Packing Christmas Boxes

My Uncle’s friend, Bill Moomey, was delighted to see this photo of his platoon sergeant, Irvin Weaver, of the weapons platoon, Company E, 262nd Infantry Regiment, and his friend Carl Bonde.

I taped the boxes and labeled them.  Luckily I checked the addresses twice.  Also, I made sure each box goes where intended.  I put the tape dispenser away and the sad feeling returned.  I recalled how my Grandma had gone to great trouble and expense to fix up a Christmas box for my lost Uncle Carl who died from a Nazi torpedo Christmas Eve, 1944, in the English Channel near Cherbourg, France.  I transcribed the handwritten letter that Uncle Bud, as he was known, never received.

Mrs Carl Bonde

Kalispell, Mont.

Dec. 12^th ‘44

PFC Carl R Bonde 34616683

Co. E 262 Inf. A.P.O. 17803

c/o Postmaster New York, N.Y.

Tuesday Dec. 12^th

 

Dear Bud – Am going to try Vmail. Let me know which reaches you the quickest. It is just a month since we got your last letter. We have written many to you and hope you get them eventually. Hope you get the Xmas box. Dad and I listen to war news and wonder how it affects you. Jordet gave us a tree today and I know you have a vivid picture of how it looks. I am packing Carol’s box to nite so Dad can mail it tomorrow the earliest I have ever mailed Xmas packages. We have already received Helen’s and Corinnes. They write not to pack but you know me or what would you do? Dad wrote you an air mail letter yesterday and told you all the news he could think of. I have been playing Xmas songs on the piano and do fairly well. We are hoping we will hear from you by Xmas. We are going to have the Inter Lake sent to you. Hope you will be able to read this. Am wondering if I write too small. Hope you enjoy new scenery and new friends. Be kind to your buddies. They are all lonesome for home. And may you enjoy Xmas as it is provided for you.

With all our love, Mom & Dad –

[This letter bears a stamp “Return to Sender Verified Base Post Office.”]