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[RHC-93_Olexa_1943-08-10]
[Page 1 - front]
Sicily
August 10, 1943
Dear Agnes,
Writing a few lines again to-day [sic] since I have the time and was thinking of you. I still can’t
get over the surprise of my brother Johnny getting married. This is the second day back with the
Company and I must say that there are a lot of new faces. Its plenty hot here and if a man can’t
get a good sun-tan within a week over here, he just plain lazy. I got a card from my brother Ollie
and that also was
[Page 1 - back]
a great surprise. I wonder if he was inducted? I’ve written a few V-mails today answering other
letters I got. I hope that when you move to Grand Rapids that you will be able to find a good job
like the one you have now. What do you intend to do with your first earned million? Ha! Ha! Has
[sic] your folks left or are they busy packing? Anyway I can sure visit you when going home and
its not over 5 hours out of Detroit by train. We don’t have to worry about
[Page 2 - front]
where we will be stationed when we get to the States for that’s a long way off. How ever I’ll
surely get to the place, where you are at. [sic] I have not seen Roy as yet and many not for a long
time. I don’t know where he is, at the moment. I suppose Carolyn just can’t wait till Roy gets
back so that they can get married. It’s a great life if you don’t weaken, from what I hear. I
wonder if she can cook? Or is Roy going to do the cooking. Ha! Ha! I’ve always said that a good
cook makes the best wife for a man who
[Page 2 - back]
really likes to eat when working. I’m a man who likes to eat and have some meat on my ribs.
Well, so much for that. How is Gloria making out, since her boy friend went into the service?
Tell her to cheer up for better days are coming. Ha! Ha! Well “Sweets,” I shall close for this time
and shall be thinking of you.
Yours always
With Lots of Love
Joe
{Signature accent mark}
P.S. Don’t work too hard at your new job.
[Envelope front]
�AMERICAN RED CROSS
Cpl. Joseph P. Olexa (12016893)
Co. “L,” 26th Infantry A.P.O. - 1
c/o Postmaster New York, N. Y.
U. S. Army
{Postmark}
U.S. ARMY POSTAL [“SERVICE” missing due to top right corner of envelope being torn]
1
AUG
15
1943
A.P.O. [?]
Miss Agnes Van Der Weide
11 Main Street
Ashburnham, Mass.
PASSED BY
11147
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/.
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
1943-08-10
Title
A name given to the resource
Letter from Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, August 10, 1943
Description
An account of the resource
Handwritten letter and envelope with transcript by Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, dated August 10, 1943. The envelope is sent from Co. L, 26th Infantry A.P.O.-1, c/o Postmaster New York, New York, dated August 15, 1943. In the letter, Joe writes to Agnes from Sicily and shares his surprise regarding his brother Johnny getting married and his appreciation for her upcoming move to Grand Rapids, Michigan with its proximity to his family living in Detroit.
Subject
The topic of the resource
United States. Army. Infantry Division, 26th
World War, 1939-1945
Soldiers -- Michigan
Correspondence
Sicily (Italy)
Grand Rapids (Mich.)
Source
A related resource from which the described resource is derived
<a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/543">Joseph P. Olexa WWII memoir and correspondence, (RHC-93)</a>
Relation
A related resource
Veterans History Project (U.S.)
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
<a href="http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/">In Copyright</a>
Type
The nature or genre of the resource
Text
Format
The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource
application/pdf
Language
A language of the resource
eng
Coverage
The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant
World War II
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Lemmen Library and Archives
-
https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/82860fe109f1167d0f786df9fd26129a.pdf
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Text
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PDF Text
Text
[RHC-93_Olexa_1943-08-09]
[Page 1 - front]
Sicily
August 9, 1943
Hello Sweets,
Back again with the outfit and still in good health. As I had written I was on detached service
with the Navy and on the water most of the time. So you see I didn’t have much time to write. I
did manage to write you a few letters around the 18th of July. I got 14 of your letters besides a lot
of others. I sure did enjoy reading them. I always look forward in getting your letters. I wish that
I could write more than
[Page 1 - back]
I do but it can’t be helped. If I had a job like Roy’s where he doesn’t do much, I’d write you just
as much as he does. Oh! Well no use crying about it. He’s just fortunate. I really do miss you
also and I often think of you. You shouldn’t be so doubtful of me though. Well, I wish I were
there to prove it. Well, I sure got a lot of surprises reading all of the different mail. First of all is
that you got your job, you’re [sic] folks moving to Michigan, Ollie waiting for introduction,
Johnny
[Page 2 - front]
getting married and so on. I was working on the souvenir that I was going to send you yesterday
and broke it. Boy! I never knew I could swear so much. It was a piece of vision glass from a
German plane. I was making a letter opener out of it and the blade broke off near the handle. It
was going to be a surprise but now I’ll have to wait to get me another piece. I did manage to
make a good sized heart out of another piece but haven’t finished it yet. Roy sure had all the time
[Page 2 - back]
in the world to send Carolyn souvenirs. Its just the opposite with me. My job on detached service
was to mark the beaches for the troops on the invasion. We had to swim about 900 feet from a
rubber boat to the beach and mark it with a flash light [sic] till the troops landed. Our job was
very successful but dangerous and when the beach was marked and we were going back in the
rubber boat we were machine-gunned. The bullets flew all over but none of us were hit. We were
the first ones on the beach of Sicily. Not bad Eh!
[Page 3 - front]
That was my job and it was completed to the “T.” The Lord was with me then and he is always. I
don’t worry none for everything will turn out alright keeping my faith in God. I guess the only
time I’ll get to go home is after the war. At least it looks that way. But I shan’t forget you
“Sweets” and if it wasn’t for your mail, I don’t know what I’d do. If you ever get the chance to
go to Detroit look up my folks and you won’t be sorry, none. They’ll sure be glad to meet you.
�[Page 3 - back]
Well, I’ve been overseas a year and seven days. Boy that’s a long time when a man stops to
think. I also thought of you on the 4th even though I was on a ship. How are your folks? Don’t
forget to give them my best regards. Have you visited the Walsh’s? How are they? How is
Beasie and the rest? Well how is Gloria taking it since her flirt went away or did she forget about
him already? Ha! Ha! As for picture I have none, haven’t taken any since the 4th I spent with
you. If I’m lucky enough some day I’ll probably take some when the chance occurs.
[Page 4]
Was glad to hear you got so many graduation gifts. I still haven’t forgotten about it and as I say
I’m going to deliver it in person. Stubborn you know? Ha! Ha! Your Mother and Dad beat me to
the punch again getting you what I had in mind. Next time this happens, I’m going to start a
“feud.”
Well “Sweets” I shall close for this time and write soon.
Yours always
With Lots of Love
Joe
{Signature accent mark}
[Envelope front]
Cpl. Joseph P. Olexa (12016893)
Co. “L,” 26th Infantry A.P.O. - 1
c/o Postmaster New York, N. Y.
U. S. Army
{Postmark}
U.S. ARMY POSTAL SERVICE
AUG
14
1943
A.P.O. 1
Miss Agnes Van Der Weide
11 Main Street
Ashburnham, Mass.
PASSED BY
11147
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/.
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
1943-08-09
Title
A name given to the resource
Letter from Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, August 9, 1943
Description
An account of the resource
Handwritten letter and envelope with transcript by Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, dated August 9, 1943. The envelope is sent from Co. L, 26th Infantry A.P.O.-1, c/o Postmaster New York, New York, dated August 14, 1943. In the letter, Joe writes from the Mediterranean island of Sicily and describes his job while on detached service with the Navy. He also describes his excitement in receiving fourteen of Agnes' letters and the many surprises written within them including her new job and her parents move to Michigan.
