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Before the War Photo of Champs Elysees Letters Diary A brief clinical abstract




Allison B. Ware
My father, Allison Burr Ware, was born in San Francisco, California on November 1, 1908. He was named after his grandfather Allison Burr Ware and was the forth Allison Ware in this line of the family. His parents, Maud and Allison, moved the family to Chico in 1910, where he grew up.
He and my mother were married in Berkeley, October 15, 1932. He was a graduate of Hastings and she was a teacher, having graduated from Cal. two years earlier.
They set up housekeeping in Chico, California where he was associated with his father and Uncle Phil's law firm, Ware and Ware. They later moved to Sacramento where my brother Allison Ware and I, Margaret Eleanor Ware were born while we lived at 915 4th Ave. About 1940, we moved to a house they built at 1408 Eighth Ave., which is the house I remember.
There was war in England, 1940 was the year of the blitz and America although not at war was gearing up for war. America entered the war December 7, 1941. Dad had been classified as III-A on May 22, 1941. Since he was thirty two, married, and the father of two, at the time I believe he would not have been drafted. However, he enlisted and was accepted for active duty on September 30, 1942. He went to Fort Leonard Wood to train. He completed his training in January, 1943, then went on to OCS, leaving for England on Thursday, September 30, 1943.
In England he prepared for D-day. On the day of the invasion, he was to land on Omaha Beach. He and his men were separated from the others and landed in a really hot spot. He received the Bronze Star for his actions and later marched into Paris with Le Clerc's army. As he moved on to Germany, he was badly wounded, and captured for a short time. He was rescued by his men. The first report said "serious," then for a time things looked better. In the end, however, his leg was amputated and left him with great pain the rest of his life.

