January 7, 1943 – Quiet Around Here

     

Thursday Evening

Dear Mom + Dad,

Your both letters arrived today and I was very glad to hear from you.  It seems that the mail is coming in more regular now that I am situated.   I’ve been very neglectful of you lately simply because I haven’t had the time.  I think almost three days have passed since I last wrote to you so please forgive me.

Most of the boys are on guard tonight so everything is quiet around here.  I don’t know how they missed up on me but they did so I’m happy about the whole thing.  I can spend a more or less peaceful evening doing a little studying and writing a letter or so.

The clipping you sent me about the trip I took to Texas last year, it was the same except I started at Camp Upton instead of Dix.  A lot has happened since then.  I’ve been in the army now 11 months and it seems quite a while since I started out.  It has been a worthwhile experience and I think I have learned a lot.  For one thing I appreciate things I took as common place before.  It is funny how your ideas change.

My radio is tuned in on a Cadet program and they just had a member of my beloved Brooklyn “Bums” on.  He is down here as a cadet.  It sure seems strange to be hearing about the Dodgers deep in the heart of Texas.

I got paid yesterday, the grand sum of $65 as my remuneration for my second month as a cadet.  I have about $70 or so in my pocket.  I’m going to hang on to most of it as I will have a few open ports in a little over a week when I become an upperclassmen, I may need some of it.  If I have an excess I’ll send some home later to add to my bank account. 

There is only about 5 more days to go and I will become an upperclassmen.  I’m fairly certain that the majority of the hazing will be cut out about then.  Things have changed around here already as we have a new group commander.   I expect the class system will die a slow death now.  Personally, I think it is a good idea but then it has its good points and bad points too.  Things are getting a little rough around here as far as discipline is concerned.  They are even cracking down on our posture in class.  You have to be on the ball from morn until night.  That doesn’t bother me much as I’m accustomed to that baloney from the regular army.

Did I say it is quiet around here – the upperclassmen just came downstairs on their way to a class and things were in an uproar for a few minutes.  But it quiet again. 

I have some studying to do so I’ll quit for now.  I’ll right again as soon as I can.

     

Love

Bobby

January 4, 1943 – Tests and Day Room Orderly

   

Monday Evening

Dear Mom + Dad,

Your letter arrived today, the one written on New Year’s eve and it was very nice to hear from you.  I have just found out why at times I don’t get my fan mail for some time.  This is another Haring upperclassman in my squadron and his initials are R.S. while mine are R.E.   He has been getting my mail then of course a delay in sending it back through the mail room in the squadron.  We now have it worked out and where we will bring our mail to each other if it gets mixed up.  He will be leaving soon, in a week or so, for primary so then the situation will be clarified.  He is the first one I’ve ran against with the same name and spelling as ours.  Then to add the R initials it sure is coincidental.

Well I had my two tests today and I think I made out pretty good.  I know I passed my code test as we corrected the papers.  There is no mark in code as you either pass or fail.  I passed.  On my aircraft recognition I’m certain I passed.  I made a few mistakes but I think I’ll end up in the high eighties which is good enough for me.

The latest rumor out is that upper class leaves on the 13^th or a week from Wednesday.  I think our school finishes up on this coming Sunday so that would make it just about right.  Then I become a vaunted upperclassman.  I do not intend to use the privilege of being to haze the poor underclassmen providing we get the chance.  I want the time myself and then to I’m not convinced that the system is the thing but rather I’m against it.  So if they cut it out for, good, if they don’t I’m not going to use it.  That’s just my theory on it.

I am day room orderly today and it is a very easy job.  Nothing to do but sit in the day room and write, read, and incidentally watch it and see that it is not misused.  We have a day room with a pool table, ping pong table, victrola, etc. and it is rather nice.  Of course I spent my half days in school but the rest I spend in the day room safe from the upperclassmen.

I got a kick out of hearing that my rum went into the fruit cake.  To tell the truth I didn’t even know it but the cake was very good.  A fine thing to be giving your young son isn’t it. 

I guess that is about the story from here.

     

Love

Bobby

January 3, 1943 – Rugged Week Ahead

 

Sunday Afternoon

Dear Mom + Dad,

Here it is Sunday and believe it or not I've had a comparatively quiet day.  This is our second day off this week as the upperclassmen have open post and we have no school.   I think this is the last one they get and from here until next week this time we really will have to be on the ball.  It will be a rugged week but I’m ready for it.  I figure about this time next Sunday we will be upperclassmen or at least a day or so away from it.  That will be a wonderful thing.  At lease it seems so right now but I still have a tough week ahead of me.

