Date Unknown

Pvt. Alwin G. Frazier 37748558
Causal Co. #2   platoon 1
APO15635 ℅ postmaster
San Francisco, California


(4)

Dearest Doris & Johnnie,
Someplace in the Pacific. I haven’t written you very many since I left the States, but I have tried to write every time I could think of something to write about without writing the same thing twice.
I enjoyed myself quite well yesterday. I went to a island, had two bottles of Beer, ice cream and a bottle of pop. Also played soom ball. At dinner time we had sandwitches and apples.
I seen soom coca nut trees and of course I had to eat one, They are pretty good. It is a hell of a job crake them open. [llegible] a pretty nice place where a person can go swimming of course it is alone [along] the Beach.
So all in all it was sorta interesting to see for the first time.
The natives are quite a sight. I know where the red headed negroes came from now.
How is Johnnie getting alone [along] with the other kids now? If you get a chance to buy him something to play with, might as well buy it for him.
Say if you can find a pretty good cigarette lighter
I would sure like to have one. That is if you can send it.
Tell all the guys hell [hello?] for me and I will write to tell them all before long.
Will close for tonight
Lots & lots of Love
Shorty

1945 May 1

Pvt Alwin G. Frazier 37748558
51st General Hospital
Dpt. of pat’s APO 565
℅ P.N. San Francisco, Calif.

Mrs Alwin Frazier
Decatur, Nebraska

New Guiena
May 1, 1945

Dearest Doris & Johnnie
Well I finally got paid. (Yesterday). So this morning I went up and bought some air mail stamps. So maybe you will get my letters a little sooner. Say the news in Europe sounds pretty good this morning maybe the good news isn’t far off.
The Dr. hasn’t come in yet this morning so I’m just waiting for him then I’ll go and get in a card game. (Just for fun) Help to pass away the time.
Honey don’t write me any more at this address In face don’t write me until you hear from me again. I will write you as soon as I get another address.
It sure has been raining here the last two days, but the sun is coming out now and is hot as ever.
There was a stage show here last night, it was pretty good. After the stage show also had a movie that was really good a treat to have both in one night.
I suppose everyone is busy there now, Getting ready to strat [sic] farming. Well honey there isn’t much more to stay.[sic] So will sign off.

All my love
Shorty

1945 May 26

Pvt Alwin Frazier 37748558
Letterman Gen Hosp.
United States Army
San Francisco, Calif.


Mrs. Alwin Frazier
Decatur, Nebraska

[Letterhead: United States Army]

Letterman Gen. Hosp. May 26, 1945

Dearest Doris & Johnnie
I’m not leaving here today my orders were changed and I’m not leaving until Monday the 26th. The ward master told me last night he was going to do everything he could to get us a short pass. I sure hope so, then I could get my clothes pressed and maybe I could get a beer. I called Hap[?] Warren last night he wanted me to come out to his house, I may go if I have time.
I just got through making my bed, put on clean sheets etc. I guess there is a General coming through this morning and they want it to look good. It is still the same old G.I. Army. Irene said in her letter that a lot of the boys around Decatur are being drafted (4.F) as are they the 18 yr olds.
I went to a show this morning and just got back. There is a show every morning at 9 o’clock and it is free. It takes me about all day to write a letter, I write a while then quit and do something.
I’m getting a few cig. ahead now so I may not run out for a while.
How is Johnnie oy? I suppose he is on the run as must [sic] as ever. Sure will be glad to see you & Johnnie.
There was a few more guys just came in this morning. They were as glad to be here as I was.
Well honey there isn’t much more to write about so will sign off.
I’m waiting for you.

Lots & Lots of Love
Shorty.

1945 April 19

[Stationary has “American Red Cross” in red letters below the organization’s ensignia]

