End of January, 1944. Did Jack make cadets?

Jan 14 1944

Dear Ma

I got a letter from you today so I'll try to start an answer to you.

Ericksons relation sent me a letter today asking me out for Sunday dinner so I called them up & took them up on it. 

Say if you ask about that roll of film yes I want some enlargement of those ships if nene thinks she can make some good ones.

Mon

I went out to see the Ericksons yesterday and had a swell time. They took me for a nice long ride out there. They also have to small boys so they have quite the family.

It has been rather cold the last few days although the sun does come out but it doesn't seem to warm up very much.

Well we have to fall out so I'll close & try to write more next time.

Jack

Jan 18, 44

–– me (pointing to gunner in illustration)

Dear Ma

I guess I might as well write and let you know just what the score is. I didn't make cadets but I guess I must have hit it pretty close because they told me if they lower the standard I'll get a chance at it. I haven't completed it but from what I hear I'll probable go in as a gunner but I don't feel too bad about it because Ill be able to make about as much money at being a gunner as 2nd Louie. I also feel a little better because only 12 made it out of better than 50 in our bunch and some rather most of them had some college.

We sure had a nice day today it got chilly & the wind blew like the devil. We are out in the stick where the dust and sand comes a flying at you & feel like bolders. We also went through the gas chamber today filled with tear gas. We sure had a bunch of bawl babys come out of there too.

I hope Florence likes her job better by now tell her it can't be any worse than the army even at that. Tell her not to forget we also have to run outside to go to the head.

Well I guess that all for tonight.

Jack

Notes:

The standards for cadets kept changing. The Army was forced to lower the qualifications to meet changing demands. During most of the war, there was too much of a need for pilots for them to keep standards requiring college degrees.

Here's a little first-hand story from a cadet. 

"2nd Louie" means 2nd Lieutenant, the entry-level rank for commissioned officers.

Jan 24 1944

Dear Ma

Guess what we moved today in to a different barracks & also got guard duty. We will go on guard duty 2 hours a day for 2 days & the 3rd day we get 4 hours but all in all we figure it is a pretty good deal.

We went in to town Sat night and had a swell time. Rented a couple of rooms & then went to a dance, as usual I don't dance but had a lot of fun while there. We then walked out to the city park & the museum & it was really nice. I didn't get home until about 8 o clock last night.

We have had pretty nice weather the last few days in fact yesterday was next to perfect. The sun came out but yet it was nice not hot nor cold. Today it looked like a pretty nice day but has turned out very windy & when the wind blows here it really blows.

Say about those pictures I sent you have you mailed those yet some of the boys want some of them & are getting anxious to get them.

Well I got a nice long letter from you today telling me all the news. So Uncle Geo. is scared of being drafted -- well I don't blame him much I don't like it either.

I received the scarf. I don't know if I wrote and told you or not. Thanks a lot.

I guess I better close & catch a little shut eye.

Jack.

Note:

• Uncle George is Jack's dad's brother.
• Among the letters were two postcards from Uncle George, who lived in Dayton, OH. They were sent toward the end of 1943. They are below.

Postmark Sep 8 1943, Dayton Ohio

Dear Neva & all

Am to report for my physical exam to-morrow a.m. Lena & Sugar are at Lena's folks. They don't know about it. May get a deferment. Will write when I find out. Regards, George.

Postmark Nov 21 1943 Dayton Ohio

Sunday.

Dear Neva & children

We have a new baby boy, born this a.m. (2:42) Lena & baby doing fine. Weight 7.6 An appeal to my draft board has been sent in by Frigidaire. Hope every one is well. Sugar is farmed out to friends. Regards George

Notes: 

That baby would be my Dad's cousin John, who still lives in Ohio!

George's penmanship is beautiful, isn't it?!

...and the last letter in January from Jack: 

Jan 26 1944

Dear Ma

I'll try to scribble you a few lines to let you know just how things stand now. I was officially notified that I was a armor gunner & that I have 45 more days of basic left. I also found out approxamatle how my I.Q. stands in the army. There are 5 groups starting with 1 & going to 5, I had to be at least in the 3rd group to get in the air corp. Mine is in the middle of the 2nd group so I guess thats not too bad now is it for a Eutsler.

It started snowing some time last night & is still snowing tonight. It is a rather wet snow too. I don't know just how deep it is but I guess it's around 6 in. so you see we are having a pretty nice snow. It will sure be nice to get out & march in I noticed some fellows marching today & when they did an about face they sort of lit on there ––.

