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KEEP KEEP KEEP KEEP KEEP Gill Ristesund’s WW2 Journals Time served in the United States Army: April 22, 1941 (sworn in date) until August 14, 1945. Total of 4 years, 3 months and 3 weeks. Dad carried these journals with him during a 3 year, 8 month period of time during his enlistment. There are no journal entries during my dad’s first 10 months of service, including none during Basic Training. The 3 months between May 16, 1942 to August 3, 1942 are blank, as well as most of August 1942 through to December 31, 1942. The last 3 weeks of January 1944 and the first 3 days of February 1944 there are no journal entries. Gill’s four journal dates and a brief synopsis about each one: Journal #1, February 19, 1942 to May 15, 1942. Dad’s first journal is about his time spent training in Texas and Massachusetts, after basic training and before leaving for overseas duty. Journal #2, August 4, 1942. The information in this journal contains some of my dad’s financial records that he kept track of, his money earned and saved during part of his time in the military. It also holds Dad’s hand written account of what it was like leaving the USA and sailing across the ocean, both for the first time. I thought he did a wonderful job writing this and I wish he would have written more of his thoughts down with this much detail. Journal #3, January 1, 1943 to January 7-8, 1944. Journal #3 entries are from one year during my dad’s life spent overseas during WW2. He experiences many ups and downs. Dad also kept an account of his earnings and savings on the last few pages of this tiny red notebook. Journal #4, February 4, 1944 to August 15, 1945. My dad’s last journal covers the last 6 months of his life during WW2, including V Day and finally going home. My name is Colleen and I am one of Gill Ristesund’s children. I am not a writer so please bear with me while reading this book. I am sure there will be plenty of errors. My intent is to simply copy down my father's journals so my two remaining siblings, our children and our grandchildren can have Dad/Grandpa’s historical account of his life, in his own words, while serving in the United States Army during World War 2. I have added a few random stories our parents shared with me during their lives and notes throughout. The following words were copied, by me over the course of a few years (2017-2022). What is important to me is completing the task of deciphering Dad’s small cursive writing, written 80 years ago while using an old fashion fountain. A labor of love, I’ve copied down his words so they are legible to whoever is interested in reading them. He took great care in protecting these small books during all kinds of adverse weather, as well as the harsh living conditions he endured during the 4+ years he was in the Army. They were important to him as he always wanted to remember what he endured during WW2. He never forgot the hardships he endured, the lessons he learned and the wisdom he gained during this historical war. I used the Internet to try and locate the correct spelling for most of the cities, ports and ship names Dad listed. He listed the name of almost every ship he worked with. Dad would jot down a little information on what happened, most of his days during World War 2, but there are days missed, as well as months. All of his writings were written in small cursive writing while using a fountain pen. It took me a total of 16.5 hours over a 3 day period of time to decipher and copy his little red journal. Most of my time was spent trying to figure out the many hard-to-read words. There proved to be many words that were illegible, therefore I used a question mark with parentheses around, i.e. (?), were used after each of these words. I tried to keep my dad’s written word as he wrote it, only adding a few simple words to complete some of the sentences and I fixed a few misspellings, while leaving some. I also added some punctuation, mostly periods. Dad mentioned many ships, cities and ports that he worked in, but most of their names were difficult to make out 100% due to the small writing, but also due to the fact that I am not familiar with most of the proper names. I copied the names the best that I could make the letters out and Googled most of them, trying to find the correct spelling. I could not find some of the cities and ports. The ships names proved to be the most difficult to find and the majority were not found. I am not a history buff and found that task to be very trying. Dad was sworn into the Army on April 22, 1941, exactly one month before his 20th birthday. He was a typical Midwest farm boy, looking for adventure and a way out of the only life he knew. He had a deep interest in the unknow world before him and was anxious to explore it and see what he could achieve. Journal #1 Pvt E. G. Ristesund Camp Bowie (Fort Worth, Texas Camp Bullis (San Antonio), Texas Camp Edwards (Western Cape Cod), Mass WWII 1942-1945 by E. (Eyolv) Gillmen Ristesund February 19, 1942. Been on guard all day. Got scared a few times. The deer around me would all jump and run at the same time. February 20, 1942. We finished our form yesterday. Have been putting in our windows, real-racks, doors, duck-boards, etc. Got one form left to put in. Got a letter from Irene. Colleen’s note: I do not know who Irene is. I believe she isn’t a relative so she was either a friend or more, though dad never mentioned having a girlfriend before he joined the military. February 21, 1942. We finished our job here. Are getting ready to leave camp. Started raining tonight. Boy! Does my tent leak. February 22, 1942. Been in the Army 10 months. Seems like 2 years. Getting ready to leave camp. Checked in our bunks, etc. Don’t have to camp overnight on way back. Still raining. Dodged rain drops all night. February 23, 1942. Left Camp Bullis at 8:00 AM. Got back to Camp Bowie about 3:00 PM. 175 miles by convoy. February 24, 1942. Haven’t done much today. Checked out our lockers, sheets, etc. Cleaned up our equipment and reorganized our company. Sent a picture and letter to Irene. February 25, 1942. Had machine gun drill this AM. We drew our M 1′s this PM. Cleaned off the cosmlean(?) or heavy grease. Worked all PM on them. Looks like we are getting ready to leave. February 26, 1942. Had hr. infantry drill. Rest of AM was spent on machine gun drill in the field. Had map and compass reading till 4:00 PM. 1 hr of extended order bill. Sure are getting drilled. February 27, 1942. One hr. extended order drill. Rest of morning spent on machine gun drill in the woods and hills. Had combat drill in field this 3:30 PM then had to clean up for our parade and inspection at 4:00 PM. B.W. Curt (sibling) has been in Pearl Harbor. Colleen’s note: not sure what BW stands for. Maybe “by the way”? February 28, 1942. Had 1 hr bayonet drill. We are out of water. Are hauling our own water. Had to dig a latrine. Sent folks $13.00. Raining all night. Colleen’s note: In 1943 $13 estimated worth is about $222 in 2017′s dollar. March 1, 1942. Been raining a little all day. Slept till late this morning and missed church. Supplied up a little on toilet articles, stationary, etc. March 2, 1942. Had 1/2 hr close order 1/2 hr bayonet drill. Rest of AM spent in the field in extended order drill. Had 8 mile hike with security on the march. I was one of the flank guards and scouts. Plenty tough. March 3, 1942. Had 1/2 hr close order drill , 1/2 hr bayonet. Rest of AM was spent on rifle range. We fired 40 rounds with a 22 rifle. Scored 156 of 200. Sure are drilling us. Everything important and only what we need. We will soon be over seas. March 4, 1942. Went on sick call. Will try and get some teeth (fixed). Had 1/2 hr bayonet drill. Rest of AM spent on machine gun drill. Had C.B. drill till 3:30 PM. Then had lecture from our colonel. Colleen’s note: Dad told me what bad shape his teeth were in when he joined the Army. He was never brought to a dentist while growing up. Here is a story he told me that may have contributed to his teeth deteriorating so badly in his youth. When my dad was attending school he felt very self-conscious of the lunch his mother would pack for him everyday. His lunch consisted of a piece of bread that had been dipped in milk, then had some sugar sprinkled on it. I guess he noticed that his classmates were eating more balanced/healthier meals than him and it embarrassed him. He felt so bad about it that he told me he would go out in the school yard and sit far away from the other kids so they wouldn’t see what his lunch consisted of. Dad first mentioned this to me the last year or so he was alive, in his late 80s. Bread and sugar are both very damaging to teeth, bread being one of the foods that sticks to the teeth the most, therefore can cause a lot decay if ones teeth aren't brushed or cared for probably. Dad and I are both “talkers” and enjoyed having long talks together. He was also sharing stories with me about his childhood and how hard it was. I sure do miss him!! March 5, 1942. Had 1/2 hr drill, 1/2 hr bayonet drill. Spent rest of AM on rifle marksmanship. I was in the squad this PM that learned a new offensive move. We will demonstrate to others tomorrow. Got 3 new 45 sub-machine guns. Got new packs. March 6, 1942. Have been demonstrating how to take enemies position on a hill. How to move on the offensive. Letter from H. M. Pictures and a letter from Irene. Colleen’s note: I do not know who H.M. is. March 7, 1942. Lost my billfold. Think it was stolen. Been demonstrating this AM, the new offensive to the rest of the 60. Had a parade or review with packs, rifles, gas masks. Got letter from folks. March 8, 1942. Been on KP today. March 9, 1942. Had hour of close order drill. Rest of AM spent on rifle marksmanship. Had 1 1/2 of combat drill in field. Rest of PM spent in half track in the field. My name put down for assistant truck driver. March 10, 1942. Been at the motor pool this AM and read up on trucks. Drove a 1 1/2 ton this PM. March 11, 1942. We were woke up at 1:30 this PM to load out an outfit’s trucks on flat cars. Going over seas. Finished 6:30 AM. 28 trucks our company loaded. Got off today. March 12, 1942. Been practicing combat and machine gun drill. March 13, 1942. Had machine gun (training?). This AM 250 rookies came in our Rigt (?). 40 came to our outfit. Had half track drill in combat range. Went on guard 6:00 PM. Had to change tents, 3 rookies in here. March 14, 1942. Went on 12 mile hike this AM. We got in at 2:00 PM, full field pack. Had to have full field inspection and pitch tents on parade ground. Then I had to go on guard mount. Boy! Was I tired. March 15, 1942. Had to have an inspection all day till 7:00 PM. All equipment in front of our tents. Hardest or strictest inspection I have had in the Army. It’s suppose to be our last overseas inspection. March 16, 1942. Been on the rifle range all AM. Been firing machine guns. Fired 80 rounds in bursts of 6. Had to zero in machine guns. Wrote folks. March 17, 1942. I’ve been on the machine gun range all day. Us 12 machine gunners will be on the half track. Sure are getting the training. March 18, 1942. Been on the machine gun range all day. Fired some good bursts. March 19, 1942. Been on the rifle range all day. Zeroed in our rifles AM and pulled targets PM. March 20, 1942. Been on KP today so that’s all of today's work and army worries put together. Got $2.00 from West that I lent him in Camp Bullis. Colleen’s note: Dad was always a good saver and did a great with his finances. Throughout his life, not only was he a diligent 10% tither to the church, he also lent money to many family members, friends and strangers in need. He was often burned by people that never paid him back, but that didn’t stop him from still helping others, when he could. One of the worse times Dad was burned by someone he trusted (that I know about!) was when he decided to help a buddy out and signed an auto loan for a brand new car for him. Dad even went down to the Auto Dealership and helped him pick out the car and everything. What a great friend!! Well, that so-called “buddy” ended up never making one payment. He eventually moved out of town (to Rapid City), probably trying to get away from Dad. Well, Dad never saw or heard from him again! Dad continued to do what he felt was the right thing and made the payments on that car for years, eventually paying it off. Mom would always add to the story, whenever Dad would bring it up. She would always have to remind Dad and anyone who heard the story, “That guy got a FREE CAR!” Yes he did! Dad did see the guys name in an article in the newspaper many years later. His life had come to a tragic end! He was killed in a house fire in Rapid City, SD, the city he had moved to years earlier. March 21, 1942. Stayed in Company while some of the rest zeroed in their rifles. Saw a show AM on gas mask drill. Played ball this PM. Got our 50 caliber machine guns and 37 mm guns. March 22, 1942. Been in the Army 11 months today at 4:00 PM. Took some pictures this AM. Went to town to church, but did not find it in time. March 23, 1942. Been on the rifle range this AM. Fired my rifle about 11:00 AM. Got a score of 100 out of a possible 125. Had my eyes tested AM. March 24, 1942. Stayed in our Company area today. Had close order drill calisthenics and bayonet drill till 9:00 then went to the theater for a lecture given by Molony(?), well known writer has been in war zones. Writes in “Life”, Colies(?) and Readers Digest, etc. Colleen’s note: Googled Molony and nothing came up. March 25, 1942. Pulled targets till 10:00 AM. I trained so came back to camp. Started on the 30 and 50 caliber machine guns. Took our Company picture at 11:30 AM. Pulled targets this afternoon. Got a letter from Ruth and Austin (sister and her husband). March 26, 1942 . Had close order and calisthenics 8:00 to 9:00. Gas mask and bayonet from 9:00 to 10:00. 30 and 50 caliber machine guns from 10:00 to 11:45. Been on rifle range this PM. Fired 107 out of a possible 125 (or 105? Colleen’s note: can’t read the number). Highest score this PM. February 27, 1942. 1/2 hr short order, 1/2 hr calisthenics, 1/2 hr bayonet drill, 1/2 hr gas mask drill. 10 to 11:45, 30 and 50 caliber machine gun, had field stripping, etc, and athletics this PM. I played softball. March 28, 1942. Got ready this AM for field inspection. Had review this PM on parade field inspection. Had review this PM on parade ground and pitched. Received a letter from Gladys (sibling). Sure good to hear from home. Colleen’s note: One of the things Dad loved to do the most in his life was getting together with his family. During their adult years, they lived in different cities and states most of the time so they were never able to get together as often as they'd like, but once did they'd talk and talk, never seeming to run out of things to talk about. Dad and his siblings always got along and enjoyed each others company, though Dad did mention to me that he felt the closest bond he had was with his sister, Gladys (not to be confused, his parents named their next daughter Gladys after their first born who had passed away when she was 4 years of age). He said Gladys and him were the most alike in many ways, such as thoughts and how they did things. They also must have had the same sense of humor because he told me they always had the most fun together. March 29, 1942. Got up this morning for breakfast and went to church at 9:10 AM. We have a new Chaplin. Like it pretty good. Went out on the hill and took pictures of camp. Sure lovely morning. Feels like spring at home. Stayed in camp all day. March 30, 1942. Had 15 min calisthenics, 15 min squad drill, 1/2 hour platoon close order. Had (Colleen’s note: I can’t make out word) rest of AM. Laid field mines this afternoon. March 31, 1942. Been on KP all day. Got paid too! Boy did I need it. Left camp 9:00 tonight. Went 17 or 18 miles with blackout convoy. Camped and I was put on outpost guard till midnight. April 1, 1942. Camp into camp tonight. 10:20 with blackout. Been on a problem all day. Used our half-track and 37mm guns. I got 3 letters, 2 from Irene, one was April Fools letter (empty) from M. H. Her father died... Colleen’s note: Dad placed the parentheses around the word “empty”, so it sounds like he received a prank for April Fools Day. I can’t make out the last word of the sentence. April 2, 1942. Had a hour of calisthenics and close order drill. Rest of AM spent in rigging. We were given formulas for blowing bridges. Thealevent(?) out with dummy explosive to blow a bridge. April 3, 1942. Went on a hike. Had 2 hrs off forenoon. Stopped by a river and went in swimming. Hiked 18 miles with field pack and rifles. Got letter from folks and Easter card from Aunt Laura. April 4, 1942. Had an inspection this AM. Supposed to have a parade this PM but it got called off. Some boys got 2 day passes and 1 1/2 day passes. I got a package from Ruth and Austin (sister and her husband) of candy. Sure was good. April 5, 1942. Didn’t do much today. Got an Easter card from the folks. Roller skated a little this PM. First time I skated in about 1 1/2 yrs. Colleen’s note: I didn’t know my dad roller skated! April 6, 1942. Left for the field by convoy this AM. We pitched tents and were settled today. April 7, 1942. Had a big problem today. 2nd Battalion. attacked us. We dug in and remained most of the day. And it rained all day. We (1st Battalion) were on defensive. April 8, 1942. We attacked the 2nd Battalion today. We walked through the hills, rocks, trees, bushes and rivers in the rain all forenoon. Target behind the line of departure. April 9, 1942. It rained most of last night. And did it rain. My pup tent is fairly dry. Got along fair considering circumstances. Had a problem rigt(?). Attached altogether on defensive. I was out post guard. April 10, 1942. Had to hike into camp today. It was only 15 miles, the short way. But we had to go the long 21 miles. Our shoes and socks were hard and dirty from the rain every day. So we had blistered feet. Colleen’s note: This sounds so painful! April 11, 1942. Had inspection of rifle and tents this AM. We got the afternoon off. April 12, 1942. Went to church this morning in town to the 1st Baptist Church. And started typing a letter to Gladys (sibling) in the U.S.O. Went to Y.P. meeting at church tonight. And it rained again. April 13, 1942. Had close order drill and calisthenics this PM. Had 37 mm gun the rest of forenoon. Had compass and map reading this afternoon. April 14, 1942. Played ball from 8-9:30 AM. Then bayonet and close order rest of AM. Had distance judging this PM. April 15, 1942. Are getting ready for our big inspection this PM. Our squad was given the honor of cleaning our stoves and are they dirty. Burnt in something terrific. April 16, 1942. Are still getting our company area cleaned up and company equipment cleaned. Our squad still on the stoves. April 17, 1942. I’ve been on KP everyday. Was woke at 5:15 AM and stayed on till 9:15 PM. Scrubbed entire inside of mess hall, tables, etc. What a day! Inspection tomorrow. April 18, 1942. Had inspection in ranks. Then in our tents. Got afternoon off. Went to a show in town tonight and the U.S.O. (United States Organization) April 19, 1942 Sunday. Got up in time for church this morning. Went to the First Baptist Church in town and BTU and regular services tonight. Was caught in rain again tonight. April 20, 1942. Got ready for inspection tomorrow. Did it ever rain last night. Came up through our floor. Drained water holes. April 21, 1942. Left for the Army a year ago this morning. Doesn’t really seem that long. Last 6 months went the fastest. Had an inspection this AM. I was on guard last night so I got the afternoon off. April 22, 1942. One year ago today I was sworn into the U. S. Army (4:00 PM). Had close order drill from 8:00-9:30 AM. Had 50 and 30 caliber from 9:30-11:15 bayonet drill 11:15-11:45. Had rigging this PM. Got 16 new men in. April 23, 1942. I started my 2nd year in the army today. I’ve been on the ration detail. It rained all day. The rest of my company had Articles of War read to them. I sent a letter to Aunt Laura and family. We got a new man in our tent. April 25, 1942. Rained today so no inspection. Drained water holes. Had PM off. Was to USO. Listened to program. Wrote letters. Had cake and punch. April 26, 1942. Went to town PM. Was to USO. Had cookies and punch for refreshments. Went to church tonight. Got a letter from Irene. April 27, 1942. Had close order and calisthenics 8:00 to 9:00. Machine gun 30 and 50 caliber till 11:00 and bayonet from 11:10 to 11:45. Had map outlining all PM. Used 1″ to 1000″ April 28, 1942. Had C. Order drill 8 to 8:30. Physical exam till 9:00 AM. Had fire drill 10:00 to 11:00. Machine gun drill 30 and 50 caliber, 37 mm, and gas mask drill 11:30 37 mm. 30 and 50 cal all PM. April 29, 1942. Close order drill 8:00 to 9:00. Had 27 mm and machine gun drill all day. April 30, 1942. Had drill 1 hr . Thought we got paid, but we didn’t. Got from 9:00 to 10:00 off. Had 37 mm till 11:45. Got paid this PM. Played ball rest of PM. May 1, 1942. Had close order drill 8:00 to 9:30. Had gas mask and bayonet drill till noon. Had in our cap and put braids on. Had to hike (8 mile) this PM. Boy! Was it hot! Went to show tonight “Jungle Book”. Colleen’s note: I wish Dad would have named all of the shows (films/movies) he went to and named all of the famous people who starred in the USO shows he attended. May 2, 1942. Had rifle inspection this AM. Started raining as the officer had to hurry. Lucky for me! Had afternoon off. Bought me a shirt $2.49, an eagle for .35 cents and belt for .39 cents. I might get a furlough. Colleen’s note: $2.49, .35 cents and .39 cents is the equivalent of $45.26, $6.36, $7.09 in 2022. May 3, 1942. Didn’t get up till 10:15 so I was late for church. Planned on going to church with my Sgt. in town. I took a few pictures and slept a lot. May 4, 1942. Went into Khakis(?) today. Went to dentist this AM. I got one tooth filled. May 5, 1942. Had close order and calisthenics till 9:00. Left for the field at 9:15 in trucks. Had problem rest of AM. We were on defensive. Hiked in this PM 9 or 10 miles. Sure was hot! May 6, 1942. Was on KP today till 8:00 tonight. Had inspection and to display my equipment on my bunk. Besides KP sure kept me busy. Had 2 star general. He sure had us snapping around in the kitchen. May 7, 1942. Had close order till 9:00 and anti-tank-mine rest of AM. May 8, 1942. Been to dentist today. Got 3 teeth filled. Rest of my men had demolition. Sent mother a card and box of candy. May 9, 1942. Cut grass forenoon. Got off this afternoon. Got my shirt at dry cleaners in town. Was at USO and seen a show. Not much to do. May 10, 1942 Sunday. Went to church this morning in town with Sgt. Mills and his wife. Had dinner at his home and went to church with them tonight at Coggin Ave., Baptist Church. May 11, 1942. Rained, had lecture this AM. Had wire entanglements this afternoon. May 12, 1942. Had hike this AM 10 miles. Went to dentist this PM. Had a depression made. Rest of company had dental inspection. I’ll leave Monday on furlough. May 13, 1942. Played ball most of day. We got a moving order today. Leave for Camp Edwards Sunday 8:00 PM. So - - - NO furloughs. Are calling in rest of money. Went swimming this PM. May 14, 1942. We started crating our small equipment this AM. Rained most of the AM so had a hard job. Crated 37 mm and motorcycles. We got some of our personal equipment ready. May 15, 1942. Colleen’s note: Dad wrote the date, but left the rest blank. Journal #2 by Gill Ristesund Left Washburn Island, Mass. the night of Aug 4, 1942. We had to walk a ways to our train, all packed down till we could hardly walk. Most of the men never got thru with their lunch bag, just dropped it on their way with a few other items. Finally loaded on the train and we’re heading for New York. Rumors were really flying thick and fast. We thought we would stay over in New York a few days. We reached Brooklyn, New York. (Our port of embarkation) in late afternoon. We formed out in front of the troop train just beside those big troop transports. Loaded on the “Wakefield”. Boy, did it seem big. And I guess it was a good sized ship, was formerly the Manhattan which burned in the mid Atlantic on it’s return trip to the states. The Manhattan, or rather, the Wakefield was said to be 702 ft long. It was lost for some time and hardly got straitened out before we reached our destination. I slept up on a deck after the first night on board, rolled out my blanket and fell asleep. I was woke up about 3:30 AM. The ships crew were trying to clean the deck and insisted we should get up. All the help they got was a lot of cursing outs and a lot of groans as the troops rolled over and went to sleep. At 5:00 AM I woke up. This time I seen we were pulling out so I got up in a hurry and watched the good old USA fade away in the distance, knowing I wouldn’t see it for a good long time. It made me feel rather empty in my stomach. Everything went along fine although it was terribly crowded. We had about 8500 troops aboard and every corner was occupied from bottom to top, including the decks. We were on C deck after and were told to move half our company down in EE deck or which we called “torpedo junction”. Half the company was to sleep down there at night, the other half to sleep there during the day. I took one look at it and dragged my equipment back up on C deck after and there I stayed. I was so hungry I couldn’t move my equipment around too much. We ate 2 meals a day and they dished it out to us. When our plates were empty we just had to wait another 12 hrs before we could eat again. Our first stop was in Halifax(?), Canada. We laid over there in the harbor the rest of the day and pulled out early next morning. They really had us guessing then, where would we go? We had it figured out to be Iceland, but soon changed our minds. We were about half way across then we changed bunking quarters. We were moved down to D deck. There we had state rooms. Here we changed hours of sleeping, half at night, the rest during the day. This was OK . I stayed in a room made ordinarily for one person. We slept 6 in that small room. Slept 3 high on both sides of our room and just enough room to squeeze between our bunks. But we did have a fan in our room and that helped a lot. We slept like this all through the rest of our trip. I would spend the days usually on deck. Watching our convoy move on. A few times I spotted some whales rolling around in the ocean. They really seemed to be some very big fish. We seen many schools of bigger fish. I enjoyed watching them go by. We had a couple of stormy nights. The waves looked more like dry ravines and hills than waves. All deck housing doors were closed. Waves washed up on deck. Deck must have been 40 ft from the water line. I was never really sea sick. If I had been sick maybe I wouldn’t have been so hungry. We were kept pretty busy just standing in line no matter what I wanted to do. It was a line to sweat out. It was really a problem to reach our mess hall. And then there was the abandon ship drills at least once a day until we were well out to sea. That ride will always be a memory I shall never forget. It was hard alright. But there were tougher days ahead. Especially our boat ride. Gill Ristesund’s Journal #3 (tiny red book) January 1, 1943 - January 7-8, 1944, during WW2. Copied by Colleen (Ristesund) Nilson April 2021 - September 2022, Sioux Falls, SD.

