Items

• Hal Cohen Letter - December 4, 1943
  Bevvy - The Cenotaph is the War Memorial I wrote you about. Most of the government buildings are along Whitehall street and Downing St. is a few blocks down from the Cenotaph. Hal
• Hal Cohen Letter - November 23, 1943
  Tues. A.M. Nov. 23, 1943 My Dearest Bevvy - Last night we had another little party here but I’ll tell you about it in my next letter. I wrote quite a long letter to the folks in Jersey. I’d hate to think that any of the letters would get lost especially when it takes so long for me to write one. I’ll start my experiences in London with Sun. morning. A guide left the Rainbow Club with a small group of us to go on a walking tour. Our first objective was the changing of the guards at the Palace. On the way we passed Marlborough (excuse spelling) House where Queen Mary lives. Across the way is the old St. James Palace that was acquired by Henry VIII. It was used by the following monarchs until Buckingham Palace was built. I’ll have to take time out now as we are going to visit an airdrome this afternoon. Should be very interesting. Here I am back again. Enjoyed the visit and saw many aircraft that I had never seen before. Sorry, but that’s all I can tell you about it. Now back to London again. We reached Buckingham Palace and had a good view of the guard change. Thought I could stop in to see the King and compare notes but it seems his secretary slipped up on making the date and the King wasn’t in. The old guard (Scotch) stood at attention in the yard in front of the Palace until the Coldstream Guard slow marched up to relieve them. It’s hard to describe the slow march. The man extends his left foot sharply forward and then slowly drops it to the ground. Does the same with the right and continues first left then right etc. They halt a distance from the old guard and the office of the old guard turns the key over to the new. By the way, they are accompanied by their respective [page 2] bands which play when they march up and then while they are assigned to various posts. It’s all very impressive, although not as much as it is in peace time, because now they wear battle dress. Across from the Palace is a huge statue of Queen Victoria seated in her throne. It is huge and is composed of 2300 tons of marble. I’m sending some picture post cards and you’ll see it on one of them. On our way to the Abbey we stopped to see the Westminster Roman Cath. Cathedral (about 4 blocks from the Abbey). I was struck by the tremendous size of the tower, something like this - It was hundreds of feet high and seemed to reach way up in the sky. (doesn’t lean the way I’ve drawn it) Then we came to Westminster Abbey. Hon, there’s no describing the awed feeling one gets when entering this old building. Just over the entrance is a monument of William Pitt who was Britain’s youngest Prime Minister at the age of 24. To the right is a little room for the dead soldiers and sailors of the last war. In the main Cathedral, about 20 yds. from the entrance is buried the “Unknown Warrior.” (similar to our unknown soldier) There’s a huge plaque above the grave which is set even with the floor and surrounding it are hundreds of poppies. In each corner is a large candle stick with a burning candle. Hanging on a pillar close by is the Congressional Medal of Honor that Gen. Pershing bestowed on it. Further in the huge room, there are two main rooms, were the stones above the graves of Chamberlain, Isaac [page 3] Newton, Livingston, Faraday etc. Then there are various corners - Poet’s Corner (all poets buried there) Statesman’s Corner (all statesman) Scientist Corner, etc. A sermon was going on so I couldn’t see all the corners. All the way forward is the altar where the coronation takes place. I believe 14 monarchs have been crowned there. Just outside is the “Cloisters” where are are buried notables and nobility. They are under the stone walk which serves as tombstones. Seems funny to walk over the graves. Some date back for hundreds of years and many stones were so old and worn that all that was left of the original inscriptions are some faint scratches. To one side is the little room in which the monks prayed. It dates back to 1040 A.D. There are many other sights that I didn’t have time to see. You really have to spend a few days there to see everything. So we moved on. Just down the street is a statue of Geo Washington. Interruption again. I’m now sitting in our Rec. Hall waiting to see “Shadow of a Doubt.” I’ll continue till the picture starts. Uh, uh, lights out - Wed. Nov. 24, 1943 Dearest - The pictures were very good. Saw one that showed what would happen to a “Lidice” in Wales. “Shadow of a Doubt” was very good. I suppose you’ve noticed that my letter writing consists of a few sentences every chance I get. Guess I’m trying to do too much at the same time. Now for London again - All of the government buildings are in the same area. Big Ben is at the corner of the Parliament bldg. It’s quite large. The hour hand is 9’ long and the minute hand is 14’. So you see it is a sight. Other sights were 10 Downing St. Scotland Yard, The “Cenotaph” which is a War Memorial, sometimes called the “Empire Memorial” the Earl Haig Statue which caused quite a fuss because many people felt the house’s head didn’t extend enough, and Nelson’s statue in Trafalgar Sq. At the base are four [page 4] huge lions which were cast from the battleship Royal George. There’s also a small building covering a statue of King George I. A sign on the door reads - “Closed on Sunday, not open during the week.” To complete the trip I saw Abe Lincoln’s statue and one dedicated to Edith Cavell. There’s more I did on Sunday. Went to a concert and heard Moiseiwitsch play some Chopin. Pretty good but it took him a long time to warm up. I think I’ve covered enough for one letter so I’ll say good - bye for now. Please excuse the jumpiness of the letter. Your loving hubby Hal
• Hal Cohen Letter - November 15 & 16, 1943
