Pvt. Robt. Gimbel
U.S. ########
Co "C" 69th Med. Tk. Ba. CCB
6th Armd. Div.
Fort Leonard Wood, MO
Dear Mom and Dad,
I got your letter tonight, and sure was glad to hear from you.
I got a letter from Bob Allen and his wife yesterday.
About those pills I haven't got them yet or my camera, I guess it's the railroad strike. OK, that's holding things back. I think it slows down the mail too, or maybe people aren't writing, as the mail calls are a little shorter lately.
You said you got your furniture the other day, I am glad and I bet the house looks like a million bucks.
I have sent another pillow cover today, I hope it gets there. I sent it air mail, I haven't gotten it back so I guess it went OK.
If Dad is planning on getting a new car, have you seen pictures of the new Desoto, or the car it's self? It's okay if you want, I have been thinking it over, you could trade my car in on your new one too. It probably wouldn't make much difference but it would help a little. Mine's getting old, and the way cars are going down it won't be worth hardily nothing. You would have to fix the fenders a little and those rust spots, except for that it's okay. I don't think we can afford 2 new cars in the family but we ought to be able to have one new one.
After I get that insurance paid up which is, you know what it is. I don't see why that wouldn't work as we both go to work at the same time anyhow, What's left of that $40.00 month $25.60, which would help a lot on a new car, and I want you both to have one.
Rusty's 4 door cost $2626.00 that's with everything and a 2 door wouldn't cost that much, I don't think so. I figured it out at 24 month payments, it would be $78.00 dollars a month, and my $25.00 would make it $53.00. I wish you would do this, if you can.
You can call me this way, Call Fort Leonard Wood, MO, then ask the operator for the "Orderly Room" of the 69th Med. Tk. Battalion co "C" 6th Armored Div. and then you'll get the orderly room and they will call me to the phone anytime of the night. Tell them I sleep in the First Platoon, upstairs , on top of first bunk on right hand side of room. That's all there is to it, they won't refuse to call, because there's an order that says he has to find me no matter where I am. As long as I am not at the show or something, the best time would be at 10:00 P.M. or a little later, not much after though, the guy that stays there, it's his job to be there all night for calls. They call him the CO.
Will you and Dad make out my income tax blank, then send it to be signed if it has to.
Ask Dad if he remembers that tall slim kid over to VanderKlok's Delivery that drove that 1947 Chev. Club Cpe, the Freedom Blue one, he's here too. His name is Wallhyde or something like that.
The passes are 24 hrs. ong, whoppers aren't they, Saturday noon to Sunday noon.
We're going on "Bivouac" which is maneuvers, like mock battle and all that. It lasts all week and we camp right out there, just like a picnic. Huh! Ha Ha! So, I don't think I get any mail or any phone calls, that's this next week 12th to 18th, so if you are coming, don't come then. I got to know a couple of weeks in advance.
Don't forget that new car, I am really serious that is if you and Dad can afford it. I am willing to help.
Lots Love,
Write soon.
Bob
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
February 4, 1951, Sunday
Pvt. Robt. M. Gimbel
U.S. ########
Co "C" 69th Med. tk. Ba. CCB.
6th Armd. Div.
Fort Leonard Wood, MO
Dear Mom and Dad,
I hope this letter finds everyone well and happy, and I hope Claudia gets over the measles in a hurry and I hope Rosemary doesn't get them but I suppose she has them by now.
I hope you didn't take my last letter to serious as I was pretty tired and feeling mighty low. That's the way it seems to be here though, one day your in high spirits, the next you're sad. But after this when I feel that way, I won't write as I know you both worry a lot about me, more than anyone else in the world, because you really don't, or can't imagine what it's like and a person wonders, when they don't know too much about something.
It's mostly in a person's mind though, I have found out. If you think you're getting tired, it helps to make you more tired.
My feet do get tired if I have a long march without much rest in the mean time. Maybe, after I get out of this Basic which is 3 more weeks. Maybe I can get into something that I won't have so much marching in it, I could march all day, but when your feet get tired and sore, a guy's done.
They don't have much of a choice of schools to enter in from this base. They have only: Anti-air-craft, Cooking, Officer's Candidate School which is 3 more years and Clerical, which is office work. I think if I can I'll get into the last one as mayb eI can use it in later life. But these schools are more farther away from home which makes it bad.
We got paid Wednesday, and I got $42.00, some of us got more but they were in longer. It's supposed to be $75.00, but they gave us $10.00 at Fort Sherdian, Ill, and they took out 2 months insurance, which is between $6.40 and $6.60 a month, making that $13.20 and $2.00 for laundry, $2.00 for withholding tax.
