WW2 Chapter 77 - Machine Guns

Letter of June 1

6/1/45

Dear Mother,

     We've just been discussing the possibilities of the forthcoming meal. The conversation, though, is not in terms of whether the eggs are fried, boiled, or scrambled; or if the meat is beef, pork, or ham; or if the potatoes are boiled, fried, or mashed -- instead it's: -- "are the eggs fresh or powdered; is the meat c-ration, bully beef, or is it fresh; and are the potatoes dehydrated or fresh?

     Have now got 8 months back pay coming to me -- which is somewhere around $475. And for that same length of time, there is an additional $66.66 of war bonds (at maturity value).



Machine gun covering a river crossing on Leyte

     I hope when I get back to my outfit, I won't be assigned to another "position" -- such as to a machine gun. As much as I dislike the prospect, it is certainly a great weapon. During those night attacks, the deep, steady thud of the heavy machine gun was like beautiful and wonderful music to your ears -- it seemed to give out a feeling of "safety" and "security". But when it stopped, it was as if a button were pushed -- bringing to every man a sense of terrible fear.

     My buddy is making plans to be home by Christmas. A short while ago, a report came out to the effect that all men over 40 were to be discharged. He'll be 38 in August, so he expects to be in on the next "lowering".

     The news from China has been damn encouraging, of late. They've certainly been sadly neglected. Another six months will make considerable difference. And by that time, Russia ought to have completed her "summer training", and give us a little assistance. Russian assistance, though, can hardly be hoped for until after we make a landing in China.

Movie Poster

     The movie tonight is "Practically Yours" -- it ought (?) to be good.

Much love,

Franklin

WW2 Chapter 78 - News Reports



Letter of June 15

6/15/45

Dear Mother,

     We've been having some rather interesting newsreels, lately. Unfortunately, though, they are all four, five, and six months old.

     You might like to know a little something about our living conditions. We live in "20 man tents" -- which are 30 feet x 15 feet. Then there is one 15' x 15' that's for 8 men. This climate raises hell with them, and it's only a short while before they leak.

     Our showers are made from old oil drums -- these being "mounted" on top of an 8 foot framework. They are naturally filled by hand; -- the water comes from a hole behind the shower.

     A period of more than seven weeks without mail has ended -- received one letter. Except for a couple addressed to the hospital, your last letter (most recent one) was postmarked middle of March. Since the first week in September, I don't believe I've had mail on more than 20 separate days.
~~~~
     The reason eastern newspapers contain less news about the Pacific is because -- whether you believe it or not -- most of the people aren't interested in it. To them, the Pacific is just a poor "second feature". For proof -- the newspapers. All the large print concerned Europe -- I've seen them. I'll admit, though, that the liberation of Vienna, Paris, Rome, and Warsaw make much more attractive reading than the invasion of another goddamn island which nobody ever heard about. In the west, the people, for one reason or another, are more closely connected with the Pacific war -- and in the west coast newspapers, it's the Pacific war that hits the headlines.

Much love,
Franklin

WW2 Chapter 79 - A Letter to Dave (and Their Egg Production)

Dave in 1945

6/30/45

Dear Snodgrass,

     Have just received your two letters of March 18th and April 5th. Noticed that you addressed the envelopes -- that's swell. Was most interested in the report of your military tactics -- where did you learn it all?

     What's the idea of calling me Birdbrain? Anyway, at least I'm not just a Burnt-Egg.

     Have been studying the egg chart which you enclosed -- the old hens seem to be doing quite well; -- and the bantams extremely well. However, you forgot to tell me how many hens you still have -- and how those pullets you hatched last year turned out.

     Heard that you set a number of bantam eggs. Will be most anxious to hear of the results. I've never seen bantam chicks, so be sure to send me some pictures of them.

     And speaking of pictures, I have some grand ones of you holding Benny and Judy; and comparing eggs. I like best the one that was taken by your home plate -- you are in your "working clothes", and are standing with your hand in your pocket.

     So, Snodgrass -- keeping a tortoise in my room, are you --- hmmm ----

     Hope you've also set some hen eggs. You have a good flock, now, which will produce excellent chicks. And from what I've been made to understand, your young rooster is a superior bird (you should get 90-100% hatch). Besides, some of those hens will be too old, so you'll need replacements.

     Did you "take care of" that boy that punched you -- I hope so. Don't ever let anyone get away with anything like that, and you'll soon build for yourself such a reputation that even the bigger and stronger boys will be afraid to bother you. Don't forget that.

     Well, Fearless Fig-newton -- your school newspaper seems to be quite a learned piece of work. I read every bit of it this morning. Naturally the story you wrote was the best -- and very humorous. Thanks so much for sending it to me. Do you have any other stories?

     I miss you too, Dave -- all the time. You're the swellest brother anyone could ever have.

Much love,

Watty



Enclosed Cartoons

WW2 Chapter 80 - Assignment to Trucking Company



Letter of July 24

7/24/45

Dear Mother and Dad,

     I'm going to try and give you some idea about what the story is. Tell me if anything is cut out, or what it is, and I'll explain in some other way.

     If you've noticed my address, you can see that I'm now a U.S.O. soldier -- a base commando; -- and am on the same island. After leaving the 4th Replacement (259th), I was shipped to a base headquarters casualty camp. From there, I was shipped to this outfit with a group of reclassified veteran infantrymen. Naturally the situation might change, but as things now stand, we are temporarily assigned to this outfit until we go thru sort of a "familiarization process" or "period of training". Then we're to establish our own company, with our own vehicles, etc.
~~~~
     That's rather general information -- I don't know much more, myself. So for now, anyway, my address is: -- 5250 Q.M. Truck Co. (P), A.P.O. #72  [located in village of Tacloban, Leyte].

