Posted by: notsofancynancy | May 30, 2013

World War II, chapter 66, Snowy Cold Days

World War II

Snowy Cold Days

Chapter 66

Picture of Lefty Dad wrote "See there was snow here."

Picture of Lefty Dad wrote “See there was snow here.”

Dad and his fellow soldiers have traveled across France and are now In Belgium. From looking at the pictures of this time I know that this was the coldest time for him. The pictures from Belgium show lots of snow.

28 December, near Arlon, Belgium

My Darling Wife, Hello Sweet. Guess what I got a letter from you today. Boy was it nice and is my ego up now. I read it and sat there and dozed off and dreamed I was home. Gosh what a time I was having. Sure hated to wake up but I had to write you sometime tonight and it just as well be early as late. I love you my darling. I also got a card from Ira Vance and a short letter with it. I guess everyone there was ok. She said she had seen a good account of the outfit over here and was sending you some clippings from the paper, I hope you get them. She didn’t say a thing about George getting married but did say where he was. I’m surprised I even got the letter. She used to write quite often, but his is the first I’ve heard in over a year. Oh! So you have been working. Well now isn’t that nice. Didn’t I hear you say once you hated washing dishes. Oh La La! I’ll bet that doesn’t change the way anyone does it. How many was at that dinner anyway. It sounds like a H___ of a lot of dishes. Jimmy (Henry and Agnes boy) kinda likes the place. From what I saw he can have it. The people are very friendly. To [sic] damn friendly. We didn’t have any trouble with them. As a matter of fact some of the fellows had just what they wanted and plenty of it.  You say Henry was worried about you. Man so am I. By the time I get word here I’m not going to have to worry about the part in my hair. I’m going to be bald headed and the three hairs on my chest will be gray. I’m nervous in the service.  Jr is going to have to beat Mary Sure. The [sic] can’t have anyone like that lying in the shade. If he doesn’t well teach him to fight and have them beat that way hows [sic] that. Have I told you I’m letting my mustache grow. Pretty nice too. Almost long enough to brade [sic] No I was only kidding. I was referring to the Gay Ninetys[ [sic] parade. The one you were talking about in this letter. Guess I’m going next summer. I’ll start from scratch again. Its [sic] hard telling just what I’ll turn up with next. I kinda like this though so you probably know. Ben doesn’t play so much on he [sic] harp. Once in awhile he warms up. But as yet he hasn’t learned any French numbers. We haven’t really had a chance. Perhaps before long we will though. Who Knows? Do you know of the hit parade you wrote about I have only heard two numbers. I guess I’ve just quit living here. Just as well you aren’t with me. Mommie I never get bored with your letters. I think you could send a dozen books and I would enjoy the last one just as much as the first. I like long letters from you. Gosh Honey I like everything about you. In your letter you said 6 weeks until Jr would be kicking for himself. Well its [sic] about two now Mommie. Gee honey. That isn’t very long huh! Gosh I’m so happy two ways. For you and the baby. Only I wish I were there to be with you. I would give anything to be there even for the day. Well I can’t be there in person but my heart sure has sure been there a good long time. I guess I left part of it with you and have sent the rest. Cause all I can think of is you and the Baby. You can’t miss my Darling. Honey this much come to an end sometime and I have to get to bed so how about now. I love you so much my Darling. I’m so damn happy about the whole affair I just don’t know what to do. I love you I love you I love you honey. All my love, Lefty

Marvin Cain Wrote "Chateau we lived in at Gurish Belgium, Howard

Marvin Cain Wrote “Chateau we lived in at Gurish Belgium, (Truman “Ben”) Howard

29 December, Arlon, Belgium

My Darling Wife, Well I finally got some stamps so I’m going to use some of this stationary, We haven’t been able to buy any up until a awhile ago. Have been buying envelopes. I wanted to save this so I could use the envelopes you sent with it. Nice Huh. We didn’t get much mail again today. But the letters I got yesterday helped a lot and maybe I can last until another comes. But hope it comes within the next 30 seconds. Now where was I. We have just been discussing money. And it isn’t a bad thing either.  You know what one makes and send home. And saved. You know you have saved more money since we have been married than I have ever had. And once I worked for my money. You know I never did expect you to save that much but am so proud that you did. Boy can I brag about how my wife saves money. Have you been noticing the moon lately. Boy it is nice.  Sure wish we could spend some time together under it. I have a lot of ideas we could try and that moon would sure help. Do you remember me telling or writing you about a kid from home crashing a plane and breaking a couple legs or something. It was either before we were married or shortly after. Well he is home on furlough. He has been over here and completed his missions and also has been promoted to a captain. I was supperised [sic] he could even fly again after that crash. Now the subject has changed to women and Indians. What next. I’m having an awful hard time getting this written. Now I guess the subject is lies. Because I’m thinking everyone is trying to tell the biggest one.

What great insight into what was going on in the barracks as these soldiers got ready for bed. I can also see the men talking about well, about things men talk about when they are away from their women.  I bet he was really distracted. It is the first time I have seen him misspell “surprise.”

Gosh I don’t know what to write about now. I have read your letter about 20 times and can’t think of anything I haven’t written yet. Boy good material is scarce. Well not so scarce but one can’t write about it. I love you my Darling. I love you so much. Gee Honey I love you so much. I hope Jr is ok sure is getting about that time isn’t it. Boy Oh Boy I love you I love you I love you. All my love Darling, Lefty.

1944 Dec 29 stationary1

29 Dec 1944 Letter

31 December, Arlon Belgium

My Darling Wife, What do you think of my stationary now? It’s from Grandma Schultz [this was my mother’s great grandmother]. Got a Christmas package from her today. Guess she thought I was going to town sent me a necktie. It is a nice one but kind of like white towels haven’t any use for one. Haven’t worn one in our 6 months. As a matter fact I think I have lost my issued one. Also she sent me a money belt some socks candy soap and shaving cream. It is sure nice. Now I have another letter to write. I don’t believe I will ever catch up. Have a hard time keeping up with you lately. Isn’t it hard to write when one doesn’t have anything to write about or a letter to answer. We had ice cream today. That’s the first I have had in a long time. In fact the second since I left you. Boy was it good. But it was too cold to eat to [sic] much of it. I had all I wanted anyway. Also had a steak. That wasn’t bad either but man was it tough and [sic] my teeth couldn’t eat it. That was one time I wish we had a grinder. Man was that old cow tough. Must have been one we killed in Normandy. Today is the last of this year. Last year I was in Tennessee the year before in Ventura and the year before that in Ft. Ord and the one before that we spent together, And now this one here. Boy that’s getting around. Well I can’t say I enjoyed three of them. Damn near froze on them. Ft. Ord we slept in the trees and also Tennessee. Well it Is almost as bad as that now. Besides I am on guard. I really enjoyed the other two though. Well honey I just got up walked around the stove three times thought awhile and still haven’t had a good thought of something to write. I love you so much my Darling. Gee Honey. I hope you and Junior are ok and keep on being such. I love you honey I love you I love you I love you. All my love. Darling, Lefty

1944 31 Dec stationary

31 Dec 1944 Letter

It seems the New Year has come and gone without much fanfare. Well at least not anything Dad talked about. There is no letter from 1 January, 1945. As I mentioned they are knee deep in snow.

2 January 1945, Arlon, Belgium

My Darling Wife. Well honey I should be bursting with news tonight. Boy did the mail man come through tonight I got two from you one from Aunt Dick, Mike and Lucille, Mrs. Johnson and a Christmas card from Aunt Clara and Uncle George. Boy did I have myself a time. I took a shower this afternoon. I think it was about 10 below and we had to waite[sic] awhile . Then undress in a tent with the stove in one end and me in the other. Then the water was to [sic] hot. All in all it was good but I sure got a chill out of it. Feel good tonight. Say if this doesn’t turn out so good I just got mad I bought $2 worth of stamps and only got $1.86 worth for my money. If you start getting Airmail collect don’t think anything of it. Its [sic] not the money but I hate to think of getting gyped [sic] and ain’t about to. Aunt Dick told me about Gerald. Gosh sounds like he is about well but its [sic] to bad. I kinda figured something like that had happened when no one had heard from him in so long. I guess she has had a cold. Said she hadn’t been working for a few days. She probably told you all about everything. She said she wrote a 12 page letter out that day. Lucille didn’t have much to say. The kids have had the flu and are ok now. Said something about be being a father. And a few little items I would have like [sic] to hear what she had to say in the first two conversations after she found out [about] Junior. Oh! La La. Would my ears have been hurting. Mrs. Johnson has it on the ball. She said she was sending me a clipping about herself.  I didn’t get the clipping but she told me about it. I guess she went to a show and got her shoes mixed up. Had one brown one and one black one on. I guess no one would have known but as she explained. She let one blood curdling yell and kicked and kicked both shoes across the room and of course Dorothy and Barbara saw what happened and from then on, well anything could happen. I guess that was what the clipping was about. In the Ventura paper they have an item Star Gazzer [sic] Sun in which they put such things. Well besides that Barbara and her sailor have broken up. Dorothy is back in the running again. She has been going to dances again so everything there is ok. Now to the important thing. You I love you my darling. These damn fellows have a singing spell and I can’t write for thinking or listening which ever you want. Whats [sic] the matter with Mom. I haven’t heard from her for over a month. I love you so much my darling. I have been thinking lot and lots of you and Junior. And hoping you will be ok. Gosh my darling I wish I could be with you. I love you darling. I love you so much honey. I love you I love you

Interesting, that is the first letter he didn’t sign. Was it due to all the singing going on around him or did something else happen?

William Levensky

William Levensky

3 January, near Arlon, Belgium

My Darling Wife, Hello honey hows [sic] everything. Gee I love you I don’t know what happened to me.  I was reading a story and got so homesick I don’t know what to do. It sure doesn’t take much to get me that way. Boy how I wish I were home. But a lot of good that is doing me. Bobby Breen and three others were here and he sang. He has a might [sic] fine voice but awful damn cookey [sic] He had one guitar player that was good though. The trumpet and sax players were good but I liked the other. All in all it wasn’t bad.

Bobby Breen who was born in 1927 had just turned 18 when he performed for these soldiers. He was originally from Canada and made his debut at age 4. In 1935 he went to Hollywood and became one of the first child stars at RKO Studios. He appeared in nine movies from 1935 to the last in 1942. He was best known for the movies but he was also famous because he had a magical voice, unusual because he was a soprano. (Wikipedia)

Sounds like Jr has hit the Jack Pot huh. I can agree with you. He should have enough now to change every 20 minutes. And I don’t believe he will ever get them worn out then. Sounds like Lawrence has hit the Jack Pot. Well honey I don’t know. Maybe it takes a pull or someone like that to note those things. Know what you’ll be making after Junior’s pay comes through. $110 a month. That sounds good now, but waite [sic] until we have to start paying that back. I mean in taxes. Oh La La. Back to Lawrence I’ll be making more than he. Altogether I make about $173. Not bad for me huh! You say you have to go to the Dr once a week. Well I imagine by now your [sic] used to that. By now its [sic] only a matter of days and not many of them. Boy honey I’m waiting for the news. I love you so much my darling. I wish I were with you. Gee honey I love you. I love you sweetheart. I love you. All my love Darling, Lefty

Junior will be here any day now. I wonder what that was like for my dad worrying about Mom and the baby and being nowhere near them. For all he knows she may have already had it.  How long will it take for him to get word that the baby has been born? Is it a boy or girl? I can’t hardly stand the stress and I already know the outcome.

© 2013 notsofancynancy

Truman “Ben” Howard, Robert “Bob” Winter, William Levensky, Herbert “Mississippi” Tribble, Herman Poppe or Herbert Morgan, Judson Haviland,

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Posted by: notsofancynancy | May 23, 2013

World War II, chapter 65, Belgium 1944

World War II

Belgium 1944

Chapter 65

1944 Christmas Stationary

1944 Christmas Stationary

It is only six days until Christmas and there are a lot of fathers, sons and husbands who will not be home for the holidays in 1944. The influx of Christmas packages trying to make it to these soldiers will only “ball up” the mail as Dad says.  There are a lot of men who will not get their letters and packages until quite a while after Christmas arrives in France. It will be just another day for the soldiers.

19 December, St Jean-Rohrbach, France

My Darling Wife, Hi Sweet hows [sic] Mommie tonight. In good spirits I hope. I didn’t write last night. Got started doing something else and before I know it it was bed time. That was twice I didn’t write within a week and that was bad. The other time I was on guard though. I did get to a show last night. “Important Year.” It was a screwy thing but I bet it is happening every day. We haven’t gotten much mail the last couple of days. I wish that correspondence school would get on the ball so I would have something else to do for a change. I have been putting handles of knives for some kids around here and have sure given my fingers a beating. I cut the end of one and have a couple blisters and some more are a little stiff. Of course there isn’t anything serious but I want to be a book worm for a change. You’ll probably be a neglected women when the school comes through. Because for awhile I’ll bet I’m all wrapped up in it. I think it is going to be interesting. You know Mommie I’ll bet the church committee is going to get awful disgusted with me. I got another letter from George and he wants me to write him. Well I haven’t. I read some of the letters that have been written and they seem so silly I get disgusted and don’t write. Its [sic] nice for them to write and I imagine they like to get the letters but gosh why make fools of themselves if they pertain to the church ok but did you ever read and really notice those letters. I got a Christmas card from Eva the other day. It was just a card with no writing and really not worth the money. Nice though. Her and her guy are having a time I guess. Mommie I love you so much. I love you honey. Its [sic] time for the lights and now I’m a long way from bed so I better quit. I love you so much my darling. Gee honey I love you. I love you. I love you. All my love honey, Lefty

St. Jean, France

St. Jean, France. Dad stayed on the third floor

20 December 1944 Quartermaster moved to the city of Metz, France

20 December, Metz, France

My Darling wife, Just 5 more days until Christmas and then New Years. There is always something to keep the mail balled up. I’ll sure be glad when the holidays are over and we can start getting things straight. And being so close to Christmas makes it less than a month until the little one comes out to get acquainted. Gee honey that sound swell. Now all I can wish is that I were there. I never wanted anything so much in all my life. I love you so much my darling. As you can see we have not gotten any mail lately. Boy you know that sure tells on a bunch of men. But if the morale of this outfit ever gets down its going take more than mail to get it up again. We are ok honey. We know why the mail hasn’t gotten here and all there is to do is waite [sic]. Guard again tonight. It sure takes time but there isn’t anything hard about it. The only things its [sic] awful disgusting and to [sic] much time to think. If I ever take 10 minutes off to really I think I would take off and walk home. But I can find enough to keep busy and think of you at the same time. That’s the part I like thinking of you honey and some of the things we are going to do if things turn out just right. Boy honey I love you. Tell you a good one on Bob. Last night he got to talking and before he knew it the lights were out and he didn’t write Madeline. So today he has been thinking of a good excuse why. As crazy as he can act he has brought some good ones. We saw another show tonight but didn’t really enjoy it. You see the mail didn’t come until after it started and then was to [sic] darn anxious to see if we had any. It was a good show though. “Moonlight and Cactus” Someone around here has found another dog. But I heard him barking about 6 this morning and so I imagine by tomorrow he’ll be gone. It just doesn’t pay to open ones mouth at the wrong time. Well my darling its [sic] about time I was adding the finishing touch to this. You know Mommie I always like to end a letter to you because I can say I love you and I just like to say that. Of course I could tell you I love you before the end but I usually have something else to say there. I love you my sweet. I love you so much Darling. I love you. I love you. All my love honey, Lefty

“Moonlight and Cactus” staring the Andrew Sisters was a movie that resembled what was going on in the United States. When Petty Officer Tom Garrison (Tom Seidel) comes home on shore leave he finds because of the shortage of men in the states that women (The Andrew Sisters) have taken over operating the ranch.