I was in for only 26 days, 31 days into $75.00 is about $2.41 dollars a day, making me have $35.46 left. I guess I got too much, our plattoon Sargent says, when you get too much don't say anything but when you're shorted really holler. They didn't take out what they're supposed to, they said they never do the first month, but I am sending $15.00 for the insurance, and next month you will get the $40.00. (Car insurance, I think)
I got a letter from Floyd a couple of days ago.
I have been getting the paper real regularly and it sure is nice to read it, as before all I could get was Chicago or St. Louis papers and I am not interested in them.
I got a letter from Jack yesterday, he sent it from Minn., He didn't tell me he missed me. Ha Ha! (Jack Daleiden) I didn't expect that but it would have been nice if he had of refered to it a little, that I did do a good work when I was there. It's like we said lots of them times, that he doesn't appreciate anything.
*****
(Okay, background here...Bud and Bob Gimbel ran the paint shop at Daleidens in Kalamazoo, so at the time, my Dad and Bob worked for Jack Daleiden or as I grew up hearing..Old Man Daleiden)
*****
I wish and hope that you, Dad and I can get a business together that, we can holler our name all over like he does his.
Just to show how thorough the Army is, we had an 1 1/2 hour on the carbine, which is about 5 lbs. in weight and the next day we fired them. In class they didn't even have one there to show it to us. We never seen it until we got out to the range, we each fired it 10 times and came back.
Orie Drake's girl, Brother and Mother came to see him today and yesterday. I hadn't seen his brother for quite a while.
There's a fellow in our barracks that's name is Bob Fess and his father Owen owns a jewelry stor ein Vicksburg. He's a nice guy.
Bill Ressiguie and his friend Dick Ovington said if they get a pass that's at least 42 hrs, they will come home, maybe if I can, and if there's enough room in dick's friend's car, I might be home too. That sure would be nice.
Well, I guess I'll close for now, because if I don't I'll run out of stationery, and I probably would if I wrote every letter like this one.
don't you both work too hard and maybe I'll see you next week.
Lots of Love,
Son Bob
P.S.
Bill, Dick and Vern Newhouse, another from Kazoo, went to a show this afternoon and me. It was "Operation Pacific" with John Wayne. It was real good. We came back and took some pictures with Vern's camera, when I get them developed, I'll send them home.
The weather is just like spring today, the sun came out and melted all the snow. it's awful unpredictable, and the changes of temperatures all the time makes it hard to get rid of a cold.
Well write soon.
Lots Love Bob.
U.S. ########
Co "C" 69th Med. tk. Ba. CCB.
6th Armd. Div.
Fort Leonard Wood, MO
Dear Mom and Dad,
I hope this letter finds everyone well and happy, and I hope Claudia gets over the measles in a hurry and I hope Rosemary doesn't get them but I suppose she has them by now.
I hope you didn't take my last letter to serious as I was pretty tired and feeling mighty low. That's the way it seems to be here though, one day your in high spirits, the next you're sad. But after this when I feel that way, I won't write as I know you both worry a lot about me, more than anyone else in the world, because you really don't, or can't imagine what it's like and a person wonders, when they don't know too much about something.
It's mostly in a person's mind though, I have found out. If you think you're getting tired, it helps to make you more tired.
My feet do get tired if I have a long march without much rest in the mean time. Maybe, after I get out of this Basic which is 3 more weeks. Maybe I can get into something that I won't have so much marching in it, I could march all day, but when your feet get tired and sore, a guy's done.
They don't have much of a choice of schools to enter in from this base. They have only: Anti-air-craft, Cooking, Officer's Candidate School which is 3 more years and Clerical, which is office work. I think if I can I'll get into the last one as mayb eI can use it in later life. But these schools are more farther away from home which makes it bad.
We got paid Wednesday, and I got $42.00, some of us got more but they were in longer. It's supposed to be $75.00, but they gave us $10.00 at Fort Sherdian, Ill, and they took out 2 months insurance, which is between $6.40 and $6.60 a month, making that $13.20 and $2.00 for laundry, $2.00 for withholding tax.
I was in for only 26 days, 31 days into $75.00 is about $2.41 dollars a day, making me have $35.46 left. I guess I got too much, our plattoon Sargent says, when you get too much don't say anything but when you're shorted really holler. They didn't take out what they're supposed to, they said they never do the first month, but I am sending $15.00 for the insurance, and next month you will get the $40.00. (Car insurance, I think)
I got a letter from Floyd a couple of days ago.
I have been getting the paper real regularly and it sure is nice to read it, as before all I could get was Chicago or St. Louis papers and I am not interested in them.
I got a letter from Jack yesterday, he sent it from Minn., He didn't tell me he missed me. Ha Ha! (Jack Daleiden) I didn't expect that but it would have been nice if he had of refered to it a little, that I did do a good work when I was there. It's like we said lots of them times, that he doesn't appreciate anything.
