Thur Sept 17, 1953
Dear Folks,
I got some mail from you today that you sent to me with my old address. (Sasebo) I got 5 letters from you. I was sure glad to get them. They start from Aug 23 till Sept 2. I don't know if there are any between Aug 16 and then or not. If there is I will gt them soon. I also got some pictures back that I took at Camp Stoneman. They weren't to good but I thought you might enjoy them. I have some more to send in when I get paid. I have to make out money orders.
That was something about those bombs at those places. Have they had any more yet? Funny you haven't heard from me when you wrote those letters. I got a letter from Margie dated Sept 2. She had one from me. You should have gotten it the next day. My mail should come in regular now.
Sounds like everything they is the same back home. Do you ever hear from Margie? She said something about her job but I couldn't make out whether she had it or not.
Today I helped build a Quonset hut. We put up the frame for it. I climbed up on top and put metal screws in it. The Old Man took a picture of me up there. (the old man is the captain)
I took my shirt over to the tailor and I will get it in a little while.
I am glad everything is going OK at home.
I remember Chuck Lenty. I never did care for him to much. I knew Bubs was here. He is a 2Lt. He isn't a pilot though.
We don't have anyone around here to wash our clothes except ROCKS and they act like they are doing you a favor by doing it for 2 or 3 dollars. I wash my own clothes, what little I have. We should get some more before long.
Well not much more right now. I'll drop you a line later. I think I have to go on the range tomorrow.
Lots of love, Ted
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
September 17, 1953
Thursday Sept 17, 1953
Dear Mom, Dad, and Snapper
Well I thought I had better write a line. The last letter I wrote was Sunday. I still haven't received any mail yet. Shouldn't be to long till I do.
Monday and Tuesday we went out to the range and pulled targets. It rained most of the day and evening. Not hard though. I went to the show Monday night and sat out in my rain coat. It drizzled all night. No body seemed to mind it. I saw Every Minuted Counts. Tuesday night I didn't do anything. Wed morning I helped dig a place to put a rock wall. They are going to put up a Quonset hut for the kitchen and mess hall. I got off a noon because I was on guard. I guarded an area where they have classes, etc. They have trouble with Korean civilians stealing here. We carry live ammunition.
I saw a big owl last night riding in the jeep from my post. It stood almost 3 feet high. It was sure big.
They got a shipment in for the PX last night. I bought some Old Spice shaving lotion and a flash light. I took a pair of pants down to a Korean tailor and had him sew creases in my pants. If I get a chance I am going to have my shirt tailored. Remember how my kackies fit when I was home. That's how they wear their fatigues over here.
I had this morning off till noon because of guard. I didn't get to do that in the states.
I heard something about new troops that were in Korea only had to stay a year. I hope so. I think this Singmon Ree doesn't want this war to end or the troops to leave because they have it better now than they ever did. They make a fortune in town on what they sell. They are higher than Japan. They try to charge a dollar for shoe polish. We can't get it in the PX and they know it.
The ROCK soldiers when they come into our outfit don't even have boots. All they have is tennis shoes. Then they don't do anything till we give them a pair of boots. None of the guys like them to well. They don't appreciate what we have done for them. They don't work and we are feeding them and keeping them in clothes and they still want more.
In the ROCK camps and most all civilians eat what they call Kem-she. I haven't seen any of it but from what the guys say it must be awful stuff. Rice, fish, greens, onions, garlic and it green like in color and its thick like mush.
It is warm this morning. Its been cool lately. They gave us winter sleeping bags. New ones. They are sure nice. They are arctic sleeping bags. They are filled with water fowl feathers and down. They have zippers on them and the material is quilted. I sleep in my shorts and I almost sweat without the zipper zipped up. So this winter I shouldn't get cold and stay pretty warm.
If you send any packages you should put what ever you send in a strong box. I think you can buy cardboard boxes for that purpose. Some of the guys have been getting packages from home and they are pretty well beat up when they get here. I can't think on anything I want. I would like to have my zipper boots sent. If you send them put a can of shoe polish in there and a t-shirt, some black shoe polish and cordovan. No need to send it air parcel because it would cost to much.
Well how is Snapper getting along in school. Hope OK.
One of the guys just came in and he got some mail so I might get some the next day or two. I will sure be glad to get some. Well not much more to say now. I'll write soon.
Love, Ted
Dear Mom, Dad, and Snapper
Well I thought I had better write a line. The last letter I wrote was Sunday. I still haven't received any mail yet. Shouldn't be to long till I do.
Monday and Tuesday we went out to the range and pulled targets. It rained most of the day and evening. Not hard though. I went to the show Monday night and sat out in my rain coat. It drizzled all night. No body seemed to mind it. I saw Every Minuted Counts. Tuesday night I didn't do anything. Wed morning I helped dig a place to put a rock wall. They are going to put up a Quonset hut for the kitchen and mess hall. I got off a noon because I was on guard. I guarded an area where they have classes, etc. They have trouble with Korean civilians stealing here. We carry live ammunition.
I saw a big owl last night riding in the jeep from my post. It stood almost 3 feet high. It was sure big.
They got a shipment in for the PX last night. I bought some Old Spice shaving lotion and a flash light. I took a pair of pants down to a Korean tailor and had him sew creases in my pants. If I get a chance I am going to have my shirt tailored. Remember how my kackies fit when I was home. That's how they wear their fatigues over here.
I had this morning off till noon because of guard. I didn't get to do that in the states.
I heard something about new troops that were in Korea only had to stay a year. I hope so. I think this Singmon Ree doesn't want this war to end or the troops to leave because they have it better now than they ever did. They make a fortune in town on what they sell. They are higher than Japan. They try to charge a dollar for shoe polish. We can't get it in the PX and they know it.
The ROCK soldiers when they come into our outfit don't even have boots. All they have is tennis shoes. Then they don't do anything till we give them a pair of boots. None of the guys like them to well. They don't appreciate what we have done for them. They don't work and we are feeding them and keeping them in clothes and they still want more.
In the ROCK camps and most all civilians eat what they call Kem-she. I haven't seen any of it but from what the guys say it must be awful stuff. Rice, fish, greens, onions, garlic and it green like in color and its thick like mush.
It is warm this morning. Its been cool lately. They gave us winter sleeping bags. New ones. They are sure nice. They are arctic sleeping bags. They are filled with water fowl feathers and down. They have zippers on them and the material is quilted. I sleep in my shorts and I almost sweat without the zipper zipped up. So this winter I shouldn't get cold and stay pretty warm.
If you send any packages you should put what ever you send in a strong box. I think you can buy cardboard boxes for that purpose. Some of the guys have been getting packages from home and they are pretty well beat up when they get here. I can't think on anything I want. I would like to have my zipper boots sent. If you send them put a can of shoe polish in there and a t-shirt, some black shoe polish and cordovan. No need to send it air parcel because it would cost to much.
Well how is Snapper getting along in school. Hope OK.
One of the guys just came in and he got some mail so I might get some the next day or two. I will sure be glad to get some. Well not much more to say now. I'll write soon.
Love, Ted
Monday, March 28, 2011
September 13, 1953
Sunday Sept 13, 1953
Dear Mom, Dad, and Snapper
Hope you have been getting my mail OK. How long does it take. Yesterday we had an inspection. It didn't amount to much. Friday night I went back and saw the Dick Cantano Show and yesterday just laid around.
Some of the guys went on a tour yesterday. They let so many go from each platoon. I'll get to go before to long. One of the guys in our squad went yesterday. They sell tailored fatigues in town. I gave him the money to buy me a shirt. They also wear block hats here. They look good. I had him buy me one of those too. I hope he does.
I washed my shirts and socks and a pair of fatigue pants today. I just have one extra T shirt. I thought I had two.
It has been cold the last couple of days. It rained of and on yesterday.
Last night I went to the show and saw John McCall Desperation with George Montgomery. It was a good show. But half way through the picture the sound went out. They had trouble with the projector. One thing about the shows they have here, they are not crowded.
I sure make my money stretch anymore. I was paid 20 at Sasebo and that's all. I have about 15 dollars now. Cigarettes cost a $1 a carton. I haven't plan to spend more hardly so far. The only get beer once in awhile and it is cheap. They haven't had any so far. 2 colored guys in our tent got a hold of some Jap beer some place and I drank a couple of those. It was hot but it still tasted pretty good. I would like to have some whiskey when it gets cold but you can't get it here. We had some Toddy the other night. That's canned chocolate milk. Our platoon Sgt bought that.I should have three months pay coming. July, Aug, and Sept when I get paid. I think it will be around $250. I am going to send most of it home. I wish I was going some place where I could send some presents home for Xmas but I don't know yet.
The way things are now I should be heading for the states in about a year or so from now. If the truce is signed it may be sooner.
I wish the mail would start coming in. I would sure like to hear from home. It's been a long time. I have only received the letters I got in Sasebo when I got off the ship that you wrote Aug 16 and 17. So about a month has gone by that I haven't any news from home. I hope to get some this week or next.
I heard something about a British ship being sunk by the Chinese. Was there anything to that. They have been moving tanks, trucks, and troops toward the front the last couple of nights. They always move at night for some reason. I guess so the Reds don't know what we are moving. I think we are ready here if anything happens. We are ready here. We could move in a few minutes. We practically sleep with our weapons. They don't seem to think it will start up again, but they like to be prepared. They do seem to be short on supplies here. Clothes, boot, weapons, etc. They told us at Sasebo anyone that had a weapon to turn it in and they would send it home for them. The peach treaty says that no weapons will be carried into Korea. But there are plenty of ships in the harbor that has everything we need. It wouldn't take long to get them here.
