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?

Dear Ma, Pa, Barb, Ann & Ele Letter No. 99

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

11/22/43
Letter No. 99
Rec'd 146, 147

Dear Ma, Pa, Barb, Ann & Ele,

It's Monday night & I got excused from mail call so I could go and get a haircut so I may not finish tonight. I'll try my best tho.
The term is drawing to a close and the heat is certainly on. On this Friday & Sat (26-27) we are going to have our final tests (G.I. tests and they ain't no [?]) 2 1/2 hrs. a piece, one after another. It's going to be tough but I'll pull out of it all right.
Tiny & I had a pretty good time this weekend again. Sat. afternoon they had a football game and although we lost it was a good game. I'll include a clipping. Sat. night all the sorority houses gave dances. Tiny's house gave a circus dance and they all got dressed up and they had bails of hay on the floor and it was fixed up real nice. We had a swell time.
Sunday morning we went to church. In the afternoon the co. band had a program of music and entertainment and it was really good. And Sunday night we went to our usually spent at Gerlinger Hall and Tiny played for me again.
More fellows left today because they flunked out. When we studied at the beginning of the term we had 27 in our section and now there are only 12 left.
I sent Boby a little present for her birthday. I hope she likes it.
My roommate's name is Tony Cruick (?). He's from Chicago. He's a swell fellow.
You asked me if I need anything. I could use a couple of sets of underwear. Try to get under T-shirts and jockey shorts. O.K. As for shirts I could use some if you get the right kind of khaki shirt. I take 15-33. Thanks, ma.
I feel fine ma and I hope you all feel the same. I am glad everything is working out Ok with Grandma's house. You tell Grandma I went to church Sunday and give her my love & kisses.
I got a letter from Bruno & he is making out O.K. I'm glad he is because he deserves it.
I also got a letter from Elfrieda and she is going back home again because her husband is leaving for the Navy. It's too bad it couldn't last a little longer. (I may have told you that already).
The weather is surprisingly good yet. It amazes everyone around here.
I'll close now and say a little prayer for me that I pass my tests O.K. Until my next letter

