3 — War & Peace

Links: The Bob Harris Story Links: The Bob Harris Story 3

– WAR & PEACE– War & Peace

WELL before Pearl Harbor, Americans knew that the U.S. would join the war eventually. In anticipation, one of Bob’s friends from college at Oak Ridge Military Institute, Ollie Liebschner, entered the United States Naval Academy in Well before Pearl Harbor, Americans knew that the U.S. would join the war eventually. In anticipation, one of Bob’s friends from college at Oak Ridge Military Institute, Ollie Liebschner, entered the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis and urged Bob to do the same. Bob chose not to and, as already stated, when Annapolis and urged Bob to do the same. Bob chose not to and, as already stated, when war war at last did come, he tried unsuccessfully to enlist in the Army Air Corps. Drafted into at last did come he tried unsuccessfully to enlist in the Army Air Corps. Drafted into the the regular Army on 24 April 1942, he completed boot camp in Maryland. On 23 June 1942, regular Army on 24 April 1942, he completed boot camp in Maryland. On 23 June 1942 he he became engaged to Dol. On 18 October 1942, he was shipped off to England to await his became engaged to Dol. On 18 October 1942 he was shipped off to England to await his combat assignment. combat assignment. “I stayed at an English army barracks in Cheltenham,” Bob tells us. “I liked it there, I could “I stayed at an English army barracks in Cheltenham,” Bob tells us. “I liked it there. I could talk to the people. We all spoke the same language.” Apparently, he found no evidence to talk to the people. We all spoke the same language.” Apparently, he found no evidence to support George Bernard Shaw’s assertion that “America and Britain are two nations divided support George Bernard Shaw’s contention that “America and Britain are two nations divided by a common language.” by a common language.” Germany had started the war three years earlier by invading Poland in the east. Through the Germany had started the war three years earlier by invading Poland in the East. Through the winter of 1939–1940, in an interlude jokingly referred to as the “sitzkreig,” French and British winter of 1939-1940, in an interlude jokingly called the “sitzkreig,” French and British troops dug in across northeastern France, awaiting the inevitable Nazi attack westward. In the troops dug in across northeastern France and waited for a Nazi attack westward. In the Spring of 1940, Germany mounted a swift-moving blitzkrieg (“lightning war”) against France, Spring of 1940 Germany mounted a swift-moving blitzkrieg (“lightning war”) against easily sweeping around the northern flank of the Maginot Line and rendering its stationary France, easily sweeping around the northern flank of the Maginot Line and rendering its fortifications useless. In six weeks, German forces occupied most of France and trapped stationary fortifications useless. In six weeks German forces occupied most of France and thousands of British troops on the beaches of Dunkirk where, in a colossal strategic blunder, trapped thousands of British troops on the beaches of Dunkirk where, in a colossal strategic Hitler allowed them to escape to England on a motley flotilla of boats of every shape and size. blunder, Hitler allowed them to escape to England on a motley flotilla of boats of every shape In late June, the Nazis staged a triumphant military parade down the Champs-Elysées in Paris. and size. In late June, the Nazis staged a triumphant military parade down the ChampsIn nearby Versailles, Hitler gleefully signed France’s surrender papers in the same railcar where Elysées in Paris. In nearby Versailles, Hitler gleefully signed France’s surrender papers in the Germany’s leaders had capitulated in 1918 to end World War I. same railcar where Germany’s leaders had capitulated in 1918 to end World War I. The remaining unoccupied territory of France—as well as the French colonies of Morocco and The remaining unoccupied territory of France—as well as the French colonies of Morocco Algeria in Africa—were left under the control of a puppet government led by Marshal Pétain, and Algeria in Africa—were left under the control of a puppet government led by Marshal France’s famous general from the Great War, and headquartered in Vichy in southern France. Pétain—France’s famous general from the Great War—and headquartered in Vichy in [For a stylized impression of what life was like in French-speaking North Africa during the southern France. [For a stylized impression of what life was like in French-speaking North Vichy regime, treat yourself to a viewing of the immortal film classic, Casablanca.] Africa during the Vichy regime, pop a tape of the immortal film classic “Casablanca” into

your VCR.] That story is set in Morocco and reflects the tense conditions that prevailed in 1941. That story is set in Morocco and reflects the tense conditions that prevailed in 1941. That story is set in Morocco and reflects the tense conditions that prevailed in 1942. Across North Africa’s deserts from Egypt to Tunisia, through 1941 and 1942, British troops battled German and Italian forces led by General Erwin Rommel—the legendary “Desert Fox.” A decisive victory at El Alamein outside Cairo, Egypt turned back the Axis armies’ advance, but Allied victory was still far from assured. Across North Africa’s deserts from Egypt to Tunisia, through 1941 and 1942, British troops battled German and Italian forces led by General Erwin Rommel—the legendary “Desert Fox.” A decisive victory at El Alamein outside Cairo, Egypt turned back the Axis armies’ advance, but Allied victory was still far from assured. Across North Africa’s deserts from Egypt to Tunisia, through 1941 and 1942, British troops battled German and Italian forces led by General Erwin Rommel—the legendary “Desert Fox.” A decisive victory at El Alamein outside Cairo, Egypt turned back the Axis armies’ advance, but Allied victory was still far from assured. Throughout 1942, American Throughout 1942, American forces became ever more forces became ever more involved in combat action involved in combat action against Germany and against Germany and Italy. Their initial hostile Italy. Their initial hostile engagements took place engagements took place on the high seas, fending on the high seas, fending off attacks from German off attacks from German U-boats. In August 1942 U-boats. In August 1942 the U.S. launched the first the U.S. launched the first all-American air attack over all-American air attack over Europe. Three months Europe. Three months

Throughout 1942, American forces became ever more involved in combat action against ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ Germany and Italy. Their initial hostile engagements took place on the high seas, fending off attacks from German U-boats. In August 1942 the U.S. launched the first all-American air attack over Europe. Three months These satellite photographs provide a heavenly view of Bob’s travels during World War II These satellite photographs provide a heavenly view of Bob’s travels during World War II

later—on 3 November 1942—the Allies opened Operation later—on 3 November 1942—the Allies launched Torch: the invasion of North Africa by American and Operation Torch: the invasion of North Africa by British forces. Three coordinated amphibious landings took American and British forces. Three coordinated place: at Casablanca in Morocco and at Oran and Algiers in amphibious landings took place: at Casablanca in Morocco Algeria. From his barracks near Cheltenham in England, and at Oran and Algiers in Algeria. From his barracks near Bob heard the news and figured he would soon join in the Cheltenham in England, Bob heard the news and figured battle. he would soon join in the battle. In early November 1942, after barely a month overseas, In early November 1942, after barely a month overseas, Bob Bob was alerted to a forthcoming move. Nothing positive, just rumors. About that time Eleanor Roosevelt, FDR’s was alerted to a forthcoming move. Nothing positive, just rumors. About that time, Eleanor Roosevelt, fdr’s wife, wife, visited England and promised that all American visited England and promised that all American servicemen servicemen there would enjoy a full turkey dinner on there would enjoy a full turkey dinner on Thanksgiving Thanksgiving. A few days before the holiday arrived, Bob Day. A few days before the holiday arrived, Bob was was transported back to Liverpool, where he boarded a transported back to Liverpool, where he boarded a British British ship. They quickly left port, only to anchor offshore ship. They quickly left port, only to anchor offshore and and wait for other ships to join them in forming a convoy. wait for other ships to join them in forming a convoy. Thus, Thus, Bob spent Thanksgiving 1942 on board a British Bob spent Thanksgiving 1942 on board a British ship and, ship and, instead of feasting on turkey, was fed a whole fish instead of feasting on turkey, was fed a whole fish which which was only partially cooked. “When I poked that fish was only partially cooked. “When I poked that fish with with my fork,” Bob recalls, “its eyeball popped out and my fork,” Bob recalls, “its eyeball popped out and rolled rolled around my mess kit.” So much for the culinary around my mess kit.” So much for the culinary promises of promises of a president’s wife! a president’s wife! A month earlier the Mariposa had sailed alone from America to England. Bob’s ship on this voyage, in contrast, enjoyed a superabundance of company. “There were ships everywhere, as far as the eye could see,” Bob recalls. “In front of us, behind us, to the left, to the right. Hundreds of ships. The convoy was huge.” Bob’s accommodations this time were more primitive than those on the Mariposa: “We