Subject
The topic of the resource
United States. Army. Infantry Division, 26th
World War, 1939-1945
Soldiers -- Michigan
Correspondence
Sicily (Italy)
United States. Navy--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/d3ba72e806d6786bb3422291f37497e5.pdf
059fcf492f41b96d0bf558ef0fd73819
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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/21fc25247302a9f6d41e1e64191cbc70.pdf
3d52c63d7ef78b16ff87a86e93d2f073
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Text
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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/942f1f5a8b6ea65b59269a39fa08ec61.pdf
c3d68b25ab4ae6c4242e0dd50ed576f4
PDF Text
Text
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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/5b1045c0d5d1d89cecdf21dff8c6a257.pdf
1a4b2e56b1575fa733c1e4a5c96a39c8
PDF Text
Text
��
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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/38d97d9677af1c2341c6cd6f2d0ccda1.pdf
e7462d0216eb759b86a710b33c8e1832
PDF Text
Text
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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/035ab2fa7cd97075eabae127214e8d8a.pdf
f8497fbfec6b237733fc972cc47617a6
PDF Text
Text
�����
https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/3db5bbb270ee45f7e5274f5e36c8fece.pdf
c1f1d2748050d9c3ae10b72ce7cc33d9
PDF Text
Text
[RHC-93_Olexa_1943-05-24]
[Page 1]
North Africa
May 24, 1943.
Hello Sweets,
Here I am again with another batch of scribbling. I haven’t rec’d any mail at all for four days
now. We are now starting on our drills and so forth, so now we’ll be busy. I still haven’t lost
hope of going home so don’t forget to keep your fingers crossed. I got the Easter egg my sister
Helen sent to me. I must admit it sure did taste good. I plan to write later on and let her know I
got it. Ray came over to see me yesterday and
[Page 2]
I nearly fell over from surprise. We went to the show which was held in the field. The name of it
was “The Sea Hawk.” The nite [sic] before I was fortunate enough to see two pictures. The first
one was “The Flying Tigers” and the second “A Major and a Minor.” They all were swell
pictures.
How is the weather over there? We sure do sweat here. I’d hate to think of the coming months.
The mosquitoes bother us at nite and they buzz like dive bombers. So it isn’t so bad?
I just wrote to my folks
[Page 3]
and I hope to receive some mail from them soon. What have you been doing which may be of
interest lately? I still miss you as much as ever. I hope that when we do get back that we go to
Devens. Don’t you? I hear that the WAAC’s are stationed there now. How is your dad making
out with the Home Guard? I suppose he is wondering how I lived through this campaign. Well I
did and I sure thank the Lord for his protection. I had many a narrow shaves and I don’t like
[Page 4]
to boast.
Well “Honey,” I shall close and don’t forget to give my regards to everyone.
How’s my gal Beasie? I’ll sure get mad at her if she don’t hurry up and write. Write real soon.
Yours
With Lots of Love
Joe
{Signature Accent Mark}
�P.S. Don’t forget about the pictures I asked for.
[Envelope front]
Cpl. Joseph P. Olexa (12016893)
Co. “L,” 26th Infantry A.P.O. - 1
c/o Postmaster New York, N. Y.
U. S. Army
{Postmark}
U.S. ARMY POSTAL SERVICE
1
MAY
27
1943
A.P.O.
U.S. POSTAGE
6¢
VIA AIR MAIL
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/.
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
1943-05-24
Title
A name given to the resource
Letter from Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, May 24, 1943
Description
An account of the resource
Handwritten letter and envelope with transcript by Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, dated May 24, 1943. The envelope is sent from Co. L, 26th Infantry A.P.O.-1, c/o Postmaster New York, New York, dated May 27, 1943. In the letter, Joe writes to Agnes while stationed in North Africa and discusses the most recent movies he has seen including ''The Flying Tigers" and "The Major and the Minor." He also expresses gratitude for living through his current campaign overseas and his hope to return to Fort Devens in the United States.
Subject
The topic of the resource
United States. Army. Infantry Division, 26th
World War, 1939-1945
Soldiers -- Michigan
Correspondence
Africa, North
Motion pictures--1940-1950
Flying Tigers (Motion picture)
Fort Devens (Mass.)
Source
A related resource from which the described resource is derived
<a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/543">Joseph P. Olexa WWII memoir and correspondence, (RHC-93)</a>
Relation
A related resource
Veterans History Project (U.S.)
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
<a href="http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/">In Copyright</a>
Type
The nature or genre of the resource
Text
Format
The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource
application/pdf
Language
A language of the resource
eng
Coverage
The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant
World War II
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Lemmen Library and Archives
-
https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/a8c1cd5549c74948fcf1d8e74f71cd00.pdf
4bfd5f1b2378d182cb5378f282ce84c7
PDF Text
Text
�����
https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/d6a7ed2b8ad74620dd6d5df0c2e0bcf9.pdf
e2ad7eedd855a9fa1bae9f67e17c3c08
PDF Text
Text
[RHC-93_Olexa_1943-05-22]
[Page 1]
North Africa
May 22, 1943.
Dear Agnes,
Just a few lines to let you know that I’m thinking of you and often. I’ve still got my fingers
crossed of going back to the states for a rest. Things don’t look so good on the subject but I’ve
got my hopes. Well, Honey, what have you been doing? I have been to Oran and expect to go
again. I’m trying to get you a good souvenir but as yet I’ve had no luck. We aren’t doing much
but resting at present and
[Page 2]
what’s in store for us to do is a military secret, even I don’t know. I have sent you a small
German picture in my other letter. Hope you get it. I saw a couple of movies so far. One is The
Great Mrs. Holliday and the other I can’t remember the name. Don Ameche and Joan Bennet
starred in it. I go over to see Roy now and then for it isn’t very far from here. He’s kinda lazy
about coming over to see me though. I guess he is going [?] today.
[Page 3]
I’m undecided as yet whether to go or not. We got paid yesterday so there’s going to be a lot of
doggies in town. How are your folks and the rest? Don’t forget to give them my cheerie “hello.”
You’ll have to excuse the pencil for I was just too lazy to fill my pen. Ain’t I awful? I got two Vmails from my brother Johnny. I hear from him quite often now. I expect to hear from home soon
and may at mail call this morning.
[Page 4]
Well “sweets,” I haven’t much more to write about so I shall close. Write real soon.
Yours
With Lots of Love
Joe
{signature accent mark}
[Envelope front]
Cpl. Joseph P. Olexa (12016893)
Co. “L,” 26th Infantry A.P.O. - 1
c/o Postmaster New York, N. Y.
U. S. Army
�{Postmark}
U.S. ARMY [ “POSTAL SERVICE” missing due to top right corner of envelope being torn]
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/.
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
1943-05-22
Title
A name given to the resource
Letter from Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, May 22, 1943
Description
An account of the resource
Handwritten letter and envelope with transcript by Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, dated May 22, 1943. The envelope is sent from Co. L, 26th Infantry A.P.O.-1, c/o Postmaster New York, New York. In the letter, Joe writes to Agnes while stationed in North Africa and discusses the most recent movies he has seen including "The Amazing Mrs. Holliday" and another starring Don Ameche and Joan Bennett.
Subject
The topic of the resource
United States. Army. Infantry Division, 26th
World War, 1939-1945
Soldiers -- Michigan
Correspondence
Africa, North
Motion pictures--1940-1950
Ameche, Don
Bennett, Joan, 1910-1990
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/183a6374f25e859d32ca2cb93342620b.pdf
a263a4d1175f7302949f686e989de1d3
PDF Text
Text
���������
https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/08c7170723f0a9ebc6178681673c0702.pdf
e1743e81259aa5c90c0509a684f743fd
PDF Text
Text
[RHC-93_Olexa_1943-05-20]
[Page 1]
{Postmark}
ASHBURNHAM, MASS.
SEP.
4
7:30 A
1943
REC’D
North Africa
May 20, 1943.
