April 10, 1952

Following is the last letter I received from Bob while he was in Korea in 1951-52. It is # 45..the first one was dated June 5, 1951...'don't know if there were more and I lost them or if we just stopped writing.  He came home 7 months after this ...in early January, 1953....we were married 3 months later.

"Hi Hillbilly,
   Have you thrown your shoes away for the summer yet? I put mine in storage the last of May but had to unpack them the first day of April because it snowed.
   What do you know...I finagled a three day pass two weeks ago and did I have a great time."

(It always bugged me when he would talk about having a good time!  How could he possibly have a good time without me?)

   "Sgt. Rivera and I traveled to Bremerhaven in his auto, a distance of approximately 700 miles. We passed through a number of large cities; Frankfort, Kassel, Hanover, Bremen, Bremerhaven, Wurzburg..not to mention the small ones. We ran out of gas in the British zone and pulled a midnight requisition on an English Petroleum Detachment.  This was done with the aid of a Canadian officer.  In writing, it doesn't sound humorous, but you should have been there.  I've never felt so devilish in all my life. We drove down and rode the train back.  We must have slept in every railroad station in the American and British Zone of Germany.
   So you like the '52 Ford Victoria?

Have you seen the new Buick Special? I haven't but rumors have it that they are beautiful.

To be truthful all the new model autos are out of this world. I'll probably have to compromise and get a fast horse and buggy. I'd be perfectly content with walking if you'd walk with me.  How does that old song go?  "My old jalopy's a Cadillac when you go riding with me."  Considering all the angles though, I'd better buy an auto, just think of the shoe leather I'd wear out, walking from home to 520 W. Liberty and back."

(this is the first auto we purchased after we were married: a 1951 Dodge:)

This is the first NEW auto we purchased..I think that it was a Ford Fairlane...a  classy car driven by a very classy guy..

 

back to his letter:

"I think I'd better alter this letter a bit and get to the point.  Know something, Kitten, I'm in a predicament.  I'm not sure I know exactly how to tell you, or even how to begin.  The whole affair started last year in the month of May. I fell madly, no that isn't the word..., I glided into love with the sweetest personality I've ever known.  Since then my existence has been rather bare as I only had the pleasure of being with her for eleven days.  I say "glided into love"  because that's exactly how it was.  So smooth, nice and comfortable. I get bored with myself because I can't tell you exactly how I feel toward you.  The English language doesn't include a word, or words, to express my emotions.  I could say, I love you, you're wonderful, you're beautiful, etc...and then what have I accomplished?  Nothing.  Nothing like this has ever happened to me before.  The very words I've tried to use effectively only blight the sincerity of my affections.  Why? Because they're only transcripts of someone else.  I hope you are following me as I'm getting ahead of myself trying to explain.  To make a long story short, when I say "I love you", you can be sure that it goes much deeper than that.
   And by the way, no one has written me about you going out every night and that's not the reason that prevented me from writing.  I'm neither so egotistical or conceited as to think you aren't dating other fellows.  I want you to enjoy yourself.  And another thing, I don't have people to spy on my girlfriend.  I wouldn't love you if I didn't trust and respect you."
     Goodnight Kitten,
     I love you, deeply, passionately, and forever
     Bob

  this excerpt from his previous letter dated March 5th...
"Kitten, take some good advice. Have as much fun as possible while you're in high school. Date every available, decent male that you can because you'll miss those good times after you're out of school. Believe it or not, I didn't date anyone while I was in high school. During the last 4 years I've tried to make up for all the time I lost though,. I want you to be sure in your own mind that you're ready to settle down before I get back. I hope that I'm not taking too much for granted in talking to you this way."

Letter # 44

"March 5, 1952

Hello Darling,
   Guess where I am at present.  Since it would take approximately 18 days to receive an answer to this query I'll tell you.  I'm in the 16th Field Hospital in Nurnburg.  Question two, guess what I'm being treated for.  Answer, "the mumps"...Now ain't that a shame? A twenty two year old self professed man lying in bed with the mumps.  Sounds slightly degrading doesn't it?"

(It turns out he ended up spending 20 days in the hospital, with ice packs between his legs.....that's right...the mumps dropped to his testicles...which could have made him sterile...we lucked out...it did not...proff, we had 5 children together)


"If I'm not mistaken, it has been a month since I've written.  I hope you don't think it's because I've forgotten you.  How could I when those eleven days in paradise were spent with you .I've often wondered if that wasn't as near heaven as I'll get."   (I'm not sure that I totally believed that  at that time...his letters has become so infrequent. ) " I sometimes think that I'm living too much in the past and not giving much thought to the future. You'll have to excuse this penmanship as I'm writing while lying in bed.


Kitten, take some good advice.  Have as much fun as possible while you're in high school.  Date every available, decent male that you can because you'll miss those good times after you're out of school.  Believe it or not, I didn't date anyone while I was in high school.   During the last 4 years I've tried to make up for all the time  I lost though,. " (A ha ! is he trying to tell me something? just kidding......he never had a problem saying exactly what was on his mind...not with me anyway.)
"I want you to be sure in your own mind that you're ready to settle down before I get back. I hope that I'm not taking too much for granted in talking to you this way.


Know something, I wish that you and I could take a weeks vacation in Florida about Feb. '53, but there are those social conventionalities that prohibit things of that nature. I don't mean to be vulgar or obscene,but we  could have heaps of fun, couldn't we."  (Ah..the good 'ol days...when that was considered vulgar and obscene!)   


"I've been admiring this latest photo I have of you and you look much older than when I left Prettier too, if that's possible.


You keep asking if I'm coming home in June.  Sorry honey, it's impossible.  It'll be sometime in Feb. of '53.  There's one consolation though, ..I'll be home for good then.  Remember this darling, we'll be together again someday.  That's a promise.


