WW2 Chapter 1 - Introduction




Franklin with his brother Dave

While looking through some old boxes, I discovered that my grandparents had saved many historical items from World War II, during the time that my father Franklin Bristol III had served in the Pacific. The items included some 250 letters that he had written back home to his family, along with dozens of photographs and other personal items. Based on the condition of the envelopes, the letters had probably not been read in almost 70 years.



250 Letters from 1943-1946 (click on photos to enlarge)

Franklin's mother making scrapbooks in his bedroom

Along with the boxes were four large scrapbooks with newspaper clippings that described the historical events that were taking place during the Pacific Campaign.

 



Scrapbooks

Although the veterans of World War II have sometimes been called the “greatest generation” they often claimed that the real heroes were those who didn’t make it back. Like many, my father had almost never talked about any of his experiences during that time of his life. My daughter Chelsea and I therefore became engrossed with these new-found treasures. We spent many hours reading through the letters and other documents, while slowly piecing together what Franklin and his family were going through during those difficult times.



Chelsea with Grandpa Frank, 2011


To tell Franklin’s “story” throughout that period, I have arranged the information into 96 short chapters, spanning from his graduation from high school in the spring of 1943, to his entry into the army in August 1943, to his entry into combat in October 1944, and finally to his safe return home in February 1946.

Rather than attempting to "narrate" Franklin's experiences, however, I have mostly used his own words and those of his family to describe them first hand. Each of the chapters includes copies of letters and other items that are intended to be representative of his many experiences, along with the historical events that were taking place during those times.

I hope you appreciate this story as much as we have.

Bob Bristol
March 22, 2015
Moodus (East Haddam), Connecticut

WW2 Chapter 2 - Historical Background

Before beginning this story, some historical background information may be helpful:

You may recall that the U.S. entered World War II in December 1941 after the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor in Hawaii. During that time, the Nazis were taking over Europe while the Japanese were taking over Asia. By June 1942, the Japanese had invaded much of the southern Pacific, including Singapore, Indonesia, the Philippines, much of China, and several other nations, while launching attacks against Australia and India.

(Click on image to enlarge)

After losing several battles, the U.S. finally beat the Japanese navy in June 1942 during the Battle of Midway, which became a turning point in the war. The U.S. and its allies then went on the offensive, taking back territories one at a time in fierce battles, including Guadalcanal, Tarawa, Leyte, Iwo Jima, and Okinawa, among others. Although each of these battles resulted in thousands of casualties, each time the Allies were able to take back an island, they were able to use it as a strategic launching pad for taking back other territories and cutting off the shipment of oil and other supplies critical to the Japanese military.

Although most of the world's attention has nearly always been more on Nazi Germany and the European campaign, the Japanese military was known to be especially ruthless during the war. They considered anyone who was not Japanese to be sub-human, committing numerous atrocities and killing over 25 million civilians. Further, because the Japanese did not follow the Geneva Convention, an Allied prisoner was reported to be 7 times more likely to die in a Japanese prisoner of war camp than in a Nazi one. Countless other prisoners (both soldiers and civilians) were simply tortured and killed upon being captured.

During combat, the American soldiers quickly learned to "kill or be killed." Because the Japanese considered it dishonorable to be captured, they would fight to the death rather than surrender, making them extremely dangerous adversaries.

Although victory in Europe was achieved in May 1945, the Japanese did not surrender until September 1945, after the U.S. dropped a second atomic bomb on mainland Japan. When the war was finally over, most of the men just wanted to get back home to a normal life.

WW2 Chapter 3 - Graduation from High School (Spring 1943)

Franklin went to high school at Loomis, a private boarding school in Windsor, Connecticut. Although he often claimed he was not a very good student (except possibly in math), I recall him speaking fondly of the school and his time there.

  

As noted in his year book, he was active in team sports, playing soccer, hockey, and baseball. Like the other students, he was required to participate in military drills. He was probably given his nickname "Atlas" because he was taller than most of his classmates (6' 3.5"). During this time he also started listening to jazz (despite his mother's objections!).

A typical letter home to his family (shortened where noted ~~~), after returning to school:

4/11/43

Dear Mother,

     Just as I got onto the bus, I remembered that I had forgotten my toothbrush -- thanks; but there's not much toothpaste left!