Dear Agnes,
Rec’d five of your letters of April and was very pleased to get them. I’m as fine as usual and
hope you are the same. I still miss you and think of you often. Well the war in Africa is over and
I wished it was the whole thing. There are Rumors of us going back to the states but things
around here don’t look that way. I’ve got my hopes anyway. We are now back to the place we
took when we first landed here. How long we shall be here to rest
[Page 2]
{Duplicate Postmark}
is beyond me. I’m sorry that I can’t be there for your graduation so we’ll have to take things as
they come. Roy is about a ¼ of a mile down the road from us and we take turns visiting each
other. He’s still a Staff Sergeant. He told me to give you his regards and hello. I have received a
lot of letters from Helen and a few from home. Ollie as yet, hasn’t written. I read in the paper the
other day stating that the people could send packages to soldiers in Africa not to exceed 5 pounds
without the
[Page 3]
consent of the Company Commander. All a person has to do is to show the letter and envelope
with the postmark on it to the postmaster. So, if you want to send anything to me you can
although don’t go thru too much trouble. Claypool is still missing in action and I presume he is a
prisoner in Rome. The other fellow, I called The Lover was with him and he got killed. He’s
buried in Gafsa. I sure miss them a lot. I have not seen the Harmon boy at all but I recognized his
face when I got the clipping. I knew him
[Page 4]
{Duplicate Postmark}
by sight. You ought to be a good driver by the time I get back so if you make a lot of mistakes
while I’m riding with you, I’ll double my life insurance. Ha! Ha! How are your folks and the
�Walsh’s? Don’t forget to give them my best regards. I didn’t have much time to write while we
were fighting so I hope to write more often. Oh! Yes, I had your pictures in my folder and had it
in a Barracks bag. While it was being kicked around oil got in it and ruined all of my pictures. It
sure made me mad so now I’ll have to ask for more. I really did like the one you sent of the close
up
[Page 5]
with you wearing a white Blouse and Black shirt. Don’t forget to send one to me. I have not as
yet received the Easter egg Helen sent to me. I hope it gets here soon. I spent Easter Sunday in a
fox hole with shells bursting all around and that wasn’t any pleasure for some hit awful
close. I’ve had many a close shaves over here and I thank God that I’m alive. What does Gloria
think of her boy friend I sent her from Africa? Did he seem to be darker than what he was when
he left there? Ha! Ha! She didn’t let me know. I’m sending you
[Page 6]
a German picture I found of some Germans and the 20 M. M. ack-ack [?] gun. I have only a few
more which I intend to keep. At least I hope to return with what few souvenirs I have. How is
Eileen getting along now days? I never got around to answer her two cents worth in your letter
one time. Don’t forget to give her my regards and Hello. We just had mail call and I got 3 letters
and 2 V-mails. Two of the letters were from you and the other from a buddy of mine. The two Vmails were from Helen. How is my girl Beasie these
[Page 7]
days? I don’t know whether I answered her letter or not and if I didn’t why hasn’t she put the bug
in my ear. I went to Oran for a visit and it’s still the same from what it was in November. My
buddy’s brother was torpedoed in the North Atlantic while crossing on a ship and is now
missing. He states that they found some lifeboats, frozen from the cold weather but his brother
wasn’t in it. His mother sure did take it hard but it’s the results of war so we’ve all got to take a
lot on the
[Page 8]
chin. Well sweets I managed to get to the 8th page which I think is a record letter writing from
Africa. I’m really surprised at myself. I haven’t the slightest idea of what to get you for your
graduation but I won’t worry till I get back to deliver it in person. It may be late but it’s better
late than never. Will close sweets and I shall be thinking of you.
Yours
With Lots of Love
Joe
{signature accent mark}
[Envelope front]
�Cpl. Joseph P. Olexa (12016893)
Co. “L,” 26th Infantry H.P.O. - 1
c/o Postmaster New York, N. Y.
U. S. Army
{Postmark}
U.S. ARMY [“POSTAL SERVICE” missing due to top right corner of envelope being torn]
1
MAY
23
1943
A.P.O. [?]
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/.
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
1943-05-20
Title
A name given to the resource
Letter from Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, May 20, 1943
Description
An account of the resource
Handwritten letter and envelope with transcript by Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, dated May 20, 1943. The envelope is sent from Co. L, 26th Infantry A.P.O.-1, c/o Postmaster New York, New York, dated May 23, 1943. In the letter, Joe writes to Agnes while stationed in North Africa and reaches a personal record for longest letter that reaches eight pages in length. In those pages, he covers various subjects such as the war in Africa ending and how he spent Easter Sunday in a fox hole.
Subject
The topic of the resource
United States. Army. Infantry Division, 26th
World War, 1939-1945
Soldiers -- Michigan
Correspondence
Africa, North
Easter
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/db848d0bc18575a613cca5492e083239.pdf
e1e18b9a797b7979a817213f2849d72d
PDF Text
Text
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PDF Text
Text
[RHC-93_Olexa_1941-09-01]
[Page 1]
Co. “L,” 26th Infantry
Fort Devens, Mass
Sept. 1, 1941.
Dear Agnes,
Rec’d your letter and was very glad to here from you.
I had thought that you were mad and wouldn’t answer.
I am sending you two pictures of myself which will give you an idea of what I look like. Since
you sent me your pictures, I believe that I saw you at Whalom. I may be wrong but I have a good
memory.
Yes, I had a good time when I went home.
[Page 2]
I surprised them all and you could have knocked them over with a feather.
While I was there my other brother came so the 5 brothers got together for the first time in 13
years. I call it a dream for always one had been away for some reason. When, I left, my father
said to me, When are you coming back Joe? In another 3 years? All I said was maybe.
Reason is that I have been away from home of the time since I was fourteen.
[Page 3]
My traveling started in 1932 which took seven months.
My older brother and I saved our money for one summer which took us there and back. We
worked on the way in wheat fields and other odd jobs. We had our own tent and a camp stove
which folded up like a suit case, to do our cooking with. We went all through the west, going to
the historic places for souvenirs. This trip also took us into Canada and Mexico.
Some of the places I went to on that trip are the Yellowstone National Park, Grand Canyon,
Redwood forests of Cal.
[Page 4]
Boulder Dam, Hollywood and many other places too numerous to mention. There are quite a few
places in Texas too which I managed to see.
I sure worked hard to get my school work up and passed my exams at the end of the year.
�I had a lot of trouble over this for they wanted to keep me back but I finally won for I passed my
exams the following summer and that proved to them that I wasn’t just another fellow who just
laid around. I wasn’t satisfied with the trip in 32 so I went again in 35.
I still remember this trip for
[Page 5]
my buddy and I had a junk of a car that gave us a lot of trouble. We went up to North and South
Dakota, Minnesota, Montana, and to Canada working in the wheat fields. I came back a month
after school started so it was easy to catch up on my school work.
In 1936 I finally graduated and no more school. That summer my buddy and I went down south
although I didn’t like that part of the country, we worked picking cotton.
After 2 months down there I got
[Page 6]
sick of the south so I came home and worked at odd jobs till I got into the C.C.C.
This was 1937 and I went west again to Idaho. I was there a year and a half before I thought of
coming home.
The climate and scenery grew under my skin and I hated to leave there but I did.
We were in the mountains and as for company, we had deer, bears, coyotes and mountain lions.
I had a rating as a leader for a year which paid 45 dollars a month.
[Page 7]
On leave while there I went to Seattle, Washington and to the noted Penelton [text strikethrough]
{Rodeao} Rodeo in Oregon. Although I visited these two places in 1932, I enjoyed it more.
I was home for only a week after getting back from Idaho and got a job with a construction
company. I am a cement finisher by trade but I don’t like it.
My father and brothers are Tool and Die makers, which pays from a $1.30 hour to $1.60 an hr.
My dad gets $1.60 an hour and my older brothers $1.50 & my youngest brother $1.30
[Page 8]
I traveled all over with this company repairing big buildings and smoke stacks.
�We worked in Richmond, & Norfolk, Va. New York State, Ohio, Penn, Mass. and Connecticut
[?].
I was in Endicott, N.Y. working when I enlisted in the Army and I’m still a traveling.
It would take a book to talk about the places I’ve been, but its just an outline of what I wrote.
This letter maybe boring you so I shall close.
Are you going to be home this Sunday? Write and let me know and if you will be home, let me
know what time to see you.
