Sunday September 5, 1943

Camp Wheeler, Georgia.

Dearest Beloved:

Well today is Sunday and I am glad. I hope we don’t have any more weeks like the last one. Last night while I was playing cards,  I didn’t do so good and I’m now what you call broke, except for a quarter that I didn’t know I had. My mother wrote and told me that she and Reds were sending some money as soon as Reds gets some time, so when you see Reds, you tell him to get on the ball and send it (o.k.) See honey every time I play cards or anything I seem to be the losing  all the time and I’m the and that needs it the most. I get SO DISGUSTED at this army life that I want to go some  place and hide so that they can never find me again but the only thing that is stopping me is you and the baby, for I love you too much for not to be able to see you again. I only have to stay at this camp for another 5 weeks and then I will be able to get a furlough to come home to hold you in my arms again. Won’t that be swell honey? I got your letter today saying how Kathy beat up Mary. I sure wish I was home to see her.  I am missing her every word. This war has taught me one lesson and that is that I wouldn’t ever go away from you and the baby again. I also got a letter from your aunt Emma saying that Richard was back in training and that Dick got a crack on the head that required a few stitches. Boy, I’m telling you, the soldier has to worry more about the folks at home than about himself. So honey, you be careful of yourself and the baby and write to your grandmother. I’ll be very glad when these last two weeks of training are over, as I would like to work for some stripes as soon as I go to some other camp. Any insignia, until our basic is over, and when you do get these, we will sure have earned it. Well honey, how does it feel for your husband to be coming home pretty soon? Boy, every time I think of it, I get happy all over. I can’t explain the feeling I get when I think that I will once again hold you in my arms and I will always wonder what I will do when I walk in the door What will you do honey? I also want to see the baby, as I am wondering what she looks like now. I don’t think she can be any prettier since she is the prettiest baby in the whole world. You better watch that I don’t hug and kiss her to death once I hold her in my arms once again. Honey, I really miss the two of you something terrible and I would give anything to be back home for always and always. It’s something that I look forward to and it helps keep me going. If I didn’t have you or the baby I would give a damn about anything. Take good care of yourself and the baby as you are my whole life and future. I love you honey so don’t forget that. Tomorrow I think I can get two letters in as we will be in the barracks most of the day preparing for Thursday. So good night honey, I love you.

Love and Kisses

Dutch

Ps Kiss the baby for me and tell her that her daddy loves her.

Monday, Sept. 6, 1943

Camp Wheeler, Georgia

Dear Sweetheart,

We just came in for lunch and I thought I would write you a short letter. Right now I am waiting for the afternoon’s mail and hope to have some. This morning we went to the movies and saw some pictures on battler formations. After that, we had a talk on battle formations for two hours. It was a very easy morning and I wish that it was all like that. I just came back from eating lunch and I mailed two letters off to you saying that you got your check. I just heard that instead of having 14 days of bivouac, it will be 20days. Boy they sure give us the dirty end of everything here. At first it was 14 weeks of training, then they made it 17 weeks and now instead of 14 days of camping, it will be 20 days. Boy it sure makes me mad. Well honey, I sure miss you and the baby and I’m counting the days until my training is over, I will be able to see you soon. I am now on the 13^th week and we only have 4 more weeks to go. Boy will I be glad when I’m on my way home to see you. I am going to hug and kiss you to death as I love you more than anything on earth as no one will ever be able to take your place in my heart.

Love you something awful,

Dutch

Ps I love everything about you sweetheart

Letter #2

Monday Sept 6, 1943

Dearest sweetheart,

 Well it’s now 7:30 and I just finished cleaning my rifle. This afternoon we marched for about three miles and then the demonstration crew was called out to practice some new formations. There was a mix-up somewhere and all we did all afternoon was sit around waiting for the time to come to pull out for the barracks. That’s one time that we got a break, for the rest of the battalion had to go through some of the old battle formations the whole afternoon. As we were about to go back, it started to rain and we got soaked. We sure enjoyed the rain as it was very cool and soothing. On payday, we all chipped in 50 cents to have a beer party in the mess hall. I think we will have our rifle medals awarded to us then. The beer party will be held this Saturday so you don’t mind if I get drunk do you? I’ll be lucky if I get 2 bottles. I got one letter off to you tonight. You said that you didn’t take the baby to my mother’s for the weekend, as you would be too lonely without her. Well honey, why don’t you stay with them, as you know they would be glad to have you there too? You say that everybody said the baby looks like a doll. Well honey, I think she is the prettiest baby in the world and I am the proudest father that ever walked on two feet, of my family. If you only knew how much I love and miss you and the baby. Boy, if I could only be back home with you again, I would be the happiest man in the world. Honey, I forgot to ask you, but what is the exact date that you will have the baby? I think it’s November 1^st? I just want to be sure so I can put in for furlough at the right time. Don’t forget to ask the doctor for an o.k. slip saying that you need me home and then you give it to the Red Cross. Well, goodnight honey and god bless you and the baby.

