14 December 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 December 14, 1943. Leonard had a weekend of leave and went in to Chicago. He and another sailor went to the U.S.O. building in Chicago. It is thirteen stories high, and has housing and events. He rented a room for $2.50 and mentions how nice it is to be in a real bed. Leonard has started school again and a course on shop has been added with theory classes. He mentions that he has received a lot of letters and Christmas cards. He inquires how their colds are and writes that he is going to send money…

GLC09611.176.01

14 December 1943

Graeff, Leonard Eugene, 1920-2016

Postcard

Title: to Susan Prowell Graeff and Raymond James Graeff

One postcard from Leonard Eugene Graeff to Susan Prowell Graeff and Raymond James Graeff dated December 14, 1943. The postcard is blank. The front of the card features an image of the Berkshire Hotel in Chicago Illinois.

GLC09611.176.02

16 December 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 December 16, 1943. Leonard writes that he received a lot of Christmas cards in the past few days. He advises the two of them to rest, as they are getting sick a lot. He has a sore throat himself, and will go to a doctor if it gets worse. He's astounded at the amount of people who have the flu. Some fellow sailors are getting "eat fever," which is similar to a bad cold. Some sailors went AWOL (absent without leave) as they became sick when they were on leave and couldn't get back in time. Robert…

GLC09611.182

18 December 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 December 18, 1843. Leonard compliments Raymond on his writing. He's glad to hear Susan is baking cakes, it makes him feel like it is Christmas. He hasn't gotten any gifts yet, and he hopes the gloves they sent are big enough. He liked the card they sent but it was odd, "getting a card like that to a boy in service. It used to be that I saw that kind of card being sent out- Now it looks as if I'm on the receiving end." He has some doubts about storing his car and not selling it but when he thinks of…

GLC09611.183

21 December 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 December 21, 1943. Leonard writes that he received a card from them with a five dollar bill. It arrived late as it was sent to the wrong barrack, the address they used was correct but the post office got it wrong. The boxes arrived after they spoke over the phone. Half of the cookies broke, but they tasted great. The gloves were a perfect fit and exactly what he was hoping for. The jelly and crackers they sent was a wine jelly that he and the other sailors enjoyed. Leonard wrote he broke his back…

GLC09611.187.01

20 December 1943

Graeff, Leonard Eugene, 1920-2016

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Susan Prowell Graeff

One letter from Leonard Eugene Graff to Susan Prowell Graeff dated December 20, 1943. He inquires about the address of Avis formerly Kapp, and her husband. He couldn't remember their last name and asked Susan to put it on the included envelope for him. He asks Susan to use the envelope he sent so she doesn't pay for postage. He received the boxes and everything arrived safe; the gloves are a perfect fit, and he will write more later.

GLC09611.187.02

27 December 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 December 27, 1943. Leonard reports that the train into Chicago was about four hours late and he was almost AWOL (absent without leave) due to the delay. He had good luck last trip. The train was so packed that people were sitting and laying in the aisles. He was able to get a corner of the conductor's seat. He slept there until Pittsburg when seats became available. There was a sailor sleeping on the steel platform outside of the car. There was about six soldiers "in a pile" on the floor sleeping. His…

GLC09611.190.01

27 December 1943

Graeff, Leonard Eugene, 1920-2016

Postcard

Title: to Susan Prowell Graeff and Raymond James Graeff

One postcard from Leonard Eugene Graeff to Susan Prowell Graeff and Raymond James Graeff dated December 27, 1943. Blank postcard features images of four locations with servicemen enjoying the venues. In the center of the postcard is a logo of the Pennsylvania Railroad. The top left image, which has been circled in ink, is captioned "Canteen on Pennsylvania Railroad at Crestline, Ohio." The top right image has been captioned "Outdoor refreshments at Pennsylvania Station, Lima, Ohio." The bottom left image is captioned "At Ease in USO Lounge, Pennsylvania Station, Fort Wayne, Ind." The bottom…

GLC09611.190.02

31 December 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 December 31, 1943. Leonard writes that half the men in his barracks are on leave so it is really quiet. He took advantage of it to do laundry but needs to darn some socks. He asks that the next time they send him a box to put in a thimble. He got a few Christmas cards that were lost in the mail due to incorrect addresses. He reports that Robert Winemiller will be stationed in Arizona for another month. He went to another W.A.V.E.S. dance and met up with the red-haired girl he mentioned when he was…

GLC09611.194

3 January 1944

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 January 3, 1944. Leonard writes that he received a letter from Malinda Bayler that Susan is sick. He inquires what she has, and how she is feeling. He asks where Raymond is as Malinda wrote he was out of town. He encourages Susan to take it easy and rest so that she gets better. He mentions that New Years was a loud celebration at camp. He mentions that his last weekend wasn't as quiet as he thought it would be. He had to stand guard twice, and went to a movie on Saturday and a variety show on Sunday…

GLC09611.197

6 January 1944

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 January 6, 1944. Leonard encourages Susan to rest and recover from her illness. He apologizes for sending a short letter. He mentions training to swim in his uniform, and how to use the life preservers and rafts in the pool. He also lets them know he heard from Johnny Gassert. He is in Alameda, California training to be an aerial gunner.