  Mon. Nov. 15, 1943 My Dearest Wife-     "Happy Anniversary" darling. I think that the 15th of each month is the happiest for me. It's one day that I really reserve for you. Really wifey, I'll never regret having you as my wife. Hope them's your sentiments (I know they are).     Our days have been getting fuller and fuller. There's a bit of research to be done and a great many planes to be sketched. The classes aren't out till 6:30 so by the time we finish supper it's quite late. Doesn't give me enough time to write a full letter so I'll have to make these into installments. OK? Also these letters may take longer to receive than the others that I've sent you.     I had a very good time on Sun. The tour was one to Petticoat Lane but I called Lou and he said that I should go with him. So I went to his home and in the company of another American soldier (air corps armorer) named [Mel] we went to the lane. Honey, I never saw anything like it. Thousands of people filled the street which was lined by stone and stands in the gutters. They sold every conceivable thing including food, jewlery (watches too) clothes, piece goods, hardware, toys, flowers, etc. It was just one big market place, more a bazaar than anything else. Of course there were the usual barkers, magicians, fortune-tellers etc. I also saw "Prince Monolulu," who gives tips on horse racing and is world famous. After our little venture there we returned to Lou's home where we had a very delicious dinner. His wife is a very good cook and the spot (American style). Had vegetable soup, meat, potatoes, cabbage, pickles, real rolls and tea and apple sauce as dessert. They seem to be well off and have beautiful silverware and China. I was especially grateful to be able to have a linen napkin. I felt the same way I used to at home on Sundays. Remember? In fact [Mel] did the dishes with Audrey's ( Lou's wife) sister. Just the way [page II] we used to. After that we went to see "Rosie O'Grady." It's in techni-color (B. Grable) and was quite entertaining. It's a relief from the usual war picture. And so that's the way I spent my second visit to London. More to-morrow. Tues. Nov. 16, 1943 Hello Hon-     Had to close last night because the lights were going out. Every day we have an hour of physical training. Usually some game. Yesterday I played Rugby. Well Bevvy, don't let anyone tell you it isn't rough. It's like tackle foot-ball with the added feature of kicking the ball. The play doesn't stop when the man is tackled provided he can pass it to someone else. So it really turns into a rough and tumble verging on manslaughter. The uniform consists of sweatshirt, shorts, and tennis shoes. A lot of protection eh? To-day I played squash. It's like 4 wall hand-ball but instead of using gloves you use a racket. It's a fast game and is much faster than tennis.     One of the projects here is to make a model airplane to scale. But I received permission to make drawings instead. So to-night I made my first one using the pastels I bought. It turned out pretty well.     They're running a dancce for us tomorrow night so we're all going to attentd. Guess I'll have to skip my letter to-morrow. Excused? These darn days are so taken up it doesn't seem as if we have any time for ourselves.     Well hon, I hope that everyone is feeling well and that things are running smoothly. Guess I won't hear from you till I go back to the outfit, which won't be for a couple of weeks. Oh me, such a life. Regards to all. Your hubby Hal
• Hal Cohen Letter - October 31, 1943
  Sun PM Oct 31, 1943 Dearest Bevvy -     Just got back a while ago from visiting Belfast. I had a very interesting time. Bob [Gathercole?] had reserved two beds in the Red Cross building so we slept there Sat. night. They had a dance Sat. night so I went up to watch. There must have been about 300 girls there and just as many fellows. Since the Americans came the girls have learned how to jitter-bug and now would rather do that then most of the other steps. They really can dance too. Quite a few were wearing dancing tights below their dresses so they really went to town. I was surprised tho to see that most of the women in Belfast are rather short.     The dormitory we slept in was swell. The beds have springs, mattresses, a sheet to lie on, one above, seven blankets, and a pillow in a pillow case. All the linen was fresh and they are changed each day. Compared to what we have in camp it was like heaven. It was almost too soft for me to sleep on, but when I fell asleep I really slept like a rock. We woke up at 9:30 and since everything is locked in on Sunday we went back to the Red Cross canteen for breakfast.     By the way they also supply towels with the beds and you can get a towel any time you want to take a shower or wash.     After breakfast we borrowed to bikes and went for a ride. They have fairly new bicycles that are very light and easy to pump. They can be kept out all day and there is no charge. Boy I'd just like to meet some of those people who say the Red Cross doesn't do anything.     Anyway we rode out into the country. Everywhere we saw people riding bikes. Entire families [page II] be out. You'd see the children riding in front and their parents following. All were dressed up and in many cases were coming from church. Saw more than one elderly man wearing a bowler and top coat and pedaling along. Too bad the people back home don't do more of it.     We went out about 10 miles before we started back. The outgoing side was mostly uphill so it was a pleasure to roll most of the way back. The country is very pretty and the homes are too. As I wrote before, they are immaculate and they fairly shine. There are quite a few new homes on the outskirts of town that resemble ours in the states. Wish we had a camera along.     Got back to the A.R.C. to find that there was a Halloween dance and party. We ate lunch and then went to the dance. The orchestra was composed of American technicians and called themselves "The Jive Bombers." They were very good but too much jitter-bug music to suit me. Must be getting old.     Had supper (1 shilling - ($.20)) of soup, ham, mashed potatoes, brussel sprouts, bread, coffee and cake. Then played some pool before leaving for camp. It's a long time since I played so and I really was rotten.     So I had a pretty good time and now I know where to go and what to do the next time I'm there.     All the cinemas are closed on Sun. except for two that are open to service-men only.     What have you been doing? Did all you girls get to-gether the way I suggested?     I'm still wondering about mail. Do you think I'll get any before Christmas? Oh me.     Guess I'll close, not much room left anyway. Love Hal P.S. If I can't get too much enough news in the letter remind me about it when I get home and I'll make up for it. Hal [page III]     Didn't recognize the handwriting did you? I ruined the original envelope so rather than hold up the mail I re-addressed this one - Sorry - Censor Officer [G.C.B.?]
