This is the way things are done here – upside down!!

3811299 Sgt. D. R. BYRNE 

Co. B 327th GLIDER INF.

A.P.O 472 %  Postmaster

New York City

 

PETE V. Frisk

4737 Towle Ave,

Hammond, Indiana                          11-14-43 [Probably wrong]                   [Note on back in Vic’s hand: “Rec’d – Nov. 23”]        Free

 

No  997638

PASSED BY 01553 ARMY EXAMINER  [signed] Edward J. Gibson, 1st. Lt. Inf.

[Date Stamp: ] Nov 13 1943

Reproduced from microfilm: V-MAIL 

Rose Darlin’:- [Text inverted]: This is the way things are done here – upside down!!

Yep, it’s Rose, & be you at home or in Hollywood, you’re always among the thorns in my estimation. – Have been having a gala time, just rolling in a wealth of letters & package of late – If I’m not careful, I’ll float away on a cloud or sump’m, ’cause I’m sure walkin’ on air as a result of it.  In case i do float away, I’m hopin’ it’s in your direction, you bet!!

Today came your Halloween card, also a letter of Oct. 30th.  A bouquet of sump’m to your good spirits!!  Sounds like you’se guys had a what the British call a “Smashing” time of it.  Oh, to be there & help!  No doubt McGrath is blasé about her whole predicament – Hope it doesn’t prove to be an olvie she swallowed – Give her another month & she’ll be one solid mass of lumps, I betcha!!  Sh-h-h  that’s just between us, however.

Haven’t had much chance to look over the picture situation – have been going to a nearby Suburb ‘stead of town.  It’s quiet there & not too many G.I.’s – Believe it or not, I’m practically a stranger in town, tho’ I’m considering running for “Lord High Mayor” of the Suburb.  Getting cold in here & I’m going to bed – Comin’ along??  GOODIE!!  My love for you.  JR.

wot gives Now

3811299 Sgt. D. R. BYRNE 

Co. B 327th GLIDER INF.

A.P.O 472 %  Postmaster

New York City

 

E. V. Frisk

4737 Towle Ave,

Hammond, Indiana                                                    11-9-43                   [Note on back in Vic’s hand: “Rec’d Nov. 14th“]        Free

 

No  397544

PASSED BY 01553 ARMY EXAMINER  [signed] Edward J. Gibson, 1st. Lt. Inf.

[Date Stamp: ] Nov 13 1943

Reproduced from microfilm: V-MAIL 

Arpee Darlin’ —

Just about to take off for a few days operatin’ & thot I’d best have a date right now while the havin’s good – they tell me the mail-man just appeared with a dozen males of mail – Hm-m — I wonder if I’m in on it??  Could be.  Have just about given up that package or two that was promised some weeks ago — Have decided that if the Subs didn’t get it, “Myrt” must have buried it.  I’v ea sneaking hunch I’m about to hit pay dirt.

The boys are all hepped up to hear Roosevelt talk in a few minutes – [Ed: FDR announces the signing of the “United Nations Relief and Rehabilitation Administration”]  [Following text is inverted]: Packages all over the place!!

Wot Ho!! MYF just came up with your package with Chesterfield’s all over it — Howinell did you know that I just ran out of ciggies & can’t buy any for another week??  So help me, honey it’s true – that expedition to London, with two full days off was hard on the Cigarette rations, & now out of a clear sky, you come up with a mes of ’em & save the day, as per usual.  Some day I’m gonna catch hold of you & never let go – right now – You’ve all my love — JR.

good haul in the mail dept.

3811299 Sgt. D. R. BYRNE 

Co. B 327th GLIDER INF.

A.P.O 472 %  Postmaster

New York City

 

Ethel V. Frisk

4737 Towle Ave,

Hammond, Indiana                                                    11-9-43                   [Note on back in Vic’s hand: “Nov. 23”]        Free

 

No  997642

PASSED BY 01553 ARMY EXAMINER  [signed] Edward J. Gibson, 1st. Lt. Inf.