Colleen’s note: Most of the ships Dad worked with were called Liberty ships and Victory ships. The Liberty ships were used first. during WW2 They were plain, smaller and slower, hence their nickname “The Ugly Ducklings”. In 1943 the United States decided the Liberty ships needed to be upgraded with a larger and faster ship model. They started building the Victory ships to replace the Liberty ships and also planned to use them for commercial shipping once the war was over.

Dad wrote the following on the first page of this Journal: Staff Sgt. E. G. Ristesund, Co. I (the letter i), 591st Engr Boat Rigt APO #700 of P. M. M. (some letter?) Y City.

January 1, 1943 Friday. Worked through old year & new last night. Boy! Did the ship ever make a racket blowing in the new year. Had turkey for dinner.

January 2, 1943. Was called out this morning at 9:30 AM. Worked till 5:00 PM. Wrote Ruth & Austin (eldest sibling & her husband). Had mail call. I got none.

January 3, 1943. Got up in time for drill 11:00-12:00 noon. Wrote letter to folks. No rain.

Memo. Worked new ship today. Unloaded Mail 1200 bags. Sent letter to Irene (I do not know who this person is. She may be a friend, not a relative or girlfriend.)

January 4, 1943. Worked at the docks. Had pay call today. Put $40 in deposit & $30.00 home. Rained some today.

Colleen’s note: $30 and $40 in 1943 was the equivalent of $469.89 and $626.52 in 2021.

January 5, 1943. (Dad left this day blank)

January 6, 1943. Rained today some. Had passes today. Had my picture taken today.

January 7, 1943. Had a flood. Sure rains. One of the boys in our platoon got shot accidently in his tent. 45 pistol. (hard to read the rest, says the victim’s name) Columbade or Columbode (?).

January 8, 1943. Worked from 12:00 to 7:00 last night. Worked this PM. Moved officer’s tents & office to higher ground.

January 9, 1943. Been questioned on the death of Columbade(?). Postponed funeral. Holding autopsy today. Worked from 3:00-12:30. Received Christmas package (Ruth and Austin) Harts, Gladys, Elton (3 of Dad’s siblings). Got package.

January 10, 1943. Had Columbade’s(?) funeral. I was one of the firing squad. He was 3 21st in the ceremony(?) or cemetery(?).

Memo. Picture Ruth, Austin & Rhaela (Colleen’s note: my dad’s oldest sister, her husband and daughter). Money belt, pocket games & holder for my day(?) teiger(?) or tages(?)

Colleen’s note: I can’t make out the last words. It sounds my dad is talking about what he received in his Christmas package from home, near Howard, South Dakota.

January 11, 1943. Worked on the docks today. Didn’t do much. Received a letter from the folks.

January 12, 1943 . Worked from 6:30 to 15:30 loaded airboat S.S. Star. No rain but, Boy what wind.

January 13, 1943 Loaded ship 6:30-15:30. Wind still blowing. Troops & supplies leaving port.

January 14 1943. 100 tanks & half tracks loaded and tank carriers, also troops. Tent burned down for one of my men(?).

January 15, 1943. Loaded ships 6:30-15:30. About finished, one hole left(?). (Can’t read the next sentence.) Have radio & (?). Heard Berlin propaganda. Germany(?) was (?) mentioned(?) on(?) bring(?) good(?) M.(?), CS.(?), O.(?)

January 16, 1943. Pulled in another ship to load. Orpahues(?). My crew worked on Key today. Nice day.

January 17, 1943. Worked from 6:30 to 15:30. Started loading another ship. I’m loading gas and ammunition.

Memo. Wrote to folks & Gladys, Elt tonight (Colleen’s note: Dad’s parents, sister and Elton, my dad’s youngest sibling). 2 transports unloaded troops today. “Gun(?) Marrie(?)”.

January 18, 1943. Worked 6:30-3:30 PM. No mail for some time now. Weather getting hot & dry now. War news good. Soon be home I hope.

January 19, 1943. Worked on different ship. Finished loading it. I have got a pretty good crew. Came home 1:00 PM.

January 20, 1943 My crew stayed in camp today. Got to work midnight. Here is hot days & cool nights. Went to a few shows. Wrote some letters.

Colleen’s note: I’m guessing when Dad mentions going to “shows” he’s referring to film/movies and not live stage shows. Later, while overseas, Dad is able to attend several USO shows. He told me he went to at least one or two Bob Hope (one of the most famous comedians and actors of the twentieth century) hosted USO shows and one featuring Marlene Deidrick. She was a famous movie star. He told me Miss Deidrick started her performance by standing behind a large closed stage curtain and then reveled only one bare leg between the curtains for a few minutes. The troops went wild with their whistles, hoots and hollerings, Dad said. He laughed at the memory and said that it was really something to see! (the troops reaction, not her leg)

January 21, 1943. Slept all afternoon & missed dinner. Was up all night. Unloaded a truck from Alexandra Damnilton(?).

January 22, 1943. I’ve been in Army 21 months(?). Worked last night. I had 3 crews. Loaded railroad rails & organization equipment. Got big packages from Zae(?) all kinds of candy.

January 23, 1943. Got a pac(kage?) today. Got my pictures. No good. Had chicken(?) dinner 3 for 640 Francs. Seen a French stage show, really good.

January 24, 1943. Worked last night from midnight to 0700 hrs. Got up at noon.

Memo. Had one air raid this week. We dropped 4 bombs on decks. No damage. Airplane

January 25, 1943. War news good. Worked midnight to 7:00 AM. Unloaded 30 ton tanks. Was short handed. Rained most night & (?) job.

January 26, 1943. Worked same hole (ship), but unloaded organization equipment. 5 tanks left.

January 27, 1943. Started new ships today. Called a C2 & a C1. Good looking ship & big. Unloaded half tracks & lots of mail came from U.S.

January 28, 1943. My crew got passes today. Bought a ring, bracelet (Arabian) (Colleen’s note: Dad wrote “Arabian” in parenthesis) & cards & pencil. Have French(?) vaudeville shows (?) army.

January 29, 1943. Air raid sirens went off. I got off work from docks today, but I had to work all day in camp. My crew put up 3 athletic tents(?). Volleyball, badminton & basketball.

January 30, 1943. Got off work 7:00 AM. Went to bed. Got up at 12:00 noon. Read (or wrote?) a little in my pup tent. Seen a free show.

January 31, 1943. Got off 7:00 AM from work. Worked on “Santa Maria”. Got paid. Wrote letter to Zoe(?) & folks.

Memo. Made out 35 (or 25) dollars allotment w/$8.23 in bonds. I will have a total of $73.75 put away each month.

Colleen’s note: I Googled $73 and the value in todays dollar, in the year 2021, is $1117.69.

Feb 1, 1943 Monday. Got up at 12:00 noon. Fixed up my tent a little. Our staff Sergeant came back to our station(?) so i don’t have a crew anymore.

Colleen’s note: I remember Dad telling me he did the job of a Staff Sergeant long before he was promoted to one (Kerry says this is actually pretty normal for the Army). He also shared with me that he often wondered if he’d ever get promoted to Staff Sergeant, where he’d finally receive the rank and pay increase. Yes, the Army took advantage of him, but he showed that he processed the skills and leadership abilities needed to get the job done right. Dad was always a good leader and boss, from what I heard as a child and witnessed through the years, holding the title of owner and manager of The Driftwood, his successful restaurant, as well as his dedicated leadership in our church. Also, upholding the title of President of the South Dakota Full Gospel Businessmen, as well as many other organizations he was a part of.

Feb 2, 1943. Our staff is unloading the Santa Maria. Seen a few vaudeville French shows. Was good. Wrote folks a letter. Got 3 bottles of “Coco Cola”.

Colleen’s note: Dad double underlined the word “Coca Cola”! Must have been a great treat for him and to receive 3 bottles, too!!

Feb 3, 1943. Worked last night 12:00 midnight to 7:00 AM. The USS Granimerner(?) is about finished.

Feb 4, 1943 . Went on pass. Also, got a tetanus shot. B.W.

Colleen’s note: I do not know what B.W. stands for.

Feb 5, 1943 . Been in camp today. (?) & to work until midnight. Wrote a letter to Bill Soderberg. Colleen’s note: my Dad’s 1st cousin.

Feb 6, 1943 Been overseas for 6 months. Got up at noon. I got some lumber for my tent. Got it for our floor in our tents. Washed some clothes today. Pretty good job.

Feb 7, 1943 . Didn’t work last night. Had close order drill & bayonet drill from 10:00 AM to 11:40. Wrote letter to folks.

Memo. Received a Sheaffer(?) Fountain pen from folks yesterday. Sure is a swell pen.

Feb 8, 1943 . Got up at noon. Worked from 1:00 AM to 6;30 AM. They made a new crew and I was put in charge of it. Made out many orders. $70.00.

Colleen’s note: $70 equals $1198.80 in 2022.

Feb 9, 1943. Didn’t work last night. Got a new crew. Some (or same?) 8 balls(?) in it. Worked in camp today.

Feb 10, 1943. Didn’t work last night either. Am getting together new crew. Got some candy from Ruth today (sibling).

Feb 11, 1943. Had an air raid. Received a package of good homemade candy from folks & bars(?) also.

Feb 12, 1943. Worked last night. Found out my crew, turned out to be very good except a couple or so. Unloaded 90 kmm(?) & 75 MM(?).

Colleen’s note: Dad told me that there was a fellow soldier who was always “out” for him, from the beginning to the end. He said this man would be terrible to him for no reason that Dad could ever figure out, other than maybe jealousy. This person would try to take credit for some of the good things that Dad did, especially while Dad was in leadership, sometimes succeeding. His lies eventually led him to receiving a promotion ahead of Dad. This guy would also make up and spread bad rumors about Dad and try to make his daily life miserable, when they worked together. Here is one story I remember Dad telling us: For a few weeks (I’m not sure how long it lasted) my dad was given the temporary duty of picking up in his jeep and driving the visiting 5 star General, Dwight D. Eisenhower, to the docks every morning so he could inspect the ships in the port. Dad said he was able to speak with him every day, while in the jeep, and get to know him! He left enough of an impression with the general that he promised him that before he leaves he will leave Dad an autographed photo to pick up in the office. Well, the day came when the general was finished with his inspections and he left Dad’s camp. Dad noticed he didn’t receive his autographed photo so he went to the office and found the list of names. The soldier who had it out for Dad had crossed out his name and wrote his in. Dad said there was nothing he could could do about it because General Eisenhower had already left, what was done was done. He sure was disappointed and would mention from time to time how nice it would have been to have had that personally autographed photo from the general, who later became the 34th President of the United States (1953 to 1961). He served 2 full terms as President and Richard Nixon was his Vice President (he became our 37th President of the US, 1969 to 1971)! Dad shared a lot about this fellow soldier to me, including his name, but unfortunately, too many years have passed. I no longer remember the details to all of the stories my dad told me about him. All I know is that he sounded like a terrible person and my dad’s time overseas would have been better without him there. I do remember there was a time period where they didn’t work together (it was off and on) and Dad was so relieved! Eventually, Dad was somehow able to show others this man’s deceitfulness and that helped my dad in dealing with it, towards the end.

Feb 13, 1943. Worked last night 12:00 to 6:30 AM. I have a soft ball team now in my crew. Wrote letter to folks & Ruth (sibling).

Feb 14, 1943. Worked 12:00 to 6:30 AM. Got letter from Myrle (Erickson) (Colleen’s note: my dad’s friend?). First letter since he left for Australia, year(?) last Jan. Also, letter from Gladys (sibling).

Feb 15, 1943. Worked this AM from 12:00 to 6:30. Slept till 12:00 noon. Had big mail call. Received a letter & Christmas card from folks. Wrote letter to Myrle Erickson.

Feb 16, 1943. Worked last night 12:00 midnight to 6:30. My crew unloaded truck as they came in. Some got candles.

Colleen’s note: Candles? Must not have had enough battery operated flashlights to use whenever they wanted? There are 2 words after “candles” that I can’t decipher.

Feb 17, 1943. Worked from 12:30 AM to 6:60 AM. Slept all day. Rained & lots of wind. Got letter from Curtis (sibling). He gets an 18 day leave.

Colleen’s note: I wonder why Uncle Curt received an 18 day leave when Dad only got one, the 4 day leave he was granted after the war was over, but he was still in service overseas and had to stay in country? Maybe because Uncle Curt was married?

Feb 18, 1943. Worked day shift 5:30 AM to 3:30 PM. It’s raining & cold. Got 3 candles...

Colleen’s note: There’s a word at the end of this sentence that I can’t make out.

Feb 19, 1943. No work today. Rained all day & night with a strong wind. Went to a free show tonight. Are(?) an (or on) reserve(?) letter or Christmas card from Alice Soderberg.

Colleen’s note: Alice (Soderberg) was one of my dad’s first cousins (her mother and Dad’s mother were sisters) and we knew her quite well. She was our hired housekeeper from the 1960s through the 1980s. Alice would come over 2-3 days a week and dust, iron clothes, vacuum and just general. She would accidently break stuff once in awhile, but in my parents house there was a lot of stuff to break. When Terry and I were grade school age she’d even iron some of our doll clothes if we asked, though we probably shouldn’t have! One time when Merri was around the age of 10. she went into the pantry with the funny idea of jumping out and scaring Alice, but her idea backfired. She tried to shut the hard-to-close 100 year old solid wooden door all the way, though it could never really close tight due to the settling of the old Victorian house. Before she knew it, she could not get the door reopened and started to panic, yelling out for help. She said Alice came to her rescue and was so kind and patient while working on the door until it finally opened and Merri was free. I can still hear Alice trying to calm Merri down in her gentle way, reassuring her that everything was going to be OK while she worked and worked on getting that sticky door unstuck!. When I was 4 our dad bought us the cutest little silver colored 5 lb teacup toy poodle and we (I think Merri actually named her) Mimi (4/1968-11/1981). Mimi just adored Alice! We always knew when Alice had arrived because Mimi would jump around in circles near the front door in the foyer and whine repeatedly, growing louder and louder while Alice was sweeping the front sidewalk and porch. Alice always did this just before she came into the house to start her day. Alice also attended the same church as us, Faith Temple, so we saw here often as well as special events and any relative get-togethers we would have throughout the years. She was a sweet and kind person and never married or had any children.

Feb 20, 1943. No work today. Rained all night & part of today. My crew gets a pass today. Sent home $70.00. M. O. home(?) today(?).

Colleen’s note: I had a hard time making out the words in that sentence.. Went to work 3:00 PM on the “Lawise Moorse”(?). Got off 12:30 AM.

Memo: Scott from H Company died after falling between the ship & dock. Was crushed. 2nd man dying that way in Feb(?).

Colleen’s note: I remember Dad retelling this tragic event. He said a person had to have timing to know when to walk by the ships on the dock because the huge ships would move a lot in the water and hit up against the dock. Dad said this person was a little clumsy, not very coordinated. Dad said he was the soldier selected to call his family back in the states, somewhere down south, and tell them that their son had died. He felt really sad and terrible for them!

Feb. 21, 1943. Went to work 3:00 PM on the Louis Moore ship

Feb. 22, 1943. Monday. 22 Months in the Army. Worked 3:30 PM - 02:30 AM. Have had lots of rain.

Feb. 23, 1943. Received a letter from home. Elton (my dad’s youngest brother) has scarlet fever. Worked 3:30 to 12:30 AM. Watched them load up a bunch of German prisoners on a boat from Ramels(?) Army.

Feb. 24, 1943. Work(?) Did the same war ship, Louis Moore Unloaded lots of turkey & chicken from boat. Hope we get some.

Colleen’s note: This makes me sad to think about. I remember my dad telling me how they didn’t always have food. They had to ration their own personal food (K-rats) and sometimes they had to go for a day or more without food. He said there would always be some random soldier who didn’t ration his food well enough and would end up begging fellow soldiers for food. The more severe situations, without food, were when he wasn’t in a set camp, and was traveling and sleeping in their pup tents.

Feb. 25, 1943. Received 2 letters from Gladys (sibling) & a (news) paper from home. Aunt Assie(?) died. Ray (sibling) is in the Navy now.

Feb. 26, 1943. Worked at the Mescy(?) (Mercy?) center. I had my crew dig a tunnel(?) for our showers they are putting up. Will soon have showers here. Had fresh steak.

Colleen’s note: Fresh steak! That must have tasted awesome! It’s interesting that Dad used the word “fresh”. I know that most of their food was from cans, so that was probably what he was implying.

Feb. 27, 1943. Got paid tonight. My crew got a pass today. We didn't do much. We are just getting more like Arabs every day.

Colleen’s note: I wonder what that meant? I know Dad was never prejudice and didn’t have anything against the Arab people or any one of a different race. Dad was good friends with two Arab brothers in Sioux Falls, Rich and Fred Assam. They were all successful businessmen that were also christians so they enjoyed getting together and discussing both matters.

Colleen’s note: I do remember Dad telling me in his 80′s how he hated the smell of garlic for many years after the war, because of the Arabs he worked with during WW2 always smelled like garlic. I’m sure Dad never had garlic while growing up on the farm, so he wasn’t familiar with it at all.

Feb. 28, 1943. Worked a new ship, the Washington Irving. Last week worked a little on the Federal S.PTO. My crew was the only crew to finish rigging & unloading the top cargo. Picked(?) or worked(?) on(?) roping's(?) & open hatch. I have a good crew.

March 1, 1943 Monday. I have been recommended for a Staff Sgt rating. Put $48.75 away 3 da(?) home, one $18.75 bond. Worked morning shift. Been(?) free(?) or three(?) short(?).

Colleen’s note: This entry was fairly hard to transcribe. Interesting to note, In 1944 $48.75 was the equivalent of around $750 in 2022. Every penny mattered back then, including that .75 cents!

March 2, 1943. Worked from 6:30 - 3:30 PM

March 3, 1943. Work today, but wrote a letter to the folks. I have been complimented on my work and crew leader(ship).

March 4, 1943. Worked 6:30 to 3:30 PM. Working rations & truck in ships.

March 5, 1943. My team played S/Sgt Taran(?) crew. We were tied in the 6th inning, but Staff Sergeant Taran(?) beat my crew, lost(?) good.

March 6, 1943. Still working on the Washington Irving (ship). Received a letter from Gladys (sibling). Been overseas 7 months today.

March 7, 1943. Worked from 6:30 AM to 3:30 PM unloading landing mats for airfields. My Company and I played H Company in soft ball. We won, of course.

Colleen’s note: ”course” is underlined.

March 8, 1943. Finished unloading the Washington Irving. We were out on the alert this morning. Should load up on the ship tomorrow night. I think we’re going to Philliervillie, Tunisia, Africa.

March 9, 1943. Orders were changed. We load up on the Winfield Scott tomorrow (Liberty) ship. Barracks bags today.

March 10, 1943. Loaded upon the Winfield Schott last night. Slept in the hold. Sailed this AM. 10:00 o’clock. No trouble.

March 11, 1943. Sailed up the Mediterranean all day. No trouble. Seen lots of fish. Not much to eat.

March 12, 1943. Pulled in & docked about 3:30 PM. Got through our hottest water(?) maybe weather?). No trouble. Had an air raid tonight. No damage.

March 13, 1943. Worked in camp. Setting up tents & digging split trenches. Held a big air raid. Dropped a few bombs. One plane came low over our heads.

Colleen’s note: That must have been terrifying! It’s interesting how Dad never mentions being scared or frightened. I wish he would have written down more personal feelings about how he felt and what he thought. Maybe, in case something bad happened to him, he didn’t want anyone to read about his innermost personal thoughts or maybe it was something he just knew he’d never forget, therefore didn’t feel the need to write down the fears he faced on a continuous basis for 4 plus years.

