15 March 1943

Winemiller, Roberta A., fl. 1921-1947

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Leonard Eugene Graeff

One letter from Robert A. Winemiller to Leonard Eugene Graeff dated March 15, 1943. Robert relays that things are the same on base. His company has put on training demonstrations including, "airplanes demonstrate strafing and artillery firing & etc." And that he wants more ammunition in the rifle range next time. Signed "Fuzzy." Written at Camp Forrest

GLC09611.044

20 March 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 March 20, 1943. Kenneth responds to Leonard's request to know more about where he is located asserting that "to put it mildly and avoid cuss words this is a hell hole. Hotness, no grass - just rain and mud." He notes the food is "scarce and horrible." The barracks are heated by one coal stove at each end. 260 men in his company are tasked with cleaning mud off of everything with only two faucets. Kenneth writes "So far the conclusion I have made is this to be a good soldier a man should have twelve arms and no brain...The moral is…

GLC09611.045

18 April 1943

Winemiller, Roberta A., fl. 1921-1947

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Leonard Eugene Graeff

One letter from Robert A. Winemiller to Leonard Eugene Graeff dated April 18, 1943. Robert informs Leonard that he leaves soon for "three weeks maneuvers." Robert thanks Leonard for the pictures he received and asks for "a couple more the one with you & I to-gether." Signed "Bob." Written at Camp Forrest

GLC09611.046

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

4 May 1943

Schenk, Edgar, fl. 1943

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Leonard Eugene Graeff

One greeting card from Ed Shank to Leonard Eugene Graeff dated May 4, 1943. Ed likens receiving Leonard's letter to "getting cookies from home." He asks Leonard, "So the little gal got engaged, and not to you. What the hell happened pal. I thought you would wake up and grab her someday." He notes that he joined the army hoping to be an officer but is happier "attending the Lincoln Aeronautical Institute studying to become a Flight Engineer." From there he hopes to go to Ariel gunners school. He relays, "I can hardly wait till I can ride one of those B-24 over Tokyo" and states, "I really like…

GLC09611.048.01

9 May 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 May 9, 1943. Robert relays that he and Dotty are not together. He suggests that if Leonard join the army he "keep out of the infantry unless you have cast iron feet" noting that his unit covered forty miles a day on maneuvers. Signed "Bob." Written at Camp Forrest

GLC09611.049

18 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 18, 1943. John relays that he is doing well averaging an 87% score while at school. He states that after graduating he will be moved to another base "but where it will be I do not know." He is hoping for a furlough after graduating. John thanks Leonard for mentioning that he saw Pearl at Hershey and that she was honest and told him she was there. He asserts his love for Pearl and wishes that she didn't want to date others while he is in the army. He concludes the letter noting that he is will keep studying that night, signed "John…

GLC09611.050

19 May 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 May 19, 1943. Robert warns Leonard to stay out of the army. He relays that his unit will leave in June for several months of maneuvers. The scope of his exercises has grown including "Bayonet training, Scout & Patrolling, Compass & Map reading, close order drill, extended order drill." The next day they're scheduled for the rifle range again and he notes " we know we're headed somewhere after maneuvers!" Robert is very excited about the month of June when his love interest, Connie will come to town. She has a "'42 Buick…

GLC09611.051

21 May 1943

Shank, Edgar, fl. 1943-1946

Greeting Card

Title: to Leonard Eugene Graeff

One letter from Ed Shank to Leonard Eugene Graeff dated May 9, 1943. Ed is hopeful on the prospect of becoming Sergeant, he is excited about the wage increase that comes with the rank but expects it to take "a couple of months" although he has been Captain for four months noting "its soon time for a promotion." He comments on a graduation banquet he is preparing, "We are having it in the State Suite of the Cornhusker Hotel. Real Class. The banquet costs $100 for 30 guys plus $50 for the liquor." Signed "Ed."

GLC09611.052

28 May 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 May 28, 1943. Robert doubts he will be receiving the convertible he was hoping for. He relays that was on guard and describes it as "you walk two hours & off four." He is anticipating more maneuvers "in a couple weeks...& a new camp after that." Signed, "Fuzz." Written at Camp Forrest

GLC09611.053

6 June 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 June 6, 1943. Robert describes a training situation in which he was in a fox hole with tanks operating directly above them to which he said "Quite the sensation!" He also lists women that he sent pictures to. Signed "Fuzzy." Written at Camp Forrest

GLC09611.054

7 June 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 June 7, 1943. John relays he has three more weeks left in his training. The previous week was engine assembly this week he worked engine adjustment. He insists that his love interest Pearl is cheating on him so he has decided to date. He hopes Graeff will receive another deferment. He notes "The army is not bad at all, but it would be better to be a civilian." He concludes his letter by saying he will be leaving his location on the 26th but does not know his destination. Signed, "John."

