Dear Ma, Pa, Grandma, Barb, Ann & Ele Letter No. 153

Oct. 27, 1944
Friday
#153

Dear Ma, Pa, Grandma, Barb, Ann & Ele,

I finally got your mail ma, and boy was I happy.  It seemed so long since I heard from you.  It's a very short time since I saw you all but we cover so much ground that it seems so much longer.  I got letters 219, 220, 221 and you are also giving them another no. so that means I didn't get 217 & 218 yet.  I guess they will come soon.  You can use the other no.'s if you wish ma.  It will be easier for you.
Boy was that I surprise to hear that Henry is home.  I'm just dying to know how Bob is making out and how much time she will spend with him.  I guess I will know before long.  Also about the painting.
I am glad Anita liked the present.  So you made her a hat huh!  It's good you made Helen one too or else I would have been disappointed.  I really was well pleased with that though.
I think Ele will fall right in Boby's footsteps as far as boyfriends is concerned.  I am so glad she can choose her own friends wisely.  Is Ele's prom going to be formal?  I hope it is.  Gee I would like to be there for her graduation but--
I am so glad you are picking up so much weight.  That's a sure sign and after seeing how well you looked when I was home I just know you are doing perfectly and that's all I need to make me happy.  
By gosh my bank account really is growing isn't it.  With all these Christmas presents and especially yours it certainly gives me a swell start.  But I want to say again, ma, when those $25 checks come be sure to take out whatever you need.  In fact take some out anyway & put it in your own account.  OK.
Are you sure Bob got ready in 7 min. ma.  It seems hardly believable.  Especially awaiting her long waited friend.  It's really more comical than anything.
I can't see Aunt Anna's reason at all.  But---.  I'll include Grandma in these letters & when I get more time I'll write to Aunt Anna.  
I'll close for now ma and will write soon again.  Oh I forgot to tell you that I will probably get a pass to London Sunday and I will tell you about it as soon as I get back.  It should be real interesting.

Your Loving Soldier Boy

Tony 

Dear Mom, Pa, Grandma, Aunt Anna, Bob, Ann & Ele Letter No. 151

Oct. 24, 1944
Tues.
#151
Somewhere in England

Dear Mom, Pa, Grandma, Aunt Anna, Bob, Ann & Ele,

It's just about a week since I last wrote, but a cold (which is just about gone) and a few other circumstances made it a bit difficult for me to write but now I guess I will be able to write more regular.
I'll include Grandma & Aunt Anna in a few more letters until I catch up with my mail.  OK?  So when your through with it ma, let Grandma & Aunt Anna read it.
I got quite a bit to write but I don't know where to begin.  I think I'll just write them as they come into my mind.  O.K.
Coming across on the boat, after I wrote you on the boat, we got Red Cross kits with toilet articles, cards, games & books, so for the rest of the trip that was our pastime.  We also got paid on the boat ($9.50) but I got a stroke of luck and won a few dollars playing bingo with the boys.  At the end of the trip I was ahead about $50.  Believe me it was just a pastime.  A few of the boys in the Co. who played craps won about $1,000.  That's hard to believe but it's true.  I got a money order made and am sending it home.  Please give Boby $10 of it.  O.K.  And take out what you need ma.  
I still didn't receive any letters from you ma but I will probably get some in short order as the mail over here is far from being straightened out.  I just got a few letters from Helen & one from Sonny.  Helen's letters are really swell swell.  Yes ma she's the girl for me.  She sent me some pictures she took while she was in Chicago and they came out swell.  I'll enclose one and then you can send it back.  O.K.  She said she promised her mother she was going to stay home this vacation (I remember her saying something about it one time but I wasn't sure) So I wrote and told her she was welcome at any time, so maybe it will be next May or June.  How is that Ma?  I guess you both got it figured out already but you could mention in your letter ma that she is welcome at any time O.K.?
I have a few points of interest which I'm sure you all will enjoy.  First, I believe I said I would tell you about the English money.  It will probably be a bit confusing at first as I did but it works out pretty good.  I'll give the name of the coin & then the approximate value in American money.  d=penny  s=shilling  £=pound.
Copper Coins
1/2d (half penny) = 1 cent in American money
1d (penny) = 2 cents
3d (three pence or thrupence) = 5 cents
Silver Coins
6d (six pence) = 10 cents
1s (shilling or bob) = 20 cents
2s (Florin) = 40 cents
2s+6d (Half Crown) = 50 cents
5s (Crown) = $1.00
Paper Currency
10s (10 shilling note) = $2.00
£1 (pound note) = $4.00
£5 (5 pound note) = $20.00

