tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55086226082887253372024-03-12T18:55:52.324-07:00Liberator CampaignLiberator Status for Patton's Boston Regiment!Durward Discussionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15023629504094283860noreply@blogger.comBlogger58125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5508622608288725337.post-54434910794884178792012-08-06T05:35:00.004-07:002012-08-06T05:46:53.310-07:00After The War<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirkOQJOtZ2jXnVaCD2NA5I3hoQiXR6bM8OP24mxdIy7cp4aU59BXXEnM1gdwE6jVz2FLMEdPte_sRUGW6DhskteZKfHhpFsce6Ck9Ir64QkdUPQ74nW2XWcvBei3DzD4uWVA_JuLwm7w0/s1600/CowleyGlass3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirkOQJOtZ2jXnVaCD2NA5I3hoQiXR6bM8OP24mxdIy7cp4aU59BXXEnM1gdwE6jVz2FLMEdPte_sRUGW6DhskteZKfHhpFsce6Ck9Ir64QkdUPQ74nW2XWcvBei3DzD4uWVA_JuLwm7w0/s1600/CowleyGlass3.png" /></a></div>Durward Discussionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15023629504094283860noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5508622608288725337.post-87330585645403421912012-04-12T17:00:00.001-07:002012-04-12T17:48:47.157-07:00Yom Hashoah - 94th Infantry<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU6H3tj2axcdmMkpj7LdCarbG35gNoMiz7dxC0U6ixSkj4e1A37-E2R99byPFcsGOk3fcfbHi7H4yM13KJ2AdDgX8bTc6LjxDBsADzJfTng-svQI8wnX3_gFS-PEU2zhsy8kh1gJtYQGE/s1600/Holocaust.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="152" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU6H3tj2axcdmMkpj7LdCarbG35gNoMiz7dxC0U6ixSkj4e1A37-E2R99byPFcsGOk3fcfbHi7H4yM13KJ2AdDgX8bTc6LjxDBsADzJfTng-svQI8wnX3_gFS-PEU2zhsy8kh1gJtYQGE/s320/Holocaust.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Dear Friend,<br />
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In 1943, Leopold Socha was a sanitation worker in Lvov, Poland, when he made a shocking discovery: a small group of Jews hiding in the city sewer system.<br />
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Though he could have faced severe punishment for helping them, Leopold decided not to reveal their location to the authorities. Instead, he risked his life by suggesting hiding places and bringing them food and news from the outside world.<br />
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Stories like Leopold's will be featured throughout the 2012 Days of Remembrance, beginning this Sunday, April 15. The theme, Choosing to Act: Stories of Rescue, honors people who chose action over indifference, saving countless lives.<br />
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You can participate in next week's activities in several ways:<br />
Attend an observance ceremony in a community near you. View our interactive map of locations nationwide.<br />
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Watch the live webcast of the National Commemoration of the Days of Remembrance ceremony in the US Capitol on Thursday, April 19. We'll send you a link that morning.<br />
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Explore more stories of rescue and share your thoughts about Holocaust remembrance.<br />
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Among the 10 people who Leopold helped save is Krystyna Chiger (now Kristine Keren), who was a young girl in 1943.<br />
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Krystyna was wearing her favorite green sweater when her family descended into the sewers, and she wore it throughout her 14 months in hiding. She recently donated it to the Museum, and you can learn about our efforts to preserve it by watching this <a href="http://act.ushmm.org/in-darkness">video</a><br />
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Thank you for joining us in honoring and remembering the victims of the Holocaust.<br />
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Sincerely,<br />
<br />
Kristine A. Donly<br />
Director of National Planning<br />
United States Holocaust Memorial Museum<br />
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THIS IS A REPRINT OF ORIGINAL COLUMN FROM APRIL 2009. Yom Hashoah 2012 will be commemorated on April 18<br />
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This week has been designated as Days of Remembrance to surround Yom Hashoah. For those not familiar with this Jewish holiday, it is the day set aside every year to remember those who were lost in the Holocaust.<br />
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<blockquote>“As for man, his days are as grass: as a flower of the field, so he flourishes…for the wind passeth over it and it is gone.”<br />
--Psalm 103</blockquote>The voices of the survivors and liberators will one day be silent, but their souls will be heard forever. Some of those liberators have never been honored as they deserve and for Kathleen Cowley it is a mission to bring a special honor to her father, <a href="http://www.mvgazette.com/article.php?15001">Edward Cowley, and the other men of the U.S. Army 94th Infantry</a>. The 94th liberated an area that held prisoners but was not designated after the war as one of "official" camps nor were they designated "liberators". There is no argument about this part of the story. Unfortunately, the designation for the 94th got caught up in Army and political rules and the designation fell through the cracks of officialdom until time ran out. You can read the story at the above link and in the letters below.<br />
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It will now take an Act of Congress to get these men named as "liberators" with a permanent place of honor in the National Holocaust Museum. Just the other day, Kathleen received a hopeful contact from the office of Senator Kennedy and this is her report on progress:<br />
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REQUEST FOR RECOGNITION OF THE 94TH INFANTRY DIVISION AS LIBERATORS.<br />
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<blockquote>I was finally able to get a hold of the military liaison I've been working with at Sen. Kennedy's office yesterday. She told me that the Congressional Research Center was not helpful and that they had hit a wall, as it is unchartered territory for them and not sure how best to proceed from here. So one of the aides in the office is to make this his sole priority for the next few days. Although as a matter of procedure they do not send people to the media, she told me that if CBS Sunday Morning News (she did seem to think this is their sort of story) were to contact them they would be very happy to speak with them. She feels this is an important "feel good" story that should be told and national interest would of course help this all along. It had previously been gently requested to wait and see what Sen. Kennedy could do so that he would be the one to present the case of the 94th before Congress. Yesterday she pointed out that Sen. Kennedy's time to put forth legislation is limited now but that this is very important, and if it comes to it in the near future, it might require an Act of Congress which they are willing to do but will be more helpful in that instance to contact other politicians willing to expend the time necessary. What I got from all this was to please pursue the media now and then we'll see where that takes it.</blockquote>So...... Her next step is to pound on the doors of the media and other political offices to get them to tell a feel good story about her father and the other men of the 94th somewhere in the middle of all the latest doom and gloom. As she says, "If it weren't for the brave soldiers of the 94th ( who helped save the world) and my dear Da that I adore and whose time in this realm is so precious, I wouldn't be comfortable to ask, but there is so little time for their stories to be heard." So the pounding continues until someone important wakes up and tells the tale and Congress gives these men the place of honor they deserve.<br />
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If you have any contacts out there in the great world of media or politics, a little assist in the pounding on doors would be deeply appreciated before the winds of time carry these men away from the chance of earthly honors. <span style="color: #000099;"><strong>What you do matters</strong></span>. The letters to Senator Kennedy's office that started this campaign will be in the next post.<br />
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For those who would like to know more about Yom Hashoah, you can visit the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum as a permanent living memorial to the victims. This year Holocaust Remembrance Day is Tuesday, April 21. You can read the full observance with video and the Presidential address. Take the time to read some of the stories collected at the <a href="http://www.ushmm.org/remembrance/dor/years/detail.php?content=2009">National Holocaust Museum</a> website. They include those of the families who lost members, those who were saved, and the memories of the men who liberated the camps.<br />
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<div align="center"><span style="font-size: 130%;">Edward Cowley, Jr.</span></div>Durward Discussionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15023629504094283860noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5508622608288725337.post-14841019290769842482011-08-19T05:10:00.000-07:002011-08-19T09:03:28.784-07:002011 Martha's Vineyard Plea To President<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh3E2IdJ95KHqTeCB1EQtbExqtz-J0yF2vZjJbnV0aPbcLKpdmN_fB3-Cm2g-ACI5qzRSmjnRDNWKarJce3S3hBdIp69ldnn5aVaQvVMZc9h74TzXALDaZ_ZQBMYTLK3TfuIsdU3Id5Meb/s1600/108_1253.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="480" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642544166360761490" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh3E2IdJ95KHqTeCB1EQtbExqtz-J0yF2vZjJbnV0aPbcLKpdmN_fB3-Cm2g-ACI5qzRSmjnRDNWKarJce3S3hBdIp69ldnn5aVaQvVMZc9h74TzXALDaZ_ZQBMYTLK3TfuIsdU3Id5Meb/s640/108_1253.JPG" style="display: block; height: 300px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" width="640" /></a> <br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Dear President Obama, <br />
Patton’s Army, the 94</span><sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">th</span></sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> Infantry Division liberated a Concentration Camp In March of 1945 in the vicinity of Ludwigshafen Germany. We have been pursuing official Liberator Status of the 94</span><sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">th</span></sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> Inf. Div. since 2007 along with the help of Senators Kerry & Kennedy. We had the full support of Sen. Kennedy including 3 Congressional Inquiries and his personal efforts in contacting Sec. Gates. He was even working on it the week of his death. The requests have been denied time and time again. The Center for US Military History incredulously, despite 2 still living witnesses and primary documentary evidence refuses to pass this request on to the Holocaust Museum. It is a tandem project. The Army’s role is to verify the location of the Unit, which has been documented in the Morning Reports. Although specific records for this incident have not been as yet found, the After Action Report for March 1945 in fact uses the word “liberation” to describe the Displaced Persons encountered. <br />
</span> <br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">“</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">A</span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">s the March continued large numbers of Displaced Persons began to make their appearance consisting of varied nationalities such as French, Italians, Poles, Yugo-Slavs, Ukrainians and Russians and of both sexes. Even one American citizen was discovered.</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><o:p></o:p> <br />
</span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"> <br />
These people in the first flush of their liberation, and being largely unrestrained due to the rapid pace of the tactically engrossed advancing armies and the helpless condition of the unarmed and conquered Germans, constituted a serious threat to Public Safety as they seemed completely uninhibited with regard to helping themselves to bicycles, money, clothes and food and also not above at the same time seeking revenge on their former masters in the shape of threats and beatings of the German people.”</span> <br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">I<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">t is well known that Patton’s Army led the drive to the Rhine. No other Unit preceded them at this time. <br />
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It is clear that the 94</span></span><sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">th</span></span></sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> liberated these people. <br />
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In 1985 10 Units were initially recognized, then refined guidelines were drawn up for future requests. I don’t know how it came to pass that the 94</span></span><sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">th</span></span></sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> was overlooked initially as they spearheaded the Drive to the Rhine. Surely if Gen. Patton, Eisenhower or Maloney were still alive at that time they would have made certain that the 94</span></span><sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">th</span></span></sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> receive Liberator Status. I doubt anyone would have denied Gen. Patton’s request! As a student of history, you can appreciate that the 94</span></span><sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">th</span></span></sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> shouldn’t be penalized due to their heroic efforts in crucial combat and rapid progress during the last months of the War, for a lack of thorough Morning Reports. They were busy winning the War. Now they are busy dying at a rate of over 1000 per day. <br />
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You alone have the ability to correct and put to right the history of the 94</span></span><sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">th</span></span></sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> Inf. Div. and the Victims of the Holocaust with the simple action of an Executive Order. We implore you to rectify this travesty of overlooked history and honor our brave soldiers efforts and the hundreds of Victims who died in that camp. <br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> <br />
"Any nation that does not honor its heroes will not long endure" – Abraham Lincoln <br />
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</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Most Sincere Thanks, <br />
<br />
Edward Cowley & Bette Cowley <br />
Thomas & Ginny Manthey <br />
Kathleen Cowley</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> <br />
</span> <br />
</span></i>oldseahaghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14200078499492684799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5508622608288725337.post-47542421435344888262011-04-26T16:12:00.001-07:002011-04-26T16:12:53.855-07:00Tom's Prison Camp Drawing<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTJbfZXrqT-d9aCeKczPGBCeFn8t2jkIv0MzoNVK1FzfzLHVQIfNN4LhT8oSbbmJXDujhTIHXEcRJkKWGX11aXISTR1b7ojNeUVacDQGef9IZfwS3cLrQfT46zAeTAnPwcIR3HhKqhoaY/s640/thomasmantheymap.jpg" />Durward Discussionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15023629504094283860noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5508622608288725337.post-20942942453600273402011-04-25T06:00:00.000-07:002011-04-25T06:21:22.113-07:00You Are My Golden Nugget<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFIwM8ZUfLqbato0QWJF6Lcnjp7JbMUbmda2DZsOdTe_VBTH0O-els6S2JaeGzpOZIftB6rDhDKpxEOjss_RAN5wVpkIBk6BqhCCZllyN7J77ZHiPHbBFLiTDMZIOMaYTcqEpDJ4ipzPI/s1600-h/golden_nugget.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="398" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFIwM8ZUfLqbato0QWJF6Lcnjp7JbMUbmda2DZsOdTe_VBTH0O-els6S2JaeGzpOZIftB6rDhDKpxEOjss_RAN5wVpkIBk6BqhCCZllyN7J77ZHiPHbBFLiTDMZIOMaYTcqEpDJ4ipzPI/s640/golden_nugget.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center">“You are my Golden Nugget”</div><div style="text-align: center;">General George S. Patton, Jr., Czechoslovakia, July, 1945 </div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><br />
