Letters From Arthur #10: 26 Jun 1944, Hawaii

by Jess Clackum

On 15 June, the US forces invaded Saipan, whose airfields were within striking distance of the by Jessica ClackumJapanese islands. The US and Japanese fought what would later be designated as one of the biggest carrier battles of the war. Japan lost three aircraft carriers and over three hundred planes. On land, US Marines fought a vicious enemy. When the battle ended in July, only one thousand of the more than thirty-thousand Japanese soldiers were still alive. Hundreds of civilians on the island committed suicide fearing being captured by the Americans. 

Dearest Sis May:

Received your nice letter today in which you put your new address, so I am sitting at this moment under a fascinating overhanging Palm tree, which gives much of inspiration to letter writing. I'd like to have your picture.

I just got back from a day at the Beach where I rented a surf board, for the first time I found it lots of fun rolling along thru the huge breakers of the beautiful cool blue waters of the Pacific.

Glad to hear that Bill called, I bet you were happy to hear his voice. I always receive mail from Mother and she always mentions that you had a nice visit with her, I'm glad.  Forgive me for this short letter but I'm in a hurry to go on duty at Headquarters tonight.

My love to Joan & regards to Bill. Oh! yes I got a letter from him.

Your loving brother

Arthur

Letters From Arthur #9: 11 June 1944, Hawaii

by Jess Clackum

Just a week earlier on the afternoon of 6 June, the 77th landed on Guam under the command of Major Gen Andrew Bruce. There were no landing vehicles to transport the troops from the sea craft to the beach line, so the troops, had to disembark and wade hundreds of yards to the beach.  It took several hours for all the troops to land on shore in time to turn back the enemy counterattack. Transport vehicles had to be hauled ashore by bulldozers. It would be more than a month before the 77th would have all of their field artillery ashore including the 304th, 305th and 902nd battalions.

Dearest Sis Mae:

I received your first letter several weeks back and I answered you pronto, and today I received your second in which you wrote a few words for Mother. I was indeed glad to hear from you and especially that you were visiting mom, I sincerely hope everything is fine. Why not? After all, a fine mother and you are a fine girls, so there's no reason you two shouldn't hit it right. I have often wanted to write you in the past, but either I traveled the country too darn much to do much writing or I wasn't sure of your address. And I have written Bill in the past and his last few letters always come back to me. I often wondered why? Honest I'm disappointed in him. Perhaps I shouldn't be too hasty, but after all, I always wanted to keep in close contact with you both, then a complete silence and no mail from Bill and then no mail from me.

Well - from now on I shall write you as often as I can even if I might be kept busy. Anyway, believe me when I say my thought are always with you and of the Dearest. I expect to go to Honolulu soon and I will definitely make it my business to send both you Dear and Joan something appropriate of this beautiful Island. Mom sent me Bills address but I'm not sure of its accuracy. Is he in the MP outfit now? Yes - when I was in Virginia I got home sometimes but just to see how mom & dad were, my friends are all in service now so I really had a terrible time in New York, and I do miss them all especially Jean, Eddie, Connie (she is in the Spars now - almost three months).

Someday, after this war is over, I hope to see them all but I know that some of them will not be the same. I myself sometimes find my nerves going to pieces. Perhaps someday we'll have a real reunion and believe me, I'm looking forward to the not too long victory. Would like to hear from Bill, and I shall write to you always, my fondest regards to Joan and my love to you.

Your loving brother

Arthur

Wish I could write to Anne but I haven't her address and I did get the blades from Mother.

Thanks a million

Honey--A.                               

Letters From Arthur #8: 27 May 1944, Hawaii

by Jess Clackum

Dearest Mae:

Wrote your letter yesterday in response to your ever so welcome one and I hope I can make this note more interesting.

Things out here is quite boring, don't get much of a chance to do anything but train. I hope soon to be able to complete my purpose in the Army.

Only a few moments ago I had a very grievous and uncanny conversation with my first sergeant. He certainly is looking out for himself. Oh! Well at least I rate with officers in this Battalion, so he's just another pebble on the beach. I have still my self respect, but if I lost it. I feel sorry for him, I'd probably tell him off. So you can see how blue I am today, just a sad sack.

Regards and love to Joan.

Your Brother,

Arthur

Letters From Arthur #7: 26 May 1944, Hawaii

by Jess Clackum

The 77th landed in Hawaii in March 1944 and trained in amphibious and jungle warfare. Elements began departing Hawaii in July in preparation for the assault on Guam. 

Dearest Mae:

I realize it is a very long time I last wrote to you. But since then, I've been so darn busy, one part of the country or another, and I definitely never forgot for one moment you were my darling sister. It's just that I was so regularly occupied, I didn't write to anyone but my father and besides, I lost your address.