[?],
Joe
�
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
1941-09-01
Title
A name given to the resource
Letter from Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, September 1, 1941
Description
An account of the resource
Handwritten letter with transcript by Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, dated September 1, 1941. The letter is sent from Co. L, 26th Infantry of Fort Devens, Massachusetts. In the letter, Joe writes of his surprise visit home to see his family in Detroit and his prior travels across the western United States and North America while working various jobs in the years prior to enlisting in the Army.
Subject
The topic of the resource
United States. Army. Infantry Division, 26th
World War, 1939-1945
Soldiers -- Michigan
Correspondence
Fort Devens (Mass.)
Travel
National parks and reserves--United States
Civilian Conservation Corps (U.S.)
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/ad6cb2e1dc0ec7dbc5a285c7ac65867d.pdf
7c9a4285961e4d4e5e36ba45607cb10f
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Text
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PDF Text
Text
[RHC-93_Olexa_1941-08-23]
[Page 1]
Co. “L,” 26th Infantry
Fort Devens, Mass.
August 23, 1941.
Dear Agnes,
I am very sorry for not writing to you sooner and hope that I am forgiven.
I did not have the time to write while on the ship for we had a five day maneuver on land and
different jobs on the ship when we got back.
We got into Brooklyn, Friday the 15th and came to camp.
The next day all of us got an eight day furlough and most of
[Page 2]
us went home.
I just got back, so I thought I would write, while I have the time. I am prompt in answering my
letters and do not delay them only when I haven’t the time.
You are a very good writer and your letter was interesting. I was surprised to hear that you were
from Michigan, too, so we did surprise each other.
I enjoyed being home for it was the first time in three years. My folks were really surprised
[Page 3]
to see me, for, I didn’t let them know I was coming.
Detroit didn’t change much, only for a few more buildings.
I have 4 brothers and 5 sisters. Four sisters and two brothers are married. My youngest sister is
18 and my youngest brother is 21. In otherwords, our family has grown and most of us are away
from home.
My pictures should be here of the reprints I sent and I shall send you one in the
[Page 4]
next letter.
I am however, still looking forward, in meeting, you, in person, soon. [sic]
That’s if you would care to meet me.
What have you been doing for excitement lately? Do you still go to Whalom? Roy, at present is
home but he will be back Sunday nite.
�I do not like the South although I have been down there quite a few times. The people, they are
very hospitable but I
[Page 5]
still like the North the best. You probably will go back to school soon and I hope that we can
keep our correspondence and friendship, without interfering with your work.
I do not know how to dance very good, for my work and traveling has kept me away from it.
I know, I am missing a lot fun and it’s my own fault. I usually go swimming and will miss it
when colder
[Page 6]
weather comes.
Will close hoping to hear from you real soon and I promise that your future letters will be
answered without delay.
As Ever,
Your Friend
Joe
{signature accent mark}
P.S. I hope you are not mad and write when you can.
[Envelope front]
Miss Agnes Van Der Weide
359 Central Street
Winchendon, Mass.
[Envelope back]
Joe Alexa
Co. “L,” 26th Infantry
Fort Devens, Mass
�
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Joe Olexa letters
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Olexa, Joseph P.
Van Der Weide, Agnes
Description
An account of the resource
Collection of letters between Joseph Olexa and Agnes Van Der Weide, dating from 1941 to 1946. Olexa fought in the U.S. Army 26th Infantry Division, Company "L", and eventually attained the rank of Staff Sergeant. Over the course of World War II, Olexa was engaged in North Africa, Sicily, France, Belgium, and Germany. He fought in the Invasion of Normandy, the liberation of Belgium, the Battle of Hürtgen Forest, and the Battle of the Bulge. While deployed abroad, Olexa maintained regular correspondence with Agnes Van Der Weide, a young woman he met through mutual friends. Agnes was the daughter of Benjamin and Minnie (Ter Meer) Van Der Weide. The Van Der Weide family lived in Jamestown, Michigan and Ashburnham, Massachusetts until moving to Grand Rapids, Michigan in 1943.
While the letters do not contain details relating to Olexa's military activities, due to heavy censorship of soldiers' correspondence by the U.S. Army, the letters do depict the daily activities of an infantry soldier and illustrate the blossoming romance between the two. Joseph and Agnes were married July 23, 1945, and lived in West Michigan until Agnes's death in 1993. Joseph Olexa died December 3, 2000. They were survived by their son, Karl Olexa.
Coverage
The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant
World War II
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1941/1946
Source
A related resource from which the described resource is derived
<a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/543">Joseph P. Olexa WWII memoir and correspondence (RHC-93)</a>
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
<a href="http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/">In Copyright</a>
Subject
The topic of the resource
United States. Army. Infantry Division, 26th
World War, 1939-1945
Soldiers -- Michigan
Correspondence
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Special Collections & University Archives
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
RHC-93
Language
A language of the resource
eng
Text
A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text.
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
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
1941-08-23
Title
A name given to the resource
Letter from Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, August 23, 1941
Description
An account of the resource
Handwritten letter and envelope with transcript by Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, dated August 23, 1941. The envelope is sent from Co. L, 26th Infantry of Fort Devens, Massachusetts. In the letter, Joe expresses his surprise in learning Agnes is also from Michigan and writes about his family in Detroit. He also looks forward to the day when they finally meet and he hopes to continue their friendship and correspondence after Agnes returns to school.
Subject
The topic of the resource
United States. Army. Infantry Division, 26th
World War, 1939-1945
Soldiers -- Michigan
Correspondence
Fort Devens (Mass.)
Detroit (Mich.)
Source
A related resource from which the described resource is derived
<a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/543">Joseph P. Olexa WWII memoir and correspondence, (RHC-93)</a>
Relation
A related resource
Veterans History Project (U.S.)
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
<a href="http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/">In Copyright</a>
Type
The nature or genre of the resource
Text
Format
The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource
application/pdf
Language
A language of the resource
eng
Coverage
The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant
World War II
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Lemmen Library and Archives
-
https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/47777eebe6a6099fe8b1c5379d011b75.pdf
7ba43bfdb03f65d6ba616bb0419e59ef
PDF Text
Text
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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/fb034fcf0ca4ef40e190fc86b177df2e.pdf
299148485d3bfc9ddfab119bc73e6667
PDF Text
Text
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724c81c924297d3f2a70d0621b298510
PDF Text
Text
[RHC-93_Agnes_1945-03-13]
[Page 1]
March 13, 1945
My dearest Darling:
Received your V-mail of Mar. 4, and sure was glad to hear from you again. I sure hope the letters
keep coming like they used too, and you’ll feel more like writing. Do you think you’re going to
like your new assignment? Its such a relief to me to know you’re not going back to the front
again.
I still love you with all my heart “darling” and miss you very much. I’m praying that you’ll soon
get a furlough and come home to me. I sure do like the picture you sent me “sweets” and I keep
looking at it all the time. I want to thank
{red lipstick imprint}
[Page 2]
you again for the souveners in case you don’t get some of my letters.
Spring is almost here again. How time does fly!
Do you ever hear anything of Ray? I haven’t heard anything about him for ages. Alice wrote and
told me Carolyn’s brother is getting married. He’s marrying a girl from Maine. I don’t think
Carolyn’s got a boyfriend. I wonder if she believes yet that we’re engaged.
I shall have to close “sweets” because this is the last of my paper.
All my Love
Your future wife
Agnes
{signature accent mark}
{red lipstick imprint}
[Envelope front]
Agnes Van Der Weide
1913 Berkley Ave. S.W.
Grand Rapids 9, Mich.
{Postmark}
GRAND RAPIDS
�MAR 14
3 PM
1945
MICH.
VIA AIR MAIL
S/Sgt. Joseph P. Olexa (12016893)
[?]
A.P.O. – [?]
c/o Postmaster New York, N. Y.
[Envelope back]
S.W.A.K.
�
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Joe Olexa letters
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Olexa, Joseph P.
