(first letter that day)
Sept 30, 1953 Wed
Dear Mom, Dad and Snapper
Well I got 15 letters today altogether. I got some more from Sasebo and 3 to this address. They should be just about caught up by now. I got the package today, it had been opened. It had a box of candy, a flash light, a billfold with $5 in it, a pair of socks, shorts, and T-shirts and a candle. I hope there wasn't anything lifted out of it. Thanks a lot for all of it. It sure was nice. I liked the billfold. It was pretty, my old one was about worn out. The chemicals in my fatigues were hard on it. I can't spend the $5 bill here any where in the far east. It is illegal to use them. Any green back. I may be able to spend it in Japan when I go on R&R. You can get more for you green backs, Black Market stuff. If I can I will just save it.
I got a letter from Martin in one of your letters. He is in Ft Lewis, training. He doesn't say much. I guess you got his address off the letter. He did not stay in leadership. Said he didn't like it.
I haven't got a package of cookies you sent to the Sasebo address yet. May be I will get it soon. I received the package you sent on the 30th. So you can figure how long it took for it to get here. I think you mailed it about the 23rd.
What you saw in the paper about the Meigs returning with troops was just coming back from taking us over.
Did you say Marion was going to write. You had better give her my new address.
We went out and practiced for the parade today. Don't know when it will be for sure. I got a letter form Jim today too. Did you say he gave you some pills. He sure likes to give things. I don't know much more.
I got a letter from Arkie. He is in Pusan about 2 mils out . He is a long way from here. I haven't seen anyone I know.
Well I'll write you later. Thanks a lot for the birthday package. I can use all of it. I am fixed up on clothes now ,we got our winter clothes yesterday afternoon and I got 2 wool sweaters, muffler, gloves, and will get a lot more and will have about $500 dollars worth of clothes and sleeping gear. The new boots we will be getting (thermo boots) cost 30 dollars a pair.
Love, Ted
(2nd letter that same day)
Wed Sept 30, 1953
Dear Mom, Dad, and Snapper
I thought I would write you a short line. I have to guard that prisoner again from 11 to 12 so I thought I would stay up and write you a letter. I went to the show tonight . We have been having good luck lately. The nights have been cold and damp. We wake up in the morning with dew on our sleeping bags even in our tent. It's sure cold when you crawl out of the bad and put your clothes on. I am wearing my wool sweater and it sure feels good. Our tents aren't warm. We haven't got our floors in them yet.
I sure liked the package. Let me know if there was anything in it I didn't get. Billfold, shorts, t-shirt, flash light socks, and candles. It was sure nice and the candy was real good. The first candy I have had. It sure seemed to cost a lot to send it air mail.
I didn't get paid again today. It may be next month before I get any. I am going to go find our about it. I have almost 300 dollars coming now and next month it will be 400. It's a good way to save money but I haven't cent. I have about $1.60 left and that wont last a month. You can get 4% here on soldiers deposits and they wont give it to you till you get discharged. I may put my money in that unless you could use it. You can have any of the money I have if you want it. Let me know.
I wrote Martin a letter tonight. I'll send you the letter I got. Do you have a hard time reading my letters. I get careless the ore I write. You sure do write ma a lot. I must have 40 letters from you all together now. I hate to throw them away but it looks like I will have to. I am going to keep the latest ones. I get so many and have not place to keep them. You don't have to write everyday if you don't want to. I usually get 2 a day or more anyway. Well not much more to say now. I'll write you more later.
Love, Ted
Saturday, April 9, 2011
Friday, April 8, 2011
September 28, 1953, son
This was addressed again to Master Conley Stone McAnally
Monday Sept 28, 1953
Dear Snapper
How are you doing in school. I am sending you a 5th RCT patch. It's not a very good one. It is the only one I had.
Saturday afternoon we had orders to move to the front. We packed field packs and fell out. We got flak jackets , ammo for the mortars. They tore the mess kitchen down and loaded it in a truck. We were waiting to go when the Battalion Commander called it off. He said he just wanted to see how long it would take to get ready. It didn't take very long. hey even made us tear our patches off. So I figured rather than to sew it back on I would send it you . I thought the war started again. It sure give you a funny feeling.
I got a pass and went to a village and saw some Korean people and how the live. I took some pictures of some children, women and men. I'll send them when I get them back. I bought some candles too. So I will have some light to read by and write.
