Nov. 30, 1943
Dear Mother,
You can disregard that last letter, sense it was pure propaganda. The happenings of the past week have convinced me that I was over optimistic. Right now I am sitting out here in the beautiful south dam near freezing to death. Perhaps I should start a little further back and explain how I came to be sitting out here with the rest of the division on maneuvers.
The 612 Ordinance Battalion that we were attached to got orders to move. Their orders came so suddenly that there was no time to arrange for us school boys to be transferred to another outfit. Some of our Battalion came in and hauled us out to the field. You should have heard the ha! ha! they gave us when we appeared in the chow line.
If anyone ever tries to tell you it's hot in the south during the winter, hit them over the head for me. I was on guard the other night and I had on every thing I could find. Summer underwear, winter underwear, coveralls, field jacket, and overcoat and I was still cold.
Thanks for the book on architecture. The Sportsman model would best suit our needs. With the wheels on the back you could grab hold and haul it around to your hearts content.
How are all the teeth coming along? I hope Dad is feeling better or maybe he's feeling worse cause he's got some more coming out. You should have yours finished by now. How about Rosalyn has she finished also? At least I won't have to worry about getting home before all of you finish with the dentist.
Don't expect any Christmas present until about February. They pulled me out of camp before I could get around and there is absolutely nothing out here in these Louisiana swamps. I had a three day pass all planned for Christmas if I had stayed in camp as per the original set up.
Well it's getting kind of late and I'm just a little tired, so it's off to bed I'm going. Goodnight.
Love
Kenneth
Showing posts with label maneuvers. Show all posts
Showing posts with label maneuvers. Show all posts
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Monday, July 20, 2009
Not Going On Maneuvers - Nov. 23 1943
Nov. 23, 1943
Dear Mother,
We got settled in our new home yesterday. It seemed funny watching the company pull out and not going with them. Especially on maneuvers.
We are living in tents again similar to Camp Perry. These tent frames are just a little older, as a matter of fact they look like they need props to hold them up straight. The tent that we sleep in is more like a barracks than anything. It is three tents all fastened together so that eighteen of us sleep under one roof. It's not bad considering everything.
As you have probably surmised by now we are not going on maneuvers. Some of the fellows seemed to think we are lucky getting to stay in camp for the two months the division is in the field. What do you think?
It looks like we will get off for Thanksgiving, but it will be one day only so I won't be able to get up around your way. I guess I'll just stay in camp and eat turkey. Come on down and I'll save you a bite!
Did the hunting trip ever come off or was it called off? From what I've heard it's almost impossible to get shells for any civilian use at present. I got Dad a thirty-seven millimeter shell maybe he can get something with that. Do you recon?
Love
Kenneth
Dear Mother,
We got settled in our new home yesterday. It seemed funny watching the company pull out and not going with them. Especially on maneuvers.
We are living in tents again similar to Camp Perry. These tent frames are just a little older, as a matter of fact they look like they need props to hold them up straight. The tent that we sleep in is more like a barracks than anything. It is three tents all fastened together so that eighteen of us sleep under one roof. It's not bad considering everything.
As you have probably surmised by now we are not going on maneuvers. Some of the fellows seemed to think we are lucky getting to stay in camp for the two months the division is in the field. What do you think?
It looks like we will get off for Thanksgiving, but it will be one day only so I won't be able to get up around your way. I guess I'll just stay in camp and eat turkey. Come on down and I'll save you a bite!
Did the hunting trip ever come off or was it called off? From what I've heard it's almost impossible to get shells for any civilian use at present. I got Dad a thirty-seven millimeter shell maybe he can get something with that. Do you recon?
Love
Kenneth
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Still In School Here Nov 18, 1943
Nov 18, 1943
Dear Mother,
Has it warmed up any up there yet? It's been real nice down here so far. We had a few chilly nights but the sun warms things up in good shape during the day time.
Well I'm still going to school. Of course it isn't really a school it's a base repair shop where they make major repairs on instruments. They haven't decided yet weather to make this our last week over there, or weather to let us go another two months and miss maneuvers. We are hoping for the latter more or less cause it's going to be cold and wet sleeping out in this part of the country. It won't be bad for those with trucks to sleep in, but if I go I'm supposed to drive a jeep. With a jeep there is no place to sleep but on the ground.