I love you, Kitten,
Bob"


I would receive only one more letter from him...a month later.  Maybe he was still trying to make up for all those "good times" he lost out on during high school :)   ...He loved me though...and he proved it when he came home and for the next 57years ...

Letter # 42

February 5, 1952

"Hello Darling,

   Still love me? Sure hope you do.  I'd almost forgotten how lovely you are until I received your photo in the mail today.  Charlene, never let anyone deceive you into believing you aren't beautiful.  I'm convinced, and personally, though I'm slightly biased in my opinion of you, I think I have quite a critical eye when comparing and passing judgement on the lovelier sex....look who's talking! As though I could pass judgement on anyone!

   I'm pulling duty as "charge of quarters" tonight.  Up to now the tour has been somewhat uneventful but business will pick up later. 

   By the way, the snapshot was taken in front of your home wasn't it?

   I'll probably fall asleep before morning. It's now one o'clock.  Speaking of sleep, I notice there are slight, dark rings under your eyes.  Studying too hard? No joking, your eyes do look a little dark.  Take care of yourself,  Kitten, for me.  Remember, there have been and there may  be quite a few other men in your life, but none of them, no not one, will ever love you as I do.  I'll prove it too if I should ever get the chance.

   I often wonder if I'll ever be content to live in one place the rest of my life. Along this same line is another question...could I expect a wife to follow me from pillar to post?  Then I ask myself the sixty four dollar question.Which do you prefer? a wife, or the life of a perpetual globe trotter?  The answer is so easy.  A wife, family, home and the comforts of marital life.  Now you know.  I'm a home lover.

 Disillusioned?

   I'm trying to stay awake and it's a lost cause I'm afraid. There is some guy behind me mumbling something about a jeep and at present it's making no impression on me at all.  Speaking of minds, brains and intellect,  we'll have to try mental telepathy some time.  If you should wake up suddenly some night it could be my fault. It'll be because I'm thinking, or better still, concentrating on you.

   I've invested in a new radio since I last wrote you.  It's a Zenith, Trans Oceanic.  You've seen them I'm sure. I wouldn't take a pretty for mine.  I pick up both local and shortwave stations.  We picked up Grand Rapids Mi. the other night, It's tuned to some German station right now.  The music is sweet and low.  It's the slow, dreamy type music you enjoy dancing to when you're with your sweetheart.  Would you dance just one dance with me?  huh? Please, kitten.

   Well kitten, unless I wake up a little I'll never be able to finish this letter.  I have your photo propped against an ink bottle and it seems as though you're trying to say something.  So far you haven't had a chance to get a word in edgewise.  Nevertheless I've enjoyed the conversation.  Come again when you have longer to stay -- Whoa Peete! I strayed off on a tangent for a moment, didn't I.  As you can see I'm real sleepy so I'll have to say goodnight.  Remember my darling - Ich liebe dich.  In English it simply means "darling, I love you." always will. 

Be sweet libeling,
All my love,
Bob

P.S.  If parts in this letter don't make sense, ignore them.  All I wanted to say anyway is - I miss you, kitten.
Love forever
Bob"

As things turned out, he loved being home but he also loved to travel and his job allowed him to do that....and I followed him...from Tennessee to Arkansas to Texas to California to Chicago, back to Texas, back to Chicago and then finally, back to Texas.....over 57 years time...I want to say "and I loved every minute of it" but as it is in all of life, there were some times that weren't as wonderful as others...just normal stressful times ...mostly financial...Our marriage, our life together, our children our home,  our welfare.. were ALWAYS his number one priority...and he made sure that I knew that...always willing to express  his feelings ,,,WHAT A MAN !!!!  It's not just because he's gone that I feel this way..I've always felt this way about him...he was, and is, so easy to love.... thank you, my darling..how I wish that I could be sitting beside you,  touch your face, hold your hand, hear your voice ..

2007



Letter # 41

Jan. 7, 1952
"Hello Kitten,
   Disgusted with me?  I can't blame you since I'm disgusted with myself. I've been so lax in not only my correspondence but everything in general.  We, the cadr'e personel of the Stockade, are being worked until all hours of the night.  I personally had to work Christmas and New Years eve. Reason; a prisoner, or rather 2 prisoners escaped by climbing the wall.  Consequently the major declared that we would guard the wall by walking it in four hour shifts.
   Question, have you received  the ring ?  I sent it by a friend who was supposed to either deliver it in person or mail it from New York. Actually, I was in doubt as to whether you'd accept it or nay, as it resembles an engagement ring."

(#1, I never received the ring...some friend he had!   # 2, I don't understand why he would doubt my accepting an engagement ring from him...all we had talked about since April was being together.)

"Since we're discussing presents, I'm in doubt about your birthdate.  It's Jan. 10th. isn't it?  I'm not going to ask you what you'd like because that would be futile.  You'd never tell me.
   Oh! In case you haven't noticed I've purchased a pen, a Parker 21. It's green.  For some reason I like the color green.  Wonder why.  As you can see though, even a new pen can't improve my penmanship.
   It has been snowing for the past three days and the ground still isn't covered.  The snow comes down in cycles of 30 minutes.  It's beautiful but I dead the melting.  Slop and goo, ugh!
   Everyone at home has written me several times lately, wondering why I don't write.  If you see any of them could you and would you please explain that I'm working and seldom have the leisure time in which to write.
   Charlene, it's useless for me to attempt to tell you how much I miss you.  Words fail me since my vocabulary isn't any citerion by which to judge my feelings for you.  In a simple phrase it means this.  I find it impossible to tell you just how much I really love you.  I know that I don't prove it by my actions but you can believe this,  I love you with all my being.  If you're still there when I return I'll prove it, honest.  It seems I always end up saying the same things.  Since they sound so corny to me, they must really be boresome for you to read.  Nevertheless, everything I've written is true and I'm very sincere about it.
   Before I go any further, answer one question, "Is you is, or is you ain't my babyl."  I'm a wee bit in doubt since I haven't been answering your letters.

