Dear Ma, Pa, Barb, Ann & Ele Letter No. 148

Sept. 10, 1944
Sunday
#148

Dear Ma, Pa, Barb, Ann & Ele,

It is Sunday afternoon & the sun is trying its darnedest to break through.  It's a flip of the coin whether it will or not though.  Talking about weather, remember I told you it was sweltering in L.A.; Well the next day I read in the paper it was 103 degrees.  I guess it was hot huh!  Another thing--when I was in L.A. my eyes did burn me an awful lot (that's one reason I went to the show I thought it was the sun) but I also read in the paper that it was the gas from the industrial factories that caused it.  I'll enclose 2 clippings which will explain everything.
I had to break it off here as one of the boys wanted me to go to the show.  And boy it was a good show.  "Arsenic and Old Lace" with Cary Grant, Raymond Massey, Priscilla Lane.  It was really good.  After seeing the show I remember seeing the stage play in N.Y. a long time ago.  I couldn't say which was the better.
Fri & Sat I had guard.
This morning I went to 11 o'clock mass.  I was surprised he didn't give a sermon today.
Say mom, in one of my letters to Helen I asked her if she would like to correspond to you and I just got a letter back and these are her exact words, "I should be tickled to death to correspond with your mother."  I told her it would make you so happy and I'm sure it will.  At least when you correspond with Helen ma you won't have any trouble as she always has plenty to say.  Not like Tiny.  What do you say?  Did you answer the thank you note she sent you?  If not why don't you ma?  I wish you would ma.  In fact ma after writing to her you will probably feel like you have another daughter.  And that's exactly the way I wish you would feel.  I do have intentions and if my intentions work out all right she will be your daughter after the war.  You could write just about anything as she writes just about ordinary things that would happen to anybody & boy they sure do sound funny.  Just in her last letter, I'll just quote one paragraph "Last night you know what happened?  First I let the potatoes fry too long and then when I was ready to put the bowl on the table I picked it up on the hot side and it was so hot I dropped the bowl, potatoes & all on the floor and even broke the dish.  Mary (her sister) and I had to almost fight to keep the baby from sitting in the middle of it.  He wanted to play in the fried potatoes.  Anyway when Jane (her other sister) came home last night she exclaimed "What no potatoes."  Guess I did it.  When I came home from church last night I took songs down in shorthand from the radio and sat on the floor in the living room and typed it out.  I wasn't a bit tired last night and at 12:00 I finally decided to turn in."  
That's one of her typical paragraphs so you see you won't have a bit of trouble corresponding with her.  In your next letter just tell her you would be delighted to correspond with her.  OK, ma?
I am glad Ann got the bracelet fixed.  Doe she like it?  (You could write things like that to Helen).  (Or that Ann just got finished baking cupcakes).  You see how easy it is.
I am so glad Dr. Trombly's report was good.  I guess that is all he can say ma, but as long as he does say that and nothing else is all that matters, right?
I hope Ann doesn't start having headaches again.  I hope she's better now.
So Ele & Bob are stepping out together.  That tickled me.  Yes please do let me know whether Clinton (It seems like all the Clinton's fall for Ele) makes the date.  This is like a continued serial.
I didn't get the course yet.  I probably will real soon now.  I'll let you know.
Well ma I am so glad you are O.K., that always makes me feel tops too.  Give Grandma my love.  Hope everybody is in the best of health.  Until my next letter I remain

Your Loving Soldier Boy

Tony

P.S. I'll enclose a few clippings for your scrapbook.  Love, T

 
 
    

