Fred's 1943 Day Book
Spent evening filling out civil service application for war engineering work.
March 23
Over to Genuske's to see notification from War Dept. about her brother who is Jap prisoner.
March 27
Connie phoned me (at work) - a wire from Col. Kadlac (an old army buddy from WWI) saying he has an important assignment for me in Washington State. Major Bonnet said he would release me on April 15. To see Major Wickham at District. Connie and I decided to accept regardless of sacrifice.
March 28
Home all day - thinking much of leaving our dear home soon.
March 30
Saw Lloyd Goding (one of Myron's best friends)in evening. Warmest day this spring - 70 degrees plus. My release passed District and Division, looks like a go.
April 3
Drove alone to work via Route 83. Brought Grandma Pierson (Connie's mother) home in car. Letter to Col. Kadlec in Washington (State) that we will come if it can be arranged.
April 8
Fog in morning driving to work. Balance of day warm and clear. Out in AM and PM at job. To visit with Lloyd Goding (Myron's neighborhood buddy) in his home in evening. One year ago Bataan fell.
April 10
Drove my car. Took Hall and Stair. Letter from Col. Kadlec to come to Washington. Copy of letter from Dr. Bay to CG about my physical fitness. Frank F. helped Connie all day sanding front bedroom wood work.
April 21
Last day on CAAP job. Received pullman (train car) reservation. Bid all my friends goodbye this PM. Connie went to Dr. in Riverside this AM. Drove my car to job to bring home my office equipment.
April 23-24
Raining this morning. Spent all day packing. Took down pictures in den, emptied book cases, shelves and desk. Genuske boys came at supper time and carried boxes to attic.
Beautiful spring day - Sat out in east yard for first time this year. We drove to bank in Hinsdale. Took lawn mower and new glass for alarm clock. Finished packing trunk. Connie washed and iron some of my clothes. Frank F. and I took my locker trunk to the depot. Ray and Kitty Carmer here in late PM. Drove over to Fairview for ??? after supper.
April 25-26
Rainy Easter morning. Left home on 7:34 train. Louie, Frannie and Bob's wife at Union Depot. Out at 10:45 on North Coast Limited (train).
Monday-April 26: On train all day - Up at Maidden Rock this morning. Cloudy and rain most of day. Not much seeing through North Dakota. To bed at Dickinson about 9 PM. Card to Connie in PM. (Written later - Pat Taylor spent day with Connie)
Monday-April 26: On train all day - Up at Maidden Rock this morning. Cloudy and rain most of day. Not much seeing through North Dakota. To bed at Dickinson about 9 PM. Card to Connie in PM. (Written later - Pat Taylor spent day with Connie)
April 27-28
Tuesday-April 27: Up at 6 AM about Big Timber, Montana. Snow on mountain and cold as we crossed divide thru snow between Livingston and Bozeman. Pushed grade in PM west of Missoula. Went to birth about 9 PM (Pacific Time) leaving my clothes on. Connie took station at Eastern Star.
Wednesday-April 28: Up about 1 AM and arrived at Pasco about 1:15 AM - Raining - Taxi to Pasco hotel. Jambed in basement room with 2 others. Slept with stranger. Saw Lt. Col Harry Kadlec about 8 AM. To office and spent AM getting a room. A small basement room at 816 South 7th Street. (August Nelson). Room early to write to my dear wife.
Wednesday-April 28: Up about 1 AM and arrived at Pasco about 1:15 AM - Raining - Taxi to Pasco hotel. Jambed in basement room with 2 others. Slept with stranger. Saw Lt. Col Harry Kadlec about 8 AM. To office and spent AM getting a room. A small basement room at 816 South 7th Street. (August Nelson). Room early to write to my dear wife.
May 2
Sunshine but still a little cloudy. To office several times, long walks, shower bath, reading and lonesome. What a Sunday????
May 9
Cloudy most of day and a bit chilly. In office most of morning. A.E. mail brought letter from Connie, check from CAAP and April bank statements. Rotten lunch at drug store. Wrote Connie. Took bath and set out in sun on Nelson's lawn in late PM. No place for supper - waited 45 minutes in hotel and then ate at crowded greasy dump with food unfit to touch. Went to bed hungry.
May 14
Conference in Col. M's office. Rode to Richland in PM with Day. Some warmer and sunshine all day. Had jeweler slow down Myron's watch. Air mail latter from Connie with one from Adj. General saying Myron continued in missing in action status.
