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. 110

U. of O.
Letter No. 110
Rec'd 168
2/7/44

Dear Ma, Pa, Barb, Ann & Ele,

First I will explain why I am writing on this paper. I am in Study Hall and haven't my regular paper with me. We aren't supposed to write letters in study class but during the supper hour I was over at the sorority house. Tiny is sick. Yesterday she had pains in her stomach and they called the doctor and he said it was an attack of appendicitis, but she thinks it's intestinal flu. She feels better today but she still feels it. I hope she gets better in a hurry. I certainly miss her an awful lot. You see I didn't see her over the week and as she was restricted for the weekend and wasn't allowed to have any dates. The reason was that we got in too late last weekend. We missed the first bus & took the second back to Eugene from Corvallis last week. It was alright with the house mother, but the house council didn't like it. I went to the show last night and saw "Best Foot Forward." I didn't know she was sick until I saw one of the girls from the house this morning. I'll let you know how she is getting along.
Do you remember how tight my blouse was. Well I turned it in for another one and it fits me pretty good. At least I can breathe now.
I sent a few presents home for you and Grandma and the girls. I hope you all like them. I bought a bandanna for Eleanor. (It's really a baby's blanket but I believe it's appropriate. One of the girls suggested it.) I also bought an insignia and Tiny made a swell job of sewing it on for me. I didn't sent it yet but I will soon.
Remember those tests we took during the Gym period. Push ups, running, etc. well all the A.S.T.P. units all over the country took them and out of 47 colleges, we came out on top. Pretty good, huh!
My subjects are coming along pretty good. Before I know it finals will be here again and boy will they be tough.
It's been raining pretty much so around here. We never did get any snow.
I'll close now hoping you all are in the best of health. Send Grandma my love & kisses.

Your Loving Soldier Boy,
Tony

P.S. I did think the glasses were a bit due, but this is Oregon, but they do help my eyes an awful lot.

Dear Ma, Pa, Barb, Ann & Ele Letter No. 106

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

1/10/44
Letter No. 106
Rec'd 160, 161, 161

Dear Ma, Pa, Barb, Ann & Ele,

I had another successful weekend. They had a formal dance in the gym (MacArthur Court) and I took Tiny and we had a swell time. She wore a rose colored formal this time. I think the looks good in just about everything she wears. Everything went swell during the evening but just before the night was over we had a little accident. We were walking home and we just got up to the sorority house when Tiny slipped on a piece of ice. (It frosts pretty easy around here there is so much humidity in the air). And she hurt her backside. All day Sunday she was limping around but it's getting better. As long as it isn't serious.
Sunday morning we went to church. In the afternoon we went to Gerlinger Hall and she played for me again.
I got a letter from Sonny (Fio) and he was commissioned 2nd Lieutenant. Boy was I happy to [hear] that. He won't get his wings until he completes his flying hours but he's got his rating. It certainly made me feel happy.
I also received a letter from Frank and he said he received my V. letter on Christmas Day. I was glad to hear that. Everything seems to be going all right with him.
I was inducted into the army a year ago yesterday. Gosh it seems like ages.
I got pretty good marks in my tests in the first marking period. I got 80 in math, 84 in chem., 90 in physics, B in Geog., 90 in hist. and the rest I didn't find out yet.
I certainly got a laugh when you explain how you tried to give the dog a pill. Gosh it was funny.
I got a letter from Elfrieda today. She doesn't say too much as she is busy getting ready to move when her husband goes into service.
I got two letters from Sister. I am glad everybody liked all their presents so much. It really made me feel good.
I don't think I mentioned it but I got the card from Mrs. Hall telling me she was going to make the Novena for me. I want you to thank her ever so much.
I am glad Grandma is better only she shouldn't work so hard. You are right. She should take a rest until she is stronger. Send Grandma my love & kisses.
So you all had snow in N.Y. huh! We still didn't get any here. I am in the best of health and hope you all are also. Until my next letter I remain