Much love,

Franklin
 

WW2 Chapter 81 - Dave's 11th Birthday (and Possible Japanese Surrender)

8/10/45

Dear Snodgrass,

     Happy Birthday -- maybe next year I'll be able to help you celebrate it.



Kay Kyser Band

     About a week ago, Kay Kyser presented a show at the navy theatre. I was working that night at a supply dump just opposite the theatre; -- but once -- when my vehicle was third in line to be unloaded, I got to see a part of it. Had various "differences of opinion" with a few S.P.s [security police] when I jumped the fence -- but nothing came of it. I stood at the rear of the theatre (only a few others were there), and had a grand view. Since the exit was also at the rear, I even had the honor(?) of standing beside the four girls that were in the show.

     After all I've said about the frequent "showers", here -- you will be surprised to know that until about three days ago, there had been a period of some 12 days without rain. Unfortunately, however, that resulted in considerable dust. Before that particular road was "oiled", it was so dusty that it was necessary to travel with the headlights on -- even though it was noon, and not a cloud in the sky.

     Yesterday, I visited a little Filipino school. It consisted of two rooms. It's difficult to guess the age of these people -- but they were probably from 6 - 10 years. The teacher was a young girl -- and she was showing them how to read English. She wrote short sentences on a blackboard: -- "Nena has a little brother. His name is Pinto". They pronounce the "a" in has as "ah" (they say Americans swallow their words).

     Afterward I "tested" some darn good sling-shots that some of the boys had made.

     Well, Dave, I'll again wish you a most Happy Birthday.

Much love,

Watty


Letter of August 10

     A short while ago -- while at the theatre -- it was announced that the Japanese were willing to surrender. Though not confirmed, it can't be much longer. And to think that something so important occurred on such an important and wonderful day -- your birthday.

W.

WW2 Chapter 82 - End of the War (August 15, 1945)



Newspaper, August 15, 1945

After defeating the Japanese at the Battle of Okinawa, the U.S. and its Allies issued the Potsdam Declaration on July 26, requiring Japan to "surrender or suffer prompt and utter destruction." Although the Japanese leaders recognized that defeat was now inevitable, they refused to surrender.

Based on the horrific experiences in fighting the Japanese on Iwo Jima, Okinawa, and other Pacific islands, the U.S. knew that an invasion of mainland Japan would result in countless additional casualties. Therefore, on August 6, the U.S. dropped an atomic bomb on the city of Hiroshima.

Three days later, despite the enormous devastation and loss of life from the first bomb, the Japanese leaders still refused to surrender. The U.S. then dropped a second atomic bomb on the city of Nagasaki on August 9.