March 14, 1943. We are between 60 to 100 miles from the front lines of action. Rained all night & day. Got pretty wet. This is a pretty country. We are about 5 miles from Pillippvillie, Tunisia Africa. Worked from 2:00 - 10:00 PM.

Colleen’s note: Being so close to the front line for so long, Dad must have heard a lot of distance bombing and military planes flying overhead, maybe on a daily basis.

March 15, 1943. Worked in camp today. My crew built a latrine for officers. Also, went on guard at 6:00 PM.

March 16, 1943. Been on guard all day. I’ve been Corporal & Sergeant. Was short a man so acted as Cpl & Sgt. I got off at 6:00 PM.

March 17, 1943. Camp is pretty well in order. Are working on docks. Worked from 6:00 AM to 2:00 PM.

March 18, 1943. Working on the Winfield Scott. Wrote letters to folks & Curtis (sibling).

March 19, 1943. Worked from 6:00 AM - 2:00 PM. Had a air raid off the coast or harbor.

March 20, 1943. Worked in camp. My crew built our wash stand & cesspool and helped build up a day room.

March 21, 1943. Went to work on the morning shift. Got PX rations & signed payroll yesterday. Are working on new ship Samuel Livermore.

March 22, 1943. I have been in the Army for 22 months. Worked the Samuel Livermore. Unloaded mostly light cargo & yet got 300 more ton than anyone before on that leg(?) or key(?) Colleen’s note: can not decipher the last part of that sentence.

March 23, 1943. Had mail call today. Got letters. Sure was good to hear & read so much at once.

March 24, 1943. Worked 6:00 AM to 2 PM. Wrote a letter to folks. H Company eats with us. They came here Monday.

March 25, 1943. Worked today from 2:00 PM to 10:00 PM. My crew unloaded close to 200 tons.

March 26,1943. Went on guard. 8:00 AM. I get off 8:00 in mornings. I’m short handed so am Cpt & Sgt of guard. 45 planes went over us to pay a debt they owed the Germans.

Colleen’s note: Wondering what that means, “...to pay a debt they owed the Germans.”? Sarcasm? Dad was funny and had a good sense of humor when the time was right, but he was never sarcastic and we were not allowed to speak in that manner while my 3 siblings and I were growing up. I suppose that was how our parents were raised, though my mom did mention that she would get in trouble for being sassy and talking back to her parents when she was really young (around the 3-6 year old range). Back in the day, it was disrespectful to your parents or other adults if you spoke with any kind of attitude or even a sigh or a grunt. Also, a stomping ones foot down, no matter how slight, which I remember doing once, then I learned very quickly not to do ever do that again!. I guess it was only OK for comedians and entertainers to be sarcastic. Then it was considered funny!

March 27, 1943. Had a pass today. Not a thing in town. Stores are empty. Germans have it all.

Colleen’s note: That last sentence says so much!

March 28,1943. Went to work 1:00 PM to 10:00. Want to go home. Have got the blues. (Colleen’s note: ”blues” is unlined). Had an air raid out of the port yesterday. Got 7 Jerry planes & 3 of our own. One of our tankers.

Colleen’s note: “Jerry” is the American’s nickname for German soldiers.

March 29, 1943 Monday. Worked this afternoon. They towed in a Liberty ship that was bombed just off the/our(?) docks Sat. 2 dead. Yank pilots brought in.

Colleen’s note: Yank (Yankee) is a nickname for US soldiers.

March 30, 1943. Go to work tonight 1:00(or 9?) work till 6:00 AM. Got some 45 pistol shells & shot the postal this PM. Didn’t do too bad.

March 31, 1943. Finished working the Anne Bradstreet. Unloading the Washington Irving.

April 1, 1943 Thursday. April Fool Pay Day (Colleen’s note: Dad wrote this in large letters and underlined it) Go to work 9:30 tonight. Write letter to Gladys (sibling).

April 2, 1943. Slept this AM. Worked all night. Had air raid about 8:30 PM. Go to work 9:00 AM.

April 3, 1943. Worked the Nightingale. Got in from work at 6:00 AM. Got along pretty good. Slept all day. Got up for chow at 5:00.

April 4, 1943. Started a new ship today. The William McKinley. Air Raid sirens went off but no injury.

April 5, 1943. Worked on the William McKinley. Unloaded 5 gal. oil cans. Number. 2 hatch had tanks. Number 4 had half tracks.

April 6, 1943. I’ve been overseas for 8 months. Worked from 2:00 PM to 10:00 AM. Heard another S.H. rumor, suppose to go to Bone (”Bone” is underlined.)

April 7, 1943. Worked from 2:00 to 10 PM. Go on guard in the morning.

April 8, 1943. Went on guard this morning. Wrote 2 letters, Ray (sibling) and Austin (Dad’s eldest sister, Ruth’s husband).

April 9, 1943. I got off guard 8:00 AM. Handed my men's name in for passes. Stayed in camp. Wrote 2 letters Ruth (sibling) & Irene (Dolleen’s note: I do not know who Irene is). Got a vaccination this AM. Handed in a few names of my men for ratings.

April 10, 1943. No work today. No ships to be unloaded.

April 11, 1943. Had a detail. Had to put up a fence by our camp with my men this AM. Had sun(?) or Been(?) to the beaches. Mail call tonight. Got 3 letters. Bill S. (Soderberg, 1st cousin), Ruthie (sister), Irene. Wrote a letter to Bill. Had air raid. No planes(?) (Colleen’s note: and a word I can’t make out).

April 12, 1943. Stayed in camp all day. No work. Signed pay roll today. Read a book & slept. Wrote a letter to Gladys (sister).

April 13, 1943. Washed some of my clothes. I took our S.H. inspection and all went to the beach. Sure was fun. Waves went over our heads. Col. Allen(?) was here.

April 14, 1943. Had extended order drill. Interior guard and rifle inspections. Went to beach, swim.

April 15, 1943. Had calestaniss & extended order. Made Staff Sergeant today. One rank higher.

Colleen’s note: At least Dad finally received a promotion (higher rank) and the little bit extra of pay that goes with doing basically the same leadership job he’s been doing since the beginning! Dad told me he would have gotten promoted faster if it wasn’t for one fellow soldier who did what he could to make my dad’s life hard and he took credit for some of the positive things that Dad did. I’ii write more about this soldier later.

April 16, 1943. Worked on a new boat today. The (Colleen’s note: Dad left a blank space for the ship’s name and never went back to fill it in.). Loaded with gass(?) only in drums. I was served my S/Sgt (Staff Sergeant) stripes tonight & wrote to folks.

April 17, 1943. Unloaded gas all day. Our Company took 17,080 ton off in 16 hrs.

April 18, 1943. Worked on docks today. 6:00 AM to 2:00 PM.

April 19, 1943. Got up for work, but didn’t go. Just 3 holds left. Had 2 hrs drill in AM. 2 PM. Washed clothes & went to the beach.

April 20, 1943. I went on guard this AM. I got some (news) papers from home.

April 21, 1943. Had air raid this AM at dawn. Bombs dropped. Haven't heard damage yet. I got off guard at 8 AM. Got a pass.

April 22, 1943 Thursday. Colleen’s note: Dad wrote the following in LARGE letters and with bold ink, all underlined! Been in the Army 2 years! Don’t know how I stood it, but here I am.

April 23, 1943. Colleen’s note: Dad wrote the following in LARGE letters, bold ink and all unlined!. Am Starting my 3rd year in the Army. Worked from 2:00 AM - 10 AM on the E. Cameran (English). Colleen’s note: Dad wrote the parentheses this time.

April 24, 1943. Worked from 2:00 - 6 AM. Rained all day. I got a full crew again. 15 men.

April 25, 1943 Easter Sunday. Worked from 2:00 - 10:00 PM. Had 2 alerts. Put lights out twice, but no injuries. Had mail call. Got 3 letters from Gladie (sister), 1 from folks. Colleen’s note: the next 1-2 words I can’t decipher.

April 26, 1943. Wrote 2 letters to Irene & folks. Worked 2:00 AM - 10:00 PM. Had air raid this morning at down(?dawn?). Got one Italian plane. Had one air raid tonight. Dropped a few bombs. Killed 3 French.

April 27, 1943. Worked today. Had air raid tonight. Dropped quite a few effs(?). No damage. Missed the docks.

April 28, 1943. Worked again 2:00 - 10:00 PM. Don’t get much done after dark at the docks.

April 29, 1943. Didn’t work. Went to docks, but no ship so came home.

April 30, 1943. Went to work this AM. 7:00 AM till 6:00 PM. 11 hr shift. Long tough hrs. Unload rations(?). Had pay.

May 1, 1943 Saturday. Call & moved in big tents. Had to move before dark. Worked from 7:00 AM to 6:00 Pm. Got back & tried to straighten(?) our tent.

May 2, 1943. Went on guard today. Get off in the morning 8:00 AM. Wrote 2 letters Gladie (sister) and the folks.

Memo. Had one alert at 2:00 PM. All for last 3 days.

May 3, 1943. Got off guard today so had the day off. Our setting up big tents.

May 4, 1943. Moved in our big tents. I have 2 tents for my men, 7 in each. Us Staff Sgts sleep together.

May 5, 1943. Went to work at 2:00 PM. Worked till 7:30. Had no lights. Got home away from the docks for the air raid.

May 6, 1943. Got an order to pack, get ready to move. Tore out our floor & frame we built (Colleen’s note: In their tents).

May 7, 1943. Got order to leave this morning. Left 11:00 AM. Traveled all day. Are 50 miles from Bigerte (Tunisia, Africa). The front lines. Hear big guns. Seen camels & lots of Italian & German prisoners.

May 8, 1943. Got here last night 8:00 PM. Tunis(?) & Begerta fell. Set up our big tents.

May 9, 1943 Sunday. Today’s Mothers Day. Went to work 6:00 tonight. Unloaded on the beach. Invasion(?) barges(?) on/or(?) big tank/bank(?) tighters/lighters(?). 3 1/2 hrs. Airplane British crashed in the field today.

May 10, 1943. Received letter from Ruth (sibling). Having it easy here. Looks like we might be going to Beyerta(?) or go along with next invasion. No work today.

May 11, 1943. Unload big tank lighters. Came in 2 a day or one. Unload in a day & 13 crews in our Company. Our men moved in pup tents. Us staff & Techs(?) sleep in big tents.

May 12, 1943. No work today. Played volley ball, Sargeants & Officers. Wrote 2 letters to Risdon & folks.

Colleen’s note: Leonard Risdon - he became good friends with my dad in the army, Kept in contact over the years. Got together at a reunion in the early 2000s with many of the former soldiers in their unit and their wives. My Dad has several photos of them together at the reunion and cards sent to him from Risdon. My 88 yr old, healthy and independent dad died several hours after falling backward on their apartment stairs while carrying groceries on July 28, 2009. His friend Leonard Risdon, died on February 11, 2011, age 90. He lived in Otisville, .

May 13, 1943. Had close order drill & compass reading. Sent 3 my men to wait for boat.

May 14, 1943. Got letter from Myrle & Irene. Went to work 7:30 AM. Had order to move. 8:00AM came back, packed & pulled out 1:00 PM. Camped overnight matuere(?).

May 15, 1943. Pulled out 8:00 AM for Beyerta(?). Got here 11:00 AM. Cleaned our old bombed building. Bizerte is deserted & wrecked(?) (”wrecked” is underlined).

May 16, 1943. Sleeping in French barracks. Cleaned out the wreckage from bombs. Went on guar 8:00 AM. Drove the jeep to post/past(?) men. 7 dead, air raid. This is a “ghost town” (ghost town is underlined).

May 17, 1943. Got off guard today 8:00 AM. Had the day off. My men been lining things up & making things uniform in the men's quarters(?). Air raid alert.

May 18, 1943. There wasn’t a living soul in this town Bizerte. It’s just flattened out. Went to work 12:00 noon to 7:00 PM.

May 19, 1943. Went to work 1:00 PM. Finished little early 8:00PM. Wrote letter to Myrle (friend) & Ruth (sister).

May 20, 1943. Had air raid midnight. Not much of(?) air raid Worked from 11:00 - 9:30.

May 21, 1943. Had air raid 3:00 AM. They fired only a few bursts.

May 22, 1943. Wrote letter to Irene, Gladys (sister) & folks. 25 months in the service and 22 years old today. Went to work 9:30. Came in 1:00. A little Dutch(?) ship.

May 23, 1943. Had air raid this morning. Been to work. Small ships come in here. Sure big harbor. 26 ships were sank in harbor in 2 hrs. Are clearing(?) them out.

May 24, 1943. Worked today 1:00 PM to 5:30 PM. Finished are(our ?) hold early. Mail came in but didn't get any.

May 25, 1943. Worked a sleuth ship. I finished my hold early & went home. brought some rations home.

May 26, 1943. No work today. Had air raid 4:00 AM. Were warned Jerrys may use gases. Had has drill.

May 27, 1943. No work today. Went to beach. Are making crates for our equipment. Looks like we leave soon.

May 28, 1943. Went to work 1:00 PM. New ship came in 7:30.

May 29, 1943. Went on guard 8:00 AM. I had 5 men on M.(?) P. & 4 guard & 5 on detail. Enemy reconacense(?) plan(?) came over.

May 30, 1943. Got off guard this 8:00 AM. Got a paper yesterday & letter from Gladie (sister). Had a good sized air raid last night & one this afternoon. didn’t now till low planes came down and dropped eggs(?).

May 31, 1943. Went to work 4:40 AM. Came in 1:00 PM. Bob Christenson(?) was kidded in action March 30, 1943 N. Africa. Had 2 air raid alerts but didn’t come here.

June 1, 1943 Tuesday. Worked from 6:00 AM to 1:oo PM.

June 2, 1943. Got a letter from mother. Sure glad to hear again. Worked today. Had drill 2 hrs.

June 3, 1943. Worked from 4:00 AM to 1:00 PM.

June 4, 1943. No work today. My crew got the detail to move the latrine. Had drill & map reading.

June 5, 1943..Worked at the Navel Reserve(?). Navy equipment, pontoons(?), etc. Sure large place.

June 6, 1943. Ten Months overseas. Worked at the U.S. Navel Reserve docks. Naval equipment. also air bar/bas/sas(?) 15 Miles of docks. Are really cleaning place up. Lots of Jerrys(?) planes. Few air raid alerts this eve(?).

June 7, 1943 . My crew & Sgt Jaran(?) crew got off today. Took us to Lrencis/Trencis(?). had good time. Seen the ruins of Carthag(?) old roman City.

June 8, 1943. Went to work 2:00 AM. On our first Liberty ship at Rezerte(?). The Henry(?) L.(?) Brown from states(?).

June 9, 1943. Had 1 hr of Cabatain(?) & drill, then a lecture.

June 10, 1943. Worked the “Henry B.(?) Brown”. Lots of gas and A.A.F. equipment.

June 11, 1943. Worked 1:00 to 9;00 PM. Unload gas. (invasion) (Dad wrote these parentheses around “invasion”) For(?) Henry B Brown out in harbor.

June 12, 1943. 9:00 PM. Had air raid 8:20 PM. Couldn't get off the boat. It is loaded with 130 grade gases(?). No bombs were dropped.

June 13, 1943. Signed payroll & went to work 1:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Had 2 alerts.

Memo. Have a lot of air raid alerts. Not many raids.

June 14, 1943. Worked 1:00 - 9:00 PM. Received my 1st letter from Bob S (Soderberg, 1st cousin, good friends until they died, Bob in Nov 2008 & Dad the following July 2009). 1 letter from Gladys & Curt (siblings).

June 15, 1943. Wrote 3 letters Bob, Gladys & Curt. Had the day off.

June 16, 1943. Went to work 4:45 - 12:45 PM. 591st been organized 1 year today. Spent 10 months & 10 days of it overseas.

June 17, 1943. Worked on dock again.

June 18, 1943. Received a letter from Helen S (Soderberg, 1st cousin) & picture & letter Gladys (sister). Birthday card from folks.

June 19, 1943. Had the day off in camp. Done some washing.

June 20, 1943. Am still in camp. Have had some pretty good air raids. the Jerrys are trying to get our invasion's boats(?) out of commission.

June 21, 1943. Went to work on a French ship. I got a package from Folks. Was sure good. Had a big air raid 4:00 AM. 26 mo. (months) army.

June 22, 1943. Worked from 1:00 to 9:00 PM. The Lake of Bezute(?) is filled with invasion boats & the fleet. 15 miles of docks filled.

June 23, 1943. Had air raid. The invasion ships are loaded with troop[s & armored equipment. Expect it to happen any time now.

June 24, 1943. Was on guard today. Wrote letter folks, Helen S. (Soderberg, 1st cousin) & Gladys (sister). Letter & B (birthday) card from Gladys.

June 25, 1943. I got off guard 8:00 AM. Had air raid this AM. Washed my fatigues & soaked my white clothes.

June 26, 1943. Went to work on a Liberty ship. Worked till 1:00 PM from 5:00 AM.

June 27, 1943. Worked same shift. Have a lot of alerts for air raids but not so much bombing no more. got 3 letters today the folks, Gladys (sister) & Irene.

June 28, 1943. Worked same shift. Got a paper & wrote folks & Irene. Washed clothes today. Do better job every time.

June 29, 1943 Went to work 5:00 AM (underlined). Got off 11:00PM (double underlined). 18 hrs. unloading gas. Ship docked at Furvill (?).

June 30, 1943. Went to a free show. Put on by the Red Cross.

July 1, 1943. Thursday. Go to work 9:00 PM till 5:00 AM. Work it in Ferrvilly(?)

July 2, 1943. Been on the night shift. Had 2 air raid alerts.

July 3, 1943. Been on night shift . Sure tired and is it ever hot here now.

July 4, 1943. Been on night shift and slept all day. Got a paper from home April 30th issue.

July 5, 1943. Dad & moms wedding anniversary. Had big air raid this AM 4:00. Seen one Jerry come down. Not much damage.

July 6, 1943. Been overseas 11 months. Work a Norwegian ship. Think there is a fellow from Dad’s home in Norway.

July 7, 1943. Been to work this AM on Norsk(?) ship. This fellow Torvick(?) from Kavonsy(?) Norway knows where Dad lived. Some Ristesunds.

July 8, 1943. Worked on the “Saffallt(?)”

July 9, 1943. Went on guard this morning 8:00 AM. Wrote letter to folks & Irene.

July 10, 1943. Heard they are landing troops on Sicily. Got off guard 8:00 AM. Air raid last night.

July 11, 1943. Am running tank lighters(?) now. I have 4 boat crews. Run the boats in port.

July 12, 1943. I have 6 boast crew now. brought 5 out this PM. We carry men to ships. are in harbor & carry some cargo.

July 13, 1943. They have put one back on stevadorer(?) work. Wished I could have stayed on boats.

July 14, 1943. Finished running boats last night . Have a crew to work ships cargo.

July 15, 1943. Am a stevedore(?) again. Worked a oil tanker. Had our dinner on it. “Prat”(?). Sure was good.

July 16, 1943. Worked the John Poe(?), a liberty ship. We’re suppose to unload tanks 28 ton but get to them. No mail for 3 wks.

July 17, 1943. Received letter from Curtis (brother). Go to work 7:00 tonight.

July 18, 1943. Went to work on the “British Gorerage”(?). Oil tanker. Worked till 7:30 this morning 13 1/2 hrs. Got in at 10:00PM about 7 miles in the bay.

July 19, 1943. I sent 8 men down to docks wok on our dry docks for our S.C.Ms(?).

July 20, 1943. Went to work on the “John Walker” Liberty Ship 11 hrs. Unloaded 65 tons of bombs in 7 (or 1?) 1/2 hrs.

July 21, 1943. Received Letter from Gladys (sister) yesterday.

July 22, 1943. Worked the John walker again. Moved it out in the Lake.

July 23, 1943. I’ve spent in for months in the service. Went to work on the English boat. Unload some cranes off the deck then opened hatch & unload navy equipment.

July 24, 1943. Came in from work 2:00 PM. Finished the boat. I let my crew go swimming out in the harbor off the ship.

Colleen’s note: My dad told us a story about a bad experience he, one time, while jumping off one of the large ships in his port. He was having some fun swimming and jumped off a tall ship. to his surprise, when he hit the water his body dropped so fast and sank deeply into the bay. It got black quickly and he knew he was too deep. He swam as fast as he could, up to towards the surface of the water and almost ran out of air! He learned after that mistake, he needed to slow his body down once he hit the water by putting his arms and legs out so he’d never drop so deep again. He said he came very close to drowning that day.

July 25, 1943. No work today. Something must be wrong.

July 26, 1943. My crew has been on pass. 2nd pass in Bizarte(?). Went to Ferryvillie(?) Morestine(?) signed off.

July 1, 1943 Went to work this morning. Started loading a small English ship & stopped(?) then 12:30 AM unloaded the John Poe.

July 1, 1943 . Went out to load a ship 6:30 AM. Finished 4:30 & went swimming. 3 letters today.

July 1, 1943 Worked from 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM on the Mark Twain.

July 1, 1943 My crew didn’t work today. Wrote letter to Gladys (sister).

July 31, 1943. No work today. Getting a little easy around here. St. has sure been hot.

August 1, 1943 Sunday. Worked on the oil tanker Loraine(?) 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM. I got paid today. Put $103.75 away. $30.00 in Soldiers Deposit, $55.00 in allotment, $18.75 bond.

August 1, 1943 Sunday. Unloaded amunites(?) off a English shop Swithland(?) 7:00 AM - 6:30 PM.

August 1, 1943 Sunday. I had a pass today but nothing to do. No place to go. Wrote letter to folks and went swimming.

August 1, 1943 Sunday. Went to work at Ferrivilli(?) on a little French boast. ran out of steam so came home at noon.

August 1, 1943 Sunday. Went out this PM at 6:40 & worked George Davis, bombs 148 tons.

August 1, 1943 Sunday. 1 year overseas! (in large letters, unlined). Stayed in today. Had a party tonight on our first anniversary year overseas! (all underlined) Our boys put on a good show.

August 1, 1943 Sunday. I have some more boats again LCMs. 2 of us S/Sgt’s (Staff Sergeants) have 53 men & 9 boasts to look after.