The above painting is a mural in the Massachusetts State is a mural of World War II Lieutenant General George S. Patton, Jr., of Hamilton, awarding the Silver Star to First Lieutenant Charles L. Smith for Smith’s gallantry in action during the assault on the Siegfried Switch, Tettingen, Germany in January, 1945. The mural is located on the Fourth Floor of the State House across from the House Gallery.<br />
<br />
By William A. Foley, Jr. (b. <br />
2003, painted from a photograph <br />
Acrylic on canvas, 60 x 180”<br />
Signed, l.l. W. A. Foley, Jr. / G302 / 94th Div.<br />
<br />
Given by the 94th Infantry Division Association under<br />
Dedicated October 20, 2003. <br />
Presented by<br />
Accepted by Governor Mitt Romney. <br />
Plaque, bronze, 22 ½ x 60” Cast 2004 by Matthews International, Pittsburgh. PA. Placed February 2005. <br />
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This scene illustrates a scene outside Tettingen, in the Saar-Moselle Triangle, early in the assault on the Switch. At the right is a German pill box at the edge of the Campholz Woods. At the left are Monkey Wrench Woods. Lt. General Patton has stopped en route out of town to congratulate Lt. Smith for bravery after he led his platoon into combat. Maj. General Harry J. Maloney, Commander, looks on. <br />
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The full description of the painting and the events can be found <a href="http://www.sec.state.ma.us/trs/trsnews/newsidx.htm">here.</a>Durward Discussionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15023629504094283860noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5508622608288725337.post-8439958335486757422010-08-21T12:55:00.001-07:002010-08-22T09:35:02.643-07:00Please Mr. President<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHEdnKfZxYL3l280L8_w65cJwjSgR83oUSMISBLvbQ_AP1qgKzdhVX12hAHtaVByWVMPqPgn03_VcmqKphUwK7opUVtXD8b5cmj4HBC6ONSy6Sd9a09k2TOv_nsy-wXvmD04DNWC9Ihso/s1600/prez" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHEdnKfZxYL3l280L8_w65cJwjSgR83oUSMISBLvbQ_AP1qgKzdhVX12hAHtaVByWVMPqPgn03_VcmqKphUwK7opUVtXD8b5cmj4HBC6ONSy6Sd9a09k2TOv_nsy-wXvmD04DNWC9Ihso/s640/prez" width="640" /></a></div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Cowley home on Martha's Vineyard with a message for</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">President Obama</span></div>Durward Discussionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15023629504094283860noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5508622608288725337.post-46101736510331634632010-08-18T07:44:00.000-07:002010-08-19T19:19:02.284-07:00November 15 - 29, 1944Pvt. E. Cowley 42025054<br />
1st BN HG CO 301 Inf<br />
APO 94 c/o PM NY, NY<br />
<br />
The Cowleys <br />
35 Woodside Ave.<br />
Buffalo 20, N.Y.<br />
<br />
Nov 15 1944<br />
France<br />
Dear family,<br />
<br />
Has been a couple days since I last wrote so guess I owe you a long letter. Am feeling fine and; hope everyone at home is well. Haven’t received any mail for a few days, but I think this Christmas rush has a lot of my mail tied up someplace and; it will probably arrive in bunches.<br />
<br />
Have been preparing a little box to send home, it isn’t much of anything but maybe a few little souvenirs you might enjoy. Have Peg’s little gift in the box also. You will find an issue of “The Stars and; Stripes” our ETO newspaper. They come out every day but we usually get them 2 or maybe 3 times a week if we’re lucky. Pretty nice little paper, strictly for G.I.’s Also am sending a few articles from our “K” ration, 3 packs of smokes (we get one in a ration), a concentrated candy bar, from the “Supper” ration, which I’d like you to taste. It has 3 small sections; for Dad; for mother and; 1 for Peggy Lou plus the empty wrapper (also for Peggy) Also from the “K” rations I’m sending a special type of paper which I have become very familiar with since landing in France. (and how) Another thing which I have not been able to send in letters is a few foreign coins. You will find 84c worth of foreign exchange in Francs and; Pence. Have room left for 6 German insignias. There are 2 insignia of the “Luftwaffer” or German air corps, 3 of the German Navy and; one Epaulet of a German “Unterofficier” or Buck Sergeant as we call em. They will be nice to hang up on Peggy’s banners in her bedroom or whatever you want to do with them. Could put a couple in the “book” if you’d like to. Sorry I won’t have room for anything else but hope you get a kick out of the little box. Don’t intend it as any sort of Christmas present as I surely would send something nice & more personal & always the best. You remember I always bought pretty good stuff at Christmas ex. “Richard Hulnut” compact which I picked out & mother paid for: What a deal that was hey! Was thinking I might send “Doc” Hartnett some money & have him bring presents over to you on Christmas but realized that wouldn’t be right so decided to let the presents go & until I can hand them to you in person & get a little kiss. Don’t want “Doc” collecting kisses on my presents!<br />
<br />
Glad to hear Doc stopped over, know how much you like to see & talk to him. Will have him stop over every once in a while. Know he likes Ballantines too. He is a funny kid. Tell you when Harry, Doc, Kenny & myself went out we had a riot. They’re a great bunch of fellas & right now they’re pretty damn good soldiers, I bet. We’l have some great times after the war! Harry is just as comical as Doc only he’s more reserved & I sure am glad you & Lil are sending him a Christmas package. He’l really appreciate it! Thank Lil for me! I think she’s grand! We’l have a big get together when we get back. The Dragons & families plus the Crowley’s & Doug. That will be quite an honor (although the “Bachelors” wouldn’t agree) for Lil, Connie & Doug to be invited to a “Dragon Jamboree” & who can tell they may get “Honorary Dragon Certificates” which is one step higher that the Congressional medal, the Victoria Cross & a months gasoline coupons combined. Sure hope that day will come soon, but am afraid it will just be a dream for a couple or more years to come.<br />
<br />
Wrote a letter to Bette Bailey couple days ago, 1st letter since leaving McCain although I did sent her a v-mail about a month ago. Am now writing to girls in Mississippi, Tennessee, Illinois, Ohio & Bette McCarrows on Crystal Ave. Haven’t heard from my old girl friend “Mairsy” but I guess she probably hasn’t received my missile as yet, will bawl her out anyhow. How is the Crowley’s dog? Carry his (or is it her) picture with me all the time. Dad & Connie are also in the picture.<br />
<br />
Aunt Peg handed me quite a subtle insult in her last letter. Hope it wasn’t intentional! She wrote that she had bought a new leather waste basket to match my leather picture frame. I caught the jest immediately. It has to do with those matching quizzes. If the basket matches the frame, the waste in the basket matches whats within the frame. I don’t like that kind of funny business so I don’t look like a Barrymore but I look like my father so you argue from there Dad. She really insulted the whole family if you stop to figure it out but seeing I always thought she was pretty swell I’ll let it pass this once.<br />
<br />
Am amazed at Rhoda wanting to marry that joker. Thought she was strictly a “Dragon moll” She hardly knows the guy as he’s been guarding the Polar Bears in Newfoundland or someplace like that for years. Its ridiculous!!! Doc told me the cottage he picked out had 3 ice boxes for “You know what” Did he mention the ice boxes to you or was that why Peggy was listening so closely? I wrote & told him it sounds pretty good to me renting the 3 ice boxes with a cottage around them for added convenience. <br />
<br />
I don’t intend to do a thing but rest when I get home. Will enjoy working around the house instead of the barracks or the field for a change, so you can start lining up jobs for me. Think Doc would make a very good announcer & sure hope he makes good. Can’t see where anything would deny him success as he’s got the personality & that’s 90% of the battle. By the way has Clarence ever been down to the house? I’ll tell him to stop by as I think you’d enjoy seeing him. Well, this paper is ripped in half so I shall be saying so long for a day or two. Haven’t had the chance to get to church or communion in the past couple months but am in the state of grace always so don’t worry.<br />
<br />
Your loving son, Eddie <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
A.S.H. 42025054<br />
Pvt. E. Cowley <br />
1st BN HG CO 301 INF<br />
APO 94 c/o PM NY, NY<br />
<br />
The Cowleys<br />
35 Woodside Ave.<br />
Buffalo 20 N.Y.<br />
<br />
War & Navy Departments<br />
V-Mail Services<br />
Official Business<br />
<br />
Nov 19, 1944<br />
‘Tis France!<br />
<br />
Dear folks, <br />
Wrote a v-mail home yesterday – All in French. Guess you’l have to get Mrs. Lunquist on the ball. Thought you might get a kick out of it even thou you couldn’t understand it and doubt whether any one but myself can. Wrote a letter to Miss Mulholland today and thought I’d better write home again in English. I’m feeling quite well & received package #3 y two days ago. Will send home that little box I promised you tomorrow if possible. Haven’t has any mail for 4 days but neither has anyone else gotten much to speak of. Think they dump it in the ocean on the way over. Things are fairly quiet at the present and I hope the damn war ends soon. Glad to hear your getting my war bonds, one every month you know. Hope everyone is well and enjoyed Thanksgiving. Say hello to all the family for me and save me a bottle of Ballantines. Almost 3 months since I’ve tasted beer of any kind. Am losing a little cross fat. Hope to hear from you soon.<br />
<br />
Love to all, <br />
Eddie<br />
<br />
A.S.H. 42025054<br />
Pvt. E. Cowley <br />
1st BN HG CO 301 INF<br />
APO 94 c/o PM NY, NY<br />
<br />
The Cowleys<br />
35 Woodside Ave.<br />
Buffalo 20 N.Y.<br />
<br />
War & Navy Departments<br />
V-Mail Services<br />
Official Business<br />
<br />
Nov 22, 1944<br />
France<br />
<br />
Dear folks, <br />
<br />
Received 3 v-mails from home yest, Nov 4, 8, & 9. Glad to hear everyone is feeling well again at home. I’m still the same, healthy as ever. Did Dad understand those problems I sent him, surely thought anyone that anyone who went as far in grade school as he did would be able to figure that tough one. Don’t think Jack Tubridy escorted us, matter of fact he couldn’t have. Nice knowing Dad received his letter & glad to hear he will answer it. Can’t understand what happened to my money orders, maybe they were lost. Sent them the 1st week in Oct & you haven’t acknowledged them yet. Have another to send home soon. have your little pk. All wrapped & waiting for the official O.K. – Peggy seems to be doing very good in school, hope she keeps it up. Thought she would have seen some plays by now but haven’t heard. Make sure she has all the money she needs as you’l get plenty from me every month. How did you like my “French letter” bet it was quite a shock. I’ve probably been a lot closer to Jack O’Mara than he would think but a meeting at the present is impossible. Received my combat Infantry badge (blue with a silver wreath) but can’t send it home as planned. Guess they figure the Germans won’t know we’re fighting if we don’t wear our little badges.<br />
<br />
Lots of love, <br />
Eddie<br />
<br />
A.S.H. 42025054<br />
Pvt. E. Cowley <br />
1st BN HG CO 301 INF<br />
APO 94 c/o PM NY, NY<br />
The Cowleys<br />
35 Woodside Ave.<br />
Buffalo 20 N.Y.<br />
War & Navy Departments<br />
<br />
V-Mail Services<br />
Official Business<br />
Thanksgiving! 1944<br />
France,<br />
<br />
Dear folks, <br />
<br />
Well today is Thanksgiving back home & I sure do wish I was with you to celebrate like we used to. Its just another day over here which brings us that much closer to the time we start for the states. Imagine after 2 more Thanksgivings we should be on our way home, its gonna be a long time to wait but believe me its something worth waiting for. Think the cooks have got some Turkeys for us so we haven’t a thing to complain about! Wonder if Peggy is going to the football game today? You don’t have to worry about me buying any green pants on my future shopping spree, although I’m not gonna be denied a thing I want & will have plenty of each to back up my orders. Should have close to a thousand in the bank. See where I’ll be able to get all my tuition free for nothing plus 50$ per month maintenance. Of course I won’t be entitled to the mustering out pay but 50 a month plus 3 years sounds pretty good to me. Am hoping I will be interested in school when I return but am quite sure I will be probably more studious than ever. Of course the kids will all be different from the old crowd & I’ll be older than most of the kids quite a bit. Should work out allright I imagine.<br />
<br />
Fighting is very bitter in Germany now, this unusual surrender is extracting a terrific toll in lives. Looks like the Germans intend to fight for every inch of ground. Fortunately we haven’t got it bad at all right now so you needn’t worry about me at all. The mail is miserable lately due to the Christmas rush and we get 1 or 2 letters a week. Everyone at home owes me a letter so I haven’t been doing much writing except to home. How’s everything on Woodside, have the Grens caused much trouble lately? Asked Clarence to drop in on you one of these nights. He’s enrolling in Syracuse this Jan. I hear. How’s Bette McCarrows & Mairsie? Will have 4 months over seas soon. Time sure drags over here, months seem like years. When is Peggy going to start going to the shows? Think I will join the dramatic club at state when I get back, was quite a success in grammar school ha!ha!. Read “Good Night, Sweet Prince” the life of John Barrymore by Gene Fowler, very good! Think I’ll just go to bed & sleep when I get home, of course I will have to dig a foxhole in the back yard (force of habit) first. Well, take good care of yourselves & I’ll do the same over here. Hope I hear from you tonight. <br />
<br />
Love to all, <br />
Eddie <br />
<br />
A.S.H. 42025054<br />
Pvt. E. Cowley <br />
1st BN HG CO 301 INF<br />
APO 94 c/o PM NY, NY<br />
The Cowleys<br />
35 Woodside Ave.<br />
Buffalo 20 N.Y.<br />
<br />
War & Navy Departments<br />
V-Mail Services<br />
Official Business<br />
Nov 29, 1944 - France<br />
<br />
Dear folks, <br />
<br />
Today I was the proud recipient of 4 letters from home. We were given our back mail from Oct. Just found out about Peggy being in the drum corps, which I think is very nice. She had better be a snappy marcher as I can be awful mean when I drill someone. Was very sorry to hear those wise guys try tried to spoil Peggy’s party. Guess they think they’re big shots with all the boys away. Believe me they wont look so big when we get home. Maybe, if Peggy behaves, I’ll let her sorority have a party for my boys. Kinda think they’d go for Doc, Sunny Whiteford, Bob DeWitt, Bob Humphries, Jack O’Niel and the rest of the gang, how about it Peggy? Makes me feel great to know you think about me so much but I just happened to think is you sent me to the store for an Amer. Flag now I’d probably come back with a qt. of beer and whats more Dad wouldn’t be mad at all. Swell to hear I’ll be able to stay out till two o’clock, maybe I’ll turn the tables and make Dad come in at 10? Eisenhower and myself are running the war pretty well now and somehow or other I have a feeling that Germanys collapse isn’t too far away, Jan . perhaps. Keep praying though as 2 months or so is an awful lot of minutes and seconds on this side of the pond. I feel fine and even have a wave in my hair. Think those fireworks would be quite a vacation to me now, wouldn’t you trust me with a roman candle? Give my regards to the Riordans and don’t forget to take good care of yourselves.<br />