A month earlier, the Mariposa had sailed alone from America to England. Bob’s ship on this voyage, in contrast, enjoyed a superabundance of company. “There were ships everywhere, as far as the eye could see,” Bob recalls. “In front of us, behind us, to the left, to the right. Hundreds of ships. The convoy was huge.” Bob’s accommodations this time were more primitive than those on the Mariposa:

Wartime view of the port of Oran Wartime view of the port of Oran

slept in hammocks that were positioned over the mess “We slept in hammocks that were positioned over the mess tables, and you couldn’t hang them up until late in the tables, and you couldn’t hang them up until late in the evening,” he tells us.evening,” he tells us. Sailing south well away from the coast of occupied France, Sailing south well away from the coast of occupied France, the convoy passed neutral Spain and Portugal and filed the convoy passed neutral Spain and Portugal and filed through the Straits of Gibraltar—“the Pillars of through the Straits of Gibraltar—“the Pillars of Hercules”— Hercules”—and into the Mediterranean Sea. “I remember and into the Mediterranean Sea. “I remember the Straits the Straits of Gibraltar,” Bob says. “For some reason I felt of Gibraltar,” Bob says. “For some reason, I felt safer once safer once we were into the Mediterranean. I didn’t think we were into the Mediterranean. I didn’t think there were there were as many German submarines there.” As the as many German submarines there.” As the month of month of December 1942 opened, Bob arrived in Oran, December 1942 opened, Bob arrived in Oran, Algeria on Algeria on the North African coast. the North African coast.

Five Views of Oran

Pre-World War II Oran U.S. Navy destroyer at Oran Josephine Baker performing in Oran

Allied ships in Oran Harbor Approaching a lighter ship in Oran Harbor

Battles raged across North Africa, where American troops proved themselves brave but ill-prepared and poorly led. At the Battle of Kasserine Pass in Algeria in February 1943, the U.S. 1st Armored Division for the first time faced Rommel’s battlehardened German Panzers and were annihilated.

American General George Patton learned from these mistakes, refined his tactics, and in time reversed the results. [For an embellished account of these events, check out the Oscar-winning Patton starring George C. Scott.] As for Bob’s opinion of Patton, he recorded a conversation he had on 18 October 1943 with his two brothers-in-law, Ham Emery and George Burr, who happened to be stationed near Oran at the time: “Patton no good & N. G. Harman tops,” Bob wrote cryptically in a diary he kept. Of the Kasserine Pass debacle, Bob states firmly that “We figured that was a temporary setback. We knew we had them on the run.”

In his famous novel, The Plague, Nobel-prize winning French writer Albert Camus, born in Oran, wrote a distinctive description of the city: “The town itself, let us admit, is ugly. It has a smug, placid air…How to conjure up a picture, for instance, of a town without pigeons, without any trees or gardens, where you never hear the beat of wings or the rustle of leaves—a thoroughly negative place, in short? The seasons are discriminated only in the sky. All that tells you of spring’s coming is the feel of the air, or the baskets of flowers brought in from the suburbs by peddlers; it’s a spring cried in the marketplaces. During the summer the sun bakes the houses bone-dry, sprinkles our walls with grayish dust, and you have no option but to survive those days of fire indoors, behind

Raging waves from the Mediterranean Sea assault the breakwater outside Oran

closed shutters. In autumn, on the other hand, we have deluges of mud. Only winter brings really pleasant

War in the Mediterranean witnessed a number of water-borne invasions by western Allied forces, including landings in Algeria in November 1942 (Operation “Torch”), on Sicily in July 1943 (Operation “Husky”), on the Italian mainland in September 1943 (Operations “Baytown” and “Avalanche”), and in southern France in August 1944 (Operation “Dragoon”). Bob followed in each of their wakes. For more than two millennia, the North African coast has been a battleground. Hannibal’s raging elephants, Rome’s invincible legions, Mohammed’s conquering zealots, Rommel’s fearsome panzers—all have wreaked havoc upon this land. Early in the 19th Century, the USS Constitution—“Old Ironsides”— fought Barbary pirates there.

War in the Mediterranean witnessed a number of water-borne invasions by western Allied forces, including landings in Algeria in November 1942 (Operation “Torch”), on Sicily in July 1943 (Operation “Husky”), on the Italian mainland in September 1943 (Operations “Baytown” and “Avalanche”), and in southern France in August 1944 (Operation “Dragoon”). Bob followed in each of their wakes. For more than two millennia, the North African coast has been a battleground. Hannibal’s raging elephants, Rome’s invincible legions, Mohammed’s conquering zealots, Rommel’s fearsome panzers—all have wreaked havoc upon this land. Early in the 19th Century, the USS Constitution—“Old Ironsides”— fought Barbary pirates there.

weather…It is only fair to add that Oran is grafted to a weather…It is only fair to add that Oran is grafted to a unique landscape, in the center of a bare plateau, ringed with unique landscape, in the center of a bare plateau, ringed with luminous hills and above a perfectly shaped bay. All we may luminous hills and above a perfectly shaped bay. All we may regret is the town’s being so disposed that it turns its back on regret is the town’s being so disposed that it turns its back on the bay, with the result that it’s impossible to see the sea, you the bay, with the result that it’s impossible to see the sea, you always have to go to look for it.” always have to go to look for it.” (Oran has another famous native son: French fashion designer (Oran has another famous native son: French fashion designer, Yves Saint Laurent, who was born there in 1936.) the late Yves Saint Laurent, born there in 1936.) Upon his arrival in Oran, Bob was put to work handling Upon his arrival in Oran, Bob was put to work handling ammunition, harkening back to the ordnance training he ammunition, harkening back to the ordnance training he had had received at Aberdeen Proving Grounds in Maryland. received at Aberdeen Proving Grounds in Maryland.

“We’d unload the shells and bombs from ships and stockpile them onshore in warehouses,” he remembers. “I spent Christmas that year in an ammunition dump out in the desert 10 miles inland from Oran. All we had to eat were Crations.” (C-rations were preserved, canned food you could carry with you for weeks or months without spoiling. They variously included hardtack, candy, canned meat, crackers, chewing gum and more.) “After a month of schlepping ammunition, I went into a camp just east of Oran called Canastal. They sent in word they needed MPs to police the streets of the city. GIs would come in and get drunk and commit all kinds of abuses. So they put an MP [short for “Military Police”] band around my arm and put me to work patrolling the streets of Oran with three or four other guys, trying to keep American servicemen out of trouble. And boy, was there trouble! About

“We’d unload the shells and bombs from ships and stockpile them onshore in warehouses,” he remembers. “I spent Christmas that year in an ammunition dump out in the desert 10 miles inland from Oran. All we had to eat were C-rations.” (C-rations were preserved, canned food you could carry with you for weeks or months without spoiling. They variously included hardtack, candy, canned meat, crackers, chewing gum, and such.)

