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Dublin Core
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Title
A name given to the resource
Letters from 1945
Letter
Text
Any textual data included in the document
January 14, 1945
Sunday Eve.
2100 (9 o'clock)
Dearest Jerry,
I don't know how far I'll get with this but as you so aptly put it, I feel like having a talk with you to-night. I'll warn you now that my writing may be hard to read as we're on another run. At present we are stopped so everything is O.K. so far.
You know Ger, the more I look at that last snap you send me taken with your two girl friends, the more I like it. I know I told you before but you look so darned sweet I'm telling you again—and day that lock of yours is really scenting my wallet up. I get stopped at least twice every day by one or other of the fellows so they can take a smell. Thanks again, little one! You know you really have beautiful hair. I remember how a wisp of it used to get down and tickle my nose once in awhile. Do you remember that, president?
I'll tell you what one of the Joes said about you last nite while I was holding down the office. He said you were a very feminine looking woman. I don't know how you take that but it's a compliment, I'd say. He belongs to an agricultural co-operative back in the States. The ideal woman in his mind is a hefty type who can do a days chores on the farm without having a relapse.
This afternoon I spent a couple of hours making a pal of mine a birthday card for his gal. I made one last night which didn't measure up to the mark so he got after me again to-day. Don't be surprised if you receive a sample of my handiwork one of these days. The trouble is when the other fellows see one they immediately decide that there are no suitable cards available over here and I have another job. One of my buddies wants a card to celebrate his girl friend's sister having a baby girl. The 1st sgt. wants one for his wedding anniversary while the number that want valentines is almost unlimited. Don't get the idea that they're (the cards) that good; it's just a novelty to them I knock them off on a Vmail form.
By the way, just when is your birthday? Don't forget to tell me.
We're starting to roll again so here's where my handwriting changes. Here's another little item out of the Stars & Stripes. A soldier in Belgium who had been sweating out news of a prospective new arrival in his family received a cable from his spouse. 'Twins arrived this week. More by mail.' He promptly cabled back, 'Overjoyed regarding twins. If more arrive by mail, refuse them.' I don't blame him, do you.
As far as this run we're on now is concerned it's an easy one for most of us—so far. We only have one car loaded, thus there are just two fellows working. We unload sometime in the wee small hours then move on to another spot, lay over till morning, load up full and return to our stall. We'll be able to get in a full night's sleep.
We got our contact printer now so it shouldn't be long before we can start turning out snaps. The box isn't quite finished yet. It has to be wired for the bulb, also for a dark light. (That's a red lite—the red causes no reaction on the exposed film.)
Boy, I sure wish I was with you to-night! Looking at your picture cheers me up and makes me long for home at the same time if you can imagine such a thing. Believe me, if you haven't changed your mind by the time I get home we're really going to have a time. At least to the best of my ability and I hope it's as good as your sailor friends showed you. It will be in the old Waller way, through not naval style. You'll have a hard time trying to lose me so you can now consider yourself forewarned. I won't say more now as I figure it's better to wait and see how things turn out.
Well sweet, here's where I hit the old sack. I've been just about an hour talking to you—could say more but I'd better give your eyes a rest. Take it easy now & give my regards to your folks. Goodnite little president!
All my love,
Johnny
P.S. I'm still trying to figure out how you got your job. You say you got it the way I mentioned & I've forgotten what way that was unless it was through the boss's son. Heh, heh!
APO
The number of the Army Post Office from which Johnny sent a letter
511
Location
The location of the interview
Burnham-On-Sea
Dublin Core
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Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
John C. Waller
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1945-01-14
Description
An account of the resource
Johnny wrote this letter during a run on the hospital train.
Title
A name given to the resource
January 14, 1945
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Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Letters from 1945
Letter
Text
Any textual data included in the document
February 11, 1945
Sunday Eve 7:20
Hello Honey,
My morale is still high after that last letter of yours even though this is another blue Sunday evening. I pretend your here by leaving your picture propped up in front of me. It will have to do until the better days come around when you'll be there in person.
I don't know whether you've already guessed it by my scrawl, but sho nuff we're returning from another run just like we were last Sunday only this time we're empty. Thank God.
