Letters Home

Letters Home Wartime Correspondence of Leon R. Hunt 1944-48

Edited by

Douglas Allen Hunt and Steven Leon Hunt

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LETTERS HOME Copyright © 2008 by Douglas Allen Hunt All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles or reviews. For information contact the editor at [email protected] Printed in the United States of America iii

Hunt Books edition September 2008

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FORWARD An ancient Chinese proverb reads, "To forget one's ancestors is to be a brook without a source, a tree without a root." The old homestead, built by my Greatgrandfather and his son in the late nineteenth century in Kansas, provided his family with roots, an anchor to his heritage, a source for future generations, a place to return and a link to an ever-growing community. That building now lays desolate, crumbling, dying. But the home is still alive, vibrant in our minds, in our souls. A living legacy of family ties, pride in ancestors who paved the way, a shared memory that binds us for eternity. My father, Leon R. Hunt, taught me the value of family and honor, and introduced me to the family homestead and my ancestors. Leon Richard Hunt, son of Isaac Sylvester and Opal Irene (Miller) was born September 7, 1925 in Bazine, Ness County, Kansas. He graduated from High School in 1943 at Bazine, Kansas where he played coronet in the band. He later made use of this talent as a bugler in the Army. He was captain of his football team and played basketball for his High School. He studied at Kansas State College, Hayes, Kansas; Long Beach City College and Orange Coast College in California. He served in World War II as a Sergeant in the 124th Cavalry, Mars Task force in India, Burma and China and earned three battle

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stars in the battle for Burma. He entered China, by convoy, over the Burma Road. Dad never talked much about the War. As many who go to war, he preferred not to recall some of the experiences. At a time when other Fathers bragged about their war time escapades, he was particularly quiet about his part in the events. Don’t get me wrong, I think he was extremely proud to serve his country and fight along side men he loved and respected. But when the smoke cleared and boys lay dead on the battle field, I think he soon became disheartened of it all. It wasn’t the stuff of Saturday matinees after all. As a teenager I pressed him once for details when he relented and in a very somber mood recounted the events of a battle where his platoon was under heavy fire from the enemy…seeing his buddies receive direct hits from the shelling wasn’t something he was anxious to revisit. I think he was trying to tell me that there was no glory in dying. He told us boys on more than one occasion that he never wanted to see us go to war. So in these letters we don’t see a war account with battle details and stories of heroism. Instead we have an opportunity to see a young man’s relationship with his family, his concern for others when his life had been tossed into turmoil.. We see the simple pleasures of receiving letters from home and the much anticipated care package, lovingly prepared, with a treasure of cookies,

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cakes and candies. Although Leon was lucky and escaped this war virtually unscathed, he fell, all too early, in another devastating battle with cancer at the age of 56. We miss him and think of him often. This compilation of his wartime letters is a tribute to him and his legacy to us, to his wife, sons, daughter, grandchildren, great grandchildren and generations to come, in the hopes of preserving his memory and binding this extended family. Douglas Allen Hunt Dallas, TX

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CONTENTS Induction Center - Fort Leavenworth, KS ................1 ..................................................................................4 May 5, 1944 - Leavenworth, Kansas.........................5 May 7, 1944 - Leavenworth, Kansas.........................6 May 8, 1944 - Leavenworth, Kansas.........................7 Basic Training - Fort Riley, Kansas...........................9 May 11, 1944 - Fort Riley, Kansas..........................12 May 14, 1944 - Fort Riley, Kansas..........................13 May 7, 1944 - Fort Riley, Kansas............................17 June 8, 1944 - Fort Riley, Kansas............................20 July 9, 1944 - Fort Riley, Kansas............................24 July 24, 1944 - Fort Riley, Kansas..........................27 August 2, 1944 - Fort Riley, Kansas........................29 August 14, 1944 - Fort Riley, Kansas .....................31 August 16, 1944 - Fort Riley, Kansas......................32 August 24, 1944 - Fort Riley, Kansas......................34 September 2, 1944 - Fort Riley, Kansas..................36 Fort Ord, California.................................................39 August 6, 1944* - Fort Ord, California ..................44 October 5, 1944 - Fort Ord, California....................46 October 22, 1944 - Fort Ord, California..................48 December 5, 1944 - Fort Ord, California................50 China, Burma, India Theater...................................52 January, 1945 - India...............................................60 January 1945 - India................................................65 February 27, 1945 - Burma.....................................68 March 5, 1945 - Burma...........................................70 March 30, 1945 - Burma.........................................72 March 1945 - Burma...............................................74 The Marine Panther (Leon’s Ship)..........................81

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Induction Center - Fort Leavenworth, KS Leon’s first letter home was written while at the induction center at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. A brief history follows: In spring 1827 Colonel Henry Leavenworth led an expedition up Missouri River, past the mouth of the Little Platte, in search of a site for a new fort. He selected a location on the bluffs of the west bank high above the river. The fort named for Colonel Leavenworth soon had an important role in the settlement and defense of the West. Today, 156 years after its founding, the physical beauty of the fort is undiminished: the bluffs overlooking the river, the rolling grassland surrounded by a ridge line on the west, and the historic buildings are reminders of the post's heritage. More important, Fort Leavenworth has occupied an integral position in the American defense effort over the years. And it continues to do so to this day. Other installations on the fort also contributed to the war effort. The induction station processed 318,000 soldiers from 1940 to 1946; over 400,000 men went through the fort's reception station; and the separation center discharged 147,000 soldiers.1 1

A Brief History of Fort Leavenworth, 1827-1983, Edited by Dr. John W. Partin

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Fort Leavenworth Front Gate – Fig. 1 Photo courtesy of http://garrison.leavenworth.army.mil

