August 31, 1943: Speak to Madge

Hello my Sweethearts:

Honey tell Mom and Dad thanks a lot for the 2 bucks, that was sure swell, and I really needed it.  Course I got paid today so I wouldn't have been broke for long.

Darling, how are your colds, are you doctoring up real good yourself?  Remember how easy it was for you to give me nose drops?  (Oh yeah).  Gee I could sure use some now.  I'm going to doctor up tonight, and see if I can get rid of mine.

Honey this will have to be just a short note, cause I'm on K.P. again tomorrow.  We go back out to the field test tomorrow, but just to do K.P. and am I glad.  I guess I better sign off cause 3:30 gets here real early.

But I'll write a real long one on the 2nd of Sept. And tell you all about my shipping orders (I hope).

Bye my Princess, I'll always keep on loving you, and praying you both.  Goodnight Joyce Ann.

Oceans of Love,

Your Speak

Madge I adore you.  You're swell. XOXOXOXO

September 3, 1943: Speak to Madge

Darling Madge:

How's my sweets today, gee I love ya both just tons and tons.  And I'm sure anxious to see that darling of ours.  She sure sounds cute, but then she'd have to be cause look how beautiful her Mom is.

Hon if you knew how tired I am of this place, now that most of my buddies have left, you would want them to ship me tomorrow.  And I don't even care where they send me.

Hansen has gone to the cadets he's still on this field, but we only get to be together about an hour each night.

Simons is still here, but he lives in another barracks, and we get different details each day so we don't see an awful lot of each other.

Boy they sure had us working today, we had to load trash on trucks, and my back, and hands are aching to beat hell.  It's the first real work I've ever done in the army.  And I got blisters on my hands to prove it.

Hey I'm over to the service club, they are having a dance again.  There's lots of girls here, but none of them would hold a candle compared to you, for looks, and I know none of them could be near as swell as you are.  Cause you're the best on earth, and my Princess forever. (No I didn't dance).  I don't ever want to get near any girl until I get home to my own sweethearts.  They don't even interest me, not even to whistle at.

Gee, I think it's swell how Joyce Ann is getting along.  I'll bet she sure enjoys Donny.  Honey no matter how cute she is or how well she gets along, it's all because of you, I sure hope she takes after you in every way.  You are her Mommy, but you will always be my girl.  I love you toots.

Hey I guess you will have to get out that heat pad for this winter cause I won't be there to keep you hot (I mean warm).  It's starting to get cold here at nights too, I guess I'll have to start using my blanket.  I haven't used bedding at all the last two months though.

I sure hope it don't freeze up there for a long time,  so all the farmers can get all their crops in.  Remember how to frost screwed Lee Gammon on his tomatoes last year?  Hope he does better this time.  Has Pop got much stuff that will freeze?

What is Murray doing now?  And how to they like their home?  Do Cullimores still live there?

I'm sure glad Mrs. Mayberry is a good neighbor.  Tell her, and him hello for me.  What is he doing?  Does he still work out to the plant?

Well Princess, it's getting late so I better close, cause remember I'm on K.P. again tomorrow, but I'm going to off if I can.

You know how much I love you, and Joyce Ann, so I won't try to tell you, cause there isn't enough paper in all the world to do that on.  But always remember no matter where I go, or what I do, you will always be my one and only.  Any I'm just waiting for that day, when we will all three be together again.  Remember you are my one and only, so take good care of yourself.  I know Joyce Ann is in care of the best girl on earth.  Bye for tonight soldier, keep your chin up, and keep smiling.

All my Love to you both.
Yours Forever,

Pfc. Carter

P.S. I love ya always, Neeny Boo.

August 29, 1943: Jess to Madge (Tennesee)

Dear Madge,

I decided to take the day and answer all the letters I owe - It's been so damned hot here the last while I haven't done anything except try to cool off and that's almost impossible.  It's the hottest it's been here since 1930.  all the gardens and lawns are burned right up.  everything except the cotton and Tabasco and they look pretty withered.  When we go to bed we lay and sweat and stick to the sheet.  That's what I can't get used to, but I suppose it will cool off sooner or later.

How have you and the baby been Madge?  Fine I hope.  I also hope by now that Speak is home or soon will be.

We had a letter from Alf and Helen yesterday and we're very sorry to hear about her bad luck, but like she says now, she know she can get that way she can build herself up and try it again.