I spent a good part of the day studying aircraft recognition.  I have it down fairly well now and I’m not so worried about it so much anymore.  I’m going to spend a little time on it tonight just as a clincher.  I want to get a good a grade as I possibly can.

I just got back from the show.  I saw “ArabianNights” and it wasn't so hot but at least it was a change from the old routine.

I’m going to try and get out of mess formation tonight and eat in our service club just as a change.  We have a new service club here and it is very nice.

Well I guess that’s it for now.  I’ll try and write again as soon as possible.  I probably won’t have much time this coming week but I’ll try and get a few words in here + there.

Love

Bob

January 2, 1943 – Studying Aircraft Recognition

 

 

Saturday Evening

Dear Mom + Dad,

I had just started to wonder when I was going to hear from you when up and comes your Sunday letter and Tuesday letter at the same time.  The mail sure is crazy around here.  Your letters written two days apart arrive at the same time as you can see how messed up it is.  Then your amount of receival of my letters bears it out.  My athletic supporter arrived quite a few days ago and in your Sunday letter you mentioned it should arrive soon.  This place seems to bring me the most trouble I have had with mail since I have been in the army and the slowest.   I used to get air mail 3 days in California here air mail takes 4 to 6 days.  It can’t be helped I suppose so I can bear up under it.  As long as I get the letters that’s all that counts.

Your Saturday letters were very nice and I enjoyed reading them very much.  A total of seven pages on both sides it really overwhelms me.  Your description of Christmas at home really sounded very good to me and it made me think of previous years.  I’m glad you go my message via telegram.  It didn’t convey what I wanted but at lease it got across my thoughts of you for the day.  The West. Union won’t let me say what I wanted to.

You sent me Jimmy’s address, I think I told you I heard from him last week and wrote to him at the same time.  But thank you for sending it anyway.

I had a math test today and I only got 100%.  Last week I took one in math and got a 95.  I missed a problem by making a silly mistake.  This is fairly easy for me.  In radio code we got no mark but I’m coming along in that fairly well.  On Monday I have a test in aircraft recognition and that is the one that is worrying me a little.  I think I’ll know enough to pass by then as tomorrow is our day off and I’m figuring on studying it then.

I have about one more week to go as an underclassman.  I figure my first half will be over next Sunday and then I shall have a little more peace than I have now.  Things are pretty rough now as they are clamping down on us near the end.  We really had a rugged inspection this morning and the gig list is getting large.  I’ve stayed off it so far.  You can get caught for so many small things that it is a miracle I have.  Tomorrow starts hell week and I guess we’ll be really hazed then.  I can take it though.  I’ve gone this far without trouble.  The last week will be easy.

I’m sending you another one of the tale spinners.  You will notice they are thinking of abolishing the class system.  Those orders are from Gen. Arnold so I imagine that we will be the last under this system.  Personally I think it is a good idea as there is enough baloney without adding to it. 

I had better quit now and study my aircraft recognition.  I’ll write tomorrow.  

Love

Bob

January 1, 1943 – Let’s Hope That 1943 Will End Up With Peace in the World

   

 

New Years Day

Dear Mom + Dad,

So starts another year.  Let’s hope that 1943 will end up with peace in the world.  We get no time off today except for 2 hours this morning.  Of course we don’t actually get this off as we are subject to the upper classmen’s whims.  However, they have a test this afternoon so they are leaving us alone.  Thus I figured I’d start the New Years off right and write to you.

I’ve got some good jazz on my radio and I’m getting my kicks at the same time I’m writing this letter.  My radio is really swell.  I can’t really tell you how much it is appreciated and how much pleasure it is bringing me.  It is the nicest thing I could get.

I wrote you a short note last night.  I was a little sad being New Years Eve and all that and I don’t imagine it was much of a letter.  These darn holidays have been hard on my morale.  You seem to miss home more than ever around this time of year.  So I can’t help being a little nostalgic now and then so please forgive the tone of my letter.  Your never realize how good your home was until you have the privileges if it denied to you.  However, now I know just what it did mean.

Well I haven’t very much more time as an underclassman.  I don’t know exactly but it is only 10 to 12 days.  Then I will have a little time to myself and the routine will be a little easier than it is now.  Of course you are still under rigid discipline but you have a few more privileges and you are not bothered all the time.  That is the main thing I just want a little time to myself so I can do some of the things I like.