Dear Ma, Pa, Barb, Ann & Ele Letter No. 145

Aug. 27, 1944
Sunday
#145

Dear Ma, Pa, Barb, Ann & Ele,

It is Sunday afternoon and you'll be surprised to hear that the sun is out full blast and I am lying on my blanket on the sand between the two barracks with my shorts on getting a sun tan.  Some news huh!
I went to the show last night and saw a revival picture "The Desperadoes" in technicolor.  It was very exciting.  Did you see it?
I don't think I ever said anything about this camp having German prisoners of war.  Well yesterday I saw the stockade where they keep them.  (I had to report there for guard duty; I had to check the passes of the fellows going to town).  They certainly lead an easy life over here.  I think most of them are happy to be here & there are some who still think Germany will win the war despite of all our victories.  Very few of them can speak our language.
I am glad you liked the pictures and booklet & holy pictures.  Yes it is unforgetable.
You ask me how the beer tasted.  Well it wasn't bad but I'm not much of a beer drinker in the first place and in the second place it's G.I. beer (3.2%).  Beer back home is 8 or 9% I think.  But it's not bad.  
Boy I bet Bob is happy that one of them is coming home anyway.  I bet Henry has plenty of stories to tell.  I'm just curious who is going to spend the most time with him, Bobby or Mr. Massa?  I don't think Henry will like his fathers plans.  Do you?
So Ele is finished for a while.  I am proud of her and also that she did such a good job that he promised her a job upon returning.  That is something.
I'm getting hot in this sun.  I feel fine.  I hope you all are too.  Give my love & best wishes to Grandma.  Until my next letter I remain

Your Loving Soldier Boy

Tony

P.S.  I still haven't had a chance to get air mail stamps so this is another free one.

 
 

Dear Ma, Pa, Barb, Ann & Ele Letter No. 143

Aug. 18/1944
Fri.
#143

Dear Ma, Pa, Barb, Ann & Ele,

I am able to write today as I am on guard duty & therefore have time between shifts.  I had it last night and managed to squeeze in a show.  The first in a few weeks now.  I saw "The Great Moment" with Joel McCrea & Betty Field.  It was pretty good.  They played a very good part.  
Tues. that just past (Aug 15) was the second anniversary of the 11 Armored Division and we had a field day for the occasion.  And we had a lot of fun.  Tues. afternoon they had all different kinds of events to be competed by the 6 companies and the one with the most points at the end would get 2 kegs of beer for supper & guess who won--sure thing we did.  Co. B.  Ain't that swell.  We won by one point over Co. A. the next highest Co. by 28-27.  I ran the 440 yd. run but didn't score.  I guess I just wasn't in shape.  No excuses have I to offer.  Other events were 880 yd run, 440 yd, & 880 yd relay, pie eating contest (boy was that fun to watch) & tug of war.  It really went over big.
At night the General for the occasion invited stars from Hollywood to put on a show at the sports arena and they certainly did an excellent job.  Jimmy Fidler was M.C. and he sounds just like he does on the radio.  Bonita Granville sang a few songs and did a swell job.  I think I would like to see her in pictures better though.  Charles Kemper stole the show with his crazy skits.  Ray Bolger danced the same no. he did in "Stage Door Canteen" and a lot more.  He's really a marvel.  Other stars were John Parrol, Edgar Kennedy, Rose King & Chuck York, Rex Barrett, Jimmy McLarnin (the fighter), 3 harp swings & Sheila Ryan.  It really was a swell show.  
I got a few medals for firing.  If I can get another set I will send them home.  I also made one of the top scores on firing the 75mm.  I got 663 out of 700.  Ain't that swell.  Only 20 made 700 out of the whole co & I got the next to the highest.  Pretty good huh!
I got a letter from Fio this morning.  He is in Southern Italy near the town of Sorrento.  He was home on furlough the same time I was and I didn't know.  So near & yet so far huh!
I did a dumb thing the other day.  I always get our home address mixed up with Helen's address because you both have the same name Helen so when I start addressing the letters my mind is sidetracked and I put Brooklyn N.Y. instead of St. Louis Mo. on Helen's letter and I got it this morning for correction.  Ain't that stupid.  I must be more careful.
It's too bad the flight jacket is too big.  I thought it would fit Ele.  Oh well.  Gosh was I surprised to hear Frank was on Guam.  I sure hope he's O.K.  Let me know when you hear from him again.
I am glad you are feeling fine ma and keep up the good work.  Also I am glad Grandma is feeling fine.  Give Grandma my best & love & kisses.
Let me know what's new.  Until my next letter I remain

Your Loving Soldier Boy

Tony

 
    

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. 59

PFC Anthony J. Curcio

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

McChord Field, Wash.

