuts pretty soon if I don’t get out of here for a little while. I expect to get passed for sure though so I guess its’ all right.

If you get a chance send me a few pair of underwear shorts. They have issued us long underwear and its beginning to get mighty hot down here.

I’ll write again Sunday

Love Bob.

March 11, 1942 - More Gripes!

Company B 2nd Plat.
53 M R T.C.
Camp Barkeley, Texas
Wednesday Morning

Dear Mom and Dad,

By schedule I was supposed to write last night. However, I went to the movies and didn’t get a chance to write. That means I’ll probably write Friday instead of Thursday this week.

I was supposed to get paid yesterday but as per usual the army never does anything on time. As yet we haven’t got paid. However, I still have enough money to last me for quite awhile. I can’t spend anything around here except for candy and cigarettes, so consequently I spend very little.

This afternoon I’m supposed to get more shots in the arm. It will probably make my arm sore all over again. Those shots hurt you for about two days. It is just a nuisance to have a sore arm all the time. Perhaps it will be just the same as everything else and not done.

You never know from one minute to the next what is going on around here. There is a schedule posted for the week, but it is very rare indeed when we follow it. Even if there is nothing to do there will be something silly to do rather than having a chance to rest. There is no efficiency whatsoever. If my school was run in such a manner as this place, the school would close in a week. I can’t understand it unless, the commanders are inefficient. Nothing is definite, everything is flung at us. It really burns me up. I can’t see why they waste so much time. I want to learn as fast as possible so that the sooner this thing is settled the better its’ going to be for all of us. Yet they can waste time on so much baloney.

Another thing I can’t understand is this: The equipment of the Army is terrible. It actually has nothing: not enough guns, clothes, etc. Yet we have the money to finance England, Russia, etc. while we are lacking things ourself. I believe firmly that my country should come first and then help our allies if we have any extra. But I can’t get it thru my skull any other way. Am I right?

Well I’ll stop griping now. I hope you don’t mind my writing about things like that. I feel I have to write about them as it is so much part of my life. It isn’t that I feel bad about being here its’ just that those things go against my grain.

I’m really feeling fine and I’m getting in fine shape. The meals and stuff are pretty good. I get plenty of sleep and rest. I’ve gotten in the habit of reading nights until about 11 P.M. The lights go out at 9:30 but the bathroom light is left on. I have to do down there to read. In Upton they had little rooms in the barracks for such stuff but here they use the rooms for sleeping. It is actually to crowded in the barracks. We have 67 men in our barracks on 2 floors. I guess we’re lucky though as a lot of the men here sleep in tents.

I received a letter from Put and I’ve heard from all the gang except Booky. I’ve heard indirectly he is leaving the 13th with the next group from Peekskill. Mary R.’s other boy friend left Monday. It won’t be long before they have us all in the army will it? I also have received mail from a few of the kids. I write a letter to Mr. Cole, Lower School teacher with my address and he must of given it to the kids. I received Kat Burns letter too. She is a pretty good apple even though she is a chatterbox. She and Mike Burn always took a shine to me. – Please tell Leata that I was asking for her and I’ll bring her that cactus when I leave here. I’ll drop her a card this evening. There are so many people to write to that it keeps me pretty busy contacting them all.

I hope we can get into town sometime this week but you never can tell. I’ll write you again soon. I haven’t received that package yet but it should be here this noon or tomorrow. We get mail twice a day at noon and supper. I’m writing this before noon so as you can see I don’t know yet.

Love Bob

March 8, 1942 - “…this is nothing but a boy scout army.”

Comp. B. 2nd Plat.
52 M.R.T.C
Camp Barkeley, Tex.

Dear Mom + Dad,

Here it is Sunday again and another day of rest. It has been a rather lazy day. I spent all afternoon at the U.S.O. playing ping pong and it was at least a change. There is nothing to do around here except go to the movies and I’ve seen the picture that is playing here now. I guess I’ll read for the rest of the evening.

I didn’t get into town this weekend in fact the whole company didn’t get anywhere. We were supposed to be in quarantine for two weeks. Our two weeks was up Thursday and we were expected to get out this weekend. However for some reason or other they were not issued. I had my hopes up and expected to get away for awhile at least. I guess I’ll just have to wait awhile. It is getting very monotonous around here and I had hoped for a break.

