484 24 26018 https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/40b630b932ea43a81a0721dded6eee3d.pdf 0c132323861c173aa5694e82b0b11640 PDF Text Text �� https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/30297753e3ba0df070b0cd1aef5733ec.pdf 4f85062c485562556e6263e521e119f5 PDF Text Text [RHC-93_Olexa_1943-12-29_03] [Page 1] [V-Mail Letter] {CENSOR’S STAMP} PASSED BY 20639 U.S. ARMY EXAMINER Miss Agnes Van Der Weide 1832 Berkley Ave. S.W. Grand Rapids, 9 Mich. {Date stamp} 30 DEC 1943 12016893 Sgt. Joseph Olexa (Sender’s name) Co. “L,” 26th Inf. A.P.O. – 1 (Sender’s address) c/o PM. - New York, N.Y. Dec. 29, 1943. (Date) Hello “Sugar,” Letter number 3 and still going strong. Boy, what ambition? Ha! Ha! I was very surprised to hear from your Mother and Gloria. In fact, I had a great shock. Ha! Ha! I plan to answer their letters tonite also. [sic] I’m not in Sicily as you may know and have no Italian girl friends for they don’t speak English and they stay in. So, don’t worry your pretty head, “Sweets.” I like to roller skate too but I’m not good at Rink skating. I’m used to the street. Ha! Ha! My cold is much better and I’m on the road to recovery. Young Lady, my threats will be carried out and it will be your ears I’m going to chew. What do you think of that? Waite [sic] and see and don’t say I didn’t warn you. If I were to buy a bedroom suite, it won’t be twin Beds [sic], for I don’t like them. This is my opinion. I’ve heard plenty people who had them complain. Will close & write soon. Yours Always With LOVE & Kisses “Joe” �{V-MAIL stationary footer} [V-mail envelope] WAR & NAVY DEPARTMENTS V-MAIL SERVICE OFFICIAL BUSINESS Dec. 29, 1943 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_1943-12-29_03 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 1943-12-29 Title A name given to the resource Letter from Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, December 29, 1943 Description An account of the resource Handwritten V-Mail letter and envelope with transcript by Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, dated December 29, 1943. The envelope is sent from Co. L, 26th Infantry A.P.O.-1, c/o Postmaster New York, New York, dated December 29, 1943. In the V-Mail letter, Joe is sill going strong as he writes his third letter to Agnes on the same day and shares his surprise in receiving a letter from her mother in addition to his appreciation of roller skating. Subject The topic of the resource United States. Army. Infantry Division, 26th World War, 1939-1945 Soldiers -- Michigan Correspondence V-Mail Roller skating 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/919a22d159a000925a1782221bf06309.pdf 6bdc023dee4808aed15b42f3aa8d1147 PDF Text Text �� https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/01991687b639b48a5a61da3ad0ee0f26.pdf 62e0d96176e009896799ad813f9e1756 PDF Text Text [RHC-93_Olexa_1943-12-29_04] [Page 1] [V-Mail Letter] {CENSOR’S STAMP} PASSED BY 20639 U.S. ARMY EXAMINER Miss Agnes Van Der Weide 1832 Berkley Ave. S.W. Grand Rapids, 9 Mich. {Date stamp} 30 DEC 1943 12016893 Sgt. Joseph Olexa (Sender’s name) Co. “L,” 26th Inf. A.P.O. – 1 (Sender’s address) c/o PM. - New York, N.Y. Dec. 29, 1943. (Date) Hello Darling, Number four already and wished I had started a letter. I’m even surprising myself these days. Ha! Ha! Of all of the kisses you sent me & not an imprint could I see. [sic] Is there a ration of lipstick back there now days, “young Lady.” From now on there better be an imprint at the close of your letters or else. Ha! Ha! My ain’t I terrible!! I’m also very disappointed to hear you can’t cook. I like a good meal so you’d better learn how. Please, don’t use me to sample your toast or cooking, for I might be in a grave yard [sic] sooner than I think. Ha! Ha! My sister, Helen, tried me out on her first batch of cookies and I believe their [sic] in my stomach yet. Ha! Ha! I’m really getting mean, now so, I shall close with all my love to you. Yours always With Loads of Kisses “Joe” {V-MAIL stationary footer} �[V-mail envelope] WAR & NAVY DEPARTMENTS V-MAIL SERVICE OFFICIAL BUSINESS {Postmark} U.S. POSTAL SERVICE JAN 10 12 M 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_1943-12-29_04 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 1943-12-29 Title A name given to the resource Letter from Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, December 29, 1943 Description An account of the resource Handwritten V-Mail letter and envelope with transcript by Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, dated December 29, 1943. The envelope is sent from Co. L, 26th Infantry A.P.O.-1, c/o Postmaster New York, New York, dated January 10, 1944. In the V-Mail letter, Joe writes his fourth message to Agnes in one day where he affectionately teases her regarding the lack of lipstick imprints on her letters and encourages her to refine her cooking skills while he is away. Subject The topic of the resource United States. Army. Infantry Division, 26th World War, 1939-1945 Soldiers -- Michigan Correspondence V-Mail Lipstick Cooking 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/4b82b9167224f6ce8173b8b9274a3224.pdf fe4869f6b2cec80c46e4672941e8e85b PDF Text Text �� https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/1740a594ca217692803dc06bb6c5fab4.pdf e4ce02930e9e984af8ac0ce778607033 PDF Text Text [RHC-93_Olexa_1943-12-29_05] [Page 1] [V-Mail Letter] {CENSOR’S STAMP} PASSED BY 20639 U.S. ARMY EXAMINER Miss Agnes Van Der Weide 1832 Berkley Ave. S.W. Grand Rapids, 9 Mich. {Date stamp} 30 DEC 1943 (12016893) Sgt. Joseph Olexa (Sender’s name) Co. “L,” 26th Inf. A.P.O. – 1 (Sender’s address) c/o PM. - New York, N.Y. Dec. 29, 1943. (Date) Hello Honey, This is number five and I should be able to finish most of the things I want to write. Are you being bored? Ha! Ha! No your letters are not censored as yet. I’m not suspicious of you “Darling” and why should I be? I love you more, more always, so don’t worry for its something just to write about. Can you fill out my last request? Ha! Ha! I intend to send you another request for things that I would like to have sent to me. Did you have a Good Christmas? I did and went to the Christmas services. It was grand too. Heard from Helen and Home, so all is well with them. Well, I shall close till some other time, “Sweets.” Could write more but will write tomorrow. Write real soon. I have a bottle of wine to celebrate New Years with. Boy! Oh!! Boy! Yours always, With Lots of LOVE “Joe” P.S. WRITE REAL SOON �{V-MAIL stationary footer} [V-mail envelope] WAR & NAVY DEPARTMENTS V-MAIL SERVICE OFFICIAL BUSINESS {Postmark} U.S. POSTAL SERVICE JAN 10 12 M 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_1943-12-29_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 1943-12-29 Title A name given to the resource Letter from Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, December 29, 1943 Description An account of the resource Handwritten V-Mail letter and envelope with transcript by Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, dated December 29, 1943. The envelope is sent from Co. L, 26th Infantry A.P.O.-1, c/o Postmaster New York, New York, dated January 10, 1944. In the V-Mail letter, Joe writes his fifth and final letter of the day to Agnes where he reassures her of his feelings and wonders if she had a good Christmas with her family back home in the United States. Subject The topic of the resource United States. Army. Infantry Division, 26th World War, 1939-1945 Soldiers -- Michigan Correspondence V-Mail Christmas New Year 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/57455b3b7381af28bdbf66fff8ce9ed3.pdf 62e2bff5f70d063a81c781b43dc529fe PDF Text Text �� https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/7f754a355e4821b3018b1e21c1215a67.pdf 74789a7a7d24f2787c08f90e216714ba PDF Text Text [RHC-93_Olexa_1944-12-03] [Page 1] Belgium Dec. 3, 1944. “My Dearest Darling,” I haven’t written to you in a long time, so I’ve decided to write you a few lines. I’m now in a hospital recuperating from a rundown condition. I’m not wounded so you needn’t worry. I still want you to write to my company address. I haven’t rec’d any of your lovely letters or packages as yet, but I hope to soon. Did you get the 125 dollars I sent you 3 weeks ago? I’ve got another 150 to send you when I get the chance. My thoughts are always of you “Darling” and my longing for you will never cease, until the day arrives when I can squeeze you like I used too. That’s going to be grand and I hope that we shall be together from then only and live in our future plans. [sic] How are you making out in your work? I’ll bet there is a big Christmas rush started already? How is your mother and the baby? Don’t forget to give all of them my best [Page 2] wishes and regards? I haven’t written to anyone in a long time and hope to catch up on it. Sometimes, I don’t have an urge to write when I should, but I’ll manage to write in some way. “Darling,” I still love you as much as ever and as I’ve said before there is no room for anyone else. I blame my condition right now on war nerves. Being at the front so long has got me down and being weary as I am, I could take a good long rest. As I’ve said before, it probably will be a long time yet before I can return. It’s discouraging but we’ll have to be patient. I don’t know what I would do without a girl like you. Your picture is lovely and I look at it often. I guess it’s the best birthday present I ever got. Well, I shall close with all my love to you and write real soon. Remember not to worry any about me. Promise!! Yours forever With Loads of Hugs & Kisses “Joe” {Signature accent mark} � 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_1944-12-03 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 1944-12-03 Title A name given to the resource Letter from Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, December 3, 1944 Description An account of the resource Handwritten letter with transcript by Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, dated December 3, 1944. In the letter, Joe writes to Agnes for the first time in a long time and reassures her that he isn't injured or in the hospital. He shares with her that he hasn't written any letters in a long time due to suffering from "war nerves," needing rest and relief from the front