301 24 26018 https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/ac452515a9d3465bb5031592e8e280b9.pdf c9536ea6ad1a35b668448531495e0d5a PDF Text Text ����� https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/637f0dfdc6f8db5b74818cdff6a6f2dc.pdf 6183d475f1665d14b0804b877e4d72e6 PDF Text Text [RHC-93_Olexa_1944-10-30] [Page 1] Somewhere [in Germany] Oct. 30, 1944. “My Dearest Darling,” I received two of your recent letters dated Oct. 12 and 16th. It was swell to hear from you again “Darling” and I sure do miss your letters when I don’t get them. I still miss you as much as ever “Sweets” and think of you always. Wish I could feel some of those hugs you wrote about. Gee!! Darling, I could stand about a barrel full right now. Just you waite [sic] till I’m with you again. I don’t think we will have any rest. Don’t you think so? As for me letting you know what I’m getting you for Christmas, you’ll just have to bite your nails till you get it. Gee! Darling ain’t [Page 2] I a big meanie? I cannot let you know where I am or anything about the country. If I did write it you’d receive a letter filled with holes. I’ve sent you a package with souvenirs in it “Darling” and something special is in it for you. I hope you will like it. I have not as yes received any of your packages and how worried I am about the watch and pen you’ve sent to me. What address did you have on it? I also would like to know if you received the $180 dollars I sent you in August from the hospital? I might not have received your letter stating you got it. I got two [Page 3] V-mails from Helen today. I also heard from Ollie and Francis and what a shock. Well, “Darling” I think your cooking is going to be grand because these C-rations aren’t so hot eating them almost three years. So, I shan’t worry. Yes, it is grand to be back with the boys and it sure is good to be with them again. I’d like to be with you though “Darling” because I’m waiting to have you squeeze me as hard as you want to. Boy, I’m going to love it. Your kisses are grand “Precious” that you send and I always bring them to my lips when I first open your letters. How are your folks these [Page 4] days? Don’t forget to give them my best regards. Is your mother feeling any better? I’m surprised at your screaming just because Gloria chased you wish a dead coon. You should have taken it from her and thrown it right back at her. Gee!! Darling I sure hope and pray that this war would end soon because I long to be with you and can’t half express my feelings. Will close and write real soon. Yours Always “With Loads of Love” “Joe” {Signature accent mark} �[Envelope front] S/Sgt. Joseph P. Olexa (12016893) Co. “L,” 26th Inf. A.P.O. - 1 c/o Postmaster, New York, N. Y. {Postmark} U.S. ARMY POSTAL SERVICE 1 NOV 3 1944 A.P.O. Via Air-Mail Miss Agnes Van Der Weide 1913 Berkley Ave. S.W. Grand Rapids, 9 Mich. PASSED BY 20638 U.S. ARMY EXAMINER [?] � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Joe Olexa letters Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Olexa, Joseph P. Van Der Weide, Agnes Description An account of the resource Collection of letters between Joseph Olexa and Agnes Van Der Weide, dating from 1941 to 1946. Olexa fought in the U.S. Army 26th Infantry Division, Company "L", and eventually attained the rank of Staff Sergeant. Over the course of World War II, Olexa was engaged in North Africa, Sicily, France, Belgium, and Germany. He fought in the Invasion of Normandy, the liberation of Belgium, the Battle of Hürtgen Forest, and the Battle of the Bulge. While deployed abroad, Olexa maintained regular correspondence with Agnes Van Der Weide, a young woman he met through mutual friends. Agnes was the daughter of Benjamin and Minnie (Ter Meer) Van Der Weide. The Van Der Weide family lived in Jamestown, Michigan and Ashburnham, Massachusetts until moving to Grand Rapids, Michigan in 1943. While the letters do not contain details relating to Olexa's military activities, due to heavy censorship of soldiers' correspondence by the U.S. Army, the letters do depict the daily activities of an infantry soldier and illustrate the blossoming romance between the two. Joseph and Agnes were married July 23, 1945, and lived in West Michigan until Agnes's death in 1993. Joseph Olexa died December 3, 2000. They were survived by their son, Karl Olexa. Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant World War II Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1941/1946 Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/543">Joseph P. Olexa WWII memoir and correspondence (RHC-93)</a> Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/">In Copyright</a> Subject The topic of the resource United States. Army. Infantry Division, 26th World War, 1939-1945 Soldiers -- Michigan Correspondence Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Special Collections & University Archives Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-93 Language A language of the resource eng Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-93_Olexa_1944-10-30 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Olexa, Joseph P. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1944-10-30 Title A name given to the resource Letter from Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, October 30, 1944 Description An account of the resource Handwritten letter and envelope with transcript by Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, dated October 30, 1944. The envelope is sent from Co. L, 26th Infantry A.P.O.-1, c/o Postmaster New York, New York, dated November 3, 1944. In the letter, Joe writes to Agnes from an undisclosed location in Germany, sharing the reasoning behind his secrecy, and how nice it has been to be back with "the boys" after being away in the hospital for so long. Subject The topic of the resource United States. Army. Infantry Division, 26th World War, 1939-1945 Soldiers -- Michigan Correspondence Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/543">Joseph P. Olexa WWII memoir and correspondence, (RHC-93)</a> Relation A related resource Veterans History Project (U.S.) Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/">In Copyright</a> Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource application/pdf Language A language of the resource eng Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant World War II Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Lemmen Library and Archives https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/25a4de0eb4f1fec573fc6b31b42730db.pdf d836028e2eddb7d12e6f18a08e51012f PDF Text Text ������ https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/b6e9e2b4c6ef7690b0699ccce2ecf379.pdf 55416d726955ae8822fc20dafbf4558b PDF Text Text [RHC-93_Olexa_1944-10-28] [Page 1] Somewhere in Germany Oct. 28, 1944. “My Dearest Darling,” Haven’t rec’d any of your lovely letters in a week and how I do miss them. I hope that you are well and in good health. If not, young lady, I’ll have to stop fighting and return to cheer you up. Wouldn’t that be swell though? “Darling” I miss you terribly and can’t waite [sic] to hold you in my arms once again. I’d squeeze you with all my might and demand all of those hugs and kisses you wrote about. I think I’d never get tired of that getting them from a swell girl like you. My only hopes and prayers are to be with you once again. To be married and live a decent [Page 2] enjoyable life that you can provide for me. I know “Darling” that we shall get along together swell and nothing shall ever come between us. My love for you “Darling” grows deeper and what a grand day it will be when I can share it with you. Sometimes I’m disgusted and blue but never forget “Precious” that my heart belongs to you and no one shall ever take your place. As I sit here and write, I can think of all the grand times we’ve spent together and how anxious I get at times to be with you and go for other places [sic] and enjoy ourselves like we used to. We also have many plans to talk over together and [Page 3] I know we can knit them together for our future. I’m not a perfect Knight on a charger, but my one desire is to make you as happy as I want you to be. When I return, I want to forget that there was a war and everything that goes along with it. It shall be hard but with you helping me, it shall be not a big problem. This war isn’t ended and it will be a hard fight to win. Many a man will fall and not return but they will live in memory by the men who have fought with them. By the grace of God, I shall return and have no worries. But if I have to give my life in doing His will, I die not in vain. I lose nothing but gain eternal life. I write this not to make you [Page 4] sad or blue because you mean so much to me. I thank God for having a swell girl like you and if we live the way he wants us to, we will never have to worry about anything. Here is one Psalm I always like to repeat. “Seek Ye, first the Kingdom of God and all things will be added unto you.” The Lord has brought me through thus far and my trust is in Him. Well, “Precious” I shall close with all my love to you and remember that someday we shall be together. Yours forever With Loads of Kisses, “Joe” �{Signature accent mark} [Envelope front] S/Sgt. Joseph P. Olexa (12016893) Co. “L,” 26th Inf. A.P.O. - 1 c/o Postmaster, New York, N. Y. {Postmark} U.S. ARMY POSTAL SERVICE 1 OCT 31 1944 A.P.O. Via Air-Mail Miss Agnes Van Der Weide 1913 Berkley Ave. S.W. Grand Rapids, 9 Mich. PASSED BY 20637 U.S. ARMY EXAMINER [?] [Envelope back] Dorothy Woodmancy 251 Hutchinson Buff. 15, N.Y. S.W.A.K. � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Joe Olexa letters Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Olexa, Joseph P. Van Der Weide, Agnes Description An account of the resource Collection of letters between Joseph Olexa and Agnes Van Der Weide, dating from 1941 to 1946. Olexa fought in the U.S. Army 26th Infantry Division, Company "L", and eventually attained the rank of Staff Sergeant. Over the course of World War II, Olexa was engaged in North Africa, Sicily, France, Belgium, and Germany. He fought in the Invasion of Normandy, the liberation of Belgium, the Battle of Hürtgen Forest, and the Battle of the Bulge. While deployed abroad, Olexa maintained regular correspondence with Agnes Van Der Weide, a young woman he met through mutual friends. Agnes was the daughter of Benjamin and Minnie (Ter Meer) Van Der Weide. The Van Der Weide family lived in Jamestown, Michigan and Ashburnham, Massachusetts until moving to Grand Rapids, Michigan in 1943. While the letters do not contain details relating to Olexa's military activities, due to heavy censorship of soldiers' correspondence by the U.S. Army, the letters do depict the daily activities of an infantry soldier and illustrate the blossoming romance between the two. Joseph and Agnes were married July 23, 1945, and lived in West Michigan until Agnes's death in 1993. Joseph Olexa died December 3, 2000. They were survived by their son, Karl Olexa. Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant World War II Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1941/1946 Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/543">Joseph P. Olexa WWII memoir and correspondence (RHC-93)</a> Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/">In Copyright</a> Subject The topic of the resource United States. Army. Infantry Division, 26th World War, 1939-1945 Soldiers -- Michigan Correspondence Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Special Collections & University Archives Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-93 Language A language of the resource eng Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-93_Olexa_1944-10-28 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Olexa, Joseph P. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1944-10-28 Title A name given to the resource Letter from Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, October 28, 1944 Description An account of the resource Handwritten letter and envelope with transcript by Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, dated October 28, 1944. The envelope is sent from Co. L, 26th Infantry A.P.O.-1, c/o Postmaster New York, New York, dated October 31, 1944. In the letter, Joe writes to Agnes while stationed in Germany, sharing how he looks forward to their marriage and living an enjoyable life together. He also writes about his hopes and prayers that he can one day forget about the war and return home to his beloved Agnes. Subject The topic of the resource United States. Army. Infantry Division, 26th World War, 1939-1945 Soldiers -- Michigan Correspondence Love letters Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/543">Joseph P. Olexa WWII memoir and correspondence, (RHC-93)</a> Relation A related resource Veterans History Project (U.S.) Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/">In Copyright</a> Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource application/pdf Language A language of the resource eng Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant World War II Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Lemmen Library and Archives https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/25ce80ec5fb4329e02d3a6a179af8392.pdf 48f720c139cf155d21d0b3e5257cf63d PDF Text Text ����� https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/94768fe0cdcd2913f667a445b10903e7.pdf 55be1103561f512e3a472b14021cf4a7 PDF Text Text [RHC-93_Olexa_1944-10-25] [Page 1] Somewhere in Germany Oct. 25, 1944. “My Dearest Darling,” Have been thinking of you a lot today and thought I would write you another letter. Ain’t I being good? I still miss you as much as ever “Darling” and love you more as the days go by. At times I have you so close to me, that I could almost reach out and pull you into my arms. What a lovely day it’s going to be when I can hold you tight and bite on your nose. I’ve longed to be with you and I shall be a very happy man when I am with you once again. Gee! Sweets couldn’t you just lean over here so I could get your kisses I’ve missed so much. Wish you would because I could tell [Page 2] how much I love you which would be grand. Sometimes I get so blue thinking of the days going by of not being with you that I could scream. It won’t help none but we sure can make up that lost time, can’t we? I still make little dream houses picturing you and I, enjoying a happy life together. I can hardly waite [sic] for the day, when we can start a little cozy home of our own to live in, can you? We shall have to be very patient while we are so far apart and if it’s God’s will, I shall return to be with you once more. With His Divine guidance and protection [Page 3] I have everything to gain and nothing to lose. I’m not a perfect Christian but my only ambition is to live the way He wants me to. Well, “Darling” I haven’t received any of your packages as yet and still have hopes of getting them. I miss your swell cookies so they’d better get here pronto. I got a letter from my sister Nellie and she told me that she liked you an awful lot and wants the both of us [to] visit her when I get back. I’d send you her letter but it’s too big to put in my envelopes. I hope you are enjoying your work under your new boss and I’ll want you to take me down there. How is your mother [Page 4] and father? Don’t forget to give them my best regards? Wrote a V-mail to Gloria also, so you can tell her to expect it soon. I’m hoping to hear that you got that money I’ve sent you while I was at the hospital. We shall be paid again soon and I plan to send you some more. Well, Precious I shall close with all my love to the best girl in the world. Yours forever, With loads of hugs and kisses {symbols} Joe {Signature accent mark} �PS. Hope that you’ve got some more pictures for me or haven’t you. Have you ever heard about Roy or from him? I haven’t. [Envelope front] S/Sgt. Joseph P. Olexa (12016893) Co. “L,” 26th Inf. A.P.O. - 1 c/o Postmaster, New York, N. Y. {Postmark} U.S. ARMY POSTAL SERVICE 1 OCT 28 1944 A.P.O. Via Air-Mail Miss Agnes Van Der Weide 1913 Berkley Ave. S.W. Grand Rapids, 9 Mich. PASSED BY 20637 U.S. ARMY EXAMINER [?] � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Joe Olexa letters Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Olexa, Joseph P. Van Der Weide, Agnes Description An account of the resource Collection of letters between Joseph Olexa and Agnes Van Der Weide, dating from 1941 to 1946. Olexa fought in the U.S. Army 26th Infantry Division, Company "L", and eventually attained the rank of Staff Sergeant. Over the course of World War II, Olexa was engaged in North Africa, Sicily, France, Belgium, and Germany. He fought in the Invasion of Normandy, the liberation of Belgium, the Battle of Hürtgen Forest, and the Battle of the Bulge. While deployed abroad, Olexa maintained regular correspondence with Agnes Van Der Weide, a young woman he met through mutual friends. Agnes was the daughter of Benjamin and Minnie (Ter Meer) Van Der Weide. The Van Der Weide family lived in Jamestown, Michigan and Ashburnham, Massachusetts until moving to Grand Rapids, Michigan in 1943. While the letters do not contain details relating to Olexa's military activities, due to heavy censorship of soldiers' correspondence by the U.S. Army, the letters do depict the daily activities of an infantry soldier and illustrate the blossoming romance between the two. Joseph and Agnes were married July 23, 1945, and lived in West Michigan until Agnes's death in 1993. Joseph Olexa died December 3, 2000. They were survived by their son, Karl Olexa. Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant World War II Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1941/1946 Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/543">Joseph P. Olexa WWII memoir and correspondence (RHC-93)</a> Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/">In Copyright</a> Subject The topic of the resource United States. Army. Infantry Division, 26th World War, 1939-1945 Soldiers -- Michigan Correspondence Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Special Collections & University Archives Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-93 Language A language of the resource eng Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-93_Olexa_1944-10-25 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Olexa, Joseph P. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1944-10-25 Title A name given to the resource Letter from Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, October 25, 1944 Description An account of the resource Handwritten letter and envelope with transcript by Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, dated October 25, 1944. The envelope is sent from Co. L, 26th Infantry A.P.O.-1, c/o Postmaster New York, New York, dated October 28, 1944. In the letter, Joe writes to Agnes while stationed in Germany, dreaming of their future home together and holding onto his faith to keep him strong while they are oceans apart. Subject The topic of the resource United States. Army. Infantry Division, 26th World War, 1939-1945 Soldiers -- Michigan Correspondence Love letters Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/543">Joseph P. Olexa WWII memoir and correspondence, (RHC-93)</a> Relation A related resource Veterans History Project (U.S.) Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/">In Copyright</a> Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource application/pdf Language A language of the resource eng Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant World War II Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Lemmen Library and Archives https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/385a17763bd9665682d4150f51df4b2d.pdf c83c98b8b6113fe14f0f8a35866add26 PDF Text Text ����� https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/ba306d4bb63a064e638f2798664a0292.pdf 3db297d12df91dbfb98aff2f55e2629a PDF Text Text [RHC-93_Olexa_1944-10-22] [Page 1] Somewhere in Germany October 22, 1944. “My Dearest Darling,” Have received quite a few of your letters and was very pleased to get them. I’m safe and well as usual and hope it’s the same with you. My thoughts are still of you “Darling” and I keep longing to be with you. I sure do with that we could be together just for a little while which would seem like heaven to me. I don’t know when I shall be able to go back but when I do, you shan’t get any rest. I’m still thinking of our future and hope that our plans will be a success and that we shall be very happy together. I was glad to hear you got the English money and have received some of the souvenirs I’ve sent. I’ve got some more coins [Page 2] which are German and Belgium. I shall also send them to you. I have not as yet rec’d your packages which you sent while I was in the hospital and hope they reach me alright. Yes, it is better being out of the hospital for I didn’t like it there. I got a few letters from Helen and one from my sister Nell. I nearly fell over to get that letter. Ollie’s wife wrote to me also. You have written about the money I sent you from the hospital and if you didn’t get it, I can turn in the receipts for the amount I’ve sent. I’ve got so much to write about that I don’t know where to begin. I’ll probably end up with a short letter. Ha! Ha! If it wasn’t for your sweet letters, I wouldn’t have a morale. [sic] I’m getting sick of this war and if I could [Page 3] get a leave of some kind to see the ones I want to see everything would be ok. Well, I shall change the subject and write of better things. You’ve mentioned in your last letter about your new boss. Well, “Darling” I don’t mind if you like him but would be very jealous if you were to love him. I was just wondering if you have taken any pictures wearing slacks. If you have, I wish you would send them to me. I think you would look lovely in them with your hair bushy. At least I think of you that way wearing them. Well, how are your folks these days? Don’t forget to give them my regards and love? Gloria asked if it was alright for her to be Maid of Honor. Well, it’s alight with me if you want her to be but that is for you to decide and it’s your privilege. [Page 4] I often think of our wedding day and can hardly waite. [sic] I know it will be grand and having a swell girl as you for a wife. Well, “Darling” I shall close for now and shall write as often as I can. Remember, “Darling” my love for you an ocean cannot fill. Yours Always With Plenty of Hugs and Kisses �“Joe” {Signature accent mark} [Envelope front] S/Sgt. Joseph P. Olexa (12016893) Co. “L,” 26th Inf. A.P.O. - 1 c/o Postmaster, New York, N. Y. {Postmark} U.S. ARMY POSTAL SERVICE 1 OCT 27 1944 A.P.O. U.S. POSTAGE 6¢ VIA AIR MAIL Miss Agnes Van Der Weide 1913 Berkley Ave. S.W. Grand Rapids, 9 Mich. PASSED BY 20638 U.S. ARMY EXAMINER [?] � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Joe Olexa letters Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Olexa, Joseph P. Van Der Weide, Agnes Description An account of the resource Collection of letters between Joseph Olexa and Agnes Van Der Weide, dating from 1941 to 1946. Olexa fought in the U.S. Army 26th Infantry Division, Company "L", and eventually attained the rank of Staff Sergeant. Over the course of World War II, Olexa was engaged in North Africa, Sicily, France, Belgium, and Germany. He fought in the Invasion of Normandy, the liberation of Belgium, the Battle of Hürtgen Forest, and the Battle of the Bulge. While deployed abroad, Olexa maintained regular correspondence with Agnes Van Der Weide, a young woman he met through mutual friends. Agnes was the daughter of Benjamin and Minnie (Ter Meer) Van Der Weide. The Van Der Weide family lived in Jamestown, Michigan and Ashburnham, Massachusetts until moving to Grand Rapids, Michigan in 1943. While the letters do not contain details relating to Olexa's military activities, due to heavy censorship of soldiers' correspondence by the U.S. Army, the letters do depict the daily activities of an infantry soldier and illustrate the blossoming romance between the two. Joseph and Agnes were married July 23, 1945, and lived in West Michigan until Agnes's death in 1993. Joseph Olexa died December 3, 2000. They were survived by their son, Karl Olexa. Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant World War II Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1941/1946 Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/543">Joseph P. Olexa WWII memoir and correspondence (RHC-93)</a> Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/">In Copyright</a> Subject The topic of the resource United States. Army. Infantry Division, 26th World War, 1939-1945 Soldiers -- Michigan Correspondence Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Special Collections & University Archives Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-93 Language A language of the resource eng Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-93_Olexa_1944-10-22 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Olexa, Joseph P. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1944-10-22 Title A name given to the resource Letter from Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, October 22, 1944 Description An account of the resource Handwritten letter and envelope with transcript by Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, dated October 22, 1944. The envelope is sent from Co. L, 26th Infantry A.P.O.-1, c/o Postmaster New York, New York, dated October 27, 1944. In the letter, Joe writes to Agnes while stationed in Germany and discusses various topics including the gift packages they have sent to one another, his experience being out of the hospital, and how he is growing tired of the war and being away from his loved ones. Subject The topic of the resource United States. Army. Infantry Division, 26th World War, 1939-1945 Soldiers -- Michigan Correspondence Weddings--Planning Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/543">Joseph P. Olexa WWII memoir and correspondence, (RHC-93)</a> Relation A related resource Veterans History Project (U.S.) Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/">In Copyright</a> Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource application/pdf Language A language of the resource eng Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant World War II Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Lemmen Library and Archives https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/8c042ceee504289df70c77f2ef52dbfe.pdf 5afcf315d29a5c1a6b37a54643caaaec PDF Text Text ����� https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/270ed68794beff980de8dc9ebccbdeda.pdf 391e82231ddce29054d798428179ad2b PDF Text Text [RHC-93_Olexa_1944-10-13] [Page 1] Somewhere in Germany Oct. 13, 1944. My dearest “Darling,” Have rec’d many of your loveable letters and was more than pleased to get them. I also got Gloria’s letter and the pictures she sent. They are very nice too. I don’t know if I can be able to answer all of these letters of yours, but I sure can try, can’t I? I shall be able to answer all of your questions though. My thoughts are still of you “Darling” and wish I could be able to have you in my arms once again. That would be swell because I miss you terribly. My love for you keeps growing and that’s one thing [Page 2] I never tire of. When I return, we shall be very happy and it’s going to be wonderful to be with a swell girl like you. I get very lonesome, too, and when it comes to that it vanishes when I think of you. I keep longing for the day when you and I can have our little home and be very happy, living a peaceful life. I know that you will provide all of my happiness and I shall be very contended when you are Mrs. Olexa. If I could only be with you now “Darling,” everything would be perfect. I’d squeeze you harder than ever and take all of your sweet kisses I’ve [Page 3] missed. I’ve sent you some perfume, a German coin, and 4 of their ornaments. Yes, “Sweets” there are many cottages on this lake I’ve mentioned and I know we can enjoy our own stay there. I haven’t thought too much about the names of our children we are going to have because it will be better to decide when we are together. Don’t you think so? I would love to see your new sweaters, skirt, and dress you’ve bought and from your description of them I know I shall like them. Especially when my wife to be is wearing them. [Page 4] I shall patiently waite [sic] for your packages to arrive and hope they reach me soon. I was surprised to hear your mother is expecting and hope she is well. I wish I could send you a lot of souvenirs but I’m not lucky enough to be in an outfit which doesn’t see action. They are the ones who get the best souvenirs and when they return home, they’ll tell you how they fought the war getting them. We get them and they table them is our motto. Will close Darling and will write again the first chance I get. My regards and love to all. Yours forever Loads of Love and Kisses “Joe” {Signature accent mark} �[Envelope front] S/Sgt. Joseph P. Olexa (12016893) Co. “L,” 26th Inf. A.P.O. - 1 c/o Postmaster, New York, N. Y. {Postmark} U.S. ARMY POSTAL SERVICE OCT 15 1944 A.P.O. Miss Agnes Van Der Weide 1913 Berkley Ave. S.W. Grand Rapids, 9 Mich. PASSED BY 20638 [?] U.S. ARMY EXAMINER Lt. [?] � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Joe Olexa letters Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Olexa, Joseph P. Van Der Weide, Agnes Description An account of the resource Collection of letters between Joseph Olexa and Agnes Van Der Weide, dating from 1941 to 1946. Olexa fought in the U.S. Army 26th Infantry Division, Company "L", and eventually attained the rank of Staff Sergeant. Over the course of World War II, Olexa was engaged in North Africa, Sicily, France, Belgium, and Germany. He fought in the Invasion of Normandy, the liberation of Belgium, the Battle of Hürtgen Forest, and the Battle of the Bulge. While deployed abroad, Olexa maintained regular correspondence with Agnes Van Der Weide, a young woman he met through mutual friends. Agnes was the daughter of Benjamin and Minnie (Ter Meer) Van Der Weide. The Van Der Weide family lived in Jamestown, Michigan and Ashburnham, Massachusetts until moving to Grand Rapids, Michigan in 1943. While the letters do not contain details relating to Olexa's military activities, due to heavy censorship of soldiers' correspondence by the U.S. Army, the letters do depict the daily activities of an infantry soldier and illustrate the blossoming romance between the two. Joseph and Agnes were married July 23, 1945, and lived in West Michigan until Agnes's death in 1993. Joseph Olexa died December 3, 2000. They were survived by their son, Karl Olexa. Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant World War II Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1941/1946 Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/543">Joseph P. Olexa WWII memoir and correspondence (RHC-93)</a> Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/">In Copyright</a> Subject The topic of the resource United States. Army. Infantry Division, 26th World War, 1939-1945 Soldiers -- Michigan Correspondence Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Special Collections & University Archives Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-93 Language A language of the resource eng Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-93_Olexa_1944-10-13 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Olexa, Joseph P. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1944-10-13 Title A name given to the resource Letter from Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, October 13, 1944 Description An account of the resource Handwritten letter and envelope with transcript by Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, dated October 13, 1944. The envelope is sent from Co. L, 26th Infantry A.P.O.-1, c/o Postmaster New York, New York, dated October 15, 1944. In the letter, Joe writes to Agnes after receiving quite a few of her "loveable letters" while stationed in Germany. He writes that he looks forward to the day they can make their home together and live a happy, peaceful life, in addition to responding to her questions about honeymoon lake cottages and the names of their future children. Subject The topic of the resource United States. Army. Infantry Division, 26th World War, 1939-1945 Soldiers -- Michigan Correspondence Love letters Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/543">Joseph P. Olexa WWII memoir and correspondence, (RHC-93)</a> Relation A related resource Veterans History Project (U.S.) Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/">In Copyright</a> Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource application/pdf Language A language of the resource eng Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant World War II Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Lemmen Library and Archives https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/cc5de91c323ebdac52b828fb69d72996.pdf 56238595708a2b53bfc1ae738507c7e9 PDF Text Text �� https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/e82545ffef25db9da4d82e9b67a7cdc2.pdf 169e5d4582bae55de6f1d62b75a95922 PDF Text Text [RHC-93_Olexa_1944-10-06] [Page 1] [V-Mail Letter] {CENSOR’S STAMP} PASSED BY 20638 U.S. ARMY EXAMINER To Miss Agnes Van Der Weide 1913 Berkley Ave. S.W. Grand Rapids, 9 Mich. From (12016893) S/Sgt. Joseph Olexa Co. “L,” 26th Inf. A.P.O. – 1 c/o PM. - New York, N.Y. Oct. 6, 1944. (Sender’s complete address above) Somewhere in Germany Dearest “Darling,” I received two more of your old letters dated June 9th and 24th with the picture of you and the pup. I liked the way you had your hair done up and the skirt and blouse is very pretty. To me you looked very lovely and it’s the way I always thought you to be since I left. I liked your sandals too and in this picture you are not as tall as you appeared in your other pictures. Suits me just fine. Ha! Ha! The puppy is nice and hope you haven’t spoiled him. Did you? I love you as much as ever “Darling” and my thoughts of you keep me busy in my spare moments. Sometimes I could almost reach out and bring you into my arms. Often wished I could because I miss you so much. I rec’d a lot of old mail also last nite. [sic] I had one from home with the Anniversary pictures and a few letters from my buddies in the Pacific. Well “Darling,” I must close with all my love to you and many kisses. Yours forever, With Plenty of Hugs “Joe” {Signature accent mark} {V-MAIL stationary footer} �[V-mail envelope] From S/Sgt. Joseph P. Olexa (12016893) Co. L, 26th Inf. A.P.O.-1 c/o PM. New York, N.Y. V-MAIL U.S. ARMY POSTAL SERVICE [?] OCT 9 1944 A.P.O. To Miss Agnes Van Der Weide 1913 Berkley Ave. S.W. Grand Rapids, 9 Mich. V-Mail service provides a most rapid means of communication. If addressed to a place where photographing service is not available the original letter will be dispatched by the most expeditious means. INSTRUCTIONS (1) Write the entire message plainly on the other side within marginal lines. (2) Print the name and address in the two spaces provided. Addresses of members of the Armed Forces should show full name, complete military or naval address, including grade or rank, serial number, unit to which assigned or attached and army post office in care of the appropriate postmaster or appropriate fleet post office. (3) Fold, seal, and deposit in any post office letter drop or street letter box. (4) Enclosures must not be placed in this envelope. (5) V-Mail letters may be sent free of postage by members of the Armed Forces. When sent by others postage must be prepaid at domestic rates (3c ordinary mail, 6c if domestic air mail service is desired when mailed in the U.S.). � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Joe Olexa letters Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Olexa, Joseph P. Van Der Weide, Agnes Description An account of the resource Collection of letters between Joseph Olexa and Agnes Van Der Weide, dating from 1941 to 1946. Olexa fought in the U.S. Army 26th Infantry Division, Company "L", and eventually attained the rank of Staff Sergeant. Over the course of World War II, Olexa was engaged in North Africa, Sicily, France, Belgium, and Germany. He fought in the Invasion of Normandy, the liberation of Belgium, the Battle of Hürtgen Forest, and the Battle of the Bulge. While deployed abroad, Olexa maintained regular correspondence with Agnes Van Der Weide, a young woman he met through mutual friends. Agnes was the daughter of Benjamin and Minnie (Ter Meer) Van Der Weide. The Van Der Weide family lived in Jamestown, Michigan and Ashburnham, Massachusetts until moving to Grand Rapids, Michigan in 1943. While the letters do not contain details relating to Olexa's military activities, due to heavy censorship of soldiers' correspondence by the U.S. Army, the letters do depict the daily activities of an infantry soldier and illustrate the blossoming romance between the two. Joseph and Agnes were married July 23, 1945, and lived in West Michigan until Agnes's death in 1993. Joseph Olexa died December 3, 2000. They were survived by their son, Karl Olexa. Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant World War II Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1941/1946 Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/543">Joseph P. Olexa WWII memoir and correspondence (RHC-93)</a> Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/">In Copyright</a> Subject The topic of the resource United States. Army. Infantry Division, 26th World War, 1939-1945 Soldiers -- Michigan Correspondence Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Special Collections & University Archives Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-93 Language A language of the resource eng Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-93_Olexa_1944-10-06 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Olexa, Joseph P. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1944-10-06 Title A name given to the resource Letter from Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, October 6, 1944 Description An account of the resource Handwritten V-Mail letter and envelope with transcript by Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, dated October 6, 1944. The envelope is sent from Co. L, 26th Infantry A.P.O.