485 24 26018 https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/1db2a140a23b80e21ed9b7d590a52235.pdf a5f0fce5379d590b08082c62a83e2804 PDF Text Text ��� https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/7ee0d41d80bad3f4f42344998f93ee85.pdf 0c6de4b43c908e320bfbb0a7bba40dc3 PDF Text Text [RHC-93_Olexa_1944-02-02] [Page 1] [V-Mail Letter] {CENSOR’S STAMP} PASSED BY 20639 U.S. ARMY EXAMINER Lt. [?] Miss Agnes Van Der Weide 1913 Berkley Ave. S.W. Grand Rapids, 9 Mich. {Date stamp} 3 FEB 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. Feb. 2, 1944. (Date) Hello Sweets, Got a V-mail from you yesterday dated Jan. 17th. I still miss you as much as ever “Sweets” and waiting for the day when we shall be together again. I didn’t write last nite [sic] for I had a lot of things to do. I suppose all of my mail will come in a bunch again. Better late than never. Eh! How’s your folks? Hope they are fine and don’t forget to give them a Hello, for me? Did your mother answer my letter? How does your Dad like his new job? Got another V-mail from Helen today and as usual everything is the same with her. I haven’t much to write about tonite [sic] but I hope to have more the next time. Well “Darling,” I will close, hoping to hear from you real soon. Yours always, With Lots 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 FEB 11 2 - 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_1944-02-02 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 1944-02-02 Title A name given to the resource Letter from Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, February 2, 1944 Description An account of the resource Handwritten V-Mail letter and envelope with transcript by Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, dated February 2, 1944. The envelope is sent from Co. L, 26th Infantry A.P.O.-1, c/o Postmaster New York, New York, dated February 11, 1944. In the V-Mail letter, Joe writes to Agnes after receiving a message from her the previous day, inquiring about how her family are doing and how he hopes to hear from her soon. 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/f5812a10bb8e88039a712adf98668928.pdf 85288c916721118065e483ed3e2a7b52 PDF Text Text ��� https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/1d874278e8cbf545e45d4be98c68956f.pdf 0e1fee4f0a061dea45a4d2ee45dd655f PDF Text Text [RHC-93_Olexa_1944-02-20] [Page 1 - front] England Feb. 20, 1944 Hello “Sugar,” Today is Sunday and how I wish that I was there with you. There would be a million things I could do, at least I think, I would. Ha! Ha! It’s very nice out today and could imagine you walking along with me and telling me all of the things you wrote about. I miss you as much as ever “Sweets” and long to be with you again. Oh! happy day when it does come. [sic] I’ve reread your letters so much that they might growl at me if I took them out again. Ha! Ha! The other day I saw a sign which read “America” 3000 miles, so I climbed inside of it and sat there, for two hours but the darn thing never moved. Ha! Ha! I also sent you a picture of myself but for fear of it getting lost, I took it out. Hope you like it? Ha! Ha! This ought to bore the censor some, oughtn’t, “Sweets.” Just to bore him still, I’m going to send a few more paper dolls. I really pity them at times. Intended to see a movie tonite [sic] but at present don’t feel like going. It would amuse me greatly to knip [sic] your ears and pull your curls apart, to get you peeved from me teasing you. See! what you’ve done to me. [sic] I’ve just answered most of my mail so all I have to now is to wait for some more to arrive. [Page 1 - back] Don’t pay any attention of what my brother Ollie writes to you for its just his way and he’s a lot of fun. He’s always doing something to humor himself. Well “Sugar” have you been good at work? I mean you haven’t busted any more Catsup and so forth, or have you? Ha! Ha! Bet, you did? [sic] Don’t lie now and give me the truth? If you did I’ll bet you were daydreaming of me again. Ha! Ha! I think I’d better stop before you throw something at me. Will close “Darling” with all my love from lug like me. Yours Always, With Plenty of ( ) ( ) ( ) & X X X X Joe {Signature accent mark} P.S. Write real soon. [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_1944-02-20 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Olexa, Joseph P. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1944-02-20 Title A name given to the resource Letter from Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, February 20, 1944 Description An account of the resource Handwritten letter and envelope with transcript by Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, dated February 20, 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 on a beautiful Sunday in England and wishes they were together sharing their stories in person. 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/59d2ad6b4d643a2a5c39ebb660be9a97.pdf 818b2bd485fa3d3c1412ad7e65db0ace PDF Text Text ��� https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/d54ec5b324576dfbf38776e893ee7c95.pdf 3a7fd7b9240aa12e058dfe05479c7a0d PDF Text Text [RHC-93_Olexa_1945-02-21] [Page 1 - front] England Feb. 21, 1945. “My Dearest Darling,” Got your lovely letter of Jan. 30th and the card your mother sent. I was very pleased too that she liked my gift. I got quite a few of my back letters but no packages as yet which I hope to receive. Helen told me of the identification bracelet you got for me and “Darling” I’ve always wanted one. I’ll give you a big hug for that when I get back. Now, all I’ve got to do is waite [sic] for that package to arrive. “Darling” you are always in my thoughts and I sure do miss you. Boy! Wait till I see you again. You’ll never have any rest. I’ll squeeze you day and nite. [sic] See! What you’re in for. Your lipstick kisses are wonderful and it’s a [Page 1 - back] good substitute although I’d like the real ones. Gee! How I’d love to have you kiss me right now. Wouldn’t take much to ring the bell and for me to have high blood pressure. Gosh! Darling, I love you terribly! Just wait till I can show you. When I get that furlough to go home “Darling” we’ll get married as soon as we can and if we don’t I shall be very disappointed. I just can’t wait to see your ring and put it on your finger. I hope I don’t get a lump in my throat when I say “Darling,” will you marry me? We still have a lot of plan but with a swell girl as you for a wife, our future will a happy one. I don’t think we shall have to get used to other again because I’ll still be able to dig your ribs and bite your ears like I used to only this time it will be three years’ worth. Boy that’s going to be swell. [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 23 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_1945-02-21 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 1945-02-21 Title A name given to the resource Letter from Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, February 21, 1945 Description An account of the resource Handwritten letter and envelope with transcript by Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, dated February 21, 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 23, 1945. In the letter, Joe writes to Agnes sharing his love and his appreciation of her lipstick kisses, in addition to daydreaming about a proper in-person proposal upon his return home to Michigan. 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/adfbfab865536491656e6a2649cf463a.pdf 09fb9db7cad88ad9d0215d8f38da073c PDF Text Text ��� https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/d06842e5c7241ea82e8afefca507b6ac.pdf 4b5a5f65c86d5eec301cbe1e1499a42e PDF Text Text [RHC-93_Olexa_1944-02-22] [Page 1 - front] England Feb. 22, 1944. Hello “Sweets,” Just got back from the show in town and was it ever swell. It was called the “Seven Sweethearts.” Did you see it “Sweets”? Well, if you didn’t you’re a poor Dutchman because that’s what this picture is about. It starts with a man who had seven daughters and they all had boys names. Reason, he wanted boys but got girls instead. Another thing it was about Holland, in Michigan. Do you know where that is? I thought of you all through the picture Sugar and wished ever so much to have you with me, instead I was holding the arm rest. Ha! Ha! Getting bad, ain’t I? I love you more than I can write and miss you thrice as much. Got one of your letters dated Feb. 7 and was I ever disappointed not to see any lipstick kiss, just for poor little me, anywhere in the letter. Now if I were there right now I’d take all of the lipstick you have on your lips and just squeeze you, till I think you were punished enough for neglecting me. What do you think of that? That’s not all either for you’re not going to get off so easy so, I’ll just have to dig your [Page 1 - back] ribs a little too, to be satisfied. Now see what you are in for “Sweets”? Yes, “Darling” you have changed a lot to me in your recent picture and why it is, is because I haven’t seen you in such a long time that I’m getting very impatient? I’ll have to waite [sic] though but it will be worth it. Don’t you think so? You’d better watch that heart of yours young lady for I’m the villain whose out to snatch it from you. If, I can’t do that, I’ll make it skip a beat or two. Ha! Ha! Now, “Precious,” I don’t want to be resentful, but what I plan to talk over with you, will be done when I’m there in person. The suspense may be great but I think it will be work the waiting. I may sound indifferent but I’d rather be there and hope “Darling” that you will understand. Well I shall close with all my love to you. Give your folks my best regards and Hello. Yours Always, With Plenty of x x x x’s & ( ) ( ) ( )’s Joe {Signature accent mark} P.S. Haven’t rec’d your package as yet but I’ve got my fingers crossed? [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 26 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_1944-02-22 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Olexa, Joseph P. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1944-02-22 Title A name given to the resource Letter from Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, February 22, 1944 Description An account of the resource Handwritten letter and envelope with transcript by Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, dated February 22, 1944. The envelope is sent from Co. L, 26th Infantry A.P.O.-1, c/o Postmaster New York, New York, dated February 26, 1944. In the letter, Joe writes to Agnes after seeing the film "Seven Sweethearts," which is set in Holland, Michigan and shares how he wishes they were able to see it together. Subject The topic of the resource United States. Army. Infantry Division, 26th World War, 1939-1945 Soldiers -- Michigan Correspondence 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/933068f16440836854877e82f3fd2e97.pdf de9e83fa60d83c223175fc30f4a53b55 PDF Text Text ����� https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/5be3ce45717841428a4d48e1cbf82998.pdf 2ad6132f17db3823e1437e97a1dedc11 PDF Text Text [RHC-93_Olexa_1944-02-23] [Page 1] England Feb. 23, 1944. {Stationary letterhead featuring the American flag and the words “ONE FLAG ONE COUNTRY} Hello “Sugar,” Got a letter from you dated the 1st of Feb. and a V-mail Feb. 10th and was very pleased to hear from you. Young Lady, I did try to answer all of your questions so don’t be impatient and I’ll answer them providing I didn’t forget them. I’ve got an inflamed ear and have cotton put into them to hold whatever stuff the doctor dropped in there. I can’t hear out of one and it aches a little. I’ll probably be all right [sic] in a couple of days. I still have a cold too. Its just like me to get everything at once [Page 2] anyway. I got a letter from Francis today and everything is fine at home. She also sent me the pictures of you & Venna, Ollie, my mother and Francis. They were very good but to me, you looked a lot different from the recent pictures you sent me. I’m still very anxious to get that package “Sweets” because this pen is driving me crazy. You have me worried now “Sugar,” from the picture you took with Ollie you seem to be pretty tall. I’m short so now to be a little taller than you, I’ll have to put on stilts. If you grow much taller I don’t know what I’ll do. Venna took a nice picture and I’m still very anxious to meet [Page 3] her. I’d like to see you with the mumps “Sweets”? [sic] But, I don’t wish you to have them. Before I forget you didn’t send me a kiss either in this letter. I don’t know what I’m going to do with you “Sweets.” I’ll just have to knip [sic] your nose a little more when I get back, just for a little punishment. How’s at? [sic] If I haunt you in your sleep “Sugar,” it’s only a little warning of what I’m going to do when I see you again. I’ll haunt you all the more. Ha! Ha! I dreamt of you once, wearing a white strapless evening gown and young lady you looked very pretty in it. The light was shinning [sic] on your hair and it was fixed in a way I’ve always asked you to fix it. Your hair was bushy and down to your [Page 4] shoulders. It was beautiful and so were you, “Darling.” I sure did get mad at myself for waking up too. Ain’t I terrible? I’m very pleased to hear that you take such good care of your clothes and I shall be interested in a lot of things. What are they? Guess? Still keeping you in suspence [sic], I hope? Ha! Ha! I’m an awful meanie, nowadays? Well “Gorgeous,” I shall close for now and �write real soon. Remember “Sweets,” I still miss you and love you more & more each day that goes by. Yours Always, With “Oodles” of Love & 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. U. S. Army {Postmark} U.S. ARMY POSTAL SERVICE 1 FEB 28 1944 A.P.O. U.S. POSTAGE 6¢ VIA AIR MAIL Miss Agnes Van Der Weide 1913 Berkley Ave., S.W. Grand Rapids, 9 Mich. PASSED BY 20639 U.S. ARMY EXAMINER [?] � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Joe Olexa letters Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Olexa, Joseph P. Van Der Weide, Agnes Description An account of the resource Collection of letters between Joseph Olexa and Agnes Van Der Weide, dating from 1941 to 1946. Olexa fought in the U.S. Army 26th Infantry Division, Company "L", and eventually attained the rank of Staff Sergeant. Over the course of World War II, Olexa was engaged in North Africa, Sicily, France, Belgium, and Germany. He fought in the Invasion of Normandy, the liberation of Belgium, the Battle of Hürtgen Forest, and the Battle of the Bulge. While deployed abroad, Olexa maintained regular correspondence with Agnes Van Der Weide, a young woman he met through mutual friends. Agnes was the daughter of Benjamin and Minnie (Ter Meer) Van Der Weide. The Van Der Weide family lived in Jamestown, Michigan and Ashburnham, Massachusetts until moving to Grand Rapids, Michigan in 1943. While the letters do not contain details relating to Olexa's military activities, due to heavy censorship of soldiers' correspondence by the U.S. Army, the letters do depict the daily activities of an infantry soldier and illustrate the blossoming romance between the two. Joseph and Agnes were married July 23, 1945, and lived in West Michigan until Agnes's death in 1993. Joseph Olexa died December 3, 2000. They were survived by their son, Karl Olexa. Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant World War II Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1941/1946 Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/543">Joseph P. Olexa WWII memoir and correspondence (RHC-93)</a> Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/">In Copyright</a> Subject The topic of the resource United States. Army. Infantry Division, 26th World War, 1939-1945 Soldiers -- Michigan Correspondence Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Special Collections & University Archives Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-93 Language A language of the resource eng Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-93_Olexa_1944-02-23 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 1944-02-23 Title A name given to the resource Letter from Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, February 23, 1944 Description An account of the resource Handwritten letter and envelope with transcript by Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, dated February 23, 1944. The envelope is sent from Co. L, 26th Infantry A.P.O.-1, c/o Postmaster New York, New York, dated February 28, 1944. In the letter, Joe writes to Agnes while stationed in England and discusses the photos from her visit with his family in Michigan, noticing how tall she looks in comparison with his short stature. 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/6f3907ad760f1d2b9b188ba4e4271214.pdf 6e322bab9ae2e0476e4fd399b520512c PDF Text Text ���������� https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/ca587a75a75d12dadf837cbc84960596.pdf ac3c7788a3094eada9b49f7fdbdc1e74 PDF Text Text [RHC-93_Olexa_1942-02-24] [Page 1] February 24, 1942 Co. L, 26th Inf. A.P.O. #1 Camp Blanding, Fla. {Hand-drawn sketch of a U.S.A. fighter plane with letters spelling “VICTORY” underneath} Dear Agnes, Rec’d your letter today and was surprised to get. [sic] In fact, it beat me down here. We left Sunday morning and got down here Monday nite. [sic] The trip wasn’t so bad but it was raining when we got off of the train. We had to hike in it about a mile and a half to our tents. Our living quarters isn’t so bad and we have hot [Page 2] showers. This Camp is bigger than Devens and further away from town. I like that. {arrow pointing to previous sentence} We are forty miles from the city of Jacksonville near a little town called Starke. The sun is shining today and most of the boys are on details about the camp. [sic] Gloria told me all about you falling down the steps and the way she wrote it made me chuckle. Roy went down to Wenneberg’s [?] Friday and got his camera which they hadn’t sent to him. [Page 3] He said they didn’t mention a thing about the feud. By the way he talks, they treated him quite nice; he got a letter from them today. I haven’t seen my blonde yet but all I need is a little time to get situated. Ha! Ha! Well, I’m a wondering [sic] how long it will be before we will have to move again. They say that some of the men out of each company are going to be transfered to make up new outfits. I guess the boys that do go will get ratings. I don’t believe that I shall get transferred although I’m not sure. [Page 4] I got some cookies from a woman I know today and they tasted good. At least I had a couple of them before they were gobbled up. �Well, I’ve run out of news, so I will close and write when you can. As Ever, Joe {Signature accent mark} P.S. I’m enclosing a note [to] Gloria. What do you think of that sub that shelled the oil refinery in California? Give the folks my regards. [Enclosed note to Gloria] [Page 