lines and holding onto her lovely picture for hope during challenging times. Subject The topic of the resource United States. Army. Infantry Division, 26th World War, 1939-1945 Soldiers -- Michigan Correspondence Post-traumatic stress disorder 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/4baecea9a968533dec6187067fbc4fb4.pdf d507425f5439215335938c95e1cfb4bb PDF Text Text �� https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/b3392e6b05cfacc4945e84808eb8e609.pdf 1d8b37877f3921f360ea6089f0212e40 PDF Text Text [RHC-93_Olexa_1943-12-30_01] [Page 1] [V-Mail Letter] {CENSOR’S STAMP} PASSED BY 20639 U.S. ARMY EXAMINER To Miss Agnes Van Der Weide 1832 Berkley Ave. S.W. Grand Rapids, 9 Mich. {Date stamp} 31 DEC 1943 From 12016893 Sgt. Joseph Olexa (Sender’s name) Co. “L,” 26th Inf. A.P.O. – 1 (Sender’s address) c/o PM. - New York, N.Y. Dec. 30, 1943. (Date) Hello “Sugar,” Didn’t get any mail tonite [sic] so thought to write and keep my promise. My arm was kinda sore this morning for writing so much last nite. [sic] Ha! Ha! I love you as much as ever, “Sweets” and hope it’s the same with you. Tomorrow nite is “New Years Eve” and how I wish that I could be there with you. I shall be, in thoughts. I’m waiting for that big day when you and I can be together again. We shall celebrate, I hope. I have some “wine” and I’m lucky to have, that. [sic] My favorite drink too. Have you heard from Helen lately? I asked my sister Francis and Ollie to write to you so you can expect to hear from them. Will close “Darling” and write real soon. Yours always With Loads of LOVE “Joe” {V-MAIL stationary footer} �[V-mail envelope] WAR & NAVY DEPARTMENTS V-MAIL SERVICE OFFICIAL BUSINESS {Postmark} U.S. POSTAL SERVICE NO. 1 JAN 12 9 - PM 1944 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_1943-12-30_01 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 1943-12-30 Title A name given to the resource Letter from Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, December 30, 1943 Description An account of the resource Handwritten V-Mail letter and envelope with transcript by Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, dated December 30, 1943. The envelope is sent from Co. L, 26th Infantry A.P.O.-1, c/o Postmaster New York, New York, dated January 12, 1944. In the V-Mail letter, Joe writes to Agnes sharing his excitement for New Year's Eve the following day and how he wishes he could be with her to celebrate the holiday. Subject The topic of the resource United States. Army. Infantry Division, 26th World War, 1939-1945 Soldiers -- Michigan Correspondence V-Mail New Year 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/8ea331a91765ceed509c435389795f31.pdf 65bb1328dce311a933a34bfdfd054718 PDF Text Text �� https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/ba1a3b7a9a3272d9cdc936638fd78533.pdf 49e7743533856fea386e13d43c204f4a PDF Text Text [RHC-93_Olexa_1943-12-30_02] [Page 1] [V-Mail Letter] {CENSOR’S STAMP} PASSED BY 20639 U.S. ARMY EXAMINER To Miss Agnes Van Der Weide 1832 Berkley Ave. S.W. Grand Rapids, 9 Mich. {Date stamp} 31 DEC 1943 12016893 Sgt. Joseph Olexa (Sender’s name) Co. “L,” 26th Inf. A.P.O. – 1 (Sender’s address) c/o PM. - New York, N.Y. Dec. 30, 1943 (Date) Hello “Precious,” Writing a second V-mail for I haven’t much to do tonite also. [sic] I wished though that you were here, so I could give you a big big hug. “How’s that”? I’m still very anxious to see you too for it has been so long that we saw each other, isn’t it? [sic] I’m going to write you that letter I mentioned yesterday for the things I want you to send “Sweets.” I hope that it won’t trouble you none. I also think of the good times we had together and someday we shall continue them. I saw your S.W.A.K.s but won’t return them until later. Ha! Ha! Give my regards to your folks for me? Don’t forget to send some pictures if you haven’t done so already. Well “Gorgeous” I shall close with all my “love to you.” Yours always With Loads of KISSES “Joe” P.S. “Write” �{V-MAIL stationary footer} [V-mail envelope] WAR & NAVY DEPARTMENTS V-MAIL SERVICE OFFICIAL BUSINESS {Postmark} U.S. POSTAL SERVICE JAN 12 12 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_1943-12-30_02 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 1943-12-30 Title A name given to the resource Letter from Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, December 30, 1943 Description An account of the resource Handwritten V-Mail letter and envelope with transcript by Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, dated December 30, 1943. The envelope is sent from Co. L, 26th Infantry A.P.O.-1, c/o Postmaster New York, New York, dated January 12, 1944. In the V-Mail letter, Joe writes a second message to Agnes that day and expresses how he wishes they could see each other 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/a62a4e88709f5280a8c2a5bcc2c3e1d8.pdf aa8320750866c931f439d171316ce92f PDF Text Text ������ https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/df80eafa876f8baefb80bec245f35c08.pdf 523493a642552a84e8c44ee39242389a PDF Text Text [RHC-93_Olexa_1944-12-30] [Page 1] Dec. 30, 1944 France “My Dearest Darling,” Have been thinking of you again today so I’ve decided to write. Well, “Darling,” I’m improving some but slow and after a good long rest, I hope to be as good as new. I miss your mail so much and just dying to read your lovely letters. Still impatient. I still love you as much as ever “Darling” and more every day. If I don’t get back soon, I’m going to bust not having you to love. I still long to be with you and await the day when we can be together again. Gee! Just think we could go on with our plans and in between make up for all of the time I’ve been away. That would be swell. I hope “Darling” that you aren’t [Page 2] worrying about me, for if you are my morale will go down to zero. I’m still anxious to get your letters regular again so I shall be able to write a little more than what I do. Ain’t I awful going slack on my writing? But I promise it will pick up. Remember the time when I wrote about them long strolls and taking you with me. Well, I took your picture looking at the valley below without you knowing it. So I’m sending it to you. The little girl on the other side is Marie. I gave her the name of Marie. I gave her the name of Marie because she’s so cute at least I think it fits her because I like that name. Don’t you think so? The more I look at her the better I like her. I like your name [Page 3] too and if I were to choose one from the two It would be very hard. Well so much for that. I wish I could sit with you beside the radio one of these cold winter days like I used to. Boy, it sure would [be] swell. I keep bringing back all of them lovely days and how I miss them. Guess I’ll have to waite [sic] though won’t I? But “Darling” it will be well worthwhile. At least I can dream can’t I, Mrs. Olexa. Ha! Ha! I’m just anxious to know what you were doing during the Holidays. New Year’s is just around the corner and 3 years ago I spent part of my furlough with you. Remember? We were started for a dance but didn’t get very far. But [Page 4] I didn’t mind and enjoyed the evening. How is Gloria and her Beau’s now days [sic] and how many did she ditch this time? How are your folks? Don’t forget to give them my best regards and wishes? Well, “Darling” I shall come to a close, with all my love to the best girl in the world. Yours Always, 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 JAN 2 1945 165 A.P.O. Miss Agnes Van Der Weide 1913 Berkley Ave. S.W. Grand Rapids, 9 Mich. PASSED BY 46060 U.S. ARMY EXAMINER Lt. [?] [Envelope back] S.W.A.K. {two red lipstick imprints} � 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_1944-12-30 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 1944-12-30 Title A name given to the resource Letter from Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, December 30, 1944 Description An account of the resource Handwritten letter and envelope with transcript by Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, dated December 30, 1944. The envelope is sent from Co. L, 26th Infantry A.P.O.-1, c/o Postmaster New York, New York, dated January 2, 1945. In the letter, Joe writes to Agnes during the holiday season, sharing the news of his slow recovery in France and how much he misses receiving her letters while in the hospital. 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/a53da039ac5f5e311002185112e61fc8.pdf 6e9c4415ec95f9a02eeda4a9d24810e5 PDF Text Text �� https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/cb96a7302917012688e2f051f089bcc7.pdf 2c89064e3557fdba34bc554521d18972 PDF Text Text [RHC-93_Olexa_1943-12-31] [Page 1] [V-Mail Letter] {CENSOR’S STAMP} PASSED BY 20639 U.S. ARMY EXAMINER Miss Agnes Van Der Weide 1832 Berkley Ave. S.W. Grand Rapids, 9 Mich. {Date stamp} 3 JAN 1944 12016893 Sgt. Joseph Olexa (Sender’s name) Co. “L,” 26th Inf. A.P.O. – 1 (Sender’s address) c/o PM. - New York, N.Y. Dec. 31, 1943. (Date) Hello “Gorgeous,” Rec’d your letter of Dec. 12th and was glad to hear from you. Yes I got a letter from your mother and Gloria. I also answered their letters so don’t be jealous. “Darling,” I love you only and wish for the day when we can be together. I am so anxious to talk to you and see you that sometimes, I think, that can’t waite. [sic] Well “Sweets” when that day comes, I’ll surely bend [?] your ears. I’m so disappointed in you not knowing how to cook, so young lady you’d better learn before I get back. I shall be very pleased “Darling” if you go to see my folks. I know that they will like you and if I know them you’ll surely like them. Well “precious,” will close with all my love to you. Write real soon and give my regards to your folks. Yours always With Loads of LOVE Joe {V-MAIL stationary footer} �[V-mail envelope] WAR & NAVY DEPARTMENTS V-MAIL SERVICE OFFICIAL BUSINESS {Postmark} U.S. POSTAL SERVICE NO. 1 JAN 12 9 - PM 1944 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_1943-12-31 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 1943-12-31 Title A name given to the resource Letter from Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, December 31, 1943 Description An account of the resource Handwritten V-Mail letter and envelope with transcript by Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, dated December 31, 1943. The envelope is sent from Co. L, 26th Infantry A.P.O.