June - December 1944
12 June '44
France
Dear Mother, Dad and All -
I have seen [CENSORED] here in France. We are doing O.K. I thank God that I have been reared in a Christian home, as He above has given me much comfort.
Please do not worry, as I know your prayers shall be answered. I assure you that I am well.
Please convey this message to Eloise, and give her my love.
With all my Love,
Byron
France
15 June '44
Dear Mother, Dad and All,
I mailed Eloise a letter last nite but I think I forgot to date it, so in case she is curious you can tell her.
I suppose everyone in the States has their ears glued to the radio. That's where you will have to get your news, as mums the word at this time.
Well, Dad and Mother, please don't worry, as it doesn't help matters.
I assure you I'm O.K.
Love to All,
Byron
France
20/6/44
Dear Folks -
You perhaps know by now that I have been in combat. I have seen much sorrow but yet I have much, for which to be thankful.
I have a lot of which I would like to tell you, but deem it unwise to say much at this time.
I assure you I am well, and please don't worry "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble" Psalm 46:1.
Please tell the Brinkman's, Emma and Bert, F.M., Fredia, Mabel, Marcille and Kenny to continue to write me, even if I do not find time to answer them. Tell grandma Frease, and Mr. and Mrs. Higgins. I send my regards and my love to you and Eloise,
Please do not worry as I'm O.K.
With All my Love,
Byron
France
23 June '44
Dear Folks -
I have been awaiting mail for several days and today brought me six letters. Two from Emma, two from Eloise, one from Mabel and one from you, mother.
Emma mentioned strawberries, Gee they certainly must be good. Any fruit would taste good to me. Of course now, what little we get cooked, we have to do ourselves, altho we get by pretty well.
How fortunate you are that you can eat and sleep in peace. One has no idea what war is like until they take part in one. However I'm getting along O.K. and looking up.
Please don't worry, as I'm well, and give my love to all.
With much Love,
Byron
France
1 July '44
Dear Dad and Mother,
Have been wanting to write you for a couple of days but just never seemed to have the time.
I suppose you have been getting the news from the papers and radio, about our unit as many of the folks have written the boys here, that our unit is getting much publicity.
How thankful I am to have a home to go to after this earthly turmoil is over, as the cities here are nothing but a heap of rocks, once we pass throu them. War is hell, as you have always heard but God willing I shall come through O.K.
I haven't received F.M. picture or the film and don't expect them as yet, as no packages are coming through at present, however our mail is coming through O.K.
Sending my love to all,
With Love,
Byron
France
7 July '44
Dear Folks -
At present, I'm stationed in the rear and things are quite. It rains one moment and shining sun the next.
I've mailed you a portion of a parachute. Its not quite a half, so you can see how large they really are. I think they are pure silk. Some are white and some green. Do what you like with it. The landscape of Normandy was littered with thousands upon thousands of them. So I suppose every lady here about will have a new silk dress, but after four years of being overrun by Germans, I guess they deserve a break. The civilians treat us swell and my two years of French comes in handy. Fourteen or fifteen years ago while sitting in my French class, little did I realize that some day I might use that language.
Today brought me three letters from Eloise, one from F.M. and a card from Carmen and Perk.
I guess there isn't much news that I can write about, so good luck, God bless you and please don't worry.
With all my Love,
Byron
Western Union
DEW32 INTL=PZNY SANS ORIGINE VIA COMMERCIAL JUL 19 NFD=
:NLT MRS CHARLES ARMBRUSTER=
:RR3 NAPOLEON (OHIO)=
DEAR FOLKS FINE HEALTH GIVE LOVE TO ALL DON'T WORRY LOE=
BYRON ARMBRUSTER.
22 July '44
England
Dear Folks -
Things have been happening fast, which accounts for me not writing you more often. So I ask forgiveness. Did you receive my cable gram?
We were given a leave, I guess to help forget, and so Steve my buddie from Warren, Ohio and myself took a tour of England. We went to Sherborne, then to Cardiff, Wales, then to Birmingham, then to Leeds and on to Harogate, to spend some time with the Hughes daughter and son-in-law. Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Ellis. He is a Flight officer in the British Air Corp. We had such a splendid time, that I did forget the war for a little while.
