Letters 30 - 35

Letter # 30

Pvt. E. Cowley 42025054
Seventh Company
Fifth Training Regiment, A.S.T.P.
Fort Benning, Georgia

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

Postmarked February 4, 1944

Wednesday night, 1944

Dear Mom,

At last Uncle Sam is gonna give me time to write a decent letter. Basic is for the better part over. Monday we had six hours of mental exams Think I did fairly well. Tuesday we had graduation exercises in the form of a 25 mile march. We did it in 8 hours so you can imagine the cadence. Today we really did things up fine. Began this morning with 2 hours of drill, then two hours to clean rifle, equipment & huts. They really poured it on in the afternoon We had our final physical tests, 33 push ups, 11 burpees in 20 sec, 300 yds in 45 sec (with G.I. shoes of course) carry a man on our back for 75 yds in 20 sec, an agility course, & then the pay off, a 4 mile forced march (run with full packs) in less than 50 minutes. I qualified 100% in everything except the running but then no one could in that, made 49 sec & best time was 47 so I’m pretty well satisfied.

Tonight I’m damn tired but still have strength enough to raise a pen. Was thinking of sending a night letter but couldn’t say much in 25 words anyhow. Oh! Almost forgot to mention, our platoon was the only one in the battalion which didn’t lose a man in the 25 mile march. We were also the best on the forced march losing only one man as compared to the numerous casualties of other platoons. Also we had a drill down and all the officers in the Battalion agreed that our platoon was the best drilled in the Battalion and many said we were the best looking training group they had ever seen, all of which puts us on top where we belong. I’ll give you one guess who’s the best soldier in the platoon (ha, ha)

Well, now that all my bragging is done maybe I can give you a little news. Rumors are flying thick and fast but I’m pretty sure that I might have a chance of going either northeast or Midwest, Just have to keep hoping for the best, but its up to the army as usual. I’d like to get within 1000 miles of home and then I’d always be able to get a couple days home if I had a 1 week furlough, which is what they give. Maybe I’ll be home for my birthday if all goes well.

Appreciated your letter about my boys, they’re the best guys in the world and I’ll never stop reliving the times the Dragons have had together. It’l be a great day when we all come home again. We’ve always planned a frat cottage out at the lake some summer. Whatever summer it is or how many of us there are we’ll have that someday, guess everyone will be happy when that day comes. The army will work that fat fanny off Doc. That’s one thing they don’t tolerate. Kenny won’t be such an egoist either after the air corps has him for awhile. Even though the air corps isn’t much of an outlet compared to the fighting Infantry they must have a little discipline at least. It’l seem darned funny saluting Harry & the rest. But M maybe I’ll beat them to it & they’l have to salute me. Doubt if my eyes could pass O.C.S. but I’ll never stop trying, they can count on that.

Glad to hear “Ma Green” moved off the street. The kids can grow up in peace now and won’t have to look at Randolph like we did.
Hope everyone is healthy, wealthy & I know your all wise. Should be good & healthy after that two # of butter. The food down here is nothing to what I used to have but it keep one alive & that’s the main purpose I guess. We eat everything (except egg plant) and absorb all the nourishment we can from it. Don’t eat for pleasure any more, just to get full so we can keep going. You should have known before Kenny & Doc tried on my hat that the only one heads an Infantry soldier’s hat fits is the soldier’s and his father’s right Dad? Good night to all and love to all the Cowleys.


Eddie Paul

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Letter # 31

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

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

Saturday, February 5, 1944

Mother,

At last our training is over, we just returned from the final review. Everything went off great in the parade. Now we’re soldiers after all our work. I’m going over to see Danny this afternoon. Its about an 8 mile walk but whats that to me now. You gave me a rather odd address but with the help of nineteen buddies I decoded it and think I know where he should be.Well, all we have to do now is wait until we’re shipped. Haven’t the slightest idea where I’ll be going but I think I’ll know sometime next week. As soon I do find out I’ll let you know.

