May 13, 1943 8:15 AM

Fort Riley, Kansas
May 13, 1943
8:15 A.M.

Darling Mark,

Hello Sweetheart!!
How I miss you – I can’t say. I thought about you all day. I hope I get to see you next week-end.

I got in camp at 4:00 this morning & got up at 5:30. I walked around half way sleeping & day dreaming today. We had a lecture this morning & I kept going to sleep every 5 minutes. It’s really hell to have to fight to stay awake.

I’ve just finished taking a shower & shaving & am now laying on my bunk ready for some sleep – as soon as I write home.

Mercy! It was sure hot today! What time did you get up today – or did you?

Baby – how I’d like to have you in my arms tonight! Damn honey – I write one line, then stop & think about you for an hour it seems.

Some guy just offered me 25 c for my thoughts, but I wanted $5 or nothing. He wasn’t that curious. I didn’t want to sell them anyway.

At the station last nite I bought a round-trip to Riley – it was only 15 c more than a one way. Well – as soon I sat down on the train – I had the ticket in my hand – I fell asleep. The next time I woke up we were in Topeka & I still have my round-trip. I went back to sleep & woke up in camp & I still had the round-trip & I still have it. I don’t know how they missed me, but I wasn’t curious to find out. I get to use it this week-end.

This afternoon I fell asleep after chow & when I woke up I was the only one in the barracks. It took me half-hour to find my platoon & another hour explaining where I had been. He must have believed the line I gave him – I haven’t heard anything – yet!

Honey – I’m going to sign off now. I gotta write home & hit the hay.

I could really go for a “charge” now.

Goodnite Honey – Please answer soon.
All My Love
Johnny
XXXO OXXX
P.S. 8:15 – See what I mean? XOX

May 13, 1943

Fort Riley, Kansas
May 13, 1943
8:15 A.M.

(inside envelope flap)
Hello
Sweetheart!!
LOVE! I MISS YOU




Darling Mark:

Hello – sweetheart. I’ve got a little time off this morning so I thought I’d start a letter. We got all ready to go on a problem this morning & now we don’t go out till this afternoon. Just part of the co. went out & we have to wait till they set up their defensive positions. We’re also going to do some combat firing this afternoon. I’m going to have it easy again today. I’m operating a telephone radio in a jeep.

It’s still cloudy & dreary out today. I wish to hell it would stay warm awhile.

I went to sleep last nite around 9:00 & I’m still sleepy & tired. I don’t know why – I haven’t done anything all week.

Oh-oh – we’re being called out now for a little lecture. Bye now.




Well, I’m back again. A Lt. gave us the dope about this afternoon’s firing. We’re firing live ammunition. I hope a certain Lt. gets in front of me.

I just came back from firing the 60 M.M. mortar. Am now just waiting for chow call. I think I’ll take a little nap now. Kinda sleepy.



9:00 P.M.
Hello again honey – I just finished shaving & taking shower & am now getting ready for some good ole sleep. I was going to have some pictures taken tonite but its’ too late. We didn’t get in till 7:00 this evening. We’re on the alert again tomorrow & Sat. so I won’t get to take them then. I guess I’ll have to wait till next week. But I promise I’ll send you one as soon as possible.

Thanks to you & Lu for the chocolates. They were really good while they lasted. Boy! I got a lot of pals. I also got a letter from you – I must rate! You’re improving honey – 4 pages – but I’d be disappointed if I didn’t. I got some kisses for you too. I got off on the wrong track. I guess I shouldn’t talk about 4 pages. NUTS – honey for the past 15 minutes I’ve been in a stupor thinking about you.

That’s what takes me so long to write a letter – I stop about every other line & dream of you. Here I go again!

I got a letter from Cec. today – I’m going to write him after I finish this & then I’m going to sleep – I hope I dream of you.

How did you know I took up pipe smoking? I never said anything about it – did I?

Well honey I’d better close for tonite. It’s getting late. 9:45. Write soon sweetheart – my day isn’t perfect without a letter form you! Goodnite now – honey.

All My Love
Johnny
XOX
XXXXXXXOOOXXX

May 11, 1943

Fort Riley, Kansas
May 11, 1943
7:30 P.M.

(inside envelope flap)
Hello
Sweetheart!!
LOVE!

X O X Write Soon



Darling Mark:

Thanks to you & Lu for the card! I wish I could have shown you a better time. It’s nice out here again tonite – these are the kind of evenings I wish I was with you.