Please don't let the papers mislead you.
I had written the Gubens a letter June 12th but was unable to send it until I had received word that the family had been notified. I will mail it to-day. very sad, but one of many.
I'll be looking like a Christmas tree soon. We can now place a bronze star on our ETO ribbon and we have been cited by the president, which gave us another ribbon, a ---------- -------------- one to wear on our right side.
I never did receive the picture F.M. sent. Tell Fredia I thank her very much for being so faithful in her writing. Did you have a good time at the lake?
With Love,
Byron
P.S. Mother, please write larger when writing me. Thank you.
4 Aug. '44
England
Dear Folks -
Things have quieted down somewhat and we are now back to normal army routine. I feel O.K. only outsiders tell me I have aged a lot in the last few months. Its rather amusing.
I have wired $75.00 to-day, so let me know when you receive it.
Steve's girl friends sister, is a nurse stationed here in England. She is also from Warren. I have met her several times. The other day she paid us a surprise visit, so Steve and I each got a twenty four hour pass. We had a nice time.
It seems strange, but we wear our wool OD's all summer. It never gets hot like at home, altho to-day is a nice warm day. Tomatoes and even grapes and peaches are grown in green houses, they will not thrive in the open.
It's a wonder I get so much mail as I do, as I never write very much. You have all been very faithful, I received a card from Lauren's folks, and a letter from Kenny since he has been transferred. Lucky -----.
Call Jo and Tim and tell them I'm thinking of them.
Love to all,
Byron
9 Aug. '44
England
Dear Folks -
I'm working a few hours this evening, so shall dash of a few lines before I start and answer a few of your questions. Yes I receive letters from Marcille quite frequently and about she getting married, I didn't know what to say. Its certainly a lot to take into consideration at a time like this. I guess she is old enough to be her own judge, but I've seen some of my good buddies fall and leave wives and children. Did Mrs. Gerken ever get my letter?
I've received he two cute little boxes of candy one from Fredia and the one from you. Thanks a lot. I could use some more pop corn if I had it now, but if you would mail it now, we perhaps wouldn't be here by the time it reached England. I don't know what to write , so you please ask the questions and I'll answer them if I can.
I was surprised to learn that Mabel's sold the home. I received her letter to-day. To-day also brought mail from Eloise and Aunt Bertha. I never mention all the mail I get. Fredia is very faithful, also Emma, but she sliped by without writing this week. The Boys are waiting for me to go to work, so must close,
With All my Love,
Byron
16 Aug '44
England
Dear Folks -
Today brought me four letters. One each from Garnet, Mabel, Eloise, and the Gerkens. Can you keep a secret? Let no one read this. While on the other side, I took a picture of Wilburs grave, but the Gerkens must never know as yet, for fear the pictures might not be good, so I don't have them developed as yet and it would be a disappointment to them if they didn't turn out O.K. It may be months before I get them. I do hope they come out O.K. It would be such a consolation for them.
Did you like the green material? What are you going to do with it? Garnet said she would like a snip of it. I have been putting in long hours and even now its going on [CENSORED] and still light. I also received my July 5th Northwest this evening, so shall sign off and read it.
P.S. Yes mother I always forget to tell you. I received the snaps that you sent. Thanks a million. Your a real pal.
With All My Love,
Byron
23 Aug. 44
England
Dear Folks -
My mail is slacking off the last few days. To-day brought me a long letter from Kenny. He certainly is fortunate.
Tell pop I voted Monday and sent out my ballot.
I've moved into another room now. There are only six in the room besides myself. One each from the following States. Michigan, Ohio, Penn., Virginia, Tenn, and Mass. Oh yes, and me from Napoleon.
Yesterday I received letters from Fredia and Frances Mary.
I'm thinking of Emma and Bert tonite because one of the boys in my room is varnishing his guitar. I'd appreciate it if you would have Otto Brinkman paint my statues. Have Nora look at them and see what suggestion she has. Gee the progress of the war looks good, doesn't it?
With Love,
Byron
27 Aug. '44
Dear Folks -
This is Sunday afternoon. This morning I attended church in town. When we returned, we had a big chicken dinner awaiting us. This evening Steve and I are going to visit the Hughes. His girl friends sister is a nurse here in England and in a few days she is coming to visit him. I think Steve and I shall get a day or two leave. She has been here once before and stays at the Hughes, each visit.
