notsofancynancy

Posted by: notsofancynancy | March 28, 2013

World War II, chapter 57, Oh La La!

World War II

Oh La La!

Chapter 57

Lefty

Dad’s battalion has been in bivouac near St. Max, France since the 12^th October 1944 and will remain there until 10 November when they will move once again. The weather has been harsh on the men and it was hard for them to keep their feet dry which let to extreme cases of trench foot. Fortunately Dad never had to experience it. 27 October, St. Max, France

My Darling Wife, Well darling I haven’t any mail for today so I guess I won’t have much to say. But then if I try right hard I guess I can tell how much I love you. This isn’t the right place to tell you that. But I do love you any old place honey. Gee I love you so much. I got the pictures today. My God! What a mess. I didn’t think one man could take such a picture. But I paid for them so be darned if I don’t send you one. Don’t faint because they are bad. As soon as I can make up a box I’ll send the rest and you can do as you [will] about them. I have sure accumulated some good stuff for a bedroll this time. I found an old zipper and some heavy canvas and now some good old needle work and I should sleep like a child. You know with one eye & ear ready to hear that pin you dropped. Thats [sic] the way we sleep. I guess Bob’s pictures got lost somewhere. He can’t even find the plates they were taken on. I guess he will have them taken again. If not we sure made a fool of ourselves. There I have written one page and haven’t even said anything. But what do I do now. I started once to say how much I love you but that kinda played out so I’ll try again. Remember one time when we were talking. You said you almost didn’t marry me because I wouldn’t say I loved you. Now I can’t tell you enough that I do. You don’t have to worry about me not saying I love you because I want to spend the rest of my life saying it. I think that would be the nicest way to spend my life. I love you my Darling so much. Have you been reading Little Abner lately? How do you think it will turn out? It’s sure and [sic] awful mess now. The man who thinks that up sure must get paid for no sense instead of the other. I love you Honey. I’m writing Mom tonight so I’ll stop and get it done before it gets to [sic] late. I love you darling. I love you I love you. All my love, your husband, Lefty.

I was able to find quite a bit on Lil’ Abner. According to Wikipedia:

“Li’l Abner” is a satirical American comic strip that appeared in many newspapers in the United States, Canada and Europe, featuring a fictional clan of hillbillies in the impoverished mountain village of Dogpatch, Kentucky. Written and drawn by Al Capp (1909–1979), the strip ran for 43 years, from August 13, 1934 through November 13, 1977. It was distributed by United Feature Syndicate. Comic strips typically dealt with northern urban experiences before Capp introduced the first strip based in the South. Although Capp was from Connecticut, he spent 43 years teaching the world about Dogpatch, reaching 60 million readers in over 900 American newspapers and 100 foreign papers in 28 countries. Inge says Capp, “had a profound influence on the way the world viewed the American South.”

We may never know exactly what was going on in Dogpatch in October of 1944.

28 October, St. Max, France

My Darling Wife, Hi my Darling I love you. Still no mail from you. That’s two days straight. I guess tomorrow. I did get one from Eva though. She says she is getting married as soon as the boy friend [sic] comes home. And guess what she wants us to be the witnesses. I guess she will have to come out there huh! She is pretty well worked up. I guess she put off getting married because she was afraid she couldn’t resist going with other fellows while he was gone. You know Darling I wouldn’t say she loved him. I do you and I’m sure I can’t run around with other women. God they don’t even look good. Even to dance with it doesn’t seem right. I don’t know how you feel about it. But that’s my idea and the way I feel. Say Mommie did you hear about the little girl with the lolly [sic] pop and it had a hair on it. Some man saw it and said little girl don’t you know you have a hair on your lollypop. Yes she said and I’m only eleven too. Gee honey its [sic] sure hard to write when I don’t hear from you. There just isn’t anything to write. Oh yes the paper said Heddy Lamar had a vacation around that now she was going to have a baby. What a vacation???? I sure fixed me a bed roll today. It isn’t quite done but almost. And now it isn’t cold. Or am I wrong. It should be warm though. I worked all afternoon and haven’t finished so you see it’s a lot of work. I love you my Darling. I love you so much. Gee I wish you and I could just take a vacation. So we could be together. I love you so much. I love you I love you Hows [sic] Jr tonight? All my love, your husband, Lefty

Hedy Lamarr Courtesy of Wikipedia

Hedy Lamar was an interesting lady. According to Wikipedia:

Hedy Lamarr ( 9 November 1913 – 19 January 2000) was an Austrian-American actress and mathematician, celebrated for her great beauty, who was a major contract star of MGM’s “Golden Age.” When she worked with Max Reinhardt in Berlin, he called her the “most beautiful woman in Europe” due to her “strikingly dark exotic looks,” a sentiment widely shared by her audiences and critics. She gained fame after starring in Gustav Machatý’s Ecstasy, a film which featured closeups of her character during orgasm in one scene, as well as full frontal nude shots of her in another scene, both very unusual for the socially conservative period in which the bulk of her career took place. Mathematically talented, Lamarr also co-invented—with composer George Antheil—an early technique for spread spectrum communications and frequency hopping, necessary for wireless communication from the pre-computer age to the present day.

29 October, St. Max, France

My dearest Wife, Gee honey I got the nicest letter from you today. I thought so. I hadn’t gotten any for so long I would have been pleased with any. But this one was a good one. George is a good friend Mommie. And I can’t say that anythings [sic] wrong. Only since I have been in the Army I have learned better than to take his damned bragging. As I say the Marines make history let them brag. That’s one thing they can do right. I have learned a lot about the Marines that just hasn’t gotten out. And I know a lot about the Army. I’ve seen it personally. I got a letter from Rosa & Harold also today. It was good. Rosa’s sister has another girl. That makes about 5. Boy what a family they will have. I still think they are running a good thing into the ground. He isn’t making enough for a family like that. And never will. But then that’s his business and if he likes it that well and she is willing I should care. We’ll raise ours they can theirs. She also said Dad was up to Dorothy’s and all were well. It seem [sic] I never have anything to write anymore honey. Don’t know. Guess the old noggin just isn’t clicking anymore. But what there is to write won’t pass the censor and I have written all the rest. I love you my darling. I love you so much. Gee I also wish I were there. I guess I know how hard it is to be way over here and you there. My God Mommie I’ve lived a thousand lives. And believe me if it wasn’t for you and Jr. I would quit on this one. I love you so much my Darling. I love you sweetheart. I love you. I love you. All my love, your husband, Lefty

Dad Wrote “Remember the French washing? Well heres the goods.” The woman are washing

30 October, St. Max, France

My Darling Wife, My Gosh honey another month gone and not a darn thing accomplished. Wish this thing would get on the way. Or me. Oh! Yes. I didn’t get any mail today. And what a day it would have been to get it. One of those long lost days you know. The kind you save your money for. You know honey I have been thinking about sending for a correspondence course and improving the old mind a little. As a matter of fact the first $4 I get I will. I already have the coupon cut out. Sure it can’t hurt any and perhaps it will help a little. Don’t think by that I won’t have money. I’ll have it when I’m ready. I sure don’t know what I’m going to write about. But perhaps if I churn the small particles of so called brain and bring together the results there might be something there. So John got married. Well theres [sic] one worry some poor sucker won’t have. I could explain that more but do I need too? Fighting over his wife too. But he was half plastered. What do you think. Perhaps Henry and Agnes haven’t any better sense that to act as they do. After all they haven’t been Grandpa & Grandma before. Give them time honey. Perhaps they will change. Here I am back on the subject of George. I guess he should be back in the states. He has been gone long enough. But do you know I’m awful glad we got married when we did. I’m afraid of my losing you. The more he would come out home the madder I would get then blow a fuse. Like I did in Ala. I guess I love you a lot Mommie. I would give my left arm to be home with you. I love you honey. I love you Mommie. I love you so much. All my hopes are getting home to you. And I just live on hopes anymore. I love you All my love, your husband, Lefty. Hows [sic] Jr. Getting along? Fine I hope.

“Just Scenery, St Max, France”

31 October, St. Max, France

My Dearest Wife, Well honey I’m writing on hot air again. The mail is sure to come tomorrow. If not I just read in the paper that lots would be here next week. It even said some early packages would be in. My Gosh honey did you see that moon tonight. Gee honey it sure makes me want to be at home looking at it with you. Bob and I had walked up to a show and came back about 7:00 and it sure was up nice then. The show sure wasn’t good though. But with the mail as it is we had to have something to do. You know I’m getting to hate to go to shows. They make me so darn homesick, It takes me about a week to get over it. Once Mom asked me what Army I was in. I can’t tell that, but I have found a clipping I’ll send it. It kinds of explains things kind of thoroughly. Oh yes I sent you a picture of me in one letter and one of Bob in another. They should be getting there before this. Also I sent a box last month. I hope you at least enjoy showing those things in the box around. I don’t imagine they will be so good to ware [sic]. But then who knows. Almost forgot tonight is Halloween. And it sounded like someone was raising hell a while ago. Yeah raising hell with the Germans. We can hear the big guns. I guess I’ve run down now honey. I almost went to bed without finishing this but am back on the ball. I love you my Darling. I love you so much. Gee honey I love you. I sure wish you were with me tonight. I have an idea its[sic] going to be cold and we could sure snuggle up close. I love you honey. All my love, your husband, Lefty

1 November, St. Max, France

My Dearest Darling, Well maybe tomorrow. These Xmas packages are sure raising hell with our mail. Perhaps if I would even get one of them it would be something to write about. But we have hopes of it getting here tomorrow. We always have that. But man how we always have to waite [sic]. Bob and I again walked up and went to a show. This time “Bathing Beauty.” Not bad either. I thought it was lots better than last night. You know it was colored and very nice on the eyes too. If you know what I mean. Oh! La La. I have been seeing these French woman washing around here. So yesterday I thought I would try it their way. What a mess. It seem [sic] they don’t need hot water here to wash. In the creek they build a kind contraption to stand on as in case of a creek kneel on and that was the way. In cold water too. The heck of it is they can do a good job of it. I must get their formula. Because I sure hate to chop wood. And it seem [sic] you have to have boiling water to boil the dirt out. Talking about chopping wood sure wish I had a couple good loads of that we didn’t burn last winter. It isn’t quite as easy to get around here. As a matter of fact you can’t get it. Well Gee honey if your mail would get here I might have something to write about. But seeing as it hasn’t I might be able to send from here. If I can send it I’ll try. Things are kinda hard to get though. I love you my darling. I love you so much. Gosh Mommie I hope I can get home soon. But you know the chances of that. But Mommie until I do get home I’m just going to love you all the more. I love you my Darling. I love you so much. I love you. I love you. I love you. All my love, your husband, Lefty

It seems to be a common thing so far throughout Dad’s time overseas. The mail does not come. Looking back on it, it must have been hard to keep track of where these soldiers actually were. They may stay in the same place a couple of weeks but for the most part they were always on the move. With all the people overseas it makes sense to me that the mail did not always find them. Too bad the men could not see it this way. It may have saved a lot of heartbreak if they had.

Robert “Bob” Winter

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Posted in Family, My Father's Letter's | Tags: 110th Quartermaster, 35th Quartermaster, Army, family, My Father's Letter's, Robert “Bob” Winter, World War II, World War II Love Letters

Posted by: notsofancynancy | March 21, 2013

World War II, Chapter 56, Saint Max, France

World War II

Saint Max, France

Chapter 56

Dad Wrote “Chateau where we lived”

My father spent his 25^th birthday, 22 October 1944 in bed sick with the flu trying to avoid the medics so he did not land in the hospital. I am sure they were able to hear enemy fire in the distance. I know if the illness kept him in bed he had to be pretty sick. Nothing kept my father down well into his later years as long as he could get out of bed in the morning he did whatever he was asked to do with a 100 percent dedication. I have to wonder if he is still sleeping in a fox hole.