Van Der Weide, Agnes
Description
An account of the resource
Collection of letters between Joseph Olexa and Agnes Van Der Weide, dating from 1941 to 1946. Olexa fought in the U.S. Army 26th Infantry Division, Company "L", and eventually attained the rank of Staff Sergeant. Over the course of World War II, Olexa was engaged in North Africa, Sicily, France, Belgium, and Germany. He fought in the Invasion of Normandy, the liberation of Belgium, the Battle of Hürtgen Forest, and the Battle of the Bulge. While deployed abroad, Olexa maintained regular correspondence with Agnes Van Der Weide, a young woman he met through mutual friends. Agnes was the daughter of Benjamin and Minnie (Ter Meer) Van Der Weide. The Van Der Weide family lived in Jamestown, Michigan and Ashburnham, Massachusetts until moving to Grand Rapids, Michigan in 1943.
While the letters do not contain details relating to Olexa's military activities, due to heavy censorship of soldiers' correspondence by the U.S. Army, the letters do depict the daily activities of an infantry soldier and illustrate the blossoming romance between the two. Joseph and Agnes were married July 23, 1945, and lived in West Michigan until Agnes's death in 1993. Joseph Olexa died December 3, 2000. They were survived by their son, Karl Olexa.
Coverage
The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant
World War II
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1941/1946
Source
A related resource from which the described resource is derived
<a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/543">Joseph P. Olexa WWII memoir and correspondence (RHC-93)</a>
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
<a href="http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/">In Copyright</a>
Subject
The topic of the resource
United States. Army. Infantry Division, 26th
World War, 1939-1945
Soldiers -- Michigan
Correspondence
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Special Collections & University Archives
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
RHC-93
Language
A language of the resource
eng
Text
A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text.
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
RHC-93_Agnes_1945-03-13
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Van Der Weide, Agnes
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1945-03-13
Title
A name given to the resource
Letter from Agnes Van Der Weide to Joe Olexa, March 13, 1945
Description
An account of the resource
Handwritten letter and envelope with transcript by Agnes Van Der Weide to Joe Olexa, dated March 13, 1945. The envelope is sent from 1913 Berkley Ave. S.W., Grand Rapids, Michigan, dated March 14, 1945. In the letter, Agnes expresses her relief over Joe's new assignment away from the front lines and hopes he will receive a furlough to return home 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/f043caf7986a9e312463b848095221cc.pdf
3153fc76f0d1db3be2a4560f3c7fc349
PDF Text
Text
�����
https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/41efa8ffa4685408f98f5e6d4ec4ab55.pdf
92786ab404824c7082599ade05aec963
PDF Text
Text
[RHC-93_Agnes_1945-03-08]
[Page 1]
March 8, 1945
My dearest Darling:
I either don’t hear from you at all, or everything comes at once. You could have knocked me
over with a feather when I got your picture. I’m so please with it “honey” that I can hardly tell
you in words. I’ve got it in front of my now, and I wish I could take you right out of the picture
into my arms. Wouldn’t that be heavenly though. I sure do think you’re looking good, and as far
as I can see you haven’t changed one bit. My folks think its swell too. So much for the picture. I
also got the souveners you sent me, and I sure was tickled. I think they’re darling, and to think
you made
[Page 2]
them with your own hands. Last but not least I got the valentines and they sure are sweet. I’m so
pleased with them. I hope you got the one I sent you.
Don’t think I forgot about your birthday “darling” but it’s going to be a little late. I’ll tell you I
had my picture taken for you, just like I did last year, and for some reason or other (paper
shortage) it takes a long time to get them made. However, I think you’ll be pleased when you get
it.
A new furniture store opened downtown and its open every night this week for inspection.
Mother, Dad, my girlfriend and myself
[Page 3]
went down to look tonight. Oh! “darling” it just puts me in the fever to buy furniture. I wish we
were furnishing our home already, don’t you? We could have so much fun. Anyway we’ve got
something to look forward to.
My mother and I are redecorating my bedroom. I painted the ceiling all by myself. Do you
believe me. Its sure going to look different. I hope you’re going to like my cedar chest “darling.”
I’m pretty sure you will though.
{red lipstick imprint}
Mother got her letter from you, and she was very pleased. I didn’t get mine though, as yet. I sure
hope
[Page 4]
and pray you get that 30 day furlough. Keep on trying for it and don’t give up.
�I’m sending you a couple snapshots and hope you like them. This will give you an idea what my
fur coat looks like.
I shall close until later.
Your future wife
All my Love
Agnes
{signature accent mark}
{red lipstick imprint}
[Envelope front]
Agnes Van Der Weide
1913 Berkley Ave. S.W.
Grand Rapids 9, Mich.
{Postmark}
GRAND RAPIDS
MAR 9
7 PM
1945
MICH.
VIA AIR MAIL
S/Sgt. Joseph P. Olexa (12016893)
Det. of Patients
4152 U.S. Hosp. Plant
A.P.O. – 63
c/o P.M. 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/.
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
RHC-93_Agnes_1945-03-08
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Van Der Weide, Agnes
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1945-03-08
Title
A name given to the resource
Letter from Agnes Van Der Weide to Joe Olexa, March 8, 1945
Description
An account of the resource
Handwritten letter and envelope with transcript by Agnes Van Der Weide to Joe Olexa, dated March 8, 1945. The envelope is sent from 1913 Berkley Ave. S.W., Grand Rapids, Michigan, dated March 9, 1945. In the letter, Agnes expresses her excitement over receiving the care package from Joe including a treasured photograph of him, handmade souvenirs, and valentines. She also writes that she is looking forward to his birthday and dreams of the day when they can furnish their future home together.
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/e5100e72f2f71719bdf63b2598fcb000.pdf
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[RHC-93_Agnes_1945-02-22]
[Page 1]
February 22, 1945
My Darling,
Received your letter of the 9th and must say I was very pleased to get it. I sure do appreciate
your letters, especially when they’re so few and far between. I thought you sounded quite
cheerful in this last V-mail, and I was quite encouraged.
I’m anxiously waiting to get the package you sent and I’m wondering what’s in it. I know you
just love to keep me guessing don’t you?
Yes, darling I did visit Helen and I had a grand time. To think I wrote to you everyday while I
was there and you didn’t get any of my letters just about makes me sick.
[Page 2]
I’m still praying for your safety “darling” and I hope the Lord will send you home to me soon. It
seems as if you’ve just got to come home soon. Don’t you think so?
Oh! darling I’m so anxious for you to see my cedar chest. I had my order in for quite awhile and
I finally got mine. It’s walnut and sure is very pretty. Dad says it’s made good and has a good
finish. I paid for it out of your money $40.00. I did this because you wanted me to have one, and
you’ll have a lot of use out of it someday too. I got it on Valentine’s Day so I can
{red lipstick imprint}
[Page 3]
call it a valentine from you.
I always think of you “darling” and not a day goes by that I fail to. I still love you with all my
heart, and miss you just as much. Oh! happy day when you’re home again to stay.
I got a letter from Janice the other day, and by the way she writes, I guess they are coming here
for Easter. I hope so, and I wish you were going to be here too.
Well “sweets” I shall close for this time and write real soon and often.
Yours always
With all my Love
Agnes
{red lipstick imprint}
�[Envelope front]
Agnes Van Der Weide
1913 Berkley Ave. S.W.
Grand Rapids 9, Mich.
{Postmark}
GRAND RAPIDS
FEB 23
2 PM
1945
MICH.
VIA AIR MAIL
S/Sgt. Joseph P. Olexa (12016893)
Det. of Patients
4152 U.S. Army Hospital
A.P.O. – 63
c/o P.M. New York, N. Y.
[Envelope back]
S.W.A.K.
{Postmark}
U.S. ARMY
1 BPO
13 MCH
POSTAL SERVICE
CONTROL SECTION
�
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_Agnes_1945-02-22
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Van Der Weide, Agnes
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1945-02-22
Title
A name given to the resource
Letter from Agnes Van Der Weide to Joe Olexa, February 22, 1945
Description
An account of the resource
Handwritten letter and envelope with transcript by Agnes Van Der Weide to Joe Olexa, dated February 22, 1945. The envelope is sent from 1913 Berkley Ave. S.W., Grand Rapids, Michigan, dated February 23, 1945. In the letter, Agnes writes how she is eagerly awaiting the gift package Joe sent to her and how sorry she was regarding her previous letters being undelivered during her time away with Helen.
