Camp McCoy in the Words of My Uncle: 2020-04-19

Thurs. May 13, 1943

Hello Folks,

What is wrong back home? I haven't heard from you since last Saturday. Don't get like Waneta. I wish she would write. After all she hasn't much writing to do. With me I have to try and send them all a letter.

Some more on the weather report. Yesterday was cold with rain. It was swell except for a cool breeze.

We went out firing yesterday and the Staff Sgt. took me into his section and sending one of his over to mine. I think that Corporal in my regular section who is acting chief of section or trying for that Sergeant rating almost - - - - his pants. He didn't know what to do.

To-day we were marking some of tools with our section number Sec. 2. His friend was printing so I took a bunch and started to print too. He didn't like it because some of the other boys were telling what a good job I was doing. I'll just keep my mouth shut but beat him out if it's the last thing I do. You have to have a little leadership ability which I think he lacks.

Marian sent me a nice letter telling me to be sure to come this weekend as she had written home so they would be expecting us. She said it was just as well I didn't come last weekend as she didn't feel very well. She'd make it out OK anyway.

Two soldiers got into a fight last Saturday night in La Crosse. One stabbed and killed the other. Too bad because it gives the boys a bad name.

I forgot to tell you but I did the firing of the howitzer yesterday. He (the Corporal that doesn't like him) tried to make me a little sore by asking if I wasn't a little slow. All I said was, "Slow but sure."

Had a short letter from Pauline and she was in bed with a cold. Poor kid guess she's not well.

I sent a letter to Clyde Sawyer for the $2.00 he owed me. If he sends it home put it in a letter and mail it. Do you blame me for writing? $2.00 is $2.00 in the army. (That would be worth $29.90 in 2020).

Well, that is about all for to-night. Good night Mom, Dad and All. How is Dad?

Love

Charles

P.S. Hope you're OK.

^^May 11 Hermann Göring division in Tunisia surrenders. Hermann Wilhelm Göring was a German political and military leader as well as one of the most powerful figures in the Nazi Party

Hermann Wilhelm Göring

*May 11-30, 1943 – Battle of Attu, Alaska Territory BEGINS (Pacific Theater)

Troops: USA/Canada 15,000 plus; Japan 2,900.

Casualties (Killed/Wounded/Missing): Allies 1,697; Japan 2,850.

Final attack in Aleutian Islands campaign begun after Japan invaded American territory June 6-7, 1942. Two week battle in Arctic conditions against fortified Japanese position. Bonzai charge at end of battle surprised American position, but ended with Japanese losing almost all of its men. Only land battle on U.S. soil in the war.