I'll bet they did feel plenty bad I know we would if anything would happen to ours.  Helen's letter saying she had been in the hospital made me feel kinda funny cause about three weeks ago I dreamed she was in the hospital.  She said they had seen you a few times and that your baby was just darling.  Said it made her feel kinda bad.  I hope she can get that way soon again.

I went to a Dr. down in M'boro Thursday he is Mrs. Randolph's family Dr. (she is the lady we stay with).  She went with me - he said everything was fine and Madge I've gained nearly 5 lbs and it's all on my front, boy I've sure filled out in the last 5 weeks.

He gave me another blood test it's just his routine - I guess.  One of the girls I met is also pregnant.  Her husband is a S/Sgt in his squad, they live in Smyrna.

I was sure glad to find some one else that way too.  She is only about two months along.  When we get a place in Smyrna we can have a lot of fun sewing and what not.  Madge I've learned to crochet.  I have finished a petticoat and a pair of flannel slippers.  I also worked  a little Kimono - it had baby Ric rack braid one so I didn't crochet on that.  I have some pillow cases to do but haven't started them yet.

I got me a seersucker brown and white material nity dress.  It's quite cute.  It has elastic gathers on each side of the waist and is real big.  I think I'm going to use Dot's dress from later on.  She said I could before I left.

Lee was in Salt Lake two weeks ago Tuesday they didn't get in SL til around 7 pm and had to wait till 9 pm for a gas truck to come and drain the gas out of the plane so by the time he left the base to go into town it was 11 pm, he went to see Alf and Helen but I guess they were in Provo.  He said their paper and milk were in the hall.  He wrote them a not on the top of the paper but I guess they didn't ever get it cause they didn't mention it in their letter.  He didn't have time to go down home cause they left Salt Lake at 6 a.m. the next morning to come back here.

How is Wanda Madge?  I am going to write her on of these days.  Does Scotty have any idea that he is coming home?  It would be swell if he and Speak could make it home together. 

Madge I sure hope Joyce Ann hasn't had the colic anymore.  I don't blame you and wouldn't let her cry anymore either.  I bet it about scared your pants off didn't it?  Boy! It sure would me.  That sounds like what Mina's baby had.  Grace was saying she cried and couldn't get her breath on nite and that Mina was very worried about her. 

I haven't heard from Harold and Iney yet but I suppose they will write when they get the time.  Have you been up for their place?

Oh! Madge did Helen give you the things she had for you?  Aren't they just darling?

Madge well you do me a big favor?  When you are downtown sometime will you go in Gloria's shop and see if you can find me a dress on the order of the green house dress you got there with the draw string around the waist?  I have looked I can't find one here.  I still wear the blue one I got at home but could sure use another one on the same oaten if you can find one let me know and I'll send you the money for it.

The Dr. changed the date to around the 17 of Dec. I don't know how he figures but guess it doesn't matter as long as I have it in Dec. same time dates it?  I've been feeling swell ever since we've been here.  I only hope I continue to feel as good and I'll feel very lucky.

I know you are busy Madge but write us when you can and take good care of you and the baby.  I'll try to do better in the future and answer sooner than I did this time.

Love,

Jessie and Lee
 

Agust 27, 1943: Speak to Madge

Darling Mommy:

Well honey I've done a days work for the 1st time in a week.  I worked down in the shoe repair shop.  I don't want to over due it so I think I'll screw off tomorrow.  And I want to see Conk off.  He leaves at 11 AM.

Hey toots I'd sure like to be home, and do a little rooting, not the same kind as Joyce Ann either.

Hey in case you don't know, I'm still in Texas, but by the time you get this I may be on my way to my new base.

I'll bet Alf feels silly being the only one left.  But he don't know how lucky he is.  I'll trade places with him any old day.

That was sure swell of Dot, but she can afford it, so don't hesitate about taking it, as I've gave her plenty.

Hey is Helen still sick, how long does it take to get over a miss?  Gee I'm glad your healthy and buxom, I sure do love you all.  And I'll always love you as I do now, my sweet.

What did you mean, you hope it lasts, you Mothers milk, till I get home?  Honey don't worry about saving any for me, there will be others. (I hope) do you?

We have sure had screwy weather here too, it's starting to get cold here at nights, gee just think this year is almost gone already.  And I've only seen you 5 days of it.

