Memorial Day: Remember

My personal memories of Memorial Day growing up aren’t unlike many others in the United States. The official kickoff to the summer season was a day reserved for barbecues, swimming, and spending time with family.

But as I grew older and began asking questions - including learning about personal sacrifices made by members of my own family - the holiday took on another meaning. Now I feel obligated to make certain that while those fundamentally important American traditions I just mentioned are upheld, that people also look at the bigger picture.

You hear this every year, I know. The “true” meaning of Memorial Day. Sometimes it sounds as if you’re being scolded for enjoying yourself, and I don’t think that’s fair. I’ll venture to say most people aren’t ignorant or bad Americans because they celebrate the holiday without giving much thought to what it means. Even when they mistakenly - and with every good intention, I believe - thank our living veterans for their service on this sacred day, its okay. I do think most people mean well. But it’s not what Memorial Day is for.

Let’s all remember why we celebrate, and most importantly, why we should REMEMBER on this day.

Memorial Day will always be a remembrance to honor those brave men and women who gave their lives for their country: the brave souls who were mowed down by German machine gun fire on the Norman beaches of Utah and Omaha, those who died in bloody Vietnamese clashes at Khe Sahn, Ia Drang, and Dak To, or the heroes who valiantly fought and gave all on the sands of Iraq and Afghanistan. There are far too many instances in the history of American warfare to name here. But for me, it’s about two 21-year-old American tankers who gave everything they had on May 28, 1944.

This Memorial Day is particularly poignant, as it happens to fall on the exact day Pvt. Dorel Earley and T/5 John Dougherty were killed in action in Italy.

Dorel Lyman Earley

John Joseph Dougherty

If these two men could speak today, I’m almost certain they would say they were just doing their jobs. Unfortunately, doing that job resulted in their having to make the supreme and ultimate sacrifice for our country.

Sunday, May 28, 1944 saw the U.S. Fifth Army, along with Dougherty and Earley’s 751^st Tank Battalion, heavily involved in the breakout of the Anzio beachhead following months of a relative stalemate.

On May 27, Dorel wrote his final letter to his parents, and as always, carefully avoided mentioning any danger he faced:

“You ask me to fill up my sheets more. Well I can’t tell you what I do, because everything I do is censored. As to those evenings off, I don’t get any evenings off. We are here for a different purpose than that. This life is no fun, but there is no use bitching about it.

I’ll write as often as possible, so if you don’t here [sic], don’t worry. Keep writing.

Love,

Dorel

P.S. The news ought to sound pretty good now.”

On June 5, 1944, just one day after the Allies had rolled victorious through the streets of Rome, Henrietta Earley wrote to her son, unaware he had not lived to see the capture of the city.

“We did enjoy your swell letters, two of them last week, and the last one mailed May 26 got here June 1. Can’t believe it, makes us feel we aren’t so far apart. We of course imagine where you are dear every day, and just hope and pray it won’t be long before we are all together again, and if we have as good news along as we did yesterday, it can’t be long. We couldn’t help but wonder if our dear boy had his hand in it at Rome, but at least you are helping to bring it all about. What a proud feeling that must be to you, no matter how hard and dark things are at times, but we just have faith that you will be back perfect and how proud and happy we will all be. God bless you dear.”

Henrietta and John Earley would continue to write Dorel until June 5, 1944, when they received word he was missing in action. Later, those letters would find their way back to them marked “return to sender: deceased.” Meanwhile in Italy, graves registration troops had discovered his destroyed M5A1 Stuart tank, which had been hit by anti-tank fire on May 28 in the town of Valletri, roughly 24 miles south of Rome.

Recently, a Facebook acquaintance located the approximate spot the Stuart was knocked out and later found, which was among farm fields southwest of Valletri. Reports indicate Dorel and Dougherty’s tank had been on its way up the road (Via Colle Ottone Basso, most likely) to relieve several on the line when it was hit twice.

Approximate location where Dorel Earley and John Dougherty's  M5A1 Suart was located by graves registration in 1944. 

Dorel Earley was found dead in the driver’s seat, John Dougherty next to him in the assistant driver’s spot. The tank commander, Sgt. Robert Wilson, and gunner PFC Leo Carver, had somehow survived the two rounds that penetrated the Stuart’s armor. Reports did not specify exactly what hit the tank, but according to the 751^st Tank Battalion after action report, German anti-tank defenses in the area consisted mostly of 88mm dual purpose guns and Mark VI tanks, called Panzers.

The 751^st’s D company - comprised of M5A1 light tanks - had been attached to the 143^rd Infantry Regiment of the 36^th Infantry Division in its assault of Valletri; its capture was a key victory in the final push into Rome.

On July 16, 1944, the dreaded Western Union telegrams arrived at 828 South Elizabeth Street in San Diego, California, and 1232 Buttonwood Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, respectively.

While Henrietta and John Earley mourned the loss of their second son in less than seven months, nearly 3,000 miles away James Dougherty also grieved for his own son, along with John’s young wife Mary and his sister Catherine.

Dorel Earley was eventually returned to the United States and interred with his older brother Lyle at Greenwood Memorial Park. John Dougherty’s family, however, chose for him to remain undisturbed at the Sicily-Rome American Cemetery in Nettuno, Italy. Today he rests in plot I, row 10, grave 41.

I often think about the sacrifice these two young men made, even beyond Memorial Day. And while it is certainly tragic for their lives to have been cut short, their families forever scarred, I try and think of another man I met about 15 years ago, whose life was in some ways owed to the brave and selfless service of people like my uncle Dorel Earley, and John Dougherty.

That man’s name was David Faber.

While browsing a San Diego bookstore in the late 1990’s, Mr. Faber approached me during the promotion of a book he’d written, “Because of Romek.”

Born in Poland in 1928 and of Jewish ancestry, Faber’s family was rounded up by the SS following the German invasion of the country in 1939. Several members of his family were slaughtered, and he would eventually be sent to nine different concentration camps. Only he and his sister would survive the war, and he later penned the book in honor of his brother Romek, who was murdered while being interrogated by the Gestapo.

I listened to him for several moments as he told the harrowing story of his life, how he’d survived in the face of pure evil, and somehow even managed to fight the Germans alongside Soviet guerrilla forces. I almost gasped as he rolled up his sleeve to show me the number the SS had tattooed onto his forearm, placed there to keep track of him as if he were livestock. The experience of seeing that tattoo and speaking to Mr. Faber would be forever etched into my memory. And later, as I learned more about Dorel’s service and his death, I couldn’t help the sense of pride I felt knowing how men such as he and John Dougherty gave all to help eradicate such evil from the world. While their tanks didn’t directly liberate any concentration camps, their service - along with both of my grandfathers - helped to put an end to that madness.

While recently researching for my book about my family in WWII, I began thinking about Mr. Faber again. I was saddened to learn he’d passed in 2015 before I had a chance to reconnect with him, to tell him how much our meeting meant to me. Then I discovered he was buried at Greenwood Memorial Park in San Diego, not far from where Dorel Earley rests.

How appropriate, I thought.

Happy Memorial Day. 

PFC Glen G. Earley letters home: March 1944 to May 1945

(Postcard featuring the Hotel Cortez, El Paso, Texas. Postmark is March 15, 1944)

Dear Folks,

Just a line to tell you I am enjoying the trip so far and have met a lot of swell guys. We have been in Ariz., N.M., Texas and now we're in N.M. again. We are headed for Chicago and then to Ft. Knox. I am in a big hurry because the train is leaving and I have to mail this. Bye for now.

