Dear Ma, Pa, Barb, Ann & Ele Letter No. 149

Oct. 7, 1944
#149

Dear Ma, Pa, Barb, Ann & Ele,

Well folks here I am on the high seas but as I said when I was home there is nothing to worry about.  We didn't stay at camp very long after I was home & that pass on Mon. was the last pass little did I realize, but I guess it's best when you don't know, right?
The boys & I just stopped at a few places as I wanted to show them around a bit.
We are on an English ship and I get a real kick out of the way these English men talk.  You just have to concentrate a little harder before you can make out what they say.
You certainly looked swell ma and it made me feel so very healthy and happy and that's just the way I like to see it.  But I noticed that Grandma didn't say very much, but Grandma did look very well, and will you please tell Grandma that I pray for her every night.  They have a mass said every day and I try to make it every day and just yesterday I went to confession & received communion.  This letter won't be mailed until we reach our destination so when I get to my new place I'll write as much as I can tell you all.  So when you get this letter you'll know that I arrived safely.
I was really so lucky to get home so much.  When we got to camp I didn't even think I would get a pass, but that's the Army you never know.  I always think of Joe, he never got a furlough or anything so he could see his people.  He certainly got a bad break.  Did you hear from him?  And did youhear from Helen?  I guess I shouldn't ask that question though as she is very prompt.  Did she accept the invitation?  I hope she did and I just know you'll like her ma.  When your with her for 10 min you'll know what I mean.
There are so many things to tell but I guess I just have to wait I see you all because it's all military which probably don't sound like much but it's still restricted.
So far I didn't get seasick, in fact I really get a kick out of the sway of the ship.  I guess I'm an old timer at it huh!  Remember when I went down to sign up for the Navy?  I felt so disappointed I think I would have like it.  But it really doesn't make much of a difference, does it ma?
I am sleeping on a flat mattress but most of the boys are sleeping in hammocks but I don't hear any of them complain so I guess it's all right.  Maybe I'll try it one night to see how it feels.  
We are pretty fortunate as the boys have formed a band and play twice a day and they really jive out (15 pieces).  It certainly makes the trip a peaceful one.
I guess Helen must be real happy being two St. Louis teams won the pennants.  I guess she will probably say something about that in her letters.  
We saw some flying fish.  They're small & they come out of the water flay for a couple of yards and they go into the water again.  They're beautiful little fish.
I guess that's about all right now.  So until we land I close & don't worry because there is nothing to worry about.  And I'll write as soon as possible.  Until then I remain

Your Loving Soldier Boy

Tony  

 
 

Dear Ma, Pa, Barb, Ann & Ele Letter No. 146

Sept. 1/1944
Friday
#146

Dear Mom, Pa, Bob, Ann & Ele,

Hello everybody!  Here it is the end of another week and we are still at Camp Cooke.  We are having a party tonight, just company B which promises to be real good.  They are having t-bone steak & beer & ice cream as the specialty.  I don't think the beer & ice cream will mix well but who am I to squawk.
I went to the show Wed. night & saw a very good picture "Wing and a Prayer" with Don Ameche.  It was very thrilling and very worthwhile seeing.
The weather this week has been very changeable.  Some days hot, some days cold, some days misty.  Nothing like variety.
Thanks for starting the bank account for me.  Can you draw out on it ma?  I hope so for that's the way I want it in case you need any.  I'll enclose a $20 money order in this letter.
I took out a class E allotment which means that the government will $25 out of my month's pay & send it to you each month so that I won't have to send it to you.  Don't you think that's a good idea.  So now at the end of each month you'll get one $7.50 bond & a check for $25.  You can let me know when you get them so I know your getting them.  The first one you'll get will be Oct. 1 - or a little after.
I found out that the army has courses which anybody in the service can take by means of correspondence.  All you have to do is fill out an application and send $2 for the complete course.  So I filled one out & intend to take a correspondence course in structural design.  I'll let you know when I get it.  It will be a good review for me.  Don't you think so?
I got a letter from Frank & one from Joe.  They both don't say much but it was certainly good to hear from them.  I received your letter also telling me you got a letter from Joe so I don't have to tell you he's in Saipan.  Frank & Joe are pretty close now.  They're only about 200 miles apart.  
When you receive the compacts ma will you please send one to Anita with a little note wishing her a happy birthday as soon as you get it.  And send the other one to Helen at the end of the year.  Helen's birthday is the last day of the month.  If you send them to me I may not get them for a while if we move out before they get here.  O.K.  If you will do that it will save me a lot of trouble.  Anita's address is -- 
ANITA BECKER -- 1114 N. LAWRENCE ST. -- TACOMA (6) WASHINGTON
I don't need anything right now mom.  If I need anything after we move I will let you know.  O.D.  Thanks a lot.
I hope Bob & Ele have a nice time over Labor Day.  Let me know all about it.
My watch keeps perfect time.  I never have any trouble with it.  It seems like I'm the only one in the whole barracks that have the right time.  Everybody asks me what time it is.
I believe I did put on weight.  I weighed myself the other day and weighed 172 with my clothes on.  Pretty good huh!  I am in the best of health.
Boy the stamps certainly came in the nick of time.  I was just about to buy some as I had a little time but didn't have to as I got your letter.  You're right on the ball mom.  (Army slang, meaning "your tops)
I am glad Sgt. Myer is a prisoner of war because that means he's O.K.  I guess it did make everybody happy.
I couldn't finish the letter before because we had our little party (chow time) and it was really good.  The steak was pretty good.  We also had the beer, french fries, appetizer, pie & ice cream.  Boy am I full.
Well I'll close now the boys want me to go to the show so until my next letter I hope everybody is in the best of health.  Take good care of yourself now ma & give my love & best to Grandma.

