25 October, 1943 (2nd letter)

570^th AAA AW BN (SP)

Scorton’s Neck

Oct. 25, 1943    1610

Dearest Girl -

It’s as gray and blue a day out here as anyone who has been transferred from an old outfit to a new one has ever had to put up with. Truth to tell, dear, it’s been a very very lonesome day for me, and I keep kicking myself mentally for allowing myself to feel that way. I really felt awful this morning when I had to move my belongings to a new building and start meeting a lot of new people.

When I reported to Hq. of the 570^th I found only the remaining administrative force. The others had come down here for firing. This place is about 19 miles farther down the Cape from Edwards. It is also on a beach, but has permanent installations that are really quite comfortable. I have a really nice dispensary all for my men and myself. Right now I’m writing at a desk. I have a room and bed with sheets all to myself right in this building. The medical detachment men seem all right – those that I’ve met – and they’re glad to have an MD around after being 4 mos. without one – even if it is I, darling.

The new C.O. looks like a fossil, prematurely old. He’s very gruff, almost surly, but of course that bothers me very little. I still know more about my field than he does, and no matter how gruff they are, they all know that. As a matter of fact, dear – he may be perfectly all right when I get to know him.

I’ve met only a handful of the 40 odd officers and they seem nice enough. I’ll have to get to know them soon, dear, so that I won’t feel like an outsider. I don’t know, darling, what I would do if I didn’t know you. All day I kept bucking myself up with the pleasant thought that after all I had you and that’s what really mattered. And that’s all that really does, Sweetheart – and the longer I stay in this country, the better I’ll like it.

As regards the news about the 438^th – what I wrote you this a.m. is true and in the form of actual movement orders.

The fellows refused to say ‘good-bye’, dear – insisting that I would return. They were all swell about it. I said ‘goodbye’ again to the Col. and he, too, insisted it would be temporary. He had already spoken with Charlie – telling him to write down a list of faults in the new M.D. – so he could bring the list to the General. Charlie – in turn – refused to take over the property, etc. – and so there you are. In addition my detachment has asked to be transferred, man for man – which of course is impossible, but nevertheless was an awfully nice gesture. All these things, dear, made me feel even worse – but believe me, now that I’ve actually made the change, I hope I stay. Being near you, within frequent writing and calling distance, darling – is a wonderful thought and if I had to leave in 2 weeks, my heartache would be even worse than that of a couple of weeks ago – so dear are you becoming to me, week by week.

I’ll try my best to contact you tonite, dear. Tomorrow I won’t be able to for the following reason: although we should be coming back to Camp Tues. p.m. – we go out on an after dark problem Tuesday, leaving early evening, and setting up a first aid station under complete blackout conditions – for the benefit of a visiting inspecting team from Richmond. I’ll tell you about it when I call you tonite. But I’ll call you Wednesday at 7 pm – I’m sure.

As it looks now – we’ll be around until the first of next week when we go out on a 5 day problem similar to the one I was out on before, dear, remember? Right now – I don’t know about the week-end, but if I can get off – maybe I can ride up to you know where. How about it, darling?

I don’t know how I’ll get this out to you. Chances are it won’t be until sometime tomorrow. That’s all for now – except that I hope I don’t get re-transferred. It’s going to be nice to keep seeing you and loving you, Sweetheart.

All my love, darling

Greg.

25 October, 1943

[Note from FOURTHCHILD:
Greg left the 438th for the 570th between the 21st and the 25th.]

570^th AAA AW BN

Scorton’s Neck

Oct. 25, 1943    0745

Darling -

I’ll try to get off a few lines to you before going over to report to my new CO. He’s probably been expecting me since Sat. a.m. I’m in no hurry, dear, about that.

I arrived here at about 2200 last nite. I picked Pete up at the Statler and we stopped at my house for a minute to pick up clothes.

On arrival here I found the following news, dear – incidentally, dates and places not to be repeated – the 438th is to be at Camp Shank, Staten Island – the P.O.E. – on Nov. 8. That is definite and not just a readiness date. So there you are, darling, if I don’t get re-transferred in two weeks – I will have been snatched from the jaws.

The boys are all excited, of course. They all feel sure, by the way, that I’m going with them. Meanwhile I belong to the 570th and have to write over all property, funds etc. to Charlie – this a.m.

Sweetheart – I really must stop and get started. There’s a hundred things involved in changing outfits – and I should have done them Sat.

I’ll try to call you tonite – if I can – and if my new outfit doesn’t go out on a field problem.

The week-end was wonderful, dear, and I’m so glad that we understand each other as I think we do. It’s certainly an exciting feeling every time the thought flashes thru my mind – and it’s always flashing thru, dear.

That’s all – and so long.

All my love, dear

Greg

[P.O.E. = Point of Embarkation]

21 October, 1943

438^th AAA AW BN

Camp Edwards, Mass

Oct. 21, 1943    0720

Dear Sweetheart -

With the swiftness of the wind must I make with the pen right now – or I won’t make the early Pony Express. To wit – the Colonel and I are due at AAA headquarters at 0750 and the time seems to be flying – like the beat of my heart – for example, dear.