1 - front] Gloria {Signature accent mark} {Hand-drawn letterhead with “V” made up of stars} Hello Sweetie, Now is that nice to correct me on my spelling. [sic] “Oh!” me, seems as though I’ll have to recheck my letters and I hate to do that. So, you’re not worried anymore about your debt from what I hear. Well, I’m full of surprises, so if I haunt you in your sleep, it’s only “me.” Surprised you, didn’t I, when I collected two kisses. Well, you ought to know that I’m not bashful or even blush. I laughed up my [Page 1 - back] sleeve for I nearly took your breath away. What was the matter? Didn’t think I would do it? “Eh!” Just give me a little time on the Blonde situation, after all - I just got here. A little time ought to do it. Claypool comes over every 5 minutes to look at that picture of yours and if he keeps a comin’ over, I might give it to him. �Don’t you even envy me a little for being down where it is like summer! “Boy”!! [sic] I hope it snows like the dickens up there. While you’re shoveling snow, I’ll be swimming or better yet, set in the shade and take life easy. [sic] Isn’t that going to be ducky. Oh! Boy!! [sic] [Page 2 - front] {Hand-drawn sketch of an open book with the words “Victory or Bust Trying”} Don’t mind my writing for this weather is getting me. In fact, I don’t believe this is Florida or is it. Well, I will close and write again sometime. Joe {Signature accent mark} P.S. Don’t call me pest anymore or I’ll raise the debt. I just put the drawing on to take up a little writing space. [Envelope front] {Postmark} STARKE FEB 25 8:30 AM 1942 FLA. {Postage Stamp} UNITED STATES POSTAGE Thomas Jefferson 1801-1809 3 CENTS 3 Miss Agnes Van Der Weide 11 Main Street Ashburnham, Mass. [Envelope back] P.F.C. Joe Olexa Co. L, 26th Inf. A.P.O. #1 Camp Blanding, Florida � 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_1942-02-24 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Olexa, Joseph P. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1942-02-24 Title A name given to the resource Letter from Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, February 24, 1942 Description An account of the resource Handwritten letter and envelope with transcript by Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, dated February 24, 1942. The envelope is sent from Co. L, 26th Infantry, A.P.O. #1, Camp Blanding, Florida, dated February 25, 1942. In the letter, Joe writes to Agnes sharing the news of her latest letter awaiting him as he made the train trip down to Camp Blanding. He also discusses the conditions they experienced as they hiked to their new living quarters, how their new camp compares to Fort Devens, and his thoughts on a potential transfer in the future. Enclosed in his letter is an additional note to Agnes' younger sister, Gloria. 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/cfcf2f2e1b6110af152029cbd2d531e8.pdf 38ffed3c3fa9922c07926aec2080a181 PDF Text Text ����� https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/8dfb47d1d5fe48bf2ed2f571636b1686.pdf 037833fef0bf02d32553a93fb5cbad3b PDF Text Text [RHC-93_Olexa_1944-02-25] [Page 1] England Feb. 25, 1944. Hello “Sugar,” Thought to write a few lines since I didn’t get any mail and that I have been thinking of you. I still miss you very much and love you more than what I could write. I hope you sent me a lot of letters, “Darling” for I’m always anxious to receive them. My folks are planning on moving soon for they sold the house we live in now. I guess they’ll move to the other house but I never saw it for I haven’t been home since my folks bought it. They sure do mention of how nice you are and how much they enjoyed meeting you. I’m very pleased too “Sweets” and could [Page 2] give you a lot of hugs right now for visiting them. I wrote and told Francis to visit you and I believe they will. Maybe they did already. Now for some news I got today. Roy sent me an invitation to his wedding which is the 14th of March. He’s marrying an English girl and from what I hear she’s very pretty. I’m going, too, providing I can get the time off. If, I can go, I’ll write and tell you all about it. I don’t know whether he broke the engagement with Carolyn or not. But, I guess he did. Maybe that is why Mrs. Henenburg [?] wrote such a nasty letter to you. She may think you or I had something to do with it. If she does, I don’t [Page 3] care and will say I never did like her much. Sometime later on, I’ll send you the invitation to keep for me. It’s really lovely. You needn’t worry about me having a girl on the string over here “Sweets.” In the first place, I don’t go out much and second I already have a swell girl friend [sic] who lives at 1913 Berkley Ave. that I’m very interested in. I hope that you will not doubt me, “Sugar.” Now if I were to write some of my thoughts, you may be interested but I’ll waite [sic] till I can talk with you. The suspence [sic] is getting me down too, but it will be worth the waite. At least, I’m praying for my return and hope it will be real soon. I haven’t received your package and hope it will be in this week. I need the writing paper, pen and the other things you sent so I’ve got [Page 4] my fingers crossed. Well, how is your mother and dad? Give them a hello for me and tell your mother to write. If she don’t tell her I’ll never eat any of her lemon pies again. Will close “Sweets,” with oodles of hugs and kisses, for you. Yours Always, With Loads of Love “Joe” �{Signature accent mark} [Envelope front] S/Sgt. Joseph P. Olexa (12016893) Co. “L,” 26th Inf. A.P.O. - 1 c/o Postmaster, New York, N. Y. U. S. Army {Postmark} U.S. ARMY POSTAL SERVICE 1 FEB 26 1944 A.P.O. U.S. POSTAGE 6¢ VIA AIR MAIL Miss Agnes Van Der Weide 1913 Berkley Ave., S.W. Grand Rapids, 9 Mich. PASSED BY 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_1944-02-25 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Olexa, Joseph P. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1944-02-25 Title A name given to the resource Letter from Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, February 25, 1944 Description An account of the resource Handwritten letter and envelope with transcript by Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, dated February 25, 1944. The envelope is sent from Co. L, 26th Infantry A.P.O.-1, c/o Postmaster New York, New York, dated February 26, 1944. In the letter, Joe writes to Agnes sharing the news of his parents' new house and their upcoming move, in addition to the news of their friend Roy's upcoming wedding in England. 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/11351837a9e15b8f6ae4581cfaf88613.pdf 94e06b51a5809d08500a0a9b4ca1dfc7 PDF Text Text ����� https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/d57880c4a42e7be41543cc2e217e5b7e.pdf f60c184b5cb9636e9b672e701f74d1b8 PDF Text Text [RHC-93_Olexa_1944-02-27] [Page 1] England Feb. 27, 1944. Hello “Darling,” Have been thinking of you most of the time, today, so I’m writing to tell you again that I really miss you. Not mentioning the hugs, you’d get and how many times I would knip [sic] your nose and bite your ears. I love you as much as ever, “Darling” and long for the day when I can whisper it in your ear. Not only that but to talk about us. Wouldn’t that be swell, “Sugar”? I’m hoping and praying that we shall be together again and see each other more often. The suspence [sic] is great and at times we maybe impatient but its going to be worthwhile [Page 2] when that day comes. Don’t you think so? Went to church this morning as usual and hoped that you could have been here to go with me. I sure do remember the times we went to church together and will again when I return. I started to write to you last nite [sic] but was feeling discouraged because I didn’t hear from you so, I didn’t finish the letter. I usually get your letters in a bunch and often wish I could get them at least two or three days apart. I usually ration myself on your letters I manage to keep to read so when I don’t hear from you I start reading the letters I already [Page 3] have. Do you, do that? I still can’t get over the idea of how much you have changed, “Sweets.” You’re growing like a weed and it’s getting me worried. If this keeps up I’ll have to carry a box around to give you all of those hugs I promised. I keep looking at the pictures my sister Francis sent of you and wish I could squeeze you ever so much. What do you think of that? I haven’t heard whether you sent me that curl or not but I’m hoping it’s in the package. If you did mention it in one of your letters then I didn’t get it. As yet the package hasn’t arrived but it may on my birthday. I’ll be 25 this birthday, just 7 years older than you. I don’t think it’s terrible to be that much older than [Page 4] you. What do you think? How did you like the clippings I sent, “Sweets”? Wish I had a few magazines for I’d send more. So you see young lady I’m always thinking of you. You needn’t worry about me having a girl on the string over here. In the first place I don’t go out much and second I don’t have any time to think of anyone else but you. Will close “Darling,” with loads of Love and Kisses. Yours Always, With Plenty of ( )’s. �Joe {Signature accent mark} P.S. Sending you a picture of a German 88mm gun. This gun was used against us in the past. [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 {Postmark} U.S. ARMY POSTAL SERVICE 1 MAR 1 1944 A.P.O. U.S. POSTAGE 6¢ VIA AIR MAIL Miss Agnes Van Der Weide 1913 Berkley Ave., S.W. Grand Rapids, 9 Mich. PASSED BY 20639 U.S. ARMY EXAMINER Lt. R. Ostwald � 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_1944-02-27 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 1944-02-27 Title A name given to the resource Letter from Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, February 27, 1944 Description An account of the resource Handwritten letter and envelope with transcript by Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, dated February 27, 1944. The envelope is sent from Co. L, 26th Infantry A.P.O.