Do you all understand it.  It may be confusing if your having the money but I'm sure it will be interesting.  A few little oddities which you'll find interesting I'm sure.
England is a small country, smaller than N. Carolina or Iowa.  London has a population of 12 million people 1/4 of the total of the British Isles.  I guess that's why it's Germany's target.  The people in England drive on the left side of the road & the steering wheel is on the right side.  Just the opposite from ours.  I thought some of the things in our country was old but when I was on pass I saw a church over a 1000 years old.  That's twice as old as anything in the U.S.  At anyplace in England a person can't be over a 100 miles from a sea.  Do you all like these little oddities?  I'll try to pick up a few more and write them in my next letter.
How do you all feel?  I pray that you all are in the best of health and very happy.  And remember there is nothing to worry about.  Just promise me you won't worry and I'll be real happy.  Tell Grandma I pray every night no matter where I may be.  So until my next letter I remain

Your Loving Soldier Boy

Tony

P.S.  Boby your pen writes real well.  I hope you are making out just as well with mine.

P.S.2  I forgot to tell you that Sonny was made First Lieutenant (I just can't picture him to be a lieutenant, the only way I think of him is a jitterbug and us going to school together).  Things really do change don't they?  He has 21 missions to his credit and had a few narrow escapes over the Ploesti Oil Fields.  Please say a few prayers for him that he will be protected at all times.  O.K. Thanks.

P.S.3  How is our little puppy?  Has he got a new sweater?

P.S.4  Max hurt his toe kicking the mud off his shoe.  So now he has to sit around a couple days.

 
     

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. 148

Sept. 10, 1944
Sunday
#148

Dear Ma, Pa, Barb, Ann & Ele,

It is Sunday afternoon & the sun is trying its darnedest to break through.  It's a flip of the coin whether it will or not though.  Talking about weather, remember I told you it was sweltering in L.A.; Well the next day I read in the paper it was 103 degrees.  I guess it was hot huh!  Another thing--when I was in L.A. my eyes did burn me an awful lot (that's one reason I went to the show I thought it was the sun) but I also read in the paper that it was the gas from the industrial factories that caused it.  I'll enclose 2 clippings which will explain everything.
I had to break it off here as one of the boys wanted me to go to the show.  And boy it was a good show.  "Arsenic and Old Lace" with Cary Grant, Raymond Massey, Priscilla Lane.  It was really good.  After seeing the show I remember seeing the stage play in N.Y. a long time ago.  I couldn't say which was the better.
Fri & Sat I had guard.
This morning I went to 11 o'clock mass.  I was surprised he didn't give a sermon today.
Say mom, in one of my letters to Helen I asked her if she would like to correspond to you and I just got a letter back and these are her exact words, "I should be tickled to death to correspond with your mother."  I told her it would make you so happy and I'm sure it will.  At least when you correspond with Helen ma you won't have any trouble as she always has plenty to say.  Not like Tiny.  What do you say?  Did you answer the thank you note she sent you?  If not why don't you ma?  I wish you would ma.  In fact ma after writing to her you will probably feel like you have another daughter.  And that's exactly the way I wish you would feel.  I do have intentions and if my intentions work out all right she will be your daughter after the war.  You could write just about anything as she writes just about ordinary things that would happen to anybody & boy they sure do sound funny.  Just in her last letter, I'll just quote one paragraph "Last night you know what happened?  First I let the potatoes fry too long and then when I was ready to put the bowl on the table I picked it up on the hot side and it was so hot I dropped the bowl, potatoes & all on the floor and even broke the dish.  Mary (her sister) and I had to almost fight to keep the baby from sitting in the middle of it.  He wanted to play in the fried potatoes.  Anyway when Jane (her other sister) came home last night she exclaimed "What no potatoes."  Guess I did it.  When I came home from church last night I took songs down in shorthand from the radio and sat on the floor in the living room and typed it out.  I wasn't a bit tired last night and at 12:00 I finally decided to turn in."  
That's one of her typical paragraphs so you see you won't have a bit of trouble corresponding with her.  In your next letter just tell her you would be delighted to correspond with her.  OK, ma?
I am glad Ann got the bracelet fixed.  Doe she like it?  (You could write things like that to Helen).  (Or that Ann just got finished baking cupcakes).  You see how easy it is.
I am so glad Dr. Trombly's report was good.  I guess that is all he can say ma, but as long as he does say that and nothing else is all that matters, right?
I hope Ann doesn't start having headaches again.  I hope she's better now.
So Ele & Bob are stepping out together.  That tickled me.  Yes please do let me know whether Clinton (It seems like all the Clinton's fall for Ele) makes the date.  This is like a continued serial.
I didn't get the course yet.  I probably will real soon now.  I'll let you know.
Well ma I am so glad you are O.K., that always makes me feel tops too.  Give Grandma my love.  Hope everybody is in the best of health.  Until my next letter I remain