• Hal Cohen Letter - October 30, 1943
  Somewhere in No. Ireland Dearest Bev - “Happy Anniversary.” Yes, four years and one month to-day. Hope that we’ll soon be able to spend our anniversaries to-gether. Last night I was CQ. in Hq. I made a sleeping bag and used one of the desks as a bed. Must admit that I’ve slept on much softer spots. I couldn’t turn too much for fear of falling off, but I managed to get a good nights’ sleep anyway. Our Christmas mail had to go out to-day so I took care of it last night. I’m getting a bit weary of writing the return address, rather I should say, printing. Going out on pass again tonight. I may stop at A.R.C. to-morrow and borrow one of their bikes. I think that’s the best way of getting to see the sights. If it’s nice and the other boys are agreeable we may play a round of golf. Did you have the ring engraved as yet? Please be sure to take care of it. Did you send my watch? Say hello to Mother + Dad for me, also Buddy. love + kisses Hal
• Hal Cohen Letter - October 29, 1943
  Fri Oct. 29, 1943 My Dearest Bev - There have been many things I’ve wanted to tell you in the past but felt a little self conscious about it since I know our censor so well. But honey I’m sure you know just how much I love you and how I miss being with you. I think about you from the time I get up till I go to sleep, and then I dream about you. Gee hon, I wish this would be over soon so we could be to-gether again. Many times during the day I’ll find myself wondering what you’re doing. I recall all the wonderful times we've had to-gether. The fun we had at Weil’s, those walks we took in Wilmington, how good it felt to get home and find you waiting. I get the chills feeling those ice-cold feet of yours and remember how cute you looked in your flannel pajamas. The only thing I can cuddle with now are my memories. Everything that happens, everything I see I think of in terms of what you think of them. I’d like so to have you with me, to appreciate the beautiful scenery, the interesting people, the old castles and towns. In a way I feel you are here. Just thinking of you makes me feel that way. I look at my band and live again that moment when I placed it on your finger and we became man and wife. Guess I’m just plain lucky to have you. You can be certain too that you’ve made me as happy as I could ever hope to be. Just knowing that you’re back home waiting and planning all the things we’ll do together. Our own little home, run the way you want it to be, because that’s the way I’d like it to be. Helping again with my work, giving me advice, [page II] going out together, yes just being together again, all these things make every thing bearable and make me look forward to the day they’ll come about. So if I don’t talk about our love, don’t think I’ve forgotten or changed my mind about you because I know I won’t, and you do too. Yes? Bevvy, I hope the need never arises but if you do run into any difficulty please let me know about it and don’t hesitate because you may be afraid that I’ll worry. You can be sure that I’m taking care of myself to insure coming back O.K. As for the women out here – you're waiting and so am I. Guess there are plenty of single fellows around to take care of them. It has been a long time (though no fault of yours) since I’ve heard from you but I’m being patient ‘cause I realize I’ll be amply rewarded when the mail finally reaches me. Please take good care of yourself and I’ll be seeing you before you know it. Your loving husband Hal P.S. Please let me know if you get this letter. Hal Fri Oct. 29, 1943 Dearest Wifey - I’m going around singing “No Letter Today--” Hope you're doing better than I. Glad I’ve got some patience left. Was in Belfast yesterday and what a hectic time! To start with, six of us got a ride on a large flat back truck. No railing on walls, just a metal stripe around the edge. You can imagine the scramble when he went around the curve and centrifugal force went to work. We went to the Red Cross building to get information about lodgings, sights, messages etc. and then walked around awhile. The city was just teeming with people all of whom seemed in a hurry to go places. I saw cars that ran on gas (vapor). The gas is kept in a huge bag on top of the roof and as the car is used the bag settles. At first glance it appears that the cars have huge mattresses on top. It looks something like this - They seem to be just as efficient as the ordinary type. Stopped back at the ARC building and got a haircut. The only type given back here are G.I. so I decided that the only place to get one was in town. There are quite a few recreation facilities offered. [page II] There’s swimming from 9AM to 9PM, gym from 9 till 11, library including victrola and lounge containing piano. Golf clubs can be borrowed for 24 hours, and bicycles are free. There’s a nice canteen and serve 3 meals daily and light snacks the rest of the time. There are dorms where you get a bed and 4 blankets for 1s/6d (1 shilling, six pence - $.30). I rode in a train compartment. Unlike a coach this has two seats facing each other and running from one side to the other. There is a door at each end. Six people can sit on each seat but it’s more comfortable with five. There are other differences between our trains and these. Coal cars and freight cars are smaller. The former being one third the size of ours and having only four wheels. However the reason for their size is that they are easier to handle and can be more speedily dispatched. The same applies to cars and other vehicles. Belfast has quite a few large department stores, one especially that covers 2 blocks. They also have a Woolworth’s and many many other smaller stores which have modern fronts and attractive window displays. However it was difficult to really see much because it was so dark. [page III] Tell Stan, when and if you see him, that if he ever gets near Belfast that he should let me know and perhaps I can meet him at the A.R.C. Oh, forgot to mention that I got off at the wrong stop last night and had to walk an extra 3 miles or so. The boys are still laughing. The exercise was good tho. I’m managing all right with the money I had but I’ll be glad when pay day rolls around. Did you have the the wedding band fixed with guards? I hope you have. I’m C Q [at Hq.] to-night so I’ll have more to write then. If anything important happens you can cable me - (Cpl Harold Cohen 32776683 [Amachur] Charming) That’s the entire address, don’t add organization or APO. Western Union is the best bet. So long for now. Regards to everyone. As ever Hal
• Hal Cohen Letter - October 27, 1943
  Dearest Bev - How are you? It’s almost a month since I’ve seen or heard from you and I wonder how everything is. I’ve hoped for mail every day but still no luck. I suppose you’ve sent mail the regular way. So far V-mail and air-mail have been coming in. I’ve used V-mail mostly but if you’d rather get air-mail, which is just about as fast, let me know. In some cases air-mail letters from the States beat out the others. Forgot to mention something about my visit to the canteen the other night. There’s a regular little booth that looks like a coat checking place. How- ever in this case you check your hat and get a knife and fork. The hat acts as a deposit and when you return the silverware the hat is returned . Unique eh? Guess they don’t miss any hardware. There’s a theatre across the street and just as soon as a good picture plays I’ll see it. I think that to-day they’re showing “Woman of The Year.” Remember it? Spencer Tracy, K. Hepburn etc. It was good. The seating arrangement [page II] is different than ours. The balcony seats are more ex- pensive than orchestra and they are reserved. You can buy a ticket for any section you like. Also people can’t come in while the show is on. Gave my laundry and dry cleaning yesterday. Everything free except a charge of 1 shilling ($.20) for the shirt. We are allowed 9 pieces of laundry per week. These handkerchiefs count as one piece, 1 pair of socks count as one. So that’s an unexpected saving. If we had to pay for dry cleaning it might be an expensive matter. I think I’ll try sending some air-mail letters now. Check on the different types I’ve sent and let me know which letter gives the fastest and best service. The next time you see Ciel ask her if she knows a couple by the name of Gathercole. They lived in the same building. He’s with our outfit and remembers [Jan]. Dr. Colin is his dentist. Regards to everyone. love Hal
