One of the joys of being a genealogist and historian is discovering unexpected treasures in the archives. While browsing old newspaper clippings at MyHeritage, I recently came across a letter to the editor written by my father, Pvt. Bruce “Tex” Glover, during World War II. The letter, published in the Hazel Park (MI) Palladium in August 1943, was sent from Camp Hood, Texas, where he had just arrived for basic training.
Reading his words transported me back to the early days of his military service. I could hear his voice in the humor and sincerity of the letter. He wrote to Mr. Kelster, the editor, whom he had worked for in high school, describing the intense Texas heat and his first impressions of Camp Hood. It’s a snapshot of a young man adjusting to military life far from home and wanting to stay connected.
Here’s the full transcription of the letter:
Pvt. Bruce (Tex) Glover, former sports editor writes from Camp Hood, Texas:
Dear Mr. Kelster:
Well I’m finally located here in Camp Hood, Texas, “Deep In The Heart Of.” Do you remember on certain days before I left how we were complaining of the heat. Well brother, don’t complain any more. It’s 105 - 110 in the shade here all of the time and I’m not kidding. I always wanted to go to Texas but one day here is enough.
The water we are allowed to drink is heavily diluted with sodium-hydro chloride and is warm. It’s hard to get used to in this hot weather but it’s best for you. Bill Fisher is here with me and we would appreciate it if you would send the paper to both of us. Our addresses are at the end of this letter.
We have both passed our tests so far and are in the A.S.T.P. (Army Specialized Training Program). We are beginning a 13-week basic Infantry Training program during which time more tests will be given. If we pass these we will be sent to college.
We had quite a train ride here from Custer. It took us 57 hours in all. We left Custer at 1:15 p.m. Wednesday and arrived here 5:15 p.m. Friday. The train stopped for four hours in Fort Worth, Texas, and the Lt. in charge let us look over the city for two hours. It is quite a nice city. We also passed through Chicago, Kansas City, Wichita, Oklahoma City, and Waco, enroute.
I would appreciate it if you would have Mr. Watson look in the files and see if there are any fellows from Hazel Park here at Camp Hood. If so, would you please send me their address.
Sincerely,
Pvt. Bruce “Tex” Glover
Your former Sports Ed.
Bruce received 4 names of H. P. boys from H. P. stationed at Camp Hood.
To see his personality come through in this letter is a gift. It’s more than just an eighteen-year-old soldier reporting his new surroundings. It’s a glimpse into his character, his experience, and his desire to remain tied to home. Letters like this one help bring the past to life, and I’m grateful to have found it, especially since I never knew my dad had a nickname, Tex and this was before he was sent to Texas!
Have you ever uncovered a letter from a relative in the service? These personal messages offer more than facts, they offer heart.
Notes:
H.P. stands for Hazel Park which is in Michigan.
Bill Fisher was a good friend of my dad's. They graduated from Hazel Park High School together. They were together in the Battle of the Bulge until Bill was taken prisoner by the Germans. Bill was on one side of the line the Germans came through and my dad was on the other. They were in the 99th Division.
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