Your Loving Soldier Boy

Tony

P.S. I'll enclose a few clippings for your scrapbook.  Love, T

 
 
    

Dear Ma, Pa, Barb, Ann & Ele

Sept. 7/1944
Thursday

Dear Ma, Pa, Barb, Ann & Ele,

I am at the U.S.O. in Los Angeles and have a few hours before the bus leaves back to camp.  I actually got my 3 day pass so I went to Long Beach (about 20 minutes from here).  I got down there about 8 o'clock Tues night and went to one of the dances & guess who I met.  Remember the record I sent home I mentioned going to a dance with Betty [?]?  Well she was there and we certainly wore ourselves out jitterbugging.  We had a good time.  I certainly slept well after that workout at the American Legion Dormitory.  I got up pretty late also on Wed. morning.  I wanted to go swimming in the afternoon but it was just a little bit too cold for swimming.  So I went to a show.  I saw two old pictures "Across the Pacific" and some other picture as I seen all the others they had back at camp.  
At night I went to the U.S.O. dance and had a swell time.  I slept at the same dormitory last night also.  Then as soon as I got up this morning I came right to Los Angeles.  After eating (hotcakes) I went to the show again and saw "Going My Way" with Bing Crosby and boy was it good.  I really enjoyed it an awful lot.
Boy it's sweltering here in the city.  It's really hot and the sun is shining brightly.  How is the weather in N.Y.?
I feel a bit lonely being I am all alone.  I usually come down with someone of the boys.  But only a few left and I didn't know them too well.
I'll close now hoping everybody is in the best of health.  Will write soon again.

Your Loving Soldier Boy

Tony

P.S.  I sent a package with a few letters and my ring etc.  Just a few odds & ends. T    

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. 145

Aug. 27, 1944
Sunday
#145

Dear Ma, Pa, Barb, Ann & Ele,

It is Sunday afternoon and you'll be surprised to hear that the sun is out full blast and I am lying on my blanket on the sand between the two barracks with my shorts on getting a sun tan.  Some news huh!
I went to the show last night and saw a revival picture "The Desperadoes" in technicolor.  It was very exciting.  Did you see it?
I don't think I ever said anything about this camp having German prisoners of war.  Well yesterday I saw the stockade where they keep them.  (I had to report there for guard duty; I had to check the passes of the fellows going to town).  They certainly lead an easy life over here.  I think most of them are happy to be here & there are some who still think Germany will win the war despite of all our victories.  Very few of them can speak our language.
I am glad you liked the pictures and booklet & holy pictures.  Yes it is unforgetable.
You ask me how the beer tasted.  Well it wasn't bad but I'm not much of a beer drinker in the first place and in the second place it's G.I. beer (3.2%).  Beer back home is 8 or 9% I think.  But it's not bad.  
Boy I bet Bob is happy that one of them is coming home anyway.  I bet Henry has plenty of stories to tell.  I'm just curious who is going to spend the most time with him, Bobby or Mr. Massa?  I don't think Henry will like his fathers plans.  Do you?
So Ele is finished for a while.  I am proud of her and also that she did such a good job that he promised her a job upon returning.  That is something.
I'm getting hot in this sun.  I feel fine.  I hope you all are too.  Give my love & best wishes to Grandma.  Until my next letter I remain

Your Loving Soldier Boy

Tony

P.S.  I still haven't had a chance to get air mail stamps so this is another free one.