My school work is going fairly well as I have had a lot of it in school before.  I’m going to have a little trouble with aircraft recognition as that calls for memorization, at which I’m not very good at.  However, I think I’ll get it all right, and I’m not worried.  I’ll have my real worries when I get in primary and start flying as that’s when your make it or you don’t.  You either can fly or you can’t.  In primary over 50% are washed out because of the flying.  If you get through the primary you can feel fairly save that you will make it all the way through. .  It will be nice to know that if you can make it or whether your abilities are not for flying.  This training I’m getting is no fun as they really mean business here in the air corps.  Sure there is a lot of baloney (that) goes on too but they are really doing a pretty good job.

Well I guess that’s about it for now.  This is a very long letter for me.  I very seldom get to a second sheet written.  Well may the New Year bring you the best.

    

All my love

Bob

December 31, 1942 – Happy New Year and I’ll Be With You in Spirit

 

New Years Eve

Dear Mom + Dad,

Here I sit on the dawn of a New Year writing a letter to my folks.  Funny what war will do to a person’s life isn’t it?  Last year I went to a little house party at Don Keefe’s and had a pretty good time.  This year I sit in San Antonio, Texas in an army camp with nothing to do but write letters.  Tomorrow is a regular school day for us except we’re not getting up until 8AM which suits me just fine.

Last night I was on guard and since Wednesday night I’ve had exactly 2 hours sleep.  As I told you we had the guard cut down to 12 hours but today was a regular day and I’m really tired tonight.  I intend to stay up until around 11PM and listen to the New Year come in, in New York and go to sleep.  At least I can dream I was there can’t I?

Today was a pretty rough day for me as I just about keep awake all day.  I feel pretty good now but just a little tired.

I guess we are going to have a little food party tonight in absence of a New Years eve’s regular celebration.  Incidentally (received) my athletic supporter today.  Thank you.  I guess I’ll quit now.  Hope you have a Happy New Year and I’ll be with you in spirit.  My best always.

Love

Bobby

December 30, 1942 –Awful Homesick Right Now

Wednesday Afternoon

Dear Mom + Dad,

Well today is the day for our open bill and I have a little time to myself.  I’m trying to catch up on all my correspondence and write a few words to you.  Tonight I go on guard so part of our day is ruined.  They have changed the guard from an all day affair to just night which helps considerably.  I’m on post from 9 to 11 and 3 to 5 and then back to the old school routine.  It will mean that I will lose the better part of a night’s sleep but at least we’re not on guard all the next day too.

I’m down in the dumps today a little as the old routine is getting on my nerves again.  It just seems to pile up on you and then you feel bad for awhile.  It won’t be long now before I become and upperclassman and then I can have a little time to myself.  It will sure seem good.

I finally found time to get my cigarettes Brother and Marion sent from the post office.  Will you please relay my appreciation to them as really lately I haven’t had time to write to anyone.  I’ll  write myself personally and thank them but for time being will you convey my thanks.

Well I must close now.  I’m just not in the mood to write.  Think of me once in a while.  I guess what I need is a little furlough as I’m awful homesick right now.  Oh well it’s just a whim I’ll get over it.  Tomorrow will bring a different perspective on things.  Write soon.

Love

Bob 

December 28, 1942 – Regular Routine

 

Monday Evening

Dear Mom + Dad,

Your letter of Tuesday arrived today and I was very glad to hear from you.  It is the first letter I’ve had direct here and it seems I've been waiting quite some time to hear from you.  I've been writing as often as I get a chance.  Of course, my letters are shorter and not as they should be but because of lack of time.  You understand.

Your picture of sitting by the fireplace and write to me sounds wonderful.  I've always wanted one in my house and now that I have one I can’t enjoy it.  Maybe the day will come when I can enjoy it soon.  Let’s hope so.

You spoke of Father Leeming, well he sent me a letter today and a copy of the St. Peter’s school paper.  It was very nice to hear from him and I will answer when I get time.  It helps to keep up the contacts I had as I may find a need for them when I get out of the army.  It is always well to be in peoples good graces and I always try to keep it that way.  At times especially in the army it is rather trying but I have always tried to.  I find it pays in the end.

