Training in the USA
November 1943
Letters from Theodore Katz
Ted closed this letter with this line of music
[postmarked November, 1943]
[on 603rd letterhead]
Sunday, - 11:30 A.M.
Dear Helen –
Herewith is a report on my Odyssey from the moment I planted a quick badly aimed kiss on your astonished countenance and started my mad dash for home.
After knocking down six widows and 3 orphans, I practically purloined a cab and arrived at Grand Central in six months ha! I mean minutes. There – I was informed that I couldn’t get on the 8:15 because it stopped at Syracuse only to receive passengers – so I gnashed my teeth and waited for the 8:50 – mounted it and bedded myself down for a boring trip – which is what it turned out to be. I guess, being with you on the first leg of the journey – sort of spoiled me. I arrived at 3:30 AM and found mon pѐre and my dog waiting for me at the station and after a warm greeting from both – we jumped in the car and before you could say “Jake Rabinowitz” I was home and again, receiving warm greetings from mon mѐre – Whereupon, she plied me with viands until I could eat no more and we went to bed. At six in the morning I was awaked [sic] by a bugle playing reveille – I punched myself – I must be dreaming – but no it was true. The army has taken over the University and the schoolboy-soldiers are stationed in all the fraternity houses which surround our abode – so, I gleefully thumbed my nose out the window and slipped back to dreamland.
Arose at 9:00 A.M. – had a long talk with the folks – then took my hound out for a run through the park – or rather he took me.
After lunch we drove to the Army Hospital to see my brother – he’s feeling much better and will be out in a week. Then back home for more delicious food and then a short session at the Temple – evening to see some friends and relatives – up early next morning – on the train at 1:00 P.M. and back at camp by midnite [sic]. Awoke Sat. morning to find I had two hours to prepare for a surprise inspection and also to find that I had the dubious honor of being a guard - 4 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. and Sunday 4 A.M. to 8 A.M. – guarding the Motor Pool – a long lonely vigil with plenty of time to think pleasant thoughts to make to [sic] time go faster. You may rest assured that I allotted much of the time to you.
And now I am answering your letter which brings me up to date. The rest of this beautiful Sunday is my own – and I wish you were here so we could go down to Kelly Pool. Aren’t I the one though?
We have put our khakis in the moth-balls and have donned our O.D.s – brass buttons and all – I feel like a Christmas – I mean – Chanukah tree.
My Regards to your Mother, Father and niece. When will you be back?
Yours,
Ted.
[on 603rd letterhead]
Sunday, - 11:30 A.M.
Dear Helen –
Herewith is a report on my Odyssey from the moment I planted a quick badly aimed kiss on your astonished countenance and started my mad dash for home.
After knocking down six widows and 3 orphans, I practically purloined a cab and arrived at Grand Central in six months ha! I mean minutes. There – I was informed that I couldn’t get on the 8:15 because it stopped at Syracuse only to receive passengers – so I gnashed my teeth and waited for the 8:50 – mounted it and bedded myself down for a boring trip – which is what it turned out to be. I guess, being with you on the first leg of the journey – sort of spoiled me. I arrived at 3:30 AM and found mon pѐre and my dog waiting for me at the station and after a warm greeting from both – we jumped in the car and before you could say “Jake Rabinowitz” I was home and again, receiving warm greetings from mon mѐre – Whereupon, she plied me with viands until I could eat no more and we went to bed. At six in the morning I was awaked [sic] by a bugle playing reveille – I punched myself – I must be dreaming – but no it was true. The army has taken over the University and the schoolboy-soldiers are stationed in all the fraternity houses which surround our abode – so, I gleefully thumbed my nose out the window and slipped back to dreamland.
Arose at 9:00 A.M. – had a long talk with the folks – then took my hound out for a run through the park – or rather he took me.
After lunch we drove to the Army Hospital to see my brother – he’s feeling much better and will be out in a week. Then back home for more delicious food and then a short session at the Temple – evening to see some friends and relatives – up early next morning – on the train at 1:00 P.M. and back at camp by midnite [sic]. Awoke Sat. morning to find I had two hours to prepare for a surprise inspection and also to find that I had the dubious honor of being a guard - 4 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. and Sunday 4 A.M. to 8 A.M. – guarding the Motor Pool – a long lonely vigil with plenty of time to think pleasant thoughts to make to [sic] time go faster. You may rest assured that I allotted much of the time to you.
And now I am answering your letter which brings me up to date. The rest of this beautiful Sunday is my own – and I wish you were here so we could go down to Kelly Pool. Aren’t I the one though?
We have put our khakis in the moth-balls and have donned our O.D.s – brass buttons and all – I feel like a Christmas – I mean – Chanukah tree.
My Regards to your Mother, Father and niece. When will you be back?
Yours,
Ted.