Dear Mom,
Sorry I didn't write last night like I said I was going to do, but I just didn't get a chance.
I got a letter from Ted Stout today. He didn't have much to say. I also got one from you. I got an awful nice Christmas box from Eileen Slack yesterday. It took about 2 months for it to get here.
Sorry to hear that Dad hasn't been working. I hope the snow has melted by now. Tell him to be careful on those icy roads.
You said that in one of my letters the last sheet was missing. The censor must not have put it back in after he read it because I know I put it in.
Dear Dad,
Received your letter this evening and was awful glad to hear from you. I feel ashamed of myself because I never write to you, but I try to write Mom every chance I get, and I mean it for all of you.
I am sitting here with sweat pouring off of me. It's hotter here than it ever gets back home.
I hope you all had a good Christmas. Mine was pretty good.
Dad, I'm sorry I'm dropping sweat on this letter and making a mess. I hope you can read it.
Yes, I wish I had been with you all this Christmas, but just like you said -- I'm over here fighting so we can have many more Christmases ahead of us. I know we'll spend next Christmas together. We'll make those Japs wish they had never seen an American boy. I know this war won't last much longer.
I would really like to have some pictures of the snow back there and also some pictures of the family to show the other boys here. Everybody has pictures of their family except me.
I will be able to call myself a man when I get out of this outfit. I've been through a lot already. But don't you and Mom worry about old Pedue. There never was a Jap born that could whip a Chapman.
Well, Dad, write me again when you have the time, and I'll do the same. Tell Mom I will try to write her tomorrow.
Dec. 2, 1944
Dear Mom,
Will answer your two letters received this evening because I know I won't have a chance to write tomorrow.
Sorry to hear that you haven't been feeling good. You should go to a doctor. Don't worry -- you're not old! But, Dad sure is. haha He's 44 now, isn't he?
This is another lonesome Saturday night here. I sure do remember all the good times I had back home on Saturday nights.
I received another package from you today. It sure makes me feel good to get stuff like that. The fruitcake was awful good.
We can get all the cigs we want here. I've got about 6 cartons in my sea bag right now, and they only cost 50 cents a carton.
No Mom, I haven't started fighting yet. The reason I don't write very often is that they keep us so busy that I just don't have time. But, I write every chance I get.
Letter to sister Jewell
Dear Sis:
Will try to answer your letter received the other day. Sorry I haven't been writing much, but I haven't had much time here lately. Been pretty busy.
I received a box from Roy yesterday, and it had an awful nice wallet in it. I was sure glad to get it because I didn't have one.
There is a boy sitting beside me playing his guitar. He is pretty good, but he is making me homesick.
Christmas is about here. I don't have but 12 more shopping days left. haha Don't guess I'll do any shopping this Christmas but sure hope I will next Christmas.
Guess you heard about how Louise is going to get married on me. It don't worry me.
Well, Sis, we've got 4 hard days in front of us starting Friday. We will be back on Monday. Hope I make it ok. I'll be a man for sure by the time I get out of here.
Dear Mom,
Will answer your four letters received today. I was sure glad to get them. Haven't been getting much mail here lately, and when I do, it seems like it has taken 2 or 3 weeks to get here. The mail is getting held up some way.
Did East Bank lose any games this year? If they beat Charleston, they must have been good because Charleston always has a good team.
I will try to get you a grass skirt and see if they will let me send it to you.
Don't you be uneasy about me now. You know there's not a Jap been born that could whip or shoot me.
I had about 25 bucks, and I hated to send that little bit home, so we had a war bond drive and they talked all of us boys into buying one. I had it put in your name. They said it would be a nice Christmas present for our mothers, but it might not get there in time for Christmas.
I finally received your nice package and was awful glad to get it. I've already ate the two boxes of cakes. I can sure use the toothbrush you sent. We can't get any good ones here.
I got a letter from Louise a few days ago and she told me that she hated to tell me this because she knew it would hurt me, but she is getting married. Ouch - it hurt me - haha. I had just about forgot about her until I got her letter.
That's awful about John Scott losing both of his sons. You are right, it does seem like a lot of boys are getting killed, but don't you worry about old Pedue -- he'll be coming back just like he left.
Sure wish we could get some of that snow that you've got on the ground back home.
Dear Mom,
I'll write to you first of all before I write to anyone else. Got back OK. We've been gone since Thursday morning and here it is Monday night. I'm pretty tired. It's been a tough time, but they won't get the best of a Chapman.
I saw Pete Brown day before yesterday while I was out. Didn't get to talk to him but a few minutes, but I was sure glad to see him. He's coming down here on Sunday and spending the day. It sure felt good to see somebody from home over here.
There aren't a lot of native women here, but there are a few. They go bare-footed and don't wear much of anything. Sure wish the girls back home would dress like that. haha
I'm going to close for now and try to get some sleep. It will feel good to sleep in my sack tonight.
Got a box of home-made candy today from Eileen. It was sure good. She must have marriage on her mind because I haven't heard from her for about 2 months.
I also got a letter today from June R. She has been writing just about every day. It's funny how a fellow can start writing to a girl and learn to like her just by writing.
Heard some news from Europe tonight. Looks like those damn doggies aren't doing any good at all over there. Looks like us Marines are going to have to go over there and do their fighting. I'm sure proud to say that I'm not in the Army.
Yes Mom, I guess this war is getting all the young boys. But, I'm no better than the rest of them, and they're not any better than me. Tell all the boys back home to stay out of the Army and get in a good outfit in the Marines.
Well, I'm getting sleepy, so I will close for now. I will write again the first chance I get.
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
October and November 1944 Somewhere in the S. Pacific
Well, tomorrow is Thanksgiving and, believe it or not, we are going to have turkey for noon chow and we're supposed to have the day off.
Mom, I guess that was a lot of BS about Hitler missing. We never did hear anything about it. You asked me when I thought this war would end. Well, I hate to say it but I don't think the war in Europe will end until summer, and us boys here will get the war in the Pacific over as soon as we can.
I guess I'll be leaving here pretty soon. I'm not afraid because if I could live through what they put us through here, I know I can live through combat.
A lot of the boys have been getting their Christmas boxes. I haven't gotten mine yet. I sent you a bracelet and necklace made of little shells. I thought they were awful pretty, but if you don't want to wear them, you can just keep them and say you have something from the South Pacific. They didn't have hooks, so you will have to get some hooks put on them. I sent them via air mail, so you should get them in about 3 or 4 weeks.
I met a boy here that I went to school with over at Oakley. He has been over on another island here. He said that Pete Brown is also over here, about 60 miles from where I am.
Well, here it is another hot and lonesome Sunday. You know I've been wanting a watch since I've been over there but didn't want to write and ask you all to send me one because I want to see you all get out of debt. I drew 30 bucks last payday, and a New Zealand soldier had one to sell for 20 bucks, and I bought it. They are a swell bunch of boys and they keep saying that after the war, they are coming to the U.S. and taking all our women.
Glad to hear that Betty is gaining a little weight. She was looking kind of bad when I was home last.
Don't worry about me getting sick, although I do get tired and disgusted sometimes.
Dear Mom,
Guess you thought I had died or something. Well, we just got back after 8 hard days, and I was sure glad to get back. It felt just about as good as home would to me. I'm so give out that I don't feel like writing, but since I haven't written to you in 8 days, I will write a little bit.
You asked me if I had lost any weight. Well, I think I'm about the same as I was, but I might be a little bigger across the chest.
No Mom, there are no WAVES or WACS over here, but there are a few Red Cross nurses. We can get all the cigs we want, but it seems like Luckys are getting scarce over here.
Dugie will probably get to come home soon. I think after they make 50 missions, they let them come home, and he is close to that now.
I hope Dad is feeling better and his cold doesn't run into fever.
I think it will be a good while before they invade Japan. Tell Dad he is probably right about that, but it will probably be some place else before that.
I'm ashamed to be writing on this paper that says United States Army, but it is all the paper I could get. I wouldn't want anyone to think I'm in the Army. They don't fight like the Marines do. They believe in taking things slow, but we believe in getting in there and getting the job done.
You must have got Ruth a really nice coat if you paid 33 bucks for it. Well, I guess she is growing up. Everyone will look different when I get back home. I'm older myself. It won't be long until I'm 19 years old.
No, I don't think George is in the big battle around the Phillipines. I think he is on a destroy escort, and they just escort ships into the harbors.
I hated to hear about ***. I think a lot of girls do that when their husbands leave. It makes me not want to trust any woman. That's pretty dirty for a man back home to take a man's wife while the man is here fighting for his wife and for him. He's sitting back home doing nothing, and we have to do his fighting.
We heard that Roosevelt got elected again. I guess Uncle Lidge is mad about that.
You talking about Halloween made me think about last Halloween when Skipp Williams and a few other boys and I were having a good time running around and trying to get the Workman girls to go car riding with us. But, they wouldn't go.
I hope I get those Christmas packages from you because we'll be leaving here soon, and the next place we go to is going to be hard.
Dear Mom,
I heard a little of the last game of the World series today. Today is Tuesday here, but they were playing on Monday back home. Guess Roy and Dad were glad that the Cardinals won. Seems like most of the boys here were for the Browns, but I stuck up for the Cardinals.
You should have gotten that money order I sent you by now. Now don't you save it for me. I want you to go ahead and get something you need. I won't be able to get you a Christmas present, and I thought of keeping it and adding a little to it and then send it to you around Christmas time. But, I knew that if I tried to hold on to it, I would probably have lost it or something. So, you go ahead and use it to get yourself something.
Some of the boys have said that we are not going to be here for 3 or 4 days, so it might be a week before I get to write to you. So, if you don't hear from me, don't worry because I will be ok.
The other day, they told us that the beer we had been waiting on for two months had come in. They told us to march down and get some, but that we could only have one bottle. Most of us were so mad that we didn't even go get any.
You asked me if I had slept in a fox hole yet. Well, I did sleep in one one night, and it sure wasn't good sleeping.
I don't need anything for Christmas. Just send me a box with some food in it. It will taste good because it will come from home.
I never have got that cake Betty sent me. And you said that Jewell sent me some writing paper, but I never got it.
I got another letter from you this evening. I sure know how Junior Stout must have felt having to come back. Was he coming back to the South Pacific?
I wish I had been there when you all had that chicken dinner for Roy Spaulding.
I got paid today and only drew $10. I sure wish they hadn't taken that $40 a month from me. I could have paid you and Betty back. Well, I guess it is my own fault.
Yes, I can get gum here, so you don't need to send me any
I saw a couple of native women the other day. They don't hardly wear anything.
I figured it was getting cold there. It is still hotter than anything here.
I don't guess Roy and Dad liked the ball game today since the Cardinals got beat. Maybe they will win the next one.
Mom, I listed to the President's talk, too, so you and I were doing the same thing at the same time. I also heard some of the World Series.
Yes, I guess Dugie has seen a lot of what I will be seeing soon. They are having a big sea battle here in the Pacific now.
No Mom, I haven't gotten the fruitcake yet. It takes about 4 or 5 weeks for a package to get here. I will sure be glad when I get it.
I know that Roy is happy that he has a job now.
Well, I'm going to write a girl I met in Washington a letter before I lay down, so I will close for now.
Mom, I guess that was a lot of BS about Hitler missing. We never did hear anything about it. You asked me when I thought this war would end. Well, I hate to say it but I don't think the war in Europe will end until summer, and us boys here will get the war in the Pacific over as soon as we can.
I guess I'll be leaving here pretty soon. I'm not afraid because if I could live through what they put us through here, I know I can live through combat.
A lot of the boys have been getting their Christmas boxes. I haven't gotten mine yet. I sent you a bracelet and necklace made of little shells. I thought they were awful pretty, but if you don't want to wear them, you can just keep them and say you have something from the South Pacific. They didn't have hooks, so you will have to get some hooks put on them. I sent them via air mail, so you should get them in about 3 or 4 weeks.
I met a boy here that I went to school with over at Oakley. He has been over on another island here. He said that Pete Brown is also over here, about 60 miles from where I am.
Well, here it is another hot and lonesome Sunday. You know I've been wanting a watch since I've been over there but didn't want to write and ask you all to send me one because I want to see you all get out of debt. I drew 30 bucks last payday, and a New Zealand soldier had one to sell for 20 bucks, and I bought it. They are a swell bunch of boys and they keep saying that after the war, they are coming to the U.S. and taking all our women.
Glad to hear that Betty is gaining a little weight. She was looking kind of bad when I was home last.
Don't worry about me getting sick, although I do get tired and disgusted sometimes.
Dear Mom,
Guess you thought I had died or something. Well, we just got back after 8 hard days, and I was sure glad to get back. It felt just about as good as home would to me. I'm so give out that I don't feel like writing, but since I haven't written to you in 8 days, I will write a little bit.
You asked me if I had lost any weight. Well, I think I'm about the same as I was, but I might be a little bigger across the chest.
No Mom, there are no WAVES or WACS over here, but there are a few Red Cross nurses. We can get all the cigs we want, but it seems like Luckys are getting scarce over here.
Dugie will probably get to come home soon. I think after they make 50 missions, they let them come home, and he is close to that now.
I hope Dad is feeling better and his cold doesn't run into fever.
I think it will be a good while before they invade Japan. Tell Dad he is probably right about that, but it will probably be some place else before that.
I'm ashamed to be writing on this paper that says United States Army, but it is all the paper I could get. I wouldn't want anyone to think I'm in the Army. They don't fight like the Marines do. They believe in taking things slow, but we believe in getting in there and getting the job done.
You must have got Ruth a really nice coat if you paid 33 bucks for it. Well, I guess she is growing up. Everyone will look different when I get back home. I'm older myself. It won't be long until I'm 19 years old.
No, I don't think George is in the big battle around the Phillipines. I think he is on a destroy escort, and they just escort ships into the harbors.
I hated to hear about ***. I think a lot of girls do that when their husbands leave. It makes me not want to trust any woman. That's pretty dirty for a man back home to take a man's wife while the man is here fighting for his wife and for him. He's sitting back home doing nothing, and we have to do his fighting.
We heard that Roosevelt got elected again. I guess Uncle Lidge is mad about that.
You talking about Halloween made me think about last Halloween when Skipp Williams and a few other boys and I were having a good time running around and trying to get the Workman girls to go car riding with us. But, they wouldn't go.
I hope I get those Christmas packages from you because we'll be leaving here soon, and the next place we go to is going to be hard.
Dear Mom,
I heard a little of the last game of the World series today. Today is Tuesday here, but they were playing on Monday back home. Guess Roy and Dad were glad that the Cardinals won. Seems like most of the boys here were for the Browns, but I stuck up for the Cardinals.
You should have gotten that money order I sent you by now. Now don't you save it for me. I want you to go ahead and get something you need. I won't be able to get you a Christmas present, and I thought of keeping it and adding a little to it and then send it to you around Christmas time. But, I knew that if I tried to hold on to it, I would probably have lost it or something. So, you go ahead and use it to get yourself something.
Some of the boys have said that we are not going to be here for 3 or 4 days, so it might be a week before I get to write to you. So, if you don't hear from me, don't worry because I will be ok.
The other day, they told us that the beer we had been waiting on for two months had come in. They told us to march down and get some, but that we could only have one bottle. Most of us were so mad that we didn't even go get any.
You asked me if I had slept in a fox hole yet. Well, I did sleep in one one night, and it sure wasn't good sleeping.
I don't need anything for Christmas. Just send me a box with some food in it. It will taste good because it will come from home.
I never have got that cake Betty sent me. And you said that Jewell sent me some writing paper, but I never got it.
I got another letter from you this evening. I sure know how Junior Stout must have felt having to come back. Was he coming back to the South Pacific?
I wish I had been there when you all had that chicken dinner for Roy Spaulding.
I got paid today and only drew $10. I sure wish they hadn't taken that $40 a month from me. I could have paid you and Betty back. Well, I guess it is my own fault.
Yes, I can get gum here, so you don't need to send me any
I saw a couple of native women the other day. They don't hardly wear anything.
I figured it was getting cold there. It is still hotter than anything here.
I don't guess Roy and Dad liked the ball game today since the Cardinals got beat. Maybe they will win the next one.
Mom, I listed to the President's talk, too, so you and I were doing the same thing at the same time. I also heard some of the World Series.
Yes, I guess Dugie has seen a lot of what I will be seeing soon. They are having a big sea battle here in the Pacific now.
No Mom, I haven't gotten the fruitcake yet. It takes about 4 or 5 weeks for a package to get here. I will sure be glad when I get it.
I know that Roy is happy that he has a job now.
Well, I'm going to write a girl I met in Washington a letter before I lay down, so I will close for now.
Monday, November 22, 2010
October 1944
I guess Roy and Dad are pleased with the second game of the world series. I got to hear the 10th and 11th innings.
I won about 80 or 85 dollars last night. I wanted to try to get 100, but I was afraid I'd lose it all. I am sending it to you in a money order. I know you don't want the money, Mom, and will probably want to put it in the bank for me, but don't do that. I owe you a whole lot, and I want you to use this for Christmas presents. I know it is early, but I won't be able to get you anything else.
I can't hardly write because there is a guy here cursing a 4F back home for marrying his girl. He is awful mad, and I can't write while he is yelling, so I will close for now.
I hear a football game going on now. I think it is Ohio State.
Yes Mom, I guess you miss Roy a lot. Pretty soon you won't have anyone at home. You would worry yourself to death if he was going into the service instead of to Charleston.
I think I told you that they didn't exactly fine me for that money. I'm supposed to get it back when I get my discharge out of the Marine Corps. The reason this happened is that there is a lot of malaria here, and they caught me with my shirt unbuttoned one evening and I had to go down to see the Col. They put me on probation for 5 months and will take money out of my pay for 5 months.
If those Christmas presents don't get here until after Christmas, it won't matter because I don't think we will be here to get them anyway.
Yes, I heard about Wendell Wilkie dying. No one even knew he was sick, did they?
Well Mom, news is awful scarce over here, so I will close for now.
No mom, I can't kick much about the food here. We get pretty good food to be out of the U.S.
I won't be here to write to you for about 7 days starting next week, so don't worry if you don't hear from me for a while.