-1, c/o Postmaster New York, New York, dated March 1, 1944. In the letter, Joe writes to Agnes from England as he approaches his 25th birthday, 7 years her elder, and missing her as much as ever while stationed overseas. Subject The topic of the resource United States. Army. Infantry Division, 26th World War, 1939-1945 Soldiers -- Michigan Correspondence Love letters Church services 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/b3a225c2b9785bd6fcc97de0f7d310e4.pdf 2c929bf7764da817df4701171ee94ddf PDF Text Text ������ https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/e4eaca4de725d4788a3bc49ba1c93181.pdf 84c9f12a83b2b5b0ac496eadf5fd3984 PDF Text Text [RHC-93_Olexa_1942-02-04] [Page 1] Fort Devens, Mass. Co. “L,” 26th Infantry February 4, 1942 Dear Agnes, After I got out of your dad’s car Sunday I had to wait till 11:30 for the bus. I missed the other one about 5 minutes before I got there. This morning we had a 4 hour hike and it sure was cold. We could hardly keep warm walking. It was so cold the water in my canteen froze solid. In the afternoon we went through a tear gas chamber to test our gas masks for leaks or flaws. It wasn’t bad with a gas mask on but when we got outside and took the masks off our eyes smarted a little. This was due to the gas being on our clothes. Two fellows didn’t have their masks adjusted right and they sure did get out [Page 2] of the Chamber in a hurry. They coughed and cried. You should have been here to go through. [sic] From the way Claypool talks he put me in a bad spot again. I know all about the letter he sent Gloria. He claims he did it just for meanness. I hope you and Gloria don’t take them letters serious. [sic] I’m starting out to apologize but the circumstances, at present, make me feel unpleasant and in an uneasy position. So if both of you are mad, don’t forget to cuss at me loud enough to hear it. Carolyn’s mother has written to Roy and she claims Carolyn cries quite a lot and said that Carolyn didn’t go to that skating party. She also stated that you talk and lie too much and that is why Carolyn [Page 3] doesn’t go with you anymore. I kinda laugh to myself thinking about Carolyn missing him. Roy says he isn’t going up there anymore but time will tell. They also sent him a telegram to have him call them up. He called them last Saturday but I don’t know what they said to him. I’m kinda hurrying to write this letter for the lights will be out in twenty minutes. I went to the show tonite [sic] and saw Dr. Kildare’s Victory. It was pretty good. �This Sunday (Feb. 8) we go on alert at 4 o’clock till Monday at 4 o’clock. If I get out of the dentist’s early enough, I’ll come down. If I don’t, I will not be able to come. I still haven’t heard from home so tomorrow I’m going to write and find out the [Page 4] reason. Well, the lights will be out pretty soon so I shall close. Don’t forget to write soon and if you don’t I’ll know that you are mad. Give the folks my regards and tell them the weather is the same now as it was this morning which is very cold. Ha! Ha! As Ever, Joe {Signature accent mark} P.S. I’m not re-reading this, so overlook the mistakes and writing. [Envelope front] {Postmark} AYER FEB 4 11:00 AM 1942 MASS. {Postmark} FORT DEVENS STA. 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_1942-02-04 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 1942-02-04 Title A name given to the resource Letter from Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, February 4, 1942 Description An account of the resource Handwritten letter and envelope with transcript by Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, dated February 4, 1942. The envelope is sent from Co. L, 26th Infantry, Fort Devens, Massachusetts, dated February 4, 1942. In the letter, Joe writes to Agnes discussing his most recent military training exercises including a 4-hour hike in the freezing cold and their experience testing their gas masks in a tear gas chamber. Subject The topic of the resource United States. Army. Infantry Division, 26th World War, 1939-1945 Soldiers -- Michigan Correspondence Fort Devens (Mass.) Tear gas 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/ea5be601e0e52319f324646a1afbd369.pdf 9e047e519d35a9e6ccc4f514b0d04066 PDF Text Text ����� https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/7745b6faa31da2fe83cb536e18987fdf.pdf d88b2bc5bc421be65702d98799be6ca3 PDF Text Text [RHC-93_Olexa_1943-02-04] [Page 1] North Africa Feb. 4, 1943 Dear Agnes, Rec’d four of your letters dated Jan. and tickled to hear from you. I’m the same as usual Sweet and hope you are the same. I still miss you as much as ever and it’s seven months today that I saw you last. I’m waiting patiently for them pictures and hope they get here real soon. I got another letter from Helen today and everything is fine with her. I suppose by now that she has written to you telling you about her having [Page 2] a little farm. How’s the weather out there? If it’s bad, I’ll send you a barrel of sunshine providing you have a barrel. I got Helen’s other package today. Most of them have caught up with me, so I guess most of you will stop wondering or worrying whether I got them or not. It’s too bad that your mother & Dad beat me to the punch in getting you a birthstone ring. Since you got it, I’ll rattle my brain and think of something else. I’m putting your Dad on a week's K.P. for that. I really liked the Valentine that you sent to me and some [Page 3] day I may show my appreciation with a few bear hugs. Give your folks my regard and hello. I’m still a plugging along doing my part. [sic] I’m sending you a French 20 franc note and 5 Franc note, it’s the best I could get for a souvenir so far. The 20 Franc note is worth 25¢ and the 5 Franc note about 7¢. Later if I can get them, I’ll send you some with a different value. How are the Walsh’s? Fine I hope and don’t forget to give them my hello. I haven’t forgotten the 2 short chats I had with them either. I haven’t heard from my brother Ollie or Johnny [Page 4] in a long while. Well, Sweets, I shall come to a close. Will be waiting to hear from you. Don’t forget the pictures. Yours, With Lots of Love Joe {Signature accent mark} P.S. (A surprise) I’m writing with Ink. Ha! Ha! Tell Richard to be a good boy and not to wear curls. �[Envelope front] Sgt. Joseph P. Olexa (12016893) Co. “L,” 26th Infantry A.P.O. - 1 ℅ Postmaster New York, N.Y. U.S. Army {Postmark} U.S. ARMY POSTAL SERVICE FEB 15 1943 7 [?] P.M. Air-Mail Miss Agnes Van Der Weide 11 Main Street Ashburnham, Mass. PASSED BY BASE 1107 US ARMY EXAMINER Robert Ostwald 2nd Lt. Inf. � 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_1943-02-04 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 1943-02-04 Title A name given to the resource Letter from Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, February 4, 1943 Description An account of the resource Handwritten letter and envelope with transcript by Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, dated February 4, 1943. The envelope is sent from Co. L, 26th Infantry, A.P.O. #1, New York, New York, dated February 15, 1943. In the letter, Joe writes to Agnes while stationed in North Africa and after receiving four of her letters written back in January, while also sharing how much he misses her after seven months apart. Subject The topic of the resource United States. Army. Infantry Division, 26th World War, 1939-1945 Soldiers -- Michigan Correspondence Africa, North 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/9628245a274e819adf772cc761187f57.pdf 17691e29c01e483c485bf9f76a1c1986 PDF Text Text ����� https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/cd108e863eb671fa8319bb1a28c2c5b3.pdf 6b900952864c544bdc89f4db8662a41b PDF Text Text [RHC-93_Olexa_1944-02-07] [Page 1 - front] England Feb. 7, 1944. Hello “Darling,” Rec’d your V-mail letter of Jan. 25th today and was very pleased to get it. I have not written much so far this month for I didn’t know what to write. I’m fine and dandy as usual and hope you are the same “Sweets.” “I love you,” as much as ever “Darling” and still miss you. I always think of you when I have a few moments to spare. So you, see, I’m still waiting to get back and give you all of my love and hugs that I’ve got all stored up for you. I can hardly waite [sic] till the fountain pen gets here, for I need it. I’m going to give you a special hug, for that too when I see you again. I also got a V-mail from Helen today and she wants me to ask her for a package also. Think I’ll have her get me something. My brother Ollie hasn’t written as yet or else his letter hasn’t gotten here as yet. I wish you would ask me [Page 1 - back] to answer a lot of questions Honey so I can write more often. Where’s that curl and kisses? I might be tempting to bite your ears again if you don’t send me them soon. Now don’t forget? Have you made that million yet? If you haven’t young lady, how can I have