Love,

Glen

*    *    *

June 13, 1944

Armored Command

Ft. Knox, Kentucky

Dear Dad,

Well pop, another year has gone by and here is Father's Day. I would sure love to be able to go out with you and play a little ball or pitch a game of horseshoes. I can remember times that we did just such things and hope it will be very soon that we will be able to do it again. I have really enjoyed the letters I have received from you and am sorry I have not had more time to answer them. It seems that Convair is getting along fair without me, but I wouldn't mind helping them get rid of a little more of their bank account. I don't believe I would gripe as much as I did while I was there. 

We haven't had hardly any time free time lately, but have been learning a heck of a lot. I qualified for driver on the medium tank last week. We have learned so many different things, I don't really know what I will be doing after I leave here. So far, it looks O.K. to me. I have been dreaming of coming back to Diego for weeks now and boy will I be glad when that day comes. 

You will have to excuse the writing as I don't have a table to write on, more fun. I hope you get this card in time and I wish you all the happiness in the world. Tell everybody I'm still kicking and I'll see you all soon.

Lots of love + luck,

Glen

P.S. I'll write, you write. 

*    *    *

June 25, 1944

Ft. Knox, Kentucky

Dear Mom,

Well I am finally writing a line to let you know I am still well and here in the hills of Kentuck. It is Sunday afternoon and I have just came back from church. They have really been moving us around a lot in the last few weeks. We got back from our camping last week and have been trying to get settled and go to gunnery school too. I have been learning a lot lately and been on the go most all the time. I don't remember whether or not I told you, but I have qualified as driver on a medium tank. It is exactly the same thing Dorel had while he was here at Knox. 

They say we have a lot better training than they ever had here before. I have heard talks from officers that have been over there and they say there is no other camp in the U.S. that has as good of training as they have here. I have heard this from several different persons and believe there is something in it. Most of the fellows I came out with are still here so it isn't so bad. The country here is really pretty now and I sure like it. The only thing I have against it is the darn weather. It has really been hot here and I do mean hot. Last Sunday it was up to 115 and I really felt it. A couple of days ago I ran into Frank Cook. Boy was I surprised to see him. I just got to talk to him for a few minutes. He has only been here for a couple of weeks and don't like it so good. I hope I'll get to talk to him again before I leave. Dad's letters have sounded good. I hope he feels as good as he sounds. I will get my furlough in about a month I hope. It will really be swell to get back for a few days and see all of you. Don't worry about Alice as she don't mean as much to me as I thought she did. I'll get by O.K. There are some girls from Cincinnati here for a dance this afternoon so I guess I'll go. I'll try to get a few lines off to Dad and Lois this evening or tomorrow night.

Take care of yourself and be good.

All my love,

Glen

P.S. I'll write, you write.

*    *    *

June 27, 1944

Armored Command

Ft. Knox, Kentucky

Dear Folks,

I received the letter from Lois last night and also your sweet letter, Mom. I just couldn't believe it and still can't believe it's true. One of my best buddies here got the same kind of news three weeks ago. Just about a week ago he received word that his brother had been in the hospital for over a month and was doing fine. They can get reports wrong and all screwed up very easy. I just hope and pray Dorel had a little luck and sincerely believe he had more of a chance than most any of the other boys there. There are so many different things that could happen. I don't know what I can say to make you feel better, but keep on punching and things will turn out O.K. 

I had so much on my mind this morning that I guess I sort of messed up my test on gunnery. I won't know until tomorrow, but I'm hoping. The fellows next door to us got their furlough this Saturday and are sure happy. I was talking to some of them and they said everybody in their outfit under 19 were being sent to Kansas for some more training. I've heard that rumor more than once so I hope it's true. 

You probably won't believe this, but I just got back from the dentist. They filled 8 teeth. Gee, what a time I had. I am sure glad they are done, because you know I hate those guys. 

You guys said something about that paper that I was supposed to get. Well I got one or two copies about a month or two ago. We have another week and a half before we go on battle training for two weeks. We figure we'll be home about Aug. 1. It seems such a long time since I left and I can't hardly wait till I see all of you again.

I've got a headache and can't think of anything else to say so I better close for now. Take care of yourselves and good luck.

All of my love,

Glen

P.S. I'll write, you write. 

*    *    *

Aug. 7, 1944

Fort Knox, Kentucky

Dear Mom,

Well here I am again to let you know I am still at good old Fort Knox and in the best of health. We won't go to battle training till next Sunday so I have the rest of this week to mess around. I took the same thing in A-8 that we are having this week but that is the way it goes. This Co. isn't half as good as the old one, but there are a lot of swell guys in here. One of the fellows took me home with him this weekend and I had quite a bit of fun. We went to a dance Sat. night and on a picnic Sun. He lives in Candelton, Indiana and lives right next to the Ohio River. It sure is pretty country around there. I also got along with the girls too. That reminds me. Ruby wrote me a letter and bawled me out for not coming up over the weekend. Her folks had gone to Indianapolis Friday and she was very lonely over the weekend. Darn it. I kicked myself right in the pants when I got the letter this morning. 

Gee Mom, I'm sorry I got you so so worried, but I went over to the old Co. to find out what the hell happened to those letters. They didn't have them but the mail clerk was on furlough and the mail was really messed up. So far I have damned near got my pants kicked in by my Captain here and also the corporal for not writing. I went over to the old Co. and was hopped onto by the first sergeant and the corporal. They received word from the Red Cross that I hadn't wrote one letter to you guys since I have been in the Army. What the hell's the matter with that Red Cross there? Do they want me to get in trouble? Well let's forget about this mix up and I'll try my best to get as many letters off as I can. 

Why don't you send that candy Ruby made on out here? That would really taste good. Say have you found any sweat socks yet? I could use a few pair on B.T. 

You remember that diary I took? Well I have wrote a little in it but can't think of much to put in it. Have you guys got that trailer yet? If you have you hadn't better rent it out till after about the middle of Sept. because you will probably have a visitor about the first part of Sept. I won't tell you who, but I hope these next few weeks pass quick so I can get home. Most of the fellows I was with went to Camp Chaffe Arkansas. There was some that went to Colorado and I believe that is probably where I will be. Well I will know in three more weeks so I'm hoping. 

There are about six fellows from Calif. here in our barracks so I get a kick out of talking to them. They are really anxious to get back and pretty nice eggs. I have been in about a dozen different positions trying to write this and it really a mess. I can't think of a thing to write that I haven't told you so I better shut up for now. I'll write again very soon, but please don't worry. Tell everybody hello + I'll be seeing you all.

All my love,

Glen

P.S. I'll write, you write. 

*    *    *

Sept. 21, 1944
Prov. Det.
20th Armored Division
Camp Campbell, Ky.

Dear Folks,

Believe it or not I am back in camp. I haven't found out anything about it as yet, but it looks like it will be O.K. I met a couple of the fellows I came out from Calif. with and sure was glad to see them. They have been here for a couple of weeks and like it pretty good. It sure seems like a long time since I left there, but it is only less than a week ago. I guess you have received our letter from Louisville by now, at least I hope you did. We were both in a silly mood and I guess you think we are nuts.

Mom I don't think anything quite like this ever happened to me and it means so darn much to me. I didn't think a girl could mean so darn much to me as Dottie does. She wants so very much for you to like her. She is everything I would ever want my girl to be. She is crazy about me and thinks the world and all of me. She bawled like a baby when I left to come down here and she is so sweet and thoughtful. Her folks are really wonderful and they like me quite a bit. I know I am still pretty young, but plan on waiting quite some time before taking any further steps. I'm sorry for blowing off, but I just had to tell you how I feel. She sent about five letters I never did get so please send them right along if you got any there.