     ~~~

     Athletic awards were given out the other day -- I got another letter -- for hockey.

     ~~~

     Saturday, I spent the day in Hartford. One of the fellows that went with us lives in West Hartford. He asked us out to his place for breakfast -- so naturally we accepted. After that, we went back to Hartford, and rode up and down a few times on the escalators in G.E. Fox and Co. Then at about 11:45, we went to a show. We got out at about 3:30 -- after having seen a few pictures, and also Gene Krupa's orchestra on stage.

We then decided to have dinner -- so at about 4:00, we were enjoying a delicious meal of fried chicken and French fried potatoes. We got back to school just in time for supper -- after which we saw a movie that was playing here at school.
~~~
Love,
Franklin

Home on South Street, 1939

At this time, his sister Nancy was 16 and his brother Dave was 8. They were living on South Street in Middlebury, Connecticut.

In June 1943, Franklin and his classmates graduated, knowing that most of them would soon be drafted into the war. At that time, however, they had no way of knowing where they would be sent or the experiences they would encounter.

WW2 Chapter 4 - Camp Devens (August 1943)

After graduating from high school, Franklin was drafted into the army. In August 1943, he reported to Fort Devens in Massachusetts where he was given the rank of “Private First Class” and a Serial Number of 31338096. At that time Fort Devens was used as the reception center for all draftees from New England. His pay was to be $6.25 per month. This initial experience in the army of course allowed him to keep his wry sense of humor in good form!

Letter of August 23, 1943

8/23/43

Dear Mother,

     We arrived at Devens at 4:30, and since then, have been kept very busy doing nothing -- although the evenings have been completely free. The group I came up with consisted only of 18 year olds and 34, 5, or 6 year old men.

     We were processed today, and "they" signed me up for Air Force Ground Crew -- although that can be very easily changed to infantry -- if they so desire.
    ~~~
     At my interview, I was asked about my hobbies -- it seems that the army is not interested in poultry raisers.
    ~~~
    I am now worth $10,000 for $6.25 a month.

Love, Franklin

Although he recognized his duty to his country, like many of his fellow draftees he desperately wanted to avoid being assigned to the Infantry, as infantrymen often had to perform in the worst conditions with the greatest risk of being killed in action.

WW2 Chapter 5 - Camp McQuaide (September 1943)

On September 1, 1943, Franklin arrived at Camp McQuaide in central California after travelling across the country by train. By this time, he was getting discouraged with nearly everything about his new life in the army.

9/12/43

Dear Mother and Dad,

     I saw the sun, Friday, for the 1st time! (It's cloudy again today).

     The General spoke to us the other day -- he told us just how we stand. It seems that there is no longer a demand for coastal artillery men; so orders were sent to Devens cancelling our leave. Evidently they got there "too late"; therefore Camp McQuaide does not want us -- so -- we're to have a very intensified training here (so much so that we won't even get K.P. duties), until the end of the month, and then we're to be shipped to an infantry camp. Since this infantry camp will also be a replacement camp, there is very little chance of being sent to an army school after the basic.

     It's an amazing thing -- I have been interviewed for hours in regard to what I would like to do in the army, my experiences in certain fields, my hobbies, my interests, the extent of my education and the subjects I took -- and then I'm put into the infantry -- the lowest branch of the service -- a branch in which anyone who understands English can qualify -- if a man can do nothing else, he can always shoot.
     ~~~
     Ever since we got here, we've attended a great many lectures and "movies". Some of the pictures are propaganda, and the others are on first aid, etc. Those propaganda films kind of make me laugh -- building up the morale of the U.S. soldier -- but in such a corny way.
     ~~~
Love, Franklin

After spending four weeks at Camp McQuaide, Franklin learned that he would be moved to a new training camp.

Letter of  September 29, 1943

9/29/43

Dear Dad,

     We have only a couple of more days at McQuaide -- everyone is discussing and arguing about where we're going -- so far we've been in every state of the Union -- and a number of foreign points. This is a good little camp -- only about 5000. At Devens, there were 30,000 soldiers -- I didn't like it there at all. Here there are some pretty good officers, and my battery commander is the "tops" -- he's the type of man that you only meet once. While I've been here, I haven't even had K.P. -- or any of those "foolish things."

