16 September, 1943

438^th AAA AW BN

Camp Edwards, Mass

Sept 16 - 1943    0815

Dear –

This is just to have you get some mail Friday a.m. In view of the fact that I intend calling you this evening I shall not go into detail about my activities as of yesterday.

My! My! That was quite a business-like introductory paragraph, wasn’t it? All right, I’ll be more personal. By the way, dear, I didn’t hear from you yesterday – so I hope to today. Yesterday was a bad day here, as I’ve already implied. Charlie went to Wellfleet and I had to do the physicals alone. I was punch-drunk by 2 p.m.

This a.m. I have a crowd waiting for me at Bldg 1145 – up the road a piece – you know I wanted to jot down a few lines to let you know dear that I was thinking of you.

Everything at the present time looks to be all set for Saturday noon – so watch out. Hope you have reservations – so we can drive right to them and clean up a bit. Will find out tonight, I guess. I’m writing faster and faster and if I didn’t take the time to write these last couple of lines, just think, dear – I might have been on my way – but not me. I hate to waste paper – so I looks outside & tells them to wait (historical present is always more dramatic the Greeks always said) and anyway here I am when I should be there – and, so, dear, without further ado I think I’ll say adieu for now – if you’ll only excuse me – huh?

Really, dear – I can’t wait until Saturday and – well never mind for now. Here’s the bottom of the page and I must be off.

So long dear and

      Love

         Greg

15 September, 1943

438^th AAA AW BN

Camp Edwards, Mass

Sept 15, 1943    0715

Wilma dear –

To put it mildly, Noah and his party were in a drizzle compared to what the heavens are giving us this morning down here on the Cape. The Stygian cave was a ball-room compared to the light in our medical tent and all in all it is the wettest, messiest day we’ve had on the field since Christ was a Corporal.

If this letter stays dry dear, I’ll be surprised, but I’ll try to get a few lines out this a.m. before I go to work. I’ve heard from you very regularly this week, dear – once the week got started. It’s really been wonderful to look forward to a certain letter & then to get it. Your account of the early days of a college semester brings back many fond memories to me, dear, and it makes me realize that when this is all over and things develop as I hope they do – that we’ll have so many many enjoyable things to talk about. There’s still a thousand things or incidents for each of us to tell the other about ourselves. Do you agree? Of course, dear, it may take me alone 6-8 years to tell you some of the things about myself, but we could take that in stride, dear, couldn’t we? Or even call a truce, I suppose.

Whatever got me on that track? I’d better hurry it I want to get this out. Yesterday was just another day & as is usual – in the evening we went to the movies. I was surprised. We take in every show, regardless, & last nite Skelton in “I Dood It” was the picture. Well his program & he always made me sick; also his previous pictures. Last night’s was surprisingly funny in parts and altogether it made a light, if pointless, comedy.

Your Latin teacher sounds interesting, even though the amount of Latin you learn seems questionable. But I found when I was at school that it wasn’t the course that counted, but the person giving it. If you can pick up an education by broad discussion, spontaneous reading, and unregimented thought – I think you get a background that lasts.

Dear – I’ve rambled a bit but there’s a good bit going on in the tent this a.m. in the line of distraction. I’ve got to run along now – but let me say again the week is very slow for me. Oh – thanks for the invitation of the 25^th. Naturally dear – I want to be counted in if you’re going. That’s all, dear, for now. So long

And + + + Love

Greg

P.S. The + = plus & not a kiss which I
believe should never be represented
except in the material.
        G.

14 September, 1943

438^th AAA AW BN

Camp Edwards, Mass

Sept 14, 1943    0905

Wilma dear –

I’m sitting around the tent stove this morning, smoking and relaxing – today being a much more restful day than yesterday. I didn’t hear from you yesterday, dear, but no doubt I will today. (Here comes my coke and Herald.) That’s routine by the way when the ambulance returns from the hospital each morning.

Last evening, after officers’ school – a couple of us went to a GI movie on the post and saw ‘My Kingdom for a Cook’, with Charles Coburn and a couple of others. It was a fair comedy, nothing more. We got out at 2200 and I went to bed shortly afterward.