Somewhere in
New Guiena
April 19, 1945

Dearest wife & Son,
Will try and write my love ones a few lines this afternoon. Hope you both are O.K. I guess, they took an X ray of my shoulder yesterday I don’t know if they found anything wrong or not. All I know is that my shoulder is pretty sore.
Since I have been in the hospital I have been hearing the news most everyday, things in Europe sounds good. Manila don’t look so good since the Japs left. And the Japs are no push over.
I suppose Johnnie is having a big time now since Spring is here and the weather is warming up. I suppose you are going to strat [sic] Johnnie to school this fall .Sure don’t seem like he should be big enough to go to school.
If I don’t get some mail before long, I don’t know how I am going to manage to write every day or so. There sure isn’t anything here to write about.
I think there is a movie here tonight that will help pass the evening. I like the news reel as well as I do the show.
Well honey take care of yourself & Johnnie boy and I will do the same.
I am suppose to get paid before long and then I can buy some air mail stamps. I know these free letters don’t go very fast.
When I won that money playing dice, I just about sent it home, But I thought I would keep it a while, once night I went to bed the next morning all my money was gone, who ever took it was sure big hearted he left me 16 peso of Japanese money which isn’t worth a cent. Also took my leather shaving kit.
I have a few air mail stamps but they are somewhere Luzon. That won’t do me much good now.
Well honey it is almost chow time so had better get back to my ward.
before they come after me.

Lots & Lots of Love
Shorty

1945 April 11

Decatur Nebraska Wed. Morning April 11

My Dearest Husband:

Rec’d your V mail today saying you were wounded & in the hospital. That was the first word I had heard from you in over a month. I thought the gov. sent telegrams when you are wounded but guess they don’t.
I can not express my feeling for you honey as words wont come to me. It give me quite a set back to think you had to be hurt. Glad you got one Jap any way. At least you will feel that he got worse than you. I will just pray for your recovery & thank God that it wasn’t worse.
This is the first letter I have gotten with your new Address on it. You did not date this letter but imagine it was written the first of the month. So evidently you were wounded the first of April.
I can’t locate the 6th division in the paper but will keep looking & probably find it before long. Were you hunting Jap snipers when wounded, or can’t you say? Oh there are so many things I would like to ask but you probably couldn’t answer them.
Sure wish you could come home now but suppose they will fix you up as soon as possible & back to the front lines you’ll go.
Want to get this out on the mail. Keep your chin up honey & remember I love you dearly.

Your Loving Wife & Son
Doris & Johnnie

[Written along right-hand border of back of letter]: Don’t worry about writing Vmail, they are very welcome.

1945 April 9

[Postmarked April 9, 1945]

Pvt Alwin G .Frazier
2774558
Co. F. 1st Inf. APO #6
℅ San Francisoco, Calif.


To: Mrs. Alwin Frazier
Decatur
Nebraska

Dearest wife & Son
It has been a few days since I have wrote you. So will try and write you now. Honey you will have to excuse the writing as it is the best i can do right now. By the time you get this letter I suppose you know I have been wounded, it really isn’t so bad. A Jap got me in the back on my side. My side is a little sore. I got one Jap anyway. I am in the hospital now, everyone sure is good to me here in the hospital they do all they can for me.
The Red cross give me cigarettes everyday.
Tell Lloyd Jackson that Bryan Reed[?] is in the same Company I am.
I know that you don’t like V mail but that is all I have right now. Honey this is a sort [sic] letter but my arm is getting sore from writing so will close for now.

All my Love to both of You
Shorty

1945 April 5

Alwin G. Frazier 37748558
Co. F 1st Inf. APO #6
℅ P.M. San Francisco
California


Mrs. Alwin Frazier
Decatur, Nebraska

[Letterhead: American Red Cross]

April 5, 1945
Somewhere in the Philippines

Dearest Doris & Johnnie

I finally got some writing paper so I won’t have to write anymore V mail. Honey I haven’t wrote to often since I have been here in the hospital. Because it is quite a job fore me to get things to write. But I have wrote you everytime I have a chance. I have only wrote mother once. I went to a show the last two nights, they have the show right here at the hospital . I would give anything for some mail I haven’t got any mail since the later part of Feb. But I am getting use to it now. Ha!
Say isn’t it time for Ira & Marge to have there new one. Sure will be glad to hear whaqt it is (Boy or Girls name)
Well honey I hope you & Johnnie are O.K and getting alone fine. I suppose Johnnie lies the farm as good as ever.
The little Filippino kid came in today and shave me, Boy he sure is rough but he gets them off.
I sure get a bang out of them They try so hard to talk our language and of course I have quite a time trying make out what they are trying to say, but there is a lot of them that can talk our language just as good as anyone.
I heard the news today and things in Germany sure sound good. There just isn’t anything I can write about when I don’t hear. Just nothing to follow.
Honey I am going to finish this letter in the morning I just can’t get my mind on writing.
Here it is morning again and I just got my bandage changed. The nurse puts something on it every morning and boy it really burns. I’m getting to where I hate to see morning coming. ha!
I wish I had a air mail stamp to put on this letter but I haven’t, but maybe you will get it in time.
I suppose Toots has gone back to L.A by now, hope she is feeling better.
The guys that work here in the hospital are having a dance here tonight wish I could go over and at least watch, but they say no I should stay pretty close to the hospital.
Well honey I hope you can read this and don’t feel bad if you can’t because I can’t read it either.
I am going to write Ira & marge a few lines tonight, marge is probably sick by now.
Well honey I will sign off for now.
All my love to both of you.
Shorty

