02 August, 1944

438^th AAA AW BN

APO 403 % Postmaster, N.Y.

France

2 August, 1944           0915

My dearest one –

They say you don’t really get to know a person until you live with him or her. That may be so, dear, but in lieu of that I’ve gotten to know quite a bit about you from your letters – for which I’m thankful. I hope you feel the same way in that respect. One of the things I liked most about you when I first met you, darling, was your directness and I still like that about you.

I received three letters from you last night postmarked the 13th, 20th and 21st of July. I liked them all but found the one of the 20th particularly interesting. In the first place – your analysis of why you were happy that I was working at a hospital was quite keen and pretty nearly correct – except for one point – the 4th reason why you were happy. That dealt with conditions in my battalion and you were a little off there, dear. The fact is that although things may happen in my battalion – we’re too spread out for me to get to them and as far as I’m concerned – they don’t need an M.D. in an A.A. battalion.

The other thing I liked about your letter was directness in calling to my attention the fact that I tell you at the end of my letters that I love you “as an afterthought”. Darling – it took courage to write that, because after all – you had no idea how angry I might get on reading that. But of course – I didn’t get so. The first reaction was admiration for your just coming out and writing what you felt. I like that and shall continue to. Then – I pondered over what you wrote and wondered how true it was. One thing you don’t apparently get from my letters, sweetheart, is the fact that I love you not only in the end of them – but all through them – whether I mention “I love you” or not. As I’m sure I’ve written you before – one way or another – every thought or plan I have – is in terms of you and you alone, dear, and that surely is love. I don’t write anything because I think you want me to. That certainly would be sad at this stage of the game, wouldn’t it?

Another thing you must keep clear, darling, is that sometimes I dash a letter off to you in such a hurry – I don’t even know what I’ve written. Believe me, dear, that is often the case – and I can’t help that. I do try my darnedest to write you though and you must realize, I’m sure, that I must be thinking of you all the time. You can’t possible imagine how difficult it is to write – sometimes – and I’m glad if you can’t.

The crux of the matter is this, dear – I am definitely not “cold” – affectionately, at least not as far as you’re concerned. I love you more than anyone I ever have, and I try to tell you that in as many ways as possible. I’ve used V-mail a great deal lately – out of necessity mostly – and I try to tell you as much as possible what’s going on. I reach the bottom of the page and realize that I’ve been concerned in giving you the news and have forgotten what is far more important – namely – that I’m writing to someone I love and I haven’t even mentioned it. When I get back, darling, I’ll tell you about the times I wrote to you, where I am sometimes – when I write – and under what conditions. You’ll know then – what I mean. But for the meantime – dear – keep in mind one thing – regardless of how my letters may sound at times: I want to marry you because I love you, and my whole future is planned around you as a nucleus. I could feel no other way and still want you as a fiancée.

I hope I’ve made myself clear, darling. If not – or if something else comes to your mind that bothers you – I know you’ll be direct enough to tell me. I am the same way – but I can’t complain of a thing about you. I love your letters, your way of telling me things and your directness.

I’ll have to stop now, Sweetheart, and go out and visit some of the gun sections. We got paid last night – the first time in two months. I now get $100. a month as my share – the other hundred going to my bank – thru my father. I arranged for $150 of my $200 to go to my bank and I still have too much money. We can’t spend it here. The gov’t still owes me $350. back pay which I ought to get some day.

I hope all is well at home, sweetheart, and that you’re not getting too tired with your RC work. My love to the folks – and to you, dear –

My everlasting love

Greg.

* TIDBIT *

about Villedieu-les-Poêles

Villedieu is traditionally a center of metal-work, especially the making of brass and copper pans and basins from which the poêles (frying pan) in its name derives. It is also famous for its skilled hand-manufacture of large church bells, which was started by immigrants from Lorraine around 1780. Its inhabitants are called Sourdins from the French sourd meaning "deaf" because most of the people involved in the manufacturing of copper pans, which involved repeated hammering, became deaf. Villedieu is on "The Lace Road" or "Route de la Dentelle Normande". This route includes Alencon, Bayeux, Caen, Argentan and Courseulles-la-Perriere. Villedieu is famous for bobbin lace.

