OVER 300 POSTCARDS AND LETTERS WERE SENT HOME BY THE MAXWELL BOYS DURING THEIR SERVICE IN WWII.
WINFRED G. MAXWELL enlisted on December 22, 1942. He served in the 8th Army Air Force as a radio operator on a B-24 Liberator in Europe and finished the war serving in the Air Transport Command in the Pacific. His brother, CLIFFORD S. MAXWELL enlisted in the army on March 9, 1943. He served for a year in the Harbor Defense of Puget Sound and then in an Army Mobilized Artillery unit in Europe until the war’s end.
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The 300 letters sent home by the Maxwell Boys
will be shared on this Website
on the date, 8o years after they were first mailed.
The most recent letter is posted on top below.
All letters are archived by date originally written on ‘THE LETTERS’ page.
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EDITOR’S NOTE: Below is the last message Winfred sent home to his sister Margaret in 1943. It is the only Western Union Cablegram Winfred sent home. A special gift for the Holidays.
Dec. 28, 1943 (2) 1040 WM Cablegram ENGLAND
EDITOR'S NOTE: Two messages were written and sent home by Winfred on Dec. 28, 1943; one is a letter to the Folks and one is a cablegram to his sister Margaret.
EDITOR’S NOTE: Below is the last letter Winfred sent home to the Folks in 1943.
Dec. 28, 1943 (1) 1030 WF Station #144 – Old Buckenham, UK via % Postmaster New York, N.Y.
Winfred writes he is doing fine but hated being away from home for Xmas. He still has not received any mail; doesn’t have much of a chance to write; asks about the Post Office Christmas rush with all the overseas letters; and closes because there is not much he can say.
EDITOR’S NOTE: Below is the last letter Clifford sent home to the Folks in 1943.
Dec. 27, 1943 *PM 1020 CF Fort Worden/Port Townsend, WA *Used postmark; letter not dated
Clifford wrote a couple of days ago but forgot to mail it. He wrote this letter Christmas night. They had a nice Christmas, but he wishes he could have been home. Margaret told him Winfred was still in the States. He couldn’t buy as many presents as he wanted too; hopes to get his glasses fixed; guesses Patsy Ann had a big time, and the post office rush is over; has plenty of writing to do so will make this short; is listening to the President’s speech; and got a special telegram greeting from F.D.R. etc.
EDITOR'S NOTE: The two letters below dated Dec. 23, 1943 were the first letters written and sent home by Winfred from England; one to the Folks and one to his sister Margaret. Based on the date, Winfred’s crew would have been one of the first crews in the 453rd Bomb Group to have made it to England, Station #144 - Old Buckenham. (The last crew made it there Feb. 5, 1944.)
Dec. 23, 1943 (2) 1010 WM ENGLAND
Winfred greets Margaret letting her know he is O.K.; has been travelling a lot; is in a swell climate; would like to be home for Xmas; is having a tough time with the strange money; hasn’t heard from home in a few weeks; and closes. This letter may have been written while Winfred was travelling to England by the Southern Route, or after first arriving in England. (He is still using paper with a March Field letterhead.)
EDITOR'S NOTE: The two letters below dated Dec. 23, 1943 were the first letters written and sent home by Winfred from England; one to the Folks and one to his sister Margaret. Based on the date, Winfred’s crew would have been one of the first crews in the 453rd Bomb Group to have made it to England, Station #144 - Old Buckenham. (The last crew made it there Feb. 5, 1944.)
Dec. 23, 1943 (1) 1000 WF ENGLAND
Winfred writes a few lines to the Folks. He has sure been around; [the place he is at has been literally cut out by the censor – his Navigator, Paul Plug]; says it is nice and warm but damp compared to the States; is feeling fit; hasn’t heard from home in several weeks; thinks they have his A.P.O.; and is having a time with the foreign money (English types are mentioned).
EDITOR’S NOTE: It took an entire year from Dec. 22, 1942 to Dec. 23, 1943 for Winfred to be prepared and placed for combat.
(Much longer than for most G.I.’s.)
EDITOR’S NOTE: December 22, 1943 Winfred enlisted one year ago today.
EDITOR’S NOTE: Winfred, his crew, and the entire 453rd Bomb Group are now on their way to Europe. While there is a pause in the letters, three supplemental articles are provided to explain what is going on during this transition.
ARTICLES 1, 2, & 3
ARTICLE 1 - How the 453rd Bomb Group Got to England
The article below explains how the 453rd got to England. A link is provided to The Liberator Men of “Old Buc” which has much more information on the 453rd Bomb Group’s history.
ARTICLE 2 - The Southern Route to the E.T.O.
Below is a map of the Southern Route used to get from the United States to England (October – December, 1943) by a different Bomb Group – the 392nd. Included is a link to an interesting story ‘Flying the Southern Route’ written by one of that group’s pilots – Burrell Ellison. It is his personal account detailing their crew’s trip across.
ARTICLE 3 – How the U.S. Air Forces were Organized.
For those without a military background, it may be difficult to understand often used terms such as bomb squadron, bomb group, bomb wing, air division, etc. Below is a diagram and explanation of the organizational levels of the 8th Army Air Force. A link is provided to a video ‘US WWII Aircraft Markings – What Do They Mean? (Eighth Air Force)’ which explains the organizational levels and how individual aircraft could be identified by their markings. Imagine how hard it must have been to know ‘who was who’ with hundreds of planes in the air at the same time.