Date 7/13/43

Letter No. 59

Rec'd 96/97/98

Dear Ma, Pa, Barb, Ann & Ele,

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

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

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

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

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

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

Surveying is still the same & the same routine.

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

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

Joe Cohn is still going to radio school I guess.

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

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

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

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

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

Your Loving Soldier Boy,

Tony

xxxxxxxx

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

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

Dear Ma, Pa, Barb, Ann & Ele, Letter No. 46

Letter #46
Rec'd #66-67-68-69

5-10-43

Dear Ma, Pa, Barb, Ann & Ele,

Gosh I don't know where to start. I got so much so say. But to start off with, I hope everybody is in the best of health. I hope you all had a very nice Mother's Day. In fact I know you did. I hoped you liked the flowers?
I wrote last Sat. so I shall continue from there on. On Sun. I went to church as usual 11:30 mass. I wrote letters in the afternoon & then at 5 o'clock I had guard duty. 24 hrs - 2 on 4 off. But this time I was corporal of the guards. You just relieve the old guard with a new guard & sit in the tent & wait 'til the 2 hrs are up, that your guard is walking his post. Then the next 4 hrs are free. Some racket huh. I caught up with some of my mail I owed to a lot of people - Fio, Joe, Dot & Dave, Helen Riley, and some others.
Something has happened here to my advantage. They are sending everybody to school on the post. It will only last for 2 weeks but it's something. I applied for surveying as there wasn't any drafting.
So since Tuesday we have been using the instruments (brand new). There are 9 of us and our luck is running still stronger because a job came up. They want to build a R.R. extension on the post. So we got the job. Just know we are working with U.S. Eng. Dept. (Surveyors). They are swell fellows & teach us a lot. After the job gets underway, we will take it over into our own hands. It's quite interesting. We only work on it a half a day. The other half is still our basic training.
Tues. nite we went into to town to get our clothes pressed as it takes so long at the post tailor. But the tailors in town was already closed so we dropped in at the U.S.O. and guess what, they had a bingo game for the soldiers. The one that won got cigarettes. (I didn't win any and neither did my friends).
On Wed. night we had the party for our company as I told you in my last letter (#44). We went to one of the nearby lakes, in a (old) boy scout lodge. And at one end of the room was a huge fireplace & we made a fire with big logs. Boy was that nice. You know I could have sat there all night just looking at the fireplace & listening to it crackle. We sang & some of the boys played the piano & sang & put on little acts. And we boys had a swell time together. Our commanding officer was there & he said he had a swell time. He said he really felt good to see a bunch of fellows have such a good time without any rowdyism (& without beer). We had sandwiches & coffee as refreshments. All & all we had a nice time (we were taken in G.I. trucks).
Thursday nite was the battalion dance. We had a nice time but there wasn't enough girls. But anyway they had a jitterbug contest & I managed to get a girl that could do it half way, anyway. And I came in second. She got nervous & we made a few mistakes. But the guy that won in my platoon & he also comes from N.Y. The officers were there with their wives & they were all very friendly & we all had a good time.
Friday night we were invited to a concert held in Clover Park H.S. That's where that girl that sang for us goes (The captain's daughter). It was a very nice concert. I enjoyed it a lot. The capt. daughter sang "The Man I Love." (Her name is Merry Jo Arends). Boy what a swell voice she has. I really think she has a future ahead of her. (I will include the program in this letter).