Your Loving Soldier Boy,
Tony

Dear Ma, Pa, Barb, Ann & Ele Letter No. 101

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

12/6/43
Letter No. 101
Rec'd 151

Dear Ma, Pa, Barb, Ann & Ele,

Well I'm a man of leisure for one week. It is Monday and we have the whole week to ourselves all but for one hr. of dull (every morning from 9 until 10).
We had 6 tests on Fri. and I hope to make out OK in them. I'm practically in 2nd term. In fact I guess I can say I'm in 2nd term although we didn't [have] any official notice, but they dropped all those that didn't make second term so I guess it's safe in saying so.
Sat. afternoon Tiny and I did our Christmas shopping and Sunday after church we wrapped them at Casablanca (Tiny's sorority house). I sacked them all in a box and sent them today by R.R. express so don't be surprised when a big box arrives. But remember one thing and that is DON'T OPEN UNTIL CHRISTMAS. I have a present for Aunt Anna which I couldn't fit in the box so I will send it to you and you can wrap it and give it to her at Christmas OK? I put Grandma's present with yours so you can put it under the Christmas tree. I am not going to tell anybody what I got for anybody else in the family so when each one opens there's it will be a surprise. OK?
Today I went downtown to get a few odds and ends, Christmas cards, etc.
I am up at Gerlinger Hall and Tiny is practicing on the piano for her finals which come up next week.
We went to the show yesterday and saw "Lily Mars" with Judy Garland and Van Heflin. I liked it a lot. I like to see Van Heflin ever since I saw "Johnny Eager." Remember him in that picture?
It's getting cold up here in the morning in fact I got pretty cold during that hr. of drill this morning. (I didn't have my overcoat on as we couldn't wear them) but it's still starting to snap up a little. The dew on the grass and roofs freeze over and it looks real nice and then the sun comes out and melts it. I don't mind it when it's cold as long as it doesn't rain.
I guess that's about all for now. I am answering all the letters I couldn't answer during the term and I guess that will keep my pretty busy. I just found out that some of the fellows that left on furloughs Sat. were stuck up in Portland because they missed their train by 10 minutes and had to wait 15 hrs. for the next train. That's how uncertain train riding is which means you need plenty of time when you travel. I hope Tony (my roommate) wasn't in that bunch that missed the train.
I'll close now wishing everybody is in the best of health and very happy.

Your Loving Soldier Boy,
Tony

P.S. Give Grandma my love & kisses.
P.S. #2--I am [glad] Boby liked her present. And that's very thoughtful of Al Lindner. He's very thoughtful isn't he.
I'm glad the roofer came to fix Grandma's roof.
If I find out the marks I got on the G.I. tests I'll let you know. The G.I. tests are marked by machines and they are graded by the no. right but will make those marks correspond to A,B,C,D,F according to their charts. I know I got A in Trigonometry but I don't know about the rest.

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. 97

Anthony J. Curcio
Co. "A" A.S.T.U. 3920
U. of O. Eugene
ORE
11/15/43
Letter No. 97
Rec'd 145

