Dear Ma, Pa, Barb, Ann & Ele Letter No. 133

6/12/44 
Letter No. 133
Rec'd  196 & 197

Dear Ma, Pa, Barb, Ann & Ele,

Well here it is another Monday again.  It seems like I hit Mon & Tues for writing letters doesn't it?
Well I went to L.A. again over the weekend.  I was just lucky again as there was a bus for the battalion going down.  I found out the last minute so I called up the girl I met at the dance last weekend and made a date (she's a jitterbug from Iowa).  We went to Long Beach at the Municipal Auditorium again.  This time they had Henry King & his orch.  We had a nice time.  I slept at the dormitory & Sunday I went to Hollywood & stopped in at the Hollywood Canteen again.  They put on a nice show.  The only celebrity was Elizabeth Patterson who plays "mother" in most pictures.  I got her autograph & will enclose in this letter.  Her latest picture as I wrote on the back of the card is "Hail the Conquering Hero" playing the part of Ella's aunt.  Maybe you can see it when it comes around.  Then I went to the U.S.O. & got a record made which they will send home.  I made a few mistakes but you know me ma.  I hope you like it.  My voice sounds kind of deep I guess maybe I was standing to close to the mic.  I think you'll get a kick out of it.  Play it for Grandma also OK.
We are just doing routine stuff around here which doesn't make good writing matter but an doing fine in all my work.
I just love to receive your letters ma.  You asked me about that rocket I was going to make a lamp out of.  Well we had to turn them in and I'm not sure yet whether I can get it back but I'll try to get one.
I didn't see "Shine on Harvest Moon" but if it comes (or maybe it passed) I'll see it.  
I certainly was surprised about the Marines having a victory garden.  I guess they do about anything to keep busy.
I'm glad my watch is OK and running fine.  That's a load off my mind.  My watch keeps perfect time.  It comes in so handy especially on these problems at night.  It's really swell.
I certainly hope Al is all right.  His mother shouldn't worry so much.  Worry is just no good.
It is certainly good news about the invasion.  This will be over sooner than we think.  I always talked about the underground movement would be the deciding factor & just in tonight's paper it said half million French patriots are revolting.  I don't see how the nazi can last for any reasonable time.  
Are you & Bob & Tiny still corresponding?  Now don't say anything & she didn't for awhile either.  Let me know?
I guess that's about it for right now.  I got K.P. tomorrow but I don't mind it a bit.  
Give my regards to Grandma.  Love & kisses.  Take good care of yourself and let me know the latest as to whether your picking up weight etc.
Until then I remain

Your Loving Soldier Boy

Tony

P.S.  Will you please look at one of Ed Thatcher's letters and send me his address.  I think I put the wrong address on his last one.  O.K.

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

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

Dear Ma, Pa, Barb, Ann & Ele,

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

Your Loving Soldier Boy,

Tony  

Dear Ma, Pa, Barb, Ann & Ele Letter No. 122

Anthony J. Curcio
Co. B - 22 Tank Bn. A.P.O. 261
Camp Cooke, Calif.
 
4/23/44 
Letter No. 122
Rec'd  4/18/44

Dear Ma, Pa, Barb, Ann & Ele,

It is Sunday night and I just got off an easy day of K.P.  Sunday is always easy.  I received your letter of April 18 and it took about 4 days to get there.  I thought it was pretty good.  I am glad my mail gets there that fast too.
Don't forget to let me know what Dr. Trombly [?] says.  I am very anxious to hear.  I am glad you got out to the show.  Try to get outdoors as much as possible.
Last week Tiny was busy and couldn't write but I thought there was something wrong so I sent her a telegram like I did you.  But she was all right.  I guess maybe I jumped to too many conclusions in a hurry.  Huh?  She is making out ok.  I am glad you all are writing to each other.  It makes me feel happy.  Tiny said she was more than pleased with your letters and enjoys writing to you.  I hope you both continue, and Barb too?
I just can't wait to till mail call comes everyday so I can receive your letter ma and I feel so relieved when I receive them.  I think they are really swell ma.
As for my birthday ma there is really nothing I need.  If you want to give me money you can start a bank account for me. Also one that you can draw on too if that is possible and then in case you should need it you can get it readily.  Tiny is also going to save some for me.  We made that little agreement before I left the University.  I think it's a good idea, don't you?  I will be able to send some money home again now that I am at a camp like I did when I was at McChord Field.
We haven't did too much with the tanks since my last letter but I found out that there is a lot of work to be done on them.  But I like to work on them.
I am glad Grandma is alright and I am glad she went to the show also.  So Grandma having any trouble with the house?
As soon as I get a little time I will send home my tooth.  That sounds funny.  Doesn't it?
The weather is a bit misty out today but the sun is usually out.  I guess the only thing you can get here is windburn although this past week we felt the sun a little bit.
I'll write soon again as soon as I get a chance.  Hope everybody is in the best of health.  Give Grandma my love and kisses.

