U.S.S. Witter Invitation to Commissioning on December 29, 1943

Captain, Officers and Crew
of the
U.S.S. Witter
extend to you an invitation
to witness the Ceremony of
The Commissioning of the U.S.S. Witter
at the outfitting dock,
Bethlehem Steel Company
San Francisco, California

ENSIGN JEAN CARTER WITTER, Jr.
United States Naval Reserve

for whom the U.S.S. Witter was named, was killed in action on board the U.S.S. San Francisco, during an engagement between United States and Japanese Naval Forces off Guadalcanal, in the Solomon Islands, on 13 November 1942. At the time of his death, Ensign Witter was serving as Assistant Navigator of the U.S.S. San Francisco. He was awarded post-humously the Order of the Purple Heart.

Ensign Witter was born in San Francisco, California, on 31 January 1921. He was graduated from the University of California where he was a member of the Reserve Officer Training Corps, and was commissioned Ensign in May, 1942.

Postmarked December 28, 1943

Tues, Dec. 28, 1943

Dear Folks,

We arrived here at about 4:00 A.M. and are now just waiting to see what develops. We are in a receiving barracks now but we don't know whether we'll be here any length of time, as we haven't even unlashed our bags & hammocks yet. As far as the famous California sunshine goes, I'm still waiting to see it as it is raining cats & dogs this A.M.

We are about 40 miles from San Francisco and they say it is a pretty good liberty town.

The more I think of what I saw of the country coming out here, the more I want to make that trip again some time and really see everything. You don't realize how big this country is until you start to travel across it or how many different kinds of people and scenery you see. Some of those towns in New Mexico and Arizona looked like they came out of the Wild West movies. The desert impressed me more than anything else. It's hard to believe that you can travel a hundred miles without seeing a house. It's quite an experience, seeing the country for the first time.

Love to all,

Paul

Postmarked December 27, 1943

Dec. 27, 1943 Monday

Well, our trip is almost over. We went thru Los Angeles this morning and are now going up the coast of california. We will hit Frisco tonite. From the train window we have a beautiful view of the Pacifac. We passed lots of orange groves this morning with oranges growing right on the trees. The weather is like late spring and everything is so green you can hardly believe that it is December. We came here by a very roundabout route. From Norfolk we went South to Atlanta then west to Birmingham and from there to Memphis. We went thru Arkansas and Oklahoma and across the Texas Panhandle into New Mexico, the Southwest to El Paso, Tex. them across New Mexico and Arizona to Los Angeles and now north to Frisco.It has been a very interesting trip and I enjoyed it. I really have seen a good past of the country, 25 states to be exact.

I'll have to close now as I have to shave and get cleaned up before we get off,

Love to all,

Paul

Postmarked December 23, 1943

Nov. 23, [sic] Thursday

Dear Folks,

We didn't leave Norfolk until last nite and are now somewhere in South Carolina or Georgia, I'm not sure which. We have genuine Pullman cars this time, and I slept pretty good last nite. We will get to Frisco around Monday So you see, we have a pretty long ride ahead of us. We have the entire train to ourselves, there are no civilians aboard at all, We are divided up by divisions, the engineers are in one car, the deck force in another, the gunners in another etc. We go directly aboard the ship when we get there in Frisco. she's at the Mare Island Navy Yard, 32 miles from Frisco. The weather is cloudy and cold, and the scenery is anything but beautiful. I'd heard a lot about the south but I never believed it was this bad. I guess it will be a little more interesting when we get out west a ways.

Love to all,

Paul

Postmarked December 20, 1943

Dec. 19, 1943

Dear Folks,

Well, I managed to find George after I called you up and I spent the whole day talking over old times. It sure was good to see him again.

There isn't much more to say. My adress will be:

Paul H. Kleinman F2c
U.S.S. Witter DE 636
c/o Fleet Postmaster
San Francisco, Cal.

I'll try to write a few letters on the train and will write or call as sooon as we hit Frisco.

Love to all,

Paul

Postmarked December 17, 1943

Dec, 16, 1943

Dear Folks,

Haven't had a letter in a couple of days now but I guess it is pretty slow on account of the Xmas rush. I got a package from Uncle Julius and also one from the Franks yesterday. Uncle Julius sent me the tackle I asked for, also some candy and snacks.

It has really turned cold down here It has been below freezing the last couple of days. I'll bet its pretty cold up in N.Y. Not much to write about so I will close with

Love to all,

Paul

Postmarked December 15, 1943

Dec. 15, 1943

Dear Folks,

I got your letter and i assure you I wasn't the least bit sick. That isn't much to brag about, as we were only out in the bay, but still, some of the fellow didn't look too good and quite a few didn't have much appetite. The bay was pretty choppy Sunday, choppy enough to ship water on the deck once in a while. since she was a Deisel job, we couldn't learn much about the machinery, but we did et an idea of what it would be like living aboard a D.E. The machine shop, by the way, is about the size of the bathroom at home and consists of a lathe, drill press, and bench.

There sure isn't any space wasted on those ships. The 3 deck bunks fold back into the bulkheads during the day to make room for the mess tables to be set up. I really think I'm going to like it, tho. I couldn't get my rod into my sea bag and wouldn't want it anyway, as all I want is a couple of hand lines. We haven't heard anything about leaves, so we will just have to keep our fingers crossed.

Love to all,

Paul

Postmarked December 12, 1943

Dec. 11, 1943

Dear Folks,

Well, the cruise turned out to be just a case of going out in the morning and coming in at nite. We are still living in the barracks.

Yesterday we went out all day on a D.E. and we are going out again tomorrow. We only went a little ways out into Cheseapeake Bay, but I feel pretty salty nevertheless. She was a Deisel job, while ours is a turbo-electric so we couldn't learn much about the engines The evaporator plant is pretty much the same on both so i managed to learn something. I'm sure glad our ship isn't a Deisel job, as they are slow as molasses and the engine rooms are so noisy you can hardly hear yourself think. Our ship will be much faster and a lot quieter. Our commissioning date has been moved up from the 23 to the 31, so we may get a few days leave, but don't count too much on it.

Love to all,

Paul

Postmarked December 8, 1943

Dec, 7, 1943

Dear Folks,

There isn't much too write, as I guess I told you the bad news last nite on the phone. [No meet-up in Richmond on the weekend.] Yesterday we went to fire-fighting school and practiced putting out oil and gasoline fires. It was a lot of fun too, sort of a fulfilling of every kid's dream of being a fireman. We went to school again today as we will for the rest of the week until Friday, when we go on the cruise.

I got a letter from George today. He is graduating and expects to be sent to the Pacific Coast. I may run into him in Frisco.

Love to all,

Paul

Postmarked December 3, 1943

Dec. 2, 1943

Dear Folks,

Got your letter this morning also the paper. They made it sound pretty big, didn't they?

The ass't engineering officer has put me down along with 3 other fellows to work on the evaporator. That is the distilling plant on the ship which makes all the fresh water used for the boilers and for drinking They have the complete unit set up in the school, and I have been studying it and think I know it pretty well. It looks complicated with all the pipes and valves and gages and pumps, but it is equipped with automatic relief valves and pressure regulators so that once it is adjusted properly it practically runs itself. Naturally tho,you have to keep a pretty close watch on it, because if any salt was to get into the feed tanks, it could ruin the boiler tubes. An instrument called a salinity indicator is used to measure the amount of salt in the water. This is nothing more than a galvanometer to measure the resistance of the water. the more salt in the water the less electric resistance, and this is shown on the dial. To be suitable for boiler use, the water must have not more than 30 grains of salt per gallon. That is the absolute allowable maximum, in practice we won't have more than 5 or 6 grains. Between 30 and 50 grains of salt, the water is not good for boilers but is suitable for the ship's service tanks, for drinking, washing etc. Over 50 grains it is too salty for any use and must be pumped overboard.

I better stop now or I can go on for pages. It's probably boing to you but I find it interesting and once I get started there is no stopping me. It should give you some idea of what my job will be aboard ship.

Last nite I saw "Son of Dracula." It is a real chiller, and Ralph would no doubt eat it up. This Sunday I'll try to put a call thru early in the morning, about 7:00 A.M. Maybe then the lies will not be so crowded.

Love to all,

Paul

Postmarked December 1, 1943

Nov. 30, 1943

Dear Folks,

Sorry I didn't get a call thru Sunday but the lines were even more crowded than usual and you know how much patience I have to wait 2 or 3 hours to get a call thru.

I haven't had a letter from you for a few days now, but I guess it will all catch up too me soon. I got a letter from Aunt Jennie and one from Aunt Reba.

We had a test on boilers last Saturday and my mark was 3.66, the second highest in the crew. As you know, in the Navy 4.0 is the perfect grade, so you can figure out the percentage if you want, I'm too lazy.

As for the bus connections to Richmond, there is a bus leaving at 5:00 P.M. which arrives in Richmond at about 7:30. I I should get out late for some reason there is another leaving at 7:00 P.M. which arrives at 9:30 P.M. I will probably make the early one tho so if you will meet me at the Grey-hound bus depot in Richmond at 7:30 P.M. on sat. Dec. 11, everything should work out O.K. I can catch a bus back at 3:00 A.M. Monday and still get back in time. I would advise you to try to get to Richmond Sat. morning so that you will have time to find hotel accommodations. If there is anything more you want to know about this arrangement, write and ask. I want to be sure that we get everything straight as we don't have very much more time.

