Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Letter #11



Letter # 11

Pvt. E. Cowley 42025054
7th Co. 5th Regt. 2nd Bat
A.S.T.P.
Fort Benning, Georgia

The Cowleys
35 Woodside Ave.
Buffalo N.Y.
Zone 20

Postmarked November 2, 1943

Sunday, 1943

Dear family,

Am writing from the Rec hall. It’s a mad house. Guys playing ping pong, writing letters, talking out loud, playing bingo, thowing darts across the room etc. I was first talking to a bunch of guys who are in their 10th week of basic. They say its pretty tough. They just returned from the woods last night after 2 weeks of bivouac. Coming back they walked 16 miles in five hours with full field pack and rifle (of course you must consider they walked all the way on sand roads up to their ankles.

Did you ever read about an infiltration course. Well, Fort Benning has the finest? in the world. The course is given to simulate actual (very much so) battle conditions. One platoon at a time goes over the course. Naturally I’m in the 1st squad in the 1st platoon and naturally I’ll be the 1st man over the top. The course is composed of two trenches about 200 yds apart. Between the trenches are barb wire entanglements and T.N.T. land mines. Rattlesnakes and Copperheads, not G.I. also sneak onto the range. The land mines are marked by mounds of dirt & gravel. The best thing to do is to avoid the mounds of T.N.T. as much as possible as they are continually going off. That is the easy part of the infiltration course. I almost forgot to mention that a dozen or so machine guns are continually firing live ammunition 18 inches over the entire area in a withering cross fire. The way you begin is by crouching in the first trench which is about 2 ft deep. Then the machine guns fire a warning burst directly over the trench. Then there is a short lull and the lieutenant orders the platoon over the top. You are on your own from then on. The only safe way is to keep your nose in the dirt. You must carry your rifle through the course very carefully and have it ready for firing when you reach the 2nd test trench. The barb wire cannot be cut and you have to worm your way thru it. Does all that sound like fun to you? When I get out of here I’ll be a real infantry soldier. If we miss out in our exams at school afterwards we’re qualified for immediate overseas shipment. There is lots more about tactical warfare, gas attacks etc. that I’ll tell you about as I go thru.

I got my hair cut again today. It’s about ½ inch long in the longer places. Everyone around here resembles a nazi as hair can’t be longer than one inch. Boy! Oh Boy! Do I need money!!!! Here’s a list of a few of the things I have to get soon (some very soon); 1 garrison cap with light blue infantry cord, $2.75; 2 boxes of ASTP stationary, $2.00; 1 Sam Brown Belt, $1.25; extra handkerchiefs, ?; extra socks and underwear, ?; fingernail poish for my brass buttons, ?; 1 U.S. insignia & 1 infantry insignia, 70 cents; soap and toilet articles, ?; 1 hair brush for whats left, ?; and of course numerous personal delicacies like ice cream, candy & smokes.
If you wish you could send me those hair brushes which are around the house & some underwear, as much as possible. We need a heck of a lot of things around here.

We start our training next Monday and we’re gonna have the best platoon in the whole company and I’m in the best squad in the platoon and I’m the best man in the squad. That’s the way the lieutenant told us to look at the whole business. I guess we take more exams and get shot again this week.

I haven’t heard anything from anyone since I’ve been at Benning but I hope the mail will catch up with me soon. Well, I have to close as the boys are insisting on putting out the lights. They’ve all got bayonets so what can I do. Best of health to everyone.


Love
Eddie Jr.

P.S. Give Roy Woodman my new address if you see him as I wrote him a letter from Upton & told him to get my address from home.


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1943 - Praise The Lord and Pass The Ammunition

Monday, June 29, 2009

Letter #10

Letter # 10

Pvt. E. Cowley
42025054
7th Co. 5 Regt. A.S.T.P.
Fort Benning, Georgia

The Cowleys
35 Woodside Avenue
Buffalo N.Y.

Postmarked October 30, 1943

Dear Family,

I was right about the camp. Here I am in the solid south. Its not as hot in Georgia as I thought it would be. We have to have 3 army blankets on us at night. Before I forget, please send about 8 coat hangers as we are at last allowed to hang up our clothes.

It took us 42 hours to get to Benning. The train was so slow that every so often I’d look out the window and see some little kid passing us on a tricycle.

