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 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?

  
 

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. 134

6/18/44 
Letter No. 134
Rec'd  198-199

Dear Ma, Pa, Barb, Ann & Ele,

Received your letters and as usual was so happy to read them.  I was certainly surprised to hear one of my letters got there in 2 days.  That is very unusual you know.
I stayed in camp last night and wrote a few letters trying to catch up a bit.
This morning I went to church.  8 o'clock mass, and then I played a little baseball until chow time.
During the week I received a box of marshmallow fudge from Mable, the Sec. at John Thatcher's.  They were very good.  I believe she made them herself but as yet I didn't hear from her.
The weather here has been pretty good.  The sun right now is shining real bright and yet it is so cool & comfortable.  
Hope Ann has a nice time at Northport.  Ele certainly must look cute in her senior hat.  She shouldn't worry too much about her tests.  She will pass them.  At least she better pass them.
I just found out that yesterday was Father's Day.  I'll find something as soon as possible and send it along.  
I didn't hear anything from the interview as yet.  I'll let you know as soon as I do.
Fri. night I went to the show and saw "Double Indemnity" with Fred MacMurray and Barbara Stanwyck & Edward G. Robinson.  It was very good.
Next Fri. Sat. & Sun they are going to have a religious retreat at La Purisima Mission which I am going to.  I'll let you know all about it next week.  I'll include a couple of clippings for your scrapbook.
I have guard duty tonight.  I go on at 5 o'clock.
I am in the best of health and very happy.  I have a surprise for you but I can't send it as yet.  I'll try to send it as soon as possible.
Take care of yourself and give my love to all the family & Grandma.

Your Loving Soldier Boy

Tony  

Dear Ma, Pa, Barb, Ann & Ele Letter No. 121

Anthony J. Curcio
Co. B - 22 Tank Bn. A.P.O. 261
Camp Cooke, Calif.
 
4/19/44 
Letter No. 121
Rec'd  2 letters not numbered

Dear Ma, Pa, Barb, Ann & Ele,

I finally got a chance to write letters so here I am at the Service Club.  I was all set to write a letter last night but they told me I had to make up a little work that the other boys had already.  Well that's the army.
I got two letters and they are really swell.  (I hope you put numbers on the next one ma).  It will be swell if Frank can come home in 6 months but don't count on it.  If he does come home I don't think I would have any trouble to be there for the wedding.  I think it's a perfect idea.  In fact there is nothing I would want to see more than to see Ann & Frank get married.  But as I said before don't count too much on it.  You remember last time when you thought he would be home for his birthday.  Remember it's still the armed forces.
I got a slight cold but I cam getting rid of it.  I put that old favorite "Vicks Vaporub" on and it works like a charm.
Monday we went out in the tanks on a problem and I enjoyed it an awful lot.  I like to be outside all day, and Monday it wasn't so breeze and we felt the sun for a change, and believe me it feels good.
On Tues. we took the tanks out and got more driving lessons and the more we drive them the more I like them.  And when we drive in different formations we get commands over the headphones.  And I get such a kick out of it.  It's really swell.
The weather was a bit [?] today although it didn't rain.
I sent the package out ma so it shouldn't be long before you get it and I hope you like it.  I thought it was so cute.
I am going to send my watch home in a little while because I don't want to break it.  That is not a watch for this sort of work.  I almost broke it a few times already.  So to play safe I'll send it home.  When you sent it to me how much did you insure it for?
How is everybody making out?  Tell Ele she can let me know how the Dodgers are making out from time to time.  I don't look at the paper too much and the sports page isn't too good either.  OK.
Take care of yourself now, ma, and write as often as you can even if it is only about a new gold fish or something.  As long as it's from you ma that's all that matters.  I'll write soon again.

Your Loving Soldier Boy,

Tony

P.S.  Ann, I gave most of the cards away and all the fellows just raved about them.  They all thought they were so keen.

T.