I found out about our chief engineering officers. His name is Lt. MacLane he is a mustang, an officer who has worked his way up from the ranks. He has only been in the Navy 24 years. The assistant engineering officer is an Ensign and he is here with us. He is only 25 but he served a hitch in the Navy as an enlisted man before getting his commission, so he is a pretty regular guy. The other day he told us not to be too hard on the deck force, after all he said, they are our allies.

That's about all, so will close with

Love to all,

Paul

Postmarked November 26, 1943

Nov. 25, 1943

Dear Folks,

Well, today was Thanksgiving Day and we had turkey dinner with all the trimmings. I had three helpings of turkey and I was so stuffed I could hardly walk.

I got your letter and as for meeting you, I think Richmond, Va. would be the best place, as it takes too long to get to Washington or Baltimore. I will be free the week-end of Dec 11-12 or 2 weeks from now. Richmond is only about 80 miles from here, so I could probably be there by early Saturday evening and wouldn't have to leave until early Monday morning. The next liberty, I'll find out the bus schedule and then we can make definite arrangements. I'll try to put a call thru Sunday and I'll tell you more about it then.

I guess thats about all, so I'll close with,

Love to all,

Paul

Postmarked November 24, 1943

Nov 22, 1943

Dear Folks,

Well, I got the iron today and I was pretty surprised that you were able to get one. When I asked of it it was more wishful thing than anything else. I just finished pressing my blues with it, and I'm sure that it will see plenty of service.

I wish Dad could have been with me coming back on the ferry from Newport News the other nite, as there were about 6 or 8 British sailors aboard. They were all pretty pie-eyed and they were singing some British Navy Ballads. It was just like the Cockneys you see in the movies, and I know Dad would have gotten a kick out of it. {Note: Dad grew up in London's East End and served in the British Navy just before WWI.]

I got a letter from George today. He will be graduating in another 2 weeks. He says that he will be glad to get to sea, even tho he has had it pretty soft up there.

That's about all, so I will close with,

Love to all,

Paul

Postmarked November 23, 1943

Nov. 22, 1943

Dear Folks,

Well, we started training yesterday and spent the whole day in class study the boilers of a DE [Destroyer-Escort]. We also had swimming tests last nite and also abandon ship drill.

It was funny getting up at 6 after sleeping till 8 for so long but I like it better that way because I sleep better from 9:30 to 6:00 than from 12:00 to 8:00. We don't have to wait in line for chow as the mess hall is right across the street from the barracks so we just watch out the window until the line gets short enough so we don't have to wait long.

The boilers we have on our ship are of an entirely new type, never having been used before. They use superheated steam having a pressure of 425 lbs. per sq. in. and a temperature of 740 degrees F. We don't fool around with theory as we don't have the time. Yesterday we learned what to do in case of various accidents, such as when a tube bursts or the water level in the boiler gets too low.

We are falling out, so I will have to close now.

Love to all,

Paul

Postmarked November 17, 1943

Nov. 16, 1943

Dear Folks,

Not much new since I last wrote, I'm still waiting to be assigned to a crew. I am going to find out about train connections to Washington, Baltimore, etc to see if I could meet you there some week-end.

I'd like you to send me my leather jacket, as I could use it for working around the base to keep from messing up my peacoat.

Nothing more to write about, so i will close with,

Love to all,

Paul

Postmarked November 13, 1943 - later

Nov. 13, 1943

Dear Folks,

We had our classification interviews this morning and I was classed as a qualified Machinist Mate striker. Its a matter of time now until we are assigned to a crew and start training.

Last nite I stayed on the base but tonite another fellow and I are going to Newport News across the bay. I have a guard duty Sunday so I have to be back by 1130 Sunday A.M.

I tried to call last nite but it was the same story again. It takes 1 to 2 hours to put a call thru. I'll try Sunday, maybe then the lines to Washington won't be so crowded and I might be able to get thru.

In some ways I like this base better than Great Lakes. The chow is better and they don't bother you with inspections so much. We had nicer barracks at Great Lakes, tho. The ones here were built during the last war that's about all, so I'll close with

Love to all,

Paul

Postmarked November 13, 1943

Nov. 12, 1943

Dear Folks,

Well, I went into Norfolk last nite and frankly, I wasn't very much impressed by it. The town is so full of sailors that they even outnumber the civilians. As for all that so-called Southern Hospitality, its a lot of bull. The only hospitality as sailor gets in this town, is being charged twice as muh for everything. I'm just beginning to appreciate Chicao & Milwaukee I'm staying on the base tonite as I am pretty tired and want to catch up on sleep. Tomorrow I may take the ferry across the bay to Newport News to see if it is any better there.

As far as coming home, I' afraid there is not much chance. Even with our out of bounds pass we can only go 250 miles. The train connections to N.Y. are very bad, even if I could get permission to travel.

Next weekend, if we can get an out of bounds pass, I may go to Washington.

That's about all, I will try to call up tonite. I tried last nite but couldn't get thru.

Love to all,

Paul

Postmarked November 11, 1943

Nov. 11, 1943

Dear Folks,

We arrived at the Station last nite and since then we've been pretty busy getting straightened out. My adress is,

Paul H. Kleinman F2c
Unit X 62-2
Naval Operating Base
Norfolk, Va.

I can't tell you much about this base because I don't know myself. Nobody has given us any definite information. From what I hear tho, we get liberty every day from 4:30 P.M. to 7:30 A.M. and our week ends from Saturday 4:30 P.M. to 7:30 A.M. Monday morning except when we have guard duty, how often that is I don't know. From what I've heard, tho there isn't much to do on a liberty and there are no good liberty towns around here like Chicago and Milwaukee. They sell beer right on the base, so most fellows stay aboard most of the time. If I get liberty tonite I'll be going into Norfolk to see what its like.

Love to all,

Paul

Postmarked Nov. 10, 1943 - later (postcard)

Nov. 10, 1943
700 P.M.

Dear Folks

Am writing from R.R. station in Norfolk, where we just got off the train and are waiting to go to the base. Enjoyed the trip very much and will call as so as I get to the base

Love to all,

Paul

Postmarked November 10, 1943 (postcard)

Nov. 10, 1943
0930

Dear Folks,

We just crossed the Virginia-West Virginia state line We had about an hour lay over in Cincinnati last nite. I've really been seeing real hill-billy country, The scenery is interesting and I'm enjoying the tirip very much.

Love to all,

Paul

Postmarked November 9, 1943 (postcard)

Nov. 9, 1943
1630

Dear Folks,

Just a short note to let you know I'm on my way. We left Great Lakes about 1000 and just pulled out of Elwood, Ind. We arrive at Norfolk at about 5:00 P.M. tomorrow.

Love to all,

Paul

Postmarked November 8, 1943

Nov. 8, 1943

Well this is it, I'm leaving for Norfolk, Va. I'll be there for about 6 to 8 weeks of training for Destroyer-Escort duty, The DE's are smaller than destroyers, about 600 to 700 tons and carry about a hundred men. Norfolk is about five or six hours from New York, so I'll be able to get home on a week-end liberty, so it not so bad. As least Norfolk will be a little warmer than Great Lakes. I might be getting a leave when my six weeks are up, but there is nothing sure about that. Well that's about all, except don't write until you get my new adress, and I'll call up as soon as I get to Norfolk, which will probably be Wednesday nite.

Love to all,

Paul

Postmarked November 6, 1943

Nov. 4, 1943

Dear Folks,

Well, I'm still here in Transfer Unit and it looks as tho I won't be shipped this week. I guess I'll be going up to Milwaukee this week-end, I haven't been up there for over a month. I got Dorothy's letter and I sure got a kick out of it. I certainly was surprised to hear about Miriam's forthcoming marriage. Nothing to write about, so I will close with

Love to all,

Paul

Postmarked November 3, 1943

Nov. 3, 1943

Dear Folks,

Well, I am still waiting around in Transfer Unit, and it is getting pretty boring. I've been getting all my gear cleaned up and packed in order so that I will be ready to shove off whenever I am called.

As you know, I was in Chicago this weekend and had a pretty good time. Chicago is O.K., but I like Milwaukee better, and if 'm still here, I'll be going there this weekend.

The weather here is really beginning to get cold. We have put our white hats away till spring, we wear the blue hats now. I'm glad that I'll be shoving off soon for the winters here must really be pretty rugged.

So Miriam is getting married?!! I sure was surprised to hear that. I'll have to write her about it.

That's about all, so I will close with,

Love to all,

Paul

Postmarked October 29, 1943

Oct. 28, 1943

Dear Folks,

I suppose your surprised that I'm writing from Great Lakes, but I'm still here , and probably will be here till next week. I'm in the "lost battalion" as we call it, composed of guys like me who lost their sections. It's pretty nice here tho, as we sleep as late as we want, go to chow when we feel like it, and don't do any work whatsoever. Boy am I getting spoiled. I got up at 9:30 this morning.

So Stanley has left eh? Well, that's the way it is with Navy taking all the good men. Seriously, tho, he'll probably make a darn good soldier once he gets used to it. Brains count just as much as brawn if not more.

Glad to here that Ralph has done so well in school. I hope he keeps it up. It probably doesn't mean much to him now, but it will later on.

That's about al, so I will close with

Love to all,

Paul

Postmarked October 26, 1943

Oct. 25, 1943

Dear Folks,

Well, they finally let me out of the hospital, and I am now in transfer unit. Since I missed my graduation, they gave me my diploma, which I am sending along to preserve with the rest of my documents. My final average was 92.05%, which is a little better than my high school average.