Leavenworth, KS, Statue of Liberty – Fig. 2

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Courtesy of http://www.flickr.com/photos/army_arch/

Leavenworth, KS, WWII Chapel – Fig. 3 Courtesy of http://www.flickr.com/photos/army_arch/

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Fort Leavenworth, The Rookery Building – Fig. 4 Courtesy of http://garrison.leavenworth.army.mil

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May 5, 1944 - Leavenworth, Kansas Dear Folks, Well we got our uniforms today and we have some time off to write tonight.. We go through our processing in the morning. We fall out or get up at 4:30, 3:30 your time, make beds and go to chow at 5:30, then back to the barracks and clean it up. And I mean scrub and sweep them. We have 60 here at our barracks. In our processing we get our shots about two tomorrow. How is the [wheat?] and is it still raining out there? We drove through the rain for most of the way here. We layed over at Great Bend for four hours and got soaked walking to town. Have you fixed the transmission on the Buick yet, Daddy? And what did you have to do? Well I’ll have to close for now and finish some more letters tonight. As ever, (Pvt) Leon P.S. Could you send about 4 hangers to hang my clothes?

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May 7, 1944 - Leavenworth, Kansas Dear Folks, Well, just got back from church and is raining pretty hard right now. I go on guard duty at 4:30 this afternoon but other than that I have nothing besides to do. We’re on 24 hours, 2 hours on and 4 off. I was over at the Corporal’s office yesterday afternoon keeping his book account on the week-end passes and I really got my fill of writing, too. We went down to the U.S.O. last night. It’s about one mile from induction center. They have bowling, table tennis, pool, library and a dance hall and a swell orchestra. We have to be back by 11:00 P.M. and if we aren’t we’re A.W.O.L. and that isn’t good either. From Monday on we can expect to be shipped out anytime. And have to be on call at anytime and be ready to leave within 10 minutes. Well so far I’ve been enjoying myself pretty well and we don’t have to work so hard. Love, Leon

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May 8, 1944 - Leavenworth, Kansas Dear Folks, Well, I got my shipping tonight and must be on call anytime from 3:00 tonight to 7:30 tomorrow night; we have no Idea where we go. About four of us leave but none are the one’s I came down with; they were classified different. Some as tractor drivers and truck drivers and I got a good deal in the orchestra. If they put me as I’m classified which doesn’t mean they will put me there. Well, I must close for now and do some more writing; will write after I get there. Leon

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Basic Training - Fort Riley, Kansas Leon was transferred to Fort Riley, where he entered basic training. Because he was assigned to a cavalry unit he also received additional horsemanship training here. Fort Riley is named in honor of Major General Bennett C. Riley who led the first military escort along the Santa Fe Trail. The fort was established in 1853 as a military post to protect the movement of people and trade over the Oregon-California and Santa Fe trails Preparation for possible U. S. involvement in World War II led to several important developments at Fort Riley. The first was the rebuilding of Camp Funston and the stationing of the 2nd Cavalry Division there in December 1940. Barracks were built in the area known as Republican Flats and renamed Camp Forsyth. In addition, 32,000 acres were added to the post for training purposes. Over the next four years, approximately 125,000 soldiers were trained at these facilities. Notable trainees included heavyweight boxing champion, Joe Louis, and motion picture stars such as Mickey Rooney. The post also received a presidential visit by Franklin Roosevelt on Easter Sunday 1943. The 9th Armored Division was organized here in July 1942 and after its deployment,

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Camp Funston was used as a prisoner of war camp2.

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http://www.riley.army.mil

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Chapel, Fort Riley, KS – Fig. 5

Statue, Duty, Fort Riley, KS – Fig. 63 3

Photos 5 & 6 courtesy of http://www.riley.army.mil

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May 11, 1944 - Fort Riley, Kansas Dear Folks, Well, we left a sunrise at Leavenworth this morning and are here at Fort Riley until Saturday then we may be taken somewhere else. I hope anywhere besides here. I would hate to play in a cavalry band especially here. We got here at 4:00 this afternoon and haven’t done a thing, and we are down at the service club writing letters. How’s the wheat looking now and is it going to be thin? Did you plant any barley, Daddy? I suppose you have started your farm work by now. By the way, Chester, I heard you and Rex were over to McCraiken last week. I find out things. Have any more boys left around home yet? Well, will close for now and write when I get to my destination. And don’t write till you hear from me and I give you my address. Love, Leon P.S. Mom, has your rose garden in the lawn bloomed yet? If it has it will really fill the yard. P.S.S. Does Sandy miss me yet? 12

May 14, 1944 - Fort Riley, Kansas Sunday 2:30 A.M. Dear Folks, Well I finally got classified and now have my permanent barracks number. I got moved in Saturday. I’m classified as an armourer and a bugler in the horse cavalry. An armourer is one who uses and repairs all guns running from a rifle, machine gun, 30 and 50 cal., and some 80 mm mortars—and a lot more guns. The fellows in our barracks are a swell bunch of guys but most of them are being shipped out and a new buch like us coming in. Ours is a new company starting up so we have a good chance of advancing. I think I am going to like this place after all. We just have to go across the street to get to the mess hall and are within a block and a half of the P.X., church, theater and Service—not bad! We have every night off from 6:00 on and also Sunday. Well can’t think of anything else so will close. Love,

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Leon P.S. What is Leland’s address?

