Pvt. E. Cowley 42025054
Hgts.Co. 1st Bn.
301st Inf. A.P.O. 94
c/o Postmaster
N.Y. City N.Y.
The Cowleys
35 Woodside Ave.
Buffalo 20 N.Y.
First Letter from Overseas
August 14, 1944
England
Dear Mom, Dad & Peggy
Well, I guess I finally made the big jump. Haven’t been able to write for the last couple weeks but I think the army let you know I arrived safely. We had a nice trip across but they only fed us twice a day. Of course I made out all right & didn’t lose any weight.
It’s a lot cooler over here & we’re breathing thru both lungs now, what a change. I’m located in a fairly nice camp & have a big goldfish pond right in front of our barracks which I thing is something quite unusual.
Believe I’m the first Cowley in a long time to see Ireland, only saw the shore line though so I really didn’t see too much. However I did see quite a little bit of Scotland including Glasgow & most of the big cities. Its quite different from the states. The houses are all stone & very neat. The roads are all very narrow & everything in general seems to be in miniature. Even my bed is too small for me.
The people over here are all very conscious of the war & “thumbs up” v for victory & all that is right in style.
Whenever you look up in the sky you can see planes or formations going & coming from France.
That sure was a swell break I had seeing you before I left. Guess I was pretty lucky to leave from where I did. I feel fine right now & will probably be feeling a lot better soon. Have to get back to work now so I’ll have to close. Take good care of yourselves & keep my bedroom good & clean.
Love to all,
Eddie
Letter # 75
Pvt. E. Cowley 42025054
1st Bn. Hgts Co 301st Inf.
A.P.O. 94 c/o Postmaster
N.Y. City N.Y.
The Cowleys
35 Woodside Ave.
Buffalo 20 N.Y.
War & Navy Departments
V-Mail Services
Official Business
Postmarked September 1, 1944
Dear Mom,
Don’t know how this v-mail works but I’m going to try it out anyhow. Walked into town last night and it was “quite a decent” walk as the English would say. The Pubs are the only places open & we had a few “bitters” or beer. They serve a big glass for 1 shilling & its warm. Dad would never get along over here without the Ballantines. The English towns & houses are more like something you see in books & read about but So. Buffalo is still the best there is. Haven’t received any mail as yet but should be getting some soon. Would you give my new address to Rhoda, Aunt Peg & the family when you see them. The Catholic chaplin said mass for us last night & he says he’l be around 3 times a week so you don’t have to worry about my religion. Well, out of paper so I shall say so long & love to all.
Eddie
P.S. Write either v mail or air mail
Letter # 78
Pvt. E. Cowley 42025054
1st Bn. Hgts Co 301st Inf.
A.P.O. 94 c/o Postmaster
N.Y., N.Y.
The Cowleys
35 Woodside Ave.
Buffalo 20 N.Y.
War & Navy Departments
V-Mail Services
Official Business
Postmarked September 4, 1944
Dear folks,
Received another letter from you today & was very glad to hear that Jimmy Donovan is still alive. Also I notice that you still didn’t know where I am. Well, the war news looks pretty good at the present & I suppose everyone is quite excited about the capture of Paris but I’m not getting excited till we take Berlin. Its good to hear the weather has cooled, now maybe that Polio will go away. Played a game of football today, the first since I got hurt, & I’m stiff all over. Well have plenty to tell you when I get home so be sure & put away a couple bottles of Ballantines. I hope everyone is feeling well.
Love to all,
Eddie
-------------------------------
From The 1944 Hit Parade:
I Couldn't Sleep A Wink Last Night, Frank Sinatra
In Germany in April of 1945, Edward Paul Cowley, Thomas Manthey and a company of soldiers of the 94th Infantry Division came upon a camp filled with suffering and dying prisoners, they stayed for a few hours and then were told to move on as medical help was arriving shortly. They came home from the war and rebuilt their lives as citizens. They silently suffered, each in their own way, with the memories of the horrors they had witnessed. They never looked for recognition as liberators.
These humble soldiers seemed unaware that it was their toil and progress that had freed the victims from their captures. During the war my father wrote home to his family as often as possible.These humble soldiers seemed unaware that it was their toil and progress that had freed the victims from their captures. During the war my father wrote home to his family as often as possible. My grandmother, Catherine Cowley cherished every letter, carefully cataloged them and held them in safekeeping. In one letter dated April 29th, 1945, my father wrote that he had witnessed the atrocities.
This letter started our pursuit of Liberator Status for the 94th Infantry Division. The National Holocaust Museum and the Center of Military History have recognized 35 U.S. Army divisions for their heroism, gallantry, and help in liberating prisoners from brutal Nazi rule. Each year, the names and flags of these units are presented in a moving tribute at the U.S. Capitol Rotunda for the Days of Remembrance ceremony. The Division flag of each Unit is also displayed in rotation at The National Holocaust Museum. Thanks to the efforts of Sen. Edward Kennedy and his fine staff we were able to collect the required documents and submitted a formal request for Liberator Status in Nov. 2007. Sadly the application was erroneously denied, as the camp liberated wasn't an "extermination camp".
Since then Senators Kennedy and Kerry continued to seek Liberator Status for the 94th Infantry Division. Craig Crawford and Don Imus assisted in bringing national attention to this cause. Senator Kennedy was working on this until the week of his death. Sec. of the Army, Pete Geren was assisting the Senators. Unfortunately since Sen. Kennedy's death a new Sec. of the Army has been appointed and the request has fallen through the cracks. Time is precious for the Veterans of WWII- Over 1000 Vets die each day. President Obama could easily put history to rights by signing an Executive Order to grant the 94th Liberator Status.
Please honor these brave soldiers who sacrificed for our Country and the untold victims and their families of the Holocaust by signing the petition to President Obama to issue an Executive Order. Then tell your friends to sign as well.
On D-Day June 6, 1944, these were the songs that hit the charts on BBC Radio out of London
These were the songs on the BBC hit record chart on the 6 June 1944 and would have been heard by Eddie Cowley with the broadcast of the invastion in the news.
1 Berlin Or Bust — Sam Browne and the Six Swingers
2 The Last Post
3 Roll Me Over — Primo Scala
4 On The Sunny Side Of The Street — Tommy Dorsey
5 Milkman Keep Those Bottles Quiet — The Squadronaires featuring Beryl Davies
6 McNamara’s Band —Geraldo and his Orchestra with Johnny Green
7 Command Patrol - RAF Dance Orchestra
8 Bless You — The Inkspots
9 Opus One — Tommy Dorsey and his Orchestra
10 In The Mood - Glenn Miller
11 The Trolley Song — Judy Garland
12 I’ll Walk Alone — Ambrose and his Orchestra
13 The Dreamer — Henry Hall and his Orchestra with Eva Bynon
14 Is You Is Or Is You Ain’t My Baby — Skyrockets Dance Orchestra with Denny Dennis
15 There Goes That Song Again — Adelaide Hall
16 Till The End Of Time — Perry Como
17 The Grand Old Man — Max Miller
18 It Might As Well Be Spring — Dick Haymes
19 That Lovely Weekend — Geraldo and his Orchestra
20 Don’t Fence Me In — Bing Crosby with the Andrews Sisters
21 Mairzy Doats and Dozy Doats — Lou Praeger and his Orchestra with Paul Rich
22 There’ll Always Be An England — Sam Browne
23 They're Either Too Young Or Too Old - Carroll Gibbons
24 The Vic'Try Polka - Joe Loss and His Orchestra
25 Lilli Marlene - Marlene Dietrich
26 White Cliffs Of Dover - Vera Lynn
Letter # 61
Pvt. E. Cowley 42025054
Hgts.Co. 1st Bn. 301st Inf.
A.P.O. 94
Camp McCain Miss.
The Cowleys
35 Woodside Ave.
Buffalo, N.Y.
Zone 20
Predicted “D” Day
Monday, June 5, 1944
Dear Mom,
I’m sorry I’ve neglected my writing lately but they’re really keeping us busy down here. Today we put on a real show. Our battalion attacked a fortified German position. I had a swell view of the whole thing from our gun implacement on the top of a hill. We fired everything the Infantry has. The tanks with their 75’s were on line with us & the 105 & 153’s from the artillery layed down a terrific barrage. It was quite a sight to see all the weapons in action. The mortars threw down a smoke screen & the Infantry moved right up a hundred yds behind the heavy fire. They used machine guns, flame throwers, demolition squads, bazookas & of course our anti-tanks guns were there too. Incidentally I fired live stuff for the 1st time.
Last weekend I went into Greenwood & had a pretty good time. Am planning on going to New Orleans week after next. Have applied for a 2 day pass & would really like to see what New Orleans looks like while the opportunity is here.
For the last couple weeks I’ve been thinking that the invasion would start June 6th (tomorrow) Looks like I was wrong. I’ve taken out an a 25$ bond to be sent home every month as soon as I start overseas. Went in swimming in the Greenwood pool Sat & enjoyed in quite a bit. Am surprised to hear the kids are going in so early out at the lake. Well, its lights out so I’ll say so long for awhile.
Love to all,
Eddie
Letter # 62
Pvt. E. Cowley 42025054
Hgts.Co. 1st Bn. 301st Inf.
A.P.O. 94
Camp McCain Miss.