This morning I’ve got a few administrative things to take care of and in the p.m. we’re going to do some final physicals. News came in that our machine gunners had another allotment of ammunition (60,000 rounds) and that we would have to go to Wellfleet again – Wednesday. I was quite disconcerted at this but on further investigation (I sometimes do S₂ work) I find that 1) only part of the battalion will go 2) there probably will be another battalion out there with its M.D. who will cover us – and 3) even if that is not so, we would only be gone for 2 days. Well naturally, dear – I felt better. Now all I have to do is get someone to cover me for the week-end and I’ll be all set.

On sick-call today I questioned a couple of boys who came from Springfield & who drive home occasionally. I figured they knew as short a way as any. Well I only held the line up for 15-20 minutes but I managed to learn that the best way to go from here is thru Providence, thence to Putnam, Conn. --> Sturbridge etc.  According to one of the boys it’s only about 125 miles that way. By Boston – it would be nearer 150 –

By now dear you must be having regular classes, with 10 minute breaks, a quick smoke, books under your arms, sweater & skirt and everything that goes to make college life what it is. Boy how I envy you! Enjoy a little of it for me, will you dear?

I still plan to call you 7:30 p.m. Thursday. If there’s a delay it will be due to congested lines. I’ll start about 7:20. Right now, dear, I have to go inspect kitchens and make a few other attempts at earning my pay. So until later on dear – I’ll say solong for now. I’ll be seeing you soon I hope.

My love

Greg

13 September, 1943

This post card was written early in the morning, followed by a letter later in the morning. The front of the postcard was edited to remove last names...

CLICK ON IMAGES TO ENLARGE

438^th AAA AW BN

Camp Edwards, Mass

Sept 13, 1943      1045

Dearest Wilma -

With some more skin off both knees and elbows I’m finally back and clean enough to write you. This was a different infiltration course, supposedly more difficult – so I tried it. It wasn’t bad except for the dynamite charges. One went off right next to my right ear. It shook my helmet, head and body but didn’t do any more. We all had headaches when we got thru.

We then had a competitive road test and physical endurance problem – and I’m through with that. I’m afraid dear my physical status is being developed more than my mental. Anyway, I’m too late for the dentist today & will go tomorrow.

In the way of medical work for the next several days is the question of examining every man in the battalion for question of overseas duty. The P.O.E. surgeon does not examine men now. It’s all left up to us. Aside from all that, I’m left with my thoughts too, dear.

Well, to go back over the week-end, Pete and I spent Saturday nite together in a syncopated movement i.e. from bar to bar. But I got home about 12:45 a.m. or should I write 0045.

Sunday a.m. I lolled around, dug out my clarinet & managed to squeak out “People Will Say etc”; also “You’ll Never Know etc.” About 4 p.m. I met Pete at the Copley, had a quick martini (very dry – & I had to ask for an olive!) and headed for, guess where – yes – Salem. I had heard that Dr. Finnegan was ill & I wanted to see him. He was about to be discharged from the hospital the next day, having had a bout of infectious jaundice.

Mrs. Tucker’s was the next stop & she was in, as was Barbara too. The next thing after saying ‘hello’ – was to inquire as to who you were, etc. Maude had mentioned you – No, dear, I didn’t say you were my cousin – Oh – and Mrs. Tucker gave me $17 (seventeen) dollars in cash some patient brought in – apparently a balance from a tonsillectomy I had done on a kiddo.

After that I saw the Kerrs, elder & younger. The younger, Ethel, also wanted to know more about you, thought you were very sweet, regular, and wanted you to come down again. The child’s operation is so far successful, by the way.

We then headed for Boston & Edwards & got in at 11:30.

Calling you Saturday, dear, was indeed a pleasure. I didn’t know whether I should or not, but I’m glad I did. Barring any unforeseen at this moment complications – I’m looking forward to driving up this week-end. Peterson is a swell guy and you’ll like him. He’s Catholic, although I don’t think it matters particularly whom you get for him as long as she’s nice. If we go – we’ll leave at noon and I suppose it will take all of 5 hours to get there. If there’s a decent hotel around, get us a room with twin beds, unless it is customary to stay some other place.

