Oct. 4, 1942 - Dear Audrey

Jan Palson

04 Oct 2026 — 6 min read

Credit: Roosevelt Presidential Library

It made me think of a fiery sunset.

Imagine getting back to camp and finding you're not only late but you no longer have that nice cushy job. And they didn't even ask you!!! At least they covered for his shift but no more taking advantage. Cold weather is setting in. Hopefully he got those wool socks he mentioned in a previous letter. He is dreading freezing to death. Who wouldn't? Apparently they had a wonderful time these past 3 days - AND GUESS WHO'S GOING TO BE A DAD? Glad he's taking the train back these days but that gas rationing makes finding rides difficult. Oh to be a fiery red head back in 1942. With love, from 31088597.

Original Letter

Transcript follows.

Transcript

For some context, War Updates follow the transcript. It includes the front pages of The Daily Evening Item from Lynn, Massachusetts (local to Fort Ruckman) and Mom's local Connecticut paper the Hartford Courant for additional news, plus the Women's Page so you're up on the latest recipes and styles, especially hats!

Research, learn, and support this work. Go to: Newspapers.com

October 4, 1942

Dear Audrey:

Well once again I am back here and safely but not without something to write about. During three days, a lot can happen. I came back expecting to fall back into the old routine that I left, but this was no good. They completely changed my job over last Thurs. and so for me there was no job when I got back. They took all the “privates” off and put on “corporals”. It was a good racket but too good to last. In fact, so good that it was only a matter of time until they caught up with us. But I never expected them to get so smart while I was away and without asking me too. So now I am back to regular duty and with nothing to look forward to. They expected me back at six o’clock last night so they were waiting to put me in guard at eight o’clock, but I didn’t get here until after one o’clock. They had a bed check before I got back and I think just about everything has happened to me. The corporal that I borrowed the bag from was in charge so he covered me up and another one of the boys pulled my shift for me so I am all right.

This last time I think I carried things too far. Sort of taking advantage of someone else's good nature. I don’t think I’ll ever figure the Army out. The darn things happen so quickly and out of a clear sky without the slightest warning. I still don’t know what has happened or why. I pulled the five to eight shift for the lad who filled in for me and then I’ve been in bed all day ever since. I haven’t even got up for the meals. I feel tough. I thought it was cold last night but I guess it was me with the chills because I am sitting beside the stove now and I’m still cold. I am resigned to the winter and freezing to death and I dread it. Sometimes I think I have a winter complex because I am licked before the start. I had a swell time on these three days. (that doesn’t sound like a husband telling his wife he had a good time – does it? It sounds more like a high school lad on his first night out) You treat me so very nice darling and I love you so very much. You are the most wonderful wife in the world. I am pretty lucky (and a little smart too) to have you for a wife. And if you are going to make a father out of me, I’ll be so proud, I won’t be able to button my jacket. What more can a fellow want than you and just you. I had a lot of things I was going to write about but as usual they have slipped me.

I was going to tell you how the train was half an hour late and I had a hard time getting to Nahant. I had to walk some and my underwear kept sliding up on me. And it didn’t do any good to pull it down. About that girl with the funniest red hair I saw. She was with a couple of fellows and was a nice looking girl but it was the wildest looking red I ever saw and I don’t believe it could be natural. It made me think of a fiery sunset. It is awfully hard to get from Lynn to Nahant late at night because there is no traffic. The only time I have gotten a ride over there (since the gas rationing) is when someone makes a special trip and that is what happened last night. A couple of women picked me up and brought another soldier and I over. The soldier with me didn’t have any pass so I had someone to hold my bag while I jumped the fence and then throw it over to me. I got a letter from Brownie and Laura (they killed two birds with one stone and saved three cents) when I got back. She didn’t say much except they were one now and for us to come in and see them.

She said to tell you she owed you a letter and would write soon. Brownie is a “hot apple” and I’ll censor what he wrote. When he quit his job at the liquor store he stocked up and so they have been having quite a time. He also said something about David needing a playmate. It has taken me over two hours to write this letter so you can see how I feel. I probably won’t leave time to write any other letters. Anyway this is the end.

Lots of love

That’s me 31088597

P.S. you said you didn’t like those other signatures so how’s about this one. I love you very much darling.

War Updates

The Lynn Daily Evening Item

I don't have access to the Item's Sunday paper so here's Saturday's front page. They're on their way to record scrap collections for the war effort. FDR cares about Americans and is working to curb inflation. And no, we're not turning up the heat - put on a sweater!