orld War II McNerney-Tischhauser letters

ohn Edward McNerney, called Jack or Mac, was a faithful correspondent with his family from the time he left home in 1933 at the age of 20, after completing his diploma in engineering surveying at Kansas City Junior College. His mother and sister Katherine saved many of the letters and post cards, especially from 1941-46. Some are typewritten and others in his own handwriting which is so clear that every word is legible. The first one in the collection is postmarked October 27, 1939, Farmington, New Mexico, addressed to Katherine in San Francisco. He tells of his plans to go San Francisco on his vacation and will see her soon. He hitches rides as far as Prescott, Arizona, where he sends her a post card on October 30. "I'll wire you from L.A. [he will take the train from there] when I am sure of the time I get to good ole S.F. Tell all the bartenders to put an extry (sic) keg on ice; McNerney is coming to town!" Farmington is where he meets Dean and Barbara Craft, and they become fast friends. He and Dean are employed by the Soil Conservation Service at nearby Chaco Canyon, and Dean is a member of the New Mexico National Guard. He also meets Rosemary Tischhauser there among young people, and her parting words to him are, "See you in church." Turns out she next sees him at Mass the following Sunday.

***

osemary and John are married in Albuquerque, her home town, in July, 1940, and his next letters, from Vallejo, California, beginning in August, 1941, to his mother, are about family news. He is employed at Mare Island Navy Yard. She had been to California to see their new baby Patricia, her first granddaughter, born in July. In the letter, he mentions relatives in the area, his Aunt Aggie and her family, and Aunt Nonie, both his mother's sisters, and Katherine. Unhappy at the job, he secures a transfer to New Mexico. He is waiting for his "walking papers" so he can join his wife and baby, who, along with his mother-in-law, just left on the train for Albuquerque. He mentions his dog that he will take with him when he leaves. He asks his mother to come to New Mexico when they are settled. Still waiting in mid September, he attends the commissioning of the submarine Fulton at Mare Island, and describes it to her. More family news, and he mentions that "I saw Dean off Sunday. He and his outfit are going to the Philippines, they think." He ends every letter with some variation of "give Pop my best and write soon".

Two letters from late 1941 and early 1942 are correspondence with Dean, who writes

"November 16, 1941, 200 Ca (AA) Fort Stotsenburg, P.I.

Dear Mac:

            Well, by golly, Chum, you win. I'll admit that I tried to Scotch out on ya there--just another means of retaining my First Class, Grade "A" C.S. rating I guess. Really, though an apology at this time for waiting until now to write you air mail seems superfluous to both of us, so I'll just meekly, but sincerely, say, "I'm sorry," and hope that that will suffice.

            One of the Air Corps pilots told me soon after my arrival at Stotsenburg that one writes letters like mad during his first two weeks and then after that there's nothing left to write about. In that respect I always was too ready a listener because now I've found I'll have to disagree with him. The country, the people, and so much that goes with the two are still vastly interesting to me. And that's a lucky thing for me, isn't it? As long as my curiosity is taken up with someone else, it isn't as likely to be turned on me--which is a good idea.

            Imagine mountains with the general appearance of the Sandias [east of Albuquerque], thickly foliated (is there such a word?), with banana, palm, papaya, and in some places even the poinsettia trees interspersed here and there. That's the scenery before you arrive at Baguio, popular mountain resort, about 120 miles north of here. Beautiful, lovely, and restful are your (or rather I should say "my") impressions of the place they send soldiers of the Far East for recuperation. American soldiers, I mean. Camp John Hay, at Baguio, has been built for that express purpose, and the view from the officers' mess is positively breathtaking, gorgeous, stupendous, and two more adjectives of your choice. Mac, dammit, I want to be loyal to my U.S.A., but, doggonit, I just ain't seen nothin' to equal it in the States. Oh, yes, and--you know me--there's the item of food. You remember how I beat my gums like an auctioneer about the cuisine of the "Coolidge"--strictly mediocre compared to the officers mess at Camp John Hay. Baguio is cool, quiet, and clean.

            You really have to live here a while before you realize that you haven't been using words like "cool, quiet, and clean" as much as you used to. The markets in the native Barrios (villages to you) nearby are positively revealing. And I thot [sic] the Juarez [Mexico] market was dirty! And when an old-timer informs you that four out of every five babies that are born alive die before they're five years old, you understand what he means--better. Even so, I might insert, there are still kids everywhere ya look. My, what an amazing vitality!