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/6eb47be5e6911f4579cc101f4f6a93d9.pdf
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Text
[RHC-93_Agnes_1945-02-11]
[Page 1]
February 11, 1945
My dearest Darling,
Received your latest letter of Jan. 21st, and must say it was very welcome. It was almost two
weeks since I had one. I sure do miss your letters, and appreciate it when I do get one.
I think of you very much “darling” and sure do miss you very much too. I’m looking forward to
the day when you’ll be home again to stay. We’ll just have to be patient like we have been in the
past, even if it is hard.
I just got through making out my income tax, and I’m glad that’s over.
[Page 2]
You sure do enjoy keeping me in suspence, don’t you “darling.” I think you’re a big tease. I’m
just wondering what that souvenir is.
I got a 12 page letter from Helen yesterday. Can you imagine that? I enjoy getting her letters.
I agree with you “sweets” that you’d be a lot better off if you were sent home, but if you had to
go back again, it would be a lot worse. Don’t you think so? Remember darling, that all things
work out for the best to those who love God. When I get discouraged and blue, I always think of
that.
[Page 3]
I get so lonesome and depressed at times that I don’t know what to do with myself. But I always
think there’s better days coming.
I hope someday we can have a new little home of our own, and furnish it just the way we want it.
I know this will all take time and money, but if we’re careful I think we’ll be able to do it. If we
were together there’s so many things we could plan and talk about.
Jenna’s [?] husband is home this week. He hasn’t been home for a year, even if he is in this
country.
[Page 4]
She would live with him, but her mother is ill most of the time, so she takes care of her. If you
came back to the states and were stationed out here somewhere, would you want me to live with
you? A lot of girls do it now.
�I shall close for this time “darling” and write soon and as often as you can.
Yours forever
With all my Love
Agnes
P.S. The family are all fine, and send their love.
[Envelope front]
Agnes Van Der Weide
1913 Berkley Ave. S.W.
Grand Rapids 9, Mich.
{Postmark}
GRAND RAPIDS
FEB 13
3:30 PM
1945
MICH.
VIA AIR MAIL
S/Sgt. Joseph P. Olexa (12016893)
Det. of Patients
4152 U.S. Hosp. Plant
A.P.O. – 63
c/o P.M. New York, N. Y.
[Envelope back]
{Postmark}
U.S. ARMY
1 BPO
7 MCH
CONTROL SECTION
�
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_Agnes_1945-02-11
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Van Der Weide, Agnes
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1945-02-11
Title
A name given to the resource
Letter from Agnes Van Der Weide to Joe Olexa, February 11, 1945
Description
An account of the resource
Handwritten letter and envelope with transcript by Agnes Van Der Weide to Joe Olexa, dated February 11, 1945. The envelope is sent from 1913 Berkley Ave. S.W., Grand Rapids, Michigan, dated February 13, 1945. In the letter, Agnes discusses her happiness over receiving Joe's latest letter and how much she looks forward to the day when he finally returns home and they can build their life together.
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/cbf12131bf98dc3aa87eb5dacf3f9bcb.pdf
67e51a26146e36e1fc932f8321933f6a
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Text
[RHC-93_Agnes_1945-01-30]
[Page 1]
January 30, 1945
My dearest Darling,
I haven’t received any mail yet this week, but I’m patiently waiting. Yesterday was my day off,
and I didn’t get any and was I ever disappointed. I was almost too blue to go downtown with
Mom, but I did though. I bought some material for a couple spring dresses, a blouse and 3 pairs
of slacks. Now I’m almost broke again. I’ve got an income tax bill coming up too. They took
almost $5.00 a week out of my pay last year, and now I still have to pay $35.00. The people back
home are earning good money in this war, but they’re
[Page 2]
paying it out too. Socks that I paid 10 cents a pair for before the war I pay 50 cents for now.
Gloria and Beatrice have gone to a basketball game outside of town tonight, and it’s snowing
hard and below zero. Nothing stops those two. Honestly, “darling” you’ll be so surprised when
you see the kids. They’ve grown and changed so. I’ve even changed I guess.
I’ve been trying to take pictures every Sunday and Monday, the only two days I get a chance, but
the sun is never out.
Mother said she wrote you a letter today. I’m glad she did. She sure likes the pin she got from
you
{red lipstick imprint}
[Page 3]
for Christmas.
The baby has got quite a bad cold, and I hate to see him sick.
I still love you as much as ever sweets and think of you all the time. I sure will thank God the
day you step food in this house! I’ll be so happy, I’m afraid I’ll cry. I’m getting so I don’t know
what to do with myself and the suspense is getting me down. There are millions more just like us
though.
I shall close “darling” and write soon and often.
With all my Love
Your future wife
Agnes
�{red lipstick imprint}
[Envelope front]
Agnes Van Der Weide
1913 Berkley Ave. S.W.
Grand Rapids 9, Mich.
{Postmark}
GRAND RAPIDS
FEB 1
4:30 PM
1945
MICH.
VIA AIR MAIL
S/Sgt. Joseph P. Olexa (12016893)
Det. of Patients
4152 U.S. Hosp. Plant
A.P.O. – 63
c/o P.M. New York, N. Y.
No Record
4152 H. P.
A.P.O. #63
�
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_Agnes_1945-01-30
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Van Der Weide, Agnes
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1945-01-30
Title
A name given to the resource
Letter from Agnes Van Der Weide to Joe Olexa, January 30, 1945
Description
An account of the resource
Handwritten letter and envelope with transcript by Agnes Van Der Weide to Joe Olexa, dated January 30, 1945. The envelope is sent from 1913 Berkley Ave. S.W., Grand Rapids, Michigan, dated February 1, 1945. In the letter, Agnes updates Joe on how her family are doing as she awaits another letter from him that winter.
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/7a036d3ebc4692a991056c6daae0132c.pdf
6cf292e43ab27809525aa825c8fa1dc7
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Text
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62f91815cab98965d9d74c384535f4c4
PDF Text
Text
[RHC-93_Agnes_1945-01-24]
[Page 1]
January 24, 1945
My dearest Darling,
{red lipstick imprint}
Received your letter of Jan. 15th and I sure was tickled to get it. Your writing is still so nice
“darling.” Especially when you write with ink.
I got a letter from Janice yesterday and one from Helen today. Everything is fine in Detroit. I feel
so sorry for Helen because Gaylord has to go to the Army. I really think it will do “Gay” good
though, because he’ll appreciate Helen a lot more. I guess he appreciates her but he just doesn’t
show it.
So many people tell me I’m going to be disappointed
[Page 2]
after I’m married awhile because I expect so much. By that I mean, I think marriage is
wonderful, and if two people are really in love everything goes smoothly for them. I suppose I
have a lot to learn, but I know you’ll make a grand husband for me, and we’ll understand each
other. I sure hope they let you come soon, at least that’s what I’m praying for.
I’m sure your nervous condition will be alright soon “darling.” When you get blue just think
about our future, and all the
[Page 3]
things we’ve got to look forward to.
We took some pictures up at Helen’s and I look terrible on them, just like I do on all the other
pictures your folks take. Just when I want them to come out good they never do.
I sure could stand some hugging and squeezing now so I’ll let you all you want when you get
here. I’ll shower you with all the kisses I’ve got in me. All stored up for you to. I love you with
all my heart “sweets” and miss you so much. Some {red lipstick imprint}
[Page 4]
�times I get so lonesome I could scream, and that’s bad. I’m getting so sick of movies! Movies!
Movies! That’s about all there is for a decent girl to do. The last picture I saw was “Hollywood
Canteen” and that’s the best one I’ve seen for a long time.
I shall close for this time “darling,” and write as often as you can.
Yours always
With all my Love,
Agnes
{signature accent mark}
{red lipstick imprint}
[Envelope front]
Agnes Van Der Weide
1913 Berkley Ave. S.W.
Grand Rapids 9, Mich.