• Hal Cohen Letter - October 22, 1943
  Fri Oct. 22, 1943 My Dearest -     Finally have time to write you. We have finished our trip at last. And here we are in No. Ireland.     It seems ages since I left the states. Gee but it's good to have reached here.     The country is very picturesque. Can't help feeling the age of this land. I've seen Belfast and other smaller towns.     Everything is more modern than I thought. Seems funny to see double - deck trolleys and buses.     By the way there were some Red Cross girls who served us with 2 doughnuts and a cup of coffee. It reminded me of the "Y" girls of the last war. The girl who serves us comes from Long Island and was quite cute. She wore slacks and a jacket and darned if she didn't remind me of home.     Our new home is out in the country. The Irish are industrious and all the land seems to be cultivated. They have cows, horses, ducks, chickens etc. and could really pass for Vermont or New [page II] Hampshire.     We just took a little to hike thru the countryside and it's nice.     Our barracks are the galvanized iron type that have those round tops. Our beds are boards laid across 2 small horses. The mattresses are ticks, which are bags filled with hay. We were issued 2 more blankets and I made a sleeping bag with the help of my shelter - hay. It was very warm and not bad sleeping at all.     Still no mail from home but I'm hoping to get some soon. I wonder how you are, what you're doing. Did you get my mail? The government was supposed to send you a card telling of my safe arrival. Did you get it?     We eat well. The only big change is that we have brown Irish bread. It's quite heavy.     Saw some castles. Boy are they sturdy things. I hope to get time to do some sketching of them as soon as my sketch pads get here.     That's all for to-day. It's time to eat.     Regards to all.                                                     As ever your                                                         Hal
• Hal Cohen Letter - October 17, 1943
  SUN. OCT. 17, 1943 Hello Dearest, This is my second attempt at this letter. The first was sent back by the censor. Our schedule here has kept me busy so I haven’t had much spare time. So far I haven’t been sea- sick but I’ve been on the verge of it a few times. They say that if you eat enough it doesn’t effect you. Well Bevvy, how are you? I’ve been thinking of you. I have plenty of time for it while on duty. Dreamt about being with you. What a disappointment to awake and find it was only a dream. Yesterday we were each given 2 cartons of cigarettes. The day before a bag of candy. By the way hon, if you want to knit something (hint) you can make a scarf. It’s quite cool now and I could use one. Did you get a job yet? Any changes at home? Let me know if I write large enough for these letters. That’s all for now. Love to the folks and regard to all the kids. As ever yours, Hal
• Hal Cohen Letter - October 12, 1943
  Tues. 10/12/43 Dearest Bev – I’m leaving shortly for the other side, I’m on the “Queen E” and it’s some boat. Don’t know where whe we’re going but Think it’s S.B. Don’t worry about me getting across. This is the safest boat I could be on. Remember the list of names I gave you- (13)? Repeat it for the alphabet in the Same order I gave it to you. OK? We’re acting as part of the AA gun Crews for the trip across. It’s very Interesting. Please don’t worry about me. I won’t Be careless and go out of my way looking For trouble. I’ll always be thinking of you and It won’t be long till I’m back with You. Regards to all Your Hal
• Hal Cohen Letter - September 28, 1943
  Tues, Sept 28, 1943 My Darling-     Attached are a couple of things I'd like you to have     We're leaving in the morning but I'm waiting for your call to-night.     I hope this reaches you before you leave.     Bevvy, I love you with all my heart, you've been the grandest wife. Really Bev you've made me so happy, and my life seems so complete. I know that we're going to have a nice long, happy married life to-gether when this is ovr over, and I'm sure that the date isn't too far off.     I hope to see you very soon. I still think I'll end up near home.     I hope your trip home is pleasant and not too tiresome. [page II]     Well my little wife (it's wonderful to able to have you as my wife) I'll say good bye for now.     No matter where I am or what I do I'll always be loving you and thinking of you. Thank God I have you to come back to.     My love to the folks and the gang Your own hubby xxxxxHalxxxxx [x's in a heart shape with "I love you" written inside]
• Hal Cohen Letter - August 24, 1943
  Tuesday - Aug 24th '43 Dearest Hubby     How are you, dear? Hope your trip was pleasant. According to my watch you'll be in Wilmington in 20 minutes. Was the train on time? I hope everything was O.K. + that you made good connections to camp. Did you go out with the boys?     This A.M. I slept quite late. Didn't get downtown til about 2:45 P.M. And went straight to the Bookshop. They're going to try to get me that other book ($7.50), and if I don't want it, they will accept an exchange or refund. If it's at all good, I think will keep it. And guess where they're going to send it? To "Mrs Harold Cohen." Oh hon, I'm so happy. I think it will be wonderful when we're together. We should be very happy.     Tonite, Ho + I are going to dine at Freeman [Cheems?], + then go to see "Angel Street." I was able to [page II] get tickets for $1.10 this aft for tonite's performance. Very lucky.     The stores don't have a great variety of grey skirts, + didn't have the particular style I want - so no grey skirt. Won't try again + will try to do with the clothes I have, unless there a very exceptional buy.     Since Ho won't be here til 7 o'clock, plopped myself at the writing desk of a hotel on 48th St near Freeman's to write you. But this is my own stationary.     Well, today after my shower I looked at myself - +, hon, that wasn't dirt, but suntan. My nose is peeling a wee bit. Not too bad. Boy! Mom + dad sure will admit that marriage + the sunshine agree with me.     Ooh! The rings are sparkling away. Took our stuff from the office today, but couldn't [page III] count it or anything cause have been in very public places all day.     Wonder when you'll have an opportunity to look for room(s)? Let me know what you find, even if it isn't good, just to give me an idea of what's what. I'm mighty curious to know if there are any rooms with Jewish people. It would be con-venient. But - who knows in Wilmington.     Were things the same "at the office"?" Are you still busy? Did Capt. Lash return? Was Lou A. Married? Is Rosy feeling fine?     No more to write. But I do miss you very very much, + am so glad we'll soon be together again. With all my love- Your very own Bev.