*****
(Okay, background here...Bud and Bob Gimbel ran the paint shop at Daleidens in Kalamazoo, so at the time, my Dad and Bob worked for Jack Daleiden or as I grew up hearing..Old Man Daleiden)
*****
I wish and hope that you, Dad and I can get a business together that, we can holler our name all over like he does his.
Just to show how thorough the Army is, we had an 1 1/2 hour on the carbine, which is about 5 lbs. in weight and the next day we fired them. In class they didn't even have one there to show it to us. We never seen it until we got out to the range, we each fired it 10 times and came back.
Orie Drake's girl, Brother and Mother came to see him today and yesterday. I hadn't seen his brother for quite a while.
There's a fellow in our barracks that's name is Bob Fess and his father Owen owns a jewelry stor ein Vicksburg. He's a nice guy.
Bill Ressiguie and his friend Dick Ovington said if they get a pass that's at least 42 hrs, they will come home, maybe if I can, and if there's enough room in dick's friend's car, I might be home too. That sure would be nice.
Well, I guess I'll close for now, because if I don't I'll run out of stationery, and I probably would if I wrote every letter like this one.
don't you both work too hard and maybe I'll see you next week.
Lots of Love,
Son Bob
P.S.
Bill, Dick and Vern Newhouse, another from Kazoo, went to a show this afternoon and me. It was "Operation Pacific" with John Wayne. It was real good. We came back and took some pictures with Vern's camera, when I get them developed, I'll send them home.
The weather is just like spring today, the sun came out and melted all the snow. it's awful unpredictable, and the changes of temperatures all the time makes it hard to get rid of a cold.
Well write soon.
Lots Love Bob.
February 1, 1951, Thursday
Pvt. Robert M. Gimbel
U.S. ########
Co. "C" 69th Med. Tk. Ba. CCB.
6th Armd. Division
Fort Leonard Wood, MO
Dear Mom and Dad,
I received your letter last night and was real happy to hear from you and to get those pictures.
Yesterday morning at 4 A.M. we went out to the range, which was an eight mile march one way. We marched back also, that's a long ways.
I probably shouldn't tell you all this stuff as you might worry, "don't". I think you would like to hear what I am doing, even though sometimes it's not much fun.
While we were out there, it snowed 2 inches, and was pretty cold, then last night I had Guard Duty. Went on at 6 P.M. - off at 8 P.M, back on at 12.00 A.M. to 2:00 A.M., my foot is pretty sore, the one that the shoot fell on at Kalamazoo Ice and Fuel. I am going soak them today, as we guards have the day off. And I am sure glad of that, I am going to fall out next time instead of marching so far. Now maybe you know why I want those cold tablets as I don't want my resistince to get low, as everyone has a cold, and it's pretty hard to get rid of one when there's 150 other guys always coughing.
So much for that..
How is everyone, good I hope, tell Claudia I hope she get's over the measles real quick, (Bob's little sister Claudia would be almost 7 years old) as that is not so much fun either.
I am going to have to get into something a little softer, when I get out of basic, as I wouldn't make a good walker, with that foot, as it gets awful tired and sore. It would be nice to get out, but I guess everyone would like to do that.
It would be swell if you could come down some weekend, as I would really like to see you all.
That picture of you and Dad, everyone I have showed it to, says, "Is this a picture of your brother and sister?" They are real surprised when I tell them that it's a picture of you and Dad.
Well, I guess this is about all I have for you this time, but don't forget not to worry.
Don't you and Dad work so hard, do it a little at a time, and let me know when you're coming down, and a little in advance and what week, so I'll expect to hear from you real soon.
Love
Son Bob and Brother.
P.S. It's real nnice of you to send me all that stuff and I'll really appreciate it, you know that. Bob.
U.S. ########
Co. "C" 69th Med. Tk. Ba. CCB.
6th Armd. Division
Fort Leonard Wood, MO
Dear Mom and Dad,
I received your letter last night and was real happy to hear from you and to get those pictures.
Yesterday morning at 4 A.M. we went out to the range, which was an eight mile march one way. We marched back also, that's a long ways.
I probably shouldn't tell you all this stuff as you might worry, "don't". I think you would like to hear what I am doing, even though sometimes it's not much fun.
While we were out there, it snowed 2 inches, and was pretty cold, then last night I had Guard Duty. Went on at 6 P.M. - off at 8 P.M, back on at 12.00 A.M. to 2:00 A.M., my foot is pretty sore, the one that the shoot fell on at Kalamazoo Ice and Fuel. I am going soak them today, as we guards have the day off. And I am sure glad of that, I am going to fall out next time instead of marching so far. Now maybe you know why I want those cold tablets as I don't want my resistince to get low, as everyone has a cold, and it's pretty hard to get rid of one when there's 150 other guys always coughing.
So much for that..
How is everyone, good I hope, tell Claudia I hope she get's over the measles real quick, (Bob's little sister Claudia would be almost 7 years old) as that is not so much fun either.