Your Loving Soldier Boy

Tony

 

Dear Ma, Pa, Barb, Ann & Ele Letter No. 142

Aug. 14, 1944
Monday Night
#142
Rec'd 207

Dear Ma, Pa, Barb, Ann & Ele,

It seems like ages since I wrote but we have so much to do so we are kept busy and it doesn't seem like a long time until you get down to write.  I wouldn't put off writing for another day.  It is 11 P.M. but I don't feel tired so everything is O.K.
Well I got down to Santa Barbara on Sat.  We only had Sat. off and we had to report back to camp for reveille Sunday morning.  But I got up to see the mission and boy what a sight that is.  It's the most interesting place I've ever visited as well as being beautiful.  I sent a booklet and a few cards which will give you a pretty good idea of what it's like.  The priest took us through and showed us just about everything with an interesting talk about each.  What interested me the most was the size of the walls and foundations.  One of the columns of the towers was 20 ft. square.  Can you picture what a tremendous size that is?  And most of the walls varied from 3 to 6 feet in width.  Another interesting fact was that each design and painting had some meaning just like the skeleton heads reminded the Indians of death (I explained that on the postcards).  I sure wish you could all see it because it's something you wouldn't forget.  It should be because it was the beginning of civilization in the west which makes it that more interesting.
When I was at the U.S.O. one of the elderly women was sketching the boys pictures so I had mine done.  It wasn't bad at all.  I was going to have a photo taken for Helen as she is having one made for me, but I send her the sketch so I wouldn't have to get my photo made.  That was all right wasn't it ma?
I signed the slip for the bank and will enclose it in the letter.  Thanks ma.
Helen always writes me swell letters ma.  She is swell ma.  She liked the handkerchiefs so much ma.  She said she was going to send you a little note so you probably will receive it in a little while.  It would be nice if you would correspond with her ma because ma if it's anybody for me it will be her, so don't you think it would be a good idea to get to know her a little.  What do you say ma?  You could mention you like to correspond with her.  Let me know O.K. ma.
I got a kick out of Grandma wearing my shoes and Sandy getting a bit excited.  I guess he knows me pretty well huh.  Is he getting any bigger?
I got a swell letter from Ele.  I can tell from that one letter she is growing up pretty fast.  Maybe it's the job huh?  What do you think ma?
I am glad Grandma is feeling OK.  Did Grandma hear anything about the house yet?  Give Grandma my love & kisses & tell her I will write real soon.
I didn't hear from Joe or Frank yet.  As soon as you hear from Joe send me his address as I sent his letter home.  O.K.
You could order two of those compact cases.  I'll send Anita one for her birthday which is in Sept.  And the other you can save until Helen's birthday comes on Dec. 31.  The last day of the year.  An easy one to remember.  When you get them you can send me one & keep one.  Thanks ma.  I guess you could drop Tiny a short note once in a while.  I even find it difficult to write her as she does say very little.
In your next letter ma I want you to tell me all about yourself and don't forget.  Not just a few words saying you feel fine.  I want a full "play by play" description.  O.K.  Love & kisses to all.  Until then I remain

Your Loving Soldier Boy

Tony

 