            Indifferent is the word to describe their attitude toward the disposal of human wastes. We have a very limited choice of vegetables for that reason, so it ain't funny. Open sewerage, what there is of it, in the Barrios and Conceptions, (larger than Barrios) -- which adds to assorted odors, (omission of "orted" permitted).

            We've found a fine swimming pool, the Dona Aurora Natatorium (named after the first lady of the land Dona Aurora Quezon) at Mount Arayat National Park, about 20 miles from the Post. Clear, sparkling water and a modern 1-meter diving board. Truly it's a real blessing to us. Man, do I have fun there! WOW! Follow-the-leader, tag, and them there things.

            Gee, I haven't mentioned Manila and Jai Alai yet. My, how careless! I'm enclosing one of the pari-mutual tickets. I typed the names of the players on the back. I think that's one of the reasons people bet so damn much--because of the screwy names.

            I finally got my tailor, Ah Hing, to turn out a linen (crash linen my # 1 lumk boy tells me it is) suit for me the other day. With the heavy influx of personnel he's been busy making uniforms for one and all. The coat is single-breasted, 3-buttoned front--swing-back, belt in back; pleats and cuffs on the trousers. Gee, do I look purdy--hmmm.

            Well, this letter rambles on like a fraternity bull session--Mac, the best to you and yours and please say "pip, pip" to the good people.

            Good luck, Dean

P.S. Barhara's transfer didn't go thru, Capt. Schurtz is the one whose name you forgot, and it's "Stotsenburg"--in answer to questions in your letter. DC

***

Postmark April 6, 1942 Albuquerque

"April 4, 1941 (sic)

Dear Craft:

            Your dad [Quincy R. Craft] just left, Friend, and he had a hull [sic] passel a letters from you. The first one he received, just last week, was dated Jan. 18, then one of Dec. 30, one Jan. 2 and one Jan. 7. A little late, perhaps, but fine news, just the same. To say we were glad to hear from our boy Craft would be a monstrous understatement, but we were glad. We would like to get a little more news than you put into your letters, but naturally we understand that. Keep 'em coming.

            Don't worry about your dad, Dean. He's taking all this trouble and your being in the middle of [the war since the Japanese bombing of Pearl Harbor in December, 1941] in the best possible manner, as you know he would. One of the best, is Q.R. and one whom I consider it even a privilege to just know, if you can follow the scrambled syntax. I tried to talk him into going to the Cub-White Sox exibition (an original spelling) with me next Monday, but you well know the Gov'ner. The jolly old [Forest Service] would indeed fold up if he took an afternoon off. ...

            We saw Barbara the last time she was up, which was the occasion of Jessies wedding. She, too, is taking it well, old man. At first she was just a trifle bitter about the whole thing, an attitude that doesn't quite fit, but after hostilities commenced, she adopted a more tractable view, and is now, as if you didn't know, as fiercely proud as we all are of MacArthur. ... So you can forget any worries about your family and devote your time to your C.A. chore.

            I'd give my left chike to be with you, Dean. I've tried every way I know to get into the Corps of Engineers, or any other branch of the Army, but so far no go. There are no reserves or N.G. now; it['s] all the regular army. The only Commissions that are given out are through the Officer Candidate schools, and the only way a fellow can get in one of these schools is to be selected from the ranks. That's as it should be, of course, but in my case, who is going to take care of the family while I'm in the ranks waiting to be selected for Candidate School? I've got Rosemary all talked into it, but the financial goblin insists on rearing it's unbeautiful sconce. I'll just have to wait until the draft catches up with III-A.

            Rosemary and the $400 deduction are in the pink, thanks. Patricia continues to grow bigger and prettier every day. She now has two choppers, but still can't say or do anything but odd jobs around the house. We'll keep her, though.

            Accept our congrats and stuff on the promotion, Dean. You have but the one teency little old silver one to get now ... We're all proud of you.

            Work for the [Soil Conservation Service] still goes on as usual. It looks as if it will fold up any minute, but it continues to hang on. A great many employees, especially engineers, have resigned to go into the armed services, or to go to work for the Army or Navy, but a necleus [sic] yet exists. I can go back to Mare Island and have had several chances to go to work for the Army (the U.S.E.D) but hve decided to hang on until the last, if it comes to that. The ole SCS has been good to me. ...