EDITOR’S NOTE: Winfred, his crew, and the entire 453rd Bomb Group are now on their way to Europe. While there is a pause in the letters, three supplemental articles will be provided over the next few days which may help to explain what is going on during this transition.
EDITOR’S NOTE: Below is the last letter Winfred sent home to his sister Margaret before ‘going across’.
Dec. 12, 1943 0990 WM % POSTMASTER NEW YORK CITY, N.Y.
Winfred writes Margaret; he is plenty busy; asks about St. Louis; can only wish he would be home for Xmas; feels he deserves a furlough after a year of training; has not heard from anyone; can’t think of much that would be okay to say; and ends by teasing his cousin Erma.
EDITOR'S NOTE: Below is the last letter Winfred sent home to the Folks before 'going across'.
Dec. 9, 1943 0980 WF % POSTMASTER NEW YORK CITY, N.Y.
Winfred writes the Folks, he is still O.K., but busy and has a cold. He thanks the Folks for a satchel they sent; has not heard from anyone for a while; is at a ‘nice place’ but is not allowed off base; has never been so busy. They have their own plane now; wants to keep it in top shape. He will write every chance he gets.
EDITOR’S NOTE: It was two years ago today that Pearl Harbor, HI was attacked by Japan and the U.S. entered WWII.
Dec. 7, 1943 0970 CF Fort Worden/Port Townsend, WA
Cliff writes he is okay; has heard from Winfred; and is busy on radar again. A funny thing happened – he got a letter from Pat Merrill approving of breaking off their relationship but has never heard back from Mary Lou. Now he is womanless, and right before Xmas. heh! heh!
P.S. Also, received letters from Rev. Howell, Aunt Maude and Aunt Cleo; he thanks his Folks for the $3.00 they sent.
EDITOR’S NOTE: This was the last letter Winfred sent home to his sister Margaret from March Field, CA.
Dec. 3, 1943 0960 WM March Field, CA
Winfred heard from Margaret but definitely will not have time to write again for a while. He went to Hollywood again last night and had a swell time. Winfred and a buddy met a girl with a ’41 Chevy and a friend; never seen such a soldier’s town before. Must close; lots to do; came in at 7:00 am went right to work; am plenty tired; sound wild? – making hay while the sun shines. PS He will be making over $300 per month when he goes overseas but will have no place to spend it – GRRR!
EDITOR'S NOTE: Two letters were written and sent home by Winfred on Dec. 1, 1943; one to the Folks and one to his sister Margaret.
Dec. 1, 1943 (2) 0950 WM March Field, CA
Winfred writes to Margaret that he is still here, but everything is a mess. He went to LA last night; they rented a car and got back at 6:00 am; had a swell time – went to the Palladium and Radio City, passed by Arthur Murray’s, saw Mickey Rooney; Hollywood is not so wonderful; met a girl from St. Louis; wants his blankets back; and dreams of a visit home. He confesses ‘he is a little scared of going over’; he is the rookie on the crew. He heard from Cliff; Mary Lou is in the lead; and he is on the lookout for a girl himself.
EDITOR'S NOTE: Two letters were written and sent home by Winfred on Dec. 1, 1943; one to the Folks and one to his sister Margaret.
Dec. 1, 1943 (1) 0940 WF March Field, CA
Winfred lets the Folks know he is still in the States, not doing much but spreading rumors and sleeping. He has heard from Cliff who has Mary Lou on his mind, and wishes he was a flier. Winfred says Clifford’s job is essential and he goes through more than most.
December 1943 November
Nov. 29, 1943 0930 CF Fort Worden/Port Townsend, WA
Clifford writes it is so foggy it is hard to breathe; has not heard about radar school; needs $5.00; and thanks, the Folks for the raincoat they sent.
Nov. 27, 1943 0920 WF March Field, CA
Winfred lets the Folks know he is still here; has had 2 inspections by 3 colonels and a couple of majors; still doesn’t know his P.O.E; says mail is slow but got his younger sister’s letter; asks about Clifford; and is going to town on a 48-hour pass.
EDITOR'S NOTE: Two letters were written and sent home by Winfred on Nov. 25, 1943; one to the Folks and one to his sister Margaret.
Nov. 25, 1943 (2) 0910 WM March Field, CA
Winfred tells Margaret he is quite busy flying. It is Thanksgiving Day. They have a big dinner prepared but must watch their diet because of today’s high-altitude mission. He hopes everyone can be together next year and tells Margaret to tell her boss she wants a ten cent per hour raise or “nuthin at all”.
EDITOR'S NOTE: Two letters were written and sent home by Winfred on Nov. 25, 1943; one to the Folks and one to his sister Margaret.
Nov. 25, 1943 (1) 0900 WF March Field, CA
Today is Thanksgiving. It is the first one he has ever spent away from home. He flew last night until 3:00 AM by San Francisco and the Golden Gate Bridge. He just got up and will go on a high-altitude gunnery mission at 12:45PM. They have a big turkey dinner prepared for them, but he will not be able to eat any of it because of the high-altitude mission. (B-24’s did not have pressurized cabins – eating a heavy meal before going up would result in severe stomach discomfort from the expanding gas created as the food digests.) He hopes to be home for Thanksgiving next year.
Nov. 24, 1943 0890 WF March Field, CA
Winfred tells the Folks he has found out what busy is the last few days getting ready to go over soon. He guesses things in Irondale have settled down since Clifford returned from his furlough – Cliff is the great ‘lover’ in the family. He comments on the bombers blasting Berlin and that the Air Corp will be the deciding factor in the war. He heard from Margaret who is getting a 2 ½ cent raise; Winfred is now making as much as he did before going into the service – $117 per (month)!
