May 6, 1942 - Dear Wifey

People can’t resist the uniform and they like to talk.

What a remarkable milestone! His first pass. I think this means he's finished basic training. I believe he's hitchhiking from Fort Banks to East Hartford and back again. Thanks to being a handsome guy in uniform he made good time. He's put on kitchen duty when he gets back to base which has to be a lot better than shoveling ashes. Shame about all the waste though. Meanwhile, the Japanese are starving and war is stupid. Anyway, that may not last too long. Something about a radio school and love from Aunt Bee.

Original Letter

Transcript follows.

Boston Globe - May 6, 1942

I continue to be amazed at the level of detail and all for three cents. They have half the state registered for sugar and gas is next. Meanwhile, the war rages on. It is true that the Japanese people are hungry but relentless. They continue their assaults in the Pacific.

The Hartford Courant - May 6, 1942

Since Mom's in East Hartford, I thought I should include the Hartford Courant in these posts to not just contrast and compare but more for some local stuff. It is four cents per copy and does provide an equal level of detail and outstanding war coverage. The Globe's heading is a bit more impressive.

The Hartford Courant - Home Page

The Courant Home Page is the page for women. I have to imagine Mom and Vicky going over the information and even trying the recipes. I think the veal paprika sounds good.

Transcript - May 6, 1942

Fort Banks

Dear Wifey,

Sorry I’ve put off writing until now, but they’ve kept me pretty busy. Today I was in the kitchen and although it was not hard, it occupied the day. The food they throw away would feed a small army in the course of a week. Just about everything is thrown away that is left over and then they start from scratch again. It is all good food too. That is, we eat it, and so what is good enough for the soldiers is the best. But I should think they could be more careful and save some of it. The Japs are starving to death and I am throwing food away. Maybe they think we can starve them out. If that was the case, I would stay in the kitchen for the duration and do my fighting that way. Do you think I could get a medal for throwing a bowl of rice away? It’s only a thought.

I had swell luck coming up Tuesday. I was in Boston shortly after 3 o’clock which is exceptionally good time and I only had two rides. People can’t resist the uniform and they like to talk. They seem to think we have inside information and a good many men (married and single) are worried about the draft and so want to know what is the best thing to do in case they are called. I suppose I was the same way.

Oh yes. I don’t know whether it’s a good break or not, but I’ve been selected to go to a radio school. I don’t know why they picked me and what my qualifications are supposed to be to get in radio, but I’m going. Well, I’m not really going anyplace except here and it’s only going to last a few days, but it should prove interesting. The first sgt. came up to me and told me to go to this radio school. That’s all he said and so I don’t know what it is all about as yet. It might turn out bad. I’ll know more to-morrow (Thurs) and so can tell you more. I was supposed to go to-day, but when I got over to where it was, no one knew anything about it. But things are supposed to straighten out for Thurs. It gets me out of some work.

I got a letter from Aunt Bee and she wanted me to send you her love and to tell you to drop by and see her. I also got a letter from Peggy, but she didn’t have much to say except that the baby is getting fat. Eleanor likes her Uncle Lenny and his new soldier suit. I forgot to mention that I went over to see Bernice with the extra hour I had. She was a little put out because they went over to the fort and I wasn’t there, but she felt worse when she got back and found our note and so missed us both ways. I had a piece of pie and a glass of pepsi cola and then came over here and I was even early getting in. If I had only known what kind of luck I was in for, I could have stayed with my nice little wife longer. I love you very much and miss you already. I think you treat me much too good and I love you for it.

Lots of love

From

Your man

Next letter May 8, 1942

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