This guy I was with had some friend at the 3 Divis. 65 Regt. so I went with him. After seeing how they live and the things they do I think we have a good Regt. We have it a lot easier than they did as far as our food and camp. That makes me think the 5th RCT is on the ball.
Last night I had to guard a prisoner who went AWOL last April. They caught him in Japan and brought him back. He doesn't act just right. I layed on the cot next to him and talked to him. I would doze off and he would wake me up when he heard some one coming. The last guy who went AWOL got 20 years in prison. He was court marshaled about 2 weeks ago. He left when they were fighting.
I got a letter from Gary Sipes yesterday. He is with the 25th Division. He is about 3 miles from the front building bunkers. He is from KC and I think his wife is going to have a baby next month.
There is going to be a big parade next Friday. General Mark Clark will be here and the General who takes his place. The entire IX Corps will be inspected by him in the parade. I may get to be in it. You will probably read about it in the papers and news reels. Each outfit in the Corps will be represented. I guess it will be a big thing.
Well I have to go to lunch in a few minutes so I will close for now. It looks like it might rain this afternoon. Write me soon and I hope you like your patch. I'll send a better one when I get a chance.
Love, Daddy
Monday Sept 28, 1953
Dear Snapper
How are you doing in school. I am sending you a 5th RCT patch. It's not a very good one. It is the only one I had.
Saturday afternoon we had orders to move to the front. We packed field packs and fell out. We got flak jackets , ammo for the mortars. They tore the mess kitchen down and loaded it in a truck. We were waiting to go when the Battalion Commander called it off. He said he just wanted to see how long it would take to get ready. It didn't take very long. hey even made us tear our patches off. So I figured rather than to sew it back on I would send it you . I thought the war started again. It sure give you a funny feeling.
I got a pass and went to a village and saw some Korean people and how the live. I took some pictures of some children, women and men. I'll send them when I get them back. I bought some candles too. So I will have some light to read by and write.
This guy I was with had some friend at the 3 Divis. 65 Regt. so I went with him. After seeing how they live and the things they do I think we have a good Regt. We have it a lot easier than they did as far as our food and camp. That makes me think the 5th RCT is on the ball.
Last night I had to guard a prisoner who went AWOL last April. They caught him in Japan and brought him back. He doesn't act just right. I layed on the cot next to him and talked to him. I would doze off and he would wake me up when he heard some one coming. The last guy who went AWOL got 20 years in prison. He was court marshaled about 2 weeks ago. He left when they were fighting.
I got a letter from Gary Sipes yesterday. He is with the 25th Division. He is about 3 miles from the front building bunkers. He is from KC and I think his wife is going to have a baby next month.
There is going to be a big parade next Friday. General Mark Clark will be here and the General who takes his place. The entire IX Corps will be inspected by him in the parade. I may get to be in it. You will probably read about it in the papers and news reels. Each outfit in the Corps will be represented. I guess it will be a big thing.
Well I have to go to lunch in a few minutes so I will close for now. It looks like it might rain this afternoon. Write me soon and I hope you like your patch. I'll send a better one when I get a chance.
Love, Daddy
Thursday, April 7, 2011
September 26, 1953
Sat Sept 26 1953
Dear Mom, Dad, and Snapper
Yesterday evening after I finished writing you I got 10 letters. 7 of them were from Sept 7 till Sept 12 and the rest were sent to here at this address. They were mailed Sept 20. It only took 5 days to get here this time. I sure enjoyed reading them.
I remember reading about Ted and Katie's folks being killed but I didn't know who they were. It sure was to bad. Ted and Katie are real nice people. I got the news clippings about the bombs. I haven't had a chance to read them yet. I also got the one about Westinghouse. It was interesting. To think I use to work on some of those parts and they are just now putting them out.
I am glad you enjoyed going to Jim and Rosalie's. She can play the violin darn good I think. To bad about Bill Anawalt and his wife. I thought that might happen when I saw him last. Where in Texas is he and what is he doing.
About clothes. I wont need any fatigues or much of anything because we get our winter clothes soon. I did not understand what you said about sanitary reasons. I think it would be better if they gave us more. They don't want us to be weighted down with a lot of unnecessary things in case we should start fighting again or have to move. I think they are short of things too.