Nov. 21, 1943 0880 WF March Field, CA
Winfred tells the Folks he has been so busy he is almost looking forward to the peacefulness of combat; just finished a high-altitude gunnery mission; will take in a show tonight; will fly across but don’t know when; wants the picture he sent them enlarged; and tells them best to leave him out for Xmas.
EDITOR'S NOTE: Two letters were written and sent home by Winfred on Nov. 19, 1943; one to the Folks and one to Margaret.
Nov. 19, 1943 (2) 0870 WM March Field, CA
Winfred hasn’t forgotten Margaret. He spent 24 hours in L.A.; The crew rent a ’40 Olds and took in the Radio Room, Palladium, Florentine Gardens, and Errol (Earl) Carrols; the girls were plentiful and having a uniform helps; guesses he will be on his way before December to a place where he won’t see many Japs; is a sergeant now; guesses Clifford is on his way back to the army; says it is really foggy; and will write as long as he can.
EDITOR'S NOTE: Two letters were written and sent home by Winfred on Nov. 19, 1943; one to the Folks and one to Margaret.
Nov. 19, 1943 (1) 0860 WF March Field, CA
Winfred writes a short letter home. He has time off due to fog and has written 3 letters; asks about Clifford’s mood at the end of his furlough & Pat; still don’t know where he is going; and must go sign the payroll.
EDITOR'S NOTE: Two letters were written by Winfred to the Folks and sent home in the same envelope on Nov. 18, 1943. Both are shown below.
Nov. 18, 1943 (1) 0850 WF March Field, CA
LETTER 1 – Winfred tells the Folks he has been on a 24 hour pass to L.A.; they’ve been doing formation flying at 20,000 ft; he is a sergeant now! will be going to Europe; tell the paper; correspondence will stop at their Port of Embarkation.
LETTER 2 – Winfred sends the (crew) picture home and will get to sleep tonight.
Nov. 14, 1943 0840 WF March Field, CA
Winfred just finished a lecture and has time to write the Folks; is glad Clifford is home; heard from (Uncle) Roxie; was questioned by officers from Bomb Command Headquarters – thinks he passed.
EDITOR'S NOTE: Two letters were written and sent home by Winfred on November 12, 1943; one to the Folks and one to his sister Margaret.
Nov. 12, 1943 (2) 0830 WM March Field, CA
Winfred writes Margaret they are near the end of training; hopes to get a new B-24-H soon – it is bigger with more guns; might get home for a short visit; just got crew photo taken in front of a plane; and bets Clifford is home now on his furlough.
EDITOR'S NOTE: Two letters were written and sent home by Winfred on November 12, 1943; one to the Folks and one to his sister Margaret.
Nov. 12, 1943 (1) 0820 WF March Field, CA
Winfred lets the folks know he is near the end of training; has not received a plane yet; and is writing from the parade ground.
EDITOR'S NOTE: This is the only time Winfred writes of his near-death experience on a practice bombing run.
Nov. 10, 1943 0810 WM March Field, CA THE BIG SCARE!
Winfred writes to Margaret about his BIG SCARE! He begins by complaining on not getting his ratings yet but will hold off on applying for Cadets. He then goes into great detail about how he nearly fell out of the plane at 12,000 ft yesterday and tells her not to tell anyone!
EDITOR’S NOTE: Yesterday's letter (Nov. 9, 1943) from Winfred to the Folks was written in the afternoon after Winfred’s BIG SCARE! that morning. There is no mention of the near-death experience.
Nov. 9, 1943 0800 WF March Field, CA
Winfred tells the Folks they are really getting a start on third phase. He guesses Cliff is on his way home; they are having nice weather; he has a cold because the temperature in the plane at 20,000 ft is well below zero; and his lips are still sore from the oxygen.
Nov. 8, 1943 0790 WF March Field, CA The Crew
Winfred writes the Folks about the effects of oxygen when flying at high altitude. He introduces the crew and tells a story about each. He has a good crew; they have a lot of fun but each man knows his job.
EDITOR'S NOTE: Two letters were written and sent home by Winfred on November 7, 1943; one to the Folks and one to his little sister Patsy Ann.
Nov. 7, 1943 (2) 0780 WP March Field, CA No Env
Winfred writes to his little sister Pat. He hasn’t forgotten her, just been busy. He asks about her school, if she ever plays “hooky”, and about her boyfriends. Even though it’s cold in Missouri, he would rather be there. Says to tell Clifford ” Hi” and encourages her to be smart not like he is.
EDITOR'S NOTE: Two letters were written and sent home by Winfred on November 7, 1943; one to the Folks and one to his little sister Patsy Ann.
Nov. 7, 1943 (1) 0770 WF March Field, CA No Env
Winfred writes the Folks he is doing okay – caught up on sleep; will not make it home to see Cliff; and hopes for a better rating soon.
Nov. 5, 1943 0760 WF March Field, CA
Winfred writes the folks he has been doing a lot of flying; 6-to-7-hour missions; flying in formation; gunnery and bombing practice at 20,00 ft over the ocean. There were pursuit planes, like the real thing. It is stressful. He has signed up for Cadets – to become a pilot. They are starting Phase 3 over again. He has heard from several people and thanks the Folks for the ‘dough’.
EDITOR'S NOTE: Two letters were written and sent home by Winfred on November 12, 1943; one to the Folks and one to his sister Margaret.