23 October, St. Max, France

My Darling Wife, The mail man was sure good to me yesterday. 5 letters from you. Only 4 were dated for Sept 9-13-15-16 and one was for Oct 12. But even though they were late they were so nice. But the best was the pictures. Boy honey it was good. I didn’t get to write about it yesterday. Had a touch of the flu and just didn’t feel like doing much writing. Am still awful weak but am back on the haul. I sure wish it would be 104 around here once more. About a week if it would rain or be cloudy every night. Of course we couldn’t do away with this cloudy weather altogether. I guess we just didn’t appreciate the warm weather enough. I hope Deloris gets to be transferred to where she wants. Of course she is in the Navy now and they just don’t do things you want them too. I guess its [sic] about 6 of one half doz of the other on the wrinkles. A little kitchen is sure going to have lots of trouble keeping me away. It sounds like your [sic] saving all the money I send home honey. Gee I didn’t expect you to do that. Which reminds me I was going to say I won’t send anymore. I owe Harold some so I’ll just pay him and have that off my mind. I imagine he will be able to use it. I got a couple of letters from Lucille too. Guess she has sent some packages. She had sent three and had one more about ready. Only I believe she said she was sending some winter undershirts. Now what in the hell do you suppose I’ll do with them. I guess I have enough to wear. Only after I get it all on I’m not man enough to carry it. But then I’ll be satisfied with what she sends. Half [sic] to be I guess. Honey you asked how old I was going to be. I am 25 now and feel like 50. I sure spent a happy birthday though. You know presents Ice cream cake and all the things. Oh yes I didn’t even get up. Felt to [sic] bad to eat and didn’t want to go to the medics for fear they would send me to the hospital. So had Bob go get me some pills. I got up for breakfast this morning and only ate about ½ a pancake and for dinner a spoon full of pairs [pear]. For supper it was a little better. But am feeling a lot better now. I did go to the Medic’s though. He couldn’t find anything wrong with me. My heart was still beating so I was alive. It was bad except the loss of appetite. That’s bad in itself. I also got a letter from Madeline. She wants your address. As she quotes you two can talk direct behind my back. So maybe I should [give] you hers too. Oh yes she also sent me a package for Xmas. Waite [sic] till you get acquainted with them. Oh and Bud and Jane her Bro and Sister are home again so the family is altogether. Thats [sic] nice. I love you my darling have I told that lately. I do love you so much honey. I have about run down tonight so better stop. I love you, all my love, Lefty

Oh dear! I think that Dad dated this Madeline back when he was stationed in California in 1942. I bet that Mom was a little jealous of this one. I wonder how that went over.

Dad wrote “Just don’t know where this one was taken, looks kinda like a socker [sic] game. Mr. Cain wrote “Soccar game, St. Max-Cain

24 October, St. Max, France

My Dearest Wife, Hi Honey. Sure feel better today. Back with the feed bag on too. Almost drank a full cup of coffee. Better than eating though. I got two more letters from you. And that did it. Boy were they sweet. These were more up to date though. But I’ll answer them tomorrow. Don’t just have enough paper to answer all six with tonight. And as a matter of fact I couldn’t think of enough to write and then wouldn’t have any to answer tomorrow. So there too. I also get a birthday card from Mrs. Johnson. It was nice and quite cunning. I guess by the time I get back honey you’ll have to be dancing with a broom stick. I just won’t know how. I haven’t even heard enough music to get me in the mood. Boy how nice it would be to put on a day pair of shoes and go to a dance. It would be nice to be able to keep the shoes dry. But then I guess we can waite [sic] a few months for that. I mean us over here of course. Nothing more can happen now. I hope George had a lot of tales to tell. And I hope he told my share too. I guess I’m not going to have any to tell. It takes the Marines to make the history. So let them tell about it. I’ll laugh up my sleeve. Gosh would it have been nice if Aunt Clara and Uncle George could have come out with Grandma. This traveling alone sure doesn’t get it. The trains are just to [sic] darn hard to get along with. What do you suppose the plan to do with the house they bought. Just rent it or do you suppose The Kid will move into it. I’ll bet he does in the end. I believe I remember the landlord with Mac that night. Even though it may not be to [sic] well. I did see and remember Mac though. And you know I think he would look darn good in battle tags. A little mud mixed here and there. Perhaps a couple of footprints on that nice mush [sic] of his would put him in the humor too. Perhaps he is a good friend of the families but about the first time he opens his head to me I’ll probably try to drive about 6 inches of good solid fist into it with all his teeth in front of it. His name just makes me creep. Well Mommie I must write a couple more letters tonight. Have to write Lucille and Dad so I’ll tell you how much I love you. I do my Darling. I love you so much. Gee honey I wish I were home with you. I love you. All my love, Lefty. Darling, Happy anniversary for yesterday. I didn’t forget the day just to write it.

I have to add a side note about Aunt Clara. Clara was one of my grandmother’s sisters, one of three. What great memories I have although few, of the time we spent with Grandma Susie’s family. Most of this was done when my siblings and I were young. The “Girls” as they were known were a kick when they all got together. Grandma Susie’s family was from Kansas where her two brothers and Aunt Clara resided. Aunt Dick (not her real name, but the one she went by) and her husband Gerald settled in Arizona after the war. Gerald also served in the Army. There are a lot of family pictures between Arizona, California, and Kansas, showing warm embraces as my grandmothers siblings reunite. One last side note, Aunt Clara, Grandma Susie’s youngest sister was born in 1906. She was the last of the siblings to pass away. This line of the family had good genes though. Grandma Susie lived to be 96, Aunt Dick to 86, but dear sweet Aunt Clara she just passed away in February 2013 at the age of 106. She had a blessed life and she blessed our lives. They will never be forgotten, those three strong women who grew up homesteading on the Kansas prairie in the early 1900’s, but that is a whole other story.

Grandma Susie, Aunt Dick and Aunt Clara

25 October, St. Max, France

Hi my Darling, Hows [sic] Mommie and Junior tonight. I hope you feel as good as I. I sure am feeling good again. Its [sic] about time though. I even went back for seconds at chow tonight. That’s the first time I have even eaten all the firsts in a week as usual no mail today. But tomorrow is another day and I’ll waite [sic] Got two yesterday though so am ahead today anyway. You speak the truth. Some French women are very pretty. But do you know I have seen things in this country I didn’t think I even the heard hunters did. Talk about strange habits. Boy they have them here. Its [sic] worth talking about but no can do. On one letter you said you hoped I had on at least half of my long handles. Gee honey I have had the whole works on for almost two months and do they feel good. Wish I had room to put on a couple more pair. And if I get any skinner I’ll be able too. But now that I can eat perhaps I won’t. I’m glad Deloris got home for a while. Bet with all the work she has been doing she was a little homesick. Wonder where she will go. We got word of the ball game over the radio. In fact I listened to some of the games. I’m glad the Cards won. That’s my team.

According to good old Wikipedia,” the 1944 World Series was an all-St. Louis World Series, matching up the St. Louis Cardinals and St. Louis Browns at Sportsman’s Park. “It was held from October 4^th through the 9^th. The Cardinals won the series four games to two.” What could be better for the souls of these young men to sit in front of the radio when they got the chance to listen to the World Series that year?

Click on the picture to see highlights of the 1944 World Series

I got the package you sent the 30^th. That is if it was the portfolio. But the rest I haven’t gotten. You see why the U.S. had such a hard time getting things across. I have five packages on the way. If everyone had as many what a pile that would be. Just waite [sic] till I can go down town and buy me a hat. I think I’ll have a pink one too. I’ll bet the hat is nice though honey. And I wasn’t making fun of you. Just making some post war plans. Nice Huh! Nope sweet we never did look for another dog. Guess we were so glad to get rid of the first one we didn’t look anymore. I am going to write to Frank and Dorothy so perhaps I better stop this and start that. I haven’t written then for a long I time. I love you may darling. I love you so much. Gee honey I’ll never get tired saying that. I love you my darling wife. All my love, Lefty.

26 October, St. Max, France

My Darling Wife, I got another letter from you today honey. Gosh it sure seems nice to be getting mail regular. When it doesn’t come through is when we have the low down blues. But I guess it hasn’t hurt us to waite [sic]. But we certainly don’t want to do that. It sounds like Junior is certainly going to have the wardrobe. Once I was going to start a chart to see how much he had to look forward to but that sounded like work so I’m just leaving the whole darn thing to you. Not that it would have done me any good. But you wrote and said you were working on such things and I really didn’t know which one. I just love fried potatoes with onions in them. But that and raw onions are about the best. Oh! In soup they are good. One can’t be to [sic] particular of what he has to eat here though. So everything is supposed to be good. Ben and I have been discussing Roberta. We had decided it was about time and then Ann wrote and confirmed it. And now you so we know for sure. Hope she gets on ok. She is pretty lucky. In more ways than one. I’m not sure whether you got my cold or I got yours. Anyway I have passed mine on now. Someone else has it. And am I glad. Now if you just get rid of yours we’ll both be happy. The cold seems general though. Everyone has one once in a while. But why do I have to have second and thirds on it. I can just see you getting big Mommie. Boy! Oh Boy! Do I wish I were there to tease you. And make you mad. Remember how you used to get mad when I teased you. Gosh you could have shot me. I finally got all the folks written to. Except Dad and he never writes me so I take my time writing him. But his turn will come someday. Don’t ask when. Well Mommie we seem to be two of a kind. You like to tell me you love me and I love to tell you. I do love you my darling. Gosh Mommie. I love you. I love you so much. Wish I were home with you. I love you. All my love, your husband, Lefty.

In reading different accounts of this time in the war, I have found that a lot of men had colds. Not because they just passed them around but these soldiers could not stay dry. Flooding was at its worse in 80 years. Between that and river crossings they did not have time to dry out. Not only did these soldiers face head colds but it was during this time that trench foot ran rampant among the troops.

Robert “Bob” Winter, Truman “Ben” Howard

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Posted in Family, My Father's Letter's | Tags: 110th Quartermaster, 35th Quartermaster, Army, family, My Father's Letter's, Robert “Bob” Winter, Truman “Ben” Howard, World War II, World War II Love Letters

Posted by: notsofancynancy | March 14, 2013

World War II, Chapter 55, Life in the ETO

World War II

Life in the ETO

Chapter 55

Dad Wrote “Chateau where we lived”

In the last chapter Dad’s Battalion got bombed, near Nancy, France. The Third Army under the command of General Patton has made Nancy an important communication center. Once that had been established Dad’s battalion has moved to St. Max and is transporting the 35^th Infantry around. There is a lot of war going on around him but because of the censors he is not able to tell exactly what is happening.

14 October 1944, St. Max, France

My Darling Wife, So George is home. Gosh that is quite a surprise. I imagine he has changed. What did he think of Jr. Bet he didn’t like that at all. I got letter no 5 from you today. So I have missed 2-3-4. Nice average huh. Perhaps they will come soon. This one made darn good time. I don’t seem to be in such a good letter writing mood. I reread your letter and reading of George being home makes me homesick and now I’m to [sic] dead to write. Boy that doesn’t take much anymore. God Mommie I wish I were with you. Perhaps its [sic] better this way. At least you have a little income. Don’t know how it will be when I get out. I got a letter from Harold [Dad’s brother] today. I guess they are ok. They also sent a sympathy card from Aunt Annie’s funeral. I guess I should send it to you but what’s the use. About 6 words and you have read them before. I guess Harold bought flowers and included us in them. If they would have let me know about the funeral sooner I might have conceded. You better write them because I don’t think I’m going to. I love you honey with all my heart I do. If this letter doesn’t make sense to you forget it I wish I could go out and get on a 6 months drunk. If something doesn’t happen soon I think I will. So Jr. has a nightie to look forward too. Gee honey I think your [sic] going to make a swell mother. Your [sic] sure a swell wife. At least I can’t complain and I am the one who should if complaint were necessary. I love you so much my Darling. Mommie will you excuse me for tonight. I don’t think I am going to write anymore. I’m just going to go out and sit. Perhaps I can think this off. I don’t seem to be able to write. I love you so much honey. Gee I do. Goodnight my love. Your husband, Lefty

Who is George? I wonder if knowing that he is at home with Mom is the reason this letter sounds so discouraging or is it because of all the fighting going on around him. I guess we will never know.

