Thursday, March 8, 2018
Sunday, March 4, 2018
The War Letters
March 4, 1944
"Well as the [stationery] indicates, I've hit Greensboro in a very mild manner but before I become too involved in this evening, I guess I'd better hit today's happenings." He had 3 hours of "dry fire" with the Carbine. All this in the wet and cold and with no ammunition. This afternoon, being the 1st anniversary of B.T.C. #10, they have a big Southern fried chicken dinner with all the trimmings. Whit e table cloths and a jazz band while dining. They started shipping fellows back to their old outfits or P.O.E. tonight. After lunch, they had parade, all in class "A" uniforms, rifles, and cartridge belts. Over 2,000 men in review - he was quite taken in by the spectacle of it. He's distracted writing because he's at the U.S.O., in a dance hall, with a bowling alley below, and oodles of women - "a lot of cuties too." He's proud that he's writing home when this is the first time he's been "this close to women in almost a month." He and his buddies are taking it easy and careful because "fornication" is a crime in Greensboro and some of these cuties look 25 but are only 14 or 15. And with that thought in mind...The War Letters
March 3, 1944
"Well I must confess that I didn't write yesterday." He's been on K.P. and went to see Ida Lupino in "Our Times." Good thing too. Sergeant came in and took all the remaining fellows for night K.P. It was a stage show and radio broadcast with a Post band - compares to the outfit at Shea's Buffalo. Finished processing yesterday. He and Rudy Knitter, from Buffalo, made Mass yesterday, went to get mail, sneaked into Mess Hall on the other side of camp because they never would have made it back to theirs in time. He took part II of physical. That evening, he absorbed a few 3.2 beers at the PX. Finally all the pressure of the tests is over. 3 hours of Carbine instruction in the field today and it was freezing, then an hour of P.T. Of all things, today was a dentist appointment. None to be pulled and 3 to be filled. Only cleaned today - fillings come later. Some of the fellows had 4-6 pulled in a sitting. Might go to town tomorrow night. Got a ration coupon to get some shoes. "This will be [his] first formal step in a concentrated drive on the women of the South - can't get going with [his] present clodhoppers on...too heavy for going out of 2nd story windows, crawling out from under cars, etc."The War Letters
March 1, 1944
"Because we are taking our 64 physical today, we have been given a free day." It's been taken up by shining shoes, taking care of laundry and the like. Today is gas mask day. He has to carry the mask with him all day, but at least the alert is over with for the day. The boys just returned from their physicals and are asking for more cookies. Too late. They're all gone early last night. "The fellows think [his mother] must know someone in a Black Market because [she] got those nuts to put in the cookies." They were supposed to get passes for tonight, but 12 of them were "bad boys" so the passes will have to wait until tomorrow. He may not go due to an upcoming personal inspection - best uniform, presseed, shoes shined, hair cut - everything perfect. But he may still go because he'd like to get some beer. "As you probably know N.C. is dry and [he] can buy only beer." He needs to get authorization for civvy shoes and thinks he can get a shoe stamp at the base. He's found another Catholic, so they are both going to Mass. They are both also giving up smoking for Lent - a little late though. His buddy from Dix, Abe Aaroni is now in the Signal Corps. The place he's at in N.J. is terrible. Lew Harwick - his beer drinking pal from Dix is at Aberdeen Proving Grounds in the Infantry, but his cold from Dix has developed into pneumonia so he's in the hospital. He ends with a couple jokes, like the cycle of man:1. Tri-weekly
2. Try weekly
3. Try weakly
The War Letters
February 29, 1944
"Today has been a tense one so far and I'm glad it's over." He took psycomotive apparatus tests today and part 1 of the physical. PT II is tomorrow. He was too tense and feels he did about average, but then they don't need average men for pilots. Got paid too - $36.87 "more dough on me now than I have ever had to carry about" and he doesn't like it. The packages arrived last night! So did Bealy's. Boy did he get razzed walking the 1/2 mile back to the barracks with 3 packages. "Oh joy! Oh bliss and happy day. Socks and ties were grand..." The food stuffs hit the spot and the lads helped him finish them up. Seems the brownies and the ones with the pecans were a tie for the favorites. Missed Mass again - lack of priests and he couldn't find where they were holding it. He requests that his family and others don't send "so many nice things" as they are a temptation. This request is in anticipation of his upcoming birthday. He's afraid the temptation among the fellows may be too great.The War Letters
