Dear Ma, Pa, Barb, Ann & Ele Letter No. 141

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

Dear Mom, Pa, Barb, Ann & Ele,

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

Your Loving Solider Boy

Tony

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

  
 

Dear Ma, Pa, Barb, Ann & Ele Letter No. 134

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

Dear Ma, Pa, Barb, Ann & Ele,

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

Your Loving Soldier Boy

Tony  

Dear Ma, Pa, Barb, Ann & Ele Letter No. 120

Anthony J. Curcio
Co. B - 22 Tank Bn. A.P.O. 261
Camp Cooke, Calif.
 
4/16/44  Sun.
Letter No. 120
Rec'd

Dear Ma, Pa, Barb, Ann & Ele,

It is Sun. night and I am at the service club writing letters.  I was in Santa Maria last night and I sent a telegram as I didn't receive a letter since I received your card on Thur. and was getting a little worried.  I received your telegram this afternoon and was so happy to receive word so soon.  It made me feel so good everything was OK. and a letter was on its way.
The past few days we didn't do much.  Sat. we went to the firing range and fired the carbine for the first time and guess what I got?  Well you needed 9 out of 24 to qualify and I got a perfect score of 24.  Ain't that swell.  I felt so good.
Fri. night I went to the post theatre and saw "Ladies Courage[ous]" with Loretta Young.  It was about women pilots flying planes to difficult places.  It was very good and Loretta did a swell job as per usual. 
I went with one of the boys into Santa Maria last night as I mentioned before, and we went to the show and saw "None Shall Escape."  It was about the trial of the Nazi prisoners after the war.  It certainly worked you up a bit like all the rest of the pictures with Nazi brutality.  It was a good picture.  
We weren't so fortunate last night as when we got to the U.S.O. all the beds were sold out.  So we still slept in the U.S.O., but on the floor.  It wasn't at all bad tho as I used the cushions from the chairs.  We are allowed to do that, they ever have a sign hanging up saying so.  The U.S.O. is really a good deal.  They try to help us in every way possible.
Sunday morning we went to that sweet little church again.  Boy that certainly is an unusual parrish.  He didn't mention one word about money.  Do you agree with me?
We came back for 12 o'clock chow.  It was pretty good.  
While I as in Santa Maria I picked up a little something, sort of an additional birthday gift.  I wanted to send you something from here.  I thought it was so cute and I just know you'll love it.  And you'll never guess in a million years what it is.  Do you want to make a bet?
Tiny liked her present an awful lot and she just raved about the handkerchiefs.  She said they're too beautiful to use.  She is going to use them to show people instead.  She liked the pin too and she said she was going to buy a dress to show off the pin.  How do you like that?
The wind here is really terrific.  You have to hold on to your hat like a girl does.  But the sun is always shining.  I only wish I could feel it once in a while.
I guess you'll tell me just about everything in your letter so I won't ask any questions yet.  Is the little mut, I mean Sandy, still ripping apart things?  And has he learned that the gutter is the proper place?
I hope everybody is in the best of health and when you write Mom let me know how Grandma is, OK?  I'll write soon again and send off the package as soon as I can.  And please, ma, don't get impatient waiting for it, but I guess you will wait in suspense anyway, but I bet it will be worth it.

Your Loving Soldier Boy,

Tony

xxxxx

 

