Dear Helen Postcard

Pvt. Anthony J. Curcio
4th A.F.R.D. SQD "L"
Hammer Field, Fresno, Calf.

3-28-43

Dear Helen,

I am being shipped so I will write as soon as I get to my next camp. I hope this one is permanent. I hope you received my little package & found it interesting. If you did write to me here they will forward it. So until then, when I write to you from my next post, I remain

Sincerely As Ever,
Tony

Dear Ma, Pa, Barb, Ann, Ele, Letter No. 35

Pvt. Anthony J. Curcio
4th A.F.R.D. - SQD. "L"
Hammer Field, Fresno, Calf.

Date 3-27-43
Letter No. 35
Rec'd 41 & 42

Dear Ma, Pa, Barb, Ann, Ele,

It's Sat. night & my name is on the shipping list so I probably will be shipped tomorrow or Monday. I hope it's a school & will write or send a telegram as soon as I arrive at my destination.
I wrote Wed. night so I shall continue from there on. On Thurs. I got a permanent detail for the duration I was here, which didn't last very long. I'm glad though now I shall be settled in a little while anyway. By the way, the two fellows that I am sticking with are on the same shipping list. That's good news because they are both classified as draftsmen. I think I told you that in my last letters.
Thurs. night I went to the library to look at some books to refresh my memory.
Fri. morning I took my test to see whether I go to college or not. Well to tell you the truth, it was a tough test. My friends also said it was tough. So we all say if we pass it, "We did pretty good guessing." I'll still be plenty satisfied if I go to ordinary drafting school. Because if we don't pass it, we know that we just didn't have enough knowledge for the college course. That's plenty good enough for me. Then we are all satisfied. Right?
Fri. night we got a pass (6 hrs) into Fresno, the Roma Wine City in the heart of San Joaquin Valley. I must say it's a very clean beautiful city. The landscaping is perfect. I will send postcards I picked up in town & they are just as you see them. So I guess you can imagine what a beautiful little city it is.
I went in for the only purpose of buying things. First of all to see whether I could get anything for your birthday. The only thing I got was postcards. All the stores close at 6 o'clock. So we walked around a little & then came back to the camp. I noticed a few odd things that struck me very modern & forth coming. They have a bell ring when the lights change on the street corner. In other words when it changes from red to green the bell rings & vice versa. And at each street corner the gutter slopes up to meet the sidewalk. So when you are walking along to sidewalk you can continue to the other corner without stepping down & up. Isn't that a neat little trick.
Today we didn't do much as our name is on shipping.
I did see the mirrors at J.B. They certainly are a smart idea. I am sending it back so you can keep it with the rest.
About my income tax paper. I did hear something about it back at J.B. but didn't pay much attention to it as I thought you would take care of it. After all I don't know how much I made or anything like that. If Mr. Massa says you can't fill it out for me, ask Boby to ask her boss about it. If you still can't fill it out for me, let me know & I will investigate the matter further at my next camp O.K. I will close now & if I get a chance to write again before I leave I will if not don't worry & will get in touch with you before I leave I will if not don't worry & will get in touch with you as soon as I set foot in my next camp.

Your Loving Soldier Boy,
Tony

Dear Ma, Pa, Barb, Ann, Ele, Letter No. 34

Pvt. Anthony J. Curcio
4th AFRD - SQD "L"
Hammer Field, Fresno, Calf.

Date 3-24-43
Letter No. 34

Dear Ma, Pa, Barb, Ann & Ele,

Well I'm still here at Fresno & I am starting to get a sun tan believe it or not.
Today is your birthday ma, & it is the first time I'm not there to attend your little party. But I'm thinking of the happy time you are all having, and as I sit here writing this letter I'm trying to be there with you & try to picture everybody sitting around the table watching you blow out all the candles. I bet you got them all out too. Right? I hope you got my little letter in time.
In my last letter I wrote up until Sunday night so I shall continue from there on.
Monday morning we were issued another pair of sun tans. But I didn't get a shirt as they didn't have my size. I also got a pair of insignia buttons. We wear them on our lapels.
In the afternoon we were called in and out about every half hour to see whether our names would be on the list to be shipped to a shipping sqd.
After chow I got another haircut. I have to get one about every 3 weeks or you notice the little ends sticking out. It's on your own accord here, nobody really cares whether you get one or not. In the night I went over to the airport & looked around. Boy I really got a kick out of seeing the ships. I will not mention the type of airplanes, I guess that's one of the things we aren't supposed to write about. We aren't told not to write about it but we all better play on the safe side. Right?
Tues. We were shipped to our new quarters (tents) as I told you in the small note with the new address. There are 6 fellows in each tent. Two other fellows & I always try to stick together. So far we are doing OK. We are all in the same tent. Those are the same fellows I had in the hut at J.B., and we were together all the way. They are both classified as draftsmen & maybe we will stick together when we go to school. I hope so. They are nice fellows & we have a lot of fun together.
It almost took us all day to be transferred & I was tired so I just sent out my new address last night so you could write back as soon as possible. I can't say how long I'm going to be here so maybe I can get some mail here. It gets lonely when you don't get up to date mail from home. I just think & think about what's going on & how everybody feels etc. Yesterday, I received 3 letters transferred from J.B. One from Elfrieda, one from Testa Family, & one from Aunt Anna. Today I didn't get any, so tomorrow I'll probably get a batch.
Today was quite a nice day. Now that we're in a shipping sqd. We can get details (as per usual).
Well to start the day off right, nobody wakes us up in the tents. They just blow a whistle. So we got up at 6:15. The first time I got up that late in the army. We went to breakfast & had pancakes & syrup. It was OK. Then we went to the drill field & got a little drill. The drill instructors are lazy here. The more we do here the better I like J.B. J.B. gave us quite a good name. We were drilled very good, by very good drill instructors & they all know it here. Sometimes we get up a platoon & march down the street to show them how it's done. We have a lot of fun doing that. Not being conceited either. After drill for about an hour, we had a soft ball game - we lost 5-4 & then we went on a detail loading barrack bags for the men that are shipping out. In the afternoon we had to fill in a pipe line hole. It took us about 2 hrs. & then we laid in the sun for awhile. After that we went & took a shower - went to chow & here I am writing letters. Wasn't that a nice day?
Talking about being strict here. After we filled in the hole the sergeant said "Thanks boys." Boy did we get a kick out of that. If we were at J.B. they would have said "You could have did that a little faster" or probably put us on some other detail. I get to like the training at J.B. more & more everyday. We certainly did profit by discipline. I hope we get plenty more at our next camp.
Well I'll close now hoping you are all in the best of health. I feel fine. How does sister like her new job? How is Grandma making out with the house? How is Barb & Ele coming with the piano lessons. In other words tell me everything. So until my next letter

Your loving soldier boy,
Tony

Dear Ma & Pa & Barb & Ann & Ele

3-23-43

Dear Ma, Pa, Barb, Ann & Ele,

It's pretty late now we've been shipped to a shipping sqd. We are in tents now. So I am sending the address so write back as soon as you receive this letter.

