Trimmings January 1944

Trimmings February 1944

Trimmings April 1944

Trimmings May 1944

Vol 1, No 2

September 1943

SHORT SHOTS

Pvt Troy McKelvey, Ottumwa, is in an English hospital with a broken foot.

Aviation Cadet LaVerne Sedore, Ottumwa, has been classified as a pilot and is attending pre-flight school at Santa Ana, Calif.

OVER SEAS MAIL

From Private James E Carmody, formerly employed in the Ottumwa General Offices:

"Well here I am in Australia. When I move, I move distances. It seems like I am still in one of the states. Every thing here is pretty familiar. Traffic keeps to the left; it is quite confusing the first time you go into town. i always look the wrong way first when I cross a street. Streetcars are known as trams. They have many theatres which would compare with those in the states. They have American moves; we have free movies a the camp every night. I exchanged all my money a thte American Red Cross Service Club. I understand it pretty well now; the largest denomination is the Pound which is $3.22 in American money. Next comes the Florin which is equal to 33 cents; then a shilling which is about 16 cents. Their penny is equal to about one and two-thirds cents. I received my first mail since I left the states yesterday. There were 8 letters for me. I guess my mail will come in bulk. I sure welcome it although a bit old".

From F1/c William Ruud, formerly employed at Ottumwa:

"I was in the galley today and found out they were using Morrell pork sausages. I will say that it really made me homesick when I read it. I am not forgetting that the cook said they were the best sausages he has had, and I told him he couldn't find any better. I consider myself and the crew lucky because we  haven't seen much action. What we have seen was during the invasion of Sicily and lasted for only about four hours. I will say that it was the prettiest July 4 that I have ever seen."

From SK3/c Russell E Brooks, formerly at Ottumwa:

"It seems like all I ever get done anymore is to write and let you know of my latest change of address. It is very important to me that I do because I really do appreciate the Magazine which I receive. I have been receiving it regularly although I have been transferred several times in the past few months. The last issue showed the picture of one of the fellows who started working for the Company the same day I did. He is also in the Navy and his name is Robert Rutledge. If possible, would you send him my address, and me his so I can let him know that I saw his picture from quite some distance from the place we used to work. Another thing that interested me in the last letter I received was the post cards the Company furnished us. It is those small things that a person appreciates most when he is away from friends and family. Thanks and thanks again for remembering to send me word of what is going on back in the states. You can rest assured that we are doing our part over here as well as we possibly can so that we can come back home and to our jobs as soon as possible."

From Pvt Troy L McKelvey, formerly employed at Ottumwa:

"I received your letter today. I was glad to hear from you. I am now in England. I like the country pretty well. The English are good people; they will do anything for you.

From Pvt Richard S Hickman, Ottumwa Salesman at Shreveport, La., and now stationed at Jefferson Barracks, Mo.

"I received my copy of Trimmings and was certainly glad to get it. At present I am in the hospital  undergoing a minor operation. Nothing serious."

MISSING IN ACTION

Glenn L Burns, former Ottumwa plant employee, has been reported by the Navy Department as missing in action. Glenn was in service on the cruiser Helena when that ship was sunk July 6 in an engagement in the Solomon Islands area. He was assigned to the Helena at Pearl Harbor in February of this year. (1943). Glenn, 21 years old, enlisted in the Navy on June 16, 1942. His boot training was received at Great Lakes. He was then sent to Purdue University for schooling as a naval electrician. Glenn was an Electricians Mate 3rd Class at the time he was reported missing.