Camp McCoy in the Words of My Uncle: 2021-04-04

Six Days Before Bugle Call to Leave Camp McCoy

Stationary Used in Today's Letter

September 26, 1943

Sunday Night

8 o'clock

Dearest Mother,

Have just completed calling home. Gee, it seemed good to hear your voice but guess I don't remember much I said. Wish Dad only felt as good as he sounded. Sorry I couldn't talk to Eugene. What time was it when I called? I mean at home. I told you over the phone I'd write everyday so you can check on the dates. I was calling from Service Club number two right near where the group picture of my Battery B was taken.

Mother, I am going to send home my good pen you gave me. Last Friday I dropped it on the floor and bent the point. It doesn't write the same. When I was in Tomah, seeing Marian Saturday night, I got another pen for a dollar. That's what I am writing with now. It will be ok for awhile but as you know the points don't last very long. Send my pen away to the company and have it fixed. I will send a money order for five dollars to cover the cost of all the things I'm behind on. It should cost only about $1.50 or so. Remember it is a Sheaffer Pen. Have a medium point if you can. If not make it next finer. I sent it to La Crosse by Mary. A girl that rooms with Marian but they told her it would have to be sent back to the factory and it would take 8 to 10 days. I haven't the time to wait for it so am sending it home. I'll write letting you know when to send it back. For a dollar this pen doesn't write too bad. It would also make a big difference if someone else was using it.

Maybe when I go back to the barracks to-night I will have more mail. You see I came in at 1645 o'clock or 4:45 as I had to go on detail. You know in the first place I wasn't suppose to be out on pass. As I wrote Saturday, I'd find a way out. Well, my pen did write a little so I had to be sure to be back here on time. What a detail. Had to work at the dances. Stand by the door so the U.S.O. girls could not leave the building. It only lasted from 6 to 8 o'clock. I had a fellow stand by the door while I placed my call as I thought it would take 2 to 3 hours but instead the operator put it right through while I waited. I could here her all the time. Sounded good when I heard her say, "Calling Portland." Then the Portland operator answered, "This is Portland." I was wishing and thinking how I'd like to be able to jump on those wires and be home as quick. Oh, will this thing ever get over with? It cost me 45 cents more to talk over my limit. Wished I'd have talked longer. Money couldn't pay for that few minutes. That was worth more than any present. [He will not speak to his parents again by phone for over 19 months. Only by letters.]

Marian will send a few things home later. Put her picture away if it ever comes home. [If it ever came home. His sisters may have tossed it out with all his personal letters after he died or it never got home.]

Gee, I can't think what to write. I'm still thinking about that call. If I only had that feeling if I wanted to go home I could. It wouldn't be so bad. Being so far away with no chance of coming home makes you feel lost. I sure get lonesome at times but then a letter from Mother and it helps a lot.

That phone call went by too soon. Hope I can sleep to-night.

Here a couple of pictures.

What can I write about? All I'm thinking about is home.

Will have to close for to-night. It has been a wonderful day here. The best we have had for a long time.

Give my love to Dad, Brother and all when you see them. Good night, Mother dear. I'd give a lot to see you. Keep your chin up, Mom.

Love for your Son,

Charles

*September 26, 1943 – Operation Jaywick – Pacific Theater Operation Jaywick was a special operation undertaken in World War II. In September 1943, 14 commandos and sailors from the Allied Z Special Unit raided Japanese shipping in Singapore Harbour, sinking six ships.