1945 March 31

Pvt Alwin G. Frazier 37748558
Co. F 1st Inf. APO #6
℅ P.M. San Francisco
California

Mrs. Alwin Frazier
Decatur, Nebraska
Somewhere in the Philippines
March 31, 1945

Dearest Doris & Johnnie
It is about time for me to write my love over again. I haven’t tried to do much writing since I have been here in the hospital as my arm is still pretty sore. I can get around a little more now. I have a little more strength.
There is a Filippino boy that works in the hospital and he is the life of everything we have a lot of fun with him.
There was a show last night I managed to go see it there is another show tonight I am going to try and go see it. I know you wonder why I don’t tell you where I am but no men can write that home. I sure wish I would get some mail but it will probably be a long time before the mail will catch up with me. Say the news in Europe sounds pretty good. hope it continues that way.
How is everyone in Decatur? How is our Boy getting alone? Staying out of trouble, I hope, ha! I haven’t got much of anything here with me. The ward boy is letting me use his pen to write with. Two Filippino boys that work here bought in two watermelons and gave us each a piece. They are pretty good but not as big as we have in the States. Well honey had better close as I am running out of paper, will write more often now that I can use my arm a little more.
Lots & lots of Love to both of you,
Shorty

1945 March 2

Alwin G Frazier 37749558
Repl. 4th Repl. Depot
APO. #703 ℅ P.M.
San Francisco, California

Somewhere in the Philippines
March 2, 1945

 
Dearest Doris & Johnnie
We haven’t had a mail call for the last few days and it is hard to write everyday when a person don’t hear.
So far I have been able to write about things but now I have run out of anything to write about.
I will probably be moving on from here before long.
How is our boy getting alone. I bet he wants to go to the farm with Honar. (right)
Well honey I just want to tell you that you couldn’t write better letters. Just keep them coming that way.
The reason why I say that is that some of the guys are getting the wrong kind of letters.
They got the kind that mother use to write and you know what they were.
As for myself I am fine and getting along great.
Last night a few of us guys made a fire and cooked a few rations we had, it tasted darn good and anyway it was something to do. We just about had some excitement last night, but everything turned out in good shape.
Im getting to where I carry cards around with me all the time. Guess I had better quit that or I will want to play all the time. Ha!
A good ice cold bottle of beer would go dam good right now.
Yesterday I went and due my shortage. I lost a blanket while I was on the ship and believe it or not I didn’t have to pay for it. Sometimes it is hard to believe that it is the army. Ha! But when it comes time to wash clothes I know dam well it is the army.
My buddy had quite a dream last night, but me not such good luck.
Well honey I have rattle on here and haven’t wrote anything either.
I hope this letter fines my love ones O.K. How is Toots making out? Tell Blackie & Ione I will write them when something happens to write about.
Will sign off for today

All my Love.
Shorty

1945 Feb. 25

[Postmarked Feb. 25 1945]

Pvt Alwin G. Frazier 37748558
272 Repl.[?] Co # 4. Repl. depot
APO703, ℅ P.M.
San Francisco, Calif.

Mrs. Alwin Frazier
1445 W. Sage Ave.
Los Angeles 44, Calif.
Moved

Decatur
Nebr.

