I spent the afternoon with Vulcanos. I am gradually realizing what big things all the little things in our life really mean to me. Mamma was fitting a dress on Luliano and the sight of the pins, unhemmed skirt, and the effort to stand in a normal way brought back a wave of memories starting with the time I saw fittings in Washington and [illegible] when I found skirts for you & Maggs.
I had a charcoal sketch made of me today and gave it to Vulcanos. You have never seen people so appreciative. I am “un amico de casa” which is a little closer than a relative. Darn it, it is taking out a lot of the hard steel that war puts into a man. I damn near bawl when I leave, for Rita, the 14 year old girl, always puts on my scarf, holds my coat, and turns up my collar if it is a cold night. Guess what other little girl that reminds me of!
Augusta is exactly like Chuck was at 12 and just as spoiled.
I’ll be damned. OM just phoned and I’m back on the Group Staff!!! It’s a prelude to a transfer. I’m apparently headed for a higher staff. It’s all very confusing.
What a life. Your little boy is very lucky. Last night, while coming home from dinner on board with Howard Cadigan (RN* friend of mine), my driver went to sleep. Fortunately, I had him driving on 20 mph as I always do at night. Aside from a few minor bruises and 1 scratch each, no damage was done, that is to us. The jeep is a wash-out. There was an American outfit a mile down the road, and their doc gave me a complete check-up, and could find nothing. I saw Vulcanos for 10 minutes today, and they were most solicitous. They made me promise I wouldn’t tell you for fear you would worry! Well, we can both laugh at it now, as I have a bruise on each cheek, and I don’t mean of my face.
You should hear Howard tell jokes from the deep South! His negro accent isn’t bad. He’s a bit Irish and has a keen sense of humor.
The enclosure is a nice piece of eyewash. It is an extract from the order which awards it to me. I only hope the last sentence has been true for that is my aim. That’s the flight for which I received the “wing & a prayer” write-up in the news. I also have my second Air Medal Cluster—so what.
I had another long talk with Bob Paul yesterday. He will not take a stand but I feel that he wants me to quit trying to accomplish anything before I get hurt. I can’t agree with him even if he sincerely has my well-being at heart. For the time being, I shall sit and wait. I’m on OS and shall attempt to stay here until my promotion either bounces or comes through. After that, I shall ask for a bathe of leave and then see what cooks. I’m getting a nice rest and am about ready to start all over.
We’re listening to “Axis Sally.”** She’s a hell of a good announcer and plays only the best—the best jive. The propaganda she puts out is good but not good enough to fool anybody. Back in Africa the men were so pleased to hear an “American” voice (female) that what she said didn’t enter into it.
Damn it, listening to good dance music makes me so damn homesick for my little ol’ wife. It sure would be nice to have a handful of Little Martha, all decked up in an evening gown, with a flower in her hair, with a good floor and good music.
I just called Burt and told him about the wreck so he wouldn’t worry if he heard any wild stories. He looks after me like a Mother, in a not obnoxious way. He’s excellent.
I’m asking Mom Huntoon to send me a subscription to GE News for a year and send you the bill. Don’t let her forget it.
And don’t forget I just love hell out of you, Snooks, no matter whether I accomplish anything here or not. Your Cy.
Just got a letter from John. He figures maybe he will get sea duty one of these days. That might be an interesting baby to raise the last half of the year.
Why don’t you let Beverly eat shells? You’re mean! They’re probably good for her, calcium etc. Snails are good too.
I’m looking forward to the color pictures. They are so much more life-like than the black & white.
The jungle cruises sound interesting. You should also take a bus over the Tamiami trail—maybe see George & Katherine, as well as on down to Key West. Something you’ll love, and do it, is go to Pan-American’s Miami Terminal & see the big flying boats come in.
Pan American Miami Terminal
We listened to radio Budapest tonight. I hope we can cover all this country someday. I’ve learned that only real lesson in enjoying travel—enjoy trying to speak the language and don’t be embarrassed. A foreigner will treat you wonderfully if you try to understand him and his country.
I’m going to ask Dad to get me some ribbons soon. Write to him and tell him where to get them made up. The last ones were well done.
Author’s note on the history of the 12th Air Force, XII Bomber Command, which included the 47th Bombardment Group. From Wikipedia: “XII Bomber Command was constituted on 26 February 1942 and activated on 13 March at MacDill AAF Florida. It was assigned to Twelfth Air Force in August and transferred, without personnel and equipment, to High Wycombe England where the command was re-formed. XII Bomber Command was moved to Tafaraoui, Algeria on 22 November 1942 as part of the Operation Torch landings in North Africa.