[Date Stamp: ] Nov 13 1943

Reproduced from microfilm: V-MAIL 

Sweetie Pants:-

Back to the base Camp to another good haul in the mail dept. & my spirits are definitely on the “UP” — Goodie for me!  Your letter in blue (Oct 12,) One from Johnie & “Red” (Oct 11,) & another from the boys in the plant, plus a package from Win- Sure, ’twas no end of a swell feeling – No wonder my ears have been burning!!  Particularly got a buzz out of the Xmas card in Win’s package —- To (my picture) from (her picture)  The picture of me was a clipping of one taken is a half-loaded condition – White Palm-beach suit, starched collar & silly grin — The good old days, how well I do remember!!!

Your letter was sump’m to behold, if I may say so.  A real, genuine, smooch, plus the painting deal in the corner – ‘Twas priceless.  Would give a lot to help you wallow in paint!

Sorry to say that I never did find that Eagle Club  – London is full of ’em, & it was sort of hopeless to try – Besides, I think there are more Yanks in town than there are Britishers. – ‘Twould be a pity to try to tell you, in such a short space, Just how much I’m missing you, not to mention how much I’m lovin’ you, & all this seems to grow, – more every day –  Bye for now –  My love for you.  JR.

Pups are pups

Sgt. D. R. BYRNE 3811299

Co. B 327th INF.

A.P.O 472 %  Postmaster

New York City

 

E. V. Frisk

4737 Towle Ave,

Hammond, Indiana             10-28-43                   [Note on back or each in Vic’s hand: “Nov 19th“]        Free

 

[Ed: One letter again covering two separate V-Mails]

No  469348& 469349

PASSED BY 01553 ARMY EXAMINER  [signed] Edward J. Gibson, 1st. Lt. Inf.

Reproduced from microfilm: V-MAIL 

Date Stamp Nov 9 1943

Punkin’ Darlin:-  (I’m lovin’ ya more than that bottom line indicates!!)

Back from London & practically stampeded with mail, two from you – V-mail, Oct. 27th & a blue one Oct. 15th, also one from my sis, Aunt, Win Swanton & one from the O’Reilly at the plant.  Big day!!

London was just so-so, another big museum to me – Personally, I think the place will fall over from old age if the Jerries don’t get it first.  One thing sure — when the boys from over the Channel sneak thru the balloon barrage, the natives dive for cover right now!!  [Text inverted] I know “Pups are pups” – Yours are special!

You can tell Ethel Ward that tho’ we’re not in Iceland – the heavy gotchies [Ed: English slang for underwear] feel good, & this perpetual fog & dampness goes right into one’s bones – Phooey — Such a climate!!

Glad to know that your stack of V-mails is increasing – I’m doing by best to hold up my end, & waitin’ for the day when letters won’t be necessary.  As for censoring, no Punkin’ – your letters aren’t censored – ‘Smatter, honey — Bashful??  Tsk! Tsk!!  I’m about to hit the “Y” for a spot of tea & so to bed.  First a note to Win – She tells me the Major has it soft in Iran, also that Mel is in England – Looks like I’m running out of room – God forbid that I ever miss an “I love you! ’cause I do that – loads.  JR.

———————–[Second V-mail]————————————

Hello Again:-  [Text inverted] the second of these tonite.-

Just finished off a session of tea ‘n hedge sandwiches & on walking back from the “Y” find a full-moon, a lot of big ideas, & no you –  What the hell’s the use?? —  Makes one think of home & you – an automobile with a radio in it — the beach, the Bismarck – Cape Cod & all sorts of things that are too too far away to do me any good —- As much as such thoughts like that make me want to scream — Still they’re fun, too, ’cause it isn’t everyone who can think such pleasant thoughts!!

It’s just ten Pêêëm here – that means the bunk for me, & the four o’clock bell for you – In case you’re headed for Win’s scrap-book again – Reserve a page for us & we’ll fill it one day soon — She says you’re doing a super job of it. — At this point I have the room & the urge, so may as well tell ya that you’ve my love for always – even tho’ I never did get that package with the button in it.

G’nite — JR.

most of the boys have contracted colds & sniffles

3811299 Sgt. D. R. BYRNE 

Co. B 327th GLIDER INF.

A.P.O 472 %  Postmaster

New York City

 

E. V. Frisk

4737 Towle Ave,

Hammond, Indiana                                                    Nov. 4, ’43                   [Note on back in Vic’s hand: “Rec’d Nov. 14th“]        Free

 

No  642312

PASSED BY 01553 ARMY EXAMINER  [signed] Edward J. Gibson, 1st. Lt. Inf.