-1, c/o Postmaster New York, New York, dated January 12, 1944. In the V-Mail letter, Joe expresses his appreciation of Agnes' most recent message and the letter he received from her mother. He also encourages Agnes to visit his family if possible and to explore learning how to cook in her free time. Subject The topic of the resource United States. Army. Infantry Division, 26th World War, 1939-1945 Soldiers -- Michigan Correspondence V-Mail Cooking 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/39b063a140208d2b64ebde662a56a744.pdf 347095ff56392edbed28d73ef86baa54 PDF Text Text �� https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/5f1f8ccbb122cb38494666c72d346fc8.pdf 09fc09e88248d5df7342c3f397f64687 PDF Text Text [RHC-93_Olexa_1943-12-04] [Page 1] [V-Mail Letter] {CENSOR’S STAMP} PASSED BY 20639 U.S. ARMY EXAMINER Miss Agnes Van Der Weide 1832 Berkley Ave. S.W. Grand Rapids, 9 Mich. {Date stamp} 7 DEC 1943 12016893 Sgt. Joseph Olexa (Sender’s name) Co. “L,” 26th Inf. A.P.O. – 1 (Sender’s address) c/o PM. - New York, N.Y. Dec. 4, 1943. (Date) Hello Darling, Rec’d your two packages today so you don’t have to worry any more. If, you were here now I’d hug you to death for sending them. The one you sent in Aug. got “banged up” a bit and the tooth powder got all over everything. The candy was stale but the rest of the things are alright. Your other package came in good condition. I shan’t be able to send you a birthday card again this year, “Sweets” so, I’ll wish you a “Happy Birthday” now and hope you have a “Hundred” more. If, I were there on that day, I’d make sure, [sic] you’d get all the hugs you deserve and a little more. Ha! Ha! I still miss you as much as ever “Darling” and “love you” “very much.” Don’t forget to read the above sentence over again, you might have forgotten already. Ha! Ha! Yours always With Lots of Love & Kisses “Joe” P.S. Write real Soon. [sic] �{V-MAIL stationary footer} [V-mail envelope] WAR & NAVY DEPARTMENTS V-MAIL SERVICE OFFICIAL BUSINESS {Postmark} U.S. POSTAL SERVICE NO. 1 DEC 18 4 - PM 1943 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_1943-12-04 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 1943-12-04 Title A name given to the resource Letter from Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, December 4, 1943 Description An account of the resource Handwritten V-Mail letter and envelope with transcript by Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, dated December 4, 1943. The envelope is sent from Co. L, 26th Infantry A.P.O.-1, c/o Postmaster New York, New York, dated December 18, 1943. In the V-Mail letter, Joe writes to Agnes with great excitement upon receiving the two packages she sent to him and wishes her a "Happy Birthday" while stationed overseas. 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/c7b79c4afc6f2e60227e9d6fa7443ed7.pdf 566422d01e6be480bc469de6970adef0 PDF Text Text ������ https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/b51b02922cb47a8c61999cc1cfc2abfa.pdf 6cdc16438d14b7cc9cabe79e8be62586 PDF Text Text [RHC-93_Olexa_1943-12-05] [Page 1] Dec. 5, 1943 {Stationary letterhead featuring the American flag and the words “ONE FLAG ONE COUNTRY”} Hello Darling, I was just thinking that its quite odd to write letters since I wrote all V-mails. Went to church this morning and will go to the Communion Services next Sunday. I wrote a V-mail to you yesterday wishing you a “Happy Birthday.” I’m thanking you again for the packages. I shall always keep the Testament and I manage to read 2 chapters a day in it. I have my old one to [Page 2] a fellow who wanted one. I still miss you as much as ever “Darling” and “Love” “you” more and more each day. Some day we shall be back together again and what a day that will be. Has my brother Ollie written to you since you went to Grand Rapids? Could your Dad glue the heart I sent into that small base so it would stand up on a sofa or desk? Please let me know. Helen got the doilies I sent her and was very [Page 3] Pleased with them. I sent you one and hoping to hear that you got it also. I haven’t rec’d a letter from you in over a week. “Young Lady,” if I don’t get one soon, I’ll scream loud enough for you to hear me. I really mean it. Ha! Ha! I’m still waiting for the pictures you promised to send. So, “Darling” why don’t you take a few and send them to me? If I were in the states I wouldn’t worry none for, I could be able to see you and so forth. “But I ain’t there.” [Page 4] I’m putting a request for some thing I want in this letter. Can you fill the order? Ha! Ha! How are your folks these days? Don’t forget to give them my regards and Hello. Did you have a Good Thanksgiving? I did. Well Darling I shall close for this time with All my Love to you. [sic] Yours always With Loads of Kisses Joe {Signature accent mark} P.S. Does the writing on my V-mails appear clear and easy to read? �[Supplemental Note] December 5, 1943 Postmaster: Subject-Request Please Rush, described item below. My girlfriend, Height 5 feet 7 inches, Brown Eyes, dark Brown Hair, Weight 128 with sunny disposition. [sic] Reason – Haven’t seen her in sixteen months and I’m very anxious to give her a real Big “Hug.” Yours truly Joseph P. Olexa Co. “L,” 26th INF. A.P.O.-1 P.S. Don’t Disappoint me. [sic] [Envelope front] Sgt. Joseph P. Olexa (12016893) Co. “L,” 26th Inf. A.P.O. – 1 (Sender’s address) c/o PM. New York, N.Y. {Postmark} U.S. ARMY POSTAL SERVICE 1 DEC 9 1943 A.P.O. VIA AIR-MAIL Miss Agnes Van Der Weide 1832 Berkley Ave. S.W. Grand Rapids, 9 Mich. PASSED BY 20639 U.S. �ARMY EXAMINER Lt. P. Eagan [?] � 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_1943-12-05 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 1943-12-05 Title A name given to the resource Letter from Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, December 5, 1943 Description An account of the resource Handwritten letter and envelope with transcript by Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, dated December 5, 1943. The envelope is sent from Co. L, 26th Infantry A.P.O.-1, c/o Postmaster New York, New York, dated December 9, 1943. In the letter, Joe writes a full-length message to Agnes after writing many V-Mail letters in recent days. At this time, he is awaiting another letter from Agnes and beginning to worry about her after not hearing from her for a week. 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/65939e560fd73a9884aa2d03f2d8a235.pdf 45ff8bff978c02f356e271de19cbe292 PDF Text Text ���� https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/b56ccab749ecd71ebe8ddc19fa5888d6.pdf 62b0a9094dc7876f85da8de1f330ad6a PDF Text Text [RHC-93_Olexa_1941-12-07] [Page 1] {Stationary letterhead} 26th Infantry Co. “L,” Fort Devens, Mass. Dec. 7, 1941 Dear Agnes, Arrived here last nite [sic] and I’m glad we did. It sure was cold riding and sleeping out but I guess we all shall survive. The maneuvers are over and how long we will stay here is a question. We sure did beat the Reds on maneuvers and drove them halfway into South Carolina. I didn’t have much time to write, so I thought I’d write now. Roy and I are on the outs and not on speaking terms. I believe he went to see Carolyn today. I’ve got a lot of work to do myself and at that not enough clean clothes or I would have dropped in to see you. We are getting fifteen days and I shall have to decide whether I want to go home or stay around the barracks. They will probably start giving them out the fifteenth of this month. [Page 2] I was quite surprised when I didn’t see any snow on the ground in these parts. Well, one night can bring as much as 18 inches of snow, so, there will be some for Christmas. Our Thanksgiving in the field was fair and we couldn’t [?] but it could have been better. I may be down this weekend but don’t count on it, for I am not sure. The first chance I get, I will. How are the folks and yourself? Give them my regards. Will close and write soon. As Ever, Joe {Signature accent mark} [Envelope front] �{Postmark} AYER, MASS. DEC 8 8-AM 1941 {Postage Stamp} UNITED STATES POSTAGE 3 CENTS 3 Miss Agnes Van Der Weide 11 Main Street Ashburnham, Mass. [Envelope back] Pvt. Joe Olexa Co. “L,” 26th Infantry Fort Devens, Mass. � 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_1941-12-07 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 1941-12-07 Title A name given to the resource Letter from Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, December 7, 1941 Description An account of the resource Handwritten letter and envelope with transcript by Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, dated December 7, 1941. The envelope is sent from Co. L, 26th Infantry, Fort Devens, Massachusetts, dated December 8, 1941. In the letter, Joe writes to Agnes after arriving back at Fort Devens and filling her in on the latest news regarding furloughs over the holidays and his Thanksgiving spent in the field. Subject The topic of the resource United States. Army. Infantry Division, 26th World War, 1939-1945 Soldiers -- Michigan Correspondence Fort Devens (Mass.) 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/365dee0a0496378bfe73b7a3d84b32ff.pdf 4efd148e0567b50b7e5641e9a53fc98d PDF Text Text �� https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/e5ea0fb2a4fdf8b1f870d5ddd6dd16e0.pdf 2c9c87be587474bd0f8bebed6bff97cc PDF Text Text [RHC-93_Olexa_1943-12-07] [Page 1] [V-Mail Letter] {CENSOR’S STAMP} PASSED BY 20639 U.S. ARMY EXAMINER To Miss Agnes Van Der Weide 1832 Berkley Ave. S.W. Grand Rapids, 9 Mich. {Date stamp} 9 DEC 1943 Sgt. Joseph Olexa (Sender’s name) Co. “L,” 26th Inf. A.P.O. – 1 (Sender’s address) c/o PM. - New York, N.Y. Dec. 7, 1943. (Date) Hello Darling, Thought of you all day today and wished many times that I could be there to celebrate your birthday with you. I still love you as much as ever and miss you plenty. I hope by now that you are getting all of the mail I have written. Maybe, it will cram your mail box. [sic] I got a Christmas card from one of your cousins which is Bert Sal. [?] I was very surprised to get it and don’t forget to thank her for me. How are your folks? Don’t forget to give them my regards and Hello. Well “Darling” I will close and write real soon. Yours always With Lots of Love “Joe” {Signature accent mark} {V-MAIL stationary footer} �[V-mail envelope] WAR & NAVY DEPARTMENTS V-MAIL SERVICE OFFICIAL BUSINESS {Postmark} U.S. POSTAL SERVICE NO. 1 DEC 19 12 PM 1943 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_1943-12-07 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 1943-12-07 Title A name given to the resource Letter from Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, December 7, 1943 Description An account of the resource Handwritten V-Mail letter and envelope with transcript by Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, dated December 7, 1943. The envelope is sent from Co. L, 26th Infantry A.P.O.