August 1, 1943 Sunday. I Am in charge of boat crews now. Are getting 3 more LCM’s today or tomorrow. It sure is big job. Got 3 letters today. One from Dad. All about home.

August 1, 1943. Been down to our large docks all day. Have 2 officers & one tech Sgt. over us. But us 2 Staff Sergeants. I’ve got lot of the worries.

August 10, 1943. Been out running boats & bringing barges out to ships in harbor & Lake Kigert(?)

August 11, 1943. I've got 3 more pontoon barges propelling units. Glen(?) horses/houses(?) Put one together.

August 12, 1943. Have had a very busy day. 5:30 AM to 7:00PM. Have sent boats & barges to ships all day.

August 13, 1943. Had a day off today. sure was good to get away from those boats for awhile. Had a colored band here tonight. Sure good to hear music.

August 14, 1943. Worked at our “Harbor Transportation” today. Got 6 more boats, 4 LCMs, 2 personal.

August 15, 1943. Worked again 6:15 AM to 6:00. Got one more personnel, 19 boats. Wrote letter to folks last night. Told them to buy (Colleen’s note: ”buy” is double underlined) the quarter of land west of folks. Feel a little funny & still pretty good.

August 16, 1943. A Year & 10 Months since I went on furlough. Pile?pill(?) day today. Worked 12 hrs as usual. Had 3 alerts, 1 was the rea bombing.

August 17, 1943. Worked, as usual. Really tough work. Have 23 boats and 75 men & just 2 Staff Sgts.

August 18, 1943. Worked all day. Had big air raid 9:00 PM last night. 8 of Jerry’s planes stayed here. 3 personal bombs dropped near our hut, 2 in a barracks, 1 man injured in Co., hurt by shrapnel. Received my African Campaign ribbon. Went to stage show, seen Bob Hope, Francis Langford, Jack Pipper in person!

August 19, 1943. Colleen’s notes: Nothing written. Dad may have ran out of room after writing about the Bob Hope Show on the 18th.

August 20, 1943. Worked today. Boy, is it a headache. Seen Bob Hope again. Had another big air raid last night. Dropped bomb on Post Office. Killed a Cpt, Maj. & driver and our mail. (mail is underlined)

August 21, 1943. Had a busy day but no air raids. Got 2 twin screw barges, 2 moting/noting(?) really is keen.

August 22, 1943 Months in the Armed Forces of the U.S.A. Had a day off. Wrote letter to Gladys (sister) & Irene G. Have had some heavy air raids. Our Co. is O.K. Man injured in mert(?) H)?).

August 23, 1943. Worked same as usual. Have 3 S/Sgts. on the job, Makes it better. Have 85 men and 25boasts to care for.

August 24, 1943. Was down to work alone. Had 52 men. 2 officers there. Had a few alerts last night but no bombs.

August 25, 1943. Same hrs & work. Our Major (”Major” underline) has been gone for 3 days & is it ever peaceful!! (”peaceful” is underlined).

August 26, 1943. Had a good day. Major Mareres(?) still gone. Busy, but I handle it my way.

August 27, 1943. This is just one busy job, but it is good to have a change.

August 28, 1943. Went on night shift. A lot better at night. No one to tell me what to do.

August 29, 1943. Slept from 7:00 to 3:00 PM and work all night. I got to work at 5:30 PM & nock off at 6:30 AM. Then sleep all day.

August 30, 1943. Same as usual. Worked nights. Had one of my LCMs start sinking 12 miles in lake with 4 gangs of stevaders(?) & beached it at 10:00 PM (dark!).

August 31, 1943. Got our boat out this AM. Have to dry dock it.

September 1, 1943 Wednesday. Had a little better night, but still pretty busy. Had our French tug boat move most of our barges. One ship was working in the lake. Had it easy.

September 2, 1943. Colleen’s note: Dad did not write anything. He used the space to write what he wrote on Sept. 1st.

September 3, 1943. One ship was working in lake. No cargo to haul. So was an easy night. The mosquitos sure are bad now.

September 4, 1943. Worked again tonight. Slept all day. Wrote letters to IlaMae Anderson (Colleen’s note: I don not know who she is) & folks.

September 5, 1943. We hauled 10,000 troops across channel last night. Got 3 letters today. One from Myrle yesterday. Ruth (sister), folks, Gladys (Dads other sister) today. No work tonight.

I was looking in some of the Arab(?) old homes. I saw an old women sitting on rugs, skinny.

Colleen’s note: I can’t make out the next word, writing is very tiny.

September 6 1943. 13 months (written in bolder, larger letters). Had a pass today, but just slept later wrote letter. I got a box of candy & an 8 picture folder of home and Ruth, Curt in snow, Rhaelah (Colleen’s note: Ruth’s daughter, my eldest 1st cousin Rae, AKA Janna Hart on Facebook).

September 7, 1943. Was the only NCO on duty today and had one of our busiest & hardest days.

September 8, 1943. Had a big air raid. Shot down 5 planes for sure, maybe more. I think a lot of my folks at home. I wish I could help them.

September 9 1943. Had 4 liberty ships today. Sure am busy.

September 10, 1943. Worked all day. Got in a new Sea Mule. War news sure good. Only worked 2 ships.

September 11, 1943. Worked all day. 6:00 - 6:00. One of our LCM’s sunk today. Wrote a letter to Ruth (oldest sister).

September 12, 1943. Worked all day. Long hrs & hard work. Have quite a few ships to keep with barges and lots of runs to make with personnel. Think of home a lot.

September 13, 1943. Had a day off today. Signed the payroll. Just got through handing out the pills(?). I now have 100 men to give pills to.

September 14, 1943. Went to the large docks again. Put in my 12 hrs and more. I got a letter from folks & a picture. Letter from Helen Soderberg.

Colleen’s note: All of the Soderberg's mentioned in Dad’s journals are his 1st cousins. Their mother’s were sisters and she had a lot of children. Bob was one of my dad’s closest friends until his death only 8 months before my dad’s. His wife, Hilka, was one of my mother’s best friends, since their college days.

September 15, 1943. Worked all day. Had rifle inspection tonight after work 7:15 PM. Got my laundry, too. Sent out my first laundry here in Bizerte.

September 16, 1943. Worked all day. Think we will lose our crash boats.

Went through gas chamber today.

September 17, 1943. Been a hot day. Was the only Sgt. to work today so plenty of work. Had all the boasts out this PM.

September 18, 1943. Had one of our busiest days today. Had 2 N.C.O.s so helped some. I got some ice(?) today. Zero weather in there.

September 19, 1943. Worked all day. Been a hot day. No rain since April. No air raids now for quite a few day. Are doing a little better in Italy today.

September 20, 1943. Put my 12 hrs in today. Been a show tonight at EBS (Free) (Colleen’s note: Dad wrote the parenthesis). Will have drill & inspection tomorrow.

September 21, 1943. I stayed in from work this AM & went through inspection & drill with boys. Worked PM.

September 22, 1943. 29 months in the service (Colleen’s note: written in larger letters and bolder). Am on night Shift now. Am not feeling good tonight.

September 23, 1943. Stayed in bed all day. got up in time to go to work. Can’t eat.

September 24, 1943. I came in at midnight last night. Sure feel rough. Couldn’t stick it out.

September 25, 1943. Stayed at work all night. Brought ferry crew to ferry & came home. Slept all day. Did not eat.

September 26, 1943. I brought down my ferry crew & eat a little for breakfast. Didn’t seep much. I got a flat on my jeep I used last night on duty. Sure kept me busy.

September 27, 1943. Still on night shift. Am feeling better. Can eat some now. Was a pretty busy night.

September 28, 1943. Came off of night shift. Slept/helpt(?) 8(?) all for(?) noon. got 2 papers today July 16 & July 30.

September 29, 1943. Was going to take a day off, but am on a different job on night shift at the barge guar/quay(?).

September 30, 1943. Had my first night on the new job. Had 75 Arabs & 50 G.I. prisoners. I am in charge of unloading.

October 1, 1943 Friday. Got a letter from Gladys (sibling). I have one soldier to help me. I take care of the cargo coming in on the barge quay(?).

October 2, 1943. Had 75 Arab & 50 GI prisoners to work for me last night. Wasn’t much work for them.

October 3, 1943. Got a letter from Ruth (sibling) today. Still in Texas. Wrote 3 letters to Gladys (sibling), Irene and Helen S. (Soderberg, Bob, Alice, Ruth and several other siblings. Their mother and my dad’s mother were sisters).

Colleen’s note: Helen (Soderberg) Bernard was my dad’s 1st cousin. She married to Walt Bernard and he became a Pastor after college. They had 3 children: Starla, Tamra and Berry. Starla was my sister, Merri’s age and Tamra was in between Terry and Merri, my siblings. Terry and I get together with them when they visit Sioux Falls. Their little brother, Barry, was my age and we’d play together at family gatherings. He was hit by a car on his (bicycle?) and killed when we were 6 years old (12/11/1964 - 6/18/1971). That was such a sad time and I remember his funeral. I also remember I prayed silently during the funeral and asked God to bring him back to life just like brought Lazareth back to life. When Iater asked my dad why didn’t God answer my prayer he said it just wasn’t in God plan. Sometimes life is just so unfair.

Memo. Our rainy season has started. Been dry last couple of days. A Capt. & W. Officer had my job before. Now its Lt in day shift & me at night.

October 4, 1943. No more Arabs will work at the docks. I’ll just have 80 G.I. prisoners. I have a big job to look after.

October 5, 1943. 14 months ago today boarded the Manhattan in N.Y. Am on day shift now. Will be on it steady.

October 6, 1943. Been overseas 14 months. Got a letter from Ruth (sister) today. She is still in Texas with Austin (her husband).

October 7, 1943. Have had some rain. Had some trouble with the prisoners. One 20 year Myers(?) threatened me.

October 8, 1943. Worked all day. Wrote 3 letters folks, Gladys (sister). Have a lot of stornage (?) coming to our quay(?).

October 9, 1943. Had a pass today. Just went to Ferryville(?) & back this PM. got 2 letter Ray & Gladys (2 of Dad’s siblings).

October 10, 1943. Went back on the job. Have a half hr drill every morning & Revilly before we work.

Memo. Sure have plenty troubles & headaches. Hope I can get a better system to work the prisoners.

October 11, 1943. Our Mjr. told us we would have 205,000 more feet of footage coming in. Have to keep enough for Liberty ShIps.

October 12, 1943. Had a lot of cargo come in & get out on our quay today. Had also, 100 loads of donnage(?) ordered out.

October 13, 1943. Had a very big & busy day. Had 2nd Lts & Cols. after me all day. Trying to work prisoners(?) (”Trying to work prisoners” is underlined.)

October 14, 1943. Got along pretty good. Sent out a quite a bit of cargo. Rained most of the day.

October 15, 1943. Had a better day. We don’t have no more guards on the Italians. I didn’t get much cargo out today. No Trunks. Had only 60 men.

October 16, 1943. Worked & was pretty busy. Had 80 men. We have been having some rain.

October 17, 1943. Our Co. had a day off except about 20 men or so. The first our Co. has had all together since we came to Africa Nov. 11, 1942. Almost 1 year.

October 18, 1943. I went to work this morning. Had no barges in today. Sent 10 prisoners up to help unload Hospital ship.

October 19, 1943. Gleaned up our quay today. Sent officers nurses & men & equipment to the Semenil(?) (Hope(?) s.). (Colleen’s note: Dad wrote the parenthesis around the word that looks like Hope)

October 20, 1943. Worked till noon then came into camp. All Sgts. We had to have a showdown inspection of our men.

October 21, 1943. Didn’t get any help till noon today. Gave 3 men passes today & they all stayed in.

October 22, 1943. Been in the Army 2 years 6 months. Had a pretty good day. got a letter from Gladys (sister) & Bob Gudahl (1st cousin). Sure makes me think of home.

October 23, 1943. Had a pass today, but was given a stevedore crew of 22 men so I will be busy lining up the men.

October 24, 1943. Had another day off. The most we have had off since we came to Africa. Got my work & pass roster made(?) shet(?) and given most of men the jobs. Had air raid tonight. I got a letter from Bob G. (Gudahl, cousin) & Ruth (sister) yesterday.

October 25, 1943. I had an easy day. Wrote letter to folks & Bob G. Haven’t tried out my new 22 man steredore(?) crew yet. Its raining.

October 26, 1943. Washed my khakied uniform today & pressed it. Wrote a couple of letters.

October 27, 1943. Went to work tonight for first time with new crew. Worked from 7:30 to 12:30. Got letter from folks.

October 28, 1943. Finished up early last night. I got another letter from folks. Are buying the quarter of land for me.

October 29, 1943. Slept till noon. Washed my O.D’s & ironed my O.D. shirt.

October 30, 1943. No work today. Things are really slack here at the docks. Wrote to Ruth & folks.

October 3`, 1943. Had pay call today. I have over $1000 saved up now. (Colleen’s note: I just Googled it. Value is over $15,500 in todays dollar, April 16, 2021). I go to work tonight. 7:15 PM.

November 1, 1943 Monday. Worked till 5:00 AM. Went into O.D.’s today. Been to the Red Cross show & seen Hop Along Cassidy.

November 2, 1943. Worked on the “pern” today. Are unloading the J. Thomas onto the dern(?).

November 3, 1943. I took my day off today. Got a paper from home today. Over 2 months old. Ironed my O.D.s too.

November 4, 1943. Had our boys(?) hold(?) shot tonight. Are in the midst of the rainy season.

November 5, 1943. Worked on the Strong. My crew loaded 126 weapon carriers in our hold in 3 hrs. (3/4 ton trucks). (My dad wrote the parenthesis around 3/4 ton trucks).

November 6, 1943. Been overseas 15 months. finished up the Strong today & came home early. got some V - mail Greeting letters for Christmas today.

November 7, 1943 . Had our regular barracks inspection in O.D.s 9:00 AM. Had rest day off. Got letter from Gladys today post marked Oct. 29th. Took 9 days to reach me.

November 8, 1943. Sent out some Christmas V - Mail today. Made some new ones.

November 9, 1943. Went to work on a English ship, the “Ft McPherson”. Are loading it with gas only.

November 10, 1943. Worked same ship. Rained most of the day. Is it ever muddy. Am all dirt. got Christmas Card & pictures from folks.

November 11, 1943. Landed in Africa 1 year ago today. Worked all day. Had apple pie tonight. First in Africa.

November 12, 1943. I took my day off. I put my Sgt. in charge of Army crew. They work. I caught up in my personal/personnel(?) work.

November 13, 1943. I got a Christmas package from Ruth today. Full of candy. Sure was good!

November 14, 1943. Finished loading the Ft McPherson with gas & oil. The weather has sure been wet lately. Rain everyday. The work is sure rushing here now at Bizerte (Tunisia, Africa). Got a letter from Myrle. Myrle wrote me. Irene was married.

November 15, 1943. Went out in the stream to the Hopkins & unloaded 2200 bags of out going mail.

November 16, 1943. The Hopkins pulled in to the quay this AM and we loaded it with vehicles, trucks, etc.

November 17, 1943. Loading the Dupont(?) today with English trucks.

November 18, 1943. Went to work, but the Woodbury is still in the lake. Came back & went out 1:45 still wasn't in stream.

November 19, 1943. No work today. Stood by. Wrote a couple of letters. Weather kind of cool. Lots of rain & everything is green.

November 20, 1943. No work today. Caught up on my work. Got my laundry ready.

November 21, 1943. Went to work this PM. Rigged up a ship the Battle for work tonight. Met a sailor from Huron S. Dak.

November 22, 1943. Been in the Army 2 years & 7 months. I had my day off today. My J/4th(?) took the crew.

November 23, 1943. Rigged another shop for work tonight.

November 24, 1943. Got a new man. Finished our ship today. Had a few Italians help my men on the way(?).

November 25, 1943. Had a big Thanksgiving dinner today. Turkey! (”turkey” is underline). went to work 2:30 PM. rigged the “Fayward”(?). Opened a new Auditorium. Had G.I. show. Hollywood.

November 26, 1943. Eugen Lowden was killed on his crane 11:15 last night. Got caught in gear. Was buried this forenoon. Worked the “forward” today. I loaded 26 trucks & 9 guns. (6 lbs guns). (My dad wrote the parenthesis around (6 lbs guns)

November 27, 1943. I loaded heavy equipment today. Unloaded British equipment. Had to rig the prembo(?).

November 28, 1943. Finished loading today. I have Italians in my crew now. Took all but 5 of my regular gang. I get about 12 Italians from now on.

November 29, 1943. The “Endicah” pulled in 9:30 AM. Went to work 10:00. We’re ready to load 1:00 PM. Had to put an Italian on the cathead(?).

November 31, 1943. Finish loading the “Endicah”. 12:00 noon. I run #4 hold. Brought my laundry out. Got paid 4:00 PM.

December 1, 1943. Wednesday. Worked the “Moha Webster” today. Worked #2 hold. Loaded British equipment.

December 2, 1943. Started loading the John E.(?) Schmiltzer(?) today. British equipment. Had 14 Italians in my crew.

December 3, 1943. Finished the Schmeltzer(?) today. Got P.X. rations today. Have a new officer. Had inspection 7:00 AM before work. Then work from 7:45 to 5:20. Wished I was home.

December 4, 1943. My gang had a pass today. I stayed in camp. Fixed up my laundry & letters.

December 5, 1943. Worked in the Co. area. Fixed window, cleaned up one of our barracks that was bombed last spring. Had an inspection. Raised roof(?) under porch(?).

December 6, 1943. Has really been a nice day. 16 months overseas. Didn’t do much today. Had inspection this AM. Wrote letter to Curt (bother).

December 7, 1943. Has been no work today. Really have had some swell days. No rain. (”no rain” underlined)

December 8, 1943. Went to work on a little coaster ship. I think its Norwegian. Loading rations. I still have some of my own men & 12 Italians work for me.

December 9, 1943. Work on the “Joel Chandelier Harris”(?) today loading U.S. trucks. Got big package from Gladie (my dad’s sister).

December 10, 1943. Sure got swell package from Gladys yesterday. Worked on Italian ship today. Loading ammunition. Got 2 letters, one from Myrle & one from Mother & Dad. The letter I always wait for.

December 11, 1943. Worked on the “Stie”(?) Italian ship.

December 12, 1943. Have had more rain again. Sure hope we stay in barracks and would be O.K. with me if I went home. Had inspection.

December 13, 1943. Got 2 letters, the folks & Gladys. I am a land lord now. Own the quarter by the folks. Paid $1447.50 ($1447.50 is underlined)

December 14, 1943. Worked the “Walter E.(?) Ranger”. Loaded up a French outfit with American Equipment.

December 15, 1943. Finished same ship. Came in 3:00 PM Still have 12 Italians & 7 of my own men.

December 16, 1943. Started a new ship John Trumbull(?). American equipment.

December 17, 1943. Finished the “John Trumbull” today. I am sending our men on pass a day now.

December 18, 194.3. Started new ship. I got #2 hold. The Frenbo(?). Looks like we may leave these barracks soon.

December 19, 1943. Finished at noon. We have a new 2nd BN. B & C Co.’s are here. Rept(?) Hp’s also. Had turkey for supper & pie, cranberry, etc. Looks like we had Christmas dinner. Got Christmas card, Pearl S. (Soderberg).

December 20, 1943. Had to clean our wet equipment this AM & had training film 1300 hrs 1500 & machine gun training 1500 hrs to 1700 hrs.

December 21, 1943. Had notes & lashing(?) 0800 to 0930. Then film 0930 to 1130. Then half hr drill. Christmas card from Pearl S. (Soderberg, Dad may have accidently written this twice). Film on booby traps.

December 22, 1943. Worked last night 1930 to 0500, Slept all day. Wrote letter to Gladys.

December 23, 1943. Worked last night hr overtime. What a night (”what” & “night” are underlined). Was wet all night, cold. Worked hard. Received a letter from Curtis (sibling). He is a Petty officer 3rd class. Xmas card from Gladys.

December 24, 1943. I had my day off. Sent one man to work, my Italians. Wrote letter to Mother & Dad.

December 25, 1943. Christmas day and it seems like another day. Had the day off & a turkey dinner. Trembath (old buddy) is going home tomorrow. (sick) (Dad wrote “old buddy” and “sick” in parenthesis, not me this time.)

December 26, 1943. I go to work tonight. How (”How” is underlined) I wished I was home (”home” is underlined) tonight. Had a good dinner for being in Africa, but nothing like home.

December 27, 1943. Worked last night. Loaded trucks (British) (Dad put parenthesis around the word “British”). Set or put a new boom(?) up. Work again tonight.

December 28, 1943. Worked last night but finished early. Seen a show. Got Christmas car from Soderg & family.

December 29, 1943. Still loading truck, guns, tanks, ammunition, etc. on ships. Also, personnel.

December 30, 1943. I worked last night. Boy! Did I have trouble. Took 10 hrs to load 12 vehicles, truck's half tracks, Clea(?)-tracks.

December 31, 1943. Didn’t work last night. Wrote letter to Ruth. Got paid today. Saved $1026.25 this year,1943, $206.25 in Bonds, $640.00 alots, $70.00 money order, $110.00 S.Dp(?). (I just Googled $1026.25, todays value is $15,712.72).

January 1, 1944 Saturday. Been a cold and windy day. One ship was beached. got my papers notarized. Subscribed for the Stars and Stripes for the folks.

January 2, 1944. Been in camp today. Didn’t work. Will start a week of training tomorrow. Hate to think of it. Have close orders. Calistanise(?) machine gun, 30 & 50 cal.

January 3, 1944. Started training today. Same old stuff as we had in training center. Had to sticfa(?) & instruct on a 30 cali. water cooled machine gun.

January 4, 1944. Received Christmas card from Soderbergs & Austin & Ruth. Had same old stuff.

January 5, 1944. Had striping & namenclatuce(?) of 30 cal M. I. rifle close order, calntanies(?) training film. Hnotes(?)

January 6, 1944. 17 months overseas. Same training. Had cal 50 M.G.

January 7-8, 1944. We finished up our 6 day training with a hike. Had a review of our week. What a week.

January 9, 1944. Had our regular Sunday morning Inspection. Go back to work on stevedores work. I have a new Italian crew.

January 11, 1944. Have 14 Italians to work and 7 of my own men. 22 men. Have had real stormy weather. One Liberty ship loaded was washed a shore and busted in half. We got the job unloading.