Life Magazine photo from Times Square

On August 15, Japan finally announced that it had conceded. By that time, it had been 3 years and 8 months since the attack on Pearl Harbor, and more than 111,000 Americans had been killed and 253,000 wounded during the Pacific campaign. Celebrations were held all over the world.



Japanese Surrender, September 2

On September 2, a military ceremony was held aboard the battleship USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay, where Japan formally accepted the terms of the Potsdam Declaration. The day was designated V-J Day for "Victory Over Japan."

After learning of the surrender, many Japanese soldiers, devastated by the defeat, committed suicide. In addition, over 100 American prisoners of war were murdered.

After the war, the U.S. and its Allies occupied Japan for seven years. During this time, they helped the country recover from the effects of the war and successfully enacted widespread military, political, economic, and social reforms.

Despite the end of the war, some Japanese soldiers continued to fight on isolated Pacific islands for many years, with the last one finally surrendering in 1974.

Interestingly, Franklin does not provide any comments about the end of the war in any of his forthcoming letters.

WW2 Chapter 83 - Franklin's Truck



Letter of August 18 (with oil stains)

 8/18/45

Dear Mother and Dad,

     Did you notice the address on the envelope? Have moved again (still the same island). This is my 14th army address -- and I hope it'll be my last.

     We have just taken over a colored truck company. The general condition of the area and living quarters are about as good as anywhere. We have six-man tents -- with wooden floors, and one light.

     Most of the vehicles are in rather sad shape -- though that is partly due to long service. I haven't yet taken my vehicle on the road, so it's difficult to tell much about it; but the engine sounds fairly good -- though the body is quite bad. However, I think I'm going to enjoy fussing around and trying to fix it.

Photo of a GMC CCKW 2 1/2-Ton Cargo Truck

     I have a steel-top type of cab on my truck. It's similar to the civilian models - with doors and "comfortable" seats -- but it's extremely hot. The other type is a sort of roadster effect -- with canvas top and removable side curtains. The seats are as comfortable as a folded blanket -- and you get wet when it rains -- but the big advantage is that it's cool.

     Received my license, last week. It permits me to drive 1/4, 3/4, 1 1/2, and 2 1/2 ton vehicles (mine is 2 1/2).

     You already know what I think of the marines. Though it's a small outfit and hasn't done much fighting, here are some interesting figures concerning the casualty list in the Pacific: --

     Army      77,100
     Marines  77,093
     Difference    7

     Mother -- last January you sent me some butterscotch cookies. Have just received them -- but unfortunately they were bad. Also received Jan., Feb., and July issues of the "Recorder". And a very nice bracelet and watch strap. My former watch strap I made from bamboo -- somewhere near Ormoc. The first few times I reached for my watch, I was "surprised" to find such a swell strap. Thanks very much for all.

Much love,

Franklin

3449 Q.M. Truck Co.
A.P.O. #72 [located in Tacloban, Leyte]

WW2 Chapter 84 - Truck Repairs



Letter of September 11

9/11/45

Dear Dad,

     Received your letter of Aug. 28th. Mail as with everything else -- has been trickling in. "Things" should get better when this business of occupation has been settled. Then perhaps the over 85 points men will get to go home. Have already told you that we haul troops -- and it's certainly been mighty slow.

     We've been having eggs -- real eggs for breakfast. We'll get two eggs every morning for a week, then it'll be a month before we have more.

     While working at the docks the other night, one of the men in the company backed into my front fender -- smashing it quite badly. I wouldn't have cared if it had been an "accident" -- but this was the height of carelessness. There's so much to do that I can't afford to "waste" time -- when there is so little time (we drive 12 hours a day -- or night --; and an additional hour must be added on both ends to allow for eating, washing, and arriving and returning from destination). One of the mechanics was a "body man" on the outside -- so with an 8 pound sledge hammer and a wrecker ("A" frame mounted on a 2 1/2 ton truck), and a few other tools (imagine using such things on civilian vehicles), it straightened out damn good. Then it had to be welded in a few places.

     Convinced the dispatcher to give me a "couple" days off to work on my truck. It's in fairly good shape, now. Sunday morning when I came in, I located certain parts, and that afternoon I drove to the junk yard for a tail gate, and a rear "fender" (there was none of it). There's so much junk that it's hard to find what you want -- and harder still to remove it.