Lefty and Vi

15 October, St. Max, France

My Darling Wife, Well honey all I have tonight to write about is your picture. I have told you what I really think of it. Its [sic] swell honey. If the half I took up was gone I would think it better. I did kind of ruin it didn’t I. I sure wish I were that close to you now. As you suspected no letter from you today. Guess I was lucky yesterday. The mail just isn’t doing us justice. How is Jr. tonight? Hope he is ok. You know honey I’ll bet he sure does enjoy those things you are making. If he doesn’t well just let him make his own from now on. Mrs. Johnson must be sick. I haven’t heard from her for more than a month now. She’ll probably be writing soon. I kinda look for her letters. She has all the news about the fellows we were with. Know what I mean. Of course I didn’t mean I looked for hers half as much as yours. You always come first. Gee I just thought I had an insight on something to write but decided it wouldn’t come through so what’s the use. My cold has kinda cleared up and everything else. Even the nose is better. Although a little sore. I love you my Darling. I love you so much. I sent a box about a week ago. Also another money order. Hope you get them. I love you honey. For tonight, all my love. Your husband, Lefty

16 October, St. Max, France

My Darling Wife, Gee my Darling the Mail man was good to me today. I got three letters. That makes the first five I have gotten. The ones were kind of damp but I could read them. Gee it seems so good to get mail again. Even If they don’t come in the right order. Cloyd is getting to see some country huh! Wish I could have gone. But no luck. Dorothy must be getting his mail more regular now. Sure hope so anyway. Remember the big speal [sic] I wrote about Mrs. Johnson’s letter last night. Well I got one today. I guess she is having quite a time with the Parade Rest. A service canteen. Also her oldest daughter has had an operation and the next has love problems and youngest seems to be a pill in between the other two. I hope Grandma does get to come out. It would be nice if she did come after Jr. but just coming is awful nice. I think my blood pressure is up to [sic] Mommie. The closer to Jrs day the more excited I get. And you know that isn’t so far away anymore. I sure wish I were there. Gee Mommie 11 ½ pounds. Maybe we’ll beat Dionne. Huh! I don’t know. Boy that is a lot of poundage. I can see why everyone is wrapped up in Jr though. Mrs. Johnson asked for your address. She wants to send you a Xmas greeting So she said. I seem to be in good health. I’m still blowing it out my nose. I mean my cold. The skinned place is ok too. A little sore. I’m not saying anything Mommie but I’m sure thinking I love you a lot. I have written you every day for a long time Mommie. I hope you get them cause there may come a time when I won’t get to. I love you honey. I love you so much. I guess its [sic] time I quit and try to find my bed. Its [sic] awful dark and wet. I love you my darling. All my love, Lefty

Dad Wrote “Chateau of Chow” Mr. Cain wrote ” Chow, St. Max”

17 October, St. Max, France

My Darling Wife, You know that chest of drawers has been quite a misery to me. First you were going to paint it then you got the paint to paint it and then I’ll be darned if you didn’t get the chest of drawers. I’ll bet it was nice though. And Jr will be pleased too. Hope you have enough drawers in case of twins. It would be awful if Jr the second had to sleep on the floor. Whats [sic] Henry and Agnes’s idea about babies? Don’t let [them] give you any wooden nickels. Mommie. I could chase two cups of good cocoa with all most everything. As a matter of fact I believe I could chase it around a couple of blocks. We got cocoa but its [sic] not good. Well honey Jr might be a war baby and he might have to wear his clothes a long time but I’ll bet you 75 cents that he won’t have a bro or sister until he does. Sounds like your [sic] going to have plenty company next summer. If they all come out it will be almost like home again. I thought I was going to have something to write tonight but there is so much talking going around I can’t think. I love you my Darling. I love you so much. Gee honey I love you. I wish I were there. All my love, Lefty

18 October, St. Max, France

My Darling Wife, Hows [sic] my Mommie tonight? Good I hope. And at least have dry feet. Mine are sure wet and a slight bit cold too. But then I guess that isn’t bad because the rest is dry. A dry place to sleep and hey can I sleep lately. I got your card of Sept 20 today. It was nice. Besides being nice it had writing on it and boy that was good. They are the ones I like. Also I got the V-Mail you wrote. I guess that puts me up to about the Oct 6th or 5^th letter. No I’ll hope for the rest since then. We had a picture show today. It was pretty good. I just didn’t get the name but I hadn’t seen it so to me it was awful good. I sure got homesick too. Boy it sure doesn’t take much to set me dreaming to a wife and family. Mommie what will I write now. Boy this is a dead old world where writing is concerned. How is Jr. tonight. Hope he isn’t chasing Mommie around yet. Well in case he is just climb a tree. Remember Harker Harvey. Well through the grape vine I guess his wife is having a baby also. Only she is about to beat you. Dec. I get it. So give her a run for her money Honey. Can’t let him get ahead. Gee heres [sic] where I usually say goodnight. I love you my Darling wife. I love you so much. And you do know honey I want to be with you so much. Just to help the little I can with Jr I love you honey. All my love, Lefty

A Convoy of American Soldiers Move Forward in France World War II

Convoy moving forward to Chateau

Mom is now about six months pregnant. They are expecting the baby about the 10^th of January.

20 October, St. Max, France

My Darling Wife, Gee honey that old mail man isn’t doing me justice yet. Tomorrow maybe. But I wanted some today. I did get a Christmas Present from the L.S.O. Lexington Service Organization It was only a handkerchief. But then I can always blow my nose. Also got a birthday greeting card from them. Gosh what am I going to write now. This is sure getting to be the berries. [I have no idea what he means by this] Almost like the folks. Maybe I should start canning I’ll have a couple of pickles to talk about. Bob and I had our pictures taken today. I’ll send them someday. Have to get them first. Hope they are good. Only had one pose taken. I didn’t write yesterday honey so therefore didn’t get to ask how Junior is. I’ll bet he’s ok though. I have a slight headache tonight. Maybe its [sic] from sleeping to [sic] much. Think so? My cold is getting better the nose is almost well and I’m inclined to think I’m going to have to run into a tree so I’ll have something to write about. Ann sent Ben some of the colored pictures we took They said they were just of them. I hope ours are as good. Well honey here’s a good one Dudley got a Pfc [Private First Class] rating which is swell. But the joke is his wife bought material for a dress at $4.00 a yard. We kid him about it. I sure don’t know how they’ll ever make it when he gets out of the army. I love you my darling. I love you so much. Gee I only dream of being home with you. All my love, Lefty

21 October, St. Max, France

My Dearest Wife, I didn’t have much to write last night so guess what I have tonight. Still no recent mail. Oh! I got a card you sent sometime B.C. But that didn’t help much because you wrote an airmail the same day and I’ve answered it and burned the letter. Or maybe it was one I haven’t gotten. You quoted on the back you were writing one anyway. The card was nice. Mommie there’s more B.S. going on around here tonight. Man if one can’t think of it the next can. But can’t think of anything to write. Just think honey tomorrow I gained another year on you. And the next another month without you. That’s what hurts. Bob and I decided you and Madeline should have gotten a couple 4F’s. In the long run they’ll be in better shape than us anyway. If this weather doesn’t get me it will sure leave its marks. I’m getting so desperate I can hardly walk. You better tune up that typewriter because you’ll probably be making the living yet. I’m to [sic] lazy. Besides that the mail isn’t getting here. It will though. But I won’t get over being lazy. I love you my Darling and promise to write a good long letter as soon as I get something to write about. I love you honey. Oh so much I do. I love you. All my love, Lefty

Dad Wrote "Service Platoon Men in the back of the truck, Duke in seat and Keller on hood"

Dad Wrote “Service Platoon Men in the back of the truck, Duke in seat and (John) Keller on hood”

On 22 October, 1944 my father turned 25. What was he doing for his birthday? I see him driving troops around dodging enemy fire. Maybe he is riding as the machine gunner manning the gun which is attached to the top of the truck. The letters in this chapter are scribbled, hastily written. Dad is not making sense in some of his writing as if he is distracted and depressed. I can certainly see a big difference in his letters. I wonder if my Mom noticed as I do. What a way to spend your 25^th birthday.

Harker W. Harvey, Robert “Bob” Winter, Truman “Ben” Howard, Oswald W. Dudley, John Keller

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Posted in Family, My Father's Letter's | Tags: 110th Quartermaster, 35th Quartermaster, Army, family, Harker W. Harvey, My Father's Letter's, Oswald W. Dudley, Robert “Bob” Winter, Truman “Ben” Howard, World War II, World War II Love Letters

Posted by: notsofancynancy | March 7, 2013

World War II, Chapter 54, Nancy to St. Max

World War II

Nancy to St. Max

Chapter 54

Dad Wrote "Nancy, across the river Moselle, on the St. Max, Mr. Bob and Popp, Hansen, notice the fish just at the point of the (unreadable) The man was very happy that we took that."

Dad Wrote “Nancy, across the river Moselle, on the St. Max, Mr. Bob and Hansen, notice the fish just at the point of the (unreadable) The man was very happy that we took that.”

In the last chapter we learned a little about the liberation of Nancy, France which was accomplished on 15 September 1944. It provided an important communication center and a garrison for the Third Army which the 35^th Quartermaster, my father’s division, is assigned to.

6 October, Near Nancy, France

My Darling Wife, Honey remember a couple letters back I said I wouldn’t be able to send any money home this month. Well do [sic] to someone being generous I can. You see I changed guard with a kid and he paid me for it. So here comes the money. Sure I kept out enough for myself. Because all I need is 100 francs to buy envelopes with. Otherwise I have nothing to use money for. And there isn’t any use in carrying it around and I know you can use it. So I send it home. I’ll send this money order tonight. Remember your letter of the 19^th. The little island in the corner. Gosh Honey I guess I could spend a life time on one with you. I saw a little island once and was just thinking about something like that. I sure could see things on it for us. Any damn place would be good enough if they would only let us be together. I love you my darling. I’m glad the Red Cross was on the ball and got your papers out. Sometimes they aren’t. Now I hope everything goes ok. Do I ever have a cold. My nose is about to run away. I don’t suppose it will last long but it sure is a nuisance now. Bob has one too. Maybe I got mine from him. I don’t know Mommie perhaps Jr. will be left handed. But then it isn’t so bad being that way. Mommie I haven’t ever seen Cloyd’s outfit. Don’t know why guess our trails just haven’t crossed. His address was ok though. Also Uncle Georges was ok. I finally got here. The mail has been coming good the last three days. Got 26^th & 27^th today. So George is coming back. That’s good I’m for anyone coming home. In fact I’d be so damn happy if I were coming home. I just can’t think of anything I wouldn’t do. One doesn’t have to have ice cubes to fight with around here. Usually the ice is on the ground and God knows there’s enough fighting. Pop said there was ¼ inch of ice on a bucket yesterday morning. I sure wish I could tell you how I have spent a couple week ends [sic]. And then you would think full pants full. [I have no idea what he means by this. An odd thing to say] I’m glad Pop didn’t mind Jr. I didn’t think he would. I guess there wasn’t much he could say huh! Mommie I hope you didn’t send too much for Xmas. Cause it will be next spring before it ever gets here. Your last one hasn’t even gotten here. And have I been looking for it. I’ll like it though. I’m sure of that Mommie. Darling I must quit now. I love you Darling. Gosh I wish I were there to tell you about it. I love you Sweetheart. I love you honey. All my love, Lefty.