This is a photo of the American and French marching to liberate Paris at the Champs eleysees. If we looked hard enough we could probably find my dad here. The French stopped there, but the Americans were in full battle gear and stayed on the road to Germany straight into battle.
Following are letters written during the war years.
June 21, 1944:
D-day plus 15, Letter from Allison to Virginia.
June 21, '44 France
Most Divine Person: Here I am safe and sound in France. This is my first chance to write. I don't know whether our letters are going out yet but am writing as I know you'll be anxious. Me and my platoon arrived on the beach in the thick of it early D-day (June 6). Why I should have been one of those to come thru without as scratch is a mystery to me. The part I played was not important but being there was an unforgettable experience. We were rather disgusted with the bright generalities which we heard were in the papers & newscasts, to the effect that everything was going satisfactorily and according to plan. I hope some of the reporters give a clearer picture of what it costs in men materiel for things "to go satisfactorily." I am sending a couple of Stars & Stripes which have a few good articles. This life is not too difficult. The worst thing is the weather. It has been raining and everything has turned to mud. Right now it's getting colder and altho I've got on all my clothes including my rain coat I'm still cold. There is a great opportunity for some one who invents steam heat that can be carried easily in a musette bag for foxholes. I don't look forward to the winter with much relish. We lost our duffle bags with all our clothes & possessions. I've replaced my clothes pretty well, there were lots on the beach no one was going to use. However, if you can I wish you'd send me: 1. A flash light 2. A few pictures Some peanuts & candy (It must be packed to survive heat, pressure , salt water etc). You will probably never realize how much your letters mean to me. Your patience & perseverance in writing frequently is wonderful. I just got your letter containing some razor blades (June Th). They will come in handy but I don't think I'll be needing more as our rations should commence shortly. I love you and the little people with all my being. Love, Allison
June 21, 1944: Letter from Allison to his folks.
June 21, 1944 France
Dear Folks: When I used to sing "When its apple blossom time in Normandy" etc. (Remember the old phonograph with that record at Jonesville?). Little did I imagine how and when "There I will be down by the sea."
I and my platoon arrived early D-day (June 6). Our work was not particularly important but we found ourselves in a very hot spot. Just why the good Lord picked me to come through unscathed I'll never know. I must have some pretty good people pulling for me at home. I hope you are now getting some accurate stories of what has been & is going on. Something beside the meaningless report that "the situation is satisfactory." I'm sending Virginia some Stars & Stripes which have a few articles. I'm not free to discuss much but I can say that the Germans never expected us to crack the beach defenses. And I don't think any soldiers except the British and ourselves could have secured the beach. I had my first bottle of French wine two days after landing. It was in a small town about 2 mi. Inland. I traded cigarettes for it, it was red wine of 1928 vintage and really good. They have a local product, however, that acts much quicker and faster, called Calvados. It is an apple brandy probably 90 or 100 proof it burns easily. Lt. Davis and I blew our small store of invasion money and paid 6.00 francs ($12.00) for a bottle. Our money is no use to us so we might as well blow it. I'm going to quit writing I'm getting too cold sitting here. It's been raining and now it's quite cold. This foxhole is anything but stuffy. Please keep writing. Love to all, A B.
July 2, 1944: Letter from Allison to Virginia
American Red Cross July 2, '44
Dearest One: Things in their order of importance: 1) I love you all tremendously 2) I am beginning to receive some of your many letters which have failed to catch up with me the last few months. I am deeply grateful for your persistence in writing. I must agree with your right to excoriate me for failing to write. I just couldn't seem to write. I wanted so much to come back to you all you're such good people. Knowing my platoons initial mission I knew my chances were pretty poor. Things are much different now that I'm back with the company. While I don't have any idea what the future holds things look pretty good. I might add that my platoon (while assigned only a more or less routing job) relieved a situation on one section of the beach that was critical. They have been recommended highly by the Commanding General of Corps. (I didn't even happen to be with this portion of the platoon at the time). 3) I am now Company Commander of "A" Co. While assuming responsibility is easy, discharging it is something else. Altho I am something of an expert on one field, I have little engineering background. I look ahead with considerable doubt & uncertainty. A Co. Has always been the strongest company in the battalion (just as my platoon was always the best in the company). I only hope I can maintain the company's proficiency that Captain Kelsay has built up. We're surely going to miss him & were all sorry to see him transferred to the battalion staff. [Next day]: It got too dark to write any more. It has rained all day making it perfectly miserable. We're all wet, cold & with no present prospect of drying out. Such weather (and we've had little else) is depressing. The only thing that's really pleasant is the sight of our bombers flying overhead and the din of ;our artillery. It's grand to hear them plastering the Krauts. There really doesn't seem to be much I can write. Someday the real story of the beaches will probably be known. I have sent some Stars & Stripes which you & the folks may like. I commend for your reading an article written by Ernie Pyle on D + 1 and an article in the May Omnibook entitled "Tarawa" I'm sure they will both be worth while. With the papers' I have enclosed some German mine markers which Allie can poke in people's eyes. For some reason the Germans were unable or neglected to remove them from some of their mines & booby traps. They use them for their own protection to mark their own devices. I'm afraid I'm getting tires of this war which is