Hey some of the guys are leaving her as Pfc. till they finish there next school then they'll be buck sergeants.  So maybe I'll do the same.  I don't care much which they decide.

I sure hope you and Joyce haven't caught a cold, please be awful careful, won't you?  I'm glad you are not going to have her clessed till I can be there with you.  Have you decided who to have bless her.  I'd kindo like Bishop J. Earl Lewis.  He's an old friend of our family and a darn swell guy.  But it's all up to you.  Whoever you want be swell with me.

Well Princess I can't think off anymore news so I'll sign off.  Bye Mommy Bye Joyce Ann.

With all my Love,

Speak

P.S. Simons is stinko and laying on his crack, passed out cold.  I'll laugh at him tomorrow.

S.C.

August 26, 1943: Speak to Madge

Amarillo Texas

Hi my Darlings:

Well sweets I'm still bumming around an waiting for the shipping order.  Conkel is going to leave us tomorrow, I don't know where he is going but I sure hate to see him go.

Hey I go on a detail tomorrow I'm going over and work in the Quarter Master Warehouse #15.  I go to work at 7:30 and work till 5 PM so I don't think I scrwe off, cause that a lot better than K.P.  Simons goes on K.P. tonight at 9:30 and works till 1:30 tomorrow.  So I got the best of the deal.

Toots, I've over at the Service Club they have some girls playing the piano and singing, the guys are making so much noise I hardly know what I'm writing.  I don't think they're listening to the music tho, they are just getting an eye full of girls in formals.

I have just came back from the boxing bouts, boy there's a kid here from Utah that sure bowls em over.  He's the champ of this camp.  I don't know who he is I've never seen him before. 

Hey honey do you remember Leon Frazier, the kid who used to work with Scotty down at Ike Paeys station?  Well I saw him last night, he's here for his basic training as an A.C.Cadet.

He lives down by the frils, I've known him all my life, I used to go swimming and fishing, with him over to the river.  Boy it sure seemed good to see someone I knew.  We had a nice long talk about old time, I'm going to see him again tomorrow night.  I would meet him just as I'm getting ready to leave this place.

Remember when I was in St. Pete I met Ray Heal, we he and Leon are the only guys I've met I knew since I go in the army.

I'm sure getting tired of laying around doing nothing I'll sure be glad to get shipped out of here.  I'll even welcome a little work tomorrow.

How is our angel Joyce ann getting along?  She hasn't a cold has she, be real careful who you let get close to her.  And don't let no kids kiss her, or hold her.  Cause we don't want her getting sick ever.  Hon I don't blame you for not going down to see Wanda, at least while she is sick.  Cause honest honey, we can't ever take cahnces with Joyce Ann's health.

Madge excuse me, I don't mean to be telling you how to take care of your own baby.  But please darling don't ever take any chances, even if it hurts someone.

Gee toots I'm glad Frank, Florence and the rest of them came to see you, now I'll bet you feel a lot better, don't you?  Hey all our friends have sure been swell to us haven't they? 

Gee you must have a lof of clothes for Joyce Ann.  Hey I think Don Giff, was screwy for joining the Marines, especially the paratroops, but he's got what it takes, and I'll bet he makes a damn good soldier.  Tell them I wish him a lot of luck and a safe return.  I'd sure like to hear from him.

I sure hope Chuck is still OK.  Boy he's about done his share.  I don't see why they don't send him home on a long furlough.  I'll bet Florence would be the happiest Mom in the world if they would, don't you?

Hey I wrote to each of the girls and Ed and Lela, and Scotty today.  Now if I can just find something to write to you side of the family I'll be nearly caught up.  But I may wait till I get to my new base.  So I'll have something to write about.

Honey, I love you more each day, and I sure hope you don't ever get tired of these old dry letters.  Hey are you still my Princess now and forever?  Gee your tops Mommy.

Draling each day I'm away from you and Joyce ann I feel I'm being cheated out of a lot of fun and pleasure  I used to say I'd like a kid about 1 or 2 years old, but honest I was only fooling.  Gee I'd give my right arm to be there with you so we could bother watch her grow up together.

Darling I don't think this war will last much longer and then I will be home.  so maybe I won't miss too much of it, do you think she will forgive me, when she gets older?  Tell her I'll try to make it up to her.

Honey I dream of you both each night and I still pray for you.  I can hardly wait to find out where I'm going to be.  I sure hope we can arrange something.