(I)

my Dearest Doris & Johnnie
Somewhere in the Phillipine’s I finally got some mail today, 20 letters pretty good, also got 4 birthday cards.
One of the Guys here got 85 letters, he will be reading letters for a week.
Well honey after reading all those letters and all the questions you ask. Some of the questions I can’t answer.
About sending letters airmail, I can’t see that they get here any sooner, because today I got my mail right alone with the other guys mail that was send air mail, But I will let you know later. That is if you will send some air mail an others just regluar [sic] mail. It was sorta funny when you said I might be father again, But as I read letter after letter I found that everything is O.K.
I just got threw cleaning up and got my bed already to get in.
I done a little work today seem sorta good to do something.
Well honey I didn’t write many letters while I was on the ship because we didn’t have room hardly to turn around let alone finding a place to write a letter.
Glad to hear that Jimmie is O.K. now. Yes honey I really got a laugh out of Betty few lines.
I also got some pictures from mother & Tillman sure was glad to get them.
Sounds like Johnnie is having quit a time. Hope he gets alright.
Honey there isn’t much use of telling you anything about the Filipino’s as you see enough of them in the States. They seem to be pretty happy that the Americans are back.
Yes honey we did have quit a trip coming over. Seen alot of places that you have heard a lot about.
Honey I will write you every time I get a chance. Tell the other kids that I will write them soon.
Say I got the plastic paper yesterday I will write them a few lines. I do enjoy reading it.
Well honey I can’t think of any other questions you ask, that I can answer. I could write a dozen pages but there would be no use.
Our food is still pretty good. At least we manage to fill up and that is what counts.
It rains here quite a bit. Rains one minute and sun shining the next minute. It isn’t so very hot here, its get a little warm in the day time but at night we have to have a blanket.
From the looks and sound of things they really play for keeps.
Alson & Jolson are excepted [expected?} here some time in the future.
Will close for now.

All my Love,
Shorty

1945 Jan. ?

[Postmark: Jan. [illegible day], 1945]

Prvt Alwin G. Frazier 37748558
Co. I 1st Regiment [3rd?] platoon
AGF Replacement Depot #2
Fort Ord, California


Mrs. Alwin Frazier
1445 W. Gage Ave
Los Angeles 44, California

Fort Ord, Cal.
Tuesday noon

Dearest Doris & Johnnie

I just got through writing Irene & Claude a letter, I still have a little time so will strat [sic] a letter to my love ones.
We haven’t had a mail call yet and I am just about to run out of anything to write about.
I guess we are going to have 11 days of training here, but I don’t think it will be hard.
Last night at 7 o’clock we had to go take a swimming lesson dam but it was cold. Hell of a time of the day to take swimming lessons. But this is Army. The longer I stay at the Camp the better I like it. I still haven’t done a dam thing.
They just as well of left us home until now, we could have enjoyed ourselves a little more.
I have got to go get some clothes so will finish later.

Tuesday 4:30 P.M.

We had some things issued this afternoon and I have everything marked. We have to stand retreat tonight the first time since I have been here.
They said they might have some good news for us. I expect they have some shipping orders in.
I maybe on it for all I know, will try and let you know if I can. As you know after we are on alert we can’t write letters or anything. But I will figure something out.
I sent some of my O.D. Clothes to the cleaners today. We got pretty good service, I will get my clothes back thursday.
Will close for now.

Lots & lots of Love,
Shorty

P.S.
Johnnie be a good boy and mine mother.
Say the news tonight is very good.

1944 Dec. 2

Postmarked Dec. 2, 1944

On envelope:

Pvt. Alwin G. Frazier
Co. B - 52 Bn 11th Regt.

Mrs. Alwin Frazier
1445 W. Gage Ave.
Los Angeles, 44 California

Letterhead:
By Courtesy of the Chaplains
Camp Fannin, Texas
Catholic, Jewish, Protestant

 I am not at all surprised to hear that bud went home.

Camp Fannin
Thursday

Dearest Doris & Johnnie

I suppose you think that I had forgotten you. I have only wrote you one letter since I have been on Bivouac. But really we have been on the go day + night. This is the second night that we have off. we go back into Camp Sat. morning. I sure will be glad to get in and get a shower and get cleaned up. I finally heard from Jim Sears. I will tell you what he said when I see you. We get paid today $12.30.
What do you think of my writting paper? Sure is cold here of a night. In fact we wore our overcoats one day & glad to wear them.
Honey it is getting dark so will have to close for tonight.
Will write you a long letter Sat. I got a bayonet cut over my left eye but it is O.K. now.

