Letter #2

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

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

October 11, 1943

Dear Family,

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

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

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

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

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

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

Love,
Eddie Jr.

Letters Home #1

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


#1

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


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

October 9, 1943

Dear Mother, dad & Peggy,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

P.S. Who won the football game?