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.

Postmarked April 16, 1943

April 16, 1943
1300

Dear Folks,

This letter will have to be a short one as we are falling out in about 5 minutes. This morning I only had 6 eggs for breakfast, starvation diet eh?

Last night at the canteen I saw a face that seemed familiar, and he looked at me the same way. We both jumped up at the same moment when I recognized him as a fellow I graduated from school with. He got here about a week ago and is in the barracks next to ours, so it is a small world after all.

I got the Telegram tis morning and was glad to read the home town nes. I got Ralph's letter and was surprised to see that clipping with my name in it. I'm glad Dotty liked the card, and I wish I could have sent her something, but that was not possible.

Love to all,

Paul

Postmarked April 14, 1943

April 13, 1943

Dear Folks,

Well, I saw the two proofs today I picked out of the one I liked and they gave me the other one. Since it will be about two weeks before they finished pictures are ready, I am sending the proof home so you can get an idea of what I look like. The finished ones, of course, will be much better, as the pimples will not show up, but, as I said, it will give you an idea what I look like.

Well, today we learned how to tie some knots, and my eperience out on the bay came in handy. I found the knows pretty easy and I showed some farmers how to do it.

I received your letter and dad's this morning. The phone calls only take about five minutes to put through, but I usually hAve to wait in line at the phone booth. I was glad to see that item about Mr. Schulman too.

I guess that is about all there is to tell. It is usually at this point that I run out of words. I hope hope you enjoyed the show Sunday, I guess Dotty got a kick out of it.

Love to All,

Paul

Postmarked April 13, 1943

April 12, 1943
1200

Dear Folks,

Aunt Reba's package arrived yesterday and I was glad to taste those cookies. So was the rest of the company, but that's the way it goes. We some more tests this morning m in English and spelling this time. I had some pictures taken yesterday and if the proofs are good I am getting one large picture and a half a dozen post card size. The proofs will be ready tomorrow, but the finished pictures will take about 2 weeks.

At services yesterday, the chaplain told us that all arrangements for the Seder were completed. It is being held on the first nite of Passover, April 19. The chaplain said that our company commanders would notify us during the week as to just what we should do.

On the Saturday inspection our rating was 3.94 out of a possible 4.0. All grades are made according to the Navy marking system in which 4.0 is equal to 100%.

I saw Jerry Cohen last night for the first time since we got here. He is in the barracks next to mine, so I guess I will see him pretty often.

I hope everyone at home is O.K. and that you don't have too much trouble buying stuff. That's one thing we don't have to worry about.

Love to all,

Paul

Postmarked April 11, 1943

April 10, 1943
1130

Dear Folks,

Just finished the Saturday inspection and everyone is still breathing sighs of relief or else figuring how much extra duty they will have to do. The officer this morning was a real tough egg, he ran a white glove over the shelves, held towels up to the light to make sure they were clean, etc., but he couldn't stick nothing on me.

We had another shot yesterday a double typhoid this time. Next week we get our last shots, and then our detention period will be over.

We also went swimming again yesterday, and they us thru different strokes to see how good we were.

Tomorrow I go to church again, and we have a baseball game in the afternoon.

Spring is really here now, as we start wearing out whit caps the 15th. Up to now we have been wearing our watch caps, blue wool beanies which itch like anything. Regulation say that caps must be worn 1 finger above the eyebrows, and it must be square.

We don't have a bugler or anything as fancy as that to wake us up. The dormitory guard just puts the lights on and hollers out "hit the deck!", and of course, everybody jumps out enthusiastically. Enthusiastic as corpses, I mean.

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

Love to all,

Paul

Postmarked April 10, 1943

April 9, 1943

Dear Folks,

Well, here it is Friday, and field day. I've been washing windows most of the morning, and this afternoon we will wax the deck and get things ready for the inspection tomorrow.

In your last letter you asked what we were issued. Well, here is partial list. 2 blue and 3 white uniforms 3 suits of winter and 4 summer underwear, about 7 pairs of sox, 2 large and 2 small towels, two pair of shoes, matress, 2 mattress case, pillow, 2 pillow cases, two blankets, sweater, peacoat, 3 hats, etc. So you see, we are really outfitted from the skin out.

Last night I bowled at the canteen. We had to set up our own pins, but it was fun just the same. Now that we are organized and I am learning the ropes, I have a little more time for recreation.

I would appreciate it if you would send me a N.Y, paper once in a while, as all we get here is Chicago papers and they don't have much news from home. I don't care what paper, but send one about one a week, O.K?

I hope Dorothy likes the card I sent her even though it was a little late. It just slipped my mind until Ralph told me about it.

Time to eat now, so,

Love to all,

Paul

Postmarked April 9, 1943

April 8, 1943
1130

Dear Folks,

Here is that man again again, on the corner in front of the cigar store. Does Ralph still read super-dooper fantastic stories, or has he finally broke down and done some studying.

We had our swimming tests this morning, and each man must be able to win at least 50 yards before he graduates. That was a cinch for me, of course, but some farmers from Ohio will have to learn to swim. We also had a lecture on gas, and within a few days we will learn to identify different gases, to put on gas masks, and we will actually go thru the gas chamber. You wonder why this is so important in the Navy but before going to sea, Navy men must be ready for any emergency.