If my picture is any good, please put it in with that little scarf and bag and send them to me. Also I need Dottie's picture very much, do you know what I mean?

Did you get that car you was thinking about, pappy? I believe that is about the best deal you could ever get. Guess what I did??? I went down to the U.S.O. in Louisville to sleep one night and some sweet soul picked up my duffel bag. I had it right next to the bed and had my jacket over it, but somebody got hold of it while I was sleeping. Nobody knew anything about it, so I am just out 1 uniform, some shorts and socks, all my toilet articles, my shoe shine kit, my little folder with my pictures in it, all my letters from Dottie, and goodness knows what else. Damn some people's children. I have to replace all of that and would sure appreciate a touch until the 15th of Aug. I would of made it out maybe, but with that bad luck I am really stuck. I am just here temporary, but you never can tell how long. We should move into our regular barracks before the first of November.

Well guys, I have to hit the sack so be good and take care of yourselves. Thanks a lot for everything you have done and good luck and stuff.

All the love in the world,

Glen

P.S. Will write as soon as I get a little time.

*    *    *

Sept. 25, 1944
Prov. Det.
20th Armored Division
Camp Campbell, Ky.

Dear Folks,

This is the start of a new week and it finds me well and happy and hoping you are all the same. I haven't received a letter as yet, but should get one in a couple of days, I hope.

We are still messing around doing guard duty and details and hope something happens pretty soon. Out division is out in the field so we are not assigned as yet. The captain said that he thought that orders were coming through for us to take another train ride to a new camp. I sort of hope we do get out of here, because nobody knows what the heck is coming off around here and it's really a mess. He said to be ready to leave any day so we are just waiting around.

We are living in barracks that are made of tarpaper and all they have is a couple of old coal stoves. I don't want think I would enjoy spending the winter in this hole. I have seen a couple of good shows and we get to play ball quite a bit. I know quite a few fellows here and have quite a bit of fun with them.

If you haven't sent that box yet, you had better keep it until I know for sure what will happen. I received two letters from Dottie today and really enjoyed them. She is suck a darn sweet kid and I do love her so much. She is so darn swell and helps out so much. I am sure you will like her as everybody that meets her is her friend. I wish more than anything that I could call her my own.

How is Lois getting along in school about now? Has she settled down any since I left? How about Jack? Does he still come out very often and how does he like the Navy by now? I'm sort of glad I didn't join the Navy now.

I can't think of anything else to say so I had better close. Write and tell me all the dirt and I'll write again soon.

All my love,

Glen

*    *    *

(undated, likely the fall of 1944)

Dear Folks,

Just a line to let you know I am O.K. and am feeling fine. I have been in England and am now someplace in France, I haven’t had much of a chance to see very much but hope to soon. It’s a lot of fun trying to talk to these people because they don’t understand English and you know I don’t know much of their language. I’m learning it little by little and find it interesting.

I’m sorry I could not write sooner and let you know what’s cooking but we have really been busy and don’t get much of a chance. Most of the fellows I were with are still here except Miner. I sure wish I was with him, as we have a lot of fun together. The weather here is nothing like California, but I’m making out O.K. Please try not to worry as I’m O.K. and things are a lot better than I thought they would be. Tell everybody hello for me and tell Alice to go to hell. I’ll write every chance I get, but don’t expect too much. There isn’t anything else I can say so I had better close for now. Tell Joyce  hello for me and kiss the baby a couple of times for me.

Lots of love, Glen

*    *    *

3 Dec 1944

HQ Co. 745th Tank Battalion

(Germany)

Dear Folks,

Just a note this morning to let you know I’m feeling swell and everything O.K. I met Miner again and two other fellows I knew before. We are all together and have a lot of fun. I was in Belgium and am now somewhere in Germany. I have met a lot of swell fellows and really like this set up better than any yet. I haven’t received any more letters, but should start getting a few pretty soon. I got to go to Napoleon’s chateau out side Paris and it was really pretty. They didn’t wreck it so most of the place was open so we could see it. They have a lot of monuments and things of very famous people and it was really worth seeing. I have to write on this until I can get a hold of some more stationary.

 How about sending me a little as it is really hard to get here. We are attached to the 1^st division of the 1^st Army and it’s really a swell outfit. I received a swell letter from Donna and she seems pretty happy. I will write as soon as possible and send her that picture. I hope Quinn got to go to Lexington as it will be pretty close to Dottie. How would you guys like to come east for the wedding? Are you still writing to her? We didn’t make very many plans so it’s a lot of fun trying to figure out just what will happen. Well tell everybody hello for me and take care of yourselves.

Lots of love, 

Glen

*    *    *

December 11, 1944

HQ Company, 745th Tank Battalion

(Germany)

Dear Mom,

Just a line this morning to let you know I am still O.K. and happy. We have had a little snow and it is rather chilly around here. I am wearing so many clothes that I can hardly move. We are living in a house with a German family and they are very nice people. They have 13 kids, but we still have enough room. 

Miner is still with me and we have quite a bit of fun. I haven’t received mail as yet and am really looking forward to some. How about fixing me up some cookies cake or candy. I would love a jar of olives if you can find some. I could use a good wool scarf and leather gloves. I hate to ask for all this stuff but we can’t get it here and you can send any of it you can get hold of. 

We have a lot of fun trying to talk to these kids here. They are pretty cute and seem to like us quite a bit. Tell Lois to send some of the basketball clippings this year. Tell everybody hello for me and be good.

Lots of love, 

Glen

*    *    *

January 5, 1945

HQ Co. 745th Tank Battalion

(no location listed)

Dear Folks,

Just a line this evening to let you know that all is well at this end and hope you are all OK. It is a little cold here, but I guess I will get through it OK. We get to hear quite a few radio programs and that helps out quite a bit. We just finished hearing Bob Hope’s program and he is really good. 

The letters are coming through pretty good now and I sure enjoyed them. Dottie said she received a sweet letter from you and was so thrilled about it. I guess she thinks quite a bit of me. She is the sweetest thing in the world and I guess I’ll tie up the deal as soon as I return. 

I have met quite a few of the fellows I knew in the states and really enjoy talking of old times. Received a nice card from Aunt Velma the other day and was pretty surprised to get it. I guess Leon  has graduated by now. He has really got a good deal.

I received your very shocking letter Lois and will answer it as soon as I get a chance. 

Tell everybody hello for me and keep up the good work.

Lots of love, 

Glen

*    *    *

January 20, 1945

HQ Co. 745th Tank Battalion

Belgium

Dear Folks,

Another line this morning to let you know that I am still well and am getting along swell. I have met a lot of new fellows and they are really swell. 

Miner is with me again and we are really enjoying each other. We have so many things to talk about. It sure brings back memories. It's still snowing and is pretty damn cold here. We are still living in a house and have good chow. I can't understand the mail situation as I have been writing every few days. Dottie is having about the same trouble as you and that is pretty rough. No packages yet and no letter for the last week or so. One of these days all this mess will end and so until then I guess we will just have to sweat it out.

Tell everybody hello for me and keep the home fires burning. If you haven't sent Dottie's birthdate yet please find out and let me know. I think it's in June sometime. 

Bye for now.

Lots of love,

Glen

*    *    *

24 January 1945

HQ. Co. 745th Tank Battalion

Belgium

Dear Folks,

Just a line this evening to let you know that I’m still well and as happy as possible. Miner and I are together and it helps out quite a bit to be able to talk to him about the good times we had together back in the good old U.S.A. How is everything going in San Diego by now? Do you think there will be room somewhere in town for a couple of newlyweds pretty soon? If not you guys better get hold of that trailer you were talking about because after this mess is over I’m losing no time.

