Dear Ma, Pa, Barb, Ann, Ele, Letter No. 23

Pvt. Anthony J. Curcio
Flight "A" 31 T.S.S.
U.S. Army
Jefferson Barracks, MO

Date 2-26-43
Letter No. 23
Rec'd 28-29-30

Dear Ma, Pa, Barb, Ann & Ele,

I can't write much tonight because it is 8:30, lights out at 9 & I got K.P. tomorrow.
Yesterday I went thru regular routine & in the night I wrote a letter to Ele & then fell asleep.
Today we had a very interesting lecture & exhibition on camouflage. It was really very informational & I enjoyed it very much. I have pictures I clipped out of the paper about it & I will send them to you later.
Tonight my name was called out to get a shot. So I had to march over to the other side of the camp for a shot. My arm doesn't hurt anymore when I get the shots.
I just got back so I thought I better write tonight because I got K.P. We have to get up at 3:30.
I will answer your letters in my next letter.
There is just one thing that you said that made me feel a bit depressed. In fact I was worried about it ever since I got your letter (#30). You said that I said that I threw all your letters away. Well ma I don't recall writing anything like that at all. I couldn't say that because I have every letter you sent me. In fact I have every letter anybody sent me. I intended to send them home when I get a big batch. I wish you would look at that letter again. In fact I wish you would send it to me. I would like to look at it. If there is anything which you misunderstood I would like to know about it so I can be more careful of what I write. You know ma your letters mean so much to me & that I wouldn't throw them away. I always kept little things that meant something to me & I always will.
I think that's all I can say right now.
I received Bobby's letter & will answer that one when I answer yours.
So until you hear from me I hope you all are in the best of health & hoping the letter makes you very happy because of the misunderstanding. Give my love to Grandma I don't think I'll have time to write.

Your Loving Soldier Boy,
Tony

Dear Ma, Pa, Barb, Ann, Ele, Letter No. 22

Pvt. Anthony J. Curcio
Flight "A" 31 T.S.S.
U.S. Army
Jefferson Barracks

Date 2-24-43
Letter No. 22

Dear Ma, Pa, Barb, Ann & Ele,

I wrote last night & today we just went thru regular drill.
I got a letter from Pat & Dave & one from Joe. Joe has the same training I have only that he lives in a hotel. I don't think I would like the hotel very much. I imagine after I got out of here I would. But going from a hotel into a place like this I don't think I would like it very much. After all we are in the army.
I think I will take a shower & then turn in for a nice long sleep.
Remember I told you I went to that dance Sat. night? I told you I met that nice girl. Well her & her sister invited me out Sunday if I was still here, so If I am I'll get a pass & go there. I wouldn't go if I wasn't positive they were nice girls. You know me ma, I have a knack for picking out nice girls.
Say I hate to ask but I could use a few greenbacks. I've been picking up a few souvenirs & then if I go out there Sunday I would like a few on me even though I don't spend any.
I won't get my wash done until I get to a permanent camp. I am afraid I will be shipped & then it will be a lot of trouble till I get it back. For the same reason I'm not getting my clothes pressed.
In my hut now there are a couple of fellows who are going to take tests for aviation cadets. Also there are two college graduates waiting to be called for O.C.S. The rest are from the old flight & are from N.Y. They are all nice fellows & I get along very good with them.
I'm getting used to eating with the fellows at chow. I rush it a little but not enough not to enjoy it. But I still end up the last one.
Does Grandma like my letters? I can't say too much but as long as I write. I hope she is happy.
How do you feel with those pills ma? How are they affecting you?
You say Ele didn't say anything when she read my letter? Well I hope she was happy.
Well I think that's all for now. Well so long for a while hoping I hear from you tomorrow.

Your Soldier Boy, Lovingly
Tony

A Soldier's Prayer

Dear God: I can't pray and say
All the things I want to at the end of the day.
I know you're with me and you always will
But I'll try to pray until my lips are still.

Dear God: Bless my mother so good and true,
For she's been thru what I'll never go thru;
And now this war and I'm so far away,
That's why I kneel and try to pray.

Dear God: Help me to keep the vows I made,
For the sea of troubles and temptations I'll wade.
Give me the strength that my mother holds,
For her prayers will keep me within Thy folds.

Dear God: Bless my girl so pretty and sweet,
Guide and keep her till again we meet.
May our love stay as strong as when I went away;
Please Dear God: It's so hard to pray.

Dear God: Bless my home which we're fighting to keep,
Where I first meet you at my mother's feet.
My family is there and all that I own,
So, please dear God, bless my swell home.

Dear God: when this war is over and all is through
And this proud world bows to do homage to you
There'll be millions and millions who come to say:
Dear God: It's me--I've learned to pray.

Dear Ma, Pa, Barb, Ann, Ele, Letter No. 21

Pvt. Anthony J. Curcio
Flight A-31-T.S.S. U.S. Army
Jefferson Barracks, MO.