XII Bomber Command served in combat in the Mediterranean theater until 1 November 1943 when most of the personnel were withdrawn. The command was restaffed in January 1944 and served in combat until 1 March. It was disbanded in Corsica on 10 June 1944.” This would appear to explain why Cy was being shuffled about to various HQ posts in 1944.
6/19/44: The U.S. defeats the Japanese in The Battle of the Philippine Sea, resulting in enemy losses of some 400 planes and three air craft carriers.
6/24/44, Italy
Honey:
What a thrill! When I got home here I found that I had about a dozen letters from you. I shall go through them and answer all of your questions as they come up.
The trip to see Gerrity’s should be a good deal, although Washington sounds not too good for Huntoons. Maybe so.
After I wrote about the belt for the blouse, I finally got the cleaner to find the old one. So you can scratch that off the list.
The crystal sounds swell. I certainly am going to have a hell of a lot of things to see when I finally get there. Don’t forget I haven’t even seen your engagement ring yet!
Glad to hear Mammy is up and about again.
I got a nice letter from Chocolate when I got back here. He seems pretty well satisfied with the deal, and says Mary approves of my selection as well.
OH BOY! Hang on to that bottle of Scotch! I ain’t had some for some time. It means a hangover, but it will be well worth it. The liquor at school was drinkable, but not very, so I stayed rather sober.
Ernie Pyle’s books are good. Also, get a hold of any books on Bill Mauldin’s cartoons that you can. They are very typical of front line life.
Be damn sure Chuck gets his high school diploma. The war isn’t important enough to interrupt that just now.
Why don’t you let Chuck teach you to jitterbug? Then you can teach me? Should be good exercise.
The enclosed snap was taken while I was on leave a couple of months ago. As you can plainly see, although the camera is in focus, the eyes are not. Who says French beer isn’t intoxicating.
What is the “cauterization” you mention. Haven’t heard anything about that before? That is something they do when you’ve been bitten by a mad dog. Gosh, honey, I didn’t know I’d ever bitten you that hard!
Your tan sure does show up in the photos. Wish I could get a good look at it.
As per your request, please send me the Terman on Radio Engineering.
The colors of the thread won’t make a hell of a lot of difference over here. The reason John probably bought all new clothes was that things are that molto chic in Italy would be like something just in from the country over there. My pants are at least 5 inches above the tops of my shoes, but I’m not embarrassed for everyone else is in the same shape. I’ll try to fix them this week.
I hope I never get any draftees like Chick Buell!
This time I shall try to keep the Wacs out of the Bazaar. I guess that the other one did enough good, though, that it was worth it. These gals are totally unnecessary over here, but are doing a good job anyhow. The men they relieve have to be put on guard around their quarters!
So you’re back in the restaurant business. I can see what you mean, as that is why I left home.
Well, that answers all the questions. Now for the poop.
The school trip was quite the stuff. I got stuck in the first stop out of here and couldn’t get a plane for 9 days. As I only had four until the school started, I got on the phone and made some calls. As usual, the South Africans came to my rescue, and gave me a ride all of the way, although I had a two day lay-over before the plane left.
RAF Rescue Launch
The first evening I spent on board an RAF rescue launch. The radio was out, and I ended up quite dirty, but happy. The next evening, the Royal Navy sank me in the wardroom of one of the destroyers. The doc and chief engineer, Aussie and English respectively, had a great deal in common with yours truly, and we talked until dawn. At that time I had to walk over a railroad bridge 30 feet above the water and then for 3 miles to the hotel. I made it in time for breakfast and a rush trip to the airport.
The first night out was spent in a city in the middle of no place, which I was lead to believe was about like some of the towns we saw in Tampa, Florida. I wrote a letter from there and I hope it got through ok.*
The people at the school were fine. I seem to get along quite well with the British, probably because my patriotism is not the blind type which says “my country right or wrong.” I was asked to give several lectures in the course, and excused from many others.
While there, I lived in a hotel which is top notch, but about what I would call 2nd rate in Iowa. Things were rather expensive, so I didn’t do much sightseeing. Anyhow, I am a lousy tourist. I met quite a few people from parts of the world I never expect to see but may. They are all the same the world over.
Laugh this one off. Every time I show your picture, people refuse to believe we are married, only engaged, as they say we are both too young to be married for four years.