The sun came out today and it was very nice. It reminded me a little of Chino, but the country is not as flat. We are still getting more snow and I guess it will be quite a winter before it is over. Well, I haven’t had any mail to answer for quite some time so haven’t much to day. Be good and tell everybody hello for me.

Excuse the mess this time and I’ll try to do better after this.

Lots of love, 

Glen

*    *    *

28 January,1945

HQ. Co. 745th Tank Battalion

Belgium

Dear Folks,

Just a line to let you know that I am well and happy. We are still getting snow, but the last few days were very nice. I went to church this morning and it was very nice. I’m getting plenty of food and drink. I am putting on a little weight. I hope so. After waiting for two weeks I finally received a letter from Dottie. I don’t know just what happens to my mail as I don’t seem to be getting very much of it. She said that an awful lot of letters had been returned to her, so I hope the same thing isn’t happening to your mail. I sure will be happy when we don’t have to worry about mail. That will really be the day. It looks like this thing is coming along pretty good so I hope it won’t be too long before this mess is over. Let me know how the Eks and Larry are getting along and where they are now. I ran into a fellow I came over with the other day and was really glad to see him. I hope I will run into some of the boys from home as I sure would like to see them. Tell everybody hello and keep the home fires burning.

Lots of love, 

Glen

*    *    *

11 February, 1945 

B Company, 745th Tank Battalion

Germany

Dear Folks,

Just a line this Sunday afternoon to let you know I am still well and feeling fine. I went to church this morning and we had a very nice service. At noon we had a big chicken dinner and I really enjoyed it. We are living out in the woods again but it is not too bad. We have a stove fixed up in our shack and a tarp that keeps out most of the rain. I received a letter from Aunt Essie  yesterday and it was very nice. I will be glad to get back and eat one of her delicious dinners. She really goes in for fancy dinners and I could just about stand for one of them. Say Dad, how are your rabbits coming along by now? I’ll bet you have some nice fryers about now. If you have any left by the time I get back we will really have a feed, huh? Tell everybody hello for me and keep up the good work on those letters. I don’t have much time to write, but will do the best I can. Those newspaper clippings are really O.K. Bye for now.

Lots of love, 

Glen

*    *    *

23 February, 1945 

B Company, 745th Tank Battalion

Germany

Dear Folks,

I just have time enough right now to write a line and let you know I received two more Christmas packages. I wrote a letter yesterday and received the packages last night. The bracelet was really super. I was hoping I would get one, but not quite as nice as that. Everything came through swell except the cake. It was molded so bad we couldn’t eat it. The cookies and fudge was delicious and the scarf will really come in handy. I’m having my Christmas a little late this year, but hope that I will be able to spend my next one at home. I also received your Valentine, Lois and the swell letter from you, Dad. I seen another show today and heard a band concert so things are pretty good about now. Be good and take care of yourselves. Tell everybody hello for me and please don’t worry.

Lots of love, 

Glen

*    *    *

1 March, 1945  

B Company, 745th Tank Battalion

Germany

Dear Folks,

A line this evening to let you know that I am feeling swell and in the best of health. We have been having pretty good weather lately and I believe spring is not so very far off. It is just a year ago today that I first got a taste of army life. If I knew then what I know now –oh brother! I received a card from Lorraine, uncle Ken and Birdie. I also received your swell letter Dad. It seems that the Bombers aren’t doing so good this year. Do you go to many of the games now? I sure wish I was there to at least see them. What kind of a team do you think the Padres will have this year? It’s about time they made a showing, don’t you think? The mail is coming through pretty good lately so I haven’t much to write about. Tell everybody hello and keep up the letters. They are really swell and help a lot. Will write again soon.

Lots of love, 

Glen

*    *    *

13 March, 1945

B Company, 745th Tank Battalion

Germany

Dear Folks,

Just a line this afternoon to let you know that I am well and as happy as possible. Received a letter and package from Donna last night and was both happy and surprised. I am sure glad they have finally got a break and hope everything turns out O.K. for them. I also received two of your very welcome letters. We are now in a pretty nice building and are making out well. The chow is good and we have been having quite a bit of fun lately. I sent you a box  of stuff that I picked up over here and sure hope it gets there O.K. There are some pretty interesting things in it so take care of it for me. The weather is a little better now so please don’t worry about me keeping warm. Hey Lois! You better keep an eye out for sailors, or do I have to tell you? Will close for now so be good and tell everybody hello for me.

Lots of love, 

Glen

*    *    *

20 March, 1945

B Company, 745th Tank Battalion

Germany

Dear Folks,

Just a line this morning to let you know that I am well and am getting along pretty good. The weather has improved quite a bit so that really helps. I received two of your letters and was sure happy to hear everything is O.K. at home. I guess Sherry is pretty cute now. I sure wish I could see her. I really enjoy the clippings that you send. Keep up the good work. I received a very nice letter from Donna Hughes the other day. She is really a swell kid. I will try and answer her letter as soon as I get a little time. Why would Joyce think I would not want a picture of Lyla? Put her straight will ya? Better close for now so be good and tell everybody hello for me.

Lots of love, 

Glen

*    *    *

28 March, 1945

B Company, 745th Tank Battalion (field hospital)

Germany

Dear Folks,

Just a line this evening to let you know that I am OK. I stepped the right way at the wrong time I guess the other night as a piece of shrapnel caught me in the hip. No broken bones, just a damn good rest. Everybody treats you swell and it’s a pretty nice place. There sure are a lot of pretty nurses here. (Don’t tell Dottie or she will have cats). I received a few back letters the other day. They were written while you were on your trip. I had better close for now and get some more sleep so take it easy and don’t worry about me.

Lots of love, 

Glen

*    *    *

3 April, 1945

B Company, 745th Tank Battalion (field hospital)

Germany

Dear Folks,

Another line today to let you know I feel much better and am getting along swell. Everybody treats me so good and I am really getting a good rest. The Red Cross girl comes up every day and tells us the news and gets us anything we want such as candy, gum, magazines, etc. they even gave us a couple of cokes since we have been here. How about that stuff? How’s everything getting along down there now? After reading those newspaper articles you sent, I imagine S.D. is pretty busy right about now. I hope it won’t be very long until I can again be back in the “sunny south”. Try not to worry about me as everything is really O.K. Let me know if you got the box I sent. Tell everybody hello for me and take care of yourselves.

Lots of love, 

Glen

*    *    *

24 April, 1945  

England (hospital)

Dear Folks,

Just a line to let you know I’m O.K. and feeling a little better. I moved around quite a bit since I last wrote. I’d get to one place and get to feeling pretty good and they would come along and move me somewhere else. Well I am now, guess where? England. I even got a plane ride out of the deal. Not bad huh? We have a pretty nice set up here and I don’t mind it so bad. I sure miss my mail as it hasn’t caught up with me as yet. I have met a lot of new friends and I sure enjoy them. Everybody is really swell to me and I’m getting just about everything I need. Tell Dottie not to worry and that goes for you all too. I’ll try and write again soon so take it easy and tell everyone hello.

Lots of love, 

Glen

*    *    *

7 May, 1945

England (hospital)

Dear Folks,

Here I am writing a note to let you know that I’m O.K. and feeling pretty good. I’m still in bed so it’s pretty awkward to write. I hope you will be able to make this out but doubt it. We have been having a lot of funny weather lately, but I guess that’s England for you. Huh Dad? I just heard the news about Germany giving up. It sure sounded good to me. We have a radio in the ward so get all the latest dope on the situation plus music and a lot of good programs. Tell Dottie not to worry and I’ll try to write as soon as possible. Tell me everything about home when you write and tell everybody hello for me. I can’t find anything else to say except please don’t worry about me.