“After a month of schlepping ammunition, I went into a camp just east of Oran called Canastal. They sent in word they needed mps to police the streets of the city. GIs would come in and get drunk and commit all kinds of abuses. So they put an mp [short for “Military Police”] band around my arm and put me to work patrolling the streets of Oran with three or four other guys, trying to keep American servicemen out of trouble. And boy, was there ever a lot of trouble! About

Bob as an MP in Oran —1942Bob as an mp in Oran —1942

a month later, a master sergeant walked into mp headquarters and asked me whether I’d ever done any investigating work. I said, ‘Sure, I investigated the Army!’ I guess that qualified me. So he said they needed someone who could type, and I could type. And that was that. They put me to work typing reports for the mp division that investigated motor vehicle accidents. After a while, the Criminal Investigation Division got wind that I was doing a good job and they asked me—they didn’t ask me, they ordered me—to transfer into the cid as a typist. So, for the rest of that year, I spent a lot of time behind a desk in Oran working as a clerk/typist attached to the cid. Boy, the reports the agents turned in were awful. They were so bad. The reports were full of errors and misstatements. And they’d leave things out. I’d have to fix them up, which I did. I spent all of my time rewriting their reports. The investigators loved that; I made them look good. After a while I thought, ‘I can do this job better than most of these guys.’ Finally I decided to apply to become an investigative agent myself. It seemed like it took forever, but at last I got the transfer.”

From the time he became a full-fledged cid agent in January 1944 until his return to the States in May 1945, Bob investigated crimes by and against U.S. personnel across the Mediterranean theater. His duties took him to Algiers, Constantine, Sidi Bel Abbès, and various other places in North Africa, as well as to Corsica, Sardinia, Sicily, and Italy.

“It was very interesting work,” he goes on. “I saw the best of everything, the worst of everything. The best of people, the worst of people. Murder, rape, black market operations, Sergeant Bob on board a “ship of the desert —1943

smuggling, desertion, sodomy, drugs, you name it. We even hanged some people, but I didn’t have to watch any of that, thank goodness. I was supposed to watch. The Army wanted investigators to be there when the people they helped convict were hanged. They thought it would help bring closure to the cases. But I refused to do that. I just didn’t want to go. One time, my co told me ‘There’s a hanging this afternoon. You have to go!’ I told another agent about it and said I didn’t want to go. It was barbaric. Awful. I didn’t believe in it. So he said, ‘Okay, I’ll go in your place.’”

His new position earned Bob the rank of Staff Sergeant and, more importantly, a raise. Of note, he wore civilian clothes, not a military uniform, which allowed him to operate more freely, to go more places. It also saved him the bother of having to salute anyone of higher rank, always an issue with the status-conscious military hierarchy. Indeed, lack of discipline among the soldiers and sailors and marines streaming through Oran forever worried the brass.

In February 1944, they finally cracked down on what they perceived as widespread complacency and slovenliness, issuing orders threatening with court-martial and six months hard labor any personnel caught not wearing the proper uniform or failing to salute someone of higher rank. Luckily, Bob’s cid status shielded him from such threats. Assembling a civilian wardrobe proved a daunting challenge. Bob scrounged everywhere he could, on occasion going on board ships in Oran harbor and bargaining with merchant seamen for articles of clothing and, sometimes, shots of Agent Bob dressed in civilian clothes —1944 of whiskey. He paid outlandish prices and found the mariners mercenaries at heart.

“We were able to go anywhere, talk to anyone, without worrying about rank protocol,” Bob says of his days as a

C.I.D. agent. “We had no barracks. We were paid expense money [$3.25 a day according to a diary Bob kept] and told to find our own living quarters off base in the city. That made it easier for us to operate and do our jobs. The apartment we had was luxurious, and it was right by the water. I don’t remember how much we paid, but it was beautiful. And it was near the office, too. We didn’t attempt to eat in our place. There were no kitchen facilities. We found a French woman who lived nearby and paid her to do our cooking. It was great. We got good meals and she got items she would never have seen otherwise, like eggs. Eggs were a big thing. Sometimes we hard-boiled them in our quarters.” In Oran, Bob found himself stationed in a Francophone colonial city where he had ample opportunity to put his three years of high school French to use. “At first, I could read French better than I could speak it,” Bob tells us. “I had to work with the French secret police a lot. They couldn’t speak English, and I couldn’t speak much French, but somehow we got by, and I started to pick up a lot more of the

cid agent. “We had no barracks. We were paid expense money [$3.25 a day according to a diary Bob kept] and told to find our own living quarters off base in the city. That made it easier for us to operate and do our jobs. The apartment we had was luxurious, and it was right by the water. I don’t remember how much we paid, but it was beautiful. And it was near the office, too. We didn’t attempt to eat in our place. There were no kitchen facilities. We found a French woman who lived nearby and paid her to do our cooking. It was great. We got good meals and she got items she would never have seen otherwise, like eggs. Eggs were a big thing. Sometimes we hard-boiled them in our quarters.” In Oran, Bob found himself stationed in a Francophone colonial city where he had ample opportunity to put his three lingo. But their French sounded so strange compared with what I learned inyears of high school French to use. “At school. The brogues were different. Northern France. Southern France. Frenchfirst, I could read French better than I North Africa. Sometimes you didn’t even know it was the same language they werecould speak it,” Bob tells us. “I had to speaking, there were so many variations. Everyone spoke in his own patois.”work with the French secret police a lot. They couldn’t speak English, and Bob managed to save several copies of the local French-language newspaper, theI couldn’t speak much French, but Oran Républicain [Oran Republican]. The Tuesday, 6 April 1943 edition clearly issomehow we got by, and I started to the product of a land immersed in war, filled as it is with talk of battles andpick up a lot more of the lingo. But generals, accounts of war-induced crises and appeals to patriotism and highertheir French sounded so strange ideals. Perusing its pages, one reads how, on the Eastern Front, the Russian army iscompared with what I learned in intensifying its attacks on Nazi forces defending the Black Sea port of Novorossisk,

school. The brogues were different. Northern France. Southern France. French North Africa. Sometimes you didn’t even know it was the same language they were speaking, there were so many variations. Everyone spoke in his own patois.” Bob managed to save several copies of the local French-language newspaper, the Oran Républicain [Oran Republican]. The Tuesday, 6 April 1943 edition clearly is the product of a land immersed in war, filled as it is with talk of battles and generals, accounts of war-induced crises and appeals to patriotism and higher ideals. Perusing its pages, one reads how, on the Eastern Front, the Russian army is intensifying its attacks on Nazi forces defending the Black Sea port of Novorossisk,

Wartime Views of North Africa

Top Left: Unloading ships at Oran

Top Right: Downed German aircraft

Bottom Left: Unloading ships at Oran

Bottom Right: Beach near Oran

while, over Germany, the Allied aerial offensive has subjected the industrial city of Kiel to “a dense rain of bombs.” One also learns that in London, British Prime Minister Winston Churchill has just hosted French General Charles de Gaulle for a series of talks. Also in London—on a visit from New York—American Archbishop Francis J. Spellman tells American troops of the Catholic faith that “Nous savons tous que la guerre ne peut être gagnée que par la force. Mais seules, la justice et la charité nouz permettront de gagner la paix.” [“We all know that the war can only be won by force. But only justice and charity will permit us to win the peace.”] Bob captured many of the details of his time in Oran in a diary he kept from July 1943 through April 1944. His first entry, dated 11 July 1943, is simple and dramatic: “INVASION OF SICILY!” Thirteen days later he writes: “Swimming at Aix-el-Turek with MPs. Water perfect. Got slight burn. Stayed at beach 2 hours. Building practice invasion barge ramps on beach.” The following day, 25 July 1943, his entry reads: “Received package with semisweet chocolate from Dol. Whatta girl! Am certainly proud of my choice!” Several times a week at least Bob reports that he has attended a movie, often at the Casino Theater run by the American Red Cross. The cinema fare he dined on included such films as “Moonlight Serenade,” “If I Had My Way,” “Belle of New Orleans,” “Pittsburgh,” “First Love” (starring Deana

