notsofancynancy

Posted by: notsofancynancy | November 8, 2012

8th of November

Early on in their career Country Duo, Big and Rich spent some time in Deadwood South Dakota. In fact most of the songs on their first album were written there. While there they met Niels Harris and heard his tale of being in Vietnam. Niels was sent overseas with the 173rd Airborne and found himself and fellow soldiers in the middle of a jungle and ambushed by 1200 enemy soldier out numbering his unit three times. According to Deadwood Mountain Grand,”

Just 19, Niles was assigned to the Army’s 173rd Airborne Brigade. On November 5, 1965, he and his fellow soldiers of C Company landed in Vietnam’s War Zone D near Bien Hoa. Three days later, on the 8th of November, B and C Companies found themselves in a fierce battle with 1,200 Viet Cong soldiers equipped with machine guns, claymores and sniper rifles.

At the end of the battle, 48 Americans and more than 400 Viet Cong were dead. Many more U.S. soldiers were wounded, including Niles. His right leg, from knee to hip, was hit by machine gun fire.

The man in the video is actually Mr. Harris.

There is a documentary out there where Big and Rich go with Mr. Harris back to where this happened in Vietnam. Niels still had the pair of boots that were cut off of him when he got hit by machine gun fire in 1965. They bury the boots, sing the song and “Throw back a strong one.” If you ever get a chance to see it do.

Take a minute to enjoy what I feel is one of the greatest songs, ever. Raise a toast tonight to those who lost their lives, we must never forget.

19 Comments

Posted in Another Hero Has Been Called Home, Daily Ramblings | Tags: 8th of November, Airborne, Big and Rich, Blog, blogging, Military, Niels Harris, Post a day, soldier, Vietmnam

Posted by: notsofancynancy | November 1, 2012

World War II chapter 36 SNAFU

World War II

SNAFU

Chapter 36

30 January 1944

30 January 1944, Camp Butner, North Carolina

In the last chapter Dad got the news he was hoping for. Mom will take the train to Nebraska to meet him while he was on his furlough. Now if we can get the Army to let him know for sure if he will get the furlough and the exact date he will get it, we will be doing good. Some things in the Army never change.

Dearest Vi, Well honey guess I owe you a letter. So I’ll try to get that done now. Its [sic] chilly here today. I imagine it will be all next week. Just because we have a number of trucks that have to be washed. Our drivers come in tomorrow and will they be tired and dirty. Then we will be ready to work. I got a letter from home and I guess Dad has to go to the hospital again. His papers have been made out and now he has to waite [sic] until they have a place for him. Don’t really know what is the matter this time. Said something was the matter with his stomach. There goes my savings. Guess I should have sent you that hundred because it probably won’t do us any good later now. Well if it helps him that’s good. Otherwise than that they didn’t have much to say. Guess they haven’t received my letter saying I was coming home. Bob and I again went to the show. This time it was “The Fighting See Bees” I thought it was very good. Bob didn’t have nothing to say about it. It seems as though every time I write I have been to the show. That’s all there is to do.

The “Fighting Seabees” starring John Wayne and Susan Hayward is described like this:

Construction workers in World War II in the Pacific are needed to build military sites, but the work is dangerous and they doubt the ability of the Navy to protect them. After a series of attacks by the Japanese, something new is tried, Construction Battalions (CBs=Seabees). The new CBs have to both build and be ready to fight

(Watch the whole movie by clicking here)

We have to go to town next week. I have to get a pair of shoes and some other things. Bob wants to get his watch fixed. Did I tell you he broke it. Don’t know how it happened but it stopped. They sure are feeding us up good for the kill. One day last week we had duck and today we had chicken and Ice Cream. Guess I had roast beef on mind because I almost wrote that. We certainly have been getting good eats. I guess we are lucky. We got Sat. Afternoon and Sun. off. That the first time since before maneuvers. Sure seems good to be able to sleep late and not have anything to do. Just to think. Someone said we were to have a party. The first 32 W.A.C.S have been invited. We are to have been also. Waite [sic] I’ll probably be writing we had a Civil War right here in the Company. We are on the verge of something like that anyway. As all Wars start a little spark and all will blow to pieces. I’ll grant you if that happens someone will get scratched up. Hope I am in the middle of it I’m in a bad mood myself. I guess I should quit now darling. I love you very much. Wish I were with you. But am not so I’ll have to waite [sic].

What was that like for the 32 women in camp? I bet they felt very popular. The thousands of men in camp all trying to get to dance, or chat with them. I can see where tempers might flare.

1 February 1944

1 February Camp Butner, North Carolina

Dearest Vi. Darling I wish I could actually tell you what is on my mind. I can’t. Anyway I can’t rely on the date of when my furlough will be. It seems as though every day it gets more complicated. Right now it looks like it may come around the 16^th. And if I can’t get it then I’ll be a damn poor private. I have gotten 4 of my men on now so if I can’t get myself on I shouldn’t be a Cpl. If it comes up then but I could only tell you the mess things are in here you would understand why I don’t know anything definite. The ones (orders) that should have gone today are here on the Captains desk. They start at 12 tonight and they leave tomorrow at noon. Things are all mixed up. All I can say honey is that you go ahead as planned only send me your address in Salina and when I leave I’ll wire you there and you can start then. Or if you would rather go on up home and visit there I’ll be around sometime. With your getting 3 weeks off and chances of getting more we should be at a good time. Or if you want to waite [sic] at home until I’m sure I can wire there when I’m sure of when I leave. God I knew when we started this something would happen but I guess that is fate. In case you do need any money write my sister-in-law and give her your address. She will know what to do. I’ll tell her that if you write to send and you won’t have to ask. Hows [sic] that? I am on C.Q. today and it sure is a headache. Boy I’ve taken a million steps and the night is still young. I wish the ice would break and we would get things on the road. Boy this will get me. God I have a furlough to look forward too. More than ever to my seeing you. They had another dance at the service club. Bob just came in and said it was another formal. I wonder when they are going to get tired of them. Why should I care. In a couple weeks I’ll have someone I enjoy dancing with. Man I can’t waite [sic]. All our trucks are back from Tennessee now. They are sure in a mess too. The whole bunch were dead lined and can’t be driven until some work are [sic]done on them. I guess this was a rough trip. I guess I’m about run down Honey. So I getter quit. We have a 15 mile hike tomorrow and its 12 now. So you see my let down. Besides I want to write Mom (Mom’s mom) at least a note. Nite[sic] now my sweet. Hoping to see you soon. All my love, your Lefty

In the next envelope there are two letters, one to Mom and one to her Mother. Since the one to Grandma Susie is dated first we will look at that one first.

Camp Butner, North Carolina. 1 February 1944

Dear Mom, I haven’t much time Mom but want to at least drop a line. We are in a mess Mom. Don’t know where to turn next. And maybe that will be an awful wet turn and soon. We have things settled to a small roar except where the furloughs are concerned. They seem to be undecided. No one knows anything and even so isn’t putting it out. We know we get them but from here transportation is so bad we can’t get away. You asked about Durham. It’s a nice place. Quite large and only 14 miles from camp. Bob and I went in last night and it wasn’t half bad. A lot of Jews and such but clean and to me that counts. I imagine about 20,000 pop. University of N.C. is located there also. They have a nice small town closer, Oxford. I haven’t been there but seems the fellows who live there thinks it [sic] nice. The camp here is swell. I think it is the best we have been in. They have about everything one needs so there is no use going out. We have three dances a week in the service club which is just across the street and the best shows one wants to see. I wish we were staying longer. I like it anyway. I am glad Vi is over her cold. I still have mine. But even I think I have it under control. A slight cough and once in a while a sneeze so I’ll live. I must stop now Mom. I’m glad you let Vi come out. Wish you would have come along. I’m not even mentioning getting married. Perhaps I should but I think I know better with what we have ahead. I’ll be very happy to get to spend what little time we have together. If they only let us be that long. Love Lefty.

Things seem so frustrating to Dad. Still no definite date on when he will get his furlough. After he got that letter from my mom confirming she will be joining him on his furlough, it now seems like he is depressed because he is getting no confirmation on what dates he will actually get to go.