hardly right because it's just started. But I was tired of training in England and I'm even more so now. This living the life of Robinhood in a fox hole may appeal to Allie but if wants my company when I get home he'll have to find me in bed. Now you see what happens when you make me write. I just don'[t have anything pleasant to say. Please continue writing I like your letters lots. The best definition of a letter from home is that "it is like a five minute furlough. I love you. Allison P.S. Didn't use this side so will add a P.S. Do you know what a Bronze Star is? I don't. But you might look it up. I just found out that I was awarded one. ("for meritorious service on June 6" I think) I'm sure I don't know what for. Sgt. Bougi, who was my platoon Sgt., also was awarded one there was some reason for it however, as he did some nice work on D day. The 1st Pltn (which was my pltn) has also received a citation (which means another ribbon). The children might be interested in a couple of fashion notes. Most of the little boys & girls here wear wooden shoes I saw one who had painted his red white & blue. The little girls wear 2 dresses & the little boys wear one. It's a kind of as pinafore that buttons up the front. The only sure way of determining sex, I suppose, is to take off the first dress. If there's another dress underneath, it's a girl; if there are pants underneath it's a boy.
Undated Letter: From Allison to Virginia, headed in his own writing "For Official Use Only."
For Official Use Only
Dearest One: At least I can say fairly and truly that the reason I haven't written is that I've been too busy. During the weeks the lines were stabilized and the beach head was being built up we had more or less routine works. However, after that things were different. Having gotten by this far O.K. I'm sure I'll come thru all right. I think the censorship will let me tell you a few things to show you what I mean. I really have been shot with luck. First was getting thru the beach episode. More than that, all the men in my platoon got thru without serious injury. Later we were assigned a sector of the front to hold as infantry. Altho some officers & men of adjoining companies were injured and killed by mines & small arms mortar & 88mm fire fire [sic] we had no one injured sufficiently to go to the hospital. Once I was inspecting one of the platoon areas and a mortar shell landed about 15 ft. away. They can be heard for an instant before they hit so I hit the ground. How it missed me I'll never know - a pack alongside was ripped to pieces. Later after an attack had started on our flank, I took a patrol out to see if the Krauts had withdrawn from in front of us. We found they hadn't. The bastards let us get up to the hedge that marked their front and started heaving hand and rifle grenades at us. Two landed within a few feet of me but my luck held. I just threw one at them and backed up unscratched with more haste than dignity. On the way back they shot at us with machine pistols, rifles and machine guns. Still old lady luck smiled and no one was hurt. All we could do was fire blindly up and down the hedges which is the only way to keep to keep [sic] the bastards down (I fired over 150 rounds of Carbine ammo). On the way back my foot caught on the trip wire of an "S" mine. I broke the wire, but miracle of miracles -- the mine failed to fire. Later to dodge a sniper I jumped inside a courtyard wall and stepped on a mustard pot (a small A.P. mine). They have about a second delay I heard it go pop & got off it before it exploded. And talk about real luck I went in the house nearby (really so I could get a couple of shots at the sniper) and found a full quart of Calvados and a brand new pair of saboes. I felt that this was enough good fortune for one day so took the qt. & shoes. The qt. Has since been consumed but the shoes I'm sending to you in remembrance of an eventful day. Recently our cat (bull dozer) ran over a mine and was ruined but the driver received only a bump on the head when he was thrown. I don't know who's responsible for all this but I wish whoever's doing the praying would please keep it up. I was never very good at it so I know it's not me. But someone's's got a pipe line direct to God that's working beautifully. All this probably sounds like a bright and exciting adventure. Seriously it's quite a trying business to be a company commander. I sometimes feel like the effort is hardly worthwhile. The only thing that means something is the dream that someday we will again lead a sane and peaceful life. I am sending my D-day citation (which I have no place to keep). Some day it may impress Allie when he needs impressing the most. I'm also sending two money orders for $100 each. With all my loves to you And the little folks Allison If I don't write as often as I should please try to understand why.
R E S T R I C T E D
CITATION FOR THE BRONZE STAR FIRST LIEUTENANT ALLISON B. WARE, 0111304, Corps of Engineers, 254th Engineer Combat Battalion, United States Army. For meritorious service in military operations against an armed enemy near St. Laurent-sur-Mer, France, 6 June 1944. During landing operations on the afternoon of the initial day of the assault on the enemy-held coast of France, First Lieutenant Ware and a small group of men became separated from the remainder of their party and were landed some one-half mile from the rendezvous area. The beach was highly congested. Heavy concentrations of enemy artillery, mortar and machine gun fire forced personnel to go forward on the beach rather than to proceed along the beach line. Having gone inland, First Lieutenant Ware found that he and his party were separated from their group by a heavily mined area. Being in immediate danger of enemy fire, First Lieutenant Ware searched for and located a path along which he guided his party through the heavily mined area to join the main group. Finding the rendezvous area also congested, he supervised his platoon in clearing mines from a large area, thus allowing troops to disperse. Following this he was called upon to search and clear the area for the Corps Command Post. He personally supervised the clearing of dugouts and tunnels, causing every possible item that could be booby trapped to be disturbed. He then directed his men in clearing the immediate area of mines. The service of First Lieutenant Ware at this time is meritorious of great praise. Entered military service from: Sacramento, California.
R E S T R I C T E D