Love,
Tony

Pvt. Anthony J. Curcio
4th A.F.R.D. SQD "L"
Hammer Field, Fresno, Calf.

Dear Ma, Letter No. 33

Special Delivery
VIA AIR MAIL

Pvt. Anthony J. Curcio
4th A.F.R.D. SQD. "A"
Hammer Field, Fresno, Calf.

Date: 3-23-43
Letter No. 33

Dear Ma,

I just went to the telegraph office & wanted to send you a telegram, but they told me you can't send greeting telegrams from this post because of heavy business on the lines. So this is the quickest way I know how to send you greetings wishing you a HAPPY BIRTHDAY. I'm going to send this out right now so it will get there as soon as possible. I will write you a letter tonight. I hope it gets there in time.

Your Loving Soldier Boy,
Tony

Dear Helen

March 22, 1943

Dear Helen,

Well here I'm where I'd never thought I'd be. Deep in the heart of California. I am sorry I couldn't write sooner. I have been kept busy since I'm here. I hope you will forgive me?
When I first came to J.B., I felt like everybody else "Send me someplace, but get me out of J.B." I changed my mind when I went on that certain convoy. From then on I enjoyed myself. And when I enjoy myself, things usually work out swell. In fact things were working out so well I was quite amazed myself. Then on Sat. the 13th of March 1943, I had one of the nicest times I could want & expecting to have a much nicer time on Sun, that I'm sure would live with me a long time, only to have my dreams bungled by that little word--"shipping." Well it's just one of those things & I guess the beginning is the best time to learn how to take it.
I guess I don't have to tell you how much & enjoyed your company. And I can't hesitate in the least to say that your family is one of the nicest I have met. As for yourself besides my compliments, you received many more from the fellows that came to the convoy with me.
I'll try to give you an idea of what the trip was like.
We left J.B. at 5 o'clock on Monday 15th March & started on our long journey. Our first state naturally was Mo. We traveled along the Missouri River till we hit Jefferson City. It was a bit hilly & very colorful. We didn't see very much of it, but what we did see was very beautiful. We covered the rest of Mo. during the night & all day Tuesday we traveled thru Kansas. Although Kansas is very picturesque & colorful I can describe it in two simple words. "It's flat." We saw plenty of nothing. In fact sometimes it was an event to see a tree.
As we approached night fall we entered the state of Colorado. We were told that early in the morning we would cross the great continental divider, the lovely Rocky Mts. Ever since the evening began we started to climb & climb to the heights of the Mts. Most of the fellows went to sleep but a few of us stayed up to see what we could see. Although it was night & how I wish it was day, I saw the most beautiful sights I ever saw. At the high points of the Mts., it was covered completely with snow. With a few towns here & there lit up, painted a picture of a fairy tale.
As we proceeded, we passed camp Hale. One of the largest ski camps. Its elevation is 9,000 feet. It's in a valley & we saw it as we passed on the mountain side about a thousand feet up. It was quite a sight to see.
Further down the line we came to Mts. with snow only on the tops & in the valleys, the streams rippling at a swift current. They both reflected the light of the moon, which made them just glow in the dusk.
We also passed the Royal Gorge Bridge; the highest in the world.
I finally went to sleep about 3 AM (I still wasn't tired).
When we got up in the morning, passing thru the western part of Colorado, we saw canyons like you see in pictures of the Grand Canyon. Large masses of rock forming odd shapes & to every one's mind, pictures something different. On the plateaus there were farms with cattle grazing besides beautiful colors that paint odd shapes on the rocks, & plateaus. It's one of those things that makes you stop & think.
Toward night we headed toward Salt Lake City, Utah & made it there by 11 o'clock. Then during the night headed for the Nevada border.
I was awakened a bit earlier for K.P. I'm glad I got it though, because there isn't too much to do & you can get a better view from the big doors in the kitchen car, and you only got it for a half a day.
Nevada was a very nice state. It is a very sandy & colorful one. We mostly poassed thru valleys and saw the snow covered Mts. in the background. You know as well as I do what a pretty sight that is. By night fall we hit the California border, passing thru Reno. The place that is known as "The largest little city in the world." The place where they got their divorces. You know.
We headed toward the Sierra Nevada Mountains, climbing up & up like we did once before. I think the Sierra Nevadas displayed the most beautiful sights I saw on the whole trip. The mts. were completely covered with snow ( we were really very hight in the mts. too) with pine trees all over. The R.R. had to be protected in many spots by high wooden tunnels because of the huge snow drifts. What I enjoyed seeing very much was little animal tracks in the fresh bed of snow. It was so cute. It's really one of those sights that you really can't explain in words. Seeing is believing, & yet somehow I don't believe it myself. But it's true.
During the night we hit Sacramento & headed to Fresno, Calf.
Hammer Field is a pretty place. You know California. Palm trees & green grass all over the place. When the sun is out it's just like a summer's day. Some of the fellows lay in the sun with their bathing suits. This place is nothing like J.B. You can wear what you want to. Ad J.B. your uniform had to be uniform. You couldn't mix clothing & you could only wear certain clothing when they told you to. We don't have any exercise here at all. It's just a replacement center and will be shipped to a school pretty soon. I won't be able to receive any mail until I am placed in a shipping sqd., just now I'm in a receiving sqd. & won't be placed to shipment sqd. until I am reclassified. I went to the classifying office on Sat. & he gave me a special slip whereby I can take a test this Friday & if I pass I will be admitted into a college to take drafting. So I will be on receiving until I find the results of the test which will be sometime next week. But I will write you & as soon as the coast is clear I'll let you know. I hope it's soon, as I would like to hear from you & everybody home real soon. You really get lonely when you don't receive any mail, believe me.
We live in barracks (two story) & I am upstairs right by a window. I like it a lot after living in the huts at J.B. A latrine is on the first floor also & you don't have to run a mile in the middle of the night. Swell isn't it?
By the way, I have all the stuff my sister sent me ready to send to you. I have it all marked as to what they are. She wants the postcards back & I would like the pictures of the world's fair back. I have them all marked & you can send them when I get to my permanant camp. You can have all the rest. I think you'll like the pictures of my boss' house very interesting. When I write to him I will tell him I gave you a set of pictures. He'll like that. He is recovering swell from his case of spinal meningitis. I got a letter before I left J.B.
Here I can look out of the window and see the planes take off from the field. It's quite interesting. As soon as I get a chance I will inspect the place. I'll tell you what I can gather.
Well I think I shall close now hoping you are in the best of health & your family also & I will write to you real soon.

Sincerely As Ever,
Tony

P.S. I will include a clipping with the rest of the stuff when I send it of a hut we lived in at J.B. I got it out of a St. Louis paper before I left.

Dear Ma

Dear Ma,

Here is the money order for $10.00. I explained everything in the last letter. Do as you wish with it. I'll try to send some whenever possible. This is not a birthday present, just a start on a regular routine. This is between you & I, ma. You know what I mean.