Going into town today for another one of those steaks. Saw John Woodman last week for probably the last time until the war ends.
Feel fine, still putting on weight. Maybe I’ll weigh as much as Dad when I get home. Of course not as chubby. Bet he’ll shoot me if I keep up that kind of talk. We get a furlough after 3 months of college. I’m getting closer all the time. I’ll be home before you know it. If I go north there’s a chance we might get a delayed route or something and I’d have a chance to stop at Buffalo. Naturally that’s very doubtful but it sounds good anyhow.

Can’t understand how they expect Danny to take basic. Its gonna be very tough on that bum leg of his. Hope he can stand it though, know he’d like it. Most of it was very interesting but also very fatiguing. I’ll have to give him a few good pointers, guess I made all the mistakes possible. Peggy sent a very nice letter which I’ll answer next week. Should a have a few minutes now that we’re thru.

They (the army) made up some programs for us. Think you’l like them. Will send it home tomorrow. You’l have a tough time picking me out of all that Khaki. I’m kneeling in the 3rd row, 2nd from the Louie on the right. I forgot to thank you for the fudge & cookies. They were swell.

Have to get going before they stick me on some detail. Love to all,

Eddie

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Letter # 32

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

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

Postmarked, February 9, 1944

Tuesday, 1944

Mother,

Hello again! I’m taking a night off for the letter writing and there’s no better place to write than home so here’s the news.
I saw Danny Sat., he looks swell, feels fine and still likes the army. (he doesn’t know) He was starting training Monday so I told him a little of what is ahead of him. Looked at his rifle. Never saw anything so dirty in all my army career. Tell Marie if he doesn’t get it clean soon, he’s gonna spend almost as much time in the Kitchen as I did. He’s got a fairly nice location so I a imagine he’l do alright for himself. He said something about taking only 8 weeks training. That I wouldn’t count on. The army just isn’t like that. They’re even giving us a post training course now which we is harder than basic.

Haven’t heard anything yet about about shipping. I’m all set to go but kinda suspect we won’t leave for another week or so. Its okay with me though as the weather down here is fine, I’m feeling good and they’ve even got ice cream at the P.X. We’re not doing much, had a couple marches this week that’s about all. I’ve even seen a couple shows so everything is fine.

I’m not going to get the gloves & shoes until I go north, I hope, hope, hope. I’m gonna try & catch up with my writing so I’ll close. Love to all.

Little Ed
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Letter # 33

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

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

Postmarked, February 12, 1944

Mother,

I enclosed a defense stamp for Peggy so don’t lose it when you open the letter. I’m sorry about that Cornell, I was just kidding Betty. Of course I’ve still got a chance of going north. Somehow or other it doesn’t bother me too much where I’m going to be sent. As you say its almost too much to hope for Cornell, but I’m expecting the worst so I won’t be disappointed. I’m really very sorry that you got so excited over the rumor I spread. First of all I’ve got to get out of here. It looks like we might be here any length of time up to a month. They’re giving us advanced & review training. We have a march every other day so we won’t be getting soft.

How does Danny like his basic so far? Butch doesn’t know what a soft life he’s in for in that slapstick navy of ours. Well I’ve got to shine up my rifle some more so I’ll be thinking of home and marching for another couple of days, so long.

Love,
Eddie
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Letter # 34

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

Miss Peggy Cowley
35 Woodside Ave.
Buffalo, N.Y.
Zone 20

Postmarked, February 17, 1944

Hello Peggy,

How ya been kid? I’m sorry I haven’t written but you know I didn’t have much time before. Glad to hear to you did okay (notice that “okay”, I used to do okay, you did fine) in your exams. You couldn’t top my mark in Ec.Cit. but I could never top your mark in Latin so that makes us even ha!ha!

I’m gonna send you $7$ worth of war stamps soon so make room for them in your book. By the way, you must have quite a collection by know haven’t you. How’s your roller skating these days? Mother says you go up to G Skateland quite a bit. Must be pretty lively up there now that your club is going in mass. Stay away from all the servicemen though as they’re much too old for you. I know, I’m one of them.

