notsofancynancy

Posted by: notsofancynancy | January 16, 2024

18 Lt. John T. Roberts

As the New Year begins, the war in the Pacific is still raging on. The 193rd Tank Battalion brings in that New Year, safely on Oahu.

1 January (1945)

Oahu I. H.

Dear Mother,

It has been a few days since I’ve written, so now I’ll try to write a little tonight. I haven’t received any mail in quite some time. t. because stuff must be held up somewhere because no one is getting any. It must be that the last-minute Christmas cards have put so much strain on the Post Office’s that everything has slowed up.

This has been a rough beginning of a New Year. It is a good thing that New Years Day comes but once a year. My aching head! I would swear that right now you could knead (how do you spell that?) My head just like it was so much dough.

How was the celebration there? I’ll bet the old point was jumping especially with those soldiers there. I know darn well that they did a good job of bringing in the New Year.

How are Jeff and Jenney getting along? Have they found a place to stay yet? The Jerk has been owing me a lotter for months. Tell them hello for me. Come to think of it, I think I got a Christmas Card from them.

Has James Albert done any more on getting himself a shop or has he given it up as a bad job?

Hope everyone is O.K. at home. How is the DaDa getting along? Better, I hope. How are the kids getting along? Have you finished fixing the house yet? Lots of questions, huh?

Well, I guess I’d best stop for now. I have a one-track mind and I can’t carry on a conversation and write too. The two guys who are in the quarters with me are downstairs talking. Things are running along Ok as usual. Write soon and give the family my love.

Lots of love

Johnnamus

Just another day on Oahu. I am sure these men are doing some training exercises. They can’t be just existing on that island, can they?

7 January (1945)

Oahu, I.H.

Dear Mother,

I received a couple of letters from the other day, but this is the first chance I had to answer them. Mail was non-existent here for a couple of weeks.

Sounds like you are having a whale of a time with the house. It seems as though you came close to biting off more than all of you could chew up. Hope you get finished soon. I’ll bet it looks good when you get through with it.

By all means give the kids something out of my money if you haven’t already. This is a little late for Christmas, so I hope that you did get them something for me.

I haven’t received the card as yet but guess I’ll get it sometime.

That about finishes the letter for the nineteenth, so I’ll go on to the one for the twenty-fourth. I’ll bet that cake was really good. Makes my mouth water to think about it. Sorry to hear that Pop is having trouble with his feet again. That trouble must be an allergy of some sort. What does the doctor say about it? I’ll bet x-ray treatment would clear that stuff up in no time.

X-Ray Therapy? Let’s see if I can find out anything about that… All I could find was the introduction into radiation used for cancer. I am not really sure about this one.

So big Jim has been reclassified. Well, I know that he is going to like the Army. That is strictly sarcasm. When does he think he’ll go, or does he have any idea? Wish him luck for me.

I got the letter about Miley, but I never did see J.D. again. Don’t guess he is here now.

Jones is the ranking non-com in the detachment. I asked him to drop you a line when he got home on furlough. He has been over here for well over two years and his is the first time he has been home. I’m glad that he did write to you. He is a darn good N.C.O.

Well, the only thing that has happened around here lately is one thing that which is noticeable only if you could see me. That is only that I am no longer a “Shavetail.” My promotion came through the fourth of this month. So, I am a First Lieutenant. Ain’t [sic] it something? I change my gold for silver. It doesn’t mean an increase in pay because I was drawing more than a single 1st lt. before I got my promotion. The only thing that burns me is the fact that the recommendation wasn’t in four months ago. But is finally came through.

Well, being as how that is about all the news, I guess I’d best close for now. Write soon and my love to the family.

Lots of Love

Johnnamus

I bet his Mom is beaming. She must be so proud of her son. In fact I am proud of him and I don’t even know him.

Until next week friends

16 Lt. John T. Roberts

Every post I make in Roberts Story starts by doing a search like, “what was happening in the Pacific Theater in December 1944.” Well this time we have something a little unexpected. With all the fighting going on who would have thought they would have had to deal with a typhoon. According to the Naval History and Heritage History Command website:

Typhoons and Hurricanes: Pacific Typhoon, 18 December 1944

On 17 December 1944, the ships of Task Force 38, seven fleet and six light carriers, eight battleships, 15 cruisers, and about 50 destroyers were operating about 300 miles east of Luzon in the Philippine Sea. The carriers had just completed three days of heavy raids against Japanese airfields, suppressing enemy aircraft during the American amphibious operations against Mindoro in the Philippines. Although the sea had been becoming rougher all day, the nearby cyclonic disturbance gave relatively little warning of its approach. On 18 December, the small but violent typhoon overtook the Task Force while many of the ships were attempting to refuel. Many of the ships were caught near the center of the storm and buffeted by extreme seas and hurricane force winds. Three destroyers, USS Hull, USS Spence, and USS Monaghan, capsized and went down with practically all hands, while a cruiser, five aircraft carriers, and three destroyers suffered serious damage. Approximately 790 officers and men were lost or killed, with another 80 injured. Fires occurred in three carriers when planes broke loose in their hangars and some 146 planes on various ships were lost or damaged beyond economical repair by fires, impact damage, or by being swept overboard. This storm inflicted more damage on the Navy than any storm since the hurricane at Apia, Samoa in 1889. In the aftermath of this deadly storm, the Pacific Fleet established new weather stations in the Caroline Islands and, as they were secured, Manila, Iwo Jima, and Okinawa. In addition, new weather central offices (for coordinating data) were established at Guam and Leyte.