The Cowleys
35 Woodside Ave.
Buffalo, N.Y.
Zone 20
More about D Day
“D” day, June 6, 1944
Dear Mother,
Well the big push is on at last. Bet Dad has had his ears glued to the radio & that globe of his. Maybe pretty soon we’ll be able to throw that globe out the window & think of home & just home. It must be quite a show they’re putting on over there. I’m damn glad my name isn’t “Fritz” & that’s no kidding. It’s the end of huns for generations to come. Kinda wish I was over there with those “guys”, but imagine you’re darn glad I’m where I am. Don’t know what I’ll tell my kids when they ask me where I was on “D” day.
You know I knew when this was going to happen. I was taking a 25 mile march one night last week when all of a sudden something told me the invasion would be on Tuesday & I told the fellas that when we woke up Tues. morning the radio would be announcing the invasion & sure enough the radio woke me up with the invasion cry. Think I mentioned it to you in the letter I wrote Monday.
Well, just thought I’d drop you a short note and I want to remind you to keep praying for those G.I.’s that are going in the hard way. Good nite folks!
Love to all,
Eddie
Letter # 63
Pvt. E. Cowley 42025054
Hgts.Co. 1st Bn. 301st Inf.
A.P.O. 94
Camp McCain Miss.
The Cowleys
35 Woodside Ave.
Buffalo, N.Y.
Zone 20
June 17, 1944
Dear Mom,
Just got in from the field yesterday and have been cleaning equipment until now. Have just been put on detail so I’ll have to leave --- Continued on June 19th.
Well, I suppose I just got in again, spent the weekend in Greenwood. Celebrated Fathers day by sleeping in the Greenwood Fire house, which incidentally is air conditioned and very modern. Just before I went to town I had some salt tablet with my dinner & felt pretty sick so I went right to the firehouse as there wasn’t any rooms left in town. The fireman were a good bunch of guys & gave me a swell bed & I’m feeling fine now. Told them Dad was a Fire Captain up in Buffalo & I think that helped me get the bed. They didn’t have a ping pong table however so I didn’t stay.
Received a nice identification bracelet from Bettee, but as usual I haven’t sent her anything as yet but am trying to keep it in my brain to get something. Guess I owe everybody a present, a letter or some other thing. Well, it looks like I’m not going to get that furlough I thought I might get. We’re getting ready to go to our staging area & turning all our equipment in for new stuff. Don’t think we’l see much action, if any. I’ve been taking every pass I could get but haven’t been able to get into New Orleans. We should be leaving this lousy South soon anyhow. Very few places are worse than Miss. so we can’t lose much. I’ll try & put a call in one of these nights so I can say hello to everyone.
I’ve been expending my artistic talents painting nick names & range charts on our 57’s lately. My gun is “One-Time-Only” a popular G.I. expression in the South.
Could you find out Bob Humphries address for me. I haven’t heard from him in over a years so I thought I might write. Ask Roy Woodmans mother for Roy’s address also (You can call her up if you want to). I’d like to hear from them at least once a year. Heard Bob was in action in the So. Pacific. Seems funny to be writing that about a guy who used to sing to me out at the lake. The kids are certainly growing up fast, aren’t they.
Bob Schultz was commissioned recently, guess that makes all the Dragons in service officers or non coms but me & to think I wanted to go to West Point.
How’s my little buddy Jimmy Piehardt doing nowadays?
Tell Rhoda (Hotlips) to drop me a little more of her line if you happen to see her.
I feel pretty good now, except that all the insults in Miss. have bitten me twice.
I’m afraid your hopes of getting me back to school in Sept. won’t be possible. I’d say I’ll be back at State in 46’ Once we get overseas & the war ends we may be delayed a year or two in getting back, but we won’t be if I can help it. Anyhow Peggy & I can go up to school together. This is the most I’ve written in a long time but I think we’l have more time to write from now on. Well, stay healthy all of you & don’t worry about Eddie Jr.
Love to my family,
Eddie
Letter # 64
Pvt. E. Cowley 42025054
Hgts.Co. 1st Bn. 301st Inf.
A.P.O. 94
Camp McCain Miss.
The Cowleys
35 Woodside Ave.
Buffalo, N.Y.
Zone 20
Thursday, June 22, 1944
Dear Mom,
I’m on latrine orderly today so will have time to write letters, I hope. Very pleased to hear Dad enjoyed his holiday and wish I could have been home to help him drink his Ballantines.
Haven’t got much news this time as we aren’t doing anything but packing & having inspections. The war news looks pretty good right now & if our luck keeps up the war might be over in a year. Don’t know what they’re going to do with us over there but there must be some place that needs to be guarded. I’ve suggested Buffalo but don’t think the army will agree.
Don’t think I’ll be able to make New Orleans as passes are few & far between. Harry Matlimore is home on furlough until the 28th & I asked him to stop over at the house & pick up his pictures. Guess he is going to start his training in July.
We’re having corn on the cob for dinner tonight. One ear apiece will just about kill me though.
Are they swimming out at Hamburg this year? What are you going to do on Dad’s vacation. It should be coming up pretty soon or is he still confusing “Doc” Hartnett by talking about it in complicated mathematical formulas.
Well, chow time is dangerously close so I’ll sign off for awhile.
Love to all,
P.S. Hope Peggy has a good time out at the lake & I’m afraid she’d have a hard time putting George in a garbage can.
Letter # 65
Pvt. E. Cowley 42025054
Hgts.Co. 1st Bn. 301st Inf.
A.P.O. 94
Camp McCain Miss.
The Cowleys
35 Woodside Ave.
Buffalo, N.Y.
Zone 20
Postmarked, June 26, 1944
Saturday,
Dear Mom,
Well, another week has passed and I’m expecting to down to Greenwood tonight & tomorrow. Almost got a pass yesterday but we drew cards, just two of us & I lost. Can’t seem to have any luck on those passes.
Went into Greenwood Grenada last night & sent some things home by Railway Express. It doesn’t mean I’ve gone over or anything. It’s just that the captain made us get rid of all those things so we won’t be bothered with them when we do so don’t worry. You can give the field jacket & the pants to George if Dad doesn’t want them. The shoes should fit Dad as they’re 8 ½ D’s That’s his size isn’t it. Have plenty of underwear tops so you can put those back in my drawer along with my Dragon robe. Don’t think I would ever have used all that arid. Peggy can have my expert Infantry badge but tell her to take care of it as they’re hard to get. Also the hats. That blue braid should be put on the one with red.
Thought Dad might want to look over those manuals, Betty’s picture, the class letter etc. Guess that covers most of the stuff so you know what to do with it all.
Haven’t been doing much of anything lately, not even much K.P. I feel fine & am getting pretty tan but we never take our shirts off so don’t get tan like I used to. Am thinking of calling home maybe next week if its all right by you. Let me know a couple nights which would be allright & I’ll try to get a call thru. Have to go to work for awhile. So long
Love to all,
Eddie
-----------------------------------
Opus One Tommy Dorsey
The Cowleys
35 Woodside Ave.
Buffalo, N.Y.
Zone 20
Postmarked April 23, 1944
Thursday
Dear Mom,
Well I’ve got some good news at last. I’m going on furlough with the next bunch to pull out. Am afraid I’ll be needing some money as I might not get paid before I leave. Could you send me 40$ from my bank account as soon as possible. (is that good news?) Perhaps you had better wire it. Don’t know how I can work my finances as I was counting on using my pay for train fare & spending my bank money. Well all that can be arranged later I guess. All I have to do now is sweat this thing out for another week or two.
Received the newspaper today & think its swell. Certainly would like to have you send it every week. By the way I wish you’d congratulate Mr. Brady on Chucks commission. Think its great. Sorry to hear Joe Rooney was wounded. Hope it isn’t too serious.
Have been pretty busy this week with 2 K.P.’s already & still two more days to go. Don’t know how the army ever got pots & pans clean before my time.
The weather down here is pretty fair. We’re in our sun tans & I’ll have wear them out of camp & then change into my O.D.’s when I hit the good old northlands. I’ll have all kinds of uniforms with me.
Saw Mickey Rooney the other night in Andy Hardy's Blonde Trouble or something like that & split my sides laughing. Even if he is 4F he’s a good comedian. Well, haven’t much more to say now but will have plenty when I get home.
The Cowleys
35 Woodside Ave.
Buffalo, N.Y.
Zone 20
Sunday, April 30, 1944
Dear Mom,
I’m spending today recuperating from a 25 mile forced march yesterday. It came as a surprise and darn near set me on my fanny. We made it in pretty good time 6 ½ hours, that’s with ½ hour out for lunch & 4, 10 minute rest periods. Just think how fast I’ll be able to move around when I get home.
Got a big kick out of Aunt Anna’s letter in which she told me all about the kids & the dance. I think she had just as much fun as they did fixing them up. She certainly fixed them in great style. Bet Peggy loved it.
Speaking of Mary Criswell, Bob DeWitt has been pestering me to write her & find out (subtly) how he stands with Ginny Warren, or something like that, who goes around with Mary. Just joking I told him that she was an old flame & might think I had other reasons for writing. And now coincidentally you’re calling her an old flame. Poor Mary is certainly taking a beating. Can understand why (stubby) Nehin can’t forget me as I dam near drove her crazy when I was in her class. I had Miss Benders when I won that famous book though. Looks like I left an indelible mark on all those nutty teachers.