I remain Your Loving Soldier Boy
Tony

Dear Ma, Pa, Barb, Ann & Ele

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

Date 11/10/43
Letter No.
Rec'd

Dear Ma, Pa, Barb, Ann & Ele,

I received your letter and when I read it I certainly felt blue. I guess I didn't word my letter too well but do you think for one moment that if I could get home that I wouldn't come home. I couldn't possibly travel from here to N.Y. in 1 week. When I was back in Tacoma it took the fellows 4 days to get to N.Y. This is even further and connections aren't at all good. You say Bruno had seven days and spent 24 hrs. home. I am 24 hrs. ride from Washington State College from which Bruno got his furlough. And when he went home he told me that if he did make it in that time it would be just plain luck, but he didn't care whether he did get back in time or not. And if you don't get back at the proper time you are automatically dropped from the outfit. This is not a regular camp and you can be dropped for the least little thing. They dropped over 100 fellows since the term started. I know five fellows here, all have the same situation I have. One of them has been in the army two years and before he was stationed here he was at Fresno Calif. He traveled home many of times and said he would go home unless he has 12 days traveling time for fear he wouldn't get back in time. I told you in one of my letters that I wouldn't be able to fly home because the Commandant would not issues furloughs to anyone who had to fly home because there is no assurance of getting back. Clifford was able to fly home because he got a priority from his C.O.
So I have no mind to change, there is just no possible means. I guess my terminology wasn't too clear but that was on thing I didn't like to write about and wanted to say it in as few words as possible. You just don't know how I felt when I read that letter. I couldn't study all day just because it was on my mind. I'll be more careful in the words I use when I write letters. I am sorry if I disappointed you.
Then I received a letter from Bobby saying the same thing. But Bobby stated that I worded my letter funny and I saw where I made my mistake but even tho I didn't word it so good I was surprised you all could figure it out especially from my last letters. I hope it doesn't happen again.
I can't keep up with all my mail. I try my best to write all that I can. I was all set to finish this letter to night but we had to sign the payroll. We have about 1 1/2 hrs to write letters & do whatever we have to do that's necessary. Tomorrow a General is coming around to inspect and we have to do extra work to get things straightened up. Tomorrow night we have to march in a parade on Main Street (Nov. 11 Armistice Day). We have so much work to do now it ain't funny, but we have to march because it's orders from Headquarters. Monday we have to turn in our clothes for [?] & Tues. laundry. Last week I had to get a haircut. It's those little things that take our time away, the little we have but I try my best to write. So if I should miss a day or so try to take those things into consideration. OK.
We had two tests today. Chemistry & Geog. and they are really putting the pressure on. Tomorrow it's Math & Friday it's Physics. This is not a regular college course because the pressure is constantly on us. That's why so many flunked out so far. I think they cut the course just a little too much. But I'm plugging away at it and am doing fairly well.
I received the package today with the jelly, candy, socks & cigarettes and crackers. I didn't taste the jam as yet. I'm going to save it for the weekend when I really can sit down and enjoy it. The socks are swell.
I am sorry to hear Bobby resigned but I don't blame her. She should have gotten further by this time. It's just like the army I guess, right, Bob?
Oregon State College is at Corvallis a short walk from here, and they have a mascot, the Beaver. It's a statue made of metal about 8 ft. long and 4 ft. high in the shape of a beaver (ours is the duck). It's been a tradition to steal the beaver from Oregon State College campus. Well that's what some of the fellows did. They brought it back and put it on the University campus so the girls in Tiny's house took it from campus and brought it in their living room. It almost takes up the whole room. Oregon State College will try to get it back I guess, but they don't know when it is, and when they do find out there is going to be a little excitement. We have a huge letter O on the side of one of the big hills around the campus and Oregon State comes over & paints it orange, that's their color. So the fellows that stole the beaver painted the beaver yellow & green (those are our colors). I'll let you know what happens.
I am writing you in study period now but I want to finish it now because I won't be able to tomorrow.
The weather has been pretty good all week so far. Very little rain.
I receive your cute card but the paper was a little small so I'll use it next time.
Elfrieda's birthday is the 14th of November so I got her some stationary at the co-op and sent it to her. I put one of the birthday cards in that sister sent me. They're real swell. Sister certainly can pack those packages. They're really solid.
I'll close now hoping it finds you all in the best of health and hope you find the letter explanatory. Give Grandma my best, love & kisses. Until then I remain

Your Loving Soldier Boy,
Tony

P.S. I'm glad Joe wrote to you. I will write him as soon as possible.
P.S. I will include a couple of cards I found in one of the stores Sunday.

Dear Ma, Pa, Barb, Ann & Ele Letter No. 85

Co. "A" A.S.T.U. 3920
U. of O.
Eugene, Ore.
Letter 85
Rec'd (2) 121 9/9-9/10
9/16/43

Dear Ma, Pa, Barb, Ann & Ele,

It is Thursday night and I'll start a letter. Although I won't be able to finish it all at once. I guess I will have to write like that from now on unless I cut them short, and I don't want to do that.
Four day and I'm still alive. I feel sorry for the boys who didn't have a knowledge of some of the subjects. They certainly are feeding us plenty. So far I am making out OK.
I am always talking about the good system they have here for everything. Well today we went to P.E. and got a full set of clean gym clothes and they will be ours until the end of the term. We just have to pay for their cleaning at the end of each month. They are cleaned each time we go there & that's 3 times a week. We got a sweatshirt, pants, athletic support, socks, & sneakers (I think we will have to pay). And a towel. Boy what a swell system. I really like it.
Davidson is here also. And I just got a letter from Borella and he said he made it home. He was home 24 hrs. He said it was worth it. He said he wrote you a letter. Did you receive it?
DiFranza went to Salt Lake City, Utah. And while on the subject of DiFranza, There is no reason why you should be peeved. The nurse was the girl I met. All you have to do is ask me ma. I can't remember whether I wrote nurse or girl in the letter before. And I wish you wouldn't get peeved anymore about things like that because it isn't worth it ma. Ain't that right?
Aunt Anna told me Clifford's address & guess where he is? In this big country he is about 25 miles from me. He's at Camp Adair and we drew rations from that camp. What a coincidence. I just wrote him a card tonight.
I am still fussy about fat ma, but not as much. I still take it all off.
Anita may come down Oct. 2. I hope she does. She's a swell girl.
I'll close now. I didn't think I would finish but I just made it by 3 minutes. So long until my next letter

