Monday, November 29, 2010

Dear Ma, Pa, Barb, Ann & Ele Letter No. 100

Anthony J. Curcio
Co. "A" A.S.T.U. 3920
U. of O. Eugene ORE

11/29/43
Letter No. 100
Rec'd 149-150

Dear Ma, Pa, Barb, Ann & Ele,

I'm still recuperating from those G.I. Tests we had. Boy were they tough. But it ain't over yet. We still get tests from the University. I'll let you know how I make out as soon as I get the results.
Last Thursday (Thanksgiving) we had a good turkey dinner. We didn't have to go to study that night. They gave a dance from 7 o'clock to 10:15 it was pretty good. The only trouble we still had to be in bed by 10:30.
We had a pretty nice weekend as usual. We went to the show Sat. night and saw "Let's Face It" with Bob Hope. Boy it certainly was funny. It had us in stitches all during the show.
Sunday morning we went to church and for dinner Tiny invited me over to eat at the sorority house. There were other fellows there but I still felt kind of funny with all those girls there. It wouldn't have been so bad, but Tiny is president and she sits at the head of the table and I had to sit next to her. But I survived. It was a lot of fun. In the afternoon we went to get a Christmas tree for the house. It was a pretty nice one too. Sunday night we went to Gerlinger Hall again.
I think it would be a good idea to send D'Angelo a package ma. He deserves it.
I am glad the dinner was so good ma. I'll never be satisfied until I see one of those delicious chickens in front of me. But I won't squawk ma.
The weather is still pretty good and we didn't have any snow as yet. It won't be long tho.
I got your sweet card also ma. Thanks.
I hope he comes and fixes Grandma's roof before it's too late. What you say is right. There is a time limit.
Give Grandma my love and kisses and I'll close now hoping everybody is in the best of health and hoping you all are happy.
Your Loving Soldier Boy,
Tony

Monday, November 22, 2010

Dear Ma, Pa, Barb, Ann & Ele Letter No. 99

Anthony J. Curcio
Co. "A" A.S.T.U. 3920
U. of O. Eugene ORE

11/22/43
Letter No. 99
Rec'd 146, 147

Dear Ma, Pa, Barb, Ann & Ele,

It's Monday night & I got excused from mail call so I could go and get a haircut so I may not finish tonight. I'll try my best tho.
The term is drawing to a close and the heat is certainly on. On this Friday & Sat (26-27) we are going to have our final tests (G.I. tests and they ain't no [?]) 2 1/2 hrs. a piece, one after another. It's going to be tough but I'll pull out of it all right.
Tiny & I had a pretty good time this weekend again. Sat. afternoon they had a football game and although we lost it was a good game. I'll include a clipping. Sat. night all the sorority houses gave dances. Tiny's house gave a circus dance and they all got dressed up and they had bails of hay on the floor and it was fixed up real nice. We had a swell time.
Sunday morning we went to church. In the afternoon the co. band had a program of music and entertainment and it was really good. And Sunday night we went to our usually spent at Gerlinger Hall and Tiny played for me again.
More fellows left today because they flunked out. When we studied at the beginning of the term we had 27 in our section and now there are only 12 left.
I sent Boby a little present for her birthday. I hope she likes it.
My roommate's name is Tony Cruick (?). He's from Chicago. He's a swell fellow.
You asked me if I need anything. I could use a couple of sets of underwear. Try to get under T-shirts and jockey shorts. O.K. As for shirts I could use some if you get the right kind of khaki shirt. I take 15-33. Thanks, ma.
I feel fine ma and I hope you all feel the same. I am glad everything is working out Ok with Grandma's house. You tell Grandma I went to church Sunday and give her my love & kisses.
I got a letter from Bruno & he is making out O.K. I'm glad he is because he deserves it.
I also got a letter from Elfrieda and she is going back home again because her husband is leaving for the Navy. It's too bad it couldn't last a little longer. (I may have told you that already).
The weather is surprisingly good yet. It amazes everyone around here.
I'll close now and say a little prayer for me that I pass my tests O.K. Until my next letter
I remain Your Loving Soldier Boy
Tony