Lots of love, 

Glen

*    *    *

22 May, 1945

England (hospital)

Dear Folks,

Another line to let you know I am feeling O.K. and am getting everything I need. I’m in a different hospital now and it’s a lot better than the other one was. The other one was right next to the city of Chester. I am getting the best of care and should be seeing you all pretty soon. I sure am counting the seconds. The mail has really started to come in now and boy I really enjoy it. Well, I found out one thing. Laying in bed is O.K., but when you have to live in it – brother that’s another story. Be sure and write to Dottie and tell her I’m O.K. Better sign off for now so be good and please don’t worry about me. Tell all hello.

 Lots of love, 

Glen

Pvt. Dorel L. Earley: Letters home: February to August 1943

Aug. 16, 43

Monday Eve.

Dear Folks;

Just a line to let you know that I am still here and more disgusted than ever. They are still giving us a big runaround. Everyone is so disgusted here that we are all ready to go over the hill.

We have been restricted to the Co. Area for the past three weeks, and has been very monotonous. We are still asking the Lord for all small favors he might grant. Enough bitching for this letter.

It has been very hot here the past month, and the heat has really taken the sap out of us. We have to take 6 salt tablets a day. We have had a couple of short shower storms here in the last two weeks, but it dries as soon as it stops raining.

I hope we are are sent to a place cooler than it is here. My hopes of going to California is shot now. Maybe the place I land will be surprising, but do not be surprised of anything. Do not worry about anything. I will be alright.

I sure hope that you are feeling better by now Mom and on your feet. Don’t overdo things for awhile yet as it may develop complications.

Mom in your next letter let me know if you are able to get me a flat iron? I sure wish I had one, and I may need one at the next place. Let me know.

Please don’t worry about me, and write often.

Lots of love,

Dorel

P.S.

Please send me a registered letter with $100 in it if you can spare it. We will not be paid until October the 1^st and I am pretty near broke now. Send the next letter to this address:

Pvt. D.L Earley

A.S.N. 39279514

A.P.O. 7830 c/o Postmaster

New York, New York

*    *    *

Aug. 17, 43

Dear Folks,

Just a hurried line this afternoon to ask another favor. Hope you are all feeling O.K.

This favor that I want to ask is this. Would you please get me a set of recommendations from 3 people. Maybe one from Hubbards for character, one from Dave Truesedell for character, one from church, or anyone that may give me a fair recommendation.

The reason. If I am able to get these I may be able to get into the Air Corp. You may not think this is a very wise idea, but it is what I want. I figure there will be more chance of advancement there than here. Even if there were no advancement there, I would be learning something that may do me some good after I get out of the Army.

If you could possibly do this for me please do it as soon as possible. If not let me know right back by Air Mail. This is very important to me,

Hope you are all feeling O.K. I will be waiting.

Love,

Dorel

P.S. Please send the letters back to the new address. In case you didn’t receive the new address here it is again.

Pvt. Me

A.S.N. 39219514

A.P.O. 7130 c/o Postmaster

New York, New York

*    *    *

Aug. 9, 43

Dear Folks,

Just a line to let you know everything is alright. I want to apologize for yesterday’s letter. I was really mad, but a night’s sleep has cured me of that.

We were to be shipped out yesterday, but they postponed it. The weather is so hot here it is pretty near unbearable. We lay around the barracks in our shorts, and nearly sweat to death. We are really anxious to leave here in hopes of going to a place where it isn’t quite so hot.

I got your letter the other day and was really glad to hear from you. Hope soon you will all be feeling alright again. I guess the operation was pretty tough on Dad too. I wish that you would forget about going back to work Mom. It really isn’t too necessary is it?

I received a swell letter from Donna last night. It don’t sound like they are doing too well, but maybe when they take over this store she mentioned, maybe things will be a lot better. I hope so anyway.

Please apologize to Essie, Ken, Ruby and all them for my not writing. Tell them that I just don’t have anything to write about that would be interesting for them to read. There is just a few happenings around here and I’m sure they would not be interested. Will you tell them, thanks.

I am sorry I won’t be able to send the $10 this month as certain things have came up like a couple of new books, some alterations on my clothes and stuff. I will have to squeeze pretty tight to make out till payday. Maybe I can send it next month. I can’t find out anything about the bonds as yet, but I am still working on it.

Well I will sign off now as I want to write Donna. Please write as my letters will follow me.

Love

Dorel

*    *    *

Aug. 8, 43

Dear Folks;

Surprised to hear from me? Especially from this place huh!

Well I am still here and it looks like I will be here for a few more days. This rotten place is really getting me down. First you’re going to leave today and then they postpone it. I am really getting sick of this. I wish they would hurry up and get us out of this place.

I received you letter the other day, but am too mad to think of anything to write now. I just wanted to let you know where I am, so you wouldn’t worry about me.

Love

Dorel

P.S. Letter later. 

*    *    *

July 29, 43

Dear Folks;

Just a short line to let you know I am leaving this place. I will be gone from here probably by the time you receive this letter.

We are going to be shipped quite a ways from here, so they say, but but I don’t think it will be a boat ride. I’m hoping it’s Calif, but I suppose that would be too much to hope for.

I received your letter today, and was really glad to hear from you. This place is beginning to drive me crazy.

Please be careful Mom and take it easy.

Love

Dorel

*    *    *

July 27, 43

Dear Folks;

A hot afternoon here a little time off I have decided to write you a letter.

How is everything at home? Hope you are feeling a lot better by now, Mom. I have been thinking a lot about you, and hoping you do not have to lay in bed much longer. Hope the summer weather is not making you too uncomfortable.

I received Glen’s letter the other day and was sure glad to hear he had such a swell time in Utah. I will write him a long letter as soon as I get a little time. Will Glen have to go in the Air Corp when he is 18 or does he have to sign some more papers? Let’s hope that he doesn’t have to go at all. Things are looking better all along, so let’s hope.

We have been having a little bit better time now. A couple of weeks ago we found a river we could go swimming in, so we have been there quite a bit of our spare time. Last Sunday we were over there, and all got a nice sun burn.

Write soon and let me know all the dirt.

Love

Dorel

*    *    *

July 18, 43

Dear Folks;

Sunday morning. Just a line to let you know everything is O.K. here and hope the same is with you.

How’s my mom making out? I sure am hoping you are feeling better. It sure is a heck of a note being laid up especially in the summer when you could be enjoying the weather so much. After this is all over through everything will probably be a little better. I sure hope so.

We have been having a little bit better time here. Last Friday nite we went on a boat excursion. We really had a swell time. They had an old steam boat, big paddle boat or whatever you want to call it. Anyway it was really an old timer. They had a band on board so we had a good time dancing. The thing we liked best about it was the fact that it was cool.

The heat here is getting unbearable. We have to take several salt pills a day to keep us going. We have been working in tanks ever since I came back, so with the heat and dust it’s quite a mess.

Hope you got that money from the bonds O.K. I won’t be able to send you the ten till the 1^st, as we were not paid in full here last month on account of our transfer.

Write soon.

Love

Dorel 

*    *    *

July 9, 43

Dear Folks;

Received your letters and was sure glad to hear from you. I hope by the time you get this letter you will be O.K. I was sure glad to hear you are getting along O.K. I sure have been thinking a lot about you . I sure hope you come out for the best with the operation. I sure wish I could be there to see you. I’m praying for you every nite. I went to Church last Sunday and really enjoyed it. I think I will be able to make it this Sunday too.

