Post #651 - May 17, 1945 This Hot, Sticky Weather Continues, and I Don't Like It One Bit and Just As Much as I, You Must Continue to Be the “Good Soldier" You Have Always Been

 

May 17, 1945

My sweet,

As I told you in yesterday's v-mail I went straight out to Dot’s from work. She had asked me to meet her at the bakery and I arrived there about 6:40. I stayed only a few minutes, as the boss told Dot she could leave. Dot works until 7 generally, but the boss made an exception this time.

After a delicious dinner of veg. soup, breaded veal cutlet, fried potatoes, etc. Dot’s mother put Harold (he gets more handsome each time I see him) to bed and Dot and I went shopping. I could not get the jerseys and pajamas, though we tried some six or seven stores. All I could get for Adele was a pair of coral colored light-weight gabardine shorts (on the order a sunsuit) and a pair of acqua linen shorts.

We went from one store to another and at one of the places Dot spotted an all white waffle pique dress that was stunning. Since she has to attend her cousin's wedding shortly, she decided to buy the dress for the occasion. And so we went - from one store to another. On our way back to her house we stopped at a little dress shop just off Sansom St. on 60th St. Well, honey, yours truly bought two dresses only because they were both reduced. They are winter dresses and I doubt if I'll have much wear out of them for a months, but they were bargains - and you know me when it comes to a bargain. One dress is a powder blue gabardine sports dress, buttons down the front, has sport pockets with buttons on the shoulders, two pleats in front, one in the back and plenty of darts and tucks that make it fit just right. It was reduced from $14 to $9. The other is a crepe material - and an odd shade of green that I find it hard to describe. It's a very deep acquay green with gold buttons down the front. There is a small ruffle that runs across the bust and back over the shoulders. It has small pockets in the front on either side, trimmed with the ruffle. The neckline is gathered and ties with a small bow. The belt is snug fitting and also tied with a small bow. It was reduced from $10.00 to $4.79 and is only a size 9, but it fits me to perfection. That's because it's cut very fully.

Tired, but happy, we went back to Dot's and I rested until 10:30 at which time I said my goodnights and went home. About 11:15 I was home after making good connections on both el and subway. I showed Mom the things I bought and she liked the dresses very much.

I was in bed by 12:15 and had a good night’s rest. This hot, sticky weather continues, and I don't like it one bit. You can't feel comfortable for so much as a minute. There has been no mail from you all week and I can't help wondering at the delay, especially at this time. Gosh, honey, I just can't wait till I hear from you! I love you so much, baby, and if you don't mind I'll just take you in my arms and hug and kiss you to my heart’s content. That's just how I feel -

Your Eve



17 May 1945

Evie, Darling,

Just got back from the Aero Club, where I saw combat films of the battle for Cologne, and the pictorial record of the hellish work of the nazis in the concentration camps. The pictures are beyond description. I was conscious of two emotions while viewing the films; a great pity for the poor people who fell into the sadistic hands of the nazi sub-humans, and a tearing hate for the monsters responsible for this wholesale degradation and murder of so many thousands of people. I have no shred of sympathy for the germans in general, or the nazis in particular. It would be no less than just to allow them to starve into obliteration, as they forced others to do. I don't like to dwell on this, Chippie, but one doesn’t forget these things easily - nor should we!

There isn't much to report today. Last night Klein and I went to the movie to see "This is the Life” with Susanna Foster, Donald O'Connor and Peggy Ryan. It was a fair sort of show, and we enjoyed it.

For the past three days I've been making out the "Adjusted Rating Card” for all the guys in the organization. When I started, I thought I could finish in a day, but it took every bit of three. I haven't figured the average for the Sqdn., but I guess it's about 60. My score is 70, not 71, as I previously reported. I've found out that my Enlisted Reserve time isn't good for a solitary point, but I still rate pretty high within the Sqdn., if that means anything which—it don’t at this stage of the game. Believe it or not, we don’t have one man with 85 points! We expect a lot of transferring, shifting about, etc, about the end of the month. The men who are over 42 years old are being discharged, and a handful of men on the station who have 95 points and more. The rest of us are "sweating out the Pacific” and hoping with all our hearts that we'll get a stay in the States first.

I don't know what hopes you have allowed yourself to build up, honey, but you must know by now that I won't be discharged until the campaign against the japs has been successfully concluded - barring unforeseen circumstances. The best we can hope for for the immediate future is that I'll get a furlough home before shipping to the Pacific. This must hit you pretty hard, Chippie, as it has me (I really thought I stood a chance for discharge before the minimum score was announced) but I long ago learned the futility and uselessness of feeling bitter and railing against the fates. I hope you have, too. If ever there was a time when you needed courage and patience - now is the time. Please don't let me down, darling, by weakening at this point. I can bear anything just as long as I know you are strong. If you let the weight of cruel circumstance bear you down now, after holding up so beautifully all this time, it might well be my own finish. The one thought I can't live with is that you have given way to despair. That is why, darling Evie, I repeatedly impress upon you the need for iron fortitude and boundless patience - no matter what setbacks the future may hold. Just as much as I, you must continue to be the “good soldier" you have always been—for both our sakes, but especially for the punkin.