Mail has been rather slack, or maybe it just seems so. I received F.M. letter this noon. Please give this address of Steve's sister, to Fredia. She is married and has two children. They are Catholic and her husband is in the Navy. Mrs. Woodie Cousino, 721 Cass St., Monroe, Michigan. Her name is Kay.
How do you like my new stationery? By the way, you can send air mail letters instead of V-mail, if you like. They both get here about the same time. The Fay Bien - Crain Rien on the emblem means, Do Good - Fear Nothing. The plumbbob in the center is for Engineers and the rest stands for Air Corp.
9 P.M. Just returned from Hughes we had tea and a very nice chat.
Give my Love to All,
Byron
30 Aug. '44
England
Dear Folks -
It is late and I must get to bed, but have decided to drop you a few lines. I just returned from a twenty four hour pass. I had a very nice time. By the way, I have often wished I had Emma's Aunts' address. I might look her up. Yes, I often think that I would like to visit her autn, if she is anything like Emma. She must be close to ninety, isn't she?
I missed mail call today, so I don't know if I had any mail. Mail has seemed rather scarce. I guess every one at home is also, busy. Mother, thanks a lot for your letters. I look forward to your weekly visits. I certainly appreciate them. I received a North-west News last nite, but haven't had time to read it.
Will close wishing you heaps of happiness.
With Love,
Byron
2 Sept. '44
England -
Dear Mother and Dad -
I have letters lying here infront of me from Eloise, Fredia, Emma, Carmine and pop. Fredia said she canned 145 qts of peaches. Gee, I sure wish I had one right off the tree. We get canned fruit but the only fresh fruit I have had this summer was a couple plums and even then I felt that I was robbing the civilians. There is very little fruit here.
Desutters have a tree of plums in their yard and they sure have a nice home.
We have been very busy and I haven't much news. My mind seems to be blank at this moment. Oh yes, I wish you and mother could have seen Desutters home. It sure is nice.
I ask that you remember the boys at the fighting fronts, as they need spiritual, as well as physical strength, at this turning point of the war.
Please give Eloise my love,
With Love,
Byron
England
11 Sept. '44
Dear Folks -
I had a very nice week end. Steves friend came to visit us. She stayed at the Hughes. We had an afternoon and evening pass both Saturday and Sunday. Sunday afternoon we took a boat ride on the Thames river. It was a beautiful day and we had a nice time. We took some pictures but it takes months to get them developed, censored, etc. I am enclosing some snaps that were taken in May. I just received them. It takes that long to go through all the red tape. I hope you like them. I have two of myself only, so please give one of them to Eloise.
Saturday I received two letters from Eloise and one from Fredia. Sunday, I received letters from Emma and Marcille, to-day a paper, only.
I certainly would like to help you get ride of some of those musk mellons. They must not grow them here. At least I've never seen them. At the Hughes, last evening, I had al the mushrooms I could eat. They tasted something like egg plant.
Please give my love to all, I just can't make myself write more letters.
With All My Love,
Byron
P.S. I'm thinking of you both, every minute of the day.
Page I
England
17 Sept. '44
Dear Folks -
Another historical day. No doubt you have had your ears to the radio most of the day.
Mail seems very scare. Haven't had any for two days, except a paper. I received the package several days ago. Thank every one who was responsible for sending it. Thank grandma Frease. I understand she packed it and did a fine job.
You have been misinformed about having to request, packages for Christmas. However I only want food and nothing else, Anything else would only be extra baggage.
Anyway, heaven only know where I shall
Page II
be by Christmas time. I may e spending it, eating rice.
I wish I could think of something interesting to tell you but my mind is in a state of confusion. This is indeed a strange world. One is called upon to do things that he has always been taught, is wrong. However we much fight for God and country. I pray this earthy turmoil shall soon draw to a close and we shall be able to return to our homes. So much for that.
I haven't the time to write Mrs. Brinkman to-nite, so please give her this message. She was asking me if I went to many parties.
Page III
I sure get around places. I'm invited to a party to be held in a couple of weeks and we are going rowing, you know what I mean, rowing on the river. Don't forget to tell mother Brinkman how I enjoy her letters.
