20 June 1943

Diamond, Sidney, 1922-1945

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Estelle Spero

Diamond ends the letter by telling Estelle that "…no matter how [he] come[s] out of this [he's] to report to [her] for final disposition…the future'll tell all".

GLC09120.244

22 June 1943

Diamond, Sidney, 1922-1945

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Estelle Spero

Diamond promises Estelle that "…no matter how [he] may be maimed [he's] to return…" He then describes his outfit with his new men - Jewish, Catholic, Protestant - mentioning that they care little for racial distinctions or inane political conversation, they just want to get their jobs done.

GLC09120.245

24 June 1943

Diamond, Sidney, 1922-1945

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Estelle Spero

Diamond expresses frustration about the strikes etc. taking place in Detroit while he is trying to carry out his patriotic duties. He reminds Estelle to immediately use V mail as soon as she receives the card with his new address.

GLC09120.246

24 June 1943

Diamond, Sidney, 1922-1945

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Estelle Spero

Diamond tells Estelle that the superb bracelet has arrived, describing it as very "classy". Sidney then offers a prayer, including a plea to God to "[l]et [him] return, the same".

GLC09120.247

25 June 1943

Diamond, Sidney, 1922-1945

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Estelle Spero

Diamond writes out his "articles of faith". These include a promise to remember his and Estelle's "mission for a prolonged and happy life together", a promise to return to Estelle, and, if necessary, a promise to leave this life as he tried to live it - "with honor".

GLC09120.248

26 June 1943

Diamond, Sidney, 1922-1945

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Estelle Spero

Diamond describes having acted as defense counsel in a recent court-martial case.

GLC09120.249

June 1943

Diamond, Sidney, 1922-1945

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Estelle Spero

Diamond apologizes to Estelle for being in a "crummy state", and promises that it is not because of her.

GLC09120.250

June 1943

Diamond, Sidney, 1922-1945

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Estelle Spero

Diamond provides a detailed description of the journey and the experience of being at sea. He tells her about "the heat which pounds one's body continuously." Written at sea

GLC09120.251

June 1943

Diamond, Sidney, 1922-1945

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Estelle Spero

Sidney informs Estelle that although he is in "dangerous waters', she would "scarce realize" how little they fear their "yellow friends, their submarines, their airplanes". Written at sea

GLC09120.252

June 1943

Diamond, Sidney, 1922-1945

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Estelle Spero

Diamond describes the "hot, sweltering horror" of the climate in the Tropics". He outlines the books that he has read on the voyage, giving Estelle short reviews of each. Written at sea

GLC09120.253

June 1943

Diamond, Sidney, 1922-1945

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Estelle Spero

Diamond writes that no one seems to be worried about what confronts them as battle is most probably still far off. He also complains of having been suffering from acute diarrhea. Written at sea

GLC09120.254

25 July 1943

Diamond, Sidney, 1922-1945

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Estelle Spero

Diamond answers Estelle's questions regarding other women and finances.

GLC09120.255

25 July 1943

Diamond, Sidney, 1922-1945

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Estelle Spero

Diamond discusses the time difference between his present location and New York. He tells her of his desire to share this spot, this experience with her, and writes that once the war is over, if they have sufficient funds, he would like to spend a vacation there with her.

GLC09120.256

26 July 1943

Diamond, Sidney, 1922-1945

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Estelle Spero

Diamond informs Estelle that he is located on a large island in the Southwest Pacific, where the language spoken is French. He tells her that they have been building the base camp, and that there is a large town about 22 miles away.

GLC09120.257

27 July 1943

Diamond, Sidney, 1922-1945

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Estelle Spero

Diamond complains about the "interminable rain".

GLC09120.258

10 August 1943

Diamond, Sidney, 1922-1945

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Estelle Spero

Diamond informs Estelle that "[l]ife continues along the usual pattern of army routine."

GLC09120.259

15 August 1943

Diamond, Sidney, 1922-1945

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Estelle Spero

Diamond responds to a letter sent on July 14th in which Estelle admitted that she had not liked Sidney's collar at her prom.

GLC09120.260

22 August 1943

Diamond, Sidney, 1922-1945

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Estelle Spero

Diamond describes an incident of "cowboys and Indians" when he had thought that a cow in the bush had been an enemy.

GLC09120.261

August 1943

Diamond, Sidney, 1922-1945

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Estelle Spero

Diamond informs Estelle that he has been moved "temporarily" from platoon leader to second-in-command of the company. Diamond describes the "mutual friendship" that had arisen between himself and the men that he had trained, saying that his voice "actually quivered" when he said "so-long".

GLC09120.262

September 1. 1943

Diamond, Sidney, 1922-1945

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Estelle Spero

Diamond informs Estelle that he "must get into combat in the near future", or he'll "rot completely down here".

GLC09120.263

4 September 1943

Diamond, Sidney, 1922-1945

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Estelle Spero

Diamond writes that he now has a lot to do with naval and marine personnel, commenting on the superior conditions that the navy enjoys.

GLC09120.264

5 September 1943

Diamond, Sidney, 1922-1945

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Estelle Spero

Diamond tells Estelle that she cannot possibly realize "what fortitude and elation mail from home occasions". Sidney proceeds to give detailed history of all contact with a girl named Harriet in order to quash Estelle's fears about his relationship with her.

GLC09120.265

7 September 1943

Diamond, Sidney, 1922-1945

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Estelle Spero

Diamond comments on his new palatial home, although complains about the abundance of mosquitoes.

GLC09120.266

10 September 1943

Diamond, Sidney, 1922-1945

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Estelle Spero

Diamond responds to various questions that Estelle had asked, reassuring her that a "date" he had mentioned was a trip to the movies with a French teacher and his wife, and also telling her that he had very much wanted to get engaged. He then asks her not to put him on the defensive all of the time, saying that "it's not fair". He requests that she let him know if she changes her mind in any way.

GLC09120.267

11 September 1943

Diamond, Sidney, 1922-1945

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Estelle Spero

Diamond tells Estelle that he feels like "worn and shredded and turned out" heel, in need of repair if "the foot is to be comfortable". He writes about the difficulties he will face being "re-habilitated" back at home, and that his ideals and dreams "have all been shattered to a pulp a long time ago". He ends the letter by informing Estelle that he misses her "so terribly and can't do anything about it!!!"

GLC09120.268