Don't let my little exhortation discourage you, Sweet. I’m still hopeful of a happy time together before we have further cause for heartbreak. I love you with all my heart, my lovely. A sweet kiss for my adored punkin. Love to all from

Your Phil

Post #650 - May 16, 1945 I Was A Little Startled to See How Much Adele Resembled Barbara Leiberman

 

May 16, 1945

Phil, dearest.

Last night when Ruth brought Adele in, I was a little startled to see how much Adele resembled Barbara Leiberman. Ruth had put her hair into braids and the first thing Adele said to me was: "Mommy how do you like my pigtails?” Adele has the same kind of hair as Barbara and really looks a lot like Barb, but I think Adele has a nicer nose and that dimple in Adele's chin is definitely an asset.

Lil sent Mom a package of jellies for Mother's Day. By the way, did I tell you that I had a letter from Lil last week, saying that she was going to surprise the pack of us by dropping in on us unexpectedly. I won't be surprised - I'll drop from shock.

When Adele had said her "good-nights" we went upstairs and I bathed her. It was nine o'clock by the time I finished bathing her, washing clothes, etc. and I was tired, so I laid down and the next thing I knew it was 12 o'clock. The warm weather has set in and heat was terrific yesterday. I had some milk, took a shower and went back to sleep. I couldn't fall asleep for a long time and did a lot of thinking - all about you, sweet. I keep wondering what our first meeting will be like and when it will happen and what we'll do and say.

My period delayed still another day, but by the time I got.into work it was here and I felt miserable. Before leaving for work I called Dot and told her I might be out this evening to pick up the underwear she bought for Adele. She asked me to come for dinner. I hated to ask anyone to put Adele to sleep and when I approached my mother she said it would be alright. I have a lot of shopping to do for little things for Adele such as jerseys, pajamas, shorts, etc. and Dot's neighborhood has a greater variety and the prices are much lower. I immediately called Dot and told her I'd be out for dinner and we could shop around after dinner, allowing ourselves ample time, so that it would not be necessary to rush. I would get out to Dot's too late if I went home and then out to West Philly. Dot was tickled. Since the hot weather set in I must have light weight clothes for Adele. Yesterday she wore overalls and a long sleeve jersey and she perspired too much. Today I let her wear a dress for the first time in months, that is, all day long. It's very warm and with the arrival of the warm weather comes the necessity for buying light-weight things for her.

I'm banging this out at work, just before leaving for Dot's. I wanted to be sure I got a letter off, as I know I won't have the time later in the evening. Just room enough to tell you what I'll never tire telling you - that I love you dearly, Phil.

Your Eve

Post #649 - May 15, 1945 I’ve Heard Many Reports About What the 8th Air Force May Do and Our Adele Will Be Made to Feel That It's Her, Primarily, That I’m Coming Home To

 

May 15, 1945

My dearest one,

No mail from you since Saturday, just because I'm looking forward to it so keenly. I did receive a card from Jack Nerenberg, who is back in the hospital and up for discharge. He told me to wish him luck. He says his hearing “stinks” and no doubt he will have to undergo another operation before he can improve further. There was also a card from Len and Lee, who have named their sonny boy, Arthur Robert.

When I got home last night I took two aspirins, ate dinner and luckily, Ruth took Adele to her girlfriend's house until 8 o'clock, so I was able to lie down and rest. By the time Ruth returned with Adele my splitting headache had disappeared and I was able to get around again. I bathed Adele, washed her hair, washed my hair, showered myself and washed clothes. It was after 10 when I finished and still feeling pretty good, I came down and knitted on Adele’s sweater for a half hour. Had some milk and cake and hit the hay by 11:30.

Al called for Harry last night and they went to the fights. When Ruth brought Adele back to the house, she immediately noticed the car. She said to me, "Mommy, whose car is that?” I told her that Al was here and since she is so wild about Al, she said, "Where is he? I want to see him” and ran into the kitchen. She greeted him royally and kissed him, and asked him about Paul and Stuart. I let Adele talk to Anne (the girl I work with) over the phone and in the middle of the conversation Adele said. "So what are you doing?” and I thought Anne would throw a fit. One of the neighbors said to her. "My but you're growing up to be a big pretty girl!” Her reply: "I'm stunning!" Boy is she conceited! Honestly, honey, if you could hear some of the cracks that come out of her you'd grab her up and eat her. She's just at that stage where she worms her way into your affections and knows exactly how to do it. Her teething seems to have subsided a bit and her face is clearing again. I made an appointment to see Dr. Lefkoe this morning and he cannot take me before June 1. He only has office hours at the Broad St. address on Friday nights, hence the delay. I can’t go at any other time. By June 1 her shoes will be on their last lap and she’ll get new ones the following day, providing I can get them. I hope he'll permit her to have oxfords, though I doubt it.

The last week of May will be a hectic one for me. I’ll have to take Adele to Dr, Gayl’s on Monday night for the Dick test and bring her back on Tuesday evening for a reading. On Friday night I’ll have to take her to Dr. Lefkoe's, and on Saturday, in all probability, I'll take her in town for shoes. Yeh man! I’ll be a happy girl when it's all over.