In 1944, when the Germans withdrew from Villedieu, they left a sniper who shot some of the first US soldiers to enter Villedieu, before being "neutralized". The US commander was about to request airplane bombing runs when the mayor approached him, told him that there were no Germans left in Villedieu and offered to ride through Villedieu in the front seat of a U.S. jeep. Villedieu was thus one of the few towns in the region to escape major destruction.

Greg passed through Villedieu, which is between Dangy and the next stop mentioned in Route of the Question Mark. The picture labeled "Near Villedieu" is dated July 1944.

CLICK ON IMAGES TO ENLARGE

Villedieu-les-Poêles - Public Garden Post Card


Villedieu-les-Poêles - Rue du Pavé


Villedieu-les-Poêles - Rue du Pavé Today


Villedieu-les-Poêles - Lace and General View


Greg in an Apple Orchard
Near Villedieu-les-Poêles
(as noted below)

01 August, 1944

V-MAIL

438^th AAA AW BN

APO 403 % Postmaster, N.Y.

France

1 August, 1944

Wilma, darling –

It’s 1600 hour right now – but this has been the first opportunity I’ve had today to write. We’ve been on the hop the past few days – sort of keeping up with the smooth progress of our army. I haven’t been able to go to the hospital for 3 days now and they are a good distance behind us. I don’t know when they’ll move or in what direction – but I’ll keep on the look-out for them. If they don’t show up – I’ll try another hospital. Of course, if we keep moving this rapidly I’ll not be able to make contact and do any work – but that’s O.K. with me – because the more we move – the quicker I’ll get home and that’s what I want more than anything else – darling.

Here it is August – and half the summer gone. I hope there’s enough time left to clean up the Germans before Fall and Winter. It seems from here as if they ought to crack-up soon – but they’ll have to be whipped a bit more yet. All sorts of bets float around here on the end of the war – from 100 hours to 100 days. I think a good bet is about six weeks – but then that’s my opinion only.

Sweetheart – that’s all for now except to remind you I love you and all these thoughts about war’s end are only in terms of you. Love to the folks.

All my love

Greg

Route of the Question Mark


[CLICK TO ENLARGE]

(A) Dangy to (B) Hambye (8 miles)
30 July to 1 August 1944

From Page 25 from The Route of the Question Mark:

August 1... Hambye. We had a cloud-burst that turned our orchard into a swamp and flooded all our fox-holes and Capt SILVUS took pictures on his movie camera of the damage after the storm. We helped the farmers in the next field with their haying and were rewarded with pitchers of cider.

* TIDBIT *

about General Barton's Intent

From July 25 to August 1, the VII Corps pushed 40 to 50 kilometers south of an area that had previously restrained American forces to hard fought gains of minimal value. Although the cost of success was high (17,267 casualties), the gains were considered to be phenomenal.

On the 4th Division right, the Combat Commands A and B of the 3d Armored Division in the meantime had driven toward Gavray and Hambye to cross the Sienne River abreast. Of the two, CCB (Combat Command B) had less difficulty, despite poor country roads and wrecked German vehicles that had to be pushed off the roads before the columns could pass. Reaching Hambye in early afternoon of 30 July, CCB found a damaged bridge and met small arms fire from the south bank, but a small reconnaissance party supported by fire from the advance guard was sufficient to drive the Germans back. Engineers repaired the bridge by late afternoon, and the combat command continued the march south toward Villedieu-les-Poeles. Like the infantry, the armor ran into increasing resistance when nearing Villedieu. Since portions of the combat command still had to cross the Sienne before a full-scale attack could be mounted against the objective west of the town. Colonel Boudinot halted CCB and established perimeter defenses for the night.