July 16, 1944: Letter from Allison to Virginia from Normandy.
Normandy July 16, 1944
Ma Petite Cherie: My how I wish I had been more attentive in Mr. Echeveria's class. I really have a hell of a time trying (to) get an idea over to these french people. The other day I almost gave up hope of getting my laundry back. I went to the house where I had left it, grabbed myself by the shirt and started hollering "lavar" thus trying to convey the idea that I had come to get my laundry. The only response was "Je n'es comprens pas." I then tried to explain that I had brought it several days ago. You will realize that this was not without some difficulty as I couldn't express anything in a past tense and couldn't even remember the word for yesterday.' Then one of the people had a flash of genius. It was really very simple. The lady I had given my laundry to lived about a mile up the road she just happened to be visiting some friends when I gave her the laundry to do. A few days ago we located an abandoned German road roller at the front. We weren't able to figure out why it wouldn't start and decided to get some help from the French. After seeing M. l' mayor we started back with two worthies who we thought were Diesel engineers of vast experience. After getting them all the way back to the roller it developed that one operated a bicycle shop & the other as locomotive and neither knew anything about the roller. We finally got it fixed by ourselves. It was quite a picture to see the (Mot???) Sgt. And one of the mechanics driving it up the road with a little machine gun & artillery fire a short distance away just to keep us from forgetting there was a war still going on. We really could have used Joe's intimate knowledge of antiquated diesels. In one of the last "Yanks" I sent I marked a picture of C Co.'s bulldozer. Lt Fairfax has been C.O. of C Co. Ever since we were at Torcross England (near Slapton) on the Battle Range. He is an engineer by profession and was in charge of A company in the C.C.C> Consequently this business of being company commander is easy for him. It's a pain in the neck for me though and as far as I'm concerned I'd be glad to go back to being a platoon leader any time. I've got a nice new carbine, one of the new type with a collapsible stock which is the envy of all. The fellow that had it won't miss it. He was riding in a truck that hit a double Teller mine. We salvaged quite a bit of stuff but it wasn't a very pleasant place the whole area was covered with putrefying hamburger from a cow that had stepped on a mine a few days previously. You are awfully good to write so much. It helps to have the envelopes sent but they are sealed when they get here due to the dampness. Maybe a piece of wax paper would help. Je t'aime, ma cherie, Allison P.S. Please send me post haste a French grammar book something like the first year of college, French which has a vocabulary & the conjugation of the verbs. Merci s'il vous plait.
August 19, 1944: Letter from Allison to Virginia.
Aug 29 1944
Ma PetiteCherie et l'enfants:
For fear you may have missed it, I'll shyly bring to your attention the word "Capt." preceding my name on the return address. Why they did it I don't know. I don't have much heart for the job but it looks like I'll have to continue being company commander. It's a peculiar job. Actually, in A company that has competent officers and runs smoothly (and this company is pretty well organized) there is little for the C.O. to do. His biggest job is really to set asproper example in everything from appearance to ;hard work. You can readily imagine how repulsive such an idea is to me. But you can't expect your men to do what you won't do � so there I am trying to be an example. Oh dear! A job has just come in so I'll have to get going. I'll have to shave in the rain (must set the right example you know). Oh well it saves rinsing the soap off. I've seen some really interesting things since I last wrote but I couldn't tell about them because of censorship even if I had time. While my presence or that of the company makes little difference in the outcome of the war we'd win it even if we weren't here I happened to have witnessed many historical incidents. I was there D-day, on the worst section of beach. We were on the line as infantry and witnessed the big attack that broke the stalemate which existed while the beachhead was built up. And now I have seen the liberation of the heart of France.
In spite of their faults the French are an amazing people. It is true that in battle they have mostly heroism and little else -- they can't begin... September 16, 1944: Wounded in Germany December 28, 1944: Leg amputated
WESTERN UNION
MRS. VIRGINIA B. WARE= 1944 OCT 2 PM 12 50 1408 8 AVE
REGRET TO INFORM YOU YOUR HUSBAND WAS SERIOUSLY WOUNDED IN ACTION IN GERMANY SIXTEEN SEPTEMBER UNTIL NEW ADDRESS IS RECEIVED ADDRESS MAIL FOR HIM QUOTE CAPTAIN ALLISON B. WARE SERIAL NUMBER (HOSPITALIZED) CENTRAL POSTAL DIRECTOR WILL BE ADVISED AS REPORTS OF CONDITION ARE RECEIVED= JA ULIO THE ADJUTANT GENERAL.
APO 640 November 6, 1944: V-Mail from Maud Ware to her son Allison
Allison dear: Z
My kindest regards and thanks to Dr. Mell. The word came through Mrs. Mell that you are improving & you would be returning home (either directly home or the U.S. A. Seems unimportant). I've been in a trance ever since Virginia phoned the good news. Mrs. Hamilton (of the College) was a neighbor of the Mell family in Berkeley and knows Dr. Mell very well. Don't be impatient about getting up; a few days longer in bed may mean so much. "Time is of the essence of this contract." Poor Liston Clark stepped on a num; broke a bone in his foot; after about five weeks with his foot in a cast pressed on his heel & now has to do it all over so please be careful. The world seems such a different place to us, if only the other families could share our gratitude & humility & the war would end. Be careful. God has truly blessed us. Love, M.
November 12, 1944: V-Mail from Maud to her son Allison.
Sonny dear:
You must realize how we are awaiting further word of your condition. It seems ages since your letter came. If you can & feel able, send us a line so we may know what progress you are making. How I wish I were near you! But God has been good to us. When I read of the cold & snow & the terrible fighting that is going on in the Aachen district. My heart is wrung with pity for the boys who are there. You have been spared & may we prove worthy the rest of our lives by doing what is wise & helpful. Just phoned Virginia, they are fine; talked to children Little Margie said "Are your knees well now?" & "Can you walk upstairs?" She sounded so grown-up. And Allie told me to "Come down soon." They are all awaiting word as to time you are returning. Take your time & be patient. Our loving prayers my boy. Love, M.

