World War II Letters

Letter No. 82 | Friday October 6, 1944

2011-08-16T23:11:00.002-04:00

Pfc. George Dicus 34700627
859th Chemical Co. A.O. (M&H)
A.P.O. #149
c/o Postmaster, New York, N.Y.

France
Friday October 6, 1944

Dearest Mother,

You probably have an idea that I have been sent over here by now. It took a long time, but here we are now.

Now that we are here, I can tell you where we were back in England. When we first came over we were in Wilts County, near Gillingham. Then we moved to Kent County near Ashford. We were there when the flying bomb attack started, and that is one of the direct routes to London. There is no telling how many we saw and a lot of them were shot down close by. It was pretty rough, but no one in my camp got hurt. From there we moved up close to Maidstone, and then to Colchester in Essex County. From there, we came over here. I have seen one of the original beach heads, Saint-Lo, Versailles, and Paris.

This country has been hit pretty hard in some places. The people try to be nice, but of course we can't talk to them very much. If you can find my old French Book, send it to me. I think I could look it over a litttle, and get along with them pretty good.

As far as we can tell, most everything is about the same as it was back in England. We live in tents, but we have been in them so much it almost seems like home. We get some fresh meat, but most of the food is caned. We get all we want though, and that is what counts.

I will be glad when our mail catches up with us again. It is hard to write when you don't have a letter to answer.

I am going to cut off here, but will write more when we get settled down, and have time.

I feel fine, and am in a perfectly safe place.

Love you,
George

Letter No. 81 | Tuesday October 17, 1944

2011-08-06T05:00:00.004-04:00

Pfc. George Dicus 34700627
859th Chemical Co. A.O. (M,H,L, or D)
A.P.O. #149
c/o Postmaster, New York, N.Y.

France
Tuesday October 17, 1944

Dearest Anna Ruth,

We have moved again since I have written to you. I had planned to write another letter to you pretty soon, after that poor excuse last time, but when you are moving around all of the time, it is hard to find time to do anything.

Do you remember old man Charlie Hickenbotham? One of his boys is around here somewhere. I don't think I know him, but will look him up anyway. I saw a boy that lives in Arab that I use to know, and he was telling me about him.

We haven't had mail for nearly a month. After we do get it, it will take a month to catch up, but it sure would be good to get a little mail now.

When I came in the Army, G.I. shoes were awfully heavy. After wearing over shoes that come half way up your legs, and plug through mud half way to the top of them all day long, G.I. shoes seem pretty light when you get your boots off at night. It rains most every day, and there is no end to the mud.

What did you do while mother was up to see you? She was probably so interested with the baby that you couldn't drag her away.

Martha must be getting pretty big by now. She has changed a lot since I have seen her I know.

I think I told you that in my next letter that I would tell you a little about England.

We were in Wilts County near Gillingham first. That was too far north and we didn't see much there. Then we moved down south to Kent County close to Ashford. There, German planes were over head every night. They dropped a bomb or so now and then but the main thing we had to worry about was them shooting them down on us. They were trying to dump everything on London. The fun really started when the flying bombs sstarted to come over. We were in the direct route with them, and they literally rocked over our tent. The first night was a honey. No one knew exactly what was going on. They came over at interviles of 3 to 5 minutes. They threw up everything at them except the tent pins. Tracer bullets filled the sky. You can't imagine how it looked unless you saw it. We thought planes were strafing the field, and a million other things. Later on that night they told us that there had been landings, and they took us out on the field to guard the planes. That is one night that I will never forget. We were there through the worst of the raids. Those darn things hit on all sides of us. We were lucky. Only one fellow got bumped off in my camp and that was from a stray bullet. We had to dig holes and put covers over them and sleep in the though. We were up in Essex county near Colechester just before we came over here.

Everything has been O.K. here so far. I hope we get up where we can see something sometime. We have seen one of the original beach heads, Saint-Lo, Versailles, Paris, and a few more towns. Back in England I saw Oxford, Brighton, Hastings, Folkestone, Dover, London, Aylesbury, South Hampton, and lots of other towns.

[NOTE: I'm not sure if there is a missing page or if he just ran out of paper and stopped writing, but that was the end of the letter]

Letter No. 80 | Friday September 22, 1944

2011-08-05T05:00:00.001-04:00

Pfc. George Dicus 34700627
859th Chemical Co. A.O.
A.P.O. #149
c/o Postmaster, New York, N.Y.

England
Friday September 22, 1944

Dearest Mother and Anna Ruth,

I got your letter written September 10 today. I sure was surprised to hear from the Vughns' and especially to hear that Mr. Vaugh is now a major. I typed up his application to get in before I left Georgia. He is a good man though, and I am glad he is doing so good.

We haven't been doing much lately, but there is always something to keep you busy.

Albert must be having a pretty rough time don't you think. Getting wounded two times is not so good. I haven't heard from Bill yet. There is not much chance for us to see each other I don't think, but we will try anyway.

I hope you have been having a good time, and I know you have. Is mother spoiling the baby Anna Ruth? Don't you kid yourself, I bet she knows more about them than you.

I guess Chris has gone home by now. How is she? Same old gal I suppose.

I know Daddy is going to be surprised. I finally wrote to him. Probably won't get an answer though.

Have a good time and don't forget to write.

Love you,
George

Letter No. 79 | Sunday September 17, 1944

2011-08-04T05:00:00.000-04:00

Pfc. George Dicus 34700627
859th Chemical Co. A.O. (M,H,L, or D)
A.P.O. #149
c/o Postmaster, New York, N.Y.

England
Sunday September 17, 1944

Dearest Mother and Anna Ruth,

It is about time that part of the family got back together for a little while at least. A lot more is accomplished when one letter is good for both of you. I guess you will both agree that I owe you a letter. No need for me to say that I will start writing real often, because I guess I would just break that promise. Why does the Dicus family hate to write letters?

Mother, I am so glad that you did go up to see Anna Ruth., and am sure she is very happy herslf. Have a good time and stay at least a month.

Everything looks pretty good on the other side, doesn't it? When you go back to see Anna Ruth the next time, it will be about time for me to hit N.Y. If that should happen, we would really celebrate, wouldn't we?

It will be O.K. by me if Nina wants to send me a fruit cake. I will just wait now and see if she does come through.

I got the pictures of mother and daddy, but the pictures of Martha haven't come yet. I don't know if they were supposed to be in the letter, or if you were going to send them.

Anna Ruth, I hope your hoof is O.K. by now. The arches will probably put you back in top shape.

I can't imagine Aunt Anna writing to me or to anyone else as a matter of fact. Guess I will try to write to her sometime though.

I have been doing a little traveling around England picking up equipment for this Co. I have a lot of fun, but it does get a little tiresome bouncing around in a Jeep on some of the long runs.

They have an Army Forces Broadcasting system set up over here now and we get good programs. We have a radio in the building where I sleep, and one where I work also.

We are at the same station as before, and it is still just as nice. Shows every night, and etc.

Going to eat now but will write again soon. Take care of yourself and have a good time.

My love,
George

Letter No. 78 | Sunday August 20, 1944

2011-08-03T18:39:00.002-04:00

Pfc. George Dicus 34700627
859th Chemical Co. A.O. (M&H) Det "A"
A.P.O. #149
c/o Postmaster, New York, New York

England
Sunday August 20, 1944

Dearest Mother,

I haven't written to you for about two weeks, but you can't say that I didn't warn you this time.

I have been on Temporary Duty, working at another station for about a week, but am back in this company now, and will probably stay with it for the duration. I hope so anyway.

When I got back, there were several letters for me from you. They were all pretty new. I think the oldest one was about 18 days old.

Everything is pretty nice here at the new camp. We have nice huts to live in, showers close by, radio, movies every night, a big day room, and a nice mess hall, and good food.

I am going to write to Bill and try to meet him on a pass. It is pretty hard to get the passes at the same time though.

Everything looks good now, doesn't it? Maybe the war will be over pretty soon, and then they can't sent me home too soon.

For a change, the weather has been pretty nice here. In fact, it was hot for a few days. Maybe it will stay that way for a few days, or at least, I hope so.

I want you to go up to see Anna Ruth this summer. I know she will be disappointed if you don't come, and you will have a good time there also. Maybe daddy will be home in time to go up with you.

We had ice cream today for the first time since I have been over here. We will have it twice a week from now on though. I don't think the English have ever heard of refrigeration, because you don't see any sighs of it in town.

That is all for this time. Take care of yourself, and write soon.

Love,
George

Letter No. 77 | Tuesday August 8, 1944

2011-07-29T05:10:00.001-04:00

Pfc. George Dicus 34700627
859th Chemical Co. A.O. (M&H) Det "A"
A.P.O. #149
c/o Postmaster, New York, New York

England
Tuesday August 8, 1944

Dearest Mother,

I am pretty busy now, so this will have to be short. We are busy now, but it shouldn't last long.

If you don't hear from me for a little while, don't worry. I am going to make a short move and the address will be changed. I will still be here in England though, and under practically the same conditions.

I will write to you and give you my new address as soon as I get it. You can just keep sending my mail on to this address until you get the new one though.

Better get busy now, but I just didn't want you to worry. I will write a long letter next time.

I love you lots,
George

Letter No. 76 | Saturday July 29, 1944

2011-07-28T14:57:00.002-04:00

Pfc. George Dicus 34700627
859th Chemical Co. A.O. (M&H) Det "A"
A.P.O. #149
c/o Postmaster, New York, New York

England
Saturday July 29, 1944

Dearest Mother,

I got your letter dated July 15 yesterday. I also got letters dated as far back as June 5. Mail is coming through O.K. now though, and we should get it fairly regular I think.

Everything is pretty dull around here now. Nothing to do much now but the usual routine work.

I haven't been away from camp in some time. We have several radios, phonographs, and records. We play ball, and have a lot of ways to amuse ourselves. I had just as soon stay around camp. You were asking if I have met any girls around here. I have met several nice girls. Usually at a dance, and that is the last time I will see them.

I get the county papers, but they are always at least a month old. I am glad to get them though. I don't think anything happens that gets by the paper, and I wouldn't hear about it otherwise.

I am glad daddy likes Washington, but that is a long way from home. In fact too far.

I received a letter from Anna Ruth yesterday. She said she was looking forward to you coming up to see her this summer. You be sure and go, because I know you will have a good time.

I wrote to Mess Hodges and asked him to send me a few rolls of film about three weeks ago. I got a half doz. rolls day before yesterday. That was pretty fast don't you think? It takes a long time to get them developed over here, but I will send you some of the prints if they are good when we take the pictures. Of course, I told Mess to put the bill on daddy's account. You thought I would quit that when I got away, but I fooled you again didn't I?

That's all for this time. Be good, and don't forget to write.

I love you,
George

Letter No. 75 | Saturday July 22, 1944

2011-07-24T22:02:00.002-04:00

Pfc. George Dicus 34700627
859th Chemical Co. A.O. (M&H) Det "A"
A.P.O. #149
c/o Postmaster, New York, New York

England
Saturday July 22, 1944

Dearest Mother,

I would lie to see warm weather like you say you have back home now. It has been pretty warm here a couple of times but it doesn't last long. We wear our woolen dress clothes, and I sleep under 4 blankes. It isn't cold, but it is usually damp at night and blankets feel good.

I haven't heard from Daddy yet. I have a letter written to him now, but for the sake of me, I can't find his address. I am glad he likes his work out there, and the country but still, I hope he comes back home soon.

You might as well forget about me ever being in danger as far the work that I am in with this outfit. In fact, some of us might be transferred out to different branches of the Service. Probably not soon, but there is always a chance. If it should happen don't think anything about it, because we will be kept in units that service, because we do not have combat training.

Old David has really gotten himself into something when he started to work at the drug store. I enjoyed working there while I was going to school, and I think he will, but it is no good for a regular job.

I don't know what I am going to do when I get home now. We will just wait and see what comes up. If I should go back to school, I would go to Georgia, but I don't think I will go.

I get the county papers, but the are about a month old when they get here. Not much to them, but they are nice.

The schools have started again no, so I guess you are back in the saddle again. I wonder who will take coach O'brien's place. I surely did hate to hear about his death. He was a good guy, and had a lot of friends. He was always good to me.

We have our tent fixed up pretty nice now. It has a wood floor and wooden braces going around the sides.

The letter I got from you today, was written July 11. I feel sure that I should have some back mail coming in pretty soon. I haven't heard from Anna Ruth in some time either.

I guess that is about all for this time Mother, but I will write again soon.

I am in the best of health, feel fine, and am in no danger.

Stay wonderful, sweet, and well.

I love you,
George

Letter No. 74 | Sunday July 9, 1944

2011-07-21T09:52:00.002-04:00

Pfc. George Dicus 34700627
859th Chemical Co. A.O. (M&H) Det "A"
A.P.O. #149
c/o Postmaster, New York, New York

England
Sunday July 9, 1944 (postmark - no date on letter)

Dearest Mother,

I am glad you have started to get my letters. Your letters have been coming in pretty regularly all along. I hope they keep coming in the same way all along.

It has been very nice here lately. We have had nice weather. In fact, a couple of the days remind me of weather back home about this time of year. In other words, it was hot. Of course you can't tell from one day to the next how it will change though.

I have a nice phonograph now. It is a big one, about two feet long, and is a good one. I have about 25 records, and we keep it going. I also have a bike now. It is not the best you have ever seen, but it will take you places, and that is what counts. Fixed up pretty good eh?

I haven't heard from daddy yet. Can't say as I expect to though, because I haven't written to him. We seem to depend on you to let each other know how we are, where we are, and how we are. Just as well I guess, but I am going to write him pretty soon. He is probably pretty busy, and doesn't have time to write.

Mother, don't think anything about gas, because we won't have anything to do with it. In fact we are not going to do much of anything. This Co. does some work, but not anything that would cause you to worry about me.

I don't know any news, so will write more later. Take care of yourself, and have a good time.

Love always,
George

Letter No. 73 | Thursday June 29, 1944

2011-07-18T23:36:00.003-04:00

Pfc. George Dicus 34700627
859th Chemical Co. A.O. (M&H)
A.P.O. #149
c/o Postmaster, New York, New York

England
Thursday June 29, 1944

Dearest Mother,

Everything is just about as usual, we have been working pretty hard, but still not doing much of anything.

I have planned to write every night this week, but something has come up every night and I have put it off. For insstance, tonight we played a double header softball game with the MP Company. They took the last game, but we won the first one. Youi should have seen all the errors I made.

You ask in your last letter , I think, where, and if I go to church. They have a tent set up on this base for movies, church, etc. I have been going every Sunday. They have an Army chaplain here, and I enjoy hearing him.

I got the box Anna Ruth sent while she was home. I was glad to get it, and some of the stuff she sent will come in handy.

I haven't written, or heard from daddy yet. I will try to write to him tonight, or in the morning one. I am glad he likes his work out there, but still think it is too far away from Alabama.

You have probably heard a lot about Germany's new secret weapon, the pilotless plane. I have seen them, and I don't think they are worthy of all the build up they are getting. They have ways to control them to a great extent, and there is not much to it. As far as I am concerned, they won't be bothering us.

Mother, I don't think this war can last much longer. They are hitting the fury hard from three sides now, and I don't see why it won't be over sooner than most people even estimate. I sure will be glad.

Have you been reading about the GI Bill of Rights? They look pretty good to me. I don't know yet, what I am going to do after the war is over. I may go back to school. That looks pretty good to me now. What do you think? Sure would seem funny going back now. Sara, and all the girls have graduated, but there will be some of the boys going back though. I will be out at 22 at least, and I would graduate at 24 at least. That is still pretty young. I know of a lot of boys that were older than that, and still in school.

It is already getting late, so I think I will hit the hay.

I am going to start writing to you real often, and you keep on writing because I sure would miss your letters if you should stop writing.

Take care of yourself, and remember that I love you, and think about you a lot.

Love you always,
George

Letter No. 72 | Sunday June 11, 1944

2011-07-16T00:52:00.002-04:00

Pfc. George Dicus 34700627
859th Chemical Co. A.O. (M&H) Det "A"
A.P.O. #149
c/o Postmaster, New York, New York

England
Sunday June 11, 1944

Dearest Mother and Daddy,

I have just gotten back from church. The Army Chaplin was at the Post Theater tent, and held a nice service.

I understand that our mail was held up for sometime before the invasion took place, and you probably think I am right in the middle of it. I am still in the same place that I was and more than likely, will stay here. you probably know more about what is going on by reading the paper than we do here.

I went to town last night, and went to a dance at the American Red Cross Club. They had donuts and coffee, and was pretty nice.

I got a big box of candy from you yesterday. Thanks – we are enjoying it a lot.

Got a letter from Anna Ruth today. She seemed to have had a lot of fun while she was there. She also said that you two seemed to be doing fine. I was glad to hear that.