We’re on the alert again from noon today till tomorrow noon & then from Friday noon till Sat. noon. I think we’ll get off at noon Sat. – but the 1st Sargeant will probably have me on guard. Out in the field yesterday, he asked me if I got everything straightened out at the hospital. I assured him I did.

This morning I was over at Div. Hq’s. for an interview for Army Specialized Training School. This afternoon I helped clean the grease off of some new Tommy guns that came in.

I’m kinda glad we’re on the alert tonight. I’ll have a chance to get some sleep. Last nite a kid took me to Fort Riley to see “Lady of Burlesque”! Mercy!!

I didn’t do much today but for some reason I’m kinda tired. I can’t find a comfortable way to lay on this bunk & write.

As you see I’m sending some snaps I took at Lake Nemaha.

What are you doing tonight, Honey? Taking care of the kids? Ha! Or drunk again?

I feel like getting tanked up tonite – but in the first place – I can’t go to the P.X. & second I’d likely feel like hell tomorrow.

I guess- I better get a letter from you tomorrow. Bye for now honey. Write soon!

All My Love
Johnny
XXXXXXXXXX XXO

May 10, 1943

Written on a radio operator's "MESSAGE" pad

Fort Riley, Kansas

____________________________________________________

Time Field: 9:15 Msg Cen No. How Sent

____________________________________________________
URGENT MESSAGE

Classification (SUBMIT TO MESSAGE CENTER IN DUPLICATE)

No.:_____________________________________ Date: May 10, 1943



To: Darling Mark:

Did you and Lu get home okay Sun. nite or Monday morning? I wish I could have shown you a better time while you were here. Just seeing you was good enough for me.

You’re probably “wondering” why I’m writing on this message sheet huh? We’re out on a problem this morning & I’m operating a radio. It’s raining like hell here yet. We finally got sense enough to put the top on – after we got wet. I’ve got it pretty soft – just sitting here by the radio. Kinda cozy – wish you were here. We’re on the defense against “A” co. I might get this written between calls on the radio.

It’ll probably be too late when I get in tonight to write on stationery – but if I have a letter from you I’ll stay up & write.
Nothing has happened as yet to me – but I’ll probably hear something tonite. I don’t care what happens – it was worth it.

Honey – I better close for now. This radio is keeping me pretty busy all of a sudden.
Write soon – Honey – I miss you. Pretty tired today? I’ll bet! Do you still “wonder” Sweetheart?

All My Love
Johnny

XXXOXXXXX
XXXXXXO

May 7, 1943, 9:00 PM

Fort Riley, Kansas
May 7, 1943
Friday, 9:00 P.M.

(inside envelope flap)
Hello
Sweetheart!!
LOVE!

XXXXXXOOOXX Write Soon




Darling Mark:

I received your letter this afternoon – you don’t know how happy I am to get them. I just came back from sending you another telegram. I sent one earlier this evening telling you not to come, because we were on the alert & couldn’t leave the area. Then I got a telegram from Lu. saying you were coming up. So – I went to the first Sargeant & explained things to him with a sad look on my face. He told me to tell you to come on up & he’d find a way to let me go. I don’t know why I’m telling you this now cause I’ll be telling you Sat. nite personally. I’ll probably get into a little trouble – but it’ll be worth it.

It rained all day here & we just layed around the barracks waiting to be called for physicals. We finally got examined about 7:00 P.M.

I’ll bet I find a couple of gray hairs in my head by morning. I don’t know what to write about now honey. I’m so confused & worrying how things will come out Sat. I can’t think straight.

There’s a big poker game going on in the middle of the floor – it’s awful tempting to get into. I don’t think I will tho, it’s about time for lights out. I’d better get some sleep tonite if I can.

Well – honey I’ll close for tonite & hope & pray I get out of here tomorrow. I’ll see you in Manhattan Sat. eve.

So my letters are short & sweet eh? I wouldn’t say yours were so long, altho they are sweet too.

Tell Lu. she had better write soon or I’ll be mad on her. Oh-oh here comes C.O. to turn out the lights I’d better close quick like.

Goodnite honey. I’ll be seein you. Write soon.

All my Love
Johnny

XXXXOXXXOXXoX

May 7, 1943

Fort Riley, Kansas
May 7, 1943
Friday, 9:00 A.M.