Date 2-23-43
Letter No. 21
Rec'd 27

Dear Ma, Pa, Barb, Ann, Ele,

It is Tuesday night and I am writing letters once again. I wrote all day Sunday, last night & tonight. I wish I only had to write to home, Grandma & Ele, but if I don't write I won't receive any so I have to answer all letters. I really wouldn't mind if I had plenty of time. You notice the change in script? I'm in the day now. It is more comfortable, sitting at the table & listening to the radio. I'm sorry I didn't discover it before.
Yesterday we had gas mask drill. We learned how to put on our gas masks and test for gas. We got wiffs of mustard gas, phosgene gas & a couple of others. Then we went into a chamber with tear gas to prove that our gas masks really work. They worked. Before we left the chamber we had to take our masks off and we all started to tear. I had tears all the way down my cheeks. All these gases are in concentrated forms. It was really a lot of fun. From the gas chamber we had to walk across the camp & then thru an obstacle course with our gas masks on. Boy were we sweating. Boy that obstacle course certainly toughens you up. In this flight we go thru it twice a day. It's a bit different than our other obstacle course. You see when we changed flights we changed our drill field also. I like this one a lot better.
The weather here is cold when we get up, but in the afternoon it's like a summer day.
Al didn't say anything about where he was. Just about things in general.
If I ever get home on a furlough I'll take over Bobby's unit for a night. I'm catching on to this drill pretty good. What do you say Bob? How far do you go teaching your girls drill. Right flank-left oblique, extend march etc. Let me know I'm quite anxious to know, OK.
I'm still waiting for those cookies Ann. Of course when you have time. But I certainly do miss them. I hope they come soon.
I hear you received my letter Ele. What do you say? Write me a nice long letter & let me know. Where were you when Mom, Bob & Ann call me up?
Hi Pa! How do you feel? I hope you aren't taking anymore pills etc. What about it pa?
Well I think that's all for now. I still feel fine. I am a little tired. I guess that's to be expected.

Your Loving Son &
Soldier Boy
Tony

P.S. I got a letter from the Testa family today.

Dear Helen

2-22-43

Dear Helen,

This is Tony reporting to you from J.B. Remember Sat. night? I really had a swell time.
Well it's Monday night & I'm still here, but anything could happen, but if I'm still here I would love to see you on Sunday providing I get a pass & providing you will have me out on that day. If it's O.K., you can send me instructions on how to get there. If I should be shipped I'll try my darn'est to get in touch with you as soon as possible. I would hate to cause you any trouble if I would be shipped.
Well yesterday I was very happy. I was writing letters (trying to catch up on those forgotten letters) & I got a message to report to the orderly room. They told me I was to call operator 83 N.Y.C. I rushed out of there so fast I almost took the door with me. I went to a telephone booth & it took me an hr. & a half to get my call thru. But I finally succeeded. But those 3 minutes went awful fast. I talked to my mom & my two sisters. I just had time to say "how are you" & my time was up, but it certainly gives you a swell sensation. And then again it is over a 1000 miles from N.Y. If you just stop to think it really is remarkable.
Tonight we were restricted to our area because a couple of huts weren't clean (not mine) so, we all had to G.I. our huts. Boy we certainly do that in a hurry.
We had gas mask drill today. We had to go into a chamber with tear gas in it & before we left the room we had to take our masks off & we all started to tear. It was certainly a funny sight to see.
Well I think that's all for now, hoping you are in the best of health & hoping that I hear from you real soon. Will be waiting impatiently.

Sincerely,
Tony

Dear Ma, Pa, Barb, Ann, Ele, Letter No. 20

Pvt. Anthony J. Curcio Date 2-21-43
Flight A-31-T.S.S. U.S. Army Letter No. 20
Jefferson Barracks, MO. Rec'd 23-24-25-26