Your Loving Soldier Boy,

Tony

P.S.  Feo is at Westover Field Mass.  He is getting his crew and will go over pretty soon.  I will enclose a picture of him.  Then you can send it back.

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. 118

Anthony J. Curcio
Co. B - 22 Tank Bn. A.P.O. 261
Camp Cooke, Calif.
 
4/10/44
Letter No. 118
Rec'd

Dear Ma, Pa, Barb, Ann & Ele,

Well here I am back at camp.  It's Mon. night and the day went by pretty good.  But before I tell you about the day I have a lot to tell you all that's more important.  First when this letter reaches N.Y. I hope you are 100% better ma.  I guess you will be so much better that you can stay up all the time.  And ma, you don't know how much I enjoyed being home again especially after such a long time.  And please don't think for one moment that I ain't just as close to you as ever, and after being away for such a long time makes me ever closer to you then ever.  So please don't feel for one moment that I feel any different than I always did.  I want you to feel that you have a son who really loves his mom and who is proud to have such a Grand Mom.  And please Mom don't worry about me.  You taught me how to take care of myself by proper bringing up with a good sense of moral and that's where I rank on top when compared to the men in service.  There is a lot you are going to teach me when I come home to stay, which I am looking forward to.  So just remember ma, this is your soldier boy, and this is one guy you can count on.
Boy this camp certainly looked an awful sight when I got here last night after being home.  And the meals didn't look a bit appetizing after having all my specials made for me.  But I'll get into the swing of it again before long.  It's good I took the train Wed. night because I made good connections and if I would have taken the one on Thursday I would never have gotten here on time.  I got to Chicago 6 P.M. on Thurs. and had a two and a half hr. wait for the train to Los Angeles.  I called up Mr. McIgaard [?] but he was in Washington so his secretary told me to come up the office.  So I went up and she said that the Streamliner to L.A. didn't run till Sun. (they run every 3 days).  Mr. McIgaard left money there and had one of the girls in the office wait for me.  So in the 2 1/2 hrs she took me to the Walnut Room at the Bismark Hotel (one of the swankiest places you ever saw with a band playing and a floor show).  We had a meal that cost $3.25 a piece.  The bill was $8.58 with tax.  He left $7.00 so I just had to pay the remainder.  Then we rushed back to the station and I got the 8:30P.M. train for L.A.  The trip wasn't bad.  I made friends with a marine that was traveling to L.A. and it made the time go a little faster.  The lunch Sister gave me helped out swell and I ate everything.  I got in L.A. 12:30 PM Sunday (It was too late to go to mass).  and I got a train to camp at 1 o'clock PM and got to camp about 8 o'clock last night.  I took a hot shower and got partly straightened up (made up my bed and got my stuff from supply) and then returned for the night and got a good night's sleep.
I didn't miss much the boys say.  They had mostly details and they didn't learn much.  They have guard duty tonight.  I was surprised I wasn't called with them.  I have K.P. tomorrow.  They say K.P. is really easy here.  You get up at the regular time.  You don't have to get up earlier like in other camps.  That's pretty good luck!
Today went pretty good.  We had calisthenics & then worked around cleaning different part of a motor.  So it was a pretty easy day.
I think there is more to say but I can't think of everything now.  If there is anything you want to know just ask me.  I'll be looking for questions.  I'll write again as soon as I get a chance.  I'll close now.

Your Loving Soldier Boy,

Tony

P.S. I paid the Red Cross tonight.  I'll enclose the receipt.