7 October, Near Nancy, France

My Dearest Darling, Gosh Honey this sure won’t be much to write about tonight. Nothing happened today. My cold seems to be a little better. Only it seems to have settled in my left ear. It seems kinda plugged and has a ringing in it. I imagine tomorrow I’ll have the mess kit blues. We got some pears today and they are about half green but we ate them anyway. More fun. Yesterday I sent a money order and today I sent a box. Of course there isn’t much in the box. But thought perhaps if you couldn’t read it you could toss it in the car. When it comes to those kind of things I’m not so good so you’ll probably have to throw it out. I imagine it will take a couple months to get there so don’t look for it to soon. I’ll write Clara and George one of the first day’s [sic]. Perhaps tonight only I just can’t think of anything to write I just can’t think of anything to say to you. Just reread one of your letters and there wasn’t anything important in them. Except of course that you love me and that’s damn important. I love you too Honey. Gosh I love you lots. Mommie I have slept in so many different places I Kinda had to laugh when you said you slept with the curlers in your hair and had a stiff neck. Man was the ground hard for while or a truck bed or something. But now just anything feels like a feather bed. Of course not like the one we slept on at Grandma Shultz’s but we are comfortable. I think when I first started this deal of sleeping on the ground you could have heard the bones creek the next morning when I got up. We won’t have to buy a bed Mommie. Just throw a couple of blankets on the floor. It just seems like a dream here. Wish someone would wake me and I’ll be home in your arms. I think I could sleep there forever. Mommie I love you so much. I’m hoping to see you sooner than anyone expects. I know I won’t but you can dream, I love you Mommie, I love you. All my love, Lefty

What is really going on?

This letter was hard to transcribe. Dad’s writing was hurried and scribbled. It makes me wonder what exactly is going on to have his handwriting so bad. Was there something significant happening around him? I have to wonder.

8 October, near Nancy, France

My Darling Wife, Oh! Gosh honey two beautiful letters from you today. Man was I glad to get them. There wasn’t any yesterday and I thought we had gone into a lull in mail. Gosh I sure like to get your mail. I imagine you know how I feel. My cold is still running. I have thought of putting a pipe on my nose and have running water in the house. It has broken though and I imagine in a couple days it will be a thing in the past. In other words I’m about to lose it. Goody-Goody. I hope the pictures are good too honey. But then you always take good ones. I got one of Bob and another bald headed kid the other day. Bob had on a fur hat and Chuck had the fly pond showing. It should be good. Say you did right well in the candy didn’t you. I’ll bet it was good. You’ll have a job making some for me when I get there. Boy will that be a grand old time. Say Mommie I have hinted about the hard times we have had here. God I imagine you’re all worried about it. Don’t Honey. There isn’t anything to worry about. Seems there isn’t half as much danger as I can let on. Norma and Bob sent me one roll of film. I got it a couple weeks ago. I have about three rolls I haven’t taken yet. But I imagine they won’t last long. I don’t know why it came so fast when your package isn’t coming. I love you my Darling. Gosh I love you so much. I sure wish I was there so you could give me that big kiss. I’d sure return it. I love you sweetheart. I love you. All my love, Lefty

Dad must be trying to calm Mom’s nerves about what is going on around him. After all in the last chapter they got bombed.

Written in haste?

11 October, Near Nancy, France

My Darling Wife, Gosh Honey I didn’t get to write last night so this should be twice as good. Was on guard and just didn’t have time. Gosh I love you lots Mommie. I haven’t gotten any mail for two days now. And besides that the weather, and a cold I have been in an awful mood. The cold is about gone. I [unreadable] up and I guess it did some good. I hope the breaking out on your toes has gone away. Ever since I got in the Army they have harped on athlete’s foot. Me I really haven’t been bothered. Don’t know why. Guess I’m not the type. Gosh I guess “Algiers” and “A Star is Born” is old. I remember seeing them when I was home. I think in 40. Say honey you should just see my nose. Man you should see it. Last night on guard I slipped and fell, my helmet fell over my nose and I landed on it. Therefore I lost—I don’t know whether its [sic]ten inches of skin or ten inches of hide. Besides that its awful sore. So maybe I cracked it again where it was broken. I think they should give me the Purple Heart the DSC and a couple silver stars or something. But I guess I’ll just get a scar. Darling you can say my wife is no good but I’ll give 1001 to 1 odds you can’t make me believe that. I think she is awful swell. And just wish I could be there to kick her little butt for saying things like that. I love you Darling. I could use my scarf if you sent it honey but the sweater well we can’t wear them outside and its [sic] no good underneath. Of course if you sent it too I can always use it. Don’t send things though if you haven’t. Darling I love you so much. We are talking about driving trucks back home. I love you honey. I guess I just can explain how much. But it’s lots and lots. I love you, all my love, Lefty Your Husband

11 October, near Nancy, France

My Darling Wife, Another day another 15 cen. [cents] Gosh honey am I lucky. One letter in the platoon and I got it from you too. Now I have nothing to write but perhaps I can scribble a little. I guess I am excited about Jr. Honey only I don’t know how to show it any more. I think about you and him a lot and all the good it does me. I guess I’m just not the exciting type anymore. Not like I used to be anyway. I find it doesn’t pay. But honey I do have that feeling of getting to be Papa. I think I got about 10 letters from you last month so the rest are either coming or lost. Gosh see how much I have missed. And the long days I have put in when I could have used those other letters. Perhaps they will come on some other days as bad. I told Bob about you learning to fry chicken so we could have them when he and Madeline come out. He said well you’ll have plenty of time to practice before he makes enough money to come to Calif. I guess I haven’t convinced him yet. Perhaps I should be there to help you drink that milk. Man honey do you realize I haven’t had any fresh milk since I left there. Just can’t get it here. And boy do I miss it. Also wouldn’t mind setting by the fire having a little ice cream. But I guess if I had you I could do without all of them thar things. What I want is you and that little one soon. You aren’t kidding I’ll walk Mommie. I’m so sick of riding I’m glad to get out and do a little walking. In fact Bob and I have done a little lately. Just around camp though. I haven’t heard from home for about a month now. I guess Mike has had trouble. I thought he would be well by now though. You haven’t met Aunt Annie. She is from North Platte. I didn’t even know she had died. I was named after her husband. Lorens P. Lorensen. (mom’s Brother) Its quitting time my Darling. I love you so much. Yes darling there are letters on the way. But for a week I didn’t get much writing done. I love you my Darling. I love you so much. I love you, I love you, all my love, Lefty

12 October Quartermaster moved to new area within the town of St. Max

Dad Wrote:” Note the Chateau in the rear, Pretty ain’t it, Hanson Edlund .” Mr Cain wrote “St. Max”

12 October, St. Max France

My Darling Wife, Gee Honey am I ever miserable. I am wet and no place to dry. I guess I’ll dry though. I have quite a few times before. I got the portfolio today honey and was it swell. Just what I wanted. But I like the picture best of all. Gee it was good of us wasn’t it. I mean of you. I didn’t fair [sic] so well. I have spent most of my spare time looking at it. I also got a letter from you dated the second. So now I have the first you numbered. I’ll see how many I don’t get. That jacket for Jr. sounds swell. Make me a couple huh! Guess I should have ties with draw strings though cause my feet sure have been getting cold. I guess I do get your mail honey. But it all comes at once and in between times I write. I haven’t gotten any. Lately though they have gotten here good. I only hope they keep up. I have missed some of your letters though Darling. I don’t think I got any dated between the 8 & 15 of last month and other times it has been a long time. They are urging us to write all V-Mail now and during the holiday’s. They say the air mail just won’t get through in less than 6 weeks and V-Mail should only take 10 days. Up to date though it is the other way. I got the paper today with my picture in it. And believe it or not they have changed my address. It no [sic] comes here. Boy was I surprised. I thought sure it was lost. I’ll send it in case Dean doesn’t bring the one he has. I wouldn’t send it but it mentions our wedding and so that’s it. Madeline is sure laying it on thick because she didn’t get married. I guess she sure wishes she would have. So does Bob. In case this paper is blotted don’t mind. Its [sic] raining and once in awhile some hits. I can hear it. Mommie I just thought about something you wrote yesterday. I wrote once I was more excited over Jr. than the war. And you answered that. Well last night I gave out a big speal [sic]. Which is right but now that the wheels have turned and I thought up the angle. I’ll say its [sic] true. I am so tired. Darling I love you so much. I’m so glad to get the folio and picture also envelopes and such. But most of all the picture. It [sic] won’t be lonesome for awhile [sic]. I love you so much honey. I do darling. Sure wish I could tell you all about it some other way. But I love you is I love you any old way. Nite my Darling. All my love, your husband Lefty.

Mom and Dad’s Wedding Picture

13 October, St. Max, France

My Darling Wife, Well Mommie that liquid sunshine stop [sic] and a little of the other kind came down. Boy were we glad. Kinda got the dampness out. And does that need to be done. I got a letter from Bob[Dad’s brother] today. I guess they have been having quite a time getting the farm to look like one. You know. Chickens, cats, hogs, dogs and such. The cat family advanced in a hurry. The old cat had three young ones and that I would say is to [sic] many. She said Dad was ok but Ruth had to take Janet to Lincoln to have another cast put on her foot. Gosh I wish that would get ok. Sure hope Jr doesn’t have anything like that wrong. He won’t though. By the way how is he. You didn’t say in your last letter. I’ll ask. Did the Dr find the heart beat and such as she should have. Bob got a letter from Madeline and I guess she hasn’t been hearing from him either. She said if she didn’t hear from him by today she was coming to France to find him. Have I told you how much I loved you. I love you so much my Darling. Gee I wish I could tell you how much but no words can say that. Mommie one time Pat and Mike had been on the front line for a long time and were pretty tired. Well they saw a cow and got an idea. They skinned it and Mike got the front half and Pat in the back and started walking around disguised so no one would shoot at them. Well all at once Mike first started running and so Pat had to follow not knowing why. Well they ran a long ways and finally Ike says “Its no use Pat brace yourself here comes the bull.” Perhaps you have heard it but maybe not. Gosh I have about run down again honey. I love you very much. How does Mom & Pop feel about the Baby now? Has Pop changed from the way you said when you told him? I like it. I love you my Darling. I love you so much. Sure wish I were coming home. I love you, All my love, Your husband, Lefty

Well it seems both Grandma Susie and Pop are ok with the baby coming. It must have weighed heavy on Dad’s mind, wondering how they felt. After all Mom and Dad pretty much eloped and she got pregnant in the few months they had together. Then he was shipped out before she even knew she was pregnant. He seems to have asked many times in his letters what they thought about it. Dad must have been beside himself waiting for an answer. I know he really did care what they thought. The mail not getting there must have kept him on edge. Once again I wish we had Mom’s letters to read about what she had to say about it. It seems as though Dad has not been able to keep many of them what with the rain, limited space to carry them, and all the rereading he did they may not have held up well. I also have to wonder if he did not keep them for security reasons.