• Hal Cohen Wedding Invitation
  Mrs and Mrs. Emanuel Moskovitz request the honour of your presence at the marriage of their daughter Beverly Ann To Corporal Harold Cohen Saturday Sunday evening, the fifteenth of August Nineteen hundred and forty-three Five-thirty o'clock Park Central Hotel Chinese Room Seventh Avenue and Fifty-fith Street New York City [page II] Celia Cohen August 15, 1943 [page III] Cocoanut Grove Park Central Hotel New York City Menu Fresh Frut Cup Hearts of Celery    Queen Olives Old Fashioned Vegetable Soup Half, Broiled Chicken Potatoes Rissolee Fresh String Beans Salad Chiffonade Ice Cream in Wedding Forms Petit Fours Demi-Tasse
• Hal Cohen Letter - July 31, 1943
  HEADQUARTERS 116th AAA Gun Bn (Mbl) Camp Davis, N.C. 31 July 1943 SPECIAL ORDERS)                : NUMBER      62) The following apmts of EM are announced:          To be S/Sgt (Temp)         Sgt Vincent P Kelly 20284003 (539) Btry D     T/4 Joseph J Casella 32087581 (824) Btry D     Cpl John A Tucker 32085427 (668) Btry D     To be T/4 (Temp)     T/5 Lowell A Hibbard 32869942 (014) Btry Hq     T/5 Eugene V D Russell 37107669 (060) Btry D     T/5 Lawrence Schuman 32086191 (802) Btry D     To be Cpl (Temp)     Pfc Harold Cohen 32776683 (405) Btry Hq     Pfc Joseph N De Garzia 32872136 (835) Btry Hq     Pvt Nicholas Dongarra 32865761 (505) Btry C     Pfc Howard S Vogt 32772435 (501) Btry D     Pfc Carlo Esposito 32873594 (601) Btry D     Pfc James S Merry 32777887 (078) Btry D     T/5 Elmer H Hose 38008898 (078) Btry D     Pfc Andrew M Wisnovsky 32777527 (505) Btry D     Pfc Herbert Burns Jr 32777279 (505) Btry D     Pfc James F Casey 32871145 (601) Btry D     Pfc Daniel P Sullivan 32861264 (505) Btry D [page II]     Par.1 SO# 62, Hq 116th AAA Gun Bn (Mbl), Op Davis, NC dated 31 July 1943     To be T/5 (Temp)          Pvt Ropert P Peck 31140768 (014) Btry Hq     Pvt John P Polt 32777607 (015) Btry A     Pvt Elmer L Elchuck 32777563 (245) Btry A     Pfc William R Haislett 32755031 (245) Btry C     Pfc Charles J Kronich 32777424 (014) Btry C     Pfc John J Casey 52776731 (245) Btry C     Pfc Thomas J Jennings 52757539 (592) Btry D     Pfc John V Jeffery 32777247 (660) Btry D     Pfc Robert G Sammis 32777577 (014) Btry D The following reductions of EM is announced.     REDUCED     S/Sgt Rocco R Belle 32145559 to grade of Pvt. Having rptd to this orgn for dy per Par 21 SO 169, Hq AAATC Cp Davis, N.C. dated 29 July 1943 CAPT HERMAN L KYLE 0315054 CAC is asgd to Btry D as BC vice 1st LT GERALD J SASSO 01042934 CAC reld. Having rptd to this orgn for dy per Par 19 SO 169, Hq AAATC Cp Davis, N.C. dated 29 July 1943 CAPT WARREN TUBBS JR 0334564 CAC is asgd Hq & Hq Btry detailed as Asst Exec. Having rptd to this orgn for dy per Par 17 SO 169, Hq AAATC Cp Davis, N.C. dated 29 July 1943 1ST LT MARTIN V VAUGHN JR 0447098 CAC 9s asgd Hq & Hq Btry. An 8 day lv is granted to 1ST LT JAMES H COPENHAVER 0327908 CAC (Emergency) effective o/a 30 July 1943. A Special Court Martial is aptd to meet at Camp Davis, N.C. 2 August 1943, or as soon thereafter as practicable for the trial of persons as may be properly brought before it.     DETAIL FOR THE COURT     CAPT BILLY B LASH 0414680 CAC Pres     CAPT JAMES H RAMSEUR, JR 0408128 CAC     1ST LT GERALD J SASSO 01042934 CAC     1ST LT WILLIAM C ADAIR 01051009 CAC [page III]     Par 7 SO# 62, Hq 116th AAA Gun Bn (Mbl), Cp Davis, N.C. Dated 31 July 1943     1ST LT MICHAEL G KRUGLUNSKI 01054023 CAC     2ND LT WILLIAM H COLDIRON 01055811 CAC TJA     1ST LT IRVING LEVINE 01046177 CAC Def Counsel     By order of Lt Col DAVIS: Jay M. Laramy [Signature] JAY LARAMY 1st Lt 116th AAA Gun Bn (Mbl) Adj Official: Jay M. Laramy [Signature] JAY LARAMY 1st Lt 116th AAA Gun Bn (Mbl) Adj Distribution: 1-Each EM (27) 1-Each EM 201 (27) 1-Each O (11) 1-Each O 201 (11) 1-Each Btry (4) 1-Post office (1) 2-CGAATC (2) 1-File
• Hal Cohen Letter - July 23, 1943
  HEADQUARTERS 116th AAA Gun Bn Camp Davis, N.C. 23 July 1943 To Whom It May Concern:     PFC Harold Cohen ASN 32776683, has been a member of this Battalion for approximately four months. During this period I've been in daily contact with him and have had frequent opportunity to observe his work.     I have found him to be a good soldier, well above average intelligence, reliable and efficient in the performance of his duties.     I'm sure that he will prove capable of discharging any special task for which he may be selected. Benjamin Kosten [Signature] BENJAMIN S. KOSTEN 1st. Lt., 116th AAA Gun Bn S-2
• Hal Cohen Letter - July 4, 1943
  Sun 7/4/43 My Dear Bev - To-day I find myself confused bewildered and a bit worried. I've been miserable ever since I spoke to you last night I feel that I've let you down just when you should have been able to depend on me. One minute I feel it best to wait to get married and yet the next I can't see that it's wrong to get married. Oh Ber, have I done the right thing? I don't want to make excuses for that letter to your Dad but I had been told about our furloughs being postponed and cut down to 5 days and traveling time (2 days) and at the time couldn't see how we could arrange for the wedding. Accordingly, I thought it best to wait till I could find out if I could get more time and work Out the problems that present [page II] themselves. As I wrote yesterday that letter to your Dad doesn't bother me. For after all it's our happiness that is involved and if we want to get married I’m sure no one will stand in our way. And how I'm sure we could work it even in the 5 days. We could get the Wasserman and license a week or two in advance. (we could, couldn’t we?) The more I think about it the more plausible it seems but there are still so many obstacles. Just what did your Dad say about the wedding, people to invite etc? Oh if only we were To-gether for a few hours! I hope that you’re feeling better about this bunness. I know I 've been hasty in my action but then you have too. You should have told me to wait before answering your Dad's letter and should Have told me in more definite [page III] terms just what happened and the decisions made. But that's all past now and can't be undone. The important thing is that we can and if you haven’t changed your mind we will get married on my furlough. Please, please let me know if you re still in that marrying mood. If yes than I'll get busy arranging it. I'll start by writing to your Dad. And I assure you that I'm thinking of plenty of reasons why he should agree. Can you help? I guess that I sound a little crazy. One minute for, the next against but that's just the way I feel. I went out to the beach hoping that It would distract me for a [page IV] while but all I did was lie on the beach and call myself a damn fool. How can you keep loving me? And here I’ve been thinking that I’m doing the right thing by you. I can't write any more to-day. I just get more furious with my-self. Oh how I hope you write and help us get this cleared up. Good- night Your Hal P.S. Can you honestly say whether we should or shouldn’t get married? I can’t Hal P.P.S. Notice change in address Hal