5 January 1944

Gosh honey with you’re leaving the 17^th makes it nice as far as I’m concerned now because on those times we should get home about the same time. I thought I had made a mistake saying the 14^th but I guess the way things are turning out I shouldn’t have said anything about dates in that letter. I feel sure though my furlough will begin on the night of the 16. So I’ll be in there also Sat. You said “there” in your letter so I take it you meant Lex. (Lexington Nebraska) If you meant Salina (Kansas) well it won’t be much longer. God Darling I can hardly waite [sic]. Time has been going so damn slow here. Seems like all we do is work. And I sure hate to do that. I will be so happy when we are together. I think you asked what SNAFU means I’ll tell you exactly when I see you . It means in Army slang everything is normal but that isn’t all.

I looked this up and the acronym means Situation Normal All F__ked up. No wonder he did not want to write that in his letter. I can’t even write it here.

I guess Camp B (Butner) could be seen in some pictures. It is very pretty. I have found out why they didn’t gouge all the trees out though. This was at one time considered “Combat Zone” And they left the trees here to camouflage the buildings they certainly do too. The more I’m here the better I like it too. Although we are certainly in for a lot of work. And are we doing a lot. Trucks to be (unreadable) except to be cleaned and inspected barracks and everything has to be in first class shape. We have really been hitting the ball. I got a letter from Mrs. Johnson today. I am going to save it so you can read it. I would send it but I think it would be better to save. Anyway she wished us all the luck in the world. Whether we get married or not. That’s the main thing. I went to the show tonight and I don’t believe I believe I saw half of it. God Darling time flys [sic] slow. Today has been so dead. Everyone has gone to town. Even Bob went. Most of the time I was here alone and been doing lots of thinking. If I could only keep my mind on my work for awhile I guess time would go faster. Only 12 more days to go. I got my permit pass today. That means when I am off duty I can go to town. And the only duty we have at night is Guard and C.Q. which comes about once a month. I haven’t written for several days and yet I can’t think of anything to write. Guess as I said before I can’t keep my mind on my work. I started buying gum again. We can only buy two packages at a time so I have to get an early start. Something more about the brakes on the truck Bob drove back. They had to put all new brake lines a new hydro value and master cylinder. In other words the whole works. It took about 2 days to get them fixed. They worked on the one I drove a week ago and couldn’t get parts so with all the work it still doesn’t work to [sic] good. But it runs now and that is almost more than when we got here. We have just been talking over the 35^th situation assistants going over or not. We can’t figure whether we are or not. By now we have enough replacements to begin all our training over again so no one knows for sure what will happen. I love you my Darling and can hardly waite [sic] until I see you. It was a good thing though that you are coming the 17. Due to my last letter you’re probably wondering. Well I based my thoughts on leaving the 14 and am still happy that things don’t change. I’ll let you know as soon as I find out. I won’t leave the 14^th it will be later. Good night my Darling. I love you so. All my love, your Lefty. Tell everyone hello.

Vi

I can understand my dad’s frustration with the Army not telling him if and when his furlough will be. Here he is trying to make plans and he gets conflicting information. I wonder if the Army will change its mind and not give him a furlough before he is shipped overseas. From what I have read he has not gotten a furlough since he made the mad dash to California with a couple of his buddies in July 1943 when he presented Mom with a ring and asked her to marry him. That was almost seven months ago. It seems all of his plans hinge on the Army. I am not sure that is good odds.

Robert Winter, Claude R. Gordon

15 Comments

Posted in Family, My Father's Letter's | Tags: 110th Quartermaster, 35th Quartermaster, Army, Claude R. Gordon, family, My Father's Letter's, Robert Winter, World War II, World War II Love Letters

Posted by: notsofancynancy | October 31, 2012

35th Quartermaster Division 1945 VE-Day Roster

A funny thing happened with my last post of the photo of John A. Keller. Patrick from over at “The Big Seance” blog has the same last name and we kidded that maybe Mr. Keller may be his cousin. When I answered that Mr. Keller was from Nebraska we found that Patrick’s family has some roots in Nebraska. Although we are not sure if they are related I got to thinking this may be a good time to post the names of the men my father served with. I am attaching my father’s 1945 VE-Day Roster in hope that someone out there may know some of the families of the men who served with my father. For those who have been following Dad’s stories you know that his letters depict the everyday happenings of the Quartermaster and although they tell my father’s story this could be the story of any one of these men.

I have been able to locate quite a few of the families but there are so many more out there that have no idea of my work here. Most of the men are from Nebraska and started in the National Guard about 1940. but they are quite a few who joined the division at a later time and are from all over the United States.

Here is a link to my Find a Grave Memorial of the soldiers I have found there

Please take a minute and see if you may know one of these families. Please pass it on where it may be useful to finding them. If you have any question feel free to ask and don’t forget to check back tomorrow for the next chapter in Dad’s story!

Page 1 Transcribed by Marvin Cain’s Family

35^TH QUARTERMASTER COMPANY

APO 35 U S ARMY

V.E. DAY ROSTER

DIVISION QUARTERMASTER

Alexander, Peter -Lincoln, Nebraska

Bartlett, Guy – Cozad, Nebraska

Benne, John H. -West Point, Nebraska

Boyle, Frank Jr. -Cascade, Iowa

Buenger, Walter L.-Plainview, Texas

Clum, Robert -Thurston, Ohio

Cooley, Robert H. -South Gate, California

Cummings, Emmet P.- Omaha, Nebraska

Dvorak, Charles – St Paul, Minn.

Imel, Lester -Van Nuys, California

Jordan, Fred A. -Ithaca, Nebraska

Krekeler, Al – Gothenberg, Nebraska

McCall, Orville E. ^–Omaha, Nebraska

Mullenberg, Del ^–Cedar Falls, Iowa

Pederson, M. R.- Centerville, S. Dakota

Pollard, Bob -Avoca, Pennsylvania

Scott, Donald H.-Topeka, Kansas

Staggert, Alfred T.- Rochester, Minn.

Weedlun, Burdette – Minden, Nebraska

Willis, Willie F. – Ashland, Alabama

HEADQUARTERS PLATOON

Anderson, Wesley E.- Shickley, Nebraska

Bolton, Gilbert – Shenandoah, Iowa

Brewer, James L.^–Upland, California

Dennis, Gerald – Jermyn, Pennsylvania

Doyle, Harold P. – Flandreau, S. Dakota

Fulcomer, John O. – Chicago (19), Illinois

Geiken, Westley H. – Gothenberg, Nebraska

Gustafson, Carl – Whiting, Iowa

Harrison, Joe D. ^–Dunbar, W. Va.

Hemmer, Clarence – Lyman, Nebraska

Horton, Harold F. ^–Hayward, California

Houston, Clayton J. -Trumann, Arkansas

Jurasewicz, Stanley J. ^–Kenosha, Wisconsin

Kunkel, Al – Gothenberg, Nebraska

Leffler, Don W. – Hayes Center, Nebraska

Longcor, Francis E. – Bush Nall, Illinois

Lyman, Eugene – Del Rio, Texas

Maska, William A. – Franklin, Nebraska

McIntire, Marshall L. – Grand Island, Nebraska

Pike, James O. – Sylacauqa, Alabama

Poppe, Herman – Van Nuys, California

Ray, Clayton H. – Topeka, Kansas

Rooks, Evan – Mt. Leonard, Missouri

Runge, Omar H. – Jefferson City, Missouri

Page 2 Click on pages to enlarge

HEADQUARTERS PLATOON (Cont’d)

Sellers, Erceil E. – Wellfleet, Nebraska

Shelton, Richard -Los Angeles, California

Shirley, James A. – Gomantha, Alabama

Sill, Joe D. – Lexington, Nebraska

Sorensen, Paul W. – Los Angeles, California

Stoltenberg, Gerald A. -Fremont, Nebraska

VanAusdeln, John I. – N. Hollywood, California

Waddington, Cecil – Los Angeles, California

Waller, Byran – Holdrege, Nebraska

Williams, Ed -Portland, Oregon

Winter, Bob – Cozad, Nebraska

Wray, Joe – Nashville, Tennessee

SERVICE PLATOON

Arndt, Henry W. – New Salem, N. Dakota

Baumann, William B. – Clifton, New Jersey

Beam, James W. – Mt. Lebanon, Pennsylvania

Beck, Arthur R. – West Point, Nebraska

Bowman, William R.- Crossville, Tennesse

Brisco, Samuel J. – Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Bryant, Charley – Richmond, California

Bush, Rolland C.- Continental, Ohio

Browning, Noah – Debarton, W. Virginia

Casagrande, Richard – Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Challender, Dave – Gig Harbor, Washington