She invited us all out Sunday (last night). So the four of us went in & went to the show (the only show in Lakewood Center) (that's where they live). She got girls for the other fellows (my buddies) and we saw "Arabian Nights." It was a nice picture. Very exciting. Did any body see it. After the show we went to the house & her mother made sandwiches & she sang & played the piano. We got in around 12:30.
Sat. morning we had to move from the barracks to the tents. Well ma, we four buddies are still together. We get more like brothers everyday & I'm glad. Now that we got our own tent we have more pride in it and boy did we make it clean. Boy we worked all day on it. Sat. night we went to bed early. Sunday morning we went to church & then worked on our tents again for inspection at 3 o'clock. We passed. Then we took showers & shaved & by that time we had to leave on pass to go to Merry Jo's house.
Boy what a busy week huh! And I think I'm a bit tired. So as soon as I finish this letter I will go to bed & take a good nap. I sort of kind of like it living in this little tent. It's a bit cool sleeping at but it's nice. We have a litle stove in the middle of the tent but the fire dies out & the tent gets cool.
Well I think that's about all.
I received a letter from Ginger (?). It was a very nice letter. Her boyfriend is in Alaska.
I also received 2 letters from Eleanor & a little mail pack. It was so cute. Thanks a lot Ele. Thanks for the baseball scores.
By the way I got a baseball book. Like the one that Red Barber advertised last year. Who sent it?
You could drop a line (postcard) to the J.B. Postmaster & ask him about the package. I may do some good.
Say ma, I would like a picture of Barb in her uniform? Besides the rest you took O.K.
I receive mail from Elfrieda about twice a week. I also receive mail from Helen Riley from time to time.
We get our wash within a week. Boy I'm glad we can get our wash done because we have no time to do it ourselves. They take a dollar & a half out of our pay a month. Pretty cheap huh?
I got paid on Wed. (May 5). I got $47.
Please tell me all about Grandma's house. I hope Grandma can come & live with you all. I know she will be a lot happier with you. I hope everything turns out Ok. And Grandma can have my room if she likes too. I just know she will be so much happier. Don't you ma?
Well I shall close now as it is getting late. I am going to try to stay in all this week & I will try to get another letter to you at the end of the week. So until then I remain on the beam.

Your Loving Soldier Boy
Tony

P.S. I ran out of paper (my [?] kind). Will you please send me some.