Dear Ma, Pa, Barb, Ann & Ele Letter No. 119

Anthony J. Curcio
Co. B - 22 Tank Bn. A.P.O. 261
Camp Cooke, Calif.
 
4/12/44
Letter No. 119
Rec'd

Dear Ma, Pa, Barb, Ann & Ele,

I wish I would get a letter telling how you are Ma.  I guess I'll get a letter real soon but I am waiting impatiently.  No doubt you are 100% better but I just want to see it in writing because I know it will make me feel so much better.
I had K.P. yesterday and it wasn't at all bad.  I got off at 7 o'clock.  You just had to take your time and part of the time we didn't have anything to do.  All in all it was pretty easy.
Last night my wisdom tooth ached so I went on sick call this morning and I have to report back this afternoon and he is going to pull it.  They say the wisdom teeth aren't of any use anyway.  When I continue to write again, I mean later in the day, I will tell you how I made out.  It is just about time for chow at 12 noon so I'll sign off till later on in the day.
It is now right before chow again (5 PM) and I got my tooth pulled.  It didn't hurt but it is still bleeding a little.  I guess it will be alright.
I wanted to write a lot more but we are going on a night march which will take till about 10 o'clock at least.  So I'll continue this letter tomorrow if I don't get a chance after we come back.
I got one card today and guess who it was from?  OK.  Gosh you knew it all the time.  It was from you Ma & the saying inside was really swell.  Thanks mom.  So long until tomorrow

Love

Tony  

4/13/44 Thurs.

I'll continue where I left off last night.  We went on a night problem last night and it wasn't a road march after all.  It was pretty easy.  All we had to do was set up a position and just wait until another company located us.  We were taken out in trucks to different points.  While we were waiting we talked & the lieutenant told us different experiences of his.  I got a kick out of the whole thing.  When we got back about 10:15 PM we had coffee & cake in the mess hall.  Then I took a shower and had a good night's sleep.  My tooth cavity (where the tooth was pulled out) is OK and doesn't bother me a bit and feels fine.  I'm glad I got it out.  I asked the dentist for the tooth.  If you want it I will send it home.  Let me know.

Today we were out on the field all day.  We all got a chance to drive the tanks.  As Ma it's OK.  I like it.  When you mention tanks it doesn't sound so good.  I know Ma but in a way I'm glad I got in this outfit because--remember Ma we are protected by armor plate Ma.  Not out in the open.  That's an important factor.  So Ma whenever you see a tank be proud of it and say my son is in a tank battalion.  Remember that Ma.

I bet you're even better than ever today.  Right.  I thought so.  Just keep on taking good care of yourself Ma and take it easy.  Is Ann staying [in the] house for a while yet?  How is everybody and what's new?  I didn't receive a letter yet.  I hope I get one tomorrow.  I'll write you again so until then best of health and happiness to everybody.  Let me know how Grandma is.  OK.

Your Loving Soldier Boy,

Tony

 

