Last edit of this site 2021.DEC.11
Highlights
The letters show that Abe was on hold, uncertain as to what will happen next. The letter postmarked September 4 wavered among discharge, commission, and plant inspector. The letter postmarked September 10 made it clear that Abe wanted to stay in the service in some capacity. The September 17 postmarked letter had Abe sending a watch to Nate, while Nate sent shoes to Abe. The letter postmarked September 28 mentioned Abe sending shoes to Nate. This same letter made it quite clear that Nate is managing Abe’s money affairs. The September 29 note made clear that Abe’s obligation to Nate was monetized.
Letter to Nate, postmarked Camp Lee, Va., Sep 2, 1942. Free postage. The address is Mr. Nathan Simon/Main St.,/Mocanaqua, Pennsylvania. Nate notes date of receipt in green ink as 9-4-42. Return address is Cadet Abram Simon/Ward 2. Station Hosp/Camp Lee, Va.
Sept 2, 1942
Dear Nate:
Trust this finds all well. I am fine. Still at the hospital and undergoing a series of tests X-rays and what not. This morning they examined me before a fluoroscope and took 9 Xray pictures. This afternoon I go back to some other tests but don’t know of which type.
I have been feeling fine and not having any discomfort. The treatment here is positively wonderful. The captain said he hoped my condition would warrant my going back to school. If not the army has made a change in the ruling in cases like mine and may give me clerical duties here at the hospital. But that must all wait until I see the results of my entire examination. I’m hoping for the best. So it will probably be next week before I go before the board here. So I’m hoping. Trust biz is good. Love to all
Abe
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Letter Abe to Nate, postmarked Camp Lee, Va., Sep 4, 1942. Free postage. Nate notes date of receipt 9-5-42 AM. Return address is Cadet Abram Simon/ Ward 2- Station Hosp/Camp Lee, Va.
Sept 4, 1942
Dear Nate:
Trust this finds all well. I am fine. It seems like I am going to be discharged. They are starting to make out the papers. The captain (surgeon) told me it was not a closed matter that I still had to appear before the board and that they had the final word. Nate do you think you could ask Rabbi Davidson to talk to his brother-in-law Col. Robert Ginsburgh to see what he could do about getting me my commission and put me into inspecting defense plants as per enclosed photo taken from Life magazine. [The image, shown to the right, is cut from Look magazine, and it shows Col. Ginsburgh doing an inspection.] It would mean a lot to me to be able to stay in the army. Just so the Goyem would not talk, and being a Jew I have a duty in this war. The Jews have everything at stake. But see what you can think out, also with Weidner. It will be kind of tough getting a job in civilian life because the discharge will read – complete Disability Discharge. That doesn’t sound so good. I am not worried about anything so don’t feel that I am worrying. All I’d like to do is get a commission and work for the army in any capacity that would allow me to watch my diet. Nothing else new so will close with best wishes to all.
Love
Abe
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Letter Abe to Nate, postmarked Camp Lee, Va., Sep 7, 1942. Free postage. Nate notes date of receipt 9-9-42. Return address is Cadet Abram Simon/ Ward 2- Station Hosp/Camp Lee, Va.
Sept 7, 1942
Dear Nate:
Trust this find all well. I am fine. There is nothing new here since I spoke to you. If anything turns up suddenly I’ll call. I just got information that there is an officers school for limited service men. I am getting the information and will stress it when I go before the board. The nurses and doctors on the ward are pulling for me to swing it before the board. Ihope I do.
A fellow was operated on last nite for the same thing I had. Maybe there is something to the food that is served the men that brings on the condition. I’ll mention that also before the board. Nothing else, hope biz is good.
Love to all
Abe
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Letter from Abe to Nate, postmarked Camp Lee, Va., Sep 10, 1942. Free postage. Nate notes the date of receipt as 9-11-42 AM.
Sept 8, 1942
Dear Nate:
Haven’t heard from home in a few days but will write anyway. Hope all are well. I am fine. They are going to keep me in the army. I was up before a board. One Colonel wanted to discharge me and another said no. He said I was too intelligent and that I could do a lot for the army. So I stay in and they are going to try to make arrangements for me to continue school with a special diet and none of the rigors of the training as I am “limited service.” The board was very much impressed with me. So the captain told me. I am kinda glad they are keeping me in. I haven’t all the details so I didn’t call. But as soon as I do I’ll call. There is nothing else new. Have been unable to get in touch with Leo Becunas [name hard to make out] as I haven’t left he hospital since I came back. At my first opportunity I will. Regards and Best wishes for a Happy New Year – prosperous too.