GLC09611.055

13 June 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 June 13, 1943. Robert is preparing to leave Camp Forrest in the next week for maneuvers. He includes his new address and is still hoping for furlough. Signed "Bob."Written at Camp Forrest

GLC09611.056

19 June 1943

Winemiller, Roberta A., fl. 1921-1947

Typed letter

Title: to Leonard Eugene Graeff

One letter from Robert Winemiller to Leonard Eugene Graeff dated June 19, 1943. Robert relays that his unit is camped on the outskirts of Camp Forrest and another division has moved in. He is happy to go to dances but finds them overcrowded. He mentions that he was able to type the letter as he is ow working in supply. He notes "Letters are few and far between and these maneuvers do get you down." He also hopes that Leonard doesn't pass an upcoming physical because "you don't want in the army." Signed, "Fuzz." Written at Camp Forrest

GLC09611.057

2 July 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 July 2, 1943. Robert's work on maneuvers consists of going to a warehouse fifty miles away and storing equipment. He relays his next location as Camp Atterbury, Indiana. In their last days at Camp Forrest they had a field meet with competitions such as "220 yard dash...Compass runs, cross country, gas mask race & all." He mentions that Dottie recently sent a perfumed letter. Signed, "Fuzzy."

GLC09611.058

9 July 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 July 9, 1943. John hopes that Leonard's throat is healing and relays that he has been at his new base, Hunter Field in Savannah, Georgia for six days but is still unsure about the type of work he will be doing noting that "We really have it easy. Sunday I have guard duty, from 12:20 till Monday 12:20." John applied for a furlough and prays that he receives it. His "first impression of the place was a hell hole. Now its not so bad." He says "every night they bring truck loads of girls to the bases for dances." Signed, "John."

GLC09611.059

10 July 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 July 10, 1943. Robert is writing with six more weeks of maneuvers. He hopes that his new location will be close to he and Leonard's hometown and invites Leonard to come see him. His postscript relays "We are fighting against airborne, quite the thing- no water no food!!" Signed, "Fuzz."

GLC09611.060

17 July 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 July 17, 1943. Robert warns Leonard to stay out of the military once again. He suggests that three months into basic training Leonard apply for Officer Candidate School. Robert is dismayed that "Dottie" got engaged and notes "There won't be any girls left by the time I get back." Robert concludes his letter, "Write soon & stay out of the Infantry" Signed, "Fuzz."

GLC09611.061

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

27 July 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 July 27, 1943. John continues to pray for furlough. He is shocked that his love interest Pearl got engaged to which he says "How's that for a morale builder...that's the kind of news that a soldier really hates to receive." Despite that, he had good time swimming in the Atlantic Ocean at Tybee Beach. Signed "John."

GLC09611.063

24 July 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 July 24, 1943. After asking about Leonard's love life, Robert asserts "Say boy stay out of the army!!! Why you'll find out if you get in; Be patriotic but you can do it other ways." Robert relays his unit has been in the field two months at this point. During four days a week the soldiers get "very little sleep & very little to eat."

GLC09611.064

23 July 1943

Miller, Richard C., fl. 1941-1945

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Leonard Eugene Graeff

One letter from Richard C. Miller to Leonard Eugene Graeff dated July 23, 1943. Richard recounts his growth during the three years in the army. He suggests, "The time is really flying by an altho the ball seems to be rolling our way now, I believe a good bit more time is going to fly by before I see the Old U.S.A. again." He admits that it is hard being away from home and not knowing when you're going back but is happy experiencing the world. Richard tell Leonard that several celebrities have visited and that he has a few autographs by them. He is excited about his furlough that starts August…

GLC09611.065

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

4 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 4, 1943. Robert describes his situation in a Red vs Blue war game training. He expects to move into the woods for a "tactical phase" of continued maneuvers. He asks Leonard about the gas shortage and his plans for the car if he enlists. Signed, "Fuzz."

GLC09611.067