Meanwhile, in the skies over Germany, the Allied aerial offensive has subjected the industrial city of Kiel to “a dense rain of bombs.” One also learns that in London, British Prime Minister Winston Churchill has just hosted French General Charles de Gaulle for a series of talks. Also in London—on a visit from New York—American archbishop Francis J. Spellman tells American troops of the Catholic faith that “Nous savons tous que la guerre ne peut être gagnée que par la force. Mais seules, la justice et la charité nouz permettront de gagner la paix.” [“We all know that the war can only be won by force. But only justice and charity will permit us to win the peace.”] Durbin), various films starring John Wayne, Bing Crosby, Betty Grable, Bob Hope and others. Hope personally visited Algeria several times, performing in remote camps away from

Bob captured many of the details of his time in Oran in a diary he kept from July 1943 through April 1944. His first entry, dated 11 July 1943, is simple and dramatic: “invasion of sicily!” Thirteen days later he writes: “Swimming at Aix-el-Turek with mps. Water perfect. Got slight burn. Stayed at beach 2 hours. Building practice invasion barge ramps on beach.” The following day, 25 July 1943, his entry reads: “Received package with semisweet chocolate from Dol. Whatta girl! Am certainly proud of my choice!”

Several times a week at least, Bob reports that he has attended a movie, often at the Casino Theater run by the American Red Cross. The cinema fare he dined on included such films as Moonlight Serenade, If I Had My Way, Belle of New Orleans, Pittsburgh, First Love (starring Deana Durbin), and various other films starring John Wayne, Bing Crosby, Betty Grable, Bob Hope, and others. Hope personally visited Algeria several times, performing in remote camps away from

Oran where many of the troops were bivouacked. Through wars in Korea, Vietnam, and Oran where many of the troops were bivouacked. Through wars in Korea, Vietnam and the Persian Gulf, Hope continued to entertain American troops in far off places well the Persian Gulf, Hope continued to entertain American troops in far off places well into into his eighties. his eighties. Boxing matches provided Boxing matches provided another distraction for Bob. another distraction for Bob. One time Lew Jenkins, the One time, Lew Jenkins, the 1941 1941 world lightweight world lightweight champion, champion, performed performed victoriously on a victoriously on a card, with card, with Hollywood actor Hollywood actor Preston Foster Preston Foster acting as a acting as a second. Another second. Another time, John time, John Steinbeck, Nobel Steinbeck, Nobel Prize-winning Prize-winning author of Theauthor of The Grapes of Wrath Grapes of Wrath and Of Miceand Of Mice and Men, strolled and Men, strolled into the Oraninto the Oran mps’ office MPs’ office looking for material looking for material for a for a story in his role as a story in his role as a wartime wartime correspondent. Singer/ correspondent. Singer/actor actor Al Jolson, who starred in Al Jolson, who starred in the the first “talkie” motion first “talkie” motion picture— picture—“The Jazz Singer”— The Jazz Singer—was another was another famous visitor to famous visitor to Oran during Oran during Bob’s time there. Bob’s time there. A string of military luminaries paraded through town—French general Charles de Gaulle, American generals Dwight Eisenhower and George Patton, British field marshal Bernard Montgomery, and others. Late in 1943, with little warning, the ultimate “big wig” showed up.

A string of military luminaries paraded through town— French general Charles de Gaulle, American generals Dwight Eisenhower and George Patton, British field marshal Bernard Montgomery and others. Late in 1943, with little warning, the ultimate “big wig” showed up.

“Something really big coming off tomorrow,” Bob writes in his diary on 19 November of that year. “60 MPs down from Algiers, MPs must get up at 05:30 tomorrow, General Wilson’s villa fixed up & special guards appointed, Eisenhower in town, 3 plain clothes C.I.D. men must be ready for immediate call, all roads into Oran will be closed at certain

hour tomorrow, special interpreters being sent out at road blocks. Must be meeting of three Allied powers. Maybe Eleanor is coming.” The next day, Bob continues: “Something really big came off today. Battleship Iowa & many cruisers here. All planes grounded & no traffic in or out of Es Senia [the local airfield]. It is rumored that Roosevelt & Churchill met on boat & came in here to leave via plane. Admiral King seen. Rumored Von Ribbentrop [Nazi Germany’s Foreign Minister] here too. More than 1,000 GIs formed guard around this area. Over by noon.” On 21 November—a Sunday—Bob reports: “Rumors out today that an Armistice was signed, but I “Something really big coming off tomorrow,” Bob writes in his diary on 19 November won’t take any stock in this.” of that year. “60 mps down from Algiers, mps must get up at 05:30 tomorrow, General Wilson’s villa fixed up & special guards appointed, Eisenhower in town, 3 plain clothes On Monday, he writes: cid men must be ready for immediate call, all roads into Oran will be closed at certain “Rumor now out among the

hour tomorrow, special interpreters being sent out at road blocks. Must be meeting of three Allied powers. Maybe Eleanor is coming.” The next day, Bob continues: “Something really big came off today. Battleship Iowa & many cruisers here. All planes grounded & no traffic in or out of Es Senia [the local airfield]. It is rumored that Roosevelt & Churchill met on oat & came in here to leave via plane. Admiral King seen. Rumored Von Ribbentrop [Nazi Germany’s Foreign Minister] here too. More than 1,000 gis formed guard around this area. Over by noon.” On 21 November—a Sunday, —Bob reports: “Rumors out today that an Armistice was signed, but I won’t take any stock in this.” On Monday, he writes: “Rumor now out among the civilians that

Port front view of Battleship Iowa —1944

Roosevelt, Churchill & 2 German high officers were here following some sort of a conference. mps advised, under threat of Generals Court-martial, to say nothing to anyone about what they might have seen for 30 days.”

On Friday, 3 December, Bob reports, “My dope is that the President, Churchill, etc. are returning from conference with Stalin & are using this area for some sort of jumping off place. Believe that excitement of 2 weeks ago must have been these big shots arriving from their various countries.” He concludes that day’s entry by noting, “Sent Dol Xmas letter and $25.”

History tells us that the big event Bob witnessed was the arrival of fdr at Oran aboard the Iowa. From Oran, the President flew to Cairo, Egypt where he, Churchill, and Chinese Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek met in the First Cairo Conference to discuss plans for the war against Japan. After Cairo, fdr continued on to Teheran, Iran for a summit conference with Churchill and Soviet Premier Josef Stalin. At Teheran, the Allies plotted their strategy for defeating Hitler’s Germany, including a decision to invade northern France across the English Channel from Britain in June 1944. They also agreed to create an independent state in Iran once the war was over, while Stalin promised to bring the u.s.s.r. into the war against Japan once Germany was defeated.

An interesting footnote to fdr’s visit to Oran: On its way across the Atlantic, the American fleet was holding a submarine avoidance drill when one of the u.s. destroyers mistakenly launched an armed torpedo that headed straight toward the battle-wagon where the President watched from on deck. By a narrow margin, the Iowa outmaneuvered the torpedo, and fdr made it safely to Oran and kept his dates with Churchill, Chiang, Stalin, and history.