            "I hope to see you soon, in Tokyo.

            Sincerely, Mac"

***

Note:   The letter was returned, stamped "Service Suspended" as Bataan had fallen to the Japanese Army on April 9, 1942 and all American soldiers in the Philippines were taken prisoner.

***

Postmark May 7, 1942 Albuquerque

On May 6, 1942, Rosemary sends her mother-in-law a Mother's Day letter, inviting her to come for a visit, and while she is in New Mexico, her son Gene, stationed with the Army in Hobbs will make the trip to Albuquerque to see everyone. She sends snapshots of Patricia who is almost a year old. She says Jack is home now and thinks will be for a while which she hopes because it is "lonesome here without him."

***

Postmark May 29, 1942, Albuquerque

"Friday, May 29

Dear Mom:

            Well, this news will surprise you as much as it did me. I got my orders to report to the Army day before yesterday. By next Tuesday I'll officially be a member of the armed services. I don't know why they didn't give me the six months time that they told me they would, but it is probably because of the fact that the Army is short of engineers. I've got everything fixed to leave now, and will leave Monday night for Ft. Bliss [Texas]. I'd have let you know sooner, but couldn't see the draft board till today to get the business straightened out. As soon as I find where I'll be I'll let you know.

            Rosemary feels rather low about the whole thing, naturally. We both thought we would have more time, but I feel that since we decided on the business, it might as well be now as later. Chances are I will be stationed at Ft. Bliss for my basic training, and if so, Rosemary will stay here in Albuquerque with her folks. After I actually start to Officer school, which will probably be either at Ft. Leonard Wood, Missouri, or at Ft. Belvoir, Virginia, Rosemary will accept your invitation to live with you. I'd like for her to stay with you the whole time but while I'm at Ft. Bliss, which is close to here, she wants to stay with her folks. I'm sure hoping they will send me to school in Missouri.

            How do you think Daddy would like to take care of a real registered Irish Setter? What we will do with the dog is quite a problem, and boarding a dog at a kennel is too expensive. After I get to be an officer I can keep him, but what shall I do with him the next six months? Rosemary's folks have no room for him, and I hate to ask them or anyone else, except Daddy, to take care of him. He isn't much trouble, but is big and clumsy. If you think you can take care of him let me know and I'll ship him back there. He and Patricia get along so well that both Rosemary and I want to keep him. I like him, too, of course, and intend to hunt a lot with him someday. Let me know as soon as you can, Mom.

            Both Rosemary and Patricia are well, and I am too, as usual. I'm sure going to miss them for the time I'm in that basic training. After I get my commission we will be able to live together again.

            I'd like to write more, Mom, but I'm supposed to be working and we're busy, too. I'll keep in touch with you. Give Daddy and [his brother and sister] Richard and Anne the best for us.

            Love, Jack"

***

Postmark June 1, 1942 Albuquerque

"Monday AM [June 1]

Dear Mom:

            Your letter surely got here in a hurry. We had just got back from Church. I had no idea you would learn of the news until I was actually in the Army, ... will let you know as soon as possible about where I will be and for how long.

            We [will] have everything ... ready to go ... by noon. ... I will call the express company and find out how to ship Seamus [the dog]. ... anything you feed Shadow will suit him, for he's never said no to anything to eat. ... As soon as I can I'll take him off your hands.

            Patricia is already moved to the Tischhauser's, and is the center of attraction there. I hope she doesn't cry at night and keep the in-laws up, but she won't. She has surely had a picnic the last two days while we've been packing. She plays with anything, an old paper or old clothes or anything else handy. I hope I'm sent to Ft. Leonard Wood, so you can help Rosemary take care of her. I'm going to miss her.

            Mr. Craft was here a few minutes yesterday. He and [his daughter] Ruth are going out to California for a few days. He still is quite cheerful about Dean, but I know he worries about it. Barbara, Dean's wife, has been transferred to the [Soil Conservation Service] at Santa Fe so she will be close to the family.

            Just as soon as I have anything to write about, I'll write, Mom. Rosemary will be at her folks, 415 North Sixth [Albuquerque], in the event you write to her. Give Daddy and Anne and Richard our best. Incidentally, what does Daddy think of my getting into the Army? Everyone here thinks I'm doing the wise thing. But that doesn't make it any easier.