Dear Ma, Pa, Barb, Ann & Ele,

It's Sunday night & I'm trying to catch up on my mail. I'm writing all night.
I felt very happy that I was able to hear your voices over the phone. Can you imagine over 1,000 miles away. I feel happy & yet sorry I couldn't say more than we did. I got the message to call N.Y. about 1:30 & tore out of the orderly room & ran all the way to the phone booths. When I got there there were about 5 fellows ahead of me all making long distance phone calls so I just had to wait. I had to call up twice before they put me thru to New York. The lines were very busy. Before calling I wanted to say so much & then the only words that came out were How are you Barb, how are you ma, how are you Ann.
But I guess you can't say much more. I did want to ask you ma, whether my letters were all right, & whether my letters make you happy (I mean do I say everything right in my letters) and abundance of other questions. But I said How are you & you said you were swell so that made up for all the questions I could possibly ask. Just now the church bells are ringing & the organ is playing over the P.A. system & a lump came to my throat. It makes me feel like being home so much.
Fri. I had regular drill & went to bed early at night.
Sat. we moved as I told you over the phone, to a new section. We had to take all our things. We straightened up all day. All the fellows were separated but we still see each other.
After chow we got a call for a convoy. Anybody who wanted to go could go. So I went because my friend went even though I was a bit tired. They piled us in 3 trucks & took us 20 miles outside of camp to Middletown H.S. to a dance. We had a very nice time. I was introduced to one girl which was very nice. (I stayed with her all night because she was a swell girl (you could see that by the way she talked) & she was intelligent & could dance very well). It seems I just know a good girl when I see one. Just like Elfrieda. We got sandwiches & coca cola for refreshments. Wasn't that nice. At 12 o'clock we all had to leave the building & pile into the trucks & they took us back. Sunday morning I tried to go to church but missed it all around.
In the afternoon I got your precious call & here I am writing letters in the night.
I received a letter from Sonny today. He is going in to the army next month. He sends his regards.
I received your package today and we certainly surprised to get it & it certainly is a mystery.
In your letter you say you sent the package. I got it this morning the same time as the letter. I had thrown the paper away already so I ran out & got the paper to see when it was postmarked for curiosity's sake. Well there were the stamps & no post mark on it at all. So whatever happened I don't know but I'm sending you the stamps to put on the next package. It was certainly a surprise to receive it. That map is swell. I took the red pencil (It was certainly swell to include the table) and plotted the route of the trip here. I will keep it up. I think I will be shipped as there are 10,000 cadets coming to this camp & I think they have to make room. That's why we had to move to this flight. We have 10 in a hut instead of 8 now. We sure are crowded. But why squawk.
Oh I forgot. Thanks for the socks, wrist broom, handkerchiefs, shaving cream (I just ran out of the others, how did you know I ran out, telepathy again I guess) & of course the milky ways & cigarettes. The next package you can send me some tobacco. Thank you for the package it reallly was a thrill.
I always want you to tell me about the little things. I completely understand what you mean.
We use the both kind of socks ma. I need both, you aks me which I liek best in your 25th letter. I like both too.
Oh Yes this morning we took pictures but I won't be able to get them developed because they take 3 weeks here. They have to pass the censor. So I'll have to wait 'til I get to a permanent camp.
I hear from Ele about 2 times a week.
I sure will be waiting for those cookies Ann. I hope you get the time real soon. You really don't know how much I enjoy them.
I am including the poem I promised you ma. Copy it & Send it back. O.K. It's just for you Ma.
So I'll close now hoping I can write very soon - until then

Reporting - Signing Off
Your Loving Soldier Boy
Tony

P.S. Thanks for calling, so much I can't express.

Dear Ma, Pa, Barb, Ann, Ele, Letter No. 19

Pvt. Anthony J. Curcio Date 2-17-43 2-18-43
Flight "F" 360 T.S.S. U.S. Army Letter No. 19
Jefferson Barracks, MO. Rec'd 22

Dear Mom, Pa, Barb, Ann, Ele,

Well here it is Wed. morning about 7:30 and will be called out for chow in a few minutes so if I have to break off you know the reason why. Then I will finish it sometime today. Today we got up at 5:45 instead of 5 o'clock because our mess hall is on the blink. So we have to march way over to the other side of the camp to the General Mess Hall to eat. It's a tremendous place & can take thousands of fellows at a time. Well I'm being called out now so I close now for awhile.
Well here it is Thursday night. I couldn't finish the letter yesterday. Here is the reason. Since I left for chow yesterday morning I have been on the go as usual. Everything we do has been moved up a couple of hours because of the mess hall goring on the blink. We go on the drill field & drill the same as usual only that we stay there that much longer & get back that much later. So we drilled Wed. morning & in the afternoon we played cowboys & indians. (learning how to take signals in combat zone & then laying in the mud). (We had pieces of wood for guns). It was quite a riot. Everybody got a kick out of it.. Tues. I went on sick call and got a pass to stay in my hut on Tues. because of my ankle I sprained on Mon. It hurt me a little so [I] thought I would get it taped up. Wed. it felt pretty good so as I told you all above, was out on the drill field. We got off the drill field about 6 o'clock & went to chow at seven. (This business of eating late will end as soon as the mess hall is fixed up). Then I was pretty tired & so was everybody else because of walking back & forth to the mess hall besides our regular drill. Soon we thought we had the rest of the night off & I was going to finish the letter & then flop in bed, but ------- we all had to go to a show. We all thought it was a processing show (like first aid) or something. So we had to walk in formation to the other side of the camp & guess what it was? ------------ It was a show by the U.S.O. entitled "Flying Colors." They had 24 Rockettes from Radio City (it was a New York show) comedians, singers from W.O.R. & it was a wonderful show. Everybody was glad they had to go. One of the singers sang "Begin the Beguine" right down the line. Wasn't that swell. The Rockettes were very good. Well we got back at 11 o'clock & I went to bed. We went to drill this morning & this afternoon was called again for special instruction on guard duty. I have guard duty from 10 -12 tonight. After all that I still felt pretty good. In fact I don't seem to get tired anymore but rather enjoy it. The only thing is I would like to have more time to write letters. I wrote one to Eleanor Tuesday & mom you read it too. I think you'll understand.
I received a letter from Eleanor & it was certainly swell to read it and Ele you won't have any trouble in your next term. Just keep up your good work. I got two letters from Ele & she says she had a wonderful time Sunday. I'm sure she did. Al didn't say much in his letter as usual but he is overseas & is sorry he couldn't write sooner. He sends his regards to all.
I got a letter from the bookkeeper from my office & it had a little bad news. Ed, my boss is in the hospital with meningitis. But is recovering. I felt bad when I read it. I'll write him a nice letter Sunday. I hope he gets betters in a hurry. His course is almost up.
And ma of course your letter, I always save yours for last. I remember when I went to night school I always saved my subject I liked last. I always enjoy yours the most. I'll have to close now. I'll answer all questions in my next letter. I'll have to put my leggings on & make my bed & shine my shoes before lights go out & then I have to go on guard duty. There is so much I would like to say but just know I haven't the time. I'll have to answer Elfrieda tomorrow. Goodnight. Love & Kisses from Your Loving Soldier Boy
Tony