Combs, Murray L. Jr. – Kansas City, Kansas

Cosgrove, Leo J. – So. St. Paul, Minn

Cook, Aubrey H. – St Louis, Missouri

Creighton, Wallace D. – Stella, Nebraska

Evans, David B. – Altadena, California

Fisher, Albert B. – Fort Worth, Texas

Foster, Virgil A. – Lincoln, Nebraska

Freeman, E. B. – Canton, Texas

French, James D.- Mt. Olivet, Kentucky

Glatt, Frank – Boudle, S. Dakota

Gordon, Claude R. – Bakersfield, California

Graddy, L. S. – Seattle, Washington

Hatlestad, Gilmer O. – Pasadena, California

Helwig, Lewis E. – Clinton, Missouri

Holland, Theodore C. – Barnesville, Ohio

Kohls, Henry F., Jr. – Albany, New York

Kulper, Edward B. – Los Angeles, California

Levonyak, John – Campbell, Ohio

Littleton, Harry L. – Moundsville, West Virginia

Loomis, William L.- St. Joseph, Missouri

Mather, Robert L. – Salem, Oregon

McDonald, James R. – Detroit, Michigan

McDonnell, Paul H. – Pittston, Pennsylvania

Murphy, David A. – Missouri Valley, Iowa

Murphy, Edward, W. – Roxbury, Mass.

Opack, John – Duluth, Minn.

Riley, Ernest – Crete, Nebraska

Page 3

SERVICE PLATOON (Cont’d)

Sauer, William – St. Joseph, Missouri

Scott, Marion W. – Springfield, Ill.

Senyko, Lawrence – South Branch, Michigan

Shurtleff, J. R. – Humboldt, Nebraska

Thompson, Glen D. – Lincoln, Nebraska

Thompson, Howard E.- Lincoln, Nebraska

Tucker, Clayton – Lynn, Massachusettes

Wells, Leroy M. – Laurel, Mississippi

Wilkinson, Charles – Stratton, Nebraska

Willis, Robert – Burkesville, Ky

FIRST PLATOON

Anderson, Dell R.- Loomis, Nebraska

Blagg, Thomas D.- Pomona, California

Borg, Kenneth E. – Holdrege, Nebraska

Boxler, Edward W. – Garden City, Kansas

Brummond, Victor – San Luis Obispo, California

Buras, Joseph T. – Studio City, California

Burress, Charles E. – Augusta, Kansas

Dickerson, Robert F. – Sutherland, Nebraska

Echols, Bonnie – Lilbie, La.

Edwards, Ira Lee- Brooklyn, New York

Gamboa, Adolfo G.- Roswell, New Mexico

Gaule, Julis- Chicago, Illinois

Gehlsen, Hans – Weiser, Idaho

Gray, Howard M. – Kingman, Indiana

Griffin, Clarence- Faribault, Minn.

Haworth, Don M. – Farnam, Nebraska

Hofmann, Louis C. – St. Louis, Missouri

Kiffmeyer, Bernard – Sauk Center, Minn.

Krohn, Arnold – Elm Creek, Nebraska

McDonagh, Austin J. – Malone, New York

Moser, Ernest – Richville, Michigan

Quitmeyer, Marvin J. – Buffalo, Nebraska

Scavarelli, John J. – Yonkers 4, New York

Shindledecker, Vern G. – Hartford, Michigan

Thweatt, Archie W. – Tennille, Alabama

Uubrich, Otto L. – Valley Center, Kansas

Vercellino, Joe – Carona, Kansas

Witte, Walter G. -Gothenberg, Nebraska

Woodrum, Gilbert – Gordon, Nebra

Young, Verlin D. – Lexington, Nebraska

SECOND PLATOON

Autry, Roscoe, P. Jr.- Allen, Okla.

Brogan, Raymond A. -St. Louis, Missouri

Bronson, George W. – Scotia, California

Brotherton, G. E. – Long Beach, California

Buck, William J. – Dighton, Kansas

Cobb, Ryland W. – Tarzana, California

Cunningham, Adelva S. – Atlanta, Kansas

Decker, Kenneth – Charleston, Illinois

Dettman, Fred W. – Burbank, California

Page 4

SECOND PLATOON (Cont’d)

Gray, Frank – Indian Valley, Idaho

Hansen, Sherman L. – Cotesfield, Nebraska

Harp, Charles E. – San Bernardino,California

Hays, Harry C. Jr. – Little Rock, Arkansas

Hogan, Robert F. – Durham, North Carolina

Iliano, Herman (Moe) – Cleveland, Ohio

Kearney, John – Overton, Nebraska

Klebel, William B. – Lexington, Nebraska

Liedtke, Lloyd – O’Neil, Nebraska

Mahan, Joe – Decatur, Illinois

Ozanne, Allen L. – Lexington, Nebraska

Ravnik, Joseph – Caspian, Michigan

Sack Earnest – St. Paul, Nebraska

Schlink, Everett – Carbondale, Kansas

Shaffer, Edward M. – Holdrege, Nebraska

Shaw, William J. – Pitman, New Jersey

Simonson, Richard L.- Broken Bow, Nebraska

Smith, C. Warren – Aberdeen, Washington

Steinke, Charles – Holdrege, Nebraska

Thompson, Charley R. – Lebanon, Kansas

Wheatley, Calvin E. – Little Rock, Arkansas

THIRD PLATOON

Bennett, Harvey L. – Eustis, Nebraska

Bray, Clyde A. – Holdrege, Nebraska

Cain, Marvin R. – Funk, Nebraska

Clark, Harmon E. – Mill Creek, Okla.

Dudley, Oswald R. – Seymour, Missouri

Edlund, Donald R. – Wolverton, Minnesota

Gardner, Johnnie – Columbia, S. Carolina

Hanson, Reynold G. – Minneapolis, Minn.

Harvey, Harker W. – Sidney, Nebraska

Haviland, Judson C. – Sandpoint, Idaho

Henry, Ernest O. – Oskehow, S. Carolina

Howard, Truman B. – Morrice, Michigan

Huntsucker, Walter D. – Indep., Missouri

Keller, John A. – Ashby, Nebraska

Levinsky, William – Cloquet, Minnesota

Linden, Raymond E. – Los Angeles, California

Lamparter, Carl H. – Alton, Illinois

Lance, Charles W – Bertrand, Nebraska

McDonald, Jerome B. – New York, New York

Mitchell, Ernest – Hollywood, California

Morgan, Herbert – Columbia, S. Carolina

Morris, Myron J. – Kearney, Nebraska

Price, William G. – North Platte, Nebraska

Reed, Alford – Hinriceta, Texas

Sones, Lawrence B. – Gordon, Nebraska

Tindle, Robert G. – Valier, Illinois

Tribble, Herbert E. – Grenada, Mississippi

Weil, Alexander J. – Lincoln, Nebraska

Wood, Shirley B. – Louisville, Ky

Woodside, Lorens P. Lexington, Nebraska

29 June 1945

COMPLIMENTS OF DIVISION QUARTERMASTER SECTION

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Posted in Family, My Father's Letter's | Tags: 110th Quartermaster, 110th Quartermaster Roster, 1945, 35th Division, 35th Quartermaster, 35th Quartermaster VE Day Roster, Army, Family History, Military, My Father's Letter's, national guard, Nebraska, quartermaster, VE Day Roster, World War II

Posted by: notsofancynancy | October 26, 2012

A Nightmare

I don’t usually remember my dreams but this morning I woke with a start with a nightmare about my father. He has been gone since 2001 and I thought I had come to terms with his passing. Not that I will ever get over losing such a wonderful man but I know he is in a better place as his body here on earth was troubling him so much. I knew he was done here. Why after all these years would I dream about him? I can only contribute it to the fact I am working on his story. I spent all day yesterday working on the next chapter so when I fell asleep he was on my mind. I can’t shake how desperate I felt when I woke so here I am blogging about it praying the hopelessness I felt will go away.

It started with a phone call. When I answer the phone Dad is on the other end. I start asking him “Dad what’s wrong” and “Dad where are you?” He is unable to answer or for some reason he cannot speak. He begins to cry and that is something I have only seen a couple of times in my life so I know wherever he is and whatever he is calling about must be a major event. “Dad where are you?” I scream to no avail.

