Nov. 16, 1943
U.S. Training Sta.
Sampson, N.Y.

Dear Sweetie Pie and Patty

I’m here but in a daze.  It’s been a gruesome day.  We started from New Haven at 7:30 p.m. and arrived in New York City at 9:20.  We had a 40 minute lunch period.  Then at 10:10 we were on our way here.  We rode all night until 6:30 a.m.  I don’t have to describe to you what a tiresome trip a train can be when traveling a long time.

We meet here at Sampson and given numbers just like New Haven.  The usual physical, eye test and hearing, heart, etc.  Then came the big moment - a petty officer behind a pole came at you when you weren’t looking, gave you a jab right in the right arm with a needle and when you turned around to curse him another one got you on the left arm.  Boy oh Boy oh Boy. 

By the way, we were vaccinated, too.  Then we had a cold shower and was it cold!  Then on for our pictures.  From there we were given our clothes.  Talk about clothes, I don’t know what to do with all of them.  We have such a small locker, I don’t think they will fit, but we have to.  We had two good meals here today.  By the way it snowed here all day and is it cold.  Now I am getting ready for bed - I’m all tired out and awful sore in the arms.  To think that we have 5 more coming.  We have to stamp all our clothes with our name and they have to be folded just right.  It’s very confusing but I guess I will get used to it.

That’s all for now, will write again and tell you all

Lots of love from Daddy to Wifey & Patty and everybody

Source: http://spitballarmy.com/

Posted with permission.