487 24 26018 https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/c7099f85e6f2306f60f50a4af1039b46.pdf c27b16cbd4111906e74d2f902539d94f PDF Text Text ������ https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/5d5778aed03adfd54ab67ad3becc2e1c.pdf f491da51196191281d30d8edb87a705c PDF Text Text [RHC-93_Olexa_1944-01-09_01] [Page 1 – front] England Jan. 9, 1944. Hello “Darling,” Just got back from a swimming school and passed the swimming course to be an instructor. Now you can come over to have me teach you how to swim. I also got your letters stating that you got them. It really pleased me too, “Sweets,” to know it made you happy. I was disappointed in two things though and that is 1st That I wasn’t three and 2nd You didn’t even mention or give me a big hug. Young Lady, you’re slipping. The flowers were for your birthday, at least that was what I intended to get them for. Helen has told me about the house coat I had her get for you from me. I hope you like it, even if I didn’t get to see it. Anyway she described to me and it seemed to satisfy my [Page 1 - back] taste. I’m still waiting for the pictures from you and my patience is about “exhausted.” So “Darling” hurry and send them to me. I also heard from Ollie and my sister Francis. They stated that they got a letter from you and that they were going to meet you, New Years. They did plan though to visit you, but your letter changed their minds. I hope “Darling” that you had a grand time home and if I, know my folks, they sure did enjoy meeting you. [sic] I’m very anxious to hear from the both of you about the meeting of each other. I wish that I could have been there with you. By the way, I had Ollie send the flowers for me. Did you see the bed-spread, I sent to my mother? How did you like it? Maybe someday I might be able to get you one. I said might. Ha! Ha! Did you get that picture I sent to you of myself? That, I hope was a surprise from this end. Anyway I hope it kept you in suspence. [sic] Ha! Ha! [Page 2 - front] Ain’t I mean though? Well, “Sweets,” I hope all of the gifts didn’t put you in a daze to forget poor little me over here. You don’t know me yet, for I’m just full of all kinds of surprises. Ha! Ha! I miss you lots “Darling” and I’ve got my fingers crossed to have that Bill go thru so that us fellows over here can get a furlough and go home. I love you very, very much and could hug you aplenty if you were here but that can’t be for you’re over there and me here. Have you started to learn how to cook? If you haven’t Young Lady, you’d better start now or I shall be very disappointed. “Confidental” [?] – try your cooking out on your Dad and if he survives then, I’ll know whether I can make it or not. Ha! Ha! That is mean of me, ain’t it? You can give them my regards and Hello for me. Hope they are well also. No, I have not seen Roy since we [Page 2 - back] left Sicily so I know nothing of him. Does Carolyn still write to you? I’m going to make out a request for some writing paper, candy and 6 white handkerchiefs. Don’t send me air mail �stationary. If you can’t find a fountain pen for me, “Darling,” don’t worry none about it. I would have liked to keep you letters but, they took up to much room and they weighed a lot so I destroy them when I read them about 10 ten times a piece. [sic] Sometime soon I may send you some of my personal things to keep for me. I’m also [text strikethrough] going to have a bracelet made from British coins for you. It will be a very good souvenir [text strikethrough] from England. I’ll let you know when it is on its way. By the way, I spent a few days in London while taking my swimming course. Wish you were here, so, I could take you to see the sights. [Page 3 - front] Well, “Darling” I’m still anxious to know how you made out visiting my folks, so, I shall be in suspence [sic] till I hear from the both of you. I went to church this morning downtown. It sure is good to go to a civilian church. We do that now and I really enjoy it. I can just imagine what that little hat of yours looks like. I won’t give my opinion on it but from hats such as that, that I have seen don’t appeal to me. I’m only expressing my opinion “Sweets” but if you look beautiful in it why then, you have nothing to worry about for I’ll love you, just the same. Well “Darling” I shall close for this time with all of my “Love” to you. Yours Always, With Loads of Kisses “Joe” {Signature accent mark} P.S. Write real soon. WHERE IS THAT LOCK OF HAIR? [Envelope front] Sgt. Joseph P. Olexa (12016893) Co. “L,” 26th Inf. A.P.O. - 1 c/o Postmaster, New York, N. Y. U. S. Army {Postmark} U.S. ARMY POSTAL SERVICE 1 JAN 11 1944 A.P.O. �Miss Agnes Van Der Weide 1832 Berkley Ave., S.W. Grand Rapids, 9 Michigan. 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_1944-01-09_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 1944-01-09 Title A name given to the resource Letter from Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, January 9, 1944 Description An account of the resource Handwritten letter and envelope with transcript by Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, dated January 9, 1944. The envelope is sent from Co. L, 26th Infantry A.P.O.-1, c/o Postmaster New York, New York, dated January 11, 1944. In the letter, Joe writes a long message to Agnes while stationed in England and shares his excitement in awaiting the news of her meeting his parents. 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/8675a3584ee9713989c8c8368fab0f2f.pdf 9975b3365236ca1a4caf1b457fe62ecf PDF Text Text �� https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/75f0c0bdc5e91e13ff701a759e0763e5.pdf 19f6fd71abfc84b63a2dbb5cadaca252 PDF Text Text [RHC-93_Olexa_1944-01-09_02] [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} 11 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. 9, 1944 (Date) Hello “Precious,” Just got thru writing you a long letter but since I’ve got a little more ambition I’ll write a V-mail. I didn’t get no mail tonite either and I am kinda peeved. [sic] Yes, I had two passes already since I got here. Sometimes though I feel like not doing a thing or going anywhere. I still “love you” as much as ever “Darling” and wish I could give you a big hug. In the letter, I sent, I put in a request for the things I want you to send me. I hope that it won’t give you much trouble, in getting it for me. I hope that all of the surprises you got hasn’t, made you, a physical wreck. [sic] Ha! Ha! Now if you were to send me that lock of hair and the pictures, I would be well pleased. If you have sent them good if not “Darn it” hurry up? [sic] Ha! Ha! Ain’t I awful? Will close for now “Darling” with all my love to you. Yours always With Loads of KISSES “Joe” {Signature accent mark} �P.S. Write real soon. {V-MAIL stationary footer} [V-mail envelope] WAR & NAVY DEPARTMENTS V-MAIL SERVICE OFFICIAL BUSINESS {Postmark} U.S. POSTAL SERVICE JAN 20 8 AM 1944 No. 3 PENALTY FOR PRIVATE USE TO AVOID PAYMENT OF POSTAGE, $300 � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Joe Olexa letters Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Olexa, Joseph P. Van Der Weide, Agnes Description An account of the resource Collection of letters between Joseph Olexa and Agnes Van Der Weide, dating from 1941 to 1946. Olexa fought in the U.S. Army 26th Infantry Division, Company "L", and eventually attained the rank of Staff Sergeant. Over the course of World War II, Olexa was engaged in North Africa, Sicily, France, Belgium, and Germany. He fought in the Invasion of Normandy, the liberation of Belgium, the Battle of Hürtgen Forest, and the Battle of the Bulge. While deployed abroad, Olexa maintained regular correspondence with Agnes Van Der Weide, a young woman he met through mutual friends. Agnes was the daughter of Benjamin and Minnie (Ter Meer) Van Der Weide. The Van Der Weide family lived in Jamestown, Michigan and Ashburnham, Massachusetts until moving to Grand Rapids, Michigan in 1943. While the letters do not contain details relating to Olexa's military activities, due to heavy censorship of soldiers' correspondence by the U.S. Army, the letters do depict the daily activities of an infantry soldier and illustrate the blossoming romance between the two. Joseph and Agnes were married July 23, 1945, and lived in West Michigan until Agnes's death in 1993. Joseph Olexa died December 3, 2000. They were survived by their son, Karl Olexa. Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant World War II Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1941/1946 Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/543">Joseph P. Olexa WWII memoir and correspondence (RHC-93)</a> Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/">In Copyright</a> Subject The topic of the resource United States. Army. Infantry Division, 26th World War, 1939-1945 Soldiers -- Michigan Correspondence Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Special Collections & University Archives Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-93 Language A language of the resource eng Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-93_Olexa_1944-01-09_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 1944-01-09 Title A name given to the resource Letter from Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, January 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 January 9, 1944. The envelope is sent from Co. L, 26th Infantry A.P.O.-1, c/o Postmaster New York, New York, dated January 20, 1944. In the V-Mail letter, Joe writes an additonal message to Agnes on that day and encourages her to send the lock of hair and photographs he requested. 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/517005fd07cf37459011a72197a96f49.pdf 572c433fe091c77cb67ebc19cde4c075 PDF Text Text �� https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/9f763a989204429c3a20fd63fb474ea8.pdf ecb0ef6467e4d4af262d915b7bfdd55c PDF Text Text [RHC-93_Olexa_1944-07-01] [Page 1] [V-Mail Letter] {CENSOR’S STAMP} PASSED BY 34770 U.S. ARMY EXAMINER To Miss Agnes Van Der Weide 1913 Berkley Ave. S.W. Grand Rapids, 9 Mich. From S/Sgt. Joseph Olexa (12016893) Det. of Patients (Sender’s name) 4187 U.S. Hosp. Plant (Sender’s address) A.P.O.-152 c/o PM. – N.Y., N.Y. July 1, 1944. (Date) England Hello “Darling,” Still waiting for your letters to be forwarded to me and I sure do miss them very much. I hope they will arrive here soon. I am getting better every day and it shall not be too long till I’m fully recovered. I was hit by “shrapnel” and there are a few small pieces that will be with me from now on. I had my hair cut short again yesterday and what a relief it is. Well, “Darling” what have you been doing lately? Thinking about us I hope and of the little cozy home we shall have. To be with you again is going to be “paradise” and I hope to forget all of the things I’ve been through. I still love you very much “Darling” and I’m very fortunate to have a swell girl like you to love. I hope that you shall not worry any about me and think of the happiness we shall have in our future. Will close and write real soon? Yours Always With Loads of Love, “Joe” {V-MAIL stationary footer} �[V-mail envelope] WAR & NAVY DEPARTMENTS V-MAIL SERVICE OFFICIAL BUSINESS {Postmark} NEW YORK, N.Y. JUL 3 5 - PM 1944 [?] PENALTY FOR PRIVATE USE TO AVOID PAYMENT OF POSTAGE, $300 GRAND CENTRAL ANNEX � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Joe Olexa letters Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Olexa, Joseph P. Van Der Weide, Agnes Description An account of the resource Collection of letters between Joseph Olexa and Agnes Van Der Weide, dating from 1941 to 1946. Olexa fought in the U.S. Army 26th Infantry Division, Company "L", and eventually attained the rank of Staff Sergeant. Over the course of World War II, Olexa was engaged in North Africa, Sicily, France, Belgium, and Germany. He fought in the Invasion of Normandy, the liberation of Belgium, the Battle of Hürtgen Forest, and the Battle of the Bulge. While deployed abroad, Olexa maintained regular correspondence with Agnes Van Der Weide, a young woman he met through mutual friends. Agnes was the daughter of Benjamin and Minnie (Ter Meer) Van Der Weide. The Van Der Weide family lived in Jamestown, Michigan and Ashburnham, Massachusetts until moving to Grand Rapids, Michigan in 1943. While the letters do not contain details relating to Olexa's military activities, due to heavy censorship of soldiers' correspondence by the U.S. Army, the letters do depict the daily activities of an infantry soldier and illustrate the blossoming romance between the two. Joseph and Agnes were married July 23, 1945, and lived in West Michigan until Agnes's death in 1993. Joseph Olexa died December 3, 2000. They were survived by their son, Karl Olexa. Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant World War II Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1941/1946 Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/543">Joseph P. Olexa WWII memoir and correspondence (RHC-93)</a> Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/">In Copyright</a> Subject The topic of the resource United States. Army. Infantry Division, 26th World War, 1939-1945 Soldiers -- Michigan Correspondence Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Special Collections & University Archives Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-93 Language A language of the resource eng Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-93_Olexa_1944-07-01 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 1944-07-01 Title A name given to the resource Letter from Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, July 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 July 1, 1944. The envelope is sent from Det. of Patients, 4187 U.S. Hospital Plant, A.P.O.-152, c/o Postmaster New York, New York, dated July 3, 1944. In the V-Mail letter, Joe writes to Agnes from the hospital and shares the news that he is improving every day and on his way to recovery, despite the shrapnel wounds that will always be with him. 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/7ff9406d481061dc8aec69313ae1cc02.pdf e1f91dd8964e6c0bc9a01a44c1ec7eb3 PDF Text Text �� https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/74b6179d650a1fd3998e43d027510c9a.pdf 673e832ae801c440670c0a490b078d25 PDF Text Text [RHC-93_Olexa_1944-07-10] [Page 1] [V-Mail Letter] {CENSOR’S STAMP} PASSED BY 34734 U.S. ARMY EXAMINER To Miss Agnes Van Der Weide 1913 Berkley Ave. S.W. Grand Rapids, 9 Mich. From S/Sgt. Joseph Olexa (12016893) Det. of Patients (Sender’s name) 4187 U.S. Hosp. Plant (Sender’s address) A.P.O.-152 c/o PM – N.Y. N.Y. July 10, 1944. (Date) Hello “Darling,” Haven’t written in 2 days so thought I would write again. I’m still feeling fine and today I am walking some without crutches. I shan’t be long now till I’m fully recovered. I still haven’t rec’d any of your letters and at times, I’m impatient but hope they will get here soon. I still miss you as much as ever “Darling” and my thoughts are of you always. Wish I could hold you in my arms again. I might get mean though and be a big tease just to get you peeved? Ha! Ha! It’s really going to be grand “Darling” when we shall be together again and I just pray and hope for that day to come soon. Don’t you? I’d like to get that package of yours right now for I’m very hungry. Well “Sugar” I shall close hoping to hear from you real soon! Yours forever, With Loads of Hugs & Kisses, “Joe” {Signature accent mark} PS. Give my best regards to your folks �{V-MAIL stationary footer} [V-mail envelope] WAR & NAVY DEPARTMENTS V-MAIL SERVICE OFFICIAL BUSINESS {Postmark} U.S. POSTAL SERVICE JUL 19 12:30 PM 1944 No. 3 PENALTY FOR PRIVATE USE TO AVOID PAYMENT OF POSTAGE, $300 � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Joe Olexa letters Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Olexa, Joseph P. Van Der Weide, Agnes Description An account of the resource Collection of letters between Joseph Olexa and Agnes Van Der Weide, dating from 1941 to 1946. Olexa fought in the U.S. Army 26th Infantry Division, Company "L", and eventually attained the rank of Staff Sergeant. Over the course of World War II, Olexa was engaged in North Africa, Sicily, France, Belgium, and Germany. He fought in the Invasion of Normandy, the liberation of Belgium, the Battle of Hürtgen Forest, and the Battle of the Bulge. While deployed abroad, Olexa maintained regular correspondence with Agnes Van Der Weide, a young woman he met through mutual friends. Agnes was the daughter of Benjamin and Minnie (Ter Meer) Van Der Weide. The Van Der Weide family lived in Jamestown, Michigan and Ashburnham, Massachusetts until moving to Grand Rapids, Michigan in 1943. While the letters do not contain details relating to Olexa's military activities, due to heavy censorship of soldiers' correspondence by the U.S. Army, the letters do depict the daily activities of an infantry soldier and illustrate the blossoming romance between the two. Joseph and Agnes were married July 23, 1945, and lived in West Michigan until Agnes's death in 1993. Joseph Olexa died December 3, 2000. They were survived by their son, Karl Olexa. Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant World War II Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1941/1946 Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/543">Joseph P. Olexa WWII memoir and correspondence (RHC-93)</a> Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/">In Copyright</a> Subject The topic of the resource United States. Army. Infantry Division, 26th World War, 1939-1945 Soldiers -- Michigan Correspondence Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Special Collections & University Archives Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-93 Language A language of the resource eng Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-93_Olexa_1944-07-10 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Olexa, Joseph P. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1944-07-10 Title A name given to the resource Letter from Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, July 10, 1944 Description An account of the resource Handwritten V-Mail letter and envelope with transcript by Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, dated July 10, 1944. The envelope is sent from Det. of Patients, 4187 U.S. Hospital Plant, A.P.O.-152, c/o Postmaster New York, New York, dated July 19, 1944. In the V-Mail letter, Joe writes to Agnes with updates from the hospital including his ability to walk without crutches and how he awaits receiving her letters once again. Subject The topic of the resource United States. Army. Infantry Division, 26th World War, 1939-1945 Soldiers -- Michigan Correspondence V-mail Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/543">Joseph P. Olexa WWII memoir and correspondence, (RHC-93)</a> Relation A related resource Veterans History Project (U.S.) Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/">In Copyright</a> Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource application/pdf Language A language of the resource eng Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant World War II Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Lemmen Library and Archives https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/ee21c5fcd45d084ce4cf0429c9f797fa.pdf ed34d2d1505700b941a4a4d76372faba PDF Text Text ����� https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/870c1fe10593d86e67822af32e88404b.pdf cd439d39dae4fcb065c2d6ae644b7e6a PDF Text Text [RHC-93_Olexa_1942-07-11] [Page 1 - front] {Stationary letterhead} CORPORAL JOE OLEXA Co. “L,” 26th Infantry [text strikethrough] {1st Infantry Division} A.P.O. - 1209 ℅ Postmaster New York, N.Y. July 11, 1942. Dear Agnes, Rec’d your letter and was pleased to hear from you. You’ve probably did get my two letters and about the close shave I had getting in for reveille. [sic] I got your letter yesterday which was mailed the sixth and I got it the tenth. Must be that they didn’t know where we were at that time. Yesterday we got ready for the parade and inspection which we had this morning. We had to walk a mile and a half at right shoulder arms and believe me, my right arm ached. Yesterday I got a postcard from my brother Ollie and I nearly fell over from fright. He’s visiting my sister Helen and says he may come down to see me. I don’t think he has that much ambition. My sister Helen also wrote and she was the one to give me some [Page 1 - back] news about home. She and her husband spent a week up home. I forgot to tell you “sweet” that the blue striped blouse and skirt was nice and I liked it oodles and oodles. I had a very good time too and hope, if I ever get another chance, that I can stay longer. Don’t you hope so, too, “Honey”? O.K. sweet, I’ll let my hair grow again just for your sake. If I cannot get away again, I’ll have it cut short again. I don’t think that I will have another chance but one can never tell. I can’t go anywhere for at least two more weeks to give some of the others a chance to leave. We have been training quite hard all week and I’m kinda stiff in the joints. Must be that I’m getting old fast. Ha! Ha! I now carry a rifle like your father had. I fired it out on the range and it sure kicks like a mule. I washed and ironed all of my laundry this week after drill hours so that I could have some clean clothes. Well after that was all done the company said laundry would go out. That made me mad. What next? �[Page 2 - front] {Stationary letterhead} CORPORAL JOE OLEXA Co. “L,” 26th Infantry [text strikethrough] {1st Infantry Division} Roy comes over to see a sergeant and we are like strangers. He isn’t hurting my feelings any and it makes me laugh. I plan to go to the movies tonite [sic] to pass some of the time away. How’s my little Chick-a-dee? Is she still two timing me? If she is, I’ll get even with her in some way. Ha! Ha! I’ve got two more coupons for Beasie so don’t forget to give them to her. Well, “Honey” last week at this time I was at your house and it doesn’t seem that long. Listen, sweet if you don’t quit haunting me in my sleep, I’ll pull your hair the next time I see you to get even. How did the pictures come out? I’ll bet I look like a tramp on them? Don’t forget to send them to me? I’ll bet the Wenneburgs [?] are still curious to find out where I came from. I laugh to myself when I think of their rubber necks a stretching [sic] to see what goes on in the neighborhood. [Page 2 - back] I’m going to get even by saying your letter was very short. I’m a meany too “sweet.” [sic] Ha! Ha! The barracks is empty [sic] except for a few who have to stay in the company for the weekend. Well “sweets,” I’ll close for I’ve run out of things to write. Give my regards to the folks and write soon. Sincerely yours, With Love Joe {Signature accent mark} P.S. It rained pretty hard yesterday but it has cleared up quite a lot today. So-long! See ya in the funny papers!!! Ha! Ha! [Envelope front] Cpl. Joe Olexa (12016893) �Co. “L,” 26th Infantry [text strikethrough] {1st Infantry Division} A.P.O. - 1209 ℅ Postmaster New York, N.Y. {Postmark} LEBANON, PA JUL [?] 4:30 PM 1942 Free {Signature accent mark} Miss Agnes Van Der Weide 11 Main Street Ashburnham, 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_1942-07-11 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 1942-07-11 Title A name given to the resource Letter from Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, July 11, 1942 Description An account of the resource Handwritten letter and envelope with transcript by Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, dated July 11, 1942. The envelope is sent from Co. L, 26th Infantry, A.P.O. #1209, New York, New York, dated July 1942. In the letter, Joe writes to Agnes after a week of hard training and also a week since they were together again at her family home in Massachusetts. 