Dear Ma, Pa, Barb, Ann & Ele Letter No. 124

Anthony J. Curcio
Co. B - 22 Tank Bn. A.P.O. 261
Camp Cooke, Calif.
 
5/1/44 
Letter No. 124
Rec'd  183-185

Dear Ma, Pa, Barb, Ann & Ele,

Well here it is Monday night and I got a few free minutes to write before it gets too late.  All last week we've been pretty busy that I couldn't find the slightest time to write.  Monday we had a problem which took all day and when we got in late at night we had to wash out fatigues so would be clean for the next day.  Tues. we had another problem and tues. night I was on guard duty.  Wed. (4/26/44) we worked on tanks all day and at night we went on a problem in the pouring rain.  There is always one thing we must do before we leave the tank, no matter where we are or what time it is and that is clean them up.  That's one thing I learned.  In that rain my watch got wet and now it won't run.  I told you I was going to send it home but I guess I didn't do it soon enough.  The only watch I can use here is a weatherproof, shockproof watch.  When I send it home I wish you get it fixed & then hold it for me OK?  Thurs. I got my other wisdom tooth pulled and he had to cut the gum but I didn't feel anything until the Novocaine wore off.  They gave me some pill to make me sleep & I felt so sleepy for the longest time.  He was a very good dentist and everything is fine now.  Fri. it was the same routine and in the night we had to clean the barracks.  Sat. I got that pass to Los Angeles I told you about and we got a chartered bus there and back.  We left camp about 1 o'clock PM and got there about 6:30 Sat. night.  The first place we went was the Hollywood Stagedoor Canteen.  And guess what?  Carole Landis came in and started to dance with all the service men.  They were all jitterbugging.  One dances for about 20 seconds and then another one cuts in.  So I cut in and danced with her.  But I didn't get much of a kick out of it as she seems just like another person.  But after all that's just what she is, another person.  Marsha Hunt was there also and she looks just like you see her in the pictures, as for Carole Landis, I don't think I would recognize her on the street, although she is very beautiful.   We went to the show after that and saw "Cover Girl."  It was very good.  We slept at the Hollywood High School.  If you look in the "Life" magazine (April 10) you will find more than I can tell about the Hollywood H.S.  We went to mass at the beautiful Blessed Sacrament church and it was a very good sermon.  After that we ate & then at 1 o'clock we went to the Lux Radio Playhouse and I got such a kick out of it.  It took me right back home because all those Monday nights we used to gather around the radio and listen to Lux programs were made so clear well you know what I mean.  It was a rehearsal for tonight's program broadcast all over the nation.  And I know that you would listen to the same thing I saw the day before.  It was "Appointment For Love."  The actors were Olivia De Havilland  & Paul Lukas.  I certainly hoped you wouldn't miss hearing it.  Let me know.  Boy Olivia De Havilland is just as she looks in pictures.  Gosh, she's cute.  Then after the program we went to the U.S.O. for a show.  And I saw Harry Revel the famous song writer.  I got his autograph and I am going to send it to Tiny as she would like it because of her musical background.  Shirley Temple & Ann Rutherford were supposed to be there but they never did show up.  We saw Judy London a movie star and Vince Barnett the famous comedian of picture and radio.  It was a swell show but we couldn't stay because we had to catch the 6 o'clock bus back to camp.  We got in about 1 o'clock last night.  Hollywood is certainly the place to see things and have a good time.  I only wish we had a little more time.  It's really the most beautiful place you ever saw.  I got cards and will send them home in the box with my watch.  While I was in Hollywood I sent you your Mother's day present and I also sent Grandma one.  I may not be able to send a card but I hope the present doe the trick.
I am so glad of the news of what the doctor said and I feel much better now.  It seems like a swell doctor.  I am also glad you are getting the sunshine (when it comes out).
About Eddie and what he said to his mother.  You asked me when I would say things like that when people were around.  Ma, I wouldn't say if people were around or not.  Things like that never enter my mind.  Just remember ma, you have a real son.  I don't think she has.  He isn't close to his mother like I am to you.  
Frank looks the same as he always did.  I think he look real good.
Tell Ele & Bob & Ann I will write when I get a little more time, OK.
In my last letter I asked for air mail stamps and the very next day I got some from Grandma.  Boy we certainly use mental telepathy don't we.  Thank Grandma an awful lot for me.  Tell Grandma I pray every night.  OK, Ma?
I got paid today and as soon as I can get a money order made out I will send some home.  There is a lot more I know there is to tell but I ant think of it all now and time is getting short and lights will be out before I know it.  Tiny is OK and writing frequently.  I also got a letter from Helen Riley from St. Louis.  She writes a swell letter.  I'll close now hoping everybody is in the best of health and very happy.  Tell Grandma I will write as soon as I get a chance.  OK.  Your Loving Soldier Boy,