-1, c/o Postmaster New York, New York, dated December 19, 1943. In the V-Mail letter, Joe writes a brief message to Agnes letting her know that he has been thinking of her all day and wishing he was with her to celebrate her birthday back home in Michigan. 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/6c910ee15ecd0cf3aebfaa16c3ba885a.pdf fd4c2b56662cf2680f984292955bb89d PDF Text Text ����� https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/2ecba99913bde031a99a2a7e59e38005.pdf 9d087674c0805e3b939d44bca1bda9dc PDF Text Text [RHC-93_Olexa_1944-02-10] [Page 1 - front] England Feb. 10, 1944. Hello “Darling,” I was very pleased to get a letter from you today and hope to get another one tomorrow. I just got back from a movie tonite, [sic] called The Sea Wolf, with Edward G. Robinson, John Garfield and Ida Lupino. It’s a very good picture and this is the second time I saw it. No “Sweets,” I haven’t seen the picture “Old Aquaintance” [sic] it must have came out when I left the States. If I don’t get any of them kisses, you haven’t sent yet “Darling” I’m going to get real mad and nip [?] you nose tonite while you’re sleeping. What do you think of that? I love you as much as ever “Honey” and still miss you a lot. I think of you often everyday and pray for the day when you and I can be back together again. Yes, I got your pictures as I have written before and they sure are good ones. I’ve looked at them so much, sometimes, I think you may jump right out of the picture and bite me. My folks think you a very nice and so do I. [sic] If you were here [text strikethrough] now I’d surely give you [Page 1 - back] plenty of hugs that I missed in giving you, for the last 18 months. Sometimes I have a lot to write and when I do most of it is forgotten. Just like me isn’t it? Ha! Ha! Only four more days till St. Valentines Day. I don’t have any cards to send but “will you be my Valentine”? If you won’t be, I’m going to be disappointed. Well those 2 boys sure had a nerve saying what they did and at that loud enough for you to hear it. I’d get mad myself. I don’t know of anything I need now but when I do I’ll let you know, “Sweets.” Its quite cold out tonite and my feet sure feel it. I’m getting fat lately and weigh about 180 pounds. Isn’t that awful? I usually gain a lot of weight in the winter anyway. I could go for one of your mother’s good Lemon pies right now. [sic] I’ll never forget the two she baked once and they were swell. My sister asked me to write a letter to a newspaper friend of mine where she lives but I don’t want to write about the things I’ve done and experienced. It may be hard for people to understand this but a fellow will know this if he’s been at the front. I don’t intend to talk about what I done, I want to live a peaceful life and try to forget instead of remembering. [Page 2 - front] I miss a lot of my friends which I shall never see again. I don’t want nobody to feel sorry for me or give me sympathy. I’ve found out how to live a clean life the hard way which I wouldn’t sell for all the gold in the world. I thank the “Lord” for bring me through with flying colors and my trust and faith will be in Him. Some may say, I was lucky to come out alright but to me I had faith in “God” and know that many a time, I felt that I wouldn’t make it but was spurted [?] on. I’m here today and don’t know where I’ll be tomorrow or a week from now. I don’t worry none about this for I know “God” will make it be for me, with my trust in him. I could go on and on but shan’t write more of it to worry you any. I have been awarded the Infantry Man’s [?] Combat �badge, I’ll describe it but I haven’t gotten it as yet. It’s a pin with a dark blue back ground, on it, it has cross rifles and a reath around it. [sic] Can’t send the paper but will write some words it has. The following personnel of Company L are awarded the Combat Infantryman Badge for exemplary conduct in action against the enemy or by satisfactory performance of duty in action against the enemy in a [text strikethrough] major operation as determined and announced by the [?] Commander. [Page 2 - back] I also got the year before Pearl Harbor ribbon. I forgot to write about this before and hope it isn’t censored out. Well “Darling,” I shall close with all my love for you. Yours Always, With Loads of Kisses Joe {Signature accent mark} [Envelope front] Sgt. Joseph P. Olexa (12016893) Co. L, 26th INF. A.P.O. - 1 c/o PM, New York, N. Y. U. S. Army Free {Postmark} U.S. ARMY POSTAL SERVICE 1 FEB 15 1944 A.P.O. Miss Agnes Van Der Weide 1913 Berkley Ave., S.W. Grand Rapids, 9 Mich. PASSED BY 20639 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_1944-02-10 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 1944-02-10 Title A name given to the resource Letter from Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, February 10, 1944 Description An account of the resource Handwritten letter and envelope with transcript by Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, dated February 10, 1944. The envelope is sent from Co. L, 26th Infantry A.P.O.-1, c/o Postmaster New York, New York, dated February 15, 1944. In the letter, Joe writes to Agnes from England sharing how he recently saw the film "The Sea Wolf" for the second time and asking her to be his Valentine in anticipation for St. Valentine's Day. Joe also opens up to her about his experience overseas losing friends and how his faith has gotten him through many hard times. Subject The topic of the resource United States. Army. Infantry Division, 26th World War, 1939-1945 Soldiers -- Michigan Correspondence Motion pictures--1940-1950 Sea wolf (Motion picture) Valentine’s Day 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/4dbc469e498bf129b28cfad4a1e6d20d.pdf 36330f71d949992cde2c36736d2afa88 PDF Text Text ����� https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/4216bff593ef5d47215babeb5b489833.pdf 023ebbb8818bad72ec35c0f9a43f1349 PDF Text Text [RHC-93_Olexa_1944-02-12] [Page 1 - front] England Feb. 12, 1944. Hello “Darling,” Went to town this afternoon and went to the show. I saw a double feature and the pictures were really good. One was “Lady Bodyguard” and the other one” Whistling in Dixie [?].” On my way home, I was thinking of you and wondering if I got some mail from you. Well, I sure did and must say “Darling” I could squeeze you right now if you were here. I got 3 V-mails and two of your letters. I didn’t get the 1st one you wrote but may tomorrow. Four V-mails is a lot in a day “Sweets,” and you may beat me yet. That Lipstick kiss was wonderful and I brought it to my lips as soon as I saw it there. See what you’ve done to me “Darling”? I’ve been thinking of you ever since I got back from town and Love you more than I could write at present. It’s peaceful here tonite [sic] and what a nite for romance for just you and I. It’s Saturday also and memories with you just seem like we were together again. I love you very much Darling and also pray for the day when I get back to see you again. I miss your hugs too and I’m not kidding. I want you to send me one of your kisses in every letter even if they do smudge [?]. If you [Page 1 - back] don’t “Sweets” I’m going to pull your curls when I get back. I don’t want much do I? Ha! Ha! You’ve pleased me so much “Darling” that I don’t know what to say. I keep wishing though, that I could hold you in my arms again and I don’t think I’d ever let you go. Ain’t I terrible? Ha! Ha! Why shouldn’t you be my “Sweet Little Headache” because all of my spare moments are thinking of you and what a swell time we will have when I get back. I’m only teasing you “dear” about your cooking so don’t worry none about it. If I stopped writing about it then I wouldn’t have much to write. Ha! Ha! You make good coffee so why not you and I raid the ice box tonite. [sic] I thought so, your mother put a lock on it to keep us thieves out. Ha! Ha! Well, it was a good idea, wasn’t it “Darling.” I’m hungry aren’t you? If you have anymore recent pictures of yourself “Sweets,” I hope you will send them to me. I know that film is hard to get but I’ll wait till you can get some. There very hard to get here too. [sic] My folks really think you’re swell “Darling” so you needn’t worry your pretty head about it. I knew they would and if you ever have any time off again, they sure would want to see you for they did enjoy your visit with them. You bet I’ll sweep you off of your feet and I won’t forget it either and the Mayor of Grand Rapids [Page 2 - front] can be there to watch me too. What do you think of that? I can just picture you being an old maid “Sweets.” You might be up until the time I come barging in and then what you do? [sic] I thought so, you’d go soft on the old maid theory and give me the biggest hug I ever had. So you see young lady, I shan’t worry none. I haven’t heard from the fellow who is making the bracelet I wrote about but I’ll let you know when I do. It will be a real good souvenir from England. �Souvenirs are very expensive here for it is a luxury here. Maybe, someday I will be able to get you a big bedspread just as pretty as the one I sent my mother. If, I would have had the time and wrapping material you would have had one, when I got my mother’s. I did want so much to get you one and hope you understand “Sweets.” I hope we do get a chance to go home just enough I’d say to see everyone and especially you. But I won’t count on it, till it happens. In the meantime my thoughts will be of you. What will I be doing while you are at work “Sweets”? Have you thought of that? I don’t think I would be able to set still, do you? Ha! Ha! You wouldn’t be able to work either thinking of me all of the time. So that’s another problem we’ll have to work out. Why shouldn’t I send you surprises? [Page 2 - back] To me, “you’re” the only one and that’s the only way of expressing it while I’m away. When I need anything, I’ll let you know “Darling” so you can send it to me. I was surprised to hear about Mrs. Wennerberg [?] and don’t blame you any getting mad at her. I’m also very anxious to get your package and for that I’ll give you a big hug. Did you feel it? Wish you were here to go to church with me tomorrow but I’ll have to go alone. I like that!! Well “Sweets” I shall close and will write again tomorrow. Give my regards to your folks? Yours Always, With Loads of Love & Kisses Joe {Signature accent mark} P.S. Write real soon. [Envelope front] Sgt. Joseph P. Olexa (12016893) Co. “L,” 26th Inf. A.P.O. - 1 c/o Postmaster, New York, N. Y. U. S. Army {Postmark} U.S. ARMY POSTAL SERVICE 1 FEB 15 1944 A.P.O. Miss Agnes Van Der Weide 1913 Berkley Ave., S.W. Grand Rapids, 9 Mich. �PASSED BY 20639 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_1944-02-12 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 1944-02-12 Title A name given to the resource Letter from Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, February 12, 1944 Description An account of the resource Handwritten letter and envelope with transcript by Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, dated February 12, 1944. The envelope is sent from Co. L, 26th Infantry A.P.O.