Monday, November 15, 2010

Dear Ma, Pa, Barb, Ann & Ele Letter No. 97

Anthony J. Curcio
Co. "A" A.S.T.U. 3920
U. of O. Eugene
ORE
11/15/43
Letter No. 97
Rec'd 145

Dear Ma, Pa, Barb, Ann & Ele,

It's Monday afternoon right before chow and have a few minutes to spare. The weather has been exceptionally good and I really am surprised. Sunday afternoon Tiny and I went for hike & climbed up on the hills next to the University and from there you can see the whole town of Eugene & the Willamette River which flows right next to Eugene. It's really beautiful.
We went up to Gerlinger Hall again & she played for me. It seems to be a habit (a nice habit).
Starting today I am in charge of Quarters. I have to give the report to the orderly room that everyone is in bed on my floor. Everyone gets a turn.
I passed my history & trigonometry tests and Chemistry too. I'll let you know about the rest when I get them.
I received 3 letters today. One from Ma, Ele & Elfrieda.
Elfrieda is moving back home again as her husband is going into the Navy. Otherwise things are OK.
The mail around here doesn't come regular. I usually get them in batches.
That tooth never bothered me ma, so I didn't bother with it. Leave well enough alone. Right?
I hope Sister feels alright. Is she sick like when I was home or is she just have a bad cold? Let me know.
I guess it would be a good idea to put my clothes in
[?]. Anything you say ma.
I was hoping Grandma wouldn't have any trouble with the house. It makes me feel bad because she has to take care of everything herself.
I am glad Ele is making out OK with her school work. She got to keep at it
[?] that piano too. I know now what it means to hear good playing and that's just the way I want Ele to play.
I forgot to tell you that Tiny & I ate the jam and crackers and boy was it good and Tiny liked it an awful lot you could see that. We about finished the jar.
Sat. I bought a garrison cap and a belt. Everybody has the garrison cap so I thought I would get one too. It looks real neat.
Ma, try to get me a list of what everybody would like for Christmas & I'll see whether I can get it here, OK. I need a few ideas to get started. I'll close now hoping everybody is with the best of health & give Grandma my love & kisses.
Your Loving Soldier Boy,
Tony

P.S. I found a clipping of the beaver I told you about. Oregon State didn't come & get it yet.

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Dear Ma, Pa, Barb, Ann & Ele