Not until the evening of 31 July, after the arrival of the 8th Infantry, was the 4th Division altogether ready to drive south. Calling his principal subordinates together. General Barton made it clear he had in mind rapid, sweeping advances. "We face a defeated enemy," he told his commanders, "an enemy terribly low in morale, terribly confused. I want you in the next advance to throw caution to the winds . . . destroying, capturing, or bypassing the enemy, and pressing"— he paused to find the correct word— "pressing recklessly on to the objective."

The units of the 4th Division and the attached armor took General Barton at his word when they renewed the attack on 1 August.

31 July, 1944

438^th AAA AW BN

APO 403 % Postmaster, N.Y.

France

31 July, 1944

My dearest darling –

I got three most welcome letters yesterday evening from you, postmarked 15, 16, and 17 July. It was a wonderful tonic. I also heard from my father and I got a combination letter from Barbie and Steve – so you see, sweetheart – I went to bed relaxed. Your letters, dear, sure do a lot for me. I sit and wonder about it after I’m through reading them. It’s a strange reaction – but satisfying, and to know that you continue to love me is the most important part of it.

I wonder occasionally if all the nice things you say about me are true and if I might not disappoint you, perhaps. It isn’t a complex by any means, darling. I just want to live up to everything you think I am – or can be. All in all – I’m a pretty happy guy and I think my present set-up is excellent. I am not referring to France, darling – but to you and home. I do have something to come back to – you; we’re engaged, there’ll be no reason for us to wait long before getting married. Secondly – I don’t have to look for a job; I have my profession and a city to practice it in – which is a mighty important factor, too. Besides – I’m still on the staff of a Class A hospital – and all in all – you can see why I have a right to be happy, sweetheart. Sure – there’s a war on, but I’ve written you before – I try to consider it as an interlude, perhaps part of the price I have to pay for being happy and fortunate.

I admit, though, it’s difficult at times to consider France as a passing interlude. The less you know about it – the better. When I’m back home – and safe, I’ll tell you a few things, darling, but not until then. I think it will be interesting re-reading some of my letters after the war – just to study my reactions or as much of them as I dared to reveal. Some reactions I’ll never forget anyway, I guess. I have been unable to save your letters since we arrived in France, dear, and I hope you’ll excuse me. I do have all of those prior to that. They’re in my foot-locker – which is now in Liverpool, I believe. We weren’t allowed to bring those with us – space being at a premium in the early waves of the assault. We were all given duffel bags and allowed to take our val-a-pac – and that’s all. As a result – my overcoat, summer suit etc. are all rolled up in my duffel bag. I wonder what they’ll look like when I take them out. Space is still at a premium. I save your letters in my portfolio until it begins to bulge; then I re-read them – a final reading – and I burn them. But the memory of what was contained in them – does not fade, sweetheart.

It was kind of you to try to explain Ruth’s reaction in not writing. I have never held it against her, of course, and understand fully. I’ve told you we were never an expressive family – but I know there exists between all of us something deeper than can be expressed in writing. I know how Ruth feels and that’s all that matters to me. Be sure and explain that to her, dear, and tell her that’s enough for me. I often imagine that you may think that my family isn’t demonstrative enough to you – but I know they love you, darling, and you must surely be aware of it.

I don’t blame Stanley Burns for not being anxious to return to duty. You can take it while you’re in it – but I know how I’d feel if I were home for awhile and then had to return. I’d rather stick it out in one stretch, I think. Yes, I’ll wait for home – with good food, good rest and best of all – your love.

And finally – sweetheart – I won’t disappoint you. You did leave yourself open for a crack at your age and far be it from me to let you down. My oh my – are you ever young! Yes – you did fool me when I first went out with you – by about 1 or 2 years – that’s all. I’d love to see you with your hair up, darling, but don’t keep it up too long a time. It must make you look too eligible to a lot of guys. When it’s down – I’m sure the boys must pass you up as being too young. Oh well – suit yourself – but do be careful, dear!