Dear Ma, Pa, Barb, Ann & Ele Letter No. 114

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

3/6/44
Letter No. 114
Rec'd 176

Dear Ma, Pa, Barb, Ann & Ele,

Well we found out where we are going. It's back to California again. The whole unit is being transferred to the 11th Armored Division, Camp Cook, California. It's about 120 miles from Los Angeles. Santa Barbara I believe it is near. It seems to be a pretty good outfit. We will leave Thursday or Friday of this week and will be about a two day trip.
The term ended on Sat. and as soon as it did Tiny and I hopped on a bus and went to Salem. You see Tiny's term ended Sat. too and she has the whole week off. After we ate at Tiny's house we went to a show. I can't remember for the life of me what the name was. I'm getting awful forgetful. I think it was "What a Woman" with Rosalind Russell. It was awful good tho even tho I'm not sure of the name. Maybe you saw it?
This time I didn't want to cause Tiny's mother any trouble so I got a hotel room for Sat. night. She said I should have stayed at the house but I thought it would be better that way. Sunday morning we went to church and then after church Tiny, her parents and myself went for a ride to Silver Creek Falls. And boy what a beautiful sight to see. The more you see of the west coast the more beautiful it becomes. The Silver Creek Falls is 183 feet high and is in center of a beautiful park. A path winds down the side of a hill and goes right under the falls and it certainly is a thrill to walk under it. I'll try to pick up some pictures if I can.
When we came back we ate a swell meal and we sat around and talked and Tiny played the piano. We left about 8:30 and when I said goodnight to Tiny's mother, Tiny said she got tears in her eyes. It made me feel funny. Tiny drove me down to the station and we talked our parting words. At least I thought they were but I'm going to try to go up and see Tiny Wed. because she went to the hospital today to have her appendix out. They have been bothering her for quite a while now so she thought it would be best. I hope she's O.K. I'm going to call her later on tonight.
Today we went for a short hike this morning and have the rest of the day off. I cleaned up my room and I am sending the letters and some books etc. home. I am sending it C.O.D. if I can because my wallet is low. I hope you don't mind.
I am sending some pictures I got of some of the boys. I have more and will include some in each letter. O.K. I am also sending a group picture of our section last term.
I am in the best of health and Sat. morning I went to Company's dentist and had my tooth fixed. One of the fillings fell out a little while ago. I hope everybody is O.K. If Sandy gets too fresh you better strap on on him. He can't go around biting people. I hope Grandma's arm is better. I'll close now remaining

Your Loving Soldier Boy,
Tony

Dear Ma, Pa, Barb, Ann & Ele (Letter not numbered)

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

2/28/44
Letter No.
Rec'd 174

Dear Ma, Pa, Barb, Ann & Ele,

It seems like we will be shipped sometime during the week of March 5. Where or to what we don't know as yet. We will still continue classes till March 4. We had all our G.I. tests on Fri. & Sat. Feb. 25 & 26. To us the term is finished but we still have to go to classes. Most of the fellows are reading books during their classes.
Over the weekend Tiny & I celebrated because it will probably be our last weekend together. Sat. we went to the show & saw "The Lodger" & "Career Girl." Both were pretty good. After that we went [to] a dance at the Eugene Hotel. They had about 14 couples there and we had a swell time swinging, etc. Sunday morning we went to church. After church we ate and then took a hike because it was an awful nice afternoon. (The sun was out for a change). At night we went to the Westminster House (like last week) to hear the forum again. This time they talked about "Higher Education." It was very interesting.
I am including pictures we finally was able to take. I hope you like them. In the near future you will probably receive a letter from Tiny. She said she was going to write to you. When she does I think it would be nice if you kept corresponding with here just like you do Joe & Frank. I wish Boby would also write to her too after Tiny writes to you.
I received a card from Grandma with air mail stamps. Please thank Grandma for me. I'd much rather say it in your letter as I usually do.
I also received a letter from Ele. As soon as I get a chance and I think I will in the near future I will write to her. I am glad she likes the bandana.
I remember once you said that I should hold on to the furlough money that you sent to me last time. Christmas came along and little things I sent home etc. added up. I figured by the time the program was over in June I would have made it up but the program was cut off all of a sudden and that leaves me with a hole in the bag. So ma I wish you would put about 75 dollars aside in case I do get my furlough after I get shipped. I'll pay it back in the future. I just wanted to let you know in advance. I hope things work out O.K.
I'll close now hoping you are all in the best of health and very happy.

Your Loving Soldier Boy,
Tony

P.S. After looking at those pictures of Tiny you can see why I hate to leave here. You can tell by the expression on her face she is sweet and kind. And she is a person I'll never forget, and a friend I'll always have.