Benning is altogether different from Upton. We can eat all we want, if we can stand it. The ground around our huts is all sand and reminds me of crystal Beach. We’re treated a heck of a lot better here, almost as though we were soldiers. We sleep till seven!

Today we were issued our foot lockers, gas masks, bayonets, first aid kits, pup tents, cartridge belts, knapsacks & bedding. In a couple days we get our Garands, the best rifle in the world. I look very good in my gas mask. If you ever saw me with all this equipment you’d be scared stiff.

We don’t start our basic till a week from Monday. They’re holding us back so we won’t be out on Bivouac Christmas day. I’m still not sure of going to college. We have to take another series of exams and If I pass they’re making an engineer out of me, God bless em.

There is a bunch of hardworking? fellows from C.C.N.Y. in my hut and they’re a big pain in the ankle. I’m glad I live in So. Buffalo and quite proud of the fact. This A.S.T.P. is full of brain boys, the guy next to me is brushing up on his calculus theories and analytical Geometry or something. I wish you’d send me a copy of king comics every month. There’s quite a few college grads either 18 or 19 yrs. old. They have big arguments over nothing all the time. Someone from City College just made the rash statement that all infantry men wear belts. God! I hope he’s right. It would be terrible without them.

Well, I’m going down to the Rec hall and play ping pong with the rest of my fellow masterminds write soon and let me know if Parson and Judds is doing all right without me.

Love to all

Eddie Jr.

Sunday, June 28, 2009

Letter #9



Pvt. E. Cowley 42025054
7th Co. Regt 5 ASTP
Fort Benning, Georgia

The Cowleys
35 Woodside Avenue
Buffalo, N.Y.
Zone 20

Postmarked October 29, 1943

Dear family,

Once again I’m writing on a wobbly train. We left Upton at 2 o’clock Tuesday afternoon. At the present it is 11 o’clock Wednesday Morning, and we just passed thru Thomasville either No Carolina or So. Carolina. So far everything has been perfect. Ther’re treating us like kings.

Last night about 6 o’clock we ate dinner at Saveran’s in the Pennsy Station, $1.50 per head (not bad hey?) A little before 8 we boarded the Pullman train we are now on. We had a dandy breakfast in the diner this morning.
The Navy Aircorps is two cars from us. They had to sleep in their seats all night while we have the porter make up our beds whenever we desire. What a racket. It looks very much like we’re going to Benning but we still don’t know for sure. We’re liable to switch off at any of the larger cities and head towards Texas and California.

My (just passed Lexington) address will be on the envelope and you can write and send me the money. That dollar came in very handy. I got it just before I left camp. At the time I had exactly 17 cents in my pocket. If we’re going to Georgia we should arrive late tonight or early tomorrow.

Think I’ll study my soldiers handbook for awhile. Hope to hear from you soon.

Love to all three
Eddie Jr.


---------------------------------

1943 Hit: The Mills Brothers: Paper Doll

Letter #8



Pvt. E. Cowley 42025054
Co. A. 2nd Area
Barracks 2R
Camp Upton N.Y.

The Cowleys
35 Woodside Avenue
Buffalo N.Y.
Zone 20

Tuesday
Oct 26, 1943

Dear Mom,

At last I’m leaving Camp Upton. Last night we received our shipping orders. I’m going with an A.S.T.P. group. Hope we go to Benning, Georgia. I hear it’s a pretty fair spot. I’m glad I got that ASTP, you know I never would have gotton into it if you hadn’t wanted (insisted) that I try the V-12 exam. You must have suspected.

Its almost 9:00 A.M. and we’re sitting around the barracks waiting for final checkup on our clothing. If anything is missing we have to pay for it out of our overstuffed salaries. But I should worry I’ve got twice as much equipment as I was issued. Wait till the guy next to me finds out!

I intended to send my insurance and war bonds home but after K.P. they were all soaked and I put them in my furlough bag to dry. I’ll send them soon. This is the first day its rained down here so naturally I ship out in the rain.

When we go we wear our helmets, & O.D.’s. We look very much like we’re going overseas. The band down at the station plays the Air Corps song, Cassions go rolling, Infantry song (marching) and Over There. Everyone nearby thinks we’re going to open a second front and bawls profusely. Its quite military, I guess.

As soon I get to my camp I’ll write and I would be very much pleased if you would send about $15 in a registered letter, okay?