(inside envelope flap)
Hello
Sweetheart!!
I MISS YOU

Love XXXXXXOOOXX




Darling Mark:

Well, babe it’s happened again. I’m sending you a telegram tonite to cancel your trip. We’ve just been placed on the alert from Sat. noon till Sunday noon. We’re not allowed to leave the co. area during that time, & are subject to call any hour of the day or nite. The way it’s worked around here – one co. of the 9th Div. is on the alert for a week, and out of 15,000 men our co. had to pull it this week.

I’m sorry,, honey, very sorry – but it can’t be helped. I tried to talk my way out of it for the week-end but no use. “This is the Army Mr. Jambrosic”

I was happy all week to think you were coming up – but now I’m so disgusted & blue I feel like getting tanked up & go A.W.O.L. That wouldn’t do much good – I’d just be in more of a mess.

I’m remembering what you said- if I canceled your trip this time, & I’m going nuts worrying.

I hope you don’t get too mad sweetheart. Write soon, darling please? Bye now.

All my Love

Johnny
XXXXXXXXXOOXOXXXOX

May 7, 1943 WESTERN UNION TELEGRAM

WESTERN UNION TELEGRAM

1943 MAY 7 PM 7 14

KN209 10=FS CAMPFUNSTON KANS 7 614P 23
MISS MARGARET MINGHINI=
1606 WEST XX KSC=

CANCEL TRIP WEVE BEEN PLACED ON GUARD THIS WEEKEND LOVE=
JOHNNY

May 5, 1943

Fort Riley, Kansas
May 5, 1943
7:45 P.M.



Darling Mark:

I expected your letter today & got it. I’d have sure been a disappointed guy if I hadn’t.

I was thru with guard duty today at 4:00. I’ve just finished chow & feel like a contented kitten. I have to fall out at 8:00 & listen to some Articles of War. When I get back I’ll finish this letter.

Mercy! – is it windy & dusty here now. The sky is full of dust – I hope it rains & settles it. Honey – I’ll close for now – I gotta go! I miss you more than I can say – honey.


9:00 P.M. Well – that’s over. In other words – they told us we had better be good little soldiers – or else!

The wind is getting stronger every minute – it must be blowing about 50 miles per (20 MIN. INTERRUPTION)
Some kid has been sitting here talking about the day when he’s married & has kids. The punk’s only 18. He’s got two women & don’t know which one he wants or which one wants him or “sumpin”. I think he’s had a hard day – or this Army’s getting him down.

How did you come out in your golf lesson – honey? Think you’ll be able to beat me? You’ll probably have to give me a handicap of about 10 strokes.

Honey it’s getting late & I have to do some studying tonight yet – before lights go out.

I’ll write again tomorrow even if I don’t get a letter from you. I hope I do tho.

I’ve just lit up a pipe full of tobacco. I can sit here & smoke & concentrate on you till I fall asleep now. I hope I can dream of you tonight – then I will have pleasant dreams.

I hope I’m not restricted this week-end or I’ll go A.W.O.L. despite the lecture they gave us tonight.

I guess I’ll meet you & Lu. on the 11:00 bus won’t I?

Well Sweetheart, I’d better start studying for a test tomorrow.

Goodnite Honey. I’m thinking of you – don’t forget.

Please write soon, Mark!

All My Love
Johnny
XXXOOXOXXXXX

May 4, 1943

Fort Riley, Kansas
May 4, 1943
9:30 A.M.
Tuesday

(inside flap)

Hello
Sweetheart!!
I MISS YOU!!
LOVE X O X X O X)



Darling Mark:

Here it is Tues. morning & I’m just laying around. We don’t start work till 11:00. We usually take a walk about an hour & then come back & eat. I suppose we’ll fire again today.

There’s a big blackjack game going on in the middle of the floor – I wonder if I’m lucky today? I don’t know whether I could concentrate on cards or not – I think of you so much.

It sure is a swell day. They tell us we’re going to start wearing our khaki uniform the 15th, but I wish they would start sooner – it’s so hot. Honey – I’m going to stop for awhile now, but I’ll write after chow & tonight I’ll finish this letter. I just got thru mailing one. I don’t want to mail them the same day – bye for now – honey XOXXX.

2:20 Hello honey – I’m on guard tonight so I didn’t have to go with the co. today.

I’ve just finished showering shining my shoes & cleaning my pistol. In about ½ hr. we go out for practice guard mount & at 4 we relieve the old guard. I’m guarding the motor pool tonite & I hope I catch a Louie down there – I’ll blow daylight thru him. I sure feel mean today – you ought to be here.