Say what about that roll of film I sent you I sure would like to have those things get here so please try to get them back.

Also please send me my Income Tax stuff so I can file a return on it the time is getting rather short.

Well I'll close for now. Oh yes I got nenes letter & tell her thanks

Jack

Next up: All the fellows think I look like my Ma

Mid-January, 1944: The 64 Physical

 Jan. 9, 1944

Dear Ma,

Ill try to write you a letter but I don't know how far I'll get with it.

We finished some of our test yesterday but have a physical tomorrow. We really taking a beating on this stuff & I do mean a beating. I really don't think I made it but from what they tell us we will know in about a week today- I hope, in some ways that I made it but in other ways it will be the hardest 14 months I'll ever spend or have ever spent.

We went into town last night but didn't do much of anything.

Jan 10

We took a physical, rather a part of one today. It was a blood test, x ray & etc, on the blood test it felt like they took a gal of blood out of my arm & I know I only had 3 qt of blood to start with. It felt like they were taking my arm off. Ask Jim what a 64 physical is.

I got a letter from Margaret K today but she didn't write much. She wrote a little about Pete but that's all she wrote.

I guess I'll have to send my camera home because I was with Louie & he saw some guys taking pictures well he up and took the camera away from them.

Well I'll close now

Jack

Notes:

It took some searching, but I believe when he is referring to a "64 physical," he means the Aviation Cadet Qualifying Examination. This WWII document, Initial Selection of Candidates for Pilot, Bombadier, and Navigator Training mentions the "64" physical examination, on about page 58.

Pete is the son of his sister Margaret (Tuck) (Jack's nephew, my cousin). He would have been 3 months old. 

He writes again the next day, after the physical exam was completed:

Jan 11 1944

Dear Ma

Well we finished our physical to day & how do you think I came out. Shall I keep you in suspense or shall I tell you. To tell you the truth I came out on the top meaning your dear son is in perfect health. I was sort of worried about my eyes ears & teeth, my eyes checked 20/20 even my depth perception was O.K. it was one of the best scores made in the barracks. My hearing was OK. & my teeth were all all right not a thing wrong with them. It was a stiff physical in fact the toughest physical I have ever taken.

12

You ask about bonds & etc. I should have another bond or 2 comming & also some from my retirement fund comming. I guess that's about all I have from the dear old P.S.N.Y.

13

I received a letter from you today so will try to finish this & get it mailed.

We went out on the drill field today I should say this morning & the really put us over the ropes. We did calacentics for a bout a hour & 1/2 then went out on the obstatical course which darn near killed me. I guess I ain't as good a man as I though I was but I hope I never get so good I can run that damn course and not be tired. 

So they want some more red tape on your allotment. I guess all you can do is give them what they want & when you let them have every thing maybe they'll let up.

So dear Florence has gotten a job at last I'll bet she's one sad girl. Oh well it's about time she went to work after all you started out a whole lot younger than she not taking my self into consideration.

We went into town yesterday afternoon & had quite a time. We went skating in the evening and you should have seen me you talk about you stepping well I was also doing about the same.

Say why don't you go up and have so pictures made of your self not too big but about 3/5 or something on that order. & please don't give any excuses but do it. I mange Tuck & Bo George & Benny would like one so do it.

It sure is nice out today but it was cold last night it was about -3 so it was cold when we got home last night.

Well I guess I'll close now so

Jack

Notes:

• P.S.N.Y. = Puget Sound Naval Yard. 
• George is his Uncle, his Dad's brother. I'm not sure who Benny is, possibly a family friend.  

Next, we'll find out if he made cadets.....

January, 1944: Basic Training Begins

 1944 is here. This is the year Jack goes to war.

Jan 1 1944

Dear Ma

I'll try to write you a few lines as I don't have any thing to do. I worked K.P. last night and got in about 4AM well the fellows rolled me out at 830 so I made it miserable for them all day.

At last we have started our processing, we started it yesterday by lectures & picture shows. We will be taking test & going to lectures & doing basic for the next 2 weeks. If I pass I get about 26 days of basic if not I get 60 but I guess that's still better than going in the infantry and doing nothing but marching all day long.

We are up at the library & a couple of the fellows have gotten math books & I started looking through those -- it is surprising how much I have forgotten since I got out of school. Oh well I guess you can't remember every thing you know or learned if you did your brain would be in a whilrl all the time.

