491 24 26018 https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/62b6f6ba5a3dfadbd5fae065cbcc0688.pdf 1c4aeb5dc9abdd25086af33090a6af67 PDF Text Text �� https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/3ced32fb7fb41ebf56f922b51a51346c.pdf 498c4465421655c8d99c57369528d16a PDF Text Text [RHC-93_Olexa_1943-11-16] [Page 1] [V-Mail Letter] No. 31512 {CENSOR’S STAMP} PASSED BY 20639 U.S. ARMY EXAMINER Miss Agnes Van Der Weide 1832 Berkley Ave. S.W. Grand Rapids, 9 Mich. {Date Stamp} 21 NOV 1943 Sgt. Joseph Olexa (Sender’s name) Co. “L,” 26th Inf. A.P.O. – 1 (Sender’s address) c/o PM. - New York, N.Y. Nove. 16, 1943. (Date) Hello Sweets, Rec’d another old letter of yours dated Oct. 10. I’m beginning to get them now so it will keep one contented. I’m fine as usual and hope you are the same “Sweets.” We make some coffee now and then and I’ve thought more than once of the time you made some for me. Are you a good cook? When I get the chance to see you I’m going to take it easy so don’t depend on me for help with the cooking. Ain’t I mean, though? Yes! Flies sure do get on my nerves when they buzz around and I sure do get after them when they don’t leave me alone. I have a quick temper but you don’t have to worry about that “Sweets.” I usually blow a lot of steam just to get it out. Ha! Ha! Well “Darling” I shall close and give my regards to your folks. Yours Always, With Lots of Love Joe P.S. WRITE REAL SOON. �{V-MAIL stationary footer} [V-mail envelope] WAR & NAVY DEPARTMENTS V-MAIL SERVICE OFFICIAL BUSINESS {Postmark} U.S. POSTAL SERVICE DEC 5 3 PM 1943 No. 3 PENALTY FOR PRIVATE USE TO AVOID PAYMENT OF POSTAGE, $300 � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Joe Olexa letters Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Olexa, Joseph P. Van Der Weide, Agnes Description An account of the resource Collection of letters between Joseph Olexa and Agnes Van Der Weide, dating from 1941 to 1946. Olexa fought in the U.S. Army 26th Infantry Division, Company "L", and eventually attained the rank of Staff Sergeant. Over the course of World War II, Olexa was engaged in North Africa, Sicily, France, Belgium, and Germany. He fought in the Invasion of Normandy, the liberation of Belgium, the Battle of Hürtgen Forest, and the Battle of the Bulge. While deployed abroad, Olexa maintained regular correspondence with Agnes Van Der Weide, a young woman he met through mutual friends. Agnes was the daughter of Benjamin and Minnie (Ter Meer) Van Der Weide. The Van Der Weide family lived in Jamestown, Michigan and Ashburnham, Massachusetts until moving to Grand Rapids, Michigan in 1943. While the letters do not contain details relating to Olexa's military activities, due to heavy censorship of soldiers' correspondence by the U.S. Army, the letters do depict the daily activities of an infantry soldier and illustrate the blossoming romance between the two. Joseph and Agnes were married July 23, 1945, and lived in West Michigan until Agnes's death in 1993. Joseph Olexa died December 3, 2000. They were survived by their son, Karl Olexa. Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant World War II Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1941/1946 Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/543">Joseph P. Olexa WWII memoir and correspondence (RHC-93)</a> Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/">In Copyright</a> Subject The topic of the resource United States. Army. Infantry Division, 26th World War, 1939-1945 Soldiers -- Michigan Correspondence Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Special Collections & University Archives Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-93 Language A language of the resource eng Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-93_Olexa_1943-11-16 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Olexa, Joseph P. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1943-11-16 Title A name given to the resource Letter from Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, November 16, 1943 Description An account of the resource Handwritten V-Mail letter and envelope with transcript by Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, dated November 16, 1943. The envelope is sent from Co. L, 26th Infantry A.P.O.-1, c/o Postmaster New York, New York, dated December 5, 1943. In the V-Mail letter, Joe writes a brief message to Agnes sharing how he is reminded of her whenever he makes coffee and how he looks forward to her cooking when he returns 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/3cd16b5e0a1bba252f195728f99b28c5.pdf ac8b392b79787189a4c12537b72389e4 PDF Text Text �� https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/7c4715dad0b924e80597eb37f8de9395.pdf 26f77a8d0964e37d2fc7ffbe9cf020af PDF Text Text [RHC-93_Olexa_1943-11-18] [Page 1] [V-Mail Letter] {CENSOR’S STAMP} PASSED BY 20639 U.S. ARMY EXAMINER Miss Agnes Van Der Weide 1832 Berkley Ave. S.W. Grand Rapids, 9 Mich. {Date Stamp} 24 NOV 1943 Sgt. Joseph Olexa (Sender’s name) Co. “L,” 26th Inf. A.P.O. – 1 (Sender’s address) c/o PM. - New York, N.Y. Nove. 18, 1943. (Date) Hello Honey, Didn’t get any mail from you today but hope to get one tomorrow. I got a V-mail from Helen and everything is fine with her. I hope that your packages will reach me soon. Anyway, I’ve got my fingers crossed. I’ve found out today “Sweets” that fountain pens are scarce back there and that the ones they do have are high priced. Well “Sugar” if you can’t find an inexpensive set, don’t get any other. I still love you as much as ever and think of you most of the time. I have not seen Roy in a long while but I may sometime. He is not near us, so I can’t go to visit him. Well, how are you making out working at the store? Fine, I hope. Will close for now “Sweets” and write real soon. What new songs have come out on the Hit Parade lately? Don’t forget to tell me? Yours Always, With Lots of Love “Joe” {V-MAIL stationary footer} �[V-mail envelope] WAR & NAVY DEPARTMENTS V-MAIL SERVICE OFFICIAL BUSINESS {Postmark} NEW YORK, N.Y. DEC 4 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/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-93_Olexa_1943-11-18 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Olexa, Joseph P. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1943-11-18 Title A name given to the resource Letter from Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, November 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 November 18, 1943. The envelope is sent from Co. L, 26th Infantry A.P.O.-1, c/o Postmaster New York, New York, dated December 4, 1943. In the V-Mail letter, Joe writes a brief message to Agnes as he awaits another letter from her and wonders how she is doing at her new job. 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/4f4b6e069bb1f8af04c7eb95745661f6.pdf a25fb84d880abd0c48c904f948ccea14 PDF Text Text �� https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/a3396e870434a20bdde3cf5f0b3421b3.pdf d3d4200d6ee856392781d36446471cbd PDF Text Text [RHC-93_Olexa_1943-11-19] [Page 1] [V-Mail Letter] {CENSOR’S STAMP} PASSED BY 20639 U.S. ARMY EXAMINER Miss Agnes Van Der Weide 1832 Berkley Ave. S.W. Grand Rapids, 9 Mich. Sgt. Joseph Olexa (Sender’s name) Co. “L,” 26th Inf. A.P.O. – 1 (Sender’s address) c/o PM. - New York, N.Y. Nove. 19, 1943. (Date) Hello Darling, Here I am again today and it’s the second day that I didn’t get any mail. I got too much at one time I suppose. I’m fine as usual “Sweets,” and hope you are the same. I’ve got a chest cold that beats all colds I did have. If I breathe hard my chest sure does ache. You should be here to doctor me up “Sweets” and then I might get better sooner. Ha! Ha! I sure wish that I could be home for this Christmas but I’m not that lucky. I still love you and think of you as much as ever “Darling.” I sure hope that we could see each other just for a little while. Maybe then I could squeeze you or chew your ears like I said I would. Ha! Ha! This writing once a day is getting to be a brainbuster, so I shall close for today. Write real soon. Yours Always, With Lots of Love & Kisses “Joe” {Signature accent mark} P.S. Don’t forget to be good? {V-MAIL stationary footer} �[V-mail envelope] WAR & NAVY DEPARTMENTS V-MAIL SERVICE OFFICIAL BUSINESS {Postmark} NEW YORK, N.Y. NOV 30 5 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/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-93_Olexa_1943-11-19 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Olexa, Joseph P. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1943-11-19 Title A name given to the resource Letter from Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, November 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 November 19, 1943. The envelope is sent from Co. L, 26th Infantry A.P.O.-1, c/o Postmaster New York, New York, dated November 30, 1943. In the V-Mail letter, Joe writes a brief message to Agnes to let her know he is doing okay despite his chest cold and how he wishes he could see her soon, especially around the holidays. 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/109d0f68fcc9f053e95e20ea9b32df84.pdf b7e6cfd4a44547002332cb4ff9307de7 PDF Text Text ��� https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/e3be8c8868c6c41bf362a51e78821b35.pdf 7de89d3690a6472e7f1bf8ea2225b9d7 PDF Text Text [RHC-93_Olexa_1944-11-02] [Page 1] Somewhere in Germany Nove. 2, 1944. “My Dearest Darling,” Have been thinking of you again which isn’t unusual and decided to write again. Ain’t I being nice? Well, who wouldn’t be in loving a girl like you. Gee! Honey, I can remember that big hug ever so long ago and wish I could receive some just like that right now. Just think of all the hugs I’ve missed since being away. If you miss mine as much, then we both will have to make it up. That, young lady, is going to be grand. Well, “Darling” I haven’t much to write about, but I sure can tell you how much I love and miss you. Everything tingles inside of me when I think of you and how anxious I am to be with you once again. When I do, I’m going to sweep you right off of your feet and asked you to be Mrs. Olexa. [sic] See, what you’re in for “Sweets”! I’m still anxious to know whether you received the money I’ve sent to you or not. I shall send you some more just as soon as I get paid. I’m sending it to you in case we need it for our wedding plans. If there is anything you think we may need don’t hesitate [Page 2] to get it. Have you a Hope Chest, if not would you like one? Now don’t think that it’s your Christmas present I’m getting you because it isn’t. Ha! Ha! You’ll still have to waite [sic] to find out. Ain’t I a big tease though? I’d be a bigger one if I had you to squeeze. Gee! Sweets, I’d love that and it’s a swell thought. My calendars are just filled with dates and there all for one girl which is you. [sic] I know that I shall enjoy them and will never tire of being with you. Of course, I’m counting on plenty of hugs and kisses special from you. I don’t want much do I, but I’ll return each one of them with interest so it shan’t be one sided. Ha! Ha! That my “Darling” will last in the future years to come, too. As an English man would put it that’s blimey long but I’ll love it and you forever. Well, Sugar, I will come to a close with my love and thoughts bringing you closer to me. Yours forever With Many Hugs “Your Future Husband” Joe {Signature accent mark} P.S. Sounds grand. {arrow drawn toward “Your Future Husband”} Will be happy when it does happen. [Envelope front] �S/Sgt. Joseph P. Olexa (12016893) Co. “L,” 26th Inf. A.P.O. - 1 c/o Postmaster, New York, N. Y. {Postmark} U.S. ARMY POSTAL SERVICE 1 NOV 6 1944 A.P.O. Miss Agnes Van Der Weide 1913 Berkley Ave. S.W. Grand Rapids, 9 Mich. PASSED BY 20637 U.S. ARMY EXAMINER [?] � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Joe Olexa letters Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Olexa, Joseph P. Van Der Weide, Agnes Description An account of the resource Collection of letters between Joseph Olexa and Agnes Van Der Weide, dating from 1941 to 1946. Olexa fought in the U.S. Army 26th Infantry Division, Company "L", and eventually attained the rank of Staff Sergeant. Over the course of World War II, Olexa was engaged in North Africa, Sicily, France, Belgium, and Germany. He fought in the Invasion of Normandy, the liberation of Belgium, the Battle of Hürtgen Forest, and the Battle of the Bulge. While deployed abroad, Olexa maintained regular correspondence with Agnes Van Der Weide, a young woman he met through mutual friends. Agnes was the daughter of Benjamin and Minnie (Ter Meer) Van Der Weide. The Van Der Weide family lived in Jamestown, Michigan and Ashburnham, Massachusetts until moving to Grand Rapids, Michigan in 1943. While the letters do not contain details relating to Olexa's military activities, due to heavy censorship of soldiers' correspondence by the U.S. Army, the letters do depict the daily activities of an infantry soldier and illustrate the blossoming romance between the two. Joseph and Agnes were married July 23, 1945, and lived in West Michigan until Agnes's death in 1993. Joseph Olexa died December 3, 2000. They were survived by their son, Karl Olexa. Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant World War II Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1941/1946 Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/543">Joseph P. Olexa WWII memoir and correspondence (RHC-93)</a> Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/">In Copyright</a> Subject The topic of the resource United States. Army. Infantry Division, 26th World War, 1939-1945 Soldiers -- Michigan Correspondence Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Special Collections & University Archives Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-93 Language A language of the resource eng Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-93_Olexa_1944-11-02 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Olexa, Joseph P. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1944-11-02 Title A name given to the resource Letter from Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, November 2, 1944 Description An account of the resource Handwritten letter and envelope with transcript by Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, dated November 2, 1944. The envelope is sent from Co. L, 26th Infantry A.P.O.