492 24 26018 https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/e60a5b9f4116bf5d5cff3c70ff266394.pdf 534f8cd750304c53b3305e33bb48ea18 PDF Text Text �� https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/dc21a30dae6b10e8c55dabf995273656.pdf ee503dca8bb76c392433e0134b6b5095 PDF Text Text [RHC-93_Olexa_1942-10-03] [Page 1] [V-Mail Letter] No. 804211 {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 3, 1942 (Date) Dear Agnes, Rec’d your three air mail letters and was glad to hear from you. I’m fine and well as usual and hope you are the same. I got the card Gloria sent me and I nearly fainted with surprise. She must have broken her heart to do that, don’t you think? Ha! Ha! Is she still two timing me? Everything here is going along fine, so I can’t kick. [sic] None of your letters so far that you sent and censored didn’t have anything cut out of them so you can write on both sides. I’ve been promoted to the rank of “Sergeant.” Two more steps and I’ll be up with your dad. Ha! Ha! I still think of you often, “Honey,” and wish you were here. Roy is the same as ever. Carolyn and her mother do write to him. He has shown me some letters from them. How are your folks and the Walsh’s? Don’t forget to give them my regards. I’ll miss them games myself this year and the bets with Gloria for ice cream. Will close and write soon. Yours, With Lots of Love Joe �P.S. Is Gloria going to write again? {V-MAIL stationery footer} [V-mail envelope] WAR & NAVY DEPARTMENTS V-MAIL SERVICE OFFICIAL BUSINESS {Postmark} NEW YORK, N.Y. OCT 27 1 AM 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_1942-10-03 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 1942-10-03 Title A name given to the resource Letter from Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, October 3, 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 3, 1942. The envelope is sent from Co. L, 26th Infantry, A.P.O. #1, New York, New York, dated October 27, 1942. In the V-mail letter, Joe writes a brief message to Agnes after gladly receiving three of her letters and sharing the news of his recent promotion to the rank of "Sergeant." Subject The topic of the resource United States. Army. Infantry Division, 26th World War, 1939-1945 Soldiers -- Michigan Correspondence V-mail United States. Army Promotions 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/ac452515a9d3465bb5031592e8e280b9.pdf c9536ea6ad1a35b668448531495e0d5a PDF Text Text ����� https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/637f0dfdc6f8db5b74818cdff6a6f2dc.pdf 6183d475f1665d14b0804b877e4d72e6 PDF Text Text [RHC-93_Olexa_1944-10-30] [Page 1] Somewhere [in Germany] Oct. 30, 1944. “My Dearest Darling,” I received two of your recent letters dated Oct. 12 and 16th. It was swell to hear from you again “Darling” and I sure do miss your letters when I don’t get them. I still miss you as much as ever “Sweets” and think of you always. Wish I could feel some of those hugs you wrote about. Gee!! Darling, I could stand about a barrel full right now. Just you waite [sic] till I’m with you again. I don’t think we will have any rest. Don’t you think so? As for me letting you know what I’m getting you for Christmas, you’ll just have to bite your nails till you get it. Gee! Darling ain’t [Page 2] I a big meanie? I cannot let you know where I am or anything about the country. If I did write it you’d receive a letter filled with holes. I’ve sent you a package with souvenirs in it “Darling” and something special is in it for you. I hope you will like it. I have not as yes received any of your packages and how worried I am about the watch and pen you’ve sent to me. What address did you have on it? I also would like to know if you received the $180 dollars I sent you in August from the hospital? I might not have received your letter stating you got it. I got two [Page 3] V-mails from Helen today. I also heard from Ollie and Francis and what a shock. Well, “Darling” I think your cooking is going to be grand because these C-rations aren’t so hot eating them almost three years. So, I shan’t worry. Yes, it is grand to be back with the boys and it sure is good to be with them again. I’d like to be with you though “Darling” because I’m waiting to have you squeeze me as hard as you want to. Boy, I’m going to love it. Your kisses are grand “Precious” that you send and I always bring them to my lips when I first open your letters. How are your folks these [Page 4] days? Don’t forget to give them my best regards. Is your mother feeling any better? I’m surprised at your screaming just because Gloria chased you wish a dead coon. You should have taken it from her and thrown it right back at her. Gee!! Darling I sure hope and pray that this war would end soon because I long to be with you and can’t half express my feelings. Will close and write real soon. Yours Always “With Loads of Love” “Joe” {Signature accent mark} �[Envelope front] S/Sgt. Joseph P. Olexa (12016893) Co. “L,” 26th Inf. A.P.O. - 1 c/o Postmaster, New York, N. Y. {Postmark} U.S. ARMY POSTAL SERVICE 1 NOV 3 1944 A.P.O. 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_1944-10-30 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 1944-10-30 Title A name given to the resource Letter from Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, October 30, 1944 Description An account of the resource Handwritten letter and envelope with transcript by Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, dated October 30, 1944. The envelope is sent from Co. L, 26th Infantry A.P.O.-1, c/o Postmaster New York, New York, dated November 3, 1944. In the letter, Joe writes to Agnes from an undisclosed location in Germany, sharing the reasoning behind his secrecy, and how nice it has been to be back with "the boys" after being away in the hospital for so long. Subject The topic of the resource United States. Army. Infantry Division, 26th World War, 1939-1945 Soldiers -- Michigan Correspondence Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/543">Joseph P. Olexa WWII memoir and correspondence, (RHC-93)</a> Relation A related resource Veterans History Project (U.S.) Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/">In Copyright</a> Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource application/pdf Language A language of the resource eng Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant World War II Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Lemmen Library and Archives https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/7727ca5f0f328d782bb4b1b497f76e06.pdf 499cf150545b66612a56313a5143db94 PDF Text Text ���� https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/e02b1a75cb8cad90fb17be2598fd4812.pdf b54a7439e62cead2a86f0de0a6eadad2 PDF Text Text [RHC-93_Olexa_1941-10-06] [Page 1] Co. “L” 26th Infantry Fort Devens, Mass. October 6, 1941 Dear Agnes, Rec’d your letter Friday and am answering while I have the time. I didn’t visit my sisters, so they will have to wait till I get back. I spent my time going to the movies and at Whalom Park. I didn’t stay very long at the Park, for it was deserted. Someone didn’t let Roy know about the phone calls Carolyn made when her folks couldn’t get in the Post. This was due to the fellow in charge of the Orderly Room. He was very disappointed, too, for they made the trip down just to see him. Today us boys are packing some of our clothes to be sent south ahead of us. We are sending our blouse or coat as you call it, too, so that means they don’t want the boys to be away on the weekend. You know Emergency. [sic] I’ve still got a jacket, so I’m not worrying. I will be down this Saturday providing I’m not on duty and allowed to leave. [Page 2] I bought an insignia for you and will bring it down with me. If I would send it in a letter, the insignia would be damaged by the Stamp cancelling machine. Did you see your boyfriend Bowman and did you have a good time? There is a Frank Bowman here, who sleeps next to me, believe it or not. Good looking, too! I must say, you are going to have a good job but you may not get over your blushing. My, you must be a good actress to have a young doctor come to hold your hand. That’s bad! Let’s see, figuring the total of boyfriends you have, makes me last on the list and you a popular girl of Ashburnham. [sic] That’s bad also. It’s lucky that I’m broadminded, so I’m not jealous. Must close for we have to take the boxes with our clothes in it to the freight car. This is a short letter but will write a longer one next time. As Ever, Joe {Signature accent mark} Answer Soon P.S. Give my best regards to the folks. Will try to be down Saturday. �[Envelope front] {Postmark} AYER, MASS. OCT 6 6 PM 1941 {Stamp} UNITED STATES POSTAGE Thomas Jefferson 1801-1809 3 CENTS 3 Miss Agnes Van Der Weide 11 Main Street Ashburnham, Mass. [Envelope back] Pvt. Joe Olexa Co. “L,” 26th Infantry Fort Devens, Mass. � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Joe Olexa letters Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Olexa, Joseph P. Van Der Weide, Agnes Description An account of the resource Collection of letters between Joseph Olexa and Agnes Van Der Weide, dating from 1941 to 1946. Olexa fought in the U.S. Army 26th Infantry Division, Company "L", and eventually attained the rank of Staff Sergeant. Over the course of World War II, Olexa was engaged in North Africa, Sicily, France, Belgium, and Germany. He fought in the Invasion of Normandy, the liberation of Belgium, the Battle of Hürtgen Forest, and the Battle of the Bulge. While deployed abroad, Olexa maintained regular correspondence with Agnes Van Der Weide, a young woman he met through mutual friends. Agnes was the daughter of Benjamin and Minnie (Ter Meer) Van Der Weide. The Van Der Weide family lived in Jamestown, Michigan and Ashburnham, Massachusetts until moving to Grand Rapids, Michigan in 1943. While the letters do not contain details relating to Olexa's military activities, due to heavy censorship of soldiers' correspondence by the U.S. Army, the letters do depict the daily activities of an infantry soldier and illustrate the blossoming romance between the two. Joseph and Agnes were married July 23, 1945, and lived in West Michigan until Agnes's death in 1993. Joseph Olexa died December 3, 2000. They were survived by their son, Karl Olexa. Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant World War II Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1941/1946 Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/543">Joseph P. Olexa WWII memoir and correspondence (RHC-93)</a> Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/">In Copyright</a> Subject The topic of the resource United States. Army. Infantry Division, 26th World War, 1939-1945 Soldiers -- Michigan Correspondence Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Special Collections & University Archives Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-93 Language A language of the resource eng Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-93_Olexa_1941-10-06 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 1941-10-06 Title A name given to the resource Letter from Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, October 6, 1941 Description An account of the resource Handwritten V-Mail letter and envelope with transcript by Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, dated October 6, 1941. The envelope is sent from Co. L, 26th Infantry, Fort Devens, Massachusetts, dated October 6, 1941. In the letter, Joe writes briefly to Agnes discussing his recent time spent going to the movies and Whalom Park, in addition to packing for their future move to Fort Bragg, North Carolina. 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/cc5de91c323ebdac52b828fb69d72996.pdf 56238595708a2b53bfc1ae738507c7e9 PDF Text Text �� https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/e82545ffef25db9da4d82e9b67a7cdc2.pdf 169e5d4582bae55de6f1d62b75a95922 PDF Text Text [RHC-93_Olexa_1944-10-06] [Page 1] [V-Mail Letter] {CENSOR’S STAMP} PASSED BY 20638 U.S. ARMY EXAMINER To Miss Agnes Van Der Weide 1913 Berkley Ave. S.W. Grand Rapids, 9 Mich. From (12016893) S/Sgt. Joseph Olexa Co. “L,” 26th Inf. A.P.O. – 1 c/o PM. - New York, N.Y. Oct. 6, 1944. (Sender’s complete address above) Somewhere in Germany Dearest “Darling,” I received two more of your old letters dated June 9th and 24th with the picture of you and the pup. I liked the way you had your hair done up and the skirt and blouse is very pretty. To me you looked very lovely and it’s the way I always thought you to be since I left. I liked your sandals too and in this picture you are not as tall as you appeared in your other pictures. Suits me just fine. Ha! Ha! The puppy is nice and hope you haven’t spoiled him. Did you? I love you as much as ever “Darling” and my thoughts of you keep me busy in my spare moments. Sometimes I could almost reach out and bring you into my arms. Often wished I could because I miss you so much. I rec’d a lot of old mail also last nite. [sic] I had one from home with the Anniversary pictures and a few letters from my buddies in the Pacific. Well “Darling,” I must close with all my love to you and many kisses. Yours forever, With Plenty of Hugs “Joe” {Signature accent mark} {V-MAIL stationary footer} �[V-mail envelope] From S/Sgt. Joseph P. Olexa (12016893) Co. L, 26th Inf. A.P.O.-1 c/o PM. New York, N.Y. V-MAIL U.S. ARMY POSTAL SERVICE [?] OCT 9 1944 A.P.O. To Miss Agnes Van Der Weide 1913 Berkley Ave. S.W. Grand Rapids, 9 Mich. V-Mail service provides a most rapid means of communication. If addressed to a place where photographing service is not available the original letter will be dispatched by the most expeditious means. INSTRUCTIONS (1) Write the entire message plainly on the other side within marginal lines. (2) Print the name and address in the two spaces provided. Addresses of members of the Armed Forces should show full name, complete military or naval address, including grade or rank, serial number, unit to which assigned or attached and army post office in care of the appropriate postmaster or appropriate fleet post office. (3) Fold, seal, and deposit in any post office letter drop or street letter box. (4) Enclosures must not be placed in this envelope. (5) V-Mail letters may be sent free of postage by members of the Armed Forces. When sent by others postage must be prepaid at domestic rates (3c ordinary mail, 6c if domestic air mail service is desired when mailed in the U.S.). � 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_1944-10-06 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 1944-10-06 Title A name given to the resource Letter from Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, October 6, 1944 Description An account of the resource Handwritten V-Mail letter and envelope with transcript by Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, dated October 6, 1944. The envelope is sent from Co. L, 26th Infantry A.P.O.-1, c/o Postmaster New York, New York, dated October 9, 1944. In the V-Mail letter, Joe writes a brief message to Agnes while stationed in Germany and shares the news that he received the photograph she sent of her new puppy, in addition to his family's anniversary pictures and letters from his buddies stationed in the Pacific. 