     Had to work that night -- but after a couple hours sleep in the morning, I worked on it until dark. Had the welder working on it almost all afternoon, and again this morning.

     Have been bothering, considerably, all the mechanics, but they never hesitate to stop their work to help me or show me what to do. Naturally there are and must be certain restrictions for the drivers -- but I've had use of all tools and equipment including the wrecker.

     About a week ago, I had an opportunity to go to Japan as a truck driver.

     Now that there is no longer any censorship, is there anything you'd like to know? -- I'll try to answer.

Much love,

Franklin

WW2 Chapter 85 - A Letter to Dave (and Philippine Currency)

Photo of an LCT

9/16/45

Dear Snodgrass,

     One night I was hauling supplies aboard an LCT [landing craft for tanks] -- drove right onto the ship. As you probably know, it has a "front door" -- and can come within a certain distance of shore. Then a bulldozer builds a sand "road" out to it. At the time, however, it was high tide, and the road was under about a foot of water. Almost needed a compass to get to the ship.


An Issue of Post Yarns Magazine (~1945)

      Don't remember if I thanked you for the "Post Yarns" -- never saw anything like it before. Also thanks for the very nice card.

     In your letter of August 29th, I was most interested in your method of capturing worms [for fishing].

     I'm glad that so many of your bantams are pullets. Cocky sounds like quite an excellent bird.

     Another time I pulled a trailer behind my truck. It was almost as bad as driving a semi. It weighed some 5 tons, and was about the length of a Ford.

Enclosed Currency

Reverse Side

     Have enclosed two bills -- one is a Philippine peso -- equivalent to 50 cents in American money. Notice that the back side is orange -- each denomination is of a different color. The other is Dutch -- equivalent to approximately 53 cents. The backs of these bills have different colors too -- and they are also different in size and print. I have some of these bills but it's best not to send them thru the mail.

Enclosed Truck Pictures

      Also enclosed is a picture of the type of truck I drive. Mine is the same as the one on top -- except that it's a closed cab like that at the bottom.

Much love,

Watty

WW2 Chapter 86 - A Letter to Dave (October 23, 1945)

Letter of October 23 with Newspaper Sketch

10/23/45

Dear Snodgrass,

     Received your very nice letter of October 3rd. We'll certainly have to have more races with those tractors. Was most interested in the elaborate system you devised for starting your tractor from the opposite side of the room.

     Finally managed to get another crystal for my watch; thru a "buddy who knew someone else" channel. It's amazing how that watch has continued to keep excellent time even after soaking in foxholes, swamps, rice paddies, and all -- and also with a broken crystal. Incidentally, that crystal was made from the "glass" of a wrecked plane.

     Received a letter, a couple days ago, dated last May 2nd. But then that was quite rapid -- one of the men received a valentine, and another a V-mail dated Sept. 19th 1944.

     The M.P.'s [military police] here are quite strict in regard to speeding. However, when traveling in convoy, they can't do much about it. Not long ago, an M.P. tried to cut in front of and stop one of the trucks -- but the trucks closed up and wouldn't let him in.

     Have been getting some mighty fine pictures of you, Dave; -- with your vaulting pole, Mother's pullet, and Cocky. You always have such a smile on your face, that I can almost hear you laughing.

     The enclosed sketch shows "me" with "my" truck at the docks. At the stern of the ship are the large cranes -- which explains why sideboards are so often bent, broken, and smashed. That's the same type of ship which I traveled about the Pacific in.

Much love,

Franklin

WW2 Chapter 87 - Waiting to be Sent Home

Letter of November 12

 11/12/45

Dear Dad,

     Received yesterday your letter of Oct. 30th.

     We have at the motor pool three to five Briggs & Stratton motors -- which are used to operate the paint gun, tire pump, grease gun, and a couple other things. For some reason they give considerable trouble. Maybe it's the climate. Recently, the mechanic put another body on a jeep -- the old one had rusted thru in many places, and was beyond repair. Even the frame had to be "patched".

     And considerable canned rations had to be destroyed because the cans had rusted thru -- even though they are packed in tar-cardboard and wooden boxes. Knowing the "life" of metal in the states, what happens to it here is unbelievable.

