DEAR JEANNIE: LETTERS HOME FROM WWII
Lou Winsauer and Jean Johnson didn’t have a classic love story. They were a pair of strong-willed rebels who ran with a crowd that called themselves The Dawn Club. When they married, neither of their fathers attended the wedding.
Their tempestuous marriage ended in divorce after 10 children, but (after a cooling-off period) they rebuilt a cordial relationship that lasted for the rest of their lives. She saved the letters he sent home while serving as an army medic, and they are published here along with a few other letters that were preserved.
And no, he never learned how to spell “reveille”.
"Once again I'm swearing off beer" - February 12, 1942
There's a healthy black-jack game going on over my bed, and all the fellows say "howdy". I've been playing (was pretty lucky too) but can't keep my mind on the darn cards for thinking of you. Hon' these last two weeks at school are really going to drag — it is the home-stretch though and that's going to be a big help.
“Sorry Mrs. Bloom, no soap.” - February 3, 1942
This seems to be the last piece of stationery in the barracks so I’m going to write as small as I can to make it do. The post exchange is closed so I can’t get anymore ‘till morning and I don’t want to wait ‘till tomorrow night—that’s the trouble, there’ve been too many tomorrow nights. Darling again I’m sorry.
“Mom or no Mom” - January 15, 1942
I’m right smack back in the old routine again and after the couple of days I had at home it’s harder to take than ever. Thanks a million for the Camels (the best cig.s made), they came in plenty handy, but darling you shouldn’t have spent that money on me. What are you going to use for cash this month? I know darn well you’re going to be short, so thanks a hell of a lot again.
"IF CAN DO—SWELL" - December 29, 1941
HITTING MILWAUKEE APPROX. NOON THURSDAY STOP CAN YOU MEET ME AT CM&STP DEPOT STOP IF CAN DO—SWELL STOP IF NO CAN DO WIRE COLLECT STOP
"I get as tongue tied as a sophomore" - December 23, 1941
Darling I got your swell present this afternoon, and don’t know how I’ll ever be able to thank you. Sitting here this evening I can’t find the words to express my thanks or show my appreciation, not only for the swell case, but for the many things you’ve done for this soldier in the last six months. And ironically enough, this Christmas, it must be with words alone that I express my appreciation.
"Shorty I miss you so damn much" - November 20, 1941
Darling I got your swell box of candy today, and don’t know what I’ve ever done to deserve a swell fella like you for a girl friend. I’ve got nothing to be more thankful for this year than the fact that I met you, and absolutely nothing to be less thankful for than having to be away from you.