Interesting enough the next two envelopes are from a Sgt. H. Sapp, his APO is the weather service. (See the picture of the envelope below.) There are no letters from Roberts between March 27 to May 7, 1945. Although I have an envelope from Sgt. Sapp, sadly there is no letter in it. The second one does have a letter in it but before we open it lets take a look at what is going on in The war in the Pacific. The first letter envelope is stamped April 20, 1945. The second one is stamped May 7, 1945. The time between the Lt’s. letters are an important time in the history of the 193rd Tank Battalion. When we look at this event, we must realize that according to his letters Roberts is part of the Medical Attachment so I am not sure how involved in this event he would be, but no matter what he would have to have seen things only a soldier would see.

Please go to this article and see exactly what the 193rd had to endure, at this time. I was going to quote a lot of it here below but found that there is just too much to the story so please, if you are interested click the blue text below and read about what these men endured. There are also some great pictures. I looked at each soldier and wondered if any one of them may be our Lieutenant.

Warfare History Network, the article is titled “Death Ride of the Sherman.” By Nathan N. Prefer

I will add this “Of the 30 tanks that had entered the fight that morning, only eight were able to return from the front on their own power. Of the 22 tanks left behind, 17 were later salvaged and returned to battle. It was the greatest single battle loss of American tanks in the entire Pacific War. And, as the Army’s official history of the Okinawa campaign says, “The big attack of 19 April had failed. At no point had there been a breakthrough. Everywhere the Japanese had held and turned back the American attack.”

On to the letter. It is written from Sgt. Chas, H. Sapp, written to Lieutenant Roberts’s mother.

May 5, 1945

Western Pacific

Dear Mrs. Roberts & All:

Just a few lines to let you know that I have finally met Buck. Shore was surprised & glad to see him & we talked for a coupla [sic] hours. He says that he will drop around again soon.

Buck is looking really good— I am not telling you this just to make you feel good— but he looks as healthy and fit as anybody I know. lived a darn ruff life for awhile but now he back in a much safer area.

We are blacked out & I am writing with a flashlight so I am gonna close this & hit the sack-

Tell Jeff to write & you do the same.

Yours

Sap

Well, there you go. It seems like the history may just match up with the letter. I am assuming “Buck” referred to Roberts. I am so glad he made it through the Death Ride. I cannot imagine having to live with those memories. I guess that is why the USA is the home of the free, because of the brave. Thank you, Lt. Roberts, for fighting for us.

I am going to add the next letter from Roberts here as it pertains to what he has gone through the last month more or less. It was actually written a couple of days before The Sgt. Letter but was not posted until the 7th.

Okinawa

2 May (1945)

Dear Mother,

I haven’t written in quite sometime, nor have I received any mail in about two weeks. I have been wondering what the sex of Dianes baby is. I figure that unless the brat is stubborn it should be here by now. I’m hoping that soon I’ll get a letter saying that everything came out alright.

Things are still about the same here. It is raining, and this rain is cold as the dickins. Conservatively specking I’m very uncomfortable at the present time. I expect that before this is over, I will have spent many an uncomfortable day as I have already. We are getting along pretty good otherwise I have come through this thing all right so far with the grace of God and some good luck and expect to continue to do so until it is over. There are a lot of things that I could say which neither are pretty, nor will they pass the censor. It’s really a wicked deal. It’d hard to see the sense of it all. Not that it’s hard to understand the reason that we are in the war, but it is hard to understand why any country, no matter how barbarous, should want to start such an orgy of killing, and waste, and the multitudinous detriments to civilization that get into the composition of a war. It is also hard to understand and to grasp the reasoning of people who will sanction such a thing. I believe that it is generally admitted that it is impossible for a person to grasp the reasoning much less understand it. If the Japanese, you can’t think of them as human, because that are so inhuman in their actions. To us a dead Jap in no worse of better that a dead dog. Just so many rats who have to be exterminated, unpleasant though the job maybe. It is something that can be expounded on for days, and you will arrive at the same question, “Why?”

This is my last sheet of paper so I had to bum it off the Captain I had best use the back. There isn’t much more that I can say. Little as I have already. I guess I had best close for now. I hope to hear from you soon. My love to all at home

Love

Johnnamus

Wow just wow! Fresh from the battlefield he speaks his mind.

Until next time friends.

March 1945 finds Roberts, along with the 193rd Tank Division making their way to the fighting. In another month, after being attached to the 27th Infantry Division they would finally fight.