We are pretty busy now. I am still working in the office, but there is usually something to do to keep you busy. If you shouldn't get a letter for a few days, don't get worried, because I am O.K. It might be held up up or I might slip up and not write for a couple of days, although I intend to write pretty often.

I bought a new watch at the P.X. It is a good watch, so I think I will send my old one home to be fixed up.

Take care of yourself, and write soon.

Love you,
George

Letter No. 71 | Tuesday June 6, 1944

2011-07-14T15:52:00.003-04:00

Mrs. Paul J. Campbell
[George's sister, Anna Ruth]
14 Tuxedo Place
Morristown, N.J.

Tuesday June 6, 1944
[NOTE: This was D-Day - Normandy Landing]

Dearest Mother,

We've had news of the long-expected invasion today. From what I can hear on the radio, it's going smoothly with little resistance. I do hope and pray this war will soon be over and the boys get home. I've been thinking of you this morning and wishing that I could be with you. I know it will be a hard day, and I just wanted you to know I was thinking of you and Daddy and Little Brother, and praying that this will soon be over and he'll come marching home.

We've had a very cool snap for the last couple of days – down to 40°, but the sun is out today and it's nice and warm again. I've been in bed reading while Martha napped – from 10:00 to 12:00. You should see her since she's been on 3 meals per day. She's so sturdy and husky-looking. She pulls up and walks around everything. I think she'll walk by one year.

Buddy V. spent the night here Saturday while his mother and father went out. She's been nice to keep Martha. Then she baked a cake and sent it over. She's a funny specimen, but we're on good terms now, thank heavens.

We went to see Ed Fabey for an hour Sunday. He's in a T.B. hospital near. He's up and came out to the sitting room to see us. I believe he stays in bed about 20 hrs. per day, but he seems much better. I took him some oranges.

The roses were just beginning to bloom, but we have the most beautiful peonies – red, pink, and white. Reminds me of Moody's.

Paul and I were just talking last night about what a good time we had at home and how the time flew. Please tell Elizabeth and Aunt Ruth that I'm going to write soon.

I got a letter from Chris yesterday. She didn't have any news except that she had had a wisdom tooth extracted.

We've been cooking some of our suppers outside at the fireplace – hot dogs on a stick, etc., and it certainly is easy. Everybody does his own. I think we'll do it lots this summer. We all enjoy it, too.

It's time to feed Martha, so I must close. Write real soon. Hope you had a nice time in Chattanooga. Just visit about and have a good time.

Lots and lots of love,
Sister Fox
[NOTE: George called Anna Ruthe, "Sister Fox", and she called him "Brother Rabbit"]

Letter No. 70 | Monday June 5, 1944

2011-07-14T02:33:00.002-04:00

Pfc. George Dicus 34700627
859th Chemical Co. A.O. (M&H) Det "A"
A.P.O. #149
c/o Postmaster, New York, New York

Monday June 5, 1944

Dearest Mother and Daddy,

I thought it was pretty bad when you didn't hear from me for three weeks, then 4 weeks, and now 5 weeks is drastic. I have written every week I know, and it seems as though I have written more. I have also written to Albert. Why is it that my mail doesn't go? You will begin to think that I am just not writing.

We have just come in from a ball game. We beat them, but it was some game. I made a couple of errors, but got two hits, and one home run.

We have a radio in our tent now, and you will be surprised when I say that the best programs we get are German programs. They are especially designed for us, and of course they spread a lot of propaganda, but it is real good music, and the rest is so obvious that we don't pay any attention to it.

I got your letters, but still haven't gotten the package. They are slow, and I will get the sooner or later. Did you pack it good? Some of them are really beat up when they get here.

After this war is over, you can bet that I am not going to wait much time getting home. We have things pretty nice, but I will take my part back there as soon as I get out.

I am enclosing a money order that I had made last month. I was going to get it made a little bigger and sent it this month, but think I had better wait, because I might take a pass.

Take care of yourself, and remember:

I love you,
George

Letter No. 69 | Friday May 12, 1944

2011-07-11T23:55:00.005-04:00

Pfc. George Dicus 34700627
859th Chemical Co. A.O. (M&H) Det "A"
A.P.O. #149
c/o Postmaster, New York, New York

England
Friday May 12, 1944

Dearest Mother & Daddy & Anna Ruth,

You are together now, and I hope you are having fun. Too bad that we are not all there at the same time, but that won't be very long now, and will we have fun then.

How is Martha now? I hope she is still being good. I have her picture on my desk, and she sure does look pretty. I hope that you get some good pictures of all of you, and be sure to send me some of the shots.

I do agree with you that Albert was a fool not to tell where he was. I have known for some time where he was, but he told me not to mention it, and it was his business not mine. Don't worry, I will let you know if anything should change here. I will probably stay right here though, because, with the outfit I am in, it can operate just as well from here as any other place. He is probably all right. I don't think there is much wrong with him. You know they give the Purple Heart even though you just scratch your big toe.

I got the Absentee ballot May 3. I didn't care about voting and would have voted just as you advised. I got a memo-graphed letter from Jourdon telling what a terrible thing it was for even Hodges to even ask for 4 rd. term when he had only bee in one, and how much better he was. I also got a lot of bunk from Hill. [NOTE: I'm not sure what he's talking about here unless it's a local election. The writing is hard to decipher. Click the photo for a larger view and see if you can make any sense of it.]

We are getting good food now. In fact just just as good as you could ask for. We usually get hot cakes, french toast, or powered eggs for breakfast. We get meat for the other two meals and a big variety of vegetables. We have steaks, pork chops, and chicken. Chicken at least once a week too.

I am working in the office again. I am the only clerk in this Detachment of the Co., and like the work pretty good. I had rather do a lot of different jobs and not so much of them than just a few and a lot of them. A change helps a lot. The P.X. was a nice place, but I had just as soon be working here.

Most of the younger people we knew back home are gone now aren't they Anna Ruth? Of course there are several left though, and they will be drifting back after the war. I know you are enjoying being at home, and I hope you will stay a long time, and just have a nice visit while you are there.

Students from Georgia are to have an alumni reunion in London sometime pretty soon. I plan to go, because I know some of my old buddies will be there. The next thing, is to get a pass on that date, and I think we can.

By the time you get his you will probably already already have gotten my request Anna Ruth that you as me to send. I don't need a lot of stuff because we get candy and gum each week from the P.X. We also get fruit juice, cookies, toiletries, and etc.

My last sheet of paper, so better close.

I want all of you to just have the best time possible while you are together, and don't worry about me, because there is no need at all. I am O.K.

Love always,
George

Letter No. 68 | Wednesday April 19, 1944

2011-07-10T21:52:00.002-04:00

Pfc. George Dicus 34700627
859th Chemical Co. A.O. (M&H) Det "A"
A.P.O. #149
c/o Postmaster, New York, New York

England
Wednesday April 19, 1944

Dear Mother and Daddy,

I wonder if you have been getting my mail. I haven't gotten but very few letters from you for a long time, and I know that I will get more soon. I got a letter today dated March 27. A lot of mail came in today dated April 11 & 12.

We are still playing around, and not doing much of anything. I am still working in the P.X. We had a lot of work today, because supplies came in, and had to be packed away. I like the work a lot, but don't know how long I will be with it.

I got a letter from Nix today. He is about the only boy left around there, isn't he?

Tell Albert that he owes me a letter. Send me his address, and I will write to him again though.

You might go around and give the paper my correct APO No. The papers get here, but are awfully old when they do come.

It seems as though I will never get to London. I have a good intention to go, but seems as though I can't get around to it. I will make it some time, and then I will write and tell you all about it. So far I have been to the small towns around here.

I haven't seen any of the boys around here that I know. I did write a couple of them and maybe we will meet on pass sometime.

I will write again soon – sleepy now.

Take care of yourself and write soon.

Love always,
George

P.S. I am going to send a request for food next page.

Please send a box of food. If possible send assorted nuts. I would also like candy or anything to eat.

Love,
George

Letter No. 67 | Friday March 31, 1944

2011-07-08T22:48:00.003-04:00

Pfc. George Dicus 34700627
859th Chemical Co. A.O. (M&H) Det "A"
A.P.O. #149
c/o Postmaster, New York, New York

England
Friday March 31, 1944

Dearest Mother and Daddy,

So you think that I haven't been writing do you? I have written very regular. By now you have probably gotten several letters. There is no telling in what order they might come, or when. If you don't hear from me for several days, you will know that there is a letter on the way some where.

Don't get excited about my APO# changing, because it means nothing. When on group gets too big, it is often divided up.

We are getting along fine. We even have electric lights in some of the tents, and hope to get them here soon.

We can see a show here on the base most every night. They are free, and are usually pretty good shows.

I haven't seen any of the Scottsboro boys yet, but have written to Bill Mc. and M.D. Hayes, and expect to meet them on a pass sometime.

Uncle George and Aunt Lizzie stayed longer this time than usual didn't they? How did they seem to be? I would have liked to have seen them, and expect to write to them soon.

Tell Aunt Ruth that I did write to her, and that it will probably get there by and by. I will write again though in case it doesn't.

I got a letter from Bill Parks, but it was written back in February, and hadn't ever been assigned as yet. Some of the mail is pretty slow getting here.

Everything is about the same here. Nothing important has happened.

Take care of yourself, and remember that,

I love you,
George

Letter No. 66 | Monday March 20, 1944

2011-07-08T00:04:00.002-04:00

Pfc. George Dicus 34700627
859th Chemical Co. A.O. (M&H) Det "A"
A.P.O. #638
c/o Postmaster, New York, New York

Monday March 20, 1944

Dearest Mother and Daddy,

I haven't heard from you for several days, but am expecting mail to start coming in tomorrow or the next day. Just thought I would write a short letter even though I don't know much.

We are still living in the tents, but have them fixed up pretty nice now. The big stoves get so hot they almost run you out. I still haven't had a long pass. Have only been to the small towns around. They are pretty nice though. They have some nice shows, and a few places to eat. We can get a lot of different kinds of little cakes called tarts, and the main thing is Fish and Chips which amounts to fish & French fried potatoes. They are pretty good though. A lot of boys in the Company have bought bikes, and I have the Company bike signed to me. We think nothing of riding 20 miles a night to go to town to a movie. When you get use to it, it is a lot of fun. The English all ride them. You might see some old lady that looks to be about the age of Cousin Florance come pumping down the road at a high rate of speed.

You know, I think I am getting along better in the tents than in the huts. I had a cold in the huts, and have felt fine out here.

They are going to haul us into town tomorrow to take showers. That is sure going to be nice. I am a little bit tired of trying to bathe in a steel helmet. I have found that it can be done though.

Take care of yourself, and write soon. I think about you a lot, and am always glad to get letters from home.

Love you,
George

Letter No. 65 | Monday March 20, 1944

2011-07-07T23:47:00.002-04:00

Pfc. George Dicus 34700627
859th Chemical Co. A.O. (M&H) Det "A"
A.P.O. #638
c/o Postmaster, New York, New York

Monday March 20, 1944

Dearest Anna Ruth,

I haven't heard from you for some time, but am expecting mail to start coming in tomorrow or the next day.

We are still living in the tents, But have them fixed up where they are not too bad. It is a little bit damp, and not too convenient, but we are gradually getting use to them although I don't think you could hardly say they are like home.

I still haven't had a pass to London. We go to the smaller town around here pretty often though. Several of the boys bought bikes, and I have Company bike signed out to me. We think nothing of riding 20 miles a night into town just to see a show. Most of the English ride them everywhere they go. It is not at all strange to see some old lady about the age of Cousin Florance coming pumping up the road at a brisk pace.

The towns are pretty nice. The shows are pretty modern and have good shows you can usually get something to eat too. Usually Fish & Chips which consists of Fish and french fried potatoes.

They are going to haul us into town tomorrow to take a shower. That is going to be a real treat. It is hard to get use to taking a bath from a steel helmet - you might get use to it in time, but I doubt it.

Write soon and remember that I am always thinking of you.

Love you,
George

Letter No. 64 | Tuesday March 14, 1944

2011-07-07T23:39:00.003-04:00

Pfc. George Dicus 34700627
859th Chemical Co. A.O. (M&H) Det "A"
A.P.O. #638
c/o Postmaster, New York, New York

V-MAIL SERVICE
ENGLAND
Tuesday March 14, 1944

Dearest Mother and Daddy,

We have made a move since I wrote to you last. We are in a nicer part of the country, or at least, I think so. We are temporarily living in tents now, but they are not bad either. They are big, and 6 men stay in one tent. There is a big stove in it that gets so warm that we have to keep the door open for ventilation. We get good food here, and are just as well off here if not better at the other place.

I got a picture of Anna Ruth's baby today. It is a cute little thing isn't it?

Where did you get the idea that I would think of staying in the Service after the war is over. Listen, if I can be the first one home, I will be there the fastest way I know how.

I am writing this V-Mail to get even with you for writing so many to me. Try regular mail for a change. Take care of yourself and write soon.

Love "U",
George

Letter No. 63 | Wednesday March 8, 1944

2011-06-26T08:33:00.002-04:00

Pfc. George Dicus 34700627
859th Chemical Co. A.O. (M&H) Det "A"
A.P.O. #638
c/o Postmaster, New York, New York

England
Wednesday March 8, 1944

Dearest Mother and Daddy,

The old problem of the mail being held up is up again. It come by spurts, and I sure will be glad when it starts again, because it has been so long since I have heard from you I have almost forgotten. I will get it soon I am sure though. How do you get your mail from me.

Everything is just about the same here. We are pretty busy, but nothing important.

I got all of my old back county papers, that is about nearest to nothing, to call a paper I have, but still I enjoy it, because it does tell what is going on back home. I haven't had a long pass yet, but have had several passes to small towns around here.

So. William Derrick is trying to be patriotic eh! If they should ever offer him a discharge, he would grab it so fast it wouldn't even be funny. I guess I am going to have to write to him again, and get him straight. I have written him now, so he will probably quit griping.

There is not much to write about, so I will start over again soon, and maybe I will do better next time.

Take care of yourself and write soon.

Love you,
George

P.S. Don't forget to address the letter like it is on envelope.

Letter No. 62 | Tuesday February 22, 1944

2011-06-23T23:03:00.003-04:00

Pfc. George Dicus 34700627
859th Chemical Co. A.O. (M&H)
A.P.O. #638
c/o Postmaster, New York, New York

England
Tuesday February 22, 1944

Dearest Mother and Dad,

Really, I am O.K., and I hope you recover from this big shock, and there is not too much of a strain trying to decide how I got $30 together to send home. The secret is, I can't find anything to spend it on. I know this is mighty bad for my reputation, but there is nothing I can do about it.

I haven't noticed which gets here first, but I had much rather get regular mail than V-Mail, if you had just as soon. Personally, I think V-Mail mail stinks.

Did Bill and Erskine get home at the same time? That is a lucky break for both of them to graduate at the same time. I am glad they made it. I think that gunnery is almost as good as pilot, and they shouldn't feel too bad to get chiseled out of it.

Ed and J.W. are really fast aren't they? I guess, to top all of it off, I will have to bring back on of these English girls. Don't worry, there is not one here that would interest any one I don't think.

I got a letter from Aunt Ruth, I guess she will be surprised when she gets a letter from me before I have had time to get hers. I will answer it soon though.

Where do you get this stuff that Dot Green was my girl. That old "bag." If I was even out with her, for pete sake keep it quite, I must have slipped up. Tell David he is doing O.K. though her little sis is cute.

Tell Eliz that I got her letter, and sure will answer it right away. I consider that very rare, even though I have been waiting for it for some time.

Anna Ruth is doing O.K. for a change. She has been writing a lot. I still haven't gotten the picture though.

Mother, If I answered all the questions you ask, you would only get the margins to the paper. I can't tell much about a movement or any dates. I guess I will just have to wait and tell you when I get back. Is that O.K.? I am fine though, and everything so far has been O.K.

In case you should ever need to cable me, the cable code is "AMGASU Platform". The slow cable is slower than a letter, so don't send one unless necessary.

Take care of yourself, and write soon.

Love,
George

Letter No. 61 | Monday February 14, 1944

2011-06-22T22:31:00.002-04:00

Pfc. George Dicus 34700627
859th Chemical Co. A.O. (M&H)
A.P.O. #638
c/o Postmaster, New York, New York

Monday February 14, 1944

Dearest Mother and Daddy,

I hope you have heard from me by now, and surely you have. I have gotten a lot of letters from you, and the last one, dated Jan. 16, still didn't have word that you had heard from me.

Everything is fine here. We have nice warm huts, and the food is pretty good. We had fried chicken today, and it was about the best I have had since I have been in the army. I had 6 of the best parts, pays to know the cook.

