April 19, 1943

Fort Riley, Kansas
April 19, 1943

Hello Darling!!

I just received a letter from you that I didn’t expect. I was going to write anyway.

I got back to camp about 4:20 this morning. I missed breakfast to get an extra half-hour sleep – total 1-1/2 hrs. I’m lucky tho, we didn’t have such a hard day & got off this afternoon about 3:00. I just finished polishing some shoes & straightening out my tent. Boy was it a mess. Say honey wait a couple of minutes, huh? It’s about time for chow & I’m hungry as a horse. There goes the gong & I’m late, I had my shoes off – Just as well take my time now – it only takes a couple of seconds for the whole company to line up. XXoXX.

Back again honey – Hamburger tonight & iced tea with lemon, but it was a bit chilly for iced tea. I got a nice big red apple – wanta bite?

We haven’t moved as yet, I hope we move closer to Manhattan. I’m having a buddy make a reservation for a room Sat. & Sun. I’m not so sure I be able to get one, they’re really crowded. His wife is moving out so I’m trying to get it before anyone else. Are you still coming up here? Let me know for sure honey! I’m looking forward to it.

Mark sweetheart I sure do miss you more every day. Not having a wonderful time – but wish you were here.

Well Darling I’d better close for tonight. Please answer soon & write often – huh? I think I’ll turn in early tonight I’m a very tired little soldier!

Goodnite Darling
Answer soon sweetheart
All my Love
Johnny
Xxxxxoooxxxooxxooxxxooxxxxx

April 21, 1943

Fort Riley, Kansas
URGENT
April 21, 1943


Dearest Mark –

Here I am again. I just finished writing to you about 2 hrs. ago. I just got word from a Lt. that no one will be able to leave the co. area this week-end. So if you were coming up – I guess you will have to cancel it. I don’t know what’s up – but we have to dress in uniform all day Sunday.

If I get a chance I’ll try & call you Sat. nite.

I just finished writing a letter to Lu. – hope you get this letter in time. I had a fellow mail the other on in Manhattan this afternoon.

It shore is getting windy here now. It looks like rain too. Well Sweetheart, going to sign off now.

I think you’d have a better time home for Easter anyhow. Maybe we can make it after Easter, huh? Good nite Darling. I sure miss you. I’m thinking of you from Taps till Revelle.

All my Love X
Johnny
XOXXXXXXOXOOOXX

April 19, 1943

Fort Riley, Kansas
April 19, 1943

Hello Darling!!

I just received a letter from you that I didn’t expect. I was going to write anyway.
I got back to camp about 4:20 this morning. I missed breakfast to get an extra half-hour sleep – total 1-1/2 hrs. I’m lucky tho, we didn’t have such a hard day & got off this afternoon about 3:00. I just finished polishing some shoes & straightening out my tent. Boy was it a mess. Say honey wait a couple of minutes, huh? It’s about time for chow & I’m hungry as a horse. There goes the gong & I’m late, I had my shoes off – Just as well take my time now – it only takes a couple of second for the whole company to line up. XXoXX.

Back again honey – Hamburger tonight & iced tea with lemon, but it was a bit chilly for iced tea. I got a nice big red apple – wanta bite?

We haven’t moved as yet, I hope we move closer to Manhattan. I’m having a buddy make a reservation for a room Sat. & Sun. I’m not so sure I be able to get one, they’re really crowded. His wife is moving out so I’m trying to get it before anyone else. Are you still coming up here? Let me know for sure honey! I’m looking forward to it.
Mark sweetheart I sure do miss you more every day. Not having a wonderful time – but wish you were here.

Well Darling I’d better close for tonight. Please answer soon & write often – huh? I think I’ll turn in early tonight I’m a very tired little soldier!

Goodnite Darling
Answer soon sweetheart
All my Love
Johnny
Xxxxxoooxxxooxxooxxxooxxxxx

April 21, 1943

Fort Riley, Kansas
April 21, 1943
Wed. 3:00 P.M.


Darling Mark,

I received your letter about an hour ago. I also got an Easter Card from Lu. I’m going to write her a letter & try to beg her to come with you Sat. I guess I should have called her Sun. but my mind was only on one track.

We’ve got the whole day off now & I’m taking it easy in my nice comfortable pup-tent. We’re at our new bivouac area now – we moved out yesterday evening. We’re about 12 miles from Manhattan, so if you come, stop off at Manhattan.