It’s a good thing I called the other night as I’ll be almost to far away to do much calling from now on. Well, best regards to everyone back home and I hope everyone all of you takes good care of them yourselves this winter.

Don’t write any more letters until you get my new address.


Love to all

Eddie Jr.

P.S. Did Mr. Brady see my little notation?

-------------------

Just to bring back some memories. What would Eddie and his friends have heard on the radio in 1943? "I've Heard That Song Before" by Harry James and his orchestra:

Saturday, June 27, 2009

Letter #7


Pvt. E. Cowley 42025054
Co. A. 2nd Area
Barracks 2R
Camp Upton, N.Y.

The Cowleys
35 Woodside Avenue
Buffalo, N.Y.
Zone 20

Everything's fine! Mr. Brady

Saturday
Oct 23, 1943

Dear Folks,

Thanks a million for the address book. I had been thinking of buying one at the PX. The dollar also is coming in very handy. I’ve only got about $1.50 left (I got the five all right) I thought that letter from school was swell. I’ll certainly let them know where I am. Betty sent me the school paper yesterday and it was fun reading it over.

Jimmy Donovan was shipped out last Monday. Of all the fellows I know, McCarthy is the only one left. Dick Cornell, whom I’ve been hanging around with is shipping out this evening. I’m kinda worried about the letter I sent Lou. I addressed it to Pensacola Florida. Hope it reaches him. Also about “Doc” I could swear I wrote him a long letter. Would you find out if he ever got it.

Very glad to hear Peggy is making the retreat. She can make it for both of us this year. Does her club miss me? Where will they get the boys for their party. Tell Peggy Dewitts still home! I’m hoping to ship out Monday. If everything goes as it should I will be on the train by the time you get this.

My job at the Post Office is pretty monotonous but I hope to leave it for the next “jeep” soon. day before Yesterday I got 5 letters (Harry M. June McMahon, 2 from Betty & 1 from you) I answered all of them. Am thinking of hiring a secretary.

Tonight I’m going to confession and then going to wash and shine up my gear. If I don’t go Monday I’ll get a pass Friday, I think . It’s suppose to be 36 hour but McCarthy is fixing it somehow and we might get home for 2 days.

Well, be sure to find out about “Docs” letter and I’ll I’m going to call Sunday if I’m on the list. If not I’ll call Monday so you can send me money for my pass. Hope to hear from you soon,

Love,
Eddie Jr.

Letter #6




Pvt. E, Cowley
Co. A. 2nd Area
Barracks 2R
Long Island, N.Y.

The Cowleys
35 Woodside Avenue
Buffalo, N.Y.
Zone 20

Wednesday, 1943
Postmarked October 21, 1943

Dearest Family,

Hope you like the photograph. It was the best they could do with me.

Lets begin with the most important matter on hand at the present. I received the “5” yesterday (think you should have sent ten). I’m sorry I didn’t call you last Sunday. I thought you meant this Sunday. Somehow or other I’ve got a feeling I should ship out next Monday. If I do, I will call and let you know for sure next Sunday night. However if I don’t ship out Monday I’ll call you the night before I do leave.

I’m in pretty good spirits, considering all the army has done to break my morale. This morning at 8 o’clock I made a slight (very slight) faux pas while lining up for detail assignment and a big fat, lousy, corporal put me in the kitchen (K.P.) till 7:30 tonight. At times this kind of dirty business tends to disgust one but guess we all have our bad days. (Today was my 13th at Upton, you might guess it).


So you’re having snow in Buffalo, Well it could be worse down here but God forbid it. Mother, seriously I think Dad is old enough to go to football games by himself! If he doesn’t think so I’ll send him a bunch of dandy addresses or else he can use my phone numbers for some cute company. I’m glad to hear Colella played a good game. How was Frankie Sinkwich?

Peggy, don’t lose faith in South Park. They’ll beat Tech more than once before you graduate (that isn’t a crack) Your average is very good. Keep holding on to the brains in this family and save those spoons for me until my furlough.

There isn’t anything I want except that I’ll need five more bucks in a couple of days. I’ve been buying little odds and end, and they add up. I’m going to write to Lou as tonight. Us army men have to get together on our strategy or our offense will fall to pieces you know. Lou and I will probably take Germany in the spring or summer.

