Dearest Mother, Dad, Shirlee, & Rhoda;
Well, I have had a very enjoyable and then again a very lousy week end. Yesterday about 5:00 PM Don came down and saw me. I had three hrs. liberty and I got it extended to 5 hrs. and we had a heck of a good time seeing each other. Boy, it surely seemed swell seeing Don and I surely hope I get to see him again soon. We got him a room last night in a Motel. I should say we got him a whole house. It was all we could find & it cost plenty but we didn’t care. The place had twin beds, bath, telephone, etc. He surely slept good. We then went out and got a big t-bone steak dinner which was super. We killed the rest of the evening at the USO’s and walking around the small town of San Luis at midnight we left each other & I came up to my brks. & Don went to his cottage. At 0930 we met and went to military Protestant church services. Since it was “Mother’s Day” we had a special service and it was quite nice.
The reason part of the day was lousy is that Don was planning to stay till tonight & then go back to Frisco but my damned narrow minded C.O. made us stay in quarters all afternoon & he wouldn’t even let us have visitors in the Barrack—boy am I burned up at that narrow minded fool.
Well, that made it so that Don had to shove off at about 1500 (3PM) and we missed spending Sun. afternoon together.
Don looks “good” & he especially looks good in his new blues. He says he eats a lot of food & still doesn’t gain weight but one of these days he is going to fill out fast—like Dad did.
I think Don likes his new Radio Electronics school better than his last school. And, after seeing the h_____S______ set up here at San Luis I don’t think he cares about the air corps any more. Boy, he is really learning radio & electronics.
Mr. Bauie got me interested in starting a business after the war & I told him that I hoped Don & you guys & I could get a good radio business going. He said that it was a good idea. I asked Don what he thought & he said it would be a good idea. So maybe very soon we will go into the business.
We start classes tomorrow so I guess after that time I will really be a buisy Cadet, along with the others. I surely hope I can do well in it but if I don’t it won’t be any disgrace because this is really a rough place.
So little Ruth Weiss is getting married. Boy, I wish I were the guy. She was really my idea of a nice gal. and she surely is good looking. I think I will write her a letter & tell her how heart-broken I am.
The sea-bag that I am sending home won’t have a heck of a lot in it besides junk because Don said he could us my blues & Dungarees etc. so I am mailin ‘em to him.
Well, I guess I had better write a few more letters—I hope you are all well—Don & I are fine.
Love, Bill
P.S. Mother—I hope you had a good mother’s Day & tell Aunt Lou the same------Bill
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Monday, March 8, 2010
10-21-1943
Dear Don;
I was sure glad to hear from but sorry that you chow isn’t too good. Ours is “purty” lousy too. We get enough to fill us up but it is always potatoes and gravy meat. However, I am getting fat on it.
Boy this is sure a cold place. It has been snowing here steady for two days and blowing to beat hell. I imagine it stays around zero as soon as real winter hits the joint.
Well tomorrow starts the final exams for us and they will really be “pips.” I have one in math tomorrow, physics Friday & the rest next week.
You asked about my V-5 standing—well the whole thing is kind of messed up but as it stands I am in V-12a which means “V-5 college program” V-12 without the “a” is for deck officers & we take the same as they do but we get out about 9 months sooner than they –However I can transfer to “V-12” from V12a” if I want & thus become a deck candidate (This way I would get a commission much sooner than in V-5 (V12a)
It sounds all messed up I know but this is the way the skipper told me. There are only about 15 of us out of the 500 that are in V-5 (V-12a) so I guess we are sorta lucky—but I am seriously thinking of transferring to Deck. What do you think about it?
I called Mother and Dad last night & they are all well & happy. Boy that was some hunt Dad went on and really a coincidence about getting his Deer. I guess he wrote & told you about it. I would sure liked to have been there but I guess that will have to wait.
Well Best of Luck
Bill
P.S. How are the “taxes” girls treating you & how do you like Texas so far
I was sure glad to hear from but sorry that you chow isn’t too good. Ours is “purty” lousy too. We get enough to fill us up but it is always potatoes and gravy meat. However, I am getting fat on it.
Boy this is sure a cold place. It has been snowing here steady for two days and blowing to beat hell. I imagine it stays around zero as soon as real winter hits the joint.
Well tomorrow starts the final exams for us and they will really be “pips.” I have one in math tomorrow, physics Friday & the rest next week.
You asked about my V-5 standing—well the whole thing is kind of messed up but as it stands I am in V-12a which means “V-5 college program” V-12 without the “a” is for deck officers & we take the same as they do but we get out about 9 months sooner than they –However I can transfer to “V-12” from V12a” if I want & thus become a deck candidate (This way I would get a commission much sooner than in V-5 (V12a)
It sounds all messed up I know but this is the way the skipper told me. There are only about 15 of us out of the 500 that are in V-5 (V-12a) so I guess we are sorta lucky—but I am seriously thinking of transferring to Deck. What do you think about it?
I called Mother and Dad last night & they are all well & happy. Boy that was some hunt Dad went on and really a coincidence about getting his Deer. I guess he wrote & told you about it. I would sure liked to have been there but I guess that will have to wait.
Well Best of Luck
Bill
P.S. How are the “taxes” girls treating you & how do you like Texas so far
10-16-1943
2200
Dear Don,
Well how are you and “taxes now. I hope you are still O.K. and maybe getting better food. Our chow up here keeps getting worse but I guess it can only get so bad. However I did gain another 3 lbs. this month.
School is getting stiff now as we have test week starting Wednesday and you know how that is. I guess you are about ready to finish up your school there aren’t you. I’ll bet you are really getting into some interesting radio work now aren’t you? I sure hope you get to go to Corpus Christi—that is a good place I hear—but then I guess there are places just as good.
Damn, I can’t make $24 last me hardly half a week let alone a whole month. We get $50 originally but we have to (almost compelled, haha) take $18.75 out for war bonds & then insurance it all cuts the chit down to $24---I make out “purty” good on it though (all kiddin aside)
Hope you are well.
Well this is the first deer season you and dad & I haven’t been sittin out somewhere waitin for a deer but I guess dad will have to get the DeeR alone this time while you and I get the DeAR. Well I think I’ll hit the good old Sack—Best of Luck to you---Bill
Dear Don,
Well how are you and “taxes now. I hope you are still O.K. and maybe getting better food. Our chow up here keeps getting worse but I guess it can only get so bad. However I did gain another 3 lbs. this month.
School is getting stiff now as we have test week starting Wednesday and you know how that is. I guess you are about ready to finish up your school there aren’t you. I’ll bet you are really getting into some interesting radio work now aren’t you? I sure hope you get to go to Corpus Christi—that is a good place I hear—but then I guess there are places just as good.
Damn, I can’t make $24 last me hardly half a week let alone a whole month. We get $50 originally but we have to (almost compelled, haha) take $18.75 out for war bonds & then insurance it all cuts the chit down to $24---I make out “purty” good on it though (all kiddin aside)
Hope you are well.
Well this is the first deer season you and dad & I haven’t been sittin out somewhere waitin for a deer but I guess dad will have to get the DeeR alone this time while you and I get the DeAR. Well I think I’ll hit the good old Sack—Best of Luck to you---Bill
10-12-1943
Monday (I don’t know the date)
Dear Mother, Dad, Shirlee, Rhoda;
Well It was sure good to hear your voices again even if it was “reverse on the charges” call. I don’t know where all of my money goes but it sure does go. We went to an “all star” “big league” baseball game today and it sure was lousy. Coon & I left before the fourth inning. The whole outfit marched down to it and got $1.50 seats free. We then went to town for a few minutes and just as Coon and I turned a corner there was a “High School” kid driving a car and made a left hand turn on a red light. He hit an old woman & a little girl who were crossing the street. Coon & I ran to them and pulled them away from the car. I looked over the old lady & say that she had a “busted” leg. But the little girl was just scared. Coon & I wanted to call an ambulance but the old lady wouldn’t have anything but a chiropractor so we left & by that time the cops were there & had every thing under control. It was really exciting. I sure hope the stubborn old thing is O.K. (haha)
Boy is sure is dark and cloudy here in ?good? old Poky. It has been trying to rain all day and now it is finally pouring down. I sure hope it keeps raining for a while so we can miss morning calisthenics.
Well all the boys are getting ready to shove off for middy’s school or Farragut (Jolley) or Bremehton. In a way I would like to go to sea but this is too good a chance to muff up. A year from now I should be an Ensign if every thing goes O.K. & I know it will.
Well I was sure glad you heard from Don. I got some letters too & he said he is O.K. so don’t worry.
Hope you are all well
Love Bill
P.S. If you want to see a wonderful picture (sad as hell) see “So Proudly We Hail” (I think Dad would like it)
Bill
Dear Mother, Dad, Shirlee, Rhoda;
Well It was sure good to hear your voices again even if it was “reverse on the charges” call. I don’t know where all of my money goes but it sure does go. We went to an “all star” “big league” baseball game today and it sure was lousy. Coon & I left before the fourth inning. The whole outfit marched down to it and got $1.50 seats free. We then went to town for a few minutes and just as Coon and I turned a corner there was a “High School” kid driving a car and made a left hand turn on a red light. He hit an old woman & a little girl who were crossing the street. Coon & I ran to them and pulled them away from the car. I looked over the old lady & say that she had a “busted” leg. But the little girl was just scared. Coon & I wanted to call an ambulance but the old lady wouldn’t have anything but a chiropractor so we left & by that time the cops were there & had every thing under control. It was really exciting. I sure hope the stubborn old thing is O.K. (haha)
Boy is sure is dark and cloudy here in ?good? old Poky. It has been trying to rain all day and now it is finally pouring down. I sure hope it keeps raining for a while so we can miss morning calisthenics.