I didn't make a rating, none of our section did, but I believed I explained how the breaks worked there. I am rated as a machinist striker, which means that, under Bureau of Personnel rules, a striker must be used for the work in which they are trained. So at least I know I won't be a deck swab when I get aboard ship. I'll probably be shipping out in a day or two, so don't write until you get my next adress. If they tell us where's we're going, I'll call you up and let you know, if its not against regulations, which I think it is. If I don't call from here, I'll call as soon as I reach my next station, or, who knows I may drop in in person, but that is mostly wishful thinking.

Have to close now, so

Love to all,

Paul

Postmarked October 22, 1943

Oct. 21, 1943

Dear Folks,

Well, I'm still in the hospital, for it seems that they have gotten ny records mixed up and I probably won't get out till next week. My section shipped out today, but I don't know where they went. I sure wish I was with them.]

I got a Christmas Package from Republic today, I guess they take it seriously about doing Christmas shopping early.

I got a letter from Aunt Jennie giving Hank's adress. It is c/o Postmaster, San Francisco so you know what that means.

It sure gets monotonous doing nothing all day I hope to get sent back to duty soon. Nothing more to write so I will close with,

Love to all,

Paul

Postmarked October 19, 1943

Oct. 18, 1943

Dear Folks

Believe it or not I am in the hospital again. Here's how it happened. Friday afternoon I had a bellyache so I went to sick bay. They thought I might have appendicitis, so they sent me to the hospital to check up. As soon as the doctors looked at me they saw there was nothing wrong with me. I thought that they'd send me back to duty, but its a lot easier to get in a Naval Hospital than to get out. I missed out on my graduation this morning and I guess I will be sent to another section whenever they decide to let me out. I will probably graduate next Monday,

There is nothing the matter with me, I have been up and around since Saturday, and I an getting pretty bored just sitting around. I'm sorry that I lost my section as they were a swell bunch of fellows, but we would be separated anyway so I guess it doesn't make much difference.

Love to all,

Paul

Postmarked October 14, 1943

Oct. 14,1943

Dear Folks,

Sorry I didn't write sooner, but we are pretty busy getting everything straighened out since it is our last week.

The train got into Chicago at 9:55AM, and although we grabbed a taxi to the North Shore Line Station, we just missed the 10 o'clock train and had to wait till 1100. We didn't get back till noon, but we haven't heard anything about it yet and I don't think we will.

This afternoon we are moving over to Transfer Unit, so we are all pretty busy getting our gear in order. We will graduate Monday and probably leave about Wednesday or Thursday. None of us know where, but, boy, you ought to hear the rumors flying around!

That's about all, so I will close with,

Love to all,

Paul

Postmarked October 6, 1943

Oct. 5, 1943

Dear Folks,

Got Dad's and Ralph's letters yesterday. So Stan is about to be caught in the draft, eh? I'll have to kid him some when I'm home. We got paid the morning and I drew twenty bucks, so I don't have an financial worries, since I already have my ticket. Last nite we had slide valves and reciprocating engines and made a drawing of a four cylinder triple expansion engine of a battleship. Tonight we have mechanical drawing and physics.

I am writing this while listening to the first game of the series. We have a few St. Louis boys here as well as New Yorkers, so the feelings run pretty high.

This will be the last letter I write this week, as I will be home a couple of days after you get this. Ralph says that Vickie is getting smaller instead of bigger. I wonder if that little mutt will recognize me.

That's about al, so until I see you all, I will close with,

Love to all,

Paul

Postmarked September 30, 1943

Sept 30, 1943

Dear Folks,

Got your letter and was glad to hear from you. About renewing the newspaper subscriptions, I think it would be better to wait, as I will only be here a couple of more weeks, and it would be better to wait until I get my new address.

By the way, you never told me whether Ralph got the sneakers O.K. THey should have arrived long ago.

The weather here, after being cold enough for peacoats for a few days, has warmed up considerably. I guess its just Indian summer and probably won't last long.

Last night we had instruments and fire-fighting equipment and the nite before we had physics and mechanical drawing , in which we made free hand irometric sketches. We don't have to do as much studying as we did the first weeks of steam but we are pretty busy still.

Love to all,

Paul

Postmarked September 27, 1943

Sept. 27, 1943

Dear Folks,

Got your letter Saturday just before going out on liberty and didn't have a chance to answer until now. the tickets and reservations arrived O.K. Saturday morning and that part is all set. As for me fasting the day I am home, well, when it comes to choosing between my appetite and my religion, religion hasn't got much of a chance.

A new bunch just moved in from Sampson N.Y. and we are having a lot of fun with them. they don't think much of this idea of living out of sea bags since they had lockers at Sampson. The course for machinist's mates has been shortened from 16 to 8 weeks but that won't affect us any.

As far as delayed orders, we can keeping hoping, but it is very unlikely. Most of the machinist's mates graduating are being sent to the Pacific Coast, so we will have to make the most of that day I am home, as it will be a long time before I get another leave.

That's about all, so I will close with,

Love,

Paul

Postmarked September 24, 1943

Sept. 25, 1943

Dear Folks,

Well, I go the pies O.K. and they sure were good. The crust crumbled a little around the edges, but it was sure good anyway.

We are taking steam engineering now, and they sure are throwing it at us. In the last 4 days I've take more notes than I did in a term in High School. We've had, so far, boilers, feed water, heat insulation, valves & piping, physics, fuel systems and blowers, and there's a lot more to come.

The evening the chief who was instructing us showed us the notebook he kept when he went thru service school 27 years ago. The drawings we so good that they looked like they were out of a book and pasted in instead of drawn. A couple were so good I had to feel the paper before I could believe they were not pasted in.

I like the steam engineering but they sure are cramming a lot into four weeks. I guess they just expect us to learn the basic principles here, and the details will come when get aboard ship.

That's about all, so I will close with,

Love to all,

Paul

Postmarked September 21, 1943

Sept 20, 1943

Dear Folks,

Sorry that I haven't written in a few days, but my call Sunday ought to help make up for it.

Saturday we saw Great lakes lose too Purdue 23-13. It was a good game though, one that you would pay plenty for tickets on the outside. It was just like a college game, with Wave cheerleaders, no less!

Last nite at the happy hour, I wish Ralph was there. One fellow did imitations of radio personalities, and his impression of Gabriel Heatter was really good. He was practically bawling all over himself and I'm sure Ralph would have gotten a big kick out of it.

Tomorrow we are going to call up the Pennsylvania R.R. in Chicago and find out about reservations on the "Trail Blazer." If possible we will make out reservations right then and their, but I don't know whether we have to pay for the tickets in advance or not.

That's about all, so I will close with,

Love,

Paul

Postmarked September 16, 1943

Sept. 15, 1943

Dear Folks,

Got your package yesterday and was glad to get those cookies. How about an apple pie in the next one? I think it you packed it well it would arrive O.K. I also got Ralph's letter this A.M. and I was glad to hear he is so enthusiastic about going back to school. Well, I guess Dotty is glad to get back to school, anyhow. As for those sneakers, I will get them tomorrow for sure.

As far as getting home is concerned, the chance for delayed orders is pretty slim, so I will have to try and make it on my 66 [hour liberty]. We are going to get reservations on the Trail Blazer which leaves Chicago at 3:15 and gets into Penn station at 9:30 Sat. morning. We are supposed to be back at 9:30 Monday morning, but from what I've seen and heard, they don't do anything if you are a few hours late coming back.

That's about all for now, so I will close with

Love to all,

Paul

Postmarked September 13, 1943

Dear Folks,

Just got back from another swell time in Milwaukee. We went to a party given by the girls from Allis-Chalmers. In addition to a dance there was a pretty good floor show, a free supper, and all the beer you could drink, so all in al it was a pretty good liberty.

The weather today is really miserable, cold and wet, raining off and on. Good weather to stay in. I guess the kids will be starting school today won't they. I'll bet Ralph is just too happy for words. I guess Dotty will be glad to get back, tho.

I glad you liked the picture. I think it was pretty good. It cost 44c and the frame was 75c which isn't too bad. I was a little worried about the glass breaking but I guess I had it packed pretty good.

That's about all, so I will close with,

Love to all

Paul

Postmarked September 10, 1943

Sept. 10, 1943

Dear Folks,

haven't heard from you in a few days now and am beginning to wonder if some of the mail was on one of those trains that was wrecked.

Fall is really here now. We are in blues and we really need those blankets. We were woke a 4:00 A.M. this morning for a fire drill, and bit it was cold. I like this kind of weather, tho it seems to pep you up.

Got a letter from Henry a couple of days ago. He is back on active duty and is waiting to be shipped.  I got the package O.K. and I must say that the section enjoyed the cake very much. I didn't get a chance to by the sneakers for Ralph yet but I will get them next week.

A lot of fellows graduating have gotten ten days delayed orders. I will keep my eyes and ears open the next few weeks, and if chances for delayed orders seem pretty good I made not come home on my 66 hour liberty, as that would only give me a few hours home and it wouldn't be worth it if I could get home for a few days a week later. There are still a lot of ifs, buts, and maybes, tho, so we will just have to sit tight and hope things work out right.

Love to all,

Paul

Postmarked September 3, 1943

Sept. 2, 1943

Dear Folks,

Well, the pictures are finally ready and you will probably get it within a few days. I think they are not bad.