 
 

Dear Ma, Pa, Barb, Ann & Ele Letter No. 144

Aug. 23/44
Wed. Night
#144

Dear Ma, Pa, Barb, Ann & Ele,

Here it is Wed. already.  Boy time flies.  I can't say much in fact nothing of what we do but it's just more or less the same routine anyway so we'll let it go at that.  I can say will be leaving Camp Cooke (when I don't know) but I guess that's not much news anyway but it's pretty definite now.  Just don't say anything to anybody.  It just shouldn't be talked about.
I saw two good pictures this week one Sunday night & one tonight and both really were excellent and which I want you all to see.  Sunday I saw "Dragon Seed" with Katharine Hepburn and I don't like Katharine Hepburn too much but this picture was for her and nobody else and she certainly did play the part.   It was a perfect role for her.  I hope you can see it ma I know you'll like it and the story was taken from Pearl S. Buck.  I remember you telling me about the Chinese customs & ways from the books you read by her and the picture shows them up swell.  Maybe you can read this book?  Let me know.
The picture I saw tonight (we get off on Wed. nights) was "Janie."  And if you all want to laugh throughout the whole picture don't miss this one either.  Joyce Reynolds takes the lead & does an excellent job.  "Life" magazine of Aug. 21 has a preview of what it's like so you can get an idea of what it's like from the magazine.
The other day I was lying on my bunk and one of the fellows came in and left the door open and to tell you the truth the fog came into the barracks.  You could see it as it came through the door.  That's just to give you an idea of what the fog is like sometime.  You get used to it after awhile.
One of the boys (Brooklyn boy) gets a sheet from the Brooklyn Eagle sent to him with all the boys names on it and after he looks at it he gives it to me.  In this one I saw a Sgt. Major from 2031 Harmon St.  It's [?] familia.  Did you hear anything about him?
I received your 2009 & 210 letter & they were really swell.
Boy that was some storm in N.Y.  Gosh that must have been awful.  The weather outside of Lompoc Canyon (that's where we are) is swell.  It just is foggy.
I sure do hope Grandma is all right as you say maybe Gram needs to go out more like all used to.  Well it won't be long before you all be going out together again.  Right?
I hope Dad had a nice time on his vacation.  What did he do at Mastic Beach with Mr. Massa?  Go fishing?  Did he catch anything?
So Bob had a date with a guy from California.  Ask him if he wants to trade places.  He can have Calif. if he wants it.
Thanks for sending for the compacts.
I am glad you feel well ma.  I won't worry now ma.  As long as I have your word for it.
I receive a letter from Helen just about every other day & in her last letter she enclosed a picture of her sister's baby.  Ain't it cute.  Does it remind me of you ma?  Helen has 3 sisters & two brothers.  The picture was so cute I wanted you to see it.  You can send it back & I will send it back to her.  O.K.
I'll close now ma.  Until my next letter I remain

Your Loving Soldier Boy

Tony

P.S. #1 I'm all out of air mail stamps, but I do want to get this off tonight so I'll send it free.

P.S. #2  Please tell Gram I will write tomorrow & give Gram my love & kisses.

  

 
       

Dear Ma, Pa, Barb, Ann & Ele Letter No. 143

Aug. 18/1944
Fri.
#143

Dear Ma, Pa, Barb, Ann & Ele,

I am able to write today as I am on guard duty & therefore have time between shifts.  I had it last night and managed to squeeze in a show.  The first in a few weeks now.  I saw "The Great Moment" with Joel McCrea & Betty Field.  It was pretty good.  They played a very good part.  
Tues. that just past (Aug 15) was the second anniversary of the 11 Armored Division and we had a field day for the occasion.  And we had a lot of fun.  Tues. afternoon they had all different kinds of events to be competed by the 6 companies and the one with the most points at the end would get 2 kegs of beer for supper & guess who won--sure thing we did.  Co. B.  Ain't that swell.  We won by one point over Co. A. the next highest Co. by 28-27.  I ran the 440 yd. run but didn't score.  I guess I just wasn't in shape.  No excuses have I to offer.  Other events were 880 yd run, 440 yd, & 880 yd relay, pie eating contest (boy was that fun to watch) & tug of war.  It really went over big.
At night the General for the occasion invited stars from Hollywood to put on a show at the sports arena and they certainly did an excellent job.  Jimmy Fidler was M.C. and he sounds just like he does on the radio.  Bonita Granville sang a few songs and did a swell job.  I think I would like to see her in pictures better though.  Charles Kemper stole the show with his crazy skits.  Ray Bolger danced the same no. he did in "Stage Door Canteen" and a lot more.  He's really a marvel.  Other stars were John Parrol, Edgar Kennedy, Rose King & Chuck York, Rex Barrett, Jimmy McLarnin (the fighter), 3 harp swings & Sheila Ryan.  It really was a swell show.  
I got a few medals for firing.  If I can get another set I will send them home.  I also made one of the top scores on firing the 75mm.  I got 663 out of 700.  Ain't that swell.  Only 20 made 700 out of the whole co & I got the next to the highest.  Pretty good huh!
I got a letter from Fio this morning.  He is in Southern Italy near the town of Sorrento.  He was home on furlough the same time I was and I didn't know.  So near & yet so far huh!
I did a dumb thing the other day.  I always get our home address mixed up with Helen's address because you both have the same name Helen so when I start addressing the letters my mind is sidetracked and I put Brooklyn N.Y. instead of St. Louis Mo. on Helen's letter and I got it this morning for correction.  Ain't that stupid.  I must be more careful.
It's too bad the flight jacket is too big.  I thought it would fit Ele.  Oh well.  Gosh was I surprised to hear Frank was on Guam.  I sure hope he's O.K.  Let me know when you hear from him again.
I am glad you are feeling fine ma and keep up the good work.  Also I am glad Grandma is feeling fine.  Give Grandma my best & love & kisses.
Let me know what's new.  Until my next letter I remain