Your loving Soldier Boy,
Tony

Dear Ma, Pa, Barb, Ann, Ele, Letter No. 32

Anthony J. Curcio
4th A.F.R.D. SQD. "A"
Hammer Field, Fresno, Calf.

Date 3-21-43
Letter No. 32

Dear Ma, Pa, Barb, Ann & Ele,

I'm here in California and it's pretty nice here, but I'm glad I am not going to stay here. Because I wouldn't want to have a permanent camp so far away from home. So I just have to pray that when I go to school it will be much closer to home. The weather here, when the sun is out is just like a summer day. Some of the fellows that were here awhile already lay out on the grass in the sun & get a tan. I heard we just missed a period of rain. I'm glad we did. Fri. & Sat. the sun was really hot. Today it's been a bit cool because the sun hasn't been out all day.
The food here is pretty good. I think so far it's been better than J.B. The system is a heck of a lot better here also. We don't have the cadet style when we go to the mess hall. We get up when we are finished. The bread & butter is on the table, also the coffee, and you can eat as much as you want. At J.B. the most butter you could get was a little slice. We get plenty of fruit here also. (You know Calf.) Sometimes we get lemon & orange-ade instead of coffee. Oranges & bananas with our meals, pineapple & peach pie, apricots. Sometimes we get cocoa also or tea.
They have a good system here I like it very much. We use our own canteen to eat with. It's pretty large enough to hold all the food, we have our own cup, fork, knife & spoon. It eliminates the work for K.P.s After we eat we put the excess food in a barrel & then pass on to 3 more barrels. The first is boiling hot soapy water where we wash our stuff with a brush & then pass on to the other two to rinse them. They have fires under the barrels to keep the water boiling. Then it's up to each individual to keep his own equipment clean. Which is a smart idea. Right?
The streets here are paved & the barracks are set just like houses on a street. Each barrack has a latrine & shower to you don't have to run a mile to go to the bathroom or wash your clothes. We were lucky to get into a barrack, some of the fellows were put in tents. Not many though.
It's very easy here, no discipline here at all. I mean to clothing & marching, etc. You can wear what you want when you want to. At J.B. you always had to conform to standards. Everybody had to wear the same thing at J.B.
We can't get any passes for awhile & if we do it will only be for 6 hours.
Wel on Fri. When we came in we ate & then got our barracks & then got a physical check up. That took all morning. In the afternoon after chow we got our bedding. Then after chow I sent the telegram. Then I took a shower, shaved & washed my hair & then wrote the letter.
Sat. We had to G.I. our hut & be ready for inspection. A lieutenant & captain came around & inspected the barracks, us & our mess kits to see that they were clean.
In the afternoon we went to the classifying office. They told me I would be sent to a drafting school but I can take a test & if I pass the test I can go to one of the colleges and learn drafting. I have to take the test this coming Friday, March 26 - that means I will not get my new address until I get classified. It feels awful funny not hearing from home. I hope everything is all right and everybody is in the best of health.
Today I went to church. It's right around the corner. After church I sewed the insignia on my arm. You know like the one I sent you with the the wings & the star. The sewing kit comes in very handy. Then I went to the P.X. to make out a money order. I'll be sending you $10.00. I'll send whenever I can & you can do whatever you want with it. In fact I will say instead, use it to buy yourself something. All the money I send you buy things for yourself. That's between you & I ma. You know what I mean. This is NOT a birthday present.
I'll tell you more about the camp in my next letter. So goodnight & please read this letter to Grandma.

Your Loving Soldier Boy,
Tony

P.S. I washed my clothes last night. We have plenty of hot water here. That's one thing we didn't have at J.B.

Dear Ma, Pa, Barb, Ann, Ele, Letter No. 31

Anthony J. Curcio
4th A.F.R.D. - SQD. "A"
Hammer Field, Fresno, Calf.

