JERRY BROOKS: THE BUILDING OF A WORLD WAR TWO UNITED STATES MARINE:

 

Click to Enlarge see note 1 belowJerry Brooks never forgot what the Japanese did to the Chinese people during the 1930s.  It started when he was 12 years old, a newly minted Boy Scout, sitting in the dark before the Saturday afternoon movie matinees in his hometown of Wichita, Kansas.  There, watching newsreels showing Japan's 1938 Rape of Nanking, China, Jerry was struck by "how proud those solders appeared to be and how they never got punished for their atrocities."  Even at 12 years old, he concluded that they filmed their evil to 'show the world how powerful Japan's military was'.  This arrogance, Jerry never forgot.  He was 15 when the Japan bombed Pearl Harbor.  He never forgot that either: "how the American ships exploded and sunk, and sailors died in flames on oily water strafed by Japanese planes."

After Pearl Harbor, war news came into Wichita, Jerry's hometown, every day over the radio. The big sea battles all over, Dolittle's raid over Tokyo, Marines battling to hold Guadalcanal.  Every day young men left Wichita to join the fight, leaving Jerry behind.  He couldn't join the Marines until he turned 17, finished the 11th grade, and got his dad's permission.

Finally, in June 1943, the Marine recruiter sent Jerry's his enlistment papers.  The Jerry had to wait for the Marines to answer back, telling him where to go and what he had to do.  He later called this last wait "the longest summer of my life."  Until he got his Marine letter, his dad could change his mind and send him back to high school until he turned 18 in 1944.  So everyday Jerry worried, watching his dad listen to the radio tell how hard it was for Marines battling up the Solomons against the Japanese.  In early August. Jerry's best pal Richard left.  Now Jerry worried that he'd miss the whole war.

Two days later his letter arrived, ordering him to Report August 14, 1943 for induction in Kansas city, Kansas.  Jerry Brooks couldn't leave home fast enough, to go join the US Marines.

 

JERRY'S INDUCTION IN KANSAS CITY, AND HIS TRAIN TRIP TO SAN DIEGO

 

ON August 15, 1943 JERRY BROOKS posted his 1st letter home.

Dear Mom –

KANSAS CITY sure has a swell park, zoo, and swimming pool, and there are a batch of hills (mountains) and also whiskey.  Yesterday, the Navy examined five of us 17 year olds for the Marines, a division of the Navy.  I passed.  So did the four other guys. Then, last night in Kansas City, I and those four other 17 year olds stayed at a big hotel.  Today, right now, I am in charge of all the other four going into the Marines.  We're all at FORT LEAVENWORTH now.  That's outside Kansas City.  We're getting red tape taken care of.  Us boys will enlist until the war's over plus 6 months, not for 4 years like everyone else. Twenty three older guys left here today for Navy and Marine training.  We go back in Kansas City to get sworn in tomorrow.  I am running out of paper (I borrowed it) now so I’ll quit and I’ll be home soon.  Jerry

Note: Now sworn into the Marine Corps, Jerry returned home to WICHITA briefly then boarded a train on August 27th and left Kansas for the first time.  17 years old, just out of 11th grade, headed west for Marine Boot Camp in SAN DIEGO, California, he wrote home:

"At Wichita there were no empty seats aboard the train at all.  People were standing up all over the train and sitting on the floor or wherever else they could. A day or so later we stopped at ALBUQUERQUE and I got an empty seat.  I stayed awake all night both first nights, gazing out the window. And Mom, you should see the amazing majestic splendor of the magnificent mountains, gigantic rocks, beautiful red river valleys and gorges, the towering cliffs, rolling plains and great ranches.  The sun shines endlessly down upon the vast desert with its cactus trees, glowing rocks and sand hills.  As I marveled at all this splendor and beauty, I thanked God that I live in America."

Note: Coming down out of the mountains into LOS ANGELES on August 29, Jerry saw for the first time an ocean, the Pacific Ocean.  He changed trains in Los Angeles then headed south down the Pacific Coast to SAN DIEGO:

"Mom, if you think all that countryside was wonderful, you should see the colossal ocean.  It is so large and beautiful that I could not even begin to describe it to you, so will not try.  Just as soon as I got in Los Angles, why I was lucky enough to catch a train for San Diego.  No one met me at the station either.  And you should see the California coast.  Out here on the coast, they know that there is a war going on.  Everything here is camouflaged.  It is completely camouflaged.  And you should see the ships.  There are cruisers, battleships, destroyers and they are large – Whew.  Enormous bombers take off every 20 minutes, and also seaplanes (and) army transports, TWAs and army trainers.  And now, here I am in San Diego, five hours late at Union Station.  I am going to eat all I can hold, then take a bus to the training camp.  I had a swell trip.  Don’t worry about me … I was never happier or felt better in all my life.

Note: Click on this or any photo that follows to enlarge that photo.

  

Note: Years later, in 1951, JERRY elaborated on his introduction to San Diego Recruit Depot:

"Marine NCOs, who'd waited for us at the train Station, packed us recruits into a Marine Corps bus.  When its doors closed, I knew I was in the Marine Corps for sure.  After we passed through the gates of Marine Recruit Depot and pulled up in front of the Recruit Receiving Center, we stepped down onto the pavement, into our DI's gaze.  There he stood, looking us over, up and down, then he declared: 

"Seeing you worms, I cannot imagine the depths to which my beloved Marine Corps has now sunk.  Getting bodies like yours, my Marines will never be the same with you people in it.  How can I perform miracles in seven weeks on you miserable specimens?""

 

JERRY'S INTRODUCTION TO US MARINE CORPS AT ITS SAN DIEGO RECRUIT DEPOT

 

ON August 30, one boot among 63 in Platoon 710, Marine Corps Base San Diego, California, stationary, JERRY, NOW IN MARINE BOOT CAMP, wrote:

Dear Mom –

I’ve just completed one day in the Marines.  Our Platoon Leader (DI) has seen action.  And boy is he rough.  

the DI, boy, is he rough

I just keep my mouth closed and my eyes open.  Here I am, the youngest one in the platoon, the only one in it that don’t smoke, drink, and cuss.  I don’t shave, either, but I go through the motions of it.  Mom, I want you to send me a razor holder.  But I got more clothes than I ever had in my life.  I got some shots in my arms also. My shoes weigh a ton.  I keep all my soap and smaller articles in my shoes.

Love Jerry   P.S. I’m suppose to shave so I'll go now.  You write soon.

 

Note: It would be more than a week before JERRY received his first letter from home.  But, full of awe and wonder, he kept writing and posting his letters home to Kansas.

On August 31, HE WROTE:

Dear Mom –

Today we got our rifles.  Boy 'o Boy, if they aren’t really neat.  Our DI says it is my best friend.  We began to learn all the parts today.

But otherwise, I had to send a lot of my home stuff back home, including money.  It might get stolen, they said, and then they issued us a bunch more clothes.  I also took a mental test.  Since I was told that I wasn’t going into battle until I’m 18, and they don’t have Para-Marines anymore, I signed up for Fleet Marine Service first and Signal Corps second.  We don’t go on REGULAR SCHEDULE until Thursday.  But we got a batch of stuff to memorize.  Tomorrow we get our haircut.

Write please.  Love Jerry

Note: YEARS LATER, in 1951, JERRY WROTE: The day the Marine Corps first issued us our personal "M-1" rifle, we were told "to protect your rifle and then it will protect you and you and your rifle will never be parted."  So we babied our rifles something awful.

We spent untold hours at night and early morning stripping our rifles down and cleaning and oiling them, and knew its serial number better than our own, and I had to sleep with my rifle disassembled in bed more than once when I was caught without my rifle cleaned, oiled, ready to go.  So we all thought we'd carry these very same weapons of ours that we were using in Boot Camp into battle, that the same rifle we drilled with and later qualified with on the rifle range, that very M-1 (I'd named mine Sloppy Joe), would protect each of us later in our fights with the Japs.  So, when the Marine Corps took my M-1 Rifle Sloppy Joe away from me, at the end of Boot Camp. I was sorely disappointed. 

Note: how the Marine Corps DI's overpowering message from the start of Boot Camp was the absolutely critical importance of the M-1 to the boot, drilling in day after day that the Boot's life depended on his care & maintenance of, and expertize with handling and use, of his rifle.  

 

ON September 1, HE WROTE ABOUT HIS BOOT CAMP ROUTINE:

Dear Mom – You should see my hair, what is left of my hair.  The barber took the electric clippers and run over it.  Boy 'o Boy is it short.  Phew, it’s so short its bald.  Tell DAD that the barbers out here cut the hair just the way they want to.  My scar shows like everything.

Note: Jerry's dad, a professional barber, learned his trade as a sailor in WW1.

So far here now, in the mornings, I eat first and go back to our huts and guard them.  Right now I am guarding the huts.  Otherwise, I’ve been oiling and shining my rifle every chance I get.  I call it Sloppy Joe cause I keep it oiled and greased like Grandad oiled and greased his Model A Ford.  Another guy and I cleaned our new bayonets today.  Tonight we must recite orally a batch of orders.  Tomorrow we begin our REGULAR SCHEDULE and boy do we ever work! 

Love Jerry

PS - Be sure and send me a razor holder.  I need some needles too.  I could use an iron.  All the guys do like my BIBLE.

Note: The Marine Corps 2nd message to the Boot arrived by shock treatment, shaving off his hair, radically changing his appearance to that of Boot who then gets his 3rd message, the critical need and demand that he must guard his hut, when not oiling and greasing his rifle, and/or working through the "batch of stuff we got to memorize."  This stuff is surely the Marine General Orders for Sentries.    

Note too Jerry's reaction to these shocks, his need for a razor holder, iron, needle, and his bible. YEARS LATER HE WROTE:

"Despite the fact I never had to shave, I needed more time to clean and oil Sloppy Joe and otherwise get ship-shape for morning inspection than most others, so once I had to fall into formation with no rifle and had to sleep with Sloppy Joe disassembled that night.  After that, I skipped breakfast to insure that Sloppy Joe and I were always ready for morning inspection." 

Jerry's willingness to skip breakfast illustrates his intense self-discipline and committment to high performance, if only because he loved food, the more the better, so much so that his nick-name in the boot platoon was "HUNGRY."

 Note: too the DI's demand that Jerry "guard his hut," illustrating the "bedrock" importance of the marine's memorization and performance of the Corps General Orders for Sentries.

 

JERRY'S PLATOON BEGAN ITS REGULAR BOOT CAMP SCHEDULE ON 2 SEPTEMBER 1943:

ON September 3, HE WROTE:

Dear Mom –

Yesterday we started on regular schedule.  We get up at 5:30 A. M. and go to bed at 10.00 P.M.  Nobody has to coax us to get to bed either.  We just fall in.  In between times, we march and we repeat our “positions of attention” to the DI, and we tear apart our rifles, clean bayonets, and soap our gun slings, and we memorize our orders. 

Tomorrow, we must know our ‘GENERAL ORDERS.’  But mostly we march.  So today we marched.  Again they stuck me on the lead spot for marching.  Gads, I wish I could follow sometimes, instead of always being out in front.  Up front it takes too much attention to do it right.  It is much easier to follow than to lead.  But I feel fine and I like it so far.

Write to me now.  Love Jerry

Note: YEARS LATER, in 1951, JERRY told a more detailed marching story from what he wrote to his mother on September 3, 1943, saying: "Because of my height, the DI had me march as the right front guide on the extreme flank of the third rank.  Out there on the end, with nobody to follow, my long legs easily took me out of step, into a bad cadence. So it was hard for me to shorten my step, and set a proper pace, for the feather merchants marching on their shorter legs behind me.  This was particularly so when turning. 

Click to Enlarge Plus, with the wind racket inside my large helmet bouncing around my ears, I often couldn't hear DI's commands or hear the cadence.  He'd holler "To The Rear March," only to discover me, looking straight ahead, marching off in a straight line like before.  But now I was all alone, as the rest of my Platoon marched off in the opposite direction.  This never failed to give our DI yet another opportunity to scream and holler about how hopeless we all were, but me in particular.  Plus our DI targeted any Boot who stood taller than he did at 6 feet even.  Standing 6 feet 4 inches, I towered over him, so I caught hell constantly.  The DI's swagger stick thumped our helmets often, announcing and correcting all sorts of infractions. Once, correcting a Boot who was marching out of step, the DI's swagger broke with a loud snap between the offender's marching shins.  Scared as we were of the DI, we tried hard as we could to hold it back, but our laughter broke out nevertheless.  "HELL ON WHEELS" then ensued for days.

That seven weeks of Marine Corps Boot Camp, its unrelentingly surprises, demands, and pressure, 24 hours a day, day after day, inflicted more stress than I experienced in later combat.  So it worked, saving us in battle later."  

Note: BUT JERRY, who wrote 47 letters home to his parents during Boot Camp, never complained of any stress, harassment, or unfair treatment.  At the same time, it becomes increasing obvious that this training had an enormously deep and positive impact on Jerry, in a vast number and variety of ways, phyically, mentally, and emotionally, some quite surprising.  As Jerry's later letters will make plain, his Bible was a central pillar on which his life, learning, and ethos had been built at home before Boot Camp, and that now at boot camp, that Bible amplified his growing ethos as an emerging marine, and citizen.

MEANWHILE, the care and use of his weapon (his rifle), General Orders, and Marching became the central pillars of these boots becoming marines over the course of the 7 week boot camp.  This was no accident.  For example, consider this from the Intoduction to the Marine Corps Drill and Ceremonies Manual: "One of the cornerstones of Marine Corps customs, courtesies and traditions is our execution of close order drill and ceremonies.  These traditions are perpetuated from one generation to the next through constant use and practice.  The "esprit de corps" of every Marine has been brought about by their ever-present feeling of prime, not only in their unit, but also in themselve.  The preservation of traditional discipline, our customs and courtesies, and the heritage of our Corps is out duty.  It is our further duty to see that the same high standard of discipline and esprit de corps is not only perserved, but also further strenghtened. These intangibles must be passed on to the future Marines who will take their place among the ranks of our Corps.  The object of close order drill is to teach Marine by exercise to obey orders and to do so immediately in the correct way.  Close order drill is one foundation of discipline and esprit de corps.  Additionally, it is still one of the finest methods of developing confidence and troop leading abilities in our subordinate leaders."

     

ON September 6 JERRY WROTE (on his 8th day at Boot Camp):

Dear Mom - It's Monday morning early and I was looking for a letter yesterday from you and I did not get one.  I haven’t got any letters from you yet.  I hope I get one from you today.  Out here it is cold at night sleeping in our huts so I keep a sweat shirt on when I sleep.  The rest of the guys freeze and shiver all night.  Every one in my platoon has a head cold but me.

Yesterday, all the guys that wanted to go to CHURCH could go.  But every platoon has a specified time to eat and the Protestant services were held at the same time our platoon had to eat.  Since I couldn’t be in two places at once, I missed the chow (my meal) to go to CHURCH. Only one Protestant and myself went from our hut.  We've got some Catholics in our platoon who also went.  Mom, you should see my CHURCH here.  It is sure pretty.  About twice as large as our CHURCH at home.  The father of one of the boys in my platoon is a preacher.  He and I together know more about the BIBLE than all the rest of the guys in our Platoon put together.  We have a good time getting together and picking good stories and sayings out of our BIBLES to read.  After CHURCH, I spent all the time taking my rifle apart and cleaning it.  I also oiled and shined my bayonet.  Tomorrow we begin our COMBAT TRAINING.  It is really going to be rough.  I don't think some of the older guys can take it. I feel fine.  I always go back for second helpings and the guys call me HUNGRY.  Well I got to go now.  Write soon.

Note: as Jerry loved to eat, the more the better, his giving up breakfast for church also speaks volumes, as does his devotion to the Bible, its words, and stories. Now, too, he takes apart and works with his rifle and bayonet with similar devotion and attention to detail.

 

 

 

Note: GERRY'S COMBAT TRAINING AT BOOT Camp started SEPTEMBER 7:

 

 

 

ON September 7 after his 1st letter from home arrived, JERRY WROTE:

 

Dear Mom – I got your letter and I was sure glad.  The rest of the guys have been getting mail all along.  The ear-plugs you send however are three days too late.  I've already qualified for SWIMMING.

Note: In February, 1945, Jerry's strength as a swimmer would save the life of his crewmen when their amphibious tank sank suddenly to the ocean bottom off the shores of Iwo Jima. 

Today we began our COMBAT TRAINING.  I sure got my rifle filthy with sand out in the “BOONDOCKS.”  I was learning to fall down with a rifle and bayonet and do it without exposing myself to enemy fire.  Some guys are afraid to hit the ground.  I’ll bet they hit the deck (that means ground) when they are in a battle and the Japs are throwing lead at them.  Afterwards we had our first inspection by the “Old Man.”  That's the Commanding Officer.  By then I had my rifle and bayonet perfect.  We have an inspection of our rifles every day.  And twice each week there is a GENERAL INSPECTION by the Old Man.  Obviously, we've got to have everything shipshape every day.  So at night we put gobs of oil on our pieces (rifle and bayonet) so they won’t rust.  In the morning we wipe every speck of oil off.

Click to Enlarge

Mom, I’m going to a combat film right now but I'll come back and finish this --- Now I’m back.  It was on bayoneting.  But I got to go out to the boondocks now so I’ll quit.  Write soon.

Love Gerry

 P.S. I’m putting on weight and I feel wonderful.

Note: how the Marine Corps' demand for perfection at Boot Camp, matches Jerry's own personal quest for excellence in all his actions, and how these twin forces, one institutional, the other personal, blend together for culumative effect that radiates outward though the Platoon, and all those that Jerry comes into contact with, whether they be marines or civilians in San Deigo, or recipients of Jerry's letters.

 

ON September 8, 1943, JERRY WROTE:

Dear Mom –

It's Wednesday.  I got your letter dated Monday.  You said you missed me.  You should make the best of it because I'm O.K. and learning a lot also.  Like today I found out that our base here is much different when you see how it looks in photographs taken from planes up in the air.  And that every Marine must spend a month in the mess hall.  UGH!  Last night we signed up for war bonds and life insurance.  Now, after everything is taken out on payday, we will owe the government money, probably.  I sure hope my cartoon’s sell.  Today our DI inspected our rifles.  They were not perfect so we all have to pick up 200 cigarette butts.  I haven’t even started yet but I’ll get them.  Write to me.

P. S. Don’t worry.  I feel swell and I’m getting along all right.  Love Jerry

Note:  YEARS LATER, in 1951, JERRY WROTE:

Our DI enforced discipline is many different ways.  One of his joys was watching us hold our rifle's 12 pound weight steady and straight at arm's length, until our DI lost interest.  Another favorite was the Bucket Drill, watching us haul two full water buckets, one in each hand, hiking quick time back and forth between the shoreline and Boot's hut, doing round trips until we successfully completed one round trip without any spillage.  Cigarette Butt Retrieval got more complicated.  Typically we had to search, find, collect and string a requisite number of butts before presentation to the DI.  The worse our offense, the more butts we had to collect, string, carry and present to the DI for his absolution.  The more butts, the harder the task.  Butts dry quickly then easily fall off the string.  Thus Boots had to dash madly around trying to collect and keep strung up to 200 butts on a single string before presentation.  If this proved impossible, the Boot was sent to a DI Smoker.  There he'd wait for DIs to flip him their used cigar butts.  A cigar butt counted for 10 cigarette butts.  So, with time and DI indulgence, the boot eventually would achieve absolution.

Note: JERRY didn't share this with his parents.  The day he'd spent picking up & stringing 500 cigarette butts, Sept. 8, 1943, he closed his letter to his mom with above left Foo saluation.  But what might be the connection between, in attonement for infactions, having to seach for, find, collect, string and present hundreds of quickly drying butts to your DI before its too late to accomplish that task because the Butts are too dry to string, and the marine's perennial quest for perfection? Might this training, however unusual, prepare the aspiring marine boot for keeping a cool and competent head to surive and win in combat, a suddenly topsy-turvy, upside down world that otherwise might overwhelm him with bizzare chaos?  Jerry later would connect these dots to his nightmarish first two nights of combat on Saipan.

Note: even now, recently turned 17, having left is hometown first time, finding himself in Marine Boot Camp, Jerry is deeply concerned about money, and making his own way, saying "Last night we signed up for war bonds and life insurance.  Now, after everything is taken out on payday, we will owe the government money, probably.  I sure hope my cartoon’s sell."

 

ON September 10 JERRY WROTE TWO LETTERS HOME - ONE TO DAD, ONE TO MOM:

 Dear Dad –

Thanks a lot for the swell razor.   You asked me how I liked the Marine Corps.  I think it is swell.  Nothing can beat it, including the NAVY.  A lot of 18 year olds are here in our platoon of 63 men.  Most of the guys are from Michigan and Texas.

The DI says we really have a rough bunch.  The other day he got mad at us so he took us out to the boondocks, to a real big sandy hill, and made us charge up and over that hill time and again.  No one passed out.  Our DI said that in earlier platoons of his, a lot of guys passed out.  We are pretty tough because we could have gone more.  So far only one guy in our Platoon has dropped out.  I’m feeling fine and am in much better physical shape than most fellows.  Yesterday we began bayoneting.  I really like to work with the bayonet.  So the DI used me for demonstrating purposes.  We practiced with each other, but his tricks didn’t work on me.  He said the reason I held my own was that he'd had Malaria some time ago and was still under weight.

Note: JERRY's being singled out by the DI due to his size, and physical abilities, and soon he would be singled out by reason of his mental competence, the only boot to memorize perfectly the Marine Corps General Orders, sure evidence of his situational awareness expressed below.

The weather is O.K but today the dust blew for two solid hours.  And today we also tackled the obstacle course for the first time.  It wasn’t near as tough as I heard it was.  I was the first one to finish.  We  had a mock battle too.  My squad was on the left end, and we were to go away off to the left side so as to out-flank (get to the side of) our opponents.  The problem was the enemy had one sniper stuck way out from their main body.  No one in my squad noticed him, he'd dug into sand, so while we were attempting to perform our mission, that sniper picked us all off.  From now on, I’m going to weed out the position of those “smart” guys.  And I’ll bet we don’t get caught like that again.  And now, every day, is really rugged.

Every day now too we also attend combat films.  Today’s was on how to guard against enemy attack while marching in column.  Plus I got an infection in two fingers so the Saw Bones - that's what they call doctors here at the base - took a knife and he punctured the wound so let the puss out.  That didn't even hurt me.  Tomorrow we get vaccinated again - UGH.  But the Saw Bones are Okay Guys.  You asked me how I liked the chow.  I like it so well that I always go back for second helpings and the guys call me HUNGRY.  I got to go for now so goodbye.

Write to Me.  Love Jerry

P.S. I feel fine.  Don’t tell Mom about my finger.  And keep quiet about what I told you about our training and ships.

Note: all the aspects of warfighting that Jerry learns from this single lesson on countering the enemy's effort of outflank the marine column, while he simultaneously maintains the fitness to do so.  Note: too how Jerry's letters to his father differ from those to his mother, how he reaches back to his mother at home for reassurance and support, while at the same time, he instructs each parent as to what to say to the other, for THE SAME DAY, SEPTEMBER 10, JERRY WROTE:

Dear Mom –

Today was a big day for me - I just got your letter and package.  Mom, those cookies were swell.  We aren’t supposed to have anything like that here.  But we (that is the guys in our hut) ate about ½ of them and then put the box with the rest of the cookies in a stove.  So as long as our DI don’t find out, we will be O.K.

Mom, why didn’t you send me a picture of yourself?  I would like to have one of GYPE and one DAD also.  Mom, you said you got a permanent.  What caused that?  Did the spirit finally move you?  I told the guys that you don’t like to get smoked up with cigarette smoke.  They all thought that was funny.  So GYPE sleeps in your bedroom every night.  That is cute.  Does GYPE still snore and have dreams in his sleep?  (Note: GYPE was 15 years old family dog, and Jerry's chonic desire for family snapshots, and his deep concern about his parents)

It was nice of Pauline to give you five bucks for clothes but I got to wear GI (Government Issue) clothes here and I don’t leave boot camp until I’m through in 7 weeks but only got 4 dollars left.  Then I’m coming home (I HOPE).  So Jim left for the Navy, hope he likes it.  It's way different than the Marines by a long shot.  I got Pauline’s package and wrote her a letter of thanks.  I’ve received about 16 letters so far, but of course the most important letters are from you. 

Keep writing.  Love Jerry

 

ON September 12, JERRY WROTE ABOUT CHURCH, BIBLE, CHAPLAINS, and BOXING:

Dear Mom –

Today is SUNDAY.  It's a day for CHURCH and then to loaf and rest, but I haven’t laid down on my bunk yet.  I've spent the day eating, cleaning my RIFLE and BAYONET, and straightening out my sea bag.  But believe me, I won’t need any persuasion to get to bed tonight.

At CHURCH they handed out NEW TESTAMENTS.  We sang “Why Does He Love Me So.”  Everyone had his own way of singing, but it still sounded O.K.  Afterwards three of us got together and studied our NEW TESTAMENTS again.  I was the only one that had a whole BIBLE.  One of the boys believes that JESUS and GOD are each different individuals.  We agree on everything else.  He is really a swell guy.  We also have some swell CHAPLAINS out here at the base.  Today we also got up a game of football.  We really had fun.  The other day I BOXED a guy who used to box in the ring.  I won because I had longer arms and I am in good condition.  The guys in our platoon argue one minute and laugh the next.  We get along swell.   Got to go to bed now.  I’ll mail this in the morning. 

Love Jerry

P.S. If you don’t get a letter every day, don’t be alarmed as I am awfully busy, but you write.

(Note: here Jerry is cementing his belief in his own physical competence, even dominance, while he deepens his Christian faith as well, both by reason of events, challenges, and people that were unique to Marine Boot Camps in 1943. Thus, for example, it was no accident that JERRY later was 2nd Armored Amphib Battalion boxing champ on Saipan before Iwo Jima and on Maui while awaiting invasion of Japan's home islands before Japan surrendered.)

   

ON September 13, 1943 JERRY WROTE:

Dear Mom -

RICHARD got off the RIFLE RANGE and came by to see me last night.  I was at a GAS and FIRE lecture, so he came back this afternoon.  We were sure glad to see one another.  Remember how he used to look?  Now he looks a little browner and tougher, says he feels a lot better, healthy.  RICHARD couldn’t stay long, but just that little bit of time together was better than none at all.  He may not get a furlough after BOOT CAMP.  He may go straight to LINE CAMP without a leave.   We don’t get to see each other much, so we just write to one another.  At that GAS lecture, we learned how to put on and adjust our gas masks then went thought the GAS ROOM.  The masks are just a little stuffy but otherwise O.K.  I got three whole pages of notes on the GAS LECTURE.  We expect the AXIS to use gas before this war is over so are being prepared.

Today we filled up our overseas pack (60 lbs) and then marched and had an inspection.  Mine went perfect.  But Mom, these packs do get just a little heavy.  After the inspection, the rest of the platoon went to the picture show but another fellow and I ironed 63 ties.  We did a good job too.  He's shining his shoes right now.  I’ve got mine shined.  Today a guy busted a window.  He has to pick up 500 cigarette butts.  I feel fine and would like to get home, of course, but am busy and I don’t get homesick.  Right now I’m trying to figure out a Christmas cartoon for a contest for $50 for the winner.  It’s a Division contest so I have to compete with lots of pros.  Joe is working the serious card, I the comical one.  $58 for each winner – Wow!!  We go to the RIFLE RANGE this Saturday.  Love Jerry    P.S. send me airmail stamps.

Note:  Richard, Jerry's old friend from Wichita joined Marines just days before Jerry, and joined Jerry on Saipan before Iwo Jima.  Jerry often worked to learn, gain skills or earn money while others played.  Here, he's ironing ties and competes in Xmas Cartoon contest for $50 prize.

 

ON September 15, JERRY WROTE ABOUT HIS CONSTANT WORK AND PRACTICE:

Dear Mom and Dad –

Yesterday we got another shot in the arm.  Some guys really got sore, but it didn’t bother me a bit.  After that, all day yesterday and this morning, we practiced for today's parade and full pack dress rifle inspection.  I missed this morning's chow to get fixed up for inspection by a First Lieutenant. I haven’t learned to tie my tie yet, so one of the fellows ties it for me.  I shine my shoes each and every day.  But these ole’ shoes don’t keep a shine at all.  The polish comes off on our clothes.  But for today's inspection, that lasted four hours, I was perfect.  I was glad when it was over.  So I made up for that missed breakfast at noon.

 Now, I just got back from an entertainment stage show.  It was sure swell.  They had a clown and ole’ goof that acted silly with the violin.  I almost died laughing.  The day is almost over and am I glad.  But I got to clean my rifle now and go to bed.  Send me some more cookies (you might include some chocolate bars).  And I need airmail stamps. 

Love Jerry

(Note: Jerry's love for hard work and perfection, and his pride in avoiding and enduring pain, and so being tough and competent despite pain, is paradoxically highlighted by the fact that he values and enjoys food, fun, sack time, shows, and acting silly too.)

 

ON September 18 JERRY WROTE about BOXING, FUN, FOOD, RIFLES, GEAR, PICTURES, FOOTBALL, BIBLE STUDY, MUSIC, WAR IN EUROPE, AND HIS "SAC TIME":

Dear Mom & Dad –

Last night we went to the BOXING MATCHES.  Some of them were good and funny.  Two big fat guys boxed and half wrestled.  Neither one knows anything about boxing and it was sure funny.  Now, we're all packed up to go out on the RIFLE RANGE TOMORROW, Saturday.  At noon today I ate and ate and ate, the food was delicious.  We also got issued our leggings and emblems.  DADDY knows what leggings are.  And today we got the pictures taken of our platoon last Sunday.  I sure take a goofy picture.  Some of the guys look mad and others look like they are mentally off balance.   

Note: Jerry's supple imagination and gift of observation, including comedy, as well as his gift for hard work, quest for perfection, and practical results.  And how these blend with his intellectional, spiritual, social, and musical skills, as illustrated in the next paragraph.

Tonight we've had almost 4 hours off.  I played football for an hour then I helped clean up the hut.  I’ve been studying my BIBLE for the last 2 ½ hours.  The more I study it, the more I am learning to love it.  Some of the guys want to know different things about the BIBLE and I tell them my opinion.  The Concordance in back is swell.  We have a radio and speaker rigged up mom and it is swell. We get some smooth music and all the latest news.  The guys in Europe are right in the groove, aren’t they!

Note: how, in Jerry's Marine Corps world, hard work, discipline, and study breeds love as well as demostrated competence, self respect and confidence, and bent for positive action, and joy.

I ‘m feeling fine, but I want you to send me some cookies, candy (box chocolates) and some donuts please.  We don’t get nothing out here unless it is from home.  I’m about ready to hit the sack now.  A guy can sure sleep good around here – anyway I do.  I resurrected a pad for my cot.  It feels good not to sleep on the naked cot itself.  

Well I got to go now so so long.  Love Jerry  -  P.S I didn’t get a letter today from you.

Note: Fullness of Jerry's life, ranging from boxing to theology, to mom's cookies to sack time. 

  

ON September 19 JERRY at PX, CHURCH, RIFLE RANGE and on morality of KILLING people:

 

 

Dear Mom and Dad –

Today, first thing, we got another shot in the arm.  Now we are out of quarantine so we can go the PX (store) anytime.  But I got 21 cents left.  Next thing we did is load aboard a truck and head for the RIFLE RANGE about 10 minutes out of San Diego.  There now I can look at the mountains that surround the range.  We sleep on wooden bunks.  Our DI just asked us who wanted to attend CHURCH tomorrow and who wanted to stay here and finish getting straightened out for our stay here.  Only my friend LAUGHTON and I held up our hands to go to CHURCH.  LAUGHTON'S dad is a preacher.  He intends to follow in his dad’s footsteps.  I just know that he will attain his ambition.  Anyway, LAUGHTON doesn’t like the idea of killing.  He has positive faith the LORD wiLL take him out of here or someplace where he won’t have to kill.  I know the BIBLE says not to kill but SAMPSPON killed and still went to Heaven.  So I figure that I can kill 10,000 Japs if I have to and still have everlasting life.  Our difference of opinion on this subject doesn’t make any difference because we still enjoy working together.

Note: How Jerry uses bible to sift through morality of killing people, and how he "speads the good news" to those around him, regardless of rank and age, including a DI, and how he expresses his full range of emotions, including his joy of daily life, alive, in words and cartoons.

Anyway, I know that when LAUGHTON and I come back from CHURCH tomorrow some of the guys will catch us away from the other guys and inquire about the service.  LAUGHTON and I have been reading our BIBLE every chance we get.  Slowly, but surely, the guys have become interested or inquisitive about what we two read in our spare minutes. Three guys already have come to me today, each at different times and want to know something about or look at my BIBLE.  Even our hardboiled Platoon Corporal had me let him read my BIBLE.  Last night the Assistant Platoon Leader sneaked up on me and sat down beside me and we talked a little about certain points in the BIBLE.  These leaders think that the men will think they're sissies if they say anything about JESUS to them.  So they only speak in Biblical terms with LAUGHTON and I, and otherwise try to act real tough and mean.  But down inside they are meek and fear the LORD just like you and I do.   Anyway, I am sure proud of that neat BIBLE that you got for me.  The CONCORDANCE is most helpful.  The DI likes it also.

DAD, what do you mean saying: “Jerry, how you like the secondary branch of the Navy by now.”  I’ll have you know that the Marines are first, last and always.  There just isn’t any secondary about it.  Right now I got to clean and oil Sloppy Joe.  Friday we fire the 22 CAL. RIFLE.

Love Jerry  - 

P.S I feel fine.  Send me another BIBLE just like the one you brought for me.  My friend who wants it will pay me exactly what you pay for it.  You can put it in a box of cookies.  The sooner the better.  If I let him study my BIBLE every time he wants, I won’t ever get to read it.  He wants one like mine so bad that he can taste it.  He is prepared even to pay $8 for one.

Note: How Jerry mixes Bible studies, missionary work, commercial profit and covert trading.

 

ON September 21 JERRY WROTE:

Dear Mom & Dad –

Now we are learning to get into the four positions of firing.  They sure stretch and twist your bones.  It hasn’t bothered me yet.   I oiled my rifle just like GRAN-PA used to grease and oil his Ford.  The oil is almost dripping out.  It takes a lot of lubrication to work the rifle successfully. 

Have you got the BIBLE yet?  I got a letter from Ben Goddard yesterday.  I see that now he is President of Walnut Valley Association and also a Reverend.

Here are the Answers to Dad’s Questions.  1. Shoes – brown.  2. I get paid once per month I think.  3.  I get so little that probably I will owe the Government on payday.

I got to eat now so goodbye for now. 