Love you always,

Dutch      xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Tuesday Sept 7, 1943

Camp Wheeler, Georgia

Dearest Sweetheart,

Well today we hiked for about 5 miles and then we had review work for the rest of the morning. I the afternoon, the demonstration squad had to go out and practice some new formations and Friday we have to demonstrate to the rest of the Company. At 3:30 we came back to the barracks to get ready for the parade at 5 o’clock. After the parade, we will be done for the day. I am glad for that because it is very hot here today. Tomorrow we are going to camp out for the night but I was lucky enough to have to stay in camp to take care of the barracks tomorrow (aren’t you glad?). I got one letter off to you today. You told me that the baby got out of her playpen? Boy she sure is smart just like her mother). Boy I wish I was home to see her do these things. It would make me the happiest man alive. When I come home on furlough, I am going to spend every second of the time I am home with you and the baby. Believe me honey, I love you more than life itself and I would die if anything ever happened to you or the baby. Please be careful and take care of yourself and the baby. In your letter today, you said that you wish we had a boy for my sake, Well honey, I would like to have a boy, same as you, but if it’s a girl, don’t worry about it for it wouldn’t make a difference to me. A long as everything is all right with you and the baby. Get it out of your head that I just want a boy and nothing else. All I want is for you and my family to be safe, for I love you more than anything. Good night sweetheart and God bless you and the babies.

Love you forever,

Dutch

Ps I miss you terribly xxxxxxxxxx

Tuesday Sept. 7, 1943 (8-pm)

Camp Wheeler, Georgia

Dearest Cass,

Last night I was told that I had a phone call. I was at the movies at the time. Boy, that’s just my luck. Right now I am waiting for you to call me back and I sure hope you do. I came back from the movies about 11 o’clock and you just called a � hour earlier and they didn’t tell me to ask for the operator until the next morning. I went to the movies at 8:45 so you must have called right after that. Is that right? Tonight I will get the money order from my parents and I don’t think I will be able to use it. Here is why. Tonight everybody was called to assemble and it was pretty bad news. They called out a list of names and I wasn’t on it. But when you hear this, you will be glad. Guess what? Everybody is going to California instead of Fort Meade. Boy, oh, Boy! I’m glad I wasn’t on it. I don’t know what is going to happen to me but I won’t be going on furlough until a couple of weeks. Things look pretty good. I’m not telling you what I’m hoping for but if everything turns out alright, I will have very, very good news for you (I hope). Go to my mothers and tell her I won’t be home for a couple of weeks as my orders have been changed tonight. I will keep the money in case I get out sooner (o.k.?).

Well honey, our meeting may be postponed for a spell but I think I was pretty lucky not going to California and getting my furlough now (don’t you think so?).Would you rather of had I come home now and then sent to California? I don’t know what they are going to do with me, but I’m sure hoping what I think is right. Well honey, how do you feel now? At first I was very disappointed in my name not being called out but when I found out where they were going, I was pretty happy. Well darling, I’m going to get a haircut now and I’m hoping that you call me back tonight. So until tomorrow afternoon, I’ll say, I love you and hope to hold you in my arms very soon and telling you face to face, I love you and you are in my heart at all times. Tell the baby that her daddy loves her and he hopes to see her and mommy very soon. Good night sweetheart and may God bless you and the baby.

Love and Kisses,

Pvt. Dutch

Ps I love you and hope you call me tonight.

Wednesday Sept 8, 1943

Camp Wheeler, Georgia

Dearest sweetheart,

Well today is Wednesday and the rest of the platoon is out until Thursday. This morning I made the hot water and cleaned up the barracks. All I have to do is keep the barracks clean and always have hot water on hand for the rest of the day. Isn’t that swell!

I wouldn’t have been able to write to you until tomorrow if I wasn’t given this job. Aren’t you glad?

Right now it’s 11:30 and I am waiting for chow call, and maybe I’ll get mail. (if there is any)/ I forgot to tell you, but I am getting my own citizenship papers, for the officers think it is best that I do. So I guess I’ll get it in about a month. Well there goes chow call, so I’ll be back in 11 minutes (o.k.?)