GLC09611.207

7 January 1944

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 January 7, 1944. Leonard writes to inquire how Susan is feeling. He notes that the last letter he received from them made it sound as if she was doing better. He instructs Raymond to check his car battery and see if it can charge. If the battery is not holding a charge he will replace it the next time he is on leave. He is surprised that Mary Jacobs contacted him. Mentions her getting in trouble for being dropped off late by him after their date. He mentions his uniform allowance and the possibility…

GLC09611.209

January 10 1944

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 January 10, 1944. Leonard reports on his recent weekend leave in Chicago. He went with another sailor from Pennsylvania. They stayed at the sailor's cousin's house and had home-cooked meals. They went dancing one night at the Aragon ballroom which was packed. They went to the zoo the next day. Leonard inquires how Susan is feeling, he received a letter from Malinda recently where she writes Susan wasn't doing great. He warns that he is thinking about selling his car. As much as he likes having it, the…

GLC09611.214

January 13, 1944

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 January 13, 1944. He complains about the weather and doesn't understand why they have to be in the pool when it's so cold. He is glad he already knew how to swim as it is hard for those who still have to learn. During swim training they had to dive in the pool from a 16 foot high platform and a swing. Leonard is glad to hear Susan feels better. He warns Susan to take it easy. Leonard inquires about his car and its battery issue. He also mentions sending money home to cover any repairs. He has extra…

GLC09611.217

6 December 1943

Graeff, Leonard Eugene, 1920-2016

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Susan Prowell Graeff and Raymond John Graeff

One letter from Leonard Eugene Graeff to Susan Prowell Graeff and Raymond James Graeff dated December 6, 1943. Leonard writes he has received three letters, after not receiving any for a week. He jokes that Susan must have told someone about washing the windows, because he has been on window washing detail at the barracks. He mentioned that he is doing okay in school. He expresses disappointment that the work is not more in depth but it is more of a overview of what the job will be like. The only marching they do is to and from school, but they do have "physical hardening" five days a week;…

GLC09611.165

4 November 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 November 4, 1943. Leonard writes to let his parents know his travel plans. He will be leaving the Great Lakes Naval Training Station on the 11 am train from Chicago. He hopes to be home by 3 or 4 o'clock on Sunday morning. He will take a taxi from the train station home, so they shouldn't wait up for him. He mentions being very busy getting things done before leave.

GLC09611.141

15 November 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 November 15, 1943. Leonard writes that he is back at the Great Lakes Naval Training Station. He has been assigned to the top of a three tier bunk. He has to retrieve his sheets in an hour and then has to get into his dress white uniform. He has K.P. duty (Kitchen Police) for the next nine days and then has 35 hours of relief. He had a good trip back to Great Lakes, the train car was nice. He hopes Dick got the car back to the house okay.

GLC09611.144

18 November 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 November 18, 1943. Leonard writes that he is still at Great Lakes Naval Training Station even though he hoped to be shipped right to school. He noticed that a lot of the men who weren't going to schools from his company have already shipped out. One sailor that he talked with was lucky enough to go to school near his home. He hopes that maybe he will be assigned to the school in Bainbridge, Maryland so he can visit home on the weekend. He is still on K. P. Duty (Kitchen Police) and it is a long day.…

GLC09611.145

22 November 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 November 22, 1943. Leonard writes that he has only received two letters since he got back. He discusses the train ride to Chicago, he was the first one on the platform and he fell asleep on the way. He is still on K.P. duty (Kitchen Police) and replies to Susan's prevoious letter (GLC09611.147) that nine days is the standard time to get K.P., some people are just lucky to get it shortened. He isn't sure he's getting better food while on K.P but he is definitely getting more. He reports that if they…

GLC09611.148.01

24 November 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 November 24, 1943. Leonard admonishes his mother to take it easy with her back. He is glad Uncle Joe is doing so much better and says it sounds like he had a lot of trouble with his health. He discusses the photos they took while he was on leave and asks how many are left. He saw Bernice's boyfriend Bruce at Great Lakes, Bernice had sent him a photo of Leonard. He is off K.P. duty (Kitchen Police) and it sounds like he will be sent to school the next day. The hall he is in now sleeps over a thousand…

GLC09611.150

27 November 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 November 27, 1943. Leonard writes to thank Susan for her recent letter it made his Thanksgiving holiday less depressing. He reports that the mood around the camp was low because everyone wished they were home. He wonders if he said something when he was home to offend people, as he hasn't been getting many letters. He is finally in service school at Great Lakes Naval Training Station so he will be there another 4 months. After that he will have 66 hours of leave. He is looking forward to getting into…

GLC09611.152

2 December 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 December 2, 1943. Leonard writes that he is glad to recieved Susan's previous mail. He was waiting for the letter before writing back. He is getting a lot of mail again, six letters the day before and three that day. He has attended school for four days. He is enrolled in math, mechanical drawing, coppersmith, gas welding, and electrical welding theory classes. He is glad he already knows a bit about welding but is worried about the math. The service school gets out at 4:30 pm right before dinner. He…

GLC09611.160

19 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 19, 1943. Leonard writes that he got the air letter they sent him. He advises that it is not really worth the price as it takes about the same time as first class but costs more. He hopes to be done training in eighteen more days. He writes that you can tell it's soon since a bunch of the guys are counting down the days till they leave for home. Leonard is not as anxious because the sooner you get home the sooner your nine days are up and you're sent who knows where. He is glad everyone liked…

GLC09611.123

21 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 21, 1943. Leonard writes that he read about the fire and it is a shame. People will need to buy a bunch of bonds to replace the lost equipment. He heard from Aunt Jessie, Edith and Aunt Bertha. He writes he's still eating a lot of candy and food and seems to be gaining weight. Leonard also writes that the time for him to be on the go is getting closer. They took a company picture recently and have to sign for train tickets today.

GLC09611.124

25 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 25, 1943. Leonard writes he heard from Lill about the suit and hopes it come out nice. He is anxious to get home and wants them to send him his blue bag to pack. He heard from Fuzz and think it's possible Russell Winemiller is back home. He inquires if his father got a new pen. He just got the peanuts Susan sent him in the afternoon mail call. They are not what he wanted but they are really good. Leonard wrote the second page of the letter at the Hostess house. He went to dinner with some…

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