WW2 Appendix - Additional Photographs (Post 4 of 6)

Photo #22:  Back home on leave after completing his four months of basic training, 

February 1944 (see Chapter 17).

Photo #23:  With his mother during leave, February 1944

Photo #24:  With his sister, February 1944.

Photo 25:  Packing chicken eggs with Dave, February 1944.

Photo #26:  Making a paper airplane(?) from instructions in a magazine.

Photo #27:  Easter flowers sent by Franklin, April 1944.

Photo #28:  "Shake hands, Pete!" May 1944.

Photo #29:  Franklin's father mowing the lawn, May 1944.

Photo #30:  Dave mowing the lawn, May 1944.

Photo #31:  "Thank you for these beautiful flowers. You were a very dear 

son to remember me." Mother's Day, May 1944.

Photo #32:  Nancy at her high school graduation, June 1944 (see Chapter 22).

WW2 Appendix - Additional Photographs (Post 5 of 6)

Photo #33:  Dave writing a letter to Franklin, June 15, 1944.

Photo #34:  Back side of Photo, June 15, 1944.

Photo #35:  "Making ice-cream on a hot Sunday morning."

Photo #36:  Dave wearing Hawaiian shirt and military hat sent by Franklin.

Photo #37:  "Ten years old today"  August 10, 1944.

Photo #38:  "New row, half beans-carrots." During the war, the government encouraged "victory gardens" and chickens to reduce food shortages.

Photo #39:  Sunflowers, September 1944.

Photo #40:  Dave reading.

Photo #41:  Lake Quassapaug, September 1944 (see Chapter 27).

Chapter #42:  "Nancy, off to college, at 6:30 in the morning" September 19, 1944 (see Chapter 22). The 'service flag' indicated that a family member was serving in the war (usually displayed in a window).

Photo #43:  "David wants to show you that he is taller than Pete!" (see Chapter 25).

Photo #44:  On the way home from visiting Franklin's mother's family in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.

WW2 Appendix - Additional Photographs (Post 6 of 6)

Photo #45:  Franklin's mother feeding the chickens.

Photo #46:  Franklin's mother in their Dodge truck.

Photo #47:  Dave with Pete at the lake.

Photo #48:  Dave's chalkboard drawing of the war.

Photo #49:  Nancy at home on South Street.

Photo 50:  "Will your Snodgrass ever learn to keep his hair combed!" (see Chapter 86).

Photo #51:  Dave (kneeling) and friends flying a home-made kite. The kite is marked with a number 4, similar to Franklin's sailboat.

Photo #52:  Dave at home with Pete and Blackie (see Chapter 90).

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