I am now overseas stationed on a beautiful Island in the South Pacific so it will be a very long time before I see the beautiful homeland of USA. To some people, this place may appear a paradise but to me it's a hellhole. Perhaps it's because I'm oceans apart from those I love and our white civilization.

Believe me, Mae dear, I shall write you as often as I can, but if you don't get a letter from me in a week or more it's only because the mail route of delivery isn't too fast. I shall write again tomorrow.

Love to Joan and my best to Bill. Tell him to write.

Your loving brother,

Arthur

Letters From Arthur #6: 1943, Mojave Desert

by Jess Clackum

Dear Sis -

Got your letter and was glad to hear from you, you've no idea how I enjoy reading it. Somehow your letters are so real, so free of all petty subterfuge, artificiality, or insincerity, no kidding. You're a swell sister, and I'm proud to call you sis! I've always wanted to feel I could confide in my sister and I know I can in you.

Incidentally May, I just remembered I answered your last letter and I answered and I enclosed a snap of Mary. Oh! Well no reason I shouldn't write again before I receive your answer is there? I actually enjoy writing to you, but I feel dreadfully bad since I can't send a photo of myself. The reason for it, I haven't a camera and second, I couldn't get around to having it taken.

I hope you can forgive me for this. In the near future I'll do my darndest to get one.

I understand we're to leave here soon for a Port of Embarkation. No kidding, we get so many rumors, it's a shame we have to contend with them. The latest rumor is we'll go to Indiantown Gap, Penn. If it only could stand true this would mean I could get to see you. But at present as a rumor, we haven't a leg to stand on as to its legitimacy. The weather here is unbearably hot, it would be indeed a pleasure to leave this hot desert.

Well May, hoping to hear from you. Regards to Bill and love to Joan.

Your loving brother

Arthur

Letters From Arthur #5: 1943, Mojave Desert

by Jess Clackum

Hello Bill -

I always liked to hear from you, but I guess you couldn't keep track of me and I must admit we've been on the move around the country a bit.

We completed the XV corps Tests last week, with big success, this put us into the AGF Class (Army Ground Forces) at present we are still under DTC. According to the caption for the Bulletin Board, our Commander General Bruce has us slated definitely for overseas combat. I'm hoping it'll take me to Italian soil, I'd sooner take care of the German situation than the Jap. You can't trust these sneaky eyed Bastards.

At least we have a fair chance with the Huns, and besides they're a cinch. Funny thing, I'm not afraid of combat. We have excellent organization here, so why worry. They've got us up to perfection. Next Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, we have to undergo an "Air Ground Test" which we'll wind up our stay in the Desert. From here it is my contention that we're going to a Port of Embarkation. It's high time, we've been in the country for about 19 months, so how much longer could we remain here? I'm ready and everyone else is, so let's go to it 77th!

Oh! Well time will tell. Bill, let's hear from you. I enjoy hearing from you.

Your brother

Arthur

P.S. Drop Mother & Dad a line. They worry.

Letters From Arthur #4: 1943, Mojave Desert

by Jess Clackum

Dear Sis -

Got your letter today and I was indeed glad to hear from you, and Bill. Things are about the same here. We just got back after completing an eight day Corps test. It was one of significance since the completion was made with flying colors, our entire Division made excellent, and I'm glad, now we can actually feel proud of the fact that our readiness for combat is approaching, we expect to get another test from Corps. It's called the ("Air Ground Test") after that Division tests us on our complete phases of training.

I saw in one newspaper that those [.......] who desires to transfer to the Mountain troops this would require us to go to a cold climate and participate in extensive training in skiing. This is only an idea May, I don't think I'm too anxious to make the change since the change would only involve more and more of training and besides my C.O. has to recommend me, and believe me he certainly is a hard man to convince.

Glad you are all well and I was looking forward to Joan's picture when it comes through. Incidentally, I am sending her a wooden, gay painted leaded waist belt made by the Indians out near Phoenix. I have to get a box to pack it in and when I do, I'll send it to her. And when I get a chance I'll send you a picture of me. At present I have none except one or two that aren't doing me justice. No kidding perhaps I'm not camera material.

Incidentally, I met a grand girl out in Beverly Hills, we hit it pretty high for the time I spent on furlough in California. We're pretty fond of each other and we have been corresponding a lot, and she and I are intending to seal the pact, by declaring ourselves as one someday. I firmly know and believe that I've found the one happiness that will make me want to look forward to a permanent love, and I truly love her very much. At present she is a receptionist under contract to Paramount Pictures and she works in the office on Wilshire Boulevard. I may as well enclose a picture of her, send it back to me will you May dear? When I get a few better ones of her, I'll send one to you, if you like. Her name is "Mary Brockel".