Well, my chances for a furlough are very good. Matter of fact my papers are already in Division so I should be home before the 15th providing everything goes as scheduled. Did I tell you I just had my hair cut off a couple weeks ago as the heat down here is terrific & is getting hotter all the time. Doubt very much if Donnie is in combat all ready. He probably is learning how to be a sailor (which isn’t bad) somewhere along the American waters.
Thank you for the weather reports. I won’t be able to wear my coat as it is a very heavy wool over coat, but my O.D.’s will be plenty warm as long as it isn’t too cold.When I get home I want to put on one of my white shirts again so I hope they’re still around. Civilian clothes would feel great for a couple hours after seeing and wearing nothing but army for 7 months.
Peggy must be quite a reader if she can go thru gone with the wind. Her brother couldn’t read it in 10 yrs. matter of fact the picture was even too long for me to see. By the way whats playing at the Enlanger for the next couple weeks. Might drop in there for a play if something good is playing.
Did I tell you Bob DeWitt is going to be a turret gunner in a B-19 (Flying Fort) He’s qualified Cadet but the air corps is giving up trying to bomb Germany out and is giving the job to G.I. Joe the MI’s. Hope the invasion gets underway soon as I still wouldn’t like the distinction of being 1st to hit the beach.
Well, its just about chow time so I’ll be saying so long for awhile
The Cowleys
35 Woodside Ave.
Buffalo, N.Y.
Zone 20
Wednesday May 17, 1944
Dear Mom,
Well, I’m back in good ole Mississippi again. Really had a wonderful time at home and all ready am looking for another furlough. We arrived on time, 4 o’clock this morning to be exact. I was very lucky and was Company fireman all day which means I just about had the day off. Higgins was greeted with K.P. early this morn. I’ve got all my equipment back in order and am ready for an overnight problem tomorrow. Guess I had more people see me off than any 9 guys up there. The sandwiches, candy, cookies etc. were swell & kept me going till dinner yesterday. We met Howard Curler & a few other fellows in Chicago & shot the bull all the way to McCain.
Had a bunch of letters here to read this afternoon so I had a great time. However I’m pretty tired so I’m gonna hit the sack early tonight “for a change”.
The Cowleys
35 Woodside Ave.
Buffalo, N.Y.
Zone 20
Postmarked May 20, 1944
Friday,
Dear Mom,
At last I’m strong enough to hold my pen pretty steady. My cold is coming along fine. Its over 90° down here so I’ve sweat sweat out most of it already. Can understand why Southerners are so lazy with all this heat. What do you mean forget the Turkey sandwiches? That’s something I never could do. Hope Peggy’s Confirmation comes off okay & the Bishop doesn’t floor her with that wallop. I’ll have to send her something, that is if I can find something worth sending down here.
For the past couple weeks we’ve been on a pretty rugged schedule so I should be knocking myself back into shape in a week or so. We’re going on some kind of maneuvers with the Tank corps soon. I’ve got K.P. again tomorrow so I suppose I’ll be pretty busy this weekend but am going to try to get into town for awhile.
Bob DeWitt should be getting home soon according to his latest letter. By the way has Roy & John Woodman come home as yet? Tell them I was sorry I had to miss them. Well I’ve got a guard mount to make & a bunch of letters to answer so I’ll say so long for awhile.
The Cowleys
35 Woodside Ave.
Buffalo, N.Y.
Zone 20
Postmarked May 26, 1944
Rec’d May 29th Eddie’s 19th Birthday
Thursday,
Dear Mom,
Just received the snap shots which are dandy. You & dad both took swell pictures & Betty also. Of course Harry & I never did have much to take pictures with so we seemed to take out usual horrible picture. Its chow time now so I shall continue later!
Well back from chow, what a change from those meals I had at home. My morale is a lot higher now that I’ve seen all the folks again & tasted good food. I’ve been riding around on tanks the last couple of days. Its just like riding the cyclone only there isn’t any dance hall next door. We’re giving the 772nd tank Battalion a good workout.
There’s a sweet rumor going around that furloughs are going to be continued so if I’m lucky I might get home again in 4 or 5 months. Can’t count on it though as we may ship anytime (but personally I doubt it) I’ve showed the pictures to all the boys & they think they're swell. Tonight we’re going into the field until Sat. so I probably won’t be able to write until the weekend. Am going to try & have some snaps taken down here to send home.
Better have dad fix that zipper if he’s going to have any more pictures taken. Well, have to get ready to play cops & robbers tonight.
The Cowleys
35 Woodside Ave.
Buffalo, N.Y.
Zone 20
Tuesday May 30, 1944
Dear Mom,
Well I’m nineteen years old yesterday & despite my years am feeling fine & healthy. My cold has long been sweated out of me by the heat down here. All you have to do down here is march a couple hundred yds & then you’re soaking wet. Never thought I had so much sweat in me. I’d like to fall asleep in a nice big bath tub with an ice pack on my head. I’d even put a few moth crystals (sweater shoppe) in with me like Dad always does.
Received my box today and it is dandy. Got a big kick out of genius in the So. Buff. kids who emptied the can of worms in the Seneca, Thanks for the financial lift also! Haven’t written much in the past two weeks as the heat takes everything out of us and we just have enough strength left to fall into sack. Got a nice letter and card from my twin, June McMahon whose birthday is also the 28th. She said “Boom” Cannan got his wings the other day. We’ve got a parade this afternoon and a 25 mile march tonight so I’ll probably be standing on my ears before the day is thru.
Had a big divisional parade the other day & put on a big demonstration for undersecretary of war Patterson & a bunch of brass hats. They liked us, damn it! Think we’re going out to Holly Springs for a couple of weeks soon. Tried to get into town Sat. but there wasn’t any bus transportation & the lousy Southerners wouldn’t pick up anyone if they ran over you. Well, we’re falling out soon so I shall start getting prepared.
Pvt. E. Cowley 42025054
Hgts.Co. 1st Bn. 301st Inf.
A.P.O. 94
Camp McCain Miss.
The Cowleys
35 Woodside Ave.
Buffalo, N.Y.
Zone 20
Postmarked April 10, 1944
Easter Sunday, 1944
Dear Mom,
Just received the pictures and think they’re great. You both are looking fine except perhaps you look a little tired. We’ll see what we can do about finishing this rotten business up & then you can forget that job for good. Also received the candy & toiletries yesterday. Please don’t send any more “Arrid” as I’m still on the 1st jar & have 3 big jars unopened. Once again I’m waiting for a call to go thru. Its 2:45 and I’ve been waiting since about 9:00 o’clock this morning. Should be getting thru soon. Is Lou home as yet?
How come you had the picture taken so close to the house instead of on the lawn or someplace like that. Wrote to Aunt Peg today. I’ll gradually get around to writing to the family. I got the slippers last week & they’re just what I needed. Pretty flashy elastic. Thanks a million. I’m sending my glasses home today. When you go downtown drop them in at Shlagin’s & have them fixed. Take money out of my account. I’d like to have them when & If I get a furlough. So long for now. Hope to be talking to you soon.
Love, Eddie
Letter # 53
Pvt. E. Cowley 42025054
Hgts.Co. 1st Bn. 301st Inf.
A.P.O. 94
Camp McCain Miss.
The Cowleys
35 Woodside Ave.
Buffalo, N.Y.
Zone 20
Postmarked April 14, 1944
Tuesday,
Dear Mom,
Well we’re out in the field again. Just got in from the soft job of defending a hill all day. Don’t imagine this will be any where’s near as bad as Benning.
I’m sorry & very disappointed about that call. I placed it at 9 o’clock Easter Morning & waited till 5. Then I had to go to the PX & get some supplies as they close at 6:00. The call came in at 5:30 & I missed it by 10 minutes. Also was calling Bette & missed her call too. Things happen like that all the time though, Hope I didn’t spoil your Easter by making you stay in & wait. Did everything I could but just wasn’t lucky.
It rained like the devil last night but our pup tent held up fine & was good & dry. The weather, when it isn’t raining is nice & warm & I’m even getting a little tan
Well there’s a rifle inspection in a few minutes so I should close for awhile.
Love to all, Eddie
Letter # 54
Pvt. E. Cowley 42025054
Hgts.Co. 1st Bn. 301st Inf.
A.P.O. 94
Camp McCain Miss.
The Cowleys
35 Woodside Ave.
Buffalo, N.Y.
Zone 20
Postmarked April 19, 1944
Tuesday,
Dear Mom & Dad,
Just received your last two letters in which you seem to be doing everything in your power to get me a furlough. I know you must be anxious for me to get one but you’re not any more anxious than I. I’m kinda disappointed in you for writing to Jim Mead about such a trivial matter. Bet Dad didn’t know you sent it. As soon as I deserve a furlough & it can be arranged I will get home. Am fairly sure of coming home in May & intended to surprise you as I just found out myself last week. Please don’t ever mention anything like writing to the C.O. or anything similar again. Think of the kids in the So. Pac. & Italy, England & India who haven’t been home for years. Who \will I have to pull strings for me when I get across? I’ll have to learn how to take care of myself sometime & that time has got to be now. You understand the way I feel about it, I know. As for pestering the “Big Shots” that’s out of the question. A buck private could never just walk up to an officer & start a conversation. Even to see the company Com. I’d have to get permission from 3 non-coms. Don’t think I’ll be able to see Bill Coughlin as it just isn’t Army ethics and I’d feel out of place with all the officers he would have around.
