LETTER #23 - 30 MARCH 1944

"Snowball" his dog, painted by my Dad, circa 1944, when he was around 12-13.

My little notes:
Not too much besides Uncle Louie still on K.P. duty and anxiously waiting to ship out of there!  He laughs about Snowball the family dog being stuck in the dog pound for a few days.....and him feeling like a "scrub woman"!

Uncle Louie feeling like a "scrub woman"! 

LETTER #22 - 22 MARCH 1944

 My Little Notes:
Two things come to mind when I read this letter:  "Biloxi Blues" and Souvenirs!   I am rooting for him too that he can leave this place!

Fun to Watch!
1988 Movie Biloxi Blues - WWII recruits at Boot Camp at Biloxi, Mississippi.  Rain and Heat!
 One minute trailer on Biloxi Blues movie

The Air Corps patch my Dad received from his brother Louie.

During WWII  souvenirs such has handkerchiefs, handkerchief holders and pillow cases were very popular to give to mothers, sweethearts or family: 

Handkerchief holder probably similar to what Uncle Louie got his mother.

LETTER #21 - 8 MARCH 1944

Uncle Louie in Army Air Forces, picture not dated.

My little notes:
Not much to say either.  I feel just as anxious for him to ship out of Gulf Port Field, Mississippi too!  As usual he enjoys his father's letters.  Also, he mentions some pictures he took.  I don't have them, but I have this undated picture of him at some Army Base.  Let's hope he ships out soon!

VETERANS' DAY

As 2012 Veterans' Day approaches, I just want to give a salute and thanks to all the veterans in my family as well as all the veterans past and present in our great Country.  THANK YOU!  

Images of typical 1940s Veterans' Day Parades

National WWII Memorial in Washington D.C.

Fact:  Did you know that it was President Clinton who signed the Public Law authorizing the WWII Memorial to be built in Washington D.C. in 1993?  More information and facts on the link below:
 http://www.wwiimemorial.com/default.asp?page=facts.asp&subpage=intro


Here is an interesting 3 minute video on the History of Armistice Day or later to be known at Veterans Day:

 3 minute video on the history of Veterans Day

LETTER #20 - 2 MARCH 1944

My Dad Tom (age 12) with his dog Rex dated Feb. 1944; probably a photo similar to what they sent to Louie.  I love the patriotic border motif!

My little notes:
I think this is my favorite letter so far.  He seems to really enjoy the pictures they sent, brings him "closer together".  Also, how he treasures the letter from his Dad.  I only wish I had the letter and what it said, but I would imagine it would have said something like "How proud he was of his son" and words of encouragement, something every child needs to hear. 

The accident he mentions about his father I am speculating is about the time my grandfather lost part of his finger while working at a job site.  I don't know where or how, but that he did not go back!

I love the story about the hike and a few beers and how beer goes down better than pop in hot weather!  His first taste of adulthood! 

Also, how he reflects it will soon be three months in the Army and how he is expecting to ship out soon...

LETTER #19 - 25 FEB 1944

My little notes:
Not much to say (I think the letter speaks for itself), though this letter is out of sequence (sorry!).  I like how he tells his mom if she has any questions, he is trying his best to explain everything to her.  He does mention how proud he is of Tom his brother (my Dad) for planning to go to the Art Institute.  I knew my Dad could draw well and heard that he really wanted to be an artist, but the story went that he couldn't because his dad wanted to him to have a trade skill.  But this letter seems to appear that the parents were supporting it.  Maybe just his mother.  Not sure whatever happened, but he did go on to be a carpenter and his artistic ability he always dabbled in.  Also, if you recall in the last letter Louie said how disappointed he was in Tom that he was on "trial". (remember Letter #18 should have been after this one).  We weren't sure if that meant a class at school or a job.  He was only 12 at the time.  Could he have possibly applied to the Art Institute and was put on a trial basis?  Not sure....


A site to see!
I highly recommend anyone going to Chicago to visit the Art Institute at least once!

 Visit the Art Institute

The history of the Art Institute of Chicago:
History of the Art Institute of Chicago

LETTER #18 - 2 MAR 1944

He seems pretty concerned about his young brother being on "trial"...maybe for school or a job?  Also, his mom seems pretty upset about them treating him too rough in the Army!  But he says the Army lifestyle agrees with him.  And where is that fudge?!!!

Fart Sack = A military slang for a bunk or sleeping bag. 

LOL...Hee heee hee.  haha..... :P  Looking for more military humor?  Check out this link!   Military Humor

LETTER #17 - 11 FEB 1944

My little notes:  Well glad to see he is finally done with basic training and now anxiously awaits his next assignment/training.  The good news he was not grounded as he previously thought and is officially classified as "serial gunner and radio man".  I think that is quite impressive to have a dual role...and "mom" should be proud that he still does not drink or smoke! 

Also, I sure wonder what little "Butch" the puppy looked like?  Surprise they have him in the barracks, but maybe things are a bit more relaxed since they finished basic training. 

Off-duty German soldiers with puppy.

Russian Soldiers napping with a puppy-1945

Sketch of a WWII soldier with dog.

Allies or enemies, dogs always remain "Man's Best Friend"!

LETTER #16 - 2 FEB 1944

Sure hope they took a family picture soon with his camera! 

Apparently there are three levels or grades and he received "Sharpshooter" which is pretty good for basic training.  This is taken from the invaluable book I refer to often, "Finding Your Father's War" by Jonathan Gawne.

Continuation of the article.

LETTER #15 - 30 JAN 1944

What can I add?  You gotta love his little cartoons in the letter!  A very entertaining letter for 12-year-old brother at home to read (my dad)!  My Dad always loved to doodle and was quite the artist.  Guess it ran in the family!

 

 

 

Want to see more WWII Comic Postcards?

2 minute video on more WWII cartoon postcards