{Postmark}
GRAND RAPIDS
JAN 25
[?] PM
1945
MICH.
VIA AIR MAIL
S/Sgt. Joseph P. Olexa (12016893)
Det. of Patients
4152 U.S. Hosp. Plant
A.P.O. – 63
c/o P.M. New York, N. Y.
No Record
4152 H. P.
A.P.O. #63
�
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_Agnes_1945-01-24
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Van Der Weide, Agnes
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1945-01-24
Title
A name given to the resource
Letter from Agnes Van Der Weide to Joe Olexa, January 24, 1945
Description
An account of the resource
Handwritten letter and envelope with transcript by Agnes Van Der Weide to Joe Olexa, dated January 24, 1945. The envelope is sent from 1913 Berkley Ave. S.W., Grand Rapids, Michigan, dated January 25, 1945. In the letter, Agnes expresses her feelings on marriage and her hopes for her future with Joe, while consoling him on his nervous condition and reassuring him that there are brighter days ahead for the couple.
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/359e5d2b375a0be6dbb9355cb1e29c65.pdf
9b4c24094dad1373b3356394179d1d7d
PDF Text
Text
������
https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/2ecb0cd734b01fce6a36230940b928ac.pdf
7fe0a258fb0d9b29e0973aa8eef4d0c1
PDF Text
Text
[RHC-93_Agnes_1945-01-18]
[Page 1]
January 18, 1945
My dearest Darling,
Received a letter and V-mail from you, and its nice hearing from you. Now that I’ve got your
address again, I’ll be able to write.
I’m glad to hear you are coming along fine, and I hope you continue to feel better.
I imagine if you didn’t get any of my letters you don’t know I spent my vacation at Helen’s
house. I had a grand time there, and it was a nice trip,
[Page 2]
even if I was all alone. I also got the money you sent just before you went to the hospital. I can’t
help but worry about you “darling” because I love you so much, and if anything ever happened
to you, I think I’d die!! I keep thinking about our future, and of all the things we’ve got to look
forward to. I sure do miss your hugs and kisses, and how swell it will be to get them again. Its
been a long
[Page 3]
time, hasn’t it “darling.” Sometimes I just sit and wonder how much longer its going to be.
I wish you could see Dad’s pipe, he’s smoking it now, and some fellows in the shop painting it
about three or four different colors. They do that to everyone’s pipe that they find laying around.
Its really cute.
I bought some nice plaid material for a skirt today and it came to over 5.00 just for material. A
ready made
[Page 4]
skirt costs at least 8.99. Isn’t that terrible.
Its almost time to file income tax again and what a headache that is.
I liked that picture you sent of me and Masie. Its really very nice.
Everything is going fine for me at the store, “darling” and I still enjoy my work. I do get sick of
people grumbling about rationing and shortages though.
�I shall close “sweets” and write as often as you can.
With all my Love
Your future wife
Agnes
{signature accent mark}
[Envelope front]
1913 Berkley Ave. S.W.
Grand Rapids 9, Mich.
{Postmark}
GRAND RAPIDS
JAN 19
3 PM
1945
MICH.
S/Sgt. Joseph P. Olexa (12016893)
Det. of Patients
4152 U.S. Hosp. Plant
A.P.O. – 63
c/o P.M. N. Y., N. Y.
No Record
4152 H. P.
A.P.O. #63
[Envelope back]
S.W.A.K.
�
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Joe Olexa letters
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Olexa, Joseph P.
Van Der Weide, Agnes
Description
An account of the resource
Collection of letters between Joseph Olexa and Agnes Van Der Weide, dating from 1941 to 1946. Olexa fought in the U.S. Army 26th Infantry Division, Company "L", and eventually attained the rank of Staff Sergeant. Over the course of World War II, Olexa was engaged in North Africa, Sicily, France, Belgium, and Germany. He fought in the Invasion of Normandy, the liberation of Belgium, the Battle of Hürtgen Forest, and the Battle of the Bulge. While deployed abroad, Olexa maintained regular correspondence with Agnes Van Der Weide, a young woman he met through mutual friends. Agnes was the daughter of Benjamin and Minnie (Ter Meer) Van Der Weide. The Van Der Weide family lived in Jamestown, Michigan and Ashburnham, Massachusetts until moving to Grand Rapids, Michigan in 1943.
While the letters do not contain details relating to Olexa's military activities, due to heavy censorship of soldiers' correspondence by the U.S. Army, the letters do depict the daily activities of an infantry soldier and illustrate the blossoming romance between the two. Joseph and Agnes were married July 23, 1945, and lived in West Michigan until Agnes's death in 1993. Joseph Olexa died December 3, 2000. They were survived by their son, Karl Olexa.
Coverage
The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant
World War II
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1941/1946
Source
A related resource from which the described resource is derived
<a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/543">Joseph P. Olexa WWII memoir and correspondence (RHC-93)</a>
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
<a href="http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/">In Copyright</a>
Subject
The topic of the resource
United States. Army. Infantry Division, 26th
World War, 1939-1945
Soldiers -- Michigan
Correspondence
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Special Collections & University Archives
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
RHC-93
Language
A language of the resource
eng
Text
A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text.
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
RHC-93_Agnes_1945-01-18
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Van Der Weide, Agnes
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1945-01-18
Title
A name given to the resource
Letter from Agnes Van Der Weide to Joe Olexa, January 18, 1945
Description
An account of the resource
Handwritten letter and envelope with transcript by Agnes Van Der Weide to Joe Olexa, dated January 18, 1945. The envelope is sent from 1913 Berkley Ave. S.W., Grand Rapids, Michigan, dated January 19, 1945. In the letter, Agnes is relieved to hear from Joe again and describes what he may have missed in her other letters such as her vacation at Helen's and the money she received from him.
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/46dca7aea119e4775a692999d85ba865.pdf
260e11a0c0e0ab1f159fa6f00d7763ea
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Text
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2d946136657417fbfd974dc23667fb7a
PDF Text
Text
[RHC-93_Agnes_1944-12-12]
[Page 1]
December 12, 1944
My dearest Darling,
I haven’t heard from you for sometime and again I’m worried. I hope I get some mail soon. This
suspence drives me crazy. I’m writing this small because it’s the last piece of paper I’ve got
“darling,” but I wanted to get out a few lines tonight.
I still think of you all the time “honey” and miss you very, very much. I still love you with all my
heart and happy days when you’re home again to stay. We sure will have to make up for lost
time. And I hope everything will go quite smoothly for us.
[Page 2]
I think two boys and a girl will be nice for us “sweets,” but I like the way you said in your letter
“and of course a girl.” I’d be awfully disappointed if I didn’t have a girl. I hope our first child is
a boy, and I want him to look just like you.
I sent you a birth announcement darling but evidentally you didn’t get it. The baby is a boy and
his name is Paul. I also received the 125.00 you sent and put it in the bank. I’ll tell you again I
also got the $180 you sent while you were in the hospital. I shall have to close “sweets” and
write soon.
With all my Love
Agnes
{signature accent mark}
[Envelope front]
Agnes Van Der Weide
1913 Berkley Ave. S.W.
Grand Rapids 9, Mich.
{Postmark}
GRAND RAPIDS
DEC 13
8:30 PM
1944
MICH.
VIA AIR MAIL
�S/Sgt. Joseph P. Olexa (12016893)
Co. “L,” 26th Infantry
A.P.O. - 1
c/o P.M. New York, N. Y.
130th Gen. Hosp.
APO #652
JAN 2 - 1945
�
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_Agnes_1944-12-12
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Van Der Weide, Agnes
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1944-12-12
Title
A name given to the resource
Letter from Agnes Van Der Weide to Joe Olexa, December 12, 1944
Description
An account of the resource
Handwritten letter and envelope with transcript by Agnes Van Der Weide to Joe Olexa, dated December 12, 1944. The envelope is sent from 1913 Berkley Ave. S.W., Grand Rapids, Michigan, dated December 13, 1944. In the letter, Agnes tells Joe how much she misses and loves him and dreams of their future children.