• Hal Cohen Letter - July 3, 1943
  Sat 7/3/43 My Darling - I just finished speaking with you and I feel like crying. I know that you are, and it hurts. Bev you know that I love you more than anything + I don’t want to do anything to hurt you. It wasn’t easy for me to say what I did to-night nor was it easy to write that letter to your Dad. But I’ve got to be honest with you and honest with myself. To begin with, I didn’t expect you to go home and immediately broach the subject of marriage to your folks. If you recall, we tentively decided to wait until I had more definite info. to go on. Remember? At any rate, when I came back to Camp I found that furloughs had been postponed and cut down to 5 days and traveling time. Our program had been changed to 22 weeks. Every thing is confused, uncertain. Even while I write this, Lou Anastasio is writing his wife-to-be [page II] who has a ring, trousseau etc that it seems their wedding will be postponed or even called off for the duration. – He’s sitting at the desk next to mine and looks mighty unhappy. You see Bevvy that unless things change in the near future it’s a pretty difficult time to contemplate marriage. All that business about marriage license, Wasserman, and ceremony can all be taken care of before the furlough but the big question is - how will it all effect you? I don’t enter into the picture enough to speak of. Our married life on my furlough may only consist of 4 or 5 days or perhaps a few more if the furloughs are raised to 10 days again. And then? Well suppose you do come down here to live. How long will I be stationed here? Are you willing to travel around, have difficulty in finding a room, food, friends, a job and see me [page III] on week-ends? And if I’m sent over- seas will you be happier married or single? Don’t you see dear that it all revolves around you and not me? I’ve been in the Army 3 months but I haven’t really been able to save much. How would we manage? Don’t you see why I’d like to have a higher rating? Bev, if I knew that you were so set on getting married now regard- less of what we said I wouldn’t have written that letter to your Dad when I did. However I don’t think that the letter alters matters. If you are willing to lead the life I’ve tried to picture I’m more than willing to marry you when the furlough comes up. I don’t mean this as something just to please you. Hon, I want to marry you but I don’t want us to regret [page IV] it. Really that is why I thought it best to wait until I could see what was happening before we made the decision. Six weeks from now (when the furloughs begin again) circumstances may have altered considerably. I hope that I’ll be made a Corporal by then, our furloughs lengthened and perhaps even sent closer to N.Y. or at least closer to a city where you could live. Another big factor is that we are going to be in the field almost every week. Suppose we’re sent out in the field for a month or two? Sweetheart I know how punk you must feel and I guess you’re disappointed in me. I know how you feel because I went thru the same thing. However in this case I haven’t said we should not get married, on the contrary I feel that you should look [page V] at this problem carefully and also that we wait a few weeks to see what happens down here. Don’t worry about the letter I wrote your Dad. If we decide to get married I’m sure I can convince him that we're right. All I really did in the letter was to tell him that we discussed marriage but hadn’t reached a definite decision. I assured him that we understood the problem and I felt that we were thinking it over carefully. I said tho that at the present time I thought it best to wait but that it didn’t mean I wouldn’t change my mind in the near future. Oh how I wish we could really talk over the phone for a short time, long enough to really iron out some of these problems. I know that they can be ironed out. [page VI] Oh I know I’ve hurt you by not being positively in the affirmation to-night but I do hope you realize why I’ve acted the way I have. All furloughs start on Sat or Mon so I doubt if I could get one starting in the middle of the week. Guess the Sun. wedding would have to become a week- day one. I also doubt if it could be a large one. If it meant being with you longer I really don’t care what kind of ceremony it is. Please, please forgive me for what I’ve said and done. I hope and pray that you’ll feel better to-morrow. What a lonely way to spend 4th of July eve! Bev I can’t write any more. Just keep thinking of how miserable you must feel. I know I do. Darling I love you, oh how I love you! Your (will it be husband) Hal P.S. Please note change in address. Hal
• Hal Cohen Letter - July 2, 1943
  July 2, 1943 Dear Mr. Moore - Just finished my cleaning for to- morrow’s inspection so I can now devote some time to my letter writing. Thanks a million to you and your wife for the money bill and contents. I assure you I’ll make good use of them. It was grand to have Bev down here. It’s surprising how pleased with life I feel at present. Guess it takes something like that to give a lift to one’s spirit. We had a swell time here. Swimming, walking, talking and eating. I suppose Bev gave all the details. Now about Bev and me getting Married. Frankly we’re both at sea about it. Yes we did discuss the matter but didn’t make any definite decision other than to wait and see [page II] what the future would bring. There are many, many reasons for and against our marriage at this time and I guess the question could never really be settled. But we do want to get married and it’s just in trying to do the best thing for both of us that we’re taking our time about it. I quite agree with you about the