Well all the boys are getting ready to shove off for middy’s school or Farragut (Jolley) or Bremehton. In a way I would like to go to sea but this is too good a chance to muff up. A year from now I should be an Ensign if every thing goes O.K. & I know it will.
Well I was sure glad you heard from Don. I got some letters too & he said he is O.K. so don’t worry.
Hope you are all well
Love Bill
P.S. If you want to see a wonderful picture (sad as hell) see “So Proudly We Hail” (I think Dad would like it)
Bill
Sunday, March 7, 2010
9-23-1943
Dear Don;
Well its about 0800 and the beginning of another day of the same danged thing. Boy school gets monotonous but I guess it’s worth it to get what it pays off in the end. If the danged C.P.O.s would only forget to wake the bugler up in the morning and let us sleep in for just one or two days it would really be nice but I guess that’s asking too much.
Well, it will only be two more weeks until the end of the first semester. I sure hope I pass my final exams O.K. Only two more semesters after this one and I go to mid-ship-man’s school if I transfer from V-5.
There were a lot of mid-ship-man’s uniforms came in yesterday for the boys leaving this semester & they sure were good looking.
We had a “captains mast” (court trial) yesterday for two boys that “went over the hill.” I don’t know what the c.o. gave them but I guess it was enough. Any guy that thinks he can get away from the Navy is nuts. They only got up into Oregon before the M.P.’s got them.
Boy I hope Houston is better than Poky. All there is in this town is a rail-road and a bunch of greasy Rail Road people. However the college is nice.
I received a letter from Frank Turner the other day—I’ll stick it in here so you can read it.
Well I guess I’ll go to class---
Best of Luck---Bill
Well its about 0800 and the beginning of another day of the same danged thing. Boy school gets monotonous but I guess it’s worth it to get what it pays off in the end. If the danged C.P.O.s would only forget to wake the bugler up in the morning and let us sleep in for just one or two days it would really be nice but I guess that’s asking too much.
Well, it will only be two more weeks until the end of the first semester. I sure hope I pass my final exams O.K. Only two more semesters after this one and I go to mid-ship-man’s school if I transfer from V-5.
There were a lot of mid-ship-man’s uniforms came in yesterday for the boys leaving this semester & they sure were good looking.
We had a “captains mast” (court trial) yesterday for two boys that “went over the hill.” I don’t know what the c.o. gave them but I guess it was enough. Any guy that thinks he can get away from the Navy is nuts. They only got up into Oregon before the M.P.’s got them.
Boy I hope Houston is better than Poky. All there is in this town is a rail-road and a bunch of greasy Rail Road people. However the college is nice.
I received a letter from Frank Turner the other day—I’ll stick it in here so you can read it.
Well I guess I’ll go to class---
Best of Luck---Bill
9-23-1943
PVT. Frank Turner ASN 39913921
89th Depot Repair Sqd. A.P.O. 635
c/o Postmaster, New York, N.Y.
Dear Bill
I was sure glad to hear from you and how you are coming along in the Navy.
Well here I am in England and getting 20% more in pay checks now which doesn't add up so much after all for a private.
England isn't such a bad place and the girls are not bad except they haven't the shapes the American girls have got, their legs look kind of beat up. I went to a stage show the other night and even the chorus girls were either too fat or too skinny. Oh well! I guess you can't have everything.
Guess who I saw over here last Tuesday? Captain James McNair alias Staff Sergeant Mc. I didn't get to talk to him, but if I see him again I'll give him the old high ball.
I sure wish you could be here and see some of the things I have in the past 2 months, it is sure a far cry from Utah.
I was talking to an old Englishman the other day and he said he had never heard of Utah, just New York and California.
Have you ever heard where Bob Nuttal went to? I have wondered if he is in Italy or the Solomans.
Well Bill, write soon as mail is sure welcome here where there isn't much to do for pleasure except get a letter from your friends.
Your pal Frank
89th Depot Repair Sqd. A.P.O. 635
c/o Postmaster, New York, N.Y.
Dear Bill
I was sure glad to hear from you and how you are coming along in the Navy.
Well here I am in England and getting 20% more in pay checks now which doesn't add up so much after all for a private.
England isn't such a bad place and the girls are not bad except they haven't the shapes the American girls have got, their legs look kind of beat up. I went to a stage show the other night and even the chorus girls were either too fat or too skinny. Oh well! I guess you can't have everything.
Guess who I saw over here last Tuesday? Captain James McNair alias Staff Sergeant Mc. I didn't get to talk to him, but if I see him again I'll give him the old high ball.
I sure wish you could be here and see some of the things I have in the past 2 months, it is sure a far cry from Utah.
I was talking to an old Englishman the other day and he said he had never heard of Utah, just New York and California.
Have you ever heard where Bob Nuttal went to? I have wondered if he is in Italy or the Solomans.
Well Bill, write soon as mail is sure welcome here where there isn't much to do for pleasure except get a letter from your friends.
Your pal Frank
9-22-1943
I just received your letter & was glad to hear that you are O.K. I guess it gets damned tedious just waiting for a Hurricane to hit but I guess they hit in one hell of a big hurry when they do come.
Boy, right now I got the “scrub-board” Blues. My hands are so damned sore from pushin towels, skivvies, hats, etc. up and down they are even hard to push around on this paper. They took all of our washing machines out of the hold the first month we were here and they replaced them with glass scrub boards.—hell----I guess I’ll be getting used to it though soon. It’s been almost three months so I guess I can last the rest of the time.
Boy they are really pouring on the work here, too. We are having our 3 months exams this week and boy are they ever hard. I guess you are keeping damned busy too by your letters.
I called mother and Dad again the other night and they are all O.K. I guess it is kinda hard on them having us away but there isn’t a hell of a lot that we can do about it.
From your “dead” description of Houston I would damned near say that it is a twin brother to Pocatello. Not any good shows, no dances, “no nothing.” But then we don’t get much time to go down town; we just stay on the campus and in the Dorm.
Well I guess I’ll wash up for evening chow—
Best of Luck
Bill
P.S. Bullough & Coon say Hello
Boy, right now I got the “scrub-board” Blues. My hands are so damned sore from pushin towels, skivvies, hats, etc. up and down they are even hard to push around on this paper. They took all of our washing machines out of the hold the first month we were here and they replaced them with glass scrub boards.—hell----I guess I’ll be getting used to it though soon. It’s been almost three months so I guess I can last the rest of the time.
Boy they are really pouring on the work here, too. We are having our 3 months exams this week and boy are they ever hard. I guess you are keeping damned busy too by your letters.
I called mother and Dad again the other night and they are all O.K. I guess it is kinda hard on them having us away but there isn’t a hell of a lot that we can do about it.
From your “dead” description of Houston I would damned near say that it is a twin brother to Pocatello. Not any good shows, no dances, “no nothing.” But then we don’t get much time to go down town; we just stay on the campus and in the Dorm.
Well I guess I’ll wash up for evening chow—
Best of Luck
Bill
P.S. Bullough & Coon say Hello
9-22-1943
W.R. smith A.S. USN
V-12, U 15 B--Graveley Halls
Pocatello, Idaho
1800
Dear Mother, Dad, Shirlee, & Rhoda;
I just wrote to Don so thought I would write you before I shove off for chow. Don said he was waiting for that hurricane. I guess it's not going to come after all. He said he has about 7 more months of this work he is in now. I only have 8 more before I can go to midshipman's school so we both have about the same amount of time.
We are really getting the tests again this week. We are having our 12 week (3 mos.) exams now. Boy the time has sure gone fast--3 months almost--
The restriction is still on S.L.C. so I guess I won't be down for another month but I'll be down then.
We had some good boxing lessons in Physical training today. I boxed, bare handed (flat hands), with a little guy from the flat--we did "purty" good.
We will box now all winter I guess--I really like all of the physical work--I can almost feel the muscles growing on me.
Boy when we get up in the morning for calisthentics now it is just as dark as midnight--all the stars are out and the moon is shining bright--you can just barely see a little rime of silver on the eastern range of hills showing that the sun is shining somewhere.
The war news sure sounds good lately, doesn't it. I guess it won't be long before we will get a good foot hold in Europe where we can really fight from. At the rate they are building up are Army &Navy we ought to really be able to fight.
Don said that Houston was reallly a dead town but Idon't see how it could be any wors than Poky.
boy, I got the "scrub-board Blues" (Drawing of Music) They took all of our washing machines a month after we got here & replaced the with glass scrub boards--my knuckles are so sore from pushing towels, skivies, hats, etc. that I have a hard time pushing this pen around. (ha-ha-ha-)
Well I guess I'll go to chow
Lots of Love, Bill
Shirlee--How do you feel by now. Hope you are ship shape.