Dad and Missy about 1980

Somehow I get to where he is and he is at an animal hospital with one of his favorite dogs, Missy. I end up in the room with him and he is so fearful of what is wrong with his dog once again he begins to cry. Just about that time the vet comes in with the diagnosis. “There is nothing wrong, Missy is fine.” The vet has Missy in his arms and I can see the kisses that dog lavishes on my dad’s face. All tongue and now the dog is licking Dad’s tears. We both are elated with the outcome and leave the room to take them home.

As we are walking down the hall we are met by my two sisters and brother. They were WITH Dad and had been waiting in the waiting room. I spy them and begin yelling “why didn’t you tell me?” “Why didn’t you tell me?” In my mind I cannot figure out why they brought Dad and Missy to the vet without letting me know. It has me so upset I am furious. “Why didn’t you tell me?” “Why didn’t you tell me?” I wake with a start and all I have been able to think about is “Why didn’t you tell me?” “Why didn’t you tell me?” I can’t shake it.

So I hoped that by writing this someone out there may be able to give me some insight into what this nightmare means. Why? Why after all these years did I have such a desperate gut wrenching dream about my father? Why? Why?

Wow! I just remembered that was one of the only times that I heard my dad cry. It was in a phone call when he told me he had to put Missy down. My dad cried when he told me. He was heartbroken. He really loved that dog. I had forgotten that until this very minute. What does this all mean?

30 Comments

Posted in Daily Ramblings, Family | Tags: dad, Dog, dream, family, nightmare

Posted by: notsofancynancy | October 25, 2012

World War II chapter 35 Camp Butner

World War II

Camp Butner

Chapter 35

In the last chapter I mentioned how Dad was going to get some big news. Really he has a plan about getting married and has just gotten a letter from Mom in response to his ideas. Let’s read on.

24 January 1944

Camp Butner, 24 January 1944

Dearest Vi, You made me next to the happiest man in the world honey. When I read your letter today I was so thrilled I could have cryed [sic] I was so glad you are coming. I had made up my mind that if you didn’t come I was coming out if we only had twenty minutes together. It was less than an hour before that I found out for sure my furlough came then. Bob also gets his then. So maybe we all get to know the other lots better. Darling when you become Mrs. Woodside I’ll be the happiest man in the world. I have really been on pins since noon. God I don’t know when a furlough meant so much. It can’t get here soon enough for me. I love you so much darling. We didn’t do much today. Scrubbed barracks this morning this afternoon we had a physical examination and then Bob and I washed the trucks we drove back. Man was that water cold. I hope it is the same way next summer if we are here. God darling I’m so happy I can’t get off the subject of your coming and I am going to write home and tell Dad to have a car and all the gas we can use. Bob says we could use some of his if we couldn’t get any anyplace else. There are enough Woodside’s that we shouldn’t have any trouble.

I never thought about gasoline rationing. By 1943 gas, as well as tires were being rationed. Did you know they rationed shoes? I found a great website that shows what items were rationed when, and the duration.

(Click here learn more about rationing)

Another thing Sweet I hope you like the family. Dad will be as tickled to see me as I will be you so he will have it! (gas) Gee sweet I’m all messed up. Remember when I was out and you said it was my vacation you would do what I wanted to. Well Darling this is OUR vacation. So plan what you want to do and I’ll do likewise and we’ll meet a happy medium. If we don’t do it all I’ll grant you it can’t be done. Bob is writing Madeline now also and between us we are up walking the floor thinking and this is mixed up now I think I would die. The fellows left yesterday on the return trip to Tennessee. They will be gone about 9 days. Then our work will really begin. Have all those trucks to clean up and get back into shape. Boy what a mess it will be. I haven’t heard any more about Mr. Vance. The folks haven’t said anything so I guess he came through O.K. so far. Bob and I went to the show last night. “Song of Russia.” It was fairly good. I thought so anyway.

The movie actually is historically significant to this timeline in our war. According to a Turner Classic Movies article Hollywood was turning out movies showing all aspects of the war. The problem was leading men were in short order with Clark Gable and Jimmy Stewart were already serving. The studio’s other hottie, Robert Taylor enlisted and was waiting for his number to be called. The studio boss Louie B. Mayer saw what we have seen with my dad, the whole hurry up and wait routine and took a gamble that they could shoot one more movie before Taylor started serving. Turner Classic Movie’s describe the movie like this.

An American symphony conductor with a fondness for Tchaikovsky goes on tour in Russia. While there, he meets a peasant girl with a passion for classical music, who soon develops a passion for the conductor. The couple marries, but World War II tears them apart, as the patriotic American returns home, and his bride stays to fight the Nazis alongside her noble countrymen.

Mayer picked a good project with “Song of Russia” and it had all the stuff to make a great movie for wartime which included war, spies, intrigue, travel, heartbreak and we can’t forget the love story.

(Click here to read the article)

Honey I love you so much. I’ll be so glad when I see you. I’ll probably leave here on the night of the 14^th. Or perhaps the afternoon. Are you starting earlier than that or then. A good trip darling I love you so. I’ll only have about 8-9 days home so will have to get there about the same time at least. All my love, your Lefty. Maybe I’m the happiest man now. I feel so anyway.

That letter calmed all my father’s fears about this whole getting married dilemma. I sure would love to have that letter Mom wrote, but I guess she is going to meet him back in Nebraska, or maybe 250 miles away where Mom has family in Kansas. This is so exciting; they will be together in one more month. I have to ask, for how long though. We know Dad goes overseas; let’s see how this plays out.

27 January 1944

Camp Butner, N.C. 27 January 1944

Darling, Gosh I guess we should have stayed out in the field. We have been here 6 days and I have been able to sleep in the barracks 3 nights. I did lots better in the woods. Guard twice and C.Q. once. This Guard is certainly getting to be a headache too. We have Special Units guard now. Each unit furnished so many men and they are on for 24 hours. And it means 24 too. We have to walk 2 on 4 off and they are long hours. So much for that. Lt. Gordon (Claude R. Gordon) was talking to Sgt. Bennett (Harvey L. Bennett) today and asked if Bob and I were going to get married. (Trueman “Ben” Howard) said he didn’t know but heard us talking as if we were. Lt. said he knew damn well we would get our furloughs the 15^th then. It looks rough though. We are damn near to go (overseas). No kidding this time. And unless I miss my guess it won’t be much later than April. I said guess though. In one letter you said you wanted to spend part of the time in Kansas. I think I answered that by saying this was your vacation. If not so. When you wish to go there well I can’t hold you. See sweet I am going to be agreeable at least. The dance Tuesday was a formal. We had a good time. But there was to [sic] much tagging.

Tagging means a whole different thing now than it did back in 1944. I can vision it in my mind 20 lady’s dancing on the floor with 20 handsome soldiers all in formal uniforms. They dance a few minutes and another gentleman comes up and taps the dancer’s shoulder that then leaves the dance floor so the tapper can dance. It was proper back then. I wonder if they still do that. It has been a long time since I have been to a dance.

Trueman “Ben” Howard

I can say one thing N.C. woman ain’t half as nice as the homes. It was nice to dance again though. I almost forgot how. The boys who were on furlough are coming back. One Stf. Sgt.(Staff Sargent) was home while his Bro was. His Bro has been in Alaska for 18 months. All Joe said was he was still sane but that was more than a lot of them. I guess some officers went nuts up there too. I knew both boys before I got in the Army.

Did you know about the stuff that went on in Alaska during World War II? I must have been sick the day they taught that in school because I remember nothing of Alaska being affected by the war but it was an important part of World War II history. According to Wikipedia the Japanese raided the harbor in Kodiak, Alaska in June of 1942.

We had roast duck for supper. It was good but for some reason or other they don’t make the dressing right and it ruins my appetite. I have gained a little though. Up to 190 now. Maneuvers didn’t hurt much I guess. Bob and I went to the show again tonight. It was “Lifeboat.” Not bad but I have seen better.

“Lifeboat” was a war film directed by Alfred Hitchcock and written by John Steinbeck. According to http://www.imdb.com,

In the Atlantic during WWII, a ship and a German U-boat are involved in a battle and both are sunk. The survivors from the ship gather in one of the boats. They are from a variety of backgrounds: an international journalist, a rich businessman, the radio operator, a nurse, a steward, a sailor and an engineer with communist tendencies. Trouble starts when they pull a man out of the water who turns out to be from the U-boat.