Some of the fellows in the battalion went to New Orleans the 11th to drive vehicles in a parade there. They wouldn't let me go because of this school. The dirty dogs.
From the sound of things all we have to do is build a half dozen cabins along the edge of the lake at our place. From them we should be able to pay for the place in a short time. It's something to think about anyway.
I had something I was going to show you when I came home on furlough. But it is no more, I did away with it when they canceled my leave. Heh! Heh! you should have seen me with that beautiful cooky-duster. The other fellows were getting jealous so I shaved it off. If you could have seen it.
Love
Kenneth
Dear Mother,
Has it warmed up any up there yet? It's been real nice down here so far. We had a few chilly nights but the sun warms things up in good shape during the day time.
Well I'm still going to school. Of course it isn't really a school it's a base repair shop where they make major repairs on instruments. They haven't decided yet weather to make this our last week over there, or weather to let us go another two months and miss maneuvers. We are hoping for the latter more or less cause it's going to be cold and wet sleeping out in this part of the country. It won't be bad for those with trucks to sleep in, but if I go I'm supposed to drive a jeep. With a jeep there is no place to sleep but on the ground.
Some of the fellows in the battalion went to New Orleans the 11th to drive vehicles in a parade there. They wouldn't let me go because of this school. The dirty dogs.
From the sound of things all we have to do is build a half dozen cabins along the edge of the lake at our place. From them we should be able to pay for the place in a short time. It's something to think about anyway.
I had something I was going to show you when I came home on furlough. But it is no more, I did away with it when they canceled my leave. Heh! Heh! you should have seen me with that beautiful cooky-duster. The other fellows were getting jealous so I shaved it off. If you could have seen it.
Love
Kenneth
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Maneuvers End- Sept. 30, 1943
Sept. 30, 1943
Dear Mother,
Well! Well! Wonders will never cease. They called the last half of maneuvers off. I think we will finish the maneuvers down in Louisiana. We go from one extreme to another. First the sunny dry desert and then the swamps of Louisiana. As plans now stand we leave here the last of next month for Camp Polk.
Your getting to be the regular little entertainer. Just don't try too many at once or somebody may get stepped on.
I'm going to quit for now, it's so dark I can't see the lines.
Oct 1, 1943
I've got a few minutes before I go on guard duty. I think I can finish this letter by then.
I'm Corporal of the guard tonight so all i have to do is post my relief then pick them up two hours later. Pretty soft I calls it.
Well we did pretty good on maneuvers so they say. I took my crew on two problems and we got killed both times. The only redeeming fracture being the fact that we was the last vehicle to be put out of action. It all sounds sort of screwy but it's a big help in getting an idea of what the score is.
The compass got hear in good shape. I'm afraid I won't get to use it much here but it will sure come in handy down in the swamps of Louisiana.
So far I haven't had any teeth worked on in the army. I have one pretty bad cavity otherwise I think my teeth are in fine shape. Every time they examine teeth they ask if the hollow tooth hurts any. Since it hasn't they don't want to touch it. Of course I don't beg them as long as it doesn't bother.
I want to get another three day pass before we leave California. I want to visit Los Angelas and Long Beach again. I'd like to spend a day laying on the beach at the ocean. Wish you and the gang could go also.
If Grandma is still there tell her hello for me and thank her for the nice card.
A cake would sure go good but from the looks of most packages coming in I'm afraid it would be in bad shape. The mail is way behind as far as packages are concerned and they lay in Los Angelas several days before delivery.
It's time for guard so goodbye for now.
Love
Kenneth
Dear Mother,
Well! Well! Wonders will never cease. They called the last half of maneuvers off. I think we will finish the maneuvers down in Louisiana. We go from one extreme to another. First the sunny dry desert and then the swamps of Louisiana. As plans now stand we leave here the last of next month for Camp Polk.
Your getting to be the regular little entertainer. Just don't try too many at once or somebody may get stepped on.
I'm going to quit for now, it's so dark I can't see the lines.
Oct 1, 1943
I've got a few minutes before I go on guard duty. I think I can finish this letter by then.
I'm Corporal of the guard tonight so all i have to do is post my relief then pick them up two hours later. Pretty soft I calls it.