Everyone gets a fever from those shots but it usually disappears in a day or two. Its too bad Billy had to go to the hospital but I know he’ll recover quickly. Those shots that made him sick might save his live life someday.

I guess Dad made a mistake in cleaning the hat for all that lousy weather. If I’m here any longer (there is about 7 out of 105 of us left) I intend to open a restaurant and go in competition with the “mess” hall.

Its swell receiving letters from home. It kinda make you me feel like I’m still at home eating food. Write often! Give buy war bonds! And don’t burn or blow up the Chemical Aniline.

Love,
Eddie Jr.

P.S. Please don’t worry about me.
I think the war will be over before I go over (matter of fact, I’m sure it will)

Wednesday, June 24, 2009

"I Think We're Gonna Get It !"

For those who may have missed Imus In The Morning today, here are the developments on the campaign for Liberator status for the 94th that occurred during today's show.

Craig Crawford appeared first and mentioned a few of the developments on the campaign in the midst of talking about his efforts to quite smoking. Senator Kerry followed as a guest.

As most of you know, Imus continues to work tirelessly for our vets to receive the proper health care they deserve.

This morning he was speaking to Sen. Kerry about "a situation at the Veteran's Administration Hospital in Philadelphia in which 92 of 116 prostate cancer procedures that were performed by one doctor in particular, and apparently a couple of others which were screwed up by the doctor and in handling by the VA hospital"

Sen. Kerry replied " I've missed that , I've not seen that study, but I'll grab it, I'll will get that after this show.

Imus said, "You see, we need someone like you to look into it cause you'll actually do it."

Sen. Kerry replied, "Well, I will look into it and incidentally I'm doing my homework, we're working with the United States Center for US Military History on the Liberation status for the 94th Infantry division and I think we're going to get it"

Imus- "I know, I spoke with Craig Crawford earlier this morning and he said that you and Sen. Kennedy both actually followed up on that" then joshingly said "I said even though Sen. Kerry is wrong about almost everything he should still be president because he actually will do what he says he's going to do."

We agree wholeheartedly with Imus that Sen. Kerry does do what he says he is going to do, and that he and Senator Kennedy are exemplary advocates of our veterans while Craig Craword keeps the issue before the public. Thank you Sen. Kerry, Imus and Craig Crawford for your continued support and efforts to see that the soldiers of the 94th receive the honor long due them.

Tuesday, June 23, 2009













The Imus In The Morning show tomorrow, June 24, will feature appearances by Congressional Quarterly Columnist, Craig Crawford, and Senator John Kerry. Senator Kerry along with Senator Kennedy has been one of the forces behind gaining liberator status for the 94th Infantry while Mr. Crawford has brought the issue to the public through his column.

If you would like to Listen live on line tune to WABC from 6:00 AM to 9:00 AM East Coast Time.

Monday, June 22, 2009

Letter #5

Pvt. E, Cowley
Co. A. 2nd Area
Barracks 2R
Camp Upton, N.Y.

The Cowleys
35 Woodside Avenue
Buffalo, N.Y.
Zone 20

Postmarked October 21, 1943

Dear folks,

I’m sorry I slipped up a little on my writing but I’ve been very busy trying to send letters to those I told I would write to. Also the corporal keeps me busy running and managing Camp Upton.

I’ve taken over the Post Office now and I’m working steady from 8 – 11:30 and 4:30 – 8:00 which gives me afternoons off. Its monotonous work but I hope to leave camp in a while. If I stay here another week I’ll get a 36 hour pass which would only give a me a chance to see a few good shows in N.Y. I wouldn’t be able to make it home in that time.

Those “official” letters I receive are really something to talk about and I hope no one does. The weather up here is excellent today but it’s usually cold and windy. That’s why I got this inside job.

I wrote a letter to Lou last night right after yours. I’ve only got a short time left before I return to work so I think I’ll soak up a little “Devils Island” sunshine.

Hope everyone is feeling fine and my Dragon bath robe is hung on a hanger.

Love to all,
Eddie Jr.

PROGRESS




For those following the progress on our petition to have the 94th named a "liberator", the current status is shown below. Our deepest thanks to all those in the Kennedy, Kerry, and Gates offices for their assistance and persistence.

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Woo hoo! Tristan Takos in Senator Kennedy's offices called to let us know that the letter is officially in Sec. Gates hands. Evidently he notified the Center for US Military History as she also received a courtesy call from a very pleasant woman at the Center to let her know that they are looking at the request again!!