     Never before have I been really handicapped by the fact that I'm left-handed -- but now I certainly am. In the obstacle course; for example, I must throw my body over hurdles, etc. the way a right-handed person would naturally do it. When we have injections, they must be injected in my left arm -- this makes my left arm too sore to use, and I can't do much with my right arm, so I'm in a helluva fix. Until two days ago, I was allowed to shoot left handed -- but now I must shoot right-handed -- "new orders came through." I can't even sight properly with my right eye -- let alone hit the damn target. When I ask the officers about this, they say -- "well you can learn -- you can learn".

     The last couple of days we've been learning dirty fighting. Naturally we can't learn too much about it in just three days -- but it does give one a rough idea about what can be done -- in a dirty sort of way ---
     ~~~
     Mother asked me if I had been getting all your letters -- I think I have -- but I've been kind of wondering if you've been getting mine -- I've written quite regularly -- also one to David and Nancy.

     I started this letter Wed. -- today is Thurs. -- tomorrow we ship out -- I hope I don't go where I think I'm going ---

Love, Franklin 

WW2 Chapter 6 - Arrival at Camp Roberts (October 1943)

Enclosed Postcard, "Returning from Inspection"

In early October 1943, Franklin was relocated to Camp Roberts in central California, where he would spend the next six months training with the 88th Battalion.

10/4/43

Dear Mother and Dad,

     When we left Devens -- the second day out -- we were pretty sure that we were bound for California. Naturally we hoped that it wouldn't be infantry -- and anything but Camp Roberts. Well, we soon found out that we were in the infantry; and we are now at Camp Roberts -- 150 miles south of McQuaide. Camp Roberts -- completely surrounded by barren hills -- and where the normal temperature during the day is 100 degrees in the shade. I can't understand why anyone would ever want to go to California.
     ~~~
     We don't start training until the 18th. Until then, we've got to be kept busy doing something -- anything. Today we piled little stones in a radius of 5' around the shrubs, etc. I can only guess what other foolishness we'll have to do ---
    ~~~
    I suppose by now it's getting a little cooler, there -- is the grass still growing? ---

Love, Franklin

WW2 Chapter 7 - Training at Camp Roberts

The two Winchester rifles Franklin used in training, although
in combat he may have used a Springfield

11/7/43

Dear Mother,
     ~~~
     In my letter to Dad, I mentioned that we were going on a hike at 2:00 A.M. Monday. Wednesday, we got back to camp in time for supper -- and then we hiked until midnight; and when we got back, we cleaned our rifles, showered, shaved, -- and went to bed. Thursday night, we had a little practice on the landing net (to teach us how to get on and off troop ships) -- and after that, we had close-order drill. Friday -- G.I. night. Saturday, I was up at 4:30 A.M. for table-waiting detail. This week coming up, we're scheduled to put in an average of 14 hours a day -- and that does not include the time required for eating, other details that always come up, and "G.I. Friday night". [Note: G.I. Friday night may have been when they cleaned their barracks and prepared for inspection]

     Are the pullets and old hens laying any better?

     Enclosed is a magazine picture of the two rifles that we shoot. The M-1 Garand is the one that we always carry with us -- everywhere.
     ~~~

Love, Franklin

 

12/18/43
Dear Mother,
     Your package came a couple days ago -- and the cake was certainly delicious.
     ~~~
     All theatres have closed down for a week -- I suppose there is some goddamn reason for it -- but I don't know what.

     I have a swell platoon leader (2nd Lt.). He's older than most lieutenants -- about 36 -- and he worked his way up from the bottom -- and he really knows his stuff. He recently came back from the Pacific; so when he says something, I listen -- which is a lot more than I can say for a good many other officers. 
     ~~~



Franklin's mother and sister Nancy, ~December 1943


     I haven't got Christmas presents for any of you -- I suppose I might have bought you some perfume, and Nancy a necklace or handkerchief or something -- but you probably wouldn't have liked my taste -- and exchanging gifts would be rather difficult. However, I'm going to send money -- and you all can get whatever you want. It will be something like this: for you, Dad, and Nancy - $10 each; for David - $15.

     Monday night along about 7:00 P.M., we "start out", and along about 1:00 A.M. we pitch tents, and assume the prone position until 5:00 A.M. We eat at 5:30 A.M., and get back to camp at 6:30 A.M. -- in time to start our day's activities.
      ~~~
Love, Franklin

Merry Christmas to everybody.