I won about 80 or 85 dollars last night. I wanted to try to get 100, but I was afraid I'd lose it all. I am sending it to you in a money order. I know you don't want the money, Mom, and will probably want to put it in the bank for me, but don't do that. I owe you a whole lot, and I want you to use this for Christmas presents. I know it is early, but I won't be able to get you anything else.
I can't hardly write because there is a guy here cursing a 4F back home for marrying his girl. He is awful mad, and I can't write while he is yelling, so I will close for now.
I hear a football game going on now. I think it is Ohio State.
Yes Mom, I guess you miss Roy a lot. Pretty soon you won't have anyone at home. You would worry yourself to death if he was going into the service instead of to Charleston.
I think I told you that they didn't exactly fine me for that money. I'm supposed to get it back when I get my discharge out of the Marine Corps. The reason this happened is that there is a lot of malaria here, and they caught me with my shirt unbuttoned one evening and I had to go down to see the Col. They put me on probation for 5 months and will take money out of my pay for 5 months.
If those Christmas presents don't get here until after Christmas, it won't matter because I don't think we will be here to get them anyway.
Yes, I heard about Wendell Wilkie dying. No one even knew he was sick, did they?
Well Mom, news is awful scarce over here, so I will close for now.
No mom, I can't kick much about the food here. We get pretty good food to be out of the U.S.
I won't be here to write to you for about 7 days starting next week, so don't worry if you don't hear from me for a while.
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
July, August, September 1944
Somewhere in the South Pacific
September 20, 1944
Dear Mom,
Sorry you haven't been hearing from me here lately, but I swear I just don't have time to write. They don't even know what it is to give a guy a little sleep here. They've been getting the best of me, that's for sure. Don't worry because there is nothing going to happen to me, and if there was, you would find it out. My head hasn't bothered me for over a week now.
Listen Mom, I don't care if Louise writes to me or not. I heard that something is wrong with her, and if there is, I wouldn't want her to write because she might blame it on me.
How does Ruth like school this year? Jewell wrote and said that she didn't want to go to school anymore, but you should make her finish high school. I was the dumbest one in the whole family because I didn't finish high school.
I got a letter from Audrey Riffle today, and she said that Paul and her other brother were in Pearl Harbor. I guess Joe Commuzie is there, too.
Mom, I don't have any more time, so I will close for now. Don't worry. I'll write every chance I get.....
I got five letters from you today and one from Jewell. I was surprised to get 5 from you, but I guess that is because I wasn't here yesterday to get your mail.
Yes, I was sure glad to get on land again. I did not get seasick.
We had it pretty tough yesterday and today. It rained all day today and I was in it all day. Don't worry about my head. It has quit hurting me. I guess I just had a cold in my head.
I guess they were glad to see Jerry. He hasn't been home for about 2 years, has he? I guess all the boys are home on furlough. . I'd give anything if I could be home when Junior Stout comes. Tell him I said hello.
No Mom, you were wrong about that. You had better look it up and try again. Just keep trying and maybe you will find it.
That man is awful good about letting Dad use his car all the time. Seems like you all do a good bit of running around any more.
It took about 5 days for your last letter to get here.
Don't worry about me if you don't hear from me for 5 or 6 days pretty soon because I just won't be able to write. No, Mom, I can't tell you what I'm doing or nothing.
.......
I'd like to send you a Jap souvenir but don't think they'd let me. I've seen a lot of souvenirs here.
I guess all the girls will be married and have kids by the time I get back. Ava has got about 3, doesn't she?
No Mom, they don't censor your mail coming it, but they sure censor my mail going out.
No, you didn't tell me about Bernard's baby dying. I didn't even know he had another one since the twins.
I guess Aunt Lucy does worry a lot. Three months is a long time not to hear from George.
Louise sent me 12 stamps. I don't know why she done that. I told her to tell you to send me some. Anyway, I don't need any because I can get stamps here now.
I"m feeling pretty good except my head hurts just about all the time. I think I've got sinus trouble.
No, Mom, I can't tell you where I am, but I'd like to. Maybe I will have a lot to tell you when I get home. Sure wish I was back home now helping you all eat that corn that you're getting out of the garden.
There is about 16 hours difference between your time and where I am. The natives here are funny looking. I saw one fellow yesterday who had some Jap's teeth. I guess they helped the Americans fight when the Japs were on this island. I haven't seen any women, though.
I don't need anything. I've got a little money, but we can't buy nothing but cigarettes and candy and little things like that. Cigarettes are 50 cents a carton.
....
When I came in tonight about 10:00,there were 3 letters laying on my sack, one from you, one from Betty and one from Louise. It makes a guy feel awful good to get a letter over here. I sat up and read your letters by candle light. I guess Ruth sure hates to see school start again.
Every time you write you say Dad is going on a long trip, so it sounds like he is making good money now.
Don't send me anymore stamps because I can get them now. And I don't need a fountain pen, but if you want to send me one you can. No, Mom, don't send it -- I just happened to think -- I saw some at the PX the other day, and I'll buy me one there. But, if you can find a small fruit cake, I'd be glad to get it. Don't send a big one, though.
Mom, I wish I could send you some cigs. We can get all we want for 50 cents a carton, but they won't let us send them.
I'm sorry you haven't been hearing from me, but I don't know why you haven't gotten my letters. It's been taking 8 or 9 days for mail to get here. Don't worry if you don't hear from me. Those Japs can't catch me -- their legs are too short. ha ha
I guess it's getting cooler there at home. I don't guess I'll see any winter months this year.
This is the first time I've had a chance to write for 4 or 5 days, but Mom, I'll write every chance I get. I had hoped to send you some money but I got fined $25 a month. Well, I didn't exactly get fined, but they are taking $25 from me every month, but I will get it back when I leave the service.
If you don't hear from me from 7 or 8 days, don't you worry, because I expect it will be that long before I have a chance to write, if not longer.
....
Somewhere in the S. Pacific
8/30/44
Received another letter from you this evening. It makes me feel good to get mail here. I should have told you to keep writing because they always send mail to us wherever we go.
My head is bothering me again. I just came back from sick bay, and they put something up my nose.
No, I didn't get seasick, but a lot of the boys did. I think a lot of us was sick because we were leaving the states.
You said the phone bill was 27 bucks the month I called you. It must have cost more than 7 bucks for that call.
Jewell wrote me and said that Dugie has made 26 missions. I think they send most of the boys back to the states after they make 50 missions.
July 29, 1944
I called you, but you and Dad weren't home. I hate that, but it can't be helped. I'll send you 10 dollars to pay for the call. It shouldn't be over 5 bucks, but I'll send 10. I've got 14 bucks now, and that will do me. I don't think I will be here much longer. Jewell said you'd probably call me back, but it costs so much, you don't have to. I just wish you or Dad had been home.
8/28/1944
Hello Mom,
I finally got your letter. I've been expecting one and finally got it. It took 9 days to get here. I thought you would have already got my new address. I filled out a card before I left the states, and they were supposed to send it to you.
I haven't heard from Louise for a while. A certain person wrote and told she was going to have a baby. If she is, it sure don't belong to me.
There are lots of coconut and banana trees here.
It took us 16 days to get here. It was tough. I didn't think we'd ever get here. As soon as I got here, I grabbed me some coconuts, and they were pretty good.
That was awful about Charles Williams getting killed. I guess there are a lot of boys that we know getting killed.
I am writing this by a candle.
Mom, send me some air mail stamps because my letters will get to you quicker if I send them air mail. I'll just keeping sending them free until I get some stamps from you. We're supposed to get paid on the 5th, but money's not much good here, so I will send it to you.
We're not allowed to write about much of nothing around here, so I may as well close for now.
....
7/30/1944
California
Was awful glad to hear your voice last night. Sorry that I got you out of bed, but it was only 11 o'clock here. I guess it was about 2:00 there, wasn't it? I think there is about 3 hours difference between our time and your time.
I waited at the phone from 9:00 until 11:00, and me another boy was talking and I told him my mother was supposed to call between 9 and 10, and he asked me from where, and I told him W.Va., and he told me there was 3 hours difference in the time.
I don't think we will be here more than 1 or 2 days, but don't you worry about me because I've always got along. I think it will be 6-8 months before I see any combat. I've got a hell of a lot more training to do yet.
I am sending you 10 bucks by money order. I don't expect it will pay for both calls, but maybe they won't cost much over that. The first call was 3.75 plus tax for three minutes, and I don't think Jewell and I talked over 3 minutes, but I guess you and I talked about 5 minutes, so it will be a little more. I wish Dad had been there. I sure would have liked to talk to him.
Keep your chin up and don't worry about Pedue, because he'll be back. It might take a little while, but he'll be back.
.......
I finally am here in California. I guess you thought I had died or something. I guess Betty told you about me coming here. I had a good time coming here. It took us from Sunday evening to Friday night. We stopped in a lot of places to eat on the way here. We stopped in Texas, Oklahoma, New Mexico and all the other states we passed through. A couple of us boys slipped across the street in New Mexico and got us a shot of whiskey.
This camp here is in bad shape. It hasn't been used in a long time. They sent us here to straighten it up. I don't know how long I will be here, but it will be a long time before I have to do any fighting because we have a lot of training to do yet. The captain said it would be 6 or 8 months before we see any action. Some of the boys were talking about something they read in the paper that said Hitler's men were turning against him, so maybe this war won't last very long after all.
Mom, they wouldn't let us mail any letters 3 or 4 days before we left North Carolina. I guess it was because they didn't want anyone to know when our train was coming.
We can't get any air mail stamps here yet, so I guess I will have to mail it free, and that means it will take 6-7 days to get there. I will try to get some air mail stamps and will write as often as I can.
Tell Betty I'm glad she called me. I was scared at first. I thought something had happened at home. How much did it cost her? Tell her the reason I didn't want to talk much was that I knew there would be a big telephone bill if we talked very long, and I expect it was pretty high anyway. And tell her that I did say goodbye to her before we hung up.
If I am still here the 5th or 6th of next month,I will call you up. I think it costs about $3 for 3 minutes.
I'm supposed to be off mess duty tomorrow but don't know whether I will or not. I hope I do so I can go on liberty early tomorrow evening.
Mom, they claim they have stopped our mail in and going out, but I'm going to mail this letter anyway, or else I will put it in the post office. They might censor it and let it go.
I would have told you about me shipping out, but I thought you would worry a lot, and I don't want that, because you know I always get along. I don't want you to worry about those Japs getting hold of me.
There isn't any use to take care of those clothes because I can get some more if I need them.
The war news has been looking good here lately. Maybe the war won't last so long after all.
We got three shots today, two on the shoulder and one down on the arm where they take blood. It made me so sick. I couldn't see anything, and they took me out in the shade, and I vomited up everything I had eaten today. I felt better after I vomited, and I went back in and got one more shot. We have 4 more to take.
I got a letter from Betty and she said she and Jewell both have off the 4th, so I guess you'll have all your kids home together, except me. Since this war started, I guess there aren't any mothers who have all their boys at home. I hope all of us will be back one of these days.
I've been working on my pack for about 2 hours. I put everything in it, and my tent with the blanket roll is on the outside. It is pretty heavy.
I'm not afraid to go overseas. When Hitler sees a Chapman coming, he will give up right then! haha
We had it tough this morning. We had to crawl 150 yards on our stomachs with a full pack and rifle. Bullets were going over our heads and there were explosions in the dirt. One boy got shot through the shoulder yesterday. We had to crawl under wire for about 50 yards, then roll over some logs. We knew to keep low because if we got hit by one of those bullets, that would be it. A few of the boys passed out after we got to the end. They got through the last string of barb wire, then got up and started to walk out to the road, and they just fell over. One was a big husky guy that probably weighed over 200 lbs. You know 150 yards is a long way to crawl on your stomach, especially with machine gun bullets going over your head. If a guy even raised his ass up any at all, he would get it blown off. They had dynamite or something exploding right in front of us, and the dirt would almost cover you up. It was kind of fun to go through something like that.
Mom, I'm sending a few of my clothes home that I don't need, and some of them are real dirty. You can wash them, and if Dad or Roy can use any of them to work in, let them use them.
And Mom, I think I'm going to move Saturday or Sunday, so there is no use writing until next week. I don't know exactly where I'm going yet, but I will let you know when I get there.
We bought a big watermelon and a couple of the boys and I sat up last night and ate it. It cost $1.25, and it sure tasted good. There are about 11 of us in this little hut. I don't know if I told you or not, but we stay in little huts now.
No Mom, they don't punish us by making us walk 22 miles. It is good for us.
I got all my hair cut off again.
.....
Well, I'm up here at Tent City now. Got up here about 1:00 yesterday. Boy, that was a long walk. It was 22 miles. I was pretty tired when I got here, but I still went out on liberty. When we got up to Jacksonville, we bought 3 quarts of wine. That's about all you can get to drink here. Then, we all went to the VSO and sitting out there drinking and singing. We had drunk one of the quarts and opened another one, and an MP came out and broke the bottle. He let us keep our other bottle and told us to get out of there. So, we went a little further down the road and drank the other bottle. Then, we went to the carnival and had a pretty good time.
I don't know exactly what I am going to do here. From what I've heard, I may get to come home this month.
We fired for record on the B.A.R. Friday before we left the range. I scored 210, and 175 was expert, so I fired high expert. I was the highest score in our company.
I've got to go wash some clothes now.
Your son,
Pedue
Dear Mom,
I am writing this by candlelight. This place don't have light. In the mess hall, they have coal stoves to cook on.
I guess all of you know by now that I am in California. I can't think of a thing to write about but just wanted you to hear from me to let you know that I'm alright. And Mom, please don't worry about me because you know I'll get along.
I'm going to try to get the mess Sgt. to let me off tomorrow evening to go on liberty. I've heard there are a lot of women here. You can't get anything to drink, though, because you have to be 21.
Dear Jewell (sister),
Yes, I knew I was going to be shipped overseas when I went to Camp LeJeune, but I didn't want to say anything about it. I'm no better than the rest of the boys that are already over there. I just hope that I come back.
I've been thinking about having a large picture made to send to Mom but haven't had much of a chance. I've been broke until yesterday. We got paid 25 bucks, and a boy owed me 5 more, so now I've got 30 bucks. I spent all my money before I left North Carolina, but I had a pretty good time.
It took us about 6 days to get here, but had a pretty good trip. We stopped in just about every state that we came through to eat. I liked New Mexico with all those Spanish girls. There were a lot of pretty girls in Texas, too.
We got here about midnight Friday night, and they got us up at 5:30 a.m. Saturday morning and put me on mess duty. Now I won't have much time off. But, I'm going to talk to the mess Sgt. and see if he will let me off duty today around 3:00 so I can go on liberty. They tell me there are lots of girls here.
September 20, 1944
Dear Mom,
Sorry you haven't been hearing from me here lately, but I swear I just don't have time to write. They don't even know what it is to give a guy a little sleep here. They've been getting the best of me, that's for sure. Don't worry because there is nothing going to happen to me, and if there was, you would find it out. My head hasn't bothered me for over a week now.
Listen Mom, I don't care if Louise writes to me or not. I heard that something is wrong with her, and if there is, I wouldn't want her to write because she might blame it on me.
How does Ruth like school this year? Jewell wrote and said that she didn't want to go to school anymore, but you should make her finish high school. I was the dumbest one in the whole family because I didn't finish high school.
I got a letter from Audrey Riffle today, and she said that Paul and her other brother were in Pearl Harbor. I guess Joe Commuzie is there, too.
Mom, I don't have any more time, so I will close for now. Don't worry. I'll write every chance I get.....
I got five letters from you today and one from Jewell. I was surprised to get 5 from you, but I guess that is because I wasn't here yesterday to get your mail.
Yes, I was sure glad to get on land again. I did not get seasick.
We had it pretty tough yesterday and today. It rained all day today and I was in it all day. Don't worry about my head. It has quit hurting me. I guess I just had a cold in my head.
I guess they were glad to see Jerry. He hasn't been home for about 2 years, has he? I guess all the boys are home on furlough. . I'd give anything if I could be home when Junior Stout comes. Tell him I said hello.
No Mom, you were wrong about that. You had better look it up and try again. Just keep trying and maybe you will find it.
That man is awful good about letting Dad use his car all the time. Seems like you all do a good bit of running around any more.
It took about 5 days for your last letter to get here.
Don't worry about me if you don't hear from me for 5 or 6 days pretty soon because I just won't be able to write. No, Mom, I can't tell you what I'm doing or nothing.
.......
I'd like to send you a Jap souvenir but don't think they'd let me. I've seen a lot of souvenirs here.
I guess all the girls will be married and have kids by the time I get back. Ava has got about 3, doesn't she?
No Mom, they don't censor your mail coming it, but they sure censor my mail going out.
No, you didn't tell me about Bernard's baby dying. I didn't even know he had another one since the twins.
I guess Aunt Lucy does worry a lot. Three months is a long time not to hear from George.
Louise sent me 12 stamps. I don't know why she done that. I told her to tell you to send me some. Anyway, I don't need any because I can get stamps here now.
I"m feeling pretty good except my head hurts just about all the time. I think I've got sinus trouble.
No, Mom, I can't tell you where I am, but I'd like to. Maybe I will have a lot to tell you when I get home. Sure wish I was back home now helping you all eat that corn that you're getting out of the garden.
There is about 16 hours difference between your time and where I am. The natives here are funny looking. I saw one fellow yesterday who had some Jap's teeth. I guess they helped the Americans fight when the Japs were on this island. I haven't seen any women, though.
I don't need anything. I've got a little money, but we can't buy nothing but cigarettes and candy and little things like that. Cigarettes are 50 cents a carton.
....
When I came in tonight about 10:00,there were 3 letters laying on my sack, one from you, one from Betty and one from Louise. It makes a guy feel awful good to get a letter over here. I sat up and read your letters by candle light. I guess Ruth sure hates to see school start again.
Every time you write you say Dad is going on a long trip, so it sounds like he is making good money now.
Don't send me anymore stamps because I can get them now. And I don't need a fountain pen, but if you want to send me one you can. No, Mom, don't send it -- I just happened to think -- I saw some at the PX the other day, and I'll buy me one there. But, if you can find a small fruit cake, I'd be glad to get it. Don't send a big one, though.
Mom, I wish I could send you some cigs. We can get all we want for 50 cents a carton, but they won't let us send them.