Bob frequently notes in his diary that he is sick—“feeling punk” or “feeling grippey” is how he most often puts it. He also complains often of the legions of bed bugs that attacked him at night. “My bed was made up of ropes going in and around a wooden frame,” he says. “And it was where the ropes went through the wood that the bed bugs hid. When you turned on a light you could see them scurrying around and hiding in there. So when you went to bed, they’d come out and eat you alive, especially on the neck and shoulders. That’s where they got me the worst. I powdered them and sprayed them, and the next night they’d still be there. No one took care of you. No one cared. ‘Take care of yourself. You’re a big boy now.’ That was their attitude. For a while, I stayed in an old French barracks. It wasn’t the cleanest place to stay. That was where the bed bugs were the worst.”

French soldiers parading in front of Oran City Hall —1944French soldiers parading in front of Oran City Hall —1944 For the rest of the war, Bob remained near the Mediterranean’s shores, away from Dol but on occasion personally in touch with some of his family. His brothers-inlaw Ham Emery and George Burr both served as Army officers in North Africa, and the three of them were able to meet in Oran several times in 1943, until Ham left for England and George departed for Italy with his Quartermaster unit a few days before FDR’s surprise visit. For the rest of the war, Bob remained near the Mediterranean’s shores, away from Dol but on occasion personally in touch with some of his family. His brothers-inlaw Ham Emery and George Burr both served as Army officers in North Africa, and the three of them were able to meet in Oran several times in 1943, until Ham left for England and George departed for Italy with his Quartermaster unit a few days before fdr’s surprise visit. In 1943, Ham showed up unannounced in Oran and went looking for Bob. “We weren’t supposed to let people know exactly where we were stationed,” Bob confesses. “But I had ways to get the word out. Ham knew I was in Oran somewhere.” Walking down the street, Bob heard someone behind him sound “the Harris whistle,” a short, distinctive tune every family member knew (and knows). “Someone knows me!” Bob thought as he turned around and found Ham standing before him, grinning ear-to-ear. When asked

In 1943, Ham showed up unannounced in Oran and went looking for Bob. “We weren’t supposed to let people know exactly where we were stationed,” Bob confesses. “But I had ways to get the word out. Ham knew I was in Oran somewhere.” Walking down the street, Bob heard someone behind him sound “the Harris whistle,” a short, distinctive tune every family member knew (and knows). “Someone knows me!” Bob thought as he turned around and found Ham standing before him, grinning ear-to-ear. When asked

Another view from atop Oran City Hall —1944Another view from atop Oran City Hall —1944 recently to perform the Harris whistle, both Rob and Doreen were able to deliver serviceable renditions. recently to perform the Harris whistle, both Rob and Doreen were able to deliver serviceable renditions. Frequent letters from Dol and family and friends buoyed Bob’s spirits. Much of his and Dol’s correspondence was in the form of V-mail (Victory mail), a process whereby letters were photographed and shrunk onto film, then flown across the Atlantic (or Pacific), enlarged and printed out upon arrival before their final delivery. Communicating by V-mail saved weight and, better yet, hastened the speed at which messages were exchanged. Dol has kept her wartime letters from Bob, including a stack of his V-mails. In a V-mail dated 10 February 1944, Bob wrote to Dol: “Dearest Dol:-

Frequent letters from Dol and family and friends buoyed Bob’s spirits. Much of his and Dol’s correspondence was in the form of V-mail (Victory mail), a process whereby letters were photographed and shrunk onto film, then flown across the Atlantic (or Pacific), enlarged, and printed out upon arrival in the U.S. before being delivered to their final destination.

Communicating by V-mail saved weight and, better yet, hastened the speed of message exchanges. Dol has kept her wartime letters from Bob, including a stack of his V-mails. In a V-mail dated 10 February 1944, Bob wrote to Dol: “Dearest Dol:-

“Wrote to you when I arrived at work this morning and am writing to you tonight—seems like you’re on my mind constantly, eh? This has been a hectic day all the way through and in any way one would care to look at it but yet as soon as I got your letter #234 this AM I decided to make it a point to reply immediately. Your last three letters have been V-letters and I believe I prefer them—they are received more in the same order that they are written and usually within the period of 14 days—that’s good. And don’t worry about the writing because I can read it perfectly all the way thru— some times better than those typed. “Wrote to you when I arrived at work this morning and am writing to you tonight—seems like you’re on my mind constantly, eh? This has been a hectic day all the way through and in any way one would care to look at it but yet as soon as I got your letter #234 this am I decided to make it a point to reply immediately. Your last three letters have been V-letters and I believe I prefer them—they are received more in the same order that they are written and usually within the period of 14 days—that’s good. And don’t worry about the writing because I can read it perfectly all the way thru— sometimes better than those typed. “Also got quite a kick out of receiving two letters from an old chum of mine that I went to Oak Ridge with some 10 years ago. Am sure that I have mentioned this fellow Ollie to you as he was a good friend while at college and I used to correspond with him after he left to go to Annapolis. This is the first time I have had any word of him since we spent an evening in Boston together some four or five years ago. He’s a Lieut in the Navy and up for a Lieut Commander (equivalent to Army Major). Is on a destroyer in the Atlantic but hasn’t had the opportunity of touching the shores of Africa. “Also got quite a kick out of receiving two letters from an old chum of mine that I went to Oak Ridge with some 10 years ago. Am sure that I have mentioned this fellow Ollie to you as he was a good friend while at college and I used to correspond with him after he left to go to Annapolis. This is the first time I have had any word of him since we spent an evening in Boston together some four or five years ago. He’s a Lieut in the Navy and up for a Lieut Commander (equivalent to Army Major). Is on a destroyer in the Atlantic but hasn’t had the opportunity of touching the shores of Africa.

“Don’t like to get into too deep a discussion concerning the recent bill that was approved as a muster-out bill for us GI’s. $300 is not chicken feed and anyone would be a damned fool to kick too much about the thing but we have had a lot of talk (naturally) about this and we all seem to be of the same opinion that more consideration should have been given: first to the man on the front line,

“Don’t like to get into too deep a discussion concerning the recent bill that was approved as a muster-out bill for us gi’s. $300 is not chicken feed and anyone would be a damned fool to kick too much about the thing but we have had a lot of talk (naturally) about this and we all seem to be of the same opinion that more consideration should have been given: first to the man on the front line, second to the man with the longest time overseas service, and a basic amount to be given to the soldier who remained in the States regardless of the length of service therein. Sometime I will explain our reasons for these considerations. But for now—stay healthy and remember you’re mine! Bob”

V-mail letter (actual size) V-mail letter (actual size)

second to the man with the longest time overseas service, and a basic amount to be given to the soldier who remained in the States regardless of the length of service therein. Sometime I will explain our reasons for these considerations. But for now—stay healthy and remember you’re mine! Bob”

In an eight page, typewritten letter dated 24 April 1943, Dol wrote to Bob,

“Dear Bob: ‘Twas one year ago this morning your father drove you over to Winchester to join the rest of the boys to be shipped to Camp Devens where you were examined mentally and physically and sworn into the United States Army. ONE YEAR AGO TODAY---------How well I remember---it was on a Friday. That night you tried in vain to call me, but unfortunately I was not at home…The first weekend you had off---Well, it wasn’t a weekend, but a day. I can remember it as though it was yesterday. It was one month later, May 24th at 9:35 am when the telephone rang. You, Bob, calling from Aberdeen. Could I come down as you didn’t have to be back until the next morning, and we could be together a few hours. At first I hesitated as the long trip alone scared me. But, before I knew it I was boarding the noon train bound for Norwalk. Arrived at 5:00 pm and you met me at 5:25. You were so sick with cold and fever you could hardly see. We drove out to the golf course to park---but, didn’t have much peace with cars whizzing by and your nose dripping a mile a minute. I was so happy to see you and be with you I well remember how hard I had to bite my lips to keep from sobbing. The most painful part of the whole trip was when you had to leave on the 6:55, in order to return in time for bed check. We were together one hour and a half. I boarded the 7:00 o’clock train home and didn’t know if I was coming or going and I don’t think you did either. It was an experience, though, and V-mail envelope (actual size) Notice the free postage, a special benefit offered to members of the Armed Forces fighting overseas

another story for us to tell our children and grandchildren.”

