Ernest Balarzs Transcriptions
This part of the collection features letters written by Ernest Balarzs while he served in World War II. These consist of letters written back to his family, specifically to his mother, Barbara. In these we can see Ernest’s point of view as a soldier in World War II, including his reaction to receiving a prestigious military award. 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 Ernest, a PDF is available for viewing as well.
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Jan 30 1945
Belgium
Dearest Mother + Rest,
I’m sorry that there has been such a space of days between my last letter + this one but it just couldn’t be helped. I was a pretty busy fellow. Another reason is - I just didn’t have a suitable position to write in nor the materials with me to write.
I got my mail last nite + their was one letter from home. It was mailed on Dec. 14th. The cards (Xmas) also Were in the group. That is, yours – Mother, + Steve’s, Mary’s, Rogers, + Joyce. They all had 3₵ mail stamps on them is the reason it took them so long to get here. After this, put air
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mail stamps on the mail sent to me + it will get here in about 10 or 12 days.
In the mail I just received I got 2 letters from Alice, one from Gizzie + about 20 other letters from various friends such as the Lao’s family, Bodnar, Julia Drauescky. Etc. Bebe, Marge, and the usual old flames still write regularly also.
I just hope you all keep writing as you have. Of course I would appreciate more frequent mail but I realize how busy everyone is so can’t actually be hoggish. I give most of the credit to June, for she writes the most. Edith, I can’t understand. I’ve only received one letter from her since being over here. Guess she’s
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too tired at nite to write. Mother, Junie writes that she sent Cigarettes. Well, I hope you hadn’t sent many for I have all I need + really haven’t been hard up on them for some time. In fact there isn’t a darn thing I need besides a very good fountain pen. I wrote to Steve & threw him a strong hint thinking maybe he would buy me a good one + send it. I don’t know as yet how it worked. I feel ashamed to ask for any thing but he did write + tell me to ask him for anything + he’d send it to me if possible. I’m sure he meant what he said because he’s never gone back on his word to me yet. I guess I’m his favorite brother. I think he’s mine too.
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best type is needed to keep warm. Remember the short hair cut I had when In cleveland the last time -Mother? Well, I haven’t had a hair cut since that time + it’s really visa verse with me now. I’m going to have it grow until Berlin falls. As soon as possibly I am going to have some pictures made + send them home. They’ll probably scare you to death when you see them
but it will be me just the same.
Mother Dear, have you received the packages as yet. There are three of them. I had them mailed a couple weeks ago so by now you should have gotten them or at least be expecting them. I hope you like the Marble book ends. They are really heavy.
I just found out that we are allowed to write quite a few
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things about the post.
Remember when the push started in Belgium – well we were right in the middle of that deal. We certainly had it tough for a few days. Those German rascals (could use a better word) really threw the books at us, we didn’t do so badly ourself though + I’ll bet the Jerries would acknowledge the same (if they are still alive). The Company I’m in really did a wonderful job in treating the wounded. They all (the personel) worked nite + day to do the impossible for the unfortunates who were wounded. I’m glad + darn proud to be with this out- fit. They are a swell group.
I also found out yesterday that I have received the Bronze Star for work beyond the line of duty. It was a little job I done while up
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at St. Vith. There was a certain ridge up their that caught plenty of barrages – Consequently there were some wounded. If a buddy would fix there boys up + evacuate them so they decided to give us the bronze star for something like valor + bravery. It was all in a days work. Heck!! I’ve been in tighter spots than that – since.
When they gave those bronze Stars and I wasn’t here but
they said that the General of our Division pinned them on. They tried to get me but I was working with an outfit + they couldn’t find me. I guess I missed an impressive ceremony. Oh well!! Maybe – I’ll get another chance. Could be. I don’t think I’ll look for it though. I’ve had plenty.
Feb. 4, 45
Belgium.
Dearest Mother + Rest,
Every thing is still as usual. I’m feeling fine + haven’t a kick in the world. I just hope every one at home is feeling well - especially you Mother. Junie writes that you had been ill a while back. The way she put it you must have been in bed for a time Mother, I wish you’d listen to reason + let things relax for awhile.
I’m glad to hear that the little English girl wrote home. She promised me that she would. She is a cute little girl who never did have much. I’d appreciate it if Edith would buy her something nice + send it to her. She’s 18 yrs. old + about the size of Bebe. They are in the lower class of people in England + haven’t much to brag about. What do you say Edith - how about sending her something. Not expensive just some-thing usable.
As for you Junie - How about sending me her home address? I lost the one she gave me. Don’t forget. Junie, this later letter of yours was written on Jan. 17th Just wanted you to know what one I’ve received.
Mother, If I don’t write during a weeks time don’t be alarmed. It’s just that I’m busy + don’t get a chance or I’m a little negligent at the time.
I must stop for now Mother,
as always -
Love + regards Your loving Son,
to the rest of the family also. “Ernie”
March 6, 45
Somewhere in Belgium
Dearest Mother + Rest,
At last I’ve gotten back to my old outfit. It seems as though I hit every replacement pool in the country before I got here. I started out from France in a repl. pool, hit a few there, then as I came last I stopped off in a couple in Belgium where my outfit was. Mother, I’m sorry I couldn’t write more oftner as I was traveling. It was nearly impossibly to do so. Id did the best I could considering every thing.