Last night we were on a problem till 3:00 A.M. this morning. We attacked another co. that was camping out. It was a lot of fun while it lasted. Then we came back to our new camp area & pitched our tents. It rained pretty hard last night, but I kept dry. Once our tent blew down – had my buddy get up & fix it.

Honey on days like these, that we have nothing to do – your on my mind continuously.
Sweetheart your letters are never boring. I read them over & again till I get the next one from you.

I’ve got to go into camp tomorrow & report to the personnel office. Maybe they’re going to ship me out or maybe it’s a court-martial.

Have you started to learn to play golf yet? The next time I come in we’ll go out & shoot about 18 holes, huh? At about a dime a hole.

Sweetheart – I guess I’ve nothing much to say - there’s not much happening lately. I miss you a lot honey _ wish I was there. It sure is quiet around here today. I haven’t anything to do but think of you & I don’t mind that a bit.

I wish I had some of that cake your sis baked last Sun – AHEM!

Well – sweetheart I’ll close for now & I hope you wrote that letter last nite. Honey I think I’ll have enough covers to keep warm. Anyway I’m a pretty rugged guy. I won’t be able to live in a house after this.

Bye now & write soon & often honey.
All my Love
Johnny
Xxxoxxoxxoxxxooxxx

April 13, 1943

Fort Riley, Kansas

April 13, 1943

My Darling Mark,

I just received your letter about 15 min. ago. Talk about a morale booster – WOW! I was feeling kinda blue ever since Sun. nite. I’ve already read your letter 4 times, & I’m just beginning.

Honey, I’m thinking about you so much right now I can hardly write. Besides that I’m writing by the light of a fire, & half the time I can’t see. It’s too hot to get close & if I move away, there’s no light. So bear with me, if you have to (have) this writing translated into readable words.

Mark – sweetheart, last nite I wrote & told you to come up this week-end. – well honey, I’m afraid, as much as I regret it, that you’ll have to postpone it, if you were coming up. We’re out in the field & I don’t know for how long. There’s a chance that I might be able to meet you in Junction City next Sat. but I don’t want to take the chance of you coming up & then me not getting to see you. I’d be awfully tempted to go A.W.O.L. for a couple of days. In this Army honey, you never know from one min. till the next what’s up. They keep us going around in a vicious whirl here. Boy is that fire getting hot. The flames throw so many shadows, I don’t know whether I’m writing on the paper or what.

INTERRUPTION

They just blew assembly call & I was informed that I’m on guard tonight. I go on from 10-12 & then from 4-6. I’m glad I got you to think of tonight.

Well – sweetheart it’s about 9:45 now so I’d better be closing, as much as I hate to. I can hardly see to write anyhow.

Sweetheart I guess I’ll just have to wait & pray it isn’t too long till I see you again.

Will let you know when I can see you next. And tell Lu. I’d like to have her come too, besides I wouldn’t want you to make the trip alone.

Honey I’ll have to finish this in the morning, I don’t think I’d better try to address an envelope. Good-nite honey xxxoxxox.

April 14, 1:00 P.M.

Just finished chow & am now going out on the firing range to fire 50 cal. machine gun. Mercy it was cold on ground last nite. Write soon Sweetheart –

All my Love

Johnny

April 12, 1943

Fort Riley, Kansas

April 12, 1943

10:00 P.M.

Darling Mark!!

I got to thinking about you so much I had to write. It’s about time for lights out now.

I nearly missed my train last night – it was pulling out when got to it. I got in camp about 4:00 this morning. We didn’t get up till 7:00 tho, so I got 3 hrs. sleep.

This morning we had an hour of exercises & did push-ups. I made 24, then they picked me up. After that we ran 4 miles in 29 min. Mercy I thought I’d never make it.

We got this afternoon off – to pack everything we have.

Sweetheart if you can come up here next week-end – please do – I’d like to see you once more. The way things look, I don’t think I’ll be around much longer.

Mark, I didn’t think I could miss anyone so much as I do you. Last week-end was the best I’ve ever had in town.

I’d better close now honey, & get some sleep. Hope I dream of you tonight. Bye for now. Write soon & often as possible honey. Your letters are about all I look forward to. Think you can find time – huh?

