21 March, 1944

No letter today. Just this:

* TIDBIT *

about the 1944 Eruption of Mount Vesuvius

Mount Vesuvius last erupted between March 18-23, 1944. At the time of the eruption, the United States Army Air Force (USAAF) 340th Bombardment Group was based at Pompeii Airfield near Terzigno, Italy, just a few kilometers from the eastern base of the mountain. The tephra and hot ash damaged the fabric control surfaces, the engines, the Plexiglass windshields and the gun turrets of the 340th's B-25 Mitchell medium bombers. Estimates ranged from 78 to 88 aircraft destroyed.

Dr. Leander K. Powers served in Italy during World War II and his diary provides an interesting chronology of the March 1944 eruption:

Saturday, March 17, 1944
"While we were just finishing supper, someone called to say there were huge red streams of lava flowing down the sides of Mount Vesuvius. It was a sight to behold. Never had we seen such at night — usually a faint red glow at the most. As we watched the streams, like giant fingers flowing down the sides, we could see a glow in the sky. All during the night and Sunday there were quakes of the earth with tremendous roars - similar to thunder - from Vesuvius. The windows rattled, and the entire building vibrated."

Sunday, March 18, 1944
"On Sunday night, the roars became more frequent and grumbled like a lion’s roar. Streams of fire were shooting thousands of feet into the air, and the countryside was lit up for miles around. Oft times the entire top of the mountain looked as if it were a blazing inferno. It’s really uncanny, yet amazing to look at this phenomenon. The vibrations of the building were truly uncomfortable."

Monday, March 19, 1944
"I learned that a stream of lava was flowing down the side toward Naples, so we rode over to see it. It was the most phenomenal thing I have ever witnessed. A huge mass of fiery coals some 20 feet high and 200 yards wide destroying everything in its path. There were many people evacuating their homes, which we saw destroyed as the lava pressed on. At night, the sky and countryside was bright for miles around. Flames were shooting into the sky for thousands of feet."

Tuesday, March 20, 1944
"Tuesday night, the entire town vibrated, and there was a roar almost unexplainable. Lava rocks could be seen all over the mountainside."

Wednesday, March 21, 1944
"Wednesday morning, we could see smoke boiling from the crater for miles into the sky. This continued all the afternoon. We heard that the road to Salerno was covered with cinders and traffic was greatly impeded."

Dana Craig from the 486th Bombardment Squadron of the 340th Bombardment Group experienced the eruption of Mount Vesuvius first-hand:

"I'm assuming that your March 22nd date for the eruption is right. On the day prior, Vesuvius was belching smoke. It was an overcast sky with the threat of rain. About midnight, I went out of my billet to answer the call of nature. While outside, in a mild drizzle, I was hit on the head by what I thought was a small rock. Suspecting some sort of joke, I went inside for a flashlight. When I returned, the light revealed a layer of damp cinders on the ground. We knew at that time that Vesuvius was erupting. We began to feel the earth shake as though a bomb had gone off. After each quake, a few minutes would pass before the debris blown out of the crater would start to hit the ground. About daylight, the rear of our building started to cave in. We then began to see the larger rocks coming down. By this time everyone was wearing his steel helmet and heavy sheepskin jacket for protection from the falling material. I can't recall ever having breakfast that morning. It wasn't very long before we were loaded into trucks and evacuated to Naples."

CLICK ON IMAGES TO ENLARGE

These B-25s from the 447th Squadron
of the 321st Bombardment Group
passed very near the erupting volcano
on their way to bomb targets.


Three different perspectives
of Mount Vesuvius erupting in March of 1944
(Photos from NARA in College Park, MD)

20 March, 1944

438^th AAA AW BN

APO 527 % Postmaster, N.Y.

England

20 March, 1944        1830

Dearest sweetheart –

Today has been a helluva long busy day – as was anticipated – with a busier one due tomorrow. As a matter of fact, darling, I won’t be able to write tomorrow but I will the day after, and I’ll be able to write a letter less mysteriously – not that there is anything particularly different – but I realize I’ve been sounding a little bit obscure. If so, dear, it’s because I’m trying to stay within the censorship rules.

