04 October, 1943

438^th AAA AW BN

Camp Edwards, Mass

Oct 3, 1943    1600

Darling -

Even at the expense of being ‘stale’, I am at least going to start this letter but like the Five Star Final Edition I won’t seal it until tomorrow – so that I can include the latest dope.

I wrote so hurriedly this morning, dearest, I hardly remember if I put my words and thoughts together correctly. I do know I tried to tell you I loved you and will continue to. All day today I was aware of a somewhat futile feeling, a sensation of being so near you and yet not being able to see you. The battalion was restricted today as to passes; I’m still not sure about officers, and no word has come through about Der Tag. I don’t know why I seemed so indecisive Sunday when we talked about a possibility of my coming up to Holyoke. I know darling that if there’s any possible chance – that I’ll come scooting up; you can bet on that. Right now that opportunity is in the realm of fantasy. We are getting ready as if to move out on the day you already know. Everything will be turned in, packed etc. But one can never tell. It’s funny how you like to look forward to each successive isolated chance of seeing someone you care for; it’s like putting off the bitter medicine – but it’s human.

Right now, dear, I’m in our Dispensary, writing at a desk for the first time in a long while; getting soft, I guess. I keep thinking of the past few days, and how swell it was of you, Sweetheart – to come in and spend so much time with me. One thing about not knowing you over a long period of time is the fact that I can start at the beginning and relive over and over again each time we went out together, – and pleasant times they were, too, darling.

I’ve got to stop now and go over to inspect the men’s barracks, dear. I’ll write later –

Oct 4-43       0730

Wilma dear –

‘Later’ became this morning but since then I’ve spoken with you and it was a wonderful boost for a very lonesome day. I love speaking with you, too, darling and shall miss it more than I dare think.

After I spoke with you last night, dear, we stayed in our room (Charlie and I share the same room) until about 2000 – labeling some of our clothes, e.g. underwear, handkerchiefs etc. There’s a specified way of doing it, by the way – the last name’s initial, and the last 4 numbers of the serial no; so that mine reads A----. If I have anything left after the war, dear, you’ll get used to seeing the number. No – I’ll throw everything away and start fresh.

This morning I’m having my sleeping bag cleaned, but the big problem this week, dear, is laundry and dry cleaning. We hate to give anything away – because if we move out we’ll lose it. I guess we’ll have to do our own laundry – and boy – I have a bunch of it this week. Anyway – we have wash-tubs in our barracks; lucky.

Well, darling, I’ll have to stop now and do a little work. I’ve had 2 or 3 interruptions already. The boys are making plans for Wednesday nite; I’m not entering into the spirit of it – I’m afraid. They all want to know why and I tell them I’m in love. How do you like that? Anyway – if I don’t go to the movies – I’ll go stag and have a few perhaps. It’ll be right in camp, anyway.

I’m looking forward to calling you tonite dearest – and I do love you – remember that – and as I always say – HARD.  So long for now, dear and

All my love

Greg

12 October, 1943

438^th AAA AW BN

Camp Edwards, Mass

Oct. 12, 1943    0720

Dearest Wilma -

You made me laugh last night when I spoke with you, dear, but you won – showing you how strong I am in reference to you. To take some of the glory from your ‘victory’, I’ll confess to a strong desire to calling you, anyway, so don’t feel darling – that you changed my mind very much.

I was interested, dear, in your father’s calling you and what he had to say. What his reaction to your statement actually was causes me wonder. I’ll have to just wait and see. Obviously I’ve got your parents a little concerned, or you have. I do realize this however – that whenever the time came or comes for you to decide yourself – war or no war, they would probably go thru the same emotions, regardless who the fellow might be. And that’s understandable, dear, in view of your being an only child and still a youngster – in their eyes.

My own reactions, darling, are somewhat mixed. Were there no war, I know what I’d do. Having met your folks often enough to be able to speak with them freely, I believe I would tell them how much I love you, that I intend to court you until such a time as all factors would agree that we probably knew what we were doing, and then marry you. I think that would be the way to do it, don’t you, dear? The war is an awful barrier to straightforwardness, however. If I speak my mind now, I may be being very unfair to you and your future reactions. I wouldn’t want to hold you down or embarrass you in any way whatsoever after I leave. I’m gambling, in other words, that you will be around, that you will want to marry me.

So how about now then, darling? Well – your folks, despite your mother’s (I believe feigned) failure to understand me, I shall continue to love you more and more, see you until the last possible moment, keep in contact with you always. I think your folks will get the general idea. Now, don’t get me wrong, dear. I like and admire your folks very very much, and I’m not critical at all of their reactions. I understand fully, I think, how they must feel when their daughter tells them she loves a man, – any man. All parents must feel the same when a daughter speaks that way. All I will try to do in the future is to try to make them love me as they do you; for my part, I know I’m very fond of them now and I know I could easily get to love them as I do my own parents.