Don’t worry about me while I’m out in the field as its safer out here than in camp. Am really enjoying these 2 weeks & would just as soon stay out here. By the way your coat is swell & I’m sorry I didn’t mention it before. Also I received the candy & stationery which will & has (the candy) come in very handy.
Please forget about furlough as its just as Dad says it does tend to make a fella feel kinda discontent & restless. I’ll be home when my turn comes & not before. Know all you did was with the best intentions but don’t write to Bill Coughlin or anyone else anymore. Well, have to clean my rifle & prepare to hit the sack. I’m still out in the field but am coming in Saturday. Will write again soon!
Love to all,
Eddie
Letter # 55
Pvt. E. Cowley 42025054
Hgts.Co. 1st Bn. 301st Inf.
A.P.O. 94
Camp McCain Miss.
The Cowleys
35 Woodside Ave.
Buffalo, N.Y.
Zone 20
Postmarked April 24, 1944
Dear Mom,
Can’t understand why you haven’t heard from me as I wrote a letter out on maneuvers which should have reached you by now. However if it didn’t reach you the gist of the letter was I’m getting or at least am in line for a May furlough. Wish you hadn’t bothered Jim Mead & don’t want you to mention writing to the C.O. or anyone else.
Was going to try to call today but there was a posted delay of six hours so I didn’t bother. Hope I filled out the form correctly as I certainly could you use the money. We’re back in camp now wearing summer uniforms. How’s the weather in Buffalo. Still pretty cold I imagine.
Thanks a million for going to all the trouble about this income tax for me.
Don’t think it would be advisable for Grandma to come the down as the transportation is very poor & she’d have to walk almost every place she went. Another thing it would be difficult to get a place for her to stay. I’m glad she’s thinking of me though & I’ll drop her a note soon.
Yes, that is Willie Moran of Dragon fame & he is the 1st Dragon to be commissioned. Glad to see him get it.
Should be paid before my furlough so I won’t need much money but I might need 10 or 20 so don’t be surprised if I ask for a little. Will get 7 days with traveling time so it should be all right.
Wish you wouldn’t talk about a furlough in every other letter as it bothers me. There’s 20,000 other soldiers in the 94th who want to get home just as much as I do & strange as it seems the army considers every one. Know you understand.
Have been very busy getting my equipment in shape after the beating it took in the last 2 weeks. Have to oil my rifle tonight come to think of it. Got a G.I. haircut (no hair) today as its pretty hot down here & they’re a lot more comfortable.
Glad to see all the Turbritys getting married & natchurally to officers. Don’t know who I’ll ever get to marry me as a buck private. Well, I’ve got to get busy so I’ll be closing for awhile.
Love to all, Eddie
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With all the missed phone calls and furlough waiting, here is a 1944 classic by the Ink Spots and Ella Fitzgerald: Into Each Life Some Rain Must Fall
The Cowleys
35 Woodside Ave.
Buffalo, N.Y.
Zone 20
Postmarked, March 25, 1944
Friday,
Dear Mom,
Haven’t written in a couple of days so I thought I’d drop you a little note this morning. Was Jimmy Donavan home before he went across? I probably would have gone with him if it hadn’t been for ASTP. I think I’ll try and get a call thru Sunday morn. You won’t get this till Monday or Tuesday so it won’t be too much warning. There isn’t much going on down here, the same old stuff day in and day out. Next week we fire the 57mm, Should be something different.
My eyes won’t have to be examined as they’re 20-20 with the glasses I have now. Al I have to do is send you the frames & the money and you can have them replaced to my prescription. Then I you can pick them up & keep them at home. I’ll be able to wear them on my furlough then I can have them fitted at my convenience. Furloughs are only 7 days now so I won’t be home too long, if and when. Am looking forward to a swell home cooked meal like the ones I enjoyed for years.
I'm sorry to hear Danny didn’t get a chance to go to school. Thought he would as he was a med student but I guess they just threw everyone in the Infantry regardless. Got a nice letter from Betty McCarrol the other day. Maybe I’ll drop Betty Bailey after all. I’ll be sure to drop a line to the Crowleys. That was very nice of them.
So the Catholics are after our money again this year. They never forget do they. By the way how’s Father Nash these days? Miss his long sermons quite a bit. Peggy sent me a little picture. She told me she sends all the good ones to Don so I guess I know where I stand, just kidding of course.
That was an excellent tribute doc paid to Tom Casey, don’t you think? The Hartnetts haven’t heard from Buddy in quite some time but no news is good news so I hope he’s alright.
Well, I guess I just about wound everything so I’ll say so long for awhile.
The Cowleys
35 Woodside Ave.
Buffalo, N.Y.
Zone 20
Postmarked, March 27, 1944
Sunday morn,
Dear Mom,
Just finished with my call to home. You might know I’d call at the wrong time. I was going to make the call person to person but then I figured all three of you would be in church together & changed my mind. I know you’ll be disappointed but not any more than I as I had planned on surprising you all week. However Peggy & I had a good talk and I gave her all the dope. She could hardly talk because you & Dad weren’t home. Well I’ll try and put a call thru in another month or so. If I do I’ll write & you can arrange to go to some earlier mass so they’re won’t be any chance of missing you.
Received the candy & the gum yesterday. Its swell incidentally I was on my last stick when it arrived. Well we’re going to take a walk down to the 376 Regt. To see some of our old buddies so I’ll be closing for awhile.
The Cowleys
35 Woodside Ave.
Buffalo, N.Y.
Zone 20
March 30, 1944
Dear Mom,
My last sheet of paper till payday! At last it has stopped raining down here. We almost had to go on flood duty as the old Mississippi was on the rampage. Today, I am Co. fireman which means I keep 11 stoves burning, if possible. I’ve put about six out already but our barracks are nice and warm.
You might just as well forget the possibilities of me getting home soon as I talked to the 1st sarge today and he confirmed my suspicions. Got myself in the wrong Co. that’s all there is to it. the Capt. has put the new men at the bottom of the list so we haven’t a chance unless something very unusual turns up.
I’m going to try a put a call thru to home Easter morning right after I go to mass so if you can make it , go to an early mass and everything will be fine. This weekend end I’m planning on going into Greenwood Miss. Just to get away from here for a day if possible. I could go to Memphis but don’t care for the long ride.
Danny got a wonderful break. Say “hello” to him for me if you see him. We aren’t doing much of anything these days so life is rather dull. Hope we leave Miss. soon as its gonna be awful hot down here this summer. Well, so long until the next time.
I’ve been writing to mother for a long time now so I figured it was time I wrote you. You know the guys were talking about their fathers one day a couple months ago. One kid had a father who was a 1st Lieut. In the Eng. so naturally I told them my father was a Captain. They thought it was army but finally I told them it was the B.F.D. Of I also told them you had a company under you & belonged to the officers club. They’l probably salute if they see you.
Glad to hear Romu is home on leave. But Peggy feels pretty important. Guess the navy gets all the leaves. Be sure & be home as I’ll try & call Easter morn, if I’m not on K.P.
We aren’t doing much now except running all kinds of combat courses & the like. I’m kinda expecting something to break soon, don’t know what. Well its 11 o’clock so I’ll have to close & get a little sleep, we’re attacking a nazi villiage in the morning. So long for awhile.
Love to all,
Eddie
----------------------------
The 1944 Jukebox Selection: Till Then
Pvt. E. Cowley 42025054
Hgts.Co. 1st Bn. 301st Inf.
A.P.O. 94th Div
Camp McCain Miss.
The Cowleys
35 Woodside Ave.
Buffalo, N.Y.
Zone 20
March 9, 1944
Dear Mom,
Well here I am way down in Mississippi. The Army is certainly showing me the world. Had a devil of a time learning how to spell Mississippi in grammar school but never thought I’d be living down here. I’m in the 94th Div. Its been activated for 2 years and is at full strength with the addition of us so we’ll probably start maneuvers or something soon. They put me in the Hgts. Co. and I’m hoping to be put in the anti-tank platoon which is in Bazookas. It’d be a lot of fun fooling around with those.
There isn’t much chance of getting a furlough for quite a while so don’t be expecting me. I might get home before summer with God’s good graces. There’s a swell church close by so I’ll start catching up on my religion Sunday. If you or dad want to know where camp McCain is on the map, its about 5 miles from Grenada in the Upper center of the state. Gotta close & do some work. More Tomorrow. Love To all.
Eddie
P.S. send me a couple $ I’m flat!
Letter # 42
Pvt. E. Cowley 42025054
Hgts.Co. 1st Bn. 301st Inf.
A.P.O. 94th Div
Camp McCain Miss.
The Cowleys
35 Woodside Ave.
Buffalo, N.Y.
Zone 20
Postmarked March 13, 1944
Saturday night,
Dear Folks,
I’m trying to get a little writing in before the lights go out but I’ll continue tomorrow if they do. Yesterday we were assigned. I’m in the anti-tank platoon which isn’t bad at all. We fire the 57 mm field gun & the heavy 50 cal. Machine gun, The best part of it all is we ride in trucks, jeeps, beeps etc. I’m looking forward to my first ride yet however.