Nov. 3, 1943 (2) 0750 WM March Field, CA
Winfred thanks Margaret for the candy; the whole crew shared it. He’s been flying 6-hour missions every day and sometimes two a day; trying to catch up on flying and aerial gunnery. Also, doing some search missions because a radio operator did not report their location before going down. He no longer gets his daily letter from Lois.
EDITOR'S NOTE: Two letters were written and sent home by Winfred on November 12, 1943; one to the Folks and one to his sister Margaret.
Nov. 3, 1943 (1) 0740 WF March Field, CA
Winfred writes to the folks. He has not received any mail for the past 4 or 5 days. He no longer gets a daily letter from his girl. They ‘ve been flying every day for a week; went on a search mission for a lost plane that went down; the radio operator did not tell them the location. Went on a cross country hop; flew over Boulder Dam; next going on a practice gunnery mission over the Pacific; says he is pretty well set on going across soon.
November 1943 October
EDITOR'S NOTE: Two letters were written and sent home to the Folks on October 31, 1943; one by Winfred and one by Clifford.
Oct. 31, 1943 (2) 0730 CF Fort Worden/Port Townsend, WA
Clifford is just getting off guard duty. He has been sick but will not go to the doctor and he hasn’t heard from Winfred in a while.
EDITOR'S NOTE: Two letters were written and sent home to the Folks on October 31, 1943; one by Winfred and one by Clifford.
Oct. 31, 1943 (1) 0720 WF March Field, CA *No Env
Winfred is over his cold now but is still busy. He thinks Clifford is on his way home now, but thinks he, himself, will not be getting off any time soon. Winfred begins Phase 3 training tomorrow. The pilot says he will get him a Sergeant rating. Winfred sez to say ‘hi’ to his brother, is going to get some chow, and has sent two letters home for his friends.
Oct. 29, 1943 0710 WF March Field, CA *No Env
Winfred apologizes to the folks for not writing much lately, he has been busy flying and going to school. He is getting better at his marksmanship. He thanks them for their financial aid, guesses that Cliff is at home now and wishes he could be there.
Oct. 28, 1943 0700 FW Irondale, MO
Return Receipt for an unknown item sent to Winfred from his folks.
Oct. 26*, 1943 0690 CF Fort Worden/Port Townsend, WA *Approximated date
Clifford has been hearing from Winfred, is now nearer the army than home, is having a picnic, and going on relief. He has a letter from a friend fighting in Sicily.
Oct. 24, 1943 0680 WF March Field, CA
Winfred writes his folks that he has been sick this past week but worked anyways because there are not enough radio operators. He does not know if he will get a furlough but could not afford it if he did. But he wants to get home so bad that he might even steal the money to get there!
Oct. 22, 1943 0670 CF Fort Worden/Port Townsend, WA
Clifford writes home he received the $30 and will be coming home in 2 or 3 weeks. He’s been pulling a lot of guard duty and can’t keep on a pair of dry socks. He now must write his Lil’ woman.
EDITOR'S NOTE: Two letters were written home by Winfred on October 20, 1943; one to the Folks and one to Margaret.
Oct.20, 1943 (2) 0660 WM March Field, CA
Winfred writes to his sister Margaret. He hasn’t much to say; still busy 12 to 16 hours each day; a furlough is not likely; and he heard from Clifford – Little Fizzer. He weighs 178 and thinks she has all the brains in the family.
EDITOR'S NOTE: Two letters were written home by Winfred on October 20, 1943; one to the Folks and one to Margaret.
Oct. 20, 1943 (1) 0650 WF March Field, CA
Winfred should finish up with the dentist this morning, has been reading about “aerial gunners”, says winter is pretty cool there, is as busy as ever, says “listening to static from 2 or 3 stations constantly for four or five hours will drive you ‘wacky’ – no time to look at the scenery.
Oct. 18, 1943 0640 WF March Field, CA
Winfred has been flying a lot lately, no time to sleep. He had 2 teeth filled and 3 more to go. He is going on an early morning bombing mission (practice) tomorrow. He still does not have any strips (not a sergeant yet).
Oct.15, 1943 0630 CF Fort Worden, WA
Clifford has been pulling guard duty, is off the switchboard, and needs $30 before his furlough.
Oct. 14, 1943 0620 WF March Field
Winfred is okay but busy every hour getting ready to go overseas. They have been flying cross country hops. He has finally been to the dentist again. He cannot be sent over until his teeth get fixed. He has been down on the world lately.
Oct. 10, 1943 0610 WM March Field
Winfred lets Margaret know he is still here at a nice place with a swell climate; is kept busy to keep in shape for first of December; It’s his day off – planned to go to LA but is sick; going to see ‘Thank Your Lucky Stars’; is flying 12 hours tomorrow; encloses a funny letter from Bob Dickey; and closes.
Oct. 9, 1943 0600 WF March Field world series
Winfred tells the Folks he did not go to L.A. today because of his cold; has Sundays off for the first time in a while; will fly 12 hours Monday – gets a little tougher each time; asks about his brother; and has been listening to the world series.
Oct. 8, 1943 0590 WF March Field
Winfred writes the Folks that he is flying about 800 miles each day and going to school; hears they will get a 10-day furlough before going overseas; and asks about Clifford.
Oct. 4, 1943 0580 WF March Field
Winfred writes the Folks that he will be really busy for the next 60 days; they have old planes and won’t get the new one until the 15th; guesses those few days he had at home was his overseas furlough; hears lots of rumors; describes the base – it’s HOT!; and plans on seeing Los Angeles.