Lots + lots of Love
Shorty


“I was glad when they said to unto me, Let us go into the house of the Lord.” Ps. 122: 1. [printed at bottom of page]

1944 Nov. 15

[Postmark: Nov. 15, 10:30 AM, 1944]

Prvt Alwin G. Frazier 37748558
Co. B--52 Br 11th Regt.
Camp Fannie, Texas
U.S. Army


Mrs. Alwin Frazier
1445 W. Gage Ave.
Los Angeles 44, California


Dearest Doris & Johnnie

I have a few minutes this noon so will strat [sic] a letter and maybe I can finish it tonight. I received your first letter today from L.A. today. But no information as to what I have to know. We signed our furlough papers this morning. I suppose I might as well go ahead and write to Herald. And tell him what has happen.
Glad that you got there O.K. I bet Johnnie is having a time.
Hope [Toots?] keeps getting better. What seems to be her trouble.
Tell Claude he had better quite trying to make all the money in California and he will gain some weight back.
Yes I can come to L.A. on my furlough I only hope is that I can wait until after the war to finish in Decatur or maybe I can transfer it.
Has mother got the picture yet, if she hasn’t tell her to let me know. Honey I send yours to Chicago, So it will be a few days before you will get it. If you don’t get it pretty soon you had better write and asked Ruby if she ever got it. The return address on them are to the studio.
Well it is about time to go so will finish tonight, I didn’t write you last night, because we were out most all night, and when we did finally get in I was a little tired. So went right to bed. We leave for Bivouac next monday morning so don’t be surprised if you don’t here for a few days or even maybe a week.
Just got back from Chow so will finish this letter now. I got your long letter this afternoon..
So now I can write to Herald I am going to write tonight and tell him the deal.
Sounds like everyone is sick out there. Toots, Art, Irene, Marge they must be getting old or something ha!
I will explain to you when I see You ow Close I come of not even getting a furlough, it is sorta a long story.
It has been raining here this afternoon in fact it is still raining. Boy Im glad we don’t have a night problem tonight.
Well honey had better Close for now

Lots & lots of Love
Shorty

1944 Aug. ??

1944 Aug.

Pvt. Alwin G. Frazier 37748558
[RC?} 1773 Co. “A” Roster #7
Fort Leavenworth, Kansas

Will try and write my first Vmail letter. Write and tell me which letter you get first. The Vmail or the regular air mail. We have hit a port, seems sorta good to see a little land. Most of the soldiers here are Colored. Boy you should see my tan it really is a honey, it is equal to the California sun tan.

I have seen two shows here on the ship and hope to see some more they really are pretty good shows, one of they was “A Guy Named Joe.” I hope this letter does not get cut up, because I know a letter doesn’t make since [sic] if it is cut all to pieces. I have seen soom interesting things, wish you and Johnniecould have been alone [along], of course first on a trip. You would get a bang out of it, such as getting sea sick and etc., ha!
This salt water sure is hard to wash in and get clean. I done my laundry to night I hope they are clean, as they were hard as hell to clan. It is almost bed time so  will close.

Lots & Lots of Love,
Shorty

1945 April 17

Pvt Alwin Frazier 37748558
51st General Hospital
Det. of APO 565
℅ PM. San Francisco, Calif.

To: Mrs. Alwin Frazier
Decatur, Nebraska


Dearest Wife & Son April 17, 1945
I suppose you think that I am never going to write, but I have left the PI’s on a hospital ship and I am back to Newa Guiena in a hospital here.
I have been getting alone O.K. I sure wish I would get some mail, but I don’t look for any mail for some time. The reason I am writing V mail because I think you will get it sooner, and I will get a answer sooner, ha!
I don’t know what I would have done if it had not be for the Red Cross. They have give me cigarettes and everything I need. I hope this letter fines you both O.K. I know you are glad that is is warming up there. I know you are glad that it is warming up there.
It is plenty warm here, go around in a sweat all the time. There is some guys here that are out of Bob outfit I am going to look them up and see if they know him. There was a USO Show here last night sure was good. Seemed pretty good to see a white women. I have been wondering how marge is getting alone also like to know if I won my bet from Ira. Well Honey I will be able to write you more often now. and a little longer letter’s. Ha!