Colleen’s note: This is the end of Gill Ristesund’s tiny red journal.

Gill Ristesund’s Journal #4, his last journal, My Life in the Service (a gift from his parents) February 4, 1944 - August 14, 1945

This is what my dad wrote inside this journal: S/Sgt. Gillmen Ristesund (his serial #), Co. I. 591st Engr. Boat Regf.(?) A.P.O. #763 Of P.M.M.(?)Y. City, Stationed at: Bizerte, Tunisia, Africa, Date of Birth: May 22, 1921, Color: White, Color of Hair: Brown, Height: 5ft. 9 3/4 in., Nearest Relative or Friend, Name: Elias Ristesund, Address: route #1, City: Howard, State: S, Dak.

Service Record. Transfers and changes in rank:

Was sworn into the army at Omaha, Nebr. April 22, 1941 1-4 PM.

Stayed in Fort Leavenworth, Kans. April 22nd to May 15 (1941).

Stayed in Fort Leonardwood, Mo. May 15 to July 21 Co. A, 26 Engr. Bn.

Came to Camp Bowie, Texas July 1941 & left May 17, 1942 Co. B, 37th Engr. Regt C.E.

Arrived in Camp Edwards, Mass. May21st at midnight. Left June 12, ‘42 for Washburn Isl (Island).

Came to Washburn Island (Mass) June 13, 1942 & left Aug. 5th, 1942 Co. I, 591st Engr Boast. Regt.

Was given a corporal (Tech) rating July 6, 1942. Washburn Island.

Was given or promoted to Sgt. (Tech) Sept. 2, 1942, Belfast Ireland.

Arrived in the bay of (Dad left a long empty space here) Scotland Aug. 17, 1942. Left for Ireland 10:00PM Aug. 18th.

Came to Ireland (Belfast) Aug 19th & left Sept. 16, 1942 9:15 PM.

Reached Scotland 11:30 AM Sept 16,1942, crossed Scot (Scotland).by 7:00 PM.

Arrived in Liverpool; England 11:45 PM Aug. 16, 1942 & left Oct 26th, 1942 through Scotland.

Came to Oran, Northern Africa Nov. 11, 1942. Left for Philippeville (Algeria, Africa) March 10, 1943.

Came to Philippeville March 12 1943 & left May 7, 43. Stayed at Tabarka (Tunisia, Africa) May 7 to May14th.

Was promoted to S/Sgt. (Staff Sergeant) April 15, 1943 Philippeville APO 700.

Came to Bizerte (Tunisia, Africa) May 15, 1943 and left Feb. 20 1944 APO 763.

Arrived in the Port of Ajaccio, Corsica Feb. 27, 1944 and left Sept. 8, 44 APO 386.

Arrived in Bastia, Corsica area Sept 8 & left Sept. 14, 1944.

Arrived in Naples, Italy Oct. 16, 1944. (Reformed) (my dad put parenthesis around “Reformed”). HIS, Co. 2755 Engr.(C) Bn (Battalion) APO 782. Left Italy Dec, 19, 1944.

(next page of journal)

Physical Record:

Date: April 22, 1941 Weight 132 lbs.

Arrived in Marseilles, France Dec. 20, 1944 A.P.O., #758.

Arrived in Lexing (Lexington?), France Jan. 12, 1945 8 miles from front.

Arrived in Merlebach, (France) Jan. 25, 1945, 3 miles from front.

Citations, Awards and Decorations:

Was given my African Campaign ribbon the 18th of Aug. 1943. Received 2 bronze stars. 1 for the invasion of Africa between Nov 8th & 11th. Other one for Tunisian Campaign Jan. (day was left blank), 1944. Received the pre Pearl Harbor ribbon Feb 14, 1944. Received the Good Conduct ribbon April 20, 1944. Received a citation "Service Merit Award”. A plaque wear gold wreath(?) and a star for second award, is worn on right sleeve. Was given silver star today, 15 Feb 1945.

Colleen’s note: This journal’s next few pages are filled with over 119 hand written names and addresses along with some phone numbers of his fellow soldiers, including 2 of his Officers and one civilian. The civilian is a nice young women he met in France while on his only 4 day leave, after victory was declared.

Dad’s journal’s are small notebooks, written in cursive writing with old ink pens. It took Googling to find the correct spelling for most of the cities, ports and ship names Dad listed. He listed the name of almost every ship he worked with! I added some notes, some with parentheses around them, throughout. I also placed (?) next to the words that I found impossible to decipher. I have added a few words here and there to complete some sentences, but most of the writing is Dad’s original notes, hence there are many shorten sentences along with some incorrect grammar, misspelled words and abbreviations throughout all of his journals.

Most of the ships Dad worked with were called Liberty ships and Victory ships. The Liberty ships were used first. during WW2 They were plain, smaller and slower, hence their nickname “The Ugly Ducklings”. In 1943 the United States decided the Liberty ships needed to be upgraded with a larger and faster ship model. They started building the Victory ships to replace the Liberty ships and also planned to use them for commercial shipping once the war was over.

February 1944

Feb. 4th 1944. I have been training today and the last week. Are finished working at the docks. Are waiting to be shipped out to different port. Received this book today.

Feb. 5, 1944. Went on a hike(?) this AM and extended order. Had mass gams (more? games?) this PM. We are having stormy weather. Got a letter from Elton (youngest sibling) in Seattle, Austin, Folks & Gladys.

Feb. 6th, 1944 Sunday. Had barrack inspection 8:00. 8:30 and close order & calisthenics 8:30 9:30. Had rest of day off. Are still waiting to be shipped out.

Feb. 7th, 1944 Monday. Had barracks inspection, close order drill till 9:00. then movies rest of AM. Had training films, a lectures in afternoon.

Feb 8th, 1944 Tues. Had some more training today. Have been notified we were to leave Africa for almost 2 weeks. Now it looks like we will go back to work on Bizerte docks again. “Duration”. I am very disgusted! (Dad underlined “disgusted”).

Feb. 9th, 1944 Wed. Went to work on docks again. Just my crew. Split my men on 2 ships. Are tracking the Italians stevedoring.

Feb. 10th, 1944 Thurs. We had training today. Had close order, training film, rifle marksmanship and a hike. Boy! Is this tiresome! (Dad underlined “tiresome”). Hope we soon leave this port.

Feb. 11th, 1944 Fri. Training again today. One crew went to work. Had rifle marksmanship AM. and 1 hr. this PM. Training film 2:30 to 5:00 PM. Pretty cold today.

Feb. 12th, 1944 . Had rifle marksmanship till 9:00 PM Then I took 8 men & went to the Marshal and took some booms down, covered the hatches with floating crane and it rained & hailed all day. Pretty cold. The Marshal is ready to go back to the states under its own power. It was bombed in Salernes (?) (France)

Feb. 13th, 1944 Sunday. We were off today. Sure was good to have a day off in camp again. We are still on the alert. B. & C. Company went to a new beach head in Italy. We may go, too.

Feb. 15th, 1944 Tues. Had a little close order drill and riffle marksmanship. Our Lt made out 15 questions and the men had a written test. U(?) Staffs got the job of correcting them.

Feb. 16, 1944, Wed. Had a 2 hr. lecture last night on mines & booby traps. Today we had R. M. manship (marksmanship?). Had a test this PM. Had orders to pack barrack's bags by morning. Looks like we finally move.

Feb. 18th, 1944 Fri. Had map reading all day. Sent our trucks & rest of supplies to docks. Will be loaded tonight. Can’t send any more mail out.

Feb. 19th, 1944 Sat. Didn’t do much today. I got the detail, take down latrines. Have orders to be ready to leave by 8:00 AM in the morning.

Feb. 27th, 1944 Sun. The coast of Corsica (France) was in sight this morning 6:00. Pulled into the harbor at 11:00 AM. The rest of the Company unloaded. My squad stayed on. We are unloading some of our trucks and supplies on barges tonight.

Had a sub after us last night. Dropped 4 depth charges.

Feb. 28th, 1944 Mon. My squad is still aboard. Are in the harbor. Too rough to dock. Rained all day. Glad we are still on board. We just got kitchen supply unloaded.

Feb. 29, 1944 Tues. Ajaccio, Corsica. My squad unloaded today. We docked 11:00 AM. Unloaded some of our equipment then came to camp. Set up our tents. Rained all day. Slept on wet ground. Pretty good camping grounds(?). Our mail was here. Got 2 letters, Ruth & Gladys (his sisters). Valentines. Pretty good town.

Mar. 1, 1944 Wed. Are camped beside Ajaccio, Corsica (France). Its a nice little town. Been working in camp.

Mar. 2, 1944, Thurs. Ajaccio, Corsica. Sent out our first mail. I go to work on the docks tonight. I'll have 2 and 1/2 6 man crews. We work Yugoslavs. We put up electric lights.

Mar. 3, 1944 Fri. Worked last night. I had 45 Italians and 18 of my men. I worked 1, 2 and 3 hatch. Slept all forenoon and us crew leaders put up a frame in our tent. Got 2 papers, Dec. 3 & 24. (Colleen’s note: Dad would receive newspapers in the mail from relatives at times. He may have receive these through the mail, from home, Howard, SD)

Mar. 4, 1944 Sat. Worked last night. Same as before. Worked the USS. James Barboun(?). Trained all night & cold from 7:00 PM - 5:00 AM.

Mar. 5, 1944 Sun. We’re supposed to go to work, but the ship never docked. Barbour. It’s really been cold. Am sure thankful to be in. Snowed on top of the hills today. Mountains stayed white.

Mar. 6, 1944 Mon. I was on pass today. Also, my men. Had my pictures taken. Got paid today. Been overseas 19 months. I brought my laundry to a very nice lady. My bud & I were given coffee. It was pretty good. First time since I came to Africa I’ve been invited in. Wished I could talk more French.

Mar. 7, 1944 Tues. Worked in camp all day on details and went to work on the swing shift tonight 5:30 to 7:00 PM and go to work at 5:00 to 7:30 AM.

Mar. 8, 1944 Wed. Went to work this morning 4:45. Worked till 7:30 AM. The James Bobour(?) finished up today. Wrote letter to Raymond & Gladys (2 of Dad’s siblings). Got letters from Gladys, Ruth, folks and paper. Colleen’s note: newspaper from home?.

Mar. 9, 1944 Thurs. Worked from 5:30 to 7:00 PM on swing shift. Wrote letter to the Miner County paper. Changed APO. 286. Got my pictures I took the 6th.

Colleen’s note: Dad bought a camera and took many photos while he was overseas, though as he mentions in his journals, many of his photos did not turn out. Dad did have fellow soldiers take photos of himself with his camera and I’m so happy he did that!! They are great for us to observe, in this day and age. Dad also took over 20 photos of a Concentration Camp he visited after the war was over, before he was sent back to the US. We still have most of the photos, but unfortunately in the 1990s (?), one of Dad’s friends, Mel DeBoer, asked to borrow them so he could make copies. Dad trusted him so he lent him the photos. Sadly, he did not get back all of the original photos from Mel and got back some poorly made copies without the original photos. All of Dad’s Concentration Camp photos are numbered on the back so it is easy to tell that some are missing (one photo I clearly remember that he didn’t get back was a photo of Dad standing next to a Concentration Camp newly freed man who had been a prisoner whom Dad had actually had a conversation with. It was an impossible image to forget considering the man was nearly starved to death.) Dad was always going to mention this to Mel in hopes of getting the rest of his original photos back, but never did. (Dad mentioned this to me many times over the years)

Mar. 10, 1944 Fri. Worked this morning and tonight. Got my camera and 2 films. Sure was glad to get them. Also, the Dec. 20th issue of MC papers.

Mar. 11, 1944 Sat. Worked swing shifts. Unloaded some jeeps & com. cars. Then on #2 Hatch and took off a laundry truck, 22 tons per truck. Received letter & pictures from Raymond. (sibling). Had body inspection today.

Mar. 12, 1944, Sun. I worked the same shift 5:30 to 7:30 AM and 5:30 - 7:00 PM. Slept this AM. Got my laundry. I gave a bar of face soap, dental cream to kids & cigarettes to her husband. They don’t take money.

Mar. 13, 1944 Mon. Worked swing shift again today. We can send out laundry now. A G.I. Laundry. The first we had overseas. Wrote Ray (sibling) a letter.

Mar. 14, 1944 Tues. Worked morning & night shift. The “James G. Blaine” will finish tonight. Wrote letter to Gladys (sibling).

Mar. 15, 1944 Wed. My crew was on pass today. I went up town. Tried to buy some souvenirs, but could only find cards. Was cloudy so couldn’t take pictures. Was at the Red Cross then came home. Was disgusted.

Mar. 16, 1944 Thur. Was to the dentist this morning. Had a tooth pulled. The dentist sure had a job. It took lots of pulling, hammering & chiseling. Don’t want any more of that. Went to work 1:00 PM. Got a ship ready to unload. Took lashing off & cat walk, little rigging.

Mar. 17, 1944 Fri. Went out on swing shift 5:30 - 7:00 PM Slept all forenoon. Wrote letters PM.

Mar. 18, 1944 Sat. Went out this morning 4:45 to 7:30. Worked on the James Monroe. Go out tonight, work from 7:00 PM - 5:00 AM on Italian Coaster, Constanza(?). Loaded landing mates.

Mar. 19, 1944 Sun. Slept most of the day. Wrote letters. Work the Monroe tonight.

Mar. 20, 1944. My 2 crews finished the Monroe last night. I got a letter from Gladys (sibling). Said Elton (youngest sibling) may have to go in the service. Got our “NATO USA” insignia yesterday. Got 1 more blanket today. Seen show this PM, Eagle Squadron.

Mar. 21, 1944 Tues. Went to work 1:00 PM on the (Dad left the ship name blank). Docked at noon. I had 3 crews. No. 1, 2, & 3 hatch. Unloaded 2 locomotives (French), 22 ton rigged up. Kept pretty busy. Sent out my laundry to a G.I. laundry. The first time we had laundry done for us in 17 months time.

Mar. 22, 1944 Wed. Worked day shift 7:00 AM to 5:30 PM on an Italian ship, the Rinucci(?). Are loading bombs. I had no. 1 & 2 hatch. Put 232 ton in the 2 holds. With simple booms & Arab soldiers. Got 2 letters, Gladys & Curt (siblings). Curtis had one paragraph cut out. He’s somewhere at sea. Colleen’s note: Uncle Curt’s paragraph in his letter must have been cut out due to censorship, which was very common. It may have stated where they were headed or other confidential information.

Mar. 23, 1944 Thurs. Worked on the Italian ship Rinucci(?). Finished loading bombs and started on the bomb fins. I had Arabs for help. I have all 3 of my crews on pass tomorrow. Supposed to load mules today, but ship never came in.

Mar. 24, 1944 Fri. We were all on pass today. Had a very good day. Took pictures all forenoon with my camera. Took pictures of a Arab band, (soldiers) (Dad put parenthesis around “soldiers”), Napoleon statue, Napoleon home and birth place and of myself & my buds.

Mar. 25, 1944. Sat. Been in camp all day. No work (Dad underlined “No work”) for a change. They put one of my 6 man crew on for checkers. Have just 2 crews. Was in a private home last night. Was the cleanest & best looking rooms I’ve seen. Haven’t gone to the big family's (laundry) home. Have a G.I. laundry. Colleen’s note: Dad put the parentheses around “laundry”.

Mar. 26, 1944 Sun. Been in camp today. Scantlin(?) & I went for a walk in the country. Tried to buy some onions. Sure had fun trying to explain what we wanted. Americans are moving in & French moving out. 8 LST.’s were in & unloaded with Americans & loaded up with French troops. A French troop ship also loaded up with French troops on the 22nd.

Mar. 28, 1944 Tues. Slept all day. Go to work tonight.

Mar 28, 1944 Wed. Worked all last night. I worked the James M.T. Hunter. I had 2 of my crews and 3 Yugoslavian crews. I had 1 Officer.

Mar. 30, 1944 Thurs. Worked from 7:00 PM to 5:00 AM this morning. I had 5 African men & 5 Yugoslavian crews. Worked the Hunter. Boy! What a job! Had the entire ship alone most of the time. 5 Hatches & Yugoslavs alone.

Mar. 31, Fri. Worked last night 10 hr shift. I worked the Hunter. Had a better night. I had three of our Company’s crews work with Yugoslavs (3 crew). I was in charge of #1, 2, & 3 hatch’s. Got a V. letter from folks. They bought a formal(?) tractor.

April 2, 1944 Fri. Worked today on The Fortunate, a Canadian built ship, like a Liberty (ship). Unloading English trucks. Had Arabs for labor. I had 2 holds.

April 3, 1944 Sat. Was on pass today. Took pictures this forenoon. Took some pictures loading French Mules(?). Have a new Red Cross, it’s really swell. Sure are shipping in the troops. Mostly Air Corps'.

April 5, 1944, Wed. I have 5 crews now. Each crew, 5 men. Have Yugoslavians and Arab soldiers work with them on each hatch. I go to work tonight.

April 6, 1944 Thurs. Worked last night on the Cora and an Italian Coaster. Its 40 years old, built to use sails. I had 2 of my crews & 30 Arabs to help load it. I slept all day. I got my mosquito bar now so I can sleep a little during the day. The flies are pretty bad here, too.

April 9, 1944. Worked last night 7:00 PM to 5:00 AM. I had 3 LST’s and one small Italian ship so was kept pretty busy. I had Yugoslavians for labor. Was supposed to go to a court Marshal tonight, but was postponed. 2 men worked for me were drunk on duty. Heard from Raymond (sibling). Says he met Curtis (their brother). Bob Gudahl (cousin) has a baby boy. Was to Easter Sunday Rise service this morning at Napoleon's Park.

April 10, 1944 Mon. I have been on pass today. Was going to take picture (Colleen’s note: get film developed?), but the photo shops were closed. Took some pictures with my camera. Was also a boxing tournament at NORBS. One of our men was there. He won. Had the 116th band there. It's Easter here for the Corsicans. Received a letter & pictures from Ima Ristesund.

Colleen’s note: Ima was my dad’s double cousin, her mother and Dad’s mother were sisters and her father and Dad’s father were brothers. Ima married Bob Lyons and they later opened/operated Bob’s Café in SF, SD for many decades.

April 13th, 1944 Thursday. Had a Liberty come in today loaded with trucks & some general cargo. I had 1, 2, & 3 hatches. The French sailors & Italian sailors had a fight up town. Italians killed 1 or 2 French. Threw a hand grenade at French. City is off limits to British & U.S. troops.

April 15, 1944, Sat. I went to work today. Not much to do right now,. Am working the Habe II(?), a Danish ship. Are loading pit props for mines in Sicily. Unloaded some fresh meat from an Italian ship. Also, some “Coco Cola” (Dad underlined “Coco Cola” twice!) from the Liberty ship, 500 cases, but we won’t get that. Goes to the hospital or high officers.

April 16, 1944 Sun. Had SA physical inspection yesterday. No work today. The work is more easy here. Us Staff Sargent’s don’t get as much work as we have had. We have more crews to work with, but all those little things aren’t left up to us. Not as much worry (Dad unlinered “worry”). Ajaccio is not off limits no more.

April 25, 1944 Tues. Been on pass and what a day! I get more disgusted every time I’m on pass. Can’t speak a word. My French is very poor. Been able to speak to G.I.’s only for just 17 months. Walked through the country. Kind of a pretty country. Paid 300 Franks ($16.00) (Dad used the parenthesis) for 6 pictures. Are so bad I don’t want to keep them. Enough sad stories today.

Colleen’s note: In 1944 $16 equaled around $269.34 in 2022.

April 29, 1944 Sat. Worked last night on a Norwegian Liberty ship. It has been leased to Norway. The 2nd mate asked me in for lunch so I had a very good midnight lunch. Spent an hour with him. Wished I had learned to speak Norwegian. Said he lived in the Northern part of Norway. Slept in forenoon and had a tooth filled this PM.

Colleen’s note: Dad grew up never having any dental work. By the time he joined the Army his teeth and gums were in terrible shape. He told me that his mouth was in a great pain most of the time, with some of his teeth having abscessed, until the Army started fixing his teeth. By the time he was finished with his 4+ years in the service he had several teeth pulled, bridges and had attained many fillings, including a lot of gold fillings. We have several photos of him smiling where you can see the gold (his wedding photos show a good example). It was a common practice to use gold for extreme cases back in those days to repair teeth. He eventually received full dentures in his early 30′s. He only took his dentures out to clean them and we never saw him without them in place (he even slept with them in!). He said they fit well and never bothered him. He had the same pair of dentures until he passed away at the age of 88. They were well made, that’s for sure!

April 30, 1944 Sun. Worked last night on a little Italian coaster ship named Cora. Was paid today.

May 4, 1944, Thurs. Worked today. I loaded a small sail boat, 108 drums of oil, 29 flexible pipes. Finished this forenoon. Italian boat and had Yugoslavians for labor. I think we will move out in the hills further. Navy going to use this for a supply depot.

May 6, 1944 Sat. Worked the Le Traite(?) today. Finished early. Had Yugoslavs' for labor, French ship. No mail (Dad underlined “No mail”)

May 7, 1944 Sun. Worked today on the King Woolsey(?). Had Arabs for labor. 3 Liberty ships came in loaded with French troops & equipment. Had a little over 200 trucks, trailers, etc. Not many trucks, but have lots of general cargo. No mail (Dad wrote “No mail” in bold & underlined).

May 9, 1944 Tues. Worked the “Howell S. Jackson”. Finished it at 3:30. Had to re-rig two light booms. Had 90 ton ammunition to take off in 3 hrs. Used jumbo for trucks & heavy equipment. Haven’t heard from home in 3 weeks. Have wrote 3 times & will write tomorrow. Sure would love to hear. Got a bottle of Coca Cola.

Colleen’s note: Dad double unlined “Coca Cola”. I bet that tasted good! It must have been a very special treat for him to mention it in his journal. So happy he got to enjoy one, too!!

May 11, 1944 Thurs. No mail (Colleen’s note: Dad underlined it at the top of the page. He must be very lonely for loved ones and homesick). Been in camp today. No work. Seen a show “The Moon is Down”. Showing how Norwegians are treated in Norway and sabotage they do to Germans.