We went out last Mon. morning and stayed until tonight. We lived on canned rations and chocolate bars. It made us kind of hungry, but we have a good meal in us now and we feel much better. We don’t know what the score is around here at all. Everyone has a different idea of what is going to happen to us.

There is nothing to write about so I guess I better close.

Love

Dorel

*    *    *

Camp Campbell, Ky.

June 30, 1943

Dear Folks;

Just a line this evening to let you know I arrived safely Got here Tue. at 1:30 p.m.

There was plenty of room on the train till we got to Ft. Worth, Texas after that it was really crowded. I stood up about 600 miles.

Mom, I sure hope by now you are feeling alright + the operation was O.K. I sure hope that you recover real quick. Now that you have nothing to do you can write me a couple of letters.

It don’t look like we’re going to do much of anything till we leave this camp so maybe we well be gone from here pretty soon, I hope.

This is all I can think of to write now so answer real soon.

Love

Dorel

Pvt. D.L. Earley

A.S.N. 39279514

HQ. Co. 9^th A.R. 20^th A.D.

Camp Campbell, Ky.

U.S. Army A.P.O. 444

*    *    *

June 2, 43

Ft. Knox, Ky.

Dear Folks;

I bet you think I have forgot all about you. Well I haven’t had a chance to write until today. We were away from camp for quite awhile and just now got in. We have found out that we are shipping in a few days, but don’t have any idea where. I will probably not be able to write until we are at our new station so do not worry about me at all. I have not received any letters from you as yet. Let me know what’s going on.

They are keeping 8 fellows out of the Co. The rest are all shipping.

I can’t say what we have been doing, but it was pretty rough. Already we have had 15 weeks of basic training + don’t know what they are doing it for? I hope that our new camp is not too far from home.

Hope everything is alright at home. Let me hear from you real soon.

Love

Dorel

P.S. I got a letter from Lois the other day, and will write her as soon as I get the chance.

D.

*    *    *

May 16, 43

Armored Force Replacement Training Center

Ft. Knox, Kentucky

Dear Folks;

Just a line this Sunday to say hello, and hoping everything is O.K. with all of you. It is an awful dreary day and I’m thinking of all of you and wishing I could be walking in on you guys today.

We have just finished our 12 weeks of training + as they have added 1 extra week on it that leaves 2 to go. We are going to get an extra week for battle training. We go on a 2.5 mile road march Tue., with full fieldpack 42 lbs, gas mask, canteen, etc. It is supposed to be a forced road march. That means we stop one time to eat.

We had a tough inspection yesterday. The Colonel + his staff of stooges came through the barracks + really gave us the once over. No the Co. didn’t pass so we are all restricted for the rest of the time we are here. When that old boy inspects things really have to be on the ball. After that was over yesterday we had to go out to the firing range and bring in the tanks. I drove for 1 hr + 10 min., really got a big kick out of it.

Write soon and let me know all the dirt.

Love

Dorel

*    *    *

May 14, 43

Armored Force Replacement Training Center

Ft. Knox, Kentucky

Dear Folks;

Just a line this evening to let you know everything is O.K.

I reason I haven’t wrote is because I have been cramped for time. These are our last 2 weeks and we’re pretty busy. We are not even in camp most of the time. Last week we slept in the barracks 2 nights. The other times we were either out on the driving range or firing range. We have completed our tank driving. It is really simple once you get onto it. We have fired quite a few guns.

The next week we get some pretty stiff training on combat tactics. It really is good stuff to learn. You can never tell when you are going to be in actual combat.

The news really looks good so far. I hope they start something in Europe pretty soon. I’m getting pretty sick of this D. Army.

How’s chances of getting the low down on what you have received from the Army, such as bonds, insurance papers and etc. I think I will have them cancel my bonds as it is too hard on the pocket book.

Well be good and I’ll write you again soon.

Love

Dorel

*    *    *

May 3, 43

Armored Force Replacement Training Center

Ft. Knox, Kentucky

Dear Folks;

Just a line this evening to say hello.

I am charge of quarters again and do not have much to do.

The weather has turned out to be very nice here lately. The sun has shined steady for almost three days straight now which is something very peculiar for Ky. They have a saying here that goes like this. If you don’t like Ky. weather wait 15 minutes and it will change.

I have found out almost for positive that I will ship out of Ft. Knox. They are only going to keep 3 fellows from our Co. I guess I don’t have that stuff it takes to make a good officer. Oh well I didn’t really expect to make it. I’m glad also to get away from Ft. Knox. Now if I can only be fortunate enough to get shipped somewhere in the West it will really be O.K.

You asked if we have any stores or anything here. We have a P.X., or store to you, a couple of blocks away where you can buy ice cream and stuff like that. They also have a show here for 15 cents. A Service Club where you can buy sandwiches and stuff like that. Everything is so crowded here though that it is hard to get anything.

Take it easy for now.

Love

Dorel

*    *    *

May 2, 43

Armored Force Replacement Training Center

Ft. Knox, Kentucky

Dear Folks;

Received you letter the other day, and was really glad to hear from you. A letter from someone is about all you have to look forward to around here.

Hope everything is going alright at home and everyone is feeling good.

I spent an afternoon at the dentist’s the other day and my teeth put in good shape. All finished with them. The dentists are really first class men. The best dentist I have ever had the misfortune to work on my teeth. They filled six and cleaned them real good. That was all I had to have done.

I have finished with all my shots till I am shipped across, which will be never I hope.

Your mention of the wool socks sounds O.K. To my notion they really save your feet. Maybe some handkerchiefs with them, huh? Those colored ones I left there will really come in handy.

Tell Glen to send the 3 bucks along. Every little bit will come in handy these times.

Hope Glen likes his work and will make out in it O.K.

Received a letter from Donna the other day and she was telling me about the big plan.

Our Co. is really doing alright. Since we have been here we have broken 2 Center records with the 30 cal. Mach. gun. We are getting a few breaks from our Co. Commander on account of this.

Well close for now so write real soon.

Love

Dorel

*    *    *

April 28, 43

Armored Force Replacement Training Center

Ft. Knox, Ky.

Dear Folks;

Plenty of time this evening so I am dropping you a letter. Everything is going alright here except the weather. It has been funny here for the last couple of weeks. The sun shines half the day and then the rain + wind blows for the rest of the day.

The training is kind of easing off a little now and is O.K. We have been firing a little of every kind of gun. Supposed to be experts on the weapons I guess. It is O.K. to know about these guns when a feller gets across it will come in handy to know. I don’t know what is going to happen to us boys here after basic training. I think I am going to have to stay here at Ft. Knox as cadre. I will probably be an instructor on the weapons team. If I don’t stay here I will probably go to hell knows where. If I do stay here as cadre I may get a chance at O.C.S. later on as that is why they keep you here to see if you show the qualities of a good officer if I should, but I doubt it, they would send me to school for another 13 weeks, and then would come out of that school a second lieutenant.

Enough of that crap. How is everything in Diego. I would sure like to be there for a couple of days just to see the old place again. Whoever I heard say it was pretty in Kentucky was a damn liar. About all they have here is dirty brick houses, swamp land, and dead trees. They don’t raise any kind of produce here at all.

I got your package the other day and really appreciated receiving it. Everything was really swell. Thanks a lot.

Well we had a nice week-end, but was awful sorry we had to come back.

Hope to hear from you soon.

Love,

Dorel

*    *    *

April 25, 43

Lexington, Ky.

Dear Folks;

Just a line this Sunday evening to wish you a happy Easter.