Send me the Park's boys address, and I will write to them. I wonder what Albert is going to do with the letters of recommendation. I have my letters, and birth certificate. I am working on a little deal, but everything goes very slow, and it takes a long time to do anything. I have taken the Physical though, and went by perfect. Eyes are better than normal. I think I will try for Cadet, but the chances are very slim, so you need not spread it around. If I should though, that would take me back to the States. That would be too bad wouldn't it? (Ha, Ha)

I got the pocket book and money belt last week. They are very nice, thanks. The only trouble is though, English money is bigger than ours, and it doesn't fit so good. The British Pound ($4.03) and half Pound ($2.00) is about the only bills we see, so I probably won't be crowding the pocket book up too much anyway. The penny included is worth two pennies and the six pence is about a dime. You generally have a pocket full of change, because $2.00 is the smallest bill, and there are a lot of different coins. I guess you have used this money haven't you daddy?

I can't write dates, of definite periods of time, so you see, I can't answer some of the questions you ask me.

England is damp, although it doesn't rain and stay foggy nearly so much as you seem to think. The nights are usually pretty dark and cloudy, but we do have some nice clear weather.

Send me Bill Mc's address and I will write to him, and try to meet him on pass somewhere. I don't think he is very close to me, but England is so small, I could almost go anywhere on pass.

See if you can get a point for a Parker pen, and send it to me. This one is bent up, and doesn't do so good.

Take care of yourself and write soon.

Love always,
George

Letter No. 60 | Saturday January 29, 1944

2011-06-22T22:23:00.003-04:00

Pfc. George Dicus
859th Chemical Co. A.O. (M&H)
A.P.O. #9153
c/o Postmaster, New York, New York

V-MAIL
ENGLAND

Saturday January 29, 1944

Dearest Mother and Daddy,

There were several letters for the company today, but I didn't get a letter from you. The last letter I got was dated Jan. 2, so I am sure that I must have several letters on the way that will catch up soon.

I still think that England is pretty nice. The people are different, but they are pretty nice. They seem to be a little odd to us, but they do try to be friendly.

How is everything going at home now? If either of you should get sick, or anything goes wrong, I want you to be sure and let me know. Don't be worrying about me, because I am fine, and there is no reason why I shouldn't continue. If anything should go wrong I will let you know though.

I had some pictures taken before I left the States. If they turn out, I will send you some of them when they get here.

Take care of yourself, and write to me real often. I always enjoy hearing from home. I will write often to you, but don't worry if you don't hear too often, because the mail might be held up somewhere a little while.

I love you,
George

Letter No. 59 | Thursday January 27, 1944

2011-06-21T17:02:00.005-04:00

Pfc. George Dicus
859th Chemical Co. A.O. (M&H)
A.P.O. #9153
c/o Postmaster, New York, New York

V-MAIL
ENGLAND

Thursday January 27, 1944

Dearest Mother and Daddy,

The last letter that I got from you was written about the 1st. I guess they will all catch up sooner or later though, and should be able to get them sooner when the mail is straightened out.

I am just sitting around in the office pushing a pencil now and then. I guess I will be getting fat if I don't get out of here and do a little bit of work.

I am expecting to get a pass sometime soon, and am going to London. The Red Cross provides accommodations for us there, and we should have a good time.

They have had several shows on the post which were pretty good. This is a nice place, and everyone seems to like it here.

Take care of yourself, and write to me soon. I will write a letter next time.

Love,
George

Letter No. 58 | Wednesday February 2, 1944

2011-06-18T23:44:00.003-04:00

[Letter from George's sister, Anna Ruth Dicus Campbell]
14 Tuxedo Pl.
Morristown, N.J.

Wednesday February 2, 1944

Dearest Mother and Dad,

I have just sent you a telegram saying that I had heard from George. I'm sure you've heard, too, by now. It was dated Jan. 18th and postmarked the 20th. It said:

Dearest Anna Ruth,

By the time you get this you will probably have given up hopes of ever hearing from me again. It has been a long time, hasn't it?

We are stationed somewhere in England. It is very nice here. We live in barracks that are as good as those back in the states.

We have a little stove in our hut and have just made some coffee with the G. Washing [coffee brand] you sent me. The boys said to tell Paul this is certainly good coffee. We get good food even though part of it is dehydrated. We get meat every meal and plenty of it. The coffee is not too good though, so we drink it here at night.

We had a very nice trip across. Of course we were crowded, but we had a good time. The Red Cross workers were aboard, and they furnished entertainment all the way across. I was one of the few that didn't get sick at all. Was I surprised, too. Remembering Daddy saying he got sick every time he went across.

Do you remember the Kirkland boy that used to work at Ed Kennamer's filling station? He was on the same boat. The old Scottsboro boys are scattered all over the world and I guess you might run into anyone here.

We get a big kick out of the English talk. Yes, we are in jolly old England. That we are, that we are. Just wait until I get back to the states and spread a little of that around. If Mary Nell thought I talked like a Yank after being up north for a few months, what will she think when I get back this time?

You should see the bike I ride around. It has real small tires and the brakes are on the handle bars. I ride it back and forth to the P.O. and Headquarters. It saves me a lot of steps.

I haven't got the packages that were sent to me but they will probably catch up sometime.

I will write a V mail letter soon and you can tell me which one you get first.

Take care of yourself and write soon. Tell Martha hello and I will write to the others sometime.

Love always,
George

Whew!! My arm is tired out. I was so glad to hear that I finished reading the letter and sat down to have a good cry — for joy. Mrs. Dana walked in the back door right in the middle of it! I guess you've heard by now, too.

We took the baby out to lunch yesterday. She was so good.

Friday Mrs. Riley (the nurse) is coming at 8:30 and we are going into N.Y. for dinner and a show. I'm going to shop for shoes and a few things. With these big feet I can't get shoes here.

Paul and I are painting the kitchen and have lots of fun doing it. I don't know how long it will take us, for we just do a little at a time.

I'm going to walk to town and mail this, so must hurry.

Martha is sitting in my lap grabbing at the pen so excuse writing.

Love,
Anna Ruth

Letter No. 57 | Tuesday January 11, 1944

2011-06-18T23:22:00.002-04:00

Pfc. George Dicus
859th Chemical Co. A.O. (M&H)
A.P.O. #9153
c/o Postmaster, New York, New York

Tuesday January 11, 1944

Dearest Mother and Dad,

I guess you have decided by now that I wasn't going to write again.

We had a very nice trip over. In fact much better than we thought possible. There was a large group of Red Cross workers aboard ship, and they furnished entertainment all the way across. The food was good. In fact, I think I gained weight on the trip It was just a nice trip, and we all enjoyed it. We are not stationed yet, but we will be pretty soon, and it is a nice place, and you won't have to be worrying, because I will be quite safe. So far everything has been nice, and I think I will like this place fine.

Don't you think it was lucky that I got to see Anna Ruth before we left? I had a good time there, and am glad that I got to see the baby. She is a cute little thing.

Do you remember a Curkland boy that use to work at Ed Kennamer Gulf Station? He was on the boat. He tripped me in the hall one day, and ask if I didn't use to work at Payne's Drug Store after school in Scottsboro. He said he went to school to you a long time Mother. Anyway, it was nice to talk to someone from home. I guess we must be spread all over the world, and there is no telling when you might run into one of them. I have met several boys from Birmingham and Montgomery, and several others from towns scattered over Alabama.

[NOTE: In the same envelope and continuing on the same page, the letter continues with the date January 18, 1944]

Tuesday January 18, 1944

I am stationed somewhere in England. This is a nice place. We live in barracks that are as good as any back in the states. The food, much to my surprise, is pretty good even. Of course some of it is dehydrated foods, but we get meat every meal, and all we want.

We get a big kick out of English (we call them Limeys) talk. They try to be nice to us though and they are not bad.

You should see the bike I ride. It has small tires and the brakes are on the handle bars. I ride it back and forth to the P.O. and Headquarters. It saves a lot of steps too.

I got the $30 you sent me, but didn't get the $25 you said you sent for Xmas. It will probably be forwarded on to me, but it might have gone back to you.

I am going to take out an allotment for about $20 when I can. I don't think I will need much money here.

You can tell Aunt Ruth to tell Bill and Albert they owe me a letter and send me Erskine's address, and I will write to him.

I haven't gotten the packages yet but I suppose they will get here sometime.

I will write a V Mail letter soon and you can tell me which one gets there soonest.

Take care of yourself, and remember that I am thinking about you.

Love always,
George

P.S. I was one of the few that didn't get sick coming across. That is more than you could say on any of your trips across isn't it Pop?

Western Union Telegram

2011-06-18T22:58:00.006-04:00

WESTERN UNION (10)..

VGD31 1 1= MORRISTOWN NJ 2 946A
L H DICUS=
SCOTTSBORO ALA=
GEORGE ARRIVED SAFELY IN ENGLAND LONG LETTER THIS MORNING.
LETTER FOLLOWS=
ANNA RUTH.

[NOTE: This telegram was sent February 2, 1944 when Anna Ruth received her letter from George dated January 11, 1944 letting the family know that his convoy arrived safely in England. Letter No. 57 is the letter he sent home to the parents in Alabama and Letter No. 58 is a letter from Anna Ruth, where she transcribes the letter from George and sends it on to the parents in Alabama. The timeline gets a bit confusing, with the delay in mail from Europe.]

Letter No. 56 | Thursday December 30, 1943

2011-06-17T17:29:00.007-04:00

[Letter from George's sister, Anna Ruth Dicus Campbell]
14 Tuxedo Pl.
Morristown, N.J.

Thursday December 30, 1943

Dearest Mother and Daddy,

Got a letter from George yesterday dated Dec. 27. It said:

Dearest A.R,

Sorry I didn't get to see you Xmas.

Having a good time and feel fine.

Be good, and I will be thinking of you.

Love always,
George

I am sure he's gone by that. They were to be interned 72 hrs. before they left. I'm so glad I got the two visits with him before he went.

We got the oranges and grapefruit in good shape. Only one orange was bruised, and we're certainly enjoying them. They're so much better than you can buy in the stores.

Robin is at Olive's for a couple of days, and Clifford is here with me. Clifford is such a sweet, helpful boy when we are here alone. He and Robin fight when they're here, but although Paul places all the blame on Cliff, I know it's at least a 50-50 proposition.

Tuesday Paul and I took the baby and went to Chatham to the William Pitt Inn for lunch. It was crowded. Paul went up-stairs to meet with Kiwanis, and baby and I ate downstairs. I had her really dressed up – little pink dress that I put away, you remember, new pink bonnet and sweater and white shoes and socks. Well, I was so proud of her. People came flocking over to look at here and say what a beautiful girl she was. She just opened her little mouth and smiled gleefully at them all – threw all the napkins and place mats off the table and had herself a good time in general.

Paul has been up all week but still doesn't feel up to par. I think flu leaves you weak and wishy-washy.

The sun has been shining brightly for the past week, and I've been taking the baby to town in the afternoon for air. It's nice out – about 20°.

I'm sending you the remainder of my debt. I also got the $10 you sent. Thanks – but if it's not convenient, don't rush about the other.

I was able to get a 2# box of "Fanny Farmer" during Xmas, and I mailed it yesterday. Thought you two candy eaters might enjoy it during the Christmas season.

Write soon, and

I love you both,
Anna Ruth

Letter No. 55 | Monday December 27, 1943

2011-06-17T12:15:00.000-04:00

Pfc. George Dicus
859th Chemical Co. A.O. (M&H)
A.P.O. #9153
c/o Postmaster, New York, New York

Monday December 27, 1943

Dearest Mother and Dad,

Not much to say, but wanted you to know everything is O.K., and I feel fine.

Write soon, and I will be thinking about you.

Love always,
George

Letter No. 54 | Thursday December 23, 1943

2011-06-17T00:15:00.003-04:00

Pfc. George Dicus
859th Chemical Co. A.O. (M&H)
A.P.O. #9153
c/o Postmaster, New York, New York

Thursday December 23, 1943

Dearest Mother and Daddy,

You will have heard from Anna Ruth before you get this letter, telling about me getting to see her two times. She seems to be doing fine, and that little girl of hers sure is cute. Paul was pretty sick the first time I was there, but was just about well day before yesterday. I am going in to see them again "Xmas" if I can.

I told her to write to you for both of us, and she said she would.

I have also been to N.Y. two times, and really covered the big city. We had a good time just going around looking.

The mail is very sow getting to us. I got a letter from you today written Dec. 9, and I have already gotten one written about the 13th. Maybe they will all catch up with me sometime. I hope.

I got the money ($25), and bought a watch today. I bought it from one of the fellows in the Co. for $20. It is a 17 jewel Croydon, and is a good watch.

I got a "Xmas" card from Snead Junior College today. I wonder how they got my address. I also got a card from the church.

This has been a long day and I am getting sleepy, so good night until later.

Love always,
George

Letter No. 53 | Wednesday December 22, 1943

2011-06-15T17:09:00.002-04:00

[Letter from George's sister, Anna Ruth Dicus Campbell]
14 Tuxedo Pl.
Morristown, N.J.

Wednesday December 22, 1943

Dearest Mother,

Good news again! George came last night from 5:30 P.M. until 8:15. It wasn't much of a stay, but we had such a good time. I fixed a nice supper for Paul, George, and I and we ate together upstairs. Paul is in bed and awfully weak but hasn't had any fever since Sunday.

George Meant to write you while he was out, but the time slipped away. He asked me to tell you he had mailed your picture home because he wasn't allowed to take big pictures across. He would also like for you to send his wallet to him. He says all the mail is censored, and he hates to write anything real person when he knows it's going to be censored by someone who works right alongside him, so I told him I'd write you for us both.

He called me Saturday night from N.Y. and said he had a pass for Sunday and would be out. I was so happy, and I got up early and got everything cleaned nice, decorated the table, got out the best silver and china, and fixed a big banana pudding, a big roast beef, sweet potatoes with raisins and pecans, carrots, baked potatoes, lettuce salad, etc. I had everything so nice, and he didn't come. He said some of the men's wives who hadn't yet had passes came in, and they gave his pass to one of them.

He came "unannounced" last night, but I very hastily fixed up a good supper, anyway and had a good time.

The children think George is wonderful, and he said he thought they were nice, too. He was certainly fascinated by the baby. He got here both times while she was awake.

George said he had made a $25 per mo. allotment to take care of his debts, etc.

He's working in the office and said there were some of the dumbest WACS around that he ever saw. He said he didn't particularly like it, but he as least didn't have to do K.P. duty!!

He said he thoroughly saw N.Y. Saturday night. They had a boy from N.Y. with them, and they went all over town and had a good time.

He looks good – weighs 178 lbs. and has another short hair cut. He had on "long-handles" to keep warm and seemed in very good spirits.

He can only get a 12 hour pass at the time – so it's hard to have much time here, but he's coming back whenever he can. He doesn't know when they'll sail nor when he'll get another pass. I'll stick around, though, in case he comes back.

Paul is O.K. now except that he's very weak. He had 104° fever Saturday and was awfully sick. The flu is light, but it does leave you weak. However, it isn't the same kind they had the last war. The rest of us are fine – slight colds but nothing resembling flu. Robin is the only member of the family without a little cold, but the rest of us are O.K. Baby has a tiny sniffle – sort of stopped up when she wakes. Dr. Ferriss looked her over and says she's perfectly O.K.

We're making big plans for Christmas. Bill and Lillies are coming. We couldn't find a turkey but have a Va. ham and 2 baking chickens. We decided we'd rather let the soldiers have our turkey this year, anyway.

George said they had wonderful food and plenty of it. Said he had so much turkey Thanksgiving that he just staggered out of the mess hall. Turkeys have been selling here at .65¢ per lb., and I went all over town and couldn't find one. Personally, I'd just as soon have the chicken.

Well, it's late, and I must close. I'll let you know when I hear more from George, though.

George gets mail at the address he gave you. My registered letter with the $5 in it had been returned to him before he came here. He wants mail.

Write soon and

Lots and lots of love,
Anna Ruth

Letter No. 52 | Saturday December 18, 1943

2011-06-14T10:36:00.006-04:00

[Letter from George's sister, Anna Ruth Dicus Campbell]
14 Tuxedo Pl.
Morristown, N.J.

Saturday December 18, 1943

Dearest Mother and Daddy,

Surprise!!! Last night at 10 o'clock the phone rang as I was just fixing the baby's bottle. It was George, and he was in Morristown. He had another boy with him – a very nice boy from Montana – lives on a ranch.

Paul was in bed with the flue and a temp. of 103°, so I told them to get a taxi and come on out.

I just dressed, straightened up the downstairs a bit and took the baby down. She was awake for the bottle, and George fed her, and got such a kick out of her. You should have heard him talking to her.

He was, as usual, broke and said he had written Daddy to send him money here. I'm sure you hadn't got the letter, because you didn't mention it. Luckily, I happened to have $20 which I let him have.

I fixed them bacon, eggs, English muffins, coffee, jello and cookies – oh yes, a big glass of buttermilk for George.