Love to all, <br />
Eddie <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZkniYGB_XzJkpsD8n3_yXgIZx9c0x-NwcF4KoLGC0G5RrAwPIKKK6kUXaxu1eH2gRNn4e361uR3iF38TeEENd4ELmyiadWnzbyHC2dxEI5ClffnrB1uwwTG5uJgvhSgpRFJsiwoS4O2U/s1600/Thanksgiving.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZkniYGB_XzJkpsD8n3_yXgIZx9c0x-NwcF4KoLGC0G5RrAwPIKKK6kUXaxu1eH2gRNn4e361uR3iF38TeEENd4ELmyiadWnzbyHC2dxEI5ClffnrB1uwwTG5uJgvhSgpRFJsiwoS4O2U/s320/Thanksgiving.jpg" width="247" /></a></div>------------------------------------------------------------------------------- <br />
From the Hit Parade 1944 G. I. Jive <br />
<br />
<object width="445" height="364"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/TXoMCqpxrFE?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0x2b405b&color2=0x6b8ab6&border=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/TXoMCqpxrFE?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0x2b405b&color2=0x6b8ab6&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="445" height="364"></embed></object>Durward Discussionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15023629504094283860noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5508622608288725337.post-72679937658460135812010-05-08T07:23:00.000-07:002010-05-08T07:23:19.380-07:00October / November 1944<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0ciKxzWU6yYhqj1mV5O-bi1V0Cm-F4uAraO2HASHd8Es6SQV7zeBhUZX4erNVFLrRCLO9fAgE-Gtju-ALaY2O1rHHeZ_n_8K4jjIJKDIr2O92NZJJuotbR0pwmVQqT-TPXEgE47RwSIc/s1600/Bulge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0ciKxzWU6yYhqj1mV5O-bi1V0Cm-F4uAraO2HASHd8Es6SQV7zeBhUZX4erNVFLrRCLO9fAgE-Gtju-ALaY2O1rHHeZ_n_8K4jjIJKDIr2O92NZJJuotbR0pwmVQqT-TPXEgE47RwSIc/s400/Bulge.jpg" tt="true" width="400" /></a></div><br />
A.S.H. 42025054<br />
Pvt. E. Cowley <br />
1st BN. HG. CO. 301 INF<br />
A.P.O. 94 c/o P.M. NY, NY<br />
<br />
The Cowleys<br />
35 Woodside Ave.<br />
Buffalo 20 N.Y.<br />
<br />
War & Navy Departments<br />
V-Mail Services<br />
Official Business<br />
<br />
Nov. 1, 1944<br />
Dear folks, <br />
<br />
Haven’t written in a couple days so I thought I’d drop you a v-mail to let you know that I’m feeling well. Not too much activity lately so haven’t much to say. Edmund hinted in his letter that he was going to marry that girl from way down south. Bet everyone at home would sure be surprised if I turned up with a little French gal, don’t worry thou as I don’t even know any. Going on my 4th month over here now, seems like 4th year to me. (wish it was) the weather isn’t too bad, not as cold as So. Buffalo, thank God! Thank Fr. Affleck for remembering me in his mass each day & tell him I’m looking forward to meeting him upon my return. Hows P.L. doing? Haven’t heard from her yet. Is Bette McCarrow still waiting for me? Moustache is nearly ¼ “ long & only 8 weeks old, great isn’t it! Hope everyone is well. See where N.D. beat all. Another victory for Dad! Say hello to the family for me & keep praying so this goofy war will be over soon as possible. Love to all, Eddie <br />
<br />
Pvt. E. Cowley 42025054<br />
1st Bn Hg Co 301 Inf<br />
A.P.O. 94 c/o P.M. NY, NY<br />
<br />
The Cowleys <br />
35 Woodside Ave.<br />
Buffalo 20 N.Y.<br />
<br />
Oct 21, 1944<br />
In France<br />
<br />
Dear family,<br />
<br />
Today is the 1st in 3 days that I’ve had time to write. Have been very busy working on my (French ink) little foxhole. Our lines are pretty stagnant & it looks like we might be where we are indefinitely so I’m making my self as comfortable as possible. The hole is 6’ by 4’ by 3 ½ , all 5’ underground with nice dry wood ceiling, floor & walls insulated with 6” of straw. Its good & dry & as cosy as any hole could be. Have added the artistic touch by putting building a box on the wall & having a light in it. Keeps my envelopes smokes etc from getting damp & looks pretty classy. Am getting so I know all the Ls of living under the ground so I’ll be able to build a real home in our back yard, if I come in late sometime. Incidentally got all my lumber by tearing down an German barracks.<br />
<br />
Well my moustache is nearly visible from 4’ on a bright day, which there isn’t any of except in the U.S. Can understand why everyone migrated to the states when they had the chance. The card games have discontinued for the month as no one has any money but we will play “Fan Tan” for smokes & I won more than a carton in 2 days so I have to quit as I haven’t room for any more.<br />
<br />
Did I tell you I wrote to Mary Criswell a few days ago. Am looking for a girl as close to home as possible & Miss McDade is too old for me, thank God!<br />
<br />
Am going to write Eileen & Tom as soon as I finish this letter.<br />
<br />
So Miss Nagel remembers me, know she would as I nearly drove her crazy. She’s the teacher who marked me wrong on an exam because I wrote something about some Cathedral being at the end of some French st. & she said it was at the beginning. We argued very foolishly for 15 minutes & I really had her stumped. Asked her how she could tell which end was which & maintained that it all depended on where you were standing on the street & where you were going. She didn’t know if the street had numbers or not or how they ran & I think she finished by marking my answer correct pretty silly the whole thing.<br />
<br />
Don’t worry about me returning as I was when I left, I’ll probably be a lot improved. Haven’t had any French wine or anything in over a month as the novelty has worn off. There’s a lot of Cognac over here (very cheap however) but everyone seems to get sick on it so I haven’t even bothered to taste it. The only thing I really enjoy is beer, good American beer. Guess the last thing I did in Buffalo was get sick on the stuff but I think my nerves were upset from late hour & hating to leave home & go back to this. Very, very seldom did beer ever make me sick. Think we’l stay here when the wars over & occupy German cities which will be a 100% better than going to Japan. Think the time will go a lot faster then & I’ll be home before you know it. Incidentally heard something about a peace rumor yest. But guess that’s all it was was Well, take good care of yourselves & remember me in your prayers. Your devoted son, Eddie<br />
<br />
Pvt. E. Cowley 42025054<br />
1st BN HG CO 301 Inf<br />
APO 94 c/o PM NY, NY<br />
<br />
The Cowleys <br />
35 Woodside Ave.<br />
Buffalo 20, N.Y.<br />
<br />
Nov 6, 1944<br />
France,<br />
<br />
Dear folks,<br />
<br />
Received package #2 today, 5lbs or cookies in a wooden box. Will have a great time with it, thanx a lot! Yest. we were paid & I will enclose a money order for 35$ in this letter. Can’t understand why you haven’t heard from me (10 days you said) as I write at the least 2 or 3 times a week & usually more. Hope you will start getting my letters again soon as I surely don’t want you to be worrying. You keep asking if I’m at Auchan & well the answer is no (thank God!) I’m on a milder front & a very stagnant one at that.<br />
<br />
(Two days later) Nov 8th Couldn’t finish your letter as I was very busy putting a little stove in my Foxhole. Have it all fixed for the winter now, warm as toast inside & plenty dry as I put in wooden floor & walls. Can heat my meals on the stove & heat water for washing so guess I’m all set. Just have to hope we don’t take up another position. Well, today is election day back home, wonder how it will turn out. Don’t imagine the results will be in for sometime as the soldier vote will probably delay the count. Looks like the majority of the boys over here are for F.D.R. but there is quite a number for Dewey. I’m beginning to wonder if it really makes much difference who’s in office, the war shall continue for 2 or 3 years regardless!<br />
<br />
The Co. got 5 Christmas gifts for each platoon, 30 men. We drew to see who would get them & I didn’t. There was a beautiful French doll I would have liked to send home to Peggy, but someone else got it. The doll was dressed in the style of the old French court trimmed with gold & silver & about 3’ high, was really very nice. Should be for 22$. Will send some things home later on when I have a better opportunity. Guess everyone at home owes me a letter so I’m not going to do any more writing until I get some mail. Think the Christmas rush his delaying the letters quite a bit but then its quite a job shipping all those pkgs. over the oceans.<br />
<br />
Hope you receive the money orders I sent (35 & 40$) free mail so I expect they will be quite late in arriving. The envelopes weren’t very good so I’ve been thinking they might have broke open. Still have the receipts however, don’t know whether that would do any good or not.<br />
<br />
So Clancys are moving down south, don’t imagine they will like it but you never can tell. Did Tim get a better job down there or what. Bet the kids don’t want to move. Kinda thought they liked Can. Quite a bit.<br />
<br />
I’ll certainly never forget my old parties up in the attic, we had a great time when we were kids, never really know how much fun you had until you cease to have any. That old gang of mine (Grammar Sch) sure has been broken up. A couple of the girls have married & the boys are fighting on every continent in the world. Just think if Jimmy Pichardt, Bob Humphries, Butch Shenk, Frankie Smith, John Hoesel (remember him, 45 Woodside, Danny Riordan, & myself could get together how many countries, states, oceans & battles we could discuss mutually. If we put all our travels to in one piece it would cover ¾ of the globe, seems fantastic & yet none of us are any older than 20 & many younger. That party where I had my sprained ankle was one of the last parties I went to with Bette Crowley. Remember we played “Beg your way to Boston” & I’d never let Bette go to Boston. Really had a monopoly on her that night, guess all the little wolves (Jimmy) were sympathetic with my ankle & let me alone. For a young kid I sure have a wealth of rich memories & truthfully I sometimes wonder how I would remain content without them. Guess that’s what comes from having a couple swell parents & a little sister who used to be a hell of a pest, ha, ha! With the old Woodside mob the Dragons & the gang at school I sure was lucky to have such swell kids to pal around with. Home someday we’l all come back & take up where we left off.<br />
<br />
Sorry to hear Mrs Heller moved, she was an old pal of mine.<br />
<br />
Was surprised to hear about Dad’s cold getting better as I never knew he had a cold but I sure hope he takes care of himself this winter & doesn’t go to any fires.<br />
<br />
Got a invite card from State telling me to stop in on my next furlough, guess they don’t want me around much. Personally I don’t want any furloughs when I come back to the states, those old civilian clothes will suit me fine! Hope we get leaves over here when the war’s over, would like to visit Ireland, Scotland, Switz & Russia. Think all those places should be quite interesting & imagine you’d like to hear all about them. Well I’m running short of paper so I guess I will have to quit for now. When is Peggy going to start going to the show, football games should be over pretty soon shouldn’t they? Hear N.D. lost to Navy bet Dad prit near went crazy. Guess N.D. lost a lot of their best men on Naval transfers before the games. So long for now<br />
<br />
Love to all,<br />
Eddie<br />
<br />
Pvt. E. Cowley 42025054<br />
1st BN HG CO 301 Inf<br />
APO 94 c/o PM NY, NY<br />
<br />
The Cowleys <br />
35 Woodside Ave.<br />
Buffalo 20, N.Y.<br />
<br />
Nov 11, 1944<br />
France,<br />
<br />
Dear family,<br />
<br />
Well, today is Armistice day 1918 style. Guess history didn’t repeat itself as it already is 3 o’clock in the afternoon & the artillery is still popping away as usual, perhaps it will end next , month or maybe Jan. Have just about given up trying to figure it out & I am resigned for almost any length of time. It must be just about 9 o’clock AM back home right now so I imagine they will be having church services in a couple hours. Will say a few prayers myself.<br />
<br />
How is everyone & everything at “35”? Hope dad is over his cold & well again.<br />
<br />
Yest. I bought a little gift for Peggy it isn’t much but its of a fine quality (they tell me) & a touch of France. Hope she likes it! Could have gotten a bracelet for Mother but I have already sent home most of my pay & thinking it over I decided I’d rather wait until I could buy something I could have a little choice about & it must be the best. Besides I still owe Dad a gift & it just wouldn’t be right. Haven’t seen a thing for a man as yet. Could send home a German Helmet, belt cap, insignia, gas mask & lots of other thrash but think it would just clutter up the house. Have been kinda keeping my eyes open for a Luger but haven’t been able to get one as yet. Would like to have one for a little practice after the war.<br />
<br />
Have you received any war bonds as yet? Think I have 120$ in money orders on the way home now, & I want you to be sure & let me know just how many you’ve received & their denominations okay?<br />
<br />
Glad to hear uncle Joe has been promoted should be a lot much better job. <br />
<br />
Sorry to hear about James Faulkner, remember him well from my boy scout days.<br />
<br />
Hear Roosevelt carried the election by quite some majority, now we can get back to winning the war for a while. The rumor over hear is that we were holding back our power waiting for the election. That makes me feel just fine, there is nothing I’d rather wait for than an election 3000 miles away. You know the more I see of this, the more I begin to wonder, we were talking the other day about all the air power we have & then someone brought up the fact that the Scoda & Krupp armament plants have never been bombed. That kinda makes a lot of things look silly why do they worry about ball bearings all the time when the ammunition is what does the damage? I’ll be darned if I can figure it out, how about you?<br />
<br />
One thing I’ve noticed about being in combat in a foreign land is that it makes you awful homesick for awhile. Real danger just comes periodically & we have so much time with nothing to do to keep us occupied that you can’t help thinking about home a lot. Recently is the 1st time I think that I’ve felt lil homesick. Of course I wouldn’t come home while we still have a job to do but darn it you can’t help thinking about it. Back in the states with a daily training schedule & passes quite often we were always kept pretty busy I guess that’s why I’ve been doing so much writing & like to hear from everyone. <br />
<br />
Have read a couple good books “Topper” by T. Smith, “My son, My son” by I forget & Ernie Pyle’s “This is your war” also others which weren’t good enough to even remember. Well so long for now & best of health to everyone.<br />
<br />
Love to all,<br />
Eddie<br />
<br />
P.S. Mother I would like a package of cookies & maybe a little candy if you can get a hold of some!<br />
<br />
Unknown pg 3<br />
<br />
…bother recalling. Do all the cross word puzzles I can find (theres one in the paper you send me) but somehow or other I don’t do too well but have a lot of fun trying. Always read my mail over 3 or 4 times so I don’t miss a word you write. Also the G.I. newspaper & magazine, “Stars & Stripes” & “Yank” come in handy. So besides cleaning my guns every couple days & digging latrines that’s about all I have to do. – Also enjoy eating!<br />
<br />
What did Dad think of my proposal of going up to Kleinheims with me when I return? Will buy him as many good beers as he can consume & I think the two of us should have pretty good time.<br />
<br />
Had a qt. of Cognac couple days ago, me & another fella, took 2 or 3 swallows & decided it made much better lighter fluid so we filled a guys lighter with the stuff & it works swell.<br />
<br />
