2 May 1943

Shadow, John R., fl. 1943-1944

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Leonard Eugene Graeff

One letter from John Shadow to Leonard Eugene Graeff dated May 2, 1943. John relays that he was glad to hear from Leonard. He asks how things were going in Harrisburg. John writes Leonard that he made rank of Captain but was demoted when he began school. He notes "I will probably get them back, and a lot more I hope." He confirms that he completed basic training and 11 days of advanced training in Miami Beach, Florida. John relays that "The school here and the city of Flint certainly is nice" and the town people treat the roughly 550 soldiers there "marvelous[ly]" and he was asked out to…

GLC09611.047.01

2 May 1943

Shadow, John R., fl. 1943-1944

Newspaper clipping

Title: to Leonard Eugene Graeff

One newspaper clipping, consists of pages 19 and 20 of a unknown newspaper. Page 19 highlights a "hop" put on for sailors by the Cleveland Diesel Girls' Bowling League. Page 20's Headline reads "Buck Air Force Ground Personnel Training School Awarded Efficiency Citation for Nine State Area." It is the fourth article in a series on the training program by the GM divisions. John has annotated the images with captions relaying his experiences. One caption reads "these men will leave in eleven weeks for active duty as skilled aircraft engine mechanics." Page 21 is continuation of the newspaper…

GLC09611.047.02

21 July 1943

Schenk, Edgar, fl. 1943

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Leonard Eugene Graeff

One letter from Edward Schenk to Leonard Eugene Graeff dated July 21, 1943. Ed relays that he is attending "advanced school at the Douglas Aircraft Co" after which he expects to complete aerial gunner's school. He notes that Leonard is "in 1A" and that he doesn't "regret a day of it." He reassures Leonard that things get better in the army when one achieves the rank of corporal. Stationed in Santa Monica Ed goes to Hollywood "every Saturday night" to attend various clubs. Signed, "Ed."

GLC09611.062.01

3 August 1943

Schenk, Edgar, fl. 1943

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Leonard Eugene Graeff

One letter from Edgar Schenk to Leonard Eugene Graeff dated August 3, 1943. Ed is in his last week of school, from there he expects "to go out on the desert...to get toughened up and to practice, pistol, rifle, machinegun and bayonet." He expects to be assigned to a dive bomber and sent "across" to the warzone soon but reassures Leonard they will see each other before he leaves. Signed "Ed."

GLC09611.066

16 August 1943

Winemiller, Roberta A., fl. 1921-1947

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Leonard Eugene Graeff

One letter from Robert Winemiller to Leonard Eugene Graeff dated August 16, 1943. Robert describes his maneuvers and mentions eating mostly "C Rations." Robert suggests that Leonard stay out of the infantry and take as little personal property as he can relaying, "Only the necessities are kept. Only the best of love letters are kept. If you have a lot of dough a money belt helps. Too much money stolen around here." Signed "Fuzzy."

GLC09611.068

19 August 1943

Moyer, Kennith H., fl. 1943-1945

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Leonard Eugene Graeff

One letter from Kennith Moyer to Leonard Eugene Graeff dated August 19, 1943. Kenneth jests about Leonard joining the Coastguard and says "Don't be an ass mate. Join this instead." regarding joining the Marine Service instead of the Army. Kenneth relays that his basic training is finished and the next day he will start his work week- "Seven straight days in the gulley." On the reverse side he has listed the length of time for each task completed during basic training for the Maritime Services. Signed, "'Nough Said,' Moyer"

GLC09611.069

11 September 1943

Schenk, Edgar, fl. 1943

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Leonard Eugene Graeff

One letter from Edgar Schenk to Leonard Eugene Graeff dated September 11, 1945. Edgar relays that he is now working in an office and prefers the work despite the long hours because it is "clean work." His work entails "draw[ing] up papers for Court Martials and Squadron punishment, also keep the records of Court Martials and Sqd punishment...also deal[ing] with Furloughs." He mentions that that his squadron is to be relocated, "we are going to 'censored' and from there we are going ? " He hopes it is "over there" because he is anxious "to apply some of the tactics they taught us." Signed, "Ed…