Love Abe
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Letter from Abe to Nate, postmarked Camp Lee, Va., Sep 12, 1942. Free postage. Nate notes the date of receipt as 9-14-42 AM.
Sept 11, 1942
Dear Nate:
Trust this finds all well. I am fine. There is nothing else new here since I talked to you. I want to wish you all a happy, and prosperous New Year. Tomorrow is Yontif so I’ll just have nothing to do but sit around after services and eat.
Nothing else new. Should anything turn up I’ll get in touch with you pronto.
Love to all
Abe
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Postcard from Abe to Nate, postmarked Camp Lee, Va., Sep 14, 1942. Free postage. Nate notes the date of receipt as 9-16-42 AM.
Dear Nate:
Trust all are well. I am fine and awaiting my assignment whatever it may be.
Got a card and letter from Edith & Esther.
Nothing else, best wishes to all.
As ever
Abe
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Letter from Abe to Nate, postmarked Camp Lee, Va., Sep 16, 1942. Free postage. Nate notes the date of receipt as 9-18-42 AM.
Sept 16, 1942
Dear Nate:
Hope you are all well. I am fine.
I found out about that new school for officers. It is in the adjutant Generals office and the school is in Texas, in fact it is at Houston. That would be a swell school to go to and I’m having a doctor here work on it for me. But to date have heard nothing about. He said all effort would be exerted to try to locate me at that school. I hope so. It is all administrative and no drill. That sounds good doesn’t it?
Boy do I have troubles. There is a Jewish fellow who used to be in my ward but has been transferred to another ward who is an A#1 “Kike”. I have to read his letters and write his mail for him. He drives me crazy. His girl’s name is Lilly and is she a “Dahlink” I cant move a step without him at my heels. He was sent out of our ward because he annoyed me so much. Met a nice Jewish fellow from Baltimore, single, and 44 years old. He has a goitre condition but is going home to have it done. He invited me to visit his family. He seems right nice.
By the way,m sincere good wishes on your Birthday. Many happy returns of the day. Nothing else so best wishes to all.
Love
Abe
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7:30 PM
Sept 16, 1942
Dear Nate:
Received two of your letters today one that was mailed Aug.31st. Some speed eh? Enjoyed hearing from you. Trust all are well. When is that nephew of mine going to make his debut? I’m getting kind of anxious. There is nothing new here. I’m feeling fine as to my X-rays they showed a spot but will heal in time. I am still awaiting disposition of my reclassification. I may hear this week and will surely let you know. Nate please forgive me for not sending you a wire on your birthday God bless you with good health and a long life of happiness. Please consider the watch I gave you a birthday present until I get out of the hospital and I’ll send you something. Thanks for sending me the clippings I’m mailing them back. Regards to all. Best wishes. Thanks for the shoes.
Abe.
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Letter from Abe to Nate, postmarked Camp Lee, Va., Sep 19, 1942. Free postage. Nate notes the date of receipt as 9-22-42 AM.
Sept 18, 1942
Dear Nate:
Trust this find all well. I am fine. As yet have heard nothing in regard to where I will go when I leave the hospital. I am enclosing two checks I cashed for fellows so put it against what I owe you. You know the money you sent me. I have enough money and will be paid in about a week and a half, so will have enough.
I received the shoes also the candy that was in the package, thanks very much.
There is not much chance of getting out of the hospital in time for Yom Kippur so will attend services at the Red Cross here at the hospital. I am now able to have orange juice, so my condition must be improving. I have a glass in the norming and a glass in the afternoon.
Nothing much else have an easy fast. Regards to all.
