Wesley Slaymaker WWII Letters Home

Wesley to Charley and Izetta Tasler, 05/23/1943

Wed, 23 May 2012 06:00:00 GMT

Sunday May 23, 1943

Dear Izetta and all,

Hope you aren’t too mad cause I haven’t answered your letters. I have two now. Gee am I ever ashamed. The first was written May the second and the last May 12th. I got them just three days apart. The last one came in 10 days. I got it yesterday. I sure am always glad to get your letters. They’re almost like getting them from home. It was home once.

As you say, I’ve been busy as hell only I’ll write the word out or the censors might think I was using code to disclose my location or something. Tonight I am phone orderly for the company, but the line isn’t busy. Wish Dela was on. I could even stand some of his chatter. I’ve already written 5 letters today and tonight so excuse writing. I get kinda sloppy after so much. I’ve got to be up all night so may as well make the most of it.

So you fenced in the rough meadow by the sheds. Boy am I glad to hear that. Mowing should be lots easier this year. Hope you make a fortune off of your sheep.

I sure was glad to hear that Charles passed all of his exams except Arithmetic. Wish I was there to help him with it. I got 100% when I took 8th grade exams but some of the others never did so hot.

Yes, I wished I could be there to help brand but I presume you got along without me. I sure could go for some of that asparagus. A couple of times we had some canned. It was good but not like home cooked. I’m going to miss the picnic, too. I sure was thinking about it. And there isn’t much I can do about your butcher knives.

I better thank you for the pictures. They sure are a big help. I have quite a lot. I got them out on my cot and scatter them all out and look till my heart is content never get tired of it. Those sure are good of all of you taken last summer. I showed those of the hay gang to some of the boys and tried to explain how it worked but they just shake their heads like they can’t believe it.

I hope we get turkey for the holidays. If we don’t it won’t be your fault like you say. But it never will taste good until I get to help clean it and smell it cookin. Then is when I can really eat.

I sure would like to see Charles new saddle. Bet it’s a honey. I never knew he was going to get one. So Krysl was coming to put down a well. Suppose Anton and the boys will have a good go.

I thought that picture I sent would get Charley. I could send some better ones if I could get them of the natives. You know what I mean. More curves.

That sure was some blow to me about Lloyd. I can’t get it off my mind. I just got the paper today with his picture in. Just about makes me sick. I’ve studied planes quite a bit and I never did have much faith in their kind.

Well folks, I’ve about run out of something to say. I’m glad you enjoy hearing from me. If you enjoy it half as much as I do yours, I sure would feel that my time isn’t wasted. I try to write good letters. Sometimes it’s hard. I get lonesome and blue spells. Those times are hell, but after I get letters it sure helps. I hope this finds you well and happy. I’ve been feeling good and the other boys from home are fine. It’s just about 12 o’clock now. I still have about 5 ours until I’m relieved. Good night. And good Luck. I’ll write again some time this week. Lots of love, Wesley

Wesley to Folks, 05/23/1943

Wed, 23 May 2012 06:00:00 GMT

May 23, 1943 Sunday

Dear Mother & Father

Its Sunday night and I've been writing letters all day. Don't you think its about time I was writing to you. This is the 5th letter I have wrote, but its not all I'm going to write either. I got all set to go to a show. But found out I was going to be phone orderly for the company so I have a good chance to write letters cause I'll be up all night. Maybe I'll get caught up for once but I doubt it very much, any way I have a good desk to write on and a good light that helps.

I've gotten quite a few letters from you lately so I can't complain hope you have been getting as many from me but I'm afraid you don't. I have 4 of your letters here so we'll try and answer them.

So Laurence is working for Ted Fredricks wish it was me. I kinda like that neighborhood you know.

No I haven't gotten the package you sent yet, but am expecting it any day now. So Laurence got the letter I wrote him for his birthday on his birthday sure was a coincidence wasn't it. I guess I remember most everyones, and try to write them a letter.

Sure glad you are getting your farm ground in good shape so it will be easy to tend this spring and summer. I sure would like to see that little brown colt bet he is pretty.

The boys just came back from the show they say it was a good show. Wish I had saw it but I don't care too much.

I just saw Jerry Baum he said he had gotten a letter from you written later than any I had got so I should be getting some more from you.

Say Dad about the brand that is all right it isn't what I would like to have. But guess its the best. If you haven't got the brand made yet just use a bar and a P that way it won't blot so bad. I'll tell you the reason. On a W or M the iron gets so hot in the points that it cooks the flesh and makes a big blot. And be sure that all points touch when you use a bar. Because if they don't as the critter grows the two marks will grow away from one another. Don't think I'm trying to tell you everything...it's just that I know from experience.