February 28, 1944
"Well I've been in the Army a month now." Today was his exam to see if he qualified for Air Crew. He doesn't feel good about it. H'e baffled that a man with no experience with planes is expected to qualify. Probably because they don't need men now, they've started to give the tests even before any training. Next tests are physical and psychomotive apparatus tests. It takes two weeks to get the papers rated, so he'll know by then. Splurged 15 of his 33 cents and saw a show last night - "Broadway Rhythm. Don't miss it - more entertainment per minute than any picture [he's] seen in a long time." Yesterday the priest told the Catholics they were "forbidden" to go to another religious service in town. It seems that other religious groups have been giving Sunday dinners gratis to the soldiers and the priest views it as a "come on" for another type of religious service after dinner. Then why do they make it so difficult to find a Mass?Tuesday, February 27, 2018
The War Letters
February 27, 1944
"Sunday has well arrived." Not sleeping as well as before. The church business is "quite a problem", having given instructions to be awakened in time for Mass, but then not being awakened until too late for 7 o'clock number - made the 9 o'clock instead. Library was closed, so no quiet place to study. The exams will be tricky because they're not given a lot of time per answer and some are put in to stall them and snap answers are required. Once the exams are over, he intends to catch up on his letter writing unless the go to the Rifle Range. He's looking forward to payday, getting low on cash. "Don't get the wrong idea. I have held on to a comfortable margin. Enough and to spare I think for round trip home in case I ever get a chance to take it. I want to leave this money strictly alone - aside from it I have enough - 33 cents I think but that's plenty. A show is only 15 and cigarettes 12." He'd like to exchange his blouses for ones that fit better but he's afraid he'll get second hand ones but "the Army is a great teacher and one of the biggest lessons is that here, as in life, generally you can't have all you want." Frank has some misgivings about how the Army training they are receiving may impact the men upon returning to civilian life. "I hope not but I fear that the same chaotic conditions that were attendant in the wake of the last war will manifest themselves here after this one. What then? American youth will find a new "enemy" in civilian life - one they can't see and have not been educated to understand. An enemy that will come close to home and affect all of them. How will they cope with it? The Army is teaching them to fight dirty - with no principle. It's teaching them to be completely ruthless. If you could see a couple of the movies I've seen about methods of close combat you'd understand just how close men are getting to savagery in the South Pacific. Let us hope these men will not try - even as a last effort, to apply these principles to civilian life when they return to it. What can we do about it? I don't know - it is the only way to fight the enemy we have at hand - I hope we won't see repercussions of this 'no quarter' training in civilian life in the next 10 years."The War Letters
February 26, 1944
Two letters today - a shortie with endorsed cheques enclosed and a shopping list...please send "all white T-shirts from home and 4-5 bars for Camay or Cashmere Bouquet soap" would be appreciated..."Well I just got back from Post Office and general scouting mission." Here he confesses that he's missed mass AND Ash Wednesday PLUS ate meat 2 or 3 times. "Fine one I am! Just when I need the Lord - I forget all the training I have ever had." Catholics are in the minority in N.C. and that still surprises him. After walking a good hour, and covering 2/3 rds of the base, he finally found a chapel that had Mass - 7 bells tomorrow. Exams are next week. Searching for info on confessions and plans to be in a "state of grace again" by the time his mother receives this letter. The examiners did interviews today in case they don't make Cadet, so when they don't make it, they'll get their second choice, but many get no choice. Only 4 schools are still open, so he chose Radio - 5 months training in theory, training for Radio Gunner - but he may still apply for Engineering Cadet, which if he doesn't make Cadet, he would qualify for because of his two years at Niagara University. He's thinking he will refuse Air Crew if he flunks out for pilot, not interested in Navigator or Bombardier, more interested in Engineering course. Best part is, of his top 3, all will require time consuming training. It appears some of the fellows qualified for Air Crew, but were told they had to take their second choice - no pilots announced yet. Back to studying tomorrow..