We didn't get any mail today & won't get it tomorrow in fact I haven't received a letter from you since I got back.

We didn't do a thing today except sit around & talk, & I guess that's all we will be doing tomorrow. We got  jipped out of our passes this week so we had to just sit tight & stay on the post. We only ate once to day so I am hungry & no place to get any thing.

Well I close now Jack

Now we start to receive letters that have interesting illustrations on the stationary. 

Jan 3, 1944

Dear Ma

Well after almost a week I received your letter with the checks in it so you probable have seen they are coming back to you.

We started our basic this morning & took 3 test this after noon. I think I came out all right on 2 of them but the 3rd was a radio test & I guess I didn't do too good on it but personally I just don't give a dam.

They really put us over the rope this morning, but maybe I'll live but if it keeps on I hope not. I just ain't use to that hard labor & I really mean it. Personally I don't care if I never get used to it. I figure the big man is supposed to have the strong back & weak mind, me it's too bad I haven't got either one.

That reminds me of this morning we were to fall in ranks according to size. He yelled out all guys 6 foot or over fall out & so on down the line he finally called out about 5'6" & stopped we there I stood finally he looked around & hollered out 5'1" & I yelled 5'4"& steped in so you see I am the runt of the barracks but still I am doing o.k.

We haven't had any snow as yet but it sure has looked like it was going to storm & the wind has been blowing rather hard since noon.

Every one in the barracks has a nice cold you can hear some one coughing all the time even little me.

So at last our dear little sister is going to work. Well if that isn't some thing I don't know if I'll be abe to get over the shock. 

You know I brought my radio back & I don't think it is ever off during the day. I never get a chance to use it but I guess that's ok too. I just got in an argument over what program should be on.

Well I  guess I'll have to close now I write a letter or 2 more. 

Jack

Note: Here we have mention of his height, the factor which will seal his position on his eventual crew. 

Envelope reads:

Pvt. Bernard C Eutsler 39215612

TSS 769 Flt 176

Bks 339

Buckley Field

Denver, Colo.

Jan 6 1944

--Me [referring to illustration]

Dear Ma

I got your registered letter this after noon but there is no sense for you to get all hot & bothered about nothing. One reason you haven't received a whole lot of mail is because I haven't written you very many. The reason of that is that when I get through the day I am so tired I don't feel like doing any thing. To night my legs are really sore, we have been out on the drill field all day.  We have been taking calasentics and drilling, then we took a few tests on top of that so you probable see why I am tired. 

It has been cold around here lately but probable not as bad as it is there. We haven't had any snow but it sure has looked stormy the last few days.

Yes I got the checks, & packages & letters from you. Probable by now you have received the check and a letter or 2. If I remember correctly there was about $115 in checks there. I also think they jipped you on the allotment check but I guess that's o.k. Has Mag & Jim sent you any cash since I came here in this cruel old army. This is short but I am tired so don't worry & I'll try to write you again about Sun or Mon. We should know the verdict by the latter part of next week. Jack

Notes: 

• $115 would be $1712 today. 
• It's interesting that Gram grew frantic when he had been continuing his pace of about 3 letters a week. I also have an envelope with postmark Jan 3 1944. I suppose the mail system was not as efficient as it had been in Washington.
• He wasn't able to google the spelling of calisthenics. Jack was known for his malapropisms. I hope we see them in his letters!
• He's asking again about Tuck and Jim sending money. ulp.

Read next: The 64 Physical

December, 1943: Buckley Field, Denver Colorado

We last left Jack at the reception center in Ft. Lewis, Washington, where he was excited to be accepted into the cadet program. He has now been shipped to Buckley Field in Colorado. 

These letters were placed in an envelope with a few other letters, so I don't have postmarks for them. 

Dec. 16 – '43

Dear Ma

Well I guess this letter will surprise you a little bit but It sure makes me feel good to be back in Gods country. I'll be station at Buckley Field but don't know for how long until I get there. I am not supposed to know where I am going but have known it since I've left Fort Lewis 

We have ridden pullman all the way so have had a pretty nice trip out of it – considering every thing. We have had a pretty good bunch of fellows with us so it makes the trip nicer. We just have one coach to our selves – except for this morning and they put the dinner on behind us & the (___) have been running through the coach all morning so we have to watch our language.

