The Gettysburg College–Gilder Lehrman MA in American History: Apply now and join us for Fall 2024 courses
21 April 1944
Diamond, Sidney, 1922-1945
to Estelle Spero
Diamond tells Estelle that he spent Passover participating in a push. He discusses the horrifying effect of encountering great masses of dead bodies.
GLC09120.397
5 September 1943
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...
GLC09120.265
11 September 1943
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...
GLC09120.268
17 October 1943
Diamond informs Estelle that, at the termination of a long period of extremely arduous intensive jungle training, he had thought of her constantly. He tells her that "[F]rankly it's been rough", commenting that this "jungle nonsense" is a little out...
GLC09120.279
28 October 1943
Diamond writes about the humidity, and informs Estelle that Mary, "the cocoa addict of El Paso", had sent him a package.
GLC09120.290
December 1943
Diamond encloses $20.00 with the letter, prescribing a "date" that she should go on with a friend, to be financed by the money. He then describes some of the "native boys" that he has been working alongside.
GLC09120.307
13 December 1943
Diamond chastises Estelle for placing him on a pedestal and belittling herself. He expresses concern that his postal vote for the election had been disregarded.
GLC09120.310
23 May 1944
Diamond jokingly complains about his doctor and the ward boy, and their treatment of him.
GLC09120.417
1 July 1944
Diamond writes that the night before he had seen "Best Foot Forward", a film starring Lucille Ball, which he describes as a "stinker". He states that he loves Estelle for her "scolding".
GLC09120.445
17 July 1944
to Estellle Spero
Diamond informs Estelle that he had received a letter from Harvey Salb, an infantry platoon leader who had taken part in the invasion of France: "They had a very rough time of it - With all the jungle and discomfort I'm glad we're here - not there -"
GLC09120.459
17 August 1944
Diamond writes the letter as a fake memo on the subject of "Miss Estelle Spero", addressed to "The world
GLC09120.480
2 November 1944
Diamond writes a fake memo entitled "Love", addressed to "Commanding Officeress Sid-Stella combat team". Written on an unknown island in the South Pacific
GLC09120.534
5 November 1944
Greeting card sent to Estelle for Christmas and the New Year. Diamond writes that the volcano depicted on the front of the card is the volcano on their island. Written on an unknown island in the South Pacific
GLC09120.537
10 November 1944
Diamond writes that the smell of Estelle's "hair, powder" is "causing a glow within". Written on an unknown island in the South Pacific
GLC09120.545
21 November 1944
Diamond instructs Estelle to go out that evening, and pretend that he is with her. Written on an unknown island in the South Pacific
GLC09120.546
28 October 1944
Weiner, Morris "Moe", 1909-1988
to Sylvia Weiner
Moe is surprised by the Washington postmark on Sylvia's letters. Moe says that sometimes reading her letters is like beginning in the middle of a book and he must somehow fill in the gaps. Moe says he still wants to see Paris.
GLC09414.1237
Moe has decided to go to town on his afternoon off. He has gotten the details of her trip to Washington now. He also recalls the last Sunday they spent at Davy and Lil's.
GLC09414.1242
29 July 1944
Moe ran into Bill Burke in France. He is upset that Marty told Olga about Joe's being in the hospital.
GLC09414.1156
20 August 1944
Moe writes that financially Sylvia seems to be going through the early years of their marriage again but without the happiness. He is sorry to hear that Hazel is unwell.
GLC09414.1175
8 September 1944
Moe says that the date has significance because four years ago he was walking with Sylvia and she began to feel ill and had to be taken to the hospital, but she ended up just fine. He also discusses the point system and when he might come home.
GLC09414.1192
11 September 1944
Moe compares the liquors and wine he gets there as opposed to what he drinks back home. He told Adele he does not need any money right now as there is nothing to spend it on. He also says he is not worried about what arrangements Sylvia will make...
GLC09414.1195
14 September 1944
Moe has high hopes for the coming year. He mentions the food and notes that he doesn't have much opportunity to study the food in its natural habitat as they are not allowed to eat in cafes and restaurants at this time.
GLC09414.1198
23 September 1944
Moe wonders how Pearl will keep custody of Stephen. He thinks David may have a hard time in school because he is so far advanced.
GLC09414.1208
28 September 1944
Moe says he went to another bar where he had champagne, and went window-shopping. He learned that you can't buy gold silver or platinum unless you have a greater weight of the same metal to exchange. He also heard that Marge is in town.
GLC09414.1213
29 September 1944
Moe reports that an inspection of the barracks is set to take place so there is much cleaning and hurrying going on. He remarks that Sylvia's last Saturday off has passed and that officially marks the end of the summer. He also says that the radio is...
GLC09414.1214
9 October 1944
Moe describes his next day in which they explored the town some more. He took pictures of the cathedral, and stopped for a drink. He writes the only choices in this town are beer and champagne. The next day they moved to more permanent accommodations...