Letters to Janet in Indiana re MIA Status
(Copy Typed Below)
Dear Miss Swearingen, Sunday, 9 May 1943
Your much appreciated card of 26 April was forwarded by Mrs. Wildish to me here at Pasco, and as I do not have your address I will write and have Mrs W. forward it to you.
We are sorry to report that we have received no news of Myron other than that which we have written to you previously. We have been hoping every day and every hour that we would receive a telegram from the War Dept saying he was safe but so far nothing has come thru. We to, hope and pray that the second year of imprisonment of American boys will never be completed.
I was recently transferred out here on a new construction project but Mrs. Wildish is still at our home in Downers Grove. It is our plans for her to join me later this summer. The war is breaking up many homes but we all have to help to the limit of our abilities, regardless of the sacrifice and cost.
Please know that we appreciate your interest in our dear boy. I know he was concerned and thot of you for the last letter we ever received from him, he requested that I notify you if anything happened to him.
Let us hope that we may all be together again and that we can welcome you to our home after the war is over. Please accept our kindest regards.
Sincerely, FN Wildish
Your much appreciated card of 26 April was forwarded by Mrs. Wildish to me here at Pasco, and as I do not have your address I will write and have Mrs W. forward it to you.
We are sorry to report that we have received no news of Myron other than that which we have written to you previously. We have been hoping every day and every hour that we would receive a telegram from the War Dept saying he was safe but so far nothing has come thru. We to, hope and pray that the second year of imprisonment of American boys will never be completed.
I was recently transferred out here on a new construction project but Mrs. Wildish is still at our home in Downers Grove. It is our plans for her to join me later this summer. The war is breaking up many homes but we all have to help to the limit of our abilities, regardless of the sacrifice and cost.
Please know that we appreciate your interest in our dear boy. I know he was concerned and thot of you for the last letter we ever received from him, he requested that I notify you if anything happened to him.
Let us hope that we may all be together again and that we can welcome you to our home after the war is over. Please accept our kindest regards.
Sincerely, FN Wildish
Dear Janet,
May I call you Janet? It seems so formal calling you Miss Swearigen even though we have met but once. I am sure Myron would prefer to have me call his friend by her first name. Since this letter we have had a letter from the War Dept saying that they would continue to carry Myron as "Missing in Action" until further notice. If we get word of any kind we shall send it to you immediately. Please know that we are very happy to hear from you and hope in the near future we can have you and Myron to our new home in Pasco Washington.
Very sincerely, Connie Wildish
May I call you Janet? It seems so formal calling you Miss Swearigen even though we have met but once. I am sure Myron would prefer to have me call his friend by her first name. Since this letter we have had a letter from the War Dept saying that they would continue to carry Myron as "Missing in Action" until further notice. If we get word of any kind we shall send it to you immediately. Please know that we are very happy to hear from you and hope in the near future we can have you and Myron to our new home in Pasco Washington.
Very sincerely, Connie Wildish
June 11
Out to trailer #48 in PM. Looks OK. Cool in evening. Stayed in room. The employees meeting at 5 PM. (I) was on ticket for president but was defeated by Rose which suited me. Brought Miss Rutherford over to look to see Mrs. Eustus about renting. In room all evening - heat on account of cold.
June 12-13
Saturday June 12: Signed up for Trailer #48 in AM. Took out blankets and bedding in PM. Floor brush in evening with ???. Supper with McHale, Rose and another guy. Brought Jack over to see Eustus about paying me through 16th. Letter from Connie and John Clifton. Had station wagon and took trip to trailer in eve with Almater and Rinehardt.
Sunmday-June 13: Up at 6 as usual and packed belongings before breakfast and took load over to my new home - Trailer #48. McHale helped me move locker about 11 AM in his jeep. Spent all PM unpacking in trailer and cleaning. Took shower bath. Drover over to White Kitchen in Kennewick for supper with Jack and Boren.
Sunmday-June 13: Up at 6 as usual and packed belongings before breakfast and took load over to my new home - Trailer #48. McHale helped me move locker about 11 AM in his jeep. Spent all PM unpacking in trailer and cleaning. Took shower bath. Drover over to White Kitchen in Kennewick for supper with Jack and Boren.
June 14
Monday-June 14: Raining most of day and cold. Walking around camp in evening with Barge and his wife. Stopped in their trailer #50 for fruit drink. (Noted later on June 17) Connie drove to Atlantic Iowa - 422 miles. Adjust (Myron's) watch.