Dear Helen

5-3-43
Mon Nite

Dear Helen,

It seems such a long time since I wrote to you. Eleven days & nights. Wow. I should write twice as much, then I would have twice as much enjoyment. And believe me, Miss Helen Riley, I'm not going to give up so easy. Maybe I should take up a course in letter writing just to find the right words, to tell you sincerely & honestly that your letters are the most interesting & enjoyable letters I receive & have received. When I read your letters my heart just inflates with sincere happy laughter; And by the time I finish the letter it overflows into a perpetual smile & if you say I have a perpetual smile, just double it to stress the point. And another thing--it's no old line because I can truthfully say, I never wrote it to any living soul on this earth. If you still have any doubt in your mind, I can write plenty more. Convinced?
You say you had a gruesome Easter Sunday. And from what you told me I guess it wasn't to gay. Well believe it or not, my Easter turned out pretty good. We were supposed to go on a picnic, but instead we were sent to private homes. My three friends & myself managed to stick together & we were sent to a beautiful country home about 4 miles from the camp. In the afternoon we went row boating on a nearby lake. After that, we had a swell home cooked meal, set up by our hostess. (It reminded me of the one I missed back at your home. I'm still sore at the army for not waiting a while longer). In the night, the next door neighbor came over & sang for us & played the piano. So all in all we had a nice time.
During the week days we have barely time to breathe with this training program. Calisthenics twice a day, lectures, construction etc. They keep us plenty busy during the day & the nights are so short.
This past Thursday we had regular routine during the day & at night we went on a little hike. We started out a 11:30 & marched 'til 4:30 in the morning. We covered about 15 miles. It wouldn't be half as bad, but walking during the night, you barely can see the man in front of you. And we didn't walk on cultivated roads either. And believe it or not I didn't get one blister. This hike is part of our training & we are promised many longer ones. But it all makes us better soldiers right? Joke.
Talking about Uncle Sam liking me, he loves me. Because this time I am corporal of the guards. You relieve the old guards with the new one & then you sit and wait 'til the two hrs. are up & then put a new guard on. Then you have the next 4 hrs. off. So this time guard duty was a pleasure. By the way, I'm on guard duty now writing this letter. It's about 2 o'clock in the afternoon & my guards are walking their posts. Some racket, huh! Boy I finally got a chance to catch up with some of my mail.
Just a word about the picture you sent me. I couldn't ask for anything better. It's real sweet. Thanks a lot. And if it wouldn't be asking too much, it would be just perfect to see you in your Easter bonnet. Honest I would love one.
As for my picture that was the only one I had & your have it.
I was never up in the statue of liberty. But most of my family has. I really am ashamed of myself. Living in such a large city all my life, & there are so many interesting things I didn't see. Maybe when the war is over you can come & visit us & I'll show you some of the things I never seen myself. And I'm serious.
That same thing happened to a friend of mine. His cousin came in from the west & he showed her all around N.Y. When it was all over, he said he saw more during that week than he did in his whole life. Wonders will never cease.
My buddy is Joe D'Angelo. He was at the last dance (K of C). I don't know whether you remember him or not.
My sister Ann works for Hall Bros. (not the oldest one). I don't know whether N.Y. is their main office, but they have a large place there. She sent me some cards which are really tops. I'll send you some from time to time.
I think I covered everything but the weather. And the weather is getting nicer all the time. The sun is shining more regular each day (except one day) (we were drenched right thru. You know the army doesn't stop for anything).
So until I hear from you again, and I hope it's real soon. I hope you are all in the best of health & very happy.

Sincerely As Ever,
Tony

P.S. Thank your sister for the lovely card. It was very thoughtful of her.
P.S. In your last paragraph of your letter you say "Try to be good." I resent that. You know I'll always be good. And I'm not being conceited either. I chose my friends & I make sure they're good. And believe me I did an excellent job in meeting you.