     You asked me what the men did at the Replacement Depot while awaiting ships. It takes two days to be "processed" -- otherwise they do absolutely nothing (but then with slight exceptions, that's how it is everywhere -- thousands and thousands of men helping thousands and thousands of more men do absolutely nothing). The 28th here in Tacloban is the shipping center for Leyte and all southern islands. Its capacity is around 15,000. Men have been waiting there -- doing nothing -- since as long ago as September 22nd; and some of those had over 85 points last May. It's amazing how the biggest navy in the world has suddenly disappeared.
~~~~~
Much love,

Franklin

WW2 Chapter 88 - An Ice Cream Machine (and Frustrated Troops)

11/27/45

Dear Mother,

     We now have an ice cream machine in the company. A couple of the mechanics designed and made it. The ice container is an old 50 gallon oil drum, so you can get some idea as to its size. It's run by a small Briggs & Stratton engine the size of our small power mower. There's no substitute for fresh milk, so naturally the ice cream tastes very poor-- but it looks like ice cream, and feels like ice cream, and it's cold -- and that's something.

     I've heard about many strange things in the army, but recently an incident occurred which about surpassed them all. At 3:00 AM we were to rush 30 trucks to a Philippine Army battalion stationed below Dulag. In addition, there were four more to haul ammunition. I thought that the Japs were raising hell around Ormoc again, and they were to set up a perimeter; -- but it turned out that the air force (they're in a separate depot) were about to start a riot because they weren't getting home. The Philippine army was to have gone in with weapons to stop it. However, a couple ships were "suddenly" located.

     The enclosed article is rather interesting [about the abundance of ships but lack of troops being sent home]. At the time it was written, the information was all true -- however, its author was court-martialed and given six months hard labor, with 2/3 of his pay taken. Many copies were sent to "high" authorities in the states, so there ought to be an investigation of some sort.

     Am driving a bus, now -- my same truck with bows and tarp over the back. It's better organized now, with a "bus terminal" at Base K, a checker, different routes and time schedules, destination signs, and bus stops -- the same idea as in the states.

     Thank you for sending a birthday gift to Nan [a friend of Nancy] -- and the pictures of it to me. You certainly wrapped it most elaborately.

Much love,

Franklin

WW2 Chapter 89 - A Radio (and Promotion to Corporal)



Return address noting new rank of Corporal
(otherwise not mentioned)

12/19/44

Dear Dad,

     A couple days ago, one of the men and myself purchased a radio for 50 pesos. It's a five tube set, and when we got it, it was in rather poor condition -- but we put in a new tube, adjusted the coils and condensers, and tinkered with a few other "odds and ends". Then yesterday morning I took my truck and found some copper wire. It was in a dump and fortunately the insulation had been burned off. Happened to notice some insulators on a tree and by climbing on the sideboards of my truck, I was able to reach them. I got a Jap prisoner to climb a couple coconut trees -- so we now have an excellent aerial.

     Although the company radio is an "expressive" set, it only receives Leyte stations -- ours receives in addition Manila and Cebu, and late at night a couple more which I haven't yet identified. Last evening, I repaired and lacquered the case so it now almost looks like new.

     We had a very mild earthquake, the other day. Almost 4:00 AM one morning last June, we had one which bounced my cot around like a rubber ball.

     Since being in a truck company, I've tried to collect a set of my own tools. Now I have a rather complete and valuable set.
~~~~~
Much love,

Franklin

Enclosed is a $75 money order.

WW2 Chapter 90 - Franklin's Dog

  
12/28/45

Dear Dave,

     The Filipino boys have a game which is just like your marble "contests" -- only they use centavo pieces -- a copper coin which is a size between that of a nickel and quarter.

Blackie and Pete

     You must be getting quite gigantic -- "probably" even taller than Pete. I have a dog over here, too -- a red Irish setter. He looks just about like Black, with the exception of being considerably larger. He's the only pure-bred dog I've seen on the island -- and the only large dog of any variety. Naturally because of this he produces considerable comment from everyone that sees him -- especially when he's riding in the cab of my truck -- he sits up so straight and proud, and never misses a thing. At night, he sleeps by my cot -- and in the morning, pushes his nose under my mosquito net. He's so very much like Black in every way that often times when I look down, I almost expect it to be Black. He even presses the side of his head against your hand.


Photo of an Irish Setter

     I'm glad that your Bantams have begun to produce again. And I certainly enjoyed your U.P.N. -- including the comic strip "Kingy". Thanks very much, Snodgrass.