The War Letters
February 25, 1944
"Well another day in Uncle Sam's Army." Finally Frank was issued another fatigue uniform - a brand new one at that. And finally the original one can be sent to the laundry! The good news is he's also been issued U.S. Air Corp insignia, which will help him feel like less of a "Jeep." The books finally arrived, but he's not planning to study tonight - decided to write letters - studying will start Sunday. The mail was "swell" today. One from Mother, two from Harry, one from Ann, one from Keaty...also more shots today and more "preparedness talk", which amounted to the top Sergeant feeling they deserved some explanation. Same old story - most of them would not make it. He heard from the Otts and the Mrs. asked him for his opinion of Coach going to N.F.H.S. and he let them know, in no certain terms, that Coach could do a lot at the high school, but he didn't want them to work too for fear it would spoil them. Tuesday is payday - not sure what it will amount to. Since all "hell is breaking loose" in the barracks among the men who were too broke to go to town - the men are getting restless not knowing what is in store for them. Once they get paid, they can go to town and get it off their chests...Saturday, February 24, 2018
The War Letters
February 24, 1944
"At last here I am over in my little spot in the library." He's relieved to have some peace and quiet while writing. The pre-servicemen got passes to go to town. "Jeeps" like him have to wait another week before they can leave the Post. Through some scouting, he's found a latrine that is only used slightly and he's found a washboard and hot water, so he was able to do a lot of washing. He's finally learning some of the ins and outs of the place.He received a couple letters today - one from Ann - nothing from his "loved ones." He took the Air Cadet Mental today and thinks he did OK. One of his buddies from home flunked out and it looks like he'll be going to gunnery. It seems that many will flunk out because they just don't need them anymore, "especially if you're not A-1 material." He also took tests to be classified in Trade in case he doesn't pass. The weather is of the "summer variety" and he's not envying his family the snow and wind. Once he's eligible for a pass, he's planning to get himself "one of these college women" so he has an in and he should be all set. The fact that it's such a dirty place is still a frustration. He tells his family, "if you see a sloppy or dirty soldier don't condemn him as I have so often done. Just remember that 95% of his fault can be attributed to the unavailability of proper facilities and supplies." Of course, not the officers, just the enlisted men.Friday, February 23, 2018
The War Letters
February 23, 1944
"Boy did I have a good mail this evening." Nine letters. Took him 40 minutes to read them all. While he's trying to write he is "being constantly interrupted by the fellow's hot sexy stories - their experiences...real competition." Since he's restricted to the barracks he's afraid anything he writes will be "besmirched with the tall tales that are going on about" him. Started some PT - similar to what he received at R.O.T.C. Still having problems getting to pick up the mail. Chow, laundry and mail are all at 6 bells, and each place has a line so he's lucky to hit two out of three at the most. Looks like exams start Thursday. Been working on rifles. "They call them "Pieces." It seems the pre-servicemen keep "screwing off", and as a result everyone gets penalized because the "wise guys are too wise." He mostly hangs with the older, more experienced fellows, but they are all a "fine bunch." They seem to know most of the tricks and are able to help out on many occasions. Sort of hanging back from drumming up an pals at this point. Once exams are over there will be more time for that and he'll know them a bit better.Thursday, February 22, 2018
The War Letters
February 22, 1944
"Couldn't get to library tonight - have to write in barracks so I can't say much for what is to follow." It's pretty loud and hard to stay focused on writing. Exams Start next Friday - for now anyway. He received a letter today and a little package from Coach Ott, but nothing else. More orientation and lectures to date. Signed payroll this evening too. The mail system stinks. There's hardly any tine to go and get it and when there is, the guy in charge isn't there. By busy, it's a different kind of busy. The men are rushed to get in line and then the do nothing but wait for a few hours. The underwear situation is dire. They only issue you 3 pairs. He's saving one for his physical. If he sends the others in the laundry, it's a week before he gets them back. Can't do laundry himself because the hot water is at a premium and there are no wash boards. The frustration is that the men are expected to live up to the Army standards, and they try, but the Army doesn't help you. Restricted to barracks for next 48 hours. Time to close, lights out at 9:30.Wednesday, February 21, 2018
The War Letters
February 21, 1944
"Just a hurried note to tell you I received Harry's letter today." Nothing from Dix yet. No package yet either. Keeping busy. Going to his first movie tonight. Looks like tests won't start until next week. There are 4 wings mail altogether and there are at least 20 Thompsons. Didn't realize things were to tight at home and didn't mean to add pressure by asking for things. He will get them in town and try to send some "dough" when he gets paid.Monday, February 19, 2018
The War Letters
February 19, 1944
"I thought it was about time I addressed one to you - (meaning his brother). He appreciates that Harry handled the valentine situation. As of noon he'd received no mail, not even anything forwarded from Dix. Nothing since last Tuesday. Looks like Sunday (tomorrow) his plans are shot because he found out his whole barracks is assigned KP. So far, no exams yet. Today was a physical, lectures and movies in the afternoon. It seems that the technician giving the exam graded his eyesight 20-30, but when he saw that he was an A.C. candidate, he changed it to 20-20. When the R.C. Chaplain was lecturing, he asked how many were Catholics...it was a "jolt" to find the R.C.'s are in the minority in the South. The camp has mud everywhere and it is forever being tracked into the barracks. When it's wet out, there's mud. When it's dry out, there's dust. If they need to reach him for an emergency, they were all told to start with the Red Cross on the home end, which will save time. Until next time...The War Letters