Dear Ma, Pa, Barb, Ann & Ele, Letter No. 44

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

Date 5-1-43
Letter No. 44
Rec'd 64-65

Dear Ma, Pa, Barb, Ann, & Ele,

Well here it is May already. Boy time flies.
In your 65th letter you say it took 8 days since you got my last letter. Well ma, we all complain about the mailing system here. I guess it isn't too good. But besides the mailing system, I'm afraid I can't write more than once a week & maybe twice. They are always finding something for us to do. So ma if you only hear from me once a week you know the reason why.
During the day we don't get any time to write letters. In the night the time is very short. On Mon. & Tues. (26 & 27) I wrote letters. On Wed. night I had to sign the payroll & get a hair cut. That took all night.
On Thursday we had regular routine during the day. Then at night we took a nice long hike. We started at 11:30 at night & marched 'til 4:30 the next morning. It was a 15 mile hike. And it's not so easy walking in the night especially when you hardly can see the guy in front of you. Believe it or not my feet held out pretty good. I didn't get any blisters. After the hike was over those that wanted to got to chow went & the others went to bed. I was one that when to bed. We slept until noon & then we had to G.I. the barracks. A lot of the lieutenants had trouble with their feet & had to get them treated.
Friday night we went into town to get our suits pressed for inspection on Sat. (today). We were lucky to find a tailor open.
Inspection went over pretty good. Something happened that we all got a good laugh over. All your pockets in the clothes on the rack are supposed to have nothing in them. This one fellow had plenty in his overcoat pockets & the lieutenant found it. Well we were all standing at attention & the lieutenant started to take out the stuff in the pockets. Well he had a shoe brush, 3 pairs of gloves, an apple, a braid for the hat, an arm insignia, a piece of candy & a lot of small odds & ends in his pocket. Well that was the funniest sights I ever saw. A few of the fellows couldn't hold it in & started to laugh & they got gigged. I really don't know how I held it in myself.
This afternoon we were introduced to all the lieutenants of the battalion. They really are a swell bunch. The adjutant lieutenant said that he looked over our records & he said that it is the best outfit on the field.
He also said that the Engineer Aviation Battalion are becoming more & more popular every day. (They weren't used in the last war) and he said after this war we will be proud to say we came from the 1875th. They had a lot of spirit & I think we are going to have a superior outfit.
This afternoon we also played a little game of softball.
One of the lieutenants arranged a dance for this Thursday (May 6) right at our recreation hall. We should have a good time.
On May 5 (Wed) the sergeant arranged a party for the H & S company only, so that we all can get to know each other. I think it's a very good idea, don't you?
And tomorrow (Sun) I am on guard duty with my buddy. We start 5 o'clock PM & finish up 5 PM on Monday. From what I mentioned you can see why I have very little time for writing.
The weather here is getting pretty nice. They say the summers here are pretty nice. OH I forgot to tell you last week I saw a rainbow in the sky. It extended from one end to the other. A complete half circle. And the colors were so distinct. Boy was that beautiful.
I also bought some postcards in town last night. I will send them in another envelope.
I also received a letter from Bob & Dad.
In Bob's letter she asked me about Garrison hats & leather belts. Well at this post we are not allowed to wear them. Other posts have different ruling on the subject. As for the leather belts around the shoulder we can't wear those. In fact you never see them except on an officer.
As for the black ties, I don't know what they are for & we can't wear them anyway. Some fellows from other organizations wear them. We don't.
Tell Dad thanks for his letter & I hope he passes the test.
I got an Easter card from Aunt Margarette with a dollar in it. That was nice wasn't it?
I got a letter from Fio (?). He is in the air corps also. He is in Nashville, Tenn. He likes it pretty well. Send his regards.
Say ma, I lost the medal that Ele gave me. But I still have the the chain. Maybe you could get one for me?
I sent the box home with the palm in it. I also put the post cards etc. that I sent to Helen in St. Louis. She also sent tome cards back. So I put those in too.
Well I guess that's all the news. I still feel fine & probably gaining more weight.
I guess the next opportunity I will have will be next weekend. So until then I hope you are all in the best of health and happy.
Send my love & kisses to Grandma also.

So until then I
remain Your Loving Soldier Boy,
Tony

P.S. I still didn't get the package with the socks in it. Where that is only the Lord knows.