We tried to see and hear a movie last nite – this time a Class B – smellaroo – called “Beautiful but Broke”. Too often – of late – though – we end up just watching the motions. It gets so noisy overhead – that you can’t hear the sound – and it makes things seem rather pointless.

That’s about all for this sitting – We’re in another new spot – and our C.P. (Command post) is at an abandoned farmhouse. We still sleep in foxholes – of course – but we’ve been using the kitchen – for our officers’ mess and eating off Limoges china plates; and there’s plenty of fresh vegetables in the garden, and lots of chickens – too; and oh yes – it’s funny how another cow happened to die yesterday. We had broiled liver for supper last nite. Be sure to tell Mother A – dear, she’ll be pleased.

U.S. troops just back from the fighting front
relax at a French farmhouse on 31 July 1944
This photo belongs to PhotosNormandie's Flickr Photostream

So long for now, sweetheart. I DO love you and my ‘do’ can be as large as yours. It is! Love to the folks

And my everlasting love, dear

Greg

* TIDBIT *

about Congratulations from Henry L. Stimson
Following Operation Cobra

CLICK ON MAP TO ENLARGE

The Normandy Breakout is Accomplished
Dashed Red Line Represents German Position on 25 July
Dotted Red Line Represents German Position on 27 July
Solid Red Line Represents German Position on 31 July

Greg received this message as Commander of the Medical Detachment for the 438th AAA AW (Mobile):

R E S T R I C T E D
HEADQUARTERS
FIRST UNITED STATES ARMY
APO 230

31 July 1944

SUBJECT:  Congratulatory Message

TO:       Corps, Division and Separate Unit Commanders.

    The following message, received from The Secretary of War, is published for the information of all officers and enlisted men of this First U.S. Army:

"WAR DEPT.
TO:   LT. GENERAL OMAR BRADLEY.
I AM VERY MUCH THRILLED AND GRATIFIED WITH THE PROGRESS THAT YOU HAVE MADE. PLEASE CONVEY MY APPRECIATION AND CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL CONCERNED AND GIVE THEM MY VERY BEST WISHES FOR CONTINUED SUCCESS.
                                STIMSON
                            SECRETARY OF WAR."

CLICK ON IMAGE TO ENLARGE

30 July, 1944

V-MAIL

438^th AAA AW BN

APO 403 % Postmaster, N.Y.

France

30 July, 1944

Dearest girl –

I intended writing a regular letter this morning but due to changing events – I’ll have to use this – it’s quicker. Again no mail – darling – but I know you’re writing and I ought to get several letters any day now. It’s Sunday morning at 1030 and I can think of at least 3 things I’d rather be doing than sitting here in a jeep in the middle of an apple orchard in France.

CLICK ON IMAGES TO ENLARGE

Apple Orchard in Dangy (Today)

I’ve wondered many a time, darling, what our reactions will be when once we see each other again. No doubt we’ll be a bit surprised at how we look to each other; but the realization that actually we belong to each other will be the big thing, I believe; the possessiveness, the closeness which will be mutually felt – will be the thrilling thing. I know it won’t be but a few hours afterwards that we’ll be planning when we’ll get married. Everybody will be kissing everybody else and sometime in the evening – while everyone is talking, I’ll finally have you alone for awhile – and I’ll say “Darling, this is the guy who has been writing you that he loves you; he promised to say it in person and here he is.” And then I’ll tell you dear, how much –

Darling – it can’t be far off! Just sit tight, save this letter and we’ll see how it compares with the real thing.

My sincerest love

Greg

Route of the Question Mark


[CLICK ON MAP TO ENLARGE]

(A) St. Jean-de-Daye to (B) Dangy (15 miles)
17 to 20 July 1944
(Exact route is unknown)

From Page 25 from The Route of the Question Mark:

July 30... Dangy. Here the enemy planes did their best to demolish us, and we couldn't dig our fox-holes deep enough. We saw the tremendous effect the bombing had as we passed thru the former German lines. M/Sgt LIVINGSTON was hit in the leg by a piece of shrapnel as he lay in his fox-hole, not enough to earn the Purple Heart. Snipers fired at our guards.