Your Loving Soldier Boy
Love & Kisses
Tony

From Bruno

September 13, 1943
"Duncan Dunn Hall"

Dear Mr. & Mrs. Curcio,

Rather reluctantly, I find myself once again back here in the State of Washington. You see, I have just returned from a 7 day furlough and it certainly was a dash across the states to get home and back here again without being A.W.O.L. Old New York and especially home hasn't changed much since I've been away. The villages on Long Island seem rather "dead" as most of the fellows are in the services. I had a total of 24 hrs. home and I certainly was on the go during that time. I wish that Tony had been with me to see New York loom up in the distance. It was a grand and appreciable sight to see again, but none I can't wait for my next furlough and it is rather "tough" knowing that you just have to wait and like it.
While I was away, 23 more fellows from the Univ. of Idaho were transferred here. I looked in vain for Tony and Ray and from what I heard, I believe that they have been sent to Oregon. I can well imagine how they must feel, especially knowing that there are numbers of colleges back home where we could have been sent. It seems that the West Coast has a grasp on all of us fellows from the East. However, we can all thank our lucky stars that we aren't overseas yet.
Yes folks, Tony was quite right when he wrote that I have to "keep an eye on the beam" all the time. The course that I am taking now is mostly mathematics and my high school days were seemingly wasted on bookkeeping and art. Although I have my doubts as to my success here, I intend to do my best regardless.
Perhaps in the future, when I get more than a 7 days furlough, I can pay you folks a visit. However, if you ever go out on Long Island, stop at Coram at ask for Borella's place. Everyone there knows us and I don't imagine that you'll have much trouble finding it. Just tell my folks that I've been with your son. They have the same enlarged snapshot of us there and I've often mentioned Tony in my letters. Tell my father that I recommend white wine served to you folks.
I'll surely see all of you after this war is over. Regards to the rest of the family.
Sincerely,
Bruno

Dear Ma, Pa, Barb, Ann & Ele Letter No. 77

9/1/43
Letter 77
Rec'd 114-115

Dear Ma, Pa, Barb, Ann & Ele,

I think things are going to happen around here pretty soon as there are a lot of rumors flowing around here. Of course you can't believe the rumors but something is bound to happen.
We are pretty happy today as one of our buddies was accepted today in the advanced group. You see you have to under 22 to get into basic and he is 27 so he had to make the advanced. So they came to a conclusion. His marks weren't as high as they should be so they let him take the tests over & he just got word today that he made out better than they expected him to do. His name is Delaney. He is married and lives in St. Louis. When we were back at McChord Field his wife had a baby and he got an emergency furlough. He's a swell guy.
You probably have received a letter from Borella. He told me he wrote to you. He is at Washington State College. I told you about him being sent there. Well he feels pretty disgusted & I don't blame him. They are giving him an 8 day furlough and they want to give him an extra 3 day pass to get home. So he doesn't know what he is going to do. I told you that I was getting a furlough after my first term.
I hope they give us more than 8 days if we are out here some place. We'll just have to wait & see & hope for the best.
I got a letter from Elfrieda and she said she couldn't write a lot because she was all choked up. She was so happy that you sent her the present. She said she'll never forget what you all have done for her. And if I know Ele, she means it.
It's been damp and and cool all week already. I have my woolen O.P.s on and my flight jacket.
I'll write again shortly. I am fine & in the best of health. Hope you are all O.K. too. Until then I remain