V-12, U 15 B--Graveley Halls
Pocatello, Idaho
1800
Dear Mother, Dad, Shirlee, & Rhoda;
I just wrote to Don so thought I would write you before I shove off for chow. Don said he was waiting for that hurricane. I guess it's not going to come after all. He said he has about 7 more months of this work he is in now. I only have 8 more before I can go to midshipman's school so we both have about the same amount of time.
We are really getting the tests again this week. We are having our 12 week (3 mos.) exams now. Boy the time has sure gone fast--3 months almost--
The restriction is still on S.L.C. so I guess I won't be down for another month but I'll be down then.
We had some good boxing lessons in Physical training today. I boxed, bare handed (flat hands), with a little guy from the flat--we did "purty" good.
We will box now all winter I guess--I really like all of the physical work--I can almost feel the muscles growing on me.
Boy when we get up in the morning for calisthentics now it is just as dark as midnight--all the stars are out and the moon is shining bright--you can just barely see a little rime of silver on the eastern range of hills showing that the sun is shining somewhere.
The war news sure sounds good lately, doesn't it. I guess it won't be long before we will get a good foot hold in Europe where we can really fight from. At the rate they are building up are Army &Navy we ought to really be able to fight.
Don said that Houston was reallly a dead town but Idon't see how it could be any wors than Poky.
boy, I got the "scrub-board Blues" (Drawing of Music) They took all of our washing machines a month after we got here & replaced the with glass scrub boards--my knuckles are so sore from pushing towels, skivies, hats, etc. that I have a hard time pushing this pen around. (ha-ha-ha-)
Well I guess I'll go to chow
Lots of Love, Bill
Shirlee--How do you feel by now. Hope you are ship shape.
9-20-1943
Dear Don,
Well I hope the Cyclone hasn’t blown Houston off the map, or did you even feel it there? I heard over the radio where it was supposed to hit Galveston Friday but I imagined that it would get you guys too.
I was glad to hear from you again and hear that you are ok and getting along good in your radio work. I just talked with mother and Dad over the telephone and they said that you have put on some weight. I sure hope you have. I have put on about 10 lbs. & I now weigh 131 stripped.
Well Poky is still here in Idaho and it is still the deadest hole in the world. All of the people are so dirty looking they make you sick and the damned Indians are still laying on the sidewalks. Even though the city is dead we can sleep over liberty hours and I sure did today. I stayed in the sack until noon. I guess I (& all the rest of us) should study over week ends but hell we’ve got to rest and relax some time or we’ll go nuts.
Do you guys have any physical work down in “taxes”?
We sure as hell run our legs off up here. Ever day we run 2 miles at the least & 4 miles usually all at once, without stopping, & boy does that poop you out. I ran 4 miles in 26 min & 40 secs which was way above average but boy that really tired me out.
It is getting cold as heck here now and those old pea-coats are really coming in handy. This morning there was frost on the ground so you can see what we’re in for this winter. I’ll bet there will be a lot of sick boys in “ole’ Gravely” just like in boot camp when you were there. I guess you got your share of cold at Farragut because that is farther North than Poky.
Last night Coon & I went to a dance with a fellow from Pearl Harbor. He is a 2nd class Radio tech. & he really likes radio. He says to tell you that he knows how hard your school is but what you get out of it is really worth something. He has been in 6 major engagements and really saw some fights. How soon do you think you will get a leave: & How soon do you think you will ship out of Houston?
Well I guess I’ll hit the sack, its 2300
Good night and Good Luck
Bill
Well I hope the Cyclone hasn’t blown Houston off the map, or did you even feel it there? I heard over the radio where it was supposed to hit Galveston Friday but I imagined that it would get you guys too.
I was glad to hear from you again and hear that you are ok and getting along good in your radio work. I just talked with mother and Dad over the telephone and they said that you have put on some weight. I sure hope you have. I have put on about 10 lbs. & I now weigh 131 stripped.
Well Poky is still here in Idaho and it is still the deadest hole in the world. All of the people are so dirty looking they make you sick and the damned Indians are still laying on the sidewalks. Even though the city is dead we can sleep over liberty hours and I sure did today. I stayed in the sack until noon. I guess I (& all the rest of us) should study over week ends but hell we’ve got to rest and relax some time or we’ll go nuts.
Do you guys have any physical work down in “taxes”?
We sure as hell run our legs off up here. Ever day we run 2 miles at the least & 4 miles usually all at once, without stopping, & boy does that poop you out. I ran 4 miles in 26 min & 40 secs which was way above average but boy that really tired me out.
It is getting cold as heck here now and those old pea-coats are really coming in handy. This morning there was frost on the ground so you can see what we’re in for this winter. I’ll bet there will be a lot of sick boys in “ole’ Gravely” just like in boot camp when you were there. I guess you got your share of cold at Farragut because that is farther North than Poky.
Last night Coon & I went to a dance with a fellow from Pearl Harbor. He is a 2nd class Radio tech. & he really likes radio. He says to tell you that he knows how hard your school is but what you get out of it is really worth something. He has been in 6 major engagements and really saw some fights. How soon do you think you will get a leave: & How soon do you think you will ship out of Houston?
Well I guess I’ll hit the sack, its 2300
Good night and Good Luck
Bill
9-3-1943
Dear Don; (Tex)
We.. How are you getting along in “taxes” by now? I sure hope you like the joint and that the food is getting better. We are getting pretty nice chow but quite often they throw in one of those damned mixed up garbage dinners. As a whole though I think it is pretty good.
There are about 600 soldiers out on our grinder camping tonight. They are really a tough looking bunch of guys and they have all of the most modern equipment. They have anti-aircraft guns of all types, all of the newest armored cars, jeeps, MI rifles, machine guns, field artillery and a complete medical and chow unit. We have really been having a good time with them & they are really a swell bunch of fellows. They are a Demonstration group who go from city to city “showing off” They put on sham battles etc.
I was lucky as hell because I got another overnight pass and I am going to try to thumb down to Salt Lake to see Jim and from what I hear that “horse-shit” “shave tail” “gosh darned” “conceited” “ not in the Navy” John C. is there too. By hell if he thinks I’m going to treat him like an officer he’s nuts, because as I figure a gob is so damned much superior to an “Army Air Corps gold braid”, “Brass hat” that the blue jacket should be saluted by the shave tail. All of the gobs here just ignore the Army Air Corps officers down town and in fact they have even got in some fights with them and the skipper didn’t even put them on the shit-list so you can see how much respect we (I) have for them & Johnny. Well so much for that and now I guess I had better shove off & rub out some skivvy shirts. I sure hope you are well & getting along fine. Boy they are really pouring it on here but I guess I can keep it up. Take it easy and Lots of Luck from your Brother Bill
We.. How are you getting along in “taxes” by now? I sure hope you like the joint and that the food is getting better. We are getting pretty nice chow but quite often they throw in one of those damned mixed up garbage dinners. As a whole though I think it is pretty good.
There are about 600 soldiers out on our grinder camping tonight. They are really a tough looking bunch of guys and they have all of the most modern equipment. They have anti-aircraft guns of all types, all of the newest armored cars, jeeps, MI rifles, machine guns, field artillery and a complete medical and chow unit. We have really been having a good time with them & they are really a swell bunch of fellows. They are a Demonstration group who go from city to city “showing off” They put on sham battles etc.
I was lucky as hell because I got another overnight pass and I am going to try to thumb down to Salt Lake to see Jim and from what I hear that “horse-shit” “shave tail” “gosh darned” “conceited” “ not in the Navy” John C. is there too. By hell if he thinks I’m going to treat him like an officer he’s nuts, because as I figure a gob is so damned much superior to an “Army Air Corps gold braid”, “Brass hat” that the blue jacket should be saluted by the shave tail. All of the gobs here just ignore the Army Air Corps officers down town and in fact they have even got in some fights with them and the skipper didn’t even put them on the shit-list so you can see how much respect we (I) have for them & Johnny. Well so much for that and now I guess I had better shove off & rub out some skivvy shirts. I sure hope you are well & getting along fine. Boy they are really pouring it on here but I guess I can keep it up. Take it easy and Lots of Luck from your Brother Bill
9-1-1943
1400—(my second month in)
Dear Don;
Well I have a couple of hours off this afternoon so I guess I’ll get caught up on my correspondence. At 1600 I have a strength test and I hope I can do O.K. We have to improve so much each time so I better do good.
I got a letter from Mother and Dad last evening and they said that Jim was home. I sure hope I can get an overnight pass again so I can see him. I’ll bet he will really have some good experiences to tell about.
Boy this week we are in the middle of our 8 week tests and they are really keeping me busy as hell. We don’t even get time to take a good sh-t. Besides 20 hours of studies we have to do our laundry, clean rooms, clean the heads, clean the study halls, have calisthenics at 0600, have swimming once a week, have Physical training one hour a day, and then once in a wile they let us sleep. They inspect rooms every day & that makes us keep on our toes but them I guess you know how that is.
It’s getting cold as the devil up here and we haven’t even got our pea-coats to keep us warm. There must be a shortage of material because we get stuff every other day issued to us but it is just supplementary material like coats, 2nd pair of shoes, extra skivvy shirts etc.
This damned place they call Idaho is really lousy. I don’t see how you stood it as long as you did & then to think that I have 8 months of the damned thing. Idaho is the ass hole of the states & Poky is the ass hole of Idaho so you can imagine what it’s like. We have a good set up here at he “U” but still you like to do something on liberties.
