WWII-MI-HARROLD, William S.
Letter from WWII folks
Source: The Veedersburg News Friday May 11, 1945
"News from Pfc. William S. Harrold, some where in the So. Pacific, in a letter to his grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. F.D. Harrold"
Dear grandmother & Pop:
I received a very nice letter from you the other day. I also have the picture of you that mother forwarded. I sure treasure it highly. It brings the home places back to mind with a renewed vividness.
You were wondering if I seen black Natives. Yes I sure have! The natives of New Guinea were black and much less inclined toward wearing nothing than the natives of this island. The natives of this island are more like the people native to the Phillipines. These natives are quite intelligent and fairly good workers even though one can't trust them. They hire out to us for clean up duties around the camps for about five cents a day. That is a lot of money for them. We have five of them working around campe every day.
The time seems to be passing fairly fast for the most part of course there are days that drag and it seems like the time to come home will never come. Happy will bthat blessed day. Saundra is a big part of my life already even though I haven't bounced her on my knee yet.
One Sabbath I went to Sabbath School with two Adventist boys I met here at camp. It is about 4 miles to the chapel. We had to hitch hike. That morning I had awakened with the blues. I didn't 'think anything would snap me out of it. Like I said we hitch hiked, rain, ankle deep mud, blues and all. I hadn't been there five minutes before I felt fine. Out of those present I already knew two of them from college. It was like a reunion and certainly warmed my heart. One of the boys was taking the same course I was and we were always in the same classes. He left for the army about one week after I did.
Being the only Medic, at this camp area I haven't been able to attend regularly. They are to send a Flight Sgt and two more Medics. I take the boys for an airing in a jeep on Sabbath and those injured must be cared for.
I saw the big dipper the other night for the first time, since the trip over here and it sure looked good. One has to think twice that its April and early spring back home.
I haven't tasted a banana since I left the states, altho there are banana trees here, they are stripped. The news sounds pretty good doesn't it? May it all end quickly is my prayer.
Your grandson, Bill.