  All my love,
  Forever, Bob"

letter # 40

Dec. 12, 1951

Hi Kitten,
   I've just gotten out of bed after 15 wonderful hours of sleep.  It was the first night in over a month that I've slept more than 6 hours.  Since I've changed positions my working day averages 15 hours.  After bathing, shaving and what have you, that leaves little or no time in which to sleep.  You can see why my letters are so irregular.
   A friend of mine, my former room-mate has left for the states.  Don't be surprised if you see a handsome young Italian standing on your front porch some morning.  He's another Rudolph Valentino, so beware.  He's also bearing a gift from me to you.  If he doesn't deliver it in person he'll mail it so that it will arrive by Christmas.  I only hope you'll accept it, as it's slightly suggestive.  The gift expresses only slightly what I feel for you.
   (the handsome Italian never showed up or mailed the ring...some friend he was!)
    I think I'll take in a movie tonight.  Care to go along? Might be fun.  After the show we'll go to some secluded cafe here in the walled city and talk over old times.  It won't be elaborate but I promise it shan't be boring either.  Speaking of boresome evenings, remember the night my tire went flat in front of your house. To top this off it rained all night, the movie was boring, etc.  It could have been very dull if you hadn't been so generous.  Remember when I kissed you and I said "Charlene, you can beat that", and your snappy repartee was, and I quote, "I didn't kiss you Bob, you kissed me."  Then you gave me a few lessons on the how, when, where and why of the kiss.  T'was wonderful.  I'd like to put in my application for an extended and advanced course to last indefinitely, under your tutorship.  Do you think it could be arranged? I'll try to master the fundamentals and technique and become your best pupil.
(is that not the cutest guy in the world?)

   I must quit for a few minutes because I definitely must shave before chow.  See you again in a few...
(upon reading this Barbara remarked "he probably had to go take a cold shower!)  :)

   Hello again. That few minutes lasted exactly 21 hours, a movie and a trip to the American Club.  The picture was nothing short of great. I'm probably prejudiced though, the leading males name was "Pete".You've seen the movie, I'm sure.  It was "Force Of Arms" starring William Holden and Nancy Olsen.  She's a blond, kinda cute, like you. Somehow though, she just doesn't come up to par with Miss Stallings.
   Speaking of feminine pulchritude, you should see Hump's new girl friend.  A combination Lana Turner and Bettye Grable. She's tall and, unlike most German women, has pleanty of money.  Not that Hump would allow money to influence him, yuk, yuk.
  It''s almost 12, I'd better get to bed if I intend to work tomorrow. So goodnight, darling, sweet dreams and sleep tite.
    click ---goodnight
I love you, Charlene
Bob

PS. Believe it or not, I'm going to write more often.  This is the first letter I've written in weeks.
      I'd give anything if we could spend Christmas together.

Letter # 33

Nurnberg, Germany
10 October 1951

"Darling,
   I am honestly ashamed of myself.  I've just finished reading your most recent letter and please believe me, I did not realize that I had been neglecting you so.  I've realized for quite some time that I haven't been writing as often as I should, not only to you, but everyone.  You're the last person in the world that I would hurt, intentionally or otherwise.  Please believe me when I say that I'm sorry.  Your love is all that matters to me in this thing we call life.  Without you there's nothing for me As you stated in your letter, it takes something like this to make a person  realize how much they love someone. The only thing that has kept me from writing is that we were working so late for a while. The pressure has let up some this last week and while we're enjoying the respite I intend to catch up on back correspondence.
  Hump is back here at the stockade now as a disciplinary guard.  He's really anxious to get back home too.  It seems as though he doesn't care for this army life any more than I do.
   You were discussing the night we went to Riverside Park and the Belmont.  You asked if I remembered.  Every day, every night, every hour that we were together are embedded in my mind.  One doesn't forget the happiest moments of their life. I can't remember the exact moment I realized that you were the love of my life. I suppose it dawned on me the night we were sitting in front of your house and you said that you loved me. I wanted to tell you how I felt but couldn't because of the past.  Now I know there was never a past.  My life began when I met you
   Kitten, I'll close for tonight and if this letter does nothing but prove that I love you I'll consider it a success.

Sweet dreams darling,
I love you.
Bob

P.S.  Are you still angry? Don't be please.
PPS. Tell Molly thanks for offering the reassurance.
PPPS. My what naughty language you use!

Letter #31

September 8, 1951
Nurnberg, Germany
"Hello Darling,
   Have you at times been unable to compose a letter to someone you loved?  It happened to me last night and the person to whom I'm referring is you of course.  I pondered for two nights and finally gave up. Then as I lay in bed at the point of sleep the thoughts that had eluded me came as if the answer to a puzzle. All the thoughts and aspirations fitted together,  a vision of you and the last day we were together. I felt as though it had all been a dream. Reality could not be that wonderful. My life was brimming with happiness, dreams had been fulfilled. I had been awarded my loftiest ambition, the love of my life on earth.  Then, certain that I'm the luckiest male on earth I drifted off into untroubled slumber.  Now I'm sitting in a room devoid of color, trying to place together the fragments of those thoughts..
   As of last week I'm the head cat in the confinement of prisoners. I haven't decided whether it's a promotion or a demotion.  I did get a private office out of the deal though.  At present it is being redecorated and I'm using a temporary office.  I say office, in truth it's only a cubby hole when compared to the other rooms but it'll have to do for the time being.  Actually I'm tickled pink to have an office of my own even though it's ridiculously small.