Admiral Nimitz’s Pacific Fleet Confidential Letter, 13 February 1945
List of participating commands and ships
Personnel Casualties, 17-18 December 1944
Plane Losses, 17-18 December 1944
Extracts on the typhoon from CINCPAC report, including ship reports
Oral History of Chief Warrant Officer Yorden, USN (Ret.) who was on USS Dewey

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Posted in Lt. John T. Roberts, World War II | Tags: 1944, Army, blogging, Harold F. Horton, History, Lt. John T. Roberts, Oahu, Pacific Theater, World War II

Posted by: notsofancynancy | December 16, 2023

17 Lt. John T. Roberts

According to Wikipedia on 15 December 1944 landings against minimal resistance took place on the southern beaches of the island of Mindoro, a key location in the planned Lingayen Gulf operations, in support of major landings scheduled on Luzon. On 9 January 1945 General Krueger‘s Sixth Army landed its first units on the western coast of Luzon. Almost 175,000 men followed within a few days. With heavy air support, Army units pushed inland, taking Clark Field, 40 miles (64 km) northwest of Manila, in the last week of January.

21 December 1944

Dear Mother,

I received your letter yesterday so I guess I’d best get down to answering so I can get it finished before twelve o’clock if possible. Seems like I am kind of behind in my correspondence, or at least more so than usual. I owe Ruth a letter and also Julian Henderson who is by the way in New Guinea now.

Seems like things are really humming now at the old homestead. With the sanding, painting, and movement there I wonder that you found time enough to write. If there is something you would like to get for the house, or especially for yourself please don’t hesitate toto go to the bank and get the money to get it. I hope that you have done so, or have gotten the kid something at least, with the money in the bank because feel pretty badly about not getting anything to send for Christmas. Which reminds me I don’t believe that I ever wrote and thanked Sis for the package. I did write Ann, Jean, and intended to write to Sis, but got sidetracked as so often happens. Which reminds me. I believe both she and Diane owe me a letter. How about getting them on the ball? I enjoyed getting the fruit cake & nuts she sent though they didn’t last long, knowing me I don’t think you find that strange.

I am glad to hear that Sis and Jr. finally got back to Ft. Meyers. I know that they wanted to come. How did Jeff get clearance from the shipyard? Tell them hello from me and tell Jeff I said how about answering that last letter I wrote to them.

Ruth wrote about Moley’s being home. I know just how she feels, but don’t see why he should have any trouble getting a date. Ruth isn’t the kind of girl to turn down and old friend in a situation like that. I haven’t heard from him in some time, but if he mailed that letter as he said he did I should be hearing from him soon.

I don’t think it will be necessary for you to send the book. Thanks just the same. I work the puzzles just once in a while, and then some from the Honolulu papers, which are rough on crossword puzzles.

Glad to hear that Dit got the citation. Was it for he and his crew, or was it a unit citation? They usually are the latter and are only given when an outfit does something pretty outstanding in combat, so it is something for them to be proud of.

Heard from Helen Ruth this week. She sent me a picture of herself. She is certainly a pretty girl, and these wolves around here would like to meet her.

Guess that I best close for now. Give everyone my love and write soon. I’m fine as usual. Merry Christmas to all.

Lots of Love

Johnnamus

The next thing we come across is a V-Mail, there is no date on it but I know it has to have been from 1944 because Roberts is still in the Hawiian Islands. There are no words at how special it is to actually hold such an important item in my hand.

With that we end 1944. What will 1945 Bring our Lieutenant. So far, he has not seen any combat but that can’t continue into 1945, can it?

Until next time my friends

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Posted in Lt. John T. Roberts, World War II | Tags: 193 Tank Battalion, Lt. John T. Roberts, World War II, WWII

Posted by: notsofancynancy | December 5, 2023

15 Lt. John T. Roberts

A Trip to Modern-Day Fort Meyer

Today we are going to do something a little bit different. After I wrote post #4, David from the blog”Were not Lost Sargent, We are in France” and “Old Men Playing Baseball.” (Stop by and check out his blogs.) Posted a comment on it. saying:

“I should be down there (Ft. Myers) in November and will get some photos of the park and hopefully, a sunset view!”

Imagine my excitement! I could only dream of going there. What would it be like? Are there any remnants of Lt. Roberts time there? After all it has been 80 years. Then he gave me the following information.

It was about 100 feet from the water then, but three blocks away now.

“1301 Heitman is now in a park under the Caloosahatchee Bridge in Fort Myers, but was right near City Hall and the Atlantic Coast Line freight depot (rail). If it was a single-family home, it might have been a large one, being on what was then “Evans Park” surrounding the City Hall. With the freight rail and likely some freight docks over on Monroe Street, it might also have been not so nice….”