Robert “Bob” Winter, Charles “Chuck” Lance

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Posted in Family, My Father's Letter's | Tags: 110th Quartermaster, 35th Quartermaster, Army, Charles “Chuck” Lance, family, My Father's Letter's, Robert “Bob” Winter, World War II, World War II Love Letters

Posted by: notsofancynancy | February 28, 2013

World War II, Chapter 53, Pennies From Heaven

World War II

Pennies from Heaven

Chapter 53

Dad Wrote “Don’t know where this one was taken but it looks like a convoy” Mr. Cain Wrote “Nancy France”

Dad has been in France since July of 1944. His Division, the 35^th Quartermaster has been under the command of General Patton and was assigned to The Third Army. It was in September that the Battle of Nancy commenced. According to Wikipedia:

The Battle of Nancy in September 1944 was a 10-day battle on the Western Front of World War II in which the U.S. 3rd Army defeated German forces defending the approaches to Nancy and crossings over the Moselle River to the north and south of the city. The battle resulted in U.S. forces fighting their way across the Moselle and liberating Nancy. When the 3rd Army began its attempt to capture Nancy, it had only recently recovered from a severe fuel shortage which had caused it to halt on the Meuse River for five days. During this time, German defenders in the area had reinforced their positions. While the XX Corps in the north was tasked with the capture of Metz, Nancy, the other major city in the region, was assigned to the XII Corps. When the XII Corps first started on this assignment it was not at full operational strength as the U.S. 35th Infantry Division was guarding the southern flank of the Allied forces until the southern 7th Army could close the gap. This left only the U.S. 4th Armored Division and the U.S. 80th Infantry Division available.

There is little to no signs in Dad’s letters what is going on around him but if you” listen” to his words, once in a while you will find little hints. 27 September 1944 QM moved to St. Max, France which is NE section of Nancy 27 September 1944 near Nancy, France

My Darling Wife, Gosh honey it has been a long time since I have heard from you and has been about three days since I wrote. But today I got one letter written the 12^th. It was certainly good. Gosh I was sure getting low. It sure seems if I don’t hear from you often I just can’t get along. Even a couple of words go a long way. I guess the mail should be coming again. You know one of those unexplained things. Wish I had draw strings on my nighties so my feet wouldn’t get cold. You know I have the sorest toe. Guess my shoes wore a blister on it. And what walking I have been doing sure hasn’t helped any. If I had some good hot water would sure soak it. I put a patch on and now it feels better. In a couple days I’ll never know it so—— Mommie over here I really don’t know how much you have written. I haven’t even been able to save your letters lately so all I can do is pray that the letters you write get here. Even they are far between. Then there is two things we ask for here a ticket home and mail. Mail is better to us than a banana split. Gosh I ran out of paper and had to borrow this for tonight didn’t think I was so near out. Supply trucks here I come. Mommie I love you. Gosh if I didn’t I sure could go for some of those French women. But I sure haven’t found any that look half as nice as you. Of course I don’t intend to look to see but I know there isn’t. I love you so much my Darling. I wish I were there. Maybe this won’t last forever, I love you, Lefty

Pontoon Bridge, Nancy, France

28 September, Near Nancy, France

My Dearest Darling, Gosh, here another day has passed and still the mail hasn’t really come through. I haven’t as yet received the packages you sent. Although I did get a roll of film that Bob and Norma sent. It wasn’t big enough to take up room so it came through. About this time next month yours will get here. (I hope) Gosh I guess I wrote everything last night. Only I could repeat how much I love you. Boy it is days like this that makes one wish he had mail. And yet it doesn’t come. But there is always tomorrow and we have hopes for then. Well I could tell you a few of the towns I have been in but you probably know by now and I would only have that much more to cause heartbreak to the censor. So Camp Phillips is to be closed. You know they were going to close it when we were there. I’ll bet the town will be dead now. Just like taking the bull out of the pasture. They just read in a home paper about giving service men one gallon of gas per day. Gosh how can they be so generous. Remember when we were there. How far would we have gotten. Bob says he wouldn’t even get to town. Let alone clean to Madeline’s. You know I must have mislaid your letter of yesterday because I sure can’t find it. I guess I’ll have to go through my belongings and find it. I got the picture Rosa sent me of Dad. It was good. He was all dressed up and didn’t have a tie on. So you know where I get the no ties. It was good of him though. The best I have seen. Mommie I guess I better stop and write Dad. Haven’t caught up on my correspondence as yet. As a matter of fact haven’t written anyone but you and Mom for a long time. I love you my Darling. I love the best wife in the world. I only wish I were there to help with Jr. at least to do my bit. I don’t imagine it would be much but I would like to be there anyway. For you and Jr. Gosh my Darling I love you. I think about you a lot darling. All the time in fact. I love you sweetheart. All my love, Lefty

30 September, near Nancy, France

My Darling Wife, Well Honey I guess this is about the end of Sept and this darn war isn’t over yet. As a matter of fact I guess I don’t even know how the damn thing is going. Just to [sic] lazy to go listen to the news. I got a letter from you today. That makes about two in 10 days. The mail just hasn’t been coming through so good. I sure wish they would get on the ball with it. Gosh Mommie if it takes Dean bringing that camera back to get you to send some pictures I sure hope he gets it there damn soon. I sure would like to have some. Jane sent Walt one of the colored pictures we took. It was sure good. I hope ours were the same. I did get quite a bit of praise on that stew. But I don’t think I could do it again. It would sure take something besides a brain to figure out the ingredients that were in it. One has to read things like that. Besides it wouldn’t taste just right if it wasn’t cooked in on old dirty can and open air. I’ll bet Mary sure is spoiled and all that. And if Jr. isn’t when I get there it won’t be long after. He certainly can’t break the record. All the rest of the Woodside Grandchildren have been. And being he is the first Vance Wikoff Grandchild he sure won’t have a chance. I’ll bet you have expanded in places. Here it is almost Oct and that means about 2 ½ months left. It sure doesn’t seem that time has gone that fast. Well Mommie instead of sending bubble bath one should send red flannels. Man has it been cold. I was only kidding about red flannels of course but one sure needs them. You sure couldn’t go near a waterfall nowadays. Darling I must stop and go to bed. I’m not really sleepy but the sun has gone down and one [unreadable] much now. I love you my Darling. I love you so much, I love you, Lefty

Nancy, France

1 October, near Nancy, France

I guess the damn mail just isn’t coming. I got a V-Mail from Elmer and Rose today and none from you. All they said was it was raining there and cold at night. I guess Ruth quit her job because she has been up at Frank’s for a month now. She was coming back the following Fri because Janet had to go to the Dr. She also said Dad had gotten a letter from you and that you were fine. That was good because the letter was written since the last one I have received of yours. You know I think the Woodside family thinks you’re pretty swell. Bob got a letter from Madeline and she had seen a news reel of the French girls kissing the GI’s. Man was she mad. She said they didn’t need to show their gratitude quite that much. I guess she is afraid some one [sic] awarding it when kissing Bob I guess not. The only thing we have found that would kiss is a couple of lookies. Some good opportunities though. I guess Mommie you and I are going to have to have an unwritten rule that we get up about 6:30 every morning. You say you sleep a lot and I know I would rather sleep than get up so either we’ll have to do that or let Jr do the work and I don’t think that will work. You never did say what Pop thought about the baby. And not much of what Mom thought. I would kinda like to know. Maybe they are mad at me and I don’t even know it. I wish you would say. Have you enough money. I’m not sending any this month. At least I don’t think. I am sending a box within the next few days though. So you can be looking for it in about 2 months. I haven’t told you I love you. I do my Darling so much are you getting tired of me writing that. I love you, all my love Lefty.

3 October, near Nancy, France

My Dearest Wife, Gosh the time has sure gone fast the last month. Doesn’t seem like it could possibly be Oct already. But as long as this can’t be over with let the time go. Boy has it gotten cold here at nights. The days really aren’t so bad though. If the mail doesn’t come through soon I don’t know what I’m to write. This two letters a month sure doesn’t get it. And is this crowd getting hard to get along with. Bob and I were out for a little airing yesterday and some folks we had been talking to invited us in for some coffee and what they called war cake. Well one man could speak a little English and between all of us we had quite a talk. I believe I enjoyed the afternoon more than any since I left you. Seems the old lady was quite a flash in the last war and kind of enjoyed telling us about it. Of course it came the long way around. The coffee was French style and of course that wasn’t up to us but something new. The war cake had apples and was made more like a pie. Of course it didn’t have sugar or anything. It was as good as could be expected. In all the brandy was best. Although we didn’t drink only a little jigger of it Another French style habit I guess. A little nip after lunch. We stayed about 2 hrs. and were invited back. Gosh here I haven’t said I love you or asked about Jr. I hope everything is ok Mommie. Gosh how am I to know with no mail getting here. Boy if it doesn’t get here soon you’ll have a bald headed husband and that isn’t good. Gosh I wish it would start coming again. Bob and I went to a show tonight. Knickerbocker Holiday. I don’t know where they got the movie and it wasn’t so good. But passed the time anyway. I haven’t much else to say my Darling. I love you so much Honey. How I wish I were coming home or that this was over so we might have a chance. I love you honey. I love you sweetheart. All my love, Lefty

“Knickerbocker Holiday” was a musical and maybe that is why these two young soldiers didn’t like it all that much. Here is a clip I found on You Tube:

4 October, Near Nancy, France

My Dearest Wife, Gosh honey Old Uncle Sam came through with a little mail. Two letters from you and one from Mom. 21^st & 22^nd. And were they welcomed. Because I sure haven’t been getting any mail. Gosh we still have mail coming we haven’t gotten. Hope it comes. You know honey you don’t have to be there to learn things about a baby. You told me something today I didn’t know. About the heartbeat. I didn’t know you could hear a babies [sic] heartbeat before birth. I guess you can teach an old dog new tricks if you don’t let him get too old. Bob’s Dad wrote me a note on the bottom of a letter and said to be careful and not eat too many eggs because a married man’s indicator goes up. Also he wished us luck and all that. Told me to take care of Bob. I’ve been in a fox hole for a lot of things, but never to listen to a radio. I’ve been keeping a pretty good reading on where I’ve been too. It usually pays to know where you are. That is if you love your wife and I sure do honey. I don’t know about Dick and Gerald. Maybe he wrote something like I did. Gosh my Darling I hope we never get mad at each other. Boy Mommie if I couldn’t look forward to your letters and to coming home to you I think I would just give up and forget where I was sometimes. I sure love you a lot Mommie. More than anything else in the world. I haven’t gotten the package you sent. I imagine about next month it will get here. And I also haven’t sent you the box I have to send. I guess you think I’m awful lazy. But I have been waiting to see if I couldn’t find something worth sending. No Mommie I don’t need my sweater. Nor scarf. They have issued us both. Or are going to. And it will be summer before it gets here anyway. Mind if I just say how much I love you Mommie and quit for tonight. I haven’t written Mom for some time and I must do so. I love darling. Gosh I don’t think I can say it enough. I love you honey, lots and lots. All my love, Lefty

5 October, Near Nancy, France

My Darling Wife, Another day another dollar. Gosh honey I love you, wish those dollars would pile up high enough to get this war over with. I’m sure getting tired of this. And I imagine some are a lot worse than I. Say honey I guess Betty will get to see more country than you. You know I wouldn’t care if you never saw the South. I’ll bet Betty didn’t enjoy the country down there. Of course with Paul there I imagine the country didn’t matter much. Do you mean the whole family is to [sic] busy to take Grandma to the Dr. or is it Grandma who doesn’t want to go. I’ll bet that’s it. I hope she gets well soon anyway. I guess home isn’t in France because my heart is sure in California. That will be something to hang up just over your hat. I sure hope Dean gets that camera back soon. I am sure looking for some pictures. I would send some film if I could get it there in time. But it would be next summer before I would get it there and by that time you’ll have plenty. Guess they are easy to get up in town. I know the pictures can’t tell me you love me but next to you they are best. And you could always write you loved me a couple more times. I got another letter from you today Darling. The 20^th. That’s good. 21^st, 22^nd yesterday. Gee it was just as good though as if I had gotten them as they should have come. A letter from you is just like pennies from heaven anyway. Boy honey I like to get them. If they ever stop coming I don’t know what I’ll do. I’ll bet your dresses are getting snug for you. Once someone told Rose she could cut a piece out of one side to patch the hole on the other. Maybe you could cut a hunk out of the back to put in the front. Honey I love you so much. Have to go to a meeting so I’ll close for now. I love you darling. I love you, all my love, Lefty.