We see a lot of helicopters flyover all day long taking the US-POWs to the ship. I think we are close to where the exchanges take place. As far as I can figure we are close to Ko She Korea (about 15 miles) and pretty close to Seoul, the capital city.
I guess Snapper has started back to school. Hope he does better than I did. I think he will. They are going to give a high school test for those who want it in a few weeks, so I guess I will take it. We can take a lot of courses by correspondence. If I can I might sign up for some, we will have to have some lights first I guess. They have one on supervision and formanship. Those might be good ones to take. I think we will be set up better after a while. We should have lights etc. We are supposed to get a laundry etc.
It shouldn't be to long before I make Private First Class or Corporal. But since the war stopped they have slowed down on promotions. I am eligible for PFC now if they ever get around giving it to me. May be I can speed things up if I shoot a high score with the M-1 next week.
Well not much more to say. I guess I will close for now. Tell Snapper I am going to send him a patch before long. If any of the ones I sent are dirty just wash them out, write all you can.
Love, Ted
Dear Mom, Dad, and Snapper
Hope you have been getting my mail OK. How long does it take. Yesterday we had an inspection. It didn't amount to much. Friday night I went back and saw the Dick Cantano Show and yesterday just laid around.
Some of the guys went on a tour yesterday. They let so many go from each platoon. I'll get to go before to long. One of the guys in our squad went yesterday. They sell tailored fatigues in town. I gave him the money to buy me a shirt. They also wear block hats here. They look good. I had him buy me one of those too. I hope he does.
I washed my shirts and socks and a pair of fatigue pants today. I just have one extra T shirt. I thought I had two.
It has been cold the last couple of days. It rained of and on yesterday.
Last night I went to the show and saw John McCall Desperation with George Montgomery. It was a good show. But half way through the picture the sound went out. They had trouble with the projector. One thing about the shows they have here, they are not crowded.
I sure make my money stretch anymore. I was paid 20 at Sasebo and that's all. I have about 15 dollars now. Cigarettes cost a $1 a carton. I haven't plan to spend more hardly so far. The only get beer once in awhile and it is cheap. They haven't had any so far. 2 colored guys in our tent got a hold of some Jap beer some place and I drank a couple of those. It was hot but it still tasted pretty good. I would like to have some whiskey when it gets cold but you can't get it here. We had some Toddy the other night. That's canned chocolate milk. Our platoon Sgt bought that.I should have three months pay coming. July, Aug, and Sept when I get paid. I think it will be around $250. I am going to send most of it home. I wish I was going some place where I could send some presents home for Xmas but I don't know yet.
The way things are now I should be heading for the states in about a year or so from now. If the truce is signed it may be sooner.
I wish the mail would start coming in. I would sure like to hear from home. It's been a long time. I have only received the letters I got in Sasebo when I got off the ship that you wrote Aug 16 and 17. So about a month has gone by that I haven't any news from home. I hope to get some this week or next.
I heard something about a British ship being sunk by the Chinese. Was there anything to that. They have been moving tanks, trucks, and troops toward the front the last couple of nights. They always move at night for some reason. I guess so the Reds don't know what we are moving. I think we are ready here if anything happens. We are ready here. We could move in a few minutes. We practically sleep with our weapons. They don't seem to think it will start up again, but they like to be prepared. They do seem to be short on supplies here. Clothes, boot, weapons, etc. They told us at Sasebo anyone that had a weapon to turn it in and they would send it home for them. The peach treaty says that no weapons will be carried into Korea. But there are plenty of ships in the harbor that has everything we need. It wouldn't take long to get them here.
We see a lot of helicopters flyover all day long taking the US-POWs to the ship. I think we are close to where the exchanges take place. As far as I can figure we are close to Ko She Korea (about 15 miles) and pretty close to Seoul, the capital city.
I guess Snapper has started back to school. Hope he does better than I did. I think he will. They are going to give a high school test for those who want it in a few weeks, so I guess I will take it. We can take a lot of courses by correspondence. If I can I might sign up for some, we will have to have some lights first I guess. They have one on supervision and formanship. Those might be good ones to take. I think we will be set up better after a while. We should have lights etc. We are supposed to get a laundry etc.
It shouldn't be to long before I make Private First Class or Corporal. But since the war stopped they have slowed down on promotions. I am eligible for PFC now if they ever get around giving it to me. May be I can speed things up if I shoot a high score with the M-1 next week.
Well not much more to say. I guess I will close for now. Tell Snapper I am going to send him a patch before long. If any of the ones I sent are dirty just wash them out, write all you can.
Love, Ted
Sunday, March 27, 2011
September 11, 1953
Fri Sept 11, 1953
Dear Mom, Dad, and Snapper
Not much new. Same old stuff. I still haven't gotten any letters. Don't worry about it though. Probably by the time you get this letter I'll have received some. I know you are writing.
This afternoon we had a special service show. Do you remember Dick Continto who was on Horace Height Show for so long. He was drafted into the army and didn't report. Well he is in the army now over seas here. He is with special service here. He put on a show. He can really play the accordion. He was dressed in fatigues. I was surprised when I saw him.
We have a movie every other night. Last night I went to see the Prince Was a Pirate. with John Derek. It was pretty good. Last night everyone bought some Toddy. It's Carmel chocolate malted milk. The company gets it and divides it up.
I think I get to take a shower tonight. I hope so anyway.
I got a sleeping bag now. One of the guys had an extra one so he let me have it. I got some pretty good friends now. One is Besky an airborne guy who came in the same time I did and another guy Ryales, a Spanish kid. He gave me the sleeping bag.
They are having another Dick Continto Show tonight so I think I will go after I the shower. I sure can use one.
I wish I could have taken some pictures of the show. I am going to start taking my camera. I have a lot of pictures taken but I haven't got any back yet.
Love, Ted
Dear Mom, Dad, and Snapper
Not much new. Same old stuff. I still haven't gotten any letters. Don't worry about it though. Probably by the time you get this letter I'll have received some. I know you are writing.
This afternoon we had a special service show. Do you remember Dick Continto who was on Horace Height Show for so long. He was drafted into the army and didn't report. Well he is in the army now over seas here. He is with special service here. He put on a show. He can really play the accordion. He was dressed in fatigues. I was surprised when I saw him.
We have a movie every other night. Last night I went to see the Prince Was a Pirate. with John Derek. It was pretty good. Last night everyone bought some Toddy. It's Carmel chocolate malted milk. The company gets it and divides it up.
I think I get to take a shower tonight. I hope so anyway.
I got a sleeping bag now. One of the guys had an extra one so he let me have it. I got some pretty good friends now. One is Besky an airborne guy who came in the same time I did and another guy Ryales, a Spanish kid. He gave me the sleeping bag.
They are having another Dick Continto Show tonight so I think I will go after I the shower. I sure can use one.
I wish I could have taken some pictures of the show. I am going to start taking my camera. I have a lot of pictures taken but I haven't got any back yet.
Love, Ted
Saturday, March 26, 2011
September 10, 1953
Thursday Sept 10, 1953
Dear Mom, Dad, and Snapper
How is everything at home. I haven't done much of anything. Yesterday I laid around in the tent and wrote some letters. Yesterday afternoon we got to see a USO show. It was Jess Williams Western Variety Show. It was pretty good. They had the same show last night. Where they have the shows is just in back of us over the hill. I went last night and saw the same show. They had about 4 girls in it. They played and sang.
This morning we went out and had PT for about an hour and then had classes on the M-1. We have PT an hour a day. That is more than we had in basic. We only had PT 2 or 3 times a week.
I sure get plenty of sleep. I went to bed last night at 8:00. There isn't much to do after it gets dark.
Next week we go out on the rifle range and fire. Soon as things get straightened out I'll turn in my M-1 for a carbine or a 45 pistol. If you are in the Mortar Section that's all you carry. Right now I am low man on the squad but they move around a lot so I might be gunner or assistant gunner before long.
They don't seem to talk much about the war. About 85% of the guys were here when the fighting was going on. They haven't had hardly any causalities. They held part of the line by themselves since the war started. So they are a pretty good team. I think their record here is better than anywhere.
We have Korean ROCK soldiers here. Each squad has one or two, so there isn't to many that can't talk anything but Korean and the GI's talk to them and they don't seem to understand a lot, but know all the cuss words. Even then they don't know what the words mean. When someone tells them to do something or talks to them, whether it is an officer or not they just say cuss word. Everyone gets a kick out of them and they tease them a lot.
It wont get cold until next month or late November. That's when it starts snowing. They are going to start winterizing the tents before long.
We just finished lunch. We had fish, potatoes, beans, salad, bread and peanut butter, apple sauce, pie and coffee. That's not to bad.
I guess I wont have a chance to buy any Xmas presents to send home unless we leave here or they bring something in to buy. The PX just has things you need.
About the only problem here is trying to keep clean. We can take a shower about twice a week. We can turn our pair of underwear in once a week for clean ones if they have any. I am glad I have my extra pair. I am going to try and wash my own clothes because all the ones I have now fit me and if I turn them in I might get any size.
Well I have to fall out in a minute so I guess I will close for now. I'll write more later on today.