I had dinner every night with some of the people attending the school, and got a great deal out of these associations. I met people who had worked in all sorts of capacities, as well as from all over the world. I learned much more both technically and otherwise from these people than from the school.
Our troops down there are lousy. They spend all their time worrying about making people think they are fighting a war. It is strict hooey. Some of the convoys we’ve been guarding have been carrying beer (6 bots per week) to the poor Cairo Commando Corps to keep up their morale. It is disgusting.
On my way back, I got routed past Gozland’s home and spent a day there. The packages had just arrived the day before, and Gab hadn’t taken them over. Honey, you should have seen them. Rita almost cried when she found her gadget too small, but was able to fix it the next day. It is exquisite. Marcel struts around like he owned the place (which he does). And Mama just didn’t say anything at all. She didn’t have to, as looks gave her away. That night we visited some friends of theirs and they talked of nothing else but their presents.
The next stop landed me at Vulcanos! Of course, all of this was purely accidental! They remembered it was our anniversary, and got me so tight by 10 a.m. that I had to call up and cancel my reservation until the next day. It helped a lot not to have to sit and think about spending our second anniversary apart. Darling, if it takes a bust to shavetail, we’ll spend the next one together. And I hope that goes for birthdays and Christmas too, although the latter may be a bit too optimistic.
When I got here, I found great gobs of mail, as well as the photo album. I spend about an hour working on it, and believe it will be filled before I finish. I may have to ask for another one. I have only thrown out about half a dozen of the pictures you’ve sent, and that means that there are a hell of a lot of them for the book. I’m putting in some of the stuff over here which I don’t think would pass the censors.
I’m sending my watch home as it has about had it. If possible, get a new stem, crystal, mainspring, and balance spring put on. Also, I want a new face on it with round dial (instead of octagon) for both minute and second hand. I want plain black numbers on a white background. Then send it on back. I bought a watch in Cairo which is quite good, as it only lost 11 seconds in two weeks, but it seems to have stopped now. It is being worked on and should be ok.
Honey, I went all over the place and I couldn’t find a thing there that we would have in our house. I think most of the things I’ve gotten so far are pretty nice, and I don’t want a piece of junk laying around just because I was in that city. Maybe after the war we can find something typical of the place. I went down there prepared to get something, but there wasn’t anything worth buying.
Honey, that is all I can think of now. How’s the apartment hunting coming out? Wish I could help you. This will be the first one I haven’t had a hand in.
It’s been so long since I’ve seen you, that I’ll probably have to make love to you and propose to you all over again when I get home. In any case, be prepared to be propositioned damned soon after that happens.
Love is scarcely adequate for the way I adore you, Cy.
*This letter was not found in the collection my dad received from Marty.
Author’s note: I found it fascinating that after not writing for two weeks, and the Normandy invasion having taken place–so it was not a secret, and yet there is no mention of it whatsoever. I would have expected a comment like “So did anything exciting happen while I was away?”
The pics came today and are the best I have ever seen of you. I feel almost as if you were right here with me. The one you sent for our anniversary will make my life a much more pleasant one. For goodness sake! I generally don’t like cameos, but they certainly look well on you. Had I had a good profile pic of you, I would have had the brooch pin made from it.
Martha Stafford 1944
The one you thought looked most natural definitely is. Your expression is very much like Clazy Kims—man’s in it. The one you thought was “posed” looks like you when you’re trying to get me to go to a serious show when the Marx Bros. are playing someplace else near. The other full length is almost as good as the anniversary one. Tooth paste ad is not bad, but don’t go applying for a job. I know of what these lads are thinking when they see such ads!!! Honey, I like the serious one too, for that is as much a part of you as that little laugh that sounds so much like tine crystal rods being blown about by a spring breeze.
Incidentally, your hair is lovely angel. I like the one you thought most natural the best. How about 8×10 of same PLEASE.
I shall try to answer your multitude of letters.
On the furniture, here is the deal. I wrote a V-mail on it, but shall elaborate. Suppose at the end of next month you have:
$700 in Savings #1
$800 in Savings#2
$400 in checking account (before allotment arrives)
A week later, suppose I send $300. Split it as follows:
$100 to checking (giving $500 end of month level to which allotment is added)
$100 to each of savings.
Now when checking account stands always between $500 (at end) and $675 (at start of month when allotment is in, and when there is at least $1000 in each checking [savings] account, suppose I send $300 again. When above conditions have been fulfilled, split as follows:
$150 for furniture.