Well I'm going to stop now hope you are all well and happy I'm fine don't worry. Good night.

Lots of Love Wesley

Wesley to Virginia, 05/23/1943

Wed, 23 May 2012 06:00:00 GMT

Sunday, May 23, 1943

Dearest Sister: I've just got time to start you a letter before chow. Then I can tell you what we have after I come back. I've gotten about three letters from you since I've wrote any. So really feel ashamed of myself. I got lots of letters last week. I answered Audette's letter, hope it fills the bill. She sent me a picture of herself. She sure is pretty. But course I didn't tell her that. Don't guess it's the right thing when you don't know em very well. Maybe I said too much as it is.

Well kid it's chow time anyhow. I can hear mess gears rattling. So will see you later. (Back again)

It didn't take long to eat what we had. Potato salad, tomatoes, some kind of canned lunch meat. I'd hate to tell you what we call it. Then we had some cheese bread and coffee. I drank some coffee, we are going to see a show tonight. I heard the name of it but I forgot. I've got to write to the folks and Betty after the show. I wrote to Mrs. Cooper and Laad today. I am behind with my letters, about 12 now and I'll be caught up.

Oh yes, I got a letter from Lucille L. yesterday. Was I ever surprised, but I'm going to write to her. I sure do like letters. She never said anything about Elmer. Where is he? Or does he write?

So you got you a new watch. I'm glad you will get lots of comfort out of it. I sure do out of mine. It sure works good, always has.

Say Virginia, I've been thinking about getting Mother a new wash machine for her birthday, I'll pay for more than half of it, if you kids will pay the rest. What do you think? Talk to the other kids and find out what you can, and write me, then I'll send you some money.

Well sister, guess I'll go to the show. I hope this finds you well and happy. I'm fine. Tell Audette hello and I'll write some more soon. Good night------------Lots of Love, Wesley

Well guess I won't see a show either, I was all set to go and they told me I would be phone orderly for the Company. So it's no show for me and a whole night to stay awake. Anyhow, I'll get my letters answered.

So Melvin Hickerson was home on a furlough, those guys sure have had their luck staying in the states and getting furloughs. Their outfit must not be much account.

I just read the last three letters from you and couldn't find any more questions to answer. I sure do have a good place to write. A nice desk and a good light.

I've got to write to Izetta tonight. I've got 2 swell letters from her since I've wrote. She sent me some pictures. I sure have got lots of pictures. Lately, Aunt Mattie sent me some they took while Mother was up there.

Well Sis, I'm going to let you go for this time. It's 20 til 7 now so goodnight again, and tell Audette to write often as she promised. Ha! Ha! Love----Wesley

Wesley to Mother, 05/22/1942

Tue, 22 May 2012 06:00:00 GMT

Camp Forrest Tenn

May 22, 1942

Dear Mother and All

I got 2 swell letters from you today so decided I better answer before you begin to think I had forgotten you.

Our hike sure was a flop. We went out 18miles and just got everything kinda organized and it begin to rain. We sure did get soaked. I sleep all night in the rain then walked back to camp today with wet clothes and feet.

Tomorrow is inspection day again and I’m pretty tired tonight. I’m writing out in the day room. First time I’ve written a letter setting at a table since I been in the army.

Some of the boys got back from their furloughs today from Omaha, as near as I can figure out. I’ll have maybe 5 days at home, maybe just 4. I still don’t know for sure just when I’ll come but some time around the 6th of June. Wish I could have made it for Decoration.

So you have been running the ranch all by yourself. Is your turkey hatching good? You said you had some little ones but didn’t say if the eggs hatched good.

Well mother and everybody must close and write Virginia and Betty a little. Dad you write and tell me all about your cattle drive, did you all get sick from too much smoke? Well goodnight folks. I’ll be seeing you.

Love

Wesley

Wesley to Folks, 05/21/1944

Mon, 21 May 2012 06:00:00 GMT

South Sea Islands May 21, 1944 Sunday

Dearest Folks: Will write you a short letter tonight to let you know I am well and hoping you are too. I just finished writhing to Audette. I got a letter from her last night but haven't heard from you since I wrote before. I sure hope your weather has dried up some and that you were able to get into the fields. How does the crops look now, was it wet for the oats? Maybe you should have planted rice. I've seen lots of it grow and it takes lots of water.

In my letter before I sent you a paper. It was something very special you can let Audette read it and whoever wants to, but save it. Maybe it would kinda show some of the draft dodgers what we have done.