I don't know what we are up to now but I hope they station me there in Denver long enough to get at least a 3 day pass. I guess we will probable be shipped again in the near future but will write you soon to give you my address as to where I am & how long I'll be there.

It sure feels nice to have the sun come out once in a while. We are waiting for the train to pull out from Cheyenne so I guess the trip is darn near over.

We haven't done much on the trip except talk with each other & etc.

Well I guess I better close as some of the other fellows are eating to write a letter so will close for now. 

This one has a cool embossed seal on the stationery. "United States Army Air Forces, Buckley Field, Colorado"

Dec 19, 43

Dear Ma

I'll try to write you another letter but who knows when I'll finish it. 

As you probably know today is Sun & next Sat is Xmas & here I am.

The sun was out this morning but it has clouded up this after noon & it looks like it might snow in some ways I hope so but that means mud & maybe drilling in mud. 

We have had two good meals in the last 2 days steak. I imagine I got more meat on my tray for dinner than you had on the table today. I guess it won't be so bad but I would still like to be back in civilian life. At least you can do a few more things you want to. We are restricted to camp for 2 weeks so that will mean that I will not have gotten to town in over a month. 

Dec 20, 43

Well we are off K.P. & the Barracks are rather quite I guess all the guys are tired. We started out at 3 A.M. & didn't get off till 7 P.M. so you know we really had a long day. 

Well the fellows are talking so I'll close.

21

We had detail again today & they sure worked us to a frazzle. We (5 of us) unloaded 2 box cars full of clothing. It was sure heavy too most of it weight 50 lb or better.

They tell us we might get a 3 day pass for Xmas but they have a 72 mile limit on it. If I had 4 days I would try to get home but I don't so I'll take the pass & spend my time in Denver. 

Well I am so tired I can hardly hold my eyes open so I'll close. 

I haven't received any letters from you as yet but hope to tomorrow. 

Jack. 

Dec 28 1943

Dear Ma

As you see I got back but I sure was tired when I finally got here. I got a bout a hours sleep on the bus & got out here to the field about 5 AM & got up at 8:30 so I still didn't feel too good all day but I got through ok

I got all the mail ok after I got back & also got Ericksons card & the Runts letter today. I wasn't looking for any but it was a pleasant surprise.

We have been having it pretty easy the last 2 days; yesterday I had a small detail in the morning & nothing in the after noon. Today I had just a little to do so I got ready to go to town. They came around this noon & told us we could have a pass for tonight so will go in and look the place over. I don't know what we will do but will probable find something to do. 

It has been a rather nice day to day but has been rather cold out. I wish they would hurry up and issue us our long underwear. It would make it a whole lot warmer. It sure was cold this morning I know I got up & started the fire all the rest of the guy were to cold to get out of bed so I did it.

Well it's about time for the passes to be handed out so I'll close and try to write more next time. 

Jack

Next up: January, 1944: Basic Training

 

We're in the Army Now!

Pvt. Eutsler has been moved to Fort Lewis, Washington.

Return address reads:

Pvt. Bernard C Eutsler 39215612

CoC. S.C.U. 1909 (Reception Center)

Fort Lewis Wash.

 

Dec 5 - 43 

Dear Ma 

Well here I am and doing pretty good so far.

We were issued our clothes yesterday & also took our I.Q. tests. They gave us so many cloths I don't know what we are going to do with them all. As for the test I don't know what I made and really don't care much. 

We will probable start taking our shots tomorrow so probable won't be feeling so good.

The time has been going by rather fast as we haven't had a whole lot of time to our self but I guess thats ok too.

The food has been pretty good and they treat us ok so the most of us havent got much if any kick comming. It's not near as bad as I thought it would be but the hard part is yet to come.

I sure hope they ship me out of this place by Wed. I take it we will be here till at least Tues so am hoping. 

There was a pretty good bunch of fellows we came over with so I dont have any kick there. 

I got slightly interrupted so I will start again. We ate dinner which wasn't half bad but I guess it could have been a whole lot better. On the whole though the food hasn't been bad in fact a whole lot better than I expected. 

The sun is out again today I sure hope it stays out so it will have a chance to warm up a little.