            Love, Jack"

***

A June 4, 1942, Western Union telegram from Rosemary to her mother-in-law advises that "Seamus will arrive No. 8 tomorrow 6:50 pm via Railway Express. Jack in Fort Bliss. Patricia fine. May see you soon." On the same day, Jack writes to his mother from Fort Bliss, Texas, that "the second day in the Army was just about like the first ... filling out more forms and taking examinations. ... I was interviewed by a Major today again about my assignment, and it's still the Corps of Engineers." He asks how they like the dog, and tells them not to write to him at Fort Bliss because he has no idea when or where he will be sent.

***

Postmark June 9, 1942 Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri

PVT John E. McNerney sends his mother a letter on USO, United Service Organization, letterhead, the envelope stamped FREE as many future letters are

"Monday [June 8]

Dear Mom:

            Well, here I am back in the old home state ... so green and pretty ... I'm behind the rest of the men in this company a week, so I will be pretty busy catching up. I hope they let me make it up so it will cut my basic training that much. So far it hasn't been at all bad. ...

            Rosemary and I had rather planned on her coming here if I did, but we hadn't figured just how. If the Army gives me the furlough we are supposed to get, I could drive her as far as Kansas City, ... As soon as I find out anything definite I'll let you know. The first weekend leave I get, I'll come up to see you and Pop. Right now I'm broke, and should have a little to start a trip like that, but I'll get up as soon as possible.

            How is Seamus behaving? ... Be sure to write as soon as you can and give me all the news. I haven't heard from you for more than a week now.

            I have some studying to do, so goodnight. ...

            Love, Jack"

***

Postmark June 13, 1942 Fort Leonard Wood

"Friday [June 12]

Dear Mom:"

            Jack laments not receiving any letters for two weeks. "If I'd known how much letters meant to soldiers I'd have written to Gene more often. ...

            Our platoon gets guard duty this weekend and they have really been pouring it on. Soldiers on guard duty should have a little more training than we do so they are trying to make good soldiers of us in a week. Some job. We have to stay close to the guard house until noon Sunday which will probably keep me from Mass. I'll see if I can get off that long. ...

            Rosemary said she would like to stay with you if I were sent here, but since I'll get no leave it's going to be hard to get her here. I've asked her what she wants to do, and perhaps we can dope something out.

            As far as I know, my basic training will last six more weeks, then, if I'm selected, I'll go to officers school here for two weeks, then to Ft. Belvoir for three months. Say a prayer that I'll be selected.

            I just got your letter. ... Makes me feel pretty good. ... I kinda felt Shadow and Seamus wouldn't get along. Seamus acted the same way once when [Rosemary's sister] Anabel brought her dog to our place. It's just as well for [his brother] Thomas to take care of him, for it would be just that much more work for you. ...

            Thanks for the money, Mom, but I don't think I'll need it. Anything we need here we can get at the post exchange, which comes off next payday. I hear it's almost impossible to get leave from here, too, so it may be some time before I get up to see you. ... I'd give anything to see you, if even for just one day. ...

Love, Jack"

***

Note: Thomas dealt with the unruly Irish Setter. His son, Tom, tells the story of Seamus jumping their fence and killing 17 of the neighbor's chickens and roosters and eating all the eggs. They depended on those items for food during difficult times. Thomas paid for the animals and eggs and never told his brother, Jack, who was in military training and had his hands full with his own problems.

***

Postmark June 15, 1942 Fort Leonard Wood

"Sunday [June 14]

Dear Mom:

            There isn't too much to do for about the first time, so I'll catch up on my writing. Almost all our company is on guard duty today, but I'm in charge of quarters which simply means I sit around the company commander's office all day, running errands and answering the telephone. It gives me a chance to get acquainted with our company and some of our officers.

            Well today is about our first nice day. It's been cool and pleasant all day with no rain. I hope it stays this way for a while for falling flat in the mud is no fun, and that has been part of our training.

            The Catholic Chaplain here is a swell fellow, and a splendid speaker too. When I went to confession last night, he asked me to serve Mass today, but by the time I got there he had a couple of other fellows. That was just as well, too, since it's been a long time since I've served. What do you think of the Pope permitting Mass to be said at night in the Army? I think it's wonderful, because a lot of us can go to Mass during the week once in a while. There are a lot of Catholics in our Platoon, fellows from Ohio, with names like Brennan, Reilly, Donnelly, Collins etc. This company is from Ohio, Iowa, Illinois, and Minnesota. ...