P.S. That original design on Eleanor's letter was quite effective. You see ma we have a bright girl in the family. Our little genious.

P.S. I have a swell poem I will write in the next letter. It's really swell. Keep looking for it.

Dear Ma, Pa, Barb, Ann, Ele, Letter No. 18

Pvt. Anthony J. Curcio Date 2-15-43
Flight "F" 360 T.S.S. U.S. Army Letter No. 18
Jefferson Barracks, MO. Rec'd 21

Dear Ma, Pa, Barb, Ann, Ele,

Well here it is Mon. morning & it started to snow again. It was very cold on the drill field so they let us go back to our huts a little earlier. That's how I got the time to start this letter & will probably have time to finish it tonight.
Yesterday we had K.P. One day of [?]. We had to get up at 3 am & we worked 'til 8 at night. But it isn't so bad, in fact, most of the fellows would rather have K.P. than be on the drill field. My job at K.P. was to put the bowls & cups into trays to be sent thru the sterilizer. I got an easy job this time. After that's finished we mopped the floor & then did little things around to waste time until dinner came & then we went thru the same procedure. So you see it really isn't so bad. Boy let me tell you all, we had some meal there. I think it's one of the best one I've had so far. It seems I have developed an appetite & just want to keep on eating and eating even though I'm full. For dinner I had ham, potatoes, carrots & peas, celery, soup & crackers, bread & butter, coffee, pie & ice cream, then I went up for some more ham & potatoes & another piece of pie & ice cream, oh yes & an apple. I really don't know where I put it all. But ma, no matter how good I say the meal is here, there is nothing I would like better than one of your meals. All the meals here are just lacking that little touch of yrou hand & that extra flavor that counts so much.
We have a new system of eating now. (I don't like it). We have to wait 'til a whole table is finished lined up (10 at a table) and then we all sit down together. When the last person is finished (me) we all get up and go out together. It certainly is a nice style but I like to take my time and I'm usually the last one done. But I guess I'll get used to it. (So I had to stop this letter until the night).
I had to leave for chow & then we went to drill and we drilled all afternoon in the snow. (It was snowing). Then we had to run & go down a steep hill & everybody was slipping, etc., me being one of them. I sprained my ankle a little but it's all right now. Besides I'm resting up tonight (as I usually do at night).
I don't know whether I told you of the routine, I mean the times we do things during the day, so I shall state the times.
At 5 o'clock we get up, we get dressed, mop up, straighten up the hut, make the fire, wash up & fall out for chow at 6:20, after chow about 7 o'clock to 7:30 we polish our shoes & do odds & ends around the hut. We fall out at 7:30 for roll call & then they take us tp the drill field (which is a walk over hill & dale) we drill from 8 to 11:30 (usually the same thing & a little added each day). We come back to our area for roll call & go to chow about 12 o'clock. From chow we come back to our huts or go to the latrine & fall out for drill about 12:45. We drill from 1-4:30 (we get a ten minute break) we come back from the drill field for mail call & go to chow about 5:40. When we get back from chow (about 6:20) we got the rest of the time for ourselves. Lights go out at 9 o'clock. The latrine is open all night. I make a visit usually each night (It's about 300 yds. from our hut). At night most of the fellas wash their clothes or take showers or go to town or go to some amusement in the camp. The only place I went was to see "Arsenic & Old Lace" as I told you & when I went to St. Louis to get your pillow case.
The Sargent made a little speech tonight and said we had the huts better than any in all the rest of the flights and we were on the top of the list. He also apologized for us having K.P. Sunday. But he said it was beyond his control. He just got his orders & he had to carry them out. He is really a nice fellow.
How is that summary, O.K.? I guess I should have wrote it a lot sooner but I really don't have much time to think to[o] much.
Today one or the fellows (the fellow that got all the food stuffs from his folks) received his camera, and guess what it was exactly the same as mine, exactly the same. How is that for a coincedence. We will probably take pictures Sunday. The sargent promised us if we're here we don't have to work on Sunday. We got his word. I say if we are still here because if they really need men in certain branches they ship them to another camp & they get their basic & schooling together. 3 fellows were shipped out yesterday as I told you in the last letter. That's why I told you not to come. It coule have very well been my branch they would have called.
Ma could you get (or anybody) me a map of the U.S. or something I could follow the places where I went or will go. I remember when we came on to here, it would have been much more interesting to spot the places as we passed them, right?
Today I received your letter, a letter from Grandma & Aunt Anna, & one from Aunt Margaret. Aunt Margaret doesn't say much just asked me how I am.
You say in your letter ma, I asked questions in my letters that you already answered. What are they ma? I know I asked you about Frank's address, but as I told you, your letter was delayed at Camp Upton & I received it a few days ago & wrote Frank immediately. As for Eleanor - well I think I will have to find time to write her a letter.
Holidays mean nothing to us in the army. One day is the same as another.
I haven't got my leather gloves with me. And I try to take care of my clothes the best of my ability.
The fellows in my hut are swell fellows. There are 4 fellows from N.Y., 2 from Fall City, Nebraska, 1 from Kansas City, Missouri. All are my age except one from N.Y. He's a quite gentle type man of 35. A swell fellow, but doesn't take to much. I get along with them very well although I really can't call one really my buddy. I guess I will have to stay a little longer to really call them my buddies. Although they are the friendliest bunch you ever saw.
Ma ask me all the questions you want, as I said once before because I really can't write things you would like to know because I don't know what you would like to know. I try to write as much as I possibly can but there are always those little things that are [of] so much value to you that I probably wouldn't think of. Isn't that right? So I say again ask me all the questions you want to, O.K., ma?
It really seems a very long time since I went away from home, because so much happened to me since I left. Yet when I sit down & think it seems like only yesterday since I went away. I miss you all so much.
I'm just finishing up Ann's cookies while writing this letter. I really am ashamed of myself for eating theym all myself but they were too delicious to spare. I hope I'm not selfish. I even take them to drill field with me. Well I think that's all for now. So I'll sign off now.