I got  letter from Henry the other day, and he is back at his station so he must be O.K. I also heard from George, he sent me some money he borrowed while he was here and it came in pretty handy as I was pretty near broke.

there isn't much to tell and its about time to fall out, so I will close with,

Love to all,

Paul

Postmarked August 31, 1943

Aug. 31, 1943

Dear Folks,

Got our letter and was glad to here from you. I went with a couple of fellows to a dance at the Eagle's Club in Milwaukee and had a pretty good time, I am getting to be a pretty good dancer, believe it or not!

As far as school goes, things are coming along fine. I don't know my exact grades, but I'm pretty sure I have about a 90% average. If I can keep it up, I ought to get something out of this school.

What kind of hunting are Dad and Ralph going to do and where? This is something new, isn't it? So they are lifting the gas restrictions of boats? Maybe I am lucky enough to get delayed orders I may get in a couple of days fishing. I sure hope so.

Well, it's almost time for the chow to start, so I will close now as I would like to get there in time to get a seat.

Love to all,

Paul

Postmarked August 28, 1943

Aug. 27, 1943

Dear Folks,

Got your letter this morning and was glad to hear from you. I also got a letter from Ralph. I see he is taking in ball games in a big way.

Well, we have only two more weekends altogether that we don't have liberty, for we have it every weekend the last four weeks. I got a letter from George today and he is doing O.K. He hasn't any picnic, tho, as they have to study pretty hard, but it is still a lot easier than here.

There isn't much to write about and it is almost time to fall out, so I will close with,

Love to all,

Paul

Postmarked August 25, 1943

Aug. 24, 1943

Dear Folks,

Got a letter from Henry yesterday, in Lincoln Neb. His arm is coming around O.K. but is will be several weeks before he is ready for duty.

I didn't hear from you this morning but there may be a letter this afternoon. This morning we saw "Stormy Weather" with Bill Robinson and it wasn't bad. Today we have more hot weather, its so sticky that the least move starts you sweating.

Next time you send jam, try to get a screw cap jar, as the one you sent me has a cap that presses on and it is not very secure, and it would make quite a mess if it came open in my bag.

There isn't much more to write, and its almost time to fall out so I will close with

Love to all,

Paul

Postmarked August 22, 1943

Aug. 21, 1943

Dear Folks,

Not much too write about except that everything is coming along O.K.

Got another letter from George yesterday, and he is getting along O.K. I wish we could get together some week-end, but it took him nearly 9 hrs to get there from the Lakes, and that was on the "Hiawatha" streamliner, so I'm afraid it's out of the question.

How is the food situation? I see in the paper that it is getting almost impossible to get meat. I hope your getting enough to eat.

As I said before, things here are pretty much the same. We finished our 8th week here today, we are half-way thru. We have four more weeks of shop, the last four being steam in classes in steam and physics.

That's about all, so I will close with,

Love to all,

Paul

Photo credit: http://www.yesteryeardepot.com/milwaur.htm

Postmarked August 20, 1943

August 19, 1943

Dear Folks,

This will have to be short as we fall out in a few minutes. There isn't anything much to write about, as thing are pretty much the same around the shop.

Last nite I turned up a hammer handle out of cold rolled [sp?], nothing precision, but it wanted to be a nice looking job with a good clean knurl and a nice Philadelphia finish.

The weather has turned pretty cool the last few days, and we have been using blackets at nite. I'm glad we're getting out of here in the fall before it gets cold, because this place is really an ice-box in the winter

That's about all, so I will close with,

Love to all,

Paul

Postmarked August 16, 1943

August 16, 1943

Dear Folks

Well, I just got back from another liberty in Milwaukee and as usual, had a good time. In another few weeks, well be getting liberty every weekend instead of every other weekend.

I stayed at the Milwaukee Athletic Club this weekend, which is not exactly a hotel but a sort of business man's club. It has a swimming pool and gym and other athletic facilities. We had a swim Sunday morning after we got up, and believe me, there's nothing like a swim before breakfast to give you an appetite.

I got a letter from George today. He's at the University of Minnesota at St. Paul, and they have it pretty nice. They live two men to a room and they have closets and lockers instead of seabags to keep there clothes in. He gets liberty every week-end too.

That's about all so I will close now.

Love to all,

Paul

Postmarked August 14, 1943

August 13, 1943

Dear Folks,

I got the package yesterday and here is the report. The tomatoes were not such a good idea. They arrived crushed to a pulp, but outside of that the package arrived in good condition.

The pictures aren't ready yet. It seems the photo shop has more work than they can handle and hence, the delay.

Well, I guess the kids will start thinking of going back to school. Time sure is going fast. Another month and we'll be wearing blues again. Out graduation date is Oct. 19, unless the course is shortened.

Last nite we had a tricky little lathe job, a body of an automatic center punch and had a square thread on one end and an inside V thread on the other, so you can see, it was a pretty tricky job.

Postmarked August 12, 1943

Aug, 13, 1943 [sic]

Got your letter this morning and I will be glad to get that package. George left this morning for Minneapolis, Minn., so he will be even further from home than I am. I had sort of hoped that we might be together for a while, but that's the way the Navy is.

Today it is really pouring cats and dogs, a good day to relax on the sofa with a couple of comic books.

By the way, if you need any rubbers for Dad or Ralph or if Ralph needs any gym shoes, let me know. I here they are pretty hard to get, and the ones we get are probably cheaper and better than any you could get.

That's about all, so I will close with

Love to all,

Paul

Postmarked August 10, 1943

Aug, 10, 1943

Sorry I didn't write sooner, but as you know by now, we are pretty busy. The pictures aren't ready yet, but I am sending a snap I had taken with two other fellows in our section. In case you can't recognize the handsomest man, I'm in the left hand corner. The fellow next to me is from Elmhurst, and the boy in back is from Kentucky a real live hillbilly.

I got your letter this morning and I gather that you are having some warm weather. It's pretty warm here to but you don't notice it so much. I guess its because are so near the lake.

Last nite I was talking to one of the instructors in the shop who had just finished a year of sub duty and it was pretty interesting. He told me not to worry too much about making a rate, because the mere fact that I have graduated from the school makes me eligible to strike for a rating as soon as I get aboard ship.

That's about all, so I will close with

Love to all,

Paul

Postmarked August 6, 1943

Aug. 5, 1943

Dear Folks,

Well, I saw George yesterday when he came in, and I am sure glad we are more or less together again, even if it may only be for a week or two. We don't know where or when he will be sent to school, but he will probably end up at G. L. U. (Great Lakes University). If so I hope he gets in an even numbered section so we can take liberty together.

Last night we milled an octagon on the micrex [sp?] head and the nite before we took a team turbine apart and put it back together again. The turbine came from a old four stack destroyer, where it was used to drive a 50 K.W. generator. The new turbines are made with much more precision than  this was but it was quite a job nevertheless. Each one of the blades is installed and fitted by hand, since there is not way to machine them.

That is about all, so I will close with,

Love to all,

Paul

Postmarked August 4, 1943

August 3, 1943

Dear Folks,

Got the package Friday and needless to say was glad to get the eats and especially the stamp. I've used it already and it works O.K. That packages presented somewhat of a problem the next day, because it was Saturday and inspection day. However, by scattering the contents in three or four fellow's sea bags, I got by O.K.

Well, George will be coming back tomorrow. I wrote him while he was home and told him to take the same train back as I did. I am going to meet him tomorrow when he comes in. We will be ale to see each other while he's in O.G.U., as that is just across the drill field from us. I hope he is luckier than I was and gets sent to school somewhere nearer home.

That's about all, so I will close with,

Love to all,

Paul

Postmarked July 31, 1943

July 30, 1943

Dear Folks,

Well, here it is another week gone. Time sure goes like lightning. I guess its because we're so busy. We've been turning up die stocks for the last couple of nites, and I've been doing a lot of knurling. Tonite we have math and mech. drawing, so at least I will have a chance to sit down.

I saw the proofs of the pictures I had taken last week and I think I can say without to much conceit that they don't look bad. The pictures should be ready in about a week.

You may have seen George by now, he said he would drop over while he was home. I am going to try to meet him when he comes back, and, if he stays here long enough, we may be able to take a couple of liberties together.

It's almost time to fall out, so I will close with,

Love to all,

Paul

Postmarked July 28, 1943

July 28, 1943

Dear Folks,

This letter will have to be short, as we are falling out soon. Last nite we cut a helical gear on the  milling machine. We had to set up the gears from the lead screw to the index head to get the lead and also set the table at the angle and set up the index head. There wasn't anything to the job once we had the set up, but that part took a little figuring and thinking

The nite before, we were working on shapers. The instructor asked for a few men who could grind tool bits. He gave me a couple to grind, and he must have like them because he made deal with me to grind tool bits the rest of the night for a mark of 100. So you see, I am doing all right.

Outside of that, there isn't much new. I am looking forward to getting that package and also the stamp.

Love to all,

Paul

Postmark missing, probably July 26, 1943

July 25, 1943

Dear Folks,

I am writing this letter while "standing" guard in the recreation building. The standing in quotes because I am sitting in a swivel chair at the officers deck listening to a phonograph. I just came back from taking a swim in the pool. Boy, if only all watches were like this?

I couldn't get to see George but I called him up and talked to him. By the time you get this letter he will probably be home. He made Machinists Mates school, in which he was pretty lucky as they are not taking very many. For his sake I hope he gets sent to some college where the fellow have one swell time, but for my sake I hope he stays here so we can be together.