How cool would that be, this was going to be so informative. I filed the email and waited. Then a week ago I got this:

“The one with the party in the middle faces toward where 1301 Heitman might have been.”

“I did stop by the area and take some photos. It’s all part of the city park in the shadows of the bridge. I’ve found some 1922 maps and… that part of town was still underwater in 1922. The nearest house is at 2038 Henley Place and that was built in 1922. It was about 100 feet from the water then, but three blocks away now. A multi-block area around there is basically empty.”

“There is a subdivision right behind that Henley Place house which was built in 1942-1943. (I really think that is about the time The Roberts family moved to the area.) Nice, but small homes. With the rail line still being on Monroe back then (with warehouses and such), I think I was wrong to think it would be a fancy part of town.”

“Hurricanes hit Fort Myers about every 15 years on average and there were 3 or 4 in the 10 years after the war, so it wouldn’t be surprising if that point just never recovers.”

If I close my eyes I can see that row of small houses. I can see John’s dad out in his little boat, fishing the day away. I see Mrs. Roberts with her kitchen apron on, the old kind, like the ones grandma use to wear. I smell baking fruitcake, and her chasing “the kids” around with her stirring spoon, threatening, but never hitting. I imagine a knock on the door and who is it but our own John Roberts. He is home from the war, in one piece and everyone is just so happy to see him, “the kids” are jumping up and down cheering and Mrs. Roberts uses the corner of that apron to wipe the tear that falls from her eye.

Late Update. Here is one of the houses there. This is exactly how I see it in my minds eye.

That is in a perfect world. We have 25 more letters to get through so let’s just hope Roberts really does get home safe. Let’s get back to the war.

Until next time friends

2 Comments

Posted in Lt. John T. Roberts, World War II | Tags: 193 Tank Battalion, Army, letters home, Lt. John T. Roberts, World War II

Posted by: notsofancynancy | November 20, 2023

14 Lt. John T. Roberts

According to Britannica,”MacArthur sent the 77th Infantry Division (which had reached Leyte late in November 1944) on a shore-to-shore movement from the east coast to Ormoc, near which town the division landed on December 7. Ormoc fell three days later and the 77th Division pushed up the Ormoc Valley to establish contact with the X Corps units fighting their way southward. This contact marked the end of the strongest organized resistance on Leyte and the island was declared secured on Christmas Day, 1944.”

11 December

Oahu, I.H.

Dear Mother,

I received your letter dated the thirteenth of last month, and also a letter from Lefty. These two are the first mail I have gotten in two weeks. Luckly, I have been so busy I haven’t had time to think about it. Also, I haven’t had a chance to get those things I wanted to get for the kids and am afraid it is now to late to send them for Christmas; however, later I will send them something. In the meantime, could you get them something with some of my money in the bank?

We too had a nice Thanksgiving Dinner with turkey, etc. It wasn’t nearly as good as the ones I ate before I came in the Army, and not nearly as enjoyable.

I guess Dit is having a pretty rough time of it. Wish I were [sic] with him down there. Don’t much think I’d enjoy it much though. I don’t much care for the islands in that part of the world. After this thing is over the closest, I want to come being on an island is on the peninsula of Florida.

I guess by now you know I have been receiving a few issues of the paper. None recently though, as the mail has been as slow as the dickens.

I don’t remember if I wrote to you about seeing Frank Saturday before last. I think I did but if I didn’t let me know. He was supposed to call me last Wednesday after noon, but he called while I was eating lunch, and told the boy who answered the phone he would call again later, but never did. I haven’t seen him either.

I haven’t heard from Gene Summerall for months, so was glad to get the clipping. Guess I’ll drop him a letter sometime.

It’s time to knock off, I guess. Nothing has happened to speak of. I’m still O.K. and busy as the dickens, Give the family my love, and write soon.

Lots of Love,

Johnnamus

Once again Britannica says”The 6th Army, in order to prepare for future operations, turned over the task of mopping up to the 8th Army, and the XXIV Corps was relieved by the American Division. American and Filipino troops fought against the 20,000 Japanese left on Leyte for the rest of the year. Mopping up operations actually continued into 1945 until almost 75,000 Japanese had been killed or captured. Even before Leyte was cleared of enemy forces, the 6th Army had started to move toward the next objective, the island of Luzon.”

Our next letter is not from Lt. Roberts but from T. Sargent Alonzo Jones, from Dresden Tennessee. It is not censored and the postmarked and is from Dresden Tennessee, December 19,1944. It is written to Roberts’s mom, Mrs. J.D. Roberts or at least it is addressed to her. I hope it is not bad news. The writing is hard to read but let’s see what he has to say.

Dresden, Ten

Box

R.F.D.1

Dec-1944

Mr. Roberts

A few days ago [sic] I left Lt. Roberts. He is in the same outfit as I am. He has been with me ever since has been back our reg this time. When I left [sic]he was doing fine. I am the Sgt of the Det. I have put up thirty five [sic] months out of the good old U.S. and now nothing is the same back home. I am about ready to go back out to the boys all of the old bunch I use to go around with has all gone everything is dead. When you go to town there is no one on the streets. Like it used to be. Over there we do not have to suffer from the cold like we do here. I have such a cold now I can hardly breathe and these cold mornings it is a job to get up after spending several months in a warm country. Mr Roberts in a few more days I will be on my way back to the gang. So [sic] when you write Lt. be sure to make mention of me dropping you a few lines,

So wishing you and your family a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

T-Sgt. Alonzo Jones

Isn’t that sweet, Sgt. Jones writing to Roberts Mom. I would think that at first glance the letter may have scared her a bit. Then once she got into the letter she was thankful to know that this man thought enough of our Lieutenant that he would take time out of his furlough to actually write Roberts mother.