I may not be writing very often for a while but never worry, just busy. The Hughes' are now on a vacation. Did you ever receive the pictures?
I intend to write Kenny tonite yet, so will end this letter. Is Marcille married yet?
Hoping this finds you all well.
With Love,
Byron
P.S. Send me some films
No. 616.
Flash!!! Today the black-out if lifted and we now have dim-out.
20 Sept. '44
Dear Folks -
Yes, I know it, you have been worrying again. Sorry I haven't written sooner. Please let me do the worrying if there is any to be done. I think I'll know when to do the worrying. Things are looking pretty good aren't they?
You ask me what I want for Christmas. Well, you can always send me some films for my camera. Size 616.
Received a nice long letter from Mother Brinkman and letters each from Emma Fredia, Rev. Zschoche, Eloise and you, mother.
Gee, I could sure go for those marshmallows, you were telling about, but I don't care much for watermellon.
I intend to drop Eloise a line to-nite yet, so must close.
Please give my love to all.
With Love,
Byron
P.S. Did Emma ever receive the "Yank" magazine I sent her?
England
Dear Folks -
Boy, this has been a busy and eventful week. Now for a big surprise. Yesterday, the 27th, I was best man at a very beautiful, white, church wedding. The lucky fellow is a close friend of mine. He is Tech. Sgt. Art. Ulrich, from Indiana and she is a charming English lass, living near here. In months to come, you will receive pictures of the wedding, and to think that Marcille choose the same day for here wedding. My mind was in Salt Lake City, every once in a while that day. The reception was lovely, drinks by the galore but of course food was a little scarce. It may sound strange, but you know not what rationing is.
Things, are happening fast but never worry, it seems like I just carry on from day to day, never knowing what shall happen next but I thank God I have always been very fortunate.
I am unable to write everyone that I would like to, so please give them my best regards. I am enclosing two presents. Please give them to Mr. and Mrs. Gerkin. They are the ones I have mentioned to you.
Amost an identical one appeared in our Stars and Stripes paper I while back.
I do hope Kenny stays where he is, altho if he should cross, he would never have to tread in my footsteps.
It has been quite cool. Lovely dahlia weather and do they have swell ones. I've never seen such beautiful ones grown with such little care. The mums are now coming into bloom.
Mother, please don't work to hard on your new job. You could have knocked me over with a feather when I heard you were helping out at the factory.
I must write a couple more letters, so in closing, I wish you both best of health and happiness.
With Love,
Byron
England
30 Sept. '44
Dear Folks -
This has certainly been a busy week. I'm even working tomorrow. I took two flights, and was best man at a large wedding, on top of my normal duties, so you can see that I have been busy. I shall soon be doing what Mabel and Otto just did.
I have sent you a couple of snaps for Mrs. Gerken. I hope you get them O.K. I have a lot of other pictures but will not be able to send them. I'll bring them with me, a year from this coming Christmas. No, I hope I'll be home before that.
I've been waiting on Marcilles address. Please send it to me, also send me Doris Mohler's address. I might be able to look him up.
Sending my love to all,
Your Son,
Byron
England
9 Oct. '44
Dear Folks -
I've been sitting here now for nearly a half hour and I don't know what to write. I've written Eloise all about the good time we had over the weekend and I know she will let you read her letter.
I'm enclosing a picture of the wedding that was in the city paper. The real photo will follow later. They certainly make a nice couple
I took another glider flight to-day. I guess I've traveled nearly every mode of transportation except submarine. Shall I try that? No, don't worry I don't think I'd like that either.
Give my best regards to all.
With Love,
Byron
England
13 Oct. '44
Dear Folks -
I have letters here in front of me, from Freda Emma, Mrs. Brinkman, Mother and Eloise. I can't write to all altho I appreciate these letters and would feel lost without these weekly visits. I guess I'm just expecting to much.
I'm glad you liked the pictures. Did you receive the ones for Mrs. Gerken? She perhaps would like the negatives but I'm unable to send them, so shall bring them with me, if possible, when I return. You spoke of me sending films home. We aren't able to send them home, its strictly again rules.
Mother Brinkman wrote me a six page letter. She certainly is faithful.