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

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

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

Dear Ma, Pa, Barb, Ann & Ele,

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

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

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

Your Most Loving Soldier Boy,
Tony

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

Dear Ma, Pa, Barb, Ann & Ele, Letter No. 42

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

Date 4-24-43
Letter No. 42
Rec'd 57-58-59

Dear Ma, Pa, Barb, Ann & Ele,

This is the first chance I got to write. I try to get off a letter a nite & I wanted to wait 'til Sat. nite to write to you ma, because I want to be able to write tomorrow as we are going on a picnic & I did want to tell you the news of the week. We weren't so sure of the picnic so I didn't know whether we were going until tonight. I will tell you all about it next week.
I wrote last Sun. & as yet didn't receive a letter in answer to the ques. in that letter. I mean about whether I should write to just Grandma or not. I got another letter from Aunt Anna & she ends off by saying "Thinking of you constantly: Write soon again, Grandma & Aunt Ann. Mostly Aunt Anna" I don't like it. So please ans. my questions in the other letter.
During the week we have the same routine, calesthencis & lectures on different topics. But we don't have much time for ourselves during the day. All during the day we just have about 10 minute breaks between lectures etc. And now we have calesthenics twice a day. In the morning & right before we go to chow at night. It's pretty good only I would ike to have more time for myself.
Tues. I had K.P. again. I was on the beam that day so things went pretty good & the day didn't seem so long. As long as you keep busy it's O.K.
Wed. nite I went to the show with the boys & saw "The Sun is Down." It was a proper Gander picture but it was pretty good.
Thurs. nite I wrote a letter to Ele.
Friday nite (last nite) I wanted to write a letter to you but I was so busy getting ready for inspection I bearly got everything done. I had to polish my shoes, sew my braid on my hat, get equipment on the bed in a certain way for inspection by the sargeant, take a shower & shave. I was really rushing.
Today we had inspection by the major & he didn't like the way the clothes were laid out because some wasn't marked. So we had to stay in all afternoon & we had another inspection tonight. I'm glad that's over.
You ask me whether my uniforms fit me. Well half of them are pretty tight fit. But I manage all right. If they get too tight I will get new ones.
I received your candy yesterday. Thank Grandma & you too ma. I certainly got a lot of candy to keep me going for a while. But I still didn't receive the other package with the socks in it. I wonder where that is? I think that's a very good idea about the money in the pouch Elfrieda gave me. Thank Grandma & give her a big kiss for me, will you ma.
My buddy was tickled pink over the candy. He thanks you an awful lot.
Elfrieda said she had another wonderful time last Sunday. And she certainly liked the corsage. Elfrieda says she also got a bit knocked out doing her shopping. I guess all the women have the same trouble each year.
Say ma one of the fellows here has a camera but he can't get films. Would you try to get some rolls. The no is AGFA PB 20. O.K.
So everything is all right with Clifford's wife. I am glad to hear that.
Well I believe that's about all for now. I hope you had a very happy Easter & I hope you are all in the best of health.
I will try to write early next week. So until them I remain.

Your Loving Soldier Boy,
Tony

P.S. I also received the shoes (track shoes) - thanks.

Dear Helen

4-21-43

Dear Helen,

Here it is Wed. night & the sun is setting beyond the horizon. I really should say it is finally setting. It must have rained & sun shined about 50 times today. Off & on, but I'm getting kind of use to it now.
It's been a very busy week up here, so far away from it all. Last Mon. (12) I got 24 hr. guard duty. Two hrs. on & four hours off. Guard duty isn't so bad, but it gets kind of lonely walking around in the dark. I always start to think of different things & about back home etc., and gosh it makes me feel awful homesick.
During the week we had calisthenics and lectures on different topics and a few hikes thrown in. It may seem like a simple routine but from the time we get up in the morning (6 am) till 6 pm we are on the go all the time, with a few ten minute breaks thrown in here & there. In other words we don't have any time for ourselves during the day. So in the night we have to take care of all our personal needs & still try to have a good time. Well if you think we don't have a good time, you're mistaken. We have a good time by kidding around in a decent way or go to the post theatre or go to any dance on the post.
Well Thurs. night I went to a dance at the post recreation hall. Boy was it lousy. They had about 6 soldiers to every girl & the girls dancing wasn't anything to talk about. Oh why couldn't they leave me at J.B. for a few more months. I don't think I'll ever stop feeling sorry for myself.
Friday night I went to the post theatre and saw "Forest Rangers" with Fred Macunny (sp?) & Paulette Godard. It was a very good picture.
Sat. is our regular day for inspection. We all passed believe it or not.
This past Tuesday I got K.P. again. It wasn't so bad. I'm getting quite a knack for it now. Pretty soon I'll be an expert.
You know whenever I receive a letter from you, I just (?) away into the corner & read it and I'll be gosh darn if there isn't a perpetual smile on my face. Even my buddies say "It must be a letter from Helen." Even he knows you now.
Before I forget it, thanks for your Easter card. I must say it was very appropriate, symbolic & colorful. (I also like cards an awful lot). By the way, my sister works for Hall Bros. Inc., the maker of Hallmark cards. I noticed the card you sent me was a Hallmark card. They do turn out some beautiful cards. What do you say on the subject being you associate with it at your time of pleasure.
My sister (youngest) was in N.Y. the other day and sent me some post cards which will also help you obtain a picture of N.Y.C. And while on the subject I want to thank you immensely for postcards etc. on St. Louis. I found it very interesting & will send it home to show my family with your compliments.
This afternoon I was interviewed & classified for the fourth time since I'm in the army. I was again classified as a topographic draftsman. I will not go to actual school. I guess they figure I have enough background to carry out my task & to do a well enough job without further schooling. It's O.K. with me as I probably will still get my rating in due time.
I will enclose my picture.
I'm glad to hear you are going to play tennis. I think everybody that has an office job should get plenty of exercise during the summer & even after working hrs. if possible. Being you go to dances, you get exercise. When I was home that's the only way I got exercise, just by dancing. Sometimes I got an awful workout too.
As it stands, I think it's fairly complete, but not as complete as I could like to write, but I will try to write more next time. O.K.
So until I hear from you I will be waiting filled with anxiety. Hoping you & your family are in the best of health.