Notice my new address.
Lots & Lots of Love,
Shorty

1945 April 17

[Postmarked April 17, 1945]

Pvt Alwin G. Frazier
37748558
Co. F 1st Inf. [illegible]
℅ P.M. .San Francisco
California

Mrs. Alwin Frazier
Decatur, Nebraska

My Dearest Ones,
Will try and write a few more lines this evening. I have been getting around a little more the last day or so. My arm isn’t quit so sore, I don’t try to move it around much. How is everyone there including you and our boy? A few days ago someone stole all my money except 5 pens so therefore I am short on money now but really I don’t need much money. Oh yes the same night my money was stolen my leather shaving kit was also missing. So I don’t have much of anything left.
The Red Cross gives us a pack of cigarettes everyday. There is a Filippino boy here in the hospital that shaves me every other day. He is a little rough but he gets the job done.
Honey Im sorry that I have to write you V mail but really this all I have. I had [got?] a few ar mail stamps but I don’t have them here.
I haven’t wrote mother yet, I sorta hate to but I will write her to night if my arm don’t play out.
I hear the news most everyday here in the hospital things in Germany sound pretty good it may end over there before long.
I am running out of paper so had better sing off.
All my Love,
Shorty

1944 Aug. 2

Mrs. Doris Frazier
Decatur
Nebraska

Fort Leavenworth Kansas

Aug 2, 1944

Dearest Doris & Johnnie

There isn’t much to write about today only I got the bigest f___ [rest of word crossed off] I ever got in my life Yesterday. I was sworn in to the U.S. Army. They said all those assignments to the navy didn’t mean a thing because they were all cancelled July 1st the Navy isn’t hardly taking anyone. I am a down hearted army boy. I am in the army anyway, they can make me take it, but they can’t make me like it.
We may get our uniforms today or tomorrow the quicker the better because these clothes are getting dirty.
Well Honey maybe everything has happen for the best. Maybe God will give us a  hand to end this thing they call war.
How is Johnnie coming, minding O.K I suppose ha, ha!
Riley and I are in the same barrack last night just two bed apart, and Bud is just in the next barrack.

As ever
Shorty

No mailing address yet.

1944 Aug 1

Mrs. Doris Frazier
Decatur
Nebraska


Hello Johnnie boy.
Mind mother.
I will write a long letter after I know something to write about.
Tell everyone Hello.

Fort Leavenworth Kansas
Aug 1, 1944

Dearest Doris, Johnnie & all

Will try and write a few more lines while we are waiting to be called for interview.
The set up here is just about what I expected. Guys like myself that was assigned to different parts of the service. All of that is out. Half to go through again and take my chances in getting into the navy.
I am going to try and make it on my maintainance experence. Last night while I went to bed, I gave a pray maybe that will help.
Bud & Riley got interview yesterday and they were put into the army. I seen them at Mess last night. Honey write to mother and tell her that I will write when I get a mailing address.
Got up this morning at 5:30 and just got back from mess. You ask me to tell what I do, as yet I haven’t don’t a dam thing.
A big cloud coming up so had better sign off.
Lots of Love
Shorty

You can take our marriage license to Tekamah to the County Judge and he can give you the  nessessary information.

1944 July 31

Mrs. Doris Frazier
Decatur
Nebraska

Fort Leavenworth Kansas
July 31, 1944

Dearest Doris & Johnnie,

Try and write a few lines this afternoon.
We got in Omaha about noon, ate dinner at the Castle hotel, all on Uncle Sam. Laid over in Omaha until 4:300 P.M. Took the train from Omaha to Beverly 3 miles from Camp got here about 9:05 last night. They showed us our beds then about 11:00 o’clock we went to bed. Got up this morning went to Breakfast. then came back and waited until 7:30 then we were called out to start our induction. But I still am not in anything have to wait until tomorrow.
I had to take another physical & supposed passed it. If I don’t get in the navy I hope I don’t pass. (In a way I feel that way). Bud + Riley[>] got interview today. We stayed together last night & today until about a hour ago. Now I don’t know where they are. Hampton and I are still together.

You had better get another marriage licenses and Johnnie birth certificate and your birth certificate because if I have to go to the army I will need them. But don’t sent our first marriage license because we will not get them back.

Well dear I don’t know any more to write only Hello Johnnie boy.

Lots & lots of Love xxx
Alwin

I have no mailing address yet. But will let you know when I do.

I hope you can read this letter.