I am glad you have a map of Korea. I don't know exactly where I am myself but I am around 50 miles north east of the capital city (Seoul) 6 miles north of the 38th parallel and about 15 miles from what I think would be the central front. We are on the main road the army built between two small towns. I don't know if they would even be on the map you have or not. Where we are now use to be called the Wyoming Line (like the state). There are trenches and fox holes on the hill in back of our tent. All kinds of things. We even run across graves once in a while. The Chinese graves. They just laid the people on the ground and put dirt or rocks over them.
About the address Cecil gave you. I don't know where the 176 AFA Bn would be. He might be close by but I would ave to know what Div he is in or what Corps he is attached to. This is the 9th Corps here in this area.
We finished the inspection this morning and have the rest of the day off. I don't know whether I will go to the town or not. I haven't yet. ---I no sooner wrote that down and the platoon Sgt came in and said everyone was restricted to the Battalion area. I don't know why but no pass for anyone.
I am sure glad Snapper likes his jacket and it fit him good. I hope it isn't to big. Wasn't the color blue and yellow. I might send another one from here in Korea like that only it will say Korea on it.
I am sure glad JQ and Marlyn's baby is OK. Tell them hello and send me a picture of the baby and JQ. I am glad Snapper likes school and looks forward to going.
I write about as much as I can and hope you get the letters in good time. I write almost every day.
I guess it is nice to have 2 TV stations. You can sure have your pick that way.
I haven't heard anything from the boys yet. When you talk to Zink's wife try to find out where he is. I wrote to several of the boys but haven't heard anything from them yet. I haven't heard from Martin either. I am going to write him soon.
That was funny about Verna Price. I can just imagine what it was like. Wish I could have been there.
The China you want is Northaka I guess. I'll try to get some when I go to Japan again. I should get to go around the first of the year. They have a lot of nice things and I'll send what I can. I didn't have much of a chance when I was there before. They have beautiful robes and pictures. I didn't see any Perls there but I know they have them. They have lots of pretty linens too. I would like to send home a lot of things when I go. I want to have plenty of money when I go. I got 250 or 300 dollars. I will stay there in Japan for a full 7 days. You stay in a hotel I think, you eat on the government. I should be able to save plenty between now and then. I still plan on sending some home when I get paid. We should get paid Wed. I should get around 250 dollars.
Do you know where Hilton moved to in Calif. To bad Bob Newland lost his job. Where is he going to work now.
As far as the women here in Korea, I haven't seen any. I don't think there are any over here. We call women Moose-ah-Mays. That is Korean for girl. The one I saw when I came here from Inchon on the truck were not bad looking to much. They are the same as the Japanese. They are of the yellow race. There are a lot of good looking girls in Japan. They dress American style but they are poor.
There are families here living in the hills around here, some of the guys say. Every once in a while they catch guys hunting "Moose" and they court martial them. They don't want people running around in the hills because there are a lot of mines still laying around they haven't found yet. Any way as far as the Koreans go I don't like them at all. They are just making a good living off us. The US brings money, clothes, food and work for the people here. To bad the people back home can't do something. This Sigmon Re is no good. Everyone wants to shoot him. He wants to fight and keep the UN Troops here for his own self. The ROCK soldiers are about the same way. They know after we leave they wont have anything. They will go back to rice, poor clothes, nothing to live on.
Well that is about all I can think of to say. I went to the show last night and the projector broke down at the beginning so we didn't see any picture at all, but I enjoyed reading the letters you sent anyway. Will write again soon.
Love, Ted
Dear Mom, Dad, and Snapper
Yesterday evening after I finished writing you I got 10 letters. 7 of them were from Sept 7 till Sept 12 and the rest were sent to here at this address. They were mailed Sept 20. It only took 5 days to get here this time. I sure enjoyed reading them.
I remember reading about Ted and Katie's folks being killed but I didn't know who they were. It sure was to bad. Ted and Katie are real nice people. I got the news clippings about the bombs. I haven't had a chance to read them yet. I also got the one about Westinghouse. It was interesting. To think I use to work on some of those parts and they are just now putting them out.
I am glad you enjoyed going to Jim and Rosalie's. She can play the violin darn good I think. To bad about Bill Anawalt and his wife. I thought that might happen when I saw him last. Where in Texas is he and what is he doing.