Anthony J. Curcio
Co. "A" A.S.T.U. 3920
U. of O. Eugene

Date 11/10/43
Letter No.
Rec'd

Dear Ma, Pa, Barb, Ann & Ele,

I received your letter and when I read it I certainly felt blue. I guess I didn't word my letter too well but do you think for one moment that if I could get home that I wouldn't come home. I couldn't possibly travel from here to N.Y. in 1 week. When I was back in Tacoma it took the fellows 4 days to get to N.Y. This is even further and connections aren't at all good. You say Bruno had seven days and spent 24 hrs. home. I am 24 hrs. ride from Washington State College from which Bruno got his furlough. And when he went home he told me that if he did make it in that time it would be just plain luck, but he didn't care whether he did get back in time or not. And if you don't get back at the proper time you are automatically dropped from the outfit. This is not a regular camp and you can be dropped for the least little thing. They dropped over 100 fellows since the term started. I know five fellows here, all have the same situation I have. One of them has been in the army two years and before he was stationed here he was at Fresno Calif. He traveled home many of times and said he would go home unless he has 12 days traveling time for fear he wouldn't get back in time. I told you in one of my letters that I wouldn't be able to fly home because the Commandant would not issues furloughs to anyone who had to fly home because there is no assurance of getting back. Clifford was able to fly home because he got a priority from his C.O.
So I have no mind to change, there is just no possible means. I guess my terminology wasn't too clear but that was on thing I didn't like to write about and wanted to say it in as few words as possible. You just don't know how I felt when I read that letter. I couldn't study all day just because it was on my mind. I'll be more careful in the words I use when I write letters. I am sorry if I disappointed you.
Then I received a letter from Bobby saying the same thing. But Bobby stated that I worded my letter funny and I saw where I made my mistake but even tho I didn't word it so good I was surprised you all could figure it out especially from my last letters. I hope it doesn't happen again.
I can't keep up with all my mail. I try my best to write all that I can. I was all set to finish this letter to night but we had to sign the payroll. We have about 1 1/2 hrs to write letters & do whatever we have to do that's necessary. Tomorrow a General is coming around to inspect and we have to do extra work to get things straightened up. Tomorrow night we have to march in a parade on Main Street (Nov. 11 Armistice Day). We have so much work to do now it ain't funny, but we have to march because it's orders from Headquarters. Monday we have to turn in our clothes for
[?] & Tues. laundry. Last week I had to get a haircut. It's those little things that take our time away, the little we have but I try my best to write. So if I should miss a day or so try to take those things into consideration. OK.
We had two tests today. Chemistry & Geog. and they are really putting the pressure on. Tomorrow it's Math & Friday it's Physics. This is not a regular college course because the pressure is constantly on us. That's why so many flunked out so far. I think they cut the course just a little too much. But I'm plugging away at it and am doing fairly well.
I received the package today with the jelly, candy, socks & cigarettes and crackers. I didn't taste the jam as yet. I'm going to save it for the weekend when I really can sit down and enjoy it. The socks are swell.
I am sorry to hear Bobby resigned but I don't blame her. She should have gotten further by this time. It's just like the army I guess, right, Bob?
Oregon State College is at Corvallis a short walk from here, and they have a mascot, the Beaver. It's a statue made of metal about 8 ft. long and 4 ft. high in the shape of a beaver (ours is the duck). It's been a tradition to steal the beaver from Oregon State College campus. Well that's what some of the fellows did. They brought it back and put it on the University campus so the girls in Tiny's house took it from campus and brought it in their living room. It almost takes up the whole room. Oregon State College will try to get it back I guess, but they don't know when it is, and when they do find out there is going to be a little excitement. We have a huge letter O on the side of one of the big hills around the campus and Oregon State comes over & paints it orange, that's their color. So the fellows that stole the beaver painted the beaver yellow & green (those are our colors). I'll let you know what happens.
I am writing you in study period now but I want to finish it now because I won't be able to tomorrow.
The weather has been pretty good all week so far. Very little rain.
I receive your cute card but the paper was a little small so I'll use it next time.
Elfrieda's birthday is the 14th of November so I got her some stationary at the co-op and sent it to her. I put one of the birthday cards in that sister sent me. They're real swell. Sister certainly can pack those packages. They're really solid.
I'll close now hoping it finds you all in the best of health and hope you find the letter explanatory. Give Grandma my best, love & kisses. Until then I remain
Your Loving Soldier Boy,
Tony

P.S. I'm glad Joe wrote to you. I will write him as soon as possible.
P.S. I will include a couple of cards I found in one of the stores Sunday.