* TIDBIT *

about VII Corps' Advance

Units from the 1st Infantry Division and 3rd Armored Division from the US VII Corps continued to attack southwards on the Corps' right flank, while the other units “mopped up” the eastern operational sector. Tanks from the 3rd Armored Division's Combat Command A crossed the Sienne River in Gavray; combat engineers immediately started to build bridges so that the main part of the division, including all three armored artillery battalions, would be able to get to the other side of the river. Combat Command B from the same division swiftly attacked in the direction of Villedieu lés Poëles.

Sienne River in Gavray (Today)

29 July, 1944

V-MAIL

438^th AAA AW BN

APO 403 % Postmaster, N.Y.

France

29 July, 1944

Dearest darling –

Another Saturday – but unlike last Saturday – we’re all imbued with quite a bit of spirit today – due to the way the boys have been traveling these past several days. It’s really heartening. Yesterday we had a busy day at the hospital. I met an M.D. from Boston – by the way. He knew several of the men from Salem – and we had quite a chat.

Besides movies in the evening and digging, we have a new sport around here – pitching horse shoes. You’d be surprised how it helps pass the time. We have some really expert hillbilly boys who are very good at it. The stakes, by the way, are parts taken from a German tank – a Mark V.

I sure am missing you these days, Sweetheart – and I can’t tell you enough how much I love you and want to be with you. But the picture has changed these past few weeks and I’m sure we’re going to be back or at least over with this thing – sooner than we hoped for a little while back. So keep your spirits up, darling!

No mail for several days now. Perhaps today?

My love to the folks – and

My deepest love, dear

Greg

* TIDBIT *

about The End of Operation Cobra

Operation Cobra was over and had brought the expected result. On the 28th, in the Marigny – St Lô area, the front had been successfully broken and the enemy forced into the defensive. The US First Army had decided to use the situation on the front to its advantage and had issued an order that as many units as possible aimed at pursuing the disorganized enemy move forward through the breakthrough. The US VII Corps had been ordered to advance southwards to the left of the adjacent VIII Corps’ operational space. The command of the VIII Corps had ordered the 6th and 4th Armored Divisions to move through the infantry units’ positions and pursue the enemy. It was 1700 hours when the divisions' tanks finally had conquered Coutances. As was the case with St Lô, Coutances had been transformed into a death zone. Not a single home had remained undamaged, and many had been entirely reduced to rubble. In many ways, the occupation of Coutances fulfilled the objective of Operation Cobra. The front had been broken and the GIs had advanced south and southwest through the open countryside. In the course of the day, a significant number of enemy soldiers had found themselves surrounded on the western flank of the US VII Corps when the 3rd Armored Division and the 1st Infantry Divisions met up with the men from the neighboring VIII Corps not far from Coutances.

These three photos are of Coutances on 29 July 1944:

CLICK ON PICTURES TO ENLARGE

On the 29th, the US VII Corps shifted away from their southwesterly direction, attacked southwards and reached the pre-established Cerences – Hambye – Percy line. The enemy tank columns that withdrew along the main road between Roney and St Denis le Gast suffered extremely major losses caused by air force, artillery and tank shelling. In the course of Operation Cobra, the Wehrmacht and SS units lost a significant number of men and equipment. Panthers, Panzer IV, SdKfz 251 half-track armored vehicles – now all of it lay destroyed by the wayside, along the roads Hitler’s once proud armored machines now used as escape routes. The enemy also left behind a large number of injured men as well as soldiers who had opted for capture as a way out of an otherwise hopeless situation.

After breaking through the front near St Lô, the US VIII Corps continued to pursue the enemy with its 4th and 6th Armored Divisions and motorized infantry commands. Combat Command A from the 6th Armored Division, operating on the Corps’ western flank, secured a crossing over the Sienne River near Pont de la Roche, while Combat Command A from the “sister” 4th Armored Division advanced beyond the river in its advance on Cerences.