There isn’t much to do down here, matter of fact there’s nothing to do. (Continued from last night) All the gang has been split up and my three best pals are in another Regiment. I’m with a bunch of older fellas. Platoon sgts. Name is Leary and my 1st Gunner is Burke as you know they’re good guys.
As soon as I get paid I’m going to send home my broken glasses and you can have them fixed and save them for a furlough.
How’s everything in Buffalo these days? Bet Peggy Lou is getting cuter every day. Maybe she’l be as good looking as her Mother, father & big brother in a few years. Are they still selling Ballantines beer? Dad would really go for Mississippi, it’s a dry state and all they sell is 3.2 beer. Have you seen any of my pals lately? Doc should be getting drafted pretty soon I guess. Maybe they’l draft Harry M. is things get worse & they get hard up for men. Suppose Danny Riodan is still at Benning. How’s he making out with his training?
The food down here is fine, lot better than what we had at Benning, Thank God!
It rains continuously down here so don’t be surprised if I send home for my bathing suit. We’ve got bigger living quarters but I’m still in the upper bunk.
I’ve just been reading over some old letters from Doc. Think I’ll try & put a call thru one of these nights. Let me know when Dad will be working days. Give me a couple nights to call on and I’ll probably will be able to get one thru. Can’t be Wed, Thurs or Fri this week as we’re going on overnight problems.
Well I’ve got a lot of work to get after so I shall have to close. Write soon and take good care of yourselves back there.
Eddie
Letter # 43
Pvt. E. Cowley 42025054
Hgts.Co. 1st Bn. 301st Inf.
A.P.O. 94th Div
Camp McCain Miss.
The Cowleys
35 Woodside Ave.
Buffalo, N.Y.
Zone 20
Tuesday, March 14
Dear mom,
Received your long letter yesterday. It was swell. Forgot whether I told you or not but I’m in the anti-tank platoon. Think I told you well anyhow it isn’t too bad & I may get to like it. Just returned from the gas chambers, we went in chlorine chlorine gas and tear gas today. The chlorine was really strong matter of fact its lethal. I’m getting a couple pair of G.I. glasses soon but I’m still going to have my rimless fixed. It seems to me that I was supposed to get that money deducted by the city back. See if you find out anything about it. maybe I can get a little furlough money.
Peggy & Ann surely caused quite a commotion up at the exercises. Would have liked to have been present.
Please don’t worry so much, the army’s just as safe as civilian life. You’d be surprised if you knew how well we are looked after.
I’m gonna try & get home for my birthday or maybe a little before. If I don’t make it by then It’l be a long time because all the boys down here go in a regular order.
All A.S.T.P. men are in Infantry units. The whole damn thing drew the best of the youth into it and then look what they did. It certainly was a terrible farce. A lot of these fellows could have gone into V-12 or the air corps. Well, write soon & stay good & healthy.
Love,
Eddie
Letter # 44
Pvt. E. Cowley 42025054
Hgts.Co. 1st Bn. 301st Inf.
A.P.O. 94th Div
Camp McCain Miss.
The Cowleys
35 Woodside Ave.
Buffalo, N.Y.
Zone 20
Postmarked, March 16, 1944
Thursday night,
Dear mom,
Thanks for the five! Boy, did I need it. Thanks again.
That A.P.O. means Army Post Office so don’t worry about it, I won’t be going over for quite a while yet.
So Peggy’s been sending her letters to the wrong address, what a gal! Tell her I wrote to her friend Bette McC. By the time this ole war is over Betty should be old enough for me to date. You can see I’m looking into the future which I know will be a hell of a lot better than the present. I’ve got an idea the war with the Huns will be over by next winter. Then we can settle with those cross eyed squirts and comeback home. Bob DeWitts got himself in the hospital, passed out in the field, guess he’s alright now.
Haven’t heard anything about a furlough so we’d better forget it for awhile; maybe I’ll surprise you one of these months. We work pretty hard down here. Last night I was on Prison guard. Gives you kind of a funny feeling to know you’l have to kill a man if he makes a false move. Just rookieitis I guess.Was out on the firing range today getting the feel of my new rifle. We go out again tomorrow for a little more practice with the Corline. Next month we’re going on two weeks of manueavers in Tennessee. Am looking forward to it. Should be good experience for me.
Glad to hear the Cowleys are all caught up on their income taxes and out of jail for another year. Don’t think I’d be able to get a call thru from here as the service is terrible.
Don’t care much for Miss. But there isn’t much I can do about it as usual.
You could send me a pair of wooden shower slippers if you can pick them up around town, aside from that I’ve got everything I need. Write soon.
Love to all,
Eddie
P.S.
Food is good down here,
Dinner tonight:
6 pork chops
3 potatoes
1 helping tomatoes
1 piece bread
1 cup tea
6 pieces apple pie
The Cowleys
35 Woodside Ave.
Buffalo, N.Y.
Zone 20
Postmarked, March 20, 1944
Sunday,
Dear Mom,
How was the St. Pats party? Would have liked to have been there with you. Wrote to Peggy the other day. Hope she didn’t take any offense by what I wrote. Her comp. was excellent but like you once told me “Too many long words” Seems you’ve always been right about everything. Even Dad was right when he explained to me that “ x was the unknown” in 1st year high and I threw a fit.
What do you think about the hair burning ceremonies? Pretty silly isn’t it! We did the same thing last year.
I’m afraid I won’t learn how to drive as almost everyone down here has a license and they’ve got plenty of drivers so I guess Dad will have to teach me after all.
My buddies are all broken up and in different regiments. I’ve seen a few of them however. Hope it warms up in Buffalo soon or there won’t be any swimming when I get home next summer. I hope, hope, hope, Well I’m going down to the show this afternoon so I’ll close with lots of love.
Eddie
Miss Peggy Cowley
35 Woodside Ave.
Buffalo, N.Y.
Zone 20
Postmarked, 1944
(March 19)
Saturday,
Dear Peg,
Just read your composition and I think its swell, you’ve got an excellent chance of winning the contest. There’s just one or two criticisms, 1st of all watch your words, the long ones I mean. I used to write the same way, going above myself with elongated phrases & perhaps the attempt to present a large vocabulary. I really don’t think you knew what “Promulgated” means. Maybe you do but I’ll admit I don’t. The best composition is the simplest. Don’t use the dictionary at all. Forget about it and as words come into your vocabulary, use them. It’s the idea, not the words that count. Secondly don’t slush up the word “soldier” I know from experience & from meeting hundreds of soldiers that they do not care to called refered to in any terms that express bravery & heroism. The same things apply to flowery phrases concerning democracy, liberty etc. A soldier fights because he has to, he doesn’t like to fight but he will for himself and for his family & friends he wants to preserve the little things he loves. Soldiers aren’t courageous either, they’re isn’t anyone who has more fears than a soldier. I don’t believe we’re fighting to “make the world safe for democracy” I think we’re fighting for us, our present & future happiness. We aren’t getting gray hairs over the the welfare of those who are to follow, they mean just about all of nothing to us. Every soldier is fighting for the mother, the father & brothers & sisters he loves the kitchen & dining room & bedroom he wants to come home to. I guess I’m starting to write a composition kid, but that’s the way it really is and I thought he it might help you.
When you write another comp. think about the things I said and write the way you please. You know I didn’t intend to make you think your comp. wasn’t as good as it really is. I showed it to some of the fellas and very proudly told them it was my little sister who wrote it.
Glad to her your having such a good time skating etc. Still wish you’d stay away from servicemen for a couple years. There’s a lot of difference between 13 and 18 don’t you think? I guess I’m lecturing on everything so I’d better cut it out.
I’ll be a son of a gun if I didn’t contradict myself by writing to Betty McCarrol. Of course I haven’t any romantic interest in Bette or even Mary Criswell as I still think they’re both too young for an old college man like myself.
Well my arm is getting stiff so I’ll have to close. Write soon and take you good care of yourself.
Brother Ed
-----------------
The 1944 Hit Parade continues with a song that still means as much today as it did then: I'll Be Seeing You
Edward Moore "Ted" Kennedy February 22, 1932 – August 25, 2009
We are deeply saddened by the passing of one of America's finest sons, Edward Kennedy. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, colleagues and his devoted staffers. Life without him is unimaginable as I've spent a life time listening for his stand on issues, forming my own political views using his positions as a litmus test for fighting the good fight. It was his voice, the voice of reason , I listened to during times of national debate and his voice, a comfort, during national crisis. Now I just don't know who I will listen to.
I wrote to Sen. Kennedy and spoke with his staff regularly stressing the timeliness of obtaining Liberator status, never thinking Sen. Kennedy would be leaving us. Seeing President Obama's motorcade go by my house yesterday I had an epiphany, thinking, hoping that the stars had finally aligned and that this was the moment that I could catch the President's attention. So I rushed about quickly painting a sign and placed it and myself at the edge of the road he had just traveled, certain he would see the sign and take action. What better way to honor his friend and mentor? I sat and waited. The motorcade never did go past as they left East Chop by a different route, so I trudged home with my sign, utterly deflated, defeated on such a sad, sad day.
