Kankakee Valley Post, Volume 14, Number 46, DeMotte, Jasper County, 29 September 1944 — NEWS OF OUR SERVICE MEN AND WOMEN [ARTICLE]

NEWS OF OUR SERVICE MEN AND WOMEN

Sgt. Frederick Jeffers has returned to camp at Chyene, Wyo., after a furlough spent with home folks. He has a slight change of address. Dear Editor, writes Ensign Charles Moolenaar, Sept. 9th— Just a short note to thank you for sending me the Post. I received the second one this afternoon, and although it is a week lat 4 it certainly is swell to read the news of people back home. By now you probably know that I’m based in England, dryland sailor, but I have found out already that there is much more work ashore than aboard a ship. My job specifically is to pay the men and officers of this base, several sub-bases near here, and quite a few ships, so actually I don’t find very much spare time. It is interesting work and I like it very much but it gives me a headache at the same time. The responsibility of handling so much money gives me the creeps every once in a while but I haven’t lost 'any weight over it yet and don’t intend to either. England is a beautiful country, almost like a painted picture. The farms are very small but neat. From what IVe seen of this country their main crops are grain, potatoes, and sugar beets, but it is surprising how far behind the U. S. they are in modern equipment. Judging from the very few tractors I’ve seen they look like they’ll fall apart most any time. The most peculiar thing is to drive a car on the left-hand side of the road, but because I drive a jeep quite a bit I’ve learned their backward ways. Many people don't like the rationing at home but I’d advise them to live over here for a few months. They’d certainly appreciate what they’re getting in the U. S. then. Any kind of cloth is rationed as well as food, petro (gasoline to you) and anything that is not rationed is practically impossible to get anyway so it may as well be rationed. People stand in line for hours waiting their turn to buy food and clothing, if they still have coupons left. Many temporary stores have been erected to carry on business as usual. I didn’t intend to write this much but there is so much to write about that I’ll have to become an author and "write a book next time. Thanks very much again for sending the Post and until next time I remain, Ensign Charles Moolenaar, SC. V, (G). USNR. Pvt. George Grevenstuk is some where in Italy according to word received by his parents. S 2'c Robert “Rabbit" Anderson stationed at Norfolk, Va., is home on leave. F 0 Arthur Grube is now located somewhere in Italy. # - James A. Recker AMM 3 c has a San Francisco, Calif., FPO address. From the Fifteenth Army Air Force Headquarters comes word that Dale W. Schwanke, 19, son of Mr. and Mrs. Earl Schwanke, DeMotte, Ind., has been promoted to the grade of sergeant. A graduate of DeMotte high school, the sergeant is now serving as an aerial gunner with a Liberator bombardment group of

the 15th Army Air Force in Italy, which has been bombing German held targets in Europe. Sgt. Schwanke was inducted into the army December 6, 1943. The following is a letter to Charles Curtin from Kenneth (Red) Yeagley. Dear Friend Charley, I just finished a letter to my Dad so I may repeat my self. We have been eating pretty good plenty of fresh tomatoes, onions, potatoes, and melons. The French people have also brought us some bread and eggs. These French people are very nice, anything tfyey bring is as a present and they don’t expect anything in return, but are pleased with anything we care to give them. The other evening Thomas got a hold of some old brandy and some real old white wine, so I went over and helped cook supper and also helped out on the brandy. The farmers here have more draff horses and fewer oxen than in Italy. Some of the fellows have received their ballots and sent them off already. I expect mine in a few days. W e passed through a belt of cork woods and a good deal of oak woods. Around us I can see some pine on the hills and cotton wood and willows in the low land. The ground must be kept in good shape because everything is planted close together. The potatoes are planted very close, but I think they must produce at least two hundred bushels. Game is scarce here. There are a few rabbits and some partridge. Get some ducks lined up, because I will be back to shoot some next spring. So long and good luck from your friend (Red) Kenneth Yeagley. Pfe. Frances G. Kelling, sister of Mrs. W. B. Peterson is with a group of Wacs now serving in Italy.