(later)
We had a parade this afternoon, band and all. They awarded some metals to some people. That's about all we did today. I just finished dinner and tonight I think I will go take a shower.
I traded my M-1 for an automatic carbine. I also got a pistol belt instead of a cartridge belt. I traded my bayonet for a knife or a small bayonet for use on a carbine. I don't have to much weight right now to carry around.
At the present time there is not to much of anything I need. Do you remember those garters you sent me at Camp Roberts? They were elastic and adjustable and you can hook them together. I could use a pair of those. You can just send them in an envelope with a letter.
I hope you get my mail OK. I haven't had any yet. It sure made me mad that they would not give me any at Sasebo. I haven't had any sense I got off the ship at Port Sasebo.
What do you hear from Margie and Jim and everyone. I am going to write Lowell one of these days. Do you ever hear from him?
One thing they are short of here is shoe polish. You can't hardly get it but one in a while. It doesn't do to much good to polish your boots because it is so dusty.
Did I tell you the dates that I got here. It was September 7 on a Monday when I arrived at Inchon. That would be labor day I think and I got to the 5 RCT on 8th the next day. I haven't got a patch yet. It is red and is shaped like a bird house with a white border. It has five sides to it.
Well I don't know to much yet. Read the papers you might see something about the 5th RCT, 2nd Battalion, Company G. If you ever do let me know.
I will try to write often because I know you wonder what I am doing. Don't worry about me because it is easy going here. Did Snapper ever get the jacket I sent? Let me know.
Love, Ted
Dear Mom, Dad, and Snapper
How is everything at home. I haven't done much of anything. Yesterday I laid around in the tent and wrote some letters. Yesterday afternoon we got to see a USO show. It was Jess Williams Western Variety Show. It was pretty good. They had the same show last night. Where they have the shows is just in back of us over the hill. I went last night and saw the same show. They had about 4 girls in it. They played and sang.
This morning we went out and had PT for about an hour and then had classes on the M-1. We have PT an hour a day. That is more than we had in basic. We only had PT 2 or 3 times a week.
I sure get plenty of sleep. I went to bed last night at 8:00. There isn't much to do after it gets dark.
Next week we go out on the rifle range and fire. Soon as things get straightened out I'll turn in my M-1 for a carbine or a 45 pistol. If you are in the Mortar Section that's all you carry. Right now I am low man on the squad but they move around a lot so I might be gunner or assistant gunner before long.
They don't seem to talk much about the war. About 85% of the guys were here when the fighting was going on. They haven't had hardly any causalities. They held part of the line by themselves since the war started. So they are a pretty good team. I think their record here is better than anywhere.
We have Korean ROCK soldiers here. Each squad has one or two, so there isn't to many that can't talk anything but Korean and the GI's talk to them and they don't seem to understand a lot, but know all the cuss words. Even then they don't know what the words mean. When someone tells them to do something or talks to them, whether it is an officer or not they just say cuss word. Everyone gets a kick out of them and they tease them a lot.
It wont get cold until next month or late November. That's when it starts snowing. They are going to start winterizing the tents before long.
We just finished lunch. We had fish, potatoes, beans, salad, bread and peanut butter, apple sauce, pie and coffee. That's not to bad.
I guess I wont have a chance to buy any Xmas presents to send home unless we leave here or they bring something in to buy. The PX just has things you need.
About the only problem here is trying to keep clean. We can take a shower about twice a week. We can turn our pair of underwear in once a week for clean ones if they have any. I am glad I have my extra pair. I am going to try and wash my own clothes because all the ones I have now fit me and if I turn them in I might get any size.
Well I have to fall out in a minute so I guess I will close for now. I'll write more later on today.
(later)
We had a parade this afternoon, band and all. They awarded some metals to some people. That's about all we did today. I just finished dinner and tonight I think I will go take a shower.
I traded my M-1 for an automatic carbine. I also got a pistol belt instead of a cartridge belt. I traded my bayonet for a knife or a small bayonet for use on a carbine. I don't have to much weight right now to carry around.
At the present time there is not to much of anything I need. Do you remember those garters you sent me at Camp Roberts? They were elastic and adjustable and you can hook them together. I could use a pair of those. You can just send them in an envelope with a letter.
I hope you get my mail OK. I haven't had any yet. It sure made me mad that they would not give me any at Sasebo. I haven't had any sense I got off the ship at Port Sasebo.
What do you hear from Margie and Jim and everyone. I am going to write Lowell one of these days. Do you ever hear from him?
One thing they are short of here is shoe polish. You can't hardly get it but one in a while. It doesn't do to much good to polish your boots because it is so dusty.
Did I tell you the dates that I got here. It was September 7 on a Monday when I arrived at Inchon. That would be labor day I think and I got to the 5 RCT on 8th the next day. I haven't got a patch yet. It is red and is shaped like a bird house with a white border. It has five sides to it.
Well I don't know to much yet. Read the papers you might see something about the 5th RCT, 2nd Battalion, Company G. If you ever do let me know.
I will try to write often because I know you wonder what I am doing. Don't worry about me because it is easy going here. Did Snapper ever get the jacket I sent? Let me know.
Love, Ted
Friday, March 25, 2011
September 9, 1953, Korea
Note to reader: This is a continuation of the letter posted last time.
Wed 9 Sept 53 - Well I finally got here. This is the first chance I have had to write. Monday we unloaded off the Marine Lynx to landing craft and then to the port of Inchon. We got a trucks there. It was about 6 pm before we left there and then we had c rations in the truck. We drove from Inchon through Seoul and then to the 3 Division Replacement. I don't know what that is.
Our convoy got lost so they dropped us off at the third at 3am Tues morn. Some ride. I saw quite a bit of Korea though, not much to it. It is very poor looking. Little kids beg in the street when we drive by. I through some penny's to them.
It is hot here in the day and get plenty cold at night. We left the 3 Div about 10 in the morning and came to the 5th RCT replacement center and then got sent to the company. The 5th RCT is not connected with any Division. They are a unit of their own and smaller than a Div. The 5th is one of the oldest regiments or outfits in Korea and is the best. I was sent to G Company. From there I was assigned to 4th platoon, 1st squad. I am on the 60mm mortar.
It is pretty nice here. After the war the 5th pulled back and sat up here. We are in a valley. Each company has there own area. We stay in squad tents. Two squads to a tent. My tent sits on the side of a hill overlooking the other tents. They took our fatigues shirts here and all my shorts and socks and T Shirts. When the Sgt wasn't looking I put 2 pairs of shorts and T shirts in my duffel bag with 2 pairs of socks. They don't give you anything other than what is on your back and one pair of fatigues pants and a pair of socks. I got an M1 and a helmet. We sleep on cots. I haven't got a sleeping bad yet, so I made one out of some blankets they gave me at Sasebo. I slept worm.
I didn't get to see any of the boys after I got off the boat. Don't know where they are now. It was sure lonesome at first but its not so bad now. There are some nice guys in this company. Most of them are combat vets.
Our camp is about 6 miles north of the 38 parallel and about 20 miles from the front. I think we will stay here. If the war is over this outfit will go to Hawaii, that is their home base. Hope it is so.
Since the war stopped they have started a 26 week training course. This is the 3rd week now. Not like basic though. Wont be as long of hours. Our food is good here. This isn't near as bad as I had planned. We have a show 2 times a week, PX, and today they are going to have a USO Show. I can see what the army is really like now. I like it better than the states. I haven't gotten any mail yet. Wont start coming until about 2 weeks. When you write, write me at this new address.
Every once in a while I get to go for R&R for a day here in Korea or a weekend for 3 days. They take 4 men everyday out of the company and send them to a town 20 miles from here. They have ice cream, beer etc. There isn't any beer here right now. They get some every once in a while.
I wont get paid until the end of the moth, but I don't need anything. I have 20 dollars, that should last a month or two.
Well I can't tell you everything all at once so I will just wait until I write again and tell you what goes on. Find out from Cecil Talket where his boy is. Send me his address if he is close. I will look him up. Give him mine.
Love, Ted
PVT Teddy S McAnally US55337884
Co G 5th RCT
APO 52 Care PMSF
5th RCT
Wed 9 Sept 53 - Well I finally got here. This is the first chance I have had to write. Monday we unloaded off the Marine Lynx to landing craft and then to the port of Inchon. We got a trucks there. It was about 6 pm before we left there and then we had c rations in the truck. We drove from Inchon through Seoul and then to the 3 Division Replacement. I don't know what that is.
Our convoy got lost so they dropped us off at the third at 3am Tues morn. Some ride. I saw quite a bit of Korea though, not much to it. It is very poor looking. Little kids beg in the street when we drive by. I through some penny's to them.
It is hot here in the day and get plenty cold at night. We left the 3 Div about 10 in the morning and came to the 5th RCT replacement center and then got sent to the company. The 5th RCT is not connected with any Division. They are a unit of their own and smaller than a Div. The 5th is one of the oldest regiments or outfits in Korea and is the best. I was sent to G Company. From there I was assigned to 4th platoon, 1st squad. I am on the 60mm mortar.
It is pretty nice here. After the war the 5th pulled back and sat up here. We are in a valley. Each company has there own area. We stay in squad tents. Two squads to a tent. My tent sits on the side of a hill overlooking the other tents. They took our fatigues shirts here and all my shorts and socks and T Shirts. When the Sgt wasn't looking I put 2 pairs of shorts and T shirts in my duffel bag with 2 pairs of socks. They don't give you anything other than what is on your back and one pair of fatigues pants and a pair of socks. I got an M1 and a helmet. We sleep on cots. I haven't got a sleeping bad yet, so I made one out of some blankets they gave me at Sasebo. I slept worm.
