Dad’s WWII Letters Home (cont’d) Letter 4

The series of old letters I recently found that my dad wrote to his family while in the service from 1943-1945 continues. This letter is written to my grandmother and, yes, my dad was clearly sucking up to her for something. “How’s my best girl?” Ha! Anyway, I never knew my dad to be much into gossip but I guess when you’re far away from home gossip can bring you a little closer. My dad definitely had an irreverent streak in him as well. I don’t know most of the people mentioned in this letter but I found it fun the way he teased his siblings George, Jean and Pat, all of whom he loved dearly. He also seemed a bit frustrated with not knowing where he’d be going next and he appeared a bit bored, too. Also, in a bizarre twist of fate my dad’s neighbor was named Kennedy, as well. They were not related but it is interesting the other Kennedys had a son named George a few years older than my uncle also named George. I believe the other George Kennedy lost his life in the War and there is still a fountain dedicated to him near the corner of Brattle and Craigie Streets in Cambridge. I think it’s the same person.

U.S. Army Air Forces

June 8, 1943

Hi Mom,

            How’s my best girl? I know that everything is okay, tell Dad that I received the razor and the blades and that I’ll write and thank Uncle Arthur as soon as I have time. I’m glad to hear that Dad is still working hard, is he putting any money away or is he still paying bills?

            Tell George to study hard when he is in school because if he doesn’t then I’ll disown him.

            I’m sorry to hear about Mr. DeWolfe tell the family that I’ll write soon. Hope that Johnny and the rest are okay. Tell Mrs. DeWolfe that the army’s making a man out of me.

            That certainly is tough luck about Jack, What is Eva going to do now get another man, if she can?

            I’m sorry to hear about Marilyn I hope everything will turn out okay, by the way, how’s Johnny?

            We haven’t moved out yet but we expect to very soon, any day now. I think that I’ll be sent to Chanute Field, Illinois, but don’t depend on it because I might not be sent there. I don’t know where I will be sent and neither does anyone else. By the way, give my regards to the Kennedys next door when you see them.

            I hope that Nana lets them name the square after George because then it will live forever in the eyes and memory of the City of Cambridge and will be a great name for our families.

            Tell Jean that she ought to be ashamed of herself, letting the measles get the best of her.

            Well, I don’t know what more there is to write there’s not much to write about, because every day is practically the same. So I hope that you don’t mind if I don’t write a very long letter. All I do is go to the show once or twice a week and buy ice cream. That’s all the amusement I get. The weather down here is really hot boy a hot day in Cambridge would be cool compared to the days down here, you can go out on the beach and stay there for 15 min. and you’ll come in looking like a lobster, the sun is so hot.

            A friend of mine is writing a letter to Pat, so razz her as much as you can.

            Well, I guess that that’s about all. Give my regards to the rest of the family and God Bless You.

Your loving son,

Frannie