The letter from the offices of Senators Kennedy and Kerry was
accompanied by about 30 other pages of information, much of which was taken from this blog. Sen. Kennedy's office wanted it known that there is press interest and the woman at the Center for US MIlitary History acknowledged that in their conversation.

The conversation ended with our contact saying she was quite "pleased" and that "we have made a lot of progress". Also, an inquiry about Senator Kennedy elicited: "He is doing well and thank you for asking".

Sunday, June 21, 2009

Letter 4




Pvt. E. Cowley
Co. A. 2nd Area
Barracks 2r
Camp Upton, N.Y.

Mr & Mrs & Peggy Lou Cowley
35 Woodside Avenue
Buffalo, N.Y.
Zone 20

Monday, Oct. 18, 1943

Dear Folks,

Just returned from the med. building where we received our 3rd shot (only 3 more to go). So far I haven’t noticed this one. The 2nd shot was quite painful and made you’re my arm sore for about 4 days. Guess that was the Tetanus shot.

This morning I went down to the record building and asked if I was in the A-12. I was wondering because almost all the A-12 men shipped out this morning. The Sergeant said I was so I probably will be shipped south (Georgia, Florida or Louisiana) next Monday (I hope).

Sunday morning Jimmy Donovan, Bill Rosar and I went to communion at the chapel. I’m going to try to go every Sunday if I possibly can. I hope those cards gave you an idea of our camp. Its exactly as pictured. This camp we’re in is the new camp Upton, the remnants of the old one are a couple of miles from here. Yesterday morning I was working on a rock pile down where the old camp was.

The other day I wrote to quite a few people (4 letters & 8 cards) Sent letters to Harry, Betty, Miss Mulholland, & the sophomore class at State. I wish you’d send me Nan & Aunt Peggy’s address. Also Eileen Redmond & Aunt Florence (and any the others I may have forgotten) I have to buy myself an address book.

I have exactly 36 cents left and need money quite desperately so I hope that 5 is on its way.

Mary Marty McCarty is fixing it so I can work behind the bar at the P. X. nights. The hours are only from 6:00 – 9:20. I will also get a special duty pass and can eat at the serviceman's club and go to meals anytime I want. Also I will not have to go on K.P. I’ll have all day to myself, which will be very nice. Well, I hope Peggy is all right feeling better now after her rodeo.

Love, Eddie

P.S. I’m eating an awful lot of ice cream down here. About a quart a day. My complexion is turning Neapolitan.

Saturday, June 20, 2009

Letter #3



Pvt. E. Cowley Jr. 42024054
Co. A. Barr. 2r, 2nd Area
Camp Upton, NY

Mr. & Mrs. & Peggy Cowley
35 Woodside Avenue
Buffalo, NY
Zone 20

Postmarked October 15, 1943
Thursday (I think)

Dear family,

At last I’ve earned a few free hours and have time to write a better letter. I know there is a lot of things you’d like to know about this old army life. Those postcards I sent yesterday should have given you a good picture of the set-up (at least a very small part of it)

I got your letter today and will try to straighten out a few of your questions. We’ll begin with church. The camp has 3 chaplains Catholic, Protestant and Jew. Any man of any faith can go to either of the three as sometimes it is impossible to be able to visit your own chaplain. They seem very understanding and rate as tops with the soldiers. Last Sunday I went to church at 5:30 (P.M.) not in the morning. The army wants you to go but you can’t interrupt the army schedule which comes first always. If you can’t make it on Sunday you can make it some weekday. I’m going to try to get to confession this Saturday and then I will go to communion Sunday, if I can?

Next the train ride. We had one meal on the train and two others in Childs in New York City. I was in both Grand Central & Pennsy stations. The train took us as far as New York, then after eating we took a Long Island train from the Pennsy Station (between Train stations we rode 2 subways). The Long Island train took us about 60 miles and we transferred to a bus for another fourteen (that’s the trip in a nutshell).

Next the food? We do get enough to eat and its pretty good but it isn’t anything like what I used to get, Mom. I’ve got 4 or 5 dollars left (I wanted to be sure and mention that) Oh! By the way I intended to enclose my insurance & bonds policies in that last letter but I forgot. I put them in the pocket of my fatigues (an excellent & appropriate word) and they got soaked on K.P. Tuesday. For K.P. we have to get up (rather they come in and shake you) at 4:00 A.M. You work steady from 4:15 A.M. – 7:00 P.M. It’s the most grueling detail possible and I think I lost ten lbs. on it.