23 December Quartermaster moved to a new area within Metz, France

23 December, Metz, France

My Darling wife, Hello Honey have you missed me. I haven’t written for two days this time. Been kinda busy. I’ll reform now though and get back on the beam and keep my correspondence up. I haven’t gotten and [sic] mail though so as you can see I’m not going to have much to write about. Gosh only one more day until Xmas. I sure hope you have a nice Christmas my Darling. I imagine by the time you get this letter it will be time to wish you a happy birthday. And also congratulate you on the swell job with Jr.  Well honey I sent Mom some money to buy something for you for Christmas. I hope she gets it in plenty of time. If she doesn’t I’m sorry. If she does good for Uncle Sam. I also said if she didn’t know what to buy just to give you the money. But if she does that you be darn sure you get yourself something. The moral of this paragraph is Merry Christmas, Happy New Years. A very nice Birthday. The best Anniversary and good luck with Jr. Talking about anniversary think here it is 10 months and I’m an awful lot in love with you. Should be shouldn’t I. Are you sorry honey. This has been the happiest 10 months in my life ever if we only had two of them together. Boy honey I don’t know what I would do without you now. Mommie do you remember me telling you about my back being sunburned and my eyes being about the same. Well anyway the eyes were sure hurting. Well if your [sic] interested I’ll tell you why they were so if not don’t read the rest. About that time we were in the dash across France and was really doing some good work. What really did it. We drove over 600 miles in 48 hours and loaded twice and unloaded twice. Man I have driven but that was it. We didn’t have time to wash and the dust hot wind and all just burned clear through. I think it took me two weeks to get caught up on the sleep from that. And I believe some here haven’t ever caught up yet. Still running around in a daze. I love you my Darling. I love you so much. Gee honey. I hope Jr. doesn’t get balled up like the mail and cause as much worry. I hope he just comes as he should. I love you honey. I love you I love you. All my love My Darling, Lefty

600 miles in 48 hours may not seem like a lot?  I bet the loading and unloading took the most time. It must have been a rough detail when you remember that these trucks were only going between 25 and 35 miles an hour.

Somewhere in France

Somewhere in France

25 December, Metz France

My Darling Wife, Hello honey  Hows [sic] tricks tonight. I love you. Just think today was Christmas and not a bit of cheer. That is not more than two quarts. We kinda divided that all had about a taste. I have about a quart and if things doesn’t change a lot by New Years [sic] I’m going to get so plastered I can’t see. That’s a promise. The Captain asked if I remembered last Christmas. I must have made a real ass of myself then because everytime [sic] he thinks of it he always kids me about it. Today was mail day. Well at least I got a letter from you. Dec 16 Also a package from Mrs. Johnson and one from Aunt Dick. Aunt Dick sent a book. It was nice we don’t have to [sic] much to read. Mrs. Johnson sent some cookies gum candy and a couple dime comic books some stationary a pair of socks hankerchief  [sic] comb and I imagine  a few other things I can’t think of. It was nice too. But I think the letter from you was twice as good as both. God Mommie I hadn’t gotten any mail from you for so long I believe I almost thought the APO had my name messed up. But it came today. Oh yes I got the Christmas card from the Stanette’s also today. Sounds like Jr is getting a little tiresome Huh! Well perhaps by now he will come out in the open and you won’t have to blow up. It does make it kinda bad when one gets mad doesn’t it.  But one really doesn’t feel right unless he does blow his lid once in a while. Well honey I’m sure out lately as far as writing is concerned.  I can think of lots before I started writing but sure can’t afterwords [sic]. The only thing I can think of is how much I love you and want to be with you.  I guess it is all that really counts because I really do love you so much my Darling. I think I would be the happiest man in the world if I were only home with you. I would even be awful happy if it looked like we were coming home soon. I love you my darling. I love you so much. Gee my Darling I love you. All my love, Lefty

According to an article I found on How Stuff Works:

German forces depleted in Belgium: U.S. soldiers watch Allied and German planes battle on Christmas Day, 1944. The weather over Belgium had recently cleared, and Allied aircraft were finally able to support ground troops in a counterattack against the Germans. Hitler’s belief that the Western Allies were weak and divided proved unfounded. Montgomery’s British forces attacked from the north, Patton’s U.S. Third Army attacked from the south, and American troops successfully defended the town of Bastogne. Beginning on January 8, the Germans retreated from the Ardennes. The Battle of the Bulge had been frightfully costly to all combatants. American casualties numbered about 81,000, and German casualties were between 60,000 and 100,000. But Nazi Germany’s loss of men and materiel was irreparable.

26 December, Quartermaster move to Arlon, Belgium, Billeted in Palis-de-Justice, Place of Leopold

A not so welcome white Christmas in Belgium

A not so welcome cold and white introduction to Belgium

27 December Quartermaster moved to Guirsch, Belgium, approximately three (3) miles north of Arlon

27 December, near Arlon Belgium

My Darling Wife, Hi Honey. This damn pen isn’t working right and I’m about run down. I didn’t get to write last night. Had a busy spell and was awful tired and was late when we could write and I just didn’t. That makes you about neglected in the last week. Only three letters. But I grant you it won’t happen again. I’ll hope. We had a nice Christmas. Of course we had turkey, potatoes, gravey [sic], cranberries, bread, butter and a big delicious apple. And did I enjoy that. To top it all off our PX Rations came and we had some good candy bars in that. Good old US candy. Its  [sic] usually good. Then came the mail and I had a letter from you that was the best and the last mail I have gotten. Gosh I wish they would get on the ball again for a couple months. I hate to think of Junior coming and me not getting the news for a month. It is happening every day though. Harker hasn’t heard from his wife yet. I wish we would have another show here. They make me awful homesick but for a while it helps the morale. Man I’ve sure been low lately. And do I have a hard time writing when I feel like that. Just waite [sic] though the mail will start coming soon and then Oh! Boy! You know I’ve about done every thing now. I even had breakfast in a court house and you know I’ve slept in the court room. And it wasn’t bad either. You know Mommie I think they are going to have to send me home soon or your [sic] going to have a hard time getting along with me. I’m going to be so much in love with you’ll have a hard time getting anything done. God honey I sure love you. And every day I love you more. My darling I love you so much. Mind if I just kinda call this enough for tonight honey. The fire is kind of warm and I’m getting sleepy. I love you so much my darling. I hope you and the baby are getting along ok. Boy honey that will be something when he gets there. I love you so much I love you I love you. All my love, Lefty

The time is coming! Mom’s is about eight and a half months pregnant.  Will the baby come early or on time? And I wonder how long it will take for Dad to get the news. Communication has come a long way since back then. Now days you could use social media to be in the delivery room no matter where you are. Back then men did not even attend the actual birth. The husband waited in a waiting room while the woman delivered. Things sure have changed.

© 2013 notsofancynancy

Robert “Bob” Winter, Harker Harvey

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Posted by: notsofancynancy | May 16, 2013

World War II, chapter 64, The Bicycle

World War II

Chapter 64

The Bicycle

Looks like Mom wrote a baby list on the back of Dads letter Maybe hospital list?

Looks like Mom wrote a baby list on the back of Dads letter Maybe hospital list?

Christmas is coming and the soldier’s job is not done. Dad is still in France driving troops, delivering supplies, gas, rations, and whatever else needed to be hauled to the troops all over France. My mom on the other hand is spending her days in Pasadena, California. Christmas was always a big deal in my Grandma’s house. She always made things fun. Grandma Susie wasn’t a drinker but she did have one or two Pabst Blue Ribbon beers during the holidays. Looking back on it, it was fun to watch such a prim, proper lady like Grandma Susie with a beer buzz on. Mom will deliver their first child in less than a month.

Dad wrote "Remember that bicycle I told you about"

Dad wrote “Remember that bicycle I told you about” This is my dad! Lefty Woodside

13 December, St Jean-Rohrbach, France

My Darling Wife, Hello honey this is the daily bugle. I can blow for 10 minutes and not even get reveille. But there isn’t anyone in the world I would rather blow for. The mail came. But all I had was a letter from Lucille and a package from Rose and Elmer. The package was pretty nice. Another white towel and a bar of soap. Guess they think I need sanitation over here. Gosh I wash once a month whether I need it or not. You can just turn around and be dirty so you get used to it. Outside your [sic] in mud clear up to possible and that’s not hay.

In case you are keeping track Dad now has about twelve bars of soap and quite a few white towels. I can’t imagine him hauling all that on the road. I think when he talks about the once a month bath he is really not kidding. Maybe they will have better luck for “sanitation” staying in barracks.

Oh waite [sic] I think I have a letter left from yesterday I can write about. So you finally got the picture. Well there is another on the way. Sure hope you like it too. It’s a little fixed up. If I ever get to Paris I’ll get you that perfume. Until then I guess you’ll have to buy your own. I’m sorry I didn’t get some when I had the chance. Maybe I could have, I don’t know. Boy honey perhaps you won’t fall down again in ten years but I’m going to do a lot of hoping it doesn’t happen a little bit to [sic] soon. Sure wish I [was] there so you could lean on me. Probably I’d fall too. But do be careful honey. I guess L.A. kinda has it as Christmas goes huh. Someday I’m going to do my shopping there. And hope it is next year.  You and Mom really must have done the rounds today (Can’t say today that’s about 2 months late) I’m sure glad Jr didn’t give you much resistance. It sure would have ruined your day. Huh? About the names honey. I don’t know. I guess I have given the best I can think of. Perhaps you have some much better I don’t know. I’m leaving it all up to you. Don’t worry Mommie rather than have no name call it Sam or Sollsy [sic]. Well honey again its [sic] about time to quit. At least I think so. Lucille and Mike are Ok so quote they anyway. I love you my Darling. I love you. I love you. All my love, Lefty

Dad talks throughout the letters about how expensive it was to buy things in France. I am not sure of his motives though. Did he just not want to contribute to their economy when that money will be better spent in the United States?

Robert "Bob" Winter

Robert “Bob” Winter

14 December, St Jean-Rohrbach, France

My Darling Wife, Mail again today. Three letters from you and one from Elmer and Rose. The three from you were sure nice. I’m all in favor of Terry Lee or Mary Lynn. Boy if you like them we better make it that or I’m afraid he or she might get stuck with some of the names on that paper. Wow what a list. I got a big bang out of some of them. Then I showed them to Bob and we both had a good laugh. Tell you what I’ll save the list and if by chance we have to be farmers well have something to call the cats. Oh! Honey. I was only kidding. They are all good but I like the two. If you do swell. I could never go by what someone else wrote. Have to have brainstorms of my own. Some aren’t so bad either. I like Beverly Kay better than Gay. For some reason I don’t like Gay sounds out of place. Well thats [sic] my line. Ivan Ray would be nice. Terry Lee and Mary Lynn as the first two and Beverly Kay and Ivan Ray as second. (just in case of twins and we have to have two names.)

This is crazy, the baby will be here anytime now and they are just deciding on names? How long will this take to get to Mom? Will they use one of these names or will Mom pick one out Dad has not mentioned? There will be big news in the Woodside family soon and I wonder just how long it will take for Dad to get the news the stork has made the delivery.

Now vital subject is past and I hope you haven’t blown the lid, I love you darling. They were good names. Now do you believe me?  You asked me how much I owed. I only owe about half as much as there is owed me only I intend to pay what I owe out of my own pocket. Besides Harold I owe Elmer a little. About the some $30 each. I had Bob paid before I left the states. I think I wrote that once. If not I sure aimed too.  That’s where all the money went I won that month. In fact Bob owed me about 6 dollars by the first payday we had. Nope Mommie the two are all and I’ll get them paid. Don’t you go sending them any. Well that’s subject number two. Now we can get down to some real loving. I like the idea about the folks Christmas presents. I think they would too. So if that is what you did swell. They will think it grand. I guess I’m going to have to watch my figure. Boy Mommie I didn’t realize you weighed so much. Just waite [sic] though Jr will show you what’s what. If you keep that up perhaps I better send a couple more names huh? You know that clipping Lucille sent is sure going to town back there. By the time we get home we are going to be forgotten hero’s. For What? Everyone is writing about it. Sounds swell too. You say John isn’t working. Nice isn’t it. I’m glad I got a wife who can depend on me make the living. And if I can’t grant you will have the chance of finding someone else who can make it. But as you say its [sic] going to be damn hard. But honey I have no damn doubt but what we do a good job of it. I don’t think anything in the world is to [sic] good for you honey and I have plans of showing you the best. Boy honey all I want is a chance to show you and the rest.  Well gosh honey I guess I have forgotten all the good things I had to say. I went to a show “Cover Girl” tonight. It was sure good. Have you seen it. It made me so want to be home with you. I’m just the little guy but I sure love you. But damn it this war sure won’t let me tell you. Only of course a letter and that sure isn’t any good. I get so lonesome for you my Darling. Bob’s getting to call me “Lovesick Me.”  And he is the one who should be called that. Rose and Elmer are ok at least they said so. For some reason she said she was reading the first letter from France. I have sure written more than that. But perhaps she as you haven’t gotten them. The letter she was talking about was dated Oct something or other. I love you my Darling Wife. I love you so much. Gee honey I hope you and Jr are getting on ok. I love you honey. Oh Gee Mommie how can I tell you how much I have missed you and love you. All my love, Lefty

Clip from cover girl Rita Hayward preforms Poor John from the movie, “Cover Girl.”