Dear Ma, Pa, Barb, Ann & Ele,

It's Monday afternoon right before chow and have a few minutes to spare. The weather has been exceptionally good and I really am surprised. Sunday afternoon Tiny and I went for hike & climbed up on the hills next to the University and from there you can see the whole town of Eugene & the Willamette River which flows right next to Eugene. It's really beautiful.
We went up to Gerlinger Hall again & she played for me. It seems to be a habit (a nice habit).
Starting today I am in charge of Quarters. I have to give the report to the orderly room that everyone is in bed on my floor. Everyone gets a turn.
I passed my history & trigonometry tests and Chemistry too. I'll let you know about the rest when I get them.
I received 3 letters today. One from Ma, Ele & Elfrieda.
Elfrieda is moving back home again as her husband is going into the Navy. Otherwise things are OK.
The mail around here doesn't come regular. I usually get them in batches.
That tooth never bothered me ma, so I didn't bother with it. Leave well enough alone. Right?
I hope Sister feels alright. Is she sick like when I was home or is she just have a bad cold? Let me know.
I guess it would be a good idea to put my clothes in [?]. Anything you say ma.
I was hoping Grandma wouldn't have any trouble with the house. It makes me feel bad because she has to take care of everything herself.
I am glad Ele is making out OK with her school work. She got to keep at it [?] that piano too. I know now what it means to hear good playing and that's just the way I want Ele to play.
I forgot to tell you that Tiny & I ate the jam and crackers and boy was it good and Tiny liked it an awful lot you could see that. We about finished the jar.
Sat. I bought a garrison cap and a belt. Everybody has the garrison cap so I thought I would get one too. It looks real neat.
Ma, try to get me a list of what everybody would like for Christmas & I'll see whether I can get it here, OK. I need a few ideas to get started. I'll close now hoping everybody is with the best of health & give Grandma my love & kisses.

Your Loving Soldier Boy,
Tony

P.S. I found a clipping of the beaver I told you about. Oregon State didn't come & get it yet.

Dear Ma, Pa, Barb, Ann & Ele

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

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

Dear Ma, Pa, Barb, Ann & Ele,

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

Your Loving Soldier Boy,
Tony

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

Dear Ma, Pa, Barb, Ann & Ele Letter No. 96

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

Date 11/5/43
Letter No. 96
Rec'd --

Dear Ma, Pa, Barb, Ann & Ele,

I start this letter now but I won't be able to finish it. It is Friday night and believe it or not we didn't have any rain today--yet!
I got my algebra test back that we had last Sat. (the two hr. one). I got 143 our of 210 pts. I feel I could have did better but the average was 119 so I feel I did all right. Today we had another History test and I believe I made out pretty good. I'll let you know.
I wrote Grandma a letter and mailed it yesterday and I got it back today because I forgot to put the stamp on it. So apologize for me. OK.
It's Monday morning now. I like to write on Monday anyway because then I can tell you all about the weekend. And it was a swell weekend too. Sat. night Marjorie Lawrence was at the gym and sang. She's the noted opera star and boy she was good. Last year she was stricken with paralysis and she has to move around in a wheelchair. But it doesn't seem to handicap her singing any.
Tiny belongs to her Phi Beta arts club. Only those that have real ability can join. Well Marjorie Lawrence joined their chapter and Tiny got the honors for presenting Marjorie Lawrence with the honors. She certainly got a thrill out of it. They had a little ceremony at one of the hotels and only the members were allowed. I would have liked to see it. Sunday morning Tiny & I went to church.
In the afternoon we went to vespers they had on the campus for all students. At night we went to see one of Tiny's roommates at the hospital. She is having her appendix out. All in all we had a swell time.
Sunday morning it really looked beautiful around here. The dew on all the grass and roofs froze and then the sun came up and it sparkled just like if it was water. Boy it looks swell.
This week we have four more tests again. Gosh they pop up one after another. I'll have to study real hard for these. They are getting harder all the time.
I was just thinking when you send me the socks and stuff you could put my Bulova watch in and insure the package. I certainly use a watch, ma. I really miss one around here. Everything is on the time schedule. OK.
I feel fine ma and I hope you all do too. I will try to write as soon as possible again. Give Grandma my love & kisses.

Your Loving Soldier Boy,
Tony

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

P.F.C. Anthony J. Curcio

Co. "A" STAR Unit 3902

U of Idaho, Moscow, Idaho

Date 8/2/43

Letter No. 65

Rec'd ---

Dear Ma, Pa, Barb, Ann & Ele,

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

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

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

I also have some postcards which I will send.

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

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

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

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

How is everything home? Is everybody OK?

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

Your Loving Soldier Boy,

Tony

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