Written on the back of this letter. Now we get to wonder why it was written

10 March (1945)

Dear Mother,

I Received your letter today but for once I can’t say that I enjoyed hearing from you. This is one letter that I have been hoping I wouldn’t receive. Not the letter, but the news about Dit. I have been hoping that he would come out of it all right. Now what can I say? I’m not the type who can write as one fellow did, “It isn’t every man who can die for something.” I can’t feel that wat about it. I don’t know what to say. I just wonder who in the hell do people think that are to take it upon themselves to start a mass murder such as this? The people of a country must be in back of the armies or a war would never get started, therefore, I say or ask, why should we show then any sympathy? I say show them the same mercy that the show to captives and also that they showed in starting this thing in the first place. But, what good does it do? It doesn’t help Dit or the hundreds of thousands of men who have died? It doesn’t help Dinah or the other girls like her.

I don’t feel much like writing today, so I’ll close for now. I’m getting along fine. Everything is going well as usual. Give everyone my love and write soon. Will write more later.

Love

Johnnamus

Well that just about broke my heart. I had a feeling that when we got the news in the last letter that Dit was MIA they got him, but I was hopeful, as was Roberts. I can actually say I cried tears for Dit. as well as for his wife. I didn’t remember she was pregnant. I really didn’t know that I was this affected by these letters. But as I typed in those words tears leaked from my eyes. May God bless his soul.

20 March (1945)

Dear Mother,

I received your letter today and certainly was glad to hear for you again. I work a V-mail letter to you yesterday and also another change of address cark in case you get this before you get the card. The new address is APO is “27”

V-Mail with change of address

Gosh, I guess those kids are growing. By the time I see them again they’ll probably be going out on dates, maybe applying for a marriage license. I’m glad to hear that they are getting over the chicken pox. I guess they’ll be having all of the minor diseases before too long. It must be something to see Freedy getting fat. He was as skinny as a tent pole last time I was home. Two quarts of mile a day! Gosh, could I go for some of that. Gosh I haven’t had fresh milk since I left Stewart. I’ll bet Missy will be a grown up and prissy little squirt before long. She has the making of it now. Is Butch anywhere as Reedy? Buy I’ll bet those two will be getting into some wicked scrapes when they get a little older.

It is good to hear “Di” is getting along better now. As long as she has hopes, I guess she’s O.K. Seems to me that it would be better to accept it, than then it wouldn’t be so bad in the long run. It Doesn’t seem odd to me that she received her notification the way she did. Maybe it would be better if you don’t let her see this. I don’t want to put a spike in her hopes. They are usually pretty sure of the thing when they send the notification out. I know that they slip up once in a while, but it isn’t often. There is always a slim chance though. It’s nice of General Ditto to come down to see her. I can imagine that he should feel badly about it. I too didn’t have the slightest suspicion that “Dit” would end up this way. That’s the way it goes though I thought a lot of him, even though I was there such a short time. I have never known a better guy. That’s over though. It’s “Di” and the baby I’m worried about now. Don’t forget to let me know how she comes out of it.

I have seen in the movies how that moment plays out. The wife is home and the military comes to her door with the notification. I am sure nothing can prepare one for such a moment. My heart hurts for what it was, all those years ago.

How is Jean now? She is due about now, isn’t she? Tell her to have her twins and come through O.K. and in return I’ll promise to not take her husband out and get him stewed again.

I hope that Jimmie doesn’t have to come into the Army. It’s kind of late in the game now. If he has to come, though he will just have to make the best of it. With any luck at all, he should be able to come up pretty fast.

How are Jeff and Jimmy now? Give them my love and tell Jeff I don’t give a damn if he is busy or not, if he doesn’t write I won’t let him celebrate with me when I get back. There are going to be some husbandless wives are there the first night I get home. That will by an occasion for a celebration.

I Can’t understand why you aren’t getting my letters. I write everytime I hear from you, which is usually once a week, and not over two weeks at the most.

Change of Address

I Hope that Pop comes around. I can sympathize with him, though. Because I am a lot like him, I guess. If they won’t give him the gas to fish when he wants to, and he isn’t well enough to work, what can he do? As far as trying something else is concerned, I think that it’s a little late for that. If things get tight, I recommend you use that money in the bank. It’s as much as yours as it is mine. Also, the bonds. If I decide to go to school when I get out I can get my tuition plus fifty bucks a month for four years, so I can get by just as well without the money. Or you can start using the allotment check each month. Makes no never mind to me, but I want you to use it if you need it.

Y’know these lizards here are the most immoral creatures I have ever seen. They don’t care whose bed they get into Tsk! Decidedly not the most desirable of bedfellows.

I searched for lizards in New Caledonia and found the following picture. Although it may be the one Roberts has encountered it may not be. This is a New Caledonia Gecko and grows to about 14 inches long. Regardless any lizard in my bed would scare the heck out of me.

Picture courtesy of the Smithsonian National Zoo Education Website

Seems like everything happened to “Di” at about the same time. Guess this is enough for awhile. Give everyone my love, and write soon. Tell the others to try to drop me a line sometime, the jerks!