They had to be back at 6 o'clock this morning, so they left at 12:15 last night. They had to go to N.Y. and take a bus from there to Camp Kilmer, N.J. They had plenty of time – about 2 hrs. in N.Y., but it was the best connection they could make. I didn't want them to be late.

They didn't get to stay but about 2 hrs., but they seemed to enjoy it, and we had an awfully nice visit. I couldn't ask for a nicer Christmas present.

George said he didn't think he would be able to get back. The ship's in the harbor and waiting for convoy. George said he overheard in the office something which made him think they were headed for England, and we fixed up a little system by which I'll know from his first letter where he is. Don't mention any of this!! Not where he thinks he's going, even. Of course they're not supposed to know or tell anything.

George looked fine! 178 lbs. and hair cut real short again. He seemed so happy and excited to be going, and I gave him all the news from home.

We were planning to go to N.Y. today, but Paul came in from Boston with flue and didn't go to work yesterday and is really sick.

Mrs. Rogers is coming today to help me, and the kids are doing all the cleaning, etc. I'm taking every precaution to keep it from spreading and especially with the baby. I boil all dishes, keep her entirely separate, wash my hands thoroughly before I touch her, and put on an apron when I take things to Paul and pull it off at the door. I think we're perfectly safe. There are hundreds of cases around here – schools are closed until Jan. 3.

I think after tomorrow Paul will be much better – Dr. Ferriss says the first three days are the worst.

Well that's everything that I can think of – so I want to get this off special air-mail. I knew you'd be anxious to hear, and I also wanted you to know how happy and enthusiastic George is.

By the way, they are not allowed to take watches, so he really didn't want one.

The baby is fine. She just looked and looked at George and smiled and he said he didn't know much about babies but she looked about the best he ever saw!!

Well, I'm glad Daddy got home for Christmas. George told me to write, for his letters are all censored.

Lots of love to you both,
Anna Ruth

Letter No. 51 | Thursday December 16, 1943

2011-06-14T10:26:00.002-04:00

Pfc. George Dicus
859th Chemical Co. A.O. (M&H)
A.P.O. #9153
c/o Postmaster, New York, New York

Thursday December 16, 1943

Dearest Mother and Daddy,

Back on the East Coast again, and it is pretty nice to be here.

I have just written to Anna Ruth, and ask her to send $25. I am really broke, because the money that was taken back at the old station didn't show up. You can send it back to her if you want to.

I just happened to think, is daddy there now, or if not where is he. If you are there, I got your letter, and would have answered right back, but didn't know where to send it. I was pretty busy before we moved here, and didn't have much time to write.

Looking at the envelope, you will realize that there is not much I can say, and won't be able to answer the usual line of questions. Write soon though and remember,

I love you,
George

Letter No. 50 | Monday December 6, 1943

2011-06-10T23:11:00.003-04:00

Pfc. George Dicus
859th Chemical Co. A.O. (M&H)
ASC TC
Fresno 2, Calif.

December 6, 1943

Dearest Mother and Daddy,

I had rather take a beating that to write this letter. I had about the lowest thing pulled on me that possibly could be I think. It is bad, and I hate it, but it is done, and I am not going to worry about it. Last Saturday night I had $60, and when I woke up the boy that sleeps next to me was robbed, and several boys from different Companies lost their pocket books that night also. I won't be able to get the watch now, and I don't want one now. It is too bad that the watches were not here when I got the money, but it is over with now. It might be just as well that I didn't get the watch though, because I will be out of here sometime this week going to the Port of Embarkation Center, and they say you can't get by with a watch there.

I don't want you to worry one bit about me going across. Just remember, I am in a service group, and will not be in combat. I am very very glad to get there. I have been ready a long time. This will probably be the last time that I will say anything about this, and also the last letter I will write before I get to the POZ Center. I hope to be sent to the East, and maybe I will bet to see Anna Ruth.

I am in the office now and will be from now on.

I am in perfect shape, weigh 174, and feel fine.

We have been awfully busy fro the past day or so getting all the books closed getting ready to move out of here. I have had to work some at night. I will be glad when we get out of here.

I almost forgot to tell you. I saw Peat Cook the other night. He is stationed here, and lives real close to me. He seems to be a pretty good boy now. It is nice to meet someone close by from home anyway. By the way, someone got Pete's pocket book too.

I am all ready to go to bed, and it's getting pretty cold, so I better turn in.

Just don't worry about a thing, because everything is going to be fine.

I am going to make out an allotment when I get over there and send some money home. I don't think I will need much money there, and we get a 20% raise overseas.

I think I have the nicest family in the world, and will always love them.

Love,
George

P.S. You need not write me until you get my new address.

Letter No. 49 | Sunday November 28, 1943

2011-06-09T22:49:00.002-04:00

Pfc. George Dicus
859th Chemical Co. A.O. (M&H)
ASC TC
Fresno 2, Calif.

Sunday November 28, 1943

Dearest Mother,

I have just come off guard duty, and it is getting late, so this must be short. Everyone had to pull guard, because there is not a guard squadron here now. I had two prisioners to work, and did I have to watch them. They were Mexicans and I think they would run if they had a chance. If they do get away, you have to serve their stretch, so I was right after them. That will be the last time I will have that though.

I got the money, but the watches are already gone. They are expecting to get some new ones in right away though, and they think they will be Elgins this time. I am going to get one if they do come, but if they don't, I will send the money back.

The boys that went out on the last bunch for furloughs came back tonight. I know how it feels to come back, so I am sorry for them.

We expect to be leaving here sometime next month. Of course we don't know when, or where, but it will probably be the East Coast. In fact, we are going to move soon, but when, is not definite.

I got a letter from Turk (12 pages too) and a card from Albert. They both seem to be pretty happy. I guess daddy will be getting into Edinburg (Texas) tomorrow. I am glad he went, and I know he will enjoy it, and Aunt Ann will be glad he came. The thing is though, I want you to just take things easy while he is gone, and have a good time. I intend to write to him soon.

Take care of yourself, and remember that I think you are the sweetest person in the world.

Love always,
George

P.S. I hope you can read this.

Letter No. 48 | Wednesday November 17, 1943

2011-06-08T23:56:00.004-04:00

Pfc. George Dicus
859th Chemical Co. A.O. (M&H)
ASCTC
Fresno 2, Calif.

Wednesday November 17, 1943

Dearest Mother and Daddy,

It seems as though the rainy season is about to begin out here. It rained for about two hours pretty hard last night. We think we will be moving out to a new camp about the first of the month. I hope we do, because we will probably be going toward the east coast. That will be good won't it?

I am still working in the office. We are not having as much work as there was when I first came back from furlough, but we still stay pretty busy. The Company went out in the mountains for a two day bivouac, and I didn't have to go. I didn't mind staying here a bit, because it is pretty cold up there they say. There wasn't much work to be done in the office while they were gone, so I had it pretty easy.

I hadn't written to Anna Ruthe when you were asking, but I have now. In fact, I got into a writing spree the other night, and wrote a group of letters. That is something I very seldom do.

I saw a good show last night. If you get a chance to see it, don't miss it, "Lassie Came Home." I thought it was pretty good. It was about a dog.

Have you heard anything more about the watch? It may be a long time before he gets any watches in. They have some pretty nice Greun watches in the Post Exchange for $34.34. I think they have 17 jewels. You might ask bill what he thinks about them.

You ask if we will have turkey for Thanksgiving. I guess so, but I am going to try to get invited out. I think that, that will be nicer than eating in the mess hall, don't you.

They are going to have a group of girls up town pretty soon, and are going to take a bunch of us boys in to try to talk them into joining the service. They better not take me, because I will discourage them. I don't approve of having girls in the Army.

My address has changed again. The ASCTC stands for Air Service Command Training Center.

Write soon and remember,

I love you,
George

P.S. I am enclosing $5

Letter No. 47 | Friday November 12, 1943

2011-06-07T23:24:00.002-04:00

Pfc. George Dicus
859th Chemical Co. A.O. (M&H)
AAF Fresno BTC
Fresno 2, Calif.

Friday November 12, 1943

Dear Mother and Daddy,

This has got to be short, but I just wanted you to know everything is O.K.

After I got back from my furlough, another group went out, and just about all of the office force went in that group. You know, I have just been in and out of there since I have had that classification, and it is some headache when they shove practically the whole thing at you like a ton of bricks. I have been at it day and night, and will be very glad when the fellows get back. I worked for a little while tonight, and said phooey on the rest and walked out, and am going to get some sleep for a change.

Yep, that furlough was mighty nice. Too bad they don't come often isn't it? I am still hoping to get sent back to the east coast, but you can't tell how long that will be now though.

I don't know any news, so I will get a little sleep.

I am getting along fine, and everything is O.K. Write soon.

Love always,
George

Letter No. 46 | Saturday November 6, 1943

2011-06-06T21:35:00.004-04:00

[Letter from George's sister, Anna Ruth Dicus Campbell]
14 Tuxedo Pl.
Morristown, N.J.

November 6, 1943

Saturday –

Dearest Mother and Daddy,

I started this letter this afternoon and didn't get any farther than the date.

Lillis and Bill are coming tonight, and I just heard Paul drive in with them so will finish tomorrow!!

Sunday night –

Well, Lillis and Bill have gone – left about 4:30 this afternoon. We had such a nice visit. We had the baby christened this morning, and they stood up at the altar with us. They brought her a beautiful sterling silver comb and brush set, and two toys. They also brought a whole pre-cooked ham. We had a baked leg of lamb for dinner so we have enough food cooked for next week, I think. I made a delicious deep-dish blackberry pie today, in which they seemed to enjoy very much.

Martha was so good at church. She went to sleep during the sermon. I got a certificate of baptism.

I took her to the doctor yesterday, and she said she had never seen a finer, better natured baby. She stuck the paddle on her tongue to examine her throat, and she just smiled. She's in perfect shape. Dr. Ferriss said she was such a big, fine girl that I could feed her some strained prunes along with her cereal. She gets a big tablespoonful of baby cereal and 2 teaspoonfuls of prunes at 10 A.M. and 6 P.M., and her milk. She now gets 15 ounces of evaporated milk per day – one can and 2 extra ounces. Such a pig! I forgot to weigh her today in all the excitement, but I know she's made a good gain.

I went to N.Y. Friday to meet Paul. Mrs. Rogers came at 9 o'clock and I went to the beauty parlor, etc., and then went to N.Y. at 3:14. Made two subway changes and got to Paul's office on 42nd Street without a bobble. I was a bit uneasy because I had never before tried to travel around by myself in N.Y.

Paul has a beautiful office on the 30th floor of a big building about a block from the Grand Central Station. Mr. and Mrs. Soo-Hoo came over, and we took them to dinner and to a show. They were entertained, of course, on company expense – being very good customers. They seemed to enjoy it and sent you their best regards, Mother.

We went to a very good French restaurant and then went to the Capital Theater to see "Phantom of the Opera." Duke Ellington and his band were appearing in person and Lena Horne, negro star of the movie "Stormy Weather."

Paul wanted me to bring the baby to the plant at a quarter to 12 Saturday for everybody to see. I dressed her up and took her, and she was so good. Never a whimper. She's such a good girl. Everybody comments on it. She never cries at night. I'm certainly thankful.

Lillis and Bill are coming home for a week about the 11th, I believe. Be sure to try to see Lillis. She can tell you all about the baby. She said that they had no place for Mrs. C. and not time to entertain her, so they're going to see her to save her that hard trip of coming up. Paul and I said simultaneously, "Thank God." I'm crazy about Lillis, and we really had a lot of fun with them.

I haven't heard a word from George. Have you? I'm going to write him again tonight.

The Garden Club are coming tomorrow night. Paul is in cleaning the kitchen now, I do believe.

All of us except the baby have little colds but seem better now.

By the way, tell Gertrude that Robin made 5 "A's," 4 "B's," and 1 "C" on his report card. "A" on Arithmetic, "B" on spelling, "C" on Reading – the rest health, art, music, etc. He had a better card than Clifford. He was certainly proud.

Hope Daddy's head is still better and that you're feeling fine. Are Elizabeth and Wendell straight by now?

Write soon, and I love you both,
Anna Ruth

Letter No. 45 | Tuesday November 2, 1943

2011-06-05T23:19:00.002-04:00

Pfc. George Dicus
859th Chemical Co. A.O. (M&H)
AAF Fresno BTC
Fresno 2, Calif.

Tuesday November 2, 1943

Dearest Mother and Daddy,

I had a very nice trip back with the exceptions of a couple of lay overs. I had 14 hours in Memphis, and about 7 in Kansas City. I got here Sunday at 1:40 A.M. I enjoyed being home a lot, and the train rides were not too bad.

I got back at a bad time though. The Company was having an inspection on Monday by a General, and everything had to be perfect. I got my stuff all fixed up though and passed O.K. We started back into the old routine today, and I am glad.

They called all the new men out for dental appointments this morning, and there was nothing wrong with my teeth, so I am getting a little time off waiting on some of the other boys to come back.

Everything seems to be very peaceful now, and we don't know when, or if we will ship out. Maybe we will sometime though.

The mornings are pretty cool out here, but it warms up and is very nice up in the day. They say the rainy season should start soon. I hope not though.

I got a letter from William Derrick, and he is still in the dessert, and will probably be there another month. I think he will be pretty glad to get away from there. I think we are going to miss that stuff. The Company went up to Fort Ord and fired the big guns while I was gone, and they also went out for 3 days and lived on K rations while I was gone. I wouldn't have minded going up to Ord, but I was glad to miss the other trip.

I don't know how true it is, but they tell me that I will probably get another furlough before we go over. That will be nice, but I don't suppose that will be for a long time now anyway.

I had just enough cash to get me back. That sounds like a lot of cash, but things are awfully high on the train. I got paid, and am going to send some money home a little bit later.

The boys are coming back now, so we will be falling out in a few minutes, so I will write again soon.

Love always,
George

Letter No. 44 | Friday October 15, 1943

2011-06-04T16:27:00.003-04:00

[Letter from George's sister, Anna Ruth Dicus Campbell]
14 Tuxedo Pl.
Morristown, N.J.

October 15, 1943

Friday night–

Dearest Mother and Daddy,

Well, Paul just came in. When I told him George was coming home, he said of course he wanted me to go and would call N.Y. and make reservations for me and the baby. However, Dr. Ferriss says that that long trip is awfully hard on her – feeding her, etc., exposing her, and she would be better off leaving her with someone. She also said she would be in town all the time while I was gone and would come if anything got wrong.

Mrs. Riley is on a case – at Elsies and we have a regular child nurse. She's highly recommended by Dr. Ferriss and Mrs. Horne, who runs the children's home. She will come for $35 per week, and I'm sure she's fine. Paul will be here at night, too, of course. So, I feel that Martha is better off at home until next spring. We're sure going to bring her down then.

It is just come without her or not come. I know she's better off here, and I know you understand. I just can't bring her by myself. Paul is awfully busy now and can't get away.

I want you to make a reservation for me on the train for Saturday night on the "Tennessean." That way, I'll be in Sunday night and can sleep until noon Monday. I imagine that is about as long as George can stay, and I should come on back then, too. It will be so good to all be together, even if it is for only a short time.

Don't tell George I'm coming – let's surprise him!!

See you soon if everything goes O.K. here – if not, will wire any change of plan.

Lots of love,
Anna Ruth

P.S. Plan to leave here Tuesday A.M. arriving there Wednesday at 10 o'clock A.M.

Letter No. 43 | Thursday September 30, 1943

2011-06-03T22:42:00.002-04:00

Pfc. George Dicus
859th Chemical Co. A.O. (M&H)
AAF Fresno BTC
Fresno 2, Calif.

Thursday September 30, 1943

Dearest Mother and Daddy,

Before I forget to tell you, please send me my birth certificate as soon as you can. You know, the one we sent for just before I came into the army. I am to put in an application for the cadets, but I know it won't do any good. I don't think that my Company Commander would turn me loose, but I think I will try it anyway. If I should get in, I would be sent to college for almost 5 months before I started the regular training. I have been in training in Chemical Warfare almost too long to try I think, but I can't lose anything by it anyway. You need not mention this though. By the way, that is the only way that is possible to get out of Chemical Warfare is to go cadets.

This over seas business is cooling down now. Several Cos. moved out, but this one missed it, and is not expected to get any news for a month or so. I think that I will get a furlough about the first of next month. I sure hope so anyway. There were 15 boys that left out today, and I am supposed to be in the next group that gets them.

We went back out on range again this week, and fired a different type of gun. I made out pretty good, but we didn't fire for record this time.

How was the trip home mother? I am glad you had a good time.

Write to me real soon, and tell me what is going on, on the home front.

Love always,
George

P.S. $5 enclosed

Letter No. 42 | Thursday September 23, 1943

2011-06-03T22:18:00.002-04:00

Pfc. George Dicus
859th Chemical Co. A.O. (M&H)
AAF Fresno BTC
Fresno 2, Calif.