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/8f0cbda83e7f13f452c7454eeb731f76.pdf c967f3376ea2f551190e20ea9d0b2769 PDF Text Text �������� https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/434e9ad2148a99e2ddb2b3623d8d2871.pdf 3002f87badeabea560a5786de0099c60 PDF Text Text [RHC-93_Olexa_1941-10-08] [Page 1] {Stationary letterhead} 26th Infantry Co. “L” Fort Devens, Mass. October 8, 1941 Dear Agnes, Rec’d your letter and was glad to hear from you. Your letter was quite long and I hope that I can make this long. I don’t know where Roy gets all of the news or things he writes, so I can’t write that much if I tried real hard. I got a letter from one of my sisters and I almost fainted to get it. I found out that I am a great uncle since my niece had a baby girl. She’s been married a year or so. I ought to celebrate in some way. We are already [sic] to leave for our maneuvers and this generation, as you call it, is not weak. We are just as good or better than the boys of 1917. This country is modernized now days [sic] and I do admit, we get a break once in a while. However, we train harder and I’m [Page 2] not kidding. From the hikes and problems we are getting here, the maneuvers we are going on will be tough. I shall try to write to you regularly while on maneuvers, if they keep us out in the field and moving, it will be hard to answer your letters on the dot. Yes, some of the boys have gone to make preparations for the rest of us and I’m glad I wasn’t one of them picked to go, although I’m not afraid to work. Rumors are that we may get Friday afternoon, Saturday and Sunday off but I wouldn’t count on it. We had this afternoon off for sports and I played softball. Of course, the side I was on won without bragging 14-0 and I was the catcher. The roller-coaster at Whalom was running but not many rode it. The Skating Rink was open and hardly anybody skating. [sic] Did you get your notebook work back? The one I helped you with. What were your marks? I’d like to hear you give an oral or a debate, just to see how good you are. [Page 3] �{Stationary letterhead} 26th Infantry I was just comparing your last letter with the first one you sent to me. There’s a lot of difference between them. I have all of your letters that you sent to me and that’s only ten. I keep all of my letters to read over at times when I haven’t much to do. So, the fellow at the gate flirted with your girl friends. Well, most soldiers do except me and that’s hard to believe. They change the rulings on the Post that it is even hard for a soldier to keep up with them. There’s nothing but a lot of barracks here anyway. A person cannot go in them unless it’s a man, so I think it would not be interesting for women. Of course, if women would like a lot of soldiers to look at them, they might enjoy it. I haven’t written with this kind of paper in so long that my lines are hard to keep even. [Page 4] Most of it looks like a snake. I’d like to play on a football team against Cushing. I’d sure let them know that they were up against one of the best. Ha! Ha! I sure can remember when I was one on a good team and a lot of times I was all banged up and sore from playing. So, you haven’t a list of boy-friends. [sic] Well, judging from your letters, you have a few. Now, what shall I be on that list? A friend, admirer, man or mouse. Mostly mouse, for I could imitate one pretty good. Ha! Ha! Do you think so? Roy is in a business nowdays helping the taylor to press clothes. [sic] He is lucky to get that job and to get a little more money. What time does the football game start Saturday? You didn’t tell me whether it was in the afternoon or nite. [sic] I hope I am not on duty then so don’t forget to cross your fingers. I would like to see you and your folks before I leave. I still think they are swell. [Page 5] {Stationary letterhead} 26th Infantry You can give them my regards and a big hell-----------------o. [sic] Got to use space to make this letter long, for I’m running out of brains. I’ll make sure that I can get a little more when they issue them to us, again. The barracks are pretty quiet at present, for the boys got canteen checks and are out buying things they need at the Post exchange. �We never get paid while on maneuvers. The money may burn a hole in our pockets and we wouldn’t want that to happen. I’m still curious to find out that little secret you and Carolyn had a while back, so don’t forget to tell me the next time. Right now, I am listening to cowboy songs on the radio two beds away. Have you found out where the light goes when it is turned off, yet? I still don’t know either. I got a [text strikethrough] letter from my brother at college and from what he writes, he has a lot of studying and hard work. [Page 6] Your letter will be shorter than mine this time for I write small. Well, I wish I was there to help you with your homework. I’m interested to see how many zero’s you get. You must have football players for a faculty, to have a teacher kick some of the boys out of the room. [sic] That would be just the thing for me, only the teacher would be the one flying out. Nice school you go to. Eh!! When I went to High School I used to visit the Principal everyday and he always to say, “Well, Joe what have you done this time.” I got to where I said them words before he could speak. That’s hard to believe, but nevertheless true. I wasn’t an [text strikethrough] angel and was full of pep, at least I thought I had. Running out of brains again, so I shall close. Write if you can before Saturday to let me know when the football game starts. As Ever, Joe {Signature accent mark} P.S. Yes, I really bought the spade pin for you and I surprise myself at times. Is this letter long enough? [Envelope front] {Postmark} AYER OCT 9 4:30 PM �1941 MASS. {Postmark} - partially illegible FORT DEVENS STA. Miss Agnes Van Der Weide 11 Main Street Ashburnham, Mass. [Envelope back] Pvt. Joe Olexa Co. “L,” 26th Infantry Fort Devens, Mass. Joe Olexa (12016893) Co. “L,” 26th Inf. A.P.O. No. 1 Fort Bragg, North Carolina � 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_1941-10-08 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Olexa, Joseph P. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1941-10-08 Title A name given to the resource Letter from Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, October 8, 1941 Description An account of the resource Handwritten letter and envelope with transcript by Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, dated October 8, 1941. The envelope is sent from Co. L, 26th Infantry, Fort Devens, Massachusetts, dated October 9, 1941. In the letter, Joe writes multiple pages to Agnes discussing how he and his peers compare with the young men of 1917 that preceeded them, the difficult maneuvers they are facing, and how he hopes to see Agnes and her folks before he leaves for North Carolina. Subject The topic of the resource United States. Army. Infantry Division, 26th World War, 1939-1945 Soldiers -- Michigan Correspondence Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/543">Joseph P. Olexa WWII memoir and correspondence, (RHC-93)</a> Relation A related resource Veterans History Project (U.S.) Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/">In Copyright</a> Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource application/pdf Language A language of the resource eng Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant World War II Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Lemmen Library and Archives https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/0905befb7507f79cf765fc45b1f53bb8.pdf e7ce571c91ec779b5022f73bcbcb025f PDF Text Text ����� https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/cf554c1cdf9eeaf9aa7b74a2ed5ac76d.pdf ab8d0587ea672abdf6eb2650bfa4ebf9 PDF Text Text [RHC-93_Olexa_1942-10-08] [Page 1] Co. “L,” 26th Inf. A.P.O. - 1 ℅ Postmaster, N.Y.C. October 8, 1942 Hello Honey, Writing again to let you know that I’m still O.K. and hope you are the same. I have sent you another V-mail letter and did receive all of yours. How is everything with you these days, “Honey”? I can’t complain. I still think of you often and wish I were there to give you one of my famous hugs. How are your folks? Give them my regards. How’s my little chick-a-dee, Gloria, now days. [sic] [Page 2] I still can’t get over the surprise of her sending me that card. What’s going to happen next? I’ve written to most of the folks but as yet I haven’t had a word from home. How are the Walsh’s? When you get to see them again, give them my hello. We have a phonograph and a radio to pass some time away and it sure hits the spot. We have popular recording programs such as Bing Crosby, Eddie Cantor, Red Skeleton and so forth. On the radio we get the news [Page 3] and swing music coming from the States. So, you seem to like school this year, Eh! Honey! Well I guess it’s O.K. at first but your opinion may change later on. Ha! Ha! Does my sister still write to you? Yes, she did send me your letter to her and the picture. Have you taken any other pictures of yourself lately? If you have, don’t forget to send me one of them. I haven’t seen Roy in a long time and that don’t make me mad a bit. Ollie is still as lazy as [Page 4] ever for I haven’t heard from him since I left the States. Tell Gloria not to hoard all of her money and drop me a letter once in a while. Ha! Ha! Well, “Honey” I shall close for I have nothing more to write. �Yours, With Lots of Love Joe {Signature accent mark} P.S. Excuse the pencil for my pen is on the blink again. [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 OCT 11 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 [?] U.S.A. � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Joe Olexa letters Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Olexa, Joseph P. Van Der Weide, Agnes Description An account of the resource Collection of letters between Joseph Olexa and Agnes Van Der Weide, dating from 1941 to 1946. Olexa fought in the U.S. Army 26th Infantry Division, Company "L", and eventually attained the rank of Staff Sergeant. Over the course of World War II, Olexa was engaged in North Africa, Sicily, France, Belgium, and Germany. He fought in the Invasion of Normandy, the liberation of Belgium, the Battle of Hürtgen Forest, and the Battle of the Bulge. While deployed abroad, Olexa maintained regular correspondence with Agnes Van Der Weide, a young woman he met through mutual friends. Agnes was the daughter of Benjamin and Minnie (Ter Meer) Van Der Weide. The Van Der Weide family lived in Jamestown, Michigan and Ashburnham, Massachusetts until moving to Grand Rapids, Michigan in 1943. While the letters do not contain details relating to Olexa's military activities, due to heavy censorship of soldiers' correspondence by the U.S. Army, the letters do depict the daily activities of an infantry soldier and illustrate the blossoming romance between the two. Joseph and Agnes were married July 23, 1945, and lived in West Michigan until Agnes's death in 1993. Joseph Olexa died December 3, 2000. They were survived by their son, Karl Olexa. Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant World War II Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1941/1946 Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/543">Joseph P. Olexa WWII memoir and correspondence (RHC-93)</a> Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/">In Copyright</a> Subject The topic of the resource United States. Army. Infantry Division, 26th World War, 1939-1945 Soldiers -- Michigan Correspondence Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Special Collections & University Archives Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-93 Language A language of the resource eng Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-93_Olexa_1942-10-08 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Olexa, Joseph P. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1942-10-08 Title A name given to the resource Letter from Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, October 8, 1942 Description An account of the resource Handwritten letter and envelope with transcript by Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, dated October 8, 1942. The envelope is sent from Co. L, 26th Infantry, A.P.O. #1, New York, New York, dated October 11, 1942. In the letter, Joe writes to Agnes sharing how he passes the time with a phonograph and a radio playing popular recordings, the news, and swing music from the United States. Subject The topic of the resource United States. Army. Infantry Division, 26th World War, 1939-1945 Soldiers -- Michigan Correspondence Music--1940-1950 Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/543">Joseph P. Olexa WWII memoir and correspondence, (RHC-93)</a> Relation A related resource Veterans History Project (U.S.) Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/">In Copyright</a> Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource application/pdf Language A language of the resource eng Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant World War II Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Lemmen Library and Archives https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/919b854ff5a82edc9c07780ad1fd44fe.pdf c54a998a4e9a33d0640b6e62627565fc PDF Text Text ����� https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/418b3b8ed114aac8b4bd637449a0cdc5.pdf 5b7c6a12a2204bceb29e183edfec1f32 PDF Text Text [RHC-93_Olexa_1943-10-09] [Page 1] Sicily October 9, 1943 Hello Darling, Rec’d four of your letters yesterday and was very pleased to hear from you. I’m fine as usual and hope you are the same “Sweets.” Well, how was the trip to Grand Rapids? I suppose you are sure busy getting acquainted with all of your relations. I’m glad to hear that you are willing to listen to what I have to say. All we got to do now is to waite till I get back. [sic] So keep your fingers crossed “Sweets.” I still miss you as much as [Page 2] ever and think of you most of the time. I haven’t as yet rec’d the package you mentioned but hope to get it soon. Have you gotten the two small packages I sent to you? Mail is still coming in kinda slow yet and I imagine that they are kept quite busy. I have not seen Roy in a long time. He is not near us at present so I can’t visit him. I guess the rainy season is here. It sure does rain at times. So you want to get in a defense plant to earn your first million. Well Honey be sure not to give me [Page 3] the cold shoulder when you get that rich. Well young lady, you’d better start worrying for I’m going to make my threats good and by the time I get through chewing your ears, they’ll look like mince meat. How do you like that? These flies are sure pests. They bother you day and nite. [sic] I sure get mad at them and start swinging. I love you more and more each day, “Darling,” and praying that we shall see each other real soon. How are your folks? Don’t forget to give them my regards and Hello. How’s my gal Beasie? She’d better write to me and explain [Page 4] why I haven’t heard from in so long of a time. [sic] Don’t forget to [?] them pictures when you get them. I haven’t heard from my sister Helen or home in a long while. I heard from my brother Johnny and his wife. Well, “Sweets,” I shall close and write real soon. Yours Always, With Lots of Love & Kisses Joe {Signature accent mark} P.S. You may be right. �[Envelope front] Sgt. Joseph P. Olexa (12016893) Co. “L,” 26th INF. A.P.O. - 1 c/o Postmaster, New York, N. Y. U. S. Army {Postmark} U.S. ARMY POSTAL SERVICE 1 OCT 12 1943 A.P.O. U.S. POSTAGE 6¢ VIA AIR MAIL Miss Agnes Van Der Weide 1832 Berkley Ave., S.W. Grand Rapids, Michigan. PASSED BY 20639 U.S. ARMY EXAMINER � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Joe Olexa letters Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Olexa, Joseph P. Van Der Weide, Agnes Description An account of the resource Collection of letters between Joseph Olexa and Agnes Van Der Weide, dating from 1941 to 1946. Olexa fought in the U.S. Army 26th Infantry Division, Company "L", and eventually attained the rank of Staff Sergeant. Over the course of World War II, Olexa was engaged in North Africa, Sicily, France, Belgium, and Germany. He fought in the Invasion of Normandy, the liberation of Belgium, the Battle of Hürtgen Forest, and the Battle of the Bulge. While deployed abroad, Olexa maintained regular correspondence with Agnes Van Der Weide, a young woman he met through mutual friends. Agnes was the daughter of Benjamin and Minnie (Ter Meer) Van Der Weide. The Van Der Weide family lived in Jamestown, Michigan and Ashburnham, Massachusetts until moving to Grand Rapids, Michigan in 1943. While the letters do not contain details relating to Olexa's military activities, due to heavy censorship of soldiers' correspondence by the U.S. Army, the letters do depict the daily activities of an infantry soldier and illustrate the blossoming romance between the two. Joseph and Agnes were married July 23, 1945, and lived in West Michigan until Agnes's death in 1993. Joseph Olexa died December 3, 2000. They were survived by their son, Karl Olexa. Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant World War II Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1941/1946 Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/543">Joseph P. Olexa WWII memoir and correspondence (RHC-93)</a> Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/">In Copyright</a> Subject The topic of the resource United States. Army. Infantry Division, 26th World War, 1939-1945 Soldiers -- Michigan Correspondence Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Special Collections & University Archives Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-93 Language A language of the resource eng Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-93_Olexa_1943-10-09 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Olexa, Joseph P. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1943-10-09 Title A name given to the resource Letter from Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, October 9, 1943 Description An account of the resource Handwritten letter and envelope with transcript by Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, dated October 9, 1943. The envelope is sent from Co. L, 26th Infantry A.P.O.-1, c/o Postmaster New York, New York, dated October 12, 1943. In the letter, Joe writes to Agnes from Sicily and inquires about her move to Grand Rapids, Michigan and her hopes to work in a defense plant while getting acquainted with her new hometown. Subject The topic of the resource United States. Army. Infantry Division, 26th World War, 1939-1945 Soldiers -- Michigan Correspondence Sicily (Italy) Grand Rapids (Mich.) Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/543">Joseph P. Olexa WWII memoir and correspondence, (RHC-93)</a> Relation A related resource Veterans History Project (U.S.) Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/">In Copyright</a> Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource application/pdf Language A language of the resource eng Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant World War II Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Lemmen Library and Archives https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/db848d0bc18575a613cca5492e083239.pdf e1e18b9a797b7979a817213f2849d72d PDF Text Text �������� https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/e1538481f25cf1249b5c750a0b04f8da.pdf 68c0d1b8ba6aad01817aeb31dce9549c PDF Text Text [RHC-93_Olexa_1941-09-01] [Page 1] Co. “L,” 26th Infantry Fort Devens, Mass Sept. 1, 1941. Dear Agnes, Rec’d your letter and was very glad to here from you. I had thought that you were mad and wouldn’t answer. I am sending you two pictures of myself which will give you an idea of what I look like. Since you sent me your pictures, I believe that I saw you at Whalom. I may be wrong but I have a good memory. Yes, I had a good time when I went home. [Page 2] I surprised them all and you could have knocked them over with a feather. While I was there my other brother came so the 5 brothers got together for the first time in 13 years. I call it a dream for always one had been away for some reason. When, I left, my father said to me, When are you coming back Joe? In another 3 years? All I said was maybe. Reason is that I have been away from home of the time since I was fourteen. [Page 3] My traveling started in 1932 which took seven months. My older brother and I saved our money for one summer which took us there and back. We worked on the way in wheat fields and other odd jobs. We had our own tent and a camp stove which folded up like a suit case, to do our cooking with. We went all through the west, going to the historic places for souvenirs. This trip also took us into Canada and Mexico. Some of the places I went to on that trip are the Yellowstone National Park, Grand Canyon, Redwood forests of Cal. [Page 4] Boulder Dam, Hollywood and many other places too numerous to mention. There are quite a few places in Texas too which I managed to see. I sure worked hard to get my school work up and passed my exams at the end of the year. �I had a lot of trouble over this for they wanted to keep me back but I finally won for I passed my exams the following summer and that proved to them that I wasn’t just another fellow who just laid around. I wasn’t satisfied with the trip in 32 so I went again in 35. I still remember this trip for [Page 5] my buddy and I had a junk of a car that gave us a lot of trouble. We went up to North and South Dakota, Minnesota, Montana, and to Canada working in the wheat fields. I came back a month after school started so it was easy to catch up on my school work. In 1936 I finally graduated and no more school. That summer my buddy and I went down south although I didn’t like that part of the country, we worked picking cotton. After 2 months down there I got [Page 6] sick of the south so I came home and worked at odd jobs till I got into the C.C.C. This was 1937 and I went west again to Idaho. I was there a year and a half before I thought of coming home. The climate and scenery grew under my skin and I hated to leave there but I did. We were in the mountains and as for company, we had deer, bears, coyotes and mountain lions. I had a rating as a leader for a year which paid 45 dollars a month. [Page 7] On leave while there I went to Seattle, Washington and to the noted Penelton [text strikethrough] {Rodeao} Rodeo in Oregon. Although I visited these two places in 1932, I enjoyed it more. I was home for only a week after getting back from Idaho and got a job with a construction company. I am a cement finisher by trade but I don’t like it. My father and brothers are Tool and Die makers, which pays from a $1.30 hour to $1.60 an hr. My dad gets $1.60 an hour and my older brothers $1.50 & my youngest brother $1.30 [Page 8] I traveled all over with this company repairing big buildings and smoke stacks. �We worked in Richmond, & Norfolk, Va. New York State, Ohio, Penn, Mass. and Connecticut [?]. I was in Endicott, N.Y. working when I enlisted in the Army and I’m still a traveling. It would take a book to talk about the places I’ve been, but its just an outline of what I wrote. This letter maybe boring you so I shall close. Are you going to be home this Sunday? Write and let me know and if you will be home, let me know what time to see you. [?], Joe � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Joe Olexa letters Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Olexa, Joseph P. Van Der Weide, Agnes Description An account of the resource Collection of letters between Joseph Olexa and Agnes Van Der Weide, dating from 1941 to 1946. Olexa fought in the U.S. Army 26th Infantry Division, Company "L", and eventually attained the rank of Staff Sergeant. Over the course of World War II, Olexa was engaged in North Africa, Sicily, France, Belgium, and Germany. He fought in the Invasion of Normandy, the liberation of Belgium, the Battle of Hürtgen Forest, and the Battle of the Bulge. While deployed abroad, Olexa maintained regular correspondence with Agnes Van Der Weide, a young woman he met through mutual friends. Agnes was the daughter of Benjamin and Minnie (Ter Meer) Van Der Weide. The Van Der Weide family lived in Jamestown, Michigan and Ashburnham, Massachusetts until moving to Grand Rapids, Michigan in 1943. While the letters do not contain details relating to Olexa's military activities, due to heavy censorship of soldiers' correspondence by the U.S. Army, the letters do depict the daily activities of an infantry soldier and illustrate the blossoming romance between the two. Joseph and Agnes were married July 23, 1945, and lived in West Michigan until Agnes's death in 1993. Joseph Olexa died December 3, 2000. They were survived by their son, Karl Olexa. Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant World War II Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1941/1946 Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/543">Joseph P. Olexa WWII memoir and correspondence (RHC-93)</a> Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/">In Copyright</a> Subject The topic of the resource United States. Army. Infantry Division, 26th World War, 1939-1945 Soldiers -- Michigan Correspondence Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Special Collections & University Archives Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-93 Language A language of the resource eng Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Olexa, Joseph P. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1941-09-01 Title A name given to the resource Letter from Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, September 1, 1941 Description An account of the resource Handwritten letter with transcript by Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, dated September 1, 1941. The letter is sent from Co. L, 26th Infantry of Fort Devens, Massachusetts. In the letter, Joe writes of his surprise visit home to see his family in Detroit and his prior travels across the western United States and North America while working various jobs in the years prior to enlisting in the Army. Subject The topic of the resource United States. Army. Infantry Division, 26th World War, 1939-1945 Soldiers -- Michigan Correspondence Fort Devens (Mass.) Travel National parks and reserves--United States Civilian Conservation Corps (U.S.) Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/543">Joseph P. Olexa WWII memoir and correspondence, (RHC-93)</a> Relation A related resource Veterans History Project (U.S.) Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/">In Copyright</a> Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource application/pdf Language A language of the resource eng Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant World War II Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Lemmen Library and Archives https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/a4dfabb48ab71efeae9aae445d12d750.pdf 2d2ff69d2f723ffa133706f339c2ff04 PDF Text Text ����� https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/feb21ccd973ce0ae64eb421560cf0a8d.pdf ce784360d6ce5ed9c8e0fa058b4b7c3d PDF Text Text [RHC-93_Olexa_1943-09-01] [Page 1] Sicily Sept 1, 1943 Dear Agnes, Rec’d your July 30 letter today as was pleased to get it. [sic] It’s the first letter I got in two weeks. I was sure surprised to hear that you were picking out some civilian clothes for me. Where did you get my sizes. Why go through all of that trouble, just for me? Was over to see Roy day before yesterday and he’s about the same. Didn’t have much to say. That nite [sic] we went to the movies together. We saw “Ice-capade Revue.” That picture bored me too much. Last nite I saw “Mexican Spitfire at Sea” with Leon Errol, boy I sure did get a kick out of that one. I don’t know what the picture will be tonite. [sic] Took another shot in the arm today and [Page 2] later on I shall be nothing but holes. We also got vaccinated for small pox which make the eighteenth time in the Army. Have you heard from Helen lately? I suppose your folks have already gone to Grand Rapids? When you write to them don’t forget to give them my best regards. I am sending you a few souvenirs and hope you get it. This letter may beat the pkg. so you can expect it. In the package are 5 coins a horse shoe, with a coin that has an eagle on it. [sic] This coin may fall out for I had no glue, so have your father do it for you. I made the horse shoe from a German “Stuka Dive” bomber and the coin is Italian. The heart with its little base is from a German Pursuit plane, called the Messerschmitt-109. The other was supposed to be the letter opener that I was making for you and [Page 3] broke before it was finished. Your father can glue the heart so it will stand up to put on a dresser. I hope that you will like them. I have sent you a letter two days ago with some Italian paper money in it and I would like to know whether or not you have received it. Well “Sweets” I miss you too and let’s keep our fingers crossed in hopes that them rumors you hear will come true. Ha! Ha! However we’ll just have to be patient. Is Gloria staying with you? Has she found her another boy friend? Ha! Ha! You mentioned in one of your letters awhile back that you were going to send me a package. If you have, I haven’t received it as yet. I hope to get a lot of mail soon for it has been coming in kinda slow. Well, young lady if I don’t get them [Page 4] pictures I asked for I may get mad, so don’t forget to send them. Will close, Sweet, and write real soon. Yours always With Lots of Love & Kisses Joe �{Signature accent mark} [Envelope front] Sgt. Joseph P. Olexa (12016893) Co. “L,” 26th Infantry A.P.O. - 1 c/o Postmaster New York, N. Y. U. S. Army {Postmark} U.S. ARMY POSTAL SERVICE SEP 2 1943 A.P.O. 1 U.S. POSTAGE 6¢ VIA AIR MAIL Miss Agnes Van Der Weide 11 Main Street Ashburnham, Mass. PASSED BY 11147 U.S. Lt. Robert Ostwald [?] � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Joe Olexa letters Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Olexa, Joseph P. Van Der Weide, Agnes Description An account of the resource Collection of letters between Joseph Olexa and Agnes Van Der Weide, dating from 1941 to 1946. Olexa fought in the U.S. Army 26th Infantry Division, Company "L", and eventually attained the rank of Staff Sergeant. Over the course of World War II, Olexa was engaged in North Africa, Sicily, France, Belgium, and Germany. He fought in the Invasion of Normandy, the liberation of Belgium, the Battle of Hürtgen Forest, and the Battle of the Bulge. While deployed abroad, Olexa maintained regular correspondence with Agnes Van Der Weide, a young woman he met through mutual friends. Agnes was the daughter of Benjamin and Minnie (Ter Meer) Van Der Weide. The Van Der Weide family lived in Jamestown, Michigan and Ashburnham, Massachusetts until moving to Grand Rapids, Michigan in 1943. While the letters do not contain details relating to Olexa's military activities, due to heavy censorship of soldiers' correspondence by the U.S. Army, the letters do depict the daily activities of an infantry soldier and illustrate the blossoming romance between the two. Joseph and Agnes were married July 23, 1945, and lived in West Michigan until Agnes's death in 1993. Joseph Olexa died December 3, 2000. They were survived by their son, Karl Olexa. Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant World War II Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1941/1946 Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/543">Joseph P. Olexa WWII memoir and correspondence (RHC-93)</a> Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/">In Copyright</a> Subject The topic of the resource United States. Army. Infantry Division, 26th World War, 1939-1945 Soldiers -- Michigan Correspondence Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Special Collections & University Archives Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-93 Language A language of the resource eng Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Olexa, Joseph P. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1943-09-01 Title A name given to the resource Letter from Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, September 1, 1943 Description An account of the resource Handwritten letter and envelope with transcript by Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, dated September 1, 1943. The envelope is sent from Co. L, 26th Infantry A.P.O.-1, c/o Postmaster New York, New York, dated September 2, 1943. In the letter, Joe writes to Agnes from Sicily and expresses his happiness in receiving his first letter in two weeks. He also describes his recent visit to see two films called "Ice-Capades Review" and "Mexican Spitfire at Sea." Subject The topic of the resource United States. Army. Infantry Division, 26th World War, 1939-1945 Soldiers -- Michigan Correspondence Sicily (Italy) Motion pictures--1940-1950 Errol, Leon, 1881-1951 Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/543">Joseph P. Olexa WWII memoir and correspondence, (RHC-93)</a> 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/f4074f2dfa8aab45671428521216899d.pdf 77403cb8a81dd5fdd8f9a8aa9eba0122 PDF Text Text ����� https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/62d91334e7ef5cf4259a1263ea8affc8.pdf 097e2ccb1a726105ad17b66d6c981dd4 PDF Text Text [RHC-93_Olexa_1944-09-10] [Page 1] France Sept. 10, 1944. My Dearest Darling, Thought to drop you a few lines since I have some spare time to let you know I am still safe and well. I am now well on my way back to my old outfit. I haven’t rec’d any of your letters as yet because of moving but hope they will reach me sometime when I get back. I sure do miss them and you, Darling, and long to be with you once again. I sure did think of you the 7th of Sept. three years [Page 2] ago when I first met you at Whalom. Remember that day? I sure wish that I could be with you today, being Sunday. I can think of many things we could do. Can’t you? I’ll be the happiest fellow in the world when we can be with each other, to go places and enjoy ourselves like other people back there. That’s going to be grand because I’ve got the best girl in the States and I shan’t ever let her go. See!! What you’re in for young lady? I’m always in the mood to tease and nothing would suit me more than to [Page 3] bite your ears and pull your curls right now. You can ring up 27 months of that, too, “Darling.” I shall be very disappointed if my credit isn’t any good. Ha! Ha! If it isn’t, I’ll take it anyhow. What do you think of that? I’m glad that I have your pictures and never get tired of looking at them. Gee! I wish I could squeeze you like I used to. That would be swell. For me. Ha! Ha! I still keep thinking of our future “Darling” and I can hardly waite [sic] for the day when we shall be married. In the meantime, we can build our little [Page 4] castles with thoughts that will come true. I still love you as much as ever “Darling” and wish I could share it with you once again. But we shall just have to wait [sic] like we’ve been doing in the past. Won’t we? I hope by now that you got the money I sent you and all of my letters. Will close and write to me at my outfit’s address. Give my best regards to your mother and Dad? Yours always, With Loads of Love “Joe” {Signature accent mark} P.S. I shall write again soon. �[Envelope front] S/Sgt. Joseph P. Olexa (12016893) Co. “L,” 26th Inf. A.P.O.-1 4167 U.S. Hosp. Plant c/o Postmaster New York, N.Y. {Postmark} U.S. ARMY POSTAL SERVICE 176 SEP 11 1944 A.P.O. VIA AIR MAIL Miss Agnes Van Der Weide 1913 Berkley Ave. S.W. Grand Rapids, 9 Mich. PASSED BY 40046 U.S. ARMY EXAMINER Lt. [?] R. Sikes � 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_1944-09-10 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Olexa, Joseph P. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1944-09-10 Title A name given to the resource Letter from Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, September 10, 1944 Description An account of the resource Handwritten letter and envelope with transcript by Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, dated September 10, 1944. The envelope is sent from Co. L, 26th Infantry A.P.O.-1, c/o Postmaster New York, New York, dated September 11, 1944. In the letter, Joe writes to Agnes from France to let her know he is safe and healthy and traveling back to his old outfit in England. He also reminisces about the time they first met three years prior in Whalom and how happy he will be when they are together once again and able to build their life together. 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/068acd2f73ad0d3ad18ae43101db72f7.pdf b82b62fa3a6ef7b6921d2ded36cc3d21 PDF Text Text ������ https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/78b4b7f9baa14729abd25e4c530e5d26.pdf aca8f71416720c221adbc06cf04e5ae1 PDF Text Text [RHC-93_Olexa_1941-09-11] [Page 1] Co. L, 26th Inf. Fort Devens, Mass. Sept. 11, 1941 Dear Agnes, Rec’d your letter today and I must say that I really started something. I sure got a quick set back which sent me on my ear. I probably would have felt the same way so it makes us even or (don’t it). [sic] Guard duty is one main thing of the Army and you can’t get away from it. Ask your Dad [Page 2] and find out about Guard duty? [sic] Anyway, I wouldn’t like to be around when you are really mad. Carolyn wrote to Roy and invited him up to the dance but she didn’t tell him what day it was to be held. However, Roy and I will be up this Sunday afternoon providing we don’t have to do duty. If one of us can’t go, the other will for I’ll see to it personally. Roy and I just came back from the Post movie. We saw “Sun Valley Serenade” [Page 3] with Sonja Henie. She’s good. Excuse the different ink for someone took my favorite pen. Not much news since I wrote last only the same Army routines. Hiking, drilling, and so forth. I wouldn’t be much help in your homework for I’m pretty rusty, being out of school so long. We are wearing our winter clothing and we sure need it to stay in this state. I’d rather live in Alaska [Page 4] for I believe it’s warmer there. Ha! Ha! I hope you aren’t as mad at me this Sunday, as you were last Sunday. If you are, I’m taking along some cotton to put in my ears. Will close for now and hoping to see you Sunday. �As Ever, Joe {Signature accent mark} P.S. Am I forgiven or will I get more when I see you. I’ve got my fingers crossed to make sure it won’t be. [Envelope front] {Postmark} AYER SEP 12 4:30 PM 1941 MASS. {Postmark} - partially illegible FORT DEVENS STA. Miss Agnes Van Der Weide 11 Main Street Ashburnham, Mass. [Envelope back] - partially illegible Joe Olexa Co. “L,” 26th Infantry Fort Devens, Mass. � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Joe Olexa letters Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Olexa, Joseph P. Van Der Weide, Agnes Description An account of the resource Collection of letters between Joseph Olexa and Agnes Van Der Weide, dating from 1941 to 1946. Olexa fought in the U.S. Army 26th Infantry Division, Company "L", and eventually attained the rank of Staff Sergeant. Over the course of World War II, Olexa was engaged in North Africa, Sicily, France, Belgium, and Germany. He fought in the Invasion of Normandy, the liberation of Belgium, the Battle of Hürtgen Forest, and the Battle of the Bulge. While deployed abroad, Olexa maintained regular correspondence with Agnes Van Der Weide, a young woman he met through mutual friends. Agnes was the daughter of Benjamin and Minnie (Ter Meer) Van Der Weide. The Van Der Weide family lived in Jamestown, Michigan and Ashburnham, Massachusetts until moving to Grand Rapids, Michigan in 1943. While the letters do not contain details relating to Olexa's military activities, due to heavy censorship of soldiers' correspondence by the U.S. Army, the letters do depict the daily activities of an infantry soldier and illustrate the blossoming romance between the two. Joseph and Agnes were married July 23, 1945, and lived in West Michigan until Agnes's death in 1993. Joseph Olexa died December 3, 2000. They were survived by their son, Karl Olexa. Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant World War II Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1941/1946 Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/543">Joseph P. Olexa WWII memoir and correspondence (RHC-93)</a> Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/">In Copyright</a> Subject The topic of the resource United States. Army. Infantry Division, 26th World War, 1939-1945 Soldiers -- Michigan Correspondence Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Special Collections & University Archives Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-93 Language A language of the resource eng Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-93_Olexa_1941-09-11 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 1941-09-11 Title A name given to the resource Letter from Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, September 11, 1941 Description An account of the resource Handwritten letter and envelope with transcript by Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, dated September 11, 1941. The envelope is sent from Co. L, 26th Infantry, Fort Devens, Massachusetts, dated September 12, 1941. In the letter, Joe writes to Agnes in response to her most recent letter and discusses his experience with Guard Duty and the regular Army routines, the weather at Fort Devens, in addition to seeking her forgiveness in anticipation of seeing her in person on Sunday. Subject The topic of the resource United States. Army. Infantry Division, 26th World War, 1939-1945 Soldiers -- Michigan Correspondence Fort Devens (Mass.) Guard duty 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/812261236403a77ba9feef9177d70f1f.pdf 14fda09ddf575740952d36230cf89c42 PDF Text Text �� https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/be241e738c13e281f833a34baeea9576.pdf ca7e43164756d67ba803dc4127e6d5de PDF Text Text [RHC-93_Olexa_1943-09-14] [Page 1] [V-Mail Letter] {CENSOR’S STAMP} PASSED BY 11147 U.S. ARMY EXAMINER L.T.K. Bleau To Miss Agnes Van Der Weide 11 Main Street Ashburnham, Mass. From 12016893 Sgt. Joseph Olexa (Sender’s name) Co. “L,” 26th Inf. A.P.O. – 1 (Sender’s address) c/o PM. New York, N.Y. Sept 14, 1943. (Date) Sicily Dear Agnes, Rec’d three of your air mail letters and was very pleased to hear from you. I’m fine as usual “sweets” and hope you are the same. How does your folks like their new environment? Don’t forget to give them my regards. Have sent you another package with 5 souvenir handkerchiefs of different colors and hope you will like them. I still miss you as much as ever and also think of you often in my spare time. Haven’t seen Roy in over a week. I don’t think he has had the time to get any souvenirs for Carolyn. Anway the handkerchiefs are very nice. Well “Honey” I shall close and write real soon. Yours always With Lots of Love Joe P.S. Bought my mother a nice bed spread. �{V-MAIL stationary footer} [V-mail envelope] Co. “L,” 26th Inf. A.P.O. – 1 c/o PM - New York, N.Y. V-MAIL {Postmark} U.S. ARMY POSTAL SERVICE 1 SEP 16 1943 A.P.O. {Postmark] ASHBURNHAM SEP 28 11:30 A 1943 MASS. Miss Agnes Van Der Weide [text strikethrough] {11 Main Street} [text strikethrough] {Ashburnham, Mass.} 1832 Berkeley St. S.W. Grand Rapids (9) Mich. V-Mail Service provides the most expeditious dispatch and reduces the weight of mail to and from personnel of our Armed Forces outside the continental United States. When addressed to points where micro-film equipment is operated, a miniature photographic negative of the message will be made and sent by the most expeditious transportation available for reproduction and delivery. The original message will be destroyed after the reproduction has been delivered. Messages addressed to or from points where micro-film equipment is not operated will be transmitted in their original form by the most expeditious means available. INSTRUCTIONS (1) Write the entire message plainly on the other side within marginal lines. �(2) PRINT the name and address in the two panels provided. Addresses to members of the Armed Forces should include rank or rating of the addressee, unit to which attached, and APO or Naval address. (3) Fold, seal, and deposit in any post-office letter drop or street letter box. (4) Enclosures must not be placed in this envelope and a separate V-Mail letter must be sent if you desire to write more than one sheet. (5) V-Mail letters may be sent free of postage by members of the Armed Forces. When sent by others, postage must be prepaid at domestic rates (3c ordinary mail, 6c if air mail is desired). � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Joe Olexa letters Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Olexa, Joseph P. Van Der Weide, Agnes Description An account of the resource Collection of letters between Joseph Olexa and Agnes Van Der Weide, dating from 1941 to 1946. Olexa fought in the U.S. Army 26th Infantry Division, Company "L", and eventually attained the rank of Staff Sergeant. Over the course of World War II, Olexa was engaged in North Africa, Sicily, France, Belgium, and Germany. He fought in the Invasion of Normandy, the liberation of Belgium, the Battle of Hürtgen Forest, and the Battle of the Bulge. While deployed abroad, Olexa maintained regular correspondence with Agnes Van Der Weide, a young woman he met through mutual friends. Agnes was the daughter of Benjamin and Minnie (Ter Meer) Van Der Weide. The Van Der Weide family lived in Jamestown, Michigan and Ashburnham, Massachusetts until moving to Grand Rapids, Michigan in 1943. While the letters do not contain details relating to Olexa's military activities, due to heavy censorship of soldiers' correspondence by the U.S. Army, the letters do depict the daily activities of an infantry soldier and illustrate the blossoming romance between the two. Joseph and Agnes were married July 23, 1945, and lived in West Michigan until Agnes's death in 1993. Joseph Olexa died December 3, 2000. They were survived by their son, Karl Olexa. Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant World War II Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1941/1946 Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/543">Joseph P. Olexa WWII memoir and correspondence (RHC-93)</a> Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/">In Copyright</a> Subject The topic of the resource United States. Army. Infantry Division, 26th World War, 1939-1945 Soldiers -- Michigan Correspondence Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Special Collections & University Archives Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-93 Language A language of the resource eng Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Olexa, Joseph P. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1943-09-14 Title A name given to the resource Letter from Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, September 14, 1943 Description An account of the resource Handwritten V-Mail letter and envelope with transcript by Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, dated September 14, 1943. The envelope is sent from Co. L, 26th Infantry A.P.O.-1, c/o Postmaster New York, New York, dated September 16, 1943. In the V-Mail letter, Joe writes a brief message to Agnes from Sicily inquiring about her family in Michigan and sharing news of the five souvenir handkerchiefs he packaged and sent to her with love. Subject The topic of the resource United States. Army. Infantry Division, 26th World War, 1939-1945 Soldiers -- Michigan Correspondence V-mail Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/543">Joseph P. Olexa WWII memoir and correspondence, (RHC-93)</a> 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/18834ada9a4a42a541fce12515a5c92c.pdf b6820b2126aca07b6dc9219cf90e7caf PDF Text Text ������ https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/edb4ce5b69ff357a63b2f8e5ce7ad52c.pdf 845b6917930a581ad0093a490ec54e05 PDF Text Text [RHC-93_Olexa_1941-09-15] [Page 1] Co. L, 26 Infantry Fort Devens, Mass. Sept. 15, 1941. Dear Agnes, Writing to let you know Roy and I got back to camp in record time. Three women gave us a ride from your place to Fitchburg. They had a new Plymouth Coupe (club coupe). We had a very good chat with them to Fitchburg. From Fitchburg we got a [Page 2] ride to the road to Fort Devens, where we caught a bus which brought us to camp. We got here in an hour and a half. I hope you didn’t lose any sleep worrying about us getting back. If you did lose sleep, it's your own fault. I enjoyed visiting you and you folks. I want you to thank your Mother and Dad for eating there and I [Page 3] hope to come down again sometime. So don’t forget to thank them for me, will you. Is Gloria still mad at the world or did she get over it? Ha! Ha! My, she shouldn’t lose her temper that quick. I forgot to thank Carolyn’s mother for letting Roy and I stay there. Both of you have some swell folks whether you don’t believe it or not. Anyway, they shouldn’t have went through the trouble we may have [Page 4] caused them. Well, I haven’t much to write so I shall close hoping to hear from you soon. As Ever, Joe {Signature accent mark} P.S. Don’t let too many read this letter, for I can show your letters to a lot of soldiers here. Ha! Ha! But I won’t. [Envelope front] �{Postmark} AYER SEP 18 4:30 PM 1941 MASS. {Postmark} FORT DEVENS STA. {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 Fort Devens, Mass. � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Joe Olexa letters Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Olexa, Joseph P. Van Der Weide, Agnes Description An account of the resource Collection of letters between Joseph Olexa and Agnes Van Der Weide, dating from 1941 to 1946. Olexa fought in the U.S. Army 26th Infantry Division, Company "L", and eventually attained the rank of Staff Sergeant. Over the course of World War II, Olexa was engaged in North Africa, Sicily, France, Belgium, and Germany. He fought in the Invasion of Normandy, the liberation of Belgium, the Battle of Hürtgen Forest, and the Battle of the Bulge. While deployed abroad, Olexa maintained regular correspondence with Agnes Van Der Weide, a young woman he met through mutual friends. Agnes was the daughter of Benjamin and Minnie (Ter Meer) Van Der Weide. The Van Der Weide family lived in Jamestown, Michigan and Ashburnham, Massachusetts until moving to Grand Rapids, Michigan in 1943. While the letters do not contain details relating to Olexa's military activities, due to heavy censorship of soldiers' correspondence by the U.S. Army, the letters do depict the daily activities of an infantry soldier and illustrate the blossoming romance between the two. Joseph and Agnes were married July 23, 1945, and lived in West Michigan until Agnes's death in 1993. Joseph Olexa died December 3, 2000. They were survived by their son, Karl Olexa. Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant World War II Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1941/1946 Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/543">Joseph P. Olexa WWII memoir and correspondence (RHC-93)</a> Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/">In Copyright</a> Subject The topic of the resource United States. Army. Infantry Division, 26th World War, 1939-1945 Soldiers -- Michigan Correspondence Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Special Collections & University Archives Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-93 Language A language of the resource eng Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-93_Olexa_1941-09-15 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Olexa, Joseph P. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1941-09-15 Title A name given to the resource Letter from Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, September 15, 1941 Description An account of the resource Handwritten letter and envelope with transcript by Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, dated September 15, 1941. The envelope is sent from Co. L, 26th Infantry, Fort Devens, Massachusetts, dated September 18, 1941. In the letter, Joe writes to Agnes to let her know he made it back to camp safely after visiting with her and her folks, possibly at their home in Ashburnham, Massachusetts or an other unidentified location. Subject The topic of the resource United States. Army. Infantry Division, 26th World War, 1939-1945 Soldiers -- Michigan Correspondence Fort Devens (Mass.) Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/543">Joseph P. Olexa WWII memoir and correspondence, (RHC-93)</a> Relation A related resource Veterans History Project (U.S.) Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/">In Copyright</a> Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource application/pdf Language A language of the resource eng Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant World War II Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Lemmen Library and Archives https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/168f520330c7f069e3f8fc1602a7b397.pdf 8c63c57200733765cf0420b6aae6f0f4 PDF Text Text �� https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/8becc612f7db5de8d964058c0950cfea.pdf e2c0f51faaaab01a54959d7dd738bf87 PDF Text Text [RHC-93_Olexa_1943-09-15] [Page 1] [V-Mail Letter] {CENSOR’S STAMP} L.T.K. Bleau PASSED BY 11147 U.S. ARMY EXAMINER To Miss Agnes Van Der Weide [text strikethrough] {11 Main Street} [text strikethrough] {Ashburnham, Mass.} From 12016893 Sgt. Joseph Olexa (Sender’s name) Co. “L,” 26th Inf. A.P.O. – 1 (Sender’s address) c/o PM. New York, N.Y. Sept 15, 1943 (Date) Dear Agnes, Rec’d your air mail letter and was very glad to hear from you. I’m fine as usual, “Sweets” and hope you are the same. Well the two packages I sent are on the way and here’s hoping you get them. I sent my mother a big bed spread and Helen some of the hankies I sent to you. I still miss you as much as ever “Sweets” and am hoping that we shall get to see each other soon. We still are having the usual training to keep us fit. If we didn’t, we might get lazy. Was glad to hear that your folks arrived in Mich safely. [sic] Will close “Honey” and write soon. Yours always With Lots of Love Joe P.S. Give your folks my regards. {V-MAIL stationary footer} [V-mail envelope] �WAR & NAVY DEPARTMENTS V-MAIL SERVICE OFFICIAL BUSINESS {Postmark} NEW YORK, N.Y. OCT 4 6-AM 1943 PENALTY FOR PRIVATE USE TO AVOID PAYMENT OF POSTAGE, $300 GRAND CENTRAL ANNEX 1832 Berkley St. S.W. Grand Rapids, 9, Mich. � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Joe Olexa letters Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Olexa, Joseph P. Van Der Weide, Agnes Description An account of the resource Collection of letters between Joseph Olexa and Agnes Van Der Weide, dating from 1941 to 1946. Olexa fought in the U.S. Army 26th Infantry Division, Company "L", and eventually attained the rank of Staff Sergeant. Over the course of World War II, Olexa was engaged in North Africa, Sicily, France, Belgium, and Germany. He fought in the Invasion of Normandy, the liberation of Belgium, the Battle of Hürtgen Forest, and the Battle of the Bulge. While deployed abroad, Olexa maintained regular correspondence with Agnes Van Der Weide, a young woman he met through mutual friends. Agnes was the daughter of Benjamin and Minnie (Ter Meer) Van Der Weide. The Van Der Weide family lived in Jamestown, Michigan and Ashburnham, Massachusetts until moving to Grand Rapids, Michigan in 1943. While the letters do not contain details relating to Olexa's military activities, due to heavy censorship of soldiers' correspondence by the U.S. Army, the letters do depict the daily activities of an infantry soldier and illustrate the blossoming romance between the two. Joseph and Agnes were married July 23, 1945, and lived in West Michigan until Agnes's death in 1993. Joseph Olexa died December 3, 2000. They were survived by their son, Karl Olexa. Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant World War II Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1941/1946 Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/543">Joseph P. Olexa WWII memoir and correspondence (RHC-93)</a> Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/">In Copyright</a> Subject The topic of the resource United States. Army. Infantry Division, 26th World War, 1939-1945 Soldiers -- Michigan Correspondence Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Special Collections & University Archives Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-93 Language A language of the resource eng Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Olexa, Joseph P. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1943-09-15 Title A name given to the resource Letter from Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, September 15, 1943 Description An account of the resource Handwritten V-Mail letter and envelope with transcript by Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, dated September 15, 1943. The envelope is sent from Co. L, 26th Infantry A.P.O.-1, c/o Postmaster New York, New York, dated October 4, 1943. In the V-Mail letter, Joe is happy to hear Agnes' family made it safely to Michigan and he shares news of the packages he sent back home to Agnes, his mother, and sister Helen. Subject The topic of the resource United States. Army. Infantry Division, 26th World War, 1939-1945 Soldiers -- Michigan Correspondence V-mail Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/543">Joseph P. Olexa WWII memoir and correspondence, (RHC-93)</a> 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/be7e19e271fbb826edfccfe8e6988859.pdf f5ed6c979b5d62dfe848f2799afa08b0 PDF Text Text ����� https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/7dddb50465b473f91f3511190a20fcd1.pdf d96bca1ae5d7ddd03043e4f878b6a0b2 PDF Text Text [RHC-93_Olexa_1943-09-17] [Page 1] Sicily September 17, 1943 Dear Agnes, Just a few lines to let you know that I am well and hope you are the same. I think of you often and still miss you. I’m still hoping that you and I will see each other in the near future. I suppose by now that your folks are now unpacking and setting the furniture up in your new home. Don’t forget to give them my regards? [sic] I’ll bet the kids are all excited being in a big city. I have reread your last letter about 5 times already for mail hasn’t been coming in like the [Page 2] past. Their probably very busy so a person will just have to waite. [sic] I’ve written you a V-mail letter yesterday. In fact I’ve written quite a lot lately and here’s hoping you receive all of them. I got a V-mail letter from Helen and it’s the first time I heard from her in 3 weeks. She said my Dad was down to her place for a visit. These darn flies almost drive me crazy. Their so thick here in Sicily that they fly around in bunches. Can’t get no rest from them from morning till dark. When a person crawls out of his tent in the morning, they zoom down on [Page 3] you like dive bombers. Then the fight begins for another day. I sure hate a fly and if he zooms around my ear more than twice I am out to take hist life. Ha! Ha! Well, “Darling” what do you think of your new home? The only thing that will be missing is an apple tree. Just think “Sweets” we didn’t even get to sit under that apple tree in Ash. And it sure makes me mad. Anyway “Sweets” we’ll sure have a lot to talk about and it ain’t going to be about the war. I haven’t seen a movie in a long time but who cares. I also haven’t seen Roy and I guess it may be [Page 4] Sometime before I do. How’s my girl Beasie? If she don’t hurry up and write, I’m going to get mad. Well, “Sweets,” I shall close and write soon. Yours always With Lots of Love & Kisses Joe {Signature accent mark} [Envelope front] Sgt. Joseph P. Olexa (12016893) �Co. “L,” 26th Infantry A.P.O. - 1 c/o Postmaster, New York, N. Y. U. S. Army {Postmark} U.S. ARMY POSTAL SERVICE 1 SEP 20 1943 A.P.O. U.S. POSTAGE 6¢ VIA AIR MAIL Miss Agnes Van Der Weide [text strikethrough] {11 Main Street} [text strikethrough] {Ashburnham, Mass.