WW2 Chapter 8 - A Christmas Visitor, Part 1

 

Letter of December 17

12/17/43

Dear Dad,

     Received your telegram at noon of the 15th -- but was unable to wire you until 9:30 the following night (16th). I'm sorry I couldn't wire immediately -- I could do nothing about it.

     I was very happy and surprised to learn that you were coming to Calif. -- it's not a very nice place to be spending Christmas. Wouldn't you rather have come on New Years -- then you could be home Christmas?

     As things stand now, unless something happens, I can leave camp Friday at 6:00 P.M. -- and have until at least Sunday night (12:00 midnight).
     ~~~
     We've been having a little motor driving instruction -- today we drove a bit with 1/2 and 3/4 ton trucks. What the course really amounts to is a hurried instruction on the operations of army vehicles -- and also a little driving experience -- I wish to hell I could be a truck driver and mechanic -- I think I'd really be interested in and enjoy something like that. [Note: this will be an important experience for him later in the war]

     I can't begin to tell you how glad I am that you're coming to Calif. -- I hope everything works out O.K.

     This has been a very hurried letter -- will write more this week-end.

Love, Franklin

WW2 Chapter 9 - A Christmas Visitor, Part 2

Franklin's Father (Franklin II)

12/24/43
Dearest Phyllis,

     Arrived here at camp after a long 7 1/2 hour ride on the bus yesterday afternoon. Obtained a pass at the gate and received directions to the 88th Battalion headquarters. Was very lucky as Franklin's company were just returning from a 70 miles truck training "expedition" and I saw Franklin marching in with his company just as I arrived. Franklin hurried over to see me when he learned I was there -- just time to say hellow. It was wonderful to see him.



Letter home from Franklin's father, December 24, 1943

     I then returned to the guest house, cleaned up and waited the rest of the afternoon for Franklin. About 6:30 he arrived when we went to the USO club together for a fine turkey dinner.
     ~~~
     Franklin looks fine. Is acting sergeant, although has not received any title or rating.

      Had breakfast at the USO this morning and went to see Lt. McCulley's office for a "chat". Also met Capt. Bryant there who confirmed Franklin's leave -- from 6 tonight until 12 midnight Sunday. As Franklin says -- Lt. McCulley is really fine. He said that the rules allow only a very small percentage of the men to have leave.

      Inquired about Franklin's schedule after completion of the basic training here -- and Lt. McCulley said that Franklin was due to enter special officers training, and that that was the best thing that could ever happen. It sounds wonderful to me. [Note: they were concerned about Franklin being assigned the infantry.] Franklin doesn't know anything about it, as the men are apparently kept in the dark as to what it is all about. They are getting a most rigid disciplinary training here which must be very trying at times. But Franklin is doing a good job.

      Hope you reached home safely from Hartford the other night. It was hard leaving home -- especially at this time and I miss you all very much. But for your boy and your husband it will be a very merry Christmas.

     Love to Nancy and David and to yourself.

Franklin 

WW2 Chapter 10 - A Christmas Visitor, Part 3

In San Francisco, December 1943

12/27/43

Dearest Phyllis,

     Franklin and I had a most pleasant and enjoyable weekend -- although it was much too short. Will try to arrange to see him again before I come home.

     Had dinner at the U.S.O. before starting off for Frisco. We made the trip in about five hours arriving here shortly after one.

     ~~~

     After breakfast Saturday morning we obtained tickets for an evening show, a comedy "Kiss and Tell". The hotel moved us into a "good" room and we went out to see the sights.

     Took a long ride to the "Cliff House" and shore which is right on the ocean, a most beautiful sight. Took several pictures there including many of Franklin. Had Xmas dinner at the Cliff House which is located high on a rocky bluff overlooking the ocean and the entrance to the Golden Gate to San Francisco Bay.

     ~~~



Slide Photo of China Town, December 1943

     The show was excellent. Franklin enjoyed it very much. After coming out of the show, the night was still "young" -- 11 o'clock, so we walked through China Town. This was most interesting and colorful. We decided to try a Chinese night club -- with music, entertainment and things to drink. Franklin had a sandwich and milk. I had a sandwich and cocoa. It cost $5.00 but we had a wonderful time. We finished the night about 2 o'clock and went to bed.

     ~~~

     As it was nearing train time, Franklin picked up his tooth brush at the hotel -- that was all he brought up with him -- and we took a taxi to the station.