I didn't get to see any of the boys after I got off the boat. Don't know where they are now. It was sure lonesome at first but its not so bad now. There are some nice guys in this company. Most of them are combat vets.
Our camp is about 6 miles north of the 38 parallel and about 20 miles from the front. I think we will stay here. If the war is over this outfit will go to Hawaii, that is their home base. Hope it is so.
Since the war stopped they have started a 26 week training course. This is the 3rd week now. Not like basic though. Wont be as long of hours. Our food is good here. This isn't near as bad as I had planned. We have a show 2 times a week, PX, and today they are going to have a USO Show. I can see what the army is really like now. I like it better than the states. I haven't gotten any mail yet. Wont start coming until about 2 weeks. When you write, write me at this new address.
Every once in a while I get to go for R&R for a day here in Korea or a weekend for 3 days. They take 4 men everyday out of the company and send them to a town 20 miles from here. They have ice cream, beer etc. There isn't any beer here right now. They get some every once in a while.
I wont get paid until the end of the moth, but I don't need anything. I have 20 dollars, that should last a month or two.
Well I can't tell you everything all at once so I will just wait until I write again and tell you what goes on. Find out from Cecil Talket where his boy is. Send me his address if he is close. I will look him up. Give him mine.
Love, Ted
PVT Teddy S McAnally US55337884
Co G 5th RCT
APO 52 Care PMSF
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Continued from Sept 5th
.
Sunday Sept 6, 1953. Didn't do much today. Played blackjack with some of the boys this morning and then pulled guard for about 4 hours. Today we could see the west coast of Korea. We are going up between China and Korea now. Inchon is close to the 38 parallel. From now on I get my mail free. Look for my free mark from now on.
I have heard some talk that if the truce works out all troops would be taken from Korea and the day we land in Korea we will get out in 18 months. The way it is now everyone after the 1st of Sept stays 16 months more. It doesn't sound right to me, not real clear. Do I have to stay longer or get out earlier? Army! Have you heard about it in the papers? Let me know. I hope something works out so I can get out early.
They have a show tonight for our compartment, Ivanhoe. Think I will go see it. I lost 5 bucks playing cards. That's enough. I didn't really mind though because I am still way ahead. I have seen some rough poker games. Some guys win and lose 200 and 500 dollars in the game. Glad I am not that interested. Most of those guys are vets with 10 to 15 years in the army. Most of them are Sgts. Well not to much more for now. I'll write tomorrow. By the way that round patch with the airplane on a parachute is the emblem the paratroopers wear on the left side of the caps by the front.
...continued
Sunday Sept 6, 1953. Didn't do much today. Played blackjack with some of the boys this morning and then pulled guard for about 4 hours. Today we could see the west coast of Korea. We are going up between China and Korea now. Inchon is close to the 38 parallel. From now on I get my mail free. Look for my free mark from now on.
I have heard some talk that if the truce works out all troops would be taken from Korea and the day we land in Korea we will get out in 18 months. The way it is now everyone after the 1st of Sept stays 16 months more. It doesn't sound right to me, not real clear. Do I have to stay longer or get out earlier? Army! Have you heard about it in the papers? Let me know. I hope something works out so I can get out early.
They have a show tonight for our compartment, Ivanhoe. Think I will go see it. I lost 5 bucks playing cards. That's enough. I didn't really mind though because I am still way ahead. I have seen some rough poker games. Some guys win and lose 200 and 500 dollars in the game. Glad I am not that interested. Most of those guys are vets with 10 to 15 years in the army. Most of them are Sgts. Well not to much more for now. I'll write tomorrow. By the way that round patch with the airplane on a parachute is the emblem the paratroopers wear on the left side of the caps by the front.
...continued
September 5, 1953. On My Way
Sat. Sept 5, 1953
Dear Mom, Dad and Snapper
Well I am on my way. I changed my clothes last night about 9 pm. Didn't get much. I turned in everything I had except my shorts, t-shirts, socks etc. I got 2 pairs of impregnated fatigues. They are treated for the prevention of lice. I got a complete pair of shorts and extra socks. Nice to have them. They gave us a cartridge belt, canteen, mess kit. While I was changing my clothes some one came in the tent and took my rain coat. Guess I will have to get another one before long some way.
This morn we all lined up to get on the ship. We started at 10 am and loaded in order of buses to go to the ship. It was about 3 before they got to me. There were about 4000 or more. All of us guys got split up but were all on the ship. We are on the USNS Marine Lynx. It is not quite as big as the Meigs, but is a lot nicer and seems to have more room. I sleep in a compartment with 32 men. We have a water fountain, piano, coke machine, and right off the day room. Sipes is in the next compartment.
We are supposed to be out 36 hours. We pulled out about 8 pm tonight and suppose to arrive at Ishan Korea about 8 Monday morning. I am still not sure what outfit I am going to yet but I think it is the 5th RTC. It is not a division but a regiment. I will tell you more about it later on.
So far I have not been part of any details yet. I doubt if I will have to because it is such a short trip. Did I tell you that my over seas time started Aug 10. I sure should get a good big pay check next time. I have only drawn 100 dollars sense June 15. I should draw about 160. If I do I will send 100 home.
They didn't give us our mail at Sasebo. Hope I get it at Ishan where I get off the boat. Well can't mail this yet so I'll add to it tomorrow.
...continued
Dear Mom, Dad and Snapper
Well I am on my way. I changed my clothes last night about 9 pm. Didn't get much. I turned in everything I had except my shorts, t-shirts, socks etc. I got 2 pairs of impregnated fatigues. They are treated for the prevention of lice. I got a complete pair of shorts and extra socks. Nice to have them. They gave us a cartridge belt, canteen, mess kit. While I was changing my clothes some one came in the tent and took my rain coat. Guess I will have to get another one before long some way.
This morn we all lined up to get on the ship. We started at 10 am and loaded in order of buses to go to the ship. It was about 3 before they got to me. There were about 4000 or more. All of us guys got split up but were all on the ship. We are on the USNS Marine Lynx. It is not quite as big as the Meigs, but is a lot nicer and seems to have more room. I sleep in a compartment with 32 men. We have a water fountain, piano, coke machine, and right off the day room. Sipes is in the next compartment.
We are supposed to be out 36 hours. We pulled out about 8 pm tonight and suppose to arrive at Ishan Korea about 8 Monday morning. I am still not sure what outfit I am going to yet but I think it is the 5th RTC. It is not a division but a regiment. I will tell you more about it later on.
So far I have not been part of any details yet. I doubt if I will have to because it is such a short trip. Did I tell you that my over seas time started Aug 10. I sure should get a good big pay check next time. I have only drawn 100 dollars sense June 15. I should draw about 160. If I do I will send 100 home.
They didn't give us our mail at Sasebo. Hope I get it at Ishan where I get off the boat. Well can't mail this yet so I'll add to it tomorrow.
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
September 3, 1953. Sasabo, cont...
....continued
We might be here a while yet. A new bunch came in to day. I was on detail this morning. I cleaned up the day room. That is better than having to drill or do physical training. Reynolds and Zink got on a detail to take laundry to town. They got to stop and drink beer. Wish I could get a detail like that.
We got our names turned in for a pass. I might not get one thought. They only give out so many a night.
We just got done with diner. We had ice cream. The seem to have plenty of that. The food is better than we have had in the states. Well not much more right now. I'll finish this letter later on.
Well we all got our orders this afternoon. Zink is going to a Chemical, Biological Warfare School at Eta Jima. The school is a 2 week course. All of the rest of us are going to a different Division. Thiederman 409 Div, Prather 45 Div, Kozbo 2 Div, Reynolds 7 Div, Lewellen 3 Div, and I am going to the 5 Div. I am not really sure about mine yet. Sipes is going to the 25 Div. We were all putt out about getting spread out. Nothing we can do about it because of our school.
We are going to turn in our clothes tomorrow. Tonight we bought some watermelon and peaches. They were sure good. I bought Snapper a jacket. It is a medium. I sure hope it fits him. I thought it would be nice for him to wear to school. It cost me 3 dollars at the PX and 80 cents to mail it. I thought it would be nice for him. Let me know about it. If he can't wear it sell it or keep it for a souvenir. If it is to big save it for him for next year. Well Zink and I are going to play some checkers. I will write tomorrow.
Friday September 4, 1953. Well didn't do to much today. I worked up around the mess hall today. We cleaned the walls off on the outside. It rained most of the day so we sat in the mess hall and drank coffee. This afternoon and evening we played poker. 7 card stud. I won about 10 dollars. Zink left about 5 o'clock this even. I sure hated to see him leave. In fact I hate to be split up from all the guys. We get along swell and have a lot of fun. It's 9 PM now and we have to go turn in our clothes now. I think we will leave sometime tomorrow.
I believe I am going to the 5th RCT - not a Div at all. It is a Regimental Combat Team. Then an out fit from there. I don't know my new address yet. I'll write it as soon as I can.
They had mail cal the other night but they quit before they got to the M's. Hope I get some before I leave here.