Love
Abe
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Postcard to Nate, postmarked Camp Lee, Va., Sep 21, 1942. Free postage. The address is Mr. Nathan Simon/Main St.,/Mocanaqua, Pennsylvania/. Nate notes date of receipt in green ink as 9-23-42 AM. Return address is Cadet Abram Simon/Ward 2. Station Hosp/Camp Lee, Va/
Sept 20, 1942
Dear Nate:
Not enough for a letter. Trust a card will suffice. Hope all are well. I am feeling first rate. Haven’t to date heard as to where I will go. Hope it comes through soon. Regards to all, best wishes ‑‑ as ever
Abe
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Letter to Nate, postmarked Camp Lee, Va., Sep 23, 1942. The address is Mr. Nathan Simon/Main St.,/Mocanaqua, Pennsylvania/. Nate notes date of receipt in green ink as 9-25-42 AM. Return address is Cadet Abram Simon/Ward 2. Station Hosp/Camp Lee, Va/
Sept 22, 1942
Dear Nate:
Tried to get you on the phone but couldn’t get to call through. Trust all are well. I am fine. I am sorry to hear that you are worried at home about my staying in the army but please don’t worry as everything is being done so that I will not be inconvenienced as per my diet and studies. They are going to try to make arrangements for me to stay at OCS at camp here but with only the administrative course, and that will not be strenuous. Golly everyone is so interested in my getting everything that I’m entitled to and not by anyway to get anything that will make it strenuous or arduous. So please don’t worry. It will probably be about next Monday when I will find out the definite class that I am to get into and under what arrangements. I sent you two checks let me know if you got them. I talk to Lester Ritter over the phone quite a bit and it makes me feel good to talk to someone from home.
I fasted on Yom Kippur and didn’t mind a bit. The weather was pleasantly cool and it made for easy fasting. God may in His good time help to end this war soon and we’ll all get back to normal.
Nothing much else, Regards to all
Love
Abe
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Letter to Nate, postmarked Camp Lee, Va., Sep 24, 1942. Free postage. The address is Mr. Nathan Simon/Main St.,/Mocanaqua, Pennsylvania/. Nate notes date of receipt in green ink as 9-26-42 AM. Return address is Cadet Abram Simon/Ward 2. Station Hosp/Camp Lee, Va/
Sept 24, 1942
Dear Nate:
No mail from home in a couple of days but will write anyway. Hope all are feeling well. I am fine. There will be nothing started with my case until next week. I am going up to Brigade hdqts to have a talk with the officer in command as to the setup I will need when at school. My diet, course of training etc. It will be exclusive of military drill etc, only administrative. I found out if I had put in at least a month I would have gotten my commission on the 25th of this month. But maybe I’ll only have a month or two and then get my comm. I hope so. My assignment will then be keeping with my limited service status. There is really nothing else now. Write me how business is and how all are feeling. Regards to all.
Love
Abe
Let me know if you got the checks.
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Fold-out letter to Nate, postmarked Camp Lee, Va., Sep 28, 1942. The address is Mr. Nathan Simon/Main St.,/Mocanaqua, Pennsylvania. Nate notes date of receipt in pencil as 9-30 AM. This is army stationery with an image of a solider putting a letter in a mailbox. Return address is Cadet Abram Simon/Ward 2. Station Hosp/Camp Lee, Va.
Sept 27, 1942
Dear Nate:
Trust this finds all well. I as usual am fine.
I haven’t heard from you in quite a while. What seems to be the trouble? You haven’t written to tell me whether you received the checks I mailed. I also mailed a pair of shoes. Let me know if they came in or not.
Trust business is good. Write me a newsy letter. Regards and best wishes.
Love
Abe
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Letter to Nate, postmarked Camp Lee, Va., Sep 30, 1942. Free postage. The address is Mr. Nathan Simon/Main St.,/Mocanaqua, Pennsylvania/. Nate notes date of receipt in green ink as 10-2-42 AM. Return address is Cadet Abram Simon/Ward 2. Station Hosp/Camp Lee, Va/
Sept 29, 1942
Dear Nate:
Received your long awaited letter and gosh so glad to hear from you. Glad that all are well and that business is good. That Boll fellow was quite a nice chap that I became friends with in Cumberland and I am writing to him today.
I am enclosing a check that Esther sent me. You can apply that to my insurance, Gosh I owe you a fortune. But as soon as I get on my feet, I’ll start making regular payments, sort of installments. I am also returning the pictures, all except one, which a nurse took. She likes me so I’ll let it stand at that. I am not getting too familiar as that would interfere with the nice treatment I’m getting. The nurse that took my picture is from Butler, Pa and a gorgeous creature. Yesterday she told me that I “affected” her. So I told her to forget it, as I’m a conscientious soldier and nothing could come of it anyway. I guess I had her on the verge of tears. She is getting transfered so I’ll be rid of her. So don’t worry. If there was anything doing with her I wouldn’t tell you. So that’s that.
I guess there is nothing else so thanks for everything and best wishes to all.
Love
Abe
Haven’t heard anything about my school as yet.
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