17 December, St Jean-Rohrbach, France

My Darling Wife, Hello my Darling. Gosh honey am I the luckiest guy in the world. Know [?] why I got your Christmas Card yesterday and you know the rest. Was that picture good. Boy honey I’m so proud of it. I made a little leather folder for it today. The one it was in wouldn’t last long in this country. Boy I sure do like it Honey. The Christmas card was also very nice. Especially what you wrote on it. I sure like to get cards from you since you have been writing on them. By the way I also got letters from you. 7-8-9-10. Awful old but lots of loving and that’s what I want. I love you my Darling. Sounds like we are getting rich. And you ask me if I have enough money. Its [sic] me that should be asking you. Gosh have you been spending anything. I didn’t ever think we would have that much in the bank. That’s another thing honey. I guess I just need you to save the money for us. I have been going to write home and find [out] how many bonds I have but haven’t thought of it yet. If you need any of that money use it honey. After all its [sic] yours. I know this is mighty late but wish the folks a happy anniversary for me. Maybe next year I’ll be able to remember it and do it myself. I wish them all the luck in the world. I have your picture sitting here in front of me. And every once in a while I have to stop and look at it. I sure do like it honey. I sure wish you would get some good ones taken of you now. You write and say the ones aren’t good. I haven’t seen you take a really bad picture yet. I sure didn’t have much of a time wrapping Xmas presents this year. We just couldn’t buy anything for less than a fortune.  And I guess I’m a little Scotch because I hate to buy. Well its [sic] to [sic] late now in two ways. So Fred is in Germany. Guess he went the easy way huh!  I’m sure glad Ruth has been hearing from him. Wish she would send me his address someday. I probably wouldn’t write but the address would be good. You say what a cheerful day it rained all day, I can top that. What a cheerful 6 weeks. It has rained all of them. I don’t know what tree I have about run into. It has been pretty dark around here and I have walked into a few vehicles without seeing them. Does that count. Started walking downstairs last night and didn’t quite get all the way down before I turned and about broke my neck getting down the hard was. I didn’t hurt myself but my modesty was kind of mangled. (I’m sitting on a blanket now.) I’m not so sure I can fill another page or not but if your [sic] willing to read it I’m willing to try. (not bragging either) Last night we had a show “Cover Girl” and tonight “Crazy Horse.” Both were good. I guess just any old show would be good to us. They are one thing that really takes us home for awhile. It takes about three hours to come back but we make it. I don’t know why I go to them I get so damn lonesome. Then sit here and mood for 10-11 hours until the bull gets to rolling and forget it. I got another package from Lucille yesterday. The underclothes didn’t come but she said there were five packages in all coming so I still have two to go. That’s what balls up our mail so.  Not I’m on the ball. Have a cup of coffee. I’m not used to drinking coffee so much anymore. So what this will do to me Oh! La! La! I got the darndest letter from Norma and Bob. It was just clippings from the Lexington paper. It came and had 2 air mail stamps on it and I thought for sure thunder and lightning had taken over and there wasn’t one word written in it. Well my Darling I must stop for tonight. Your [sic] probably tired reading this anyway. I love you so much my Darling. Gee honey am I lucky to have gotten you before someone else. I love you. I love you. I love you. All my Love Darling, Lefty

Dad Wrote "Here is one reason why it was wrecked." Not sure if this is Dad or Bob

Dad Wrote “Here is one reason why it was wrecked.” Not sure if this is Dad or Bob

17 December, St Jean-Rohrbach, France

My Dearest Wife, Hello Honey. I’m going to have to write this in a hurry. It’s almost time for lights out and I’m awful sleepy so must have my sleep. Sound like Ruth is doing ok too isn’t she. The last thing I heard she was going to Oregon. I didn’t think she felt well and had to write her my two cents worth. Well maybe she took my advice.  Bob and I went to another show tonight. “Music in Manhattan.” It was good although we had seen it before. But Ann[e] Shelley was something to look at. Dennis Day was to [sic] darn crazy though. Was much better on the radio. And better than that in the Army. You know I wish the moon would be out all the time. Man does it get dark. I guess its ok though cause I’m really grown up now and not afraid of the dark. Say Mommie one time we had several bicycles around and Bob and I weren’t contended [sic] until we rode them. Man what a ride. The only bike we could borrow was one without the precious little gadgets tires. Well we rode and ended up in a heap. We made a necklace of the front wheel. That took some talking to get out of that. (also work) But talking about bicycles. We liked to go down the road and watch the people ride. The women over here just don’t care how the dresses fly. And many times we could be going along and see pinks hanging on the bicycle seats. They soon caught on though and we couldn’t enjoy the pinks (they took them off. The life of Riley. Well Honey I must stop now. I see the lights have dimmed a couple times and that’s my cue.  I love you so much my Darling. Gee I love you sweetheart. I love you, I love you. I love you. All my love Mommie, Lefty

I have been wondering what the stories were on these bicycle pictures. It looks like it did not take much to keep these soldiers amused and shame on them for spying on those French women’s underwear, but then boys will be boys even if they are 25 years old.

© 2013 notsofancynancy

Robert “Bob” Winter

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Posted by: notsofancynancy | May 9, 2013

World War II, chapter 63, Details

World War II

Details

Chapter 63

Dad Wrote "Tribble, St Jean Fr." (Herbert E. Tribble)

Dad Wrote “Tribble, St Jean Fr.” (Herbert E. Tribble) This was the first picture in Dad’s album

In the last chapter we found Dad’s Company holed up in a railroad station north east of Morhange, France. On 8 December, 1944 they will move to St Jean-Rohrbach where they bunked down in some French Barracks there. They will spend quite a bit of time at these barracks. You do have to remember Dad was a truck driver and although they have a base camp the 80 or so trucks that were in Dad’s Company made a lot of trips during this time. They must have had some time on their hands though as I have a lot of pictures from their time there.  Someone took a lot of individual pictures of the men. I have been able to come up with full names of these men from notes Dad wrote on them. Comparing the pictures that Dad had with Marvin Cain’s pictures I have been able to come up with names of many of the men.  I have been waiting a long time until this part of the story so I can share these pictures.

7 December, North East of Morhange, France

My Darling Wife, Hi honey another day huh? It sure is getting close now. [Mom is now about 8 months along) Well it seems like it and by the time you get this letter it will be close. I sure hope you have good luck. I can’t be there physically. I’ll do a little walking the floor here. Hows [sic] that? I didn’t get any letters today . But did get two packages. One from Ruth and one from Rose and Harold. Well everything was swell but the animal crackers. They were kinda cracked up. Almost  ground up. In there were two towels and wash rag (white ones). A box of candy and 5 bars of soap a comb two candy bars. I guess that does it. In all now I have about 10 bars of soap. I have two I have had ever since I got off the ship. I’ll use it though. The towels I wish you had they just aren’t what I need. I hate to throw them away, but? Oh Bob got a package too. In it was one of those perfumed balls. A fancy affair. But surly [sic] out of place. We sure have been eating since mail call. We are consuming as much as possible so we won’t have to carry it around. And honey carrying things is a problem now. Say honey wanta know the mystery of how I skinned my nose. No it wasn’t big feet or slipping on wet ground. I wanted to tell you about it but just couldn’t tell the real way it happened. So kind of thought it up that way. Well one night while on guard there was one of the damnest explosion you ever heard and the air was all covered with little sparks of fire. I thought sure the world was coming to an end then. It was a little cold and I had on an overcoat with a raincoat over it. Also I had both collars turned up so the rain wouldn’t run down my neck. The first thing I did was hit the ground. I did but when I straightened out the collars push my helmet down over my nose and I couldn’t be bothered with a small detail like that. The helmet hit the ground and my nose was in it instead of my head. I lost the outer lining of my nose and it was awful sore for awhile. Now the mystery has been revealed it sounds kinda fishy huh. Well this time it is the truth. I have to write Ruth and Rosa tonight so I better stop honey. I love you my darling. I love you so much. I love you sweetheart. I love you I love you. All my love, Lefty

I can’t imagine what that would have been like. These kinds of things had to have gone on more often than not but I am just glad it was just the outer coating of his nose.

Dad Wrote " Dudley, St. Jean, France" (Oswald R. Dudley)

Dad Wrote ” Dudley, St. Jean, France” (Oswald R. Dudley)

8 December Quartermaster moved to the town of St. Jean-Rohrbach, France, in French barracks

Dad has talked about the rules of driving they have which include a strict speed limit and it is not very fast. He talked about not getting out of second gear. You figure getting say 40 trucks all going 25 miles per hour, trying to go 100 miles. Now figure you are one of the last trucks on that convoy. It would have been a long wait to get moving. That would be a long trip. Dad did talk about how much waiting he did in almost every aspect of the Army. It was slow going and there would be a lot of waiting around. My brother told me a lot of the letters may have been written while sitting in the cab of the truck while waiting on these convoys.

8 December, St Jean-Rohrbach, France

My Darling Wife, Well honey sure am tired tonight. I didn’t sleep so good last night and had to get up early this morning and saddle the old bronc and to ride all day. Besides that I was blessed with two lovely flat tires and had a hell of a time with the first. Then ran out of gas. Well had plenty but I was tired and it was sure a nuisance to stop and put it in. That’s all over and I can look forward to a good night’s sleep??? There isn’t much to write about except of course I love you. There seemed to be an abundance of mail today but I guess it wasn’t my day cause I didn’t get any. Well we have tomorrow. Hows [sic] Junior now Mommie. Say you know I think we should have twins then well [sic] have our two and I won’t have to go through this again. Its [sic] sure making a man out of me. Well that and this damn war. Well honey this isn’t very much. But someone had had to keep knocking my block with a sledge hammer to keep me awake. I love you my Darling. I love you so much. Gee honey if only I could be home now. We would sure do the town. Well maybe we could rest a couple months and then look out. I love you Darling, I love you I love you so much. All my love, Lefty

10 December, St Jean-Rohrbach, France

My Darling Wife, Well honey I love you. I went to a show tonight “Marriage is a Private Affair.” I thought it was good. In fact I just said that. Saw one last night that wasn’t so mixed up and thought it much better. It was “Conflict.” Of course both were good in their own way. Bob and I have been run out of our blacksmith shop our carpenter shop and the damn sewing machine got a bug and now all we have to play with is a mud hole. Have you ever tasted any of that delicious gumbo pie with a little coal dust put on as frosting. Or some of those nice cup cakes with chopped straw as coco nut. Very good.  (if someone doesn’t chip you behind the ear with it) I think I am going to the dentist tomorrow. I have a tooth that needs filling. If I were sure it wouldn’t take to [sic] long. I think I could manage to have a couple knocked out and have that hole filled up. It takes a long time for something like that and with my luck they probably wouldn’t fit anyway.

Dad has a gap between his two front teeth which is the hole he is speaking of. The story goes like this. Dad and his siblings were playing in the hayloft and somehow my father and his brother took a spin on the rope from the hay loft. I am not sure of the exact details but I know somehow he caught his front teeth on the back of his brother’s jeans and whatever happened left a big gap. Now, one of my siblings had one of those same gaps and never did anything to get it. Now I have to wonder if this was just another of Dad’s “story’s.”

Oh! Yes I ordered some pictures sometime ago. Now in about 6 weeks they might be here. It will be that long anyway. There is so much red tape to get them. Gosh I’ve been trying to think of something to say for a half hour and haven’t even had one little brain storm. It would take a blizzard to get the old noggin really going though. I just wish there was once I could write you a plum good letter. I love you my darling. I love you so much. Gee honey what have you got that gets me. Besides Junior of course. How is he tonight? Ok I hope. Gosh it sure won’t be long now. I love you so much honey. I love you, All my love, Lefty

I couldn’t find much information on the second movie Dad mentions in this letter.  This is the first time Dad mention’s pictures and having ordered some. I have spoken to many of the families of the men Dad served with and they have a lot of the same pictures I do. Dad will explain that in a later letter so I don’t want to ruin the story.