Well I just got back from dinner and I got a letter. Guess who it is from? Well I don’t think you can guess, so I’ll tell you. It was from Bayard Smith. I’ll give it to you to read (o.k.?). Over the radio just now, we got some good news. I guess you already heard that Italy has surrendered. Boy isn’t that swell. Looks like I’ll be home pretty soon honey, and I sure hope so (don’t you?). There was a pretty bad train wreck up in Frankford wasn’t there? Boy its things like that that makes me worry about you and the baby, so be very, very careful honey. Well I have to get back to work, so until tonight sweetheart, I love you and miss you terribly. Tell the baby I love her too.

Love you forever,

Dutch

Ps I love you

Wednesday Sept 8, 1943

Camp Wheeler, Georgia

Dear sweetheart,

I have to write a very fast letter, as I am going out with the rest of the company tonight. They just came and told us to get our stuff and be ready to pull out around 5 o’clock. All I did this afternoon was sit around and read. It is now 4:45 and I am ready to go. I don’t have anything to tell you except that I love you and very much want to see you. Honey, I hope you don’t think that I run around with the girls as it would make me feel very bad. All I want is you so that when I come home, again, we can live a very happy, married life with no more arguments. Well, I have to go, so don’t forget that I love you and the baby and when I come home, I am going to hug you to death.

Love always,

Dutch

Ps I love you!

Friday Sept. 9, 1943

Camp Wheeler, Georgia

Dearest Sweetheart,

Boy it’s good to be back in camp and being able to write you. For the past few days, we have been going through battle courses with more to come. Tomorrow morning I have to get up at 5:30 and get ready to pull out at 7 o’clock, for the demonstration crew needs to demonstrate “The Platoon in Defense”. It’s going to be our last demonstration so we have to make it a very good one. After supper last night, we had to fall back in to listen to a lecture called “How to hate”. It was all about what the Japs and Germans did to all the people of the world. It is now 9 o’clock and I still didn’t start to clean my stuff for inspection tomorrow. I’ll get on it as soon as I finish this letter.

I got your letter telling me about the fight between you and my parents. Well all I can say honey is forget about it as I don’t think my father really meant what he said. If you understand him like I do, you wouldn’t pay any attention to what he or my mother said. After all, I had quite a few fights with your mother and I never stopped going to her house. I too, get mad at moments and blow my head off, but I really never meant a word I said. I hope you take my advice and go out to my father and mothers and forget about everything that happened for my sake. I wouldn’t want it that way (please). Well honey, I better close now or I won’t be able to finish my work. Know that I love you and miss you terribly. Take care of yourself and the baby so that when I come back, we can live happily ever after.

Love,

Dutch

Ps xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

September 11, 1943

 Dear Dutch,

 How are you, I sure hope this letter finds you o.k. as it leaves everybody at home in the best of health and your family is doing ok.  Catherine was up the other night with the baby and they are both doing all right.  Bobby and Eugene go to school now and believe me it sure is some job.  Well Dutch how are you making out with the Army or how is the army making out with you which way is it?

 We sure had a surprise last Thursday.   Rich called me up, it was just great to hear him.  I will never forget it.  There was Dick’s grandmother Ruth that is his girl and myself and the two kids and we all talked on reversed charges.  I won’t know until the end of the month how much it will be, he called on Thursday night because he knows that Ruth comes up for dinner then he could check on her.  And also talked to her on my call.

 That Boy of mines gets smarter every day ok.  Well what the diff.  all we want is the whole thing to be over with and then you all will come marching home for good.  Your Catherine will go made the day you come marching home, she sure is nuts over you and I do mean that.  Everything is about the same in Phila.   We can’t get butter and not much candy.  But that is too bad, who cares, I don’t.  Grandmother has not been so good.  I think she is all worked up over Ray. But he will be alright, it will do him good.  I hope I guess Catherine told you he was going in the sea bus.  Well Dutch, I guess I had better bring this letter to a close as I got to get the two boys off to bed and they have to get washed.  They were asking for you and send you good luck.  Will close now with all our love and good wishes to a fine soldier.

 Aunt Emma, Uncle Dick

Saturday Sept. 11, 1943

Camp Wheeler, Georgia

Dearest Cass,

 This morning we had the demonstration which took us 2 hours to do and after that, we came back and ate lunch. After lunch, we had inspection which lasted about 2 hours and then a � hour of wrestling. After that, we had a � hour of fire drill, talk on guarding military information and then another � hour of wrestling. At the end of the day we had a party and that was a lot of fun. We had all the beer we could hold and plenty to eat. We also had a floor show with all the fellas that had talent, entertaining us. The party broke up around 10 o’clock and we sure enjoyed ourselves (only wished you were here). I got your letter saying that you are laid up in bed for a week. Gee honey, I told you to be careful and watch yourself. Right now you have me worried as hell.

