2
12
297
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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>
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Special Collections & University Archives
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
-
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Text
[RHC-93_Olexa_1943-08-12]
[Page 1 - front]
Sicily
August 12, 1943
Hello “Sweets,”
Thought to drop you another letter, letting you know that I’m still safe and well. I still miss you
and think of you in my spare moments. How are you making out with your new job. Do you still
like it? I guess by the time you get this letter your folks will be in Grand Rapids. I’m still
surprised of hearing about my brother getting married. I got a letter the other day from my oldest
brother saying that one of my older sisters
[Page 1 - back]
and the youngest one are in the hospital and have had an operation. Boy! What unexpected
events which seem to happen. How is everyone over there? How is Eileen and her folks? When
and if you see them, don’t forget to give them my regards? Today is my fourth day back with the
Company. We are now having a rest. Sicily has plenty of wine, citrus fruits, watermelons, and
plenty of sunshine. It really gets hot here and it is very mountainous. I just received a package
my mother sent me with
[Page 2 - front]
a pocket book [sic] and some hard candy. Well, at present it hits the spot. I had asked for a
pocket book for I sure did need it. I can put a lot of pictures in it also. The regimental band just
drove in and now we’ll have a little jazz music to brighten us up a bit. What are the most popular
songs and bands back now days? The last one I got a chance to hear was “When the Lights gone
on again All over the World.” [sic] From what I hear my brother Ollie has been inducted into the
Army. Well, I only
[Page 2 - back]
can wish him luck and hope he stays out of what I had gone through. Haven’t anything else to
write, so I shall close “Sweets.” Write real soon.
Yours always
With Lots of Love
Joe
{Signature accent mark}
[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]
AUG
18
1943
A.P.O. 1
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
1943-08-12
Title
A name given to the resource
Letter from Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, August 12, 1943
Description
An account of the resource
Handwritten letter and envelope with transcript by Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, dated August 12, 1943. The envelope is sent from Co. L, 26th Infantry A.P.O.-1, c/o Postmaster New York, New York, dated August 18, 1943. In the letter, Joe writes to Agnes from Sicily and describes his impression while residing there including the warm weather, mountainous landscapes, and an abundanace of sunshine.
Subject
The topic of the resource
United States. Army. Infantry Division, 26th
World War, 1939-1945
Soldiers -- Michigan
Correspondence
Sicily (Italy)
Music--1940-1950
Source
A related resource from which the described resource is derived
<a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/543">Joseph P. Olexa WWII memoir and correspondence, (RHC-93)</a>
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Special Collections & University Archives
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
-
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[RHC-93_Olexa_1943-08-15]
[Page 1 - front]
Sicily
August 15, 1943
Hello Sweets,
Today is Sunday and nothing much to do, so I’m back again by writing. I’m still safe and well
hope you are the same. [sic] How are your folks? Have they moved to Grand Rapids as yet? I
still miss you as much as ever “Honey,” and hope some day soon that we can be together again. I
guess the kids are all excited about moving too. Well, they will have to make new friends. I
haven’t received any mail in four days now and that is very unusual.
[Page 1 - back]
I always keep saying, well I get a couple letters today. [sic] Went to the church services this
morning and hear a good sermon. We had a movie last night called Eyes in the Night, with
Edward Arnold. It sure was a good picture and if you get the chance don’t hesitate to see it.
Today is a very nice day and I’ve already though of being there with you. Don’t forget when you
have some other pictures taken, to send them on to me. I haven’t seen Roy as yet and don’t know
when I shall. We’ll see each other sometime
[Page 2 - front]
though. How long do you plan to work where you are now? I wish you luck to get a good job in
Grand Rapids. Still wondering of what you are going to do with that first million. Don’t keep me
in suspense and tell me? Still doubtful, Eh! “Sweets.” I don’t blame you, but it makes my morale
go down. How do I know, well my dear, I hear your thoughts? Oh! You forgot about that didn’t
you. Next time, think when I’m not around. Ha! Ha! Well Sugar, I haven’t much to write so I
shall close
[Page 2 - back]
and will be anxiously waiting to hear from you soon.
Yours always
With Loads of Love & Kisses
Joe
{Signature accent mark}
P.S. Give your folks my regards. Sending a Italian Lira [sic] worth 1 cent in our money.
[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]
1 [?]
AUG
1[?]
1943
A.P.O. [?]
Miss Agnes Van Der Weide
11 Main Street
Ashburnham, Mass.
PASSED BY
11147
U.S.
ARMY EXAMINER
Robert Ostwald [?]
1st Lt. Inf.
�
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Joe Olexa letters
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Olexa, Joseph P.