Dol concludes her letter by writing, “On Monday October 18th you sailed away to Bonnie England and now you are stationed in North Africa---talk about seeing the world. Boy, you sure are seeing plenty of it now. But, I am sure as far as you are concerned there is nothing like good old U.S.A. and tomorrow or the next day wouldn’t be any too soon to return to me and God’s Country. Well, my darling, this letter gives you a resume of our grand and glorious weekends together from the time you

were drafted April 24, 1942 to the time you sailed the high seas October 18, 1942. Take care of yourself, Bob, and always remember we have a life time ahead of us and it is the two of us who are going to plan things together and remain with each other always. My love is all yours…Dol”

Bob also regularly received letters from his former boss at Westinghouse in Boston, promising him a position with the company when he returned after the war’s end. “It was a government requirement that he take me back,” Bob tells us. “Not with an advancement or a promotion, just with the same job—and the same salary, too.” The Westinghouse Company also on occasion sent him gift packages, stocked with chocolates, gum, and other goodies. Back home in the States, the company periodically published the “Westinghouse New England News—To and From Our Men in Uniform,” featuring letters written by its various employees gone away to war.

In May, 1943 they printed a letter from Bob:

“From North Africa, 15 April 1943

“I’m getting to be a globetrotter, but regret that I couldn’t stay in England a little longer. Was only there about a month. Did get a glimpse of Coventry and spent about a half day in Birmingham. All the English folk made every effort to entertain and make us feel at home and succeeded even more so than the treatment we received from Americans while in the States. I don’t know how our girls treat Limey sailors on leave in the States, but they needn’t be quite so willing as are the “Jills” in England. “As for Africa, I am anxiously awaiting and hoping that soon we will be shipped out of here, and on our way to some new spot.

“You will be interested to know that the majority of the lamps used here are of inferior quality to Mazda and are manufactured locally or sent from England.

“Since arriving in Africa, I’ve had various jobs. Was an mp for about three weeks, and although I’m still working under the Provost Marshal, am now doing office work for the Criminal Investigation Division. Don’t work nearly as hard as I used to in civilian life, although I’ve put in some tough manual labor while with an ordnance ammunition company in December.

“We are rationed on everything obtained through the Army. And that includes everything, since all merchants have nothing to sell. Our weekly ration usually includes: 7 packs of cigarettes, 1 candy bar (often an extra piece of British chocolate), can of pipe tobacco, 2 cigars, bar of soap, 3 razor

blades, toothpaste, shaving cream, pack of gum, and periodically such items as stationary, shoe polish, etc. At first, all of this was issued free, but now we must pay cash (francs).”

Rumors circulated regularly in Oran—and everywhere the war was being fought—about one imaginary development or another. Usually they involved a report that the war was about to end. In late 1943, it was whispered that the Allies had landed an invasion force in northern France. As the day progressed, reports became more and more detailed, identifying the divisions involved and positions captured. It all turned out to be false, of course.

Interest in the monumental series of events that made up the actual D-Day—6 June 1944—has undergone a tremendous resurgence in recent years. In 1994, ceremonies commemorating the 50th Anniversary of the Normandy Invasion gained worldwide attention. More recently, Stephen Spielberg’s epic war film Saving Private Ryan introduced a new generation of Americans to what Cornelius Ryan once called “The Longest Day” and was dubbed by the Allies “Operation Overlord.” Spielberg’s masterpiece also captured the drama and sacrifice of World War II soldiering more effectively than any previous film had done.

D-Day found Bob still stationed in Oran, and somehow he has managed to keep a copy of the local edition of The Stars and Stripes announcing the landing of Allied forces

Allied forces led by General (and future president) Dwight David Eisenhower—known to all as “Ike.”

Excitement at finally hearing the long-awaited news overwhelmed the citizens of Oran:

“On the streets the first bubbling enthusiasm began to spread among both military personnel and civilians. People walked a trifle faster and made it a point to exchange greetings and smiles with passersby.” The journalist quotes one American serviceman who remarked that “French people have been coming up all morning to shake my hand.”

An article titled “Nazis Deny Rumors of Secret Weapons” reports that “rumors that the Germans are prepared to hurl ‘invisible aircraft’ and ‘uranium bombs’ against the invading Allied troops today are wholly untrue, the Germans themselves admit, but in their place they claim to have rocket guns with fantastic range and extraordinary power.” The article goes on by quoting German artillery general Paul Hasse as saying that “while the effect of the rocket shell’s fragmentation is limited… the air pressure from their explosions can annihilate men, guns, tanks, and buildings over a wide area.”

Among the numerous murder investigations Bob conducted, one in particular stands out. Not long after the Allies occupied the French island of Corsica, he traveled there on an unusual case. In a rural barn filled with hams strung out to dry, five native Corsicans were sharing a bottle of wine when a black American soldier appeared and asked for a drink. After a while, the gi grew incensed over what he considered discriminatory

Bob and partner Sam Sekolnik working in the field —1944 treatment. He left in a huff only to return a short time later with his rifle and shoot all five men dead. French police at the crime scene noticed a small hole in one of the hams and, upon closer inspection, discovered that a bullet had somehow lodged itself there. A ballistics test established that the bullet was a .30 caliber—in short, that it had been fired by an American soldier. The cid was called in and, one by one (“Don’t ever let them get together,” Bob advises) they quizzed the gis camped nearby. They soon established that one particular soldier had been seen entering and leaving camp around the time of the slayings. “When we confronted the suspect,” Bob says, “we told him ‘We’ve got you this time. You didn’t know it, but one of your bullets went into the ham, and we want your

rifle, and we’re going to test it.’ And we did test it ballistically. The bullet was one of his. So we brought him into the office and put him in the grilling room and sat him down and talked to him. Finally he admitted it. What he said was, ‘They mistreated me. And anyone what’s mistreats me has got to die, as I will defend myself.’ Five guys he killed!” Not long after that, tried and convicted in military court, the murderer met his final fate on the gallows.

The variety of crimes and stripes of criminals Bob dealt with covered a wide spectrum. Once captured, suspects often tried to break out of prison. Bob writes about one escapee: “Pvt. Coleman Henderson, sentenced by gcm [general courtmartial] to be executed for a rape charge, escaped from mbs stockade this morning. Sneaked into bottom of dump truck & other prisoners covered him with gravel, etc.”

Bob’s nemesis during his cid days was his co [Commanding Officer], Chief Agent Duncklee. No matter how hard Bob worked, Duncklee blocked his path to advancement. As well, Duncklee was a harsh, brutal man. If a prisoner refused to answer questions to his liking, he was not adverse to using physical violence to extract a confession. “It was against the law,” Bob exclaims. “I couldn’t work that way.”

In Duncklee’s case, justice truly was served. “Military Police had captured some guys stealing goods from the Port,” Bob remembers. “When we stored the confiscated goods in the office, Duncklee started opening the crates and taking stuff out and giving it to the Arabs. He was giving away evidence.