Dear Ma, Pa, Barb, Ann & Ele Letter No. 132

6/6/44 
Letter No. 132
Rec'd  195

Dear Ma, Pa, Barb, Ann & Ele,

This is no longer your boy reporting because I am 21 now.  I sure wish I could have spent my birthday home but....it sure seems like our minds work together.  You said if I go to L.A. I should have a drink on you - well that's exactly what I did.  I was very fortunate to get to L.A. on my birthday.  In fact I got a 3 day pass - Fri. Sat. & Sun.  We got the highest mark in our test (first platoon) and we were all awarded a 3 day pass by the Col.  Wasn't that swell.  I'll enclose the order.
We went to Long Beach (about 20 miles from L.A. and had a swell time.  I looked up Dorothy Little (Col. daughter) but she moved back to Ohio, her homestate.  She told me the week before that she may have gone.  Well it was nice knowing her anyway.  We arrived at L.A. about 4 Fri. afternoon.  After getting a hotel room & ate we sent to a dance.  There I met a girl named Betty Kellough of Long Beach native of N. Dakota I believe, a jitterbug of course.  Long Beach is a pretty nice place.  It reminded me of Coney Island as it had rides and concessions just like Coney Island.  Sat. afternoon we sent swimming.  At least we laid on the beach.  The water was too cold.  I got a nice sun burn.  In fact I still feel it a little.  I smeared Noxzema on before I went to bed.  I had a little trouble getting to sleep though as the fellow I was sleeping with was a little restless.  It was a lot of fun though.  Sat. night we went to a dance at the Municipal Auditorium.  (A picture of it is in the cards I sent).  Horace Heidt & his Musical Knights was the band and it was very good.  Though you know that of all the people you talk to, the majority of them come from other states.  In fact I don't think I talked to a real Californian yet.  We had a pretty good time all in all.  I'm glad I got out on my birthday anyway.  And thank for the drink ma.  
The watch keeps perfect time and were I was in L.A. I bought a band (leather) for it.  It is a safety band.  Even if it comes off on one side it will not fall off my wrist.  It will give it added protection.  How's that?
I'm glad you like the year book from U. of O.  How did you like my pictures?  You might have known my picture would be taken jitterbugging, huh?
Last Wed. we went before the board I told you about.  I told him I was a draftsman and gave him all the dope.  He said he could do what he can.  So I'll just have to wait.  If I get transferred, O.K.  If not, O.K. too.  I'm not going to worry about it.  Right?
I got a batch of swell birthday cards.  Thanks a lot.  And Grandma put air mail stamps in hers again.  Wasn't that swell?
Tiny sent me a swell wallet for my birthday with her picture in it.  It is real nice.  She is getting along pretty good.  I hope you all are still writing.  
I got letters from Frank & D'Angelo.  Frank praises my outfit very much.  D'Angelo told me something that he couldn't write for a long time but it's O.K. now.  He was in the Kiska campaign.  He now has a ribbon with one battle star on it.  I'm sure glad he is O.K.
A while ago we had a retreat parade and one of the lieutenants took pictures.  I got some made and will send them in another envelope.
I am in the best of health and hope you all are too.  We are going out on another problem for a couple of days.  I'll try to write as soon as possible.
Say they finally invaded.  Boy what news.  I sure do hope they don't meet much opposition.
I'll close now until then

Your Loving Soldier Boy (Man),

Tony

xxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Dear Ma, Pa, Barb, Ann & Ele Letter No. 126

Anthony J. Curcio
Co. B - 22 Tank Bn. A.P.O. 261
Camp Cooke, Calif.
 
5/7/44 
Letter No. 126
Rec'd  --

Dear Ma, Pa, Barb, Ann & Ele,

It is Sun. night and another week is about to start.  Just another one.  And in 2 more days it will be 16 months.  I'm in the army, but just a month ago I was home.  Gosh time flies.
To start again where I left off Fri. night I got out of G.I. the barracks and went to a U.S.O. traveling show (from camp to camp).  It was very good.  Singers, dancers, etc.
Sat. was a glorious day. (I had K.P.)  Well I didn't want to go any place anyway.  But Sat. night there was a battalion convoy (trucks) to a dance in a small town about 30 miles from camp.  It wasn't bad but I didn't enjoy myself much.  It seems that I feel I want to be with Tiny all the time.  I had such good times with her that I'm just content to think about them.  Well the war won't last forever.
This morning I went to church 11 o'clock mass.  It was a good sermon.  This afternoon I wrote a few letters and tonight I may go to the show if they got a good show.
Tiny is having a bit of a job making up a lot of work otherwise she is coming along alright.  Her brother is over in Italy (He is a captain, just made it about a month ago) and may come home this month.  Isn't that swell.  I told her not to count on it though.
I also got a swell letter from Joe.  He was very apologetic for not writing you etc. but ma he puts it in such a manner.  I'll never meet a buddy like him, ma.  I'll send the letter home in a different letter after I answer it.  He's been shipped to a different battalion.  His address is:
PFC Joseph D'Angelo 32717232
H & S Co. 1397 Constr. Bn.
A.P.O. 957
c/o Postmaster San Francisco, Calif.
The weather is getting warmer but we get a few misty foggy days now and then.
I also got a rocket shell that the boys used for practice.  They are all sending them home so I will as soon as I get a chance.  It will make a nice lamp.  You'll have to use a little imagination.  I think it will make up pretty good though.  That will be for my future workshop.  That will be my first job.  So when you get it just put it some place until I come home.
I'll close now & I will write as soon as I get a chance.

Your Loving Soldier Boy,

Tony  

Dear Ma, Pa, Barb, Ann & Ele (Letter not numbered)

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

2/28/44
Letter No.
Rec'd 174

Dear Ma, Pa, Barb, Ann & Ele,

It seems like we will be shipped sometime during the week of March 5. Where or to what we don't know as yet. We will still continue classes till March 4. We had all our G.I. tests on Fri. & Sat. Feb. 25 & 26. To us the term is finished but we still have to go to classes. Most of the fellows are reading books during their classes.
Over the weekend Tiny & I celebrated because it will probably be our last weekend together. Sat. we went to the show & saw "The Lodger" & "Career Girl." Both were pretty good. After that we went [to] a dance at the Eugene Hotel. They had about 14 couples there and we had a swell time swinging, etc. Sunday morning we went to church. After church we ate and then took a hike because it was an awful nice afternoon. (The sun was out for a change). At night we went to the Westminster House (like last week) to hear the forum again. This time they talked about "Higher Education." It was very interesting.
I am including pictures we finally was able to take. I hope you like them. In the near future you will probably receive a letter from Tiny. She said she was going to write to you. When she does I think it would be nice if you kept corresponding with here just like you do Joe & Frank. I wish Boby would also write to her too after Tiny writes to you.
I received a card from Grandma with air mail stamps. Please thank Grandma for me. I'd much rather say it in your letter as I usually do.
I also received a letter from Ele. As soon as I get a chance and I think I will in the near future I will write to her. I am glad she likes the bandana.
I remember once you said that I should hold on to the furlough money that you sent to me last time. Christmas came along and little things I sent home etc. added up. I figured by the time the program was over in June I would have made it up but the program was cut off all of a sudden and that leaves me with a hole in the bag. So ma I wish you would put about 75 dollars aside in case I do get my furlough after I get shipped. I'll pay it back in the future. I just wanted to let you know in advance. I hope things work out O.K.
I'll close now hoping you are all in the best of health and very happy.