Tony 

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. 75

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

Dear Ma, Pa, Barb, Ann & Ele,

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

Your Loving Solider Boy,
Tony

Dear Ma, Pa, Barb, Ann & Ele Letter No. 62

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

Date 7/24/43
Letter No. 62
Rec'd 100 & 101 Boy it certainly is getting high

Dear Ma, Pa, Barb, Ann & Ele,

It is now 7:15 in the morning and I'd thought I would write a letter before I got to work. Today we work on the job. Yesterday we had to train.
Yesterday afternoon I went to the dentist. I had 4 cavities and he fixed them all up. I was in the chair about an hour. It just goes to show you that there isn't much work. When there is no money to pay you can get done awful fast. Isn't that right?
Yesterday afternoon (Thurs) we had our regular retreat parade as we do every Thursday. Boy I love a parade. And from the piece that Eleanor got out of "See Here-Private Hargrove," that's morale. I get a thrill when the band sounds off & the airplanes go zooming overhead. That's one thing I like. I am right guide also. The whole battalion has to guide on me! So I have to watch out I'm in line etc. You can ask Boby what right guide is o.k.

I got a letter from Frank the other day. It took over a month to get back to me. It was a swell letter. I answered him right away and wrote a nice long letter.

Wed. nite I saw "Coney Island." Is it in N.Y. now? I mean the picture (joke). It was pretty good.

Elfrieda wrote me a letter (well still writing to each other as usual) and she ask[ed] me my advice on sending you all an invitation. She thought it would offend you all. But that is silly. I'm sure. So if you would like to go let me know & I will tell her. O.K.

Do you think I should try to get my furlough to see Ele get married? It will come pretty close anyway I guess.

Just Davidson & I are in the tent. Borella was the one that went to the other outfit.

I think I will go to the U.S.O. tonite with Peggy. I'll let you know about it.
I hope you can ge the money to me as soon as possible Ma. But I don't expect it too soon anyway. But just in case.

I will close now we have to fall out in a couple of minutes. So until my next letter I remain

Your Loving Soldier Boy,

Tony

Dear Helen

7/22/43

Dear Helen,

I received your very darling letter of July 13. I guess I must thank you for making such cute & appropriate excuses on the delay of my last letter. May I extend that statement a little further and say that you have an extreme quality of common sense & understanding, plus an excellent way of stating your thoughts. I wish everybody I write to could have just half as much as you have. I am afraid it would help ever so much.
I expect a furlough next month. At that time I will relate to some friends why I couldn't write so often & then I shall be forgiven, up until the time when something comes up and it will start all over again. I guess by this time you think my friend are just awful. So I will justify them by saying that I guess I felt the same way about men in the service when I was a civilian with so much time on my hands I didn't know what to do with it. There is one thing that I forget sometimes & that is, there are two sides to every story. That's why I justify or try to justify to myself when I say anything that can be made into two stories. I guess that's the safest way--Right?
Monday we started training again, but I believe it's only for a short period. One of the jobs we have been working on is not complete yet so we train one day & work on the job the next. Boy it's hard to train again after having it pretty easy for awhile. But I'll get used to it.
I went to a few U.S.O. dances but not so many. It's to hot to dance. Do you find (?) it that way? Last Sunday I went to one of the nearby lakes and we went canoeing. When it came the time to go in we had a little race to the dock with a few friends of ours. They had the race well in hand when something happened & over they went. I am sorry to say, but it sure was funny. I said to them, instead of helping them, "hold on I want to take your picture." I never had such a good laugh. But I felt kind of [sic] sorry for them because of their [sic] newly pressed O.D.'s
I just found out that I may still have a chance to go to an army college. But I'm not saying anything until it happens. I hate to disappoint anybody.
I am so happy you got your raise. I guess we both made a little progress in our respective jobs. I guess I can say we both got a raise even though mine is a bit small.
My 3 sisters are going on a vacation Aug. 14. I am a bit scared because my furlough should fall in about that time. I hope it works out O.K. I wouldn't like to ask my sisters to change their plans. That would be mean I guess. I know how much the planning there is in a vacation. Maybe [sic] it's fun. I haven't did it in such a long time I don't remember.
I got my teeth fixed today. I don't think the dentists are half as bad as the fellows make them. He treated me pretty well. And only 4 cavities in 7 months. That's pretty good for me.
I shall close now hoping you are in the best of health.
Sorry I forgot about the weather. It's hot. We didn't get rain for quite awhile believe it or not. Until the next letter, I remain

As ever
Tony