I told the orderlie room clerk to put me on guard today – so I wouldn’t have to take any chances of getting it on the week-end.

I got 9 1/2 hrs. sleep last nite – it sure felt good. I won’t get much tonite tho. They’re calling me it now – honey. Bye again.

7:20. Here I am again – I go on guard at 8:00 tho. I just finished chasing a prisoner around.
It’s nice up here this evening – I wish you were here with me. Oh-oh – I got to go again honey –

10:00 I’ve just come off guard. I don’t go back now till
2:00 next morning. I’d better finish this letter now honey – or I’ll be writing a week from now. I expect a letter from you tomorrow – then I’ll write again.

Goodnite honey – I’ll be seein’ ya! I love you.

All My Love
Johnny
XXXOXOOX
X O X

May 3, 1943

Fort Riley, Kansas
May 3, 1943
9:45 P.M.

Darling Mark:

I just had to write you – I was thinking of you so much.

I got back in camp about 9:20 this morning. We worked till 7:20 this evening. I had a terrific headache this afternoon – but it’s a lot better now.

Today we went on the range & fired the 60 M.M. mortar & 29 M.M. anti-tank gun.

It sure is nice to lay on a bunk again & write letters. I haven’t much time to write tonight – lights are going out in about 10 min. I have to write a letter home yet tonight if I have time.

I stopped in Manhattan this morning & made reservations for a room next week-end. So don’t fail to come up.

I miss you so much honey – you’re always on my mind.

I’m going to close now for tonight honey – I’ll write you tomorrow nite – More than one page too, maybe. So please answer soon – sweetheart. I Love You

All My Love
Johnny
XOXXXXXOOXOXXX

May 1, 1943

Fort Riley, Kansas
May 1, 1943

Darling Mark:

I just received your letter – I was writing one to Cec. We just got back to camp about 11:30 this morning & have been getting straightened out & scrubbing the barracks. We got paid at 1:00 today. I sent you a telegram this afternoon which you no doubt got already. I didn’t have time to make any reservations for a room. Next week-end you can come up for sure.

Well Sweetheart I’ve got to hurry to catch my ride to K.C. tonight that’s why I’m scratching this letter out in a hurry. A little is better than none isn’t it? I hope I get to see you tonight. I guess this letter will sound kinda crazy by the time you get it.

Well – Honey please write soon. If you only knew how much I look forward to your letters!! When I get one - I’m happy the rest of the day.

Bye for now- honey. I’ll be seeing you! Write soon.

All My Love – Johnny
XXXOOXXXOXX
X o X

April 29, 1943

Fort Riley, Kansas
April 29, 1943
Wed. evening

Darling Mark:

I just woke up for mail call to get a letter from you - & believe me that’s the only thing that could have got me up – except maybe chow.

We worked till noon yesterday & got the afternoon off to sleep – but I didn’t. Last night from 8:30 till 7 this morning we were on a night problem. Boy – am I tired. I’ve been sleeping all day but I’m still tired. We have another all-night problem coming up tonight too. I guess we’ll have them the rest of the week.

We’re camped beside Lake Nemaha somewhere up in Kans. about 7 miles from Neb.

How’s the measles coming along – honey? I hope you’re feeling better. I so tired I can hardly stay awake.

I sure wish I was with you honey – I miss you terribly. I know I could stay awake with you.

How did you come out in your last golf lesson? Is Lu. taking up golf too?

Oh- honey How I wish you were here or I down there. I think about you all of the time. I hope I get to see you soon.

Sweetheart I guess I could write on & on but it would only be repetition of what I’ve been saying & I miss you & love you very much honey.

I guess I’d better close now & get my equipment ready for tonight. It looks like rain tonite too. I bet it’ll be a long nite – but then that will give me more time to think of you.

The Capt. got on amphibian on the lake now – just having a heluva time. There’s about 350 acres of water in the lake.

Tell everyone hello for me honey. Tell ”Dede”? hello too.

Good-nite sweetheart!! Please write soon!

All My Love – Johnny
XOXOXOX
Your letters are never dull honey! I miss you honey!

April 25, 1943

Fort Riley, Kansas
April 25, 1943
6:30
Sunday


(inside flap:

Hello Sweetheart!!
I miss you very much
XXOOXX
Write soon.



Darling Mark:

I received your letter this morn. We’re back at the barracks for today. This morning the whole 9th Am’d Div. was out and lined up along the streets, and guess who came by and looked us over – the President! That guy sure gets around.