I had some pictures taken in whites today and they will be ready in a couple of weeks. Nothing more to write, so I will close with,

Love to all,

Paul

P.S. Please excuse pencil, but I left my pen at the barracks.

Postmarked July 23, 1943 Same Time

July 23, 1943

Dear Folks,

Got your package and that cake was just the thing. I have a piece wrapped up under my shirt to eat tonite in the shop during our 9:00 smoking period and will probably finish it off tonite after we get back from the shop.

This week sure flew, tho. It seems as tho we just came off liberty, and here it is another week gone. I guess its because we are kept so busy that we hardly have time to do anything.

Yesterday we say "Night Plane from Chunking." It has plenty of action and shoot-ya-dead, and Ralph would probably enjoy it.

I sure get a kick out of the way they're mopping up on the wops in Sicily. Some fellows are talking about being home by Christmas, but I think they are being a little over-optimistic. I hope I get a chance to get to sea a little while at least before it is over. I wold hate to go thru all this rigamarole without even seeing a ship.

That is about all there is for now, and besides we are falling out in a few seconds.

Love to all,

Paul

Postmarked July 23, 1943

July 22, 1943

Dear Folks,

Got Dad's letter and was glad to here that everything is O.K. home. I heard about Henry's accident and was pretty surprised. Maybe he can get a leave out of it. So Stanley was rejected. Well, tell him not to feel to badly about it. There are lots of ways he can be useful, such as knitting, rolling bandages, etc.

So George is getting out the 25th? Boy they are turning them out fast. I haven't seen him in the last couple of weeks and probably will not be able to as I do not rate liberty till next Saturday, but I will see him it O.G.U. when he gets back from his 9 days. I hope he makes the school, but they are not taking many hear, as there are more machinist's mates now than they know what to do with. That is why they aren't giving out any rates.

I hope you can get that rubber stamp, but if not, the metal stencil will be better than a cardboard one.

There isn't much more tow rite, so I will close with,

Love to all,

Paul

Postmarked July 21, 1943

July 20, 1943

Dear Folks,

Sorry I didn't write sooner, but I have been pretty busy. I got a letter from Ralph today and was glad to hear that he had a good time in Lindenhurst. So he is become an expert lathe-hand eh?

I am now amusing myself by watching a little kitten playing with a bone. she came in this morning while I was on guard and we can't get rid of it. I guess we'll have a mascot for the rest of our time here.

Last nite we turned down hammer-heads on the lathe, and the nite before we made center punches.

There isn't much to tell, everything is pretty much the same old routine.

How about sending some stuff like Ritz crackers, jam, peanut butter, etc. When we get back from the shop, a little midnite snack just hits the spot.

That's about all, so I will close with,

Love to all,

Paul

Postmarked July 14, 1943

Dear Folks,

Well, last night we went to the advanced shop. We used mikes [micrometers] last night and did some precision turning, knurling and threading. We worked two on a lathe, so that makes the time pass faster. We must have been doing O.K., for after we working a while, the chief came over and said, "I can see that you fellows have done this before." So I am being noticed, anyway.

This morning we saw "Stage Door Canteen." It's a pretty good picture and you ought to see it when it gets around. They have movies at 1000 on Tuesdays and Thursday for nite school students.

If you can get one, I would like a rubber stamp of my name in capital letters 3/4" highm like this:

KLEINMAN P.H.

I could use it to stamp my name on my clothes as it would be much neater and more convenient than a stencil. I would also need, of course, an indelible ink pad for it. I don't know if you can get such things made now, but if you can, it would be pretty handy.

That's about all, so I will close with,

Love to all,

Paul

Postmarked July 13,1943, from Samuel J. Kravis

July 12th

Dear Friends,

I received your letter a while ago, but, as you can see, I was lax in answering it.

I'd like to mention that I too have been recommended for machinest school, but I'm not so sure that I'll be selected, for there are a lot of machinests in the Navy by now. I want nothing more than to go to this school.

Paul called up last week and left me his phone number. I'll call him as soon as opportunity permits. There are a few topics I would like to discuss with him.

You might call it luck or just good fortune, for my graduation has been cut from August 10th to July 26 - a real break. I just can't wait to get home. I really like it here though, and am going to miss all the honest and good friends I've met.

I've become regimental bugler now  and am the fellow they all would like to murder. Yes, I wake 'em up and put the little boys to sleep. As for me, well, I never get more than six hours sleep a night. It's a beautiful sight, though, when morning colors are blown and the whole regiment is at hand to salute the flag.

Tell Ralphie that when I come home I'll drop over at the first opportunity and see you all.

Companies 642-645 have gone home today, and company 680 is graduating Saturday, so you see there isn't much more time left, for I'm in co. 725. I know the days will go fast and if I get the flyer, I'll be home in 16 hours.

In the meantime don't worry too much, for Paul likes it here, and also tell Ralphie not to read too many comic books. They do his imagination no good.

Yours very truly,

-George-

Postmarked July 12,1943

July 11, 1943

Dear Folks,

Well, here it is Sunday again, a cloudy day and it looks like rain. I have a watch this morning from 0800 to 1200 so I will not be able to make my call until this afternoon.

It's pretty hard to think of anything to write about as things are pretty much the same all the time. I cut splines on the shaper Friday night, using a splining bar, a tool something like a boring bar. As I said in my last letter, we start in the advance shop Monday, and guess the work there will be a little more interesting.

I can't think of anything ore to say, so I will close with

Love to all,

Paul

Postmarked July 10,1943

July 9, 1943

Dear Folks

Here it is Friday, and another week gone. The time is starting to go fast now. I guess the 16 weeks will be over before I know it. We got a lucky break as the other day the came out that uniform for service school students would be dungarees all day. Up to now we had to wear whites in the morning now the only time we have to wear them is on Sunday. This will save quite a bit of scrubbing.

I don't rate liberty this weekend, so I will catch up with my washing etc.

We cut tapered threads the other night and cut some more gears last night. The stuff we make in the first two weeks is not used for anything, but from now on we will make things like milling cutters, reamers etc. We also make tools for Navy Torpedo Stations. It's a pretty thorough course. Of course it won't make a first class machinist in 16 weeks, but it gives a pretty good general knowlege of marine engines and machine shop work.

Thats about all there is to tell except that I am fie and hope everyone at home is the same.

Love to all,

Paul

Postmarked July 7, 1943

July 5, 1943

Dear Folks,

 I got your package today and was glad to receive it, but the soap powder can must have opened because it was spilled all over everything. It didn't spoil anything, just made it a litte messy to handle.

So the Franks have a son? Well, be sure and extend my heartiest congratulations.

I spent my liberty in Milwaukee this week end and had a pretty good time. We went to an amusement park Saturday nite and to a fourth of July party and dance Sunday. We got paid today and I am sending home a $20 money order, since I have enough to take care of my needs so there is no need of carrying to much money around.

We cut a taper pipe thread on the lathe last nite and that was pretty interesting. We had to figure the amount of set-over on the tailstock to get the correct taper.

that's all that I can think of to write, so I will close with,

Love to All,

Paul

Postmarked July 1, 1943

June 30, 1943

Dear Folks,

Well, I've been in school two days now and I like it pretty well. We are doing lathe work now, simple turning jobs that I can do with my eyes closed. It will be pretty monotonous for me for the first few weeks, but I guess it will be more interesting when we get to more advanced work.

As I told you before, we have an hour's physical training each day. Monday, we have swimming, Tuesday tumbling, Wednesday tumbling and calisthenics, Thursday boxing and obstacle course and Friday a hike, in which we walk a block and run a block and stop for a few sessions of calisthenics in between.

The last two days have actually been cold and I mean cold. We have to use blankets at nite and if it keeps up much longer we will have to go back to wearing blues, which I wouldn't mind either.

That is all, so I will close with

Love to all,

Paul

Probably Postmarked June 29 or 30, Envelope Missing

June 29, 1943

1400

Dear Folks,

Well today is the day we start work. We have swimming this afternoon for the physical training and we report to the shop at 1600.

Yesterday we saw Great Lakes beat Camp Grant in baseball 10-2. The team includes many ex big league players such as Johnny Mize. We also saw a happy hour last night, and it was pretty good.

Our barrack are right on the shore of the lake and that makes it pretty cool at nite. The temperature was 95 degrees yesterday afternoon, but still it was cold enough to need blankets at nite.

That is about all for now. I'll write and let you know how the school is, and what we do.

Love to all,

Paul

Postmarked June 28, 1943

June 26, 1941

Dear Folks,

I got your letter today and was glad to here from you. I was pretty busy yesterday, as we had to scrub all our canvas (ditty bags, sea bags, and hammocks) for inspection today. Next week I will have a 32 hour liberty over the fourth of July week-end. We have a bag inspection before every liberty. The clothes don't have to be rolled, but everything must be clean.

We had a lecture today and also got our textbooks. We have a book on shop theory by the Ford Trade School and also the Lathe book by South Bend. I would like a copy of the Machinist's Handbook and also a chain for my dogtag. I tried to get one but they don't have them.

As I told you in my last letter, we start Classes this Monday It's almost "lights out," so I'll close with

Love to all,

Paul

Postmarked June 25, 1943

June 24, 1943

Dear Folks

Well I finally have got to school here at Great Lakes after all. We have night school our shift is from 16:30 to midnite, but we can sleep till 0800 in the morning. We start classes Monday. Here is my adress, and this time its a lulu

Paul H. Kleinman F3c

Sec. M 6-16 Brcks 605 U.S. Service School,

U.S. N.T.S.