You do what the doctors tell you to do, ok honey? In your letters you are always questioning me whether I go out with any girls or not. Well honey, if you don’t believe what I tell you in my letters, what can do to make you believe me? When I say “I love you” don’t you believe me? What would I being doing with any other girl if I always have you on my mind and wanting to be home with you. KEEP THIS IN MIND, “I LOVE YOU AND ONLY YOU, FOR THE REST OF MY LIFE THERE IS NO ONE ELSE EVER, TO TAKE YOUR PLACE IN MY HEART. Don’t forget and go out to my parent’s house and don’t be angry with them. Please honey.

I love you,

 Dutch

Ps Take good care of yourself

Sunday Sept. 12, 1943

Camp Wheeler, Georgia

Dearest Cass,

Well today is a day of rest and I’m glad. Monday we will start our 14^th week of training and honey, I won’t be able to write to you again until Wednesday. We are going out to camp until then. Boy how I hate these bivouacs. The following Wednesday we are going out on our 14 day bivouac. After that, our training is over. Won’t that be swell? From Monday until Wednesday, we have the problem of firing movements. We have to be very careful because we are using live ammunition; It is a very dangerous problem as many fellows have been hurt over it. Don’t worry about me honey, as old Dutchy can take care of himself. Honey, if you could send me a couple of dollars next week before we go on our 14 day bivouac, I would appreciate because I have a lot of things I need for it. I never did get the money Reds was supposed to send me, but I guess he forgot about it. After I finish this letter, I’m going to write my parents and ask them about it as I  am flat broke. I got 2 letters off to you this morning and you asked me a lot of questions. I will answer them.

I forgot to tell you that I lost the medal that you gave me before I went away 2 months ago. I took it off one day as I was taking a shower and when I came back to my bunk to put it on, it was gone. I asked everyone if they had seen it but no one had or someone was a liar. Boy was I mad. I told them if I ever saw one of them with it, I will break their neck. I got the picture you sent me of you and it was very good. I only wish it were you here instead of the picture. I say that I love you not only at ten, but every second of the day. Honey, I love you so much that if I’m lying, may god strike me dead. I got the medal and the holy picture and put the medal on my dog tag chain and the holy picture in my wallet. Right now I am praying that you will be alright and that God takes care of you and the baby for me until I get home. You say in your letter that you are getting up and coming downstairs already because you feel better. Why don’t you do what the doctors say and stay in bed for the whole week? After all, it’s your pelvic bone and when you get up, it puts a strain on it. Don’t you think the doctor knows what’s best? So stay in bed or I’ll come home and spank you myself. After you get better, I want you to go out to my father’s house with the baby and see for yourself that they didn’t mean what they said, ok? Well honey, I’ll write you later tonight, o.k.? I love you!

Loving you always,

 Dutch

PS Kiss the baby for me

September 12, 1943

Camp Livingston, La

Hi ya Carl,

Received your letter and was glad to hear from you.  That basic training is sure hell as I minded that more than anything since I was in the Army.  Am sure you will be happy when it is over with.  Maybe you will be put in a Mechanized Infantry outfit.  This you won’t have to do so much walking.

 As far as getting into a good outfit as yours, I am satisfied to stay just where I am as we don’t do much walking and think I’m in the best in the Army.

At the camp, I was in in Texas there was a Mecz. Infantry outfit and we used to work out against them.  Had a lot of problems against them.  They were a darned good outfit, but not near as good as ours.  You will have a lot of fun on these problems when you start to go on them.  Also, will learn a lot.

 It is pretty tough to be so far away from home but think of all the fellows like Eric and the rest of the boy’s.  They will never be able to get home until the war is over.

Just finished writing to “Doc” Munyon.  You should know him he used to work at the Navy Yard and spent a lot of time in the Marble Grille.  He is going to get moved from Richmond, Va to either the Phila. Airport or Camp Dix, New Jersey.  He is in the Air Corp.  That would be a good set up for you and I wouldn’t it.  Some guys get all the breaks.

Am moving out of this cramp in the morning.  We are going on two months of maneuvers.  It sure is a hell of a job packing all the stuff and have just about get it all done.  These maneuvers are a lot of work and sometimes a lot of fun.  One outfit has been on 2 of these already, but it is the first for me.  Expect to learn a lot from these.  Will let you know how I’m making out from time to time.

