Woody & Betty
The Woody & Betty letters bring us back to the relationship between a man and his sweetheart during the war (in this instance, again World War II). Woody writes to his beloved from the front lines, tell her of Christmas on the Front Lines and perhaps most humanly his frustration at arranging her receipt of his military pay while deployed.
Click below to learn what became of Woody & Betty after his return to the U.S.A.
January 17 1944
"Don’t forget – I want a picture of you wearing the coat – for my approval. Did you forget – you must have my approval!! I am glad you found one you liked and hope it keeps you warm until I return."Letters in full, follow the link.
March 9 1944
"The fellow who printed the pictures is still an amature and realizes some of the prints are not quite as good as turned out by professionals, but I am sure you will get the general condition and surroundings of the subject."Letters in full, follow the link.
April 3 1944
"Here should be twenty-seven (27) more views taken in Africa – remember —— I was in Africa once! "Letters in full, follow link.
June 8 1944
"I previously mentioned the Red Cross Clubmobile usually calls on Saturday mornings and we are served coffee and doughnuts through the courtesy of the Red Cross. In addition to the coffee and doughnuts they usually send some “cheesecake” so that we all can get a glimpse of American womanhood again."Letters in full, follow link.
September 6 1944
"You asked some time ago about a Xmas present. The only think I can think about is a flexible metal band for my watch, if it is available – I have no way of knowing what is or is not available on the market today."Letters in full, follow link.
October 10 1944
"Because of the recent move from Italy to France I was unable to send something to you, and here I didn’t find time to get a MO until today. We are still very busy, but that’s the way I like it – prevents me from dreaming too much – the nights are tough enough without having to content with too many memories during the day."Letters in full, follow the link.
November 20 1944
"Enclosed is a MO for 50. I would like you to use at least half of the amount to purchase an Xmas gift from me to you. I’ve been unable to find anything over here of value or use to send to you. So buy something for yourself which you have hesitated buying before."Letters in full, follow link.
February 8 1945
"Also included a little descriptive poem written by someone formerly stationed in Naples, Italy and perhaps it will convey to you a picture of that place I tried many times to convey to you. However, it really must be seen to be appreciated. No picture or poem can really cover it all, but every line of the composition is true and correct – I know, I was there."Letters in full, follow link.
May 12 1945
"Your recent letter told me of the trouble you are having with your teeth. I made an appointment the day before and got the works – the first time in my life I had my teeth cleaned, and then it was at government expense. They did a good job and I feel as though I have a new set of teeth."Letters in full, follow link.
June 6 1945
"As you know we are having our money converted into new type French money – always doing something with money but making it represent its true value. Every Frenchman have beaucoup francs and our few francs make us paupers all because of the exchange rate set by the authorities."Letters in full, follow link.
June 11 1945
"I am a little weary tonight – not that I worked too hard, but it was a pip today, very warm and close and I was glad I was not obliged to work in the hot sun all day long – seems I’m allergic to the sun during working hours. But this evening is a little cooler and tonight will be just right."Letters in full, follow link.
June 26 1945
"I am dog tired – I don’t think I could walk another block. Pounded the pavements of Edinburgh (and they are hard) practically all day. I finally found a guy who likes to walk around as much as I do and it seems to have developed into a test of who will break first. His name is Frank Panetta – I talked him to making the trip to the place and now I am almost sorry I did, but we do get around and it is not necessary for me to plead with him to go places."Letters in full, follow link.
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