We played ball again this afternoon, that is started the game and got rained out when it was about half over. The score was tied 1 to 1 so we will have to play it over. We play again tomorrow morning.

The boys are all away playing cards except Gibson and he's writing letters too. They are all fine too. Kenneth came to chow tonight rubbing sleep drops out of his eyes so I suppose he spent the afternoon that way.

I suppose the cattle are all in the pasture now. How many have you got there this year. Too many I suppose. Izetta said in her last letter that Guy Parson had built a big new barn on his Dora Lake Ranch and was giving a big dance. Why didn't you go if they haven't already had it? All the people will be there from South of Newport & Bassett. Sure wish I could be there.

I've been going to write to Avis every night. I suppose school is out now and she will be lost. Be sure and tell me how she came out with her teachers exams. I sure hope she passes. Delores Tasler said she had passed all of her eighth grade exams except one. From the way they write, they will have the old ranch changed so I won't know it. I guess they have most all of their help hired for haying.

I still haven't written to Laurence & Mary, suppose they think I'm a good one. I do think about them every day and hope they are making out alright. Will she go with him if he has to go to the Army?

Haven't had anymore letters from anyone in Wyoming. I guess Lois really must be married. I haven't heard from her for over a month.

Well guess I don't know any more, so will close. There sure isn't any news. Take care of yourselves and write soon. Goodnight. Lots of Love------- Wesley

Wesley to Folks, 05/20/1942

Sun, 20 May 2012 06:00:00 GMT

Pvt Wesley R Slaymaker Co A 129 Inf 33 Div Camp Forrest Tenn

May 20, 1942

Dear Folks

I’m writing you a note tonight as I won’t be able to tomorrow. We are going on our overnight bivouac. Won’t be back until Friday night so don’t expect any letter tomorrow.

I was on KP yesterday and guard today. I sure am getting the detail cause it’s my last I hope.

Is the roads as bas as they were?

I think probably I won’t get to come home until the 6th. I’ll write and tell you as soon as I know for sure.

Well folks I hope everything is ok and you feel good. I’ll be seeing you soon.

Must shave and take a shower.

Love

Wesley P.S. I got your cake and it sure was swell. It sure made a hit with all the boys. It really stood the trip swell.

Wesley to Folks, 05/19/1944

Sat, 19 May 2012 06:00:00 GMT

South Sea Islands May 19, 1944 Friday Night

Dearest Folks: I have receiver two swell letters since I wrote before, so had better write you a few lines. I did intend to do it last night but I wrote Jean so I decided I would wait until tonight so you both don't get letters the same day.(I hope)

I got the letter you wrote April 20th today and the one you wrote May 2nd on Wed. So you can see they still come any way. I got one from Virginia Wednesday night too and answered it last night. Also, one from Mrs. Florence (Lancster?). She wrote a very long and interesting letter and I sure was glad to get it. She says they are all fine with the exceptions of a few colds. I guess it isn't any wonder everyone don't have colds back there from all the damp weather you've been having. I got a letter from Izetta tonight and she said their place was a lake. I can just see the creek at home how high it is. Kinda like my old country school days huh? We have lots of rain too but so much sunshine it dries up pretty fast too.

The boys are all swell. I went to the show this afternoon with Kenneth and Jerry has just left on detail and when he comes back he said Howard Tielke was on the same detail. Said he was fine.

No Dad, I never did ride on Lloyd's ship. It isn't a troop transport you know. This kid Boyce Shaffer said he had seen it lots.

I'm sure glad the kids had nice wedding dances. Sure wish I could have been there. I'm not going to ever give one. I still think they could have waited until after the war to have given them. I'll be looking for the pictures.

Kenneth got a letter from you Wed night, he sure gets a bang out of your letters. I think he answered it last night or yesterday.

We played ball this morning and got beat 1 to 0. Sure was a good game all the way though, with some of the best pitching I ever saw. There was only one hit on either side.

Yes, our hardens are looking pretty nice. They do lots of work in them, everything sure grows fast here.

You ask about the Trees here and vines. I was telling you about one we cut and I can say that it was just as big as you told Mother it was. The vines are sometimes as big as your arm, very strong. We use them lots to tie logs together and different things in construction work. The other day I was in charge of some men from our company that were loading lumber. We had a wrecker with a boom on it and about two 16ft. cuts would make a big truckload. They have some saw mills here. I don't let them know that I ever ran one because they might give me the job.

I'm not going to write anymore I'm sending the rest of those pictures and my letter will be heavy as it is. I'll write more Sunday, until then, so long and don't worry. I am fine. Lot of Love-------Wesley