 Was glad to hear that Reds got home safe again.  Bet he will sure have some fun for a while until he goes back.  He’s got a good set up.

Haven’t heard from Rudy as yet, but expect to soon.  I wrote him the night I first wrote you.  Sent it to his mother address.  Let me know if you hear from him and what his new address is.  Haven’t heard from Eric at all.

Tell Cass and your Mother and Father I was asking for them when you write them.

Well Dutch, take good care of yourself and I’ll do the same.  Write me soon again and send it to this address.

Pvt. Bayard Smith

Troop D. 113 Cov. (Mecz)

A.P.O. 403-A

c/o Postmaster,

Shreveport, LA

Lots of luck in the crap and card games as I can’t do a dammed bit of good at either since I came back from furlough

 Your pal,

Bayard

Monday Sept. 13, 1943

Camp Wheeler, Georgia

Dearest Cass,

Right now it’s about 8:30 am and I am waiting to be called out. I just got off guard duty and ate my breakfast, got my things together for a 2 day bivouac. I am rushing this letter because I may be called out at any second. I wrote my mother and father yesterday and told them you were coming out. I also told them about you being in bed for a week. I just got called so until Wednesday, Goodbye.

I love you,

Monday Sept. 13, 1943

Camp Wheeler, Georgia

Dearest Cass,

 I just borrowed this paper and envelope to write you tonight. All I did today, after I wrote you that quick letter, was to hike out to our camping ground which is about 6 miles from camp. For the rest of the day, all I did was lay around. It is now getting dark so you have to excuse the bad writing. I got 2 letters off to you this afternoon and one from your Aunt Emma. For the past week they have been bringing the mail out to us with the chow truck. It’s going to be too dark to write any longer so I will send the letter your Aunt Erma sent to me in this letter, ok? Good night sweetheart. I love you more than anything in the world.

Love you always,

Dutch

Ps tell the baby I love her too!

Wednesday Sept. 15

Camp Wheeler, GA

Dearest Cass,

It’s now 9:30 and I just got through cleaning my rifle, bayonet, mess kit, making my laundry up for tomorrow, and taking a much needed shove and shower. I’m sending you a letter I wrote while camping, but I couldn’t get an envelope to put it in or else I would have or else I would have sent it in wit the cook so that he could mail it. Boy honey, these last three days sure have been easy. All I have been doing is laying around, sleeping until today. Today we went through the problem of firing movement. The firing range was about 800 yards long and very rough and steep. We were attacking the enemy in 3 squads. I was in the third squad and we were the flanking squad. We had the easiest job as we rushed about 200 yards and then we hit the dirt and covered the rest of the squad’s as they were advancing. When they got to a point when they could charge, we stopped firing so as not to hit any of our man. Then they would rush the supposed enemy and bayonet them. During all that time, they had machine guns firing over our heads. That’s what made it a little more realistic. There were so many bullets flying around that it started quite a few fires in the woods so we had to get our trenching tools and put it out. So that was the end of our problem and here I am honey. What did you think of it?  Well honey, today is Wednesday and the following Wednesday we will be out on our 14 day bivouac. After that is over, our basic training is over. Won’t that be swell? Just think, in a month from now, I will be home on furlough. Will you be glad to see me? I know that it will be one o f the happiest moments of my life when I see you and the baby again. In your letter today, you said that you didn’t think it was your place to go out to my mother and father’s again. Well honey, as I told you before, I know my mother and father, and if they meant it, I wouldn’t ask you to go there again. But as it is, I know that they don’t mean it. From the bottom of my heart. Please drop out there someday, and I’ll bet that they will say they are sorry. If not, I will join you in the argument (ok) (please)?...and pretty please. How did Rudy look? I bet he was crazy over Kathy. The letters I got the last few days telling me what my baby does while I’m away, sure make me happy. That’s what I want you to write about, just yourself and the baby. Well honey, I guess you went to the doctors since I wrote you this letter, so you better do what they say and keep in touch on what he tells you (ok)? Well honey, I guess I’ll hit the hay as I am very tired, so take very good care of yourself so that I can take you out on my furlough (o.k.)? I’ll sure be happy when the day comes, wont you? I love you honey and want to be with you more than anything in the world. I never realized that I would miss you so much but as the book says “live and learn”. I guess this will teach me a good lesson and I hope to make every second that I have been away from you. Good night honey and god bless you and the babies.
Love you always,

Dutch

p.s. Take care of you as I love you beyond words.