This trip wasn't half as bad as the one last week so we aren't all tuckered out, just slightly worn.
One of our mess sgts. and I are alone in the office both trying to write letters, he on the typewriter and I with my scrawl. He's strictly a one finger man so it will take him some time to knock out even a V-mail.
Remember those snaps I said we were going to print. Well we tried to on our return trip Friday, however the negatives weren't clear enough for us to make a print. The fact is, all that showed up when we printed them was a black square the size of the picture. It 'kinda' exasperated me to see the image in the negative and not be able to re-produce it. The trouble was that I took the pictures on a dark day with an ordinary box camera belonging to one of the boys. It had only one shutter speed which would be equivalent to f16 on my own camera at home. They have stops from f16 to 3.5 while the shutter work up to 1/500th of a sec. on the one and 1/1000th of a sec. on my other camera. Pardon me for getting a little technical honey, although you may know more about the subject than I do. Boiled down it means I should have realized that a box camera doesn't let enough light through to the film on a dull day. With a 3.5 lens you can take a picture in the rain and have it turn out as well as one taken in sunlite, but a box camera doesn't have such a lens. Get me! Boy, this is some letter to be writing to your best girl - what say you little one!
One thing I've noticed is several mistakes, so like you I'll say to take each one for additional love and kisses. You know Jerry one of these days I'm going to really get on the ball and write you strictly a love letter. The trouble is I can't express myself well enough on paper to do you justice or my thoughts about you justice so maybe I better wait until we meet. I wonder if I'll be tongue tied - I doubt it.
Take care of yourself honey, and don't work too hard. Now missing & loving you, I remain,
With all my love,
Johnny
APO
The number of the Army Post Office from which Johnny sent a letter
511
Location
The location of the interview
Burnham-On-Sea
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
John C. Waller
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1945-02-11
Description
An account of the resource
Johnny was writing this letter while on a run with his hospital train, and he talks mostly about photography, one of his passions.
Title
A name given to the resource
February 11, 1945
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Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Letters from 1945
Letter
Text
Any textual data included in the document
January 18, 1945
Dearest Toots,
Thanks for not bawling me out about the letter I wrote which you didn't like. You know sometimes we get so tired out from successive runs our nerves get shot and our morale at low ebb. For instance, after one particularly irksome run our young nurse told me she felt like sitting down in a corner and bawling only she couldn't find a quiet place. Of course, we fellows don't feel like bawling but we do get feeling low at times—such must have been the case when I wrote that letter. I've thought of it several times since then and am glad it's now part of the past. One of the guys wrote his girl a letter that same night. I don't know just what he said but she wouldn't write to him for over a month. Finally her mother persuaded her to give him another chance so they got things straightened out. At any rate, honey, it won't happen again as I now know how we stand so my morale will be high no matter how tired I get. One reason why I'm writing to you every day this week is to try to make up to you for that bit of thoughtlessness. Fortunately, I've had the time this week, however, don't get the idea that I expect you to copy my example. I know how hard it is to write every day. As things are now they satisfy me completely. I doubt if I'll equal this performance again, not because I couldn't but because there can be too much of a good thing. As the song puts it, too much love may curb the fire and that I don't want to happen.
Well I went out last nite with the intention of seeing Abbott & Costello. There was such a long queue I didn't bother so after spending an hour or so at the Red Cross I hit the road back again. We had spent the afternoon trying to open up the drain alongside the train so I was tired anyway. We were using picks and shovels in about eight inches of water so it was no picnic. It's all opened up now so we're going to leave it like that for a couple of days to see if it will drain correctly now.
Say I didn't mean for you to send me perfume. All I meant was for you to put a couple of drops on your letters. Bring the homefront to the front as it were.
As far as riding along listening to dance music on our radio or phonograph, naturally I'd like someone named Jerry with me, however, if the army hasn't taught me anything else it's taught me patience mainly because I had to learn it. The old army game is to hurry and wait.