Anyway – this morning we went up to battalion for another one of those meetings. We got back at noon and have been tearing around ever since. Our lights are out of order and it’s fast getting dark – so I’m writing more swiftly than usual, dear. Gosh darling, I love you so much and miss you so these days! I’m awaiting eagerly hearing from you and your folks in reply to my letters of over a week or so ago. The damn delay in time is so aggravating – and yet there isn’t a thing we can do about it – but wait. I haven’t heard from you now for 5 days, the longest stretch in some time. I should be getting a fairly recent letter soon. The last letter I got was written March 4th, but there are several before that that are still missing.

Last night George and I went into town – presumably to go to a movie – but the shows were terrible. On Sunday – all the theaters have a special program, one day only – and they show pictures that are years old, like “The Garden of Allah”, and George Brent in “Till We Meet Again.” I saw them both some time ago. So instead we went over to the Red Cross Club – for officers which opened in this town – quite recently. You know – most places have R.C. Clubs – only for enlisted men. It’s a relief to have a place to come to – just to lounge around. They serve meals and snacks all day – until 2400; there’s a large lounging room, with a Victrola and fairly new records; a ping-pong table and a lot of papers from the U.S. We stayed around until about 2230 and headed back for camp – really a couple of playboys.

It’s strange, sweetheart, how not hearing from you for several days makes me wonder what you’re doing and thinking. Despite the fact that letters get here about 2 weeks after they’re written, when you keep getting them – you feel you’re up to date. It’s just that I love to know just what your days are like – from day to day, and I feel cheated when I don’t hear. So I usually end up re-reading your older letters. Today I rounded up a stack of your letters and decided to put them into my trunk. You know, dearest, you’d be surprised what a dent they make in the space – but I don’t want to destroy them – because I love every one of them.

It’s getting very dark out now sweetheart and this kerosene lamp is blinking terribly – so I’ll stop here – not before reminding you, darling, that I’m very very much in love with you – or did I say that? It’s true, though, dear – wonderfully true – and I’m lucky to feel the way I do.

Send my best regards to your folks, sweetheart. I hope all is well at home and I hope to hear from you all – soon.

All my love is yours – dear

Greg.

19 March, 1944

438^th AAA AW BN

APO 527 % Postmaster, N.Y.

England

19 March, 1944       1100

Dearest darling Wilma –

If you’ve already noticed the new A.P.O. – don’t be alarmed. It’s just another change, with no particular significance, dear. The Army is always changing things around probably to confuse the enemy. I guess they end up confusing the home folk. Anyway, darling, at the present time we’re still in the exact position as we’ve been
right along and until you hear otherwise – that’s where we’ll be. Anyway – at the present – 230 is the APO for us. As before dear, your previous letters addressed 527 will reach me without delay.

You remember, Sweetheart, I wrote you yesterday that is was going to be a busy day. It was – and so is today – even though it is a beautiful Sunday morning. Gosh this is getting to be a more and more beautiful country with each passing day, sweetheart. I was always more or less susceptible to Spring – but I’ve never been in love, darling, and gee – it’s a hard combination to take – with you so far away. We’ve had a remarkable run of clean, fresh air. And the countryside is as picturesque as anything I’ve seen in the States. The whole trouble is that you can’t be here with me to complete the empty feeling I get when I look out to the horizon – when I’m standing by myself. It’s then that I feel like walking side by side with you, talking with you, planning with you and embracing you – and the fact that you are not here is compensated only by the thought that you must be thinking the same things, feeling the way I do and wishing you were with me too. I knew that Spring would be hard to take – even before I realized how swiftly our love was developing. But we’ll have other Springs, darling, when we’ll walk along together and think back to these days – and I know it will make us appreciate each other all the more.

Well, darling, I didn’t mean to sound blue at all. Just let us say sentimental – I guess there’s no doubt that I am that.