I’ve heard many reports about what the 8th Air Force may do, but I'm still not satisfied with any of them. Dot called me last night and told me that Snuff will be home on June 8th on furlough. I love you, baby.

Your Eve

15 May 1945

Dearest Chippie,

Things are looking up! The war is over in Europe, I'm getting caught up in my work, there is a good chance that I'll be coming home (at least for a while), the weather is just plain lovely, and I'm catching up with my correspondence. In addition, your letters are getting longer these days, which also helps to put me in good spirits. (Just heard a comment on the radio that Congress is considering discharging all men with more than three children—big of them isn't it?)

Your letter of 6 May tells of your excursion to the Orlando Club with Harry and Goldie and Gloria. If I'm any judge, baby, those drinks you had should have been sufficient to make you feel pretty mellow. Did you? I figger you must have felt just about the way I feel now after three pints of very potent beer at the base canteen. It was such a lovely evening, that when Klein suggested we go for a coupla beers (right after I had finished the first paragraph of this), I took him right up on it. I felt like company, so I invited Bill Senneway along. I'm continuing this more as a test than for any other reason, ’cause I'm feeling very “unnatural” at the moment. As I said, we had three pints apiece while Bill told us of his recent furlough in Ireland, which he enjoyed very much. Klein and I are considering spending our next furlough there, about the first week in June. The only drawback (man, does that word look drunk) is that I would like very much to spend my next leave at Meadowcroft. Then, there is a seashore resort (Torquay) that everyone raves about, and which I have been considering as a tentative haven for my next leave—; To say nothing of Scotland, where a good percentage of the G.I.’s go on their furloughs. I’ll probably wait ’til the last minute to make up my mind. It's six weeks since we left the station, Sweet, and I figure it's time I broke loose.

Your letter also told of taking those family pictures in the house. I shall try to wait most patiently to see the results (how’m I doin', honey, do I make sense-—I’m really woozy, no kiddin'—but you'd better not say a word, or I'll toss that “old fashioned" and two “Tom Collins" right back at you), Remind me, honey, to take you out some night and get you good and drunk—I think I’d enjoy it hugely—you might even forget what few inhibitions you have left, and who knows what might come of it? I'm just unscrupulous enough to take advantage of you—know what mean? But where in hell do the malted milks come in? That I can't understand!!

Your paragraph about letting the punkin descend the stairs alone for the first time brought home to me to me better than anything else possibly could, how very much the young lady she must be now. I'm just dying to see her, Ev. Every time I contemplate holding her close to me I get a lump in my throat.— Which reminds me, darling, that if it turns out that you and Adele should both be present when I make my appearance at home, I think it would be wise if I embraced her first. I've heard of a case where a child acquired a real and lasting aversion to her father, whom she had never seen, because he embraced his wife (her Mommy) before he paid the slightest attention to her. I can understand that, Chippie, and I'll be taking no chances in that respect. Our Adele will be made to feel that it's her, primarily, that I’m coming home to. I know I can trust you to understand when I make straight for the punkin. Darling, it’s heavenly just to imagine the reunion! I pray it will be soon. I adore you both, my darlings—

Always

Your adoring Phil

Post #648 - May 14, 1945 Adele's Face is a Bit Rashy Due to the New Teeth that Just Put In an Appearance

 

May 14, 1945

Dearest Phil,

In yesterday's air-mail letter I forgot to tell you that we didn't go out to have dinner, as we had planned, because it rained. Instead, Harry went to Broad Street and brought home a Chinese dinner for four, Mom included. We had soup, egg rolls, lobster, rice, shrimp and all the decorations. Mom ate the stuff, but she said she preferred one of her dinners. I liked it.

I'm typing this at work (5:30) and am doing so because I’m going to lie down as soon as I get home. I've had a terrible splitting headache all day long and can't help  but marvel at my ability to keep my head up.

There was no mail from you today. How do I know? Mom didn’t call me to tell me. By the way, honey, just in case there is a delay in the mail I want to tell you that I didn't write on May 12th and I combined the 12th and 13th in my long air-mail letter yesterday. Included with yesterday's letter were the two pictures we took when Gloria was in Philly.

Nothing unusual occurred between the time that I last wrote and now. Writing to Gloria, typing a letter to the attorney for my mother and knitting for some 30 minutes occupied the remainder of my evening last night. I was fast asleep by 11 and slept uninterruptedly till 7:15 this morning. However I still do not feel rested or very well, simply because I'm overdue. I’ve noticed that I always come down with a splitting headache just before it arrives,

Am wearing the corsage today and it is in its last stages. I’m going to press it and keep it. It still smells lovely and gives the office a pleasant aroma.

Adele's face is a bit rashy due to the new teeth that just put in an appearance. She keeps biting on her fingers to help them through and is quite annoyed by the pain. I'm going to call Dr. Lefkoe tonight or tomorrow and make an appointment to have her feet examined. She'll have to have shoes within the next three or four weeks, as her present ones are rapidly becoming just right.