A little more days insight into Lieutenant Roberts life. Thank you Sgt. Jones for writing it and thank you Mrs. Roberts for saving this letter.

Until next time Friends

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Posted in Lt. John T. Roberts, World War II | Tags: 1944, Army, blogging, Lt. John T. Roberts, w World War II

Posted by: notsofancynancy | November 14, 2023

13 Lt. John T. Roberts

According to PBS.org, in November 1944 U.S. Bombers attack an aircraft factory northwest of Tokyo. This is the first bombing raid of Japan. Due to winds and other factors most bombs missed their targets. So begins our fight to finally conquer Japan on their own ground.

14 November

Dear Mother,

I have been slightly off the beam about writing lately, and I have two letters from you. I received the money orders all right. Thanks a million. Also, today I received the package with the bracelet, the slippers, and the fruit cakes. The bracelet is swell, just the kind I wanted. The information engraved on it is right, too. I have been wanting for bedroom slippers to wander around the quarters in. The fruit cake is really good. Thanks a lot, the whole bunch of you.

I have just about decided that I won’t send anything this year. I have looked all over Honolulu for something suitable, but no soap. I guess I’ll settle for sending the kids something. Thought I’d send it to the two girls a grass skirt, a piece, and a shell necklace, a piece. I haven’t figured what to send Jim and Reedy. Martha is home now, isn’t she? You haven’t mentioned her in your last two letters.

The paper hasn’t begun to come through yet. Guess it is a hopeless case.

You know me better than to expect me to keep a package until Christmas. The box was quite a bit mashed up from the vigorous trip. Both ends were open, but everything was O.K.

I’m sorry to hear about H. Whidden. He was in Glanding with me for fifteen months. The last I heard of him was he had received the Silver Star. Buy the way, ask Diane if she can find out anything about Bob Waugh. I’d like to find if something I read today about one Robert Waugh is pertaining to the Bob Waugh from Fort Meyers. [there are four words scratched out here] Tsk! Tsk! Darn near make the wrong remark there.

I have heard from Dit one time, and I answered that letter. I haven’t heard from him since.

Yep, I finally received a letter from Lefty. The jerk. Took him almost a month to get here. Three cent stamp.

You should get out with Pop more often. Riding in that boat is lots of fun and will do you lots of good.

Looks like Pop’s luck at fishing is improving. A hundred and fifty pounds, Huh? Wish I was there. I’d take some of the space out from between his ears. I would show him how fish should be caught. Pop looks like you and I are in for a hell of an argument when I get home. Save some fish for me and I’ll demonstrate when I come home.

Guess I’d best close for now. Give everyone my love and write soon.

Lots of Love

Johnnamus

With that we end another month in Oahu, 1944. Our Luitenant is still safe on the island.

4 December

Dear Mother,

Received your letter Saturday night but just got around to feeling like writing. I don’t mean that as just a figure of speech either, on account of that I was really feeling rough. Went in and picked Frank up and being as how I just happened to have a fifth around, we came back out here. He could only stay a couple of hours we managed to get fairly well pickled. We had a swell time talking over old times and new. I took him back that night and we spent a couple more hours batting the breeze. I really enjoyed it. I’m just hoping we can get together again this week. He’s the first guy I have run up on with whom I am well acquainted since I got in the army, excepting naturally, those who were in the outfit with me when I came in. That accounts for my feeling bad the whole weekend. Such a hangover has seldom been seen.

Interesting, Roberts telling his mom about his drunken endeavors. I never had that kind of talk with my mom.

I hope that Pop is feeling better now. If he stays away from the gulf to long the fish might become bored, not having the fun of stealing all his bait. That wouldn’t do, on account of that I expect him to keep them entertained and well fed so that they will be big, fat, and happy with their lot when I come back to catch them.

I think the Runt would be crazy not to take this chance. He should have been striking for his rate long ago.

Guess I’ll have to close this deal for now. I know that this is short, but I have written three letters to you this week and have exhausted all my pertinent information. Nothing has happened since I wrote last which is worthy of mention. I’m still getting along fine, as usual. Give the family my love and write soon!!

Lots of love

Johnnamus

It is almost 1945. I know our Lieutenant is safe for now but can he stay that way? Tune in for the next post.