I finally got a letter from Stan, yesterday. Unfortunately is was a two part V-mail – and as usual part II came and page I did not. But what he did write was friendly and the first sentence of page II is “I know she’ll be waiting”. I know he was referring to you, darling, and it makes me feel so happy that you are waiting for me. The rest of page II tells about his traveling around in his work and that’s all. I’ll probably get page one soon and then I’ll answer. I also got a letter from an M.D. friend of mine in an AA outfit now in Italy. He writes that when they’re up front – there’s some interest in things – but when they pull them back to the rear – it’s just as if they were back in Africa or England – that’s how far away the war can seem when you’re only a few miles behind the front lines. I thought it an interesting observation.

Darling I enjoyed your clipping about ‘A Kiss Across the Seas’ and was glad to note that you were keeping the actual figures. You erred only – in assuming you still owed me 5199. The up to date figure is now 5972 – so please, dearest, change it in your account book.

Well, Sweetheart, I’ve got to go have lunch now and then get started on my work. I love you and miss you every moment of the day, darling; yet despite that feeling of distance – I am satisfied and happy in knowing that you love me too. It makes problems here seem easy to take in stride and in general is the best up-lift in the world. There ought to be more love around; then everyone would be happy. Anyway – I’m glad that we have it – because I can see I’ve missed a lot up to now. So long, then, until tomorrow, darling, and you have

My sincerest love,

Greg

Regards to all

Love,

G.

* TIDBIT *

about London Weather, January-March, 1944

Although described as "very dry and cold with below average sunshine," Greg no doubt noticed that the amount of sun doubled from February to March and there was much less rain than the previous months. 


January - Dull, mild and rather dry.

Mean Temperature	6.6°C   (43.9°F)
Monthly Highest	12.9°C  (55.2°F)	Total Rain	39 mm
Monthly Lowest	-1.2°C   (29.8°F)	Total Sun	31 hrs

There was a cloudy, mild and changeable start to this snow-free January. During the second week it became fine with frosty nights, but after a sunny day on the 14th, the following 2 days were very foggy with visibilities of less than 10m.  The maximum temperatures on the 15th and 16th were only 2°C. During the third week it became milder and the weather remained unsettled until the end of the month. On the 23rd over 8mm of rain was recorded.

February - Dry and rather cold with below average sunshine.

Mean Temperature	3.9°C   (39.0°F)
Monthly Highest	13.1°C  (55.6°F)	Total Rain	17 mm
Monthly Lowest	-3.0°C   (26.6°F)	Total Sun	55 hrs

There was some mild weather early in the month and on the 2nd the temperature rose above 13°C. Thereafter, although a few mild days occurred, it was generally rather cold, often breezy and fairly cloudy. On the 16th, nearly 10mm of rain wa measured, and during the latter half of the month there was occasional sleet or snow. However, amounts were small and there were several more dry days. On the 19th, the maximum temperature only reached 2.5°C.

March - Very dry and cold with below average sunshine.

Mean Temperature	5.5°C   (41.9°F)
Monthly Highest	20.0°C  (68.0°F)	Total Rain	2 mm
Monthly Lowest	-2.8°C   (27.0°F)	Total Sun	101 hrs

This was a quiet month dominated by areas of high pressure, although weak fronts gave a little rain, and there were also a few wintry showers. Nevertheless, measurable rain only fell on 5 days, with the wettest days, the 14th and 30th, only having 0.5mm each. The coldest weather, with several frosty nights, occurred early in the month, and on the 4th the maximum temperature was only 3.8°C. During the last week it was warm for a while with a high of 20°C on the 26th.

18 March, 1944

438^th AAA AW BN

APO 527 % Postmaster, N.Y.

England

18 March, 1944         1235

My darling –

I’ve just had lunch and I thought this would be a good opportunity to write – since we’re pretty busy today. As a matter of fact, sweetheart, we’ll be quite busy for the next two or three days – but I believe I’ll be able to write you – except possibly on one day. You’ll know what I’m talking about in one of my next few letters – but it’s nothing important, darling, so don’t start worrying. As a matter of record – let’s get this straight now, dear. When I tell you not to worry – you won’t. If I think you should worry, I’ll imply it. Now that’s simple, isn’t it? All you have to do is to trust me – and I know you do.