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. 141

Aug. 6, 1944
Sunday Night
#141
Rec'd #206

Dear Mom, Pa, Barb, Ann & Ele,

Well here is the end of another week but this time it wasn't to prosperous as far as good times is concerned, but there is no reason why I should go out every weekend anyway.  Sat. night I (last night) went into Lompoc (that's a small town about 10 miles from camp) just to get out of camp I guess.  One of the boys and myself (he's a Brooklyn boy also) went to confession in a cute little church in Lompoc.  Then we bowled a game and then spent a few hrs at a dance.  It wasn't very exciting but we did pass the time away.  I sent you a little booklet from the U.S.O. about the town which will be good for your scrapbook.
Today we had to go out on the range all day.  So I missed mass.  I'll have to wait until next week to go to communion.  The capt. promised us off all day next Sat. because we went out today.  That ain't so bad, is it?
I received the four hankies and mom they're swell.  You say you hope I like them enough to send them to her, it never occurred to me for one split second not to send them to her.  How could she help but like them.  I sent them to her but she didn't get them as yet.  I also send Dad a carton of cigarettes for his birthday.
I hope Grandma can sell the house.  It gives her too many worries.  Right ma?  Give Grandma my love and tell her I will write real soon.
My writing isn't so good as I have a little bandage on my pinky and it makes it a bit uncomfortable when writing.  It's just a little sore.
I'm glad everybody remarks about your locks ma that's an excellent sign that you're picking up weight and getting along fine.  I certainly can tell that from the picture you sent me.  It's a honey.
What's new with everybody & everything?  Did Ann hear from Frank yet?  Did Bob hear from Al again? etc.  
I'll write soon again until then I remain

Your Loving Solider Boy

Tony

P.S.  I hope Sandy is getting to be a better boy.  How was he since you last wrote?

  
 

Dear Ma, Pa, Barb, Ann & Ele Letter No. 140

Aug. 1, 1944
 Tues. night
#140
Rec'd 205

Dear Ma, Pa, Barb, Ann & Ele,

I wanted to write last night but we had some work to do so I had to put it off until tonight.  Sat. the battalion had a convoy of G.I. trucks going to Santa Monica (about 18 miles from Los Angeles, right on the coast like Long Beach).  So I went along as we didn't need any money for transportation & no money needed to a place to sleep as they provided for it.  They took us to a place called the U.S. Army Recreational Camp.  They had tents there like we had a J.B. and a big restaurant & dance hall right in the heart of Santa Monica.  It was really swell.  They had a dance there and I had a nice time.  Sunday after 12 o'clock mass (we went to Hollywood to go to mass) we went to Earl Carrol's Theater & Night Club.  They had dancing from 2 - 5 in the afternoon on the stage.  They didn't have any show.  It's really a swell place.
We had an inspection yesterday and we were told to get rid of all our excess stuff so I put it in the valise and sent it home yesterday.  I got a field jacket in there which was excess and Ele can wear it.  It just has to be cleaned a little.  I think she will like it.  Let me know.  I have shirts in there also which you just can put away.  I also got a 11 armored book in there which they were selling here.  It's since the div. was started.  I thought you would like to have it.  Also cards I got in L.A. and the last minute I got the banner & cards from Helen so I put this in on top.
I wanted to go to see the mission at Santa Barbara but we had to go back with the convoy so it would have been too much traveling so I ope we can go next week.  That is one of the missions in the string from San Diego to San Francisco that was built by Junipero Serra about 200 years ago.  One of the cards I sent home has them all listed.
I'll enclose a money order in this letter for $30.  Maybe I'll be able to send more later.  Take out what I owe you and anything that you need at any time.
Boy ma you look swell on that picture.  I can see by the picture that you are improving tremendously without a doubt.  And that hairdo is super.  It makes me so happy ma.
Yes, Grandma should go to the doctor.  I hope you do persuade her.  Let me know.  Give Grandma my love & kisses and tell Grams I'll try to write tomorrow.
Aunt Anna writes me that Grandma went with her to a concert & also over to N.Y. to buy a dress.  It sounds very unusual.  Doesn't it ma?
I got a swell letter from Bob and I'll try to answer it as soon as possible.
I got cigarettes for Pop's birthday and will try to get them off as soon as possible also.
I still hear from Helen about every other day.  I'll enclose a picture you can look at and send back or keep it if you like.  O.K.  Helen is on the right her sister Mary on left.  [below]