Until next time friends

3 Comments

Posted in Lt. John T. Roberts, World War II | Tags: 1944, letters home, Lt. John T. Roberts, Pacific Theater, World War II, WWII

Posted by: notsofancynancy | November 5, 2023

12 Lt. John T. Roberts

US Armada moving towards Leyte Island October 1944

According to Britania, the battle of Leyte took place October 23-26, 1945. It gave the Allies control of the Pacific. It did come with a price. According to Wikipedia there were 3,000 casualties, 12 ships, 1 light carrier, 2 escort carriers, 2 destroyer’s, 2 escort destroyer’s sunk. 1 Pat boat damaged, and we lost 255 planes. Not bad if you compare it with Japan’s losses. They had 12,000 casualties. For more of their stats you can click on the blue text.

Lt. Roberts is still safe on Oahu.

22 October

Oahu, I.H.

Dear Mother,

Received your letter yesterday so tonight I guess I’d best answer it on account of that I don’t expect to have a whole lot of time for writing this coming week. As for the number of letters I write, you can always expect to get an answer to everyone that you write. The mail situation is certainly lousy over here now. I received one letter this week and I’m answering it now. That’s one of the few ways I have for making the night pass faster. Gives me something to do. When I don’t have any letters to answer I have to find something else to do. I’ve seen three shows this week about as many as I saw about three months proceeding. I haven’t seen Buckner as yet. Don’t know which island he’s on but maybe I’ll get in touch with him sometime.

I hope that the team can come through with the goods this year. I’d really like to see them make it.

How is the clan coming along? Is Jean still sure that she is going to have twins? That is for the fowl. Are the kids over the sore eyes yet?

This is a short letter but I’d best close for now. I hope you’ve received that V-Mail I wrote last Sunday. Give the family my love & write soon. It’s the sack for me.

Lots of love

Johnnamus

A short but sweet letter. I have to believe that during this time the troops are training.

29 October

Oahu, I.H.

Received your letter yesterday, so I here I am again, strictly on the beam. This past week we spent in the field so if your letter came during the week, I wouldn’t have been able to answer it. I was kind of worried about that storm. The Honolulu paper carried an article on it which said that the center of the storm was heading directly at Fort Meyers. I guess it did raise some cain [sic] at the beach. They usually do. Hated to hear that the pier back of the Royal Palm was washed down. One more Famous landmark gone. Don’t guess I recognize anything but the bridge and the island.

In October 1944 the Cuba-Florida Category 4 Cyclone first landed in Cuba, and it turned into a category 4 hurricane. It then went on to hit Sarasota, Florida on October 18,1944, as a category 2. The thing that had the most damage in Florida was to the citrus crop. That is not saying other things were not damaged, they were. The damage was reported to be over 70 billion dollars.

I received a letter from Helen Ruth in which she said that she had received the picture, and also that she was going to write to you. Thanks Pal!

Glad to hear that Bill come out of it O.K. Guess that he is lucky to be able to get out of it and get home.

I haven’t heard from Dit at all. It’s too bad that he didn’t have longer here. We could have had a time.

I haven’t fully decided as to whether or not I’ll go to school when this thing is over. I think that the war is good for at least eighteen months to two years yet, and I think it’s a little early to be deciding a point like that. Spect [sic] that I would like to go sailing again. Haven’t been in a sail boat since nineteen forty-one.

I hope you have mailed that money order. I’d kind of like to start some Christmas shopping. This place burns me up. You pay two prices for everything you buy off post. Well, this is war! Things remain the same here so there is no news. Late, and sack time. So, guess I’ll hit it. Give everyone my love and write soon.

Lots of Love,

Johnnamus

I think that one sentence says it all. “Well, this is war!”

Until next time

11 Lt. John T. Roberts

There is a lot of fighting going on as we weave our way to obtain a foothold to overtake Japan. Lt. Roberts remains safe on Oahu.

9 October

Dear Mother,

I got your letter of September Thirtieth today, just as I was settled down to a long wait with no mail. It looked as though mail has stopped coming for a while. For a few days I was getting about a letter a day.

It looks as though pretty soon all of the females and their off springs will be back under the same roof, or at least in the same town. For a change. Wouldn’t it be something for all seven of us kids to get home at the same time for just once. That would certain be grounds for a celebration.

Wait just a minute! Finally a glimpse into Lt. Roberts home life. If there are 7 siblings and our Leiuteinet is one of the oldest that just may tell us who the “kids” are. Seven kids is a big family but not so much, from back then. My dad’s mom had twelve kids.

I wrote to the runt soon after I hit this rock, but [sic] haven’t received an answer yet. I think that he should have my address. I hope Jimmy makes out all right when he opens up. I don’t see why he shouldn’t. He certainly had the ability, and a reputation to boot. Thats all it takes. If he makes out alright in these times, when people can’t use their cars much, he should really go to town when this thing is over.

I am truly sorry to hear about “Teach.” I guess it did kind of knock old Doc for a loss. I don’t remember whether I’ve mentioned it before or not, but in my opinion, she married a swell guy. If you remember he and I took the same plane out of Ft. Myers. We both had quite a wait in New Orleans. We talked quite a while. I am a firm believer in first impressions, and I thought that he was an all right [sic] guy. “Sgt.” sent me a program of the game. I hope those guys can keep it up. I’d like to see them win the championships this year. When I was in school we were runners up for three years, but never could get over the hump. Speaking of the “Sot,” there is an all night gal. One in a million, strictly!