The XIX Corps’ 29th Infantry Division, the same division that was the first to “knock” on Rommel’s Atlantic Wall in the early morning hours of June 6, 1944, relieved the 2nd Armored Division’s Combat Command A on the Corps’ right flank, advanced to positions east of Percy and made contact with the neighboring US VII Corps. The 30th Infantry Division encountered strong resistance during its advance southwards along the western bank of the Vire River towards Tessy sur Vire.

Here is description of one man's heroic experience on the night of 29 July 1944 for which he was awarded the Army Medal:

Hulon B. Whittington, U.S. Army Sergeant, 41st Armored Inf. 2d Armored Div:

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life above and beyond the call of duty. On the night of 29 July 1944, during an enemy armored attack, Sgt. Whittington, a squad leader, assumed command of his platoon when the platoon leader and platoon sergeant became missing in action. He reorganized the defense and, under fire, courageously crawled between gun positions to check the actions of his men. When the advancing enemy attempted to penetrate a roadblock, Sgt. Whittington, completely disregarding intense enemy action, mounted a tank and by shouting through the turret, directed it into position to fire pointblank at the leading Mark V German tank. The destruction of this vehicle blocked all movement of the remaining enemy column consisting of over 100 vehicles of a Panzer unit. The blocked vehicles were then destroyed by handgrenades, bazooka, tank, and artillery fire and large numbers of enemy personnel were wiped out by a bold and resolute bayonet charge inspired by Sgt. Whittington. When the medical aid man had become a casualty, Sgt. Whittington personally administered first aid to his wounded men. The dynamic leadership, the inspiring example, and the dauntless courage of Sgt. Whittington, above and beyond the call of duty, are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service.

28 July, 1944

V-MAIL

438^th AAA AW BN

APO 403 % Postmaster, N.Y.

France

28 July, 1944

Dearest sweetheart –

No letter from you for a couple of days now; got one from Lawrence yesterday. I hope, darling, that by this time you’ve managed to have a vacation and if so I hope you had plenty of sunshine and good swimming. It’s years since I last visited Old Orchard – but it sure is a swell spot for bathing. You’re absolutely correct in your opinion about the bathing at Winthrop. It’s definitely not good. But it used to be a nice quiet place to rest – especially evenings. I wonder how it is now.

Yesterday I was busy with battalion duties all day. I had to get one of our men to a certain hospital and before the day was over, darling, I had been in every town – practically – on the whole peninsula. It’s amazing to see how people in the rear go on about their business now as if nothing had happened. Most homes have only partial roofs; practically none has windows. Stores are doing business – with no fronts to them and impromptu entrances. It’s all very strange – darling. I don’t know what the news reels are showing you – but I’m seeing it in the raw. All for now – Sweetheart. I do miss you something awful and I don’t know which is worse – a quiet nite when I can think and yearn – or a noisy one – when I’m scared and too busy to think.

My sincerest love

Greg

My love to the folks

* TIDBIT *

about "Old Orchard" Beach

CLICK ON PICTURES TO ENLARGE

Old Orchard Beach on the Cover of
The New Yorker 29 July 1944

The "old" apple orchard, from which the town of Old Orchard Beach took its name, was on high land above the long sandy beach and served as a landmark to sailors for many years. In 1820 Maine, part of Massachusetts at the time, became a new State by act of the United States Congress. In that same year the first inn was opened, serving coach travelers and other transients year round. In 1837, E.C. Staples was coaxed into taking summer boarders at his farm for $1.50 per week. Convinced of Old Orchard Beach's potential as a summer resort, Staples built the first Old Orchard Boarding House near the top of today's Old Orchard Street.

1842 brought the first steam railroad from Boston to Portland with a station just 2 miles west of town. The first restaurant to sell seafood treats and "shore dinners" opened in 1851 near Staples Street. The Grand Trunk Railroad opened in 1853 connecting Montreal to Old Orchard Beach, enabling Canadian visitors to flock to this closest beach to Montreal. The seaside amusement park "Palace Playland", located in Old Orchard Beach, dates back to 1902 and sits on four acres of beachfront property. Palace Playland is one of the last old-time ocean-side amusement parks in New England.