I'm sorry you haven't been hearing from me, but I don't know why you haven't gotten my letters. It's been taking 8 or 9 days for mail to get here. Don't worry if you don't hear from me. Those Japs can't catch me -- their legs are too short. ha ha
I guess it's getting cooler there at home. I don't guess I'll see any winter months this year.
This is the first time I've had a chance to write for 4 or 5 days, but Mom, I'll write every chance I get. I had hoped to send you some money but I got fined $25 a month. Well, I didn't exactly get fined, but they are taking $25 from me every month, but I will get it back when I leave the service.
If you don't hear from me from 7 or 8 days, don't you worry, because I expect it will be that long before I have a chance to write, if not longer.
....
Somewhere in the S. Pacific
8/30/44
Received another letter from you this evening. It makes me feel good to get mail here. I should have told you to keep writing because they always send mail to us wherever we go.
My head is bothering me again. I just came back from sick bay, and they put something up my nose.
No, I didn't get seasick, but a lot of the boys did. I think a lot of us was sick because we were leaving the states.
You said the phone bill was 27 bucks the month I called you. It must have cost more than 7 bucks for that call.
Jewell wrote me and said that Dugie has made 26 missions. I think they send most of the boys back to the states after they make 50 missions.
July 29, 1944
I called you, but you and Dad weren't home. I hate that, but it can't be helped. I'll send you 10 dollars to pay for the call. It shouldn't be over 5 bucks, but I'll send 10. I've got 14 bucks now, and that will do me. I don't think I will be here much longer. Jewell said you'd probably call me back, but it costs so much, you don't have to. I just wish you or Dad had been home.
8/28/1944
Hello Mom,
I finally got your letter. I've been expecting one and finally got it. It took 9 days to get here. I thought you would have already got my new address. I filled out a card before I left the states, and they were supposed to send it to you.
I haven't heard from Louise for a while. A certain person wrote and told she was going to have a baby. If she is, it sure don't belong to me.
There are lots of coconut and banana trees here.
It took us 16 days to get here. It was tough. I didn't think we'd ever get here. As soon as I got here, I grabbed me some coconuts, and they were pretty good.
That was awful about Charles Williams getting killed. I guess there are a lot of boys that we know getting killed.
I am writing this by a candle.
Mom, send me some air mail stamps because my letters will get to you quicker if I send them air mail. I'll just keeping sending them free until I get some stamps from you. We're supposed to get paid on the 5th, but money's not much good here, so I will send it to you.
We're not allowed to write about much of nothing around here, so I may as well close for now.
....
7/30/1944
California
Was awful glad to hear your voice last night. Sorry that I got you out of bed, but it was only 11 o'clock here. I guess it was about 2:00 there, wasn't it? I think there is about 3 hours difference between our time and your time.
I waited at the phone from 9:00 until 11:00, and me another boy was talking and I told him my mother was supposed to call between 9 and 10, and he asked me from where, and I told him W.Va., and he told me there was 3 hours difference in the time.
I don't think we will be here more than 1 or 2 days, but don't you worry about me because I've always got along. I think it will be 6-8 months before I see any combat. I've got a hell of a lot more training to do yet.
I am sending you 10 bucks by money order. I don't expect it will pay for both calls, but maybe they won't cost much over that. The first call was 3.75 plus tax for three minutes, and I don't think Jewell and I talked over 3 minutes, but I guess you and I talked about 5 minutes, so it will be a little more. I wish Dad had been there. I sure would have liked to talk to him.
Keep your chin up and don't worry about Pedue, because he'll be back. It might take a little while, but he'll be back.
.......
I finally am here in California. I guess you thought I had died or something. I guess Betty told you about me coming here. I had a good time coming here. It took us from Sunday evening to Friday night. We stopped in a lot of places to eat on the way here. We stopped in Texas, Oklahoma, New Mexico and all the other states we passed through. A couple of us boys slipped across the street in New Mexico and got us a shot of whiskey.
This camp here is in bad shape. It hasn't been used in a long time. They sent us here to straighten it up. I don't know how long I will be here, but it will be a long time before I have to do any fighting because we have a lot of training to do yet. The captain said it would be 6 or 8 months before we see any action. Some of the boys were talking about something they read in the paper that said Hitler's men were turning against him, so maybe this war won't last very long after all.
Mom, they wouldn't let us mail any letters 3 or 4 days before we left North Carolina. I guess it was because they didn't want anyone to know when our train was coming.
We can't get any air mail stamps here yet, so I guess I will have to mail it free, and that means it will take 6-7 days to get there. I will try to get some air mail stamps and will write as often as I can.
Tell Betty I'm glad she called me. I was scared at first. I thought something had happened at home. How much did it cost her? Tell her the reason I didn't want to talk much was that I knew there would be a big telephone bill if we talked very long, and I expect it was pretty high anyway. And tell her that I did say goodbye to her before we hung up.
If I am still here the 5th or 6th of next month,I will call you up. I think it costs about $3 for 3 minutes.
I'm supposed to be off mess duty tomorrow but don't know whether I will or not. I hope I do so I can go on liberty early tomorrow evening.
Mom, they claim they have stopped our mail in and going out, but I'm going to mail this letter anyway, or else I will put it in the post office. They might censor it and let it go.
I would have told you about me shipping out, but I thought you would worry a lot, and I don't want that, because you know I always get along. I don't want you to worry about those Japs getting hold of me.
There isn't any use to take care of those clothes because I can get some more if I need them.
The war news has been looking good here lately. Maybe the war won't last so long after all.
We got three shots today, two on the shoulder and one down on the arm where they take blood. It made me so sick. I couldn't see anything, and they took me out in the shade, and I vomited up everything I had eaten today. I felt better after I vomited, and I went back in and got one more shot. We have 4 more to take.
I got a letter from Betty and she said she and Jewell both have off the 4th, so I guess you'll have all your kids home together, except me. Since this war started, I guess there aren't any mothers who have all their boys at home. I hope all of us will be back one of these days.
I've been working on my pack for about 2 hours. I put everything in it, and my tent with the blanket roll is on the outside. It is pretty heavy.
I'm not afraid to go overseas. When Hitler sees a Chapman coming, he will give up right then! haha
We had it tough this morning. We had to crawl 150 yards on our stomachs with a full pack and rifle. Bullets were going over our heads and there were explosions in the dirt. One boy got shot through the shoulder yesterday. We had to crawl under wire for about 50 yards, then roll over some logs. We knew to keep low because if we got hit by one of those bullets, that would be it. A few of the boys passed out after we got to the end. They got through the last string of barb wire, then got up and started to walk out to the road, and they just fell over. One was a big husky guy that probably weighed over 200 lbs. You know 150 yards is a long way to crawl on your stomach, especially with machine gun bullets going over your head. If a guy even raised his ass up any at all, he would get it blown off. They had dynamite or something exploding right in front of us, and the dirt would almost cover you up. It was kind of fun to go through something like that.
Mom, I'm sending a few of my clothes home that I don't need, and some of them are real dirty. You can wash them, and if Dad or Roy can use any of them to work in, let them use them.
And Mom, I think I'm going to move Saturday or Sunday, so there is no use writing until next week. I don't know exactly where I'm going yet, but I will let you know when I get there.
We bought a big watermelon and a couple of the boys and I sat up last night and ate it. It cost $1.25, and it sure tasted good. There are about 11 of us in this little hut. I don't know if I told you or not, but we stay in little huts now.
No Mom, they don't punish us by making us walk 22 miles. It is good for us.
I got all my hair cut off again.
.....
Well, I'm up here at Tent City now. Got up here about 1:00 yesterday. Boy, that was a long walk. It was 22 miles. I was pretty tired when I got here, but I still went out on liberty. When we got up to Jacksonville, we bought 3 quarts of wine. That's about all you can get to drink here. Then, we all went to the VSO and sitting out there drinking and singing. We had drunk one of the quarts and opened another one, and an MP came out and broke the bottle. He let us keep our other bottle and told us to get out of there. So, we went a little further down the road and drank the other bottle. Then, we went to the carnival and had a pretty good time.
I don't know exactly what I am going to do here. From what I've heard, I may get to come home this month.
We fired for record on the B.A.R. Friday before we left the range. I scored 210, and 175 was expert, so I fired high expert. I was the highest score in our company.
I've got to go wash some clothes now.
Your son,
Pedue
Dear Mom,
I am writing this by candlelight. This place don't have light. In the mess hall, they have coal stoves to cook on.
I guess all of you know by now that I am in California. I can't think of a thing to write about but just wanted you to hear from me to let you know that I'm alright. And Mom, please don't worry about me because you know I'll get along.
I'm going to try to get the mess Sgt. to let me off tomorrow evening to go on liberty. I've heard there are a lot of women here. You can't get anything to drink, though, because you have to be 21.
Dear Jewell (sister),
Yes, I knew I was going to be shipped overseas when I went to Camp LeJeune, but I didn't want to say anything about it. I'm no better than the rest of the boys that are already over there. I just hope that I come back.
I've been thinking about having a large picture made to send to Mom but haven't had much of a chance. I've been broke until yesterday. We got paid 25 bucks, and a boy owed me 5 more, so now I've got 30 bucks. I spent all my money before I left North Carolina, but I had a pretty good time.
It took us about 6 days to get here, but had a pretty good trip. We stopped in just about every state that we came through to eat. I liked New Mexico with all those Spanish girls. There were a lot of pretty girls in Texas, too.
We got here about midnight Friday night, and they got us up at 5:30 a.m. Saturday morning and put me on mess duty. Now I won't have much time off. But, I'm going to talk to the mess Sgt. and see if he will let me off duty today around 3:00 so I can go on liberty. They tell me there are lots of girls here.
Friday, August 27, 2010
June 1944 Camp Lejeune New River, North Carolina
Hello Mom,
I got off mess duty yesterday, and boy, was I glad! I also got paid, so I went to town yesterday evening. I went to the town that is 42 miles from here. Didn't have much fun there, so I doubt I'll go there again.
I am going to send you 10 bucks in this letter. It won't help you much, I know, but maybe it will a little.
I hope you and Dad have a good time while you have Red's car. Mom, there isn't much use of you to write every day because I know how hard it is to think of things to write about.
I guess Helen is glad to get her a job, but I'll bet it doesn't pay much. Maybe she can at least buy her clothes.
We had a pretty big rain storm this evening, and here I was laying out there firing my rifle. I couldn't even see the target through the rain. I don't know why they made us fire. It was a lot of shells wasted, and I got soaked.
....We fired 60 rounds today. I love to fire the rifle. We go out at 7:30 in the morning and come back for noon chow, then go right back out and stay until 4:00 or 4:30. Later on, after we start firing more, we won't get in until 6: or 6:30.
They have a show here every evening, but I've only been once.
Is anybody helping Dad on the truck now? I guess he just got paid straight time while he was on vacation, didn't he?
...I went over to the slop shoot this evening and drank a beer, then went to the show. It was "Return of the Ape Man."
I saw 3 of the boys I was in Washington with. They went to New York for a while, then they got sent here.
We fired over 100 rounds today.
I will leave here about the 4th of next month and go to tent camp. That is about 22 miles from here, and we have to walk every step of the way. After that, I will get a furlough, so I should be home around the 19th of next month.
Well, that Pete doesn't have any sense at all. He must sure love her to send her a check for $100. That money could have done his mother and dad more good than her. I would never get married while I was in the marine corps because if something happened to me, she would get the money and not you and dad.
We got off yesterday around noon, so I thought I'd go on liberty. Drank a few beers and had a pretty good time. I went to a carnival for a while. Had fun teasing the girls working there.
....
It's so hot here that it is hard to sleep. The flies and mosquitoes are bad. It hardly ever rains.
Sorry I haven't written for a while, but I've been really busy. Monday night we went on a hike, and we got in late. Wednesday and Thursday nights we also went on a hike. I have walked 60 miles this week. So, we got off today, for the rifle range tonight, but then we had to wash all the windows.
We will have a lot of work to do next week. We have to fire the B.H.R next week. We will fire it during the day, then we will fire the M1 at night. We will fire every night until about 9:30 or 10. On Saturday, we will leave here to go down to the main base. It is about 22 miles from here.
....We went out last night around 11:00 to fight fire. They called out the army, navy and marine corp for a really big forest fire. We got back in about 15 minutes till 7 this morning. We worked all night, and this morning they had another bunch of marines to come to take our place. They told us we could sleep all day long today if we wanted, but I only slept until about 11:00 because it is too hot to sleep.
We went on three 20-mile hikes last week, and I think we have to go on one this week.
I wish you would go to a doctor about your arm hurting so bad.
I didn't work too hard today. We didn't do nothing but fire this morning, and this afternoon, I just sat around and watched the rest of them fire. We have to go back out this evening and fire after dark. I don't mind firing after dark because it is a little bit cooler. The rifle we are firing now weighs 23 lbs. and is hard to hold. It kicks a good bit. It shoots automatic, and you can fire 20 rounds in no time. All you have to do is hold the trigger. But it moves you backward if you fire that many at one time.
Yes, I read in the paper about that tornado. That was a shame.
I guess Jewell was glad to get that 26 bucks.
Mom, I won't get to come home for the 4th, but hope to get home soon after that.
We fired preliminary today, and I would make marksman. It doesn't count, though, because tomorrow is record day. I think I can make sharpshooter. At least I hope I can.
The boys who came here with me got a $20 check today. Everyone but me and another boy. That is the check that we had coming to us from Parris Island. I hope I get mine in the next day or so.
I'm going to go eat chow now and get ready to fall out at 7:00.
I got off mess duty yesterday, and boy, was I glad! I also got paid, so I went to town yesterday evening. I went to the town that is 42 miles from here. Didn't have much fun there, so I doubt I'll go there again.
I am going to send you 10 bucks in this letter. It won't help you much, I know, but maybe it will a little.
I hope you and Dad have a good time while you have Red's car. Mom, there isn't much use of you to write every day because I know how hard it is to think of things to write about.
I guess Helen is glad to get her a job, but I'll bet it doesn't pay much. Maybe she can at least buy her clothes.
We had a pretty big rain storm this evening, and here I was laying out there firing my rifle. I couldn't even see the target through the rain. I don't know why they made us fire. It was a lot of shells wasted, and I got soaked.
....We fired 60 rounds today. I love to fire the rifle. We go out at 7:30 in the morning and come back for noon chow, then go right back out and stay until 4:00 or 4:30. Later on, after we start firing more, we won't get in until 6: or 6:30.
They have a show here every evening, but I've only been once.
Is anybody helping Dad on the truck now? I guess he just got paid straight time while he was on vacation, didn't he?
...I went over to the slop shoot this evening and drank a beer, then went to the show. It was "Return of the Ape Man."
I saw 3 of the boys I was in Washington with. They went to New York for a while, then they got sent here.
We fired over 100 rounds today.
I will leave here about the 4th of next month and go to tent camp. That is about 22 miles from here, and we have to walk every step of the way. After that, I will get a furlough, so I should be home around the 19th of next month.
Well, that Pete doesn't have any sense at all. He must sure love her to send her a check for $100. That money could have done his mother and dad more good than her. I would never get married while I was in the marine corps because if something happened to me, she would get the money and not you and dad.
We got off yesterday around noon, so I thought I'd go on liberty. Drank a few beers and had a pretty good time. I went to a carnival for a while. Had fun teasing the girls working there.
....
It's so hot here that it is hard to sleep. The flies and mosquitoes are bad. It hardly ever rains.
Sorry I haven't written for a while, but I've been really busy. Monday night we went on a hike, and we got in late. Wednesday and Thursday nights we also went on a hike. I have walked 60 miles this week. So, we got off today, for the rifle range tonight, but then we had to wash all the windows.
We will have a lot of work to do next week. We have to fire the B.H.R next week. We will fire it during the day, then we will fire the M1 at night. We will fire every night until about 9:30 or 10. On Saturday, we will leave here to go down to the main base. It is about 22 miles from here.
....We went out last night around 11:00 to fight fire. They called out the army, navy and marine corp for a really big forest fire. We got back in about 15 minutes till 7 this morning. We worked all night, and this morning they had another bunch of marines to come to take our place. They told us we could sleep all day long today if we wanted, but I only slept until about 11:00 because it is too hot to sleep.
We went on three 20-mile hikes last week, and I think we have to go on one this week.
I wish you would go to a doctor about your arm hurting so bad.
I didn't work too hard today. We didn't do nothing but fire this morning, and this afternoon, I just sat around and watched the rest of them fire. We have to go back out this evening and fire after dark. I don't mind firing after dark because it is a little bit cooler. The rifle we are firing now weighs 23 lbs. and is hard to hold. It kicks a good bit. It shoots automatic, and you can fire 20 rounds in no time. All you have to do is hold the trigger. But it moves you backward if you fire that many at one time.
Yes, I read in the paper about that tornado. That was a shame.
I guess Jewell was glad to get that 26 bucks.
Mom, I won't get to come home for the 4th, but hope to get home soon after that.
We fired preliminary today, and I would make marksman. It doesn't count, though, because tomorrow is record day. I think I can make sharpshooter. At least I hope I can.
The boys who came here with me got a $20 check today. Everyone but me and another boy. That is the check that we had coming to us from Parris Island. I hope I get mine in the next day or so.
I'm going to go eat chow now and get ready to fall out at 7:00.
Thursday, August 26, 2010
May 1944
I played ball for a couple of hours this evening. We are going to have a game on Friday with a team from somewhere in Washington.
I'm going to quit writing to Louise. If she asks you where I am, just tell her you don't know because you haven't heard from me for a while. Now, don't ask me any questions. Just tell her that.
...
Two of the boys were uptown yesterday and had an awful fight with 6 policemen. They got into it over something, and another marine happened by and started helping them, and they sent 3 of the policemen to the hospital, and one of them got hurt. It was on the front page of the paper today. The boys are in the brig now, and I don't know what they are going to do with them.
Mom, I'm going to ask you something. I hate to, and if you can't do it, that's all right. If you can, get Jewell to give you 3 dollars, and Betty 3, then you put it 3 or 4, and then send it to me. If they don't have the money, don't you send me any. The reason I need it is that I might get to come home before I leave here. If I don't, I'll send it back to you. I don't know for sure where I'm going or when, but I think it will be before the 20th. Now Mom, if Jewell or Betty don't have the money, don't you go out and borrow it, because I don't have to come home. And I might not even get to come. I've got enough money right now to come, but I have to get laundry and dry cleaning out.