Don’t imagine the Ballantines idea would be too good but would like a pt.s of good whiskey to keep me warm these chilly nights. If you can get a pt., sen pack it well & put cookies or fudge on top or something like that. Don’t insure the pk. & use a fictitious name & address but make good & sure mine is correct & plain, that way if by chance it were discovered no one could be blamed, see what I mean there is a postal law against sending alcoholic bev. & the beer would be too large but a pt. would pass & its been done many times before. If they ever said anything to me I didn’t know a thing I don’t even know the person that sent it. Could you do all? Also would like 1 hairpin to clean my ears with, just slip it in a regular letter okay? Will request a pk. On page two so you won’t have to take pg. 3 along. Will also fake ending! Your devoted son, Eddie<br />
<br />
----------------------------------<br />
The Four Freshmen & Sue Rainey - It Could Happen To You<br />
<br />
<object height="405" width="500"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/dCNURuM0OoE&hl=en_US&fs=1&color1=0x5d1719&color2=0xcd311b&border=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/dCNURuM0OoE&hl=en_US&fs=1&color1=0x5d1719&color2=0xcd311b&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="500" height="405"></embed></object>Durward Discussionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15023629504094283860noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5508622608288725337.post-64914640934804492052010-03-11T16:21:00.000-08:002010-03-11T16:21:04.217-08:00Response to Letter CampaignDear Mr. Denizard: <br />
Thank you for contacting me regarding efforts obtain Liberator Status for Patton's Army, the 94th Infantry Division. I am grateful to have the benefit of your comments on this matter. <br />
My father served in the Air Force for thirty-one years, and I grew up around men and women dedicated to protecting our country. I am committed to ensuring that our military personnel are recognized for the invaluable services they provide our nation, and I appreciate knowing of your interest in honoring the members of the 94th Infantry Division. You may be certain that I will keep your views in mind as this matter is discussed. <br />
I appreciate having the opportunity to represent you in the United States Senate. Thank you for taking the time to contact me. <br />
<br />
Sincerely, <br />
JOHN CORNYN <br />
<br />
United States SenatorDurward Discussionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15023629504094283860noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5508622608288725337.post-7598884600823478672010-02-23T03:00:00.000-08:002010-02-23T08:22:50.115-08:00Dealing With Bureaucracy<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdAWAmqJp7aW6OPpRYXhL8uHgoh9DCp5EqghQJriDtCOOQ4ihuXOjCeb042Gh6YbcgoEMmU89E9NMY1AN5e-RsT800wq6R2Q4QFTRGl2CPWTw96Aowq2PERwq-1PwcqqN0pdIPzGTR9NU/s1600-h/bureaucrat.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329561832714594834" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdAWAmqJp7aW6OPpRYXhL8uHgoh9DCp5EqghQJriDtCOOQ4ihuXOjCeb042Gh6YbcgoEMmU89E9NMY1AN5e-RsT800wq6R2Q4QFTRGl2CPWTw96Aowq2PERwq-1PwcqqN0pdIPzGTR9NU/s400/bureaucrat.jpg" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 600px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 444px;" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">REPEAT OF ARTICLE FROM APRIL 2009</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Since the article below was written, Senator Kennedy has passed away. All of the information sent to his office originally seems to have been wandering around the bureaucracy and we are still at the original starting place. If anyone has any ideas about how to get an immovable object moving, please let us know.<br />
<br />
On April 29, 1945 Ed Cowley wrote home to his family in a way not to worry them, <br />
<blockquote>"I haven’t seen too many of their “atrocities” but I’ve seen enough to know that there is some basis to all this talk. There is nothing kind about the Nazis whatsoever. They’ve starved their slave labor & lived so well themselves that its pitiful. Too bad there isn’t some way to make them pay for what they’ve done in the last six years."</blockquote>After he returned home safely, he told the full story of what he had witnessed with the liberation of a "work camp". The 94th deserves Liberation Status and they deserve receiving it while some of the witnesses are still alive to know their bravery and compassion has been recognized.</div><div style="text-align: left;">----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------</div><br />
<strong>When a Bureaucrat and a "Rule" gets in the way, it can be very difficult to do the right thing even with a Senator on your side</strong><br />
<br />
Last night, Kathleen Cowley tried to explain to a blog friend one more time about why this is so important and how little it would take to make this happen and what needs to happen next:<br />
<br />
<em>The Holocaust Museum told me what documentation was needed to apply, there was information posted on their site and taken directly from the Army bulletin which described the procedure.</em><br />
<ul><li><em>Approximate date of liberation</em></li>
<li><em>Unit geographical location</em></li>
<li><em>Brief account of the events from 1 person. - We had two first hand accounts of that day. </em></li>
<li><em>Request for recognition from a Unit Assoc. or an individual of that Unit.</em></li>
</ul><em>We had an approximation of the date as my father wrote home weekly- it was finding the letters which started this whole process. I had been in touch with the Holocaust Museum previous to finding them because I was trying to research the name of the camp my father liberated for our own family history. I called the Holocaust Museum that day and told them of the letters and most importantly the one which mentions the "atrocities". They were thrilled, and several people gathered in the office to hear the news while I was on the phone. This is when they informed me that the letter of April 1945 was the sort of documentation which would allow us to pursue Liberator status. </em><br />
<br />
<em>We thought documenting the geographic location would be the bugaboo, but Sen. Kennedy and his office really shined through on resolving this. We needed the Unit Operational Records which are at the Library of Congress. It is a lengthy process to request info from them and ordinarily takes about a year, but not when Sen. Kennedy is involved. The Library of Congress called me and asked me what I needed! I received the Records within 3 weeks. These records verified the dates and location and it was a great triumph to receive them this quickly. </em><br />
<br />
<em></em><br />
<em>Everything required was submitted with not one but two testimonies. We thought we were sitting pretty and just waiting to hear of approval. Never in my wildest dreams did I expect the answer to be a resounding No! This bureaucrat had denied Liberator status because they did not liberate an extermination camp. There were six extermination camps, none of them in Germany. Some of the 35 Units recognized as Liberators were for camps in Germany.</em><br />
<br />
<em></em><br />
<em>I felt ( and still do) so terrible, my father and Thom had dredged up these horrific memories for nought. What a kick in the teeth. Sen. Kennedy intended to argue that we had met the requirements in the bulletin. He submitted this whole problem to the Congressional Research Center to help resolve this ( Kennedy's military liaison told me that this was a pretty big deal and seemed confident that they would be helpful in sorting this all out) and that is where this whole thing rested until I spoke with Sen. Kennedy's office last week who told me that the Research Center wasn't much help and Senator Kennedy's time is now very constrained. </em><br />
<br />
<em></em><br />
<em>Now we have to do it the hard way. It either takes a verdict from on high from somewhere in Veterans Affairs, an Act of Congress, or a Presidential Executive Order to simply give these men and their compatriots of the 94th the honor they earned. </em><br />
<br />
<em></em><br />
<em>They missed this past Veteran's Day. Now we aim for Memorial Day. It is such a little thing, but bureaucracy is horrid when it takes only one person and one rule standing in your way.</em>Durward Discussionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15023629504094283860noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5508622608288725337.post-80378146756135052882010-02-20T03:00:00.000-08:002010-02-25T07:13:50.881-08:00Response to Senator KerrySenator Kerry's office asked for clarification on the history of the 94th during the march across the Rhine in the last days of WW II. The following is Kathleen Cowley's response to those queries. This is actually a positive development because it means the powers that be are finally, actually listening. Just remember who is waiting for this issue to be resolved.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBMvhthPusaPBYVGlI7Bs95Rue9xYrTVQOsRj9sbtx63JMyCMrbQQ5EthvOZGI9RrpGzNESPrJ35YtwkggbphR82PwQVVHJjJ5EtZLA2Nd56zC2_CHkCmrq7HlMPfq38nikygRhSpcZfI/s1600-h/Cowley+young.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBMvhthPusaPBYVGlI7Bs95Rue9xYrTVQOsRj9sbtx63JMyCMrbQQ5EthvOZGI9RrpGzNESPrJ35YtwkggbphR82PwQVVHJjJ5EtZLA2Nd56zC2_CHkCmrq7HlMPfq38nikygRhSpcZfI/s320/Cowley+young.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9zMYAk7ohF_6ebaSWnyq3cJCCg447wSamUKL5Swz0YcXnTYVyN5BoDOTDVZSW2lZhGU9o35801eRy5XFE_zQVv9-98dV5CAaCqcSXcPQrDvPmIMPSQzipxs8ylK8PuTGaFdAP5OBqQ6g/s1600-h/Cowleywbox2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9zMYAk7ohF_6ebaSWnyq3cJCCg447wSamUKL5Swz0YcXnTYVyN5BoDOTDVZSW2lZhGU9o35801eRy5XFE_zQVv9-98dV5CAaCqcSXcPQrDvPmIMPSQzipxs8ylK8PuTGaFdAP5OBqQ6g/s320/Cowleywbox2.jpg" /></a></div><div align="left"><br />
</div>---------------------------------------------------------------------------<br />
February 1, 2010<br />
<br />
Dear Sen. Kerry,<br />
<br />
During our phone conversation of January 29, 2010 your aide Brady Vanengelen asked me to forward to you both my thoughts and response to Pete Geren’s letter dated Sept, 9, 2009. Please know that I am indebted to you and your staff for your continued commitment. <br />
<br />
“The USHMC and USCMM established procedures and criteria for determining which US Army Units The Museum would recognize as liberating units." This is true, but it was established as a tandem project, in this case the USCMH has left the USHMM out of the process. The role of the USCMH is to verify the location of the unit. The location of the 1st Battalion was verified in the After Action Report For April 1945, Headquarters 301st. Infantry procured for us by Sen. Kennedy. <br />
<br />
Portions of the 4th and 5th paragraph of the Sept. 9th letter are inaccurate. The 94th lead the Drive to the Rhine, they were not relieving positions at this point in time. The historians seem to be confused and focusing on the wrong time period. Thomas Manthey’s reaction to these paragraphs was “We weren’t following anyone. Those persons at the prison certainly gave no indication that they had already been liberated!”<br />
<br />
“We were at the Front and approaching Ludwigshaven, about 5 miles short of it, when the American captured planes lead by a Messerschmitt flew over us, and we abandoned our convoy and headed for the ditches. We were ordered to hold off and go in and take it (Ludwigshaven) in the morning, so we bunked out in some nearby houses. They decided to let the tanks go through, but they found that the tanks had been slaughtered. We then went through Ludwigshaven, the Germans had retreated, and it was outside of Ludwigshaven, where we came across this camp. After we were there for a couple of hours we were then ordered to leave as the medical people were expected to arrive within a short time to take care of the freed prisoners. Shortly thereafter we were reassigned to go north to Velbert, in the Dusseldorf Krefeld area. I recall vividly the truck convoy from where we were to the Dusseldorf area, a distance of about a hundred miles. At that time the War was over and we were administering the peace, one of the duties was to protect the German farmers during the night from being slaughtered from the wandering freed Russian displaced persons. ”<br />
<br />
“ The War ended in May, this was well before that, because we were the ones going in to take Ludwigshaven and there were no American troops ahead of us then. When the American tanks passed through us, they were halted and crucified at the fringes of Ludwigshaven. There was certainly no one ahead of them and we during the daylight hours went in to Ludwigshaven to find it abandoned. The tanks that passed through us, were completely demolished by being ambushed by the defending enemy troops in Ludwigshaven. Immediately thereafter the Germans abandoned Ludwigshaven and we went through the town which was empty of any human beings and continued on to when we came upon the camp, a few miles outside of Ludwigshaven.“<br />
<br />
I believe it was either historian and author Douglas Brinkley, or Michael Norman, who appeared on Imus in June 2009, following Sen. Kerry, Craig Crawford and the discussion of the campaign for Liberator Status for the 94th Inf. Div. He found it incredulous that they hadn’t already been recognized as Liberators. He exclaimed something closely to “ Of course they were Liberators, they were right there, they spearheaded the drive! ” The participation of a true historian, such as Douglas Brinkley or Michael Norman, one who actually wants to uncover and record history properly is desperately needed as opposed to the apathetic bureaucrats who have been until now overseeing Sen. Kennedy’s request for Liberator Status.<br />
<br />
Upon reading the guidelines, it becomes clear that the Army greatly valued the role of liberators and their intent was that every unit involved in liberation be recognized, as they “deserve to be honored and remembered by all”. One would think that an Army historian would relish this fleeting opportunity to properly document history. The bulletin admits “ The very number of camps makes it likely that as they drove across the Third Reich, more U.S. Army divisions than originally recognized liberated concentrations camps of one type or another.”<br />
<br />
I wonder if these “historians” are unable to uncover and follow the proper procedure stated in the army bulletin (The Professional Bulletin of Army History, Fall/Winter 1992/1993, 1–5.) last used to determine Liberator Status 19 years ago, how could one expect them to be capable of analyzing the events of over 60 years ago? Never once, in their attempt to study the history of the 94th, did they contact the primary sources, my father Edward Cowley and Thomas Manthey, to inquire about any details regarding the camp they encountered that day. If they had they would have found out that they not only liberated one camp, but two. The second camp was not filled with the unspeakable horrors of the first- my father believes that the prisoners had recently arrived there and were not in the same devastated condition as that of the first filled with the dead and dying. Additionally, Thomas Manthey has in his possession, a German Walther 32 caliber pistol that while leaving the first camp he found lying in 3 pieces back in the woods, adjacent to the camp. <br />
<br />
Edward Cowley and Thomas Manthey were in the ASTP program, among the brightest lads in the country, chosen to be educated and trained as officers. In fact the required IQ level for ASTP was 120, while the IQ for Officer Training was 110. The casualties of the War mounted and these young men were sent instead to the Front as infantry soldiers. They earned four battle stars: Northern France, Ardennes, Rhineland and Central Europe. They fought and suffered through the Battle of the Bulge (where my father earned a Bronze Star for Valor) and the Orsholtz disaster. They remained only Pvts. but these two men are scholars and gentlemen who fought for our Country and saved countless lives. They are heroes, not liars. <br />