Lots of love

Johnnamus

In reading this last paragraph makes me wonder if she just learned she was pregnant. If that is the truth, did Dit. actually know? Some questions may never be answered.

Until next time, friends

February of 1945 finds our Lieutenant still safe somewhere in the Pacific. As near as I can figure, he and his fellow soldiers are no longer in Oahu but that remains to be seen. Roberts can’t stay out of war. He will soon fight for his life.

26 February (1945)

Dear Mother,

I received your letter a couple of days ago but am just getting around to answering it. It was the first letter I have received in weeks, and I haven’t received any mail since. I did get a newspaper which was exactly three months old the day I received it. I guess things are rough all over though, so who am I to judge.

I just got back from one of those U.S.O shows. We have seen both of them. The first one was pretty good but this last one was the better of the two. It was Martha O’Driscoll’s show but in my opinion she wasn’t the star of the show. There were a couple of other girls there who were darn nice. Especially a contortionist who was just a joy. All in all these shows are worth something. They do give us some good laughter.

Interestingly enough I found a picture of Ms. Driscoll on the website “The Digital Collection of the National WWII Museum.” (You will find the picture by clicking on the blue text.) What I found interesting though is she is this picture is in New Caledonia, which in the Pacific Islands, in February of 1945. This is about the same time as this letter. Could this where our Lieutenant is?

I don’t know what is going on at home, or anywhere else in the States. Things, especially mail, get here slowly. I have no doubt that it is on the way. I am anxious to learn how Pop is getting along. Hope that I didn’t say that I might been up on the Bis- (business) I said I would like to. There isn’t much chance of that though.

I am still getting along fine. Working pretty regularly. Nothing much to do except read, write, and go to the show when the day is over.

Guess I’d best go to the sack. Getting late. Give my best to the folks at home. Write soon.

Lots of love,

Johnnamus

And so it goes in the military service, no mail, and the soldiers feel like no one cares enough to write. Meanwhile the mail is stuck somewhere between home and the Pacific. It’s  a vicious cycle. I hope things are better for our military these days.

4 March (1945)

Dear Mother,

I received two letters from you today the first I have received from anyone in quite some time. In fact it has been so bad that I quit asking about it. I can’t understand why all my correspondence (friends) should quit writing at the same time. I don[t owe any of them letters, and I am damned if I am going to keep writing to people who don’t answer my letters. Makes me mad when the rest of the guys get four or five letters every two or three days, and I don’t even rate a post card. I naturally don’t begrudge their mail, but it makes me mad when people won’t write. Maybe it will catch up to me someday. Now that I have that off my chest, I can go on to something else.

How (illegible name) ever got fifteen thousand dollars in insurance. I don’t know. Ten thousand is the most you can get in G.I. insurance. Must be outside insurance. Ten thousand is enough for me. I don’t intend that anyone should get any good out of mine. I’m figuring on coming out of this thing all right. I’m also not worried about how I’m going to spend my time when this thing is over.

It always tickles me when someone says a guy can’t be far from somewhere. Uncle Wade should know how large the Pacific is, so he should know that there are millions of places I could be, but a guy can just be in one place at a time.  Close is an arbitrary term anyhow. It all depends on how one interprets the word in reference to distance.

I don’t quite know what to say about Dit. The fact that such a thing could happen to him never entered my mind. “Missing” isn’t dogmatic at all though. There have been innumerable forced landings in the jungle and getting back. O.K. it takes time. The jungles on these Pacific islands are beyond distinction. You’d have to see them to believe it. I guess it is quite a blow to Diane.

I’m still getting along fine. Guess I’d best close for now. Write soon and give everyone my love.

Love

Johnnamus

What? Dit is missing? MIA? This is bad news but Roberts is right. Landing on the Pacific Islands, a jungle would be a hard thing to do. I just hope that Dit shows up healthy and fit. I hope there will be more mention of him in the letters. I am praying he is found but I do have to remember this was 78 years ago.

Until next time friends

Once again according to Britannica, By February 5 the XI and XIV Corps had established contact inland at Dinalupihan. Meanwhile, on January 31, the U.S. 11th Airborne Division had made an amphibious landing at Nasugbu, south of Manila Bay. On February 3 a team from the 11th Division parachuted on Tagatay Ridge, soon linking up with the amphibious units from Nasugbu. The division then pushed northward toward Manila.