Bye again.

All my Love

Johnny

Xxxxoxxooxxxooooxxxx

April 6, 1943

Fort Riley, Kansas

April 6, 1943

Dear Mark,

I just received your letter about ½ hr ago. I was going to write a letter to you tonight anyway, but it would have been of a different nature than this one. I know damn well that you have as much time as I have to write, & I’m pretty busy.

We’re out in the field this week till Sunday, sleeping under the stars again. interruption

I just been informed I’m on guard tonight. I got a good shift tho 8 – 10:30 – I’ll be thinking of you.

Yesterday I was on K.P. all day. First time since I was inducted – not bragging – complaining.

We’re at Waubaunsee County lake now until tomorrow and then we move to Lyons County lake. It’s really a nice lake – about 10 acres of water – but it’s too cold to swim. Bad enough to shave in it.

The mornings are cold and then it gets hot & dusty in the afternoon. I mean it really gets dusty. There’s enough tall & thick bushy grass here & we’ve had a couple of fires. Once it gets started it’s hard to stop. We had to fight one tonight.

Friday we were out on reconnaissance & counter-recon. We started the day of & this morning by double-timing most of the way around the lake about 5 miles. The more double-timing we do – the more I swear I’m going to quit smoking. But if I quit smoking I’d probably go nuts (no remarks) worrying & thinking all day.

I get so disgusted around here some times I wish I was shipped across & get in the fight, then I wouldn’t have to care for anything – except maybe for a couple things.

I was home last Sun – I guess you’ve heard but I didn’t get a chance to come & see you. I didn’t know whether or not to at first – since you hadn’t answered my last letter. So I called up Lu and she was at your house. So I came to town to see what time my bus left & then call you. That was about 2:20 & my bus left at 2:40. I had to go back home & come back in 20 mins. Well I didn’t make it in time – so I had to chase the bus to the Port of Entry. I barely did catch it there.

I hated to leave so soon but I had to be in camp at 11:00 & the next bus wouldn’t get to camp till 1:00.

If I ever get another chance before we’re shipped out – I’ll look you up the first thing.

Ask Lu. if she ever got my letter & why doesn’t she answer. She busy too?

I’ve got some pictures – but they’re back at camp & I won’t be back till Sun.

If I thought you would come here to get them – I wouldn’t send them.

If you answer this letter soon enough – I’ll send the pictures Sun.

Well – Sweetheart – it’s five till eight & I go on guard at 8 & besides it’s getting kinda dark. I haven’t even made my bed call yet.

Honey – if you really love me – you’ll answer this letter soon.

I’ll be looking for it. That Cpl’s calling me again.

Write soon

Ho-lot-a-Love

Johnny

Xxoooxxxoxxoxo

March 24, 1943

Fort Riley, KS

March 24, 1943

11:00 P.M.

Lo- Sweetheart!!

Surprise is right!! In fact I was stunned. It only took you a couple of months to answer tho. Pretty busy huh? I been pretty busy myself lately. Last Friday, Sat & Sun. we were on a three day problem. It was a lot of fun in a way. Sat. morning we fired the 75 M.M. I fired 3 rounds @ $40 a piece. How’s that for blowing money. Friday nite I slept in the tank & about froze. I only took one blanket with me, I didn’t think I’d get cold. Live & Learn. Sat. nite I made a hammock out of my shelter-half. It was comfortable but cold. I woke up about 4 A.M. & sat by a fire with a buddy till morning. Sunday nite my buddy & I made a bed of grass about 1 foot thick- but when we went to sleep, we found out that some other guys had swiped most of it. We slept good tho. & then had to get up at 4:00 & start back to camp. We got back at 6:30 & then had to spend all day Monday cleaning our guns & tanks. I got about 14 hrs. sleep in 4 days. Sunday nite we had a beer party by the fire. About 5 cases & our Lt. brought a qt. of rum from the officers quarters. Ah! What a gay time was had by all.

Last Thurs. we had a beer party in the mess hall. Another merry time. I was put to bed by three good buddies. I woke up the next morning on the floor. I’ve sworn off drinking – except on special occasions.

We’ve been going over the obstacle course every day this last week. Yesterday I fell in – well really I was knocked in the creek – mercy it was cold. Four other guys also went in. Today the Lt. fell in – he didn’t care tho. I’ve never seen another officer like him there’s no military dignity about him. We never salute him & are always playing jokes on him.