I am going to have to get into something a little softer, when I get out of basic, as I wouldn't make a good walker, with that foot, as it gets awful tired and sore. It would be nice to get out, but I guess everyone would like to do that.
It would be swell if you could come down some weekend, as I would really like to see you all.
That picture of you and Dad, everyone I have showed it to, says, "Is this a picture of your brother and sister?" They are real surprised when I tell them that it's a picture of you and Dad.
Well, I guess this is about all I have for you this time, but don't forget not to worry.
Don't you and Dad work so hard, do it a little at a time, and let me know when you're coming down, and a little in advance and what week, so I'll expect to hear from you real soon.
Love
Son Bob and Brother.
P.S. It's real nnice of you to send me all that stuff and I'll really appreciate it, you know that. Bob.
January 27, 1951, Saturday
Pvt. Robert M. Gimbel
U.S. ########
Co. "C" 69th Med. Tak. Ba. CCB
6th Armd. Div.
Fort Leonard Wood, MO
Dear Mom and Dad,
I received both of your letters today and one from Neal, (Neal Davis, an old friend of the family, and at one time he worked for/with our father). I got one from Ted and one from Isabel. It sure is nice to get it.
I'll try to explain my last letter to you, sometimes I know I try to write so much before I forget it and leave out some of the important parts of the letter.
You and Dad could come down any time, but I wouldn't be able to see you until every evening, but we usually have every night off except Friday night. That is the night for cleaning the barracks for the next morning inspection. But usually a guy is too tired to go anywhere unless he need something.
So the best time would be some week end when I have a pass. It's usually 72 hours long and then I could go outside of the Fort any where. I'll know about 4 or 5 days in advance when my turn is up for a pass, that would be enough time for me to call you and let you know about it.
I won't get another pass for another 2 or 3 weeks, which isn't too long and is getting a little closer. I was telling you that there is a guest house where visitors can stay, it is $2.00 a night for a couple and the limit of stay is 3 nights.
It is Guest House No. I. When I know when I'll be off, so you can come, I'll make reservations over there for a room or rooms, let me know who is coming so I can get the number of rooms correct. You can ask directions from the MP's at the Main Gate, they will tell you where the Guest House is, don't forget it's Guest House Number One.
We are all taking the standard Infantry Training, then we will be Engineers, that's what the General says any how, that's Combat Engineers, they build air strips, bridges and etc. for the troops. But when I was classified they asked me if I like mechanics. I had a pretty good score on my mechanics test, maybe they will send me some where else to school. If not, I'll be attached to the Engineers down here. They are pretty much in need of them, I guess. so if a guy gets what he wants he'll probably be awful lucky. They say the Army's needs come first.
The Armd. means Armored Battalion, like tanks and armored cars, this doesn't mean anything to me. It's just the division I am taking my training under, this is the outfit I would be attached to if I would become an infantry man.
I don't think they would possibly take me in that on account of my glasses. On that march out to the rifle range, I got hot and my glasses steamed up and then frosted, I couldn't see to good then, so's I don't think I'll be an Infantry Man.
If I didn't answer all your questions let me know. I am do darn near out of stationery. I'll have to buy some more tonight.
I am glad, Dad, you are driving my car as it isn't good for it to sit too long without being driven. I suppose it is almost diesel operated, isn't it?
You would think a guy that wrote as many letters as me, would run out of things to say, but I sure don't.
If Floyd got married again, I don't know anything about it. Seems as tho he would tell his Mother and Dad, but it's just like him not to, I sometimes think he's nuts. Bill Resseguic is still in my company, that is of 220 men.
He's just in another barracks, I see him every day. It sure is bad that (I'm not putting the name in) can't stay sober.
I wish I were there to help you out. I now how a guy is that you can't depend on. Like you used to tel me, you need the person when you need him or he's no good to you.
How is Dewey doing, tell him I said Hello. Is he getting any better? Tell him I'll gladly trade places with him.
Don't worry about the Army being tough, there's a lot of guys that have went through it and I can too.
I'll close for now as I have a couple of other letters to write this afternoon.
The guys were horsing around for about 30 minutes the other night playing football, with a rock. Orie got blocked, and he thinks he's got a cracked rib, anyway, his side is real sore. I didn't play as it doesn't pay. When a guy gets sick and has to go to the hospital or the doctor, he has to make the time up. Some guys in our barracks now have had the same thing happen to them. One had some kind of Pneumonia and had in 9 weeks of training, when he got it, and now he has to take it all over again. So that is why I am taking care of myself, as they don't do a very good job of it.
I just happened to remember a thing that happened the other night, as we just got back from the range. We were putting away our rifles and one fellow checked his trigger an the rifle went off, the bullet went right threw the ceiling at an angle, went upstairs through the barrack floor and out through the barracks wall, through the overhang and kept right on going. They sure have the power. It was real fortunate that no one was injured or killed. Nobody knew it happened, or doesn't yet, the guy could of got court marshal for not checking his rifle.