Last night – having successfully withstood the General’s inspection, George Morgan – one of the battery commanders, and myself decided to go into town and relax. We thought we’d have a few drinks and sit around, but when we arrived – we decided to go to the movies instead – and we did. I was surprised to see that one of the theaters was showing “The Miracle of Morgan’s Creek” – so we went to see that. The co-feature was an old Bob Hope picture – “The Cat and the Canary” – and that was billed as the feature; they like Bob Hope here in England although most of the English say he’s too fast for them and they find it hard to keep up with his jokes.

I enjoyed “The Miracle” immensely, dear. It certainly was different – and for a starter – Betty Hutton did a fine job, I thought. It certainly had a mixture of pathos – or pseudo pathos, farce, slapstick and just plain comedy and was a welcome relief from some of the pictures we’ve been seeing.

This morning I had to go to the nearest Station Hospital and straighten out some details about some of our patients. I didn’t get back until noon. So there, Sweetheart, is my time schedule since I wrote you last. There hasn’t been any mail in as yet. I’m hoping there’s mail for me today from you, dear.

In a recent letter I envied you terribly for your ability to experience a really good dream. I haven’t had an honest-to-goodness real one for some time and I’m angry about that. Your dream does not need a Freud or a Jung to interpret, it seems to me. It’s you and I as clear as anything could be – and what interested me particularly was the detail about the star coming forward to meet you. That was a good sign, as I see it and augurs well for both of us and the whole – did culminate in our being together. What could be more perfect, sweetheart? Incidentally – my mother is quite a whiz at interpreting dreams and in the past has been almost uncanny in her ability to forecast certain things about events or people.

Say I just happened to re-read something you once wrote about wearing your Mother’s ring and the fact that my sister Ruth’s was like it. I’ll be darned if I ever noticed the one my sister had – although it seems to me I do remember your mother’s. The fact is I’m quite uneducated when it comes to rings – but it seems to me that some are plain and oblong – while others are fancy. I don’t know the technical names. If you’re going to have a ring, sweetheart – it might as well be one that you like and I wish you’d let me know pronto! You know – you attempted to draw a kaleidescopic picture of our past present and future. I enjoyed it immensely. Part 6 showed a picture of an engagement ring – but I couldn’t for the life of me gather what type you liked from your drawing of it. But the whole series was excellently done – including the bed – of course; 9, 10 and 11 should have been pictures of children – darling.

Well, dear – it’s time to go to work again – and I’ll have to leave now. I can’t possibly tell you darling how much I’ve grown to love you and how much your love means to me. Just repeating it doesn’t seem to be enough and yet that’s the only way to let you know now. My whole life is inextricably interwoven with yours now, dear – and it’s a wonderful feeling to ponder over. You must know how I feel. I’m still waiting for the good news. My best regards to everyone, dear and for now

All my love

Greg

* TIDBIT *

about The Miracle of Morgan's Creek

The Miracle of Morgan's Creek, which was filmed in 1942 and early 1943, but not released until 1944, was nominated for a 1945 Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay, and in 2001 it was selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry by the Library of Congress as being "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant". The film ranks #54 on the American Film Institute's "100 Years... 100 Laughs" list of the top 100 funniest films in movie history.

From a piece written by "Huggo" for IMDb comes this plot summary:

During World War II, the citizens of Morgan Creek are saying farewell to the enlisted men heading off to war. Trudy Kockenlocker is one of the Morgan Creek residents who feels it's her patriotic duty to give the soldiers a happy send off, this against the wishes of her stern and overprotective policeman father who forbids her to attend the farewell parties. Trudy co-opts her naive childhood friend, bank clerk Norval Jones, to help her clandestinely go to the festivities. Norval, who so wants to enlist himself but has some medical issues preventing him from doing so, does anything Trudy asks since he loves her.

The next morning, Trudy doesn't remember everything of the previous night due to an accidental bump to the head, but she does know that she got married to one of the enlisted men - she doesn't know who or even what his name is - and that the evening resulted in her getting pregnant. Trudy's pragmatic younger sister, Emmy, becomes Trudy's confidante. To get Trudy out of her predicament, they decide tricking Norval into marrying her will prevent scandal from happening. She decides she can't put Norval through this illegal action since she is falling in love with him. However once Norval finds out what's going on, he hatches a plan that he thinks is somewhat legal that will legitimize Trudy's pregnancy. When the plan backfires, Norval is arrested and Trudy's father finds out the predicament his daughter his in. Constable Kockenlocker, who loves his daughter, risks his own career to help his daughter. Ultimately, Trudy unwittingly ends up being able to save herself and the lives of all those around her.