Love, Ted
We might be here a while yet. A new bunch came in to day. I was on detail this morning. I cleaned up the day room. That is better than having to drill or do physical training. Reynolds and Zink got on a detail to take laundry to town. They got to stop and drink beer. Wish I could get a detail like that.
We got our names turned in for a pass. I might not get one thought. They only give out so many a night.
We just got done with diner. We had ice cream. The seem to have plenty of that. The food is better than we have had in the states. Well not much more right now. I'll finish this letter later on.
Well we all got our orders this afternoon. Zink is going to a Chemical, Biological Warfare School at Eta Jima. The school is a 2 week course. All of the rest of us are going to a different Division. Thiederman 409 Div, Prather 45 Div, Kozbo 2 Div, Reynolds 7 Div, Lewellen 3 Div, and I am going to the 5 Div. I am not really sure about mine yet. Sipes is going to the 25 Div. We were all putt out about getting spread out. Nothing we can do about it because of our school.
We are going to turn in our clothes tomorrow. Tonight we bought some watermelon and peaches. They were sure good. I bought Snapper a jacket. It is a medium. I sure hope it fits him. I thought it would be nice for him to wear to school. It cost me 3 dollars at the PX and 80 cents to mail it. I thought it would be nice for him. Let me know about it. If he can't wear it sell it or keep it for a souvenir. If it is to big save it for him for next year. Well Zink and I are going to play some checkers. I will write tomorrow.
Friday September 4, 1953. Well didn't do to much today. I worked up around the mess hall today. We cleaned the walls off on the outside. It rained most of the day so we sat in the mess hall and drank coffee. This afternoon and evening we played poker. 7 card stud. I won about 10 dollars. Zink left about 5 o'clock this even. I sure hated to see him leave. In fact I hate to be split up from all the guys. We get along swell and have a lot of fun. It's 9 PM now and we have to go turn in our clothes now. I think we will leave sometime tomorrow.
I believe I am going to the 5th RCT - not a Div at all. It is a Regimental Combat Team. Then an out fit from there. I don't know my new address yet. I'll write it as soon as I can.
They had mail cal the other night but they quit before they got to the M's. Hope I get some before I leave here.
Love, Ted
Saturday, March 19, 2011
September 3, 1953 Sasebo
Thurs 3, 1953
Dear Mom,m Dad and Snapper
Not to much news here. Sure is hot. We sweat all day and night and when you get up in the morning your clothes are still wet from the day before. Mosquitoes are bad here. They give us pill once a week for malaria fever. I have to sleep under a sheet to keep from getting bit up.
Yesterday afternoon I took a good shower. It sure felt good. The wash basin in the shower hits you about your knees. That is because the Japs are so short. I took some laundry to the Jap laundry here. It cost me 51 cents for what I had. Last night I went to the PX and got some things. everything is high except beer and cigarettes. You can only buy 2 cartons of cigarettes a week. They have ice cream and watermelon.
Thiderman, Zink, and I went to the beer hall and got some beer. 2 cans cost 24 cents, Budweiser. That is about all I did. I got a hair cut, cost 25 cents. The shop has about 50 Jap barbers. Some are women. They do a good job, better than the states, they take a lot more time. I get a kick out of watching them. They remind me of bees or ants. They just jabber away while they work and everything they do has to be just right.
Some of the guys got shipped out today from out tent. So now we got all the guys in the same tent, one of the boys is in charge of something or other so we have a good chance to get passes. I hope to get one tonight.
continued......
Dear Mom,m Dad and Snapper
Not to much news here. Sure is hot. We sweat all day and night and when you get up in the morning your clothes are still wet from the day before. Mosquitoes are bad here. They give us pill once a week for malaria fever. I have to sleep under a sheet to keep from getting bit up.
Yesterday afternoon I took a good shower. It sure felt good. The wash basin in the shower hits you about your knees. That is because the Japs are so short. I took some laundry to the Jap laundry here. It cost me 51 cents for what I had. Last night I went to the PX and got some things. everything is high except beer and cigarettes. You can only buy 2 cartons of cigarettes a week. They have ice cream and watermelon.
Thiderman, Zink, and I went to the beer hall and got some beer. 2 cans cost 24 cents, Budweiser. That is about all I did. I got a hair cut, cost 25 cents. The shop has about 50 Jap barbers. Some are women. They do a good job, better than the states, they take a lot more time. I get a kick out of watching them. They remind me of bees or ants. They just jabber away while they work and everything they do has to be just right.
Some of the guys got shipped out today from out tent. So now we got all the guys in the same tent, one of the boys is in charge of something or other so we have a good chance to get passes. I hope to get one tonight.
continued......
Friday, March 18, 2011
September 1, 1953. Sasebo, Japan, Cont.
...continued
I am glad everything is going OK at work. Say hello to the boys for me.
They have shows here, PX, beer hall, bowling, service club, and skating rink. there isn't much to look at around here. The roads are made of rock and the tents don't look like much but the buildings look pretty good. We sit 4 at a table in the mess hall. Water is rationed here. You can only take a shower between 2 and 4.
I was sure broke when I got paid. I had about 60 cents and 100 yen. I got your stamps. I needed them bad.
2Sept 1953
I didn't get to finish this letter last night. It's 11 AM now. Last night they called us out and talked to us. They told us that this camp was a Jap Marine Base during the war. Sasebo was the town they wanted to drop the Atom Bomb on. To bad they didn't. They call this place the Florida of Japan. It is on the island of Tysher or something like that.
Last night we were on detail for a while. We cleaned out a ditch. They have Japanese truck drivers. I talked with a little guy for awhile. They have mostly Jap civilian workers here.
We haven't heard anything about when we ship yet. I hope to say here a while.
I have a couple of new patches for Snapper. I'll mail them some time in one of the letters. I also have some cloth paratrooper wings that they wear on fatigues. I am sending the picture they drew of me in Yokohama. Doesn't look a lot like me.
Well don't have much more to to say right now. I'll write you again soon.
Love, Ted
I am glad everything is going OK at work. Say hello to the boys for me.
They have shows here, PX, beer hall, bowling, service club, and skating rink. there isn't much to look at around here. The roads are made of rock and the tents don't look like much but the buildings look pretty good. We sit 4 at a table in the mess hall. Water is rationed here. You can only take a shower between 2 and 4.
I was sure broke when I got paid. I had about 60 cents and 100 yen. I got your stamps. I needed them bad.
2Sept 1953
I didn't get to finish this letter last night. It's 11 AM now. Last night they called us out and talked to us. They told us that this camp was a Jap Marine Base during the war. Sasebo was the town they wanted to drop the Atom Bomb on. To bad they didn't. They call this place the Florida of Japan. It is on the island of Tysher or something like that.
Last night we were on detail for a while. We cleaned out a ditch. They have Japanese truck drivers. I talked with a little guy for awhile. They have mostly Jap civilian workers here.
We haven't heard anything about when we ship yet. I hope to say here a while.
I have a couple of new patches for Snapper. I'll mail them some time in one of the letters. I also have some cloth paratrooper wings that they wear on fatigues. I am sending the picture they drew of me in Yokohama. Doesn't look a lot like me.
Well don't have much more to to say right now. I'll write you again soon.
Love, Ted
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
September 1, 1953-Sasebo
Tues, Sept 1, 1953
Dear Mom, Dad, and Snapper
How is everything at home. Everything is OK here. We left Yokohama Sunday afternoon the 30th of August for Sasebo, Japan. The ocean was rough all the way and has been windy, misty, and cloudy ever sense Sat. I don't know where Sasebo is exactly but you can look on the map. We arrived this morning about 10. I was one of the first to get off. All of the guys were right together. We got mail when we got off of the ship. I got 5 letters altogether. 3 of them were mailed to me at Stoneman and 2 from Dad that were mailed the 16 or 17. That is all I have got so far.
We got here at Camp Sasebo about noon. We have processed with our records and got paid about 20 dollars. I still wont get paid my entire amount until I get to my next station.
We were issued bedding and a canteen. It is plenty hot here. I think we are way down south. The food here is darn good so far. We live in wood frames with tents over the top. I think they might be cool.
I didn't tell you at Camp Stoneman when they made up our shipping orders that Zink was the only one who was not in the special orders with us. According to the orders we are supposed to go to the 25th Infantry Div. I don't know for sure but I think we will. We shouldn't be here to long. Some of the guys are leaving tonight and tomorrow. We get a new issue of clothes here. We turn in most of the clothes we have now and get our field issue. I should know tomorrow whether we will leave or not.
I would like to got into town here and see what it is like. I have enjoyed it so far and I don't think 2 years will be to bad. It's about like Dad said in his letter.
They have Japs for KP here and I doubt if I will have to pull any of that here. They told us after we get to our out fit we may get a chance to go to school. I hope we do.
Continued.......
Dear Mom, Dad, and Snapper
How is everything at home. Everything is OK here. We left Yokohama Sunday afternoon the 30th of August for Sasebo, Japan. The ocean was rough all the way and has been windy, misty, and cloudy ever sense Sat. I don't know where Sasebo is exactly but you can look on the map. We arrived this morning about 10. I was one of the first to get off. All of the guys were right together. We got mail when we got off of the ship. I got 5 letters altogether. 3 of them were mailed to me at Stoneman and 2 from Dad that were mailed the 16 or 17. That is all I have got so far.
We got here at Camp Sasebo about noon. We have processed with our records and got paid about 20 dollars. I still wont get paid my entire amount until I get to my next station.