Love Jerry

Note: how JERRY mixes SHARPSHOOTER's ART with Bible, news from significant adults in his hometown, with his telling his dad of his daily routine in Marine Boot Camp, all in a few words.

 

 

ON September 23 JERRY WROTE:

Dear Mom & Dad –

 

Time sure flies around here.  This morning we got up at 4:30 A.M.  I'm still sleepy.  Today we will fire the 22 CAL. RIFLE.  I have my positions down pat.  And I know I will do O.K. on qualification day.  By now I am limbered up, so the twisting and crouching is not bad at all.  Some guys think they are pretty good shots and make bets on how good they think they are all the time.  I don’t think I’m good because I know I am.  But I’m not going to say anything.  Not until after the test day comes.  Then I’ll see just how good some of the wise guys are and also how good I am.  Richard did pretty good, he made sharpshooter.  That is second highest possible.

Note: Note how, at 17, Jerry can discern the suble distinction between thinking and knowing, and the value of silence in gaining and maintaining psychological advantage.

- I am going to rifle range right now.  I'll finish this when I come back -

Now I am back, and just got off the firing line.  I did a little better today than I did yesterday.  I am going to save all of my targets and compare them to see how much I improve each day.  Some of the guys have had a terrible time even coming close to the Bull’s Eyes.  The DI will hand out the medal for the one who shoots the best.  Today we all agreed to each give the highest shooter a buck.  So the guy who wins will get the $63 to go home on.  Every one of us expects to win the $63.  I’ll faint if I shoot best.  The Lord will sure have to be with me because I shake too much.

Note: Shooting well is extremely important in Marine Corps.  Its the young boots first great test of the skill and competence central to qualifing as a marine in the Corps where the highly competent infantryman plays the central roll and rules the roost.  Note how Jerry uses many tools to win this contest, including mental and physical rigor as well as monetary reward and spiritual reward and intervention.  Then Jerry shifts to food issues, tactics and strategies.

It’s about time for noon chow.  I just got your letter with that dollar bill, but am waiting for my chocolates to come.  Here they charge us twice as much as the same stuff is on the outside.  You know those little boxes of breakfast food that you pay 10 cents for in an eating place at home?  Well, at the mess this morning, I took four. The mess man thought I was nuts.  But he didn't know me very well, did he?  And that was only a starter. Thanks for the buck.  I can use some more bucks before Payday.  And, when they come, those Mills Chocolates will sure taste good.

Note: Jerry's keen situational awareness, how he quickly sizes up cirumstances, and adapt his behavior and skill sets to win in those particular circumstances, and how competitive he is, so he's an independent thinker, yet cooperative, too.  Is all this key to warfighting excellence?

And good bye for now.  P.S Here on the rifle (range), we only have to shave on Sundays.

Love Jerry

ON September 27 JERRY WROTE:

DEAR Mom & Dad –

We have just COMPLETED firing the 22-CALIBER rifle. I shot pretty good.  It’s about time to go to bed.  We've sure had a real day.  I'm munching a chocolate bar that I bought out of the dollar.  I didn’t receive a letter from you today.  I can’t think of anything else so, until tomorrow, goodbye. 

Love Jerry  -  P.S. I just finished the story in the 3^rd Chapter of Daniel.

Note: How Jerry mixes satisfaction with critically important sharpshooting practice at rifle range, with chocolate "munching" and Bible studies to declare a full day, yet still misses the letter from his mom.

 

ON THE NEXT DAY, September 28, JERRY WROTE TWO LETTERS HOME - ONE TO HIS MOTHER, THE SECOND TO HIS FATHER:

Dear Mom –

Today we fired the 30 CAL. CARBINE rifle.  It was really an accurate rifle.  I shot a plenty good score.  But I am going to do even better tomorrow.  We won’t get to fire the US M-I (our own rifles) until next Monday.  I am just dying to see what my rifle Sloppy Joe will do for me.  I use it like a baby.  I sometimes keep it warm at night.

YESTERDAY I took charge of the guys going to CHURCH.  It is a whole mile getting there walking over rocks, hills, etc, and we had a swell CHURCH service.  Then our Platoon played another Platoon in a game of baseball.  We really had fun.

I got your BIBLE today.  I’ll send you the money for it as soon as I get around to it.  I am going to hold onto it until Howard gets the $7 from home.  I've got three different groups of guys that want to read your BIBLE.  I lent it to one guy tonight, and I will lend it to another one tomorrow night, and to a third guy the night after. 

My finger's been a little sore lately so I haven’t been writing much.  We have extremely little time to ourselves anyway.  When I don’t write, why I think of you anyway.  I’ve had more than one guy say to me that I must have a good Mom & Dad.  When you send my cookies I want you to send me some good writing paper.  Out here we pay 10 cents for 10 sheets.  I could use some Do-Ra-Me also.  And I sure like MILK CHOCOLATES.   Dad can stop at Stone’s Candy bungalow on Douglas and Broadway and get me a two-pound box in his spare time.  Tell Dad and Mrs. Menzel hello for me.  How about the snapshots?   I feel fine.  These hard beds are not bad at all.  I got to feed my face now so I’ll quit for now. 

Love Jerry

Note: how intense Jerry feels now about his daily rituals with his rifle, sharpshooting it, taking charge of his fellow "Boots" and leading them to church, then playing intra-platoon baseball, plus his bible studies with three other groups of marines, and his cajoling for money and chocolates from specified stores from home, as well as for snapshots from home, his living life to the full.  Contrast all this, with his far different letter to his father, its man to man talk.

 

JERRY'S LETTER TO HIS FATHER SAID:

Dear Dad –

Today we fired the US CAL. 30 CAl. CARBINE rifle.  It is an accurate weapon.  We fired at moving targets and I didn’t make a single miss.  I consider that target a real live rotten Jap then I let him have a hunk of lead.  If I can get a little steadier, I'll have a good chance of winning the $60 pot.  Of course the competition is plenty tough.

DAD, since you were just in the NAVY, I suppose you don’t know much about the art of shooting or hand-to-hand fighting.  Since I’ve been in the Marine Corps, I have learned to take some pain.  I’ve had two infected fingers and both boils lanced.  I mean those fingers were really cut and ripped open, high and wide.  Whew!  Last night, after my first finger got lanced, I got to thinking about how my second finger would hurt when they cut it open today.  So last night I couldn’t sleep … because it kept hurting.  So I just prayed that it wouldn’t hurt me quite so much as my first finger did.  And what do you know?  Even though that second boil was bigger, and my whole finger was infected, it didn’t hurt half as much as the first.  I guess you can figure it out yourself Dad.   Because this morning, after a high Navy Doctor had cut, ripped, scraped and swabbed that second finger, it felt so swell that, this afternoon, when I fired the carbine, my finger was working alright.  I was so happy with that finger and how it felt, I didn’t mind whether I shot a good score or not.  And Lo and Behold!  I really did go to town firing that weapon!  I guess I was steady because I wasn’t going to worry.  The lesson here is that so long as I get to bounce a few hunks of hot lead off some Japs, why all this personal pain will be worth it.   Don’t you think so, Dad?

Note: how Jerry relishes his new found strength, competence and confidence, his resistance to and conquest of pain, his understanding of and working thought pain, and his own sense of becoming a grown man, not thinking about it, but feeling (knowing) it and he continues:
 

And not only that, Dad, before I figured that the noise of gunfire would make me a little jumpy.  But Dad, it didn’t bother me the very least bit even.  We also had our turn pulling targets today.  Lead was flying everywhere.  One bullet went through the moving target stick that I was working.  It cleared my hands by a full 12 inches.  The guy that fired at my target was sure wild. He couldn’t hit a cow.  Carbine sights are not adjustable so we must use Kentucky Windage on it.  Tomorrow, we fire at 500 yards.  I’m going to hit that Jap again I suppose.  Then I’m just waiting for next Monday to come.  So then I can fire Sloppy Joe and see how he acts up.  I keep him in the very best of condition, so I expect the very best results from him.  I named my rifle Sloppy Joe because I oil it any time, and all the time, just as Grandpa did his Ford.  I know one thing.  I would sure hate to be the Jap, or Japs, that get in our way because Joe and me are going to cooperate on those rats.

Note: Jerry is now deep into the practice of warfighting, its art, craft, and philosophy, as well as its doctrines and practices, skill sets, competencies, risks, habits, and attitudes, all subject of course to the ultimate and irreplacable test of engaging in close combat. 

Now, as I understand it, I am scheduled to get a 10-day furlough.  If I don’t, there is going to be one mad Marine around here.  I really believe that all of us will get it.  I also believe they will put me into the FIGHTING MARINE INFANTRY.  From there, I am going to try to get into the Marine Raiders.  I wish you were here now.  The guys all feel swell tonight and right now they are singing Down by the ole’ Mill Stream.  They will keep it up until Taps.  We all feel wonderful tonight for some reason.  I’ll bet those Japs sure don’t have half as much fun as we do.  When we feel as we do now, you could never tell that we ever had an enemy.  We can change plenty quick though.

Note: how Jerry's identity, his sense of who he is and what he can do, individually and within his platoon, grows by leaps and bounds, as he self-identifies as a Marine in his language too.

Say DAD - find out how much it will cost me to come home & back round trip.  I’m coming home if I only get to stay an hour.  I don’t have any more statements, so I’ll to quit beating my chops for tonight so its so long until the next time.

MARINE

Your son Jerry  -  P.S.  send me some stationary, candy, money, ever-sharp pencil sharpener 10 cents, two pencils, little bit of saddle soap.  I feel fine & dandy.  The content of this letter is just between YOU & ME.

 

Note: YEARS LATER JERRY WROTE: During Combat Training, we spent a lot of time on personal one-on-one attack and defense.  This included, among other things, lots of bayonet training, jabbing away at targets with wooden arms on springs and hinges.  I got over-enthusiastic on the "parry and thrust" routine once, snapping my bayonet like a toothpick.  I thought my DI would have a stroke over "my wanton destruction of US Government Property."  I spent much time atoning for that sin, and learned that when the going gets tough don't depend 100% on the bayonet, get a good knife and carry so much ammo that you don't get caught without it.  In combat I also carried a Jap bayonet, less prone to breakage.

Note: how Jerry's growing identity, and confidence, is tempered by reality, hard knocks, perceived risks, gained in part through Jerry's focus on and practice of close (hand to hand) combat drills as well as his response to simple challenges of daily living in a demanding world.  Jerry is developing a keen scepticism that balances his natural pride and quest for perfection.

 

ON September 29 JERRY WROTE:

Dear Mom –

Yesterday I got your BIBLE.  The money belt is swell too, thanks.  But I need cash to put in it.  Or else it will get old and moldy and delicate, don’t you think?  I got two letters from you today so I only got four letters today, but two from you is as good as six from others.  Those 3 bucks I got today, already have come in handy.  This time it was a pint of ice cream.  So Steve is going to the Navy. Hope he likes it.  I suppose it is O.K.  Of course it just can’t begin to compare with the Marine Corps.  

Click to Enlarge

You asked if I can hit the side of the hill – you nut. It bet another guy that I would out shoot him today and naturally I did.  I only bet on sure things.  We got two more days of snapping in (that means getting into the correct firing positions) and then we begin to fire OUR OWN RIFLES, the M-1 RIFLE, from Friday through the next Thursday.  After that, on Friday, WE FIRE FOR RECORD.

Your Marine Jerry

PS - No, I haven't seen RICHARD since I left the base in San Deigo.  Did he say if he is going to get a furlough or not?   I'm glad you sent him some stuff because I just know that his mom bakes things all the time for him.  Mom, don’t forget your own kid.  I can use some doughnuts.

PS - Well, I’ll quit beating my chop and hit the sack (that means go to bed in case you don’t know).

Note: Finally, after displaying his mastery of Marine Lingo, Jerry signs off with the most magical words of all, if only to his mother, Your Marine Jerry.

 

ON OCTOBER 1 JERRY WROTE:

Dear Mom & Dad –

Well I am just as tickled as I can be.  Today we began our actual firing of our own M-I RIFLE.  I tell you it is an A-1 perfect weapon.  In your earlier letter, you said I could hit that Bulls-Eye.  As far as today goes, you hit the nail on the head.  But at first I was certainly surprised when I lined the sights up at the Bull’s-Eye and that bullet went straight and true as can be.  After that I sank about ten Bull’s-Eyes.  We fired all 22 rounds from a prone (lying down) position.  That is the steadiest position.  I still shake a little at the other positions but I’ll get over that, I hope.  The rifle doesn’t kick hardly any.  It merely rises up just a little bit if a guy has a good solid position and the muzzle (front of the barrel) then comes right back down the target and then you just squeeze the trigger and it’s another Bulls-Eye for you.  It's accurate at long range too.  Back at 500 yards that Bull’s-Eye looks sorta small but I got 4 Bulls-Eyes out of 5 shots.  The other bullet was a close 4.  I was so satisfied with my M-1 that I have half a notion to sleep with it.  Dad, naturally the Navy never fires any weapon so you couldn’t understand the complicated parts of the rifle or how to correctly fire it.  Here's how:

 That is what the target looks like.  If a man hits every one in the number 4 ring, he will just barely qualify.  So you can see that we really got to shoot good to even qualify.  We shoot 68 rounds in all, at the prone position, sitting, kneeing, and off hand (standing).  The Bulls-Eye counts 5 points.  The 4 ring counts 4 points, the 3 ring counts for 3 points, and anywhere in the 2 ring gets you two points.  If you hit all Bulls-Eyes, and its never been done before, your score would be 340 (68 shots X 5 points (per bulls-eye).  268 points is the lowest possible score to qualify.  A Sharpshooter gets from 293 to 306 points.  307 to 340 points is Expert.  If a fellow shoots Expert he is definitely expert.   But guys can shoot Expert during the week and on record day they can go way down and sometimes they don’t qualify.  I’ll show you when I get home if I have time.  At home I intend to sleep and eat and lay around, but if I get the time and energy I may cut you in on the dope.  Anyway, the M-1 rifle sure makes a racket.  My ears still ring so I sign off for now. 

 

Love Jerry P.S. “SLOPPY JOE IS THE BEST OF THEM ALL.

 Note: Jerry's alertness and remarkable attention to complex details.  How Jerry breaks these down into key parts, or elements, so he can better understand, analysize and master them, how they work together, their constituent difficulties and interactions and how they can be used by him to work best together, including sequences and risks, so he can build and master solutions, cumulative and otherwise.  For example, consider his observation that:

"The rifle doesn’t kick hardly any.  It merely rises up just a little bit if a guy has a good solid position and the muzzle (front of the barrel) then comes right back down the target and then you just squeeze the trigger and it’s another Bulls-Eye for you."

Here you can see how Marine Corps training for perfection - The DI's obsessive focusing of the Boot on his M-1, his guarding of his Hut per General Orders for Sentries, and Close Order Drill - all these, working in tandem, reinforce and amplify one another, for cumulative affect, high performance per rigously defined standards on multible levels, essential to build marines.

 

ON OCTOBER 5 JERRY WROTE ABOUT CHURCH, GUARD DUTY, SHOOTING FOR RECORD, AND GIRLS BACK HOME:

Dear Mom & Dad -

Today is Sunday.  I went to CHURCH then our Platoon had guard duty all day, each of us had 2 hours on and four hours off.  So it was not bad at all.  I guarded one of our two heads.  In the Marine Corps the building where the Toilets are are called “Heads.”  So I was 'HEADMAN', wasn’t I?  I'm glad RICHARD stopped by to see you on his furlough.  Don’t you think he looks swell?  So Betty Osler is going to get married. To whom?  Art?  Lois Musselman got married, did you know?  I sure hope you have sent me some cash as I am out.   I haven't had time to write, been extremely busy doing O.K. with Sloppy Joe, and will have SHOT for RECORD by the time you get this letter.

Jerry  P.S. (foo)

Note: Jerry's verbal skills, how he can in a single short letter to Mom celebrate church, and being Headman around toilets called Heads. Now, too, how many very different balls Jerry tosses up into the air in this very short letter, ranging from church to guard duty, to wordplay within his newly mastered Marine Lexicon, to insightful commentary on hometown friends, their appearance, health, and marriage, to his own chronic money shortages, and to the approach of his own far different big looming challenge as a marine boot, shooting for record.  

 

ON OCTOBER 6 JERRY WROTE:

Dear Mom and Dad -

I shot for record today.  I didn’t win the $60 and I did not shoot MARKSMAN.  But I shot 5 points below EXPERT.  That makes me a high SHARPSHOOTER.  I don’t make any excuses.  I am quite well satisfied with my score.  It wasn’t nervous or shaky.  I did my best and I came out 6^th highest in our Platoon.  So you see, I am plenty happy that I shot a good score.  I’ll get $3 extra a month.  I feel find and dandy.

Your Son Jerry

Note: Jerry ranked number #6 in a Marine Boot Camp Platoon that typically comprised 63 men.  YEARS LATER, IN 1951, JERRY WROTE:  I wanted to fire "MARKSMAN" in the worst way.  Getting that EXPERT badge set up a kind of pecking order.  ONE that all Marines understood.  The best of the best were "EXPERT."  Not earning that EXPERT medal was a big disappointment to me.  Some Boots had to stay longer to qualify for the lowest passing rank, MARKSMAN.  All did in the end.  That was an important part of every DI'S job, getting all of this Boots to qualify for Marksman or better.

Note: Jerry set very high standards for his performance, and rarely, if ever, made excuses for failure to achieve is his goals. Note to how Jerry makes plain that the DI worked hard to get all his boot through their challenges, to become Marines. 

 

   

SAMPLING OF LETTERS AFTER FIVE WEEKS OF BOOT CAMP, BECOMING SHARPSHOOTER, AND THIRTEEN DAYS TO GO BEFORE 10 DAY FURLOUGH.

 

ON OCTOBER 7 JERRY WROTE:

Dear Mom -

Yesterday we got back into SAN DIEGO from the rifle range, and went to some BOXING matches last night.  Now its early SUNDAY morning, before CHURCH at 0900.  We stay here for 10 days then we each go to our INDIVIDUAL LINE CAMPS for three days before we are supposed to get one FURLOUGH.  The 1^st lieutenant gave us a speech on lacking our furlough.  It appears that many of us may not get to go home at all.  I’m pretty sure that I will though.  But I’m only going to get $37.95 on next payday.  If you want me to come home between the 23rd and 30^th (if I get my leave at all) you will have to kick in a little.

I couldn’t write so awful much while out on the RIFLE RANGE.  We were awful busy.  Yesterday I got a letter from RICHARD.  He is stationed at Point Lama, California, doing guard duty over at the Ammunition dump.  No kidding Mom I want you to write to him just as soon as you get this letter.  He's my best pal.  You write to him often and don’t expect an answer to all your letters because he is just as busy as I am.  He is the best kid in the world.  His address is Pvt. R. E. Rowland, Marine Detachment, FMF Point Loma, California.  He has a responsible position – phew – but I sure hope I go across and fight Japs instead of having guard duty.

---- GOT TO GO FOR NOW, but I'll be back and finish this ----

I'm back.  I have to buy my sharpshooter medal just like you said I would.  We couldn’t go to CHURCH this morning.  All morning we have been watering little trees.  We're supposed to get paid eventually.  When you send cookies enclose my pocketknife and whetstone & also a little 10 cent pencil sharpener.  Now I got to sew some rifle pads on my jacket, and must clean my rifle for inspection tomorrow.  So I’ll quit for now.

God bless you, Love Jerry 

P.S P.S. this is an actual scene from our boxing matches last night.  (INSERT DRAWING HERE)

Note: the extreme contrasts, the emotional roller coaster of Boot Camp, going from Shooting for Record to watering little trees, to picking up cigar butts, and having to pay for his own sharpshooter metal, to begging his mom for 10 cent pencil sharpeners, to also asking her to write letters of his Richard, his marine friend from back home, to his uncertaintly of his own furlough, including his inability to pay for the cost of getting back home, before he must leave for war to defend his country against Japan half way across the world.

ON OCTOBER 9 JERRY WROTE:

Dear Mom -

In 12 more days I’ll be on the way home.  That's if I get my furlough.  The 1^st Lieutenant tried to talk us out of going home on our furlough but it didn’t work.  Even the guys from Michigan are going home.  Some of us will go through Line Camp and get set to go across and only then go home after that training period ends.  Some will go home after this boot camp and then go into Line Camp.  I'd rather go to the Line Camp first and then come home.  I got $37.95 this payday.  So if you want me to come home you will have to send me a little DO-RA-ME.  I must clean my rifle for an inspection coming off tomorrow.  I just finished picking up cigar butts from yesterday's inspection.

Note: as to Line Camp, recall that Jerry requested the Marine Raiders as his first choice, and the Signal Corps as his second choice.

Today I didn’t get even one letter.  And I haven’t got any chocolates yet, or any KNIFE either.  Send some doughnuts and cookies, too. Come on, shake loose.  I keep the BIBLE is my sea bag.  Every day is nearer to going home.  Love Jerry

 

ON OCTOBER 13 HE WROTE ABOUT LINE CAMP, FURLOUGH, GIRLS, AND TOP OF WORLD:

Dear Mom 

Well in a few more days we break up to go to Line Camp for three days.  After that, if we are going to get a furlough, we will get it then.  This has been another eventful day.  We had another parade and a full pack inspection – phew, it sure gets tiresome being out under that sun.  It lasts for three solid hours in dress clothes and pack, rifle, cartridge belts and so forth.  This morning we ran the OBSTACLE COURSE.  I was fastest.  Of course I expected to be the fastest.  I’m pretty rough and tough ya’ know.  I talked with Rick today … if we go to the same Line Camp we are going to get on the same train going home.  I doubt it very much through.   I must get to bed now, goodbye until tomorrow.

Love Jerry

P.S. to Dad – Of course I got the letters from girls (TWELVE in all). But they're not girlfriends - just plain ole” girls.  Marine on top of the world!!  P.S.  And that’s the truth. 

 

Note: YEARS LATER, in 1951, JERRY WROTE:  Toward the end of Boot Camp, I was the first Boot to have memorized and recited the official ten or eleven "General Orders" such as how "to walk my post in a military manner"  Our DI was flabbergasted that such a big dummy could have pulled off such a feat.  From that day forward he stayed off my back.  I was equally flabbergasted when he included me among the 50% of the Platoon recruit graduates to receive PFC stripes.  This was no small matter for us because prior to the war, it took many a Marine three or four years to earn first stripe.  I had become a 17 year old PFC.  My one and only furlough during the entire war lasted two weeks after Boot Camp.  I recall being awfully proud coming home to Wichita, Kansas then with my PFC Stripe and Sharpshooter metal.

Note: how abruptly Jerry conveys the sense that he has become an accomplished Marine, indeed a one striper Marine, PFC, the fastest through the Obstacle Course, and "pretty rough and tough," and how this allows him to shift gears, a more relaxed yet impatient 17 year old, a new PFC now awaiting Furough and Line Camp, his next phase as a fully initiated Marine.

 

AFTER JERRY'S COMPLETION OF BOOT CAMP, JERRY'S FURLOUGH BEGAN 20 OCTOBER.  HE HEADED EAST FOR TEN DAYS AT HOME IN WICHITA, KANSAS.

 

INSERT PHOTO'S OF JERRY AT HOME ON FURLOUGH

 

ON OCTOBER 30 HE WROTE ABOUT HIS RETURN TRIP TO SAN DEIGO AFTER HIS FURLOUGH 

Dear Mom,

I didn’t mind the trip back to the West Coast at all.  I finally got a seat coming back west to the coast when we hit Amarillo, Texas.  That train had a batch of W.A.V.E.S so we service men were well entertained.  I let a babe use my blouse to keep herself warm both nights.  I was shinning these gunboats of mine.  The people got a kick out of it.  I met another swell sailor on another train.  We hit L.A. (Los Angles) last night (Fri.).  We stayed up all night.  L. A. is so huge that it is fantastic.  I don’t know where one city begins and another ends.  We took in a show and explored and we went out to the Hollywood Canteen (USO).  We saw Wallace Berry and Hedy Lamarr and others.  Some comedy guys put on a silly show for us.  Only servicemen and not officers are permitted there.  Today we went to another show and rode escalators for two hours.  It's lots of fun, just step on a step and it carries you to the top of the stairs.  At 8:30 P.M. we pulled out of L. A. for San Diego.  Must quit and I’ll write tomorrow if I can.

Love Jerry 

Note: the drastic change wrought in Jerry during his first 7 weeks in the Marine Corps from Aug. 30, 1943 to Oct, 20, 1943 when he left San Diego by train for furough back home in Wichita.  How he expresses that difference in words and cartoons, drawings of energy and joy, confidence and exhuberance, for the present and future, and how he manifestes this by his behavor on the train and stopping over in San Francisco on Oct. 20 and 30, particularly his confidence, including with women, and his staying up all night, for his night on the town, versus his first stop over on the way to Boot Camp on August 28, only two months before.

Note: Years later, Jerry wrote that following completion of Boot Camp:  I recall being awfully proud of my PFC stripe and my little "sharpshooter metal."  By that time I was a member of a select little band and no longer a "worn" or worse.  Somehow the Marine Corps system manages to make good men think they are supermen.  This illusion proved later to have been exceedingly important in battle where my natural instinct for survival was to want to bug out but my self pride and pride in my unit made bugging out never even considered.  Before leaving on furough home we all used steel wool to tarnish and dull the metallic Marine Ball and Anchor insignia on our uniforms and scrub and bleach the belts we were issued so we'd look like we were not really just graduated Boots.  We tried to make ourselves look like "old salts."

Before leaving and mingling with civilized folks again, we were given a lecture and shown a movie that scared me so thoroughly that I've never forgotten it.  It was a graphic discription and warning about Syphilis and Gonorrhea.  When I say graphic, I mean GRAPHIC in capital letters.  If that lecture/movie didn't turn your stomach, nothing would.  I think that movie kept a lot of us out of trouble.  

 

BACK IN SAN DIEGO ON NOVEMBER 1, AWAITING RADIO SCHOOL, JERRY WROTE:

Dear Mom –

I got gobs of letters today, accumulated over my 10 days of leave, including yours and one from Richard.  He'll be going across before long. San Francisco is the jumping off place (if you get what I mean).  Oh well, the sooner we get across the sooner we come home.  You can't win a war by sitting here in the States, wishing someone else would fight the war for you - can you?  But I don’t have a cent – Hint!

NO MUN

     NO FUN

          YOUR SON

FOO           

Jerry    

 

 

Note: the young Marine warrior eager to get on with doing his share to defeat Japan in WW11, yet having to beg his mom for money, while awaiting his "going across" to finish the job.

 

ON November 4, 1943, STILL WAITING FOR RADIO SCHOOL, JERRY WROTE:

Dear Mom –

We are waiting for radio school to start.  We have base Liberty now every day after 3 P. M.  and outside (go into town) Liberty every other night, so it isn’t bad at all.  We’ve been cuttin’ up all day almost and it never gets dull around here.  We do everything from fighting to drills to checkers.  I won enough money playing checkers to buy this stationary so I’v been writing a few letters today too.  I am also learning to play chess now.  It’s a little harder, but I course I catch on quickly due to my amazing mental capacity.

Note: the radical new freedoms compared to Boot Camp, and how Jerry used those freedoms for long term advantage.  For, example his church activities described below.  And CHESS became a lifelong passion, a game he later promoted by establishing chess clubs thoughout high schools in Pittsburgh, PA, to teach students the discipline of rigorous thinking, and self-control, under pressure, training kids to think logicially and creatively in competitive contests. 

You said in your last letter that you were still making doughnuts for the Halloween kids.  Did any kids come around for handouts?   I hope so.  I sure had a swell time at home so now I’m ready to go across and get me some Japs.  We got word today that some guys from our platoon, the ones who didn’t get furlough, are already on their way across.

I must quit now.  Write soon.  Love Jerry

 

 

(FOLLOWING PHOTO TO BE MOVED:
 

 

Left to right John Brinkley, Jerry Brooks & Loyd "Red" Chapman, crewman, amtank Low Gut after Iwo Jima 

 

ON November 8, 1943 JERRY BROOKS wrote:

Dear Mom –

Here it is Thursday and we are still waiting to go to radio school.  I got a letter from Bev yesterday.  And a reply from Fern today, letters sure make a guy feel good.  I expect another batch this weekend.  How about some doughnuts and cookies – huh!!!  I got to get all dressed up to go ashore now so I’ll sign off.  Last night a bunch of us got up a football game near the school and there we were having a good time playing football and those other guys inside were working hard.  But we don’t get paid until the15th if we get paid at all.   Sounds like Bob Whitfield had a wonderful time at Ottawa meeting.  He wrote “there were more girls than you can shake a stick at etc. etc. and on and on, that goof is crazy about gals.  I sure wish he had been at church on Sunday.  I wrote Edna Wilson yesterday.  Tell Beulah to write to me.

Love Jerry

P.S.  We just had roll call and we have not even got completely dressed.  Only been out of bed ten minutes.

 

ON November 10, 1943 HE WROTE: Dear Mom –

I just got your pictures and Mutt and Jeff cartoons.  I was sure glad to get them.  Be sure and put some in my picture album.  I still don’t have a picture of you and dad. Radio School still has not started yet.  I’ve been drawing cartoons for the guys today and they get a big kick out of them.  I don’t know why but I guess its okay.  I found a helmet on the beach so I wear it now and all the guys are looking for helmets now. I am going into San Diego tonight and we are going to wreck the town – we think.

Love Jerry

P.S. This is U.S.M.C. anniversary day.

Note: Jerry bores easily.  He hates awaiting around, want instead to keep moving ahead doing productive things for later advantage. In fact, he wishes he was already on his way across the Pacific to fight, instead of staying behind for more school.  Insert Photo of Radio school class.

 

 

ON NOV. 11 JERRY WROTE A FRIEND:

Mr. Bob Snowden, Kemper Military School, Boonville, Missouri

Dear Bob - I got your letter today and understand that you are getting tired of military school - that is bad.  It seems to me that if you are actually learning the basic fundamentals of combat, and you have even a bare chance for West Point, then you should stick to your guns, Pal, and you will come out on TOP.  Bob, I love the Marine Corps.  I would not even consider any other branch if I had another choice.  But the Corps needs intelligent, militarily trained young men. If you can and will make a success of your opportunity there at military school, you will never regret it.

Here we are waiting for Radio School to start.  Your brother knows what he is talking about when he tells you that Radio School is plenty tough.  We get reports on it every day.  Here's the dope: the 1st day - Algebra, the 2nd day - Geometry, the 3rd day - Solid Geometry.  The 4th day - Trigonometry.  The 5th day - Theory of Electricity.  And so forth.  So you see it is not exactly simple.  Meanwhile, waiting for Radio School, today we ran four miles over the beach. I'm very glad that I don't smoke.  There is no shortage of breath for me.  And we did bayonet work too.  It's good knowing you can stick a composition training dummy under his helmet on the run.  It makes a fellow feel good, knowing he has a knife handy and can handle that knife, if need be.  So I sleep with mine, and my BIBLE too.  Meanwhile, as I write you, there is a hot crap game going on about six feet away from my bunk.  I get a kick out of watching the guys cuss themselves for playing and losing all their money - stupid fellows, aren't they?

Well, Bob, I must quit now.  I have some bible reading to do before I hit the sack.  Please write and cut me in on the latest dope.

Your Pal, Gerry

Note: how Jerry first expresses his angle on the "basic fundamentals of combat" emphasising the mental learning, and its application for personal growth, and development of skill sets, as well as opportunity to acquire physical skills for advantage all within a superior team (Marine Corps) to achieve collective advanges as well. And how Jerry expresss this in concrete terms of daily actions to explain his philosphy at age 17 after little more than 9 weeks in Marine Corps:

"It makes a fellow feel good, knowing he has a knife handy and can handle that knife, if need be.  So I sleep with mine, and my BIBLE too.  Meanwhile, as I write you, there is a hot crap game going on about six feet away from my bunk."  Then to make sure reader understands he articulates that philosphy more directly: "I get a kick out of watching the guys cuss themselves for playing and losing all their money - stupid fellows, aren't they?"

 

Note: too, Jerry's letter written the same day to his mom carries this line of thinking forward, now using the Army exercise he witnessed the day before as a foil, when he wrote:

Dear Mom –

Still have not heard from Beulah yet.  But I got a letter from you.  Remind Dad to remember to send along to me the Mutt and Jeff comic strips.  I get a big kick out of them.  Tell Dad to try and locate a Mutt and Jeff comic book because I looked all over San Diego yesterday and could not find one.

I now have a de lux special combat knife and say it certainly looks wicked – that knife may save my life some day.  Last night an Army outfit staged a mock attack on San Diego.  I was awful.  We could have killed them all even before they got started.  It was funny how they would try to act tough as they stopped all the traffic.  They all has submachine guns, rifles, automatics, fixed bayonets, etc.  They were all fixed up with no place to go, all their weapons empty.  They couldn’t hit what they were aiming at anyway.  If those doughboys had of messed with Shorty and I, there would have been a few sad doughboys.  We were armed with combat knives.  And we're still doing our combat training in earest.  We work and run all over the bay.  Some of the guys can take it but I come out swell, things like that don't bother me at all.  Plus Shorty and I have been working on knife throwing quite a bit.  Now both of us can stick a composition combat helmet with a knife on a slow run and that isn't near as goo as we'll be in a few weeks.  I makes you feel good when you know you are accurate with the knife.

Mom, I must quit now as I got Bible study before I hit the sack.

Love Jerry

Note: When bored or with extra time, Jerry turns knife practice, running on the beach, day dreaming about war fighting, then cartoon drawing, letter reading and writing, and Bible study.  Much later he admits that this "personal knife training" proved useless, a waste of time that he had used to expend nervous energy when frustrated by boredom as war loomed.

 

ON November 12, 1943 HE WROTE:

Dearest Mom –

WHOOPEE!!

            HOORAY!!

                        HOT CHA!!

 

Finally – at last – I’ve been transferred to school - RADIO I’m glad I didn’t get telephone.  School will be awful hard but if I can make it – it will be worth it.  Tomorrow we begin to go to school.  Today I got letters from Lois Allison and Betty Edwards.  Now Betty is in McPherson and going to school. Today we ran 8 miles along the beach and as usual I was No. 1 man.  I’ve been drawing for the guys again today.  Now they are giving their money to me so they won’t be temped to get into dice (craps) games and lose it.

Love Gerry

 

ON November 13, 1943 JERRY, NOW IN RADIO SCHOOL, WROTE:

Dearest Mom –

I’ve just finished my lesson for tomorrow.  It took 4.5 hours of steady studying, but I like it.  As long as I don’t get behind it will be okay.  I am enclosing another booklet for us to keep as a souvenir.  I feel fine and dandy.  How are you?  Don’t worry about me.  I won’t be going across for quite a while.