I’m getting fed up on the routine around here. I was under the impression that we were at war but from what I’ve seen around here I guess they’re still fighting the world war. (1918) It seems that all we do is to learn to march correctly so that we’ll look nice for the General. In this last week I’ve spent more time drilling just because we had a retreat parade on Saturday. There was supposed to be a regular schedule of classes but it was all disrupted. Then too we spend a lot of time on getting beds just right. We also have to lay all our equipment out on the bed exactly right. Just wait until the Japs see one of our displays. They will be so flabbergasted that it will knock them completely out.

The other day, as I told you, we went on a hike. On pitching our tents we had to make sure that they were lined exactly straight and our equipment displayed exactly in order in front of our tent. I’ve come to the conclusion that this is nothing but a boy scout army. It really burns me through and through to see time wasted in such a manner. If I could see where I was learning something that I could use I’d be all for this army. But when we get such junk as I’ve been getting I consider the country is wasting money plus my time. – Well perhaps things may change as next week our group is being split up into segregated groups. At least I hope so.

I get my first pay check Tuesday. This is as per schedule but schedule means nothing around here. However, I don’t need the money as I still have plenty of your check left.

I received a letter from Jimmy yesterday, plus one from Mary’s Aunt “Hat”. It sure was good to here from Jim. He is now awaiting his appointment and I imagine he will be in the flying cadets in a week or two. I might apply for it after I finish my basic training here. However, that awaits to be seen on what happens after I get out of here.

They have just changed our schedule around here. I will have to get up 6 A.M instead of 6:30 and go to bed at 9:30 instead of 10. I expect the sergeant will be up and tuck us in the bed next.

I going to rip this sheet in half and drop a few lines for Nana to read. Please give it to here.

Love
Bob

March 5, 1942 - All Day Field Trip , Crew Cut

Co. B 2nd Plat
53 MRTC
Camp Barkeley, Texas
Thursday Evening

Dear Mom and Dad,

I received your money order today and was very grateful to get it. I was down to 65 cents and about broke. I expected it today and it came. Thank you. I am going to be paid on the 10th of March. I guess it will only be for a half month. Then I expect to get paid at the end of March for a full month. That will bring us up to date. It is surprising how far money goes around here. Three weeks and I’ve spent $10. A lot of it went for stuff I needed that I won’t have to buy again for a long time.

I’m kind of tired tonight as we were out all day on a field trip. I walked for 2 ½ hours and then we pitched pup tents and had inspections. Of course we had to carry all this stuff in a pack on our back. Then all afternoon was spent in a stretcher drill and the march back. We left at 8:30 and got back at 4:45PM. So you can see we had quite a tiring day. The walking isn’t so bad but when you have to carry a pack plus a gas mask its no fun. I picked up quite a sunburn. It is the first time in the last few days that we have had nice weather. It is a very changeable climate down here. First hot then cold etc. However it’s not bad.

Incidentally I forgot to tell you I got a crew cut. It doesn’t look as bad as I thought it would. It is really just the thing for around here as I can never find time to keep my hair combed. I like it but I don’t think I’ll get another one as it ruins my curly locks.

I think we will get in to town Saturday night but it is not certain yet. It costs only 30 cents a round trip to Abilene by bus. There is no liquor in town as it is a local option in the state. However, it will be swell to get away if only for a little while.

I hope you got my note on the back of the last letter about the Camels. If you want to you can send me some I’ll find use for them.

I’m going to make this short as I’m tired. I’ll write a longer letter Sunday when I have some free time.

Love Bob

P.S. Send me some stamps. I’m running short.

March 3, 1942 - Bed Making and a Ride in a "Jeep"

Co. B 2nd Platoon
53 MRTC
Camp Barkeley, Texas
Tuesday Evening

Dear Mom and Dad,

I received both of your letters and was very glad to hear from you. As for the lecture I appreciated it but as you know it is not necessary. It is my problem to acclimate myself and I’m the only one who can do (it). As I have said in my previous letters that things have picked up. I decided it wasn’t worth brooding over as I’m here and I have to make the best of it. So even though it is a tough job and we are handed so much applesauce, I’m taking it as best I can. I can’t say that I’m really trying hard as so far there hasn’t been anything that has taxed me. However, I’m doing a good job in comparison with the unit.

The corporal started to ball us out about having sloppy beds so he asked who could make a good bed. I volunteered and demonstrated it to the whole barrack. Naturally after I had finished the corporal said it was a very good bed. It’s just simple stuff like that and drilling that gets on my nerves. Next week I’m led to understand that we are going to get a little more detail on what we are supposed to be studying. At least I hope so.