Last night was movies again, and I saw "Keeper of the Flame," with Spencer Tracy and Katherine Hepburn. If you haven't seen it already don't miss it when it comes around you way, as it is a good picture.

The weather here has been pretty cold last week and we were wearing peacoats most the time, but the last couple days have been pretty warm. I guess it won't be long till we're wearing whites, and scrubbing every nite.

We had another inspection this morning, by an eagle eyed Lieut. who can spot a speck of dust 50 feet away. I passed this one as I did every other inspection so far except once I was caught without a shave.

That is about all the news from here, and it is almost time for chow, so I will close with

Love to all,

Paul

Postmarked April 8, 1943

April 7, 1943
0700

Dear Folks,

Well last nite we took our first service school examination in math, general classification test (something like the I.Q. tests we took in school), and a mechanical aptitude test. This was in three parts. The first part was on tool relationships, and included quite a few questions on machinist's tools. The second past was on blueprint reading and the third part was on practical physics. Within a few weeks we will receive our grads on these tests, be lectured on the different school and what they offerred. A couple of weeks before the end of our training, we will get an interview and be given and chance to apply for the school. A high mark does not mean you are going to school, as they also consider previous experience, aptitude, and the quotas assigned to the different schools. I think I did pretty well on the tests, and I hope to make either machinist's mate, motor machinist's mate, or aviation machinist's mate.

In your last letter you asked if I was getting my mail all right. Well, we get it twice a day every day, which is better service than you get at home. The letters usually come about 2 days after they are sent, which is pretty good service. There was a little confusion at first because we were moved from one barracks to another, but that's been straightened out and the service is pretty good.

I'm glad you like that pillow case and I will try to get some photographs as soon as possible. Tell Ralph not to bother sending that magazine, as we have a book called the Bluejacket's Manual that most of us find pretty interesting reading.

I can't think of anything more to say except that I am feeling fine and hope at home is the same.

Love to all,

Paul

Postmarked April 7, 1943

April 6, 1943
17:30

Dear Folds,

Just got back from chow, which was early tonite because we have a special lecture at 1800. We had a insurance lecture yesterday and I took out a $10,000 policy, which will cost me $6.40 per month, but I think it is worth it. We were also told about family allowances, but I am not eligible for that because to get it, your parents must have been dependent on you for a large part of their support for at least 1 yr., and all claims are investigated by the govt.

However, I can have part of my pay sent home each month, and I will see about that. How much do you I should send? I was thinking that 20 bucks a month would be about worth. I might as well send money home because there is little else I can do with it. Gambling in any form is forbidden here, and I have quit smoking because I lost my pipe on the train,we don't get much time to smoke, and it doesn't help physical condition any. Our routine is tough enough without handicapping yourself by smoking.

We are learning rough and tumble, which is a combination of boxing, wrestling and jiu-jitsu, and just plain street fighting. We are learning the fundamental holds now, but later we will learn to take over enemies with knives, guns, etc. We have a lot of fun throwing each other around, and it might come in handy some day.

A new bunch of rookies has moved into the barraks opposite ours, and we have a lot of fun razzing them. We have them scared stiff with stories of the horrors they will go throw, just like the others did to us when we first got here.

You know the "left-handed monkey wrench" gag they pull in the shops. well yesterday, in the mess hall, the guy asked me if I wanted two pieces of cake. naturally I said yes, so he took a knife and cut my piece in half. That is one of the oldest gags in the Navy, and I sure fell for it, but so does everybody.

That's all there is to tell, so I will close with

Love to all

Paul

Postmarked April 6, 1943

April 5, 1943
1220

Dear Folks,

Just received your letter and it sure makes me feel good to hear from home so regularly. This talk about mail making us happy is no bull.

Breakfast this morning was orange, oatmeal,sausage and fried potatoes, bread, butter, coffee, and cake. There is no limit on coffee, and what's more, Dad, it isn't half bad. Things have changed a lot since the last war.

This afternoon we are having an insurance lecture, and we will get full information and also make out our applications.

As far as packages are concerned, send them on. Just make sure there is nothing perishable and keep them small enough to fit into my sea-bag.

got to stop fro a while - Chow call!

1300 -

Now that the inner man has been satisfied, I can get back to writing. In your last letter, you asked if there was anything I needed. Well that fact is that the ship's service has everything we need and at reduced prices, 3 c per candy bar, for instance.

so Ralph is working in the shop!? It's a good thing dad bought all those drills and other tools, because he'll be needing them now. Seriously though, the kid ought to be all right, if his wacky pals would leave him alone.\\We have to fall in soon, so I will close with

Love to all,
Paul

Postmarked April 5, 1943

April 3, 1943
1600
(4:00 P.M.)

Dear Mom, Dad, Ralph, & Dotty,

Well, yesterday we got our first pay. Five bucks, or, as we call it, the "flying five". We got the five buck at one table, then moved on and forked it over and got 2 bucks change and a bag containing, toilet articles, stationery, Bluejacket's Manual, etc. I am send the 2 spot with this letter. Please hold on to my first Navy pay as a souvenir.