I made out an allotment yesterday for you & Anita & they said you would get it with in 5 days (I hope)

Well I guess thats about all for the time being. At least you know I am alive 

Please don't write until I am settled 

Jack

Fort Lewis, Washington is a little southwest of Tacoma, about 40 miles from where he was living in Bremerton. It has been an air field since 1917 and was merged with nearby McChord Air Field in 2010. It has a little bit of a sordid history, like so much of the U.S., built on land stolen from the native Nisqually people. During the war the base housed a few dozen Japanese, German, and Italian people in the interment program before they were transferred elsewhere. For Jack, it was just the first stop in his wartime journey.

Dec 7 1943

Dear Ma 

Well I'll try to write you a little note saying I am still kicking - (and how)

We got 2 "shots" this morning one in each arm so some of the fellows arms are rather sore. As for me mine feels pretty good I hope it doesn't get sore. 

Our outfit got K.P. for tomorrow so I guess I'll have a rather busy day in fact it will be a 14 hour day and not time & a 1/2 for over time.

I also will have to take a test tomorrow I voluntered to cadet training and if I can pass I'll be setting pretty. If I don't I don't know just what will happen. I sure hope I make it though. I think if I do make it I'll be sent to Denver. 

We haven't been doing much except waiting on someone to rush us some place to wait some more.

Say I am enclosing a couple of papers so fill the top one out & etc. Then when I get located send it to me on your first letter – on the same day you recive the one from me.

Well may be this will hold you for the present because I have to leave in a couple of minutes. 

Jack

Notes:

• K.P. of course stand for Kitchen Patrol, seemingly the first stop for any newbie enlisted man. Who else has the vision of a soldier sitting on a stool peeling a huge pile of potatoes?

• Cadets is the training course for air force rated officers: pilots, navigators, and bombardiers.  Here is really good information about the cadet program. It was a coveted position, of course. 

Also in the envelope:

Dec 10 '43 

Dear Ma

Well I am now in the air corp as a cadet, I made all my tests ok, and went befor the board this morning. 3 officers started firing questions all at once and they sure make a guy excited. But I am in so I'll just have to keep trying from now on out.

Please go up to Otto Zorns tonight and make him write me a letter of recommendation & please dont leave until he gives it to you.

Have been getting along ok and haven't gotten into any trouble so I guess thats ok too.

Belive it or not but the sun has been out for 3 days since we 

Please send birth certificat.

Well I am so excited I can't write anymore I'll send address as soon as am shipped.

Jack

Notes:

My mom didn't know who Otto Zorn was, but I found his grave. He was a WWI vet. I hope he gave Jack a good letter of recommendation! 

Jack must've been excited about cadets; he didn't finish his sentence about the weather!

Next: shipped to Buckley Field, Colorado

Uncle Sam's invitation: an offer you can't refuse

There were three letters in this envelope. I like the victory stamps on this one. The eagle's banner reads, "WIN THE WAR."

The back of the envelope reads: Send Motorola Radio to Louie here Express Collect he has bought it.

Nov 9 '43

Dea Ma

I'll try to get another letter started and see if I can finish it before the usual Sat letter.

It is still chilly here & me I have been working out side so I have noticed it. It didn't seem so cold last night until I got off then I noticed it. I have been working on the blisters and most of it is out side work in fact it is all considered outside. 

Say while I am thinking about it do I have a shoe ration stamp in one of the new books. I have been thinking about buying another pair of work shoes, the soles are out on mine all ready & when it rains I get my feet wet. It also take 2 or 3 weeks to get a pair of shoes fixed here & that's quite a while to wear low shoes.

I got another war bond last night so it means that much more cash in hand. It sure takes them a long time to get them out to us, it doesn't take them that long to get us to sign up for them though. Oh well I guess every one is out after the other fellas money so what's the difference. 

Say when is that dear Miss Florence Eutsler supposed to finish school. She better start thinking about getting a job as soon as she gets out & I don't mean a 30¢ a hour job either. 

I have been thinking about going fishing but am like Dad Kruse just haven't gotten around to it yet. I guess the fresh water season is closed but salt water fishing is always open, you also don't need a license to fish in salt water. 

I noticed the yard is tearing down all the bomb shelters & etc. I guess they aren't afraid since they took the islands. Oh well it wouldn't make much difference to a whole lot of the boys [?] if they did blow this place off the map as long as they got out. 

[same letter, continued]

Nov 13 - 43

Dear Ma it seems that I am so lazy I stink – I shouldn't I just took a shower a couple of days ago.