I'll write real soon again.  Until then take good care of yourself or should I say keep up the good work.  Until then

Your Loving Soldier Boy

Tony

 

Dear Ma, Pa, Barb, Ann & Ele Letter No. 139

7/26/44
Wed. Night
#139
Rec'd 204

Dear Ma, Pa, Barb, Ann & Ele,

I received your swell letter yesterday.  I just can't wait til mail call comes each day.  It seems so long from one day til the next.
Since Sunday we have been out on the field most of the time.  I'm on guard duty tonight.  I was lucky not to get guard duty since I'm back.  I really don't know how they missed me so long.  
I believe beginning next month we will work 7 days a week for some sort of training.  I'll know more about that in a few days as the end of the month is Monday.
Helen writes me about every other day.  Not short letters like Tiny's either.  She is a swell sincere girl ma.  She went on a vacation and took a lot of pictures and she sends a few in each letter.  I'll enclose a few pictures and you can send them back after you all look at them.  Say ma what about making a few handkerchiefs?  This will be the last batch I promise you ma.  That sounds funny doesn't it?
Thanks for sending me the money ma.  You don't know how handy it came in as I was practically out of money.  I can't thank you too much ma.  When I send money home you can take it out.
I am so glad the baby likes her job.  Remember when I brought my first check in ma?  From Fairchilds.  I believe it was $26 and a few odd cents.  I was so proud & can see how the baby felt.
I am glad Grandma is getting better and I guess your next letter will tell me she is alright.  Give Grandma my love & kisses.  OK ma.
I didn't hear from Elfrieda since that explosion occured.  I hope she is all right.  I'll let you know as soon as I hear from her.  I am also glad Al's mother finally got a letter.  Is he expected home pretty soon?  And how about Henry?  I never did find the wisdom tooth ma.  I'm sorry.
Take good care of yourself ma and write soon again.  Remember I wait impatiently for your letters.  Until my next letter I remain

Your Loving Soldier Boy

Tony

Letter from Pvt. Fortunato C. Testa to Mr. & Mrs. Dominic Curcio

Somewhere in France

Hello Uncle, Aunt & Gang,

Hello Gang.  Here I am in France, and all is going along OK.  Here's hoping this letter finds you all in good health.  I arrived here ten days after the invasion.  How is Tony doing?  I hope he is still in the States, by this time he should have a few stripes, is he a Sgt. yet.  How is your stomach Uncle since you had your teeth yanked.  Well as long as you're feeling good, that's all that matters.  And Angie & Bobby, I suppose they are still single or have they got themselves married.  Eleanore must be a big girl now, and like her sisters & brother must be doing very well in school.  I'll close now.  God Bless you all.  'Til we meet again, Your 