GLC09611.076

15 September 1943

Navy Department

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Susan Prowell Graeff

One letter from R.R.M. Emmet to Susan Prowell Graeff dated September 15, 1943. The letter is a form letter that informs mothers that her son arrived at the Naval training station and that the navy "gladly accepts the responsibility for his welfare and security" and that he will be completing his recruit training for future duties. He will not be permitted visitors until after his fourth week of training known as "Service Week." First to prevent the spread of disease, and secondly so that he can "overcome homesickness." The letter details his visitation hours and those that may visit him.…

GLC09611.078.01

23 September 1943

Graeff, Susan Prowell, 1890-1967

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Leonard Eugene Graeff

One letter from Susan Prowell Graeff and Raymond James Graeff to Leonard Eugene Graeff dated September 23, 1943. Susan is glad that Leonard has started to receive her mail. After telling Leonard that his father insisted on returning the rations book, she says she is surprised that they have to do their own laundry and cleaning in the barracks, she suggests, "you will learn to keep house while you are in the navy." Susan assures Leonard that his father is running the car per his instructions. Referring to their churches annual report she mentions, "On the back page the[y] have honor roll of…

GLC09611.090

23 September 1943

Graeff, Leonard Eugene, 1920-2016

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Susan Prowell Graeff and Raymond James Graeff

One letter from Leonard Eugene Graeff to Susan Prowell Graeff and Raymond James Graeff dated September 23, 1943. Leonard relays that he was interviewed for service school after boot camp and received his test results. Leonard is optimistic because his scores were above average, "the lowest one being one point over...among the highest in the company so you know what a bunch of morons they must be." He, "asked for Aircraft Metal smith (can learn more about welding that didn't know) or Aircraft Machinists Mate (Engine work on aircraft)." Leonard expects to make it into either school with his…

GLC09611.091

27 September 1943

Graeff, Susan Prowell, 1890-1967

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Leonard Eugene Graeff

One letter from Susan Prowell Graeff and Raymond James Graeff to Leonard Eugene Graeff dated September 27, 1943. Susan begins her letter telling Leonard she just paid her gas, electric, and telephone bill. At which point she recounts her and Raymond's trip to "the farm" and updates Leonard on the family. She is proud of Leonard for the good scores he talks about in an earlier letter, GLC09611.091. And encourages him by saying, "I've always said you could do more than you sometime thought It's determination that's what it takes. Put your shoulder to the wheel and have determination to go…

GLC09611.093

27 September 1943

Graeff, Leonard Eugene, 1920-2016

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Susan Prowell Graeff and Raymond James Graeff

One letter from Leonard Eugene Graeff to Susan Prowell Graeff and Raymond James Graeff dated September 27, 1943. Leonard writes, "Can't say I will forget that first mail I was one big smile from ear to ear." He asks about his car and if it is running well. He relays that he plans to go to service school to learn to weld after he completes his training at the Great Lakes. He mentions not having any trouble with vaccinations or shots other than his arm getting stiff. He recounts drilling with rifles learning the "manual of arms 16 count drill, 9 count drill, rifle exercises, physical exercises…

GLC09611.095

29 September 1943

Walter, June, fl. 1943-1945

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Leonard Eugene Graeff

One letter from June Walter to Leonard Eugene Graeff dated September 29, 1943. June states, "things have been buzzin' so around here that I don't know 'which ends up.'" She would like to see his drills is excited to hear about his good marks on his tests. She mentions there being no dances lately but she did see a mutual acquaintance Pete Schlome on her way home from night school where she's taking Spanish and Math classes in effort to attend Penn State. She recounts seeing the film Cat People, and being on edge from it. Signed, "Junnie."

GLC09611.096

29 September 1943

Graeff, Leonard Eugene, 1920-2016

Autograph letter signed

Title: Susan Prowell Graeff and Raymond James Graeff

One letter from Leonard Eugene Graeff to Susan Prowell Graeff and Raymond James Graeff dated September 29, 1943. Leonard begins his letter recounting his most recent training "We had to swim 50 yd[s] on backs then swim about forty yd[s] "loggie" and ten yd[s] underwater." He mentions a rooster that lives around the base and crows every morning. Leonard had his picture taken coming back from the cantina and plans to send it home when it gets developed and sent to him. In his postscript he references "a list of clothes & stuff I got when I came here." The list in GLC09611.098.02. Signed, "…

GLC09611.098.01

1 October 1943

Graeff, Leonard Eugene, 1920-2016

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Susan Prowell Graeff and Raymond James Graeff

One letter from Leonard Eugene Graeff to Susan Prowell Graeff and Raymond James Graeff dated October 1, 1943. Leonard confirms that is receiving the Harrisburg newspaper he subscribes to. He mentions going to sick bay to have his heel checked out as it was sore from marching. Leonard relayed that he went to movie on base. And is seeing a lot of training films.