Tomorrow we fire the 50 cal. M.G. again. Its really a powerful piece.

Next Sat. we fire over the rest of the co’s heads with the 75’s. I’m glad I’m doing the firing instead of being fired at.

We had to scrub & wash windows tonight for a general inspection tomorrow morning. We have to get up at 3:30 & get ready for the inspection. That means about 4 hrs. sleep for me tonight.

In a couple of weeks or less we’re going to start working nights. They better put a guard over me if they want me to stay awake. I can’t seem to get enough sleep. I’m getting pretty sleepy now. Maybe that’s why the writing is so bad. Gotta have some excuse for it. Well, honey I guess this brings you up to the date news on what’s happening here with me, & a couple of other soldiers.

What’s happening in K.C.? Are you & Lu. still working at the same place. I got a card from Lu. last week. I should be getting an answer to my letter pretty soon.

I haven’t any pictures now, but as soon as I get a chance to go to town I’ll have some taken. Promise. We’re really having mellow weather here the last few days. It’ll probably snow tomorrow.

Well, Babe I’d better get some shut-eye a little bit anywho. See how soon you can answer, huh. Bye now.

XXXOOO

Love

Johnny

February 11, 1943

New York, NY

Feb 11, 1943

Fri 8:00 P.M.

My Darling Mark,

Hello Sweetheart!!!

I haven’t written any this week – have been pretty busy. I got a letter from home today – just finished answering it. Ralph came home on a 15 day furlough. I guess he was pretty happy about that. I’m having a tough time writing this in bed – as you can see.

I haven’t anything special to write about – except that I miss you an awful lot & love you more honey.

Well honey how are you & what you been doing lately? What’s happening in K.C.?

I went to town Tues. nite & had a few bitters (beer) had a good time - & no I didn’t get drunk honey. The town was blacked out & couldn’t see much. It looked nice what I did see of it. Between that & the hikes my feet are really sore.

Have you been over Lu & Cec’s lately?

Well honey I guess I’ll close this for tonite – I’ll write tomorrow if I have any time.

We just made some coffee & I want to drink it while it’s still hot.

Tell all the folks I said hello. Tell Dedi (?) I said hello.

Goodnite Darling

Write Soon

I love you Darling

All My Love

Johnny

January 15, 1943

New York, NY
Jan 15, 1943
Sat. 9:30 P.M.

My Darling Mark,

Hello Sweetheart!

got 2 letters from you today – of the 7 and 8. I got the picture too honey.

Honey I don’t know what to write about anymore since our mail is being censored.

I’m going to try & go to confession & communion in the morning if I get a chance.

I miss you more every day honey & think of you always. I guess I’ll have to finish this tomorrow it’s time for lights out now & I didn’t get much sleep last nite.

Sunday 10:00 A.M.

I just came back from Mass honey so I’ll add a few more lines to this letter.

It snowed here last nite but not very heavy.

That’s going to be pretty rough hours at nite aren’t they honey. Is that just for 2 weeks?

I wish I could have seen you before I left too – but you understand now don’t you!

I have to write a letter home now. I haven’t written all week & they’re probably worrying.

Bye for now Darling! I miss you & love you more as the days pass honey. Answer soon.

All My Love
Johnny

January 12, 1943

New York, NY

Jan 12, 1943

Wednesday

My Darling Mark,

Hello Sweetheart! I got a letter from you today, of the 3^rd & 5^th. I’ll attempt to answer them now before chow.

No honey I don’t remember the date we met it was about 2 yrs. ago tho wasn’t it?

Honey – if you could have come down – I’d have probably wanted to get married too. It’s really impossible for you to come now tho, honey. I wish you could – but try & understand.

I miss you too honey & love you more every day.

It’s okay with me honey – if you put an announcement of our engagement in the paper. You can send it to me too. I got a letter from Cec yesterday.

On our trip here we came thru Canada from Pt. Hawn to Buffalo N.Y.

Well honey I’ve got a mess of things to do so I’d better close for tonite.

It’s plenty cold up here – how is it in K.C.?

I’ll write tomorrow nite honey.

Goodnite Darling!

Write soon.

All My Love

Johnny

I miss you & love you!