Well, well, well – what a dissertation! Excuse me, dear, if I stepped on touchy ground, but I feel I know you well enough to speak that way.

Last night’s Officers’ class was very interesting and informative – all about getting on and off a ship, under conditions of stress; clinging to the sides, going down nets etc. Today we go down to the Demolition area to witness the workings of Booby traps, land mines, anti-personnel mines etc. Nothing new has come in as yet – and if nothing does – I’ll be able to get off this week-end; if so – I’m a lucky guy!

Darling, I’ve got some work to do now – so I better stop. I hope to hear from you today (I didn’t yesterday). Also – I’ll look for the bars today – and if I can’t find them – don’t worry, dear, I’ll get more.

So long for now Sweetheart – and all my love

Greg.

11 October, 1943

438^th AAA AW BN

Camp Edwards, Mass

Sept 14, 1943    0905

Hello Darling -

I am now ready to sit down amidst turmoil and confusion and write you a “lengthy” epistle, dear. First – let me thank you, darling, for a wonderful week-end, every minute of which I thoroughly enjoyed. It was all the more enjoyable because it was unexpected – something extra, so to speak.

We arrived here at 0015 – after an uneventful trip. It was cold, dear, and Pete did use the blanket. Charlie came in from Philly just as I was falling off to sleep – so we bulled a little. I slept well, but before you could say “I Love You” – it was 0545 and we were off for revelry and calisthenics. I have already done a bit of work this a.m., have sent the films down the line to be developed, written a card to the folks and Stan and here I am Sweetheart. I’ve got to go to the bank soon – no not to draw money for myself, but to straighten out some details about Medical Detachment Fund, of which I am custodian. I don’t know as yet whether anything new has developed, dear, but as usual I’ll keep you posted on the latest development.

Well, darling, I’m surprised I’ve been able to get this far this a.m. I’ll close now and write tomorrow, dear. Until then – or rather until tonite when I call you – So long for now.

With Sincerest Love

Greg

Oh yes – I do Love You.

G.

08 October, 1943

438^th AAA AW BN

Camp Edwards, Mass

Oct. 8, 1943    0710

Darling -

This will not be a letter in any sense of the word; I like to think I’ll be able to see you tomorrow instead. If I don’t – there never will have been a more disappointed soldier in the Army, dear.

Not a damn definite word emanates from HQ. It is assumed that the enlisted men will be allowed to go on a pass, but the officers – ah yes! the officers – as usual get the short end of the stick.

I told Pete the arrangements we made and he’s about as anxious as I am. I assume you made reservations for dinner too, Sweetheart. If we do get off – we’ll proceed to Holyoke and stop at the Hotel to wash up and dress. I’ll call you when we arrive – if we’re late. If early, dear, we’ll change and proceed.

Now – not another word, darling – not another word – except to say I can hardly wait to see you and tell you how I feel about you. Well why doesn’t he say it! Well all right, dear – I love you tremendously and will tell you that! So long for now, dear and

All my love

Greg.

07 October, 1943

438^th AAA AW BN

Camp Edwards, Mass

Oct 7, 1943    0720

Dear Wilma -

To prove I am not a rummy, I’m writing just as early as ever. Considering the brawl last night, it is quite a feat, dear – believe me. I am in the Dispensary now and tired, mostly in the throat though. We sang and sang – and occasionally drank. Best of all was the professional entertainment that had been arranged for. It was really good.

Today should really be closing out day and all preparations are being taken to make it that way – so that if we had to move out on the appointed day – we could. Unless something comes in today, and I don’t think it can, we’re still here, Sweetheart, and I’m not angry one bit. (The battalion as a whole is, however.)

Darling, the thought of coming up to Holyoke is extremely stimulating, and I wouldn’t believe it until I actually got there. I mentioned to Pete last night that I might if I were off – and he said he wouldn’t mind going up again at all – if he could. To be perfectly frank, dear, I’d rather see you alone, but having Pete along would help make the ride considerably shorter. I’ll speak with you tonight, darling, and hear what you have to say. We can still be alone.

As I told you on the phone – I enjoyed your last letter very much, dear, for its sincerity. I hope, too, that you continue to think mine are and that you never think they’re mushy. I’ll admit that I’ve been writing in a style I’ve never used before, and sometimes I wonder myself. But I know that I’m writing what I would say to you – and I never sounded that way to you, have I? My metamorphosis thru the mail which you have noticed, Sweetheart, is only a reflection of myself, and if you like the tone – I’m glad. Certain it is, dear, that I like yours.