Dear Ma, Pa, Barb, Ann & Ele Letter No. 112

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

2/21/44
Letter No. 112
Rec'd 171, 172

Dear Ma, Pa, Barb, Ann & Ele,

As you probably already read in the papers the A.S.T.P. is closing down (that is Engineering) in all the colleges by April 1. So we probably won't even start the third term. Nothing is official yet what they are going to do. When they do break up, they will probably send us to the same branch of service we came from. Not the same unit, but the same type of Branch of Service. It's certainly going to feel funny leaving this place especially leaving Tiny. She's certainly been swell to me and we certainly had a swell time together. I'll let you know more about the situation as it progresses. As soon as I get to an outfit again I will apply immediately for a furlough. But I'm not going to say anything about a furlough until I am sure what is going to take place. I really shouldn't have any trouble getting a furlough tho, once I get back to an outfit.
Over the weekend Tiny and I went to the show Sat. night and saw "Pistol Packin Mama." It was pretty good. Sunday morning we went to church at 9:30 mass. Sunday afternoon Tiny treated me to dinner and after dinner we went to the show again and saw "Johnny Come Lately" with James Cagney. I liked it an awful lot. Sunday night they had a forum at one of the houses so we dropped over for awhile. They spoke on community planning as a protection against juvenile delinquency. It was very educational.
After church on Sunday morning (I forgot to tell you this) we took a walk around town near the Mill Stream and we made friends with a few of mother nature's pets. We were sitting near the mill and there was a squirrel on the other side of the stream. He sat on the limb of a tree for a while and looked at us. Then he went down, climbed up another tree and jumped from the limb of one tree to the limb of another tree (this tree being on the side we were on). He started to come towards us when a black cat came up from nowhere and started to chase him. Boy did we get a kick out of that. We also saw a woodpecker hitting out a couple of songs.
The weather is pretty nice just now.
So it's really snowing and really laying. That's the first time in a long time.
Whenever Ele goes out with a boy don't forget to approve of him first ma. You know how I would do it if I was there.
I'm glad you all liked the candy.
My blouse is my short coat with the brass buttons.
I'll close now and will let you know how things turn out. I hope everybody is in the best of health and very happy.

Your Loving Soldier Boy,
Tony

Dear Ma. Pa, Barb, Ann & Ele Letter No. 111

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

2/14/44
Letter No. 111
Rec'd --

Dear Ma, Pa, Barb, Ann & Ele,

It's Monday, Valentines Day, and time is certainly flying. I hope you all liked the valentines gifts.
Tiny and I had a pretty successful weekend. Tiny recovered from her sickness by Wed. and although she was a bit weak and tired she said she felt alright. By the end of the week she was fine. I also got rid of my cold. Well Sat. night there was a house dance at the sorority house but at the same time there was a dance at Gerlinger Hall and they were going to have a jitterbug contest. So we stayed at the house dance for awhile and then I told Tiny to put on a skirt and sweater on instead of the silk dress she had on and we went over to the dance. We got in the jitterbug contest and there were only two couples left on the floor. So as soon as the dance was over I went over to the judge and said that the other couple should have the first prize. We could have gotten first prize tho but the judge was a captain from our unit and the other couple was civilians so I thought it best that way. There wasn't any prize anyway. Tiny is pretty good as she wasn't a jitterbug until I made her one for she just knows the steps I taught her. And she's so light I can swing her all over the place. On Sunday she was very tired and a bit sore. But it was a lot of fun. We also got our picture taken at the house dance, as soon as I get it I will send it home.
On Sunday we went to 9:30 mass as usual. In the afternoon we took pictures but we couldn't finish because it started to rain cats & dogs. I hope they turn out tho because the sun wasn't so bright. You know, it doesn't shine much around here. Then we went into the museum on campus. It was nice but I don't like museums so much. Then we listened to some records (not swing) we were so tired we thought we would just sit there and listen to symphony records.
I received the pictures and package. The pictures are swell. Tiny liked them an awful lot too. The package was swell too. You can thank grandma anyway for the cherries ma. OK. Thanks for the letter, Bob. It's good to hear from you.
Those pictures really are swell. Everybody looks so healthy and happy. I'm so glad. And the little pooch is O.K. I hope you keep him ma?
I got quite a kick out of Clinton coming up to see Ele. That's really sharp.
I thought that poem was pretty cute. I'll close now wishing you all the best of health and hope you all are very happy.