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/cdfe52aa19cbf72420dcd0e1c7013dbf.pdf
0854752cfc7c04ef4b8622d1c53c0a6c
PDF Text
Text
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PDF Text
Text
[RHC-93_Agnes_1944-12-03]
[Page 1]
December 3, 1944
My dearest Darling,
Here I am again, and I hope you got all the mail I sent to you while I was at Helen’s.
Oh! darling I had a terrible trip home. I had to stand up on the bus 50 miles from Conewango to
Buffalo. I rode into Buffalo with Roger, Betty and Dorothy. Roger’s train left at 11:30 P.M. and
then I had to wait until 4:05 in the morning for mine. I almost went nuts. Then when I did get on
the train it was so crowded it was terrible. Ray was glad when we pulled into Grand Rapids.
I had a grand time while I was at Helen’s though. She is a wonderful sister Joe, and she has a
heart of gold. Gaylord is a lucky fellow and he doesn’t half appreciate what she does for him.
[Page 2]
Of course “darling” this is just between you and me. She’s a grand cook and she makes so many
different kinds of dishes and everything she does is grand. We get along swell. I also made a hit
with Miles and I think he likes me a lot. Gaylord took me around and showed me the country.
All in all “darling” I was treated swell.
I didn’t meet Janice until the last day. I didn’t like her at first because I thought she was tough
and loud but then after I got to know her better I like her a lot. She was real sweet to me.
Ollie makes me sick at times. He thinks he knows everything and has such a big mouth. I’m glad
you’re going to be my
[Page 3]
husband “darling.” I think your the sweetest person on this earth “sweets”, and I love you with
all my heart. I miss you so terribly, and how I wish you were here now.
I met Jenna [?] last nite and when I met her she had already had seven shots. She was in pretty
good condition though so I took her home, and we had a lot of fun…
Well, “darling” I think I shall close for this time, and write as often as you can. God bless you
always.
Yours forever
With all my Love
Agnes
�{signature accent mark}
[Envelope front]
Agnes Van Der Weide
1913 Berkley Ave. S.W.
Grand Rapids 9, Mich.
{Postmark}
GRAND RAPIDS
DEC 7
3 PM
1944
MICH.
VIA AIR MAIL
S/Sgt. Joseph P. Olexa (12016893)
Co. “L,” 26th Infantry
A.P.O. - 1
c/o Postmaster New York, N. Y.
130th Gen. Hosp.
APO #652
�
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_Agnes_1944-12-03
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Van Der Weide, Agnes
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1944-12-03
Title
A name given to the resource
Letter from Agnes Van Der Weide to Joe Olexa, December 3, 1944
Description
An account of the resource
Handwritten letter and envelope with transcript by Agnes Van Der Weide to Joe Olexa, dated December 3, 1944. The envelope is sent from 1913 Berkley Ave. S.W., Grand Rapids, Michigan, dated December 7, 1944. In the letter, Agnes describes her trip from Conewango Valley back to Grand Rapids, Michigan with family and friends and expresses appreciation for Joe as her future husband.
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/b665807702861354749b332dc3c81d5c.pdf
a7ed6cab4cd4560262154df3c7eb4115
PDF Text
Text
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PDF Text
Text
[RHC-93_Agnes_1944-11-22]
[Page 1]
November 22, 1944
My dearest Darling,
I sure do miss your letters this week and I hope if I get any, my mother will send them to me.
Last night Gaylord, Helen and I went to Jamestown to the movies, and saw the picture
“Doughgirls.” It wasn’t a bad picture, but it was terribly crazy.
We’re going to Jamestown again today shopping, and Roger and Dorothy are going along too.
Just think tomorrow is Thanksgiving again, and
[Page 2]
this is your third Thanksgiving overseas. We’ll be thinking of you anyway “Darling”. Even if
you aren’t here. At least I know I will.
I love you with all my heart “sweets” and still miss you very, very much. I just hope and pray
that you’ll be home very soon, and that this terrible war will be over too. We’ve got so much to
look forward to, and plan on I know we shall be
{red lipstick imprint}
[Page 3]
very happy once we have adjusted ourselves to each other.
Yesterday afternoon Roger and Gaylord took us all around the country looking for turkeys.
Every farmhouse we went to they didn’t have any, but I saw the country anyway. We’re going to
get one today though.
I’m wondering if your ears are ringing at all because we’re always talking about you. Gaylord’s
always kidding me, but
[Page 4]
it doesn’t bother me anymore. He told me about the time you stayed at Ennis’s [?] and cut wood.
He also told me what a good worker you are, but he didn’t have to tell me that.
I shall have to close “darling” and write as often as you can.
Yours always
�With all my love
Agnes
{signature accent mark}
{red lipstick imprint}
�
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_Agnes_1944-11-22
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Van Der Weide, Agnes
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1944-11-22
Title
A name given to the resource
Letter from Agnes Van Der Weide to Joe Olexa, November 22, 1944
Description
An account of the resource
Handwritten letter with transcript by Agnes Van Der Weide to Joe Olexa, dated November 22, 1944. In the letter, Agnes describes her adventures with Helen and Gaylord in New York, going to the movies and exploring the countryside in search of turkeys while looking ahead to Joe's third Thanksgiving overseas.
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/e0246ac8b469e2ecd1c7edcd741fa1bf.pdf
c96e23fa80cb7de7b2e5043e505d224a
PDF Text
Text
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https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/c1a6ec79900fd17dbad8b73c8dfe6f5a.pdf
12f58ee752bb971006204eb5168aaeaa
PDF Text
Text
[RHC-93_Agnes_1944-11-20]
[Page 1]
Conewango Valley
November 20, 1944
My dearest Darling,
As you can see I arrived here safely, and I’m planing on spending the whole week here. Helen
and Gaylord met me at the station in Buffalo yesterday, and then we went to Johnny and Lillian’s
[?], and had dinner there.
I like it out here in the country a lot but don’t know for sure if I’d like it here all the time.
I sure do miss you
[Page 2]
“sweets” and what I would do to have you here with me. I love you with all my heart, and wait
patiently for the day when we shall be together for good.
I’m going to squeeze you with all my might and I don’t think I’ll ever let you out of my sight. I
got two lonely letters from you written Nov. 1st and 2nd. I sure was tickled to get those just before
I left.
{red lipstick imprint}
I’m going to try and
[Page 3]
send you some stamps tomorrow. I have to get them first thought. I hope you get the package I
sent with the stationary in it.
I’ll tell you again “sweets” I got the money you sent me. You probably know that by now
though. Gaylord’s brother Roger is home, and his girlfriend is staying over to Ennis’s [?] too.
How I envy them “darling” I just wish that was you and I. But I’m happy for them just the same.
Ollie and Janice will
[Page 4]
probably be here for Thanksgiving.
�The ground was covered with snow this morning. The first snow we’ve had. Well “darling” its
almost time for the mailman to be here, so I shall close with all my love to the best fellow, who’s
the grandest soldier in the Army.
All my Love
Your future wife
Agnes
{red lipstick imprint}
[Envelope front]
Agnes Van Der Weide
1913 Berkley Ave. S.W.
Grand Rapids 9, Mich.
{Postmark}
CONEWANGO V.
NOV
20
1944
P.M.
VIA AIR MAIL
S/Sgt. Joseph P. Olexa (12016893)
Co. “L,” 26th Infantry
A.P.O. - 1
c/o P.M. New York, N. Y.
130th Gen. Hosp.
APO#652
12-3-44
�
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_Agnes_1944-11-20
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Van Der Weide, Agnes
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1944-11-20
Title
A name given to the resource
Letter from Agnes Van Der Weide to Joe Olexa, November 20, 1944
Description
An account of the resource
Handwritten letter and envelope with transcript by Agnes Van Der Weide to Joe Olexa, dated November 20, 1944. The envelope is sent from 1913 Berkley Ave. S.W., Grand Rapids, Michigan, dated November 20, 1944. In the letter, Agnes writes of her journey taking the train to Buffalo, New York, and spending the week in Conewango Valley with Helen and Gaylord while experiencing their first snow fall for the year.
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