Preparing to leave for Camp Shanks in less
than two weeks from where the 2nd Infantry
Division will embark for Northern Ireland.
September 20, 1943
Dear Mother and All,
Here it is Monday night almost 11 o'clock. I got my picture today. It has been a swell day here. Quite a bit warmer than the pass.
I went up to have my front tooth filled this afternoon. I reported before leaving I was going to the dental clinic. I was lucky and it only took me a short time. All done at 2:30. On my way back I took my time taking a round about way back. I walked over into the woods and upon finding a nice warm sunny place figured I'd take a little rest. Ha, ha, when I came to it was 4:45. Gee, what a sleep I had. You see it would only be 15 minutes to chow so I hurried back, washed up and no one seemed to notice me. They had been scrubbing barracks, washing windows etc. Oh well, I got by, that's just the way I feel. When I have a chance to be lazy or get by with something I do. I'll never get anything so what do I care?
Mom, please don't send any more boxes. It's o.k. to send letters until I write different. I'll let you know anything as soon as I find out.
I'll write Marian's whole name and address on a piece of paper. You don't have to write her. I did that just in case you feel like asking her something later. If and when you do write it would be alright to say you'd be pleased to meet her in person and hope she might someday enjoy a trip to Maine.
You wrote in your letter to-day how good you felt the other morning. Gee, I'm glad.
I read about Buster Webb in the paper. He's working in Portland. More money I guess. You don't get much teaching school.
I'll find out about those insurance papers and let you know.
By the way you wrote I feel Warren Knight is surely going overseas but he's been in quite a long time. Wonder if Aunt Annie will keep her chin up. Remember, Mom, that's what you have to do. Everything will be alright. Aunt Annie hasn't the same faith you have to lean on.
Mother, Friday night the time has come. I'll keep writing as long as I can. This letter will not be censored, but they may start any day. Always remember this, you never know about the army, anything can change.
How is Dad? What does he have to say about the bear story? I think Mr. Stevens (neighbor) always liked Dad. Ask Dad to kind of keep a check on my car now that cold weather is coming.
Mother, I may try to put through a phone call if I can. It's hard because some times you have to wait 3 to 4 hours before you make connections. Some of the boys said it was taking 2 hours just to get through to Chicago last Friday night. I'll see what I can do.
Well, Mother dear, must say good night. Say hello to all. Tell brother to keep on.
Love to all three at home
Charles
It has been less than 12 hours since Uncle Charlie has written home from Tomah, Wisconsin, at Marian's home he is heading overseas. Except for a clear paragraph about going to the dental clinic, he appears to be in a fog in spite of a sunny day. The news of his soon coming trip overseas has deflated his hopes of going home soon.
I would expect these are normal reactions when a soldier is deployed overseas. So many ideas, dreams, hopes, fears, questions and the unknown must be bombarding Uncle Charlie. It has even led to exhaustion as he falls asleep in a sunny warm place. He wakes up with little enthusiasm and expresses a I don't care attitude. Depression has hit straight into his heart as well as the mind.
He tries to rise to the occasion as he writes to his mother to keep her chin up and everything will be alright. Those words are meant for him as much as for his family. Trying to make sense what he has just recently been told. "You are going overseas to use the training we have given you."
Marian even enters the picture. He is even suggesting it would be nice if Mother asked her to visit Maine. There is no doubt in my mind no matter what he says, Marian has become an important part of his life. He has fallen in love to some degree. A man can't hang out with a caring young lady and not start having feelings for her. He is doing his best to deny these feelings considering the distance between Maine and Wisconsin and so many unknowns in his immediate future.
A soldier, a young man, a man of integrity who wants to do what is right. Knowing at the presence his life is not in his control. We will listen to him as he travels a road never taken by him as we continue to read his letters.
^^Sep 19 Fanny Whiteers-Koen breaks jumping world record. She set a record that would last for another 11 years. She won the long jump in the Dutch city of Leiden, clocking in at 6.25 meters.
Fanny Blankers-Koen
^^Sep 19 Liberator bombers sinks U-341. No one Survived. Dietrich Epp was the Commander.
Dietrich Epp Commander of the U-341
Mr. Red White and Blue - Coffey Anderson