We started wearing our summer pants yesterday, and I don't like them worth a damn. I need to go press them now.
.....I'm glad Dad is raising a garden this year. I know it will really help you all out.
May 19, 1944 Camp Lejeune New River, North Carolina
We got here this morning. I believe it's going to be all right. We had a swell time on the train last night. There were about 50 of us in the car. There were men coming around selling ice cream. We did have one boy to slip off the train. They will be hard on him when they find him.
Today was pay day here, but we didn't get paid. We will get paid on the 5th. I will get about 50 bucks. The closest town is about 10 miles from here, so I won't have much use for money. Maybe I can save a lot. I know I will get more rest here than I did in Washington. They say we will get every weekend off, from Saturday evening to Monday morning.
I don't think we will be here for more than a month or two. Then, we will be moved to some other camp.
I will try to write you every day.
...well, they have slapped me on mess duty for 30 days. They picked me out of about 150 others, so it looks like I got shit on again. I hate mess duty.
The closest liberty town is about 20 miles from here, so I guess I won't go on liberty again until I leave here.
It's not bad here. Except there are no women. haha
I haven't missed a meal since I've been here. I think I had started losing weight while I was in Washington. I ran around too much and didn't get enough rest. I'm glad I got away from there.
They've got me washing dishes now. I sure wish I hadn't gotten this mess duty. We feed about 1400 boys every day.
I had to have a short arm inspection yesterday. I guess you know what that is. haha
I went to see a show tonight. It was called The Pride of the Yankees. I heard Roy talk about it a lot, so I thought I'd go see it. It was pretty good.
No Mom, this place isn't close to Parris Island. This is North Carolina, and Parris Island is in South Carolina.
I guess Ruth is glad that school is out now.
I hear all the boys out firing on the rifle range. I sure wish I was out there instead of in the mess hall.
Did Louise ever call you or come up to the house? I have written her a couple of letters since I've been here
I'm going to quit writing to Louise. If she asks you where I am, just tell her you don't know because you haven't heard from me for a while. Now, don't ask me any questions. Just tell her that.
...
Two of the boys were uptown yesterday and had an awful fight with 6 policemen. They got into it over something, and another marine happened by and started helping them, and they sent 3 of the policemen to the hospital, and one of them got hurt. It was on the front page of the paper today. The boys are in the brig now, and I don't know what they are going to do with them.
Mom, I'm going to ask you something. I hate to, and if you can't do it, that's all right. If you can, get Jewell to give you 3 dollars, and Betty 3, then you put it 3 or 4, and then send it to me. If they don't have the money, don't you send me any. The reason I need it is that I might get to come home before I leave here. If I don't, I'll send it back to you. I don't know for sure where I'm going or when, but I think it will be before the 20th. Now Mom, if Jewell or Betty don't have the money, don't you go out and borrow it, because I don't have to come home. And I might not even get to come. I've got enough money right now to come, but I have to get laundry and dry cleaning out.
We started wearing our summer pants yesterday, and I don't like them worth a damn. I need to go press them now.
.....I'm glad Dad is raising a garden this year. I know it will really help you all out.
May 19, 1944 Camp Lejeune New River, North Carolina
We got here this morning. I believe it's going to be all right. We had a swell time on the train last night. There were about 50 of us in the car. There were men coming around selling ice cream. We did have one boy to slip off the train. They will be hard on him when they find him.
Today was pay day here, but we didn't get paid. We will get paid on the 5th. I will get about 50 bucks. The closest town is about 10 miles from here, so I won't have much use for money. Maybe I can save a lot. I know I will get more rest here than I did in Washington. They say we will get every weekend off, from Saturday evening to Monday morning.
I don't think we will be here for more than a month or two. Then, we will be moved to some other camp.
I will try to write you every day.
...well, they have slapped me on mess duty for 30 days. They picked me out of about 150 others, so it looks like I got shit on again. I hate mess duty.
The closest liberty town is about 20 miles from here, so I guess I won't go on liberty again until I leave here.
It's not bad here. Except there are no women. haha
I haven't missed a meal since I've been here. I think I had started losing weight while I was in Washington. I ran around too much and didn't get enough rest. I'm glad I got away from there.
They've got me washing dishes now. I sure wish I hadn't gotten this mess duty. We feed about 1400 boys every day.
I had to have a short arm inspection yesterday. I guess you know what that is. haha
I went to see a show tonight. It was called The Pride of the Yankees. I heard Roy talk about it a lot, so I thought I'd go see it. It was pretty good.
No Mom, this place isn't close to Parris Island. This is North Carolina, and Parris Island is in South Carolina.
I guess Ruth is glad that school is out now.
I hear all the boys out firing on the rifle range. I sure wish I was out there instead of in the mess hall.
Did Louise ever call you or come up to the house? I have written her a couple of letters since I've been here
Friday, August 20, 2010
paragraphs from letters dated 4/20-5/1/44
....I got paid today, but I had to pay the 7 bucks I owed, and I also had a 2 bucks cleaning bill to pay.
Yes, I did get into a little fight here one night. If I had known Louise was going to tell you, I wouldn't have told her. I was fighting with two boys who weren't in the service. My jaw was swollen up after the fight but it is alright now. And no, they didn't tell me I would get sent across for fighting, either. I'm not going to drink anymore.
....So Grandpa hurt himself at work. I knew he was too old to be working in the mines.
....I think I've already seen just about everything there is to see in Washington. The Potomac River is pretty, and I've also seen all the monuments. The Lincoln Memorial is awful pretty. I've been down to the White House about a dozen times. That is where me and another boy always take our girls. There is a park right beside the White House where we can go and sit and talk.
....So Dugie (cousin) is in Ireland now. He sure has traveled a lot since he joined the service.
April 26, 1944
Made it back ok, but I was 59 minutes late. I don't think they will say anything about it. I hope not, anyway. It was sure good to see everybody. I had to pay a dollar for a taxi to bring me here from Union Station. But, Harold slipped me 2 dollar before I left Charleston, and Jewell also gave me a dollar.
....There are 5 boys leaving here tomorrow, and 12 more are leaving on Wednesday. The 12 are just moving to Philadelphia because they can't have any men in the District of Columbia who hasn't been across. All of us will be out of here by June. We will just be transferred somewhere else for guard duty. The reason they are doing this is there are so many boys coming from overseas into Washington, and they have to find something for them to do.
May 1, 1944
I started to go to Frank Knox's funeral today. He was the Secretary of the Navy. But, it's too hot to wear a coat, and we can't go unless we wear one.
I will be glad when payday comes because I have to borrow money to get my cleaning out. We will get paid Friday. They say we might get that 19 bucks we have coming to us from Parris Island.
.....I just ate chow and it was good. We had spare ribs and I ate a lot of them.
Your son,
Pedue
Yes, I did get into a little fight here one night. If I had known Louise was going to tell you, I wouldn't have told her. I was fighting with two boys who weren't in the service. My jaw was swollen up after the fight but it is alright now. And no, they didn't tell me I would get sent across for fighting, either. I'm not going to drink anymore.
....So Grandpa hurt himself at work. I knew he was too old to be working in the mines.
....I think I've already seen just about everything there is to see in Washington. The Potomac River is pretty, and I've also seen all the monuments. The Lincoln Memorial is awful pretty. I've been down to the White House about a dozen times. That is where me and another boy always take our girls. There is a park right beside the White House where we can go and sit and talk.
....So Dugie (cousin) is in Ireland now. He sure has traveled a lot since he joined the service.
April 26, 1944
Made it back ok, but I was 59 minutes late. I don't think they will say anything about it. I hope not, anyway. It was sure good to see everybody. I had to pay a dollar for a taxi to bring me here from Union Station. But, Harold slipped me 2 dollar before I left Charleston, and Jewell also gave me a dollar.
....There are 5 boys leaving here tomorrow, and 12 more are leaving on Wednesday. The 12 are just moving to Philadelphia because they can't have any men in the District of Columbia who hasn't been across. All of us will be out of here by June. We will just be transferred somewhere else for guard duty. The reason they are doing this is there are so many boys coming from overseas into Washington, and they have to find something for them to do.
May 1, 1944
I started to go to Frank Knox's funeral today. He was the Secretary of the Navy. But, it's too hot to wear a coat, and we can't go unless we wear one.
I will be glad when payday comes because I have to borrow money to get my cleaning out. We will get paid Friday. They say we might get that 19 bucks we have coming to us from Parris Island.
.....I just ate chow and it was good. We had spare ribs and I ate a lot of them.
Your son,
Pedue
Thursday, August 12, 2010
April 17, 1945 Washington, D.C.
Hello Mom,
Will answer your letter received this morning.
Also got a letter from Louise, and she was mad because she said she hasn't got a letter from me in five days. She also said that someone told her that you said you didn't want me to go with her because she wasn't good enough for me.
I got another 32 hour pass this evening, and I'm not going anywhere. If I had some money, I'd go see Tom Slack.
You asked if I was broke or needed anything. Well, yes, I am broke, and have been for over a week. It's because I went out too much and drank. I get paid on Thursday and I owe a boy 7 bucks. I am not drinking any more. There is no sense in going out and spending all my money and then not having anything.
That was sure a good payday that Dad drew. I wish he could draw $100 every payday. That would sure help you all, wouldn't it.
The boys are trying to get me to go out tonight. They said they'd pay all the expenses, but I said no.
I'll close for now because I can't think of a thing to write.
Your son,
Pedue
Will answer your letter received this morning.
Also got a letter from Louise, and she was mad because she said she hasn't got a letter from me in five days. She also said that someone told her that you said you didn't want me to go with her because she wasn't good enough for me.
I got another 32 hour pass this evening, and I'm not going anywhere. If I had some money, I'd go see Tom Slack.
You asked if I was broke or needed anything. Well, yes, I am broke, and have been for over a week. It's because I went out too much and drank. I get paid on Thursday and I owe a boy 7 bucks. I am not drinking any more. There is no sense in going out and spending all my money and then not having anything.
That was sure a good payday that Dad drew. I wish he could draw $100 every payday. That would sure help you all, wouldn't it.
The boys are trying to get me to go out tonight. They said they'd pay all the expenses, but I said no.
I'll close for now because I can't think of a thing to write.
Your son,
Pedue
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
April 6, 1944 Washington, D.C.
Dear Mom,
Will answer your letter received this morning. I don't understand why you say you don't hear from me. I write you just about every day. You don't have to worry if you don't hear from me. I will call you if they move me. Or if anything would happen to me, they would let you know. So, please don't worry about me.
I don't know where to go tomorrow evening. I get 32 hours of and have anywhere to go. I wish I knew Tom's address. I think he is just about 2 hours from here. The boy who came here with me is going home on a 48 hour pass tomorrow. He just told them he wanted to go home. They are pretty good about letting anyone go home for 48 or 60 hours.
Well, I got letters from Louise and Betty this morning, and Louise said she hasn't gotten but three letters from me since I've been back. She said she isn't going to write me anymore until I start writing her more often. I know I have written her 10 letter since I've been back. I feel like writing her back and telling her I don't care if she writes me or not.
I got paid yesterday. Got 24 bucks. I owe 6 of it, so that just left me 18 bucks. I wish I could save a little money and send you and Betty that money you all gave me when I was home.
Well Mom, I will close for now and will write again tomorrow.
Please don't worry about me, because nothing is going to happen to me.
Your son,
Pedue
Will answer your letter received this morning. I don't understand why you say you don't hear from me. I write you just about every day. You don't have to worry if you don't hear from me. I will call you if they move me. Or if anything would happen to me, they would let you know. So, please don't worry about me.
I don't know where to go tomorrow evening. I get 32 hours of and have anywhere to go. I wish I knew Tom's address. I think he is just about 2 hours from here. The boy who came here with me is going home on a 48 hour pass tomorrow. He just told them he wanted to go home. They are pretty good about letting anyone go home for 48 or 60 hours.
Well, I got letters from Louise and Betty this morning, and Louise said she hasn't gotten but three letters from me since I've been back. She said she isn't going to write me anymore until I start writing her more often. I know I have written her 10 letter since I've been back. I feel like writing her back and telling her I don't care if she writes me or not.
I got paid yesterday. Got 24 bucks. I owe 6 of it, so that just left me 18 bucks. I wish I could save a little money and send you and Betty that money you all gave me when I was home.
Well Mom, I will close for now and will write again tomorrow.
Please don't worry about me, because nothing is going to happen to me.
Your son,
Pedue
April 2 and 5, 1944 Washington, D.C.
Hello Mom,
Will try to answer your letter received this morning. Hope you are all feeling well. I am feeling pretty good. I went to school twice today. We have to go twice a week to learn about some things around here. I have been off since 4:00 yesterday afternoon except for going to school for a couple of hours. I have to go on duty tonight from 12:00 to 4:00.
You don't have to be in any hurry about sending my shoes back to me. I don't need them for anything. I would just tell Dad to wear them, but I am afraid they might ask me where my other pair of shoes are.
I hope to be able to get you a little something for your birthday, but you know a service boy don't have nothing.
I got two letters from Louise today. She says she loves me. I think she got over her mad spell about me not stopping to see her.
Betty never did answer that letter I wrote her. I think she must be mad at me.
I got have gotten a 48 hour pass and come home this weekend, but I wouldn't have gotten to stay very long. I think I am going to wait until I can get a 72 hour leave and I'll get to stay longer. I get 32 hours Friday evening. I had Tom Slack's address I'd go see him. I guess he told them that he was just 16 because he sure hated the Marines. Well, he can get out if he wants to, but I'm staying until they throw me out. I'm a whole lot better off here than I was at home, because I am learning a little something.
Mom, the funniest thing happened yesterday evening. I was standing on guard duty, and the sky just got as black as could be, and everyone thought we were going to have a big rain storm. All at once, it started pouring the snow down. The ground was covered in about 2 minutes. It was the hardest snow I ever saw. It snowed about 10 minutes, and while the snow was coming down, a big lightening came up, and then a big crack of thunder! And here I was out standing duty, and boy, I liked to froze to death.
Mom, tell Dad to stop working so hard, or he's going to kill himself. I wish I was making enough money to help out.
I can't think of anything else to write, so I will close for now.
Your son,
Pedue
Will try to answer your letter received this morning. Hope you are all feeling well. I am feeling pretty good. I went to school twice today. We have to go twice a week to learn about some things around here. I have been off since 4:00 yesterday afternoon except for going to school for a couple of hours. I have to go on duty tonight from 12:00 to 4:00.
You don't have to be in any hurry about sending my shoes back to me. I don't need them for anything. I would just tell Dad to wear them, but I am afraid they might ask me where my other pair of shoes are.
I hope to be able to get you a little something for your birthday, but you know a service boy don't have nothing.
I got two letters from Louise today. She says she loves me. I think she got over her mad spell about me not stopping to see her.
Betty never did answer that letter I wrote her. I think she must be mad at me.
I got have gotten a 48 hour pass and come home this weekend, but I wouldn't have gotten to stay very long. I think I am going to wait until I can get a 72 hour leave and I'll get to stay longer. I get 32 hours Friday evening. I had Tom Slack's address I'd go see him. I guess he told them that he was just 16 because he sure hated the Marines. Well, he can get out if he wants to, but I'm staying until they throw me out. I'm a whole lot better off here than I was at home, because I am learning a little something.
Mom, the funniest thing happened yesterday evening. I was standing on guard duty, and the sky just got as black as could be, and everyone thought we were going to have a big rain storm. All at once, it started pouring the snow down. The ground was covered in about 2 minutes. It was the hardest snow I ever saw. It snowed about 10 minutes, and while the snow was coming down, a big lightening came up, and then a big crack of thunder! And here I was out standing duty, and boy, I liked to froze to death.
Mom, tell Dad to stop working so hard, or he's going to kill himself. I wish I was making enough money to help out.
I can't think of anything else to write, so I will close for now.
Your son,
Pedue
Sunday, August 8, 2010
March 29, 1944 Washington, D.C.
Hello Mom,
Well, I'm feeling pretty good today. Yesterday evening I went to bed around 6:00, and the girl I've been seeing called me up around 9:00. She wanted to know why I haven't been up to see her in a while. We talked a while, and then I went back to bed and slept until 7:00 this morning. So, I have caught up on my sleep. When I woke up, the snow was pouring down, but it has turned to rain now.
I don't guess I'll be doing any farming this year. I don't guess Dad will kill the pig until next winter, will he. It should pretty big by then.
I hope Jewell does get that job at Davis, because it would be a whole lot better for her. But, that will make it hard on Betty staying in Charleston by herself. Betty never did answer the last letter I sent her. I guess she is working all the time.
I am going to go down and get a carton of cigarettes. They are giving us all a carton. I haven't done much all day except go to class for an hour and a half. I have to go on guard duty at 12:00 tonight.
I'll close for now. Tell the family I said hello.
Your son,
Pedue
Well, I'm feeling pretty good today. Yesterday evening I went to bed around 6:00, and the girl I've been seeing called me up around 9:00. She wanted to know why I haven't been up to see her in a while. We talked a while, and then I went back to bed and slept until 7:00 this morning. So, I have caught up on my sleep. When I woke up, the snow was pouring down, but it has turned to rain now.
I don't guess I'll be doing any farming this year. I don't guess Dad will kill the pig until next winter, will he. It should pretty big by then.
I hope Jewell does get that job at Davis, because it would be a whole lot better for her. But, that will make it hard on Betty staying in Charleston by herself. Betty never did answer the last letter I sent her. I guess she is working all the time.
I am going to go down and get a carton of cigarettes. They are giving us all a carton. I haven't done much all day except go to class for an hour and a half. I have to go on guard duty at 12:00 tonight.
I'll close for now. Tell the family I said hello.
Your son,
Pedue
March 25 and 27, 1944 Washington, D.C.
Hello Mom,
Will write another short letter while I'm laying around. I guess you weren't expecting me to call you last night, were you? I was just sitting up there with a girl and decided to call you. You don't have to worry about me drinking too much because I know better than that. And there is no danger of me shooting myself with my gun.