December 27, 1942

Fort Riley, Kansas

Dec. 27, 1942

Hi Honey!!

Happy New Year!!

I’m sorry I was tight when I saw you Xmas. I had planned a different way of spending my time, or hours with you. Next time I’ll be sober.

My train didn’t pull out till 1:30. We got in camp about 2:30. I got 1-1/2 hours sleep. Sat. we went out in the Scout cars again. It’s the first time I drove one on a smooth highway. It was raining like everything. I had about a mile of mud road driving. It was tense driving – a ditch on both sides of the road. About half of the guys got stuck & we had to wait an hour before they got out. Some reason the rain was wet & cold. We about froze sitting waiting. Those are the times I’d give all I own to have you here.

We got some bad news yesterday. Only 10 per cent of us get passes on week ends. It seems down to a pass every 9 weeks. I’m requested! Today it’s snowing & blowing like a blizzard!

I’d like to go to a show but I don’t like to walk in this kind of weather. The show is one place where you can forget you’re in the Army. You forget all about Army routine till they turn on the lights & you see all them brass buttons shining, then you start cussing again. Next week we’re supposed to graduate from driving school.

The first chance I get to Junction City, I’ll have a picture taken & send it that’s a promise. I’ll send some snapshots too.

Hope you can read this scratching. Some day maybe I’ll learn to write.

Sweetheart, I’ll have to close now, it’s about chow time.

Write soon Honey.

XoXXOX

Love,

Johnny

December 21, 1942

Fort Riley, Kansas

Dec. 21, 1942

Hi Sweetheart!!

I received your letter Sat. morn. I had just come back from another overnight hike. I wasn’t so cold. I had 2 blankets & a comforter. That ground was sure hard as H*XX.

I came home Sat. nite, till Sun. noon. I guess you’ve heard by now. I called up but you weren’t home. I think I’m coming home Xmas. I’ll try & see if I can catch you home for a couple of minutes.

Today we moved again, into our old co. The next time we move it’ll probably be Louisiana or Death Valley for our maneuvers. Tomorrow we go on the rifle range. Thurs. we go on the 30 cal. machine gun range.

This morning we took the Scout cars cross country. Talk about rough riding, this can’t be beat. I got a twisted knee out of it. Every time I get in shape something happens & I’m limping around again.

Well, honey, I’ve got to do some arranging & unpacking so I’ll close. See you Xmas? Write soon.

Love,

Johnny

XOXXXOX

(I’m coming to collect these)

December 13, 1942

Fort Riley, Kansas

Dec. 13, 1942

Sun 2: P.M.

Hi Honey!

I received your letter yesterday. I know you won’t believe this either, but I really look forward for your letters. How do you know I don’t mean what I say? I won’t bother to explain, it would do no good I know. I’ll keep my thoughts to myself.

I just came back from the P.X. I just had a couple of beers. It sure is making me sleepy. I’m writing on my bunk again. You’ll have to figure out this code I’m writing in.

This week we studied & dissembled the 30 cal machine gun & 45. cal. Sub Thompson. I’ve been taking them apart in my sleep. We had our rifles issued us Friday. Sat. we went on a hike with them, & do they get heavy.

I had about 4 hours driving instruction this week on the Armored Scout car. Those baby’s weigh about 6 tons. I’d like for a “jig” to get in front of me when I’m behind that wheel. I got paid Fri. nite. I’ll probably be tight for a week.

I got a card from Lu. yesterday too.

There’s a rumor going around today, that we’re going on another overnight hike tomorrow. I hope it’s only a rumor! I don’t care much for sleeping under those tents on the ground. It’s really not much fun. NO kidding!

Boy am I getting sleepy! I can hear a crap game going on upstairs. I think I’ll go up and watch it a while.

What you been doing for you yourself? I know you don’t do anything for anybody else. (only kidding). Or don’t ya?

You said you’d wait for my picture, so how about sending yours, while I’m waiting. I mean till I get a chance to get out of camp & have some taken? I’ll expect it in your next letter.

My hand is getting kind of wobbly so I had better sign off.

I know some moron jokes but I’d better not send them to ya now. I mean, moron jokes besides me.

I got some laundry to do & shoe polishing & rifle cleaning. So bye sweetheart – write soon.

Love – Johnny

OOXXO