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May 24, 1944 - Fort Riley, Kansas Dear Dad, Well I finally got enough time to answer your letter. We’ve been so busy the last week shining our mess kits and canteens; and I mean they shine enough to shave in. They come out with a special coating of metal and it really takes work to shine them. I was down in the ammunition room last week loading 50mm shells; the kind they use in the large machine gun, in to a metal clip belt. We were on stable police yesterday and we clean the stables, feed horses, water them and sweep the stables then wet them down. They only have 1800 horses here! We got our M1 rifles or rather more known as Garand. And we learned how to field strip it and put every little piece together and know the name and what makes it function. I think I could put it together and put the clip of cartridges in and fire it in the dark. That isn’t bad. Were you able to weld the transmission on the Buick? And was there any damage done? You won’t be able to recap the one tire cause it has a break in it, doesn’t it? So the weeds are as good as the wheat; do you think the wheat will do any good?

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I couldn’t come last Sunday for they won’t issue any leaves here for us new men for at least 2 weeks yet. So it wouldn’t do much good for you folks to come here for at least 2 weeks for I couldn’t leave the camp, and I would probably work on Sunday at something. So you had better wait for 2 weeks. We just had to fall out for rifle practice, right arm dress, port arms and things like that. When they blow the whistle we get to hit the street fully dressed with rifle from top barracks in 30 section. Well, Mom, so the flower lawn is blooming now and don’t suppose you can see any grass there, can you? Can’t think of anything else so will close for now. Love, Leon P.S. Mom, I heard you had Prices down Sunday and also quite a big crowd.

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May 7, 1944 - Fort Riley, Kansas Dear Dad, Mother and Chester: Well I finally found time to write a little. I had started a letter but never got to finish it, so will make up for it now. I got here from Hays about 6:30 Sunday, so had plenty of time to catch up on my work. We have shot the pistol and thrown 3 live hand grenades this week. I made 139 points out of 150 and rated expert which is the highest rating on the pistol. Tomorrow we start our school which will last for 7 weeks, some of our barracks will go to different schools. I received a letter from Harold today and he must have enjoyed his trip swell. Anyway, he talked like it. Did you know that Mickey Rooney was here at Fort Riley now. He came in Monday. He is just one Troop south of us. I walked in the Service club and a little guy walked past me and it seemed like I had seen him before then it dawned on me it was Mickey himself. He looked like anyone with a soldier uniform on. When will you start harvesting? Everyone here is cutting the wheat now. I have a pretty good sun burn for we

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have been swimming all day long. Well I can’t think of anything else to say for now. Love, Leon

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June 8, 1944 - Fort Riley, Kansas Dear Folks, Well we have surely had rain here lately. And we don’t wait for the rain to stop to do our drilling. We have been shooting the 22 rifle this week. I can see why civilians get no ammunition. Next week comes the M1 rifle and I can hardly wait to shoot it. I have had my eyes tested and am waiting to know if you can get my prescription for them at Alex. And send it to me as soon as you can. Also, I had one tooth pulled today and am to have four filled. They really take care of you here. Also, they have all equipment that is used by any Doctor. I know I won’t be able to go home this weekend for sure. We’re not allowed out of a range of 95 miles radius for a little while yet, and also I will be busy part time. Well I finally got K.P. I’ve been pretty lucky not to have received it sooner. Some had it the first week here. But anyway everyone will get a taste of it sooner or later for it is a regular routine for all trainees. You can probably imagine what it is like to wash dishes for 250 men each meal. And we scrub and dust everything after each meal, too. Instead of ketlles to cook on they 20

use 10 gal. boilers to make food in. There isn’t much else to say but I wanted to let you know for sure that I wouldn’t be home this week but hope it will be soon. Love, Leon

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Letter from Wilfred, dated Thursday (perhaps June) 8, 1944: Hi kid: Received your letter last week should have written sooner but I just can’t get around to do it. I wrote to the folks last night. I am get off starting July 1st that is if old Uncle Sam Don’t get me before I guess I will help somebody harvest out there. Will you e able to get leave to help harvest or not? I hear that you are the Bugler there. Now who in the hell gets you up, how do you like that part of it? I passed my physical and am in the Navy but haven’t heard fro them yet. My 21 days were up the 1st of June. I am working 1st shift now but am supposed to go back on 2nd shift Monday. I don’t know whether we will or not. It’s raining here tonight, had a little hail but not very much. I hope they don’t get any hail out home. What are you doing in this man’s army, why don’t you write and tell us? You were kind of lucky to get stationed so close to home, weren’t you? Leon, when did you get to Leavenworth? I was down there Wednesday night and they broadcast for you from 6:00 till 7:00 of the address system at the information building, then I didn’t have time Thursday because we were getting ready to come back. Well write and let us know what your are doing. and smoke bombs, besides bugling.

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Love, Wilfred, Vella and Max

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July 9, 1944 - Fort Riley, Kansas Dear Mom, Dad and Chester; I just got through blowing Reveille so I have some time to write. I’ve been plenty busy since we started school. We use signal flags, telephone switchboard, radio and flares and smoke bombs, besides bugling. I feel pretty good, I am the first one from our barracks to receive Regimental bugling. You must be able to play about 30 calls. Now I won’t have anymore K.P. detail work or guard duty. And I don’t mind it at all, either. I wish I could come home this week-end but I just couldn’t get off Saturday noon so there was no use trying. I would have liked to see Harold and Violet. You should have quite a bit of wheat cut by now. Is Slim helping cut or not? Isn’t driving the tractor pretty hard on you, Mom? How much is it making? You’ll have to excuse the mistakes I make for I have to make a call every once and a while. I’m in the guard house and I just have to walk across the street to make a call so it’s pretty easy. There’s a little brown and white dog here and we get along fine. Besides that there is a dog of every description here at camp. I guess I’ve told you I walked past Mickey Rooney and didn’t recognize him at first, haven’t I. 24

