Homeward Bound June 23, 2014
Posted by nrhatch in Humor, People.comments closed
Continued from . . . Things Don’t Go According To Hoyle
Despite the fire at the headquarters building, which burned up discharge dates and orders, dad received word that he was heading home.
On October 12th, he wrote:
“Day before yesterday we received official word that we would report to the depot on the 13th. There was some hustle and some bustle as we scurried about the office in an attempt to close all cases as soon as possible. With such a goal as we had, it was not difficult. By evening we were free of all investigative work.
That evening, Swinnerton and I sat around and discussed with pride some of our most interesting cases and the reports on which we were complimented. We then realized that our year here had not been wasted. We had gained a great deal of knowledge and had had a great experience. The boat leaves Korea on 20 Oct. and is supposed to hit Frisco on 8 Nov. Hope to see you about a month after you receive this letter.”
Wikipedia ~ Victory Ships (in Public Domain)
On October 14th:
“I expect to be here at the depot the rest of the week. This is really a vacation except that there is not much to do for recreation.”
“Since I have been here at the depot, I have met about 15 persons that were in my company during basic. Most of them are PFC or Corporal ~ they are a little envious of my stripes. It is hard to believe that I am actually on the way home. Looking back, it doesn’t seem such a long time since I enlisted.”
U.S. Army Technical Sergeant Rank Insignia, in use 1942-1955 (in Public Domain)
What a difference a few stripes make!
On October 17th, to Marjorie:
“When I came to the depot I had to put on my tech sgt. stripes. They really do wonders.”
“When the men fall out for details, all top three grades are excused to do whatever they want.”
“Out of the 1300 men leaving on the General Patrick, there are only about 10 first sgts., 10 tech sgts., and 15 staff sgts.”
“If we don’t get put in charge of details on the ship, we can loaf all the way.”
“I’m hoping to be one of the fellows to just loaf.”
On October 19th, to Marjorie:
“We have wonderful washrooms here in the depot. That is ~ if you like to wash and shave in ice water without a mirror and don’t mind not having any place to hang a towel or lay your toilet articles, and if you don’t mind standing in about two inches of water on the floor.”
“Tomorrow morning we get up at 3 o’clock and get ready to get on the train that takes us some 40 miles to the boat. By this time tomorrow I will probably be getting on the boat. Thank goodness my time in this country has nearly come to an end.”
“Yesterday, we were given numbers for the order in which we board the ship tomorrow. Out of 1300+ men, I got number 4. That means that I will be about the first to board the boat.”
“With the large camera and several books and boxes that I am carrying, my duffel bag is so full I have to wear an extra jacket or two all the time in order to get it closed. What a lot of fun I’m going to have carrying it half a mile to the train.”
Dad left Korea in 1947, three years before the start of the Korean War in 1950.
Aah . . . that’s better!
After leaving Korea, dad obtained an electrical engineering degree from Northeastern University in Boston, accepted a job with Bell Labs in New Jersey, met mom, got married, had four kids, got his master’s degree, assisted with the launch of Telestar, traveled for work and pleasure, and enjoyed many hobbies (photography, woodworking, sailing, canoeing, hiking, gardening, camping, ham radio, reading).
Dad died two years ago today after celebrating Father’s Day with his 4 kids.
And his 9 grandkids (not all pictured).
I’ve enjoyed sharing dad’s words (before he became a dad) with you.
Spirit Lights The Way 