Remaining As Ever
Tony

Dear Helen

4-10-43

Dear Helen,

Here I am in Washington. It seems to get further all the time. But at least I settled for awhile anyway.
We arrived here last Wed. (March 31), and we have been a bit busy since them. Why on Thursday, Apr. 1, (April Fools Day) I had K.P. They certainly didn't waste any time, but it was the easiest day of K.P. I ever had. From 7 am to 6 pm, and didn't do anything all day. Maybe I fooled the army for one day.
Our trip was another nice one. It was almost the same scenery as the trip from "God's Country" (J.B.) to Calf. with one added attraction. In Oregon there were a good many lumber camps, but I missed seeing any logs slide down the Mt. side. Maybe next time.
This time we saw the Cascade Mts. as we passed thru the states. In that Mt. range you probably heard of Mt. Rainier, one of the biggest mts. in the U.S. Well we are about 35 miles from that huge mass. And although it has rained almost every day since we've been here (rainy season), there has been a couple of clear days which made it possible to see the huge mt. tower up into the clouds. And when the sun hits it, it gives a wonderful sight because it is completely covered with snow. I'll try to get some post cards so you can get an idea of what it looks like.
As you see by the address I am in the Engineer Aviation Battalion, in Headquarters & Service Co. It is an overseas training group & we will probably have to by-pass school. It's just by the no.'s; the army needed some men in the outfit, so here we are. It didn't make any difference just what you were, because we have a lot of trades here & most of the men have a high education. We're in for some good complete training. Maybe you heard of the Engineering corps. of the army & their training, well the lieutenants here say it's a lot tougher. But the tougher the better, I'm all set for it. It only makes you a better soldier & if there is anything I like is strict military discipline. That's why I like J.B. No matter where I go, they all seemed to hear of J.B. and their good training. Even in the post paper they printed a little piece which I shall enclose. (Get what I mean-after you read the article).
That's not the only reason why I liked J.B. either. If you get what I mean. They say Tacoma is a very dead town. That makes me miss you that much more.
During the past week we have been doing a bit of drill & calisthenics each day. I can see by that alone that our training is going to be tough. We do the daily dozen, which is a group of 12 exercises, which really make you do a bit of puffing. And mind you this is not our training but just something to get us in shape until the real thing comes along. They say when our real training starts we won't have much time for ourselves, that's the only bad part about it, because I just want enough time to write. I don't care how hard the training is as long as I get time to write to all my friends & most of all my family. If I don't get time to write during the week I have to do it all on Sunday then. That's our day of leisure here unless you get stuck with K.P. But I don't fear it too much as I usually find time, even if I have to sit in the latrine all night.
It happened to me the other day about 4 pm. I was standing there as usual, with the same old look on my face, and my name was called out, and the expression on my face suddenly changed; naturally it changed because I got a letter from a Miss Helen Riley. Whose face wouldn't be glad (my heart too) when one receives a letter that you know is going to make you happy. And believe me Helen, I certainly do get happy when I receive a letter from you and believe me again, this one certainly did the trick to a tee. And believe me again it certainly was a long letter. I hope I receive a lot more like that.
In your second paragraph you talk about looking at pictures. Would it be silly if you would look at them once again and send one to me? It would help a bit to make up for that certain Sunday we were going to take pictures. Remember?
I took some pictures at J.B. & sent them home to be developed & my mom sent them back. That's all I'll say about the pictures except that if you want one of those things you can have it & use your own judgment on what to do with it. It's your choice.
You flatter me by your idea on spending a cheap vacation. But I have an idea on the subject too. On your next vacation, take a trip from St. Louis to Calf. and see how much one can't put in writing. Because as I said before, it's one of those things "Seeing is Believing."
I think I'll have to send you a map of the U.S. So you know what's what. I think that's a good idea. Don't you? Well whether you do or not, I'll send you one anyway.
I'm sorry to hear that Mary is sick. I hope she recovers quickly. I hate to hear of anyone being sick.
I'm glad you did have a good time on Sat. 13. You can double that for me. As as I said once before, it's one in the books for me.
As for you coming in to J.B. you know gosh darn well I took it in the right spirit. Before I even asked you I knew it was a chance in a million, but I thought I would try anyway. There is no harm in trying, especially for one so dear as you.
And so I will close this letter hoping to hear those little things you jotted down very soon & wishing everybody is in the best of health and hoping Mary is one included in that word "everybody."

Sincerely
As Ever
Tony

Dear Ma, Pa, Barb, Ann, Ele, Letter No. 37

Pvt. Anthony J. Curcio
1875 EN. AVN. BN. Co. H & S
McChord Field, Wash.

