Dear Helen

4/5/44
New York

Dear Helen,

This is your correspondence reporting from N.Y. I finally got a furlough after 14 mo. But it's still not the kind of furlough I wanted. My mom was sick and was given a furlough right away. But mom is O.K. now and is getting along fine. It seems like the news in our letters aren't too cheerful but I guess we have to take the good with the bad. Isn't that right?
I send a little souvenir of N.Y. It's not much but my heart is not in sending souvenirs but to show you the city. Then you can take back a living souvenir. That which remains in your heart.
I guess you've read in the paper about the reducing of the A.S.T.P. Well we finished our second term and then were shipped to the 11 Armored Division (which is composed of about every branch of the service and acts as one unit--cavalry, infantry, artillery, tanks, engineers, etc.). We weren't given any classification because there were so many of us and were just put in any branch and I landed up n the 22 Tank Bn. and am in a medium tank co. We are at Camp Cooke about a 5 hr. ride from Los Angeles. I've been there about two weeks when I got the emergency furlough. I cam there by the way of Chicago because it was the quickest route. If I get another furlough (the kind I want) I'll come there by way of St. Louis. I'm awful anxious to see you again.
You've been swell writing to me and I'm sorry I couldn't write more but we were so busy up at the university but I believe I'll have more time to write now, with my new outfit. There isn't too much to say about my new outfit as I don't know much about it myself but as things progress we will both find out, right.
I sure hated to leave the University. I guess it's the closest anyone in the army could be to home comforts and still not be home. But all good things have to come to an end some time.
I'm leaving tonight for Calf. I am due Rev. Mon. morn (4/10/44).
You know I've been writing to you over a year now and all I got was one small picture of you, and in that picture you were standing about 50 ft. from the camera (slightly exaggerated). All kidding aside if you have a picture or are planning to take some for Easter I sure would like one (or two). We took pictures and as soon as I get them I'll be happy to send them to you. You see I'm cooperating and I know you will. Right?
I hope you are in the best of health and your family also. Let me know what's new and what's cooking. And I hope you write soon. I'll be anxious to hear from you real soon.

Sincerely,
Tony

Dear Ma, Pa, Barb, Ann & Ele Letter No. 112

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

2/21/44
Letter No. 112
Rec'd 171, 172

Dear Ma, Pa, Barb, Ann & Ele,

As you probably already read in the papers the A.S.T.P. is closing down (that is Engineering) in all the colleges by April 1. So we probably won't even start the third term. Nothing is official yet what they are going to do. When they do break up, they will probably send us to the same branch of service we came from. Not the same unit, but the same type of Branch of Service. It's certainly going to feel funny leaving this place especially leaving Tiny. She's certainly been swell to me and we certainly had a swell time together. I'll let you know more about the situation as it progresses. As soon as I get to an outfit again I will apply immediately for a furlough. But I'm not going to say anything about a furlough until I am sure what is going to take place. I really shouldn't have any trouble getting a furlough tho, once I get back to an outfit.
Over the weekend Tiny and I went to the show Sat. night and saw "Pistol Packin Mama." It was pretty good. Sunday morning we went to church at 9:30 mass. Sunday afternoon Tiny treated me to dinner and after dinner we went to the show again and saw "Johnny Come Lately" with James Cagney. I liked it an awful lot. Sunday night they had a forum at one of the houses so we dropped over for awhile. They spoke on community planning as a protection against juvenile delinquency. It was very educational.
After church on Sunday morning (I forgot to tell you this) we took a walk around town near the Mill Stream and we made friends with a few of mother nature's pets. We were sitting near the mill and there was a squirrel on the other side of the stream. He sat on the limb of a tree for a while and looked at us. Then he went down, climbed up another tree and jumped from the limb of one tree to the limb of another tree (this tree being on the side we were on). He started to come towards us when a black cat came up from nowhere and started to chase him. Boy did we get a kick out of that. We also saw a woodpecker hitting out a couple of songs.
The weather is pretty nice just now.
So it's really snowing and really laying. That's the first time in a long time.
Whenever Ele goes out with a boy don't forget to approve of him first ma. You know how I would do it if I was there.
I'm glad you all liked the candy.
My blouse is my short coat with the brass buttons.
I'll close now and will let you know how things turn out. I hope everybody is in the best of health and very happy.