Thursday September 23, 1943

Dearest Mother and Anna Ruth,

It is the same old story, we don't know what is happening, but things are popping fast around here. As I told you, my old Company broke up, and I am in the 859th. We are not getting ready as fast as I thought we might, but we will probably get across sometime within the next 2 or 3 months. I was lucky to get sent to this Company. All the boys here are young, and we are real huskies. Some of the groups in my Company are going right away, and a lot of old men are in with them. I don't have a change for a furlough just now, but in about a month, it is probable that we will be somewhere on the East coast, and I will have a good chance from there. I would like to go home, but if I don't, we will just have to say that it is one of those things. If we should go over, we have an idea where it would be. I know that we won't be seeing action. These Companies never do, so there is no use worrying if anything should pop up. Really I am looking forward to it. Of course you realize that this is all strictly to ourselves. We don't talk about these things, so mum is the word. I have a lot of good experience lately, and really there is nothing to it. They have every safety precaution in the world, and nothing could happen. I really enjoy this type of work now.

Nothing new has happened and we can't get off the post. I will write when I can think of something to say.

How is that little girl doing? I sure would like to see her.

Love always,
George

Letter No. 41 | Thursday September 16, 1943

2011-06-02T00:28:00.002-04:00

Pfc. George Dicus
865th Chemical Co. A.O.
AAF Fresno BTC
Fresno 2, Calif.

Thursday September 16, 1943

Dearest Mother and Anna Ruth,

I am pretty sleepy, but I am going to try to write a couple pages.

There is a big mix up on this post with Chemical Warfare. They are breaking up a lot of the Company. I am going into a different one right. There might be a chance that we might ship across sometime before too long. That is why I wanted the money. I am getting a good supply of everything, and am going to be ready if anything should happen. When I sent you the telegram, it looked as though we were going right away, but things seem to be slowing up now, and we don't know what to expect. Don't think too much about this. I will let you know if anything new pops up. I would like to come home first, and I think now that I might have a good chance later on. I am ready to go if they do go. It is not bad at all from all reports that the older boys in the Company have heard from the boys across. They say that they would much rather be there, and that the Chemical Warfare is always in the safest places. Remember now, don't think too much about this, because it is not going to happen soon. I just wanted to get a good supply of razor blades (about 500) and etc.

I am still working in Physical Training in the mornings, but I am working in the office in the afternoons, and we have been working at night a lot. In fact, it is 11:00 PM now, and I am just getting through with my work, so you can see I am whipped. I have to be back on that field by 7:00 AM in the morning, so good night, and I will write as soon as we find out the score on what we are going to do.

Love always,
George

Letter No. 40 | Sunday September 12, 1943

2011-06-01T00:13:00.004-04:00

Pfc. George Dicus
865th Chemical Co. A.O.
AAF Fresno BTC
Fresno 2, Calif.

Sunday September 12, 1943

Dearest Mother and Anna Ruth,

First, I must tell you about the hottest, driest, and dustiest place I have ever been, and that is none other than the Army Rifle Range 36 miles north of Fresno. Anyway, we were out there from Monday to Saturday of this week, and it was no fun. I did a little better than I expected on firing though. I qualified as a marksman with a score of 159. That is only 11 points from sharpshooter. We really didn't have a very good chance though, because there was a big wind when we shot and that makes it pretty hard. Of course we had to walk back. Started Friday afternoon, and pitched camp in a big cow pasture that was literally covered with prairie dog holes. We finally got back to camp yesterday about 10 A.M.

When we got back, the new men we were expecting were here. They are not the rookies we were expecting to get, but instead, they are all old men, and most of them have stripes. That makes it look pretty bad for that rating I was expecting to get.

I sure would like to see the baby now, but maybe I can see her before too long. There is still the old rumor going around that they will pull us out of here sometime soon. I still like California, but it would be nice if I could get nearer home.

I got a letter from Bill today. He seems to like S.D. pretty good.

I think I will go to bed now, and be ready to give the rookies a good workout in the morning. You won't think I am the same person when I get home, because I am getting into the habit of going to bed early.

Write to me real soon.

Love always,
George

P.S. I can't get an Air Mail stamp tonight, so there is no telling when you will get this letter.

Letter No. 39 | Sunday September 12, 1943

2011-05-31T00:33:00.002-04:00

Pfc. George Dicus
865th Chemical Co. A.O.
AAF Fresno BTC
Fresno 2, Calif.

Sunday September 12, 1943

Dearest Pop,

You know daddy, I have wanted to write to you several times, and discuss things with you that I wouldn't want mother to see. Not anything important, but just the little trifle things that come up and don't amount to anything, that would make mother get excited.

Right now, I am pretty much disgusted. I have been up for a rating for some time now, and was expecting it to come through most any time. I have worked hard, and have soldiered for them, and they said I had it coming. There had been plenty of ratings open in the Co. and we were expecting a bunch of rookies. We got the new men alright, but most of them have their arms loaded down with stripes. We have too many rated men now, so you can see where that leaves me.

I am going to try to get out of this branch now. It is tough going and a slow job, but in time I think I can do it. Chemical Warfare is no good anyway. It is known for pulling the details for the army. I think I will try for arial gunnery. I know it is filled up and will be pretty hard to get in, but still it is worth the try. I don't want you to think, but I am not looking for the soft spots in the army. Still, I am not going to push myself overseas, or to the tougher places. I think I know what gunnery is, because I have been thinking about it, and looking into it since I have been in the army. It is a good place daddy, and if I should get in, I would be lucky.

We were out on the Rifle Range last week. I qualified as a marksman. I would have liked to have gotten sharpshooter, but it was pretty tough that day. We shot for record. The wind was blowing pretty tough, and we were firing the old Infield Rifle, and I guess you know that it is not quiet as good as the Springfield. I got 159 though, and that is only 11 points from sharpshooter. We hiked back 36 miles to camp Friday afternoon, and Saturday morning. We set up our Bivouac area in a cow pasture Friday night, and was it hot there.

I like California alright. In fact, I have liked every place I have been so far alright. Fresno is a nice town though, and everyone likes it here.

Physical Training is O.K., but I am still in the Co. They just sent me down there to work. When they pull out of here I will go with them. I will tell you one thing though. This is the first time in my life I have been in top notch shape. We really put it on to the boys dad. I can take it all day long, and out of the different hour classes I give, sometimes one half of them drop out. I like that work, but I don't guess it will be permanent.

I am glad mother got to go up to see Anna Ruth. I know she wanted to go, and Anna Ruth was probably very glad that she could come. Are those boys really part Chinamen, or did they just say that they were?

I guess the building at Stevenson is getting into the finishing work b y now isn't it? How much longer do you think it will take to put it up?

After this war is over daddy, we will get into something. I don't know what. What do you think you would like? I know we can make a go at something though.

Write me real soon when you get time, because I always enjoy your letters.

Love always,
George

P.S. If I were you, I would just tear this up, and don't tell mother what I am trying to get in.

Letter No. 38 | Sunday September 5, 1943

2011-05-30T00:02:00.004-04:00

Pfc. George Dicus
865th Chemical Co. A.O. (M&H)
AAF Fresno BTC
Fresno 2, Calif.

Sunday Night
September 5, 1943

Dearest Mother and Anna Ruth,

I am a tired boy tonight. We have been getting things together to go on the Rifle Range tomorrow today. We will be out there one week, and will have a chance to qualify. I don't expect to do so good, because I haven't had a chance to dry fire with the Co. this week. We also are getting 68 new men in the Co. tomorrow, and have been getting ready for them. They will be rookies, and I think they will be from Fort McPherson, GA (Atlanta). If they are, I may know some of them. I am still a physical Instructor, but I don't know how long I will be, because they want me to come back in the Co. to help give the new men their basic training. I think that I would like that.

I am glad that you are feeling good A.R., and that the baby is fine. What are you going to call her? I hope you are going to call her Martha. I think that is a pretty name. Gosh, but I sure would like to see her. Tell her that her Uncle George said hello, and for her to be a good girl.

I will try to write while we are on the range, but I don't think that there will be much chance. The range is 28 miles up in the hills, and we are going to have to walk back next Sunday. I will write as soon as I get back anyway. Until then, I will be thinking about you, and don't forget to write me.

Love always,
George

P.S. Notice change in address.

Letter No. 37 | Monday August 23, 1943

2011-05-26T23:59:00.004-04:00

[Letter from George's sister, Anna Ruth Dicus Campbell]
14 Tuxedo Pl.
Morristown, N.J.

Monday Night
August 23, 1943

Dearest Mother and Daddy,

I've wanted to write you all day but didn't have stationery or a fountain pen until Paul came tonight. I had my bag packed, but since I came sooner than I had expected, I hadn't put in writing paper.

I feel just fine. I'm at All Soul's Hospital – Catholic and very good. The priest came around this morning just to say "Good Morning and how are you," and the nun comes once a day, and that's all the Catholic influence I see. The nurses are regular. The food is awfully good, and the hospital is full.

Martha Elizabeth was born at 11:24 A.M. Sat. morning. I came down Friday night at about 10. She's the cutest thing – 8 lbs. 5 ounces, red hair, and quite plump. I was so glad she wasn't all red and wrinkled! All the nurses rave on about what a beautiful baby she is. She has blue eyes, which may change of course, and looks quite like Paul except for the red hair and nice flat ears!!! They only let the fathers see them on the first day and then through a glass, to Paul's disgust.

They're awfully crowded here and have me in the room with another woman. She has a little boy born a few hours before mine. I'm glad she's here for she feels good and talks and laughs and keeps me company.

I have had some awfully pretty flowers from Paul, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Washington, and Mr. Coover. The announcement just came out in the paper last night, of course.

What did the boys think about the baby? Dottie [Anna Ruth's step-daughter] is tickled to death, but they don't allow children in the hospital, so I haven't seen her.

About Mrs. Poe – Paul and I talked it over last night and decided that it might have possibilities. You might feel her out and tell her that we would be willing to give her room and board and $30 per mo. if she wants to come. You explain to her that regular maids here are getting twice that, but she wouldn't come on that footing, for the children help and she wouldn't have much cooking to do. I would like to have someone responsible to leave the baby with and someone who could help out with anything. You explain to her that she'd have a good home and be well treated if she acted right. We could advance her R.R. fare and take it out of her salary if she wished. I feel $30 would be enough to pay, for food is very expensive now and board means a lot. You talk with her and find out what she thinks. We think it might work out well.

They wake us at 6 o'clock when they bring the babies down and I'm hungry. I hear breakfast I think.

I'll be going home Monday and have a practical nurse engaged for 2 weeks, so you see, everything will be fine at home.

We had a black out last night after I started this letter. Paul had just about had time to get home.

I'll be so glad to see you, and I can't wait for you to see this little old cute baby. She cries very little (so far) and just sleeps all the time.

I'm writing flat on my back, so will close.

Write soon, and lot and lots of love,
Anna Ruth

Letter No. 36 | Tuesday August 17, 1943

2011-05-26T23:44:00.002-04:00

Pfc. George H Dicus
865th Chem. Co.
BTC #8 - AO
Fresno, Calif.

Tuesday August 17, 1943

Dearest Mother and Daddy,

Have no time what so ever to write tonight. Leave at 2:30 for 2 week bivouac. It is 11 now, so must go to bed. I had to beg them to let me go. They tried to keep me on Physical program.

I feel fine and will write as soon as I can. Tell A.R. where I am.

Love Always,
George

Letter No. 35 | Sunday August 8, 1943

2011-05-26T17:56:00.005-04:00

Pfc. George H Dicus
865th Chem. Co.
BTC #8 - AO
Fresno, Calif.

Sunday Afternoon
August 8, 1943

Dearest Mother and Daddy,

It seems as though that every time I write to you, I am doing something new, and this time is no exception. I am on detached duty from my Co. now, and am a Physical Instructor. You know, I had a lot of experience at that kind of work at N.C., and at S.D. The funny thing is, when I reported to the officer in charge, it was a boy that I was in school with while in Ga. [Note: University of Georgia], and I knew him very well. That makes it pretty nice. The work was hard at first, but it is pretty nice now. There is an awful lot of running, and exercising in it, but it doesn't take long to get hardened down to it after you get into it. It is really very nice, and I like the work.

My name was turned in to headquarters for Cpl. rating last week along with two more. They each have over 15 months service, and they got their rating, but mine was turned down. I don't think it should be too long though, because I am the only Physical Instructor that does not have a rating.

It doesn't seem as though I will be getting a furlough, or in fact it is not possible, for about 3 months yet. There is a rule on this post that no one is supposed to get a furlough until they have been in the service over a year. That is, a 15 day furlough. I could get a 7 day one, but that wouldn't be enough for more than traveling time. I am really not too disappointed though because I think that we will probably be closer to the South by that time. It takes better than half the furlough time to get there from here, and is a very long tiresome trip. I am just hoping that we will pull out of here soon, and I think we will. I like Calif. fine, but I would like to be a little nearer home. During your vacation, Mother, why don't you go up to see Anna Ruth. I think it would be a nice trip, and I know it would make her awfully happy if you would go up. When I do get a furlough, I want her to come down then.

I think I will go get a little bit of shut eye, and take advantage of a quiet Sunday afternoon.

Write real soon, and tell me how you are, and all the news.

Love always,
George

P.S. I feel fine, and weigh 173 now.

Letter No. 34 | Tuesday August 3, 1943

2011-05-25T19:37:00.004-04:00

Pfc. George H Dicus
865th Chem. Co.
BTC #8 - AO
Fresno, Calif.

Tuesday August 3, 1943

Dearest Mother and Daddy,

Let me tell you about Sun. first. One of my friends, and myself met a girl that owns an auto. She got another girl, and we went up in the mts. where the big redwood trees grow. We saw the biggest tree in the world. The Gen. Grant tree, and boy was it a whopper. There are a bunch of beautiful lakes, and it is more or less a summer resort. We went horseback riding, and had a wonderful time up there. It has an elevation of about 7,000 feet, and was real cool. That where we are going on the bivouac sometime soon. I had just as soon stay up there.

The chemical school is here in the Co. We have classes around here, but we still get quite a bit of exercise along with it. It is interesting though, and I like it.

I don't know when I will get a furlough. It doesn't look too good to get one right away now. They are pretty stingy with them, and there are several still ahead of me. I hope to have one before long though.

Yes, I have made a lot of friends. It is hard to realize how many people you do meet while traveling around in the army. There is a swell bunch of boys here, and I like the Company I am in. It is small, and everyone is good friends.

How are the boys doing in school. Are they as lazy about studying as I was, or is that possible?

Old Bill has really been transferred around to a lot of different things, hasn't he. I wonder how he likes S.D. Sioux Falls is not too good. The place is run over with soldiers. I guess Albert will get over being homesick sometime. I hope so anyway. I guess Basic Training is pretty tough on him, but I think he will like the army after he gets out of it.

We have been taking some hikes lately, and some of the boys have been getting big blisters, but my old mo. just chugs along and never gives me the least bit of trouble. The secret is though, I pull off my shoes around here and go barefooted. I didn't go barefooted for 14 years for nothing.

I feel fine, and am having a good time. Say, I weigh 175 lbs now. When I get home I will probably weigh about 200.

Write to me real soon, and tell me all of the news.

All of my love,
George

Letter No. 33 | Friday July 23, 1943

2011-05-25T01:08:00.002-04:00

Pfc. George Dicus
865th Chem. Co. - AO
BTC #8
Fresno, Calif.

Friday July 23, 1943

Dearest Mother and Daddy,

I am in charge of quarters for a little time tonight, so I will start a letter, but may not get to finish it.

I haven't heard from you in several days. Maybe it is as hot there as it is here. If it is, that is good enough excuse the sun really bears down here now. We went swimming the other day, and I got myself a good sunburn. It is peeling off now, and is not sore anymore.

I had my last checkup at the hospital today. They think I am alright now, and I am really glad. It is no fun to run back and forth over there.

How do the Parks boys like the army now? Send me their addresses when you get a chance.

I got a letter from Anna Ruth, and she said she had sent several letters to the Gen. Hosp., and they have started to come back now. I am glad I was not there to get them anyway.

I am going to chem. school now. We have the classes around here in tents. We also take a few hikes. In fact, we have a 10 mile hike scheduled for tomorrow. They are not bad now though. It only takes about two and a half hours to make the trip. We are going on biovac in about two weeks, and we will walk back to camp. It is about 85 miles out to the area. It won't be so tough, because we will have three days to make the trip. One company came in today from the trip and the band came out to escort them in. I will personally be glad when we go out. It is something like camping out.

I weight last night, and I weighted more than I ever have before in my life. I weigh 169 lbs. I am not surprised , because I really do eat now. The food is exceptionally good here.