Your Loving Soldier Boy,
Tony

Dear Ma, Pa, Barb, Ann & Ele Letter No. 108

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

1/24/44
Letter No. 108
Rec'd 164-165

Dear Ma, Pa, Barb, Ann & Ele,

It's Monday night and it's my turn on charge of quarters. Each one gets his change according to alphabetical order. Tony, my roommate, had it yesterday (Sunday). I was lucky to get it on a weekday. We just have to stay in the orderly room from 6 PM o'clock instead of studying at the study hall.
Sat. afternoon after our 3 o'clock class we had a medical inspection and then Tiny & I went down town. I went to an optician to get my eyes examined because they would tire every once in awhile. He said my left eye was alright but my right eye wasn't too good. He prescribed something different than my G.I. glasses He is going to put them in my civilian frames. He is going to charge me ten dollars. I will let you know how they feel after I wear them for awhile.
Sat. night Tiny and I went to canteen at Gerlinger Hall. We had a nice time there. My shirt got a bit sweated up and was quite wrinkled so Tiny offered to iron it for me. Wasn't that sweet of her. Boy did the house mother laugh when she heard it. I thought it was awful cute tho. And after Tiny did iron it she said she could have made a better job of it if she had sprinkled it first. She's really a swell kid ma.
Sunday morning we went to Church (9:30 mass). We ate down town and then went to the show and saw "Thousands Cheer." It was really swell. Did you see it? I don't remember whether you told me or not. If you did, remember Hose Iterbia, he was the great piano player and conductor? Well that wasn't spelled right. He judged Tiny in a national piano playing tournament and gave her first in it. She also was sitting at the same piano with him when he played already. Her music teacher and Iturbia are the best of friends. Isn't that swell! She felt so good when she saw him. She thinks he's just about tops.
Joe D'Angelo likes candy as far as I can remember ma. Maybe you can pick him up some sort of candy.
That's certainly great news about Frank. About him coming home and also about him meeting his cousin. I was thinking that if and when he does come home he could stop a day at the university here. It's such a short way from San Francisco. What do you say about the idea. I also think it's a great idea about Ann & Frank to get married. Only I'll be disappointed if I can't be an usher.
I am so glad Grandma is up and around again. You give her my love and kisses, OK, ma? I received a swell card from Grandma with the air mail stamps. Always in time. Thank Grandma for me. The weather here is snapping up a little just now but still isn't too cold. I'll close now hoping everybody is in the best of health and very happy.

Your Loving Soldier Boy,
Tony

P.S. Tell Ele not to worry so much about her exams.

Dear Ma, Pa, Barb, Ann & Ele Letter No. 100

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

11/29/43
Letter No. 100
Rec'd 149-150

Dear Ma, Pa, Barb, Ann & Ele,

I'm still recuperating from those G.I. Tests we had. Boy were they tough. But it ain't over yet. We still get tests from the University. I'll let you know how I make out as soon as I get the results.
Last Thursday (Thanksgiving) we had a good turkey dinner. We didn't have to go to study that night. They gave a dance from 7 o'clock to 10:15 it was pretty good. The only trouble we still had to be in bed by 10:30.
We had a pretty nice weekend as usual. We went to the show Sat. night and saw "Let's Face It" with Bob Hope. Boy it certainly was funny. It had us in stitches all during the show.
Sunday morning we went to church and for dinner Tiny invited me over to eat at the sorority house. There were other fellows there but I still felt kind of funny with all those girls there. It wouldn't have been so bad, but Tiny is president and she sits at the head of the table and I had to sit next to her. But I survived. It was a lot of fun. In the afternoon we went to get a Christmas tree for the house. It was a pretty nice one too. Sunday night we went to Gerlinger Hall again.
I think it would be a good idea to send D'Angelo a package ma. He deserves it.
I am glad the dinner was so good ma. I'll never be satisfied until I see one of those delicious chickens in front of me. But I won't squawk ma.
The weather is still pretty good and we didn't have any snow as yet. It won't be long tho.
I got your sweet card also ma. Thanks.
I hope he comes and fixes Grandma's roof before it's too late. What you say is right. There is a time limit.
Give Grandma my love and kisses and I'll close now hoping everybody is in the best of health and hoping you all are happy.