Your Loving Soldier Boy,
Tony

P.S. After looking at those pictures of Tiny you can see why I hate to leave here. You can tell by the expression on her face she is sweet and kind. And she is a person I'll never forget, and a friend I'll always have.

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. 102

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

12/13/43
Letter No. 102
Rec'd 152, 153, 154, 155

Dear Ma, Pa, Barb, Ann & Ele,

Here it is Monday the 13th of Dec. and we start our second term. It certainly was hard getting up this morning. We got new rooms assigned to us and I got a pretty good one again.
During the week I wrote Christmas cards to just about everybody I could think of. I hope I didn't miss anybody. I caught up on a few letters also.
I didn't do too much during the week. I was in practically every night by 10:30 as Tiny has to be in the sorority house by 10:30. Those are campus rules for the civilian students. One of the fellows and myself took a little trip out to the coast. It's only 60 [sic] to the pacific ocean so we thought we might as well see it. We hitch hiked to a small town on the coast named Florence. The town is about a block long. There was a coast guard station there so we went in & they showed us around and we went up into the tower and looked off into the ocean. It's a bit rough compared to the Atlantic. I threw a penny into the ocean for all of you so I guess you can make a wish. I also picked up some post cards which you can put in your scrapbook.
The next interesting thing that happened was--I was invited to a Christmas party Friday night. Tiny and her 3 roommates and the house mother and myself were the ones present. They had a little Christmas tree and all presents under it. And they all bought me something. I got two cartons of cigarettes, tobacco, aftershave lotion, and aftershave powder. I certainly was surprised. Tiny warned me ahead of time and I picked up a little gift at the co-op store. Tiny gave me her picture and I gave her a pair of rosary beads. We had cake & cokes. We had a swell time. Don't you think that was awful nice of them?
We got a new patch to put on our arm. Up until now they didn't have any insignia for the A.S.T.P. but they finally got one and it certainly is nice. It is blue and yellow and it has the cup of knowledge on it with a sword running through it. So soon as I get a hold of a couple more I'll send them home.
This term our subjects are Analytic Geometry, Physics, Chemistry, History, Geography, English, Mil. P.E. It's going to be a little tougher this term!
I received a money order and a Christmas card from Mr. Egerly. It was for $3.50. Who should I write to to thank. I don't believe he had his address on the envelope? It is I just looked.
I sent the package to you for Aunt Anna. It's bath salts and perfume. So will you please wrap it and give it to her? O.K.
I received my first Christmas Card from Grandma and Aunt Anna. I will thank Grandma & A.A. when I write.
Ma did you copy Joe D'Angelo's address down right? Being he is overseas I think there should be an A.P.O. No. Send it to me again O.K.?
Thank Boby for her letter. It certainly is good to hear from her.
I am glad you heard from Frank. I was getting worried. It's too bad everybody has colds. I got a touch of one myself but it doesn't amount even to talk about it. I hope you all get rid of them soon.
Oregon State College sent for the beaver R.R. express. It wasn't exciting as everybody thought it would turn out.
I do hope you get a tree this year ma. It wouldn't be Christmas ma without a tree. Would it?
I'll close now hoping everybody is in better health when you get this letter & I hope everybody is very happy.

Your Loving Soldier Boy,
Tony

P.S. Letter No. are OK.

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

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.

From Bruno (Borella, Tony's Friend)

August 22, 1943

Dear Mr. & Mrs. Curcio,

I'm writing this letter to you folks because through your son Tony, I feel that I've known you for a long time now. Joe D'Angelo, Tony and myself have been constantly together ever since we left Jefferson Barracks last March. As you already know, Joe was sent to the Combat Engineers and for awhile "our gang" was broken up. However, the rest of us more or less were together although I too was transferred to another Battalion.
When the orders came through for this college program, I once again found myself with Tony. We were at the Univ. of Idaho together and we did expect to be sent to the same college but it was "just my luck" to be one of the "unhappy" eight fellows from our group to be sent back into the State of Washington. I certainly miss your son's company and I know that I'll never be able to find a better friend.
He has the intellect and ambition and someday I know that you are going to be very proud of him. I certainly am looking forward to the day when we will all be back from this war and being that I live at Coram, Long Island, I'll be seeing him and also you folks at some future day.