<br />
In his letter dated January 18, 2008 Senator Kennedy personally apologized to me “for the tardiness of the US Army Center of Military History’s response which, unfortunately is not the response both you and I were hoping for.” Sadly their tardiness only continued. Despite Sen. Kennedy’s serious illness they did not respond to his request that the 94th be considered for recognition as a Liberating Unit dated June 2nd 2009 until September 9th, 2009, 15 days after his death. This letter of response never even surfaced until it reached Sen. Kerry’s office January 29th, 2010. Clearly their disregard for this issue, and their inability to perceive the paramount urgency of time is obvious if this is how they responded to Sen. Kennedy, one of the greatest, if not the greatest Senator in the history of our country.<br />
<br />
Evidently the tactic used by the bureaucrats at the USCMH is that if they drag their feet long enough, the problem will go away, Sen. Kennedy and the Vets. My parents had 5 children and the Mantheys have 2, we won’t stop until history is put to rights. This issue has been featured on Craig Crawford”s Trailmix numerous times, discussed 4 times on Imus, The Huffington Post, Martha’s Vineyard Gazette. We have a website dedicated to Liberator Status (3058 hits, 1218 visitors) a Soapbox at congress.org, a growing Facebook group and a petition on Care2. Major Garrett of Fox News had every intention to cover this issue while on Martha’s Vineyard covering Pres. Obama's vacation, but his visit was cut short due to Sen. Kennedy’s death. Another national news correspondent from Fox is planning on doing a story on the campaign for Liberator Status. We won’t let this issue fade away. Every day that passes without these Heroes and Victims being recognized and honored further exposes the indifference of USCMH. What are for they there for? Now it is not only the indifference of the USCMH that is so wretched, but the unmitigated gall of the Army itself, turning a back on its own soldiers. If Patton had survived he would have made sure to clarify, with his own descriptive words, what WWII was all about and seen to it that his "Golden Nugget" would be fully recognized. <br />
<br />
“Any nation that does not honor its heroes, will not long endure.”- Abraham Lincoln<br />
<br />
Once again, Thank you Sen. Kerry.<br />
<br />
Respectfully, Kathleen Cowley<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
P.S. Incidentally you may be interested to know that both of these humble men refused a Purple Heart during the Battle of the Bulge as they did not want to worry their families at home. Nor has either ever received the WWII Victory Medal due them.Durward Discussionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15023629504094283860noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5508622608288725337.post-47197702043104611422010-02-19T12:26:00.000-08:002010-02-19T12:26:33.326-08:00Letters 91 - 95<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr7di2OzJ6XskiCFoap0cEsAAS8SxZ34D-lW8QsXzqLjxj4oWhZEUVh7oQTJpmvofWlKcZ4JB4WqdS0Vt4ZG1efa37vAGk01cxTPLXZmZsEDzXTyfIbRowJ_InCxEbcoz3Dz4fOmtl5f8/s1600-h/flyswatter.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ct="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr7di2OzJ6XskiCFoap0cEsAAS8SxZ34D-lW8QsXzqLjxj4oWhZEUVh7oQTJpmvofWlKcZ4JB4WqdS0Vt4ZG1efa37vAGk01cxTPLXZmZsEDzXTyfIbRowJ_InCxEbcoz3Dz4fOmtl5f8/s320/flyswatter.gif" /></a></div><br />
Letter # 91<br />
Pvt. E. Cowley 42025054<br />
1st Bn Hg Co 301 Inf<br />
A.P.O. 94 c/o P.M. NY, NY<br />
<br />
The Cowleys<br />
35 Woodside Ave.<br />
Buffalo 20 N.Y.<br />
In France <br />
Sept 28, 1944<br />
Dearest family,<br />
Got a letter from my Cowleys yesterday & am very glad everyone is feeling fine, that was bad news about your last half stick of gum however. The “Fruit Cake” you’re sending will come in mighty handy. Please send one slightly used fly swatter for the insects over here, never knew any one country could have so many. Tell Dad doe that problem he asked me about in Arithmetic could be answered by anyone who went in as far in Grammar school as he did, so he should be able to figure it out himself. So Connie got himself a “Loafer” jacket, hope it doesn’t cause him as much trouble as mine did me. Heard from Bob DeWitt & he’s still in N.Mexico but I’l imagine he’l be going across shortly.<br />
<br />
I’m not so sure the German people, Catholics or not are going to do much welcoming. They’ve played quite a number of sneak tricks on the yanks in Germany so far. None of the boys have any amicable feeling towards the Krauts & personally I know the way I intend to deal with them all, if I get the chance. They’ Theres’ only one way to deal with a Nazis, young or old, male or female. Things are a lot different in this war than in the last so don’t believe any of the pacifist propaganda that the newspapers boldly print. Don’t know why I’m doing all this talking guess I just got it in for the Krautheads. Don’t pay any attention to it.<br />
<br />
Well I wrote to Aunt Peg the other day, I’m still working for those sandwiches she puts out without crusts etc. You’d get a laff if you could see me now, I haven’t shaved in almost 2 weeks & the same applies to washing. Brushed my teeth a couple times however. I’m in such condition that Mary Criswell wouldn’t even recognize me. Feel fine thou & we are eating very, very well. Manage a couple hot, not too hot, meals a day. Have had chicken, Turkey & Pork chops a couple times each so I can’t complain about a thing. All kinds of apple orchards around here too soo… Got the B.E. News & enjoyed reading it very much, will give it to Higgins. Well, take care of yourselves & have a beer for me every Sat. night. Keep writing as my favorite mail comes from home. <br />
Love to all, Eddie<br />
<br />
<br />
Letter # 92<br />
A.S.H. 4202505<br />
Pvt. E. Cowley <br />
1st Bn. Hg. Co. 301 Inf<br />
A.P.O. 94 c/o P.M. NY, NY<br />
The Cowleys<br />
35 Woodside Ave.<br />
Buffalo 20 N.Y.<br />
War & Navy Departments<br />
V-Mail Services<br />
Official Business<br />
Oct 9th, 1944, In France<br />
Dear folks, <br />
There I go again! Took a “warm shower” yest & I’m not kidding either. We were run thru the Q.M. laundry & it felt fine to be clean, for awhile at least. Well enjoy that scrapbook you’re saving very much & maybe after the war we can look it over & laugh at everything. Have finally received all my equipment, never mentioned it before for fear you might worry, but I lost just about everything I owned in a little engagement with the Krauts. Its quite a story & think Dad will get a bang out of it. Have quite a few to tell but they all have to wait until I can get home, take off my shoes, pants & put on Dad’s oldest bathrobe & have a little beer, cheese & crackers. Have an order for 35$ to send home as soon as I can get an to envelope, also 20$ more from a little poker game the other night. How’s Margaret Lou doing at school? Can hardly wait for those edibles, hope they arrive soon. Best of everything.<br />
<br />
Your devoted son, Eddie<br />
<br />
Letter # 93<br />
<br />
Pvt. E. Cowley 42025054<br />
1st Bn Hg Co 301 Inf<br />
A.P.O. 94 c/o P.M. NY, NY<br />
<br />
The Cowleys <br />
35 Woodside Ave.<br />
Buffalo 20 N.Y.<br />
<br />
Oct 15, 1944<br />
In France<br />
<br />
Dear folks,<br />
<br />
Received 2 letters from home 3 nights ago & also an issue of the B.E.N. How about the So. Buffalo News? Would like to get them very much. Give Nan my best wishes for her birthday, as belated as they are. Glad to hear Nels Thubridy is at school, imagine he’l like it a lot better than hanging around without any guys to pal around with. Am enclosing 10$ which Peggy can use to see the show, it isn’t much but I can’t see any sense in keeping even that much over here as we very seldom get a chance to spend a “franc”. Be sure and let me know if you received the two money orders I sent before, 35$ & 40$, Wrote to a girl up in Cleaveland, girl friend’s girl friend of one of my buddies. Heard from her a couple days ago & she seems like a pretty nice kid. Another “Pen-pal” for my list. Just got 3 letters from home – 2 v-mail. In it Peggy has just started back to school, its about time, guess they’l have a lot of “work” to make up. Don’t imagine it’l bother Peggy very much. By the way if Peggy has a “good” snapshot of herself laying around anyplace I’d like to have a Donnie MacDonald priority on it so I could show off all my family. Have good ones of both you & Dad & a not so good one of Peggy. How about it sis?<br />
<br />
Glad to hear Marsie made the cadets, looks like all the O’Maras are going in for nursing. How’s Danny Riordan making out up at U.B.<br />
<br />
Can’t tell you what part of France I’m in but at least I’m still in France. We get issued a pack of smokes, a little candy bar & all our toilet articles by Uncle Sam but I still crave candy. Did I ever tell you I lost 3 pr of glasses over here, all G.I. & am now using my old “basketball” glasses (have always used them anyhow) & have my good ones in my Duffle back at Division someplace. Took a hot shower today back at Q.M. & it felt pretty good. Never saw a country where it rains so damn much. Theres no place like the good old U.S.A. <br />
<br />
Your Son, Eddie<br />
<br />
Letter # 94 <br />
<br />
<br />
Pvt. E. Cowley 42025054<br />
1st Bn Hg Co 301 Inf<br />
A.P.O. 94 c/o P.M. NY, NY<br />
<br />
Mr. E.P. Cowley Sr. <br />
35 Woodside Ave.<br />
Buffalo 20 N.Y.<br />
<br />
Oct, 23, 1944<br />
France,<br />
Dear Dad,<br />
<br />
Yesterday was quite a day for me as far as the mail goes, received 8 letters & my 1st letter from you. You asked me about quite a few things & I will try to tell you just what the score is over here. Received a “Record” from State also noticed that there has been quite a change in the old faculty. You remember Miss Mulholland who taught in Room 1W on the 1s as you enter the building & for 9 years was voted the most popular Teacher in the school, well she has been replaced by some Doctor from Ohio State. I took my 1st year of Latin from here & I sure would have liked to continue but thise war will make me appreciate home, family & school probably a lot more than I could even realize before.<br />
<br />
Well, as usual I’m feeling good & counting the minutes till this is over. Imagine the radio & newspaper are really going at it hot & heavy these days but I wouldn’t be at all surprised if the war drags into 1945. You probably can see that if you still listen to the radio like you used to. Remember Dec 7th, 1941, I was 16 years old at that time & got rather tired listening to the reports on the radio about Pearl Harbor & the Japs. You must have told me half a dozen times was a what that would mean to our country & every one we knew & you were right as can be. However think I might have a bit of a break when the European war is over. Looks like we’l go into Germany as occupational forces, of course its not certain but if we did it would be 100% better than going into China. If we do I can’t expect to come home until 46’ or maybe 47’ at the earliest. According to the present plans they’re calling for military occupation for 10 years but I don’t imagine one outfit could have to stay that long. So you see what we’re up against, the end of the war will probably be another beginning for us. Can’t expect to be let out as they there is plenty of guys over here who have been here 2 or 3 years & when I’m here as long as they have been then I can start thinking about those civilian clothes again. It shouldn’t be too bad as we will probably have good barracks, good food & maybe a pass now & then. Would like to visit Switzerland & Russia. Think it might be quite an education & I could gather plenty more stories to tell you when I finally do ring that door bell. Wouldn’t tell you all this except that I kinda think Mother expects to see me with the 1st boatload of Yanks to land in the States. Hitler is rallying the Germans for a “Fight to the last” & believe me it will be. After our Tanks and armour have crushed the bigger part of their defenses the Infantry will gladly “mop up” everything that lives in Germany. We know now that we can’t afford another affair like this in 20 years hence & I think if we don’t weaken now we can prevent it, what do you think? Don’t want you to worry too much about me as I’m damn careful of every step I take & will always continue to be that way. Say Dad, I’ve been thinking, how would you like to go out with me when I get home? We’l have a little “Two-man” party up at Kleinheins / and not in the “Bargain Basement” I’ll make your eyes pop out when you see the clothes I’m going to hang in that ale closet of mine. Might even let you try on the “White Dinner Jacket” I’ve been planning on. We’l spend the day up there & afterwards the beers will be on me. Strictly a “Father & son” get together. How about it? sounds like a pretty good idea to me. <br />
<br />
Sorry to hear Al Smith, Wilkies & our Bishop died. Strange they all went in the same week.<br />
<br />
Well, the Cards are the champs again & baseball can be forgotten for the rest of the winter. Tommy Collela, our old Sunday hero is really clicking this year. See where they beat Sinkwich & his crew a couple weeks ago. You always said you wouldn’t be able to stop the guy if he had a line & from the looks of things he’s got plenty of good healthy beef in front of him now. Bet “Bow” Redmond is telling everyone all about it wherever Bow is now. See So. Park lost to Bennet again this year, that’s getting monotonous, don’t you think. You know In a way I feel safer in France on Saturdays then I used to feel when the two of us would listen to Notre Dame. Every time they made a “Touch” I used to wonder if my insurance policy was paid in full. You’d beat on my shoulders with that “Irish” power but every now & then you’d wind up with a chair in your hands so I always figured it was time to brush my teeth on at least the Table between us. Received let. from Aunt Flo & Ed & Ken & Kitty. Will try to answer today. Bob DeWitts running around with my old girl, How do you like that. Well, take things easy & leave a glass or two of Elmer’s beer for an old Dragon. <br />
<br />
Your son, Eddie<br />
<br />
Letter # 95<br />
A.S.H. 42025054<br />
Pvt. E. Cowley <br />
1st BN. HG. CO. 301 INF<br />
A.P.O. 94 c/o P.M. NY, NY<br />
<br />
The Cowleys<br />
35 Woodside Ave.<br />
Buffalo 20 N.Y.<br />
<br />
War & Navy Departments<br />
V-Mail Services<br />
Official Business<br />
<br />
Oct 25, 1944<br />
<br />
Dear folks, <br />
<br />
Received a package from home yesterday & have eaten most of it already. It landed in good shape & no one can figure out what I want the summer shorts for, so close to winter. Will save them for next summer & continue wearing my “long Johns”. Am hoping for a letter or two tonight as I haven’t received any in 3 days, that’s the way it usually runs. – Well, things are still rather quiet where I am & we might be bedding down for the winter, sure hope so. How is everyone at home, hope everyone is well. Amy enjoying the salt water Taffy now. Bet dad will be confused when he gets my letter, it confuses me also. According to this new point discharge system I’m about a year off the beam but it doesn’t matter as yet as we’ve still got a war to win. Don’t worry about me sleeping in a foxhole, the only time to worry is when I’m not sleeping in it. Its 2nd nature to me now. Boy Oh Boy! is this Taffy good. Think I’ll open a Candy Kitchen when I return. See where Lorenzo is building a new nest. Should be nice. <br />
<br />
Love to all, Eddie<br />
<br />
<br />
------------------------------------------------<br />
And from the 1944 Hit Parade<br />
<br />
<br />
<object width="445" height="364"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/cKTB2jmVccg&hl=en_US&fs=1&color1=0x2b405b&color2=0x6b8ab6&border=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/cKTB2jmVccg&hl=en_US&fs=1&color1=0x2b405b&color2=0x6b8ab6&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="445" height="364"></embed></object>Durward Discussionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15023629504094283860noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5508622608288725337.post-15266992273768552772010-01-28T12:02:00.000-08:002010-01-28T18:17:31.820-08:00Thank You Senator Kerry<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Click on Page to increase size and clarity</span></b><br />