May 13, 1944 Sat. Worked the Sergeant (name of a ship) last night. Had Yugoslavs for labor. Pinched a Yugoslav's fingers almost off. No mail (Dad underlined “No mail”) Had an air raid alert.

May 16, 1944, Tues. Worked today on a English Coaster ship, the Orkla(?). Mail (Dad underlined “mail”) came in! I got 2 letters yesterday & 6 today. 3 from Mom & Dad. Dated April 2, 15 & 24 & 2 from Elton (sibling), April 23 & March 27 Austin (sister Ruth’s husband), Ray (sibling) & Irene (Colleen’s note: I do not know who she is, a relative or friend?). So I feel just fine now. Ruth (Dad’s eldest sibling) has sent a wrist watch. $40.00. Seen good USO. show #111.

Colleen’s note: You can really sense Dad’s depression has lifted since receiving mail from home!

May 19, 1944. Worked last night. I was in charge of the loading and unloaded of the Orkla(?). We were discharging English cargo. Had beer, rum, etc. on it. Had hard time keeping all labor sober & keeping things moving. Same as usual.

The offensive is on it Italy! (Dad underlined this sentence!).

May 22, 1944 Sun. 37 months in the service and 23 years old today. Received letter from Ruth (sister) today. Are planning on a wedding anniversary present for Mom & Dad. I’m sending $50.00 for my part. Worked a French ship last night. Unloaded Quarter Master equipment.

Colleen’s note: In April 25, 2021 the dollar amount, $50.00, is equal to about $750.00. Dad was always a good saver and good with his finances. He told me there was always fellow soldiers that would blow their paycheck on things like gambling, then be asking to borrow money. Dad learned the hard way not to loan out money because it rarely got paid back, though he always had a heart for those who ran out of food and would share his, if he could. He told me sometimes their rations wouldn’t last long enough before they were able to receive more food so they had to be careful to ration as much as possible. Dad said there was always some who weren't careful enough then they'd come around asking for handouts. He said there were times when they would be out of food for a few days, but this wasn’t common. It must have been very difficult to live like that.

May 25, 1944 Wed. Worked on an Italian ship today. I had 3 crews. Are loading Pit Props for mines in Sardinia. We ran out so quit early. A new Conway should be in tomorrow. 2 Liberties (ships). Our Captain and some of our troops came from getting trained loading ships for our next invasion from here. So suppose we will be loading them up pretty soon for France.

May 28, 1944, Sat. Worked last night. Had Yugoslavs for labor. I had 5 loads working. The Webster will finish in a of couple days. I loaded an airplane engine in no. 5 hatch. Had lots of trouble.

May 31, 1944. I worked the Ingertre(?), a Norwegian ship. A 4 hatch job. I also had one crew on the Acilia(?), an Italian fresh meat ship. So we have some fresh meat. Had payday tonight. Put $20.00 in soldiers deposit. I am saving $50.00 for MO (monthly?) for folks 30th wedding anniversary.,

Colleen’s note: $50 was a lot of money back then!! In today’s (2022) dollar amount $50.00 equals around $841.69! I believe his parents were able to buy a piece of farm equipment with the money.

June 2, 1944. No work for me today. We have only 1 ship discharging cargo, The Samuel V. Shreve. Was made in the states (California) (Dad put parenthesis around “California”) 1942. Belongs to the English. Went swimming out on the beach this PM. Really a swell day. Beautiful scenery out on the beach. Seen a U.S.A. show 19:00 hrs. Pretty good. Had an air raid alert.

June 4, 1944 Sun. Went to church this AM. The church was full of G.I.’s. A nice church. Was built in 1878. No work for me. One ship came in today. Have a convoy coming in tomorrow. Are sending 13 crews out. Wrote letters to Ruth S (Colleen’s Note: Ruth Soderberg was Dad’s 1st cousin, later married to Chester Graves. After the war they attended bible college at the same time in Sioux Falls, SD). Have had the b.l.u.e.s. today. Sent $50.00 to Ruth yesterday for the Wedding Anniversary (their parents).

Colleen’s Note: $50.00 in 1944 was the equivalent of $841.69 in 2022!!

June 6, 1944. Worked the Howell E. Jackson(?) last night unloading barbed wire and troops equipment. A raider Bn(?). Got the 12 films, a letter from Gladys (sibling). Said Curtis was married (sibling). Was I surprised. Don’t know who, where or when he was married. 2 of our men leave on the “Jackson” tomorrow on rotation. Allied troops landing in France!! (Dad underline the last sentence and the word “France” several times).

June 8, 1944 Thurs. Was on pass today. Had a good time. Didn't come back to camp feeling blue for once. Was invited in a home. They do my laundry. I took a few picture's today. Can’t get them developed.

June 10, 1944 Saturday. I’ve been around camp today. We have quite a few landing craft and other ships in the harbor. The invasion of southern France should soon be on. Or another invasion somewhere . Some of our men left for a different port a couple of days ago to last for invasion.

June 12, 1944. I went to church yesterday. The Chaplin is o.k. for general services, but taken in too many denominations. Worked the Lawrence J. Brenydall(?) last night. It was built in April of 1944. I’ts first trip overseas.

June 13, 1944. All landing craft pulled out this morning from the harbor. SCTs, L. Col. G;s, LSTs. LCM’s (smoke screen). The mother ship for SCVP’s etc. (called whale boat) LC1′s etc. should soon hear of new landings. Colleen’s note: Dad placed the parentheses around the word “smoke screen” and “called whale boat”.

June 14, 1944. Had a couple recognizance planes over here today. They shot down one of them. Fighters went after them.

June 16, 1944. Been in camp today. Slept all PM. Go to work tonight with Scantlin. I heard Curt (brother) married May 8, 1944. Sure surprised.

June 18, 1944. Worked last night and night before on the Corstar(?), an English ship. It had 4 crews and 4 Yugoslav gangs,. The French troops we loaded out landed on Elba yesterday morning. Colleen’s note: Elba is an island in Tuscany, Italy.

June 20. 1944 Received my wrist watch the 16th of June. Also, a package from Mom and Dad and a package from Gladys (sister). Worked a little French coaster today, a 2 hatch job. Loaded 202(?) ton of bombs 9:00 AM to 5 PM.

June 22, 1944. I have been in the Army 3 yrs 8 months today. Looks like we may take over a larger port in the near future. Hope its Gensia(?), Italy (when its taken). Was on pass yesterday. Really had a good USA show last night. Received letter from Curtis (brother) telling me he is MARRIED. (Colleen’s note: caps and underlined by Dad). Hope I receive a picture soon. I am looking forward to seeing his wife. Hope they will have many happy years together.

June 24, 1944. Started drilling in the forenoon yesterday. Will have it one week. We are on the alert for one week, just in case of trouble in town amongst the French. The Corsicans don't care too much for us. Drilled and played backtries(?) in AM.

June 26, 1944. Worked today on the USS Newton P Baker. Unloaded trucks and mostly general cargo. Quartermaster equipment, ordinance ils(?). Also, unloaded some beer. The first beer the US has sent to the troops in our theater of operations since we left England.

June 28, 1944. Worked last night on the Baker (ship). Slept this forenoon. Received the Pioneer yesterday. Seen Lloyd Volsdal has a daughter now (Colleen’s note: I do not know who Lloyd is. Maybe a friend from home?). This port stays pretty empty these days. We are under the PBS now. Used to be under NBS (Northern Base Section).

June 30, 1944. Was payed today. Worked a Canadian Liberty last night. Unloaded the 353rd Search Light Battalion. We are subject to moving. Are now available for duty at some other port. Received a letter from Austin (sister Ruth's husband). Stationed by San Antonio.

July 2, 1944. I have been on pass today. Nothing up town. Nothing to buy. Went to the Red Cross and had ice cream! (Dad underlined ice cream) Sure did taste good. Not like the real stuff.

July 4, 1944 Received another bronze star yesterday. Corsica is in a combat zone and under goes air raids. Had close order drill this afternoon. Some fourth of July! (Dad unlined that twice!) Never drilled in the States on the 4th of July, but got to here. Had a program at Red Cross in Ajaccio's (Corsica). I’ll give Mike Torrise(?) and Margie Helm a lot of credit for the entertainment and eats. Ice cream in the afternoon.

July 6, 1944. Four Liberty ships and 2 small coasters came into port yesterday. Are working 2 of the Liberty's now. Lots of troops and their equipment. Drilled yesterday AM. No drill this AM. Most of our Company is working . Letter from Austin (sister Ruth’s husband) yesterday. Mother and Dad’s 30th wedding anniversary yesterday.

July 8, 1944. I worked the USS John Pillsbury last night and the night before. I am unloading English equipment and supplies from Algeria. It took us 9 hours to unload #2, 4 and 5 holds. They were loaded with trucks. 1 and 2 hatch are loaded general cargo. Col. Ben Skiutnik(?) died last night. He broke his neck about a week ago. they are having his funeral today.

Colleen’s note: I Googled this Colonel and could not find any information online.

July 10, 1944. Worked last night. I had 3-18 men gangs. I had 2 gangs on the Cosa.(Italian) and 1 gang on a fresh neat ship The Aphronia (Italian). Are loading Cora English rations. Received letter from Gladys (sibling) today and V mail from Ruth (sibling) yesterday

July 12, 1944. I am on the swing shift 5:00 to 7:30 AM and 5:30 to 7:00PM. I am working a Liberty (ship) Jonathan. Got PX rations today. Had beer for sale for the first time since England.

July 14, 1944. Have been taking in replacements last few days. Should get in 35 new men from the 335 Enyrs(?). Work has been very slack in the port.

July 16, 1944. Worked last night on a small schooner The Dominiac(?) (Italian). Slept today. Benny Scanthin(?) and I went out through Corentry(?) last night. Have some swell people we see quite often They gave us tomatoes, radishes, apples, pears, peaches, onions, lettuce, etc. The first fresh fruit I’ve eaten since left the states 2 years this August. Had plenty of oranges, but no pears, apples, peaches.

July 19, 1944. We have been drilling in forenoons. We have sure had it easy here in the port of Ajaccio, Corsica compared to other places. A Liberty came in yesterday. Went to a neighbors house last night. They are friendly. They have a smart little son. I get lonesome for little kids to talk to. One neighbor gives us fruit and vegetables. He says he hopes his sons are taken care of in Italy the same way. I will write letters and do my laundry today.

July 20, 1944. Been on pass today. Worked yesterday on a Liberty, The Brown (one of the Browns). Its the same old thing every day or pass day. Received a card from Ruth (wooden card) and card from Gladys (sisters).

July 22, 1944. I worked today. I was in charge of loading 2 small schooners (Italian) and the discharging of the LSJ(?) 997. Unloaded Navy equipment from LST. Stayed in camp yesterday. The French girls who work our Red Cross put on a program with some GIs at the Sea Bres(?) for us last night . 3 Liberty's were due to reach port this PM but never showed up.

July 24, 1944. I worked last night on the Anglo Agriran(?) ship (British). It carries mules and Cavalry. I had 3 gangs and worked 3 hatches, unloaded 158 tons. 4 Liberty's came in, had about 4,000 troops that came off. Were all French Guns(?). Wrote folks letter yesterday. I don't write much anymore.

July 26, 1944. Worked today on the Ponce De Leon (ship) unloading general cargo #1 and #5 holds. The weather is very hot and our water supply is running low, 2 gallons per man a day for shower and laundry and drinking.

July 28, 1944. Aren't working very hard. Had a pass today. Looks like we will send out another invasion from here. Maybe France this time. Lots of troops and equipment coming. We are putting up a staging area by our new LST Base. We can load and unload 16 LCTs at the same time. 335th Engineers will soon have it ready for us to use.

July 30, 1944. We have fleas in camp. I’ve used plenty of insect powder. Hope that clears them out. I'm sure tired of this place. Wish we would move. We sure are getting plenty of Liberty's in now. Lots of troops coming in. 2 formations of bombers came over and here to France and back again. The first never lost an airplane. A Frenchman shot an American soldier last night. He died shortly after being shot. Some French hate the American soldiers.

Aug 1, 1944. Was paid yesterday. I put $73.75 away each month. $55.00 allotment and one Bond. Worked today on the USS Smith Thompson. Finished it up. Received letter from Curt (sibling) telling me all about his wife. She must be OK and I received a letter from Ruth Soderberg (1st cousin, married name Graves) and Lorraine Frederickson, a girl rooming with her in Madison, SD. Say Ruth has signed a contract for a school.

Aug 3, 1944. Got PX rations yesterday. Have been now. Had some Coca Cola about a month ago. First Coke since we left Oran(?). There we had 3 or 6 bottles. They have the LST Base finished and we are getting the staging area made out for the troops that will be coming in. There is going to be plenty of work and some more work for us before the next invasion leaves from here. After that it will still be work for supply base. We are getting more troops in every day.. Mostly French at present. Planes are going over for France every day.

Aug. 5, 1944. Worked today USS George E Hale. The ships are coming in fast. No let up. Our big job has just began. Our Company is taking care of the entire Port of Ajaeis(?). Have been since last of February. I think we will get 4 more officers and about 5 gangs of colored boys to work with us.

Aug 6, 1944. 2 YEARS OVER SEAS! (all underlined by Dad) And we have to work with discharging ships for the invasion of southern France. We loaded out the biggest port of the invasion for Sicily and Italy. Now this is our biggest job we have ever had. We have our staging area ready.. Part of out Co. stays there. The SST Base is ready to operate. Started discharging from the USS Will R. Wood. We have a Armored unit aboard (French) . Most all troops are French. equipped by Americans. Our night fighters shot a Jerry bomber down off the coast last night. Went out after the survivors.

August 7, 1944. Finished the Will R. Wood (ship). Another ship docked in its place. 3 troop ships came in . Also, the Singilease (?) and their horses (French). By a year from now I hope to be in the States. That foreign country where I use to live. The peace I never did appreciate the way I do now. We had the boxing team from Sardinia here at Norbs(?). Our boys from Corsica came out ahead. We also had Joe Louis, the heavy weight campion and his team Bob Smith. Welson and Joe’s sparing mate. They give us some good exhibition boxing.

August 9, 1944. Worked today. The troops (French) and equipment is really coming in fast. I'm on night shift. Don't now how Ill get off. Some of our Sergeants are to the LST Base and others to staging areas. No one to relieve us. Unloaded tank destroyers, light tanks, tank retrievers, 105s hazers, etc. Hope this is our last big job. Our Company is handling the biggest part of the invasion that leaves from here.

August 11, 1944. I am still working nights. Received letter from Ray (brother) dated June 4. Are expecting 4 Liberty's tomorrow.

August 12, 1944. About 80 ships came in last night. Mostly landing craft. LSTs and LCTs, Destroyers and some cargo ships. As far as I can see out across the bay are ships today. Some are loaded and all are carrying barrage(?) baloane(?). Letter from Austin (sister Ruth's husband).

August 14, 1944. I am still working nights. I am loading the Star, a Norwegian ship. It has 4 holds. Its cargo will consist of all kinds of ammo, including some explosives, etc. It’s going on the invasion of France, also. We have 2 ammo ships to be loaded for the next invasion which isn't far away. The ammo has to be placed according to the plans for the ships cargo. Each different type shall(?) is where it can be gotten the fastest and easiest. I have the plans for the cargo and I have to see it’s carried out. Pretty big job.

August 16, 1944. Am still working nights. Yesterday morning, Aug.15th, the invasion of Southern France came off in good shape. The invasion craft(?) pulled off of her the evening of the 14th. Last night the first prisoners arrived. First were naval prisoners off the ships that met the invasion fleet. Some burned very badly. Some were dead. We took the prisoners off and put French troops back on. Our Company is really busy. Prime Minister Churchill is here or was. We finished our ammo ships up for France. Tonight we have all types of ships in our harbor and outside it.

August 18, 1944. Yesterday we started loading LSTs. The order was SSTs will begin loading D+2. So we are busy loading them. Our crews are so short. The night of the 16th I was in charge of unloading 2 ships, 2 small and one Liberty, the USS Stevenson. Prisoners still coming in. Received 3 letters, Folks, Ruth (sibling) and Myrtle. (Colleen’s note: I do not know who Myrtle is). Most of the small landing craft LCTs are back in the harbor tonight. Just about 25 yards from my tent.

August 20, 1944. Finally (I got a) job on the day shift. Worked the SS Stevenson and worked one hold on the SDSS Brewer. A few troops transports and LSTs were loaded on Berth #1.

August 22, 1944. Three years and 4 months in the service. Yesterday I went down to the LSTs Base and helped load troops and their equipment. Quite a job. The troops we loaded today actually were not supposed to leave till D+9. Today it is D+6 so we will slow down with the embarking of troops. Loaded part of our old outfit, the Pipe Line engineers. Use to be part of the 591st. Troops are leaving this Island day and night. Received a letter from Veterans of Foreign Wars asking for my membership. Don't know if I’ll join. Also, a letter from Ima Ristesund I was told this PM I would leave tonight on the Cora, an Italian ship, a Security NCO for PX supplies we are sending to the port of Basita(?). It should be a pretty good job.

Colleen’s note: Ima Ristesund (married name, Lyons) was my dad’s double first cousin. Her mother and my dad’s mother were sisters and their fathers were brothers. She later married Bob and they became owners of Bobs Café in SF, SD for many decades. Ima became one of my mom’s closest friends and was one of her bridesmaids. She is also the one that helped save my life when I was born 2 1/2 months early. On the day I was born my mother was having a lot of back pain and she didn’t know why. She had been hanging clothes out on the clothes line in their backyard to dry (house near Skunk Creek, off of W. 12th St). Ima called my mom and Mom told her she was going to go lay down because her back was bothering her. Ima told her that wasn’t a good sign and that she’d be right over. She drove over and brought my mom right to the hospital! If she didn’t call my mom that day, Mom may not have gotten to the hospital in time. Ima and Bob Lyons had 3 children Rocky, Greg and Rhonda. Rhonda is the one who was killed in a mass shooting in a bar called The Mother Lode in Sacramento, California in 1982. My brother, Rob Ristesund, named his first child after her.

August 23, 1944. Left this morning at 6:00AM for Bostia(?) via boat. Am in port Calvi(?) tonight. Got here at 1500 hrs. Having a nice trip. I am listening to the Italian’s crew sing. The evening is quiet and cool. Saw a whale this PM about 200 yards away. Paris(?) fell today. The French are really celebrating.

August 24, 1944 Thursday. Arrived in Bastia at 15 hours. I had a pretty good trip. Seen the Island of (blank) today. Tried to get a picture of it. Just a little too far away. So took picture of the horn or point of Corsica as we came by the Island of (Dad left this blank space). H. Company started unloading the PX cargo tonight.

August 25, 1944 Friday. They finished my ship today. They have a lot of German Ammunition in the quay, machine guns, etc. I have had plenty of macaroni the last couple days. I brought my rations along but let the crew cook it in with their food so it ended up we got macaroni twice a day. A 3 course dinner and supper and of course, wine (vino) which they never miss. Start loading her up tonight.

Aug 26, 1944 Saturday. I slept aboard the Cora up on the bridge. Mosquito's are bad up here. Never seen one at Ajaccio. Arranged for transportation this AM. So left on their steam line train at 3:10. Just one hour and 5 minutes till (engine trouble) reached Ajorcis(?) 9:30 AM. Had 3 or 4 hold ups (engine trouble) or would have reached home earlier. Finally ended up being pulled in by that old faithful freight train engine. All in all I enjoyed my trip. Just have left to send in my report.

August 28, 1944. Got a pass today. Didn't have any Rhakies(?) clean since I’ve been so busy so took them to a lady up town with a big family. Their little boy was peeling these cactus pears. The first I’ve eaten. They are not bad tasting. Got my laundry. Spent part of my time at the Red Cross and show. French girls are doing a good job at the Red Cross.

August 30, 1944. Worked today on the Cape House(?). Boy! is it ever hot these days. The work is still going on at LST Base. We are ahead of the schedule now. 2 aircraft carriers came in today.

September 1,1944. We were paid yesterday. I was the only Sergeant at work today at the docks. I had one ship on Berth #1, the Cape House. Discharging one ship on the birth #2 John B. Hood and loaded 2 schooners , Birth #5. So, I was on the “ball” all day. Rumors are really traveling these days. It seems we are to regroup at Naples and will either go home or into combat in the Pacific.

September 3, 1944. Worked last night. I only had 4 gangs. Finished the Cape House and #1 and #2 on the John B. Hood. The news sure sounds good. Looks like we will soon have these European countries down where they belong. That is our deadline. So suppose we will move by the first part of October. Its hard to say what we are going to Naples, Italy for (It wont be a long stay). (Colleen’s note: Dad placed the parentheses around that statement.) But it sounds like the 591st will regroup and the biggest percentage will be turned into Combat Engineers.

September 12, 1944. We are taking our training for Combat engineers. This is our 2nd day. All we are doing is getting the main ideas of the different duties we will have. There will be 170 men per Company in the new unit. Will take our training in Naples. We have about 280 men in our Company at present. Some will form new boat company and some to replacement center. Don't know where I’ll go.

September 15, 1944. This is my last day of training for awhile. Until we reach Naples. There is where we will train for Combat Engineers. Suppose to start October 15th. Maybe I’ll be one of the Sergeants put in the Boat Company. We will put 50 men in boats. About the same size as on LCT. We will use them for Harbor and River Transportation in France. We have had training on 50, 30 cal., Browning(?) MGs, 60 mm, Mordor demolishing, bridges, hand grenades', etc.

September 17, 1944. I joined up or rather sent in an application blank for Veterans of Foreign Wars today. It had been sent to me some time ago. No work in the port today so am taking it easy.

September 20, 1944. I worked last night on the Elliott (ship). We took off trucks, etc. Didn't do anything last couple of days. I heard we have only one more Liberty ship coming to Corsica. Then we will leave. I suppose NORBS is moving to Bastia, Corsica. They will have only Coasters coming in. This is the only port in Corsica that can take care of Liberty (ships).

September 22, 1944. Have worked last couple of nights. I was really busy the first night. No rain today. All of our men came in from the SST Base. Our work is finished there.

September 24, 1944. I have worked last night and night before. I really was in a bad position the night of the 22nd. The Port Commander told me the USS Marshall Elliott will be discharged and loaded by 0600 hours and ready to sail. Had trouble all night, but just made it except for putting in a few beams. Slept most of the day.