 

THE NEXT DAY ON November 14, HE WROTE HER ABOUT DOWNTOWN SAN DIEGO:

It’s Sunday and I just got back from Sunday evening service.  The preacher thinks its unusual for a man to come to all the services.  Last night we went ashore (Liberty) and attended a radio broadcast at Station KFSD 8:45 P.M. Saturday night.  I have enclosed the program that we were given.  I met a lot of young people including some nice gals.   I had two pictures taken and enclosed for you the one that shows me smiling.  The other one shows me looking mean.  I figure you can store the smiling one away somewhere for after the war.

Yesterday we got most of our books and Gads are they rugged!  I see now I’ll be studying all the time.   So I’m sitting on my bunk now, but am writing on two locker boxes stacked one atop the other in front of me.  Also I tacked my best picture of you, Dad and me together inside the door of my locker so I can see all of us standing there every time I open my locker.  It’s fun to go through all our pictures every once in a while.   

I’m still putting on weight.  Hope to gain another 20 pounds soon.  The food is swell.

Note: Despite his suddenly increased study schedule, Jerry now will use his new found freedom to plunge into intellectial, spiritual and social activities in San Diego, using a church.

 

Click to Enlarge

ON November 18, HE WROTE HER:

Dear Mom –

Phew – just got through studying for tonight.  We have 4 hours of operating code each day.  Those codes almost drive some guys nuts.  But I don’t mind it much.  I’m okay in code and general communication classes.  I didn’t get all the assignment today on advance math, but what I do get, I will just have to do anyway.   This advanced math is way above my head.  And it is the same way with about half of my class.  The other half of our bunch are college grads who have had this higher math.  The rest of us just do our best.  My memory works well though when we’re learning about all our units of the battalion, their call names and functions, so they are not so difficult.  Today we had a test and I was 5^th highest and yet it was a failing grade.  If we have a math test before I catch on, I will just be sunk.  But one of the Brainstorm guys is going to help me with my math tomorrow so maybe I will catch on by then.

Love Jerry

Note: now Jerry studies 4.5 hours for each Radio School lesson, plus he is drawing cartoons for other guys who are giving him money to keep for them, so the don't lose it on "craps."  He is also going to all the church's services (the pastor says this is "unusual") and there at church he is meeting lots of "young people, including nice gals."  He's also surrounding himself with photos of his mother and dad, while struggles with advanced math, yet got 5th highest grade on last test while he is competing against college graduates who comprise half his radio class. 

 

ON Saturday November 20, 1943 JERRY WROTE:

Click to Enlarge

Dear Mom –

Today, Saturday, is test day and so we only had to work for a half-day. We won’t get the test results until Monday, but I believe I came out O.K.  I studied enough.  (The code I learned in B.S.A comes in handy.  I can receive 8 words per minute already.)  Not long ago we started Liberty until 7:30 P.M. Sunday.  Already there is action.  Six of us six footers bunk in the same corner of the barracks.  I just finished reassembling two of them and one guy ran into my head and cut his lip and loosened a tooth so we quit our fun, but not before we knocked some bunks out of line.  Three of us are going ashore (on Liberty) as soon as I finish this letter.  My buddies “Eight Ball” and “Gooth” are in a hurry so I’ll stop here.  Love, Jerry

 

The Next day, ON Sunday November 21, 1943 JERRY WROTE HER:

 

This is early Sunday morning at 7:30 A.M.  We just finished chow and it is quite a while until it is time for church, so I am writing you.  Last night on Liberty I had a recording made of my voice. The record should reach you before long.  I decided to have a record made on the spur of the moment so naturally I didn’t prepare anything to say.  So I merely said what came into my mind at the time.  Get hold of a Victrola and you can play my record.  It is recorded on both sides.  If you want some more, just say so.  It is actually raining this morning.  When it rains it pours – you know.  And it is doing just that very thing right now.

Love Jerry  

Note: How Jerry fills up his days devising new ways to stay in touch with home, including new technology, the victrola, and social life at San Diego church. 

 

ON November 22, 1943 JERRY BROOKS wrote:

Click to EnlargeDear Mom –

I really hit the gong today – three letters from you, two from the church, and one from a school teacher.  You are really improving - two and three page letters are much better than half page ones.  Plus the Mutt and Jeff comical strips are amusing to all.  I received your swell box of candy yesterday – thanks a million.  Now, if you have any real good and hard questions on the Bible why just send them to me.

I’ll quit for now.  Love Jerry

 

ON November 26, 1943, after THANKSGIVING, JERRY BROOKS wrote:

Dear Mom and Dad –

Ohhhhhhh – Grooooon.  I am almost sick.  We had all the turkey, dressing, pies, cake, gravy, fruit etc., etc. that we could possibly hold.  This evening we had a good game of football to top off the splendid Thanksgiving Day.  Some of the boys got banged up in the game today, and though I didn’t, I didn’t take Liberty, but instead am entertaining some of the guys with a harmonica.  One of the guys has two sailor friends and they want me to draw some cartoons for them and I will.

I got a letter from Bev today.  You ever see Buelah?  She must have kicked the bucket.  Never writes.  And well, what do you know – so Ruth is getting married off – that is swell for her.  I only hope the navy boy knows what he is getting into.  Ruth is a real nice girl.  But the idea of marriage is a little off the beam, I think, although it isn’t such a jolt to me.  She is a slight bit boy-crazy. This is Friday so I must get on with my review for tomorrow’s Saturday tests.

Your boy Jerry 

Note: hometown girls getting married emerges onto Jerry's radar screen where it will stay for the rest of the war, as Jerry wrestles with what all this "hitching up" means for him, thanks in part to the goings on in John Bunyan Smith's Church described below.

 

ON Sunday November 28, 1943 JERRY WROTE:

Dear Mom –

Well I have done it!  I went to John Bunyan Smith’s Church.  He is absolutely splendid.  I have never seen better in my life before.  What do you know, a Baptists couple decided on the spur of the moment to get hitched immediately after the invocation.  The couple didn’t know anyone in San Diego so all of us in the congregation were there in attendance.  Dr. Smith is really superb.  He has an exceptionally original method of putting his ideas across.  I am enclosing his autographed service sheet for you to keep.  I talked with him a little after church was over and he was glad to autograph my service sheet, especially since I was from Wichita, Kansas. Tonight I am going back and attend BYPU also. 

I feel fine and I believe that my tests on Saturday will be okay.

Love Jerry 

 

ON December 1, 1943 JERRY WROTE:

Dear Mom –

Today or rather tonight I have really been studying.  And I’m complaining.  Okay.  Plus the Army is moving onto our base.  We about died, laughing at the crazy guys.  Continually messing around, they don’t have any discipline at all.

This evening I’ve been running on the sand.  I got to stay super conditioned now.  So I am getting a little muscle bound.  If I stretch my legs the wrong way sometimes I get a cramp in them.  Plus I am growing up and out, weigh 185 pounds now, and my bunk is becoming too short for me.  Also I’m really getting good at throwing my knife.  I take a two by four and stick it in the sand and then throw my knife at it.  They should have me in the “Raiders.” 

This morning at drill I watched a flock of seagulls.  They are beautiful birds.  They glide along so contently.  Then they putter around our enormous drill field.  And they are extremely tame, seem to know that we are their friends.  If we aren’t careful we might accidentally hurt one of them.

I got a letter today from Jo Ann Payne.  Was I surprised.  Also got one from Beulah.  You have not said anything about the recording of my voice that I sent to you.

Love Jerry

Note: Jerry in his free time entertains his friends by playing Harmonica and drawing cartoons for them.  He is also playing football, reading letters & musing over those letters and on girls, including those getting married back home.  New widely available technologies are bringing home closer, including photo snaphots, victrolas playing music, and human voice messages. Pastor John Bunyan Smith's  "exceptionally original method of putting his ideas across", will impact Jerry in a multitude of ways, his growing appreciation of nature's beauty that unfold before him in ocean surf and flying and strutting seagulls across parade grounds, while he also goes about collecting beach shells for his mother, as well as his bible and magazine reading, and his cookie munching, between studying hard at radio school, his church going where he plays his harp and sing's with others, including a girl from Nebraska who plays piano, and sits in Jerry's very own pew before he walked her home after the church get together.

Note: too, how Jerry takes his church going to a new level as in December 6 letter he says:

"This morning all the guys were telling each other what a great time they had over the weekend (on liberty in town).  I told the boys they could find some gals at the place I went to this weekend so now I am taking some of the boys with me to Church on this coming Wednesday’s night service.  I figure they cannot get along without gals.  So they might as well find them in the right place."

ON December 3, 1943 JERRY WROTE:

Dear Mom and Dad

It’s 8 p.m.  I’m just taking it easy, writing this letter while laying on my bunk, after I've looked over the pictures you sent me and re-read this week's letters also.  Today was payday so I went over to the P.X. and got some 5 cent cookies, and some magazines.  Plus I got a swell sheath for my knife so I won’t have to make one.  And, since today was payday, a bunch of guys as usual are into a crap game going on.  Already several of them had lost their pay.  I’ve never seen anything so stupid in all my life.

Tomorrow is Saturday so we have only got half a days work then it is our turn for Liberty for the rest of the week-end through 0600 Monday morning.  We get leave like that every other weekend.  But I don’t think I will go to Los Angeles this time.  I'm just going to lay around and rest up and play a little football and take it easy.  I’d spend all my money if I went to L. A.  Plus we are lucky in that Christmas this year comes on a Saturday and that weekend I'll have Liberty from noon Saturday thought the whole weekend up until 6 a.m. sharp on Monday morning.

Love Jerry click to enlarge

 

 

 

Note: Jerry's approach to letter writing.  Relaxed, "just taking it easy while laying on my bunk," he looks over the snapshots and letters his mom has sent him over the prior week, musing over them, his own doings, and observations, before he writes he repies to his mother.  Note too how he plans his liberty which on weekend often now extends from Saturday noon to 6am Monday mornings, some 42 straight hours, as described in the letters that follow.

 

 

ON December 6, 1943 JERRY WROTE:

Dear Mom –

This is Monday morning.  I didn’t write yesterday because I was out until 3:30 am this morning.  Yesterday morning I went to church and then out to the ocean beach.  I walked along the beach and watched the breakers rolling in and crashing against the rocks.  And I picked up a few little shells for you.  That ocean is mighty big.  It really is beautiful.  But I still like to watch it from dry land although I watched it from 1 p.m. until 3:30 pm.  And then I went back to the church where we had a good get together and there I sang and I played the songs I knew on my harp.  I was really swell.

Then at the church social I met a girl from Nebraska.  She played the piano, and we naturally liked one another.  She sat with me in my own personal little pew up in the balcony during Church and then we went down after church to the social there afterwards and then I walked her home.  She would like to see my again week after next up in my pew (we don’t get next Sunday off).  I told her I didn’t know, I’d just have to see.  Of course you and I know what my answer will be. 

This morning all the guys were telling each other what a great time they had over the weekend.  I told the boys they could find some gals at the place I went to this weekend so now I am taking some of the boys with me to Church on this coming Wednesday’s night service.  I figure they cannot get along without gals.  So they might as well find them in the right place.

 Here is a drawing of the church, and what Pastor says about church and its youth.

Your Son Jerry

Click to Enlarge Click to Enlarge

Note: Recall Jerry's earlier saying Boot Camp erased his diffidence, and replaced it with a self assertivenes, now even in a town far different from Wichita, full of strangers and altogether new experiences.  Recall in late October, after Boot Camp, he declared himself in his art on Top of the World then on November 28 declared by letter to his mother:

"Well I have done it!  I went to John Bunyan Smith’s Church.  He is absolutely splendid.  I have never seen better in my life before.  ...  Dr. Smith is really superb.  He has an exceptionally original method of putting his ideas across.  I am enclosing his autographed service sheet for you to keep.  I talked with him a little after church was over and he was glad to autograph my service sheet, especially since I was from Wichita, Kansas. Tonight I am going back and attend BYPU also."

Here's part of the Reverend's service that fired up Jerry:

"What has the church a right to expect of its youth?  Youth has made some very noble contributions to leadership.  ... Much of the epoch-making work in the fine arts is done by very young artists.  Raphael died at thirty-seven: Keats at twenty-five and Burns at thirty-seven.  Of the hundred and two persons who shipped in the Mayflower, thirty-nine were under twenty-one years of age ... The American Constitution, "the grandest work of the hand of man," was fathered by a mere lad, James Madison, aged thirty-six, while one of the conferees was an unbearded youth of twenty-one.  Our Lord said to His chosen "Tell the world."  What youth is there among us who does not want to tell the world?"  The sermon the labelled those Christians who failed to act as hypocites, "our greatest mistakes in religious circles. ... My dear young people: ... shall not youth and age join hands in spiritual adventures and conquests for Christ our Lord and say, "Victory we will have today." - PASTOR

Jerry's reaction to the "PASTORS calling and challenge seems clear and unequival, in his letters home from Nov. 28, 1943 through January 1944, and thereafter to September 21, 1945, after Japan had surrendered, and the war was declared over.  See last letter below.

Note: Jerry, around this time told of how "Some of our guys would go up to Hollywood and Vine looking for trouble, and how once strolling around "I came across a high school classmate that had left high school after the tenth grade.  Here she was working the street in Los Angeles.  We were both embarrassed and parted quickly after some "hi, where ya been" small talk while I tried to act as though I hadn't seen her soliciting at all."  This suggests that Pastor Smith has given Jerry a way to help fix the problem by action Jerry undertakes. 

 

Later, on the same day, December 6, 1943, JERRY WROTE:

Dear Mom -

Today I really got the mail - three packages, and six letters.  Three letters were from girls - You, Bev, and Eva.  Thanks a million for the chocolates.  There's something fishy going on somewhere though – today I got the very same type of candy from you and Mrs. Bremer.  That was not an accident!  You didn’t figure I could sniff out that scheme, did you.  Evidently you forgot that your son is an intellectual.

Incidentally, I got Bev’s graduation picture.  She sure looks sweet.  The guys didn’t believe that Kansas (that’s me) had any gals.  I’d told them I was a woman hater but Bev’s picture double-crossed me today.  Then the letter from Eva made it worse yet.  Oh well, I am getting a real big kick out of it all.   The guys said to thank you for the chocolates too.  No worry here about my getting any pimples, I don’t get enough of my own candy for that problem.

I am enclosing some of the shells I picked up from the seashore yesterday.   Would have also sent home some seaweed but don’t know how to pack it.

Note: the parallels between the pastor's Sunday Sermon's above and Jerry's use of the word intellectual, while he also sniffs out something "fishy" about his letters and packages, and finds joy in working through his growing intiques and verbal games with "gals," from back home. 

 

ON December 6, 1943, JERRY WROTE:

Dear Mom and Dad:

Whew – We are really busy.  They really pour it on us now.  I don’t have time to do my drawings whatsoever.  In fact, I am writing this letter in Radio theory class.

I got a letter from Bob Ally yesterday.  He's going to Diesel School in New London, Connecticut.  They are keeping him plenty busy also.  I haven’t heard from Aunt Iva at all.  Bob Moody is in Los Angeles going to the seminary and wants me to write to Aunt Iva.  I may go up there on my next weekend leave (Christmas) and see her.  That's if I don’t get invited out to someone’s home here in San Diego for Christmas.  Problem is I am all out of money and I probably won’t get any for some time to come.   I must sign off for now or the sergeant will catch me and award me a few days lodging in the Cross Bar Hotel (the brig).  Write soon.

Love Jerry

 

ON December 9, 1943, JERRY WROTE:

Dear Mom and Dad -

C’mon, lets get on the ball.  I have been waiting long enough for a picture of you two together.  I don’t just want a little snapshot either.  You go downtown and have a real photograph taken.  Understand!!!!  I got a sterling silver Identification broach from Bev yesterday.  I was really surprised.  Now its your turn.

School is Okay.  Some of our men are getting shifted to other outfits every day.  I like radio but, if they decide to transfer me, I would not mind it.  Our radio school here is not out in time for us to go overseas with the 4^th Marine Division.  Instead we will have to wait for the 5^th Marine Division and they will not ship out for a long time.  But I hope somehow I find a way to get into the 4^th, and go across with that bunch.

Note: Jerry wants to "go over" and get into the fight as soon as possible, so resents other marines who are leaving while he has to stay behind for more training. 

 

ON December 10, JERRY WROTE:

Dear Mom and Dad –

This is Saturday afternoon and we have had our test.  So now we have until Monday to ourselves.  But today's rain is overdoing itself.  Our parade ground is underwater.  And I still don’t know what I will be doing this Christmas.  Whatever I do, it will be fun.  They are going to give us a swell time here at the Marine Base.

Say Dad, how did your coon hunt come out?  Remember how good a time we had on it last year?  I want you to wear my “Sharpshooter” and “Basic Metal.”  Money can get you lockets but money can’t get you those metals, they are the Real McCoy. 

 

ON December 11, JERRY WROTE:

Dear Mom and Dad – 

I am sorry but I just simply have no time for my artwork.  They are cramming two years of electricity into us in twelve weeks, so we really work.  And Dad, what to you mean you would like to take my place???  You have already fought your war.  And this war is mine!  Only this time I’ll fix it so my kids won’t be fighting another war.  Plus the first Jap I get my hands on will be for you.  I’ll send you back his ears.  Meanwhile, I am glad you cut down my pledge at the church.  Here, the Salvation Army is getting my every cent that I can spare.  I am completely sold on their worth in the world.  

Your son Jerry –

PS.  Radio School is Okay.   And you should see Bev’s picture – It’s a wow.

Note: Jerry,eager to bust into his future, despite the fact it will trust him onto the cutting edge of WWII, is also beginning to break free of some of his childlike notions about his hometown.

 

ON December 15, 1943 JERRY WROTE:

Dear Mom and Dad –

It is almost unbelievable that the sun has shone for the last four days.  Amazing, I call it.  School is coming along Okay.  I don’t think I will be able to go to Alhambra for Christmas after all.  I don’t even know if we are going to get Liberty this Christmas.  I am going to write Aunt Ida and tell her what the score is.  I want you to send me my big thick Law book.  The one I bought at Stevenson’s – Law for the Home, it’s called.  I may be able to squeeze in a little study on it on Sundays.  There is a real good show here at the base theatre so I’ll study now and go to the show later.

Note: Despite swirl of large events and uncertainties that confront him as a 17 year old Marine with 11th grade education, being stuffed with Radio technology alongside college graduates, Jerry wants his mother to send to him his big thick law book so that can study the "Law for the Home" on Sundays, before he's shipped over into the fires of WW2.

 

ON December 16, 1943 JERRY WROTE:

Dear Mom –

Groan and Moan.  I love your box of cookies.  One of the guys wants to trade me his chocolates for your cookies. He can go soak his head!  I’m keeping the rest of your cookies for later 'cause now I am going ashore and have a good time on those $6 bucks you sent me.  I had 13 cents left before.

So Monty hopes to be going into the Marines before long.  And Larch is also.  If those guys get into the Marine Corps they will snap out of their sissyness, I bet.  I'm sure glad that I got in the Marine Corps when I did.  My Boot Camp now is all done.  And half of my Radio schooling is over too.  Boot Camp is not near as nice now in this weather as this radio school place is now.  The rain now is really fowling up those poor boots – no heat, no nothing.  So I am glad I came here this summer.  Even now, however, we all are getting tougher and stronger every day.  You should see our Judo instructor.  He really is rugged, teaching us how to crush Jap bones.  He can whip anyone I have ever seen.  But I guess I will be here in U.S. for a long time.  I saw a fellow in an Amphibious Tank unit.  He is shipping out real soon.  We have some training films tonight, so I’ve got to sign off.

Note: The marines in radio school also continue their tough physical training.  Recall how Jerry wanted to "go over" for combat as soon as possible and now for the first time he mentions his meeting a fellow in an Amphibious Tank Unit that is shipping out real soon despite fact it has yet to be formed, much less activated!  The news around Oceanside is spreading quick.

ON December 19, 1943, JERRY WROTE:

Dear Mom –

This is Sunday morning.  It is very early.  It’s just barely light.  We have had our roll call and Liberty call.  And now we've eaten so I am back in my bunk taking it easy before I get dressed for church.  Last night it began to rain. Thirty minutes ago it was not raining, and now it is pouring down.  I hope it stops long enough for us to get to church.  Plus I’d love to go down to the seashore today.  A fellow doesn’t appreciate things until he is deprived of them.  Like when it rains for six days straight here and then suddenly the sun comes out.  You have not mentioned any snow there at home yet.  I hope you have snow on Christmas Day.  Christmas time is the best time of year.   I can remember how Bob and I used to get up and beg you and Dad to hurry and get out of bed on Christmas morning.  So we could see what Santa Clause had brought us.

Remember the Christmas that I got my red streamlined scooter.  I was tickled to death.  Remember the time the Thiels were over to our home and Dad put on a Santa Clause suite and came knocking on the door and acted like he was Santa.  That same Christmas we had cricket guns and really made a racket.  Remember too how we used to hang to hang our socks up on the mantel.  There would always be stuffed packed to the top of them.

I want you to have a tree and all the fixings and trimmings.  Just like we used to do.  Remember how much fun all of us had when we used to put the tree up.  And how Bob was always fouling up the electrical works.   We used to wind that red paper rope around the tree about ten times.  Are the working lights still in order?  How about those great big red paper bells that we used to hang up on the bright chandeliers.  There is no sense in you and Dad being alone at home this Christmas.  Look, mom, fix up the whole works just like all four of us used to do, and invite some service men and friends over for Christmas.  This Christmas you and Dad will carry on and next Christmas Bob will be there to help you and then Christmas after that perhaps all four of us will be there just like it use to be.

Note: Bob is Jerry's brother some two years younger than Jerry, so now around 16 years old.

 

ON December 21, 1943, JERRY WROTE:

Hi Ma –

I wish you would quit worrying about me going overseas.  I still have a lot of training here in the U.S. before I go across.  Besides that, a lot of other boys have to go and I am certainly no exception.  Meanwhile, we have a Christmas tree here and everything is all fixed up and spiffy. Plus I got gobs of cards and letters again today.  And it didn’t rain today, amazing!  And I just feel super.  So don’t worry about me.  After all, there are a lot of boys over there now in combat.  Christmas will be another day of fighting for them.  Here on Christmas day, I can do a lot of things.  And when finally I do go across, a lot of other boys have to go too, and I’m certainly no exception.

Note: Jerry does not tell his mother that he is doing all he can to get into combat as soon as possible and soon will have the means to do it, the 2nd Armored Amphibian Battalion.

Yesterday the Colonel inspected our squad room.  It was okay.  I put cardboard in my pack to make it nice and square, and pressed my pants, doing a nice job on them as well.  Tomorrow is payday.  If I am lucky I will get ten dollars.  If I am real lucky, I will get fifteen dollars.

 

ON December 22, JERRY WROTE:

Dear Mom and Dad –

We found out today that no one in our outfit can go to L.A.  Some of the boys were all fixed up for the weekend at L.A.  Now they can’t go.  They really put up a howl.  I’ve never heard so much groaning in all my life.  But we will have a swell Christmas here.  We’ll go to church, and everything will be OK.  Mom, I wish you could see the cute little Christmas tree in our squad room. Tomorrow we have a big test and another one Friday.  Tonight I got a batch of final studying to do. 

 

ON December 22, JERRY WROTE:

Dear Mom and Pop –

I got a card from Ellen Ogren today.  I was really surprised.  Wilbur was at Tarawa.  The Marines really had a fight on their hands when they took Tarawa.  The Japs were all dug in and concealed and we had to dig the rats out one at a time.   Doing it we lost a 1000 Marines.  Here now, outfits all around us are leaving for the battlefronts.  And here we still sit. Our radio school will not even be over until February.  If I get a chance to transfer out of here, I will jump at it.  Replacement outfits are shipping out every week and if I could get in one it would be swell.  I hope they decide to ship some of us out.

Loads of Love, Jerry

Note: Jerry is a fire eater. Like during summer of 43, he still can't wait to get in fight.

 

ON Christmas Eve, December 22, 1943, JERRY WROTE in code to his Dad:

 

ON December 25, 1943, JERRY WROTE:

Dear Mom –

It is Christmas and I am thinking of home.  I am Okay.  Everything is swell.  A lot of guys got candy.  Everyone is stuffing himself.  One of the boys has a radio.  Christmas songs are playing.  We have almost every type of religion, including a Greek Jew, in our squad room.  The Jewish boy was reading his Bible this evening and we got to talking about religion.  Looking through his Bible (Old Testament only), I came across the Red Sea.  I asked him if had ever read it good and he said that he had only glanced through it.  I told him I could illustrate it for him.  He asked me to do it so I did.  By the time I had finished we had a group of guys with us.

Bundles of Love Jerry   

Note: Jerry illustrates Old Testament Exodus story of Jews crossing Red Sea for Jewish marine, while Jerry dreams of crossing the Pacific Ocean to go into battle himself.  

 

On or around December 27, 1943, JERRY WROTE:

Dear Ma,

The mail really came yesterday, but not any from you and dad. C'com, get hot and write a little more.  One of the boys in my law firm at Boy's State sent me a book. By the way, when is my law book coming. I have been looking for it.

I went to prayer meeting last night and Dr. Smith is really good.  The other day I said something about the service center down at the church to a boy in boot camp with me and he was there last night when I came, whew, it was really a surprise.  In a couple of weeks the church is going to make a census around it's area for newcomers.  Jerald and I are going to help, provided we can get liberty.  Jerold is my sailor buddy.  He is a swell guy too.

This watch does a swell job.  Okay, it's a good thing it is so well built.  I've bit it, and rain has hit it, and etc.  If it stands up as well from now on, its Okay.  One day it rains, and the next day it won't.  Stupid weather, itn't it.  School is all right.  Yesterday I was working with the TBY (walkie- talkie). They only cost Uncle Sam $400. Well. I will quit for now.

Jerry

Note: how Jerry is working hard to get involved in Christian missionary work in San Diego if he can't leave for combat now, as if missionary work is another brand of combat.

INSERT GOD STILL ANSWERS CHURCH SERMON

 

On December 30, 1943, JERRY WROTE:

Dear Mom -

Figured I'd drop you a line tonight.  It is about 20 minutes before taps.  I've been straightening up my locker and locker box.  I also ironed a shirt.  Whew.  They are really a job, aren't they?  I can see why you didn't iron nice clean shirts every day.

Today we got our test grades for last week.  I passed radio theory all right, but got by with the skin of my teeth in Navy Procedure.

I seems to be getting cool outside.  We wear our jackets to and from school.  Imagine that - California being cool.  You should see my shirt.  I put too much starch in it so its stiff as a board and I don't mean perhaps, either. I really got a pile of junk here on the deck. My locker box looks fit to be used now. I'm sending my Chrismas cards home as soon as I can find something to put them in.

Well mom, I feel swell and now I must sign off.

Love Jerry

INSERT RAIDER PIC AND PIC OF JERRY - INSERT CHRISTMAS LABEL.

 

ON January 2, 1944, JERRY WROTE:

Dear Mom –

It’s 20 minutes before taps.  I’ve been straightening up my locker and locker box.  Also I’ve ironed and starched a shirt.  They’re really a job, aren’t they? I can see why you didn’t like to iron nice clean shirts every day.  Mine now is stiff as a board. Today we got our test grades from last week.  I passed Radio Theory all right.  But I just passed Navy Procedure by the skin of my teeth.

Love Jerry

 

ON January 9, 1944, JERRY WROTE:

Dear Mom,

I'm sorry but I didn't get around to writing you until now.  Thanks for the cartoons and the photos of dad.  He really is a sad sight.  He even salutes with his left hand.  I got his photos mixed up with the Mutt and Jeffs.  And I really had a hard time figuring out whether his photos were part to the comic stripes or not.

The law book came and I was glad to receive it.  I can sure use a lot more cookies, along with donuts, gram crackers, etc., thought.  You were lacking in goodies.  How is Mrs. Barrington's big toe.  She is about as bad as you, I think.

I got a haircut here at the base the other day.  It looks like some one threw an axe at me.  I got a two dollar bill back in change and I'm sending it home for you to keep or frame frame as a souvenir for me.  I got paid twenty five bucks too and so I'll send you the four dollars back now. How did Dad's paper drive turn out? OK I hope.  Is the snow still on the ground.  How is Gyppe.  I go up to the church every week about three times.  The service members' center is open until mid-night.  We can play all types of games and read and sing and everything.  It is swell.  It is the nearest thing to home that I have found yet.

Well, I must close now and lots of love, Jerry.

 

ON Monday, January 10, 1944, JERRY WROTE:

Hi Mom –

Man-O-Man - I feel better now than I’ve ever felt in my life.  You could never guess what I did yesterday.  Well I will tell you.  Remember how our church was going to canvas the nearby city?  Well we just did it yesterday and I really got a lot out of it in more ways than one.  After our morning service, Jerald had to go back to camp so I trucked on downstairs to the Church’s serviceman's center.  There I met two gals.  And asked them what time the canvas was to start (as if I had not been planning on it for the last two weeks).  They told me and I asked them if they were going to go.  They said they didn’t think so.  I told them they were a bunch of sissies whereupon they said they’d fix me.  Lo and behold if they didn’t show up for the canvas and go on it with me.  We were canvasing all afternoon.  And had a wonderful time doing it.  We met some swell people and saw some of the cutest babies and children.  Everything was swell.

It was the first time the girls had done any recruiting for the Lord.  After it was over they were thrilled to the bone.  As you know, I’m a veteran.  (Layton and I and Betty Adams had done it once back home in Wichita.)  Here in San Diego, I did all the verbal work.  And the girls wrote it all down, what the prospects said talking to me, recording it into their information cards.  This kept the both of them busy.  Only one couple out of the whole bunch we canvased had been attending church, and the both of them, the man and his wife, were preachers.  Always too we were invited into everyone’s home.  All seemed glad to think we were interested in them.  So the girls learned that there is a whole lot of missionary work to be done right around in their own City (San Diego).  They were also surprised to find out that so few folks were attending church and that all they needed was an invitation to do come.

Both girls are more or less wealthy. Neither one of them had ever been in a poor area before so they found out how mighty lucky they were.  One of the girls thinks that I am so good at conversation.  (Since I got into the Marine Corps I am not scared to voice my opinion.  And guys know I will back it up too).  She thought I should be a preacher.  What do you know about that?

Plus yesterday, Dr. Smith, up in the pulpit at the church service, pointed out exactly where me and Jerald were sitting when he said: “There is an enormous amount of room for missionary work and the field is wide open for those who have the guts to step in.”  That is a real challenge, isn’t it?  Remember too, I challenged those girls and they took it up.  There is so much work to do, and so few to do it.  I’ll bet a doughnut it’s the same at home in Wichita, isn’t it?  One of the girls said she was timid about saying anything about Jesus until I came along, and that knowing me she has gained a lot of nerve.  So she’s not afraid to speak for him now.  When she told me that I got as big as a balloon.  Now she and I are going out for another canvas, one of our own tonight, and I must be getting started so I sign off for now and write soon.

Lots of love, Jerry

PS.  Wait until you see the letter I got from Bev's mom today - WOW - I made Bev good and jealous, because I do more things for her mom than I do for her.

Note:  How remarkable this letter is!  It's written by a 17 year old marine, telling his mother where is finds his joy, and how deeply and maturely he evaluates his work, and shows why he is so results oriented, without showing it off, as if being results oriented is his second nature.

 

ON Tuesday, January 11 JERRY WROTE:

Dear Mom,

Tuesday evening and its about time to hit the sack.  I'll drop you a line though.  The weather here is fine, and everything is OK.  I couldn't write too much last week as I was awful busy at a lot of different things.  I went and studied a little.

Another batch of letters of letters came today.  Boy-o-boy, I wish this keeps up every day. This evening I was out practicing with my knife.  I'm getting better every day.  Another fellow and I get up an hour before reville and run 3 (three) miles and that don't include the obstacle course. 

Well mom, I must quit now and don't go getting excited when you don't hear from me for a day or two because when (an if) I ever get overseas you'll hear from me few and far between. Now, while the lights are still on I'll go to bed.

Love Jerry

P.S. - Please excuse my writing because I have have just finished a long run and I haven't quite settled down yet.

 

ON January 14, 1944 JERRY WROTE:  (INSERT RADIO DRIVER PIC)

Dear Mom and Dad:

I've received eighteen letters so far this week and I decided to attempt to answer a few tonight and as usual I begin with yours.  Only two letters came today, one from Jo Ann and one from Beverly, and none from you.  Did you have your picture taken Sunday?  I'm glad to hear that you wear your lockets, but if you don't ever wear the sharpshooter and basic metal, why send them back.  After all, I sent them home for you to WEAR too, you know.

We have one more week in the school room and then two more weeks in the field. If everthing goes okay, I'll be up in Pendleton or Elliot by the second week in February.  Come to think of it we have a plenty good deal here at the school.  Two out of three nights of liberty, a nice clean warm squad room and everything.  We won't have it nearly so so swell at Pentleton or Ellliot.  If you don't quit worrying when I don't write for a few days, why I'll start writing once a week or once every two weeks and get you used to it.  How would you like that?  Okay, then quit it.

I am waiting for that box of stuff and goodies. The suspense of waiting is killing me off. We went to prayer meeting last night and it is not like the dullness of home.  Dr. Smith really knows his stuff.  Well, I reckon I'll knock it off for now.

Love, Jerry

PS - that Leatherneck Magazine is Okay.  So don't pick it apart just because of a few stupid girls.  PS - When is it that Bob gets to come home?

Note: Jerry's pastor, John Bunyan Smith continues as an exceedingly powerful figure in Jerry's life, quite an accomplishment, given Jerry's keen powers of discernment, and high standards.

 

ON January 15, 1944, JERRY WROTE:

Dear Mom,

It's Saturday afternoon and the weather is swell.  We had 3 code tests today. This afternoon we have a football game to play. It's so nice and sunny that I could play all afternoon. This is our week-end off but I am not going to L.A. I am going to another canvas tomorrow.  Right now I am supposed to be visiting and having dinner at a girl's home but I forgot all about it so called her up a while ago and told her I was sorry and maybe I'd see her tomorrow at church.  I am taking 4 guys with me tomorrow so I'll have to forget about her (at least for tomorrow morning). 

Does Dad have the picture I sent him down at the shop? If he does, I will send you one for to stay at home. (INSERT PIC)  I really jumped on Bev in my letter yesterday.  I really told her off for not writing often enough and for writing such short letters.  If she don't like it, she can just lump it, can't she.  After all, the other girls write long and often, why can't she?  Anyway, I got more stuff from her mother.  I always get more stuff from her mother.  I always get the Reader's Digest and I do like it and so do the other guys.

Well mom, I'll close now.