How is Houston treating you? Are the gals really good? looking? I’ll bet you really have a good station there because the U of Houston is a high ranking school in the South. How long do you think you’ll be there & then where to?
Well take care of your self & study hard, I guess I’ll go wash.
Best of luck
Bill
P.S. are they very strict with you there?
Dear Don;
Well I have a couple of hours off this afternoon so I guess I’ll get caught up on my correspondence. At 1600 I have a strength test and I hope I can do O.K. We have to improve so much each time so I better do good.
I got a letter from Mother and Dad last evening and they said that Jim was home. I sure hope I can get an overnight pass again so I can see him. I’ll bet he will really have some good experiences to tell about.
Boy this week we are in the middle of our 8 week tests and they are really keeping me busy as hell. We don’t even get time to take a good sh-t. Besides 20 hours of studies we have to do our laundry, clean rooms, clean the heads, clean the study halls, have calisthenics at 0600, have swimming once a week, have Physical training one hour a day, and then once in a wile they let us sleep. They inspect rooms every day & that makes us keep on our toes but them I guess you know how that is.
It’s getting cold as the devil up here and we haven’t even got our pea-coats to keep us warm. There must be a shortage of material because we get stuff every other day issued to us but it is just supplementary material like coats, 2nd pair of shoes, extra skivvy shirts etc.
This damned place they call Idaho is really lousy. I don’t see how you stood it as long as you did & then to think that I have 8 months of the damned thing. Idaho is the ass hole of the states & Poky is the ass hole of Idaho so you can imagine what it’s like. We have a good set up here at he “U” but still you like to do something on liberties.
How is Houston treating you? Are the gals really good? looking? I’ll bet you really have a good station there because the U of Houston is a high ranking school in the South. How long do you think you’ll be there & then where to?
Well take care of your self & study hard, I guess I’ll go wash.
Best of luck
Bill
P.S. are they very strict with you there?
Friday, March 5, 2010
8-26-1943
Dear Don,
I was sure glad to hear from “yo’all” and glad to hear that you are doing O.K. I guess you have about the same set up there as we have here, only they are strict as hell with us, but then they should be because we are just “Boots”. The thing I don’t like about it is that we stay apprentice seamen the whole damned time we are here, and never get any more than $50 per month. We also have insurance taken out, like you guys, and I am taking out a bond a month which leaves me about $23 bucks per month for whiskey, beer, cigarettes, and so forth.
I hear that Jim Reese is home on a 30 day furlough. Boy I’ll bet he is glad to be back “alive” because he has really seen some action. I hope I can get another 2 day pass so I can drop down and see him.
You asked about our chow here. Well!----I guess it is “purty” good but that is only because the Navy health officers came thru and made the cafeteria people clean up and serve better food. But no kidding, there for a while we went to the school café in the student Union building and bought our own class chow. Today at noon we had, roast beef, mashed potatoes & gravy, bread &butter, 2 glasses of milk, pear salad, fruit juice, & some ice cream but don’t let that one meal mislead you into thinking that it is that good all the time. That is just one meal out of hundreds. But as a whole I can’t kick because I have put on 10 pounds and it is all hard muscle.
We have four chief petty officers here in charge of the company’s physical drill and they all used to be pro baseball or pro football men. Every morning we have a half hour of the damnedest exercises you ever saw and then in the afternoon for an hour and a half we have ‘em too so it really is building the boys up. We also do quite a lot of swimming, which is very good for us.
I guess you have calisthenics and stuff too so I imagine you are really getting built up.
By the way, what kind of instruction and study do you get down there, and how are your officers?
Well I guess I had better hit the books so I can get to sleep before midnight tonight.
Best of luck
And leave that Texas gal alone,
Your Brother Bill
P.S. There aren’t any good gals in Poky so I guess I had better wait until I hit Houston or Chicago before I look any farther.
I was sure glad to hear from “yo’all” and glad to hear that you are doing O.K. I guess you have about the same set up there as we have here, only they are strict as hell with us, but then they should be because we are just “Boots”. The thing I don’t like about it is that we stay apprentice seamen the whole damned time we are here, and never get any more than $50 per month. We also have insurance taken out, like you guys, and I am taking out a bond a month which leaves me about $23 bucks per month for whiskey, beer, cigarettes, and so forth.
I hear that Jim Reese is home on a 30 day furlough. Boy I’ll bet he is glad to be back “alive” because he has really seen some action. I hope I can get another 2 day pass so I can drop down and see him.
You asked about our chow here. Well!----I guess it is “purty” good but that is only because the Navy health officers came thru and made the cafeteria people clean up and serve better food. But no kidding, there for a while we went to the school café in the student Union building and bought our own class chow. Today at noon we had, roast beef, mashed potatoes & gravy, bread &butter, 2 glasses of milk, pear salad, fruit juice, & some ice cream but don’t let that one meal mislead you into thinking that it is that good all the time. That is just one meal out of hundreds. But as a whole I can’t kick because I have put on 10 pounds and it is all hard muscle.
We have four chief petty officers here in charge of the company’s physical drill and they all used to be pro baseball or pro football men. Every morning we have a half hour of the damnedest exercises you ever saw and then in the afternoon for an hour and a half we have ‘em too so it really is building the boys up. We also do quite a lot of swimming, which is very good for us.
I guess you have calisthenics and stuff too so I imagine you are really getting built up.
By the way, what kind of instruction and study do you get down there, and how are your officers?
Well I guess I had better hit the books so I can get to sleep before midnight tonight.
Best of luck
And leave that Texas gal alone,
Your Brother Bill
P.S. There aren’t any good gals in Poky so I guess I had better wait until I hit Houston or Chicago before I look any farther.
8-26-1943
Dear Dad, Mother and Shirlee;
Boy I sure saw something today! I went with a group out to the Gun Plant and is that ever a wonderful place. It is under the supervision of Navy officers and Marine guards. We watched them reline a 14 incher that was on a battle-ship in the South seas. The gun cover, which is the biggest part of the gun, never wears out but the lining is the part inside the Jacket & that can only have 100 to 200 projectiles fired from it before it needs to have a new lining. The gun Jacket, and lining inside, is 70 feet long and the whole thing weighs 100,080 pounds, it is about 5 feet in diameter. When they reline it they do it in a huge building, about 200 feet high. On top of the building, topside and on rails along the bulkhead, (walls) is a large moveable hook "thing" with an electric motor. The lift picks up the whole gun, 100,000 lbs. and carries it to an electric furnace; it then sets it in the furnace which is set 90 feet in the ground in a big round hole. The gun at this time has the old lining removed. It is then heated for 20 hours at a temperature of 500 degrees. After 20 hours the Jacket has expanded enough to allow the big 70 feet long lining to go into it while it is still in the furnace with a clearance of .01 inches which isn't much. We watched them drop this lining into a hot Jacket & it was fascinating. This is then cooled for 20 hours by water being pumped thru the tube which shrinks the Jacket on tight around the lining and then it is lifted out of the furnace & laid on reserve until another ship needs it. We also saw anti-aircraft guns of the newest type, but I can't write too much about this, all I can say is that they are really built for the business and I would hate to be on the receiving end of one. We saw bomb trucks that lift 10,000 lb bombs into ships & planes, we saw all kinds of light arms, (newest types), all kinds of new cars and trucks all wanting to be shipped to action. We also saw a new anti-aircraft Browning 50 caliber machine gun. It is water cooled and is really built nice. They had hundreds of the crated for shipping.
From this plant they have enough equipment to service a whole battle-wagon at once, and that is really a lot of guns.
They also had gun turrets that had been damaged in battle that were being patched up.
The Captain, (full) equal to a Brig. general in the Army, took us thru the plant, and he told us that a year ago they had serviced the Enterprise with 3 eight inchers that had been hit by bombs. The "E" was in "pearl harbour" at the time & it only took three days to fix her up. They still had a couple of the "E's" Pinchers that were damaged there at the plant.
It was really an experience & I'll tell you more when I come to S.L.C. soon. Oh, they also had about 20 metal lathes that were 90 feet long & could hold a whole 16 incher on the at once. These cost 1/4 of a million dollars a piece. (They are exact to 1/1000 of an inch) Some money, eh: (There's taps I'll finish in the morning)
Well it is now 0930 (9:30 AM Aug 27) and we just had room inspection. Everything was ship-shape. We got a personnell inspection in a half hour so I have to switch into my blues. Well I hope you are all well and tell Jim hello if he is home.
With Love
Bill
Boy I sure saw something today! I went with a group out to the Gun Plant and is that ever a wonderful place. It is under the supervision of Navy officers and Marine guards. We watched them reline a 14 incher that was on a battle-ship in the South seas. The gun cover, which is the biggest part of the gun, never wears out but the lining is the part inside the Jacket & that can only have 100 to 200 projectiles fired from it before it needs to have a new lining. The gun Jacket, and lining inside, is 70 feet long and the whole thing weighs 100,080 pounds, it is about 5 feet in diameter. When they reline it they do it in a huge building, about 200 feet high. On top of the building, topside and on rails along the bulkhead, (walls) is a large moveable hook "thing" with an electric motor. The lift picks up the whole gun, 100,000 lbs. and carries it to an electric furnace; it then sets it in the furnace which is set 90 feet in the ground in a big round hole. The gun at this time has the old lining removed. It is then heated for 20 hours at a temperature of 500 degrees. After 20 hours the Jacket has expanded enough to allow the big 70 feet long lining to go into it while it is still in the furnace with a clearance of .01 inches which isn't much. We watched them drop this lining into a hot Jacket & it was fascinating. This is then cooled for 20 hours by water being pumped thru the tube which shrinks the Jacket on tight around the lining and then it is lifted out of the furnace & laid on reserve until another ship needs it. We also saw anti-aircraft guns of the newest type, but I can't write too much about this, all I can say is that they are really built for the business and I would hate to be on the receiving end of one. We saw bomb trucks that lift 10,000 lb bombs into ships & planes, we saw all kinds of light arms, (newest types), all kinds of new cars and trucks all wanting to be shipped to action. We also saw a new anti-aircraft Browning 50 caliber machine gun. It is water cooled and is really built nice. They had hundreds of the crated for shipping.