Xxxxxx

Thursday Sept. 16 1943

Camp Wheeler, GA

Dearest Cass,

Today I only got one letter from you and I was pretty disappointed but I carried pretty good news about you being at my parents again. I f you only knew how much better I feel about it. How come you and my parents are on speaking terms again? You didn’t explain in your letter  how it came about so write and tell me. I bet Rudy felt real good about seeing all the folks again? Gee, how I wish it was me but it won’t be long honey, so keep your chin up. Every day that passes makes me happier and closer to you. When I come home, you better have a very warm greeting and kisses for me, and I’ll hug you to death.

Well honey, today we didn’t do anything until 1 o’clock. All I did was dig a three man fox hole or part of one. A three man fox hole is three fox holes dug right next to each other and a bare spot in the middle so a machine gun can be placed there. But all we dug was about two feet in 2 hours so you can see how much we loafed. Well honey, that’s all we did today. It’s so much easier now that we are at the end of our training. Don’t forget to send me a couple of dollars because I need to buy a few things for the 14 day bivouac that is only five days away. It won’t be long now so you better be prepared for a wonderful time. It will be our second honeymoon, and a very loving one. Just you, the baby and I. I dream about you and the baby every night. So until then, I’ll see you both, in the flesh. I love until my dying day.

Love,

Dutch

Sept. 18, 1943

Camp Wheeler, GA

Dearest Cass,

 Today we went out  and did some battle formations till lunch. After lunch, we had to dig more fox holes. So you see, we are just killing time. Boy, but in a few days we will leave this hole/ I hear this army is a lot easier after basic. I sure hope so! I got two letters from you and one from my mother and father. I received a very nice letter from my parents and guess what? They sent me five dollars! Boy it sure came at the right time as I had to get a GI haircut before we went on our bivouac. They also said everything was good between all of you as it was only a misunderstanding. Is that right? In your letters, you are telling me what the baby does, sure make me feel better, and a lot happier. Don’t forget to tell me everything she does (o.k.)? I hope Joe is up and around this time, as I hate to see him laid up in bed. I wish that I could hit a crap game so that I could send all of you some sort of gift, Especially you and the baby. Boy it sure makes me feel bad not being able to send you anything. But I hope to get lucky one of these times, so keep your fingers crossed. The weather down here sure is funny. The past few weeks have been very cool. During the past three nights I have put three blankets over me. Is it cold in Philly yet? Well, I better save some news until tomorrow, so good night sweetheart and god bless you and the baby. I love you beyond words.

Love always,

Dutch

p.s. I sure miss you and in about three more weeks, I hope to see you as I can’t stand it much longer without you.  I love you and remember that always.

Sept. 19, 1943

Camp Wheeler, GA

Dearest Cass,

Today is Sunday and a day of rest I got one letter from you today and that was kind of short. I don’t have very much to write about. Tomorrow night we are camping out so I guess I won’t be able to write until Tuesday. But I’ll write a letter on Monday when I get back to camp. Tuesday we are going to have a shakedown inspection. That is an inspection of every piece of equipment that the government gives to us. If anything is missing, we have to pay for it. I hope that I’m not missing anything or I have to pay for it. After we come back from a 14 day bivouac, we have to the same thing in case we lose anything then. In Wednesday bulletin, there was a piece of paper about an officer’s son who was strangled in his crib. So you better keep an eye on Kathleen. I would die if anything like that would happen to her. Did you read it? I’ll put the piece in this letter in case you didn’t read it honey, I am waiting for the dinner gong for I am very hungry.. I wish I was home to have one of my mother’s home cooked Sunday dinner. By the way, you better know how to make some of my mother’s German dishes as I would rather have you make them always. When I come back home we are going to eat at home always and no more restaurants, o.k.? Just you, the babies and I (right)? Well honey, I better sign off as I have to wash for chow. After I come back, I am going to write you, Aunt Emma, Grandmother and my mother. I’ll be pretty busy for the rest of the afternoon. I love you and hope to make you the happiest woman in the world when I come back home.

Loving you always,

Dutch

p.s. I am wearing my winter underwear as it is cold

Sept 20, 1943

Camp Wheeler, GA

Dearest Cass,

We didn’t go out this morning because it was raining. It is now 12:30 and I just got through lunch. It has stopped raining so I think we will be heading out so I am writing this in a hurry. I got two letters from you and one from my grandmother this afternoon. The reason my postcards are sometimes marked ‘Macon” is because sometimes I am not dressed when I write to you and I need to give the letter to one of the fellows to mail. It’s just like you. I sometimes get letters from Phoenixville and Conshohocken. I know that your father mails from there. Well honey, I have to get ready to pull out so remember that I love you and I miss you terribly. I write tomorrow to tell you what I did today.