Boy can't I write a long letter, just can't seem to stop.
Everyone take real good care of their selves and don't work too hard and I'll be hearing from you all.
Loving Son and Brother,
P.S.
How do you like that "you all" ending, just like a southerner. I am a Private now!
U.S. ########
Co. "C" 69th Med. Tak. Ba. CCB
6th Armd. Div.
Fort Leonard Wood, MO
Dear Mom and Dad,
I received both of your letters today and one from Neal, (Neal Davis, an old friend of the family, and at one time he worked for/with our father). I got one from Ted and one from Isabel. It sure is nice to get it.
I'll try to explain my last letter to you, sometimes I know I try to write so much before I forget it and leave out some of the important parts of the letter.
You and Dad could come down any time, but I wouldn't be able to see you until every evening, but we usually have every night off except Friday night. That is the night for cleaning the barracks for the next morning inspection. But usually a guy is too tired to go anywhere unless he need something.
So the best time would be some week end when I have a pass. It's usually 72 hours long and then I could go outside of the Fort any where. I'll know about 4 or 5 days in advance when my turn is up for a pass, that would be enough time for me to call you and let you know about it.
I won't get another pass for another 2 or 3 weeks, which isn't too long and is getting a little closer. I was telling you that there is a guest house where visitors can stay, it is $2.00 a night for a couple and the limit of stay is 3 nights.
It is Guest House No. I. When I know when I'll be off, so you can come, I'll make reservations over there for a room or rooms, let me know who is coming so I can get the number of rooms correct. You can ask directions from the MP's at the Main Gate, they will tell you where the Guest House is, don't forget it's Guest House Number One.
We are all taking the standard Infantry Training, then we will be Engineers, that's what the General says any how, that's Combat Engineers, they build air strips, bridges and etc. for the troops. But when I was classified they asked me if I like mechanics. I had a pretty good score on my mechanics test, maybe they will send me some where else to school. If not, I'll be attached to the Engineers down here. They are pretty much in need of them, I guess. so if a guy gets what he wants he'll probably be awful lucky. They say the Army's needs come first.
The Armd. means Armored Battalion, like tanks and armored cars, this doesn't mean anything to me. It's just the division I am taking my training under, this is the outfit I would be attached to if I would become an infantry man.
I don't think they would possibly take me in that on account of my glasses. On that march out to the rifle range, I got hot and my glasses steamed up and then frosted, I couldn't see to good then, so's I don't think I'll be an Infantry Man.
If I didn't answer all your questions let me know. I am do darn near out of stationery. I'll have to buy some more tonight.
I am glad, Dad, you are driving my car as it isn't good for it to sit too long without being driven. I suppose it is almost diesel operated, isn't it?
You would think a guy that wrote as many letters as me, would run out of things to say, but I sure don't.
If Floyd got married again, I don't know anything about it. Seems as tho he would tell his Mother and Dad, but it's just like him not to, I sometimes think he's nuts. Bill Resseguic is still in my company, that is of 220 men.
He's just in another barracks, I see him every day. It sure is bad that (I'm not putting the name in) can't stay sober.
I wish I were there to help you out. I now how a guy is that you can't depend on. Like you used to tel me, you need the person when you need him or he's no good to you.
How is Dewey doing, tell him I said Hello. Is he getting any better? Tell him I'll gladly trade places with him.
Don't worry about the Army being tough, there's a lot of guys that have went through it and I can too.
I'll close for now as I have a couple of other letters to write this afternoon.
The guys were horsing around for about 30 minutes the other night playing football, with a rock. Orie got blocked, and he thinks he's got a cracked rib, anyway, his side is real sore. I didn't play as it doesn't pay. When a guy gets sick and has to go to the hospital or the doctor, he has to make the time up. Some guys in our barracks now have had the same thing happen to them. One had some kind of Pneumonia and had in 9 weeks of training, when he got it, and now he has to take it all over again. So that is why I am taking care of myself, as they don't do a very good job of it.
I just happened to remember a thing that happened the other night, as we just got back from the range. We were putting away our rifles and one fellow checked his trigger an the rifle went off, the bullet went right threw the ceiling at an angle, went upstairs through the barrack floor and out through the barracks wall, through the overhang and kept right on going. They sure have the power. It was real fortunate that no one was injured or killed. Nobody knew it happened, or doesn't yet, the guy could of got court marshal for not checking his rifle.
Boy can't I write a long letter, just can't seem to stop.
Everyone take real good care of their selves and don't work too hard and I'll be hearing from you all.
Loving Son and Brother,
P.S.
How do you like that "you all" ending, just like a southerner. I am a Private now!