OK here goes & I don't want you to start worring about it. Your son is Pvt Bernard C. Eutsler 39215612 in the U.S. Army. Uncle Sam sent me another one of those little papers about 3 weeks ago asking me if I wished to join the armed forces. I felt like saying no but you know how it is when some one beckons you, just like getting married or something. I went to Seattle & was sworn in I also passed my physical with flying colors. They took me off the Limited service & put me in general service so I was very happy. I will leave here Dec. 3rd so judge your mail & also I'll need to send in my ration books so send them to me so they will get here by that time. The physical they gave us here was a snap compared to the one they gave us in N. Mex. I believe if I had taken my first one here I would have passed. 

I would have written you sooner but I knew you would just start worrying about it, & there's no sense worring because I can still take care of myself.

Well we hopped clear across the U.S. last night from West Va to Calif. That's a pretty big jump now isn't it. I sure didn't do any thing either, I welded for about 15 min.

I'm planning on working up to a day or 2 of the time to leave. I will have my checks made out to be sent to you just hold them till I get located and then send them to me. I had You made out as Beneficiary & Florence as alternate. 

Well I'll close now and try to get this thing mailed this time.

Jack.

P.S. Get the biggest service flag you can get and charge it to me. 

Enclosed $25

Notes:

a 30¢ an hour job would be $4.50 today.

He mentioned deconstructing the bomb shelters after "they took the islands." I'm thinking he is referring to the New Georgia Campaign, which took place in June - October, 1943, in which the Allies took important airfields from the Japanese. Or he could also be referring to the Aleutian Islands Campaign that took nearly a year, June, 1942 - August, 1943. The New Georgia campaign was a little closer in proximity time-wise and was a more important strategic victory. But it could be neither. ...I am learning a little WWII history on the fly here! 

The $25 enclosed with this letter would be worth $372 now.

A service flag is a banner flown outside service members' families' homes. A blue star indicates a family member serving in the armed forces; a gold star indicates a family member who has died during military operations. 

Here's a little about war bonds. 

Here's a little about rationing. Citizens were allowed 3 pairs of shoes a year through the end of the war, unless they applied for an extra hardship pair. 

Blisters were anti-torpedo bulges on warships. 

Sat [This would be Nov 20 or Nov 27; we don't have a postmarked envelope for this one]

Sat [November 20 or 27, 1943. I'm betting November 20]

Dear Ma

I'll try to get a letter to you today I guess this will surprise you to get 2 letters in one week probable on the same day.

Well guess what Smitty ask me out to dinner so I guess I rate O.K. as a friend with the old man. On the job though I am just like any other person so I guess every things alright – no apples today. 

I bought my shoes and they sure are swell, I think Louie doesn't think much of them but I am the guy who has to wear them & I don't think he knows as much about shoes as he pretends to know. 

It is still rather chilly out although the sun did come out yesterday but it didn't warm up much if any. I haven't had it bad though been working ? in side & it is sort of warm.

Say write and let me know if Margaret writes & if she sends you any money, if they don't I'll have to write them & jump them again for an explation – that is if I don't get an answer before I leave. I know they probable having a hard time of it but they are probable better off than I ever was or you too for that matter so just sit tight and we'll see what little bro can do.

We are going out today I don't know what we are going to do but I guess we'll find something to pass the time & keep out of trouble. It is very cloudy this morning out maybe it will clear up later in the day who knows. I am shivering because I just took a bath so tell Nene I don't stink.

Tell those little kids I want them to start studying harder because we are at war & every one must start working harder &etc. Say just when will Florence get through with school. I hope she told me correct that she will be through next month. I wish I was finishing up within a month but it looks like I'll be in for at the very least 6 months. OK well I guess I can stand it there are 8 million other guys who are so I am no different from the rest of them. 

I still have to go down & cash my check that's the best part of working having a little money in your hand for a few minutes. Oh well if I can do 1/2 as well after the war I'll be satisfied with it all. 

Well as usual I am all wrote out so Ill have to close now so start holding off your letters till I write & let you know where I'll be & for how long. 

Will have Louie send my stuff collect. 

Enclosed $25

Jack

Note: the Margaret in this letter refers to his sister, Tuck. This is an inkling of the years-long feud that developed between them. The feud centered around money, and you can see here that Jack was frustrated that Tuck and her husband were not contributing much to the family. 

Dec 1 1943

Dear Ma

Well Ill try to write you a letter I don't know how I'll end up because I have been going around & around. I quite the yard this morning – that is after a fashion, I guess I am through because they took my convict picture away from me & I can't get back in. I had all my stuff sent to your address such as checks & bonds. 