During the first week of February 1945 three divisions reached the outskirts of Manila and prepared their attack. The city was bitterly defended by the Japanese in house-to-house combat, and it was not until March 3 that the XIV Corps could announce that organized resistance was over. While Manila was under siege, further steps were taken to open Manila Bay for Allied shipping. On February 15 an infantry unit secured the southern tip of Bataan and the next day paratroops dropped on Corregidor Island, supported by an amphibious assault force. Within two weeks the occupation of the island was complete. The east and west coasts of Bataan Peninsula were cleared by elements of the 6th Division while other troops occupied smaller islands in Manila Bay during March and April. The 11th Airborne Division cleared the bay’s south shore.

Fancy Stationary

I wonder if our Luitenient is now attached to one of these divisions?

7 February (1945)

Somewhere in the Pacific

Note: he is now “Somewhere in the Pacific.” I am sure he is headed to the fighting. Now I am starting to worry.

Dear Mother,

I received your letter some time ago but haven’t gotten around to answering till now. Hope this is the last time I wait so long.

I haven’t heard from home in a long time. In fact mail has been non-existent here. All I have received is ten newspapers the latest of which was dated the first of January. I did receive a notification of marriage on one of the “Unholy Three” as we were known in Camp Stewart. Two boys from New York State and I raised more cain and had more fun than all the rest put together. One of them was already married and had a baby girl. It gave me quite a surprise when I heard that the other one was married. That’s all the mail I have gotten with the exception of four or five letters which were awaiting for me when I got here. Oh, yes there was one from Ruth, Harg Henderson, and you.

Congratulate Mama of course a little late, on her birthday from me. How is everyone getting along there? Give them all my love.

Gee who would have thought that the family went back that far Bleeding’ Bluebloods, Bi-gosh!

Whaddaga know? What grade does the Runt hold? 3rd class? Flying pay too? What a life in the navy?

Well, guess I’d best close for now. Everything is “Roger” here. Write soon, and tell everyone there ‘Hi” from me.

Lots of Love

Johnnamus

Next in the que is another V-mail. This one is a Valentine card to his family. It is quite interesting as it would probably be politically incorrect today. It says: “Things here in the Pacific to some may seem quite fine, But I’d gladly trade them all for you, my Valentine.”

20 February (1945)

(No location listed)

Dear Mother,

The Old Army Mail system is holding true to form. A couple days ago I received a letter written February Fifth and today I get another one written the twenty-ninth of January. I’m not griping, not, no way, not, no how. I was very glad to hear from you. Mail has been unusually scarce around here for sometime.

I certainly am glad to hear that Dada’s looking and feeling better. Hope that he continues to feel that way and improves. It surly would be swell to have him the old “Mr. Jeff” we think so much of. I can’t help hating to see him suffer so, and for that reason I didn’t care to be around.

I haven’t heard from home in quite some time. Seems that they haven’t received my letter yet, or they just haven’t gotten around to answering it. I can’t see Jimmie volunteering for service. No percentage in it.

Dit may have gotten my letter, but he has yet to answer it. Judgeing from past accounts of the many activities in. I guess he has a good reason.

It’s too bad about Gordie and Marion. Seems to be happening to quite a few people these days though.

Let’s take a minute to talk about this. So many relationships were fast forwarded and people who were just dating made the jump and got married before their men shipped out, never really getting to know their significant others before they left. A lot of those soldiers came back, changed men. They didn’t understand PTSD back then and I know with my dad he had minor PTSD and never got any help for it. I am sure many were excited when their significant others came home but when they got to know the man the war created it was not a happy reunion

I am sorry to hear about Pop. I think that he will be ok if he will do what he is told. Does he have the wet or dry type? Vitamin B Complex should clear that right up. Does the doctor have him on that or digitalis?

Well Ma, guess I’d better close for now. I am getting along fine as usual. Only thing is that there is nothing to do here. Give everyone my love, and write soon,

Lots of Love

Johnnamus

P.S. Is Brin still able to walk through a door without brushing the sides?

I sure hope Brin never reads this blog but what are the chances of that.

So now with our lieutenant on the move, headed towards the war I am anxious to get on to the next letters. That’s right, I have no idea what happens to our soldier. When I know you will also.

Until next time friends.

According to Britannica in January 1945 this was going on in the Pacific Theater:

“On the way from Leyte Gulf to the landing site at Lingayen Gulf on the west coast of Luzon, the invasion armada suffered damage from repeated kamikaze attacks. One pilot plunged his plane onto the bridge of the battleship New Mexico, killing more than 30 persons, including the captain of the ship. The troops of the I Corps and the XIV Corps that went ashore at Lingayen Gulf on January 9, 1945, met little resistance because the Japanese had not expected a landing at that point. The Japanese commander in charge of defending the island was Gen. Yamashita Tomoyuki, the conqueror of Singapore and Bataan, who commanded the Japanese 14th Area Army. Realizing that the diversion of forces to Leyte and the inability of the Japanese High Command to send reinforcements to Luzon gave him little hope of defeating the 6th Army, Yamashita decided upon static defense aimed at pinning down Allied troops on Luzon for as long as possible. He established three principal defensive sectors: one in the mountains west of Clark Field.”

lieutenant Roberts is still safe on Oahu but will he stay there?