Date 3-19-43
Letter No. 31

Dear Ma, Pa, Barb, Ann, Ele,

I sent a telegram so you know where I am. From one extreme to another. N.Y. to California.
I really don't know how to start off there is so much to say.
We left J.B. at 5 o'clock on Monday afternoon. We boarded day coaches (air conditioned) Boy they were nice. But it was kind of hard to sleep in. But we managed. The trip tookus about 83 hrs. Of course we didn't know where we were going but the rumor was California & sure enough it was. I felt blue as I left J.B. & headed west because I prayed that maybe I could have a chance to be home for your birthday. But it went the other way. In fact as far away from New York as anyone could possibly go. From one extreme state to the other. We are about half way between the Sierra Nevada Mountains & the Coast Range Mts. & about in the center of Calf. going North & South. We arrived here about 7 o'clock Friday morning (Today). This place is an air field. In fact I can see the planes take off from my window. It's quite a sight. We live in two-story wood frame barracks. They are hot air heated. I like them very much. But we probably will not stay here more than a week. But you never can tell, so as soon as you receive this letter write back. I waited to put the address in the telegram but we were not allowed. We go for reclassification tomorrow. I hope I can maintain the same classification as I did at J.B. (topographic draftsman). This is just a replacement center & we just have to wait here until we are shipped to a school. The reason we weren't shipped to a school from J.B. is that J.B. was transferred into air cadet base so that we had to be shipped someplace else for replacement. You never can tell I may be shipped east again to a school. Keep your fingers crossed.
Now for an explanation (descriptive) of a most [?] trip. In fact it's a good thing that trip was enjoyable so that I didn't feel so bad about traveling in the opposite direction. I don't see how anyone could help but enjoy such a trip.
From J.B. we traveled straight through Missouri, mostly following the Missouri River, passing thru Kansas City. It was a very beautiful country. Most of it hilly. But we didn't see too much of it as we hit night fall and in the morning started thru Kansas. I can describe Kansas in two short words "It's flat." We saw plenty of nothing. In fact sometimes it was an event even to see a tree on miles & miles of nothing but flat lands. But although it was flat it was very colorful. During the whole trip there were little towns about 50 miles apart, usually not seeing a soul in any of them. I'll name a few of the towns in Kansas so you can plot the way. Council Grove, Herrington, Genases, La Crosse, Scott, Horace. At Horace we got out of the train for a little exercise. We got out of the train for a little exercise. We saw about 10 people in that town. Then we proceeded into Colorado as the day drew to a close. Well Ma, Colorado is one of the most beautiful states I saw. The continental divide (Rocky Mts.) cuts right thru the state. And as night fell came we started to climb & climb to the height of the Rockies, passing thru Sheridan Lake, Ordway, Pueblo, Florence, Greenwood Springs, Grand Junction. Well Ma, most of the fellows went asleep that night but a few of us stayed up to see what we could see. Although it was night & how I wished it was day, I saw the most beautiful sights I ever saw. At the high points of the Mts. it was completely covered with snow, with a few towns here & there lit up. It certainly painted a picture of a fairy tale you see in pictures. We were up about 10,000 feet & we could feel the pressure on our ear drums. As we proceeded, we passed camp Hale. It's is one of the largest ski camps. Its elevation is 9,000 feet. It's in a valley of the Rockies & as we passed on the mountain side you could look down upon the camp all lit up in the dark, covered with snow, like if you were dreaming and saying "Gosh is it real?"
Further down the line we came to Mts. with snow only on the top & in the valley the stream rippling with a speedy current. They both reflected the light of a very bright moon, & which made everything just glow in the dusk. We also passed the Royal Gorge Bridge (I think that's the name of it) anyway it's the highest bridge in the world. You can look that up in the Volume Library & tell me about it.
I finally got to bed (I mean chair) about 3 am. (I still wasn't tired).
When we got up in the morning, passing thru the western part of Colordado we saw canyon's like you see in pictures of the Grand Canyon. The postcards will give you an idea what some of the sights look like. Huge masses of beautiful colored rock, forming odd shapes that to each person's imagination, resembles something else. On the plateaus there were farms & cattle farms scattered here & there besides the streams and lakes. There are thousands of different colored rocks & dirt & clay that compose the canyons & plateaus.
About noon we hit Utah border and headed for Salt Lake City passing thru towns as follows, Cisco, Price, Pleasant Val, Springville, Provo City, Salt Lake City & thru to the border with Ogden, Brigham, Kelton. Right passed Ogden we had a break down & was help up for about 6 hours. That was pretty good because it was during the night & we could see more during the day. Utah was full of desert & sandy mountains, again very colorful & picturesque.
Thursday morning I was awakened for K.P. I'm glad I got it because you really don't have to do much & you can get a better view of the scenery by the big open doors of the kitchen. And you only get a half a day of it. Thurs. we passed thru Nevada. That was another beautiful state. Mountainous & deserts here & there, with snow covered mts. in the background. I still don't know whether it's all true. We passed thru valleys with streams running all over & the shrubery forming different picturesque views. We passed thru Wells, Halleck, Els, Pallisade, Battle Mt., Golconda, Winmemucca, Oreano, Hot Springs, & Reno. Reno noted for "the largest little city in the world." That's where they all go to get divorces. You know. Then toward night fall we came thru what I think was the most beautiful of all views of the trip. We passed thru the Sierra Nevada Mts. Those mts. were completely covered with snow with pine trees all over. We were way up on the Mts. side & we could look down into the valley & wee the lakes. The snow was really heavy in the mts. The R.R. had to be protected by wooden tunnels to hold back the snow drifts. What I really got a kick out of was little animal tracks in the fresh bed of snow. It was so cute. I really can't describe the picture the mts. display. It's really one of those things "seeing is believing" but I still can't believe it.
Then we went into Sacramento at night fall, and down to Fresno during the night & arrived at 7 o'clock this morning. California is also very beautiful. Pine trees, green fresh grass and all the rest. You know. Sun shining as bright as ever & a cool breeze blowing. It's really the climate to pep you up. And every few minutes an airplane is taking off. What a sight. Well I hope I covered everything. I guess one could write a book on what I saw, but I guess this is about the best I can do. I hope it's O.K. & will give you an idea what the trip was like. If not, but I think it will, write & ask me questions about it, O.K.?
Ma, I will also include a clipping I got out of a Missouri paper that will give you a picture of the hut was lived in at J.B.
Ma, I feel a bit blue just now because I went over to the P.X. waiting to buy a card & a present for your birthday but they have no cards & no presents that I care for. The ones back at J.B. were better but I waited till I went to a new camp figuring they would be better but as I said are [?] So ma being I don't think I will stay here long would it be alright if I sent something from my next camp? I feel awful bad about it, but there is nothing I can do about it. But you just wait ma. It will be something real nice. So whenever the present comes, that is the time you & I will have a little party together & I will say Happy Birthday Dear Mother.
I will close now & maybe I can think of somethings I forgot in this letter. Read it to Grandma please. Hope you are all in the best of health, I am fine.

Your Loving Soldier Boy,
Tony

P.S. I didn't send this letter out last night. I found out you can't write to me with the address of this letter, it will be changed again shortly.
I went to my classification today & I got a special slip of paper that will enable me to take a test & if I pass it Iwill get into a college. Ain't that swell. Please say a prayer for me.

Good Night.

My 3 little sisters

My 3 little sisters,

Just a little something I hope you all like it. I have to get things little by little. I couldn't get anything for Grandma & Dad here. I tried to get Grandma a pillow case also but they only had mother & sister on them. I'll get something at my next camp. Ask Dad if he wants a pencil like I got Ele. Let me know. And pretty soon I'll have a nice surprise for mom.

Your Loving Soldier Boy,
Tony

P.S. I'm including the pictures I took a couple of Sunday's ago. I didn't want to develop them until my next camp but I changed my mind. They really should be censored but I know darn well there is nothing in them. So have them developed & let me see them O.K?

Dear Ma, Pa, Barb, Ann, Ele, Letter No. 30

Pvt. Anthony J. Curcio
U.S. Army
23 TNG. GRP.
SQD. "A"
Jefferson Barracks, MO.

Date 3-14-43
Letter No. 30
Rec'd 39-40

Dear Ma, Pa, Barb, Ann & Ele,

It is now Sunday night about 8 o'clock. I'm a bit happy & a bit sad. I'll tell you why as I progress (of course nothing tragic).
I told you in my last letter that I was going to have K.P. on Fri. Well I did but it was very easy. In fact it was the easiest I had. I had K.P. in officers' mess. All we had to do was to serve the officers. They had everything put on the table in front of them. (The cream of the crop also) All officers eat there. Anybody over a buck sergeant. We worked from 5 am to 6 pm. Pretty good huh?
Sat. morning we drilled. And guess what, in the afternoon we got paid. I got $55.50. I'll tell you how I am going to use it after.
I got a letter from Helen Sat. morning. She asked me to come out Sunday for dinner & then in the afternoon we could take pictures & then go some place in the night. She also said that her & her sisters were invited to a dance at the Knights of Columbus Sat. night. She said it would be a miracle if I could get on the convoy going there but she thought she would mention it anyway. Well as it happened that the same convoy she mentioned was scheduled from our sqd. So naturally I went. She was so surprised to see me. It really was a miracle (I mean a coincidence anyway). Well anyway we had a swell time.
I was all set to get a pass Sunday morning after I went to church (8 o'clock mass) when I found out I was on the shipping list. And all men on shipping lists can't leave the camp so our whole day was ruined. And boy what a nice day it was out today. So this afternoon we had to go to one of the buildings to find out when we were going to be shipped. They told us we had to be ready at 11 o'clock Monday afternoon. So I called up Helen to say goodbye to her. She was so nice about everything. We are going to write to each other. Well that's the way it goes. I'll have to get used to that sort of thing. Well anyway it was nice while it lasted.
That is why I'm a little sad & the reason I'm glad is that maybe I'll be shipped nearer to home & it will be more convenient to keep in contact with you. (maybe this time you can come & see me). I'm also glad that I'll be able to get started or something. I hope I get to a school. I still don't know.
I got a card from Joe & he was shipped to Scott Field, Ill., which is 35 miles from this camp, right across the river. But I guess we won't be able to see each other. He comes in & I'm going out. Well that's another one of those things we will have to get used to.
I will answer your ques. in my next letter as we have to pack & have everything ready for tomorrow. 3 other fellows in my hut are also going with me. They are the same fellows that went on the convoy with me last night. They are swell fellows. So Ma don't worry & I'll let you know as soon as I get to my new camp.