We were issued bedding and a canteen. It is plenty hot here. I think we are way down south. The food here is darn good so far. We live in wood frames with tents over the top. I think they might be cool.
I didn't tell you at Camp Stoneman when they made up our shipping orders that Zink was the only one who was not in the special orders with us. According to the orders we are supposed to go to the 25th Infantry Div. I don't know for sure but I think we will. We shouldn't be here to long. Some of the guys are leaving tonight and tomorrow. We get a new issue of clothes here. We turn in most of the clothes we have now and get our field issue. I should know tomorrow whether we will leave or not.
I would like to got into town here and see what it is like. I have enjoyed it so far and I don't think 2 years will be to bad. It's about like Dad said in his letter.
They have Japs for KP here and I doubt if I will have to pull any of that here. They told us after we get to our out fit we may get a chance to go to school. I hope we do.
Continued.......
Monday, March 14, 2011
August Explanations
Camp Stoneman was used as a debarkation point for WWII and Korea. Thousands of men went through there. Any of you that have been in the military know that there is plenty of nothing to do a lot. Those in charge have to make up things and the troops know this so they become a little passive aggressive. The funniest thing is when they were all marching about, about 150 Dad says, and were halted in front of a company headquarters. As soon as they were left alone, all 150 scattered simultaneously.
His orders to shoot anyone who tried to escape when he was at a detention camp must have been sobering.
He mentions several people again but the only one who I sort of remember is the guy named Zink, I think he lived down the street from us and his family owned a dry cleaners in Fairmount for awhile. I guess he was not too mad a mom because he sold her his car. He seems to be with all the guys who had the "special" training.
The ship must have been an experience. He had never been on one and I thought it amusing that he said when the sea got choppy, that it was "the roughest he had ever seen."
I thought it interesting the way he washed his clothes on the ship. I wonder how many guys threw their clothes over the side and lost them because they didn't tie the rope tight enough.
The last letter I posted just exudes his fascination with Yokohama and Japan in general. It was the first time he had ever been out of the country and you can tell how excited he was. I remember very vividly the stuff he sent back and still have several of the items. I had a denim jacket with all the patches he sent sewed on and was quite the hit at school and the silk embroidery jacket he finally did buy and sent home. It was reversible and very colorful. I have no idea what happened to either jacket.
Dad is getting ready to take off from Yokohama and really does not know where he is going to be stationed yet.
His orders to shoot anyone who tried to escape when he was at a detention camp must have been sobering.
He mentions several people again but the only one who I sort of remember is the guy named Zink, I think he lived down the street from us and his family owned a dry cleaners in Fairmount for awhile. I guess he was not too mad a mom because he sold her his car. He seems to be with all the guys who had the "special" training.
The ship must have been an experience. He had never been on one and I thought it amusing that he said when the sea got choppy, that it was "the roughest he had ever seen."
I thought it interesting the way he washed his clothes on the ship. I wonder how many guys threw their clothes over the side and lost them because they didn't tie the rope tight enough.
The last letter I posted just exudes his fascination with Yokohama and Japan in general. It was the first time he had ever been out of the country and you can tell how excited he was. I remember very vividly the stuff he sent back and still have several of the items. I had a denim jacket with all the patches he sent sewed on and was quite the hit at school and the silk embroidery jacket he finally did buy and sent home. It was reversible and very colorful. I have no idea what happened to either jacket.
Dad is getting ready to take off from Yokohama and really does not know where he is going to be stationed yet.
Sunday, March 13, 2011
August 30, 1953. Yokohama
Sun Aug 30, 1953
Dear Mom, Dad and Snapper
Well we landed in Yokohama Sat about noon. It sure was good to see land again. A few of us were lucky to get a pass. I left the ship about 5 pm and didn't have to be back till 11 pm. I sure enjoyed myself.
I had about $5 and changed it to 1800 yen. I saw a lot of things I would like to send home. I will the next time I get a chance. I bought a lot of small things. This stationery was 150 yen, rubber shower slippers 200 yen, cigarettes 40 yen, I had a guy draw my picture for 200 yen. I'll send you that. Beer is only 160 yen a quart. A girl sits with you and pours it for you and talks to you. They really treat you nice here. They talk enough English that you can get along good.
It was cloudy and to dark to take pictures.
I saw a jacket I would like to send Snapper. It's a silk zipper jacket with embroidery on it. It only cost 1100 yen which is about 3 dollars. 360 yen is a dollar. I will get another chance before long probably.
You should write me and tell me the name of that China you want, and anything else you would like. If I go to Korea I can come to Japan every 3 months for 7 days. That's the way they do now any way. Everything is dirt cheap. I really like it here. Yokohama isn't the best place in Japan though. I was surprised at it in some ways. They drive American cars here, Fords, Chevy's, Plymouth's etc. There are 47 and 48's mostly. They dress American style and oriental. They don't wear shoes much, mostly sandals. Their stores are neat and clean.
I went to the United Nations snack bar and had a club sand. (ham, cheese, tomatoes, potato salad, 3 Decker) it only cost about 30 cents. It was a regular American place where they serve only GI's. You can spend American script there.
Coming in to the bay there were a lot of ships and fishing boats. The sky was cloudy and misty and we couldn't see very far and they played music. The only people who got off were Air Force officers. We stayed here all night so they gave out a few passes. I was the only one of us who got a pass.
In town they don't ware ties. Our ship is going to leave here before to long, it is about 11:30 am now. I'll be glad to get where we are going. I am a little bit tied of this ship. I guess we go to Sasabo, Japan from here and then they send us from there. Where that is going to be.
I sure wish you could be here to see the country. It is really something to see and something I will always remember. I would like to have spent more time here but I guess I will get another before to long.
What size jacket should I get Snapper. I don't want to get one too small. They showed me one for a boy 6 years old but I couldn't tell if it would fit him or not.
Write me and tell me anything you want. I looked for a zipo lighter for Dad but all I could find were those that looked liek a Roson. I can probably find one a little later on.
This paper is Japanese Wood Paper with lacquer paint. I thought it was very pretty so I got some. Each page is different.
Well I can hardly wait until I hear from you. I sure hope I get some mail from you. Hope you tell me all the news about everything and everyone.
Well not much for me to say for right now. I'll write tomorrow or the next day. This letter probably wont get mailed for a few days.
Lots of love, Ted
P.S. A am sending a few thing home to keep as souvenirs. They money is only 10 yen. It isn't worth much considering that 360 yen is only 1 dollar.
Dear Mom, Dad and Snapper
Well we landed in Yokohama Sat about noon. It sure was good to see land again. A few of us were lucky to get a pass. I left the ship about 5 pm and didn't have to be back till 11 pm. I sure enjoyed myself.
I had about $5 and changed it to 1800 yen. I saw a lot of things I would like to send home. I will the next time I get a chance. I bought a lot of small things. This stationery was 150 yen, rubber shower slippers 200 yen, cigarettes 40 yen, I had a guy draw my picture for 200 yen. I'll send you that. Beer is only 160 yen a quart. A girl sits with you and pours it for you and talks to you. They really treat you nice here. They talk enough English that you can get along good.
It was cloudy and to dark to take pictures.
I saw a jacket I would like to send Snapper. It's a silk zipper jacket with embroidery on it. It only cost 1100 yen which is about 3 dollars. 360 yen is a dollar. I will get another chance before long probably.
You should write me and tell me the name of that China you want, and anything else you would like. If I go to Korea I can come to Japan every 3 months for 7 days. That's the way they do now any way. Everything is dirt cheap. I really like it here. Yokohama isn't the best place in Japan though. I was surprised at it in some ways. They drive American cars here, Fords, Chevy's, Plymouth's etc. There are 47 and 48's mostly. They dress American style and oriental. They don't wear shoes much, mostly sandals. Their stores are neat and clean.
I went to the United Nations snack bar and had a club sand. (ham, cheese, tomatoes, potato salad, 3 Decker) it only cost about 30 cents. It was a regular American place where they serve only GI's. You can spend American script there.
Coming in to the bay there were a lot of ships and fishing boats. The sky was cloudy and misty and we couldn't see very far and they played music. The only people who got off were Air Force officers. We stayed here all night so they gave out a few passes. I was the only one of us who got a pass.
In town they don't ware ties. Our ship is going to leave here before to long, it is about 11:30 am now. I'll be glad to get where we are going. I am a little bit tied of this ship. I guess we go to Sasabo, Japan from here and then they send us from there. Where that is going to be.
I sure wish you could be here to see the country. It is really something to see and something I will always remember. I would like to have spent more time here but I guess I will get another before to long.
What size jacket should I get Snapper. I don't want to get one too small. They showed me one for a boy 6 years old but I couldn't tell if it would fit him or not.
Write me and tell me anything you want. I looked for a zipo lighter for Dad but all I could find were those that looked liek a Roson. I can probably find one a little later on.
This paper is Japanese Wood Paper with lacquer paint. I thought it was very pretty so I got some. Each page is different.
Well I can hardly wait until I hear from you. I sure hope I get some mail from you. Hope you tell me all the news about everything and everyone.
Well not much for me to say for right now. I'll write tomorrow or the next day. This letter probably wont get mailed for a few days.
Lots of love, Ted
P.S. A am sending a few thing home to keep as souvenirs. They money is only 10 yen. It isn't worth much considering that 360 yen is only 1 dollar.