September 26, 1944. The group of men I’m with begin training again for one week. Next week our group works port and the other half of the Company trains. We are taking up 30 and 50 calibers, light and heavy aucooled(?) and water cooled(?) machine gun drill and Nomen(?) cloture(?). 60mm, Mortar training demolition, bridge building. Different type firing arms.

September 28, 1944. Yesterday and today same type training. This PM Field fortifications. Will be glad to move. Should leave in a couple of weeks. Got our PX yesterday. Get good rations. Received my Election War Ballet today.

September 30, 1944. Trained yesterday. Today last this week. Had massage(?) AM and pay day this PM.

October 2, 1944. We’re off yesterday. Went to Ajaccio, but nothing here to do. Had some lunch at the Red Cross. This week I’m supposed to work at the docks.

October 4, 1944. No training today or this week for me. We are winding up our work here in Ajaccio as Stevedores this week. Amos Scantlin, Martin Lee Lato and I was to one of our neighbors home last night. They used our cabbage for their hogs. Sure had a good visit. Martin speaks French. They gave us half a barracks bag of green peppers, tomatoes, anise and garlic.

October 6, 1944. The rest of the Company left for Bastia (Corsica, France) this morning. Our platoon will stay here and leave Sunday the 8th. We will strike tents and bring up our equipment land tents into AM. We took down all tents but our own today. Cleaned up our area.

October 7, 1944. Today we took down our tents and crated up our equipment. Loaded up some trucks. We leave in the morning for Bastia. A colored outfit moves in our Company area in the morning.

October 8, 1944. Left our camp at Ajaccio, Corsica 08:40 and arrived at Bastia 1500 hours. Unloaded supplies and changed our Francs to Liras.

October 9, 1944. Had exercise half hour and lecture on mines and booby traps, threw smoke grenades incindaryry(?) etc. Rained all AM.

October 10, 1944. Held hour long calisthenics, rest of day off. Dried out our tents and equipment. Are waiting for our ship to come in.

October 12, 1944. Are still in the Bastia staging area. Waiting for out transportation to Naples Italy.. Got some papers and packages. I received one pater dated August 11th. Can’t write letters. Our letters go to Italy. Packages and papers came in on the Liberty. The first Liberty to enter port of Bastia.

October 13, 1944. We’re supposed to move out 1600 hrs. but didn't get transportation till 2200 hrs. We boarded LC1s 2300 hrs. I have 24 men in the hold I'm in charge of.

October 14, 1944. We pulled out from the docks of Bastia 0600 hrs. Sailed along the coast of Corsica most of the day. Came through the straits of Corsica and Sardinia at (Dad left this blank) and docked in the port of Maddalena(?) Sardinia. Are staying here for the night. One of my men left the ship and is not back at the present time. Quite a few of the boys were pretty sick. My stomach didn’t feel too good for awhile.

October 15, 1944. Left Maddalena(?) 10:00 AM today. Are still sailing. Should reach Naples in the morning. The weather has been swell. The sea is pretty calm. We are on LCI #44.

October 16, 1944. Docked at (Dad left a blank space) a few miles from Naples this morning at 0800 hrs. Unloaded and came out to our new camp. Are about 15 miles from Naples. Believe I like it better than any country I’ve been in since I left England. The fence around camp is lined up with people trying to sell souvenirs. Weather is fine. Seen a show tonight at Battalion Headquarters.

October 17, 1944. Sent a few men to mine school. Our entire regiment is together again. They are breaking it up and making it into a combat Battalion. I don’t know where I go or what I’ll do. Platoon leaders will be Staff Sergeant's so we will only have 3 Staff Sergeant's’ for Platoon Leaders.

October 18, 1944. Been on detail today. Are putting up a Concertina wire around our Battalion! Are getting in some heavy equipment, Bulldozers. Some of our men went to form a new company in 2nd Battalion.

October 19, 1944. Started a letter again this AM. Same one I started October 4th in Ajaccio, Corsica but couldn't finish. Hope I am soon assigned to some unit. Wished I could go with some of my own men.

October 20, 1944. Was told this AM I'm getting transferred to 1st Battalion. I am now in Headquarters 1st Battalion. This is my new outfit. Got here at 2:30 PM. A few of my old friends I was with in B company 37th Engineers are here. Don't know what my job is here as yet.

October 21, 1944. Had half an hour calisthenics and half drill. I’m in Intelligence section. We are now the 2755th engineer Combat Battalion. I'm in Headquarters and Ser(?) Company. I don’t train for combat. That is like a line Company. My new job at present is in the Division Engineers. Got our photograph set today.

October 22, 1944. Three and one half years in the service today. Finally got a letter off to Mom and Dad that I started October 4th in Corsica. Today we drilled till 0900 hrs. That's every day expect Sundays. During training of Battalion. We are training on map reading, conventional signs and military symbols. I'm the Intelligence section S-2. Its very interesting and a lot to learn. Lots of work.

October 23, 1944. Monday. No work this AM. A 12 mile hike this PM with field pack. Walked about 116-118 steps per minute. My first hike in this training.

October 24, 1944, Tuesday. Today we were told what was really our job as a S-2 section. All I can say, our job concerns everything or all jobs taking place in our unit and more. I hope I can stay in this section of Headquarters, but don't think I can make it.

October 25, 1944 Wednesday. (Dad left blank)

November 3, 1944 Friday. Had a class on maps this AM. Found Thrust(?) line and bridge on map at B51.2-1955.8. Distance in yards and Azimuth. A good problem. Had class on radio, voice and procedure

November 4, 1944. This forenoon was taken up Procedure in communication by message blanks. How logs, journal's are kept. Different type blanks, sending and receiving. This AM 1300-1500 Hours I drew a schedule. 1500-1700 hours Inspection in ranks and tents. All equipment was packed and in one bag. Had all equipment in ranks.

November 5, 1944. Had our first day off today since training began. Went to Naples. Had a good time. Bought a few souvenirs. Was in a private home. Was some swell people. Certainly are some dirty places and some parts are pretty nice.

November 6, 1944 Monday. Two years and 3 months overseas. Today I was notified I was to attend a surveying school. So I am now studying surveying. It’s very interesting, but lots of work. Have only 2 weeks so I can only learn main points and be able to do a rough job. There are 2 of us from this Battalion going as surveyors. What I have had this far in Headquarters has been most interesting work I’ve had overseas.

November 7, 1944 Tuesday. Just studied and worked with the level today. Took elevation between 2 given points.

November 8, 1944 Wednesday. Worked with the level this AM and have been studying the Vernier this PM. These studies or rather figures(?) become rather confusing at times. Study tonight.

November 10, 1944 Friday. Am still going to surveying school. Are working with the transit now. I’ve sure got a lot to learn in just 2 weeks.

November 11, 1944Saturday. Today we have been getting the elevation degree of slope, percentage of slope, angles, etc.

November 12, 1944 Sunday. Finally got by with a day off. Just had an inspection this morning and a night march last night.

November 13, 1944 Monday. Been to survey school today. Are really getting in deep. Are shooting angles. Traversing open and close, etc.

November 14, 1944 Tues. Are shooting a cross section for road. Leveling, checking cross sectioning same time, elevation and degree of slope.

November 15, 1944 Wednesday. Just got in from a compass(?) problem, 10:00 PM. We’re given 2 Azimuths across country and was it dark. Dawn and up gullies. Been to surveying school all day. Are sketching the land at right angles from our road base line. Set elevation points.

November 16, 1944 Friday. Been surveying in our training grounds all day. Finished the map of it tonight. Got 2 shots tonight, typhus and typhoid.

November 17, 1944 Saturday. Finished my surveying course tonight. Not much time to learn it but got quite a bit anyway. Made a map for a bridge site today buy staying on one side river, elevation, distance, etc, of each bank and raise in ground. Pulled out for our combat grounds tonight 1930 hours. Got there 2030 hours out along beach.

November 19, 1944 Sunday. Was pretty cold last night but I slept pretty well. Pitched my pup tent in a pretty good place. Threw hand grenades this AM and build our bazookas this PM. Got back to camp 1730 hours and had chicken, good for show.

November 20, 1944 Monday. Back at my job in S-2 again. Painted our boxes today with our code numbers and also some barrack bags. Had an NCO class on battle drill.

November 22, Tuesday. Still making our crates and painting our boxes, Getting ready when it comes time to pull out and join the 7th Army. Looks like we will have to hurry if we want to help.

November 23, 1944 Wednesday. We’re on duty till 1500 hours. Then came in, cleaned up, and had our Thanksgiving dinner. We had turkey but nothing like a home (Dad underlined “home”) cooked Thanksgiving dinner.

November 26, 1944 Saturday. Didn’t do much of importance today. Studied a little and had inspection.

November 27, 1944 Sunday. Been on pass today. Was in Naples but didn’t buy any thing. Paid $1.50 for 2 eggs and a few potatoes chips. (Colleen’s note: $1.50 in 1944 was equal to around $25 in 2022).

November 28, 1944 Monday. Deployed my surveying equipment today. All the staff sections displayed their equipment in headquarters. Had a Company men look it over. Will have rest of line Company’s come through over sections during week I got an aladacle(?), barometer and 2 more chains for my set.

November 29, 1944Tues. Wrote a couple letters tonight to Gladys and Curt (siblings), first letters in Italy. Tried to do a little surveying for a bridge site today but too much rain.

December 1, 1944. Got paid today. Worked in S-2 today. Package from Ruth and Gladys (siblings).

December 2, 1944 Saturday. Received 2 packages from Mom and Dad. The candy was good, cookies broke up and reading material stuck together with caramels. A quart of chicken(?) in very good shape. Haven't opened it yet.

December 4, 1944. Was surveying a road this morning, Just put in base line and made a check run. Surveyed a bridge site this PM. We’re notified to send an advanced party to France. So guess it won’t be long now.

December 6, 1944. Our advanced party left for France today. Are busy prepacking for our move.

December 8, 1944. didn’t do much in our section. Had a dry run moving out, loading equipment, etc.

December 10, 1944. Took down our buildings, Battalion, Headquarters, Mess Halls, offices, etc. Cleaning up camp.

December 12, 1944. Are ready to move. took our equipment to staging are. will leave in morning for staging area.

December 13, 1944. Arrived in staging area Number 1 this PM. really a swell place. Was a university. Staying a few days.

December 14, 1944. Had drill and inspection this AM and inspection of packs 1:30 to 2:00. Are just out side of Bagaslle(?).

December 15, 1944. Same thing today, drill and inspection. would like some time for sightseeing and inspection.

December 16, 1944. Still in staging area. I went on guard today. I had 108 man guard, 3 break sergeants and 9 captains divided in 3 zones. Letter from Ray (brother). (he) met Curtis (brother) in Pacific.

December 17, 1944. Should leave out of here in morning. Got off guard at noon. Been to Red Cross and had lunch. Best eats in any Red Cross I’ve been in. Cookies, ice cream, buns or rolls and coffee. Seen the dogs in K9 Club.

December 18, 1944. Boarded the Ville We Oran(?) (French) Dad wrote this) with English and French crew at 0800 hours. Pulled out in the Bay of Naples and anchored.

December 19, 1944. Pulled anchor about 0500 hours and began our voyage to Marseilles, France. Had abandon ship drill. Eat fair.

December 20, 1944. Arrived in Marseilles, France about 0800 hours. Unload and got out here to staging area CP #2 about 1530 hours. Set our tent up. Just bare hills with rocks and mud! (Dad underlined “mud” twice) Pretty cold.

December 21, 1944 Got a pass at 1300 hours. Went to Marseille. Certainly was nice. People much cleaner. Stoves etc. clean and neat. Gave a pint of blood while in Marseilles. Got a little dizzy afterwards. They needed 200 pints by 1900 hours of type 0 blood for the 7th Army.

December 23, 1944. Each of our Battalion got their first job. Our Battalion got the job to build a rifle range for this staging area. My buddies and I were supposed to survey it this PM but only looked it over. Got our bulldozer out and made a road down in the valley. Range is surrounded by cliffs and steep hills.

December 24, 1944. Got up this morning with 2 inches of snow covering this country. First real snow I've been in since 1941. Gresham and I went out and surveyed the ground for a rifle range. Will be our first job. Our entire Battalion will build it. 1400 hours we’re notified 2 company's will move out. We are on a red alert.. 2 Company’s went to guard post of Marseilles. Have double guard around camp. Guards along road. It’s really cold. No passes. All personal carry ammunition and rifle. Intelligence reports trouble. Expecting German paratroopers and expect German PW’s to try a break. No Christmas for us. Same thing took place on our first Christmas overseas.

December 25, 1944. Still on Red Alert. No one leaves camp except guards. I’ve been armed guard on truck going to Marseille with load guards. Got back 1400 hours. Missed Christmas dinner, but got some. Just a little cold. Spent rest of AM winterizing our pup tent.

December 26, 1944. Still Red Alert. Worked in camp area. got to Red Cross. Seen show and had some coffee and cookies. Had air raid in Marseille so also put ours on blackout.

December 27, 1944. Are off Red Alert. Had no trouble with German air raids again. No damage.

Dec 28, 1944. Weather is really cold. Staying below freezing most of the time. Have sleeping bags so keeping fairly warm at night. Received more new trucks, etc.

December 30, 1944. We are official 7th Army Troops. Should leave for front soon.

January 1, 1945. Starting a new year with very cold weather. Colder than we’re used to.

January 2, 1945. My surveying mate and I got a job again. We make a map of staging area map. Been out all day. One of our coldest days. Froze all day.

January 3,1945. Been sketching in map all day. Have been averaging air raids every night. Don’t come over us much. Mostly port of Marseilles.

January 4, 1945. Finished surveying this PM. Came in and made an overlay. Finished overlay of maps at 2000 hours and drew more clothing. Drew a good, muff and combat suit. Also, shoe pack. All good warm clothing. Load up tomorrow and leave out for our destination 0700 at hours.

January 6, 1945. I’ll drive jeep up with our convoy for 7th Army. Are taking 11 jeeps for them.

January 5, 1945. Loaded all equipment today. Are ready to leave in the morning. Closed in the jeep. I drive.

January 6, 1945. Left out at 0730 hours, traveled 170 miles. Ran into snow this PM. Camped overnight in old airfield by Rambuert(?). Lots of snow and cold. I managed some shelter. Old hanger is fairly warm.

January 7, 1945. Been on the road all day. Roads are ice and snow. Few trucks fill out. I had good luck. Stopped overnight at Dyan(?). Slept outside. Snowed during the night. Some boys covered with snow. Are subject to air attacks from now on.

January 8, 1945. Arrived at our destination tonight. Luenyhville(?), about 32 miles from Sarburg(?). 7th Army Headquarters moved back to Luenywille(?). We are staying in on old salt factory.

January 9, 1945. Set up camp today. Our section S-2 moved in a small room. Are well settled. Snowed most of the day, most snow I’ve seen since 1941.

January 10, 1945. I’ve been out trying to locate a gravel pit. Our Battalion will maintain 17 miles of road. Lurenyville(?) to Blamost(?). Had small air attack over Luenyville(?).

January 11, 1945. Heard today our Battalion may pull out in a day or so. This PM meeting was called and orders are we move out 0800 hours in morning. Another meeting 2100 hours. Won’t leave till noon tomorrow. Can't find billets. We are supposed to build up Imaginary line. This morning it was 8 miles from front. Now they say it’s 3 miles from front.

January 12, 1945. Left our camp at the salt factory at 1430 hours. Got up herexiabout 1730 hours. Not sure name of town. Lexing(?). Are 11 miles from front. Are in barracks. Big guard can be seen and heard very easy tonight. This is close as we could get to our job. Our Battalion is to rebuild fortifications 3 miles from front and maybe man them. Am Sargent of guard tonight. Will move up closer to our job tomorrow. Scarcity of gas up here.

January 13, 1945. Are still here in Lexingen(?). French barracks . Went to Corp Headquarters and got a few hundred maps of this area. Our S-2 section is really busy now.

January 14, 1945. Started a few overlays of our area, corp. boundaries, etc. today at noon we were relieved of our job (rebuilding of imaginary line. Dad wrote that). Are now relieving the 328 Engineers, what are Division Engineers.

January 15, 1945. My S-2 officer and I went up to 328 Engineers CP and got a little information concerning the function etc. of S-2. Also, the maps on hand. I moved up here in Remering(?) with them this PM. My unit comes in tomorrow, this one moves out. We are now with a division. It should be 103rd. This sector of the front has been rather quiet all through the German offensive.

January 16, 1945. Our 4 staff section except S-4, just brought office here. Supplies stay behind. Started work, we’re half set up.

January 17, 1945. Are set up. I have 1000 (Colleen’s note: can’t make out next word) of maps to file away, take inventory, and order shortages. Worked on maps all day. CG in S-2 office. Up till 12:00.

January 18, 1945. Been working in our map room all day. Am putting in order for 1500 maps tonight. Get them tomorrow. have been expecting an attack last few days. Nothing yet.

January 19, 1945. Worked on maps all day. got in 1000mapes. Been filing till I can’t see straight. Atry(?) fixed quite a lot during the day.

January 20, 1944 Our Capt. and I were out trying to make arrangements at this salt mines for our men to draw salt for road. But no one was home. all gone to church. No civilian homes work on Sunday. Was also 275 Infantry Regt. I drove and froze.

January 22, 1945. Went to salt mine this morning. Can not get salt unless have we French form. Staff Sargent Marino and I went to look for rock crusher and amount of rock it can handle, Finally found it.

January 23, 1945. (something?) got a job to paint the wheels white. Been trying to make arrangements today. We have one spray gun but not enough. Been out to other units.

January 24, 1945. I went to salt mine and got 100 lbs of salt for our mixture. Put lime, salt and water. Then had trouble, (gun??) freezing. Kept it heated. Went to Sargent Arold(?) to 2759E. then to Zemming(?) to 2756E. got gun(?) from 2756. We are moving up closer in morning. Go to Marlbach(?).

January 25, 1945. Moved up here to Merlebach(?) today. We are staging in what used to be Hotel, restaurant. This is closest town to front line. Some of our men took patrol across Sowe(?) River. Did good job. I’m in the office, so I don’t get those jobs. (S-2)

January 26, 1945. Are well set up. Put out 50 overlays of mine fields last night and filed away thousands of maps today. Worked on mine field records till 10:00 tonight.

January 27, 1945 Today we were informed we are with XI Corp now. Have been with XXI Corp. That means move again and maps and overlays of different area all over again. Went down town and took a shower today. First shower since Luneville(?). Fifteen shower heads. French. Run off about 50 copies of minefield records on duplicator this PM.

January 28, 1945. Worked in the office all day, different duties. Our Battalion got in 25 bags of mail. Been getting letters off and on all night. I still have some left to sort, old mail. Lots of Bombers going over tonight.

January 29, 1945. Snow and more snow. Hope for good bombing weather. Our sector is holding its own. Jerrys have tried hard to crack the line on our right flank.

February 1, 1945. Not too much work today. Ran out 20 copies of a map consisting of our withdrawal routes for 106 Cavl, 276 Infantry, 275 Infantry and our unit 275 (?) Engineers. In case need be, we can get out. Big guns been fairly quite today. Received a citation(?) Service Merit Award, a plaque, a god wreath, background OP worn on right sleeve, gold star for second award. Received a citation(?) a couple of days ago.

February 2, 1945. Been fairly busy in office today. Snow will soon be gone. The weather here has been swell the last couple of days. 7th Army opened up with a small scale advance. After a 6 day leel(?). A few Jerry plans were over us(?).

February 3, 1945. Nothing unusual going on. Have quite a bit of airmen(?) around. Our sector fairly quiet. Artillery went on pretty regular last night. Rained last couple of days. Most of the snow is gone. C. Company building foot bridge today. Jerrys on the other side.

February 5, 1945. A. Company is up with Infantry tonight. Mission, Infantry take to the hills. Our Engineers mission, guide and fire power if necessary. Our darkest night and plenty of mud.

February 6, 1945. THIRTY! Months! (Colleen’s note: Dad underlined both words!) overseas. Have 5 overseas bars. Are some of the oldest units in 7th Army (intact) mission last night. Carried out. Infantry, few dead, some wounded out of 17, Willie Henderson Staff Sergeant. Good friend. Been with him, same company, since July 1941 till Italy, October 1944. Hand grenades, shrapnel in jaw and shoulder.

February 7, 1945. We were shelled last night. One shell missed our buildings by 50 yards. Some shrapnel came in windows.

February 8, 1945. We were relieved of front line duty. 270 Engineers just arrived from states. They are 70th division Engineers. We took their place till they got here. 70 Division is next. We moved back about 12 miles to Lifing(?). Rain every day. Snow is gone.

February 10, 1945 Been very busy. Filed maps. Been to Merelback(?) (old area). Got more maps of surrounding area. Ran out 250 copies of new mines igniters and S-2 report. Rain and some snow. Are in Liefing(?) now. Staying in what used to be officers homes for their families.

February 12-14, 1945. At last we had a day with sun shine and more. Had weeks of rain and snow. Good bombing weather finally. Planes have been going over all day.

February 15, 1945. Was given the silver star today. Germany made our 5th bronze star. Have 3 AMERICAN girls with us tonight. They will put on USO show tonight in our rear detachment area.

February 16-17, 1945. USO put on a good show. We took a few pictures of them during the show. Today it started raining again. C Company found a couple of stiff Germans in the woods yesterday. Handed them over to “Grave Registration”.

February 18-19, 1945. Wrote a couple of letters last night. Wrote a letter to Lou(?) but have lost address. (Colleen’s note: Lou was my dad’s brother, Curt’s new wife). Artillery has been going steady all night with hardly a break. Hope to hear good news. Think Forbash(?) fell.

February 20-21, 1945. Are having more rain but bombers are still going. we are in support of 70 Division. They are moving ahead. Are fighting in Forbach(?).

February 22, 1945. Turned out to be lovely day. Air Corp are making use of it too. I have been working in S-2 office, but would much rather prefer outdoor duty.