Here is the trailer from the movie:

as well as Rafferty's Music Store clip:

17 March, 1944

438^th AAA AW BN

APO 527 % Postmaster, N.Y.

England

17 March, 1944      0930

My dearest darling Wilma –

Last night I missed you terribly. The evening was long and my thoughts of you were vivid, dear. I felt like writing you but had I – I think my letter would have sounded too lonesome – so I waited until this morning. Oh yes – sweetheart – I miss you in the daytime, too – in every move I make, in every thought I think – but as you certainly know yourself, the evenings are worse.

I’m at the Dispensary now, darling, and everything is “spit and polish” in readiness for the inspecting general who should be here in about one hour – I believe. Then we can go on with our routine. I suppose it’s blasphemy or some such word to say this – but I actually think that the progress of the war is being held up by such things as frequent inspections – in which every normal process comes to a standstill and everyone prepares for an inspection which is usually very cursory and of necessity – superficial. What is more aggravating is the fact that from all reports we get from Italy – the same goes on right up to the front lines. To me – our Army is still just a paper Army, stickling in our details, reports, channels, and the next “higher authority”. I suppose all Armies are like that – but I’m speaking from my own observation.

Now how did I get on that subject again, Sweetheart? I didn’t mean to start on another discourse about inspections – but I see and feel red every time one comes up – and not because they affect us so much – but because of what the line batteries have to go through.

Yesterday I had my hair cut and very short, too! (What do you mean! Shorter than it was?) Yes, dear – very short. It’s cleaner for one thing and who knows – it might grow in better. Anyway, I don’t care much how it looks while I’m over here. I’ll have to get good first hand knowledge on the Armistice, though, so I can start letting it grow in advance.

About that Zippo lighter – I’ll hold on to it, then, dear – and if I can get around to it, I’ll send it home. And – darling – I believe I’m just getting around to thanking you for the pictures you sent. I love the one in the cap and gown – and the ones of you when you were younger, dear, are very sweet. You were really a good-looking child, weren’t you? (What! No statement about the present?) No! Do you think I want to spoil you sweetheart? I’ll take good care of them.

CLICK ON IMAGE TO ENLARGE

Wilma as a Child

You asked me about wrestling. I don’t like it either – but not because it sickens me particularly. I think it’s always been a farce in Boston and not on the level. I’ll wrestle you – though – darling – and no holds barred. Also – no tickling!

I was re-reading your letter in which you mentioned Shirley F. Did you get together with her? I think that whole affair was weird – on retrospect, and just who was actually to blame for letting things go as far as they did – is hard to say from here. I’m inclined to think it was Shirley’s fault – because way back last summer Stan was quite serious in his attentions to her and I know he made that clear to her. Why in the world she didn’t stop seeing him then – I don’t know – but she let him go on taking her out, she continued to be seen everywhere with him – etc. It’s too bad nothing came of it – and yet I feel that it wouldn’t have been a good match. Do you agree? I still haven’t heard from Stan – and I hope it’s not because of anything I wrote him – although I admit that from what I gathered in your letters – I didn’t like his actions.

Anyway – it’s you I’m concerned about, Sweetheart, and as long as we’re in love and progressing in it – selfish as it may sound – I’m very happy. I keep asking myself if it’s really true that you and I have come along so closely together – so that we want to become engaged. I just feel so lucky to have a girl like you in love with me – that I don’t know how to react, almost. But I do know that you’ve made me happier than I’ve ever been – darling – I mean truly and deep-seatedly happy – and I hope I shall always be able to make you feel the same way. I’ll stop now, dear – the General should be here momentarily. I’m anxiously awaiting each day’s mail and I do want to call you my fiancée as soon as possible. Best regards, dear and my love is yours forever

Greg

P.S. I do love you!! Love G.