Your Loving Soldier Boy,
Tony

Dear Ma. Pa, Barb, Ann & Ele Letter No. 111

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

2/14/44
Letter No. 111
Rec'd --

Dear Ma, Pa, Barb, Ann & Ele,

It's Monday, Valentines Day, and time is certainly flying. I hope you all liked the valentines gifts.
Tiny and I had a pretty successful weekend. Tiny recovered from her sickness by Wed. and although she was a bit weak and tired she said she felt alright. By the end of the week she was fine. I also got rid of my cold. Well Sat. night there was a house dance at the sorority house but at the same time there was a dance at Gerlinger Hall and they were going to have a jitterbug contest. So we stayed at the house dance for awhile and then I told Tiny to put on a skirt and sweater on instead of the silk dress she had on and we went over to the dance. We got in the jitterbug contest and there were only two couples left on the floor. So as soon as the dance was over I went over to the judge and said that the other couple should have the first prize. We could have gotten first prize tho but the judge was a captain from our unit and the other couple was civilians so I thought it best that way. There wasn't any prize anyway. Tiny is pretty good as she wasn't a jitterbug until I made her one for she just knows the steps I taught her. And she's so light I can swing her all over the place. On Sunday she was very tired and a bit sore. But it was a lot of fun. We also got our picture taken at the house dance, as soon as I get it I will send it home.
On Sunday we went to 9:30 mass as usual. In the afternoon we took pictures but we couldn't finish because it started to rain cats & dogs. I hope they turn out tho because the sun wasn't so bright. You know, it doesn't shine much around here. Then we went into the museum on campus. It was nice but I don't like museums so much. Then we listened to some records (not swing) we were so tired we thought we would just sit there and listen to symphony records.
I received the pictures and package. The pictures are swell. Tiny liked them an awful lot too. The package was swell too. You can thank grandma anyway for the cherries ma. OK. Thanks for the letter, Bob. It's good to hear from you.
Those pictures really are swell. Everybody looks so healthy and happy. I'm so glad. And the little pooch is O.K. I hope you keep him ma?
I got quite a kick out of Clinton coming up to see Ele. That's really sharp.
I thought that poem was pretty cute. I'll close now wishing you all the best of health and hope you all are very happy.

Your Loving Soldier Boy,
Tony

Dear Ma. Pa, Barb, Ann & Ele Letter No. 110

U. of O.
Letter No. 110
Rec'd 168
2/7/44

Dear Ma, Pa, Barb, Ann & Ele,

First I will explain why I am writing on this paper. I am in Study Hall and haven't my regular paper with me. We aren't supposed to write letters in study class but during the supper hour I was over at the sorority house. Tiny is sick. Yesterday she had pains in her stomach and they called the doctor and he said it was an attack of appendicitis, but she thinks it's intestinal flu. She feels better today but she still feels it. I hope she gets better in a hurry. I certainly miss her an awful lot. You see I didn't see her over the week and as she was restricted for the weekend and wasn't allowed to have any dates. The reason was that we got in too late last weekend. We missed the first bus & took the second back to Eugene from Corvallis last week. It was alright with the house mother, but the house council didn't like it. I went to the show last night and saw "Best Foot Forward." I didn't know she was sick until I saw one of the girls from the house this morning. I'll let you know how she is getting along.
Do you remember how tight my blouse was. Well I turned it in for another one and it fits me pretty good. At least I can breathe now.
I sent a few presents home for you and Grandma and the girls. I hope you all like them. I bought a bandanna for Eleanor. (It's really a baby's blanket but I believe it's appropriate. One of the girls suggested it.) I also bought an insignia and Tiny made a swell job of sewing it on for me. I didn't sent it yet but I will soon.
Remember those tests we took during the Gym period. Push ups, running, etc. well all the A.S.T.P. units all over the country took them and out of 47 colleges, we came out on top. Pretty good, huh!
My subjects are coming along pretty good. Before I know it finals will be here again and boy will they be tough.
It's been raining pretty much so around here. We never did get any snow.
I'll close now hoping you all are in the best of health. Send Grandma my love & kisses.

Your Loving Soldier Boy,
Tony

P.S. I did think the glasses were a bit due, but this is Oregon, but they do help my eyes an awful lot.

Dear Ma. Pa, Barb, Ann & Ele Letter No. 109

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

1/31/44
Letter No. 109
Rec'd 166

Dear Ma, Pa, Barb, Ann & Ele,

Boy this term is certainly passing by. It's the beginning of the 8th week already. Only 5 more till the end of the term.
There were rumors a while ago that they were going to liquidate the A.S.T.P., and just recently there were plans to reduce the program. So I don't know what they are going to do about it. I just hope we are not dropped out. I really would like to complete this program.
I got my eye glasses Sat. and they feel pretty good. They rest my eyes better than the others do. Sat. night Tiny and I went up to the Oregon State College campus to see the basketball game between the U. of O. and O.S.C. It was a swell game. They had to play overtime and U. of O. won by 43-38. Right after the [game] they had a dance which was pretty good only I think our orchestra is much better. Sunday afternoon we went to the show and saw "Destination Tokyo." It was a very good picture and enjoyed it very much. We [bought] film and we are going to take pictures whenever we get a chance. Probably next Sunday. We couldn't take them yesterday because the weather wasn't so good.
Gosh Ele in the seventh term already. It hardly seems believable. As long as she continues her studies it doesn't make any difference how young she is. Right?
As soon as you find the negatives you can get two sets made and send me a set. OK?
It's starting rain a bit again. I caught myself a slight cold. But I'll get rid of it like I do all the rest.
I hope everybody is OK and I'm glad grandma is OK. I'll close now wishing I hear from you more often ma. I don't get much mail now.