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/ab65d433032b7f47970595c29c431676.pdf c327c4c1843307a9011ef54e635c2cb4 PDF Text Text ����� https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/78af340245d685053c759beca2e9099b.pdf 54f31b2be669fe7d4d88d46ca8ca011a PDF Text Text [RHC-93_Olexa_1942-07-12] [Page 1 - front] {Stationary letterhead} CORPORAL JOE OLEXA Co. “L,” 26th Infantry [text strikethrough] {1st Infantry Division} A.P.O. - 1209 ℅ Postmaster New York, N.Y. July 12, 1942. Hello “Honey,” Rec’d your letter and the pictures. They really did come [out] good, and I thought probably that I was going to spoil them. Today has been quite dull for a Sunday. Not very many of the boys are here. I went to the movie this afternoon to break the monotony. The picture was “Ten Men of West Point.” It’s a pretty good picture. I also had a delicious pint of ice cream and I thought of you while eating it. Sometime if I ever get to see you again I’m going to stuff you with all of the things you like to eat so that you can’t budge. Then sweetness, I’ll be a meany and chew your ears. What do you think of that, “dear”? I’m going to try awful hard, too. Ha! Ha! Why should you worry so much about me when it’s nothing much to worry about. I admit a ride [Page 1 - back] like that without any sleep would make anyone look like that. Anyway, it wasn’t much of a stay but I can’t kick. [sic] I’m going to be very disappointed if I can’t see you again and I don’t mean maybe. Listen sweet if you don’t stop growing taller, I’ll have to get a hammer, to bring you down to my size. You’re about an inch taller than I am already. I just got back from chow and guess what we had? Well, we had turkey potato salad, sweet pickles, peaches and ice water. Boy, don’t that make you hungry? Ain’t I mean? Incidentally, I forgot to compliment you for the tasty coffee you made for me. Can you cook as good? Ha! Ha! I’ll bet you can’t? Is it a bet? You know “honey” if you were here now I’d give you one of my special bear hugs just to keep in practice. �Well, my young lady, you’re just like the Army always keeping me guessing. You’re an old meanie for not telling me. So, there meanie, meanie!! I’m going to send the pictures to my folks except the one I took of you. Anyway, it reminds me of you when [Page 2 - front] {Stationary letterhead} CORPORAL JOE OLEXA Co. “L,” 26th Infantry [text strikethrough] {1st Infantry Division} I get you peeved or bored. Ha! Ha! So, the men in the shop like to kid you. Well they’ll get tired of it and you should ignore it. Maybe sometime in the future “sweet,” I will not be able to write so often and I want you to have a lot of patience? [sic] It may be for 2 or 3 months or so but when I will get the chance I’ll write. Of course, I don’t want you to think that I don’t want to write but to have patience when I couldn’t. Maybe at that time my hands will be full but I’ll be thinking of you all of the time. I’ll count on you to be my sunshine then it won’t be so bad? Will it? We aren’t going to be here much longer, which is only one of my hunches. The flies around here are terrible and it gets me mad when they buzz around. How is Eileen and her folks? When you see them again, give them my best regards. Well if my little chick-a-dee don’t hurry up and drop me a line, I’m going to give her up. I’ll try to get all of the coupons I can [Page 2 - back] for Beasie but there aren’t many who smoke Cools or Raleigh cigarettes. If my brother Ollie intends to come down it better be this weekend so that I can get it off. I’m still disappointed in not getting one of your locks of hair for a souvenir. Anyway, I should have cut it when I was there. You’re a meanie for not letting me have it. See, I put the blame on you? Ha! Ha! You’re probably thinking it’s just like the men to do that. Well “honey,” I shall close and wish that I could give you a big hug and a kiss but I’ll have to wait to [get] the benefit out of it when I see you in person, won’t I? Give my regards to the folks. Sincerely yours, With lots of Love Joe {Signature accent mark} �P.S. I haven’t re-read this letter “sweet” so excuse the mistakes if there are any. [Envelope front] Cpl. Joe Olexa (12016893) Co. “L,” 26th Infantry [text strikethrough] {1st Infantry Division} A.P.O. - 1209 ℅ Postmaster New York, N.Y. {Postmark} INDIANTOWN GAP JUL 13 12 PM 1942 PA. Free {Signature accent mark} Miss Agnes Van Der Weide 11 Main Street Ashburnham, 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_1942-07-12 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 1942-07-12 Title A name given to the resource Letter from Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, July 12, 1942 Description An account of the resource Handwritten letter and envelope with transcript by Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, dated July 12, 1942. The envelope is sent from Co. L, 26th Infantry, A.P.O. #1209, New York, New York, dated July 13 1942. In the letter, Joe writes to Agnes after receiving her most recent letter and pictures and fills her in on his latest news, including the movie he saw that afternoon. He also writes to prepare and reassure her for the weeks ahead when he may not be able to write as often. 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/a159a53433a24372849041513434bf41.pdf fc4e1e6c19680700f5175ab866f99432 PDF Text Text ��� https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/20b855adf5841b84d1a75d6f21f79dd5.pdf 0767918fd1d543dc041576a376a82184 PDF Text Text [RHC-93_Olexa_1944-07-13] [Page 1] England July 13, 1944. Hello “Darling,” Haven’t written in 3 days but I’m still recovering rapidly and feeling as good as ever. I have been walking around without crutches in the last few days and it feels good to go on my own getting about. I just took a hot shower and I feel like a million. I still haven’t rec’d any mail as yet and how impatient I get at times. I just keep hoping though to get some soon. I sent my “Purple Heart” home a couple of days ago and hope it gets there O.K. I still miss you as much as ever “Darling” and long for the day when [Page 2] we shall be together again. Gee!! Sometimes I could cuss a blue streak waiting for that day to come. Bad, ain’t I? I hope when your letters arrive that I shall be able to write you longer letters but at present it seems impossible. I’m sending you a couple more clippings of “Sad Sack.” I sure do enjoy them. How are your folks? Don’t forget to give them my best regards, will you? Will close, with all my love to the best girl in the world. Yours forever, With Loads of Hugs & Kisses “Joe” {Signature accent mark} P.S. Ain’t I terrible, writing such a short letter? [Envelope front] S/Sgt. Joseph P. Olexa (12016893) Det. of Patients 4187 U.S. Hosp. Plant A.P.O. – 152 c/o PM. – N.Y. N.Y. {Postmark} U.S. ARMY POSTAL SERVICE 152 JUL 15 1944 A.P.O. �U.S. POSTAGE 6¢ VIA AIR MAIL Miss Agnes Van Der Weide 1913 Berkley Ave. S.W. Grand Rapids, 9 Mich. PASSED BY 34734 U.S. ARMY EXAMINER Lt. [?] � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Joe Olexa letters Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Olexa, Joseph P. Van Der Weide, Agnes Description An account of the resource Collection of letters between Joseph Olexa and Agnes Van Der Weide, dating from 1941 to 1946. Olexa fought in the U.S. Army 26th Infantry Division, Company "L", and eventually attained the rank of Staff Sergeant. Over the course of World War II, Olexa was engaged in North Africa, Sicily, France, Belgium, and Germany. He fought in the Invasion of Normandy, the liberation of Belgium, the Battle of Hürtgen Forest, and the Battle of the Bulge. While deployed abroad, Olexa maintained regular correspondence with Agnes Van Der Weide, a young woman he met through mutual friends. Agnes was the daughter of Benjamin and Minnie (Ter Meer) Van Der Weide. The Van Der Weide family lived in Jamestown, Michigan and Ashburnham, Massachusetts until moving to Grand Rapids, Michigan in 1943. While the letters do not contain details relating to Olexa's military activities, due to heavy censorship of soldiers' correspondence by the U.S. Army, the letters do depict the daily activities of an infantry soldier and illustrate the blossoming romance between the two. Joseph and Agnes were married July 23, 1945, and lived in West Michigan until Agnes's death in 1993. Joseph Olexa died December 3, 2000. They were survived by their son, Karl Olexa. Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant World War II Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1941/1946 Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/543">Joseph P. Olexa WWII memoir and correspondence (RHC-93)</a> Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/">In Copyright</a> Subject The topic of the resource United States. Army. Infantry Division, 26th World War, 1939-1945 Soldiers -- Michigan Correspondence Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Special Collections & University Archives Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-93 Language A language of the resource eng Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-93_Olexa_1944-07-13 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Olexa, Joseph P. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1944-07-13 Title A name given to the resource Letter from Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, July 13, 1944 Description An account of the resource Handwritten letter and envelope with transcript by Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, dated July 13, 1944. The envelope is sent from Det. of Patients, 4187 U.S. Hospital Plant, A.P.O.-152, c/o Postmaster New York, New York, dated July 15, 1944. In the letter, Joe writes to Agnes after a three day absence while recovering in the hosital, sharing the news that he is recovering rapidly and that he sent his Purple Heart medal home to his family. Subject The topic of the resource United States. Army. Infantry Division, 26th World War, 1939-1945 Soldiers -- Michigan Correspondence Purple Heart Sad Sack Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/543">Joseph P. Olexa WWII memoir and correspondence, (RHC-93)</a> Relation A related resource Veterans History Project (U.S.) Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/">In Copyright</a> Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource application/pdf Language A language of the resource eng Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant World War II Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Lemmen Library and Archives https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/4b069e98764b7872017c589c115efd2a.pdf 58fb57f43da79cd5a7fb2eead6fbde94 PDF Text Text �� https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/73ff8880af2e59013d05e60e2f2eaf11.pdf 325d566e4044568e12e4a9690a787aa6 PDF Text Text [RHC-93_Olexa_1944-07-15] [Page 1] [V-Mail Letter] {CENSOR’S STAMP} PASSED BY 34770 U.S. ARMY EXAMINER To Miss Agnes Van Der Weide 1913 Berkley Ave. S.W. Grand Rapids, 9 Mich. From S/Sgt. Joseph Olexa (12016893) Det. of Patients (Sender’s name) 4187 U.S. Hosp. Plant (Sender’s address) A.P.O.-152 c/o PM – N.Y., N.Y. July 15, 1944. (Date) Hello “Darling,” Today is a lovely day out and have been thinking of you which isn’t unusual. Well, “Darling” if you were here we could go for a stroll but since you are so far away I just take I just take you along in my thoughts. I’m really recovering and feeling fine. I can walk around with a slight limp and it won’t be long till I’m as good as I ever was. I shall be leaving here soon and still haven’t received any letters. Today is 3 weeks of being here. I still love you as much as ever “Darling” and patiently waite [sic] for the day to come when we shall be together. We have so much to plan, that I want to hurry the days by so that I can be with you. Gee!! I wish, I could get some of your letters for I miss them and you so. Well, “Sugar” I shall close with all my love to you. “Yours forever,” With Loads of Hugs, “Joe” {Signature accent mark} P.S. Write real soon. �{V-MAIL stationary footer} [V-mail envelope] JB (5) – RR8 – LK [?] � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Joe Olexa letters Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Olexa, Joseph P. Van Der Weide, Agnes Description An account of the resource Collection of letters between Joseph Olexa and Agnes Van Der Weide, dating from 1941 to 1946. Olexa fought in the U.S. Army 26th Infantry Division, Company "L", and eventually attained the rank of Staff Sergeant. Over the course of World War II, Olexa was engaged in North Africa, Sicily, France, Belgium, and Germany. He fought in the Invasion of Normandy, the liberation of Belgium, the Battle of Hürtgen Forest, and the Battle of the Bulge. While deployed abroad, Olexa maintained regular correspondence with Agnes Van Der Weide, a young woman he met through mutual friends. Agnes was the daughter of Benjamin and Minnie (Ter Meer) Van Der Weide. The Van Der Weide family lived in Jamestown, Michigan and Ashburnham, Massachusetts until moving to Grand Rapids, Michigan in 1943. While the letters do not contain details relating to Olexa's military activities, due to heavy censorship of soldiers' correspondence by the U.S. Army, the letters do depict the daily activities of an infantry soldier and illustrate the blossoming romance between the two. Joseph and Agnes were married July 23, 1945, and lived in West Michigan until Agnes's death in 1993. Joseph Olexa died December 3, 2000. They were survived by their son, Karl Olexa. Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant World War II Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1941/1946 Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/543">Joseph P. Olexa WWII memoir and correspondence (RHC-93)</a> Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/">In Copyright</a> Subject The topic of the resource United States. Army. Infantry Division, 26th World War, 1939-1945 Soldiers -- Michigan Correspondence Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Special Collections & University Archives Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-93 Language A language of the resource eng Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-93_Olexa_1944-07-15 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Olexa, Joseph P. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1944-07-15 Title A name given to the resource Letter from Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, July 15, 1944 Description An account of the resource Handwritten V-Mail letter and envelope with transcript by Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, dated July 15, 1944. The envelope is sent from Det. of Patients, 4187 U.S. Hospital Plant, A.P.O.-152, c/o Postmaster New York, New York, dated circa July 1944. In the V-Mail letter, Joe writes to Agnes on a lovely day as he recovers in the hospital, sharing the news that he has nearly recovered after three weeks in the hospital and can now walk with only a slight limp. He also mentions how much he misses her and her letters while being there. Subject The topic of the resource United States. Army. Infantry Division, 26th World War, 1939-1945 Soldiers -- Michigan Correspondence V-mail Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/543">Joseph P. Olexa WWII memoir and correspondence, (RHC-93)</a> Relation A related resource Veterans History Project (U.S.) Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/">In Copyright</a> Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource application/pdf Language A language of the resource eng Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant World War II Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Lemmen Library and Archives https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/2b53dfee8badff6ea182d8da4e820c92.pdf 82a0ca174ebb6d7c15a3991a887b982b PDF Text Text ����� https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/65a7bb88befef8a576a60c0baae309f0.pdf 4c88a4e2774b982082396333bc5b9cf5 PDF Text Text [RHC-93_Olexa_1942-07-17] [Page 1 - front] {Stationary letterhead} CORPORAL JOE OLEXA Co. “L,” 26th Infantry [text strikethrough] {1st Infantry Division} A.P.O. - 1209 ℅ Postmaster New York, N.Y. July 17, 1942 Dear Agnes, Rec’d your three letters today and was glad to hear from you. Must be that they have a lot of mail going to New York and it takes some time to sort it out. I don’t believe, “sweet,” that I can answer all of them at once but I’ll try to get them answered as quick as I can. It’s kinda hard to write without a letter from you and I usually get an idea of what to write or answer when I get your letter. I’m in a mess now “honey” with three letters to answer from you. This second set of pictures is very good. I sent the other set to my folks yesterday. I finally did hear from my sister Nellie from home and I nearly fell through the floor. It was quite a long letter and she stated that the letters they sent [Page 1 - back] to me were returned to them. Same alibis though of how busy they were. Nothing much of interest has happened since I wrote last so I’ll just have to rattle my brains some more. It’s quite hot down here and it really makes us sweat. I haven’t heard from my brother Ollie since I wrote to him last and it’s probably like I thought. He doesn’t have that much ambition. My sister Nellie is going to send me some pictures and when she does I’ll send them to you. Well, “honey,” if I were there for that blackout I’d sure make up for lost time since I saw you last. Your heart thumps so loud that I can hear it from here. You’d better learn how to cook sweet, for I may drop in sometime, very hungry and tired and then to be disappointed to find out you don’t know how to cook. My! My! What next? My dad always used to tell me, “Why when I was your age I could do most everything.” [Page 2 - front] {Stationary letterhead} CORPORAL JOE OLEXA �Co. “L,” 26th Infantry 1st Infantry Division That was his answer when I told him I didn’t know. Experience is the best policy and achievement of one’s work always satisfies. I’ll put a little manure under my feet to see if I can grow a little taller but I hardly believe I will. I guess I’m through growing up but there always is a tendency for me to grow out. Ha! Ha! So you’re trying to get me hungry, Eh! “sweet.” [sic] Well you didn’t for I have ice cream every nite? [sic] Ain’t I mean? Well! Well! Well! Am I haunting you that much “sweet”? It’s just me to do that isn’t it. Are you going to pay me my 12% interest on your forgetfulness? If you don’t I’m going to raise the interest some more. How’s ‘at Honey? I forgot to mention in my other letters “sweet,” that I liked the way you have your hair. It fills me with delight and at that, you look natural and very kissable. I’d show you what I mean when I [Page 2 - back] get the chance to see you again. Well anyway I wish I was there to hug you like I always do. Wishing doesn’t get me anywhere and if the Army would give me a furlough I’d never give you any rest. What do you think of that? Well “honey,” I’m going to get real mad if I don’t get my souvenir pretty quick. I don’t want a lock of hair from Bozo or Curly and I know the color of yours. It better be a lock of that nice bushy hair you’ve got? I’m terrible, ain’t I? I can’t help the way I am and blame it all on you. “See” Ha! Ha! [sic] Will close “sweetness” and will think of you in the meantime. I’m sending some more coupons for Beasie with this letter. Sincerely yours, With Lots of Love Joe {Signature accent mark} P.S. Excuse the mistakes for I’m not re-reading it. You can stick your tongue out at Gloria for me. I’m mad at her. P.S.S. Don’t blame me sweet, if I don’t write often for the Post Office holds it too long. I was thinking for a while that you got sick but when I got 3 letters at once it was a relief. {Signature accent mark} �[Envelope front] Cpl. Joe Olexa (12016893) Co. “L,” 26th Infantry [text strikethrough] {1st Infantry Division} A.P.O. - 1209 ℅ Postmaster New York, N.Y. {Postmark} INDIANTOWN GAP JUL 18 12 PM 1942 PA. Free {Signature accent mark} Miss Agnes Van Der Weide 11 Main Street Ashburnham, 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_1942-07-17 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Olexa, Joseph P. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1942-07-17 Title A name given to the resource Letter from Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, July 17, 1942 Description An account of the resource Handwritten letter and envelope with transcript by Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, dated July 17, 1942. The envelope is sent from Co. L, 26th Infantry, A.P.O. #1209, New York, New York, dated July 18, 1942. In the letter, Joe writes to Agnes after receiving three of her latest letters and notes how the heavy flow of mail through New York has an affect on their communication, in addition to his hopes in receiving a furlough so he can get the chance to see her again. Subject The topic of the resource United States. Army. Infantry Division, 26th World War, 1939-1945 Soldiers -- Michigan Correspondence Indiantown Gap Military Reservation (Pa.) Furloughs 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/d3dd0913d357b75bbd820eac6db67e35.pdf 69f8215d808818b9196d3cfc3f377ed0 PDF Text Text ��� https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/34c50b4c12900ea60fabc7811d9cec6a.pdf 39d3b74f0eb48fd21ed87d5e14cc940c PDF Text Text [RHC-93_Olexa_1942-07-18] [Page 1] {Stationary letterhead} CORPORAL JOE OLEXA Co. “L,” 26th Infantry [text strikethrough] {1st Infantry Division} A.P.O. - 1209 ℅ Postmaster New York, N.Y. July 18, 1942 Hello “Honey” Here I am again feeling fine and all refreshed. How have you been since I last saw you? I’m as good as ever and still thinking of you. You made me think of you so much that I forgot to put the coupons for Beasie in my letter to you yesterday. I was surprised “sweet” to hear that you wrote a letter to my sister Helen. She probably will answer your letter for I usually hear from her once in every two weeks. Inspection is over with and it has been pouring down a lot of water all night. Anyway, we stood inspection inside. My Company Commander asked me my rifle number and how long I had. I never get a growl for an inspection for I’m always well prepared for them. Now if I were up there sweet we’d sure go out someplace or at Whalom to have a barrel of fun but I’ll stay [Page 2] in since I’m not there. I think of you an awful lot but it doesn’t help because I’m so far away. Anyway, I hope that I can get a chance to see you again. When I do, I’ll make up for lost time. Roy got a letter from Carolyn and she stated that she saw me up there and thought I had gotten a furlough. She also told him about the soldier she was going with. I guess Roy still writes to her but won’t admit it. He also got promoted to a Sergeant Technician making him a First Cook. It pays around 74 dollars a month. He still hasn’t much to say to me and I really don’t care whether he does. Well “Honey,” I shall close thinking of you and write soon. Two of your letters were short, “sweet,” so don’t blame me for not writing a longer letter. I take about 4 to 5 days to get a letter from you so that’s why I usually wait to get that letter and answer the things you have in it. Remember to write real soon. �Sincerely yours, With Lots of Love Joe {Signature accent mark} [Envelope front] Cpl. Joe Olexa (12016893) Co. “L,” 26th Infantry [text strikethrough] {1st Infantry Division} A.P.O. - 1209 ℅ Postmaster New York, N.Y. {Postmark} INDIANTOWN GAP JUL 20 12 PM 1942 PA. Free {Signature accent mark} Miss Agnes Van Der Weide 11 Main Street Ashburnham, 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_1942-07-18 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Olexa, Joseph P. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1942-07-18 Title A name given to the resource Letter from Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, July 18, 1942 Description An account of the resource Handwritten letter and envelope with transcript by Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, dated July 18, 1942. The envelope is sent from Co. L, 26th Infantry, A.P.O. #1209, New York, New York, dated July 20, 1942. In the letter, Joe writes lovingly to Agnes of how she remains in his thoughts and how he hopes to be together again, despite him being so far away. Subject The topic of the resource United States. Army. Infantry Division, 26th World War, 1939-1945 Soldiers -- Michigan Correspondence Love letters Indiantown Gap Military Reservation (Pa.) 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/38d97d9677af1c2341c6cd6f2d0ccda1.pdf e7462d0216eb759b86a710b33c8e1832 PDF Text Text �� https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/1ce2abb84eef45dc27bd92c699eec21a.pdf ce654bde70a9c6af84adf3790c27f454 PDF Text Text [RHC-93_Olexa_1943-07-18] [Page 1] [V-Mail Letter] {CENSOR’S STAMP} To Miss Agnes Van Der Weide 11 Main Street Ashburnham, Mass. From (12016893) Cpl. Joseph P. Olexa (Sender’s name) Co. “L,” 26th Inf. A.P.O. – 1 (Sender’s address) c/o Postmaster N.Y.C. July 18, 1943 (Date) Dear Agnes, I have been on special duty for the last two months and am sorry that I couldn’t write sooner. I am now waiting to go back to the outfit and you ought to know where they are by now. I got quite a few of your letters and the graduation pictures you sent. They were swell and I must say that you have changed. I still miss you as much as ever and think of you often. I guess it will be a long time before we get to go back home, so we’ll just have to make the best of it. I’ll write you a long letter when the time will permit. Give your folks and the Walsh’s [?] my best regards. Will close and I shall be thinking of you. Yours always With Lots of Love Joe [V-mail envelope] WAR & NAVY DEPARTMENTS V-MAIL SERVICE OFFICIAL BUSINESS �{Postmark} NEW YORK, N.Y. JUL 30 10 AM 1943 PENALTY FOR PRIVATE USE TO AVOID PAYMENT OF POSTAGE, $300 GRAND CENTRAL ANNEX 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/. 