            Rosemary got herself a job. We owed a few bills, and my pay was slow in coming since my military leave had to be approved in Washington, and she got to worrying. She said she went to the U.S. Engineers office to inquire about a job and was hired on the spot. She says she won't work for more than a month, maybe two, but I'll bet if I got a few days leave, enough to go to Kansas City, she would be there to meet me, and quit her job. ...

            He talks about the weather and asks about Richard's draft status. "How is Seamus behaving? I'd like to see him. If he causes Tom any expenses be sure to let me know.

            Goodnight, Mom. I'll write again in a day or two.

            Love, Jack"

***

Postmark June 18, 1942 Fort Leonard Wood

For the first time on Fort Leonard Wood stationery with the Army Corps of Engineers insignia

"Wednesday [June 17]

Dear Mom:

            ... I was surely glad to get your letter today. ... I still don't know about leave ... After this basic training is over before I go to Ft. Belvoir ... there should be another day or two off. I don't know whether it would be advisable to come here, unless you drove. It's a big place, and after you get off the bus or train you might not be able to find me. After a little while we will know more what we can do. But I do know I'll see you before I leave Missouri.

            I am a little disappointed, too, that Rosemary can't make it to Kansas City now. As you say, it is better, even if she is staying with her folks, for her to pay her own way. And we owed a little money, too, that I expected the money that I had coming to take care of that worried her considerably. So it's my fault she has to work. After a month or so, though, maybe sooner, and then she should be able to make the trip. ... And you'll see that all our talk about Patricia is true, too. She's an angel. ...

            Have you given up the idea of going out to see Gene and Katherine [in California]? ... you shouldn't put it off. Rail travel may be stopped anytime. ... It's rained all day, again, but it's cleared up now. I hope it stays that way for awhile. I rather enjoy drill and hikes and marching, and don't like this staying inside listening to a lecture. We have a lot of drilling to do, and if we get behind now it will just pile up later.

            ... By the time [Gene] finishes his training in the air corps, the war will be over, anyway, so it's [where he will be sent] nothing to worry about. ...

            Love, Jack"

***

Postmark June 22, 1942 Fort Leonard Wood

"Saturday [June 20]

Dear Mom:

            Your letter came today, as you planned. You surely have been fine about writing, ... We signed up for our allotments last night. Rosemary should get about $60 per month, whether she works or not. But they won't start paying that until next November. Our share is taken out now, and the money from June 1st till Nov. 1st is paid in a lump sum. So it's a good thing she decided to work for a month or so. My pay from Soil Conservation Service hasn't come yet, and there were some things, insurance and such, that had to be paid. I didn't want Rosemary to work but as it's turned out it's a good thing she did. She has good judgement about those things. In fact, I think she's a pretty good wife, don't you?...

            You didn't send Gene's address, Mom. There is usually a little extra time to write on Sundays, and I would like to write to him. ...

            I'm all through with my typhoid shots now, thank goodness, and just have a couple more tetanus shots to take. They haven't given us yellow fever shots, so chances are we won't go anywhere yellow fever is. In fact, by the time my training is over the war should be over too. ...

            Some of the fellows were given weekend passes today, and as soon as I get a payday, I'll get one and go up to see you. We are allowed only from 5 o'clock Saturday night till 11 o'clock Sunday night, but I could at least spend part of Sunday with you, long enough to go to Mass and eat some real food. After Church tomorrow, I'll go to the bus station here on the post and see what time the busses leave and return. If any extra duty comes on Sunday we can't go, but I'll make it as soon as possible after payday. I'm sure anxious to see you and Daddy.

            Speaking of food, ours is pretty good, but it's all cooked the old Army style, and we get tired of it. Usually we are so hungry at meal time we eat everything. We get a dessert after lunch and dinner, but nothing like your or Rosemary's pie and cake. ...

            The Officers school here lasts for only two weeks, and then the eligible candidates go to Virginia. By that time Rosemary should be ready to go to Kansas City. ... Her brother Dick can drive her to Kansas City, and I can drive from there to Ft. Belvoir. ...

            Give everyone my best.

            Love, Jack."