Another View, Nancy, France

Mom is now about six and a half months pregnant. The baby is due around the 10^th of January. Dad is sure trying to hurry this war along so he can be home for the birth. I am not sure he will make it though.

Robert “Bob” Winter, Walter D. Huntsucker

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Posted in Family, My Father's Letter's | Tags: 110th Quartermaster, 35th Quartermaster, Army, family, My Father's Letter's, Robert “Bob” Winter, Walter D. Huntsucker, World War II, World War II Love Letters

Posted by: notsofancynancy | February 23, 2013

World War II, chapter 39, The Wedding Postcards

In honor of what would have been my parents 69th wedding anniversary enjoy this repost.

World War II

The Wedding Postcards

Chapter 39

Capitol Dome and Snow Scene, Salt Lake City, Utah

To tell this story we must go into the future. We must move away from the 1940’s and into 2000, for just a chapter. By now you know that on that furlough in 1944 my parents got married. But in 2000 my family received horrible news. My sister’s home was burned to the ground. It was fully engulfed within 15 minutes. Our history was in that house: Our family Bibles; genealogy, Grandma’s and Dad’s bonds etc. who really knows what else we lost that day?

18 February 1944 Dear Pop & Mom, having a swell time so far. Won 64 cents in a blackjack game today. Met a sweet girl on her way to see her Hubby. Write when I get time. Love Viola

My husband and I were on our honeymoon when we heard of my sister’s house fire. We had come into town for my daughter’s surgery. I will never forget the conversation with Dad sitting on the cool stone hospital bench in the heat of the summer as he told me what had happened. It was a devastating blow. I knew our family history lie in those ashes.

San Juan County, Utah

About a week later Hubby and I headed up there to see what we could do. We ended up staying a month to get Sharon and her husband Harve back on the property. My sister lost 41 beloved cats in that fire. It was a special breed of Silver Tip Persian Cats. You can see her cats in movies like “Stewart Little.” One of her cats played Snowball, the big white cat in the movie and she sold a couple to Fancy Feast. “Gimmel” plays the pampered cat who gets his fancy feast served in a stemmed crystal bowl and the person in the scene clanks the spoon against the crystal which causes Gimmel to come running. She loved and took pride in these special cats. We set cat traps in hopes a few were able to get out of the house on their own. Doug and I went out each morning to check and reset the cat traps praying that we would find just one of her precious cats and disappointed each time we found the trap empty. I spent hours walking among the old oak trees calling for cats. I never found one though.

February 19 1944, Dear Mom and Pop, It is 11:10 and I am now $1.38 ahead Gee talk about beginners luck. One more day! I hope no one wants to play tomorrow I don’t like to win all the time, Love Viola

We were sifting through the ashes that had turned to muck from the water of the fire hoses. We were finding small things so it kept us going. A wedding ring, some jewelry, some coins and stuff like that. We had taken a break from sifting and had just come back to it. I knew we would never get through all of the ashes, but I was determined to find something important. It was hot, starting to smell really bad. I dreaded having to wear those masks that doctor’s wear. It was suffocating to me, as I am claustrophobic. I could not breathe. We were dirty, smelly, tired, and living in our motor home with two crazy Jack Russell Terriers. We only had the shower in the motor home so that meant very short showers. It was so discouraging we wanted to give up. I thanked God every morning for bringing me a wonderful husband who stood by me during this daunting task. He had to do things that I could not do. It was bad and he was by my side the whole time. I was assured that I had finally found the right man.

The Pioneer Monument, Salt Lake City, Utah

I was standing looking at my sister’s whole life turned into nothing but ash. There was not much left but hope. I thought what would Dad do? And I got back to work, because that is exactly what he would have done, without a thought. As I walked back I noticed in the area where I had been digging a piece of white paper that had not been there when we had left. I bent over to get a better look. It was an angel that my sister had drawn and cut out before the fire. It was the weirdest thing. It did not have one smudge on it, no burnt places, no water damage it was just sitting there where it had not been before. As I stood up I saw a small stack of what looked like postcards. The postcards in this post were in the middle and did not have too much damage. It was a miracle! Like a phoenix rising from the ashes, these pieces of our history had made it. I did not know at the time what an important role they would have in telling my parents story.

24 February 1944, Dear Folks; We dood [sic] it! We got married at 7:45 last night. We are on our way to see Aunt Dick & Grandpa & Grandma. Will write when we get time, Love Viola and Lefty

I now know why they were spared: To help me become interested in preserving the story of the journey of the postcards that began in February of 1944 and ended 56 years later when an angel pointed the way to me to find them and retrieve these tiny pieces of our history.

I feel like I should say The End….

Update 2012. I wrote this originally back in July 2011. Back then I did not think that I would be writing Dad’s story and wanted to tell the story of the postcard. I also focused on this last post card I never realized that the other two postcards were written right before Mom met Dad in Nebraska. I did not know why Mom would write “We dood it.” on the wedding announcement. Finding my grandmother’s letters I came across this newspaper clipping she had enclosed in one of them. It seems in 1944 Red Skelton had an incident and at once I knew this was the key to the mystery of “We dood it.”

‘Dood it’ Kid and His Bride to Be

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Posted in Family, My Father's Letter's | Tags: 110th Quartermaster, 1944 postcards, 35th Quartermaster, Army, family, Love Letters, My Father's Letter's, Salt Lake City, Utah, Wedding postcard, World War II, World War II Love Letters

Posted by: notsofancynancy | February 21, 2013

World War II, Chapter 52, Bombed

World War II Bombed Chapter 52

Dad Wrote “Judson Haviland in bomb crater”

There is a lot going on in the war in September of 1944. According to Wikipedia:

The Battle of Nancy in September 1944 was a 10-day battle on the Western Front of World War II in which the U.S. 3rd Army defeated German forces defending the approaches to Nancy and crossings over the Moselle River to the north and south of the city. The battle resulted in U.S. forces fighting their way across the Moselle and liberating Nancy.

What amazes me most about Dad’s letters is there is no mention of what is going on around him and the war is raging. I know he is not allowed to write about what is going on around him but it seems as though there may be some mention of it in his letters. 15 September 35^th Quartermaster moved one (1) mile NE of Goviller, France approximately twenty (20) miles SW of Nancy 15 September, Near Goviller, France

My Darling Wife, Here it is the 15^th already and the war’s not over yet. We all had hopes of it being long gone by now. But no such luck. This morning before I went out Bob and I made a deal. I was to get a dog and he was going to make a chain. Well whatta you know I got the K9 but Bob had work to do so failed with the chain. Now we have to give her a bath and deflee [sic] her. I am writing this while to water is getting hot. Yes it’s a girl so we have to warm the water for her bath. Me I shaved in cold. So the latest asset or credit is a dog. What next? Well the dog has been bathed. Bob and I went to see the finish of that show we started to see last night and what do you know one of those French babes came over and sat on my knee all evening. Boy was she cute. Jr. will have a fine time with her next time. She was only about 3 but as I said very cute. Now I have interruption. The dog just jumped on my lap and I’m trying to write with her there. What a dog? She seem [sic] cold. I wonder why. Only I’m cold dry and shes [sic] wet without any winter underwear. Maybe we should have built a fire for her. I got a letter from you today written the 6. Not bad huh! It was the one you asked if I would like to live there permanent. [In California] I would like that. In fact I have been talking of that as home for some time. Now what do you think of my taking advantage of this deal of going to school and taking up some kind of trade after I get out. I have been thinking quite a lot of that too. It would only take about 6 mo. And I could go to a school in LA I hope. It would be a trade honey and that means a lot. Gosh the Army only pays $75 a month on a deal like that and of course the school but maybe I could work a little otherwise. Now what do you think of that? I guess everything was wrong when I got sunburned. We went over 600 miles in 48 hrs. and the wind and sun was mighty rough. We all had a little peeling to do. About got cooked. Had no cover over us at all. I guess its [sic] time to quit my darling. I love you so much. You are the best wife in the whole world. I love you my Darling.

Bob Winter

18 September QM moved to outskirts of Haraucourt, France, almost directly east of Nancy, approximately ten (10) miles. No Day written September, Near Nancy, France

My Darling Wife, Honey I haven’t written for some time and I guess this won’t be much. Besides having lots to do I can’t think of anything to write. Only I love you very much my Darling. Gee Mommie I never could write how much I love you but its [sic] an awful lot anyway. Wish I were coming home tonight. I haven’t received any letters from you for several days. Did get a couple of cards you wrote in August. They were awful nice. Also got a couple of letters from [unreadable] in Nebraska. Only I didn’t even read them. Honey was there anything I was suppose [sic] to do about your Dr. bill. If so let me know. How is Jr. now? Mommie be careful. Oh I know you will but it makes me feel better if I ask you to [sic]. Oh yes the dog left me. She didn’t stay only a couple days. Guess I’m not good company for any other girl. Perhaps she will come back. Well Mommie this is all for now. I love you my Darling. I love you so much. I’m back to the old days again not writing. I love you.

Dad Wrote “Bob same hole”

20 September QM bombed and strafed by four (4) planes, dropped two bombs in vicinity of area, no causalities. 20 September, East of Nancy, France,

My Darling Wife, I love you Honey. That’s the best beginning to a letter I can think of. But I do love you. After I had finished your note last night the mail came and I had three letters from you. Also one from Mrs. Johnson and Bob [Dad’s brother]. Gosh what a mail call. Had to crawl down in my blankets and read by flashlight. But anything to get them read. Boy were they good. Gosh if I keep thinking of you and not writing I’m going to miss tonight. Almost dark now. I’m glad Grandma wasn’t as bad as they thought Boy I was pretty worried the first letter I got. By the way I haven’t written to Mom for some time so tell her I still remember her. And will write as soon as I have time. Gee wish I could go to a dance once. My feet have been itching for some time now. I guess if I dance it will be with Bob. There are a lot of things I would like to be doing now. Guess I’m just damn happy to be doing. Have a good time Mommie. It won’t be long now until you’ll have Jr. to contend with. I thought I was going to get a good letter written to you but I guess if I say I love you very, very much my Darling and am wishing I were home it will be the important thing for tonight and I mean it too. I do love you Mommie so much. I guess I just don’t know how much. But I know I’m so damn lonesome I don’t know what to do. God honey if I don’t get home soon I don’t know what I’ll do. I love you darling.

