LETTER #46 - 10 NOV 1944

My Little Notes:   Hard to believe that he has been in the Army now for over 11 months!  He is right, the paper he used to write the letter was very thin.  Also, sounds like he really enjoyed the package from home and of course the fudge!  I think he is smart for not "playing craps".  I would imagine a female instructor in the Army during this time period would be rough to get the respect. 

Also, sounds like he misses "good old Chicago"!

WWII Army soldiers playing craps.

1944 Guide to the Chicago L system and subway.

Lake Shore Drive ~ Chicago ~ 1944

CHICAGO - CHICAGO THEATER - UNDER MARQUEE - CROWD BUYING AND SELLING WAR BONDS - 1944

Chicago ~ Belmont Harbor -boats-with-skyline-1944

LETTER #45 - 6 NOV 1944 Letter to his brother Tom (my Dad)

My Little Notes:  Such a typical brother to brother letter!  I like the closing of "you better write soon or else!"   He is right, it has been awhile since we saw a letter written to my Dad.  He talks about the mosquito bomber plane, swimming in the ocean for the first time, trumpet and dancing lessons for my Dad who would be a freshman at this time, and taking up boxing in the Army.

WWII boxing gloves

Sergeant Lou Woods was a Camp Grant, IL, Army boxing instructor during World War II.

LETTER #44 - 31 OCT 1944

My Little Notes:  Not much to add.  Seems like he is enjoying Miami and is fascinated with all the tropical fruit growing there!  Sounds nice to have a friend whose family lives there too!

The song is called, “It’s Playtime in Miami” and was written in 1940 by composer Clark Ringwalt to raise  funds for the South Florida Children’s Hospital in Miami, Florida. - See more at: http://toyshopgreetings.com/blog/2011/01/03/playtime-miami-sheet-music-art/#sthash.S7IK4pVj.dpuf

1940s bathing beauties!

Glimpses of Miami in the 1940s...

Miami Beach 1944.  I just love those sunglasses and her outfit!

Soldier in Miami, 1944