Dad Wrote "St. Jean, France

Dad Wrote “St. Jean, France

10 December, St Jean-Rohrbach, France

My Darling Wife, Hello Honey. Hows [sic] Jr? Who do you think he’ll look like. I sure hope he looks like you cause I wouldn’t wish a face like mine on the old family cat. I got my tooth filled today. Boy sure was a quick job. I don’t think it took over 15 minutes. It wasn’t such a bad hold to plug up. I guess I didn’t have any more. He just inspected the rest. It was a wisdom tooth he filled. He said that about half of it was being used and until it grew so it wasn’t being used there wasn’t any use pulling it. Don’t know whether you know what I’m talking about or not. I didn’t understand it until I figured it out myself. I really got Bob on the job. He is making coffee. I could say it smells good but he hasn’t put the smell in yet. Well maybe it will be good. Well again there wasn’t any mail. Some should be getting here soon. Boy will that be a payday affair. We’ll bring out the bones knock the dust off the glasses and set down to some good steady loving. Correspondence style. Have I ever told you of the wettest night I have ever been on guard. Well it all started with a fox hole. We dug this so we could get down out of the wind and also put a top on to keep the down pour off. This was located about half way down a gentle slope. Well during the tour of Guard we found the floor of one said hole kinda leaked.  Well one would have thought the darn top would have done that. But this extraordinary hold had to be different. The bottom leaked. No it ran in. During the course of 4 ½ hours of guard I threw 90 gallons of water out of that damn place. I had a 5 gallon can doing it. Its [sic] a good way to pass long hours. But what a wet one. Besides I had on so many clothes I could hardly bend over. I got a good sweat up at times. Well my darling its [sic] time to be stopping. I love you sweetheart. I love you honey. Take care of yourself and the little one. I love you. I love you. All my love Honey, Lefty

What a night! Having to bail water out of your bed all night would not have been a great night. Wait I just realized the significance of this statement. I almost didn’t catch it but Dad is once again sleeping in a fox hole.  I have to wonder how many nights something like this went on. I know Dad said it rained the first six weeks they were in France and Dad has been there a little over five months now.

12 December, St Jean-Rohrbach, France

My Darling Wife, Oh Boy! Mail today. Got three letters. One from Mom, you and Bob and Norma. Boy was I glad to get them writing was sure getting slim. In fact about three days ago I ran out and just coasted along from there on. I had to get up and do something else and have forgotten all I had to write. I suppose you know by now how the correspondence course is coming. I guess I don’t remember what I said. As I remember I had plenty of money all last month I just hated to use it I guess and was waiting to get paid. I had plans of getting back to town and maybe buying something. Anyway if I hadn’t had the cash someone here would have had and I could have borrowed it until I did have it. Nope Mommie I’m not about to send home for money and don’t send any. I always buy what I want or have to have it the first of the month and send what I have left over home. And about all I need is stamps. We usually buy a couple dollars’ worth and you get the rest.

This clears up another mystery. Almost every letter he sends is owed six cents at Mom’s end. I wonder if he is sending the stamps to make up for that postage at her end.

If I had it I would only lose it. And as long as I’m not with you I’m just as happy without any money.  When I get home we are going to need it. Well honey last night I told you of the wettest nights I have seen now how about the darkest. We were Bivouac in a large grove of trees and the moon wasn’t just right. Anyway you couldn’t see your nose so you couldn’t follow it and had to use your own sense of judgment. I was on guard and had to call the relief that went on after us. It was about 20 feet to where they slept and it took me about 20 minutes to find them. But I thought sure I knew where I had come from. But do you think I could find that post again. I wandered around about 5 minutes and couldn’t ever talk hard enough for them to hear me Finally I found a truck and knew where I was and wandered back. But the best part of it was one tent or rather truck tarp strung up between two trees to keep the gentle down flow of dew off. Well one kid had to do a little job. He got up walked what he thought was a little way off but really he only walked around the tree on one and let go right back on his bed. Maybe you didn’t think the air wasn’t blue for a while. One could almost hear him for a block. One night they started out to check the guard. Well they found one post and all they got done after that was walk circles around it. Each round was a little bigger. Finally they tried to find the C.P. and it all ended up with one sleeping in someone else’s bed and I never did know what happened to the other. You have been somewhere in the dark and seen this phosphorous. Well we took that and lined trails from one place to the next and then it wasn’t bad. It was there I had 85 on one truck at once. That was a load. You know honey I hope Jr’s feet aren’t big. But if they are I’ll sure know who he takes after. Well maybe it would be best. Its [sic] bed time. I love you my darling. I love you so much. Mom said Lucille sent you a clipping from a paper. We have got the same here. I think there should be more of a like nature in the paper. Bob and I missed having our pictures taken because we were to [sic] lazy to walk a half mile down to the place. Well maybe it wasn’t quite a half mile at least a block. I love you honey. I love you darling. I love you so much. Gee honey I love you. All my love, Lefty

Here is another great experience he is able to share with us. It seems I read somewhere it got to where the soldiers were able to talk about some stuff that went on a month after it happened. I have to wonder if that is why he is now sharing those stories.

Dad Wrote "First Sgt. St. Jean, France

Dad Wrote “First Sgt. St. Jean, France

13 December, St Jean-Rohrbach, France

My Darling Mommie, Oh!  Mail today. A Christmas card from Mom and two letters from you. They were the ones telling about the box and picture. I’m glad you liked it. One doesn’t have much choice here as to what they buy. That was German silk I sent. I really don’t know what ours are like. I guess some are different. German [unreadable] are most any color. I’m glad you got a bassinette for Jr. I wasn’t worried about his sleeping. He could share your bed until I got there. Then he will probably be big enough to look out for himself. I sure wish I could see all the things you have for him. They sound swell you writing about them. It looks like I’m not going to have to worry about the thing Lucille sent. The package hasn’t gotten here and it looks like it won’t. Of course the mail is all balled up. I have gotten two packages from her and the other was sent the same month. It has been almost a month since I got them. Perhaps. I imagine if you waite [sic] a while Madelyn M. will write you. And then you can answer. But as for Mrs. Johnson she just wanted to send you Xmas greetings and kinda keep in touch with you. You won’t have much trouble writing her. Well what I owe Harold should have been paid. I wrote sometime ago and told Dad to pay him, but he wouldn’t accept it that way. So now he can waite [sic] until I have a little on hand. I’ll get him paid though. It isn’t much and in all he owes me as much and doesn’t intend to pay that. Well honey I guess I’ll have to lay off on that. I can’t think of much to write. I’m so glad to get your letters. They are so nice. God honey I just can’t wait until I get home. I love you Darling. I love you so much. I love you. I love you. I love you honey. All my love Mommie Lefty.

I am always glad when Dad gets letters from home and he has something to talk about.  Because he is not allowed to discuss current things going on around him and having everything censored it must have been hard to find material to talk about. If you have not noticed he writes almost every day. That is a lot of writing when you can’t talk about current events. I do hope he continues to share some of the stories of his life in the European Theater Operation (ETO).

© 2013 notsofancynancy

Robert “Bob” Winter, Pictures: Herbert E. Tribble, Oswald R. Dudley

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Posted by: notsofancynancy | May 2, 2013

World War II, chapter 62, Correspondence Course

Dad Wrote "Bob (Winter) and Chas (Charles) Lance somewhere in France

Dad Wrote “Bob (Winter) and Chas (Charles) Lance somewhere in France

World War II

Correspondence Course

Chapter 62

Mom has a little over a month to go before the baby is due. Dad has been in France since July of 1944 so about four months. Dad has found a sewing machine and is sewing his way across France but he did not need the machine to do that. Dad has made four or five different bedrolls, two before he went overseas and one over there. He did all the sewing by hand though. I never knew he was such an accomplished seamstress. I am glad though. I know the bedroll did keep him warm. Well as warm as one can be when it was snowing and freezing out.

29 November, North East of Morhange, France

Hi Darling, Hows [sic] Mommie tonight? You know it won’t be long until Mommie won’t be a false statement will it. Boy Oh Boy! I can hardly waite [sic] even over here. I got letter 16 from last month today. Also one from Mom written of the same date. So you see my mail is not coming worth a damn. That makes two from Mom I have to answer. Now all I have to do is find time when I’m not fiddling around to get it done. Bob and I have sure done the works. We have a blacksmith shop, carpenter shop, and an ex-sewing machine shop. Oh! Yes we did it. Loaned the darn thing to another kid and he sure gummed the works. Perhaps we could have fixed it but that sledge hammer was a little to [sic] heavy. But between them all we have really been doing things. Have taps sewed on our shoes and handles on our knives. We have sure been busy experimenting though (along with the war) You finished the rabbit quilt and Bob and I finished the rabbit. You know those darn things are sure scarce around here. I remember a few weeks when one could step for them. Not that we have them but fresh meat sure tastes good at times. We only eat the tame ones though. Excuse me Bob and I have been day dreaming again. It sure seem [sic] nice to talk of the things we could be doing. I love you my sweet. I love you so so much. Gee Honey. If I could only explain how much I love you. I love you. All my love, your husband, Lefty

1 December, North East of Morhange, France

My Darling Wife, Hi honey. I missed writing last night so this better be good huh! I did write Mom though. But guard came too soon and had that to do. I have gotten a number of your letters in the last couple days. Boy they sure were sweet. Even if some of them were for Oct. A letter from you always seems so nice. I got the letter today with the lamb pattern in it. It sure seems ok but as Bob with no more grass than that the lamb is sure going to get hungry. I filled the enrollment for my next course in education. Now I’ll let you in on it. I took carpentry. More or less what I wanted was shopwork [sic]. But they didn’t have it. Now if I can complete this and get to a business school and take building contractors I’ll be set. Of course I don’t even know if whether the school will except [sic] me but I have hopes. If you remember when I first went into [Camp] Robinson I wrote Mom and said I wanted to be a carpenter. Perhaps someday I will. Who knows? Hope you didn’t have your hopes too high on something else. I wouldn’t feel right until I tried this. I got a Xmas card from Aunt Dick. It was quite cute. Also she sent a package which I haven’t gotten yet. But it will come. Yes Eleanor is the girl I was telling you about. She didn’t live at Lex [Lexington, Nebraska] when I knew them perhaps they do now. She seemed to be a darn nice girl though. Gosh I just don’t seem to be able to get into the subject. I’m just not in the mood for writing I guess. How’s Jr? Its [sic] bedtime honey so I’ll tell you how much I love you and all that. I do love you honey. I love you so much. I love you. All my love, Lefty

Dad Wrote "This is the first chateau we lived in. In the window is (John) Keller, Bob (Winter), (Hawker)Harvey, me and (Myron) Morris, (William) Price in the door"

Dad Wrote “This is the first chateau we lived in. In the window is (John) Keller, Bob (Winter), (Hawker)Harvey, me and (Myron) Morris, (William) Price in the door”

2 December, North East of Morhange, France

My Darling Wife, Gee Honey that day finally came again no mail. I guess maybe I can find enough material (no news) to write. But that only helps my moral a little. But tomorrow is another day. You should see the laundry I did today. From my pinks on out. Guess how I did it. Well first I heated the water and soaked the clothes. Then I found an old broom stick and a can. With the aid of a hammer and two nails, nailed the two together. And used that as a stomper. If you think it doesn’t work try it sometime. Now damnit its [sic] raining and I have to dry them by the fire. Which isn’t so bad. Some men over here don’t have a fire. The card I got from Aunt Dick said she would be seeing you before the holidays. That must have been written before the change of mind. Huh! She didn’t date it and the [unreadable] date had been blurred. She said there wasn’t much news from Gerald. It has definitely been established that Fred is in France. Ruth has heard from him here and also some of the others. Of course I haven’t and probably wouldn’t mind seeing him though. But we are probably not near each other. Mommie you said in one letter that you didn’t think Dale and Genieva would be happy. And also that Bob and Madeline may. What do you think of Vi and Lefty’s chances if and when they get a chance. It think its [sic] pretty darn good of myself, As a matter of fact I think I’ll be the happiest man back there for a long time. I imagine it was kinda chilly if you just had your sweater on. But why take chances of catching a cold running to the mail box with just a sweater on. At least you could have put your shoes on too . (Just and afterthought) I love you my darling. I love you so much. I sent another picture of me. Hope it gets there ok. They aren’t good enough to be wasting time wrapping so I just stuck them in with some cards. I love you so much honey. I love you. I love you. All my love, Lefty, your husband.

3 December, North East of Morhange, France

My Darling Wife, Another day and no mail. But a day closer to being Papa-Huh! If I come home with gray hair and a water soaked fountain I’ll blame it on to Jr and France. Gee sure haven’t much to jot down tonight. How about that old line I used to spread. Can’t even remember it now. I’m in a bad way. I can say I love you though. The man Deloris was talking [about] never did get to that town. I happen to know him. To [sic] bad, but the patches were in the wrong direction. I imagine she has been seeing the country though. You know in the little while you have been traveling you didn’t do so bad. Now when you see New York and New Jersey you’ll have seen as many Eastern states as I. You walked 22 blocks. I just made two trips to the C.P. [Command Post] and that’s enough for me. Went down once to finish my school business and someone up here had my money order and had to come back after it. I have the enrollment forms sent. Now to sweat out the answer. I just got up and put some coal in the stove. Now what? I think I waited just about an hour to [sic] long. Well by the time it goes clear out I’ll be on guard and will go right to bed when I come in. Bob isn’t home tonight so I’m here by my own little self. Want to join me? Well honey I have run out of material again. Gee I wish something new would happen along so I could write it. I love you my Darling. I love you so much. Gee I love you lots and lots. All my love, your husband, Lefty

4 December, North East of Morhange, France

My Darling Wife, Boy I got mail again today. Not much but a letter from you and it was a good one. Also a letter from Mom. It was also good. In case you don’t get the first picture I sent you I have sent another. It is on the way. I have a couple more so in case you don’t get this one I’ll keep on trying. Hope you get this one though. And three money orders is all I have sent you. 21-12-12 So I imagine you have them. Dean had better be careful. Men are shot for a lot less than he did.  You know I don’t really believe that story either. Uncle Sam just doesn’t work that way. Boy I wish we would have a couple mornings like the one you explained around here. If we would have had maybe it wouldn’t have taken Bob and I two days to dry our clothes by the fire. We just finished today. And I haven’t put mine away yet. No Mrs. Johnson didn’t say what Dorothy was operated on for. She just said that something was upside down and had to be changed. She did say she had a woman Dr and the operation name was to [sic] long to write. Maybe it just wasn’t the kind I was to know about. I haven’t heard since so still don’t know. I haven’t seen a show in a couple weeks. Say I’ll bet there are a lot back there I haven’t seen. It will be your turn to have seen them all when I get home. I want to write Mom tonight honey so I’ll just say I love you so very much. I’m glad Jr is ok. Hope he continues to do so. I love you, all my love Lefty, your husband

Interesting they sent this envelope to Cozad Nebraska by mistake. That is Dad's hometown

Interesting they sent this envelope to Cozad Nebraska by mistake. That is Dad’s hometown. How did they know he was from Cozad?