Your Loving Soldier Boy,
Tony

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 Letter No. 95

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

Date 11/1/43
Letter No. 95
Rec'd --

Dear Ma, Pa, Barb, Ann, Ele,

It didn't rain over the weekend but there still wasn't any sun out. It's always cloudy.
We had another swell weekend. We went to the show Sat. night and saw "Stormy Weather" and I liked it an awful lot. We also saw "Aerial Gunner." I saw already tho, but there isn't much of a selection in town. I always get in early on Sat. night because all the girls on the campus have to be in by 12:15. So Tiny has to be in also because she is president and she must set a precedent. It feels good tho because you can get a good nights sleep.
Sunday morning Tiny went to church with me. It was the funniest thing. We were talking a mile a minute to each other and we accidentally passed the church so we got there late so we stayed for another mass, and right after mass they started the 40 hr. devotion so we spent practically all morning in church.
Sunday afternoon (we had chicken again for dinner) we stayed at the sorority house and I was teaching her a few N.Y. steps. At night we went to Gerlinger Hall and they have a swell piano there & she played for me. Next time she is going to get a record made and I will send it to you and then you can see what I mean.
This morning they had a mass for the students & the campus. So my roommate and I went (All Saints Day).
I took in the pictures & they will be done some time this week. I will send them as soon as I get them.
We were notified Sat. that our term would be over on the fourth of Dec. and we only get one week off--from the 4-12--so that means I won't be able to get home. That's one thing I hoped I wouldn't have to write but that's all the time they will give us. So I'll just send my time here in Eugene thinking about home. I guess that that's no Christmas present for you ma, but please don't worry about it and we'll just pray a little harder that this war will be over soon. And at the rate they are going it won't take them long.
I am getting along pretty good with my studies. The algebra test on Sat. was a bit hard but I think I passed it OK.
I received your package ma. Thanks a lot. That gum and candy certainly come in handy. And the shaving kit certainly feels good to use again.
I hope you are all in the best of health and please don't worry, and I am in the best of health. I will write soon again. So until then I remain

Your Loving Soldier Boy,
Tony

P.S. Send my Love & Kisses to Grandma. I will try to write tomorrow.
P.S. I just found a letter in my book. I'll answer it in my next letter. And thank Grandma again for the stamp. Love T

Dear Ma, Pa, Barb, Ann & Ele Letter No. 76

Co. "A" STAR Unit 3902
U. of Idaho, Moscow
8/30/43
Letter 76
Rec'd 112 & 113

Dear Mom, Pa, Barb, Ann & Ele,

Well here it is another Monday and I'm sill here. But I did have a swell weekend. DiFranza & I went to visit Spokane. It's about 70 miles N.W. of here. We left at 4 o'clock. We took a bus & got in Spokane at 7 o'clock. We headed first to the U.S.O. to get a bite to eat. After we ate a band came in, so we stayed there. And boy that band was good. I think it's the best I heard since I'm in the army. And all the girls could dance here. There was was no question about that. The dance was over at 11 o'clock, little did we realize we didn't have a place to sleep. All the dormitories were filled up. We asked a sailor where we could get a place to stay. He said he didn't know, but if we couldn't get a place we could sleep with him. Well that's where we ended up. It was the funniest thing. The three of us in that bed. We couldn't toss & turn like we wanted to and I woke up about 10 times and the sailor said he fell out of bed once. We were so restless we got up at 8:30. We went to the service men's center and had coffee and cake for breakfast and we also took a shower and polished our shoes. Boy those service centers are swell. I guess we won't know what to do without them. We walked around a little and a car came up beside the curve and asked us if we would like to go to some church. He would take us to any church we wanted to go.
They operated through the U.S.O. It almost knocked me over. It was the first time I saw that before. But we didn't go because we had to catch a 12:30 bus back to Moscow and we still had to eat and we didn't know where the church would be. We got the bus and as we were coming back it started to rain. But it was still a nice trip. Boy and what nice scenery. Hill, hills & some more hills. But as we got closer to Spokane the hills got bigger and the pine trees got bigger. It was further up north. Also coming back on the bus we met a young nurse and we talked to her all the way back. She was nice. She came from Lewiston about 40 miles south of Moscow. We had a swell weekend. And DiFranza met a buddy of his from his home town at the U.S.O. at Spokane, and boy were they happy to see each other. Before DiFranza came into the army he used to color postcards and every time we go some place we run across cards that he colored before he came into the army. I'll enclose a card that he did and if you run across any cards with Tichnor Bros. on them you can bet that he did them. He comes from Boston, Mass.
Last night I received 6 letters in mail call. Two cards, one from Ann & one from Mom & Pop. Boy they were swell thanks. I received a letter from Ma, 2 from Anita, and a letter from Elfrieda.
I am so glad Boby is giving you such a swell time ma. And I'm glad you all are having a swell time. Boy did my heart sink when you told me about losing Grandma. I can just imagine how everybody felt especially Grandma. I just can't explain how I felt, wow!
I am so glad you were so surprised about the war bond. Every time I had a few extra dollars I sent Elfrieda it and she saved them for me. I sent her the rest so she could get it off her hands before she got married. She's a good kid. That is a swell present you sent Elfrieda. I just know she will like it an awful lot. She liked mine an awful lot too. As long as she is happy.
I wish you would send the pictures ma. You can wait with the paper. It will be forwarded if I'm shipped. They have a pretty good system here.
I am fine and I hope everybody is ok too. I'll close now and until my next letter I remain