23 January (1945)

Dear Mother,

I haven’t written in several days, so I guess I’d better get on the beam and catch up to you. I have two of your letters to answer plus four or five from other people, including one from Diane. A little behind, but I’ll get them answered in the next two or three days

.

Roberts is using this beautiful stationary

Yep, time certainly flies I have to laugh when I think back to this time last year. I was hoping that nineteen forty-five would see the war over. I guess forty-six will find it still going strong.

I guess Jeff is working hard there must be a terrific demand for men in his line of work these days. Tell him and his “child bride” hello for me and give Jimmy regards. Does Jimmy still get mad at him being called that?

Far be it from me to predict or even attempt to predict, what will happen to a marriage. If Martha and Preston can’t get along it is their fault.

I guess Pop must be out of bed by now. I hope so, because I know he hates being away from the other fish. Now if I were there the fish wouldn’t have a chance. I bet his condition is purely exhaustion at not being able to hook a few.

Jeff and Jimmie don’t have to come into the Army this late in the game. If they have to come through, I guess there isn’t anything that can be done about it.

Well, Gotta go hit the sack. News is short so guess I’ll close for now. I am still getting along fine. Tell all the folks in Georga hello for me and give them my love.

Lots of Love

Johnnamus

All this time I have been hopeful that our Lieutenant would  stay safe in Oahu. It seems he is on the move. I have to believe he is headed toward danger.

31 January (1945)

Somewhere in the Pacific

Dear Mother,

I received your letter a couple days ago but am just getting around to writing. You probably already know by now that I am no longer on Oahu. I am not allowed to say where I am at presently but there is no need for you to worry.

I am glad that you were able to get to Georgia without any trouble. I would like to run up on bus there sometime. I am sorry to hear Dada isn’t any better. I had hoped to hear that he had a change got the better and was almost his old self at least, but I guess that is too much to expect.

I can hardly believe that Fort Meyers had a quiet New Year’s Eve. Maybe the reason I always thought they were noisy is that I was usually in the right place to hear most of it.

There are some things that I can say about this sack. The main thing being that I wish I were back on Oahu. The climate there was wonderful. This place is strictly for heat and boredom. The natives are a couple shades darker than black. Not content with that, they have to dye that hair red. What a combination! They wear bones in their schnozzolas, and platinum rings around their neck. In some islands of the group, they still believe in cannibalism. Though fortunately not on this one. This place is also inhabited by pythons and other species. of snakes. As far as I’m concerned, we can move out and give the place back to them.

Wow what a description. I wonder if he has seen this with his own eyes or if he has been told that is what to expect. Since we don’t know exactly where he is it could be either.

I have written to Diane, and I guess I’ll have to depend upon her for my news from home. Guess that is about all for now. Give the folks there my love. Write again soon. This is Parker Pen is a wonderful Instrument. It can even improve my writing and that’s saying a lot.

Lots of Love

Johnnamus

I did some checking on the Parker Pen here is what I found out:

Materials and Craftsmanship: Parker Pens are often made with high-quality materials such as premium metals, resins, and finishes. The attention to detail and craftsmanship in the manufacturing process can contribute to a superior writing experience and an aesthetically pleasing design.

I am not sure where he got this “Parker Pen” but it probably cost a pretty penny.

Now that he is on the move Roberts has to be moving towards the fighting.

Until next time friends

As the New Year begins, the war in the Pacific is still raging on. The 193rd Tank Battalion brings in that New Year, safely on Oahu.

1 January (1945)

Oahu I. H.

Dear Mother,

It has been a few days since I’ve written, so now I’ll try to write a little tonight. I haven’t received any mail in quite some time. t. because stuff must be held up somewhere because no one is getting any. It must be that the last-minute Christmas cards have put so much strain on the Post Office’s that everything has slowed up.

This has been a rough beginning of a New Year. It is a good thing that New Years Day comes but once a year. My aching head! I would swear that right now you could knead (how do you spell that?) My head just like it was so much dough.

How was the celebration there? I’ll bet the old point was jumping especially with those soldiers there. I know darn well that they did a good job of bringing in the New Year.

How are Jeff and Jenney getting along? Have they found a place to stay yet? The Jerk has been owing me a lotter for months. Tell them hello for me. Come to think of it, I think I got a Christmas Card from them.

Has James Albert done any more on getting himself a shop or has he given it up as a bad job?

Hope everyone is O.K. at home. How is the DaDa getting along? Better, I hope. How are the kids getting along? Have you finished fixing the house yet? Lots of questions, huh?