Dear Ma, Pa, Barb, Ann & Ele Letter No. 92

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

Date 10/12/43
Letter No. 92
Rec'd 126, 129, 130

Dear Ma, Pa, Barb, Ann & Ele,

Gosh it's getting hard to write letters. We study 2 1/2 hrs. a night now instead of only two and have Sunday night off. And chow is at 5:30 instead of six and we have to fall out at 6:45 for study hall.
Friday night the university put on an assembly for the students. So first we went to study & then we went to assembly. They had the dance band and they put on a couple of skits and the Major & the president of the University said a few words. It was pretty good. On Sat. afternoon between 4 & 6 the sorority houses were open for all the service men. They called it open house. So Hemenway and myself went to the Alpha Tau Omega (A.T.O.) and [it was a] very nice house. Well we were the first ones there and did we feel silly. There must have [been] about 30 girls in there. We felt very much relieved when some other soldiers came in. We danced and talked. So guess who I met? The president of the house. She's a junior at the University. They call her Tiny because she is so small. She's only 4'11 3/4". She's one of those intellects. She's only 19 and is majoring in music. I think she's about the most intelligent girls I ever talked to. I took her to the show Sunday afternoon and saw "Five Graves to Cairo" & "Henry Aldrich Gets Glamour." I saw the one first but it was good to see it over again. It certainly swell out here on the campus ma. It's so different from an army camp and everybody treats me swell here.
I made out in everything except History. I try harder this quarter.
I wanted to send the money home but there is no way I can do it on the campus and when I get into town the post office is closed. Do you want me to wire it home?
Did I tell you I got the box with the slide rule & etc? Well I did and everything is O.K. The cards are swell too. Thank Ann for me.
I certainly would like to see the baby. I bet she certainly is getting beautiful.
You can send the shaving kit. In fact I was thinking of asking you to send it.
You could send some of my favorite tobacco. It will be a swell change.
Thanks for the swell card also. And thank Grandma for her card and stamps. They always come at the right time. I had one left. Give Grandma a kiss for every stamp ma.
Also thank Boby for her letter. It's swell to hear from her. So until my next letter I remain

Your Loving Soldier Boy,
Tony

P.S. I started 3 different times before I finished this letter. But I wanted to make it a little long.

Dear Ma, Pa, Barb, Ann & Ele Letter No. 89

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

Date 9/29/43
Letter No. 89
Rec'd 126

Dear Ma, Pa, Barb, Ann & Ele,

I hope you all don't mind if I cut this letter a little short. We certainly are cramped for time. All week we have been taking tests and my head is just going around with figures. Tomorrow is math and friday is physics and Sat. I have to give a speech. I couldn't even sleep last night. I was so restless with so much in my head but -- I'm not complaining. I'll get used to it after awhile. I got about 20 letters to answer but I only wrote two all week. This one and one to Anita to let her know where to meet me etc. I told you she's coming Sat.
Sunday for chow we each had a half a chicken. I never had such a meal in the army before. Chicken, potatoes, string beans, bread, butter, salad, coffee, milk, ice cream. Boy it was swell. And plenty of it too.
I received your letter with Fluffy in it. He's so cute. I always did like cats. Maybe we will get one some day, huh, ma?
I received a letter from Ann & Pop. Thanks a lot. I also received a V. letter from Frank today and a V. letter from Howard Barber, one of the boys from N.Y. that I was separated from. He is in England now.
I'll have to close now ma. So until my next letter I remain

Your Loving Soldier Boy,
Tony

P.S. Please excuse the writing and I am so sorry I have to cut it so short, but I am sure you will understand.

Love
Tony

Dear Ma, Pa, Barb, Ann & Ele Letter No. 88

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

Date 9/26/43
Letter no. 88
Rec'd 122, 134, 125

Dear Mom, Pa, Barb, Ann & Ele,

Today is Sunday and it's very gloomy. Drizzling now and then. It's good for writing letters and a bit of studying. I'm going to have tests next week. History tomorrow. I hope I make out all right.
Yesterday I went to the show & saw "Slightly Dangerous." Which I enjoyed very much. It sure was funny. And "The Falcon's Brother" which also was pretty good. I got to bed pretty early. About 11:30.
Last week some of the fellows made noise after taps were blown (10:30) so the 1st Sgt. said taps will be at 10 o'clock until they can keep quiet. So that cut down our time another half hour. So we have to rush from study (9:30) and be in bed by 10 o'clock. I don't know how long it will last.
I didn't see any plums out here, although we have them quite a few times and they taste very good.
Anita is coming down to see me Oct. 2 that's next Sat. Gosh she's a swell girl.
I am so glad sis likes her lessons so well. You never can tell. She may out play Bob & Ele.
I received a very nice letter from Frank. It took over a month to get here. Boy he writes a swell letter, so much morale and so cheerful. He's a real guy. I meant it from the bottom of my heart.
I'm glad Pop is OK. Did he receive my letter?
How are you feeling ma? You never say much about yourself?
I'm glad Ele is making out so well in school. It's good to hear she is doing all the extra work. That's the only way to get ahead & it shows here intelligence.
I received your card and it's real swell ma. Love & Kisses
I hope Grandma is in the best of health and I hope her garden is coming along OK.
I guess that's all ma. I may go bowling a little later but I don't know yet. Until my next letter I remain

