Donald V. Tappan

Noon

Dear Folks, 

I am really too tired to write but since the beds are outdoors airing, I can’t lay down. Maybe this will rest me anyway. From 11:00AM yesterday to 11:00AM today I was on guard duty. We worked in shifts with 2 hrs. On duty and 4 hrs. off. But 2 hrs steady walking does not compare with four hours of very broken rest. During the daytime my post had a stop sign on it at which every car was supposed to stop. Since it was my duty to stop everyone, I had the privilege (If you want to call it that) of calling down a captain and a whole handful of lieutenants and they had to take  it too. I am supposed to get this afternoon off, but they might think up something else for me to do.

I got my first shot and my uniform Wednesday. My uniform and equipment consists of: 2 summer suits, a fatigue (dirty work) suit, 2 prs. shoes, 6 prs. socks, 2 ties, a raincoat, gloves, leggins, 2 prs winter underwear, 4 handkerchiefs, 2 towels, toothbrush, razor, canteen, mess kit, and summer and winter overseas caps.

Yesterday I was sent to see the flight doctor to become a pilot. To do this a certain grade had to be made on the qualifications tests. But when I got there I was one of the group which wasn’t even examined. I suppose they saw on my card what kind of eyes I have.

I will not need my shaving brush since I was issued one.

We have been told to tell our folks that in case of emergency in which you need to get in touch with me quickly, you should see the local Red Cross chapter.

I do not know yet how long I will be here or what I will be assigned to. If I am sent out, any letters that come here for me will be forwarded.

Love, Donald

Pvt. Donald Tappan

35931886
Co.C. Bho1, Reception Center

Ft. Benj. Harrison, Ind.

Donald Tappan                                                Sept 14, 1943
35893186
Co.C. Bks1, Reception Center
Fort Benj. Harrison, Ind

Dear Folks,

When we got here yesterday all we did was check in, get our beds and eat. But today we have made up for this. We got up at five o’clock and have kept going steadily until about 3:30PM. We have been taking tests, listening to speeches, etc. all day. We even have got something to do after supper (I think it is a speech or something).

Tomorrow we are supposed to get our uniforms and start taking our shots.

In the barracks are most of the boys that came with me and also one boy  from Elwood that was already here.

I suppose that Grandpa is very busy learning what his job is like while school is on. I hope he is getting along alright.

Although I don’t know how long I will be here it will be alright to write.

Love, 

Donald

Pvt. Donald Tappan                                                Sept 14, 1943
35893186
Co.C. Bks1, Reception Center
Fort Benj. Harrison, Ind

Dear Folks,

I got my identification (dog) tag today so now I can write you. We have to have our no. in our address.

I had to wait in Alex(andria) for over an hour before taking my first train ride, and then coming through Anderson I got mixed up on my directions. I am not sure that I am straightened out even now. It seemed as though I was going north and that the reformatory was on the east side of the road.

When I got here we checked in and got our beds then waited around in the barracks for the rest of the day with the exception of time out for chow.

I was so bored that I went to a show put on by the soldiers themselves in the recreation hall. They had a band, sang songs, did imitations, etc.

This morning we got up at 5:00 and today we have made up for our yesterday’s laziness. 

We have spent the day listening to speeches, taking classification tests, getting our insurance, etc. We are off for about an hour and a half and then after supper we have got another speech or something to listen to.

Tomorrow we are supposed to get our uniforms, start taking shots, and what all else I don’t know.

In our barracks we are most of the boys that came with me and also that big tall Burkenbine that played on the Elwood basketball team.

When we were getting our insurance, i asked if we had to take $10,000 worth. He said that he wouldn’t say I had to but the only way out would be to see someone else and that wouldn’t do me any good. So it seems to be practically compulsory. After I get settled more permanently I want you to send me my shaving brush, but don’t send it here unless I find out how long I will stay.

Write, 

Donald