From this plant they have enough equipment to service a whole battle-wagon at once, and that is really a lot of guns.
They also had gun turrets that had been damaged in battle that were being patched up.
The Captain, (full) equal to a Brig. general in the Army, took us thru the plant, and he told us that a year ago they had serviced the Enterprise with 3 eight inchers that had been hit by bombs. The "E" was in "pearl harbour" at the time & it only took three days to fix her up. They still had a couple of the "E's" Pinchers that were damaged there at the plant.
It was really an experience & I'll tell you more when I come to S.L.C. soon. Oh, they also had about 20 metal lathes that were 90 feet long & could hold a whole 16 incher on the at once. These cost 1/4 of a million dollars a piece. (They are exact to 1/1000 of an inch) Some money, eh: (There's taps I'll finish in the morning)
Well it is now 0930 (9:30 AM Aug 27) and we just had room inspection. Everything was ship-shape. We got a personnell inspection in a half hour so I have to switch into my blues. Well I hope you are all well and tell Jim hello if he is home.
With Love
Bill
8-24-1943
Aug. 24, 1943 1200
Dear Don;
I just got out of the auditorium where they shoed us some Navy films. Hell that’s boring stuff but then it’s dark in there & we can catch up on our sleep (what sleep?)
I was sure glad to hear from you again but I’m sorry it’s so damned hot and full of bugs down there in Texas. I guess the ants and mosquitoes are quite plentiful down there alright.
I went home last Saturday on a two-day pass. It sure seemed good to get back home and see everyone but its still good to get back to Pocatello and get in the groove again. The reason I say it is good to get back to Poky again is that the sooner I get back the sooner I’ll get out of the damned place, if you get what I mean. I really enjoyed staying at home one night even if it was such a short time. I went to church, and I saw Reese’s & Aunt Lou & everyone. We thumbed down to Salt Lake Saturday and Coon and I got a ride from here straight through to Salt Lake. We were really lucky because some guys had a hell of a hard time getting down.
James Reese is in the States now as I guess you know. Gee I’ll bet he has really seen something.
I guess you guys have a “purty” nice set up there in Houston but I guess you do about the same thing on your liberties as we do on ours. All we do is go to a show and walk around town a little. There isn’t even a bus line in the place. You are lucky to get Wednesdays off in the evening. We only get Saturday & Sunday, but then I guess that is enough.
Well it is just about time for noon chow so I guess I had better shove off and eat some more of those “Idaho Potatoes”.
Good Luck,
Hope you are well,
Bill
Dear Don;
I just got out of the auditorium where they shoed us some Navy films. Hell that’s boring stuff but then it’s dark in there & we can catch up on our sleep (what sleep?)
I was sure glad to hear from you again but I’m sorry it’s so damned hot and full of bugs down there in Texas. I guess the ants and mosquitoes are quite plentiful down there alright.
I went home last Saturday on a two-day pass. It sure seemed good to get back home and see everyone but its still good to get back to Pocatello and get in the groove again. The reason I say it is good to get back to Poky again is that the sooner I get back the sooner I’ll get out of the damned place, if you get what I mean. I really enjoyed staying at home one night even if it was such a short time. I went to church, and I saw Reese’s & Aunt Lou & everyone. We thumbed down to Salt Lake Saturday and Coon and I got a ride from here straight through to Salt Lake. We were really lucky because some guys had a hell of a hard time getting down.
James Reese is in the States now as I guess you know. Gee I’ll bet he has really seen something.
I guess you guys have a “purty” nice set up there in Houston but I guess you do about the same thing on your liberties as we do on ours. All we do is go to a show and walk around town a little. There isn’t even a bus line in the place. You are lucky to get Wednesdays off in the evening. We only get Saturday & Sunday, but then I guess that is enough.
Well it is just about time for noon chow so I guess I had better shove off and eat some more of those “Idaho Potatoes”.
Good Luck,
Hope you are well,
Bill
Thursday, March 4, 2010
8-24-1943
W.R.Smith A.S., V-12, USNR
Gravely Hall, U.I.S.B., Co. 12
Pocatello, Idaho
12:00
Dear Mother, Dad and Shirlee and Rhoda;
We arrived O.K. here Sunday night three minutes befor our pass was up. We were lucky to get in on time because usually the busses are slow.
It sure seemed good to see home again even if it was for only a few hours. Everything was really swell and especially dinner Sunday, that was about the best meal I have ever had since I have been in the Navy.
Well there are five of the boys from the Flat that are packing their sea-bags today and leaving tomorrow. They go to Bremerton Washington where they will be assigned to a ship. The poor guys just couldn't sit down and study.
We sure have nice weather now up here but the the nights are starting to get cold and windy.
I am writing to Don too and I have a class in five minutes so I will have to shove off.
I'll write more tomorrow.
Lots of Love and take care of yourselves.
With Love
Bill
Gravely Hall, U.I.S.B., Co. 12
Pocatello, Idaho
12:00
Dear Mother, Dad and Shirlee and Rhoda;
We arrived O.K. here Sunday night three minutes befor our pass was up. We were lucky to get in on time because usually the busses are slow.
It sure seemed good to see home again even if it was for only a few hours. Everything was really swell and especially dinner Sunday, that was about the best meal I have ever had since I have been in the Navy.
Well there are five of the boys from the Flat that are packing their sea-bags today and leaving tomorrow. They go to Bremerton Washington where they will be assigned to a ship. The poor guys just couldn't sit down and study.
We sure have nice weather now up here but the the nights are starting to get cold and windy.
I am writing to Don too and I have a class in five minutes so I will have to shove off.
I'll write more tomorrow.
Lots of Love and take care of yourselves.
With Love
Bill
8-16-1943
W.R. Smith, A.S. USN
Graveler, Hall, Co.12
Pocatello, Idaho
Dear Mother and Dad;
Well I guess the best news for today is that I heard from Don as you no doubt did. I was going to call you and tell you but he mentioned in his letter that he had written to you "before" he wrote me. He is really in a nice set up there at the U of Houston because he will get good ship quarters and he will be treated swell because he has a rate. He is in Texas in a hot time of the year but it will get cooler there soon according to some of the boys who "hail" from there. I'll bet you were sure relieved as I was to hear but no matter where he goes he will be all right and you shouldn't worry too much because that makes it hard on you.
Boy Dad at last the Old Forest Dale People have awakened & relaized who the best man for some of their jobs is. I was really happy when I heard over the phone the Dayton had asked you and I was going to tell you How much I thgouth about the offer when "Mirt" cut us off. It is really swell and if it won't be too much work for you on top of what you are already doing why take it and really make a good mutual in Forest Dale.
Well it is now 2245 (10:45 P.M.) and I am tired as heck because I ran a 3 mile mountain trail through the hills today during Physical Education class. I made it O.K. but boy does it wear you out running that far in the hills. Well good night Mother and Dad.
Guter Nact,
Schlafen Sie voll,
Deiner Knabe
Willhem
xxxoooxxx
tell Aunt Lou and Uncle Fred Hello & give 'em my Love
Graveler, Hall, Co.12
Pocatello, Idaho
Dear Mother and Dad;
Well I guess the best news for today is that I heard from Don as you no doubt did. I was going to call you and tell you but he mentioned in his letter that he had written to you "before" he wrote me. He is really in a nice set up there at the U of Houston because he will get good ship quarters and he will be treated swell because he has a rate. He is in Texas in a hot time of the year but it will get cooler there soon according to some of the boys who "hail" from there. I'll bet you were sure relieved as I was to hear but no matter where he goes he will be all right and you shouldn't worry too much because that makes it hard on you.
Boy Dad at last the Old Forest Dale People have awakened & relaized who the best man for some of their jobs is. I was really happy when I heard over the phone the Dayton had asked you and I was going to tell you How much I thgouth about the offer when "Mirt" cut us off. It is really swell and if it won't be too much work for you on top of what you are already doing why take it and really make a good mutual in Forest Dale.
Well it is now 2245 (10:45 P.M.) and I am tired as heck because I ran a 3 mile mountain trail through the hills today during Physical Education class. I made it O.K. but boy does it wear you out running that far in the hills. Well good night Mother and Dad.
Guter Nact,
Schlafen Sie voll,
Deiner Knabe
Willhem
xxxoooxxx
tell Aunt Lou and Uncle Fred Hello & give 'em my Love
8-18-1943
Dear Don;
Well I just got out of a boring Psychology class and am I sleepy. I studied last night and then got up at 600—hell we don’t get half enough shut-eye but then I guess just so we live is all that matters.