EDITOR'S NOTE: Two letters were mailed/postmarked home to the Folks on October 2, 1943, one from each of the boys.
Oct. 2,1943 (2) 0570 WF March Field, CA Begin Phase 2 & 3 Bombardment Training Program
Winfred is now in California (March Field) for 2nd and 3rd phase training (about 60 days) before going over; it’s a nice camp but going to be busy.
EDITOR'S NOTE: Two letters were mailed/postmarked home to the Folks on October 2, 1943, one from each of the boys.
Oct. 2, 1943 (1) 0560 CF Pocatello, ID inspected by a 3-star gen.
Clifford is more satisfied now, everyone is considered General Service, he feels he will be transferred soon, his Army Artillery Battery has been cut in manpower, they were inspected by a three-star general, his furlough is set for November.
October 1943 September
EDITOR'S NOTE: Two letters and a postcard were mailed/postmarked home to the Folks from the boys on September 29, 1943; one letter and one postcard from Winfred, and one letter from Clifford.
Sep. 29, 1943 (3) 0550 CF Pocatello, ID defines H-D-P-S
Clifford is on the switchboard. He explains to the Folks what H-D-P-S means and why he is irritable. (This is the third letter sent home on Sept. 29, 1943 by the boys.)
EDITOR'S NOTE: Two letters and a postcard were mailed/postmarked home to the Folks from the boys on September 29, 1943; one letter and one postcard from Winfred, and one letter from Clifford.
Sep. 29, 1943 (2) 0540 WF Pocatello, ID Post Card 7 moving
Winfred sent a postcard to G.D. Maxwell (Folks). Will give his new address soon. Return address used was PFC. W.G. MAXWELL 382nd BOMB GP. POCATELLO IDAHO. (This was the second letter sent home by Winfred on Sept. 29, 1943, based on postmark.)
EDITOR'S NOTE: Two letters and a postcard were mailed/postmarked home to the Folks from the boys on September 29, 1943; one letter and one postcard from Winfred, and one letter from Clifford.
Sep. 29, 1943 (1) 0530 WF Pocatello, ID Switch from 2nd to 4th AAF
Winfred and his crew have finished Phase I of their training at Gowen Field. He is in Pocatello, Idaho for a couple of days before they are transferred to a base somewhere in California. The crew has been transferred from the 2nd to the 4th Army Air Force. Winfred had a short furlough and is really missing his ‘woman’ – Lois. (This is the first of three letters the folks received from the boys on September 29, 1943.)
EDITOR'S NOTE: Based on the content of the next few letters, it appears that Winfred may have had a week long furlough Tuesday September 21 - 28, 1943 (approximately) . He DID NOT get to go home though!
EDITOR'S NOTE: On September 15, 1943, four letters arrived home - Two were from Winfred, one to the folks and one to Margaret; the third was from Clifford to his folks; and the fourth was to come to FIZZ, via his folks, from Bob Merrill (Clifford's best friend). Spoiler alert! - Bob's letter is pretty funny. It gives a great description of small-town life in Irondale, MO. during the war from a visiting G.I.s perspective.
Spoiler alert! - Bob's letter is pretty funny. It gives a great description of small-town life in Irondale, MO. during the war from a visiting G.I.'s perspective.
Sep. 15, 1943 (4) 0520 BMFz Metropolis of Irondale story
Bob Merrill, Clifford’s best friend, describes life in Irondale, MO. during his recent furlough home. His description of the smalltown of Irondale would make Andy Griffith proud. (Letter 4 of 4 – Sept. 15, 1943)
EDITOR'S NOTE: On September 15, 1943, four letters arrived home - Two were from Winfred, one to the folks and one to Margaret; the third was from Clifford to his folks; and the fourth was to come to FIZZ, via his folks, from Bob Merrill (Clifford's best friend).
Sep. 15, 1943 (3) 0510 CF Fort Worden, WA
Clifford likes Communications, worries about Italy, met someone from Flat River, and saw ‘This is the Army’, and needs to clean his rifle. (Letter 3 of 4 – Sept. 15, 1943)
EDITOR'S NOTE: On September 15, 1943, four letters arrived home - Two were from Winfred, one to the folks and one to Margaret; the third was from Clifford to his folks; and the fourth was to come to FIZZ, via his folks, from Bob Merrill (Clifford's best friend).
Sep. 15, 1943 (2) 0500 WM Gowen Field, ID seen a few crashes
Winfred thanks Margaret for the candy; flies 5 to 10 hours daily and is attending 3 schools at the same time. Landings and takeoffs are nerve racking after having seen a few crashes there. He hopes to leave soon and get his flight pay today. (Letter 2 of 4 – Sept. 15, 1943)
EDITOR'S NOTE: On September 15, 1943, four letters arrived home - Two were from Winfred, one to the folks and one to Margaret; the third was from Clifford to his folks; and the fourth was to come to FIZZ, via his folks, from Bob Merrill (Clifford's best friend).
Sep. 15, 1943 (1) 0490 WF Gowen Field, ID has 90 hrs
Winfred’s been flying a lot, and it’s no cinch. He’s got 90 hours and most leave there with half that. (Letter 1 of 4 – Sept. 15, 1943)
Sep. 8, 1943 0480 CF Fort Worden, WA been on maneuvers
Clifford tells the Folks he has been on maneuvers, has changed from radar to communications and will write more often from now on.
Sep. 3, 1943 0470 WF Gowen Field, ID got into it w/ a sergeant
Winfred’s tells the Folks his crew still needs a navigator. The Radio Operator job is the toughest, except for the pilot. He got into it with a sergeant.