Van Der Weide, Agnes
Description
An account of the resource
Collection of letters between Joseph Olexa and Agnes Van Der Weide, dating from 1941 to 1946. Olexa fought in the U.S. Army 26th Infantry Division, Company "L", and eventually attained the rank of Staff Sergeant. Over the course of World War II, Olexa was engaged in North Africa, Sicily, France, Belgium, and Germany. He fought in the Invasion of Normandy, the liberation of Belgium, the Battle of Hürtgen Forest, and the Battle of the Bulge. While deployed abroad, Olexa maintained regular correspondence with Agnes Van Der Weide, a young woman he met through mutual friends. Agnes was the daughter of Benjamin and Minnie (Ter Meer) Van Der Weide. The Van Der Weide family lived in Jamestown, Michigan and Ashburnham, Massachusetts until moving to Grand Rapids, Michigan in 1943.
While the letters do not contain details relating to Olexa's military activities, due to heavy censorship of soldiers' correspondence by the U.S. Army, the letters do depict the daily activities of an infantry soldier and illustrate the blossoming romance between the two. Joseph and Agnes were married July 23, 1945, and lived in West Michigan until Agnes's death in 1993. Joseph Olexa died December 3, 2000. They were survived by their son, Karl Olexa.
Coverage
The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant
World War II
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1941/1946
Source
A related resource from which the described resource is derived
<a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/543">Joseph P. Olexa WWII memoir and correspondence (RHC-93)</a>
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
<a href="http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/">In Copyright</a>
Subject
The topic of the resource
United States. Army. Infantry Division, 26th
World War, 1939-1945
Soldiers -- Michigan
Correspondence
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Special Collections & University Archives
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
RHC-93
Language
A language of the resource
eng
Text
A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text.
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
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
1943-08-15
Title
A name given to the resource
Letter from Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, August 15, 1943
Description
An account of the resource
Handwritten letter and envelope with transcript by Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, dated August 15, 1943. The envelope is sent from Co. L, 26th Infantry A.P.O.-1, c/o Postmaster New York, New York, dated August 1943. In the letter, Joe writes on a Sunday in Sicily hoping that Agnes is safe and well back in the United States and wishes her luck in finding a good job upon her move to Grand Rapids, Michigan. He also discusses his recent activities including attending a church service and watching a film called "Eyes in the Night."
Subject
The topic of the resource
United States. Army. Infantry Division, 26th
World War, 1939-1945
Soldiers -- Michigan
Correspondence
Sicily (Italy)
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>
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Special Collections & University Archives
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
-
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Text
[RHC-93_Olexa_1943-08-20]
[Page 1 - front]
Sicily
August 20, 1943
Hello Sweets,
Rec’d your letter of July 24 and was glad to hear from you. It’s the first letter I received in 6
days. I’m fine as usual “Sweets” and hope you are the same. Was glad to hear that you got the
German picture I sent. We are back to the rear now and when this campaign is over God only
knows where we will go next. How are your folks, these days? Probably busy packing. Haven’t
seen Roy as yet but will look him up when I get the chance. He’s got some
[Page 1 - back]
of my pictures that I let him keep for me. We are in an almond orchard [?] and I’ve eaten
almonds so much that they ought to be coming out of my ears. I hope by now that you have
received all of the mail I sent you in the past month. I am to be cited for the work I had done in
this invasion. What do you think of that? I did my job and am well satisfied. Yes, it has been a
long time “Sweets,” since we’ve seen each other but some day, we shall be together. I miss you
very much “Sweets” and think of you often. How is Gloria
[Page 2 - front]
making out since her boy friend went away? Or did she forget him already? Ha! Ha! As for the
package you mentioned in your letter, if you did send it, I have not received it as yet. Don’t
forget to send me that picture I wanted. It wasn’t a coincidence about your mother and I agreeing
about the picture, for it is a good one. I haven’t heard from Helen or home and am anxiously
waiting to hear more about my two other sisters who are in the hospital. It is quite hot out today
and right now big drops of sweat are rolling down my
[Page 2 - back]
face and back. Well “Sweets,” I shall close for this time. Write real 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” missing due to top right corner of envelope being torn]
AUG
24
1943
A.P.O. 1
Miss Agnes Van Der Weide
11 Main Street
Ashburnham, Mass.
PASSED BY
11147
U.S.
ARMY EXAMINER
Robert Ostwald [?]
1st Lt. Inf.
�
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Joe Olexa letters
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Olexa, Joseph P.