GLC09611.101

1943-1944

Various

Header Record

Title: [24 WWII letters] [Decimalized .01 - .24]

24 WWII letters to Richard Jerome Silbiger and Dorothy Silbiger from various family members and friends. The letters are dated from 1943-1944. The letters cover a number of topics including military training, camp life, and marriage.

GLC09684

1942

Myers, William J., 1919-2002

Header Record

Title: [Letters from William J. Myers to Mary Rose Myers] [Decimalized .01 - .06]

6 WWII letters from William J. Myers to Mary Rose Myers concerning his training for the gunnery position at a base in Harlinger Texas. The letters are dated from September 10, 1942 to October 11, 1942.

GLC09685

1941-1944

Various

Header Record

Title: [2 WWII letters][Decimalized .01 - .02]

Two WWII letters that are unconnected by author or recipient. The first letter is by Jack Garber to Dorothy Kowosky dated October 16, 1941. The second letter is from D.A. Dooliule to Marianne Dooliule dated March 24, 1944. Both letters concern training camps for the air force.

GLC09686

1914-1948

unknown, fl. 1914-1948

Header Record

Title: [Collection of photographs related to Black military troops, 1914-1948][Decimalized .01-.10]

Collection of photographs dated approximately 1914-1948. Consists of ten photographs that depict Black soldiers who served during World War I and World War II. Also include are images that show the life of integrated troops.

GLC09720

30 June 1944

Stone, Robert L., 1921-2009

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Jacob Stone and Beatrice Stone

Addressed to "Dad + Bee." He's happy he could get one last call in before he ships out. The train trip was "swell" and the officers had drawing rooms. This was their last night out before they sail. He's hoping he'll have mail waiting at his new address. The letter is dated "Friday Nite." "Letters in a Box" notes the letter was written on June 30, 1944.

GLC09620.108

3 July 1944

Stone, Robert L., 1921-2009

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Jacob Stone

Addressed to "Dad." He enclosed an insurance slip for his good watch that he just sent home and it needs some work to be done. He has another watch so there is no rush in getting it back. The letter is not dated, but the reciept enclosed is dated July 3, 1944. "Letters in a Box" notes the letter was written on July 3, 1944.

GLC09620.109

6 June 1944

Stone, Robert L., 1921-2009

Envelope

Title: [Envelope]

Addressed to "Lt. Comdr. J.C. Stone." It is an empty envelope from March Field, CA.

GLC09620.099

11 June 1944

Stone, Robert L., 1921-2009

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Jacob Stone and Beatrice Stone

Addressed to "Dad + Bee." He writes that he'll call them again at the end of next week, before he ships out. They've had miserable weather, but they're still flying. They have one or two more flights to complete all of their minimums. He talks about his crew, Pilot Bill Elkins and Co-Pilot Bill McGarvey. Bemoans the fact that he and Bill are the only two single officers. Bill McGarvey was mistakenly referred to as Joe McGarvey in this letter.(Bob was just assigned to his new crew and could not get all the names correct at first. Bill was the only crew member that stayed in touch until Bob"s…

GLC09620.101

19 June 1944

Stone, Robert L., 1921-2009

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Jacob Stone and Beatrice Stone

Addressed to "Dad + Bee." It was "swell" to talk with his parents, but disappointing when he could not reach Don Stone. He went to a picnic yesterday and played bridge. He ran a few errands and plans on taking Ronnie and Doug Drake out for a steak dinner. He hopes to phone his parents when he reaches San Francisco. The letter is dated "Monday Aft." "Letters in a Box" notes the letter was written on June 19, 1944.

GLC09620.102

25 June 1944

Stone, Robert L., 1921-2009

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Beatrice Stone

Addressed to "Bee." A brief note, letting her know that he sent several things home, and they should probably be camphored and put in his closet. The letter is dated "Sunday." "Letters in a Box" notes the letter was written on June 25, 1944.

GLC09620.103