(See clips from the movie “Lifeboat” here)

Dad Continues,

Bob is undecided as to whether he will get hitched or not. Madeline wrote and asked if she should resign her school when he came home. I guess he said yes and now don’t know what to do. If they did do the job they would have a couple months together at least. Then he thinks they can save the allotment money to begin on when he comes back. $28 a month is nothing to sneeze at. She would get $50. But would come out of Bob’s pay. There is some goofy dame on the radio. A laugh now and then. I guess I should quit now sweet. Have to get some sleep. How and when do you intend to come out. I don’t know what to say. I’ll leave the 14^th if possible and I think I can for sure. God if anything happens now I don’t know what I’d do. I love you darling. Lots and lots. All my love, your Lefty

I don’t really understand the money thing. $28 dollars a month does not seem like a lot in 2012 but as we all know back in 1944 it was. Then if they are saving it for when they get back from overseas they would have a nice little nest egg to start their married life.

I wonder if Dad will finally get that furlough.

Claude R. Gordon, Harvey L. Bennett, Robert Winter, Truman “Ben” Howard

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Posted in Family, My Father's Letter's | Tags: 110th Quartermaster, 35th Quartermaster, Army, Claude R. Gordon, family, Harvey L. Bennett, My Father's Letter's, Robert Winter, Truman “Ben” Howard, World War II, World War II Love Letters

Posted by: notsofancynancy | October 18, 2012

World War II, chapter 34, On the Road Again

World War II

On the Road Again

Chapter 34

Camp Butner Postcard

Dad is finally headed out of Tennessee. They are making the trek to Camp Butner in North Carolina. Camp Butner was first established in 1942 and was about 43,000 acres of agricultural land the government bought for training the troops for deployment to European and Pacific theaters.

(Learn more about Camp Butner here>butnernc.org)

19 January 1944

Dearest Vi, See sweet I can even think of you even at this time of the morning (5:30) We got up at 4:30 and by going through the mess line three times got 5 eggs for breakfast. Not bad. Anyway I am driving the 134th Inf again. Bob and I both are. He is just in front of me. We had a time yesterday. His breaks built up and we had to bleed them and I had a spark plug busted and did I have a popping good time. I hope I have it fixed now though because we have some awful mountains to go though today. We saw some awful swell scenery yesterday we came through part of the Cumberland Mountains. We saw a water fall that was really beautiful about a 50 ft fall. The Ozone falls. Then a few more swell places. We were up so we could look down for miles.

Ozone Falls, Tennessee-Courtesy of Wikipedia

The Cumberland Mountains are located in the Southeastern edge of the Appalachian Mountains. They encompass parts of southern West Virginia, western Virginia, eastern edges of Kentucky, and eastern middle Tennessee. Ozone falls is 110 ft. plunge waterfall also located in the Cumberland Mountains. The highest peak in the Cumberland Range is only 4,200 feet, not really all that high when you compare it with California’s Mount Whitney at 14,505, but then I am not driving an old Army truck.

I guess Calif has that beat though. But they say they have some really good ones for today. We have 167 miles to go and by tonight we will be in N. Carolina. So one more state to my list. Darling I love you very much. I wish we were taking this trip together. It would be so swell then. We got up at one thirty yesterday and left the area at 5:20. That was quite a waite [sic]. Now we have to waite [sic] a couple hours. We leave at 7:15 God that sleep would go good. I was about dead when we pulled in yesterday. Then had to make a new truck out of this. What a life. I did get a few minutes rest before chow and went to bed before 7 last night. So I shouldn’t be so bad this morning. I’, about run down now so I’ll waite [sic] until tonight or in the morning for the next news flash. I’ll let you know if N/C. is pink as on the map. Bye now Darling. See you later.

The Cumberland Mountains, Courtesy of Wikipedia

Old Fort N.C., 20 January (written on the same page as 19 January)

Well honey heres [sic] another one of those morning chats. We were up at 3:30 and didn’t leave until 7:00. Had a good breakfast though. I said at the beginning we were going to have mountains yesterday. Well we sure did. About 18 miles going up and the same coming down. They were beautiful though. I know now why The Smokey’s are called such. (we went through the Cumberland Mts. Into the Smokey’s) They are smoked covered in case you didn’t know. Bob and I have been having a time. First my truck then his. His brakes locked last night and we had one H___ of a time. Finally we disconnected the hydro valve and now all he has is mechanical braked and they take a lot of man power to run. But they work and are through the worst part of the mountains. People sure are friendly here. I guess they haven’t seen many soldiers. Its[sic] like Arkansas when we first started convoying. Everyone turns out to watch. Even once yesterday a couple girls were out setting on a log down the road and Bob said when he went by one was waffling her finger for him to come over. That would take guts or a weak heart. I don’t know which. We drove 167 miles yesterday and got into N.C. at 1:00. We are on Eastern time now. One hour difference but that’s enough. We horsed around with Bob’s brakes last night until one so you see we haven’t gotten much sleep. Imagine I’ll be plenty tired again Oh well we only have 97 miles to go tomorrow. So we should get in early. Then we will have to do the whole thing over again. I mean make another trip. Bob was just back and wanted one of our candles. I wouldn’t give so he said to give you his love and say I make him so mad he could hit me. Well I told you so—-. Yet again I love darling. I guess I had better quit now and waite [sic] until tomorrow. So good morning Darling I love you.

What a scene that would have been. All of the townspeople turning out to see the Army troops pass through. I bet those young ladies thought they died and went to heaven with all those young men showing up in their town.

Smokey Mountains Courtesy of Wikipedia

Lexington N.C. 21 January (written on the same page)

The final day and what a day. I guess we enter [sic] Butner with a bang. Everyone has to be in tip top shape. Guess how we will do that with about half of the trucks running on 5. I know mine is. And it is even disgusting to drive. Bob had to fall out yesterday and load his load on another truck. Now he is empty at the end of the convoy. Brakes again. After all that work we didn’t get it fixed. Oh! Well we’ll get there. By the way I neglected to tell you yesterday that N.C. wasn’t pink. Just like any other state. Shucks I’m sorry. You see we are near Lexington. Well it’s a little bigger than home and as far as I can see more women. They certainly turned out to wave at the soldiers. I guess the people here think that’s a treat. (so do we) I think darling I’ll close this now and write what I think of Butner in another letter. After all this is getting a little long and I have to think of the poor postman’s back. Then on the other hand it might be a couple days before I can get another chance to write. I love you my darling. Really I do. All my love, your Lefty.

USO Logo From Dad’s Stationary

21 January

Hi Honey, I guess I’ll write tonight. We are in camp and I know damn well I’ll be tired tomorrow nite [sic] and beside will be packing again I suppose. Have to start back again Sunday I guess. This time we will have assistants that can drive. I drove all the way here and I am worn out. N.C. is really a pretty state. What I have seen even beats Calif. They have better homes and the country homes are certainly well kept. My God I was so surprised. We hardly saw a thing that didn’t look like new. Besides every home had a beautiful yard. They are sure an improvement over Ala. That’s the worse state I have ever been in. I believe I am going to like it here but we have too good a set up to stay here long. I imagine in a couple months we will be off again. The camp is about the best. Anyway the only thing that isn’t close is the Motor Pool. The Service Club is just across the street and the P.X. is even closer. The camp itself is painted O.D. (Olive Drab) but it isn’t bad. We have lots of pine trees and do they ever look good. We have the (unreadable) floor and they are considerably higher than we are. I believe it will be OK. I made my bed. Sheets and all today. It sure looks inviting. In a little while I’m going to make a mad dash at it and crawl into my bed roll which I rolled out underneath. What a sleep I’ll have. Bob and I were just out looking the camp over. I guess this is better. The Service Club is all decorated and everything. They have even used a little paint on the inside of the P.X. and such. Man everything is so much cleaner. I know very well that I am going to like it here. They have dances at the Service Club two or three times a week. What a break. They are playing “When you wish upon a star” on the Radio. What a song.

Wish Upon a Star was written for Disney’s 1940 version of Pinocchio. Over the years The Disney Company used it as its theme song. This is a good example of a song standing the test of time as most of us have heard it updated and played for many years now.