Great Lakes, Ill.

In addittion to shop work, we stand watches, have an hour of physical training every day, stand inspections and keep the barracks clean. We get 32 hour liberty every other weekend.

The course is for 16 weeks. The first 12 are spend on machine shop work and the last 45 on steam turbines.

After graduation, we get a 66 hour liberty, which would hardly be enough for me to come home on unless I get delayed orders, in which case I might not have to report for a couple of weeks. However that is all a long way off.

That is all I have time for, so I will close with

Love to all,

Paul

Postmarked June 23, 1943

June 22, 1943

Dear Folks,

Well, it won't be long now. I am on draft and have transferred to the Shipping barracks, which is a sort of outgoing-outgoing unit. I will probably be leaving in ad day or two; as for where, your guess is as good as  mine, and there are schools all over the country.

It was real hot again today, it looks like summer is here to stay. You wouldn't think one place would be so cold in winter and hot in summer.

I can't think of anything to write and nothing happens here to tell about, so I will close with

Love to all,

Paul

Postmarked June 22,1943

June 21, 1943

Dear Folks,

Well, I spent my 35 hour liberty in Milwaukee this weekend and had a pretty good time. I went up with another fellow who had been there before and knew the way around better than I did. We shared a room in the Hotel Pfister, which is one of the best hotels in Milwaukee. We got tickets at the U.S.O., so the room only cost us a buck each. We saw a few shows, and he introduced me to a couple of girls, and all in all it was a pretty good liberty. Milwaukee is a good town for a sailor, the people are freindly and treat us like kings.

I saw George last night. After I got back I went over to boot camp for an hour. I created quite a stir there too compared to those rookies, I am a salty veteran. George seemed pretty happy and he looked well, I'm sure his mother will be be glad to hear this.

Today is really a scorcher, the temperature must be close to 100 degrees. I hung some clothes out to dry, and they were practically dry before I even got thru hanging them up, which gives you an idea how hot it is.

Now that I am off K.P., I am living the life of Rielly. Outside of keeping the barracks clean, and about an hour's exersise in the morning, we don't have a thing to do. I'm afraid this paradise won't last, tho, as I am sure to be drafter out this week, perhaps tomorrow or the next day.

I got your letter and am glad Dad and Ralph had a good day. I'd like to know just what they caught. I also got the pictures and was glad to get them.

That's about all, so I'll close with

Love to all,

Paul

Postmarked June 18, 1943

June 17, 1943

Dear Folks,

Well, I finally got off K.P., and I'm not sorry; ten days of that is enough for anybody I'll miss that toast and orange juice for breakfast. I have gotten spoiled pretty bad, and its going to be hard going back to ordinary chow.

I bought some machinist's mate striker badges to sew on my jumpers, and I am sending one home as a souvenir. I wear it on my left sleeve, about half way between the wrist and elbow.

Friday is payday - I don't know home much I am getting, but it should be about $25 or $30. When I get paid, I am going to buy a raincoat, which will coast $7.50. Their is a tailor shop hear where we can get our clothes cleaned and pressed, but it takes 4 or 5 days to get work done, so I can't take a chance, as I may be leaving any day.

I called up George last night, and he seems to like it O.K. He has joined the drum and bugle corps, and seems to be getting along fine. I hope to be able to get to see him this Sunday.

That's about all, so I will close with,

Love to all,

Paul

Postmarked June 16, 1943

June 15, 1943

Dear Folks,

I am still on K. P., but I will be getting off in another day or two. The other day they sent out all machinist's mates up to Co. 399, so i am pretty sure to be on the next draft, whenever it leave O. G. U.

The weather here has been pretty warm the last few days, and it looks like summer is here to stay. I didn't get any letter from you today, so I guess there will be two tomorrow.

This weekend I will have a 35 hour liberty from 1300 Saturday to 2200 Sunday, if I am still here.

i wish I could think of something interesting to write but I can't. Besides, it is almost lights out, so I will close with

Love to all,

Paul

Postmarked June 15, 1943

Dear Folks,

I just got back from calling up, and it was good to hear your voices, even though the iine wasn't so good.

There isn't to much to write, as I told you practically everything on the phone. 

In all probability I will be out of here by the end of this week. We are right near the lake here, the mess hall where I work is right on the waterfront. The word "lake" is deceiving, lakes are supposed to be small, but this one is plenty big. You could put the bay in there and lose it.

We sleep in 3 decker bunks over hear and mine is right up on top about ten feet high. To get into bed requires quite a climb. I am getting the papers O. K., the are being forwarded here. I had quite a pile of them waiting for me when I got back.

I guess that is all, so i will close with

Love to all,

Paul

P. S. When you write, be sure to include my middle initial, as there is another Paul Kleinman here, and the only difference is in our middle names.

Postmarked June 12, 1943

June 10, 1973

Dear Folks,

This letter will be a short one for two reasons, one there isn't much to tell, and second, I haven't much time as it is almost lights out. I am still on K. P. as I will be for several days yet. Today, about a dozen Waves came in our mess hall for dinner, which was something out of the ordinary.

The O. G. U.  barracks is like Grand Central Station. There are guys coming in and leaving every day. I am trying to keep everything in order as much as possible so that it will not take me too long to get lashed up when we do get our orders to move. There are rumors of a big machinist's mate draft leaving Monday, but you can't put too much faith in that scuttlebutt that goes around.

That's about all, so i will close with,

Love to all,

Paul

Postmarked June 10, 1943

June 9, 1943

Dear Folks,

Well, I am on K. P. again. I was stuck on it the second day here and I don't know when I'll get off. I will probably be on it about 10 days, unless I am sent to school sooner. However, it is not so bad, since I am in the officer's mess, so we get orange juice, toast and other unheard of delicacies.

I heard from George today, and believe it or not, he is right out here at the Lakes. I got a card from him today, and he seems to like it so far. I will not be able to see him until I get off K. P.

I got some mail today that you wrote before I came home, and also a pile of papers. We don't get our mail delivered here, we have to go and get it ourselves. Please give all the folks my new adress, as I would like to here from them. I will probably not be able to write much as I will not have the time, but I will try to call Sunday nite. That's all for now.

Love to all,

Paul

Postmarked June 8, 1943

June 7, 1943

Dear Folks,

Before I start, here is my new adress,

Paul Kleinman F3c

Co. 403 O.G.U.

U.S.N.I.S.

Great Lakes, Ill.

Well I got in O.K. this morning on time, in spite of the fact that the train was about 20 minutes late, and I took time out for breakfast in Chicago. I am now in an outgoing unit barracks and we do not do a thing here, just lay around the barracks all day. We will have liberty every weekend having Saturday off one week and Sunday the next. I was pretty busy this afternoon getting my bunk in order and my washing done. Naturally I don't know how long I'll be here or where I'll be going after I do leave. It is very cool out here much, cooler than in N.Y. There isn't aything more to write, so I will close with,

Love to all,

Paul

Postmarked July 3, 1943

Dear Folks,

Well, my first week of school. Last night we cut a gear on a milling machine and tonite we are working on shapers. It was the first gear I ever cut and the first time I used a standard index head, but at that I guess I knew more than most of them.

Last week I made an allotment of $12.50 a month for war bonds It will not start till Oct. 1, and by then I will probably be going out to sea and will not have any place to spend my pay anyhow, so I guess I night as well save some of it.

I am going to Milwaukee tomorrow on a 32 hour liberty, from 1600 Saturday to 2400 Sunday. I just got my dress jumper back this morning from the tailor. I had it altered so that it now fits me perfectly. The weather has not been to warm, so I guess I will wear blues, since the uniform is optional on an overnight liberty.

That's about all, so I will close with

Love to all,

Paul

Postmarked May 26, 1943

May 25, 1943

Dear Folks,

I didn't get my any letters today, so I guess there will be two tomorrow. I'm glad you liked the pictures, and, as I told you on the phone, I will have some more soon

Last night I saw "A Stranger in Town" with Frank Morgan and it was pretty good. After a couple of warm days it got cold again today. You've probably read about the floods out in the Midwest, which is no wonder considering all the rain we've had. Since I got back from the hospital there has been only one day that it didn't rain.

How are things at home? Has Vickie finally learned to behave herself? Is she any bigger? How are Dotty and Ralph coming along in school?

Love to all,

Paul

Postmarked May 24, 1943

May 23, 1943

1430

Dear Folks,

Right after I got back from making my call this morning, the Co. clerk read off the list of who made school. I made machinist's mate, as I was pretty sure I did all along. I have been promoted to Fireman 3c, effective as soon as I graduate, but that was more or less automatic as everyone becomes either a Seaman 2c or a Fireman 3c after graduating, depending on whether they go into the deck or engine room branch. My pay will then be $54 or a 4 dollar raise.

We had a mock air raid here today. A squadron of training places from Glenview Aviation Base "dive-bombed" us all afternoon and was some sight to see the swooping in and pulling out inches above the roof tops.

I'm glad the Dad and Ralph had such a good day's fishing and I sure hope the  keep running for the next few weeks. 48 flounders! Boy, that's really pulling them in.

That just about covers everything so I will close with,

Love to all,

Paul

Postmarked May 21, 1943

May 20, 1943

Dear Folks,

Today I had about the greatest thrill of my life. I went aboard a submarine! She was a brand new sub, just commissioned a month ago. She was built on the Great Lakes, and will be sent down the Mississippi. They are building a lot of subs that way. I don't think I've every saw so much machinery in one place. I went thru the whole boat, but naturally, I didn't have a chance to examine it very closely. The 16 cylinder Deisel engines alone are a sight to see. All that presicious machinery is something to see. I guess I was pretty impressed since I can appreciate all the precision work that went into it.