When I got back here I thought I’d have a whole stack of mail waiting for me. Well, it just happened that I was a few days late when a person is absent from is Co. for over 20 days the mail clerk sends his mail back to a central office in Paris so it can be forwarded to him. That’s what they did with mine. Now I’ll have to wait for I don’t know how long before I get my mail.
Things are fine with me Mother. Again I must say I’m not in the least bit hurt + that there is no need to worry. - so don’t.
I really haven’t any thing to write about so I’ll close until tomorrow.
as always
Your loving son,
“Ernie”
P.S.
Also enclosed is a letter that I wrote on Feb. 4th. + mailed but Forgot to put an address on the envelope. So I’m sending it in this one.
Dearest Mother Dad + Rest,
I hope you all are in the best of health + every thing is fine at home.
At the present I am out in the feild + will be out here until Saturday coming. Everything is just fine with me. I’m feeling as good as ever. The mosquitoes + chiggers are rather bothersome but other-wise I’m not unsatisfied with this feild life. of course the food is bound to be lousy but one gets used to it after a time.
Edith I received the watch in fine order.
I want to thank you, mother, with all my heart. I’ve always wanted one. I’ll take good care of it.
As yet I haven’t received the package from home. I’ve been looking for it every day at mail call.
If Edith sent it like she said she did it should get here soon.
I’ll let you know when I receive it. In fact I’ll write Tuesday regardless.
My love to all,
“Ernie”
P.S.
Edith:
I wish you’d send me that Stationary.
April 20, 45
France
Dearest Mother,
Received your letter today. It’s really nice to hear from you so soon.
You write that Bela doesn’t write very often even though he’s close to home. Mother, I can’t make an excuse for him beyond the one that he’s either busy or still in a sorta of mood because he’s home. Don’t worry about him. He shall be O.K. I’ll write him to-nite + put him straight.
I get a kick out of how you are always cautioning me
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about getting rested at every possible chance. I just wish I hadn’t sent those two little pictures home. I was on guard for twenty four hrs. just before I had taken those pictures - so Mother - you can see I just needed a little sleep to fix me
up. I’m still losing my hair though. At this rate I’ll be bald in no time at all.
about my buying various items + sending them home. You must admit that I’ve spent less money since being oversees than I did in a months time when in the U.S. I just see
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some things that I think I should buy + do so.
I just returned from Paris yesterday morning. I had a very nice time there. I saw all the sights + practically every-thing of importance in the city. While there - I bought a bottle of perfume + a handbag. The perfume is for you Mother -+the formal hand bad is for Edith. I sent home a little bracelet some-time back - it was for Junie. Junie writes in her letter that Edith assumed priority of it + That she knows it’s rightfully hers. Well, she’s right.
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I also have here a pair of hand made gloves. They are for you - Mother. I think they are very nice. I do hope you like them -also the perfume. Mother, I’m feeling very well. The only thing I want is my camera + films. If you can’t get films - send the camera any way. I’m waiting very patiently for it.
I also wrote home for some money. I do hope you don’t mind sending it to me. Well, I’ll stop for now. Until I hear from you - Mother-
I remain as always - Your loving
Son - “Ernie”
Dearest Mother + Dad,
I hope every thing is fine with both of you + that you are both in the best of health.
Things with me are still the same. Very uncertain.
I thought I’d be able to have gotten home last week end on a pass but things changed to darn fast. Had various things to do since the Company is getting ready
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to go into the feild again. I hope to get a pass as soon as we get back in though.
I haven’t heard from Bela for a long time.
I must be useing the wrong address because I have been writing him. Here’s what address I’m using.
1140th. J.M. 323 SERVICE Unit.
A.P.O. 786
It must be changed or something.
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I really haven’t any thing to write about mother + Dad, the same old thing goes on day in + day out. Classes on first aid + drill.
It’s pretty worrisome.
Freddie wrote me + told me about him going to camp + June going to Roanoke. I’m very glad to hear this. When I was a kid along with Bill, we didn’t know a thing about such stuff.
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Mother, tell Steve I said hello + will be Writing him a letter soon. Mother + Dad: Both of you take care of one another.
Your son,
“Ernie”
My dear brother Freddie,
I received your letter yesterday + it made me feel darn good to hear from you. I just hope you write more often.
I’m glad to hear that you are going to camp this summer. As for June, I take from your letter that she was invited by Peggy to spend her vacation with
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her at Roanoke.
Listen Fred, when you go to camp be a good boy + listen to the instructors + you’ll get a prize. It’s a hard prize to win but if you do your very best I’m sure you’ll get it.
About the canteen + stuff. I’ve got it here at camp with me. I’ll send it to you the first chance I get.
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You asked me for some of those medals, If I can buy them I’ll get you some. Be patient + they’ll be sent to you.
Well brother, I haven’t any more to write at the present. Help Mother as much as possible.
I’m glad to hear that you passed to the 7th grade. How you did it is beyond me. Teacher must have liked you an awful lot.
Tell June I said hello. Wait!! I’ll tell her so my self.
Be a good boy + take care of yourself.
Your brother,
“Ernie”
P.S.
Are you helping daddy in the garden?