From Your Loving Soldier Boy,
Love & Kisses,
Tony

P.S. I'll tell you about the money next letter. I really need a little time tonight for packing.

Dear Ma, Pa, Barb, Ann, Ele, Letter No. 29

Pvt. Anthony J. Curcio
U.S. Army
23 TNG. GRP.
SQD. "A"
Jefferson Barracks, Mo.

Date 3-11-43
Letter No. 29
Rec'd 38

Dear Mom, Pa, Barb, Ann & Ele,

How is everybody today? O.K. That's swell.
I'm still fine & I believe I'm still picking up weight. I wish I could weigh myself some place.
Well as I told you in the last letter I'm a casual and get details or something as we are waiting for shipment. They are shipping quite a few out everyday. But I'm still here. One fellow was shipped out today but was sent back because his temperature was 99.2. The won't take anybody over 98.
Yesterday all the details were filled up so we just drilled a bit& walked a bit and went back to our huts early. In the night right after chow I went to mass & received ashes on my head. Then I came back & wrote a letter to Ele (Elfreida).
Today my name was on detail so we went to a different part of the camp & was shoveling dirt. They were pouring concrete foundations for one of the buildings. I don't mind details. They aren't so bad here.
Tonight I'm going to bed early because I got K.P. I'm glad I got it tomorrow. Then there will be less chance that I get it on Sunday.
Today I got a letter from Mary, Frank & Roberta. It was a very nice letter. She says she's been married 5 years now & only saw the family a few times but the more she sees them the better she likes them. It was the nicest letter I received from Pop's side.
I also received two cards from Dot & Dave. She drops me a card or letter every now and then. I think it's very nice of them. Does anybody drop in once in awhile? I wish you would if anybody gets the time.
Maybe Ann's eyes are the cause for her headaches. I hope the eye glasses will cure it. Being she has a job now I think she will feel much better.
Today I also received the package Boby sent. It is very complete and I'm sure Helen Riley will enjoy it very much. And thanks Bob for your interesting letter.
Well I think that's all for tonight. I want to write a letter to Grandma & maybe have time to answer another letter before lights go out. So until my next letter I remain,

Your Loving Soldier Boy,
Tony

P.S. One fellow just walked in our hut (he came from N.Y. also) and told us he was shipping in the morning to a school in N.Y. How is that for a break. I wish I would get a break like that.

Dear Helen

3-9-43

Dear Helen,

Well here it is Tues. afternoon about 3:30, after goldbricking awhile, resting under a patch of trees. Boy it was swell out this afternoon. This morning we wore our overcoats & froze & this afternoon we wore our flight jackets & sweated. Well that's one thing I don't have to tell you about & that's the weather. (Missourian)
As I told you over the phone Sun. morning, I really missed you Sat. night. Boy if I would have known the 25 training group was going instead of the 23rd, I would have made it my business to squeeze into the convoy, but when you don't know certain facts you can't solve your problem. It's just "one of those things."
Sure, I intended to write all day again like I always do trying to catch up with my mail, but at 3:30 the sergeant walked into our hut and said said he needed two more men to go on a convoy. So being it was a dinner dance my friend & I went. Anything to get a meal outside of J.B. and you can lead me to it. Don't get me wrong now, I'm not squawking about the food at J.B. but mass production certainly cuts down the pleasure to some extent.
As for the dancing, it's the same old story (missed you) & so I came home early. We had passes and could leave any time we wanted to. It was no use, whenever I tried to teach anybody the lindy I always found myself doing the dago hop. That only proves one point & that is you are a very good dancer. You're the only one that caught on to the lindy & peabody. I'm no dancing instructor & I guess the easy way out of it is to learn the St. Louis way, but the lazier the instructor I am, the better you must be to catch up on the steps. So to come to a conclusion, I know for a fact I can't teach to save my life, so you are an exra good dancer. you can give me a quarter for that one. O.K.
Monday morning we went before the Colonel. Well we passed but there is always one goon to make a mistake. (It wasn't me either). But as long as we passed it was O.K. The afternoon we had to ourselves believe it or not. So I went to the service club to write letters & wrote 6 of them. I felt much better after that.
I was supposed to get guard duty (24 hours) but so far the luck (of the Irish) is holding out pretty well. Many of the other flights have got guard duty already, so I guess my chance is coming.
This morning we had to parade before Brig. General Howard. Boy what a grand victorious feeling you get marching to the beat of the drums. If there is anything I like here is to march to the rhythm of the music. I guess it's just like dancing to music also. It's the "old certain feeling."
I just stopped the letter for a few minutes for mail call & got a letter from mom. She says she is getting the data about N.Y. together for you. So as soon as I get it, it's yours.
Last night we had another G.I. party. General cleanup, scrub the floor, etc. We sing & make more noise than a bunch of nuts in a crazy house. It makes the time go faster.
Well I think that's all for now, except that I still hope it's O.K. for Sunday.
I hope you write soon because I'll be waiting impatiently.
I hope I'm still here to enjoy another enjoy another enjoyable day with you.
So until I hear from you,

I remain,
Sincerely Yours,
Tony

Dear Ma, Pa, Barb, Ann, Ele, Letter No. 28

Pvt. Anthony J. Curcio
23 TNG. SQD.
SQD "A"
Jefferson Barracks, MO.

Date 3-9-43
#28
Rec'd #37

Dear Ma, Pa, Barb, Ann, Ele,

Well I have but a half an hour to write this letter as it is 8:30 now & I want to send off a letter tonight.
Monday we went before the colonel. It was pretty nice. We all had to stand at attention when he came along. He asked some fellows questions about the army. It's good he didn't ask me. I think I would have been a bit nervous. Then we did a little drill and made out pretty good. We passed and believe it or not we had the rest of the day off. So I went to the service club to write letters. I wrote one to Ele, one to Aunt Concelia, Aunt Margaret, Tony Testa, and to Joe.
In the night we had a G.I. party & I had to clean up our hut.
This morning we had to parade before the visiting Brig. General Howard. Boy it's quite a thrill marching to the rhythm of the drum. It makes you feel victorious.
This afternoon we just did a little drill & got off early. If we don't get that we get a detail. We are casual now just waiting shipment. So they give you something to do to keep you busy. You really don't know when you're going to be shipped.
I received your letter & one from Dad.
To answer your first ques., the whole squadron uses the latrines. There is about 2000 fellows.
I hope you have a nice time at the party. I guess you all will, I wish I was there. Give Lily my regards. What did she say about my description of the G.I. coffee?
Helen Riley's hair is a little darker than Elfrieda's.
I received the letter from Pa today also & I think he has much improved in his letter writing. What do you say ma? Thanks for the money Dad. It did come in handy just in time.
Thanks for the cherries, Grandma. Boy they're the most delicious candy I ever tasted. It's good to taste something that's really good that you eat at home.
And thanks for the tobacco. Everybody in the hut smokes it (3 guys anyway) and they all like it very much.
Well that's just blow & lights will go out so until my next letter I remain.