Well sweetheart I imagine youa re getting tired of this so I better close for now.

But remember, Madge how much I love you, and Joyce Ann.  So take good care of yourselves for me.

Keep your chin up soldier.  I love you more each hour.

Yours Forever,

Daddy Speak

XOXOXOXOXOXOXO to both of you.

August 21, 1943: Speak to Madge

Darling Madge:

Gee Honey I'm sorry I haven't wrote more, but they have kept us busy about 15 hours a day.  I am on K.P. tomorrow, so I just had to write tonight and let you know I'm ok.  I have been out on the pistol range for 3 days, and on the rifle range 2 days.

After we got thru they put us on detail making targets.  So I've really been busy, I have moved over to a new squadron, and I expect to move down to post casual squadron any day now.  That is where we go, just before we ship out.

We got plenty of detail now that were thru school.  HOney I haven't the least idea where I'll be sent.  But I believe they do let us know where were going before we ship so if I do I'll try to call you.

I am going to see the Caption again and find out for sure.  What my chances are for a furlough.

Norman Hansen went home today, but he only got a three day pass.  And I sure don't want one of those it take all my time traveling.  He's going to tak about ten days tho, the screwy cuss.

I wish I were there with you tonight, gee I love you.  Honey, hows my two sweethearts getting along?  Gee I've nearly gone nuts lately, not being able to write, or get a furlough.  Madge I've really gone thru hell since I left you.  But after what you've been thru I guess I shouldn't complain.  But my Princess I do want to see you and Joyce Ann, so bad that I don't know what to do.

Honey I love you more each day, and I hope to return to you and my angel Joyce Ann soon.  Gee it's hell to have a swell daughter, and not be able to see her.  and Madge just keep on tell me you're pet peeves, cause I am the one to tell them to.  Oh and honey thanks for the four leaf clover, I hope it brings us together again soon.

Who did you go to Salt Lake with?  How long did you stay?  I sure hope you had a good time.  Well my sweet I better but this one short.  But I'll write a long one Monday.

Hey Is ure did a big laudry tonight, I getting in shape to do the diaper when I get there on that furlough.

Gee we never know what barracks were, going to sleep in we have loved, about 10 times in the last week I guess were just outcasts now.

Sweet I sure hope everything is going alright with the house and you and Joyce Ann.

I'm glad that doctor said everything was ok.  Write and tell me more about your examination.

Sweet I better close its nearly 10 PM and we go on K.P. at 4:30, so I better go to bed and dream of our happiness to come, after this mess is over.

Bye Darlings, I love you both, more than words can ever tell.

Bye for now.

Forever Yours,

Pop and Speak

August 12, 1943: Speak to Madge

My Sweethearts:

Well honey it's all over now, I got my diploma yesterday after school  boy was I ever glad to get it.  that was 5 months I'll never forget, and it was a lot of damn hard work.  I'm going to sent it home as soon as I can get over to the post office.  We are waiting for our shipping orders now, they sent 300 names out today, but I guess it will be at least a week before we get ours, as we are the last class.

In the mean time, we have three more days to spend on the firing range.  We were there all day today (shooting pistols).

We also got out grades for the whole school, so you can look them over.  I was next to the highest in our whole class.  Snell got an 85.17 average, so I'm more than satisfied.

I don't know where I'll go from here, but I hope it's soon, cause this is sure a screwed up mess.  And I sure don't want to be a instructor.  I'm like you, I hope it will be closer to you.  I'm sure sick of this hot weather, I hope the next place is up north.

How do you like my hair cut?  that pin on my shirt is what they gave us, at our graduation services, it is a air plan mechanic pin.  We also have a cheveron sewed on the cuff of our shirt it is an engine, for us mechanics.

Sweet you ask what I did in my spare time out at the field.  We to be truthful we never had any, I was never so damn tired of going from daylight till dark in my life.  And I never thought I'd drink and eat such dirty stuff.  It was the worst I've ever seen.  but then we were supposed to be over there, only it isn't half that bad over there.

I never thought I'd have to steal water, but I didn and plenty, we had to steal it out of the shower tank.

The hike was plenty though but my feet held out fine.  It was 105 degrees the day we took it, and we hiked 19 miles, with a 65 pound pack, when we got in we were wet with sweat from head to foot.  and to make matters worse we wore our gas mask for one hour, while on the march.