hardship involved when a soldier gets married. But I’m sure you will agree that they can be very happy at the same time. How much harder would it be for Bev to wait for me to come back if she’s married than if she’s single? Well I could ask more questions and answer most of them, if not all. I merely mention them because I want to impress upon you the fact that I’ve tried to think of the pros and cons. I’m also thinking mainly of Bev. To date the arguments against, outweigh those for. But that doesn’t mean that the balance couldn’t and won’t change. [page III] When I first came in the Army I thought it was silly for a soldier to marry. And yet here I find my- self thinking of just that. Just shows you how things and ideas change. True I’m not making anything to speak of but I hope to better myself. A married man gets privileges that a single man doesn’t get in the way of passes and time off. And as Bev has probably told you I’m in an outfit that stands a very good chance of coming back intact. I wish I could be telling you all of this in person rather than trying to struggle thru this letter. My [?] it gets confusing. At any rate I’ve reached the conclusion that for the present it’s best that we let matters stand. I honestly can’t feel that it would be the right thing to get married right now. As for the future? - - -We’ll see. Guess that “reason” triumphed over [page IV] the “heart” again. Really I’m glad that Bev asked you about our getting married. It means a lot to me to know that she’s willing to have me as a husband and also that you and your wife are all for us. I repeat tho that we didn’t make any decision as to any action to be taken but it is a nice thing to think about. But then you should know because you went thru this once yourself. Although it was much easier for you. You weren’t in the Army and hadn’t been going with the same girl for four years. One thing you folks can be sure of. We won’t do anything without letting you know about it first. Maybe we’d all be happier if we didn’t try to be so sensible. I wonder. Now there I go again. That’s a very nice idea about my folks meeting you people. I know that my parents will be willing and it’s time that all of you got [page V] acquainted. Ha, ha, I can just see my folks carry on a conversation with you. Maybe you should practice up on your Yiddish. Seriously tho I think it’s a grand idea. I just came back from my first bivouac and I can’t say that I’m sorry to be back. The weather went against us and it has been raining continuously. We’re going out again next week and I hope that we don’t have rain. I hope that I’ve given you an idea of what I think about the marriage problem. Guess that after this is in the mail I’ll find dozens of things that I should have written. It never fails. Please write again and let me know what happens in the out- skirts of the “Big City.” Bev will keep me posted on N.J. Fondest regards to Mrs. Moore and Bud. Hope to see all of you in about a month. Sincerely Hal
• Hal Cohen Letter - May 19 & 20, 1943
  Wed. 5/19/43 My dearest - I’m waiting in the barber shop for the barber to appear. Was here last night too but no barber. I’d better get a haircut soon, otherwise I won’t pass inspection. Well honey, it poured to-day and the bivouac was called off. But we went on a hike with full field packs. That includes shelter half, pole, pegs, cartridge belt with canteens, gas mask, musket, 2 blankets, helmet liner, leggings and raincoat. It’s not as heavy as the infantry pack but it still is heavy. We went about 6 miles out and 6 back. We marched about 4 mile before the water soaked into our shoes. From that point on it was hell. Kept sloshing around in the shoes. What an uncomfortable [page II] feeling! After 6 miles we had a 10 or 15 minute break, then turned around and headed back. On top of this we double-timed about every 20 minutes. That almost finished. But we all made it. I was soaked (perspiration) thru and thru. I took a shower and stood under it about 20 minutes. If I didn’t have anything else to do I’d still be there. Thurs. 5/20/43 Hello again Hon - The barber didn’t show up last night so I went back to the barrack. I looked at my arms and noticed that they were covered by little red spots. Thought it might by prickly heat but asked the 1st Sergeant about it anyway. He sent me over to the dispensery and, yes I suppose you’ve guessed, it was the measles. Well hon you could have knocked me over with a feather. I’d been feeling pretty well and couldn’t believe it. (Don’t know if they were right yet) So [page III] they sat me down in an ambulance and took me to the hospital. All of us fellows are quarantined in a clean, roomy barrack. I’ll draw a picture of it. So far there are 13 of us. We got the last one, a staff sergeant about an hour ago. Oh, oh, here comes a nurse. They don’t bother us, just walk thru. [page IV] Last night they took my clothes and gave me a pair of G.I. pajamas. We have swell beds with all nice clean linen. I don’t have a pillow back at Camp. It was stolen the first day so last night was the first time I slept on a pillow in 7 or 8 weeks. They woke us up at 6 A.M. Took our temperatures and then we made our beds, washed and ate breakfast. We each got one of those large serving trays to eat from. The bill of fare was an orange, cornflakes, 2 hard-boiled eggs, bacon, toasted bread and butter and milk (Grade A). Not bad eh? The best thing of all is the we have a large kelvinator in the kitchen from which we can help ourselves at any time. It is full of orange, grape, apple, grapefruit and tomato juices. There may be other kinds but I haven’t seen them yet. Bevvy, it seems that I’m in for a good rest. Frankly I can’t say I’m [page V] sorry. That hike yesterday was kind of tough and I feel stiff. Hope they bring me mail here. I’ll write every day. Guess I’ll be here about a week. Brought my sketch pad down so I’ll get plenty of practice drawing. I’ll send you sketches. By the way, the book I meant was FM 21-6. It’s “List of Publications.” Bevvy I don't know when I’ll call. But it will be the first night I’m out of here. Either the end of next week or the beginning of the following week. Should I tell my folks about this? Don’t know what to do. I don’t want to [page VI] lie to them. Oh me. What a predicament. Guess this will give you enough to read for a while. More tomorrow. Almost forgot. Had a horrible dream last night. Had a 3 day pass. Got home and realized I hadn’t called you. Tried to but couldn’t reach you by that time it was almost time to get back to camp. I woke up at this point relieved to realize it was all a dream. Went back to sleep and it happened all over again. And once more besides. What does it mean? I’ll say toodle-oo now my little censor and hope I hear from you soon. with all my love Hal P.S. Address your mail the same way as before Hal