I thought of my grandmother, Catherine Cowley and her great admiration for the Kennedys and then realized what she would tell me to do- light a candle and pray to St. Jude. St. Jude, the saint of impossible situations, the same saint she prayed to for my father's safe return from the war. The same saint she prayed to for me and my family during difficult times. So I lit a candle. I lit a candle and prayed for Ted, for his family and friends, for our country without him, and for the President to become aware of the 94th and write an Executive Order to grant the 94th Liberator status.
Below are printed the original letters from Cowley and Manthey included in the petition to Senator Ted Kennedy for his assistance and the Senator's initial response.
Pvt. E. Cowley 42025054 7th Co. 5th Regt ASTP Fort Benning, Georgia
The Cowleys 35 Woodside Ave. Buffalo, N.Y. Zone 20
Postmarked, February 19, 1944
Thursday,
Dear mom,
Well at last I’ve got some good news. I’m going to Bowdoin, in Maine. Its right on the Atlantic coast about 200 miles from Troy and about 500 miles from home. The college itself is in a little town named Brunswick. All the rest of the guys are going to California, Oregon, Washington etc. Bowdoin was the only college in the east and was I ever lucky. Can’t understand how I got such a good break. Maybe I’l be getting home in a couple months. We’ll be leaving soon but I'll keep writing until you hear from me from Maine.
Tonight we’re having a Company banquet and then a few of the musically inclined on are going to put on a program for us in the “Rec” hall. Should be quite a gay night so I’l better start getting cleaned up. I knew you wanted to know where I was going so I’m writing immediately. I’d like to call but haven’t the time right now. The next time I call it will be from the good old north. So long for awhile.
Love to all, Eddie
Letter # 37
Pvt. E. Cowley 42025054 7th Co. 5th Regt ASTP Fort Benning, Georgia
The Cowleys 35 Woodside Ave. Buffalo, N.Y. Zone 20
Postmarked, February 21, 1944
Dear mom,
I suppose you’ve heard the news that ASTP is discontinued. Guess its straight stuff this time. It looks like we’re going to college for awhile as our shipping orders are posted but they can still be cancelled, I imagine. I’d like very much to see Maine and perhaps get home, so I hope we ship. Its hard to say what they’ll do with us but I imagine I’ll be assigned to an Infantry outfit soon. To tell you the truth I didn’t think ASTP would last much longer so I kind of anticipated its termination. Just have to sit tight now and wait until my fate is decided. Maybe Danny will go to school. The premeds are still going so he should have a fair chance of making it. I’ve heard that the term at Bowdoin doesn’t start until the 24th of March. If we get there soon, we might get a pass or short furlough. If I could get 3 days I could get home for a few minutes at least. Of course you can never tell what the army will do as you well know by now.
Glad to hear Peggy is doing so well in school. Perhaps we can be in the same class up at State. That’s only 4 yrs away and it looks like the way the war will last that long. I’m enclosing $5 in stamps for Peggy Lou. I’ll have more shortly. Well best of health to all and I hope I may see you shortly.
Love to all, Eddie
Letter # 38
Pvt. E. Cowley 42025054 7th Co. 5th Regt ASTP Fort Benning, Georgia
The Cowleys 35 Woodside Ave. Buffalo, N.Y. Zone 20
Postmarked, February 26, 1944
Friday,
Dear mom,
By now you must know that ASTP is definitely discontinued. When I last wrote everything was undecided. We had been assigned our shipping orders and date of departure. Incidentally that information was a military secret. Some of the parents sent telegrams congratulating sons on their lucky destination. The colonel was pretty peeved & spoke to us about it threatening a court martial for the next Telegram. So from now on don’t send telegrams or say anything about “military secrets” in my letters. I’ve got athletes foot and am on sick call today for the 1st time in almost five months.
This afternoon we are taking our overseas physical. They aren’t wasting any time in sending us to combat. I hope I pass it as I’d hate to fight from a reception canter or the like. It doesn’t mean we’l be sent across immediately as we probably will spend a few months on manouvers someplace. The chances of transferring to another branch of the service are very slim so I guess I shall stay in the Infantry. At the present we have no idea whatever as to when we’l be sent but they have to send us someplace soon, I hope. The picture you sent of State was swell. Must be beautiful in Buffalo now with all that snow. All we have is rain down here but we have plenty of That.
I knew Tom Casey pretty well. Used to take Gym with him down at S.P. He graduated with “Doc” We went out with him a couple times. Sorry to hear Jim Richards is sick. Hope he comes thru it okay. Tell “Doc” to give Jimmy my best wishes. Once more I’m enclosing a couple stamps for Peggys collection. If I keep it up she’ll have a bond in no time. We’re leading a pretty soft life down here, we have a 12 mile march every other day and only work a half day when we aren’t marching. Can’t complain about anything. Foods as good as usual. Weathers Typical and I feel fine except for a touch of athlete’s foot.
Did I tell you I had my uniform tailored last week. Fits perfectly now. Even had the shirt form fitted. Like it a lot better now. Well I hope everyone at home is feeling fine and taking good care of the new curtains. Forgot to mention that part about a picture of Dad in my coat you wrote about. Whats the big idea? Now that I can’t get back a him he’s taking advantage. Has Dad started wearing my socks as yet? Just wait
Love to all, Eddie
Letter # 39
Pvt. E. Cowley 42025054 7th Co. 5th Regt ASTP Fort Benning, Georgia
The Cowleys 35 Woodside Ave. Buffalo, N.Y. Zone 20
Postmarked, February 29, 1944
Monday, 1944
Dear mom,
Still in Benning and probably will be for quite a while. I’m getting a couple new pair of glasses this week or next. Broke my rimless the other day. Am wearing the old ones now. Think I might send home the broken ones and you could have them fixed to my prescription. When I do I’ll send the money also, its 5 or 6 dollars isn’t it?
Had athlete’s foot on my ankle but its all cleared up now & I’m feeling fine but wish that we’d ship out of here. Everyone’s sick of the place. For the past couple weeks we’ve only been working mornings which leaves us plenty of time for ourselves and also has given me time to catch up on my letter writing.
I’m enclosing a sketch I made of our helmets. Just to let you know what we live in down here. There are 20 men in every each of these huts. How do you like them? Did a nice water colour which I might get around to sending home. Can’t keep anything like that around here as I don’t think the Captain appreciates real art. So long for awhile.
Love to all, Eddie
Letter # 40
Pvt. E. Cowley 42025054 7th Co. 5th Regt ASTP Fort Benning, Georgia
The Cowleys 35 Woodside Ave. Buffalo, N.Y. Zone 20
March 6, 1944
Hello folks,
There isn’t much going on down here now. We’re getting ready to ship out again, only we do that every week. Looks like we’re going to join some Infantry outfit someplace. We should be reclassified but I’ll still go to the Infantry so it doesn’t mean too much. For the 1st time in months I’ve got all my clothes clean and it was quite a job. They haven’t given us any laundry in 2 months. Got myself a swell pair of “officers” shoes the other day for $3.50. They’re really $10 shoes but I got them thru an officer so I got had quite a discount. Also bought a new belt so I’m all set for a furlough even if I haven’t got a chance of getting one.
I’m afraid you’d better forget about my getting home for a couple months as I hate to have you expecting me all the time when I won’t get home until next summer perhaps. Nothings very definite in the army and we never know what the deuce they’re going to do next. This afternoon after doing my wash I layed out in the sun and soaked up all the ultra violet rays. Bet that sounds funny with snow in Buffalo. Tonight we’re going down to the theater and see Donald O’Connor in a “Chip Off the Old Block” Should be pretty good. By the way be sure and not miss the Five Sullivans’ I thought it was very well worked out for the touchy subject it embodies. Well must dress for a big time tonight. Love to all,
Eddie ---------------------------------------- 1944 Song: Do Nothing Till You Hear From Me
Pvt. E. Cowley 42025054 Seventh Company Fifth Training Regiment, A.S.T.P. Fort Benning, Georgia
The Cowleys 35 Woodside Ave. Buffalo, N.Y. Zone 20
Postmarked February 4, 1944
Wednesday night, 1944
Dear Mom,
At last Uncle Sam is gonna give me time to write a decent letter. Basic is for the better part over. Monday we had six hours of mental exams Think I did fairly well. Tuesday we had graduation exercises in the form of a 25 mile march. We did it in 8 hours so you can imagine the cadence. Today we really did things up fine. Began this morning with 2 hours of drill, then two hours to clean rifle, equipment & huts. They really poured it on in the afternoon We had our final physical tests, 33 push ups, 11 burpees in 20 sec, 300 yds in 45 sec (with G.I. shoes of course) carry a man on our back for 75 yds in 20 sec, an agility course, & then the pay off, a 4 mile forced march (run with full packs) in less than 50 minutes. I qualified 100% in everything except the running but then no one could in that, made 49 sec & best time was 47 so I’m pretty well satisfied.
Tonight I’m damn tired but still have strength enough to raise a pen. Was thinking of sending a night letter but couldn’t say much in 25 words anyhow. Oh! Almost forgot to mention, our platoon was the only one in the battalion which didn’t lose a man in the 25 mile march. We were also the best on the forced march losing only one man as compared to the numerous casualties of other platoons. Also we had a drill down and all the officers in the Battalion agreed that our platoon was the best drilled in the Battalion and many said we were the best looking training group they had ever seen, all of which puts us on top where we belong. I’ll give you one guess who’s the best soldier in the platoon (ha, ha)
Well, now that all my bragging is done maybe I can give you a little news. Rumors are flying thick and fast but I’m pretty sure that I might have a chance of going either northeast or Midwest, Just have to keep hoping for the best, but its up to the army as usual. I’d like to get within 1000 miles of home and then I’d always be able to get a couple days home if I had a 1 week furlough, which is what they give. Maybe I’ll be home for my birthday if all goes well.