Your Loving Soldier Boy,
Tony

Dear Ma, Pa, Barb, Ann, Ele, Letter No. 27

Pvt. Anthony J. Curcio
23 TNG. GRP.
SQD. "A"
Jefferson Barracks, MO.

Date 3-7-43
Letter No. 27
Rec'd 36

Dear Ma, Pa, Barb, Ann, Ele,

Well here it is Sunday afternoon and I am sitting in my bunk writing letters. I have to try to catch up once again.
As I told you in my last letter we were supposed to go before (yesterday) the colonel but we didn't on account of the weather. Instead we did drill in the morning & in the afternoon went on a 5 mile hike. Anything to keep us busy.
In the night I took a shower & got all set for the convoy into town. But it wasn't the same one I went on last time. They change from flight to flight. This one went to Saint Thomas' Church. So I didn't see Helen Riley. I wish I did though because I didn't have such a good time. They dance a lot different out here. They don't do the lindy like we do, the few that do it. They never heard of the peabody. But I taught Helen Riley how to do them & she caught on right away. Maybe I better let them teach me their way.
Helen was working till 5 o'clock today (Sunday) & I could have gone out to her house but I thought it would be better if I stayed here & rested a bit. I'm pretty tired from last night.
This morning I went to 8 o'clock mass, same as last Sunday. They have lent here the same as they do back home. I will find something to sacrifice. They will have a mass on Wed. night & I will get ashes on my head.
After church I made a call on the phone to Helen to explain what happened last night. Then I came back & slept till chow. For chow we had chicken, potatoes, asparagus, bread & butter, coffee, soup, ice cream & crackers. During the week we don't get the ice cream and the portions are a little less. But we still get plenty. (The field ration, as I explained in the last letter).
Boy the weather changes here. Yesterday it snowed and it was awful cold. The roads were slippery etc. This morning when I went to church it was cold & when I got back from the church the snow had melted & the ground was muddy. What do you think of that.
In our huts it's the same way. The upper bunks are hot & the lower bunks are cold. That is why I took the upper bunk. All the heat rises you know. Maybe I ain't so dumb after all.
I got another letter from Aunt Margaret. She send her regards. I also got a letter from Aunt Concelia. She said she didn't write sooner because she didn't feel so good but she feels better now. She sends her regards too.
I also got a letter from a fellow I went to school with. His name is Jimmy Anaheim. He said he got the address from my sister. How did he got it?
How is Grandma, Pa, Barb, Ann, Ele? I don't have to ask you ma. I know are O.K.
Until my next letter I remain,

Your Loving Soldier Boy,
Tony

P.S. How did you like those camouflage pictures?
P.S. This is my last piece of paper & have no more envelopes. I should have wrote sooner for them.

Dear Ma, Pa, Barb, Ann, Ele, Letter No. 26

Pvt. Anthony J. Curcio
U.S. Army
23 TNG. GRD.
SQD. "A"
Jefferson Barracks, MO.

Date 3-5-43
Letter No. 26
Rec'd 34 & 35

Dear Ma, Pa, Barb, Ann, Ele,

Well today we had some snow again. It was pretty cold, but we had colder days than this already & it wasn't so bad.
Today was our 25th day of drill (our last) and tomorrow we are supposed to march before the colonel. If we pass we will get 24 hrs. guard duty, 2 hours on & 4 hrs. off. They used to give a long pass but now they have a new system. Ain't that nice of them. If we don't pass we will get our drill days extended to 36 days. But we seem pretty good, unless some guys aren't on the beam. (I can see now where Henry Massy get's that expression "on the beam." Everything here is "get on the beam.") Although tomorrow we may not go before the colonel because of the snow. Or maybe there will be too many & we will have to wait our turn.
Yesterday we went to rifle range. It was very interesting but very noisy. We got 30 shots with the machine gun & 25 shots with the rifle. Believe it or not I got a couple of bulls eyes with the rifle. They have instructors there to tell you what's what. They say that in the Air Corps you may never have to use any piece of armaments but they give it to you just in case you do have to protect yourself. I think this is the safest branch of the service because the Air Corps is so important that they have the best equipment. The only ones that really see battle are the airplane crew. If I get a drafting job maybe I'll never see battle but I sure would like to get my piece of this war like all the rest of the fellows. But we shall soon see & there is nothing to worry about now or then. Right?
Last night I took a shower. We also had personal inspection last night & I had to get another hair cut. If you really want to laugh, I was out of that chair in about 3 minutes. But just the same it cost 35 cents.
They say your supposed to get a hair cut every 2 weeks & shave every day. But I usually shave every 2 or 3 days & get a hair cut when they tell me. Some joke huh. But really I like it with my hair short & it really is neat & keeps clean. Maybe I'll always keep it like this, who knows.
Last night when I was in the latrine I found a beautiful ring from the University of Notre Dame. So this morning I turned it in to Sqd. headquarters. Later on in the morning before we went out to drill the fellow who owned it came in and thanked me & gave me a dollar. I didn't want to take it & walked quite a ways down the road trying to make him take it back but I couldn't give it to him, so I have a greenback which I can use. I have two dollars now which will last me until I get paid, I hope. Little things that turn up now & then add up. Like that hair cut & 25 cents to put a band (orange & blue) on my flight cap. But once things start to roll the money will flow in the opposite direction.
Joe Cohn is in the same basic training as I am & will be sent to school the same as I am.
Boy Ma I'm positive you are feeling O.K. now, for the simple reason that you are starting to clean & wash again. But don't do it all Ma. Take it easy & let the girls do their own clothes. One thing I found out being here & that is you can find plenty of time if you want to, regardless of what you have to do. With a little pressure, one can do anything. Right Ma. Give me an answer on that.
Good for Eleanor on the swimming problem, but she can learn to swim no matter what conditions are. Now I want to hear in a couple more weeks that she can swim. Now Ele get out there and learn I know you can do it.
Well we are on field ration now. But there is still plenty to eat. The only thing is we don't get so much ice cream & pie etc. But you can always go for double if you like. I've enclosed a clipping from a St. Louis paper about it.
Well the W.A.A.C.s have landed. 62 of them came into our camp yesterday. They will take over jobs in the offices. I didn't see any yet I guess there in a different part of camp.
That was my mistake about your misunderstanding. It was a mistake in writing. The word letter was supposed to be paper, after all I wanted to see when the paper was postmarked. I am sorry I made that mistake. I'll try to be more careful. If anything comes up again don't hesitate to ask me like you did this time.
Boy it must have been thrilling to see Frank in those pictures. Boy I bet you got a thrill right down your spine. Right?
My feet are holding out O.K. and I think I march pretty good now. (I hope) Joke.
Well I think that's all for now hoping you are all O.K. & in the best of health. Let me know how you are & how your conditions are changing. Have you done to the doctor yet? & Please let me know from time to time how Grandma is. Nobody tells me. (You know what I mean). Only you can tell me Ma. Then I will know Grandma is O.K. Has Grandma had anymore trouble with the house?
So until I write again, I remain,