Chief Agent Duncklee on far left, with Arab woman wearing traditional garb on the streets of Oran —1944

You can’t do that. We had to hold it for the court-martial, in case the jury wanted to see it. So we had to arrest Duncklee and court-martial him. After his trial and conviction, he told me I was the only witness at his trial who told the truth.”

Bob shares yet another of his Oran stories: “While we were stationed in Oran in the cid, a fellow agent and I had to go to Algiers. His name was Joe Ferrand and he was from Lewiston, Maine. The two of us had an open jeep, so we decided to drive the whole way, which was 600 or 700 miles. It was a hot, sunny day, and about three-quarters of the way to Algiers, Joe and I began to feel like we had had too much sun. We could find no shade at all anywhere, so in order to get out of the rays of the strong sun, we climbed under the jeep to get in the shade. We were both suffering from sun stroke and dehydration. We stayed there for several hours, until the sun went down, and then drove on to Algiers. We

These are the French army barracks where Bob lived while an MP These are the French army barracks where Bob lived while an MP during his tour of duty in Oran; later, after becoming a CID agent, during his tour of duty in Oran; later, after becoming a CID agent, he moved into a private apartment —1943he moved into a private apartment —1943 Pictured below are Bob, office boy Mahmoud and some of the Pictured below are Bob, office boy Mahmoud and some of the people from the CID office in Oran; notice in the background people from the cid office in Oran; notice in the background there is a stack of boxes: confiscated goods. —1944there is a stack of boxes: confiscated goods. —1944

This photograph shows the main square in Algiers, Algeria. The Pictured above is the main square in Algiers, Algeria. The large board between the two entrances was used to track the progress large board between the two entrances was used to track the of the land war in France. —1944progress of the land war in France. —1944 The above photograph of Oran’s harbor could have landed Bob in The above photograph of Oran’s harbor could have landed Bob in hot water. The Army did not take kindly to people taking pictures hot water. The Army did not take kindly to people taking of sensitive military installations. —1943pictures of sensitive military installations. —1944

had been traveling on the fringes of the Sahara Desert, had been traveling on the fringes of the Sahara Desert, right by the sand. I was in bed for three days, four days I right by the sand. I was in bed for three days, four days I think. Joe didn’t suffer as badly as I, and I asked him why. think. Joe didn’t suffer as badly as I, and I asked him why. He said ‘Because I got under the jeep in the shade.’ I said, He said ‘Because I got under the jeep in the shade.’ I said, “I “I did too!’”did too!’”

Over the course of his service as an investigative agent,

Bob developed considerable skills in that profession. He took extensive training in fingerprinting, to the point of mastering the FBI’s ten point identification system. He learned a great deal more while on the job, especially from fellow agent and frequent investigative partner Sam

Sekolnick, a former New York City police officer streetwise and case-hardened. Another fount of law enforcement knowledge Bob tapped into was Lieutenant

Leon G. Tarrou, a former F.B.I. agent and author of

Confessions of a Nazi Spy. Prior to the war, Tarrou had helped to track down the notorious gangster John

Dillinger and solve the Lindbergh kidnapping case. (When the war ended, Bob was called to Washington,

D.C., interviewed by the F.B.I. and offered a career position. He declined.)

In December 1944, in northeastern France, Germany launched its final offensive thrust of the war, the famous

Battle of the Bulge. Once their advance was stopped and their forces driven back across the Rhine River, the

Germans faced inevitable defeat. As Spring approached, the rate of their military collapse accelerated.

The 2 May 1945 Mediterranean edition of Stars and

Stripes Bob preserved announces the welcome news that

Over the course of his service as an investigative agent, Bob developed considerable skills in that profession. He took extensive training in fingerprinting, to the point of mastering the fbi’s ten point identification system. He learned a great deal more while on the job, especially from fellow agent and frequent investigative partner Sam Sekolnick, a former New York City police officer, streetwise and case-hardened. Another fount of law enforcement knowledge Bob tapped into was Lieutenant Leon G. Tarrou, a former fbi agent and author of Confessions of a Nazi Spy. Prior to the war, Tarrou had helped to track down the notorious gangster John Dillinger and solve the Lindbergh kidnapping case. (When the war ended, Bob was called to Washington, dc, interviewed by the fbi, and offered a career position. He declined.)

In December 1944, in northeastern France, Germany launched its final offensive thrust of the war, the famous Battle of the Bulge. Once their advance was stopped and their forces driven back across theRhine River, the Germans faced inevitable defeat. As spring approached, the rate of their military collapse accelerated. A 2 May 1945 Mediterranean edition of The Stars and Stripes Bob preserved announces the welcome news that

Adolf Hitler, “the most hated man on earth” is dead. “Death most likely has come to Hitler,” Sergeant Lyle Dowling writes, “who in this century and for centuries to come was the living embodiment of death. The smell of death pervades each chapter of his career, and they are uncovering now in the Dachaus and Buchenwalds of his Germany the final towering mountains of corpses with which his path in history is strewn.”

A few days later, Bob was on board a ship in the harbor at Naples, Italy about to depart for New York on his first visit home since 1942 when word came that the war in Europe was over. He was instructed to return home for a 45-day leave and await new orders there. The war against Japan was still being fought, and Bob expected to make his contribution to the struggle in the Pacific.

Dol has saved a copy of the 8 May 1945 issue of the Boston American announcing victory in Europe: “A Germany thoroughly smashed in battle surrendered unconditionally to the western Allies and Soviet Russia,” the paper announces, “… finishing history’s bloodiest conflict after 2,319 days. At least 40,000,000 men, women and children were casualties from this global war fired by Hitler’s armored plunge into Poland on Sept. 1, 1939. Hitler’s Reich lay shattered. Victory in Europe was won—at tremendous, unassessable cost in human lives and treasure.

“The Germany, which once overspread almost all of Europe, had dominated northern Africa and waged U-boat war that came near to controlling the seas, had been reduced in this final hour to trapped, though large, garrisons in Norway, in Czechoslovakia-Austria-Yugoslavia, in French ports and on channel islands, in Latvia, on Aegean islands, and in desperate, diminishing pockets in Germany itself.” “The Germany, which once overspread almost all of Europe, had dominated northern Africa and waged U-boat war that came near to controlling the seas, had been reduced in this final hour to trapped, though large, garrisons in Norway, in Czechoslovakia-Austria-Yugoslavia, in French ports and on channel islands, in Latvia, on Aegean islands, and in desperate, diminishing pockets in Germany itself.” On his way westward across the Atlantic, Bob found himself in the company of soldiers from the 34th Infantry Division, fresh off the front lines in Italy. The fight northward through Italy had been extremely difficult, marked by fierce combat at places like Anzio and Monte Casino. These were tough, battle-hardened veterans. Thanks to his status as a cid agent, Bob wore civilian clothes during the voyage. Basically, these consisted of an officer’s uniform without the brass. On his shirt colors were “usa” insignias rather than a lieutenant’s or captain’s bars or a major’s oak leaves or a colonel’s eagles or a general’s stars. Most often, troops saluted him as though he were an officer anyway. Bob even lived in officers’ quarters on board ship, and became quite friendly with some of the 34th’s officers, who proved to be good guys. Their division was bound for Trinidad in the British West Indies, where they were planning to set up a new air base to be used to shuttle troops back to the United States. It would facilitate a short route, from Africa to Trinidad to the u.s. The Army figured they would lose fewer troops in airplane crashes that way. Consequently, before reaching New York, the troop carrier veered southward into the Caribbean. Bob joined the officers as they went ashore in Trinidad and accompanied them to the local officers

