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Friday, September 9, 2011

September 18, 1943


Desert Training Center, California
Sept. 18, 1943
Sat.  5:00 P.M.


Darling Mark

Hello Sweetheart ! ! !

I got your letter this afternoon. The one you wrote a week ago. We get our mail a couple of days late – when we do get it. We just finished another 3 day problem today. Starting Monday we get a 5 day break, & then after that its straight thru till Oct. 16th. It wouldn’t be so bad if we had a sure supply of water. Last week was the same – not enough water to really drink when thirsty. As long as we have enough water we have fun – but as soon as we don’t – BAM! ! our morale goes down.

         I wish we could be with your brother in Sicily – it would sure beat this.

         Honey – I really haven’t much time to write most of the time we’re going till way in the nite. A lot of times we don’t even have time to eat. Next week on our break I’ll have time & I’ll write every chance I get. I’m going to expect more letters from you too. Aren’t I?

         Honey – I’ll get a furlough after maneuvers – but it might be after we move east again – but I’ll get it.

         Well honey I’d better close now & mail this while I can.  I miss you an awful lot honey – you know I do.

Bye now.   Write Soon

X       X       X       X
All My Love                         Johnny              X O X
                                                   X O O X O

Wednesday, September 7, 2011

September 8, 1943, 2nd letter

Desert Training Center, California
Sept. 8, 1943

Darling Mark

         Hello Sweetheart! ! !

I just got your letter half-hour ago. I’m going to try & answer now – but doubt if I have time. We’re moving out at 6:30. I have to open this radio in 15 min.

         I didn’t do a thing today – just sat around all morning & afternoon playing cards – nobody caught us either.

         And what makes you think I’m interested in the Follies??  Who’s kidding now.

         I wish I could have been there with you & Lu & Cec. I’m living just for the day to be together again.

         I’ve got the radio on now & will probably be interrupted every 2 minutes.

         Observation school was boring, we go out on a high mt. & set up a radio & then report back to our co. the activities of the enemy. We’re what’s called the “eyes” of the Army. I’m thru with that now – till further notice & go back to navigating.

         Honey I’m going to have to close – this radio is really getting busy & we’re moving out shortly. I’d better send this letter as is no telling when I’ll get to write again. Excuse the pencil & messy paper, it can’t be helped here. This pencil has no eraser either.

         Here we go.

         Bye now.            Write soon.
         All My Love        Johnny


                                                   X

Sunday, September 4, 2011

September 8, 1943


Desert Training Center, California
Sept. 8, 1943



Darling Mark –

         Received your card late last nite. We had been driving all day till 8:00 P.M. & had chow at 9:00 P.M. Then mail-call & this little boy hit the hay – or I should say – rocks.

         Today we watched P-38’s bomb & strafe a mountain pass & then B-24’s followed with heavy bombs. Then tanks & artillery layed a barrage of fire for about an hour. It was a real sight.

P-38

 B-24 Liberator

         I’m now breaking all black-out regulations by using a flash-light to write by.

         I’m also cramped in a half-track to shield some of the light.

         The main trouble here is the dust & water. Too much dust & not enough water.

         I don’t know whether to take a chance on going to sleep or not – we’ll probably move out again tonite. We get very little sleep too, although if I was in K.C. I wouldn’t get much sleep.

         Well – honey I’m closing for tonite. Everyone else has bed down – I might as well.

Bye now
Write soon.
All My Love              X O X
Johnny              X O X

Thursday, September 1, 2011

September 5, 1943


Desert Training Center, California
Sept. 5, 1943
1:00  P.M.


Darling Mark,

I guess I’d better write today even tho I haven’t a letter from you in a week.

We’re leaving today at 3:00 P.M. for 40 day maneuvers & most likely I won’t have a lot of time to write. Gathering from the dope that was put we’re going to be pretty busy day & nite & have a pretty rough time. They’re going to be as close to the real thing as possible.

I missed not hearing from you honey. If you’re getting tired of writing – just say the word & I’ll try & understand.

I haven’t much time – I’ve got some last minute packing to do & shove off.

Hope to hear from you soon.      Bye now.
Love                   Johnny              X O X