Your Loving Soldier Boy,
Tony

Dear Ma, Pa, Barb, Ann, Ele, Letter No. 25

Pvt. Anthony J. Curcio 23
TNG. GRP.
SQD "A"
Jefferson Barracks, MO.

Date 3-3-43
Letter No. 25
Rec'd 32-33

Dear Ma, Pa, Barb, Ann, Ele,

Boy it was cold here the past few days. We had snow up here on Tues. I guess I was pretty lucky. The past two days, yesterday & today we were indoors getting instructions on the rifle & sub-machine gun. How to take them apart, etc. It's pretty interesting, Tomorrow we go on the range and have some fun. Last night I had guard duty again. This time it was in one of the latrines. I had it from 8 to 11. It wasn't bad because it was inside. After I finish this letter I will go and wash my clothes. Oh yes, this morning I went to get a pair of G.I. glasses. The other day they said whoever wants a pair of G.I. glasses should sign up. So I did. Why not huh. So we went this morning & guess what. They are 20/20. I asked him about the glasses I have & he said I was far-sighted & these were rest glasses when I did close work. So I guess Dr. Klevir (?) was O.K. So I'm getting a pair of G.I. glasses of the same strength. I figure G.I. glasses would be less apt to break.
Tonight before chow we signed the payroll. I didn't think we would get anything until we get to a permanent camp. But as far as I gather we will get a small sum to keep us going.
In your letter today I received the 2 dollars. Thanks Ma. It really came in handy. If you can't send any next week I don't want you to, but maybe Dad can send some. I don't know when we will get paid. It will probably take several weeks if we are still here. If we should get shipped before we are paid that means we would probably have to wait until it catches up with us & that would take some time. I just want to be on the safe side. You know me. I got a couple of more souvenirs. I will wait until I get everybody something & then send them all together.
How is Boby? I hope it's nothing serious. Please write soon & let me know.
I give sister all the luck in the world. I hope she gets in Sperrys. It will do her a lot of good.
Boy when you mentioned sour meat & potato balls. Boy my mouth just started to water. I better just drop the subject right here before I start to get hungry again.
I hope dad makes out O.K. on his new job. I wish him a lot of luck. Why did he take that job. Tell me more about it.
I didn't go to any more dances or shows. I write everything as it happens so I don't miss telling you anything.
I didn't get my teeth examined yet but I don't think I have any holes because I don't feel anything. I will go at my first opportunity.
Thanks for your letter Bob. I don't think I can answer all your ques. but the one I must answer is the one about G.I. coffee. You tell Lil that I would travel from here to N.Y. for a cup of her coffee. The G.I. coffee is (?) Her coffee is worth something compared to this stuff. I'm not kidding either. By the way how is she making out? & how is Mr. Fletcher?
And thanks for your letter Ele. It was an excellent report. I hope I get many more like that. The poems I read already & it was a pleasure to read them over again.
You ask me about the socks Ma. I like both kind. They are much better than the G.I. socks. I also could use some blades and a shaving brush. (the one that Dad bought before I left). You could also send me crackers & candy if you like. And please try to get that stuff I asked in the last letter for Helen. O.K.
Well I should close now hoping you are all O.K. & How are those pills working Ma?

Your Loving Soldier Boy,
Tony

P.S. The address has just been changed, but I'm still in the same place.

Dear Helen

Wed. 3-3-43

Dear Helen,

Before I start my long, long letter I must ask you how you felt Monday morning, besides being a little tired. I was just praying that you were O.K.
Going home, after I left you, was a pretty good trip for part of the way. I just got up to the trolley station & a trolley came. I was at Broadway waiting for a trolley at 1:30. In 2 minutes the other trolley came along & I was waiting for a bus to take me into camp at 2 o'clock. There & then my luck stopped. The north gate bus didn't run at that time, only west gate buses. Little did I know. I waited until 2:30 before I found out. So I finally took a west gate bus & walked across the camp. I got in at 3 o'clock. Not bad time. I could have been sleeping by 2:30 if I only know about the bus schedule. But what's the difference. Now I know.
Well I had to get up at 5 o'clock as usual. As I told you, when I have only a couple of hours sleep I usually feel very good. Well since I'm in the army you never saw such a move on me. I got up as bright as ever. I helped clean the hut with more vigor that I ever exerted. After drill, I ran the obstacle course faster than I ever did. You may think I'm fibbing, but it's the honest truth, so help me God. Even in the night I wasn't tired. I wrote a 3 hr. letter to my mother. I told her what a swell time I had & that I felt so at home when I was at your house. I also asked her to send me the maps & pictures etc.
I'll admit I felt a bit tired on Tuesday.
Boy when I said goodnight to you I felt a bit, shall I say, awkward. It may seem funny to you or it may not. It may seem strange to you or it may not. But traveling from one part of the country to another, customs may change a bit, or maybe not. I don't know. It may seem a bit silly to say this but I like to be as frank as I can without feeling out of place. I think that's the best way to get along.
I guess it's proper to say goodnight holding hands. It may also be proper to say goodnight by a light kiss on the cheek. But I always say to myself, if you don't know, play safe.
Truthfully, tell me whether it's silly to say something like that to a girl. Sometimes I really can't judge what's proper. I guess it's a fact that if you write a passage of that style to 10 girls, everyone would get a different version of it. Isn't that right? So I always hesitate in writing & try to justify every statement. I also try to make it simple & clear.
Take for instance the letter I wrote to my mother. She wrote back and said that she felt sad because I didn't save the letters she wrote me. Yet I am saving the letters & don't recall writing anything that would give her the impression that I don't save her letters. But I did say something & she misunderstood it. I guess that's about a good of an example as any I could give.
If you don't quite understand it, don't worry about it. It was just an impulse I guess.
To go on with the letter, yesterday we had instructions on the rifle. How to take it apart etc. It was quite interesting. Today we had toe sub machine gun. And tomorrow we will go on the range & have some fun.
Boy it's cold out here. And with the snow it makes it doubly worse on these old hills at J.B.
When the D.I. says halt, half of the platoon's feel slips from under them & the other half slide a ways down the road (slightly exaggerated).
I got another box of those cookies from my sister. Boy they're delicious. It may be kind of selfish of me, but I only pass the box around once & eat the rest myself. They can have anything else, but then it comes to those crunchy, luscious cookies, it's a different story.
I hope this letter is long enough. Is it? It better be. But I'm only kidding. If you want a longer letter next time I'll write you a longer letter. O.K.?
I'll certainly be at the dance Sat. night, providing they call it in our flight. You know this is a large place. It's the same place isn't it? I'll say a prayer they call it again in our flight.
I guess I will have to be frank with you once more. I certainly would like to come & see you soon if I don't see you Sat. night. If it's O.K. with you I'll be more than willing. Maybe we can go some place in town if you desire.
I'll be waiting impatiently for a reply. I hope it's as soon as the other one came.