Did you get your sweater yet? I still feel guilty about not sending you the design. As I said before I had it all drawn but then I realized I didn’t know the color scheme so I managed to lose it.
Well, I’ll be leaving Fort Benning soon, next week in fact. I still don’t know where I’m going but I hope it isn’t too far away from home as I wouldn’t be able to get home on furlough and that would break Bette McKerrows heart. Would it not?

Things must be pretty quiet around Parson with all the boys in the army. Do the kids still hang around down there? Well, its time I went to chow so I can build up my delicate frame. I also just received the So. Buffalo News so I’m gonna take a peek at it. Write soon!

Love,
Eddie

P.S. Just received your Valentine. Its swell! Thanks a million.


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Letter # 35

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

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

Postmarked, February 17, 1944

Wednesday, 1944

Dear Mom,

I’ve got today off so I’m going to catch up on my writing once more. Luckily, I was put on a detail last night and managed to avoid working today. Well, yesterday I turned in my rifle and bayonet. Hated to do it of course but its about time they took the things off our hands. This morning I found out we’re leaving between the 24th & 26th. Destination unknown but its gonna be either Maine, middle west or California. From pretty reliable rumors I’ve gathered that the majority of us will probably go to California. I’ll have to hope like the devil that I go to Maine. By the way, how does that Stein song go? I understand we’re given some consideration as to our original service command. Hope so!

How’s everything at home? Guess its getting pretty cold up there from what my correspondents tell me. Did you hear Johnny Fungen got a discharge. Don’t know why myself, Bette mentioned it. Bob DeWitts in Greensboro N.C. Says he doesn’t like the air corps, he doesn’t know what a vacation he’s taking.

I’m gonna start taking $6.25 out every month for war bonds. I’ve They’ve discontinued the $3.75 so next month I’ll change over. You should receive a bond in the next month or so as my 5 months will soon be up. From then on you’l get a bond every 3 months which should be a little better. Also I have $7 worth of stamps which I will send home. I’d like Peggy to have them for as an Easter present or something similar.

Its starting to rain. Feels great to hear the rain beating on the roof for a change instead of the helmet. We’re having a big company party tomorrow night, chicken & everything. A few of the boys are going to put on a little musical afterwards so it should be a lot of fun.

40 hours a week sounds a lot better than 48. Hope you like your new job, imagine it will okay. You’l be right next door to Dad which should be fine. Maybe you can play checkers over at the firehouse during lunch hour. Speaking of checkers I played the hut champion the other day. I almost beat him, how I don’t know. As it was the game was a draw. He insists on a return match but I tell him I can’t be bothered. Also told him Dad was the best checker player in the Fire Dept. That kinda scared him so I’ll let things stand as they are for awhile. I’ve really built that father o’mine up. Hope he appreciates it. He’s famous all over the United States for just about everything now. Well, best of health to all from your khaki wacky son.

Love,
Eddie

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The Number One "Silly Song" of 1944 Mairzy Doats

Letters 25 - 29

BIVOUAC

Letter # 25

Pvt E. Cowley 42025054
Seventh Company
Fifth Training Regiment, A.S.T.P.
Fort Benning, Georgia

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

Postmarked January 18, 1944

Dear Mom,

At last I’ve got a minute to write, I hope. Received the candy you sent and have been having a wild time with it. Those little cookies were wonderful, thanks a million.

Perhaps you’ve received my pictures by now, hope you think its alright. I sent the photos in quite a hurry. Nans & Aunt Pegs are together & Grandma’s & Flo & Ed are also in the same package. Didn’t have time to address anymore envelopes and besides I forgot Flo & Nans address besides that it was cheaper that way, of course I’m very generous with my money but I must have a little Jew in me. I was beginning to wonder if I was ever going to get into town to send those pictures suppose you were too. After I sent the pictures we (five of us) went to “Pat Pattersons” and had a great big “T” bone steak with French fried potatoes & onions, & ice cream sundaes & 2 big pieces of chocolate pie, and even two bottles of beer.