I tried to pack my stuff this morning & I ain't just a saying it but I really have a headack. I more or less forgot just when I was supposed to leave & it slipped up on me all of a sudden. 

I just can't seem to write my head is swimming thinking about what I haven't done yet. I think I have done almost every thing up to date but I suppose the last minet I'll remember some thing.

[writing with different pen] Well this is my last night - I ship out in the morning about 8:00. This is going to be short but sweet.

I recived your letter today & also one from Marg so I was happy - tell her I'll write after I get located.

I got tight Sat night also today but feel fine now so I guess its ok. - Say send me your birth dates - you and the kids & etc.

Ill let you know where I land the first time I land. 

Has been very nice the last few days - raining all the time & I mean rain. Just like N.M. Well I'll have to close now as it is 12AM & I have to get up at 7

Enclosed is a $50 bond.

Every thing will be sent to you

Jack

Notes: 

This Marg is undoubtedly my mom! His future wife, Margaret aka Maggie. 

As you may know "tight" was slang for "drunk." 

******** and we're off!

Autumn 1943: Hunting Season

Jack wanted to go deer hunting, pure and simple.

Sept 22, '43

Dear Ma

I received your nice long letter yesterday so I will try to answer it.

You may some day learn to listen to your little son. I am glad you went up and got your glasses. I told Florence that if you didn't go up and get them that she should break your old ones so you would have to. I guess you beat her to it.

I sure haven't been doing a darn thing at work for the last 2 days. I might as well not have been there for no more than I did. It sure gets tire some just sitting around for 8 hours & doing nothing. Well may be tonight will be a little bit better, who knows. 

They tell me they are planning on taking 700 workers out of the yard between now & the first of the year. I don't know but I think I am probable include in that group. They say the are calling in all deferments on guys from 18-25 so it wouldn't do me much good to have a deferment. It doesn't seem to make any difference what rating you hold or how much of a family you have if you come between the age limits.

I got those pictures ok but I discovered one happens to be missing. I am sure the fellows here would enjoy looking at it and would compliment me on such good picture taking. How bout that picture of Bo.

I got Wayne's new address too late I had already sent him a letter – hope he gets it.

Sat

I imagine you have been wondering why I haven't been writing. Just lazyness.

Now listen & get this straight. I want you (right now so I can get it by Sun) to go up to the Folks and go up to Wayne room and get me a little 30-30. It is sitting near the left hand side of the rack. The barell is a darker color than the rest of the guns looks like stove blackening on it and it chips off. Then get dad Kruse to go out in the shop and see if he can find 2 boxes of 30-30 shells, first try the big box under the lathe. I imagine they are in there it will say 30-30 on the box. about the gun it has a price tag on it that says $12 or $15 I forget just what but its between $10-$15 make sure the shells fit the gun. Now as 2nd and last resort if for some reason you can't do the other. Take my gun out of the box & ask Dad Kruse for about 20 shells for his gun tell him I want some hunting loads. He has some for his Krug also make sure they fit. Don't send either gun in a wooden box put it in card board.

Maybe Glady could call Mr. Woodall he will help if he is in town. I want to go deer hunting next Sunday if possible so please dear Ma don't put this off till this after noon or tomorrow. I would have sent you a night letter but was afraid you wouldn't get it till Mon & I hope this is there by then. I hope you can get the 30-30 together it is a lighter gun & etc. Please try & send it. The 30-30 will be out in the shop so try hard to find them.

I am sending you $30 to cover the cost of handling and packing. I'll pay the express.

Well I'll close for now & hope like LLL that the gun get here on or before Sat. Ask about air express if it is not over $3.50 send it by that.

Jack

Put in Hunting Knife

Notes:

• I'm assuming that the $30 he is sending just means it's over and beyond what he would normally send her, because ya gotta wonder why he is willing to spend $30 shipping for a gun worth $10-$15. ($30, by the way, is nearly $450 in today's dollars.) In any case, it's obvious he reeeelllly wanted to go hunting! 

• Dad Kruse is his grandfather, his mother's dad.

• Glady is his aunt, his mother's sister. 

The next letter is to Bo.

[postmarked October 4, 1943]

Sun

Dear Bo

I'll try to answer your letter that I was very surprised to get.