} 1832 Berkley St., S.W. Grand Rapids (9) Mich. PASSED BY 11147 U.S. L.T.K. Beau � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Joe Olexa letters Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Olexa, Joseph P. Van Der Weide, Agnes Description An account of the resource Collection of letters between Joseph Olexa and Agnes Van Der Weide, dating from 1941 to 1946. Olexa fought in the U.S. Army 26th Infantry Division, Company "L", and eventually attained the rank of Staff Sergeant. Over the course of World War II, Olexa was engaged in North Africa, Sicily, France, Belgium, and Germany. He fought in the Invasion of Normandy, the liberation of Belgium, the Battle of Hürtgen Forest, and the Battle of the Bulge. While deployed abroad, Olexa maintained regular correspondence with Agnes Van Der Weide, a young woman he met through mutual friends. Agnes was the daughter of Benjamin and Minnie (Ter Meer) Van Der Weide. The Van Der Weide family lived in Jamestown, Michigan and Ashburnham, Massachusetts until moving to Grand Rapids, Michigan in 1943. While the letters do not contain details relating to Olexa's military activities, due to heavy censorship of soldiers' correspondence by the U.S. Army, the letters do depict the daily activities of an infantry soldier and illustrate the blossoming romance between the two. Joseph and Agnes were married July 23, 1945, and lived in West Michigan until Agnes's death in 1993. Joseph Olexa died December 3, 2000. They were survived by their son, Karl Olexa. Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant World War II Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1941/1946 Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/543">Joseph P. Olexa WWII memoir and correspondence (RHC-93)</a> Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/">In Copyright</a> Subject The topic of the resource United States. Army. Infantry Division, 26th World War, 1939-1945 Soldiers -- Michigan Correspondence Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Special Collections & University Archives Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-93 Language A language of the resource eng Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Olexa, Joseph P. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1943-09-17 Title A name given to the resource Letter from Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, September 17, 1943 Description An account of the resource Handwritten letter and envelope with transcript by Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, dated September 17, 1943. The envelope is sent from Co. L, 26th Infantry A.P.O.-1, c/o Postmaster New York, New York, dated September 20, 1943. In the letter, Joe writes to Agnes from Sicily and wonders how her family are settling into their new home in Grand Rapids, MI. He also writes of his experiences with the relentless flies in Italy while keeping a good sense of humor and expressing his adoration of Agnes. Subject The topic of the resource United States. Army. Infantry Division, 26th World War, 1939-1945 Soldiers -- Michigan Correspondence Sicily (Italy) Flies--1940-1950 Grand Rapids (Mich.) Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/543">Joseph P. Olexa WWII memoir and correspondence, (RHC-93)</a> 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/2d0c791d2fb00a9d7772095998dd70e6.pdf 4b0d0bc0f838f26d547478b3dfb16ebe PDF Text Text �� https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/675773d1e016d88d8dbf21cf431f9886.pdf 4377c9e67ad4f312dff4736e3dc31366 PDF Text Text [RHC-93_Olexa_1943-09-19] [Page 1] [V-Mail Letter] {CENSOR’S STAMP} PASSED BY 11147 L.T.K. Bleau U.S. ARMY EXAMINER To Miss Agnes Van Der Weide [text strikethrough] {11 Main Street} [text strikethrough] {Ashburnham, Mass.} From 12016893 Sgt. Joseph Olexa (Sender’s name) Co. “L,” 26th Inf. A.P.O. – 1 (Sender’s address) c/o PM. New York, N.Y. Sept 19, 1943 (Date) Hello “Darling,” I meant to write yesterday but didn’t have the ambition. I think of you often and hope that I will be able to see you soon. I still miss you and if you were here I surely give you a big long bear hug. I sure hope that you will get the two packages I sent you. I haven’t received any mail in 4 days, but I’ve got my fingers crossed to get some soon. Do you plan to get a job in Grand Rapids? Anyway here’s wishing you luck? Now “Sweets,” don’t fall in love with your boss for I shan’t have a girl friend if you do. I may get awful mad. Ha! Ha! Well “Darling” I shall close. Don’t forget to give your folks a hello for me. Yours always With Lots of Love Joe {Signature accent mark} P.S. Write real soon {V-MAIL stationary footer} �[V-mail envelope] WAR & NAVY DEPARTMENTS V-MAIL SERVICE OFFICIAL BUSINESS {Postmark} NEW YORK, N.Y. OCT 6 6-AM 1943 PENALTY FOR PRIVATE USE TO AVOID PAYMENT OF POSTAGE, $300 GRAND CENTRAL ANNEX {Postmark} ASHBURNHAM OCT 7 11:30A 1943 MASS. 1832 Berkley St., S.W. Grand Rapids (9) Mich. � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Joe Olexa letters Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Olexa, Joseph P. Van Der Weide, Agnes Description An account of the resource Collection of letters between Joseph Olexa and Agnes Van Der Weide, dating from 1941 to 1946. Olexa fought in the U.S. Army 26th Infantry Division, Company "L", and eventually attained the rank of Staff Sergeant. Over the course of World War II, Olexa was engaged in North Africa, Sicily, France, Belgium, and Germany. He fought in the Invasion of Normandy, the liberation of Belgium, the Battle of Hürtgen Forest, and the Battle of the Bulge. While deployed abroad, Olexa maintained regular correspondence with Agnes Van Der Weide, a young woman he met through mutual friends. Agnes was the daughter of Benjamin and Minnie (Ter Meer) Van Der Weide. The Van Der Weide family lived in Jamestown, Michigan and Ashburnham, Massachusetts until moving to Grand Rapids, Michigan in 1943. While the letters do not contain details relating to Olexa's military activities, due to heavy censorship of soldiers' correspondence by the U.S. Army, the letters do depict the daily activities of an infantry soldier and illustrate the blossoming romance between the two. Joseph and Agnes were married July 23, 1945, and lived in West Michigan until Agnes's death in 1993. Joseph Olexa died December 3, 2000. They were survived by their son, Karl Olexa. Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant World War II Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1941/1946 Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/543">Joseph P. Olexa WWII memoir and correspondence (RHC-93)</a> Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/">In Copyright</a> Subject The topic of the resource United States. Army. Infantry Division, 26th World War, 1939-1945 Soldiers -- Michigan Correspondence Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Special Collections & University Archives Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-93 Language A language of the resource eng Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Olexa, Joseph P. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1943-09-19 Title A name given to the resource Letter from Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, September 19, 1943 Description An account of the resource Handwritten V-Mail letter and envelope with transcript by Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, dated September 19, 1943. The envelope is sent from Co. L, 26th Infantry A.P.O.-1, c/o Postmaster New York, New York, dated October 6, 1943. In the V-Mail letter, Joe writes a brief message to Agnes emphasizing how she has been in his thoughts and how he wishes he could give her a big bear hug because she is deeply missed. Subject The topic of the resource United States. Army. Infantry Division, 26th World War, 1939-1945 Soldiers -- Michigan Correspondence V-mail Grand Rapids (Mich.) Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/543">Joseph P. Olexa WWII memoir and correspondence, (RHC-93)</a> 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/84e095c77ee9d1bf4c5ed33d253e8164.pdf f90d1b1a0646fcd596b556bd99f0d825 PDF Text Text ����� https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/15a6151ebb850c4d550052b193894661.pdf 4b2f4fe07b08a7632faa5364a9ac3fb8 PDF Text Text [RHC-93_Olexa_1943-09-20] [Page 1] Sicily Sept 20, 1943 Hello “Darling,” Rec’d two of your air mail letters and was very pleased to hear from you. Your letters were dated Aug. 24 & 25. I also got the picture “sweets” and it’s a very good picture. All you have to do “Sweets” if you want to meet my folks is just to drop in and they would be glad to have you visit them. You can write to my brother Ollie and tell him to meet you at the station. Make sure you tell him what time you will be there. My sister Frances is very nice. She’s 19 and she probably can show you around. [Page 2] The folks will sure make you feel at home for I ought to know them. I haven’t heard any of the new songs you mentioned and wish that I could hear the music of them. So, the young lady wants to learn how to swim. Well you can’t learn to swim setting out of the water. Ha! Ha! I’ll try to teach you and you’d better be a good pupil or else. Ha! Ha! I’ve already written you a Vmail letter so I must be on the ball now days. In fact I’ve written a lot of them. These darn flies are sure pests. You almost have to kill them to make them fly away. [Page 3] I still miss you “Darling” and it aint [sic] a little. Ha! Ha! If we don’t get to see each other soon, we’ll probably forget what each other looks like. Yes, I have plans all made up after my Army Career is ended, but that will have to wait till I see you and then we’ll have the big long “Pow Wow.” Ha! Ha! Remember “Sweets” it’s a date. I’ve nearly got a thousand dollars saved up since I came overseas. That isn’t bad is it “Darling”? I plan to send your mother a small handwork cloth for a small stand providing I find one that will suit me. I also want to send one to Helen. Paper and boxes are scarce here so I will [Page 4] have to wait for some. When I do I’ll send it just as soon as I can. How are your folks getting along? Does your father have a job in a defense plant? Don’t forget to give them my regards. Mail comes in slow here and it’s a big job wen so much mail comes in and goes out. Don’t forget to send me some more pictures when you take them. If you don’t I’ll get mad and bite your ears via long distance. Young Lady your ears will be pretty well chewed up, after I see you and I’ll make my threats good. Ha! Ha! What do you think of that? Well “Darling” I shall close for this time and write real soon. Yours always With Lots of Love & Kisses Joe �{Signature accent mark} P.S. Forgot to mention that Francis favors me a lot. [Envelope front] Sgt. Joseph P. Olexa (12016893) Co. “L,” 26th Infantry A.P.O. - 1 c/o Postmaster, New York, N. Y. U. S. Army {Postmark} ASHBURNHAM OCT 4 11:30AM 1943 MASS. {Postmark} U.S. ARMY POSTAL SERVICE 1 23 SEP 1943 A.P.O. U.S. POSTAGE 6¢ VIA AIR MAIL Miss Agnes Van Der Weide [text strikethrough] {11 Main Street} [text strikethrough] {Ashburnham, Mass.} 1832 Berkeley St., S.W. Grand Rapids 9, Mich. PASSED BY 11147 L.T.K. Bleau � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Joe Olexa letters Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Olexa, Joseph P. Van Der Weide, Agnes Description An account of the resource Collection of letters between Joseph Olexa and Agnes Van Der Weide, dating from 1941 to 1946. Olexa fought in the U.S. Army 26th Infantry Division, Company "L", and eventually attained the rank of Staff Sergeant. Over the course of World War II, Olexa was engaged in North Africa, Sicily, France, Belgium, and Germany. He fought in the Invasion of Normandy, the liberation of Belgium, the Battle of Hürtgen Forest, and the Battle of the Bulge. While deployed abroad, Olexa maintained regular correspondence with Agnes Van Der Weide, a young woman he met through mutual friends. Agnes was the daughter of Benjamin and Minnie (Ter Meer) Van Der Weide. The Van Der Weide family lived in Jamestown, Michigan and Ashburnham, Massachusetts until moving to Grand Rapids, Michigan in 1943. While the letters do not contain details relating to Olexa's military activities, due to heavy censorship of soldiers' correspondence by the U.S. Army, the letters do depict the daily activities of an infantry soldier and illustrate the blossoming romance between the two. Joseph and Agnes were married July 23, 1945, and lived in West Michigan until Agnes's death in 1993. Joseph Olexa died December 3, 2000. They were survived by their son, Karl Olexa. Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant World War II Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1941/1946 Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/543">Joseph P. Olexa WWII memoir and correspondence (RHC-93)</a> Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/">In Copyright</a> Subject The topic of the resource United States. Army. Infantry Division, 26th World War, 1939-1945 Soldiers -- Michigan Correspondence Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Special Collections & University Archives Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-93 Language A language of the resource eng Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Olexa, Joseph P. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1943-09-20 Title A name given to the resource Letter from Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, September 20, 1943 Description An account of the resource Handwritten letter and envelope with transcript by Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, dated September 20, 1943. The envelope is sent from Co. L, 26th Infantry A.P.O.-1, c/o Postmaster New York, New York, dated September 23, 1943. In the letter, Joe writes to Agnes from Sicily and encourages her to visit his family in Detroit, Michigan and wonders how her family are settling into Grand Rapids. Subject The topic of the resource United States. Army. Infantry Division, 26th World War, 1939-1945 Soldiers -- Michigan Correspondence Sicily (Italy) Detroit (Mich.) Grand Rapids (Mich.) Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/543">Joseph P. Olexa WWII memoir and correspondence, (RHC-93)</a> 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/b1f24f5e55429013a705f616b6a797ad.pdf 8b58b0c03344012bf8af11b55bd8484e PDF Text Text �� https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/79440bd01809d1814f6246f1aeea5d38.pdf 279a97377a425b6d0349c37a0fdc1255 PDF Text Text [RHC-93_Olexa_1943-09-22] [Page 1] [V-Mail Letter] {CENSOR’S STAMP} PASSED BY L.T.K. Bleau 11147 U.S. ARMY EXAMINER To Miss Agnes Van Der Weide [text strikethrough] {Box 8} [text strikethrough] {Ashburnham, Mass.