We are on a 3 day pass and don’t have to return till Monday nite. We were going to Ohio, but decided to come up here instead. It wasn’t quite as far, so we thought we would have more time to lay around. That is just exactly what we have been doing. It sure seems good to get away from the Army routine. We rented a hotel room + have just been looking around. We planned on going to church this morning, but overslept.

Will drop you a line later this week.

Love,

Dorel

*    *    *

April 18, 43

Ft. Knox, Ky.

Dear Folks;

Just a line this Sunday morning to let you know everything is okay. The weather has been kind of wet this past week. Rained most of the week. A lot of mud.

We have been on bivouac the past week. That is we have been out in the hills camping. We spent all week out there driving tanks, it was plenty rough, but I think everyone came out of it O.K. I don’t know whether we are going again this week, but wither way we do it is hard work.

We get a three day pass next week-end, and we are planning on going to Cincinnati Ohio to spend it. I wish I was closer to home so I could come home, but there is no chance. I hope the weather is good for the week-end. We have been crowded for time the past 2 weeks. I have had a little package for Lois, but whenever I can go mail it the post office is closed. I’m still hoping. I’ll get it mailed next week-end if not before.

The mention of a package is a very good idea. It takes a week for a package to get here, 3 days for an Air Mail, 5 days for regular postage. I have a wall locker where I can keep most anything. You need not worry about me keeping it, it doesn’t last long enough to worry about. If one of the boys receives a package from home it doesn’t last him very long, everybody gets a little piece and it’s gone.

It is very hard for me to find anything to write about. Haven’t been going anyplace doing anything.

The Fort here is very big it is 50 sg. miles and the 2^nd biggest Army post in the U.S.

I found tanks very interesting, but I wouldn’t care to go to battle in one. There is hardly no chance of getting out alive. Only a few fellows here will go to battle with tanks + I hope I am not one of them. The tank is simple to drive and a lot of fun.

Well I will sign off now. Write soon and love to all.

Love,

Dorel

*    *    *

April 4, 43

Armored Force

Ft. Knox, Ky.

Dear Folks;

Here it is Sunday again another week gone by. This makes the end of the sixth week. I notice in your last letter you said it was the end of my fourth. Where did you get behind?

Tom and myself went into Louisville yesterday afternoon + evening and had a pretty good time. Louisville is very crowded worse than San Diego ever thought of being. It is a town a little bit larger than S.D. but I never before in my life seen so much dirt + filth as I seen in there. There were thousands of soldiers there all trying to do something and nobody able to do anything. We left town kind of early last nite and were back in camp by 1:00 a.m. It is 30 miles away and kind of hard to get a bus on account of the big waiting lines. It took us about 2 hrs to get back last night.

The weekend is rainy, but still warm. I sure hope the warm weather keeps up. I have had about enough cold weather for the rest of my life.

We are now finished up with most of our tedious training. The rest of it will be a lot more interesting. We start on tank driving tomorrow + spend several weeks on that.

Will be expecting a letter from you soon.

Love

Dorel

*    *    *

April 2, 43

Armored Force

Ft. Knox, Ky.

Dear Folks;

Just a line this P.M. to let you know I am thinking of you and hope you are all over your colds by now.

I received your letter a day or so ago and was sure glad to hear from you. You have sure been writing regular and I want you to know I appreciate it. I don’t care how busy a fellow can be he always has a little time to think about home. Not that I am home-sick, but it would be a nice place to be. Ha ha.

Well so far so good. I have made the rank of Lance Corporal. Full authority of a Corporal, but with Pvt’s pay. There were several of the fellows in the Co. made it. 2 or 3 made sergeants ratings. The kid I am running around with from El Centro made sergeant.

I have been on duty the last 24 hrs as charge of quarters. All White Patchmen have to take their turn at it. I had to see that the Co. fell out on time, take charge of the orderly room, etc. It is kind of monotonous, but good experience.

Lois, I have a package for you, but have no time to get to the P.O. Be patient and it will be there one of these days.

Write soon.

Love

Dorel

P.S. Received the hangars from Lyle O.K.

*    *    *

March 28, 43

Armored Force

Ft. Knox, Ky.

Dear Folks;

Just a line this Sunday. The weather has turned out to be fine here it is warming up and is just like spring. I guess we came here at just the right time of the year. We will do most of our training during the spring and miss the hottest part of the summer. We finish our basic training on May the 22, but I don’t think I will leave here. If I make good I will probably be here for the rest of the year anyway. I will have to be some kind of an instructor for awhile till they think I have had enough experience. I probably will never make officers school but it will help me to get non-commissioned rate.

I’m sorry I can’t tell you anymore about my training. It is all restricted information and they told us not to write home about it. I can’t take the chance of telling you anything about it, because if I did and they should open it it would mess me up.

I am sure glad you don’t have to have that operation now. Chances are you won’t have to have it.

I really like to hear from you Dad. Tell me about your chickens + rabbits and stuff. Also how is your car, tires + all. I really think that Ins. is a bad investment. I thought your would put the rest of that money on the furniture, but you may suit yourself.

Lois I plan on sending you a package for your birthday, but it will be late on account of it being so hard to get to the P.O.

Will close for now write soon.

Love

Dorel 

*    *    *

March 23, 43

Armored Force Replacement Training Center

Ft. Knox, Ky.

Dear Folks;

Just a line this P.M. to let you know I received your letter + package of cookies they sure was swell. I could have ate 100 lbs more and never batted an eye. Thanks a lot.

I am really feeling swell. I have an appetite like a horse + eat like one. The one thing I am missing out on in the Army is R.P. I don’t get on account of being a White Patchman. I have had it one time and that was at Ft. MacArthur when I was there. Pretty lucky huh?

I am gaining weight, but I don’t know how much as I haven’t weighed myself yet. The pace they set don’t bother us anymore. We are getting pretty tough. To give you some idea of how much we move around, I have half soles on one pair of my Army shoes + the other pair is pretty well worn. Quite a bit of marching eh.

I have less time to write letters + stuff like that. They pretty well take up our time.

I am not saying I like the Army any too well, but I have never felt better in my life. These regular hours really make a guy feel good. I am not smoking but very few cigarettes + will probably quit.

Well I can’t think of anything else to write so will close. I will be expecting a letter.

Love

Dorel

P.S. Here’s Glen clipping. 

*    *    *

March 14, 43

Armored Force Replacement Training Center

Ft. Knox, Ky.

Dear Folks;

Just a line this Sunday morning to let you know that everything is going O.K.

The weather has changed for the better here. I really think Spring has come. The sun has been shining for the last 3 days. It is the first time we have seen the sun since we got here. I hope it continues to be nice weather.

We are thru with our 3^rd week of basic training. We ended our 3^rd week yesterday with a 3 hour road march. I didn’t mind it a bit. It will surprise you to hear that in this 3 weeks of training they have really toughened us up. The training is getting tougher all the time but you don’t notice it half as much. I am going to school 3 + 4 nites a week, and will continue to do so as long as I am a white patchman. They want us to learn everything that we can outside of our training. If I should get a chance to go to officers school I will need to know all I can learn.

Fred will probably be by the house to pick up those records that are in my drawer. I wrote to him and told him I would tell you to let him have them.

I am chumming around with a fellow from El Centro. He is a swell fellow, just the kind to keep me in line. We have been free to leave the post on week-ends, but we have decided to stay in camp for the rest of our basic. We have plenty of entertainment here on the post. Yesterday afternoon we went to a service club + had a swell dinner, saw a nice floor show, and last night we went to the show and saw “Something To Shout About.” After that we went back over to the club + and had a snack + and went home to bed. We got in about 12:00 p.m. This morning we got up around 9:00 a.m. and went over to the club for breakfast. We could eat in the mess hall, but we like good food once in a while. The Army has good food but they cook it + ruin it. Tom just went to Church (Catholic) at 10:30 a.m. I have not been able to locate a L.D.S. Chaplain here yet, but I promise to go to church as soon as I locate him.