 





   No, I haven't received the package you sent yet. I meet the postman twice a day. I would meet him more often but he only makes two trips to the APO daily.
   I'm listening to a sports program over AFN.  I've noticed that Tennessee is the top team in the nation. It would be great if you and I could see some of the games together this year. When I was a civilian I lived behind Crump Stadium.  I saw some terrific games, both college and prep school.  They had the East-West Prep School championship game there this year.
   Hump, Sgt Rivera and I went out the other night to paint the town red.It would have been very unusual if we hadn't wound up in a Gasthaus.  That is a combination restaurant and beer hall.  Some joker came in taking pictures and we had one made.  I'm enclosing it within the letter so don't be surprised at what you see.  Personally I think I look like a criminal. But then I'm definitely the criminal type...no wise cracks.

   Charlene, this is a short letter I know.  There is so little to talk about except us.  You and I.  Sometimes I think I use the subject too much, then again, the thought of you and our love makes me realize that, though I talk long and earnestly about it, I could never cover the subject as it should be.  I think of all the things we could do together for fun, Cotton Carnival, swim, dance, picnic, movies, long trips on Sunday such as Reeffoot Lake or Hot Springs, Ar.  Yes I'm seeing some of the world but I'd rather see and be with my "SCHATZI"
  (I had to look that up...it's German for honey, sweetie, darling, precious, treasure...)

   I'm leaving for tonight but I'll be back.. In the meantime be good and have fun.

Love and kisses,
Bob

Letter # 26

I need very much to hear Bob speak to me tonight....so I got out his letters and pretended I was 16 again...I was unable to fool my heart tho, as the tears continue to flow and the heart continues to ache...

"Aug. 29,1951
Nurenburg, Germany


Hi Kitten,
   Just got back from a movie and was it exciting! It was a western, one of those rip-roaring, wild, woolly and full of fleas type.  And you should have seen all the beautiful women, all dead and scalped.  I suppose that you know by now how well I like that kind of show...
   How are things and people around and about Covington?  Got a letter dated the 23rd. and you seem to be enjoying life.  I'm really glad that you're having fun.  I only wish that we were having it together.
   My apologies for not writing more often. The reason I haven't  is simple.  I thought that your feelings for me had changed in the time we've been separated.  Not that I care less for you because I still care for you as much  if not more than when I left."


   It hurts me even now, 59 years later, that he ever thought that I no longer loved him...I don't know what was said or done to cause him to think that.

   "And as far not wanting your letters that is absolutely not true.  They mean everything to me.
   So Dad took you and Molly to dinner. I'm glad to know that.  He should do it more often.  I haven't  any idea why he thinks I can come home for Christmas though.  Furlough time accrues at the rate of 2 1/2 days per month and that would give me only 19 days for traveling and time at home.


   You know something Charlene, we need to have a discussion, you and I, about us."


That is SO like him...he was always up front about whatever was on his mind or bothering him....he was always good at "communicating"...on the other hand, my feelings usually have to be pryed out of me...at least when it comes to something unpleasant or anything that results in a confrontation...we were quite different in a lot of ways....back to his letter...

   "It's hard to discuss anything by correspondance because of the time it takes to receive an answer but here goes.  You know that I'm deeply in love with you and at present there is nothing I can do to prove it but write.  You also know that it will be 18 months before we see each other again.  As you've said before, we  both will change in some respects.  Maybe not in our physical self but more or less in our aspect on life.  In your case, you're still in school and there is a chance that you'll meet some young swain that will have more on the ball than me  (no way...never in a million years...I never thought that)  and its possible that you'll fall for him. (I hope that never happens) To sum it all up,in short, here it is.  I love you and want you to wait for me, but if you should fall for someone else, be honest with me.  If I should ever care for someone more that you, believe me, I would tell you. 


   As far Spike Jones ruining our song...he can't do that to us.  It isn't nice for him to slaughter such beautiful music. ..especially "Too Young".
   Time for lights out so this will have to be goodnight.


Sweet Dreams Kitten,
Much love,
Bob


P.S. I'll write more often, I promise.
PPS 'Still love me? huh?
PPPS Thanks again for the pictures.  They're really good. Got anymore?.

letter # 25

August 21,1951


"Hi  Stranger,
   "Long time no see."  Seems a bit strange sitting here writing letters again.  It has been quite a while you know.
   Tonight I'm being initiated into the mysteries of a C.Q's duties here at the stockade.  If it means anything, C.Q. is the abbreviation for "Charge of Quarters." It's only a practice run tonight but Sat. , starting at 12 noon , I'll be on duty 20 hours until 8 o"clock Sunday morning.  It gets quite lonely about 1 am in the prison compound, believe me 20 hours duty without sleep doesn't appeal to me.
   I've received 4 letters from you since  Thursday and I'm sorry that I haven't answered them sooner but I've been busy as a one eyedman in a three ring circus for the past 2 weeks.
  We had an accident yesterday.  One of the prisoners was killed by a tank retriever. Now don't ask me what that is because frankly, I don't know.  The man's back was broke and he died almost instantly. Hideous way to die isn't it.  Personally, I'd much prefer to die of old age.  It wouldn't break my heart at all if I should live to be a hundred.
   Was I embarrassed after hearing of the mix up in letters between you and Dad.  My face is still a deep scarlet.  I don't care for you reading my letters to him, but the idea of him reading my mail to you really mortifies me.  Not that I care for anyone knowing how I feel toward you, it's just the idea of...well, you know what I mean.
   As a rule I go to school 2 nights a week, have C.Q. once or twice, so you can see how busy I am.  You'd think with all the work there is to do there would be a little news.  It's obvious by this letter though  that there isn't.
   About those pictures you sent.  "Thanks a million."  They only prove what I've thought all along...how can one girl have so much.  Seems slightly unfair the way beauty is distributed around Covington.  I have all your pictures on the wall's of my locker. My favorite is one of the first you sent.  You're standing with your weight on one leg and your head is tilted back slightly.  You have on a plaid dress, I think. This picture really appeals to me.
   Well Kitten, it's about time for head count again, so I'll just quit for tonight.  Goodnight, pleasant dreams, I hope you sleep well.
As ever,
Bob"


