War Letters, World War II

Martin, John A.

Thanks for sending the Christmas greeting. That certainly is a cute picture of Grand-dad and little Robert Paul. Have been keeping busy with instruction in weapons firing, range construction. As munitions O[fficer] I get hooked on a lot of odd jobs outside of my regular job. I'm mess O[fficer] for H.Q. Co. and agent finance O[fficer] then I have a platoon to look after. Inspections take up a little time but allow a plat[oon] leader to find out exactly what his men have. I believe in periodic inspections. Mail censoring kills more time especially in a rest area where the men don't worry about bullets and consequently write plenty of letters. Bye for now

Inclosed are two photos: One is of Chaplain and me; the other is obviously one of natives. We have moved a few miles to a forward area which is very swampy, hot, and dense jungle. Bloodsucking leeches, mosquitos & sweat-flies abound making life miserable. Our kitchen is here so we do get hot meals; this place is almost impassable to anything not on two legs. Tractors can get through only by sheer mechanical "oomph," knocking down trees as they go. I am happier in a forward area where there is activity. I hate to sit in a rear area and get the news second hand.

Being a newspaper man yourself you can appreciate how a story can get all screwed up & twisted after going from the original teller to the next hearers... No leaves in sight for us yet. How I'd like to let myself go for about 15 days in Sydney, Melbourne or Adelaide. Keep the news hot and we'll do our best to make it sizzling on this end.

Kansas War Letters Online

• "Bleeding Kansas"
• Civil War
• Indian Campaigns
• Spanish American War
• World War I
• Korean War
• Vietnam Conflict
• Gulf War
• Photo Gallery

For more information concerning Kansas history and the resources at the Kansas Historical Society, contact the Library Reference Desk, 785-272-8681, ext. 117. People interested in donating letters, memoirs, manuscripts, or photographs should contact Nancy Sherbert, 785-272-8681, ext. 303. People interested in donating museum objects should contact Blair Tarr, ext. 427.

© Kansas Historical Society, 2001- Fair use standards apply to individuals' use of this material. Requests for commercial use should be directed to the Director of the Library & Archives Division.