$75 to Savings #1
$75 to Savings #2
Keep this up, and by end of year’s time, we will have roughly $1600 worth of furniture.
In margin: (Temiente Francesco Vulcano, 20 Via Callebrette, Napoli, Italia
I was sober in picture—bottle is Frascati Vino. (Put other stuff in scrap-book.)
Cy Stafford, July 1944 (Left)
Buy it piece by piece (or save until you can buy a set) and don’t buy it on time. If you do, you will finish very shortly, and I’m sure having a small purchase to make each month will help pass the time. Also, it will cost 20% more on time.
The reason I am so insistent about the $2000 minimum savings and $500 cash is that the $500 will tide us over for 2 months and the $2000 cover the rest of the year of school. Then our bonds can be left alone to mature at a nice interest rate. Please don’t cross me up on this honey.
Hey! I want 3 things: a good mantel piece clock with pendulum (no birds popping out—only very soft chime or bell on the hour only—or possibly no noise at all would be best, a chair and stool and a chiffonier. [see drawings from letter]
Also, on the davenport, if it is a bed gadget be sure it has a back and is not like that damn thing of Mother’s.
Back to the letter. I shall be more than pleased to teach you how to sleep 2 in a bed. And how!
Let’s forget Burt, and remember him as we do Gus Heiss.
The enclosure from Gozlands is self explanatory*. Rita did fix her gadget so it fit beautifully.
Tell Mother I haven’t learned to drink over here—I knew how a long time ago.
Saw “Goin My Way” the night before your letter recommending it. It was good.
On the watch, start it through the mill and I will yell when I need it.
Forget the magazines as it is exceedingly difficult to get to see Vulcano now, and by the time they arrived we may be miles away. Why not send them direct to them. Mails are now open, I think.
Toots, that’s about it. I’m still gloating over the pictures.
All my love forever. Cy
P.S. Use “HQ 12AF” until further notice. It may delay it a day, but is sure.
*Letter from Rita Gozland:
7/13/44 Tunis
From: Rita Gozland
To: Cy
My dear Cyrus:
I want you to know that we have not yet gotten over the lovely surprise you had given us all on your last small visit. Too bad you could not remain a few days as usually and have us spoil you a bit as you deserve. Marcel scolded me for not keeping you by force, but I explained that duty called you. Do please send your lovely little wife this note, so she can read by herself how much we think of her dear Cyrus. Also do thank her for the trouble she took shopping and choosing everything with such exquisite taste. One would know by looking at her photograph that she is dainty and artistic in her tastes.
I hope you are happy in good shape and that your trip was of good use to you.
Here nothing new, so far our papers have not come from Washington permitting us to return home to dear old U.S.A.
Perhaps there I shall have the pleasure of meeting Mrs. Stafford as I surely mean to go places once home and cured as I hope to be. Here very little improvement in my health. I’m just waiting patiently till I’ll get back where all is marvelous and true.
HERE I AM BACK AT THE OLD HEADQUARTERS [NAPLES] ON A TRIP. I HAVE HAD A LOT OF TRAVELING TO DO RECENTLY AND MY LITTLE AIR MATTRESS SURE LOOKS BETTER THAN THE SORT OF ACCOMMODATIONS PROVIDED FOR TRANSIENT OFFICERS—A COT AND ONE BLANKET.
I HAD DINNER WITH THE VULCANOS A COUPLE OF NIGHTS AGO. I HADN’T SEEN POP FOR SIX MONTHS, AS EVERY TIME HE GOT TO TOWN, I COULDN’T. WHEN HE CAME IN, PUPA’S FIANCE WAS ALSO THERE, BUT POP DIDN’T EVEN SEE HIM. HE CAME OVER AND WE HAD A LONG BULL SESSION. MOMMA EVENTUALLY TAPPED HIM ON THE SHOULDER AND WHISPERED TO HIM THAT IT WAS ABOUT TIME HE SPOKE WITH THE YOUNG HOPEFUL, SO HE DID—SAID “HELLO,” AND STARTED IN WHERE HE HAD LEFT OFF. THE GIRLS, WHO DIDN’T CARE FOR THE ONE AND ONLY, WERE QUITE AMUSED.
JOHNNY HULL, ONE OF THE MAJORS I’VE WORKED WITH ONCE IN A WHILE, IS ON HIS WAY HOME. HE IS GOING TO TRY TO CALL YOU, BUT SINCE HE WON’T GET MUCH CLOSER THAN TO CHICAGO THAN NEW YORK, HE MAY NOT BE ABLE TO GET THROUGH.
