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?