Well we did pretty good on maneuvers so they say. I took my crew on two problems and we got killed both times. The only redeeming fracture being the fact that we was the last vehicle to be put out of action. It all sounds sort of screwy but it's a big help in getting an idea of what the score is.
The compass got hear in good shape. I'm afraid I won't get to use it much here but it will sure come in handy down in the swamps of Louisiana.
So far I haven't had any teeth worked on in the army. I have one pretty bad cavity otherwise I think my teeth are in fine shape. Every time they examine teeth they ask if the hollow tooth hurts any. Since it hasn't they don't want to touch it. Of course I don't beg them as long as it doesn't bother.
I want to get another three day pass before we leave California. I want to visit Los Angelas and Long Beach again. I'd like to spend a day laying on the beach at the ocean. Wish you and the gang could go also.
If Grandma is still there tell her hello for me and thank her for the nice card.
A cake would sure go good but from the looks of most packages coming in I'm afraid it would be in bad shape. The mail is way behind as far as packages are concerned and they lay in Los Angelas several days before delivery.
It's time for guard so goodbye for now.
Love
Kenneth
Sunday, June 21, 2009
A Coyote On Maneuvers
Sept. 23, 1943
Dear Mother,
We are going right along with maneuvers. At this rate it won't be long before they're over.
Some of the boys have encountered rattle snakes around the bivouac area. Now then you can't hardly find anyone sleeping on the ground. Practically everyone sleeps either on top of a truck or inside one. The four of us on the anti-tank truck still sleep on the ground mostly because there is no place on the truck to sleep.
Last night we had quite a bit of fun. A young coyote and the four of us had a little game of hide and seek. The little thing came right up into camp. Evidently it hadn't had a drink for some time. We put out a pan of water and he came up within three feet of one man to get that water. The man tried to grab the coyote. That little animal really took off. That man thought he moved fast but he was slow compared to the coyote. We never did catch that coyote.
Hay lets don't be talking about food so freely in your letters. Talking about chicken and roast makes my poor mouth water. We haven't had anything but canned "C" rations since we hit this desert. Just when I get so I can eat this food you write about chicken. I'm disappointed in you making me dissatisfied.
These guys are talking so much and so loud I can't think so I'm going to close this letter.
Love
Kenneth
Dear Mother,
We are going right along with maneuvers. At this rate it won't be long before they're over.
Some of the boys have encountered rattle snakes around the bivouac area. Now then you can't hardly find anyone sleeping on the ground. Practically everyone sleeps either on top of a truck or inside one. The four of us on the anti-tank truck still sleep on the ground mostly because there is no place on the truck to sleep.
Last night we had quite a bit of fun. A young coyote and the four of us had a little game of hide and seek. The little thing came right up into camp. Evidently it hadn't had a drink for some time. We put out a pan of water and he came up within three feet of one man to get that water. The man tried to grab the coyote. That little animal really took off. That man thought he moved fast but he was slow compared to the coyote. We never did catch that coyote.
Hay lets don't be talking about food so freely in your letters. Talking about chicken and roast makes my poor mouth water. We haven't had anything but canned "C" rations since we hit this desert. Just when I get so I can eat this food you write about chicken. I'm disappointed in you making me dissatisfied.
These guys are talking so much and so loud I can't think so I'm going to close this letter.
Love
Kenneth
Monday, June 15, 2009
On the Desert in Calofornia Sept. 15, 1943
Sept. 15, 1943
Dear Mother,
How is every little thing at home this fine day? Have they decided to move Dad's department at the depot yet or does he get to stay?
I have come to the conclusion that our camp is situated in the coolest spot on the desert. The farther we move the hotter it gets. I don't know what the temperature is but when you just lay around and the sweat pours off then it's hot.
The wind out here feels like it came from a blast furnace. When we're driving along that wind feels like it's searing our lungs.
Yesterday I went to sleep in the shade of the truck and that wind blowing on my side turned it a deep red. It hurt pretty bad for a while but has eased up considerable now.
Do you know I have just come to the conclusion that these steel helmets are handy little gadgets. Of a morning they are used for shaving. While riding you wear them and get a good scalp massage. Of an evening we use them to take a sponge bath and last but not least our dirty clothes must be washed out so again we turn to our trusty helmet.