We had to go over the obstacle course, the next day with a full pack and pas mask.  And we learned how to mount truck and dismount.  Also, how to drive tanks and destroy them.

We had one day with the submachine gun, two days of camoflouging, and one full day of pictures, and one day of lectures and first aid, and disease prevention.

All in all it was nine days of living hell, but we sure learned what was going on over on the other side, and I'm glad I have had it, cause it may save my life someday.  I'm sure glad my feel didn't hurt me too.

The diploma we got isn't much to look at, but it's what we went thru to get it that counts.  And now I'll be a corpal as soon as I ship out of here.

Darling, I haven't had a chance to write to you, but you and Joyce Ann, we always in my hear and my prayers each night were for you both.

I carry a picture of you both together and pray that I'll see you soon, cause gee honey I love you, and miss you a lot.

You're the most wonderful sweethear and mother in the whole world.  And darling you will never know how your letters helped my out each day while out there on manuvers.  They made me the happiest guy in the world, and made my job a lot easier to know that we were all three doing our part to help clear up this mess.

Princess I'll always love you and be true to you both, and I hope to see you real soon.  Hey you please don't try to go over and work on the farm, or down to Keeley's either. 

Hey I'd sure like to see Edna and Vern, there really swell people.  In fact there's a lot of people I'd like to see back there, so can I bum around for maybe a half day if I get a 15 day furlough?

No Princess, I don't think I'll go over this year.  At least I hope not.  And I haven't had a chew of tobacco for two days wither, so I guess I'll quit.

Honey don't be afraid to tell me about you and Joyce Ann.  I do get home sick, but they keep us plenty busy, so we don't set around and worry about things back home, besides I can take it.

Hey the P.X.s haven't had any film in lately, but I'll send some as soon as I can.  Honey don't take the baby out in the sun too much, or don't take her down to Landrups and her her picture taken, as the bright light may hurt her eyes.  I'd love all the pictures I could get, but for her sake I guess I can do without, until she's a little older, and stronger.  Maybe I'm a grandma am I?

Well honey they're yellering lights out, so until tomorrow.  I'll keep on loving you and think of you both.  Goodnight my Princess and goodnight my doll be good to your Mommy.

All my love.  Yours Forever.

Speak

August 1, 1943: Speak to Madge

Hello my Darlings:

Well toots this is the last letter I'll be writing as a student, tonight is my last day of school, boy am I glad.  It's been a long and tiresome course, but after its all over, it had sure been worth it.  And I've really learned a lot, and met a bunch of swell guys.

I don't know when I'll be able to write from the field, but I will jsut as soon as possible.  It will be some experience out there, from what they tell us.  We don't do very much work on planes, but we study combat tactics, camoflaugh protection from attack, and defence of the air field.  We also are on duty 24 hours a day, ready for call anytime.

Princess, i'm sure proud of you for not starting in (damage to paper - can't ready) how long has it been since you (damage again).

Hey Joe, Dick, and Skinny have got by lucky haven't they?  I still think they stink.

Hey toots that rash on your arm, is just heat rash isn't it?  I get it too where metal touches me when it's extra hot.  I think your is cause from your wrist watch, try not to wear it and see if it won't go away.

Honey what do you mean about taking douches, I guess I'm dumb, but this is all new to me, so let me know about it.

Hey and when are you going to have the baby blessed, who's going to do it?  It don't make much difference does it?  Gee Hon I'll sure be glad when those pictures get here, I can hardly wait.  I guess Mom hasn't had much experience with a camera, but we don't care do we?

I never have expected a letter from Geo Bills cause I knew he couldn't write.

Gosh I'll be happy when I can build a swing, and sand box for our kid.  I'll even pay in it with her, can I?

Toots you always did (paper damage) perfect, and I'll never say a word about them again, this being away from you has really made me stop and think of how swell you are.

And you couldn't be a better wife, cause they don't make em' any better.  I love you truly.

Well toots I got my stuff all packed in my barracks bags and were ready to leave this squadron for good.  When we get thru the field, we will go out to a different squadron and wait our shipping orders.

Boy, I'll look like a read comando for the next week or ten days.  We took a shower and I guess it will last us for the duration of the field test, unless we sneak in some night.

Well my angels, I better get ready for school, so I'll close for now.  I love you both millions and will be glad to get home and see you.  Hope it isn't much longer.

bye for now, I'll write as much as I can while I'm out there.

All my Love,

Your Speak