} From 12016893 Sgt. Joseph Olexa (Sender’s name) Co. “L,” 26th Inf. A.P.O. – 1 (Sender’s address) c/o PM. New York, N.Y. Sept. 22, 1943. (Date) Sicily Dear Agnes, Have sent you a small table stand cloth which is on the way. I’m fine as usual and hope you are the same. I still miss you “Sweets” and think of you most of the time. I haven’t heard from my sister Helen in a long while. I also sent her 3 small stand cloths. Two are bright green and the other light blue. I’ll try to get something for your mother later on providing I have the time. When are you going to Grand Rapids, “Sweets”? How does everyone like the new environment? Don’t forget to give my regards to your folks. Well “Honey” I shall close and write real soon. Yours always With Lots of Love & Kisses Joe {Signature accent mark} P.S. Be a good girl when you get to the city. Ha! Ha! �{V-MAIL stationary footer} [V-mail envelope] WAR & NAVY DEPARTMENTS V-MAIL SERVICE OFFICIAL BUSINESS {Postmark} NEW YORK, N.Y. OCT 4 12-M 1943 PENALTY FOR PRIVATE USE TO AVOID PAYMENT OF POSTAGE, $300 GRAND CENTRAL ANNEX 1832 Berkley St. S.W. Grand Rapids 9, Mich. � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Joe Olexa letters Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Olexa, Joseph P. Van Der Weide, Agnes Description An account of the resource Collection of letters between Joseph Olexa and Agnes Van Der Weide, dating from 1941 to 1946. Olexa fought in the U.S. Army 26th Infantry Division, Company "L", and eventually attained the rank of Staff Sergeant. Over the course of World War II, Olexa was engaged in North Africa, Sicily, France, Belgium, and Germany. He fought in the Invasion of Normandy, the liberation of Belgium, the Battle of Hürtgen Forest, and the Battle of the Bulge. While deployed abroad, Olexa maintained regular correspondence with Agnes Van Der Weide, a young woman he met through mutual friends. Agnes was the daughter of Benjamin and Minnie (Ter Meer) Van Der Weide. The Van Der Weide family lived in Jamestown, Michigan and Ashburnham, Massachusetts until moving to Grand Rapids, Michigan in 1943. While the letters do not contain details relating to Olexa's military activities, due to heavy censorship of soldiers' correspondence by the U.S. Army, the letters do depict the daily activities of an infantry soldier and illustrate the blossoming romance between the two. Joseph and Agnes were married July 23, 1945, and lived in West Michigan until Agnes's death in 1993. Joseph Olexa died December 3, 2000. They were survived by their son, Karl Olexa. Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant World War II Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1941/1946 Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/543">Joseph P. Olexa WWII memoir and correspondence (RHC-93)</a> Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/">In Copyright</a> Subject The topic of the resource United States. Army. Infantry Division, 26th World War, 1939-1945 Soldiers -- Michigan Correspondence Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Special Collections & University Archives Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-93 Language A language of the resource eng Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Olexa, Joseph P. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1943-09-22 Title A name given to the resource Letter from Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, September 22, 1943 Description An account of the resource Handwritten V-Mail letter and envelope with transcript by Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, dated September 22, 1943. The envelope is sent from Co. L, 26th Infantry A.P.O.-1, c/o Postmaster New York, New York, dated October 4, 1943. In the V-Mail letter, Joe writes a brief message to Agnes updating her on the gift he sent her and his sister Helen and how he hopes to send something to her mother as well. He also inquires about when Agnes will be moving to Grand Rapids, Michigan and how her family are liking their new environment. Subject The topic of the resource United States. Army. Infantry Division, 26th World War, 1939-1945 Soldiers -- Michigan Correspondence V-mail Grand Rapids (Mich.) Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/543">Joseph P. Olexa WWII memoir and correspondence, (RHC-93)</a> 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/2ff42e83a194098f51ab332b7662e6dd.pdf 3acadee9eecfbd8b2a02ca888e93e022 PDF Text Text ������ https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/aba6d585cab51207547a644d4ed67f2f.pdf 37afa0a1be7c4e8a841ab6c485f75d5e PDF Text Text [RHC-93_Olexa_1941-09-25] [Page 1 - front] Co. “L,” 26th Infantry Fort Devens, Mass. Sept. 25, 1941 Dear Agnes, Rec’d your letter and was glad to hear from you. Yes, you owed me a letter so that’s why I didn’t write. I had K.P. and believe me I really had to work. I was exhausted from washing so many pots, pans and dishes. I wouldn’t mind if it were a few but for 230 men is quite a lot of dishes. We are going to Fort Bragg, North Carolina on or about the 13th of October. Our maneuvers will probably start from there. From Fort Bragg, we are supposed to Texas. [sic] Rumors from our Commander is that we may stay there permanently. It’s only a rumor and you can not believe all you hear. It comes at an unexpected moment. Just like the Army to do it too. Guard duty for our Company is Sunday and I hope I don’t have to pull it. [Page 1 - back] However, Roy and I will be down Saturday providing I have no Guard Duty. I’m not making this Guard Duty an excuse so don’t go to thinking that I don’t want to come down. [sic] So, you’re going to write me only one paragraph, if I don’t write you a long letter. Well, what about that 8 page letter you were going to write me? I caught a slight head cold last Thursday nite [sic] sleeping out in the woods on a problem. I only had one blanket to keep me warm and the cold ground for a bed. I didn’t mind it though but when I woke up a nice coat of frost was on the blanket. We hike and do training problems everyday. Always on the go and we are quite tired at nite. [sic] Roy is out for the nite [sic] and when he left, I told him when he left, to think of me in a soft bed with plenty of blankets and then he could get warm. Looks like a cold nite too and I chuckle to myself for being lucky, enough, for not being picked to go out. You must have a lot of fun at school and sometimes I wish I were back. [Page 2 - front] If I should come down Saturday, be sure you have your homework done, for I may refuse to help you with your lessons. I must admit the three girls Roy and I rode home with were young, but nothing more than a little conversation of Army life was spoken. Girls do not make good debaters so I believe you lost. Anyway, the boys put up a good fight debating and win. Ha! Ha! �Gloria must have a very quick temper, to fly off the handle so easily. She ought to be a little more broad-minded and probably she may outgrow it. What do you think? If you told Carolyn you liked me on Sunday, what did you do Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday? Cuss me, would probably be the answer. I don’t see where I am any different from any other person, so that is not a reason. How is your father and mother? Don’t forget to give them a big Hell-o for me. Has your father learned anything new from the Drill Manual? [Page 2 - back] After I finish your letter, I’m going to the show to see “Navy Blues.” It's supposed to be a good picture. I’m answering both of your letters, so don’t mind my every other sentence different than what you had written in your last letter. Still wanting to know that secret you and Carolyn had so don’t forget to tell me or I shall write a letter with one word. Hello {arrow pointing to “word”}. Well, I will close and I will try to be down Saturday. Two Sergeants just had a scrap and I just had to see it. It was only in fun. I wish it were real. O! Boy. [sic] So long. As Ever, Joe {Signature accent mark} P.S. Say! Aren’t you going to send me another picture of yourself? [Envelope front] {Postmark} AYER SEP 26 4:30 PM 1941 MASS. {Postmark} - partially illegible FORT DEVENS STA. Miss Agnes Van Der Weide 11 Main Street Ashburnham, Mass. �[Envelope back] Pvt. Joe Olexa Co. “L,” 26th Infantry Fort Devens, Mass. � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Joe Olexa letters Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Olexa, Joseph P. Van Der Weide, Agnes Description An account of the resource Collection of letters between Joseph Olexa and Agnes Van Der Weide, dating from 1941 to 1946. Olexa fought in the U.S. Army 26th Infantry Division, Company "L", and eventually attained the rank of Staff Sergeant. Over the course of World War II, Olexa was engaged in North Africa, Sicily, France, Belgium, and Germany. He fought in the Invasion of Normandy, the liberation of Belgium, the Battle of Hürtgen Forest, and the Battle of the Bulge. While deployed abroad, Olexa maintained regular correspondence with Agnes Van Der Weide, a young woman he met through mutual friends. Agnes was the daughter of Benjamin and Minnie (Ter Meer) Van Der Weide. The Van Der Weide family lived in Jamestown, Michigan and Ashburnham, Massachusetts until moving to Grand Rapids, Michigan in 1943. While the letters do not contain details relating to Olexa's military activities, due to heavy censorship of soldiers' correspondence by the U.S. Army, the letters do depict the daily activities of an infantry soldier and illustrate the blossoming romance between the two. Joseph and Agnes were married July 23, 1945, and lived in West Michigan until Agnes's death in 1993. Joseph Olexa died December 3, 2000. They were survived by their son, Karl Olexa. Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant World War II Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1941/1946 Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/543">Joseph P. Olexa WWII memoir and correspondence (RHC-93)</a> Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/">In Copyright</a> Subject The topic of the resource United States. Army. Infantry Division, 26th World War, 1939-1945 Soldiers -- Michigan Correspondence Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Special Collections & University Archives Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-93 Language A language of the resource eng Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-93_Olexa_1941-09-25 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 1941-09-25 Title A name given to the resource Letter from Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, September 25, 1941 Description An account of the resource Handwritten letter and envelope with transcript by Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, dated September 25, 1941. The envelope is sent from Co. L, 26th Infantry, Fort Devens, Massachusetts, dated September 26, 1941. In the letter, Joe writes to Agnes after being on K.P. duty and discusses his upcoming transition to Fort Bragg, North Carolina and his potential visit to see her that upcoming Saturday. Joe also mentions he is going to see the film "Navy Blues" after writing Agnes and requests that she send another photograph of herself in her next letter. Subject The topic of the resource United States. Army. Infantry Division, 26th World War, 1939-1945 Soldiers -- Michigan Correspondence Fort Devens (Mass.) Fort Bragg (N.C.) Motion pictures--1940-1950 Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/543">Joseph P. Olexa WWII memoir and correspondence, (RHC-93)</a> Relation A related resource Veterans History Project (U.S.) Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/">In Copyright</a> Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource application/pdf Language A language of the resource eng Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant World War II Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Lemmen Library and Archives https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/cc759c6484954ebfbb600e52525186dd.pdf a0540c7625a0c9da81bbb5dfb880de7f PDF Text Text �� https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/633ad65b1c92a25322b72d27aa26abdd.pdf a4e667fea3f7954937c284bc8511e603 PDF Text Text [RHC-93_Olexa_1943-09-26] [Page 1] [V-Mail Letter] {CENSOR’S STAMP} PASSED BY L.T.K. Bleau 20636 U.S. ARMY EXAMINER To Miss Agnes Van Der Weide [text strikethrough] {11 Main Street} [text strikethrough] {Ashburnham, Mass.} Sgt. Joseph Olexa (Sender’s name) Co. “L,” 26th Inf. A.P.O. – 1 (Sender’s address) c/o PM. New York, N.Y. Sept. 26, 1943 (Date) Sicily Hello Darling, Writing again today for I am still thinking of you. I also miss you a lot and I’m hoping that we shall see each other sometime soon. I haven’t seen Roy as yet so I don’t know how he’s doing. I haven’t received any mail from anyone in the last 5 days. Anyway I’m still a hoping to get at least 1 letter from you today. If I don’t young lady, you’d better close your ears. Ha! Ha! I still love you as much as ever and more every day. What do you think of that? I’ve re-read your 3 latest letters 10 times already. How are your folks these days? Don’t forget to give them my regards. Will close “Sweets,” with all my love to you. Yours always With Love & Kisses Joe {Signature accent mark} {V-MAIL stationary footer} [V-mail envelope] �WAR & NAVY DEPARTMENTS V-MAIL SERVICE OFFICIAL BUSINESS {Postmark} NEW YORK, N.Y. OCT 12 12-M 1943 PENALTY FOR PRIVATE USE TO AVOID PAYMENT OF POSTAGE, $300 GRAND CENTRAL ANNEX {Postmark} ASHBURNHAM OCT 14 7 AM 1943 MASS. 1832 Berkley St. S.W. Grand Rapids (9), Mich. � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Joe Olexa letters Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Olexa, Joseph P. Van Der Weide, Agnes Description An account of the resource Collection of letters between Joseph Olexa and Agnes Van Der Weide, dating from 1941 to 1946. Olexa fought in the U.S. Army 26th Infantry Division, Company "L", and eventually attained the rank of Staff Sergeant. Over the course of World War II, Olexa was engaged in North Africa, Sicily, France, Belgium, and Germany. He fought in the Invasion of Normandy, the liberation of Belgium, the Battle of Hürtgen Forest, and the Battle of the Bulge. While deployed abroad, Olexa maintained regular correspondence with Agnes Van Der Weide, a young woman he met through mutual friends. Agnes was the daughter of Benjamin and Minnie (Ter Meer) Van Der Weide. The Van Der Weide family lived in Jamestown, Michigan and Ashburnham, Massachusetts until moving to Grand Rapids, Michigan in 1943. While the letters do not contain details relating to Olexa's military activities, due to heavy censorship of soldiers' correspondence by the U.S. Army, the letters do depict the daily activities of an infantry soldier and illustrate the blossoming romance between the two. Joseph and Agnes were married July 23, 1945, and lived in West Michigan until Agnes's death in 1993. Joseph Olexa died December 3, 2000. They were survived by their son, Karl Olexa. Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant World War II Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1941/1946 Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/543">Joseph P. Olexa WWII memoir and correspondence (RHC-93)</a> Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/">In Copyright</a> Subject The topic of the resource United States. Army. Infantry Division, 26th World War, 1939-1945 Soldiers -- Michigan Correspondence Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Special Collections & University Archives Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-93 Language A language of the resource eng Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Olexa, Joseph P. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1943-09-26 Title A name given to the resource Letter from Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, September 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 September 26, 1943. The envelope is sent from Co. L, 26th Infantry A.P.O.