a good excuse to go home to be your secretary? Ha! Ha! Well “Sugar,” I’ve got 18 months and 5 days overseas and it makes me mad, to think, that you and I have missed a lot of days, of being together. Am I right? Did I ever write and tell you how much “I loved you” and missed you? You haven’t forgotten so soon, have you? Well it didn’t hurt me a bit to mention it again, anyway. Ha! Ha! Have you ever heard the song “I’m in The Mood for Love”? I keep humming it nearly every time I think of you, “Sweets.” Ain’t I awful!! If that Postmaster don’t send me that special package I sent for a month and a half ago, I’m going to punch him in the nose if she doesn’t get here soon. I’m very anxious to see her too and I’d sure tell him off if he were here. Ha! Ha! See, what he’s done to me? [Page 2 - front] “Still in Love with You.” Now for my birthday, I really don’t want much but here goes!! Its got to be five-seven with brown eyes, dark brown hair and lives at 1913 Berkley Ave. S.W. I want it to arrive on or before March 6th this year. Can you fill the order? I’ll bet you can’t. Ha! Ha! I got some writing paper from Helen’s mother-in-law today, so this is it. She’s real nice too. She also writes nice letters. Well “Darling,” how are your folks and the rest of the family? Don’t forget to give them a Hello for me. Went to church in town today or I should say yesterday and took “Communion.” I go nearly every Sunday and it’s really good to go there for it makes us feel like going to church when we were back home. Now, about that little hat you mentioned. I imagined you wearing little ones to big brimmed ones and come to the conclusion you look just as pretty to me with no hat at all and seeing you just with your hair the way I saw it last, when I was there. Disappointed, �you needn’t be, for I will love you just the same with a hat on. My, I’m surprising myself for writing so much. Very unusual, I’d say. Ha! Ha! [Page 2 - back] Must close on this side though with “oodles” of kisses, just for you from a lug like me. Write real soon and as often as you can. Yours Always With Lots of Love 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 {Postmark} U.S. ARMY POSTAL SERVICE 1 FEB 10 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_1944-02-07 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Olexa, Joseph P. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1944-02-07 Title A name given to the resource Letter from Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, February 7, 1944 Description An account of the resource Handwritten letter and envelope with transcript by Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, dated February 7, 1944. The envelope is sent from Co. L, 26th Infantry A.P.O.-1, c/o Postmaster New York, New York, dated February 10, 1944. In the letter, Joe writes many pages to Agnes from England sharing how he has been overseas for 18 months and 5 days and is heavyhearted about the time they have been apart. He also writes about her being his birthday wish for the following month and how he wishes she could be with him on his special day. 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/0bebd852e917006e3f3f3389475a9166.pdf dabc5cf8e7c1293f2e21115860bacca6 PDF Text Text �� https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/e50e2b9465ae6c475697db7558ed3d59.pdf d21275dc998d3a8ca067c89be2be3484 PDF Text Text [RHC-93_Olexa_1944-02-08] [Page 1] [V-Mail Letter] {CENSOR’S STAMP} PASSED BY 20639 U.S. ARMY EXAMINER Lt. [?] Miss Agnes Van Der Weide 1913 Berkley Ave. S.W. Grand Rapids, 9 Mich. {Date stamp} 9 FEB 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. Feb. 8, 1944. (Date) Hello “Precious,” Didn’t get any mail from you today but got a few letters from my buddies. I was disappointed but I can waite [sic] till they get here. Wrote you a nice long letter last night and meant every word of it. I love you as much as every star in the sky and miss you twice as much. Ain’t that a lot? I presume you a very busy working [sic] and hope you aren’t too tired to think of me just once while doing so. I do, “oodles” of times in just a day. Well “Darling,” I don’t feel like going on pass [?] so I don’t think I’ll take one. Now, if I were around “Grand Rapids,” it might be different. Two guesses of where I would go and the second one don’t count. I did my washing tonite [sic] so, I’m all set for a couple of days. If, I let it go a few days it would take twice as long. Leave it to me for saving time. “Eh”!! Has your mother answered my letter? Hope she didn’t break her arm again. Ha! Ha! Well Sugar, I will have to close again with all my love for you. Yours always, With Oodles of Kisses �“Joe” P.S. My regards to the rest of the Folks. {V-MAIL stationary footer} [V-mail envelope] WAR & NAVY DEPARTMENTS V-MAIL SERVICE OFFICIAL BUSINESS {Postmark} U.S. POSTAL SERVICE NO. 1 FEB 18 4 - 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_1944-02-08 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 1944-02-08 Title A name given to the resource Letter from Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, February 8, 1944 Description An account of the resource Handwritten V-Mail letter and envelope with transcript by Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, dated February 8, 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 V-Mail letter, Joe writes to Anges while awaiting another letter from her, sharing how he wrote her a long letter the previous night and how he loves her as much as all the stars in the sky. 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/5d42037ea129c840d2a22fe2d723bc5b.pdf 0cfa23dfad645a9d54a191b73c344d0b PDF Text Text ���� https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/e2a4415b330ebae267c32ffd7c1b256b.pdf 9c9eeb9fa38ee395bf16bae2e97e7dee PDF Text Text [RHC-93_Olexa_1942-02-09] [Page 1] {Stationary letterhead} 26th Infantry Co. “L” Fort Devens, Mass. February 9, 1942 Dear Agnes, Got back to camp O.K. and I did write a few letters till the lites went out last nite. [sic] Today we had inside classes but tomorrow we have a full-field hike. Roy is in good spirits but I believe he won’t go to see Carolyn anymore. He wants you to get him a date with another girl around there so that he can walk by “Wennebergs” and make them burn up all the more. Well, the girl he has in Texas may be his bride providing he can get down there. Ha! Ha! Inside information. We are getting ready to leave again and they say we will move before the 22nd of this month. [Page 2] When I got back, I found one pair of shoe laces which I had intended to give your father. Instead I gave him four pairs and not five, which I thought I had given him. I’m putting in for a 3 day pass and hope I get it. If not, I’ll come up after the Dentist is through working on me. How is Gloria now days [sic]? Is she still in a gloom about Cushing losing the basketball game? She had better wish for a lot of snow in order to buy us the ice cream and losing the bet. [sic] Ha! Ha! Will close, for I haven’t much to write. Give the folks my regards. As Ever, Joe {Signature accent mark} P.S. Answer when you can. Claypool sends his best regards to you and Gloria. Ha! Ha! �[Envelope front] {Postmark} - partially illegible AYER FEB 12 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_1942-02-09 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 1942-02-09 Title A name given to the resource Letter from Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, February 9, 1942 Description An account of the resource Handwritten letter and envelope with transcript by Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, dated February 9, 1942. The envelope is sent from Co. L, 26th Infantry, Fort Devens, Massachusetts, dated February 12, 1942. In the letter, Joe writes to Agnes after returning to camp at Fort Devens on the previous day and discussing that day's indoor classes in addition to the following day's full-field hike for their military training. 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/4fc99f5e8759a5975e64f5b5bdbaf34d.pdf 57bcc44236f2aafce3558d7ac1bd774a PDF Text Text ����� https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/87ce02bea4a1646349af30fc0788936e.pdf 0dd9f9a6b6ab4d93ffe7ebb092167a22 PDF Text Text [RHC-93_Olexa_1943-02-09] [Page 1] North Africa Feb. 9, 1943 Dear Agnes, Got your letter dated Jan. 13 and was pleased to hear from you. I’m the same, and hope all of you are in the best of health. I also got a letter from Helen. I have not as yet heard from my folks but hope to any day now. Well “Honey,” how are things in general with you? Fine, I hope. How are your folks and the Walsh’s? Don’t forget to give them my best regards. I nearly forgot about my little sweetie, Beasie, so tell her I’m still a kicking for her. [sic] I’m still mad at Gloria. Ha! Ha! [Page 2] I hope you receive my other letter with the French money in it. I’m sending you another bill which is worth a dollar in our money. I suppose it’s as old as can be back there, “Eh!” It’s been quite chilly here but later on I’m liable to roast. I have a few postcards that I bought as souvenirs to show the one’s I know, when I get back to the States. If I ever get to a place where I can get some good things or articles, I’ll buy it and then send it away. Until then, I’ll move along doing [Page 3] my part. I have a lot of faith and from past experiences, I sure thank the Lord that I am alive and well. How has your Dad made out drilling the boys at