I just put in my application for a special week-end liberty so I can drop down to Salt Lake Saturday night and a few hours on Sunday. It sure will be good to see “home” after 2 months away. I sure wish you could come too but Houston is a little farther away than “(Poky)”. By the way, how do you like Texas, Houston especially? Have you met up with any of those beautiful cow-punch gals? How large is the University there & is it as good as U.of U. ? (haha)
I’ll bet you guys like the set-up you have there as compared to FaRRagut and Chicago because in these Colleges they mix in a few moments of pleasure, and gals, with work. It is also swell when they issue clean sheets per week and you can send your washing out. Boy I’ll bet that’s heaven to you guys. By the way is Earl Rapp with you in Houston? If he is tell him Hello and good luck too.
Bill Bullough says to tell you hello and good luck.
Boy they have a hell of a (good?) obstacle course here on the campus and we have to run it every day. They also have that 3 mile mountain trail we run if we want to and boy does that poop you out. I guess you get enough of that scuttlebutt in Houston too.
Well write as often as you can Don and I’ll do the same
Best of luck
Bill
(Have you heard from Jim Reese?)
Well I just got out of a boring Psychology class and am I sleepy. I studied last night and then got up at 600—hell we don’t get half enough shut-eye but then I guess just so we live is all that matters.
I just put in my application for a special week-end liberty so I can drop down to Salt Lake Saturday night and a few hours on Sunday. It sure will be good to see “home” after 2 months away. I sure wish you could come too but Houston is a little farther away than “(Poky)”. By the way, how do you like Texas, Houston especially? Have you met up with any of those beautiful cow-punch gals? How large is the University there & is it as good as U.of U. ? (haha)
I’ll bet you guys like the set-up you have there as compared to FaRRagut and Chicago because in these Colleges they mix in a few moments of pleasure, and gals, with work. It is also swell when they issue clean sheets per week and you can send your washing out. Boy I’ll bet that’s heaven to you guys. By the way is Earl Rapp with you in Houston? If he is tell him Hello and good luck too.
Bill Bullough says to tell you hello and good luck.
Boy they have a hell of a (good?) obstacle course here on the campus and we have to run it every day. They also have that 3 mile mountain trail we run if we want to and boy does that poop you out. I guess you get enough of that scuttlebutt in Houston too.
Well write as often as you can Don and I’ll do the same
Best of luck
Bill
(Have you heard from Jim Reese?)
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
8-13-1943
Dearest Mother, Dad & Shirl----Rhoda too
Boy did we have a good swim today- We practiced gun drill, where you jump off a mock gun position into 20 feet of water. It’s really a lot of fun and I am getting so I can do it good. The “sh—t” list of the fellows who “washed” out for the first 4 weeks was posted today & I didn’t get on it thank goodness. I made an “A” in physics, “B” in history, “B” in psychology and a “B” in math. That isn’t bad, especially the “A” in physics, which most guys get low in.
The C.O. told us today that if we wash-out here we get “Priority on Battle duty”. He said if we washed out here we would go straight to San Diego & on the first ship leaving. But I’ll make it O.K. so don’t worry about that . Jolley got on the sh—t list but he gets a chance to make it up.
Have you heard from Don yet? Is he still in Ill.?
Well I guess I will study a little while and write a few more letters.
Hope you are all well
With Love, Bill
I might come home on a special shore pass in a couple of weeks. I’ll thumb down & ride a bus back.
Bill
xxxoooxxx
Shirlee,
Hope you are still practicing good.
Pay-day is in a week! haha
Boy did we have a good swim today- We practiced gun drill, where you jump off a mock gun position into 20 feet of water. It’s really a lot of fun and I am getting so I can do it good. The “sh—t” list of the fellows who “washed” out for the first 4 weeks was posted today & I didn’t get on it thank goodness. I made an “A” in physics, “B” in history, “B” in psychology and a “B” in math. That isn’t bad, especially the “A” in physics, which most guys get low in.
The C.O. told us today that if we wash-out here we get “Priority on Battle duty”. He said if we washed out here we would go straight to San Diego & on the first ship leaving. But I’ll make it O.K. so don’t worry about that . Jolley got on the sh—t list but he gets a chance to make it up.
Have you heard from Don yet? Is he still in Ill.?
Well I guess I will study a little while and write a few more letters.
Hope you are all well
With Love, Bill
I might come home on a special shore pass in a couple of weeks. I’ll thumb down & ride a bus back.
Bill
xxxoooxxx
Shirlee,
Hope you are still practicing good.
Pay-day is in a week! haha
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
8-11-1943
Dear Don; Mother, dad, & Shirl, were up here in Poky Saturday and Sunday. We had a hell of a good time and it sure seemed nice to see them but I wish you had have been able to come too. The reason I haven’t written to you for a few days is that I thought you were transferred. It was in the paper so I thought I should wait until I got your new address & station but according to a letter from Earl Rapp to Mrs. Rapp you guys are still there so I’ll write more often.
Boy have we been having tests and drill and inspection lately. I passed all of my coursed for the first 4 week report and I hope I can keep it up.
Gee I sure hope you can get to Logan. I get a “shore pass” (get out of the city) once a month and I get shore liberty (stay in city) every week end so I can see you once a month anyway.
Well good Luck Don
Your Bros. Bill
Boy have we been having tests and drill and inspection lately. I passed all of my coursed for the first 4 week report and I hope I can keep it up.
Gee I sure hope you can get to Logan. I get a “shore pass” (get out of the city) once a month and I get shore liberty (stay in city) every week end so I can see you once a month anyway.
Well good Luck Don
Your Bros. Bill
8-4-1943
8-4-1943
Dear Dad, Mother, & Shirl,
Well How are you today? Hope you are all well & O.K. Boy it sure is hot here and we have to wear undress blues all of the time on the Campus & boy does it get warm. We are really getting a work out this week on studies but that is because it is the 4 week term & we have a lot of tests.
I have been to a math class and a Psychology lecture so far this morning & I go to Psychology lab for three hours this afternoon and then to Physical Education, then we eat, then we study for two or three, or four hours.
Well it will only be 2 more days until you are up here. I sure hope you don’t have any trouble with the gas because they are getting a lot of people. (I hear) Coon and I are getting all of our studying done so that we can be all caught up by Saturday so we can spend all of our time with you.
If you can buy me a blue denim work shirt like Mr. Coon sent Arnold I could sure use it. They don’t have any my size in Poky & we need ‘em for dungarie uniforms. (size 13 ½ -14)We have a “purty” “gud” band up here now and it makes the parade a lot better. Well I guess I’ll write to Don now so I’ll see you Sat.
Lots of Love
Bill
Xxx ooo xxx
Dear Shirlee,
How’s the pianist coming along now?
I hope you don’t mind such short notes to you but I have such little time to write to my “next best girl” that I don’t send many letters or dollars (I’m kind of short until next pay-day but we’ll have fun in Poly on the .25 I have.
Lots of Love----Bill
Dear Don;
Well, how are you today? Golley its hot here and hell we have to wear undress blues all the time on the campus. Of course you don’t have to wash them like you have to whites but they area awfully hot. The studying is getting hard as heck but so far I am doing O.K. How are you doing on your radio work? And How is the weather in Chic?
Well Dad & Mom & Shirl will be up here on Saturday and I’ll be glad to see them. They are going to watch our Sat. morning inspection and review which is “purty”. I guess you fellows really have some good ones back there because you are in a permanent base but we don’t have the right kind of grinder for a “real” good parade.
How is your chow back in Chicago and have you gained any weight yet? And also how are the gals? I met a cute gal here at the U. who works in the Student Union building café and she is really cute and of course her name is Shirlee. Hell I can’t get away from Shirlee.
Well, I hope you are O.K. and studying hard and take car of yourself.
Best of Luck
Your Bros. Bill .
P.S. Leave the girls alone!!!!
Dear Dad, Mother, & Shirl,
Well How are you today? Hope you are all well & O.K. Boy it sure is hot here and we have to wear undress blues all of the time on the Campus & boy does it get warm. We are really getting a work out this week on studies but that is because it is the 4 week term & we have a lot of tests.
I have been to a math class and a Psychology lecture so far this morning & I go to Psychology lab for three hours this afternoon and then to Physical Education, then we eat, then we study for two or three, or four hours.
Well it will only be 2 more days until you are up here. I sure hope you don’t have any trouble with the gas because they are getting a lot of people. (I hear) Coon and I are getting all of our studying done so that we can be all caught up by Saturday so we can spend all of our time with you.
If you can buy me a blue denim work shirt like Mr. Coon sent Arnold I could sure use it. They don’t have any my size in Poky & we need ‘em for dungarie uniforms. (size 13 ½ -14)We have a “purty” “gud” band up here now and it makes the parade a lot better. Well I guess I’ll write to Don now so I’ll see you Sat.
Lots of Love
Bill
Xxx ooo xxx
Dear Shirlee,
How’s the pianist coming along now?
I hope you don’t mind such short notes to you but I have such little time to write to my “next best girl” that I don’t send many letters or dollars (I’m kind of short until next pay-day but we’ll have fun in Poly on the .25 I have.