It was nice talking with you dear, last nite. I was kind of lonesome when I first spoke with you, but you helped me feel much better. We went directly home after I called you a second time – and got a reasonably good night’s sleep.

My throat is peculiar. It waxes and wanes from hour to hour – and I don’t know when something is going to come out or not. I’m sure it will straighten out in a day or two. At the prices they’re paying me – I’m a sucker to exert myself. I’m letting the other boys do the yelling now. All I have to do is walk around the theater and wake up the sleeping. It’s really not hard work. After the second awakening – we make them stand up for the rest of the lecture. It’s baby stuff – but it may mean a man’s life someday. It’s a sure bet – they won’t know how to take care of themselves if they’re sleeping while being told how.

How did I get on that subject, dear? Last night I believe I dreamed about us for 3-4 hours in a row. It was all one big jumble, but you were always there and the general vein of the dream was a happy one, darling.

I’m interested, dear, in what your mother had to say and how she happened to ask you to come in. I can’t wait to see you again, sweetheart, whenever it is. It’s already Thursday and no news, so I think everything is all set.

Darling I’ll have to close now. Here’s looking forward to seeing you very soon and giving you something more material than just written love. Until then, dear

All my love

Greg

20 October, 1943 (Postcard)

CLICK ON IMAGE TO ENLARGE

Written upon arrival home from the Coonamessett Club

"Coonamessett Club, Hatchville, Near Falmouth, Mass."


* TIDBIT *

about The Coonamessett Club

Hatchville is one of eight named villages within the incorporated town of Falmouth, Massachusetts. Beginning in 1917, under Directors Charles Crane, Richard Crane, Wilfrid Wheeler and the Leatherbee brothers, farming began on the improved Chadwick farm site at the north end of the 158-acre Coonamessett Pond, in Hatchville. The Chadwick farmhouse was converted in 1926 to the Coonamessett Inn, with ten overnight rooms and dining facilities. By 1933 the Resort had an eighteen-hole golf course and clubhouse, a polo field, tennis courts, riding stable, an airport on the north side of Coonamessett Road, and seaplanes on Coonamessett Pond.

Charles Cranes' children, Frances A. Crane and her brother John O. Crane built 25 pre-fabricated, heated cottages near the Inn in February, 1941. And four months later, on the east side of Coonamessett Pond they built the Coonamessett Club, which was filled with servicemen for nearly three years. The popular Club was a big New England barn replete with dance floor/skating rink, bowling alleys, game room, dining room and lounge. In 1949, the Club was transformed into the 650-seat Falmouth Playhouse for summer stock productions. The Falmouth Playhouse was still a popular nightspot until destroyed by fire in February 1994.

20 October, 1943

438^th AAA AW BN

Camp Edwards, Mass

Oct. 20, 1943    0800

Dear Sweetheart –

Again it was wonderful talking with you, dear, although seeing you in person is oh – so much better. I had just come back from the movies when I called you. The picture, by the way, was rancid – “Tornado”, and should have been swept away while being made. At any rate it helped kill a couple of hours, dear.

I enjoyed your letter very much, too, darling – and it was a longie at that; I’m glad that you feel certain, dear, about me. That’s what I’ve been waiting to hear from you – and I know also that my own love for you is deep, sincere and will be everlasting. I’m as positive about that, darling, as I’ve ever been of anything important in my life so far.

The making of your record, dear, sounded amusing and I know you’re being modest when you compare your voice to that of Marjorie Mills. I’m sure it’s more like Lyn Fontaine or Gertrude Lawrence. However – if it is in fact like Marj. Mills’ voice – “Well, dear,” he said with his tongue in his cheek, “Marj. Mills’ voice is the sweetest on the radio.” Well, now that I got that out of my system, I can go on.

I shall be glad to meet the fellow you mentioned, dear, and do whatever I can to help him if he needs help. I’m particularly anxious to see whether he shakes. (You called him jerky.)

Today, dear, is just another day except that it’s Wednesday and we have no classes. That means that Charlie W., Pete, Bill S., Bruce S. and one or two others will go down to the Coon Club, have dinner, a few Martinis and spend a quiet evening. We usually return about 2300. It’s good relaxation.

Incidentally, darling, I was amused at your calling me ‘conservative’. I can be as radical, unconventional, (I could even add immoral) as anyone I know. I know I’ve been somewhat conservative with you, but I want you to be aware of my capabilities (or shortcomings). As for coming down to Edwards, dear, – I would love to have you spend the week-end with me; – I guess you know that. I object only to the inconvenience to you in getting here and leaving here. The connections are really very poor. I’d much rather meet you in Providence, for that matter – but that also presents problems of one sort or another. As a matter of fact – I’d just as soon go up to Holyoke – and this time – alone. We could really be together, by ourselves – and for the greatest length of time. I don’t mind the drive at all. If there’s any doubt in your mind at all about your going home – tell me, Sweetheart – and we’ll spend the week-end together in Holyoke. I know my folks won’t mind as long as I tell them I’m spending the week-end with you. Think it over, dear, and anything you say is fine with me.