About clothes. I wont need any fatigues or much of anything because we get our winter clothes soon. I did not understand what you said about sanitary reasons. I think it would be better if they gave us more. They don't want us to be weighted down with a lot of unnecessary things in case we should start fighting again or have to move. I think they are short of things too.
I am glad you have a map of Korea. I don't know exactly where I am myself but I am around 50 miles north east of the capital city (Seoul) 6 miles north of the 38th parallel and about 15 miles from what I think would be the central front. We are on the main road the army built between two small towns. I don't know if they would even be on the map you have or not. Where we are now use to be called the Wyoming Line (like the state). There are trenches and fox holes on the hill in back of our tent. All kinds of things. We even run across graves once in a while. The Chinese graves. They just laid the people on the ground and put dirt or rocks over them.
About the address Cecil gave you. I don't know where the 176 AFA Bn would be. He might be close by but I would ave to know what Div he is in or what Corps he is attached to. This is the 9th Corps here in this area.
We finished the inspection this morning and have the rest of the day off. I don't know whether I will go to the town or not. I haven't yet. ---I no sooner wrote that down and the platoon Sgt came in and said everyone was restricted to the Battalion area. I don't know why but no pass for anyone.
I am sure glad Snapper likes his jacket and it fit him good. I hope it isn't to big. Wasn't the color blue and yellow. I might send another one from here in Korea like that only it will say Korea on it.
I am sure glad JQ and Marlyn's baby is OK. Tell them hello and send me a picture of the baby and JQ. I am glad Snapper likes school and looks forward to going.
I write about as much as I can and hope you get the letters in good time. I write almost every day.
I guess it is nice to have 2 TV stations. You can sure have your pick that way.
I haven't heard anything from the boys yet. When you talk to Zink's wife try to find out where he is. I wrote to several of the boys but haven't heard anything from them yet. I haven't heard from Martin either. I am going to write him soon.
That was funny about Verna Price. I can just imagine what it was like. Wish I could have been there.
The China you want is Northaka I guess. I'll try to get some when I go to Japan again. I should get to go around the first of the year. They have a lot of nice things and I'll send what I can. I didn't have much of a chance when I was there before. They have beautiful robes and pictures. I didn't see any Perls there but I know they have them. They have lots of pretty linens too. I would like to send home a lot of things when I go. I want to have plenty of money when I go. I got 250 or 300 dollars. I will stay there in Japan for a full 7 days. You stay in a hotel I think, you eat on the government. I should be able to save plenty between now and then. I still plan on sending some home when I get paid. We should get paid Wed. I should get around 250 dollars.
Do you know where Hilton moved to in Calif. To bad Bob Newland lost his job. Where is he going to work now.
As far as the women here in Korea, I haven't seen any. I don't think there are any over here. We call women Moose-ah-Mays. That is Korean for girl. The one I saw when I came here from Inchon on the truck were not bad looking to much. They are the same as the Japanese. They are of the yellow race. There are a lot of good looking girls in Japan. They dress American style but they are poor.
There are families here living in the hills around here, some of the guys say. Every once in a while they catch guys hunting "Moose" and they court martial them. They don't want people running around in the hills because there are a lot of mines still laying around they haven't found yet. Any way as far as the Koreans go I don't like them at all. They are just making a good living off us. The US brings money, clothes, food and work for the people here. To bad the people back home can't do something. This Sigmon Re is no good. Everyone wants to shoot him. He wants to fight and keep the UN Troops here for his own self. The ROCK soldiers are about the same way. They know after we leave they wont have anything. They will go back to rice, poor clothes, nothing to live on.
Well that is about all I can think of to say. I went to the show last night and the projector broke down at the beginning so we didn't see any picture at all, but I enjoyed reading the letters you sent anyway. Will write again soon.
Love, Ted
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
September 25, 1953, Snapper
Addressed to Master Conley Stone McAnally
Friday Sept 25, 1953
Dear Snapper,
How have you been. I hope you like school OK. I haven't been able to get your 5th RCT patch yet but I will get you one soon. I am sending you a 101 Airborne patch that a boy in our platoon gave me. He came from Italy 5 years ago. His name is Albino Simone. He worked in a machine shop befoe he came into the army. I like to talk to him. He was a young boy during the last war and grew up in Italy where they were fighting over there. He thinks a lot of the United States and is glad he can live there and be free. He is 20 years old now but looks a lot older.