I don’t remember whether or not I wrote about it (Gad! what a memory!) but I received a letter from Dit almost a week ago. He seemed to be anxious to get the big jump over with. I don’t blame him. Waiting definitely is not good.

Dit can stay in the Army as long as he likes. personally, I have enough. I have tentatively made up my mind that I am going back to school when this is over. I don’t know how familiar you are with the Bill of Rights but it’s O.K. it will help a lot of the guys including me. Unless I have misinterpreted the thing. There is a passage in it that may give me four years of college, with a five hundred dollar a year for tuition and fifty a month for incidental expenses. Sounds good.

In June of 1944 President Roosevelt realize that when the war was over there would be 15 million men and women who had been serving in WWII that would be unemployed, when they got home. In order to help stop the US from going into another depression he signed new act into law. Having passed uncontested through congress it became known as the G.I. Bill and provided soldiers with funds for college, unemployment, and help with purchasing homes. With this act my dad was able to purchase our home. That home stayed in our family until just a few years ago.

Well, this is about all for now. Oh yes, there is one more thing. You didn’t say anything about sending the picture to Helen Ruth. How about it? Give my love to everyone and write soon.

Lots of Love

Johnnamus

According to Britannica “October 17-18 American Forces seized offshore outlets in Leyte gulf. On October 20th they landed four divisions on the road on east coast of Leyte.”

Thankfully out Leiuteinet was safely on Oahu.

15 October

Oahu, IH

Dear Mother,

I received your letter last night, so I guess I’d best answer it tonight and get it on its way tomorrow.

I guess that the kids will be going through all the childhood illnesses within the next two years nothing to get worried about though.

I haven’t received the package yet, but should within the next few years, I mean days. The reason I put down years down is because I was thinking that I have, within the past four years missed four Christmases, and this makes the fifth one. It’s just another day the Army, so what’s the use of recognizing it? The packages come two months early, to there is no help there.

It is ironic as my dad also missed 5 Christmases. My oldest sister was born January 11, 1945 while my dad was in France. It took him a week to receive the telegram saying she was born. Sadly the telegram did not tell him if it was a boy or girl. It took another month for dad to get that piece of news, so for the first month my sister was called Butch, at least on dad’s end.

I haven’t seen or heard anything from Dit since I answered his letter, so I guess that he didn’t hit here or if he did, he didn’t stay long enough to call me. Too bad.

Nope, there is nothing serious between Helen Ruth and me. Thanks for sending the picture to her. She said she is going to send one of herself to me, but if she had sent it I haven’t received it as of yet. She is one of the nicest girls I have ever known, and she has one of the sweetest faces that I have ever seen. It’s too bad she has that bad leg. I think that she has a good time in spite of it though.

I can’t understand my not getting the paper either, everyone else that I know who have a subscription to a paper or a magazine seems to have very little trouble with them. There may be a few issues missing once in a while, but the greater percentage come though all right. Have you asked them at the office if they know the reason? If the darn things don’t start coming through soon. I’d just as soon have it canceled, or at least don’t renew it. Dammit anyhow.

To have Jean come up with twins would be the last straw. If that happens, I think that I’ll just refuse to come home. Too many nephews and nieces.

Another glimpse into Roberts home life. I wonder if Jean is a sister or maybe a sister-in-law.

I’m going to cancel the allotment effective the first of November. I’m going to need some cash for Christmas. I expect to make it out in the same amount again about the first of January. If you think that you will need the money before I start it up again let me know. I have to have a working balance here. If anything comes up so that I’ll need some money in a hurry, I’ll really be hurting. I’d like to have a hundred and fifty or two hundred dollars in the bank to fall back on. IF I need it at any time and have it here so I can get at it in a hurry. I think that with this month’s check you will have three hundred to fall back on if you need it.

I guess that Lefty does stay kinda [sic] busy, but I think that he could write if he tried. I’m beginning to think maybe he has forgotten how. The dope.

I’m sticking some pictures and other things in the envelope along with the letter. Just throw them in with the rest of my junk. Maybe after the war I’ll sort that stuff out and burn about nine tenths of it.

Oh how I wish they were still in the envelope. But alas the envelope is empty, except for the letter.

I haven’t heard from the Runt as yet. Don’t guess the little squirt learned to write in school.

I hope that the kids get OK soon. They probably will, more than likely they’d be hard to kill with an axe.

Well, I’ve just about written out but I have three letters to write yet so I’ll close for now. Write soon, and “hi” to everyone for me.

Lots of Love

Johnnamus

With that we have two more letters transcribed. Will our Leiuteinet see war? I hope not but with the way wars go I am sure he is not out of the woods yet.

Until next time friends

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Posted in Ebay Lot, Lt. John T. Roberts, World War II | Tags: 1944, Lt. John T. Roberts, Oahu, Pacific Theater, WWII

Posted by: notsofancynancy | October 17, 2023

10 Lt. John T. Roberts

From September 17 through October 22, 1944 the Battle of Angular was in the forefront of the Pacific Theater. This was just one more step closer to Japan.

Angaur Very interesting Map. Click on the picture to make bigger

24 September

Dear Mother,

Received your letter last night so I guess I’ll answer it tonight. No telling what I’ll be doing this time tomorrow night. May take in a show. Nothing else to do around here.