Cushing? I’d like to be there to hear his voice boom around the gym. Ha! Ha! I can picture myself leaning on the rail, looking down on the boys taking and executing his commands. I hear that no more packages are allowed to be sent overseas. Why they did this, is a question beyond me. I know that all of us will miss them. We’ve gone through a lot of hardships, so it won’t make any difference with [Page 4] something else. We barter or buy eggs, dates, Arab pastry, and so forth around here from the Arabs. The Germans sure did take and bleed the people of things they had and needed. Well “Honey,” I shall close and in the meantime, will be thinking of you. Yours, With Lots of Love Joe {Signature accent mark} P.S. I still miss you as much as ever and think of you often. �Don’t forget to send me those pictures of yourself. [Envelope front] Sgt. Joseph P. Olexa (12016893) Co. “L,” 26th Infantry A.P.O. - 1 ℅ Postmaster New York, N.Y. U.S. Army {Postmark} U.S. ARMY POSTAL SERVICE FEB 13 1943 P.M. A.P.O. Miss Agnes Van Der Weide 11 Main Street Ashburnham, Mass. PASSED BY US 11102 ARMY EXAMINER Robert Ostwald 2nd Lt. Inf. � 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_1943-02-09 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 1943-02-09 Title A name given to the resource Letter from Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, February 9, 1943 Description An account of the resource Handwritten letter and envelope with transcript by Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, dated February 9, 1943. The envelope is sent from Co. L, 26th Infantry, A.P.O. #1, New York, New York, dated February 13, 1943. In the letter, Joe writes to Agnes while stationed in North Africa, hoping she will soon receive the French money he sent to her, and the recent news regarding the delivery of packages overseas. Subject The topic of the resource United States. Army. Infantry Division, 26th World War, 1939-1945 Soldiers -- Michigan Correspondence Africa, North 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/93faae58b9ae0dc29fe81e052aca3c0d.pdf b9f35c5164ebbde09c10ce0c5ce69f01 PDF Text Text �� https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/c744b3c9322bf8b81352d49c32656fa1.pdf 646abd738ba425b378bb809a0000142c PDF Text Text [RHC-93_Olexa_1944-02-09] [Page 1] [V-Mail Letter] {CENSOR’S STAMP} PASSED BY 20639 U.S. ARMY EXAMINER Lt. [?] Miss Agnes Van Der Weide 1913 Berkley Ave. S.W. Grand Rapids, 9 Mich. {Date stamp} 10 FEB 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. Feb. 9, 1944. (Date) Hello Honey, Just got through writing to Helen and will write to you also. Don’t ask me whether I got any mail today, for I didn’t? I hope to soon. Ha! Ha! Well, “Darling,” I love you just as much today as I did yesterday and a little more. I’m hoping that your package will get here alright. Did you send me a list of the popular songs, out back there? We have no radio so I don’t know them. We have pin-up girls all over the place. Mostly, for morale. Ha! Ha! I saw a movie the other nite [sic] called “King of the Zombies” too much was cutout of it to make it interesting. The other one was a little better which is “Mr. Wise Guy,” with the Dead End Kids. I’m planning to see the picture, The “Seven Sweethearts,” I think it will be a good picture. [sic] Still haven’t seen or heard from Roy, but I guess he’s coming along O.K. Well “Sweets,” I shall close hoping to get a letter from you real soon. Do you save all of my letters? Give my hello to Venna and your other cousins who sent me a X-mas card. 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 FEB 19 9 - AM 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_1944-02-09 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 1944-02-09 Title A name given to the resource Letter from Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, February 9, 1944 Description An account of the resource Handwritten V-Mail letter and envelope with transcript by Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, dated February 9, 1944. The envelope is sent from Co. L, 26th Infantry A.P.O.-1, c/o Postmaster New York, New York, dated February 19, 1944. In the V-Mail letter, Joe writes to Agnes sharing the titles of movies he had recently seen and how he hopes she will write to him with a list of popular songs while he is overseas without a radio. Subject The topic of the resource United States. Army. Infantry Division, 26th World War, 1939-1945 Soldiers -- Michigan Correspondence V-mail 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/900cce18a964ff3e03413e23c46c4442.pdf 470dac77131af4a2d875eba9bb620841 PDF Text Text �� https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/3043e2bd5608b0471c492cb818259ef4.pdf 3788100c059a1c31b4270fc83679b577 PDF Text Text [RHC-93_Olexa_1945-02-09] [Page 1] [V-Mail Letter] {CENSOR’S STAMP} PASSED BY [?] U.S. ARMY EXAMINER To Miss Agnes Van Der Weide 1913 Berkley Ave. S.W. Grand Rapids, 9 Mich. From (12016893) S/Sgt. Joseph Olexa Det. of Patients 4152 U.S. Army Hosp. A.P.O.-63 c/o PM. – N.Y., N.Y. Feb. 9, 1945 (Sender’s complete address above) “My Darling,” Haven’t as yet received any of your letters but hope to real soon. I miss them and you so much. Ollie wrote and told me he took some pictures of you, so I take it that you did visit Helen. Did you have a good time there? Well, “Darling” I’m not going back to Combat any more so just as soon as I leave the hospital I am to be put on limited service. I wish it was returning to be with you again because we have so much to plan and do. Have you had a busy day today? Hope you thought of me some too. Ha! Ha! I sure hope you got the things I sent you from here. Well, “Precious” I shall close and may I get a letter from you 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 FEB 19 3:30 PM 1945 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_1945-02-09 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 1945-02-09 Title A name given to the resource Letter from Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, February 9, 1945 Description An account of the resource Handwritten V-Mail letter and envelope with transcript by Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, dated February 9, 1945. The envelope is sent from Det. of Patients, 4152 U.S. Army Hospital, A.P.O-63 c/o Postmaster New York, New York, dated February 19, 1945. In the V-Mail letter, Joe writes a brief message to Agnes, sharing how much he misses her and her letters and discussing how he will be placed on "limited service" upon leaving the hospital instead of returning to combat once again. Subject The topic of the resource United States. Army. Infantry Division, 26th World War, 1939-1945 Soldiers -- Michigan Correspondence V-mail Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/543">Joseph P. Olexa WWII memoir and correspondence, (RHC-93)</a> Relation A related resource Veterans History Project (U.S.) Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/">In Copyright</a> Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource application/pdf Language A language of the resource eng Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant World War II Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Lemmen Library and Archives https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/57011fe7e60ad63d71d9665d219e7be0.pdf 1d172f79788b4f517f73be3a4ee9e01a PDF Text Text ���� https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/b511386926a6d5f91a2dc5f473e0d7fa.pdf f17dfb064177e98db1aeeed1a88d43e6 PDF Text Text [RHC-93_Olexa_1943-01-01] [Page 1] Co. “L,” 26th Infantry A.P.O. - 1 ℅ Postmaster, New York, N.Y. January 1, 1943 North Africa Dear Agnes, Writing to let you know that I am still well and safe. Last year at this time I was up at your house and my furlough ended the same nite. [sic] I have not received any of your latest mail as yet and hope to soon. I still didn’t get that package you sent but it may turn up sometime. Well, Honey, how have you been? I’m about the same as usual which is nothing new. This New Year’s Eve was a quiet one and it was just another nite [sic] to me. Did you go to a dance? [Page 2] How are your folks these fine days? Don’t forget to give them my regards? Do you go down to see the Walsh’s? When you do, tell them I’m getting along fine. I still think of you often, “Honey,” and miss you as much as ever. I have carried the pictures we took the 4th of July and they sure went through a lot. They keep a growling for reinforcements, so you’d better send me a few recent snapshots of yourself soon. How’s my Chick-a-dee Beatrice getting along these days? I gave Gloria the air for not writing and at least Beatrice does write once in a blue moon. Ha! Ha! Claypool says to give all of his love and regards to Gloria. [Page 3] He also is expecting the “Purple Heart” for cutting his finger while opening a can of beans in a fox hole under heavy artillery fire. Ha! Ha! The rest of the boys are about the same and as crazy as ever. Well, “Sweets,” I shall close and don’t forget to write all about yourself. Write real soon. Yours, With Lots of Love Joe {Signature accent mark} P.S. Don’t forget to send the pictures. [Envelope front] Sgt. Joseph P. Olexa (12016893) Co. “L,” 26th Infantry A.P.O. - 1 ℅ Postmaster, New York, N.Y. �U.S. Army {Postmark} U.S. ARMY POSTAL SERVICE JAN 2 1943 A.P.O. Free {Signature accent mark} Miss Agnes Van Der Weide 11 Main Street Ashburnham, Mass. U.S.A. PASSED BY US 09327 ARMY EXAMINER [?] Censored by Robert Ostwald [?] 