Respectfully,
Bruno Borella

Dear Ma, Pa, Barb, Ann & Ele Letter No. 70

P.F.C. Anthony J. Curcio
Co. "A" STAR Unit 3902
U. of Idaho, Moscow, Idaho

Dear Ma, Pa, Barb, Ann & Ele,

It is Fri. afternoon during study period & I decided to write a letter instead.
At mail call at noon time I received a picture of Anita. She had one made for me in the same studio I had mine made for you. I think I told you. It's 5 x 7 and is colored in oils. Ma you should see that picture. It's beautiful. She also had it in a glass frame. And the way she had it wrapped. First it had two pieces of cardboard on either side. Then she put it in a handkerchief box. Then she wrapped it with tissue paper with a green ribbon on it, with a big boy in the middle. That was wrapped in paper around that was 4 pieces of cardboard & that was wrapped with paper. So you can see how nervous I was until I got it open. She's swell ma.
I also got a nice letter from Elfrieda. She told me about her plans. She is going to live in Morristown N.J. after a two week honeymoon. I hope she's happy.
I am so glad that you all are so happy I made the grade. Your letters cheer me up so much ma. I'll try my best to pass and make you all happy.
The education I had certainly will come in handy. Tech certainly had the stuff.
Send Aunt Margaret my best regards and hope she gets better real soon.
It msut be telepathy again. I believe in my last letter I told you I still write to Helen Riley. I just got a letter from her too. And I also told you about Joe. Isn't that funny the way that always works out.
I also received your cute card ma. And it had such a pretty saying. xxxxxx and a million more.
The weather here is still swell. I hope it's nice weather back there.
How is grandma? And how is the garden & how is Frank? Did Grandma rent the flat yet?
I hope you are all in the best of health & tell Bob & Ann to drop me a line & let me know how Jersey's Breeze Knoll is. Ok. So until my next letter I remain

Your Loving Soldier Boy
Love & Kisses xxxx
Tony
xxxxxxxxxxx
xxxxxxxxx

Dear Ma, Pa, Barb, Ann & Ele Letter No. 69

P.F.C. Anthony J. Curcio
Co. "A" STAR Unit 3902
U. of Idaho, Moscow, Idaho

Date 8/11/43
Letter No. 69
Rec'd 105

Dear Ma, Pa, Barb, Ann & Ele,

There isn't too much to tell about what I am doing because the routine is the same each day. We go to classes in the morning (I am making out OK so far) (we had two quizzes so far and I got 79 & 80). In the afternoon we have military correspondence & then calisthenics & close order drill followed by a swell shower. In the night we have the study class ( where I am now writing this letter).
Monday nite after I got out of study hall & washed a few pieces of clothes & my shirt & pants. And Tuesday nite I ironed the shirt and pants. They didn't come out bad for an amateur.
Today I got a letter from Anita. She writes me about every nite. She's right on the beam. I also received an invitation for Elfrieda's wedding. What she sent one to me for I don't know.
Boy ma, did you hear from Joe D'Angelo? I didn't hear from him in quite awhile and was just wondering what's what. I hate to write to him until he writes to me because Davidson, Borella & myself feel that if there was anybody who should go to college, it was him. And if I wrote & told him we all made it I imagine it would hurt him a little even though nothing could have been done about it. I wish you would write to him ma & explain to him why I didn't write.
I feel if he heard it from you he wouldn't feel so bad. He's such a swell fellow. Boy when they shipped him they certainly took a part of me.
I bought a banner for Eleanor so she can hang it in her room. I will send it soon. I hope she likes it.
I hope Bob & Sis have a grand time on their vacation. If it was like last year I'm sure they will.
Boy Ele is certainly stepping out. Boy I would love to see you all again. I just pray every night I get someplace east. If it's far enough east ma[y]be some of you can come & see me? Ma[y]be huh? I'm praying.
I'll include some pictures I had made. One of the fellows took them at McChord Field (Difranza is his name, he is in one of the pictures). Some were also taken here. I wrote on the back describing them. I hope you like them.
The weather here is still swell. I'm in the best of health. Hope you all are also. So until my next letter I remain,

Your Loving Soldier Boy
Love & Kisses
Tony

Dear Ma, Pa, Barb, Ann & Ele Letter No. 61

P.F.C. Anthony J. Curcio
1875 En. Avn. Bn. Co. H & S
McChord Field, Wash.

Date 7/19/43
Letter No. 61
Rec'd 99

Dear Ma, Pa, Barb, Ann & Ele,

Before I start my report I have to get something off my chest. It happened yesterday at Spanaway Lake. Boy was it funny. Peggy & I went there & we were going for a canoe ride. But before we did we met Brono Borella & a fellow from the surveying squad I work with. Well anyway they got a canoe & Peggy & I got a canoe. We were paddling around & it came time to go in. So we had a little race to the dock. We were about 25 ft. from the dock when Brono & the other fellow lost balance & over they went. Well ma & all I had some laugh. The only thing I was worrying about was to take a good picture with my camera. I hope they turn out. But I felt so sorry for them, their newly pressed suits. Every time I think of it I have to laugh.
The pictures I took last Sunday turned out pretty good only they make me look so fat. I think I will have to get a new jacket. One which fits me a little better. What do you say?
We started our training today but one of the jobs is not finished yet so we had to go over to the job to survey. We have one day of training & one day on the job until its finished.
Joe D'Angelo lives in Queens. A very short distance from where we live. And when I get my furlough I won't hesitate to see his people. Boy do I miss home.
We had pretty good weather lately. In fact it's only rained a couple of days in quite awhile. Boy it's a swell state when the sun shines.
I didn't hear anything about my furlough yet. Gosh I will have so much to say. I just don't know where I would start.
I am a bit tired tonight ma from yesterday & today. I kept my shirt off on the job & got a bit of sun burn & it makes you feel sort of sleepy. I will close now hoping you are all in the best of health & very happy. So until my next letter I remain

Your Loving Solider Boy,
Tony

From Joe (D'Angelo, Tony's friend)

Pvt. Joseph D'Angelo

Co. "A"--110th Eng. Combat Bn.