We are going to get our winter clothes before long. I'll look like an Eskimo when I put them all on. We will have two types, cold wet and cold dry clothes. For the two types of weather they have here. It's below zero most of the winter. It will start about the last of October.
It wont be long till I will be 25 years old. Sure doesn't seem like it. Everyone thinks I am about 20 or 21 years old.
Did you have a good time at Jim and Rosalie's. I haven't had any more letters yet. Hope I get some tomorrow. I might go to Seoul tomorrow. I'll send you something if I do. Did you ever get the Japanese jacket I sent you. How do you like it. Tell Baba to send me some fine emery cloth and some crokas cloth so I can clean my carbine. It needs cleaning up. We have an inspection every night. I would like to get it cleaned up good. About all we do is PT and have classes ect.
Well not to much more is new, so be a good boy and write me a letter.
Love, Daddy
Friday Sept 25, 1953
Dear Snapper,
How have you been. I hope you like school OK. I haven't been able to get your 5th RCT patch yet but I will get you one soon. I am sending you a 101 Airborne patch that a boy in our platoon gave me. He came from Italy 5 years ago. His name is Albino Simone. He worked in a machine shop befoe he came into the army. I like to talk to him. He was a young boy during the last war and grew up in Italy where they were fighting over there. He thinks a lot of the United States and is glad he can live there and be free. He is 20 years old now but looks a lot older.
We are going to get our winter clothes before long. I'll look like an Eskimo when I put them all on. We will have two types, cold wet and cold dry clothes. For the two types of weather they have here. It's below zero most of the winter. It will start about the last of October.
It wont be long till I will be 25 years old. Sure doesn't seem like it. Everyone thinks I am about 20 or 21 years old.
Did you have a good time at Jim and Rosalie's. I haven't had any more letters yet. Hope I get some tomorrow. I might go to Seoul tomorrow. I'll send you something if I do. Did you ever get the Japanese jacket I sent you. How do you like it. Tell Baba to send me some fine emery cloth and some crokas cloth so I can clean my carbine. It needs cleaning up. We have an inspection every night. I would like to get it cleaned up good. About all we do is PT and have classes ect.
Well not to much more is new, so be a good boy and write me a letter.
Love, Daddy
Monday, April 4, 2011
September 24, 1953
Thurs Sept 24 1953
Dear Mom, Dad, and Snapper
I got 8 letters from you yesterday. They were all dated when I left he States till about Sept 1. I enjoyed reading them. I think I have most of the first letters you wrote. Today I got the first letter from you that you sent to this address. It was dated Sept 18. I took about 6 days to get it. I was sure glad to get it. It don't seem so bad to get mail in 6 days. It was the letter with the garters in it. I like those better than any I have had. Thanks for sending them. I don't know whether y sent any other letters before this or not, to this address that is. May be you should number the envelopes on the back so I will know if I miss any or not. Start with number 1. I'll number mine too. It will be easier for me to know what is going on back home. Seems like you might have sent a letter to this address before this one. I haven't to you package yet with the cookies you sent. They will go to Sasebo first.
So you are going to Jim and Rosalie's for diner. Sounds ice. Wish I could be there to go with you. They have the little girls with them now.
I haven't done to much. Yesterday we had PT and worked around the area. I painted the tent poles ect
Last night I went to the show and saw Blood Hounds of Broadway. It was sure a good pictures. You should try and see it. Seems like I saw Bond Wagers some place. I don't remember where. We are supposed to have a movie every other night here but last night the projector didn't work so we went about 3/4 of a mile across the way to he Engineer Co. They have a show every night there. I saw Desert Legion Sunday night.
Today we start training again. We have PT quiet a bit. This afternoon we have a parade. Every Thursday they have one. I put in for a pass for this weekend. I don't think I will get it because y platoon Sgt and I don't get a long. I don't care to much because I haven't much money. I'll be goad when I get paid. Should get quite a bit. I have
I have been feeling good. This outdoor life if pretty good for you. I don't mind it to much. Our food is good. We get powdered milk on cireal and our potatoes are concentrated. Other than that its good.
They opened the Enlisted Men's Club, the night before last. The sell beer 15 cents a can. I don't care for it much. It doesn't taste to good. Still get to be about 830 or 9 and get up around 5 am.
I forgot about your anniversary. What day was it? Was it Sept 11. Happy Anniversary.