Friday, November 5, 2010

Dear Ma, Pa, Barb, Ann & Ele Letter No. 96

Anthony J. Curcio
Co. "A" A.S.T.U. 3920
U. of O. Eugene

Date 11/5/43
Letter No. 96
Rec'd --

Dear Ma, Pa, Barb, Ann & Ele,

I start this letter now but I won't be able to finish it. It is Friday night and believe it or not we didn't have any rain today--yet!
I got my algebra test back that we had last Sat. (the two hr. one). I got 143 our of 210 pts. I feel I could have did better but the average was 119 so I feel I did all right. Today we had another History test and I believe I made out pretty good. I'll let you know.
I wrote Grandma a letter and mailed it yesterday and I got it back today because I forgot to put the stamp on it. So apologize for me. OK.
It's Monday morning now. I like to write on Monday anyway because then I can tell you all about the weekend. And it was a swell weekend too. Sat. night Marjorie Lawrence was at the gym and sang. She's the noted opera star and boy she was good. Last year she was stricken with paralysis and she has to move around in a wheelchair. But it doesn't seem to handicap her singing any.
Tiny belongs to her Phi Beta arts club. Only those that have real ability can join. Well Marjorie Lawrence joined their chapter and Tiny got the honors for presenting Marjorie Lawrence with the honors. She certainly got a thrill out of it. They had a little ceremony at one of the hotels and only the members were allowed. I would have liked to see it. Sunday morning Tiny & I went to church.
In the afternoon we went to vespers they had on the campus for all students. At night we went to see one of Tiny's roommates at the hospital. She is having her appendix out. All in all we had a swell time.
Sunday morning it really looked beautiful around here. The dew on all the grass and roofs froze and then the sun came up and it sparkled just like if it was water. Boy it looks swell.
This week we have four more tests again. Gosh they pop up one after another. I'll have to study real hard for these. They are getting harder all the time.
I was just thinking when you send me the socks and stuff you could put my Bulova watch in and insure the package. I certainly use a watch, ma. I really miss one around here. Everything is on the time schedule. OK.
I feel fine ma and I hope you all do too. I will try to write as soon as possible again. Give Grandma my love & kisses.
Your Loving Soldier Boy,
Tony

Monday, November 1, 2010

Dear Ma, Pa, Barb, Ann & Ele Letter No. 95

Anthony J. Curcio
Co. "A" A.S.T.U. 3920
U. of O. Eugene

Date 11/1/43
Letter No. 95
Rec'd --

Dear Ma, Pa, Barb, Ann, Ele,

It didn't rain over the weekend but there still wasn't any sun out. It's always cloudy.
We had another swell weekend. We went to the show Sat. night and saw "Stormy Weather" and I liked it an awful lot. We also saw "Aerial Gunner." I saw already tho, but there isn't much of a selection in town. I always get in early on Sat. night because all the girls on the campus have to be in by 12:15. So Tiny has to be in also because she is president and she must set a precedent. It feels good tho because you can get a good nights sleep.
Sunday morning Tiny went to church with me. It was the funniest thing. We were talking a mile a minute to each other and we accidentally passed the church so we got there late so we stayed for another mass, and right after mass they started the 40 hr. devotion so we spent practically all morning in church.
Sunday afternoon (we had chicken again for dinner) we stayed at the sorority house and I was teaching her a few N.Y. steps. At night we went to Gerlinger Hall and they have a swell piano there & she played for me. Next time she is going to get a record made and I will send it to you and then you can see what I mean.
This morning they had a mass for the students & the campus. So my roommate and I went (All Saints Day).
I took in the pictures & they will be done some time this week. I will send them as soon as I get them.
We were notified Sat. that our term would be over on the fourth of Dec. and we only get one week off--from the 4-12--so that means I won't be able to get home. That's one thing I hoped I wouldn't have to write but that's all the time they will give us. So I'll just send my time here in Eugene thinking about home. I guess that that's no Christmas present for you ma, but please don't worry about it and we'll just pray a little harder that this war will be over soon. And at the rate they are going it won't take them long.
I am getting along pretty good with my studies. The algebra test on Sat. was a bit hard but I think I passed it OK.
I received your package ma. Thanks a lot. That gum and candy certainly come in handy. And the shaving kit certainly feels good to use again.
I hope you are all in the best of health and please don't worry, and I am in the best of health. I will write soon again. So until then I remain
Your Loving Soldier Boy,
Tony

P.S. Send my Love & Kisses to Grandma. I will try to write tomorrow.
P.S. I just found a letter in my book. I'll answer it in my next letter. And thank Grandma again for the stamp. Love T