February 18, 1944
"Well here we are again." He's been spending a lot of time in the library in preparation for the test, plus it's much easier to write there. Today was spent with lectures on Venereal Diseases, keeping mum on military information, etc. They were told today that most of them will not make the grade. There are just too many who would qualify, but six months to a year ago, they all would have made it. It seems that the limits for qualifications have been lifted and only the "cream" will make it now. The news has had a bad effect on the men. He still hopes he'll make it, but a new Engineering course is opening up, so he may be able to talk his way into that. No mail yet. The food is great, and the cooks just keep piling it on but signs posted around the Mess Hall read "if you accept it - eat it." The weather has improved, sunny and mild. Physicals tomorrow. Though he should be studying, he tells his family that his favorite part of the day is when he writes them - makes him feel like he's talking to them. With that, he closes with a "dirty" joke and bids adieu for today!The War Letters
February 17, 1944
"Second day at Greensboro." Still not processed, but heard more about the classification tests. Apparently they just don't need pilots anymore, and so the "casualty" rate for cadets is 85-90%. It appears that, due to the excess of men, the tests, which previously were only given to men after Primary flying was completed, now they are given before so many never even get a crack at flying school. While he's taking the tests, time will be limited to write, so don't be too "sore." Yesterday he received his gas mask, which he has to carry with him all day on Wednesday...it's been rainy and everyone is griping...no news, no nothing...The War Letters
February 16, 1944
"Well here I am at Basic as you wished in your last letter." He is now located in Greensboro, N.C. They shipped out at 5 PM Tuesday and arrived around 6:30 AM Wednesday morning. It was not a good trip. Very crowded. He's been kept busy since arriving, and drew night guard duty from 3:30-6:30 AM, so sleep will continue to evade him. So far, no news about the classification test they will be taking - and it's truly not Basic but P.A.C (Pre Aviation Cadet) training they will be receiving. The camp is more crude than Ft. Dix, "a thousand times worse." Most of his group are transfers from A.S.T.P., so the competition will be steep as they have already studied what all of them will be quizzed on soon, not to mention their experience and "fine physical shape." Most of these men have been treated badly thus far, therefore they're highly motivated. Ann has requested a picture..(no comment made).The War Letters
February 14, 1944
"This is the second letter from me today." That's because he has finally made the shipping list. He received a few valentines of a sentimental nature that made him kind of "weepy." Several items are being shipped home at this point as they cannot be brought with him to basic training - too bulky. Also a list of several items to prepare for sending to him at basic, awaiting his mailing address.Wednesday, February 14, 2018
The War Letters
February 14, 1944
"Well here I am back at Ft. Dix again." Getting back at around 12:20 in the morning. Being Valentine's Day, he was surprised with a bunch of mail. Here is where he fills his family in on the rest of his NYC trip. After mailing the letter, he checked out and went down to Penn Station and checked his bag. From there he walked to Times Square and took the subway back to Fellman's. As mentioned in the previous letter, he'd had dinner with Mrs. Fellman, Elizabeth and Agnes. After dinner, Elizabeth had some sort of engagement, so she suggested Frank and Agnes go over to Radio City. This was fine with him as Agnes was "soft and sweet smellin", so they headed to Radio City to see Jane Eyre with a stage show. On their way he saw both Rockefeller Center and St. Patrick's Cathedral, which impressed him very much. It was an hour wait to get into Radio City, deemed the largest movie house in the world. The show was pretty good, but long and he almost fell asleep, but they knew they had to meet Elizabeth at the Savoy, though they did not have a definite time, so after the show they went to the Savoy. Apparently Elizabeth had been there a while, and blamed "poor Agnes" for the miscommunication. The "tirade was terrific", not what he expected from a sophisticated woman of the world. Since they were too late to get cocktails, they grabbed a bite and then headed to Penn Station. He was invited back the following week, but he doesn't think he'll make it again, though he had a great time and he gained a lot of confidence in knowing he could get himself around the city, unless it's something special he doesn't thing he'll return to NYC as a Private again.The War Letters
February 13, 1944
"Well here I am in the Big City." Roughly a third of the barracks came to NYC. Frank's one friend, Abraham Aaroni, offered to let him stay with him and his family, but he declined. Abe did take his fatigues for him though, for which he is thankful. He stood on the train the whole way from Trenton to NYC, other than that the trip was uneventful. After trying to get a room at several places, he returned to Penn Station to the U.S.O. Travelers Aid. There he found there were also no single rooms available. While inquiring, he met a Southern sailor, Carey Higdon, who was well acquainted with NYC and since the only room available was a double at the Rex Hotel, they headed there together. After getting washed up, they went to eat at the Service Man's Center run by Pepsi-Cola in Times Square, he was able to get in touch with the Fellman's and got directions to E 78th. Carey got him as far as the subway where some people from Syracuse "took care of the Army", and saw that he was headed in the right direction. Upon arrival, he got to the apartment, rang the buzzer, but no answer. He was told by the clerk that they'd gone out a short time ago, which seemed strange, so he went to a bar, and had a Rupert beer on draught to wait it out. After the third "slow" beer, he called the apartment again - seems the clerk thought he was looking for the Feltmann apartment and they'd been there the entire time, playing bridge, so he headed back. They were all glad to see him..."such kissing, and me not having seen a woman for 17 days". After their visit he returned to the hotel. Church was planned for 8:00 the next morning at Actors Chapel on 49th Street...
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