Fresno is a very nice town. I went in the other night, and went to a USO dance. There were several cute girls there, and I had a very nice time.

This letter seems to be short, but remember that you can get a lot more on one page when it is typed. I want you to write me a long letter and tell me what you all are doing.

Don't look for mistakes in my typing, because if I was doing some kind of work I would take more time.

Lots of love,
George

P.S. Tell me the difference in Air Mail & Free Mail [Note: he probably wants to know how fast each type of mails gets from him to Alabama and which is the fastest]

Letter No. 32 | Wednesday July 14, 1943

2011-05-24T18:46:00.002-04:00

Pfc. George Dicus
865th Chem. Co. - AO
BTC #8
Fresno, Calif.

Wednesday July 14, 1943

I guess you think I am lost, but really I am fine, and am sorry I have not written. I have been getting up every morning at 3:30, and riding out 28 miles to build a rifle range. We got through yesterday and I was pretty glad. It is almost too hot to use a pick and shove here. I am to start work in the office in the morning. I don't know how long I will be there, because I think I am going to Chemical Warfare school soon.

The heading on this letter is not for us. There is a BTC center here, and that is our heading now, but it will be changed soon. So far, we are not doing any drilling.

I went to Fresno for two hrs. the other night. The people are very nice there, and I like it much better than Reno.

I got 4 letters from you day before yesterday that had been sent to Reno. I can't write every day, and there is no use saying that I will. I am going to write pretty often though. When we do get off duty we are so hot that we have to stay in the shower about 30 minutes to cool off, and after we get dressed and go down and get a cold drink it is time to come back and go to bed. The nights are very cool, and is nice sleeping anyway.

We may not be here very long, and I still have hopes to get down South somewhere. I only hope now that it won't take too long.

Mother, the food is good. I feel fine, I am happy, and everything is O.K. Don't worry about me for there is no use.

I think I will get home about the last of Aug., but probably will be in Sept.

There is no news, so I will write more later.

Love always,
George

P.S. Send me the Parks boys addresses.

Letter No. 31 | Saturday July 3, 1943

2011-05-23T23:51:00.002-04:00

Pfc. George H Dicus
865th Chemical Co., Air Ops.
Army Air Base
Reno, Nevada

Saturday July 3, 1943

Dearest Mother and Daddy,

You know, it is pretty hard to understand the army sometimes. My kidneys have completely cleared up now, but they still have me sitting around here waiting to go to general hospital. They don't even look at me, give me any medicine or anything. They just want to see what did cause the trouble.

The red cross is taking a group of us to Virginia City tomorrow to a celebration. I guess we will have a good time.

My Company has gone to Fresno and I don't guess I will get mail from you for a few days. When you write to me, address the letter to Ward 4, Base Hospital instead of 865 Chemical Co., and I will get it sometime.

It is pretty hot here now, and the sand is blowing a lot. Yep! this is the dessert.

We went to a show here in the hospital this afternoon "Hudson's Bay." It was a little bit old, but I enjoyed it anyway.

I want you to know that I feel fine, and am getting fat as a pig laying around here. Don't worry about me.

I really don't know a thing to write about. It is just the same old routine.

Write soon and often.

Love always,
George

Letter No. 30 | Tuesday June 29, 1943

2011-05-23T17:24:00.002-04:00

Pfc. George H Dicus
865th Chemical Co., Air Ops.
Army Air Base
Reno, Nevada

Tuesday June 29, 1943

Dear Mother and Daddy,

I have just gotten your letter that was written Thursday, and am answering right back.

I read in the County paper about Sara Campbell being operated on. I guess they think the Dicus' like flowers. I wired roses, and you sent gladiolas. I don't write to her very often now, but we are still friends. I write to Mary Nell Chiles [he married her 7 years later in 1950] sometimes, and you know how bade I hate to write, so I don't feel like writing to anyone but you outside of M.N.

I am still just sitting around here. Can't tell how long it will be. I don't even take pills. In fact, I just sit. They couldn't get me a pass this afternoon. The ward Dr. tried, so I am not mad. He is getting one for me for tomorrow.

I can imagine how much the boys are liking the Bible School. Can you understand them or do they have a brogue?

We had a little school on chemical warfare, but most of the work was getting ready to move before I came here. I worked in the office some, and other times just did odd jobs.

It is pretty hot here now, but it is very pleasant on the side porch here. I am going out and see if I can get a little tan. I guess I will blister, but won't stay long.

I hope to get out of here soon. I heard that I was about to make corporal, and I want to get back and see if I can get the extra stripe.

Write soon.

Love,
George

Letter No. 29 | Monday June 28, 1943

2011-05-22T20:51:00.004-04:00

Pfc. George H Dicus
865th Chemical Co., Air Ops.
Army Air Base
Reno, Nevada

Monday June 28, 1943

Dearest Mother and Daddy,

I might as well start off with my troubles right at the first, but I really hat to, because there is nothing wrong, and I am afraid you will worry when there is no reason to. i am in the Hospital. I came in with a sore tongue about three days ago. It is completely O.K. now. They gave me a physical though, and noticed a slight touch of blood in my urine. They kept me here and have given me dozens of x-rays. The only thing that they could see is that it might move just a little bit. [maybe he's talking about a kidney stone, as he also had a kidney stone in high school] That is not serious even though it does, and they don't even know that. They are sending me over to the general hospital in Modesto, Cal., and there they have the equipment, and experts that can show anything that could be wrong with me. They just don't take chances. They have got to find the trouble if possible. I don't guess I should even tell you about this, and I wouldn't if I thought you would worry about it. I feel fine, have never had the slightest pain in my back since I have been in the army, and I don't think anything could possibly be wrong with me. When something gets wrong with me, you can rest assured that I will tell you about it right off. I won't have it any other way than for you to believe this. I swear it is true.

My Company is moving out Saturday for Fresno, California. I think I told you that the air corp. is taking this post over. I am really glad. I strictly don't like the idea of being in a dessert. Everyone seems to like Fresno. They say the weather is fine there, and it is a small base and the people are very nice to soldiers. Modesto is 80 miles from Fresno, so I won't have any trouble getting there after I have been examined. I really don't know what kind of work I will be doing when I get there, and really , I don't care. If I am on the outside I won't mind a bit. It is much easier to get a rating, and you know, I never liked to stay inside very much.

Mother, Chemical warfare is not dangerous. In fact, we don't fool with gas very often. When we do, every protective measure is taken, and it would be impossible to get hurt even though some of it did get away. I like it better and better every day.

I forgot to tell you, I got to go out of here most every day. I went to the show Saturday night, church Sunday morning, 3 hr pass Sunday afternoon and to show Sunday night. The rest of the time I just lay around and read. It may be two weeks before I am sent down there. They just have to wait until there is an opening.

I am glad you are working close to home daddy. You just take it easy and don't let "Pat." [not sure who Pat. is] pull anything over on you. Say, I think I would enjoy a little fishing when I get home. Do you think we could catch some fish?

I guess my furlough will come up in August. I might even get there in time for my birthday. I am sure checking out when they let me go.

Remember now, I feel fine, and there is no use to think I am sick, because I am not.

Write to me soon and tell me how you and the boys are doing.

Love always,
George

Letter No. 28 | Friday June 18, 1943

2011-05-22T19:48:00.002-04:00

Pfc. George H Dicus
865th Chemical Co., Air Ops.
Army Air Base
Reno, Nevada

Friday June 18, 1943

Dearest Mother and Daddy,

I think it is too bad about Bill. I have heard a lot about the way the cadets are trained though, and with just a few bad breaks you can get chucked out on your ears. I guess when he was sick he had a tough time getting started again. If he really wants to be commissioned he will get a chance later on. Sometimes I think I will try for Officers Training School, but I don't guess I will for a little while yet. I really don't know whether I even want to be commissioned or not.

Reno is the nearest town to this base. It is 14 miles, but we can go in on the bus for .20¢. I have only been to town one time since I have been here. I don't know why I don't go except that I just don't seem to care about going. You can usually find something to do here, even though it may be the show, post exchange, and etc. I like this place though. I am very lucky I guess. I have enjoyed every place I have been. Maybe it is because I am easily contented, but if it is, I am glad I am that way.

I won't be on this base much longer. In fact we are getting packed now. It may be a month or s, but we will get away sometime. I might even have a chance to come south. There is a chemical warfare outfit in Augusta, GA, and another in Gadsden. We will probably go to San Francisco, California though. I am hoping for the best, but will just have to wait. No Mother, I don't have the slightest chance to go overseas for a long time yet. The company I am in is about half strength now. In other words it does not have but about half the men to fill up the Co. and it does not have the equipment necessary for a hot company. It would take at least 6 months or a year to get ready, and you know it would take a long time then to get us off even though they were ready to push us out. Don't worry about us being sent overseas. The reason for us moving away from this base is that this field was at one time for the cadets training. The field was condemned on account of a large amount of air pockets around and the inexperienced pilots were cracking up too much. The conditions seem to be better now, and they are going to open it up again.

I have heard from William [I think he's talking about William Derrick] a few times. He is about 700 miles from here, and we may try to get 3 day passes and meet somewhere sometime.

I won't have a chance to get a furlough until I get to my next station, but I am sure going to get one then, or know the reason why.

There were 31 boys that came here with me from Brookings, of course they are scattered all over the base though. This is a small place though, and I see all of the very often. I have a very good friend though that was in the group. Our beds are next together, and we have a good time running around together. I like all of the boys here.

I am glad the boys [he is talking about his sister's step sons who are visiting the family in Alabama] are having a good time. I must quit now and go to bed.

Love always,
George

Letter No. 27 | Friday June 11, 1943

2011-05-22T00:40:00.003-04:00

Pfc. George H Dicus
865th Chemical Co., Air Ops.
Army Air Base
Reno, Nevada

Friday June 11, 1943

Dearest Mother,

I got both of your letters today. Mail service out here seems to be awfully slow even though it does go by Air Mail.

We are not doing much now. The Co. is still pretty small, and we won't be doing much work until it builds up. We go to school, drill, play ball, and just lay around a lot. I don't know when I will go into the office, and I really don't care. I like this kind of work pretty good.

I am glad the boys are having a good time. I wish I could be there to see them, but I won't have a chance to get home for a month or so yet. I am sure going to grab the first chance though. The Company Commander is good about giving them, but I am down the list now, and have to wait my turn.

The Co. is all going swimming pretty soon out to a big mineral hot water spring. I guess we will have a lot of fun.

How does daddy like his work? I am glad he is not too far from home.

It is warm here now, but is pretty pleasant. I still will be glad when I am shipped back south though.

Too bad about Bill (first cousin) washing out. I hope he comes through O.K. on navigation.

I wonder what Erskin (first cousin & brother of Bill) is going to do. Is he going to try to get into something or wait to be drafted?

I haven't been into Reno but one time since I have been here. It is a pretty nice town, but I don't care much about going in.

I am going over to the Post Exchange with some boys so I guess I better close and mail this letter.

Lots of love,
George

Letter No. 26 | Saturday June 5, 1943

2011-05-21T17:44:00.004-04:00

865th Chemical Co., Air Ops.
Army Air Base
Reno, Nevada

Saturday June 5, 1943

Saturday Afternoon

Dearest Mother,

How does it feel to be back in Scottsboro after seeing the big lights? I am very glad you did go and I know you did have a good time. When the war is over, we will all take a long trip together won't? How do the boys like Scottsboro? Tell them to just spend the summer and maybe I will get home sometime to see them.

We went out on a biovac the first of the week for 2 days. We had loads of fun, and there was not much work to it. We loaded two spray tanks with F.M. gas which was very interesting. The rest of the stay was like a picnic except for a little march we took one afternoon. We went way up into the mountains. I don't know just how we did get, but it was awfully high. It was pretty cold too, and I could a little cold and had a little fever but I am O.K. now.

I don't think we will go into the office for a little while yet. The Co. is very small at present but a group of men will be in very soon. We will be going to Chemical Warfare and rill some.

A boy lives in the same barracks with me that lives in north Georgia. We are going to put in for a furlough together pretty soon. I am going to save my money, and be ready when the time comes. I am afraid it will be about two months before I will get one though.

Send me daddy's address. I want to write to him. I didn't write to him but one time while you were in N.J. I meant to all the time, but you know how bad I am about writing letters, and I was pretty busy then too.

s good here and I am gaining weight. The mess hall is across the street from my barracks. The main Post Exchange just behind, and the post theater at the side about half a block, so you see I have a swell place. The show only costs .15¢ too.

It has rained most all day today, and it snowed yesterday. The ground was we, so it didn't stick. It is still warm enough here though. I think it is because of the high mountains around that cause all of the crazy weather.

I can't think of any more news just now so I think I will stroll over to the P.X. for a .10¢ milkshake , and mail this letter.

Lots of love,
George

Letter No. 25 | Sunday May 30, 1943

2011-05-20T21:15:00.002-04:00

865th Chemical Co., Air Ops.
Army Air Base
Reno, Nevada

Dear Mother and Anna Ruth,

I am just writing to tell you everything is O.K. even though I am a long way from home. Part of the group that went out the same time I did are going overseas pretty soon and I have been stationed.

This is a nice place, 14 miles from Reno. I am in Chemical Warfare, and I like it. I have a good place to work and feel fine. That is about all I know about the place yet.

I am sleeping in a hanger tonight, and it is cold, so I am going to bed. I will tell you all about the trip as soon as I get a chance. It was very nice, and we saw several interesting things.

Stay as long as you want to Mother, and have a good time. I will be home in about two months I hope.

Love,
George

[NOTE: He apparently thought his mother was still visiting his sister in Morristown, New Jersey but she must have returned home because his sister forwarded the letter to the parents in Scottsboro, Alabama with a personal note of her own written on the back of his letter. That note follows below.]

Tell the boys to be real good. I hope they have a good time and enjoy everything.

Will mail this at noon as I go to town. Got your post card this morning.

Write soon -

Love,
A.R. [Anna Ruth]

Letter No. 24 | Sunday May 30, 1943

2011-05-20T21:08:00.002-04:00

865th Chemical Co., Air Ops.
Army Air Base
Reno, Nevada

Sunday May 30, 1943

Dear Daddy

Here I am all the way across the U.S. It is not so bad though, because I am hooked up with a good branch (Chemical Warfare), and I will be here for permanent party, and some of the boys that went out the same time I did will be going across pretty soon.

This place is pretty good. We are 14 miles from Reno, down in a little hollow that is completely surrounded by snow capped mountains. We are still in the dessert where all the sand blows, but it is still cold.

I am sleeping in a hanger now, and am cold. I am going to write mother a note and go to bed.

I will write you about the trip later and what I will be doing.

Love,
George

Letter No. 23 | Tuesday May 18, 1943

2011-05-20T16:44:00.004-04:00

Co "A" AAS R132
Branch #3 Class #5
Army Administration School
Brookings, South Dakota

Tuesday May 18, 1943

Dearest Mother and Anna Ruth,

Well, how do you like New Jersey and New York now? I know you are having a swell time, and I sure am glad. Don't let them kid you though mother. It gets pretty cold there in the winter months.

I have been awfully busy lately. We are doing the practical work now, and taking one quiz after another. One week from today, we will be all through here, and will be getting ready to pull out Wed. I don't have any idea where I will go, or when I will get settled. They may run us around for a week or so before we finally get stationed. We will all go out out of here together, and be split up and sent around most anywhere from there. Don't worry that you might not be there but I might get a chance to come home though mother. I won't have a chance to get away for a month or so now.

I got a letter from Daddy yesterday. He said he was getting along just fine, and was awfully glad you took the trip mother. He said he was going to Chattanooga, and thought he would go to work soon. He said he wishes I was there to go fishing with him. I would like to be home, but he has forgotten that I don't fish.

It is very pretty here now. We have even been going without a jacket for the past few days. I hope I go south, and then I will be wearing sun tan cloth I guess. I am pretty tired of wool now.

We signed the payroll tonight, but it won't be a full payment. I think we will just get $15. I still have money from last time though.

I am going to have to cut this letter short, because i have too much work to get up tonight. I will write again before I leave here though.

Don't write me after Thursday, because there is no telling when I would get it if you do. I will write to you every chance I get after we get going, but don't worry if you don't hear. Sometimes they won't let you write at all you know.

Have a good time, and stay a long time. Everything is O.K., so enjoy yourself mother.

Lots of love,
George

Letter No. 22 | Tuesday May 4, 1943

2011-05-20T10:42:00.005-04:00

Co "A" AAS R132
Branch #3 Class #5
Army Administration School
Brookings, South Dakota

Tuesday May 4, 1943

Dearest Mother and Daddy,

Having tests right and left. I think I am doing O.K. on them, but it is keeping me pretty busy.

I got a letter from Anna Ruth [his sister] today, and she seemed awfully glad you are coming to see her mother.

My feet have not given me any trouble in the least since I have been in the army. I am in perfect health, and feel fine.