Tell Harold it is all right to wear my jacket if he wants to. Please save my letters in the drawer. Outside of that you can pack up my room as you see fit. Please save my drums as they are my prize possession. Just use your judgment. I guess you have enough sense to do the right thing.

I went down to the USO and got a book to read. “All This and Heaven Too”. They have a nice building down there, library, radio, ping pong tables, etc. The only trouble is that (it) is about a mile and a half from by barracks. Incidentally coming back we hooked a ride in one of the “jeeps” (small army cars). It was fun.

I received mail now from most of the gang and it sure is good to hear from them. Call up “Booky” and find out about his draft and stuff. I wrote him a card but haven’t heard from him yet.

Now you people keep the old chin up and don’t worry about Bobby. I write again Thur.

Love Bob

P.S. Did you send my check?

March 1, 1942 - Getting in Good Shape

Co. B 2 Plat.
53 MRTC
Sunday Morning

Dear Mom and Dad,

I received your letter Friday and as I told you in my last letter I’m going to write more or less on schedule. I received a card from Mrs Dever and letter from Mary R & Emily. It sure feels good to get mail as it keeps me in touch with civilization.

My morale has picked up now and I don’t mind it anymore. True most of the stuff they teach us is trying for anyone with intelligence. However half of the people are not intelligent and there is a reason for their simplification. I just take it in one ear and let it out the other. I worried about it for awhile but I have passed that stage now.

I’m really feeling fine and am getting in good shape. We have exercises every morning for a half hour, like marching so it get you in shape. I go to bed every night at 10PM and get plenty of sleep. I eat at regular times. The food isn’t really too bad. I get plenty of it and it is a well-balanced meal. I’ve developed a terrific appetite again.

Speaking of food I was on KP yesterday. I didn’t do anything bad everyone has to do it at least once. I managed to get off easy by getting a special detail job. I worked on a truck getting a special detail job. I stayed out of the kitchen until after 3 o’clock. It was a lot easier job than KP. Consequently I only had to work for one meal. Even just working one meal isn’t easy. There are 8 KPs for about 200 men. Your have to wash dishes, clear tables, set them, clean tables, scrub and mop the floor after every meal. So you can see I was lucky to miss most of it.

Today is a day to loaf. We work six days a week and it always feels good to loaf for one day. Its raining today and the place is a sea of mud. I’m just going to stay in most of the day and relax. I have a few letters to write so I’m doing that now. I found out where the USO building is. Vin and I are going to take a walk down to see what its like. They claim it is very nice so we’ll see.

I’m going to the show tonight to see “How Green Was My Valley”. I bought a book of ten tickets for the show for $1.40. It normally costs 20 cents a show so you see extra shows for your money. They’re good in any camp. I saw “HM Pullhorn Esq.” too and I thought it was pretty good.

I forgot to tell you in my last letter to send me my moccasins so well you please do it. They will be very useful to use as bedroom slippers.

I’ll write you again on Tuesday Evening.

Love
Bob

February 26, 1942 - Settling into Camp Life

Co. B 2nd Plat
53 MRTC
Thurs. Evening
Dear Mom and Dad,


I have been going to write for two days but have just put it off until now. So far I’ve only received 2 letters, one from each of you. The regular mail hasn’t started to come through yet but it will soon now. I’m going to write to you three times a week Tues & Thursday evenings and Sunday. At least that’s the present schedule.

First thing on the list is this: Will you send me my $6.50 that I had in pennies. I have only a little over $3.50 and I expect to go to town next weekend. I expect to get paid in about 3 weeks and then I will be OK again. So please ship it out for me. Secondly, Mother see if you can dig me up a sewing kit with black and olive drop thread. I think they sell regular army kits containing that stuff. Thirdly, if you want to send me some cookies & cake I wouldn’t mind. That’s enough requests for now.

My morale has picked up considerably in the last few days. I’m beginning to get settled in the routine and it isn’t too bad. The five fellows from Peekskill stick together and we have a lot of fun. I’m attending classes mostly all day which gives me a chance to sleep. The teachers hand us an awful lot of applesauce and we have to take a lot of it. However it’s gotten so it just rolls off my back.

We went out on a 2 hour hike the other day and have a 3 hr one tomorrow. Its no fun as we have to carry packs and march in step. I don’t mind it much though. I’m really getting in good shape. I have plenty of exercise and regular meals. I feel in perfect health. Remember I told you about the nice weather, well its changed. There has been a cold snap down here for the last 2 days and I’ve had to wear an overcoat again.