Amphibian Training Force No. 9

Fort Ord, California

July 5th, 1943

Dear Mrs. Curcio,

I really was...surprised to receiv[e] the little booklet from you. It had me laughing. It really typified army life although it was on the funny side. Thank you very, very much. It seems as if you're getting to know just as much about the army as any of us do.

As much as I dreaded it, it had to happen. I guess you know all about it. I've been shipped out of McChord Field and separated from my best friends. They were the best friends I ever had or ever hope to have. I suppose Tony tells you a bit about them. I especially miss Tony. You know what swell buddies we were. We had so much in common and were able to talk to each other like brothers. I'd give anything I own to be back with him. But, it seems as if all good things must come to an end.

I'll never forget the day I left. We just moped around not saying anything. I guess that went on for a couple of hours. How I hated to leave. It was like leaving home for a second time. I dreaded that moment when I had to say goodbye. But, it came, much too soon. It was really torture having to say goodbye to them. I could feel myself ready to cry, but I couldn't look at any of them in the face for fear of doing so. Still I'm not so sure there weren't tears in my eyes. I would have rather faced a hundred Jap[anese] than go through that. But, I suppose the Army knows best although I think very much different. I'd give anything I own to be up there with Tony again.

I almost forgot to apologize for writing to you so late. We've been very busy lately. We're going on maneuvers so that we had to work from early morning to late at night packing stuff. Since we have most of our work finished they gave me this afternoon off which gave me a chance to catch up on my mail. I hope you forgive me.

Although I've been in this outfit for over two months now and gotten used to is, there's always something missing. You know just as well as I do what (or should I say who it is). Although I have made plenty of friends I haven't been able to find one that I care to pal around with. They just aren't my type. Having friends is one thing but having a budd[y] whom you can trust and share your joy and troubles is a completely different thing. I have my fun but I don't seem to get the kick out of it I used to get. But, I don't think I should complain. There must be other in the army worse off than I am.

Tony and I keep in touch with each other. We keep each other informed as to how we're going along. It's really swell getting letters from him. It seems as if he's talking to me just like old times. I guess he's telling you just how he's getting along. I wish they'd give him a break though. He really deserves it. He should have a couple of stripes. I've seen some get stripes that never even deserve them. Tony is the kind of fellow that has a job, knows it thoroughly, and does it very efficiently. He keeps all to himself and no one even notices him. That's the kind of fellow that should get stripes. But it seems as if the fellow that does the least and talks the most gets them. This really gripes me, but there's nothing that can be done about it. His day will come.

I guess I'll close this letter now. I just can't think of anything else to say. But, I hope that I can get to see you, Mrs. Curcio, on my first furlough. I know I'm really going to enjoy knowing you. In fact, although I haven't met you I feel as if I've known you for a long time.

I hope this letter finds you in the best of health. I also hope that this mess will be over real soon so that we can go back to our families and really know what it is to be home. It will be then that Tony and I will get together and really celebrate.

Very Sincerely,

Joe

Dear Ma, Pa, Barb, Ann & Ele Letter No. 56

Pvt. Anthony J. Curcio

1875 Avn. En. Bn. C. H & S

McChord Field, Wash.

Date 6/28/43

Letter No. 56

Rec'd 88-89 & 90

Dear Ma, Pa, Barb, Ann & Ele,

Hello everybody! I hope everybody is fine. I am felling swell. I weighed myself yesterday at Peggy's house and I weigh 163. My shirt & pants probably don't weigh much but the G.I. shoes may weigh some. Oh, shucks, I had my civilian shoes on so that's all the more weight I picked up then.

I am still doing the same routine surveying on the road job. But I believe the first of the month we will start training again.

Wed. nite I went to the U.S.O. dance. It wasn't bad.

I also received a letter from Elfreida Wed. & she told me she was planning on getting married to that other fellow this fall. I felt a bit downhearted at first but I am just the same now as I was before. I guess it's for the best.

Sat. (26) nite I got a pass & went to the U.S.O. dance with Peggy. We had a grand time. And yesterday I went over to her house after church (that's when I weighed myself) and we had something to eat & then we went to the park to get some sunshine & fresh air. At night we went to a dance at Spanaway Lake. They have a nice dance hall there. Then we came home. We had a swell time.

Next week and if things are ok we will go swimming at Spanaway Lake & then go dancing. She said she will bring the lunch. We will take pictures too. Ok?

Boy what letters I have to write. I don't know who to answer first & where to start. But I eventually will answer them all.

I got a letter from Joe D'Angelo and I believe he feels a bit discouraged but he has a lot of spirit and I'm sure he will make out OK. He thanked you for your card. He said he would write you. He writes he misses me an awful lot, especially after he got a package from his father. He's a swell kid.

