MORALE HIGH ON BOARD OF A TRANSPORT
Algona Youth Writes in High Praise of Shipmates
A letter received yesterday from First Lt. Robert C. Dewel, of the army dental corps, reported him on board a transport on the high seas at the time of writing (undated.) He had been ordered from Camp Crowder, Mo., to an eastern point called “staging area” some three weeks before sailing, and there had been set at censoring letters home from soldiers. He is now in a field hospital unit.
On the way to port, the men had to do some marching, carrying heavy packs, and the lieutenant pays high tribute to the Red Cross women who welcomed them with coffee and doughnuts at the dock. “It was my first contact with the receiving end of the Red Cross, and it made me very glad of what support I had previously given the Red Cross on the contributing end,” Robert wrote.
Scores of Poker Games.
“Life on our transport has so far been the goldbricker’s dream—not a thing to do except amuse ourselves. There isn’t much room for physical games, but there are at least 100 poker set-to’s going every day. The boys sing, too, and I have never before heard such heartfelt hymn singing (got up by the chaplains) as they were doing last night. Now the boys are trying to drum up talent for a show.
“No matter how tough things got for them, the soldiers take it, let it go at that, and don’t complain. The only complaint I have heard was aroused by a report of strikers who had quit work because of a change of hours. One soldier said: “I wonder what those bastards would do if they had K.P. every other night for a month!”
Boys’ Morale is Tops.
“I’ve been much impressed with the boys’ morale. In my brief censorship job, I noticed that they were worrying only about the folks at home and were reassuring them instead of being on the receiving end. I guess I can say that much without revealing anything I’m supposed to keep secret. Along that same line, you can quite your worry, if any, about me: I’m well, safe, and happy over whatever may come, and I am particularly pleased with my assignment.”
The lieutenant’s assignment is to dental service in a field hospital.
Source: Kossuth County Advance, August 10, 1944