Honey, I just wish you could see how crazy Paul is about Adele. Whenever he sees her he only wants to kiss her. Sometimes she's, willing, but most of the time she isn't. The two of them had plenty of fun together when he was here yesterday by walking up and down the front stops and sort of jumping down. Naturally I was on hand to watch - just in case. Adele walks up and down the front steps alone (outside), but I like to watch her closely when she does. I'm still anxiously awaiting some word of what will happen to you in the near future and that is my greatest concern now. I'm still hoping that you'll soon be with the one who loves you so dearly.

Your Eve

Post #647 - May 12, 1945 Can It Be That Our Luck is That Bad??? and Once I Return Home, I'll Have Only Three People's Interests at Heart—Yours, Adele's, and Mine

 

May 12, 1945

Dearest Phil,

There will be no letter for the 11th. My intentions were good - or shall I say the spirit was willing, but the flesh was weak. When I returned from work, had dinner, bathed Adele, washed her hair and then some clothes, I decided to lay down for an hour or so before writing. As it was, I slept from 9 to 10:30, whereupon I arose just long enough to go down and bring up my clock, get undressed, and back into bed I went for the rest of the night till 6:45 this morning. Diana cried all night (she is teething) and woke Adele once. I held my breath until she went back to sleep for fear that she, (Adele) too, would be troublesome all night.

After my usual five hours at work today I had lunch at H & H with Anne and we, went shopping together for Mother's Day. We shopped all afternoon and came home with nothing. All I know is that I was so weary I could bearly move. After resting, giving Adele her dinner, getting her to bed, eating my own dinner and resting some more I am writing on this.

The two bouquets and the corsage came late this afternoon. The corsage is lovely, but for some reason or other I'm way down in the dumps. Besides I have no place to go and I do wish I could go somewhere to show off that lovely corsage. The bouquets were very disappointing and skimpy. Don't feel badly about it, because both Moms were thrilled with them, regardless of their quantity. I know how high flowers are and while the carnations themselves are really beautiful they make up a skimpy bouquet. But they are much appreciated nevertheless and it isn't your fault, and your good intentions are realized by all. My mother's bouquet consisted of twelve carnations with some branches of green leaves, while Mom's was some fern and nine carnations. The flowers, by the way, are all pink. The bouquets last year were much nicer.

May 13, 1945 

In case you're wondering what happened in the interim, let me enlighten you. When I finished typing the above, I got a brilliant idea and decided to take Mom to the movies. We promptly dressed and left for the Logan to see "Roughly Speaking" with R. Russell and Jack Carson.

Let's start at the beginning. I last wrote to you on Thursday, immediately before going to the Lindley with Fay to see “Meet Me in St, Louis" with Judy Garland. It was an attractive picture and entertaining, but I didn't care for it. It was about 12:30 when I got to bed. Incidentally, while at the movies I saw those movies depicting the Nazi atrocities and they were terrible.

I've already told you what happened on Friday, with the exception that I received your v-mail of May 3rd, which requires no comment.

Yesterday (Saturday). I received your v-mails of May 5th and 6th and from the tone of your letters I gather that you're not too pleased with your present position as concerns discharge from the Army. I kind of felt the same way all along and I'm praying it will not be so and that you will be discharged. The Air Corps is being handled differently from what I've read in the papers and I'm hoping that it will be to your advantage. Can it be that our luck is that bad??? It seems to me that hard luck dogs our way every time we look forward to something to our advantage. Naturally, we'll have to accept whatever course is taken, but that doesn't mean that I shall be pleased about it, if it is other than I want it to be. No need to tell you how much I shall be looking forward to your next few letters. This "indefiniteness" always did get me down and it's no different now than it was when we started with the draft board - or, rather, when they started with us. Four years of Army has gotten me fed up to the ears and I wonder how much more I'll be able to stand of it.

I know full well how much it means to you to get home and be with us as before and if there's a God he'll certainly look to us this time or I shall be very, very disappointed.

Harry happened to be going to Broad St, when Mom and I left and had gotten a cab, so Mom and I piled in, much to Mom's relief. Since Harry's income has increased to such high proportions he's extremely liberal with his dough and no expense is too great for him. On Broad St. I made Mom stop at one of the hat shops, wanting to buy her a hat, but nothing looked well on her. However, I was able to get an idea of what does look well on her and will try to get something for her in town. I bought my mother a clothes basket, at her request and am giving her $5 in cash. "Roughly Speaking" was a very entertaining film and one that made me "think". Hard luck dogged the tracks of R. Russell in most everything she undertook to do and I wondered if I could hold up as well under such circumstances. I don't think so.

After the movies we walked home and stopped in Ben's for ice-cream. When we got back to the house Harry and Goldie gave Mom her Mother's Day gift - a lovely acqua and brown print cotton dress and two pairs of silk stockings. Harry bought Goldie the following: A corsage like mine, except that hers has three gardenias, instead of two as mine does, a mirrored and mahogany jewel box filled with Dairy Maid candy and a pair of 10 K gold earrings with amethyst stones (and Goldie couldn't help telling me that he paid $20 for the earrings). He wouldn't tell her at first, but she insisted on knowing only the price of the earrings, which are really beautiful.