My clothes should have reached home by now. Let me know. I think I’ll illustrate one of the better days at Camp Upton. Today at 4:45 (not 5:30, That’s unheard of) the squawker on Telephone loudspeaker breaks out in a squeaking, cracking voice and repeats "Rise and Shine, barracks 2r, rise and shine etc" I roll over in my bed and that "Rise and shine" has come to mean "Sink and shudder" to me. Everyone (even I) leaps from his bed and is dressed in about 2 minutes, then we break out bunks and roll all the blankets & mattress into a neat pile. There isn’t time to wash in the morn so I just brush my teeth. Then we start cleaning every thing (an army camp ever thing in it is cleaned about 5 times a day) We scrub the latrine from top to bottom including toilets, mirrors, bowls, floor, walls, part of ceiling etc. Dad would love the way every thing is cleaned so thoroughly (even beyond his farthest greatest desires) The entire barracks is cleaned that way. At 6 o’clock the squawker calls out "r barracks, fall in on the double" We make a made dash to the street and line up. After roll call we march down to breakfast (you stand in line at the mess hall usually half an hour)
After mess or about 6:30 7:00 we go back to barrack & repeat cleaning process mentioned before (no one can touch anything in the wash room from then on until 4:30, or retreat) Besides cleaning, a group polices the grounds and picks up "Everything that doesn’t grow". You can’t even find 3 match sticks or butts in the entire camp.

7:30 – Squawker calls barracks and we fall in on the double (running) on the street. Here we are assigned duties for the morning or perhaps the entire day. (This is killing me right now, as I am thinking about tomorrow) This morning I worked down at the Post Engineers, which is about 2 miles from our homeground. (we rode down & walked back.) Here We (Dick Cornell, South Buff – lives on Harding rd. & Matt Juuck, east Buff) volunteered as experienced carpenters and naturally we were sent loading coal trucks for 4 hours.

At 11:30 we came back for mess, ate and immediately were assigned to a detail loading sod onto trucks. We rode out to a place 4 or 5 miles from camp and even rode back. At 4:00 we scrubbed and mopped the barracks floor once more and at 4:30 were on the parade grounds for retreat (final assembly, taps etc) Then we march down to the mess hall & have supper. I fell out of line (which is legal and went back to barracks, took a shower and put on my O.D.’s (dress pants, shirt, tie & field jacket) If you have these on you can’t be picked for another detail after mess (I’m getting on to things down here). After straightening out all my belongings and making my bunk, 3 of us dashed down to the PX (post exchange) and had two chicken sand (10 cent apiece pt. of ice cream (15 cent) and bottle of pop. Then I bought some shoe polish for tonight. Its about 7:45 now and I have to get back to barracks to wash out my clothes and shine my shoes for future use. Guess that about covers everything (I might go down to the PX and have a glass of 3.2 before bed.

Marty McCarthy & I get along fine. Jimmy Donovan is also a good soldier pal o’mine. They are both nice guys as almost all the fellows are.
Now for my classification. I took the letter (v-12) down to records office today, which was the 1st chance I had so far. The Sergeant said I would probably be sent to A.S.T.P. (Army specialized training program) which I hear lasts 18 months & terminates with a commission as a 2nd looey. Now Rochester, Cornell, U.B. etc, are all ASTP schools and I have a chance (don’t mention this to anyone because nothing about being sent to school is definite yet) or getting close to home & being within distance of weekend passes which are frequent. I made 130 in my I.Q. (think I told you before) and only 110 is needed to qualify for officers school so that leaves me a good leeway. Chances are I will study either art or psychology. All I have to do is wait. A shipping list comes out at 8:30 every night and after 3 days your eligible for shipment so I expect it at any time. However if I’m here in 21 days I get a 60 hour pass and might be able to make it home for a day or so.

I’m glad to hear my watch chain is useful at last! Dad! Don’t forget to write that letter & Peggy also. Well, I hope everyone is in good health and guarding my paintings, carefully.

Lots of Love,

Eddie Jr.

P.S. we got 2 shots they hurt everyone, but I didn’t get sick. we get 1 every ten days from now on.