Your Loving Soldier Boy,
Tony

Dear Ma, Pa, Barb, Ann, Ele, Letter No. 17

Pvt. Anthony J. Curcio Date 2-13-43
Flight "F" 360 T.S.S. U.S. Army Letter No. 17
Jefferson Barracks, MO. Rec'd 20

Dear Mom, Pa, Barb, Ann, Ele,

Well to begin, I'm eating the cookies Ann made ever since I got them about 12 this morning. They are the tops. How did you know I liked chocolate chip cookies? I gave one to each fellow in the hut & they all liked them very well. (They only got one apiece. It may be stingy but I really do like them too much to spare any more). Thanks Ann.
Well today it snowed (early this morning) and boy was it cold over here. But we had to drill just the same. In the afternoon we drilled & did an obstacle course. First we had to run up & down steep hills (with our overshoes on & the snow we had a good time). We thought it was all over after that but we had to go thru an obstacle course, climb fences, climb hills, crawl thru pipes, cross bridges, etc. It was a lot of fun but I'm a bit tired just now. But I'm getting used to it. It seems [to] grow into you when you get it regular & you don't mind it. Tonight I was going to rest up & tomorrow I was going to write letters & go to a show or something - but a list came in tonight & we all get detail tomorrow so instead of my day off I have to serve K.P. Isn't that mean? But I'm not squawking because it has to be done & it will be done. Right ma. Boy what a man you're going to have when I get out. A hundred percent better. I'm glad you liked the pillow case & pictures ma. I'll try to get you a big picture when I get organized & have an emblem on my arm, etc. I will try to get an emblem I mean a banner if they have one. I 'm glad Elfieda is coming down. I hope you had a nice time.
You could send me some woolen socks ma. It must have slipped my mind in the other letters. Also come handkerchiefs.
Ma didn't I write Mrs. B. Salg on all the envelopes? I was pretty sure I did. And what did I answer in the other letters that you asked me? Tell me so I can get an idea of what things she will talk about. Or is that a silly question?
Thank Grandma for the thought about the cherries. The money will come in just as handy so thank Grandma a million times. How is Grandma feeling?
Gee dad is getting pretty good in writing letters. Thank dad for the money. It certainly will com in handy. You say I didn't mention your valentine. Well I was almost positive I did. You just look over the letters. But thanks again incase I was mistaken.
One of the fellows mothers sent him a salami roll, a round loaf of Italian bread, cookies, figs, candy and batch of other food, o yes sausage too. Boy did we get a laugh at that one. It cost a dollar or something to send it. So we had a little feast.
I include a couple of postcards I got for your collection ma.
Well I think I've answered everything & I think I will go to bed early tonight because I won't be able to rest up tomorrow. So until my next letter I hope you all are in the best of health. Thanks again for all the gifts. It makes me feel like it's home when I get so many gifts. Good night.