-1, c/o Postmaster New York, New York, dated February 15, 1944. In the letter, Joe writes to Agnes with a feeling of romance in the air after receiving three V-mails and two letters from her and while enjoying a peaceful Saturday overseas. He also writes of his dreams of returning home and sweeping Agnes off her feet in Grand Rapids, in addition to his plans to send her souvenirs from England. Subject The topic of the resource United States. Army. Infantry Division, 26th World War, 1939-1945 Soldiers -- Michigan Correspondence Love letters Motion pictures--1940-1950 Souvenir England 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/12b9564259661b3954044f93a4714695.pdf 44e2692bdc63599f824f29c373dc2b94 PDF Text Text ����� https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/e092fcb06b78bb397ecc711201051c6b.pdf bb534c1276cf09aee4ae6fee065279eb PDF Text Text [RHC-93_Olexa_1944-02-13] [Page 1 - front] England Feb. 13, 1944. Hello “Precious,” Just got back from church and had a very good dinner. We had Roast Chicken, mashed potatoes, gravy, creamed peas, cake and coffee. [sic] Doesn’t’ that make you hungry, “Sweets”? I sure wish that you were here to go walking with me this afternoon. What a lovely day for such a thing? I wouldn’t take in much scenery but would look at you most of the time. I’d probably hold you so tight so you couldn’t breath [sic], for I miss you so much. Yes, I’d even whisper in your ear of how much I love you and cared. Why does a war keep us so far apart when we miss each other so much. I don’t think I’ll ever give you any rest “Sweets” when I have you in my arms again. What a day that will be, with you and I waiting, patiently, for it to come. I plan to go out walking this afternoon and my thoughts will probably carry me back to you. See how generous I am!! Ha! Ha! I’m still very pleased to get all of your mail at one time yesterday. I hope that you will write as often as you can for I miss you so much “Darling.” I’ll try to do the same when ever I have the chance and hope that I [Page 1 - back] can fill your mail box chuck full of my letters. Sometimes a V-mail seems so small but when I know who wrote it, up goes my blood pressure and everything seems to tinkle [?], inside of me. I not only read it once but several times until I almost know it by heart. See, what you’ve done to me and I’m very anxious to get all of your kisses. This is why you’re not going to get any rest while I’m with you. Ain’t I a meanie, though? I’m going to knip [sic] your nose, fuss with your curls you patiently made and last of all, bite your ears which will please me most. I could go on and on telling you of the things I’d like to do but I won’t be satisfied until we are together again. Do you think, you can stand all of this that I have written about? I’ll find out though, won’t I? I’m also so pleased to hear you are doing such [text strikethrough] good work at the store. Would you have that much ambition to keep the home fires burning? I wonder? Ha! Ha! You’ve inspired me to tease you “Sweets,” and I like to see that big frown you make, when you’re peeved. Now ain’t I getting awful, but I love you more, for it. I can remember the cold winter day, you wanted me to go to “Eileen’s” with you. You got so mad but I saved you from freezing. I’ll bet you could have torn me into small pieces [Page 2 - front] that day. I often think of it and grin for you were so peeved and disappointed. All I did was tease you more and love you for it. That’s just like me isn’t it? I’m not rubbing it in and if you weren’t that way, I’d only love you half as much. Have you gotten into Gloria’s candy like she used to do to you? I’ll bet you haven’t? Ha! Ha! Remember to do it the next time she gets a box of candy. I can just imagine the results. Ha! Ha! Full of mischief ain’t I? I’ve imagined you wearing that housecoat, many times “Darling,” especially when your hair is bushy. It fits right in with the �colors and I can’t seem to waite [sic] to see you in it. That reminds me to ask if you sent me one of the curls in your package. Did you? I may give you the impression that I’m impatient but I’m not “Darling,” I just want to express all the love, I have for you. I can’t write much about it, but I sure can feel it. Ha! Ha! Don’t you? I know we shall be happy together, once when we can know each other’s ways. I have so much to talk about but will wait till we are together again. Keeping you in suspence [sic] ain’t I? But you’ll have to waite. [sic] Ha! Ha! I’m surprising myself again for I though I hadn’t much to write at first and if I keep on, I might get to the other side. Ha! Ha! Well how are your folks today? I often think of [Page 2 - back] them because they have been swell to me. I really mean it and can’t express it. Well “Sugar” I shall close hoping to hear from you real soon. (L) (O) (T) (S) (O) (F) (T) (H) (E) (M) Yours Always, With Loads of Love and Kisses Joe {Signature accent mark} P.S. I hope that I have answered most of your questions. [Envelope front] Sgt. Joseph P. Olexa (12016893) Co. “L,” 26th Inf. A.P.O. - 1 c/o Postmaster, New York, N. Y. U. S. Army {Postmark} U.S. ARMY POSTAL SERVICE 1 FEB 15 1944 A.P.O. Miss Agnes Van Der Weide 1913 Berkley Ave., S.W. Grand Rapids, 9 Mich. PASSED BY 20639 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_1944-02-13 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 1944-02-13 Title A name given to the resource Letter from Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, February 13, 1944 Description An account of the resource Handwritten letter and envelope with transcript by Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, dated February 13, 1944. The envelope is sent from Co. L, 26th Infantry A.P.O.-1, c/o Postmaster New York, New York, dated February 15, 1944. In the letter, Joe writes with great affection for Agnes after receiving all of her most recent letters on one day and shares his pride for her good work ethic back home. 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/bce9e4c5aec1519854ea6d40a9faa33d.pdf e70d82a62e98f353a600f729f1ac7e43 PDF Text Text ��� https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/da8883e760dcc2e3229d89912b76c39d.pdf e3551a0cbcfbed682affff61102921c9 PDF Text Text [RHC-93_Olexa_1944-02-14] [Page 1 - front] England Feb. 14, 1944. Hello “Sugar,” Rec’d your other V-mail I didn’t get with the others and one dated the 31st. I also got a letter from Helen and everything’s fine with her. I sure would love to see that dress you mentioned and most of all you “Darling.” I miss you so much and think of you all of the time. I have no cards that will rhyme but will you forever, be my “Darling Valentine.” Wish you were here “Sweets” so I could whisper it in your ear. Not only that but to hold you in my arms and squeeze you ever so much. What, do you think of that? [sic] I got a little news on Roy and believe it or not he’s engaged again. You could knock my over with a feather, when a fellow was telling me about it. [sic] She’s an usherette in a Movie over here. I don’t want this spread around for it might not be true. Anyway it’s just like him to do it. Ha! Ha! I never saw the show “True to Life” but will keep it in mind to see it when it comes around. I saw the picture Appointment In Berlin and it was pretty good. [sic] I’d like to see the picture “Claudia.” Have you seen it? I’m still [Page 1 - back] waiting for your package to arrive “Sweets,” and hope it gets here real soon. You bet “Honey” I can hardly wait to get back and someday I will. I can just see you. You wouldn’t know what to say or do and last of all you may let a few tears roll down your cheeks, all for me too. I know what you’re thinking but I’ll bet you will. Ha! Ha! I may get weak in the knees myself, it wouldn’t surprise me none. Ha! Ha! Well, how is your Dad getting along with his work? You haven’t mentioned much about him. Don’t forget to let me know. If your mother don’t hurry up and answer my V-mail, I’m going to throw a lot of ink at her. Never mind, I’ll tell her myself. Say!! Mrs. Buzz Buzz, if you don’t hurry and drop me a line I’m going to buzz, buzz. How’s at? [sic] Ha! Ha! Well “Darling” I shall close with all of my love to you. Write real soon and give everyone my best regards. Yours Always, With Loads of Kisses Joe {Signature accent mark} [Envelope front] Sgt. Joseph P. Olexa (12016893) Co. “L,” 26th Inf. A.P.O. - 1 c/o Postmaster, New York, N. Y. U. S. Army �Free {Signature accent mark} {Postmark} U.S. ARMY POSTAL SERVICE 1 FEB 17 1944 A.P.O. Miss Agnes Van Der Weide 1913 Berkley Ave., S.W. Grand Rapids, 9 Mich. PASSED BY 20639 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_1944-02-14 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 1944-02-14 Title A name given to the resource Letter from Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, February 14, 1944 Description An account of the resource Handwritten letter and envelope with transcript by Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, dated February 14, 1944. The envelope is sent from Co. L, 26th Infantry A.P.O.