Is Harold going to help in the harvest? It will be swell if he can. I wish I could be back for harvest, it will be the first time I have missed one. I will try and come home next week end. Love, Leon

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July 24, 1944 - Fort Riley, Kansas Dear Folks, Well, I am a little slow writing letters but better late than never. We have been pretty busy as usual but I am enjoying it greatly, seems like something new is happening every day. I received a letter from Marvin and Virginia Friday and she said both her and Marvin were both working at midnight shift, but they like it. So you were looking for me Saturday now unless I send a telegram Saturday afternoon I won’t be able to get home. For we won’t know until the last day if we can go and they are not letting us at noon. And unless they do I can’t make bus connections. I suppose the harvest is pretty far along and I suppose it is very hard to work shorthanded as you have. Was all the wheat worth cutting; and what did it make, and acre? Is it pretty wet their yet? It rained here last night and was pretty wet for training, but that doesn’t stop us. Last week we shot the machine gun and it is the most fun of any so far. We shot 350 rounds a piece at targets. So you can see their not afraid of using shells here.

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By the way, do you have any tractor gas coupons that you could spare, about 50 gallons if you could? Our Lieutenant needs some extra gas and he can help out too sometime. Also, could you send me my extra plastic mouthpiece? I want to use my own here so I can keep it for my own on the bugle. We have been issued new plastic bugles and each one has one for his own use. You probably know Lee is stationed at Topeka now, and I plan to see him while he is still there. Dave Foos is at sea now. So my old buddies are slowly getting scattered over everywhere. I was glad to hear you had gotten my clothes back. What was the matter, was the address torn off? Was that Harold’s overcoat that Chester found in the café, and who had it? I’m bugling again tonight and tomorrow and I enjoy it very good. During the day I’m down at headquarters helping send messages and the like. They have all the big brass there and last week I spent the afternoon in the Major’s office answering his phone. Well must answer a few letters that I’m so much behind in. As ever, Leon P.S. Could you get those stamps to me before the week is over?

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August 2, 1944 - Fort Riley, Kansas Dear Mom, Dad and Chester; Sitting here listening to the radio in our barracks made me think of home. So here I am again. Just think only six weeks of my basic trining left to finish. It doesn’t seem possible that the time has flown so fast here. But it has. I know I’ve enjoyed the whole time, though. Next Monday we start riding horses and will have three weeks of such training. And then the last two weeks we go on bivouac, which is living under ordinary war conditions. For 2 weeks we sleep in our pup tents and lay on the hard ground. This is the hardest thing we have to undergo here. Tuesday we made a seven mile hike in two hours, but it wasn’t so hard. We have a nine and a fifteen mile hike yet to take. When we came back from our hike the other night we had 10 gallons of lemonade and doughnuts. Not bad! We always have plenty to eat. Next Saturday night the Troop is putting on a party and we have music and plenty to eat, so we will enjoy ourselves very much. I talked to Lee on the phone last week but I couldn’t make it up there to see him. I read in the news that his folks were there to see him, too. What day does Wilfred leave 29

and is he going into the Army? The paper said so. I suppose there is word being received back home about boys being injured over in Europe, but I guess it can’t be helped. John Andree sure went overseas fast, didn’t he? Well must close, so good bye for now. Always, Leon

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August 14, 1944 - Fort Riley, Kansas Dear Dad, Mom & Chester; Well I have a little time tonight before I go swimming. Our whole troop is going swimming and the transportation and everything is free. So we are all going and have a good time. We have been riding horses all week. The riding here is entirely different from what I have ever done and am learning a lot about it. We have been riding a half day all week and last week also and Friday we have a little jaunt all day long. We are going on our 13th week and only four more weeks after that and I will be through basic. Then a 10 day delay in route and then to a different camp. I don’t think I can make it home to see Harold. I would like to. Is he going to take special training there? Is the farm work about finished? Must close. Love, Leon

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August 16, 1944 - Fort Riley, Kansas Dear Folks, I just got through swimming again and I thought I better answer your letter right away and let you know how things stood for me getting home. I won’t be able to come home before I finish training. A Three day pass is out of the question here. So I guess I will just miss seeing Harold and Violet before they go. Is he taking his car and things with him? And how long will he be at that school? Well Dad how is the feed looking; are you going to sell the steers in September or when? They are a pretty good price now aren’t they? I suppose you have had enough rain to have plenty of grass. Did you take any cattle on the pasture; you could have, couldn’t you? So you had two oneways running; I bet you and Chester really covered the ground. How did the wheat turn out an acre or were the weeds pretty bad right at the last? You should see the horses we ride. All of them are swell and they are really trained well. We take jumps with them, go down slides on the creek and about everything imaginable. Friday we ride all day and next week we shoot pistols off of them on the run. That will really be fun I think. I’m running out

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of paper so will close for now. Love, Leon P.S. Emmy said you called her Saturday. What for, you don’t get along, do you?

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August 24, 1944 - Fort Riley, Kansas Dear Mom, Dad and Chester; Well I’m finding time again tonight to catch up on some of my writing. Which is pretty far behind as usual. We will be pretty busy till Monday getting ready to go out on bivouac and for the next two weeks we will live out of doors. It will be rough but we will make it. Last week we did a nine mile hike in the rain and made it in three hours. Last night we made a 12 mile hike in four hours; we don’t mind it too much but a few fell aout as usual. Was Harold and Violet home last week? I would have liked to make it home but it was impossible to do so. He leaves the 28th, doesn’t he? Did you know Lee was in Texas again. I never got to see him before he left. I would have liked to but, as usual, things never turn out the right way here. In at least three weeks and maybe four I will be home for ten days and then to another camp. I think I will go to Fort Riley for advanced horse training with the 129th cavalry. All the horsemen that have been shipping out are going there. I think it will be a good deal if I do for there is a good chance for advancement.