You needn’t send Lil Abner as I found a paper with him in (it). However save it and when I come home I’ll read any I’ve missed.

I’ll write you a long letter Sunday when I get some time.

February 26, 1942 - Address Card from Camp Barkeley

February 23, 1942 - ".. in good spirits.."

Company B 2nd Plat.
53 MRTC
Monday Evening

Dear Mom and Dad,

I receive your first letter today and it sure was swell to hear from you. I almost keeled over at mail call when they called my name out as I didn’t expect any until at least Wednesday. It took some time to find me I guess as they weren’t sure exactly what barrack I was in. Now you have my definite address and it will be less trouble. Lil Abner sure was swell. Thanks a million, you just can just save them for awhile if you wish. Thanks for the stamps but I have quite a few as I bought some.

Well since I wrote you yesterday things have begun to brighten up a little. I’ve kept very busy most of the day attending classes. Our drilling has been cut down to an hour a day so it’s not so bad. I guess things won’t be so terrible after I get used to it. It’s just breaking in that’s tough. We are going to get a gasmask drill tomorrow and the masks are going to be issued to us tonight. As you know I will be here for 8 weeks and then will be shipped. I don’t expect to get much time off but perhaps in a few months I might be able to get three or four days. Don’t worry about changing my bed anything you do is OK. As far as sweetheart (Ford) is concerned, use it all you want. I can get tires from Bill even if they are second hand. Are you pounding out all the fenders yourself? That will be quite a job without the proper equipment. However I won’t object to it if you want to do it.

I’ve written to all the gang and expect mail in a few days. As soon as I finish this I’m going to drop a line to Marion and Harold. I guess I’ll be all caught up by then. I can sit back now and answer them as they come in.

Well as I wrote yesterday I’m going to make this brief. I feel in good spirits tonight in contrast to yesterday. I’ll write the next time I hear from you.

Love Bob

February 22, 1942 -"this whole camp is a mass of inefficiency."

Company B 2nd Platoon
53 MRTC

Dear Mom and Dad,

Well here it is Sunday the first day of rest since I’ve been in. There is nothing to do except to sleep and to write. We got an extra hours sleep on Sunday. We get up at 7:30 instead of 6:30. I really needed it after yesterday’s tough grind. All day we spent in drilling maneuvers that are used for parades. I was under the impression we were being trained to fight a war and not to parade but evidently that isn’t so. That’s what gripes me about the whole thing. It’s all so outmoded but because it is army custom everyone has to take it. Then too we have a bunch of ignorant dopes who still don’t know 2 and 2 is four. It seems that they are all in my company and because they can’t get stuff we have to suffer for it. Perhaps to sum it all up I’m fed up with being treated like a two year old. I don’t like this at all but what can I do about it but take it. My only hope is that we end this war up in a hurry. Perhaps things will be a bit brighter after we finish our training period and we get regular duties but right now this whole camp is a mass of inefficiency.

I’ve been in bed every night by 10PM and there is absolutely nothing to do here except that. We are in quarantine for 2 weeks. We can’t even go out of camp until then. It might make things a little better if we can get away for a while. I’m going to stop my griping for now. I hope that you please don’t worry about me as even though I am dissatisfied it is my job to fight it. I’m trying to keep my spirits up as best as possible. I’d rather you know how I feel than to try to conceal it by saying everything is fine and I believe you want it that way.

I’ll certainly be glad to get some mail and I expect it will be here in a few days. It must take 2 to 3 days to come here so it will be a couple of days anyway. I’m going to quit now and I’ll write again when I receive you first letter.

All my love
Bob

February 20, 1942 - Camp Barkeley Details

Company B, 2nd Platoon
53 M.R.T.C.
Friday Evening

Dear Mom + Dad,

I’ve been meaning to sit down and write you a decent letter but I haven’t had the time. I’ve finally located down here in Camp for at least eight weeks. The camp itself has 800 men in it and covers a great deal of territory. There were over 500 men who came down with us on one train and we’re all in the same company. I have five other fellows besides myself from town; Iv. Cotrell, John Kohut, Ray Dring, Ray Puff, and Vin Calabrese. You probably know Calabrese as he lives in the house at the foot of our hill. It makes it nice as they are all good fellows and have a lot of fun together.