We got up this morning about 4:30 & it was raining like hell! I had my uniform outside & it got soaked & I had to wear it to church this morning. I went to Communion too. They hold services out on the parade grounds, but I went to the chapel – it looked like it was going to rain again.

Tonight about 8:00 we move back to the bivouac area. I hope my tent is still up.

They’ve been calling men out for physical exams for overseas duty. I’ll probably be called pretty soon. Not many are passing them.

Boy this sure is a dreary day to be Easter. I wish I was with you. I sure do miss you honey!

Hope you’re feeling better sweetheart?

You better learn to play golf pretty good by the time I see you again – we’ll go out & shoot about 36 holes.

Here’s a joke I ran across yesterday:

MOTHER – entering room abruptly – WHY! – I NEVER!!
DAUGHTER – Oh, Mother – you MUST have!

Well – honey I’d better close for now & get ready to move out.

Get well soon honey. Write soon.
I miss you – sweetheart!

All My Love
Johnny
XOXOXX
BE GOOD

April 24, 1943

April 24, 1943
Sat 3:00 P.M.
??? – Kans.

Darling Mark:

I received your card yesterday – it was really nice. Then I got your letter today. It sure gave me a pickup – I’m so dead tired – I can hardly stand.

Last nite 2 of us fellows went to Manhattan. I sent you a telegram but they wouldn’t let me send any Easter greetings. After that we went to a show & saw “Slightly Dangerous”. We got out of the show about 11:30 & missed the last bus to Fort Riley where a truck was going to take us back to our camp. So – we started hitch-hiking but there wasn’t much traffic out in this god-forsaken place.

We left Manhattan at 12:30 & got back to camp this morning at 4:00 A.M. It was about a 14 mile hike. I never seen such a long damn highway. You could see for miles ahead. My poor feet are killing me. The muscles of my legs are tied in knots & sore as hell. I don’t know how we ever made it back. I felt like laying down beside the road & to hell with the Army.

All this morning we had maintenance – so I crawled in a secluded tent & got a little rest. We’re off this afternoon & as soon as I finish this letter somebody’s going to bed mighty early.

Tomorrow at camp they’re going to hold Easter services in the field. I hope I can get to confession. I need to – after last nite.

So – you got the measles. OH – sweetheart – I bet you sure look sharp.

I haven’t heard from Lu this week yet. I guess I told you we were pulling out of here Monday morn for a 200-mile trip. Next couple of weeks we’re supposed to be back in garrison.

Boy it’s really hot here today. I think I’ll strip & get a sun-tan. I’m going to miss you this week-end honey. Bye now. PLEASE ANSWER SOON.

All My Love
Johnny
XXXXXXOOOXOOOXXXXXX

April 23, 1943

WESTERN UNION TELEGRAM

1943 APR 23 PM 8 23

HX125 10 NL XC=MANHATTAN KANS 23
MISS MARGARET MINGHINI=
1606 WEST XX KSC=

SORRY I CANT BE WITH YOU THIS WEEKEND HONEY. LOVE=
JOHNNY.

April 22, 1943

Fort Riley, Kansas
April 22, 1943

Darling Mark,

I miss you honey! I haven’t anything else to do so I’m writing to you – so ya can see. I got a letter from Cec. today & just finished answering it.

We were told at noon today that the whole U.S. Army was restricted this week-end.

Sat. morning we go back to camp for a parade & something else – but the Capt. Said he didn’t know what it was. Something must be in the wind. If anyone is not in camp at 10:00 Sat. nite it means a court-martial.

Early Monday morning we’re pulling out and going about 200 miles north. It’s somewhere close or in Nebraska. The rumors around here say we’ll be there a week & then are coming back to the barracks at Funston. I hope so.

Last nite I was gently awakened at 11:00 by a Sargeant who asked if I would go on guard with 5 other guys? (I said yes) We were supposed to have been attacked by another co. last nite but nothing happened. What a miserable nite. The rest of the fellows in camp slept all nite & knew nothing about it.

I’m going to move & hide my tent tonight where they can’t find me.

I just finished cleaning my gun & so I guess I’ll go for a swim & try & shave.

It was cold as blazes last nite but now it’s hot as – yes it is.
Well sweetheart – I’ll close for now. Answer soon – huh?

I’ll be seeing you honey I hope. Bye now.

All My Love
Johnny
XXXXOOOXXXXXXXOOOX

P.S. I got my new Easter bonnet today – 2-1/2 lbs of steel – G.I. Green.

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 one 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