Friday, March 11, 2011
Aboard the USNS Meigs-part 9
...continued. The next day.
Aug 29. I finished KP again. The sea is plenty rough. Today I was standing on deck and a wave splashed up over the rail. I got plenty wet.
We will be in Yokohama in the morning. I don't know whether we can get off of the ship or not. We can mail our letters no so I guess I will mail this one. I'll write again a little later. Hope to get some mail from you soon so I can know what is going on back home. Everything is OK with me. I hope it's OK with you
Will write again soon.
Love, Ted
Aug 29. I finished KP again. The sea is plenty rough. Today I was standing on deck and a wave splashed up over the rail. I got plenty wet.
We will be in Yokohama in the morning. I don't know whether we can get off of the ship or not. We can mail our letters no so I guess I will mail this one. I'll write again a little later. Hope to get some mail from you soon so I can know what is going on back home. Everything is OK with me. I hope it's OK with you
Will write again soon.
Love, Ted
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Aboard the USNS Meigs-part 8
continued the next day....
Thurs - August 27, 1953
I just got off KP. Started at 2:30. I didn't do anything this morn much. Last night I played bingo. They really had some nice prizes. I didn't win anything.
It is really hot here. I use to think some nights at home were hot to sleep but this is worse I have ever seen.. Your are just wet with sweat all night long. Pillows and bed are soaked when you wake up. The weather is pretty rough. It has been windy today and yesterday. The water is choppy. About the roughest I have ever seen. We have been out about nine days now. I guess we have gone about 4000 miles now. We are close to Japan.
I have a new patch for Snapper. It is the 82ne Airborne Division. I will send it when I get a chance. I also got a card and a certificate for crossing the International Date Line. It is a custom to get one when you cross the line. I'll send that also.
I don't know much more to say. I go on KP in the morning again so I'll write tomorrow evening.
.....continued
Thurs - August 27, 1953
I just got off KP. Started at 2:30. I didn't do anything this morn much. Last night I played bingo. They really had some nice prizes. I didn't win anything.
It is really hot here. I use to think some nights at home were hot to sleep but this is worse I have ever seen.. Your are just wet with sweat all night long. Pillows and bed are soaked when you wake up. The weather is pretty rough. It has been windy today and yesterday. The water is choppy. About the roughest I have ever seen. We have been out about nine days now. I guess we have gone about 4000 miles now. We are close to Japan.
I have a new patch for Snapper. It is the 82ne Airborne Division. I will send it when I get a chance. I also got a card and a certificate for crossing the International Date Line. It is a custom to get one when you cross the line. I'll send that also.
I don't know much more to say. I go on KP in the morning again so I'll write tomorrow evening.
.....continued
Aboad the USNS Meigs-part 7
almost there........
....continued from August 26, 1953
This afternoon I went to the Sea Store and bought a box of cheese-it the had pecan rolls there, so I bought one of those. A big roll for 30 cents. They are not as good as the ones you use to get though.
Before we get off the ship we have to change our money to script. We can't use US money there. We can only use script in army PX etc. not in town. I only have 4 or 5 dollars to change. I would like to keep about 2 or 3 dollars. They say US money is worth quite a bit in Japan. I may have you send me some in the mail. Well I think our compartment plays bingo tonight. Think I'll go play.
continued.........
This afternoon I went to the Sea Store and bought a box of cheese-it the had pecan rolls there, so I bought one of those. A big roll for 30 cents. They are not as good as the ones you use to get though.
Before we get off the ship we have to change our money to script. We can't use US money there. We can only use script in army PX etc. not in town. I only have 4 or 5 dollars to change. I would like to keep about 2 or 3 dollars. They say US money is worth quite a bit in Japan. I may have you send me some in the mail. Well I think our compartment plays bingo tonight. Think I'll go play.
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Aboard the USNS Meigs-part 6
I may go to the show later on. Captain Hornblower was on last night but I was to tired to go. Sudden Fear is on tonight.
We have been out 7 days tonight. I guess we have gone about 3000 miles. That's a long way from home. We didn't set our watches back last night but we will tonight. That will make it seven hours between us.
We have had perfect weather so far. I hope it stays like this.
We are going to land in Yokohama Sat as far as we know. Then on to Sasabo, Japan and be there Monday. Well I guess I will close for now.
Wed. 26 Aug 53
Last night I layed down and went to sleep and didn't wake up in time to go to the show so I went back to sleep. I got up around 3:30 this morning because I couldn't sleep. I took a shower and then wet back on the bow of the ship and washed a pair of fatigues. That is where we wash them. How we do it is kind of interesting.
We take a rope and tie everything together and drop the clothes over the side. They drag along the water and really get clean. No soap or anything. I didn't do much of anything besides that today.
.....continued
Monday, March 7, 2011
Aboard the USNS Meigs-part 5
.... continued from August 23, 1953
Yesterday we were about 50 miles away from Midway Islands. We couldn't see them because we only see about 11 miles. We see quite a few flying fish early in the morn. That's about the only kind of fish we have seen.
I played cards this morning and just fooled around. We go on KP again this afternoon till tomorrow after noon. Our food has been good so far. Yesterday we had a 1/2 pint of milk. I thought that was good because I wanted some milk. When I started to drink it, it was so cold it was frozen. I could only drink about half of it.
It sprinkled a little bit a while ago. Last night it sprinkled too but it didn't last long.
Well I am going to chow in a little bit and have KP this afternoon so I will close for now.
Well this is Tuesday the 25 of Aug. Yesterday should have been Monday but sense we passed the date line we jumped a day. I was on KP last night and when I got off I went to bed. We were up early this morning for KP. We got off about 2:30 today. I didn't go to dinner I was so tired. and hot. Yesterday we had ice cream for diner. I filled up on that. It tasted pretty good.
......continued.
Yesterday we were about 50 miles away from Midway Islands. We couldn't see them because we only see about 11 miles. We see quite a few flying fish early in the morn. That's about the only kind of fish we have seen.
I played cards this morning and just fooled around. We go on KP again this afternoon till tomorrow after noon. Our food has been good so far. Yesterday we had a 1/2 pint of milk. I thought that was good because I wanted some milk. When I started to drink it, it was so cold it was frozen. I could only drink about half of it.
It sprinkled a little bit a while ago. Last night it sprinkled too but it didn't last long.
Well I am going to chow in a little bit and have KP this afternoon so I will close for now.
Well this is Tuesday the 25 of Aug. Yesterday should have been Monday but sense we passed the date line we jumped a day. I was on KP last night and when I got off I went to bed. We were up early this morning for KP. We got off about 2:30 today. I didn't go to dinner I was so tired. and hot. Yesterday we had ice cream for diner. I filled up on that. It tasted pretty good.
......continued.
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Aboard the USNS Meigs-part 4
....continued from August 22, 1953
I figure we have gone around 2400 miles. I heard that we are going to be in Japan on the 29 of August. That is next Saturday a week from today. I hope so because I am a little bit tired of this ship. We haven't seen an island or anything but water.
The sun is coming down good now. Seems funny that back home that now the sun would just be going down. Well not much to say right now.
Sunday-August d23, 1953. Didn't do much last night but play some more cards and lay around the deck. I went to the late show last night and saw Fearless Fagan. It was a good show. I had to stand up all the way through the picture. It was about this guy who got drafted and had a pet lion.
We set our watches back an hour again last night. That makes 6 hours difference between here and K.C.. It is about 11 am now and back home it would be 5 pm.
Tonight we cross the International Date Line. We will go to bed on Sunday and wake up on Tuesday. So from now on I will be a day a head of you.
.....continued
I figure we have gone around 2400 miles. I heard that we are going to be in Japan on the 29 of August. That is next Saturday a week from today. I hope so because I am a little bit tired of this ship. We haven't seen an island or anything but water.
The sun is coming down good now. Seems funny that back home that now the sun would just be going down. Well not much to say right now.
Sunday-August d23, 1953. Didn't do much last night but play some more cards and lay around the deck. I went to the late show last night and saw Fearless Fagan. It was a good show. I had to stand up all the way through the picture. It was about this guy who got drafted and had a pet lion.
We set our watches back an hour again last night. That makes 6 hours difference between here and K.C.. It is about 11 am now and back home it would be 5 pm.
Tonight we cross the International Date Line. We will go to bed on Sunday and wake up on Tuesday. So from now on I will be a day a head of you.
.....continued
Friday, March 4, 2011
Aboard the USNS Meigs-part 3
...continued from August 20, 1953
I went to the Sea Store today and bought a carton of cigs and a box of cheese-it crackers. It is funny how cheap different things are. Everything that has a lot of tax is cheaper. Just think cigarettes are 8 cents a package. Well that is about all today. I am going to bed. I have to get up at 4 am for KP. We sat our watches back another hour. That makes 3 hours now. I think we have travelled about 1500 miles. Maybe be and maybe not. The ship has turned a little more south today for some reason.
I didn't get a chance to write yesterday. Today is Sat the 22 of August. It's 2:30 pm here. At home it would be 7:30 pm. There is five hours difference between here and K.C. Last night we sat our watches back again.
Didn't do much yesterday. Went on KP about 4 am and stayed on till about 2:30 pm. After that I took a shower and washed up some of my clothes. I had a headache so I layed down around 5 and didn't get out of bed till about 5:30 this morning.
I played cards with the boys after breakfast from 7 am till lunch and then after lunch we played more till I quit to write this letter. We play hears and rummy.