Love, Jerry

INSERT JAN 9, EXALT THE WORD CHURCH SERMON

 

ON January 18, JERRY WROTE:

Dear Mom,

This is Tuesday night or rather it's awfully early Wednesday morning.  We have a grand final test Friday so I studied until midnight tonight and go to prayer meeting Wednesday evening and then to my final brushing up Thursday night.  Friday is the big day for us.  After Friday we spend two weeks in the field which means now school work. These two weeks are the final stages of our training school providing everything goes O.K.  (HOPE)  I'll be glad to get out of school.

You said something about one of my letters being in the church paper.  What's the idea of the church printing my little thank you note?  They must be hard up for news and want to take up space.  Dad's outfit did O.K. in the paper drive.  I'll bet he did all the work thought.  Heh, Heh.

Your big box and Matt and Jeff's came yesterday. Thanks a million. The goodies were swell and it really must have meant a lot of work cutting out all of those comical strips. Thanks again.  (can USE EATS AGAIN REAL SOON)

I must sign off for now, and I'll write as soon as I can.

Loads of love, Jerry

 

DEAR / DAD

S O / O L D / R I C H / I S / S T I L L / A T / T W E Y / I / W I S H / C O U L D / W E T / M Y/ H A N D S / O N / H I M/ I D / C H A N G E / H I S / M A P / S O / W I F E / W O U L D N ' T / K N O W / H I M / W H E N / I / C O G / B A C K / H E / W I L L / G ET  / D E C K E D / N 6 / WAY/

Your marine, Jerry

 

ON January 18, 1944, JERRY WROTE:  INSERT PIC OF RADIO MAN

Dear Mom and Dad

Another day gone which means a day closer to Final Test day - Friday.  What I mean - It will really be a hot one.  We lost another bunch of guys today.  The class is getting smaller every day.  We are getting guys from other classes sent back to ours though.  We are all the senior class in school this week.

Corporal rating is way out of the question.  I don't like radio school that much.  You know I never did study any more than I had to back home, so well its a cinch that I am not going to begin now with this stuff - Radio is bad enough as it is, let alone excess study.  This course is enough to drive a man nuts.  I am glad it's about over.  I wouldn't go to an advanced school for a million dollars. If you remember, I never mentioned corporal anyway, did you.  I didn't join the Marine Corps to get ranks nor radio anyway.  If the Lt would say "Brooks" you have been transferred to Raider replacement and at midnight you are to be aboard ship for overseas duty, and you will get your combat training on an island in the Pacific, get your sea bag packed within 10 minutes, I'd ask him what he wanted me to do with the other 9 min.

I can take 20 WORDS per min and can send 18 WORDS per min provided I'm on the team. Some days I can't receive 5 words or send 2 words per min.  But if I'm O.K. Friday, I'll do O.K.

Your son, Jerry

P.S. My pal got sent back today.  P.S. I'm going to prayer meeting tonight - nuts to studying anyway.  P.S. 2 bits says I get stuck in an ole "sweat box" (tank)

INSERT PIC, INSERT TWO CHURCH SERVICES

Note:

After the war, Jerry said that his 13 week radio school, for the most part, was a great waste to time.  He could have learned the skills he need to know in Radio in two days out in the field.  At the very same time, this same twelve weeks, thanks to his San Diego church and pastor had emormous impact on Jerry, impact that build upon Boot Camp, like ying and yang.

 

ON January 28, 1944, JERRY WROTE: INSERT FACE PIC

Hullo Mom,

We had a two hour lecture tonight and its almost time to hit the sack.  Richard and I went out together and we had our picture taken together.  He and I each got two pictures, so I am sending one to you and keeping the others.

I don't have a cent of money and I won't get any until I am out at Pentleton so I won't be sending you a valentine or birthday card.  Hope you like the picture of us.

Did you hear today radio broadcast of how the Japs were and are treating their prisoners of war? ...

Jerry

 

ON Saturday, January 31, JERRY WROTE:

Dear mom,

I got a letter from Richard day before yesterday and I went out to Point Loma last night to see him.  We went on down to the 1st Baptist Church service center and then we went to the Grant Hotel and sat and talked over old times.  I was really good to see him.

Today, I have squad room guard duty and have to stick in our squad room all day. Richard has the whole week-end off so he is coming out and see me this evening.  I don't have liberty tomorrow so I'll go to the base chapel, Richard and I probably.  He really likes it down at the center. 

If I stay in the Class 69 why I will be out at Camp Pentleton two weeks from today, so I can't take advantage of liberties out there.  The camp is away out in the wilderness.  Yesterday was the big test day.  I think I flunked.  I don't know yet.  I'd give anything to get in F.M.F (infantry) or a Raider Battalion.  

I feel swell and everything is O.K.  It's raining a little outside.  I'll knock it off for now and I'll write you tomorrow. 

Love, Jerry

INSERT PIC OF BEAT UP RADIO MAN, "TYPICAL 69' STUDENT.

P.S. If the motion picture "GUNG HO" comes to Wichita, I want you and dad to go see it.  It has a few scenes of our base and the chapel in it.

INSERT TWO PICS OF METAL CHAIN AND RAIDER on envelope.

 

ALSO ON January 31, JERRY WROTE:

Dear Mom,

This is Monday night and its about time I wrote to you, isn't it.  I would have wrote 3 or 4 days ago, but I have been under the weather a little bit and I've been hitting the sack just as soon as my day's work is over.  I am feeling O.K. now. This is our last week in school, these two final field weeks round up our course.  We are supposed to break up Sat. morning.  That $3 you have sent is really coming in handy.  Thanks a lot.  I haven't wrote a single letter for 4 days to anyone so don't think I'm slighting you.  And don't ever call Bev and ask if I wrote to her.  She thinks I don't write you hardly any when you call her up.  She thinks she's smart when she bawls me out for not writing to you - so there too.

Our new theme song is taken from the 7 dwarfs song in "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs", etc.  It's:

HI HO  HI HO

OFF TO WORK WE GO WITH  TBX AND OUR TBO

HI HO  HI HO  HI HO   HI HO  HI HO

TBX AND TBO are types of radio sets we use quite often.

Love, Jerry

INSERT HERE PIC LABELLED PRODUCT OF RADIO SCHOOL.

 

ON Febuary 1, JERRY WROTE: INSERT '69 Product

Dear Mom,

Today is Tuesday and I feel fine.  The weather is perfect.  Our radio net (3 stations in a net, 3 men to a station) was really on the ball today (as usual, cough, cough).  I didn't like the school room part the least bit, but I love the actual field operations part.

Nobody knows where he is to go until Sat. morning. I expect to go to Pendleton.  If they send me to another school, I'll funk so much that they would have to let me in the infantry.  You should see all the light, medium and heavy tanks that the army has here on the base.  I prefer to do my work on my own two big feet, strictly.

Friday I am supposed to get paid.  Wherever I am, I'll try to call you Sat. evening or Sunday afternoon.  I can't say for sure that I'll call but I'll sure try.

Richard is coming out to the base tonight and we are going to the base theater.  I don't have liberty or we would go on down to the church and have a pleasant evening.  I'll sign off for now, goo bye.  Muscles.

P.S I'm getting a sun tan sitting by a radio out on the beach all day. 

 

ALSO ON Febuary 1, JERRY WROTE: INSERT Clothes and Sea Bag PIC

Dear Mom,

Today was our last day of labor as far as school is concerned.  Tomorrow we have some lectures and the whole afternoon and night to pack our sea bags, and I mean it will really be a job.  When I packed it at the end of boot camp, I couldn't have stuffed in even a hankerchief in the crazy thing.  The other day we were issued a batch of men's new clothes - moan and groan.

Last night I had liberty.  I went down to the church and said goodby to the boys (+girls) but most of all to say good-bye to Mrs. Porter, the lady that makes the place like home.  She is the hostess.  I finally decided to go to the chiropractor.  Mrs. Porter found one that was open at night.  I never go to a doc unless I just have to, so you see I really needed one.  He charged me $2.50 and I only had a dollar.  Mrs. Porter made me take a dollar and a sailor pal of mine gave me 50 cents so I went on and he worked on me.  His home is his work place, just like Mrs. Black.  He was a swell guy.  He took me after regular hours to.  This morning I got up better than a colt.  He cracked my neck and took pressure off a nerve, I reckon.  I'm going to find the nicest Valentine box of candy and sent to her for a Valentine present.  It would hurt her feelings if I would pay her the dollar back.  I am expecting Richard out tomorrow evening.

Well, mom, I will be signing off for now. Jerry.

INSERT PIC MARINE WITH HAT "NEW HAT STYLE, FRENCH DESIGN

 

ON Febuary 3, JERRY WROTE:  INSERT PIC MARINE

Dear Darling Mom,

A box from you came today and it had a swell fruit cake and some of your cookies - YUM YUM - and I mean it was really a delicious package - Thanks a lot Mom!

Received a very beautiful indentification bracelet from Bev today and what I mean, it is really swell.  It is silver and has a Marine emblem with my first and last name on it.  It fits nicely.  Not a bad gal at all - That Beverly - eh what.

Ah - ha, that reminds me of you - ahem - a nice size family portrait and some snap shots and one snap shot with the four of you - Dad, Mom, Bob, and Gyppe, OK.  Very nice birthday present for your son, mom!!!

INSERT TWO PICS OF MARINE

How is the weather at home now mom?  Plenty cold and perhaps a bit of snow and sleet along with plenty of water.  That reminds me of Third St. - first time I have thought of it for a coon's age - Still the same old brick set up I suppose.  Has the canal acted up yet this year?

Tell me, how are the War Bonds and the do-re-me arriving.  If these people are on the ball why you ought to receive a $24 bond each three months, quarterly actually or four per year, and also $40 per month for my pay is supposed to go to you each month. If these guys would get hot and change my C.P. status to a line rate why perhaps I could even make corporal and save a bit more monthly.  A P.F.C for 14 months is pretty long now days, you know.

Everything here is O.K.  I feel swell mom and I'm not writing too often as we are pretty busy and sort of fogged out in the evenings so about every third day or forth day will be O.K., won't it mom!?!

Must close now - G'bye. Love Jerry

P.S. About those Xmas cards I sent you - WHATS THE MATTER? - I've told you time and again that YOU are the one I love - these girls are secondary - you are primary.

INSERT PIC OF TWO HEARTS WITH ARROW.  PLUS PIC OF MARINE AND BOOT.

 

Around Febuary 4, JERRY WROTE:

Dear Mom,

Here's my stuff.  The Marine banner was placed in my foot-locker for the whole 12 weeks radio course and please tack it up in my room.  I found the little shells out in the boondocks for you.  Also, hang onto the New Testaments.  Give Bob one.  The fact it came from Calif. should make him prize it.

Love Jerry

INSERT PIC MARINE FACE.  INSERT GARDBER LETTER

 

ALSO ON Febuary 4, JERRY WROTE HIS LAST LETTERS FROM SAN DIEGO:

Dear Mom and Dad,

Two of your letters came today.  I spent all afternoon craming and stomping on my sea bag and its full and the blankets that still have to go in.  If they do, it will be a fantastic miracle and I don't mean maybe.  I feel fine, but I'm dyin' to know where I am going tomorrow.  I'm 99% positive it will be Pendleton.  I sure hope so.

Chesty came in this evening and said good-bye to me.  I sure wish he could take code.  He is smart in all his other subjects.  He is sure a swell guy.  If he does O.K. in the finals, he maybe in Pendleton in 3 weeks.  But I really believe they will sent him onto to material school.

About half the class is down at the beer-garden now getting lit up a bit and they will come in before to long so I had better finish this because I may have to deck a couple of guys and I may mess up this letter.

Love Jerry

P.S. I'll write from camp (new) tomorrow.

P.S. I drew some comical cartoons for some of the guys and the sergeant asked me to draw him one to remember class 69 by.  I drew it an hour ago.  INSERT CARTOON.

 

ON FEBUARY 5 JERRY MOVED TO CAMP PENTLETON FOR ADVANCED INFANTRY TRAINING

 

ON Febuary 6, HE WROTE:

Dear Mom,

This is the first letter you'll get from Pendleton.  We finally got out here from San Deigo about 1300 yesterday. We passed OCEANSIDE before I even turned to look at it.  This camp is enormous.  I can see from the barracks the snow capped mountains.  Two of them in fact toward the East.  I'll bet we will have some pretty sunups.  There are numerous other mountains of less heights right in the bounds of the camp.  We'll probably be taking out across those mountains before long.  About an hour ago, I put in a call to you and in about two hours more I'll be talking to you I hope. I went to church this morning and we also had Sunday School at 0900.  I was O.K.

We heard a lot of different things about how it is out here at Pendleton.  I won't even begin to cut you in on the dope until things really begin to happen to us. I feel fine and everything is O.K.  I'll sign off for now and so goo-bye for now.

Love Jerry

INSERT PIC OF MARINE FACE.

 

Note: Years later, after the war, Jerry wrote this:

Camp Pendleton was a few miles north of San Diego and was so large and laid out so badly that we sometimes got lost trying to find the front gate.  There were hundreds of barrack buildings positioned willy nilly and in close proximity on crooked roads.  Tent camps were further from the front gate.  Weekend liberty always went best if you were smart enough to get back to camp before dark unless you didn't mind wandering around until sunrise Sunday to locate your barracks."

 

ON Febuary 22, JERRY WROTE:

Dear Mom and Pop,

This is Tuesday and it is still pouring horseshoes and gum drops. Honestly, I have never seen so much rain in all my born days.  It started Saturday and it hasn't quit yet.  It just simply pours and pours and pours some more.  I'm so long and lanky that my poncho (camouflaged rain coat) hits about round my waist.  The rain hits it and drips off on my pants.  My pants remain soaked all day.  Groan and Moan.  The hills are very slick and muddy and some of us are slipping and falling down all the time.  We were running today and a guy fell and six (6) more stumbled over him and they all piled up.  It was really funny too.  One guy buried his face in about four inches of oozy mud and he was quite a silly sight.  All the rain has its bright side as you can see.

Today when we came in from work I didn't come into the barracks and dry off as usual.  I went straight to the photo shop in the PX and had a one dollar photo taken of me in my everyday clothes.  I had my poncho and helmet on.  I get it day after tomorrow and I'll send it to you.  Then you can see me as the regular Jerry that I am.  I reckon I'm about the longest man in our outfit.  It's Sunflower Boy they call me.

Tomorrow we are supposed to go on our 1st overnight problem, so I might miss writing a day or so.  Got a letter from Lois Keis at WKH again.  She's even sweller than Bev.

Love Jerry

P.S. We were issued Shelter Halfs, small (very small) shelter, for two men and I can hardly make it cover even me. I pity the poor guy that has to have one with me.  I reckon he will have to sleep about 99% out in the rain.

INSERT PIC OF PONCHO

 

ON Febuary 24, 1944 JERRY WROTE:

Dear Mom,

Glad to get 3 letters from you today. Yesterday we missed mail call because we were out in the hills.  Last night we were scheduled to stay out in the hills and come in this morning for our swim.  Well, we just about had enough swimming last night to last us for the duration and I don't mean perhaps.  To make a long story short, we really got rained out.  Extemely heavy rain, like we got yesterday evening.  The water rolls off the hills into the valleys and floods them.  We were working our TBX and about 1800 (6:pm) it began to pour.

By 9:00 pm, we were all completely soaked and the area was beginning to flood. These ponchos are all right, but there is a limit to everything.  We had the radio set on high ground and still the water was almost 3 inches deep around it.  We were soaked, and set and antenna and etc. was standing in water.  Our log sheet was so wet we couldn't write down the incoming transmissions anyway.  At 9:30 we got orders to secure our set.  I never saw a radio set torn down and put in its canvas cases so fast in my life, and it was pitch dark too.  We were cold and we wasted no time. We had a four mile hike ahead of us back to the barracks.  The trail was really slippery.  We had such a time getting back that we didn't care what happened or whether we ever got back and so we were happy as larks. Every time we came to a stream we would all love to splash our way across.  We would get a good laugh everytime some guy would slip and fall. Finally, we reached the big highway and we ran the rest of the way.  We had our packs and shelter-halves rolled over the packs as we ran and got a kick out of it.  I took a new warm shower when we hit the barracks.

You asked how our time worked.  Well you know there are 24 hrs in the day;

1:00 A.M. is 0100

2:00 A.M. = 0200

2:00 A.M. = 0200

and so on,

12:00 Noon = 1200

1:00 P.M. = 1300

2:00 P.M. = 1400

and so on,

12.00 midnight = 2400

You just go on from 12 o'clock to 13 o'clock which is civilian time.  This is Navy Time.

Must close now.

INSERT 5 PIC INCL. pack, rolled half shelter, ponco and marines wearing them.

 

On March 10, 1944 HE WROTE ABOUT HIS FINAL DAY AT ADVANCED INFANTRY SCHOOL:

INSERT SAD SAC PIC

Dear Mom and Dad,

Well, this was our final day in the Field school.  Our 4 day problem was a success.  We went out on the Pacific and made a landing and pushed forward twenty miles back to our area, just like we will attack an enemy island and push forward.  We ate 'C' army rations, ugh.  Water is mightly important, so I found out.  I'm going to get another water canteen because I drink so much water, just like a fish.  We really went over gobs of hills.  Wednesday we came to a river so another fellow and I went and took our clothes off and laid down on the bottom (water only 12" inches deep in places) and let the cold, refreshing water swirl around us. We stopped there for noon chow and a half hour rest period. We slept swell all night. We have a way of rolling up our blankets and shelter half that is swell. We got back from our final four day hike about noon today.

Tomorrow we are transferred to our respective outfits. We are all split up.  I go to the amphibious tanks that go on land and sea.  About six of us who went through the radio school at the base are together still, all in amphibious tanks.  My address will be changed again.  I'll write tomorrow from my new station.

Love Jerry

P.S. I just finished packing my sea bag (Whew) and it took about one hour.  Groan and moan.

 

On March 12, JERRY WROTE ABOUT JOINING 2ND AMRMORED AMPHIBIAN TANK BATTALION:

Dear Mom,

Well, I'll be!! I'm a radio operator in an armored amphibious tank.  These things go on land and sea. Our tent is about 300 yards from the Pacific ocean. We'll be here for from 3 to 6 weeks. They are crating up stuff to ship over fast as they can. The Captain told us yesterday that the reason this outfit was and is still activating to ship overseas is because of lack of C.P. men (communication personel), that's us. I really believe I'll like this amphibious tank outfit.  It's fairly rugged too.  Tomorrow I am supposed to learn how to drive it, the tank.  The whole crew has to know how to operate everything in the tank except the radio.  So I have a lot to learn in a short time.

We had perfect weather on our 4 day problem and now I believe (I hope) that summer time is coming.  Of course, we will be in the So. Pacific to enjoy it, ha.  I am going to send a batch of my gear home before long.  Overcoat, shirts, blouse, etc.

I went to Oceanside last night and ago a few little pictures taken.  Hope you like them.

Love, Jerry.

INSERT PIC OF TANK.

Note: LATER JERRY WROTE THAT, during Advanced Infantry Training, he saw a sign:

- VOLUNTEERS WANTED FOR SPECIAL COMBAT UNIT -
 

"Everyone said it was hush-hush, being formed for immediate combat, just what I wanted, so me and a buddy signed up.  Within 48 hours we were taken to the Boat Basin at Oceanside where the 2nd Armored Amphibian Battalion was being formed up quick to fight after all the beach losses at Tarawa."

Jerry joined the 2nd Armored in March for at best only two weeks of training at the Boat Basin and shipped out the next month, on April 26th, for what all expected to be many weeks of advanced training at Maui in Hawaiian Islands.  To most everyone's surprise, the battalion, after only five days of training, began on May 20th to leave by ship tor the battle at Saipan.

Insert brief discription of this confused and chaotic period at Oceanside and on Maui. 

 

ON March 19, 1944, JERRY WROTE:

Dear Mom,

This is Sunday afternoon late.  I just got back from Diego and now I'm at Oceanside.  Our station is only a short distance from here, two miles.  I'm at the U.S.O waiting to go to church tonight. I'm sure this is my final chance.  The weather is fine and everything is hunky-dory.  I'm going down to the beach in about 30 min.

We had a grand time on the rocket range.  I really learned a lot.  Of course this rocket information and training is strictly secret.  I saw a former Wichita girl former from East High in Diego today.  She's married and sure doesn't like Diego.  Her hubby is a marine.  I was the third person she had ran into for the whole year.

Well mom, I'll sign off for now and I'll write again later on.

Love Jerry

PS.  Here is a radio insignia just like I wear, left arm, and cut it in the way I drew on the cellophane paper, one stripe on each right and left sleeve.  The bright P.F.C. stripes go on your coat, the Khaki ones, on your dress six inches from the shoulder seam if you wear my sharpshooter basic metal plus the stripes.

INSERT PIC AND FACE, and rail ticket.

Note: Given that he believes that this is his eminent departure for war, Jerry writes to his mother: I'm at the U.S.O waiting to go to church tonight. I'm sure this is my final chance.

 

ON OR AROUND MARCH 20, JERRY WROTE:  INSERT FACE PIC

Dear Mom and Dad,

Thanks a lot for your swell box of goodies.  Yum, yum, they were really good.

Yesterday, they had a big inspection by the Colonel and a batch of his followers.  We had full transport packs and rifle.  We were all set to go aboard ship even.  He had to inspect the whole battalion and it took him 2hrs and 45 minutes.

Thanks for the addresses.  I can use them for sure.  To bad about Palmer, isn't it.  He use to live right across the street from the Crawfords.  You said that you talked to "mamma" Wilbar. Ah, ha, where do you get that stuff at, you orney thing you.  I was on the beam, wasn't I.  Bev mentioned the date one time a long time ago and I didn't know whether I remembered right away or not.  ... Isn't it swell about Richard getting PFC.  Now we will race to see who gets Corporal first.  He is in a growing outfit as his chances of getting corporal are pretty good.  He is at Pendleton, the whole 5th Marine Division is at Pentleton.  The Boat Basin is right close by.

The mail situation out here isn't so good.  My letters come in bunches several days apart. ... Where do you get that stuff that "you are coming home to see us in a few days." Ha, that's a laugh.  How many times must I tell you that I was extremely lucky to get even one furlough. The greater percentage of the fellows never do get a furlough. The Marine Corps is a combat outfit, not a sewing circle like the Army and Navy.  I may as well cut you in on the dope right now.  When we ship over, we don't intend to come back until the rotten Japs are whipped, so it's no furlough for any of us and full speed ahead for all of us.  We shall or should pull anchor any day now.  Of course, we would all love to go home for a few days, but our gear is crated and everything is ready to roll.  We'll either hit Australia, Pearl Harbor, or New Zealand, we think. Of course, none of us actually know for sure.  Then we have a training program to go through before we hit the Japs.  So you see everything is O.K.

Oh, yes, whatever you do, hang on to that commercial law book, understand.  I had a tough time getting that book home as it was.  Leave it alone.  It covers gobs of law that my other books don't, its exceptionally important to me.  Must be starting to church so good-bye.

Love Jerry

P.S. Dad (answers to your questions).

1. Yes, can drive the tank.

2. I send 20 WPM, receive 23 WPM (Words per Mn)

3. My watch is O.K.

4. Bob Moody writes, Ben Goddard Don't

5. I hit 200 pounds by the 1st.

6. Haven't seen Richard four 4 wks.

7. His outfit should ship over this summer.

8. There are plenty of thieves around here.

9. Yes, I get plenty to eat (after 2, 3 or 4 or more surveys).

10. I love my job as C.P. (communications personel) on AMPHIB TANKS.

11. Weather is GRAND, BUT AUSTRALIA WILL BE BETTER (I HOPE).

12. We get to play football real often.

13. Our tanks do about 20 mph on land.  (75 MM Gun also)

Sure glad you joined the WAR DAD's Club.  Don't Wichata have a WAR MOM's CLUB ALSO!

 

INSERT PICS ON MARCH 20 ENVELOPE.

 

ON OR AROUND MARCH 24, 1944 JERRY WROTE:

Dear Mom,

We have been out on the 30 cal machine gun range.  It's really fun to cut a target down just like cutting down Japs.  We stripped our weapons, cleaned them, and oiled them just a little while ago.  You should see my neat 30 cal carbine.  It's really swell and nice and easy to lug around.  I believe we fire our carbines Friday.  Tomorrow is going to be interesting day also.

They began to crate up the 1st aid, or rather the sick bay, gear today, so it can't be too much longer.  I reckon we will be over for the duration, which will naturally be close when 2nd Armored gets on the ball. (cough cough)  Right now a few of these eighballs are playing cowboy and indians in the tent with their newly acquire Carbines.  You know Mom, I'm going to be 200 before we ship out yet.  I'll be able to whip dad with one hand yet.  Heh, Heh.

Well, mom I have some clothes to wash now, so have to sign off for today.

Love Jerry

P.S.  I enclosing some stuff for you to stick in my drawer upstairs.

P.S. Heard any more from this cartoon fellow in Wichata?

INSERT SAD SAC PIC

 

ON OR ABOUT MARCH 26, THURSDAY, 1944, JERRY WROTE:

Dear Mom,

Well, we went through the infiltration course today.  Not even exciting.  No one was hit or even nicked by a bullet.  The only thing that happened to me was that I ripped my pants a little going under some barbed wire.  It was fun to lay on your back and watch the tracers bullets swish by.  I reckon that the closest bullet that came near me was about 2 whole feet above my head.  We expected to come out with a bullet hole or more in the packs that set up on our back, but no such excitment for us.  Tomorrow we go out and fire our carbines so we will have the sights lined up perfectly for overseas.

Most of the sick bay gear and mess hall gear is now crated up and ready to go. The latest scuttle-butt is we leave next week, but you know how scuttle-butt goes.  Right now I supposed to be at a BYF party but our Company has the guard duty tonight.  groan - etc - moan.

Oh, yes, I forgot to tell you.  I went with some other guys and gals out to the preachers home after church last Thursday night.  He is really grand and so is his wife.

Well, mom, I must sign off now.

Love Gerry

INSERT FACE PIC.

 

ON Sunday, March 25, 1944, JERRY WROTE:

Dear Mom,

The fellow that wanted the Bible like mine is in our outfit.  I saw him today.  He gave me the $7.00. I am broke, by the way as I'll send $10 to you on the 20th payday.  I want you to send a Bible (the one at home if you don't want to buy another) to the address: Mrs. Howard Lauthan, 308 W. Prairie Street, Vicksburg, Michigan.

Love Jerry

P.S. Prayer really comes through every time almost, doesn't it.  I needed some money before payday and so as usual I went to the Lord in prayer.  Today, all of a sudden, I got $7. It worked 3 times before this too.

 

On March 27, 1944, JERRY WROTE:

Dear Mom,

I going to the show for a change tonight so I have to cut this short. I got a swell box of fudge from Mrs. Wilbur today.  Between you and her, I am mighty well supplied with goodies.

Here's the latest scuttlebutt. 1/ we go over next week, 2/ we don't ship over for quite some time to come, or 3/ when we do go over, we will have to train three more months.

I feel fine.  Love Jerry.

P.S. I went to the preachers house again after church last night.

 

ON Tuesday, March 28, JERRY WROTE:

Dear Mom,

Well its about time to hit the sack but I'll drop you a line or so.  This morning we really had a good time.  We take all our clothes off except our shorts when we go out in the surf. Its really exciting being out on the ocean.  Its up and down, tilt and tip, all the time.  We break right through the breakers in our tanks or cargo jobs, all completely under water for an instant when we break through a breaker. We get soaking wet.  It's pretty cold, but lots of fun.  I'm really salty.  The salt stays on us and we have to shower every night. This is really the life. According to the latest scuttlebutt, our outfit can't get the ships to go overseas in, so we just have to sit tight and wait.

Last Sunday the Army had a stupid little manuever and it was just six miles from here.  They lost six men an $100,000 worth of equipment in attempting a mock landing.  That's terrible, but you know how the Army is.  Must close now.

Love, Jerry

 

On March 29, 1944, JERRY WROTE:

INSERT PIC OF TANK

Dear Mom,

3 letters from my old address from you came today.  I'm really in the groove today, listen -

Letters from Christable, Mrs. Menzel, Bob Snowden, Bob Shuked, Miss Hutchinson (East High school teacher), Betty Edwards, and Bev.  Ah, feels like a jillion dollars now.  Of course, the most important return letters I write is first of of all yours at #1, of course.

We aren't shipping out for a long time, but I cleaned out my sea bag and fixed my transport pack all up anyway.  You want to be sure and tell Mrs. Palmer "hello" and Mr. Palmer to "go soak his bonehead in a barrel", ha ha.

Just received a letter you wrote on the 10th.  Evidently Lois Allison told you how I tricked her proper.  I told (wrote) Daryle and her each, and said that the other would just love to go out. Daryle got a date with her that way, and I knew Lois would about die if she could go out with him, and Daryle would have a good time going out with a girl for a change.  So you see everybody is happy, except Lois, anyway, she's just a female. Of course, this is between you and me alone, understand.  I got a kick out of it.

Christable sent me instructions on how to fine her place in L.A.  Everybody is getting married off, aren't they.  Wouldn't marriage be unbearable.  A guy's life isn't his own after the fatal wedding day.  Groan and moan.

The Major tried to get a MD (medical discharge) today (as the scuttlebutt goes) because it's a cinch that if he goes over, he won't come back.  He is the only oddball in our outfit.

Love Jerry

INSERT ENVELOPE PIC

 

On Thursday, March 29?, 1944, JERRY WROTE:

Dear Mom and Dad,

Don't have much time and much to say so this will be short.  I got a snazzy "crew cut", or what ever you want to call it.  I really look horrible, even more so than usual. You should see it, really comical.  I feel swell and everything is wonderful.  I hope we get to go on manuevers next week, I hope. Just betweem you and me - Bev and I sign our letters just like you and me, but of course you are my only real gal.

INSERT LARGE HOWLY MOM PIC.

 

On Sunday, April 2, 1944, JERRY WROTE:

You May As Well Quit Looking Up Here You Nut Because The Letter Is Down There - hey hey - You Bonehead You

Hi Pop,

How's every little thing, huh?  This is a beautiful Sunday and everything is swell.  I went to a show yesterday afternoon and mosyied out to the parson's home last evening.  We had a swell time, just like home almost.  She (his sweet wife) made a bed and everything for me but I had to get back to Camp so I didn't stay all night.

All our tanks are gone, our gear crated and now we are just waiting for a ship, I guess.  They decided to mount a 30 cal machine gun beside us Radio men, so I have have something to play with besides the TCS (radio).  It's really a neat little shaver.  I'd hate to be on the busness end of it though, I tell you for sure.

It's great fun bouncing around in the surf.  I am actually salty at night.  HEH HEH!!

Say dad I want you to do this:

1. get me a good pocket knife

2. 4 pr of your socks (13)

3. a good Stiletto - insert drawing - these are narrow blades - good for throwing.

Forget the 45 cal automatic because I get one.  Oh yes, if you can get hold of some goggles, motorcycle, why send them to me.

I feel swell and everything is O.K.

Love Jerry

P.S. make out like this letter is extremely personal so as to make mom curious, she'll really want to know what's in it but we'll fool her. 

INSERT MORN AFTER PIC

 

ON THE FOLLOWING TUESDAY, APRIL 3, JERRY WROTE:

Dear Mom & Dad,

I can't think of much to say so I'll draw a little for you.

INSERT PICS OF "Our Air Cooled Tent, Me Right Now, The Sack and Surroundings over the wk. end, Sea bags and Truck, Insert Sailor and Sea Chain.

Well, I must go now, so I'll sign off,

Love, Jerry

 

On Saturday, April 8, 1944, JERRY WROTE:

We got off at noon today.  We displayed all our clothes and combat gear for inspection this morning.  Right now it is slighly damp because its been pouring pouring down since noon exactly - groan and moan.  California liquid sunshine eh-what.

Well tomorrow is Easter and I reckon all the guys in our tent will go to church.

I forgot to get Bev an Easter present - oh my - ok well I guess she will live through it, don't you.  She wrote and told me all about her swell new Easter outfit.  I reckon she must really look swell.

Sure silly, this rain business, the sun is really shinning brightly, and at the same time it is raining to beat the band.

Betty Orr wrote.  I was sure surprised.  She didn't mention being married though.  Florence Adams sent me a swell box of goodies - Yum, Yum.

For the last 3 hours I've been shining my shoes, belt, buckles, identification bracket, and even mess gear.  My shorts and socks are socks are soaking is Bleach now. They should get nice and white, don't you reckon.

Must sign off for now.

Love Jerry

INSERT MONDAY MORNING MESSY MEN PIC, BACK OF ENVELOPE NAVY PIC

 

On Saturday, April 15, 1944, JERRY WROTE on Camp Pendleton stationary:

Dear Folks,

How's ever' lit' Ting?

Sorry I didn't write any this week, but I have been down in San Diego on a work detail since the first of the week.  We finished completely last night.  I feel swell and the weather is so nice that I think I'll miss it a little, expecially if we hit a rainly place.

Only twenty three of us went to Diego and we really made those shoreman look sick. They get good pay to load so they take it easy so they take longer to get paid more.  We are in a hurry so we took over.  We worked 6 hours and slept 6 hours.  It was interesting.  Our Company has the week-end off so now I am writing you and going to wash clothes before long.  All our gear is gone now, so all we get to do is lay around.  I don't mind it at all.  In fact I slept all morning after chow.  Those swabbies sure have it easy.  Music at chow, sac in until 1000, secure at 1600 easy life for sure.  We played them a game of touch football Tuesday night and won 42 to 6.  I'll knock off for now.

Love Jerry 

P.S. I tried to call you up at Easter and so I put the call in at just before church and at 6:pm in the evening so I cancelled the call.

INSERT 6 MARINE FACE PICS.  AND MOO FOO GOO POO ENVELOPE

 

ON APRIL 16, 1944, 

Dear Mom,

Here I am again and not a thing to say:

INSERT C.P., DRIVER, LOADER, AMMO PASSER PIC

ME IN ONE OF MY DREAMS PIC

This will have to do mom,

Lots of Love, Jerry

 

On April 16, 1944, JERRY WROTE:

Well lo and behold, yesterday 3 packages came and then today the "prodical son" with the knife finally arrived.  My eyes bulged like ping pong balls I guess.  Thanks for everything and the knife is strickly O.K.  The chow is swell too, but nothing can compare with your home made peanut butter and ice box cookies and those cookies that bulge with that brown stuff in the center and those cookies with the semi-sweet Nestles chocolate stuff in them.  Hint Hint Hint Hint Hint Hint Hint.  Some gum, powerhouse candy bar, cookies, peppermint life savers, spiced midget jellies, the more cookies the better, would be a super duper delux special. Hint Hint.