-1, c/o Postmaster New York, New York, dated October 12, 1943. In the V-Mail letter, Joe reaches out to Agnes with a brief message emphasizing how he misses her and how he hasn't received any mail in the past five days so he hopes to hear from her soon. Subject The topic of the resource United States. Army. Infantry Division, 26th World War, 1939-1945 Soldiers -- Michigan Correspondence V-mail Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/543">Joseph P. Olexa WWII memoir and correspondence, (RHC-93)</a> Relation A related resource Veterans History Project (U.S.) Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/">In Copyright</a> Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource application/pdf Language A language of the resource eng Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant World War II Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Lemmen Library and Archives https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/77db8158dfe21293d0f013389b11c3a2.pdf 1031bb9b0cfd21bb8c3f14f4a9a40c30 PDF Text Text �� https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/728aadfd2200d2e6a8056ee2a947b980.pdf 6b72800fb8ceef288c0b8d7ef0388698 PDF Text Text [RHC-93_Olexa_1944-09-29] [Page 1] [V-Mail Letter] {CENSOR’S STAMP} PASSED BY 20636 [?] U.S. ARMY EXAMINER To Miss Agnes Van Der Weide 1913 Berkley Ave. S.W. Grand Rapids, 9 Mich. From 12016893 S/Sgt. Joseph Olexa Co. “L,” 26th Inf. A.P.O. – 1 c/o PM. - New York, N.Y. Sept. 29, 1944. (Sender’s complete address above) Dearest “Darling,” Writing to let you know that I am still safe and well. Hope this letter finds you the same. Have been thinking of you again today and love you more every time I do. Gee! Darling I wish I could be with you, just for a little while. I’d love that because I’ve missed you so much. It would be grand to hold you in my arms once again and squeeze like I used to. I shall have so much time lost of not being with you that I shan’t ever let you go when we are together again. I’m writing this V-mail because I’m out of air mail stamps and hope Helen has sent me some more. Until then it will be V-mails. Ha! Ha! Ain’t I mean. I’m still hoping to receive some of your letters but it’s in a hopeless stage right now. Well “Darling” I shall close with all my love to you. Write Real, Real soon, won’t you? [sic] Yours Always Lots of Kisses “Joe” {V-MAIL stationary footer} [V-mail envelope] �WAR & NAVY DEPARTMENTS V-MAIL SERVICE OFFICIAL BUSINESS {Postmark} U.S. POSTAL SERVICE OCT 10 12:30 AM 1944 No. 3 PENALTY FOR PRIVATE USE TO AVOID PAYMENT OF POSTAGE, $300 � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Joe Olexa letters Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Olexa, Joseph P. Van Der Weide, Agnes Description An account of the resource Collection of letters between Joseph Olexa and Agnes Van Der Weide, dating from 1941 to 1946. Olexa fought in the U.S. Army 26th Infantry Division, Company "L", and eventually attained the rank of Staff Sergeant. Over the course of World War II, Olexa was engaged in North Africa, Sicily, France, Belgium, and Germany. He fought in the Invasion of Normandy, the liberation of Belgium, the Battle of Hürtgen Forest, and the Battle of the Bulge. While deployed abroad, Olexa maintained regular correspondence with Agnes Van Der Weide, a young woman he met through mutual friends. Agnes was the daughter of Benjamin and Minnie (Ter Meer) Van Der Weide. The Van Der Weide family lived in Jamestown, Michigan and Ashburnham, Massachusetts until moving to Grand Rapids, Michigan in 1943. While the letters do not contain details relating to Olexa's military activities, due to heavy censorship of soldiers' correspondence by the U.S. Army, the letters do depict the daily activities of an infantry soldier and illustrate the blossoming romance between the two. Joseph and Agnes were married July 23, 1945, and lived in West Michigan until Agnes's death in 1993. Joseph Olexa died December 3, 2000. They were survived by their son, Karl Olexa. Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant World War II Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1941/1946 Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/543">Joseph P. Olexa WWII memoir and correspondence (RHC-93)</a> Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/">In Copyright</a> Subject The topic of the resource United States. Army. Infantry Division, 26th World War, 1939-1945 Soldiers -- Michigan Correspondence Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Special Collections & University Archives Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-93 Language A language of the resource eng Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-93_Olexa_1944-09-29 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 1944-09-29 Title A name given to the resource Letter from Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, September 29, 1944 Description An account of the resource Handwritten V-Mail letter and envelope with transcript by Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, dated September 29, 1944. The envelope is sent from Co. L, 26th Infantry A.P.O.-1, c/o Postmaster New York, New York, dated October 10, 1944. In the V-Mail letter, Joe writes to Agnes to let her know he is still safe and well, although he is currently out of Air Mail stamps and will be writing V-Mails until he receives stamps from his sister, Helen, in the near future. 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/e51e5650be3bc165edd5c5043795b614.pdf 59d3beaf1cc739035e98cdb9b0ec53cd PDF Text Text ����� https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/7158b2af56b350f1a27cb3a2e2f9508f.pdf 07ddef408dee21c3b470c7ee26541bcc PDF Text Text [RHC-93_Olexa_1941-09-30] [Page 1] Co. “L” 26th Infantry Fort Devens, Mass. Sept. 30, 1941 Dear Agnes, Rec’d your letters and the pictures today. The pictures were fair but could have been better. Can’t kick, for they could have come [text strikethrough]{of} out worse. Roy and I caught a bus about 15 minutes after we left the car. It was 8:40 when I thought of you giving an oral. You ought to have heard me chuckle. Us boys were hiking at that time. Niagara Falls was a good subject to talk about, but to my estimation I made a bad impression of writing about it. Don’t you think so? Our three day problem was called off when the weather got cold Monday nite. [sic] We stayed out till ten that nite [sic] and my teeth sure did chatter. We could hardly keep warm without running around, so the Army gave us boys a break and I’ll bet that later on we’ll pay for it. We got in to hear Joe Louis knockout [Page 2] Lou Nova. He almost did but the fight was called off. Roy was telling me that Carolyn’s folks are coming down this weekend. I plan to get a pass and visit my sisters in Buffalo, if I can this Saturday and Sunday. We probably will be down on the 11th of Oct. providing we do not have to do duty. I did enjoy the weekend and I want to thank your mother and father for they’re [sic] hospitality. You won’t forget to thank them for me, will you? Christmas is a long ways off and I may be further away for just a ten day furlough. So, I’m not promising. If you whistle, like you did Sunday, I’d hate to be around when you really got started! Ha! Ha! What do you plan to do when you live in Grand Rapids again? Make your first million in Ashburnham [text strikethrough]{first} then live in luxury when you get into a good state. Ha! Ha! I’m hoping you get zero in your economic workbook. See how good the marks, I figure, you should have. Poor Gloria gets a raw deal most of the time, so the next time it happens, I’m going to [text strikethrough]{by} buy her a big all day sucker to make her happy. Ha! Ha! [Page 3] �Were the pictures intended for me to keep? Well you might as well know now that I’m going to keep them. I shall bring or send you one of my regimental insignias in the near future (Maybe). Say, did you know I forgot something of mine at your house!! Well, if you see any of my footprints I left there, be sure to keep them for me. Where does the light go when it is turned off? I’ve been trying to find the answer for it but no one seems to know. Do you? I shall close for I haven’t anything else to write. Give my regards to your folks. As Ever, Joe {Signature accent mark} Answer Soon P.S. Write when you can. Excuse the mistakes for I planned to go to a movie but now it's too late. [Envelope front] {Postmark} AYER OCT 1 4:30 PM 1941 MASS. {Postmark} - partially illegible FORT DEVENS STA. Miss Agnes Van Der Weide 11 Main Street Ashburnham, Mass. [Envelope back] Pvt. Joe Olexa Co. “L,” 26th Infantry Fort Devens, Mass. �{Postmark} ASHBURNHAM, MASS. OCT 7 [?] 1941 REC’D � 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_1941-09-30 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 1941-09-30 Title A name given to the resource Letter from Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, September 30, 1941 Description An account of the resource Handwritten letter and envelope with transcript by Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, dated September 30, 1941. The envelope is sent from Co. L, 26th Infantry, Fort Devens, Massachusetts, dated October 1, 1941. In the letter, Joe writes to Agnes after an enjoyable weekend together with her parents, thanking them for their hospitality and wondering what her plans will be when she returns to living in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Subject The topic of the resource United States. Army. Infantry Division, 26th World War, 1939-1945 Soldiers -- Michigan Correspondence 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/7fee7ce63d6df54d1b6ded2e50bff201.pdf 7e128bd2c83101b2dcd23f55e86d07e2 PDF Text Text �� https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/a89d34f31aa741ed25ba34222df3df0d.pdf 6479729c493eece718cf98a406066181 PDF Text Text [RHC-93_Olexa_1944-09-30] [Page 1] [V-Mail Letter] {CENSOR’S STAMP} PASSED BY 20636 U.S. ARMY EXAMINER To Miss Agnes Van Der Weide 1913 Berkley Ave. S.W. Grand Rapids, 9 Mich. From 12016893 S/Sgt. Joseph Olexa Co. “L,” 26th Inf. A.P.O. – 1 c/o PM. - New York, N.Y. Sept. 30, 1944. (Sender’s complete address above) Dearest Darling, Rec’d a letter of your mother’s dated June 9th and the pictures in it are swell. I’ve written her a letter already and hope she receives it. Have been thinking of you as usual and I’ve almost imagined myself being with you. I sure do miss you a plenty “Darling” and long to be with you once again. Sometimes, I wonder, just what you are doing and pass the day thinking about us. It’s great to do that and it keeps me from feeling blue. I suppose you are still busy working making that million. Do you ever think you’ll make it? Ha! Ha! I’m just teasing and no doubt I’m always in the mood for that, ain’t I? I sure would like to receive you in a Christmas box so that postmaster over there better get on the ball. Threatening ain’t I? Ha! Ha! Well, how is Venna and the rest of her family? Don’t forget to give them my regards? Will close for this time. With Loads of Love, “Joe” “WRITE SOON” {V-MAIL stationary footer} �[V-mail envelope] From S/Sgt. Joseph P. Olexa (12016893) Co. L, 26th Inf. A.P.O.-1 c/o PM. New York, N.Y. V-MAIL FROM V-MAIL STATION U.S. ARMY POSTAL SERVICE 413 OCT 5 1944 A.P.O. Free To Miss Agnes Van Der Weide 1913 Berkley Ave. S.W. Grand Rapids, 9 Mich. V-Mail service provides a most rapid means of communication. If addressed to a place where photographing service is not available the original letter will be dispatched by the most expeditious means. INSTRUCTIONS (1) Write the entire message plainly on the other side within marginal lines. (2) Print the name and address in the two spaces provided. Addresses of members of the Armed Forces should show full name, complete military or naval address, including grade or rank, serial number, unit to which assigned or attached and army post office in care of the appropriate postmaster or appropriate fleet post office. (3) Fold, seal, and deposit in any post office letter drop or street letter box. (4) Enclosures must not be placed in this envelope. (5) V-Mail letters may be sent free of postage by members of the Armed Forces. When sent by others postage must be prepaid at domestic rates (3c ordinary mail, 6c if domestic air mail service is desired when mailed in the U.S.). � 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_1944-09-30 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 1944-09-30 Title A name given to the resource Letter from Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, September 30, 1944 Description An account of the resource Handwritten V-Mail letter and envelope with transcript by Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, dated September 30, 1944. The envelope is sent from Co. L, 26th Infantry A.P.O.-1, c/o Postmaster New York, New York, dated October 5, 1944. In the V-Mail letter, Joe writes a brief message to Agnes after receiving a letter from her mother, letting her know he appreciates the photographs she sent and how he longs to be with Agnes once again. Subject The topic of the resource United States. Army. Infantry Division, 26th World War, 1939-1945 Soldiers -- Michigan Correspondence V-mail 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/967c71b4ca06bb8173e3374c42ab1c06.pdf 3bbd4f941f43ef915d1eac52b4c7d34e PDF Text Text �� https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/28a6363ebc3cd07c32626630a5a4c7bb.pdf ffbfda8d20fe1629c3957b70ec7db2b6 PDF Text Text [RHC-93_Olexa_1942-09-06] [Page 1] [V-Mail Letter] No. 415969 {CENSOR’S STAMP} PASSED BY U.S. 11147 ARMY EXAMINER [?] Miss Agnes Van Der Weide 11 Main Street Ashburnham, Mass. 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 September 6, 1942 (Date) Hello Honey, How is my girl today? I’m fine as usual sweet and hope you are the same. I received the letter you had sent me along with Beasie’s. I sure was surprised to get a letter from her. I haven’t heard from home as yet but still waiting. [sic] Have you received any of my mail as yet “Honey.” I hope so. You’re probably going to school by now and I’ll bet you like that. I was a hoping to be present at your graduation but will have to be absent. Won’t I? Did Gloria enjoy her vacation? When is she going to drop me a line or two? I still miss you “Honey” and think of you often. I find it hard to write for I can’t seem to think of anything interesting. How are your folks? Give them my best regards. Does my sister still write to you, “sweet”? Well honey, I shall close hoping to hear from you soon. Sincerely 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. SEP 17 [?] 12:30 AM 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_1942-09-06 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 1942-09-06 Title A name given to the resource Letter from Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, September 6, 1942 Description An account of the resource Handwritten V-mail letter and envelope with transcript by Joe Olexa to Agnes Van Der Weide, dated September 6, 1942. The envelope is sent from Co. L, 26th Infantry, A.P.O. #1, New York, New York, dated September 17, 1942. In the V-mail letter, Joe writes a brief message to Agnes hoping for her wellbeing and appreciative upon receiving her latest letter, along with one from her younger sister, Beasie. He also writes about Agnes being back at school and his anticipated absence for her future graduation. 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