Van Der Weide, Agnes
Description
An account of the resource
Collection of letters between Joseph Olexa and Agnes Van Der Weide, dating from 1941 to 1946. Olexa fought in the U.S. Army 26th Infantry Division, Company "L", and eventually attained the rank of Staff Sergeant. Over the course of World War II, Olexa was engaged in North Africa, Sicily, France, Belgium, and Germany. He fought in the Invasion of Normandy, the liberation of Belgium, the Battle of Hürtgen Forest, and the Battle of the Bulge. While deployed abroad, Olexa maintained regular correspondence with Agnes Van Der Weide, a young woman he met through mutual friends. Agnes was the daughter of Benjamin and Minnie (Ter Meer) Van Der Weide. The Van Der Weide family lived in Jamestown, Michigan and Ashburnham, Massachusetts until moving to Grand Rapids, Michigan in 1943.
While the letters do not contain details relating to Olexa's military activities, due to heavy censorship of soldiers' correspondence by the U.S. Army, the letters do depict the daily activities of an infantry soldier and illustrate the blossoming romance between the two. Joseph and Agnes were married July 23, 1945, and lived in West Michigan until Agnes's death in 1993. Joseph Olexa died December 3, 2000. They were survived by their son, Karl Olexa.
Coverage
The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant
World War II
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1941/1946
Source
A related resource from which the described resource is derived
<a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/543">Joseph P. Olexa WWII memoir and correspondence (RHC-93)</a>
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
<a href="http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/">In Copyright</a>
Subject
The topic of the resource
United States. Army. Infantry Division, 26th
World War, 1939-1945
Soldiers -- Michigan
Correspondence
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Special Collections & University Archives
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
RHC-93
Language
A language of the resource
eng
Text
A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text.
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
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
1943-08-20
Title
A name given to the resource
Letter from Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, August 20, 1943
Description
An account of the resource
Handwritten letter and envelope with transcript by Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, dated August 20, 1943. The envelope is sent from Co. L, 26th Infantry A.P.O.-1, c/o Postmaster New York, New York, dated August 24, 1943. In the letter, Joe writes to Agnes from an almond orchard in Sicily and hopes to hear more from his family regarding his two sisters who are in the hospital.
Subject
The topic of the resource
United States. Army. Infantry Division, 26th
World War, 1939-1945
Soldiers -- Michigan
Correspondence
Sicily (Italy)
Orchards
Almond industry--Italy
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>
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Special Collections & University Archives
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
-
https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/a4dfabb48ab71efeae9aae445d12d750.pdf
2d2ff69d2f723ffa133706f339c2ff04
PDF Text
Text
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https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/feb21ccd973ce0ae64eb421560cf0a8d.pdf
ce784360d6ce5ed9c8e0fa058b4b7c3d
PDF Text
Text
[RHC-93_Olexa_1943-09-01]
[Page 1]
Sicily
Sept 1, 1943
Dear Agnes,
Rec’d your July 30 letter today as was pleased to get it. [sic] It’s the first letter I got in two
weeks. I was sure surprised to hear that you were picking out some civilian clothes for me.
Where did you get my sizes. Why go through all of that trouble, just for me? Was over to see
Roy day before yesterday and he’s about the same. Didn’t have much to say. That nite [sic] we
went to the movies together. We saw “Ice-capade Revue.” That picture bored me too much. Last
nite I saw “Mexican Spitfire at Sea” with Leon Errol, boy I sure did get a kick out of that one. I
don’t know what the picture will be tonite. [sic] Took another shot in the arm today and
[Page 2]
later on I shall be nothing but holes. We also got vaccinated for small pox which make the
eighteenth time in the Army. Have you heard from Helen lately? I suppose your folks have
already gone to Grand Rapids? When you write to them don’t forget to give them my best
regards. I am sending you a few souvenirs and hope you get it. This letter may beat the pkg. so
you can expect it. In the package are 5 coins a horse shoe, with a coin that has an eagle on it.
[sic] This coin may fall out for I had no glue, so have your father do it for you. I made the horse
shoe from a German “Stuka Dive” bomber and the coin is Italian. The heart with its little base is
from a German Pursuit plane, called the Messerschmitt-109. The other was supposed to be the
letter opener that I was making for you and
[Page 3]
broke before it was finished. Your father can glue the heart so it will stand up to put on a dresser.
I hope that you will like them. I have sent you a letter two days ago with some Italian paper
money in it and I would like to know whether or not you have received it. Well “Sweets” I miss
you too and let’s keep our fingers crossed in hopes that them rumors you hear will come true.