(Click here to listen to Kate Smith’s 1940 Version)

I’m back to pencil. Are you surprised. I’m not. I couldn’t write with that damn pen. One thing about camp you can’t buy anything here. Not even a pillow tag. Oh! I guess I don’t need anything to remember this camp by. I guess there are lots of W.A.C.’s here. I haven’t seen any as of yet but probably will tomorrow if I get out of the (motor) pool long enough. I have hopes of seeing the camp. But Eddie (Ed Williams) is on the rampage and I don’t know. Got my daily chewing for sleeping today and wasn’t. He was really mad. Said we had to be on the ball or else. If any of our trucks fall out on the next trip someone will be burned and as he said he didn’t mean maybe. You should see the laundry I have to do. I’ll bet its [sic] about like a months [sic] laundry out there. I have one whole corner full. Boy oh Boy!

Seven weeks of laundry is a lot of clothes. I am sure these men did not change clothes every day while they were out in the field. That is something I have never thought of. How did they do laundry while they were out in the field and how much clothes did the Army provide them with?

You asked what it meant by coming to a training camp. I don’t know just yet. Only we have more training to get to maybe more men to train. Here is where they train. A staging area is where you are prepared to go across and a P.O.E. (Point of Embarkation) is your last place. There are a few more but we are by them now. I have a couple letters to send. So Darling I have to stop. I love you my sweet. So for tonight sweet I’ll dream of you. All my love, your Lefty.

They finally made it out of field maneuvers and into camp where they got their first shower in over seven weeks. I can’t imagine how nice that first shower felt. I bet Dad is enjoying being in camp but not happy about being sent out once again to haul more troops. It seems like things are getting more serious around the camp. Maybe this is because they will be going overseas soon.

The next letter was written with great joy. You can see the excitement in his handwriting and the words he uses. I transcribed it to be part of this chapter but it was such big news I had to put it in a chapter of its own. Until next time.

Robert Winter, Ed Williams,

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

Posted by: notsofancynancy | October 11, 2012

World War II, chapter 33, Planning

World War II

Planning

Chapter 33

How lucky are we with our fancy technology. In Dad’s time their were no instant messages and I would wager phones were not easily accessible. My dad would write a letter and wait for it to get to Mom then she would have to write and Dad would have to wait that amount of time to get answers to his questions. Never is this more apparent with these next letters.

Dad’s division is still in Tennessee on field maneuvers. During these maneuvers one million soldiers passed though Tennessee. This was where they went to prepare for the fight they would get into overseas. It was the last camp many saw before they left the states.

Dad looking exhausted, St Jean, France 1944-45

10 January 1944

Dearest Vi, Well honey I’ll start this tonight finish it tomorrow (probably) and next week I’ll send it. I believe I am losing my mind. Can’t remember much of anything. I know that the furloughs start the day after this problem is over. That means we’ll be going into camp short handed [sic]. Because we’ll have damn few drivers and lots of trucks. So for the next couple weeks we will be busy. You should see the moon here tonight. Boy what we couldn’t do to it. It’s the first time in a couple of weeks we have been able to see it. But man its [sic] still there. I hope it keeps . Maybe within the next couple of months we’ll be able to enjoy it. Who knows? They are giving 7 day furloughs and travel time to your home town and no one furlough to exceed 15 days. So I still can’t come out. And as yet I haven’t found when mine comes up. Guess they aren’t putting out any Military Information. I’ll get it out of Lt. Gordon sometime soon. Just waite [sic] until he and I have one of our try [sic]-weekly talks. If he isn’t too mad at me maybe he will let it out. Now maybe some news from home. Nothing much has happened. The old cat had kittens. One nephew had on operation and I guess about all the rest have the flu. Sis said they shelled 615 bushels of corn. That’s more corn than they have picked in the last 10 years. I guess they have enough left for feed. Oh Yes and Dad said to tell me hello. That’s the first word from him in 3 years. I haven’t heard how Ira Vance is. I guess they don’t know. Well you know its darn cold here and I’m about ran [sic] down for tonight. So adios for now.

I bet Dad felt really alone. His mother passed away a month before he turned 17 and he has not heard from his dad in three years. I don’t think that Grandpa Harry was very educated. It really makes me understand how important the letters from my mom were.

11 January (continued on the same page.)

Here comes some more nonsense. All the fellows are all ready to leave on furloughs and everyone is excited about the end of maneuvers. This problem isn’t finished but should be anytime now. They have changed it. They get to leave as soon as possible afterwards. The Platoon Sgt. came back just now and said not to be surprised if things start happening about three in the morning. They might leave then. Don’t know what else to write about. Can’t see the moon so that’s out. It did warm up enough so I laid in my tent about 20 minutes and didn’t freeze anything. It was nice. Lt. Gordon said our platoon was the best in the company. He said he was right proud of us. Also said we would all be sure to get furlough and as soon as we got into camp he would send as many more as can be spared. Man has he changed since he came back from school. He even told me someone up at the C.P. told him that all one needed was friends only he didn’t find it out soon enough. He is darn good to us too. AND seldom says much. Bob wants to write so I’ll stop now darling. And I better send this so I love you darling very much. Nite now my love. All my love, your Lefty.

When we first started this journey Dad did not get along well with Lieutenant Gordon. Then the Lieutenant was sent off to school and now he seems to have a better idea on how to deal with the soldiers. I know that “Pop” Gordon as he was called after the war, became a good friend to my father which continued until Mr. Gordon passed away.

12 January

Hi Sweet. Happy Birthday Darling. This is a fine time to be saying something like that. Or did you consider me yet for not sending anything. I hope you aren’t angry at me. Or that is too angry. I know I should have sent something. I didn’t forget your birthday and wanted to send something more than anything in the world And if you don’t believe me write Bob and see if I haven’t been bitching about it for some time. Here is the set up. As I have found out about my furlough. Six men have gone. When we get into Butner as many more will go as possible. (2 more from this platoon making 8) Starting the first (Of the month) 5 more will go. About 14. Then the rest will leave February 16 or about that time. That doesn’t give us much time to dilly around. Can you come out home? If so I will send home for that money. If not-well lets waite [sic] until then and see if I can’t make it out there. Three days is all we will have together and likely only one. Vi I’ll have about time to get a letter home after I get yours. So I want a definite answer Can or can’t you. We are going into another training camp. And maybe Carolina’s from there. My record is good so maybe I’ll miss those. I want to go across but wish to know the men I go with. If I had time I could explain the whole set up. But haven’t. Perhaps Mom will come with you. If she does we’ll get to Kansas somehow. Do what you want to. Maybe later we’ll be closer to there. And I guess my furlough will waite [sic]. Only don’t waite [sic] until the last minute to decide because I can’t.

It is almost scaring me at how desperate he sounds in this letter. What if they are not able to get together before he goes overseas? What would that mean for their relationship? Will he actually get a furlough or will they cancel them and send them overseas? These are probably all the same questions Dad had at the time.

Last night was zero again and it (is) awful cold tonight and the moon was out. Here I told you the problems over maneuver are over as far as training is concerned. Now moving. We go to Camp Forrest soon and leave there by the 18^th. So I was right we clear the Maneuver area by the 18^th. That means everything done by the 17^th.

Courtesy of campforrest.com

Camp Forrest in Tennessee, according to campforrest.com, was the perfect training terrain. The Army perceived “the Cumberland River and the hilly country to the south and north similar to the Rhine and Western Europe, they decided to send divisions into the state for their last preparation before actual combat. Between September 1942 and March 1944 nearly one million soldiers passed through the Tennessee Maneuvers area.”

Bob and a whole bunch went over across the road to a Honky Tonk to celebrate. Well I am here so guess I’ll do my celebrating later. I hope. I don’t know what else there is to write. So I’ll say I’m leaving this all up to you. The money’s home waiting to be sent. Or as I’m waiting to cancel my furlough until later and save some money. If possible. I won’t go home unless you come out. There is still the rumor of going across. BUT if you do come out and we don’t get married I’m damn sure we won’t until after the war. Or if you don’t I’m sure we won’t . You have your choice.

That was direct, no beating around the bush. What an important decision my mother must make. Will she marry this soldier before he is shipped overseas? The have been penpals since 1937 but they have not spent much time together. Well other than the few times Dad got weekend passes while he was stationed near Mom. It couldn’t have been more than a handful of times. They have been engaged for six months and have only seen each other when he asked her to marry him.

I can see many reasons why you won’t want to come out. And also see many reasons why you should. Putting 2 and 2 together its [sic] about half and half. Rightly I don’t want you to. Because traveling alone or even with Mom it will be rough and I don’t mean perhaps. I am stopping now my sweet so again Happy Birthday Darling and I love you lots. So until later I’m always, your Lefty.