It was one o'clock when I decided it was high time I got to bed. I don't feel so well, expecting to have my period before the day is out. I thought I'd get all dressed up and take pictures, but I'm afraid the weather is not conducive to picture taking. It was raining this morning (yes, again) but it is clearing up now and if at all possible I shall try to take some snaps of Adele and myself.

I'm keeping the corsage in the refrigerator to keep it fresh. I shall wear it this afternoon when we all go out to eat. I'm going to wear my new acqua dress to set it off just right. During the past week I've been out three times and if we go out today as we plan, it will make four times in one week. That's me—either I go out too much or I stay in too much. I don't mind the going out in the least, except that it gives me little and sometimes no time to catch up on some much needed sleep. Friday night I was just too tired to live and it's a good thing I caught up on my rest, 'cause I got to bed very late last night and stayed awake most of the night, feeling very crampy. The blues had me in their grip and consequently I cried myself to sleep.

Enclosed are the pictures we took last Sunday. I've made some comments on the back of each. By the way, how do you like me in cape sleeves? I know you're going to say Harry looks stout - he is, weighing 240.

You mentioned in one of your v-mails that you were sending along $55 to cover Adele's insurance. I don't want to quibble about "little things" either when such big events are taking place in the world, so will you accept my thanks? I assure you I am most appreciative of your efforts in this connection. The money, when received, will go into our bank account, which, at the present time totals $400,

This morning when Adele was all dressed in her little blouse and skirt, she said, "Mommy, Daddy's going to come home"! When I asked why, she said, "He has to see how pretty I look!" How true, how true! Phil, she comes out with so many surprising remarks she really floors me at times. I do wish I had more patience for letter-writing, let alone time. Darling, if only you'd come home soon -

Adele seemed sleepy, so I put her into her crib for an early nap, which, is most unusual for her. I'm going to join the folks and have some lunch. If it's at all possible I intend to catch a nap myself before getting dressed. Thanks so much, darling, for everything and I wish so much that you could be here to share it with us. I love you so much, dear daddy, and am your loving

Eve

Darling,

Decided to add a few??? more words to this just in case I don't have the opportunity to write at length tomorrow.

After lunch I went upstairs to find that Adele hadn't napped at all. Instead she had busied herself making a tiny hole in the sheet take on large proportions and the sheet itself was almost in shreds. So I did the next best thing - dressed her and myself. When we were all ready we both looked like fashion ads - no kiddin'. Adele wore her squared-necked white pleated blouse, her little green and red plaid wool pleated skirt, her locket, white socks, red beret and new blue coat (with a pink carnation on the lapel. She looked very neat and very smart. I'm wearing my hair differently again (yes, again). This time I part it in the center and merely brush it back, sort of a Hedy LaMarr style, except that it is very soft and fluffy. I put the bottom of my hair in a fine invisible net. I borrowed a pair of Mom's earrings (Glo once gave them to her) that consist of a cluster of three pearls. These matched perfectly to the pearl buttons running down the front of my bright acqua dress. There wasn't a soul who didn't comment on the acqua dress when i made an appearance, and the comments were extremely favorable. Naturally, I wore the corsage and it was set off beautifully by the brilliant acqua color, very much like the outfit I wore when we were married. I don't think, I shall wear that dress much, as I'm certain you will love it and I want you to see it while it's still new. Adele and I went walking to Emma's house and stayed a short while. Phil is shipping to a POE tomorrow.

Walking back from Em's it became so uncomfortably warm that we had to remove our coats. It was very much like summer today, but just as all the other days thus far in May, we had several rainstorms, most of which took place toward evening. It is almost nine o'clock and I'm endeavoring, in some small way give you an idea of how we looked. It's really a pity we couldn't take snaps. No camera was the cause, although we do have film.

Ethel, Al, Paul, Stuart and Rae came over about three o’clock. Ethel bought Mom a seersucker dress and Mickey and Rae filled her desire for a pair of pajamas. I wish you could see Mom in the pajamas! It was like a madhouse here all afternoon and shortly after the first raft left, in walked Lena, Etta and Nat. Adele is beginning to get her two year molars and was very out of sorts both yesterday and today. Adele is breaking herself of her afternoon naps and hasn't had one for days now.

Before starting this supplement I wrote a nice letter to Gloria, thanking her for everything and sending along one of the family snaps made last Sunday. I have a lot of typing to do for my mother and will do it as soon as I finish this. I didn't get unwell yet and I'm not surprised. It seems that I'm a day or two or three late each time.

I'm enclosing a notice about the 8th Air Force which appeared in today's paper. Do you know anything about it? I'm also enclosing a card Mr. Bellet received from the Hi-Flier Company, from whom we purchase kites, because I thought the card very cute, and that you might enjoy reading ít.