While we are on the subject of food (MY FAVORITE SUBJECT BY ALL MEANS) why when we hit the states we will rate a furlough (release perhaps0 and the day I start for Wichita I'll call up and tell you and when I do get home why the refrigerator shall contain Jello (pan at least), 3 bottles of milk (cold), several different bottles of pop, 1 pan chocolate pudding at least, cold pie (chocolate), cold lemon pie, angel or devil's food cake and my sac ready to hit.  I shall stuff and stuff and stuff and of course visit a bit with and stuff some more and up to the sac i will go.  I've got it all figured out eh-what

I feel fine and I must close.  Love Jerry

INSERT TO MARINE PICS

 

On Wednesday, April 18, 1944, JERRY WROTE:

INSERT FACE PIC, AND ENVELOPE

Dear Mom and Dad,

How ya' like the photos, huh?  Pretty comical eh what.

Your package with the googles and shield testament came yesterday, thanks a lot, but my knife wasn't in there, groan and moan.

Oh yes, when you see the grand picture Bev sent, it's really swell, the guys think I do pretty well for myself.  Come to think of it, you never did send a regular photo of you and dad.  When Bob comes home, why all three of your guys get hot and send me a photo, understand.

Yesterday we took a stroll up in the hills and waded up a creek aways for fun.  The Lts and the Capt. went with us, HA they were sad sights, slushing through the water and stomping up the hills.  I met a swell swabbie a church Sunday night.  He is a great big ole' boy also.  We went to Pastor MacDonald's home after church as usual and had a good time.

I feel fine and Hunky-Dory.

Lots, Lumps and Loads of Love, Jerry.

Here's our code below:

Dear Mom and POP - this heading means there is a message in this letter.

The Code itself is:

The 1st Letter of the 1st word in the Last Sentence of Each Paragraph - GET ME

---

THIS LETTER WOULD READ LIKE THIS -

HYOWTWI

This don't make sense because there isn't any message intended.

INSERT ENVELOPE PICS  SPEED MAN SPEED

 

On Wednesday, April 19, 1944, JERRY WROTE:

INSERT TANK PIC

Dear Mom,

I just got back from a swell lazy afternoon loafing session.  We hiked up the beach five miles, and had a few minutes combat physical exercise and the whole rest of the afternoon was ours to swim, play ball, or go to sleep.  Those waves were big and nice today, so we really had fun, yea man.  Those big ol' waves come and we try to go up over or through, its more fun.  The Lts mess right along with us.  I had a little guard duty for once last night, so I think I will hit the sack early to night.

Bev's picture is nailed up on the tent brace beside my bunk.  The rest of the guys in our tent ain't got any babes hanging around on the wall because either they have split up or never have got a real gal yet.  HEH HEH.

We had a little rifle inspection this morning and I accidently ?? HEH HEH bashed the Lt with the stock of my carbine when I took it from my shoulder to open the bolt and remove the magazine.  Oh well, he was too close anyway.  To top that off, the magazine slipped and fell to the deck - all in about sec.  -Wow- I didn't give a hoot.  Since I've been in the Marines I'm not the least bit nervous.  I take everything in its stride.  Nothing bothers me anymore.  I never felt so good before.

Well mom I must sign off for now.

Love Jerry

INSERT SURE IS SHALLOW HERE PIC,

INSERT AT WORK PIC AND WHEN I GET HOME PIC

 

HAS JERRY LEFT -

 

On Sunday April 20, 1944, JERRY WROTE:

Dear Mom,

Well, this is Sunday and we are having church services today.  I am feeling fine and everthing is Okay.  A can of your swell cookies came yesterday, and the evelopes with the air mail stamps came also, mighty thoughtful of you mom.  The group really liked your cookies also.  Remember those great big cookies with the stuff in between the layers that you used to make?  We'd sure love to have some of that type someday too.  Hint. Hint.

INSERT PIC AT BOTTOM THIS PAGE.

As I sit here writing to you I am thinking of home and just what you all are doing at this minute.  It is Saturday at home now.  I suppose you are ironing and perhaps you are getting a high priced $50 finger wave for to wear tomorrow.  Do you wear the new dress or not?  Oh, yeah, be sure and take good care of it because you want to wear it when we step out.

How is everything?  I suppose you've re-arranged the front room furniture a hundred times.  Still have the flashy pillowed covers?  Hope my room is left as it always was with my drawing board and cartoon strip and my little library and it's still there.  Say mom I'd sure like to have some photos out of my album.  The ones with the soap-box derby cars and ...

Love Jerry

 

On April 26, 1944, JERRY WROTE:

Dear Mom,

Sure sorry I haven't written for so long.  We have really been on the go and when we aren't working, we are creasing blankets (sac time or sleeping).  I feel swell and everything is HUNKY DORY, strictly.

We were supposed to leave demolition today but the truck driver got fouled up and by the time we got to the area, why they were secured for the day, so we turned around and came back and so we have afternoon off.  This is the first time we've gone over.  Yesterday I came back to camp from Church, etc, and slept all afternoon and went to church at night, so I didn't get any letter writing over the week-end.

We may go on a little trip before long.  If we don't shove off before long, this outfit is "going over de hill."  We are fed up plenty with all this waiting.  We will have a long training period over there so don't ever worry about me.

I got a sticker in my bottom today so naturally I not in too good a humor.  I reckcon I'll sleep on my stomach tonight, HEH, HEH.

Love Jerry

P.S. I sending home all these letters in different envelopes.

INSERT YIPPEEE PIC

 

ON Friday MAY --- 1944 in envelope stamped May 14, JERRY WROTE: (from Maui):

Dear Mom,

Sorry that I haven't been writing more often, but over here the situation isn't as it was on Oceanside.  We are really on the go all the time.  I may not write to you again for quite a while, so don't worry, as I'm very busy.

No package of any type or make from you or dad for a long, long time, have you forgotten me?  No letter from you for a coon's age, either.  It don't suppose the knife will ever reach me either then.

School will be out before long won't it.  Bob most likely is home by now.  I suppose the tulips and stuff are in bloom now, too.  Does the house look any different?  Bob was surprised at the new wallpaper in his room, I bet.  Do you and dad ever do anything at evening besides work in the yard?  If Bev ever calls you up and wonders why I don't write why just tell her you guess I forgot all about her, get me?  You can always say that I'm too busy or something.  The nice little new testament you gave me before I left Boat Basin really looks salty already.  The salt air fouled up the shield, too.  I have it all penciled and inked in so to refer to special verses etc.

I feel fine and everything is O.K.  Please write soon.

Love, Jerry

 

INSERT MAUI STAY

 

ON MONDAY, MAY 22, 1944, JERRY WROTE,

INSERT HOWDY MOM PIC

Dear Mom and Pop,

Please excuse slack in my letter writing.  Everything here is O.K.  Richard wrote and he is O.K and likes his outfit very much.  All the guys in our outfit are getting swell suntans and it makes some of the swabbies look silly.  Looks like you won't know your over here boy as soon as he gets home.  How is everything at home?  Alright I sure hope, and is Bob home yet?  Richard sent me some clippings of the flood and some cartoons along with it.  Bob Moody writes that boot camp is plenty rugged - HA HA.  Of course I never would have guessed it.  HEH HEH.  Right now I feel swell, we bought a batch of fruit and I'm stuffed with it.

INSERT KANSAS PIC

This letter situation isn't so hot.  I've only got 3 or 4 since we shoved off from Oceanside.  Sure hope some come before long.  I am beginning to love radio more and more and everything is O.K.  Not too much stationary left because I've used it most to draw on.  The guys sort of like them I guess.  I often look at the pictures of you and dad, Richard and me, Gyppe and me, Dr. MacDonald, and you and dad and me.  They are all in my new testament.

Please give the note to Lois Allison.  Benlaks Photo Shop at the Butts bld. is one way to locate her.  Please write soon.

Love Jerry

P.S. I hope you like cartoons enclosed.

 

ON MONDAY, MAY 23, 1944, Jerry wrote:

INSERT FACE

Dear Mom,

We finally had a mail call and I only got 1, 1, or I measly one page letter from you.  Oh well I guess one is better than none at all.  The package has not come yet either.

Thanks a lot for Gail Baxter's address.  I'll have to write that guy soon.  He is a lot better looking than that crummy photo shows.  That same Col. Hall once asked me how I liked chow at an inspection.  Of course its quality that counts with me.  A certain person that we both know sent you a plant and I won't tell you who.  This person sent me another letter today.  Hey, Hey, don't you wish you knew.

How's Steve look in his photo?  Couldn't be any worse than he actually is.  You said Bob's is wacking the typewriter, well when in the world did he start and where? What is the matter, are you tongue tied?  We probably won't have any mail calls for a while and so I'd better get a batch from you, see!!

I feel fine and its nice to hear from you, and its nice and warm.  I'm waiting to hear from you soon.

Love Jerry

INSERT FACE

 

ON May 25, 1944, Jerry wrote:

INSERT HOWDY POP

Dear Dad,

Sure hope this letter finds your well and in the grove.  Be sure and tell Pearl hello.  How about Bob? Is he O.K., if you get what I mean. 

How's baseball at home?  I haven't been at bat yet, but its my turn in the next inning.  Remember last summer at the stadium, I never got a hit.  Well this time, I'm aiming for a center field homer.  I'm not playing for the fun of it now.

Dad, I guess you know that when I get home for keeps, you and me are going hunting.  We'll get a couple of good rifles.  I've been having lots of time to think of the past and plan to the future and I quite a few ideas schemed up to us and Bob.

I am feeling fine and I'm getting tan too.  Haven't been boxing or playing any ball since the day I called you.  Haven't much to tell you and if I did I couldn't anyway because the Ol' man would knock it out.  Must close now dad and please write soon.

Your son, Jerry

INSERT OPPOSITE OAF PIC

 

ON May 25, 1944 on American Red Cross Stationary, Jerry wrote:

Dear Dad,

Be sure and tell Hatfield hello for me, understand?  Received little mail today and also your V mail.  Got a carbuckle on my leg lanced today.  I feel lots better now.  Don't know why I get so many boils, etc.  I'm getting use to guys cutting on me now, and I not quite as afraid of doctors as I used to be.

Who did Gleneys and Ruth marry??  I had to laugh at the idea of those girls getting hitched up.  I guess you know I got out of Ruth's clutches just in time.  I figured she was out for a hubby or something.  But Gleneys marriage really was a surprise.  I pity those poor guys.  Wouldn't it be horrible to be enslaved by a female.  Gleney will become even more snooty and bossy.  I suppose Bev and Lois will get the same crazy ideas eventually but I'll give them the word.  The knife still hasn't come yet.  I'm sure hoping the cookies & etc. will get here and quick.

Must close now. Love Jerry

 

ON SUNDAY JUNE 11, ON VICTORY MAIL, Jerry wrote:

Dear Mom,

Right now I'd watching a very pretty sunset out here on the ocean.  I'm getting plenty of good chow - so of course I'm feeling just fine.  HEH HEH.

Right now I am on of the way to a bit of excitment.  God willing, I'll be writing to you again in a few weeks, but don't look for a letter for quite a while.

We had a nice little service aboard our ship today.  Of course, my new testament will go in with me in my jacket, and Bible in rear pocket of my pants. Well fortified physically as well as spiritually - EH WHOT!

Don't worry, I'll write again as soon as possible.  Love Jerry

 

 

ON JUNE 23, ON AMERICAN RED CROSS STATIONARY, Jerry wrote:

Dear Mom,

YIPPIEE!!  The worst is past now and I'm still in one real good piece.  Phew - the stuff really flew for a while.  I feel swell now.

I've seen batches of Japs.  Some of the guys are all loaded down with Jap stuff but I don't want want any of the stuff.  I gave a swabbie a Jap rifle and bayonet.  The stuff is all allowed. I am sorry to say haven't knocked off any Japs yet, but the war isn't over yet.

Waiting to hear from you soon.

Love Jerry

 

On June 29, 1944, Jerry wrote:

My Dearest Mom

You must be having fairly warm weather now.  It is warm here also.  Sure hope everything is Okay.  I just finished reading all the back letters and believe me when we aren't receiving any mail, why these back letters are good to have.  I guess I have read them five times or more.

You should see me now mom, my fox hole is far too short for my long legs and the flies are attacking me by squadons at a million different places at once.  At the end of each sentence, I beat off the little pests.  My radio and me are still good friends.  Even away out here I can pick up Frisco for the boys.  We listen for news about the ourselves and the war in Europe also.  Pretty neat rythms from Guy Lombardo Orkestra is swell to pick up too.

Please tell the Menzels, Virginia, Bradleys that I feel fine and get Joe's address, and Bob Alley's also.  Send Bob Snowden's if you have it.  How is Jim's Bible.  Send Richard Hill's address also.  Mrs. Rowland writes swell letters to me.  Almost all the guys are in by now it seems.

During the last few days I have been through a little combat, and I've seen things pretty gruesome, but when I get home mom, why I'll be the same old nut, only a bit bigger one, HEH, HEH.  I'll sure like to go out on liberty with that crazy Steve, WHOW.  Now I must sign off, I'm hungry as a bear.

Love Jerry

P.S. Remember the day I called you up.  I gave you the scoop on our correspondence.  There will be exceptions but always be on the ball.

INSERT COMBAT MARINE HEAD

 

ON JULY 3, ON VICTORY MAIL , Jerry wrote:

Howdy Dad,

I can cut you in on a little of the latest scoop now pop.  I suppose the commentators have beaten their gums about this Saipan deal.  So you are probably as well informed as I am.

I feel fine and everything is O.K. I saw Don Cooper on the way over.  About the 3rd day I came across a swell Marine Chaplain whom I had met aboard ship.

I hear from Bev real often, of course that's strictly O.K.

I have a sword, a flag, a bit of paper money and some more junk for you.  Oh, yeah, by the way, I have two Japs to my credit, and a tank crew to back me up on it.  Tokio Rose and Frisco come in clear on my receiver - wow - I pick up some of the re-broadcase ball games, too. I really like my job and my outfit.

Please write soon, Love Jerry

 

ON JULY 18, ON VICTORY MAIL , Jerry wrote:

Hi Mom!!

I'm feeling fine and dandy and everything is strictly in the groove.  Love Jerry

INSERT FULL PAGE OF WAR MARINE DRAWINGS.

 

On or before July 8, 1944 Jerry wrote via V Mail:

Dear Mom,

Decided to drop you a line today and I hope everything is O.K.  I feel just fine.  We had a mail call and I really got the mail - nineteen to be exact.  Whew - It really made me feel good to hear from home.  I heard from you, Helen, Lois, Bev, dad, Richard, Mrs. Rowland, East High, church, Bob.

How is Rob and his dad and everything in general? Okay?  Oh I got to go now.

Love Jerry

 

ON July 21, 1944, Jerry Brooks wrote:

Dear Mom,

I really have been receiving a lot of letters by the batches lately and that is strictly swell.  I'm feeling fine, and as long as the mail keeps coming, why it won't be bad at all.  

It's plenty hot and I guess you know some of us are really getting neat suntans.  I guess my tan this summer will beat all former ones by a long shot.  I wonder where Bob is working at now?  Have you enrolled him yet?  Bev doesn't know whether to go to K.U. or not.  Perhaps she is better off if she if she don't, it takes a few brains to stay at U.K.

I must clear my machine gun now.  So goo-bye and tell Virginia hello.

Love Jerry

INSERT SMILEY FACE

 

ON July 22, 1944, Jerry Brooks wrote via V Mail:

Dear Mom,

Right now it is dark and I can just barely see stuff.  This will be the last letter for a few days perhaps. We are pretty busy setting up our new camp.  Comical things happen at times.  Every now and then a big ole' bull or a whole slew of muddy pigs are acting as ducks, chickens, etc. 

I feel fine and now can't see a thing its so dark.  Love Jerry.

P.S. some of the guys have their beards shaved - WOW- they really look goofy.

 

ON AUGUST 6, 1944 Jerry wrote:

Dear Dad,

Well It's been quite a while since I wrote a letter to you isn't it!  When you don't receive letters from me for a week or more at the time, why you can guess what the score is.  The next time I'll have my knife to use and you know it really comes in handy for more things than one.  It's really a neat knife and mighty sharp too. 

They won't allow stuff to be sent home but the swabbies can. Perhaps some day I can send my stuff.  Our camp is becoming a nice place.  We built a big mess hall and a few more buildings.

So Don Cooper fairly snowed you folks under it seems - I can't see how a guy could ever write home such a fat line of lies and still respect his folks and expect them to believe them (lies) - WOW - four major battles in four days - HA - we have a few guys in our outfit who send such stuff like that home also - that their tank hit the beach first and they killed a hundred or so Nips and blah blah on and on.  I can't see that sort of stuff at all.

I figure on getting home in time to start school next fall and I've plans to really try hard to break into the cartoon game.  If I can't I'd better know the reason why.  It pays good do-ra-me also, you know.

If you are going to send anything, why you better hurry up because I'd hate to have a package ruined because of it following me for two or three months.

How is everything at the shop? O.K. I hope.  I'd sure like some photos of you and mom in your every days clothes.  Well must knock off now dad and write soon.

Love Jerry

P.S.  You are a pretty face typist Pop - cough cough

P.S  Dad you should see the slick little drawing and writing board I made day before yesterday.  I never beveled off the edges.  INSERT DRAWINGS

 

ON August 9, 1944 Jerry wrote on US Navy stationary:

Dear Mom,

Well, finially after many days I can write you again.  We have just finished off Tinian, and now I am back at Saipan.  I got this nice stationary off a sailor.  Sure did meet a couple of swell fellows coming back from Tinian.

We got our back mail and I heard from Bev, Lois, Helen somebody, and for the life of me I can't remember her last name.  I went out with her just once before I shoved off for boot camp.  I wrote her a letter in boot camp and she lost my address and just found it, so she writes to the boot camp address and so I received the letter addressed to a year old address, but it only took a month to reach me out here.  Lois stated that she would write me real often and if she beats her chops to you about not replying in like manner why tell her that perhaps we have a few things (to do) now and then.  Bev and Lois both think they are my best gals, HEH HEH - I believe I keep them both thinking so and of course you know you are my best gal.

I got a letter from Bob and two bits says he isn't at the railroad anymore.  Beulah through school yet?  Sure glad to hear Kenny Rich got his wings.  How's Raymond Anderson and Wayne doing now?  Hope Richard got to go home.  The package with the socks and wash rags and stationary came today.  I sure wish the cookies and candy and the box with the knife would come. I request you to send me some cookies, candy, cake, chocolate etc to this address to the postal clerk and perhaps the stuff will come through to me the next time.

I found a brand new Jap cloth hat with a little bill, it is green with a cheap little imitation leather strap and it is about 4 sizes too small.  It sits on the top of the rear of my head.  It looks goofy but I like to wear it and pretend it is a ball cap.

Oh yes, come to think of baseball.  Just how is the National semi-pro tourament this year? I really believe I'll be able to come home to take you to the tournament next year about this time and explain the game - caugh caugh.  I reckon we will play a little ball now that we are done playing cowboys and indians with the nips in this place for a while. 

The chow is O.K. and I really keep stuffed with the stuff.  What I really miss is the little things like malts and sodas at Candyland and good bread, milk and pop from Yalmers and bits of pastry from Dillons.  I am going to blow my trumpet to pieces and eat and drink you out of house and home and banana and lemon pies and jello and chocolate pudding will be consumed by the ton.  I shall just loaf around the house and visit with you and dad and Gyppe for a whole month, 30 full days of fun.  I may even get up enough energy to play a few games of ball providing it is in the summer.  I may take you boating and to the park show if you are a good girl.  Wow, I can sure plan out gobs of things to do, eh-what mom.

Well mom, I must stop now and fix up the address book that you sent me.

Lots and Loads of Love, Jerry

INSERT HAT COVER

INSERT AUGUST 12 PAGE OF PIC SHOWING GOODIES

P.S. They took some newsreels of our tanks going through Tinian Town.

P.S. I sold my sword, now have a swell Jag bugle, flag, money, war bonds, belt buckle, scroll, etc. etc. etc. WOW

 

ON August 13, 1944 Jerry wrote on US Navy stationary:

Dear Mom

Well here I am again and just how is every little thing now at home?  I am feeling fine and everything is O.K.

We are strictly busy bees now that our new home is under construction. The guys are all getting nice tans too.  I will sent my flag and bugle home as soon as they let us.  If I don't get them home why some egghead will steal them.  These guys that don't find stuff have to steal it off the fellows who do.

I feel fine and write soon.

Love Jerry.

INSERT 3 HEAD PICS

INSERT AUGUST 12 PAGE SHOWING FUN

 

On August 24, 1944, Jerry writes:

Dear Mom,

Well here I am again.  Just cleaned and oiled my rifle.  While I was waiting for some stuff why I drew you a picture of chow for that certain day (when Jerry returned home)  Oh, yeah, be sure and send a few funny books mom.  Well I must close now.

Love Jerry

INSERT PAGE SHOWING JERRY'S RETURN HOME

 

On August 25, 1944, Jerry writes:

Another day gone by.  I really kept busy today and another guy and myself went swimming in the ocean to cool - wow - it felt good.

We are waiting for mail call now and reading material is pretty scarce so be sure and send me some stuff.  I really enjoy going over and over the stuff that Art Just Inc sent me.  They sure are persistent aren't they.  They've been after me to take their course for better than a year now.  I will someday.  

INSERT PICS OF FIG CARRYING WEIGHTS AND SWIMMING.

LOVE GERRY

 

On August 26, Saturday, 1944, Jerry wrote:

INSERT PIC

Dear Mom,

Well, it's about noon now and we cleaned and straightened up our camp all morning for an inspection.  Our tent floor is sand now and it is really nice.  Tonight there are some boxing matches way down at Charan-Kanoa and I believe I will go.

Say Mom I'm really eager to get my Ray Burn's course finished so hurry up and ask him and then if it's O.K. I'll finish up, and send the # II (two) book to me.  I am looking for a box now.

Love Jerry

 

Dear Mom,

Well here I am again for the second time today.  Just had mail call and chow.  Several letters written in June came today.  Letters written anywhere and anytime from you are wanted I guess you know.  How's ole' Steve and do you ever hear from Jim or not.  I'll never forget the time Steve, Jim, and I sneaked off to the mid-night show, and wow - did you rave! Ole' Jim and I sure did have some swell times playing ball down at the diamond on Kellog.

So you dreamed that I got home to stay - eh - well I hope your dream comes true before long mom.  I really appreciate home and that ain't hay!!

Oh oh - SWISH - I just now ducked into a Co D tent because they are hollerin' for some volunteers for a working party and of course no one will volunteer so they will naturally pick out some, consequently over here I am for a while till the wind blows over.  I want to continue hitting the sac at sundown as usual.

Ya know what mom - I've decided to get hot on this drawing stuff and fix myself so I can draw my way into a little do-ra-me while I am finishng up high school and perhaps on indefinitely.  I can remember how I use to chip my teeth about little things, but if I ever get back where I can sleep in my own bed, take a real bath, raid the refrigerator, eat your cooking, why I'll never squawk.  Now I realize how wonderful it is to be able to run down to the milk store and get ice cold milk and over to Palmers and get cold pop, good ole' Wheaties, and on up to Calendars for a malt, soda or funny book.  It's swell to have have 8 or 10 different theaters and a big ball park to go to.  Yes, mom, I'll really appreciate all these things.

Dad says he has a croquet game set up outside now, and how good you are at the game?  HUH?  Does Bob and dad both beat you or is it the other way around?  Mom how would you like to take in a show at the Miller and a visit of about one solid hour of eating at Candyland?  HUH  If I so kindly say so and reserve the date for me and we'll step out eh - what.

Well I must close now - goo bye

Loads of Love, Jerry

P.S. TO BOB

GET HOT, AND GATHER TOGETHER A WHOLE SLEW OF CANDY BARS THAT YOU LIKE AND SOME YOU DON'T, A VARIETY, SOME TOOTSIE ROLLS, SUCKERS, GUM, PENNY MINTS, ETC, PUT THEM IN A BOX AND SEND IT TO ME

YOUR BUD, Jerry

 

ON August 27, 1944, Jerry wrote:

Well here it is Sunday, and we did have some nice services this morning.  The first communion that I have been to in ages I guess.  Howard Laughtan?? came to my tent this afternoon to look at my Bible and he says it is a bit weathered now. I guess it ought to be a bit salty by now, after all it has seen two major battles already, and it has just a few more to go before I bring it home to stay.

I am feeling fine and we had a fairly nice chow today.  Of course a package from you at mail call would complete a nice day as far as chow goes.  And the funny papers inclosed really does complete it.

The guys in our tent are all writing letters now.  I just finished cleaning and oiling my carbine and it really looks snazzy to me.

Hope everything is O.K. and now I must sign off.  Love Jerry

INSERT PAGE OF DRAWN FIGURES

Insert self portrait of P.F.C Jerry Brooks.

 

ON AUGUST 27, 1944, Jerry wrote:

Dear Mom,

(Be sure) to send baseball uniform photos and any in general that I'd like.  I'll send them back after a spell.  I'm still looking for those snapshots of you and be sure to stick a duplicate of each photo in my album too.

INSERT five PICS & TWO Pages of Drawings. 

Oh, yeah, be sure and keep on sending all the funny papers that you can get your hands on mom.  I really go for them in a big way.

Love Jerry

 

ON August 29, 1944, Jerry wrote:

Dear Mom,

Well here I am again with exactly nothing in say as yet. Groan and moan.  I am running low on this type of stationary mom so you had better send some more before too long. I'll write a V mail today and will see how much difference in time that it takes for the two types of letters to get home.  Personally I don't like those little ole' Vmails at all.

Today I have guard and so I can just take it easy until it comes time to go on watch.  Catch up on a little letter writing today I guess.

We are gradually getting our camp fixed up.  It really is beginning to look O.K.  We are fixing up a neat chow hall and we already have some showers.

I am feeling fine and write soon.

Love Jerry

INSERT SHOWER AND TENT PIC

INSERT OLE' FOOTBALL DAYS

INSERT PRACTICE DRAWING PIC

INSERT LOIS LETTER OF SEPT 19, 1943

 

ON AUGUST 29, 1944, Jerry wrote:

IF HE CAN DO IT, SO CAN I.  I've decided I'll have a comic strip or bust.  I guess you know I'd rather draw than anything else.

Love Jerry

PS Any suggestions?

INSERT FACE PIC.

INSERT THE BIRTH OF A COMIC STRIP

INSERT FOUR PAGES OF FIGURES

 

ON August 29, 1944, Jerry wrote

I am feeling fine and I received the Art institute Inc. propaganda sheet that Bob relayed on to to me.  I was glad to get it.  It seemed like sitting up in my room poking around when I got to read their familiar same old line.  I believe I will take their course after the war for sure.  I've been thinking about Raye Burns too - If you could fix it up with him and sent me my no. # book why I could finish his course out here, because I only have about 2 or 8 more lessons to go in order to complete his whole 24 lesson course and I'd sure like to finish it.

You know Mom, I think I'm getting a little rusty with my drawing and I sure don't want to get so bad from neglect that I can't get back into the groove.  When I go back to East I am going to take an art course with my other subjects.

Glads - all this talk is making me homesick so to change the subject, how's Bob coming along? Patricia "B" still going strong - remember its POP's Candy store.  Richard and I used to go in there and stuff with malts, pies, ice cream, etc, etc.  You and me are going to be doing that real often starting about this time next year. 

How's the yard look?  No leaves yet for a while I suppose.  I'm sure eager to get those snapshots Mom.  Well, must close now.

Loads of Love , Jerry

COPY PICS

 

Dear Mom,

I really enjoyed the funny papers I got yesterday, thanks a lot.  Keep it up and sometime send a funny book or two.

You have not sent any Stover's Chocolates for quite a while.  A box of chocolates or two would strictly be O.K too.  Is there anyway to cram a Angel Food cake in a package why hint hint.

Well mom I guess that is enough moochin' for one letter eh what.  I'm feeling fine.  I suppose school will be starting now before long.  What is Bob going to do during the school year for a job?  What grade is Virginia in?  John Menzel hasn't left for overseas duty yet has he?

Last night I dreamt you and me was at Candyland devouring malt sodas and sundays.

Well mom I must close now goo bye

Love Jerry

 

ON August 29, 1944, Jerry wrote

Dear Mom,

Well, here I am again today and I suppose my air mail has arrived before this one.  I am sending an air mail at the same time as this to see the difference in speed.  How's the weather at home now.  School should be starting before long, eh whot?  I feel fine and I'll knock off.

Love, Jerry.

INSERT PIC.

 

 

ON August 30, 1944, Jerry wrote:

Dear Mom,

Well well yesterday a can of goodies came and a package of July 5 funny papers and another package of writing papers - WOW !! - I am really lucky to have such a thoughtful mom I must say.  Thanks a lot mom.  No more ink left so perhaps a bottle of ink from you would come in handy next time too?  Right now we are receiving a nice little breeze and believe me it is mighty welcome too.  Be sure to continue to send me the Secret Place because I really enjoy it cover to cover and some of the other guys look at it too.

Bill MacLean, the cartoonist really interested me.  Mom, what do you think of the stuff that I sent home about him?  O.K. eh - what - now if Gerry Brooks will get in the goove and get busy when he gets home why everything will be hunky-dory, won't it.  I am thinking and planning out a few characters and ideas right now.  When I don't dream about home, why it's the future comic strip, always one or the other, something swell to look forward too.

Notice this drawing board.  (INSERT DRAWING)  I figure on one something like that and I will be set.  Be sure to hang onto my old strips because I will be wanting to complete them some day - HEY HEY.  Well mom I must close for now and please send those photos that you took.

Loads of love Jerry

P.S.  I feel swell.

P.S. Tell Bob Brooks to get hot and write to me or I'll have to work him over proper. GET ME!!

INSERT PAGE OF PICS

 

ON September 1, 1944 Jerry wrote:

Well here I am again mom - right now it's raining and we are waiting under canvas for it to end so to continue work.  I came across this paper and I always carry a pencil so I'm writing to you now.  We are really busy and I feel fine and dandy.  I really keep up an enormous appetite and the chow is plenty good.  Got a letter from Bob yesterday and it sounds like he is girl crazy - groan and moan.  Has he quit his job for school?

Well mom the rain is stopping and I'm running out of space so I must stop for now.  Goo-bye.

Love Jerry

P.S. I can use some more pencils because I am running low now.

INSERT PIC ON BACK OF PAGE

 

ON September 3, 1944 Jerry wrote:

Well here it is Sunday morning and the sun is barely beginning to rise up over the hills and it really appears to be a swell day.  As soon as chow is over why I'll be relieved of guard and then it is off to church I go.  We have a grand chaplain and our service is in a little wooden structure with a big canvas for a roof.

Right about now all the guys are asleep, but I like to get up and wash and write and draw while it's real nice and cool.   Even a new batch of funny papers failed to get the guys here in the guard tent up early - HEH HEH - but just wait till chow call - WOW - it will resemble a terrific cyclone interwoven with a tornado all combined.

I guess you know that these cartoons of me when I get home are straight dope - Hope you are well stocked up on Wheaties etc. etc. etc.

---

Well I just now got back from breakfast and it was fairly good.  The little messmen chipped their molars when I came back for seconds as usual but that's all the good it did them.  It's beginning to get hot now so I'll sign off and it will be time for church soon anyway.  Goo-bye

Love Jerry

INSERT HI MOM PIC OF JERRY DRAWING

 

ON September 8, 1944, Jerry wrote:

Dear Mom,

Today is the day for school to begin and I can just see all the kids trampin' off to school in nice new clothes and a big batch of books and pencils etc etc under their arms.  HAPPY DAY

The summer really seemed to fly by for me.  It don't seem like Sept should be here already at all.  How did the summer go so for you mom?

Bob most likely looks pretty snazy in his school clothes and he is really growing too isn't he!  Does he still consider himself a second Clark Gable or not?  Just what did he decide to take at East and did he try out for the football squad or not?

So dad got to go fishing several times during the summer eh - well that is grand and I really like to hear dad gets to step out once in the while.  And how about you mom? - do you ever go to Candyland any more or does dad ever take you out?  HOPE SO.

Mom, I've been thinking about those two big rooms upstairs and I've decided that the small one that I have now just absolutely will not be large enough to accomodate me, my bed, dresser and all my drawing equipment also.  So here is my idea - if I should draw up a strip and sell it, why then I'll have to keep on drawing them and keep a supply going out regularly and that's when I want to switch over to the big room - once I am in the groove and have gotten settled down with the pen and ink for good.  I figure that it will take about two months for me to draw you one or two stories and to send and sell to one of the syndicates and once my stuff is bought why - WOW - I'll really be happy and the do ra me will be coming in and I'll be going to school all at the same time.  What do you think of the room proposition mom???

Oh oh it's breakfast time now so I'll have to quit - !

Lots of Love Jerry

INSERT THINK THINK SCRATCH SCRATCH PIC OF JERRY WORKING HARD

 

ON September 10, 1944, Jerry wrote:

Dear Mom and Pop,

It's Sunday today and I'm on guard so I reckon I'll catch up with my letters today.  Just had noon chow and it was pretty good.  Its raining a bit now and as soon as it quits Joe and I are going over to the ring and spar around because I don't go on post for a couple of hours.  I've been writing and he's been drawing and we really like to sit down and draw together.

Yesterday evening why a bunch of us got up a touch football game in between the tent rows and we really had fun.  It was the first time that I had played football since we left the States.  Yesterday I was given (issued) some new clothes and brand new shoes and I strictly looked like a "boot" this morning in new clothes and shoes.  In fact, I believe we looked like a whole platoon of boots this morning.  HEH HEH

My belt is growing white "salty" from having, using, and washing it often for so long and mom I'm certainly proud of it.  My cartridge belt and canteen cover is beginning to get neat looking also, but my little carbine is what I am most proud of.  It has a cloth shoulder strap which I wash before I go on guard each time and before long it will be salty even.  HEH HEH.  I wouldn't trade my carbine for anything.

I'm still looking for some packages from you.  I feel fine and now I must close mom.

Love Jerry

INSERT THEM THAR PIC

 

ON September 14, 1944, Jerry wrote:

DEAR MOM

Well mom here I am and I have plenty of time to draw for you today.  On this page it's your son but of course ite old men was to catch me with my helmet cocked over like this why J.B. have a bit of extra police duty HEH HEH.  I am feeling fine mom and I'm waiting for some packages from you.  Oh yeah - I haven't received even any letters from you for a couple of days now.  How is Bob and school making out Mom.  Okay, I hope.  Well perhaps this time next year I'll be sitting in on one of those rooms at East High - wow - I sure hope so.  How's our football team?