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<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs8yqeqEDC6AiozDvEJlQu-Pgz-2qFy6RgxWbXfFuoCeaG9OQyhnPrsdR3W7RDVow-VW5gx5ktUJSyk89tpFHpeY7gmZm_gHNyItgJK2xQ_jxr0xho7Ns76cPA_tkJNO2G6F9rgt-cxq4/s1600-h/kerry+letter2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs8yqeqEDC6AiozDvEJlQu-Pgz-2qFy6RgxWbXfFuoCeaG9OQyhnPrsdR3W7RDVow-VW5gx5ktUJSyk89tpFHpeY7gmZm_gHNyItgJK2xQ_jxr0xho7Ns76cPA_tkJNO2G6F9rgt-cxq4/s640/kerry+letter2.png" width="494" /></a></div>Durward Discussionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15023629504094283860noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5508622608288725337.post-65996829911487168492010-01-27T16:19:00.000-08:002010-01-27T16:22:12.211-08:00Announcement<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQn5ilFgz6Prvlaj2TCzSofkWEKZtwnEC1dC4hdyipxxLHI-rSRU084ethhr4mpVGX1RqI94lmocSTuEVjOzQ1laQ_RuVmHLWeFQmMHi9iduXDKVru0UZTBKLbPaBOllNqtygwhuJIuCw/s1600-h/John+Kerry.bmp"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329760401372534578" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQn5ilFgz6Prvlaj2TCzSofkWEKZtwnEC1dC4hdyipxxLHI-rSRU084ethhr4mpVGX1RqI94lmocSTuEVjOzQ1laQ_RuVmHLWeFQmMHi9iduXDKVru0UZTBKLbPaBOllNqtygwhuJIuCw/s320/John+Kerry.bmp" style="cursor: hand; float: left; height: 320px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 220px;" /></a><br />
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Craig Crawford, co-author of "Listen Up Mr. President" and contributing Editor of CQ Quarterly, appeared on the Imus show today and once again kindly asked Imus for his continued help in pursuing Liberator Status for Patton's Boston Regiment. Imus of course recalled the issue and said that he would contact Kerry today.<br />
<br />
This was last discussed with Imus by both Craig Crawford and Sen. Kerry on June 24th, 2009 when Kerry said enthusiastically "I think we're going to get it". We later learned that Sen. Kerry was so optimistic because both he and Sen. Kennedy had been in direct contact with Pete Geren, Sec. of the Army, on the behalf of Sec. of Defense Gates. The fastest path to Liberator Status would be for President Obama to sign an Executive Order. This had been discussed as a viable option by Sen. Kerry and Kennedy's office last spring, but needed to first follow protocol and contact the Sec. of Defense. In response Geren thanked them for their "support of these Soldiers of the "greatest generation" who served with such distinction" and assured them that he would be in touch with the results of the research work of the Center for US Military History. Unfortunately since then Sen. Kennedy has died and a new Sec. of the Army has been appointed. Time is marching much too quickly for these heroes of WWII and The Center for US Military History is moving much too slowly.<br />
<br />
Don Imus is a man of his word and did indeed contact Sen. Kerry who will be appearing on the Imus show tomorrow morning as well as Craig Crawford. We are forever indebted to Don Imus and Craig Crawford for their efforts to bring this issue to national attention and a positive conclusion. We have great hope and faith in Sen. Kerry, a long time advocate of Vets. , that he will see that the 94th Infantry Division is granted Liberator Status, however it must be done either through the Center for US Military History or by requesting an Executive Order from President Obama.<br />
<br />
Thank you once again Sen. Kerry, Don Imus and Craig Crawford for your <br />
combined efforts to put history to rights, so the efforts of the 94th <br />
Infantry Division and the victims of the Holocaust will be forever <br />
remembered.Durward Discussionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15023629504094283860noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5508622608288725337.post-49515959470636474042010-01-20T12:14:00.000-08:002010-01-20T12:17:14.742-08:00Letters 86 - 90<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg65dfZ3ijDiuIf9CImLnXhRdcGVc84BJxyviFpU6UfPrT3lvntLXRpJSX3LBz0R72kumldKxUCvWU2nMxyN_ztIxeyiV74k_R0rGTPuW315R4quXk7xCjOgDJg4JHatJeb18DYLDdy2sA/s1600-h/PosterR_2942_10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="280" mt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg65dfZ3ijDiuIf9CImLnXhRdcGVc84BJxyviFpU6UfPrT3lvntLXRpJSX3LBz0R72kumldKxUCvWU2nMxyN_ztIxeyiV74k_R0rGTPuW315R4quXk7xCjOgDJg4JHatJeb18DYLDdy2sA/s400/PosterR_2942_10.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
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The war wasn't the only thing on the minds of Americans in 1944. There was a polio epidemic and the March of Dimes was an active charity that struck children at home and worried soldiers overseas as mentioned in letter 89. On April 19, 1945 a musical debuted on Broadway whose closing song became a theme song for the March of Dimes.<br />
<br />
Letter # 86<br />
Pvt. E. Cowley 42025054<br />
1st Bn. Hg Co 301 Inf<br />
APO 94 c/o P.M. N.Y., N.Y.<br />
The Cowleys<br />
35 Woodside Ave.<br />
Buffalo 20 N.Y.<br />
War & Navy Departments<br />
V-Mail Services<br />
Official Business<br />
France <br />
<br />
Sept 25, 1944<br />
Dear Mom, <br />
<br />
Haven’t had much time for writing in the past couple days. Received 8 letters at once the other day Glad to hear you’re getting my mail regular now. Where am I going to get the Luke warm water for those socks, maybe you should have sent some of that too. The damn bees are driving me crazy. What does P.L. think about going to those stage shows? Clarence Elvey says he’s gonna study drama in N.Y.C. on this govt. deal. Guess I can finish school Tuition free. That should be pretty nice for everyone, you & me both. Guess everybody back home expects the wars over soon, believe me its far from over as far as we’re concerned. How does Dad like his glasses? It takes about 3 months for a package to get over here. War should be over before I get those clean socks. Am going to hit my foxhole & see if I can get a couple hours sleep.<br />
<br />
Love to all, Eddie<br />
<br />
Letter # 87<br />
September 26, 1944<br />
In France<br />
<br />
Dear folks, <br />
Am glad to be receiving your mail quite regularly again, hope it keep up. When you pack those boxes you can leave out the smokes as we’re issued 7 packs a week by the govt. & that’s plenty. I’m eating all the candy I can get my hands on though. Hope the war will be over by the time the boxes arrive. Will enjoy seeing those movies myself when I return. Glad to hear Peggy is pres. of her club, best I ever made it in the Dragons was sec. & bouncer & can’t you see me “bouncing” some of those boys around Got a letter from Jackie O’Mara & one from A. Kitty also A.Peg & Nan. Guess Bobby, Jimmy & I are really separted now. Never that things would turn out like they did when we were doing that high jumping, did you. Have earned a battle star for my little ribbon which I lost all ready. Guess we’l really be decorated when we hit the good old states again. So long for now Love, Eddie<br />
<br />
Letter # 88<br />
Sept 26, 1944<br />
In France <br />
Hello Peg, <br />
<br />
Have been trying to find time, paper & ink to write you for the past couple of weeks. Hows everything at home? Are many of your boyfriends still around? Wrote to Bette McCarrow last week. Congrats! on your new position, pres. at last. What do you think about those shows, have you seen any of them yet? The winter program at the Evlanger is usually excellent. Want you to write & tell me how you like each show, if you have time & I hope you will. I hear your stepping out with Jimmy Revelle, better watch that stuff, he’s bigger than I am (almost) Was looking at that picture the “bad one” you sent me (I’ve carried it half way around the world in my wallet) anyhow I’ve decided I don’t like the way you put on your lipstick so you had better change your style if you haven’t already. Take care of yourself kid & save one of your parties for DeWitt & I. We’d love it. <br />
<br />
Your brother, Eddie <br />
<br />
Letter # 89<br />
<br />
Oct 1st, 1944<br />
In France <br />
<br />
Dear folks, <br />
Sorry I haven’t been able to write for the last couple days but I’ve been very busy & didn’t have the time to do so. Received your letter of the 9th & got a big kick out of Dad using his glasses to listen to the radio, sounds just like him. Wish Connie lots of luck on his birthday for me when you see him. Haven’t heard from home in a couple of days, guess our mail is tied up again. Did Dad solve that problem yet? guess he never heard of it before, guess its something new. Did you get that pin for Dad as yet? Will be satisfied & overjoyed when he can wear a pin saying “Son in Civilian Life” Can’t understand why Pop ever painted the steps yellow, they’l be a landmark in So. Buffalo from now on. Am going to drop another line to my classmates as my last letter to them was rudely interrupted & had to be abbreviated. Well, I’m feeling fine, eating well & consequently enriching the soil of France daily. Have finely cought up to where all the food is going & really appreciate it. Last couple of weeks have been rather rugged but we’re taking it a lot lasier at the present, hope it remains that way. Have got myself a swell girl friend over here. She’s 10 years old, blonde & blue eyes. She just came down to see me but I’ll finish my writing before I go & talk to her. Have a great time as I’m the only one around that can speak? French. Just took a time out from chow & received 3 letters from home. Guess you still don’t know I’m in France & that my stay in Eng was rather short. Looks like my prediction of Oct 8th is strictly all wet, see where Winston Churchill says early in ’45, ain’t that great? & then 2 years after the Japs. Boy! the kids really are getting a vacation, hope it help to stop the polio. The weather is fairly nice over here, little rain but not too bad, must still be hot in Buff what with 83º at the football game. Well, have to do a little work now so I shall be closing. Take care of yourselves & don’t worry about me as I’m using every precaution to insure getting home & the sooner the better.<br />
<br />
Love to all, Your son Ed<br />
<br />
<br />
Letter # 90<br />
Oct 8th, 1944<br />
France<br />
Dear folks, <br />
Received 2 let from home today, 1st ones to aknowledge my being in France. Have been running wild for the past couple days looking for some writing paper but finally found some. Glad to hear you liked the little sketch, even thou it wasn’t very good. Am taking things rather easy now & only hope it stays that way, have decided I don’t want the Congressional medal. Also nice to hear Peggy was pleased about the shows, hoped she would be. Read your letters thru & as I was reading Dad’s little note a couple tears ran down my cheek. Can’t understand it as we’re supposed to hard as nails but that “old man” of mine is okay. Got a letter from Mrs. Mulholland, Eng. Teacher at State, very nice & one from Ed Cowley. Tell Peggy to help herself to any of my sweaters etc. I hope Collella is doing very well, read it in “The Stars & Stripes” our G.I. newspaper printed in France. Good to hear Frankie Smith is recovering & Jim Donovan is safe. Getting dark so I’ll say so long for now & will write again tomorrow.<br />
<br />
Love to all, Eddie<br />
<br />
<br />
<object width="580" height="360"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/d6V9EbnNx6U&hl=en_US&fs=1&color1=0x2b405b&color2=0x6b8ab6&border=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/d6V9EbnNx6U&hl=en_US&fs=1&color1=0x2b405b&color2=0x6b8ab6&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="580" height="360"></embed></object>Durward Discussionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15023629504094283860noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5508622608288725337.post-29648217087685860462010-01-05T17:26:00.000-08:002010-01-06T12:19:48.171-08:00Letters 80 to 82<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLaL1Qp2uHwlGhahDcWJh1GuPCHdXVIKoNzgxJrKPQu6Nl7dV2ufhWQ3MpgZf2TFKlaD1j9Fv1Jq9wQZ6MfMh-fs9vdzAv_BlxBeLuic5DVFORtmgqWavZ-BwItvm9TK6tD06f8rHxGKE/s1600-h/800px-Avalon_Theatre_stage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ps="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLaL1Qp2uHwlGhahDcWJh1GuPCHdXVIKoNzgxJrKPQu6Nl7dV2ufhWQ3MpgZf2TFKlaD1j9Fv1Jq9wQZ6MfMh-fs9vdzAv_BlxBeLuic5DVFORtmgqWavZ-BwItvm9TK6tD06f8rHxGKE/s320/800px-Avalon_Theatre_stage.jpg" /></a><br />
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<br />
#80<br />
<br />
Pvt. E. Cowley 42025054<br />
1st Bn. Hg Co 301st Inf. A.P.O. 94<br />
c/o Postmaster N.Y, N.Y.<br />
<br />
The Cowleys<br />
35 Woodside Ave.<br />
Buffalo 20 N.Y.<br />
<br />
Sept. 2nd, 1944<br />
Somewhere in England<br />
<br />
Dear Mom, <br />
<br />
Received 4 letters from you yesterday but got into a card game & didn’t have time to answer until today. You mentioned the feast of the assumption in one of your letters & I want to let you know that I got to mass that day. Just happened to run into the chaplain & he was going to say mass outside (as there isn’t any church) so Carack & I both attended. Have been cutting up all my photographs so they can be small enough to carry in my wallet. Have of small picture of just about everyone. Its been raining continuously over here for 3 or 4 days now, typical Buffalo weather hey. Thought that letter that you, Dad, Peg & Ann wrote was very nice. You don’t have to bother sending Doug’s address! So Clint Bueliman told you all about the invasion of southern France, hope he’l be telling us all the right time again very soon & the way we got them going it wouldn’t surprise me one bit. Wasn’t able to make London as I should have but I’m not very interested in it anyhow. A big batch of mail just came so I’m hoping for a letter or two & maybe my So. Buffalo News. Received that toilet paper & I intent to make use of it & I’m not just kidding. Well, school should be starting by the time you receive this, Peggy’s second year at So. Park. Hope she does as well this year as she did last. Know she will. Guess I’ll be able to get through school for free and I know I’ll have the required two years in or more. Glad to hear Doug was able to cable Connie & Lil, bet that it really gave them a thrill. You never mentioned Bob Humphries address, haven’t you been able to get it as yet? Would like to drop him a letter if I could. Well, have to get busy on my equipment & believe me I’ve really got plenty of it. As usual I feel fine & hope everyone at home feels likewise. Write soon & often<br />
<br />
Love to all, <br />
Eddie<br />
<br />
P.S. Tell Peg to meet me at McGees after the war!<br />
<br />
Letter # 81<br />
<br />
Pvt. E. Cowley 42025054<br />
1st Bn. Hg. Co.301st Inf. A.P.O. 94<br />
c/o Postmaster N.Y, N.Y.<br />
<br />
The Cowleys<br />
35 Woodside Ave.<br />
Buffalo 20 N.Y.<br />
<br />
Sept. 8Th, 1944<br />
Somewhere in France<br />
<br />
Dear folks, <br />
<br />
Sorry I haven’t been able to write lately & might not be able to write again for quite a some time but I don’t want you to worry about me. Can’t say much about where I am or what I’m doing but I’ll have lots to tell you when I get home which can’t be too soon. I’ve tasted the French wine and as a matter of fact I’ve got my canteen full of it right now. They say its better & safer to drink the wine than any milk or water so I’m not going to argue with them. Went to communion before embarking for France which I know will make you feel a lot better, I’ll never forget that break I had in seeing the family before I left. Guess I’m pretty lucky. Have been thinking that school opens next week. Looks like I won’t be able to make it this year. Next year I should be back if all goes well. It rains continuously over here but its fairly warm so I feel pretty good. Say hello to everyone be at home & I’m thinking of you always. Take good care of yourselves & I know St. Jude will take care of me. Write soon & often. <br />