Ha! Ha! However we’ll just have to be patient. Is Gloria staying with you? Has she found her
another boy friend? Ha! Ha! You mentioned in one of your letters awhile back that you were
going to send me a package. If you have, I haven’t received it as yet. I hope to get a lot of mail
soon for it has been coming in kinda slow. Well, young lady if I don’t get them
[Page 4]
pictures I asked for I may get mad, so don’t forget to send them. Will close, Sweet, and write real
soon.
Yours always
With Lots of Love & Kisses
Joe
�{Signature accent mark}
[Envelope front]
Sgt. 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
SEP
2
1943
A.P.O. 1
U.S. POSTAGE
6¢
VIA AIR MAIL
Miss Agnes Van Der Weide
11 Main Street
Ashburnham, Mass.
PASSED BY
11147
U.S.
Lt. Robert Ostwald [?]
�
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Joe Olexa letters
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Olexa, Joseph P.
Van Der Weide, Agnes
Description
An account of the resource
Collection of letters between Joseph Olexa and Agnes Van Der Weide, dating from 1941 to 1946. Olexa fought in the U.S. Army 26th Infantry Division, Company "L", and eventually attained the rank of Staff Sergeant. Over the course of World War II, Olexa was engaged in North Africa, Sicily, France, Belgium, and Germany. He fought in the Invasion of Normandy, the liberation of Belgium, the Battle of Hürtgen Forest, and the Battle of the Bulge. While deployed abroad, Olexa maintained regular correspondence with Agnes Van Der Weide, a young woman he met through mutual friends. Agnes was the daughter of Benjamin and Minnie (Ter Meer) Van Der Weide. The Van Der Weide family lived in Jamestown, Michigan and Ashburnham, Massachusetts until moving to Grand Rapids, Michigan in 1943.
While the letters do not contain details relating to Olexa's military activities, due to heavy censorship of soldiers' correspondence by the U.S. Army, the letters do depict the daily activities of an infantry soldier and illustrate the blossoming romance between the two. Joseph and Agnes were married July 23, 1945, and lived in West Michigan until Agnes's death in 1993. Joseph Olexa died December 3, 2000. They were survived by their son, Karl Olexa.
Coverage
The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant
World War II
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1941/1946
Source
A related resource from which the described resource is derived
<a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/543">Joseph P. Olexa WWII memoir and correspondence (RHC-93)</a>
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
<a href="http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/">In Copyright</a>
Subject
The topic of the resource
United States. Army. Infantry Division, 26th
World War, 1939-1945
Soldiers -- Michigan
Correspondence
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Special Collections & University Archives
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
RHC-93
Language
A language of the resource
eng
Text
A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text.
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
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
1943-09-01
Title
A name given to the resource
Letter from Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, September 1, 1943
Description
An account of the resource
Handwritten letter and envelope with transcript by Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, dated September 1, 1943. The envelope is sent from Co. L, 26th Infantry A.P.O.-1, c/o Postmaster New York, New York, dated September 2, 1943. In the letter, Joe writes to Agnes from Sicily and expresses his happiness in receiving his first letter in two weeks. He also describes his recent visit to see two films called "Ice-Capades Review" and "Mexican Spitfire at Sea."
Subject
The topic of the resource
United States. Army. Infantry Division, 26th
World War, 1939-1945
Soldiers -- Michigan
Correspondence
Sicily (Italy)
Motion pictures--1940-1950
Errol, Leon, 1881-1951
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>
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Special Collections & University Archives
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
-
https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/1c9b3796a339242fe770a4d57c717ca2.pdf
387d589ff49111a0514569a80154b27e
PDF Text
Text
��
https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/de072e2bc485f22fb780ab89ae984596.pdf
58ca2549841a0fe609e077e0926a75f1
PDF Text
Text
[RHC-93_Olexa_1943-09-06]
[Page 1]
[V-Mail Letter]
{CENSOR’S STAMP}
PASSED BY
11147
U.S.
ARMY EXAMINER
To
Miss Agnes Van Der Weide
11 Main Street
Ashburnham, Mass.
From
12016893
Sgt. Joseph P. Olexa
(Sender’s name)
Co. “L,” 26th Inf. A.P.O. – 1
(Sender’s address)
c/o Postmaster New York, N.Y.
Sept 6, 1943
(Date)
Hello Honey,
Dropping a few lines to let you know that I am thinking of you at the moment. I’m fine as usual
and hope you are the same. I’ve only received one letter from you in 3 weeks. Now young lady if
you don’t get on the ball and write more often, I big Chief will get mad which will be very bad.