I haven't had a chance to get a patch for Snapper yet. I'll get one before long. How is he doing in School. You say he takes his lunch.
I thought Don would be out of leadership school by now. am glad I didn't go in a way. Over here they don't get any better deal than anyone else. That's the way it is in this out fit. Don would be better off not to go to OCS. He would get out of the army a lot sooner. But it is OK if you want to be an officer and spend 18 months more. The officers over here hate it more than the privates. Don would make the grade OK. I haven't heard from Wilford Martin any more. Guess I will write him a line one of these days.
The Engineers poured the cement in our Quonset hut this morning. Wont be to long till it is finished.
Supply got those winter clothes in yesterday. So it wont be long till we get them. I don't need much of any clothes I have at home. Except what I told you about. They can take our clothes if they want them. They had a shake down inspection the other day. I had to hide my extra underwear and socks.
Bout all I need is my boots, t-shirts, polish and candles. We don't get any candy or anything thing to eat at the PX. They only get a shipment in 2 times a month and they are sold out in a few days. They are even short of cigarettes. I will get two cartons net time.
Well cant think of to much more to say. I got a letter from Jim that he sent in St. Louis and a letter from Margie telling be about her job. Yours is the first I have had to my new address. I will write more later on..
Love, Ted
Dear Mom, Dad, and Snapper
I got 8 letters from you yesterday. They were all dated when I left he States till about Sept 1. I enjoyed reading them. I think I have most of the first letters you wrote. Today I got the first letter from you that you sent to this address. It was dated Sept 18. I took about 6 days to get it. I was sure glad to get it. It don't seem so bad to get mail in 6 days. It was the letter with the garters in it. I like those better than any I have had. Thanks for sending them. I don't know whether y sent any other letters before this or not, to this address that is. May be you should number the envelopes on the back so I will know if I miss any or not. Start with number 1. I'll number mine too. It will be easier for me to know what is going on back home. Seems like you might have sent a letter to this address before this one. I haven't to you package yet with the cookies you sent. They will go to Sasebo first.
So you are going to Jim and Rosalie's for diner. Sounds ice. Wish I could be there to go with you. They have the little girls with them now.
I haven't done to much. Yesterday we had PT and worked around the area. I painted the tent poles ect
Last night I went to the show and saw Blood Hounds of Broadway. It was sure a good pictures. You should try and see it. Seems like I saw Bond Wagers some place. I don't remember where. We are supposed to have a movie every other night here but last night the projector didn't work so we went about 3/4 of a mile across the way to he Engineer Co. They have a show every night there. I saw Desert Legion Sunday night.
Today we start training again. We have PT quiet a bit. This afternoon we have a parade. Every Thursday they have one. I put in for a pass for this weekend. I don't think I will get it because y platoon Sgt and I don't get a long. I don't care to much because I haven't much money. I'll be goad when I get paid. Should get quite a bit. I have
I have been feeling good. This outdoor life if pretty good for you. I don't mind it to much. Our food is good. We get powdered milk on cireal and our potatoes are concentrated. Other than that its good.
They opened the Enlisted Men's Club, the night before last. The sell beer 15 cents a can. I don't care for it much. It doesn't taste to good. Still get to be about 830 or 9 and get up around 5 am.
I forgot about your anniversary. What day was it? Was it Sept 11. Happy Anniversary.
I haven't had a chance to get a patch for Snapper yet. I'll get one before long. How is he doing in School. You say he takes his lunch.
I thought Don would be out of leadership school by now. am glad I didn't go in a way. Over here they don't get any better deal than anyone else. That's the way it is in this out fit. Don would be better off not to go to OCS. He would get out of the army a lot sooner. But it is OK if you want to be an officer and spend 18 months more. The officers over here hate it more than the privates. Don would make the grade OK. I haven't heard from Wilford Martin any more. Guess I will write him a line one of these days.
The Engineers poured the cement in our Quonset hut this morning. Wont be to long till it is finished.
Supply got those winter clothes in yesterday. So it wont be long till we get them. I don't need much of any clothes I have at home. Except what I told you about. They can take our clothes if they want them. They had a shake down inspection the other day. I had to hide my extra underwear and socks.
Bout all I need is my boots, t-shirts, polish and candles. We don't get any candy or anything thing to eat at the PX. They only get a shipment in 2 times a month and they are sold out in a few days. They are even short of cigarettes. I will get two cartons net time.