I’m fortunate dear in not having as many diversions as you – because I can then concentrate on my love for you. And am I doing it! Concerning bridge – I shall learn. I suppose they’ll change the game though when I get back. I’ll teach you what I know about golf, Darling, but I warn you, there’s lots of wooded sections on a golf course – and I’ll kiss you all over the place, honestly.

I didn’t think I could write this much (oh – it’s not so long) this morning. I’m going to stop now – but I did want to say I didn’t think you were redundant in your letter. And as for being your ‘dearest’ – darling that’s what I want to be always. That, of course, would make us all even. Solong for now, Sweetheart and here’s hoping I see you Saturday. All my love

to you dear

– Greg.

06 October, 1943

438^th AAA AW BN

Camp Edwards, Mass

Oct. 6, 1943    0715

Dear Sweetheart –

Again I’ll try an early start, but I know I’ll end up in a dead heat with the first out-going mail. However it’s worth it, dear, if the letters get to you early. Your letter yesterday p.m. was very sweet, dear, as are all your letters as a matter of fact. I always admired your frankness and you carry it forward in your writing. That’s good. A good many people have different styles – in speaking and writing, and that leads to artificiality. There’s one thing, Sweetheart, that I’m sure about us – and I know you long enough to be sure – there’s nothing artificial in our relationship, and I hope you feel the same way. You must, dear, or you could never react the way you do.

0835

Darling – At 0745 we had a battery commanders’ meeting and I had to attend. Several things were taken up but most important, dear, was the fact that we have not yet received anything more definite than what you already knew – and in view of the fact that a certain amount of days should be allowed beforehand, it would seem that I’ll be around a few days more, at least. As to passes etc., I still don’t know, but I honestly can’t see why we shouldn’t be allowed some time off. Of course – Saturday is Yom Kippur – but since I couldn’t get the morning off anyway – the Lord will forgive me I’m sure if I took off for your section of the country on Saturday p.m. Is this idle dreaming? I suppose so, but I see no great harm. You know dear, if I could see you again before going away, and we said our “so-longs” again – we’d really become inured to saying “farewell, until we meet again”; it’s been twice already. That alone, darling, puts me way ahead of the nearest competitor, doesn’t it?

You did please me, dear, in what you told me on the phone – and I shall enjoy reading it just as much. That I feel proud about such a reaction on your part goes almost without saying; that I feel the same way – has already been said by me. Naturally I don’t feel that you should necessarily continue to act that way; don’t get me wrong, darling; nothing would please me more; I’m merely trying to be reasonable. At any rate I’m glad you’re not going out with that doctor, whoever he is. I don’t like young doctors! As for me – I like girls, but their first names have to be Wilma, their last – B--------d; they must be Seniors at Holyoke, & live at 99 M------y Rd. Oh – and they have to be sweet and lovable, and like Salem. If I ever meet a girl like that, by gum I’ll marry her!

As I told you, dear, I saw ‘Thank Your etc.’ and “Claudia”. Both were very good. In the former – Bette Davis sings “They’re Either Too Young or Too Old” – and does a nice job. “Claudia” has some fine parts to it, with dialogue and little speeches at parts that I wish I could speak sometimes.

Tonite is party nite in our outfit. Charlie and I bought some Ron Virgin Rum and will tie one on a bit. Pauline is now in Phila. – so we’ll have ourselves to drink with.

For now, darling – that’s all. I’m looking forward to your letters and calling you – and oh! If I could only see you this week-end! It would be a long ride – but worth it. We’ll see. I’m short on gas tickets – but could probably just about make it. Solong, dear, for now and

All my love

Greg

The following was enclosed.
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03 October, 1943

438^th AAA AW BN

Camp Edwards, Mass

Oct. 3, 1943    0900

Dear Sweetheart -

If I write like fury without interruption – I may be able to get this out in this morning’s mail.

Darling – I missed you terribly after you left. I walked down about 2 cars and waited. I wanted to come back and kiss you again – but I thought it better not to – then I waited until your train pulled out and walked slowly away. My emotions could best be described as an admixture, dear – but one thing I was sure of, and that was that I knew I was deeply in love with you; I just felt like I had never felt before. It was a good feeling and one darling that will stand me in good stead for the duration I’m sure.

I called your Mother. She answered the phone and said she knew it was going to be I.

I got back to Camp at 11 p.m. or 2300 I should say. This a.m. has been terrible so far. I’ve already given a lecture 0730 – 0830 on Malaria – to the whole battalion – at one of the theaters. I haven’t seen the Col. as yet so I don’t know how much he was put out by my leaving Sat p.m. I understand everyone was around all week-end.

Dear – I’ve got to stop right now or the ambulance will leave. I’ll call you tonite dear and until then –

All my love

Greg