Dear Helen

3-9-43

Dear Helen,

Well here it is Tues. afternoon about 3:30, after goldbricking awhile, resting under a patch of trees. Boy it was swell out this afternoon. This morning we wore our overcoats & froze & this afternoon we wore our flight jackets & sweated. Well that's one thing I don't have to tell you about & that's the weather. (Missourian)
As I told you over the phone Sun. morning, I really missed you Sat. night. Boy if I would have known the 25 training group was going instead of the 23rd, I would have made it my business to squeeze into the convoy, but when you don't know certain facts you can't solve your problem. It's just "one of those things."
Sure, I intended to write all day again like I always do trying to catch up with my mail, but at 3:30 the sergeant walked into our hut and said said he needed two more men to go on a convoy. So being it was a dinner dance my friend & I went. Anything to get a meal outside of J.B. and you can lead me to it. Don't get me wrong now, I'm not squawking about the food at J.B. but mass production certainly cuts down the pleasure to some extent.
As for the dancing, it's the same old story (missed you) & so I came home early. We had passes and could leave any time we wanted to. It was no use, whenever I tried to teach anybody the lindy I always found myself doing the dago hop. That only proves one point & that is you are a very good dancer. You're the only one that caught on to the lindy & peabody. I'm no dancing instructor & I guess the easy way out of it is to learn the St. Louis way, but the lazier the instructor I am, the better you must be to catch up on the steps. So to come to a conclusion, I know for a fact I can't teach to save my life, so you are an exra good dancer. you can give me a quarter for that one. O.K.
Monday morning we went before the Colonel. Well we passed but there is always one goon to make a mistake. (It wasn't me either). But as long as we passed it was O.K. The afternoon we had to ourselves believe it or not. So I went to the service club to write letters & wrote 6 of them. I felt much better after that.
I was supposed to get guard duty (24 hours) but so far the luck (of the Irish) is holding out pretty well. Many of the other flights have got guard duty already, so I guess my chance is coming.
This morning we had to parade before Brig. General Howard. Boy what a grand victorious feeling you get marching to the beat of the drums. If there is anything I like here is to march to the rhythm of the music. I guess it's just like dancing to music also. It's the "old certain feeling."
I just stopped the letter for a few minutes for mail call & got a letter from mom. She says she is getting the data about N.Y. together for you. So as soon as I get it, it's yours.
Last night we had another G.I. party. General cleanup, scrub the floor, etc. We sing & make more noise than a bunch of nuts in a crazy house. It makes the time go faster.
Well I think that's all for now, except that I still hope it's O.K. for Sunday.
I hope you write soon because I'll be waiting impatiently.
I hope I'm still here to enjoy another enjoy another enjoyable day with you.
So until I hear from you,

I remain,
Sincerely Yours,
Tony

Dear Ma, Pa, Barb, Ann, Ele, Letter No. 19

Pvt. Anthony J. Curcio Date 2-17-43 2-18-43
Flight "F" 360 T.S.S. U.S. Army Letter No. 19
Jefferson Barracks, MO. Rec'd 22

Dear Mom, Pa, Barb, Ann, Ele,

Well here it is Wed. morning about 7:30 and will be called out for chow in a few minutes so if I have to break off you know the reason why. Then I will finish it sometime today. Today we got up at 5:45 instead of 5 o'clock because our mess hall is on the blink. So we have to march way over to the other side of the camp to the General Mess Hall to eat. It's a tremendous place & can take thousands of fellows at a time. Well I'm being called out now so I close now for awhile.
Well here it is Thursday night. I couldn't finish the letter yesterday. Here is the reason. Since I left for chow yesterday morning I have been on the go as usual. Everything we do has been moved up a couple of hours because of the mess hall goring on the blink. We go on the drill field & drill the same as usual only that we stay there that much longer & get back that much later. So we drilled Wed. morning & in the afternoon we played cowboys & indians. (learning how to take signals in combat zone & then laying in the mud). (We had pieces of wood for guns). It was quite a riot. Everybody got a kick out of it.. Tues. I went on sick call and got a pass to stay in my hut on Tues. because of my ankle I sprained on Mon. It hurt me a little so [I] thought I would get it taped up. Wed. it felt pretty good so as I told you all above, was out on the drill field. We got off the drill field about 6 o'clock & went to chow at seven. (This business of eating late will end as soon as the mess hall is fixed up). Then I was pretty tired & so was everybody else because of walking back & forth to the mess hall besides our regular drill. Soon we thought we had the rest of the night off & I was going to finish the letter & then flop in bed, but ------- we all had to go to a show. We all thought it was a processing show (like first aid) or something. So we had to walk in formation to the other side of the camp & guess what it was? ------------ It was a show by the U.S.O. entitled "Flying Colors." They had 24 Rockettes from Radio City (it was a New York show) comedians, singers from W.O.R. & it was a wonderful show. Everybody was glad they had to go. One of the singers sang "Begin the Beguine" right down the line. Wasn't that swell. The Rockettes were very good. Well we got back at 11 o'clock & I went to bed. We went to drill this morning & this afternoon was called again for special instruction on guard duty. I have guard duty from 10 -12 tonight. After all that I still felt pretty good. In fact I don't seem to get tired anymore but rather enjoy it. The only thing is I would like to have more time to write letters. I wrote one to Eleanor Tuesday & mom you read it too. I think you'll understand.
I received a letter from Eleanor & it was certainly swell to read it and Ele you won't have any trouble in your next term. Just keep up your good work. I got two letters from Ele & she says she had a wonderful time Sunday. I'm sure she did. Al didn't say much in his letter as usual but he is overseas & is sorry he couldn't write sooner. He sends his regards to all.
I got a letter from the bookkeeper from my office & it had a little bad news. Ed, my boss is in the hospital with meningitis. But is recovering. I felt bad when I read it. I'll write him a nice letter Sunday. I hope he gets betters in a hurry. His course is almost up.
And ma of course your letter, I always save yours for last. I remember when I went to night school I always saved my subject I liked last. I always enjoy yours the most. I'll have to close now. I'll answer all questions in my next letter. I'll have to put my leggings on & make my bed & shine my shoes before lights go out & then I have to go on guard duty. There is so much I would like to say but just know I haven't the time. I'll have to answer Elfrieda tomorrow. Goodnight. Love & Kisses from Your Loving Soldier Boy
Tony

