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WW II War Letters |
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WW II War Letters |
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Alton "Oz" Grobbel, Private, US Army
Letter written on 04 October1945 from Kyoto, Japan.
Kyoto, Japan
October 4th, 45
Dear Dad,
Hi ya Dad. Probably thought I forgot all about you, eh! On the
contrary, I've just been pretty busy moving.
Well, we're here Dad. Never dreamt 6 months ago I'd be in Japan
in October but here I am. Right in the, or one of the, biggest
city in Japan. This is really a pretty town and well advanced in
civilization I thank you. According to the propaganda sheets they
gave us, we expected tar paper shacks and mud huts. I still got
to see my first shack around here. They were never hit by bombing
raids so their city is still the same as always. It's situated
between 2 mountains right down in the valley. I bought a camera
the other day and as soon as I can get my hands on some film I'll
send you some snapshots of the local scenic beauty parks. Their
parks are really beautiful - they'd put Belle Isle to shame.
We really have some nice quarters here. It's a big long 2 story
building built on the order of Kramer Homes [ed. - a Federal
housing project in Center Line that was built to house war-time
factory workers and their families]. There are 32 rooms
altogether with 4 men to a room. It's the most privacy I've had
since I've been in the Army. We each have a nice big shelf with a
sliding door to keep our personal belongings in.
I have a sort of a surprise for you. I am now the new Company
Clerk of the 207th. Just got the promotion a couple of days ago.
It carries a rank of Sgt. but how long before I get that depends
on the Army and you know how fast they work. It's really a good
deal and I like it a lot. Of course I bunk with the 1st Sgt. so
you can imagine the razzing I get. But it's all in fun and we
have a hell of a time around here. Besides, I've been getting
razzed for so long about my big feet maybe this will get their
mind off my feet.
There's plenty to drink around here. You can buy Sake (Japanese
whiskey) by the quart bottles and beer by the case. Their beer is
good tasting stuff, in fact I just finished up a bottle a few
minutes ago. That Sake is plenty wicked stuff. It tasts like wine
but it will really knock you on your ass. I know, I tried some
the other day. It sure fools you.
Heard a re-broadcast of the 1st World Series Game. Too bad the
Tigers got beat so bad. We had a few friendly bets with the guys.
There's a Lt. in our Company from Detroit and we pooled our Yens
(Jap money) to make bets. Looks like we're about to take a
beating [ed. - Game 1 was played on Oct. 3rd in Detroit (early
morning of the 4th in Kyoto) and the Tigers lost to the Chicago
Cubs, 9-0; however the Tigers would go on to win the Series with
a 9-3 victory in Game 7 on October 10th].
Any news from those big brothers of mine, Bob & Vince? How's
everything around town? Write soon and give me all the dope. I'll
have to close for now, time to go back to work. Write soon.
Your Son,
Alton
P.S. Say hello to Mom and all the kids for me. Give Uncle Joe my
regards also.
Enclosed in his letter was this label from a bottle of the beer he had been drinking.
Front
WHEAT BEER |
(Kanji translation courtesy of Alena Wu)
Reverse
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