Your Loving Soldier Boy,
Tony

Dear Ma, Pa, Barb, Ann & Ele Letter No. 55

Pvt. Anthony J. Curcio

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

McChord Field, Wash.

Date 6/21/43

Letter No. 55

Rec'd 86 & 87

Dear Ma, Pa, Barb, Ann & Ele,

Here it is Mon. nite and it is raining again, and although it was raining here yesterday too, I was fortunate to have found a spot where it did sunshine. The Air Cadet I was telling you about (Bill Richards by name) and I, put in for 36 hr. passes. That's from 6 o'clock Sat. nite to 6 Mon. morning, but they only gave us 30 hr. passes, which was from 6 Sat. nite to 12 o'clock Sun. nite. Anyway, we got on a bus and took a trip to Seattle, which is about 40 miles from camp. We got there about 8:30 Sat. nite & the first place we hit was the U.S.O. to see where we could sleep. They gave us a ticket for 50 cents. That entitled us to sleep at the Armory in Seattle. It was turned into an Army & Navy dormitory.

From there we went to a dance (naturally) at the Y.W.C.A. From there was sent back to the dormitory to sleep. We got clean sheets & pillowcase & two blankets & a towel. It's really a very nice place. We got up at 10 o'clock, went to breakfast & then started to hunt for a church. By 11:30 we did find one, and a beautiful one at that (St. James Cathedral). It was about the size of St. Barbaras church. We got there late, because the mass started at 11 o'clock. After that we ate dinner.

In the afternoon we went to visit the University of Washington. It is quite alternative and made me wish I was going there. After that we went to a show & saw "Crash Dive." One excellent picture & very exciting. They we ate once more & came back to camp. We got in 11 o'clock last night.

Seattle is quite a nice city, something like N.Y. but not 1/10 as good. Anyway we had a nice time.

I certainly get to see some of the largest cities don't I? N.Y., St. Louis, Seattle. I wonder what it will be next.

At camp I am still surveying on the road job.

I believe by the 1st of the month we will start training again, you know, exercise etc. I think I need it as I am getting a little soft right now.

I am so glad you liked my picture ma. How does Grandma like it? I am sorry you did tell me that Grandma did like it very much. It just slipped my mind for a moment. I only got 3 made, one for you, one for Grandma, & one for Ele. I didn't take any pictures with the film as I found out that cameras are restricted on the post & I am afraid to take it off the post. I am awful sorry. But I may have a chance to take them sometime.

I shall close now. Hope you are all as well as I am, so until I write again, I remain

Your Loving Soldier Boy,

Tony

P.S. Those stickers on the envelope are cute. XXXXXXXX

Dear Ma, Pa, Barb, Ann & Ele, Letter No. 38

Pvt. Anthony J. Curcio
1815 EN. AUN. BN. Co. H & S
McChord Field, Wash.