Your Loving Soldier Boy,
Tony

P.S. I wouldn't come out to see me ma, I am so sorry to say because 13 fellows were shipped out tonight & it could have very well have been me. I don't want to take the chance even though my chances are pretty good of me staying here. Ma[y]be my next camp will be closer. Keep your fingers crossed. XXXXXXXX

Dear Ma, Pa, Barb, Ann, Ele, Letter No. 16

Pvt. Anthony J. Curcio Date 2-12-43
Flight "F" 360 T. S.S. Letter No. 16
Jefferson Barracks, MO. Rec'd 18 & 19

Dear Ma, Pa, Barb, Ann & Ele,

Thurs. we drilled in the usual routine. I always like to start off with what I did since I last wrote & then answer your letters. Thurs. afternoon 24 of us were called out for special drill for a guard duty. The[y] called the just 24 in alphabetical order. We were given rifles and were taught how to present arms, etc. We all had to serve two hrs. of guard duty. I got from 4 am to 6 am (Fri. morn.). I ordinarily get up at 5 so I only missed one hr. sleep. The other fellows had to get up an[d] serve two hrs. early in the morning such as 12 to 1 etc. We had to sleep with our clothes on & at 5 min. to 4 the corp. of the guard would wake us up. When I got finished at 6 I went to chow. After chow we had to go out on the drill field & practice. The past few days it's really been cold here. After drill we had chow & then in the afternoon we had a parade at retreat for the General. The band was playing & we had to march past the General. It went pretty good. The only thing was my feet really hurt a bit today - after all I have been on them from 4 this morning. Tonight I'm going to bed early and catch up on some sleep. Well I think that's all for the present.

Today I also got a letter I mean a card from Frank. I'm glad I wrote him, so that he probably will get it.
You say Cliff squawks about the amount of food he gets. Well he can always go up for seconds. That's what they do here. I didn't go up for seconds because one fills me up but I'm always eating crackers or something after chow.
Say before I forget it, I just went down to get one of the packages. It was from Barb. Well as soon as I opened it I knew what it was & then I polished my 3 pairs of shoes. I'm so glad I got it because we have to polish our shoes every day & I hated to borrow it all the time.
Your letters get here in two days ma. That's plenty fast enough. You sent this letter on the 10th & I got it on the twelfth.
I haven't smoked very much. I smoke my pipe once in awhile. At my permanent camp you can send me some tobacco. I could use a little wrist broom for my clothes (small one) & some handkerchiefs. Whenever you get to the ave. will be all right. It's really no rush.
I'll try to write Grandma as often as I can ma. You know I'll try to make her as happy as I can.
Well I think that's all for now. I'm going to take a shower & then hop in bed. So with my next letter,

Your Loving Soldier Boy,
Tony

Dear Ma, Pa, Barb, Ann, Ele, Letter No. 15

Pvt. Anthony J. Curcio Date 2-10-43
Flight "F" 360 T.S.S. Letter No. 15
Jefferson Barracks, MO. Rec'd 17 & card

Dear Ma, Pa, Barb, Ann, Ele,

How are you all? I am O.K. I'm getting used to this drill & calisthenics & obstacle courses. It seems to grow inside of you like anything will once you get used to it.
Today we drilled & did calisthenics as usual & as our obstacle course we had to hike up & down steep hills & I do mean steep. Boy it got you tired but after its all over you feel pretty good.
Tonight we are confined to our huts.
Tonight I also received a letter from Eleanor. Thanks, Ele. (You better get that march down pat, I'm beginning to like marches).
I got a beautiful card from Ann. Thanks Ann. And I do miss you all the same as you miss me you all know that. And I hope you & ma can come to see me.
It's too bad about Frank, but don't worry everything is going to be all right. I'll tell you why. Anybody which has high as spirits as him makes out O.K. It's never failed yet. Take my word for it.
Boy I'm waiting for those cookies. I hope they come in a hurry. Ann I will express my honest opinion of them when I taste them but I can almost smell them already. I know they will be good. Especially 1000 miles from home.
I really need that shoe polishing kit also. We shine shoes everyday. We also [are] supposed to shave everyday also. Anything that looks a little dark they make it hard for you. Good training huh. I'm not kidding.
As for Edie coming home to work in spring, I don't think it's possible. I never heard anything like it. We'll just have to wait and see.
Boy it's good to hear my name called out on that mail list each day. You don't know what it does to you. I also got 2 from Ele today & Dot & Dave. Each a card & a letter.
Well I think that's all for now except that I think I wrote to everybody Sunday I forgot to tell you. I dropped a card to all our relations etc. Well so long for awhile hoping you all remain in the best of health.