I went on duty at midnight last night and got off at 4:00. Then I had to get up at 6:30 a.m. So, I'm going to stay in tonight and for three or days and get caught up on my sleep.
Well, I haven't gotten a letter from Louise yet, and I wrote her twice. I like her, but if she doesn't want to write, that suits me. I got an awful sweet letter from Eileen today. You know, that's an awful nice girl. I guess I like them all. haha. I also like the girls here in Washington.
I'll close for now and try to get a little sleep. I'll write you again tomorrow.
Your son,
Pedue
March 27, 1944
Hello Mom,
Will answer your letter received this morning but don't have much to write about.
I ate 3 meals today. That is the first time I've eaten 3 meals in one day since I've been here. I thought they feed good at Parris Island, but they feed a whole lot better here. We have ice cream every day.
So Pete is going to get married. I thought he had better sense than that. Well, if he is willing to give her 50 bucks a month out of his pay, I guess that's his business.
I think I will stay in for about 2 weeks. This girl called me up last night and wanted to know when I was coming back up town. I told her I got restricted for two weeks so she wouldn't keep calling me. She said I should try to slip off and come see her.
You mean Grandpa is loading coal at Wet Branch? They shouldn't let him work. They know he's too old for that. He don't need to work, anyway.
I got a letter from Louise today, and said she thought I did her wrong by not stopping when I was home last time. She was awful mad but said she would forgive me this time.
Well Mom, I'm going to lay down and try to get some sleep before I go on guard duty tonight at 8:00.
Tell Roy to write to me and tell me the news around Dry Branch.
Your son,
Pedue
Will write another short letter while I'm laying around. I guess you weren't expecting me to call you last night, were you? I was just sitting up there with a girl and decided to call you. You don't have to worry about me drinking too much because I know better than that. And there is no danger of me shooting myself with my gun.
I went on duty at midnight last night and got off at 4:00. Then I had to get up at 6:30 a.m. So, I'm going to stay in tonight and for three or days and get caught up on my sleep.
Well, I haven't gotten a letter from Louise yet, and I wrote her twice. I like her, but if she doesn't want to write, that suits me. I got an awful sweet letter from Eileen today. You know, that's an awful nice girl. I guess I like them all. haha. I also like the girls here in Washington.
I'll close for now and try to get a little sleep. I'll write you again tomorrow.
Your son,
Pedue
March 27, 1944
Hello Mom,
Will answer your letter received this morning but don't have much to write about.
I ate 3 meals today. That is the first time I've eaten 3 meals in one day since I've been here. I thought they feed good at Parris Island, but they feed a whole lot better here. We have ice cream every day.
So Pete is going to get married. I thought he had better sense than that. Well, if he is willing to give her 50 bucks a month out of his pay, I guess that's his business.
I think I will stay in for about 2 weeks. This girl called me up last night and wanted to know when I was coming back up town. I told her I got restricted for two weeks so she wouldn't keep calling me. She said I should try to slip off and come see her.
You mean Grandpa is loading coal at Wet Branch? They shouldn't let him work. They know he's too old for that. He don't need to work, anyway.
I got a letter from Louise today, and said she thought I did her wrong by not stopping when I was home last time. She was awful mad but said she would forgive me this time.
Well Mom, I'm going to lay down and try to get some sleep before I go on guard duty tonight at 8:00.
Tell Roy to write to me and tell me the news around Dry Branch.
Your son,
Pedue
Thursday, August 5, 2010
March 19, 20, and 23, 1944 Washington, D.C.
Hello, Mom
Will write you a few lines while I'm sitting around. Had a good time last night and got back in about 15 till 4 this morning. Some of the other boys just went back out, but I'm broke, so I thought I'd better stay here. I get paid tomorrow, at least I hope I do. They pay off on the 5th and the 20th.
Well Mom, here I am again. It is Monday morning. I went out last night after all. I borrowed 3 bucks from one of the boys and went out and had a pretty good time. I met this girl and have seen her the last three nights. She's a pretty nice girl. Last night, she just wanted to walk around, but it is just too cold to do that, so I slipped off from her. She is plenty mad at me now.
The roads here are a solid sheet of ice. It snowed just about all night last night.
I went down and got paid about 20 bucks a while ago and I was sure glad to get it. I guess I'll be able to keep this a while because I'll be on guard duty from 4:00 to 8:00 this evening, and then back on at 8 in the morning until 12:00 noon.
I tell you, I'm not going to be worth nothing if I stay around here very long. All I do is lay around and go on duty once in a while for four hours. I don't do no hard work at all. I could go out every night if I wanted to, but I'd stay broke if I did. There are lots of girls here. One of the boys here, Red, and I met a couple of WAVES last night, but they had to be in by 10:00,
I'll close for now. Tell Betty I'll write her tonight or tomorrow. You and her sure helped me out while I was home. I hated to take your money because I know how much you all needed it, but I'll give it back as soon as I get another pay or two.
Your son,
Pedue
March 23, 1944
Hello Mom,
I just got off guard duty at 4:00 this evening, and it is 5:30 now. It rained all day, and I had to stand out in it for 4 hours. I was watching the gate for the WAVES today to see that no one else came in. There's about 3,000 of them here.
Mom, they don't furnish dress blues anymore. They stopped that. I sure would have liked to have had a suit o them.
That call when I called you only cost 50 cents. That wasn't bad. I'd give that anytime to talk to some of you.
I will close for now.
Your son,
Pedue
Will write you a few lines while I'm sitting around. Had a good time last night and got back in about 15 till 4 this morning. Some of the other boys just went back out, but I'm broke, so I thought I'd better stay here. I get paid tomorrow, at least I hope I do. They pay off on the 5th and the 20th.
Well Mom, here I am again. It is Monday morning. I went out last night after all. I borrowed 3 bucks from one of the boys and went out and had a pretty good time. I met this girl and have seen her the last three nights. She's a pretty nice girl. Last night, she just wanted to walk around, but it is just too cold to do that, so I slipped off from her. She is plenty mad at me now.
The roads here are a solid sheet of ice. It snowed just about all night last night.
I went down and got paid about 20 bucks a while ago and I was sure glad to get it. I guess I'll be able to keep this a while because I'll be on guard duty from 4:00 to 8:00 this evening, and then back on at 8 in the morning until 12:00 noon.
I tell you, I'm not going to be worth nothing if I stay around here very long. All I do is lay around and go on duty once in a while for four hours. I don't do no hard work at all. I could go out every night if I wanted to, but I'd stay broke if I did. There are lots of girls here. One of the boys here, Red, and I met a couple of WAVES last night, but they had to be in by 10:00,
I'll close for now. Tell Betty I'll write her tonight or tomorrow. You and her sure helped me out while I was home. I hated to take your money because I know how much you all needed it, but I'll give it back as soon as I get another pay or two.
Your son,
Pedue
March 23, 1944
Hello Mom,
I just got off guard duty at 4:00 this evening, and it is 5:30 now. It rained all day, and I had to stand out in it for 4 hours. I was watching the gate for the WAVES today to see that no one else came in. There's about 3,000 of them here.
Mom, they don't furnish dress blues anymore. They stopped that. I sure would have liked to have had a suit o them.
That call when I called you only cost 50 cents. That wasn't bad. I'd give that anytime to talk to some of you.
I will close for now.
Your son,
Pedue
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
March 17, 1944
Hello Mom,
Well, this place isn't so bad after all. We get to go out in the town every night. There are plenty of women here and also beer if we want it. We can stay out all night if we want, just so we are back by 6:00 the next morning. That is, if we are off duty.
I am not where I thought I was going to be. We stayed last night down about five miles from here, and then they moved us here this morning. There is a boy here who was in Guadalcanal, and he has told me a few things that happened over there. Boy, they really had it tough. Anyway, he and I went out last night and stayed out until 2:30 this morning going to different places. This place isn't nothing like Parris Island. We have all kinds of freedom.
We don't start guard duty until Monday morning. We get to carry a big 38 special and a Raising submachine gun. We guard government buildings. We just stand and look at all passes and make sure no spies get in.
Jewell told me that Betty got mad at me right before I got on the train. I guess they did think I didn't act right, but there were so many friends there that I wanted to see. I think she got mad when I went out in a car to see four girls from Decota, and she thought I had left. But, all of them wanted to kiss me goodbye, and you know I couldn't refuse that. haha
So tell Betty I will write her tomorrow and she'd better not be mad at me.
I don't know what Louise thought of me not stopping to see her, but I guess I just didn't want to.
Mom, we won't be getting a 72-hour pass every other week, but we get a 32 hour once a week, so I don't guess I'll get to come home so often after all. I guess I should have stayed home more than I did when I was there, but I just wanted to go out and see everyone. Maybe the next time I come home, I will stay in more.
Your son,
Pedue
I am going to stay in as much as I can for a good while, so I can send you all a little money since you helped me out so much when I was home.
Well, this place isn't so bad after all. We get to go out in the town every night. There are plenty of women here and also beer if we want it. We can stay out all night if we want, just so we are back by 6:00 the next morning. That is, if we are off duty.
I am not where I thought I was going to be. We stayed last night down about five miles from here, and then they moved us here this morning. There is a boy here who was in Guadalcanal, and he has told me a few things that happened over there. Boy, they really had it tough. Anyway, he and I went out last night and stayed out until 2:30 this morning going to different places. This place isn't nothing like Parris Island. We have all kinds of freedom.
We don't start guard duty until Monday morning. We get to carry a big 38 special and a Raising submachine gun. We guard government buildings. We just stand and look at all passes and make sure no spies get in.
Jewell told me that Betty got mad at me right before I got on the train. I guess they did think I didn't act right, but there were so many friends there that I wanted to see. I think she got mad when I went out in a car to see four girls from Decota, and she thought I had left. But, all of them wanted to kiss me goodbye, and you know I couldn't refuse that. haha
So tell Betty I will write her tomorrow and she'd better not be mad at me.
I don't know what Louise thought of me not stopping to see her, but I guess I just didn't want to.
Mom, we won't be getting a 72-hour pass every other week, but we get a 32 hour once a week, so I don't guess I'll get to come home so often after all. I guess I should have stayed home more than I did when I was there, but I just wanted to go out and see everyone. Maybe the next time I come home, I will stay in more.
Your son,
Pedue
I am going to stay in as much as I can for a good while, so I can send you all a little money since you helped me out so much when I was home.
March 3, 1944
Hello Mom,
Well, I found out where I am going. I am going to Washington, D.C. I think I'm going to be a guard there for a while. I'm going there instead of New River. It will be a whole lot closer to home. I think it takes about 12 hours to get home from there. There are about 11 or 12 of us boys going there. All of them are pretty good boys.
Tom is going to Maryland. Just him and another boy are going there from our platoon. The boy who is going with Tom lives about 10 miles from where they are going to be stationed. After we get settled down in Washington, we will get our dress blues, and boy, are they nice looking! Four or five of the boys bought them a set of dress blues here, and it cost them 52 bucks, but we will get ours free since we are going to Washington.
Well, I got me another haircut a while ago. I wish they hadn't cut it because it was starting to grow in pretty good. I bought me a garrison cap the other day, and it cost me 4 bucks.
Well Mom, I will close for now because we will have to fall out in a few minutes to run bayonet for record. Hoping to see you soon. I hope to have a long talk with the President when I get home. haha
Your son,
Pedue
Well, I found out where I am going. I am going to Washington, D.C. I think I'm going to be a guard there for a while. I'm going there instead of New River. It will be a whole lot closer to home. I think it takes about 12 hours to get home from there. There are about 11 or 12 of us boys going there. All of them are pretty good boys.
Tom is going to Maryland. Just him and another boy are going there from our platoon. The boy who is going with Tom lives about 10 miles from where they are going to be stationed. After we get settled down in Washington, we will get our dress blues, and boy, are they nice looking! Four or five of the boys bought them a set of dress blues here, and it cost them 52 bucks, but we will get ours free since we are going to Washington.
Well, I got me another haircut a while ago. I wish they hadn't cut it because it was starting to grow in pretty good. I bought me a garrison cap the other day, and it cost me 4 bucks.
Well Mom, I will close for now because we will have to fall out in a few minutes to run bayonet for record. Hoping to see you soon. I hope to have a long talk with the President when I get home. haha
Your son,
Pedue
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
February 29, 1944
Hello Mom,
Will answer your letter received this morning.
It was pretty windy today, but the sun is awful hot.
The sergeant told us we wouldn't be able to go to the dentist this evening, but I told him my tooth was hurting awful bad. So, I went up and let the dentist look at the boil on my gums. He said he couldn't freeze it or put a needle in it because it was abscessed. He asked me do I think I can stand it, and I told him that I would sure try. Boy, he had a time pulling it. While he was trying to get it out, sweat started popping out on me, and everything went black in front of me. The dentist said I fainted. He said he didn't blame me for fainting and that he would have done the same thing if he had went through that. My jaw is still swollen a good bit. After I came back, the sargent told me not to go out of the barrack the rest of the day, but he made the other boys go out and drill a while.
We got paid today. I drew 64 bucks instead of 69 bucks. I paid 5 bucks for a magazine to be sent home. The name of it is The Leather Neck. Tom only drew 35 bucks. He has been winning a little money, so I think he's got about 45 bucks.
Mom, we should be home the 11th or 12th, if they don't change their minds again. There is no use in you writing any more letters after you get this one because I leave here Monday. We don't have to stay in New River but about 2 days.
I will close for now. Hope to see you all about the 11th or 12th.
Your son,
Pedue
Will answer your letter received this morning.
It was pretty windy today, but the sun is awful hot.
The sergeant told us we wouldn't be able to go to the dentist this evening, but I told him my tooth was hurting awful bad. So, I went up and let the dentist look at the boil on my gums. He said he couldn't freeze it or put a needle in it because it was abscessed. He asked me do I think I can stand it, and I told him that I would sure try. Boy, he had a time pulling it. While he was trying to get it out, sweat started popping out on me, and everything went black in front of me. The dentist said I fainted. He said he didn't blame me for fainting and that he would have done the same thing if he had went through that. My jaw is still swollen a good bit. After I came back, the sargent told me not to go out of the barrack the rest of the day, but he made the other boys go out and drill a while.
We got paid today. I drew 64 bucks instead of 69 bucks. I paid 5 bucks for a magazine to be sent home. The name of it is The Leather Neck. Tom only drew 35 bucks. He has been winning a little money, so I think he's got about 45 bucks.
Mom, we should be home the 11th or 12th, if they don't change their minds again. There is no use in you writing any more letters after you get this one because I leave here Monday. We don't have to stay in New River but about 2 days.
I will close for now. Hope to see you all about the 11th or 12th.
Your son,
Pedue
February 27 and 28, 1944
Hello Mom,
Will try to write you a few lines while I have time. I haven't written but one letter today. I've been lying around sleeping all day long after I got off guard duty. Sorry I got ice cream on this letter. Every time I eat ice cream, I get it all over the place.
I've got a boil or something on my gum next to a tooth, and it sure hurts.
I think we get paid Tuesday. I'll be glad to get 69 bucks, if I get that much. I haven't got but about $1.50. I got my dress shoes and some more shirts and other things. I guess we will leave out o here Monday morning. They said if we do go to our next base before we get our furlough, we will get it after we get to the new base. I hope we do have to go to our next base first, because it is about 12 hours closer, and that means I will get to stay home 12 hours longer. Also, I can save a little more money.
Well, I will close for now. I have to go on guard duty at 2:00 in the morning until 4:00.
Tell everyone hello for me.
Your son,
Pedue
p.s. I just got back from playing cards, and I lost 1.50. So I am broke now until Tuesday. The sargent came in and saw us but didn't say anything. I don't like to play cards now because I haven't played in so long.
Will try to write you a few lines while I have time. I haven't written but one letter today. I've been lying around sleeping all day long after I got off guard duty. Sorry I got ice cream on this letter. Every time I eat ice cream, I get it all over the place.
I've got a boil or something on my gum next to a tooth, and it sure hurts.
I think we get paid Tuesday. I'll be glad to get 69 bucks, if I get that much. I haven't got but about $1.50. I got my dress shoes and some more shirts and other things. I guess we will leave out o here Monday morning. They said if we do go to our next base before we get our furlough, we will get it after we get to the new base. I hope we do have to go to our next base first, because it is about 12 hours closer, and that means I will get to stay home 12 hours longer. Also, I can save a little more money.
Well, I will close for now. I have to go on guard duty at 2:00 in the morning until 4:00.
Tell everyone hello for me.
Your son,
Pedue
p.s. I just got back from playing cards, and I lost 1.50. So I am broke now until Tuesday. The sargent came in and saw us but didn't say anything. I don't like to play cards now because I haven't played in so long.
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
February 26, 1944
Hello Mom,
Will try to answer your letter received this evening. We got off mess duty tonight. Boy, was I glad. That was the tiredest I've been since I came to Parris Island, and now we have to go on guard duty in the morning. I think I go on at 8:00.
I wish the people around here would make up their minds. One day they tell us we are going home around the 6th, and the next day they tell us we will go to our next base and stay a few days, then get our furlough. So don't expect me home until you see me coming.
We signed up for our pay day the other day, and I think I get 69 bucks. I think we get paid next week.
Tom went to the show a while ago, so I just went over and got me some hair oil, and a pint of ice cream and some cigarettes.
Mom, you know Louise is expecting me to marry her when I come home. Every letter I get from her, she says something about it. She wrote once and said she would be the happiest girl in the world if I would ask her to marry me. But, there is no way that I would marry her. I wouldn't marry any girl and give her 25 bucks of my pay.
Well, I haven't got my uniform coat back from the tailor yet. Hope to get it back by Wednesday.
I hope to get caught up on my sleep next week because I sure have been losing a lot of sleep. Just think 4-1/2 hours each night for 7 nights, so I didn't get but about 30 hours sleep last week.
We have to have bayonet practice for three days before we leave here. It's not very hard. We will start Monday.
Guess all I'll get done tomorrow is my laundry and writing some letters. I've got a bunch of them to answer. Will close for now. Will write again tomorrow.
Your son,
Pedue
Will try to answer your letter received this evening. We got off mess duty tonight. Boy, was I glad. That was the tiredest I've been since I came to Parris Island, and now we have to go on guard duty in the morning. I think I go on at 8:00.