WESTERN UNION
T.LRG32 14=WUX BRIGHAMCITY UTAL 28 434 44 DEC PM 4 28 MRS. VIRGINIA B. WARE= 1408 EIGHTH AVE SACRAMENTO CALIF=
CAT KILLING PROCEEDED TODAY ACCORDING TO SCHEDULE EVERYTHING FINE NOTIFY FOLKS LOVE TO ALL= ALLISON
CAT KILLING. Saturday, probably December 30, 1944:
Letter from Allison to his mother from Bushnell General Hospital. Saturday Dear Mom:
Just a note to let you know everything if fine. Thanks for the letters you are all so good as to write. What is the purpose of the enclosure with your Xmas card -- are you getting wackey? Please tell Dicky that I have his radio and that it is safe & sound. I know it wasn't within the terms of his offer to let me take it up here. But I would sincerely appreciate it if I could keep it. It does much toward making the time pass pleasantly and quickly. There is another reason he might consider -- there is no way that I can think of by which he can get it back now. As I told you in the telegram, my first operation was performed Thurs. Everything seems to be coming along o.k. there is occasionally some discomfort but they are generous with the hypos. I sem to feel a great deal better. Whether this is mental or actual I don't know but the fact is I feel as tho' I had a new lease on life. If everything continues to go all right I should go on the chopping block again in about 4 to 6 weeks. I just gave a paper boy $1.00. He claims that on Thur I promised to buy 30 papers from him the next day. Of course I was too dopey to know what I might have said (still being under the effect of the anaesthetic). So I couldn't deny it and gave him $1 so he wouldn't lose faith in mankind. (You don't think the little devil was putting one over on me, do you or do you?) Love Allison
Undated: Letter from Allison to Virginia from Bushnell General Hospital.

