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...

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!