Cpl John Peter Hazenberg Letters Home to Grand Rapids, Michigan ...

little town, last Saturday and got a few supplies, also found out where the bowling alleys
were, so maybe can be able to bowl a few games sometime.
Was out in field all day yesterday, eating in the open, etc, showing the Co. about tanks
which are stuck, way down in the mud, how to get them out. Really interesting. It’s all
you see out here is hills and hills and hills. These tanks are really massive things. Think
the motors (5 motors) in them weigh 5,200 pds. And some of the armament protection is
2 inches and the turret on the tank is 3 inches thick. Because there are 3 fellas up there in
that turret. So they need lots of protection. As you know these things weigh 66,000 and
cost $1 a pd or $66,000. So you see it really cost the goverment money. And you can get
1 mile on 2 gal. of gas. So you see how big they are. Really dont know what we are to
do yet. As they have not picked any fellas out for any particular jobs yet. At least I dont
think so. Was in a tank today and started it up. But didnt drive it. That turret can turn in
any direction you want it. A complete circle.
Got a letter and package from Gert Chuck and family. Also Irve & Minnie (letter and
package) Sure appreciated it. Cant write much more now. Just got back from having 2
mono shots in the arm.
God bless you all & keep you.
I remain,
Your son, John
P.S. Got a letter from Ken Smith & also Bud & wife
P.S. No.2 Send me Art & Diene address in Detroit. A fella’s got a catarh (guitar TF) up
here. He can play it so we all sing those cowboy songs (huh).
Feb 10, 1943
Camp Beale, California
Dear Mother & Father,
Am very sorry I could not write earlier, but it was almost impossible, just to busy. Today
is Wed. the sun shone today, but it was kind of a chilly one. There is nothing new to
report from this end of the line, except, that I drew guard duty tomorrow nite (Thursday)
ouch. Got another shot in the arm today.
Have inspection by the General this coming Saterday so will be very busy Friday nite.
May be able to write more Sat. Havent had enough time to write any full letters so far, so
have only been sending out postcards to everyone.
Hows everything back in Grand Rapids, is the town slowly filling up with soldiers or not.
I get the Press pretty good lately. That is it comes on time, maybe 4 or 5 days late, but
that isnt so bad. Dont have time to go and see Joe Fron or Will. Once in a while I see
Jud Helder. But not much, as we are always so busy. We learn quite a few different
things every day.
Hows Chuck & Gert and the children coming along? O.K. thats good. Received quite a
few letters lately and was sure glad to get them. The kids are really going out of G.R.
fast, I see by the paper.
Will have to close now. Always trust in the Lord, as he is the only giver of all good
things. God bless you all and keep you.
I remain
Your son, John
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