6 December, North East of Morhange, France

My Darling Wife, Well Honey, I’m lost. I don’t even know where to begin a letter anymore. I have written the same thing so many times bet you have almost have memorized the letters before you read them. Perhaps I can change some. Would you like to know some of the times we have had. Looking back the first day we were in France. Boy what a day. I think I covered enough ground that day to have been to Berlin and Back. We were with an Inf [infantry] and I don’t believe they knew where or why we were going. Anyway we went in such circles that I fell out turned around stopped turned around again and followed the same convoy. In the first place I was the last truck once again they made a complete circle. We didn’t know If we were in [unreadable] or not. It went on until 2:30 in the morning. We pulled into the area and stopped beside a big pile of rations. Being damn hungry I made the remark that we should open a box and eat. Someone going to sleep on top of them said go ahead but on down are some better ones. Figuring we would end in a lot of trouble. We didn’t. The next morning what should we find but some Major had told us to open a box. He was the guy sleeping there. We got a sorta hot breakfast but it wasn’t much. Then we were off again. Sometime that afternoon we ended up in the same place as the company and was it good to see them again. Beside that we went back with them and that did it. That night after we got into bed I was sleeping in a trailer and the [unreadable] started shelling. Well they weren’t’ even close but being new at the game I sure sweat out that night.  The next I slept in a fox hole. What an experience that was. We were never shelled again but that hole sure was the place to be. I had a little trouble with ground lizards at first. But later took the flashlight and inspected each hole and if one was there I would take my knife and kill it. Then the darn dirt started falling in my face. To fix that I got some old sacks and card board and lined it. It started getting a little cold then so Bob and I started sleeping together from then on it was a matter of bigger and better fox holes. Say I sure wheeled off a line then didn’t I. Well I reread it and can see nothing that won’t pass the censor so if you like that better than the old line perhaps I could spread a little more. Its [sic] almost time Bob was coming back and I have to get the fire going. I love you so much my Darling. I wish I would have been home sharing a bed with you instead of a fox hole with Bob. Of course fox holes are out of date for us now. I love you. I love you I love you. All my love, your husband, Lefty

What a great description of a night in a foxhole. I am glad this letter passed the censor. It must have been a scary night.

6 December, North East of Morhange, France

My Darling Wife, The mail is coming through a little faster now. I got one from Nov 28 today. Did I say one. Well that’s all she wrote. I got just one. It was the second edition of your telling me of the box. Nope Mommie I didn’t pick the things. I walked into the store she piled up a bunch of stuff I paid her and walked out. I knew damn well you didn’t want what I got but wanted to send something and that’s the only think [sic] worth a heck here. The scarf was just a side line. I saw it in a window and bought it too. I debated a week after I bought it as to whether to throw it away or send it. But if you like it I’m glad I did sent it. If you haven’t anything to use it for save me the string off that silk. Of course if you use it its [sic] ok because I’ll probably have it laying around anyway. Say did you forget one page in letter 17. It just doesn’t sound right. Unless there is something in one before that goes with it. I guess that could be it. I haven’t gotten the one before. It looks like I could find a lot to write about from a long letter like that but I guess I can’t. Oh! Its [sic] there but I’m not in the mood to pick it out. In fact I’m just not in much of a mood. Well I laid down about an hour, built the fire, cut up some paper, and still don’t feel in a much better mood. I guess I’m just plain lonesome. So you’ll have to grin and bare [sic] this one. You asked if I ever got back after seeing those folks at Nancy. We were only there twice. We were supposed to go back but just didn’t find time. It was kind of a gruesome affair us sitting there like a couple of buck Indians talking. At that we carried quite a conversation. Did I ever tell you about the time we screwed a mans [sic] thrashing machine into a place even God himself didn’t know it would go. Thinking back I feel sorry for the old gent that owned it. He sure won’t get it out unless he has good neighbors. You see we wanted the place where it was. In the same barn was a portion that seemed to be just used as an alley. Well in it went. It took three pry poles, a 6×6 and about 2 ½ hours of work but we did it. We would push a little ways then slid it sideways with the 6×6 then push some more until it finally went. I wanted to be a little mouse when he started to take it out. Well I saw a good tool box there he can take it out a piece at a time. Its [sic] almost bedtime honey.  I love you so much. I love you my darling. I’m glad you liked the thing I sent. I love you honey, I love you. I love you. All my love, Lefty.

Dad drew this picture to show how they moved the trashing machine

Dad drew this picture to show how they moved the trashing machine

Dad has always been quite the prankster. After the war he came home one day from his milk route and told my mom he had something to show her. They went out to the milk truck and when he opened the door to the truck the end of his finger fell out. He had slammed it in the door and cut the tip of it off and just left it in the door until he got home from the hospital, he drove himself. Did the man not feel any pain? Dad told that story quite often and it gives you a sense of his silly sense of humor. I sure do miss him.

© 2013 notsofancynancy

Robert “Bob” Winter, Pictures: John Keller, Hawker Harvey, Lorens “Lefty” Woodside, Myron Morris, William Price, Charles Lance

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Posted by: notsofancynancy | April 25, 2013

World War II, chapter 61, Christmas 1944

World War II

Christmas 1944

Chapter 61

Dad Wrote "A captured German Vehicle. Dudley leaning on window shield. Morris in seat, Dennis and Harvey at rear of vehicle. The rest I am not sure of.'

Dad Wrote “A captured German Vehicle. (Oswald) Dudley leaning on window shield. (Myron J.) Morris in seat, (Gerald) Dennis and (Hawker) Harvey at rear of vehicle. The rest I am not sure of.’

Dad is driving his way across France moving men and supplies and getting them to the area’s they needed to be.  That was one of the only things I remember him talking about. How many miles he drove while he was there and although I don’t remember exactly how far it was it certainly was a lot.  I read where the Quartermaster also preformed mortuary services so I am almost certain he has had to drive deceased soldiers where they needed to be.  Although Dad does not talk of such things and never did to me. I know his reality is not what is written in these letters.

20 November 1944 Quartermaster moved to Dalhain, France, approximately five (5) miles NE of Chateau-Salins

20 November, near Chateau-Salins

My Darling Wife, Gee Gosh Honey. I finally got your package and was it nice. The thing I like best was the shaving cream. It wasn’t brushless. They have issued enough around here but I wouldn’t use a brushless shaving cream if I had to shave dry. I have been using plain hand soap. This should last me until the war is over. I don’t use so much. The candy was good too, but only the caramels were eatable. You see it draws dampness and the other was just a ball. I haven’t seen any come through as well as the caramels. Now I’ll tell you the laugh. The mum [underarm deodorant]. I just don’t know what I’ll do with that. A little body stink over here just helps kills some other.  I like it though honey but we all had a laugh over it anyway. I said as soon as I saw the gum “I’ll bet Vi ran all over Pasadena trying to get that gum.” I’ll bet it was hard to get huh! I can sure use all of it though. Thanks a million honey. Now I also got a package from Lucille. She had some eats in it. Cookies, a can of chicken noodle soup, raisins. A Kraft Dinner. But there as you she sent Vienna Sausage and we have that three of four times a week. Mommie I am not giving you heck or anything like that. You see we have something to laugh at and those are just a few of the things. If we didn’t do something like that we would be a bunch of dead pans and that wouldn’t do. Its [sic] funny to use, but I know you have a hard time sending anything. Both packages were swell, but I wouldn’t have traded one good long letter from you for a dozen of them. By the way this is another candle light edition and its [sic] darn late. I got up at 5:30 this morning and it looks like I’m going to do the same tomorrow morning. Don’t mind though these early risings kinda gets the bats out of the belfry. (Freezes them out) Now I’m lost for something to say except I love you my darling. I love you so much. Mind if I get my beauty sleep now honey. I have to keep in time for when I come home. I love you Darling. So much. All my love. Your husband, Lefty

Ah, Vienna Sausages! We never went camping growing up without having them. I guess Dad had enough of them overseas because that was the only time I recall having them. I remember how much my older sister loved them. For her it was like a delicacy. She really loved those things.  What a great memory this has brought me.

21 November, near Chateau-Salins

My Darling Wife, Hi honey I guess it is time to write. I guess you will have to excuse me last night. I was tired. I like this paper but am sure use to that big clumsy stuff they issue. I got a package from Dorothy Peterson today. A box of candy and some V-mail. The candy was sure good. I was rather surprised when it came but it went faster than it came. We have a share and share alike plan here and it sure works good. Don’t know what I’ll do with the V-mail. I have a whole lot now and never use it. Bob and I went hunting today. Got two rabbits. Someday ask me the details about that. Anyway we sure enjoyed them. Of course they were tame rabbits, and easy to catch. And good to eat. Guess we will have to do that more often. Only Bob doesn’t eat them. If he knows it. Remember the two books you sent. I read both of them last night.  First time I have seen anything like that since we came to France. That was a thousand years ago. Gee honey I really don’t know what I’m going to say now. I didn’t get any letters today so I haven’t a darn bit of news. Oh! Plenty of news but can’t tell you just what it is all about. I saw the show Casanova Brown. Have you seen it? I hope so. Its [sic] good for the coming Jr. Boy oh! Boy did they overdo it. And did I laugh. Oh la la. I love you my darling. I love you so much. I’m going to write Lucille and Dorothy so I must stop. I love you sweetheart. I love you. With all my heart I do. All my love, your husband, Lefty

“Casanova Brown” was a 1944 movie starring Gary Cooper. Here is the plot according to IMDb:

“Cass Brown is about to marry for the second time; his first marriage, to Isabel, was annulled. But when he discovers that Isabel just had their baby, Cass kidnaps the infant to keep her from being adopted. Isabel’s parents hunt for the child and discover that Cass and Isabel are still hopelessly in love. “Written by Anonymous

22 November, near Chateau-Salins

My Darling Wife, Hi honey how’s tricks? I love you. Is Jr ok? I hope so. Sure wouldn’t be good if he wasn’t.I presume he has his good days and bad. I hope they are mostly good though. Went to a show tonight “Adventures of Mark Twain.” I thought it pretty good. It sure was different from what we have been seeing. They showed “Take it or leave it” this afternoon. I didn’t get to see that though. As you see we didn’t get any mail today. Gosh I wish Christmas wouldn’t come this year. Sure didn’t do the mail any good. Should I say this is by candle light. As usual we have been scouting for a motor . But can’t find just the right one. Going to make our own electric system and then we’ll see. They are making toasted cheese sandwiches and do they smell good. I couldn’t sleep if I ate and who wants to sleep. Is this good. Gee honey I wish the mail would come so I would have something to write about. I have been writing the same thing for so long that I even hate to read my own letters. (I don’t most of them) I love you my darling. I love you so much. Gee if you could only see me now. Wouldn’t that be grand. I love you honey. I never did write Dorothy or Lucille last night. Well I was on guard so that helped. I love you. I love you. Nite my darling. All my love, your Husband, Lefty

23 November, near Chateau-Salins, France

My Darling Wife, Say Mommie you don’t know how near you came to not getting a letter tonight. After chow I put on water and took a bath and washed my pinkies. Then made my bed laid down and was almost asleep. Had I completed the letter you would have been neglected, but today being Thanksgiving I just couldn’t do that. We sure had a good dinner. Turkey, sweet potatoes, cranberries, peas and carrots, raisin bread apple cobbler and of course coffee. It was really good too. But supper killed that. Spam again. Say in case you can’t read this I’m all cramped up trying to write in bed. Have to be in a bad position in order to see. Again I didn’t get any mail. But a couple of men got packages so we ate. But again that isn’t helping my morale anyway. We still have tomorrow though and when we haven’t that to look forward to we won’t need the mail. Have been looking at our picture. Honey you know you’re the prettiest woman I know. Gosh I love you so much my darling. If I don’t get on the ball your [sic] going to miss tonight-anyway. I got to thinking about you and that’s as far as I got. Gee honey I miss you so much. I haven’t anything to say now except how much I love you. I love you so much my Darling. I hope you and Jr are getting along ok. I wouldn’t want either of you getting sick now. It just won’t pay. I love you honey. I love you so much. I love you. I love you. All my love, your husband, Lefty

Dad Wrote "Lisdon, France

Dad Wrote “Lisdon, France

24 November Quartermaster moved to vicinity NE of Morhange, France, at railroad station

25 November, North East of Morhange, France

My Darling Wife, How’s my one and only tonight honey. I hope you and Jr are still getting along. I didn’t write last night. I was on guard and didn’t have time. Besides that I went to a show and it was late. Well there wasn’t anything to say anyway. Only I love you. I sure got going today. Found a sewing machine and tried for two hours to get the darn thing to run and the next three spent getting away from it. Of course I couldn’t find any sewing to do generally so am making some things out of leather and sewing that. Kind of hard of [sic] the machine but what the h… Its [sic] not mine. Should have been here yesterday. We had French Fries and were they good. Of course Bob and I had our share. We cooked them. Today I have made about 40 trips to the can. The way we started out we were going to catch some more rabbits and have too but couldn’t find any. So we ate them and I guess it was just to [sic] much. Remember the rabbits I told you we caught. Through the grapevine I found the mechanics were feeding them for themselves and Bob and I just turned up while they were gone and got the hares. Thanks to them. Last night when I came off guard I found a big black and white tom cat and took it in and gave it to Bob. Well he was in bed and the cat slept on the head of his bed. This morning the cat had the pillow and Bob had none. Then the poor cat got tossed out. It was a pretty cat though but no one liked it. I love you my darling. I love you so much. I believe its [sic] time to turn in. I’m had and its [sic] almost 10. I love you honey. I love you so much. All my love, your husband, Lefty

27 November, North East of Morhange, France

My Darling Wife, I guess I’m the goat honey. Two reasons. I wrote day before yesterday and forgot to mail it. Then last night I finally got a letter. Well instead of having two letters in one day I decided to answer it today as the mail had been coming so bad. I didn’t look for another letter today. Gee I got three today. One from you, Mom and Harold and Rosa. So it all adds up that I now have two letters from you. Boy are you the one. Getting candy from Dad [Dad’s dad]. I don’t know about you. How do you do it. I’ve been trying for 4 years to get a letter from him. I’m sure glad you are getting some of my mail. Here I’ve been using good energy writing and your [sic] not getting them it’s almost as griping as this damn sewing machine. Sure wish I had some of Jr’s unmentionables here I could run a wicked stitch on them. I have been trying to remember a girl back home by the name of Eleanor but do you know there is only one I know of. And if George married her he did better than the last time I saw them together. She wouldn’t even let him sit beside her in the house.  You can times 5 by 10 and get the amount of sunshine I have seen here.  Then I don’t believe I added enough. We are used to it now and if it doesn’t rain we don’t feel right. One kid I came into the Army with has been discharged. He is supposed to be home now. Of course he hasn’t been with us for a long time. He is Rose’s brother. Wish I were that lucky. I wonder did Bob write Madeline about writing you or not. You see she doesn’t like me and I didn’t ever expect her to write to you. Bob didn’t say anything about it. Well honey I don’t know just what to write about now. We had some more of those French Fries last night. Had the rabbit to go with it this time good too. I love you my Darling. I love you so much. I must write home tonight so I’ll have to stop. I love you honey. I love you All my love, Your husband, Lefty.