September 1943 August
Aug. 30, 1943 0460 WF Gowen Field, ID
Winfred tells the Folks he has been flying a lot; is cramped in the B-24; and has a new flight suit to help with the cold.
Aug. 28, 1943 0450 WP Gowen Field, ID
Winfred writes his 10 year old sister Patsy Ann.
Aug. 27, 1943 0440 WF Gowen Field, ID planes grounded
Winfred tells the Folks the planes had been grounded due to a fuel shortage. Winfred’s girl is sensible and he is in good, he knows because he didn’t write for a while.
Aug. 20, 1943 0430 WM Gowen Field, ID Assigned to a crew
Winfred tells Margaret he has been assigned to a crew. He is still a P.F.C. but should be ranked higher.
Aug. 12, 1943 0420 WM Gowen Field, ID Pressure Chamber
Winfred shares with Margaret he has been in the pressure chamber all morning; oxygen is essential! See link to WWII training film on ‘Human Physiology and Altitude’.
Aug. 7, 1943 0410 WM Gowen Field, ID
Winfred tells Margaret he has learned Lynn Bartlow’s (Winfred’s cousin) wife has died; he has a pink picture of Clifford; and is going to school & flying daily but not shooting yet. He was part of a big review.
Aug. 5, 1943 0400 WF Gowen Field, ID
Winfred thanks the Folks for the cake; up late; kept busy; seeing dentist; shots sting; gets pointers from guys that have been ‘over’; and saw a show with ‘King’ in it.
Aug. 2, 1943 0390 WM Gowen Field, ID
Winfred tells Margaret about his week in gunnery school; got a letter from their brother; talks about Benito Mussolini; asks about work; and saw the movie ‘Dixie’.
August 1943 July
EDITOR'S NOTE: Today, July 27, 1943, Winfred Maxwell turned 22. Happy Birthday!
EDITOR’S NOTE: Below is Winfred’s first letter home from his new base, Gowen Field (near Boise, ID), where he will begin Phase 1- Bomber Training.
Jul. 23, 1943 0380 WM Gowen Field, ID
Winfred lets Margaret know he is at a new base in Boise, ID – Gowen Field for Phase 1 training (where the B-24 crews are assembled and trained). There will be more processing/classification; he’s out ranked by everyone; there are young pilots and crashes; it’s a good camp, but no furlough.
EDITOR’S NOTE: It has been 3 months since Clifford’s last letter home.
Jul. 22, 1943 0370 CF Fort Worden/Port Townsend, WA
Clifford tells the Folks he has finished bootcamp and is now stationed at Fort Worden, WA. He’s okay; on guard again, but at a different post; heard from Margaret; gets to see shows at HQ; and his battery is taking control over Coast Guard equipment.
EDITOR'S NOTE: The letter below was written by James Bartlow (Winfred's cousin) to his Uncle Guy and Aunt Cressie Maxwell. James was the oldest child of Cressie's oldest sister Maude (Eye) Bartlow wife of Granville Bartlow.
Jul. 20, 1943 0360 JBF Camp Waldron Farragut, ID
Jim Bartlow (Winfred’s cousin) is now in the navy and writes his Aunt Cressie and Uncle Guy (the Folks).
Jul. 17, 1943 0350 WF Salt Lake City, UT
Winfred lets the Folks know has learned to become ‘vanishable’ and is desirous of more pay. Still going to be leaving soon.
Jul. 16, 1943 0340 WF Salt Lake City, UT POSTCARD 6
Winfred tells the folks he is still in Salt Lake City waiting to be shipped somewhere; also heard from cousin James (Jim Bartlow).
Jul. 10, 1943 0330 WF Salt Lake City, UT
Winfred complains to the Folks he has wasted a month between schools and has lost hope of being shipped somewhere. He did receive a poor photo of Clifford in uniform.
Jul. 9, 1943 0320 WM Salt Lake City, UT
Winfred tells Margaret he is in Salt Lake City waiting to be shipped out. It’s hot, dry and dusty and he is no longer lily-white.
Jul. 6, 1943 0310 WF Salt Lake City, UT
Winfred informs the Folks is being reclassified in Salt Lake City; like being inducted again; will be assigned to a base in the 2nd air corp.; and has been issued his overseas equipment.
Jul. 5, 1943 0300 WF Salt Lake City, UT POSTCARD 5
Winfred lets the Folks know he has arrived in Salt Lake City to be classified.
Jul. 3, 1943 0290 WF Omaha, NE POSTCARD 4
Winfred tells the Folks he is finally going someplace.
July 1943 June
Jun. 17, 1943 0280 WM AAFTS/Sioux Falls, SD
Winfred has been in the army for almost 6 months, has graduated from radio school, and is waiting to be shipped somewhere. He has yet to see anyone he knew from before enlisting.
Jun.6, 1943 0270 WF AAFTS/ Sioux Falls, SD
Only 2 1/2 days until Winfred graduates from Radio School at the Army Air Force Technical School in Sioux Falls, SD!
EDITOR'S NOTE: June 6th, 1943 was just a typical (war-time)day in June. The U.S. had been at war for a year and a half. A year from today the invasion of Europe will begin. Less than a year after that, the war in Europe will be over. May the heroes of that day never be forgotten!
June 1943 May
May 28, 1943 0260 WM Sioux Falls, SD
Winfred says it is so HOT they had to move all the beds outside. He has passed all exams but has 2 more weeks to go in the towers. He was off yesterday and going to town tonight. He sent her a cheap little picture; misses St. Louis; and thinks Clifford has been shanghaied.