Much love,

Watty

Enclosed Coins

     Enclosed are two coins -- 10 centavos, and 1/10 guilder (Netherlands East Indies) -- worth 5, and 5 and a fraction cents, respectively.


Although Franklin's letters do not provide a lot of information, his dog may have originally been from the Army’s “K-9 Corps.” Under this program, private citizens donated certain pure-bred dogs to the military where they received special training before being sent overseas to join troops in combat. The dogs were found to be particularly effective in the dense jungles of the Pacific and also boosted the morale of the men (and may have also helped Franklin recover from some of his combat experiences).

Due to an Irish Setter’s favorable temperament, loyalty, and ability to swim, Franklin’s dog may have previously been used as either a sentry or a messenger dog. A sentry dog was used at night and on patrol and could reportedly detect an ambush or approaching Japanese soldiers up to 1,000 yards away. A messenger dog was used for sending messages quickly and silently between two handlers. After the war, the dogs were reportedly returned to their civilian owners.

WW2 Chapter 91 - A Christmas Dinner



Letter of January 6, 1946

1/6/46

Dear Mother,

     The sun came out today! -- thought I'd never get my clothes dry. Lately, I've been having the Japanese do my washing -- we get a certain number six days a week to work in the company area.

     Understand that investigations are being conducted in regard to the food being served in Philippine mess halls -- hope that something comes of it. It seems that by now we should be able to get such things as apples and oranges just once in a while. We had fairly good chow on Xmas -- a very small piece of turkey, dressing, dehydrated potatoes, beans, peas, bread and fresh butter, ice tea, ice cream -- and even a piece of pumpkin pie!

The hydrox were excellent -- thank you very much.

Funny thing about that dog of mine. He won't touch candy, -- but he loves ice cream and ice water.

There has been much ado about Patterson's statement -- that he was ignorant of the fact that point scores [for going home] in the Pacific were effective only to V-J day. But then how could the Secretary of War be expected to be familiar with such things?

We've been having movies three and four times a week. Usually there is a newsreel of some five or six months ago in addition.

Love,

Franklin

A Christmas photo from back home

WW2 Chapter 92 - Bamboo Trees (and Shoestring Ridge)

Letter of January 22

1/22/46

Dear Mother, 

Finished work yesterday, then threw all my things together, loaded it and me onto a 2 1/2 ton vehicle, and moved to another area. Living in tents is quite a luxury for us -- much different from those mud-lined foxholes with fresh running rain.

     Don't think I've ever mentioned much about the bamboo tree; -- it has many uses. There is a great abundance of it -- and it grows only in thickets which are almost impossible to penetrate. (The Japanese, unfortunately, have a favorite habit of emplacing themselves in these terrible thickets. Perhaps you remember reading about Shoe-String Hill -- where the Japs gave us such hell; -- only we called it Bamboo Ridge. [see Chapter 49]

The bamboo pole is made up of water-tight compartments -- each between one and two feet in length. By breaking open all but the last compartment, the natives -- with a pole ten feet long, or so -- have a means of carrying their water. The poles are very light and strong -- and it makes an excellent mast for the sailboats. Then it's used for making beds, floors, cups, the frame for a "house" -- and it can be split open and used like boards. Almost forgot -- its most popular use in the states -- the fishing pole.

Much love,

Franklin

WW2 Chapter 93 - Franklin's Last Letter (January 27, 1946)

Letter of January 27

 1/27/46

Dear Mother & Dad,

     Have recently -- off and on -- been trying to make a large outboard engine operate as it's supposed to. Though it had only fallen into the ocean, it seems to be requiring considerable work.

     Some weeks ago, 3449 was deactivated and we were transferred to 3742. Actually, we've been assigned to that organization for the past couple months. At first -- due to lack of space -- we were set up in two large huts down and across the road from the company area. It was situated on the shore -- at high tide, my cot was only "inches" from the water.

     3742 was formerly a trailer outfit -- but we brought 30 of our 6x6's with us -- mine included. Then the mechanics built their own motor pool -- so you see, we're quite independent. As for our motor pool -- though we have no tire shop or parts department -- it's superior to 3742 in every way: -- no mud, better tools and equipment, elevated grease rack, and better mechanics.