January 25, Thursday
Pvt. Robert M. Gimbel
U.S. ########
Co. "C" - 69th Med. Tank Ba. C@B
6th Armd. Div.
Fort Leonard Wood, MO
Dear Mom and Dad,
Well, another day has ended and I am pretty much glad of it. We got up at 3:00 A.M. this morning and marched out to the rifle range, which is 7 miles out. I qualified between Marksman and Sharpshooter. I got 153 pts., which I had set my mind on. We shot from the 100 yd., 200 yd., and 300 yd. distances. The target's bulls eye is 10" across and at 300 yds. it looks about like a silver dollar sticking up there. 135 is the lowest, that's for Marksman, 180 or anything over is Expert. There is a possibility of 210 pts., of which nobody got. A bulls eye counts 5 pts. and next section is 4 pts. I got 9 bulls eyes, 34 - 4's which were within an inch of the bulls eye, and 4 - 3's which is the next section out.
One clip jammed a little and it cut my firing time down, so I just got 5 shells off in a clip of eight. I averaged over 4 pts. a shell, so the other 3 would have brought my score up to 165 which would be Sharpshooter, but my scores good enough for me.
I sure hope everyone is swell. I am OK but I want those cold tablets because you can't buy them any where on the Fort, none of anything, that is any kind of cold tablets.
I am finishing this the following morning as they turned the lights out on me when I was writing.
Just got up and we are the last platoon to eat this morning.
We are going to have classes today on First Aid and then some physical training.
Just had breakfast.
We have to scrub the barracks tonight for an inspection Saturday.
I am not as homesick as I was, the time has been going pretty fast, which makes me much happier.
I wrote Ted another letter and Isabele also, this was the last time, as I am real busy and if they aren't going to write me, why should I write them.
Tell everyone hello, like Gays (Mr. and Mrs. Gay, neighbors) and other friends and write soon.
And everyone take care of their selves, say hello to Claudia for me.
Loving Son & Brother,
Bob
U.S. ########
Co. "C" - 69th Med. Tank Ba. C@B
6th Armd. Div.
Fort Leonard Wood, MO
Dear Mom and Dad,
Well, another day has ended and I am pretty much glad of it. We got up at 3:00 A.M. this morning and marched out to the rifle range, which is 7 miles out. I qualified between Marksman and Sharpshooter. I got 153 pts., which I had set my mind on. We shot from the 100 yd., 200 yd., and 300 yd. distances. The target's bulls eye is 10" across and at 300 yds. it looks about like a silver dollar sticking up there. 135 is the lowest, that's for Marksman, 180 or anything over is Expert. There is a possibility of 210 pts., of which nobody got. A bulls eye counts 5 pts. and next section is 4 pts. I got 9 bulls eyes, 34 - 4's which were within an inch of the bulls eye, and 4 - 3's which is the next section out.
One clip jammed a little and it cut my firing time down, so I just got 5 shells off in a clip of eight. I averaged over 4 pts. a shell, so the other 3 would have brought my score up to 165 which would be Sharpshooter, but my scores good enough for me.
I sure hope everyone is swell. I am OK but I want those cold tablets because you can't buy them any where on the Fort, none of anything, that is any kind of cold tablets.
I am finishing this the following morning as they turned the lights out on me when I was writing.
Just got up and we are the last platoon to eat this morning.
We are going to have classes today on First Aid and then some physical training.
Just had breakfast.
We have to scrub the barracks tonight for an inspection Saturday.
I am not as homesick as I was, the time has been going pretty fast, which makes me much happier.
I wrote Ted another letter and Isabele also, this was the last time, as I am real busy and if they aren't going to write me, why should I write them.
Tell everyone hello, like Gays (Mr. and Mrs. Gay, neighbors) and other friends and write soon.
And everyone take care of their selves, say hello to Claudia for me.
Loving Son & Brother,
Bob
January 23, 1951, Tuesday
Pvt. Robert M. Gimbel
U.S. ########
Co. C-69 Med Tk. Ba.
C@B. 6th Armd. Div.
Fort Leonard Wood, MO
Dear Mom and Dad,
Since I have been in the Army, I have heard a lot of fellows tell me that I'll probably be a smoker when I get out, and drink also. You and Dad don't have to worry as I still don't smoke or drink, I don't just care about smoking. It just doesn't appeal to me. As for drinking, I won't do that either, Sunday, I had a can of beer, and only drank half of it, threw the rest away. It's 3.2 and it doesn't taste right, sort of sickening.
Went to the rifle range yesterday for practice, just to get used to the rifle and the way it shoots, there were not keeping score of your record. I got 6 bulls eyes, that isn't real good, but some fellows didn't get any. The rifle sounds funny, I guess that's because it's a gas operated explosion. It sounds like a shot gun, and kicks like my 16 ga. shot gun.