[Date Stamp: ] Nov 6 1943

Reproduced from microfilm: V-MAIL 

Hy Punkin’ —

Today was the day the mail-man finally broke down with a letter [Musical notes] Ta de da – H great day!!  Tho’ ’twas one instead of a bundle, it was worth the wait – ‘specially to be reminded that the bed I used to sleep in still exists – Keep it in good shape honey – I’m lookin’ forward to some use of it one of these fine days – I can just picture that familiar scene right now – rogue’s gallery & all, & it looks like Heaven should.  

It’s turned toward the coolish side over here & most of the boys have contracted colds & sniffles – Me, I can’t catch nothin’!! — Have been pressing clothes for a spell & getting things in shape for tomorrow’s expedition to London — Will try to find the Club you spoke of — Doubt very much if we’ll stay over-nite as they tell me that it’s so over-run with Yanks it reminds one of Fayetteville – God forbid!!  Even our new radio is giving out right now with Hill-Billy music & I’m about to scream – Phooey!! – Now they’re murdering ‘Springtime in the Rockies‘ – however that one phrase, “I’ll be coming back to your” sounds good, even from these lousy British Orchestras – Afraid I’m going to go sentimental on you – So just fo’give me & love me.  JR.

RABBIT!!

3811299 Sgt. D. R. BYRNE 

Co. B 327th GLIDER INF.

A.P.O 472 %  Postmaster

New York City

 

E. V. Frisk

4737 Towle Ave,

Hammond, Indiana                                                    Nov. 4, ’43                   [Note on back in Vic’s hand: “Rec’d Nov. 14th“]        Free

 

No  421538

PASSED BY 01553 ARMY EXAMINER  [signed] Edward J. Gibson, 1st. Lt. Inf.

[Date Stamp: ] Nov 5 1943

Reproduced from microfilm: V-MAIL 

Punkin’ Darlin’ —

It’s just 1015 P.M. here – I’m going to bed & you’re just about leaving school – Wish I were meeting you–

Bidwell & I just returned from town.  Big deal – Had my first dinner in town tonite – guess what??  RABBIT!!  And lucky to get it, at that!!!  A couple of Scotch & Sodas, then back into the blackout & what sounds like a herd of buffalo coming down these narrow streets – All the natives wear leather heels with plates & what a clatter – Tsk-Tsk!  On to our bus (we hoped, as you just have to guess about everything after dark) & on the way home the sirens start their painful groan – Anyway, so home & to bed — Got the inspiration for this parting shot by finding this piece of paper on the floor (it’s scarce) just as you & I were having a big g’nite smooch.  Woe is me for thinking such things!

Learned today that we can send home copies of “The Stars & Stripes” newspaper – Yours is on the way – Only sorry I can’t send the “Yank,” but no ca do.  Gonna have one last look in your direction then off to a date with your friend the Sand-man.

G’nite Baby – I’m thinkin’ some right powerful things right now.  My love??  All Your’n  JR.

possessors of a real honest-to-God radio

3811299 Sgt. D. R. BYRNE 

Co. B 327th GLIDER INF.

A.P.O 472 %  Postmaster

New York City

 

Ethel V. Frisk

4737 Towle Ave,

Hammond, Indiana                                                    Nov. 4, ’43                   [Note on back in Vic’s hand: “Rec’d Nov. 14th“]        Free

 

No  421546

PASSED BY 01553 ARMY EXAMINER  [signed] Edward J. Gibson, 1st. Lt. Inf.

[Date Stamp: ] Nov 5 1943

Reproduced from microfilm: V-MAIL 

Sweetie-Pants: –

Now that we’re the proud possessors of a real honest-to-God radio, I can listen to Crosby, Hope, etc. & white these “dailies” in peace.

Danny, Johnnie and many of their circle lived at the Southmoor before the war

Have been going thru a bit of a change of life or sump’m the last few days so far as England is concerned & suddenly lost interest in the whole thing – Sort of like going thru a museum – all very old & interesting, then all at once you’ve seen enough & want out, only it just can’t be done.  Have been looking toward the west & you in pretty much of a longing manner of late & thinking a lot of things I shouldn’t & I think you’ll understand the feeling.  Gawd — It’s awful if something doesn’t pop soon I’m afraid I’ll blow my top!!  It’s getting so that even these people remind me of wax figures in this museum that masquerades under the name of Britain.  Anyway, honey – I’m a’thinking it’s be lots of fun to be waitin’ for you to “Beep” while making that turn off Hohman Ave. to the Southmoor Lobby.  Tsk – Tsk!! Such thoughts!! [Text inverted for this sentence]: No mail for four days — Dammit!!