About dad - is he the same as ever?  Still have pretty hair and flabby muscles - HEH HEH- as soon as he reads this he will start chipping his molars I bet - HEH.

Mom I'd sure love to have a nice big photo of you.  That's not my only request, it's an ORDER.

Must close now - goo bye.

Love Jerry

INSERT HI MOM PIC

 

ON September 18, 1944, Jerry wrote:

Dear Mom,

WELL WELL mon, how's every little thing at home about now? - pretty cool or still a little warm?  And just how does my darling ???? little bud like East High now by now HUH Before long we will get all at once back pay and I'll send it home and I want you to give Bob five bucks for each "A" he makes and three bucks for every "B" he makes and a kick in the humty dumpty" for all below that as a present to him from Jerry - UNDERSTAND.

Today I have guard again as usual and I like it because I have lots of time to draw and write before and between my watches.  Right now some are reading, some snoozing, some playing cards, some are in a bull session about the great and mighty things they have done at one time or another, and the rest of us are writing letters.

Some of the guys went fishing yesterday and caught some goofy looking fish.  There are some crazy colored fish out here.  Well mom it's time for noon chow and I must close.

Lots of Love, Jerry

P.S.  I have enclosed a little money order for you to use on yourself for what you want.  You like chocolates.  I know so i want you to get some of those first and foremost.  It's a present from muscles. 

INSERT XMAS FOLLIES DRAWING

INSERT HELLO MOM SENTY PIC

 

ON September 19, 1944, Jerry wrote:

INSERT HI MOM PIC

Dear Mom,

It's night again and the day really did fly by, in fact they all seem to scoot on by before you know it.  I shoveled sand all day and I'm about ready to hit the sac now. A guy can sure sleep good around here - anyway I do.  I resurrected a pad for my cot, and it feels good not to sleep on the naked cot itself.

Right now I am trying to figure out a Christmas cartoon for a contest for $50 for the winner.  It's a division contest so I have to compete with lots of pros of course.  Joe is trying also, only he's working for the serious card and I, the comical one.  $50 for each winner - WOW - !!

We have a radio and speaker rigged up mom and it is swell.  We get some smooth music and all the lastest news.  The guys in Europe are right in the groove, aren't they!

I feel fine and now I must close.

P. S. we had some good ole" chocolate pudding today and of course I went back for more - YUM YUM

P.S. Tell Mr. & Mrs. Menzel hello for me, how about the snapshots?

INSERT LAST YEAR THIS TIME, AND NOW, PIC

 

ON Saturday September 23, 1944, Jerry wrote:

Dear Mom & Dad,

Two letters from you came yesterday and some swell snapshots too - WOW - Keep it up - I really enjoy those pictures you sent to me.  It sure makes a guy feel good to get some shots like that mom believe you me. 

YA-HOO - so you are sending my cartoons  book and Ray Burn's gave you the "go-ahead" signal for $35 - man O man am I happy - you just can't even imagine how glad I am mom - ! - received the toothbush and ruler etc., so don't worry about your stuff not reaching me because it gets there eventually.  Here's my plan on this finishing up the course mom - I'll draw up all my lessons assignments as soon as I get the book and send them to the art school and that way if we shove off unexpectedly why I will still complete the course and everything will be O.K., get me.  You resend the lessons - one lesson each two wks - (14 day interval) and put MY return address so he will correct them and return them to me - is that straight mom?!

I can just see those peaches, etc. boiling and spilling alive or two - HEH HEH - be sure an save some for Muscles now mom.  Any stuff that you send in a tin can always gets here O.K., so try to use cans as usual.  I'm receiving the comic strips regularly mom and I really appreciate them - Gail would love some Chocolates mom - HINT HINT HINT HINT HINT HINT HINT HINT -

Si Bev shoved off for K. U., Jo Ann Payne for Baker College, and tommy Howell for W.W. - sure wish them all the very best.  Be sure and tell Tommy and he grand ole" mother HELLO for me.  Ole' Steve really looks natural in the snapshot.  Send me him address and how does he like the navy?

No dad - Brewer and Edna haven't writen.  Has cold whether sent it at home by now or is it still green outside?  I bet you and Bob had a good time at Callhan's place.  I'll be going along with you two guys before too long - I hope.

Well I must close now I'm feeling fine and everything is strictly in the groove.

Love Jerry

P.S. Don't worry about me volunteering for more combat - I am not about to do that - not by a long shot.

P.S I sure love CHOCOLATES?  Only thing I like more than chocolates are more chocolates.

INSERT PIC of CAN, CHOCOLATE BARS, CHOCOLATE LAYERS

 

ON September 25, 1944, Jerry wrote:

Dear Mom and Dad,

Well, I was fixing to go down to the show but at the last batch of photos you sent to me and so here I cam wanting ell you just how much I really do appreciate them - there's not a single thiing that can even compare with snapshots and that includes chow even.  Right now as I write the photo of you two  in the front room is propped up beside my candle and I just noticed that the music stand is still parked in the front room.  Mom looks as cute as ever and dad is a handsome as ever except I think his nose is getting larger.  HEH HEH!!  I enjoyed the picture of ad and Bob and myself.  If I could get one by sixteen film why perhaps you would recieve a snapshot or two of me.  Of course, you would have to be pretty shrewd in order to get it here.  COUGH COUGH!

Well now I am feeling fine and Now I must close.

Love Jerry

P.S. I would really love to have some more HINT HINT HINT HINT

INSERT PIC OF JERRY AT DESK

INSERT PIC OF SCHOOL DAYS

 

ON Tuesday September 25, 1944, Jerry wrote:

Dear Dad,

Well, its Tuesday night and I've been up to Eugene Fients' (Navy) outfit for chow and pop etc. and a good show.  His outfit is really on the ball and I don't mean perhaps.  He gave me a swabbie shirt and so I in can get in all their lines for stuff without any questions - WOW - we really pulled some fast ones this evening.  We just kept going through the line time and again and really stuffed. 

He is coming down to my outfit Friday for the boxing matches and I'll show him our camp and etc. etc. then we will go up to his place for chow and pepsi - colas and the show.  He would sure like to hear from you.  Nothing unusual happened today dad so I don't have much to chip my teeth about so I will knock off for now.

Love Muscles

P.S. I sure like SNAP SHOTS??

 

ON September 25, 1944, Jerry wrote:

Dear Mom, Received several letters from you yesterday and it was good to hear from you.  Our mails aren't very often any more and the outgoing stuff isn't daily either.

Yesterday we has a pretty fair dinner, in fact it was the best yet on this place.  I guess you know I stuffed myself too, but it don't even begin to compare with our Sunday noon meals at home.  We had a fast game of baseball yesterday mom and it was fun.  We have some athletic gear in now.  We have a football, basketball, volleyball, softball, baseball, boxing equipment and see mom we are fixed up with athletics.  We even have a little bunch of books that we prize as our "library," oh, yeah - we have a PX now and so we can get a bar of candy per day and stationary, soap, toothbrush etc.  Not bad at all is it.

How is everything with you and dad and Bob?  And how does Bob like East?   Where are those big overgrown cookies with the goodies in the center that I drew in black and white for you??  Sure happy to hear that I can finish up my Cartoon Course now.  The little first class packages come regularly, thanks for everything.  

Well I shall scoot now goo-bye

Love Jerry 

 

INSERT PIC OF HAPPY DAY, SEPT 27, 1944

INSERT PIC OF TRIPOD TRIO SEPT 27, 1944

INSERT PIC OF YEOW WHEATIES MAIL CALL, SEPT 27, 1944 

INSERT PIC OF YEOW I'M COMING MOM

 

ON SUNDAY OCTOBER 1, 1944, Jerry wrote:

Dear Mom,

Just got back from church services and what do you know, ran across a guy from another outfit that I used to know at the little church at Oceanside.  I really seemed good to see him too!!  It's a pretty day and there is a nice breeze too.  Yesterday we had an inspection and it came off O. K.  One wise guy had an idea for us to turn in our rifles and be re-issued weapons - NO SOAP - it would be a cold day in July before I would even be about to give up a carbine for anyone. 

We C.P.s played H&S platoon and got beat 4 - 0 but it was lots of fun.  Our Company "C" has the best and eneryest guys in the battalion.  We stick together and whenever there are sport contests why "C" is always one of the contestants.  HEH HEH.

Last night Eugene Frent from the navy came down and we went to the fights and had a good time.  I like to hear him blow about all the action he has seen HA - wow, he really spreads it on.  I've found out the guys who blow the most have sean the least.

Well now I must close now and I feel fine.

Love, Jerry

INSERT 3 BASEBALL PICS.

 

ON SUNDAY OCTOBER 10, 1944, Jerry wrote:

Mom, how is my best little gal making out?  Received several letters from you yesterday and also one my little??? brother.  HEH HEH

Mom, you can't imagine how much I appreciate these snapshots that you sent - and I mean it.  They are swell and I really do enjoy them?

We just finished putting in wood decks in our tents.  Now we will have to be sweeping all the time - groan and moan!!  The new decks improve the appearance of the tents 100%  Oh yeah - the guys who want to vote can do so today.  According to the scuttlebutt why a guy named Dewey is Roosevelt's opponent in this forth race - HEH HEH.

INSERT THREE PICS 50 YR FROM NOW

What's Bob doing now - Anything besides doping off??  Sure hope he settles down and gets in the groove - I'd hate to have to beat him to a pulp when I finally do get home - or would I?!

Well mom I just got a letter from Joe MacDonald of Oceanside and the Christian Digest!!!

Must close now - goo bye.

Love Jerry

INSERT FOUR AS TIME GOES BY PICS.

 

ON TUESDAY NOVEMBER 7, 1944, Jerry wrote:

Dear Mom,

This is the first of my letters for the last week, we have been real busy and your son hits the sack unusually early.  Received a package of goodies from you day before yesterday and those big suckers and those cookies of your's were really swell Mom - THANKS.

I'd bet a million you can never guess who is beside me writing a letter to his wife - "Chesty" allias Richard B. Hill in person.  Whew - I about fell over when I saw him in our outfit.  He applied for 2nd Armored and got it.  Quite amazing, isn't it.

Heard from Richard and I haven't any idea of his location, but I really do expect to be in an operation with his outfit some of these days.  It will really be grand to see ole' Rich again, and I don't mean perhaps.

How's Bob???  I see where I will have to knock some of that nonsense out of him.  Dad mentioned visiting Bev's folks but you haven't said anything yet.  Did you see Bev?  I'm looking forward to get those photo's mom!!!

Must close mom and I feel swell.

Loads of Love,

Jerry

INSERT FACE

 

ON NOVEMBER 12, 1944, Jerry wrote:

Dear Mom,

Here it is Sunday already and the time really seems to fly and I don't mean perhaps.  I have spent the day drawing up two envelopes of Ray Burns cartoon lessons and you ought to receive both envelopes at the same time.  Phew! That is what I call work.  You know that JB  likes to draw out his head a lot better than to put down  a drawing according to orders but I am learning quite a bit and I guess you know that just as soon as I get home I'm going to buy that $165 Art Course from Art Instruction Inc.

It has been a sultry day and so I hope it rains and cools things off a bit.  I'm feeling swell and I sure wish that you would send me some snapshots because I really like them and has it snowed yet?  Must close now mom, goo-bye??

Love Jerry

INSERT TWO FACES PICS

 

ON NOVEMBER 21, 1944, Jerry wrote:

Got two letters from you today and I had to laught at the note you got from the mail Joe out west - WOW - I bet you about blew your cork - HEH HEH!!

Thanks to you I am pretty well stocked up on paper and pencil andMom I really appreciate it too.  These guys sort of like to watch JB Cartoon and up to date he has drawn stuff for about thirty or more different guys, those from other Companies that I don't know by name even, and I really get a big kick out of it!!

Lois wrote and stated that she was going with some guy back home and practically appolgized as if it made any difference to me.  Did you inquire as if she was hitched up or something?  HA - I recokon I'll  continue to try to keep her snowed and don't you ever mention Bev to her and JB will continue to keep up his fun.  HEH HEH!!

You know mom, about the nicest Christmas gift that you dad and Bob could send me is this - a few air mail envelopes full of snapshots of all of you, Gyppe, my room, our home, and perhaps some of the folks on the both sides of us.

I am really stumped on the problem of the Christmas present for my #2 gal up at Lawrence and I think I'll just forget my no. #1 gal, mom  HEH HEH!!  OUCH DON'T HIT ME AGAIN, NO, NO!  STOP IT! HEH HEH

Ever hear from that crazy Steve Mom.  I lost his address so you must remedy same.  It seems Jim got a new raw deal doesn't it.  Perhaps these guys will learn someday that women are all fickle, eh what - HEH.

Wichita has changed quite a bit since last October hasn't it.  According to the scuttlebutt it has quite a few more swabbies on weekends than ever before.  Ever go down and pick up a couple or perhaps a stray fellow and take him home for chow and a Saturday night sleep in my room on that nice soft sac fo mine?  Well if you haven't you had better because you can never know how much it helps a guy to figure out there a still a few Christians around.  Last Christmas when I was invited out to a nice time and dinner why it helped me a thousand per cent?

Yeah, mom, when I get home why you'll have a steady boy friend for sure, and we will have to step out at least once a week, and in the event that Bob decided to compete with me why I'd raise it one.

Love Jerry

 

ON THANKSGIVING DAY, NOVEMBER 23, 1944, Jerry wrote:

Here it is right time or about so, and Thanksgiving Day is over.  We had a a very nice dinner and I certainly did stuff.  HEH!

Five (5) packages from you came yesterday and one from Mrs. Brimmer - WOW! Thanks for everything now and I could eat only about a third of all my stuff so the rest of it is tucked away under my sack.  Thanks again for everything mom.

Well mom, I must close now as it is very dark and your son is very tired.

Love Jerry

INSERT FACE

 

ON Monday, December 3, 1944, Jerry wrote"

Dear Dad,

I'm on guard as usual and it's more than an hour an hour before I go on post so I shoved off over here to my own tent and decided to drop you a line.

Still have the large new testament that I bought in Oceanside, and every time I open it qhy my favorite pictures stare me in the face.  The one of you and myself together and mom and myself, both taken when I was home on furlough.  The shot of you and Bev together out at her farm makes up my three best loved snapshots.  It's too cold at home to play catch now but I'd still like to be around to wear you down and burn you out.  HEH HEH

Remember how I and Bob used to beat my gums when it came time to cut our hair or secure the funny papers or get ready on Sunday mornings.  Remember when I struck out three times straight at Lawrence Stadium?  Wow - and how that Ruth tried to hook me but didn't succeed.  Remember how you and Mom would holler when Bob and I would box in the front room.  We will have to get some twelve ounch groves when I get home and bounce each other around - Okay.

About a Jalopy - well I can drive a tank more or less (mostly less) but I am not so good at the know all of a car so you will have to be teacher until I learn.  You may think your son is cracked up but he is still going to get a good bycicle because it will come in plenty handy and I'm still a kid, about a hike.

How's my room - same as ever I hope.  My drawing board, cartoon strips, library dresser, clothes, etc. still in good shape?

You mentioned swords etc. well from now on I will send all the swords home.  About the only thing I have left is the bugle and it sort of takes place of my trumpet so I get a kick out of tooting it every now and then.  I'm getting bigger and I feel fine. Must close now dad and please write soon.

Love Jerry

INSERT MARINE FACE

 

ON Tuesday, December 19, 1944, Jerry wrote:

Dear Darling Mom,

Here it is Tuesday already and now it is less than a week from Christmas and all is well!  The boys are in the Christmas spirit now and all are singing carols, etc.  J.B. never was one to sing very pretty so he toots his harmonica, that is, the reeds that are still in working order.  One of the boys has a little red bell that he made and hung up here in the tent and it looks like mighly nice.  The guys are singing Silent - Night now and it brings back memories of the times our Sunday School class went caroling and had such good times.

Received a nice card from you and from dad and I do appreciate each of them.  Been wondering just how things look at home right today.  I suppose there is some snow and it is probably a bit cool or outright cool.  Suppose you have a nice little tree in the front room and a few packages under it.  This ought to be Gyppe's fourteenth christmas and he probably appears just as always, a pup.  Anybody still call him a pup.  You used to get a kick out of other people under estimating his age.  

How is Betty Orr making out and has Betty heard from Art Rasic or any news of his well being.  How does Richard Watkins like the Navy.  Never hear from Lois Allison for quite some time.  K. G. & E. still have their basketball games over at their plant on East Central?  Remember mom how we used to spread the love to go to their games.  Send me all the dope on East's basketball games.  

I suppose you have some knowledge of the GI Bill of Rights passed by Congress some time ago.  Well it concerns certain benefits that we may take advantage of after our discharge.  I can go to college, if I start within two years after released, for one year plus the time I spend in the Corps with the expenses paid and 50 bucks per month for myself - not bad at all.  If my grades are good why I can go for all four years.  Here is my plan - complete high school on my own, and then start with W.U or K.U. on Uncle Sam.  I want you to go over to East and get the dope on just exactly and how much I have to do in order to graduate.  Find out how many credits that I have to have to graduate.  Also get one of those gyzos that have all the subjects with credit values for each of the high school years and send it to me.  I know that I have one semester to go on Geometry in order to get my major in math and I already have a major in English, and my required minors.  Get the dope and send me the scoop mom!!  I know that it will take two semesters instead of one for me to complete the required amount and what I desire to do is otherwise.

Well mom I must close now and I am feeling fine.

Love Jerry

INSERT JERRY STUDYING PIC, PLUS MARBLEHEAD AND OLD TAYLOR

 

ON December 27, 1944, Jerry wrote:

Dear Mom,

Christmas has passed and before long we will be on 1945.  We had a pretty nice Christmas, not so dull anyway.  We got up a tackle football game and I had more fun than I have had since I've been away.  We put on our tank helmets and really went at it hard.  We banged away at each other all morning and the score was 6-6.  One touch down apiece.  Most of the guys are so sore now that they won't play anymore.  HEH HEH  Mom, just can't you see us playing out in the hot sun with no shirt on and had our big clod hoppers on.  As usual ole' JB got his elbows and knees skinned.  I guess you know that ole' J. B. is going to play a little football at K.U.

I feel swell and must close now.  Love Jerry

INSERT FOOTBALL PLAYER AND GEAR.

 

On December 30, 1944

My Darling Mom,

Two packages from you came yesterday and I was really happy to receive them.  Those marshmellows were strickly OK.  The Milky ways were right delicious also.  Yum Yum, keep it up mom because your son really appreciates it - Thanks for everything. 

The mail is fowled up as usual so I can't write too much as there is nothing to talk about and when no mail comes to answer why it's pretty rough.  We took some pictures this morning now and now if only some on will develop the things I'll send them home for some reproductions.

You mentioned my watch, well mom I'd like to have it because it isn't doing any good at home.  So just enclose it in the next package of goodies and insure it for 60 dollars and it will get here all right I am sure.  Please continue to send me a few snapshots now and then, I enjoy them so much. That would be a wonderful birthday present for sure.  I have the little picture of you and dad in the front room and it does me good to look at it.  Got up real early and finished up my washing before the sun came up.  The moonlight served the purpose.

Love Jerry.

INSERT FACE PICS.

 

On January 7, 1945, Jerry wrote:

Dear Mom,

You'll find some negatives of the last batch  of snapshots that I sent to you.  Please have one photo of each made for each man in picture.  You can send two of each shot of J.B. if you will.  Thanks!!!

Red got his camera yesterday and he asked for it after I sent for one.  His is the box type camera.  C'mom and send me on more with some film too.  (We can use $120 film for Red's camera.)

I'm glad you sent my geometry book.  I'm studying it and it will be much easier to pass it when I go back to East.  Received my gizmo from Marine Corps Institute School.  My course is on the way.  I put in for shorthand.  I figure it will come in handy someday. It will give me credit with East also.  I still intend to go the whole year and get one or two subjects extra for my own benefit.  My lessons for shorthand from MCI (Marine Corps Institute) just now came in the mail.  I hope to master it.  At any rate I am to do my very best -

Write mom, I must go now and please write soon and send pencils, camera, film #116 or 120, pogy bait.  HEH HEH

Love Jerry

Insert Marine Face Pic

 

 

On January 18, 1945, Jerry wrote:

INSERT HORSESHOE AND TENNIS PICS

My Darling Mom,

How's every little thing around home mom?  The boys are on the ball out here and everything is swell.  We are plenty busy and time certainly does fly believe me.  The nine months have passed by quickly and I do hope the next fifteen do likewise, eh what? 

Chesty and I took a shower and went to the show together and now we are writing together.  Just as soon as some film comes, he and I will have one picture taken with each other.  He is really a grand guy and I'm really glad that we are together again.  He has a special receiver put up and can tune in on various stations and get news and music - not bad at all.  He is a brain storm if you ever knew one - HEH HEH!

INSERT FOOTBALL HELMET AND FOOTBALL

We are all playing baseball and horseshoes as usual.  Our chow and movies are grand and that ain't baloney mom!!  Had a big hunk of meat today - YUM - and the hot gravy really tops things off.    Happy to know that my camera and film are on the way and I'll take just as many shots possible according to the amount of film you send.

The Milky Way bars, fruitcakes, cookies, etc. etc. is grand, but no such packages for quite some time.  Never did get any with the stuff inside, you know those overgrown two layer jobs you used to turn out HEH HEH, well c'mon now and get hot on them mom.

INSERT BALL AND BAT AND GLOVE PIC

Say mom, how about a pair fo gym shorts and a good bat cap?! Thanks!  By the way, remember those good sun glasses that I brought just before leaving home for boot camp?  Unbelievable, isn't it!? Whenever you get a stray five buck money order or so from me without any  written documents and orders and instructions, why its for you to spend for anything from a finger wave to a malt and I send them with intentions for you to use.

Early to bed, early to rise - gotta hit the sac now, g' bye!!!

Love Muscles

INSERT KNIFE GUN FACE AND BOOTS PIC

 

ON TUESDAY JAN. 30, 1945, Jerry wrote:

INSERT SMILE FACE

Dear Mom,

Another day, another dollar and no letter from you and dad for a Coon's age.  I know you are writing every day but the mail is continuously fouled up so before long a bunch ought to arrive at once.

I was issued a 17 jewel Hamilton wrist watch today - not bad at all eh - what m mom!!  With Bev's bracelet and the watch together, Old JB has quite a conglomeration of stuff on our wrist. The parrot and one of our dogs got into it today and of course Jelly won.  The poor disabled pooch won't mess with "Blood and Guts" any more, I reckon.  That parrot is really a fighting fool.  The rabbit and one of the cats had a little "hittin' in the face also.  The bunny can take care of herself OK.  If that duck don't quit messing up one of our tent decks during the day when we are away, why he will fine himself all carved up on a patter presented as a duck dinner and that ain't hay.

The little do-jigger for my scout knife came long ago and I still have the knife dad sent.  No harmonica as yet.  No film for ages and still no camera.  Sure wish I'd get some more packages from you.  Our ball team has been doping off lately.  We won some thirty odd games in a row but lately we have been getting beaten much to often.

We have been hearing stateside music and records all the time and certainly enjoy them.  Sunday mornings we hear a grand choir over the air.  They are really on the ball and always sing well known hyms.  Rev. Joseph MacDonald of Oceanside writes me quite often and I do appreciate it.  He writes to many men overseas and stays faithful to all of us guys who at one time or another visited his church.  Mom I wish you would write to him and thank him and tell him how much you son enjoys his letters:

Rev. Jos. MacDonald

1019 8th St.

Oceanside California

Arhies Wright is here but I can't get away long enough to go out and see him.  He wrote me and it took five days for his letter to reach me.  Sure would like to see him.  I'd laugh if Jim and Steve would have to do duty away from here heh-heh.  Several months ago I ran into Gene Jackson and he is a sub man also.  He and I went to East High together.  Is Joe Bradley in the Pacific?

How's Betty Orr making out?  Boy or Girl?  Ever hear from Art Racio?  How's Helen and Beulah  and all there offspring.  HEH HEH?  Ever talk with Mr. Cousins and Mrs. Wilbar?

Must close now mom, I'm feeling grand - goo bye.  Love Jerry.

 

ON Sunday, Febuary 3, 1945, Jerry wrote:

Hello Darlin,

What do you know.  Arfins came out today and we spent the day together.  We really had a good time together and Arlins really looks good and he expects to be homeward bound in a few months.  Ever hear from Jim Jim and Oral?  I understand that Ole Steve and Jo Ann were pretty thick - HEH HEH - How's the situation now.  Received a letter from Mrs. Dibb and she says that she must have your address fouled up.  She didn't like the idea of Jim's gal acting as she did.  She says Jim has a new flame out in California and is happy as he will forget Laurane that much sooner.  Groan and Moan, these women are all fickle and she let him drop like a hot potato.  HEH HEH  I recon the Army takes about anybody, anyway from what I've seen of it, certainly appears to be so.  

The Geometry book came today - thanks mom. Mrs. Banks sent some Eagles today and I do appreciate them.  I've harped at you to send some for a long time now - How about it.  (Ouch, don't hit me.  Ouch - Don't stop.

Now pay attention to what I'm about to tell you.  I once had a date just before entering the Marines Corps with a gal named Helen Bowley, of 2051 So. Washington.  You probably don't remember it of course.  Her mom writes to me and she writes and I enjoy their letters.  Helen wants your address so I'll give it to her.  She thinks J.B is a pretty fair egg, and her mom ditto.  If she calls you up and talks a leg off you, why deal with her because she is just a kid.  She appears to be quite looney over J.B, but don't make fun at her. Ahem - if her mom calls up up why you can strongly hint that your marine loves goodies.  HEH HEH.  You are my middle man.  You and Mrs. Wilbur have slowed down considerable also in respect to pogy-bait HINT

Well I must knock off for now.  Send some more reading material and boxes.

Love, Jerry.

INSERT SMILY FACE

 

ON Sunday, Febuary 9, 1945, Jerry wrote:

My Darling Mom,

A package came from you yesterday and in it was my ball cap - THANKS - it really helps out and I do appreciate it very much.

The shorthand correspondence course is plenty stiff but it is very interesting and I enjoy working at it.  I'll learn it before too long also.  Say - How about sending my corrected cartoons lessons to me when they arrive now. ?!

Your cookies and other goodies are slowing up - what's the matter, do you have trouble getting them by the post office.  Remember mom, I'd love to have a couple of those re-made shapshots sent so I can give to Bev & etc. a picture or two!!  If you will send some #120, while I'll send you some more shots.

INSERT THREE FACES PIC

No doubt Arlious has written you about us being together last Sunday.  Sure do wish he could come over again sometime.  He is a great guy indeed.  Now if only he and Jim would get out here perhaps our trails would meet.  By the way, how's the two thugs making out now.  Jim found a new girl yet.  Ole" Steve and Jo Ann still write each other.  I suppose Helen and Beaulah and offspring are O.K.  I do hope so.  Good Ole' Harold, sure wish he would write some time.  Have not heard from Mary Long for ages.  Aunt Florence O.K., I hope.  I believe dad's side of the family has a bit of Gypsy in them - Judging from the way Galavant around.  HEH HEH.

Well mom, I got to go now.  So long and sleep tight.

Love Muscles

INSERT MARINE FACE PIC 

 

IN THE SAME ENVELOPE, Jerry wrote:

My Dearest Darlin',

Here's the negatives of those pictures I sent home mom. I forget to put them in the letter to you today.  The guy that was to get some more developments made for us, dropped off and didn't get around to it.  

Arlious has the latest film and I hope he can get results.  Must close now mom.

Love Jerry

INSERT CAMERA BUG PIC

 

IN APRIL, 1945, AFTER IWO JIMA, Jerry wrote:

Dear Mom,

This afternoon it is pretty warm and there is a nice cool breeze.  I am feeling fine and everything is swell.

Tomorrow or the day after I going on liberty and got to the swell swimming pool at the USO.  It has a diving board and everything.  The USO is enormous and it is really grand.  There is even a gym there so we can play basketball, box, and wrestle, etc, etc.

No letter from Arlis for ages.  He has some film of mine which he said he could get developed.  Richard Rowland hasn't written either.  I guess he is too busy loafing.  HEH HEH.

Jess came in and now we are ribbing him about his new store bought pipe.  He got a new one the other day when we went on liberty.  He will smoke it tell he gets a gut ache then won't touch it it about a month.  If I ever get crazy enough to start smoking, it would be a pipe, I guess.  The things stink, though, you can smell these guys a mile off.  I seems that on the average the men become heavy smokers as time goes on.  It isn't any too good on a man's wind and football is a pretty fast moving sport.  Sure hope I can make it a WU or KU.

I went to a show at Camp last night.  It was about Army paratroopers.  They started out with thirty-six men and during the course of the show they appeared to loss about five times that number but yet finally came out victorious with eleven men left.  The fired enought ammunition to supply an army but never seemed to be carrying any.  Their hand grenades were about as powerful as a ton of dynamite.  About twelve or thirteen fought off and killed approximately a thousand Nips with grenades rifles knives and a machine gun.  We all got a big kick out of it for more reasons than one.

How's Betty Orr and little Dutch making out?  Sure hope everything turns out O.K. for her.  Helen and Deulah and offspring doing O.K. or are they all fouled up as usual?!  Tommy Howell in the Army yet.  Ha - I wonder how Ruth Jones and hubby are coming?  Raymond Buck married yet?  I guess poor poor ole Swacht Majer is really having it rough and tough in the Army.  That sissified eightball really needs his mother to tuck him in and protect him from those Germans.  Gail and I fixed his clock at Scouts meeting once.  He and Buck are two of a kind. 

Well I will quit now.  Everything is swell and I am eating like a hog.

Love Jerry

 

ON APRIL 2, 1945, AFTER IWO JIMA, Jerry wrote:

INSERT SMILEY FACE PIC

Dear Edna,

Easter has come and gone and everything out here is O.K.  We had a grand dinner and I guess you know that J.B. ate full up to the brim.  We had a very nice service also.  Of course, it was not being like Dr. Hales sermons but nevertheless we all enjoyed it.

I can just see you all dressed up fancy like for Easter.  I suppose you saw mom.  She never did dress up elaborately even on Easter, but still the best looking woman of them all.

How is everything there at the office?  I never will forget that swell Thanksgiving card that the gang sent.  I read their individual little letters on it time and again.  Not only myself but our entire tank crew enjoyed all the various Christmas packages from the swell folks at the office.  A guy simply could not work with a better bunch and there are no two ways about it.

Who is the head office girl now?  I can see Mrs. Graves down there working like a mad to keep everything going O.K.  She is as good as they come Edna.  Miss Stites still sit in her old position.  How's shorty?  I aim to see you and the gang in about a year.  HEH HEH

I'm not on Iwo Jima now.  We did have a pretty fair little brawl there, but as far as J. B. is concerned, not a scratch even.  The Lord has really watched over me.  Three times so far and not even a "C" ration can cut. 

Spring should be rolling around for you before too long.  School will be out before too long also.  My girl is up at K.U. now and says it is pretty stiff.  I'd like to be in her shoes anyway.  The post war GI schooling program is great.  I aim to take advantage of it.  A possible four years of schooling on Uncle Sam's expense.  I still intend to be a lawyer and those three or four years will put a giant gash in expense problem.

Edna, it is time for me to secure now, so I'll say good bye and please write soon.

Love, Jerry

INSERT OLD OFFICE DAYS PIC

 

On Monday, April 16, 1944, Jerry wrote:

Just started to wash up my clothes and no more than got them wet when the water was shut off.  It will be back on within an hour so that gives me time to write to you.

Yesterday another guy and I went on liberty and of course we went to church.  It was a very pretty building with beautful stain-glass windows etc.  A green vine had clung onto the brick which was nice.  We got there early so we got in on a junion Sunday school class and really got a kick out of it.  This morning I went on a bread-run in the truck and as it was a good many miles and towns in between I saw lots of folks going this way and that.  It was before school took up so there were many kids on the way to school.  Little girls and boys and high school kids also.  Every now and then a boy and girl would be going together and he would be carrying all the books.  At one spot, a bunch of little girls were playing "hop-scotch" and "skip the rope."  They were having a gay time.  At all corners near the school houses there were patrol boys that had those little stop signs and at intervals would stop the traffic as the others would cross safely.  It certainly did remind me when I did that in the 5th & 6th grade at Lowell.  We used to secure the traffic at Grove and Central.  It really is swell to see the regular folks around instead of "gooks".

How about some more #116 film mom?  You know that the more film you send why the more snapshots we will have after this is over.  The weather here is very nice and I am feeling fine.  I'll close now.

Love Jerry

INSERT LIBERTY HOUND I'M STEPPING OUT TODAY MOM

 

On April 19, 1944, Jerry wrote:

Howdy Mom,

We went on Liberty today and really had a grand time - Now I am sporting an enormous "pot gut" due to an endless amount of malts, about thirteen, in fact.  I feel like a million bucks now mom.  Yum Yum were they really good.  There is a great USO here and it has a very nice swimming pool and gym and even a bowling alley.  We can read and eat and even play records.  We all enjoy it so much. 

We had some more little snapshots taken today.  We enjoy getting "shot" HEH HEH. I'll have to send you a grass skirt mom so you can wear around the house when it gets hot - HEH HEH.  You would make quite a Hula girl, WOW?

I am eating like a hog and feeling fit as a king.  The guys all want me to mention that your packages are great and you are all officially known as "Ma Brooks" around here.  Another package of marshmellows and etc came today - thanks mom.  Three snapshots came also.  Keep on sending them mom because I love them.

That little picture of Bob and I taken long ago at the zoo is the one I treasure most of all.  The new ones of you and dad are on the ball!  Must scoot now mom so be good and keep on sending the newspapers and packages and snapshots.

Love Jerry.

 

On April 23, 1944, Jerry wrote:

Darling Mom,

How's every little thing?  OK I hope.  Every little thing here is great and we all feel grand.  The chow is superb, and believe me, this guy takes advantage of it, and if you remember correctly, that is nothing nothing more than usual.  Say, it you will notice in the Marine Leatherneck, why you will see several of our tanks.  The guys standing around are my buddies here in our outfit.

INSERT PHOTO OF TANK

They were pretty cold at the time they were photographed and are shown shivering beside their tank.  Have not seen Richard Roland since.  He and I worked together tell dad.  I don't expect to see him again until another operation.  The one that lives long enough to get in tanks first wins all the malts that he can consume at Patricia "B" when we finally get home.  We also have a similar wager on the first to rate corporal.  I'm afraid he will win that one with flying colors though.  HEH HEH!! Rick and I grew up together and I guess he is the best guy pal I ever had.  We surely have been through lots of experiences together.