Well cant think of to much more to say. I got a letter from Jim that he sent in St. Louis and a letter from Margie telling be about her job. Yours is the first I have had to my new address. I will write more later on..
Love, Ted
Sunday, April 3, 2011
September 22, 1953
Tuesday Sept 22 1953
Dear Mom, Dad, and Snapper
I got a letter from you today. It was mailed Sept 8, 1953. It took 2 weeks for it to get here. It went through Sasebo. That's why it took so long. I guess your package will be here in the next few days. It will take longer for it to get here because it has to go to Sasebo. I think it will take longer than a week any how. How long does it take for mail to reach you. I thought you would have more mail than that. What letter was it I mailed on the 29th. Was it the long letter I wrote on the ship or some I wrote from Sasebo. Did you get the larger envelope with some things in it and a picture of the Megis. Let me know so I will know how the mail is going. You should have now received the mail from me here at this new address. I hope I get some mail from you soon.
So Snapper is thrilled about starting school. I'll be glad to get your cookies. It shouldn't take to long if you send them straight here. Some of the guys are a month getting packages but I didn't know whether it is air mail or not.
I took some pictures Sunday with Carlos Rea, a guy in my squad I told you about. It will be a while before I get them. I have to send them in to the company in Chicago when I get paid and then wait about 4 weeks.
I went to the show a couple of times.
Yesterday we fired on the range. I thought I would fire an M-1 but I fired the carbine. Everyone fires what ever they carry. I did plenty good on it. We went out again this morning. The range is almost three miles out. 3 of us guys slipped away from the rest of the guys and walked by our selves so we wouldn't have to walk back in formation. A major and two Sgts came up to us in a jeep and asked us what we were doing. We don't them we had been left behind the rest of the guys and were going to walk back. We thought he was going to get on us but he said get in. He gave us a lift. You can only carry five in a jeep and there were 6 of us. He told us that when we got close to the 5th RCT Headquarters he would let us out. He didn't want the Old Man (the Old Man is Col. Wheeler the Regiment Commander) to see 6 of us in the jeep. You always call the commanding officer the "old man."
Did I tell you that the 5th RCT is attached to the 9th Corp. There is the 3rd Division, 2nd Division and then the 5th RCT. There are usually 3 divisions in a corp. A division has about 12 to 20,000 men. A regiment has about 4000. So you can see the difference in size.
Don't know why you haven't heard from Margie. I got a letter from her today. She said she was going to Chicago about the next weekend. She wrote about the 8th. So I guess she has been home. Have your heard any more from Jim. How is JQ and his family. Let me know. Have you taken any new pictures lately. You might send a couple if you have. If you talk to Jim tell him I would like to have a snap shot or two of him and Rosalie.
Don't know to much more to write or say right now. I think I will go to the show. I'll write you again soon.
Love, Ted
Dear Mom, Dad, and Snapper
I got a letter from you today. It was mailed Sept 8, 1953. It took 2 weeks for it to get here. It went through Sasebo. That's why it took so long. I guess your package will be here in the next few days. It will take longer for it to get here because it has to go to Sasebo. I think it will take longer than a week any how. How long does it take for mail to reach you. I thought you would have more mail than that. What letter was it I mailed on the 29th. Was it the long letter I wrote on the ship or some I wrote from Sasebo. Did you get the larger envelope with some things in it and a picture of the Megis. Let me know so I will know how the mail is going. You should have now received the mail from me here at this new address. I hope I get some mail from you soon.
So Snapper is thrilled about starting school. I'll be glad to get your cookies. It shouldn't take to long if you send them straight here. Some of the guys are a month getting packages but I didn't know whether it is air mail or not.
I took some pictures Sunday with Carlos Rea, a guy in my squad I told you about. It will be a while before I get them. I have to send them in to the company in Chicago when I get paid and then wait about 4 weeks.
I went to the show a couple of times.
Yesterday we fired on the range. I thought I would fire an M-1 but I fired the carbine. Everyone fires what ever they carry. I did plenty good on it. We went out again this morning. The range is almost three miles out. 3 of us guys slipped away from the rest of the guys and walked by our selves so we wouldn't have to walk back in formation. A major and two Sgts came up to us in a jeep and asked us what we were doing. We don't them we had been left behind the rest of the guys and were going to walk back. We thought he was going to get on us but he said get in. He gave us a lift. You can only carry five in a jeep and there were 6 of us. He told us that when we got close to the 5th RCT Headquarters he would let us out. He didn't want the Old Man (the Old Man is Col. Wheeler the Regiment Commander) to see 6 of us in the jeep. You always call the commanding officer the "old man."