We get payed the last day of every month.

The pen you sent me went to the bad, so I bought a lifetime Parker. $6 for a $8.75 pen to soldiers at the P.T. I have to use it a lot, and it comes in very nice.

Putting in a picture Kitz [Pfc. Arnold R. Kitzmiller] and I had made when we got our stripes. Silly isn't it.

I am sending $5 with this letter.

I must go to work now.

My love,
George

Letter No. 21 | Tuesday April 27, 1943

2011-05-20T10:00:00.004-04:00

Army Administration School
Enlisted Branch No. 3
Brookings, South Dakota

Tuesday April 27, 1943

Dearest Mother and Daddy,

Time is clipping right off. Have been here 3 weeks, and only have 5 more to go. I am back in the ranks this week for the first time since I have been here. I like it a lot better too. It gives me a little more time for myself, and I am not out chasing someone down. It was hard work, but it was good experience.

The work gets harder and harder, but we are getting use to it a little bit now. I made 46.4 words per min. in typing yesterday.

It has been warmer here, but it has turned cold again. It has been trying to snow all day. I like cooler weather though you don't feel so sluggish.

I am sending you some small pictures we took around the campus, the train we came in on, and a picture of my home. [NOTE: The photos mentioned were not in the envelope with this letter. I seem to recall some photos from South Dakota in the box of family photos my sister has, so I'll ask her to look for them.]

I got a nice box of candy from Anna Ruth this afternoon. It is pretty good. The food is so good here, that you don't care for sweets. We had a wonderful meal tonight. I had a least three-quarter pounds of the best steak I have ever seen. It is good every meal, and we can have all we want. I weigh about 165 now.

A big bunch of students went out this morning. I think a bunch of boys that I know from N.C. will be here the last of the week.

I don't think that I told you that I took out a bond allotment. I get a bond every three months. They will take out $6.25 out of my pay each mo., and they will send the bond home to you. That will leave me with almost the same as I did get before I made Pfc. You know, I get $4 more a moth now.

[NOTE: He made a mistake at the top of the second page, scratched through it and made a note to his parents apologizing but noting that it was the last clean piece of letterhead that he had to write on.]

We had Calisthenics, Morning Reports, Pay and Allowances, Property Accounting, Mil. Correspondence, Drill, Pay Vouchers, Allotments, Typewriting, and Military Courtesy today. We had three 15 exams today, and take the final test on Mil. Correspondence tomorrow. We have a different subject every 3 or 4 days except for the big subjects like Mil. Correspondence, and we are supposed to know everything about it.

The people in this town have an awfully high opinion of soldiers. They are all mighty nice to us.

I went to the Sunrise Service Sunday. It was very nice. We had planned to stay for the next service, but the boy that went with me got sick, so we came on back, and I studied most of the day. I had a date with a very pretty co-ed Saturday night. We went to the show, and then on out and bowled the rest of the night. We had a lot of fun. She lives here, and is going to school.

I think I will do a little bit of work now. I don't intend to hurt myself tonight, but I am going to stud some anyway.

Write soon.

Lots of love,
George

Letter No. 20 | Thursday April 22, 1943

2011-05-20T09:39:00.002-04:00

Army Administration School
Enlisted Branch No. 3
Brookings, South Dakota

Thursday April 22, 1943

Dearest Mother and Daddy,

Got your letter today, and am sorry I haven't written sooner. I will try to do better.

I have enough work to do tonight to last me a week, so I must get started.

I am getting along fine. I am Student Company Commander today. Took the boys around in front of 2 col. to pass in reviews. There are 4 Co. here, and a Lt. told me that I was the only one that did it right.

It is warmer here now but still no sign of spring. There are no leaves on the trees or anything.

We do not get promotions here. We only get recommendations to take with us, so far I think I have them fooled pretty good.

We have been here almost 3 weeks now, and I still don't like clerical work. I guess I will get use to it sometime though. It is about the most complicated, and more things to memorize in it than I have ever seen.

I hope I get to come closer South when school is out. Anyway, I am going to try to get a leave and come home.

The boys here are fine. We get along fine, and have a pretty good time along with our work.

I am enjoying your letters so much. I wanted to get an Easter card to go with this, but I couldn't get to it. I thought about your birthday Daddy and wanted to send you something. I am thinking about both of you though, because I love you more than anything else in the world.

Love always,
George

Letter No. 19 | Sunday April 18, 1943

2011-05-20T09:22:00.003-04:00

Army Administration School
Enlisted Branch No. 3
Brookings, South Dakota

Sunday Morning
April 18, 1943

Dearest Mother and Daddy,

I have just gotten back from church. About 50 of us went over in a group to the Nonsectarian Church. They don't have a Chaplain here, but the different pastors take time about from the local churches.

I am still awfully busy. We had the second test yesterday (75 long questions). I made 86 on the first one we got back. I think I did pretty good on the second one.

I will be Student Company Commander next week.

Monday afternoon...

I am awfully busy. Class work is getting tougher and tougher. We don't have time to breath.

Everything is fine though. I am gaining weight and get good food but don't understand how.

It is pretty warm here now, but not warm enough to go without a coat.

We have about 5 hrs work to do tonight in one part not section not counting the others, and have to line up all the men in Co. A to draw some equipment so I must get started.

I will write a long letter as soon as I get time. I am enjoying reading your letters.

Lots of love,
George

Letter No. 18 | Monday April 5, 1943

2011-05-20T00:32:00.005-04:00

Army Administration School
Enlisted Branch No. 3
Brookings, South Dakota

Monday April 5, 1943

Dearest Mother and Daddy,

I have just gotten your letter mailed March 29. How are your eyes now mother? I want both of you to take care of yourself.

If you don't think I am working now you are fooled. We have started to school already in a big way. Today we had Calisthenics, Clerical Habits, Army Regulations, Qualification Cards, Organization of the Army, 1 hour of Drill, Service Records, Military Correspondence, Typewriting, and another hour of Drill, and 2 hours of Supervised Study tonight. It is 9:30 now, and I have to be in bed pretty soon and I must get a bath. If you don't think that is a day you are fooled. On top of all of this, they have student officers here for a week at a time. I am Platoon Captain, and have two sections leaders, four sergeants, eight squad leaders and one hundred leaders under me. I am responsible for them at all times, take them to class, chow, drill them, make all announcements to them, and just anything that comes up. There is one man over me, and he is the Company Commander. I think I will be that next week. The Captain (our commanding office) seems to like me. I talk to him just like one of the soldiers. One of the boys heard him tell a Lieutenant as I was taking the men off that I really had a good voice for counting cadence and seemed to know what I was doing. It is a lot of extra work, but it gives you a reference. If I can just pass this work I will be alright I think.

I like this place very much even though it is hard work. I feel fine, and get good food.

I went to church yesterday morning, to league last night, and to church last night too. I met a very pretty little girl and escorted her home (ha ha). She goes to college here and is very nice, but I won't have time to go back I am afraid.

Most of our instructors are Captains or Majors. I thought they would be non-commissioned officers, but they are a long way from it. They really know their stuff, and they expect a lot out of you.

I have got to go around and get the lights turned out now and see that all of the men are in. Write soon, but don't be surprised if I don't answer it right away.

Lots of love,
George

P.S. Daddy I bet you will be mad about the way I wrote this, but I had to do it in about 5 minutes. I will try to do better next time.

P.S. I got paid, and am going to send some money home pretty soon.

Letter No. 17 | Saturday April 3, 1943

2011-05-20T00:02:00.003-04:00

Army Administration School
Enlisted Branch No. 3
Brookings, South Dakota

Saturday April 3, 1943

Dear Mother and Daddy,

We got started this morning. They gave us a lecture on how to study, and we have the first opening exercise in about 20 minutes.

I guess you can see by this stationary that I am not in clerical school. We are going to get in 8 weeks what they did give in 6 months. In other words we are going to work. If you don't hear from me for a few days at a time you will know that I am busy. We will have enough work to take take care of us all the time.

All of the boys here have at least a high school education, and the majority have been to college. There are several with masters degrees. There is one fellow who just finished law school next door to me.

The food is very good here, and we have student (girls) waitresses. They say this is the healthiest bunch that has come here. I feel fine, and am ready to go to work.

We have a big inspection in a few minutes, so I must quit and get ready for it. I will be busy until 9:30 and it is 1:00 now.

I like it fine here, and I think I am lucky. I should have a good chance for promotion if I can make the grade.

Lots of love,
George

Letter No. 16 | Friday April 2, 1943

2011-05-19T23:52:00.003-04:00

Co. "A" A.A.S.
Branch #3 Class #5
Brookings, South Dakota

Friday April 2, 1943

Dear Mother and Daddy,

After so long of a time I am in South Dakota. We rode 3 days and 3 nights. It wasn't so bad though because we had pullovers.

They really mean business here. We got here last night, and are now P.F.C. (pretty good eh!) We already know we are going to have to work. Get up at 5:30 and get off at 9:30. Will be here 8 weeks, and will become cpl. I think, if we pass.

We are right on the university campus. Most of the boys are gone, but there are a lot of pretty girls here (ha ha).

It is 6:30 now, and we have already had one hour of exercise. Boy is it cold out. It is very nice in the dorms.

I think I am going to like this place, but I will write more later.

I feel fine. Didn't even get sick of the train.

Will write soon.

Love,
George

Letter No. 15 | Friday March 26, 1943

2011-05-19T23:45:00.003-04:00

Army Air Forces Technical School
Seymour Johnson Field
North Carolina

Friday March 26, 1943

Dearest Mother and Daddy,

If you don't hear from me for a few days, you will know that I am shipping. I am on the alert now for shipment, and I think I will go out today or tomorrow. Of course there is no telling where we will go, but I will write when I get settled down again.

I got the $5 you sent me. Thanks a lot. I will get even with you sometime. You need not send me any more money though. I will get a full check and will be on top then.

I have got to get started packing now, so I will be ready when they call us out.

Lots of love,
George

Letter No. 14 | Thursday March 18, 1943

2011-05-19T23:28:00.003-04:00

Army Air Forces Technical School
Seymour Johnson Field
North Carolina

Thursday March 18, 1943

Dear Mother and Daddy,

I don't think this will be a long letter, but I thought I would write and let you know that I am O.K. I had a tough bunch of men to work with today, and I worked so hard trying to get them straight that I worked myself down. Tow of them got smart, but when we came off the drill field they were so tired that they were dragging the ground.

We had a black out drill tonight, so it is getting pretty late now.

I got the money. Thanks a lot. I will get paid off sometime, and pay you back. I am almost broke again though.

I cut a boys hair this afternoon. I was surprised myself. I did a pretty good job even though he didn't have much hair after it was trimmed up.

I think I could become permanent party here as a drill master if I wanted to. I might have a chance for stripes quick. I haven't decided what to do yet, but I don't think I will take it. I think it would be better if I go on to school. I am pretty lucky with my job here. A lot of them are getting hard details, and I haven't had one yet

How many letters have you gotten from me? I have been writing pretty often.

I think I will go to bed now and write more later.

Love,
George

Letter No. 13 | Sunday March 14, 1943

2009-11-04T06:19:00.007-05:00

Army Air Forces Technical School
Seymour Johnson Field
North Carolina

Sunday night March 14, 1943

Dearest Mother and Daddy,

I have had a pretty nice day today. I went to church today, that is this morning. When we got back 3 boys and myself got our first pass and went into town. It is a small town (Goldsboro, North Carolina). I think the population is about 14 thousand. It is real nice though and has several nice bowling alleys, theaters, etc. We had a good dinner, walked around town and looked at the windows and then went to the show. After the show we walked around over the residential section and then ate supper, and caught a bus and came on back to camp. It is about nine o’clock now, so you see we made a pretty good day of it.

Still don’t know why or how long we will be here. We don’t have to go out tomorrow, so I hope they are going to tell us what is going on.

I think my pen is here. I have a slip to go to the P.O. for an insured package.

I got paid $15, but that didn’t go far. I had debts to pay up, and had to buy a lot of supplies such as shoe polish, tooth paste, and etc. After today, I think I have about $3 left. it gets away fast and I can’t see where it all goes.

I got a letter from Brooks Woodall. He is in the Air Corps, and is in Florida. He said “Battle” Bryant is at the same camp he is at.

I got five letters, and two newspapers yesterday. Boy does it make you feel good to get mail. I didn’t get any today though.

Lights are out in the Bks., so I think I will go over and hit the hay. I am in the day room now. I am a little bit tired from walking around so much.

Lots of love,
George

Letter No. 12 | Thursday March 11, 1943

2009-10-30T04:59:00.000-04:00

798th T.S.S. Bks. T1555
Seymour Johnson Field
North Carolina

Thursday March 11, 1943

Dearest Mother and Daddy,

I got a break this morning. All of my men were put on detail. I think they put them to cutting wood. They can’t give me detail, so I am in the orderly room sitting around doing nothing. I was glad to get the rest. It gets tiresome hollering your lungs out all day long. Everyone in here is cleaning up but me. They can’t make the D.M’s. (drill masters)

The weather here is fine now. It is hot during the day, and is cool at night. We are pretty lazy now after coming from a cold place to a warm climate, makes you a little bit drowsy.

I talked too soon. When I started this letter I was taking it easy. A Lieutenant came in and told all of the clerks that they would have to go out and drill, because we were having an inspection or something. They were really hard to handle. They didn’t know much, and cared less. I gave them trouble, and we got along pretty good finally. It is very hot here, and a lot of them are getting lazy.

I got a letter from you today, and one from Anna Ruth. The one from here came from A.C. (Atlantic City), and was dated Feb 25. A lot of the mail hasn’t gotten here yet. I don’t know why you haven’t been hearing from me. I have been writing to you a lot. The mail to and from here is very slow.

Anna Ruth said she had an awful nice time while she was home. She said everyone was awful nice to her.

It is time for me to get the boys in formation to go to dinner.

Lots of love,
George

Letter No. 11 | Tuesday March 9, 1943

2009-10-28T05:27:00.003-04:00

Army Air Forces Technical School
Seymour Johnson Field, NC

Tuesday March 9, 1943

Dearest Mother and Daddy,

Well I am still here, and I will probably be here a long time yet. That was just a rumor that we were to leave the other day.

I got both of your letters yesterday, and I enjoyed them a lot. In fact a letter from home is always good.

I wrote Anna Ruth today, and told her what I thought of her for not writing to me. I haven't written to her personally, but I thought she read the letters I wrote to all of you while she was there.

Nothing is happening around here. We are still drilling every day, waiting for shipment.

I haven’t gotten the pen yet, but I think I will get it pretty soon.

I think we will get $15 tomorrow. I owe part of that, but the rest sure will come in handy. I will be glad when they start paying me my regular salary.

I don’t know any news but will write more later.

Lots of love,
George

Letter No. 10 | Sunday March 7, 1943

2009-10-22T20:51:00.002-04:00

Army Air Forces Technical School
Seymour Johnson Field, North Carolina

Sunday March 7, 1943

Dearest Mother and Daddy,

I finally got some mail from you yesterday. I got one mailed to Atlantic City, and one mailed here. It had been over a week since I had heard from you, and I really was glad to get the letters.

Boy! Have I been a big shot here. I am acting drill master, and have the best drilled squad on the drill field that we go to. I count off a cadence for them that is so fast that they have to stay on their toes to keep up with. I know some fancy marine drills, and taught those to them. The commanding officer of 798 watched us drill the other day for a long time. He told us that we were doing fine.

I have an idea that we will be shipped out of here the first of this week to school. It is possible that we might go tomorrow in fact. All details have been canceled so something is up. I will be glad to be stationed, and get started to work.

I forgot to tell you, I am the only boy out of my barracks that has not had detail of some kind. D.M. is not so bad.

I thought Anna Ruth would be there longer than she was. I am going to write to her tomorrow if I don’t get shipped. I know you had a good time while she was there. When this mess is all cleared up we will all get together, and do something.

I wish you would send me Bill’s and Erskin’s address again. I lost them, and want to write to them. You might also send me William Derrick’s if you can get it handy.

It was a little bit cold here the first of the week, but is just like spring now. It is nice to feel warm weather again.

I haven’t gotten my pen yet but I guess I will get it pretty soon.

What kind of job is starting at Knoxville that you are going to try to get on Daddy? That would be a pretty nice place to work I bet.

It is very nice here now. They won’t let us go to Goldsboro, but I think it is a small place. They have shows on the post and social centers for entertainment. We have a pretty good time around here.

i will let you know if I get shipped just as soon as I get stationed. Write real son and tell me what is going on.

Love always,
George

P.S.
I haven’t been payed yet. You might advance me $2, but no more. I will get payed sometime I know.