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Well Chester I will be home to practice and see how you are doing in football. You had better be good or else! If you don’t hear from me for about two weeks you will know where I am. You can still write. Love, Leon

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September 2, 1944 - Fort Riley, Kansas (Forest) Dear Folks, I’m sitting out side of my house, “my tent”, writing on my mess kit. We live out of that and eat on the run. We have gone to bed before 12:00 only once since we have been here. Riding horses half of the day and every other night a ride till 12:00, usually about 12 miles. We shot the pistol off the horses today and that finished our horse training here. Next week we will run combat problems under machine gun fire and others during the night. Our tents aren’t much protecting against rain but it helps a lot. And when we get up at 5:30 we usually stumble over our fox holes in the dark and run for the chow line. Tonight is the only moment I have had to write so far, but I 15 minutes w have to go to school until midnight. Is it still raining back home. I suppose the rain has made a mess of things hasn’t it? Well must close for now. Love, Leon P.S. I read in the paper Wilfred was in the hospital. Have you heard from him or Harold?

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September, 1944 - Fort Riley, Kansas (Sunday) Dear Folks, We were planning on shipping by Sat. but our orders were changed and I guess we will be here for 3 or 4 more days yet. But at least we are through training and no more guard duties or 15 mile hikes now. I received the money all right and was more than I really had to have but I’m satisfied. So you like living in town now? What do you have in the basement? I can hardly wait to see the house. Have you started drilling yet, Dad? I guess it’s about time isn’t it? Do you have a lot of feed to cut? I think I will be home in time to help cut it.—anyway, help with some of the drilling. I’ll be sure and send a telegram before I leave so don’t look for me until you see me. Love, Leon

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Fort Ord, California Leon lands next in Fort Ord. It was a U.S. Army post on Monterey Bay in California. It was established in 1917 as a maneuver area and field artillery target range and was closed in September 1994. Fort Ord was one of the most attractive locations of any U.S. Army post, because of its proximity to the beach and California weather. The 7th Infantry Division (Light) was its main resident for many years. In 1940 the reservation, known as Camp Ord in honor of Maj. Gen. Edward Ord, a Union Army leader during the American Civil War who also served in the Second Seminole War and Indian Wars, was expanded to 20,000 acres (81 km²). In August 1940, it was redesignated a Fort and the 7th Infantry Division was reactivated, becoming the first major unit to occupy the post.4

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http://en.wikipedia.org/

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The Barracks at Fort Ord, Circa 1940 – Fig. 7

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The Service Club, Circa 1940 – Fig. 8

The Canteen at Fort Ord, ca. 1940 – Fig. 9

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The Soldiers Club at Fort Ord, ca. 1940 – Fig. 105

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Photos 7, 8, 9 & 10 courtesy of http://www.crswann.com/

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August 6, 1944* - Fort Ord, California Dear Mom, Dad and Chester; Boy is the country swell out here. The air is so fresh and the mountains so beautiful, but most of all the ocean. A Red Cross buss took us over to the town of Frisco, through the 1,000 acre Golden Gate Park, along the beach. There we watched the waves come in and the ships put to sea. Then afterwards I and another kid walked through China Town, went into the stores and saw their fish markets (I don’t think I like fish any more), also they have live chickens and pigeons under their grocery store counters. Also we went along the ship yards and saw them loading them with cargo and repairing them in the docks. When you ever come to California be sure and come through the Sacramento Valley. The scenery can’t be expressed in words, although we came through at night and could see it only by moonlight. Here from camp we can look out and see the ocean. We’re surrounded by mountains on all sides ant the sea from the other. We were in one barracks where 11 44

Chinese, all which had been wounded and with Purple Heart awards slept. But they are now in our regular barracks where we will stay. Tomorrow we will probably get some more of our shots, at least the ones that need them. Then we will start training again. I think I’m going to like if fine here. For one reason they have Hollywood entertainers here once a week and maybe I can see Betty Grable. Well must close for now. Love, Leon * The letter is dated “Aug. 6, 44 Ft Ord” but clearly Leon was still in Fort Riley, KS riding horses in August. My guess is that rather than being transferred to another camp at Riley for advanced horse training as he indicated in his letter of Aug. 24 he was instead transferred to Ord.

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October 5, 1944 - Fort Ord, California Dear Mom, Dad and Chester, I imagine your are wondering why I haven’t written any sooner. Well I had the metal taken out of my finger. And a day after our Company was alerted. The night before we shipped I was taken off the list on the account of no one was supposed to go out of the states like that. Now for about two weeks I have been laying, doing nothing but mow the lawn and clean up the barracks. Pretty easy life? Well I have something on you now, I am the first one to see Lloyd. I went up to Gowdy’s this last weekend and got there about midnight. When Loren came out open the door he knew who it was right away. They sure have a swell house. Just a new one with a garage on one side and some chickens in the back yard. All the houses around there are new and it sure is a pretty part of town. Aunt Clara made some pan cakes for us before we went to bed which was about 2:00. They sure humor Lloyd. He’s getting so he can walk some and can say a few words. He looks like Loren. Sunday we drove over to Oakland and over the Oakland bridge, through Frisco and 46

on down south to where they use to live. Also, we went by the Kaiser shipyards. Violet told me that they would be back home the last of November, back to Hutchinson. I read in the paper that John Andree was wounded. It must not be serious. And Harold M has turned up a prisoner. I bet Charley is really happy. Well I guess this winds up most of the news for now. Love, Leon P.S. Mom you don’t want to miss hearing your future pres. Speak. P.S.S. My bonds have been cut out.