Appreciated your letter about my boys, they’re the best guys in the world and I’ll never stop reliving the times the Dragons have had together. It’l be a great day when we all come home again. We’ve always planned a frat cottage out at the lake some summer. Whatever summer it is or how many of us there are we’ll have that someday, guess everyone will be happy when that day comes. The army will work that fat fanny off Doc. That’s one thing they don’t tolerate. Kenny won’t be such an egoist either after the air corps has him for awhile. Even though the air corps isn’t much of an outlet compared to the fighting Infantry they must have a little discipline at least. It’l seem darned funny saluting Harry & the rest. But M maybe I’ll beat them to it & they’l have to salute me. Doubt if my eyes could pass O.C.S. but I’ll never stop trying, they can count on that.
Glad to hear “Ma Green” moved off the street. The kids can grow up in peace now and won’t have to look at Randolph like we did. Hope everyone is healthy, wealthy & I know your all wise. Should be good & healthy after that two # of butter. The food down here is nothing to what I used to have but it keep one alive & that’s the main purpose I guess. We eat everything (except egg plant) and absorb all the nourishment we can from it. Don’t eat for pleasure any more, just to get full so we can keep going. You should have known before Kenny & Doc tried on my hat that the only one heads an Infantry soldier’s hat fits is the soldier’s and his father’s right Dad? Good night to all and love to all the Cowleys.
The Cowleys 35 Woodside Ave. Buffalo, N.Y. Zone 20
Saturday, February 5, 1944
Mother,
At last our training is over, we just returned from the final review. Everything went off great in the parade. Now we’re soldiers after all our work. I’m going over to see Danny this afternoon. Its about an 8 mile walk but whats that to me now. You gave me a rather odd address but with the help of nineteen buddies I decoded it and think I know where he should be.Well, all we have to do now is wait until we’re shipped. Haven’t the slightest idea where I’ll be going but I think I’ll know sometime next week. As soon I do find out I’ll let you know.
Going into town today for another one of those steaks. Saw John Woodman last week for probably the last time until the war ends. Feel fine, still putting on weight. Maybe I’ll weigh as much as Dad when I get home. Of course not as chubby. Bet he’ll shoot me if I keep up that kind of talk. We get a furlough after 3 months of college. I’m getting closer all the time. I’ll be home before you know it. If I go north there’s a chance we might get a delayed route or something and I’d have a chance to stop at Buffalo. Naturally that’s very doubtful but it sounds good anyhow.
Can’t understand how they expect Danny to take basic. Its gonna be very tough on that bum leg of his. Hope he can stand it though, know he’d like it. Most of it was very interesting but also very fatiguing. I’ll have to give him a few good pointers, guess I made all the mistakes possible. Peggy sent a very nice letter which I’ll answer next week. Should a have a few minutes now that we’re thru.
They (the army) made up some programs for us. Think you’l like them. Will send it home tomorrow. You’l have a tough time picking me out of all that Khaki. I’m kneeling in the 3rd row, 2nd from the Louie on the right. I forgot to thank you for the fudge & cookies. They were swell.
Have to get going before they stick me on some detail. Love to all,
The Cowleys 35 Woodside Ave. Buffalo, N.Y. Zone 20
Postmarked, February 9, 1944
Tuesday, 1944
Mother,
Hello again! I’m taking a night off for the letter writing and there’s no better place to write than home so here’s the news. I saw Danny Sat., he looks swell, feels fine and still likes the army. (he doesn’t know) He was starting training Monday so I told him a little of what is ahead of him. Looked at his rifle. Never saw anything so dirty in all my army career. Tell Marie if he doesn’t get it clean soon, he’s gonna spend almost as much time in the Kitchen as I did. He’s got a fairly nice location so I a imagine he’l do alright for himself. He said something about taking only 8 weeks training. That I wouldn’t count on. The army just isn’t like that. They’re even giving us a post training course now which we is harder than basic.
Haven’t heard anything yet about about shipping. I’m all set to go but kinda suspect we won’t leave for another week or so. Its okay with me though as the weather down here is fine, I’m feeling good and they’ve even got ice cream at the P.X. We’re not doing much, had a couple marches this week that’s about all. I’ve even seen a couple shows so everything is fine.
I’m not going to get the gloves & shoes until I go north, I hope, hope, hope. I’m gonna try & catch up with my writing so I’ll close. Love to all.
Little Ed ---------------------
Letter # 33
Pvt. E. Cowley 42025054 7th Co. 5th Regt ASTP Fort Benning, Georgia
The Cowleys 35 Woodside Ave. Buffalo, N.Y. Zone 20
Postmarked, February 12, 1944
Mother,
I enclosed a defense stamp for Peggy so don’t lose it when you open the letter. I’m sorry about that Cornell, I was just kidding Betty. Of course I’ve still got a chance of going north. Somehow or other it doesn’t bother me too much where I’m going to be sent. As you say its almost too much to hope for Cornell, but I’m expecting the worst so I won’t be disappointed. I’m really very sorry that you got so excited over the rumor I spread. First of all I’ve got to get out of here. It looks like we might be here any length of time up to a month. They’re giving us advanced & review training. We have a march every other day so we won’t be getting soft.
How does Danny like his basic so far? Butch doesn’t know what a soft life he’s in for in that slapstick navy of ours. Well I’ve got to shine up my rifle some more so I’ll be thinking of home and marching for another couple of days, so long.
Love, Eddie -----------------------
Letter # 34
Pvt. E. Cowley 42025054 7th Co. 5th Regt ASTP Fort Benning, Georgia
Miss Peggy Cowley 35 Woodside Ave. Buffalo, N.Y. Zone 20
Postmarked, February 17, 1944
Hello Peggy,
How ya been kid? I’m sorry I haven’t written but you know I didn’t have much time before. Glad to hear to you did okay (notice that “okay”, I used to do okay, you did fine) in your exams. You couldn’t top my mark in Ec.Cit. but I could never top your mark in Latin so that makes us even ha!ha!
I’m gonna send you $7$ worth of war stamps soon so make room for them in your book. By the way, you must have quite a collection by know haven’t you. How’s your roller skating these days? Mother says you go up to G Skateland quite a bit. Must be pretty lively up there now that your club is going in mass. Stay away from all the servicemen though as they’re much too old for you. I know, I’m one of them.
Did you get your sweater yet? I still feel guilty about not sending you the design. As I said before I had it all drawn but then I realized I didn’t know the color scheme so I managed to lose it. Well, I’ll be leaving Fort Benning soon, next week in fact. I still don’t know where I’m going but I hope it isn’t too far away from home as I wouldn’t be able to get home on furlough and that would break Bette McKerrows heart. Would it not?
Things must be pretty quiet around Parson with all the boys in the army. Do the kids still hang around down there? Well, its time I went to chow so I can build up my delicate frame. I also just received the So. Buffalo News so I’m gonna take a peek at it. Write soon!
Love, Eddie
P.S. Just received your Valentine. Its swell! Thanks a million.
-------------------
Letter # 35
Pvt. E. Cowley 42025054 7th Co. 5th Regt ASTP Fort Benning, Georgia
The Cowleys 35 Woodside Ave. Buffalo, N.Y. Zone 20
Postmarked, February 17, 1944
Wednesday, 1944
Dear Mom,
I’ve got today off so I’m going to catch up on my writing once more. Luckily, I was put on a detail last night and managed to avoid working today. Well, yesterday I turned in my rifle and bayonet. Hated to do it of course but its about time they took the things off our hands. This morning I found out we’re leaving between the 24th & 26th. Destination unknown but its gonna be either Maine, middle west or California. From pretty reliable rumors I’ve gathered that the majority of us will probably go to California. I’ll have to hope like the devil that I go to Maine. By the way, how does that Stein song go? I understand we’re given some consideration as to our original service command. Hope so!
How’s everything at home? Guess its getting pretty cold up there from what my correspondents tell me. Did you hear Johnny Fungen got a discharge. Don’t know why myself, Bette mentioned it. Bob DeWitts in Greensboro N.C. Says he doesn’t like the air corps, he doesn’t know what a vacation he’s taking.
I’m gonna start taking $6.25 out every month for war bonds. I’ve They’ve discontinued the $3.75 so next month I’ll change over. You should receive a bond in the next month or so as my 5 months will soon be up. From then on you’l get a bond every 3 months which should be a little better. Also I have $7 worth of stamps which I will send home. I’d like Peggy to have them for as an Easter present or something similar.
Its starting to rain. Feels great to hear the rain beating on the roof for a change instead of the helmet. We’re having a big company party tomorrow night, chicken & everything. A few of the boys are going to put on a little musical afterwards so it should be a lot of fun.