23 September, East of Nancy France,

Happy Anniversary Honey! I’m on the ball this month. But as you see I haven’t been writing. Chalk another point against Hitler. He sure is causing me a lot of trouble. But Mommie even though I’m not there and can’t write everyday I think about you lots. I think about the best wife in the world. How much fun we had and are going to have. I’m awful lonesome for you. Guess I have said that before. Bob and I have been planning on going to town. But it seems we just haven’t the time or something is wrong. It’s just as good. All I’d do is spend money and for sure you can use it better there than me foolishly spending it here. I can’t see any use in spending it. I can’t get something to show for it and you sure can’t do that here. Ben often asks about you. Of course I told him and he wrote Ann. He said once what Ann wrote but I have certainly forgotten. Maybe I wrote it I don’t remember. You know Mommie I’m like the Dr. I don’t see how Jr. can come later than the 10^th unless he is stubborn. Remember we left the 6^th and I know it must have happened before that. You were in Kansas by the 14^th. The way you talk I don’t know. (ha ha) It turned slightly cold and we haven’t been able to swim anymore. Now all we worry about is the mail. Which reminds me I haven’t gotten any for three days or longer. Seems like years though. I’ll teach you to swim or drown someday. How will that be. I love you honey. I guess it is time for you to gain. But 4 ½ pounds is a lot all at once isn’t it. Well gain lots Mommie cause Jr. will be an awful drag. Not that he will be bad. One loses weight when they are sick. Me I have lost it anyway. For the last while I haven’t been able to distinguish between me and a shadow. (When I can see it) Honey I’m afraid I’ll have to agree with you about Whitney Lee. It is terrible. I like Terry Lee or Billy Lee better. Of course I’m just making suggestions. Don’t worry Mommie Jr. shall have a name even if we have to name him Tom. Gosh Mommie Bob has often told me I looked all worn out when I came back to camp. But you know I never enjoyed staying up talking to anyone so much in all my life as I did to you. It was almost perfect then. And even though I didn’t get much sleep I didn’t mind a bit. We did talk about some funny things didn’t we. But you know we ironed out a lot of things we didn’t know didn’t we. So Mac is coming back. You know I never did like that guy. Sure wish I were home too. Every day I wish it more too. Just can’t waite [sic] until I get there. I love you honey. I love you so much.

Dad Wrote “Bob and Ben Howard in the same crater” Marvin Cain wrote “1000 lb bomb crater dropped by US plane on 35th QM CO”

25 September QM moved to the SW section of Nancy, France, to Rommel barracks Wikipedia explains how important the capture of Nancy was:

The capture of Nancy provided the Allies an important communications center in France and the city later served as the garrison of U.S. 3rd Army Headquarters. The German defenders of Nancy, however, largely escaped the encirclement of the city and were available for further operations during the Lorraine Campaign. The XII Corps’ successful assault across the Moselle around Nancy also prompted the subsequent German counter-attack at Arracourt by the 5. Panzerarmee.

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Posted in Family, My Father's Letter's | Tags: 110th Quartermaster, 35th Quartermaster, Army, family, My Father's Letter's, World War II, World War II Love Letters

Posted by: notsofancynancy | February 21, 2013

Happy Anniversary To Me!

WoHoo I made it one year!

When I first started transcribing’s my father letters I never imagined that I would make it one year. That is 365 days! Wow!

The Letters

I had started transcribing the letters many times only to get board and set them aside. It is with your encouraging words guiding me along I have reached 52 continuous weeks of posting a chapter without missing one! Yea me!

So join me in celebrating by playing this amazing hit from 1944 by Bing Crosby Pass……… around some virtual popcorn and make yourself a drink and read the 52nd chapter in my father’s ongoing World War II story, Bombed.

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Posted in Daily Ramblings, My Father's Letter's | Tags: 110th Quartermaster, 35th Quartermaster, Blog, blogging, family, Family History, historical, Love Letters, My Father's Letter's, One Year Anniversary, Post a day, postaday, World War II, World War II Love Letters

Posted by: notsofancynancy | February 7, 2013

World War II, Chapter 50, Foxholes

World War II

Foxholes

Chapter 50

Foxhole Courtesy of the Cain Family

Dad was sent overseas in May 1944 and has been on the move most of the time since he arrived. Although his letters say nothing about what is going on there I know it has to be scary. You can see by his hurried penmanship he is distracted. Up until now his handwriting has been mostly legible. Now it is more hurried and harder to read. Did Mom notice this as well?

25 August 1944 QM (Quartermaster) moved to bivouac area in the vicinity of La Chapelle approximately four (4) miles east of Montargis. From the document “Various stations and area’s occupied by the 35^th Quartermaster since entry in federal active service” provided by Marvin Cain’s Family.

28 August, Near Montargis, France

Dearest Wife, How’s Mommie tonight. I hope you are well. Bob just said Madeline asked if we were expecting a boy. Well gosh Mommie I will be happy with either. You don’t know how much either. Gosh I just can’t get either of you off my mind. It just doesn’t seem that that could happen to me. God if only I were there. We have a chance of getting there someday anyway. You said you were keeping a scrap book. Well Mommie some time ago I got a letter from George (your minister) and he wanted some stamps. Well you know what a chance I would have at getting them but I have gotten three. I’ll send them to you and you can either give them to him or keep them. They would be nice to have. I also have another clipping and some invasion money which I’ll send. I’ll send more of the money as I get it. Franc = 2 cents. You know Mommie if I send all the things I intend to in this letter I’ll have too much to write another page so I’ll tell you how much I love you. I hope you and Jr. are getting along ok. Mommie the large one is real French money 5 francs = 10 cents

29 August QM move to bivouac area approximately two (2) miles north of Villeneuve-L’archeveque, NE of Sens

29 August, Northeast of Sens, France

Dear Darling, Gosh this is two nights in a row again. How am I doing. I’m even surprised at myself. I really haven’t much to say Mommie only I love you. I think of you lots too. Sometimes I about go nuts. Some yap keeps hollering when I want to think. I’ll bet Georgie is having quite a time in that wheel chair. You know what I always wanted when I was small. One of those little cars you could get in and peddle with your feet. Man I did have my heart set on one. Then I grew up and never did get it. I didn’t get that done either. That’s quite a bit off subject but its [sic] nice Georgie got one anyway. It seems everyone is getting killed too bad for Betty. I believe you said something before about them not getting along. I’m glad you got the money order. I guess I said that once before though. I remember now I sent some things in a letter last night. I hope you get them also. I imagine the money will come in handy for buying Jr. attire. I’m glad it’s you I wouldn’t know where to start. I haven’t been to a picture show in two months. The Doughnut Wagon was supposed to be here this morning but we left before it arrived. Only about 10 minutes though. Well better luck next time. Johnnie sure didn’t have much weight to lose did she. The last time I saw her she looked about like me now. I’m so thin I don’t even make a shadow. I kind of had Jr. figured as Jan 6 or 7 of course I’m no judge. I only guessed. That’s as near as I could figure the way things were. I guess I don’t know. He’ll be good and waite [sic] though. I guess it’s about time I was getting my bed made. That[‘s] about the last thing I do in the evening then if we have to go I don’t have to remake it. Lately it took about 3 hrs. to make it. Yes Mommie a fox hole. Not the best thing one can talk of but the safest. I love you Mommie very much. Gosh I wish I could give you a great big kiss right now. Madeline said maybe if they had gotten married they could have been like someone else she knows. Guess what she meant. I love you Mommie Darling.

Dad Wrote ” Me and my family, oh la la”

31 August QM moved to bivouac area one and one half (1 ½) miles NW of Estissic, France, approximately ten (10) miles west of Troyes

31 August, Near Estissic, France

My Darling, Well I missed last night again. Had a bad time [with] that damn mosquito, wouldn’t let me alone. He really raised a big bump. Maybe I should have had it covered up. Have had an awful time setting around today. I got your V-Mail you wrote the 14 also Mom’s letter of the 18. So I know Florence got down at least one day. Hope she got to come back. Gosh Mommie that’s the first letter I have gotten in ages. Got a card but they don’t count. Guess the mail isn’t coming any more. I mean anybetter [sic]. The last letter I got was from the 14. So again I scored. Two in one day. Gee honey that make[s] me want to wade the ocean. If you sunburned your nose Mommie we’ll both have a new layer of skin. Mine just got through peeling and gosh what a mess it was. Mommie if we ever go camping when I get home you’ll have an experienced cook. We cooked again tonight. Made gravy and everything. It was good too. You asked what I needed. Well a discharge would be well appreciated. Otherwise nothing. No Mommie don’t need anything. It takes a package too long to get here that I would be to [sic] disgusted to enjoy it. Bob has been waiting for one for over two months and still don’t know where it is. What a mess that would be if it were a pumpkin pie. I love you very much my darling. I think about you lots and lots. And wish I were home. But that doesn’t get it. I do love you Honey.

1 September, Near Estissic, France

My Darling, Well I don’t imagine this will be very much of a letter. Don’t feel in the mood for writing. Haven’t gotten any mail for a long time except your V-Mail and I answered that in one sentence. Not a long one either. Today was payday. It wasn’t as much as last month though. I’ll send you as much as possible though. Don’t be surprised at the amount though. Wish I could think straight. Bob is bringing some coffee so maybe that will help. The coffees [sic] good and that’s all I can say for that. How’s Jr. behaving? Kicking a little now and then I suppose. Not much yet though. But waite [sic] till he lays that old left in there and then you’ll wonder. Take it easy Mommie. He’ll be good I’m sure. You should have seen us today honey. Man we had it. Wish I could tell you about the whole thing but can’t. Yet anyway. Fun anyway.

Dad Wrote “This is one of the main tractors they have over here. Seems about everyone uses them. Modern ain’t they.”

2 September written on the same page as above.

Well Mommie I didn’t get to finish last night so will do or die now. I got three letters from you last nite [sic] and only able to read one. The others had gotten wet and all that was readable was 6 or 8 lines in the center. Man was I feeling bad then. One was July 7 and the two was 18 & 19 so if you recall anything you wrote you can make another copy. One thing that was there that I couldn’t make out was those addresses. All I got was 22 something or other and the rest was gone. I started to find out about that bill here Mommie, but no one seemed to know just what had to be done so I thought we would let it ride and see what happened. Now everything is ok I guess Mommie in case you do cable me. My cable address will consist of my name, rank, serial number and that’s all no company or anything. I think maybe it will come through quicker that way. It’s almost too dark to write so I better stop and say how much I love you. I do love you my darling. Lots and Lots.

2 September QM moved to bivouac area on outskirts of Chassericourt, France approximately fifteen (15) miles south of Vitry-le-Francois

3 September, Near Chassericourt, France

My Darling, Well Mommie here comes nothing. Gosh everyday seems to get worse about news. And when I haven’t anything to answer from you there just isn’t anything to say. Of course if I had been able to read your letters I would have had plenty for a couple of nights. But I am running on past events now so what happens I don’t know. I’ll bet Mary Sue is cute. I haven’t seen very many that aren’t. I knew what formula was honey. I haven’t been around babies for the past 14 years for nothing. No actual experience though. I guess I have missed some of your letters because I can’t find what wedding you were going to take Pop to. Maybe they are still on the way. I hope so but that’s a long time gone. I’m glad Cloyd is back in his old company and ok again. Also Gerald is ok again. I imagine he did have a touch of fever. He will probably be able to tell you about it soon. Have you even listened to the radio news. Sounds good huh. Some Frenchman just came by with 6 eggs and we had to make a deal. So now Bob and I have breakfast. He also had some French money to trade as souvenirs so I have some more to send. I have the money order today so I imagine I’ll send it tomorrow. Or sometime. Maybe if I keep on I’ll have enough extra money to send home to pay Junior’s bill and you won’t have to use what you have saved. It’s something to think about anyway. You’ll have enough plans for your money anyway. Well Mommie since I have been writing this I have collected 24 eggs and about 30 good tomatoes. What a breakfast we’ll have. Oh yes some cattle just went by. Oh for a farmer. See what we have been eating. Not bad. Just like Kings. Of course the kitchen feeds too but we like this. Well darling I love you very much. I love you so much my Darling wife. Gosh I wish I was there.