Date 4-3-43
Letter No. 37

Dear Ma, Pa, Barb, Ann & Ele,

Well how is everybody? I didn't hear from home in so long I just pray everything is O.K. I'm pretty sure it is but I still would like to know how everything is taking place. I dropped a line last night of my address just so you would know my address & I would get mail that much sooner.
I shall start from the beginning when I left Hammer Field. We left there at 4 P.M. (Monday 29) in Pullman cars. Boy they were nice. The porter came around and fixed the bunks and we had a good sleep. In the morning he would come around & make the bunks again. That's O.K. huh!
Right after we started to travel the sergeant came around and asked who would like to have K.P. at $ .40 an hour. He wanted 4 fellows. So I volunteered. It really wasn't K.P. but a waiters job. They have a dinner car which feeds 36 at one time & the table has to be cleaned off & reset for each setting. After all were fed we could go back to our cars & wait until next meal. So it was pretty easy. And we could eat all we wanted too. And one of the porters made a collection & when the trip was over they split the money. I got a dollar & seventy-five in tips & $4.00 for the hrs. So I made a total of $5.75. Not bad huh. The reason they paid us instead of taking regular K.P.s was the army hires the train with cooks & waiters to serve us our meals but they were short of help. That's where we came in.
Now a word about the trip. We traveled up thru California, thru Oregon, thru Washington to McChord Field, which is about 14 miles away from Tacoma & about 5 miles away from Seattle. The scenery was much the same as the St. of Colorado. Very mountainous. This time we passed thru the Cascade Mts. The St. of Oregon had a lot of lumber camps. We also passed Mt. Shasta (14,181 ft. high). It was once an active volcano. We saw the lava beds a little ways passed the Mt. We arrived at McChord Field about 6:30 Wed. morning. This place is also an air port, but we are not connected with it. We were given barracks, bedding, got examined and slept. Then I shot down to the P.K. and practically [?] the place out. I got your present & sent it out already. I hope you like it. I got Grandma a pillow case & a little air corp pin which I also pinned on the pillow case. I also got you one ma, which I put in the present. I also got Barb, Ann & Ele one so you all can pin them on your dresses. I also got a banner for Eleanor & a "New Testament" which I got at J.B. I got Dad an ash tray. I got Aunt Anna a couple of handkerchiefs. And I also got a pack of Easter Cards. I sent your present & Grandma's. The rest I'll send out later. How did the pictures turn out that I sent home? If they turn out O.K. You can use the picture for the present I got you ma. I'm not going to tell you what it is either. Or maybe you got it already. They you can show it to Aunt Teeny & say "this is what my son sent me." See what she says. (I forgot to tell you, they have a very large & complete P.K. here).
Thursday I had K.P. What a racket. We got up at 5:30 & started work at 7 o'clock, & got thru at 6 P.M. At J.B. we had to get up at 3 and work 'til 8:30. Some difference. They didn't push you around here either. You took your time & everything got done & no squaking either. We talked to the cooks & they even let us taste the food to see whether it had the right taste. That's O.K. huh! But that was at the big general mess hall. Now we have our own little mess hall & have to walk a mile to get there. I don't know how it will be here.
This morning we had a little drill & then some very good Calisthenics. This afternoon we had details to do. Tonight we were all separated into companies. Some were put in Co. A, some Co. B, & the rest in Headquarters & Service. That's what H & S stands for in my address. I think it's the best part of the engineering aviation battalion, I don't know.
I think we will have to bypass school. I think we will get more extensive training here. Those tests we took had nothing to do with why we were shipped here for more training. There are many college graduates here right with us. It's just by the no's. They needed some men, so we were sent here. That's how the army works. It will be pretty good though, as long as we get training. I don't mind as much not going to school as I don't think I would learn too much in those schools. Our classification came with us so it may help us get a rating. But I'm not jumping to any conclusions. I tell you how things progress as we go along.
I started this letter last night & will finish it today (Sat.) unless we have to do something.
Sat. morning ( this morning) we had drill by 2nd leutenants & calisthenics. Then we had a detail. In the afternoon we had to G.I. the barracks.
Ever since we arrived here it's been raining. Very little Sun. But today it was pretty good. The sun shined a bit. You see this is the rainy season for this section.
Today the clouds lifted, and we see one of the tallest mountains; Mt. Rainier. We are about 40 miles from it. It extends way up into the clouds and most of the time you can't see it for that reason. It's 14,140 ft. high. The mountain is always covered with snow. It's really a wonderful sight. I'll try to get some pictures up the P.K. & send them to you.
Well I think that's about all for tonight & I will write you soon. I hope you are all in the best of health (I am) and I hope to hear from you real soon. So until then I remain,

Your Loving Soldier Boy,
Tony

P.S. I probably have time to write about the middle of next week. I will also try to send the rest of the packages out. By the way, did you show Aunt Teeny the present yet?

Dear Ma, Pa, Barb, Ann, Ele, Letter No. 36

Pvt. Anthony J. Curcio
1875 EN. AUN. BN.
McChord Field, Wash
U.S. Army

Date 4-1-43
Letter No. 36

Dear Ma, Pa, Barb, Ann & Ele,

I got K.P. today. It was the easiest I ever had. I won't have time to tell you everything tonight, but I do want to send my address. I will tell you everything in my letter tomorrow. It's a pretty nice place. Well I'm not goint to tell you anymore because if I start the lights will go out & I'll be in the midst of a letter so goodnight until tomorrow.