How is the Runt, and also the coming “Madonna”, getting along? Tell that splinter sized twerp that in case he doesn’t remember, he owes me a letter. Of course, I realize that it takes a bit of grey matter, something that he’s a little short of, to write a letter; but maybe if he is struggling, he can squeeze up enough of it to write a page or two.

Well, well, well. Did the Runt’s wife have a bun in the oven? Is The Runt actually old enough to be married? I hope we actually find out someday.

Speaking of Hazel, Evelyn, and Alice, aren’t they married yet? If not, why not. I thought they would be by now.

I would like to have Dit’s address if you have it. If I get it I can soon find out whether or not he will be on this Island. If I find out naturally won’t be able to say anything about it until he gets here and gets located.

Does Martha know which way Preston is coming? If he comes out this way maybe, I’ll run up on him sometime.

I guess someone is having a lot of fun making bon fires out of my newspapers. So much second class mail comes to the P.O.E. that it would take a couple of Liberty Ships a week to deliver it all. That may be an exaggeration, but it’s a good illustration. They can’t possibly handle all of it. I received it better in the Figi’s than I do here.

That may be the reason he hasn’t been getting the paper. Can you imagine how big that pile would have have been? I am really not sure how big that pile was but in my mind it is as big as a mountain.

I also question Roberts being in Fiji. I have searched the internet to locate what he may have been doing in Fiji before 1944. I found this great website about the 182 Infantry who fought to win control of the Guadalcanal. They were then sent to Fiji in 1943 for “Rest and Recuperation.” It is a great site with neat pictures of their time there. It tells a much better story than I ever could. Click on the blue text above and then click on blue text throughout the text to see pictures.

All I do here on my time off is to play tennis and go swimming. Not much else.

That’s about all for now. Tell Pop to leave some fish for me. Give everyone my love and write soon.

Lots of Love

Johnnamus

Check out the return address. This is the first time I have seen Roberts not use the “Medical Attachment” in his return address. Usually it looks like this, “Med. Att., 193rd Tank Bn.” I am not really sure why this is or what has changed but, maybe he is just lazy tonight.

2 October

Oahu, I.H.

Dear Mother,

I can’t understand why you have not been hearing from me. I have answered your letters as I received them, usually on the same day, I never wait over two days at the most. I received your letter of the twenty-third and a letter from Sis Saturday night. I usually answer any letters that are on my due list on Sunday night, but last night I Broke down and went to a show. The first in quite a while.

Here is a list of just some of the movies that came out in 1944. Going My Way, Meet Me in St. Louis, Since You Went Away, Thirty Seconds Over Tokyo. We will never know what he saw but we can imagine.

I received a letter from Dit. today, it doesn’t have any postmark on it, so I don’t know where he is. It was dated the twenty-sixth, so I guess he is in Frisco. Seems to be quite positive that he will hit here, but isn’t sure how long he’ll stay. Of course, he doesn’t know for sure.

As for the red bugs, a little sulfur ointment should due the trick. We had a heck of a time with them in Louisiana in forty and forty-one.

My Dad and his Division attended the Louisiana Manauvers from October 1941 to August of that same year. I wonder if that is what the Lieutenant is talking about. Once again it reminds me of my Dad’s WWII journey. He and Roberts were both in the National Guard, mustered into the Army in 1940 and now it seems they were both at the Louisiana Training Maneuvers.

The dope you gave me on Robert Buchner isn’t so good. There are quite a few Post Exchanges on this rock. If you can get me his outfit and A.P.O., or serial number I’ll be able to find him if he is on this rock. It’s darn near impossible otherwise.

I am glad to hear about Bill Dehon. Did you ever find out anything else other than that he is O.K.? I’m not surprised at anything Louis does. Seems to me that he was born with the capacity of doing and acting the wrong way. Someday somebody’s going to put him straight. The Army is a good place for him.

Well, it’s late, so I must hit the sack. I’m fine as per usual, so there isn’t any use in worrying. Give everyone my love and write soon.

Lots of Love

Johnnamus

It seems like with every letter we learn just a little bit more about Lt. John T. Roberts. I am feeling thankful and honored to tell his story.

Until Next Time Friends

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Posted in Lt. John T. Roberts, World War II | Tags: letters home, Lt. John T. Roberts, soldier, World War II, WWII

Posted by: notsofancynancy | October 10, 2023

9 Lt. John T. Roberts

With the war in the Pacific Theater raging on, our Leiuteinet is in Oahu bored, counting days, and letters.

10 September

Dear Mother

Received your letter of the second. Also, believe it or not I received one from Jeff. That is strictly something he didn’t have a whole lot to say; not griping about his work. Mostly about the last time he was in Fort Myers and went fishing. Seems like he really enjoyed it.

I also received a letter from Moley. He is at a hospital somewhere. Came up with acute appendicitis. He has been bucking for a transfer for quite a while. Now he thinks that he may get it before to long. He wants to ship out of the west coast so, if it goes through, I may be seeing him over this way. Seems as though Diane and Dit are having a rough time. The way they go through money, three hundred and seventy-seven bucks don’t last very long. I guess they have a whole lot of fun though. I hope Dit comes this way and stops here.