Divine Person and Cherubs:
I didn't hear from you all today. You'd better get busy and write some letters � particularly the small fry could benefit by some practice in drawing & writing. I wonder if my first letters got there all right. It's possible they got held up on the wrecked train. Everything seems to be coming along fine. Yesterday they changed the original dressing (which is about like performing a skin graft without benefit of an anaesthetic). The Doc says everything is fine no sign of infection. Incidentally my Doc. Is Lt. Col. Meyers of Roseville. I'm beginning to get bubbles in my ???ink tank which is a sign I'm beginning to get better or worse. Here's a suggestion � in four to six weeks I should be ready for my 2nd operation (if everything goes well) or perhaps I can have a leave for a week or so. Altho I realize I'd be pretty darn feeble trying to get around on crutches I think it would be good for me to take some leave. I'[m getting kind of tired of hospitals and I'm getting pretty weak lying in bed so much. I know I wouldn't be very agile getting around on crutches looks easy but I know it's not. I tried it a little before my last operation -- going 15 or 20 feet left me pooped. I don't know whether it would be much fun for you but here's a suggestion: Suppose you come up here a few days before I could get leave. You could possibly find some place in Brigham City (I'd get the Red Cross to find a place for you ahead of time of course). Then we could see each other & decide what would be best to do. We could decide to stay here or maybe take a trip home or to Chico or go to Salt Lake City. I really haven't any idea at this time how well I'll be able to get around. Tell me what you think of it. I still would prefer you not to come up until I can get around some. I might even be able to get around in a couple of weeks � it just depends on how things go. If you have time would you go to the state library and find out if they have anything on the 1) Operation 2) Construction & 3) Use Results of the so-called (but misnamed) lie detector. The following men may have written on the subject: Keeler, Leonard Vallmar, August Marston, William M. I'm not interested in works dealing with crime detection generally. Let me hear from you when you have time to write. With all my love, Allison
January 15, 1945:
Series of letters, sent in a bunch, from Allison to Virginia from Brigham City, Utah Jan 15
Honey Dear:
I hope you have received my telegram by this time and know that I'm coming along fine. I have been having some trouble with my phantom foot and, hoping I'd feel better tomorrow, have put off writing from day to day. It doesn't amount to anything. It's just a reaction of the nerve that occurs in all cases of amputation. Nothing to worry about only it's kind of distracting. I may be able to go on leave in about two weeks. This is just my own idea I haven't consulted the doctor yet so don't make any plans yet. When I do get leave I'd like you to come up about 2 days before it starts. I'm afraid it won't be much of an outing for you. I pretty feeble. Altho I'm still in traction (skin) I have unhitched it a few times and find I can just get to the toilet and back on crutches and that's about all. I don't know what I'll do about stairs. You've been a good girl not to try to come up. The fact is I haven't been fit company for anyone. Nor is there any adequate place to visit in this ward. Can't you leave Allie with the folks & Margaret Eleanor with Marg when you come up?
Please try to write lots it means much to me. I love you Allison
Jan 17, 1945
Sweetie Pie:
Nothing of interest to report. Just wanted to tell you, I think you're the grandest loveliest and most divine creation in all the world. I'm coming along o.k. phantom foot symptoms are gradually subsiding. Will be able to tell you something definite about my leave within the next week. Ought to have some idea by that time as to what I will be able to do. They took my leg out of skin traction today, which is some help. Please write often. I love you Allison
Jan 18, 1945(?) [the question mark is Allison's
Sugar Plum:
I will try to get off what will be from now on an almost daily letter. It's rather difficult to write as I just came back from P.X. (In a wheel chair) and I'm pretty tired & shakey about like trying to write a letter while in the dentist chair. The only trouble is, this dentist' (pantom foot) is drilling 24 hrs. a day. I really don't know how much I'll be able to do when you get here. These symptoms seem to be subsiding very slowly. I'm hoping for a very decided improvement within the next few days. Otherwise I should stay here in the hospital for a while my discomfort won't let me enjoy anyone or anything as things are now.
Do you think you could come up about 10 days from today, on Jan 28? Let me know if we can agree on that date tentatively.
There is so much I would like to do for you, you're such a wonderful person. You have carried on ;the responsibilities of the home & children without complaint & without the slightest help from me. Maybe some day I can take over my share of the job and try to make up to you the things you have lost at least that's my fervent daily hope. I love you,
Allison
Jan 20, 1945?
Delectable Delicious Delicacy:
