Dec. 28, 1943 & January 6, 1944

Paris Island, SC
January 6, 1944
Thursday evening

Hello Mom and family,

They let us off a half day today, and I thought I would write while I had time. I don't have much to write, but I wanted to let you know that I'm feeling fine and hope all the family is, too. It is plenty tough in here, but I have to take it. They sure put us through it this morning. We had to run and fall and crawl on our stomach. Got awful tired. But this is a pretty good place. They sure feed us good and, as you know, I eat my part. I sure wish they would put some weight on me.

I got this writing paper at the P.X. It just cost .40. That wasn't bad. Tell Dad not to work too hard. How is Roy doing with his school? Tell all of them hello for me. Tell Betty and Jewell I will try to write to them soon.

I wish you all would save me a whiskey stamp for when I get home, but I guess it will do you more good now than it will me. I think we are scheduled to leave here the 3rd of March. We haven't gotten our whole uniform yet. We don't get it until 3 or 4 days before we come home.

Mom, wish you could send me a washing machine. haha I have to wash my clothes on my hands, and I don't like that.

I haven't gotten any mail yet but hope I will pretty soon. I guess you got my letter and card, didn't you? I haven't heard from Louise yet, but I guess she will write. Me and Tom Slack are in the same barrack. He got a letter from his girlfriend today and let me read it. There are 73 of us in the same barrack, and all us boys have a pretty good time.

Boy, they sure like to kick your ass down here. We have to go on guard duty tomorrow and tomorrow night. We got to get up at 4:00 of the morning and go to bed at 10:00. We got to drill until 4:00 that evening and sometimes later.

We shot the rifle 12 times yesterday. We shot it from the 200 yard line, 300 yard line and the 500 yard line. I got one bulls eye from the 200 yard and 2 bulls eye from the 300 yard and 1 bulls eye from the 500 yard line. That was pretty good shooting. I made expert on the 22 rifle yesterday, but the M-1 rifle kicks a good bit. It burst my lip twice, but I still love to shoot it because I could knock a Jap's ass off a mile away. haha

How is the weather here? It is warm enough to go in your shirt sleeves down here. Well, Mom, I guess I will quit for now since I have nothing else to write about.

Here is my address:

Pvt. Edward R. Chapman, USMCR
Platoon 967
2nd Rec. BN
Recruit Depot, Marine Barracks
Parris Island, SC

Love,
your son, Eddie






December 28, 1943


December 28, 1943
Richmond, VA

Hello Mom and Dad,

Thought I would drop you a few lines while loafing here. Had a swell time on the train last night. We didn't leave Charleston until 15 till 12. The train was awful late.

I've been having a pretty good time today drinking a few beers every now and then. We have been here since 9:00 this morning and don't leave until 9:30 tonight.

I have to quit now. Will write more when I get in camp. Tell everyone hello.

Your son,

Eddie