Your letters, dear, have been very sweet and very welcome. I certainly enjoy hearing from you and believe me, dear, I appreciate and look forward to every one of your letters. The Germans had a way of expressing that feeling in the phrase “Ich ache mit Freude an” – Concerning my letters to you dear, I want you to know that I certainly enjoy writing to you and shall continue to do so as frequently as I can as long as you want me to. Remember always that if there’s ever a lapse it will be due to circumstances beyond my control. Right now there shouldn’t be many lapses, but unfortunately I understand that often from overseas – letters come in bunches rather than spaced. I guess I’ll have to use a number system on the outside of the envelope so you’ll know the correct order. We’ll see

I’m glad, dear, the girls like the bars and I’m proud that you’re wearing them. As for the girls calling you ‘Greg’ – that’s something else again. Anyway it makes me feel very well.

S o here I am near the end of the letter and I haven’t told you how much I’ve missed you in the short time that you’ve been gone. Since I’ve met you, dear – this is actually the longest time between seeing you. But you must know that I miss you, you must gather it in everything I say and write. If you do – there must exist a bond between us and if that is so – why – I’m happy. Solong for now, dear – I’ll write soon and really, you have my

Love

Greg

11 September, 1943

438^th AAA AW BN

Camp Edwards, Mass

Sept 11, 1943    1010

Wilma dear -

Last nite I was very very blue. I’d have given a lot to see you or even talk with you. I was half tempted to call you about 8 o’clock or so but I wasn’t sure whether you’d be in or not. We got in from Wellfleet about 2300 Thursday nite and starting with Friday a.m. – it’s been a three ring circus here. I guess we’re pretty hot as they say in the army, and there’s a lot of things to get done before we move out of here. I’ve got a fair idea of where we’re going – but I can’t write about it. I’ll tell you when I see you next, dear.

Here it is Saturday a.m. and I don’t care whether I go off this noon or not. I got a card from Stan stating he has a date with Shirley after work tonite & that they’d be glad to have me join them. Some how I don’t feel like doing that. Your absence would be all the more apparent to me. I guess I’ll just hang around. One of the boys is coming in to Boston and I may stag it around with him. He’s from Omaha & has never been to Boston. No, he’s not Jewish, dear.

The last letter I received from you stated you wouldn’t be home until the 25^th. I hope you change your mind.

I certainly will call your folks when I get in. I’ll tell you a secret, – I had half a mind to do so anyway. All traces of my cold are gone now, dear and it’s a shame I can’t do anything about it this week-end – if you know what I mean – If we can ever get this war over with in due time, I’ll have a lot of catching up to do.

I’m glad about Sinatra, dear, really I am. He’s tough competition and I sometimes become afraid. Your reassurance makes me feel like singing right now, but there’s no one to sing to. I’ll just practice anyway.

By now you must be all matriculated, or some such thing. I wish I could be up there with you. Maybe I’ll get a chance to visit.

Well – I’ve got to go back camp; give a few more inoculations. I’m in the cab of a 2½ ton truck right now. (I always like to get some Romantic spot when I write you, dear.) Hope to hear from you later this morning and I plan to mail this soon so that forsooth this may reach you Monday a.m. Until I write again, so long, dear, and remember – I’m thinking of you.

Love

Greg

08 September, 1943

438^th AAA AW BN

Wellfleet, Mass

Sept 8, 1943      8:15 pm

Wilma dear,

It was swell talking with you a while ago. I knew of course Monday that I would call you Wednesday evening but I never like to say I’ll do something only to find myself unable to do it. I’m never sure when I can break away and get to a phone.

I got your letter about 6 p.m. and it helped cheer me up. As I told you on the phone, I was sort of gloomy most of the day although I had received two letters earlier. One was from Col. Pereira in El Paso, the other from a Capt. Johnson, now at a Camp in California, formerly adjutant of our outfit, and a swell guy. Incidentally, Col. Pereira has already been to Juarez and says that nice thick steaks sell for one dollar. Boy! That’s were we should go Saturday nights. Also, – tequila flows like water.

I’m sorry I sounded so final in my first letter this week, dear. As you now know, that was the farthest thing from my mind. I like the way you have the weeks figured out. In my own mind I did the same, but of course I didn’t know your plans. As for coming up to Holyoke, I’d love it but I’ll have to talk it over with you in more detail when I see you, dear. Certain it is that I want to see you as much as I can before I leave. Dammit I was anxious to go over a short while ago and now I feel differently. What will the distance do to us I wonder? I’m a little bit afraid, dear. I just hope it won’t be too long.