Your Loving Soldier Boy,
Tony

P.S. I forgot to answer the letters. I thought there was something missing. I received the card from Grandma with the stamps and they just came in time. Thank Grandma again for me. Between you and I mom I don't read half of her letters. I just look & see if there is anything about Grandma in them or anything that's important. It's strictly off the record. As long as we both feel the same way about it I thought I would mention it. But don't say anything to her.
You can still address the letters P.F.C. until I'm shipped. Maybe you can pick up a tube of shaving cream & send it along with the rest of the stuff. I won't need it for a while yet but by the time I'm shipped I will need it. Good bye now. Love,

T

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

From Bruno (Borella, Tony's Friend)

August 22, 1943

Dear Mr. & Mrs. Curcio,

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

Respectfully,
Bruno Borella

Dear Mom, Pa, Ele Letter No. 73

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

Date 8/20/43
Letter No. 73
Rec'd --

Dear Mom, Pa, Ele,

Before I start you'll have to excuse this sheet of paper. The last minute I found out that I ran out of this type of paper and this sheet isn't to[o] clean. Ma[y]be you can get me some more?
Well it's Friday nite & I'm still here. Gosh I wish I ship out & get started on the course. I just found out today that after the first term we can get furloughs providing we pass. After that between terms we'll just get 7 days off. That will make me work all the harder. That's good news huh?
I received my daily letter today from Anita. I can almost count on it being here every nite. Gosh she's swell. How did you like her picture?
I got a swell letter from Ed tonight (my boss). He told me all about his job and it seems he's got a swell position, and he really likes it & he's making out swell.
While on that subject did I ask you to send me the pictures of the house that Ed designed? The one for Mr. Schultz from Mill Neck, Long Island? If not will you send them to me ma. I want to show Anita them. I sent the stuff back to you when I sent the stuff I showed to Helen Riley from St. Louis. Remember?
I got a card from Borella tonight also. He's at the State College of Washington & he feels pretty lonely being he was sent there and none of us was sent with him. He is a swell guy.
During calisthenics today we were lifting weights in the gym. I felt pretty good after that too. I never did that before.
I'm still studying and am refreshing pretty well.
I am so glad Grandma got her flat rented. I bet that's a relief off her mind. How is Grandma, ma?
And how is everything with you. Do you have to visit the doctor any more? Gosh I wish I could see you ma.
How big is Eleanor? I think I asked you that in my last letter.
I'll close now hoping this letter finds you all in the best of health.

Your Loving Soldier Boy,
Love & Kisses,
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 Letter No. 69

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

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

Dear Ma, Pa, Barb, Ann & Ele,

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

Your Loving Soldier Boy
Love & Kisses
Tony

Dear Ma, Pa, Barb, Ann & Ele Letter No. 66

Pvt. Anthony J. Curcio

Co. "A" STAR Unit 3902

U. of Idaho, Moscow, Idaho

Dear 8/3/43

Letter No. 66

Rec'd ----

Dear Ma, Pa, Barb, Ann & Ele,

Well everybody I'm in. I passed my tests and today I had an interview & went before the board of 3 officers & I'm accepted. Isn't that swell. They will have classes here for refresher courses in math, physics & chemistry. We will attend these classes until we are called for shipment to a permanent college. I'm praying it's someplace east of the Mississippi. Then after the first 3 months I can get a week off and get home without any trouble. The course I am in is basic Engineering. If I make the first 3 months I go on to the second three months, etc.

One of the boys had some film left in his camera & we took a couple more pictures today. If they turn out OK I will send them on. How did you like the others I sent?

Gosh there isn't much to say because there isn't anything to do around the campus during the week. But as soon as we start our refresher course here, (which can last from 3 days on) we will also have some exercise in the afternoon. I think I will like that.

We have to leave the study hall in a few months so I shall close & try to write tomorrow.