May 19, 1943 0250 WM Sioux Falls, SD
Winfred answers Margaret; things are looking brighter – good weather and new colonel; had graduation pictures taken; only 3 more weeks then hopes to be shipped; does calisthenics 2 hours daily now; looks dark from the sun; and heard from Clifford.
May 5, 1943 0240 WM AAFTS/ Sioux Falls, SD
Winfred writes about the Folks being lonely; asks about Margaret’s boyfriend (Warren) and comments on Daisy Merrill’s marriage. He has only 5 more weeks and talks about the Captain Joe Foss parade.
May 1943 April
Apr. 20, 1943 0230 WM AAFTS/ Sioux Falls, SD
Winfred is still sick – no voice; has only 7 more weeks there; hopes for gunnery school and a raise; is skipping ‘cali jumpies’ to write; and has to get up earlier for complaining.
Apr. 19, 1943 0220 CF Camp Roberts, CA
Clifford writes he feels okay physically but has poor morale. He has guard duty tomorrow and starts a week of drilling on Monday. He feels sorry for Winfred who needs a pep talk from their parents. And, he needs his Folks to send him a few things.
Apr. 11, 1943 0210 WM AAFTS/ Sioux Falls, SD
Winfred writes to Margaret he has been sick for two weeks with laryngitis and feels sorry for himself. He thanks her for the candy; has passed his gunnery exam; and has heard from Clifford.
Apr. 7, 1943 0200 WM AAFTS/ Sioux Falls, SD
Winfred writes Margaret that a bunch more of his class has been shipped out because of low grades. He heard from Cliff in boot camp and several other friends; Dick is in Alaska, Alvin in the air corps near Denver, Monk is an aviator cadet – going to be a pilot, Bob is still in S.D., and Stack has shipped out. Winfred is going to town tomorrow for his day off.
April 1943 March
EDITOR”S NOTE: This is the first actual letter sent home by Clifford.
Mar. 29, 1943 0190 CF Camp Roberts, CA
Clifford writes the Folks. It is Sunday afternoon and he likes it fine out there, the camp is like a picture. He’s gaining weight but has to grab for the food to get enough. He rooms with a good bunch of fellows but someone swiped his dress shoes and razor on the train. He’s broke, has seven more weeks of basic training, and is sure the soreness will be worked out of him before long.
Mar. 23, 1943 0180 CF San Francisco, CA
Clifford’s postcard to the Folks informs them he has been travelling (by rail) for four days; has just past ‘Alcatrez’ (near San Francisco) and will get to Camp Roberts tonight.
EDITOR’S NOTE: This is the first letter sent home by Clifford Maxwell after his enlistment in the U.S. Army. This postcard was written as he traveled by train FROM Jefferson Barracks, STL, MO to Camp Roberts, CA.
Mar. 22, 1943 0170 CF Ogden, UT
Clifford (Winfred’s younger brother) sent this postcard to the Folks telling of his travels to Wyoming and beyond to Camp Roberts, CA.
Mar. 19, 1943 0160 WM AAFTS/ Sioux Falls, SD
Winfred writes Margaret. He is almost halfway done with Radio School and is tired of the ‘Santa Claus’ weather in South Dakota. He comments that Clifford is now in the army and will have to make some changes. Winfred says he would make someone a good wife because he now knows how to keep up the home. He apologizes for a short letter but received 8 letters yesterday that and needs to respond.
EDITOR'S NOTE: Today, March 9, 1943 is the day that that Clifford S. Maxwell enlisted into the United States Army at Jefferson Barracks, MO.
Mar. 7, 1943 0150 WM AAFTS/ Sioux Falls, SD
Winfred thanks Margaret for the candy; asks about her work; and has heard Cliff goes in on the ninth. He stood inspection in the subzero weather; struggles in code & theory; and built a working radio. They are out of envelopes in the camp; he was ‘arrested’ yesterday and put on K.P. (Kitchen Patrol).
EDITOR’S NOTE: This is the first letter Winfred wrote to his younger sister Patsy Ann. She was 9 years old at that time.
Mar. 3, 1943 0140 WP AAFTS/ Sioux Falls, SD
Winfred asks Patsy about school and comments on the weather. He writes from his bunk and has heard from a friend in Alaska. He asks if Clifford is still at home, or in the army. Wants her to tell mom a bunch of his class has shipped out. Asks about her cat Dot and will send her a picture of him in his uniform.
Mar. 2, 1943 0130 WF AAFTS/ Sioux Falls, SD
Winfred writes the Folks that he has been making progress in code but struggles in theory. He got a picture of his girl – Lois – today and wonders how he rates her. He got paid yesterday and may send some home. He has heard from his friends – Bob M., Stack, and Monk.
March 1943 February
Feb. 26, 1943 0120 WF AAFTS/ Sioux Falls, SD
Winfred writes the Folks complaining about the camp; they had a ‘jam’ session in the barracks last night listening to the radio and ‘jitterbugging‘; he got a letter from cousin Joyce (Dickey) and comments on her younger sister Erma; Margaret is pretty busy working; he asks about Clifford, his friends and his dad’s job at the post office.
Feb. 24, 1943 0110 WM AAFTS/ Sioux Falls, SD
Winfred writes Margaret; letters have been scarce; he describes camp conditions, school work, missing friends, and the need for sweets. He is still wooin’ Lois and hasn’t looked at any other girl (There aren’t any there!) He misses Missouri and no one even mentions it there!