I wish the people around here would make up their minds. One day they tell us we are going home around the 6th, and the next day they tell us we will go to our next base and stay a few days, then get our furlough. So don't expect me home until you see me coming.
We signed up for our pay day the other day, and I think I get 69 bucks. I think we get paid next week.
Tom went to the show a while ago, so I just went over and got me some hair oil, and a pint of ice cream and some cigarettes.
Mom, you know Louise is expecting me to marry her when I come home. Every letter I get from her, she says something about it. She wrote once and said she would be the happiest girl in the world if I would ask her to marry me. But, there is no way that I would marry her. I wouldn't marry any girl and give her 25 bucks of my pay.
Well, I haven't got my uniform coat back from the tailor yet. Hope to get it back by Wednesday.
I hope to get caught up on my sleep next week because I sure have been losing a lot of sleep. Just think 4-1/2 hours each night for 7 nights, so I didn't get but about 30 hours sleep last week.
We have to have bayonet practice for three days before we leave here. It's not very hard. We will start Monday.
Guess all I'll get done tomorrow is my laundry and writing some letters. I've got a bunch of them to answer. Will close for now. Will write again tomorrow.
Your son,
Pedue
February 22, 1944 Parris Island, SC
Hello Mom,
Will write you a few lines while I got time. I didn't get any mail today from anyone but hope I get something tomorrow.
I sure will be glad when we get off of mess duty. They had me frying pork chops yesterday, and this morning they had me loading 100 lbs. bags of potatoes and taking them to the mess halls and unloading them. Boy, you sure have to work when you are on mess duty. We don't get but about 4 or 4-1/2 hours of sleep at night, and I wake up every morning about 5 till 4 and can't go back to sleep. I guess when a fellow gets used to getting up at a certain time, he just can't sleep no later.
The boys here from the north get a big kick out of us southern boy talk. We do talk a whole lot different from them.
You know, Mom, I've been writing and telling you that I don't know if I will get a furlough or not, but the sergeant told us that we would get one, and that we would leave here about the 5th or 6th if not sooner. So, you can be expecting me about the 7th or 8 of March.
After we get through of an evening at the mess hall, we get to go anywhere we want, just so we are back by 15 till 10. I hardly ever go anywhere but the PX, and I go over there every night and get me a pint of ice cream.
Boy, I sure eat plenty now. I don't see why I don't gain weight. I get about a quart of milk every morning and eat a pint of ice cream every night. Yesterday at noon, I went up to the chow line four times, and we are just supposed to go up there twice.
Well Mom, I guess I will close for now because I have to take a shower and clean my rifle before lights out.
Hoping to see you about the 7th or 8th.
Your son,
Pedue
Will write you a few lines while I got time. I didn't get any mail today from anyone but hope I get something tomorrow.
I sure will be glad when we get off of mess duty. They had me frying pork chops yesterday, and this morning they had me loading 100 lbs. bags of potatoes and taking them to the mess halls and unloading them. Boy, you sure have to work when you are on mess duty. We don't get but about 4 or 4-1/2 hours of sleep at night, and I wake up every morning about 5 till 4 and can't go back to sleep. I guess when a fellow gets used to getting up at a certain time, he just can't sleep no later.
The boys here from the north get a big kick out of us southern boy talk. We do talk a whole lot different from them.
You know, Mom, I've been writing and telling you that I don't know if I will get a furlough or not, but the sergeant told us that we would get one, and that we would leave here about the 5th or 6th if not sooner. So, you can be expecting me about the 7th or 8 of March.
After we get through of an evening at the mess hall, we get to go anywhere we want, just so we are back by 15 till 10. I hardly ever go anywhere but the PX, and I go over there every night and get me a pint of ice cream.
Boy, I sure eat plenty now. I don't see why I don't gain weight. I get about a quart of milk every morning and eat a pint of ice cream every night. Yesterday at noon, I went up to the chow line four times, and we are just supposed to go up there twice.
Well Mom, I guess I will close for now because I have to take a shower and clean my rifle before lights out.
Hoping to see you about the 7th or 8th.
Your son,
Pedue
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
February 20, 1944
Hello Mom,
Will answer your letter received this evening. I'm dead on my feet now. I've been going since 4:00 this morning. We didn't get to sit down but once all day, and that was only for about 15 minutes. Boy, mess duty is a pain. We have to wear white pants.
I went over to the PX a while ago and got me a pint of ice cream, and a jar of peanuts. The peanuts cost 60 cents, but they were good.
No Mom, I don't guess there will be any use to send me any more candy because it costs you too much, and besides, I eat so much of it, I feel sick at my stomach.
You know, Mom, I didn't think I could stay away from home for a long time, but home never pops into my mind. I guess if I would think about home, it would worry me, but I just really like the marine corps. I believe I could stay away from home forever and never think about it, but I would want to see all of you.
Tell Betty I won't have time to write to her this week, and will only be able to write to you once in a while. I doubt if I'll have time to write to Louise, and I know she won't like that but I can't help it.
After Sunday, we won't have anything to do but lay around and get ready to ship out of this place. I might not get a furlough when I leave here. We might have to go to New River for 3 or 4 days an get settled there and get everything straightened out, and then we will get our furlough from New River.
Well Mom, I guess I will close for now because I have to take a shower and clean my rifle before the lights go out.
Your son,
Pedue
Will answer your letter received this evening. I'm dead on my feet now. I've been going since 4:00 this morning. We didn't get to sit down but once all day, and that was only for about 15 minutes. Boy, mess duty is a pain. We have to wear white pants.
I went over to the PX a while ago and got me a pint of ice cream, and a jar of peanuts. The peanuts cost 60 cents, but they were good.
No Mom, I don't guess there will be any use to send me any more candy because it costs you too much, and besides, I eat so much of it, I feel sick at my stomach.
You know, Mom, I didn't think I could stay away from home for a long time, but home never pops into my mind. I guess if I would think about home, it would worry me, but I just really like the marine corps. I believe I could stay away from home forever and never think about it, but I would want to see all of you.
Tell Betty I won't have time to write to her this week, and will only be able to write to you once in a while. I doubt if I'll have time to write to Louise, and I know she won't like that but I can't help it.
After Sunday, we won't have anything to do but lay around and get ready to ship out of this place. I might not get a furlough when I leave here. We might have to go to New River for 3 or 4 days an get settled there and get everything straightened out, and then we will get our furlough from New River.
Well Mom, I guess I will close for now because I have to take a shower and clean my rifle before the lights go out.
Your son,
Pedue
February 18, 1944
Hello Mom,
Will answer your two letters I received today. It was awful hot today. I sweated all day long. I just got back from a boxing match. I saw 8 fights.
Well, we got our medal today. Tom and I got Marksman. I lacked 13 points making sharp shooter, and Tom just lacked 4 points. I also got my whole uniform yesterday but had to take it to the tailor today because the sleeves are too long.
I might be able to bring one of those zipper bags, if it will hold all my clothes. That way, I won't have to buy a suitcase. I hope so, anyway, because I will need my money if I get to come home.
If Dad could draw that much every pay day, you all could get along all right, couldn't you?
Well, I guess I will close for now because I have to answer Harvey Hodge's letter I got today before bedtime. Tell everyone hello and tell Dad I was glad to hear he was better and hope he doesn't get sick again.
Your son,
Pedue
Will answer your two letters I received today. It was awful hot today. I sweated all day long. I just got back from a boxing match. I saw 8 fights.
Well, we got our medal today. Tom and I got Marksman. I lacked 13 points making sharp shooter, and Tom just lacked 4 points. I also got my whole uniform yesterday but had to take it to the tailor today because the sleeves are too long.
I might be able to bring one of those zipper bags, if it will hold all my clothes. That way, I won't have to buy a suitcase. I hope so, anyway, because I will need my money if I get to come home.
If Dad could draw that much every pay day, you all could get along all right, couldn't you?
Well, I guess I will close for now because I have to answer Harvey Hodge's letter I got today before bedtime. Tell everyone hello and tell Dad I was glad to hear he was better and hope he doesn't get sick again.
Your son,
Pedue
Thursday, July 22, 2010
February 17, 1944 Thurs. morning
Hello Mom,
Will try to scribble you a few lines before we fall out to get our whole uniform. We got back from the rifle range last night. I haven't had time to write in 3 or 4 days. I have to go on mess duty Sunday, and we have to stay on it until next Sunday. If we get a furlough, I guess I'll be home about the 7or 8 of March.
I got your box yesterday morning, and the candy was awful good. It is just about gone now. I don't guess there is any use to send me any more because we will get to eat all we want when we are on mess duty.
I didn't make out so good on my rifle yesterday. I just made marksman. We get our medal today. Some of the boys made expert.
I'm glad to be back to our main station. It is a lot cleaner and just a whole lot better place.
I haven't gotten all my teeth fixed yet, and my jaw tooth has been hurting me for 2 or 3 days. I guess I will get them fixed before I leave here.
The Sargent told some of the boys we would get about 60 or 70 bucks before we leave here. But, it's going to take a good bit if I come home. It cost about 18 bucks to go home, I think, and $13 for a suit case, and $4 for my cap. That's $35. Well, I don't care; just so I have enough to have a good time if I ever get to come home again.
After we go on mess duty, we have to get up at 3:00 a.m. and will quit around 8:30 or 9:00 that night, so I don't think I'll have much free time to write, so don't worry if you don't hear ffrom me for a while.
Your son,
Pedue
Will try to scribble you a few lines before we fall out to get our whole uniform. We got back from the rifle range last night. I haven't had time to write in 3 or 4 days. I have to go on mess duty Sunday, and we have to stay on it until next Sunday. If we get a furlough, I guess I'll be home about the 7or 8 of March.
I got your box yesterday morning, and the candy was awful good. It is just about gone now. I don't guess there is any use to send me any more because we will get to eat all we want when we are on mess duty.
I didn't make out so good on my rifle yesterday. I just made marksman. We get our medal today. Some of the boys made expert.
I'm glad to be back to our main station. It is a lot cleaner and just a whole lot better place.
I haven't gotten all my teeth fixed yet, and my jaw tooth has been hurting me for 2 or 3 days. I guess I will get them fixed before I leave here.
The Sargent told some of the boys we would get about 60 or 70 bucks before we leave here. But, it's going to take a good bit if I come home. It cost about 18 bucks to go home, I think, and $13 for a suit case, and $4 for my cap. That's $35. Well, I don't care; just so I have enough to have a good time if I ever get to come home again.
After we go on mess duty, we have to get up at 3:00 a.m. and will quit around 8:30 or 9:00 that night, so I don't think I'll have much free time to write, so don't worry if you don't hear ffrom me for a while.
Your son,
Pedue
February 14, 1944 Monday morning
Hello Mom,
Don't have nothing to do, so I thought I would try to write you a letter. We just awhile ago got in from the firing line. We were out there sitting in streams of water, firing our rifle. I was wet from head to toe. I am sitting here in my shorts now, trying to get my pants dry. I guess we will get to lay around the barracks the rest of the day. We was supposed to shoot for record tomorow, but I don't guess we will.
The Marine Corps just does everything it can to make it hard for you. They didn't have to make us sit down in that mud and water. I didn't mind it myself, but now my rifle is all messed up with mud now.
We will have to fall out for chow soon, and it's sure pouring the rain down. We will get soaked again. They told us to put on dry clothes, but I'm not going to because we will just get wet again.
I got a Valentine's Day box of candy from Eileen, and here I didn't even know it was Valentine's Day.
Well, we just got back from chow, and we had to go through water about half-way up to our knees. So, I came back and changed shoes and pants. I don't think we have to go back out today. We just had mail call, and I got 2 long letters from Eileen. She writes pretty often.
I guess I'll close for now and will try to write again tomorrow. Tell everyone hello for me.
Your son,
Pedue
Don't have nothing to do, so I thought I would try to write you a letter. We just awhile ago got in from the firing line. We were out there sitting in streams of water, firing our rifle. I was wet from head to toe. I am sitting here in my shorts now, trying to get my pants dry. I guess we will get to lay around the barracks the rest of the day. We was supposed to shoot for record tomorow, but I don't guess we will.
The Marine Corps just does everything it can to make it hard for you. They didn't have to make us sit down in that mud and water. I didn't mind it myself, but now my rifle is all messed up with mud now.
We will have to fall out for chow soon, and it's sure pouring the rain down. We will get soaked again. They told us to put on dry clothes, but I'm not going to because we will just get wet again.
I got a Valentine's Day box of candy from Eileen, and here I didn't even know it was Valentine's Day.
Well, we just got back from chow, and we had to go through water about half-way up to our knees. So, I came back and changed shoes and pants. I don't think we have to go back out today. We just had mail call, and I got 2 long letters from Eileen. She writes pretty often.
I guess I'll close for now and will try to write again tomorrow. Tell everyone hello for me.
Your son,
Pedue
February 13, 1944
Hello Mom,
Will write you a letter before I go wash my clothes. Don't have much to write about. I haven't done anything at all today but sleep. The last week or so, I've been sitting up after the lights go out and shooting the bull with the other boys until about 11:30.
Guess I'll be leaving this rifle range Tuesday and go back to the main station and have a week of mess duty. Since I've been on the rifle range, I've shot the raising sub-machine gun, the carbine, and the rifle that we keep all the time. We shoot for record Tuesday, and if I qualify, I get a little medal. It will be an Expert, Sharp Shooter, or Marksman. I hope I can make Expert or Sharp Shooter.
Some of the boys are buying their Garrison caps now, but I don't think I'll buy mine until I find out for sure when I'm going home.
Well Mom, I still haven't really learned to swim. I can swim a little but not much. They said that we would have to learn at our next camp.
I swear I can't think of nothing to write so I will close for now and try to write more tomorrow.
Your son,
Pedue
Will write you a letter before I go wash my clothes. Don't have much to write about. I haven't done anything at all today but sleep. The last week or so, I've been sitting up after the lights go out and shooting the bull with the other boys until about 11:30.
Guess I'll be leaving this rifle range Tuesday and go back to the main station and have a week of mess duty. Since I've been on the rifle range, I've shot the raising sub-machine gun, the carbine, and the rifle that we keep all the time. We shoot for record Tuesday, and if I qualify, I get a little medal. It will be an Expert, Sharp Shooter, or Marksman. I hope I can make Expert or Sharp Shooter.
Some of the boys are buying their Garrison caps now, but I don't think I'll buy mine until I find out for sure when I'm going home.
Well Mom, I still haven't really learned to swim. I can swim a little but not much. They said that we would have to learn at our next camp.
I swear I can't think of nothing to write so I will close for now and try to write more tomorrow.
Your son,
Pedue
February 10, 1944, Thursday
Hello Mom,
Will try to answer your letter received a while I ago. I had begun to think you weren't going to write. I hadn't heard from anyone for three days, but I finally got 4 letters this evening.
How is all the family? I hope you all are feeling as good as I am. Tom and I just came back from the PX. We are eating a pint of ice cream now, and it tastes pretty good. We also got some candy.
Guess we will shoot for record Tuesday, and we will also leave the rifle range and go back to the main station.
How does Boots look? Tell him I said hello and that he should be in the marine corps, where all the real men are, instead of the army.
No Mom, I won't be home the 20th. It will be in March some time, if we get leave. The days up here on the rifle range pass awful fast, and we don't do hard work either. All we do is shoot the rifle, and it's an awful nice rifle to fire.
I guess I will close now because I'm going to try to answer Louise and also Harold's letters that I got this evening before the mail goes out. I wrote a lot of letters on Sunday.
Love,
Your son,
Pedue
Will try to answer your letter received a while I ago. I had begun to think you weren't going to write. I hadn't heard from anyone for three days, but I finally got 4 letters this evening.
How is all the family? I hope you all are feeling as good as I am. Tom and I just came back from the PX. We are eating a pint of ice cream now, and it tastes pretty good. We also got some candy.
Guess we will shoot for record Tuesday, and we will also leave the rifle range and go back to the main station.
How does Boots look? Tell him I said hello and that he should be in the marine corps, where all the real men are, instead of the army.
No Mom, I won't be home the 20th. It will be in March some time, if we get leave. The days up here on the rifle range pass awful fast, and we don't do hard work either. All we do is shoot the rifle, and it's an awful nice rifle to fire.
I guess I will close now because I'm going to try to answer Louise and also Harold's letters that I got this evening before the mail goes out. I wrote a lot of letters on Sunday.
Love,
Your son,
Pedue
February 11, 1944 Parris Island, SC
Dear Mom,
Will start you a letter while it is raining, but won't get to write much. I guess we will go back out soon. Got a letter from you a while ago and also got one yesterday but didn't get any mail for about 3 days.
I can swim a little now, but not much. I have to go swimming tonight and tomorrow night, then I won't go anymore. I'll have to finish learning at our next camp.
Mom, I'm not too tired to write at night, but I just don't have time. When we come in of an evening, we got to go to chow, then when we come back, I've got to clean my rifle then go swimming.
I guess the paper was torn off my clothes when you got them. I had to wrap them up before I sent them, and I don't know how to wrap, but I knew they wouldn't do me any good anymore so I didn't care how I wrapped them. Tell Dad to wear those shoes if they fit him because there's no use in letting them sit around.
Tell Betty and Jewell they can get me a cheap fountain pen if they want to, but don't spend more than .50 or .75 cents for it. The reason I want one is because we have to signed things here, and they have to be signed in ink.
It is still raining. I guess we will sit here until it stops because they don't want our rifles to get wet.
I haven't gotten paid again. I guess they will wait until we go home to pay us again. I don't guess I'll get to come home until after the first of March, if then.
Well, Mom, I can't think of anything else to write about, so I guess I will lay down and try to sleep a while. I will try to write you tomorrow. Tell everyone I said hello.
Your son,
Pedue
Will start you a letter while it is raining, but won't get to write much. I guess we will go back out soon. Got a letter from you a while ago and also got one yesterday but didn't get any mail for about 3 days.
I can swim a little now, but not much. I have to go swimming tonight and tomorrow night, then I won't go anymore. I'll have to finish learning at our next camp.
Mom, I'm not too tired to write at night, but I just don't have time. When we come in of an evening, we got to go to chow, then when we come back, I've got to clean my rifle then go swimming.