~~~

     It was just as hard as ever to see Franklin go. We had such a good time together. Although he avoids talking much about it, I know he longs to come home.

~~~

   Can't tell you how much I miss you. Hope that you are all well -- and not too cold.

Love to you all,

Franklin

WW2 Chapter 11 - Becoming a Platoon Leader (and More Training)




Telegram from Franklin's father (click to enlarge)

After Christmas, Franklin's father (Franklin II) spent time working with other engineers at the Bristol Company's west coast offices in San Francisco and Seattle. Like many companies at that time, the Bristol Company was developing products for the war effort. His father was then able to briefly visit Franklin at Camp Roberts again before flying back home to Connecticut.


Visitor pass and notes by Franklin's father

1/9/44
Dear Dad,
     ~~~
     Remember the sergeant that showed us to a table in the mess hall? That afternoon he asked me how long you would be here; -- he said that he wanted to speak to you. He was once our platoon sergeant -- and he put me in command of the entire platoon -- about 70 men. However, with this new sergeant, things may be different.

     I certainly wish that you might have been here over the weekend. Incidentally, you made a very good impression with the men -- and quite a number of them asked how long you would be here -- what business you were in; etc.

     Since arriving at this camp, we have fired the 30 cal. M-1 rifle, 30 cal. carbine, 81 mm mortar, anti-tank weapons, 30 cal. heavy machine guns, and 45 cal. automatics. [Later on, in combat, Franklin's unit would need to rely on all of these weapons.]

     Last week we fired the 22 rifle -- what a weapon! Such power! Next week we take up the sling shot. It certainly seemed silly to be firing a 22 -- I suppose the purpose of it was to give us experience in landscape firing -- without spending such terrific amounts of ammunition.
~~~
Love, Franklin

1/23/44
Dear Mother,

     Our 13th week has just ended. One week from tomorrow (Feb. 6th) we begin a two-week bivouac -- not exactly looking forward to it.
     ~~~
     We were on quite an interesting range, yesterday. It was constructed to represent a battlefield -- broken trees, foxholes, craters, ruin -- and all that goes with it. We ran thru the course as riflemen -- firing at targets as we went along. Behind us, machine guns were also firing over our heads at the targets. It was very realistic -- only fortunately, there was no return fire.
     ~~~
     Last week we did some "anti-aircraft firing" -- with those goddamn 22's. They were diving, falling, climbing targets -- all at very close range. I'm not too good with moving targets.

     I think I have just recovered from the flu. Whatever it was, I certainly spent one helluva week.
     ~~~
Love, Franklin

WW2 Chapter 12 - Rain

Only some of Franklin's many letters have been reproduced for this blog, and these have been further abridged for space. However, his correspondence to his family usually included at least one of three subjects:

• his poultry back home and their egg production;
• how much he disliked K.P. (kitchen patrol) duty and other "such foolishness"; and especially,
• how much he disliked being in the rain.

Ironically, this last subject would be both a curse and a blessing for him later in the war.
 
1/1/44
Dear Mother,
     ~~~
     It rains in the east -- but it could never compete with the "dew" in California. One day last week we started out for the hand grenade range. Some time after we started we were all drenched from the waist down. They finally decided to bring us back at noon. After dinner, we changed our shoes and clothes -- and went out once again. I had just had my dress (wool) uniform cleaned (we pay for it) -- so naturally I was happy to get them wet and muddy. 

     Wednesday I put on my driest pair of shoes -- and we set out for one of the rifle ranges -- it rained off and on all day. We were on a two day bivouac -- so we stayed out that night. It wasn't long before it really began to rain -- all our blankets got wet -- and also our shoes. All day we tramped thru mud and water, going to and from different "stations" or classes. Most of us have overshoes, but some of us don't -- and I'm one of the some. However, when it rains as hard as it did the other day, overshoes are a hindrance since they hold water.
     ~~~
Love, Franklin

WW2 Chapter 13 - A Weekend Dance (and More Combat Training)

1/29/44     Sorry this letter is so damn messy ---

Dear Dad,

     It's finally come -- at 1:00 A.M. Monday, we start on that goddamn two week bivouac.