     Don't write any more -- expect to be shipping to the states before long.

     On several occasions, I've driven the trailers. They're certainly tremendous, and I like them -- but not on this island.

     Just had a most unusual type of cold. It lasted 1 1/2 days -- and consisted only of constant sneezing and "blowing".

     Since moving, we've been working on the docks -- two shifts -- each nine hours.

Love,

Franklin

WW2 Chapter 94 - Return Home (and a Box of Candy)



Cover of candy box, hanging in cottage on Lake Quassapaug

On February 26, after two years and seven months of service, Franklin arrived back in San Francisco. Because it was his mother's birthday, he bought a wooden box of candy before flying home to Connecticut. On the back of the cover, she would write, "This picture is the cover of a box of candy that Franklin Jr. gave me for my birthday the day after he returned from overseas on Feb. 26, 1946."



Japanese machete

Along with the box of candy, he apparently also brought home a Japanese machete.

WW2 Chapter 95 - Franklin's Seventh Division Patches




Discharge Form (click to enlarge)

After returning home to Connecticut, Franklin reportedly burned his army uniform and rarely talked about any of his experiences again. Although he was awarded a Victory Medal, a Good Conduct Medal, an Asiatic Pacific Theater Campaign Ribbon, and a Philippine Liberation Ribbon with two Bronze Service Stars, he apparently disposed of those items as well.



Dress Uniform Patches and Infantrymen Pin

However, perhaps in honor of the men that he fought with, he kept his 7th Division patches and his Combat Infantrymen Pin.

WW2 Chapter 96 - The End

With Dave at Lake Elise



Lake Quassapaug, Summer of 1900

This is another print form glass plate taken on Lake Quassapaug.  View of shore line with boat house and engine house in background.  The boat house was built in July of 1900, which probably dates the negative to the summer of 1900.  Pictured are two women unidentified and sitting in/on the two boats.  Middle distance is an unidentified man at the tiller of a sail boat with raised sail.  Of the five boys pictured, all in bathing suits, the first is probably HHB who is holding the prow of the first boat (age 12?).  In back of him is probably CWB (age 10?) standing on the dock, in the middle distance is probably SRB (age 15?).  Of the other two boys, the one wearing a life jacket is BHB11, probably age 3, other boy age 4??  This is the best guess of my Uncle Howard (Howp) who documented all the wonderful pictures!  God Bless Him!!

Bristol Company Outing, Circa 1930

Can you identify the Bristols in this photo?  And where do you think the picture was taken?

Squirrel Lodge, Lake Quassapaug

 

 

The 3 pictures above are in response to Kate Wick's finding in her collection the glass plates for at least one of these. My pictures were left to me by my Uncle Howp and have descriptions on back of each as follows:
1.  WHB's electric launcher print from glass negative.
2.  WHB/HHB Lake Quassapaug property: 2 unidentified women sitting on porch, Rev. Richardson, holding fishing rod dangling fish in rt. hand, rod in left hand, Steven's Prof. of mechanical drawing, Franklin De R. Furman who designed sign "Squirrel Lodge." Print from glass negative.
3.  WHB/HHB "Squirrel Lodge" before sign was affixed.  People unidentified. Print from glass negative.

Papa's Racing Car from 1914 - Photo Contest!!

This is one of my favorite pictures of Papa. The photo is identified as "Franklin B. Bristol, Jr." and is dated October 31, 1914 when he was 13 years old. The photo was probably taken by one of his brothers. I am offering a framed 5x7 inch copy of this photo to the first person to guess where he got his wheels!

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

I am pleased to announce that Gin Allen was the first person to correctly guess that Papa got his wheels from his baby pram! Back in October 2013, I had posted a photo of him in his stroller from August 1901 when he was 5 months old. Papa was the youngest in the family and therefore he may have been the last one to use it for its intended purpose. Although there were some really good guesses from others, score one for Gin and the younger generation!

Franklin E. Bristol

In reference to Bob's comment asking about my Father's medals and type of plane he flew during WW11, I Have added the above two pictures.  My Father's obituary tells about his air medals and the picture below shows my Father pointing to the Memphis Bell which was on display at an Elmira New York air show several years before he passed.  We took him there to see it.  This is a B24 like the ones he flew during the war.