2nd Lt. Inf. � 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_1943-01-01 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 1943-01-01 Title A name given to the resource Letter from Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, January 1, 1943 Description An account of the resource Handwritten letter and envelope with transcript by Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, dated January 1, 1943. The envelope is sent from Co. L, 26th Infantry, A.P.O. #1, New York, New York, dated January 2, 1943. In the letter, Joe writes to Agnes reassuring her of his health and safety while stationed overseas in North Africa and reminiscing about being on furlough and visiting her house the previous year. He also writes about how he carries their 4th of July photographs with him everywhere and how he is in need of photograph reinforcements. Subject The topic of the resource United States. Army. Infantry Division, 26th World War, 1939-1945 Soldiers -- Michigan Correspondence Africa, North 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/cedb9ddf602c079216423b26fe692162.pdf 4e2265e84dea6be88082d9477cc7ecaf PDF Text Text �� https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/e55533163edb2dd214c0d845646fc265.pdf 4a6a780f94117320d78935551eb2351a PDF Text Text [RHC-93_Olexa_1944-01-01] [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} 3 JAN 1944 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. Jan. 1, 1944. (Date) Hello “Darling,” I must have celebrated New Years a little too much last nite [sic] and I sure feel weak from that wine. It has been kinda quiet around here all day today. I still miss you as much as ever “Darling” and love you plenty. I hope that you did go to see my folks today and I know you will like them. Don’t forget to let me know about it. We won’t get any mail till Monday and to me, that’s a long time, to waite. [sic] Ha! Ha! You haven’t told me as yet whether your Dad glued them souvenirs together or not? Please do? Did you get the gifts I had sent to you from Helen? Let me know when you do. I also hope that you will like them. How are your folks? Give them my best regards. Will close “Darling” with all my love to you. Yours always With Loads of KISSES “Joe” �P.S. WRITE SOON. {V-MAIL stationary footer} [V-mail envelope] WAR & NAVY DEPARTMENTS V-MAIL SERVICE OFFICIAL BUSINESS {Postmark} U.S. POSTAL SERVICE NO. 1 JAN 13 12 - M 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_1944-01-01 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 1944-01-01 Title A name given to the resource Letter from Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, January 1, 1944 Description An account of the resource Handwritten V-Mail letter and envelope with transcript by Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, dated January 1, 1944. The envelope is sent from Co. L, 26th Infantry A.P.O.-1, c/o Postmaster New York, New York, dated January 13, 1944. In the V-Mail letter, Joe writes to Agnes on New Year's Day after thoroughly celebrating the night before and shares his hope that she would be visiting his parents that day. 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/5621c040d0caade04ff3c69ec51b66ce.pdf a29df468e617ef946c1b57eecacf5cea PDF Text Text �� https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/7881b1767afe81c3301df1ce2be0f9ed.pdf 41cd9737c5d67fef4cfb9ec151bbba8e PDF Text Text [RHC-93_Olexa_1944-01-10] [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} 12 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. Jan. 10, 1944. (Date) Hello “Gorgeous,” Got a V-mail from you tonite [sic] and was pleased to get it. Its dated Dec. 27. I shall be waiting for them hugs and kisses, you mentioned for sending you the flowers. In fact, you’d better keep your word. Ha! Ha! I miss you as much as ever “Darling” and keep saying, just waite [sic] till I get back, so I can start to catch up on last time. I sure can pull some surprises out of the hat once in a while, can’t I, “Sweets”? I’m still waiting to hear about your visit with my folks. How do you like the housecoat? If you did have one already, I guess you can get along with two, I hope. Ha! Ha! Well “Sugar” I will close for we had a nite [sic] problem which made me kinda tired. Don’t forget to write and give my regards to your folks? I love you as much as ever, don’t you? Yours always With Lots of “Love” & “Kisses” “Joe” {V-MAIL stationary footer} �[V-mail envelope] WAR & NAVY DEPARTMENTS V-MAIL SERVICE OFFICIAL BUSINESS {Postmark} U.S. POSTAL SERVICE JAN 19 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_1944-01-10 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 1944-01-10 Title A name given to the resource Letter from Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, January 10, 1944 Description An account of the resource Handwritten V-Mail letter and envelope with transcript by Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, dated January 10, 1944. The envelope is sent from Co. L, 26th Infantry A.P.O.-1, c/o Postmaster New York, New York, dated January 19, 1944. In the V-Mail letter, Joe is pleased to hear from Agnes and learn that the flowers he sent to her were well received. 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/2bd8a4d80926398b58186c1654981fda.pdf 9c68a6f97b7ef1a574f23ed537c5f98d PDF Text Text �� https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/b9660baaa63c7128e938e1b9233e11c5.pdf fed1ad2f2ca3d348622013b7e2d5ef0b PDF Text Text [RHC-93_Olexa_1944-01-11] [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} 12 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. Jan. 11, 1944. (Date) Hello “Honey,” Got a Christmas card from one of your cousin’s today. Couldn’t make out the last name although the address was 640 High St. S.W. You can thank her for me and tell her I appreciate it very much. It rained quite a lot today and we spent most of the day indoors. I love you as much as ever “Darling” and that’s a lot. I also miss you very much and hope that we will be able to see each other soon. I just can’t waite [sic] to hear from you about visiting my folks which makes me very impatient. How are your folks, these days? Give them a Hello for me. Would you be so kind as to let me know what “popular songs” are on the Hit parade, “Sweets”? Now, don’t forget? Will close for now “Darling” until tomorrow. Write as much as you can. Yours Always, With Lots of Love & Kisses “Joe” {Signature accent mark} P.S. Did you send me the pictures, as yet? I hope so. �{V-MAIL stationary footer} [V-mail envelope] WAR & NAVY DEPARTMENTS V-MAIL SERVICE OFFICIAL BUSINESS {Postmark} U.S. POSTAL SERVICE JAN 19 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_1944-01-11 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Olexa, Joseph P. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1944-01-11 Title A name given to the resource Letter from Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, January 11, 1944 Description An account of the resource Handwritten V-Mail letter and envelope with transcript by Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, dated January 11, 1944. The envelope is sent from Co. L, 26th Infantry A.P.O.-1, c/o Postmaster New York, New York, dated January 19, 1944. In the V-Mail letter, Joe writes to Agnes and shares his excitement in finally hearing the news of her meeting his parents and wonders what popluar songs are on the hit parade at the time. Subject The topic of the resource United States. Army. Infantry Division, 26th World War, 1939-1945 Soldiers -- Michigan Correspondence V-Mail Hit parade (Radio program) 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/d6b58fcb4db599e65f1a0f8e3e6dd54f.pdf 9b2282563f982714cf116e388ddc352e PDF Text Text �� https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/9a52b04791646c56874411d3c7b35763.pdf 2da29ee210ac1ea5ff763ac9f49f76fc PDF Text Text [RHC-93_Olexa_1944-01-12] [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} 13 JAN 1944 A.S.N. 12016893 Sgt. Joseph Olexa (Sender’s name) Co. “L,” 26th Inf. A.P.O. – 1 (Sender’s address) c/o PM. - New York Jan. 12, 1944. (Date) Hello “Precious,” Just got back from the barber where I got my usual haircut. Believe it or not, it’s quite short. Ha! Ha! Well “Darling,” how was your work today? Fine, I hope. It’s the same routine day in and day out here, with me which isn’t unusual. Although, it is the same, I still miss [text strikethrough] you and think of you often. I wish you were here now. I’d sure squeeze you and I don’t think I’d let go either. How’s that? Ha! Ha! Why, don’t I hurry and come home? “EH”!! I haven’t gotten any mail in 3 days now which isn’t unusual. So hurry, up and write. Ain’t I mean “Sweets”? Shall close for this time “Darling” with all of my love to you. Don’t forget to write and I hope you sent out some pictures? Yours Always, With Loads of Kisses “Joe” P.S. Did you? �{V-MAIL stationary footer} [V-mail envelope] WAR & NAVY DEPARTMENTS V-MAIL SERVICE OFFICIAL BUSINESS {Postmark} U.S. POSTAL SERVICE JAN 21 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_1944-01-12 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 1944-01-12 Title A name given to the resource Letter from Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, January 12, 1944 Description An account of the resource Handwritten V-Mail letter and envelope with transcript by Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, dated January 12, 1944. The envelope is sent from Co. L, 26th Infantry A.P.O.