Nephew & Cousin

--Sent by V-Mail Service--

Dear Ma, Pa, Barb, Ann & Ele Letter No. 138

7/23/44
Sunday
#138
Rec'd 203

Dear Ma, Pa, Barb, Ann & Ele,

It is Sunday morning and I went to 8 o'clock mass this morning.  The sunshine isn't out and it's very gloomy.
This will make you laugh.  22 fellows and myself were gigged for the weekend for not having our dog tags around our neck.  It isn't affecting me one bit as I wasn't going anyplace anyway but it's just the idea of them picking on such a petty thing to gig us.  I really laugh under my breath.  It's so silly.  But that's the army.
I've been seeing shows all along.  It seems like I got a bug for going to the show lately.  Tues. I saw "The Woman Who Dared."  It was a pretty good mystery.  Wed. I saw "Step Lively" with Frank Sinatra.  And boy did the boys make noise when Franky sang.  Wow.  It was a good musical and I liked it very much.  Fri. night I saw "Summer Storm" with George Sanders & Linda Darnell.  If you want to see a good love story that's it.  I like that one a lot also.   
Things went pretty good all week and I'm getting more or less used to the old routine again.
I received your letter of the 17 and boy was it full of surprises.  Ele working for $18 a week.  This modern generation is really going to town isn't it?  I am awfully glad she got it but as you say it's probably for a short time.  The Tel. Co. bus. would be much too long.
I am awfully glad also that Ann got a lot of mail from Frank.  I bet it made her real happy.
Helen is sending me some more cards so you'll have some more to put in your scrapbook.  I bet it looks good with everything in it.  Right?
I think the price for the record is pretty reasonable.  After all it will last for a long time, in fact it will last forever if we don't break it.  Right?
I am enclosing a picture I took out of the Sunday newspaper.  It gives you an idea of how much room the driver & the Bow (that's the man on the right) has.  They are in the front of the tank.  The tank commander the gunner & myself are in the back of these two men in the turret.  Bobby wanted to know when I was home but I couldn't explain very well without a picture.  I hope it will give some idea anyway.
It was good to hear that Gram's cold is much better.  So you had turnips from Gram's garden.  I bet they were good.  I would have like to be there to eat them.  
You asked me a few ques. about Helen.  I am glad you like the idea about Helen & I and I just know you would like her.  You ask me whether someday I will marry her.  Ma I don't think I could find a better wife and if things go all right I think the possibilities are very good.  Of course it wouldn't be til after the war when we can see each other again and get more acquainted and plan things.  Isn't that the best way ma?  I've been thinking of saving a little too like Frank does with Ann.  I'll tell you what I'll do.  I could send as much as possible home (that means conserving as much as possible here) and you could put it in the bank and whenever you need some why you could just take it.  Or if you don't want to do that you could take half of whatever I send home and use it for what you want and put the other half away for me.  I think that latter would be the best or you can do whatever you like ma.  I think it would be a good idea to have a little just in case huh, ma?  What do you think ma?  I do want you to take whatever you need though ma.  That's why I don't want to say half of what I send home or anything like that because if you need all I want you to take all of it.  And I do want you to put some in the bank on your account.  Let me know what you think about it.  O.K.
Let me know how you are ma, you didn't say in your last letter.  Give my regards to Grandma.  And I wish Ele a lot of luck with her new job.  Until my next letter I remain

Sincerely as ever

Your Loving Soldier Boy

Tony

P.S.  I forgot to tell you all that I got a change of address card from Fio.  He's overseas now.  Lt. Fiodaliso.  It sounds good doesn't it?

 

 

Dear Ma, Pa, Barb, Ann & Ele Letter No. 137

7/17/44
Monday
#137

Dear Mom, Pa, Barb, Ann & Ele,

Well here it is Monday already and I'm sort of getting use[d] to the old routine again.  Since I last wrote on Thursday things are seeming pretty smooth.  Sat. I had K.P. but K.P. over the weekend is always easy & I got done about 5:30.  I went to the show Sat. night & also last night.  Sat. I saw "Manpower" with Ed. G. Robinson & George Raft & Marlene Dietrich.  It was an old picture and after seeing about 5 minutes of it I recalled I [saw it] a couple of years ago but it was still a good picture & I enjoyed it an awful lot.  
Sunday morning I went to 8 o'clock mass and the chaplain gave a very good sermon on choosing friends.  He usually does give a good sermon.  I wrote letters until noon & in the afternoon I played softball with the co.  We played against Co. C and naturally lost.  We didn't have a regular team but I think the boys are going to start one.  Then as I told you I went to the show at night & saw "Canterville Ghost" with Charles Laughton & Robert Young.  It was a crazy picture but it was supposed to be a comedy & it was very good.
The sgt. good quite a rich (?) about the Carstairs Whisky.  He said he didn't have any Carstairs in ages.  He thanked me an awful lot.
Tell Ele that Helen finally found a Jefferson Barracks banner & she will send it to me soon.  The Ele will have a banner from every place I've been stationed at.  O.K.  Huh! 
Tell Pop that I won't be able to get anything for his birthday until payday & I may not even get paid then because I didn't sign the payroll this month as they signed it on the 7th & I got back on the 12.  But sometimes they sign it for you.  If not I'll have to wait until Sept. 1.  I certainly hope they signed it for me.
I signed up for those 10 bonds they put out for service men.  It's $7.50 a month and $10 maturity value.  So you'll get one of those a month instead of one $25 bond every 3 months.  I think that's better don't you?
Helen also sent me a postal card of that excursion boat that we took which I was at St. Louis Sat. night.  I'll enclose it in this letter.
Say could you get a few pictures made of Barb & Ele & I on one picture that we took at Calley Stream & the one of just Bob & I also.  Just 3 of each.  O.K.  I want to send one to Tiny & Anita.  
So far I didn't hear anything of us moving out although there are a lot of rumors you can't count on.  I'll let you know in case I should find out.
Well how is everything ma?  How do you feel?  Are you getting a sun tan?  Why don't you try going to a show ma or don't you feel too safe yet?  How is Grandma feeling and how is the garden coming along?
Did Ele get the job at the Telephone Co.?
I wrote to Frank & told him about the swell cake Ann made.  Boy I bet his mouth will water.
I guess that about all for right now.  I'll write soon again & until then take good care of yourself ma, don't do any work & get plenty of sunshine.  Give my love & kisses to Grandma & the rest of the family and give Sandy a cracker for me.  O.K.