(Sat morn, 3 days later) Never had time to finish this letter before and am now going to do my darndest before something happens again. I have today and tomorrow off to get ready for the next 2 weeks of bivouac Monday morning.

I’ve been reading your letters over and that part about a Thanksgiving dinner sounds wonderful. When I get home on furlough I’m not going to say anything about it to anyone but you of course. That way I’ll be able to spend a nice quiet enjoyable evening by the fireside. Am looking forward to a nice hot bath and long bull session with Dad.

Its too bad about Aunt Margaret, kinda complicates conditions, even more. If Aunt Nellie doesn’t come to Buffalo what will she do in Corning. We’re running out of relatives down there aren’t we?

Very glad to hear Danny got in, bet it makes him feel swell. I thought he would get in, told him so before I left. Only hope he doesn’t take anything like I’m taking as it would be terrific on his bad foot. Hope he can get himself a commission after a little more study.

Didn’t I tell you John W. was coming home on furlough? Thought I did. I was out with him a few times down here and it certainly was swell to see someone from So. Buffalo. Imagine Roy will be coming down here soon as it is the only paratroop school in the country. I’d like to see him before I leave if its possible.

Well, 10 weeks of basic (2 ½ months) are over, only 3 more to go. The last 3 are going to be good & tough. Its all tactical training for the next 2 weeks and we sleep out in the pup tents. If I come thru that everything will be fine.

Guess that just about covers almost everything so I shall go back to my rifle and wait for another detail. Best of health and lots of love to all.

Eddie Paul

P.S. I’m enclosing $15 to be added to my account. Tell me how much I’ve got now. Thanks a lot.

Letter # 26

Pvt E. Cowley 42025054
Seventh Company
Fifth Training Regiment, A.S.T.P.
Fort Benning, Georgia

The Cowleys
35 Woodside Ave.
Buffalo, N.Y.

Postmarked January 18, 1944

Dear Cowleys,


I just received a snapshot that one of the fellas took of some of the boys in our hut. We’re not allowed to have cameras on the post so if I wanted the picture I had to send it right away. It isn’t very good of me but it’s a good picture of our bayonets. Gives you a vague idea of how formal we dress down here.

Well, right now I’ve been in the army longer than Dad was in the last war. He was in 87 days, isn’t that correct? Just a rookie. Guess he had a good interview anyhow.

Want to let you know that I can receive mail on maneuvers but I won’t be able to write for 2 weeks as we don’t have any thing to write with. We carry a 100 lb load on our backs & it doesn’t leave much room for stationary.

Well, I want to get some letters written so I’ll have to be closing for awhile. Drop me a few lines and keep up my morale while I’m sleeping in my fox hole.

Love to all,
Eddie Paul

P.S. Hope you know which one is I.

Letter # 27

Pvt. E. Cowley 42025054
Seventh Company
Fifth Training Regiment, A.S.T.P.
Fort Benning, Georgia

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

January 25, 1944

Dear Mom,

Received your letter Monday. Was beginning to wonder if my money had made it home. I’m gonna try and send home some more in case I ever get furlough. Forgot to thank you for the Brownies in my last letter so I want to thank you now very much. They came on bivouac when I was starving and boy! Did they taste great.

I borrowed some paper & a pen to write this letter. Am writing on a blanket in Harry Cook’s pup tent. Thought you might like to know that everything was coming along fine and I expect to be back in garrison Saturday morning.

We’re working 12 hours a day now. 4 in the afternoon & 8 at night. Its only gonna last a few more days so I don’t mind it too much knowing that soon training will all be finished. Johnny Woodman is back in camp and we’re trying to get together that big dinner Sat night. Probably will be that last chance we’ll have of seeing each there for duration

Chow call, gotta rush

Love to all,
Eddie Paul


Letter # 28

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

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

Sunday
January 23, 1944

Please excuse the stationary., Rhoda sent it. It isn’t Infantry so I’m gonna use it up as fast as I possibly can.