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October 22, 1944 - Fort Ord, California Dear Mom, Dad and Chester, This Sunday afternoon it is so foggy we can hardly see a thing out. The fog usually goes away before noon but it is staying on all day today. Say did you ever receive more than one bond of mine, I should have about $50.00 worth coming for my four months in Riley. If I haven’t, write in to the Red Cross and tell them about it. I was having $12.25 taken out each month. Since I have been here it has been cut out. We have not been doing much more than we did in Ft. Riley here, only a lot more training on weapons. We’ve shot the rifle again for record and I made about 15 points higher score. And we have shot the Tommy gun and the automatic rifle and some Japanese guns. Then also we have been running problems out in the mountains in the sand hills and that is all it is. And, of course, we have all kinds of entertainment, two theaters and a large auditorium large enough for 5 basketball courts. They have basketball equipment, boxing, fencing, wrestling mats and about every thing but a football field.

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I and Louis P. are going to town and play some basketball tomorrow. There is to be some Hollywood entertainers at the Soldiers club tonight so we will be there, of course. And Tuesday night Freddy Martin’s orchestra plays in Monterey, which is only six miles south of here. I finally found me the kind of watch I wanted. It is waterproof, shockproof and has a luminous dial. It cost $50 but they didn’t have any here at the Fort so I bought it in town. Did you sell all of the cattle or are you going to? And I suppose you have the house fixed up pretty good by now, Mom? Have you fixed the motor on the washing machine and also the clutch on the Buick? Well if you answer all the questions that will almost fill a letter. So must close for now. Love, Leon P.S. I got a letter from Wilfred this week.

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December 5, 1944 - Fort Ord, California Dear Dad, I was a little surprised to hear from you so soon. So keep it up, once in awhile anyway. I like surprises. Was really glad to hear everything is in such good shape. You must be having quite a bit of moisture, to have the wheat along so well. I suppose the cattle may be some extra work but the money will come in pretty good each month. What did you have to do to get the Buick back in shape? Well I suppose it is getting cold out there now. It is even plenty cold out here and Calif. It’s supposed to be warm the year around—so they said. We have been training pretty regular for about two weeks. Thursday night we moved out with full field pack and marched around an over, it seemed like, the biggest mountains in the U.S. And we got into our bedding grounds at 3:30 in the morning. It was a long march and pretty rough for most of them. I guess my farm life has helped me a lot in that way. We rested all day Friday in the rain and Sat. morning before dawn we made a 50

simulated attack on a German town. By the way, we captured it, too (there was no population present). We saw a few deer and they seem awfully tame. They stood and watched us at about 50 yards. Sure was inviting. I think I will spend my vacation in Calif. after the war and hunt and fish for about a month. I always enjoyed doing that better than anything I guess. When I first got out here to Calif. It was still dry but through the latter part of Oct. through Dec. it starts raining and now everything is green—grass on the mountain sides and the trees green with plenty of quail in the bushes. Last week I saw General Stillwell. We marched past him in a parade. He looks quite the same as he does in his pictures, maybe a little older. Tomorrow night we are going to see Kay Keyser and his Hollywood Band at the Service Club here. He will also broad cast over the NBC network there too. This I think is enough for now. Love, Leon

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China, Burma, India Theater Leon ships out just before the Christmas of 1944. His destination is India. The 1942 campaign for Burma had been a disaster for the Allied forces. Then Lieutenant General Joseph W. Stilwell remarked, “We got run out of Burma and it is humiliating as hell. I think we ought to find out what caused it, go back and retake it.” Stilwell led the Allies back in early 1944, and over the course of the next year he defeated the Japanese Army in northern Burma. They overcame fierce Japanese resistance, dense jungles and steep mountains, brutal tropical weather governed by the monsoon rains, to drive the Japanese out and open a land supply route to China. Never in the Burma battles did U.S. infantry soldiers number more than four thousand, but they proved hard fighters and were critical to the campaign's success. Operations began with the 5307th Composite Unit, “Merrill's Marauders”, from January 1944 until its demise as an effective unit following the siege of Myitkyina in August 1944. Soon after, another U.S. long-range penetration group formed, the Mars Task Force, of which Leon played a part. This force was activated in Burma and assigned to the Northern Combat Area Command and was

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composed of the 124th Calvary Regt, 475th Infantry Regt, Chinese 1st Separate Regt, 612th and 613th Field Artillery Battalions which were assembled near Mong Wi Burma and attacked the Burma Road in the Namhpakka area commencing January 17, 1945. They finished the campaign to forge a linkup with allied China by infiltrating miles behind Japanese positions to establish blocks and ambushes on jungle trials. The U.S. units disrupted Japanese attempts to supply and reinforce the battlefield. Usually fighting as battalions, the U.S. incursions often met with savage Japanese counterattacks. They fought at Loi-kang Ridge and seized Hpa-pen area heights on February 2, 1945. They were moved to China by air in May 1945 where they were inactivated later that month.6

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Vinegar Joe's War: Stilwell's Campaigns for Burma by Nathan Prefer

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Force

CBI Theater

Mars Task

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Leon -- 1945

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Map of Burma showing the Ledo Road

Mars Task Force mule skinners plod through the hills toward the Burma Road, January 1945 (courtesy of cbi-theater-8.home.comcast.net).