Compared to his other letters this one seems a bit "cool" ???? Wonder if I sensed this at the time?  I wonder if he had met "Ellen"? His writing did become less frequent....26 letters the first two months he was gone...June and July..., only 4 in August...and only 19 letters the following 16 months....they ceased in April 1952...one year after he left and 8 months before he returned....I never did receive a "dear John"...as best as I can remember he just stopped writing.  I heard through his sister that he had met someone over there that he was involved with, and I was dating and "involved with" someone else also...I'm sure he knew about that...so I was quite surprised when he returned and everything between us was just as it had been when he left.

Time for another letter

Nurnberg Germany
August 20, 1951

"Dearest Charlene,
   We have just finished eating chow after our first day of training. Most of the time was spent in classrooms listening to orientations on the behavior and conduct of the American soldier while serving in the European Theatre of Operations..and was it dry.  There was one bright spot in the day and that was mail call.  I received two letters from you postmarked the 12th and 13th.  Know something honey? You are very gifted at the art of letter writing.  Your letters always brighten the day for me no matter how dark everything seems to be.  You always say the things I want to hear. In fact, its almost like talking with you in person.
   We were reclassified today and I'm almost sure that I made the M.P.'s  (he did) If so, we'll take our training, which consists of five weeks, at Oberammergan, home of the famous "Passion Plays".  The plays depict the life of Christ.   I hope to see one of these plays before I come back to the states.
   Our enlistment time has been advanced 3 months,
but there is a bright spot on the horizon.  That is the fact that our unused furlough time accumulates at the rate of 2 1/2 days per month and at the end of our enlistment we can take off that much earlier.  In my case it will amount to 60 days.  That means I'll be home about Christmas of '52.  Even that's a long time to be away from you.
  In your letter dated the 13th. you say that if we were together all the time I'd probably grow tired of you.  Someone else maybe, but never you. And those expressions of yours that you think are silly, such as "I'd die, or I couldn't stand it"  (remember, I was only 16)  I think are as cute as a bugs ear. Those are just a few of the things that make you "Miss Charlene Stallings".  By the way, that's a beautiful name.
  Where is that large picture you were having made for me? I'm anxious to get it honey.
   This may sound like tommy rot but sometimes when I lie down at night I can feel your nearness.  Actually it seems that you are there beside me, pressing up close.  I can feel the warmth and tenderness of your body and the sweet pressure of your lips.  Don't think I'm being vulgar, it's just that when a person thinks about someone as much as I do of you, it seems to bring them closer.  Do you suppose it could be mental telepathy?


 (I've been thinking of him in that way since he died...deeply, begging and pleading to feel his closeness...hoping our souls could still reach each other...I do feel somewhat closer to him at those times....but still alone) 
back to his letter...


   It's about time to cease for tonight.  It's 8 o'clock here and 2 back there in Covington.  I wonder what you're thinking about and what you're doing.


I love you Charlene,
Bob


P.O.  take good care of yourself and don't take any wooden nickels."     (he's so cute!  )

Letter #14

"Nurnberg  Military Post Stocade
July 18, 1951

Leibling
   Please excuse the pencil as I don't have a fountain pen handy at present.
   Those pictures that you sent arrived yesterday and Charlene, they are exactly like you.  What I mean to say is they reveal just how pretty you really are.  They don't show those big, green, ever changing eyes though. I have just shown your pictures to a German clerk that I work with. Do you know what his comment was?" Hmmm, she's really pretty!" There is one that I especially like.  You are standing with your face tilted up, as if to say, "how's this?'.  Thanks a million kitten.

I went for a stroll around the prison wall today.  It is about a half mile around, and from the top you can see the Palace of Justice in its entirety.  Then directly behind the stockade is a small wooden building that houses the scaffolds upon which the German war criminals were hung.

It is so unimpressive in comparison to the "P of J" that it is difficult to imagine its historic significance.  In all probability Nurnberg is the most historic city in Germany.  It is full of tradition.  A person can gain a lot of valuable knowledge by observing the people, their customs, habits and by taking an active interest in their social activities.
   Say, if by some chance you don't have a date tomorrow would you like to go to Maywood and spend the day? We could swim, lie around in the sand and talk all day...then when it starts getting cool we could go into the pavilion and dance for a few hours.  That is, if  you aren't busy.
   There isn't much more that I can tell you tonight and you're probably tired from working so I'll sign off for awhile.
   I need you Charlene, more than anyone or anything.

   Need I say that "I love you" ?
Bob

P.S.
I'm anxious for that large photo of you to get here."

the sweetest letter yet

July 18, 1951
Nurnberg Military Post Stockade
Nurnberg, Germany


I've skipped a few letters..this one is #12


"Howdy Darling,
   If you noticed the address on the envelope you're probably wondering why I'm in prison.  It's like this; this is where I have been assigned for the remainder of my Army career.  I wouldn't place the return address on the envelope if it weren't required by postal regulations as it could probably be the object of a few questions. Actually, I only work here in the office as a clerk and although everyone is friendly and most helpful this type work isn't for me.
   Tell me honey, have you ever heard of the "Palace of Justice",  scene of the infamous war atrocity crime trials? This is where I'm located.  I feel lucky to live in the same buildings where such an historic series of events took place.  Herman Goering hung himself in one of the cells.  Gruesome thought, isn't it!"