-1, c/o Postmaster New York, New York, dated November 6, 1944. In the letter, Joe writes to Agnes as he thinks of all the hugs he has missed while being overseas and how he plans to sweep her off of her feet as soon as he returns home to Michigan. Subject The topic of the resource United States. Army. Infantry Division, 26th World War, 1939-1945 Soldiers -- Michigan Correspondence Love letters Weddings--Planning 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/a5061918309bec200da90b60954a4a71.pdf 90c3335bdf4458c784ef08ea37181742 PDF Text Text ���� https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/afba784f2e42a2842b5560eb243a7f02.pdf 0d1eaaa096a1655a2ceebe7e8948a75e PDF Text Text [RHC-93_Olexa_1942-11-20] [Page 1 - front] Co. “L,” 26th Infantry A.P.O. - 1 ℅ Postmaster, N.Y.C. Nove. 20, 1942 Dear Agnes, Just a few lines to let you know that I am well and still in good health. It has been quite a long time since I heard from you last and hope to get some of your letters soon. Well, Honey how are you getting along? I can’t kick, for everything is going along fine. I am now in North Africa and have been in battle. I also have experienced a lot of things I shall always remember. I have been to Oran for a visit and it was surprising to me to find [Page 1 - back] it a modern city. The people that are here are French, Spanish, and Arabs. [sic] I get along pretty well with hand signals and a lot of hollering for things I want and etc. I have stopped smoking and it [has] been 3 weeks today that I [last] had a cigarette. Pretty good start isn’t it. How are your folks and the rest? Don’t forget to give them my best regards. How’s the kids getting along with their paper route? Fine, I hope, and it will supply them with some money. Thanksgiving is just around the corner and I’ll imagine myself being up to your house for a [Page 2 - front] big dinner. How’s my chick-a-dee, Gloria? Well, if I should ever hear from her again, I’d faint and be out for a week. Well, “Honey,” I still think of you and miss you a lot. Ain’t I generous? It’s been a long time since I heard from anyone, so I haven’t much to write. Anyway, there’s nothing much I can write. Well sweet, I shall close and write real soon. As Ever, With Lots of Love Joe {Signature accent mark} [Envelope front] �Sgt. Joseph P. Olexa (12016893) Co. “L,” 26th Infantry A.P.O. #1 ℅ Postmaster, New York, N.Y. U.S. Army {Postmark} U.S. ARMY POSTAL SERVICE NOV 24 1942 A.P.O. Via Air Mail Miss Agnes Van Der Weide 11 Main Street Ashburnham, Mass. U.S.A. PASSED BY US 11147 ARMY EXAMINER [?] � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Joe Olexa letters Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Olexa, Joseph P. Van Der Weide, Agnes Description An account of the resource Collection of letters between Joseph Olexa and Agnes Van Der Weide, dating from 1941 to 1946. Olexa fought in the U.S. Army 26th Infantry Division, Company "L", and eventually attained the rank of Staff Sergeant. Over the course of World War II, Olexa was engaged in North Africa, Sicily, France, Belgium, and Germany. He fought in the Invasion of Normandy, the liberation of Belgium, the Battle of Hürtgen Forest, and the Battle of the Bulge. While deployed abroad, Olexa maintained regular correspondence with Agnes Van Der Weide, a young woman he met through mutual friends. Agnes was the daughter of Benjamin and Minnie (Ter Meer) Van Der Weide. The Van Der Weide family lived in Jamestown, Michigan and Ashburnham, Massachusetts until moving to Grand Rapids, Michigan in 1943. While the letters do not contain details relating to Olexa's military activities, due to heavy censorship of soldiers' correspondence by the U.S. Army, the letters do depict the daily activities of an infantry soldier and illustrate the blossoming romance between the two. Joseph and Agnes were married July 23, 1945, and lived in West Michigan until Agnes's death in 1993. Joseph Olexa died December 3, 2000. They were survived by their son, Karl Olexa. Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant World War II Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1941/1946 Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/543">Joseph P. Olexa WWII memoir and correspondence (RHC-93)</a> Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/">In Copyright</a> Subject The topic of the resource United States. Army. Infantry Division, 26th World War, 1939-1945 Soldiers -- Michigan Correspondence Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Special Collections & University Archives Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-93 Language A language of the resource eng Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-93_Olexa_1942-11-20 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Olexa, Joseph P. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1942-11-20 Title A name given to the resource Letter from Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, November 20, 1942 Description An account of the resource Handwritten letter and envelope with transcript by Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, dated November 20, 1942. The envelope is sent from Co. L, 26th Infantry, A.P.O. #1, New York, New York, dated November 24, 1942. In the letter, Joe writes to Agnes to let her know he is well and in good health during a period when he hasn't received her letters, in addition to letter her know is he now in North Africa and has been in battle. He also writes of his travels to Oran, Algeria, and how it has been three weeks since his last cigarette. Subject The topic of the resource United States. Army. Infantry Division, 26th World War, 1939-1945 Soldiers -- Michigan Correspondence Africa, North Oran (Algeria) 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/ebc03c290fedc7febb6a2223110e07fc.pdf bc7945440191fece06821a61e913e1b0 PDF Text Text �� https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/c0ebae8b1729310ccdf98b239e78f4cd.pdf 8114158120b2314e43c5b862a23282ae PDF Text Text [RHC-93_Olexa_1943-11-20] [Page 1] [V-Mail Letter] {CENSOR’S STAMP} PASSED BY 20639 U.S. ARMY EXAMINER Miss Agnes Van Der Weide 1832 Berkley Ave. S.W. Grand Rapids, 9 Mich. Sgt. Joseph Olexa (Sender’s name) Co. “L,” 26th Inf. A.P.O. – 1 (Sender’s address) c/o PM. - New York, N.Y. Nove. 20, 1943. (Date) Hello Honey, Just a few lines to let you know that I’m still thinking of you. I’m fine as usual and hope you are the same. I got one package today and was disappointed because it was not from you. Today is Saturday and how I wish that I could be able to spend the week end with you. [sic] Anyway, “Darling,” some day we shall be. This makes the third day that I haven’t got a letter from you and it seems like ages. You’re slipping “young lady” and I hope no one special is taking up your time. Ha! Ha! If, you want to know how much I love you, just play the Broken Record about 10 times then you’ll know. Well, “Darling” I haven’t much more to write so I shall close. Give my regards to the rest of your folks. 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} U.S. POSTAL SERVICE NO. 1 NOV 30 6 - PM 1943 PENALTY FOR PRIVATE USE TO AVOID PAYMENT OF POSTAGE, $300 � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Joe Olexa letters Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Olexa, Joseph P. Van Der Weide, Agnes Description An account of the resource Collection of letters between Joseph Olexa and Agnes Van Der Weide, dating from 1941 to 1946. Olexa fought in the U.S. Army 26th Infantry Division, Company "L", and eventually attained the rank of Staff Sergeant. Over the course of World War II, Olexa was engaged in North Africa, Sicily, France, Belgium, and Germany. He fought in the Invasion of Normandy, the liberation of Belgium, the Battle of Hürtgen Forest, and the Battle of the Bulge. While deployed abroad, Olexa maintained regular correspondence with Agnes Van Der Weide, a young woman he met through mutual friends. Agnes was the daughter of Benjamin and Minnie (Ter Meer) Van Der Weide. The Van Der Weide family lived in Jamestown, Michigan and Ashburnham, Massachusetts until moving to Grand Rapids, Michigan in 1943. While the letters do not contain details relating to Olexa's military activities, due to heavy censorship of soldiers' correspondence by the U.S. Army, the letters do depict the daily activities of an infantry soldier and illustrate the blossoming romance between the two. Joseph and Agnes were married July 23, 1945, and lived in West Michigan until Agnes's death in 1993. Joseph Olexa died December 3, 2000. They were survived by their son, Karl Olexa. Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant World War II Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1941/1946 Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/543">Joseph P. Olexa WWII memoir and correspondence (RHC-93)</a> Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/">In Copyright</a> Subject The topic of the resource United States. Army. Infantry Division, 26th World War, 1939-1945 Soldiers -- Michigan Correspondence Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Special Collections & University Archives Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-93 Language A language of the resource eng Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-93_Olexa_1943-11-20 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Olexa, Joseph P. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1943-11-20 Title A name given to the resource Letter from Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, November 20, 1943 Description An account of the resource Handwritten V-Mail letter and envelope with transcript by Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, dated November 20, 1943. The envelope is sent from Co. L, 26th Infantry A.P.O.-1, c/o Postmaster New York, New York, dated November 30, 1943. In the V-Mail letter, Joe writes a few lines to let Agnes know that he is fine and still thinking of her as usual. He also hasn't received a letter from her in the past three days and encourages her to write soon. Subject The topic of the resource United States. Army. Infantry Division, 26th World War, 1939-1945 Soldiers -- Michigan Correspondence V-mail Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/543">Joseph P. Olexa WWII memoir and correspondence, (RHC-93)</a> Relation A related resource Veterans History Project (U.S.) Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/">In Copyright</a> Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource application/pdf Language A language of the resource eng Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant World War II Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Lemmen Library and Archives https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/f03c28a93ed2ff69801793d712f48de1.pdf 256a48da962d44ccd8bfa87cf815bc84 PDF Text Text �� https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/efc4dfb8c41e501329109bca30b24404.pdf 6976d985ca3724a5cd08eaf92518a465 PDF Text Text [RHC-93_Olexa_1943-11-23] [Page 1] [V-Mail Letter] {CENSOR’S STAMP} PASSED BY 20639 U.S. ARMY EXAMINER Miss Agnes Van Der Weide 1832 Berkley Ave. S.W. Grand Rapids, 9 Mich. 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. Nove. 23, 1943. (Date) Hello Dear, I’m slipping for it’s two days since I wrote last. If I don’t get a letter from you soon I think, I’ll write one to my self. I still miss you as much as ever “Darling” which isn’t new. It’s rainning quite hard out tonite which isn’t unusual. [sic] I have not rec’d your packages as yet “Sweets.” Maybe that bottle of vanishing cream you put in there by mistake made them disappear. Ha! Ha! Ain’t I mean “Darling”? Anyway, it doesn’t hinder me from Loving you one bit. Ha! Ha! Tonite would be a good nite to give you a big hug and I think, I will. [sic] My, how disappointed I was!! The stove pipe couldn’t take it. Ha! Ha! Will close “Sweets” with all my Love to you. Write real soon. Yours Always, With Lots of Love & Kisses “Joe” {Signature accent mark} P.S. You’d better hurry and send some pictures. {V-MAIL stationary footer} �[V-mail envelope] WAR & NAVY DEPARTMENTS V-MAIL SERVICE OFFICIAL BUSINESS {Postmark} U.S. POSTAL SERVICE NO. 1 DEC 14 10 - PM 1943 PENALTY FOR PRIVATE USE TO AVOID PAYMENT OF POSTAGE, $300 � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Joe Olexa letters Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Olexa, Joseph P. Van Der Weide, Agnes Description An account of the resource Collection of letters between Joseph Olexa and Agnes Van Der Weide, dating from 1941 to 1946. Olexa fought in the U.S. Army 26th Infantry Division, Company "L", and eventually attained the rank of Staff Sergeant. Over the course of World War II, Olexa was engaged in North Africa, Sicily, France, Belgium, and Germany. He fought in the Invasion of Normandy, the liberation of Belgium, the Battle of Hürtgen Forest, and the Battle of the Bulge. While deployed abroad, Olexa maintained regular correspondence with Agnes Van Der Weide, a young woman he met through mutual friends. Agnes was the daughter of Benjamin and Minnie (Ter Meer) Van Der Weide. The Van Der Weide family lived in Jamestown, Michigan and Ashburnham, Massachusetts until moving to Grand Rapids, Michigan in 1943. While the letters do not contain details relating to Olexa's military activities, due to heavy censorship of soldiers' correspondence by the U.S. Army, the letters do depict the daily activities of an infantry soldier and illustrate the blossoming romance between the two. Joseph and Agnes were married July 23, 1945, and lived in West Michigan until Agnes's death in 1993. Joseph Olexa died December 3, 2000. They were survived by their son, Karl Olexa. Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant World War II Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1941/1946 Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/543">Joseph P. Olexa WWII memoir and correspondence (RHC-93)</a> Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/">In Copyright</a> Subject The topic of the resource United States. Army. Infantry Division, 26th World War, 1939-1945 Soldiers -- Michigan Correspondence Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Special Collections & University Archives Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-93 Language A language of the resource eng Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-93_Olexa_1943-11-23 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Olexa, Joseph P. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1943-11-23 Title A name given to the resource Letter from Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, November 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 November 23, 1943. The envelope is sent from Co. L, 26th Infantry A.P.O.-1, c/o Postmaster New York, New York, dated December 14, 1943. In the V-Mail letter, Joe writes a brief message to Agnes on a rainy day to let her know he misses her and hopes to receive a letter from her soon. Subject The topic of the resource United States. Army. Infantry Division, 26th World War, 1939-1945 Soldiers -- Michigan Correspondence V-mail Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/543">Joseph P. Olexa WWII memoir and correspondence, (RHC-93)</a> Relation A related resource Veterans History Project (U.S.) Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/">In Copyright</a> Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource application/pdf Language A language of the resource eng Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant World War II Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Lemmen Library and Archives https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/5ac212ee490a255581b01bf46ffe62d2.pdf 57d46bdd91bbcd392c37068f19e8f295 PDF Text Text �� https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/57172e63601687d58c53e08650d9d9eb.pdf 20d5e17c9e97f55a7ae896d8ffe9ce0c PDF Text Text [RHC-93_Olexa_1943-11-26] [Page 1] [V-Mail Letter] {CENSOR’S STAMP} PASSED BY 20639 U.S. ARMY EXAMINER To Miss Agnes Van Der Weide 1832 Berkley Ave. S.W. Grand Rapids, 9 Mich. {Date stamp} 1 DEC 1943 From 12016893 Sgt. Joseph P. Olexa (Sender’s name) Co. “L,” 26th Inf. A.P.O. – 1 (Sender’s address) c/o PM. - New York, N.Y. Nove. 26, 1943. (Date) Hello Darling, Writing again today and hope this letter finds you in the best of health. I still haven’t gotten any mail from you and I hope to soon. I miss you as much as ever and love you more each day. I got a package today from Helen with some of the things I asked her to send. Yesterday was Thanksgiving and we had a swell dinner. Last year at this time I had a can of Hash, so, I have plenty to be thankful for. [sic] I hope you had a good one. How are your folks? Don’t forget to give them my regards and hello? Boy I’d give anything to be home and to see you just for a little while. Anyway it’s good to think about it. Ain’t I right? Well “Darling” I shall close for this time. Yours Always With Lots of Love & Kisses “Joe” �P.S. Write real soon {V-MAIL stationary footer} [V-mail envelope] WAR & NAVY DEPARTMENTS V-MAIL SERVICE OFFICIAL BUSINESS {Postmark} U.S. POSTAL SERVICE NO. 1 DEC 11 5:30 PM 1943 PENALTY FOR PRIVATE USE TO AVOID PAYMENT OF POSTAGE, $300 � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Joe Olexa letters Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Olexa, Joseph P. Van Der Weide, Agnes Description An account of the resource Collection of letters between Joseph Olexa and Agnes Van Der Weide, dating from 1941 to 1946. Olexa fought in the U.S. Army 26th Infantry Division, Company "L", and eventually attained the rank of Staff Sergeant. Over the course of World War II, Olexa was engaged in North Africa, Sicily, France, Belgium, and Germany. He fought in the Invasion of Normandy, the liberation of Belgium, the Battle of Hürtgen Forest, and the Battle of the Bulge. While deployed abroad, Olexa maintained regular correspondence with Agnes Van Der Weide, a young woman he met through mutual friends. Agnes was the daughter of Benjamin and Minnie (Ter Meer) Van Der Weide. The Van Der Weide family lived in Jamestown, Michigan and Ashburnham, Massachusetts until moving to Grand Rapids, Michigan in 1943. While the letters do not contain details relating to Olexa's military activities, due to heavy censorship of soldiers' correspondence by the U.S. Army, the letters do depict the daily activities of an infantry soldier and illustrate the blossoming romance between the two. Joseph and Agnes were married July 23, 1945, and lived in West Michigan until Agnes's death in 1993. Joseph Olexa died December 3, 2000. They were survived by their son, Karl Olexa. Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant World War II Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1941/1946 Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/543">Joseph P. Olexa WWII memoir and correspondence (RHC-93)</a> Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/">In Copyright</a> Subject The topic of the resource United States. Army. Infantry Division, 26th World War, 1939-1945 Soldiers -- Michigan Correspondence Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Special Collections & University Archives Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-93 Language A language of the resource eng Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-93_Olexa_1943-11-26 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 1943-11-26 Title A name given to the resource Letter from Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, November 26, 1943 Description An account of the resource Handwritten V-Mail letter and envelope with transcript by Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, dated November 26, 1943. The envelope is sent from Co. L, 26th Infantry A.P.O.-1, c/o Postmaster New York, New York, dated December 11, 1943. In the V-Mail letter, Joe writes a brief message to Agnes on the day after Thanksgiving hoping she is in good health and that she enjoyed the holiday spent with family. Subject The topic of the resource United States. Army. Infantry Division, 26th World War, 1939-1945 Soldiers -- Michigan Correspondence V-mail Thanksgiving Day--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/0e582459e2407f43f905c38f4d7b5288.pdf d3102d4472622205b3e331a2d415be19 PDF Text Text �� https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/7610e33feb74a2f57e7955b195396ae0.pdf 008852cadd6288b191f3b9d1cc6ec9de PDF Text Text [RHC-93_Olexa_1943-11-28] [Page 1] [V-Mail Letter] {CENSOR’S STAMP} PASSED BY 20639 U.S. ARMY EXAMINER Miss Agnes Van Der Weide 1832 Berkley Ave. S.W. Grand Rapids, 9 Mich. {Date stamp} 1 DEC 1943 12016893 Sgt. Joseph Olexa (Sender’s name) Co. “L,” 26th Inf. A.P.O. – 1 (Sender’s address) c/o PM. - New York, N.Y. Nove. 28, 1943. (Date) Hello Sweets, Got two of your air mail letters dated Nove. 1st and 9th and it sure made my morale go up. The card you sent was lovely and here’s hoping you mean every word of it. Do you? Ha! Ha! I feel sorry for Vinna and her husband and hope they have plenty of courage. I sure was glad to hear that you got the Hankies. I got a letter from Ollie and one from Helen today and everything is fine with them. Well “Darling,” I wish you would send me some more pictures. My patience is running low and I might cuss a bit. Ha! Ha! Don’t worry your pretty head about what you will say or how you’ll act if you were to see me. I’d give you the biggest bear hug you ever had and sweep you right off of your feet. What do you think of that? Will close “Sweets” and in the meantime be thinking of you. Yours Always With Lots of Love & Kisses “Joe” {Signature accent mark} �P.S. WRITE REAL SOON {V-MAIL stationary footer} [V-mail envelope] WAR & NAVY DEPARTMENTS V-MAIL SERVICE OFFICIAL BUSINESS {Postmark} U.S. POSTAL SERVICE NO. 1 DEC 11 11 - AM 1943 PENALTY FOR PRIVATE USE TO AVOID PAYMENT OF POSTAGE, $300 � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Joe Olexa letters Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Olexa, Joseph P. Van Der Weide, Agnes Description An account of the resource Collection of letters between Joseph Olexa and Agnes Van Der Weide, dating from 1941 to 1946. Olexa fought in the U.S. Army 26th Infantry Division, Company "L", and eventually attained the rank of Staff Sergeant. Over the course of World War II, Olexa was engaged in North Africa, Sicily, France, Belgium, and Germany. He fought in the Invasion of Normandy, the liberation of Belgium, the Battle of Hürtgen Forest, and the Battle of the Bulge. While deployed abroad, Olexa maintained regular correspondence with Agnes Van Der Weide, a young woman he met through mutual friends. Agnes was the daughter of Benjamin and Minnie (Ter Meer) Van Der Weide. The Van Der Weide family lived in Jamestown, Michigan and Ashburnham, Massachusetts until moving to Grand Rapids, Michigan in 1943. While the letters do not contain details relating to Olexa's military activities, due to heavy censorship of soldiers' correspondence by the U.S. Army, the letters do depict the daily activities of an infantry soldier and illustrate the blossoming romance between the two. Joseph and Agnes were married July 23, 1945, and lived in West Michigan until Agnes's death in 1993. Joseph Olexa died December 3, 2000. They were survived by their son, Karl Olexa. Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant World War II Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1941/1946 Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/543">Joseph P. Olexa WWII memoir and correspondence (RHC-93)</a> Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/">In Copyright</a> Subject The topic of the resource United States. Army. Infantry Division, 26th World War, 1939-1945 Soldiers -- Michigan Correspondence Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Special Collections & University Archives Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-93 Language A language of the resource eng Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-93_Olexa_1943-11-28_01 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Olexa, Joseph P. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1943-11-28 Title A name given to the resource Letter from Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, November 28, 1943 Description An account of the resource Handwritten V-Mail letter and envelope with transcript by Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, dated November 28, 1943. The envelope is sent from Co. L, 26th Infantry A.P.O.-1, c/o Postmaster New York, New York, dated December 11, 1943. In the V-Mail letter, Joe writes to Agnes with boosted morale after receiving two of her letters and offers to sweep her off of her feet when he sees her 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/a7bee22ec804997fd4e4b3f9205318ba.pdf 2c9de41a5a7596db3b854452c1b3bb4c PDF Text Text �� https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/a6a93ca415f20c182bfdc5183f27728f.pdf 9cc9523d1b0393f26c08f523f17615ed PDF Text Text [RHC-93_Olexa_1943-11-28_02] [Page 1] [V-Mail Letter] {CENSOR’S STAMP} PASSED BY 20639 U.S. ARMY EXAMINER Miss Agnes Van Der Weide 1832 Berkley Ave. S.W. Grand Rapids, 9 Mich. {Date stamp} 1 DEC 1943 12016893 Sgt. Joseph Olexa (Sender’s name) Co. “L,” 26th Inf. A.P.O. – 1 (Sender’s address) c/o PM. - New York, N.Y. Nove. 28, 1943. (Date) Hello “Darling,” Thought of you a lot today so here I am again. I really miss you very much and love you more and more each day. I am now somewhere in England and it’s good to be in a place where people understand your own language. I’m charge of quarters today, so I have a little spare time. This morning, I ran like a race horse going on errands. I got a package from Helen and a V-mail dated Nove. 15. As yet I have not rec’d any of your packages and your letters for the last week. You’re slipping “Darling” or am I too anxious? Ha! Ha! Will close with all my love to you. Yours Always With Lots of Kisses “Joe” P.S. Give my regards to your folks. {V-MAIL stationary footer} �[V-mail envelope] WAR & NAVY DEPARTMENTS V-MAIL SERVICE OFFICIAL BUSINESS {Postmark} U.S. POSTAL SERVICE NO. 1 DEC 11 11 - AM 1943 PENALTY FOR PRIVATE USE TO AVOID PAYMENT OF POSTAGE, $300 � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Joe Olexa letters Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Olexa, Joseph P. Van Der Weide, Agnes Description An account of the resource Collection of letters between Joseph Olexa and Agnes Van Der Weide, dating from 1941 to 1946. Olexa fought in the U.S. Army 26th Infantry Division, Company "L", and eventually attained the rank of Staff Sergeant. Over the course of World War II, Olexa was engaged in North Africa, Sicily, France, Belgium, and Germany. He fought in the Invasion of Normandy, the liberation of Belgium, the Battle of Hürtgen Forest, and the Battle of the Bulge. While deployed abroad, Olexa maintained regular correspondence with Agnes Van Der Weide, a young woman he met through mutual friends. Agnes was the daughter of Benjamin and Minnie (Ter Meer) Van Der Weide. The Van Der Weide family lived in Jamestown, Michigan and Ashburnham, Massachusetts until moving to Grand Rapids, Michigan in 1943. While the letters do not contain details relating to Olexa's military activities, due to heavy censorship of soldiers' correspondence by the U.S. Army, the letters do depict the daily activities of an infantry soldier and illustrate the blossoming romance between the two. Joseph and Agnes were married July 23, 1945, and lived in West Michigan until Agnes's death in 1993. Joseph Olexa died December 3, 2000. They were survived by their son, Karl Olexa. Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant World War II Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1941/1946 Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/543">Joseph P. Olexa WWII memoir and correspondence (RHC-93)</a> Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/">In Copyright</a> Subject The topic of the resource United States. Army. Infantry Division, 26th World War, 1939-1945 Soldiers -- Michigan Correspondence Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Special Collections & University Archives Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-93 Language A language of the resource eng Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-93_Olexa_1943-11-28_02 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Olexa, Joseph P. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1943-11-28 Title A name given to the resource Letter from Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, November 28, 1943 Description An account of the resource Handwritten V-Mail letter and envelope with transcript by Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, dated November 28, 1943. The envelope is sent from Co. L, 26th Infantry A.P.O.-1, c/o Postmaster New York, New York, dated December 11, 1943. In the V-Mail letter, Joe writes a brief message to Agnes from an undisclosed location in England and expresses his appreciation for being stationed in the country. Subject The topic of the resource United States. Army. Infantry Division, 26th World War, 1939-1945 Soldiers -- Michigan Correspondence V-mail England Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/543">Joseph P. Olexa WWII memoir and correspondence, (RHC-93)</a> Relation A related resource Veterans History Project (U.S.) Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/">In Copyright</a> Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource application/pdf Language A language of the resource eng Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant World War II Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Lemmen Library and Archives https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/2e62acb48860b259abf374f4a21e46c9.pdf cdbb03cd72dbdb334033941b3a260aa1 PDF Text Text ���������� https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/6aef04d0918f41e5b51b72600a7b9379.pdf e2e2697d0b533b340554bd30cc052f36 PDF Text Text [RHC-93_Olexa_1941-11-03] [Page 1 - front] {Stationary letterhead} 26th Infantry Co. “L” A.P.O. #1 Fort Bragg, N.C. Nove. 3, 1941 Dear Agnes, Rec’d your letter and was glad to hear from you. So my last letter was a business letter. Well, I like that very much. I have misplaced the pictures you sent and if I cannot find them, I would like to have the negatives to have more made. We are leaving for our last maneuver and then back to Devens. They say we are going to get 30 day furloughs but I’ll settle for only six. Our last maneuver was two Corps fighting against each other. We rode 150 miles to fight, went into a woods to rest. We stayed there a day and a half then traveled 40 miles by truck to meet the enemy. While we were camping for the first nite [sic], it rained cats and dogs and it didn’t let up till 8 o’clock that morning. [Page 1 - back] Anyway us boys had a little tent to keep some of the rain out. After I got mine made, I thought I would have a good sleep. I was snoozing away peacefully when the water, which was like a creek, woke me up. I yelled “man the lifeboats.” Some fellow had dug a trench around his tent into mine. The water was 4 inches deep and I was cold and all wet. Boy, I could have killed that fellow. I then took my wet blanket, a shelter half and rifle, to another spot. This place was a little better but wet so I laid my rifle down, raincoat on top of it and pulled the wet blanket and shelter half over me. I didn’t sleep anymore and my yelling had awakened a lot of the boys up, so there was a lot of grumbling. They sure did laugh at me for yelling “Man the lifeboats” and I chuckled a little myself even though I looked like a drowned rat. While riding the 40 miles to meet our enemy we were packed like sardines with full field equipment and to top [Page 2 -front] {Stationary letterhead} 26th Infantry it off we had to stand up. Getting off of the trucks we hiked about a quarter of a mile and smack into the enemy. The machine gun and rifle firing made a lot of noise and we just scattered for �cover like bed bugs. Although they were firing blanks, we made believe that it was live ammunition. From there we advanced to a river. The enemy was on the other side but we couldn’t cross it at that time. Although the machine guns and rifles made a racket, we boys yelled at the boy-scouts to clear out or the regulars would clean them up and so forth. Our platoon leader then got an idea to try to cross it, so in he went and the others followed. The water was deeper than he thought it was so he said if you can’t swim or go back. About 4 boys besides our leader nearly drowned and it was lucky that some others were close by to help them. One Sargent [sic] and our leader wouldn’t [Page 2 - back] {Stationary letterhead} 26th Infantry have made it if the boys on the other side wouldn’t have went in to help them. They were plenty weak and had swallowed a lot of water. Any person trying to swim with his clothes on, equipment and rifle is crazy. Our company commander then had our platoon Sargent go up the river to see if we could cross it some place further up. We hit a spot that was up to our armpits and followed in a line across to the other side. Walking a mile back on the enemy’s side we came up and captured them. It was a whole company and were they surprised. Our