Well May, I've run out of things to write about, so I'll close hoping to hear from you when you get the chance. My best regards to Bill. Tell him for me that I'd like to hear more about him and what he is doing. And has he been home to Mother as yet?

My love to Joan.

Your loving brother

Arthur

Letters From Arthur #3: 1943, Mojave Desert

by Jess Clackum

Dear May -

Got your ever so welcome letter today, and you've no idea how glad I was to hear from you. We have been so taken up with desert maneuvers these past few months, I wasn't able to write as often as I would have liked.

Incidentally, I'm terribly sorry to say that I couldn't come east and won't be able to for some time to come. You see, furloughs were canceled and we were only allowed 5 days in either Los Angeles or Phoenix. Having been in Phoenix quite a lot, I thought it a good idea to go to the coast, since I was only 231 miles from Los Angeles.

I arrived at 6 pm and registered at the Biltmore Hotel and then started my 5 days of fun and frolicking. While drinking at the Bar, I ran across a friend who knew a lad who was coming up in pictures. He said he liked me to go up to his home in Beverly Hills where there was to be a party. This started my few days quite appropriately, we had a lot of fun and met several highlighted people you may have seen on the screen such celebrities as Mary Brian, Katherine Cornell, Frances Drake, Ralph Bellamy, Buddy Westmore (the make-up man) and scores of others, I didn't stay too long because there were so many people there whom i didn't know and I felt a little strange. Some of the other lads who came with us left too and we went over to the beautiful hillside home of one of their friends, Frank Hurst, he's a scenario writer under contract to M.G.M. He has a home that I've never before in my life had seen, such grandeur, and even an indoor swimming pool which was adjoining his extensive tropical gardens. He insisted we stay overnight, and we did, since he was quite the sociable and likeable fellow. Imagine me sleeping in a great room on a bed covered with expensive covers, the Head board was of Blue nailed satin and the furnishings were of white birch wood. More beautiful than I can describe May.

We left to have dinner at Bill Sheridan's Rendevous, a Supper Club in N. Los Angeles. Yes, dear I spent an ideal 5 days there. Here I am back again to this desert post. And quite blue. Believe me I would have rather come home. I haven't seen the folks and you all in such a long time, I've missed you all so very much. But I can't do a thing about it, but carry out orders to a "T".

Am well liked here and do a good job of soldiering. In all I get along swell. How's Bill? Why doesn't he write. Send me his address I'd like to write to him, , I would have if only I had his address. I sure miss him very much.

That Joan must be turning out to be a beautiful young lady. Give her my best. How are you feeling May, I do hope you are well, because I do remember you weren't well. Do you like your job at Westinghouse?

Did you ever get to see my Mother & Dad? I hope so. Someday I hope we all can have an ideal family re-union. My sister in law Anne asked about you in one of her letters to me. She wondered how Bill and you were. It was awfully thoughtful of her.

Well May, we leave again on an eight day maneuver, Sunday. It might wind up our stay here on the Desert. I hope so anyway, we are ready for a staging area.

When you get a chance May, write, I shall be extremely happy to hear from you. My best to Joan and Bill. Take care of yourself.

Your Devoted Brother,

Arthur

Letters From Arthur #2: 27 Jul 1943, Mojave Desert

by Jess Clackum

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="400.0"] Desert Training Center [/caption]

In late June 1943, the Allies advanced to the Solomon Islands. On 6 July, the US battled the Japanese in the Battle of Kuala Gulf in the Solomons. Days later, the Japanese went on to win a tactical victory at the Battle of Kolombangara. On 24 July, the US B-24 Liberators from the 42nd Squadron of the US Army Air Force enroute from Midway Island bombed the Japanese garrison on Wake Island. 

Dear May -

Once again I write hoping you'll forgive my long silence, but we've been on extensive maneuvers in the Mojave Desert in California and they took up all of our time, I wasn't even able to write to anyone else.

We arrived back here in this Base Camp several days ago, and I'm sure glad to be back, we need a long, long rest. We're pooped out with exhaustion.

I sincerely hope you and Joan are well, I've thought a lot about you and have wondered many times how could I get a letter to you, but there was no way. These past maneuvers were really the worst I've been in yet. The humidity was up to 158° in the shade, we'd hike for miles across the hot sands of the Desert, with only one canteen of water. It was hell, believe me by midday the water would no longer be cool. It would be hot from being out in the sun, with parched throats, you can well imagine how we felt when we'd reach for our canteens, we'd be drinking water that had become hot. As for food, well we saw very little of it, there were times we'd eat only once a day, I'm so happy I have gone from such ungodly country.