Enclosed is a clipping form our "Stars and Stripes" paper
With All my Love,
Byron
England
23 Oct. '44
Dear Folks -
I had a lovely quite week end. Rhona and Jack, the Hughes daughter and son-in-law are home on a leave, so Sgt. Hodel and myself spent Saturday and Sunday with them. We had a grand time popping pop corn in the fireplace and freezing the ice cream, you sent me some time back. It was swell. It was also nice to forget the army routine for a little while. Thursday two Ohio nurses, who are friends of Steve's are coming to spend a leave with the Hughes. We expect to see them. Today Russell called me and said that it was U.S.A. week at these home, as a lady from Hollywood California was also coming to visit them for a few days. I have never met her but her son was born in England and is a Lt. in the British Army. I know him quite well as he was wounded a while back and recuperated at the Hughes. His brother is a prisoner of war. SO you see the Hughes really hold open house.
I haven't received any mail for three days. Did you get the pictures for Mrs. Gerken? Excuse change in ink. We use which ever is the handyest.
I have been very busy here of late. You will have to read between the lines. The chestnuts are beginning to fall and the holly is lovely with its red berries. It makes one rather homesick because it reminds us of Christmas. Its been several years since I've spent Christmas at home.
The radio sounds good just now, so I shall sign off and listen to radio and read.
My Love to you All,
Byron
England
1 Nov. '44
Dear Folks -
How the time flies. I can't remember when I have last written to you. I hope it hasn't been as long as it seems, to me.
I just finished addressing ten Christmas cards. I don't know just when I'll drop them in the mail. I'm not sending many this season. I've already received five greetings, Some from Elosie's people and one from Mrs. Deventhal.
I sure thank you for Doris and Dwights addresses. It was sure to bad for Boucher but I can understand. Why was Bob Rieser in the Hospital?
Mother, I received you Air mail letter yesterday and I like it so much better than a V-mail. It makes one seem that we are now closer together. Yes, mother your family is certainly scattered in body but not in spirit. I know we all think of home daily. Marcille in Utah, Kenny in Washington and myself just here but we pray that we shall have a reunion in the not to distant future.
I never cared much for grapes, while home, but when they are now mentioned in letters, my mouth waters. Yes indeed any fruit. Very little fruit is raised here, and what little there is, is for civilian consumption. A little bird told me you have sent some apples. Your really an angel.
Out of ink again. Well folks, everything is as good as can be expected, so please don't worry.
Please give my regards to the rest.
With Love,
Byron
England
13 Nov. '44
Dear Mother and Dad -
I have been wanting to write you sooner but it seemed like there was something to conflict with my writing each evening. Even tonite I began to give up hopes of writing, as I went to the P.X. to draw my rations and I had to stand in line nearly two hours. That's the Army, just one long wait.
I just droped a Christmas greeting to the Gerkens and included a handkerchief made from a historical parachute. I received a letter from them this week.
I'm Jay's sponsor, so please buy him something for Christmas form my allotment. I sent home $175.00 a while back. One of $100.00 and one of $75.00. have you ever received either of them? Please always leave me know when you receive them. I've sent Eloise two gifts. Has she ever received them? Yesterday, I received a large box from the Brinkmans containing a heap of peanuts. Please call her and thank them for me. They are so kind.
Saturday afternoon I went up town and got a haircut at the Red Cross, then went shopping for some "thank you" cards thinking I wouldn't have to write so many letters of thanks for the packages I hear are on the way, but I couldn't find any. They just don't have them. I then went to the show, ate supper at the Red Cross and finished out the evening with Sgt. Ulrich and his wife. She told me that she had written Eloise a letter. Sunday Sgt. Hodel and myself journeyed to London. Tomorrow evening we are having a little party at the home of Sgt. Ulrich wifes folks. Her brother who has just turned nineteen, is entering his majesties forces. You shall have the privilege of meeting her, as she is going to make the States her home, after the war.
Gee, can you imagine this, me starting a third page? Did Eloise ever receive a letter from Jack and Rhona Ellis? Please give Marcille, Kenny and all the rest, near and dear to me, all the news that you think they might be interested in. I think I'm lucky if I get a letter off to you and Eloise, each week.