Thanks for your swell cards ma. They make me feel swell.

Thank Bobby for her letter. The only thing is, I wish I could answer them. I hope my 3 little sisters aren't disappointed.

So I think I will close now and I'll try to write sonner next time.

So until then I remain

Your Loving Soldier Boy,

Tony

Dear Helen

6/8/43

Dear Helen,

Say you know that I have been sitting here about 20 minutes trying to think of something to say to start off this letter. I have plenty to say but by gosh I always have trouble starting a letter. Well anyway I started off this, regardless of how I started it, didn't I?
Since I last wrote you, I have been surveying on several jobs and am loving it. But for once I may get a break. We got a new commanding officer and he says that anyone who feels he is unfit in this outfit can see him about it. So I did. I told him I would like to go to topographical drafting school as I have the background & was classified as one. So he said he would try to get a transfer for me. Maybe I am not settled yet. Who knows. But whatever way it falls I guess it be for the best.
I saw a couple of pictures at the post show, namely "Assignment in Brittany" & "The Human Comedy." Helen if you do get a chance I wish you would see them. I enjoyed both immensely.
I went to the U.S.O. dance a few times and although I have a nice time, they certainly don't compare with the dances back in St. Louis.
Sunday, June 6, I visited Pt. Defiance Park up here near Puget Sound. It's a beautiful park and I believe it's the best I've seen. I only wish I could have seen Forest Park. I love to just sit in the park. It seems that when I see nature in the raw, I can forget everything and just dream & dream of how I would like things to be. And believe me, there would be a lot of changes.
The W.A.A.C.'s have landed here to. And personally I don't like WAACs, and now there is no doubt in my mind.
Joe D'Angelo has written me and he is going thru extensive training in Ft. Ord Calf. (Amphibious Engineers). I certainly hope he gets a break & gets shipped out of there. I didn't know D'Angelo back home, but he lives so close to me that it felt as if I had known him all my life.
You certainly hit the nail on the head when you picked "As Time Goes By" as your favorite. It clicks with me alright. I didn't hear "You'll Never Know" yet, but maybe I will soon. Or maybe I did hear it and didn't know the name. I'll be more observant next time.
So you are planning on a vacation. Well by gosh I hope you pick out a swell place like I did back in N.Y. because you certainly have a good time. I wish I could go on a vacation myself (meaning furlough).
I don't think you are so nuts trying to get a tan. I love girls that have a dark complexion. My sisters always did the same thing you are going to do and believe me, I admired them for doing so. I hope you do get a dark complexion as I can just picture you with a white gardenia in your hair. Boy there certainly is beauty there.
I certainly would like to see some more clippings on the flood. If you still have them I would love to see them.
Oh say, I almost forgot. June 3 was my birthday and my dear ones certainly did an excellent job of making me happy.
My mom sent me an identification bracelet & boy its enough to knock anybody's eyes out of their head. I feel like the king when I wear it. My mom also sent me a huge fruit cake. And boy did we feast on it. I also got a ring from pop, cigarette lighter from my oldest sister & writing paper & a picture wallet from my other sisters. And my grandmother always comes thru with a large box of cherries. Besides that I got cookies & cigarettes. So you see I was made very happy and quite supplied for quite awhile. The only bad part is the time when inspection comes. I have to borow a barracks bag to hide it. Boy I had some laugh over it.
Well Helen, I think that's the story from the northwest except for the weather once again. The sun is out quite a bit now. Thank God. So until I hear from you, which I hope is very, very short time, I remain,

Sincerely
As Ever
Tony

Dear Ma, Pa, Barb, Ann & Ele, Letter No. 51

Pvt. Anthony J. Curcio
1875 En. Avn. Bn. Co. H & S
McChord Field, Wash.