Too bad you missed the tobogganing party. I'll bet you would have had a swell time. I wouldn't have let bad roads in the country stop me. I remember being out one winter nite in my car when I couldn't see the end of the hood it was snowing so hard. There were no other tire tracks to follow on the road as it was a shortcut between two highways, and very little used. The snow was almost two feet deep and the only way I stayed on the road was by guessing how far away it was from a row of trees which extended down one side. I like going out like that sort of pitching my wits against the elements.
Twice this winter so far, my dad has been unable to get his car out of our driveway because the snow was too deep. My mother told me that one day all the schools had to close too. We live near the outskirts like you do which gives the snow a chance to drift all over the place and how it does.
Well I see I'm in the past again so rather than keep on I'll call it a day, even though I don't feel like it. I hope the letter I wrote to you about joining the service and none of the things I said bothered you. Bawl me out if they did.
Now dear little president, I'll say good-nite once more. Take care of yourself for me honey.
All my love,
Johnny
P.S. I didn't make any New Year Resolutions — did you? Don't forget to send mail to APO 511 I notice you still use 184 det H.
APO
The number of the Army Post Office from which Johnny sent a letter
511
Location
The location of the interview
Burnham-On-Sea
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
John C. Waller
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1945-01-18
Title
A name given to the resource
January 18, 1945
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Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Letters from 1945
Letter
Text
Any textual data included in the document
January 17, 1945
Dearest Geraldine,
I received your letter of Dec. 20th and see that I must give you a little advice. I'm referring to this idea of yours about going into the service. Now I respect your patriotism & the thoughts behind it but Jerry it's no place for a girl like you. Civilians just haven't any conception of what life in the army is like. No motion picture or book has ever given an accurate description of it. The only way to find out it by being in it. I mentioned this to our captain who is a doctor. He is in hearty agreement with me on the subject in fact, his language was on the 'strong' side or I would quote him exactly. Joes and nurses alike here on the train advise you not to take any such step. They should know as they do medical work whereas I know about the regular army. I sincerely hope you never get past the thinking stage in this matter and if you have any respect at all for my advice and the advice of these others please stop even thinking about it.
Another thing honey, don't worry about doing something worthwhile. You subscribe to the War Loans and do your job there at home besides keeping my morale up. That's your part and it's a big part. I'm really serious about this toots. Hells bells if you were in the service I'd be worrying about you all the time! I wish I was there so I could put in a few of my favorite words but you know how I feel about you. I'll feel much better if you say you've discarded the idea. Let me know, please.
I'm off to-nite so I'm going out on pass. I just picked my pass up from the St sgt. and he said to tell you if you want to remain a friend of his and someday be my wife you better give up the idea of going into the service. Don't ask me where he got the second half of his idea—but it's not a bad one as far as I'm concerned just a little early to bring it up. I hope you don't mind my telling you all this sweet. I just wanted to get it off my mind. I'd rather you stayed at home and married the butcher, baker or candlestick maker in order to keep from any of the effects of army life even though I'd lose out myself. You're too sweet a girl to be mixed up in any such thing, honey, believe me. Well I guess if I haven't convinced you by this time I never will so I'll stop harping on it.
Now I want to take off, so I'll sign off for this time, hoping you are well.
All my love,
Johnny
APO
The number of the Army Post Office from which Johnny sent a letter
511
Location
The location of the interview
Burnham-On-Sea
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
John C. Waller
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1945-01-17
Title
A name given to the resource
January 17, 1945
-
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Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Letters from 1945
Letter
Text
Any textual data included in the document
January 19, 1945
Hello Honey,
Well this makes my seventh epistle in so many days just as I said I'd do. You will probably want a rest after all the words I've tossed you in such a short time. The run scheduled for to-day was cancelled however, one of our two day ones is due to-morrow without fail. I imagine that several will come at once now. If you don't hear from me for awhile you'll know that's the reason. This morning was a stormy morn so the captain gave us a lecture on first aid. This was followed by an hour long bull session on what to do with Germany after the war. Some interesting ideas were advanced by the fellows. That is a very important subject by the way, and should be decided on before the war is over. The storm continued through the afternoon so I sat in on a lecture by our head nurse. Her original subject was to give the medics pointers in changing dressings. After she finished she, at the request of the fellows, went into a discussion of obstetrics. It was very interesting to us all. There will be further discussion at a later date. I spent this evening working on a couple of cards for the guys and that brings me up-to-date. Now Ger this may be a small letter but it brings just as much love to you from
Johnny
APO
The number of the Army Post Office from which Johnny sent a letter
511
Location
The location of the interview
Burnham-On-Sea
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
John C. Waller
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1945-01-19
Title
A name given to the resource
January 19, 1945
-
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Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Letters from 1945
Letter
Text
Any textual data included in the document
January 20, 1945
Dearest Geraldine,
Well honey, we're on our return journey from the long run I told you we were making. Needless to say we are all pretty tired. The scenery was beautiful this trip due to about a three inch snowfall which blanketed everything in white. It's too bad the world isn't as clean as snow makes it appear—don't you agree.