I guess the paper was torn off my clothes when you got them. I had to wrap them up before I sent them, and I don't know how to wrap, but I knew they wouldn't do me any good anymore so I didn't care how I wrapped them. Tell Dad to wear those shoes if they fit him because there's no use in letting them sit around.
Tell Betty and Jewell they can get me a cheap fountain pen if they want to, but don't spend more than .50 or .75 cents for it. The reason I want one is because we have to signed things here, and they have to be signed in ink.
It is still raining. I guess we will sit here until it stops because they don't want our rifles to get wet.
I haven't gotten paid again. I guess they will wait until we go home to pay us again. I don't guess I'll get to come home until after the first of March, if then.
Well, Mom, I can't think of anything else to write about, so I guess I will lay down and try to sleep a while. I will try to write you tomorrow. Tell everyone I said hello.
Your son,
Pedue
February 7, 1944
Hello Mom,
Will try to answer your letter that I got this evening, but I swear I can't think of anything to write about.
I got a letter from Eileen today, and she said that you never did answer her letter that she wrote you a long time ago.
I guess Dad will draw a pretty good pay day this time, won't he. Or he should anyway, because every time you write you say he is out working. I guess he works too much, doesn't he?
I dressed up to go to the show tonight but changed my mind. I don't like shows very well. Tom didn't go either. We thought we would stay here and write a few letters. I wrote 11 letters yesterday. I was awful far behind in my letter writing. I don't think we will get to come home until after March 6. I don't care when we come, I just want to get to come home once and have a little fun.
I guess I am going to have to get me a grip. They cost about $13.
I got weighed yesterday, and I weigh 160 lbs, but I can't tell that I've gained any. The scales might have been wrong. I think we have two weeks mess duty, and I sure hate that because you have to get up at 3:30 and work until about 9:00 that night.
I will close for now and try to write Aunt Lucy a few lines. I won't be able to write you until Wednesday because I don't have any more writing paper and can't get any until then.
Your son,
Pedue
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
February 5, 1944
Hello Mom,
Sorry I haven't got to write for 2 or 3 days, but I've been so busy I just haven't had time. When I come in of the evening, I've got to go down and try to learn how to swim.
I got another box of candy from you this morning. That makes two boxes I've gotten from you in the last few days. The candy and cakes sure tasted good, and the box of candy was awful good.
I've done pretty good so far in firing my rifle, but I don't know what I'll do on record day, and that's the day that counts. The rifle has burst my lip twice since I been firing it because it kicks pretty hard. But, I love to shoot it.
Our platoon was on guard duty again night before last, and I had to be on duty for 8 hours, and some of the boys got 16 hours. One of the boys in our platoon asked for a discharge. That beats anything I ever saw. I guess I would take one if they gave it to me, but I sure wouldn't ask for it.
Well Mom, guess I'll close for now. Will write more tomorrow because it is Sunday, and we are off. Thanks a lot for the candy and cakes.
Your son,
Pedue
Sorry I haven't got to write for 2 or 3 days, but I've been so busy I just haven't had time. When I come in of the evening, I've got to go down and try to learn how to swim.
I got another box of candy from you this morning. That makes two boxes I've gotten from you in the last few days. The candy and cakes sure tasted good, and the box of candy was awful good.
I've done pretty good so far in firing my rifle, but I don't know what I'll do on record day, and that's the day that counts. The rifle has burst my lip twice since I been firing it because it kicks pretty hard. But, I love to shoot it.
Our platoon was on guard duty again night before last, and I had to be on duty for 8 hours, and some of the boys got 16 hours. One of the boys in our platoon asked for a discharge. That beats anything I ever saw. I guess I would take one if they gave it to me, but I sure wouldn't ask for it.
Well Mom, guess I'll close for now. Will write more tomorrow because it is Sunday, and we are off. Thanks a lot for the candy and cakes.
Your son,
Pedue
January 31, 1944 Parris Island, SC
Hello Mom and Family,
Will try to answer your letter received a while ago, but don't know much to write. I write so often, I guess I write about the same thing every time.
Mom, I haven't gotten your box yet, and this is Monday. But, I'll probably get it tomorrow. No, my foot doesn't hurt me anymore. When it did hurt, it didn't hurt at night. It just hurt when I was marching. I've done took the tape off now.
I don't see what makes you women the way you are. There isn't any use to feeling like you said you would when you get my clothes because you know I'm getting along fine, and there isn't any use to worry.
We had a pretty good time on the beach. The boys that were trying to take the beach from us had to wade swamps up to their waist to get to us. It was just like the real thing.
I got two letters from Louise today and was glad to get them. Tell Roy that us West Virginia boys might have weak minds, but we've got strong back bones. We can take everything they dish out, not like them Mass. and Penn. boys.
Well, guess I will close for now because I have to take a shower before lights out.
Your son,
Pedue
p.s. I won some beer from the Sargent last night in a card game, but he wouldn't give it to me. He said he was afraid he might get put in the brigg.
Will try to answer your letter received a while ago, but don't know much to write. I write so often, I guess I write about the same thing every time.
Mom, I haven't gotten your box yet, and this is Monday. But, I'll probably get it tomorrow. No, my foot doesn't hurt me anymore. When it did hurt, it didn't hurt at night. It just hurt when I was marching. I've done took the tape off now.
I don't see what makes you women the way you are. There isn't any use to feeling like you said you would when you get my clothes because you know I'm getting along fine, and there isn't any use to worry.
We had a pretty good time on the beach. The boys that were trying to take the beach from us had to wade swamps up to their waist to get to us. It was just like the real thing.
I got two letters from Louise today and was glad to get them. Tell Roy that us West Virginia boys might have weak minds, but we've got strong back bones. We can take everything they dish out, not like them Mass. and Penn. boys.
Well, guess I will close for now because I have to take a shower before lights out.
Your son,
Pedue
p.s. I won some beer from the Sargent last night in a card game, but he wouldn't give it to me. He said he was afraid he might get put in the brigg.
January 30, 1944
Dear Mom,
Will try to answer your letter received a while ago. I was glad to get it. I got two letters today, one from you and one from Eileen. She sent me a souvenir. I'm going to send it to you so it won't get tore up.
No, we don't drill now. We just learn to shoot the rifle. They said that we will get to go home about the 20th, but I don't think we will until about the first of March.
Mom, this place is an island, but trains travel over it and they have bridges across it. It is still hot.
I ate two pints of ice cream today, and I ate a good bit at the mess hall, so I'm pretty full now. We have chicken every Sunday, or maybe I should say "sea gull." haha
Well, Mom, I had to go to show awhile ago, and I just got back. It is time for the mail to go out, so I will close for now and try to write tomorrow. Wish I could write more but I haven't time.
Your son,
Pedue
Will try to answer your letter received a while ago. I was glad to get it. I got two letters today, one from you and one from Eileen. She sent me a souvenir. I'm going to send it to you so it won't get tore up.
No, we don't drill now. We just learn to shoot the rifle. They said that we will get to go home about the 20th, but I don't think we will until about the first of March.
Mom, this place is an island, but trains travel over it and they have bridges across it. It is still hot.
I ate two pints of ice cream today, and I ate a good bit at the mess hall, so I'm pretty full now. We have chicken every Sunday, or maybe I should say "sea gull." haha
Well, Mom, I had to go to show awhile ago, and I just got back. It is time for the mail to go out, so I will close for now and try to write tomorrow. Wish I could write more but I haven't time.
Your son,
Pedue
January 29, 1944
Hello Mom and family,
Will try to write a few lines before the mail goes out. There isn't much news to write, though.
I'm feeling fine. My foot doesn't hurt me anymore. I guess I just turned it over a little. They aren't working us very hard here. The only thing we do is get into positions to shoot the rifle. We have to get in some of the awfullest positions I ever saw, and just about all my muscles are sore from it.
Can't wait to get home and have a good cold bottle of beer. It would taste good after the last two months.
Mom, don't go to any trouble getting me anything because I know how bad you all need the money, so don't spend any on me. You all have kept me all my life, so now it is time for me and Uncle Sam to take care of me.
No, I haven't stopped smoking, but I've quit coughing. If a fellow didn't smoke here, I don't know what he'd do.
Well Mom, the mail is going out, so I guess I'll quit for now.
Love,
Pedue
p.s. Tell Dad I think they are going to make a marine out of me yet. haha
Will try to write a few lines before the mail goes out. There isn't much news to write, though.
I'm feeling fine. My foot doesn't hurt me anymore. I guess I just turned it over a little. They aren't working us very hard here. The only thing we do is get into positions to shoot the rifle. We have to get in some of the awfullest positions I ever saw, and just about all my muscles are sore from it.
Can't wait to get home and have a good cold bottle of beer. It would taste good after the last two months.
Mom, don't go to any trouble getting me anything because I know how bad you all need the money, so don't spend any on me. You all have kept me all my life, so now it is time for me and Uncle Sam to take care of me.
No, I haven't stopped smoking, but I've quit coughing. If a fellow didn't smoke here, I don't know what he'd do.
Well Mom, the mail is going out, so I guess I'll quit for now.
Love,
Pedue
p.s. Tell Dad I think they are going to make a marine out of me yet. haha
January 27, 1944
Hello Mom,
Well here I am up at the rifle range, and I don't like this place as well as I did down where we was because it is so dirty looking. But, I guess it will be alright once we start shooting the rifles in three days. We got here yesterday about 5:30. We have to stay here for three weeks, then we go back to where we were and stay about a week, then we get to go home. I am sure going to have the time of my life when we go home.
I won't get to mail this until tomorrow night, but I thought I'd write while I had time. I am feeling pretty good. My foot is a whole lot better. I don't think it will give me any more trouble.
Tom and I sleep together. I sleep on the top bunk, and he sleeps on the bottom.
I've got about 21 bucks now, and I can't even spend it. But, I'll sure spend it when I get home. I should have a good bit more by then.
Would you try to send another box of something? It don't matter what it is, just so it's something good to eat.
Guess I will close for now. It's about time for the lights to go out. I am a little behind on my letter writing. I've got four letters to answer.
Love,
Pedue
p.s. Tell Dad not to work too hard.
Well here I am up at the rifle range, and I don't like this place as well as I did down where we was because it is so dirty looking. But, I guess it will be alright once we start shooting the rifles in three days. We got here yesterday about 5:30. We have to stay here for three weeks, then we go back to where we were and stay about a week, then we get to go home. I am sure going to have the time of my life when we go home.
I won't get to mail this until tomorrow night, but I thought I'd write while I had time. I am feeling pretty good. My foot is a whole lot better. I don't think it will give me any more trouble.
Tom and I sleep together. I sleep on the top bunk, and he sleeps on the bottom.
I've got about 21 bucks now, and I can't even spend it. But, I'll sure spend it when I get home. I should have a good bit more by then.
Would you try to send another box of something? It don't matter what it is, just so it's something good to eat.
Guess I will close for now. It's about time for the lights to go out. I am a little behind on my letter writing. I've got four letters to answer.
Love,
Pedue
p.s. Tell Dad not to work too hard.
January 23, 1944
Hello Mom,
Received your letter a while ago, so I thought I would answer it before bedtime. This writing paper looks pretty good, doesn't it? It just cost me .45.
Well, we didn't get out to that beach today, but they still worked us awful hard. I sweated all day long. The sun was awful hot. They told us we would get to go to the rifle range on Wednesday, so don't be worried if you don't hear from me.
Mom, don't worry, I don't mind paying $6.40 a month for my insurance because if I get killed you all will have a little money. After I get my leave and go to the next camp, I don't care if I have any money or not, but I sure hope I have some money when I get my leave because I'm hoping to have a swell time.
My left foot is still swollen and taped up.
I got that candy and sure was glad to get it. It didn't last long. I don't guess I'll get to celebrate my birthday this year unless I celebrate it marching, and I sure don't want to do that. I was just about to forget my birthday anyway.
I guess Aunt Lucy was tickled to death to hear from George.
I will close for now.
Love,
Received your letter a while ago, so I thought I would answer it before bedtime. This writing paper looks pretty good, doesn't it? It just cost me .45.
Well, we didn't get out to that beach today, but they still worked us awful hard. I sweated all day long. The sun was awful hot. They told us we would get to go to the rifle range on Wednesday, so don't be worried if you don't hear from me.
Mom, don't worry, I don't mind paying $6.40 a month for my insurance because if I get killed you all will have a little money. After I get my leave and go to the next camp, I don't care if I have any money or not, but I sure hope I have some money when I get my leave because I'm hoping to have a swell time.
My left foot is still swollen and taped up.
I got that candy and sure was glad to get it. It didn't last long. I don't guess I'll get to celebrate my birthday this year unless I celebrate it marching, and I sure don't want to do that. I was just about to forget my birthday anyway.
I guess Aunt Lucy was tickled to death to hear from George.
I will close for now.
Love,
January 22, 1944 Parris Island, SC
Hello Mom,
Thought I would drop you a line while I had time. There isn't much new around here. My left foot is swollen a little, and they got it all taped up. They put me to bed for about 4 hours. They even brought my dinner to my bed, and I got to eat lying in bed. I have to go get some more teeth fixed tonight, and I hate that. It sure hurt when they fixed them.
I have to go on Guard Duty from 1:00 to 3:00 in the morning. I have to get up about 15 to 1.
I got the candy that Betty and Jewell sent me and sure was glad to get it. Tom and me, and a couple of other boys ate it all the same day we got it. It tasted so good. There has been a bunch of boys pass out while we were drilling. There was one who passed out yesterday, and the sarge made some of the boys step all over him. I wouldn't step on him. Most of the boys who pass out are from Mass.
My cough is just about gone, but my tooth has been hurting me for the last few days. I hope they can fix it.
I will close for now because news is scarce around here. Hoping to hear from you soon.
Your son,
Pedue
Dear Betty and Jewell,
Received the candy you sent and was sure glad to get it. Tom and I and a couple other boys have already eaten all of it.
We were out drilling the other day, and a boy passed out. They just drug him to the side and left him there until he came to. We had to keep on marching while he was passed out. When he woke up, they made him get back in line and march again. We have to get up about 4 or 5 every morning and drill until 4:00 in the afternoon.
I went to the PX today and got weighed and I've gone to 156 lbs. When I first joined, I was 142. No, I haven't got my whole uniform yet. I just got my pants and overcoat and shirt and ties. I am supposed to dress up today and go to church but I'm not going to.
Thought I would drop you a line while I had time. There isn't much new around here. My left foot is swollen a little, and they got it all taped up. They put me to bed for about 4 hours. They even brought my dinner to my bed, and I got to eat lying in bed. I have to go get some more teeth fixed tonight, and I hate that. It sure hurt when they fixed them.
I have to go on Guard Duty from 1:00 to 3:00 in the morning. I have to get up about 15 to 1.
I got the candy that Betty and Jewell sent me and sure was glad to get it. Tom and me, and a couple of other boys ate it all the same day we got it. It tasted so good. There has been a bunch of boys pass out while we were drilling. There was one who passed out yesterday, and the sarge made some of the boys step all over him. I wouldn't step on him. Most of the boys who pass out are from Mass.
My cough is just about gone, but my tooth has been hurting me for the last few days. I hope they can fix it.
I will close for now because news is scarce around here. Hoping to hear from you soon.
Your son,
Pedue
Dear Betty and Jewell,
Received the candy you sent and was sure glad to get it. Tom and I and a couple other boys have already eaten all of it.
We were out drilling the other day, and a boy passed out. They just drug him to the side and left him there until he came to. We had to keep on marching while he was passed out. When he woke up, they made him get back in line and march again. We have to get up about 4 or 5 every morning and drill until 4:00 in the afternoon.
I went to the PX today and got weighed and I've gone to 156 lbs. When I first joined, I was 142. No, I haven't got my whole uniform yet. I just got my pants and overcoat and shirt and ties. I am supposed to dress up today and go to church but I'm not going to.
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
January 23, 1944
Hello Mom and all,
Thought I would try to write a few lines since I wasn't doing anything. I haven't done nothing but play ball and sit on my ass all day long. I went over to the PX and got myself a pint of ice cream. I could have gone to church today, but I was just too sleepy. I just got about 4-1/2 hours sleep last night. I had to get up at 1:00 this morning and go on guard duty until 3:00. After I came back, I couldn't hardly go back to sleep, and I had to get up again at 5:30.
Guess I will have to go to the dentist again tonight. I went last night and had a tooth filled. I think I got about 8 or 9 more to be filled and 3 to be pulled.
I hate to see tomorrow come. We have to march out to a beach about 3 miles out and 3 miles back. There will be about 140 of us boys going and we're going to practice some actual fighting. Half of us boys are going to be on the beach, and the other half is going to try to take the beach. The captain is going to go out and watch it. I wouldn't care if my left foot felt good, but it is still taped up and still swollen.
Louise has got so she writes just about every day now.
Mom, I am getting pretty old. haha I'll be 18 pretty soon. I was just about to forget my birthday. I can't even tell what day it is. All the days seem the same.
I finally sent my clothes home yesterday. They told us we could send them COD if we wanted to, but I thought I would pay while I had the money.
I will close for now.
Your son,
Pedue
Thought I would try to write a few lines since I wasn't doing anything. I haven't done nothing but play ball and sit on my ass all day long. I went over to the PX and got myself a pint of ice cream. I could have gone to church today, but I was just too sleepy. I just got about 4-1/2 hours sleep last night. I had to get up at 1:00 this morning and go on guard duty until 3:00. After I came back, I couldn't hardly go back to sleep, and I had to get up again at 5:30.
Guess I will have to go to the dentist again tonight. I went last night and had a tooth filled. I think I got about 8 or 9 more to be filled and 3 to be pulled.
I hate to see tomorrow come. We have to march out to a beach about 3 miles out and 3 miles back. There will be about 140 of us boys going and we're going to practice some actual fighting. Half of us boys are going to be on the beach, and the other half is going to try to take the beach. The captain is going to go out and watch it. I wouldn't care if my left foot felt good, but it is still taped up and still swollen.
Louise has got so she writes just about every day now.
Mom, I am getting pretty old. haha I'll be 18 pretty soon. I was just about to forget my birthday. I can't even tell what day it is. All the days seem the same.
I finally sent my clothes home yesterday. They told us we could send them COD if we wanted to, but I thought I would pay while I had the money.
I will close for now.
Your son,
Pedue
January 21, 1944 Parris Island, SC
Hello Dad,
Thought I would answer your letter received the other day while I had time. I've got about 1-1/2 hours before the light goes out. They go out 5 minutes to 10.
I went to the sick bay today to let them look at my left foot. They put me to bed for about four hours, then they taped my foot real tight and sent me back to the barracks. Then, I had to go out and drill the rest of the day.
While we was taking our morning exercise today, they made us run around a big field 7 or 8 times, and some boys passed out and fell on the ground. The Sargent made some of the boys step all over him, but I wouldn't do it. I jumped over him. Then, he made some of the boys who jumped over him go back and step all over the poor boy.
But, as you know, they can't get the best of us West Virginia boys. We have a boy pass out just about every day now, but they are sure not from West Virginia.
I think we go up to the rifle range tomorrow, or Wednesday, and I might not get to write so often, so if you don't hear from me for a while, don't worry because I don't think we'll get to write so often up there.
We sure have been having some pretty weather here, and my face is even sunburned. I guess you've been having it tough with the big truck on the icy roads. I sure don't miss the cold weather.
I got a big pay day. I drew 15 bucks after everything was taken out.
Well, Dad, I guess I will close for now. Hoping to hear from you all soon.
Your son,
Pedue
Thought I would answer your letter received the other day while I had time. I've got about 1-1/2 hours before the light goes out. They go out 5 minutes to 10.
I went to the sick bay today to let them look at my left foot. They put me to bed for about four hours, then they taped my foot real tight and sent me back to the barracks. Then, I had to go out and drill the rest of the day.
While we was taking our morning exercise today, they made us run around a big field 7 or 8 times, and some boys passed out and fell on the ground. The Sargent made some of the boys step all over him, but I wouldn't do it. I jumped over him. Then, he made some of the boys who jumped over him go back and step all over the poor boy.
But, as you know, they can't get the best of us West Virginia boys. We have a boy pass out just about every day now, but they are sure not from West Virginia.
I think we go up to the rifle range tomorrow, or Wednesday, and I might not get to write so often, so if you don't hear from me for a while, don't worry because I don't think we'll get to write so often up there.
We sure have been having some pretty weather here, and my face is even sunburned. I guess you've been having it tough with the big truck on the icy roads. I sure don't miss the cold weather.
I got a big pay day. I drew 15 bucks after everything was taken out.
Well, Dad, I guess I will close for now. Hoping to hear from you all soon.
Your son,
Pedue
January 23, and January 25, 1944
January 25, 1944
Hello Mom,
Thought I would write you a few lines. I didn't get any mail today. I don't know what's wrong. There are a bunch of people who owe me letters, but it don't seem like they will write.
I'm awful tired now. We had that big fight out at the beach today, but none of us got hurt. My left foot hurt pretty bad. They told me that I wouldn't have to go if I didn't want to, but I thought I would go because that's the only way they can make a man out of me.
This place is beginning to seem more like home every day I stay here. Tom is even beginning to like it a little now.
Don't be worried if you don't hear from me for a while because we have to go to the range tomorrow, and I don't think we get to write for 3 or 4 days. Tell everybody hello for me, and tell Ruth I went over to the PX a while ago, and they won't let us have but two packages of chew gum now. But, I will buy a little along and send you all some. I also got a carton of cigs. They just cost $1.25.
Hope to hear from you soon.
Your son,
Pedue
__________________________________________________
January 23, 1944
Hello Mom and family,
Thought I would try to write a few lines since I wasn't doing anything. I haven't done nothing but play ball and sit on my ass all day long. I went over to the PX and got myself a pint of ice cream. I could have gone to church today, but I was just too sleepy. I just got about 4-1/2 hours sleep last night. I had to get up at 1:00 this morning and go on guard duty until 3:00. After I came back, I couldn't hardly go back to sleep, and I had to get up again at 5:30.
Guess I will have to go to the dentist again tonight. I went last night and had a tooth filled. I think I got about 8 or 9 more to be filled and 3 to be pulled.
I hate to see tomorrow come. We have to march out to a beach about 3 miles out and 3 miles back. There will be about 140 of us boys going and we're going to practice some actual fighting. Half of us boys are going to be on the beach, and the other half is going to try to take the beach. The captain is going to go out and watch it.
January 19, 1944
Received your letter and was glad to hear from you. Seems like it's been 2 weeks since I heard from you, but it has been 4 or 5 days.
They sure put us through it yesterday. While we was out drilling in the sun, there was a boy who passed out. They just drug him out to the side and left him, and we had to keep marching. After he came to, they made him get in line again. It's sure plenty tough here, but we West Virginia boys can take it.
I went up last night and had 3 teeth filled. It hurt a little bit.
We haven't gotten paid yet, but I think we will before Saturday because we go to the rifle range Saturday. I don't think I'll get to write very often while I'm up there, and may not at all. We have to stay up there 3 weeks, and then we come back for mess duty for a week, then we get a 10-day leave.
It's a shame that Dad got sick and couldn't work, but I don't guess it could be helped.
Hello Mom,
Thought I would write you a few lines. I didn't get any mail today. I don't know what's wrong. There are a bunch of people who owe me letters, but it don't seem like they will write.
I'm awful tired now. We had that big fight out at the beach today, but none of us got hurt. My left foot hurt pretty bad. They told me that I wouldn't have to go if I didn't want to, but I thought I would go because that's the only way they can make a man out of me.
This place is beginning to seem more like home every day I stay here. Tom is even beginning to like it a little now.
Don't be worried if you don't hear from me for a while because we have to go to the range tomorrow, and I don't think we get to write for 3 or 4 days. Tell everybody hello for me, and tell Ruth I went over to the PX a while ago, and they won't let us have but two packages of chew gum now. But, I will buy a little along and send you all some. I also got a carton of cigs. They just cost $1.25.
Hope to hear from you soon.
Your son,
Pedue
__________________________________________________
January 23, 1944
Hello Mom and family,
Thought I would try to write a few lines since I wasn't doing anything. I haven't done nothing but play ball and sit on my ass all day long. I went over to the PX and got myself a pint of ice cream. I could have gone to church today, but I was just too sleepy. I just got about 4-1/2 hours sleep last night. I had to get up at 1:00 this morning and go on guard duty until 3:00. After I came back, I couldn't hardly go back to sleep, and I had to get up again at 5:30.
Guess I will have to go to the dentist again tonight. I went last night and had a tooth filled. I think I got about 8 or 9 more to be filled and 3 to be pulled.
I hate to see tomorrow come. We have to march out to a beach about 3 miles out and 3 miles back. There will be about 140 of us boys going and we're going to practice some actual fighting. Half of us boys are going to be on the beach, and the other half is going to try to take the beach. The captain is going to go out and watch it.
January 19, 1944
Received your letter and was glad to hear from you. Seems like it's been 2 weeks since I heard from you, but it has been 4 or 5 days.
They sure put us through it yesterday. While we was out drilling in the sun, there was a boy who passed out. They just drug him out to the side and left him, and we had to keep marching. After he came to, they made him get in line again. It's sure plenty tough here, but we West Virginia boys can take it.
I went up last night and had 3 teeth filled. It hurt a little bit.
We haven't gotten paid yet, but I think we will before Saturday because we go to the rifle range Saturday. I don't think I'll get to write very often while I'm up there, and may not at all. We have to stay up there 3 weeks, and then we come back for mess duty for a week, then we get a 10-day leave.
It's a shame that Dad got sick and couldn't work, but I don't guess it could be helped.
January 17, 1944 Parris Island, SC
Dear Mom,
Thought I would try to write a few lines with my receipt for my insurance. Who said I wasn't worth anything? haha I'm worth $10,000.000 "dead". I could have made out one for $5000 and paid $3.20 per month, but I thought it would be the best to make out one for $6.40 a month, so if I get killed you will get something.
We have to go out to drill in a few minutes. We just got back from a parade, and we sure looked awful. We have to get down on our knees tonight and scrub the whole floor with a scrub brush. I hate to do that but have to, anyway.
Don't forget to send me some candy if you can get a hold of any, and some cake, too. The next time I go to the PX, I will get a carton or 2 of chew gum and send it to you all.
Got a letter from Louise Monday, and she was mad because I wrote her a card instead of a letter. But, I wrote her 2 letters, and I don't know why she hasn't gotten them yet.
Guess I will quit now since I have to start to work. My cold is a little better now. They gave me some medicine. I am using that writing paper that you sent.
Your son,
Edward
p.s. I guess I am worrying you to death about that candy in every letter that I write. I guess the reason I want it so bad is because all the rest of the boys get some sent to them. I get some once in a while from them and want to give them some back.
January 16, 1944
Hello Roy,
Received your letter this morning and thought I would answer it while I didn't have anything to do.
Tom and I were supposed to go to church today, but we slipped off and went to the PX and got us a coca cola and some ice cream. They didn't say much to us.
Me and another boy from Massachusetts had a little fight in the barracks last night. I busted his nose, and he quit.
I saw a good show yesterday. The name of it was Gung Ho. It was about the marines fighting on some island. I wish I could be doing the fighting they did and come back alive. I got a letter from Harvey Hodge yesterday, and he told me he was taking care of all my women. ha.
My basic training is 8 weeks, so I don't guess I will get to come home until about the first of March. We didn't pass our 10-day inspection yesterday, so we have to drill until dark now, with a 9 lb. rifle all day long, and that's 6 days a week, too. We get Sunday off. I have to wash my clothes out after while.
I've heard from Dugie twice since I've been here. Mom said they are moving them again, but he didn't say anything about it.
Guess I will quit for now. Tell Dad to take care of himself. Tell Mom to try to send me some candy if she can find any.
Your brother,
Pedue
Received your letter this morning and thought I would answer it while I didn't have anything to do.
Tom and I were supposed to go to church today, but we slipped off and went to the PX and got us a coca cola and some ice cream. They didn't say much to us.
Me and another boy from Massachusetts had a little fight in the barracks last night. I busted his nose, and he quit.
I saw a good show yesterday. The name of it was Gung Ho. It was about the marines fighting on some island. I wish I could be doing the fighting they did and come back alive. I got a letter from Harvey Hodge yesterday, and he told me he was taking care of all my women. ha.
My basic training is 8 weeks, so I don't guess I will get to come home until about the first of March. We didn't pass our 10-day inspection yesterday, so we have to drill until dark now, with a 9 lb. rifle all day long, and that's 6 days a week, too. We get Sunday off. I have to wash my clothes out after while.
I've heard from Dugie twice since I've been here. Mom said they are moving them again, but he didn't say anything about it.
Guess I will quit for now. Tell Dad to take care of himself. Tell Mom to try to send me some candy if she can find any.
Your brother,
Pedue
January 16, 1944 Sunday evening
Dear Mom,
Received you letter a while ago and thought I would answer while I had time. I just got through washing my clothes. I hadn't washed but one time before, so I had a pile of them.
Tom got a box of home-made candy today, so him and me have been sitting around eating it all day long. It sure tasted good. I do wish you could send me some kind of candy. Don't make much difference what kind it is. We don't get to go to the PX very often, maybe once a week, and some times they have different kinds of stuff, but no cookies, so you can send me some cookies if you want to.
We didn't pass our 10-day inspection yesterday, so we have to drill until dark every day now with a 9-pound rifle. But I don't mind it now. It seems like another working day back home after you get used to it. I don't even mind them kicking my ass every now and then since I have gotten used to it. I guess it makes you tough.
We had chicken for dinner today, and they also gave us some ice cream. I got weighed today, and I weigh 154, so I guess I've gained a little weight since I've been here. I think we have to go have our teeth fixed tonight. I've taken so many shots now that they don't even hurt when I take them now.
Mom, I wrote Eileen a letter, but I don't guess she got it if she moved. I'll write her another one after while. I wrote three letters today. I was supposed to go to church today but didn't go.
I haven't heard from Louise for a good while. I got 2 letters from her in one day and haven't heard from her since. I don't think I'll write no more to her unless she writes.
Guess I will have to close for now. Hope to hear from you soon. Glad to hear that Dad is working again. You don't need to send me a fountain pen, because I don't need one, but try to send the candy and cookies.
Your son,
Eddie
"Pedue"
Received you letter a while ago and thought I would answer while I had time. I just got through washing my clothes. I hadn't washed but one time before, so I had a pile of them.
Tom got a box of home-made candy today, so him and me have been sitting around eating it all day long. It sure tasted good. I do wish you could send me some kind of candy. Don't make much difference what kind it is. We don't get to go to the PX very often, maybe once a week, and some times they have different kinds of stuff, but no cookies, so you can send me some cookies if you want to.
We didn't pass our 10-day inspection yesterday, so we have to drill until dark every day now with a 9-pound rifle. But I don't mind it now. It seems like another working day back home after you get used to it. I don't even mind them kicking my ass every now and then since I have gotten used to it. I guess it makes you tough.
We had chicken for dinner today, and they also gave us some ice cream. I got weighed today, and I weigh 154, so I guess I've gained a little weight since I've been here. I think we have to go have our teeth fixed tonight. I've taken so many shots now that they don't even hurt when I take them now.
Mom, I wrote Eileen a letter, but I don't guess she got it if she moved. I'll write her another one after while. I wrote three letters today. I was supposed to go to church today but didn't go.
I haven't heard from Louise for a good while. I got 2 letters from her in one day and haven't heard from her since. I don't think I'll write no more to her unless she writes.
Guess I will have to close for now. Hope to hear from you soon. Glad to hear that Dad is working again. You don't need to send me a fountain pen, because I don't need one, but try to send the candy and cookies.
Your son,
Eddie
"Pedue"
January 9 & 12, 1944, Parris Island, SC
January 12, 1944
Here I am again trying to think of something to write. I've done nothing today but went on guard duty for two hours this morning. It has been raining all day, but it hasn't been cold. I'm glad I wasn't there at home when you were having that cold spell. It stays pretty warm here all the time. I've been here 14 or 15 days now, but it seems like it's been a month.
We will go on rifle range after we are here about 20 days. I'll be glad when we do. They told us about 50% of us will make P.F.C. rating before we leave boot camp. I wish I could make that.
I made out an insurance policy to you today for $10,000. I didn't know who to make it out to, you or Dad, but I guess it doesn't make any difference. It is just going to cost me $6.40 per month, but you will get something out of me if I get killed. I thought it would be best to take it out for as much as I could, but you couldn't take out no more than $10,000.
Don't forget to send me some candy if you can get any. Send me some home-made chocolate candy, or just about anything.
My cough is a lot better now.
Love,
Pedue
**************
January 9, 1944
Dear Dad,
Here I am sitting on my sack with Tom, so I thought I would write to you. I just got off guard duty again. I don't like it, but I have to do it. I think I've got the rest of the day off, or at least I hope so. I haven't cleaned my rifle yet this morning but will do it in a while. We have to clean it off at night, oil it, and then of the morning, we got to wipe the oil off again. We have to do this every day. They told us that we had better take good care of it, because that will be the same rifle that we will take to combat.
They are plenty tough on you here. I always heard that they aren't supposed to lay their hands on you, but that is bull shit because they do it anyway. One of them pushed me with his open hand and burst my lip. It sure made me mad, but there wasn't anything I could do about it. Yesterday morning we had to get up at 15 till 4, and we didn't go to bed until 10:00, so we got 5 hours and 45 minute sleep that night.. I guess that is as much sleep as I got at home, though.
I guess I like this place pretty well, even though it is tough. They feed us good. I hope they can put about 30 pounds on me, but I guess that is impossible.
I got my pants and overcoat, but haven't got my whole uniform yet. I got my work pants and work shirt, too. I haven't got my teeth fixed yet, but they said they would fix them before we get a leave. I had four shots, and my arm is pretty sore. I am going to see the doctor about my cough again tomorrow.
How are things in Dry Branch? I guess all the women are still there. I hope they are still there when I come home. I will quit for now. Take care of yourself and don't work too hard. Tell everyone hello.
Your son,
Pedue
Here I am again trying to think of something to write. I've done nothing today but went on guard duty for two hours this morning. It has been raining all day, but it hasn't been cold. I'm glad I wasn't there at home when you were having that cold spell. It stays pretty warm here all the time. I've been here 14 or 15 days now, but it seems like it's been a month.
We will go on rifle range after we are here about 20 days. I'll be glad when we do. They told us about 50% of us will make P.F.C. rating before we leave boot camp. I wish I could make that.
I made out an insurance policy to you today for $10,000. I didn't know who to make it out to, you or Dad, but I guess it doesn't make any difference. It is just going to cost me $6.40 per month, but you will get something out of me if I get killed. I thought it would be best to take it out for as much as I could, but you couldn't take out no more than $10,000.
Don't forget to send me some candy if you can get any. Send me some home-made chocolate candy, or just about anything.
My cough is a lot better now.
Love,
Pedue
**************
January 9, 1944
Dear Dad,
Here I am sitting on my sack with Tom, so I thought I would write to you. I just got off guard duty again. I don't like it, but I have to do it. I think I've got the rest of the day off, or at least I hope so. I haven't cleaned my rifle yet this morning but will do it in a while. We have to clean it off at night, oil it, and then of the morning, we got to wipe the oil off again. We have to do this every day. They told us that we had better take good care of it, because that will be the same rifle that we will take to combat.
They are plenty tough on you here. I always heard that they aren't supposed to lay their hands on you, but that is bull shit because they do it anyway. One of them pushed me with his open hand and burst my lip. It sure made me mad, but there wasn't anything I could do about it. Yesterday morning we had to get up at 15 till 4, and we didn't go to bed until 10:00, so we got 5 hours and 45 minute sleep that night.. I guess that is as much sleep as I got at home, though.
I guess I like this place pretty well, even though it is tough. They feed us good. I hope they can put about 30 pounds on me, but I guess that is impossible.
I got my pants and overcoat, but haven't got my whole uniform yet. I got my work pants and work shirt, too. I haven't got my teeth fixed yet, but they said they would fix them before we get a leave. I had four shots, and my arm is pretty sore. I am going to see the doctor about my cough again tomorrow.
How are things in Dry Branch? I guess all the women are still there. I hope they are still there when I come home. I will quit for now. Take care of yourself and don't work too hard. Tell everyone hello.
Your son,
Pedue
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