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 1943-07-18 Title A name given to the resource Letter from Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, July 18, 1943 Description An account of the resource Handwritten V-Mail letter and envelope with transcript by Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, dated July 18, 1943. The envelope is sent from Co. L, 26th Infantry A.P.O.-1, c/o Postmaster New York, New York, dated July 30, 1943. In the V-Mail letter, Joe informs Agnes that he has been on special duty for two months and that it will be quite a while before he is able to return home to the United States. 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/7e0d9f0319889e0c8d4b568128f3f522.pdf ef4685c5938dcf0ab7cf97d3d985c0d6 PDF Text Text ��� https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/a9dbdf5722dcd8c68826d7921892e2a2.pdf 0bd4a9df61b3eb7ae94278996ae50f3e PDF Text Text [RHC-93_Olexa_1942-07-19] [Page 1] {Stationary letterhead} CORPORAL JOE OLEXA Co. “L,” 26th Infantry [text strikethrough] {1st Infantry Division} A.P.O. - 1209 ℅ Postmaster New York, N.Y. July 19, 1942 Hello “Sweets,” Rec’d your letter and the souvenir and I am quite pleased. In fact, if you were near I’d give you one of the biggest hugs you ever had. I think of you often and you needn’t haunt me that much, do you “sweet.” Ha! Ha! I’ll get even somehow and don’t forget it neither. [sic] I went out this weekend to break up the monotony and I was very good too. I had you in my mind all of the time and was hoping that you could have been with me. I always keep a hoping [sic] that I can get a pass or a furlough so that we can be together longer and I miss you an awful lot, believe me. If I can’t get a leave, I’m going to be very very disappointed. Do you know “Honey” I could hug you all of the time and still not be satisfied? See, what you’ve got me into. I won’t forget “sweet” about being fair when I have a chance to be up that way again and hope that you don’t. After all that rain yesterday, it turned out to be very hot and we sweat doing nothing [Page 2] I don’t want you to go through all of that trouble “honey” of having an enlargement made for me. You’ve been real sweet to me always [sic] and I don’t want you to get mad because of it. Don’t think that I don’t want my folks to see you and someday I’ll take you up home to meet them. Of course, I can’t say when that shall be because of the Army not giving any leaves. I got a letter from my brother Johnny too. He says that he’s quite busy giving speeches and so forth. Well “sweet” I’m a man of my word so the next time I get to see you, I’ll prove that I can chew your ears. What do you think of that? Now if you were to meet me under the apple tree tonite [sic] I’ll make up for last time. Ha! Ha! Ain’t I a card? So, Gloria gets mad when you write and she can’t sleep. Well, that’s paying dividends getting even with her for not writing to me and, at that, two-timing me. �I shall close “honey” and write real soon. Give my regards to the folks. Will be thinking of you in the meantime. Sincerely yours, With Lots of Love Joe {Signature accent mark} P.S. My letters are kinda short since I write one after another and news is scarce so don’t be a meanie and tell me about it. [Envelope front] Cpl. Joe Olexa (12016893) Co. “L,” 26th Infantry [text strikethrough] {1st Infantry Division} A.P.O. - 1209 ℅ Postmaster New York, N.Y. {Postmark} INDIANTOWN GAP JUL 20 12 PM 1942 PA. Free {Signature accent mark} Miss Agnes Van Der Weide 11 Main Street Ashburnham, 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_1942-07-19 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Olexa, Joseph P. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1942-07-19 Title A name given to the resource Letter from Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, July 19, 1942 Description An account of the resource Handwritten letter and envelope with transcript by Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, dated July 19, 1942. The envelope is sent from Co. L, 26th Infantry, A.P.O. #1209, New York, New York, dated July 20, 1942. In the letter, Joe affectionately writes to Agnes upon receiving a letter and souvenir from her, sharing how she is always on his mind, and his hopes for receiving a pass or a furlough so they can be together again. He also reassures her of his intentions of taking her home to meet his family one day and the big bear hug he will offer upon reuniting. Subject The topic of the resource United States. Army. Infantry Division, 26th World War, 1939-1945 Soldiers -- Michigan Correspondence Love letters Indiantown Gap Military Reservation (Pa.) 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/5b1045c0d5d1d89cecdf21dff8c6a257.pdf 1a4b2e56b1575fa733c1e4a5c96a39c8 PDF Text Text �� https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/85431e6fafd5cc0fb6ef8d48a063294b.pdf e58362788038ba1525e93eec10a9a9db PDF Text Text [RHC-93_Olexa_1943-07-19] [Page 1] [V-Mail Letter] {CENSOR’S STAMP} To Miss Agnes Van Der Weide 11 Main Street Ashburnham, Mass. From (12016893) Cpl. Joseph P. Olexa (Sender’s name) Co. “L,” 26th Inf. A.P.O. – 1 (Sender’s address) c/o Postmaster N.Y.C. July 19, 1943 (Date) Dear Agnes, Thought I’d drop you another V-mail today since I haven’t much to do at present. I’m still waiting to go back to the outfit. When [?] I do, I hope that I’ll have a lot of mail from you. I still miss you “Sweets” and think of you most of the time. I also thought of you on the Fourth and remembered the good time we had together last year. How time does fly or didn’t it. [sic] How is Eileen [?] and her folks now days? I sure would have liked to have been at your graduation [?] that was the impossible. I thought sure [?] we were going home after the African Campaign and I’m not the only one that’s disappointed. Will close for this time. Give your folks my best regards. Write soon “Sweets” and I [?] to write a long letter later on. Yours always Joe {Signature accent mark} [V-mail envelope] WAR & NAVY DEPARTMENTS V-MAIL SERVICE �OFFICIAL BUSINESS {Postmark} NEW YORK, N.Y. JUL 30 10 AM 1943 PENALTY FOR PRIVATE USE TO AVOID PAYMENT OF POSTAGE, $300 GRAND CENTRAL ANNEX � 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/. 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 1943-07-19 Title A name given to the resource Letter from Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, July 19, 1943 Description An account of the resource Handwritten V-Mail letter and envelope with transcript by Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, dated July 19, 1943. The envelope is sent from Co. L, 26th Infantry A.P.O.-1, c/o Postmaster New York, New York, dated July 30, 1943. In the V-Mail letter, Joe reminisces about the Fourth of July he spent together with Agnes and how he wishes he could have attended her graduation. He also mentions how he thought he would return home after the African Campaign and his resulting feeling of disappointment. Subject The topic of the resource United States. Army. Infantry Division, 26th World War, 1939-1945 Soldiers -- Michigan Correspondence V-mail Fourth of July 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/29594cddf96581bd975d269f380610b7.pdf eecb71b5e49525faca988bbb94b8c9a3 PDF Text Text ��� https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/ce14ff64aaa4cd3808c9bc3eff26bb25.pdf 400832bd1b9c290476f8979341121c43 PDF Text Text [RHC-93_Olexa_1944-07-02] [Page 1] S/Sgt. Joseph Olexa (12016893) DET. OF PATIENTS 4187 U.S. HOSP. PLANT A.P.O. – 152 c/o PM. N.Y., N.Y. July 2, 1944. Hello “Darling,” Today is Sunday and it brings back memories of the Sunday’s I use [sic] to spend with you. I shall never forget them and can hardly waite [sic] to be with you again. I’d like nothing better than to chew on your ears right now just to be mean. I’d even squeeze you a plenty till I think that I have made up all of the lost time I didn’t spend with you. Ain’t I terrible? Well “Darling” it’s going to be swell being with you again when I get back and I shan’t ever let you get out of sight. Did you get my letters I had written while I was in France as yet? I hope so, because I did answer some of your questions in them. At times I just sit and think of what you are doing and wish I could be hidden somewhere just to watch you. Now don’t get me wrong, for I don’t want to spy on you but just to see you go about in your every day’s task. [sic] I’m still waiting to see that other picture you are going to send and hope that you will send more when you take them. [Page 2] I’m improving everyday “Darling” and feeling fine. I still hope that you aren’t worrying about me for I shall be just as good as ever when I am fully recovered. I’ve got your picture out on my little stand and keep looking at it wishing you would come out long enough to tell you how much I love you. Most of the fellows admire your picture, but little do they know of what I think of it. We have a radio in our ward now and it’s grand to hear the news and music by leading bands. Two more days and it will be the 4th of July and my mind rushes back to the time when we were last together. I shall never forget that day either and the day we met at Whalom Park. I’m still anxious to hear from my folks telling me about the Wedding Anniversary and who all was there. I hope you can read this scribbling of mine and if not write and let me know and I’ll try to write it in English. Ha! Ha! Did you get that ring you had boughten for me? [sic] Just curious? Well “Darling” I shall close for this time. Give my best regards to your folks. Yours forever With Loads of Love & Kisses, Joe {Signature accent mark} PS. Write real soon? �[Envelope front] S/Sgt. Joseph Olexa (12016893) DET. OF PATIENTS 4187 U.S. HOSP. PLANT A.P.O. – 152 c/o PM. – N.Y., N.Y. {Postmark} U.S. ARMY POSTAL SERVICE 152 JUL 5 1944 A.P.O. U.S. POSTAGE 6¢ VIA AIR MAIL Miss Agnes Van Der Weide 1913 Berkley Ave. S.W. Grand Rapids, 9 Mich. PASSED BY 34734 U.S. ARMY EXAMINER W.F. Scott Capt. F.A. � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Joe Olexa letters Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Olexa, Joseph P. Van Der Weide, Agnes Description An account of the resource Collection of letters between Joseph Olexa and Agnes Van Der Weide, dating from 1941 to 1946. Olexa fought in the U.S. Army 26th Infantry Division, Company "L", and eventually attained the rank of Staff Sergeant. Over the course of World War II, Olexa was engaged in North Africa, Sicily, France, Belgium, and Germany. He fought in the Invasion of Normandy, the liberation of Belgium, the Battle of Hürtgen Forest, and the Battle of the Bulge. While deployed abroad, Olexa maintained regular correspondence with Agnes Van Der Weide, a young woman he met through mutual friends. Agnes was the daughter of Benjamin and Minnie (Ter Meer) Van Der Weide. The Van Der Weide family lived in Jamestown, Michigan and Ashburnham, Massachusetts until moving to Grand Rapids, Michigan in 1943. While the letters do not contain details relating to Olexa's military activities, due to heavy censorship of soldiers' correspondence by the U.S. Army, the letters do depict the daily activities of an infantry soldier and illustrate the blossoming romance between the two. Joseph and Agnes were married July 23, 1945, and lived in West Michigan until Agnes's death in 1993. Joseph Olexa died December 3, 2000. They were survived by their son, Karl Olexa. Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant World War II Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1941/1946 Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/543">Joseph P. Olexa WWII memoir and correspondence (RHC-93)</a> Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/">In Copyright</a> Subject The topic of the resource United States. Army. Infantry Division, 26th World War, 1939-1945 Soldiers -- Michigan Correspondence Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Special Collections & University Archives Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-93 Language A language of the resource eng Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-93_Olexa_1944-07-02 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 1944-07-02 Title A name given to the resource Letter from Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, July 2, 1944 Description An account of the resource Handwritten letter and envelope with transcript by Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, dated July 2, 1944. The envelope is sent from Det. of Patients, 4187 U.S. Hospital Plant, A.P.O.