Just received your letter addressed to Mr. Chatfield and misdirected to me. About all I can say is that I'm afraid I'm not much of a substitute for Mr. Chatfield. You haven't seen anything of a problem until you've seen me. Seriously, Dear, we'd better keep our plans for your trip up in the air for awhile. I seem to be making improvement very slowly. I'm not at all in doubt about the eventual outcome, thee symptoms will subside sometime, but it's going to take time. They are sufficiently bad so that I'm on the ragged edge most of the time. I still need a hypo occasionally to keep me from going nuts. It wouldn't be very pleasant for you to have to sit here in the ward watching me huff & puff. I hope you understand. You see you are all that's beautiful and lovely in my life. When I come back to you I want to be able to enjoy it in a normal way, to do things for you and with you that will make you happy. For it to be otherwise would be to spoil something that I have looked forward to and that of constantly ever since I've been away. Do you understand Ma Cherie? Jan 20, 1945 I've sent Dicky & Bill a copy of the Stars & Stripes with an article in it about Wallendorf. Would you please write them for it sometime as I'd like to keep it. When you do come up I wish you'd bring me: 1. A couple of socks. 2. A " " " sets of underwear. Would you please sent me a bottle opener (for caps) they will serve us beer sometimes but I've got nothing to open mine with. Well, there seems to be little more to write about except that I love you. Allison
January 26, 1944: Letter from Allison to Virginia from Bushnell General Hospital, Brigham City, Utah.
Devine Personage:
Not much to write about. I'm wondering if you got my telegram o.k. I'm not certain what I'll do yet. But if things continue as they are, and it looks as though they will, I'll have my second operation in about a week. I'd prefer a rest first but if it will relieve these symptoms the sooner the better. It's about 6:00 P.M. and I'm still (more or less) able to write a letter which is due to the large amounts of phenobarbital (?) They've given me today. This is some improvement but to leave the hospital seems out of the question at present, I dislike distressing you with these details but you must realize that my inability to see you and come home is not a matter of choice. Yesterday I received about 20 letters sent to England and back. It's fun to get them even if they are dated in Sept. & Oct. Well, the long evening has just started. We eat dinner about 4:30 P.M. and as we go to sleep about 12:00 P.M. the time seems to go very slowly. Please don't come up until I say O.K. I do so want to enjoy it when you do come her. It's what I've been looking forward to most of all and it means so much to me I don't want it spoiled. I wonder why the small fry keep on having colds. All I can suggest is to make them live outside in foxholes. I can't remember anybody in the company who had a cold while we were in France. Well, with this choice but of advice I'll say adieu.
I love you all
Allison
February 17, 1945
Dear Allison,
Your small daughter wants some little grutches like her Daddy's. They are both outside now playing in the fresh air, Allie beating and being beaten by the Terror of Eighth Avenue. I looked out of the kitchen window the other day to see Allie playing with a gladiator's sword. When I removed it he said "Oh that's all right. Little Robert had it on our front lawn this morning." Little Robert certainly knows how to protect himself in the clinches. We will probably not get any gas for your daily trips to Mc Clellan field because you took with you (1) the signed application and (2) your leave papers. If you send them to me in time I may still be able to get something. I will not bore you with anymore of my pointless letters until I hear from you, but please let me know what is happening to you and how you feel. Love,
Virginia
Wednesday, Undated: Letter from Allison to Virginia.
Wednesday
Gorgeous Creature:
I just received your good letter enclosing the finger nail file. The explanation of Allie's condition seems reasonable but not exactly satisfactory. Why isn't his resistance good? Why not inject vitamins with a bicycle pump or do something? Does he run a mile every day? Take cold baths? I don't know what will help him but I do know that altho staying in bed half the time may save his life, it will never make him strong. This heckling from the side lines isn't intended to be of any help it's just to show I'm interested.
I hope you didn't think I was expiring Sunday when I didn't answer the phone. I understand that the nurse explained I had a cold. I'm all over it now but felt pretty rotten for awhile. My leg is beginning to improve in about another week I'll be where I should have been when they took [the] cast off. From now on I ought to make steady progress. It's still pretty uncomfortable particularly in the evenings but a little better than when I was home. Apparently the nerve pains will disappear very slowly in my case and will take several months. My guess is that I'll be able to get home sometime in May.
You must be in an uproar with all the painting, renovating, improving and rejuvenating going on. Since it was inevitable, I will say that I think it's a good thing. We will really have a lovely house to live in at least until the tax collector takes it. Sometimes I wonder a bit about future finances, altho not often; do you think you can support me in the manner to which I'm accustomed on a teacher's salary? However if little sister can find a few millionaires to bleed we should do all right in our old age.
Incidentally Johnsy Boy, Ed & Willard Davis expect to visit here tomorrow aft. (I entertain certain reservations however). One of the nurses who "happened to see them" in Salt Lake City brought the message to me.
Still waiting for Allie to write. I love you all more than tongue can tell.
Love,
Allison