We also had a gas lecture and learned how to put on and adjust a gas mask. Next week will actually go thru the gas chamber. We will probably never be exposed to a gas attack, but its best to be prepared anyway.

That's all there is, there is no more, so I will close with,

Love to all,

Paul

Postmarked May 20, 1943

May 18, 1943

Dear Folks,

I didn't hear from you today, but there will probably be two or three tomorrow. I got a letter from Henry yesterday and he says he may get a furlough some time in June. It would be swell if I could see him while I am home, but that is mostly wishful thinking.

We have been pretty busy this week. Yesterday we spent the whole afternoon on marlinespike seamanship, and we had a test on gunnery this morning. We are also study the semaphore system of signaling, and we have to know thwe whole alphabet by Saturday. I'm studying that Bluejacket Manual harder than I ever studied any book in school.

As for the weather, the less said, the better. It has rained every day since I got back from the hospital. It is so muddy you need a life preserver every time you step outside.

There isn't any more to tell, so I will close with

Love to all,

Paul

Postmarked May 17, 1943

May 15, 1943

dear Folks,

I got your letter and am glad you liked the Mother's day card. It sure was tough that I didn't get measles a week earlier so that I could have missed K.P., but I guess I'm not that lucky.

I got several letters today about a week late because they were sent to the hospital ad got there after I got out, so they took that long to catch up with me. They same thing happened with a package from Aunt Reba, so the cookies were kind of hard.

We are making plans for a party the night before we leave. Each one is kicking in a buck to pay for it and to buy a present for the chief. One of the fellow's mother is baking us a cake. It will have to be pretty big to feed 115 buys.

I guess that i about all, so I will close with

Love to all,

Paul

Postmarked May 15, 1943

May 14, 1943

Dear Folks,

This morning was a pretty special ocassion for us. We first got word of it last night, when we got orders to have lean hats and legging and uniforms pressed for the next day. Immediately, the scuttlebutt bean to fly, the President himself was coming, according to the rumors. As a matter of fact they weren't far from wrong. The Assistant Secretary of the Navy, Admiral Downes, and Capt. Emmet were there to review us. You will probably see pictures of it in the papers. I am in the center ranks slightly to the right of the reviewing stand, but I doubt if that would be much help, because there were over 40,000 men lined up.

So the garden is producing already! Well, I must say that is pretty. If the farmer stay ambitious all summer, there ought to be a pretty good crop.

They days are really flying by now. Only a few more weeks and we'll be marching to the train. We made out slips yesterday for our dress jumpers, and we will be getting them in a few days.

That is about all, so

Love to all,

Paul

Postmarked May 14, 1943

May 13, 1943

1930

Dear Folks,

Well, I got my long awaited interview yesterday. He asked me quite a few questions about my skill and seemed particularly interested in the machine I could operate and well I could read blueprints. He put me down for machinist's mate, and, although it is not a sure thing, he said chances are about 99 out of 100. of making school, so it is practically certain. I'm sure Dad will be glad to here this. We will now for certain in about 2 weeks, but I don't have much to worry about.

We had wrestling today against Co. 367. I was kind of out of condition after a week in the hospital, and so the best I could do was a draw. We wrestled around for about 5 minutes and neither of us could score a fall, so the ref called it a draw.

I have ordered another half dozen post card size picture and they will be ready in about a week. That is about all there is to tell, so i will close with

Love to all,

Paul

Postmarked May 13, 1943

May 12, 1943
1130

Dear Folks,

Got two letters from you this morning, and in answer to your question about the R.L.H.S.M. [hand-printed on the May 7 envelope] stand for "Rush Like H___ Sailor's Mail."

Well, I am getting my service school interview at 1300 today and it will probably decide my fate, so to speak. However, with my grades o the tests and previous experience I shouldn't have much trouble.

I drew some clothes today from small stores. I got two suits of underwear, a whisk broom, another white hat, and a news pair of blue pants. With the dress jumper we will get in another week or so, I will have a breand new uniform to come home in. When I do get home I would like to do some fishing out on the bay. That may seem like a sort of bus man's holiday, but I really miss those days when our biggest worry was hoping the outboard would get us home. I hope those flounders and fluke are running good out in the inlet.

Well, tomorrow is pay day again. From now on I am going to save as much money as I can. Although we get $50 to go home on, the train ticket cost's $23.55, and meals on the train will come to another few dollars, so it will take a pretty big chunk out of the fifty.

That is all there is for now so I will close with

Love to all,

Paul

Postmarked May 12, 1943

May 11, 1943

Dear Folks,

Believe it or not, I just got back from a week in the hospital with the German measles. I didn't say anything about it while I was there becaseu I didn't want to worry you, but now that I am back I guess it is I.K. to tell you.

It was a pretty pleasant week, bbeing able to sleep as late as I wanted and not having to do any work, but I am glad to be back with the rest of the boys. It gets on your nerves just laying around in bed doing nothing.

I missed quite a lot while I was there as this was an important week I picked to get sick. I missed, among other things, the rifle range, the anti-tetanus shot, and the school interviews, and I will have to make all these things up. I was lucky to not to lose my company, as that would mean being put back into a newer company. Not only would I be separated from all my pals, but I would graduate a week later also, but things worked out O.K. and I am back in my own company.

Before I close, I want to make it clear that I am perfectly well now, as they wouldn't let me out of the hospital if I wasn't.

Love to all,

Paul

Postmarked May 8, 1943

May 8, 1943

Dear Folks,

I got your letters and am glad you liked the picture. If Ralph thinks my G.I. haircut was bad he should see some of these guys. They've really been scalped.

So the local paper finally got to writing about me. At that, it's quicker than I had expected. I thought I would read it myself when I got home.

So Ralph is doing good in school, eh. What's the little brat trying to do became a lousy genius. I thought he was over that. Well I was smart in my first year. By the time he is a senior he will be down to normal, respectable 60's and 70's.

I'm glad that Vickie is being well taken care of and that she is behaving herself. I wonder if she will remember me when I get back.

In your letters, you spoke of having cold weather, well, the radio just announced that Illinois would have a frost tonite, so you are not the only ones who have cold weater.

There isn't any more to write so I will close with

Love to all,

Paul

Postmarked May 7, 1943

May 6, 1943

Dear Folks,

Today is the end of our sixth week of training here, which means our boot training is more than half over, the tougher half, they say.

Now that I am a salty veteran I can take stock of myself. I guess I've changed more in the last six weeks than is the six years previous. Remember how I used to take my time getting dressed? Well, we have exactly 15 minutes to get dressed, washed, shaved and have our bunks made up. The barracks must are inspected every day, and our towels, mattress covers, and pillow cases have to be lily white. Remember how I used to shine my shoes twice a year? Well I polish them every day now and no two ways about it.

It sure is a lot different from the easy going life I used to have. But I don't mind it and I guess these habit I am learning will stick with me for life.

Love to all,

Paul

Postmarked May 5, 1943

May 4, 1943

Dear Folks,

This letter will have to be short as I haven't much time. Besides which there isn't much to write about. I'm glad that the ingot job is finally done, but I suppose that there will be other headache job coming along. I was also glad to hear and Vickie and Dottie. It's funny the way Vickie sticks up for her after the way she used to beat up the mutt every day. [editor's note: I did not!]

Today, just when we thought spring was finally here, it was cold again. I'm sure glad I wasn't here in the middle of the winter. With With the temperature of 25 or 30 below as it gets here with a stiff wind blowing in from the lake, it is more than a little nippy.

as far as school goes, I don't know anything yet but I was talking to a couple of fellows who made the motor machinist school with lower grades than I got, so that is encouraging. However, we will know more aout that after the interview.

Love to all,

Paul

Postmarked May 3, 1943

May 2, 1943
1200

Dear Folks,

I got letters from you, Dad, and Ralph this morning, so I certainly can't complain about the mail. I'm sorry I didn't write during K.P. week, but, as you know I just didn't have the time, but you'll be hearing from me regularly now.

By now you probably have received the picture of me. How do you like it? Maybe I'm just concieted, but I think I look pretty sharp.

Well, here it is Sunday again. I went to synagogue this morning and after that I did some washing. That is one thing that you are never done with in the Navy. Whever you have a little spare time there are always a few things you can scrub out. It's hard to get things really white because we dry
them in a steam room and too get things really nice and fresh and white they have to be hung out in the sun. We couldn't do it any other way tho, because the gear we wash at night has to be dry by the next morning.

I'm glad Ralph enjoyed the program "Can You Top This?" I'm sure it must have been pretty good funny to see those screwballs in action.

I have to close now, Chow call!

Love to all,

Paul

Postmarked May 2, 1943

May 1, 1943
1650

Dear Folks,

Well, we got our marks on our tests today and I think I can say without being over-optimistic that things look pretty good. I scored 92 on the intelligence test 90 in math and 99 on the mechanical aptitude. The average mark on the mechanical aptitude test was about 50, so you can see I did pretty well. We also had a lecture on the different schools and what they offer. Next week we have our interviews and I am going to make my first choice Motor Machinist's Mate and my second choice Machinist's Mate. The difference between the two is that a Motor Machinist's Mate works mostly on Deisel and Gasoline engines, while a machinist's mate handles stearing turbines. I don't know much about Diesels but I now gas engines pretty well, so that should prove a help.