I wonder if he is talking about the railroad trouble surrounding the government takeover, or is he worried because there are so many service men that are traveling the railways. I guess we will never know.

There are two letters in the next envelope. Dad wrote on one of them as to which to read first.

January Letter

14 January

Dearest Vi, Well Bob and I are in Manchester (Tennessee) now at a so called U.S.O. At least we are warm on all sides at once. We started to Camp Forrest to take a shower and clean up. God we didn’t even get there in time. We did get to a show though. But everything else closed before supper. Man the stores close early here. I guess they have a Gov. Inspection every night. You know Uncle Sam has to take care of his soldiers. The show wasn’t bad though.

I did a little research on the U.S.O and I found that I did not know much about how and when it was formed. I was amazed to find that its roots were deep in some of the most famous organizations in our history. According to USO.org,

The Salvation Army, Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA), Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA), National Catholic Community Services, National Travelers Aid Association and the National Jewish Welfare Board (came together to form the USO)

These organizations wanted to do something to help boost the morale of the people serving in the military. President Roosevelt heard them and had enough foresight to get these organizations to work together to form the U.S.O. I had no idea that it was formed by the YMCA and such.

Remember me telling you about Madelyn Murphy’s mother dying. Well I received another letter from her and her dad has been in the hospital with a ruptured ulcer. I guess he almost died too. He was in a straight jacket for a week. I guess the family has blown apart. The kids have come east. One in Ill. And one in Va. I guess the family has really gone to pieces. I hate to see that too. That was such a happy family fun and all. Madelyn said I might get to see Jane if I had the chance. She isn’t far from where we will be. I don’t believe I have told you yet. It is raining again here and we have nothing to do until 11:30 then home. God I hope our stuff hasn’t gotten wet. We had it inside though so maybe—. It looks as if we are going to get run out of here too. They have started to clean up the place. If I can hold out a few minutes longer. There isn’t much else to write about Darling. I hope you are feeling OK. I feel as if I have a cold in every joint in my body. God they hurt. Getting old young ain’t I. To[sic] much sleeping on the ground I guess. Well I love you my Sweet. The lady has all but said get out so I’ll quit. I love you sweet. All my love, your Lefty.

16 January (in the same envelope)

Dearest Vi, Gosh honey this is about the third time I have started writing you. I have been awful busy about time enough to sleep a little and eat and am going from then on. I did write the other night in Manchester and then got run out of the place I was writing and didn’t even get it sent. And haven’t yet. So I’ll send it with this. Yesterday I took 4 trucks to Nashville and did I have a time. We left here in rain then sleet and finally snow. And did it snow. We couldn’t see a hundred feet. It stopped snowing before we left there and then it froze. Believe me we had a time then. Had to drive about 20 all the way back and was last in getting started. When we got down about ½ miles from here and the ordnance said the road was impassable. Swell I had one choice. Risk being stuck all night or make it through with no trouble but sure gave the truck a beating. We got home about 10 but I was so tired I just went to sleep. Today I started writing you about that time our trucks came in from the engineers and I was to give up one of them so had to get it ready. That was a hard job it was in bad shape. (not much better now.) I tore up that other and proceeded to again tonight. I guess if I live that long I have to drive all the way through. Its only 550 miles and we have 4 days to do it in so it won’t be so bad. We have some rough mountains I guess though. Imagine I will be tired though. It gets cold there too. Hope we don’t get parked up on the top of one and have a snow storm. We leave sometime Tuesday night so I imagine Darling this well be the last letter I’ll write for while. They brought down an order that assistant drivers would ride in front. And half the trucks have assistants. Boy what trucks. I have to drive for once not as assistant and don’t get any enjoyment out of such an order. I sure caught a good cold again. I guess I was out to[sic] long yesterday with cold feet. They were wet too. I guess I’ll get over it though. I’m not feeling sick or anything. Just cough a little. I guess by the time you have read the letter I wrote the other day and this you’ll have enough bull for once. So darling I’ll close for tonight and get to bed. I’m awful tired. I love you my sweet. How much I don’t know as yet. I haven’t found the end. Nite [sic] Darling. All my love, your Lefty

Grandma Susie, Pop, and Mom

Dad’s division is on the move, headed to Camp Butner, North Carolina. What will they encounter on the way? I mean it seems as though each time they have to go far with these trucks one or another breaks down. Now I have to wonder if these are the trucks that they will take overseas. I guess only time will tell.

Robert Winter, Claude R. Gordon

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Posted in Grab Bag | Tags: 110th Quartermaster, 35th Quartermaster, Army, Claude R. Gordon, family, My Father's Letter's, Robert Winter, World War II, World War II Love Letters

Posted by: notsofancynancy | October 10, 2012

“Life in the ETO”

From my Father’s World War II Collection~Dad Wrote “Just don’t know where this was, we could not use it anyway (Identified by the Cain Family Bar Le Duc”) 1944-45

Tune in tomorrow for the next chapter in my fathers World War II story taken from his love letters to my Mom.

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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 | October 9, 2012

Mushroom Rocks, Kansas~Through the Generations.

My Grandmother and her family, Grandma in dark dress sitting about 1925

Mushroom Rock is located in the Smokey Hills region of Kansas. We lived in California and when any family came to visit us we went to Disneyland or the Rose Parade. When we went back to Kansas we went to Mushroom Rock.

(Learn more about Mushroom State Park by clicking here)

Uncle George, my Sister and Brother 1964

My dad, nephew and Dad’s dog about 1970

Current Picture Courtesy of Wikipedia

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Posted in Family | Tags: Ancestors, family, Family History, Kansas, Mushroom Rock, Mushroom Rock Park

Posted by: notsofancynancy | October 4, 2012

World War II, chapter 32, 1944

World War II

1944

Chapter 32

A Picture from Overseas Dad Wrote “One area we turned in Check out the Mud”

Still on field maneuvers in Tennessee, Dad and his fellow soldiers are having a rough time wading through the mud and muck of the Tennessee winter. It is cold, raining, and they just spent the last days of 1943 in camp as there was nowhere for them to go. The only place they have to get out of the rain and cold weather is in their trucks or the pup tents they carry with them. That is all fine and dandy if you are a truck driver but I have to wonder how the other soldiers dealt with the unrelenting rain in Tennessee.

3 January 1944

Dearest Vi, Just a line and I imagine that’s about all. We are in mud up to our necks and this time I am not kidding. We moved into an area last night and it had no bottom. Every truck that went in got stuck and we only had about 2 out. The third platoon winch truck had been going all day and have them about done up. Or should I say out. We are about 7 miles from the Kentucky border now. I guess we move back south as soon as we finish this problem. Some say this one has been cancelled because of mud. We saw whole companys [sic] logged down in places and God knows we were one of them. Sounds like you got about everything for Christmas. Nice going. The President gave us something. Said the Railroad walkout prolonged the war 6 months. So whats [sic] the use. I said this would only be a line and I wasn’t kidding. I’m wet, cold, but so are 500,000 others but we all have hopes. I love you, Your Lefty.

President Roosevelt Courtesy of Wikipedia

According to The Donnelly Collection of Executive orders the President worded his speech like this.

Railroad strikes by three Brotherhoods have been ordered for next Thursday. I cannot wait until the last moment to take action to see that the supplies to our fighting men are not interrupted. I am accordingly obliged to take over at once temporary possession and control of the railroads to insure their continued operation. The Government will expect every railroad man to continue at his post of duty. The major military offensives now planned must not be delayed by the interruption of vital transportation facilities. If any employees of the railroads now strike, they will be striking against the Government of the United States.

This must have been a hard thing to hear. This strike had a big impact on the war effort. No wonder Dad was so mad at his brother for writing him about walking out. It was affecting Dad directly, at least in his mind. Dad must have had a good idea of the Railroad Workers pay scale and it is nowhere near what Dad was making in the Army. Dad wishes that the workers would get paid on his pay scale. It just does not seem fair that the workers are paid more than he is and they are complaining. (Read chapter 31 here.)

(Read the presidents speech and the order here.)