-1, c/o Postmaster New York, New York, dated February 17, 1944. In the V-Mail letter, Joe writes a special Valentine's Day letter to Agnes asking her to be his "Darling Valentine" and imagining their future homecoming together. Subject The topic of the resource United States. Army. Infantry Division, 26th World War, 1939-1945 Soldiers -- Michigan Correspondence Love letters Valentine’s Day 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/740cc73252aa3bfdaa4af824a3dcf5c6.pdf fa4e6b111f319e55efa343ba3afc314d PDF Text Text ������� https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/792a03479b6c48f0d18e27c6f2e80ce8.pdf bf2d482aee2200962006ea94b9cb8f41 PDF Text Text [RHC-93_Olexa_1945-02-14] [Page 1 - front] England Feb. 14, 1945. “My Dearest Darling,” Rec’d two of your letters dated Dec. 29th and Jan. 9th and was very pleased to receive them. It’s been 3 months since I got one of your lovely letters, so I’m tickled. I’m improving fairly well although it shall take time to fully recover. I may leave the hospital soon on Non-Combatant duty so it will help me some. I sure would like to be home with you, but I shall have to waite [sic] as usual and if it’s the Lord’s will, I shall return. I miss you very much “Darling” and still await the day when I can take you in my arms once again. Gee! I’d squeeze you till daybreak without every letting up. That [Page 1 - back] would be wonderful for me. Ha! Ha! This war may keep you from me, but it doesn’t stop me from loving you with all my heart. That’s one thing I have on the Army. I’m also pleased to hear you liked the gift Helen sent to you for me. I like it too. Well, “Darling,” I wish I could be in your arms to smell the perfume I sent you. I’d be in paradise (sigh). We shall get married when I return and nothing shall interfere with us being happy. I’m fortunate, too, to get a swell girl like you to be my wife. Gosh!! “Darling” I’m awful homesick for you. Couldn’t you just jump in a letter and come to me for a little while, for I’d like to get that big hug you promised in this letter. Boy! That would be swell. It sure would raise my morale. [Page 2 - front] I still haven’t rec’d any of the packages so I take it that they are lost. Just my luck not to get the cookies you’ve made and all of the other things. Packages never seem to reach me. I’d like to know the reason why. With all of the wonderful gifts you got, I must say “Santa” was very generous. I’d like to see the blanket your folks gave you and the other things. I hope too that you will be able to get that cedar chest. “Darling” did you ever get the money I sent to you? I sent $180 dollars at one time and $125 in November? I hope you did. How are you coming along with your cooking? You ought to be able to cook me a good meal when I return. I’m a hungry man you know. [Page 2 - back] It’s like wishing for a star to return and be an instructor somewhere in the States but I’d love it because we could be together. You being Mrs. Olexa and us together, would be all I’d ask. I hope by the time you get this letter that you got the things I sent you from here. There just some souvenirs I made and I hope you like them. Well, “Darling” you’d better not brag about me too much because I’m not half that good. I know we shall be very happy “Darling” in our cozy little home we shall have. It’s going to be swell to return home from work to a lovely wife such as �you’ll be. Our problems may be hard but we shall see them thru so nothing will stop us living in happiness. We’ve been separated [Page 3 - front] so long but someday we shall make up for it won’t we. I still have your picture on my stand and you seem to be lovelier every time I look at you. Gosh, I’d love to bite your ears and pull some of them curls. I’ve taken a photo of myself that I will send to you soon. It’s not too good but it will give you an idea of what I look like since my last picture of a year ago. How is Gloria making out with all of her boy-friends now days? [sic] How many has she given the air already. Did she answer my letter I wrote to her in October? How is your mother & dad and the rest of the family? Don’t forget to give them my best of regards, will you? I’d like to see the pin your mother got, you ought [Page 3 - back] to describe it to me for I haven’t received that letter of Helen’s telling me about them. You know I haven’t heard from my brother Johnny in ages. Wonder what happened to him. Ollie writes regular and I nearly take a fit. What’s come over him is beyond me. Well, “Darling” I shall close hoping to hear from you real soon. I haven’t as yet rec’d any letters from you with this address but hope to soon. Loads of Love & Kisses Your Future Husband Joe {Signature accent mark} P.S. Remember “Darling” my thoughts are always of you. [Envelope front] S/Sgt. Joseph P. Olexa (12016893) Det. of Patients 4152 U.S. Hosp. Plant A.P.O.-63 c/o PM. New York, N.Y. {Postmark} U.S. ARMY 63 FEB 16 1945 POSTAL SERVICE Miss Agnes Van Der Weide 1913 Berkley Ave. S.W. �Grand Rapids, 9 Mich. PASSED BY 40010 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_1945-02-14 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 1945-02-14 Title A name given to the resource Letter from Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, February 14, 1945 Description An account of the resource Handwritten letter and envelope with transcript by Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, dated February 14, 1945. The envelope is sent from Det. of Patients, 4152 U.S. Hospital Plant, A.P.O.-63, c/o Postmaster New York, New York, dated February 16, 1945. In the letter, Joe writes to Agnes while recovering in the hospital in England and after receiving the first forwarded letters from her in over three months. He continues to write that he will be leaving the hospital in the near future and placed on "Non-Combatant" duty, in addition to updating Agnes on his latest news. 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/26e33c364ae05f4a66a7739009675c3a.pdf 75783f32320a11a0622b1149fe5a026c PDF Text Text ������ https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/c1540e1cd11c0e65a2bc02faed491b25.pdf bea4f605d054ce81006ed10d02ff84c9 PDF Text Text [RHC-93_Olexa_1945-02-15] [Page 1 - front] England Feb. 15, 1945. “My Darling,” Rec’d your lovely letter of Jan. 22 addressed to me here and I was mighty pleased to get it. I just wrote you a nice long better yesterday in answer to your other two. I hope by now that you got some of my other letters I had written to you. I shall try very hard to write more often for I know it’s discouraging not to receive mail regularly. It sure would be nice “Darling” if I could be able to return home for a while. Gosh! We’d have so many things to do I think we’d never get them half done, do you? It’s hard to say what it will like when we meet again Darling, but I shall give [Page 1 - back] you the biggest hug and kisses I ever did. I keep looking forward to that day too, be it near or far. I may have forgotten to put all of my love in that V-mail but Young Lady just waite [sic] till I get you in my arms again. You’ll never mention anything about what I didn’t write. What do you think of that? You’ll have to suffer the consequences. Ha! Ha! Every day, I keep longing to be with you and miss you very much. I shall love you always “Darling” and I know we shall be very happy when we are married. I’ve squeezed you so much in my thoughts “Sweets” that you may look like a rag doll going thru a lot of punishment. Bad ain’t I? Darling did you get the Valentines I sent? I hope you have. I have not sent out the photos of [Page 2 - front] myself as yet but they will be on the way soon. There are only four of them and you can send the other three to the ones I’ve written in for. You bet we shall go out together and I shall enjoy every moment when I do because I’ll have the best girl in the world to escort around. I’m pleased to know that you liked the comforter I had Helen get you for your birthday and we shall be real warm when winter comes in our future years together. No, I’m not in the same hospital that I was when I was wounded although it isn’t too far from there. I spent Christmas day riding on a hospital train from Paris and I really thought of you a lot that day. Maybe you heard me. Ha! Ha! No, I don’t have to stay in bed and work out during the day. I’m doing some plumbing [Page 2 - back] work to keep me busy. I’m not a total nervous wreck, it’s just that I’ve taken a lot of physical and mental punishment. I shall be as good as new someday, but it shall take time. I also got a letter and a Valentine from Helen. Your letters smell very nice and your kisses are adorable. I can hardly waite to feel the fragrance and tenderness of your lips, like the last kiss I got from you, ages ago. [sic] Well “Darling” I shall close with all my love to you. Your Future Husband �Joe {Signature accent mark} With Loads of Kisses P.S. Sending you a history of our outfit that I want you to keep for me. I’m allowed to send this home. [Envelope front] S/Sgt. Joseph P. Olexa (12016893) Det. of Patients 4152 U.S. Army Hosp. Plant A.P.O.-63 c/o PM. New York, N.Y. {Postmark} U.S. ARMY 63 FEB 16 1945 POSTAL SERVICE Miss Agnes Van Der Weide 1913 Berkley Ave. S.W. Grand Rapids, 9 Mich. PASSED BY 40010 U.S. ARMY EXAMINER [?] [Envelope back] S.W.A.K. {red lipstick imprints} � 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_1945-02-15 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 1945-02-15 Title A name given to the resource Letter from Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, February 15, 1945 Description An account of the resource Handwritten letter and envelope with transcript by Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, dated February 15, 1945. The envelope is sent from Det. of Patients, 4152 U.S. Army Hospital Plant, A.P.O.