February 24-25, 1945. Was in Germany yesterday. Was in Merlebach for information concerning our front and situation. It’s believed the Jerry’s are shelling our area. 2nd night we have been woke up. Our billets shook pretty bad. Haven’t located bursts, as yet. Think it may be “Alsace(?) Alice(?)”. The big rail gun carries 35 miles and it is on the 7th Army front. I went to VXI Corp Headquarters today. Got front line and situation overlay of entire western front.

February 26, 1945. Was quiet here last night. Worked from daylight till 9:00 or later (as usual). I am lucky for a change. Will go on pass to Nancy(?) tomorrow. Will be first day off in 2 months.

March 1, 1945. Received a package from home. Hair tonic, after shave, etc. Very glad to get it. I am working inside most of the time.

March 4, 1945. I am not writing in diary as much as in past. Too much trouble and I just can’t get to it most of the time. Will consist more of events which take place and of a little importance.

March 6, 1945. Today 31 months over in these foreign lands. We are moving tomorrow. I think it will be Dueize(?). Will be relieved a Corp troops. Will be Army Engineers then. Have been XV Corp troops. Also, we’re XXI Corp troops for awhile. Some of us are line Companys are training in assault and speed boats(?) again. They will be used for the Rhine Crossing! B and C Company's are training .

March 8, 1945. Moved today down to Dieuze(?). Which is part of Lorraine(?) France. Has been part of Germany. It is shot up almost as bad as Bizer(?) Africa.

March 10, 1945. Our Company’s are not doing much. This job is uncertain, I believe. Had one of our bulldozers cover up bomb craters with 3 dead horses in it and full of old stale water by our billet.

March 12, 1945. Some AGI officers brought in a wild boar hog on their jeep. It had crossed the road in country ahead of them. They shot him, cut it’s throat, brought him in here and had a Frenchmen gut him and wash him out. Must of weighed 225 lbs! We are moving again. May go back to same area we came from.

March 13, 1945. Moved here in St Arvld(?) today. I came up here yesterday with load of equipment but our billet had been taken. We got thru(?) today. i came up with 3 advance parties. Rest of Company will move tomorrow and our remainder of Headquarters.

March 15, 1945. We are with XXI Corp again. Have part of area we used to have. We are with 1185 Group again. All of our 3 Battalions are together.

March 18, 1945. Corp moved in here to St Avold(?). Looks like our front is on the move. Hope to be in Germany proper.

March 21, 1945. Our sector of the front is really rolling. We are on edge of 7th Army boundary. 3rd Army is forming troops with 7th. Soarbrucken(?) fell this AM. Soar(?) is crossed in force. Not too much resistance. Army Headquarters moved up. Corp Headquarters also moving. Our front extended pretty close to Rhine R. We should move in newly taken territory. And Technical Intelligence team is here putting on a demonstration of German equipment, uniforms, guns, etc.

March 24, 1945. We moved up to St Louise, France this morning. I came with advance party. Very nice place. Owned by some Duke.

March 26, 1945. Left St. Louse this AM. Came here to German Army barracks 3 miles from Bitche(?). It’s been impossible to keep up with other units. Seems everybody is looking for some units. Last 3-4 days we had no front. We finally have an area to car for, part German territory and French. Surveyed a bridge over the Sloan(?) River for C. Company today. Worked on maps, overlays and are set up.

March 29, 1945. We are still along German border. Our Companies are in Germany. I have plotted 70 minefields so far on our map. Mostly Jerry mines. Still plenty more . One of our boys got his leg blown off with some mine. Trying to reuse a French (?) out in the minefield.

April 3, 1945. We are across the Rhine. We are located in German barracks. Pretty nice. Came here yesterday. Our front is still on the go. Doesn’t look like we will get stopped for any length of time any more. I believe we have soon reached the end of our journey here in Europe. But the Pacific? (Colleen’s note: Dad underlined Pacific). One of our boys was killed today. Mine blew up including five German civilians and 5 more of our boys are in bad shape.

April 5, 1945. Arrived here at Marbach(?) Germany yesterday. Moved 9 families out. It’s a tourist lodge. Have feather mattress and pillows. Kept an old lady and a hunch back here. We will move out in the morning to a forward area. Have had no trouble with Germans yet. They are not too sure how they will be treated.

April 6, 1945. Moved here to Amorbach(?), Germany today. Sergeant Gresham and I went out to Wursburg(?). Our Battalion was given a bridge to construct across the main river. We were to survey it, but only got dimensions with our chain. Only one span has been blown. 133 feet and about 35 feet to water level. The Jerrys came in last night. They are still in outskirts of town. Plenty of dead Jerrys (German soldiers) still litter the streets. The people almost certainly stayed out of our way. Some German soldiers are in civilian clothes.

Colleen’s note: Dad told me about the many dead German soldiers bodies that were laying everywhere. He told me he was driving a jeep, along with others in his group, and tried to avoid the main areas of their bodies as much as possible, aiming for their outer limbs. There were just so many dead German soldiers in this area, it was very difficult to witness, let alone drive through it.

April 8, 1945. We are still at Amorbach(?). We have a few bridges to build. Some SS troops are still in the roads around here. Our 2nd Battalion shot 3 this morning. We were killing a cow in a barn, preparing to bring it in the woods(?). Risdan, my old friend in Company 591st got one.

Colleen’s note: One of Dad’s fellow soldiers was an expert marksman, probably one of the best sharp shooters in the world, at least hat is what Dad told me. Dad said he witnessed his friend and fellow soldier shooting a coin from a great distance away (a quarter mile? I can’t remember how far it was, but was a very long distance). Dad kept the coin, but lost it at or it got stolen at some point. Dad said his friend did this for a living and would travel around to shows and shoot guns, before he was in the military (not sure about after).

April 10, 1945. A Jerry plane has been coming around here, doing a little strafing(?). Not much damage. Company Commander from 48 engineers was captured by SS troops. Stopped his jeep.

April 12, 1945. 9th Army is 67 miles from Berlin. Jerry plane over last night. Strafed(?) convoy with Material for our bridge in Wursbery(?). I have been out doing a little survey sketching of bridge or rather topographical survey.

April 17, 1945. Moved to Wurzberg(?) today. Jerry (German) planes have been busy strafing(?) these nights. May get the railroad bridge across the Main about 8 span bridge double track RR (railroad).

April 21, 1945. Moved to Schragberg(?) today, about 40 miles. We are heading south towards Redaubt(?) area. 3rd Army also turned south. Can’t last much longer at rates we are pushing ahead. Expect link up soon with the Reds(?). Have been doing some surveying again. Pretty tough job for me.

April 25, 1945. We moved today near Aalan(?). I don't remember the small town we are in. I’ve been surveying a new bridge we have. Rather tough to build. 2 spans missing, 120 feet, 3 spans left. I have no helper and it’s new work for me. My Colonel loves it and thinks every one else does, too. Drew it up tonight to scale. I survey during the day and draft at night. I have been getting to bed around 1:00 AM lately.

April 30, 1945. Paid today. Put $150.00 in Deposit (Colleen’s note: $150 in 1945 was the equivalent of around $2500 in 2022). Keep some on hand in case! (Colleen’s note: “case” is underlined). Our Group moved up. Expect we will move soon as we finish our bridges here. Have more waiting for us. Peace rumors are spreading. Italy front moving up. Have met the Reds. Hitler is suppose to be dying. Himmler trying to surrender and our army (7th) is in Redoubt(?) area.

Colleen’s note: I Googled the date of the Leader of the German party and Dictator Adolf Hitler’s death. It was April 30, 1945. He Ingested cyanide and shot himself. Military Commander Heinrich Himmler died on May 23, 1945 by ingesting cyanide, after he was captured by the Allies. .

May 6, 1945. Today at 12:00 o’clock noon the unconditional surrender (Colleen’s note: Dad wrote “unconditional surrender” in large print letters) of German Army’s in French 1st Army sectors became official. 33 months ago today we left for overseas duty.

May 7, 1945. Today Grand Admiral Karl Doenity(?) announced the Unconditional Surrender (Dad underlined this) of the German Army to the 3 Allied Parties. Oh! What a day. It could mean if only we didn’t have another war to finish. Our Company's have picked up quite a few SS troops and Werewohrs(?). We are finishing up our area with bridges, etc. Thank God, He has brought me through all of this, safe and sound in mind and body.

May 8, 1945. Today is the official (Dad underlined this) V - E DAY! (Dad wrote this in large bold letters). It is rather hard to believe after going through such a long drawn out war. Seemed it would never end. We are still at the Echfield(?) Airfield. A Gerry (German) Pilot landed with his jet propelled plane this evening in this airfield. He said some did some fancy flying before he landed. He came from the Russian front. He said they were still in a tough fight. First we thought he was a test pilot of jet plane we have in this airfield. It was to be tested today, but he landed and found to be an ace pilot still fighting this war. He said 4 more of his planes were coming in our airfield. He has 42 Russian planes to his credit and 6 American planes. Wears the Iron Cross.

May 9, 1945. We moved today to Murnau(?), just about in the Alps. We are in a very nice hotel. Have 2 and 3 men to a room with running water. Nice big dinning room and all. We picked this place by the lake and Alps thinking we are here for some time. We are still doing a little work and are waiting for further orders. Our CP is in the RR Depot. This, I believe, is the most beautiful country I’ve seen overseas and the weather can’t be beat so far. (Dad underlined “so far”)

May 10, 1945. Took a walk around part of the lake. Certainly a wonderful climate and scenery. The Alps are white and the foot hills are dark green and a lake at the flat hills of the Alps. Fruit trees are in bloom. I took over duties of my section leader. He received his commission the 8th of May. He was Int. NCO and is carrying 2nd Louey (Lieutenant) bars now.

May 11, 1945. No more blackouts. Have had blackouts snice coming overseas. I have the job of making a map survey of the grounds of hidden factory’s. Some are built partly underground. It will take quite a few days and I’m not too good at it.

May 14, 1945. Came back to Headquarters tonight. Not much going on here. Supposed to move back around Augabery(?). VI Corp is taking over here.

May 17, 1945. This point system has the boys in very good spirits. I’m not feeling so bad! (Dad underlined “bad”). Our first bunch leaves the 21st of this month. They are 108 pointers(?) and up. I have 107. It came so sudden. Rather hard to believe. Never expected it this soon. Moved here in Donauworth(?), Germany today. I’ve been on survey of a bridge site today. Can’t reconstruct old bridged. Have a 265 foot river to bridged. Depth of water is 15 feet. 6 to 7 miles per hour.

May 19, 1945. Today censorship was lifted completely. It’s really going to be swell to write again knowing my correspondents are the only readers of my letters. We have a small area to care for here. May build a 400 foot bridge. No one seems in a hurry. Sweating out this point system is really TOUGHT! (Dad underlined “tough”).

May 21, 1945. Our first quota for discharged vets left for Repot Depot today, Worms(?), Germany. A very happy bunch. Sent 13.

May 22, 1945. I am 24 years older today than I was at this time 24 years ago. Also, 4 years 1 month in the service. Expect a move soon.

May 24, 1945. We moved out of here for Marseilles, France staging area 7:00 in the mooring. We were relieved of duty here in Germany today. I don’t know what our immediate future holds for us.

May 25, 1945. Left for France this morning. Our Group and 3 battalions camped on the Super Highway outside of Kersirlalutern(?), Germany.

May 26, 1945. We crossed into France 08:30. Camp through Forbach,(?), Merlebach and St. Avold(?), our old areas last winter. Camped overnight at DeJhon(?), France.

May 27, 1945. Traveled over 200 miles. Came to St. Rampert(?), Bivavae(?) area. Same place as we stopped on our way up to the front last winter. Not as cold this time, but sure tough on the seat Should make our destination tomorrow night. We are one day ahead of the rest of our Battalion.

May 28, 1945. Arrived here in a new staging area about 1530 hours. Just bare open plains. Very disgusting. Guess it’s our job to build it up.

May 29, 1945. Today most of our men received passes and day off. Me and Sergeant Cresham(?) will survey our entire area for our Battalion. We will make a map survey. Worked till dark. What a job. 5 miles around roads, ditches and what not to be put in including each Battalion, Regiment and Division area.

June 1, 1945. Still running map survey of our area. Windy, rain and what not. Work 13 to 14 hours a day on it.

June 6, 1045. We’re all off duty today. Went in to Avigmon on pass. Pretty mice town. There hasn’t been enough GIs to spoil it yet, but there will be soon as our staging area goes into operation.

June 10, 1945, Sunday. Finished our map survey of the area. Run in a few roads last couple of days. Have today off. Been sweating out pacific. We’re told by 7th Army we would not go to Pacific. Now, seems this unit is new and are trying it for Pacific. Have not received a quota for high point men this month. I don’t think we will.

June 19, 1945. I haven't had much to do Our unit is still are(?) building up tow hospital areas. I laid out one. We've been assigned a job to build boxes for 2 1/2 ton trucks going to Pacific. We are now in Category II, means going to Pacific, but could be through the state. I am going to a rest camp tomorrow for 4 days. It’s the first I've had off since leaving the states. I had a couple 24 hour passes in Ireland, September of ‘42 and a furlough in the States in October of 1941. Not doing so bad.

June 25, 1945. I came back from the rest camp at Palavace(?), France, near Montpellier. last night. I had the best time I've had since leaving the States. Done anything I cared to. Slept, went swimming, laid on the beach, went to Montpellier and anything I cared to do. Even got sunburned. Beautiful place. Our hotel is about 50 yards from the water. Met some girls who spoke good English. Also, men. Was a pleasure to talk with civilians again. I met one girl especially nice, Christiane Rausale. I came here to Marseille my unit moved while I was gone. We are to build crates for trucks going to Pacific.

Colleen's notes: I remember my dad telling me about this 4 day pass and how happy it made him! I wish I could remember all of the details he mentioned, it has been at least 14 years or more since he last talked to me about it (he passed away July 28, 2009).

Here is what I remember my dad saying: He was so very happy to be free from the Army and his responsibilities for a few days!!. He hadn’t had any days off during most of the 4+ years he had been overseas. He said some of the American soldiers he knew would spend their money on gambling (cards) and spending time with the locale women, some going to prostitutes. He didn’t care for that, being a Christian. He was able to eat at some locale cafes which was a huge treat! Dad told me that was amazing considering he’d been limited to eating mostly bland Army food and K-Rats (canned food made for soldiers to carry) over the past 4 years, which where nothing like the MRE’s (Meals Ready to Eat) in the present day Military. Dad told me he ate so much Spam while overseas that he couldn’t eat it again for years, once he came home from the war. He started to enjoying it again when we were kids, in the 1970′s. I remember him slicing it up and cooking it in the fry pan until it was nice and crispy. To this day it’s the only way I ever eat Spam (and I always think of him!). Another thing I remember him telling me about that pass is he went to a place that gave massages and he also got his face shaved. He had never had a massage before and he really enjoy that. When he received his haircut and shave, they used a hot towel on his face which he really enjoy and some kind of oil that was soothing and smelled good. He said it was so relaxing and he felt great after it was done! Money well spent!!

July 1, 1945. Today I have been setting up our platforms to be used to build crates for trucks. I laid out the area with Alidate(?) and board. Had my films developed a couple of days ago. I had 5 rolls of Germany and up to now. They didn’t turn out. May get a few to print. Have heard rumor's of getting home in October.

July 5, 1945. There has been very strong rumors to the effect that men in our Battalion with 102 points will get to go home this month by air and sea. Today the bottom dropped out of the whole thing. Two other units are cutting on our quota that we had. My moral dropped VERY LOW (underlined). Tonight we find it has been raised to 109 points, me with 112. Now I feel slightly different. Mom and Dad’s 31st wedding anniversary today. I should be a civilian on their 32nd.

July 6, 1945. Today has been a very exciting day indeed (underlined “indeed”). Our 35 months overseas. Today at noon we were told to be ready to leave Sunday for Camp Lee Dee (last stop before going home). (Dad put the parenthesis around that). There we would go by plane HOME! (underlined). At about 1330 hours our order was. Cut from 95 men to 31. I missed it by 5. It was rather a bad let down. I tried not to put too much faith in it until Colonel McCarthy told me I leave. Sunday I received a letter from a French girl in Montpellier, France (Christine).

July 8, 1945. Today 31 boys from our Battalion left for Camp Lee Dee for their homeward trip by air. What a happy bunch . I was with them for awhile, but news is encouraging again. Our Colonel said another quota leaves this coming Sunday. But - - - with is by boat. I've never did so much sweating in my life. This is really TOUGH (underlined!).

July 11, 1945. Took another blow today. An order on the bulletin board, no more quotas remainder of this month. Units around us get taken. We should have had one. Friday or Sunday.13th and 15th. I am really in the dumps now. Guess I’ll have to try and get the old curve(?) again. And get my mind back here, where it should be.

July 16, 1945. I am still at same place. Am at C and B Company building crates. I do very little. Stay in office during the day. Only take a few phone calls. Just sweating it out. We may get quota between the 5th and 15th of August. Our unit is on the shipping list to the states in November, about 4 months. Our Unit will be out on “Strategic Reserve”.

July 20, 1945. We heard yesterday a quota is leaving the 22nd of this month. 32 men. I am one of them! (”them” is underlined).It is the same today. but do not feel safe. it is still 2 complete days left. Am I sweating! (underlined). I am doing my best to hold down my joy and hopes of returning until I am on my way.

July 22, 1945. I am out of the 2755 Engineer “C” Battalion. I am out here with the 54th Reinforcement Battalion which takes care of the “Green Project” men. We have began our processing for shipment to the states by air! (”air” is underlined.) I left my unit 1315 hours today. We are f i n a l l y (underlined) on our way. We have five days to sweat out here then go up near the Satrilas(?) Airfield. Our stay there is a maximum of 72 hours.

July 24, 1945. We had our service records checked yesterday. Also, had a showdown. Can only keep clothing issued to us here or required clothing for trip home. We were issued clothing today. also, checked our vaccine (Physical) records.

July 26, 1945. Brought my shirt and ETA(?) jacket to the tailors. Had chevrons, overseas bars, insignia sewed on. Our restriction has been lifted. Today we were given our “Air Travel Clearance Certificate”. It doesn't really seem like I am actually going home and especially by air. What a day it will be to remember and thanks God for.

July 28, 1945. I am at the “Green Plane” area waiting our day to leave by air. We are in area 47 of Calas(?) staging area.

July30, 1945. I am still sweating it out here at area #47. this has been one big dust bowl of late. Wind still goin strong. this is really tough sweating out our stay. I mean “T o u g h” (underlined).

August 2, 1945. We left this morning for Istras(?) airfield at 5:00 AM. I received a few instructions for the “Mae West” and harman(?) for my parachute. At our “K” breakfast loaded up on our b-17. I got seated in midship. Taxied out at 0820 hour. My first ride by air. Followed the coast of France and Spain. We crossed over the Rock of Gibraltar and followed up the Atlantic coast of French Monaco. We landed at an airfield by Casablanca. Went by truck to transit camp. Had a swell ride. Traveled at 6700 feet altitude. Really enjoyed it. I had a good dinner. Everything is under control.

August 5, 1945. Received orders by PQA system to leave departure terminal by 1800 hours. Notified 1650 hours. Missed chow. Left transit camp at 1800 for the airfield. Had a cup of coffee and a doughnut. Boarded a c-54, flight 3297. We :Left the field at 19;25 hours for Azores(?) 0125.

August 6, 1945. Left Azore Islands (Portugal) at 0200. Arrived in Bermuda Island at 1100 hours (EWT) 4 hours set back from Azore Islands. We’re over New York City at 1500 hours. The weather was too bad so the plane circled for an hour. We’re called to Manchester, New Hampshire at 1700 Hours. I left by C-54 at 2030 hours for Le Guardia Field New York. The plane landed about 2230 hours. Still bad weather. I slept that night at Fort Lotten(?). My plane left in the morning for New Brunswick, New Jersey. Then went by Staten Island ferry to New Jersey to Camp Kilmer.

August 7, 1945. Had a swell meal, steak dinner. There was plenty of milk, ice cream and about anything I wanted. Certainly is just too wonderful to express my happiness in being back. All the thanks to God. He (underlined) brought me back.

August 8, 1945. Have received our cotton(?)s, etc.(?). are just waiting.

August 9, 1945. I left camp this morning at 1125 for camp McCoy, Wisconsin. We are going up through Canada and Michigan.

August 10, 1945. Reached Chicago at 1130 hours. Left our car and will not pull it out till 2215. So we were given passes till 2130 hours. Tried calling Gladys (sibling). After an hour I located her. Spent about 6 hours with her. Really was good to see her again. I left Chicago at 1015 PM and arrived here, at Camp McCoy (Wisconsin) at 0800.

August 11, 1945. I passed the screening. I w i l l (underlined) be a civilian in 48 hours. Thank God.

August 12, 1945. Had my physical. Will be held up because of my teeth. Was up yesterday to the dental clinic. I had an appointment for 0100 hours today, Stayed all PM and only got my plate repaired. Can’t wait, so asked for my release and got it. I didn’t get my teeth filled.

August 12, 1945. I went through the separation today. I got my Discharge! (”discharge” is in large lettering and underlined twice) today at about 1630 hours. I am not a soldier any more. Became a civilian! (underlined “civilian”. Once more, I can not express my feelings in words. I got on the bus in about 15 minutes. We are just ready to leave when we were told Japan had called it quits. So, went through or was in the Army till it was all over. I was also in the Army before it started. It was all over and what a wonderful feeling. It seemed I’m still a soldier. It sure doesn’t seem true. I have the victory over Japan to celebrate and also my discharge (”discharge” is underlined) on the same day. Thank God I am through with it all. In sound mind and good health.

August 15, 1945. I got into St Paul, Minnesota last night at about 2330 hours. They were still celebrating when we got a room in the Martin Hotel. I spent my first day as a civilian just resting. I had a good dinner and watched good American people. I did just what I wanted to do. I tried to act like a civilian. (Dad underlined the word “act”)

Colleen’s notes: Near the end of Dad’s last journal, in a section called Places I Have Been, it asks for the “date, description and my impressions of places I want to remember having visited”. Dad wrote: Been to Palavas, France from 20 to 24 of June, 1945. It is a small summer resort town near Montpellier. A swell place for a tired and lonesome G.I.

Last page of this journal:

“My Discharge from the service”. Dad filled this in: Date: August 14, 1945. Place: Separation Center Camp, McCoy, Wisconsin. Rank: Staff Sergeant

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