<br />
Love to all, Eddie<br />
<br />
P.S. Enclosed something for your book!<br />
<br />
Letter # 82<br />
<br />
Pvt. E. Cowley 42025054<br />
1st Bn. Hgts.Co. 301st Inf. <br />
A.P.O. 94 c/o PM N.Y. N.Y.<br />
<br />
The Cowleys<br />
35 Woodside Ave.<br />
Buffalo 20 N.Y.<br />
<br />
Sept. 20, 1944<br />
In France<br />
<br />
Dear Mom, Dad & Peggy, <br />
<br />
Well, I’m still resting, if you want to call it that. We do more work when we’re resting than when we’re in action. Father Janko, the Catholic Chaplin, held services for us yesterday. Wasn’t able to go to communion as I had broken my fast eating some candy. However I think I told you before that I went to communion just before I left England so religiously I’m pretty well fixed. Know you’d be pleased to hear that we get the opportunity to attend mass occasionally. I’m enclosing a sloppy little sketch of a part of our temporary camp in England. It isn’t any good at all but its something I thought you might enjoy a little. Also am sending a check for 20$. Intend to send home from 25$ to 50$ per month as long as I’m over here. Want you to bank most of it for me unless you need it for something special. There’s one thing I want you to do with it every month, about 5$ I mean. Would like Peggy Lou to start going to the Evlanger to see the stage shows. Was always sorry I didn’t start going when I was younger. Anyhow I’d like Peggy to go up as often as she wants & perhaps she’l be able to see all the shows this winter. Also if she’d like to take any of the girls or best of all you & Dad I’d really like you to use my money. I know just what your thinking mother, that you’l put it all away for me but it would give me great satisfaction to have someone making good use of some of that dough. Hope you understand what I mean, think those shows are educational & tend to create a fine background. Tell Peggy she can spend as much as she wants for good seats, carfare & maybe a couple Hamburgers without onions afterwards. Know she’l enjoy it a lot and I want her to write and tell me how she liked the plays. Will you do that for me seriously?<br />
Wrote a letter to the gang up at school a couple days or weeks ago. Never had time to really finish it though. Are you still spending your Sat. night out at Elmers? He’s quite a character. Tell him we’ll have a big celebration out there when the Dragons all come home. Harry thought he was a card. How do the Crowleys like living next to the Cowleys on good ole Woodside? There’s really a couple swell neighbors for you. We had a radio going out here today and they were playing that bar room music which reminded me so much of Curlys etc. & me drinking all that root beer & eating all the pretzels in the place. I’ll be drinking beers with you & Dad, and still trying to get all the pretzels when its over. Lost a little weight in the past couple weeks so I’m looking pretty trim at the present. How’s Dad doing with all his, he looked pretty rugged in that photo. Got a letter from a very cute little blond I met in Winona Miss. She’s the one that intends studying music at Rochester so I’ll keep right on writing. Incidentally you can write on both sides of the paper as your mail isn’t censored. Will make it that much lighter & you can say more. Guess that's all for now. Will write again soon.<br />
<br />
Love to all, Eddie<br />
<br />
-------------------------------------<br />
<br />
September 1944 Hit Song: Till Then by the Mills Brothers<br />
<br />
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</div><br />
<br />
Letter # 74<br />
<br />
Pvt. E. Cowley 42025054<br />
Hgts.Co. 1st Bn. <br />
301st Inf. A.P.O. 94<br />
c/o Postmaster<br />
N.Y. City N.Y.<br />
<br />
The Cowleys<br />
35 Woodside Ave.<br />
Buffalo 20 N.Y.<br />
<br />
First Letter from Overseas<br />
<br />
August 14, 1944<br />
England<br />
<br />
Dear Mom, Dad & Peggy<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
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.<br />
The people over here are all very conscious of the war & “thumbs up” v for victory & all that is right in style. <br />
Whenever you look up in the sky you can see planes or formations going & coming from France.<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
Love to all, <br />
Eddie<br />
<br />
Letter # 75<br />
<br />
Pvt. E. Cowley 42025054<br />
1st Bn. Hgts Co 301st Inf. <br />
A.P.O. 94 c/o Postmaster<br />
N.Y. City N.Y.<br />
<br />
The Cowleys<br />
35 Woodside Ave.<br />
Buffalo 20 N.Y.<br />
<br />
War & Navy Departments<br />
V-Mail Services<br />
Official Business<br />
<br />
Postmarked September 1, 1944<br />
<br />
Dear Mom, <br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
Eddie<br />
<br />
P.S. Write either v mail or air mail<br />
<br />
Letter # 78<br />
<br />
Pvt. E. Cowley 42025054<br />
1st Bn. Hgts Co 301st Inf. <br />
A.P.O. 94 c/o Postmaster<br />
N.Y., N.Y.<br />
<br />
The Cowleys<br />
35 Woodside Ave.<br />
Buffalo 20 N.Y.<br />
<br />
War & Navy Departments<br />
V-Mail Services<br />
Official Business<br />
<br />
Postmarked September 4, 1944<br />
<br />
Dear folks, <br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
Love to all, <br />
Eddie<br />
<br />
-------------------------------<br />
From The 1944 Hit Parade: <br />
I Couldn't Sleep A Wink Last Night, Frank Sinatra<br />
<br />
<object width="560" height="340"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/PdZxiiv2078&hl=en_US&fs=1&color1=0x234900&color2=0x4e9e00"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/PdZxiiv2078&hl=en_US&fs=1&color1=0x234900&color2=0x4e9e00" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="560" height="340"></embed></object>Durward Discussionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15023629504094283860noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5508622608288725337.post-30731200045298385962009-11-10T06:42:00.000-08:002009-11-11T07:38:14.660-08:00Please Sign The PetitionIn 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.<br />
<br />
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. <br />
<br />
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". <br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Please honor these brave soldiers who sacrificed for our Country and the untold victims and their families of the Holocaust by signing the </span></strong><a href="http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/Liberator-Status-For-Pattons-Army"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">petition</span></strong></a><strong><span style="font-size: large;"> to President Obama to issue an Executive Order. Then tell your friends to sign as well. </span></strong>Durward Discussionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15023629504094283860noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5508622608288725337.post-62970640073705031642009-10-30T11:15:00.000-07:002009-10-30T11:15:57.245-07:00Letters 61 - 65<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggTm8yULQAaEE-s8dE6rDVRj86E7WY87-yPKsZHsMi1jHetfZKVXwPr3z5A1o5ram3PBbo6HDm38euCiKJ0QD39xu1pMpe2-kw48ONeFkIkBk7N3DZJ-kiyas6X8e0bmxrjTNvZcJqXZs/s1600-h/DDay.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggTm8yULQAaEE-s8dE6rDVRj86E7WY87-yPKsZHsMi1jHetfZKVXwPr3z5A1o5ram3PBbo6HDm38euCiKJ0QD39xu1pMpe2-kw48ONeFkIkBk7N3DZJ-kiyas6X8e0bmxrjTNvZcJqXZs/s640/DDay.jpg" vr="true" /></a><br />
</div><br />
On D-Day June 6, 1944, these were the songs that hit the charts on BBC Radio out of London<br />
<br />
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. <br />
<blockquote><br />
1 Berlin Or Bust — Sam Browne and the Six Swingers <br />
2 The Last Post <br />
3 Roll Me Over — Primo Scala <br />
4 On The Sunny Side Of The Street — Tommy Dorsey <br />
5 Milkman Keep Those Bottles Quiet — The Squadronaires featuring Beryl Davies <br />
6 McNamara’s Band —Geraldo and his Orchestra with Johnny Green <br />
7 Command Patrol - RAF Dance Orchestra <br />
8 Bless You — The Inkspots <br />
9 Opus One — Tommy Dorsey and his Orchestra <br />
10 In The Mood - Glenn Miller <br />
11 The Trolley Song — Judy Garland <br />
12 I’ll Walk Alone — Ambrose and his Orchestra <br />
13 The Dreamer — Henry Hall and his Orchestra with Eva Bynon <br />
14 Is You Is Or Is You Ain’t My Baby — Skyrockets Dance Orchestra with Denny Dennis <br />
15 There Goes That Song Again — Adelaide Hall <br />
16 Till The End Of Time — Perry Como <br />
17 The Grand Old Man — Max Miller <br />
18 It Might As Well Be Spring — Dick Haymes <br />
19 That Lovely Weekend — Geraldo and his Orchestra <br />
20 Don’t Fence Me In — Bing Crosby with the Andrews Sisters <br />
21 Mairzy Doats and Dozy Doats — Lou Praeger and his Orchestra with Paul Rich <br />
22 There’ll Always Be An England — Sam Browne <br />
23 They're Either Too Young Or Too Old - Carroll Gibbons <br />
24 The Vic'Try Polka - Joe Loss and His Orchestra <br />
25 Lilli Marlene - Marlene Dietrich <br />
26 White Cliffs Of Dover - Vera Lynn<br />
</blockquote><br />
Letter # 61<br />
<br />
Pvt. E. Cowley 42025054<br />
Hgts.Co. 1st Bn. 301st Inf.<br />
A.P.O. 94<br />
Camp McCain Miss.<br />
The Cowleys<br />
35 Woodside Ave.<br />
Buffalo, N.Y.<br />
Zone 20<br />
Predicted “D” Day<br />
Monday, June 5, 1944<br />
Dear Mom,<br />
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. <br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
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. <br />
Love to all, <br />
Eddie<br />
<br />
Letter # 62 <br />
<br />
<br />
Pvt. E. Cowley 42025054<br />
Hgts.Co. 1st Bn. 301st Inf.<br />
A.P.O. 94<br />
Camp McCain Miss.<br />
The Cowleys<br />
35 Woodside Ave.<br />
Buffalo, N.Y.<br />
Zone 20<br />
More about D Day<br />
“D” day, June 6, 1944<br />
Dear Mother,<br />
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.<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
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! <br />
Love to all, <br />
<br />
Eddie<br />
<br />
Letter # 63<br />
Pvt. E. Cowley 42025054<br />
Hgts.Co. 1st Bn. 301st Inf.<br />
A.P.O. 94<br />
Camp McCain Miss.<br />
The Cowleys<br />
35 Woodside Ave.<br />
Buffalo, N.Y.<br />
Zone 20<br />
June 17, 1944<br />
Dear Mom,<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
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.<br />
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.<br />
<br />
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.<br />
How’s my little buddy Jimmy Piehardt doing nowadays?<br />
<br />
Tell Rhoda (Hotlips) to drop me a little more of her line if you happen to see her.<br />
I feel pretty good now, except that all the insults in Miss. have bitten me twice.<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
Love to my family, <br />
Eddie<br />
<br />
Letter # 64<br />
Pvt. E. Cowley 42025054<br />
Hgts.Co. 1st Bn. 301st Inf.<br />
A.P.O. 94<br />
Camp McCain Miss.<br />
The Cowleys<br />
35 Woodside Ave.<br />
Buffalo, N.Y.<br />
Zone 20<br />
Thursday, June 22, 1944<br />
Dear Mom,<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
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. <br />
We’re having corn on the cob for dinner tonight. One ear apiece will just about kill me though.<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
Well, chow time is dangerously close so I’ll sign off for awhile.<br />
Love to all, <br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
Letter # 65 <br />
<br />
<br />
Pvt. E. Cowley 42025054<br />
Hgts.Co. 1st Bn. 301st Inf.<br />
A.P.O. 94<br />
Camp McCain Miss.<br />
The Cowleys<br />
35 Woodside Ave.<br />
Buffalo, N.Y.<br />
Zone 20<br />
Postmarked, June 26, 1944<br />
Saturday,<br />
Dear Mom,<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
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<br />
Love to all, <br />
Eddie<br />
<br />
-----------------------------------<br />
Opus One Tommy Dorsey<br />
<br />
<object height="405" width="500"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/_7QjMZ4ckZc&hl=en&fs=1&color1=0x2b405b&color2=0x6b8ab6&border=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/_7QjMZ4ckZc&hl=en&fs=1&color1=0x2b405b&color2=0x6b8ab6&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="500" height="405"></embed></object><br />
<br />
On The Sunny Side of the Street - Tommy Dorsey<br />
<br />
<object height="405" width="500"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/vZmgv1ywdkw&hl=en&fs=1&color1=0x2b405b&color2=0x6b8ab6&border=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/vZmgv1ywdkw&hl=en&fs=1&color1=0x2b405b&color2=0x6b8ab6&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="500" height="405"></embed></object>Durward Discussionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15023629504094283860noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5508622608288725337.post-31034081790630011142009-10-05T14:45:00.000-07:002009-10-05T14:45:45.055-07:00Letters 56 - 60<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1bCAPbcL9I0xJt0D864qZOCW0YBj9eiYaDOa2gDZUvh_v6EqMau7itexdNW2CdX2C4brhfiV8w1SzWo81Dpw2JmdZCqLPjz60JaPoaA7ajSY5lyAJEgvgCYYCkT12hUZtv1W6HscbHYI/s1600-h/Hardy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img $r="true" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1bCAPbcL9I0xJt0D864qZOCW0YBj9eiYaDOa2gDZUvh_v6EqMau7itexdNW2CdX2C4brhfiV8w1SzWo81Dpw2JmdZCqLPjz60JaPoaA7ajSY5lyAJEgvgCYYCkT12hUZtv1W6HscbHYI/s400/Hardy.jpg" /></a><br />
</div><br />
<br />
Letter # 56<br />
<br />
Pvt. E. Cowley 42025054<br />
Hgts.Co. 1st Bn. 301st Inf.<br />
A.P.O. 94<br />
Camp McCain Miss.<br />
<br />
The Cowleys<br />
35 Woodside Ave.<br />
Buffalo, N.Y.<br />
Zone 20<br />
<br />
Postmarked April 23, 1944<br />
<br />
Thursday<br />
<br />
Dear Mom,<br />
<br />
Well I’ve got some good news at last. I’m going on furlough with the next bunch to pull out. Am afraid I’ll be needing some money as I might not get paid before I leave. Could you send me 40$ 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. <br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
Saw Mickey Rooney the other night in <a href="http://www.wildetwins.com/ahbt1.htm">Andy Hardy's Blonde Trouble </a>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.<br />
<br />
Love to all, <br />
Eddie<br />
<br />
Letter # 57<br />
<br />
Pvt. E. Cowley 42025054<br />
Hgts.Co. 1st Bn. 301st Inf.<br />
A.P.O. 94<br />
Camp McCain Miss.<br />
<br />
The Cowleys<br />
35 Woodside Ave.<br />
Buffalo, N.Y.<br />
Zone 20<br />
<br />
Sunday, April 30, 1944<br />
<br />
Dear Mom,<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
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.<br />
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.<br />
<br />
Well, its just about chow time so I’ll be saying so long for awhile <br />
<br />
Love to all, <br />
Eddie<br />
<br />
Letter # 58A<br />
<br />
Pvt. E. Cowley 42025054<br />
Hgts.Co. 1st Bn. 301st Inf.<br />
A.P.O. 94<br />
Camp McCain Miss.<br />
<br />
The Cowleys<br />
35 Woodside Ave.<br />
Buffalo, N.Y.<br />
Zone 20<br />
<br />
Wednesday May 17, 1944<br />
<br />
Dear Mom,<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
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”. <br />
<br />
Love to all, <br />
Eddie<br />
<br />
Letter # 58B<br />
<br />
Pvt. E. Cowley 42025054<br />
Hgts.Co. 1st Bn. 301st Inf.<br />
A.P.O. 94<br />
Camp McCain Miss.<br />
<br />
The Cowleys<br />
35 Woodside Ave.<br />
Buffalo, N.Y.<br />
Zone 20<br />
<br />
Postmarked May 20, 1944<br />
<br />
Friday,<br />
<br />
Dear Mom,<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
Love to all, <br />
Eddie<br />
<br />
Letter # 59<br />
<br />
Pvt. E. Cowley 42025054<br />
Hgts.Co. 1st Bn. 301st Inf.<br />
A.P.O. 94<br />
Camp McCain Miss.<br />
<br />
The Cowleys<br />
35 Woodside Ave.<br />
Buffalo, N.Y.<br />
Zone 20<br />
<br />
Postmarked May 26, 1944<br />
<br />
Rec’d May 29th Eddie’s 19th Birthday<br />
<br />
Thursday,<br />
<br />
Dear Mom,<br />
<br />
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!<br />
<br />