Now we are back in camp where we are getting an ideal rest, however its dreadfully hot here too. Please let me hear from you as I never for a minute intended to call our correspondence to a halt. Let's hear from you real soon. My love to Joan. Regards to Bill.

Your loving Brother,

Arthur

Letters From Arthur #1: 5 May 1943, Mojave Desert

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="400.0"] Officers listen to reviews of a maneuver held five miles from Needles, California at the Desert Training Center in September 1942. (Photo: General Patton Memorial Museum) [/caption]

The 77th spend more than a year in rigorous training at the Desert Training Center in the Mojave Desert and in the jungles of Hawaii to prepare for combat in the Pacific. While 20 divisions trained in the desert, none of them fought in a desert campaign. Five of the divisions including the 77th fought in the Pacific.

Dearest May,

Got your ever so welcome letter and was indeed glad to hear from you.

Oh! Yes - my brother Dave wrote me a nice letter about you. He claims that my mother would be happy with you and Bill. She has thought it over and decided that your marriage before you met Bill was a bad mistake and that you should have met Bill long before that. So you see sis - everything does turn out well.

Tell me, did you get to visit my mom yet? If not, it wouldn't be a bad idea the first chance you get while in New York. So as far as mom is concerned, she can love you just as her own.

The weather here has become cooler of late and it's a pleasure, especially in this blamed desert. This morning our beloved General gave us a farewell to the States speech. He gathered our entire division in the foothills of the Palomas Mts where he spoke from a steep ledge on the Mtn.  Behind him were the colors and flag flying, quite a beautiful background.

Yes dear, we're going on our last furloughs soon before we leave for overseas. An Army transport will be available to us then. At present, we're turning in all our G.I. equipment before we leave the States we'll get altogether new equipment. I'm looking forward to seeing you when I get back East which will be sometime in June or perhaps before. I shall let you know when. Let's hear good news - eh kid. My best to Joan and yourself.

Always,

Arthur

Meet Jess Clackum - FlyGirls Director of Social Media & Veterans Liaison

Jess Clackum is Director of Social Media and Veterans Liaison for FlyGirls the Series. Jess served in the U.S. Coast Guard and is a writer with a background in History & Mass Communications and is a crucial member of the Production team.

"Joining the Coast Guard in the 1980s was one of the greatest experiences of my life. I traveled and met people from all different walks of life. I gained experience in search and rescue, firefighting, seamanship, tactical law enforcement and culinary arts. Being out on the water gave me a feeling of freedom and independence that I had never known. Serving my country made me proud to be a part of something bigger, something worthwhile. I gained confidence and learned the true value of working as part of a team, for the greater good.

When I joined, women were not considered equal to their male counterparts. At times, we faced roadblocks to the same opportunities and consideration. We persevered in spite of discrimination and sexual harassment by going above and beyond, embracing the opportunity to serve our country, with hopes of advancement as we asserted our worth.

A number of women I served with wanted to enter more traditional male jobs in the service but were discouraged from those paths. The headstrong, however, ignored the advice of supervisors and Commanding Officers and pursued their goals anyway, placing their names on lists for schools or participating in on-the-job training. For those who stayed with it, their struggles against the system were ultimately rewarded.

Women are more empowered now than they have been in any other time in history. Never-before-had opportunities to make our mark in the world comes abound but we didn’t get here on our own. We had lots of help from the generations of women before us and we owe them a debt of gratitude. Their struggles and sacrifices paved the way for us to be where we are today.

That’s why the Fly Girls project is near and dear to my heart.

Over the years, I’ve studied World War II history. I’ve read books and I've taken the time to talk to people who served during the war---including my grandfather who was a mine planter (his brother Arthur, an infantryman died in the Pacific Theater), my grandmother May and her sister Jeanine, both of whom were Rosie the Riveters, building bombs and aircraft for the war effort, PFC Benno Levi, who served with my great Uncle Arthur and who shared his war experiences with me, and countless others who served bravely and selflessly for the cause. The conversations I've had bring home to me that every American — men and women, of all ages — contributed to the war effort, and that the role that women played in winning the war is often overlooked.

Over seventy years ago, the Women Airforce Service Pilots refused to stand in the shadows and let their destinies be chosen for them. They each had a dream and they pursued it. They served with honor and distinction and deserve better than to be forgotten.

It’s time to honor them and their sacrifices and accomplishments, we who’ve benefited from such trailblazers.

That is exactly what our miniseries will do!"