Did I tell you that the 5th RCT is attached to the 9th Corp. There is the 3rd Division, 2nd Division and then the 5th RCT. There are usually 3 divisions in a corp. A division has about 12 to 20,000 men. A regiment has about 4000. So you can see the difference in size.
Don't know why you haven't heard from Margie. I got a letter from her today. She said she was going to Chicago about the next weekend. She wrote about the 8th. So I guess she has been home. Have your heard any more from Jim. How is JQ and his family. Let me know. Have you taken any new pictures lately. You might send a couple if you have. If you talk to Jim tell him I would like to have a snap shot or two of him and Rosalie.
Don't know to much more to write or say right now. I think I will go to the show. I'll write you again soon.
Love, Ted
Friday, April 1, 2011
Setptember 20, 1953
Sunday Sept 20, 1953
Dear Mom, Dad, and Snapper
I haven't had any more mail from you yet. I will probably get some this next week. I haven't done much the last couple of days. I fried ham, made potato salad etc. I enjoyed it. I would like to work there all the time.
I washed my clothes out this morning and other than that that's about all I have done.
When you send my boots how about sending my sun glasses. They are in the drawer some place.
Time goes by fast here. Seems like I just got here but it has been two weeks now. I heard that the troops that are hear now only have to stay a year. I hope so. We may even leave sooner if everything turns out OK. Wish I could go to Hawaii if they move back.
I am sending a paper that I got on the ship for crossing the date line. It is just like the card only bigger.
I traded for a pack of Korean cigarettes. They are not bad, don't know what they are. I am sending the empty package.
I ran into a fellow here that lived in KC for a couple of years. He worked for Thompson Products and sold auto parts. The place is next door to Sam Brown Auto Parts. I think he said the guy he worked for or the manager's name was Frank Terro. A little short guy who has been in the parts business for a long time. I thought you might know him. This kid comes from Thayer, Mo. His name is Ivy. He is in the communication platoon in our company. He took basic at Camp Roberts in the B440, the company to mine.
He left Roberts the night after I got there. He has been here for quite awhile.
We got a new guy in the platoon the other night. He comes from Italy. He has only lived in the U.S. five years before he got drafted. He was in Italy during the last war. He was to young to fight. He is interesting to talk to.
Well don't have much more to say. When you send the boots you might send a few candles too. They don't give us but one or two a month. They don't last long. I'll write you later.
Love, Ted
Dear Mom, Dad, and Snapper
I haven't had any more mail from you yet. I will probably get some this next week. I haven't done much the last couple of days. I fried ham, made potato salad etc. I enjoyed it. I would like to work there all the time.
I washed my clothes out this morning and other than that that's about all I have done.
When you send my boots how about sending my sun glasses. They are in the drawer some place.
Time goes by fast here. Seems like I just got here but it has been two weeks now. I heard that the troops that are hear now only have to stay a year. I hope so. We may even leave sooner if everything turns out OK. Wish I could go to Hawaii if they move back.
I am sending a paper that I got on the ship for crossing the date line. It is just like the card only bigger.
I traded for a pack of Korean cigarettes. They are not bad, don't know what they are. I am sending the empty package.
I ran into a fellow here that lived in KC for a couple of years. He worked for Thompson Products and sold auto parts. The place is next door to Sam Brown Auto Parts. I think he said the guy he worked for or the manager's name was Frank Terro. A little short guy who has been in the parts business for a long time. I thought you might know him. This kid comes from Thayer, Mo. His name is Ivy. He is in the communication platoon in our company. He took basic at Camp Roberts in the B440, the company to mine.
He left Roberts the night after I got there. He has been here for quite awhile.
We got a new guy in the platoon the other night. He comes from Italy. He has only lived in the U.S. five years before he got drafted. He was in Italy during the last war. He was to young to fight. He is interesting to talk to.
Well don't have much more to say. When you send the boots you might send a few candles too. They don't give us but one or two a month. They don't last long. I'll write you later.
Love, Ted
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)