Your Loving Soldier Boy,
Tony

Dear Ma, Pa, Barb, Ann & Ele Letter No. 108

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

1/24/44
Letter No. 108
Rec'd 164-165

Dear Ma, Pa, Barb, Ann & Ele,

It's Monday night and it's my turn on charge of quarters. Each one gets his change according to alphabetical order. Tony, my roommate, had it yesterday (Sunday). I was lucky to get it on a weekday. We just have to stay in the orderly room from 6 PM o'clock instead of studying at the study hall.
Sat. afternoon after our 3 o'clock class we had a medical inspection and then Tiny & I went down town. I went to an optician to get my eyes examined because they would tire every once in awhile. He said my left eye was alright but my right eye wasn't too good. He prescribed something different than my G.I. glasses He is going to put them in my civilian frames. He is going to charge me ten dollars. I will let you know how they feel after I wear them for awhile.
Sat. night Tiny and I went to canteen at Gerlinger Hall. We had a nice time there. My shirt got a bit sweated up and was quite wrinkled so Tiny offered to iron it for me. Wasn't that sweet of her. Boy did the house mother laugh when she heard it. I thought it was awful cute tho. And after Tiny did iron it she said she could have made a better job of it if she had sprinkled it first. She's really a swell kid ma.
Sunday morning we went to Church (9:30 mass). We ate down town and then went to the show and saw "Thousands Cheer." It was really swell. Did you see it? I don't remember whether you told me or not. If you did, remember Hose Iterbia, he was the great piano player and conductor? Well that wasn't spelled right. He judged Tiny in a national piano playing tournament and gave her first in it. She also was sitting at the same piano with him when he played already. Her music teacher and Iturbia are the best of friends. Isn't that swell! She felt so good when she saw him. She thinks he's just about tops.
Joe D'Angelo likes candy as far as I can remember ma. Maybe you can pick him up some sort of candy.
That's certainly great news about Frank. About him coming home and also about him meeting his cousin. I was thinking that if and when he does come home he could stop a day at the university here. It's such a short way from San Francisco. What do you say about the idea. I also think it's a great idea about Ann & Frank to get married. Only I'll be disappointed if I can't be an usher.
I am so glad Grandma is up and around again. You give her my love and kisses, OK, ma? I received a swell card from Grandma with the air mail stamps. Always in time. Thank Grandma for me. The weather here is snapping up a little just now but still isn't too cold. I'll close now hoping everybody is in the best of health and very happy.

Your Loving Soldier Boy,
Tony

P.S. Tell Ele not to worry so much about her exams.

Dear Ma, Pa, Barb, Ann & Ele Letter No. 107

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

1/18/44
Letter No. 107
Rec'd 162

Dear Ma, Pa, Barb, Ann & Ele,

Well here it is another week. Boy is this term going fast. It's just about half over already. And as per usual I had another good weekend. They had a swell set up here on Sat. From 5:45 to 2:45 they had a dance called the nickel hop and it was held in all the sorority houses. 3 dances for 5 cents. They wanted to raise money for a plaque to be erected for the boy in the service from the University. I believe they made out quite successful. Right after the nickel hop they had a basketball game which was pretty good. We won 52-33. And right after the basketball game they had a dance & the band from our company played and boy they were good. I'm making a jitterbug out of Tiny. I guess you've heard that before. We had a swell time.
Sunday morning we went to 9:00 mass and in the afternoon we went to the show and saw "Salute to the Marines." It was very good and I think I saw Frank. What part of the picture was he in? I want to see if I am right. We also saw "Redhead from Manhattan." It was pretty good also.
I got another letter from Frank and one from D'Angelo. They were both swell letters. Frank & Joe seem to be OK. Joe said he received your letters. He is in the Hawaii Islands and couldn't write any sooner.
I just found out that the old outfit I came from (the 1875 Eng.) is overseas.
I am glad Grandma is feeling better. I hope she takes it easy for awhile. But if I know Grandma I don't think she will.
So the dog is giving you a little trouble huh. Well ma, be patient. As soon as he gets used to things he'll be more friendly etc.
The weather out here is just like spring. I can't get over it. We didn't even have to wear our overcoats yet.
Say ma in my bottom drawer you'll find a "tech" handbook of 1937. The little blue book with all the pictures of Brooklyn Technical High School. Will you please send it to me. OK. And in my album there are negatives of the house my boss designed with the circular staircase. You know. Well I should like to show them to Tiny so will you please send me a set of them. OK.
I am in the best of health and I hope you all are too. I will close now so until my next letter I remain