 This is a picture of the inside of the prison that he later sent me ...

      "Do me a favor Charlene, will you?  Tell this John Williamson character to be nice to you or I'll  (how big is he?) punch him in the kisser when I get home.  You might also tell him that if he hasn't won you by Sept. of '52 that I am going to give him some competition.  Think there's a chance?"
 
He had only been gone 6 weeks and I was already dating !!! But at least, in my behalf, I told him about it...and there NEVER was any competition...I never cared much for anyone I dated while he was gone...


   "And Charlene, I do love you, no matter what anyone should ever tell you.  My stomach turns to jelly every time I think of you.  You've heard the song that has lyrics to this effect..you're in my dreams, asleep or awakening...that's exactly how it is with me.  And when I do come home ( you won't know when because I'm going to slip in),    (and he did!)    I intend to hold you and kiss you until you can hardly catch your breath, then when you do catch your breath I'll do the same thing again. (And he did!)
   You were asking whether I knew definitely when I'm due to come back to the states.  My draft papers stated 21 months starting the 26th. of Jan. 1951.  That would allow my discharge to come due in Sept. of '52.  Some say that we've been extended 3 months...(they were)...but our service records still state 21 months ...so actually your guess is as good as mine.  One thing for sure, I'm coming home first chance possible.
   Tell Molly something for me please.  Tell her that she's getting slightly scatterbrained.  What's this about her falling for Henry Williamson? What about Hump? Or does she remember the guy! Tell her I said that she falls in and out of love as often as I change socks, which is every day.
 Well enough of that - back to us.
   I have in mind, at present, a small night club, the Belmont in Memphis to be exact , and a little wishing well...(I remember that night!)...Also in this picture there is a young lady and man.  The young man, looking into same young lady's eyes thinks, or rather wishes something to this effect. "Why couldn't I have met her a year ago and I wonder if she could ever love me as I do her.  All my life I've dreamed about her, wondering if there was such a thing as true and binding love and now that I've found the one girl in the universe for me, I'll have to leave her in a few days.  Wonder what she's thinking about?" Well it seems as though she was thinking the same thing at the same time.  That is my definition of mental telepathy.  When two people are thinking so intensely on the same subject or along the same lines that their thoughts are identical then it's in it's most advanced form.  You know what I'm referring to, don't you Charlene? I think you felt, or sensed how much I love you that night.   (Well I'm not sure about that...but I am sure that I sensed  how much I loved him!)
   Kitten, I've repeated the phrase "I love you" more to you than anyone I've ever known.  Tonight I want to tell you, more than ever, how I feel because, darling,  for the last week especially, I've needed you with me and right now I need you more than ever . .If only tonight I could put my arms around your waist, have your arms around my neck and pull you close to me for a kiss, then things would look differently.  My action's would express my emotions.


   (Wow...it's getting warm in here)  


One thing, Charlene, don't misconstrue the fact that I'm in prison.  I am not here as a prisoner..this is my new assignment.


I love you,
Bob
P.S. I'm dead on my feet or I would write more. I have much more to talk about tomorrow night.  Especially the pictures.  Till then Auf  Wiedersehen, or better still, good night and pleasant dreams."

Letter No. 9...59 years ago today

Bob wrote 8 letters the first month he was gone...June 1951.  I have a total of 45 letters, written over a period of 11 months...he was gone 19 months so no communication between us for the 8 months preceding his return home in Jan. 1953 ...but I'm getting ahead of our story...

Nurnberg, Germany
July 8th, 1951


"Howdy Kitten,
  Another weekend is rapidly coming to a close and I've had a very good time, considering the lack of your companionship.  Saturday morning, Hump and a few other friends  and I played a little tennis.  Actually I only played AT the game, as I'm just learning.  Then Saturday night we went bowling and also to an establishment known as the "Twilight Club".  They had a German orchestra that I thought was good.  This European talent is the best...At least it's the best I've seen.  The army has given  a lot of guys like myself an opportunity to see and hear things that otherwise would have been impossible.
   Talk about characters ! There are 8 fellows in the room, including myself, and believe me they are really varied in their personalities and nationality.  There are a couple Italians, one Greek, an Englishman and several mixed breads like Hump and  I.  You should see the Greek when he gets drunk.  He is really a comedian.  His Dad is a big time gambler and he knows all the racateer's in Indiana.  Some of the wild tales he tells are as comical as a cage full of monkeys.
   We are going into our 2nd. week of training which is boresome as can be.  Most of our time is spent listening to lieutenants, majors, colonel's and occasionally a general lecturing on the subject of Eucom...(European Command)
   There is a lot to be seen here in Germany that is interesting.  Hitler erected a building here in Nurnberg from which he intended to rule the world
   If I repeat myself in these letters excuse it please.  It is hard to remember what was said in previous letters.
   These German's really dislike the American people.  One bright spot on this subject is that they also hate the Russian's.  Question is, which do they hate more.  They still think Hitler was the greatest human being that ever lived.  Actually he did a lot of good for his country although his virtues were greatly overshadowed by his faults.
   We have a healthy discussion underway about football teams in Tennessee and Indiana.  You and I both know that Tennessee has the best team in the nation...right?
   It's time for lights out so good night and peasant dreams.
I love you, Charlene
Bob
P.S. I mean it!
PPS. Honest, I do.
PPPS. You believe me, don't you?


hope I get a letter tomorrow."

