As a child, I knew my father, Sargent John W. Kendall, Jr., had been wounded in action, I think more than once. He had a Purple Heart, and a Bronze Star as well as a lot of ribbons for the various campaigns (Africa, Sicily, Italy, France and German). He also had a sharpshooters metal (Side Note: Daddy taught me how to shoot!). In the letters that I have, he doesn’t give specifics about being wounded or in the hospital. I’m sure this was because he didn’t want his family worrying about him.
I remember once meeting one of the men my father served with, Raymond W. Milburn. At the time, Ray lived in Mesa, Arizona. I don’t know his rank in the service. I was told that they had been together in a jeep that hit a land mine. The mine had been on the driver’s side and Ray was driving; both ankles had been badly injured to the point that he could not walk. Although my father was also injured, but not as badly, he carried Ray on his back to the nearest aid station a mile or so away. I don’t know for sure, but that may be why he got both the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star. If I remember correctly from what I was told, Ray’s injuries were bad enough that he was sent home. The doctors thought he might not be able to walk again. When he came to visit my father years later he was able to walk, but with some difficulty. Although I don’t know for sure, I suspect the injuries were acquired while in Italy, not in France.
My father was a mechanic, responsible for maintaining the jeeps and trucks used by the 157th Infantry, 45th Division. The following is a letter that my father wrote somewhere in France, while helping to chase Germans back to Berlin. He mentions getting the metals, but doesn’t give any details.
France, February 23, 1945
Dear Folks,
Well how is everyone? I don’t remember when I wrote last, but I expect I owe you a letter. I usually do. I promise to do my best. I have had quite a little mail the last day or so. I have heard from Minnie, Edith, Agnes [sisters], Doris [sister-in-law], also 4 letters from Hazel [wife].
There isn’t anything here that I think is interesting. About all I know is I have 19 jeeps & one ¾ ton truck to keep working, so I am sorta snowed under just now. That reminds me, the weather is pretty good now. In fact, today it was beautiful.
How is the war over on that side going. Do they say when it will be over? The standing joke here is, the mortars & artillery keep close check on their range so they won’t hit the Russians. Of course there is no danger yet.
How are the kids doing in school? Does Ike & Dave [brothers] show them school kids how to run things? Does that Miller kid [neighbor] come to see Sis [sister] (ha ha)?
Say, I am hungry. What do you have around to eat? Could you send me some small cans of oysters & sardines or shrimp? I sure have a yen for something like that.
Did I ever tell you I got the Bronze Star & Purple Heart? They are service ribbons, just in case you don’t know. They don’t mean very much [daughter’s comment: I disagree!].
You know, I sorta like this country. But don’t worry, I don’t think I’ll settle here.How is land selling around there, or is it? Has the Davidson place sold yet? How about that quarter [section] just south of the house there? It is a nice flat place & good farming ain’t it? I want a place to live 1st though. I guess I may be counting my chickens before they hatch. By the way, it is about time to start small chickens. Have you got the spuds [potatoes] and oats planted yet? I sure would like to get back there. Say, have you got the fatted calf all picked yet? So we can have that reunion. I sure am going to enjoy it.
Well, there is a big argument here just now. The fellows are arguing which division is the best. Of course we think the 45this. But, that is just our opinion. We do have a good outfit, but there are a lot of them over here. There ain’t many men here that have been here as long as I have, but I will get my break one of these days. I guess I have said enough, so bye bye.
Lotza Love always, Tex
For those interested in WWII, the 45thInfantry Division has an excellent museum located at, 2145 N.E. 36th Street, Oklahoma City, OK 73111. A few additional letters that my father wrote are located on the museum’s web site.