GLC09414.1222
10 October 1944
Moe thanks Sylvia for doing inventory of their liquor cabinet. Marty is off again on one of his interpreting jobs. He writes that French girls are good-looking, well-groomed and extremely chic.
GLC09414.1223
26 October 1944
Moe passed around photos with the boys. After ruminating over photos, he writes that he's glad Sylvia has decided to take a vacation but wants to know if it is because she has been feeling ill.
GLC09414.1235
19 September 1943
Moe finally got a pass into town and found a hotel. He thanks her for the leather writing kit. He also complains that there was no bacon at breakfast.
GLC09414.0785
1 November 1943
Moe writes that it feels strange to keep writing Sylvia without having received any mail from her. He reports that gin game continues to go on with Marty.
GLC09414.0803
19 November 1943
Moe describes his trip to London in detail. He visited Westminster Abbey, the Tower of London and other popular tourist destinations. He writes that their cars are smaller but the seats are more comfortable. He will respond to Sylvia's letters later.
GLC09414.0825
26 November 1943
Moe received a letter from Lilian and was reminded of her anniversary as well. He writes that he also received letters from Sylvia and they helped the weekend pass. He notes that she must have worked on the car for four hours.
GLC09414.0833
30 November 1943
Moe writes that they were paid today but he is disappointed with the net results after paying some debts. He acknowledges it is better than nothing.
GLC09414.0841
12 December 1943
Moe thanks Sylvia for the package, he is also happy for the letter he received from her on his birthday. He reassures her that he is very safe and couldn't be any safer if he were in Brooklyn.
GLC09414.0856
16 December 1943
Moe had a letter from one of the boys in the office, and a letter from Seymour Greenberg, the man he used to get a package from every Christmas. He said the firm had not forgotten him.
GLC09414.0861
27 December 1943
Moe mentions an incident at the barber shop where he was being worked on, and all of a sudden someone came in and said he was due to go to work at the depot later that night and needed his haircut right away. The barber was ready to stop what he was...
GLC09414.0884
12 May 1943
Moe describes his surroundings, namely the trees and the falls.
GLC09414.0697
10 June 1943
Moe has just heard furloughs will begin shortly, but warns Sylvia not get her hopes up high because anything could happen. He understands that it is difficult to make ends meet and tells her to begin an aggressive anti-mosquito campaign since they...
GLC09414.0726
12 June 1943
Moe asked his father for $125 in case he does get furlough. He is increasingly confident that it will happen, and says he will let Sylvia know as soon as possible.
GLC09414.0728
1 July 1943
Moe writes that he has enclosed a Mark Twain story from Mystery Magazine for Sylvia. This letter is written on Hotel Senator stationary.
GLC09414.0736
12 August 1943
Moe writes that he received Sylvia's note written on the trail. He writes about his new ranking as T-4. He is now C.Q (charge of quarters) and has to stay up all night so he can change the guard every two hours. Moe also mentions that his distinction...
GLC09414.0744
2 September 1943
Moe says he is overwhelmed by all the things Sylvia sent him, and will have to have a party when the lights are out. Moe responds to her letter, he believes that cousin Marian will be sensible about not having children. He also says he didn't know...
GLC09414.0766
Moe reminisces about the Sundays when they would leave Davy's just before dusk and ride along listening to music. He mentions that he has not heard from Ethel and Jay. He also speculates about Hy and what may cause his hypertension.
GLC09414.0771
8 September 1943
Moe remembered a time when he was very worried for Sylvia because one day they were walking and then suddenly she had a sharp pain. The doctor was called and there was a diagnosis, though he does not say what that is. He remarks that she was so brave...
GLC09414.0774
30 December 1943
Moe writes to tell Sylvia that the package has arrived as well as one of her letters with the first of the money orders.
GLC09414.0894
4 January 1944
Moe asks about Sylvia's cold. He asks if she stayed home at any point. He said the list of telephone calls she included in her letter sounded just like a typical Sunday afternoon except the people used to actually come over.
GLC09414.0906
Moe didn't think "Connecticut Yankee" would have that effect on Sylvia. He can't believe it made her cry. The rest of the letter is not clear.
GLC09414.0907
5 January 1944
Moe experienced his first really cold morning in England, then watched the sunrise, which he described as a source of wonder and enjoyment.
GLC09414.0908
Moe informs Sylvia that she may not hear from him for a couple of days because he and Marty are taking a little vacation. He can't wait to sleep between sheets.
GLC09414.0909
8 January 1944
Moe writes that it is very tough to get a drink in England because they run out fast and will stop selling for the night. He also responds to a letter that mentions his anniversary letter to Sylvia, and he is so glad she received it.
GLC09414.0916
Showing results 53351 - 53400