Lots of Love----Bill
Dear Don;
Well, how are you today? Golley its hot here and hell we have to wear undress blues all the time on the campus. Of course you don’t have to wash them like you have to whites but they area awfully hot. The studying is getting hard as heck but so far I am doing O.K. How are you doing on your radio work? And How is the weather in Chic?
Well Dad & Mom & Shirl will be up here on Saturday and I’ll be glad to see them. They are going to watch our Sat. morning inspection and review which is “purty”. I guess you fellows really have some good ones back there because you are in a permanent base but we don’t have the right kind of grinder for a “real” good parade.
How is your chow back in Chicago and have you gained any weight yet? And also how are the gals? I met a cute gal here at the U. who works in the Student Union building café and she is really cute and of course her name is Shirlee. Hell I can’t get away from Shirlee.
Well, I hope you are O.K. and studying hard and take car of yourself.
Best of Luck
Your Bros. Bill .
P.S. Leave the girls alone!!!!
8-1-1943
August 1, 1943
My First Anniversary
Dear Mother, Dad, Shirlee, & Rhoda;
Well I am enjoying liberty by staying in the ship today (Sun.) there is so little to do in Poky that sleep is much more enjoyable than walking around the city. We did go to a show last night and it was really a wonderful one. It was “The Human Comedy,” I have never seen a more natural show, I don’t think.
Bullough’s are still here, and they are staying in the same Cabins as you are going to have. They aren’t the last cabins in town but they are clean, and quite nice. They have stove, refrigerator, etc. They are really conveniently located too.
When you come into Poky follow this map and you’ll hit the college right on the nose.
(Drawn Map Follows)
We’ll be waiting for you where it said to stop on the map.
I’ve got some studying to do but it is only 1600 now and we have until 2200 to study so I have plenty of time I guess.
So far I am doing good in my classes but it is getting hard. I have got two 90% in Physics & one 85%. That is an A I think because the average is low. I also got a B++(yea B plus plus (damned near an A) in history and a B in psychology test.
Coon is in on his sack (bed) sleeping I am writing in the mate of the decks room which is right across the hall from mine.
Well I hope you are all well, I am felling fine
Lots of Love,
Bill
Xxxoooxxx
P.S. Has Rhoda gone to the hospital yet?
My First Anniversary
Dear Mother, Dad, Shirlee, & Rhoda;
Well I am enjoying liberty by staying in the ship today (Sun.) there is so little to do in Poky that sleep is much more enjoyable than walking around the city. We did go to a show last night and it was really a wonderful one. It was “The Human Comedy,” I have never seen a more natural show, I don’t think.
Bullough’s are still here, and they are staying in the same Cabins as you are going to have. They aren’t the last cabins in town but they are clean, and quite nice. They have stove, refrigerator, etc. They are really conveniently located too.
When you come into Poky follow this map and you’ll hit the college right on the nose.
(Drawn Map Follows)
We’ll be waiting for you where it said to stop on the map.
I’ve got some studying to do but it is only 1600 now and we have until 2200 to study so I have plenty of time I guess.
So far I am doing good in my classes but it is getting hard. I have got two 90% in Physics & one 85%. That is an A I think because the average is low. I also got a B++(yea B plus plus (damned near an A) in history and a B in psychology test.
Coon is in on his sack (bed) sleeping I am writing in the mate of the decks room which is right across the hall from mine.
Well I hope you are all well, I am felling fine
Lots of Love,
Bill
Xxxoooxxx
P.S. Has Rhoda gone to the hospital yet?
8-1-1943
Aug. 1
My first anniversary in the Navy
Dear Don;
Well I’m taking life easy today as I am on liberty and just in my shorts sleeping and now writing to you. I haven’t got too much studying to do but I guess I will start it as soon as I finish writing to you. Coon is laying here trying to decide whether to go down in the hold and wash or stay here and sleep.
You say you guys might come to Logan! Boy that is only 80 or 90 miles from Poky and I could get an overnight pass every Saturday or drop down Sun. Morning. Try like hell to get there because it is a good place to be.
So all you guys have to do is take Sun-bathes-hahaha-Boy what an easy life, huh?
Bill Bullough’s parents are up here seeing him today and his girl is here too. She is really a cute lil’ gal.
Hellllllll Pocatello is a lousy place. I’ve never seen such a filthy place in my “hole” life. Gambling, drinking, etc. is all that goes on at night. The only way you can enjoy liberties is to stay in your quarters and sleep—ahhh sleep. Coon says he’s always so sleepy that If his feet didn’t stink he wouldn’t know which way was down.
Well Don that’s all I can think of right now as I don’t get much news up here. I am O.K. and I hope you are well & still doing fine.
Best of Luck
Bill
My first anniversary in the Navy
Dear Don;
Well I’m taking life easy today as I am on liberty and just in my shorts sleeping and now writing to you. I haven’t got too much studying to do but I guess I will start it as soon as I finish writing to you. Coon is laying here trying to decide whether to go down in the hold and wash or stay here and sleep.
You say you guys might come to Logan! Boy that is only 80 or 90 miles from Poky and I could get an overnight pass every Saturday or drop down Sun. Morning. Try like hell to get there because it is a good place to be.
So all you guys have to do is take Sun-bathes-hahaha-Boy what an easy life, huh?
Bill Bullough’s parents are up here seeing him today and his girl is here too. She is really a cute lil’ gal.
Hellllllll Pocatello is a lousy place. I’ve never seen such a filthy place in my “hole” life. Gambling, drinking, etc. is all that goes on at night. The only way you can enjoy liberties is to stay in your quarters and sleep—ahhh sleep. Coon says he’s always so sleepy that If his feet didn’t stink he wouldn’t know which way was down.
Well Don that’s all I can think of right now as I don’t get much news up here. I am O.K. and I hope you are well & still doing fine.
Best of Luck
Bill
Monday, March 1, 2010
7-31-1943
(Just about my first anniversary in the Navy)
Dear Dad, Shirl, Mom;
Well How are you today? I am well and I hope you are too. Coon and I just got out of a show and did a little shopping and then came over to the USO to write you a letter. We had an inspection again this morning It went off pretty good.
Mr. and Mrs. Bullough and Bill’s grandmother and girl friend came up to the ship today and I talked to them for quite a while. They didn’t recognize me at first but when I told them who I was why they knew. I guess I look different in a uniform without any hair.—I just met them al again down town here, they were just going to teat so coon & I left , I think we will go to the Ship’s mess tonight instead of spendin’ a dollar.
This doesn’t sound like me I know but I have bought me a new wallet, a skivvey shirt, and a few other things & I’ve only got $20 to last until next Aug. 20 so I’m economizing.
It sure seemed good to see Bulloughs & It made me want to see you all the more. They took some pictures of Bill and Bill & I guess they’ll show ‘em to you if they’re good. The old Mrs. Bullough said that Dad had changed into a bean farmer now. Is that right?
Boy we don’t have time to do anything up here so if some of my dear Friends are griping about me not writing well just tell all the gals that I don’t love ‘em anymore & that should cure that situation. The studying is getting hard but I have done O.K. so far and I’ll try to keep it up but there is always the Fleet. Haha
I’ve really been studying though and I like it so I see no reason why I can’t keep it up.. It’s just starting to rain so maybe we’ll eat down in the big town of Poky anyway. I guess a dollar meal once a week won’t hurt me too much.
Well I guess I’ll close the hatch for now. Hope I see you soon.
With Love
Bill
P.S. got the Cabins—They are “in bounds” for the sailors so we can spend all of our time with you even without a pass. But we’ll get passes for most of the tie. They are right across form the campus.
Bill
Shirlee,
Well are you still practicing hard? I’d send you a buck but I’ll have to wait until next pay time because there are so many little things I have to buy to get started. Be a good gal & I’ll see you in 7 days.
7-29-1943
Dear Don;
Well How is you today!
Hope you are OK.
Boy we really have it nice here in Pocatello. The food is some of the best I have tasted and all of it you want. Arnold Coon and I are on liberty together so we came over to the U.S.O.
This damn city has such narrow decks (ha ha) that only two cars can get on em at one time. There are Indians all over the place with papuses on their backs.
We haven’t been issued uniforms yet but I guess we’ll get em tomorrow.
We are really going to get a good education here. The college is just about all sailors.
We have semi-private rooms and they are nice, but a lot of work to keep ship-shape. Our C.O. is really a swell guy-(he has two side bars (drawing of a star, bar, bar) what is he?
There are a lot of boys here from Chicago & they say that the radio boys these have the best deal of anyone so work hard and I know you’ll pass everything.
Well I guess I’ll sign off for now as Coon & I are going up to the ship. (girl’s dorm)
Be seeing you
Bill
7-29-1943
Dear Don;
Well I should be studying right now but I would rather write to you any time. Anyway I am caught up on my studies for today.
We got some more shots today and my d_mn arm is sore as heck. We also had a good swim class. When we go swimming we really get a work-out. We have to march a half hour each way to get down to the YWCA swimming pool.
It is hot as heck here and we sweat all of our excess weight off, however I have gained about 8 or 10 lbs. Are you gaining in weight on that Chicago food? Do you still have a lot of swimming and physical stuff huh? Hell I thought that was all left behind at “boot camp”. Well I guess I had better study or I’ll get on the shit list.
Best of Luck
Bill
How much sleep do you get there.