Date 6/7/43
Letter No. 51
Rec'd 79-80-81

Dear Ma, Pa, Barb, Ann & Ele,

Hello everybody. Well here it is Monday nite and once again I have a pile of mail to answer. I'll name some I have to answer - Sonny, Helen, Marnie, Miss Anderson, Bruno Borella, Joe D'Angelo - quite a few huh!
To start off I must tell you what I did yesterday. You remember I told you I went to the U.S.O. dance last week. Well I met a girl up there and we got to talking, and she told me about one of the beautiful parks they have here. So I said how would you like to go Sunday and show it to me. She said O.K. and so we went. And believe me mom, the park is beautiful. They have a small zoo (nothing like Central or Prospect) but it was nice. And they have rides (nothing like Coney Island) but it's nice. But the scenery and flowers and views far surpass that of any park I have ever seen. It over looks the water (Puget Sound) and it's beautiful. The park's name is Pt. Defiance. The girl's name is Peggy Johnson. She is a very nice girl and can dance swell.
If I can get a pass this Wed. we will go to the U.S.O. dance. I got some postcards of the park and street. I will send them soon.
Janet Blair is the one that played in "My Sister Eileen") was at the Recreation hall last week. But I didn't go because I wanted to write letters.
One of the lieutenents is going to try to get me into the drafting dept. for awhile if there is an opening, but I have still better news. We got a new company commander (1st Lieutenant with 15 years service) and he said that anybody who thought he was not fit for the outfit or felt he was misplaced should see him and he would try to get him a transfer. So I went up to see him. So I did. I told him I would like to go to topographical drafting school as I was classified to go and he said that he would try to get me transferred. He was swell. So maybe I'll be transferred. Who knows.
I have been surveying on a new job now & it's not so bad. We get another job as soon as one is done.
Ma everybody admires the bracelet so much. Boy I'm proud to wear it. They also like the ring too. And Ma the cake was so delicious it went so fast. The fellows went nuts over it. But don't ever do anything like that again because the people at home feel the food ration [?] us. But mom it was swell. And the cherries. Oh Boy.
We are all on field rations ma (all camps) but we still get plenty to eat.
Elfrieda got a sprained wrist and she writes short letters but it is getting better and she is writing long letters again.
I just got a letter from Helen and she is O.K. She tells me quite a lot about the flood but it is not near her home. I will enclose a clipping she sent me.
I certainly would like to hear that new piano piece Ele's got. let me know how she makes out with it.
The weather here is getting nicer, not so much rain anymore. Did I ever tell you when the sun sets here? Well it sets about 9 o'clock here. They say in the middle of summer there is only about 5 hrs of darkness. Some differences from N.Y. huh.
Well I shall close now & hoping everybody is in the best of health. So until I write again I remain

Your Loving Soldier Boy
Tony

P.S. I have a surprise for you ma. It will be on its way soon.

Dear Ma, Pa, Barb, Ann & Ele, Letter No. 50nnnn

Pvt. Anthony J. Curcio
1875 En. Avn. Bn. Co. H & S
McChord Field, Wash.

Date 6/2/43
Letter No. 50
Rec'd 77-78

Dear Ma, Pa, Barb, Ann & Ele,

Believe me everybody I am at a loss [sic] for words. I feel so happy I don't know what to say. Especially after receiving a most beautiful identification tag. When I opened the box, there was a million words I could have said to express my feeling, but there I was [sic] standing all alone & if someone did pass, I guess they would have thought I was crazy talking to myself. I felt like a king when I put it on. Thanks a million, ma. It's so hard to express my feeling on writing paper, but you know ma, it's perfect. And it's a swell job on the lettering.
Good. I got so much to say I don't know where to start. Everything is just what I needed. Really you all shouldn't have did it.
Grandma always comes thru with the cherries. And believe me they taste twice as good in the army. Thanks Grandma. And ma, give Grandma a nice big kiss for me. O.K.
And Dad thanks for the ring. It's swell. It feels so much different again with a ring on.
And Bob, if only you knew how handy the cigarette lighter comes in. When a soldier approaches you, he doesn't ask for a cigarette, he asks you for a match. That's one thing we're short of. Thanks Bob.
And Ann, that's being on the beam. If there is anything I like it is things more perfect than before. And you sure hit the nail on the head by adding my no. on the writing paper. Thanks Ann, it was perfect.
And Ele, you cute kid. You always pick something that nobody else would pick. And if it's one thing I need, it's a place to keep my pictures so they are easy to look at. Thanks, Ele.
And Ma, the cake. You shouldn't have did it. It made me so homesick. Just to look at it and think we all could have had a piece, instead of only me. With every piece I eat, I can just see everybody around me having a little party like we always use to have. I am going to give all my friends a piece, and say, see this is what mom sent me. And believe me, they are going to enjoy it.
I also received a package from Ele. She sent me cigarettes, stationary, lofts [?] candy & home made cookies. She is so thoughtful ma. I wish she was my girl ma. You know ma.
Gosh I have so much cake, candy, & cookies to last me for the duration. I really feel like a king. You don't know what it means to have a family that treats you the way you all do. I don't how anybody gets along without it.
And I must thank you all for the swell cards you sent me. They are all just perfect.
I am so glad about what the doctor said. Boy he must be a swell guy. He certainly knows his stuff. That's a birthday present all alone.
I hope Helen Riley didn't have any trouble. I didn't hear from here in two weeks now. I just hope the flood didn't reach her house. A lot of fellows here tell me that their houses are affected by the flood. As soon as I hear from her I shall let you know.
I am so glad Grandma's garden is coming along so good because I know it will make Grandma so much more happy.
I will try to take pictures this Sunday if possible.
That's a swell idea to have a moss [?] read for Aunt Joe. Grandma can do anything she wishes to.
Joe D'Angelo's address is:

Pvt. Joe D'Angelo
Co "A" 110th Eng. Combat Bn.
Amphibian Training Group No. 9
Fort Ord, Calf.
U.S. Army

I just know he will enjoy hearing from you.
I have been doing pretty good with the surveying lately. And this morning I was on K.P. (the first time in over a month) and the lieutenant got me off K.P. about 8 o'clock in the morning to do a job for him. O.K. huh.
Last nite I dropped down to the U.S.O. to the dance with the boys. We had a nice time.
Well by this time you just know I am feeling fine and right on the beam.
I hope you are all feeling tops and very happy. So until my next letter I remain

Your Most Loving Soldier Boy,
Tony

P.S. I don't think I ever said anything about my record. I haven't touched a drop of liquor since I've been in the army. Not even G.I. beer. O.K. huh.