Your Loving Soldier Boy,

Tony

P.S. Tell Grams I won't need any stamps for a while yet.  Grams gave me plenty didn't she.

Love

T

 

Dear Ma, Pa, Barb, Ann & Ele Letter No. 136

7/13/44
#136
Rec'd 202

Dear Ma, Pa, Barb, Ann & Ele,

Well here I am again reporting from Camp Cooke, Calif. but this time it's going to take me a little longer to get used to the old routine.  Boy I certainly hated to leave home.  It even made my stomach feel a little topsy turvy as you know the day I had to leave.
The trip back wasn't so bad.  I didn't feel the heat so much as I did when I came over.  The train from N.Y. to St. Louis was the dirtiest train I was ever on.  I felt like a pig when I saw her.  I took a shower at St. Louis.  Then Helen & I went on a boat ride on the Miss.  It's the swellest thing I ever been on.  It's a streamlined steamboat with an air conditioned dance floor.  We had a swell time.  We had to wretch a little when we got off, but everything went OK. 
And now for that surprise I told you about on that last card.  Helen is far the best, sweetest girl I ever met and I know that of all the girls you've met or would meet, Helen, would appeal to most as the "ideal."  So I asked her to be my girl.  And she said yes.  It made me so happy knowing I could have a girl to count on for the first time in my life.  And secondly it made me so happy because you would approve of her so readily.  Ain't that swell, ma!
The trip from St. Louis to L.A. wasn't so bad and being I had a few hrs. in L.A. I took another shower.  I got in camp about 12 o'clock last night.  Today it was kind of hard to get started.
All along the trip I picked up postcards which I will send soon.
Coming across from N. Mexico to Arizona I saw the most wonderful thing I ever saw.  I saw a mirage.  You know something you think is there & yet isn't.  In the middle of the desert we saw what looked like water.  Just like a big lake.  People would have put money that it was a body of water and yet when we got a little further down it disappeared.  It was due to the reflection of the sun I guess.  Everybody on the train was gazing out the window.  It's something I won't forget.
I just got a haircut.  The capt. inspected today and told 95% of the co. they needed haircuts.  Some crust huh!  Well that's the army.
The weather here is just about the same.  I almost froze last night.  But it's nice sleeping under warm covers.
How are you, ma?  Let me know everything this time ma.  And don't forget.
I got a swell letter from Frank.  He said he received a beauty of a letter from you.  He always calls you mom, or our mom.  You're going to have a swell son-in-law, mom.
I got a letter from Borella & he is making his wedding plans already.  Pretty fast huh!
I also got a card from Elfrieda.  She says I should try to drop in and visit them.  They are near San Francisco.
I also got a letter from Evelyn, which was very nice.
I'll close now OK.  I also received your letter mom.  My mind is a bit fumbled right now.
I guess Sandy knows me pretty well now. Just tell him I'll be home real soon again.
Yes, Ele is getting pretty.  I think she'll top them all.  Don't you?  Although my 3 sisters are all pretty and you too ma.  I think you look best in those pig tails.  I got such a kick out of that ma.  It really becomes you ma.
I hope grandma is better ma.  Send grandma my regards and tell grandma I will write tomorrow when I get a little more time.  Until my next letter I remain

Your Loving Solider Boy,

Tony

P.S. Try to get as much sewn (?) as possible, OK?