Bill Bullough says to tell you Hello
Dear Dad, Shirl, Mom;
Well How are you today? I am well and I hope you are too. Coon and I just got out of a show and did a little shopping and then came over to the USO to write you a letter. We had an inspection again this morning It went off pretty good.
Mr. and Mrs. Bullough and Bill’s grandmother and girl friend came up to the ship today and I talked to them for quite a while. They didn’t recognize me at first but when I told them who I was why they knew. I guess I look different in a uniform without any hair.—I just met them al again down town here, they were just going to teat so coon & I left , I think we will go to the Ship’s mess tonight instead of spendin’ a dollar.
This doesn’t sound like me I know but I have bought me a new wallet, a skivvey shirt, and a few other things & I’ve only got $20 to last until next Aug. 20 so I’m economizing.
It sure seemed good to see Bulloughs & It made me want to see you all the more. They took some pictures of Bill and Bill & I guess they’ll show ‘em to you if they’re good. The old Mrs. Bullough said that Dad had changed into a bean farmer now. Is that right?
Boy we don’t have time to do anything up here so if some of my dear Friends are griping about me not writing well just tell all the gals that I don’t love ‘em anymore & that should cure that situation. The studying is getting hard but I have done O.K. so far and I’ll try to keep it up but there is always the Fleet. Haha
I’ve really been studying though and I like it so I see no reason why I can’t keep it up.. It’s just starting to rain so maybe we’ll eat down in the big town of Poky anyway. I guess a dollar meal once a week won’t hurt me too much.
Well I guess I’ll close the hatch for now. Hope I see you soon.
With Love
Bill
P.S. got the Cabins—They are “in bounds” for the sailors so we can spend all of our time with you even without a pass. But we’ll get passes for most of the tie. They are right across form the campus.
Bill
Shirlee,
Well are you still practicing hard? I’d send you a buck but I’ll have to wait until next pay time because there are so many little things I have to buy to get started. Be a good gal & I’ll see you in 7 days.
7-29-1943
Dear Don;
Well How is you today!
Hope you are OK.
Boy we really have it nice here in Pocatello. The food is some of the best I have tasted and all of it you want. Arnold Coon and I are on liberty together so we came over to the U.S.O.
This damn city has such narrow decks (ha ha) that only two cars can get on em at one time. There are Indians all over the place with papuses on their backs.
We haven’t been issued uniforms yet but I guess we’ll get em tomorrow.
We are really going to get a good education here. The college is just about all sailors.
We have semi-private rooms and they are nice, but a lot of work to keep ship-shape. Our C.O. is really a swell guy-(he has two side bars (drawing of a star, bar, bar) what is he?
There are a lot of boys here from Chicago & they say that the radio boys these have the best deal of anyone so work hard and I know you’ll pass everything.
Well I guess I’ll sign off for now as Coon & I are going up to the ship. (girl’s dorm)
Be seeing you
Bill
7-29-1943
Dear Don;
Well I should be studying right now but I would rather write to you any time. Anyway I am caught up on my studies for today.
We got some more shots today and my d_mn arm is sore as heck. We also had a good swim class. When we go swimming we really get a work-out. We have to march a half hour each way to get down to the YWCA swimming pool.
It is hot as heck here and we sweat all of our excess weight off, however I have gained about 8 or 10 lbs. Are you gaining in weight on that Chicago food? Do you still have a lot of swimming and physical stuff huh? Hell I thought that was all left behind at “boot camp”. Well I guess I had better study or I’ll get on the shit list.
Best of Luck
Bill
How much sleep do you get there.
Bill Bullough says to tell you Hello
7-19-1943
7-26-1943
Hope you had a good 24th
Whew—is it hot again today. I just came back from noon chow and I have no more classes until 4:00 PM I got your letter where you told me who is coming up. Boy that will be swell and I hope you make it O.K. Aug 7th will be a good time to come. You can watch the inspection at 11:00 & then maybe we can get you a special chow pass. Then we get off work at 1300 until 2400. Maybe we could even get an all night pass and stay with you in the tourist camp. Coon & I went to see about a tourist room for you and if you are sure you are coming the 7th we can reserve a couple of 3 people rooms for you right across from the campus.
The class work is getting stiff but we are still plugging along. Boy do we get some good physical drill; about 2 or 3 hrs. per day we are drilling and running.
Dad, How are your feet by now. I sure hope they are getting better & How are your mom hope they are getting along O.K. too.
I guess the garden is coming along “purty” good by now isn’t it? I sure wish I was there to fool around with it again.
How is Gordon Webb coming along and How is Lawrence.
Coon & I and a couple of other guys went sown in Poky in white uniforms yesterday & boy did Arnold have bad luck. First he fell & got his pant knees all dirty & cut his leg & then a little kid hit him on the seat with a dirty, wet broom & then he dropped his hat, and boy was he a sight. He snuck up to the room & changed jumpers & pants & then “logged” in so that the chief wouldn’t see him in his dirty uniform.
Well I am still doing fine but miss you a “little”. Hope you are all well.
With Love
Bill
Shirlee, if you want a good record get “Boogie Woogie” by Tommy Dorsey. It’s really the blue jackets favorite up here. 13:11
Coon says Hello
P.S. tell Aunt Lou and Uncle Fred Hello
7-19-1943
Dear
Dad & Mother & Shirlee & Rhoda;
I just got back from a humm-dinger of a swim class. We swam for on hour just fast as heck & it took us a half an hour each way to march to the pool which is in the middle of Poky. After walking & hiking like that it really “poops” you out but it surely makes you feel good after. These drill, swimming etc. is really building me up as you will see when you come up. Maybe I can’t take you down yet Dad but give me a few more months and I’ll sure try hard to. I’d sure like to get home and see everything there but I don’t think there I much chance of that for quite a while. I got another letter from Turner and I think I’ll answer that and then send on to Don, so I’ll sign off for now—I’ll call again soon (about Mon. or tues.)
With Love
Bill
P.S. I got some more shots just a few minutes ago
Dear Shirlee,
Well How’s the gal by now? I hope you are O.K. and working and helping Mother and Dad as much as you can but if you work any overtime be sure you get time & half pay (haha)
I sure will be glad to see you guys again & Don’t worry about the money because I’ve got about $25 I don’t know what to do with.
Well I hope you are practicing good & I hope you are well
With Love
Bill
P.S. tell Mother & Dad that I am now worth $10,000. I took out my policy yesterday & it will be mailed to you in a few months.
Tell Aunt Lou & Uncle Fred & Grandma & Milt (4F) hello
Hope you had a good 24th
Whew—is it hot again today. I just came back from noon chow and I have no more classes until 4:00 PM I got your letter where you told me who is coming up. Boy that will be swell and I hope you make it O.K. Aug 7th will be a good time to come. You can watch the inspection at 11:00 & then maybe we can get you a special chow pass. Then we get off work at 1300 until 2400. Maybe we could even get an all night pass and stay with you in the tourist camp. Coon & I went to see about a tourist room for you and if you are sure you are coming the 7th we can reserve a couple of 3 people rooms for you right across from the campus.
The class work is getting stiff but we are still plugging along. Boy do we get some good physical drill; about 2 or 3 hrs. per day we are drilling and running.
Dad, How are your feet by now. I sure hope they are getting better & How are your mom hope they are getting along O.K. too.
I guess the garden is coming along “purty” good by now isn’t it? I sure wish I was there to fool around with it again.
How is Gordon Webb coming along and How is Lawrence.
Coon & I and a couple of other guys went sown in Poky in white uniforms yesterday & boy did Arnold have bad luck. First he fell & got his pant knees all dirty & cut his leg & then a little kid hit him on the seat with a dirty, wet broom & then he dropped his hat, and boy was he a sight. He snuck up to the room & changed jumpers & pants & then “logged” in so that the chief wouldn’t see him in his dirty uniform.
Well I am still doing fine but miss you a “little”. Hope you are all well.
With Love
Bill
Shirlee, if you want a good record get “Boogie Woogie” by Tommy Dorsey. It’s really the blue jackets favorite up here. 13:11
Coon says Hello
P.S. tell Aunt Lou and Uncle Fred Hello
7-19-1943
Dear
Dad & Mother & Shirlee & Rhoda;
I just got back from a humm-dinger of a swim class. We swam for on hour just fast as heck & it took us a half an hour each way to march to the pool which is in the middle of Poky. After walking & hiking like that it really “poops” you out but it surely makes you feel good after. These drill, swimming etc. is really building me up as you will see when you come up. Maybe I can’t take you down yet Dad but give me a few more months and I’ll sure try hard to. I’d sure like to get home and see everything there but I don’t think there I much chance of that for quite a while. I got another letter from Turner and I think I’ll answer that and then send on to Don, so I’ll sign off for now—I’ll call again soon (about Mon. or tues.)
With Love
Bill
P.S. I got some more shots just a few minutes ago
Dear Shirlee,
Well How’s the gal by now? I hope you are O.K. and working and helping Mother and Dad as much as you can but if you work any overtime be sure you get time & half pay (haha)
I sure will be glad to see you guys again & Don’t worry about the money because I’ve got about $25 I don’t know what to do with.
Well I hope you are practicing good & I hope you are well
With Love
Bill
P.S. tell Mother & Dad that I am now worth $10,000. I took out my policy yesterday & it will be mailed to you in a few months.
Tell Aunt Lou & Uncle Fred & Grandma & Milt (4F) hello
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