I wonder if this is the first time Dad has been having French fries.  It must be a significant encounter with the fry for him to mention it.

28 November, North East of Morhange, France

My Dearest Wife, while I’m waiting for Bob to come in I guess I better be writing. He is on guard and when he gets here will go to bed. Its [sic] that time too. I got another package from Lucille today. This had two cans of chicken soup and a small cake, a can of treet. (its meat I guess) some nuts and a candy bar. I guess that’s all. Its kinda nice But dog gone it I didn’t get any letters. So I am mad.  Boy you should see the knife I have now Mommie. Remember the two I had. Well I broke one and someone swiped the one I bought. So I had a French bayonet and made another. Didn’t like it so somehow I came across a French sword and in turn traded it for a French throwing knife. Then Bob and I found some Flex-o-glass and made handles for both. His and mine. Now I have your and picture on one side and Dad’s on the other. It sure is nice. Hope I keep from scratching the glass now. About every time we have church here I’m either so busy or I am on detail. So I haven’t gone for a couple of Sunday’s. I guess I will have to go next though. I received a letter from George but I imagine he is getting tired of that because I never have answered. I should but I just don’t know what I would write. You walking 10 blocks. If I were to walk that far now I think I’d die. I do all of my traveling sitting down. And that’s a lot sometimes. I guess if I were there I you’d have to cut that in half and pull me Oh! La la. Gee I thought I would be able to fill another page but I’m sure I don’t know what with. I finally wrote and thanked Dorothy P. for the candy. I even sent her a Xmas card. That is about all I could send. Its [sic] too late now. I can’t buy anything. I hope you get the box I sent. Madeline hasn’t gotten hers so maybe they are on their way and not lost. I love you my darling. I love you so much. I love you. Gee Honey I your [sic] the one for me. All my love, Lefty, your husband.

Dad Wrote "Lisdon, France"

Dad Wrote “Lisdon, France”

I had never heard of Treet before so I had to look it up. Interesting enough it is similar to Spam only less greasy. Made of chicken and pork it is produced in the USA by Pinnacle Foods’ Armour Star. Spam is another camping food that we had but I don’t remember ever having Treet.

Mom is now about seven and a half months pregnant living with her parent in Pasadena, California. I am glad she had her parents to help her through this time. I can’t imagine how hard it was for both of them with him so far away and really not knowing where he is. The mail is still not coming regular and I have to wonder if it is the same for her. Here she is carrying his child and she is not getting regular news from him where he is or if he is even ok. I bet she was as glad to get his letters as he was of hers.

© 2013 notsofancynancy

Robert “Bob” Winter, Pictures: Oswald Dudley, Myron J. Morris, Gerald Dennis, Hawker Harvey

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Posted by: notsofancynancy | April 22, 2013

How Trouble Saved My Life

How Trouble Saved My Life

Trouble

The year was 1981; I had just come out of an eight year relationship that was not only abusive, but also included a heavy drug addiction. I had hit rock bottom. There was three months of lonely solitude. I was depressed and not eating. I dropped to 118 pounds on my 5’10 frame. I was in so much emotional pain I didn’t think I would live and really I did not even care if I did. I knew in order to survive that I would need to make some changes in my life. Then on September 16th of that year I woke with an idea. Being my birthday I would go to the dog pound and bring home a new friend, this would be my birthday present. It would be my way of starting over, a clean slate.

I arrived at the pound and went inside to see what was available. In the first cage I came to was this little tiny dog. She was white with brown spots. Her legs were so short that her back end had to sit like you would if you were sitting side saddle. She had one ear that was “broken” and one ear that stood straight up. Her brown eyes were the saddest eyes I have ever seen. She was adorable and at once I knew this is why I had come. I didn’t want to dismiss the other dogs there after all I had only looked into the one cage. As I walked from pen to pen my mind kept going back to that first little pup. I rushed through the rest of the kennel and back to that first cage becoming so afraid and a little panicky that someone might take her before I could get back. Twenty minutes later I walked out to my car with my new friend.

Two days after I got home the little pup got sick. I took her to the Vet and he gave me medication for her and told me to get some children’s cherry cough syrup, I could also offset her coughing by getting her into the bathroom with the hot water running to produce steam, thereby breaking up the congestion in her chest. He gave her a fifty-fifty chance to live. SHE NEEDED ME!!!  I decided not to name my small friend, in case she didn’t make it.

I spent every hour of the next few weeks by her side. Her coat under her throat was red from the cough syrup. She coughed a lot, so much that it was hard for her to catch her breath. I thought she was going to die. I would hold her and rub her neck hopping to calm the cough. Finally the third week she started to get better. I was so wrapped up in her that I had forgotten my own problems. I knew in order for her to survive I would have to be healthy and so I started to take better care of myself. It took a full two months until she was well enough to be a puppy. My little friend would make it!! I was ecstatic!! It was then I realized that I too would make it. I had put on five pounds and was on the road to recovery. I would name my friend Trouble that is what her name would be.

That was 32 years ago.  My best friend passed away in August of 1999 at the age of 19.  Trouble provided me with many years of companionship, and helped me through many rough times.  She was always there when I needed a shoulder to cry on.  She was always there with her funny antics and cute tricks, and she did a lot. For instance you would give her the command to jump up and while in the air I would shoot her, “Bang.” She would fall to the ground with her tail wagging. Then you would say “Dead dogs don’t wag their tails,” and she would lie still, acting dead. She had many other tricks but this was my favorite.

She loved me unconditionally, without any questions.  I really believe that if it wasn’t for her I would have just given up, because until she came into my life it had no meaning.

I know she will be waiting at Rainbow Bridge, and I can’t wait to meet her and cross that bridge holding my little friend close to my heart.  I miss you Trouble!

Trouble was cremated and her ashes are memorialized on a hill top overlooking the desert she loved, with a friend named Sideshow Bob who passed before her.  I made a rock headstone that says,

Trouble’s Headstone

Bob and Trouble were buddies, good friends, Watch over her Bob,  until were together again. Rest In Peace Trouble 1981-1999.

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Posted in Dogs, Family, The Dogs Who Loved Me Series | Tags: , , , , ,

Posted by: notsofancynancy | April 18, 2013

World War II, chapter 60, Brin France

World War II

Brin, France

Chapter 60

Dad wrote "Brin" Mr. Cain wrote "Railroad station, Brin, France

Dad wrote “Brin” Mr. Cain wrote “Railroad station, Brin, France

It is mid-November of 1944. Dad’s battalion was bombed one month ago near Haraucourt, France. Some of these bombs came within 250 feet of my father. He told later how scary those days were. “We dug foxholes as fast as we could and we sweat blood that day” he said. The 35th Quartermaster incurred no causalities during this time.  I will never know what all that my father faced unless we find something in his letters. Maybe after the censorship is lifted he will tell some of the tales but we have quite a ways to go before we get to those letters.

14 November, Brin, France

My Darling Wife, Well honey I have written the same old thing for a long time. But I guess you know I’m at least well as long as I write. And I do enjoy telling you how much I love you. I love you so much my sweet. Wish I were coming home so I would be with you from now on. I sure got in on a deal today. Had a half fried chicken. I guess I just poked my head in at the right time cause I wasn’t really at the right place. In other words I dined out. Wasn’t bad for a change either. But I got soaked to pay for it. It wasn’t from falling down either. I guess I don’t know what I have been writing. I usually get a couple pages filled anyway and here I am stumped on the first. I am taking a rain check on that correspondence course. Almost have Bob talked into taking one too. The first break I get now I’m going to check into it again. But I am almost sure of one now. Bob and I went down tonight and couldn’t see the right person. So maybe tomorrow. Have you heard the news lately. I haven’t personally, but thorough the grapevine. I guess it sounds good. Wish we could get the radio to work. I guess it has just had too much rough handling. If I had a good sledge hammer and crow bar I’ll  bet I could fix it. Oh-la-la. Say Mommie I finally found out what a belly button was for. It to put salt in when you eat celery in bed. Well I thought it was funny. I guess I better stop now my Darling. I love you so much. I love you honey. Is Junior giving you any trouble. I sure hope not. Well honey I am awfully sleepy and have to get up mighty early in the morning. I love you so much my Darling. I love you, I love you. All my love, your husband, Lefty.

With the delay in the postal service I know that Dad’s letters are also sporadic in reaching Mom. She is a little over seven months pregnant with their first child. It really must have put strain on my mother when the letters did not come. We have heard of it in Dad’s letters when hers do not come but what would that have been like for my mom and the other soldiers’ families when they did not hear from their soldiers?

Dad Wrote, "Brin, France

Dad Wrote, “Brin, France

15 November, Brin, France

My Dearest Wife, Hello Mommie. Hows [sic] my one and only tonight. I hope you feel as good as I. Of course I’m a little disgusted. Two mail calls today and I didn’t even get a smell. Bet I will tomorrow though. Its [sic] about time. I sure hope you are getting my mail by now. I know how you feel when you don’t get any. Well I talked to the Lt. [lieutenant] about my I.C.S. Course [I wonder what that stands for) and have to see him again tomorrow. Boy Mommie the course I have decided on is just what I have been wanting. Altogether there are 50 lessons and it touches on everything I want. I hope Uncle Sam helps a little now when I get out. Nope Mommie I’m not telling you yet just what it is. When I’m sure they want me and will let me enroll in the school. Perhaps I’ll have to change. I hope not. I think its [sic] a good one and I’m sure I’ll like it. Say if you had been here this morning I would have taken you riding on that scoop shovel. Boy could have we had fun. Might even find a hill to slide down. I’ll tell you a good one. I found a pair of lined pants and patched the holes in them and then gave them a wash job. Well I hung them a little to [sic] close to the stove and guess what. Burned the whole leg off. Well almost off. I patched it again though. And am now ready to try them. After about 4 days got to ware [sic] them. I hope, trouble, trouble, trouble that’s me. Gosh I don’t know of anything else to say tonight. Guess I’m just not up to my thinking. But someday I guess I’ll get on the ball again. I love you my Darling. I love you so much. Gee honey. Are you getting used to that now. Well honey your [sic] going to have to read it for awhile longer. I just can’t talk loud enough to make you hear. I love you honey. I love you, I love you. All my love, your husband, Lefty. P.S. I’m trying to improve my writing. What do you think of it. Not so good huh!

That is the third time Dad has had a fire get out of hand since he joined the Army in the winter of 1940. Two times while in training Dad tried to burn down the camp and now he is burning his clothes up.  I do remember one time growing up he put the Christmas tree in the fireplace on our patio and tried to burn the house down. I gotta love him for not actually burning anything down. Well, except for the leg of those pants.

17 November 1944 Stationary

17 November 1944 Stationary

17 November, Brin, France

My Darling Wife, Gee honey yesterday I got the stationary and a card and today a letter. Boy was I glad. The stationary is really nice. And the card was good. Well I can’t say how welcomed the letter was. Boy I sure did say like that [not really sure what he meant by that]. I started a letter last night telling how nice the card and paper was, but now I can talk about the letter. Only about 4 came and I got one of them so I guess I’m lucky. I’m sorry about your legs hurting honey. I know how you feel. I hope nothing like that happens again. In fact I hope nothing happens again that shouldn’t. I keep thinking of all the things that could although I know they won’t. I guess I’m just worried about you. Sure had a good bath today. A half tub of water and just the right temperature and did I soak. There was a woman there that would have washed my back too. You telling about the baby shower you went to and you telling of the girl wanting a boy. Wish I could ask her why. I hope she gets what she wants though. And also we get what you want. Me I’m just going to be awful damn proud to be just a father. You know Mommie when Jr. is born there are some papers to send me the same as when we were married. I guess the Dr. knows about that though. And will send them before you are able. I saw the darndest  thing today. A big German Police dog sleeping and a cat lying on top of it just sawing logs. First time I ever seen anything like that. The dog looked like it could have torn me apart limb for limb. I love you my darling. I love you so much. I have been getting your mail fairly good lately. But am quite aways behind on them. I love you honey. I love you lots and lots. Must get ready for guard. I love you. All my love, your husband, Lefty

18 November, Brin, France

My Darling Wife, Gee Honey the mail man is back on the ball. Another letter today. That makes 1-2-3 this month. But all of last month hasn’t gotten here yet. Sometime maybe I’ll get it all. You know I was never so mad at a man as I was last night. We were in a conversation and talking about the married men coming home if the war lasted another year. Well the so named man stated he didn’t think it would do them any good to go home because (quote) he thought by that time the wives back home would have forgotten about the feeling for the husband and so leading to a great number of divorces. He went on to say. Of course I haven’t anything to worry about my wife isn’t like that. All in all it just sounded like his wife was the only one who wasn’t going to be waiting. I got so mad I couldn’t talk and by the time I was over it he was gone. He in the big. I and little you anyway [I have no idea what that means, it makes no sense to me].  Gosh honey I as anyone else have no idea of coming home to anything but a happy future. And well we just kinda hold our wives sacred and then someone brings up something like that. What would you think if a girl who told you that. Its kind of late for Margaret to be traveling isn’t it. I would sure hate to have you running around even now. I mean traveling a great distance. You know when Ruth’s [Dad’s youngest sister] first baby was born I drove her to the hospital. Man was I in a cold sweat by the time I got there.  There was a girl along I had been going with and I guess she just sat there holding her breath. She said the car didn’t hit one bump the whole way. It shouldn’t have I only drove about five M.P.H. I swore then I wouldn’t ever do that again-but sure would like to be there when you have to go. We saw another show today. I had seen it a couple times before but we went again just to pass the time. Can’t sit around or I get to thinking and then I’m done for. This life is getting me. I haven’t heard from home for a month now. I guess they haven’t heard from me for a couple so I can’t complain. Well Mommie I guess I have run out for tonight. You know what the popular song is around here. “Honey don’t buy any coal cause I’m coming home with a load.” I love you my darling. I just ran out of ink so don’t mind the mistakes. Oh! Gee Honey I wish I were home with you and the dog was here. I love you so much. I love you, I love you. I’m awful sleepy and have spoken my piece for tonight. I love you. All my love, your Husband Lefty

Dad Wrote "Brin, Notice the camouflage truck in the foreground." Mr. Cain wrote " RR Station, Brin."