My cousin Bessie's husband was one of the very first to be discharged, so we learned from the papers. Big deal -

Only one thing could have made this day complete for me and that was you. Darling, I miss you so keenly and each time I gazed at the corsage or even smelled it I got so very full inside I wanted to cry out. I love you so much my dearest and wish very much that I could take you in my arms and tell you with words and actions just how I adore being

Your Eve

12 May 1945

My Darling,

It is Sunday afternoon, the first Sunday we've had off in almost two years. Instead of sleeping late, as sensible people would do, Klein and I got up at 7 o'clock to ride down to the mess-hall for breakfast. When we got back, we lay down for a nap, but it is such a lovely afternoon, that it seemed a waste of a lot of sunshine to stay indoors. We accordingly got into our bathing trunks and went down the road to get into the volleyball game. We played for about an hour and a half and then went to see if we had any mail. Klein had a few letters, but I didn't get any. Then I remembered about that roll of film I have, and suggested we borrow a camera and take some snapshots. Unfortunately, one of the fellows took the only "620" camera on furlough with him, so we were out of luck on that score. Having a few hours to kill before supper and the first show, which is "The Climax", I decided to get my letter off to you and then shower. There is a Victory Dance" at the Aero Club tonight, so I believe I'll take it in. The "New Yorkers", a twelve-piece band, who are highly touted, will play for the dance.

You may have noticed, Chippie, that I've been writing on an average of every other day. This is because I find it almost impossible to write every day. As compensation, instead of short V-mails, I'll try to write letters of decent proportions, as formerly—O.K? Your V-mail of 2 May arrived yesterday, and while it contained some items of interest, such as Sonya's visit to Philly, and her news of Jack's wedding, Jennie Zaslow's coming marriage (Dave's brother is a lucky guy—she's a sweet girl), your plans to take family pictures when Glo comes in, and the rather surprising news that your Dad is applying for a job as an insurance salesman, there is no need for further comment.

When I wrote that “longie" of 10 May in answer to yours of 28 April, I forgot to comment on your information that you finally aired your intention to make a break to the folks. I think you picked the ideal time to announce it to them, Sweet. Having previously made known their own intentions of taking off for the summer, they didn’t have much justification for feeling hurt, did they? What's more, it don't think it was at all fair of them to so make their plans that you would be left alone in 4906. It is just this kind of thoughtlessness that makes me burn. Believe me, honey, I'm through worrying about everyone else. Once I return home, I'll have only three people's interests at heart—yours, Adele's, and mine. Just between you and me, Sweet, I've been disappointed in Mom or more than one occasion. She evidently has the mistaken idea that she has no responsibilities toward anyone but herself. However, if she expects me to be responsible for her, she'd do well to change her attitude. I always liked having her with me, and would like to continue to do so, but I won't tolerate a purely selfish attitude on her, or anyone else's, part. She'll have to “pull her own weight” as long as she is able if she expects to live with us. You needn’t fear that I am blinded to her faults thru sheer loyalty, Sweet, (as is the case with some sons), nor would I have any qualms about telling her off in any matter where I felt she hadn't behaved as she should. If I remember correctly, I did just that before I look you to Columbus. I know I can trust you, darling, not to take advantage (at Mom's expense) of your “priority” in my obligations. In closing, you have my best wishes for a successful and happy outcome to the course you are taking. I hope everyone concerned will profit by the "break". My one regret is that I’ll have to revise my dream of coming home to "4906.” I think, honey, you've underestimated the affection I felt for the place.

Time to shower, now, baby, so I'll take my leave now with all my love to you, and Adele—and all. Keep hopin'—honey. I am!—and keep writing, as often as you can, to 

Your ever-lovin' Phil

P.S. I'll write to the Jacks tomorrow—I hope!

Post #646 - May 11, 1945 Never Have I Seen the Men More Shocked or Stricken About Anything Since I've Been in the Army

 