Tell dad to tell Helen and to be sure not to forget it.  Also Doc Adams is all wet in his theories.  Looks like you and Dad could understand me when I have something for you to say.  No, mom, I never saw Ernie Pyle.  It's too bad that he got killed.  He was really a great guy, I guess.  These bums here in one crew (we are all in one tent) say to tell "Ma Brooks" hello.  They are trying to make points (get in good) with you I think.  These guys are extremely crafty when their "goodies" are concerned.  I've seen lots of chow hounds Mom but our crew is about the worst I believe HEH HEH!!

How is Betty Orr and off-spring coming along?  I suppose Virginia is growing up considerably eh-what!  What's my brother doing now?  Springtime come around yet?

Well Mom, it is time to stop now.

Love Jerry

INSERT FACE PIC

 

ON MAY 7, 1945, Jerry wrote:

Dear Mom,

Just got back from a swell U.S.O troupe show.  It was really grand - all professional talent and it was strictly a first rate act.  There were several comedy acts and lots of songs and several little skits.  There were about five gals from the states and I guess you know these guys just about went wild. First nice lookin' babes from USA that we have seen in quite a while.  One goof portrayed as a typical gyrene in the post war world as a husband.  He got his wife out of the sac early, made her breakfast, and got her off to work in jig time.  Then he fell out his five kids and they had to stand inspection for traces of dirty ears and etc.  He finally got them through chow and off to school.  Finally, he "cracked up" while attempting to bake a cake with one hand and tending baby with the other - wow - it was a sight - especially when the kid soaked his diapers.  HEH HEH

Have just finished my final Raye Burns cartoon lesson and already to mail it in - but I don't have his address.  Please send some sause mom.  Have not received my corrected strips back yet either.

I'm writing for my course from MCI again.  They surely do work slow.  Reminds me of the cartoon school.  Well mom how are you and dad and Bob?  Everything still in an uproar I presume.  Has Bob decided to get a steady job or what?  Sure would love to see him finish up at East.  The snapshots of Jo An and J.B. as children are O.K. HEH HEH!  I like the shot of Bob and I at the parks as little shavers.

Must secure now mom.  I feel great and everything is in the groove.

Love Jerry

 

ON MAY 12, 1945, Jerry wrote:

My Darlin' Mom,

Here it is almost Mother's day, time certainly does fly.  Ha - I can remember last mother's day as if it were only yesterday.  I could not get any card for you until the day itself  and you received it quite a while later and I was beefing for weeks because there wasn't any place to get a present. 

Lots of water has passed under the bridge since then, yes - quite an eventful 365 days for everyone.  I'm just wondering how far from home we will be next Mother's day.  Received a box from you yesterday and the nice photo of you three was enclosed.  I think that it is grand.  And thanks a lot.

Four of us were on a work detail for the Chaplin this morning and he decided to wait until this afternoon to paint.  We doped off all morning and went and watched some other guys sweep up and so I drew some stuff to pass away time and they are incorporated here.

Well sweetheart I will stop now and here is wishing you a nice day tomorrow and I hope you get to see many more mother's days.

Love Jerry

INSERT MOTHER'S DAY CARE MARINE PIC

INSERT FOUR FULL PAGES OF CARTOONS ON RED CROSS STATIONARY.

 

ON MOTHER'S DAY MAY 13, 1945, Jerry wrote:

INSERT MOTHER'S DAY MARINE FACE PIC

My Darlin' Mom,

Here it is Mother's Day already and mom I am thinking of you now, even more so than as usual, if that is possible.  Went to church uptown today and it was very nice, but it couldn't begin to compare with sitting at home with you. Perhaps next Mother's Day we will be together again, I really do hope so.

I suppose you are wearing your new Mother's Day locket from J.B. today.  Hope Bob stays around and entertains you at least for this most special day.  Yes, mom, when "Muscles" HEH HEH, gets home you will be having special days real often, as it is sort of a special post war plan of mine.  You are strictly going to be at the top of my list.  Mom, you are the one girl who will stick thro ugh thick and thin for me, and I want you to know that I think you are number onw mom in the whole wide world.

This set up here is really snazzy mom.  We are having it better than kings.  The civilians are regular folks and the liberty is great.  Plently of places to feed my face and there is even a roller skating rink here - HEH HEH - what do you think about that now?!

Now I must sac in and sleep off the many consumed malts taken in on todays "spree."

Love, Jerry

P.S Send Raye Burns Address Please

 

 

ON MAY 20, 1945, Jerry wrote:

My Darlin' Mom,

Today is Sunday and I am wondering just what you are doing now.   Do you still have a junior class?  Haven't been in a really good Sunday School since leaving home, I guess.  The church softball team is probable getting started about now.  I can remember well, the good times we have had while playing all the other churches in the league.

We had liberty yesterday and J.B. had lots of fun.  I played tennis all morning and went swimming in the afternoon.  Also spent my "malt-buck" from dad - HEH HEH!!

Sent in my last lesson to Raye Burns the other day.  Don't know what gives now, in regards to the course.  I suppose he will send a little gizmo stating that J.B. successfully completed his cartoon course.  Mom, to tell you the truth I believe that the course was worth lots more than I paid for it.  It really helped me and I got many of the little things from it that would take a long time to find out by experence only. 

Glad to hear about Bob being so nice to you on our "Mother's Day".  It's a thoughtful boy who pays his mom a little well deserved attention every once in the while, but of course it is only natural for one to be considerate of his mom.

Heard from Richard Rowland and Bob Moody the other day.  I lost Bob's return address Mom so get it for me and send it please. Never have heard from Joe Bradley and also no letter from Bob Alley for ages.  He did write the last time that some of the Hackett boys were in the Army and Navy or something, groan and moan.  Uncle Sam must really be awful hard up for manpower.  Ernie Hank or Bill never could fight their way out of a paper bag even - HEH!!

Must close Mom, feeling fine.

Love Jerry,

INSERT MARINE FACE PIC

 

ON MAY 27, 1945, Jerry wrote:

My Darlin' Mom,

Just got off liberty and the old "gut" is just about to burst due to an amazing excess amount of chocolate malts - groan and moan.  One good thing about it, JB does not stagger around in a drunken stupor as a result of over - indulgence.  I sure hate to see so many mineteen and twenty year olds so quickly  proceeding to become 'drunkards.'  A few fellows I know of aren't emotionally grown up enough to be away from their mom's apron strings yet.  You don't need to worry about me mom as I not about to start that stuff.

Another package from you arrived and thanks a lot for the harmonica.  I've plenty of them now so you may secure the harmonica detail until further notice.  The only good types are German made, no others can even compare with the quality of a German made harp.

I wonder who Richard Rowland is trying to impress in regard to his show job on strenuous training, HA - poor fellow - its really touching - I feel for him??  The rest of the whole corps are doing exactly the same thing.  A man never quits training as long as he is a Marine.  Muscles is doing just as much or perhaps more than R.R claims to be doing.  When various guys write home to mama and papa about how rought they are having it and how they ought to be loaded down with metals for heroism and blah, blah, blah - take it with a grain of salt, better yet, with thousands of grains.  I know how these guys are mom - some of these nuts try  to snow one another even.  It seems that the further a blow hard is away from danger - the bigger his stories get and I'm not kidding.  Swabbies who never even see a nip usually have weird takes concerning souvenirs they process (when in reality, the gyrenes gave them to the swabbies for chow, etc.)

Must close now mom for tonight.

Love, Jerry

 

ON JUNE 2, 1945, Jerry wrote on rainbow colored beach stationary:

INSERT SALTY MARINE PICK

My Darlin' Mom,

Just got off another "malt drunk" and I feel like a million dollars.  JB has a little racket in motion now.  Made almost three smackers yesterday scrubbing a few other yard birds dirty clothes.  That plus two of dad's malt bucks strictly made up a snazzy liberty for me today!!!  Saw swell show this afternoon also.

The average liberty day usually excells in excitement when all the local drunks come in camp from their weekly liberty.  Right now the boys aer stewed again as usual and the general mood is a happy one as usual.  The guys all imagine that they are 4-Fs at home having a good time temorarily.  We also have a few four star Generals floating around the area.  HEH HEH

Todays is Bev's birthday and I do hope she has a nice time.  I'd really like to be home and spend her birthday with her.  I'm afraid that by the time I get home all the gals my age will be squared away with the guys that get to go home before we do out here, but confidentially, just between you and JB and the fence post, I'm not worried the least on that score.

Got a letter from Bob yesterday.  He didn't say much, that is, much that made sense.  I do believe he is cracking up.  Glad to hear Art is O.K.  Betty is really lucky.  Be sure and tell Betty hello for me.  I'd sure like to have you take a snapshot of her and little Butch.

Ben is O.K. The crew says hello to you again. It is Ma Brooks this and Ma Brooks that around here.  Must close now.  

Love Jerry

 

ON JUNE 7, 1945, Jerry wrote on rainbow colored beach stationary:

INSERT MARINE FACE:

Dear Mom,

Just now getting around to writing you.  Mom, I am very busy now.  My shorthand course really takes a lot of time to get it right and after all I got to pass it right.  My clothes washing racket takes up it's share of my time also.  I write to you about twice as much as to Bev of course, so you can judge about how much she receives from JB - HEH HEH!!

The clipping about Richard was comical.  I really enjoyed his writeup.  He has certainly acquired a wonderful ability to snow "the folks back home".  "The fighting --." "Hell on Earth"  "Rugged", "Horrible" etc, etc.  It was indeed, for many guys, but you see he definitely is not a front line man, any way he wasn't.  For one battle he and all his buddies were mighty salty it seems.  We were together quite some time and we did have it easy.  His fibs don't jive with me at all.  He never even seen a live Nip.  Much less knock one off - HEH HEH!! - that's the scope on Rick's tales and you can stand bye for great stories hereafter from the guy around home too.  The Public Relations (man) came around trying to get our names and pictures so they could send (it) to our home towns for local glamour write-ups.  I'm proud of our guys because very few were vain enough to do so.  I'm in the best outfit in the Corps, mom, even though they don't give us our rates fairly.  

Ben is O.K. and I feel fine.  The chow is swell.  Must close now.

Love Jerry.

 

ON JUNE 13, 1945, Jerry wrote:

Dear Mom,

It's nearly time to hit the sac so I'll dash off a line to you now.  Have been working on a short-hand lesson #3 since 6 pm and am about half way through.  These lessons are overly hard, really do take time and patience, so that's why my letters are a few and far between. 

Received two packages from you in the last few days.  Thanks for the cookies and scout knife.  Hope I can hang onto it awhile.  HEH HEH!!  Another letter from Bev came today.  She is pretty well on the ball I reckon.  She is very happy that KU lets out before long.  Sure wish I could hop on my bicyle and ride out to see her and more.  HEH HEH

According to the Eagle and Beacon along with the East Messenger, the girls are almost completely gone into marriage, the ones Rick and I knew.  Wallace Leach remarked about it even.  As far as I'm concerned, they can all shove off.  I believe the gals nowadays are loco.  You know how Jim's gal treated him when he went away?  Well that kind of stuff is happening all over - groan and moan - some of these goofs really take it hard, too.  Lou here is about twenty six and has been scouting around for the last four years and still hasn't found anything worth while yet, HA!

Give Bob and Wanda my love and ride them for not writing to me.  Tell Mrs. Black hello for J.B. The Church will really feel the loss, I know.  Dad and Rich ever had any Fists-i-cuffs or harse words lately - WOW!

Love Jerry

INSERT MARINE MACHINE GUNNER FIRING 50 CAL. PIC

 

ON JUNE 14, 1945, Jerry wrote:

Dear Mom, just got a letter from you and you mentioned selling our home.  You strictly snow me, what's the matter, are you and dad cracked up or what!?  I expect to come home to 317 No. Madison and no where else, understand that peeves me to think you even let such a thing enter your head.  You cry around like you lost Bob - bash - you haven't lost anybody, but you have gained a daughter.  Personally I sort of like having a sister, even though slightly sooner than I expected.

I heartedly agree with you on that room and board idea.  Through time I can see taking roomers is when it is a financial aid toward the completion of payment on the house.  Another thing mom, J.B. has his bid in for the larger of the two rooms upstairs.  I can move around plenty and have all my junk up there all squared away, especially so if I toss out the extra bed, the big one.  I wouldn't holler if I were inclined to sac out on a cot, or to go further yet, on the deck, HEH.  As long as there is a nice big tub with warm water, I'll be O.K.

You know it will be comical for an uncle to be going to high school, won't it.  HEH HEH.  I guess you know that uncle and gran-ma will be stepping out every now and then.  We will double date with Bob and Sis now and then if you want.  Dad can stay home and take care of Gyppe.  HEH.  Watch him sizzle over that last nasty crack.

Many guys coming home to stay as yet?  Don't suppose so.  Every time I see the church paper why there are a good number of doggies and swabbles home, some for the third and fourth times.  How's Glamond Buck making out?  He ought to be through college before too long.  Vern Gardner look O.K. when he was home?  I really think a lot of Vern.

Do I still have all the comic strips and all my art gear including the drawing board?  Have you built up my little library since I left.  Books on great men and any U.S. history and all those with legal information that you can get (me) once in the while when you see a silver dollar rolling up the hill.  

Must close now, mom.

Love, Jerry

INCLOSE SMILEY FACE PIC.

 

ON JUNE 15, 1945, Jerry wrote:

Dear Mom,

Today is the first anniversary of my most unforgettable day.  Only by the sheltering hand of God am I alive and well today.  Exactly a year ago today I never did expect to see the sun go down and had given up all hope of ever seeing it rise again the following day.  Lou and I were together in the same hole and no two men had ever before been more positive of certain death than us two.  I wasn't praying to be spared because I thought that was out of the question; but to be admitted by those pearly gates, and mom I'm not kidding, those same portals seemed very close and perfectly natural.  There we were, our rifles and Tommy (guns) were jammed and (we had) but a box of Nip hand grenades that I got off a good (dead) enemy sniper.  We thought we could use them O.K. but, several months later, found that they would have been useless if they had been used the way we intended to use them.  We would have been a sad looking twosome - battling away against rifles, bayonets and automatic weapons - with two pitifully small combat knifes and a corpsman's little hatchet for amputating limbs.  By sunrise there were many dead but among those he spared were old Lou and J.B.  I'll never forget it either mom.

Must close now sweetheart.

Love Jerry

INSERT HOWDY MOM MARINE PIC. 

 

ON JUNE 18, 1945, Jerry wrote:

Dear Mom,

A malt buck came in your letter today and now I am back from the P.X. with belly full.  Those babys come in mightly handy now and then.

Today was payday, and one guy was left out this time, and now he is sitting and moaning.  HEH HEH  He can't see doing a little extra work to always have some spending dough on hand.  How's one little bank account coming along?  I figured that J.B. can use his money when back in school lots more than these gooks can out here.  Lots of folks are getting rich off these guys.  I believe that it is a lot better to devote full time to books during the nine months schooling periods, not half time on a job and gals and half on studies.  I'm going to try to make enough during the summers to sort of tide me over during the school years.

Ever hear from Helen Anderson?  How about Beuhah and brats?  How many of them does she have by now?  Tell Aunt Nellie hello for J. B.  I suppose the tongues really wagged down at the church about Bob.  I'm sorry to say that our church is busy with busy bodies and I don't mean perhaps mom.  I'll tell you right now that dad MacDonald's church is Oceanside has that big one of ours beat so bad it is pitiful.  I went to our church 17 years and never was once invited out to the preacher's home for chow even.

The very first time I went I was a Dade Church, I was one among many invited out, and I was a steady customer thereafter too.  He was disappointed once because I didn't stay all night.  He and his congregation are what I consider a real group of Christians, not a pack of backbiting two-faced hypocrites such as our church is so crowded with.  I believe we have many many grand people mom, but to illustrate how I can compare it with 100% Christian organizations, the Salvation Army came out to the camp the other night and brought lots of hot Joe, and homemade doughnuts.  Many of us were in the sac but gladly got up and had some.  Little things like that show great spirit.  They have and always will get more dough from me than my church from home at home ever will.  Mom, it still hurts me when I think of how the best pal I ever had was ashamed to go to Sunday school with me because folks would look at him and snicker.  Richard felt he wasn't wanted and, on many peoples part, he really wasn't.  What do you think folks of the caliber of our members would say if a man, girl or couple attended church with clothes all patched up?  Even though clean?  Mom, that issue right there is exactly what keeps many poor folks away - they feel so out of place.  It wouldnt' be bad if the regular folks didn't resent it, and not mind who knew they didn't like to boot. 

Yes, mom, J.B. will come back to our church wherever you and dad are, but my full heart and devotion and love will always be with the church who are brothers to others and whose doors are always open to those who will come in.

Bev and J.B. are still in the groove HEH HEH!  Don Watters says hello to you.  My shorthand is coming along O.K., the chow is great and I feel fine.

Must close now Mom.

Love, Jerry

Marine Face PIC. 

 

ON JUNE 17, 1945, Jerry wrote:

Dear Dad,

Today is the second Father's Day that I have been away from you.  At least I can write and tell you how much I miss you and how much I think of you. ... The snapshot of you taken in L.A. in 1918 is parked here in front of me, and also the snapshot of you beside the house in work clothes.  You really look like the very same dad I left at home in '43. And I believe I will be home before you grow too old and grey.  I must admit, you are a pretty fair looking fellow today.  You know all about the service, so we both see it in about the same light.  I want to get home as soon as possible just as so many millions of other service men, but dad, I wouldn't trade my job for any other service man's job.  I believe our outfit is tops.  Just the Marine Corps in general has others beat, but my special assault battalion is as good as they come.  For certain reasons we are never hardly mentioned or photographed, but someday the story of our exploits and complete perfect combat record will come to light.  We have the respect of every combat unit that has followed us in to an enemy beach.  Not a single crew member has gone yellow, and so you can see we are proud to be members of the 2nd Armored.  Our battalion boasts of quite a few metal winners also.

Love Jerry   

 

ON JUNE 20, 1945, Jerry wrote:

My Darling Mom -

Just now took a shower and I feel grand.  Having been running on the beach up and down trying to outdo the incoming waves.  Every now and then I get soaked when I run too long in one direction in one place.  I get a kick out of playing around on the beach and it keeps me in fair condition also.  The magazine and etc. arrived today.  Yesterday a box of goodies came and we really made good use of it - HEH HEH.  This crew is a perfect reproduction of a pack of hogs and twice as dirty.

What's the matter with the snapshots?  You never send me any now.  How about some of the smile a minute jobs? ... Is Daryle May still around?  Haven't heard from him for ages and ages.  Hope he is Okay.  Remember the time we saw him as I was pulling out, at the Union Station.  I remember "Pop" giving me that five Lbs. box of chocolates.  ...

Must close now Mom.

Love Jerry

INSERT MARINE PIC

 

ON JUNE 24, 1945, Jerry wrote:

My Darling Mom -

Here it is Sunday afternoon and it is plenty warm but a very nice breeze prevails.  I've been close to sea ever since boot camp, and it seems that no matter how hot it is, there is always a gentle breeze to counteract the hot weather.

We have some enormous sixteen ounce boxing gloves to play with now, and we really enjoy them.  Evans and I look comical with headgear on and overgrown mouthpieces.  We whim-wham the tar out of each other and then laugh about it.  I think boxing is as much fun as football and baseball.  I expect to go out for football at K.U. and intercollegiate boxing also.

You know mom, the service has helped me in a great many ways.  Not nearly as bashful before coming in.  In here a guy has to think and look out for himself.  It sharpens the wits if a man applies himself.  In here a man has access to the Marine Corps Institute if he wants to finish his high school or wants to prepare himself for a job in here, or in post-war life.  We can have reading materials galore at most camps.  And guy can build himself up physically if he don't drink to much.  Some men don't care at all about their physical condition.  Yes mom, this outfit is helping J.B. in many ways, but he is very willing to go home, and I figure that within two more years I can come home, but not before then, at least not for good.

Our battalion has not been split up.  Can't you understand that we are the amphibious tank bn, not tractor bn.  We are a combat unit, not a (H&S) headquarters and supply general purpose outfit.  Can't you understand or don't you give a hoot?  I don't like to be considered a tractor man at all.  That Don what's his name who went home for a bum foot was a tractor man, your son is a tank man.  For you to call me a tractor man is about like eighty per cent of the yardbirds at church ask me how I liked the Army.  Old and young alike ought to have enough respect to read up on the general information of the various services.  ...

Guess Bev is or rather will be home by the time you are reading this.  She is most happy to get away from K.U. and go home.  She misses home an awful lot.  A few months at home will probably be a little dull compared to her life at K.U. so I sort of look for her to return in the fall, at least I hope so.  She is able to go financially so nothing is holding her back from getting a good education except herself.  If I ever get hitched, I don't want it to be a nitwit. It is bad enough for a man to be simple, but when both are that way, look out.

Must close now mom, g'nite. 

Love Jerry

PS - the shorthand course is going O.K.

 

ON JUNE 25, 1945, Jerry wrote:

My Darling Mom -

Three more days till dad's birthday and I have not found anything nearly appropriate as yet.  I'm not worrying though because I figure he understands.  I love him as much without a present as with a present and I believe he knows it.  I think of him real often and for the times we had playing catch together and I enjoy planning on having good times with him someday.

My sac and immediate area is really cluttered up.  I have a little clothes line here above my cot and on it hangs a towel, four pair of socks, one whole set of boxing gloves, pistot belt, etc.  It all hangs directly in my face.  On the right side hangs my pack, helmet, wash rag and mess gear, which is continually changing with the wind.  My overstuffed sea-bag will not stand up independently of something on which to lean, so occasionally my size elevens kick it over and of course it about half empties each time.  So you see your son is an especially sad sac (HEH HEH) but his happy ignorance is bliss, so naturally I am feeling O.K.

I've met some sweet folks here and so I have times on liberty.  Rose and I are taking off for the boondocks on a little picnic of our own again.  I get the chow and she fixes it up.  We get along pretty well together.  HEH HEH.  These guys here all want to be fixed up with her girl friends HEH.  Getting drunk and insulting is not any way to make points with these folks, but you can't make them see that.  I find that if a man is decent towards a local person, the civilian will return the favor.  J.B isn't as bashful as he used to be so he gets around alright now. I am feeling grand now and everything here is O.K.  The Crew says "Hello" to you.

We can all go for some of your cans now.  HEH!

Got to go now.  Love Jerry

INSERT LIBERTY HOUND PIC.

 

ON JUNE 27, 1945, Jerry wrote:

My Dearest Darling Mom,

Been thinking of you and dad today and I'm wondering if you two are going to take in a show ect, tomorrow on dad's birthday.  I don't suppose you two go on many dates do you?  I think dad and you ought to make it a point to go out one evening each week.  After all none of us are growing any younger and it is said that life begins at forty.  I honestly believe that you don't look a day over thirty-five.  Dad ought to be happy to have such a becoming wife.  I think you were very lucky also, when you trapped that ex-swabbie for life.  HEH HEH. I expect both of you to be around to enjoy all your future grandchildren and even great grand children too.

Just finished washing my clothes and incidently my little business is booming.  My short hand course is coming along O.K. I enjoy it very much.  I could finish my high school out here if everything was to run smoothly and I'd be in the Corps about two years.  HEH HEH.  I'd much rather spend my two years at home with you though.  HEH! It'd like to go home and be a hundred.

How's my Gyppe.  Twenty cents says he won't know me from Adam.  The darling is beginning to grow fairly old isn't he.  Gyppe has seen many days.  Many more than the average dog at least.  I can remember way back when I came home from Kindergarden or first grade and you had the little fella in an open cardboard box beneath the old stove.  He was as cute as he could be, wasn't he.  Hope I get to see him some day.

Brink just came over and now Pat is showing off his latest great-nephew.  Pat is only twenty-two and a great uncle.  Quite the berries isn't it.  He is very proud of all the new additions to his family, and I must admit that there have been quite a few since we left the states HEH HEH.

I am feeling wonderful and everything here is O.K.  I live for the liberty days now.  It is so nice when a a guy has inside contact with the latest gooks.  They get more white everyday, it seems.  HEH HEH.

G-night now, Mom!

Love Muscles

INSERT THREE MARINE FACES PLUS BOOTS.

 

ON SUNDAY JULY 1, 1945, Jerry wrote:

HOWDY HONEY,

We had inspection this morning so now we have the remainder of the day to write and wash clothes.  Church services aren't worth going to here in camp so naturally we have a whole day almost for ourselves.  lt's mighty warm here but the nice ocean breeze neutralizes the heat considerably.  I suppose it is quite warm now at home, isn't it.  I'd like to be around and watch the kids play ball down at Kellog and Grove where I used to love to play at.

General Eisenhower had a fouled up furlough I imagine.  I bet he never got to spend a single day in peace.  Being a P.F.C has its advantages after all, doesn't it! HEH HEH

Think of it, J.B. has been a P.F.C. now for twenty months.  I don't mind it too much, but it is very embarressing when the guys around home come in after I did and now outrank me.  HEH HEH.  Tap and Pat all both corporals now - and I have been a P.F.C longer than they have been in the Corps even.  I guess you know that the C.P. set up has really fouled up all communications personel as far as rates are and were concerned.  Finally got out of that status and now am a loader, so perhaps your son will be a CPL in about three or four years. HEH HEH

Had liberty yesterday and went on a picnic.  I am feeling grounded and the chow is great.  Everything here is O.K. The crew says "Hello Mom."

G-Bye now.  Love Jerry

P.S. Ever hear from Wilbur?  Haven't heard from Bev for six days now.  Hope she likes her new home at Augusta.

 

ON JULY 5, 1945, Jerry wrote:

My Dearest Darling Mom,

Had a nice sized mail call today and of course my spirits are aways about the clouds now. HEH HEH!!  I am sitting on my sac writing.  Here outside my tent two pups are playing with a sock.  One is a fuzzy little thing and we call him butter ball.  He belongs to the guys in the next tent but spends about ninety percent of his time over here.  Oh oh, right now he is prancing around in here, and rubbing his little fuzzy side against my ankle.  Our  Company is a dog loving bunch indeed.  We have about ten dogs all told.  Our tent has invariably a few milling around it.  Butter ball has a bad habit of climbing in our trash box and getting stuck.  I had to get up out of the sac in the middle of the night and take him out.  It's good by for all loose socks and etc.  He would lug off our sea bags if he could.  HEH HEH.  So you see dear, we even have pets around to keep us occupied.

I'm awfully sorry I couldn't find dad anything decent for his birthday, but he asked me for a snapshot in boxing gear, so the next time I get a match I'll have one of the guys take a shot.  Hope I'm not caught in the prone position.  HEH HEH  Don't worry about me boxing, mom, because it is for fun and they match us up pretty evenly.  It is like football.

Little Butter Ball is chewing my leg off, so I must quit and box his little ears.  I'm feeling grand and everything here is great.

Love Jerry

INSERT Drawing Pic

 

ON Saturday JULY 17, 1945, Jerry wrote:

Dear Darling Mom,

Finally had a mail call today and was so glad to hear from you.  Also received a letter from Bev and one from Lois Geis, the girl I worked with at W.K.H. She has been writing to me on and off ever since I left home.  She is as smart and grand a girl as I ever knew.  Her family moved to Witchita from Durham just recently.  They had lived in Durham for a long time.  Her older brother is a doggie and he is a rear echeleon non-combatant who beats his gums about how many Nips he killed and how tough he has it and etc.  HEH HEH ... The air corps are treated like kings compared to the other services and even the rest of the army itself.  Guess you know I give her the scoop on him.  He is one on those D+4 mouth boys ... I will say one thing, he does have a swell sis, that's all he has.

I suppose Wallace Leach is home with an enormous snow job for the folks.  He has a regular full lenght novel for each bullet scar I suppose.  How does he look?  I bet you won't know the kid at all.  All of us have changed a little I believe.  Rich looks a lot more full and even J.B. is growing a bit. HEH HEH?

Red and John really got a kick out of you package, believe me. Now look, mom, I have a good pal Baxter here in my Company who receives absolutely nothing in the mail.  He is crazy over his mom, but she only writes him once or twice a month and he is really a swell kid. The next time you fix me a package, why fix it up as usual, with marshmellows and chocolates etc. and same address, but put his name on it.  Do that for me, will you?

Laverene Baxter

Co C 2nd Armd Amp Bn

FMF Pacific, c/o Fleet PO

San Francisco, Calif.

Pat is at the hospital temporarily for a minor nose operation.  He is having his beak squared away.  You may have noticed that it stands out quite prominently in all our snapshots.  HEY HEH.  Lou and Tap say HELLO.  Ray and Mellore are new guys on our crew.  Little Butter-Ball is growing like a weed.

Must close now mom.  Love Jerry.

INSERT HOWDY MOM PIC    

 

ON Saturday JULY 28, 1945, Jerry wrote:

INSERT HAPPY FACE PIC

Dear Darling Mom,

Just got off liberty and really had a grand time.  This morning a few guys got metals presented to them.  They had a regular parade and a big formal ceremony with lots of rank cruising around the area.  There was a big parade for the men who were cited.  A Marine Band with all the trimmings.  A very pretty affair and sort of choking.  It was really something to make a guy proud to be a Marine.  It really looked snappy in every respect.  The two Marine generals presented the medals and there were lots of other high brass adding their two cents worth. 

Bev, Helen and Jo Anne are writing pretty regular now.  All three are more or less on the ball.  HEH HEH!!  I like to hear from them.  Each writes entirely different types of letters and it is very interesting in more ways than one.  Lois Geis is still the best girl I've ever ran accross yet. She and I use to work together at WKH and she was the best working gal and the most intelligent that I have ever known.  She lives there at Wichita now.  She still writes now and then.  Wish you could see her.

Must close now and in closing I want you to know that I even send a medal home and that you will not sprout off to the newspaper, and I don't mean perhaps.  If you do cross me up on that score, why you can just forget about ever receiving any mail from J.B.  Is that clear?!

G'nite now, Love Jerry

 

On August 20, 1945, Jerry wrote:

My Darling Mom,

Received letter from you and Jo Ann today and I am replying quickly ...You mentioned that Bev called you up.  Well, have you two ever got together and had a little social yet.  Both of you are pretty fair when it comes to a gabfest.  Bev is sort of bashful and, until you can make her think she is one of us, and is wanted, she will be a bit shy, I believe.  At any rate, she was when I last saw her.  A couple of years can have a changing effects on folks in general, but not her.  I want you to show her my stuff up in my room if you get half a chance. I hope that you will have an album of pictures of us you guys started.  You can stick all the snapshots in our album and it will prove to be worth it's weight in gold some day.

I am with the grandest bunch of fellows alive and there is absolutely nothing like pictures to keep alive happy memories of days gone by.  Many times I wish we had more photos of all four of us together taken through the years.  I often regret that Bev and I weren't together more often so that we could enjoy snap shots now.  There are girls around here, but not a one that holds a candle to Bev.  Haven't heard from her for a few days but I know she is mightly busy at school.  They say business school is no joke, but I know she can do good if she wants too.  She would have made very good grades at K.U. if her heart had been in it, but I believe she became discouraged along the way somewhere and studied just enough to pass because of her consideration for her mom and dad.  I think I shall write her tonight and send a shot or two of Butter-Ball and the kitten.

Mom, I don't know what the scoop is but please don't think of expecting me home for months and months.  I fear our luck is not going to be to good.  I fear that the idea is to "keep those who are out here here, why send stateside men out." ... So if I am free to begin school next fall, it will suprise me.  Don't worry because the combat end of it is gone, so J.B. will for sure stay in one good hunk. ... I've had one or two extra prints made to send to Bev. 

We really have it nice here.  We get to go and use the swabbies recreational facilities, and believe me, they are plentiful, even a swimming pool.  Been having lots of fun playing soft ball.  Our Company is, of course, the best in in the Battalion.  No black eyes as yet, still have perfect teeth, and the scar on the back of my head is even growing smaller.  Never felt better in my life mom.

Certainly hope Gyppe is alive when I do come home.  He has really lived a long time hasn't he.  I can still remember him as resembling a little mouse.  I was either in the kindergarden or first grade.  Oh, yeah, remember mom, J. B. came pretty near flunking "reading" in the first grade.  That was the only time, I ever came close to flunking.  Remember the time you had all the teachers out for dinner?  HEH HEH  You made lots of points for your "Muscles" then. I often wonder where all those kids are at now.  Richard is about the only one I am in touch with now.  A gal named Blanche has old Rick pretty well hooked I fear.  I don't know her, but I'll wager she is really a grand gal, or Rich wouldn't be so goofy about her.  They don't come any better than Richard, believe me.

Well, mom, it is getting late and I want to write my gal yet tonight. 

G'bye now.

Love, Jerry

INSERT HOWDY LOVE YA MOM!! PIC

P.S. Enclosed are a few snapshots of us.

P.S. Our sweet little Butter Ball is dead.  An officer killed him with this jeep.   

 

On August 24, 1945, Jerry wrote:

My Darling Mom,

It is noon time and we have been playing basketball in a real gym all morning.  We really are having fun.  I never was worth a hoot at it but am having gobs of fun anyway, and the same goes for the rest of these thugs.  HEH HEH!  My team lost this morning but had fun at it.  This afternoon we have another recreation period and we play baseball and soft ball.  My softball team is the best in the Company and, if we have a battalion tournament. we will stand a good chance of taking it even.  B.J. doesn't play basketball even because the eyes aren't as good as before, but softball is lots of fun anyway. 

You know I am feeling great and in better condition then ever before.  Since joining the Corps, I've gained weight and hardened up a bit.  A bit longer, too.  HEH HEH.  Hope my sac at home isn't too short.  Your little "Rickets" has turned into a pretty large guy and is still going.  I'd like to hit 210 lbs and stay there.  Perhaps by the time I finish law school I'll be at 210, I hope.  Still have perfect teeth, not a single filling, or anything, and the doc says that only about five out of a hundred still have 100% healthy teeth.  Always was a hog at the table but have increased my volume even more since leaving home HEH!  Hope we have plenty of Wheaties and milk available.  Is my tennis racket still O.K?  How about the catchers glove?  I expect to be home someday, on furlough at least.  If I don't catch occupation duty out here, why it will mean several months of guard duty in the states, which wouldn't be bad at all.  I'm almost positive that J.B. will be able to start school again next fall.  Hardly any chance at all of getting to start the second semester this school year.  About all the combat duty is history to me now, so don't worry about J.B. having to enter into any more rough stuff.  I'm coming home 100% whole, you can bet your boots.

About your neighborhood squabbles - HA - you can have them, not me.  I want no part of such petty local trouble.  It seems to me that folks could get along better, but if individuals cannot get along, how can nations be expected to live in harmony.  I'm not mad at anybody and don't intend to be if it can be helped.  I've had enough rough stuff to satisfy me for life - HEH HEH

Ever hear if Kenny Rich is still alive or not?  I doubt it very much.  I do know that if any of us would have been unlucky enough to be captured, it would have been only a matter of minutes or hours to live.  The Nips don't go in for taking prisoners.  When they do get a hold of a man, his name is mud, that is all.  The Marines knew it from the first campaign.  I know.  I saw the results with my own eyes.  I understand that when the Army laid down their weapons and mass surrendered to the Germans in that great counter offensive last December, that the Germans' didn't mess around with the doggies either.  If Kenney is alive, it is a miracle.