Well, I guess I’d best stop for now. I have a one-track mind and I can’t carry on a conversation and write too. The two guys who are in the quarters with me are downstairs talking. Things are running along Ok as usual. Write soon and give the family my love.

Lots of love

Johnnamus

Just another day on Oahu. I am sure these men are doing some training exercises. They can’t be just existing on that island, can they?

7 January (1945)

Oahu, I.H.

Dear Mother,

I received a couple of letters from the other day, but this is the first chance I had to answer them. Mail was non-existent here for a couple of weeks.

Sounds like you are having a whale of a time with the house. It seems as though you came close to biting off more than all of you could chew up. Hope you get finished soon. I’ll bet it looks good when you get through with it.

By all means give the kids something out of my money if you haven’t already. This is a little late for Christmas, so I hope that you did get them something for me.

I haven’t received the card as yet but guess I’ll get it sometime.

That about finishes the letter for the nineteenth, so I’ll go on to the one for the twenty-fourth. I’ll bet that cake was really good. Makes my mouth water to think about it. Sorry to hear that Pop is having trouble with his feet again. That trouble must be an allergy of some sort. What does the doctor say about it? I’ll bet x-ray treatment would clear that stuff up in no time.

X-Ray Therapy? Let’s see if I can find out anything about that… All I could find was the introduction into radiation used for cancer. I am not really sure about this one.

So big Jim has been reclassified. Well, I know that he is going to like the Army. That is strictly sarcasm. When does he think he’ll go, or does he have any idea? Wish him luck for me.

I got the letter about Miley, but I never did see J.D. again. Don’t guess he is here now.

Jones is the ranking non-com in the detachment. I asked him to drop you a line when he got home on furlough. He has been over here for well over two years and his is the first time he has been home. I’m glad that he did write to you. He is a darn good N.C.O.

Well, the only thing that has happened around here lately is one thing that which is noticeable only if you could see me. That is only that I am no longer a “Shavetail.” My promotion came through the fourth of this month. So, I am a First Lieutenant. Ain’t [sic] it something? I change my gold for silver. It doesn’t mean an increase in pay because I was drawing more than a single 1st lt. before I got my promotion. The only thing that burns me is the fact that the recommendation wasn’t in four months ago. But is finally came through.

Well, being as how that is about all the news, I guess I’d best close for now. Write soon and my love to the family.

Lots of Love

Johnnamus

I bet his Mom is beaming. She must be so proud of her son. In fact I am proud of him and I don’t even know him.

Until next week friends

Every post I make in Roberts Story starts by doing a search like, “what was happening in the Pacific Theater in December 1944.” Well this time we have something a little unexpected. With all the fighting going on who would have thought they would have had to deal with a typhoon. According to the Naval History and Heritage History Command website:

Typhoons and Hurricanes: Pacific Typhoon, 18 December 1944

On 17 December 1944, the ships of Task Force 38, seven fleet and six light carriers, eight battleships, 15 cruisers, and about 50 destroyers were operating about 300 miles east of Luzon in the Philippine Sea. The carriers had just completed three days of heavy raids against Japanese airfields, suppressing enemy aircraft during the American amphibious operations against Mindoro in the Philippines. Although the sea had been becoming rougher all day, the nearby cyclonic disturbance gave relatively little warning of its approach. On 18 December, the small but violent typhoon overtook the Task Force while many of the ships were attempting to refuel. Many of the ships were caught near the center of the storm and buffeted by extreme seas and hurricane force winds. Three destroyers, USS Hull, USS Spence, and USS Monaghan, capsized and went down with practically all hands, while a cruiser, five aircraft carriers, and three destroyers suffered serious damage. Approximately 790 officers and men were lost or killed, with another 80 injured. Fires occurred in three carriers when planes broke loose in their hangars and some 146 planes on various ships were lost or damaged beyond economical repair by fires, impact damage, or by being swept overboard. This storm inflicted more damage on the Navy than any storm since the hurricane at Apia, Samoa in 1889. In the aftermath of this deadly storm, the Pacific Fleet established new weather stations in the Caroline Islands and, as they were secured, Manila, Iwo Jima, and Okinawa. In addition, new weather central offices (for coordinating data) were established at Guam and Leyte.

Admiral Nimitz’s Pacific Fleet Confidential Letter, 13 February 1945
List of participating commands and ships
Personnel Casualties, 17-18 December 1944
Plane Losses, 17-18 December 1944
Extracts on the typhoon from CINCPAC report, including ship reports
Oral History of Chief Warrant Officer Yorden, USN (Ret.) who was on USS Dewey

According to Wikipedia on 15 December 1944 landings against minimal resistance took place on the southern beaches of the island of Mindoro, a key location in the planned Lingayen Gulf operations, in support of major landings scheduled on Luzon. On 9 January 1945 General Krueger‘s Sixth Army landed its first units on the western coast of Luzon. Almost 175,000 men followed within a few days. With heavy air support, Army units pushed inland, taking Clark Field, 40 miles (64 km) northwest of Manila, in the last week of January.