Injun war ain’t no good. [sic] Saw Roy yesterday and he is about the same. He also hasn’t heard
from Carolyn in a long time. I got 2 V-mail letters from Helen last nite. [sic] She said my little
nephew is coming along fine after his two operations. How are your folks? Don’t forget to give
them my regards and Hello. How’s my little gal, Beasie now days? [sic] If she don’t drop me a
letter soon she won’t be my girl friend anymore. Well “Sweets” I shall close and in the meantime
be thinking of you. Write real soon.
Yours always
With Lots of Love & Kisses
Joe
{Signature accent mark}
{V-MAIL stationary footer}
�[V-mail envelope]
WAR & NAVY
DEPARTMENTS
V-MAIL SERVICE
OFFICIAL BUSINESS
{Postmark}
NEW YORK, N.Y.
SEP 18
11:30 PM
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
1943-09-06
Title
A name given to the resource
Letter from Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, September 6, 1943
Description
An account of the resource
Handwritten V-Mail letter and envelope with transcript by Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, dated September 6, 1943. The envelope is sent from Co. L, 26th Infantry A.P.O.-1, c/o Postmaster New York, New York, dated September 18, 1943. In the V-Mail letter, Joe writes a brief message to Agnes encouraging her to write more often since only receiving one letter from her in the past three weeks. He also inquires about how her family are doing in Michigan and informs her of the news he received regarding his young nephew.
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>
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Special Collections & University Archives
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
-
https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/812261236403a77ba9feef9177d70f1f.pdf
14fda09ddf575740952d36230cf89c42
PDF Text
Text
��
https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/be241e738c13e281f833a34baeea9576.pdf
ca7e43164756d67ba803dc4127e6d5de
PDF Text
Text
[RHC-93_Olexa_1943-09-14]
[Page 1]
[V-Mail Letter]
{CENSOR’S STAMP}
PASSED BY
11147
U.S.
ARMY EXAMINER
L.T.K. Bleau
To
Miss Agnes Van Der Weide
11 Main Street
Ashburnham, Mass.
From
12016893
Sgt. Joseph Olexa
(Sender’s name)
Co. “L,” 26th Inf. A.P.O. – 1
(Sender’s address)
c/o PM. New York, N.Y.
Sept 14, 1943.
(Date)
Sicily
Dear Agnes,
Rec’d three of your air mail letters and was very pleased to hear from you. I’m fine as usual
“sweets” and hope you are the same. How does your folks like their new environment? Don’t
forget to give them my regards. Have sent you another package with 5 souvenir handkerchiefs of
different colors and hope you will like them. I still miss you as much as ever and also think of
you often in my spare time. Haven’t seen Roy in over a week. I don’t think he has had the time
to get any souvenirs for Carolyn. Anway the handkerchiefs are very nice. Well “Honey” I shall
close and write real soon.
Yours always
With Lots of Love
Joe
P.S. Bought my mother a nice bed spread.
�{V-MAIL stationary footer}
[V-mail envelope]
Co. “L,” 26th Inf. A.P.O. – 1
c/o PM - New York, N.Y.
V-MAIL
{Postmark}
U.S. ARMY POSTAL SERVICE
1
SEP
16
1943
A.P.O.
{Postmark]
ASHBURNHAM
SEP
28
11:30 A
1943
MASS.
Miss Agnes Van Der Weide
[text strikethrough] {11 Main Street}
[text strikethrough] {Ashburnham, Mass.}
1832 Berkeley St. S.W.
Grand Rapids (9) Mich.
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
1943-09-14
Title
A name given to the resource
Letter from Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, September 14, 1943
Description
An account of the resource
Handwritten V-Mail letter and envelope with transcript by Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, dated September 14, 1943. The envelope is sent from Co. L, 26th Infantry A.P.O.-1, c/o Postmaster New York, New York, dated September 16, 1943. In the V-Mail letter, Joe writes a brief message to Agnes from Sicily inquiring about her family in Michigan and sharing news of the five souvenir handkerchiefs he packaged and sent to her with love.
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>
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Special Collections & University Archives
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
-
https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/168f520330c7f069e3f8fc1602a7b397.pdf
8c63c57200733765cf0420b6aae6f0f4
PDF Text
Text
��
https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/8becc612f7db5de8d964058c0950cfea.pdf
e2c0f51faaaab01a54959d7dd738bf87
PDF Text
Text
[RHC-93_Olexa_1943-09-15]
[Page 1]
[V-Mail Letter]
{CENSOR’S STAMP}
L.T.K. Bleau
PASSED BY
11147
U.S.
ARMY EXAMINER
To
Miss Agnes Van Der Weide
[text strikethrough] {11 Main Street}
[text strikethrough] {Ashburnham, Mass.}
From
12016893
Sgt. Joseph Olexa
(Sender’s name)
Co. “L,” 26th Inf. A.P.O. – 1
(Sender’s address)
c/o PM. New York, N.Y.
Sept 15, 1943
(Date)
Dear Agnes,
Rec’d your air mail letter and was very glad to hear from you. I’m fine as usual, “Sweets” and
hope you are the same. Well the two packages I sent are on the way and here’s hoping you get
them. I sent my mother a big bed spread and Helen some of the hankies I sent to you. I still miss
you as much as ever “Sweets” and am hoping that we shall get to see each other soon. We still
are having the usual training to keep us fit. If we didn’t, we might get lazy. Was glad to hear that
your folks arrived in Mich safely. [sic] Will close “Honey” and write soon.
Yours always
With Lots of Love
Joe
P.S. Give your folks my regards.
{V-MAIL stationary footer}
[V-mail envelope]
�WAR & NAVY
DEPARTMENTS
V-MAIL SERVICE
OFFICIAL BUSINESS
{Postmark}
NEW YORK, N.Y.
OCT 4
6-AM
1943
PENALTY FOR PRIVATE USE TO AVOID
PAYMENT OF POSTAGE, $300
GRAND CENTRAL ANNEX
1832 Berkley St. S.W.
Grand Rapids, 9, Mich.
�
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
1943-09-15
Title
A name given to the resource
Letter from Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, September 15, 1943
Description
An account of the resource
Handwritten V-Mail letter and envelope with transcript by Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, dated September 15, 1943. The envelope is sent from Co. L, 26th Infantry A.P.O.-1, c/o Postmaster New York, New York, dated October 4, 1943. In the V-Mail letter, Joe is happy to hear Agnes' family made it safely to Michigan and he shares news of the packages he sent back home to Agnes, his mother, and sister Helen.
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>
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Special Collections & University Archives
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
-
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[RHC-93_Olexa_1943-09-17]
[Page 1]
Sicily
September 17, 1943
Dear Agnes,
Just a few lines to let you know that I am well and hope you are the same. I think of you often
and still miss you. I’m still hoping that you and I will see each other in the near future. I suppose
by now that your folks are now unpacking and setting the furniture up in your new home. Don’t
forget to give them my regards? [sic] I’ll bet the kids are all excited being in a big city. I have reread your last letter about 5 times already for mail hasn’t been coming in like the
[Page 2]
past. Their probably very busy so a person will just have to waite. [sic] I’ve written you a V-mail
letter yesterday. In fact I’ve written quite a lot lately and here’s hoping you receive all of them. I
got a V-mail letter from Helen and it’s the first time I heard from her in 3 weeks. She said my
Dad was down to her place for a visit. These darn flies almost drive me crazy. Their so thick here
in Sicily that they fly around in bunches. Can’t get no rest from them from morning till dark.
When a person crawls out of his tent in the morning, they zoom down on
[Page 3]
you like dive bombers. Then the fight begins for another day. I sure hate a fly and if he zooms
around my ear more than twice I am out to take hist life. Ha! Ha! Well, “Darling” what do you
think of your new home? The only thing that will be missing is an apple tree. Just think “Sweets”
we didn’t even get to sit under that apple tree in Ash. And it sure makes me mad. Anyway
“Sweets” we’ll sure have a lot to talk about and it ain’t going to be about the war. I haven’t seen
a movie in a long time but who cares. I also haven’t seen Roy and I guess it may be
[Page 4]
Sometime before I do. How’s my girl Beasie? If she don’t hurry up and write, I’m going to get
mad. Well, “Sweets,” I shall close and write soon.
Yours always
With Lots of Love & Kisses
Joe
{Signature accent mark}
[Envelope front]
Sgt. 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
SEP
20
1943
A.P.O.
U.S. POSTAGE
6¢
VIA AIR MAIL
Miss Agnes Van Der Weide
[text strikethrough] {11 Main Street}
[text strikethrough] {Ashburnham, Mass.}
1832 Berkley St., S.W.
Grand Rapids (9) Mich.
PASSED BY
11147
U.S.
L.T.K. Beau
�
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
1943-09-17
Title
A name given to the resource
Letter from Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, September 17, 1943
Description
An account of the resource
Handwritten letter and envelope with transcript by Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, dated September 17, 1943. The envelope is sent from Co. L, 26th Infantry A.P.O.-1, c/o Postmaster New York, New York, dated September 20, 1943. In the letter, Joe writes to Agnes from Sicily and wonders how her family are settling into their new home in Grand Rapids, MI. He also writes of his experiences with the relentless flies in Italy while keeping a good sense of humor and expressing his adoration of Agnes.
Subject
The topic of the resource
United States. Army. Infantry Division, 26th
World War, 1939-1945
Soldiers -- Michigan
Correspondence
Sicily (Italy)
Flies--1940-1950
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>
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Special Collections & University Archives
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
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[RHC-93_Olexa_1943-09-19]
[Page 1]
[V-Mail Letter]
{CENSOR’S STAMP}
PASSED BY
11147
L.T.K. Bleau
U.S.
ARMY EXAMINER
To
Miss Agnes Van Der Weide
[text strikethrough] {11 Main Street}
[text strikethrough] {Ashburnham, Mass.}
From
12016893
Sgt. Joseph Olexa
(Sender’s name)
Co. “L,” 26th Inf. A.P.O. – 1
(Sender’s address)
c/o PM. New York, N.Y.
Sept 19, 1943
(Date)
Hello “Darling,”
I meant to write yesterday but didn’t have the ambition. I think of you often and hope that I will
be able to see you soon. I still miss you and if you were here I surely give you a big long bear
hug. I sure hope that you will get the two packages I sent you. I haven’t received any mail in 4
days, but I’ve got my fingers crossed to get some soon. Do you plan to get a job in Grand
Rapids? Anyway here’s wishing you luck? Now “Sweets,” don’t fall in love with your boss for I
shan’t have a girl friend if you do. I may get awful mad. Ha! Ha! Well “Darling” I shall close.
Don’t forget to give your folks a hello for me.
Yours always
With Lots of Love
Joe
{Signature accent mark}
P.S. Write real soon
{V-MAIL stationary footer}
�[V-mail envelope]
WAR & NAVY
DEPARTMENTS
V-MAIL SERVICE
OFFICIAL BUSINESS
{Postmark}
NEW YORK, N.Y.
OCT 6
6-AM
1943
PENALTY FOR PRIVATE USE TO AVOID
PAYMENT OF POSTAGE, $300
GRAND CENTRAL ANNEX
{Postmark}
ASHBURNHAM
OCT
7
11:30A
1943
MASS.
1832 Berkley St., S.W.
Grand Rapids (9) Mich.
�
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
1943-09-19
Title
A name given to the resource
Letter from Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, September 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 September 19, 1943. The envelope is sent from Co. L, 26th Infantry A.P.O.-1, c/o Postmaster New York, New York, dated October 6, 1943. In the V-Mail letter, Joe writes a brief message to Agnes emphasizing how she has been in his thoughts and how he wishes he could give her a big bear hug because she is deeply missed.
Subject
The topic of the resource
United States. Army. Infantry Division, 26th
World War, 1939-1945
Soldiers -- Michigan
Correspondence
V-mail
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>
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Special Collections & University Archives
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
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Text
[RHC-93_Olexa_1943-09-20]
[Page 1]
Sicily
Sept 20, 1943
Hello “Darling,”
Rec’d two of your air mail letters and was very pleased to hear from you. Your letters were dated
Aug. 24 & 25. I also got the picture “sweets” and it’s a very good picture. All you have to do
“Sweets” if you want to meet my folks is just to drop in and they would be glad to have you visit
them. You can write to my brother Ollie and tell him to meet you at the station. Make sure you
tell him what time you will be there. My sister Frances is very nice. She’s 19 and she probably
can show you around.
[Page 2]
The folks will sure make you feel at home for I ought to know them. I haven’t heard any of the
new songs you mentioned and wish that I could hear the music of them. So, the young lady
wants to learn how to swim. Well you can’t learn to swim setting out of the water. Ha! Ha! I’ll
try to teach you and you’d better be a good pupil or else. Ha! Ha! I’ve already written you a Vmail letter so I must be on the ball now days. In fact I’ve written a lot of them. These darn flies
are sure pests. You almost have to kill them to make them fly away.
[Page 3]
I still miss you “Darling” and it aint [sic] a little. Ha! Ha! If we don’t get to see each other soon,
we’ll probably forget what each other looks like. Yes, I have plans all made up after my Army
Career is ended, but that will have to wait till I see you and then we’ll have the big long “Pow
Wow.” Ha! Ha! Remember “Sweets” it’s a date. I’ve nearly got a thousand dollars saved up
since I came overseas. That isn’t bad is it “Darling”? I plan to send your mother a small
handwork cloth for a small stand providing I find one that will suit me. I also want to send one to
Helen. Paper and boxes are scarce here so I will
[Page 4]
have to wait for some. When I do I’ll send it just as soon as I can. How are your folks getting
along? Does your father have a job in a defense plant? Don’t forget to give them my regards.
Mail comes in slow here and it’s a big job wen so much mail comes in and goes out. Don’t forget
to send me some more pictures when you take them. If you don’t I’ll get mad and bite your ears
via long distance. Young Lady your ears will be pretty well chewed up, after I see you and I’ll
make my threats good. Ha! Ha! What do you think of that? Well “Darling” I shall close for this
time and write real soon.
Yours always
With Lots of Love & Kisses
Joe
�{Signature accent mark}
P.S. Forgot to mention that Francis favors me a lot.
[Envelope front]
Sgt. Joseph P. Olexa (12016893)
Co. “L,” 26th Infantry A.P.O. - 1
c/o Postmaster, New York, N. Y.
U. S. Army
{Postmark}
ASHBURNHAM
OCT 4
11:30AM
1943
MASS.
{Postmark}
U.S. ARMY POSTAL SERVICE
1
23
SEP
1943
A.P.O.
U.S. POSTAGE
6¢
VIA AIR MAIL
Miss Agnes Van Der Weide
[text strikethrough] {11 Main Street}
[text strikethrough] {Ashburnham, Mass.}
1832 Berkeley St., S.W.
Grand Rapids 9, Mich.
PASSED BY
11147
L.T.K. Bleau
�
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
1943-09-20
Title
A name given to the resource
Letter from Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, September 20, 1943
Description
An account of the resource
Handwritten letter and envelope with transcript by Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, dated September 20, 1943. The envelope is sent from Co. L, 26th Infantry A.P.O.-1, c/o Postmaster New York, New York, dated September 23, 1943. In the letter, Joe writes to Agnes from Sicily and encourages her to visit his family in Detroit, Michigan and wonders how her family are settling into Grand Rapids.
Subject
The topic of the resource
United States. Army. Infantry Division, 26th
World War, 1939-1945
Soldiers -- Michigan
Correspondence
Sicily (Italy)
Detroit (Mich.)
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>
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Special Collections & University Archives
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
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Text
[RHC-93_Olexa_1943-09-22]
[Page 1]
[V-Mail Letter]
{CENSOR’S STAMP}
PASSED BY
L.T.K. Bleau
11147
U.S.
ARMY EXAMINER
To
Miss Agnes Van Der Weide
[text strikethrough] {Box 8}
[text strikethrough] {Ashburnham, Mass.}
From
12016893
Sgt. Joseph Olexa
(Sender’s name)
Co. “L,” 26th Inf. A.P.O. – 1
(Sender’s address)
c/o PM. New York, N.Y.
Sept. 22, 1943.
(Date)
Sicily
Dear Agnes,
Have sent you a small table stand cloth which is on the way. I’m fine as usual and hope you are
the same. I still miss you “Sweets” and think of you most of the time. I haven’t heard from my
sister Helen in a long while. I also sent her 3 small stand cloths. Two are bright green and the
other light blue. I’ll try to get something for your mother later on providing I have the time.
When are you going to Grand Rapids, “Sweets”? How does everyone like the new environment?
Don’t forget to give my regards to your folks. Well “Honey” I shall close and write real soon.
Yours always
With Lots of Love & Kisses
Joe
{Signature accent mark}
P.S. Be a good girl when you get to the city. Ha! Ha!
�{V-MAIL stationary footer}
[V-mail envelope]
WAR & NAVY
DEPARTMENTS
V-MAIL SERVICE
OFFICIAL BUSINESS
{Postmark}
NEW YORK, N.Y.
OCT 4
12-M
1943
PENALTY FOR PRIVATE USE TO AVOID
PAYMENT OF POSTAGE, $300
GRAND CENTRAL ANNEX
1832 Berkley St. S.W.
Grand Rapids 9, Mich.
�
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
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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
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<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
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Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Special Collections & University Archives
Identifier
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RHC-93
Language
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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
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Olexa, Joseph P.
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1943-09-22
Title
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Letter from Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, September 22, 1943
Description
An account of the resource
Handwritten V-Mail letter and envelope with transcript by Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, dated September 22, 1943. The envelope is sent from Co. L, 26th Infantry A.P.O.-1, c/o Postmaster New York, New York, dated October 4, 1943. In the V-Mail letter, Joe writes a brief message to Agnes updating her on the gift he sent her and his sister Helen and how he hopes to send something to her mother as well. He also inquires about when Agnes will be moving to Grand Rapids, Michigan and how her family are liking their new environment.
Subject
The topic of the resource
United States. Army. Infantry Division, 26th
World War, 1939-1945
Soldiers -- Michigan
Correspondence
V-mail
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>
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Special Collections & University Archives
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
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Text
Format
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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