Did you hear that Congress dropped the Rct. Recruit, and we are now all Pvt. Privates. We didn't get the raise in pay tho.
We all thought the cartoon was cute.
You asked me if I wanted anything, well, I want my camera when it's fixed, the
paper and Mom, it would be nice if you would make and send me some cookies as we don't have anything like that. The Army Cooks don't know how to bake, I guess. And those pictures, on that film I took just before I left. Maybe a box of Bromo Quinine tablets. I want a lot don't I?
This morning it snowed, then it was just like spring at noon with a real clear sky with sun out and everything. This is the funniest weather I have ever seen. You never know what to expect.
I thought I was losing weight, I am, in inches around the waist but I got weighted Sunday and I weigh 215 lbs, so I guess I am just getting more solid.
It's getting late, so I guess I'll close for tonight.
Love,
Son Bob
P.S. I got a letter from Grandma and Bush (Russell Bush)
U.S. ########
Co. C-69 Med Tk. Ba.
C@B. 6th Armd. Div.
Fort Leonard Wood, MO
Dear Mom and Dad,
Since I have been in the Army, I have heard a lot of fellows tell me that I'll probably be a smoker when I get out, and drink also. You and Dad don't have to worry as I still don't smoke or drink, I don't just care about smoking. It just doesn't appeal to me. As for drinking, I won't do that either, Sunday, I had a can of beer, and only drank half of it, threw the rest away. It's 3.2 and it doesn't taste right, sort of sickening.
Went to the rifle range yesterday for practice, just to get used to the rifle and the way it shoots, there were not keeping score of your record. I got 6 bulls eyes, that isn't real good, but some fellows didn't get any. The rifle sounds funny, I guess that's because it's a gas operated explosion. It sounds like a shot gun, and kicks like my 16 ga. shot gun.
Did you hear that Congress dropped the Rct. Recruit, and we are now all Pvt. Privates. We didn't get the raise in pay tho.
We all thought the cartoon was cute.
You asked me if I wanted anything, well, I want my camera when it's fixed, the
paper and Mom, it would be nice if you would make and send me some cookies as we don't have anything like that. The Army Cooks don't know how to bake, I guess. And those pictures, on that film I took just before I left. Maybe a box of Bromo Quinine tablets. I want a lot don't I?
This morning it snowed, then it was just like spring at noon with a real clear sky with sun out and everything. This is the funniest weather I have ever seen. You never know what to expect.
I thought I was losing weight, I am, in inches around the waist but I got weighted Sunday and I weigh 215 lbs, so I guess I am just getting more solid.
It's getting late, so I guess I'll close for tonight.
Love,
Son Bob
P.S. I got a letter from Grandma and Bush (Russell Bush)
Monday, August 2, 2010
January 28, 1951, Saturday
Rct. Robert M. Gimbel
U.S. ########
Co. C-69 Med. Tk. Ba. CCB
6th Armd. Div.
Fort Leonard Wood, MO
Dear Mom and Dad,
I got your most welcome letter last night. Nobody can imagine how nice it is to hear your name called at mail call. It is an unsurpassed thrill. I am expecting a letter from Ted and Isabelle as I have written them long ago. I suppose they are busy, but nobody is as busy as I am, up at 5:00 A.M. every morning, eating breakfast at 5:15 A.M. and that's no kidding as they are in a hurry for everything and every time, whether or not you stand in line a half an hour after that doesn't matter.
I was pretty home sick for a while, am not as much anymore, but still miss you folks very much.
Oh yes, I forgot we get out of training at night at 5:00 P.M. for supper and sometimes have a two hour class afterwards. It's hard, but only for 6 weeks.
We are going on the rifle range Monday, all day, have to get up at 4:00 A.M. Wish we were going fishing instead.
I haven't made up my mind if I should do as good as I can or get about only 160 points, 140 points is just passing. I guess you can win medals at it, if a guy's good enough. I hate to get too important to the army as they might want to keep me longer then.
I wrote Grandma and Grandpa Fouts the other night. I imagine they have the letter by now.
Tell Gays (Itha and Natalie Gay, neighbors) I said, "Hello!"
Jack Johnson, the fellow that worked at Sherman Williams, he's in next barracks, brought over a couple of Kazoo Gazettes tonight, and I see where they are calling back a lot of Air Force boys, so I imagine Bush (Bush is one of his friends) will be going back in a little while.
You remember Arie Drake, who lived in Oakwood, I used to run around with, he sleeps in my barracks, just across the room from me. It makes it nice as he went all through Oakwood School with me.
Tell Dad he can use my car anytime or all the time, but make sure he adds some gas to it when it gets slightly below 1/4 tank, because I wouldn't want him to have to walk, as I am doing enough for him and me both. After I get out I will not walk one step more than I have too. I'll only ride! Ha! Ha! If he has to get his car fixed and paint it which it needs, he can drive mine and that would make things a lot less complicated.