Your Loving Soldier Boy,
Tony

P.S. I almost fort the other day I got a letter from Joe. He is in Miami Beach, Fla. He is in the same sort of T.S.S. as I am. His dog tag No. is 32712132. My no. is 32712172. Isn't that a coincidence.

Dear Ma, Pa, Barb, Ann, Ele, Letter No. 14

Pvt. Anthony J. Curcio Date 2-9-43
Flight "F" 360 T.S.S. Letter No. 14
Jefferson Barracks, MO. Rec'd card 4, 14, 16

Dear Ma, Pa, Barb, Ann, Ele,

It is after 9 & lights are out so I came to the latrine to write this letter.
I dropped you a card telling you I had K.P. on Mon. Well as I said it wasn't so bad. Sometimes we just didn't have anything to do. They had a system here. And the dishes certainly are a heck of a lot cleaner. They sterilize them here.
When we wasn't busy we just had to do something to make us look busy & there was nobody to push the heck out of you.
When we got out of K.P. we had to go back and get our huts clean for G.I. inspection. Boy did I sleep after that.
Tues. we were taken on the drill field and drilled. After regular drill & calisthenics we had to run up & down hills & each time the sarg. blew the whistle we had to drop on our stomachs. We had to do the same thing in the afternoon. It certainly makes you tired but after it's all over & you was up you feel like a million bucks. In the night (tonight) we had to see a picture on military courtesy. That's the reason I'm in the latrine.
Well I guess that's all for today & I will answer your letters. I got 6 letters today. A beautiful valentines card from Mom & Dad. One letter from Ann. Thanks, Ann. It's good to hear from everybod[y]. Letter #4 which was delayed from Camp Upton & had Franks address in it. That's why I kept asking all the time. So I wrote a letter to Frank just before I wrote this one. I got two letters from Ma. One of which had the two dollars in it. Ma how did you know I was pretty low on money? In my letter I wrote Sunday, I said so, but you didn't receive that letter before you wrote that one. I guess it's telepathy. Could be huh.
The food is still good & plentiful. But I would give a hundred bucks for a meail like yours ma. I really think the army life is putting weight on me. My pants are beginning to shrink already (I mean the waist) & I didn't wash them yet.
Ma, you know I brush my teeth but it's good to be reminded of it because I forget once in awhile. Everything you taught me, like not changing clothes as soon as it gets a little warmer, etc. helped me out tremendously because the weather is so changeable here.
I'm glad to hear Ele is playing that piano frequently. Has Ele learned anything new yet?
To make my be in the morning it's just routine now. In fact this is our routine. I don't think I told you yet.
We get up at 5, dress, fall out for roll call, straighten our huts, shine shoes, mop the floor, go to chow, come back to our huts, got to drill field, come back 11:30, mail call, chow, got to drill field, back again, mail call, chow, after chow we have off. So far we had off very little. Well that's our routine every day you get used to it & we just got to like it. Well I sign off now & I'll write Ele tomorrow night as we have to go to the show again.

Love, Tony

Dear Ma, Postcard

(front of postcard)

Pvt. Anthony J. Curcio Date 2-8-43
Flight "F" 360th Tech. S.S.
Jefferson Barracks, MO.

Dear Ma,

We got our list yesterday for those men on K.P; our whole unit was on.
So Monday we got up at 3 o'clock, made our beds, marched to the mess hall, worked 14 hrs. But ma, here K.P. isn't half as bad as Camp Upton. In fact I didn't mind it at all.
When we got back (8 o'clock) we had to scrub our huts and straighten our huts for G.I. inspection. Boy do they keep us busy. I'll try to write tomorrow.
Try to call Ele. Thanks

Love
Tony

Dear Ma, Pa, Barb, Ann, Ele, Letter No. 12

Pvt. Anthony J. Curcio Date 2-4-43
Flight "F" 360th Tech. Sch. Sqd. Letter No. 12
Jefferson Barracks, MO. Rec'd card 4 & 5-6-7-8-9-10-11-12