That bracelet I spoke of for you is in the mail now, though I imagine you’ll have to wait some time for it — One thing you’ll never have to wait any longer for than I can help – My love for U!

I’ve my fingers crossed for some grub soon

3811299 Sgt. D. R. BYRNE 

Co. B 327th GLIDER INF.

A.P.O 472 %  Postmaster

New York City

 

E. V. Frisk

4737 Towle Ave,

Hammond, Indiana                                                        10-2-’43                   [Note on back in Vic’s hand: “Nov. 10th“]        Free

 

No  231139

PASSED BY 01553 ARMY EXAMINER  [signed] Edward J. Gibson, 1st. Lt. Inf.

[Date Stamp: ] Nov 4 1943

Reproduced from microfilm: V-MAIL 

Hello Punkin’: —

Today has been a “Dry run” in the Chow-house as well as in the mail dept., so I’m lookin’ forward to two things, your double-header of tomorrow & some “Fish ‘n Chips” which I’m going to try to get in a little while.  The nites have been foggy, cloudy, & moonless here of late, & with the blackout it’s been a pippy – tonite is clear & just a piece of a new moon is starting to show – looks almost like daylight, for a change, & I’ve my fingers crossed for some grub soon – If I’m lucky I’ll get some fish & what we call good french fries.  It’s a favorite dish over here – ‘most like a hamburger or a barbecue at home — We’re really over a barrel here – ’cause if we don’t eat in the mess-hall we practiccally starve, as all you can get in town is what I call a “Hedge-sandwich” — made of trimmed leaves of the numerous hedges around here — similar to parsley, tho I’m not quite sure just what it is. ~~~~My, but I’m being the old Romance, talking of nothing but food to my Rose among thorns.  Perhaps I’m going too-too G.I. & losing my group grip(!!??)  Anyway Baby – I think of you constantly & just wonder when & where we’ll get together again – Oh great day!!! ’til tomorrow  ’bout this time — I love ya much –  JR.

—-[Ed: at side of letter]———

Have ya sent the Button??  Goodie!!

Swell chicken-dinner with trimmings, champagne, etc.

3811299 Sgt. D. R. BYRNE 

Co. B 327th GLIDER INF.

A.P.O 472 %  Postmaster

New York City

 

E. V. Frisk

4737 Towle Ave,

Hammond, Indiana                                                        10-32??-43                   [Note on back in Vic’s hand: “Rec’d Nov. 10th“]        Free

 

No  917948

PASSED BY 01553 ARMY EXAMINER  [signed] Edward J. Gibson, 1st. Lt. Inf.

[Date Stamp: ] Nov 2 1943

Reproduced from microfilm: V-MAIL 

Punkin Darlin’ —

Today brought rain, cold, fog, & guess wot?  One of your specials!  Remarkable how it lifted the fog, etc.  Don’t know who this Jean Gilbert is that you refer to, but it sounds good.  However, you do realize that when it’s noon to you, it’s 6 P.M. in London.  I’ve a hunch that I’ll be there about this Saturday & will look the place up.

You ask for more detail about the dinner date — Yesterday was a repeat of the last performance – Swell chicken-dinner with trimmings, champagne, etc., then a lazy afternoon in front of a fire-place laughing our fool heads off at banter of the hostess, her aged Mother, (Irish as Paddy’s pig) Sgts. Bidwell, Simon, Captain Trenner & myself, plus two huge cats & Rajah the dog.  How I wish you were able to enjoy it with me!! Understand it’s very few people over here who have anything like that, but these people are owners of a swell Pub & have quite a chunk of “green” plus a pull with the local authorities.  I am fortunate!!  The day finishes with “Tea ‘n cakes” at 5:00 then browse ’til 7 P.M. when the pub reopens (downstairs).  A couple of drinks & so home & to bed.  Perfect Day!!  It’s chow-time & I’m thinkin’ I’ll have you for dessert: no whip cream, just plain you, I’m lovin’ — Stay mine huh?  JR.