     Monday [last week], we ran (or marched) four miles in 45 minutes -- with full field packs and rifles -- in the rain.

It gets tough at times, but I guess in a while I'll have wished that it had been tougher.

Franklin at Camp Roberts, December 1943 (tallest in back)

     We had quite a bit of combat practice this last week. One course was a type of obstacle course -- we ran through it, and fired at targets that jumped up (controlled by wires from one point) along the route.

     Another was a village fighting course. This consists of a French village which a squad of men "capture". And it is a village -- barns, fences, cafes, church, houses, taverns, stores -- everything. As we go through it, we again fire at and bayonet targets that jump out at you. Also, as we go through we throw hand grenades (simulated), climb into 2nd story windows and run along roofs. The buildings all have booby traps and other exploding devices. And to make it even more realistic, machine guns are raking the streets as we go through and "capture" the buildings. It was quite an experience.

     A Lt. takes two men through -- 16 men and 8 Lt. each trip. Guess the officers have quite a job keeping the men from accidentally shooting each other -- every man must be at a certain place at a certain time.

     In the squad tactical course, we were supposed to wipe out enemy snipers and machine gun nests -- we also did a little mountain climbing. As we were going up a 60o hill -- with the aid of ropes -- there was a gas attack; it was only tear gas, so I didn't bother to put my gas mask on. We also went up and down another hill of about 60o -- but without the aid of ropes.

     Then there was the combat reaction course -- two scouts on a mission. We were fired upon (by blanks), but we went through the "motions" -- assuming it was actually true. Also, we charged and bayoneted dummies, "cleared" a village, and tried not to set off booby traps. 

     We had the opportunity of throwing live hand grenades. I was about 125 yards from the area, acting as a road guard. I could hear the pieces falling all around me -- one of them landed about six inches [yards?] to the rear of me -- but they don't have much effect at that range.

     Friday we went thru the infiltration course -- crawling for about 50 yards under machine gun fire. We crawled (on stomach) under and over certain obstacles -- such as double apron barbed wire fences, over logs; -- then there was simulated mortar and artillery blasts -- there were "fenced off" areas in the course -- the blasts did nothing more than make noise and throw up considerable dirt.    

     That night, we went thru the course again -- it was almost like the 4th of July. In addition to the machine gun fire (the machine gun fired tracers) and mortar and artillery blasts, there were flares, rocket grenades, rocket flares, a type of flare that would burst and throw off light (the object to attempt to discover enemy patrols) -- it was quite a show.

     Although we are required to crawl the entire distance, I don't suppose the machine gun fire is any lower than 1 1/2 - 2 feet. At the end of this course, we rolled into fox holes, threw a grenade, and charged and bayoneted a dummy.

     ~~~



With some friends, January 1944

       Went to a dance last Saturday. My buddy's gal introduced me to a cute little thing -- had quite a week-end. Believe it or not, they were all school teachers -- at 20.
     ~~~
     It's raining this week-end. Not a very good way to start a bivouac. ---

Love, Franklin

WW2 Chapter 14 - Franklin's 19th Birthday

Cutout letter from Franklin's mother (click on images to enlarge)



Top half of letter

Bottom half of letter

2/6/44
Dear Mother,

     Only six more days, and I will once again be in camp. We have been quite fortunate -- there has been only one day and one night when it has really rained.
     ~~~
     That blue letter of yours was very clever -- when I received it I couldn't imagine what it was -- it must have taken considerable time to "construct".

     Will try to get those pictures which you requested when I get back to camp.

     It was swell of you all to send me birthday cards and letters. I hadn't realized I was about to gain another year until I began to get so many letters.

     Sometime very early tomorrow, we start out on a 36 hour problem -- with rifles, mortars, and machine guns, so I was able to steal -- or borrow a few rations while on K.P. -- so with my few candy bars I shouldn't fair too badly.

     Am certainly looking forward to next Saturday -- I guess we have a 25 mile march in.

Love, Franklin

P.S. Had one helluva time getting air mail stamps -- I bought a book specially, but forgot to bring it.