My life is running along in a more or less regular routine.  It gets on my nerves once in a while as we are subset to a constant grueling all day long.  However I’m holding up very well and most of the time I’m in pretty good spirits.  It is a rough road to hoe and I’m trying my best.  Thank goodness, the actual school work is rather easy and that takes a great load off my mind.

I heard from Jimmy today and it sure was good to hear from him.  He can’t tell where he is but he hinted that he is in South America and I figure around Brazil.  He says it isn't bad and I’m glad to hear that.

I also have a slip for an insured package but I haven’t had the time to get it.  I imagine it is from Brother.  I’ll get it and thank the responsible persons in the morning.

I’ll also try to write to Dick Clarke as soon as I find a little time.  We are off Wed. and may do it then.

The pictures I sent you contain a buddy of mine Abe Gothelf and Leo Kritsick.  Leo is the tall on about 2 in. taller that I am.  Leo is also the one that sketched the picture I sent you.  I don’t see Leo much as he is in a different squadron.  However Abe and I get together quite often.  Both of them very nice boys.

Well that’s all I have time for now!

Love

Bob

P.S. This stationary was given to me by Mom Gatrien.  Nice isn't it?

December 26, 1942 – “Fair Time But Didn’t Do Anything Exciting”

Saturday Evening

Dear Mom + Dad,

I have just a few minutes so I’m going to write a few lines to you anyway. I got a pass to go to town as I told you in my Christmas day letter. I had a fair time but didn’t do anything exciting. It was a relief to get away from here for a while. I can’t say as it helped me though as I was a little down in the dumps today. I managed to snap out of it this evening and now I feel better.

I hope you get the telegram I sent you. I couldn’t express greetings as that is against their regulations. I tried to convey my wishes for the day and yet keep it out of the greeting class. At least you got the idea that I wanted to convey.

I received a card from Leota and in it was a dollar which she wanted me to buy cigarettes with, which I will. I just finished writing to her and thanking her. It was really swell of her.

I caught up on my correspondence a little today. I just write short letters now as I haven’t the time for anything else. I guess it is better to receive a few words than none at all. I’m still not caught up but almost.

Well I’ll have to close now as it is getting late. I’ll try + write more tomorrow.

Love
Bobby

December 25, 1942 – Merry Christmas to You

Christmas Morning

Dear Mom + Dad,

Merry Christmas to you. It is now around 7:30AM and I’m waiting for my breakfast. It still doesn’t seem like Christmas to me but it is. I thought I’d write to you the first thing this morning even though you will receive this message after Christmas. At least you will know my first thought was of you and home. I wish I could be home to enjoy this day of peace with you but I have a bigger job to do.

Last night we had a little Christmas Eve party that some of the boys made up. Everyone got a little silly ten cent present and it was a lot of fun. My present turned out to be a drum as it seems they have found me banging on various things at random times. It is a very nice idea and it helped take some the sad edge off the eve.

I wrangled myself into a pass from 10 to 10 today so at least I can go to town and have a little nicer day than at the post here. I’m going to eat dinner at the St Anthony Hotel, the nicest place in town. I will at least get a small kick out of the day anyway.

I’m going to try and send a telegram to you if I can. You know they cut out getting(?) telegrams so I’m trying to figure a way so that it will comply with their rules and yet get by. You know I will be thinking of you and my heart will be at home.

Well folks I had better quit before my nostalgia gets the best of me. Incidentally it is raining here and is a nasty day. A fine state of affairs. Merry Christmas and the best to you.

All my love
Bob

December 23, 1942 – Guard Duty, Butter Cookies, and Christmas Thoughts

Wednesday Evening

Dear Mom + Dad,

I’m dead tired tonight as I just came off my 24 hours of guard. Since Monday I’ve had 3 hours sleep so you can picture my state. Guard is plenty rough around here. That old rifle gets awful heavy after a while and you are on your feet all the time. I’m darn glad it is all over until next time.

I have to write to you tonight as your package arrived today. It is really swell and I’m enjoying the food along with some of the boys. It sure is swell and I appreciate it very much. Thank you. I’m eating some of the butter cookies now. Just a little crushed but still they taste wonderful.

We have a little Christmas tree in the center of our barracks. Just a little atmosphere. I took the greens you sent and decorated my radio with them. It still doesn’t seem like Christmas but it is only one day away from Christmas eve. I’m going to spend Christmas day thinking of you. I’ll be with you at least in spirit.

Well I must close and study a little. I’ll write again tomorrow.

Love
Bob