-152, c/o Postmaster New York, New York, dated July 5, 1944. In the letter, Joe writes to Agnes on a Sunday while recovering in the hospital, reminiscing of the Sunday's they used to spend together and how swell it will be when they are together once again. 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/84ed9f590051efc83c96ce3d0d4fe61a.pdf fa706c6b9cf76484e0b36c0acb0e6bac PDF Text Text ��� https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/5475f7c6ae1a7639ac9a31f806b3b0d3.pdf 9169a2ecf248422f210e0706d8a6e178 PDF Text Text [RHC-93_Olexa_1942-07-20] [Page 1] {Stationary letterhead} CORPORAL JOE OLEXA Co. “L,” 26th Infantry [text strikethrough] {1st Infantry Division} A.P.O. - 1209 ℅ Postmaster New York, N.Y. July 20, 1942 Hello Sweets, Here I am again and feeling fine. I just got through with my wash and pressed a uniform to wear. It’s been quite hot today and all we do is sweat. It’s hotter instead of being cooler after a rain. I’ve got the pictures that you sent in my carrier and it’s about time isn’t it “sweet.” I think of you often, ain’t I getting a little better. [sic] How is everything up there? Are you still a wishing that I was there for a weekend? Well, I am, just to keep up my morale. How’s my chick-a-dee getting along? Seems though, that if she can’t write I’ll drop her for a nickel. Ha! Ha! My brother Ollie didn’t come down but I expected that. I knew that he didn’t have that much ambition. I’m on guard duty tomorrow so [Page 2] I won’t be able to answer one of your letters providing I get one. I find it hard to write long letters “sweet,” especially when I write each day or when I get two or three from you at a time. Can’t help it though for there is a lot of mail going through New York. Well “honey” are you being good and thinking of me? I am. Did you hear from my sister Helen yet? I haven’t heard from her but expect to any day now. We don’t know as yet when we are to leave here and when we do, it’s going to be in short order. How is your dad and his diet getting along? I sure was surprised to see that he lost a lot of weight. Well “honey” I shall close with a big hug and kiss for you. Write real soon, won’t you? Sincerely yours, With Lots of Love Joe {Signature accent mark} �P.S. I hope that you don’t get tired of me writing letters in pencil “sweet.” Anyway, ink isn’t a good thing to carry in a barracks bag. [Envelope front] Cpl. Joe Olexa (12016893) Co. “L,” 26th Infantry [text strikethrough] {1st Infantry Division} A.P.O. - 1209 ℅ Postmaster New York, N.Y. {Postmark} INDIANTOWN GAP JUL 21 12 PM 1942 PA. Free {Signature accent mark} Miss Agnes Van Der Weide 11 Main Street Ashburnham, 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_1942-07-20 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 1942-07-20 Title A name given to the resource Letter from Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, July 20, 1942 Description An account of the resource Handwritten letter and envelope with transcript by Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, dated July 20, 1942. The envelope is sent from Co. L, 26th Infantry, A.P.O. #1209, New York, New York, dated July 21, 1942. In the letter, Joe writes to Agnes sharing how it is difficult for him to write long letters when writing each day or upon receiving multiple letters all at once, but he reassures her that he is thinking of her often and wishing they could spend the weekend together. He also writes that he will be on Guard Duty the next day and how he spent the day doing laundry and preparing his uniform among other activities. Subject The topic of the resource United States. Army. Infantry Division, 26th World War, 1939-1945 Soldiers -- Michigan Correspondence Indiantown Gap Military Reservation (Pa.) 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/942f1f5a8b6ea65b59269a39fa08ec61.pdf c3d68b25ab4ae6c4242e0dd50ed576f4 PDF Text Text �� https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/be2a59d09b6f5f4c4617e77d2cfdbe69.pdf 93466e5787c0bf5da61826079133984a PDF Text Text [RHC-93_Olexa_1943-07-21] [Page 1] [V-Mail Letter] {CENSOR’S STAMP} To Miss Agnes Van Der Weide 11 Main Street Ashburnham, Mass. From 12016893 Cpl. Joseph P. Olexa (Sender’s name) Co. “L,” 26th Inf. A.P.O. – 1 (Sender’s address) c/o Postmaster N.Y.C. July 21, 1943 (Date) Dear Agnes, Haven’t as yet been shipped out, so here I am again with another letter. Went on pass [?] yesterday afternoon and walked my legs off about the town. [sic] Just got through writing to Helen and a letter to my folks yesterday. Going to see a movie tonite but don’t know the name of it. So, you had my writing annalized. [sic] Of all things, I’m surprised. Yes, that Lieut. is feminine so that makes the teacher correct. I still miss you as much as ever “Sweets” and I do think of you often. I still will say that the pictures you sent are swell. Don’t mind the flattery? Ha! Ha! Well “Sweets,” I shall close and don’t forget to write often. Give the folks my regards. Must say your Dad is getting to be a bit of a gigglo. [sic] Ha! Ha! Yours always Joe {Signature accent mark} {V-MAIL stationary footer} [V-mail envelope] WAR & NAVY DEPARTMENTS V-MAIL SERVICE �OFFICIAL BUSINESS {Postmark} NEW YORK, N.Y. JUL 31 9 AM 1943 PENALTY FOR PRIVATE USE TO AVOID PAYMENT OF POSTAGE, $300 GRAND CENTRAL ANNEX � 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/. 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 1943-07-21 Title A name given to the resource Letter from Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, July 21, 1943 Description An account of the resource Handwritten V-Mail letter and envelope with transcript by Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, dated July 21, 1943. The envelope is sent from Co. L, 26th Infantry A.P.O.-1, c/o Postmaster New York, New York, dated July 31, 1943. In the V-Mail letter, Joe writes a friendly message to Agnes appreciating the photographs she sent to him and sharing what he had been up to while awaiting being deployed 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/21fc25247302a9f6d41e1e64191cbc70.pdf 3d52c63d7ef78b16ff87a86e93d2f073 PDF Text Text �� https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/3f1d95d1a38a5c3a2c78db322794f158.pdf a73e7b5611f469a6c57bdb350b68f210 PDF Text Text [RHC-93_Olexa_1943-07-21_02] [Page 1] [V-Mail Letter] {CENSOR’S STAMP} To Miss Agnes Van Der Weide 11 Main Street Ashburnham, Mass. From (12016893) Cpl. Joseph P. Olexa (Sender’s name) Co. “L,” 26th Inf. A.P.O. – 1 (Sender’s address) c/o Postmaster N.Y.C. July 21, 1943 (Date) Dear Agnes, Have been thinking of you so I thought to drop you another V-mail. I’m fine as usual and I hope this letter finds you the same. I still don’t know when I’m going to get back to the outfit but it may be soon. I miss you, “Sweets,” even though I may not show it at times. Someday, I hope that we shall be back together again. I suppose by now that you are working steady? I still hope you make a million. Ha! Ha! I saw a movie last nite called “A Thrilling Night.” It was boring at first but turned out alright. It was about a couple on their Honeymoon and got mixed up with Gangsters. [sic] Well “Sweets” I shall close this boring letter. Write soon. “Yours always,” Joe {Signature accent mark} P.S. How is my Beasie getting along {V-MAIL stationary footer} [V-mail envelope] Cpl. Joseph P. Olexa Co. “L,” 26th Inf. A.P.O. – 1 �c/o Postmaster New York, N.Y. U.S. Army {Postmark} U.S. ARMY POSTAL SERVICE 512 JUL 23 1943 A.P.O. V-MAIL Miss Agnes Van Der Weide 11 Main Street Ashburnham, Mass. V-Mail Service provides the most expeditious dispatch and reduces the weight of mail to and from personnel of our Armed Forces outside the continental United States. When addressed to points where micro-film equipment is operated, a miniature photographic negative of the message will be made and sent by the most expeditious transportation available for reproduction and delivery. The original message will be destroyed after the reproduction has been delivered. Messages addressed to or from points where micro-film equipment is not operated will be transmitted in their original form by the most expeditious means available. INSTRUCTIONS (1) Write the entire message plainly on the other side within marginal lines. (2) PRINT the name and address in the two panels provided. Addresses to members of the Armed Forces should include rank or rating of the addressee, unit to which attached, and APO or Naval address. (3) Fold, seal, and deposit in any post-office letter drop or street letter box. (4) Enclosures must not be placed in this envelope and a separate V-Mail letter must be sent if you desire to write more than one sheet. (5) V-Mail letters may be sent free of postage by members of the Armed Forces. When sent by others, postage must be prepaid at domestic rates (3c ordinary mail, 6c if air mail is desired). � 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/. 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 1943-07-21 Title A name given to the resource Letter from Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, July 21, 1943 Description An account of the resource Handwritten V-Mail letter and envelope with transcript by Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, dated July 21, 1943. The envelope is sent from Co. L, 26th Infantry A.P.O.-1, c/o Postmaster New York, New York, dated July 23, 1943. In the V-Mail letter, Joe writes about how greatly he misses Agnes and his wishing they will be together again someday, in addition to the film he saw the previous night called, "One Thrilling Night." 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/e31fb49c69ed0a58cb97b2dfd2b361d7.pdf 3137d9b20710725edb37ac9f78cd99de PDF Text Text ���� https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/421e28c5459d0137c28cc9ed7b651b8d.pdf ae07a74c4199b142f8416196a294cb34 PDF Text Text [RHC-93_Olexa_1942-07-22] [Page 1 - front] {Stationary letterhead} CORPORAL JOE OLEXA Co. “L,” 26th Infantry [text strikethrough] {1st Infantry Division} A.P.O. - 1209 ℅ Postmaster New York, N.Y. July 22, 1942 Dear “Sweets,” I was very pleased to hear from you, although I had written four letters and by now I hope you got them. I miss you an awful lot too, “Honey.” I still think of you often. Last nite [sic] while I was on Guard I thought of you all of the time believe it or not. I’m blaming you for making me feel the way I do about you. Ain’t I terrible? Anyway, “honey,” I keep on a hoping [sic] that I will be able to see you again real soon. At least thinking this way keeps up my morale. If you were here now I’d hold you real tight so you won’t be able to get away. What do you think of that, “sweet”? Well “honey,” blame it on the mailman for getting you disappointed from not getting my letters on time. I’m surprised at you sweet for letting a small loop-o-plane get the best of you. Ha! Ha! It’s your fault for not going with me into the spook-house, so there, meanie! [Page 1 - back] Your mail “honey” comes in two or three’s most of the time and I try to answer them when they do come. However, I find it hard to write a long letter, one after the other. I hope you can read my writing, “sweets” for I think I’m getting worse. I’m still on Guard and get relieved at 4:30 this afternoon. Anyway, I’m quite stiff, sore, sleepy, and tired at present. I’m going to take a shower and hit the hay early tonite. [sic] My hair is getting longer but it will take about a month and a half to have it long enough to have my natural wave in it again. Well, have a good time at the dance and think of me. Remember to be good for I may read your mind. Ha! Ha! I haven’t heard from home since my last letter but I may be surprised again. I wish I could go up there too “honey,” but as it is, I can’t. I can’t tell how much I miss you in words but I could if I were there or you being down here. �Tonite [sic] this state is going to have a thirty-minute black out. They aren’t saying when it will be. Wish you were here when it does go on. Roy wears Corporal stripes and I believe he didn’t make the grade of [Page 2 - front] {Stationary letterhead} CORPORAL JOE