WW2 Chapter 15 - Back from Bivouac Training

Interestingly, Franklin does not seem to "tone down" the details of his experiences or curtail his language when writing home to his mother. His letters to his sister and brother, on the other hand, are kept more tame.


2/13/44
Dear Mother,

     It certainly feels wonderful to be in camp again -- first thing I did was take a shower (never so much as washed my hands or shaved from Sunday to Friday). Second -- something to eat -- naturally.

     We slept till noon, one day (???) Had a problem from 3:00 A.M. - 7:00 A.M. (next morning); so we were able to sleep from 8-12.

     Went thru another combat reaction course. Each man walked carefully up a draw -- at certain places along the "route", he was fired upon by an expert rifleman -- the bullet striking several inches from the man. He immediately takes cover, and returns his fire (at targets). The course represents a scout travelling ahead of his column -- his mission being to search for enemy patrol and snipers.
 

Letter of February 13

     Had outpost guard last week. One relief was from 4-6 (A.M.) -- thought I'd freeze (temp. here drops below freezing). During the day, however, the outpost is really a "good deal" -- the hours are four off, two on -- for twenty-four hours.

     We had the most interesting problem the day before we left. The entire battalion formed a rifle unit, and advanced under 105 mm artillery (howitzers) and 30 cal. machine gun fire. Before the machine guns opened up, it was possible to hear the artillery shells whistling overhead.

     That 25 mile march was something. A good part of it was on poor dirt roads -- which made it rather "rugged". We still marched 19 miles in 5 1/2 miles [hours] -- with full field packs, rifle, gas mask, bayonets, steel helmets, cartridge belt, and canteen. When we reached camp, we were met by a band -- and it marched with us to our barracks. I never would believe that it could be done unless I saw it myself.

     That night I went to a dance -- "crashed the party," to be exact. It was the Frisco gang again -- only my "girl friend" wasn't there.

     Thanks for calling Saturday -- certainly was wonderful to hear you all again -- wish Dave might have been there.

     Haven't had much time to ourselves this week-end -- have been busy doing some goddamn thing -- hope to take in a late show tonight.

Love, Franklin

WW2 Chapter 16 - Letter to His Brother

Dave with one of Franklin's Rhode Island
Reds - "the one not wearing a hat"

2/14/44

Dear Dave,

     You certainly have been drawing me some wonderful pictures -- and thank you for all your letters.

     Is your overseas hat worn out yet? I'm so glad that you like it -- Dad has sent me several pictures of you -- also featuring the hat.

     In that picture you sent me -- don't you seem to be reading a poultry magazine? -- and what's that on your head. Your new table looks good -- hope it comes in handy.

     Where were you at Saturday afternoon -- fine thing; it would have been nice to talk to you for a minute [on the phone].

     Mother has been telling me that you have been doing an excellent job in caring for the chickens. I think you have a couple that aren't too good -- try and pick them out -- remember what I told you to look for.

     Think I may be coming home soon for a short while. Be thinking about some of the things we can do, Dave.

     I have a couple of buttons you might like to wear -- they're exactly like mine -- I have them on the lapels of my coat -- they look something like this ---

     It seems to be raining now -- and I'm at the Service Club -- with no coat ---

Love, Franklin  

WW2 Chapter 17 - Graduation from Basic Training and Home Leave (February 1944)

88th Training Battalion (Franklin is in center of third row)

In February 1944, after 17 weeks of basic training at Camp Roberts, Franklin graduated. He was then able to fly home on leave to visit his family. Although there are not many details about his time there, his father took some color slides.

 2/19/44

Dear Mother,

     Perhaps when you receive this, I will be on my way across the United States. Don't yet know my shipping day. Most of the men's wives live and work together, and information can sometimes be obtained from them.

     We had our graduation today -- in the rain. First we had a parade and review, then we assembled in #1 theatre, and the battalion and regimental commanders, and general (two stars) spoke to us. And finally we were presented diplomas by our commanding officer. It's all over now.

     That certainly was an excellent assortment of food that you sent me. Everything was fine. I liked the hard chocolate.

     The men that signed for paratroups are shipping out this week-end.

     We had a company party, Thursday -- free beer, speeches, and such.

     2/20: Certainly am glad we aren't starting out on our bivouac -- it has been raining very hard all week-end.

     Went to a dance last night -- it wasn't very good -- and only a five piece orchestra.