* TIDBIT *

about Zippo Lighters

CLICK ON IMAGES TO ENLARGE
  

George G. Blaisdell founded Zippo Manufacturing Company in 1932, and produced the first Zippo lighter in early 1933, having acquired the patent of an Austrian cigarette lighter of similar design. He redesigned the case, attaching the lid to the bottom with a hinge, but kept the windproof chimney surrounding the wick. It got its name because Blaisdell admired the recently invented "zipper" and liked the sound of its name. As a final touch, Blaisdell guaranteed it to last a lifetime. On March 3, 1936, patent was granted for the Zippo lighter.

No other event in history increased the popularity of Zippo lighters more than World War II. From 1943 until the end of World War II, Zippo's entire production was shipped to Army Exchanges and Naval ship stores for the soldiers in combat around the world.

Because brass and chrome were in short supply, World War II Zippo windproof lighters were made with a porous steel. To prevent rusting and  to keep them from reflecting light, they were then coated with a thick black paint that was baked to a black crackle finish. This produced a rough surface that distinguished it as a World War II lighter. The inside unit was also different from today's standard issue Zippo lighters, as straight flat sides met the front and back surfaces with squared edges. The chimney had fewer holes, and a hollow rivet held the striking wheel in place.

Ernie Pyle, embedded WWII correspondent, wrote: “If I were to tell you how much these Zippos are coveted at the front and the gratitude and delight with which the boys receive them, you would probably accuse me of exaggeration. I truly believe that the Zippo lighter is the most coveted thing in the army.”

It’s estimated that there are some four million Zippo collectors in the United States and millions more around the world. Their fervor and dedication to the brand is unparalleled. To enhance the collecting experience, Zippo began hosting the Zippo/Case International Swap Meet in 1995. Perhaps one of the biggest influences on collecting is Zippo’s ties to Hollywood and Broadway. The Zippo lighter has been featured in more than 1,500 movies, stage plays and television shows over the years. Zippo lighters have “starred” in such diverse productions as “I Love Lucy” “The X-Men” and “Hairspray – the Musical.” Often the lighter is a key prop, used as a device to more the plot forward or to reflect the personality of a character or time period being depicted.

In 2006, Zippo production surpassed the milestone of 425 million lighters since Mr. Blaisdell crafted the first lighter in early 1933. The lighter is ingrained in the fabric of both American and global culture. In marketing parlance, the brand enjoys an unaided awareness rate of more than 98 percent. That means 98 out of every 100 people surveyed have knowledge of the Zippo name.

16 March, 1944

438^th AAA AW BN

APO 527 % Postmaster, N.Y.

England

16 March, 1944       1100

Dearest darling –

Thursday morning and everyone’s bucking for the big inspection tomorrow – i.e. – every one except the medical detachment. A short while ago we had a little session (Goodman would shudder at my free use of the word) – with my clarinet and one of the men on the guitar. It’s not a bad combination. Now that that’s over, my best surgical technician is working on a case for my clarinet that will save me 35 shillings – and besides we’re having fun designing it. The only trouble is we haven’t got the wherewithal – like hinges, tacks and fine tools.

Last night we saw “Pittsburgh” – with J. Wayne, R. Scott et al. I only saw the last part because we got back from battalion quite late. The meeting was a lot of hooey – except for one rather important point – which I can’t discuss right now, darling.

And just as I expected, dear, I got two letters from you – one of them written March 4th, with a March 5th post-mark. Boy it’s wonderful to get a letter that’s only about 10 days old, darling, and to realize that you wrote it a comparatively short time ago. Sweetheart – I love your letters very much – everything you say and the way you say it. I wouldn’t love them otherwise. If you feel sometimes that your expressions of love seem inadequate – I know how you feel – because I experience the same frustration. It always seems as if I could have expressed myself just a little bit better. But I know what you’re telling me – and you must know, too. As you implied in one of your letters – recently, the “love language” is very primitive – and its vocabulary extremely limited. One thing that isn’t limited though is the emotion of love. That has a tremendous range – hasn’t it, dear? So it seems that the difficult part is just expressing the feeling. It’s too bad, dearest, we can’t be close together – because I think we could show each other how much we care.