So until then I hope you all are in the best of health. So until my next letter I remain

Your Loving Soldier Boy,

Tony

P.S. I am a buck Private again. But don't feel too bad. There is a master sgt. with us who is now a buck private also. After the course is over & we make the grade we will automatically get stripes. It's a good deal what do you say?

P.S. Borella & Davidson also made it. We will probably stick together for a long time yet.

Dear Ma, Pa, Barb, Ann & Ele Letter No. 65

P.F.C. Anthony J. Curcio

Co. "A" STAR Unit 3902

U of Idaho, Moscow, Idaho

Date 8/2/43

Letter No. 65

Rec'd ---

Dear Ma, Pa, Barb, Ann & Ele,

Boy being at this place portray the army life. We don't have revellie in the morning. Just get up & make your bed before 8 o'clock. But I got up for breakfast.

Sat. we took tests all day. First we were given a psychology test which wasn't to[o] easy. After that we were given an algebra test and last a geometry test. Boy they made my head twirl. I don't think they were to[o] hard. The thing is I didn't have anything like that in such a long time. But they say they are pretty lenient.

Sunday morning Davidson, Borella & I took pictures. I will include them in this letter. I think they came out OK. What do you say?

I also have some postcards which I will send.

Sunday afternoon, Davidson & I went to play a little golf on the University golf course. Davidson was trying to teach me. I got a couple of good wallops that made me feel pretty good. But I think I will need a lot of practice.

Sunday nite I studied some more with one of the boys. We are restricted to the campus grounds all week. The only time we are allowed off is 1 hr. from 5:30 to 6:30 at night incase we want to pick up a few odds & ends & Sat nite & Sunday afternoon we can get off the University grounds. Sunday nite we have to stay in and study. Every nite except Sat. & Sunday we have to come to the Study Hall (where I am now) from 7:30 to 9 o'clock. Then we go back to the barracks & lights out at 10:30.

Today we were supposed to be interviewed to see how we made out etc. But they weren't ready for us so we have to go back tomorrow. Boy I hate to wait in suspense.

I hope I receive some mail tomorrow. I didn't receive any since I'm here.

How is everything home? Is everybody OK?

I will close now because I want to write on the postcards & pictures. Until my next letter I remain

Your Loving Soldier Boy,

Tony

On the back of the picture above, it says, This came the best. Borella is in the middle. Davidson is at the end. You can get a slight glimpse of the hills in the background. Taken on the campus grounds. 8/1/43

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

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

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

Dear Ma, Pa, Barb, Ann & Ele,

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

Your Loving Solider Boy,
Tony

Dear Ma, Pa, Barb, Ann & Ele Letter No. 59

PFC Anthony J. Curcio

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

McChord Field, Wash.

Date 7/13/43

Letter No. 59

Rec'd 96/97/98

Dear Ma, Pa, Barb, Ann & Ele,

It is Tuesday nite and I am still a bit tired from the weekend. But before I tell you all about that I will go thru the week like I usually do.

Thursday nite we went to the battalion dance and had a pretty good time, but not as good as the last one because they didn't have a jitterbug contest. But we had a pretty good time because we all know each other a lot better.

Friday nite we G.I. the tent & shoes etc. We do that every Friday nite for inspection on Sat.

Friday we also lost another one of our buddies. Bruno Borella was shipped to another outfit on the post. They needed certain type of men so he went. Boy we never get a real break.

Sat. we had a parade for our Major. We got a new one. And I hear the old major got tears in his eyes when we paraded before him. He was pretty good.

Sat. nite I had guard duty. We go on at 5 and get off at 5 Sunday nite. And luck ran with me because Peggy had to work on Sunday. She works for the telephone co. So I saw her Sunday nite. We went to the carousel again & had a nice time. Mon. nite I was so tired I went to bed very early. Ma[y]be I shouldn't have gone out after guard duty but it always works out ok.

Surveying is still the same & the same routine.

I hope you all had a nice time on Ele's birthday. I hope she liked my present. How did she enjoy the surprise, Ma?