Dear Ma, Pa, Barb, Ann, Ele,

Well this [is] the first real chance I got to write since I last wrote you. Please check the no. of this letter. I'm not sure whether it's 11 or 12. But make this no. 12 anyway. Everybody was free tonight after working the past three days (nights) to fix & clean up the huts. Tonight anybody can get a pass into St. Louis & must be back by 1 o'clock. But I'm staying right here in my hut & catch[ing] up with my mail. I didn't receive any mail since I was here, but boy did it come in last night. I got 13. And tonight I got 1 from you ma. You really can't express the thrills I get when I get regular mail from you ma. I really got a kick out of the way you kept writing even though you couldn't send them. And then when I did get them all it was easy to keep track of & made it so much more interesting.
Before I answer your letters ma I don't want to keep you in suspense any longer. On one of my cards I sent you I told you I took those mechanical apptitude test. Well we all was interviewed and believe you mas I got a swell corporal as an interviewer. We talk together and discussed the drafting branches of the Engineers of the Air Corps and he said that I did exceptionally wel in my tests and with my background I should make out very good in my army career. They let you take [two] choices of schools & then try to send you to one of them. Most fellows will just go to school to learn how to run mechanical equipment. The first school I was recommended for was TOPOGRAPHIC DRAFTING, which requires 3 months schooling & then if you pass that you can fill out an application for officers training school. If I do make that school which is one of the top schools I will get a technician 5th grade which is corporal with a T under it. It looks like this [symbol]. Now after all that if I don't make the grade for drafting I could have taken basic drafting which (as the corp. said) is very elementary. So I took my second pick as surveying. But the grade will not be as high. The corporal said I got a pretty good chance. So I just got to sit back & pray.
What do you say about taking a trip out here. It would be very simple traveling & I'll pay all your expenses to come out here (when I do get paid). They have placese where you can stay here for a couple days. I'm quite sure I will stay a couple more weeks. It will take 24 hrs. by Grand Central R.R. You could leave [at] 9 (for instance on morning) and get here [at] 9 the next morning. No matter what time you get here they will call me no matter where I am. As I said it will take you 24 hrs. from N.Y. so St. Louis by train. Then you just have to step into a taxi cab and say take me to Jefferson Barracks and they will take you to the gate. Then a guard will take you to visitors information. Tell them who you want to see & they will call me. Pretty easy huh. Let me know. Well all week we went to shows getting lectures & pictures on first aid, reasons why war came, what to do in case of accidents, etc. We have to walk about [two] miles there after chow in morning & then back to chow at lunch time & then back again after chow & then back again for chow at supper then mail call & then clean up our huts and pass inspection. That's what we were doing since we go[t] into these huts on Sunday.
I'll start to answer your letters now. Ma your letters are most interesting & the longer the better.
The first is the card. It was really swell & don't worry ma I will keep my chin up. The next one is #5 the one forwarded from [Camp Upton] Boy it sure sounds swell to hear the way you fixed up my roon. I just can picture you all sitting there. It sort of puts a lump in my throat.
Talking about Frank, I asked for his address but I gues syou forgot it. That reminds me. When we were down in the theatre, we were singing all the songs (The air corps song is mine now ma). but anyway the leader said what about the marine's hymn, so we all gave a roar and they put the words on the screen. Well ma I got so much feeling inside of me I just couldn't finish the song. Tears actually started to roll down my cheeks.
How are those pills affecting you? To tell you the truth ma, you really don't need pills in my estimation.
I don't think anybody can get a furlough until about 6 months of service. Whether you are not doing anything or visa versa. The most you can get is a pass over the weekend. I think it's the same in all camps.
I must agree with you Pops letters didn't sound so bad.
The pictures are really swell, that's a couple more for my collection.
This letter #9 it came with the three in one. So Teenie is still crabbing. Well that's one thing I won't hear anymore.
I hope you keep me posted the way you've been doing in your letters. They're swell, especially when they come so regular.
Please acknowledge to Mr. Massa that the kit he gave me is coming in very handy & as soon as I get a chance I will drop him a line.
Thanks for sending the box ma. I certainly will be happy when I get it.
I am really sketching this I would like to say much more but this is really getting short I almost spent 2 hrs. on this now. The fellows are arguing (friendly) and I had to put my two cents in to[o]. I would write all night but we have to put lights out at 9 o'clock & I started at 7 right after chow. I wanted to write Ele tonight but I guess I'll put it off 'til tomorrow. I just dropped her cards as I did to you ma.
The last letter I received was from you tonight about the hair I sent you ma. That was certainly cute.
I guess you're wondering who I got the 13 letters from. Well I got 5 from you ma, 2 from Elfrieda, 1 from Grandma & Aunt Anna, 3 from Eleanor, 1 card from Pat & Dave, 1 from Joe's mother. Joe is in Miami Beach, Florida. He is in tech. training school the same as me.
Please tell Eleanor & Grandma I will answer as soon as I get a chance. I'll tell you more about the camp when I get plenty of time. Probably on Sunday.

Please let me know in a hurry
whether you would like to come
ma I'm really very anxious.
Your Loving Soldier Boy,
Tony