We went to the show yesterday. I came home and went to sleep about 6PM & got up about 8AM. I sure am tired I just don't get enough sleep I don't think 14 hours is enough for any body so I am in bed again hoping to get 6 or 7 hours more sleep befor I go to work. 

Say listen please don't tell Ma because I don't want her to worry but I ask the draft board yesterday when I would get called they told me some time in November. I figured it would be around then but that is more or less official. I think I try to get in the ordnance when I do get in. Now please don't tell Ma. You know she will just worrie & I ain't going to write & tell here any thing about it till I am in for sure. When you see a letter to Ma with the stamp upside down you will know I have received my induction papers. 

We had a pretty nice day today the sun came out & nearly blinded me I just am not use to such conditions. I guess I just have owl eyes & web feet. It sure hasn't been raining around here much of late. You can tell it too every one has a cold, it seems when It doesn't rain every body just has a tendency to come down with a cold. 

We went out to Curts today & had a chicken dinner so we didn't do so bad did we. After you get the hang of it you can get quite a few meals out of people.

Say about Nene just lay off that poor little baby or you will have her wanting to go out and get drunk next. So she finally let Jim kiss her well now don't rub it in she's like her big Bro. she just don't go in for that stuff.

You ask if I met any good looking sailors boy have I, I met 3 from Kans. One of them is on the plump side but is he a wow, & I do mean a wow. These boy on the Enterprise have been in every major battle in the Pacific & they sure know there way around. They brought a bunch of boots on & you can tell one as far as you can see him, one ask me where the "head" was so I ask him he he knew the boat very well & he said no. I told him to drop down the first hatch & etc well he didn't even know what a hatch was and went out a door so to be mean I just let him go. Who am I to tell him any different. Those guys sure are easy to get lost too. When I am going on a job I have to keep in low gear so they can keep up with me.

Tell Ma I received her letter that she mailed Thursday it sure came though in a hurry, also tell her I'll try to write her soon.

Jack [with a flourish]

Notes: "boots" is slang for those freshly out of boot camp. 

And the pay off to the gun-begging:

Oct 22 43

Dear Ma

May be I ought to drop you a line to let you know I'm still alive. I have been deer hunting just about every day & we I get home (if I do get home) I am so tired I can hardly walk. Yesterday I slept about 13 hours, but the day befor I had 3 hours sleep & the day befor that I had 5 hours sleep - so you see I really had earned a little sleep. Sat morning I went out to one of the welders house & stayed all day Sat & Sun. I sure had a lot of fun, Sat night we went out & they got drunk. I was afraid of getting sick so I didn't. We stayed up til 2 AM Sun & then got up at 8 I then went to sleep around 7 and slept till around 10. It really think I start finding out what a bed is for I haven't been in one enough lately to really know. Sun I went out in the bay and picked up some oysters. We fried and ate them. They were small but good. They do have some big ones on her fried they are about the size of the palm of your hand. I am going out again some day when it is sunny & take some pictures out there - it sure is pretty.

We haven't had much luck as far as deer hunting the only thing I got was a heck of a cold. (ok yes and a boil on my cheek & I don't think it was the same place Bo had hers because you didn't say anything about her having a hard time sitting down)

We did catch a big salmon in the creek day befor yesterday - the salmon are just starting to run & it is easy to reach down & grab one. The one we got was a dog salmon they are ugly but pretty good eating. I guess thats the kind they smoke. If I had my camera along I would have taken a picture of it.

It has been raining almost every day since I got my gun & it sure makes it miserable to hunt even after it rains because the ferns and underbrush hit me just about the waist.

Well as I don't plan on going out tomorrow & am sleepy I'll close now.

Sat

Well I guess I am going hunting again today, I'll have to get that buck today or tomorrow or never Sun is the last day.

Well we moved over on the West Va last night and really put out for a change.

I hear Louie comming so will have to close and I will try to write you a nice long letter next week. 

Enclosed $25

Jack

Notes:

The $25 he sent with this letter was equivalent to $372 today.

The U.S.S. West Virginia was another battleship heavily damaged at Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. Sadly, more than 100 crew were lost in the attack. The ship sank in the shallow water but was recovered and moved to the shipyards in Puget Sound where Jack and others repaired her. 

The salmon he reached in and caught was was a dog salmon, otherwise known as chum salmon. He didn't get a picture of it, but here is one:

USFWS

Next: Uncle Sam's offer