Letter No. 9 | Sunday February 28, 1943

2009-10-22T17:41:00.000-04:00

798th T.S.S. BKS. 1555
Seymour Johnson Field
(Goldsboro,) North Carolina

Sunday February 28, 1943 (postmarked March 1)

Dearest Mother, Daddy and Anna Ruth,

I am now in the South again, and I am not a bit sorry. I was on guard duty yesterday morning about 7 o’clock, and they sent me relief and told me to go get ready for my physical for shipment. We got back to the hotel about 11 and had to be ready to go at 12. We had to eat, pack, change part of our clothing, and do a lot more things. We finally pulled out. We got here about 7 o’clock this morning at Seymour Johnson Field. It is in N.C., but I don’t know where. It is way out in the sticks, and we have temporary barracks. You can see the ground between them, but it is very good. There are two big stoves in it, and the weather is very nice.

I don’t think we will stay here but a few days. All of the boys are clerks that came, and there is no school here except a mock school. They had a bunch of men coming in at Atlantic City and no place to put them. I am really glad to get away even though I am not stationed yet. I did not know many of the boys that came along, but I think I will like them alright.

I don’t think they know themselves what we are going to do, but the captain told us this morning that he would see to it that we had good food and some recreation.

I feel fine, and will write more when I find out what we are here for, and all about it.

Lots of love,
George

Letter No. 8 | Thursday February 25, 1943

2009-10-20T19:28:00.002-04:00

Group XIII BTD-AAF-TTC
Atlantic City, NJ

Thursday February 25, 1943

Dearest Mother, Daddy and Anna Ruth,

Before I forget, I am going to take time out and answer all of these questions I have been putting off for the past weeks. The first thing is, I am perfectly well. I have never been in better health in my life. I weigh 168 lbs. which is pretty good for me. I eat like a horse, and I also work like a horse, but I don’t mind it. I am getting in pretty good shape now, so I can take it. If you want me to I will cross my heart, and swear to this. I would like for you to send me my pen. The pen I use is a borrowed one. You asked how many hours a day I drill. They get me up at 4:30 and I am out drilling in about an hour and a half and we drill until about 5:30. They are giving us rapid fire drill now, and is it fast. In other words it is on flank movement right after the other just as fast as they can give them. As for the insurance, I am going to send the policy home. It is for $10,000, and it costs $6.50 per month. You just don’t know how many things there are to buy around here. They charge you 25¢ for a piece of candy on the board walk. It is just too tempting to pass by when you have money. I don’t need any money now, because I am to be paid off Sunday. I don’t have anything that looks like money except one Alabama token, and it doesn’t help here. You ask if I got a pay day yet. I got $10, and I think I will get about $20 this month.

I got a letter from roland Rodgers yesterday. He likes the Navy fine, and was sent abroad last week.

I am waiting shipment now. I graduated Monday and am a casual now. A casual is one that has finished training, and is waiting shipment. I will probably be sent out the first of next week. I will let you know where I am just as soon as I get stationed. I don’t have the slightest idea where I will be sent, but I have a feeling that I will be sent back south.

A lot of cadets are in this hotel with us now. One of them is in the room with us. He is from N.Y., but is a pretty nice fellow to come from that part of the country.

They took pictures of the group I graduated with. I bought one, and will send it home when I get something to put around it to ship it.

I can be a drill master if I want to be. Personally I wouldn’t have it. They get the same salary as a Cpl. but they are still Pvts. and they also have a hard time getting away from it.

I went down to see Roy McCelug last night. He has started some kind of night course, and was getting ready to go when I got there. I talked to him about 20 minutes. He came to see me last Sunday, and I was not here. The place where he lives in not nearly so nice as it is where I live.
We have just had a fire drill. We had to climb down 14 stories of stairs and wait for the hotel to be emptied, and then climb back up. I don’t think I would ever get used to climbing stairs at double time.

One of the boys in the room has a radio now. I enjoy listening to it, but I wouldn’t have one. They are too heavy to carry around when you move.

I hope you and Paul are having a good time wile you are at home Anna Ruth, and I know that you are. I know that mother and daddy would like for you all just to stay. I wish I could be there while you are, but I don’t guess that I have a chance to get home for a little while yet.

One of the boys in the room has just announced that he thinks he has the Measles. I hope he doesn’t, because we will be quarantined for 14 days if he has. He does have a lot of little red bumps on his back.

It is getting late, and I must go to bed. Here hoping that you all have best time possible while you are together. Write soon.

Lots of love,
George

Letter No. 7 | Monday February 22, 1943

2009-10-20T19:24:00.002-04:00

Group XIII BTD, AAFTTC
Atlantic City, NJ

Monday February 22, 1943

Dearest Mother, Daddy and Anna Ruth,

I guess you are plenty mad at me, but if you only knew what I have been through the past week you could understand. They changed the training schedule to 27 days instead of 18. We were behind, and they jumped us up to a 20 day schedule. We graduated today. Had a very tough inspection by a major, and 1st Lieutenant. We were lucky, and got a pretty good mark, and graduated. We are casuals now, and will be shipped out pretty soon. Seven of the boys are on shipment tomorrow.

It is just like summer here now, but it was so cold last week that part of the boys froze when we went to the rifle range. It is 7 miles out there, and they picked the coldest days to go. We got almost there one day and it was 20 below 0 when we started. You have never seen the lack of legs, arms, faces and etc. that froze up. I really did work hard to keep from freezing myself. I think I am in about the best shape I have ever been in my life. I don’t have any cold and I am getting tough I believe (Ha).

I am on guard duty now. We are on guard for 2 hours, and one off. I just served my first two, and I have 3 more stretches to go. They keep us in a guard room while not on duty. I would like to go to bed, but they are all taken. I go back out at midnight, but I am going to get some sleep even though I have to chunk someone out of a bed. Will write again as soon as I can get a chance.

Lots of love,
George

P.S.
I hope you can read this, but I doubt it.

P.S.S.
The commanding officer of the post came by my post tonight and asked me for my special order. You should have heard me rattle them off to him. He said “very good,” and walked on off.

PS.S.S.
Haven't had a chance to get in the mail line in 2 days.

Letter No. 6 | Friday February 12, 1943

2009-10-20T19:20:00.001-04:00

Group XIII BTD, AAF,TTC
Atlantic City, NJ

Friday February 12, 1943

Dearest Mother and Daddy,

This has been a hard day for me, but I still haven’t done anything either. We go to the shooting range tomorrow, (7 miles), and they have been teaching us how to make the slings to shoot from. I already knew how, so they made me an instructor to show the other boys. They are trying to make a drill master out of me. I don’t want it, I might get it anyway. The Drill Master gets about 60 men, and is responsible for them all the time during basic training. Responsibility, but the salary is still the same.

We came in and stood in line for our checks. I only got $10. We will get the rest next month I suppose.

I will have to get up real early in the morning to start to that 7 mile shooting range so I will answer all the questions in the last letter you wrote when I get time.

I am feeling fine, had cold, but it is gone. Write real soon, and often.

Lots of love,
George

P.S.
It has been warm here lately. The sun shines like it does in the good old South.

Letter No. 5 | Monday February 8, 1943

2009-10-20T14:15:00.001-04:00

(Letter from George's sister, Anna Ruth)
McAlpin Hotel
Tenth Street at Chestnut
Philadelphia, PA

Monday February 8, 1943

Dearest Mother and Daddy,

I know you’d be anxious for news of George, so I’m writing right after breakfast.

We got to Atlantic City at 2 o’clock yesterday. We left home at 10 and made direct connections everywhere – changed in Newark and North Philadelphia. George met us at the station. His uniform looks good on him and fits nicely. He was on K.P. for oversleeping one morning, but he got another boy to take his place.

The hotels are all filled with soldiers, and you couldn’t get even standing room in the USO places. We walked almost down the board walk and then got on the street car and rode to Ocean City – about a one-hour ride. We turned the seats together and had a good warm place to visit. We got off over there and had something to drink – Coca-Cola, sodas, etc. and then rode back.

Then we went to a real good place to eat, had a big dinner and sat around and visited until about 8:30. Our train left at 8:55, and George had to be back in by 9:30, so it worked out fine. We walked by George’s hotel and then came on.

George had a cold but I got him a bottle of Creo-Terpin as soon as I got there and made him start taking it, and he seemed to be a lot better when we left.

He says they have good food and all they want to eat. They can go back for seconds as long as they can hold it.

His hotel is on the board walk, quite large, and very pretty. You look right out into the ocean. It’s really a beautiful view – and a stiff gale blows all the time. It’s warmer than Morristown, but much windier.

I took George a box of candy, soldiers buttons and soldiers postcards. He said he was getting along fine and didn’t need anything.

He says that he has 2 buddies – one from Mobile, Alabama and one from south Georgia.

He’s definitely classed for clerical work, and says he expects to be on some college campus studying again shortly. He was disgusted, I think, but I think it’s a fine break. They’ll probably teach him bookkeeping and things that he can certainly use later if he should ever want to go into business. Also, he’ll be pretty safe, I think.

They cut all the boys hair to 1/2-inch the head, and they look like skinned rabbits.

I never saw so many soldiers in my life. They were playing baseball, frolicking around, and having a good time. Lots of families were there visiting – walking on the board walk.

I guess that's about all I noticed. By the way, don’t tell George I said anything about the K.P. It doesn’t amount to anything. Half of them are on it and swap around to relieve each other.

I was so sorry to read in the paper that Redwing was sick. Does she have T.B.? Paul says her brother died with it.

Are you all right?

We’re still planning to come home – maybe leave here the 18th so we can get in on Friday night. Let you know for sure later.

We’ll I’ve had breakfast and done a little window shopping. We’re leaving shortly after lunch.

Got letters from Bill and Erskin. Neither said much.

Write soon.

Lots of love,
Anna Ruth

Letter No. 4 | Thursday February 4, 1943

2009-10-20T14:09:00.002-04:00

Group XIII BTD, AAF,TTC
Atlantic City, NJ

Thursday February 4, 1943

Dearest Mother and Daddy,

Well, my seven days of processing was up today. I will go into boot training proper tomorrow. I was classified today, and I don’t think I will like the idea. I am to be sent to a clerical school. I will be in training here for 18 more days, if I don’t get my call sooner. I am supposed to go to school from 3 to 4 months, and then to some office job. I might be able to get transfered to something else later on though.

I called Anna Ruth tonight. Paul and her are coming to see me Sunday, if I am not put on K.P. I didn’t know at that time, but the whole floor that I am on has to serve on it Saturday or Sunday. I hope mine will come Saturday. I told her I would call her if I couldn’t get off.

I am really glad processing is over. They had us going most of the time. Had a lot of lectures at night and etc. We will be eligible to get passes to go out at night now. So far we haven’t been outside the hotel without someone to guide us. The requirements to get a pass are so hard though, that you are pretty lucky if you get one a week. You also have to be in by 10 P.M.

My two friends that I was telling you about, and myself have, or will be separated from each other. One of them will be a radio mechanic, and the other a telephone lineman. That is the way of it. In the army you meet a lot of nice people. At Fort McPhearson I met 4 boys, and we all tried to stay together, and couldn’t and the same here. I am looking forward to moving. It is pretty nice here, but I want to get stationed some where.

I heard that most of the schools are in the south, and that they are in connections with different universities. It would be pretty nice if I could get close to home don’t you think?

I don’t guess I will get a chance to go to see Anna Ruth even though she is so close. I am not eligible for a leave until I finish the course here and it is only a 3 day leave. i will go if I get a chance though.

I must get that old shave (every night) and go to bed. Write soon.

Lots of love,
George

P.S.
I feel fine and am gaining weight right along. I got the cash thanks. I will refund sometime.

Letter No. 3 | Friday January 29, 1943

2009-10-20T14:04:00.000-04:00

Basic Training Center (No. 7)
A.A.F.T.T.C. (Army Air Forces Technical Training Command)
Atlantic City, NJ

Friday January 29, 1943

Dearest Mother and Daddy,

I reckon this cold weather is agreeing with me. For the first time this winter I don’t have a trace of cold, and I am gaining weight. I believe I have gained 10 lbs. anyway. I eat enough to kill the average human though.

It is very pretty here, but pretty cold. It has been raining, snowing, or sleeting most of the time since I have been here.

The boys in my company are from Alabama and Georgia. We get pretty cold, but we all like it. We have a mighty nice corporal over us, and he takes care of us. There is no ice or snow on the ground now, and I think it will get a little bit warmer.

I got a letter from Anna Ruth today. She is getting along just fine. She told me a lot of things to watch out for. I think I will tell her that I still have good sense, and that I am ashamed of her for even thinking the army or anything else could change me. I have two real good friends now. One is from Mobile and the other from Cannon, GA. They are real good boys, and we get along just fine.

Tell Aunt Ruth to tell Erskine that I thought about him when I went through Washington. I could see the Capitol. In fact I watched it for a good time while we switched tracks there.

I wish I could be here this summer. Then you could come to see Anna Ruth, and we could go around to a lot of places. I could get some 3 day leaves then, but I am not eligible for one until my training is over here. I might get to go up and see her then. I think she is coming to see me sometime pretty soon. Won’t that be nice.

It is 9:30 now, and 5:30 comes around pretty early, so goodnight to the finest people on earth.

Write soon.

Lots of love,
George

Letter No. 2 | Tuesday, January 26, 1943

2009-10-20T13:49:00.001-04:00

Group XIII BTD, AAF TTC
Atlantic City, NJ

Tuesday, January 26, 1943

Dearest Mother & Daddy

Well! here I am in N.J. looking out of my hotel window. On one side I can see the ocean, and the beach where Miss America is selected from each year. It is about one short block. I look out the other window & look at tall buildings as far as I can see. I also find that I am not only in a hotel (Claridge Hotel), but I am in the biggest (29 floors) but the newest, & the best in the city. It is really nice. We have a large room with five rooms in it. Private bath with tile floor & walls, tub and show also. Very nice.

We left Atlanta Monday morning. It was all right there, but I am glad to be away. We rode Monday, Monday night, & Tuesday. We got here about 7 o’clock. They lined us up and marched us right up to our rooms. I met a lot of the boys on the train, & have made friends with a lot of them. I am in the room with boys from Wisconsin. They are very nice, but I will try to move in with the southern boys if I can.

It is pretty cold here. The wind is pretty strong off the bay, and it is sleeting now. It is not deep, but the tops of the buildings, & the ground is white. The streets & side walks look like they have a layer of ice on them.

I am in the air corps, & I am in the radio & signal corps of it. I don’t know how I will like that, but I think I will get along O.K. We will be put in technical schools & take different courses. I may get machines, or gunnery.

I called Anna Ruth yesterday. She is just about 100 miles from here, and is coming to see me before long. She said that she is getting along just fine. I didn’t get time to ask her many questions, because she was asking me so much.

I think I am going to need a little more money until I get settled. I just can’t keep from letting it go. I will reimburse you.

I have a real good chance to be sent back south in 8 weeks. That is how long I will be here.

We are in the bathroom now singing. I mean they are singing, and I am trying to write. We have to turn the lights out in the rooms and keep all of the light out of the room we can. All of the automobiles will have to keep black out light, and all windows have to have black out curtains up.

There is a boy here from Sand Mountain that is in the same hotel. We are on the tenth floor together, but I don’t get to see him very often. I don’t care though.

This is really a home sick bunch here. The boys that came with me are all from Alabama and Georgia. I am glad I have been away from home before when I knew I could get back so this doesn’t worry me.

I can’t write in here, so I will quit and write again real soon. Write soon and tell me everything and ask anything you want to know.

I love you,
George

Letter No. 1 | Thursday January 21, 1943

2009-10-20T13:16:00.000-04:00

Fort McPhearson
Atlanta, GA

Thursday January 21, 1943

Dearest Mother & Daddy,

We got here last night about 6 o’clock. We ate supper in town, and they brought us out here to camp in a big city bus.

Everything is awfully crowded here. You line up in lines and work your way along. We have taken another physical, three tests, each had 150 questions, and got our uniforms. My uniform fits like a glove. I am pretty lucky, because they just throw them on us.

I have been separated from all the Scottsboro boys except Thomas Freeman. I think that some of us will get back together tomorrow though.

Everyone is awfully nice to you here. We have seen but 2 or 3 commissioned officers since we have been here. We cut up a lot and so far it has just been a lot of fun.

Boy! Do they feed you? You eat out of a tin platter about 2 feet long, and it is completely filled with food. We had liver, potatoes, kraut and some more vegetables.

We will be here from four to eight days and sometimes longer. Don’t write to me until I am moved unless it is absolutely necessary.

If you do write I probably wouldn’t get it unless they thought it was important. If you have to though write to my name and serial number, Co B409 Fort McPherson, Atlanta, Ga.

I am at on of the centers now and a lot of people are playing games, others are listening to a boy play the piano, and several are writing letters. It is so noisy I can hardly think, so I doubt if you can read this.

It is almost nine, and lights go off then, so I better get back to my bunk.

Lots & lots of love,
George