Last night, if you listened to the "Meet Your Navy," program, you might have heard my hearty bass voice among the rest. Twenty boys from out company went over to Ross Auditorium on the main side of the camp. We saw quite a good show, lasting a couple of hours.

Tomorrow is Sunday and we can lounge in our bunks until 6 A.M. After church we our free and I will catch up on my washing. That is something that your never through doing. I am getting pretty proficient with a scrubbing brush and soap. I have learned to wash clothes, wax floors, wash windows etc. When I get home you'll find me a big help around the house.

What's new at home, if anything? Have you started gardening yet? Vickie must be getting lonesome for me. I wonder if she'll recognize me when I get back. I guess she suspects something now that she doesn't see me around. Is Dorothy learning to read the comics yet? I'll bet Ralph can't wait till she does so that she will stop annoying him.

There is not any more to tell, so I will close now without any further ado.

Love to all,

Paul

Postmarked April 2, 1943 - later

April 1, 1943
1130

Dear Mom, Dad, Ralph, and Dottie,

Well I went through the hair raid yesterday and I now look like a full-fledged Heinie, my hat which was tight before, now falls to my ears. One wise guy told the barber to be sure and give him a part in his hair. He got his part all right. The barber shaved an inch wide swath on the right side of his head. In the Navy, it pays to keep your mouth shut.

Our routine is pretty well settled now, and it goes something like this. Hit the deck at 0530. Dressed, washed and shave by 0545 when we start cleaning. Clean up till 0645, then fall out for calisthenics. Morning chow at 0730, report back to barracks for muster (roll call) at 0830 and drill till about noon. Noon chow at 1230, back on drill field at 1330, dril till 1630 (4:30 P.M.). Late chow at 1730, after which we're free until night muster at 2000 (8 P.M.) After muster we clean up the barracks until ights out at 2130 (9:30 P.M.). Its no cinch, but it really builds you up. I feel stronger already, and by the time my twelve weeks are up, I'll probably be so tough I'll even be afraid of myself.

One of the boys had a radio sent up from home, so we now have a little music at night. This afternoon were competing against the other companies in the battalion in drilling, and if we win this we'll take part in the master drill Saturday, and if we win that we'll get the rooster flag, showing the best company in the regiment.

When I get home, not only am I going to have different habits, but y talk will be different too. Our company consists mostly of fellows from Ohio, and listening th their accents all the time, I'm beginning to talk like them too. You may not even be able to understand me.

We are falling out for chow in a few minutes, so I will have to close now.

Love to all,

Paul

P.S. I am sending my enlistment notice to keep as a souvenir.

Postmarked April 2, 1943

April 2, 1943
0815

Dear Mom, Dad, Ralph, and Dottie,

Got Ralph's letter yesterday and I'm glad to hear everything is okay home. Today is Friday, and Friday in the Navy is field day. That is when everything is cleaned up for Saturday inspection. We had the battalion drill competition and we lost by the heartbreaking score of 2.31 to 2.29. The winning company has been here about a month, while we are still in our first week, so it was a moral victory for us anyway.

This is a good place as any to straighten out my address. I had to finish that letter in a hurray and that accounts for the mistake. To set it straight, my company is 403, and, if I do say so myself, the best damm company in the whole training station.

We can't get New York stations on the radio, but the Chicago ones have practically the same programs except that they are all an hour earlier because of the difference in time. Tonite they are showing "Reap the Wild Wind," and I will probably go.

We just got our blues back from the tailor, and we are now learning how to roll them up good. They will have a crease like a knife, but if you don't you'll have a hell of a mess. We've have four or five personell and barracks inspections and so far I've come through with flying colors. I didn't expect to get by this morning because I forgot to shave last night, but the officers walked past me without a second look. From now on, though, I'm shaving every day. There's no sense stretching your luck too far.

I'm running short of both time and spac, so I wil close with,

Love to all,
Paul

Postmarked April 1, 1943

March 31, 1943
0830

Dear Mom, Dad, Ralph, and Dottie,

This letter will have to be short because we have to start cleaning up for inspection. We had a surprise inspection yesterday, and the results were not too good. A lot of fellows got extra duty for dirty towels, granny knot and irish pennants on sea-bags, dirty towels, etc. My stuff was okay, since I have discovered a couple of tricks. For one thing, they are pretty strict on dirty towels. An officer will pick up a towel, say it is dirty and throw it on the deck. It may have been lily white by after he throws it down it is dirty, so there is nothing you can do about it. I fooled them, however. They issued us two towels, I only use one to wash with and the other one, which I call my inspection towel, I don't use at all, so it is lily white at every inspection. You have to use the old brain in this business, or you'll be doing extra duty after every inspection.

If you think I ate a lot when I was home, you should see me now. The boys call me "the human garbage can" because whenever they can't finish something or don't want it they give it to me. They don't even ask if I want it any more, just put it on my tray.

I have to close now, so I hope everybody home is in good health and my best regards to everybody.

Love to all,
Paul