The transfer I wrote about was final. I don't think I will be transferred.

Joe Cohn is still going to radio school I guess.

I really don't need anything, ma. I'm stocked up on everything just know.

I am so glad you were happy about my stripe. And thanks for the card you all sent me. The one where you all signed it and give a kiss for Grandma's signature. I always get a kick out of it when Grandma signs it.

And thanks for your card, Ma. That a swell way telling everything. xxxxxxxx

Thank Grandma for her card & stamp. I was just about out of stamps when they came.

Well I shall close now ma & try to write near the end of the week. So until then I remain

Your Loving Soldier Boy,

Tony

xxxxxxxx

P.S. I forgot Ele's letter. Please thank her for it.

P.S. The buddy that['s] left in my tent (Davidson) got his radio from home. It good to hear some of the programs & music again. It plays pretty good too.

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

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

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

Dear Ma, Pa, Barb, Ann & Ele,

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

Your Loving Soldier Boy
Tony

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

Dear Ma, Pa, Barb, Ann & Ele, Letter No. 47

5-17-43
Letter #47
Rec'd #70 & 71

Dear Ma, Pa, Barb, Ann & Ele,

Today is a week since I last wrote. Just now I'm 10 letters behind. I guess I'll just have to try to write some each nite.
Well Ma, I wanted to catch up on my mail yesterday but I felt to blue. You know Joe D'Angelo, the one that sent you the letter (my buddy). Well he was shipped out Sat. nite with some other fellows. Where to & for what reason I don't know as yet, but he was just like a brother to me and hated to see him leave. In fact as he walked out of the tent with his barracks bag on his shoulder I got tears in my eyes. I really missed him an awful lot. We got along so good together. Well I guess that's one of the things we have to face in the army but I hope it doesn't happen too often.
Now there are two swell fellows left in my hut. One is Bruno Borella from S.I. & Delmar Davidson from Phil. Bruno Borella comes from Corum S.I. and Corum is about 1 mile from Seldon. They have a farm & they sell these cement blocks to all the people around there. He said he probably sold some to uncle Tony but is not sure. Ask Dad & see whether he recognizes the name. Let me know, O.K.
Well not too much has happened during the last week. We were surveying the railroad & today they started actual construction on it. So maybe I'll be on the surveying squad permanently. You know as much as I do.
Thursday I went to the post theatre & saw "My Friend Flicka." It was a horse picture. I like it an awful lot.
Friday night we all went in to Lakewood & went to the show with the girls we met on Easter Sunday. We saw "Casablanca." I enjoyed it very much. Before we went to the show one of the girls took us all in to meet her parents. Well she lived in the most beautiful house I ever saw. It was on the lakeside with huge trees & grass all over the place. I just can't describe it ma but ma it's a dream house and by gosh we are going to have one just like it. You wait and see ma.
Well I guess there isn't any more to say. I could tell you about the surveying but that's nothing to write home in letters & I guess I should keep it a secret anyway.
I forgot to mention in my last letter about a letter I got from Ann. Thanks Ann. Today I got another package from Ann with cards in it. Believe me they will come in handy catching up with my mail.
Ann, I don't think a picture frame would be too good as we can't hang any up in our tent. Thanks anyway. And by the way, that's a nice salary you are getting. And most of all you like the job. That means a lot more.
About Grandma's house. The deal wasn't good at all but maybe Grandma would settle for less, to get the house off her hands in a hurry. I don't know but I think Grandma would be a whole lot happier if she didn't have the house to worry about. What do you think?
I think it took 4 days for the Easter candy to get here. I wasn't sure so I didn't write it when you asked me awhile ago.
I feel fine and am in the peak of condition. I hope you all are in the best of health. How are you coming along with the doctor & how is Ann coming along with her doctor. Let me know. The picture of Boby & Ann are swell & thanks a lot. But how about you ma, & Grandma & Eleanore?
I shall close now. Until my next letter I remain

Your Loving Soldier Boy
Tony