     After supper, last night, I went to the Post's civilian cafeteria -- to have supper. It's the first time I've been -- and I had a very delicious plate of ham. That's the first time, I think, in six months that I've had milk in a glass.
     ~~~
     Think we may ship Thursday -- got that at the dance last night ---

Love, Franklin 



At home on South Street, February 1944



With Dave, February 1944




With Nancy, February 1944

WW2 Chapter 18 - Fort Ord (and Jazz)

After spending time back home on furlough, Franklin was temporarily reassigned to Fort Ord in central California. Unfortunately, he learns that everyone in his former battalion (B-88) has now been split up and he doesn't know where he will be sent next. However, he does find that the conditions are much better there than at Camp Roberts.

3/12/44

Dear Mother,

     Came straight thru to Frisco -- very amazing. And the plane was hardly more than half full (probably because of mail).
     ~~~
     Haven't yet been assigned to anything -- was just issued blankets, and was told where I might find an empty bed. Actually, since I haven't been assigned, my address is still Roberts.

     B-88 has been broken up. I formerly thought that we'd be together. We'll therefore be assigned to different units, and could be shipped practically anywhere.
     ~~~
     It certainly was wonderful to have been home. Don't think you "slipped up" on any of my food "specialties."

     Will write again soon ---

Love, Franklin

Letter of March 20, 1944

3/20/44

Dear Mother,
     ~~~
     Saturday, we had a course in dry firing -- how to obtain a correct sight picture, to hold it, shoot it -- everything. Seems rather silly after what we went thru at Roberts.

     In your letter you said -- "swing music is of little value at a time like this." You won't believe this, but I don't know what I'd ever do without it; it cheers me up, -- makes me forget what is impossible to forget, -- different songs have definite associations with particular things and experiences. At this moment I am in the library of the main Service Club -- next to the far wall -- so I can listen to the juke box in the cafeteria below.

     This camp certainly seems wonderful -- but perhaps(?) that's because I shipped in from Roberts. The mess halls have been serving reasonably good food -- and enough of it. And we can also buy food. Although the blowing sand is rather annoying, the weather has so far been very nice -- none of that intense cold as at Roberts. We're treated better -- course we're pushed around quite a bit -- but that's the army.

     Went to a very good show, yesterday afternoon -- "Cover Girl" -- a musical comedy -- my favorite show. 

     Glad to hear you've been able to sell the eggs. With those several birds culled out, I'd be interested to know how the production is -- think I'll write Dave a note and get the "inside information".

     For now ---

Love, Franklin 

WW2 Chapter 19 - Arrival in Hawaii (April 1944)

In April 1944, Franklin was relocated by ship to Schofield Barracks in central Oahu, Hawaii. Some of his training would include amphibious landings. Although he knew he was getting closer to the day he would be deployed into battle, his spirits seem to have improved, writing that "Hawaii has the climate that California thinks it has." He also got a raise of 20 percent ($1.25 per month) for serving outside the U.S. (Hawaii was not yet a state).

By this time, all of their letters back home were being opened and read by military censors, to prevent sensitive information from being captured by the enemy. Therefore, he could no longer provide any information about his training.

4/11/44

Dear Mother,

     Certainly seems wonderful to be on land again -- but I wish the land would stop moving!

     We are now staying, for the moment, anyway, in the Hawiian (sp?) islands. Would like to have the opportunity to look around a bit. There's some possibility to obtain a pass after a certain number of days. Perhaps I'll be lucky.
     ~~~
     Have any more pictures? By now you realize, I think, how much I enjoy them.

Love, Franklin

 

Enclosed Postcard

 4/24/44

Dear Mother,

     Had a bit of luck yesterday. Completed a 24 hour guard about noon -- then signed for a pass, I was on my way by 1:00. A G.I. truck took us to Waikiki Beach -- all the way -- and no changes. We went swimming this time -- it was very nice. Had another steak dinner at that Chinese restaurant -- and then went to a movie in Honolulu. And returning to camp, we were again lucky -- a jeep accommodated us after only a short wait.

     Received several letters from you today -- with widely ranging postmarks. Don't need to tell you how wonderful it is that you are writing so often. One letter contained a very nice picture of you -- it's evidently Easter -- seems you're holding a few roses ---

With love, Franklin