Fighting Fascism in Europe: The World War II Letters of an American Veteran of the Spanish Civil War

3. Preparing for the D-Day Invasion: England: January 25–June 5, 1944

3 Preparing for the D-Day Invasion: England January 25–June 5, 1944 582nd Engr. Dump Truck Co. Camp Claiborne, Louisiana 25 January 1944 Darling; As I write this you’re probably about one hour out of St. Louis on the way home. I won’t attempt to describe how I feel—my words are miserably inadequate. I love you, my wife and my comrade, and all I want out of life is to be able to face it with you beside me always. Nothing new happened today except that we’re swamped under a Niagara of endless administrative details in preparation for the big event. . . . You didn’t get sick on the train did you, darling? Please take good care of yourself—I hope so deeply for both of us that everything turns out O.K. and that we both get our fondest wish. We should—don’t you think? We’ve broken so many wishbones over it. And even when I won, I always wished that you’d get what you wanted. You’ll find enclosed, a tiny violet. I picked it up this morning right outside my hut. I don’t believe in omens. But, I felt you were speaking to me from the train and saying good morning—and telling me not to worry. So, I picked it up gently and carried it carefully folded away until now. Here it is—It’s how you said good morning to me Jan. 25, 1944. Don’t be angry with me, sweet, if I don’t go on, and on. PREPARING FOR THE D-DAY INVASION 61 I’ll write more tomorrow. I’ll love you always, Larry 582nd Engr. Dump Truck Co. APO 9497, NY, NY [on troop train to Camp Shanks, NY] 31 January 1944 Darling; At last, I can sit down and actually write you a letter. My God, how we had to work these last few days! Since you left I’ve had practically no sleep at all—until last night. That goes for all of us. But now we’re on a train—the train. (that accounts for the ragged script.) We got a swell break on the train deal. We’re riding pullman—the first time most of our boys have traveled that way.1 I was appointed quartermaster for the entire troop train. We’re traveling with a white outfit on the same train—they in one section, we in another. In good old Army fashion we have separate messes and separate cars. It’s my job to see that the troops are supplied with all food Ⳮ rations during the trip. So, I’ve managed to get the mess sergeants together anyway— They get together about their menus, exchange ideas, and each thinks the other is a pretty good guy. (Not very much, but it’s something.) We left camp in high spirits—everyone, officers as well as men, expressing the fervent wish that we never see the goddam place again. Incidentally, our outfit left with the reputation of being one of 1 ‘‘Riding pullman’’ is a reference to the Pullman sleeping car, invented by George Pullman in 1857. The sleeping car changed from day to night use by swinging down the upper berths and folding the seats to make them into lower berths. Heavy curtains were drawn over each berth in order to provide privacy for sleeping passengers. 62 FIGHTING FASCISM IN EUROPE the best colored outfits ever to come out of the camp. That’s what the general himself said. . . . I love you. Your, Larry 582nd Engr. Dump Truck Co. APO 230, NY, NY Somewhere in England 21 February 1944 Darling; I’m sending this V-mail2 note hoping that it will reach you before my first letter. At least you will know if it gets to you more quickly that I’m O.K. Note my change of address. I couldn’t get in touch with you any faster way. I’m not writing much in this since it’s all in the letter. You’ll be surprised at its length. Don’t worry about me. I’m in the best of health. My love and regards to all. Your own, Larry 582nd Engr. Dump Truck Co. APO 230, NY, NY Somewhere in England 21 February 1944 Hello Darling; At last I can sit down and write you from my new address. The trip across was...