P.S. That original design on Eleanor's letter was quite effective. You see ma we have a bright girl in the family. Our little genious.

P.S. I have a swell poem I will write in the next letter. It's really swell. Keep looking for it.

Dear Ma, Pa, Barb, Ann, Ele, Letter No. 16

Pvt. Anthony J. Curcio Date 2-12-43
Flight "F" 360 T. S.S. Letter No. 16
Jefferson Barracks, MO. Rec'd 18 & 19

Dear Ma, Pa, Barb, Ann & Ele,

Thurs. we drilled in the usual routine. I always like to start off with what I did since I last wrote & then answer your letters. Thurs. afternoon 24 of us were called out for special drill for a guard duty. The[y] called the just 24 in alphabetical order. We were given rifles and were taught how to present arms, etc. We all had to serve two hrs. of guard duty. I got from 4 am to 6 am (Fri. morn.). I ordinarily get up at 5 so I only missed one hr. sleep. The other fellows had to get up an[d] serve two hrs. early in the morning such as 12 to 1 etc. We had to sleep with our clothes on & at 5 min. to 4 the corp. of the guard would wake us up. When I got finished at 6 I went to chow. After chow we had to go out on the drill field & practice. The past few days it's really been cold here. After drill we had chow & then in the afternoon we had a parade at retreat for the General. The band was playing & we had to march past the General. It went pretty good. The only thing was my feet really hurt a bit today - after all I have been on them from 4 this morning. Tonight I'm going to bed early and catch up on some sleep. Well I think that's all for the present.

Today I also got a letter I mean a card from Frank. I'm glad I wrote him, so that he probably will get it.
You say Cliff squawks about the amount of food he gets. Well he can always go up for seconds. That's what they do here. I didn't go up for seconds because one fills me up but I'm always eating crackers or something after chow.
Say before I forget it, I just went down to get one of the packages. It was from Barb. Well as soon as I opened it I knew what it was & then I polished my 3 pairs of shoes. I'm so glad I got it because we have to polish our shoes every day & I hated to borrow it all the time.
Your letters get here in two days ma. That's plenty fast enough. You sent this letter on the 10th & I got it on the twelfth.
I haven't smoked very much. I smoke my pipe once in awhile. At my permanent camp you can send me some tobacco. I could use a little wrist broom for my clothes (small one) & some handkerchiefs. Whenever you get to the ave. will be all right. It's really no rush.
I'll try to write Grandma as often as I can ma. You know I'll try to make her as happy as I can.
Well I think that's all for now. I'm going to take a shower & then hop in bed. So with my next letter,

Your Loving Soldier Boy,
Tony