We came in here yesterday afternoon and were issued beds, lockers, blankets, etc. We didn’t do much of anything yesterday but we did today. We were out drilling for 1 ¼ hrs. this morning plus another hour this P.M. I pretty tired from it all but isn’t real hard. I’ve had blood test today plus one class. I’ve just finished supper and have decided to write so as you can see I have had a busy day. We will not get too much more drilling as on Monday we start classes. I expect to spend most of my time there and not so much drilling. – They turn out the lights at 10 P.M. and wake us up at 6:30A.M. so we can get a good nights sleep. The food here has been very good and is much better than we got at Upton. It isn’t as good as I get at home but it has good quality, plenty of nourishment and all we want of it.

I have been taught by you to tell you everything so I’m going to state how I feel about being in the Army. I don’t like it so far at all as it is too inefficient and there is not enough planning. As you know I never like to be told what to do and that is exactly what they do here. I hate to be taken out of the life I was in which I was just beginning to get set in. Perhaps the thing that worries me most is that I can’t see how I’m going to get out for an awful long time and that discourages me. However it really isn’t too bad and I guess I’ll get used to it after a while. I’m keeping my chin and spirits up as much as possible.

I sure will feel a lot better when I get some news from you and some of my friends. It has been a week with no news or anything from home. In that week I’ve been in I’ve only spent $2.50. Last night I spent a dollar buying junk I needed such as stamps, writing paper, fountain pens, etc. So as you can see my money has been holding out well. I don’t need any right now and don’t expect to need any for a few weeks. I’m really surprised how I can get along with so little.

We have discarded our overcoats down here and believe it or not I got a sunburn today. The weather is beautiful just like spring. We are in quarantine for two weeks and can’t leave camp. After that we can go into Abilene, about 9 miles away if we want to. The barracks are very nice, I’m on the top floor with about 30 fellows, there are 30 more downstairs. We have individual lockers for our stuff. They have not issued us sheets, but we will get them in a few days.

I guess that clears up everything for now. I’ll write again Sunday. Please write as soon as possible.

Love Bob

P.S. Give my regards to Nana and I’ll write her soon.

February 19, 1942 - Camp Barkeley Arrival

Thursday Evening
Company B, 2nd Platoon
53 Medical Replacement Training Center
Camp Barkeley, Texas

Dear Mom and Dad,

I’ve finally arrived in the Lone Star State. Please note the above address as that will be mine for 8 weeks. The 53 MRTS may be abbreviated as I have done so please drop me a line and send me if possible Little Abner. How I miss him.

I had some trip across the country. It took us 2 ½ days from Upton. We had a sleeper Pullman so it was fairly comfortable. Slept and ate in the same car. We only got out once and that was in St. Louis. I obtained cards from there but I didn’t get a chance to mail them until we pulled in here. I’ve been through a mess of states and saw a lot of country in the last few days. The trip itself was rather boring but we helped make it easier by playing poker. Don’t worry, only penny ante, and after 2 days I broke even. It was just to pass the time away. I haven’t had any beer at all since Saturday when I had 2 at Upton. We can’t get any around here so I guess I’ll have to be a good boy.

I feel fine except I’m dead tired from the trip. I expect to turn in early and get some shut eye tonight. It isn’t bad down here at all. Perfectly flat country, a lot of red clay soil (like N. Jersey). The nearest town is Abilene which is ten miles away. We’re in quarantine for two weeks now and can’t get out of camp. I’ve traveled approximately 2200 miles to get here. I didn’t like the idea of coming way out here but it will be for only eight weeks. Then perhaps I’ll be shipped somewhere where I can get home once in a while. I felt pretty bad today about the whole thing but since I’ve had supper and got settled it doesn’t seem so bad now. I kinda hate being transplanted and it’s going to be tough for awhile but I’m keeping the old chin up.

This place is a training center for the medical corp. As I told you, no guns. We are strictly first aid, help in hospital, ambulance, etc. Not so bad. Jimmy is in the same division in Devens. I’ll write you more tomorrow. 6 fellows from Peekskill with me. Vin Calabrese, John Kohut, Ivine Cottall, Ray Puff, Ray Dring, and me.

Love Bob

P.S. I’m going out to buy some pen, paper, and ink.

February 18, 1942 - Greetings from St Louis

Postcard written Wednesday, Feb 18, 1942, Postmarked: Friday Feb 20, 1942 - 3:30PM Arlene, Texas, Caption in card refers to Three Flags Day which occurred in March of 1804.



Wed

Dear Mom and Dad,

We have stopped here on our way to Texas. It is now about 10AM and it is the first time we’ve been off the train. It is a pullman with sleepers on it. The time has passed fairly fast as we have been playing cards. I’ll write soon again.