I picked up a cold somewhere. My head is stopped up.
The weather is nice. I clouded up a little bit today and it sprinkled but it didn't amount to anything. It seems like it is a little hotter each day. Our compartment is plenty hot at night to sleep in. I think we have gone about half way now.
.....continued
I went to the Sea Store today and bought a carton of cigs and a box of cheese-it crackers. It is funny how cheap different things are. Everything that has a lot of tax is cheaper. Just think cigarettes are 8 cents a package. Well that is about all today. I am going to bed. I have to get up at 4 am for KP. We sat our watches back another hour. That makes 3 hours now. I think we have travelled about 1500 miles. Maybe be and maybe not. The ship has turned a little more south today for some reason.
I didn't get a chance to write yesterday. Today is Sat the 22 of August. It's 2:30 pm here. At home it would be 7:30 pm. There is five hours difference between here and K.C. Last night we sat our watches back again.
Didn't do much yesterday. Went on KP about 4 am and stayed on till about 2:30 pm. After that I took a shower and washed up some of my clothes. I had a headache so I layed down around 5 and didn't get out of bed till about 5:30 this morning.
I played cards with the boys after breakfast from 7 am till lunch and then after lunch we played more till I quit to write this letter. We play hears and rummy.
I picked up a cold somewhere. My head is stopped up.
The weather is nice. I clouded up a little bit today and it sprinkled but it didn't amount to anything. It seems like it is a little hotter each day. Our compartment is plenty hot at night to sleep in. I think we have gone about half way now.
.....continued
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Aboard the USNS Meigs-part 2
....continued from August 19, 1953
They had a movie last night but I didn't go. They have it outside. I might go tonight. I haven't been to the PX yet. There is just a few that can go at one time. You have to get someone to get things for you. Cigarettes just cost 85 cents a carton. Well I guess I will stop for awhile. We just had roll call in our compartment and now we have to leave. I'll write more later.
We had dinner a little while ago. It was pretty good. I just took a shower. It was salt water and the soap I had would not lather. I feel clean anyway. This afternoon we just layed around on the deck in the sun. They played a recording over the speaker. They were special recordings for the armed services radio.
At the present time we have two hours difference between here and K.C. They told us to set our watches back again tonight before we go to bed. I figure now we have gone 960 miles. I haven't the faintest idea where we are except we are going west at about 20 knots an hour for 48 hours.
I have taken about two rolls of film altogether. When I have them developed I will send them to you.
All of us are growing mustaches. That is the 8 of us who are together. We are all in the same compartment.
There is going to be a movie tonight, Atlantic City. They have two showings a night. They had Geisha Girl last night.
The talk is that we are going to dock in Japan, Yokohama or something. Don't know much about it yet. I would like to get off there for awhile.
We are going on KP tomorrow afternoon about 3 PM. I hate to go because it is so hot. I haven't been to sick but could feel a lot better. It really cleared up today. The sun came out when I was on deck. I got my arm burned a little.
Today is August 20, 1953, Thurs. It is really nice out this morning. Last night I went to the late show and saw Atlantic City. It was a good picture. They put the screen on the real most part of the boat and everyone sits around on the deck and watches the picture. After breakfast everyone sits around on the deck and then everyone goes to their compartment for roll call.
We went on KP today about 2:30 PM and got off at 7 PM It is really hot down there. I work on the serving line and have the same job every time I have KP it seems. It is better than having the pots and pans.
continued...
They had a movie last night but I didn't go. They have it outside. I might go tonight. I haven't been to the PX yet. There is just a few that can go at one time. You have to get someone to get things for you. Cigarettes just cost 85 cents a carton. Well I guess I will stop for awhile. We just had roll call in our compartment and now we have to leave. I'll write more later.
We had dinner a little while ago. It was pretty good. I just took a shower. It was salt water and the soap I had would not lather. I feel clean anyway. This afternoon we just layed around on the deck in the sun. They played a recording over the speaker. They were special recordings for the armed services radio.
At the present time we have two hours difference between here and K.C. They told us to set our watches back again tonight before we go to bed. I figure now we have gone 960 miles. I haven't the faintest idea where we are except we are going west at about 20 knots an hour for 48 hours.
I have taken about two rolls of film altogether. When I have them developed I will send them to you.
All of us are growing mustaches. That is the 8 of us who are together. We are all in the same compartment.
There is going to be a movie tonight, Atlantic City. They have two showings a night. They had Geisha Girl last night.
The talk is that we are going to dock in Japan, Yokohama or something. Don't know much about it yet. I would like to get off there for awhile.
We are going on KP tomorrow afternoon about 3 PM. I hate to go because it is so hot. I haven't been to sick but could feel a lot better. It really cleared up today. The sun came out when I was on deck. I got my arm burned a little.
Today is August 20, 1953, Thurs. It is really nice out this morning. Last night I went to the late show and saw Atlantic City. It was a good picture. They put the screen on the real most part of the boat and everyone sits around on the deck and watches the picture. After breakfast everyone sits around on the deck and then everyone goes to their compartment for roll call.
We went on KP today about 2:30 PM and got off at 7 PM It is really hot down there. I work on the serving line and have the same job every time I have KP it seems. It is better than having the pots and pans.
continued...
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
August 19, 1953-part 1
Aboard the USNS Meigs
August 19, 1953
Dear Mom, Dad, and Snapper
Well Sunday night after I called you I went back to the barracks and we ate breakfast about midnight. Then about 2 am we started loading on trucks and they took us to the ferry boat. The ferry boat was an old passenger ferry boat. It was about 4 am before the ferry was loaded and we left the army dock at
Pittsburg. It was about 9:30 when we got to the Army Dock at Ft. Mason. Ft. Mason is right next to Fisherman's Wharf where we all were that day you visited. We rode by it that day in the boat that day when we went around Alcatraz.
The dock is painted, red, white and blue. We unloaded there and the Red Cross gave us coffee and cookies. We got on the boat than waited all day till 3pm before we left. The army band was there and played music.
The tug boats pulled us out in the bay. We sat there until about 5pm before we left.
We had a fire drill etc.
It got foggy before the sun went down. We went under the Golden Gate Bridge shortly after 5pm.
I didn't get seasick at all till later on.
Our compartment is really crowded. There are over 500 men in it. Our bunks are stacked four high. It is so crowded you can hardly move. No fresh air at all. Our bunks are kind of rectangle shaped steel pipe frames with rope holding canvas. They are comfortable. One blanket a pillow and no sheets. I am on the top bunk which I like OK. More room on top of you.
Tues morning we were on KP till around 3 in the afternoon. We really have good food. I got sick on KP. It was so hot down there and the ship rocked all the time. I went to bed about 6:00 this morning.
Today is Wednesday Aug 19, 1953. This is the first chance I have had to write since I got on ship. I think I will write one letter all the way because it will save stamps and I just as well write it all in one letter because it wont be mailed till we hit port anyway.
Not much to do but walk around deck. It is crowded every place you go. I think we must be about 800 miles out now. We travel about 20 knots per hour.
The water is real dark blue and that is all you can see, the sea. It is cloudy this morning but the sun got through in spots and when it hits the eater it's really pretty. This afternoon it should clear up a little bit. It was clear yesterday. The air is just right. Worm and not to hot or cold.
Continued..............
August 19, 1953
Dear Mom, Dad, and Snapper
Well Sunday night after I called you I went back to the barracks and we ate breakfast about midnight. Then about 2 am we started loading on trucks and they took us to the ferry boat. The ferry boat was an old passenger ferry boat. It was about 4 am before the ferry was loaded and we left the army dock at
Pittsburg. It was about 9:30 when we got to the Army Dock at Ft. Mason. Ft. Mason is right next to Fisherman's Wharf where we all were that day you visited. We rode by it that day in the boat that day when we went around Alcatraz.
The dock is painted, red, white and blue. We unloaded there and the Red Cross gave us coffee and cookies. We got on the boat than waited all day till 3pm before we left. The army band was there and played music.
The tug boats pulled us out in the bay. We sat there until about 5pm before we left.
We had a fire drill etc.
It got foggy before the sun went down. We went under the Golden Gate Bridge shortly after 5pm.
I didn't get seasick at all till later on.
Our compartment is really crowded. There are over 500 men in it. Our bunks are stacked four high. It is so crowded you can hardly move. No fresh air at all. Our bunks are kind of rectangle shaped steel pipe frames with rope holding canvas. They are comfortable. One blanket a pillow and no sheets. I am on the top bunk which I like OK. More room on top of you.
Tues morning we were on KP till around 3 in the afternoon. We really have good food. I got sick on KP. It was so hot down there and the ship rocked all the time. I went to bed about 6:00 this morning.
Today is Wednesday Aug 19, 1953. This is the first chance I have had to write since I got on ship. I think I will write one letter all the way because it will save stamps and I just as well write it all in one letter because it wont be mailed till we hit port anyway.
Not much to do but walk around deck. It is crowded every place you go. I think we must be about 800 miles out now. We travel about 20 knots per hour.
The water is real dark blue and that is all you can see, the sea. It is cloudy this morning but the sun got through in spots and when it hits the eater it's really pretty. This afternoon it should clear up a little bit. It was clear yesterday. The air is just right. Worm and not to hot or cold.
Continued..............
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
To a world away - 1953
This was the scene when loading the USNS Meigs on its way to Korea on August 17, 1953
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