In the past, two carousels were constructed with hand-carved horses and other animals. Old Orchard Beach was home to the first carousel in the United States, "Noah's Ark", a kid-friendly, boat-shaped fun-house with hand-carved figures of Noah and his family, designed to provide an exciting but not frightening experience for a 5-year-old. The entire structure would rock back and forth while guests meandered through dark passages. Colored lights would flash, loud electric horns would sound, and compressed air would shoot from the floor. On the "Jack and Jill" slide, two people would be placed on a large hemp mat in a wooden bucket, which would take them to the top of a 50-foot (15 m) tall tower and dump them onto a metal slide for a quick ride down.

CLICK ON IMAGES TO ENLARGE

The current 2011 version of Palace Playland consists of a newly built Ferris Wheel, a 24,000-square-foot (2,200 square meters) arcade,and 25 rides for both children and adults. The new Ferris Wheel replaced the 70-foot (21 m) high, decades old Sunwheel with one that is environmentally sound and technologically superior.

In addition to on-the-beach theme parks and a 700 foot long pier above the Atlantic Ocean tides, Old Orchard Beach's main attraction is its seven miles long, sandy beach. Maine has a tidal shoreline of 3,478 miles, of those only 35 are sandy beach. Old Orchard Beach has the largest share of any location in Maine. The beach stretches from Pine Point south to Camp Ellis. Old Orchard Beach has been repeatedly voted "Maine's Best Beach" by the state's residents. For many years, Old Orchard Beach served as a vacation place for America's rich and famous, including the Kennedys. It is rumored that Joe Kennedy first kissed Rose on Old Orchard Beach, under the pier.

Three versions of the Pier were constructed by man and modified by nature. The first, 1,770 feet (540 m) long, was built of steel in 1898. At its end was the Pier Casino, a ballroom with room for 5,000 dancers. Shortly after its completion a storm reduced its length by 150 feet (46 m). It was rebuilt, but 10 years later, after another storm, the pier was shortened to 700 feet (210 m) and the Casino was moved. Between WWI and WWII, the Casino hosted such acts as Guy Lombardo, Louis Armstrong, Benny Goodman, Xavier Cugat and Frank Sinatra. After the war Old Orchard became somewhat downscale, becoming known as a destination for working class party-goers. A fire in 1969 destroyed Noah's Ark, the two carousels, and the Jack and Jill slide. The Casino was demolished in 1970. The current pier was built in 1980 after being destroyed by a blizzard in 1978. The current structure stretches 500 feet (150 m) into the Atlantic Ocean. The wooden walk way is lined with souvenir shops, fair-style foods, and a night club at the end of the pier.

27 July, 1944

V-MAIL

438^th AAA AW BN

APO 403 % Postmaster, N.Y.

France

27 July, 1944

Wilma, darling –

I got a sweet letter from your mother yesterday, but none from you. I had been thinking of you and the folks all day and had written them earlier – so it was nice getting a letter. It kept me in the mood. I also heard from Steve who tells me you’re going to be “a sweet wife to have” – because among other things – you know how to put together cardboard cannons. You must show me sometime, darling. He really likes you, though, dear – and he’s frank enough to say he doesn’t – if he doesn’t. He still refers to you as Aunt Wilmer – so please put him straight.

The news around here has been good the past 24 hours and I hope it continues. Everyone here is optimistic – but I hope not dangerously so. It’s awfully easy to wish it were all over – but it isn’t over yet and on this front, at any rate, there’ll be plenty of hard fighting.

I finished reading that book I wrote you about and it was very good. We may have a movie tonite. I hope you’re on your vacation, sweetheart, and getting some relaxation. I continue to think of you and us constantly, dear, and it all ends up with I love you – and strongly! Love to the family and

All my love is yours –

Greg