Love & Kisses from
Your Loving Soldier Boy,
Tony

P.S. Please write right away.

Dear Helen

March 22, 1943

Dear Helen,

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

Sincerely As Ever,
Tony

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

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

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

Date 3-19-43
Letter No. 31

Dear Ma, Pa, Barb, Ann, Ele,

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

Your Loving Soldier Boy,
Tony

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

Good Night.

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

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

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

Dear Ma, Pa, Barb, Ann & Ele,

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

From Your Loving Soldier Boy,
Love & Kisses,
Tony

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

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

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

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

Dear Ma, Pa, Barb, Ann, Ele,

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

Your Loving Soldier Boy,
Tony

Dear Ma, Pa, Barb, Ann, Ele, Letter No. 23

Pvt. Anthony J. Curcio
Flight "A" 31 T.S.S.
U.S. Army
Jefferson Barracks, MO

Date 2-26-43
Letter No. 23
Rec'd 28-29-30

Dear Ma, Pa, Barb, Ann & Ele,

I can't write much tonight because it is 8:30, lights out at 9 & I got K.P. tomorrow.
Yesterday I went thru regular routine & in the night I wrote a letter to Ele & then fell asleep.
Today we had a very interesting lecture & exhibition on camouflage. It was really very informational & I enjoyed it very much. I have pictures I clipped out of the paper about it & I will send them to you later.
Tonight my name was called out to get a shot. So I had to march over to the other side of the camp for a shot. My arm doesn't hurt anymore when I get the shots.
I just got back so I thought I better write tonight because I got K.P. We have to get up at 3:30.
I will answer your letters in my next letter.
There is just one thing that you said that made me feel a bit depressed. In fact I was worried about it ever since I got your letter (#30). You said that I said that I threw all your letters away. Well ma I don't recall writing anything like that at all. I couldn't say that because I have every letter you sent me. In fact I have every letter anybody sent me. I intended to send them home when I get a big batch. I wish you would look at that letter again. In fact I wish you would send it to me. I would like to look at it. If there is anything which you misunderstood I would like to know about it so I can be more careful of what I write. You know ma your letters mean so much to me & that I wouldn't throw them away. I always kept little things that meant something to me & I always will.
I think that's all I can say right now.
I received Bobby's letter & will answer that one when I answer yours.
So until you hear from me I hope you all are in the best of health & hoping the letter makes you very happy because of the misunderstanding. Give my love to Grandma I don't think I'll have time to write.

Your Loving Soldier Boy,
Tony

Dear Ma, Pa, Barb, Ann, Ele, Letter No. 18

Pvt. Anthony J. Curcio Date 2-15-43
Flight "F" 360 T.S.S. U.S. Army Letter No. 18
Jefferson Barracks, MO. Rec'd 21