Concerning the “cons” – as you put it of our being engaged, I’m well aware that the advice you’re getting is sincere, honest – and probably sensible, too. But darnit – if you feel as certain as I do – I don’t see why my being away should make enough difference to prevent our actually becoming engaged. I think it will make us feel happier, and more settled. I know it will do that for me, Sweetheart – and as you say – it will seem logical and natural to go ahead and get married right after I get back. And the sooner we get married, darling, the sooner can we get started on life together. I’ll have to build a practice, we’ll have to build a family. We’ll have to catch up on lost time, dear, and having been engaged all the time that I’m away will prevent our marriage from seeming hasty. It’s all up to your folks now, darling. I’ve written mine, told them how I feel. They’re very happy about it – as you no doubt know. I’ve told my father to buy a ring. I hope he gets one you’ll like. The rest of it hinges on arrangements he will make when the go-ahead sign is ready. I hope there’s no hitch, darling, because I love you and want you to be my wife – more than anything else in the world. Being engaged to you – will be the first big step.

Darling I’ve got to go now. Believe me – I’m the happiest guy around – these days – and it’s all due to my love for you and its return on your part. It will always be so, too. My best regards to your folks and you’ll have to continue to impress them with the fact that we’re doing the right thing. I tried to in the 2 letters I wrote them recently. So long for now – dear – and

All my love

Greg

15 March, 1944

438^th AAA AW BN

APO 527 % Postmaster, N.Y.

England

15 March, 1944       1125

Dearest sweetheart –

The Ides of March and still no action – I suppose they know what they’re doing but I do wish something would happen soon. No letter this morning but maybe I’ll get something this evening, dear.

Last night was quiet – early evening – and active around midnight. I did some more writing, a letter to Mary and one to a friend of mine who is in the ETO. I heard from him just the other day. You know, darling, it will be fun meeting each other’s friends. I was thinking about it – when you mentioned some of your girl friends you’ve been meeting up with recently. I hope they’ll like your choice and as far as I’m concerned, if they’re your friends, they’ll be friends of mine, I’m sure. I used to have a good many friends when I was at college and med. School – but everyone drifts off and I drifted to Salem. It was difficult keeping up with them – but after the war we’ll have to pick up the loose threads.

I got a letter yesterday from both Mrs. Kerrs – elder and younger. Both were very friendly and reminded me to take care of myself. I also heard from Dr. Finnegan who is apparently well and kicking. There’s nothing much new out of Salem except that all the doctors are busy. Oh well – they’ll have to move over and make room for another guy – that’s all.

This p.m. I’ve got to go back to battalion headquarters again – for a battery commanders’ meeting – just some more of the Army habit of having a lot of meetings. This one is probably to get us ready for – yes, you guessed it, darling – another big inspection due on Friday morning. I think they ought to give us ribbons for inspections.

Sweetheart – I’m afraid I’ve been careless in not mentioning the rash on your arm. How is it now? When did it first appear, how much did in involve, was it blotchy or separated, did it itch or not and did you ever have it before? I meant to ask you about it in an earlier letter but forgot to. I hope it’s gone by now. If not – I hope you’re taking care of it. Let me know – will you, dear?

Say – by the way – here is what I wanted you to do when I asked for hair tonic, dear. You had been asking for me to request something and I couldn’t think of a thing I really needed – so I put down the first thing that came into my head. Maybe it was my subconscious mind? My hair – darling – is just about the same as it was before; I’ll admit it’s not much – but as long as you love me – I don’t care at all. I did write my brother for some hair tonic merely because you can’t get anything in England except creams – which I never used. A tonic does seem to keep your hair a little bit dandruff-free. But honestly, darling, I’m not worried about it. You shouldn’t have bothered sending me anything, dearest, – I really don’t need anything – and by that I don’t mean to disparage your intentions. I do appreciate it, Sweetheart, – I just don’t want you to bother – that’s all. I liked the way you fooled the Post Office clerk by saying it was something for your husband. That isn’t so far off at that – is it? Anyway, dear, thanks for the trouble and when the lotion comes I’ll make good use of it and brush my hairs beside. Anyway – I shouldn’t have much trouble with graying hair – should I?