Letter No.8

Nurnburg, Germany
July 6th 1951


"Mien Kitten,
We have just finished our weekly party, sometimes called a "G.I. Party". You've heard about these parties, I'm sure, but in case you haven't here goes. A few of the fellows get together and sweep, mop, dust, shine, polish and buff each and every item in their respective rooms. Sounds like fun, doesn't it. Well, actually, I can't understand why they call them parties  because there is a lot of work involved. I sympathize with the housewife as I know what a job she has.
    Got another letter from you today and believe me honey, your letters are much appreciated. As I've told you before, if no one wrote me except you I would never complain. In your letter you say it has been eleven days since you received one from me. I'm sorry that the mail service is so slow. Seldom does a day lapse that I don't write you. The letter may not say much except that I love you and I'm thinking about you, but if you feel the same as I, that's really all that matters.
    You were asking if Hump and I were still together. The answer is yes. Also you asked what has happened to Molly and him. Question, what has happened to Molly? Hump writes her practically every day and he has gotten only two from her since we left. I can imagine how I would feel if you were the same way about writing.
    You spoke about the terrific heat wave back there.  Over here it's very pleasant all the time.  Seldom does the temp. exceed 75 degrees and at night we have to use our blankets.  Personally though, I prefer hot weather.
    Sure would like to see you in your two new dresses.  I'm glad to hear that you and Marlene had a good time in Memphis.  We were in high school at the same time, but in different classes.
    It's eleven p.m. and I still have to shave and clean up, besides tidying up my footlocker, so I'll have to say goodnight, sweetheart.
    I miss you, Charlene,
Love,
 Bob"

June 30, 1951 Sonthofen, Germany

"Darling,
   'Our last night at Sonthofen and Hump, Nut and I are enjoying ourselves here at the club. The U.S. Government really furnishes good entertainment in the way of orchestra's.  We are listening to the German equivalent of  "The Three Suns." Suppose you know that I wish you were here.

   "Although our stay here has been very pleasant I'll be glad to get on the road again.  There's only one place that I would like to stay forever, and that is with you.  The place we are to be stationed is Nurnburg.  You've probably read about the trials that were held there for the Nazi war criminals.  It is supposedly a fairly large, modern city.  Hump and I will remain together but Charlie will be going to Munich.  Also we are losing Eddie Green, another Memphis Rebel.  He was at the party out at the Cottage Inn with us. I'm really going to miss these guys.

   Received your letter dated the 22nd. and you say that people think you're too young.  That my be true but you'll never convince me, cause honey, I've held you in my arms and kissed you.  You may be 16 with some fellows but you act older when you're with me.  The term years is only a way of marking time and the heart has no clock to govern its emotions.  You are as old as you feel.  The authenticity of our love I'll never doubt.
   This combo "The Three Woodpeckers" is as good as anything I've heard back in the states. They are typical Germans too...tall, blond,wavy hair and blue eyes.  They're playing a request of mine now.  Guess what?  That's right.  " Too Young"
   That's about it for tonight, kitten so "ich liba dich."
Much love, Bob
P.S. Keep sending letters  here until I write my new address.

Found letter

The letter Bob wrote after arriving in Germany was just mis-filed...out of order, not lost. What I wrote earlier about the voyage across the "pond", as he calls it, was taken from his autobiography and much in this letter is the same as related there...I'll share here what wasn't in his bio....the mushy stuff, as he calls it :)..

 June 26, 1951 Sonthofen, Germany
"My dearest Charlene,
There is so much to tell you that I am at a loss as to where to begin. First of all, I love you, next  after traveling 6000 miles I'm in the German Alps just across the border from Switzerland. It took us 11 days to cross the Atlantic from New York to Bremerhaven, Germany. After our voyage to Bremerhaven it took a day and night by train to get to where we are now. ..a former German army camp named Sonthofen....our barracks are four story stone billets...
....
I'll never be able to tell all that I've seen in the last 2 weeks in one letter, but as it comes to me I'll write you.
Crossing the ocean was very dull and uneventful. There wasn't a storm or anything exciting, in fact we saw only one whale on the same scale as the killer shark. There were several days that we didn't see a ship. There were 1600 soldiers and several hundred civilians aboard....
....
In your last letter you said you were having a picture made for me. Please hurry and send it honey. I'm anxious for a larger portrait of you. Could you send me one life size? Just joking of course, but it would be nice. Better still, wish you were here enjoying this beautiful country along with me.
It's about time for lights out so I'll quit for tonight. I can hardly wait for mail call tomorrow. Hope there are lots of letters for me from you.
Sweet dreams, darling,
I miss you so,
Bob


June 27th. 6:55 am
Good morning darling,
Just got back from breakfast chow and it was delicious. This camp is just like a big university. All the building are stone with ivy crawling up the sides. It is so unlike any American army camp that it's surprising. The officers even have an orchestra in their dining room. I tell you honey, this place has class.
While coming across the pond I wrote a letter to you every day but decided against sending it as it really didn't express my thoughts at all.  I tried to describe the ocean than remembered that you once lived in Houston and probably know more about the beauty of it than I, so I didn't send the letter after all.
We are about to have our inspection so I'll close again for awhile. Will write tomorrow if at all possible.
I think about you constantly. I wouldn't like the idea of losing you at all. So please stay as sweet as you were when I last saw you.
Yours, (if you'll have me)
Bob
P.S. I'm enclosing a map to show you our trip across Germany and our present location...we'll be moving again Sat. or Sun."


the map is not with his letter so it must be lost...

June 28, 1951 Sonthofen Military Sub-Post

"Hi punkin,

  Just read your letter dated the 20th. again and it seems as if we both feel the same way.  Especially about letter writing.  I go nuts every time I get a letter from you, yet I hate to write.  The reason; I can never seem to say the things that I would like to.  I'm afraid that if I told you just how in love with you I am that it would sound too mushy.  Then again, I think of how I feel when you write that you love me.  Nothing matters with me as long as you do love me.  When I get my discharge from this army, if you will let me, I'll be with you every minute possible.  Actually, I am now, in spirit.  This probably sounds silly coming from me, but it expresses vaguely just how much I love you.

