Descendants Corner

The final entries from one of your own 390th soldier's reflections...The first installation was in your last Square J....This soldier requested to remain anonymous....

   England, August 31, 1943....."This rhyme which I found in a London paper comes very near to explaining our loneliness away from home. ....'The night is calm and stars are bright, The moon still looks down in peace tonight (I hope so), But upon two beings distantly apart, Upon one lonely, aching heart.     The path, once filled with friendly light, Seems to be haunted with moods tonight, For there walks a spirit that is lonely, Keeping company with memories only.',"

  February 5, 1944 "Your mail comes in as regular as the days and it makes me very happy. They really mean everything to me. It is like blood for life!"

  May 13, 1944 "Tell my Dad to watch in the Cleveland Plain Dealer for another write-up on "yours truly". It's something that is outstanding...at least it was then; but it's just another job as far as we are concerned."

  June 10, 1944 "I have been happier but don't remember when. We heard about the starting of the invasion over "Kelly"  -  a Nazi radio station in France and a few hours later, Eisenhower came over the BBC. I feel fine and am keeping myself fit for D-Day."

  August 2, 1944 "I am now a Bond holder in what they call a Victory Sqdn. We are having a bond drive for such a Sqdn. The Special Services auction gum, candy, wine, and whiskey and cigarette lighters. I got the lighter for $75 in Bonds and the wine for $425. In all I took a $1000 Bond."

   January 25, 1945

"When the heavenly dew whips through the trees,

And you work in mud up to your knees.

When the sun won't shine and the rain falls free

And the fogs so thick you can hardly see...

THAT'S ENGLAND!

When you live on brussel sprouts and spam,

And powdered eggs that aren't worth a d _ _ _.

In town all you get is fish and spuds,

And drown the taste with a mug of suds...

THAT'S ENGLAND!!

You hold your nose as you gulp it down,

And when it hits your stomach you really frown,

For it burns your tongue and your throat feels queer,

It's rightly named bitters - it sure isn't beer!

THAT'S ENGLAND!

This isle isn't worth saving - I don't think,

Cut loose the balloons and let her sink.

I'm not complaining but I'll have you know

Life's tougher than H______ in the ETO! "

  May 20, 1945......"Everyone is more or less worked up on the idea about the next move which we all hope is to the good old U.S.A."

  August 10, 1945.... WELCOME TO THE UNITED STATES... BOSTON PORT OF EMBARKATION    CAMP MYLES STANDISH.

To the Men Returned from Overseas:

On behalf of the Boston Port of Embarkation, I congratulate you upon your brilliant achievements and welcome you back home. Your country is proud of the part you played in the war effort and extremely grateful to you.  I hope your stay at this port will be pleasant. Every effort will be made to make it as brief as possible.

James C. Marshall, Brigadier General

Greetings....As Camp Commander of Camp Myles Standish, I am happy to welcome you to your home - the United States of America. You have risked your life to save your home...You deserve everything your grateful Government and its citizens can do for you.   Your stay here will be brief and I hope pleasant. There will be a minimum of "red tape", a lot of good American food,  and some entertainment.    You can help by close contact with your group leaders who will know "the score", what time you leave, etc.   You have shown yourself to be a real soldier. Be a soldier, proud of the uniform you wear while on furlough.  May your stay at home be filled with joy and good fortune follow you always. 

E. C. Rexroad, Colonel- Commander 

How fortunate that these compilations from an American soldier who knew and understood the importance of duty to country were saved ...treasured is a better word...by this man's family! We shall honor the wish that he remain anonymous...

and we wish to thank Ms. Kris Kozik and Mr. Bill Caruso whose articles and pictures will be featured in the upcoming Square J's.

History is an incredibly important part of our American life. We relish and treasure each historical fact or story that we can glean from letters, diaries, papers, artifacts, written memoirs. It is so vital to the preservation of the museum to read how the war touched our hearts...our lives...our souls!   It allows us to connect...to communicate with the past and our loved ones! Please continue to send your stories and remembrances....and we will continue to print them.....and be grateful! 

Marcia Balmut Ward