Volume 43- No. 34
August 22 2013
by lyle e davis
Letters sent home from the troops, letters sent to the troops from home . . . ever since wars began the news to or from the battlefield reflected what was really happening. Here is a collection of war letters that cover our major wars, our ‘police actions,’ and our military expeditions.
Resolution
Letter
"We were all subjected to sever-
Letter
"For the Nth time, thanks for your package. Please don't send me any more underwear, socks or candy ...This week they are teaching us to kill ... I know how to break any hold or grip and throw a man flat on his face -- They even teach us how to scientifically stomp on a man .... Confidentially, I'm tired." Morton Elevitch Morton D. Elevitch November 23, 1943 Rank: Private Home: Duluth Minnesota
this our country?" Rupert Trimmingham Rupert Trimmingham Rank: Corporal Home: Brookyn, New York he had emigrated from Trinidad, through Wales (no photo available)
Resolution
al different kinds of [gas] today, with and without masks ... It sure is horrible stuff, honey." Ed Lukert Ed Luckert June 18, 1918 First Lieutenant Duluth, Minnesota Resolution
Lukert was wounded in France, but he did return home to his wife. He spent 36 years in the Army and was a regimental commander in World War II
Trimmingham had been very religious until the incident mentioned in the letter. After the war, he worked as an electrician, repairing sewing machines for Singer, and married a librarian. He died in 1985. Letter
"...the acres of little shelter tents are dark and still as death, no wonder for as I gazed sorrowfully upon them, I thought I could almost hear the slow flap of the grim messenger's wings, as one by one he sought and selected his victims for the morning sacrifice... Oh
Letter
Resolution
Elevitch fought under Patton in Germany. He sustained serious injuries from mortar fragments, and was hospitalized for six months. Under the GI bill, he went to college and graduate school after the war. He lived in Europe through the 1950s and 1960s. A writer, professor, and traveller, he published 3 books of fiction. He also founded a magazine, First Person, that featured personal narratives, including letters and diaries.
The Paper - 760.747.7119
website:www.thecommunitypaper.com
email: thepaper@cox.net
"Myself and eight other Negro soldiers were on our way from Camp Claiborne, La., to the hospital here at Fort Huachuca, Arizona. ...We could not purchase a cup of coffee at any of the lunchrooms around there... As you know, Old Man Jim Crow rules. But that's not all; 11:30 a.m. about two dozen German prisoners of war, with two American guards, came to the station. They entered the lunchroom, sat at the tables, had their meals served, talked, smoked, in fact had quite a swell time. I stood on the outside looking on... Are we not American soldiers, sworn to fight for and die if need be for
After the war, Barton went on to found the American Red Cross. Letter
"With my Pearl Harbor plates on I had the right of way and I was out there in nothing flat. ...I hurried up to the Surgery and already the casualties were pouring in... It was hell for a while. These poor devils brought in all shot up and burned. Many of them hopeless. We gave them plenty of morphine and sent them out in the Wards to die. The others we patched up as best we could..." Paul E. Spanger Paul E. Spangler December 17, 1941 Rank: Captain, Chief of Surgery Pearl Harbor naval hospital Home: Portland Oregon (No photo available) Resolution
When the war ended, Spangler headed to the Philippines on a Navy hospital ship to bring back POWs. Then he started a private practice in Portland. Two years later, he returned to the service and finished out his career as a Navy doctor. When he retired, he went to Asia on a hospital ship, the Hope, and later became a prison doctor in San Luis Obispo. He took up running at age 67, and was an avid competitor until he died at the age of 95, racking up 85 national running records for various age groups and distances. Letter
northern mothers wives and sisters... would to Heaven that I could bear for you the concentrated woe which is so soon to follow..." Clara Barton Clara Barton December 12, 1862 2 o’clock A.M. Rank: Nurse, Army of the Potomac North Oxford, Massachusetts
“War Letters” Continued on Page 2
"Take a combination of fear, anger, hunger, thirst, exhaustion, disgust, loneliness, homesickness, and wrap that all up in one reaction and you might approach the feelings a fellow has. It makes you feel mighty small, helpless, and alone... Without faith, I don't see how anyone could stand this." Paul Curtis Paul Curtis