Your Loving Soldier Boy
Love & Kisses
Tony

Dear Ma, Pa, Barb, Ann & Ele Letter No. 87

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

Date 9/22/43
Letter No. 87
Rec'd 122

Dear Ma, Pa, Barb, Ann & Ele,

I received your letter telling me Pa was in the hospital and I got such a funny feeling I couldn't do anything last night. I hate to hear of anyone being in the hospital. But if you say he is alright ma, I guess it's alright. I wrote Dad a letter last night and sent it right away.
I received the envelope containing the pictures and the writing paper. Boy Boby and Ann certainly look swell. They look so healthy. Boby looks a bit thinner around her face, or is it just that I haven't seen her for a while. Ann looks like she picked up a little weight. Let me know if I am right in my assumption.
You wrote on one of the pictures "It looks very much like they are stealing your stuff." What do you mean by that ma. I didn't quite understand it.
I didn't hear from Joe D'Angelo. I certainly would like to hear from him. I'll drop a line to his father and find out what his address is. I didn't get those pictures from Idaho. DiFranza didn't get them developed yet.
My subjects are coming along pretty good. My math & physics are fine but I have the same trouble with English & History as I had in high school but I am trying to bear down on them.
In military P.E. we are getting experience in how to drill a platoon and giving commands. Compared to the rest I am doing fine. There are more officers around this place. We are being worked on R.O.T.C. training. So they want things just right.
The weather here is quite hot in the afternoon but very cool in the morning. It's not bad tho.
I'll sign off now. I'll have to fall out in a few minutes as per usual. So until my next letter I remain

Your Loving Soldier Boy
Tony

P.S. I got a heel put on my civilian shoes. 55 cents. That's pretty good isn't it?

Dear Ma, Pa, Barb, Ann & Ele Letter No. 81

Co. "A" A.S.T.U. 3920
U. of O.
Eugene
Letter 81
Rec'd 119

Dear Ma, Pa, Barb, Ann & Ele,

It is the nite and I am sitting in my bunk and the dusk is starting to settle over the city of Eugene. I am completely contented except that I am so far from home. I hope I can get home after the first 3 months but it's hard to say right now. We'll just pray for the best.
Yesterday morning we got our clothes checked to see if we were short any. I am OK as usual. Then we were given the rest of the day for ourselves. So Hemenway & I went to town & got a hair cut & then went to a show & saw "Stage Door Canteen." Boy it was a good picture. I actually got tears in my eyes when the Marines got their call to leave & they all sang the "Marine's Hymn." Gosh what a chill I got thru my spine. I thought of sister & Frank.
Today we were given a test in the morning in mathematics & I think I made out OK. Then we went for a class in Trigonometry. And refreshed my memory a little. Boy the campus is certainly big. It seems to get bigger all the time. And the buildings are new & really beautiful. I am looking for some postcards but as yet didn't see any.
This afternoon we were issued our books. I got 12 of them. Boy what a load. And then we were given the rest of the day off.
I went to town and bought Anita a little cross like I got for Eleanor. Her birthday is the 21st of this month. As I go to town the more beautiful it gets. The houses are nice and the lawns are so pretty & green. It's really swell.
Boy they certainly have a system for everything. When we were issued our books, every book had the same no. in it. So you just have to remember one no. and it's the same in all the books issued. Isn't that smart. That's what I call a system.
The food is certainly swell. You couldn't ask for anything better.
I received a couple of letters today. I was certainly surprised to hear Ann is starting to take lessons, but more than surprised I'm glad she is taking them. And I sincerely hope she like them.
I am glad everything went OK with the wedding. I do not know whether he was Catholic or not. I didn't know him. I am glad Ele congratulated her. She should have gotten the bouquet. What do you say ma?
How about some pictures of everybody?
I am fine ma & I hope everybody is OK too. And how are you feeling ma? You didn't tell me in a while but I assume you are in the best of conditions. Give loads of kisses to Grandma for me ma. Your the only one I would ask if you know what I mean.
I'll close now remaining

Your Loving Soldier Boy,
Tony

P.S. Excuse the writing ma. I'm not used to writing in a bunk.