OLEXA Co. “L,” 26th Infantry [text strikethrough] {1st Infantry Division} Sergeant Technician. Anyway, he likes to talk. Ha! Ha! Doesn’t he? Is the Wenneburgs [?] still trying to find out whether I was [on] a furlough. [sic] They ought to turn in their rubber necks for National Defense. Ha! Ha! How is the weather up there? It’s quite hot as yet around here. [sic] I rate the heat the same as we had in Georgia. Well, has any of your mother’s tomatoes in the garden [become] big enough to eat? So, Gloria is making the money now? Well if she makes her first million before you do, I’ll get mad. Ha! Ha! Haven’t anything more to write “honey,” so I will close and in the meantime will be thinking of you. Write real soon, won’t you “sweet”? Give my regards to the folks. Sincerely yours, With Lots of Love Joe {Signature accent mark} P.S. I know why you lay awake nites [sic] and if I were there to occupy your mind, I’ll bet it would stop. Ha! Ha! What do you think? [Envelope front] Cpl. Joe Olexa (12016893) Co. “L,” 26th Infantry [text strikethrough] {1st Infantry Division} A.P.O. - 1209 ℅ Postmaster New York, N.Y. {Postmark} INDIANTOWN GAP �JUL 23 12 PM 1942 PA. Free {Signature accent mark} Miss Agnes Van Der Weide 11 Main Street Ashburnham, 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_1942-07-22 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 1942-07-22 Title A name given to the resource Letter from Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, July 22, 1942 Description An account of the resource Handwritten letter and envelope with transcript by Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, dated July 22, 1942. The envelope is sent from Co. L, 26th Infantry, A.P.O. #1209, New York, New York, dated July 23, 1942. In the letter, Joe writes to Agnes sharing how he thinks of her often, especially when on Guard Duty, and how thinking he will be able to see her again soon helps to keep up his morale. Subject The topic of the resource United States. Army. Infantry Division, 26th World War, 1939-1945 Soldiers -- Michigan Correspondence Love letters Indiantown Gap Military Reservation (Pa.) 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/d3ba72e806d6786bb3422291f37497e5.pdf 059fcf492f41b96d0bf558ef0fd73819 PDF Text Text �� https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/31cd3f645ac7effcf580bf109241496c.pdf 67879adfcff9215e4e36d929384abb20 PDF Text Text [RHC-93_Olexa_1943-07-23] [Page 1] [V-Mail Letter] No. 746 {CENSOR’S STAMP} To Miss Agnes Van Der Weide 11 Main Street Ashburnham, Mass. From (12016893) Cpl. Joseph P. Olexa (Sender’s name) Co. “L,” 26th Inf. A.P.O. – 1 (Sender’s address) c/o Postmaster N.Y.C. July 23, 1943 (Date) Dear Agnes, Writing again today just in case you didn’t get the other 4 V-Mail letters I had written. I’ve really got a little ambition and am I surprised. I am to leave to get back with the outfit, so if there is a big space between letters, don’t go a worrying any over me. I still miss you and can’t wait till the day we shall see each other again. How is everyone over there? Fine I hope. How is Gloria and her boy friend? Has he gone to the Army or is he still waiting? Have you seen the Walsh’s lately? Don’t forget to give them my regards when you do. Will close “Sweets” for I have much to write. Yours always With Lots of Love Joe {Signature accent mark} {V-MAIL stationary footer} [V-mail envelope] �WAR & NAVY DEPARTMENTS V-MAIL SERVICE OFFICIAL BUSINESS {Postmark} NEW YORK, N.Y. AUG 1 9 AM 1943 PENALTY FOR PRIVATE USE TO AVOID PAYMENT OF POSTAGE, $300 GRAND CENTRAL ANNEX � 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/. 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 1943-07-23 Title A name given to the resource Letter from Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, July 23, 1943 Description An account of the resource Handwritten V-Mail letter and envelope with transcript by Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, dated July 23, 1943. The envelope is sent from Co. L, 26th Infantry A.P.O.-1, c/o Postmaster New York, New York, dated August 1, 1943. In the letter, Joe writes his fifth recent V-Mail to Agnes to ensure she hears from him and to let her know there may be a gap of time before he is able to write 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/55454ec709b73320a1f33ac3d5db6e84.pdf 52278fcae7633187f220cee95136ed3a PDF Text Text ��� https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/cd39299919a5810c4c00fb97b5516b9c.pdf fc9773f4fc47922b6dd560d57c9086e1 PDF Text Text [RHC-93_Olexa_1942-07-24] [Page 1] {Stationary letterhead} CORPORAL JOE OLEXA Co. “L,” 26th Infantry [text strikethrough] {1st Infantry Division} A.P.O. - 1209 ℅ Postmaster New York, N.Y. July 24, 1942 Hello “Honey,” Rec’d your letter yesterday and was glad to hear from you. I got kinda mad at the first part of your letter. I thought we had that part settled. I usually write as soon as I can “sweet” and if you want to feel that way, it’s O.K. with me. I’ll forgive you this time and I really have tried to explain that there are times when I have plenty to do which takes up a lot of my time. If you don’t want to believe that, I can’t make you. I’ve answered all of your letters and have tried to write more but you still call me down. [sic] I guess women aren’t satisfied? Well that’s all about that situation and let’s be a little more easier with each other and not bring up such quarrels which gets more serious as time goes along. After I came off of Guard duty, I was put on Charge of Quarters and now my squad leader was on so I had the squad for today. [Page 2] I had a very busy week and I plan to wash so more laundry tomorrow. I sure did get another surprise “sweet” for my sister Nellie sent me another letter. My brother Ollie is back to work but he hasn’t written to me yet. They liked you in the picture and wanted to know when I was going to bring you up there to meet them in person. Well it may be a long time or a short one. One can never tell, can they “honey.” If you would have asked me “sweet,” I would have gotten that mirror for you. I have only one coupon for Beasie this time for the fellow is out who is the one to give them to me. [sic] So, Gloria went for a vacation. I’ll bet she’s up seeing “Frankie.” She’s two-timing me again. Ha! Ha! I don’t know what made me forget to put the coupons in that letter but I sent them in another letter the next day. Did you get them “sweet”? I still think of you often and I’m a hoping to see you again sometime. [sic] Will close “honey” and write soon. �Sincerely yours, With Lots of Love Joe {Signature accent mark} P.S. Give the folks my “Hello.” P.S.S. I’m sorry that I can’t get what your dad asked for because it’s awful scarce. [Envelope front] Cpl. Joe Olexa (12016893) Co. “L,” 26th Infantry [text strikethrough] {1st Infantry Division} A.P.O. - 1209 ℅ Postmaster New York, N.Y. {Postmark} INDIANTOWN GAP JUL 25 12 PM 1942 PA. Free {Signature accent mark} Miss Agnes Van Der Weide 11 Main Street Ashburnham, 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_1942-07-24 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Olexa, Joseph P. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1942-07-24 Title A name given to the resource Letter from Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, July 24, 1942 Description An account of the resource Handwritten letter and envelope with transcript by Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, dated July 24, 1942. The envelope is sent from Co. L, 26th Infantry, A.P.O. #1209, New York, New York, dated July 25, 1942. In the letter, Joe writes to Agnes reassuring her of his eagerness to write and his hopes of her understanding the delays in communication. He also writes of his busy week including doing Guard Duty and being put on Charge of Quarters. 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/c38c3adfbe16d7b0f8cc5a350148ac9f.pdf fce783dc02862a10858721416af77d2e PDF Text Text ��� https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/ea8504408040cc229264f1daacf8caf9.pdf f62bc53cbb3a3c3102b1480f6922f09b PDF Text Text [RHC-93_Olexa_1944-07-24] [Page 1] {Letterhead featuring the words “AMERICAN RED CROSS” and their red cross emblem} Det. of Patients 4167 U.S. Hosp. Plant Co. “K,” A.P.O. – 162 c/o PM – N.Y. N.Y. July 24, 1944. Hello “Darling,” Today is Sunday and I would have been thinking of you most of the time. I had a six hour pass today and spent it looking and strolling around town. I sure did wish that you could have been here with me, then everything would have been complete. I still love you as much as ever “Darling” and miss you ever so much. I would like nothing better at the moment to chew on your ears a little right now and pull your curls just to be a meanie. What do you think of that? When we are together again I don’t think I shall ever let you go and keep you in my arms forever, if possible. [Page 2] I’m still fine and in the best of health. Hope this letter finds you the same? Well, “Darling” what have you been doing today? Gee!! I wish I could be with you to find out. I still haven’t rec’d any mail and am I ever disgusted. Gosh!! I hope to receive some soon for I miss your letters terribly. As you may know I’m at another hospital and I have been here 5 days. I guess, I shall be here for 4 weeks and then go back to my outfit. I’m sending you a couple more clippings of Sad Sack. How many of them do you have now? How are your folks? Don’t forget to give them my best regards. This letter will be short also “Darling” for I don’t know what to write. Will close with oceans of Love and a Kiss on each wave. [sic] Yours forever With Loads of Love “Joe” {Signature accent mark} PS. Generous, ain’t I? [Envelope front] S/Sgt. Joseph P. Olexa (12016893) �Det. of Patients 4167 U.S. Hosp. Plant Co. “K,” A.P.O. – 162 c/o PM. – N.Y. N.Y. {Postmark} U.S. ARMY POSTAL SERVICE 162 [?] JUL 24 1944 A.P.O. U.S. POSTAGE 6¢ VIA AIR MAIL Miss Agnes Van Der Weide 1913 Berkley Ave. S.W. Grand Rapids, 9 Mich. PASSED BY 09087 U.S. ARMY EXAMINER [?] � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Joe Olexa letters Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Olexa, Joseph P. Van Der Weide, Agnes Description An account of the resource Collection of letters between Joseph Olexa and Agnes Van Der Weide, dating from 1941 to 1946. Olexa fought in the U.S. Army 26th Infantry Division, Company "L", and eventually attained the rank of Staff Sergeant. Over the course of World War II, Olexa was engaged in North Africa, Sicily, France, Belgium, and Germany. He fought in the Invasion of Normandy, the liberation of Belgium, the Battle of Hürtgen Forest, and the Battle of the Bulge. While deployed abroad, Olexa maintained regular correspondence with Agnes Van Der Weide, a young woman he met through mutual friends. Agnes was the daughter of Benjamin and Minnie (Ter Meer) Van Der Weide. The Van Der Weide family lived in Jamestown, Michigan and Ashburnham, Massachusetts until moving to Grand Rapids, Michigan in 1943. While the letters do not contain details relating to Olexa's military activities, due to heavy censorship of soldiers' correspondence by the U.S. Army, the letters do depict the daily activities of an infantry soldier and illustrate the blossoming romance between the two. Joseph and Agnes were married July 23, 1945, and lived in West Michigan until Agnes's death in 1993. Joseph Olexa died December 3, 2000. They were survived by their son, Karl Olexa. Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant World War II Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1941/1946 Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/543">Joseph P. Olexa WWII memoir and correspondence (RHC-93)</a> Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/">In Copyright</a> Subject The topic of the resource United States. Army. Infantry Division, 26th World War, 1939-1945 Soldiers -- Michigan Correspondence Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Special Collections & University Archives Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-93 Language A language of the resource eng Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-93_Olexa_1944-07-24 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Olexa, Joseph P. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1944-07-24 Title A name given to the resource Letter from Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, July 24, 1944 Description An account of the resource Handwritten letter and envelope with transcript by Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, dated July 24, 1944. The envelope is sent from Det. of Patients, 4167 U.S. Hospital Plant, Co. "K,"A.P.O.-162, c/o Postmaster New York, New York, dated July 24, 1944. In the letter, Joe writes to Agnes while on the road to recovery in the hospital, using American Red Cross stationary and letting her know he is now located at another hospital where he will spend four additional weeks before returning to his outfit. Subject The topic of the resource United States. Army. Infantry Division, 26th World War, 1939-1945 Soldiers -- Michigan Correspondence Sad Sack Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/543">Joseph P. Olexa WWII memoir and correspondence, (RHC-93)</a> Relation A related resource Veterans History Project (U.S.) Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/">In Copyright</a> Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource application/pdf Language A language of the resource eng Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant World War II Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Lemmen Library and Archives https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/47777eebe6a6099fe8b1c5379d011b75.pdf 7ba43bfdb03f65d6ba616bb0419e59ef PDF Text Text ����� https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/670502f041ca05783ab9586c2656e2d8.pdf 42ef26722baebdf44e2f4a1f0e4b51d6 PDF Text Text [RHC-93_Olexa_1941-07-25] [Page 1] {26th Infantry letterhead} Co. “L,” U.S. Army Transport Hunter Liggett – Carib Force c/o Postmaster New York, N.Y. July 25, 1941 Dear Anges, Since we have not met and were not introduced, I shall make this letter, a letter of introduction. I am twenty-two years old, five foot-seven inches tall, have brown hair, blue eyes and weigh one hundred and sixty pounds. In other words I am husky and not fat. As, for my looks, mother nature had been good to me, so, I can pass as being good looking, although, I do not like to brag. My personality is good and have no bad habits. I do smoke cigarettes which is a habit most men have. I am Polish, speak good English and my home is in Detroit, Michigan. [Page 2] I have traveled quite a lot into every state including Mexico and Canada. Most of my traveling was done before I enlisted in the Army. I have been in the Army eight months and have two years four months to serve. Army life is tough but I like it and I’m not fooling. This is my first ocean voyage and I do enjoy it. We have just sailed from Charleston, South Carolina, where we had a day’s leave, while getting some supplies. We are supposed to go to Puerto Rico from here on a maneuver. When we will go back to Fort Devens is a question for orders do change quite often. I have no pictures of myself at present to send you but when I get back, I’ll have some reprints made. I hope, though, that you can send me one of yourself. �What is your favorite past time and hobby? [Page 3] {26th Infantry letterhead} My hobby is collecting anything of interest to me. I like to write letters and swim. My favorite sport is football and I have played a lot, while, in High School. I hope that we can scrape up a friendship and at some-time, in the future, see each other in person. Forgot to tell you, at times I am very quiet and other times quite talkative. I got your address from Roy and hope you are not offended or bored with this letter. You probably had quite a surprise, to receive this letter but the old saying is ‘Surprises come in small packages.” Will close, hoping to hear from you and carrying on the friendship. A friend, Joe Alexa [Envelope front] Miss Anges Van Der Weide 11 Main Street Ashburnham, Mass. {Postmark} NORFOLK JUL 28 1:30 PM 1941 VA. {Postage Stamp} UNITED STATES POSTAGE 3 CENTS 3 [Envelope back] Joe Alexa Co. “L,” 26th Infantry �U.S. Army Transport Hunter Liggett- Carib Force c/o Postmaster New York, N.Y. � 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/. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Olexa, Joseph P. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1941-07-25 Title A name given to the resource Letter from Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, July 25, 1941 Description An account of the resource Handwritten letter and envelope with transcript by Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, dated July 25, 1941. The envelope is sent from Co. L, 26th Infantry, U.S. Army Transport, Hunter Liggett-Carib Force, dated July 28, 1941. In the letter, Joe introduces himself to Agnes for the first time, describing his looks and personality and expresses hope for a future friendship with Agnes. Subject The topic of the resource United States. Army. Infantry Division, 26th World War, 1939-1945 Soldiers -- Michigan Correspondence Detroit (Mich.) Travel 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/4970c0083d77c64498483fa73c2275ee.pdf c3825b9917e68f7b6d76c7bf39fae71a PDF Text Text ���� https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/9c36a0361359499ef2e8dfbe4ee28b98.pdf 365148fade28c27e8deb3362ee30d838 PDF Text Text [RHC-93_Olexa_1942-07-25] [Page 1 - front] {Stationary letterhead} CORPORAL JOE OLEXA Co. “L,” 26th Infantry [text strikethrough] {1st Infantry Division} A.P.O. - 1209 ℅ Postmaster New York, N.Y. July 25, 1942 Hello Sugar, Got your letter today and was very pleased to get a long one. I suppose the letter I sent yesterday got you peeved but I guess I flew off the handle a little. Well “sweets,” I haven’t gone out this weekend and instead went to the movies. I saw the picture Sweater Girl. [sic] It was a murder picture and it was easy for me to pick out the murderer. I feel exceptionally good today “Honey,” for I thought of you and I do often. I call it “day dreaming.” Ha! Ha! I’ve lost hopes of getting a pass “sweet” for as yet we cannot get any. To my judgement we aren’t going to be here much longer. I’m always good “sugar” and only go with one girl and get a hoping that I can see her again. [sic] Do you know who she is? Ha! Ha! I’ve got the souvenir and your pictures in that holder now and it’s about [Page 1 - back] time isn't it “sweet.” Well my brother is trying to steal you away from me but he can’t. Not if I were there to hold you tight and look at your sparkling eyes and the bushy hair you have. No kidding, “honey,” I will miss you and will have to get along just to think about you. If you were here now, I’d sure squeeze you and that wouldn’t be enough. Ollie hasn’t written to me as yet and you are lucky to get a card from him. The barracks is quite dead since it’s a Saturday nite. [sic] Remember on Saturdays I used to be up to see you. I wish I was there now. I think that my sister Helen will write to you. She hasn’t written to me either but I guess she is busy at something. �I’ve got another coupon for Beasie and now it makes two. I didn’t want to send the other one till I saw whether the other fellow had some more. How’s my cutie pie? Is she still on her vacation? She’s an awful meanie if she doesn’t tell me about it. Roy is showing his colors alright and thinks he’s a big shot. One thing I will always say that a [Page 2 - front] promotion will never make me big-headed. Or to handshake without earning it. It’s still hot down here and the weather seems like rain will come again. [sic] I hope you will excuse my writing, “sweet,” for I’m writing on my bunk. Well, sweet, I don’t like to dance very much so I wouldn’t be of much enjoyment if I did go there with you. I’d rather give you a lot of kisses and big hugs. Ha! Ha! Ain’t I terrible, Honey? We haven’t sat under the apple tree together so I think that would be much better. Don’t you think so? The things that you want to do “Honey” must be to get after it and to accomplish it. Sure, you can learn how to drive. All you will have to do is to get right after it. If we had stayed at Devens you could have been able to drive by now, with me as an instructor. However, sweet, I’ll teach you how to drive when the Army lets me off. I’m surprised to hear that Beasie is going to write to me. [Page 2 - back] I’ll bet she don’t? [sic] What do you think? Who is Giggers? I never heard that name before. Well “honey” I’ve tried my best to make this letter a long one but I find nothing else to write about. Will close thinking of you always. Sincerely yours, With Lots of Love Joe {Signature accent mark} P.S. Write real soon won’t you sweet. � 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_1942-07-25 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 1942-07-25 Title A name given to the resource Letter from Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, July 25, 1942 Description An account of the resource Handwritten letter with transcript by Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, dated July 25, 1942. In the letter, Joe writes to Agnes while having an exceptionally good day while thinking of her and discusses various subjects such as the recent movie he saw called, "Sweater Girl," and how he thinks his brother is trying to steal her away from him. Subject The topic of the resource United States. Army. Infantry Division, 26th World War, 1939-1945 Soldiers -- Michigan Correspondence Love letters Motion pictures--1940-1950 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/00034fc6768f7da946f272292b9e8f0f.pdf 72772beefbe85ef3324890c764e77ea5 PDF Text Text ����� https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/37b841e88c9bbd67a1672db4b571e860.pdf 7db6914ed3e208ea9e6381ff0c298edc PDF Text Text [RHC-93_Olexa_1942-07-27] [Page 1] Co. “L,” 26th Infantry A.P.O. - 1209 ℅ Postmaster New York, N.Y. July 27, 1942 Dear Agnes, Rec’d your letter today and was glad to hear from you. I got a letter today from my sister Helen and it was a real long one at that. She stated that she got your letter and had written to you. Sorry to hear you were sick and hope you are well again. Anyway, you should have taken it easy instead of going to work. As for me, I’m fine and couldn’t be better. I have 7 more coupons for Beasie which I am sending. I saw a real good picture last nite [sic] which is “Take a Letter Darling.” If you ever [Page 2] get the chance you ought to see it. When I say it’s good, it will be. So, you didn’t go to the dance Eh! sweet. [sic] Well, look at all the fun you missed. I was there and had a barrel of fun. Roy is still the same and just as crazy. My hair is getting longer slow but sure sweet [sic] and it will be long enough when I come up to see you. We had some rain today and it’s much cooler. I’m not a kicking any for it’s more comfortable. [sic] How is Eileen and her folks? When you see them, give them my regards. [Page 3] I wish I was as lucky as Gloria to take a vacation. Some people are mighty lucky, don’t you think? Ha! Ha! Today was an easy-going day for us and we didn’t work so hard. If you will keep a writing [sic] to my sister, she’ll answer your letters. My brother, Ollie, broke his arm again so I wouldn’t know anything about him. When is Beasie going to write to me? I don’t think she has that much ambition. She takes after Gloria a lot in ways. Ha! Ha! �You should see me now sweet. A fellow just gave me a cigar and it’s the [Page 4] first one I’ve had in a long time. Well sweet I haven’t anything of interest to write. So, I shall close and in the meantime will think of you. Sincerely yours, With Lots of Love Joe {Signature accent mark} P.S. Give the folks my best regards. [Envelope front] Cpl. Joe Olexa (12016893) Co. “L,” 26th Infantry A.P.O. - 1209 ℅ Postmaster New York, N.Y. {Postmark} INDIANTOWN GAP JUL 28 12 [?]M 1942 PA. Free {Signature accent mark} Miss Agnes Van Der Weide 11 Main Street Ashburnham, 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_1942-07-27 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 1942-07-27 Title A name given to the resource Letter from Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, July 27, 1942 Description An account of the resource Handwritten letter and envelope with transcript by Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, dated July 27, 1942. The envelope is sent from Co. L, 26th Infantry, A.P.O. #1209, New York, New York, dated July 28, 1942. In the letter, Joe writes to Agnes sending his well-wishes to her after being sick and the possibilities regarding their corresponding with each other's siblings in the future. 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