• Hal Cohen Letter - April 14, 1943
  Wed. 4/14/43 P.M. Hello Honey - Got your letter and I’m glad that you 'll try to keep up that one a day schedule. I wouldn't mind getting at least 10 a day Somehow I can’t see that all the sleep you re getting is doing you any harm. After all it still isn’t much only about 8 1/4hrs. I get to sleep usually at 9:30 P.M. and we 're up at 5:30 A.M. so you and I are keeping almost the same hours. Too bad we aren’t spending it together. I graduated H.S. in 1935. The album must be quite large by now. naturally if you could work [page II] nearby I would like it very much. But do you mean working for the Signal Corps? I don’t want you to quit your job just to be nearer me if it means that you won’t enjoy your work and miss being with your family. Of course I don t know anything about the cities around here so I guess its up to you to see. Let me know just what you have in mind. We are in basic in [earned] now. On the go all day long. Lectures, movies, calisthenics, drill etc etc- Practiced sighting with a rifle to-day and found the [anny] finds out whether you can shoot before you even fire a gun. A [page III] soldier may feel sure that he has his sights right on the target but his officer can’t check on it except by the following method that we used to-day. The rifle is placed in two slots of a bot so that it rests aimed at a box about 20yds. away. A white piece of paper is tacked to the side of the latter so that it comes in front of the guns sights. One fellow takes a colored disc (which represents the bulls eye) attached to a handle and moves it in front of the paper until the fellow at the gun has it directly in his sights and yells wack. The bulls-eye holder makes a pencil mark on the paper by passing the pencil thru a hole in the center of the disc. The fellow at the [page IV] gun takes 2 more “shots". The three marks should be close together. Attached you wt will find the target I used. My marks are circled on ink. Compared to the others you can see I did pretty well. Is all of the above clear. If not I'll draw a diagram. By the way the rifle is not touched, it is the bulls- eye that is moved. (This is the opposite of actually shooting) Well darling, guess that’s all of your lesson of to-day. You should make a good correspondence school soldier. Give my regards to the folks. How is the navy doing? Bet he looks great. Yours Hal
• Hal Cohen Letter - April 6, 1943
  Tues 4/6/43 My dearest - I know that you we been anxiously awaiting this letter. I'm sorry I couldn't contact you sooner but we aren’t permitted to phone or telegram until our 14 day confinement is over. Darling, I never expected to get into this outfit. It's a new unit and it seems swell. The officers, from the Captain down, are grand fellows. At least here we are spoken to as intelligent humans and we [page II] arent abused and pushed about the way we were at times at Dix. We left Dix at 3.40 yesterday (Mon) afternoon. Our train consisted of 7 coaches and a mess car. We had been told to leave out our toilet articles and mess kits so we knew we were going quite a distance. We weren’t told our destination but after riding about an hour we knew we were headed south. We ate lun supper on the train. we were served on paper plates and cups. The menu was stewed meat boiled potato, string beans bread & jam, coffee, fig-newtons, and an apple. The meal was [page III] prepared on wood burning stoves and the smoke that issued forth was terrific. We got the food from the kitchen mess car but ate in our own coaches. We reached Washington about 9:00 P.M. and 8 coaches were added. each of us bad an individual seat but still the sleeping was uncomfortable. We ate breakfast at 6.00 A.M. (orange cornflakes, milk, eggs & bacon bread and jam and coffee) We first guessed our destination this morning at breakfast when we saw that they were it going to feed us on the train again. How [page IV] ever we were afraid of being sent to Fort McClelland or some other Infantry camp. It was a pleasant surprise being attached here. Our battalion is a coast guar Artillery, anti-aircraft unit. I am attached to the headquarter section of the headquarter battery. (are you confused?) There are 4 batteries in all. Our group of men do not handle the guns but our we form a pool from which are drawn the drivers, clerical workers, communications etc. In short we are a service unit, consisting of specialists. Our Captain told us that we would train for at least 5 months before we could be called a fighting unit. Then we [page V] could be sent to a post someplace else. He emphasized the fact that just ca because our training would be completed was no reason why we would be shipped. We might be assigned in the states for the duration. But I feel that my chances are better here than in the infantry. This camp appears to be quite new. Unfortunately (how is it spelled) the nearest town is 32 miles and it’s very small. The train connections are very bad. Takes about 18 bours to get to N.Y. [page VI] Maybe I can meet you in Washington for a week-end. I We have plenty of friends and relatives there who could accomadate us for a week-end What do you think? We eat out of mess Kits bere. All we need do is rinse the utensils after we finish and they dry by themselves. So far the meals here are better than Dix. We don't get more food but it is prepared much better. All in all I think I'll like it here. Theres an O.C.S. unit here too and when I m thru with basic I intend applying. I also have a distinct advantage of the fellows assigned to gun crews in that I'll be in contact [page VII] with the officers. That should improve my chances to advance. Darling, if your folks didn’t get that money [belt] yet tell Them I’d rather have If you should see Moe- remind him about sending down the Sun Tribune. Please please write as soon and as often as you can. Send everyone my regards. More tomorrow with all my love Hal P.S. Yes??!!!