I have a calendar, really more like a pamphlet, for the year 1944, in it Dad made entries for May 17, 1944 to June 9, 1944. On the cover it says:
DIARY S9X
H.M. STATIONARY OFFICE
CODE No. 66-9-4
He made the following entries:

MAY
  • WED 17 Deb. 1st Pltn. 1 off 38 E.M. moved to Tauton by train. (truck, driver & asst. by road) per order of attachment 370. 5 (No3), 9 May 1944 and travel order 370.5 (No. 2) 10 May 1944, Victor Hq.

  • THURS 18 Turned in list of shortages fired newly issued rifles received preliminary instructions water proofed truck.

  • FRI 19 Organized new men in crews instructions and clearing practice in woods ordered 3 more detectors.

  • SAT 20 12 mi hike fired remaining rifles had 4 defective fixed.

  • SUN 21 Fired practice rifle grenades and rockets

  • MON 22 Issued shortages. Reorganized pltn 6 detector crews. Packed and loaded

  • TUES 23 Moved to marshalling area D4

  • WED 24 guard duty and sack time only

  • THURS 25 Maps received -- preliminary briefing Hike 7 mi

  • FRI 26 Preparation of maps & overlays

  • AT 27 Preparation of overlays by Sqd Sgts & Cpls.

  • SUN 28 Moved to marshalling area D2

  • MON 29 Issued invasion money men briefed wash day

  • TUES 30 Area D9

  • WED 31 Area D9 Life belts etc issued

JUNE