Tag: Marress

Commentary, United States

Following Buddy Marress, WWII G.I.

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I was excited to find Buddy’s postcards because of the longer story they reveal.

Buddy was born in 1918. His enlistment record indicates that he worked in the education field and had completed 3 years of college. (I don’t often try to look up the names on my postcards, but since I had so much information, in this case I gave it a shot.)

Postcard Timeline

Enlisted: May 23, 1942 – Fort Oglethorpe, GA (age 23, unmarried at time of enlistment)

Source: National Archives Enlistment Record

Date Sent from Current Unit/Base Rank Recipient Name Recipient location
26-Aug-42 Salt Lake City, Utah Army Air Base, Salt Lake Pvt Gladys Bell Lobelville, Tn
5-Apr-43 St Louis, Missouri 21st Sqd. Topeka, Ks ? Mrs. E Bell Lobelville, Tn
29-Aug-43 Topeka, Kansas 21st Sqd. Topeka, Ks Sgt Mrs. L. H. Marress Lobelville, Tn
13-Sep-43 Topeka, Kansas 21st Sqd. Topeka, Ks ? Mrs. L. H. Marress Lobelville, Tn
9-Apr-44 Topeka, Kansas 25th Adr’m Sq. (S) Cpl. Gladys Marress Linden, Tn

It seems that Miss Gladys Bell became Mrs. Marress during the summer of 1943.

Buddy Marress’s wife is buried in Perry County Tennessee: Marress, Gladys Bell, Apr. 1916-Dec. 9, 1989, “Wife of Loyd Marress”

bonds-topeka-army-airfield
Topeka Army Airfield http://9thbombgroup.org/99th-BS-files/war-bonds/they-bought-bonds.html

 

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Military Postcards, Postcards, United States

Darling [1943 – Topeka, Ks.]

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Marress - Sept 1943 Topeka Image lg

Lloyd Marress WWII Postcard Series (#4 of 5)

Sept 1943

This postcard matches a previous one, from Buddy sent in August. It seems he jotted a note just to send a little something back to his wife in Tennessee. He was working hard doing his part for the war effort. I wonder what her days were like at home in his absence.

Marress - Sept 1943 Topeka message lg

Monday morning

Darling,

No. I haven’t forgotten you, just been awfully busy. Will write tonite. I promise. Hope you’re feeling good as usual. My cold is lots better.

I’ve been to the fair 2 nites. Bye for now.

Love, Buddy

To:

  • Mrs. L. H. Marress
  • Lobelville, Tennessee

From:

  • L. H. Marress
  • 21st Sq. (S)
  • Topeka, Kansas

Postmark: Sep 13, 1943 – Topeka, Kansas

Image: “Topeka Kansas U.S.O.” Promotional postcard produced by John Morrell & Co.

Other postcards from Lloyd “Buddy” Marress

 

 

Military Postcards, Postcards, United States

Out Where the West Begins [1942, Utah]

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Marress - 1942 Utah image lg

Lloyd Marress WII Postcard Series (#1 of 5)

August 1942

Here we find Pvt. “Buddy” Marress in Utah, Summer of 1942. I wonder how well he knows Gladys Bell. The wording is familiar, but a bit stiff.

I have to say, as an East coast native myself, I don’t care too much for the poem over-idealizing “the West” with such saccharine poetry. Oh well.

Info about Kearns Air Base, constructed near Salt Lake City during WWII.

Marress - 1942 Utah message lg

Wed-Nite

I’m so glad the Dr. thought you were doing fine. You’ll be a big girl, if you keep going. I enjoyed the letter from Mrs. Bell a lot. I’ll write more next time. I’m studying hard, as usual.

I love you, Buddy

To:

  • Gladys Bell
  • Lobelville, Tennessee

From:

  • Pvt. Lloyd Marress
  • Army Air base Salt Lake City

Postmark: Salt Lake City, Utah – Aug 1942

“Buy Defense Savings Bonds and Stamps” No postage: Military Mail

Image: Out Where the West Begins poem.

Other postcards sent by Lloyd “Buddy” Marress

Military Postcards, Postcards, United States

Worn out yes, sir [1943 – St Louis, Mo.]

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Marress - 1943 St Louis Image lg

Lloyd Marress WWII Postcard Series (#2 of 5)

Perhaps Buddy was on a pass for his trip to St. Louis.

Turns out, Shaw’s Garden (pictured on the card) is now the Missouri Botanical Garden.

Marress - 1943 St Louis message lg

Monday aft.

Maura B.

No, I haven’t forgotten you, have I? I’m worn out yes, sir. Will be glad to get back. Bye for now.

Buddy

From:

  • L. H. Marress
  • 21st Sqd. (Squadron)
  • Topeka, KS

To:

  • Mrs. E. Bell
  • Lobelville, Tennessee

Postmark: Saint Louis, Mo. – April 5, 1943

“Buy U.S. Savings Bonds / Ask your Postmaster”

Image: Interior, Floral Display room, Shaw’s Garden, St. Louis, Mo.

Other postcards sent by Lloyd “Buddy” Marress

Military Postcards, Postcards, United States

Managed to get to the show ok [1944, KS]

lostgreetings

Colorado&Kansas 1944

Lloyd Marress WWII Postcard Series (#5 of 5)

I wonder if this soldier is writing to his mother or his wife. Either way, I hope the show was enjoyable, and that he made it home to see her in Tennessee.

Colorado&Kansas 1944 back

Friday Night (Saturday)

Dearest,

It surely is a [fine?] nite out here but I managed to get to the show O.K. Things are running as usual, still on the job. hope you are still O.K. I’ll write a letter soon.

Lots of Love

Buddy

Postmark: 9 AM April 9, 1944 – Topeka, Kansas

From

  • Cpl. L.H. Marress
  • 25th. Adr’m. SQ. (S).
  • Army Air Base
  • Topeka, Kansas.

To

  • Mrs. Gladys Marress
  • P.O. Box 114
  • Linden, Tennessee.

Other postcards sent by Lloyd “Buddy” Marress

 

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