EDITOR'S NOTE: This is the second letter from Bob Merrill to Clifford in response to a letter received by Bob from Clifford.
Feb. 21, 1943 0100 BMC San Diego, CA
Bob (Merrill) replies to a comment Clifford made about his niece; asks about the weather; shares that he has been swimming and has a great tan (He’s in Southern CA); asks about the Irondale pool room; leaves for the rifle range next week; still likes it pretty well; drills like hell!; been getting shots; bunks in a cabin near the movie actor Tyrone Powers; asks about how Cliff and Pat are getting along; tells Cliff to take care of the girls BUT to lay off his!
EDITOR'S NOTE: Tyrone Power was a famous leading man Hollywood movie star. CLICK HERE for more information.
EDITOR"S NOTE: The letter below is the first of a few, sent to Clifford, Winfred's younger brother, from his best friend Bob Merrill. Bob went to IHS and was a first cousin to Clifford's then girlfriend Patsy Merrill, younger sister of Daisy Merrill. He was also a friend of Winfred. Bob served in the Marines. You will come to see he was a very expressive writer.
Feb. 18, 1943 (2) 0090 BMC San Diego, CA
Bob Merrill (Clifford and Winfred’s friend from Irondale) writes to FIZZ (Clifford). Hopes the letter gets to him before the army does. The marines keep him busy. He asks about Irondale and how Clifford is getting along was Bob’s cousin Pat Merrill. Life is not bad, gaining weight and getting stronger, paper is scarce, staying in camp for 8 weeks then school someplace, probably Philly to do shoe repair. He needs Winfred’s address.
.
EDITOR'S NOTE: Two letters were written and sent home on February 18, 1943; one by Winfred to the Folks and one by Bob Merrill to Clifford.
Feb. 18, 1943 (1) 0080 WM ARMY TECHNICAL SCHOOL A. A. F. T. T. C./SIOUX FALLS, SD
Winfred writes to his sister, Margaret. He comments on their younger cousin Erma (Irma Dickey); guesses their brother Clifford will like the army; mentions the names of several of their friends from Irondale and where they are currently posted; hears daily from his girl – Lois; will try to get his picture taken today and will send some ‘mills’ to their little cousin Eddie.
EDITOR'S NOTE: The letter below was the first sent home by Winfred from his new base in Sioux Falls, S.D. where he began training to be radio operator.
Feb. 17, 1943* 0070 WF AAFTS/ Sioux Falls, SD
(*letter dated 2/18/43 but postmark is 2/17/43)
Winfred asks the folks how things are in Irondale; he’s got his glasses. Says it’s nice there in SD – a littlle above zero! Asks if his brother Clifford is in the army yet. Says he’s getting into the swing of things there now. Hasn’t passed his eight-word test yet. Chokes on the tests but still has a 90% average. Received a letter from his Uncle Cleo and Aunt Bertha. Asks about the post office business. Has detail and needs to study for a test in theory.
ready.
EDITOR'S NOTE: The letter below was the first sent home by Winfred from his new base in Sioux Falls, S.D. where he began training to be radio operator.
Feb. 5, 1943 0060 WM AAFTS/ Sioux Falls, SD
Winfred writes Margaret that he went from hot FL to ice covered SD in three days. Went through Irondale at night. He likes the new camp; better food, no K.P. or guard, can sleep until 7:00. He is going to radio mechanics school. The course should last 18-20 weeks. Afterwards, another camp or across. Some will fly, the others will be on the ground. No chance for a furlough while they are there. Asks about her work and their brother Clifford. Comments that is hard to work your way up in the air corps. Brags about all the travelling he has done already.
Feb. 1, 1943 0050 WM Clearwater, FL POSTCARD 4
Winfred sends a postcard to Margaret saying he’ll be on the move again to somewhere. He’ll let her know when he gets there. Just feels lucky to get out of basic training early.
February 1943 January
EDITOR'S NOTE: This is the third postcard Winfred sent home to the Folks.
Jan. 26, 1943 0040 WF Clearwater, FL POSTCARD 3
Winfred sends a postcard to the folks. He is about over his cold and drills every day.
Jan. 24, 1943 0030 WF Clearwater, FL POSTCARD 2
Winfred sends a postcard telling his parents he has written them almost every day.
EDITOR'S NOTE: This first/oldest letter in the collection was sent to Winfred's 24-year-old sister Margaret who was living and working in St. Louis, MO.
Jan. 23, 1943 0020 WM Clearwater, FL
Winfred writes his sister Margaret. He has had a sore throat and cold since he got there (FL); everybody does. He is writing on his knee cause he can’t get a table. He can drill and exercise all day now. He can lie on his back and hold his feet 10 inches off the ground for a hundred count.
EDITOR'S NOTE: The postcard below is probably not the first letter Winfred sent home after his enlistment, but it is the oldest that we have.
Winfred has moved from his enlistment site at Jefferson Barracks, St. Louis, MO, to the A.A.F.T.T.C. (Army Air Force Technical Training Command) in Clearwater, FL for basic training.
Jan. 19, 1943 0010 WF Clearwater, FL POSTCARD 1
Winfred sends a postcard to his Folks. He doesn’t have much time to write; thanks them for the money and paper they sent (he was almost broke); then quits to go eat.
January 1943 / 1942 December
EDITOR'S NOTE: This Xmas card is the oldest card/letter in the 'box of letters' sent home by the Maxwell boys during WWII. It was sent by Norman Statham, a childhood friend of Winfred.
Dec. 15, 1942 0000 NSW Xmas Card
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