From Frank Voigt

Sept. 6, 1943

Dear Mom,

I have made three attempts (in as many days) to answer your letter. I was very happy to hear from you as usual but even more so this time since your last letter was last. By now you will have received the letter I wrote to you in August. If I am not mistaking, I wrote it about the same time as you wrote yours.
I also want to thank you for the cards you sent me. I made mention of them in my letters to Ann. She has no doubt told you.
I too will be looking forward to hear your two daughters play the Merry Widow Waltz & The Blue Danube. Right now I'll put my hopes with Eleanore. She is not as busy as my pal Bob.
The news about Tony was swell. I do hope he gets into a college on the east coast. No doubt if he does he will get that leave he has been waiting for.
I don't want to forget to thank you for the "Dear Buddy" strip. I do enjoy them & it seems that everyone else does too.
Did Grandma get the letter I sent her? I hope so.
I had every intention of writing quite a few letters today but such is not the case. It is almost 5 PM now & it's quite hard to write here at night.
Everything is well down here. I am as ever in very good health and higher in spirits than ever before. Hoping this letter finds you all the same.
I will try to write at least a v-mail to Eleanor right now before I don't get a chance for a long time.
Regards & Love to all.
Love,
Frank

Dear Ma, Pa, Barb, Ann & Ele Letter No. 75

8/26/43
Letter #75
Rec'd 112

Dear Ma, Pa, Barb, Ann & Ele,

If I stay here any longer I think I will stay her permanently. I have a funny suspicion that they may start a branch at this university. I guess I'll just have to wait & find out.
I got another hair cut today. I got a pretty good one this time. I had to go into town to get it.
I am picking up a lot math & chemistry & physics which I guess I will need.
We got a letter from Borella. He said it's pretty tough. You have to be on the ball all the time. Pants & shirts pressed at all times, shoes polished, etc. If you don't you get demerits. I guess I'll [have] to keep on the beam.
I am so glad Barb & Ann had such a good time. The way our boys are going ma[y]be I can look forward to it next year. Who knows.
I am glad you liked the picture of Anita. You could send it to me if you want. Aren't you going to send hankies or something like I said ma? Her address is Miss Anita Becker, 1114 N. Lawrence St., Tacoma (6), Washington.
When I was eating last nite a piece of my back tooth broke off. It's one of those teeth that the dentist at McChord filled. He was a bit rough. If it bothers me I will go to the dentist as soon as possible.
Last nite I had to press my pants & iron my shirt. (I washed it the night before, after study hall at night.) I['m] getting to be pretty good at ironing.
I hope everybody is OK and in the best of health. Will close now.

