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Tagged With: Miami Beach

He Really Was Tops.

January 23, 1945: Dad gets a letter from Joe Damusis, a fellow that he struck up a friendship with early in his Army career. From the contents of the letter, it seems that Joe is stationed at Great Bend, Kansas. Joe indicated that his group, the “4503d is definitely being turned into an outfit full … Continue reading »

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I’m Quite the Optimist

February 18, 19 & 20, 1943. Dad writes a number of letters home from his new station at the Savanna Ordnance Depot in Illinois. It seems he has some time on his hands since his course of instruction doesn’t start until the 22nd.  He expects to be in Savanna for the next two months.  He … Continue reading »

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Riding the Rails Again

February 14-17 1943. Dad writes home while en route by train to his new assignment at the Savanna Section Ordnance School in northwestern Illinois. The base is located near the Mississippi River, due west of Chicago and not too far from the Wisconsin border. He chronicles his trip. The first detail to note is that, … Continue reading »

Categories: Basic Training, Dad's Letters Home, Miami Beach, Savanna Ordnance School | Tags: , , , , , | Leave a comment

I Would Give Anything to See You Again

February 13, 1943. Anna writes to Dad. Theresa Marie is sitting up on her own now. Anna notes when the baby sits up she is able to make her cries and screams travel further. The photos that Dad sent have made it home and they are being distributed among the family. Anna sent some to … Continue reading »

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I am Saying Good-bye to Miami Beach

February 10, 11 & 13, 1943.  Dad is sending home some photos that were taken of him around camp.  He notes that they were taken in the sun, so he is squinting a little bit.  He also introduces us to Joe Demusis, a Lithuanian fellow that he met from Brooklyn who, like Dad is in … Continue reading »

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Keep on Writing

February 4th  and 7th, 1943. A few letters from Dad to home. Dad has guard duty on the 4th. It consists of running the elevator from 10 PM to midnight. He admits that it is an easier assignment than having to guard around the buildings like some of the other guys have to do.  Of … Continue reading »

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If You Just Think About Poland, That’s Enough

January 27, 28 and 30, 1943. Dad writes home. The suitcase that his mom sent has arrived and it has been stuffed with all that he asked for and even more.  “I would like to thank you for the candy and cookies but please do not send any more in such great quantities as it … Continue reading »

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Our Beach Patrols Have Itchy Trigger Fingers

January 24, 1943. Sunday evening. Dad writes home. They are given Sundays off and he had an opportunity to check out the city and the beach.  “However, we do not dare go out at night to the beach as our Beach (night) Patrol has itchy trigger fingers, and you yourself have heard of things happening … Continue reading »

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If You Want to be a Gunner They Make You a Welder

January 20, 1943. Dad reports a slow day during which they are being classified. He learns that he is being placed in the ordinance department and believes they will be assigned to the Air Corps. He is disappointed that he was not assigned to radio work, but instead is being classified as a clerk (stenographer) … Continue reading »

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An Eyefilling Panorama

January 19, 1943. Dad is settling into Army life in Miami Beach and his taste buds are adjusting. He is “getting along fine” and “the food here is at times somewhat better.” The big news of the day is that in the afternoon they got their gas masks and an extra summer uniform complete with … Continue reading »

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