-1, c/o Postmaster New York, New York, dated October 9, 1944. In the V-Mail letter, Joe writes a brief message to Agnes while stationed in Germany and shares the news that he received the photograph she sent of her new puppy, in addition to his family's anniversary pictures and letters from his buddies stationed in the Pacific. Subject The topic of the resource United States. Army. Infantry Division, 26th World War, 1939-1945 Soldiers -- Michigan Correspondence V-mail Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/543">Joseph P. Olexa WWII memoir and correspondence, (RHC-93)</a> Relation A related resource Veterans History Project (U.S.) Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/">In Copyright</a> Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource application/pdf Language A language of the resource eng Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant World War II Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Lemmen Library and Archives https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/7fee7ce63d6df54d1b6ded2e50bff201.pdf 7e128bd2c83101b2dcd23f55e86d07e2 PDF Text Text �� https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/a89d34f31aa741ed25ba34222df3df0d.pdf 6479729c493eece718cf98a406066181 PDF Text Text [RHC-93_Olexa_1944-09-30] [Page 1] [V-Mail Letter] {CENSOR’S STAMP} PASSED BY 20636 U.S. ARMY EXAMINER To Miss Agnes Van Der Weide 1913 Berkley Ave. S.W. Grand Rapids, 9 Mich. From 12016893 S/Sgt. Joseph Olexa Co. “L,” 26th Inf. A.P.O. – 1 c/o PM. - New York, N.Y. Sept. 30, 1944. (Sender’s complete address above) Dearest Darling, Rec’d a letter of your mother’s dated June 9th and the pictures in it are swell. I’ve written her a letter already and hope she receives it. Have been thinking of you as usual and I’ve almost imagined myself being with you. I sure do miss you a plenty “Darling” and long to be with you once again. Sometimes, I wonder, just what you are doing and pass the day thinking about us. It’s great to do that and it keeps me from feeling blue. I suppose you are still busy working making that million. Do you ever think you’ll make it? Ha! Ha! I’m just teasing and no doubt I’m always in the mood for that, ain’t I? I sure would like to receive you in a Christmas box so that postmaster over there better get on the ball. Threatening ain’t I? Ha! Ha! Well, how is Venna and the rest of her family? Don’t forget to give them my regards? Will close for this time. With Loads of Love, “Joe” “WRITE SOON” {V-MAIL stationary footer} �[V-mail envelope] From S/Sgt. Joseph P. Olexa (12016893) Co. L, 26th Inf. A.P.O.-1 c/o PM. New York, N.Y. V-MAIL FROM V-MAIL STATION U.S. ARMY POSTAL SERVICE 413 OCT 5 1944 A.P.O. Free To Miss Agnes Van Der Weide 1913 Berkley Ave. S.W. Grand Rapids, 9 Mich. V-Mail service provides a most rapid means of communication. If addressed to a place where photographing service is not available the original letter will be dispatched by the most expeditious means. INSTRUCTIONS (1) Write the entire message plainly on the other side within marginal lines. (2) Print the name and address in the two spaces provided. Addresses of members of the Armed Forces should show full name, complete military or naval address, including grade or rank, serial number, unit to which assigned or attached and army post office in care of the appropriate postmaster or appropriate fleet post office. (3) Fold, seal, and deposit in any post office letter drop or street letter box. (4) Enclosures must not be placed in this envelope. (5) V-Mail letters may be sent free of postage by members of the Armed Forces. When sent by others postage must be prepaid at domestic rates (3c ordinary mail, 6c if domestic air mail service is desired when mailed in the U.S.). � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Joe Olexa letters Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Olexa, Joseph P. Van Der Weide, Agnes Description An account of the resource Collection of letters between Joseph Olexa and Agnes Van Der Weide, dating from 1941 to 1946. Olexa fought in the U.S. Army 26th Infantry Division, Company "L", and eventually attained the rank of Staff Sergeant. Over the course of World War II, Olexa was engaged in North Africa, Sicily, France, Belgium, and Germany. He fought in the Invasion of Normandy, the liberation of Belgium, the Battle of Hürtgen Forest, and the Battle of the Bulge. While deployed abroad, Olexa maintained regular correspondence with Agnes Van Der Weide, a young woman he met through mutual friends. Agnes was the daughter of Benjamin and Minnie (Ter Meer) Van Der Weide. The Van Der Weide family lived in Jamestown, Michigan and Ashburnham, Massachusetts until moving to Grand Rapids, Michigan in 1943. While the letters do not contain details relating to Olexa's military activities, due to heavy censorship of soldiers' correspondence by the U.S. Army, the letters do depict the daily activities of an infantry soldier and illustrate the blossoming romance between the two. Joseph and Agnes were married July 23, 1945, and lived in West Michigan until Agnes's death in 1993. Joseph Olexa died December 3, 2000. They were survived by their son, Karl Olexa. Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant World War II Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1941/1946 Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/543">Joseph P. Olexa WWII memoir and correspondence (RHC-93)</a> Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/">In Copyright</a> Subject The topic of the resource United States. Army. Infantry Division, 26th World War, 1939-1945 Soldiers -- Michigan Correspondence Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Special Collections & University Archives Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-93 Language A language of the resource eng Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-93_Olexa_1944-09-30 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Olexa, Joseph P. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1944-09-30 Title A name given to the resource Letter from Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, September 30, 1944 Description An account of the resource Handwritten V-Mail letter and envelope with transcript by Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, dated September 30, 1944. The envelope is sent from Co. L, 26th Infantry A.P.O.-1, c/o Postmaster New York, New York, dated October 5, 1944. In the V-Mail letter, Joe writes a brief message to Agnes after receiving a letter from her mother, letting her know he appreciates the photographs she sent and how he longs to be with Agnes once again. Subject The topic of the resource United States. Army. Infantry Division, 26th World War, 1939-1945 Soldiers -- Michigan Correspondence V-mail Love letters Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/543">Joseph P. Olexa WWII memoir and correspondence, (RHC-93)</a> Relation A related resource Veterans History Project (U.S.) Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/">In Copyright</a> Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource application/pdf Language A language of the resource eng Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant World War II Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Lemmen Library and Archives https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/77db8158dfe21293d0f013389b11c3a2.pdf 1031bb9b0cfd21bb8c3f14f4a9a40c30 PDF Text Text �� https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/728aadfd2200d2e6a8056ee2a947b980.pdf 6b72800fb8ceef288c0b8d7ef0388698 PDF Text Text [RHC-93_Olexa_1944-09-29] [Page 1] [V-Mail Letter] {CENSOR’S STAMP} PASSED BY 20636 [?] U.S. ARMY EXAMINER To Miss Agnes Van Der Weide 1913 Berkley Ave. S.W. Grand Rapids, 9 Mich. From 12016893 S/Sgt. Joseph Olexa Co. “L,” 26th Inf. A.P.O. – 1 c/o PM. - New York, N.Y. Sept. 29, 1944. (Sender’s complete address above) Dearest “Darling,” Writing to let you know that I am still safe and well. Hope this letter finds you the same. Have been thinking of you again today and love you more every time I do. Gee! Darling I wish I could be with you, just for a little while. I’d love that because I’ve missed you so much. It would be grand to hold you in my arms once again and squeeze like I used to. I shall have so much time lost of not being with you that I shan’t ever let you go when we are together again. I’m writing this V-mail because I’m out of air mail stamps and hope Helen has sent me some more. Until then it will be V-mails. Ha! Ha! Ain’t I mean. I’m still hoping to receive some of your letters but it’s in a hopeless stage right now. Well “Darling” I shall close with all my love to you. Write Real, Real soon, won’t you? [sic] Yours Always Lots of Kisses “Joe” {V-MAIL stationary footer} [V-mail envelope] �WAR & NAVY DEPARTMENTS V-MAIL SERVICE OFFICIAL BUSINESS {Postmark} U.S. POSTAL SERVICE OCT 10 12:30 AM 1944 No. 3 PENALTY FOR PRIVATE USE TO AVOID PAYMENT OF POSTAGE, $300 � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Joe Olexa letters Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Olexa, Joseph P. Van Der Weide, Agnes Description An account of the resource Collection of letters between Joseph Olexa and Agnes Van Der Weide, dating from 1941 to 1946. Olexa fought in the U.S. Army 26th Infantry Division, Company "L", and eventually attained the rank of Staff Sergeant. Over the course of World War II, Olexa was engaged in North Africa, Sicily, France, Belgium, and Germany. He fought in the Invasion of Normandy, the liberation of Belgium, the Battle of Hürtgen Forest, and the Battle of the Bulge. While deployed abroad, Olexa maintained regular correspondence with Agnes Van Der Weide, a young woman he met through mutual friends. Agnes was the daughter of Benjamin and Minnie (Ter Meer) Van Der Weide. The Van Der Weide family lived in Jamestown, Michigan and Ashburnham, Massachusetts until moving to Grand Rapids, Michigan in 1943. While the letters do not contain details relating to Olexa's military activities, due to heavy censorship of soldiers' correspondence by the U.S. Army, the letters do depict the daily activities of an infantry soldier and illustrate the blossoming romance between the two. Joseph and Agnes were married July 23, 1945, and lived in West Michigan until Agnes's death in 1993. Joseph Olexa died December 3, 2000. They were survived by their son, Karl Olexa. Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant World War II Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1941/1946 Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/543">Joseph P. Olexa WWII memoir and correspondence (RHC-93)</a> Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/">In Copyright</a> Subject The topic of the resource United States. Army. Infantry Division, 26th World War, 1939-1945 Soldiers -- Michigan Correspondence Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Special Collections & University Archives Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-93 Language A language of the resource eng Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-93_Olexa_1944-09-29 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Olexa, Joseph P. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1944-09-29 Title A name given to the resource Letter from Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, September 29, 1944 Description An account of the resource Handwritten V-Mail letter and envelope with transcript by Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, dated September 29, 1944. The envelope is sent from Co. L, 26th Infantry A.P.O.-1, c/o Postmaster New York, New York, dated October 10, 1944. In the V-Mail letter, Joe writes to Agnes to let her know he is still safe and well, although he is currently out of Air Mail stamps and will be writing V-Mails until he receives stamps from his sister, Helen, in the near future. Subject The topic of the resource United States. Army. Infantry Division, 26th World War, 1939-1945 Soldiers -- Michigan Correspondence V-mail Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/543">Joseph P. Olexa WWII memoir and correspondence, (RHC-93)</a> Relation A related resource Veterans History Project (U.S.) Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/">In Copyright</a> Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource application/pdf Language A language of the resource eng Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant World War II Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Lemmen Library and Archives https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/f4074f2dfa8aab45671428521216899d.pdf 77403cb8a81dd5fdd8f9a8aa9eba0122 PDF Text Text ����� https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/62d91334e7ef5cf4259a1263ea8affc8.pdf 097e2ccb1a726105ad17b66d6c981dd4 PDF Text Text [RHC-93_Olexa_1944-09-10] [Page 1] France Sept. 10, 1944. My Dearest Darling, Thought to drop you a few lines since I have some spare time to let you know I am still safe and well. I am now well on my way back to my old outfit. I haven’t rec’d any of your letters as yet because of moving but hope they will reach me sometime when I get back. I sure do miss them and you, Darling, and long to be with you once again. I sure did think of you the 7th of Sept. three years [Page 2] ago when I first met you at Whalom. Remember that day? I sure wish that I could be with you today, being Sunday. I can think of many things we could do. Can’t you? I’ll be the happiest fellow in the world when we can be with each other, to go places and enjoy ourselves like other people back there. That’s going to be grand because I’ve got the best girl in the States and I shan’t ever let her go. See!! What you’re in for young lady? I’m always in the mood to tease and nothing would suit me more than to [Page 3] bite your ears and pull your curls right now. You can ring up 27 months of that, too, “Darling.” I shall be very disappointed if my credit isn’t any good. Ha! Ha! If it isn’t, I’ll take it anyhow. What do you think of that? I’m glad that I have your pictures and never get tired of looking at them. Gee! I wish I could squeeze you like I used to. That would be swell. For me. Ha! Ha! I still keep thinking of our future “Darling” and I can hardly waite [sic] for the day when we shall be married. In the meantime, we can build our little [Page 4] castles with thoughts that will come true. I still love you as much as ever “Darling” and wish I could share it with you once again. But we shall just have to wait [sic] like we’ve been doing in the past. Won’t we? I hope by now that you got the money I sent you and all of my letters. Will close and write to me at my outfit’s address. Give my best regards to your mother and Dad? Yours always, With Loads of Love “Joe” {Signature accent mark} P.S. I shall write again soon. �[Envelope front] S/Sgt. Joseph P. Olexa (12016893) Co. “L,” 26th Inf. A.P.O.-1 4167 U.S. Hosp. Plant c/o Postmaster New York, N.Y. {Postmark} U.S. ARMY POSTAL SERVICE 176 SEP 11 1944 A.P.O. VIA AIR MAIL Miss Agnes Van Der Weide 1913 Berkley Ave. S.W. Grand Rapids, 9 Mich. PASSED BY 40046 U.S. ARMY EXAMINER Lt. [?] R. Sikes � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Joe Olexa letters Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Olexa, Joseph P. Van Der Weide, Agnes Description An account of the resource Collection of letters between Joseph Olexa and Agnes Van Der Weide, dating from 1941 to 1946. Olexa fought in the U.S. Army 26th Infantry Division, Company "L", and eventually attained the rank of Staff Sergeant. Over the course of World War II, Olexa was engaged in North Africa, Sicily, France, Belgium, and Germany. He fought in the Invasion of Normandy, the liberation of Belgium, the Battle of Hürtgen Forest, and the Battle of the Bulge. While deployed abroad, Olexa maintained regular correspondence with Agnes Van Der Weide, a young woman he met through mutual friends. Agnes was the daughter of Benjamin and Minnie (Ter Meer) Van Der Weide. The Van Der Weide family lived in Jamestown, Michigan and Ashburnham, Massachusetts until moving to Grand Rapids, Michigan in 1943. While the letters do not contain details relating to Olexa's military activities, due to heavy censorship of soldiers' correspondence by the U.S. Army, the letters do depict the daily activities of an infantry soldier and illustrate the blossoming romance between the two. Joseph and Agnes were married July 23, 1945, and lived in West Michigan until Agnes's death in 1993. Joseph Olexa died December 3, 2000. They were survived by their son, Karl Olexa. Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant World War II Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1941/1946 Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/543">Joseph P. Olexa WWII memoir and correspondence (RHC-93)</a> Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/">In Copyright</a> Subject The topic of the resource United States. Army. Infantry Division, 26th World War, 1939-1945 Soldiers -- Michigan Correspondence Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Special Collections & University Archives Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-93 Language A language of the resource eng Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-93_Olexa_1944-09-10 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Olexa, Joseph P. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1944-09-10 Title A name given to the resource Letter from Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, September 10, 1944 Description An account of the resource Handwritten letter and envelope with transcript by Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, dated September 10, 1944. The envelope is sent from Co. L, 26th Infantry A.P.O.-1, c/o Postmaster New York, New York, dated September 11, 1944. In the letter, Joe writes to Agnes from France to let her know he is safe and healthy and traveling back to his old outfit in England. He also reminisces about the time they first met three years prior in Whalom and how happy he will be when they are together once again and able to build their life together. Subject The topic of the resource United States. Army. Infantry Division, 26th World War, 1939-1945 Soldiers -- Michigan Correspondence Love letters Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/543">Joseph P. Olexa WWII memoir and correspondence, (RHC-93)</a> Relation A related resource Veterans History Project (U.S.) Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/">In Copyright</a> Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource application/pdf Language A language of the resource eng Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant World War II Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Lemmen Library and Archives https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/10e36137accee88f308ffbc7c883b2a3.pdf 94e2932e91f5f4d8e044c1540004d38d PDF Text Text ����� https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/5f565f9cf06d28fcddc3c468b62991a8.pdf 9f9df2190f8aa0b07d29a171583403f1 PDF Text Text [RHC-93_Olexa_1944-08-30] [Page 1] England Aug. 30, 1944. Hello Precious, Got three of your letters last nite [sic] and was very pleased to hear from you again. Your last letter took only 6 days to reach me. I love you as much as ever “Darling” and keep longing to be with you again. Oh! Happy day when it does come? I sure will be able to collect all of those kisses and hugs I’ve missed and that’s going to be swell. Gee!! Darling, I wish you were here right now so I could hold you close to me. I don’t think that I would ever let you loose. Ain’t I awful? Ha! Ha! [Page 2] I also think of the home we are going to have “Darling” and won’t it be grand when we can live in it? I shall be very happy with you “Honey” and I can hardly waite. [sic] I hope you are getting my mail regularly again but if you don’t hear from me the letter is still on its way. I enjoy reading your lovable letters “Darling” and miss them when they are late reaching me. I did not receive that picture of you and the pup or your mother’s letter. I hope that they will reach me sometime soon. When I read about you being the Donkey, I was tickled because Ollie always cheats and I sure did grin from ear to ear. I have not seen the picture [Page 3] White Cliffs of Dover as yet but hope to soon. I’m still worried about that package of yours with the watch and pen in it. I sure could use them and will be disappointed if I don’t get them. I’ve got two kinds of ink to write with and don’t think something is wrong. Ha! Ha! I don’t know what made me write the date 1942. I must be absent-minded. Ha! Ha! But I was thinking of you when I wrote that letter so can you have your own conclusions. Well, “Darling” you can send me as many cookies as you like and promise to eat all of them. [Page 4] They’re swell and I can’t waite [sic] to have some of them when they are just warm. I did not get that card you sent me from Grand Haven. Where is that place or is it a beach? I’m as good as ever “Darling” and in good health. I am leaving here tomorrow and shall be on my way to my old outfit. Remember not to write till I tell you so. Your kisses are still grand “Darling” and I shall never get tired of them. I can’t waite [sic] to take some of the lipstick from your lips like I did a long time ago. Remember? Will close with all my love. Yours forever, Joe {Signature accent mark} �[Envelope front] S/Sgt. Joseph P. Olexa (12016893) Co. K, Det. of Patients 4167 U.S. Hosp. Plant A.P.O. 514-A c/o PM. – N.Y., N.Y. {Postmark} U.S. ARMY POSTAL SERVICE 514 SEP 6 1944 A.P.O. VIA AIR MAIL Miss Agnes Van Der Weide 1913 Berkley Ave. S.W. Grand Rapids, 9 Mich. PASSED BY 10087 U.S. ARMY EXAMINER [?] � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Joe Olexa letters Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Olexa, Joseph P. Van Der Weide, Agnes Description An account of the resource Collection of letters between Joseph Olexa and Agnes Van Der Weide, dating from 1941 to 1946. Olexa fought in the U.S. Army 26th Infantry Division, Company "L", and eventually attained the rank of Staff Sergeant. Over the course of World War II, Olexa was engaged in North Africa, Sicily, France, Belgium, and Germany. He fought in the Invasion of Normandy, the liberation of Belgium, the Battle of Hürtgen Forest, and the Battle of the Bulge. While deployed abroad, Olexa maintained regular correspondence with Agnes Van Der Weide, a young woman he met through mutual friends. Agnes was the daughter of Benjamin and Minnie (Ter Meer) Van Der Weide. The Van Der Weide family lived in Jamestown, Michigan and Ashburnham, Massachusetts until moving to Grand Rapids, Michigan in 1943. While the letters do not contain details relating to Olexa's military activities, due to heavy censorship of soldiers' correspondence by the U.S. Army, the letters do depict the daily activities of an infantry soldier and illustrate the blossoming romance between the two. Joseph and Agnes were married July 23, 1945, and lived in West Michigan until Agnes's death in 1993. Joseph Olexa died December 3, 2000. They were survived by their son, Karl Olexa. Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant World War II Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1941/1946 Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/543">Joseph P. Olexa WWII memoir and correspondence (RHC-93)</a> Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/">In Copyright</a> Subject The topic of the resource United States. Army. Infantry Division, 26th World War, 1939-1945 Soldiers -- Michigan Correspondence Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Special Collections & University Archives Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-93 Language A language of the resource eng Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-93_Olexa_1944-08-30 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Olexa, Joseph P. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1944-08-30 Title A name given to the resource Letter from Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, August 30, 1944 Description An account of the resource Handwritten letter and envelope with transcript by Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, dated August 30, 1944. The envelope is sent from Co. "K," Det. of Patients, 4167 U.S. Hospital Plant, A.P.O.-514-A, c/o Postmaster New York, New York, dated September 6, 1944. In the letter, Joe writes to Agnes as he looks forward to their future home together, in addition to receiving the package she sent with a watch and pen inside and the card from Grand Haven, Michigan. Subject The topic of the resource United States. Army. Infantry Division, 26th World War, 1939-1945 Soldiers -- Michigan Correspondence Love letters Grand Haven (Mich.) Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/543">Joseph P. Olexa WWII memoir and correspondence, (RHC-93)</a> Relation A related resource Veterans History Project (U.S.) Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/">In Copyright</a> Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource application/pdf Language A language of the resource eng Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant World War II Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Lemmen Library and Archives https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/ace74a6789edb1d77b1d2022d561f7be.pdf c531c0d434e6b4a8449577d1edcd835c PDF Text Text ����� https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/d5c7a128b403f0b8652868603c8b63d5.pdf 4217850fec3872c3d04a0373fc8d2a9e PDF Text Text [RHC-93_Olexa_1944-08-28] [Page 1] England Aug. 28, 1944. My Dearest “Darling,” Have been thinking of you as usual and wish I could be with you once again. I still love you as ever “Darling” and miss you terribly. I’m fine and hope it’s the same with you, “Sweets.” Well, how is everything with my wife to be? Has she been thinking of me too? If she hasn’t, I’m going to be disappointed and bite her ears, to get even. Ha! Ha! I long to be with you “Darling” and can hardly waite [sic] for the day to come when we shall be able to plan our future and live a happy and enjoyable life. [Page 2] It’s grand to have a swell girl like you back home and how fortunate I am, I must admit. I want to make you very happy ‘Darling” and I shall try my best in doing so. When I get back “Sweets,” you’ll have to help me live down the life I’ve had over here. Sometimes I get very disgusted mean and what have you. [sic] This is going to be my biggest problem and I know you shall help me to live in happiness. Won’t you “Darling”? If anything were to happen to you, I don’t know what I would do because you mean so much to me. [Page 3] But I’m not discouraged because I shall return someday. Of course, we have to be patient till that wonderful day arrives and then we shall be the happiest couple in the world. I haven’t heard from you all last week and how I miss your lovely letters. I hope to hear from you today though and that’s going to be swell. I still haven’t received your packages “Precious” and just hoping that they will reach me O.K. I sure could go for the swell cookies you make and I’m very pleased. I shall be leaving here very soon and I shall let you know when to write to me. I’d rather waite [sic] and have you letters sent to one place instead [Page 4] of them going here and there. However, I shall keep writing till I get to where I’m supposed to stay. I shall never forget you “Darling” because there is only enough room for you in my heart. Did you receive the money I’ve sent you? If you want anything it’s yours to use and I’ll mark it down as a small part of the wedding present I shall get you. So, don’t be afraid to use the money if you want to. Well “Sugar” I shall close with oceans of love to my “Precious Darling” I miss so much. Always Yours, With Loads of Hugs & Kisses “Joe” �{Signature accent mark} {Hand-drawn symbols for hugs and kisses} [Envelope front] S/Sgt. Joseph P. Olexa (12016893) Co. K, Det. of Patients 4167 U.S. Hosp. Plant A.P.O. 514-A c/o PM. – N.Y., N.Y. {Postmark} U.S. ARMY POSTAL SERVICE 514 AUG 31 1944 A.P.O. VIA AIR MAIL Miss Agnes Van Der Weide 1913 Berkley Ave. S.W. Grand Rapids, 9 Mich. PASSED BY 10087 U.S. ARMY EXAMINER [?] � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Joe Olexa letters Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Olexa, Joseph P. Van Der Weide, Agnes Description An account of the resource Collection of letters between Joseph Olexa and Agnes Van Der Weide, dating from 1941 to 1946. Olexa fought in the U.S. Army 26th Infantry Division, Company "L", and eventually attained the rank of Staff Sergeant. Over the course of World War II, Olexa was engaged in North Africa, Sicily, France, Belgium, and Germany. He fought in the Invasion of Normandy, the liberation of Belgium, the Battle of Hürtgen Forest, and the Battle of the Bulge. While deployed abroad, Olexa maintained regular correspondence with Agnes Van Der Weide, a young woman he met through mutual friends. Agnes was the daughter of Benjamin and Minnie (Ter Meer) Van Der Weide. The Van Der Weide family lived in Jamestown, Michigan and Ashburnham, Massachusetts until moving to Grand Rapids, Michigan in 1943. While the letters do not contain details relating to Olexa's military activities, due to heavy censorship of soldiers' correspondence by the U.S. Army, the letters do depict the daily activities of an infantry soldier and illustrate the blossoming romance between the two. Joseph and Agnes were married July 23, 1945, and lived in West Michigan until Agnes's death in 1993. Joseph Olexa died December 3, 2000. They were survived by their son, Karl Olexa. Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant World War II Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1941/1946 Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/543">Joseph P. Olexa WWII memoir and correspondence (RHC-93)</a> Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/">In Copyright</a> Subject The topic of the resource United States. Army. Infantry Division, 26th World War, 1939-1945 Soldiers -- Michigan Correspondence Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Special Collections & University Archives Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-93 Language A language of the resource eng Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-93_Olexa_1944-08-28 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Olexa, Joseph P. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1944-08-28 Title A name given to the resource Letter from Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, August 28, 1944 Description An account of the resource Handwritten letter and envelope with transcript by Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, dated August 28, 1944. The envelope is sent from Co. "K," Det. of Patients, 4167 U.S. Hospital Plant, A.P.O.-514-A, c/o Postmaster New York, New York, dated August 31, 1944. In the letter, Joe writes to his future "wife to be" as he looks forward to their future together and while hoping that Agnes can help him to live in happiness once again after fighting in the war. Subject The topic of the resource United States. Army. Infantry Division, 26th World War, 1939-1945 Soldiers -- Michigan Correspondence Love letters Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/543">Joseph P. Olexa WWII memoir and correspondence, (RHC-93)</a> Relation A related resource Veterans History Project (U.S.) Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/">In Copyright</a> Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource application/pdf Language A language of the resource eng Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant World War II Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Lemmen Library and Archives https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/501c78cbd215734a54ea3edf51c0c8d5.pdf 7a614f6b31fe277db343a5c04f528c7d PDF Text Text ����� https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/112fb37a2952dff669aacf987abdcdee.pdf 875dd85b4245eb703995436ae15fb40e PDF Text Text [RHC-93_Olexa_1944-08-24] [Page 1] England Aug. 24, 1944. Hello Darling, Didn’t receive any mail from you today and I’m a little disappointed. However, I expect to get some from you tomorrow. Well “Darling,” I thought of you all day today even though I worked plenty hard. I thought of the Honeymoon that we are planning on and that we were all alone be very happy. [sic] Gee!! “Sugar,” it’s swell to think of it and I’m very anxious to spend it when I get back, with swellest girl in the world. [sic] I still miss you [Page 2] terribly “Sweets” and love you more and more each day. I often think of the swell times we spent together and wish I could be with you again, so we could have many more. Are you getting any of my late mail? I hope so because I miss your letters very much when I don’t get them. I’m coming along fine “Darling” and expect to be on my way back to my outfit in a week. Someday I may get a break but when that will be I really don’t have the slightest idea. I went [Page 3] to a movie the other nite [sic] and saw the picture “Thousands Cheer”. It is really a good picture. Have you seen it? I also saw the picture you mention called the “Cross of Lorraine.” War pictures are boring to me though whether they are good or fair. I just came back from taking a shower and must say, I feel a lot fresher. Why if you were here now I’d take all of those hugs and kisses you wrote about and ask for more. I must feel good. Ha! Ha! I’m just in the mood to tease tonite [sic] and if I could only bite your ears right now [Page 4] everything would be wonderful. I don’t think I’d ever let up holding you close to me. What do you think of that? Did you have a good day at work? I’d love to be behind a big box somewhere in that store and when you would pass by it, I’d jump out at you. Gee!! That would be swell. Haven’t much more to write so will close with all my love to you. Always yours With Loads of Hugs & Kisses, Joe {Signature accent mark} P.S. Got a letter from my brother Johnny last nite. [sic] Didn’t hear from him in ages. �[Envelope front] S/Sgt. Joseph P. Olexa (12016893) Co. K, Det. of Patients 4167 U.S. Hosp. Plant A.P.O. 514-A c/o PM. – N.Y., N.Y. {Postmark} U.S. ARMY POSTAL SERVICE 514 AUG 2[?] 1944 A.P.O. VIA AIR MAIL Miss Agnes Van Der Weide 1913 Berkley Ave. S.W. Grand Rapids, 9 Mich. PASSED BY 10087 U.S. ARMY EXAMINER � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Joe Olexa letters Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Olexa, Joseph P. Van Der Weide, Agnes Description An account of the resource Collection of letters between Joseph Olexa and Agnes Van Der Weide, dating from 1941 to 1946. Olexa fought in the U.S. Army 26th Infantry Division, Company "L", and eventually attained the rank of Staff Sergeant. Over the course of World War II, Olexa was engaged in North Africa, Sicily, France, Belgium, and Germany. He fought in the Invasion of Normandy, the liberation of Belgium, the Battle of Hürtgen Forest, and the Battle of the Bulge. While deployed abroad, Olexa maintained regular correspondence with Agnes Van Der Weide, a young woman he met through mutual friends. Agnes was the daughter of Benjamin and Minnie (Ter Meer) Van Der Weide. The Van Der Weide family lived in Jamestown, Michigan and Ashburnham, Massachusetts until moving to Grand Rapids, Michigan in 1943. While the letters do not contain details relating to Olexa's military activities, due to heavy censorship of soldiers' correspondence by the U.S. Army, the letters do depict the daily activities of an infantry soldier and illustrate the blossoming romance between the two. Joseph and Agnes were married July 23, 1945, and lived in West Michigan until Agnes's death in 1993. Joseph Olexa died December 3, 2000. They were survived by their son, Karl Olexa. Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant World War II Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1941/1946 Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/543">Joseph P. Olexa WWII memoir and correspondence (RHC-93)</a> Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/">In Copyright</a> Subject The topic of the resource United States. Army. Infantry Division, 26th World War, 1939-1945 Soldiers -- Michigan Correspondence Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Special Collections & University Archives Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-93 Language A language of the resource eng Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-93_Olexa_1944-08-24 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Olexa, Joseph P. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1944-08-24 Title A name given to the resource Letter from Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, August 24, 1944 Description An account of the resource Handwritten letter and envelope with transcript by Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, dated August 24, 1944. The envelope is sent from Co. "K," Det. of Patients, 4167 U.S. Hospital Plant, A.P.O.-514-A, c/o Postmaster New York, New York, dated circa August 1944. In the letter, Joe writes to Agnes with great excitement as he daydreams of their future honeymoon and as he approaches his final week of recovery in the hospital. He also mentions the most recent films he has seen including "Thousands Cheer" and "The Cross of Lorraine." Subject The topic of the resource United States. Army. Infantry Division, 26th World War, 1939-1945 Soldiers -- Michigan Correspondence Love letters Honeymoons Motion pictures--1940-1950 Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/543">Joseph P. Olexa WWII memoir and correspondence, (RHC-93)</a> Relation A related resource Veterans History Project (U.S.) Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/">In Copyright</a> Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource application/pdf Language A language of the resource eng Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant World War II Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Lemmen Library and Archives https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/4430a4bfc496a0a5c4852d71fc55b21e.pdf 0db9d856a89f8076eee3926199163d1f PDF Text Text ������ https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/acf6b737a93c237523889667a456a880.pdf 678225a3afdce2b223c1b318825a02cf PDF Text Text [RHC-93_Olexa_1944-08-20] [Page 1] England August 20, 1944. My Dearest “Darling,” Rec’d your lovely letter of Aug. 11th and was very pleased and happy to hear from you again. I miss you as much as ever “Precious” and love you more as the days go by. My only hope is to be with you again and that’s going to be grand. I sure do miss your kisses and shall be happy to get them once again. I am so pleased that you are willing to live wherever my work maybe and love you more for such on understanding. We shall make it as close to your folks as possible. I still intend [Page 2] to learn that trade I’ve written to you about “Darling” and it will be something I can depend on in our future. I figure that I can complete it in about 8 months but it shall not hinder us being together because there is a school at Detroit or there may be one in Grand Rapids. I’ve often thought of going to some nice place as you mentioned too “Darling.” I’d rather spend our honeymoon in Michigan where there is a lake close by. I don’t want to travel too far because I would miss a lot of time being with you. I always did want to go to Holland, Mich. Is there a lake there? It isn’t too [Page 3] far away, either. There is another wonderful place about eighteen miles from where Helen lives and I’ve swam in that lake many times. However “Darling” if you have a place in mind, don’t forget to mention it in your next letter. I’d like to take you to Niagara Falls and Washington D.C. There wonderful places [sic] and I know you will enjoy the sights. Or we could go to Gettysburg, PA. If my furlough is long enough it would be swell going to one or two of these places after spending a few days as you say near a lake away from noise and where everything is so peaceful [text strikethrough] and [Page 4] we really can enjoy our “Honeymoon.” I’m well satisfied “Darling” to have a small wedding and it will be much better. So both of us agree, am I right? Gee!! “Honey” I wish I were there to talk our plans over, for I could say much more, for in a letter I can’t fill it all in. If we keep planning now by mail, we sure can have a lot done and then polish off some of it to make our plans perfect. Don’t you think so? Well, “Sugar” I shall close and will write again real soon. Always yours, With Oceans of Love, “Joe” �{Signature accent mark} P.S. {Hand-drawn symbols of hugs and kisses, including the words “Me” and “You” with arrows pointing and the message “Hard ones, at that.”} [Envelope front] S/Sgt. Joseph P. Olexa (12016893) Co. K, Det. of Patients 4167 U.S. Hosp. Plant A.P.O. 514-A c/o PM. – N.Y., N.Y. {Postmark} U.S. ARMY POSTAL SERVICE 514 AUG 23 1944 A.P.O. VIA AIR MAIL Miss Agnes Van Der Weide 1913 Berkley Ave. S.W. Grand Rapids, 9 Mich. PASSED BY 10087 U.S. ARMY EXAMINER [Envelope back] S.W.A.K. Delwood [?] Chicago Dr. � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Joe Olexa letters Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Olexa, Joseph P. Van Der Weide, Agnes Description An account of the resource Collection of letters between Joseph Olexa and Agnes Van Der Weide, dating from 1941 to 1946. Olexa fought in the U.S. Army 26th Infantry Division, Company "L", and eventually attained the rank of Staff Sergeant. Over the course of World War II, Olexa was engaged in North Africa, Sicily, France, Belgium, and Germany. He fought in the Invasion of Normandy, the liberation of Belgium, the Battle of Hürtgen Forest, and the Battle of the Bulge. While deployed abroad, Olexa maintained regular correspondence with Agnes Van Der Weide, a young woman he met through mutual friends. Agnes was the daughter of Benjamin and Minnie (Ter Meer) Van Der Weide. The Van Der Weide family lived in Jamestown, Michigan and Ashburnham, Massachusetts until moving to Grand Rapids, Michigan in 1943. While the letters do not contain details relating to Olexa's military activities, due to heavy censorship of soldiers' correspondence by the U.S. Army, the letters do depict the daily activities of an infantry soldier and illustrate the blossoming romance between the two. Joseph and Agnes were married July 23, 1945, and lived in West Michigan until Agnes's death in 1993. Joseph Olexa died December 3, 2000. They were survived by their son, Karl Olexa. Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant World War II Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1941/1946 Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/543">Joseph P. Olexa WWII memoir and correspondence (RHC-93)</a> Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/">In Copyright</a> Subject The topic of the resource United States. Army. Infantry Division, 26th World War, 1939-1945 Soldiers -- Michigan Correspondence Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Special Collections & University Archives Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-93 Language A language of the resource eng Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-93_Olexa_1944-08-20 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Olexa, Joseph P. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1944-08-20 Title A name given to the resource Letter from Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, August 20, 1944 Description An account of the resource Handwritten letter and envelope with transcript by Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, dated August 20, 1944. The envelope is sent from Co. "K," Det. of Patients, 4167 U.S. Hospital Plant, A.P.O.-514-A, c/o Postmaster New York, New York, dated August 23, 1944. In the letter, Joe expresses his appreciation for Agnes and her willingness to live wherever his work may take them upon returning back home to the United States, emphasizing his intentions to live as close to her family as possible. He also writes about his hopes for learning his new trade at school in Detroit or Grand Rapids and his dreams of their future honeymoon together. Subject The topic of the resource United States. Army. Infantry Division, 26th World War, 1939-1945 Soldiers -- Michigan Correspondence Love letters Honeymoons Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/543">Joseph P. Olexa WWII memoir and correspondence, (RHC-93)</a> Relation A related resource Veterans History Project (U.S.) Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/">In Copyright</a> Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource application/pdf Language A language of the resource eng Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant World War II Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Lemmen Library and Archives https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/67bd00444037cfa42ec5c016057fc2a6.pdf bfa072f7b5941895c0423f31570b613d PDF Text Text ��������� https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/427623eba4301e42c60a7fcb33dadb9d.pdf 2d24101a186e0d9f9bd4c9f144bcbbf2 PDF Text Text [RHC-93_Olexa_1944-08-18] [Page 1] England August 18, 1944. Dearest “Darling,” I was very pleased to get your three letters and the pictures which I thought are wonderful. I have one complaint though because I didn’t like the way you had your hair done up. Otherwise “Darling” you’re as beautiful as ever and how I wish I could hold you tight in my arms again. Gee! That would be swell, for I could tell you how much I’ve missed you and in between get all of those [Page 2] kisses I am so patiently waiting for. Gosh! I wish you could squeeze me right now for I could stand two years worth. [sic] While you are doing that I might be awful tempted to bite your ears. Do you think that you could stand some of it? If not I’ll do it anyhow. Ha! Ha! I guess we shan’t ever get any rest, will we “Darling”? But it’s going to be wonderful to be together again and I’d give anything to be with you right now. I think of you hundreds of times in one day and with you wiggling deep down in [Page 3] no other girl will ever take your place. So from day to day I just keep you with me wherever I go. It’s going to be grand when we can talk about our future plans and when we do, we’ll go to some quiet place where no one will bother us. I wish I could have been with you when you were eating that watermelon. I haven’t had any in so long that I don’t know what they taste like anymore. What a meanie you are not to even offer me a piece of it. You have grown and changed a lot comparing these recent pictures with your [Page 4] old ones I have “Sugar.” If you keep on growing taller I’ll look like a “miget” [sic] when I go walking with you. You seem to be very tall in your high heeled shoes. Oh! Well I’ll make a pair of stilts and grow with you. Ha! Ha! I must say that everyone has changed and grown. I didn’t even recognize Beasie Junior or Richard. Wish I could take some pictures of myself to send to you but that’s impossible and hope you will not think I’m neglecting you? I have sent two money orders of 180 dollars to keep for me in my last letter and I hope you will [Page 5] receive them. I shall send you some more later on till I think we have enough to have our wedding. If we were only together to plan it, how happy it would make us be. Wouldn’t it? Well “Darling” if you keep praying for me your prayers will be answered and we sure will trust in the �Lord and bring our problems to Him. He’ll help us greatly in whatever we shall ask. My prayers have been answered not once but as many times as I’ve asked. So you needn’t worry none of my not returning for I shall. I’m still waiting for your other package “Precious” for I’m a mighty hungry man. Do [Page 6] you think you can satisfy this stomach of mine? I think you can because you’ve made some swell cookies and I really like them but not as much as I do you. You should see my bed right now. I’ve got all your pictures lined up, V-mail, envelopes and letters scattered all over it. I did this just so I could reach for anything I had in mind. Ain’t I awful? You will see that purple heart I’ve sent my mother “Darling.” She’s only keeping it for me while I’m away. On that picture of you and Alice sitting together, I can see your ring very clearly and it’s [Page 7] beautiful. I just can’t waite [sic] to put it on your finger myself and I shall be thrilled when I do. So, I’d better hurry home oughtn’t I? I just got another letter from you dated Aug. 9th and a letter from Helen. It sure does bring up my morale when it comes in regular. So you and Gloria can paint. Well you’ve got a swell job and don’t forget to keep in practice so you can paint our home someday. When you do, I’m going to sit in the shade and watch. Ha! Ha! I wouldn’t mind if you would come over here so I could put my arms around you. But you won’t, so we’ll [Page 8] both have to waite. [sic] Yes, Ollie and Janice are very fortunate and I envy them. I just can’t waite till I get back, so we can get married also and be as happy as a lot of other people. In my next letter I shall write another request and all of the packages will reach me same day. Shall close for now and write real soon. Always yours, With Oceans of Love, “Joe” {Signature accent mark} P.S. Surprising myself again by writing a longer letter. Ha! Ha! {Hand-drawn symbols for hugs and kisses} [Envelope front] S/Sgt. Joseph P. Olexa (12016893) Co. “K,” Det. of Patients 4167 U.S. Hosp. Plant A.P.O. 514-A c/o PM. – N.Y., N.Y. �{Postmark} U.S. ARMY POSTAL SERVICE 514 AUG 20 1944 A.P.O. VIA AIR MAIL Miss Agnes Van Der Weide 1913 Berkley Ave. S.W. Grand Rapids, 9 Mich. PASSED BY 10087 U.S. ARMY EXAMINER � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Joe Olexa letters Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Olexa, Joseph P. Van Der Weide, Agnes Description An account of the resource Collection of letters between Joseph Olexa and Agnes Van Der Weide, dating from 1941 to 1946. Olexa fought in the U.S. Army 26th Infantry Division, Company "L", and eventually attained the rank of Staff Sergeant. Over the course of World War II, Olexa was engaged in North Africa, Sicily, France, Belgium, and Germany. He fought in the Invasion of Normandy, the liberation of Belgium, the Battle of Hürtgen Forest, and the Battle of the Bulge. While deployed abroad, Olexa maintained regular correspondence with Agnes Van Der Weide, a young woman he met through mutual friends. Agnes was the daughter of Benjamin and Minnie (Ter Meer) Van Der Weide. The Van Der Weide family lived in Jamestown, Michigan and Ashburnham, Massachusetts until moving to Grand Rapids, Michigan in 1943. While the letters do not contain details relating to Olexa's military activities, due to heavy censorship of soldiers' correspondence by the U.S. Army, the letters do depict the daily activities of an infantry soldier and illustrate the blossoming romance between the two. Joseph and Agnes were married July 23, 1945, and lived in West Michigan until Agnes's death in 1993. Joseph Olexa died December 3, 2000. They were survived by their son, Karl Olexa. Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant World War II Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1941/1946 Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/543">Joseph P. Olexa WWII memoir and correspondence (RHC-93)</a> Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/">In Copyright</a> Subject The topic of the resource United States. Army. Infantry Division, 26th World War, 1939-1945 Soldiers -- Michigan Correspondence Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Special Collections & University Archives Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-93 Language A language of the resource eng Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-93_Olexa_1944-08-18 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Olexa, Joseph P. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1944-08-18 Title A name given to the resource Letter from Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, August 18, 1944 Description An account of the resource Handwritten letter and envelope with transcript by Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, dated August 18, 1944. The envelope is sent from Co. "K," Det. of Patients, 4167 U.S. Hospital Plant, A.P.O.-514-A, c/o Postmaster New York, New York, dated August 20, 1944. In the letter, Joe surprises himself by writing eight pages to Agnes, covering various topics such as their wedding plans, his impressions of the photographs she sent to him and how she has changed since he's been stationed overseas. Subject The topic of the resource United States. Army. Infantry Division, 26th World War, 1939-1945 Soldiers -- Michigan Correspondence Love letters Weddings--Planning Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/543">Joseph P. Olexa WWII memoir and correspondence, (RHC-93)</a> Relation A related resource Veterans History Project (U.S.) Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/">In Copyright</a> Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource application/pdf Language A language of the resource eng Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant World War II Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Lemmen Library and Archives https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/f08804870b3323268b87c8faca88f74c.pdf 3d4d55e397130b72dfc3d7ca1185a2ee PDF Text Text ����� https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/b187b5fd8045b2ed538c0db18cafa844.pdf e08238ee6d6c9516d7f0bcf5128572b7 PDF Text Text [RHC-93_Olexa_1944-08-14] [Page 1] England August 14, 1944. Hello Precious, Writing today before to many days pass for you may think I have forgotten you. [sic] Well, “Darling” my thoughts are always of you so I shan’t forget and you keep going deeper and deeper in my heart. Some day you’re liable to wiggle to much [sic] and make it stop beating. Ha! Ha! What do you think of that? I still miss you very much “Darling” and wish I could be with you again. I’d hold you so tight in my arms [Page 2] that you’d think it was a vice. Maybe you ought to get an armour suit for protection before I get back. Ha! Ha! Or do you think you can stand my squeeze? I could stand yours right now and all of the kisses you may want to give me that I miss so much. I have had no mail from you in the last few days but expect them to get here soon. I haven’t heard from Helen or Johnny in a long while either. I’m still day dreaming of our future “Darling” and just can’t waite [sic] to get back to you so we can piece our plans together. [Page 3] Isn’t that going to be swell? I’m going to send you some money in a few days to keep for me. That’s so I won’t have to write to Helen for it when I get back and spending my furlough with a swell girl like you. Well, Sugar, what have you been doing today since it was your day off. Sleeping, as usual, I guess? Ha! Ha! I’m still coming along fine and feeling as good as ever “Sweets” so you need not worry about me trying to hide something from you. I was just thinking that I haven’t spent many summer days with you [Page 4] and how I wished that I were there with you now so we could go swimming or taking a walk somewhere in the country for some fresh air. I’d love that wouldn’t you? I’m enclosing another clipping of “Sad Sack” and I sure will want to see that scrapbook of yours when I get back. If I didn’t ask for a nail-file in that request I sent you don’t forget to get one for me. Will close, with all my love to you. Yours forever, With Loads of Hugs & Kisses, Joe {Signature accent mark} �[Envelope front] S/Sgt. Joseph P. Olexa (12016893) Co. “K,” Det. of Patients 4167 U.S. Hosp. Plant A.P.O. 514-A c/o PM. – N.Y., N.Y. {Postmark} U.S. ARMY POSTAL SERVICE 514 AUG 25 1944 A.P.O. VIA AIR MAIL Miss Agnes Van Der Weide 1913 Berkley Ave. S.W. Grand Rapids, 9 Mich. PASSED BY 10087 U.S. ARMY EXAMINER � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Joe Olexa letters Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Olexa, Joseph P. Van Der Weide, Agnes Description An account of the resource Collection of letters between Joseph Olexa and Agnes Van Der Weide, dating from 1941 to 1946. Olexa fought in the U.S. Army 26th Infantry Division, Company "L", and eventually attained the rank of Staff Sergeant. Over the course of World War II, Olexa was engaged in North Africa, Sicily, France, Belgium, and Germany. He fought in the Invasion of Normandy, the liberation of Belgium, the Battle of Hürtgen Forest, and the Battle of the Bulge. While deployed abroad, Olexa maintained regular correspondence with Agnes Van Der Weide, a young woman he met through mutual friends. Agnes was the daughter of Benjamin and Minnie (Ter Meer) Van Der Weide. The Van Der Weide family lived in Jamestown, Michigan and Ashburnham, Massachusetts until moving to Grand Rapids, Michigan in 1943. While the letters do not contain details relating to Olexa's military activities, due to heavy censorship of soldiers' correspondence by the U.S. Army, the letters do depict the daily activities of an infantry soldier and illustrate the blossoming romance between the two. Joseph and Agnes were married July 23, 1945, and lived in West Michigan until Agnes's death in 1993. Joseph Olexa died December 3, 2000. They were survived by their son, Karl Olexa. Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant World War II Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1941/1946 Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/543">Joseph P. Olexa WWII memoir and correspondence (RHC-93)</a> Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/">In Copyright</a> Subject The topic of the resource United States. Army. Infantry Division, 26th World War, 1939-1945 Soldiers -- Michigan Correspondence Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Special Collections & University Archives Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-93 Language A language of the resource eng Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-93_Olexa_1944-08-14 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Olexa, Joseph P. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1944-08-14 Title A name given to the resource Letter from Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, August 14, 1944 Description An account of the resource Handwritten letter and envelope with transcript by Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, dated August 14, 1944. The envelope is sent from Co. "K," Det. of Patients, 4167 U.S. Hospital Plant, A.P.O.-514-A, c/o Postmaster New York, New York, dated August 25, 1944. In the letter, Joe writes to Agnes after a few days have passed, daydreaming about spending their summer days together while going swimming and taking walks in the countryside. Subject The topic of the resource United States. Army. Infantry Division, 26th World War, 1939-1945 Soldiers -- Michigan Correspondence Love letters Sad Sack Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/543">Joseph P. Olexa WWII memoir and correspondence, (RHC-93)</a> Relation A related resource Veterans History Project (U.S.) Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/">In Copyright</a> Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource application/pdf Language A language of the resource eng Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant World War II Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Lemmen Library and Archives https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/97a9c3bd12cd36eb9888d1644c2ade6d.pdf d278189018653ac5391bebb16d2a7f63 PDF Text Text ��������� https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/c28d2c2e68008b850e84b4134710acc7.pdf 0ca2a4c4b294576464ceff1030871d83 PDF Text Text [RHC-93_Olexa_1944-08-11] [Page 1] England August 11, 1944. Dearest “Darling,” Rec’d your two latest letters last nite [sic] and one of them only took nine days to reach me. I was very pleased and happy to hear from you again “Sweets” for I miss your letters very much when I don’t hear from you regular. I haven’t forgotten you “Darling” and will write to you as often as I can. My thoughts are always of you Precious so I shan’t ever forget. I wish I could be with you right now for I could stand some of your kisses and hugs. That would suit me just fine [Page 2] so why not come over? Ha! Ha! I could be a big tease and hope when I get back that you will be able to stand some of it. Do you think you can? I wrote you a V-mail while at the other hospital and forgot to put all of the address on it so it came back to me. I sure was thinking of you that day and must have been awful absent-minded. I am sending it along with this letter. That mistake is the only one I can remember of making while writing to you. Yes, “Darling” I have thought also of who we would want to stand up for [Page 3] us when we are married. I do want my best buddy for my best man and I hope he is back to attend the wedding. He’s a swell fellow. As for the maid of honor that will be entirely up to you. I think you should pick her and I will be satisfied on whoever it is going to be. If my buddy isn’t around, I may have “Amen” [?] as best man. Would that suit you? Gosh!! Sweets, I sure do miss you and still waite [sic] for that big day of having you in my arms once again. I’m well satisfied with the kisses you send but long to have your tender lips pressed to mine. I wouldn’t mind if I [Page 4] were to have lipstick all over me either, so why not give me some right now. Ain’t I an awful meanie to not return them? I am wondering whether you have sent me the pictures you mentioned in your other letters? Well, if you have, I have not rec’d them. I would like to have a picture of you in slacks, “Darling.” Or don’t you have them? In case you do, don’t forget to a picture with them and send it to me. [sic] However, I’m very pleased to get the pictures you send and will always ask for more. So your having trouble about your pup? Do you intend to get rid of it? [Page 5] I’ve always liked dogs and we sure will have one when we are married so you need not worry about that. Someday, I’m going to get that break you mentioned from the Army and go home but �when it shall be, I wouldn’t know but if you keep on hoping and praying for me “Sweets” it won’t be long. I’ve often thought of the last time I saw you, too “Darling” so we’re both in the same boat but far apart. I’m glad to hear you are still working and don’t forget about the first million I wrote about months back? Ha! Ha! I got a lovely card from Helen yesterday. It was a Get Well [Page 6] card and I wish you could see it. She’s the only one in the family that writes to me regularly. I’m still waiting and hoping for your packages to arrive and if they don’t reach me I shall be very disappointed not getting some more of your swell cookies. Remember the time you and Roy made that banana cake? I shall never forget that either. I just sit back and grin when I think of it. What did you think of that Donkey game you played with Helen when you visited my folks? You didn’t mention it in your letters? I can imagine what the outcome of it was. Ha! Ha! So, Gloria is still breaking a lot of fellows’ hearts. Wonder how many soldiers and sailors she’ll have before she finds the right one. How is your mother and Dad? Don’t forget to give them a hello for me and that I asked about them? Well Darling I shall close with all my love to you. Write real soon, won’t you? Yours forever With Lots of Hugs & Kisses, Joe {Signature accent mark} PS. Enclosing a request and don’t forget the cookies. [Page 7 - Request] S/Sgt. Joseph P. Olexa Co. K, Det. of Patients 4167 U.S. Hosp. Plant APO 514-A c/o PM. – N.Y., N.Y. August 11, 1944 Postmaster: I request my girlfriend to send me a package not to exceed (5) pounds of the following articles. Cookies, bottle of hair oil, double edge razor blades, tooth brush, tooth powder, shaving brush and candy. Yours truly, S/Sgt. Joseph P. Olexa �[Envelope front] S/Sgt. Joseph P. Olexa (12016893) Co. “K,” Det. of Patients 4167 U.S. Hosp. Plant A.P.O. 514-A c/o PM. – N.Y., N.Y. {Postmark} U.S. ARMY POSTAL SERVICE 514 AUG 14 1944 A.P.O. U.S. POSTAGE 6¢ VIA AIR MAIL Miss Agnes Van Der Weide 1913 Berkley Ave. S.W. Grand Rapids, 9 Mich. PASSED BY 10087 U.S. ARMY EXAMINER [?] � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Joe Olexa letters Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Olexa, Joseph P. Van Der Weide, Agnes Description An account of the resource Collection of letters between Joseph Olexa and Agnes Van Der Weide, dating from 1941 to 1946. Olexa fought in the U.S. Army 26th Infantry Division, Company "L", and eventually attained the rank of Staff Sergeant. Over the course of World War II, Olexa was engaged in North Africa, Sicily, France, Belgium, and Germany. He fought in the Invasion of Normandy, the liberation of Belgium, the Battle of Hürtgen Forest, and the Battle of the Bulge. While deployed abroad, Olexa maintained regular correspondence with Agnes Van Der Weide, a young woman he met through mutual friends. Agnes was the daughter of Benjamin and Minnie (Ter Meer) Van Der Weide. The Van Der Weide family lived in Jamestown, Michigan and Ashburnham, Massachusetts until moving to Grand Rapids, Michigan in 1943. While the letters do not contain details relating to Olexa's military activities, due to heavy censorship of soldiers' correspondence by the U.S. Army, the letters do depict the daily activities of an infantry soldier and illustrate the blossoming romance between the two. Joseph and Agnes were married July 23, 1945, and lived in West Michigan until Agnes's death in 1993. Joseph Olexa died December 3, 2000. They were survived by their son, Karl Olexa. Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant World War II Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1941/1946 Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/543">Joseph P. Olexa WWII memoir and correspondence (RHC-93)</a> Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/">In Copyright</a> Subject The topic of the resource United States. Army. Infantry Division, 26th World War, 1939-1945 Soldiers -- Michigan Correspondence Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Special Collections & University Archives Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-93 Language A language of the resource eng Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-93_Olexa_1944-08-11 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Olexa, Joseph P. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1944-08-11 Title A name given to the resource Letter from Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, August 11, 1944 Description An account of the resource Handwritten letter and envelope with transcript by Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, dated August 11, 1944. The envelope is sent from Co. "K," Det. of Patients, 4167 U.S. Hospital Plant, A.P.O.-514-A, c/o Postmaster New York, New York, dated August 14, 1944. In the letter, Joe writes to Agnes sending along his latest hospital address and a request to the Postmaster allowing Anges to send him a package of personal care items. He also continues their discussion on wedding plans and the selection of their Best Man and Maid of Honor. As a side note, Joe accidentally dates this letter as "1942" instead of "1944," which he later mentions in his letter, dated August 28, 1944, and suggests thoughts of Agnes were the cause of his absent-mindedness. Subject The topic of the resource United States. Army. Infantry Division, 26th World War, 1939-1945 Soldiers -- Michigan Correspondence Weddings--Planning Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/543">Joseph P. Olexa WWII memoir and correspondence, (RHC-93)</a> Relation A related resource Veterans History Project (U.S.) Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/">In Copyright</a> Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource application/pdf Language A language of the resource eng Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant World War II Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Lemmen Library and Archives https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/c7f91c1f6e47a6e76bc05735aee36fa8.pdf d8fa83c37efe13060bf13aa2b667ee3f PDF Text Text ����� https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/adc9f9a8131c80245daf356f70b7da69.pdf a465a29ab78b7c43194e05efc07c4c5d PDF Text Text [RHC-93_Olexa_1944-08-07] [Page 1] England August 7, 1944. Dearest “Darling,” Have been thinking of you a lot today and sure wish I could be with you for a little while. Gosh! Darling I keep daydreaming so much of our future that I’m beginning to believe it’s true. I still miss you very much “Darling” and I can hardly waite [sic] to get back so we can be together again. My love for you “Sweets” keep going on and on and glowing brighter every day. If you were here now I could hold you in my arms for[Page 2] ever. I keep thinking of the swell times I have spent with you and when I get back, we shall better times going anywhere you may want to go. Well “Darling,” I went to town yesterday on pass and as I walked about I imagined that you were with me and what a wonderful time it was to think of you in a park with many fragrant smelling flowers and a stream filled with boats which were zig-zagging around. I’m sending you a clipping I thought was interesting and another one of “Sad Sack.” I [Page 3] still haven’t rec’d much mail from you “Darling” since the first bunch that reached me and I’m very anxious to get some more of your wonderful letters. It’s lovely out today with the sun shining so I can’t help but think of you. Gee!! “Darling,” I want to see you ever so much and keep wondering how long it shall be till I do. I’ve spent the longest two years of my life overseas and I don’t mind saying it is like ten. Well, “Darling,” what have you been doing today? Thinking of us? I hope? If you haven’t I’ll have [Page 4] to call you a real big meanie. What do you think of that? Ha! Ha! I got a letter from my best buddie who is in the Pacific and it sure was good to hear from him again. I sure would like to have him as best man when we get married and hope he is back to attend. Will have to close for now Sweets with all my love to a swell girl as you. Yours forever, With Loads of hugs and kisses {symbols} Joe {Signature accent mark} P.S. Don’t forget to write real, real soon and in the meantime my thoughts will be of “you.” �[Envelope front] S/Sgt. Joseph P. Olexa (12016893) Co. “K,” Det. of Patients 4167 U.S. Hosp. Plant A.P.O.-514-A c/o PM. – N.Y., N.Y. {Postmark} U.S. ARMY POSTAL SERVICE 514 AUG 10 1944 A.P.O. U.S. POSTAGE 6¢ VIA AIR MAIL Miss Agnes Van Der Weide 1913 Berkley Ave. S.W. Grand Rapids, 9 Mich. PASSED BY 10087 U.S. ARMY EXAMINER [?] � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Joe Olexa letters Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Olexa, Joseph P. Van Der Weide, Agnes Description An account of the resource Collection of letters between Joseph Olexa and Agnes Van Der Weide, dating from 1941 to 1946. Olexa fought in the U.S. Army 26th Infantry Division, Company "L", and eventually attained the rank of Staff Sergeant. Over the course of World War II, Olexa was engaged in North Africa, Sicily, France, Belgium, and Germany. He fought in the Invasion of Normandy, the liberation of Belgium, the Battle of Hürtgen Forest, and the Battle of the Bulge. While deployed abroad, Olexa maintained regular correspondence with Agnes Van Der Weide, a young woman he met through mutual friends. Agnes was the daughter of Benjamin and Minnie (Ter Meer) Van Der Weide. The Van Der Weide family lived in Jamestown, Michigan and Ashburnham, Massachusetts until moving to Grand Rapids, Michigan in 1943. While the letters do not contain details relating to Olexa's military activities, due to heavy censorship of soldiers' correspondence by the U.S. Army, the letters do depict the daily activities of an infantry soldier and illustrate the blossoming romance between the two. Joseph and Agnes were married July 23, 1945, and lived in West Michigan until Agnes's death in 1993. Joseph Olexa died December 3, 2000. They were survived by their son, Karl Olexa. Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant World War II Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1941/1946 Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/543">Joseph P. Olexa WWII memoir and correspondence (RHC-93)</a> Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/">In Copyright</a> Subject The topic of the resource United States. Army. Infantry Division, 26th World War, 1939-1945 Soldiers -- Michigan Correspondence Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Special Collections & University Archives Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-93 Language A language of the resource eng Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-93_Olexa_1944-08-07 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Olexa, Joseph P. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1944-08-07 Title A name given to the resource Letter from Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, August 7, 1944 Description An account of the resource Handwritten letter and envelope with transcript by Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, dated August 7, 1944. The envelope is sent from Co. "K,"Det. of Patients, 4167 U.S. Hospital Plant, A.P.O.-514-A, c/o Postmaster New York, New York, dated August 10, 1944. In the letter, Joe writes to Agnes while daydreaming of their future together and thinking of her on a lovely sunny day. He also writes with news regarding his good friend in the Pacific, whom he hopes to have as his best man at their wedding one day. Subject The topic of the resource United States. Army. Infantry Division, 26th World War, 1939-1945 Soldiers -- Michigan Correspondence Love letters Sad Sack Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/543">Joseph P. Olexa WWII memoir and correspondence, (RHC-93)</a> Relation A related resource Veterans History Project (U.S.) Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/">In Copyright</a> Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource application/pdf Language A language of the resource eng Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant World War II Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Lemmen Library and Archives https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/2599854a853e0e4baee092e6ca6c8c28.pdf a60e69d75bdea46d5e251ed34edc88ee PDF Text Text ����� https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/0463d92b11b48360508607bfd19d9ddc.pdf 980a325cbd8cbcf95a077cf62c30f030 PDF Text Text [RHC-93_Olexa_1944-07-31] [Page 1 - front] Co. “K” Det. of Patients 4167 U.S. Hosp. Plant A.P.O. 514-A c/o PM. N.Y., N.Y. July 31, 1944. Hello “Darling,” Rec’d six of your letters today and was very pleased to get them. The latest letter was dated 13th of July. I’m feeling fine and I’m as good as ever. My moral is 100% since I got your letters and they have made me very happy. I love you as much as ever “Darling” and still miss you very, very much. I can hardly waite [sic] for the day to come when I shall get back and that day will be grand, being with you again. You bet, I’ll be glad to get into civilian clothes again and it sure has been a long time since I wore them. I cannot tell you of my wounds because of censorship but maybe someday I may be able to. It is nothing serious, so you needn’t worry. I was surprised to hear that Ollie got married. Well, I’m the only one of the boys in the family that’s single now but I won’t be long when I get back if you want me? Ha! Ha! Just kidding. I know we shall be very happy “Darling” and no other girl shall ever take your place. Anyway, I’m not interested in them because I have you. Yes, “Darling” I think it’s sweet of you to have your hair long and I shan’t forget it [Page 1 - back] either. I haven’t rec’d any of the packages you mentioned as of yet but when I do, I’ll let you know. The pen and the watch will be very useful too. Ollie won’t miss that little amount of money that was stolen on him because he’s plenty of it and makes more in a week than I do in a month. You bet he and Janice are lucky this war isn’t interfering with them and he doesn’t know how fortunate he is. I also got some mail from home and some from Helen. I’d send you Helen’s letter about meeting you but it’s an eight page letter and it’s pretty bulky to send. However “Darling” she is very pleased and likes you a lot. She says she wants you to visit her more than ever now since she met you. My folks always write about you “Darling” and are very pleased saying you are very nice. I hope that you shall be able to read this letter for I am writing small and this paper is none too good. Wish your packages would get here so I can write with good paper. I was very pleased to hear everyone had a good time at the Wedding Anniversary. [sic] I sure did wish that I could have been there too. I am very anxious to see your rings “Sweets” and Helen said they were really nice. I don’t know when I shall get to go home and when I’m fully recovered, I shall go back to my outfit. I really miss the boys for I’ve been with them so long that it’s just like a big family. [Page 2 - front] Since you’re mentioned about sending me some pictures, I am getting to be impatient for I’m anxious to see them. Bad ain’t I? Women are the worse when they get together to shoot the �breeze but men are