Dad Wrote “Oxen somewhere in France”

4 September, Near Chassericourt, France

Dearest Wife. How’s my Darling tonight. & Jr. too. I love you honey. I got a letter from you today one I could read 23^rd. That’s not bad. Wish they would all come. Gosh I haven’t gotten much mail from you the last month. Must be some on the way. Your cherry jello sounded good. How’s this? I made stew for dinner. Had cabbage, carrots, potatoes, tomatoes, turnips. Boy it didn’t go bad. All fresh vegetables too. Made it in a gallon pail and it was almost full and three of us ate it all. Then boiled a dozen eggs and ate. Bob kind of turned his nose up at my stew when I started but sure ate his share. Oh yes we had onions in it too. Your letter was nice honey only I couldn’t stand on my head long enough to read the last three pages. Remember it was the one you started on the back. A letter from you though honey is good even if you start in the middle. Some Frenchman were around here with cucumbers too. Didn’t trade for any though didn’t have any way to fix them. I imagine Dad is busy. Rosa said he had been sick but Elmer said he was ok again. They think more of telling what they can than about Dad. Well Darling I have a meeting to go to so I guess I better get busy. I love you so much my Darling Gosh I wish I were there to tell you in person. Maybe I’ll be there sooner than expected. I love you my Darling.

Dad and Bob sure have become good friends. I don’t remember him but my older sister does. She said that she remembers the two families being good friends even sending Christmas cards to each other all the way until Mom got Alzheimer’s about 1990. That is about 44 years after the war was over. Bob went back to Nebraska and married Madeline, Dad settled here in California. I cannot believe how much Dad wrote about Bob. It seems as though every letter mentions him. I feel like I know him myself with all I have learned from Dad’s letters.

Robert “Bob” Winter, Marvin Cain

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Posted in Family, My Father's Letter's | Tags: 110th Quartermaster, 35th Quartermaster, Army, family, Marvin Cain, My Father's Letter's, Robert “Bob” Winter, World War II, World War II Love Letters

Posted by: notsofancynancy | January 31, 2013

World War II, Chapter 49, The Third Army

World War II

The Third Army

Chapter 49

Dad Wrote ” I guess she was in a hurry” Mr. Cain wrote “Between Orleans and Le Mans”

My parents have been married six months now. Dad will turn 25 in October and Mom turned 20 in January. Mom is four months pregnant and although they have known each other since 1937 they only lived together for three months before he was shipped overseas. For a couple of months Dad’s battalion was following the First Army but on August 6 they were assigned to the Third Army, Patton’s Army.

13 August 1944 QM (Quartermaster) moved approximately two (2) miles east of Le Mans

13 August, Near Le Mans, France

My Darling Wife, Well honey here I am again. Don’t know what I am going to write though. There sure isn’t anything I know of. Want to know what I would like to do tonight. Go to an Abbot and Costello show. I’m in that kind of mood I guess. Want to have a good laugh and can’t find anything to laugh at. Would like to have some bacon and eggs too. If you and Mom keep up you’re going to have lots of fruit canned. If I were only there to stick my finger in it once in a while then it would have that added flavor. Guess what I believe I’m going to have to put my shoes on. I have been running bare footed since chow and its getting mighty chilly around now. I guess I’m about run down . Gosh I haven’t written very much Darling. Oh yes! I love you honey. You know I got two letters dated July 20. Guess you wrote twice. Gosh I guess I really do rate honey. One written in the morning and one evening. You stated in them that such. Gosh honey I don’t know what to say. That’s the first time I ever got two letters from the same person in one day. I love you my Darling. I love you very much. Its stopping time though so I love you. Wish I was home.

16 August QM moved to bivouac area on the outskirts of Norel. Approximately forty (40) miles east of Le Mans.

16 August, Near Norel, France

Gosh Honey I haven’t written for a couple days. I hope you aren’t thinking I’m neglecting you my Darling. I’m not I just haven’t had time. I’m not stringing you when I say that either. I got a letter from you today also one from Mom. It was the one she put the pictures in. Gosh honey when I saw them I got so homesick for you I could have cried. Well I was too damn tired to do that so I’ll just try to tell you how much I miss you. God Darling I don’t believe I would miss my left arm as much. I love the pictures though very much. Thank Mom for them cause I’m not responsible for my time anymore. And don’t know when I’m going to have 5 minutes to write. I love you very much my darling. I’m going to bed now.

Dad Wrote "Clean up time, Hanson, Levinsky, Huntsucker, Morgan"

Dad Wrote “Clean up time, Hanson, (William “Bill”) Levinsky, (Walter D.) Huntsucker, (Herbert V.) Morgan”

18 August, Near Norel, France

My darling Wife, You know Mommie I have sure been looking at those pictures to pieces Mom sent. Gosh I’ll bet they think I’m crazy looking at them so much but gosh they never give me time to write mush anymore so I look at your picture. Crazy isn’t it. But I love you honey. Maybe now I’ll have a little more gumption and tell you what I do think of them. They are very good. But I haven’t’ figured what you were making such a face at in the one.

19 August, written on same page as above.

You see Mommie my minds in the right place. I started to write yesterday and went to sleep on the job. I’m sorry. But I have been damn busy getting things in shape and I haven’t really known what sleep is for a while. Caught up again for a while I hope. Should be able to have a little time to write now. Gosh knows Mommie I have been thinking of you. I hope you’re ok. Our mail is in a lull again and we haven’t gotten any. I’ll probably get a whole bunch tomorrow. Guess what Mommie? Bob and I had bacon and eggs for breakfast. Of course we had to cook them ourselves and the bacon was to [sic] hard and the eggs burnt. We only had enough time to rush them down anyway so in a couple of days I’ll tell you how they really tasted. But they were good anyway. Almost had chicken too. Only I pulled it out of the pan and threw it away. I couldn’t convince Bob that chicken cost more than eggs. I sun burned my face and you should see my nose. Boy is it peeling. Don’t believe I’ll have any of it left. My face is so sore I’m not shaving so you see I did get it hot. Oh boy Mommie how I would like to set down to waffles. Even the mention of good food makes my mouth water. I think I have had three hot meals this week. Not bad…. plenty of coffee though. That is what counts. Well Mommie I guess I’ll have to call this quits for tonight I should have lots to write don’t you think. But I haven’t just can’t think straight. I did go swimming tonight. Boy was that good. Sure took the kinks out. I love you my darling. Love you so much. I sure wish we were together. Mommie it seems like ages, years and all the rest since I saw you. Gee I wish the war was over. I love you Mommie. Bob said to tell you hello and that he is still kicking.

Marvin Cain, Wood, William G. Price

20 August QM moved to bivouac area on outskirts of Baigneaux in dense woods.

21 August, Near Baigneaux, France

My Darling Wife and Momma. Well honey how’s Junior. Ok I hope. I know you probably wouldn’t tell me anyway. To keep me from worrying. I know he’s ok anyway so there. Gosh there isn’t anything to write about. We haven’t received any mail for so long we have forgotten what it is. God wish it would get here. Remember how hard I have said we were working. We did it again. Got another cussing. I knew we were working hard enough to get it. Just didn’t know when. Don’t seem to be able to work hard enough in 24 hours to suit them. They gave us a talk on drinking and we only have one person in the platoon who hasn’t been able to do his duty and it’s expected he can’t (I mean from drinking.) I should have 6 front teeth kicked in for not finishing this last night but I just sat there thinking how much better some people thought they were than others. And I got so damn mad I saw red and couldn’t write. So Bob and I went and got some eggs and fixed eggs and bacon. After that it was too late to write. We got mail today. I got two letters and one V-Mail all from you. Boy was I glad to get them. That is why I always try to write as often as possible. I think I ran an average on those 10 letters though. You’ll probably get 1 in 10 days now. I’ve had an awful time trying to write. Hey Mommie remember I told you I sun burnt my nose. Boy you should see it peel. Looks like a new potato with red paint all over it. It isn’t sore anymore and I have shaved. (Not lately though) I read Bob the part in your letter where he should get married and stay in one place for a month. He just laughed. I’ll tell him why later. He won’t come out [to California] anyway so I just agreed to have something to tease him about. I believe he would come if I talked hard enough though. I can just about see those heat waves rising from the Kansas wheat fields. I’ll bet it was hot there. Its [sic] hot enough here once in a while. I hope I am there to help polish those little shoes Mommie. Gosh I love you so much. Don’t see why we can’t get this damn war over and get home. If we had enough chance maybe we could. I love you honey.

22 August QM moved to area vicinity Pithivers for issue of rations, Stayed approximately four (4) hours continued move to Ladon, directly west of Montargis.

23 August, West of Montargis, France

Well Mommie, I dood it again. Missed writing last night. I had time in the afternoon but can’t get in the mood then and last night had a hurried call and didn’t get any. I thought the same thing was going to happen tonight but it turned out to be a day run. And am I glad. Did I do wrong Mommie by writing Dad about our baby. If so I’m awful sorry. I guess I was too excited. Should have known enough to let you do the head work in the family. Yes Mommie I like chocolate ice cream only the other day I was telling Bob about the first time we went together and I bought you that banana split and you couldn’t eat it because of the chocolate. Quite a memory don’t you think. I must write Mom tonight. You know I haven’t written her since I got those pictures. You’re the only one I have written. If I can keep my eyes open long enough I’m going to catch up a little now. Shouldn’t be so sleepy I got to sleep from 4-8 this morning. Lucky. I love you my Darling. Wish I was there to help you buy for Jr. Glad you did get the money order. That was three months pay. Had $1.60 left after buying stamps. Not bad huh. I love you darling.

Hanson

24 August, West of Montargis, France

My Darling Wife, Fountain pen day again and I’m not about to fill it now. [Letter is written in pencil] I got your letter with the newspaper clipping in it. I have neglected to tell you we are in France. Guess I wanted to spare you the worry. Nothing to worry about though that box had not fallen on me yet. I know the newspaper would have it in there sooner or later but didn’t know when. Well now you know why I haven’t been able to write you so often. I’ll also be able to explain later why we wrote more at one than the other. In other words Mommie nothing is complete only I love you. Gosh Mommie $388 in the bank. What have you been doing putting all the money in the bank and not saving any for yourself. It sounds mighty good though sweet. Wish I could send you more. Don’t know where I could get it though. Even now I won’t be getting over 14.00 a month. Our bond allotment was cancelled. Or did I tell you. The gov. [government] had no partial bond allotment anymore. So therefore we will not have that to worry about. Well Mommie I don’t know what to tell you about the names. They aren’t bad I guess they will do. I hadn’t thought much about it either though. Haven’t had time to think about anything. Yes they’re good. Boy I just looked at myself in a mirror and am I getting wrinkled about like a man of 90. Well Darling I love you. I hope Jr. isn’t causing too much trouble. I only wish I were there to help you. I’m getting damn sick and tired of this. There isn’t anything to worry about Mommie. I’ll let you take care of yourself and Junior and we will when we get there and I’ll worry about getting there. Neither can do both but each can do their part. After all this is a 50-50. So I love you Mommie bye now. I love you.

25 August QM moved to bivouac area in the vicinity of La Chapelle approximately four (4) miles east of Montargis.

It is really hard to read these letters. I know there is stuff going on that Dad cannot talk about. His letters are scribbled and written in haste. He also started one letter and fell asleep without finishing it. They seem to be on the move almost daily. He seems to be having a hard time finding the time or stuff he is allowed to talk about to write about. I know there has to be fighting going on but he cannot talk about it. Somehow Mom has read in her hometown paper that there are actually in France but he does not want her to worry. What would that have been like? To not know where you’re new husband and the father of your baby was and if he was safe. I just can’t imagine.

Robert “Bob” Winter

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Posted in Family, My Father's Letter's | Tags: 110th Quartermaster, 35th Quartermaster, Army, family, Hanson, Herbert V. Morgan", Marvin Cain, My Father's Letter's, Walter D. Huntsucker, William "Bill" Levinsky, William G. Price, World War II, World War II Love Letters