P.S. Give my love to all the relatives and tell them I’ll write as soon as I catch my breath.

P.S. Please send five

Friday, June 19, 2009

Letter #2




(You will see some of Eddie's drawings first mentioned here in later letters).

Mrs. E. Cowley
35 Woodside Ave
Buffalo, NY
Zone 20

October 11, 1943

Dear Family,

I haven’t much time to write this as the lights are going out in 10 minutes. Its Mon. night. I didn’t get those papers today but I’m not on the shipping list so it will be o’kay. I'm sending home my insurance policy & war bond certificate for you to keep. They’ll send the bonds home when we’ve paid enough (3.75 per month) to get one.

I figured on writing a longer letter but we were picked up by some sergeant right after chow and ten of us were sent down to clean the post headquarters, which is a large two story building. We didn’t get back to barracks until 8:30 and I had to shave etc. & lights go out at 9:30.

I got 130 on the I.Q. and all that is needed to qualify for officers candidate school is 110 so I’ve probably got a chance although you can’t tell just what breaks you’ll get.

Tell dad I guess I was a little off on the Mich & N.D. game but even the best of us makes mistakes. Anyhow, it’s a good break for the Catholics.

I don’t know what went wrong with that art business. I drew the guy (this letter sounds like its definitely in the first person, but then I’m the only Buff. Cowley on Long Island) twice and all the fellows say he was showing the sketches to all the rest of the interviewers & they all thought it was good, but nothing came of it and I’m afraid nothing will.

They haven’t turned the lights out yet, whoops there they go. Will write soon.

Love,
Eddie Jr.

Thursday, June 18, 2009

Letters Home #1

While we are waiting on official action from Senatorial offices, I will be posting the letters home from Private Edward Cowley to his family. Here is the first starting in October of 1943. As you get to know Eddie you will find a very dry sense of humor.
Enjoy the step back in time.


#1

Pvt. Edward Cowley
Co.A. 2nd Area
Barracks 2R
1222 S.C.S.U.
Camp Upton, NY


Mr. and Mrs. E. Cowley
35 Woodside Avenue
Buffalo, NY
Zone 20

October 9, 1943

Dear Mother, dad & Peggy,

This is the 1st chance I’ve had to write a line. The Army’s quite a thing. I never saw so many lines in my life, We have lines for everything and anything. The ride down here was terrific, we left the station from Buffalo at 8:15 and arrived in Upton about 11:15. We had to go thru a quick physical and didn’t get to bed till around 1:30. They dragged us out of bed around 5:50 or so, I was so tired I didn’t care what time it was.

Today was quite a busy day. We cleaned up the barracks and then went to chow. Then we started moving fast, 1st we took about 2 ½ hours of tests (I.Q. – Mech. Apptitude – Signal corps) I think I made out all-right but you can’t tell. From there we went to the supply center and got our tags. Boy! I’m glad I didn’t have to pay for all the stuff I got. Everythings perfect, I can’t name all the things but they really went overboard on us (Corp. just said we’ve got 15 minutes left to write) Among other things we got a big (very big & very warm) overcoat, raincoat, field jacket, 4 pr. pants, 6 pr. socks, 2 pr. of real leather shoes, 4 shirts, all our field equipment including our helmet and cooking utensils etc.)

Then we got the hook (3 shots in the arm. They stung like the devil and a couple guys passed out right in front of me, as usual.

We got a sermon from the Chaplin after that. Its kinda funny down here, Catholics, Jews & Protestants are all one and the same. That’s the way it should be everywhere. After chow we went to see some movies at the little theater on personal hygine. We were finally dismissed at 8:45 and given an hour for ourselves (I didn’t know how to keep myself busy at first)

Tomorrow we get interviewed & classified & then we’ll be ready for shipment. Its gonna be another tough day so I better grab a little sleep. I’ve got lots more to tell you but it will have to wait a day or two. Surprising enough I haven’t been in the guard house or on K.P. yet, but today is only Saturday.

I hope everyone is well and stays well this winter (I’m wearing winter underwear all ready) Did you get my quick card the other day? That’s about all we have time to write now but things will straighten out in a few more days I imagine. Well, love to everyone and you’ll hear more soon.
Eddie

(I think I’ll be here long enough to receive a letter so write quickly)

P.S. Who won the football game?