I'm feeling great and everything is O.K. The guys say hello to you.

Love Jerry

INSERT HOWDY MOM Face! 

 

On August 24, 1945, Jerry wrote:

Howdy Mom,

Here are a few snapshots taken with the $116 camera on the film you sent some time ago.  If you would like some more, why send some more film.  Don't worry about your stuff not finding me because J.B. won't be home or even stateside for months and months yet.

Invite Bev over and show her all our shots and even the Star if you want.  You know that a guy likes to make lots of good points with certain folks - whem- if you get what I mean, and I'm sure you do.  I have to fill out a public relations office "information" sheet concerning it.  Even the Purple Heart guys had to.  They figure on keeping up the home front morale I guess.  I hope nothing becomes of it though because every doggie, and all his brothers almost, has one, and folks think the Marines are the same, so it don't make a hoot to me if anyone outside our immediate family and Bev know it or not.

Must close now.  Love Jerry. 

 

On August 24, 1945, Jerry wrote:

My Mom,

Two years ago today, J.B. put on his first pair of dungarees, and discarded his civies.  Perhaps this time next year I can change again in reverse order.

So Mrs. Rowland is blowing about a special uniform for Rich eh!  Well ain't that fancy? J.B. joined to see a little action and is ready to get home and forget it.  The rest of the guys can have all the classy stuff they want, but as for me, I'll just keep my old G.I issue if they let me; if they don't, that is alright with me anyway.  J.B. has two campaigns consisting of three different battles and Rich has one campaign consisting of one battle. He can wear all the extra stuff he wants ... and if a guy wants to compete with others on the war subject, he may as well put out as much of a false front as he possible can.  For me, I've had enough fighting to last me for the remainder of my life. No, mom, don't worry about J.B. He will make out O.K.

You continue to take good care of little Gyppe and I know he will last a year or so more.  He won't remember me I know, but I can still have fun with him.  Yeah, dad, I get your special letters and the malt bucks too.  THANKS.  I do enjoy getting both, and the malt bucks come in always at the right time it seems.

I have 51 points.  23 for service.  13 for overseas service.  And 15 for combat service (5 for each of the two campaigns plus 5 for the Bronze Star.  If I am lucky, I may be out in time to start to school next fall.  HOPE  I am doing my very best to complete my high school in here.   Then I can enter into KU instead of having to go back to East.  The MCI school is sort of slow in returning finished lessons, sort of like Raye Burns.  So you see, it all depends upon whether they are fast enough or not.  I do believe that I can finish up before getting out, but it will be a fairly close race either way.  A guy simply can't make them hurry.  I am still waiting for my last 4 lessons to come back that I sent 3 weeks ago.  The corrected lessons, and also the next group of lessons, come back in the same envelope.  I am going to W.U., I guess, for a while because it will be to my advantage in several different ways.  After all, I have been alway from home for quite a while now, and so I'd like to get accquainted with it before leaving again!!

How about some packages with marshmellows and home made cookies?  We can buy store bought cookies, but they aren't as good as yours.

Love Jerry

P.S. GI shoes are "Boon Dockers." 

 

On August 25, 1945, Jerry wrote:

My Darling Mom,

Today is liberty day but I am not taking it.  I am going to loaf and write letters and wash clothes and get some more shorthand lessons.

In your last letter you mentioned something about J.B. getting hooked.  Ha - "never fear" my dear when as to J.B. here - where there's life, there's hope - until those fateful words "I now pronounce you mand wife" are uttered.  I am free as a lark.  No chains are about to be latched onto J.B. for several years believe me.  I figure that marriage need not be hurried up or prolonged to the extreme.  Getting hitched at twenty is as silly as getting hitched at thirty, so you see I am going to strive for a happy medium.

You know J.B. was never overly sex-goofy anyway, and so you need not fear for J.B. falling into the horrible pit of sealed doom - Marriage - for some time to come.  Anyway, prevailing circumstances, such as money, jobs, education, etc. etc., depend on whether marriage should be entered into or not.  I've run across guys who were hitched at the age of 19 and think it is O.K. - BUT - what of the future?  These kids cannot compete with the fellows a little older who have had more education, job experience and general knowledge, for employment.  Of course, realize that one person may be matured at 19 as another is at 29.  Some people are as children all through life and never learn to give and take as adults should.  I believe Bob will be a child all his life unless something drastic happens.  Some folks love theirselves too much to be able to shower any love on others, and marriage certainly cannot continue successfully if one or both parties are as such.

You see mom, it is a great step in life, as important as being born or even being saved almost, so you can rest assured that J.B. won't plow headlong into it whatsoever.  I figure on some more years with you and dad before bringing in a daughter-in-law for you.  HEH HEH  Sounds sort of unusual, us talking about marriage, isn't it.  I've education dust in my eyes now and can't see marriage, not for a few years anyway.

Must close now mom.

Love Jerry.

 

Also ON September 1, 1945, Jerry wrote:

My Darling Mom,

Received two nice letters from home today and the newspaper's yesterday.  I really enjoy the newspapers and comics.  It does give all the latest dope out about Wichita and I really enjoy all the pictures too.

You mentioned something about me possibly going West for occupational duty.  Well, sweetheart, you really don't know but my chances are fairly good that I will move only to go East because you see I've been in three battles and there are guys who have seen only one, such as Richard and his buddies.  I truly believe that those guys will catch the most part of occupational duty as it is only fair to the rest of us.  If guys with plenty of combat time have to occupy various rocks, why there will be an enormous gumbeat on our part and the folks back home also.  If guys like Richard are allowed to go stateside before me why something is all fouled up, but seriously, I don't believe that this will be the case.  Don't worry about J.B. because he will be stateside sooner or later and is merely marking time until so.  I may be home by next month or by next July even, but no matter when, I'll be feeling great and will be very happy.

Remember me telling you about Lou and my first night in combat?  Well - I consider myself unusually lucky to be alive, much less in one good piece, to even think about going home.  We ought to thank God for protecting J.B. so well.  And, now that the danger is past, we can look back and say that, with me, things in general have been most fortunate.  You and dad have kept up a steady stream of letters, how you do it is beyond me, and through our letters, I for one have found great pleasure in not only receiving but also in sending.  You two are the only ones I ever told about having not only one, but four, enemy swords in my possession at one time and not one, but three, flags in my first two engagements.  I don't believe any one else would believe it, if I did tell them, so it is best to forget it.  I gave one to Randall, one to Boyett, one to a thug in the 8th Marines, and sold one to a swabbie.  I gave one flag to a swabbie.  I gave one flag to a doggie, traded one to some sea-bees for some decent chow, and sold one to Reiks.  Many times I kick myself for such super-gross ignorance and complete stupidity.  Your son is the biggest chump that ever lived, to lazy to box up even one sword and flag and send them home.  We figured on a battle in the enemy homeland and finding many more souvenirs there.  Oh, well, I saw one man get blown up into a thousand little pieces while looking for a souvenir one last time, so I couldn't see galavanting around one last time.  Chesty would have been here today if he would have used his head.  When a man is given almost the exact location of landmines and still manages to get himself knocked off foolishly, it is his own fault that the last rock was just one enormous hot spot and a man had enough trouble without going out and looking for more.  My souvenir hunting days are over now and all I want is to find my way home, and believe me mom, that will be the best souvenir I can ever hope to find. 

Must close now and I am feeling splendid and everything is O.K.

Love Muscles

INSERT HOWDY MOM N' DAD PIC

P. S. Bev an' J.B. are just like that (Insert Pic)

 

ON Labor Day September 3, 1945, Jerry wrote:

My Darling Mom,

Just received your letter informing me of my error in putting right letters in wrong envelopes HA so you didn't read my letter to Bev - HEH HEH - glad you are consistent mom - but just between you and me, J.B. has absolutely nothing to hide from his mom.

I aim to get a college education and go into the field of law.  JB isn't exceptionally brilliant, just a normal kid.  He is definitely no angel, only human - HEH HEH.  He has various likes and dislikes like anyone else.  I'm about the same as ever in a lot of ways.  Being in here for two years set me back a bit in time concerning my education, but it has been time well spent considering everything altogether.  I've learned things in here, that would have taken years to learn outside.  The service always makes a change in a man either for the better or for the worse and mine has been definitely for the better.  An ex-service man can be a home around the other veterans as well as civilians and that matters a lot.

As for girls, ... I actually do figure on getting hitched when I think I can do so and be secure.  I figure you and dad have lived a good life and if I'm wise as you two, why I should be able to follow suit - right mom?  Money is a nice thing to have, but happiness is nicer yet - but J.B. expects to combine both if he can.  If I ever get hitched, I want my own home, or at least good prospects of acquiring one, before very long after marriage, right?

I my estimation, a guy with an education is the one who is going to go places and the one without is just sunk as far as advancement is concerned.  I'd like to be more or less on my own someday rather than have some boss over me constantly giving me instructions and criticism.

Must secure now - good bye mom
Love "Bones"

INSERT WISE FACE PIC

 

ALSO ON Labor Day September 3, 1945, Jerry wrote:

My Darling Mom,

As just a while ago we got the word that censorship has been lifted, I must write you quickly.  This is the very first letter that won't be censored, I believe, since coming overseas.  It seems sort of goofy to be able to write freely once again.  It is sort of second nature to me now to suppress my thoughts on a great many various subjects.  Well, mom, I can just say what I want now. 

I am on Maui (one of the Hawaii islands).  I've been here since leaving Iwo Jima.  Initially, I left the states and hit here, stayed ten days, and shoved off for the invasion of Saipan.  Secured Saipan and two weeks later boarded ships and hit Tinian.  After taking Tinian we returned to Saipan and built our camp and stayed there clear on through until Feb, when we shoved off to hit Iwo Jima.  We secured Iwo and boarded ship and headed for Maui once again.  I am still here.  I am in high hopes to going East this next time we board ship and I do believe that we actually will go back to the states instead of going West for occupational duty.

We really had a close call.  We were all set to board ship for another battle when the Japs gave up.  We even had our last tank of gas and oil stored and it was merely a matter of days and/or hours.  We are never told the name of the island that we are to hit until aboard ship.  We studied maps of Iwo and our particular landing beach for days back on Saipan before leaving to hit Iwo.

Our battalion is the assault squad for the Corps.  On Saipan and Iwo, a beach just long enough for our battalion to hit abreast, was available. We hit and secure beach of its defenses and five minutes later the first wave, which was a couple of hundred yards behind us during our drive to the beach, hit.  Our job all three times was to hit, secure, and make the beach as void of opposition as possible.  If these tanks were a reality in '43, why the terrible slaughter at Tarawa would never taken place.  Saipan would have been a repetition of Tarawa without these tanks.  Believe me these tanks are a God Send to the Infantry man, ask him, he knows.  These tin cans shed small arms fire like B-Bs and can really return a terrific counter-fire with its three machine guns and the 75mm (3") Howitzer.  My machine gun was "Bev", Gorden's 75 mm was "Jennie", and the tank was "Dumbo" on Tinian.  On Iwo my machine gun was "Bev III", and Gorden's 75mm was "loud mouth", and our tank was Low Gut II (which sank incidently) HEH HEH)

About this Iwo Campaign.  We hit first wave as usual, and couldn't climb the sea wall, which was a few feet inland, so shoved off later and sat offshore a hundred yards or so and fired all day long at "Hot Rock" (Mt. Surabachi), keeping up a molesting fire as well as we could, to help cover the infantry who eventually took it and planted the flag upon it.  Richard's outfit did it, but he was left out because he wasn't a member of the gun crews, a truck driver, I believe.  Anyway I saw him for several hours over several days after the south end was secure, and he never touched a foot on the Hot Rock even.  Incidentially, this was where Chesty got killed later yet while looking for souvenirs.  At the end of the first day, our ammo was very low and only two platoons had permission to stay on the beach at night, so we were the unlucky platoon and had to go out to sea and we lashed our tanks together and stayed out the night at sea.  The next day the other four tanks took off find a gas boat so they could find our tank and take on more ammunition so to return to the beach for further assignments.  Our tank had been hit in the initial assault the day before and we were taking in sea water badly.  The day began to get cloudy and the water started to get rough and no ship would give us any gas because it was too rough to be safe to get close enough to the violently tossing ships to refuel our little tank.  We were all scared and knew that we would run out of gas soon and with the water coming in fast we would sink soon.  If we sank about the time it got dark we would never make it out though the night.  We finally pooped out and about two minutes after the motor quit, a big wave turned us over and down she went like a rock.  We were all on the outside ready to abandon and did so.  One guy got his foot caught, and we had a little trouble (J.B. got a Bronze Star out of it) and he couldn't hardly swim in calm water, much less in the storm.  Anyway a few minutes later a boat picked us up and that was that.

When transferring from rescue boat to our proper LST, poor old John Brinkley liked to got killed.  He slipped when changing crafts and got smashed in between the hulls, and somehow he never even broke his back or leg or anything.  Phew - close - it just about gave me heart failure when he doped off.  I was just too tired even to lean over and look at him. I finally did look over the rail and expected to see a bloody mangled pulp but instead Ole' John was climbing back up the rope again apparently unhurt - close call twice for two different men. 

Four days later we returned to the beach and stood by to assist in any sector that would need us.  We were never called so we sat around like Richard's outfit for the rest of the engagement.  We never caught it nearly as hard as those poor infantry guys.  I shall always respect the boys in the infanry more than any other unit in the service. When I get home I'll tell you about other things if you want me to do so.  I am still old Jerry so don't you pay a bit of attention to this battle-nerves baloney and all the instructions to civilians on how to treat the home coming vet.  Your J.B, is about the same as ever.  

The chow here is O.K. and I am really having it easy.  We have lots and lots of time for sports now and I believe we are just marking time before obtaining transportation stateside.  I'll be home any time between now and '49 so be looking for me HEH HEH.  Even if I don't get home for several months why you know good and well that I am O.K. and in no more danger of injury.

Must close now mom - G'bye.

P.S. This is my second letter to you today.

P.S. What do you think of Bev?  Is she getting fat?

INSERT SMILE FACE

 

ON September 3, 1945, JERRY wrote:

Dear Dad –

I haven’t written any special letter to you for quite a while.  So now I figure its about time as I do have a few things to discuss with you.

First – how about you?  I mean, what are your chances of holding down your job when this depression hits?  Think you can pull through again or not?  At any rate, I believe we should be salting away as much dough as we can, to be able to withstand the coming storm.  I believe that if we pull together on this thing, we shouldn’t have to go through the ordeal of mortgaging our home again.  And, as long as I go to school in Wichita, a good bit of that fifty bucks per month I get from the US Government GI Bill can go in our kitty – Okay?  So much for our problem of financial security – what concerns you also concerns me and in reverse order likewise, too – right Dad?

Second – my education.  I entertain every ambition to become a lawyer and aim to do my dead level best to succeed.  I’d like to wind up my schooling at Northwestern up at Chicago.  A year or so at U.V. then several at K.U., and the remainder at Chicago.  This of course is to develop into a reality only if ideal conditions, financially and otherwise, are present.  You and I know that a legal education requires several years at school.  We also know that I shall have to help myself through financially even when receiving assistance from the GI Bill, and certainly more so after that assistance is terminated.  We know that many men have worked their whole way through and so I can certainly do my best in this line also, as I’m not one bit better than the next man.  I seriously figure on being about 27 or 28 or perhaps 29 before I graduate even, much less get settled in my profession to be … Dad, due to this fact ... I aim to get and figure upon getting hitched up before reaching this age.  I do hope you will see my side of the issue.  Of course, there are extremely good reasons and arguments against it … I realize this, but figure if a man can find the gal he really wants for life before his education is complete, he may as well go ahead and tie up and finish his education as a “hooked” character.”  You and I know very well that we are only young once.  I honestly believe that by the time a man is 23 or 24, why he is old enough to exercise common sense and yet not too old to grasp and hang onto his youth for a while.  I figure I’ll be a junior in college at this time of life with one more year to complete at K.U. or W.V. (whatever the circumstances have warranted at that time).  After that I’ll go to Northwestern for my final degree.  So you see, Dad, I’ll be about half-way down the road concerning schooling, but marriage shouldn’t ruin me.  Rather it may even help me, if I can get a gal a bit like what you got. Also, I want to be a lawyer right there in Wichita if I possibly can.  Some day I want to have my own home and every thing right in Wichita.  I’ve been around, not nearly as much as you were in the last war, but I’ve seen quite a few places Dad and none appeal to me as much as home does, believe me.  ... I’d love to spend the greater part of my life in Wichita near you too.  Don’t know what I’d do if I didn’t have you to consult when I get all fouled up.  I’d need you always and you know it.

Third – problems arising upon my immediate return to civilian life.  We both want a car of course.  But, as you say, it will be wise to be prudent on this matter.  We have done without a car for many years and we can continue that so as to get one that is really worthwhile – second hand cars – phooey … If a car is worth buying it is worth buying one that we know is as good inside as it appear on the outside – right, Dad?  We can’t use a big one.  A small one will suit us better each and every way from all angles.  I simply can’t see becoming involved in bad debt before of necessities even, much less luxuries.  I believe you agree on that score, don’t you Pop!  Now about the garage – we two can build it ourselves.  This old stuff of hiring some other Joe Blow is bunk when we can do it ourselves.  Come Spring we ought to build it … Another thing dad – how about us planting a tree in the back yard that will provide shade in later years.   I really think we need at least one tree in our backyard, don’t you?  ...

Not getting off the subject Dad, but today is the first day of world peace and to hear the folks all over the world by radio celebrating and rejoicing it makes me cry.  It seems almost to good to be true … when they play the national anthem and the various service songs, it makes a guy feel like a million dollars.  On the other hand, when I think of the guys that I actually saw fall never to rise again, I wish so much that there was some way we could show our appreciation.  I’ve been with kids who were my own age, 18, and I’ve seen some of those kids die horrible deaths, but they died like real men.  It seems that the average fellow worries more about how his folks will take it, rather than actually dying.  I guess there is only a certain point that pain can go and no further, beyond this point it becomes all numbness.  It seems that just at the end that the pain goes away and things begin to fade away, and, in each instance, that I’ve ever known, the dying man always passes away with murmurs of or about his savior on his lips.  Most of these men are pretty rough and tough.  But they're about as meek as a lamb when dying.  I guess the assurance of eternal life is really what makes death so much easier than one would believe.  You know Dad, you may think I’m lying, but I was so positive of getting knocked off before dawn once that I could clearly envision Mom getting the government notice and promptly fading away.  I could remember little Jimmie Teten too and I figured that in a matter of hours I would see him and Uncle Will.  I wasn’t afraid.  I don’t know why but I wasn’t.  Yet I was so positive of death.  Lou’s rifle would not work.  My bolt was fouled up because of all the sand in it.  When shells half smother you up in the sand, why your weapon is only usable as a ball bat.  But more than once one man has secured a nip or two that way.  I had a batch of U.S hand grenades and a whole batch of Nip grenades that I got off a dead Nip officer ... plus I had two combat knifes and one bayonet, a Nip bayonet that was mighty sharp.  So you see I still had a lot of potential power, but even then a guy can’t get them all when they come like flies.  Several attacks came but never got us.  But if they had thrown all their strength in one rush, why old J. B. wouldn’t be writing this today, Dad.  I could never be a doctor.  It hurts me clear down to the bottom of my shoes to a see a guy in deep agony.  One night it almost drove me mute with a guy was so badly hit that it was only a matter of minutes before he died.  He kept screaming for a corpsman, and they were all dead themselves, the cry of a dying man cam be horrible ... I hope we never have to go to war again, but I’m not too optimistic about those type of miracles.  How about you Dad? ...

Now where was I – oh yeah – Sam just brought my mail – one from you two, one from Jo Ann, and one from Lois Geis.  Jo Ann is as “giddy” as ever.  Lois has finally arrived at California (Diego).  So I guess you know where J. B. is heading on his first weekend leave.  You mentioned Bev and Joyce visiting you two.  Incidentally, just between you and I Dad, what is Bev like now days?  FAT?  I hope not because I just never could stand it, buy she's never sent pictures, not once.  How about you writing to me and giving me the scoop?  You know more about women than your eldest son does.  So give me the straight dope dad.

All books have a conclusion.  So now I shall sign off Dad and, in bringing this lengthy ordeal to a halt.  I want to say that I’ll be waiting to hear from you soon.  And that I’ll be home anytime between now and ‘49’ – be a lookin’ for me.

Love Jerry next to drawing of a Marine with a big smile, saying Howdy Dad

Under that is written P.F.C Jerry D. Brooks U.S.M.C.R.

 

YEARS LATER, in 1951, JERRY WROTE about his time in the US Marine Corps, including combat during World War Two on the Japanese held islands of Saipan, Tinian, and Iwo Jima:

"Most of us were in our teens and earlier twenties.  Most of our officers were also in their early twenties.  Most all of us were volunteers in a special unit.  Most of us considered ourselves to be the best Marines and in the best combat unit in the entire Marine Corps.  Our Officers were the Best of the Best, we thought.  I think this was a fairly widespread conceit among all Marines everywhere.  And I think this conceit was one reason why we could always count on the Marine to our left and the Marine our right, sure that they would never ever abandon their positions under fire and expose our flanks, and that we wouldn't either.

I was as conceited as one Marine could be.  But I never had an NCO or any Officer in my chain of command that I did not consider at least as good or better than I was. It all started at Boot Camp at San Diego; and, most particularly, it started on my graduation from Boot Camp in October 1943.  By then I was a full fledged member of a select little band.

The Marine Corps makes good men think they are supermen.  This illusion later proved to be exceedingly important to us in battle.  My self pride as a Marine, and my pride in my Marine unit, a special unit with its very special task, this (the ethos of every Marine thoughout the Corps) overrode any instinct I might otherwise have had to save myself at the expense of my fellow Marines.  Bugging out of the fight, opening another Marine's flank, even the though of such a thing, was something I never ever considered, never."

 

ON September 7, 1945, Jerry wrote:

Howdy Thar, little one,

I've got some more ideas for records for you to get. 

RED RIVER VALLEY (Andrews Sisters)

WE WERE SAILING ALONG (Bing Crosby)

CAROLINA MOON, I'M PINEING

ROSIE O'GRADY

Incidentally mom, you can keep an eyeball peeled for a suitable victrola if you will.  I'm not aiming to galvant around all over town for several days attempting to locate one.  Your assistance on this matter will help.  When you see one why remember it's cost and construction and location for me.

This morning we turned back in our steel helmets and other combat gear such as gas masks etc, etc,.  I haven't gotten rid of my 45 cal automatic yet.  It is sort of goofy.  I had it on all the time even after our tank sank and we were in the ocean and never realized it. It is about as good as ever even today though.  

I finally got my final Raye Burns cartoon lesson back but not little diploma or anything.  They are certainly a fouled up bunch, but I did learn a lot from them anyway.  I'm inclosing one sheet for you to stick in my top left dresser drawer for further reference.

Well you never say anything about Bev, what's the matter, don't you like her.  Is he growing fat?   Personally, I think she is great.  Remember our first date?  J.B. came tip-toeing in the house about 3:30 A.M. - HEH HEH - it seems that we got over to her grandma's place before twelve even but raiding the ice box and grabbing took up the time awfully fast - HEH HEH.  I'm a bad boy. TSK TSK.

I suppose it will be rainy, muddy, cold, sloppy, snowy and cloudly again when I get my next furlough - I hope not, but that's probably the way it will be HEH HEH - oh - well.  I can always sit and gab with you, tinker with the piano, and blow my trumpet and draw in my room.  Of course, a number of visits over to Bev will take up quite some time also - HEH HEH.  For all I know, I may beat the standing record of 4:30 A.M. - think so?  J.B. is still not dry behind the ears and he knows it.  And besides when I galvant around too much, I get very tired and fagged out to a frizzle.

How is Bob?  I suppose he still insists on joining the service when he reaches 17 yrs in November.  It seems crazy that he don't finish high school.  On the other hand the service might make a man out of him.  I do wish he would wait until I get house first before leaving himself.

I hope Richard gets to go to Japan.  He won't have much to talk about unless he does and that would distress his mother I do believe.  If the truth be known I bet Rich never saw a live Nip, much less shoot one.  HEH HEH.  Many infantrymen never saw their enemy even, as the Nips were all dug in on Iwo.  As for J.B. on Iwo he never tagged any that he knows of.  Lots of ammo, I did expend with 30 cal mach. gun, but as for results - O- as far as I know.  HEH HEH

Tinian was a lot meaner for our outfit than Iwo was.  And Saipan would make both Tinian and Iwo look sick as far as our gang was concerned.  It was all up to the individual when it comes to intensity of various campaigns.  I know one kid who was only on the Marshalls and Iwo, but to his own self, the Marshalls was the harder campaign.  And it's a know fact that just the island of Tinian in the Marianas was lots meaner that every Marshall island all combined.  Yes, it is all up to the individual.  Now as the war is over and the danger is past, why the snow jobs and sea stories will grow more numerous and more horrible than ever before - HEH HEH - especially those of the non producers and rear echelon doggies and swabbies.

Well, I'll secure now, mom.  Hope to get some mail from you today.

Love, "Muscles"

INSERT HI THAR MOM MARINE PIC. 

 

ON September 12, 1945, Jerry wrote:

My Darling Mom,

Glad to get two letters from you mom.  No letter from Bev for several days now.  I certainly hope she is O.K. She is a regular go-getter.  She is smarter than she gives herself credit for.  I hope she can find a job in Wichita.  If you ever have a chance to help her, why do so.  You know she is J.B.'s gal, so treat her as one of the family.  You'd sure be surprised if she was one of your daughters some day, wouldn't you, mom HEH HEH!  Horrible thoughts, aren't they? - but all clouds have a silver lining ya know, and to me, her's is mightly brilliant.  Not beefing or anything, but it get tiresome hanging around like this now that the war is over and a guy has lots of spare time to read and re-read all his mail and do a lot of planning and thinking and lots of dreaming and even Castle building.  It is good to have her to look forward to being with a bit.  After all J.B will wear his poor mom out going around the house and gabbing with her from sun-up till sun down HEH HEH - so perhaps an auxillary spare will come in handy - HEH HEH.  Of course my number two girl isn't quite as cute as my number one is and has been and always will be.  You and #2 ought to have a few things in common as you both were farmers once.  Bev wants to break away from the farm and I can't say as I blame her HEH HEH! Have Bev over some Sat. evening for supper and let her take over my room and good ole' sac for the night and then take her to church in the morning.  I don't know how she is, but she used to be awfully bashful.

Lois is at San Diego and likes it fine.  Received a letter from Edna yesterday.  She is the same ole' Edna.  I sure hope that I get to see her and the gang at W.K.H. before I grow old and gray.  Those folks down there can't be beaten.  A swell lot if I ever saw one.

I've met one family or two of grand folks here on Maui, also.  I know a Jap family that would make a good a neighbor as the Menzels almost.  Sounds funny coming from a United States Marine that has killed several Japs personally, doesn't it mom.  We have had lots of information regarding Japs and how to knock them off, but I guess the average guy just simply can't hate folks as a race, but only as individuals.  I'd kill a five year old kid without blinking an eye if he was trying to heave a gernade at me, but as for uncalled for killing, I couldn't do it.  I judge people as individuals and I treat them according to what they do.  One night on Saipan we had to bump off quite a number of wise guys who entertained false illusions of wrecking our tank with bayonets and swords, but the very next day we took aboard seven live Nips and gave them water and cigarettes, and dumped them off up at the 8th Marine C.P.  I reached down and pulled one little pug who weighted about 100 lbs. and had been shot through the cheek.  He thought we were going to torture him and motioned for us to shoot him, rather than take him aboard and cut him up.  We did look horrible, I guess - nasty, dirty, ragged, tired, beards, and all of us simply glistened with extra bayonets, knives, and shoulder and side arms weapons - HEH HEH - I never minded dead men and could step on them, kick them, search them for souvenirs, cut up their belly bands in search of flags, but a wounded fellow always got kindness from me.  I hated to see Nips all sliced up even.  On Saipan I saw some little kids that were as cute as little bugs.

No, mom, you don't have to worry your little head about J.B. because he hasn't hardened up and there isn't any hate in his heart, he's about the same kid that left home two years ago.  I don't hate anybody and will do so only upon provocation.  I have been thinking of you and dad and Bev and my good ole' sac at home too much to take any time out to develop any nasty habits, HEH HEH - ...

Must close now mom, G'bye.  Love "Muscles"

INSERT COMBAT MARINE PIC 

 

ON September 21, 1945, Jerry wrote:

My Darling Mom,

How is my girl making out with getting my records.  Here's a couple more. 1. Stars in Your Eyes, 2, For me and my Gal.  Mom, I do hope you can acquire these records one way or another because a victrola is something I've figured on for a long time.  As soon as I get home I aim to find one.  We got a beat up Jap victrola in Garapan (Saipan) when our lines were barely inside the city.  All of us found great pleasure in listening to it.  The Japs apparently liked American music as well or better better than their own because we had very little trouble in locating familiar songs.

You know what mom? JB is sort of planning on seeing "Dad" MacDonald again before very long HEH HEH - I don't know why, but that's the way I feel in my bones, HEH HEH, and I certainly do hope I'm correct.  Of course your son is more or less simple so you must take things he predicts with a grain of salt.

Mom, how is your number two offspring making out in school anyway?  I hope he is O.K. and continues to do so.  It is quite a pleasant shock, this recent about face procedure he has taken.  I wonder if his bad habits have been dropped also.  Tell Bob I may be walking to school with him next semester at any rate.  I ought to be able to do so if they ever start to let us out of here.  Right here in Hawaii there are hundreds of local men who have been discharged from the Army.  Perhaps the Navy will wake up soon too.

Ever talk to Mrs. Alley and Bradley and get any news on Bob and Joe?  I'd sure like to see those two thugs.  I imagine both have grown quite a bit.  Get Richard Rowland's address from his mom to me.  What is Charles Andrew's anyway.  A Lt. or what?  Is little Richard Watkin's having a rough time?  How about Tommy Howell?  Is he still in the states?  When do you believe Raymond Anderson will be discharged?  It's odd how the Army can send one man into action within six months after induction and keep another stateside for years.  In my opinion, the only real men that the Army has are the infantrymen. ...

Still receive those no-good lousy memographed notes called church letters occasionally.  You know mom, it is pretty sad that a church has to resort to such practices.  My dear friend in Oceanside writes to hundreds of boys he knew only a short time.  He always writes and he replies promply and believe me all of us respect and love him for it.  To tell you the truth his little Baptist Church in Oceanside, where folks are genuinely friendly and not stuff-collar money changers, is and has been what I considered my own church since being overseas.  His Congregation was and are Christians, not half-hearted middle of the road non-producers.  His people treated us who were strangers as welcome friends and brothers, and we could be at home in his church.  Mom, I hope we can take a trip out to California some day so you can see it with your own eyes.  I don't want you to think I am a bum but I've been around a bit now and have observed a few things and, in respect to our church, I will say this - if your church proves to be as cold and formal and back-biting as it was the years that I was in it, I shall proceed to locate a different Baptist place in which to worship.  Now, I can compare our "great big powerful" church with other churches around the world and see our church with an open eye rather than a blind eye due to constant previous attendance. I actually believed that I, as an individual, received far more help from a certain little church far from Wichita in a few weeks than I did all my years at the "all powerful" church at home.

Our main trouble is that we work to hard to keep up and out do other churches in the public eye, instead of creating a friendly atmosphere and winning souls.  We do everything from having banquets and parties to canvases in order to get a large number in our attendence and never seem to have enough.  Perhaps if we tried a bit of Christianity and brotherhood we would fare better.  We are entirely too busy running down each other, folks who drink a bit, other Christians denominations and Catholics.  We run down children who are wayward rather than try to make them feel wanted.  We love to express our haughtyness and loftiness by placing our dressed businessmen at the door shaking hands in pretense of friendship, rather than the common folk.  We make only those who have money our deacons and officials.  Our two enormous buildings are closed a great amount of the time.  Finding one preacher is next to impossible.  Our preacher is always exhibiting the fact that he is quite well off.  Never once did I never hear him  invite any common folk into his home, not once in 17 years.  I had Sunday school teachers who were far more possessed of real honest Christian Spirit than our Church officials and leaders.  Our Church has become a fashion place in which to exhibit the lastest clothing and hair-do, and in it the latest dirt is sifted and passed on concerning fellow members.  I only hope that it is not actually not as corrupt as I believe it is because I would like to go on being being a member, but I can assure you that I for one attend services for spiritual refuel not for financial and gossip injection.  And shall not tolerate such a situation, but shall proceed to find greener pastures if this proves to be the situation.

Right now Mull struck our kitten down in my enormous sea bag and she is having a great time romping around my gear.  She is coal black with white paws and scared to death of dogs.  Two weeks ago a dog broke her left front leg and we put a little splint on it, thus her name "Pegleg".  She loves to sleep with different guys every night.  She feels safe with one of us I guess.  I sit here and laugh till I am getting sort of sick so now I shall stop.

Love Jerry

INSERT MARINE AT FRONT DOOR OF JERRY'S WICHITA HOME

TO BE CONTINUED___

 

Jerry D. Brooks wrote more than two hundreds letters home to his parents in Witchita, Kansas, between August 15, 1943 and September 21, 1945, his 25 months in the US Marine Corps during World War Two.  These letters were written before, during, and after his time at Marine Boot Camp at the Marine Recruit Depot at San Diego, California.  Exerpts from the text of these letters and Jerry's art therein have been compliled and edited from those letters and published herein by Reed M. Fawell 111 with the permission of the owner of the entire collection of the letters owned by and belonging to Patty Brooks.  All rights are reserved.  No portion of this website or its contents, including these letters, may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means - electronic, mechanical, photo copy, recording, scanning, or other, without the prior written permission of Reed M. Fawell III as to this website, and Patty Brooks, as to the contents of these letters herein above displayed.  Copyright  © 2021 by Reed M. Fawell III, Copyright  © 2015 by Patty Brooks.

 

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Footnote 1/ Photo from City of Life and Death, a two hour and fifteen minute film that follows closely the accounting in Iris Chang's 1997 book, “Rape of Nanking, the film City of Life and Death being written and directed by Lu Chuan; director of photography, Cao Yu; edited by Teng Yun; music by Liu Tong; production design by Hao Yi and Lin Chaoxiang; produced by Han Sanping, Qin Hong, Zhou Li, John Chong and Andy Zhang; released by Kino International.