40 hours a week sounds a lot better than 48. Hope you like your new job, imagine it will okay. You’l be right next door to Dad which should be fine. Maybe you can play checkers over at the firehouse during lunch hour. Speaking of checkers I played the hut champion the other day. I almost beat him, how I don’t know. As it was the game was a draw. He insists on a return match but I tell him I can’t be bothered. Also told him Dad was the best checker player in the Fire Dept. That kinda scared him so I’ll let things stand as they are for awhile. I’ve really built that father o’mine up. Hope he appreciates it. He’s famous all over the United States for just about everything now. Well, best of health to all from your khaki wacky son.
Love, Eddie
----------------------- The Number One "Silly Song" of 1944 Mairzy Doats
Pvt E. Cowley 42025054 Seventh Company Fifth Training Regiment, A.S.T.P. Fort Benning, Georgia
The Cowleys 35 Woodside Ave. Buffalo, N.Y. Zone 20
Postmarked January 18, 1944
Dear Mom,
At last I’ve got a minute to write, I hope. Received the candy you sent and have been having a wild time with it. Those little cookies were wonderful, thanks a million.
Perhaps you’ve received my pictures by now, hope you think its alright. I sent the photos in quite a hurry. Nans & Aunt Pegs are together & Grandma’s & Flo & Ed are also in the same package. Didn’t have time to address anymore envelopes and besides I forgot Flo & Nans address besides that it was cheaper that way, of course I’m very generous with my money but I must have a little Jew in me. I was beginning to wonder if I was ever going to get into town to send those pictures suppose you were too. After I sent the pictures we (five of us) went to “Pat Pattersons” and had a great big “T” bone steak with French fried potatoes & onions, & ice cream sundaes & 2 big pieces of chocolate pie, and even two bottles of beer.
(Sat morn, 3 days later) Never had time to finish this letter before and am now going to do my darndest before something happens again. I have today and tomorrow off to get ready for the next 2 weeks of bivouac Monday morning.
I’ve been reading your letters over and that part about a Thanksgiving dinner sounds wonderful. When I get home on furlough I’m not going to say anything about it to anyone but you of course. That way I’ll be able to spend a nice quiet enjoyable evening by the fireside. Am looking forward to a nice hot bath and long bull session with Dad.
Its too bad about Aunt Margaret, kinda complicates conditions, even more. If Aunt Nellie doesn’t come to Buffalo what will she do in Corning. We’re running out of relatives down there aren’t we?
Very glad to hear Danny got in, bet it makes him feel swell. I thought he would get in, told him so before I left. Only hope he doesn’t take anything like I’m taking as it would be terrific on his bad foot. Hope he can get himself a commission after a little more study.
Didn’t I tell you John W. was coming home on furlough? Thought I did. I was out with him a few times down here and it certainly was swell to see someone from So. Buffalo. Imagine Roy will be coming down here soon as it is the only paratroop school in the country. I’d like to see him before I leave if its possible.
Well, 10 weeks of basic (2 ½ months) are over, only 3 more to go. The last 3 are going to be good & tough. Its all tactical training for the next 2 weeks and we sleep out in the pup tents. If I come thru that everything will be fine.
Guess that just about covers almost everything so I shall go back to my rifle and wait for another detail. Best of health and lots of love to all.
Eddie Paul
P.S. I’m enclosing $15 to be added to my account. Tell me how much I’ve got now. Thanks a lot.
Letter # 26
Pvt E. Cowley 42025054 Seventh Company Fifth Training Regiment, A.S.T.P. Fort Benning, Georgia
The Cowleys 35 Woodside Ave. Buffalo, N.Y.
Postmarked January 18, 1944
Dear Cowleys,
I just received a snapshot that one of the fellas took of some of the boys in our hut. We’re not allowed to have cameras on the post so if I wanted the picture I had to send it right away. It isn’t very good of me but it’s a good picture of our bayonets. Gives you a vague idea of how formal we dress down here.
Well, right now I’ve been in the army longer than Dad was in the last war. He was in 87 days, isn’t that correct? Just a rookie. Guess he had a good interview anyhow.
Want to let you know that I can receive mail on maneuvers but I won’t be able to write for 2 weeks as we don’t have any thing to write with. We carry a 100 lb load on our backs & it doesn’t leave much room for stationary.
Well, I want to get some letters written so I’ll have to be closing for awhile. Drop me a few lines and keep up my morale while I’m sleeping in my fox hole.
Love to all, Eddie Paul
P.S. Hope you know which one is I.
Letter # 27
Pvt. E. Cowley 42025054 Seventh Company Fifth Training Regiment, A.S.T.P. Fort Benning, Georgia
The Cowleys 35 Woodside Ave. Buffalo, N.Y. Zone 20
January 25, 1944
Dear Mom,
Received your letter Monday. Was beginning to wonder if my money had made it home. I’m gonna try and send home some more in case I ever get furlough. Forgot to thank you for the Brownies in my last letter so I want to thank you now very much. They came on bivouac when I was starving and boy! Did they taste great.
I borrowed some paper & a pen to write this letter. Am writing on a blanket in Harry Cook’s pup tent. Thought you might like to know that everything was coming along fine and I expect to be back in garrison Saturday morning.
We’re working 12 hours a day now. 4 in the afternoon & 8 at night. Its only gonna last a few more days so I don’t mind it too much knowing that soon training will all be finished. Johnny Woodman is back in camp and we’re trying to get together that big dinner Sat night. Probably will be that last chance we’ll have of seeing each there for duration
The Cowleys 35 Woodside Ave. Buffalo, N.Y. Zone 20
Sunday January 23, 1944
Please excuse the stationary., Rhoda sent it. It isn’t Infantry so I’m gonna use it up as fast as I possibly can.
Hello folks,
Somehow or other we got a big break today and they brought us back to garrison to clean ourselves up a bit, not too much of course. I’m awfully sorry you were worrying about me so much. They way we’re living now its next to impossible to write. No news is good news however so try not to worry if you don’t hear from me for a week or so.
Thus far we’ve had a wonderful break in weather, keeping my fingers crossed. The sun shined all week and sleeping in the pup tents wasn’t bad at all. My “ Boy scout” tricks came in handy and I kept good and warm. Last week we had a couple cross country marches at night. They were really good and tough but they’re over at last. Next week all we have is 4, eight hour night problems and then we come to camp on Friday. We eat breakfast and dinner in the darkness, no smoking, no talking at all, and no rattling of mess kits, no heavy breathing, & practically no food. We’re all getting like owls. When the sun comes out we can hardly see.
I glad you liked the picture even with brown eyes, as I said before I would have sent a frame but I was afraid the glass might break on its long trip. Guess you would just as soon get one that you liked yourselves. Won’t have time to make that thing for Peggy’s glove club (they just fooled me with some green ink) but I think it would be better & much cheaper for the girls to pick out one of their standard designs which they have in stock. That’s the way the Dragons got their emblems.
Next week end if we can get passes we have a big graduation party planned. About 20 of us are going to a restaurant in town where the serve a delicious T-Bone steak dinner for $2 We’re all just living for those steaks and French fried potatoes. Hope we can all make it thru this week and finish up for once and for all with this basic training.
They say that all of us who finish successfully will be issued expert Infantry medals and that’s something anyone would be proud to wear. Next pay I intend to go to some store in “Yankee land” and dress myself up with Civy shoes and leather gloves. Boy it will be great to be clean for awhile anyhow. I’m just hoping I go north to school, someplace like Cornell, Princeton, or U.B. However if my luck continues as it has I’ll probably go to Southern Cal.
I’ll write to Aileen, Pap and all the rest when I have lots of time which should be next week. By the way I hope you received the money I sent, namely $15. Well I have to start washing so please don’t worry anymore and don’t let Dad catch the flu as I want him good and healthy for the wrestling match we’re going to have when I come home.
Love to all, Eddie Paul
Letter # 29
Pvt. E.P. Cowley 42025054 Seventh Company Fifth Training Regiment, A.S.T.P. Fort Benning, Georgia
The Cowleys 35 Woodside Ave. Buffalo, N.Y. Zone 20
Postmarked January 31, 1944
Dear Mom,
Saturday morning, got in from bivouac about 6:30 in the morning after marching all night. Just a quick line to let you know I’m in pretty good shape & darn anxious to finish training. Received two letters from home & one from Aunt Peg early this morning. Peg says you’re numbering my letters. What number am I up to now?
Seems great to be seeing day light again. This last bivouac we had eight night problems. Got quite sick of walking, running, fighting and eating in the dark all the time. Was kinda worried that I might walk over a cliff on one of those problems but luckily I didn’t. Thursday night we (Battalion A) attacked the enemy which was Battalion B. My squad wound up by destroying the enemies right flank & capturing the Battalion Commander. He was quite peeved and insisted we couldn’t have done it if we were using live ammunition but nevertheless he was greatly relieved when I finally took the tip of my bayonet away from his back.
We had the best weather possible, it couldn’t have been any better. Didn’t rain or snow for 2 weeks. The ground was pretty warm so I didn’t mind sleeping at all. Tonight we’re going in town for a steak & a few beers. We’ve really earned the privilege, believe me. Must get ready to leave so best of health and lots of love for all.
Eddie Paul
---------------------------------- The 1940s were a great time for music, but we have now come to 1944 and some songs so great they are still being performed in clubs and on stages 65 years later. This is the year of the "Great American Songbook". We will kick off the hit parade with Michael Buble's modern version of the The Mills Brothers song first released in 1944"You Always Hurt The One You Love"