The course lasts for 16 week after which you become a Mo.M.M.2c or a M.M. 2c, which pays $84 per month. You understand of course that this is still mostly speculation, as you can never tell what the Navy will do. But, as I said before, things look pretty good.

I've taken up more space for this than I had wanted too, but once I got started I just kept writing. Outside of that there isn't much to write so I will close with

Love to all,
Paul

Postmarked May 1, 1943

April 30, 1943

Dear Folks,

Today, for the first time since I enlisted, I saw water. We had boat drill all morning on Lake Michigan, and I really enjoyed it. I got a laugh watching these Ohio farmers pulling an oar for the first time. The bos'n in charge must have seen that I knew something about boats because he made me a bowman, so I didn't have to row, just stand in the bow and take care of the lines, etc. They had the dock rigged up like the deck of a ship. The boats hang from davits ad we practiced hoisting them up and down before we went out. The boats are 24 foot round bottom, square sterned cutters, and have ten rowers, five on each side. They are certainly built sturdily and with a cabin and motor it would make a good fishing boat. Maybe I'll buy one after the war.

We had our haircuts this afternoon. Not only do they clip it short to start with but they don't give it a chance to grow.

Next week we get our service school interviews. I hope I can make machinist's mate but the competition is very keen as that is a very popular school. However, my experience should prove a big help.

That is about all, except that I am feeling fine and hope everyone at home is the same.

Love to all,

Paul

Postmarked April 30, 1943

April 29, 1943
1500

Dear Folks,

Well we finished our week of K.P. and none of us are very sorry. I didn't mind the work so much but we had to get up at 400 to get to the mess hall in time and so we didn't get much sleep. This afternoon, I spent about 2 hours this afternoon washing clothes. I didn't have time to wash much during the week, so it piled up on me. I got my pictures Tuesday and you have probably received it by now. If not, you will in a day or two. I think it turned out pretty good. I also have a half-dozen post card size pictures which I am sending to our relatives.

I am glad to hear the Vickie is behaving better. It's about time she began to settle down. I am also glad to hear that the garden is coming along O.K. and I hope it continues that way.

We are now ending our fifth week of training and the toughest part of our training is over. They say the first few weeks drag by but it seems to me like it was only yesterday that I first arrived here. After this we will probably quite a bit of rowing and will also have gunning drill and rifle practice in the next couple of weeks.

I can't think of anything more to write so I will close with

Love to all,

Paul

U.S.S. Witter, April 28, 1943

Witter (DE-636) was laid down on 28 April 1943 at San Francisco, Calif., by the Bethlehem Steel Co.; launched on 17 October 1943; sponsored by Mrs. Jean C. Witter; and commissioned on 29 December 1943, Comdr. Alan C. Davis, USNR, in command.

Postmarked April 23, 1943

WAR PRICE AND RATIONING ADMINISTRATION

4/23/43

Dear Sir:

This will acknowledge receipt of War Ration Book One No. 266424-360, "2" 963489
issued to Paul Kleinman, 105-39 65 Rd., Forest Hills, and returned to this office.

Very truly yours,

JAMES A. LUNDY
Queens County Administrator
War Price & Rationing Boards

Postmarked April 22, 1943

April 21, 1943

Dear Folks,

I got dad's letter today and was glad to here from him. We haven't heard much anything about our marks on the tests and probably will not hear about them till after K. P. week which starts tomorrow. Speaking of that, by the way, please don't be dissappointed if I don't call this Sunday. I'll try to make it at night, but I may not be able to. You probably will not get much mail from me either, as I will not have much time to write.

We got our second pay today, ten dollars this time and this time we got all of it. It was just in time, too, as my money was just about gone. I got a letter from Aunt Rose in Cincinnati, but she must have gotten the letters in the wrong envelopes as I got a letter written to Uncle Will. I guess he got mine.

After a continued cold spell, it finally got warmer today. I hope spring is here to stay for we will be wearing whites on K. P. and they are not very warm.

There isn't anything more towrite about. I hope everything is okay home and that the garden gives a good crop.

Love to all,

Paul

P.S. The papers are coming in regularly and I get a lot of enjoyment reading about the old home town.

Postmarked April 21, 1943

April 20, 1934 [sic]
0830

Dear Folks,

Well I went to the Seder last nite, and it was very impressive The chaplain said that it was probably the largest service mens Seder in the country. There must have been about a thousand fellows there. We had a real chicken dinner with plenty of wine. It was a pleasant change too, not to have to stand in line for the meal. All in all it was swell, and we had a good time.

The day after tomorrow we start our week of mess duty. I will not be able to call Sunday morning but I will try to make it at nite. The boys have to eat Sunday just like any other day.

This morning we are going up to the boat basin to do some rowing That is something that I ought to be pretty good at, considering all the practice I had.

Today make 4 weeks I've been in the Navy, I guess that I've gotten used to it quicker than you have, because I am pretty well settled in my new surroundings. That doesn't mean though, that I won't be glad to get home and see everyone when we graduate and get our "boot leave," as the furlough is called.

The chief just came in and told us that we don't have any boat drill, as it is raining too hard, Instead we will roll our clothes.

That is about all, so I will close with

Love to all,

Paul

Postmarked April 19, 1943

April 18, 1943
11:00

Dear Folks,

Received your letters and I am glad you liked the picture. The finished ones should be ready next week. Tell Ralph that the white shoulder stripe signifies a seaman.

I got my copy of the insurance policy and I am sending it along. You will notice that everything is one line lower than it should be. That is because it is a carbon copy, and I guess the typist was careless.

So Stan is going into the army soon? Well, I can just see him carrying a pack for 20 miles. They'll probably have to carry him after a mile or so.

This morning at synagogue, I met two fellows I want to school with. They are in another camp though, and I won't be able to visit them, but I was glad to see them anyway. I had from George Kravis this week and he seems pretty enthusiastic about enlisting, so I may be seeing him soon too.

Speaking of synagogue, I've been there more since I came here than I have in four years previous. So it looks like the Navy not only makes men, but it is making a good Jew out of me too.

All the other boys have gone to church and there are just the three Jewish boys and other guards. The place seems funny, so quiet and deserted.

That is about all there is too write about so I will close with

Love to all,
Paul

Postmarked April 18, 1943

April 17, 1943

Dear Folks,

I got your letter this morning and am glad to hear that there is plenty to eat. I hope it stays that way because when I get home I want to neally dig in. Navy chow is okay, but it can't beat home cooking.

So Ralph and Dad are getting shots too? I have so many needles stuck in me that I feel like a human pin cushion. When we first got here, the old-timers (anyone whose been here two weeks is an old timer) told us all kinds of horrible stories about the needles, but outside of leaving the arm a little sore for a day or so, there is nothing to them. We had eight shots all together and, if you were to get them from a private doctor, they would probably cost over $100.

Tomorrow night I have to get a pass to go over to the Hostess House in Camp Green Bay (where the Seder is being held), which is nearly an hour bus ride, which gives you an idea of the size of this station. Thursday we start our week of mess duty, and I probably will not have much time on my hands. Well, anyway, I'll be able to eat all I want.

This week we were tied with Co. 401 for the battalion rooster. They settled it by the toss of a coin and we lost. We played baseball this afternon as part of the physical program and it was a lot more fun than calisthenics.

That just about covers everything that there is to tell. I have received both the Mirror and the Telegram and I am glad to be able to follow L'il Abner and Major Hoople again.

Love to all,

Paul

Postmarked April 17, 1943

April 15, 1943
1200

Dear Folks,

I just got your letter and am glad you enjoyedthe show. The weather hear has been very changeable, din the morning it is so col we have to wear our peacoats, andin the afternoon it usually gets warmer. We're getting our last shots this afternoon, and then our detention period will be finished. Next Thursday we start our week of K.P., and then we will be plenty busy. Last night I saw "Hello Frisco Hello," and Monday I saw "A Night to Remember." The latter is one of those humorous murder mysteries, and I am sure Ralph especially will enjoy it. You probably would like to know some of the Navy Songs so I am sending a sheet with the words of most of the Bluejacket's favorite tunes.

Well its almost time for chow, so I will closenow with,

Love to all,
Paul

The Navy Sings

No. 1 - Here Comes the Navy
Here comes the Navy,
Break out the red, white, and blue,
Here comes the Navy,
Fighting and sea-going crew.
Make way for the Navy,
Navy with anchors aweigh,
Everybody loves the Navy,
Of the U.S.A.

No. 5 - Stout Hearted Men
We are the men, of the great U.S.N.
And we'll fight for the flag we adore,
We'll drill and we'll train
For careers on the sea,
And we'll fight for the U.S.A.!
We have the Navy,
And also the Army,
To cause other countries to fear.
SING! And help our spirits keep up
As we go to sea,
SING! And we will help
The Nay win for U.S.A.

No. 6 - Marine Hymn
From the Halls of Montezuma,
To the shores of Tripoli;
We fight our country's battles
On the land as on the sea.
First to fight for right and freedom
And to keep our honor clean,
We are proud to claim the title
Of United States Marine.

No. 10 - Anchors Aweigh
Anchors Aweigh my boys, Anchors Aweigh;
Farewell to all these joys
We sail at break of day-ay-ay-ay,
To our last night on shore,
Drink to the foam. Until we meet once more,
Here's wishing you a happy voyage home.