Date 4-8-43
Letter No. 38
Rec'd 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48 & 2 Cards

Dear Mom, Pa, Barb, Ann & Ele,

How is everybody? I think you answered that question in the letters I received today. I really hit the jack pot. I'll answer all your questions at the end of the letter.
I wrote Sat. night so I shall continue from Sunday. Well Sun. here is our day off. We can do what we wish. (mostly rest up. that's what we'll have to do). We got up 7 o'clock, went to chow at 8 o'clock, went to church at 11:30, in the afternoon I wrote letters & in the night I went to the movie for the first time. I saw "Fight for Freedom." It was pretty good.
Mon. Tues & Wed. we had drill & calisthenics & lectures. We are drilled by lieutenants & I must say the P.I. back at J.B. were a 100 times better. But it's O.K. The calisthenics here are a lot better tho, than back at J.B. Here we do the daily dozen. A group of 12 exercises that are really good & certainly give you a workout. Your really puffing when you're finished. But the tougher the better. This is just preliminary training until the battalion is completely filled with men. I was talking to the lieutenant (there all pretty nice fellows here) and he said we will probably start our real scheduled training about May 1, and that will probably last for about 10 weeks. They say it's really tough & makes you tough also. They all say it's the best outfit there is. Even better than the Engineers of the Army. So once we start I will probably have little time for myself and little time to write, but I will write as much as I can. I feel a little tired tonight and will probably feel like that until I get used to it. But even though I feel tired I can feel my muscles getting tougher. I go to bed early so I get plenty of rest. I imagine that's why we won't have much time for ourselves once we get started.
It will be a long day & early to bed. But if you want to get something out of it, that's the only way to do it. Right?
Tues. night I went to the show and saw "He Hired this Boss." It was pretty good. I went with two fellows I am sticking with. We always stick together whenever possible & have a lot of fun together.
I think that's about all I did & now I will answer the letters.
Oh yes, one more thing. I turned in my laundry for the first time. Now that I'm a bit settled we can turn it in. I believe they charge us $1.50 a month. That's pretty reasonable isn't it?
First of all thanks for the two cards. They are swell & the medal I put on the chain that Elfrieda gave me.
In letter #43 you tell me about the things I could get Grandma & Pop. Being I sent out all the presents already I will wait for the next time.
Ma it would be very nice if you could make the corsage for Elfrieda if you still have the time when this letter reaches you.
Boy our little genius is certainly going to town. I bet she is getting more beautiful every day. Thanks for your little note Ele. You say you are doing calisthenics now (I mean obstacle race). Well it certainly will do you good. It will make you look much better also. Mom even says you are getting thin. That one result from exercise. Keep up your good work.
Here at McChord Field we don't have the obstacle course as yet. They may have one. Just now we do the daily dozen as I explained above. The obstacle course back at J.B. I'll try to explain to you by diagrams on another page.
First we swing on bars & then over a fence.


Then we go under & over hurdles. This is on a level.
Then we go down a steep hill and go across logs, & then jump across a pit.


Then we have to walk across stump about 6" in dia. and then jump off a platform about 6'0" & then over a pile of logs.


Then we (crawl) go through wooden boxes then go down a hill and swing across the ropes & then over a tall wooden ladder.


The whole obstacle course is done on the double (running).

If I get time sometime I'll explain the exercise we have to do here. Just now I haven't the time.
Well what do you think of our obstacle course? Do you think you could do it?
You ask me about horse meat. Well some parts of the horse are good to eat and are tasty. The one fellow here said he had horse meat already & said it's pretty good.
I'm glad to hear you are gaining wt. ma. That's a very good sign. Now I'm not worrying anymore. In fact that sign is good enough for anybody. Right?
Boy how I wish I could see St. Patricks Cathedral again.
That was nice of Elfrieda to send you a bouquet of flowers for your birthday. She is thoughtful isn't she?
I didn't get my glasses yet. They will have to be transferred.
I'm glad Sis is joining Bob's unit again. It will do her a lot of good.
Mom you ask me if it's alright & do I mind whether Ele uses my composition about the twins(?) & about Sis using my shirts. Ma, you know I don't mind. Anything I have belongs to whoever wants it. Never ask me or say do I mind because I never will mind.
The pictures were pretty good. I like the one in the squat position best. The one you liked.
Well I think that's all & I shall close hoping you all are still in the best of health. How is Grandma? Aunt Anna doesn't say much about Grandma. Let me know.
I shall close remaining

Your Loving Soldier Boy,
Tony