Bela Balarzs Transcriptions
This part of the collection features a letter from Bela Balarzs while he was serving in World War II. While this letter and an empty envelope are the only documents we have from Bela, the letter describes his reaction to his brother, Ernest, being awarded with a prestigious military honor. We have provided a letter-style transcription for each document, below a gallery containing all of the corresponding images. In addition, the gallery contains the text associated with each individual image. For a full line-by-line transcription of all the letters written by Bela, a PDF is available for viewing as well.
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Service Club
7 April 1945
SANTA ANA ARMY AIR BASE
Dear sis June,
Received your letter just a few minutes ago. Also got one from Ernest.
Ernest is in France and from the way he writes, I gather he won’t go back into the lines at least in that theatre of war. He is not doing anything in particular excepting a lot of drilling, lectures, and inspection and he says the routine is getting him down. He is a little disgusted about the whole mess. I know for one thing that he certainly desrved more than the Bronze Star and Purple Heart for the job he done on the St. Vith ridge. At least he should have received the Silver Start for amputating
that man’s leg under fire. I’ve read of where fellows have received the D.S.C. for far less service.
Ernest said he didn’t mind the medals or such
II
for he was always glad and willing to aid any soldier in need regardles of danger, but it was the giving of medals to fellows and officer that didn’t earn them that irked him so. I guess we Balazes will always be left out on the limb or holding the bag elsewhere.
I’m glad to hear that you are getting your teeth looked after and from here on in, you should make frequent visits to the dentist.
I like the picture you sent although it is as you said -- looks as you are ready to go to sleep.
I’m out of the hospital you know and have just finished my classification interim. The Captain in charge asked me to stay here at Santa Ana for they need a Salvage Technician. I told him no. for it is too far from home here and that I’d take my chances on Washington to get placed closer to home. In all probabilities, I’ll get shipped to Texas or some other out of the way hole.
I’m going to town today and may even go to Hollywood. I’ll write you all about what I do. I plan to go to the Canteen there. Bye for now and Love to you all.
Bela
P.S. notice new address.