11 May 1945

Dearest Darling,

Received your typed letter of 28 April this afternoon—the one you started on the 28th that is, and completed on the 29th. It was the first one I received addressed to the new squadron, and is chock full of questions. Chippie—why do you insist on asking me things that it's almost impossible for me to give a straight answer to? Like "Is the change for the better"? - or "Will you remain in England"? - or "Do you stand a chance of getting a promotion"? The answer to all three is the same—I really don't know. I can only draw conclusions from what I read in the papers, hear on the radio, and from what is happening here. As to the latter, I can't be too specific about that, either, for two reasons: (1) Censorship, (2) You might misinterpret the meaning of what is happening, as I may have done already. Two weeks ago I was almost convinced that we were coming home—very soon—possibly in June. Since then, I have heard and read, and seen so many conflicting things that I don't know what to believe. When I told you I might have “good news for you soon" I was pretty sure that we were getting ready to go to the States. Since then, enough has transpired to make me doubt it. Yesterday, as you know, the point values for demobilization were announced. Never have I seen the men more shocked or stricken about anything since I've been in the Army. Some of the men in the service units here on the field have as much as 2-1/2 to 3 years' service overseas (with never a furlough home). Naturally, they had every right to hope they stood a good chance of going home. Imagine how they felt, then, when the lowest number of points considered eligible for discharge was announced as 85! True—the fathers in that category would qualify (and how many could there be?), but what of the poor single guy, who, say, had a year’s domestic service and three year’s overseas service to his credit? He would have only 84 points, which almost automatically puts him in the position of having to sweat it out at least another year, which is how long we have been told it will take to demobilize the 1,300,000 men they figure have 85 points or over now!" What chance, then, have my own buddies - the fellows I came overseas with? They have only served a measly 21 months overseas, with an average of about a year's domestic service, a total of 53 points for the single men and non-fathers, and 65 points for the fathers. Yet, no one could blame them for hoping that they might stand a chance, too. Surely, no one will ever convince these men that they haven't been in the service and overseas plenty long enough! However, there is another factor that is far and away the greatest source of "bitching.” The ground, as well as the combat personnel of the Fighter Sqdns. here on the base, have been authorized no less than four battle participation stars at 5 points per star, for a total of 20 points. The service units, who have worked side-by-side with the ground crews all this time, and whose men actually did the heavy maintenance and repair on the planes, get nothing! This sort of discrimination has, naturally made the men of the service units very bitter against the point system which, in itself is not at fault. Some of the situations which have arisen out of this thoughtless, hit-or-miss fashion of awarding the bronze service stars are so ridiculous that they would be funny if it weren't all so deadly serious. For instance, a clerk in headquarters, or a K.P. pusher, or a latrine orderly, who is lucky enough to be assigned to one of the 3 Fighter Sqdns, and has 65 points for service, by dint of the battle participation awards becomes eligible for discharge. The counterpart of these men assigned to the service units, and, what is more ironic, the airplane mechanics and crew chiefs who were responsible for keeping the planes in the air, but had the bad luck to be assigned to a service unit—get not a point. I've heard of some unfair and discriminatory practices in civilian life, but this one takes the cake! The injustice of it all is all the more deplorable because one doesn't expect that sort of thing from the Army. But wait—as if all this weren’t enough, the "Stars and Stripes", the servicemen’s own paper came out with a strip that was so worded that the men of the service units becomes eligible for any battle participation awards which were authorized the Group to which they were attached. Of course, the removal of this bone of dissension was hailed by all of us as being the only logical thing to do. Then, a few days later, a letter from Hq. 8th Air Force, said that the original decision (to award the stars to the AC personnel, but not to the service units) would stand! All this happened just before the War Department announced that each star had a value of 5 points. When the shocked G.I.'s of the service units had made the simple computation 4x5=20—20 points—20 months of domestic service -—10 mos. overseas service—the difference (for a great majority) between getting out of the Army soon and sweating out the Japanese campaign—well, I think you can gather what they felt! You must know how I (with my 71 points) felt! I was, and am, so damned mad about it all that I feel I'll bust if I don't let off some steam! I can well imagine, Sweet, how you must have been let down when you totalled my points and found them 14 short of the required minimum. All day today, I've been trying to find out if my year in the Enlisted Reserve will be counted towards demobilization. The papers specify “total service” but not “total active service,” so there’s just a bare chance that my total with be 83 points, although I’d hesitate to give myself hopes on that score. I’d give a lot, Chippie, to be able to give you some encouragement as to my early return home (at least temporarily) but of recent days, I’ve been so thoroughly disillusioned that, like the other fellows, I’m only ready to believe the worse. My innate optimism has all but disappeared, but there is still enough left, darling, to caution you against giving up hope. At the very worst, we can still hope for an early end of the war in the Pacific. With the preponderance of military might that the Allies are concentrating against the japs, it should not take long to crush them—possibly a year.—But enough of this. There are a few other things I want to talk about before I sign off: You want to know more about my job, altho’ I thought I had covered it pretty well in my recent letters. The work of processing at the Station Headquarters, I thought you understood, was of a temporary nature—until we completed checking the records of all the men. Then I returned to work in the Squadron Orderly Room, remaking and checking the organization's "Forms 20" (EM's Qualification Cards). That lasted about a week. Today I returned to Headquarters as part of the team processing the Officers' records. We should finish that day after tomorrow, after which I will resume my work on the "Forms 20." That's about all from this side of the fence, honey—except, I might mention that I ordered a Fathers Day gift thru the PX for Dad, which, however, probably won't reach him ’til about mid-July. Hope he likes it. 

The news about Jack N. didn’t surprise me at all.—I've seen it coming on. In any case, Sweet, I see no reason for you to be distressed by it. It is purely his business, and I for one, am wishing him nothing but the best. Don’t jump to conclusions, baby—who knows that they won’t be gloriously happy despite the handicaps? I expect to write to him tomorrow in your care. Not so much because I want you to see what I have written (although you might do well to take your cue from me) as because the guy has moved around so much, that I don't rightly know his present address. 

There is a possibility (I’ve just confirmed it) that henceforth we will be working a six-day week instead of seven, as formerly. This means I’ll have Sundays off. I'll give you one guess as to how I’ll utilize that time. Right! Brother Jack, Gloria, Dottie, Mom, and any other correspondents will be hearing from me once again. You may inform them, darling—

Was very glad to learn that Harry W. has good hopes of coming home soon. I'll try to get a letter off to him soon, too.