Darling – I’ll stop now. It’s 0845 – with all the delays etc. and I want to get his off. I’ll call you this evening and I’m just hoping nothing new develops. Keep your fingers crossed.

So long for now and

All my love

Greg

19 October, 1943

438^th AAA AW BN

Camp Edwards, Mass

Oct. 19, 1943    0715

Dearest Girl –

It is now 0755. I got as far as the salutation and then had to see a few sick soldiers. I’m back at my desk again, dear, and will try to write fast enough to get this out in the early mail.

It was swell talking with you, darling, as it always is of course – but somehow or other, each week-end has brought us closer together, and the last week-end was certainly no hindrance. It’s been steady and gradual, and I think – sensible. So that I can’t help but experience a sense of responsibility, possession, – a “you-belong-to-me” feeling. You don’t mind, dear, do you? I hope you feel the same about me.

Ordinarily – today and yesterday would have been dull and gray. It’s raining a steady drizzle, but I don’t feel blue or lonesome, at all, dear – and I have you to thank for that.

Last night, as I told you, dear – a hike was canceled because of rain. A couple of us went to the movies at 2000. We saw “Girl Crazy” with M. Rooney and J. Garland. It was a typical musical – featuring old songs by the Gershwin Brothers. It was pretty good and had a fair amount of laughs.

I climbed into bed about 2215 and couldn’t (or wouldn’t) fall asleep. You’re really cutting down on my sleep, darling, because not only do I stay awake thinking, but I find myself waking up in the early hours of the morning – and I start where I left off the night before. But I wouldn’t miss it for anything dear.

Today – more lecturing, checking up, presenting a few cases before the C.D.D. Board (Certificate of Disability Discharge). I expect we’ll go on the hike tonite – if it stops raining.

Again, darling, no news so far this morning, and I don’t want to be quoted – but I’d just as soon never get any. But I’m afraid, dear – that the war wouldn’t be won that way. My only hope is that it won’t be as long as some of the pessimists indicate it might be. I want to come back to those I love (Oh – what a prominent place you occupy, dearest!) and get started on life with you. You know, dear – I never proposed to you formally, and I don’t think I ever will have to. But it seems to me that after going out with you about the 3rd time – I felt I’d like to marry you, and as I recall it – I told you so – in one way or another – I never dreamed, really, that I could encroach on your life, I never thought I would be so fortunate as to win your love. I’m a very lucky guy and I’m very very happy dear. I see no reason why everything shouldn’t work out the way we want it to, God-willing. Anyway I pray for it every night, and I feel that although I haven’t been the best man in the Lord’s eyes I can’t be very bad fundamentally – and that therefore my prayers will be answered.

Well, Sweetheart – I’d better stop and get this mailed. I’ll call you at 2200 tonite and I do love you more and more each day, dear.

My deepest love

Greg.

18 October, 1943

438^th AAA AW BN

Camp Edwards, Mass

Oct. 18, 1943    0620

Darling Wilma -

I like to put ‘Wilma’, after ‘darling’. You know why? That’s so I can write ‘darling’ with a capital letter. That’s perfectly clear, now – I hope.

Well, Sweetheart – I came close to calling you at school last night, just to say ‘hello!’ I know I had seen you a good part of the day, etc. – but I felt very happy and wanted to tell you so. But for the life of me – when 1000-1015 came along – I found I had a half dollar, two dimes – and no more change . No one else was in the barracks, and of course – there isn’t a thing open in camp at that hour. I was almost tempted to reverse the charge – but thought better of that plan immediately. Anyway, dear, I felt like talking with you.

This past week-end, dearest, was wonderful in every respect and seemed to be a natural culmination of what we both want. Nothing pleases a fellow who loves a girl (and I do love you, dear) more than to know that besides the love of the girl – he has at least the respect of her folks, and to know that your folks don’t object to me, not passively as before, but actively, naturally is what I wanted most, next to your love. I know they won’t be sorry.

I took my time going back, dear, and as I’ve said, found no one here. From what I gathered so far this a.m. (and it’s not much – as you can see by the hour) – nothing new has come up. But oh, darling, it’s going to be so difficult when something does turn up. I hate to think of it, especially when I know it’s so near.

I haven’t gone to breakfast as yet. There’s no one in the dispensary right now – and I thought I could commune with you in writing more quietly now, than later. Also at 0800 I have an appointment at the Dental clinic to have my teeth cleaned. I have broken this – or other appointments, rather – on 3 occasions, so I’m going to try to make this one today. I don’t have to lecture until 1300 – so I’m all set for the morning.

Darling, at the cost of repeating myself (as lovers do, I think – and I can see why) I want to tell you again that I’m very very happy that things have worked out as they have, that I love you and find my love returned, that you like my folks, and they you – and about your folks, too. All these things I will have to think about in days when I can do nothing but think – and the thoughts will help carry me through, I know.

I’ll call you tonight, darling, and I hope dear that your cold is much better! That’s all for now, dear and remember you’ll always have my deepest and sincerest love.

Greg