Dear Ma, Pa, Barb, Ann, Ele,

Well here it is Mon. morning & it started to snow again. It was very cold on the drill field so they let us go back to our huts a little earlier. That's how I got the time to start this letter & will probably have time to finish it tonight.
Yesterday we had K.P. One day of [?]. We had to get up at 3 am & we worked 'til 8 at night. But it isn't so bad, in fact, most of the fellows would rather have K.P. than be on the drill field. My job at K.P. was to put the bowls & cups into trays to be sent thru the sterilizer. I got an easy job this time. After that's finished we mopped the floor & then did little things around to waste time until dinner came & then we went thru the same procedure. So you see it really isn't so bad. Boy let me tell you all, we had some meal there. I think it's one of the best one I've had so far. It seems I have developed an appetite & just want to keep on eating and eating even though I'm full. For dinner I had ham, potatoes, carrots & peas, celery, soup & crackers, bread & butter, coffee, pie & ice cream, then I went up for some more ham & potatoes & another piece of pie & ice cream, oh yes & an apple. I really don't know where I put it all. But ma, no matter how good I say the meal is here, there is nothing I would like better than one of your meals. All the meals here are just lacking that little touch of yrou hand & that extra flavor that counts so much.
We have a new system of eating now. (I don't like it). We have to wait 'til a whole table is finished lined up (10 at a table) and then we all sit down together. When the last person is finished (me) we all get up and go out together. It certainly is a nice style but I like to take my time and I'm usually the last one done. But I guess I'll get used to it. (So I had to stop this letter until the night).
I had to leave for chow & then we went to drill and we drilled all afternoon in the snow. (It was snowing). Then we had to run & go down a steep hill & everybody was slipping, etc., me being one of them. I sprained my ankle a little but it's all right now. Besides I'm resting up tonight (as I usually do at night).
I don't know whether I told you of the routine, I mean the times we do things during the day, so I shall state the times.
At 5 o'clock we get up, we get dressed, mop up, straighten up the hut, make the fire, wash up & fall out for chow at 6:20, after chow about 7 o'clock to 7:30 we polish our shoes & do odds & ends around the hut. We fall out at 7:30 for roll call & then they take us tp the drill field (which is a walk over hill & dale) we drill from 8 to 11:30 (usually the same thing & a little added each day). We come back to our area for roll call & go to chow about 12 o'clock. From chow we come back to our huts or go to the latrine & fall out for drill about 12:45. We drill from 1-4:30 (we get a ten minute break) we come back from the drill field for mail call & go to chow about 5:40. When we get back from chow (about 6:20) we got the rest of the time for ourselves. Lights go out at 9 o'clock. The latrine is open all night. I make a visit usually each night (It's about 300 yds. from our hut). At night most of the fellas wash their clothes or take showers or go to town or go to some amusement in the camp. The only place I went was to see "Arsenic & Old Lace" as I told you & when I went to St. Louis to get your pillow case.
The Sargent made a little speech tonight and said we had the huts better than any in all the rest of the flights and we were on the top of the list. He also apologized for us having K.P. Sunday. But he said it was beyond his control. He just got his orders & he had to carry them out. He is really a nice fellow.
How is that summary, O.K.? I guess I should have wrote it a lot sooner but I really don't have much time to think to[o] much.
Today one or the fellows (the fellow that got all the food stuffs from his folks) received his camera, and guess what it was exactly the same as mine, exactly the same. How is that for a coincedence. We will probably take pictures Sunday. The sargent promised us if we're here we don't have to work on Sunday. We got his word. I say if we are still here because if they really need men in certain branches they ship them to another camp & they get their basic & schooling together. 3 fellows were shipped out yesterday as I told you in the last letter. That's why I told you not to come. It coule have very well been my branch they would have called.
Ma could you get (or anybody) me a map of the U.S. or something I could follow the places where I went or will go. I remember when we came on to here, it would have been much more interesting to spot the places as we passed them, right?
Today I received your letter, a letter from Grandma & Aunt Anna, & one from Aunt Margaret. Aunt Margaret doesn't say much just asked me how I am.
You say in your letter ma, I asked questions in my letters that you already answered. What are they ma? I know I asked you about Frank's address, but as I told you, your letter was delayed at Camp Upton & I received it a few days ago & wrote Frank immediately. As for Eleanor - well I think I will have to find time to write her a letter.
Holidays mean nothing to us in the army. One day is the same as another.
I haven't got my leather gloves with me. And I try to take care of my clothes the best of my ability.
The fellows in my hut are swell fellows. There are 4 fellows from N.Y., 2 from Fall City, Nebraska, 1 from Kansas City, Missouri. All are my age except one from N.Y. He's a quite gentle type man of 35. A swell fellow, but doesn't take to much. I get along with them very well although I really can't call one really my buddy. I guess I will have to stay a little longer to really call them my buddies. Although they are the friendliest bunch you ever saw.
Ma ask me all the questions you want, as I said once before because I really can't write things you would like to know because I don't know what you would like to know. I try to write as much as I possibly can but there are always those little things that are [of] so much value to you that I probably wouldn't think of. Isn't that right? So I say again ask me all the questions you want to, O.K., ma?
It really seems a very long time since I went away from home, because so much happened to me since I left. Yet when I sit down & think it seems like only yesterday since I went away. I miss you all so much.
I'm just finishing up Ann's cookies while writing this letter. I really am ashamed of myself for eating theym all myself but they were too delicious to spare. I hope I'm not selfish. I even take them to drill field with me. Well I think that's all for now. So I'll sign off now.

Your Loving Soldier Boy,
Tony

Dear Ma, Pa, Barb, Ann, Ele, Letter No. 17

Pvt. Anthony J. Curcio Date 2-13-43
Flight "F" 360 T.S.S. U.S. Army Letter No. 17
Jefferson Barracks, MO. Rec'd 20

Dear Mom, Pa, Barb, Ann, Ele,

Well to begin, I'm eating the cookies Ann made ever since I got them about 12 this morning. They are the tops. How did you know I liked chocolate chip cookies? I gave one to each fellow in the hut & they all liked them very well. (They only got one apiece. It may be stingy but I really do like them too much to spare any more). Thanks Ann.
Well today it snowed (early this morning) and boy was it cold over here. But we had to drill just the same. In the afternoon we drilled & did an obstacle course. First we had to run up & down steep hills (with our overshoes on & the snow we had a good time). We thought it was all over after that but we had to go thru an obstacle course, climb fences, climb hills, crawl thru pipes, cross bridges, etc. It was a lot of fun but I'm a bit tired just now. But I'm getting used to it. It seems [to] grow into you when you get it regular & you don't mind it. Tonight I was going to rest up & tomorrow I was going to write letters & go to a show or something - but a list came in tonight & we all get detail tomorrow so instead of my day off I have to serve K.P. Isn't that mean? But I'm not squawking because it has to be done & it will be done. Right ma. Boy what a man you're going to have when I get out. A hundred percent better. I'm glad you liked the pillow case & pictures ma. I'll try to get you a big picture when I get organized & have an emblem on my arm, etc. I will try to get an emblem I mean a banner if they have one. I 'm glad Elfieda is coming down. I hope you had a nice time.
You could send me some woolen socks ma. It must have slipped my mind in the other letters. Also come handkerchiefs.
Ma didn't I write Mrs. B. Salg on all the envelopes? I was pretty sure I did. And what did I answer in the other letters that you asked me? Tell me so I can get an idea of what things she will talk about. Or is that a silly question?
Thank Grandma for the thought about the cherries. The money will come in just as handy so thank Grandma a million times. How is Grandma feeling?
Gee dad is getting pretty good in writing letters. Thank dad for the money. It certainly will com in handy. You say I didn't mention your valentine. Well I was almost positive I did. You just look over the letters. But thanks again incase I was mistaken.
One of the fellows mothers sent him a salami roll, a round loaf of Italian bread, cookies, figs, candy and batch of other food, o yes sausage too. Boy did we get a laugh at that one. It cost a dollar or something to send it. So we had a little feast.
I include a couple of postcards I got for your collection ma.
Well I think I've answered everything & I think I will go to bed early tonight because I won't be able to rest up tomorrow. So until my next letter I hope you all are in the best of health. Thanks again for all the gifts. It makes me feel like it's home when I get so many gifts. Good night.