Hello folks,

Somehow or other we got a big break today and they brought us back to garrison to clean ourselves up a bit, not too much of course.
I’m awfully sorry you were worrying about me so much. They way we’re living now its next to impossible to write. No news is good news however so try not to worry if you don’t hear from me for a week or so.

Thus far we’ve had a wonderful break in weather, keeping my fingers crossed. The sun shined all week and sleeping in the pup tents wasn’t bad at all. My “ Boy scout” tricks came in handy and I kept good and warm. Last week we had a couple cross country marches at night. They were really good and tough but they’re over at last. Next week all we have is 4, eight hour night problems and then we come to camp on Friday. We eat breakfast and dinner in the darkness, no smoking, no talking at all, and no rattling of mess kits, no heavy breathing, & practically no food. We’re all getting like owls. When the sun comes out we can hardly see.

I glad you liked the picture even with brown eyes, as I said before I would have sent a frame but I was afraid the glass might break on its long trip. Guess you would just as soon get one that you liked yourselves. Won’t have time to make that thing for Peggy’s glove club (they just fooled me with some green ink) but I think it would be better & much cheaper for the girls to pick out one of their standard designs which they have in stock. That’s the way the Dragons got their emblems.

Next week end if we can get passes we have a big graduation party planned. About 20 of us are going to a restaurant in town where the serve a delicious T-Bone steak dinner for $2 We’re all just living for those steaks and French fried potatoes. Hope we can all make it thru this week and finish up for once and for all with this basic training.

They say that all of us who finish successfully will be issued expert Infantry medals and that’s something anyone would be proud to wear. Next pay I intend to go to some store in “Yankee land” and dress myself up with Civy shoes and leather gloves. Boy it will be great to be clean for awhile anyhow. I’m just hoping I go north to school, someplace like Cornell, Princeton, or U.B. However if my luck continues as it has I’ll probably go to Southern Cal.

I’ll write to Aileen, Pap and all the rest when I have lots of time which should be next week. By the way I hope you received the money I sent, namely $15. Well I have to start washing so please don’t worry anymore and don’t let Dad catch the flu as I want him good and healthy for the wrestling match we’re going to have when I come home.

Love to all,
Eddie Paul

Letter # 29

Pvt. E.P. Cowley 42025054
Seventh Company
Fifth Training Regiment, A.S.T.P.
Fort Benning, Georgia

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

Postmarked January 31, 1944

Dear Mom,

Saturday morning, got in from bivouac about 6:30 in the morning after marching all night. Just a quick line to let you know I’m in pretty good shape & darn anxious to finish training. Received two letters from home & one from Aunt Peg early this morning. Peg says you’re numbering my letters. What number am I up to now?

Seems great to be seeing day light again. This last bivouac we had eight night problems. Got quite sick of walking, running, fighting and eating in the dark all the time. Was kinda worried that I might walk over a cliff on one of those problems but luckily I didn’t.
Thursday night we (Battalion A) attacked the enemy which was Battalion B. My squad wound up by destroying the enemies right flank & capturing the Battalion Commander. He was quite peeved and insisted we couldn’t have done it if we were using live ammunition but nevertheless he was greatly relieved when I finally took the tip of my bayonet away from his back.

We had the best weather possible, it couldn’t have been any better. Didn’t rain or snow for 2 weeks. The ground was pretty warm so I didn’t mind sleeping at all. Tonight we’re going in town for a steak & a few beers. We’ve really earned the privilege, believe me. Must get ready to leave so best of health and lots of love for all.

Eddie Paul


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The 1940s were a great time for music, but we have now come to 1944 and some songs so great they are still being performed in clubs and on stages 65 years later. This is the year of the "Great American Songbook". We will kick off the hit parade with Michael Buble's modern version of the The Mills Brothers song first released in 1944"You Always Hurt The One You Love"