MY POSITION SEEMS TO BE VERY SOLID ALL AROUND. DUE PROBABLY TO MY OWN BIG MOUTH, AS I HAVEN’T DONE ENOUGH WORK TO DEMONSTRATE IT, I HAVE RE-ACQUIRED A REPUTATION FOR ENGINEERING SAGACITY. PEOPLE SURE DO GET FOOLED BY A LIBRARY. I’LL BET I COULD BUY A BUNCH OF BOOKS ON OBSTETRICS AND BE KNOWN AS A FORMER VERY GOOD BABY SPECIALIST BEFORE A MONTH HAD ELAPSED, EVEN I DIDN’T EVER OPEN A BOOK.
EVERITT IS COMING ALONG SLOWLY, BUT I AM MUCH MORE IN THE SWING THAN I WAS. MY LACK OF A MATH HANDBOOK SEEMS TO BE THE BIG PROBLEM, AS THERE IS A LOT OF MATH THEORY I HAVEN’T QUITE FORGOTTEN, BUT MUST SPEND HOURS DIGGING OUT.
PERRY AND I WENT TO THE SHOW LAST NIGHT AND SAW “HAIL, THE CONQUERING HERO.” IT WAS SORT OF STUPID IN A WAY, BUT OTHERWISE NOT TOO BAD. THERE WAS QUITE A STRONG REACTION WHEN THE MARINE SGT. SUGGESTED TO THE LAD GIVEN A MEDICAL DISCHARGE FROM THE MARINES THAT HE TRY THE ARMY AIR FORCE, AS THEY TOOK ANYTHING. TONIGHT WE ARE GOING TO SEE KATHARINE CORNELL IN A STAGE PRODUCTION OF “THE BARETTS OF WIMPOLE STREET.”
Katharine Cornell
AS YOU CAN PLAINLY SEE, I’M GETTING FARTHER AND FARTHER FROM THE WAR. UNTIL SUCH TIME AS THERE ARE ANY PEOPLE AROUND WHO HAVEN’T SEEN AS MUCH OF IT, LITTLE AS THAT WAS, AS I, I DON’T BELIEVE I SHALL VOLUNTEER FOR ANYTHING. OF COURSE, THAT OLD PISS AND VINEGAR REALLY BOILS WHEN I SEE SOME OF THESE NEW SHIPS GOING OUT, AND I MAY FORGET ALL OF MY “SENSIBLE” RESOLUTIONS SOMEDAY. BUT IT LOOKS NOW LIKE I AM DEVELOPING AN INTERESTING JOB, WHICH WILL KEEP ME BUSY FOR A WHILE.
ALTHOUGH MANY CHANGES WILL BE MADE IN UNITS HERE, IT LOOKS LIKE I, AS AN INDIVIDUAL, WILL PROBABLY FOLLOW IN TOM’S FOOTSTEPS. DON’T LET IT THROW YOU IF I DO, FOR THE FIRST TWO YEARS ARE THE HARDEST.
KEEP ME POSTED HONEY—YOU’RE VERY SWEET AND
I LOVE YOU, CY
9/15/44 Corisca [#2]
Hi Toots:
So you’re lonesome. Well, keep busy—it helps. When I go to see Katharine Cornell in person, I’m really a far piece from the war. She, Brian Aherne, and McKay Morris turned in the three best performances I’ve ever seen. The play was far better, and different, than the movie.
The enclosure is a rather poor picture of Lilliana, second oldest of the Vulcanos. She insists I send it, and I shall try to get pictures of the whole family eventually. I have a swell picture of Gozlands.
There’s a big discussion going on, so I shall close. Too many people are asking questions. Love & Kisses, Cy.
[P.S.] Kitchen table sounds good.
Hey! I have these math tables. Burrington’s is the one I want. If you have not sent it please do. And it is a blue book.
Ed Bland is ok I shouldn’t worry. I think Jane may be down to earth now. Glad you heard from Bob Fleet. Mom is quite a fine character—I shall write her again.
Heard this one. It is a quick listing of Shakespeare’s plays—Wet, Dry, 3 inch, 6 inch, and 9 inch. There’s a story goes with it but translation is (in same order) Midsummer Night’s Dream, Twelfth Night, Much ado about nothing, As you like it, and Taming of the Shrew.