company crossed the same place where we did after us. Well, our regimental commander came up to us boys, complimenting us for the good work. He stated that capturing this enemy had caused the regiment to move forward. Boy, our chests sure puffed up some when we heard that. Just think going through all of that trouble wading across the river and hiding with a big bridge looking us in the face before we even got to the river. Oh! We couldn’t go across on it, for it had been blown up but it didn’t look that way to me for trucks and cars were moving over it. Isn’t that the nuts!! [Page 3 - front] {Stationary letterhead} 26th Infantry This of course was according to a real war. After the troops all got on the enemy’s side we hiked about 3 miles and camped for it was then 4 o’clock in the afternoon. At least, I thought we could rest but no sooner had I laid down when bang, bang, and another battle started. Reason for this is that a bunch of boys went to look for hickory nuts and they ran into the enemy’s reserve troops. Well, it was a tussle advancing and with drawing on both sides until you couldn’t see, so the war was called off for that time. Anyway we didn’t fight there the next day but had ridden back 10 miles over the bridge that was blown up to camp for the nite. [sic] We ate supper at 11:30 that nite and all of us had eaten our sandwiches for dinner at seven that morning, while riding on the �trucks to meet the enemy. At 2:30 the next morning we got up, ate breakfast and hiked about 5 miles to another spot to be ready for the enemy again. An enemy aeroplane dropped a few flares [Page 3 - back] just before we started hiking and believe it or not it was daylight until the flares went out. We didn’t dare move for an aeroplane can pick up objects in a hurry if we did. We had a tank attack the same morning and they sure scare people without firing their guns. After that attack we were put into reserve and we grabbed a couple of hours sleep. That nite recall blew and the guys jumped around like mad men for the war was over. This problem didn’t go twelve days. We were only 40 miles from camp and I sure was glad of that. I nearly blowed [sic] the tent apart when I found out that I had two wool blankets stolen. They only cost seven dollars a piece and I wouldn’t be surprised to gain them back the same way, for fourteen dollars is a lot of money in the Army. This is the first time I had something stolen from me and it had to be two blankets. One more maneuver which is the biggest and I may be able to talk about it without writing. The maneuvers start with a division, getting larger with a corp and last, Army. If it goes beyond Army, it would take in Navy and Marines. You know sometimes I wonder why I shouldn’t have been a news writer but I’ll settle to writing letters and [Page 4 - front] {Stationary letterhead} 26th Infantry hope they will be interesting. The days are still hot and the nites [sic] cold, if it rains well we make the best of it. Say, when are you going to translate this shorthand for me? If you don’t, I shall get mad and not write. It better be the truth, for a fellow here has a girlfriend at home who took up shorthand. I have seen about three letters that Roy received from Carolyn, so I don’t see where I would be mad. Anyway, I don’t care to read them. My tent sides are rolled up and I just saw some of the fellows pushing a ball which is 5 foot high and six feet around. It is filled with air. Have you ever seen one of these? I don’t know the name of it at present but I shall try to find out. It's an Indian Medicine Ball. Roy and I went to Winston-Salem Saturday and stayed at a fellow’s home. He is from Pennsylvania. We had a swell time there and at that didn’t leave his house. We played cards and ate pop-corn and [Page 4 - back] �candy. These people invite the soldiers to their home and each time after maneuvers we are allowed to go. This was my first time to go and I nearly forgot that I was a soldier. Anyway it broke up the monotony. Do you think that I shall win that bet we made? We are having battleships sunk and I believe Uncle Sam isn’t going to stand for that very long. Well, I shall close and write when you can, [make it soon]. [sic] As Ever, Joe {Signature accent mark} P.S. What is going to be in that package? I’ll bet a bushel of paper, just to keep me busy, doing something. Ha! Ha! Excuse the pencil and writing for we are due to leave and I can push a pencil faster than a pen. My sister surprises me for she answers my letters promptly. Your typing was good for the first time and I’ll bet it took you a long long time to type the letter. [Envelope front] {Postmark} FORT BRAGG, N.C. NOV 4 11:30 PM 1941 MASS. Miss Agnes Van Der Weide 11 Main Street Ashburnham, Mass. [Envelope back] Pvt. Joe Olexa (12016893) Co. “L,” 26th Infantry A.P.O. #1 Fort Bragg, N.C. � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Joe Olexa letters Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Olexa, Joseph P. Van Der Weide, Agnes Description An account of the resource Collection of letters between Joseph Olexa and Agnes Van Der Weide, dating from 1941 to 1946. Olexa fought in the U.S. Army 26th Infantry Division, Company "L", and eventually attained the rank of Staff Sergeant. Over the course of World War II, Olexa was engaged in North Africa, Sicily, France, Belgium, and Germany. He fought in the Invasion of Normandy, the liberation of Belgium, the Battle of Hürtgen Forest, and the Battle of the Bulge. While deployed abroad, Olexa maintained regular correspondence with Agnes Van Der Weide, a young woman he met through mutual friends. Agnes was the daughter of Benjamin and Minnie (Ter Meer) Van Der Weide. The Van Der Weide family lived in Jamestown, Michigan and Ashburnham, Massachusetts until moving to Grand Rapids, Michigan in 1943. While the letters do not contain details relating to Olexa's military activities, due to heavy censorship of soldiers' correspondence by the U.S. Army, the letters do depict the daily activities of an infantry soldier and illustrate the blossoming romance between the two. Joseph and Agnes were married July 23, 1945, and lived in West Michigan until Agnes's death in 1993. Joseph Olexa died December 3, 2000. They were survived by their son, Karl Olexa. Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant World War II Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1941/1946 Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/543">Joseph P. Olexa WWII memoir and correspondence (RHC-93)</a> Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/">In Copyright</a> Subject The topic of the resource United States. Army. Infantry Division, 26th World War, 1939-1945 Soldiers -- Michigan Correspondence Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Special Collections & University Archives Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-93 Language A language of the resource eng Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-93_Olexa_1941-11-03 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Olexa, Joseph P. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1941-11-03 Title A name given to the resource Letter from Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, November 3, 1941 Description An account of the resource Handwritten V-Mail letter and envelope with transcript by Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, dated November 3, 1941. The envelope is sent from Co. L, 26th Infantry, A.P.O. #1, Fort Bragg, North Carolina, dated November 4, 1941. In the letter, Joe writes to Agnes as he is leaving for his last maneuver at Fort Bragg before returning back to Fort Devens in Massachusetts. He also writes in great detail telling her the story of his latest manuever, which illustrates some of his most focused and impassioned writing and causes him to wonder why he hadn't become a news writer for his profession. Subject The topic of the resource United States. Army. Infantry Division, 26th World War, 1939-1945 Soldiers -- Michigan Correspondence Fort Bragg (N.C.) Military maneuvers 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/32733eb7b8a2c61317f045e1106ae421.pdf 0d3bbda1196951ecab1845aeb5a49f5b PDF Text Text �� https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/e974777018252de079f9e6a5d31f66ef.pdf 3b7ea601bedfb9cea3984e97a499f6c5 PDF Text Text [RHC-93_Olexa_1943-11-30] [Page 1] [V-Mail Letter] {CENSOR’S STAMP} Miss Agnes Van Der Weide 1832 Berkley Ave. S.W. Grand Rapids, 9 Mich. Sgt. Joseph Olexa (Sender’s name) Co. “L,” 26th Inf. A.P.O. – 1 (Sender’s address) c/o PM. - New York, N.Y. Nove. 30, 1943 (Date) {Holiday V-Mail stationary with cartoon illustration} The illustration says “GREETINGS from BRITAIN” across the top and features a group of servicepeople wearing uniforms while gathered for a holiday celebration overseas. In addition to the group gathered in the background, two people are seen seated and eating a turkey dinner while two others open presents in the lower left corner. The illustration extends across the piece of stationary and includes Joe’s handwritten closing remarks in the lower right corner framed with a piece of illustrated holiday greenery: “Always yours” Joe {Signature accent mark} {V-MAIL stationary footer} [V-mail envelope] WAR & NAVY DEPARTMENTS V-MAIL SERVICE OFFICIAL BUSINESS �{Postmark} U.S. POSTAL SERVICE NO. 1 DEC 12 4 - PM 1943 PENALTY FOR PRIVATE USE TO AVOID PAYMENT OF POSTAGE, $300 � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Joe Olexa letters Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Olexa, Joseph P. Van Der Weide, Agnes Description An account of the resource Collection of letters between Joseph Olexa and Agnes Van Der Weide, dating from 1941 to 1946. Olexa fought in the U.S. Army 26th Infantry Division, Company "L", and eventually attained the rank of Staff Sergeant. Over the course of World War II, Olexa was engaged in North Africa, Sicily, France, Belgium, and Germany. He fought in the Invasion of Normandy, the liberation of Belgium, the Battle of Hürtgen Forest, and the Battle of the Bulge. While deployed abroad, Olexa maintained regular correspondence with Agnes Van Der Weide, a young woman he met through mutual friends. Agnes was the daughter of Benjamin and Minnie (Ter Meer) Van Der Weide. The Van Der Weide family lived in Jamestown, Michigan and Ashburnham, Massachusetts until moving to Grand Rapids, Michigan in 1943. While the letters do not contain details relating to Olexa's military activities, due to heavy censorship of soldiers' correspondence by the U.S. Army, the letters do depict the daily activities of an infantry soldier and illustrate the blossoming romance between the two. Joseph and Agnes were married July 23, 1945, and lived in West Michigan until Agnes's death in 1993. Joseph Olexa died December 3, 2000. They were survived by their son, Karl Olexa. Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant World War II Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1941/1946 Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/543">Joseph P. Olexa WWII memoir and correspondence (RHC-93)</a> Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/">In Copyright</a> Subject The topic of the resource United States. Army. Infantry Division, 26th World War, 1939-1945 Soldiers -- Michigan Correspondence Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Special Collections & University Archives Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-93 Language A language of the resource eng Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-93_Olexa_1943-11-30 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Olexa, Joseph P. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1943-11-30 Title A name given to the resource Letter from Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, November 30, 1943 Description An account of the resource Handwritten V-Mail letter and envelope with transcript by Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, dated November 30, 1943. The envelope is sent from Co. L, 26th Infantry A.P.O.-1, c/o Postmaster New York, New York, dated December 12, 1943. In the letter, Joe sends a holiday greeting to Agnes on V-Mail stationary with the words "Greetings from Britain" across the illustration and "Always yours" as his closing signature. Subject The topic of the resource United States. Army. Infantry Division, 26th World War, 1939-1945 Soldiers -- Michigan Correspondence V-mail Great Britain 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/4a38b57c5fa3b80b1050b3de0b7aaadc.pdf 429124c67731a0857ec21323b480e6f7 PDF Text Text ������ https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/9df0333a66488f9ce6aa3215d74539a1.pdf 07e92520794174d436d9ba9801b8ab9f PDF Text Text [RHC-93_Olexa_1941-11-09] [Page 1 - front] {Stationary letterhead} USO November 9, 1941 Co. L, 26th Infantry A.P.O. #1 Fort Bragg, N.C. Dear Agnes, Writing to catch up on the mail I owe you for I have enjoyed your letters very much. I want to thank you for the candy and cigarettes and I appreciate it very much. Our last maneuver was an easy one for we were in reserve. It was about time we got a break and we have done well without bragging. I am in Greensboro, N.C. on one of these hospitality trips. I have enjoyed myself and believe it or not I danced a few times. I wasn’t perfect but give myself credit for not stepping on the girls toes. I slept at the YMCA and at present writing to you from here. I don’t know whether I can make this a long letter but I shall try. [Page 1 - back] Roy couldn’t come because he was on K.P. duty. I’m lucky for I haven’t had it yet. I don’t show him my letters so that makes us even. I don’t think we shall be back for Thanksgiving and I shall be very disappointed if we are not. The weather here has been cold both day and nite. [sic] I use all of my blankets to keep me warm. I gained them two blankets back like I said I would and I wouldn’t have been a thief, if that person would have let mine alone. So you like a Ford and that is one car I wouldn’t give two cents a carload for. Why? Because they last about 6 months then you are ready for another new one. I wish I was there when they were arguing about the Fords for I love to argue about them as a disability and money robbing car. I’ll still stick to a Pontiac or a Dodge. I want you to thank Charly for writing and I believe the paper company would make a [Page 2 - front] {Stationary letterhead} USO lot of money on him. Ha! Ha! �We’ve had two soldiers from our regiment killed by civilian cars last week. I didn’t see them for I wasn’t there when it happened. One fellow was blinded by another car and run over one of soldiers who was walking on the road. [sic] Well, I shall have to hurry with this letter for I want to go to church this morning. I’m still waiting for the translation of that shorthand and if it isn’t in your other letter, I shall get mad. My sister writes regularly to me now but I haven’t heard from home or from my brother in a month. So, you see I have you and my sister writing to me. How is the weather up there? Is there any snow on the ground? I have heard that we will go back by [Page 3 - back] truck to Devens. Nice Army I calls it. [sic] Well I cannot think of anything more to write so I shall close hoping to hear from you again soon. As Ever, Joe {Signature accent mark} P.S. I shall return your kind thinking of me in the near future. Excuse the pencil and mistakes for I’m not going to re-read it. [Envelope front] {Postmark} GREENSBORO NOV 9 10 AM 1941 N.C. Miss Agnes Van Der Weide 11 Main Street Ashburnham, Mass. [Envelope back] Joe Olexa Co. L, 26th Infantry A.P.O #1 Fort Bragg, N.C. � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Joe Olexa letters Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Olexa, Joseph P. Van Der Weide, Agnes Description An account of the resource Collection of letters between Joseph Olexa and Agnes Van Der Weide, dating from 1941 to 1946. Olexa fought in the U.S. Army 26th Infantry Division, Company "L", and eventually attained the rank of Staff Sergeant. Over the course of World War II, Olexa was engaged in North Africa, Sicily, France, Belgium, and Germany. He fought in the Invasion of Normandy, the liberation of Belgium, the Battle of Hürtgen Forest, and the Battle of the Bulge. While deployed abroad, Olexa maintained regular correspondence with Agnes Van Der Weide, a young woman he met through mutual friends. Agnes was the daughter of Benjamin and Minnie (Ter Meer) Van Der Weide. The Van Der Weide family lived in Jamestown, Michigan and Ashburnham, Massachusetts until moving to Grand Rapids, Michigan in 1943. While the letters do not contain details relating to Olexa's military activities, due to heavy censorship of soldiers' correspondence by the U.S. Army, the letters do depict the daily activities of an infantry soldier and illustrate the blossoming romance between the two. Joseph and Agnes were married July 23, 1945, and lived in West Michigan until Agnes's death in 1993. Joseph Olexa died December 3, 2000. They were survived by their son, Karl Olexa. Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant World War II Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1941/1946 Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/543">Joseph P. Olexa WWII memoir and correspondence (RHC-93)</a> Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/">In Copyright</a> Subject The topic of the resource United States. Army. Infantry Division, 26th World War, 1939-1945 Soldiers -- Michigan Correspondence Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Special Collections & University Archives Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-93 Language A language of the resource eng Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-93_Olexa_1941-11-09 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Olexa, Joseph P. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1941-11-09 Title A name given to the resource Letter from Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, November 9, 1941 Description An account of the resource Handwritten letter and envelope with transcript by Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, dated November 9, 1941. The envelope is sent from Co. L, 26th Infantry, A.P.O. #1, Fort Bragg, North Carolina, dated November 9, 1941. In the letter, Joe writes to Agnes while staying at a YMCA in Greensboro, North Carolina on a hospitality trip and sharing the news that he most likely won't be able to return home for Thanksgiving that year. Subject The topic of the resource United States. Army. Infantry Division, 26th World War, 1939-1945 Soldiers -- Michigan Correspondence Greensboro (N.C.) 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/665a410b759e0c75c74d3e3ec54d2ea3.pdf f97905eb81ec202a80cb4937302154ea PDF Text Text �� https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/7f4307c1d81033340ff31d8fd9a40ca1.pdf 98a972a3c9d44030b4e3542218b7aeb9 PDF Text Text [RHC-93_Olexa_1942-10-10] [Page 1] [V-Mail Letter] No. 898206 {CENSOR’S STAMP} PASSED BY U.S. 11147 ARMY EXAMINER [?] Miss Agnes Van Der Weide 11 Main Street Ashburnham, Mass. 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. U.S. Army October 10, 1942 (Date) Hello Sweets, Here I am again although I have [already] written you. Using up a little of my spare time. Ha! Ha! Well, “Sweets” how are you today? Fine, I hope, and not in an ugly mood. How is the football team making out this year? Losing I’ll bet. I wish I was there to bet for the ice cream. Ha! Ha! I still think of you often so you need not worry. How is the sweater coming along? Is it half done? Give your folks my regards and a big hello. I’m about the same and hope you are too. I’m mad at Gloria for not writing more often and just wait till I get back that way. I haven’t seen Roy as yet, so I don’t know what to write about him. You are doing right for ignoring Carolyn. She may want to blame you again. Ha! Ha! Well, “Honey” I will close and in the meantime be thinking of you. Write soon. Yours, With Lots of Love Joe {Signature accent mark} �P.S. How’s Beasie getting along with her paper route? {V-MAIL stationery footer} [V-mail envelope] WAR & NAVY DEPARTMENTS V-MAIL SERVICE OFFICIAL BUSINESS {Postmark} NEW YORK, N.Y. OCT 20 [?] PM 1942 PENALTY FOR PRIVATE USE TO AVOID PAYMENT OF POSTAGE, $300 GRAND CENTRAL ANNEX � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Joe Olexa letters Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Olexa, Joseph P. Van Der Weide, Agnes Description An account of the resource Collection of letters between Joseph Olexa and Agnes Van Der Weide, dating from 1941 to 1946. Olexa fought in the U.S. Army 26th Infantry Division, Company "L", and eventually attained the rank of Staff Sergeant. Over the course of World War II, Olexa was engaged in North Africa, Sicily, France, Belgium, and Germany. He fought in the Invasion of Normandy, the liberation of Belgium, the Battle of Hürtgen Forest, and the Battle of the Bulge. While deployed abroad, Olexa maintained regular correspondence with Agnes Van Der Weide, a young woman he met through mutual friends. Agnes was the daughter of Benjamin and Minnie (Ter Meer) Van Der Weide. The Van Der Weide family lived in Jamestown, Michigan and Ashburnham, Massachusetts until moving to Grand Rapids, Michigan in 1943. While the letters do not contain details relating to Olexa's military activities, due to heavy censorship of soldiers' correspondence by the U.S. Army, the letters do depict the daily activities of an infantry soldier and illustrate the blossoming romance between the two. Joseph and Agnes were married July 23, 1945, and lived in West Michigan until Agnes's death in 1993. Joseph Olexa died December 3, 2000. They were survived by their son, Karl Olexa. Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant World War II Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1941/1946 Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/543">Joseph P. Olexa WWII memoir and correspondence (RHC-93)</a> Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/">In Copyright</a> Subject The topic of the resource United States. Army. Infantry Division, 26th World War, 1939-1945 Soldiers -- Michigan Correspondence Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Special Collections & University Archives Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-93 Language A language of the resource eng Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-93_Olexa_1942-10-10 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Olexa, Joseph P. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1942-10-10 Title A name given to the resource Letter from Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, October 10, 1942 Description An account of the resource Handwritten V-mail letter and envelope with transcript by Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, dated October 10, 1942. The envelope is sent from Co. L, 26th Infantry, A.P.O. #1, New York, New York, dated October 20, 1942. In the V-mail letter, Joe writes to Agnes in his spare time while hoping to catch up on the latest news that fall, including how the football team is doing that year and how the sweater she is knitting is coming along. 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/60933a3d5a48cd6cd9c67709ba59b1aa.pdf 6d3291e241032e0dec526545fd11a05f PDF Text Text �� https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/0ed860156605a354c52e2fa0902e56fe.pdf 3df8ef4bcf5ecd4b6c9e1ff53bffbcea PDF Text Text [RHC-93_Olexa_1942-10-11] [Page 1] [V-Mail Letter] No. 936521 {CENSOR’S STAMP} PASSED BY U.S. 11147 ARMY EXAMINER [?] Miss Agnes Van Der Weide 11 Main Street Ashburnham, Mass. 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. U.S. Army October 11, 1942 (Date) Dear Agnes, Just rec’d one of your letters dated Sept. 21 and was glad to hear from you. I enjoy hearing from you very much and always look forward to hear from you. [sic] I still miss you “Honey” and think of you often. No, there is nothing I need or want at present but you could put yourself in a package and come here. Ha! Ha! Everything here is going along swell for me, so I shan’t kick. [sic] How is everyone over there? Don’t forget to give them all my best regards. I haven’t heard from Ollie but my sister said that he was going to answer my letter. I’m surprised to think of it. My folks have sent me cigarettes and things so when they get here, I’ll have a plenty. Well, Sweets, how are you getting along? Fine, I hope. I’m always good so you need not worry none. [sic] Haven’t much to write so I shall close and write real soon. Yours, With Lots of Love Joe �{V-MAIL stationery footer} [V-mail envelope] WAR & NAVY DEPARTMENTS V-MAIL SERVICE OFFICIAL BUSINESS {Postmark} NEW YORK, N.Y. OCT [?] 2:30 PM [?] 1942 PENALTY FOR PRIVATE USE TO AVOID PAYMENT OF POSTAGE, $300 GRAND CENTRAL ANNEX � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Joe Olexa letters Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Olexa, Joseph P. Van Der Weide, Agnes Description An account of the resource Collection of letters between Joseph Olexa and Agnes Van Der Weide, dating from 1941 to 1946. Olexa fought in the U.S. Army 26th Infantry Division, Company "L", and eventually attained the rank of Staff Sergeant. Over the course of World War II, Olexa was engaged in North Africa, Sicily, France, Belgium, and Germany. He fought in the Invasion of Normandy, the liberation of Belgium, the Battle of Hürtgen Forest, and the Battle of the Bulge. While deployed abroad, Olexa maintained regular correspondence with Agnes Van Der Weide, a young woman he met through mutual friends. Agnes was the daughter of Benjamin and Minnie (Ter Meer) Van Der Weide. The Van Der Weide family lived in Jamestown, Michigan and Ashburnham, Massachusetts until moving to Grand Rapids, Michigan in 1943. While the letters do not contain details relating to Olexa's military activities, due to heavy censorship of soldiers' correspondence by the U.S. Army, the letters do depict the daily activities of an infantry soldier and illustrate the blossoming romance between the two. Joseph and Agnes were married July 23, 1945, and lived in West Michigan until Agnes's death in 1993. Joseph Olexa died December 3, 2000. They were survived by their son, Karl Olexa. Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant World War II Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1941/1946 Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/543">Joseph P. Olexa WWII memoir and correspondence (RHC-93)</a> Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/">In Copyright</a> Subject The topic of the resource United States. Army. Infantry Division, 26th World War, 1939-1945 Soldiers -- Michigan Correspondence Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Special Collections & University Archives Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-93 Language A language of the resource eng Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-93_Olexa_1942-10-11 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Olexa, Joseph P. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1942-10-11 Title A name given to the resource Letter from Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, October 11, 1942 Description An account of the resource Handwritten V-mail letter and envelope with transcript by Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, dated October 11, 1942. The envelope is sent from Co. L, 26th Infantry, A.P.O. #1, New York, New York, dated October 1942. In the V-mail letter, Joe writes to Agnes sharing his enjoyment in receiving one of her letters and how he always looks forward to hearing from her, in addition to inquiring about everyone back home and sending his best to them. 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/d60ccccc2dbe47100267ca76e8bce8c2.pdf 6685d38f50949f36c1479f87e3715bb5 PDF Text Text �� https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/573fcf36a0f84a21d7100a88fff3d949.pdf b3f0083bf3c0b0f511bf68b0960ec6d2 PDF Text Text [RHC-93_Olexa_1943-10-11] [Page 1] [V-Mail Letter] {CENSOR’S STAMP} PASSED BY 20639 U.S. ARMY EXAMINER To Miss Agnes Van Der Weide 1832 Berkley Ave. S.W. Grand Rapids, Mich. From Sgt. Joseph Olexa (Sender’s name) Co. “L,” 26th Inf. A.P.O. – 1 (Sender’s address) c/o PM. New York, N.Y. Oct. 11, 1943 (Date) Hello Sweets, Just a few lines to let you know that I’m still thinking of you. I’m fine as usual and hope you are the same. Not long ago we saw a show put on by two movie stars. The two stars were “Ann[a] Lee” and “Adolph[e] Menjou.” They put on a very good show with a lot of jokes. How do you like Grand Rapids, “Sweets”? You’d better watch out or you may get lost. Ha! Ha! Got a letter from my brother Ollie and I nearly took a fit. [sic] It’s the second letter he has written to me in 2 ½ years. I’m still shocked. Well “sweets” I shall close with all my love to you. Write real soon and in the meantime I shall be thinking of you. 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. OCT 27 7-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/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-93_Olexa_1943-10-11 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Olexa, Joseph P. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1943-10-11 Title A name given to the resource Letter from Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, October 11, 1943 Description An account of the resource Handwritten V-Mail letter and envelope with transcript by Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, dated October 11, 1943. The envelope is sent from Co. L, 26th Infantry A.P.O.-1, c/o Postmaster New York, New York, dated October 27, 1943. In the V-Mail letter, Joe writes a brief message to Agnes to let her know he is thinking of her and hoping she likes her new hometown of Grand Rapids, Michigan. He also shares the news of an entertainment show performed for the troops staring the movie stars Anna Lee and Adolphe Menjou. Subject The topic of the resource United States. Army. Infantry Division, 26th World War, 1939-1945 Soldiers -- Michigan Correspondence V-mail Lee, Anna, 1913-2004 Menjou, Adolphe, 1890-1963 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/d8051d7fea21307fa29931025372f234.pdf c4f94c13522ec8d3ad3b2bb1e77f2202 PDF Text Text �� https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/fa2e0836add901c2eb9ba59660f23fb5.pdf d14fc43ea3443b4229793db1ec83e32a PDF Text Text [RHC-93_Olexa_1943-10-13] [Page 1] [V-Mail Letter] {CENSOR’S STAMP} PASSED BY 20639 U.S. ARMY EXAMINER To Miss Agnes Van Der Weide 1832 Berkley Ave. S.W. Grand Rapids, Mich. 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. Oct. 13, 1943 (Date) Hello Sugar, Haven’t heard from you in four days and decided to write you a few lines. I sure do miss your letters if they don’t come regularly. I’m fine as usual and think of you most of the time. I suppose by now that you are settled comfortable in your new home. [sic] How are your folks and the rest of the kids? Heard from Helen and everything is fine with her. I still miss you as much as ever “Sweets” and hope it’s the same with you. Well “Honey” I shall close for this time and write real soon. It rained quite a lot today but our pup tent kept out all of the water. As Ever [?] “With Lots of Love” “Joe” {V-MAIL stationary footer} [V-mail envelope] �WAR & NAVY DEPARTMENTS V-MAIL SERVICE OFFICIAL BUSINESS {Postmark} NEW YORK, N.Y. OCT 27 [?]-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/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-93_Olexa_1943-10-13 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Olexa, Joseph P. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1943-10-13 Title A name given to the resource Letter from Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, October 13, 1943 Description An account of the resource Handwritten V-Mail letter and envelope with transcript by Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, dated October 13, 1943. The envelope is sent from Co. L, 26th Infantry A.P.O.-1, c/o Postmaster New York, New York, dated October 27, 1943. In the V-Mail letter, Joe writes a brief message to Agnes to let her know he misses her and her letters after not receiving one in many days. He also writes to ask about her family and how they are settling into their new home. 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/8c042ceee504289df70c77f2ef52dbfe.pdf 5afcf315d29a5c1a6b37a54643caaaec PDF Text Text ����� https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/270ed68794beff980de8dc9ebccbdeda.pdf 391e82231ddce29054d798428179ad2b PDF Text Text [RHC-93_Olexa_1944-10-13] [Page 1] Somewhere in Germany Oct. 13, 1944. My dearest “Darling,” Have rec’d many of your loveable letters and was more than pleased to get them. I also got Gloria’s letter and the pictures she sent. They are very nice too. I don’t know if I can be able to answer all of these letters of yours, but I sure can try, can’t I? I shall be able to answer all of your questions though. My thoughts are still of you “Darling” and wish I could be able to have you in my arms once again. That would be swell because I miss you terribly. My love for you keeps growing and that’s one thing [Page 2] I never tire of. When I return, we shall be very happy and it’s going to be wonderful to be with a swell girl like you. I get very lonesome, too, and when it comes to that it vanishes when I think of you. I keep longing for the day when you and I can have our little home and be very happy, living a peaceful life. I know that you will provide all of my happiness and I shall be very contended when you are Mrs. Olexa. If I could only be with you now “Darling,” everything would be perfect. I’d squeeze you harder than ever and take all of your sweet kisses I’ve [Page 3] missed. I’ve sent you some perfume, a German coin, and 4 of their ornaments. Yes, “Sweets” there are many cottages on this lake I’ve mentioned and I know we can enjoy our own stay there. I haven’t thought too much about the names of our children we are going to have because it will be better to decide when we are together. Don’t you think so? I would love to see your new sweaters, skirt, and dress you’ve bought and from your description of them I know I shall like them. Especially when my wife to be is wearing them. [Page 4] I shall patiently waite [sic] for your packages to arrive and hope they reach me soon. I was surprised to hear your mother is expecting and hope she is well. I wish I could send you a lot of souvenirs but I’m not lucky enough to be in an outfit which doesn’t see action. They are the ones who get the best souvenirs and when they return home, they’ll tell you how they fought the war getting them. We get them and they table them is our motto. Will close Darling and will write again the first chance I get. My regards and love to all. Yours forever Loads of Love and Kisses “Joe” {Signature accent mark} �[Envelope front] S/Sgt. Joseph P. Olexa (12016893) Co. “L,” 26th Inf. A.P.O. - 1 c/o Postmaster, New York, N. Y. {Postmark} U.S. ARMY POSTAL SERVICE OCT 15 1944 A.P.O. Miss Agnes Van Der Weide 1913 Berkley Ave. S.W. Grand Rapids, 9 Mich. PASSED BY 20638 [?] U.S. ARMY EXAMINER Lt. [?] � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Joe Olexa letters Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Olexa, Joseph P. Van Der Weide, Agnes Description An account of the resource Collection of letters between Joseph Olexa and Agnes Van Der Weide, dating from 1941 to 1946. Olexa fought in the U.S. Army 26th Infantry Division, Company "L", and eventually attained the rank of Staff Sergeant. Over the course of World War II, Olexa was engaged in North Africa, Sicily, France, Belgium, and Germany. He fought in the Invasion of Normandy, the liberation of Belgium, the Battle of Hürtgen Forest, and the Battle of the Bulge. While deployed abroad, Olexa maintained regular correspondence with Agnes Van Der Weide, a young woman he met through mutual friends. Agnes was the daughter of Benjamin and Minnie (Ter Meer) Van Der Weide. The Van Der Weide family lived in Jamestown, Michigan and Ashburnham, Massachusetts until moving to Grand Rapids, Michigan in 1943. While the letters do not contain details relating to Olexa's military activities, due to heavy censorship of soldiers' correspondence by the U.S. Army, the letters do depict the daily activities of an infantry soldier and illustrate the blossoming romance between the two. Joseph and Agnes were married July 23, 1945, and lived in West Michigan until Agnes's death in 1993. Joseph Olexa died December 3, 2000. They were survived by their son, Karl Olexa. Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant World War II Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1941/1946 Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/543">Joseph P. Olexa WWII memoir and correspondence (RHC-93)</a> Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/">In Copyright</a> Subject The topic of the resource United States. Army. Infantry Division, 26th World War, 1939-1945 Soldiers -- Michigan Correspondence Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Special Collections & University Archives Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-93 Language A language of the resource eng Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-93_Olexa_1944-10-13 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Olexa, Joseph P. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1944-10-13 Title A name given to the resource Letter from Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, October 13, 1944 Description An account of the resource Handwritten letter and envelope with transcript by Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, dated October 13, 1944. The envelope is sent from Co. L, 26th Infantry A.P.O.-1, c/o Postmaster New York, New York, dated October 15, 1944. In the letter, Joe writes to Agnes after receiving quite a few of her "loveable letters" while stationed in Germany. He writes that he looks forward to the day they can make their home together and live a happy, peaceful life, in addition to responding to her questions about honeymoon lake cottages and the names of their future children. Subject The topic of the resource United States. Army. Infantry Division, 26th World War, 1939-1945 Soldiers -- Michigan Correspondence Love letters Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/543">Joseph P. Olexa WWII memoir and correspondence, (RHC-93)</a> Relation A related resource Veterans History Project (U.S.) Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/">In Copyright</a> Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource application/pdf Language A language of the resource eng Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant World War II Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Lemmen Library and Archives https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/351bccf57788eecf8398f4a53d540714.pdf d7f62084c7a297de7735159de04fc8ea PDF Text Text �� https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/8be0b06cdffa2cf255cbaef6a93706f7.pdf 1eb0ceb460ab52fb819ad4821da0f518 PDF Text Text [RHC-93_Olexa_1943-10-14] [Page 1] [V-Mail Letter] {CENSOR’S STAMP} PASSED BY 20639 U.S. ARMY EXAMINER To Miss Agnes Van Der Weide 1832 Berkley Ave. S.W. Grand Rapids, Mich. 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. Oct. 14, 1943 (Date) Hello Darling, Writing again to you and hope this letter finds you with the best of grace. I still miss you as much as ever and hope it’s the same with you. I have not received any letters from you as yet but hope to soon. I usually read your letters about 10 times a piece when I do not hear from you regularly. I suppose you have started to look for a new job. Here’s hoping you get the one you’ll like. It has rained here again today and its quite muddy out. Have not seen Roy, so I don’t know what he is doing. Well “Sugar,” I shall close. Give my regards to the folks. Yours Always With Lots of Love Joe P.S. “Write Soon” {V-MAIL stationary footer} �[V-mail envelope] WAR & NAVY DEPARTMENTS V-MAIL SERVICE OFFICIAL BUSINESS {Postmark} NEW YORK, N.Y. OCT 29 [?] 2:30 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/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-93_Olexa_1943-10-14 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Olexa, Joseph P. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1943-10-14 Title A name given to the resource Letter from Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, October 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 October 14, 1943. The envelope is sent from Co. L, 26th Infantry A.P.O.-1, c/o Postmaster New York, New York, dated October 29, 1943. In the V-Mail letter, Joe writes a brief message on another rainy day telling Agnes he misses her and her letters and that he has re-read her past letters many times to make up for her absence. 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/204c48e6eb518a13ceafb7d8f6738856.pdf ce5f9c716dc552b14bf7b45236c11ed2 PDF Text Text �������� https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/bc7b661f2334abefbd89b1201aadd488.pdf c4cc1c47948b1a7f5e966d003d76cf07 PDF Text Text [RHC-93_Olexa_1941-10-19] [Page 1 - front] {Stationary letterhead} 26th Infantry Co. “L” A.P.O. #1 Fort Bragg, North Carolina Oct. 19, 1941 Dear Agnes, Rec’d your letter today and was surprised to receive one that long. It was a novel instead of a letter. That’s the kind of letters I like to get so don’t forget to write them long. I am writing on the top of my barracks bag so you will have to excuse the writing. We got here Thursday afternoon and I needed too canes [sic] to help me walk along. We were pretty well cramped up with our full field packs, rifles, and barracks bags. Most of the time my legs were up around my neck. We traveled about 200 miles a day and stopped for a 10 minute rest at two hour intervals. The only thing I liked while on the trip was to wave at all of the girls. These Southern girls are nice and I could listen for hours by the way they talk with a drawal. [sic] [Page 1 - back] There are a lot of tent cities for miles around this place. Seems though, that all of the soldiers in the Army are down here. There will be a 100,000 [sic] soldiers in this maneuver and tomorrow is the beginning. We have six men to a tent, no cots or beds, just a mattress filled with straw and our blankets to keep us warm. This place is plenty dusty and we are about 30 miles from the nearest town. The water is scarce around these parts so the government has to buy it and truck it in here. We can only shave once a week and will be tried by court martial if we shave more than once a week. The days are mighty hot and at nites we freeze. [sic] We have to stand retreat with arms and cannot leave the camp site except Saturday afternoons and Sunday. Hitch-hiking isn’t so easy down here for the cars are few and plenty of soldiers. We are not at Fort Bragg but our mail is sent out to us from there. They say it is 40 miles to Fort Bragg. Although many of us can not get to the towns, we have some recreation such as movies, volleyball, football, softball, a radio and last of all to write letters. �[Page 2 - front] {Stationary letterhead} 26th Infantry I took a magnifying glass to look for the tears on your letter and found nothing. See, I’m a great detective, too, so you didn’t fool me. Ha! Ha! Punchy isn’t smelling furniture but does a lot of crumbling about the place we are in. Anyway the majority of us do. The Army always thinks of us boys. The hard way. [sic] The other fellow is still carrying his girl's picture around in his hand and I believe he is getting crazier every day. I didn’t see you pass the bus but I had watched. I got back to camp that Sunday for dinner. We were supposed to have [chicken] [sic] but I think the chicken walked into the pan and jumped out in a hurry for I didn’t see any of it. No, I didn’t stay out before our trip and I was in bed at 8:30 believe it or not. I’m trying to write a letter yet trying to listen to the boys talk and having some come in to borrow something. See what I have to put up with. So, it took you two days to write that letter or novel I should say, well I wrote the last letter to you in two hours. [Page 2 - back] You’ve got me wondering and curious about the shorthand. I figure it isn’t worth knowing because it wasn’t written out. I may be wrong, but you could have written it out for me. I wouldn’t know or find out what it says, so I’ll chalk one up for you. Did you get my card? Roy wrote a long letter to Carolyn for I had seen him writing when the tent sides were rolled up. He is about five tents down and across the way. Where did you get your writing paper? I’ll bet you stole it. Is it a bet? Ha! Ha! You state in your letter that you know me pretty well? Do you? I’ve just been a wondering. [sic] You didn’t miss me that much, did you, to have the bottom fall out of everything. The next time you shed some tears, why not let them drop in a bottle, so that you can send them to me. That would be a swell souvenir! What do you think? Anyway, you shouldn’t shed tears just for me because I think I’m not worth that much. I hated to leave myself and did enjoy visiting with you and your folks. I even forgot to thank them for their hospitality. So, don’t forget to thank them for me. Next week we are going to be issued more brains, so I shall steal a little [Page 3 - front] �more than my share. I shall consider myself a little more intelligent, but if they run out before I get some, I’ll just have to wait till the next time. Bowman don’t like to write letters [sic] and I shall try to find someone to write to your cousin. If not, I'll write to her myself. Ha! Ha! Who were the two fellows with you and Carolyn when you went walking? Don’t lie now, for a little birdie told me about it. Ha! Ha! I go walking myself, every day, so I believe we are even only yours was pleasure and mine a regular routine. I received a prompt answer from my sister and my letter to her made her set up in a hurry. Maybe the next will be after Christmas. I’m going to invite you down for some southern fried chicken this Sunday and I don’t want you to be late. We are going to have everything from soup to nuts, so don’t miss it. See how thoughtful I am. I should get a little credit on this at least or should I. How is Gloria and her water boy getting along? Do they still get mad at each other? [Page 3 - back] Just got back from supper so I shall continue to write. By the rumors going around we will be back for Thanksgiving but I will not believe it. We are about 60 miles from High-Point, N.C. but I believe I will not stick my nose outside of our camp area. Roy just came over to tell me he got a letter from Carolyn. I think that the comic strip you sent fits him to a tee. I haven’t found out where the light goes after it is turned off, so I can’t tell you. I’m not going to tell you the difference between your first and last letter, till you let me know what that shorthand is. Well, I think this letter is almost as long as yours and write them just as long and then you may keep me cheerful while in the field. I shall try to write mine long. Will close and give my best regards to your folks and tell them I said hello. Don’t forget to write soon. As Ever, Joe {Signature accent mark} P.S. Roy is here again to bother me so I’m lucky that I am closing. [Envelope front] {Postmark} FORT BRAGG, N.C. �OCT 21 12:30 AM 1941 {Stamp} UNITED STATES POSTAGE 3 CENTS 3 Miss Agnes Van Der Weide 11 Main Street Ashburnham, Mass. [Envelope back] Pvt. Joe Olexa (12016893) Co. “L,” 26th Infantry A.P.O. #1 Fort Bragg, N.C. � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Joe Olexa letters Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Olexa, Joseph P. Van Der Weide, Agnes Description An account of the resource Collection of letters between Joseph Olexa and Agnes Van Der Weide, dating from 1941 to 1946. Olexa fought in the U.S. Army 26th Infantry Division, Company "L", and eventually attained the rank of Staff Sergeant. Over the course of World War II, Olexa was engaged in North Africa, Sicily, France, Belgium, and Germany. He fought in the Invasion of Normandy, the liberation of Belgium, the Battle of Hürtgen Forest, and the Battle of the Bulge. While deployed abroad, Olexa maintained regular correspondence with Agnes Van Der Weide, a young woman he met through mutual friends. Agnes was the daughter of Benjamin and Minnie (Ter Meer) Van Der Weide. The Van Der Weide family lived in Jamestown, Michigan and Ashburnham, Massachusetts until moving to Grand Rapids, Michigan in 1943. While the letters do not contain details relating to Olexa's military activities, due to heavy censorship of soldiers' correspondence by the U.S. Army, the letters do depict the daily activities of an infantry soldier and illustrate the blossoming romance between the two. Joseph and Agnes were married July 23, 1945, and lived in West Michigan until Agnes's death in 1993. Joseph Olexa died December 3, 2000. They were survived by their son, Karl Olexa. Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant World War II Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1941/1946 Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/543">Joseph P. Olexa WWII memoir and correspondence (RHC-93)</a> Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/">In Copyright</a> Subject The topic of the resource United States. Army. Infantry Division, 26th World War, 1939-1945 Soldiers -- Michigan Correspondence Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Special Collections & University Archives Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-93 Language A language of the resource eng Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-93_Olexa_1941-10-19 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Olexa, Joseph P. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1941-10-19 Title A name given to the resource Letter from Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, October 19, 1941 Description An account of the resource Handwritten letter and envelope with transcript by Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, dated October 19, 1941. The envelope is sent from Co. L, 26th Infantry, A.P.O. #1, Fort Bragg, North Carolina, dated October 21, 1941. In the letter, Joe writes to Agnes thanking her for her recent "novel" of a letter and letting her know more about his trip down south to North Carolina and his life at Fort Bragg so far. Subject The topic of the resource United States. Army. Infantry Division, 26th World War, 1939-1945 Soldiers -- Michigan Correspondence Fort Bragg (N.C.) 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/385a17763bd9665682d4150f51df4b2d.pdf c83c98b8b6113fe14f0f8a35866add26 PDF Text Text ����� https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/ba306d4bb63a064e638f2798664a0292.pdf 3db297d12df91dbfb98aff2f55e2629a PDF Text Text [RHC-93_Olexa_1944-10-22] [Page 1] Somewhere in Germany October 22, 1944. “My Dearest Darling,” Have received quite a few of your letters and was very pleased to get them. I’m safe and well as usual and hope it’s the same with you. My thoughts are still of you “Darling” and I keep longing to be with you. I sure do with that we could be together just for a little while which would seem like heaven to me. I don’t know when I shall be able to go back but when I do, you shan’t get any rest. I’m still thinking of our future and hope that our plans will be a success and that we shall be very happy together. I was glad to hear you got the English money and have received some of the souvenirs I’ve sent. I’ve got some more coins [Page 2] which are German and Belgium. I shall also send them to you. I have not as yet rec’d your packages which you sent while I was in the hospital and hope they reach me alright. Yes, it is better being out of the hospital for I didn’t like it there. I got a few letters from Helen and one from my sister Nell. I nearly fell over to get that letter. Ollie’s wife wrote to me also. You have written about the money I sent you from the hospital and if you didn’t get it, I can turn in the receipts for the amount I’ve sent. I’ve got so much to write about that I don’t know where to begin. I’ll probably end up with a short letter. Ha! Ha! If it wasn’t for your sweet letters, I wouldn’t have a morale. [sic] I’m getting sick of this war and if I could [Page 3] get a leave of some kind to see the ones I want to see everything would be ok. Well, I shall change the subject and write of better things. You’ve mentioned in your last letter about your new boss. Well, “Darling” I don’t mind if you like him but would be very jealous if you were to love him. I was just wondering if you have taken any pictures wearing slacks. If you have, I wish you would send them to me. I think you would look lovely in them with your hair bushy. At least I think of you that way wearing them. Well, how are your folks these days? Don’t forget to give them my regards and love? Gloria asked if it was alright for her to be Maid of Honor. Well, it’s alight with me if you want her to be but that is for you to decide and it’s your privilege. [Page 4] I often think of our wedding day and can hardly waite. [sic] I know it will be grand and having a swell girl as you for a wife. Well, “Darling” I shall close for now and shall write as often as I can. Remember, “Darling” my love for you an ocean cannot fill. Yours Always With Plenty of Hugs and Kisses �“Joe” {Signature accent mark} [Envelope front] S/Sgt. Joseph P. Olexa (12016893) Co. “L,” 26th Inf. A.P.O. - 1 c/o Postmaster, New York, N. Y. {Postmark} U.S. ARMY POSTAL SERVICE 1 OCT 27 1944 A.P.O. U.S. POSTAGE 6¢ VIA AIR MAIL Miss Agnes Van Der Weide 1913 Berkley Ave. S.W. Grand Rapids, 9 Mich. PASSED BY 20638 U.S. ARMY EXAMINER [?] � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Joe Olexa letters Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Olexa, Joseph P. Van Der Weide, Agnes Description An account of the resource Collection of letters between Joseph Olexa and Agnes Van Der Weide, dating from 1941 to 1946. Olexa fought in the U.S. Army 26th Infantry Division, Company "L", and eventually attained the rank of Staff Sergeant. Over the course of World War II, Olexa was engaged in North Africa, Sicily, France, Belgium, and Germany. He fought in the Invasion of Normandy, the liberation of Belgium, the Battle of Hürtgen Forest, and the Battle of the Bulge. While deployed abroad, Olexa maintained regular correspondence with Agnes Van Der Weide, a young woman he met through mutual friends. Agnes was the daughter of Benjamin and Minnie (Ter Meer) Van Der Weide. The Van Der Weide family lived in Jamestown, Michigan and Ashburnham, Massachusetts until moving to Grand Rapids, Michigan in 1943. While the letters do not contain details relating to Olexa's military activities, due to heavy censorship of soldiers' correspondence by the U.S. Army, the letters do depict the daily activities of an infantry soldier and illustrate the blossoming romance between the two. Joseph and Agnes were married July 23, 1945, and lived in West Michigan until Agnes's death in 1993. Joseph Olexa died December 3, 2000. They were survived by their son, Karl Olexa. Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant World War II Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1941/1946 Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/543">Joseph P. Olexa WWII memoir and correspondence (RHC-93)</a> Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/">In Copyright</a> Subject The topic of the resource United States. Army. Infantry Division, 26th World War, 1939-1945 Soldiers -- Michigan Correspondence Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Special Collections & University Archives Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-93 Language A language of the resource eng Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-93_Olexa_1944-10-22 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Olexa, Joseph P. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1944-10-22 Title A name given to the resource Letter from Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, October 22, 1944 Description An account of the resource Handwritten letter and envelope with transcript by Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, dated October 22, 1944. The envelope is sent from Co. L, 26th Infantry A.P.O.-1, c/o Postmaster New York, New York, dated October 27, 1944. In the letter, Joe writes to Agnes while stationed in Germany and discusses various topics including the gift packages they have sent to one another, his experience being out of the hospital, and how he is growing tired of the war and being away from his loved ones. Subject The topic of the resource United States. Army. Infantry Division, 26th World War, 1939-1945 Soldiers -- Michigan Correspondence Weddings--Planning 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/25ce80ec5fb4329e02d3a6a179af8392.pdf 48f720c139cf155d21d0b3e5257cf63d PDF Text Text ����� https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/94768fe0cdcd2913f667a445b10903e7.pdf 55be1103561f512e3a472b14021cf4a7 PDF Text Text [RHC-93_Olexa_1944-10-25] [Page 1] Somewhere in Germany Oct. 25, 1944. “My Dearest Darling,” Have been thinking of you a lot today and thought I would write you another letter. Ain’t I being good? I still miss you as much as ever “Darling” and love you more as the days go by. At times I have you so close to me, that I could almost reach out and pull you into my arms. What a lovely day it’s going to be when I can hold you tight and bite on your nose. I’ve longed to be with you and I shall be a very happy man when I am with you once again. Gee! Sweets couldn’t you just lean over here so I could get your kisses I’ve missed so much. Wish you would because I could tell [Page 2] how much I love you which would be grand. Sometimes I get so blue thinking of the days going by of not being with you that I could scream. It won’t help none but we sure can make up that lost time, can’t we? I still make little dream houses picturing you and I, enjoying a happy life together. I can hardly waite [sic] for the day, when we can start a little cozy home of our own to live in, can you? We shall have to be very patient while we are so far apart and if it’s God’s will, I shall return to be with you once more. With His Divine guidance and protection [Page 3] I have everything to gain and nothing to lose. I’m not a perfect Christian but my only ambition is to live the way He wants me to. Well, “Darling” I haven’t received any of your packages as yet and still have hopes of getting them. I miss your swell cookies so they’d better get here pronto. I got a letter from my sister Nellie and she told me that she liked you an awful lot and wants the both of us [to] visit her when I get back. I’d send you her letter but it’s too big to put in my envelopes. I hope you are enjoying your work under your new boss and I’ll want you to take me down there. How is your mother [Page 4] and father? Don’t forget to give them my best regards? Wrote a V-mail to Gloria also, so you can tell her to expect it soon. I’m hoping to hear that you got that money I’ve sent you while I was at the hospital. We shall be paid again soon and I plan to send you some more. Well, Precious I shall close with all my love to the best girl in the world. Yours forever, With loads of hugs and kisses {symbols} Joe {Signature accent mark} �PS. Hope that you’ve got some more pictures for me or haven’t you. Have you ever heard about Roy or from him? I haven’t. [Envelope front] S/Sgt. Joseph P. Olexa (12016893) Co. “L,” 26th Inf. A.P.O. - 1 c/o Postmaster, New York, N. Y. {Postmark} U.S. ARMY POSTAL SERVICE 1 OCT 28 1944 A.P.O. Via Air-Mail Miss Agnes Van Der Weide 1913 Berkley Ave. S.W. Grand Rapids, 9 Mich. PASSED BY 20637 U.S. ARMY EXAMINER [?] � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Joe Olexa letters Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Olexa, Joseph P. Van Der Weide, Agnes Description An account of the resource Collection of letters between Joseph Olexa and Agnes Van Der Weide, dating from 1941 to 1946. Olexa fought in the U.S. Army 26th Infantry Division, Company "L", and eventually attained the rank of Staff Sergeant. Over the course of World War II, Olexa was engaged in North Africa, Sicily, France, Belgium, and Germany. He fought in the Invasion of Normandy, the liberation of Belgium, the Battle of Hürtgen Forest, and the Battle of the Bulge. While deployed abroad, Olexa maintained regular correspondence with Agnes Van Der Weide, a young woman he met through mutual friends. Agnes was the daughter of Benjamin and Minnie (Ter Meer) Van Der Weide. The Van Der Weide family lived in Jamestown, Michigan and Ashburnham, Massachusetts until moving to Grand Rapids, Michigan in 1943. While the letters do not contain details relating to Olexa's military activities, due to heavy censorship of soldiers' correspondence by the U.S. Army, the letters do depict the daily activities of an infantry soldier and illustrate the blossoming romance between the two. Joseph and Agnes were married July 23, 1945, and lived in West Michigan until Agnes's death in 1993. Joseph Olexa died December 3, 2000. They were survived by their son, Karl Olexa. Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant World War II Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1941/1946 Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/543">Joseph P. Olexa WWII memoir and correspondence (RHC-93)</a> Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/">In Copyright</a> Subject The topic of the resource United States. Army. Infantry Division, 26th World War, 1939-1945 Soldiers -- Michigan Correspondence Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Special Collections & University Archives Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-93 Language A language of the resource eng Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-93_Olexa_1944-10-25 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Olexa, Joseph P. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1944-10-25 Title A name given to the resource Letter from Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, October 25, 1944 Description An account of the resource Handwritten letter and envelope with transcript by Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, dated October 25, 1944. The envelope is sent from Co. L, 26th Infantry A.P.O.-1, c/o Postmaster New York, New York, dated October 28, 1944. In the letter, Joe writes to Agnes while stationed in Germany, dreaming of their future home together and holding onto his faith to keep him strong while they are oceans apart. Subject The topic of the resource United States. Army. Infantry Division, 26th World War, 1939-1945 Soldiers -- Michigan Correspondence Love letters Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/543">Joseph P. Olexa WWII memoir and correspondence, (RHC-93)</a> Relation A related resource Veterans History Project (U.S.) Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/">In Copyright</a> Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource application/pdf Language A language of the resource eng Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant World War II Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Lemmen Library and Archives https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/b67413dbbc938e92808d885cf7b8f30c.pdf 3788dbaa8f78684fdf196245ed0880de PDF Text Text ���������� https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/d4bb250d24de545d9b5e35388afb8e4e.pdf f6fd7033ae3e6406da135ef7793b109d PDF Text Text [RHC-93_Olexa_1941-10-26] [Page 1 - front] {Stationary letterhead} 26th Infantry Co. “L” A.P.O. #1 Fort Bragg, N.C. Oct. 26, 1941. Dear Agnes, Rec’d your letter and was very glad to hear from you. Just as I was starting to write, a dog came in and is bothering me. The dog walked onto my paper, so this is the second sheet. I like dogs so it doesn’t matter. We got back from a five day maneuver and I almost thought that I wouldn’t live through it. We traveled about forty miles by truck at 6 miles an hour and it sure made us mad. We also traveled without any lights. After reaching a fair sized town, we got off of the trucks and hiked to a place eight miles to where we camped for the night. Of course to make us more comfortable, they made us carry our full field equipment. We rested about two hours, ate breakfast and pushed off for an attack on the enemy. Again, we hiked till 4 in the afternoon and then camped again. [Page 1 - back] We stayed in this place a day and a half, while other troops made the attack. What I mean by we is the whole regiment, in other words the 26th. Of course there were about 100,000 of us on the little maneuver. From ten o’clock till the end of the problem we were on the move. We hiked 10 miles at nite [sic] to a river wading in up to our knees, to get into boats which took us across. Boy it sure was cold that nite without the water. Upon getting to the other side we started an attack through the woods in the dark. You can just imagine how many bumps and branches hitting us before dawn. Well, we contacted the enemy, shooting blanks to make it real and there were too many for our platoon to handle so our platoon leader sent me for more help from our company commander. The enemy was only a Battalion which is 800 men. I started for help and fifteen minutes after I left our men, I was captured by three enemy men. So, they took me along with three other men they had captured. They were taking us to the enemy headquarters, when 12 men from our [Page 2 - front] �side ambushed them and released us boys. Off I went again like a jack-rabbit to get help for our platoon. I walked about 3 miles but no help to be found. Reason was our troops changed their course to hit the enemy from another angle. I finally hit a road rounded a bend and smack into the enemy again. [sic] This time I couldn’t escape for there were about 20. They had about 30 of us and took us back of the enemy lines to their headquarters. So I walked again for about 5 miles to get there. Believe me I was plenty tired for I hadn’t eaten or rested. Well, the war was over for me, I thought, being a prisoner. I ate my breakfast at noon, for we carried canned rations and of all things it had to be Hash. I don’t like it but since I was hungry I managed to force it down my throat. After my breakfast I curled up and slept. Somebody about an hour later woke me up and to my surprise it was our own troops. They had captured this headquarters which was for a Battalion. [Page 2 - back] That was just fine for me so a bunch of us started off again to find our companies. By the time I found them the problem was over and my platoon leader was sure worried about me, so I had to tell him what had happened to me. We waited for the trucks to pick us up and at that we were packed like sardines and to make it more comfortable, we had to stand up for the forty mile ride back to our tent city. We won the war, though, for our troops captured almost every headquarters that the enemy had. I didn’t take any part in the fighting for I was a prisoner at the start. Tomorrow, which is Monday, we are going out on a 12 day problem and it will be a lot tougher. One thing about us, on maneuvers is that we go through the hardships as if it were a real war, except we use blanks, instead of live ammunition. We eat and rest on the fly when we can but most of the time we are on the go. I probably will not be able to answer your next letter till we get back so don’t be disappointed if I can’t answer it promptly. We are going to have another twelve day problem after this one which will end our maneuvering. [Page 3 - front] I forgot to tell you that our enemy on maneuvers here are the National Guards. To me, they are a bunch of boy scouts. We are the Blues and they are the Reds. Oh it isn’t very dusty down here for you can wash your face and three minutes later, you’ll be as black as an ace of spades. After I wash and look into a mirror, I see something black and make a grunt of approval and say it must be my shadow. I eat about a barrel of dust a day so I’m getting used to eating it. I am taking some pictures of the boys and the tents. Here’s hoping they come out good. As for me teaching you how to drive I could but women get too excited and nervous. If they keep their head and pay a little attention to what someone tells them, they can learn to drive. There are a lot of things you will have to learn besides steering and shifting a car. This is watching your speed, keeping your eyes on the road and the other car in front of you or the car coming toward you. Keep on your side of the road. In other words you have your mind on your driving �[Page 3 - back] and watching the other fellow. This, if you keep it in mind, will come natural to you. A car isn’t like a wagon, so your main objective is to be alert at all times for any quick thinking to avoid hazards. The last but not the least is to keep cool. Your judgment has to be a flash and keep control of your car at all times. Learning to drive may be simple to talk about but quite hard. You cannot learn in one day or one week so when you start to operate a car pay most of your attention to the one who is trying to teach you and you’ll find out how much easier it will be for you. Don’t be discouraged about what I had written, for if you want to learn to operate a car it will be like taking a subject in school. If you don’t do your lessons in school the outcome will be a failure and a car operation is on the same principal. One thing is to have a lot of patience. Do you have a lot of patience? I hadn’t known that you and Carolyn were on the outs. She had written to Roy about it and the first I knew of it is when I received your card. [sic] Well, air mail letters are O.K. but I can get a letter through the mail just as quick or send one. I’ve still got my beard and right now I look like a bum. If you saw some of us now you’d say they were not in [Page 4 - front] the Army. I believe a person (boy or girl) should go out with a few others of the opposite sex. The reason for this is to see what type of a boy or girl you would prefer. There are all lot of differences and when you find your ideal, he or she will be just or almost like your thinking, the way he or she ought to be, according to your standards in mind. In other words, find out their habits, temper dislikes and likes, etc. Well, that’s enough on that subject, continued till another time. Wherever they had broadcasted from a maneuvering camp is beyond me unless it is the National Guard or some drafters. Remember that the regular Army isn't sissy’s and things they ought to have and want never come true. We’re the Fighting First and famous, live up to our reputation of being the best soldiers in the World. Where can we find time on maneuvers for good times? Sure in the Boy scout outfits they can have it, for if they didn’t, they would cry they’re eyes out and asking for mother. In the fighting first we take it on the chins like soldiers and grin when [Page 4 - back] �things get tougher. All the enemy had to do was to ride in trucks to positions of the maneuvers and us boys hiking to attack which isn’t so easy. This is one point proven what a soldier is and what a boy scout as I call them, are. When I started this letter I didn’t have much to write but I managed to write a page or two. Will close and write soon. As Ever, Joe {Signature accent mark} P.S. Give my regards to the folks. [Envelope front] {Postmark} FORT BRAGG, N.C. OCT 27 9 - PM 1941 {Stamp} UNITED STATES POSTAGE 3 CENTS 3 Miss Agnes Van Der Weide 11 Main Street Ashburnham, Mass. [Envelope back] Pvt. Joe Olexa Co. “L,” 26th Infantry A.P.O. #1 Fort Bragg, N.C. � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Joe Olexa letters Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Olexa, Joseph P. Van Der Weide, Agnes Description An account of the resource Collection of letters between Joseph Olexa and Agnes Van Der Weide, dating from 1941 to 1946. Olexa fought in the U.S. Army 26th Infantry Division, Company "L", and eventually attained the rank of Staff Sergeant. Over the course of World War II, Olexa was engaged in North Africa, Sicily, France, Belgium, and Germany. He fought in the Invasion of Normandy, the liberation of Belgium, the Battle of Hürtgen Forest, and the Battle of the Bulge. While deployed abroad, Olexa maintained regular correspondence with Agnes Van Der Weide, a young woman he met through mutual friends. Agnes was the daughter of Benjamin and Minnie (Ter Meer) Van Der Weide. The Van Der Weide family lived in Jamestown, Michigan and Ashburnham, Massachusetts until moving to Grand Rapids, Michigan in 1943. While the letters do not contain details relating to Olexa's military activities, due to heavy censorship of soldiers' correspondence by the U.S. Army, the letters do depict the daily activities of an infantry soldier and illustrate the blossoming romance between the two. Joseph and Agnes were married July 23, 1945, and lived in West Michigan until Agnes's death in 1993. Joseph Olexa died December 3, 2000. They were survived by their son, Karl Olexa. Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant World War II Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1941/1946 Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/543">Joseph P. Olexa WWII memoir and correspondence (RHC-93)</a> Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/">In Copyright</a> Subject The topic of the resource United States. Army. Infantry Division, 26th World War, 1939-1945 Soldiers -- Michigan Correspondence Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Special Collections & University Archives Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-93 Language A language of the resource eng Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-93_Olexa_1941-10-26 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 1941-10-26 Title A name given to the resource Letter from Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, October 26, 1941 Description An account of the resource Handwritten letter and envelope with transcript by Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, dated October 26, 1941. The envelope is sent from Co. L, 26th Infantry, A.P.O. #1, Fort Bragg, North Carolina, dated October 27, 1941. In the letter, Joe writes to Agnes while being visited by a dog at camp and sharing his harrowing experience during their five day manuever, while anticipating the twelve day problem that is to follow the next day. Subject The topic of the resource United States. Army. Infantry Division, 26th World War, 1939-1945 Soldiers -- Michigan Correspondence Fort Bragg (N.C.) 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/25a4de0eb4f1fec573fc6b31b42730db.pdf d836028e2eddb7d12e6f18a08e51012f PDF Text Text ������ https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/b6e9e2b4c6ef7690b0699ccce2ecf379.pdf 55416d726955ae8822fc20dafbf4558b PDF Text Text [RHC-93_Olexa_1944-10-28] [Page 1] Somewhere in Germany Oct. 28, 1944. “My Dearest Darling,” Haven’t rec’d any of your lovely letters in a week and how I do miss them. I hope that you are well and in good health. If not, young lady, I’ll have to stop fighting and return to cheer you up. Wouldn’t that be swell though? “Darling” I miss you terribly and can’t waite [sic] to hold you in my arms once again. I’d squeeze you with all my might and demand all of those hugs and kisses you wrote about. I think I’d never get tired of that getting them from a swell girl like you. My only hopes and prayers are to be with you once again. To be married and live a decent [Page 2] enjoyable life that you can provide for me. I know “Darling” that we shall get along together swell and nothing shall ever come between us. My love for you “Darling” grows deeper and what a grand day it will be when I can share it with you. Sometimes I’m disgusted and blue but never forget “Precious” that my heart belongs to you and no one shall ever take your place. As I sit here and write, I can think of all the grand times we’ve spent together and how anxious I get at times to be with you and go for other places [sic] and enjoy ourselves like we used to. We also have many plans to talk over together and [Page 3] I know we can knit them together for our future. I’m not a perfect Knight on a charger, but my one desire is to make you as happy as I want you to be. When I return, I want to forget that there was a war and everything that goes along with it. It shall be hard but with you helping me, it shall be not a big problem. This war isn’t ended and it will be a hard fight to win. Many a man will fall and not return but they will live in memory by the men who have fought with them. By the grace of God, I shall return and have no worries. But if I have to give my life in doing His will, I die not in vain. I lose nothing but gain eternal life. I write this not to make you [Page 4] sad or blue because you mean so much to me. I thank God for having a swell girl like you and if we live the way he wants us to, we will never have to worry about anything. Here is one Psalm I always like to repeat. “Seek Ye, first the Kingdom of God and all things will be added unto you.” The Lord has brought me through thus far and my trust is in Him. Well, “Precious” I shall close with all my love to you and remember that someday we shall be together. Yours forever With Loads of Kisses, “Joe” �{Signature accent mark} [Envelope front] S/Sgt. Joseph P. Olexa (12016893) Co. “L,” 26th Inf. A.P.O. - 1 c/o Postmaster, New York, N. Y. {Postmark} U.S. ARMY POSTAL SERVICE 1 OCT 31 1944 A.P.O. Via Air-Mail Miss Agnes Van Der Weide 1913 Berkley Ave. S.W. Grand Rapids, 9 Mich. PASSED BY 20637 U.S. ARMY EXAMINER [?] [Envelope back] Dorothy Woodmancy 251 Hutchinson Buff. 15, N.Y. 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_Olexa_1944-10-28 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Olexa, Joseph P. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1944-10-28 Title A name given to the resource Letter from Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, October 28, 1944 Description An account of the resource Handwritten letter and envelope with transcript by Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, dated October 28, 1944. The envelope is sent from Co. L, 26th Infantry A.P.O.-1, c/o Postmaster New York, New York, dated October 31, 1944. In the letter, Joe writes to Agnes while stationed in Germany, sharing how he looks forward to their marriage and living an enjoyable life together. He also writes about his hopes and prayers that he can one day forget about the war and return home to his beloved Agnes. Subject The topic of the resource United States. Army. Infantry Division, 26th World War, 1939-1945 Soldiers -- Michigan Correspondence Love letters Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/543">Joseph P. Olexa WWII memoir and correspondence, (RHC-93)</a> Relation A related resource Veterans History Project (U.S.) Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/">In Copyright</a> Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource application/pdf Language A language of the resource eng Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant World War II Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Lemmen Library and Archives