Lloyd Marress WWII Postcard Series (#3 of 5)
August 1943
This time we find Buddy, a Sergeant now, writing to his wife in Tennessee. He most likely was serving with the 21st Bombardment Wing which was located in Topeka, Kansas as of May 1943 (Wikipedia). The primary function of Buddy’s unit was “processing heavy bombardment crews and aircraft for overseas movement, and then processing men returning from overseas, from 1942–1946.” He seems to be staying stateside for the war, so perhaps he was an aircraft mechanic or other tradesman prepping bombers for overseas deployment.
I wonder if this postcard was provided for free by the United Service Organization (USO). I’m not sure what else “U.S.O.” could possibly stand for in this context.
Link: History of the Topeka Airport (aka Topeka Army Airfield in 1943).
Saturday Evening
Darling,
I’m staying on the base tonite, as I said I will. I didn’t work this aft. got caught up on my work, at last.
I hope you’re feeling alright, s–[?] the old medicine made you sick.
I’ll go now, but[?] will be back tomorrow.
Forever yours, Buddy
To:
- Mrs. L. H. Marress
- Lobelville, Tennessee
From:
- Sgt. L.H. Marress
- 21st Sq. (S)
- Topeka, Kansas
Postmark: Aug 29, 1943 – Topeka, Kansas
Image: “From Topeka Kansas U.S.O” John Morrell & Co. Meat packing Promo Postcard featuring Kansas Jayhawk
Other postcards from Buddy Marress
Wartime postcards are among my favorite finds. This one features two famous Parisian landmarks on the reverse.
Lost Greetings 