Sincerely
As ever,
Tony

P.S. Note the new address

Dear Ma, Pa, Barb, Ann, Ele, Letter No. 24

Pvt. Anthony J. Curcio
23 Training Group
Sqd. A
Jefferson Barracks, MO

Date 3-1-43
Letter No. 24
Rec'd 28-29-30-31

Dear Ma, Pa, Barb, Ann, Ele,

I am sorry I couldn't write sooner but I will tell you how it was.
On Friday, as I told you in my last letter, we had lectures & exhibitions on camouflage. It was very interesting. The lieutenant told us the important facts about camouflage. He said this was the only Technical Training School (J.B.) that had a course in camouflage. That means that Joe Cohn didn't get it. After the lecture we went thru the camouflage area to see the different layouts they set up. They had large nets with colored cloth on them t cover certain make believe ammunition dumps & fox holes & things of that sort. One Sunday the pictures were in a St. Louis paper & cut them out. So they will give you an idea of what some look like.
After chow that same day my name was on the shot list so I got my last tetnus shot. I got back and just had a few minutes to drop you the letter previous. It's this one.
Sat. we had K.P. We got up at 3:30 & started to work about 5 o'clock. This time I had to carry bowls & trays over to the racks. I had the job before & so it made it a lot easier. The day went pretty fast & I didn't mind it so much. It seems the more I have it the quicker the time goes. We got done about 7:30P.M. I turned in early because it does make you tired.
Well things worked out pretty good for me this weekend.
As I told you, or I think I did, Helen Riley, the girl I met at the dance, invited me out Sunday (yesterday) if I wasn't shipped. She wrote me a nice letter telling me how to get there. I told her if I could get a pass for Sunday I would call her up. So Sun. morning after chow I applied for a pass. Then I went to church (8 o'clock mass). (At church I got a prayer book & a new testament, Roman Catholic version, wasn't that nice of them to give them to us). (By the way before I went into the church the chaplain came up the drive & I saluted him & he gave me a big smile. Gee it made me feel so good). (We also have to salute the nurses because they are lieutenants too).
After church I went to get my pass & I got it. It was from 9am Sun. to 5am Mon. morning. They call that a Revelie Pass. Most of the fellows got those passes. So I called her up about 10 o'clock. She wanted me to come out to have dinner with them but I told her no, because I didn't want to cause them any trouble. So I went out after I had chow at camp. In a way I'm sorry I didn't accept the offer to eat there because (this is funny) in the meal we had here they put a laxative and everybody was running to the latrine. We had to wait in line to sit down. (that's a fact) (Why some fellows couldn't hold it any longer) They were going to the latrine at all hours of the night. They say they put it in a meal once a month. Boy did I have to go. Boy everything in the army is a secret, even when they give you a physical.
I went out after chow. It took me an hr. & a half to get there. I had to take a bus & two trolley cars. I got there about 3:30. She introduced me to her parents & family. They live in a swell section of St. Louis (it's really a little outside the border of St. Louis) The live in a two story frame construction house. She has a very nice family and she is very well brought up, you could see that.
We went for a walk & she showed me some places in her neighborhood. They don't have any subways or elevators in St. Louis. Boy it was a job to explain the contraption. It was really funny.
This is the part that touched me the most. When we came back we ate. And Sun. night, the same as we did at home, had cold cuts & bologna & jello, you know just like we had at home. And on the radio they had the programs we listened to at home. I really felt home sick. Her two sisters were there so that made it 3 girls, her mother & father. I just could picture everybody at home in their places. And of course Grandma too.
After we ate, Helen, her sister & I played chinese checkers for a while & then we went to an ice cream parlor for a soda & a dance from the juke box.
We left there about 12 o'clock & I took her home & then went back to camp. I didn't gt too much sleep but I don't feel tired at all today.
Say Mae talked an awful lot about N.Y. After all we do live in the largest city in teh world. I told her about the amusements & different things about the city. So Ma it would be swell if you could send me some things I could show her to give her if I don't see her anymore. (I'll send them to her if I don't see her anymore, if I should get shipped). You could send me an advertisement page of the news showing the plays in the theatres & pictures & bands of the big shows etc. And could you send one of those street directories (a duplicate of Manhattan & map). And if you got a map of N.Y.C. and something about the world's fair & activities of N.Y...Oh yes, could you send me those pictures of Schultz's house, the one my boss designed. I told her a lot about it. I hope this won't cause you any trouble, but I like to show her these things because she is a nice girl & she is interested.
You could send me some more writing paper too. Boy it certainly goes fast. How much have I got left.
By the way they all admired the gloves Ann made for me. They thought they were swell. And they certainly are warm.
I'm eating Ann's cookies as I am writing this letter. Boy they taste just as good if not better than last time. I passed them once & then I put them away because they started to come back for more. See that's how good they are.
Did you hear from Frank yet, Ann?
I hope that fortune teller is right, a nice happy home, sounds so good.
Ma I always will go to church & confession as long as I can. I always wear my medal & Scapular. As for my money left, you hit the nail on the head, no money to put in my belt so I got it in my locker.
My ankle feels fine & I'm in the best of shape.
Boy I'm so glad your condition is good ma. It makes it a lot easier for me too knowing that you are OK.
Yes Ma this camp is pretty big. I think there is a total of about 50 to 80 thousand soldiers here.
There is no word of what school I'm going to. The only time I will find out what school is when I get there I guess.
Gee thank Grandma for the dollar. It certainly came in handy. I got 2 souveniers already & I'm trying to get something for everybody. So far I haven't got anything for Grandma & Pa because it is pretty hard to get souveniers for those relations. Maybe you can give me a suggestion.
I'm glad they are going nip & tuck at those blackouts because they should get the people war conscious even though war never comes here. They have to be prepared just the same.
Boy Bobby certainly is going to town with the unit. Say being I'm in the service. She can send me one, if an extraordinary one comes along. If I even get a few spare moments I'll read it.
Say Bobby, I get a bit mixed up on right flank and left oblique movements. I can do both but when the P.I. shouts off they sound the same some time. But I'm getting pretty good at it. Well my hand is getting tired so until my next letter I remain,

Your Loving Soldier Boy,
Tony