-1, c/o Postmaster New York, New York, dated January 21, 1944. In the V-Mail letter, Joe writes to Agnes after returning from a visit to the barber and shares how his work days are the same day after day, but he still thinks of her often. 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/494f46dba2474f78fe83eda0b8e25512.pdf 508fa749b68778c5f8bb913c91435b69 PDF Text Text �� https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/5f4eeadf10ea0aad1be82f38f9e8eb56.pdf 820ac43b6e6f1ba27e71ecb41a833e0d PDF Text Text [RHC-93_Olexa_1944-01-13] [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} 14 JAN 1944 Sgt. Joseph Olexa (Sender’s name) Co. “L,” 26th Inf. A.P.O. – 1 (Sender’s address) c/o PM. - New York, N.Y. Jan. 13, 1944. (Date) Hello “Honey,” Just got back from the show. I saw “My Heart belongs to Daddy,” which was a very good picture. I got a V-mail from home dated Dec. 27 from my sister and I guess she’s just as excited to meet you, as you were of meeting her. I have a headache tonite [sic] so don’t blame me if, I can’t write an interesting letter. I should get your letter this Monday if you wrote one after getting back from visiting my [text strikethrough] folks. I miss you very much “Darling” and love you very much. Did you get the pictures I sent you? I hope you did? How are your folks? Give them my regards. Well “Sugar” I shall have to close for now because I can not think very well with my head buzzing. Write real soon. Yours Always, With Lots of LOVE and KISSES “Joe” P.S. It always does “buzz” when I think of YOU. Ha! Ha! {V-MAIL stationary footer} �[V-mail envelope] WAR & NAVY DEPARTMENTS V-MAIL SERVICE OFFICIAL BUSINESS {Postmark} U.S. POSTAL SERVICE JAN 23 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_1944-01-13 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 1944-01-13 Title A name given to the resource Letter from Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, January 13, 1944 Description An account of the resource Handwritten V-Mail letter and envelope with transcript by Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, dated January 13, 1944. The envelope is sent from Co. L, 26th Infantry A.P.O.-1, c/o Postmaster New York, New York, dated January 23, 1944. In the V-Mail letter, Joe writes to Agnes while having a headache and informs her of the most recent news including the film he saw called "My Heart Belongs to Daddy." Subject The topic of the resource United States. Army. Infantry Division, 26th World War, 1939-1945 Soldiers -- Michigan Correspondence V-Mail 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/060fb8df47c30b8b490a277955b6bf8a.pdf ea8e02dbbcf4757739d5f96d89a62285 PDF Text Text �� https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/cf1900a264beb9352a98b28135607281.pdf 2d3f181c5fc949210e625ab88356f1d2 PDF Text Text [RHC-93_Olexa_1944-01-14] [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} 17 JAN 1944 A.S.N. 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. Jan. 14, 1944. (Date) Hello “Darling,” Today has been a beautiful day and what a treat to have the sunshine? I feel much better today for I went to bed just after writing you a V-mail last nite. [sic] Well, “Sweets,” what have you been doing today? Write and tell me all about it. I thought of you most of the time today and couldn’t you just feel all the hugs I gave you. You say you didn’t, well my “dear,” then you will have to come over here. Have you ever heard the song “You’ll Never Know”? If you have just hum it and think of me. I love you and miss you very much “Darling” and am waiting for the day we shall be back together again. Well “Gorgeous” I will close for this time with all my love to you. Yours always, With Lots of KISSES “Joe” P.S. Write soon. �{V-MAIL stationary footer} [V-mail envelope] WAR & NAVY DEPARTMENTS V-MAIL SERVICE OFFICIAL BUSINESS {Postmark} U.S. POSTAL SERVICE JAN 25 8 PM 1944 No. 3 PENALTY FOR PRIVATE USE TO AVOID PAYMENT OF POSTAGE, $300 � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Joe Olexa letters Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Olexa, Joseph P. Van Der Weide, Agnes Description An account of the resource Collection of letters between Joseph Olexa and Agnes Van Der Weide, dating from 1941 to 1946. Olexa fought in the U.S. Army 26th Infantry Division, Company "L", and eventually attained the rank of Staff Sergeant. Over the course of World War II, Olexa was engaged in North Africa, Sicily, France, Belgium, and Germany. He fought in the Invasion of Normandy, the liberation of Belgium, the Battle of Hürtgen Forest, and the Battle of the Bulge. While deployed abroad, Olexa maintained regular correspondence with Agnes Van Der Weide, a young woman he met through mutual friends. Agnes was the daughter of Benjamin and Minnie (Ter Meer) Van Der Weide. The Van Der Weide family lived in Jamestown, Michigan and Ashburnham, Massachusetts until moving to Grand Rapids, Michigan in 1943. While the letters do not contain details relating to Olexa's military activities, due to heavy censorship of soldiers' correspondence by the U.S. Army, the letters do depict the daily activities of an infantry soldier and illustrate the blossoming romance between the two. Joseph and Agnes were married July 23, 1945, and lived in West Michigan until Agnes's death in 1993. Joseph Olexa died December 3, 2000. They were survived by their son, Karl Olexa. Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant World War II Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1941/1946 Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/543">Joseph P. Olexa WWII memoir and correspondence (RHC-93)</a> Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/">In Copyright</a> Subject The topic of the resource United States. Army. Infantry Division, 26th World War, 1939-1945 Soldiers -- Michigan Correspondence Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Special Collections & University Archives Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-93 Language A language of the resource eng Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-93_Olexa_1944-01-14 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 1944-01-14 Title A name given to the resource Letter from Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, January 14, 1944 Description An account of the resource Handwritten V-Mail letter and envelope with transcript by Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, dated January 14, 1944. The envelope is sent from Co. L, 26th Infantry A.P.O.-1, c/o Postmaster New York, New York, dated January 25, 1944. In the V-Mail letter, Joe writes to Agnes as he enjoys a beautiful sunny day overseas and discusses the song "You'll Never Know" as a means to keep him in her thoughts. Subject The topic of the resource United States. Army. Infantry Division, 26th World War, 1939-1945 Soldiers -- Michigan Correspondence V-Mail Music--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/c7b61ada1f79c6d9f5106394a562d48b.pdf 5472c8cbb7c4b8061e1576d2330168b9 PDF Text Text ���� https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/291345c53f687b125389677880ceca57.pdf 5982b07ea3925973a1f6cfc914c7922b PDF Text Text [RHC-93_Olexa_1942-01-15] [Page 1] January 15, 1942 Dear Agnes, Received your two letters and was glad to hear from you. I’m fine as usual and hope you are the same. Did you get the portrait pictures of me yet? You should have, if you didn’t. So, you are taking up first aid. I’ll bet at the sight of blood on a little cut, you’d faint. [sic] Am I right? Carolyn can cook up a lot of rumors and it surprises me to hear she knows more about me than I do myself. I got a letter from my sister and I must say she is quite prompt. You’ll have to excuse my [Page 2] writing for I’m in an awkward position. Gloria must have been thinking of Charlie when she put her boots on the wrong feet. Ha! Ha! I don’t think I shall need anything for a while but when I do, I’ll let you know. Has Richard still got the watch I gave him? I’ll bet Junior took it away from him. Our mail is censored coming in and going out. I don’t blame them for doing it, either. Well, I shall close and write when you can. Give my regards to the folks. As Ever, Joe {Signature accent mark} [Envelope front] {Postmark} - partially illegible �U.S. JAN 17 1942 CANCELLED [?] Miss Agnes Van Der Weide 11 Main Street Ashburnham, Mass. [Envelope back] Pvt. Joe Olexa (12016893) Co. “L,” 26th Infantry A.P.O. #1 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_1942-01-15 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 1942-01-15 Title A name given to the resource Letter from Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, January 15, 1942 Description An account of the resource Handwritten letter and envelope with transcript by Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, dated January 15, 1942. The envelope is sent from Co. L, 26th Infantry, A.P.O. #1, Fort Devens, Massachusetts, dated January 17, 1942. In the letter, Joe writes to Agnes after receiving two letters from her and discusses various subjects such as Agnes taking First Aid training, the portrait photographs that he mailed to her, and how their mail is censored in the Army. Subject The topic of the resource United States. Army. Infantry Division, 26th World War, 1939-1945 Soldiers -- Michigan Correspondence First aid Postal service--Censorship 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