Your Loving Soldier Boy,
Tony

Dear Ma, Pa, Barb, Ann & Ele Letter No. 106

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

1/10/44
Letter No. 106
Rec'd 160, 161, 161

Dear Ma, Pa, Barb, Ann & Ele,

I had another successful weekend. They had a formal dance in the gym (MacArthur Court) and I took Tiny and we had a swell time. She wore a rose colored formal this time. I think the looks good in just about everything she wears. Everything went swell during the evening but just before the night was over we had a little accident. We were walking home and we just got up to the sorority house when Tiny slipped on a piece of ice. (It frosts pretty easy around here there is so much humidity in the air). And she hurt her backside. All day Sunday she was limping around but it's getting better. As long as it isn't serious.
Sunday morning we went to church. In the afternoon we went to Gerlinger Hall and she played for me again.
I got a letter from Sonny (Fio) and he was commissioned 2nd Lieutenant. Boy was I happy to [hear] that. He won't get his wings until he completes his flying hours but he's got his rating. It certainly made me feel happy.
I also received a letter from Frank and he said he received my V. letter on Christmas Day. I was glad to hear that. Everything seems to be going all right with him.
I was inducted into the army a year ago yesterday. Gosh it seems like ages.
I got pretty good marks in my tests in the first marking period. I got 80 in math, 84 in chem., 90 in physics, B in Geog., 90 in hist. and the rest I didn't find out yet.
I certainly got a laugh when you explain how you tried to give the dog a pill. Gosh it was funny.
I got a letter from Elfrieda today. She doesn't say too much as she is busy getting ready to move when her husband goes into service.
I got two letters from Sister. I am glad everybody liked all their presents so much. It really made me feel good.
I don't think I mentioned it but I got the card from Mrs. Hall telling me she was going to make the Novena for me. I want you to thank her ever so much.
I am glad Grandma is better only she shouldn't work so hard. You are right. She should take a rest until she is stronger. Send Grandma my love & kisses.
So you all had snow in N.Y. huh! We still didn't get any here. I am in the best of health and hope you all are also. Until my next letter I remain

Your Loving Soldier Boy,
Tony

Dear Ma, Pa, Barb, Ann & Ele Letter No. 105

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

1/2/44
Letter No. 105
Rec'd 158

Dear Ma, Pa, Barb, Ann & Ele,

Well I started the New Year off right. Friday I went to confession (the priest came up to Gerlinger Hall) and Sat. morning before classes they had a mass at Gerlinger Hall and this morning I went to church again and received Holy Communion. We had to go to classes on Friday and Sat. as usual so Friday night (New Years Eve) I was in bed by 10:30. I'm glad though because I don't like New Years anyway. I didn't mind it but some of the others fellows didn't like is so much.
They had a wonderful meal over here on New Years Day. They put white table cloths on the tables with candles on each table and put out all the lights and only the candles were lit and the Christmas tree and boy it looked nice. They also had a swell meal. Chicken, peas, filling, sweet potatoes, pie, ice cream, milk & coffee, bread & butter. It was really very good.
I received Ele's picture and boy was I surprised. She looks so much older and beautiful. I just kept staring at the picture. Boy it's swell. Thanks a lot Ele.
And I received a letter from Boby with the money order. Thanks a lot Bob it always comes in handy.
I'm glad you all liked the presents. I thought you all would. And what is this about a dog. After all these years you all get a dog. Well I want to know one thing are you going to keep him? And what is his name?
I hope Grandma is over her cold. Send Grandma my best love & kisses. And I'm glad Grandma liked the present.
I have a few post cards of the State Capitol building at Salem and will put them in a separate envelope. I also have a patch that I told you about. I will include that with the post cards.
I forgot to tell you about those pictures we took that time. They didn't turn out good at all and it wouldn't be worth sending them home. Only two came out and they were awful.
You say I received a card from Ann. If you send me her address I will drop her a line OK.
We still don't wear our overcoats. The weather is still mild. We had a little rain over the weekend.
I'll close now hoping you are all in the best of health and very happy in the New Year. Until then I remain,

Your Loving Soldier Boy,
Tony