Dad Wrote “Brin, Notice the camouflage truck in the foreground.” Mr. Cain wrote ” RR Station, Brin.”

19 November, Brin, France

My Darling Wife, Another candle light detail of the no mail situation. I did get a couple of V-mails from Rose and Elmer so can’t say I didn’t get any. Only I didn’t get the one I wanted. Gee honey I love you so much. I just hate to even miss your letters one day. Oh! I know I’ll get them sometime or other but sure hate it. Besides that honey I haven’t anything to write when they don’t come. How is Junior now honey. I’ll bet he is making a big showing Huh? Sure wish you would send those pictures. I’m anxious to see them I like pictures. Although I haven’t taken so many over here. But I believe I have some good ones. Talking about pictures did you ever get the two I sent. One of Bob and one of me. They aren’t so good. We had them taken in Nancy. The darn Photographer didn’t do anyone justice. He really didn’t have much to work on though so can’t really blame him. I’ll bet that bed jacket Mom bought was nice. It sure sounded good. My bed jacket is all fuzzy but you would be surprised how the darn thing can make one itch. Its [sic] all wool. You know just one of those damn woolen undershirts. Well they aren’t so bad. Of course I have my shirt and pants on too. Not for warmth either. Wouldn’t you hate to see me running around in my drawers. Rose wrote and told me about an old friend of mine being a Cpt [Captain] now. I haven’t written to him in a couple of years. He is in the S.W.P. [South West Pacific] should be coming home anytime. Also she said George was home and that he hadn’t changed very much. She didn’t say whether he had been down or not. But I imagine he was. You know I have run out of anything to say. Except I love you. I’m leaving enough room to say that tonight my Darling because I love you so much. I sure wish I could tell you just how much that was. But I’m not so good at that. Remember how bashful I was before we were engaged. Well honey I loved you then too. But so much more now. I love you honey, I love you, I love you. All my love, your husband, Lefty

Lefty

Lefty

It seems the 35th Quartermaster is once again on the move and I’m sure this will not be the last time. After all they are still in France and I know that eventually they will go to Germany before they are finished overseas in August of 1945. My parent’s first child will be born in mid-January plus Mom will have to be without Dad for the second Christmas in a row. Last year when they were engaged he was in maneuvers 2500 miles away from Mom with no leave. This year he is across the pond with more than half of the young men from the United States. The German Prisoners are filling in for these soldiers at home. They are allowed to help the mid-west farmer’s plant and harvest their crops in the place of their husbands, sons, fathers and brothers who would be working in their own fields back home.  I am sure that those prisoners ate the lunches which would have been prepared for the men who were serving. What a bolt of reality this must have been for those soldiers.

20 November 1944 Quartermaster moved to Dalhain, France, approximately five (5) miles NE of Chateau-Salins

© 2013 notsofancynancy

Robert “Bob” Winter,    

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Posted by: notsofancynancy | April 11, 2013

World War II, chapter 59, Honest Abe

World War II

Honest Abe

Chapter 59

Dad Wrote "Brin, France"

Dad Wrote “Brin, France”

It seems to be the same old stuff going on with Dad. The most important thing is the mail. Has it arrived, how many letters came, and answering Mom’s letters if he has gotten any? Although I know his letters are censored and he cannot talk about what is going on around him I wonder how he can NOT talk about it. I wonder how hard that is for our service men not talking with their loved ones about where they are and what obstacles they had to overcome in order to be alive that day. Maybe it is better that we don’t know.

9 November 1944, St. Max France

My Dearest Darling, Hello Mommie. Hows [sic] my one big moment tonight. Boy do I rate lately. I got another letter from you today. I guess it was a special one because it wasn’t numbered. It was mailed Oct. 18 so it came in about the right time. But I’m sure proudest of that birthday card you sent. If possible I’m going to keep it. I guess I just like to hear you say things like that. Did I tell you I also got a letter from Eva yesterday. There is another girl who is very sorry she didn’t get married before her man went across. She said if they had been maybe she could have had a baby too. You know honey you seem to be the envy of all the girls. Gee honey I sure feel proud to have someone write and tell me how glad they are. Most of them sure build it up too. Well Mommie I don’t care much about apricot up-side-down cake, but you better have plenty of apple pie and cheese. Boy I sure like that. You know I finally got all my Bros and Sisters written to except Ruth and I don’t write much to her. I sure would like to find out Fred’s address and such though. I’m kind of worried about him. He just isn’t in a very good outfit to be in. About like Cloyd and things will happen about the same. Oh! Yes he should be old. Darling I guess I know what you mean by the plain old “I love you” sounding cold. I have been trying to think of some new way to explain it for some time. All I can say honey. Its [sic] something I just live for. I don’t know what I would do without you. Honey you just seem to be in my blood and I don’t want to get you out. I do remember the two months we had together. Gosh it makes me want to get up and come home right now. I sure wish I could. I love you so much my darling. I love you I love you All my love, your husband, Lefty

Last pack of letters tied by Mom's hand

Last pack of letters tied by Mom’s hand

It is here I must un-tie the last stack of letters that were tied by my mother’s hand. I have mixed feelings about it. On one hand I want to see what information is hidden in this stack. On the other hand it is the last stack that has the original ribbon on it.  It is like Mom tied them and then clipped the ribbon short so it cannot be re-tied, I have tried. This does not mean that we are almost done with the letters but it does mean we are close. According to Dad’s discharge papers he was overseas one year, two months, and 23 days. He was shipped overseas in May of 1944 so that will not put him home until August of 1945.That is another eight months! I bet had he known he would be there that much longer he would not have been too happy. But then if he did know what could he have done? Not much would be my guess, not much. I think it was better he did not know.

10 November 1944 Quartermaster moved to Brin, France, approximately five (10) miles SW of Chateau-Salins.

10 November, Brin, France

My Dearest Darling, Abe I was known as in those days. Honest Abe yes, yes. But I got another letter from you. Boy oh Boy. But you said you hadn’t received any mail from me. So I hope by now you have gotten results from all my struggles. So the old woman in the front of the house is giving you fits. I know what you mean. Man some people sure can make one mad a lot faster than others. A few around here are the same. Oh yes I recall the dog I gave a bath and didn’t dry by the fire. There were two reasons why I didn’t use the fire method. But as now I just can’t describe them. [I wonder if it was because they were on black out and were not allowed a fire] But as I remember I did wrap her up in my field jacket and cover her up with Dudley’s. And she didn’t even move all night. So she didn’t have a chance to be sick. After all of that she ran away. I’m glad though. I have a hard time keeping myself in line. (Chow line) Yep Mommie I did shave in cold water in Durham. But I sure didn’t have to break the ice from it first. Try that sometime. Boy oh Boy. Its [sic] good for the morning after.  Well I answered all I could think of in one paragraph and answered one of your letters. Now should I or shouldn’t I answer the other. Well if I do I don’t think any will come tomorrow. I better waite [sic]. If not I’ll not have a darn thing to write and believe me I couldn’t think of anything. News is sure scarce around here. Honey I sure haven’t said anything today have I. I will now. I love you. Hows [sic] that. I love you. I love you so much. I guess your[sic] just my honey-I guess. Well Darling I can’t even get this page filled tonight. Hows [sic] Jr. now Mommie. I hope he is ok and your [sic] cold too. I know a cold isn’t anything to have but everyone does. I love you my Darling. I love you so much. I love you, I love you. All my love, your Husband, Lefty.

Brin, France, Linden, Price, Hansen

Brin, France, (Raymond D.) Linden, (William G). Price, (Reynold G.) Hansen

11 November, Brin, France

My Darling Wife, You know Mommie yesterday I saved a letter to answer and got another. It has happened that way for two or three days now. Guess I’ll just have to keep on saving one so I’ll keep getting them. Yesterday’s letter was No. 20 and todays 19. Kind of mixed up wasn’t they. But very good. Man if I would have been sick they would have been good medicine.  Boy I liked them. Honey give me more.  Ernest sure got jipped on his baby didn’t he. Man it must be small. Something awful must have been wrong with her or gosh I don’t know. It couldn’t have been much too soon. According to what I have been told. Mommie you keep telling me about the things we have gotten. But you never did say just what you did with it all. We must have quite a lot now huh! I have been thinking the house is about full. Jr. must take up quite a share of it. Boy honey your[sic] sure doing a swell job on the home front. Wish I could say the same. I guess I’ll have my turn though. Think so. Don’t tell me Dean has gone to the dogs too. He doesn’t seem big enough to be having hard times yet. I mean the night after. People do grow up don’t they. He seems almost as forgetful as I. Remember when I left my dog tags and you almost had the police looking for me. I still should be kicked for that. Honey you seem to think you don’t look so good. I mean in comparison with the size of clothing you have to ware [sic]. But I think you looked ok. In fact I know you would. Gosh my Darling I just love you so much. Honey its [sic] about that time and I have some sewing to do. I love you so much my darling. I also got a letter from Mom today. It was sure nice also. But I haven’t time to answer it tonight. I love you my Darling. I love you so my Mommie. Gee I wish I were home with you. All my love, Lefty.

12 November, Brin, France

My Darling Wife, Well I did it again. Got another letter from you today. If I had answered your letter last night I wouldn’t have. Am I lucky. I have been dreading the day I didn’t get one though. Boy the mail is sure the most looked for thing around here. Of course a discharge will come in mighty handy though. And we are sure looking for the time we get out of this damn place and come home. Sounded like about all the neighbors are getting sick around there. Boy oh Boy I sure hope you don’t get what I had. Man was I under the weather for a couple days. Then I couldn’t get my appetite back. When I did that I got the mess kit blues with it and still didn’t feel so good. But everything is ok now except the onerness [sic] and waite [sic] until I get home and I’ll get some of that. I do hope your cold is all over now. It sure is a good idea for a quilt. I mean the one you started for Jr. out of the scraps. It sure must be pretty. Once I started one back home and it finally petered out and I never finished it. Perhaps it is in the trunk. Waite [sic] until you see how crazy I was. Sounds like Pop should be looking for another job. Bet its [sic] that smoke and dust that’s getting him down. That and his resistance being so low he catches a cold. Honey I haven’t numbered my letters, but I only missed two days last month. So I know you have plenty of letters coming. I sure wish you would get all of them like I have the last five days. But someday you’ll get them. I love you my Darling. I love you so much. I love you. I love you. I wish I was home with you tonight. Man I sure have some cold feet. I love you honey. I love you so much. All my love Lefty

Dad Wrote " A German Track Truck"

Dad Wrote ” A German Track Truck”

13 November, Brin, France

My Darling Wife, Hi Honey, Wanta toast your tootsies with me tonight. We have a nice fire here and I haven’t anyone else I’d rather have with me. Back on the subject I love you my Darling. Oh la la Junior is going to have a big ward robe [sic] now. I know you have been writing the things you have been making, but I didn’t realize he had so much to look forward too. Boy oh Boy you must have been working in the past two months. But I guess he should appreciate you. Huh! You know Honey I just can’t realize that Robertas [sic] baby was so small but I guess you were right she had a little one. You know you were talking about that breaking out on your toes. Well I had to look mine over to see if I had anything. Sure looked funny to see ones toes again. About the only time one sees them is when we take a bath and then you have so much else to look at you never pay any attention to a little old toe. Well I had no foreign material except a couple in grown toe nails and they weren’t enough to be bothered by. I never did have trouble with my feet. I don’t know why. I never did give them special care. Mommie I guess the way I got my nose skinned is kind of funny. You know something to laugh at on one of those evenings when we are setting by the fire place looking out that east window at the moon. I’ll give you the low down then Or perhaps someday I’ll tell the grand kids [sic] and you can kinda listen in. Now the censor is and I don’t want him getting a headache laughing at my mistake or cutting my letters anymore [sic] than necessary. The nose is ok again now. But was darn sore for awhile. Remember the kiss you sent me. Well it reminded me-a while back Bob got a letter from Madeline and she had pressed her lip prints on it. You know in lip stick [sic]. Well Bob asked if I believed in mental telepathy. Well he said he laid in bed one night and kept repeating he wanted her to do that and she did. I laughed as usual but he was in earnest. It was funny. He is really in love. The one you sent sure wasn’t stale as you said though. Boy I sure enjoyed it.  But the returns might be awful late. Here it comes honey. “X” I hope you like. It. Its [sic] about time I was stopping this line and going to bed. Oh happy day bed. Sure sounds good. (and hard) But I sure sleep warm now. I really like my bed roll. Its [sic] twice as good as the one I have on maneuvers. And I thought it was good. I love you my Darling. I do honey. I love you so much. I sure hope Jr. is behaving as he should. Boy honey I’ll be glad when I get home to you both. I love you. I love you. I love you. All my love, your husband, Lefty

Mom is now about seven months pregnant. I have searched through all our family pictures and I cannot find any showing Mom pregnant. I find that rather curious as she was pregnant many more times after “Junior” came. And what is up with Dad thinking it is a boy? I mean he has a fifty-fifty chance of it being a girl. We have two more months to go before we find out which it will be. Well you do, I already know and no it wasn’t me. I don’t come along for another 13 years.

