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Or
to Estelle Spero
circa 1942
Diamond, Sidney, 1922-1945
Brief letter written while waiting for the company to be inspected by the captain. Mentions that he is now a qualified rifleman and pistolman.
GLC09120.050
26 June 1942
Apologizes for irregularity with which he has been writing letters recently, explaining that he has had very little sleep lately. Sid then describes an overnight excursion that his company had been taken on
GLC09120.051
27 June 1942
Describes an argument that he has had with Carter, a soldier from Tennessee, on the "negro question".
photocopy
GLC09120.052
28 June 1942
Letter written while on guard duty. Discusses the possibility of obtaining a night pass. Attempts to convince Stella that she is "political" with regard to the "negro question".
GLC09120.053
29 June 1942
Diamond informs Estelle that his is the only group left at the barracks, other than a group of African-American troops left to clear up vacated barracks. Mentions that he has become known as "nigger lover Diamond" by the Southern soldiers, and...
GLC09120.054
30 June 1942
Letter written while on guard duty. Diamond describes a formal dance to mark the opening of the camp's new recreation hall that he had attended the night before. He also runs through the couple's financial situation, having been paid that morning....
GLC09120.055
June 1942
Brief letter mentioning that Sid has been through the obstacle course twice during that day, and that he is waiting to find out whether he is to receive a leave pass or not.
GLC09120.056
Describes an air raid alert and black out that occurred shortly after he came off guard duty
GLC09120.057
1 July 1942
Diamond describes the surprising friendship that has blossomed with Carter (the Southern soldier whom had previously expressed extremely racist remarks). Discusses Estelle's forthcoming visit to Edgewood.
GLC09120.058
2 July 1942
Diamond describes a trip to the hospital to visit injured members of the company. Outlines what he has done during the day. He also discusses whether or not gas will be necessary in the war effort, stating that in his opinion it will be resorted to...
GLC09120.059
3 July 1942
Diamond explains to Estelle about the "housing problem" in the camp, making it difficult to arrange for Estelle to come for a weekend visit. He has been received the suggestion, however, to contact the U.S.O. at Edgewood which could potentially...
GLC09120.060
4 July 1942
GLC09120.061
5 July 1942
Describes a visit to the U.S.O, during which he confirmed with the head of the U.S.O. that there would be a room for Estelle to stay in for the evening of July 18th. Sid warns Estelle, however, that soldiers are being shipped daily so he cannot be...
GLC09120.062
6 July 1942
Diamond discusses whether he thinks that there will be a need for chemical warfare in the war effort soon. States that he believes in the ideals of the country. Informs Estelle that he is now responsible for a squad of eight men, and describes what...
GLC09120.063
10 July 1942
Diamond writes to Estelle about a two-day training trip.
GLC09120.065
11 July 1942
Diamond describes the three-hour long guard duty that he was on the previous night. He tells Estelle about the inspection that his company underwent that morning. He also writes that he has struck up a pleasant friendship with Carter (the Southern...
GLC09120.066
Diamond discusses the logistical difficulties attached to finding a room for Estelle should she come to visit. Also speaks of the "disturbing signs of nearing shipments."
GLC09120.067
12 July 1942
Informs Estelle that he has an "uncanny premonition" that he is to be shipped before they had arranged to next get together. Pleads with Estelle that, if he is unable to get a pass for the following week, she should come to the training camp...
GLC09120.068
13 July 1942
Diamond expresses concern about obtaining a pass. Sidney then describes his day, which has consisted of a review of chemical agents and first aid for casualties, being paid, a review of the 50 and 30 caliber machine gun, completing the obstacle...
GLC09120.069
14 July 1942
Diamond outlines the day's course of events, which included watching two films - one on "Booby traps" and one on signal communication, instructing a group on map-reading and map-making,
GLC09120.070
15 July 1942
Sidney tells Estelle that he is almost certain that he will be granted a pass for the weekend. He proceeds to outline his day's activities, which included a lecture on the handling, storing and shipping of chemical warfare equipment and ammunition...
GLC09120.071
20 July 1942
Sidney explains to Estelle that he will not have much time to write to her as in an attempt to separate the men eligible for officer candidate school, the entire company are being subjected to the same levels of discipline enforced in the training...
GLC09120.072
23 July 1942
Diamond describes to Estelle an overnight training trip which had been interrupted by an air raid alert back at Arsenal.
GLC09120.073
25 July 1942
Diamond describes a visit to the Toxic Gas Yard where all of the gas tanks are stored prior to shipment. He tells Estelle about "the most exacting inspection" his platoon has ever experienced, and also his firing of the 4.2 mortar.
GLC09120.074
26 July 1942
Letter written after a visit from Estelle.
GLC09120.075
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