Your Loving Solider Boy,
Tony

Dear Ma, Pa, Barb, Ann & Ele No. 72

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

Date 8/18/43
Letter No. 72
Rec'd 108 & 109

Dear Ma, Pa, Barb, Ann & Ele,

It is Wed. and right now there are about 1 million rumors (latrine rumors) floating around here as to where we are going to be shipped. One rumor was some of us were going to be shipped to the Washington State University just 9 miles from here. That was true alright but I wasn't on it but Borella was. They will go there tomorrow. The other rumor was that there was a shipment to go to Wheatland Illinois. But so far nothing came up. If I did get shipped to Washington State I could nave seen Anita. But I can't think about that anymore.
I received a letter from Anita last nite and in the letter she had a snapshot especially for you ma. She says "it will give your mother an idea of what I look like and I hope she won't be disappointed." She's so cute. I hope you like it ma.
It's too bad about Eddie's wife. I hope she will be alright. If they don't invite you to see the bride ma, I wouldn't bother with them anymore either. Gosh they're awful funny people. I'd like to know what they think about anyway.
You say Boby & Ele don't have their hearts in it when they practice on the piano. If they could only hear Anita play I think they would put more into it. She plays swell.
In the picture "They Came to Blow up America," they did get the story an idea from those Germans when they landed on L.I. I believe it's the same idea. They just carried it out a little more.
I don't have much time to read ma. And I believe once we get to a college we just aren't going to have any time.
The other day when I went out for calisthenics I got in a game of soccer (kicked a basketball around). And the next day my bones didn't feel so good. This so called army life makes you real soft. But I guess I'll get used to it.
The meals here are still swell. Today for dinner we had stew, corn, bread & butter, milk, cake, ice cream & fruit salad. That's a pretty good meal, don't you think so ma?
I hope Bob & Ann have a good time. I remember the last year we went. It rained on the day we left but it turned out to be a swell week.
I was just thinking ma. Maybe you could send Anita a couple of handkerchiefs or something & thank her for the picture. And you could write a short note telling her that you think she's a very nice girl from the picture & what I said about her etc. Anything you could say about her suits me ma, because I really like her ma, in fact more than any girl I ever did like. Let me know ma.
I will close now ma hoping you are all in the best of health & hoping I get some place east.

Your Loving Soldier Boy,
Tony

P.S. Maybe Boby can help you write something to Anita. O.K.
Love
Tony

Dear Ma, Pa, Barb, Ann & Ele No. 71

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

Date 8/16/43
Letter No. 71
Rec'd ----

Dear Ma, Pa, Barb, Ann & Ele,

It's Sunday nite and I just came in from mail call. I got two letters from Boby which I enjoyed very much. I like the way she writes. You can tell by her letters how intelligent she is. I also got a letter from Anita & a card from her also. And guess what kind of a card it is. It just like the one you sent to me some time ago. This is the saying it had:
"Don't write nothing sad to the boys in the service." The magazine articles say:
"Don't tell them how sorry you feel for yourself ---
They've got worries enough anyway! ---
And so I won't tell you how lonesome I am,
How sad & dejected and blue ---
I won't even tell you I miss you real bad
But, just off the record, I do."
It has a girl sitting in an arm chair reading a magazine. Do you remember when you sent me that one? It made me feel so good when I got it. Whenever that happens like you & Anita picking out the same thing it makes me feel like we have something in common. It makes me feel so good.
Anita got my picture made & she said it turned out real swell. It's good to have someone like that to think about ma.
I went to town Sat. afternoon before the stores closed & bought Elfrieda a set of book ends and a card. It cost me 4.25. The lady put in a nice box & wrapped it up for me. So I didn't have to do anything to worry about. So you won't have to get anything ma. I sent it direct to her. I hope she likes it. This is the way it looks.

[Illustration]

It looks pretty nice. I guess it will be all right, huh?
Last nite I went to the show again & saw "The Ox Bow Incident." It was alright but it was kind of slow. After that we went to one of the dances & stayed about a half hour & then cam back & went to sleep.
Today I went to church 10 o'clock mass. It was a nice church only the priest talked too low. As we were walking to the church a lady picked us up and took us right in front of the door. She told us about her son. He is also in the A.S.T.P. unit & is going to a college in California. It was pretty nice of her, don't you think so?
This afternoon I wrote some letters. Tonight after I finish this letter I'll write to Anita & Grandma & then study a little.
I will enclose another postcard showing Moscow in one shot. That's all there is there is no more.
You should find Spokane on the map. It's about the largest town in Washington besides Seattle & Tacoma. See if you can find it ok?
I guess Bob & Ann are up in the Catskills by now. I hope they have a nice time.
How is Pop making out? What [?] is he got now? How is he feeling? How big is Eleanor getting? I was looking over some pictures & just started to think I bet she's bigger than I am now. I will close now & write soon again.