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. <br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
Love to all, <br />
Eddie<br />
<br />
Letter # 60<br />
<br />
Pvt. E. Cowley 42025054<br />
Hgts.Co. 1st Bn. 301st Inf.<br />
A.P.O. 94<br />
Camp McCain Miss.<br />
<br />
The Cowleys<br />
35 Woodside Ave.<br />
Buffalo, N.Y.<br />
Zone 20<br />
<br />
Tuesday May 30, 1944<br />
<br />
Dear Mom,<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
Love to all, <br />
Eddie<br />
<br />
<object height="405" width="500"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/pRQPxne1Z-w&hl=en&fs=1&color1=0x234900&color2=0x4e9e00&border=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/pRQPxne1Z-w&hl=en&fs=1&color1=0x234900&color2=0x4e9e00&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="500" height="405"></embed></object>Durward Discussionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15023629504094283860noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5508622608288725337.post-17855260851356528972009-09-24T08:14:00.000-07:002009-09-24T08:14:31.587-07:00Letters 51 - 55<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO2ik7DNzeBrs104kStbXptHjQQCUBR48uCGx5yFAsRxUzojeMY7vwT2X2qqW8Qdd63pN9evABXoQyIhnlebyaRLQco_U01xZNSC02vXnkp9ziDxpo_OgAKH8Qwq4yA9s5g_388k1fI9I/s1600-h/operators.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" iq="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO2ik7DNzeBrs104kStbXptHjQQCUBR48uCGx5yFAsRxUzojeMY7vwT2X2qqW8Qdd63pN9evABXoQyIhnlebyaRLQco_U01xZNSC02vXnkp9ziDxpo_OgAKH8Qwq4yA9s5g_388k1fI9I/s400/operators.jpg" /></a><br />
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Letter # 51<br />
<br />
<br />
Pvt. E. Cowley 42025054<br />
Hgts.Co. 1st Bn. 301st Inf.<br />
A.P.O. 94<br />
Camp McCain Miss.<br />
The Cowleys<br />
35 Woodside Ave.<br />
Buffalo, N.Y.<br />
Zone 20<br />
Postmarked April 10, 1944<br />
Easter Sunday, 1944<br />
<br />
Dear Mom,<br />
<br />
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?<br />
<br />
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.<br />
Love, Eddie<br />
<br />
<br />
Letter # 53<br />
<br />
Pvt. E. Cowley 42025054<br />
Hgts.Co. 1st Bn. 301st Inf.<br />
A.P.O. 94<br />
Camp McCain Miss.<br />
The Cowleys<br />
35 Woodside Ave.<br />
Buffalo, N.Y.<br />
Zone 20<br />
Postmarked April 14, 1944<br />
Tuesday,<br />
Dear Mom,<br />
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.<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
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<br />
Well there’s a rifle inspection in a few minutes so I should close for awhile.<br />
Love to all, Eddie<br />
Letter # 54<br />
Pvt. E. Cowley 42025054<br />
Hgts.Co. 1st Bn. 301st Inf.<br />
A.P.O. 94<br />
Camp McCain Miss.<br />
The Cowleys<br />
35 Woodside Ave.<br />
Buffalo, N.Y.<br />
Zone 20<br />
Postmarked April 19, 1944<br />
Tuesday,<br />
<br />
Dear Mom & Dad,<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
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!<br />
<br />
Love to all, <br />
Eddie<br />
<br />
<br />
Letter # 55<br />
Pvt. E. Cowley 42025054<br />
Hgts.Co. 1st Bn. 301st Inf.<br />
A.P.O. 94<br />
Camp McCain Miss.<br />
The Cowleys<br />
35 Woodside Ave.<br />
Buffalo, N.Y.<br />
Zone 20<br />
Postmarked April 24, 1944<br />
<br />
Dear Mom,<br />
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.<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
Thanks a million for going to all the trouble about this income tax for me.<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
Yes, that is Willie Moran of Dragon fame & he is the 1st Dragon to be commissioned. Glad to see him get it.<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
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. <br />
<br />
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. <br />
<br />
Love to all, Eddie<br />
<br />
------------------------------------<br />
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<br />
<br />
<object width="500" height="405"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/MLr0onQ-dUE&hl=en&fs=1&color1=0x234900&color2=0x4e9e00&border=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/MLr0onQ-dUE&hl=en&fs=1&color1=0x234900&color2=0x4e9e00&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="500" height="405"></embed></object>Durward Discussionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15023629504094283860noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5508622608288725337.post-11102592645178659942009-09-20T17:41:00.000-07:002009-09-20T17:41:09.286-07:00Letters 47 Through 50<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivl-pYpqYau-cHWwxri0JV1rhrjh755hUG2UER-pvPD22ky3NrUxGlMCyuZAp7hBX35kzUwvo2J7k-3i4iX6Z0m7AKcIDqFc-YNmWAjS3oxaEdUXtLMdkTnXJhiBkJlwR8vXK9e24BWh8/s1600-h/Gum.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" iq="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivl-pYpqYau-cHWwxri0JV1rhrjh755hUG2UER-pvPD22ky3NrUxGlMCyuZAp7hBX35kzUwvo2J7k-3i4iX6Z0m7AKcIDqFc-YNmWAjS3oxaEdUXtLMdkTnXJhiBkJlwR8vXK9e24BWh8/s400/Gum.jpg" /></a><br />
</div><br />
<br />
Letter # 47<br />
<br />
Pvt. E. Cowley 42025054<br />
Hgts.Co. 1st Bn. 301st Inf.<br />
A.P.O. 94<br />
Camp McCain Miss.<br />
<br />
The Cowleys<br />
35 Woodside Ave.<br />
Buffalo, N.Y.<br />
Zone 20<br />
<br />
Postmarked, March 25, 1944<br />
<br />
Friday, <br />
<br />
Dear Mom,<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
Well, I guess I just about wound everything so I’ll say so long for awhile.<br />
<br />
Love to all, Eddie<br />
<br />
<br />
Letter # 48<br />
<br />
Pvt. E. Cowley 42025054<br />
Hgts.Co. 1st Bn. 301st Inf.<br />
A.P.O. 94<br />
Camp McCain Miss.<br />
<br />
The Cowleys<br />
35 Woodside Ave.<br />
Buffalo, N.Y.<br />
Zone 20<br />
<br />
Postmarked, March 27, 1944<br />
<br />
Sunday morn, <br />
<br />
Dear Mom,<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
<br />
Love to all, <br />
Eddie<br />
<br />
<br />
Letter # 49<br />
<br />
Pvt. E. Cowley 42025054<br />
Hgts.Co. 1st Bn. 301st Inf.<br />
A.P.O. 94<br />
Camp McCain Miss.<br />
<br />
The Cowleys<br />
35 Woodside Ave.<br />
Buffalo, N.Y.<br />
Zone 20<br />
<br />
March 30, 1944<br />
<br />
Dear Mom,<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
Love to all, <br />
Eddie<br />
<br />
<br />
Letter # 50<br />
<br />
Pvt. E. Cowley 42025054<br />
Hgts.Co. 1st Bn. 301st Inf.<br />
A.P.O. 94<br />
Camp McCain Miss.<br />
<br />
The Cowleys<br />
35 Woodside Ave.<br />
Buffalo 20, N.Y.<br />
<br />
Postmarked April 5, 1944<br />
<br />
Dear Dad,<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
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.<br />
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.<br />
<br />
Love to all, <br />
Eddie<br />
<br />
----------------------------<br />
The 1944 Jukebox Selection: Till Then<br />
<br />
<object height="405" width="500"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/hfh1b22T-wA&hl=en&fs=1&color1=0x234900&color2=0x4e9e00&border=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/hfh1b22T-wA&hl=en&fs=1&color1=0x234900&color2=0x4e9e00&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="500" height="405"></embed></object>Durward Discussionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15023629504094283860noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5508622608288725337.post-31814791012589494712009-09-09T12:04:00.000-07:002009-09-09T12:04:28.141-07:00Letters 41 Through 46<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7d8TnJOk1A7c7er_a-E8DEVUhhcGpzAxBWRxWTsDKn0hUGMnudobiJ2hFeOedZGy6Yvh2EndkeA7jxDYJWA6r9a0bGDsjnefdFgtDc5XxnvJScqfmqwJ-P7MOXRRUjsJoyDgzMq1TiPM/s1600-h/McCain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" mq="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7d8TnJOk1A7c7er_a-E8DEVUhhcGpzAxBWRxWTsDKn0hUGMnudobiJ2hFeOedZGy6Yvh2EndkeA7jxDYJWA6r9a0bGDsjnefdFgtDc5XxnvJScqfmqwJ-P7MOXRRUjsJoyDgzMq1TiPM/s320/McCain.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<br />
Letter # 41<br />
<br />
Pvt. E. Cowley 42025054<br />
Hgts.Co. 1st Bn. 301st Inf.<br />
A.P.O. 94th Div<br />
Camp McCain Miss.<br />
<br />
The Cowleys<br />
35 Woodside Ave.<br />
Buffalo, N.Y.<br />
Zone 20<br />
<br />
March 9, 1944<br />
<br />
Dear Mom,<br />
<br />
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.<br />
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.<br />
<br />
Eddie<br />
<br />
P.S. send me a couple $ I’m flat!<br />
<br />
Letter # 42<br />
<br />
Pvt. E. Cowley 42025054<br />
Hgts.Co. 1st Bn. 301st Inf.<br />
A.P.O. 94th Div<br />
Camp McCain Miss.<br />
<br />
The Cowleys<br />
35 Woodside Ave.<br />
Buffalo, N.Y.<br />
Zone 20<br />
<br />
Postmarked March 13, 1944<br />
<br />
Saturday night,<br />
<br />
Dear Folks,<br />
<br />
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.<br />
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.<br />
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.<br />
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?<br />
The food down here is fine, lot better than what we had at Benning, Thank God!<br />
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.<br />
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.<br />
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. <br />
Eddie<br />
<br />
Letter # 43<br />
<br />
Pvt. E. Cowley 42025054<br />
Hgts.Co. 1st Bn. 301st Inf.<br />
A.P.O. 94th Div<br />
Camp McCain Miss.<br />
<br />
The Cowleys<br />
35 Woodside Ave.<br />
Buffalo, N.Y.<br />
Zone 20<br />
<br />
Tuesday, March 14<br />
<br />
Dear mom,<br />
<br />
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.<br />
Peggy & Ann surely caused quite a commotion up at the exercises. Would have liked to have been present.<br />
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.<br />
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.<br />
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. <br />
Love,<br />
Eddie<br />
<br />
Letter # 44<br />
<br />
Pvt. E. Cowley 42025054<br />
Hgts.Co. 1st Bn. 301st Inf.<br />
A.P.O. 94th Div<br />
Camp McCain Miss.<br />
<br />
The Cowleys<br />
35 Woodside Ave.<br />
Buffalo, N.Y.<br />
Zone 20<br />
<br />
Postmarked, March 16, 1944<br />
<br />
Thursday night,<br />
<br />
Dear mom,<br />
<br />
Thanks for the five! Boy, did I need it. Thanks again.<br />
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.<br />
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.<br />
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.<br />
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.<br />
Don’t care much for Miss. But there isn’t much I can do about it as usual.<br />
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. <br />
Love to all,<br />
Eddie<br />
<br />
P.S. <br />
Food is good down here, <br />
Dinner tonight:<br />
6 pork chops<br />
3 potatoes<br />
1 helping tomatoes<br />
1 piece bread<br />
1 cup tea<br />
6 pieces apple pie<br />
<br />
Letter # 45<br />
<br />
Pvt. E. Cowley 42025054<br />
Hgts.Co. 1st Bn. 301st Inf.<br />
A.P.O. 94<br />
Camp McCain Miss.<br />
<br />
The Cowleys<br />
35 Woodside Ave.<br />
Buffalo, N.Y.<br />
Zone 20<br />
<br />
Postmarked, March 20, 1944<br />
<br />
Sunday,<br />
<br />
Dear Mom,<br />
<br />
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.<br />
What do you think about the hair burning ceremonies? Pretty silly isn’t it! We did the same thing last year.<br />
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.<br />
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.<br />
Eddie<br />
<br />
Letter # 46<br />
<br />
Pvt. E. Cowley 42025054<br />
Hgts.Co. 1st Bn. 301st Inf.<br />
A.P.O. 94<br />
Camp McCain Miss.<br />
<br />
Miss Peggy Cowley<br />
35 Woodside Ave.<br />
Buffalo, N.Y.<br />
Zone 20<br />
<br />
Postmarked, 1944<br />
(March 19)<br />
<br />
Saturday, <br />
<br />
Dear Peg,<br />
<br />
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.<br />
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.<br />
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. <br />
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.<br />
Well my arm is getting stiff so I’ll have to close. Write soon and take you good care of yourself.<br />
<br />
Brother Ed<br />
<br />
-----------------<br />
The 1944 Hit Parade continues with a song that still means as much today as it did then: I'll Be Seeing You<br />
<br />
<object width="660" height="525"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/g_ewY_mYqt0&hl=en&fs=1&color1=0x006699&color2=0x54abd6&border=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/g_ewY_mYqt0&hl=en&fs=1&color1=0x006699&color2=0x54abd6&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="660" height="525"></embed></object>Durward Discussionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15023629504094283860noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5508622608288725337.post-68354774625976314232009-09-01T11:26:00.000-07:002009-09-01T13:24:54.563-07:00Listen Up Mr. President<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyEOfY7aazXLKcgZJ8Gz9Wc1cyywdPYwR5zLetqtc58VsWF5JteaZhZQpCDOnEiLkkKkO7Y7oKCOznolEF04cXxOcKT7iZ2JrTeBjQhuqehS6VNWb1c_e3BRjkfBC-vJPzVmHX7DG8J9k/s1600-h/Executive+Order.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376597124798130930" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 430px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 360px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyEOfY7aazXLKcgZJ8Gz9Wc1cyywdPYwR5zLetqtc58VsWF5JteaZhZQpCDOnEiLkkKkO7Y7oKCOznolEF04cXxOcKT7iZ2JrTeBjQhuqehS6VNWb1c_e3BRjkfBC-vJPzVmHX7DG8J9k/s320/Executive+Order.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQSZ2B_H7hgiUCTkASreObhyHBxLAzCiWmE7n-E1xQ6H_zLyFFLVushyphenhyphenHO_tblVUeHmxyz_3yHH4fB_QVyJXKRJnuT52DOp9j-OeUoJ8ub8JEIc5lYsuUMskQE4q3P4pIKUxMq4drrD7o/s1600-h/Libstatus.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373227597295501954" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 600px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 450px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQSZ2B_H7hgiUCTkASreObhyHBxLAzCiWmE7n-E1xQ6H_zLyFFLVushyphenhyphenHO_tblVUeHmxyz_3yHH4fB_QVyJXKRJnuT52DOp9j-OeUoJ8ub8JEIc5lYsuUMskQE4q3P4pIKUxMq4drrD7o/s400/Libstatus.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Kathleen Cowley Greeting Presidential Motorcade </div>Durward Discussionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15023629504094283860noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5508622608288725337.post-3006522898686743862009-08-27T04:18:00.001-07:002009-09-01T13:25:27.012-07:00Help Wanted: A Flight of Angels<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPp58aOePIz_M0vmf8N9xEYOX9XOCIbyhz8S_UxD_ZdQsFKPUowwHuIltIZfp0hTlnoc4LKQ9CKdFrkabLDHOPyEPPSIktkwy_PnzL4_sIE8VZfbya2JUxOLKVzxdB62MO-N4GDER93yk/s1600-h/Kennedy.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374601600873951314" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 377px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPp58aOePIz_M0vmf8N9xEYOX9XOCIbyhz8S_UxD_ZdQsFKPUowwHuIltIZfp0hTlnoc4LKQ9CKdFrkabLDHOPyEPPSIktkwy_PnzL4_sIE8VZfbya2JUxOLKVzxdB62MO-N4GDER93yk/s400/Kennedy.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Edward Moore "Ted" Kennedy<br />February 22, 1932 – August 25, 2009</div><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />I think Ted would like that.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKYnaNjjZNqFZZlYH8lWtpqPPA3IzqzQwmHDKishbzFA4fkRuglLUdvbAI1Yzhyphenhyphen8t_dBPmIkW4CEl2vXtLpelJFzTmMGQmALwid20cATMRdiHm7OOIAVSHmPqCtpBXBtKFXxOaee8Uwwc/s1600-h/candles-1-1.gif"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374619115509688994" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 315px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 350px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKYnaNjjZNqFZZlYH8lWtpqPPA3IzqzQwmHDKishbzFA4fkRuglLUdvbAI1Yzhyphenhyphen8t_dBPmIkW4CEl2vXtLpelJFzTmMGQmALwid20cATMRdiHm7OOIAVSHmPqCtpBXBtKFXxOaee8Uwwc/s400/candles-1-1.gif" border="0" /></a>Durward Discussionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15023629504094283860noreply@blogger.com1