-63, c/o Postmaster New York, New York, dated February 16, 1945. In the letter, Joe writes to Agnes from England hoping she received the Valentines he sent and sharing how he spent his Christmas holiday thinking of her while traveling on a hospital train from Paris, France. Subject The topic of the resource United States. Army. Infantry Division, 26th World War, 1939-1945 Soldiers -- Michigan Correspondence Love letters Valentine’s Day 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/d5379081e41c69bb71d5249823884788.pdf c9cf55a2b28df19580fca4617ec9250f PDF Text Text ����� https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/128e862b63a83a30b13f2c7016e7f24e.pdf 1a4160c8d3f071d595695441b9e6ad7d PDF Text Text [RHC-93_Olexa_1942-02-16] [Page 1] Co. L, 26th Inf. Fort Devens, Mass. February 16, 1942 Dear Agnes, Got to Camp O.K. but missed that bus I wanted to take at 10:30. I went down to the Park Square and bumped into Roy and that fellow you saw down at Whalom. I had K.P. today and I sure made up for that 3 day pass I took. We are leaving Thursday for our company has to police up the whole Regimental Area. After the 20th, my address will be as I have written on the next page. [Page 2] P.F.C. Joe Olexa (12016893) Co. L, 26th Infantry A.P.O. #1 Camp Blanding, Florida I forgot to thank your mother and Dad for the use of the car, so I shall thank them for everything in the next few lines. First, I want to express my heartfelt thanks for their kindness, which is beyond words. I’ve enjoyed every moment of my visits up there and I shall always remember it. Last, yet, not the least, I am very grateful for the trouble of taking me to Fitchburg on Sundays. [Page 3] Anyway in a simple form of words, Thanks a million and at that, I’m not half giving my true expressions and feelings. [sic] I haven’t much to write, so I will close. As Ever, Joe {Signature accent mark} P.S. Tell Gloria I’ll collect the debt she owes me the next time I get around this way. Ha! Ha! I shall write again when we get to our new home. When I get my first [?], I'll send [?] him to you for a souvenir. �[Envelope front] {Postmark} - partially illegible AYER FEB [?] 12 PM 1942 MASS. Miss Agnes Van Der Weide 11 Main Street Ashburnham, Mass. [Envelope back] P.F.C. Joe Olexa Co. L, 26th Infantry Fort Devens, Mass. � 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_1942-02-16 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 1942-02-16 Title A name given to the resource Letter from Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, February 16, 1942 Description An account of the resource Handwritten letter and envelope with transcript by Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, dated February 16, 1942. The envelope is sent from Co. L, 26th Infantry, Fort Devens, Massachusetts, dated February 1942. In the letter, Joe writes to Agnes after returning to camp at Fort Devens and sharing the news of their next move to Camp Blanding, Florida. He also writes to express his sincere gratitude towards Agnes' parents for the kindness they have shown him during his visits and travels. Subject The topic of the resource United States. Army. Infantry Division, 26th World War, 1939-1945 Soldiers -- Michigan Correspondence Fort Devens (Mass.) Camp Blanding (Fla.) 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/9a3b02077e382cdd6426128a8c511143.pdf 0397bc45c00174edff3aa252a9bb9a54 PDF Text Text ��� https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/5ebf1a501d925f809ba131a50a708e52.pdf 0143ad5a745a9358dd8f1fdf30ffb2b8 PDF Text Text [RHC-93_Olexa_1944-02-16] [Page 1 - front] England Feb. 16, 1944. Hello Sweets, Have been thinking of you all day so I thought to write again today. I didn’t get any mail today because none came in. But I hope to hear from you tomorrow. What do you think of the picture I sent “Sweets.” Nice, isn’t it? I still love you as much as ever “Darling” and miss you ever, so much. Sometimes I just sit and think of a lot of things about us and also hope it comes true. I might give away my thoughts and intentions so I’ll have to watch out. Ha! Ha! Still in suspence [sic], “Sweets.” Ha! Ha! Meanie, ain’t I? I’ve sent a package home with some of the souvenirs I had and I’m hoping it gets there alright. I still have some more coins and my brother’s wedding picture. I sure would hate to get it soiled. Would you keep them for me? Ollie’s still on strike about writing and I expect a letter from home again soon. My folks still talk about you “Sweets” and think you are very nice. I’ll go one better though and say you’re my everything and my “sweet” little Headache. [sic] I could squeeze you right now if you were here “Precious” and give you all of the kisses I’ve missed in the last 18 months. Oh! I know it would take a long time but you won’t blame me for trying, do you? I’ve answered most of your questions so far and hope you will have a lot more [Page 1 - back] so I can write a lot more to you. I’m still waiting for that package to arrive and can’t wait to open it. I still haven’t thought of anything else I needed but when I do, “Darling” I’ll let you know. Gee!! I get mad at myself for forgetting, of what, I was going to write. [sic] At that, I usually think of it when I’ve finished writing. Doesn’t this happen to you? Well, I shall close with all my love for you. Remember “Darling,” I still love you and don’t care who knows it? Yours Always, With Lots of Kisses & ( ) ( ) ( ) [sic] Joe {Signature accent mark} P.S. Write real soon [Envelope front] Sgt. Joseph P. Olexa (12016893) Co. “L,” 26th Inf. A.P.O. - 1 c/o Postmaster, New York, N. Y. U. S. Army �Free {Signature accent mark} {Postmark} U.S. ARMY POSTAL SERVICE 1 FEB 18 1944 A.P.O. Miss Agnes Van Der Weide 1913 Berkley Ave., S.W. Grand Rapids, 9 Mich. PASSED BY 20639 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_1944-02-16 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 1944-02-16 Title A name given to the resource Letter from Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, February 16, 1944 Description An account of the resource Handwritten letter and envelope with transcript by Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, dated February 16, 1944. The envelope is sent from Co. L, 26th Infantry A.P.O.-1, c/o Postmaster New York, New York, dated February 18, 1944. In the letter, Joe writes to Agnes from England inquiring about the new photograph he sent and notifying her of the package of souvenirs he sent back home to Michigan. 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/fbda453a99512d2ffc70336b72c0df70.pdf 7b750b3d49410f34913398518a1a77a0 PDF Text Text ���� https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/322985429e0a223052e790f2a50bf8f3.pdf 568e1370073fbfbd526e0bdcd28fa9f6 PDF Text Text [RHC-93_Olexa_1944-02-17] [Page 1 - front] England Feb. 17, 1944. Hello “Darling,” Got your letter of Feb. 9th and was very pleased to hear from you. I’m fine as usual “Sweets” and hope this letter finds you the same. I miss you as much as ever “Darling” and love you more each day that goes by. I also was very pleased with that kiss you sent to me. I still taste the lipstick and wish it were you here now. I have not as yet received your package but hope it gets here real soon. I also got a letter from Ollie’s girl-friend [sic] and she must have a nice personality by the way she writes. She said that she was anxious to meet me and wrote about how much she liked Helen and my folks. Don’t worry “Sugar,” she shan’t steal me away from you because I’m only interested for a girl, who lives at 1913 Berkley Ave. Ha! Ha! Nobody else either. The pen sure does write funny at times so you’ll have to excuse the writing. I’d like to see you in Slacks, “Sweets,” a lot of women really look nice in them. But I’m here and you’re over there. Guess [Page 1 - back] I’ll have to waite [sic] till I get back, Eh! “Sweets.” I also got a V-mail from Helen today, she’s still very anxious to meet you and someday she will. I’ve got another head cold and is it ever a nuisance. Wish you were here to take care of me “Darling.” Wouldn’t that be swell, “Darling.” Maybe, I’d give you one instead. Ha! Ha! If the kids still talk about me, I see where you’ll have a hard time getting them away from me. Ha! Ha! Anyway I like them but you needn’t tell them. Ollie is my mother’s pet but I give him a lot of competition. I’m my father’s pet because I resemble him a lot. I’ll bet you never noticed it, or did you? How is your mother and Dad these days? Don’t forget to tell them I think they’re swell. I imagine things are quite expensive back there and it’s the same everywhere. Well, I have another birthday coming soon and hope I don’t spend it in a fox hole this year. Getting old fast, I’d say. Ha! Ha! We were to have a movie here tonite [sic] but it was cancelled. I was just wishing that you were here to give me all of those hugs you put in your letter and I’m still waiting to receive all of them. [Page 2 – front] I’ve written two other letters a couple of days ago so I’m not doing so bad am I “Sweets.” I only hope that when you don’t hear from me in great periods of time that you will think I’ve neglected to write to you. [sic] I’ll write whenever I can and try to fill that mailbox of yours. Ha! Ha! If you keep emptying it I never will. Remember “Darling” to send me a kiss with each letter. If you don’t I’ll surely take two for everyone you don’t send me. Don’t forget to let me know when you make that million “Sweets”? For, I’ll rush right back, to be your secretary. Well “Sugar” I shall close with all my love to you. Yours Always, With Loads of Kisses & ( ) ( ) ( )’s [sic] �P.S. If you ever take anymore pictures, don’t forget poor little me. Ha! Ha! [Envelope front] Sgt. Joseph P. Olexa (12016893) Co. “L,” 26th Inf. A.P.O. - 1 c/o Postmaster, New York, N. Y. U. S. Army Free {Signature accent mark} {Postmark} U.S. ARMY POSTAL SERVICE 1 FEB 21 1944 A.P.O. Miss Agnes Van Der Weide 1913 Berkley Ave., S.W. Grand Rapids, 9 Mich. PASSED BY 20639 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_1944-02-17 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 1944-02-17 Title A name given to the resource Letter from Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, February 17, 1944 Description An account of the resource Handwritten letter and envelope with transcript by Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, dated February 17, 1944. The envelope is sent from Co. L, 26th Infantry A.P.O.