21 December 1944

Dear Mother,

I received your letter yesterday so I guess I’d best get down to answering so I can get it finished before twelve o’clock if possible. Seems like I am kind of behind in my correspondence, or at least more so than usual. I owe Ruth a letter and also Julian Henderson who is by the way in New Guinea now.

Seems like things are really humming now at the old homestead. With the sanding, painting, and movement there I wonder that you found time enough to write. If there is something you would like to get for the house, or especially for yourself please don’t hesitate toto go to the bank and get the money to get it. I hope that you have done so, or have gotten the kid something at least, with the money in the bank because feel pretty badly about not getting anything to send for Christmas. Which reminds me I don’t believe that I ever wrote and thanked Sis for the package. I did write Ann, Jean, and intended to write to Sis, but got sidetracked as so often happens. Which reminds me. I believe both she and Diane owe me a letter. How about getting them on the ball? I enjoyed getting the fruit cake & nuts she sent though they didn’t last long, knowing me I don’t think you find that strange.

I am glad to hear that Sis and Jr. finally got back to Ft. Meyers. I know that they wanted to come. How did Jeff get clearance from the shipyard? Tell them hello from me and tell Jeff I said how about answering that last letter I wrote to them.

Ruth wrote about Moley’s being home. I know just how she feels, but don’t see why he should have any trouble getting a date. Ruth isn’t the kind of girl to turn down and old friend in a situation like that. I haven’t heard from him in some time, but if he mailed that letter as he said he did I should be hearing from him soon.

I don’t think it will be necessary for you to send the book. Thanks just the same. I work the puzzles just once in a while, and then some from the Honolulu papers, which are rough on crossword puzzles.

Glad to hear that Dit got the citation. Was it for he and his crew, or was it a unit citation? They usually are the latter and are only given when an outfit does something pretty outstanding in combat, so it is something for them to be proud of.

Heard from Helen Ruth this week. She sent me a picture of herself. She is certainly a pretty girl, and these wolves around here would like to meet her.

Guess that I best close for now. Give everyone my love and write soon. I’m fine as usual. Merry Christmas to all.

Lots of Love

Johnnamus

The next thing we come across is a V-Mail, there is no date on it but I know it has to have been from 1944 because Roberts is still in the Hawiian Islands. There are no words at how special it is to actually hold such an important item in my hand.

With that we end 1944. What will 1945 Bring our Lieutenant. So far, he has not seen any combat but that can’t continue into 1945, can it?

Until next time my friends

A Trip to Modern-Day Fort Meyer

Today we are going to do something a little bit different. After I wrote post #4, David from the blog”Were not Lost Sargent, We are in France” and “Old Men Playing Baseball.” (Stop by and check out his blogs.) Posted a comment on it. saying:

Look at how blue that water is!

“I should be down there (Ft. Myers) in November and will get some photos of the park and hopefully, a sunset view!”

Imagine my excitement! I could only dream of going there. What would it be like? Are there any remnants of Lt. Roberts time there? After all it has been 80 years. Then he gave me the following information.

It was about 100 feet from the water then, but three blocks away now.

“1301 Heitman is now in a park under the Caloosahatchee Bridge in Fort Myers, but was right near City Hall and the Atlantic Coast Line freight depot (rail). If it was a single-family home, it might have been a large one, being on what was then “Evans Park” surrounding the City Hall. With the freight rail and likely some freight docks over on Monroe Street, it might also have been not so nice….”

How cool would that be, this was going to be so informative. I filed the email and waited. Then a week ago I got this:

“The one with the party in the middle faces toward where 1301 Heitman might have been.”

“I did stop by the area and take some photos. It’s all part of the city park in the shadows of the bridge. I’ve found some 1922 maps and… that part of town was still underwater in 1922. The nearest house is at 2038 Henley Place and that was built in 1922. It was about 100 feet from the water then, but three blocks away now. A multi-block area around there is basically empty.”

“There is a subdivision right behind that Henley Place house which was built in 1942-1943. (I really think that is about the time The Roberts family moved to the area.) Nice, but small homes. With the rail line still being on Monroe back then (with warehouses and such), I think I was wrong to think it would be a fancy part of town.”

“Hurricanes hit Fort Myers about every 15 years on average and there were 3 or 4 in the 10 years after the war, so it wouldn’t be surprising if that point just never recovers.”