4 January

Dearest Vi. Hows [sic] my honey tonight. Gosh what a night. And just think it hasn’t rained since about 4 this morning. And that is something. Boy oh boy 12 hours without rain. Well we have one day in of the 7^th problem. Only 3 more to go and then one problem. Then to camp where we can get cleaned up and get some work done. We are going to N. Carolina though. But I’m not sure about going across. Say Honey would you mind waiting until I get into a camp before I send you a birthday present. Otherwise I would have to send the money. And I can see you don’t want it that way. So until then I want to wish you the happiest birthday you have ever had my darling and many more. I hate like hell to have you waite [sic] but I guess I won’t be getting to town. Madeline asked Bob the other day if you were coming down after maneuvers. I told them I guessed you weren’t at least you hadn’t said anything. I guess Madeline is although she will probably waite [sic] until Bob goes home on his furlough. Maybe I’ll get to be best man. Come out and we will make it a double wedding. I was in a pretty bad mood when I wrote yesterday. Guess I should have waited only I hadn’t written for a week and thought I should. Anyway if you would have been in mud up to you’re a__ all day and dragging cables and chains you wouldn’t have felt so good either. Guess I had better be stopping now. I haven’t much to say. The box Mom sent was certainly good. Again I wish you a happy birthday. Wish I would make it more right now only I can’t. But I love you maybe that will help. All my love, your Lefty.

I found this great website that has pictures of the field maneuvers in Tennessee. Follow this link to see these historical pictures. I also have found excerpts from letters home of another soldier who attended the maneuvers. It is very interesting and according to Pfc. Mitchell J. Dabrowski, “These maneuvers are pretty tough. In fact it’s about the toughest thing I ever had in the Army.”

(Click here to read more about the Tennessee maneuvers from Mr. Dabrowski)

This next letter seems strange. It is in a longer envelope than the others and is on lined paper. In all of the letters so far this is the first time I have seen Dad use this kind of paper.

6 January

Dearest Vi. Well gosh honey I guess I haven’t helped your blue feeling much by missing a week in writing. Anyway It was about as long since I had heard from you. I’m sorry though sweet. I guess I should have been writing. But I can’t get much interested in someone who doesn’t write me. You have really been sweet in writing as much as you have I shouldn’t be complaining at all. I guess our seventh problem is about ended. Anyway the Colonel went at about 6 to see about it. We haven’t heard anything official though. Just one more. I guess they have let the armored divisions go. The outfit that is located close to us is moving to Kansas. My God what a break. We go back to a training camp though. So I wonder who is getting a break. I received the post Mom sent. It sure was swell. I love the picture on the cover very nice. Reading material though that’s the best. We moved out of the old gent’s yard this morning. Bet he is glad we are gone. Only we sure raised cane with his grass. Man Oh! Man we dug up his lawn. You know he had one of these large lawns about an acre. Well he still has a lawn but now he can measure it in inches. Now we are close to Gallatin anyway you can see the lights from here. I trimmed my whiskers down to a little mustache and goatee. You know a little on the chin. The first Sergeant said “Uh you know Woodside you would be a good looking man if you shaved that off too.” Who does he think he is kidding? It cleared off last night and did it get cold again. I’ll bet it was below 15 above. It sure froze things up. The sun came out today but it has been a little cold. And tonight-Damn cold but a beautiful moon. God honey I wish you were here. Remember the blonde I told you sent Bob some pictures. She got married. Mrs. Johnson wrote and told us today. Did we ever have a laugh over that. Of course Mrs. Johnson said the blond terrier finally got her man. So that was a laugh there. I mean If you knew the story it would be. She also said her daughter Dot went to Arizona and might be married when she returned. Although she promised not to. Oh Yes! I got a letter from home. I guess Ira Vance is about dead. Anyway they called Dean and Frank home and was going to wire George. I guess Virginia said he was better though. You have probably heard more than I anyway. I guess I will quit on this. Anyway Darling I love you. Hope your blue feeling has passed without to much let down. I know how you feel. Haven’t been feeling spry myself lately. Again I love you. All my love, your Lefty.

I am not sure who Ira Vance is. My Great-Great Grandma on my mother’s side was a Vance so I am assuming they are related. If you did not catch it in the early chapters my parents met at a dance in Nebraska in 1937. My father was hanging around with a kid named George Vance which was Mom’s cousin. George and Dad went to a dance and my mother happened to be there, the rest is history.

9 January

Dearest Vi, I guess you’ll guess what I have here in the cab of my truck with me. If you only knew I’d bet you would go wild. It’s a Mexican Chow Wow. It was just trying to go up my sleeve and would have made it with a little help. So you can see how small he really is. He came back again I had to put him in my coveralls. He hasn’t moved since so I guess he is happy. I swiped him. He belongs to a kid in the Co. So I’ll have to return him tomorrow. I was coming back from a filling station across the road and he was making an awful racket so I just picked him up. He sure is cute. About one hand high and three fingers wide and long enough to match. Right now he is confident I am a friend because he is sleeping where I put him.

Now you know where I get my love of dogs from. My dad showed me early on what great companions dogs were. I got my first dog when I was about ten years old. I have not been without a dog since then. Today I have four, all rescues. I don’t think I would be a happy camper if I did not have them in my life. I am lucky Dad shared this love with me.

It’s a little chilly tonight about zero again. Anyway it is too cold to snow. I know because it has been doing that all day and since it got dark it quit. So we have about 2 inches of snow. We were wishing it had snowed more so we could have it last the next problem. That sounds strange but we have had everything else so we should have snow. Then it may keep the ground frozen even though it would be cold we wouldn’t have the mud. These trucks are enough bother without that. We moved across the river on pontoon bridges last night. About ½ a mile we pulled into a field and was to pull out at 8 this morning. Well we moved at 4 this afternoon so you can see everything was normal. And it was snowing all the time and over 100 miles were without a place to go to get out of it. It would have been a wonderful snow had we a window to look out of. We are to be in Camp Forrest 2 days this week and then on to Camp Butner.

Camp Forrest is located near Tullahoma Tennessee and according to Wikipedia it was the largest training facility in World War II. Interesting enough it also became a POW camp in 1942 housing what was termed as “Alien Enemy Control.” They were people who were arrested here in the states. Many were incarcerated without legal process. In 1943 they were transferred to other Internment Camps to make room for actual POWs captured on the field of battle.

Letter Head 1943

The two days are to service vehicles and propane for the drive. I also think 25% of the Co. will get furlough from there. I am waiting until later. We haven’t any decent clothes to go in (to town) and also ain’t sure of anything. Besides that I don’t think mine will come up then. Probably 15 days later. If I waite [sic] for Bob it won’t be any longer than the first of March. So I might be getting one anytime between now and then. But I have hopes of waiting for Bob. Well I started this yesterday will try to finish it today and send it. Not bad huh! Well good for me. It saves paper and such or maybe just the envelope. Bob and I went over to a farmers [sic] house tonight. I met him this afternoon while we were up in the woods and he invited us over. He said he had two sons-in-laws in the army so we thought the daughters would be home. Had we known they weren’t we wouldn’t have gone. We listened to the radio and talked for an hour then we came back. You should have seen that though. The old man, old lady and also son, we were all dipping snuff (as they call it here) The old man would let go at the fire place there the son then the old lady would lean over and kind of blow hers out and a little would run down her cheek. I about busted to laugh. They invited us to stay all night though. But we thought better of it.

I have heard of snuff but I had not really looked into what it was. Once again consulting Wikipedia snuff is a product made from ground or pulverized tobacco leaves. It is an example of smokeless tobacco. That had to be a sight to these young soldiers, to see that family sharing their snuff. Dad sure got a kick out of it and with it he had something to write Mom about.

I was only kidding about the daughters though. He hadn’t said anything about them Bob and I just cooked that up. When we came back we went over to a honky tonk close by but the M.P.’s run us out of there so now we are writing. This problem starts tomorrow noon and ends Wed morning. Then I guess we start moving to Camp Forrest. So such was heard anyway. You say if I waited until April to take my furlough you would see me in Lex. (Lexington, Nebraska) I can send a hundred dollars if that would help any. We might be a little short while there but I think we would get along. And as you say we hardly know each other. I’ll guarantee you though if you come out we’ll know each other lots better. I haven’t much more to say Darling so I’ll say I love you and quit. I do darling very much. Anyways its damn cold and I have to go to bed. All my love, your Lefty.

Dad was always a jokester. I bet he had my mom going for a bit thinking the two were trying to visit a couple of women. I am not sure my mom would have found this very funny.

Robert Winter

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