On his way westward across the Atlantic, Bob found himself in the company of soldiers from the 34th Infantry Division, fresh off the front lines in Italy. The fight northward through Italy had been extremely difficult, marked by fierce combat at places like Anzio and Monte Casino. These were tough, battle-hardened veterans. Thanks to his status as a C.I.D. agent, Bob wore civilian clothes during the voyage. Basically, these consisted of an officer’s uniform without the brass. On his shirt colors were “USA” insignias rather than a lieutenant’s or captain’s bars or a major’s oak leaves or a colonel’s eagles or a general’s stars. Most often, troops saluted him as though he were an officer anyway. Bob even lived in officers’ quarters on board ship, and became quite friendly with some of the 34th’s officers, who proved to be good guys. Their division was bound for Trinidad in the British West Indies, where they were planning to set up a new air base to be used to shuttle troops back to the United States. It would facilitate a short route, from Africa to Trinidad to the U.S. The Army figured they would lose fewer troops in airplane crashes that way. Consequently, before reaching New York, the troop carrier veered southward into the Caribbean. Bob joined the officers as they went ashore in Trinidad and accompanied them to the local officers club. These soldiers, only a few weeks removed from deadly frontline fighting, wore mud-stained combat boots, fatigues, battle gear, all of them without ties. Walking through the club’s doors, they encountered a scene from another world: a room filled with officers dressed in immaculate dress white uniforms accompanied by women bedecked in their finest formal gowns. “We asked ourselves, ‘Who are these people? What country do they represent?’ We’d never seen anything like it,” Bob relates. “It took us a minute to realize that they were mostly Americans and Brits. We were shocked. Then these officers from the 34th started to ask the women to dance. They didn’t care how they were dressed. They didn’t care that these women were there as someone else’s dates or wives. They weren’t afraid of anything. They’d just spent the last few years fighting Nazis. After an hour, I thought a riot was going to break out. But it didn’t. I’ll never forget that night.”

Rome, Italy —1945Rome, Italy —1945 club. These soldiers, only a few weeks removed from deadly frontline fighting, wore mud-stained combat boots, fatigues, battle gear, all of them without ties. Walking through the club’s doors, they encountered a scene from another world: a room filled with officers dressed in immaculate dress white uniforms accompanied by women bedecked in their finest formal gowns. “We asked ourselves, ‘Who are these people? What country do they represent?’ We’d never seen anything like it,” Bob relates. “It took us a minute to realize that they were mostly Americans and Brits. We were shocked. Then these officers from the 34th started to ask the women to dance. They didn’t care how they were dressed. They didn’t care that these women were there as someone else’s dates or wives. They weren’t afraid of anything. They’d just spent the last few years fighting Nazis. After an hour, I thought a riot was going to break out. But it didn’t. I’ll never forget that night.”

Dol tells us what happened when Bob finally arrived stateside: “He came home from North Africa on recuperation leave, R and R, and that’s when we got married. In one week we planned a wedding. Bob came in on a Saturday. The following Saturday we were married!… That’s the day our parents met for the first time. At our wedding in the same church where Bob’s parents were married—Trinity Episcopal Church in Melrose.”

Dol nearly didn’t make it to her own wedding. The ceremony was scheduled to begin at 8:00 pm. Long before she knew she was going to be married, Dol had agreed to serve as a bridesmaid at a wedding scheduled for 4:00 in the afternoon that same day. Dol kept her promise and took part in the ceremony. Afterward, the new bride—Elly Buell—held her reception in her backyard, despite the humid weather, and forgot about Dol. Finally, Dol excused herself and hastened home with only an hour to prepare for her own nuptuals. Changing clothes quickly, she stuck rollers in her hair and made ready. Meanwhile, her family forgot about her, too, and took off for the church. All of them. Without Dol. Each one thinking someone else was driving the bride-to-be. Ready at last, Dol discovered that everyone was gone, something of a problem given she had no car herself, no way to get to the church. Just then, her friend Betty Wallace showed up with a wedding present to drop off. Dol asked, “Can you please give me a ride to my wedding?” and Betty agreed. They pulled up in front of the church just as the ceremony was about to begin. The photographer shot a picture of Dol emerging from the car. With no time to spare, Dol hurried up the stairs and marched down the aisle to an anxiously awaiting groom.

Dol’s triumphant, almost-late arrival at her wedding —1945

They spent the first week of their honeymoon on Nantucket Island, staying at a rooming house. “While walking on the beach at Nantucket,” Dol recalls, “we came close to a bird’s nest and were attacked by a flock of sandpipers that swooped down at our heads like a scene out of Alfred Hitchcock’s

8678

movie, The Birds. Bob picked up a piece of driftwood and used it as a bat to drive the birds away.” They spent the next 10 days in Gloucester, Massachusetts, then returned to Melrose, where they stayed with Bob’s Aunt Katherine. After that, they went down to Norwalk. When Bob’s recuperation leave ended, he was sent to Camp Richie outside of Washington, dc.

“The camp was in Maryland,” Dol says. “I’d take the train down to Baltimore and you would meet me there. We’d take the bus together back to the camp. You’d hold my hand all the way.”

“That was a training area for people to go to Asia,” Bob continues. “There were a lot of Japanese there. I was sure I was hooked on being sent to Japan. But I wasn’t, because in August of that year was VJ Day.”

Dol remembers an encounter the newlyweds had with a couple that lived in the same boarding house: “There was a Japanese couple across the hall—nice couple, too—and they invited us to dinner. I couldn’t understand why she waited on him hand and foot. Her husband just sat there and let her do it. Then I realized it was just their custom, Japanese custom.”

When Bob and Dol heard that atomic bombs had been dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, they knew that the end was near for the fighting against Japan. Like most Americans, they hoped the U.S. would be spared from having to invade Japan, a fight that surely would cost millions of lives, American and Japanese alike.

Victory kiss in Times Square, New York —VJ Day, 1945 Bob and Dol were living on base at Camp Richie when news of the cessation of hostilities arrived on 11 August. “Boy did we celebrate,” Bob recalls. “We were just so thrilled. Everybody was so happy. The party lasted a couple of days.” “I got out in October, the middle of October. October 17— that’s when I got my discharge,” Bob says.

“An honorable discharge,” Dol adds.

“I hope so!” Bob replies.

The transition from soldier to civilian was as sudden as it was The transition from soldier to civilian was as sudden as it welcome. As Bob explains it: “Three-and-a-half years in the was welcome. As Bob explains it: “Three-and-a-half years in Service, two-and-a-half years overseas—more than two-andthe Service, two-and-a-half years overseas—more than twoa-half years—and I got discharged. I got my discharge from and-a-half years—and I got discharged. I got my discharge Camp Lee in Virginia. It’s called Fort Lee now. I got it on a from Camp Lee in Virginia. It’s called Fort Lee now. I got Thursday and I was back in Boston working for it on a Thursday and I was back in Boston working for Westinghouse on Monday!” Westinghouse on Monday!” This is a photograph of the Criminal Investigation Division’s This is a photograph of the Criminal Investigation Division’s Arab office boy Mahmoud standing in front of Bob’s office in Arab office boy Mahmoud standing in front of Bob’s office dowtown Oran. (Notice the stack of boxes sitting behind in dowtown Oran. (Notice the stack of boxes sitting behind Mahmoud just inside the door. They contain goods and food Mahmoud just inside the door. They contain goods and food that had been stolen from the Army by black marketeers. The that had been stolen from the Army by black marketeers. The C.I.D. has recovered them and is holding them as evidence for cid has recovered them and is holding them as an upcoming trial.) —1945evidence for an upcoming trial.) —1945