Your Loving Husband,

Dutch

Wednesday Sept 22

Camp Wheeler GA

Dearest Cass,

It is now 10:30 a.m. and we just got through our inspection. All we will do today is have a few lectures and then get ready for our 14 day bivouac. We didn’t get the mail yet so I won’t be able to write a long letter. After I wrote your letter last night, I started to write your grandmother but I never got to finish. Because I was tired. As of today, I didn’t get the money from you and I still have a lot of things to get. If it doesn’t come in today’s mail, I will not be able to get the things I need for camp. If you couldn’t get the money than I guess it won’t matter so I will have to do without. I will need the money to get home for furlough. I can’t get it from the Red Cross because they only give money in emergencies. Please go out and ask my mother to lend it to me and I’ll get it back to her as soon as I can. I’ll need about $25.00 but if you can get $30.00, that would be better so I can get something to eat. I’ll write to ask for it myself but if you can go up and ask her now, that would help. I really want to get home something awful.. I’ll get home even if I have to hitch hike.

Well honey, I have to get going so I’ll write you more tonight. I love you and the baby very much and can hardly wait until I see you again.,

Love always,

Dutch

Thursday September 23

Camp Wheeler, GA

Dearest Cass,

Well we got up this morning at 3 am and ate breakfast. After breakfast, we got all the things together and put it in the truck to be carried to our bivouac area. We rested for about a half hour and then we went out on training until 3:45 pm. Since then, me and the other fellas have been fixing our tents and digging an air raid shelter. It’s around 8’ o’clock now and I’m still not finished with my stuff.  Boy will I be glad when these 14 days are over. We have to wash in our steel helmet and shave every day (sorry but the fountain pen just ran out of ink so I switched to pencil). I still have my rifle to clean but I don’t think I’ll get it done since it’s getting dark. So until I get settled, I hope you won’t mind if I cut this letter short will you? I’ll get these letters off to you today. I’m glad I get your letters every day, so keep writing! I try to write to you as much as I can but you know the Army takes up most of my time. I hope I have more time to write to you in the other camps than I do at this one.. It’s getting pretty dark now so I’ll have to say good night. I love you and can’t  wait until we are together again. Kiss the baby for  and know that I will be looking at the stars tonight thinking of you.

Love you always,

Dutch

Saturday Sept, 25

Camp Wheeler, GA

Dearest Cass,

I’m sorry that I couldn’t write to you on Friday but after we ate supper, we had to fall in and hike for about 3 miles to a place where there was a lake We hooked up an water pump to the lake and then connected a whole lot of pipes for Showers. Boy the water sure was cold but it felt really good to get clean. We have to get up at about 7:30 am for breakfast and then hike to get another shower tomorrow. When we get back from our hike, we need to attend church service. What do you think of that?

Everyone from all faiths needs to attend. Well honey, all day yesterday we had to do different formations and shoot the shit. And guess what? We did the same thing today plus dig foxholes. I only dug about a foot and then went to sleep. I got 2 letters off to you tonight. In the letter from you tonight, you asked me to try and get a furlough after you have the baby. Well honey, all I have to say is that if they give it to me before then, I’ll have to take it. You shouldn’t worry about yourself being out of shape because I love you know matter what you look like and what sort of shape you’re in. All I want to do is see you and hold you close to me again. Also in the letter, you asked if the army puts anything in our food to make us calm down. I don’t think they do, but even if they did, I wouldn’t need it as the one I love isn’t here to make me need it. You wait until I come home, I’ll show you what I mean. It’s getting dark now so I better sign off. I love you and will be with you very soon. Save me a great big hug and kiss for me.

Good night sweetheart.

Love,

Dutch

Sunday September 26, 1943

Camp Wheeler, GA

Dearest Cass,

Well, today is Sunday and not a very resting one at that. Since I wrote you last night, I walked guard duty until 10’oclcok and after that I hit the hay. It gets dark here around 7:30 so we can’t do very much. I just have enough time to write you a letter. Last night I woke up about 5 times, shivering, from the cold. We were supposed to take another shower this morning but it was called off until tomorrow afternoon due to the cold. Boy, I wish I had a couple of extra blankets, or you to cuddle with. If I had that, I wouldn’t mind the cold so much. Well honey, In about an hour we will be heading off to church. I will write you as soon as I get back.