I'm sending you a picture I had taken in the PX (post exchange). It's an untouched enlargement from a 35mm. negative so you'll see me as I am. Whether it will reach you as soon as this letter does I can't say but at least you'll know it's on the way. I hope you like it.
The supply corporal and I also spent a couple of hours after chow this evening printing pictures with the new contact printer I mentioned before. There is only one snap with my in it, and that is a group picture. I'll probably enclose one with my next epistle. You know we are rolling along as I write this so don't think I've been on a binge if you can't read my scrawl.
The train is very cold to-night for some reason or other. The steam doesn't seem to be coming through as it should. The major got after the engineer once, however, it doesn't seem to be any better yet. The only thing to do is hit the sack which I'm going to do right now. I'll finish this in the morning so until then I'll say goodnite sweetheart. (Too bad I can't kiss you good-nite)
1/23/45
A little more time elapsed than I intended in finishing this letter but anyway here I am again. Sunday the train was in all day so we had the day off. Three of us attended church in town, came back for chow, and then went out for the rest of the day and evening.
We met a couple of more of our buddies at the Red Cross where coffee with doughnuts was serving as our supper. They went out together but the three of us ran into them later in the evening again.
After they had left, Paul, Lea and I decided to raise a little hell as we were in the mood so we started off on a round of the pubs. Maybe I better explain that a pub over here isn't like a beer joint in the States. Young and old alike congregate there to talk, play darts or drink anything from lemonade to Scotch. Usually singing isn't allowed in most of them—you know how reserved the English people are. There are several rooms in the pubs over here with fireplaces in each room. They remind me of lodges such as you sometimes see in the movies and some are quite homey.
Not that you understand what a pub is I'll continue. I didn't want you to get the idea I had turned into a sot since coming over here. I like a few beers and it's nothing new as we have it in the refrigerator at home all the time.
On our second stop we ran into the other two fellows from the train and therein lies my tale. Both of them are close buddies of mine and each had a girl with him. The one has been going out with a little Welsh girl who works in one of the colleges here only as in all such cases misunderstandings occur and he was in the doghouse. Who should walk in but this very girls with a girlfriend. They sat at the very next table to Joe & Johnny. Johnny didn't know what to do or say so he said to me, "Take care of her, Johnny." Is this getting you mixed up having two guys with the same name?
Paul and Lea were calling me to leave so I left with them as they turn up if I leave when we're out to-gether. We went around to the back of the hotel for about a half hour. Everything was quiet when we went in but far from it when we left. The three of us got out in the middle of the room and started singing. We soon had everyone joining in the chorus and left the people in the place in a better frame of mind if I do say so myself.
Our next stop was back in the front of the hotel where Johnny and Joe were. Linda (John's girl) and her girl friend had hour infantry Joes at their table and Johnny was looking like a wet week so after Paul and I rendered the Transportation Corp Song (by the way singing is definitely not allowed at this hotel but we sang with no complaints—maybe it was my melodious voice, remember how I used to try it on you occasionally. You said I could whistle better). Anyway, after our rendition I pulled up a chair by Linda, introduced myself (I had never met her) and started talking. The infantry gave me some dirty looks but that didn't bother me. To make a long story short I finally managed to get her to walk home with Johnny, who was all alone by that time. So you see, I did my good turn for the day. Are you proud of me, honey? Johnny is twenty and Linda is nineteen—just about the same age difference as between you and me, only you're prettier and sweeter. I was talking to Lea Sunday nite, after we came in, about the girls you meet while in the service. We both agreed that the more we saw the more we appreciated our girls back home & I do mean you.
Yesterday, we knocking off another run or I should say last nite as we didn't get to bed until 1 A.M., up again six hours later to work on the train. To-night, I'm taking over the office again until eleven o'clock and that brings us up to-date for now.
I'm enclosing five snaps. Two are of places you should recognize, two are just to give you an idea of what things are like over here and of course the last is the group picture.
For nine pages I guess I've told you very little honey, however, this extra sheet will serve to let you know that I still love you as much as ever if not more. I'll be damned glad when I don't have to write anymore and can say what I want to in person. Until then remember you are always in my heart. Now hoping you are well I'll leave you with the above thought.
All my love,
Johnny
APO
The number of the Army Post Office from which Johnny sent a letter
511
Location
The location of the interview
Burnham-On-Sea
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
John C. Waller
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1945-01-20
Title
A name given to the resource
January 20, 1945
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Dublin Core
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Title
A name given to the resource
Letters from 1945
Letter
Text
Any textual data included in the document
January 24, 1945
Hello Honey,
You gave me a little surprise to-day when I opened the enclosed letter thinking it was for me. You better check next time little one as such mistakes aren't hard to make. I did the same thing myself once. Fortunately, I also received a letter from you which was addressed correctly.
This will be just a short note as I haven't time for more at present. I see that you also attended the midnite church service. Back home I always did that. It was the most beautiful service of the entire year I always thought. It was probably the same type of service as the one you attended. The church was decorated with holly throughout with two large trees near the altar. Lighting was entirely by candles. When I was a senior at Tech, I wrote a Xmas essay on How I Spent Xmas Eve. I write about the church service. It was saved by the head of the English department as the best essay of that year. I attributed this to the beauty of the service, not to the brilliance of my pen. All I did was describe things as they were. I certainly would have enjoyed being there with you. Maybe someday we'll be able to make it together.
Now, Toots, I'll have to admit that I read the letter I am sending back to you. Maybe I shouldn't have but after all I'm only human. Through it I note that you were very fortunate with Xmas gifts. Your prayer book reminds me of the one I bought myself a couple of years ago. I didn't bring it with me because of the scarcity of space. We have barely enough room for necessities.
Well, honey, I have to get back on the ball now so with an extra reminder to be careful with your envelopes I'll sign off hoping to hear from you soon.
As ever with love,
Johnny
PS You're still sending to wrong address. It should be APO 511.
APO
The number of the Army Post Office from which Johnny sent a letter
511
Location
The location of the interview
Burnham-On-Sea
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
John C. Waller
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1945-01-24
Title
A name given to the resource
January 24, 1945
-
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Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Letters from 1945
Letter
Text
Any textual data included in the document
January 26, 1945
Friday Eve
Dearest Gerry,
This carrying on a romance via the mails sure does have its drawbacks. I look at your picture as I write, get in a good mood and then can only put thoughts down on paper. It reminds me of the song which contains this phrase — "A fine romance with no kisses etc." Ain't it the truth! They say the longer you wait for something the more you appreciate it so we should really have something when we do get to-gether again. What say you honey? I wish the damn mail didn't take so long though.
This is our third day in the stall with no run scheduled for to-morrow either. It's given us a chance to rest up a little which is something I can stand at present. We've been spending the time having classes. This A.M. we had one in chemical warfare. It included the various types of chemical agents, what to do if gasses, physical properties of the various gasses, how to de-contaminate a gassed area, first-aid for victims, etc. It was a pretty thorough review, just what we needed too as it's very easy to forget and we never know when we may have to use such knowledge.
This afternoon we had some additional first-aid practice. The captain gives this to us and he knows his stuff. Knowledge of first-aid is always a good thing to know, I think. It may be particularly useful to me when when I rejoin my outfit according to what has been happening to some of them recently. It doesn't hurt to know something about it when you're a civilian either. One never knows when he'll get the chance to use or rather to practice it. I'm thinking of women drivers. Seriously though I have a lot of respect for them, it seems to me that men are the worst offenders when it comes to accidents.
Well sweet, this I can see is not particularly interesting to you so I'll change the subject.
Speaking of the pictures I sent you, if you like it well enough to pin up somewhere, please don't put me facing Jack Oliver. I'd much prefer to be looking at you. I've been thinking that maybe I should have written something more on it than what I did. That was more or less formal language, not at all what I'd like to have said. To be truthful, I was thinking more of what your folks would think. I don't know just what they think of us, not that is would worry me very much if I were on hand. The logical thing to do of course is cross that bridge when I come to it. Now honey, I'm going to say good-nite as it is really Thurs. evening. I headed the letter Friday because I'll be finishing it then. So good-nite sweetheart!
Back again Jerry and the weather is really chilly to-night, considerably below freezing. I went into town to-night to see Bing in "Going My Way." I saw it before but considered it worthwhile to see again. It's seldom that good pictures come around here. I sat next to a couple of girls who were about eighteen I'd say. The only reason I mention that is because they reminded me of you. I imagine you say the picture so you'll know what I'm talking about. When the church burned down and at the end where the old priest's mother walked in both girls were sniffling to beat the band. I smiled to myself as I was thinking how you used to do the same thing is the picture was sad. You know I took my mother to see The Song of Bernadette when I was home on furlough. She had to use her handkerchief several times during that picture and even I had a job at one point to keep my eyes from brimming over. It was a real 'tear jerker' in places. I'd have loved to take you to see it, little one — not to laugh at your tears either, but because I know you would understand and appreciate it even though it was so sad. I guess we're pretty much alike in several respects, aye what and that's a good thing too.
To-day we got our engine on to that out the train in preparation for our run to-morrow. Two pipes leading from the water tanks in two cars burst so three of us had to remove them, solder up the holes and put them back. You know, a thing is really work out over here before you get a new part. These particular pipes had been soldered before — no doubt they'll be done again too. Everything is in order now except one toilet. It's still frozen but they're working on it now. All the toilets had to be thawed out. Did I tell you about the day they tried to mop the floors? Before they could pick the water up on the mops, it froze solid. We had a regular skating rink back there. Some fun!
Now here's a little crack out of the Stars & Stripes. Comment: "Never question your wife's judgement — look what she married." That's a hard one to get around, isn't it.
All good things must come to an end, also this epistle so again, goodnite sweetheart! Don't laugh when I say pray for us — we need it.
All my love,
Johnny
APO
The number of the Army Post Office from which Johnny sent a letter
511
Location
The location of the interview
Burnham-On-Sea
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
John C. Waller
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1945-01-26
Title
A name given to the resource
January 26, 1945
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Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Letters from 1945
Letter
Text
Any textual data included in the document
January 28, 1945
Sunday 1 A.M.
Hello Honey,
Well how's the sweetest little lady in the world to-nite — O.K. I hope. Personally, I'm a little on the tired side after our days ride. the run itself wasn't so bad, the trouble came when we had to wait over four hours to get into the docks to unload. I was going plenty of cussing — under my breath of course. It seemed like we never would get in but we finally made it.
Now I find they're letting us sleep till noon so I thought I'd knock off a few lines before hitting the hay. Again, I'll have to ask you to bear with my writing as I'm not at my best with the train bouncing around.
I heard some very disquieting news to-night about the fellows in my company. I can't say what it is but I certainly hope it is just idle gossip. Don't be too surprised if within a month you find a major change in my address, providing no startling events occur before then. I'm basing the above statement on what I heard to-night so if no change takes place you'll know it was gossip not fact.
I'm feeling kinda old to-night dear, for one reason or another. I guess the chief one is that while I was talking to one of the fellows to-night, he glanced over at me and said, "Why Johnny, look at all the gray hairs you have and you're only twenty-three." If you don't mind though, I guess I can put up with it. Shucks, I'm too tired to write more so I'll say good-nite honey and finish this later in the day.
Sunday Eve 9:45
Back again little one. The 1st sgt. was as good as his work so we didn't get up till noon. After chow, I was on a detail to get some hundred off new mattresses in exchange for the ones we have in the litter cars. By the way, Guy Lombardo is now playing 'I Walk Alone.' I really like his music but I wasn't thinking of that right now. The words of that song would make a good theme song for you and me.
To get back to this afternoon, the detail took us just about all afternoon. I got quite a good workout throwing the bundles around.
After supper, I headed for town all alone as all but one of my buddies are restricted for a week. they didn't have their beds made up by eight o'clock as they should have, in fact they were still in them at that time. It's no fun going to town alone, yet it does you good to get out away from the train as much as possible. It's a beautiful moonlight night and I guess I felt much as you do when you do out with your girl friends and get in a good mood. You know how that is. War certainly does make a mess out of people's lives doesn't it. Still, better days are coming which we should be able to appreciate all the more after this.
Here's another little piece from the Stars & Stripes. Fun on the home front: A woman finally found she could get a divorce from her husband because of his flat feet. His feet were in the wrong flat.
It's been almost a week since I heard from you so there isn't much more I can say this time except I hope you are well. Oh yes, here is a request you might fulfill for me. How about a picture of you about the size of the one I sent to you. I'd sure like one if you'd send it. Now sweet dreams, sweetheart and,
All my love,
Johnny
APO
The number of the Army Post Office from which Johnny sent a letter
511
Location
The location of the interview
Burnham-On-Sea
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
John C. Waller
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1945-01-28
Title
A name given to the resource
January 28, 1945
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Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Letters from 1945
Letter
Text
Any textual data included in the document
January 30, 1945
Dearest Geraldine,
Well little one, another day here has gone by, one less in the army and one more closer to you. I still haven't heard from you so if this turns out to be more or less of a love letter don't blame me as there is no news to impart. That's the easiest kind of epistle to write to one such as you anyway as your kind is easy to love. Don't think I'm kidding you, I really mean that.
To-day I had a lesson on how to wash dishes, in other words K. P. This is the first time I've had it in almost a year. It isn't particularly hard with this outfit but it's a far cry from helping you with the dishes as I recall doing a few times. The reason I caught it now is that one of the regular K. P.s is in the hospital so we all have to take a turn. I went on at noon to-day and get off at noon to-morrow. The rest of the day I'm free so it really isn't such a bad deal. You've probably heard me mention the 'Unholy Four.' (Paul-717th man, Joe Krieger, Johnny Bauer and me - pick them out in the snap I sent you) At any rate, they helped me out to-nite so I was finished in good time. A couple of new fellows also lent a hand to make labor light. We all pitch in to help one another as that's the only way to do it in the army when you live in such close proximity to one another.
How are you getting along as president of your sorority? I can't image you as being very stern at any time - you're too cute. Still, we never had a real argument so I maybe I don't know, aye what.
You know honey, you're really an inspiration to me or maybe I should say morale builder. I feel about two hundred percent better after receiving a letter from you. I wonder how I'll feel when I see you in person.
I often think of that. You know I never kissed you in front of your parents, but if they're around when I make my first call they will certainly see a change, providing of course that you agree, as I don't intend getting myself in the doghouse again. I've spent too much time in it already due solely to my own stupidity. Perhaps though it has worked out for the best - given us both a chance to look around and realize as you so aptly phrase it - we have something we don't want to lose for anything or anybody.
Now here's another little item from the Stars & Stripes. Repeated by request. A fool is a man who argues about whether a woman has brains or not - a wise man busies himself with the things they have.
Last nite it snowed four or five inches but during the day it warmed up with the result that everything is slushy to-night. It's really warm. The weather over here amazes me - it can go from extreme to the other on such short notice. I wish it would stay one way or the other.
Well sweetheart, I guess I'll sign off for this time, hoping you are well and don't work too hard. Loving you and respecting you more each day, I remain
With all my love,
Johnny
APO
The number of the Army Post Office from which Johnny sent a letter
511
Location
The location of the interview
Burnham-On-Sea
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
John C. Waller
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1945-01-30
Title
A name given to the resource
January 30, 1945