There are just to many in here now "shootin the bull," so must close.
My Love to you All,
Byron
P.S. Mother you're an Angel, writing me those interesting letters. I'd certainly be lost without your weekly visit.
England
22 Nov. '44
Dear Dad and Mother -
The last letter I have received from the States was dated Nov. 6th. The only package received so far, was from the Brinkmans. Circumstances have arison whereby I don't expect any mail for several days yet. I guess I'll get it all at once.
Received a letter from Emma the other day and she said she just finished canning her kraut. I wish these Krauts were all canned.
Tomorrow is Thanksgiving and I really have a lot to be thankful for, but it just doesn't seem like Thanksgiving. Of course, thanksgiving isn't celebrated over here but the Hughes have ordered a turkey for Christmas. They have to pay five pounds for it. Isn't that awful. Oh I forgot, maybe you don't know how much that is. Its twenty dollars.
Steve and I aren't together just now. Does Fredia ever write his sister? Honigman isn't with me either just now. Does Eloise ever write his wife?
Well I've been at this letter exactly one hour and haven't written much yet. I think I shall sign off and polish my boots. I think I'll be able to spend part of the day at the Hughes.
With all my Love,
Byron
England
29 Nov. '44
Dear Folks -
I have been putting off writing to you, as news is very scarce. If Eloise would continue to write Margerite, in Cleveland, she could give her some news of interest.
I expect to meet Doris soon. I hope it can be arranged.
I haven't received any mail from home, since the 6th of the month, and conditions now exist whereby I don't expect any, for some time yet. The only package I've received thus far, is the one from the Brinkmans. It was certainly swell of them, to send me that package.
How I wish I had some 616 films. I have a camera and no films.
I'll perhaps have a lot of mail when I catch up with it, or it with me and then I'll have something to write about.
I'm in best of health and I wish you both, best of health and happiness.
With Love,
Byron
Somewhere-in-France
Dec. 6 - 1944
Dear Folks -
I've finally caught up with my mail. To-nite I just finished reading twelve letters and opening Christmas boxes from Eloise and Mother Higgins, also I received a book from the church. The letters ranged from Oct. 25th to Nov. 25th.
Yes, I indeed had a typical Thanksgiving, dinner, but some of my buddies were not as fortunate as myself. Please let me give you the right "dope." Four of my letters tonite contained a question, asking when I was wounded. Why does everyone think that? I am perfectly healthy. Yes mother, I received the box containing the clippers. Thanks a million. Also thank Mother Higgins and Eloise for the kindness shown me by sending me such lovely boxes.
I'm sorry, but I just can't write letters. If I write Eloise and you folks, I feel that I have really accomplished something.
Yesterday I got my first birdseye view of Eiffel Tower.
The water that I had on the stone heating is now boiling, so I'll close and go take a shave.
It certainly is great to see a lot of the old faces, after an absence of three months.
Gee these stuffed dates and cookies certainly hit the spot.
Hoping this earthly turmoil shall soon cease and I can once more lead a normal life.
Love to you Both.
Byron
France
12 Dec. '44
Dear Folks -
Just must drop you a line to let you know that I received the box you sent. Yes mother thanks a million, for the films. I received the box that contained three rolls of film and the swell peanut brittle, plus a lot of other sweets.
Enclosed is a map that I just cut from our "Stars and Stripes." I know that Pop and Uncle Dave will be interested in it.
Let me know what branch of service Dwight is entering. I hope he will like the Army routine. I think he's the type that will like it better than I do.
I'll close now and continue to nibble on the peanut brittle.
With all my Love,
Byron
P.S. It certainly doesn't seem like Christmas.
I feel about the same as you said Dwight Mohler, did.
29 Dec. '44
Belgium
Dear Mother and Dad -
Just a note to assure you that I'm in perfect health. By the Grace of God, I have successfully come through a siege of Hell. You perhaps by this time have a good idea as to where-a-bouts.
We didn't have time to observe Christmas, outwardly, but now the tide has changed and we are all very thoughtful.
I hope everyone at home had a very Merry Christmas. We'll have our Christmas whenever our our packages catch up with us.
How does Dwight like Army life?
Please give my love to Eloise, as I shall not be writing for a few days.
Sending my Love to All -
Byron