© 2013 notsofancynancy

Oswald W. Dudley, Robert “Bob” Winter, (Pictures)  Raymond D. Linden, William G. Price, Reynold G. Hansen

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Posted by: notsofancynancy | April 4, 2013

World War II, chapter 58, Third Army VII Corps

World War II

Third Army XII Corps

Chapter 58

Dad Wrote "One of the places we lived in."

Dad Wrote “One of the places we lived in.”

Dad has been in Saint Max, France since 12 October 1944. That is where he spent his 25th birthday. He was sick that day and spent the day in bed nursing a horrible cold. Mom is almost seven months pregnant. Thankfully she is living with her parents in Pasadena, California and Grandma Susie is helping her with the pregnancy. Mom has been making clothes and quilts for the new baby and getting things ready for its arrival. Dad on the other hand is living among the soldiers transporting troops and trying not to get killed.

3 November, St. Max, France

My Darling Wife, Well honey I finally got a letter from you. It is No 17. That makes 1-2-3-4-5-6-10- 17, I have gotten. Gee I wish the rest would get here. Here I have been trying to make love to my wife and she only gets part of hers. I love you my Darling. I love you so much. I sure wish I were there to make love to you personally. This damn correspondence sure doesn’t get it. But I guess if others are doing it we can. It gets kind of dry doesn’t it. I love you so much though just to hear you say it makes little chills run up and down my back. I love to hear you say it honey. I guess you told me about Aunt Clara’s operation in some letter I missed but I kinda suspected she was to have one cause in one letter you said the Dr. said she had to have one. I sure hope she gets on ok. It was quite a serious deal wasn’t it. Lucille had something of the same. Grandpa has sure taken himself a job. Man those 200 cattle would be enough without the silo. But then I guess if he didn’t have something to do he wouldn’t be satisfied. George should be a lot of company for Grandma. Even though she does have to waite [sic] on him a bit. He must get around on crutches doesn’t he. I’m awfully glad Dick and Gerald are back on the ball. Dick seemed so much in love with him when we were there. I even felt kind of sorry for her. I noticed several times she was almost [ready] to cry [sic]. God Honey if we even get like that I hope someone kicks my teeth in. (I mean mad at each other) I’m not about to go around finding reason for you to get mad at me though. I’m plenty satisfied with the woman I picked for a wife and have no reason for you to be looking around for another. Bob feels the same way. I guess that’s why we like to run around together. Perhaps Betty and I have the same thing. I had had an unsurely stomach ever since I had the flu. One day I’ll have the damndest [sic] cramps and then I’ll be ok for awhile. Boy [I] have an unusual feeling down there. I do have an appetite now though and believe I’ll get over the rest before long. Mommie there sure was a beautiful moon this morning about 5 this morning [sic]. Gosh I wish you had been here to help me enjoy it. Boy that would have been fun. It was awful cold though. But I had my rubbers on. Here’s a story

Please dear, don’t ask me to marry you yet.

Mother would just have a fit.

Good Heavens, it was only today we met.

Won’t you be patient just a bit

You know how people will talk about things.

I mean, if they are not in good taste

Besides, I don’t think a girl, If she wed

Will marry a man in such haste

I will wed you tomorrow, my love, if you like

And share the same toothbrush and comb

But if you keep teasing, Darling tonight

I’ll get up, get dressed, and go home.

 

I love you darling. I love you so much. I guess its quitting time for now. I love you sweetheart. I love you I love you I love you. All my love, Lefty

Dick is Grandma Susie’s sister, yep Dick was a girl. They all had nicknames, Kid, Babe, Susie, and Dick. The only one in that family who did not have a nickname was Clara. She was the youngest, maybe they ran out of nicknames. I was told that Gerald was injured in this war. I guess he had a rough time with his injury and they went through quite a bit getting him well again.

Uncle Gerald

Uncle Gerald

4 November, St. Max, France

My Darling Wife, Know what happened 4 years and 2 months ago today. I joined the Army. And boy has things happened since. Did you ever suppose then that you would have married me. No I had no idea of it either. In fact I hadn’t even an idea I’d ever get married. Gee I’m sure glad I did though. Two reasons. You and Jr. The most wonderful reasons in the world. Again today we got no mail. So I really haven’t much to write. As usual. But have the urge and know I should so will jot down what I have. We had chicken for dinner today. It was sure good. But what ruined it In the paper tonight I was reading what the P.W.’s [Prisoners of War] back home were eating. Man have they a menu. Over here they shoot an [sic] so we send them back home so they can get fat on what we should be eating. I even see where over 500 of them are on a strike. Sure wish they would send them back here. We know what to do with them. Bet there wouldn’t be any of that old shit here.

I have to wonder why they would post an article in the paper about what was going on with the POW’s in the states. It certainly was not good for morale as we can see by my dad’s words. What I find interesting about this time the German POW’s were actually used to help the mid-west harvest their crops after all. Most of the young men from the mid-west were overseas with my dad. It just does not seem right. And now reading that Dad felt they were shooting themselves just to be taken prisoners? It really does not seem right.

If this letter has the jiggles blame it on Ben. He is sitting here on the bunk playing the mouth harp. And of course you know all that goes with that. I didn’t know just what driving with lights will be like. Man its [sic] been a long time since I have had a chance to do that. Even back in the states we had to be careful and I didn’t do much night driving. Wonder how it will be to just drive again. Remember when I wanted to part my hair in the middle. Well I have begun that. No don’t prepare to kick me. It really isn’t that bad . Waite [sic] until you see. Oh La La.! Well Mommie how is Junior treating you now? Gee it won’t be long until he’ll be beating you around huh! I love you my Darling. I love you so much. Gee Honey I hope Jr. isn’t over 10 before I get home. I love you and always will my Darling. Gee I guess you must be getting tired of that by now. But I do love you honey I love you I love you. All my love, Lefty

Dad Wrote [Raymond F.] Linden, [Donald R.] Edlund, [Truman "Ben"] Howard

Dad Wrote [Raymond F.] Linden, [Donald R.] Edlund, [Truman “Ben”] Howard

6 November, St. Max, France

My Dearest Wife. Hello Darling miss me last night? I was on National Defense. (Guard to you) And didn’t have the time.  I couldn’t find time yesterday because I remodeled my bed roll and I really worked. Then today I had to do the whole damn thing again. Did you ever try sewing an eight feet of zipper on a piece of canvas. Well you’re talking to a man of experience now. I sewed the same one on three times before it worked. First I had a 6 foot one on it but didn’t like it that way and Bob had a longer one and wanted the short one so I traded. It does work lots better and I had the time so I didn’t mind.  Bob and I went to another show tonight. “Best Foot Forward.” I had seen it but just couldn’t remember what it was all about. It wasn’t bad even for the second time.

I haven’t told you the secret yet have I. Got three letters from you yesterday. Boy were they good for what ailed me. Then I didn’t have time to write. The letters were awfully nice though. They were 12-13-14. I guess in time I’ll get all your mail. But gee I sure wish they would come right. Honey about Jr’s day of arrival. I was only kidding. Guess I just thought it would be something funny to day. I do trust you. I can see what you based your date on and guess your [sic] about right.  But honey don’t ever think I don’t trust you. I know you love me as I love you and I can’t think about anyone else. Let alone trying to be with them. They don’t even look good to me. You should have seen the beautiful girl I was with just before I went on guard last night. Boy was she nice. She can just put her shoes under my bed anytime. But darnit [sic] Guard came around just to [sic] soon and I had to put your picture away and go out and sit in the hole. Yes Honey I got the colored picture you sent. It was in good shape too. And was it good. You know sweet you sure take a good picture. Lots better than I. I love you. Well Darling I guess I was just on the ball the night I thought of Terry Lee as a name. I can’t think of a girls [sic] name to save me though. I thought Cynthia Lee was good as a girls [sic] name. But of course it has room for improvement. That is if you have an idea. I do like the two though. I’m sure glad Gerald has heard from Dick. That would be rugged to have a wife [and] not hear from her. Even for two or three days if I don’t hear from you I start getting bluer. I’m blue just being away. It sure doesn’t seem like two years since you moved into that house. But do you realize it has been over a year since I was there. Man life sure flys [sic] doesn’t it. By the way we have been wondering. What’s the latest popular song? We never hear any late ones here. Gosh my love if I keep on going tonight I’m sure I’ll not have a thing for tomorrow. I love you my Darling. Gee you’re the one in the world for me. I can see that now more than ever before, I love you honey. I love you so much. I love you, I love you. All my love, your husband, Lefty

Dad Wrote "Sgt. Sill"

Dad Wrote “Sgt. Sill”

7 November, St. Max, France

My Dearest Wife, Well honey this Calif sunshine we are having is sure getting deep and mighty uncomfortable too. Boy am I glad we have a dry place to sleep. I’m sure it isn’t half as bad now as before. Oh for a little rain. (damn little more). I guess I was in my right mind last night when I just answered one of your letters. Because I sure didn’t get any today. I did get a birthday card from an old teacher of mine. She had a little note on the back telling me a few of the school happenings and that’s about all. Guess I’ll have to answer it though. Because I didn’t last year and she might feel a little bad if I don’t write sometime. She sends Christmas and Birthday greetings to all of her old pupils. It has been sounding to me like Jr. is going to have the works. Boy I like to hear it too. Gee honey it sure isn’t going to be very much longer is it. Even over here Mommie. I guess you’re going to have me walking the floor. Will that be a happy day. Much better of course if I could only be there. I love you so much Mommie. Ben heard from Ann and she in turn heard from Alberta and she has a boy. I suppose you have heard that by now though.  Alberta said he looks like a string bean. I guess he looks like his Dad. Huh! Oh yes! Ben, Bob and I went for a shower and then a show. I thought it was a real good show. “Music in Manhattan.” Of course it was the same old thing only a little more mixed up. It had Anne Shirley and Dennis Day. That was the first time I have seen Dennis Day in the movies. He wasn’t bad either. About like he was on the radio. I guess I should start talking about Christmas. I guess you’re going to have to do the buying this year honey. As for buying things here. Well everything is sky high and there’s no profit in that. I was looking at some “do dads” today and what was worth buying I couldn’t send home and what I could send home I would have in the pig house. I guess I’ll just have to bring something for you when I come. I don’t think anything would be very good by the time it got home anyway. I’ll be thinking about you anyway my love. Perhaps we will get a break by then. I see in the letter I should answer tomorrow that you got five letters from me. Sounds like your mail is coming through again. I’m sure glad honey. And yes I’m keeping enough for myself. You have me guessing so I kept 500 Francs this month and guess what I have left? 500 Frances. ($10.00)  I was going to send it to Harold, but decided to keep it another month. You see we have no need to spend money and there’s no use spending it foolishly here. We can do that when I get home. It will be a lot more fun then. I guess it is quitting time again. I have to put a couple more blankets in my bed roll. I love you so much my Darling. I love you, I love you honey. I love you. All my love, your husband, Lefty

I could not find a video of “Music in Manhattan.” But I did find a synopsis on Movies/ MSN.com :

In this musical comedy, a pair of small-potatoes performers try to make it to the big-time after winning an amateur talent contest. Though this leads them to a few professional gigs, something is missing from their act and they are not popular. Believing a little cash will boost their career, the girl heads for Washington, D.C. to see if her wealthy daddy will help them. En route she is mistaken for the wife of a well-known pilot and ends up in his suite having to pretend she is his spouse. When the pilot meets her, romantic sparks fly. ~ Sandra Brennan, Rovi

8 November, St. Max, France

My Darling Wife, Mommie guess what? I got your birthday card today. It was the nicest one you have ever sent me. And the note on the back was sure swell too. You only hope half as much as I that I’m home by the next one. Because I’m sure going to be a wreck if I’m here that long. Just being away from you is enough to wreck me. Then this damn country to boot. Say honey would you buy three or four combs and just drop them in you [sic] letters. Don’t get over a nickel one because they don’t last long enough here.  To explain why and the high prices here. One kid paid 60 francs ($1.20) for what we could have gotten for not more than a dime there. All things are about the same thing. I also got letter No 18 today. Your card was so much nicer. I had to talk about that. Your letter was darn good too. Wish I had gotten a couple dozen each. They have finally permitted us to say we are in the Third Army XII Corps. That kind of answers Moms question of some time back. I guess you won’t have to worry much about Bob and I getting acquainted. Or kissed. Guess those days are over. Besides we just couldn’t do it.  I guess you and Madeline really have us. I know two men in France that are in love. The rest I don’t care about. I love you my darling. Say that quilt for Jr. Couldn’t you just put a little mean boy in one corner.  With Papa and a razor strap just as a reminder. As long as he is going to have nightmares he just as well be dreaming of me. I don’t know what I’m going to write now. I guess Roosevelt is going to be it again huh! I just heard it over the radio. Nice things these radios. If they work. Well Mommie I guess its [sic] getting time. I love you my dearest. I love you so much. Gee honey I hope I am home soon to tell you that in person. I love you I love you. All my love, Lefty

Courtesy of Wikipedia

Courtesy of Wikipedia

1944 was an election year and according to Wikipedia President Roosevelt was the favorite going into the election. At this time he has already served three terms and with this win he would have serve another. He was in office from 1933 until he passed away in April of 1945.  I feel he was one of the most loved presidents we have ever had. I guess the voting population of the United States in 1944 would have agreed.

© 2013 notsofancynancy

Robert “Bob” Winter, Truman “Ben” Howard Pictures-Raymond F. Linden, Donald R. Edlund, Truman “Ben” Howard, Sgt. Sill

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