I wrote Joyce + Lyle a couple of weeks ago, but in your letter you didn’t talk like they had heard from me. I asked them to have you send me some wooden clothes hangars. I need at least 6 pants hangars + 4 or 5 coat hangars. It is impossible to get them here at all. I really need them bad!

Here is something to remember. If ever there is a need for me to come home in a hurry, do not write or telegram the word to me. Call the Red Cross there. They will check up + if it is a reason for an emergency furlough they will send a wire to my Company Commander + he will send me right then. If you send word to me first I would have to get word back from there Red Cross there before I could leave here. This may all sound silly, but our Company Commander asked us to write the information home. We can get an immediate furlough in case of serious illness in our immediate family.

We got paid day before yesterday, and believe it or not I had not spent the $20 I first came in the Army with had $4 left besides the $10 money order + $3.00 check. Not bad eh? I have signed up for a bond a month and they will be mailed to you. I don’t know how long it will take them to get there.

I am still waiting for a letter from Lois + Glen. I better hear pretty soon! Pardon me for turning this into a book. Will be waiting for a letter.

Love

Dorel

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March 6, 43

Armored Force Replacement Training Center

Ft. Knox, Ky.

Dear Folks;

Just a line this Saturday nite to let you know I am all right, and still alive, though in poor shape. I have got over some of my stiffness but as quick as you get rid of one you get another, but they tell me that’s the Army. I had a couple of more shots today but I’m getting used to them don’t even bother me anymore. Take ‘em just like a man Dad. I only have about 3 more to go.

We have been studying map reading, and range calculations. It is very interesting and educational. We studied the 45 caliber pistol, and went out and fired it yesterday. I made a pretty fair score. After I fired I was a coach helping the others get a good score.

They are giving us our training and a lot of it but they figure on giving us a working knowledge of everything and when we leave here for our regular camp we will be able to learn a lot faster.

The weather cleared up for a couple of days but it is snowing again tonight so I imagine it will be kind of cold tomorrow.

We are off till Monday morning, and don’t have to get up in the morning till we want to. Most of the fellows went to Louisville for the weekend. I am glad I didn’t go on account of the weather I would of probably caught cold again. I am finally taking your advice, Mom, and eating plenty of fruit. I think it is helping me.

We get plenty to eat here all the time. It isn’t the best cooked food in the world, but it sure is filling and plenty of the right vitamins. I even eat a grapefruit every morning!

We have to keep our barracks scrubbed clean all the time, keep our shoes shined, windows washed, clothes neat and everything in its proper place. It keeps us hoppin’, but but I bet it will train me to keep my clothes hung up when I get home. If it don’t the Army is wasting its time on me.

Well you guys all be sure and write, take turns, one each day. I really want to hear what’s going on.

Bye for now,

Love

Dorel

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March 2, 43

Armored Force Replacement Training Center

Ft. Knox, Ky.

Dear Folks;

Received your letter + the razor. Can’t use the chain, but the knife is really swell. The blades were very much appreciated. The cash will come in very handy as we don’t get paid till April 1^st.

I went to the hospital a couple of days after I wrote the last letter, and just got out a few days ago. They sent me over because I got a cold, and the Army really takes care of you. They kept me there till I was completely rid of it. It was a nice rest. I am back to work now, and it’s a pretty tough situation right now. Hard work, but you always told me hard work never hurt any one, hope you’re right.

You ask how the weather is here. Well let me tell you, this weather is the coldest, the most miserable, the lousiest weather in the world. It will rain one minutes, blow dust in your face another, snow the next minute, and then the sun will come out and practically roast you. You can’t ever tell what kind of weather you’re going to have. They say that when we leave here we will be able to stand any kind of weather in the world. I hope they’re right.

Well we have been doing quite a bit of marching, exercises, classes of all kind. I am pretty stiff all over, but ought to leave me after a couple of days. I took my first ride in a tank today, and it was quite an experience. They put me up in the gun turret where it is pretty cold riding, and kind of rough. It was in the biggest tank they have here, a 32 ton tank. There sure is a lot of machinery to look after in those tanks.

You asked me if any kids came back here with me. There were 9 of us all together. 3 of us were from San Diego, the rest from Imperial Valley. Bob didn’t come here with us, I don’t know where he went but he was at the reception center when I left. He probably went to an Air Force center. He may write to you as I gave him your address so that we might get together again.

They have made me a White Patchman, that is a candidate for Officers training school if you can go your 13 weeks of training without getting it took from you for any little violation of the rules. After you finish your basic if you still have your white patch they will make you a sergeant, and then send you to an officers school. If you can pass that you will become a 2^nd lieutenant. I am hoping for it, but it will be pretty tough. Right now I have a section of 18 men to march and give exercises to. It is pretty hard but I think I can do it. I hope!

I received your card Lois, it sure was swell. Thanks a lot, and you better write me a letter once in awhile. You too Glen I would like to hear from you.

How did the pictures come out. Could you get one that was any good? I sure hope so. I haven’t been able to get my picture taken as yet but I think I will be able to get one in a few days.

We have quite a few things we can do here on post. There is a Recreation Hall where we can play pool, ping pong, listen to the radio, and lay around. They also have a theatre here with a new show every nite. They have a cafe and dance hall, and have a dance 3 times a week. Plenty of entertainment, more than we have time to do. Please send me some home made cookies or something, it sure would taste good. Well enough of this for now. More later when I have a little more time.

Love

Dorel

P.S. I wrote to Donna last week, and received an answer from her today. 

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Ft. Knox, Ky.

Feb. 14, 1943

Dear Folks;

I guess you were pretty surprised to hear I was shipped so far away. I was surprised myself when they called my name for Ft. Knox. You know what that means, Armored Forces, Tanks, armored trucks. They say this is the best organization in the Army. I think I am really going to like it.

When I had my interview down at McArthur, you know, I was trying for ground force, but they were pretty well filled up in that line so I didn’t have enough experience to qualify for that. They finally decided that I had enough truck driving to qualify for more training.

We will be at this Ft. for 13 weeks for basic training, when we finish that we have a good chance to come back to Calif. for advanced training. While we are here we will learn how to drive everything from jeeps to 32 ton tanks. Not to mention how to march, and how to sleep out in the open and everything. It will really toughen you up so you can make out most any place.

We spent five days on the road, I was sick + tired of riding when we finally arrived. It was a swell trip anyway. We went thru 9 states altogether. We went 1^st class all the way, had a Pullman car, ate in the diner. We arrived in Chicago Friday afternoon, and had a 6 hour wait so we went out and took in the town. It’s really something to see. They have the largest U.S.O. stop in the country. The building is as big as the new office building at Consolidated. Everything you can think of to do, bowling, pool, dancing, libraries, writing rooms, music rooms, record players, anything you can think of, all free. We had a lot of fun there, and at 12:00 p.m. we continued on to Louisville, Ky. We arrived there at 7:45 a.m. Sat. + had to stay there for 4 hours. It is a town about as large as S.D., more things to do. Ft. Knox is 31 miles from there. We are restricted to our barracks for 2 weeks. We are getting a million + one shots. I feel like a sieve. I think I will like the Army as well as anything I have to like!

The chow is pretty good, plenty of it, meat, butter, eggs etc.

Write soon + try to send my razor and a couple of boxes of blades. Also enclose a $10 money order as we won’t get paid till April. In case you can’t cash my check, send it here.

Love,

Dorel

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