Have the papers come through on the place yet? I didn't get a chance to send any money home before we left camp so I'll have quite a bit when I get back unless we stop someplace where I can get a money order. I'm just a little afraid to send money in a letter out here because I'm not sure all my letters are getting through.
After these maneuvers are over I'll have a couple months back pay and what money I now have. I'll send a good part of it home to put in on the place.
THE END
Love
Kenneth
Dear Mother,
How is every little thing at home this fine day? Have they decided to move Dad's department at the depot yet or does he get to stay?
I have come to the conclusion that our camp is situated in the coolest spot on the desert. The farther we move the hotter it gets. I don't know what the temperature is but when you just lay around and the sweat pours off then it's hot.
The wind out here feels like it came from a blast furnace. When we're driving along that wind feels like it's searing our lungs.
Yesterday I went to sleep in the shade of the truck and that wind blowing on my side turned it a deep red. It hurt pretty bad for a while but has eased up considerable now.
Do you know I have just come to the conclusion that these steel helmets are handy little gadgets. Of a morning they are used for shaving. While riding you wear them and get a good scalp massage. Of an evening we use them to take a sponge bath and last but not least our dirty clothes must be washed out so again we turn to our trusty helmet.
Have the papers come through on the place yet? I didn't get a chance to send any money home before we left camp so I'll have quite a bit when I get back unless we stop someplace where I can get a money order. I'm just a little afraid to send money in a letter out here because I'm not sure all my letters are getting through.
After these maneuvers are over I'll have a couple months back pay and what money I now have. I'll send a good part of it home to put in on the place.
THE END
Love
Kenneth
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
You Got A Real Buy - Aug 28, 1943
Aug. 28, 1943
Dear Mother & Dad,
Well I think you got a real buy from what you have told me. I have been thinking over the idea you talked about in your letter Dad. While it is something to think about I don't believe that we are in a position to do anything but think at the present time.
After maneuvers are finished I should get a few days off, and then we could go down and see just what we have bought.
From the sounds of the terms I don't think we should have any trouble with the monthly payments. Unless something drastic happens and then we should be able to realize a nice profit out of any of the land we choose to sell. If we can hold on until they resume work on the lake we should get a nice price if we decide to sell any of the place.
Thanks a lot for the candy. It sure tasted swell. It went like hot cakes, something like that really goes good after eating "C" rations. We would probably all faint if they served us fresh beef for a change.
I don't know how often I will be in a position to write in the next two months, but whenever the opportunity presents itself I will drop you a line or two. As plans stand now the next two months will be spent on a truck somewhere between here and Mexico.
Yes sir, the first of September we hit the field in earnest. She'll be rough and ready thru seven days a week with no time for passes or furloughs. I'll be glad to get into it and get it over with.
One thing we have to be thankful for anyway. the nights are cooling off again to the point that blankets can be used in comfort. The days are still hot but at least we can sleep at night. I hope your heat wave is over so you have more ambition to eat.
That's all until later.
Love
Kenneth
Dear Mother & Dad,
Well I think you got a real buy from what you have told me. I have been thinking over the idea you talked about in your letter Dad. While it is something to think about I don't believe that we are in a position to do anything but think at the present time.
After maneuvers are finished I should get a few days off, and then we could go down and see just what we have bought.
From the sounds of the terms I don't think we should have any trouble with the monthly payments. Unless something drastic happens and then we should be able to realize a nice profit out of any of the land we choose to sell. If we can hold on until they resume work on the lake we should get a nice price if we decide to sell any of the place.
Thanks a lot for the candy. It sure tasted swell. It went like hot cakes, something like that really goes good after eating "C" rations. We would probably all faint if they served us fresh beef for a change.
I don't know how often I will be in a position to write in the next two months, but whenever the opportunity presents itself I will drop you a line or two. As plans stand now the next two months will be spent on a truck somewhere between here and Mexico.
Yes sir, the first of September we hit the field in earnest. She'll be rough and ready thru seven days a week with no time for passes or furloughs. I'll be glad to get into it and get it over with.
One thing we have to be thankful for anyway. the nights are cooling off again to the point that blankets can be used in comfort. The days are still hot but at least we can sleep at night. I hope your heat wave is over so you have more ambition to eat.
That's all until later.
Love
Kenneth
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