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July 24, 1944
We marched to “Boomtown” to tell you the truth, I’m inclined to dislike the place. The girls seem rather mean.
August 1, 1944
Our day of Basic. I’m honestly scare[d]. Drilling, hunting[?] to and from classes. Parading on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Needles on Fridays along with cleaning up for inspection. Saturdays. Inspection day.
August, 3, 1944.
The day after a great night. We went to town. It’s not half as nice as New York, but the [illegible] is rather nice. Boyd, Banks, Scutter, Smith, Floyd, Dean, and a few others. We danced until 11 o’clock. We would be dancing until now but we had to stop to get in bed before 12. We are “Army Cinderellas.”
August 20, 1944 (Sunday)
Tessie Mitchell did my hair, and I went along with Banks and had my pictures taken.
Sept 10, 1944
Dorothy Davis, did my hair. She gave me a finehairdo.
Sept. 9, 1944
13 of us got called in office and charged with insubordination. That’s when to [the?] dirt came out. Reids spit her guts out.
Sept. 13, 1944.
We got thought [through?] with Basic.
Sept 14, 1944
Colonel Mc Croskie inspected us. He said that we were “the best dressed set of cottons, that he had inspected all summer.” He chose Scutter, Smitty, + Banks for the best posture. We then marched in our last “Retreat Parade.” Then we marched out of “Boomtown.” The end of our “Basic Days”[.] We left behind Loretta Johnson, Lillian Lewis, Sarah Wilson, Ruby Wilson, Florence Jefferies, and Norma Watts. The first two went to B.&C. and the rest went to Clerk school.
Sept. 14, 1944
We marched in [“time” crossed out] town for the “G. A. R.” We took the cake.
Sept, [15] 5, 1944
“Pee Wee”, (Gilbert) Alice Dickerson, Rosa Farrington and Clarice Roberts. We told them “Go Long.” They went to Douglas Field, Arizona. C. Roberts went to Fort Huchago [Fort Huachuca], Arizona.
Sept 21, 1944.
I bid so long to Banks, Scutter, and many of my buddies. They left for California. I cried my eyes almost out. When I cam[e] back from orindetion [orientation?] Class “, I was called to the Orderly Room and was told to move the next day.
Sept 22, 1944
I left Fort Des Moenies [Des Moines, Iowa] at 1200 [12:00 noon], I bid Baker, Floyd & C. Smith “So long,” and left for the field. With me came Boyd, Fairweather, Smitty V. Williams, Owens, and Bosely.
Sept. 23, 1944
Arrived at Halloran General Hospital, Staten Island [New York], at 2400 [12:00 midnight]. The girls seem to be nice. But there was a fight in which [“saver” crossed out] several girls got hurt. I was terrible [terribly] frighten[ed].
Sept 24, 1944
Sunday Inquire [acquired] a pass to come home, and got it. The transportation seemed very slow. Simply because I was so anxious to get home. I met Granny on the bus. It sure felt good to be home again. Dad was home while Mom, went to church. I enjoy myself but left to return to Camp. Arrived there at 11:30 pm.
Sept 25, 1944
Assigned to work, but didn’t do anything.
Sept 26, 1944
Started my job as a Medical Techican [sic]. I saw the activities of my first convoy the boys were swell guys. They were terribly cheerful in spite of their wounds. Those fellows are heroes in his own individual way. I felt that at least the women left home should be true to their love[d] ones in service.
October 1, 1944.
Attended church[.] It felt very good to be in the House of God again. If more people would attend church more often, they would realize that this war would be won by pray, and pray only.
October 7 to 12, 1944
Post was restricted for military reasons.
October 13, 1944
My day off. When [went?] to the ”Hairdressers” [sic ]. Also saw Scottie’s mother.
October 21, 1944.
Another ‘pass’. Went to visite[sic] the girls in Western Electric. It rained all day.
October 26, 1944
When [went?] to visit Rosie, the Halls, and Pops.
October 29, 1944
Attended chruch[sic]. Went out [“to” crossed out] with Dorothy and Muriel. Saw the picture called “Frenchmen’s Creek[“]. Believe me it’s fine. I also visited Mrs. Constantine and Mr. Violenous[?].
November 18, 1944
[“When” crossed out] Went to the Ritz’s Circle formal dance. My first dance since I’ve been in Service. My opinion was, the dance was suberf [superb?]
November 25, 1944.
I attended the American Virgin Islands Dance. I had a ball, and I do mean a ball.
December 23, 1944.
Spent this day at home with my parents, helping to fix the house for Christmas.
December 25, 1944
Christmas Day, I would have given anything to be with Scottie, but this is war. On this day of [“the” crossed out] our Lord, I humbly pray that all American Boys wherever they might be, will be home next year at this time.
January, 1, 1945
A dready beginning [sic beginning] for a new year. my first in Service. I hope and pray, that the Lord will send the light of love into more people hearts so that the world will unite and become a world of peace. Thus bringing this war to a close. This would indeed be a great year.
January, 1, 1945
This day mades[sic] me a woman. It’s hard to believe that im [sic] now twenty one years of age. Mother & Dad gave me a Beautiful Bulova watch.
January 8, 1945
Lt. Hall offically [sic] became our new “C.O.” Lt. Henderson left for overseas. My blessings go with her.
April 12, 1945
A great tradegy [sic] occurred, it was the death of our beloved President Pres. Franklin Delano Roosevelt. It was a very sudden death, the world was shaken and griefed[sic] by the news. Personally I believe the world lost its dearest friend. In my estimation he was the first white man who actually tried to help my race.
April 13, 1945
Truman sworn in as President. I hope he’s as good as the late President.
May 7, 1945
The War Is Over In Europe. On this day of our Lord I pray that all the war weary people of Europe will at last have & keep peace
June 18, 1945
My Basic pal Dorothy Banks came back, only to be discharged from service. Good Luck “Kid.”
June 27, 1945
I made Technican [sic] Fifth Grade. Lucky Me.
July 3, 1945
I received a v[-] mail [Victory mail, a system for transmitting mail used during World War II] from Scottie saying not to write until further notice, as he was moving. I’ve got my fingers, eyes, heart, legs, everything crossed in hopes that he’ll come home before being send to the Pacific.
July 31, 1945
I’m all prepared to leave on my first furlough, when Lady Luck Sends me the most wonderful telephone call. Scottie Is Home. I can hardly believe it seems as if I’m having [living?] in a wonderful dream.
August 1, 1945
Scottie & Audrey start the preview [sic] of happiness together.
August, 2, 1945
Before God + man we became “Man + Wife”. Believe me when I say I’m the Happiest & Luckiest Woman in the world. Mariam Boyd, was my maid of Honor, while Lenore, Mc Leod, and Violet Williams were my bridesmaids.
August 14, 1945.
War Is Over In Japan. Need I say more at this time? On my honeymoon too. Didn’t I say I was Lucky.
August 17, 1945.
I returned to camp to fight for twelve more days to spent [spend?] with my husband I got it and left the next day.
August 31, 1945
The sad day appeared and I bid Scottie So Long and we returned to camp.