Your Loving Soldier Boy,
Tony

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 Mom, Pa Barb, Ann, Ele, Letter No. 6

Pvt. Anthony J. Curcio 1-24-43
4th Receiving Co. Barrack Z Letter No. 6
Camp Upton, NY Rec'd #2

Dear Mom, Pa, Barb, Ann, Ele,
I received your letter at 4:30 again and I was so happy. I also received on from Grandma & Aunt Anna.
You say the kids say that you ask me a lot of questions. Well ma here's my answer. I try to write as much as possible to give you an idea of what camp is like & how I feel about army life, but there are always some things which slip my mind or never even occur to me. So if you want to ask me any ques. it's OK. In fact the more ques. the better, then I can get more of an idea of writing interesting letters. Isn't that right ma?
I'll admit of course that ma[y]be my letters aren't to[o] interesting now. But once I get to a permanent camp things will start to happen. I will get drill, and learn things, then I assure you better & interesting letters. As I said before this is a camp where they try to place you in the place where you'll be most fitted for. In the meantime they give you something to do to keep you busy, so that you won't be idle. So they give you details to do, some you just sit around, some you have to do a little manual labor. In fact no matter what you do here [it] makes no bit of difference because there are only buck privates who are just like one of us to tell us what to do. I'm getting used to this now and it isn't so bad. In fact when I get to my permanent camp I really think I will like it except that I am away from home. I guess it's much harder for all you at home, because when I get to any other camp they will keep me busy. But I will never forget my home, and all those I love, that's one thing I can always dream of an hope I can resume in a very short time. Having a good home like I have and receiving letters from home will make me one stp better than the rest of the soldiers. That's a medal I will have pinned inside of me all the time even tho I don't have a couple of stripes on my arms or the power to tell others what to do. The more dreams I have & the more letters I receive the medal will increase in morale, courage and all the other qualities that make a good soldier.
It takes the army to make one appreciate the comfort and pleasures of home.
Ann thinks a log for giving the scarf to Dot. It was really swell. I don't think a family can get along without a kindhearted person as yourself. Ma[y]be we did bicker once in a while, but I guess you really appreciate the things you did,, once you're in the service.
It's too bad [you] all didn't receive the package. But I guess he will get it when things calm down.
I will certainly look forward to see you if I do get to a near camp. Ma[y]be you call can come out & see me, including Elfrieda. Boy if you all could come out that would be some treat.
The stamp on the envelope make me feel like somebody. I bet they do rush it to[o]. Right.
To take up where I left off in the last letter; On Sat. I got a detail at one of the warehouses, from 9:30 to 11:00 we listened to the radio. There was really nothing to do so the sarg. left on the radio so we could enjoy ourselves. That was the first time I heard a radio since I got here. Although they have got a jukebox at the P.X. But it's too crowded there you really don't get a chance to stand still and listen to it. But I really don't mind.
In the afternoon we got a detail sweeping around the coal boxes. That took us about an hr. Then we went to the barracks & rested.
Sun., today, there was another shipping list but I still wasn't on it. The sarg. said we could go to church so I went to 8:30 mass. Boy was is jammed. Upon leaving the chuch we all go[t] a a scapular to protect us. I will enclose it so you can see it, then you can send it back to me. I had the rest of the morning off. In the afternoon I watched the barrack and that is where I am writing this letter.
Boy there is certainly a change in temperature out here. First when we came here it was muddy, then the mud froze. Then it snowed. & today it's so warm out you can go out without your coat. But I won't ma. That's one thing I learned at home.
I hope Ele came over Sunday (today). I only got one letter from her so far I guess she thought I would be shipped. If you get a chance to call her it would be swell. Do you have any trouble calling here? The number is WA5-2300 & ask for ext. 4.
Well I think that's all for now. Ma[y]be I will got to the show tonight if I can get on the line soon enough. You have to wait for everything around here. So until my next letter, all take care of yourselves. I am.

Your Loving Soldier Boy,
Tony

P.S. This letter is written a little clearer. I got a hold of a table to write on.