I love you honey and wish I could hold you in my arms.

Love you,

Dutch

Sunday Sept, 26

Camp Wheeler, GA

Dearest Cass,

Since I wrote you this morning, I went to church. All during the mass, I was thinking of you and how you use to make me go with you once in awhile. When I get back home, I don’t think you will have to force me to go as I want to be with you always. We have been pretty busy all day today because we are leaving this camp to move to a new one. We are going to leave at 11 p.m. and hike all night until around 4 am. Once we are there, they are going to make us solve a problem which will take until 8 am. I guess they are going to give us the “works” these last few days. Well honey, I have a lot of work to do  so I will have to sign off now. I love you something terrible and want to be with you more than anything in the world. Please pray that this war will be over soon so that I will be with you and the baby forever and ever.

I love you always,

Dutch

Monday September 27, 1943

Camp Wheeler, GA

Dearest Cass,

It’s about 11:30 am and I have just finished putting up my tent and getting things in order. We left the other camp around 11’oclock last night and reached our new area around 4 am. We than ate breakfast and rested for about a half hour. Did you ever eat breakfast in the dark? Well, you ought to try it because it isn’t very enjoyable. After we rested, we walked about a half hour more and the officers gave us another problem to solve. The problem was to take the enemy out from the top of the hill. Well, there was nothing to it because our orders are to win, so we had to win. Well, this brings me to now. I had just come back from dinner and boy did I eat! It won’t be long now  before I finish training. I didn’t write to ask my mother for the money yet but I will soon. Please ask her about it and tell me what she says, ok? I might get to writing you tonight so always remember that I’m always thinking of you every minute of the day and I love you beyond words. Love lots!

Dutch

Ps I am putting Sunday’s letter in this one because I wasn’t able to mail it . The mail doesn’t come as often as I like.

Wednesday Sept 28

Camp Wheeler, GA

Dearest Cass,

Today we went out and set up a defensive firing line. We had a lecture about it in the morning and then dug our foxholes in the afternoon.  I set up in my position and just laid around the rest of the day. As you can see, I have learned the way of the army. Well I just heard that we head back to camp on Tuesday so it won’t be long before I get to see you. The last three days we will go on filed rations and on the last day we will hike for 20 miles back to camp. Every 2 days we take a shower and boy the water sure is cold. I just got back from getting a shower and it sure does feel good. Payday is tomorrow and I don’t know whether or not they will pay us out here or wait until we get back to camp. It’s now around 7:30 am and I just came back from breakfast. It got to dark to finish the letter last night so I am finishing this morning, ok? Since we have been out here, we haven’t had a minute to ourselves and I hardly have time to write. After I finish this I still need to shave and I don’t think I will have time. I wrote my mother about the money last night so go out there and see if she is going to send it. I want to come home more than anything in the world. I’ll always love you honey and can’t hardly wait until I hold you in my arms again.

Love,

Dutch

Ps Tell the baby I love her

Thursday Sept 29

Camp Wheeler, GA

Dearest Cass,

Well honey, today is Thursday and another day gone by so that leaves 8 more to go. Boy will I be glad when it’s over. Today we had the company in attack formation with supporting weapons and tanks. There wasn’t much to it, as all we did this morning was lay around and hike once in awhile. The reason for it was that the officers had a mix-up on the map so we couldn’t find the enemy. This afternoon, everything was straightened out and we worked through it. First the planes went in to dive bomb the position and then the tanks rolled up to run over the enemy foxholes so they wouldn’t show their heads. The infantry follow the tanks and mopped up the enemy. I was with the support platoon as the platoon sergeant. We didn’t see any action because we were in the low terrain. The reason is because the mortars we have had to be concealed as the enemy is always trying to knock us out. We didn’t get to set up the machine guns because the problem was solved before we could get into position. Well honey, that’s all we did for the day. I better sign off now as we are going to rifle inspection. I’ll probably get hell because I haven’t cleaned my rifle because it was getting dark and I wanted to finish my letters. Good night honey and as always, remember that I love you and I am always thinking about you every second of the day. There is a pretty clear moon here tonight. I sit outside and look up thinking what I would do only if you were here. Gee honey, I sure do miss you and don’t think any different.

Love and Kisses,

 Dutch

ps I LOVE YOU!

LETTER TO DAUGHTER

Beloved Daughter,

Your mommy just told me how you broke through your play-pen. Well you better be good until I get home and then we will break through together, ok? I love and miss both of you very much, I hope you say your prayers every night.

Your loving Daddy xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx