While at Camp Robinson, we learned how to load, shoot, and take apart, clean, and put back together, the rifle, machine gun, and BAR (Browning Automatic Rifle). We also learned to crawl around on your belly. I got one of the worst cases of chigger bites in history! I bought some vaseline and sulphur, andContinue reading “Snook’s Army History (Part 4)”
Author Archives: lettersfromsnook
Report on Gee and Mildred’s Trip to Little Rock and Camp Robinson
July 2 to 7, 1942 We will take a short break from Snook’s memoir so that I can share another document related to his time in Basic Training. My background notes will precede the original text for a change in this entry, due to the length of the post. In 1942, Gee and Mildred CainContinue reading “Report on Gee and Mildred’s Trip to Little Rock and Camp Robinson”
Snook’s Army History (Part 3)
The next day did arrive, and I felt like I hadn’t had any sleep at all. I don’t think I really did. We had our formation at 6:00 a.m. and went to the mess hall for breakfast. Then we went to the supply depot to pick up all our army clothes. When we got those,Continue reading “Snook’s Army History (Part 3)”
Snook’s Army History (Part 2)
Monday, May 11, 1942 was a sad day for me. I said my goodbyes to everyone including Geneva the day before. The draftees were to meet at the old Quality Restaurant which, at that time, was on the corner of Chester and Walnut St. It was located on the northwest corner. We met long beforeContinue reading “Snook’s Army History (Part 2)”
Snook’s Army History (Part 1)
After the war was declared against Germany, all the men in the United States had to register for the draft. After we registered we were all given a number and a designation such as 1A, up to 4F. 1A meant you were eligible to be drafted right away, and 4F meant you were rejected. IContinue reading “Snook’s Army History (Part 1)”
Snook’s Army History (Introduction)
Snook titled his World War II memoir: My Army History of Service in the First Special Service Force and the 474 Infantry Regiment of the United States Army, From May 11, 1942 to October 31, 1945. Frank M. “Snook” Barber composed this memoir entirely on his loud old typewriter, completing it on April 4, 1988.Continue reading “Snook’s Army History (Introduction)”
Saturday, October 6, 1945
Dearest Gee. Been neglecting you here lately, kid. Don’t think I’ve written a letter for the last three days. I got three letters from you and one from Coe in that time. Also got a swell package from you, kid, of cheese crackers, candy bars, hair tonic, and some powder to make drinks out ofContinue reading “Saturday, October 6, 1945”
Wednesday, October 3, 1945
Dearest Gee. Well, honey, the time is getting closer and closer. I got two nice long letters from you yesterday and one from Mom but didn’t get a chance to answer them. They were dated Sept. 19, and 21. We had to take four truck loads of British up to Heistadmoen yesterday and I gotContinue reading “Wednesday, October 3, 1945”
Sunday, September 23, 1945
Dearest Gee. Got your “birthday” number yesterday with the picture of the Oslo explosion in it. I told you already what I did on that day so I won’t have to go into that again. I thought I’d be able to write a lot of letters yesterday as I was supposed to be on C.Q.Continue reading “Sunday, September 23, 1945”
Friday, September 21, 1945
Dearest Gee. Got your nice letter of the 10th, honey, and one from Mom of the 11th. Also got four packs of cigarettes from Sis that come in handy. Your letter was the second one you wrote that day. Are you trying to set a record? I’m glad you go over to see the folksContinue reading “Friday, September 21, 1945”
Letters From Snook 