How is Martha getting along? I haven’t heard from her at all since I saw her last while we were in Georgia. How are Preston and the gal getting along? Tell Martha to write sometime.

I started this letter several nights ago, but got side tracked some how. During the interval I received your letter.

Faith woman, do I read a trace of sarcasm in your praise of my efforts in the kitchen. Know that you are trifling with my good humor and be more careful next time.

I didn’t know that Nick came home again. Did he bring his wife with him? Glad to hear that he is coaching Jr. High is now. He should make a good one. Tell him hello for me if you see him.

Don’t know of anything else that I can use other than Identification bracelet. Ruth got kinda peeved at me on account of that I couldn’t tell her anything to send. She will send something in spite of all my “nay’s.” That ain’t a mule sound.

I guess by now the news of the demobilization plans have been pretty well spread around. There is one thing I want to tell you about this plan. Don’t get your hopes up about my being discharged any short time after Germany falls. Officers aren’t figured under the system published. I doubt very seriously by that I will be out until the very end. When Japan is whipped, I can say that I can come home. I will be the Army’s most surprised individual if I get out before then. Rough, but right.

In the European Theater in September of 1944 it looked like we were gaining the upper hand with Germany. With optimism the troops were thinking the war just might be over, at least there. It wasn’t but we were making headway. What Mrs. Roberts does not understand is in the Pacific Theater, the war against Japan still had a lot of fighting that needed to be done. We had not even made it to Japan yet. The battle was in outlying islands.

An SBD Dauntless flies patrol over USS Washington and USS Lexington during the Gilbert and Marshall Islands campaign, November 12, 1943An SBD Dauntless flies patrol over USS Washington and USS Lexington during the Gilbert and Marshall Islands campaign, November 12, 1943

Well, there is nothing new. here so guess that I will quit for now. Write soon and give everyone my love. I can’t see those kids going to school. Seems just a short time since they were born. I’ll bet they raise particular hell with their teachers.

Lots of Love

Johnnamus

September 1944 and we still have a long way to get through these letters. We have 45 letters to go. Will Lt. Roberts ever see war?

21 September

Dear Mother

I received your letter several days ago but am just getting around to answering it. I received it the day after I wrote to you the last time, so I decided to wait a few days.

What is Dit’s address? If I know it and he stops here, maybe I can locate him. I would certainly like to run in to him over here.

I don’t know what to say about Gordie and Marion. I never heard anything about her running around on him. Maybe it’s because I didn’t stay there long enough. How did he find out about it? Also how did he manage to get home? I guess that it has been over long enough. You aren’t kidding when you say that I don’t have that to worry about it, and I’m thankful for it.

I finally heard from Jeff. I don’t remember whether I mentioned it last time I wrote or not. I think I did, but I’m not sure. He didn’t have a whole lot to say as usual.

I guess by now the Runt and his spouse is home. How are they getting along?

I am so confused! Just when I think I have them figured out Lt. Roberts throws a wrench into my understanding. A minute ago I thought “The Runt” was his sister, now I think it may be his brother. I even went back and re-read this letter. He definitely said “The Runt and HIS spouse.” I sure hope before we get through these letters we find out who “the kids,” and “the runt” are.

I have heard from that jerk Lefty, just once since I was home. Wonder what ails him. Guess he is getting lazy or something.

I haven’t heard from Martha. Maybe one of these days she’ll get industrious and drop me a line.

By the way. I received a letter from Helen R. Ruth, and she asked for a picture of me. Can you imagine it. I warned her. The reason I mentioned it is that I want you to send her one. If you don’t have an extra one, that was taken last December, maybe, you can have one more made from the negative if Mary still has it. You can pick it. Now don’t get all excited. I’m not trying to cut in on her boyfriend. This is strictly of a friendly basis. But definitely? I don’t think that I could if I tried.

I know what you mean when you say that the kids are growing up. They won’t know me, and I won’t know them when I get home again. That will be in time to see them graduate from high school, if I’m lucky.

How are things these days? How does the “Green Wave” look this year?

When I first read this, “How does The Green Wave look this year followed by the statement below about the paper I thought he was saying that was the name of the paper, The Green Wave. Well he is not. That is the name of the football team at the high school in Fort Myers. Here is what I found;

“Fort Myers Senior High School is a public school in Fort Myers, Florida. It was opened October 19, 1911, making it one of the oldest schools in the state of Florida, and the oldest in Lee County.”

I haven’t gotten an issue of the paper for at least a couple of months, so I don’t know what gives back there. So, I guess that you are going to have to keep me posted.

News is scarce around here. Also, I have to get an early start tomorrow, so I’ll close for now. Give everyone my love, write soon and tell them to do the same.

Love,

Johnnamus

PS Helen’s address is, Jacksonville Memorial Hosp., Miami

It sure makes me wonder if Helen could, someday be a love interest. I guess we will have to read on and see what happens.

Until next time friends

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Posted in Lt. John T. Roberts, World War II | Tags: 193 Tank Battalion, 1944, Hawaii, Lt. John T. Roberts, Pacific Theater, World War II, WW II