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December 23, 1944 - At Sea Dear Mom, Dad and Chester, I don’t suppose you will get this letter for about days but you will hear from me as soon as can be expected. Everything is pretty crammed on this boat but I am getting accustomed to the life. There is nothing to do but eat and sleep. I have been singing in a choir that has been getting ready for Christmas, which is a day after tomorrow and I guess we will entertain the people on that day. In a couple of days we will cross the Equator. We will be deep in the before we finish our trip. Love, Leon

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WWII Troop Transport Ship (Stock Photo)

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January, 1945 - India Dear Mom, Dad and Chester, Well I will attempt to write a real letter now since I’m on the good old earth again. I know you are wondering where I am now. Well I can tell you only that I’m somewhere in India. I never in my life saw so many beggars as these natives here or rather Indians. It is plenty hot here in the day time and at night two blankets isn’t enough to keep warm. I received my mail today, all in one pile (20 letters). Your last letter was mailed Jan. 1st but no Christmas Packages yet. Chester, I’m sorry about your present, I thought I put your card on the little bag. It was to carry your basket ball clothes in. And the gum was for everyone. Clara never told me where Leland is, only that he was on a little rock island. So Joe R. is going over seas already is he? He is getting right along isn’t he? Mom, I’m sorry to hear you and Dad have been sick but you’ll hurry up and get well. I haven’t even had a cold in the Army, let alone being sick. I guess I have it over you, don’t I? Ha. I have a picture I drew out on some old 60

paper it isn’t very good though. I’ll send it to you. Has it been snowing much back home? I suppose it is pretty cold right now. But it is probably warm with the furnace in the house this year. I am going to start sending money home so if you need it use it and put the rest in the bank. The money here is Rupees and Anna’s. The Ruppee is the Indian dollar. So long now. Love, Leon

Leon is in the middle of this photo outside the American Red Cross Club, The Wolve’s Den, in India.

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January 1945 - India Dear Mom, Dad and Chester, Well I have a little time tonight, so will try and say a little and also answer your questions. The last group of questions I will answer is from your last letter mailed on the 19 Dec so go accordingly. 1. A military secret. 2. No, I wasn’t seasick at all. 3. 4. Everyone gets acquainted in the Army, although my buddy is a kid from St. Louis. He was football captain, quarterback and signall caller in his senior year, also, he was crowned king in his high school. And he has played 4 years of basketball too. His name is Conrad Gramm. 5. 6. 7. I sent the card the day I left. 8. I get $10.00 extra as soon as I left the states. You may know I am somewhere on the Lido Road. I’ve seen India and . I’m getting around a little. 1. You know by now

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2. Yes 3. Yes 4. Are you kidding about vegetation? Here are the densest jungles in the world. Why? 400” of rainfall in three months. I saw an elephant on our hike today. 5. It is not definite yet but will be small ones probably. 6. 7. Not as yet. 8. That can be answered this. Twenty mile hikes each day up the mountainous jungle with full jungle pack. 9. Considering modern times, only a few hours. 10.Military secret. That finished the questions. I’m glad you sent me Lee’s letter. His letters have never caught up with him the telegram the night I went to Gowdy’s. He had left the day before. There sure aren’t many boy’s left back home and even my high school girls are getting married or engaged! I haven’t received any Christmas presents as yet. Can never tell when they will get here. I will have to close for now and go to the 63

show in a few minutes. Love, Leon P.S. We have an open air theater

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January 1945 - India Dear Harold & Violet, Well I have the time or rather the opportunity to write again. I am trying to answer all my letters today since this is the first time I have received my mail since I left the states. I haven’t gotten any Christmas presents here yet so I expect I will have to celebrate during the Summer when I get them. I have really traveled a lot now. I have seen the Indian natives here in India. It is quite true that they wear sheets but those are the most fortunate ones, the others wear rags and anything they can find. Harold, do you know when or where you will go when you leave Hutch? There isn’t a lot to say this time. But there are a lot of jackals that come right up the camp here. I’ve seen one cobra so far but it was in the possession of a native. I hope they keep all of them with them for I wouldn’t want to find one in my bed. Leon

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February 27, 1945 - Burma Dear Folks, Since I have been traveling so much my mail doesn’t catch up with me very good. But soon it should start coming in regular. Anyway, I hope. There isn’t a lot to say here. We never go anywhere because there isn’t anywhere to go. We have walked three miles down the valley to a movie, in the open though. Then we go hunting in the afternoon. There is deer and water buffalo to hunt if you want to. Hardly any work at the present so we have to do something to keep busy. It will be about twenty days before the monsoon season sets in. I don’t think I will like that. I just got off guard duty and of all times I’m writing at night, by candlelight, using a table made from bamboo made by “yours truly”. Say, would you be able to send some cookies, cake, candy, anything like that? We don’t have any of those luxuries here. Even Red Cross stationary is hard to get and I would enjoy the Life or Colliers once in awhile. They don’t have things like that, either. Of course, I don’t want you to get the idea it’s bad. It’s just such a transportation problem to get those unneeded things in.

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I’m sending you a piece of Jap invasion money. It is worthless but a good souvenir though and a Jap soldier’s snapshot I picked up by one of the foxholes here. This is on the latest battle grounds here. I was too late for that, though. I was lucky I guess. Anyway all is fine, I’m getting a little fat. I’m having a good time with the boys here. Well this is about all I can think of right now, so don’t worry. Love, Leon P.S. The ½ pound note I got in Australia, also Jap postcard.