If I close my eyes I can see that row of small houses. I can see John’s dad out in his little boat, fishing the day away. I see Mrs. Roberts with her kitchen apron on, the old kind, like the ones grandma use to wear. I smell baking fruitcake, and her chasing “the kids” around with her stirring spoon, threatening, but never hitting. I imagine a knock on the door and who is it but our own John Roberts. He is home from the war, in one piece and everyone is just so happy to see him, “the kids” are jumping up and down cheering and Mrs. Roberts uses the corner of that apron to wipe the tear that falls from her eye.

Late Update. Here is one of the houses there. This is exactly how I see it in my minds eye.

That is in a perfect world. We have 25 more letters to get through so let’s just hope Roberts really does get home safe. Let’s get back to the war.

Until next time friends

According to Britannica,”MacArthur sent the 77th Infantry Division (which had reached Leyte late in November 1944) on a shore-to-shore movement from the east coast to Ormoc, near which town the division landed on December 7. Ormoc fell three days later and the 77th Division pushed up the Ormoc Valley to establish contact with the X Corps units fighting their way southward. This contact marked the end of the strongest organized resistance on Leyte and the island was declared secured on Christmas Day, 1944.”

Dear Mother

11 December

Oahu, I.H.

Dear Mother,

I received your letter dated the thirteenth of last month, and also a letter from Lefty. These two are the first mail I have gotten in two weeks. Luckly, I have been so busy I haven’t had time to think about it. Also, I haven’t had a chance to get those things I wanted to get for the kids and am afraid it is now to late to send them for Christmas; however, later I will send them something. In the meantime, could you get them something with some of my money in the bank?

We too had a nice Thanksgiving Dinner with turkey, etc. It wasn’t nearly as good as the ones I ate before I came in the Army, and not nearly as enjoyable.

I guess Dit is having a pretty rough time of it. Wish I were [sic] with him down there. Don’t much think I’d enjoy it much though. I don’t much care for the islands in that part of the world. After this thing is over the closest, I want to come being on an island is on the peninsula of Florida.

I guess by now you know I have been receiving a few issues of the paper. None recently though, as the mail has been as slow as the dickens.

I don’t remember if I wrote to you about seeing Frank Saturday before last. I think I did but if I didn’t let me know. He was supposed to call me last Wednesday after noon, but he called while I was eating lunch, and told the boy who answered the phone he would call again later, but never did. I haven’t seen him either.

I haven’t heard from Gene Summerall for months, so was glad to get the clipping. Guess I’ll drop him a letter sometime.

It’s time to knock off, I guess. Nothing has happened to speak of. I’m still O.K. and busy as the dickens, Give the family my love, and write soon.

Lots of Love,

Johnnamus

Once again Britannica says”The 6th Army, in order to prepare for future operations, turned over the task of mopping up to the 8th Army, and the XXIV Corps was relieved by the American Division. American and Filipino troops fought against the 20,000 Japanese left on Leyte for the rest of the year. Mopping up operations actually continued into 1945 until almost 75,000 Japanese had been killed or captured. Even before Leyte was cleared of enemy forces, the 6th Army had started to move toward the next objective, the island of Luzon.”

Our next letter is not from Lt. Roberts but from T. Sargent Alonzo Jones, from Dresden Tennessee. It is not censored and the postmarked and is from Dresden Tennessee, December 19,1944. It is written to Roberts’s mom, Mrs. J.D. Roberts or at least it is addressed to her. I hope it is not bad news. The writing is hard to read but let’s see what he has to say.

Dresden, Ten

Box

R.F.D.1

Dec-1944

Mr. Roberts

A few days ago [sic] I left Lt. Roberts. He is in the same outfit as I am. He has been with me ever since has been back our reg this time. When I left [sic]he was doing fine. I am the Sgt of the Det. I have put up thirty five [sic] months out of the good old U.S. and now nothing is the same back home. I am about ready to go back out to the boys all of the old bunch I use to go around with has all gone everything is dead. When you go to town there is no one on the streets. Like it used to be. Over there we do not have to suffer from the cold like we do here. I have such a cold now I can hardly breathe and these cold mornings it is a job to get up after spending several months in a warm country. Mr Roberts in a few more days I will be on my way back to the gang. So [sic] when you write Lt. be sure to make mention of me dropping you a few lines,

So wishing you and your family a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

T-Sgt. Alonzo Jones

Isn’t that sweet, Sgt. Jones writing to Roberts Mom. I would think that at first glance the letter may have scared her a bit. Then once she got into the letter she was thankful to know that this man thought enough of our Lieutenant that he would take time out of his furlough to actually write Roberts mother.

A little more days insight into Lieutenant Roberts life. Thank you Sgt. Jones for writing it and thank you Mrs. Roberts for saving this letter.

Until next time Friends