Your Loving Soldier Boy,
Tony

P.S. I wouldn't come out to see me ma, I am so sorry to say because 13 fellows were shipped out tonight & it could have very well have been me. I don't want to take the chance even though my chances are pretty good of me staying here. Ma[y]be my next camp will be closer. Keep your fingers crossed. XXXXXXXX

Dear Ma, Pa, Barb, Ann, Ele, Letter No. 14

Pvt. Anthony J. Curcio Date 2-9-43
Flight "F" 360 T.S.S. Letter No. 14
Jefferson Barracks, MO. Rec'd card 4, 14, 16

Dear Ma, Pa, Barb, Ann, Ele,

It is after 9 & lights are out so I came to the latrine to write this letter.
I dropped you a card telling you I had K.P. on Mon. Well as I said it wasn't so bad. Sometimes we just didn't have anything to do. They had a system here. And the dishes certainly are a heck of a lot cleaner. They sterilize them here.
When we wasn't busy we just had to do something to make us look busy & there was nobody to push the heck out of you.
When we got out of K.P. we had to go back and get our huts clean for G.I. inspection. Boy did I sleep after that.
Tues. we were taken on the drill field and drilled. After regular drill & calisthenics we had to run up & down hills & each time the sarg. blew the whistle we had to drop on our stomachs. We had to do the same thing in the afternoon. It certainly makes you tired but after it's all over & you was up you feel like a million bucks. In the night (tonight) we had to see a picture on military courtesy. That's the reason I'm in the latrine.
Well I guess that's all for today & I will answer your letters. I got 6 letters today. A beautiful valentines card from Mom & Dad. One letter from Ann. Thanks, Ann. It's good to hear from everybod[y]. Letter #4 which was delayed from Camp Upton & had Franks address in it. That's why I kept asking all the time. So I wrote a letter to Frank just before I wrote this one. I got two letters from Ma. One of which had the two dollars in it. Ma how did you know I was pretty low on money? In my letter I wrote Sunday, I said so, but you didn't receive that letter before you wrote that one. I guess it's telepathy. Could be huh.
The food is still good & plentiful. But I would give a hundred bucks for a meail like yours ma. I really think the army life is putting weight on me. My pants are beginning to shrink already (I mean the waist) & I didn't wash them yet.
Ma, you know I brush my teeth but it's good to be reminded of it because I forget once in awhile. Everything you taught me, like not changing clothes as soon as it gets a little warmer, etc. helped me out tremendously because the weather is so changeable here.
I'm glad to hear Ele is playing that piano frequently. Has Ele learned anything new yet?
To make my be in the morning it's just routine now. In fact this is our routine. I don't think I told you yet.
We get up at 5, dress, fall out for roll call, straighten our huts, shine shoes, mop the floor, go to chow, come back to our huts, got to drill field, come back 11:30, mail call, chow, got to drill field, back again, mail call, chow, after chow we have off. So far we had off very little. Well that's our routine every day you get used to it & we just got to like it. Well I sign off now & I'll write Ele tomorrow night as we have to go to the show again.

Love, Tony

Dear Ma, Postcard

(front of postcard)

Pvt. Anthony J. Curcio Date 2-8-43
Flight "F" 360th Tech. S.S.
Jefferson Barracks, MO.

Dear Ma,

We got our list yesterday for those men on K.P; our whole unit was on.
So Monday we got up at 3 o'clock, made our beds, marched to the mess hall, worked 14 hrs. But ma, here K.P. isn't half as bad as Camp Upton. In fact I didn't mind it at all.
When we got back (8 o'clock) we had to scrub our huts and straighten our huts for G.I. inspection. Boy do they keep us busy. I'll try to write tomorrow.
Try to call Ele. Thanks

Love
Tony