Well – it seems I’ve just prattled along, Sweetheart and it’s now past noon. I wanted to write you now because we’re leaving for Hq. right after lunch and won’t be back until late. I feel better having written you first – as I always do – darling – when I write you. I’ve been thinking so hard of us – particularly the past week or so – but it’s always along a happy contented view – and I guess I needn’t tell you, darling, that there’s nothing quite like it. Everything seems rosy for you and me – we love each other, other factors are compatible, we ought soon to be engaged as well – we’ll have a lot to be thankful for Sweetheart – I’ll close now. I do love you and miss you terribly – but it will be satisfied – this desire of mine and that thought helps immeasurably.

So long, dearest, for now and

All my love

Greg

P.S. Regard to the folks

Love,

G.

* TIDBIT *

about the Stage Door Canteen Movie


Ray Bolger in Stage Door Canteen

In yesterday's letter, Greg mentioned seeing Stage Door Canteen for the second time. Just as Hollywood hosted the "Hollywood Canteen" (as described in the *Tidbit* of February 28th), so New York had a "Canteen" of its own, also immortalized in a movie. Wikipedia has this to say about it:

Stage Door Canteen (1943) is a musical film produced by Sol Lesser productions and distributed by United Artists. It was directed by Frank Borzage and features many cameo appearances by celebrities. The majority of the movie is essentially a filmed concert, although there is also a storyline to the film. Made in wartime, it celebrates the work of the "Stage Door Canteen", created in New York City as a recreational center for servicemen on leave to socialize with, be entertained or served by theatrical celebrities. It was made under the auspices of The American Theatre Wing.

The real Stage Door Canteen on 44th Street could not be used for the filming as it was too busy receiving real servicemen, so it was recreated in New York and at the RKO Radio Pictures studio in Culver City. The storyline of the film follows several women who volunteer for the Canteen and who must adhere to strict rules of conduct, the most important of which is that while their job is to provide friendly companionship to and be dance partners for the (often nervous) men who are soon to be sent into combat, no romantic fraternization is allowed. One volunteer who confesses to only becoming involved in the Canteen in order to be discovered by one of the Hollywood stars in attendance, ultimately finds herself falling in love with one of the soldiers.

Star appearances range from momentary cameos, such as Johnny Weissmuller, seen working in the canteen's kitchen, to more substantial roles such as Katharine Hepburn, who helps advance the plot. Most of the cameos were filmed at the studio, but a number of spots -- Benny Goodman's, for example -- were filmed in New York City.

The list of entertainers is mammoth. Those highlighted below either performed a number or had extended dialog in the plot, Actors, Actresses, Singers and Dancers: Judith Anderson, Henry Armetta, Kenny Baker, Tallulah Bankhead, Ralph Bellamy, Jack Benny, Edgar Bergen (with Charlie McCarthy and Mortimer Snerd), Ray Bolger, Helen Broderick, Ina Claire, Katharine Cornell, Lloyd Corrigan, Jane Darwell, William Demarest, Gracie Fields, Lynn Fontanne, Arlene Francis, Virginia Grey, Helen Hayes, Katharine Hepburn, Hugh Herbert, Jean Hersholt, Sam Jaffe, Allen Jenkins, George Jessel, Otto Kruger, Gertrude Lawrence, Gypsy Rose Lee, Alfred Lunt, Bert Lytell, Aline MacMahon, Harpo Marx, Elsa Maxwell, Helen Menken, Yehudi Menuhin, Ethel Merman, Peggy Moran, Alan Mowbray, Paul Muni, Merle Oberon, Franklin Pangborn, Brock Pemberton, George Raft, Lanny Ross, Martha Scott, Cornelia Otis Skinner, Ned Sparks, Bill Stern, Ethel Waters, Johnny Weissmuller, Dame May Whitty, and Ed Wynn.

Orchestras: (all featured performers) Count Basie, Xavier Cugat (with Lina Romay as featured vocalist), Benny Goodman (with Peggy Lee as featured vocalist), Kay Kyser, Guy Lombardo, and Freddy Martin