   You say you aren't enjoying going with other boys, that you're miserable.  It's selfish and inconsiderate of me but I'm glad.  You know how the song goes, "I'm sorry, but I'm glad you're lonely, cause if you weren't you really wouldn't care."  That expresses how I feel.  Is this being too jealous? I know that I told you to go with other guys but, actually, I'd rather you didn't.  Jealous joker, aren't I! You don't know the half of it darling.

  And those pictures you sent, I'm crazy about the one of you standing by yourself.  It's a wonderful picture of you.  Lucky me, to have such a sweet young lady. Remind me to thank Margaret for introducing us and how about telling your mother many thanks for letting you go with me."

"I'll never forget the day we met.  When we were introduced you looked at me as if to say, "What is it?" or " maybe if I feed it, it will go away."....I'm sure glad that you didn't refuse me a date."

     Nothing could be further from the truth! He showed up at the Ben Franklin's store where this 16 year old girl worked...clad in his uniform, sun glasses on, camera slung over his shoulder...a real knock-out of a man! I ask you, Who could say no to this man?

"And there was the date that I had the bad luck.  First we had a flat, next we went to the movie and it was slightly boring and then it rained on us.  That could have been a very dull evening if you hadn't been so delightful.  I have fun just being near you though."

ditto...

   "I should probably tell you about this country and some of the latest events that have taken place but this letter is devoted entirely to telling you how I feel toward you.

   It's about time for mail call so until I see you again, stay as sweet as you are, and if I've taken too much for granted or said anything I shouldn't have, disregard same.

  You are the one girl for me.  I love you,

Bob

P.S. I'm going to slip in on you one of these years."

lost letters

The next letter I have from him is dated June 28th..and he was already at Sonthofen , Germany...sooo...I must have lost some letters as I recall him talking about the trip across the Atlantic.  He has written an autobiography so I will share some of what he has to say about the trip from that source.

"We were in N.J. about two weeks  before embarking for Germany on the General Patch, a freighter that had been converted to a troop transport.  The most lonely point in my entire life was the day we sailed from New York and, about dusk, I was standing on the deck watching the U.S. fade from view.

     The thought occurred to me that for the next 18 months I was going to be several thousand miles away from home and, as far as I could tell, there wasn't anyone in the vicinity that really cared whether I lived or died.  I'm sure I must have cried that night from the loneliness.  Fortunately, they kept us busy with different tasks for the entire trip.  I worked in the  bakery and became popular because I would bring loaves of hot, buttered bread back to our compartment and share with the other boots.  I particularly recollect that Alex ate his share of the bread.
   The trip over lasted about a week and we landed at Bremerhaven.  From there we were transported by train to Sonthofen where we would be sorted out as to MOS and sent to our different assignments.  In Sonthofen we were at  a Hitler Youth Camp constructed during his dictatorship.  It was high in the mountains and a picturesque as a postcard.  It was built like a castle, out of stone and with high walls,  I recall that the huge dining hall had windows that reached from the floor to the ceiling, about 50 feet..  Looking out on the mountains was magnificent and appetite inspiring, as if I needed anything to improve my appetite.   At that time I was not a drinker, and it is good that I wasn't.  German beer was 12 to 18 percent alcohol.  Twice to three times as strong as American beer.  It affected some of the G.I.'s to the effect that one thought he could fly from the second floor, without wings, and he wound up dead. 
  Eventually we were sent to our individual assignments.."



A U.S. Constabulary School was, or is, located there...picture below...don't know if this is the same place where Bob was or not....I'm trying to obtain additional information regarding that.
 I found a website ffering some information about Sonthofen...http://www.usarmygermany.com/Sont1.htm

.

Wednesday June 13, 1951 Camp Kilmer, N.J.

letter # 3
"Charlene dearest,
   This will have to be short, sweet and to the point as we are shipping out tomorrow for certain and you can imagine all the excitement that takes place the night before.  We have to pack our duffel bags, (the one I wanted to put you in), shine our shoes and also our brass before noon tomorrow.  For some reason I'm not as excited about this trip as most of the guys, and I think I know the reason for this lack of excitement.
   Hump told me about calling you today.  We were worried as we thought something could have happened to either you or Molly."

Molly and Alex...a.k.a.Hump

"I would like to go on and on with this letter, telling you how much I care, how I long for the excitement that goes with just being near you, but I could write an epic on this subject.  If this sounds corny forget it, but honestly it expresses my feeling for you.

  'Went dancing last night over at the service club, but it turned out very dull for me.  The floor was so crowded and the band so loud I was miserable all the time I was there.  Actually the only thing wrong with the dance was that you weren't there.

   Received a letter from you this afternoon and let me tell you how lucky I consider myself.  If I were twice as wonderful as you say you think I am I still wouldn't be good enough for you.  To me you're the best this world has to offer.  Just remember one thing.  If at any time you feel that you care for someone more than me please tell me so that I won't make a fool of myself telling you how much I love you.

   I would call you tonight but I feel lifeless after I hang up.  This is really mushy but again I say, it only expresses vaguely my feeling for you.

   I'm wondering if either of us will change much in the next year and a half.  Here's hoping everything turns out okay and I'm going to do everything in my power to make it so.

   Keep on writing to me sweetheart and send them to the same address as they will follow me wherever I go.

   Let me try once again to tell you of my love .  I keep remembering all the time we spent together and believe me darling if I wanted to I couldn't forget you.  Not even for a moment.  Just remember that wherever in this world I may be in body, in spirit I'll be at 520 W. Liberty, Covington, Tenn. with Miss Charlene Stallings."

520 W. Liberty - Covington, Tn .

\

  " Goodnight, pleasant dreams and sleep tight, Kitten.

  Much Love,

Bob"

   ..it would be over two weeks before I heard from him again..