Love Bob.

February 17, 2008 Shipping Out of Upton

Tuesday Afternoon

Dear Mom + Dad,

As I told you last night on the phone we are being shipped. We are going to Camp Barkley in Texas. We left Upton about nine this morning and are on the train now. We will arrive in camp on Thursday at 4:45PM a total of two and one half days ride. We are being entered in the Medical Corp. which is what Jimmy is in. They have no combat duty and do not even carry a gun. Our job is first aid hospital duty etc. on the field. I’m now in Baltimore and will mail this the next time the sergeant comes around. It will probably leave from Washington or whatever our next stop is.

I had kind of hoped that I could get somewhere near home but I guess I can’t. However we are only supposed to be here for 8 weeks, and probably be shipped out again. I hope then to get shipped back to the East again so I can come home if only for a short while. I don’t mind being out here as at least I’ll see some of (the) our country. If you want to write to me, write to Camp Barkley and I’ll take the chance of getting it. As soon as I’ll pull in I’ll send you my permanent address.

All my love
Bob

P.S. I borrowed this paper + envelop.

February 15, 1942 - More on Camp Upton

(2 page letter folded, written and on front and back)

Camp Upton
Sunday Afternoon

Dear Mom and Dad,

I have nothing to do this afternoon so I’ll drop you a line. We left Peekskill on the 1:30 train Friday, hit New York about 3PM. We then went to Penn Station and boarded a special train to Camp Upton. We arrived at Upton about 6PM and went through a short physical check up. Then we had our first supper at camp. We were then herded into a room to take mental exams. We were then issued blankets and sheets and assigned to barracks. We were just getting ready to go to bed when we were called our for some more stuff. We were measured for our uniforms and several things were put on record cards and then (we were) sworn into the Army. And so to bed at 1AM. At quarter of four we were called out again for line up and then they decided they didn’t need us after all and sent us back. We hung around for awhile and went to breakfast. We were sent to what they call the Processing Building were we received inoculations in the arm. We took our government life insurance there. I took out a policy for $2,000 with you both as beneficiaries. It costs me $1.32 a month. I wanted to take out more but I figured I have some home and that I couldn’t afford anymore anyway. We were then issued our equipment. They had a pile of clothes all laid out for you. They called your name and you got the clothes. Nine times out of ten they fit properly. All my clothes fit me, even the shoes. We took all the stuff to the barracks and left them there. We then went to dinner. At 12:30 we were shown a movie on military courtesy and sex life. We then went back to the barracks where we were given a talk by a sergeant and then taught to do retreat, which is the lowering of flag, all very simple. After that we had supper and were free. I went up and had 2 beers and bought a paper, went home and read until lights out at 9:30. We were awaken at 6 this morning. On lining up my name was called out to report for the air corps at 7:45. This was fudged on the basis of your mental exam. They told us all about it but I don’t want to go in just yet. If I can get to the quartermasters corp, which I signed up for, I won’t take it. But if I get something I don’t like I’ll join up in it. We haven’t anything to do this PM so I’ve been loafing around.

There is a rumor around that over 500 will be shipped out tomorrow. Imagine it’s true as there will be a big load coming into tomorrow. I kind of hope so as its getting boring around here. There is nothing for you to do except KP, pick up papers, etc. There is no equipment for training as this is an induction center so if we hang around something like that will happen to me. I’ve been lucky and avoided this so far.

The sooner I get set and start on a regular job it will be a lot better. I’ll let you know as soon as I get set as I want to hear from you and some of the gang. So until then

Lots of love,
Bob

February 14, 1942 - Arrival @ Camp Upton - Induction Center

2 postcards, postmarked: Feb 14th, 1942 - 6:30PM Camp Upton, NY

Saturday Eve

Dear Mom and Dad,

I arrived here safely yesterday at about 6PM. We have been going thru all sorts of tests, jabs in the arms, inoculations, etc. We didn’t get to bed until after 1PM. At 4PM they woke us up. We had to get up and line up for shipping orders. Of course that didn’t effect us but we had to get up anyway. We expect to be shipped out of here either Monday or Tuesday for some other (see next card) camp. Don’t write to me here as I will not be here by the time the letter will get here. I will drop a card as soon as I get set up in a regular camp. We have our uniforms and stuff. I sent my clothes this P.M. The key to my suitcase is in the little box in my room so you can open it. P.S. its sent collect.

The food is good – my cold is almost gone. I feel good except for being tired. I’ll write you soon.

Love Bob.