Put on my camera Rect. Gimbel U.S. ########, then no one can clamp on to it, the Personnel locator's, is where you can find information about where I am, but let me know when or which week end you are coming, then I can make arrangements in the guest house here. I heard it's a $1 or 2 a day, you wouldn't have to drive either as there are taxis all over the place, and they will take a person anywhere on the Fort for 25 cents and that's awful cheap. Better than walking I think.
I have about $18.00 left so I don't need any money. Take that phone call out of the money I send home, I wish Dad would have been home. Would you folks get those films I took of the kids and the house developed and send them to me.
I think you folks should have a new Desoto. I seen a new Plymouth and it sure looks like the Pontiac in the front end.
Orie got 15 letters from his girl, pretty nice, isn't it, must be love. I wouldn't mind a girl back home there but there's a lot of guys that are wondering what theirs are doing every night.
Vans are awful high on furniture anyway, aren't they? Probably trying to pay for that new store.
The only part of the county I've seen was Illinois as we came right straight down through there. It's awfully flat. I seen the capital, an statue of Lincoln in front of it, in Springfield. Isn't that where Dad was born? (Chicago IL) It's getting late so I have to close, so write me soon.
Your Son,
Love Bob
P.S. I know why they call a soldier Doggies, that's because every time they blow a whistle we come running!!!
U.S. ########
Co. C-69 Med. Tk. Ba. CCB
6th Armd. Div.
Fort Leonard Wood, MO
Dear Mom and Dad,
I got your most welcome letter last night. Nobody can imagine how nice it is to hear your name called at mail call. It is an unsurpassed thrill. I am expecting a letter from Ted and Isabelle as I have written them long ago. I suppose they are busy, but nobody is as busy as I am, up at 5:00 A.M. every morning, eating breakfast at 5:15 A.M. and that's no kidding as they are in a hurry for everything and every time, whether or not you stand in line a half an hour after that doesn't matter.
I was pretty home sick for a while, am not as much anymore, but still miss you folks very much.
Oh yes, I forgot we get out of training at night at 5:00 P.M. for supper and sometimes have a two hour class afterwards. It's hard, but only for 6 weeks.
We are going on the rifle range Monday, all day, have to get up at 4:00 A.M. Wish we were going fishing instead.
I haven't made up my mind if I should do as good as I can or get about only 160 points, 140 points is just passing. I guess you can win medals at it, if a guy's good enough. I hate to get too important to the army as they might want to keep me longer then.
I wrote Grandma and Grandpa Fouts the other night. I imagine they have the letter by now.
Tell Gays (Itha and Natalie Gay, neighbors) I said, "Hello!"
Jack Johnson, the fellow that worked at Sherman Williams, he's in next barracks, brought over a couple of Kazoo Gazettes tonight, and I see where they are calling back a lot of Air Force boys, so I imagine Bush (Bush is one of his friends) will be going back in a little while.
You remember Arie Drake, who lived in Oakwood, I used to run around with, he sleeps in my barracks, just across the room from me. It makes it nice as he went all through Oakwood School with me.
Tell Dad he can use my car anytime or all the time, but make sure he adds some gas to it when it gets slightly below 1/4 tank, because I wouldn't want him to have to walk, as I am doing enough for him and me both. After I get out I will not walk one step more than I have too. I'll only ride! Ha! Ha! If he has to get his car fixed and paint it which it needs, he can drive mine and that would make things a lot less complicated.
Put on my camera Rect. Gimbel U.S. ########, then no one can clamp on to it, the Personnel locator's, is where you can find information about where I am, but let me know when or which week end you are coming, then I can make arrangements in the guest house here. I heard it's a $1 or 2 a day, you wouldn't have to drive either as there are taxis all over the place, and they will take a person anywhere on the Fort for 25 cents and that's awful cheap. Better than walking I think.
I have about $18.00 left so I don't need any money. Take that phone call out of the money I send home, I wish Dad would have been home. Would you folks get those films I took of the kids and the house developed and send them to me.
I think you folks should have a new Desoto. I seen a new Plymouth and it sure looks like the Pontiac in the front end.
Orie got 15 letters from his girl, pretty nice, isn't it, must be love. I wouldn't mind a girl back home there but there's a lot of guys that are wondering what theirs are doing every night.
Vans are awful high on furniture anyway, aren't they? Probably trying to pay for that new store.
The only part of the county I've seen was Illinois as we came right straight down through there. It's awfully flat. I seen the capital, an statue of Lincoln in front of it, in Springfield. Isn't that where Dad was born? (Chicago IL) It's getting late so I have to close, so write me soon.
Your Son,
Love Bob
P.S. I know why they call a soldier Doggies, that's because every time they blow a whistle we come running!!!
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