not as bad. Ha! Ha! Women gossip too much. Yes, Darling that nurse resembled you a lot but she was a lot taller than what you are. She was very nice too. But, I wasn’t interested having a swell girl like you. Don’t you think, I’m good. [sic] At times when I think of you I sure could bite your ears and pull your curls and it will be a wonderful day for me when I can do that. Of course you may have to suffer but I won’t feel it. Ha! Ha! Did you get the two letters I wrote to you while I was in France? I was just wondering for you didn’t mention anything about them. I hope you will get them and answer the questions I asked in them. Where would you like to live after we are married? I wrote in my letter from France whether you would want a small wedding or not? The reason being that if I’m still in the Army, I’d have to get permission and if I got a furlough of 20 days it wouldn’t be long enough. Now days in Michigan you have to take a blood test which requires about a twenty day waite [sic] and up to three days for a marriage license. I could get a blood test here at the Medic’s providing I was back there and send it to you, before I went on furlough. Then you could take one and get the marriage license [Page 2 - back] before I got there. Another thing is to prepare for the wedding, getting the certain few we want to attend. Boy, it is a problem isn’t it? But “Darling,” whatever you think and plan will be alright with me. If we plan this now it will be much easier for us when I get there won’t it? Well, I shall waite [sic] for your answer and don’t forget to write about it? Will you? How are your folks these days? Give them my best regards and tell them I’m as fit as a fiddle? Will close for this time “Darling” and write real soon. Loads of hugs and kisses, with all my love to you. Yours forever, “Joe “ {Signature accent mark} PS. If you can’t read this letter blame it on the paper. Ha! Ha! [Envelope front] S/Sgt. Joseph P. Olexa (12016893) Co. “K,” Det. of Patients 4167 U.S. Hosp. Plant A.P.O. 514-A c/o PM. – N.Y., N.Y. {Postmark} U.S. ARMY POSTAL SERVICE 514 AUG 2 1944 A.P.O. �U.S. POSTAGE 6¢ VIA AIR MAIL Miss Agnes Van Der Weide 1913 Berkley Ave. S.W. Grand Rapids, 9 Mich. PASSED BY 09087 U.S. ARMY EXAMINER [?] � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Joe Olexa letters Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Olexa, Joseph P. Van Der Weide, Agnes Description An account of the resource Collection of letters between Joseph Olexa and Agnes Van Der Weide, dating from 1941 to 1946. Olexa fought in the U.S. Army 26th Infantry Division, Company "L", and eventually attained the rank of Staff Sergeant. Over the course of World War II, Olexa was engaged in North Africa, Sicily, France, Belgium, and Germany. He fought in the Invasion of Normandy, the liberation of Belgium, the Battle of Hürtgen Forest, and the Battle of the Bulge. While deployed abroad, Olexa maintained regular correspondence with Agnes Van Der Weide, a young woman he met through mutual friends. Agnes was the daughter of Benjamin and Minnie (Ter Meer) Van Der Weide. The Van Der Weide family lived in Jamestown, Michigan and Ashburnham, Massachusetts until moving to Grand Rapids, Michigan in 1943. While the letters do not contain details relating to Olexa's military activities, due to heavy censorship of soldiers' correspondence by the U.S. Army, the letters do depict the daily activities of an infantry soldier and illustrate the blossoming romance between the two. Joseph and Agnes were married July 23, 1945, and lived in West Michigan until Agnes's death in 1993. Joseph Olexa died December 3, 2000. They were survived by their son, Karl Olexa. Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant World War II Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1941/1946 Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/543">Joseph P. Olexa WWII memoir and correspondence (RHC-93)</a> Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/">In Copyright</a> Subject The topic of the resource United States. Army. Infantry Division, 26th World War, 1939-1945 Soldiers -- Michigan Correspondence Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Special Collections & University Archives Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-93 Language A language of the resource eng Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-93_Olexa_1944-07-31 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Olexa, Joseph P. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1944-07-31 Title A name given to the resource Letter from Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, July 31, 1944 Description An account of the resource Handwritten letter and envelope with transcript by Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, dated July 31, 1944. The envelope is sent from Co. "K,"Det. of Patients, 4167 U.S. Hospital Plant, A.P.O. 514-A, c/o Postmaster New York, New York, dated August 2, 1944. In the letter, Joe writes to Agnes with boosted morale after receiving six of her letters on the same day. He writes with great inspiration, looking forward to the day they are together and wearing civilian clothes once again, in addition to the most recent news regarding his family and their wedding plans. Subject The topic of the resource United States. Army. Infantry Division, 26th World War, 1939-1945 Soldiers -- Michigan Correspondence Weddings--Planning Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/543">Joseph P. Olexa WWII memoir and correspondence, (RHC-93)</a> Relation A related resource Veterans History Project (U.S.) Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/">In Copyright</a> Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource application/pdf Language A language of the resource eng Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant World War II Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Lemmen Library and Archives https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/c38c3adfbe16d7b0f8cc5a350148ac9f.pdf fce783dc02862a10858721416af77d2e PDF Text Text ��� https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/ea8504408040cc229264f1daacf8caf9.pdf f62bc53cbb3a3c3102b1480f6922f09b PDF Text Text [RHC-93_Olexa_1944-07-24] [Page 1] {Letterhead featuring the words “AMERICAN RED CROSS” and their red cross emblem} Det. of Patients 4167 U.S. Hosp. Plant Co. “K,” A.P.O. – 162 c/o PM – N.Y. N.Y. July 24, 1944. Hello “Darling,” Today is Sunday and I would have been thinking of you most of the time. I had a six hour pass today and spent it looking and strolling around town. I sure did wish that you could have been here with me, then everything would have been complete. I still love you as much as ever “Darling” and miss you ever so much. I would like nothing better at the moment to chew on your ears a little right now and pull your curls just to be a meanie. What do you think of that? When we are together again I don’t think I shall ever let you go and keep you in my arms forever, if possible. [Page 2] I’m still fine and in the best of health. Hope this letter finds you the same? Well, “Darling” what have you been doing today? Gee!! I wish I could be with you to find out. I still haven’t rec’d any mail and am I ever disgusted. Gosh!! I hope to receive some soon for I miss your letters terribly. As you may know I’m at another hospital and I have been here 5 days. I guess, I shall be here for 4 weeks and then go back to my outfit. I’m sending you a couple more clippings of Sad Sack. How many of them do you have now? How are your folks? Don’t forget to give them my best regards. This letter will be short also “Darling” for I don’t know what to write. Will close with oceans of Love and a Kiss on each wave. [sic] Yours forever With Loads of Love “Joe” {Signature accent mark} PS. Generous, ain’t I? [Envelope front] S/Sgt. Joseph P. Olexa (12016893) �Det. of Patients 4167 U.S. Hosp. Plant Co. “K,” A.P.O. – 162 c/o PM. – N.Y. N.Y. {Postmark} U.S. ARMY POSTAL SERVICE 162 [?] JUL 24 1944 A.P.O. U.S. POSTAGE 6¢ VIA AIR MAIL Miss Agnes Van Der Weide 1913 Berkley Ave. S.W. Grand Rapids, 9 Mich. PASSED BY 09087 U.S. ARMY EXAMINER [?] � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Joe Olexa letters Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Olexa, Joseph P. Van Der Weide, Agnes Description An account of the resource Collection of letters between Joseph Olexa and Agnes Van Der Weide, dating from 1941 to 1946. Olexa fought in the U.S. Army 26th Infantry Division, Company "L", and eventually attained the rank of Staff Sergeant. Over the course of World War II, Olexa was engaged in North Africa, Sicily, France, Belgium, and Germany. He fought in the Invasion of Normandy, the liberation of Belgium, the Battle of Hürtgen Forest, and the Battle of the Bulge. While deployed abroad, Olexa maintained regular correspondence with Agnes Van Der Weide, a young woman he met through mutual friends. Agnes was the daughter of Benjamin and Minnie (Ter Meer) Van Der Weide. The Van Der Weide family lived in Jamestown, Michigan and Ashburnham, Massachusetts until moving to Grand Rapids, Michigan in 1943. While the letters do not contain details relating to Olexa's military activities, due to heavy censorship of soldiers' correspondence by the U.S. Army, the letters do depict the daily activities of an infantry soldier and illustrate the blossoming romance between the two. Joseph and Agnes were married July 23, 1945, and lived in West Michigan until Agnes's death in 1993. Joseph Olexa died December 3, 2000. They were survived by their son, Karl Olexa. Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant World War II Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1941/1946 Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/543">Joseph P. Olexa WWII memoir and correspondence (RHC-93)</a> Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/">In Copyright</a> Subject The topic of the resource United States. Army. Infantry Division, 26th World War, 1939-1945 Soldiers -- Michigan Correspondence Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Special Collections & University Archives Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-93 Language A language of the resource eng Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-93_Olexa_1944-07-24 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Olexa, Joseph P. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1944-07-24 Title A name given to the resource Letter from Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, July 24, 1944 Description An account of the resource Handwritten letter and envelope with transcript by Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, dated July 24, 1944. The envelope is sent from Det. of Patients, 4167 U.S. Hospital Plant, Co. "K,"A.P.O.-162, c/o Postmaster New York, New York, dated July 24, 1944. In the letter, Joe writes to Agnes while on the road to recovery in the hospital, using American Red Cross stationary and letting her know he is now located at another hospital where he will spend four additional weeks before returning to his outfit. Subject The topic of the resource United States. Army. Infantry Division, 26th World War, 1939-1945 Soldiers -- Michigan Correspondence Sad Sack Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/543">Joseph P. Olexa WWII memoir and correspondence, (RHC-93)</a> Relation A related resource Veterans History Project (U.S.) Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/">In Copyright</a> Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource application/pdf Language A language of the resource eng Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant World War II Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Lemmen Library and Archives https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/4b069e98764b7872017c589c115efd2a.pdf 58fb57f43da79cd5a7fb2eead6fbde94 PDF Text Text �� https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/73ff8880af2e59013d05e60e2f2eaf11.pdf 325d566e4044568e12e4a9690a787aa6 PDF Text Text [RHC-93_Olexa_1944-07-15] [Page 1] [V-Mail Letter] {CENSOR’S STAMP} PASSED BY 34770 U.S. ARMY EXAMINER To Miss Agnes Van Der Weide 1913 Berkley Ave. S.W. Grand Rapids, 9 Mich. From S/Sgt. Joseph Olexa (12016893) Det. of Patients (Sender’s name) 4187 U.S. Hosp. Plant (Sender’s address) A.P.O.-152 c/o PM – N.Y., N.Y. July 15, 1944. (Date) Hello “Darling,” Today is a lovely day out and have been thinking of you which isn’t unusual. Well, “Darling” if you were here we could go for a stroll but since you are so far away I just take I just take you along in my thoughts. I’m really recovering and feeling fine. I can walk around with a slight limp and it won’t be long till I’m as good as I ever was. I shall be leaving here soon and still haven’t received any letters. Today is 3 weeks of being here. I still love you as much as ever “Darling” and patiently waite [sic] for the day to come when we shall be together. We have so much to plan, that I want to hurry the days by so that I can be with you. Gee!! I wish, I could get some of your letters for I miss them and you so. Well, “Sugar” I shall close with all my love to you. “Yours forever,” With Loads of Hugs, “Joe” {Signature accent mark} P.S. Write real soon. �{V-MAIL stationary footer} [V-mail envelope] JB (5) – RR8 – LK [?] � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Joe Olexa letters Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Olexa, Joseph P. Van Der Weide, Agnes Description An account of the resource Collection of letters between Joseph Olexa and Agnes Van Der Weide, dating from 1941 to 1946. Olexa fought in the U.S. Army 26th Infantry Division, Company "L", and eventually attained the rank of Staff Sergeant. Over the course of World War II, Olexa was engaged in North Africa, Sicily, France, Belgium, and Germany. He fought in the Invasion of Normandy, the liberation of Belgium, the Battle of Hürtgen Forest, and the Battle of the Bulge. While deployed abroad, Olexa maintained regular correspondence with Agnes Van Der Weide, a young woman he met through mutual friends. Agnes was the daughter of Benjamin and Minnie (Ter Meer) Van Der Weide. The Van Der Weide family lived in Jamestown, Michigan and Ashburnham, Massachusetts until moving to Grand Rapids, Michigan in 1943. While the letters do not contain details relating to Olexa's military activities, due to heavy censorship of soldiers' correspondence by the U.S. Army, the letters do depict the daily activities of an infantry soldier and illustrate the blossoming romance between the two. Joseph and Agnes were married July 23, 1945, and lived in West Michigan until Agnes's death in 1993. Joseph Olexa died December 3, 2000. They were survived by their son, Karl Olexa. Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant World War II Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1941/1946 Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/543">Joseph P. Olexa WWII memoir and correspondence (RHC-93)</a> Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/">In Copyright</a> Subject The topic of the resource United States. Army. Infantry Division, 26th World War, 1939-1945 Soldiers -- Michigan Correspondence Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Special Collections & University Archives Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-93 Language A language of the resource eng Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-93_Olexa_1944-07-15 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Olexa, Joseph P. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1944-07-15 Title A name given to the resource Letter from Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, July 15, 1944 Description An account of the resource Handwritten V-Mail letter and envelope with transcript by Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, dated July 15, 1944. The envelope is sent from Det. of Patients, 4187 U.S. Hospital Plant, A.P.O.-152, c/o Postmaster New York, New York, dated circa July 1944. In the V-Mail letter, Joe writes to Agnes on a lovely day as he recovers in the hospital, sharing the news that he has nearly recovered after three weeks in the hospital and can now walk with only a slight limp. He also mentions how much he misses her and her letters while being there. Subject The topic of the resource United States. Army. Infantry Division, 26th World War, 1939-1945 Soldiers -- Michigan Correspondence V-mail Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/543">Joseph P. Olexa WWII memoir and correspondence, (RHC-93)</a> Relation A related resource Veterans History Project (U.S.) Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/">In Copyright</a> Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource application/pdf Language A language of the resource eng Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant World War II Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Lemmen Library and Archives https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/a159a53433a24372849041513434bf41.pdf fc4e1e6c19680700f5175ab866f99432 PDF Text Text ��� https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/20b855adf5841b84d1a75d6f21f79dd5.pdf 0767918fd1d543dc041576a376a82184 PDF Text Text [RHC-93_Olexa_1944-07-13] [Page 1] England July 13, 1944. Hello “Darling,” Haven’t written in 3 days but I’m still recovering rapidly and feeling as good as ever. I have been walking around without crutches in the last few days and it feels good to go on my own getting about. I just took a hot shower and I feel like a million. I still haven’t rec’d any mail as yet and how impatient I get at times. I just keep hoping though to get some soon. I sent my “Purple Heart” home a couple of days ago and hope it gets there O.K. I still miss you as much as ever “Darling” and long for the day when [Page 2] we shall be together again. Gee!! Sometimes I could cuss a blue streak waiting for that day to come. Bad, ain’t I? I hope when your letters arrive that I shall be able to write you longer letters but at present it seems impossible. I’m sending you a couple more clippings of “Sad Sack.” I sure do enjoy them. How are your folks? Don’t forget to give them my best regards, will you? Will close, with all my love to the best girl in the world. Yours forever, With Loads of Hugs & Kisses “Joe” {Signature accent mark} P.S. Ain’t I terrible, writing such a short letter? [Envelope front] S/Sgt. Joseph P. Olexa (12016893) Det. of Patients 4187 U.S. Hosp. Plant A.P.O. – 152 c/o PM. – N.Y. N.Y. {Postmark} U.S. ARMY POSTAL SERVICE 152 JUL 15 1944 A.P.O. �U.S. POSTAGE 6¢ VIA AIR MAIL Miss Agnes Van Der Weide 1913 Berkley Ave. S.W. Grand Rapids, 9 Mich. PASSED BY 34734 U.S. ARMY EXAMINER Lt. [?] � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Joe Olexa letters Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Olexa, Joseph P. Van Der Weide, Agnes Description An account of the resource Collection of letters between Joseph Olexa and Agnes Van Der Weide, dating from 1941 to 1946. Olexa fought in the U.S. Army 26th Infantry Division, Company "L", and eventually attained the rank of Staff Sergeant. Over the course of World War II, Olexa was engaged in North Africa, Sicily, France, Belgium, and Germany. He fought in the Invasion of Normandy, the liberation of Belgium, the Battle of Hürtgen Forest, and the Battle of the Bulge. While deployed abroad, Olexa maintained regular correspondence with Agnes Van Der Weide, a young woman he met through mutual friends. Agnes was the daughter of Benjamin and Minnie (Ter Meer) Van Der Weide. The Van Der Weide family lived in Jamestown, Michigan and Ashburnham, Massachusetts until moving to Grand Rapids, Michigan in 1943. While the letters do not contain details relating to Olexa's military activities, due to heavy censorship of soldiers' correspondence by the U.S. Army, the letters do depict the daily activities of an infantry soldier and illustrate the blossoming romance between the two. Joseph and Agnes were married July 23, 1945, and lived in West Michigan until Agnes's death in 1993. Joseph Olexa died December 3, 2000. They were survived by their son, Karl Olexa. Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant World War II Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1941/1946 Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/543">Joseph P. Olexa WWII memoir and correspondence (RHC-93)</a> Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/">In Copyright</a> Subject The topic of the resource United States. Army. Infantry Division, 26th World War, 1939-1945 Soldiers -- Michigan Correspondence Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Special Collections & University Archives Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-93 Language A language of the resource eng Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-93_Olexa_1944-07-13 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Olexa, Joseph P. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1944-07-13 Title A name given to the resource Letter from Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, July 13, 1944 Description An account of the resource Handwritten letter and envelope with transcript by Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, dated July 13, 1944. The envelope is sent from Det. of Patients, 4187 U.S. Hospital Plant, A.P.O.-152, c/o Postmaster New York, New York, dated July 15, 1944. In the letter, Joe writes to Agnes after a three day absence while recovering in the hosital, sharing the news that he is recovering rapidly and that he sent his Purple Heart medal home to his family. Subject The topic of the resource United States. Army. Infantry Division, 26th World War, 1939-1945 Soldiers -- Michigan Correspondence Purple Heart Sad Sack Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/543">Joseph P. Olexa WWII memoir and correspondence, (RHC-93)</a> Relation A related resource Veterans History Project (U.S.) Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/">In Copyright</a> Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource application/pdf Language A language of the resource eng Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant World War II Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Lemmen Library and Archives https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/7ff9406d481061dc8aec69313ae1cc02.pdf e1f91dd8964e6c0bc9a01a44c1ec7eb3 PDF Text Text �� https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/74b6179d650a1fd3998e43d027510c9a.pdf 673e832ae801c440670c0a490b078d25 PDF Text Text [RHC-93_Olexa_1944-07-10] [Page 1] [V-Mail Letter] {CENSOR’S STAMP} PASSED BY 34734 U.S. ARMY EXAMINER To Miss Agnes Van Der Weide 1913 Berkley Ave. S.W. Grand Rapids, 9 Mich. From S/Sgt. Joseph Olexa (12016893) Det. of Patients (Sender’s name) 4187 U.S. Hosp. Plant (Sender’s address) A.P.O.-152 c/o PM – N.Y. N.Y. July 10, 1944. (Date) Hello “Darling,” Haven’t written in 2 days so thought I would write again. I’m still feeling fine and today I am walking some without crutches. I shan’t be long now till I’m fully recovered. I still haven’t rec’d any of your letters and at times, I’m impatient but hope they will get here soon. I still miss you as much as ever “Darling” and my thoughts are of you always. Wish I could hold you in my arms again. I might get mean though and be a big tease just to get you peeved? Ha! Ha! It’s really going to be grand “Darling” when we shall be together again and I just pray and hope for that day to come soon. Don’t you? I’d like to get that package of yours right now for I’m very hungry. Well “Sugar” I shall close hoping to hear from you real soon! Yours forever, With Loads of Hugs & Kisses, “Joe” {Signature accent mark} PS. Give my best regards to your folks �{V-MAIL stationary footer} [V-mail envelope] WAR & NAVY DEPARTMENTS V-MAIL SERVICE OFFICIAL BUSINESS {Postmark} U.S. POSTAL SERVICE JUL 19 12:30 PM 1944 No. 3 PENALTY FOR PRIVATE USE TO AVOID PAYMENT OF POSTAGE, $300 � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Joe Olexa letters Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Olexa, Joseph P. Van Der Weide, Agnes Description An account of the resource Collection of letters between Joseph Olexa and Agnes Van Der Weide, dating from 1941 to 1946. Olexa fought in the U.S. Army 26th Infantry Division, Company "L", and eventually attained the rank of Staff Sergeant. Over the course of World War II, Olexa was engaged in North Africa, Sicily, France, Belgium, and Germany. He fought in the Invasion of Normandy, the liberation of Belgium, the Battle of Hürtgen Forest, and the Battle of the Bulge. While deployed abroad, Olexa maintained regular correspondence with Agnes Van Der Weide, a young woman he met through mutual friends. Agnes was the daughter of Benjamin and Minnie (Ter Meer) Van Der Weide. The Van Der Weide family lived in Jamestown, Michigan and Ashburnham, Massachusetts until moving to Grand Rapids, Michigan in 1943. While the letters do not contain details relating to Olexa's military activities, due to heavy censorship of soldiers' correspondence by the U.S. Army, the letters do depict the daily activities of an infantry soldier and illustrate the blossoming romance between the two. Joseph and Agnes were married July 23, 1945, and lived in West Michigan until Agnes's death in 1993. Joseph Olexa died December 3, 2000. They were survived by their son, Karl Olexa. Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant World War II Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1941/1946 Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/543">Joseph P. Olexa WWII memoir and correspondence (RHC-93)</a> Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/">In Copyright</a> Subject The topic of the resource United States. Army. Infantry Division, 26th World War, 1939-1945 Soldiers -- Michigan Correspondence Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Special Collections & University Archives Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-93 Language A language of the resource eng Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-93_Olexa_1944-07-10 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Olexa, Joseph P. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1944-07-10 Title A name given to the resource Letter from Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, July 10, 1944 Description An account of the resource Handwritten V-Mail letter and envelope with transcript by Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, dated July 10, 1944. The envelope is sent from Det. of Patients, 4187 U.S. Hospital Plant, A.P.O.-152, c/o Postmaster New York, New York, dated July 19, 1944. In the V-Mail letter, Joe writes to Agnes with updates from the hospital including his ability to walk without crutches and how he awaits receiving her letters once again. Subject The topic of the resource United States. Army. Infantry Division, 26th World War, 1939-1945 Soldiers -- Michigan Correspondence V-mail Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/543">Joseph P. Olexa WWII memoir and correspondence, (RHC-93)</a> Relation A related resource Veterans History Project (U.S.) Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/">In Copyright</a> Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource application/pdf Language A language of the resource eng Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant World War II Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Lemmen Library and Archives https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/dbda418208a9892d4707cf7067605a2d.pdf a3b98ffc6e3747896e505906478ff9a8 PDF Text Text ��� https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/7e613bff5ce4b7523f4d1b43668db845.pdf 2e72626f4a3389ecc3886a766b28b350 PDF Text Text [RHC-93_Olexa_1944-07-06] [Page 1] {Letterhead featuring the words “AMERICAN RED CROSS” and their red cross emblem} S/Sgt. Joseph Olexa (12016893) Det. of Patients 4187 U.S. Hosp. Plant A.P.O. – 152 c/o PM – N.Y. N.Y. July 6, 1944. Hello “Darling,” I’ve decided to write a short letter so I could send you the two clippings I’ve got. Well “Darling” I’m well on the road to recovery and still feeling swell. I thank God that they aren’t too serious. It’s lovely out today but I wouldn’t be surprised if it didn’t out to rain a little. [sic] From where I’m writing I can see a few large trees, a field of wheat and a small hay stack. Wish I could take a stroll out of that way with no worry at all but to think of you. I still love you as much as ever “Darling” and miss you more than anyone would know. I still waite [sic] for the day when we shall be together again. I’m quite anxious to get our future plans all settled, aren’t you? I could go for a little teasing right now and pull them pretty curls of yours. That would suit me just fine. Ha! Ha! Ain’t I getting terrible? Well “Darling” you’re to blame for getting [Page 2] me this way so you’ll have to suffer some of the consequences. Ha! Ha! Now I’m really bad, ain’t I? I have not as yet rec’d your letters but expect too real soon. [sic] Then maybe I can write a much longer letter. Did you have a good time 4th of July? If you didn’t it’s your own fault. Ha! Ha! A couple of days ago we had some English entertainers put on [a] show for us and it was really good. We also had some boys put on an act of “Robin Hood” and I must say the boys knew their parts well. They ranged in age to my estimation from 10-13 years old. This darn pen is getting me mad. It scratches more than it writes. Will close for now with all my love to you. Yours forever, With Loads of Hugs & Kisses, Joe {Signature accent mark} P.S. Write real soon. [Envelope front] �S/Sgt. Joseph P. Olexa (12016893) Det. of Patients 4187 U.S. Hosp. Plant A.P.O. – 152 c/o PM. – N.Y., N.Y. {Postmark} U.S. ARMY POSTAL SERVICE 152 JUL 8 1944 A.P.O. U.S. POSTAGE 6¢ VIA AIR MAIL Miss Agnes Van Der Weide 1913 Berkley Ave. S.W. Grand Rapids, 9 Mich. PASSED BY 34734 [?] U.S. ARMY EXAMINER [?] � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Joe Olexa letters Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Olexa, Joseph P. Van Der Weide, Agnes Description An account of the resource Collection of letters between Joseph Olexa and Agnes Van Der Weide, dating from 1941 to 1946. Olexa fought in the U.S. Army 26th Infantry Division, Company "L", and eventually attained the rank of Staff Sergeant. Over the course of World War II, Olexa was engaged in North Africa, Sicily, France, Belgium, and Germany. He fought in the Invasion of Normandy, the liberation of Belgium, the Battle of Hürtgen Forest, and the Battle of the Bulge. While deployed abroad, Olexa maintained regular correspondence with Agnes Van Der Weide, a young woman he met through mutual friends. Agnes was the daughter of Benjamin and Minnie (Ter Meer) Van Der Weide. The Van Der Weide family lived in Jamestown, Michigan and Ashburnham, Massachusetts until moving to Grand Rapids, Michigan in 1943. While the letters do not contain details relating to Olexa's military activities, due to heavy censorship of soldiers' correspondence by the U.S. Army, the letters do depict the daily activities of an infantry soldier and illustrate the blossoming romance between the two. Joseph and Agnes were married July 23, 1945, and lived in West Michigan until Agnes's death in 1993. Joseph Olexa died December 3, 2000. They were survived by their son, Karl Olexa. Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant World War II Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1941/1946 Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/543">Joseph P. Olexa WWII memoir and correspondence (RHC-93)</a> Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/">In Copyright</a> Subject The topic of the resource United States. Army. Infantry Division, 26th World War, 1939-1945 Soldiers -- Michigan Correspondence Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Special Collections & University Archives Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-93 Language A language of the resource eng Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-93_Olexa_1944-07-06 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Olexa, Joseph P. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1944-07-06 Title A name given to the resource Letter from Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, July 6, 1944 Description An account of the resource Handwritten letter and envelope with transcript by Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, dated July 6, 1944. The envelope is sent from Det. of Patients, 4187 U.S. Hospital Plant, A.P.O.-152, c/o Postmaster New York, New York, dated July 8, 1944. In the letter, Joe writes to Agnes while on the road to recovery in the hospital, using American Red Cross stationary and informing her of his well-being and the view from his hospital bed. Subject The topic of the resource United States. Army. Infantry Division, 26th World War, 1939-1945 Soldiers -- Michigan Correspondence Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/543">Joseph P. Olexa WWII memoir and correspondence, (RHC-93)</a> Relation A related resource Veterans History Project (U.S.) Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/">In Copyright</a> Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource application/pdf Language A language of the resource eng Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant World War II Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Lemmen Library and Archives https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/47ba8a1ba30a8336684be5848cf2cbab.pdf a171ecdb017421951de30ddfdf2ebd41 PDF Text Text �� https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/dfa91607f141376d258c9b5736f2aec3.pdf bedf53724ff421fb77e46b4166d9b3b8 PDF Text Text [RHC-93_Olexa_1944-07-05] [Page 1] [V-Mail Letter] {CENSOR’S STAMP} PASSED BY 34770 [?] U.S. ARMY EXAMINER To Miss Agnes Van Der Weide 1913 Berkley Ave. S.W. Grand Rapids, 9 Mich. From S/Sgt. Joseph Olexa (12016893) Det. of Patients (Sender’s name) 4187 U.S. Hosp. Plant (Sender’s address) A.P.O.-152 c/o PM. – N.Y., N.Y. July 5, 1944. (Date) England Hello “Darling,” My thoughts of you never seem to cease and keep wishing that we could be together again. My love for you “Darling” makes me think of the grand times we had together and that our future will be even better. Our hopes and desires will come to life and then we shall be happy. Until then we shall have to be patient which no doubt is just what we are doing. I’m still anxious to get your letters for I miss them very much. However I still re-read your other letters I managed to carry and they are a great help. How are your folks? Don’t forget to give them a Hello for me, won’t you? Well “Darling” I don’t have anything else to write so I shall close hoping to hear from you real soon. Yours Always With Loads of Love & Kisses “Joe” {Signature accent mark} {V-MAIL stationary footer} �[V-mail envelope] WAR & NAVY DEPARTMENTS V-MAIL SERVICE OFFICIAL BUSINESS {Postmark} U.S. POSTAL SERVICE JUL 14 10:30 PM 1944 No. 3 PENALTY FOR PRIVATE USE TO AVOID PAYMENT OF POSTAGE, $300 � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Joe Olexa letters Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Olexa, Joseph P. Van Der Weide, Agnes Description An account of the resource Collection of letters between Joseph Olexa and Agnes Van Der Weide, dating from 1941 to 1946. Olexa fought in the U.S. Army 26th Infantry Division, Company "L", and eventually attained the rank of Staff Sergeant. Over the course of World War II, Olexa was engaged in North Africa, Sicily, France, Belgium, and Germany. He fought in the Invasion of Normandy, the liberation of Belgium, the Battle of Hürtgen Forest, and the Battle of the Bulge. While deployed abroad, Olexa maintained regular correspondence with Agnes Van Der Weide, a young woman he met through mutual friends. Agnes was the daughter of Benjamin and Minnie (Ter Meer) Van Der Weide. The Van Der Weide family lived in Jamestown, Michigan and Ashburnham, Massachusetts until moving to Grand Rapids, Michigan in 1943. While the letters do not contain details relating to Olexa's military activities, due to heavy censorship of soldiers' correspondence by the U.S. Army, the letters do depict the daily activities of an infantry soldier and illustrate the blossoming romance between the two. Joseph and Agnes were married July 23, 1945, and lived in West Michigan until Agnes's death in 1993. Joseph Olexa died December 3, 2000. They were survived by their son, Karl Olexa. Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant World War II Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1941/1946 Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/543">Joseph P. Olexa WWII memoir and correspondence (RHC-93)</a> Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/">In Copyright</a> Subject The topic of the resource United States. Army. Infantry Division, 26th World War, 1939-1945 Soldiers -- Michigan Correspondence Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Special Collections & University Archives Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-93 Language A language of the resource eng Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-93_Olexa_1944-07-05 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Olexa, Joseph P. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1944-07-05 Title A name given to the resource Letter from Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, July 5, 1944 Description An account of the resource Handwritten V-Mail letter and envelope with transcript by Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, dated July 5, 1944. The envelope is sent from Det. of Patients, 4187 U.S. Hospital Plant, A.P.O.-152, c/o Postmaster New York, New York, dated July 14, 1944. In the V-Mail letter, Joe writes a brief message to Agnes while recovering in the hospital and thinking of their future together. Joe also mentions that he has been re-reading her old letters as he awaits his mail being forwarded to the hospital. Subject The topic of the resource United States. Army. Infantry Division, 26th World War, 1939-1945 Soldiers -- Michigan Correspondence V-mail Love letters Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/543">Joseph P. Olexa WWII memoir and correspondence, (RHC-93)</a> Relation A related resource Veterans History Project (U.S.) Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/">In Copyright</a> Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource application/pdf Language A language of the resource eng Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant World War II Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Lemmen Library and Archives