Your information about my being able to get a furlough home is, to put it bluntly, all wet. If the Group is fortunate enough to be sent home in toto before re-deployment I'll get to see you for about a month or forty-five days otherwise, not a chance!

You persist in feeling badly about the bracelet, altho’ it's far from worth it. I'm sorry now that I even sent it. Certainly I didn’t intend it as a source of potential aggravation for you! But if it's any comfort to you, darling, you might be interested to learn that it is repairable, Take it around to the neighborhood jeweler (maybe Eddie could do it for you) and tell him that “Acetone" can be used to repair the break so you'd never notice it. Once repaired, you can fit it to your wrist by making it supple by immersion in hot water. "

I'm almost as relieved as you are, Sweet, that the punkin has completed her shots. I hope the Dick Test proves her immune, so that all your trouble will not have been in vain.

It's very late, now, darling, and I must sign off now. Before I do, tho’, I want to ask you to continue to be of good heart—whatever the future holds for us, and to take a never ending satisfaction from the eternal love and devotion of

Your Phil

Post #645 - May 9, 1945 We Can Only Hope for a Speedy Trip Home, But We Can't Count On It

 

9 May 1945 

Darling Evie,

Last night, after working in the morning, and loafing in the afternoon, I went to the first show to see "Christmas Holiday" with Deanna Durbin and Gene Kelly. There I ran into Marty Weinstein. The picture was different, if nothing else, and thought-provoking, too. Going back, Marty and I got to discussing it, and one thing led to another, and before we realized it, we had run the gamut of human psychology and the night was gone and I didn't get to write to you, Today because we are celebrating the end of the war by taking off from work, I only worked a half day (in the morning). I figured that since there is a backlog of work to last another month or so, a coupla hours wouldn't make much difference. Accordingly, after lunch, I got into a game of volleyball and played for about two hours. This was the first exercise I have had for almost two years, and I felt much better for it. Having worked up a good sweat (it being a cloudy, sultry day) I made for the showers and had a most refreshing bath. While I was bathing, it occurred to me that tonight is Wednesday night, the night of the regular weekly dance at the Aero Club. Since I had to dress anyway, I decided I might as well put on my "class A's" and take in the dance. This I did, but when I finished dressing it was only 5 P.M., so I finished reading Thorne Smith's “Passionate Witch", which I had been reading in fits and starts. It was then only 6 P. M., and still two hours ’til the dance commenced, so I borrowed some stationery from Dave Chumley and went to the Day Room to write this, which brings me right up to the minute—

Your V-mail of 30 April arrived yesterday afternoon, and I was no less than delighted with its contents. I have nothing but praise for your fair-mindedness, Sweet, in conceding that what I said in my “nasty” letter was true, and therefore didn’t make you angry. I'm afraid I did you an injustice in implying that you were being narrow-minded about the controversial issue we had under discussion. I was highly gratified, too, Chippie, that you finally got impatient with our quibbling and called a halt (much as I did in my last letter). 

The bit about Adele's conversation with the driver of the "C” bus amused me. She must be a cute little tyke! I, too, am glad that the ordeal of the Scarlet Fever injections is over. It wasn't pleasant for me to read of the punkin's ailing and your consequent difficulty with her.

Forgot to tell you, baby, that on the 5th May, I sent off $55.00 to you to replace the amount you withdrew from the bank to pay the premium on Adele's insurance. I must admit that I was torn between two alternatives about what to do with the money. First I thought I would put it into Soldiers' Deposits and add something each month, so that when I come home, I could nonchalantly throw a coupla hundred bucks at you and say something smart like: "Here, go by yourself a pair of stockings"—or something equally clever. Then it occurred to me that the depletion of our bank account for the purpose of paying the insurance premium must have, to put it mildly, depressed you. I thought that if I sent you the money to make up the deficit, you would undoubtedly, think that I am a pretty nice guy after all, and that perhaps all the mean things you have been saying to me about the way I spend my money weren’t justified after all. Thus, it became a choice between surprising you very much—later, or surprising you a little bit now. Being an impatient sort of guy at heart, and I must also admit being possessed of a perfectly human desire to feel that I am, after all, of some use to my daughter (to say nothing of the satisfaction I derive from the fact that you might feel a little put out at the accusations you made against me), I decided on the latter course. I am enclosing the receipt merely to get rid of it - I have a locker full of bits and pieces of paper now.

I've been wondering, darling, how you took the news of the end of the war and what it made you feel. I can foresee that now that Germany has collapsed, you will be more impatient than ever for my home-coming. Please try to curb this tendency, honey, for your own peace of mind. I, and all my buddies, are still completely in the dark as to what is in store for us. We can only hope for a speedy trip home, but we can't count on it, and neither should you. On the other hand, you should not be discouraged, either, 'cause I have a hunch that everything will turn out just as we would want it to. All the same, the wise thing to do would be to reckon equally with all possibilities. Naturally, I'm most anxious to learn the points system set-up for partial demobilization. It's just possible that I'll squeeze into the upper bracket. Whatever happens, Evie, darling, be of good heart. We still have much to be thankful for. I love you more than ever—I really do. My best love to our daughter. Love to all from

Your adoring Phil