As for your being mushy – no. I’m glad you’re pleased at the thought that I think of you often. Lord knows I do; and it was a nice thing to say – that you are tempted to write more often. Your address, dear, I know, and I guess you’ll find I’ll write you at the slightest provocation, if you’ll excuse the word. There’ll be a pause, no doubt, between my leaving the Point of Embarkation and arrival at our destination, but I’ll make up for it. When we get to a P.O.E. we are allowed to write, but no letter goes out until it is certain that the convoy has arrived. That will be the time dear when you’ll have to be patient. What a Hell of a thing a war is and why should we have to live thru one? Maybe our lives will be all the richer for it, who knows?

The light is getting my eyes again, dear, so I’ll stop soon. I won’t seal this though because I may have a chance to write a few lines in the a.m. There’s no chance, of course, of this going out tonite. By the way, if my letters sometimes get to you with smooches – you’ll understand won’t you dear? Conditions aren’t the best for neat writing. Goodnight for now, dear

Thursday a.m.     6:30

Good morning dear –

The fog is clearing fast and I believe we’ll be able to fire. I think I told you that we had to go in Wed. night regardless. Well as usual there was a change – and we ought to be going back Friday.

I got into bed right after finishing writing you and it was pleasant falling asleep with my thoughts on the same subject, so to speak.

Sick call has started already and the usual number is here. I thought I’d finish this up now and run it down with the ambulance to So. Wellfleet. Mail leaves there at 7:30 a.m.

So I’ll stop now, dear – hoping to hear from you today and if not – hoping you’re thinking of me anyway. So long dear and

Love

Greg

07 September, 1943

438^th AAA AW BN

Wellfleet, Mass

Sept 7, 1943    1915

Dear Girl -

I got your very sweet letter this p.m. and enjoyed it very much. It was considerate and thoughtful, and I like that.

It’s a little after 7 in the evening and darkness is settling fast down here on the beach. I’m in the Medical tent, one of the boys has just lighted the lamp, our banjoist is strumming hill-billy songs – and all in all I’m in a rather sentimental mood myself. I’ve been thinking all day about the past two months and how a seemingly gloomy summer turned out to be a very enjoyable one for me; I’ve been thinking how each week I’ve looked forward to the coming week-end with great zest and expectation; and today I couldn’t help but feel that the coming week-end would be a rather empty one with you not in Boston. But your leaving town doesn’t mean my losing contact with you, dear, and that’s a consolation.

Your concern about my health is very sweet. I guess a fellow likes nothing better than to know someone cares how he is – particularly if that someone is the right kind of girl. I really am cured of illness sans any particular treatment except rest and sleep. I got to my tent about 9:30 p.m. and a short time later I was fast asleep. Tonight I’ll go to sleep equally early and I’ll be a rip snortin’ soldier by morning.

Due to some general inspection of equipment by an Inspector General on Thursday morning, it seems that whether we’re thru firing or not, we will move back late Wednesday night. This should be our last trip out to this place and I won’t be particularly sorry.

I almost forgot to mention the subject of socks, darn it. What made you think about that, dear? Of course you know I’d wear them, regulation or not. Your “drawing” was intriguing. It so happens I know what cable means, otherwise I’m sure your sketch would have suggested a sock with a run in it. Really, though, are you sure it won’t be too much trouble? If not, I’d love to have them – size 11 and thanks!

Your mention of lack of interest in a certain date, left me with considerable food for thought, dear – and the thought, whatever your reasons, was pleasant. I wish I were out of the Army so that I could see you so many nights in a week you wouldn’t have time to go out with anyone else, dear – but that’s another thing that will have to wait – I mean, of course, my attempt at it.

This place is starting to fill up and it’s getting more and more difficult to concentrate. By writing this tonite I’ll be able to get this off in the a.m. but I’ll mail it to school anyway, I guess.

By the way – Charlie sends his regards and thanks you for yours. This will be all for tonight, dear. I’ll write again soon and again – good luck in your coming school year. Solong, dear.

Love

Greg

Note from FOURTH CHILD: Unless noted, letters now sent to: Wilder Hall, Mount Holyoke College, So. Hadley, MA