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March 5, 1945 - Burma Dear Folks, I don’t get around to writing and then not very much, after all, there isn’t much to write of anyway. Everything is fine and the weather is a lot like California at the present. We go swimming everyday here and I’m really getting a sun tan, almost like a native. I’m in a different place in Burma now and we have to build our own huts. Each is 16 ft. square and made of bamboo and straw. There are six men in ours and our Sergeant, Dan O’Brien. Love, Leon

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March 30, 1945 - Burma Dear Mom, Dad & Chester, We just had mail call and I got another stack of mail and by your letters you have heard from me since I was in . From we flew over to . From there we marched to . I’m not with the message center anymore for all that training I had in Fort Riley it didn’t do me any good. I’m now in charge of automatic weapons. I think I will like it, too. I saw the show, “Since You Went Away” back in the States. I thought it was a swell show, too. We went to a show last night, it was “Rhapsody In Blue” and tomorrow “See Here Private Hargrove” is showing. I have seen both shows before. I’m sorry that I can’t answer all of your questions but some of them can be. We are out of the jungles now. I’m along the Burma Road. I have seen Bombay and Calcutta, both. Yes, we have regular food and we wear steel helmets part of the time. I weigh about 180 lbs and we shave every day and wash in the river. I don’t have any way of getting a picture for no one has a camera. I can’t get any real good Indian shawls now but some day I will.

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As for the requests, here are a lot: 1. Two pocket notebooks or large address books. 2. A pen and ink. 3. Some lead for a pencil and erasers. 4. A world map and some smaller maps in detail. 5. Stationary, envelopes—put a few in each letter you send me. And most of all send cookies, chocolates, hard candy, or anything to eat for that is what one likes best of all. Love, Leon P.S. Could you try and get a good camera. I don’t care if it costs $35.00

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March 1945 - Burma Dear Folks, Just a line to let you know everything is going fine. As you notice I am using this stationary you sent me so you should like it. I saw a little tiger cub the other day , weighed 30 lbs., just a kitten! It was tame but played kind of rough. Has Harold found out any thing yet? And is Wilfred still in Farragut (Idaho)? It rained almost all day here but is not too cool.. I haven’t gotten only one letter from Lee Dale since I last heard from him. He was on the boat at that time. Please send me the news from the kids back home. I don’t think the “News” is allowed overseas. Lots of love, Leon

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Canal – Burma (photo, Leon R. Hunt)

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Pack Mule – Ledo Road, Burma (photo, Leon R. Hunt)

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Troops – Burma (photo, Leon R. Hunt)

Troops – Burma (photo, Leon R. Hunt)

Troops – Burma (photo, Leon R. Hunt)

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Leon -- Burma

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November 2, 1945 - Kharagpur, India Dear Folks, Well here I am back in India again. We flew from Kun Ming the 30th of October in a C54, the largest transport there is. In 5 ½ hours we were over Calcutta. We are on our way home and it hardly seems possible. Of course, we won’t get on the boat for awhile but we know we will eventually. When we leave here we will go to New York by ship through the Indian Ocean, Suez Canal and the Atlantic Ocean. Then I can say I have really been around the world. I suppose Harold is home now and maybe he will get a discharge right away. I haven’t enough points to get discharged from the Army so I don’t know just what the deal will be but I hope to be able to make it home by Christmas (I’ve 40 points). Have you ever received the negatives I sent you yet? Also, I sent a Jap rifle, Chinese pistol and knife before I left China. I’m hoping to get a 3 day pass into Calcutta before long and see some of the famous sights. When we came through before we were in a hurry so we never saw any sites. Must close. Love, Leon

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The Marine Panther (Leon’s Ship) Facts about the Marine Panther: The Marine Panther is an East Coast C-4, 520 ft. long with gross tonnage of 11,708 tons. Her beam is 71 ft. 6 in. Te Panther was built at Chester, Pennsylvania in 1944. Her average speed is 17.46 knots and she makes 420 miles per day. This trip started from Calcutta, India May 6, 1946 when 940 C.B.I. personnel boarded. Our final destination is San Francisco. We are taking a great circle route from Manila to the East Coast of Japan, where we will take a modified great circle route to San Francisco. The trip will take approximately 15 days depending on the weather. General Randall

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S. S. Marine Panther – Arriving in San Francisco from Calcutta, India Via Manila, Philippines June 3, 1946

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Leon and friend on voyage home 1946

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March 14, 1948 - Artesia, California Dear Mom and Dad, I am really ashamed of not writing sooner but I just didn’t. How is everyone since you’ve had the snow storm? Is it pretty cold? I suppose it is but the Kansas March weather for you. It rained here today; it was certainly needed. You have probably heard about the drey weather California has had this year. What is everyone doing now? How is Gowdy’s restaurant making out? You said Betty was down one Saturday, how did she come down? What did she have to say on the telephone? What is Leland’s address, is it Ellenwood? Those are a lot of questions but you didn’t say in your last letter. I and Chester went down to L.A. and saw the Freedom Train. It was so crowded we couldn’t get in though. I haven’t started flying yet because my records have not been transferred as yet. I’ve taken Marvid and Terry up a few times though. I’m improving my sales in Stanley a little each week. I certainly like the work. I don’t know of anything I would rater do unless it is flying. We were over to Marvin’s today. Every Sunday we usually go there and a few times between. I’ve got some more letters to write so

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must close. Love, Leon & Chester P.S. Dad, we were glad to get your letter. Try it again.

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Closing images…

Leon R. Hunt, ca. 1925

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Leon R. Hunt and Beth Carroll Wedding -- 1949

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Dear Dad, Thanks for writing! Love, Doug, Steve, Roger, Kathi And the grandchildren and greatgrandchildren and so on and so on…

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