-1, c/o Postmaster New York, New York, dated February 21, 1944. In the letter, Joe writes to Agnes while stationed in England and with an upcoming birthday, which he hopes to not spend in a foxhole. He also mentions his appreciation for the lipstick kisses Agnes includes with her letters and how his sister, Helen, is looking forward to meeting her someday. Subject The topic of the resource United States. Army. Infantry Division, 26th World War, 1939-1945 Soldiers -- Michigan Correspondence Love letters Lipstick 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/f8023bb3d2974996d3127057f2ef3964.pdf 9d02289593744c23336a1b540b33f036 PDF Text Text ��� https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/2e87a73a5afcec8bfcac71f46fbabbc4.pdf 8e4aeb465096d3336c595c05162eb01e PDF Text Text [RHC-93_Olexa_1944-02-18] [Page 1 - front] England Feb. 18, 1944. Hello Gorgeous, Writing a few lines before I retire because this cold is miserable. Hope to feel better tomorrow though. Got a letter from my older brother Amen [?] today and was really surprised. He said you were adorable and nice “Sweets.” I think so too, “Honey” and miss you terribly. I was appointed to the rank of Staff Sergeant and the order came through today. It surprised me I must admit. Well all I can do, is to do my best in the responsibility and so forth in my work. You’d better tell you [sic] dad, I’ll beat him yet. Ha! Ha! Anyway I’ll get him worried. Didn’t get any mail from you today but still am pleased with the one I got from you yesterday “Sweets.” Well, how is every little thing with you? If you didn’t think of me today, I’ll call you a meanie? Ha! Ha! Still love you as much as ever “Darling” and keep praying that we shall see each other again soon. Wish you were here to take care of [Page 1 - back] me. Would you care if I gave you a cold? You would, eh!, well I’d give it to you anyhow. Getting mean again ain’t I? I washed my laundry tonite [sic] and now I’m done for another week. I didn’t feel like doing it but thought I’d better. I don’t intend to write a long letter tonite [sic] so you’ll have to forgive me just a tiny bit. If I go walking this weekend would you care to come along “Sugar.” Remember, it’s a date. Might go to the movies in town. Well “Darling” I shall close and write real soon. Yours Always, With Loads of Love & Kisses Joe {Signature accent mark} P.S. Give my regards to your folks. [Envelope front] Sgt. Joseph P. Olexa (12016893) Co. “L,” 26th Inf. A.P.O. - 1 c/o Postmaster, New York, N. Y. U. S. Army Free {Signature accent mark} �{Postmark} U.S. ARMY POSTAL SERVICE 1 FEB 29 [?] 1944 A.P.O. Miss Agnes Van Der Weide 1913 Berkley Ave., S.W. Grand Rapids, 9 Mich. PASSED BY 20639 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_1944-02-18 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 1944-02-18 Title A name given to the resource Letter from Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, February 18, 1944 Description An account of the resource Handwritten letter and envelope with transcript by Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, dated February 18, 1944. The envelope is sent from Co. L, 26th Infantry A.P.O.-1, c/o Postmaster New York, New York, dated circa February 29, 1944. In the letter, Joe writes to Agnes while feeling under the weather with a head cold in England and shares the good news that he had been appointed to the rank of Staff Sergeant. 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/a0fb0e4f76fd69bd137a8d561ac5539b.pdf 1cb955f1175f73a4ecac7d0b53a586c3 PDF Text Text ��� https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/38add4f17c683a1d7bc5035e3f64574e.pdf 5831cbb8fb531f731a9d94e2c88f1479 PDF Text Text [RHC-93_Olexa_1944-02-19] [Page 1 - front] England Feb. 19, 1944. Hello “Darling,” Got your Valentine and an old letter from you today. The valentine is very “sweet” and must say you were very generous giving me two kisses. I sure was tickled. I love you as much as ever “Darling” and still miss you terribly. When I get you in my arms again, I don’t think I’ll ever let you loose. I also got a letter from Ollie and it must of came on the banana boat yours did. I’m going to put it in with my letter and have you read it. In one place he says you invited him down to visit you. He’s trying to make an excuse but I’ll bet he’ll pay you a surprise visit. My oldest brother Amen [?] used to call me Beer [?] belly when I was about 8 and still does in fun. I also got a letter from my sister Nellie and this is what she had to say. “I heard your girlfriend was up to see the folks. I always am missing out on those things but when you get back you’ll have to bring her down for a visit.” I haven’t seen her or the baby in four years. I’m going to have plenty of [Page 1 - back] troubles when I get back and hope to visit everybody. I’m going to spend half of my leave with you though, “Sweets” because I miss you so. Maybe you’ll get sick of looking at me and throw me out. Will you? Ha! Ha! I’ve washed a lot of dishes “Sweets,” so helping you with a few won’t bother me none. Although, I might be lazy. Ha! Ha! What do you think of that? I feel a lot better today and hope this cold is going away. I still haven’t rec’d your packages “Darling” but it will get here alright. [sic] You’ll have to congratulate me on my promotion “Sweets,” and will do my best for getting it. You needn’t worry about the imprints, Sugar, for I like them whether they are good or smudge. Well “Precious,” I will close with all my love for you. Yours Always, With Loads of Kisses & ( ) ( ) ( ) Joe {Signature accent mark} P.S. Give my regards to your folks [Envelope front] S/SGT. Joseph P. Olexa (12016893) Co. “L,” 26th Inf. A.P.O. - 1 c/o Postmaster, New York, N. Y. U. S. Army �Free {Signature accent mark} {Postmark} U.S. ARMY POSTAL SERVICE 1 FEB 24 1944 A.P.O. Miss Agnes Van Der Weide 1913 Berkley Ave., S.W. Grand Rapids, 9 Mich. PASSED BY 20639 U.S. ARMY EXAMINER Lt. W. R. [?] � 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_1944-02-19 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 1944-02-19 Title A name given to the resource Letter from Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, February 19, 1944 Description An account of the resource Handwritten letter and envelope with transcript by Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, dated February 19, 1944. The envelope is sent from Co. L, 26th Infantry A.P.O.-1, c/o Postmaster New York, New York, dated February 24, 1944. In the letter, Joe writes to Agnes from England after receiving her Valentine in the mail in addition to letters from his siblings expressing their hopes to meet her one day. Subject The topic of the resource United States. Army. Infantry Division, 26th World War, 1939-1945 Soldiers -- Michigan Correspondence Valentine’s Day 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/2870709a5dbfa2f63adb26d69058e647.pdf 67f530dad30977c51ebbe574f1f3cff9 PDF Text Text ���� https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/1cc3ca2bfdbbdb702f043960285ccd50.pdf 46fde6c6ab833e75c10ce3a5643cf26a PDF Text Text [RHC-93_Olexa_1945-02-19] [Page 1 - front] England Feb. 19, 1945. “My Dearest Darling,” Five days have past and I sure wish that I will get another letter from you. I miss them and you, so much. I’m still coming along fine and I expect to leave this hospital soon. As I’ve written before I’m going on Limited assignment but as yet don’t know where I shall go. [sic] I work out every day doing odd jobs to keep myself busy. You are always in my thoughts “Darling” and how I wish I could squeeze you right now. Gee! That would be swell. If I don’t get home to see you pretty soon, I’m going to bust with all my love for you piling up. Almost three years’ [Page 1 - back] worth and that a plenty. Isn’t it? Gosh! “Sweets” we’ve got so much to plan that I think it will only get half done when we are together. I’ll just squeeze you for the first week is all. See! What you’re in for. Ha! Ha! [sic] I just can’t wait at times for the day when I shall return to you and if it is the Lord’s will, I shall. I shall love you always “Darling” and I know we shall live a very happy life. With a girl like you for a wife, I’ll have the world by the tail. I’ve sent out the photo’s I’ve mentioned in my last letter to you. The one with Susie written on it goes to my sister Nell. You’ll know where to send the other ones. How is everything going with you now days “Darling.” If you don’t think of me [Page 2 - front] at least once in a day, I might jump out of my picture and bite you. I just love to bite that left ear of yours and hard too. Well Young Lady, you’ll have to learn how to press my pants because I intend to retire after we’re married and I want to look neat. I’m going to sit around the first year we are married, watching you work then retire for the rest of the years to follow. Golly! That’s going to be swell. Do you think it’s a good idea? How is your folks these days? Give them all my regards, won’t you? I hope by now that you received the Valentines and souvenirs I’ve sent. Do you like them? I’ve still got to write to Helen [Page 2 - back] and after that I’ll take a shower and go to bed. I haven’t been paid in four months and when I get that money, I’m going to send you three hundred dollars. I’ve got $50 dollars now for spending money so I shan’t be short. At least we shall have a good start including the bank book Helen’s got for me and it shall come in handy. Won’t it? Well, “Precious” I will close with all my love to you. Your Future Husband Joe �{Signature accent mark} P.S. It shan’t be long till our year anniversary rolls around of our engagement and what a fortunate fellow I am. Loads of Love & Kisses to the sweetest girl I love. � 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_1945-02-19 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 1945-02-19 Title A name given to the resource Letter from Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, February 19, 1945 Description An account of the resource Handwritten letter with transcript by Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, dated February 19, 1945. In the letter, Joe writes to Agnes while recovering in the hospital in England, highlighting the nearly three years they have been apart and his plans to make up for lost time. Joe also writes teasing Agnes about his early retirement plans upon returning home to Michigan. 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