June 15
Beautiful sunshiny day. Still have Riley's car. Laundry case and letter from Connie and also two books from Len and Marge Gawler. Dreamed last night of Myron coming toward with his face white and black.
Saturday-June 19: A bit restless last night. Card from Connie saying may be here today, received at noon. Watching in PM until telegram says Sunday morning. Talked to Connie tonight at Pendleton.
June 20-29
Sunday-June 20: Connie, Mrs. Adams and K. Cramer came at 10:15 AM. Dinner at Austins - Captain Plany and wife came at noon. Left our trailer about 4:30. We had supper in trailer. McHale hurt in jeep turn over at employee picnic.
Monday-June 21: All meals at home today. We drove to Richland after supper to see our future homes. Hugh Brown of DG (Downers Grove) here for supper.
Monday-June 21: All meals at home today. We drove to Richland after supper to see our future homes. Hugh Brown of DG (Downers Grove) here for supper.
Brought Barge to job in PM. I put another driver instead of Day on station wagon. Wagner says I am to have house Number 200 in Richland.
July 19-24
Hot as hell. To doctor with sore ankle. Dr. K???. Soaked it in evening. Chas. G. Cummings P2 assign to my section.
Another hot one - 103 degrees in trailer at supper time. In evening Connie and I drove to Pasco hospital to see CH Sheppard. Long talk with Kedlec this A.M.
August 7
Saturday-August 7: Shower at 7 A.M. Reasonably cool. Connie went out with Mr. Taylor to see our house. Little being done. Drove over by circus with Barge's. On way home received telegram that Myron is prisoner of war at Camp Osaka Japan.
Sunday-August 8: Home all morning writing 13 letter to our friends about Myron. In P.M. went to movie at Kennewick - ice carnival. Over to Taylors and home drove home around by Kennewick park.
Sunday-August 8: Home all morning writing 13 letter to our friends about Myron. In P.M. went to movie at Kennewick - ice carnival. Over to Taylors and home drove home around by Kennewick park.
What They've Been Waiting for...
The Most Important Letter Goes to Indiana
Dear Miss Swearingen:
We promised to let you know if any news came about Myron. Last night we received a telegram from the Adj. General at Washington that word had just been received thru the International Red Cross that he is a prisoner of war of the Japanese Government in Osaka Camp Japan and that letter of information would follow from the Prov. Marshal General. Although this news is sad, we at least know that he is alive and God may bring him back to us some day. Myron wrote in one of his last letters to let you know if anything happened to him, so we thought we should send you this news. Mrs. Wildish is here with me now on a big Government project so we are trying in our small way to hasten the day when the light will come on again. We trust you are in good health and that all is well with you. Sincerely, Mr. and Mrs. FN Wildish.
We promised to let you know if any news came about Myron. Last night we received a telegram from the Adj. General at Washington that word had just been received thru the International Red Cross that he is a prisoner of war of the Japanese Government in Osaka Camp Japan and that letter of information would follow from the Prov. Marshal General. Although this news is sad, we at least know that he is alive and God may bring him back to us some day. Myron wrote in one of his last letters to let you know if anything happened to him, so we thought we should send you this news. Mrs. Wildish is here with me now on a big Government project so we are trying in our small way to hasten the day when the light will come on again. We trust you are in good health and that all is well with you. Sincerely, Mr. and Mrs. FN Wildish.
Janet's Reply - Transcription Below
Dear Mr. and Mrs. Wildish, With what trepidation must you read that telegram, hoping the best yet fearing the worst! Perhaps it has been only wishful thinking on my part, but I had never ceased believing in Myron's survival on Bataan, and now that we are assured of that fact, may he be given the physical strength and moral courage to endure his imprisonment.
Please if the letter of confirmation gives further details, write me again soon. I shall be eager to hear whether or not mail can be addressed to him too.
I know you gain satisfaction from your connection with the war effort. And I know, too, that is was a sacrifice to forsake your pleasant home for the inconvenience of a defense town. With the construction of a DuPont power plant, and an army supply depot in Terre Haute area, we here are aware of the problems engendered by such booms. However, conditions have improved with the completion of the construction and strangely, after only six months of production, the loading plant has closed.
Columbian (Enameling - where she met Myron) continues to operate about 95% on war supplies. Large quantities of enameled ware are used cooking and serving the forces, of course; and the hospitals require products in enamel, with thousands of life boat cups for the Navy. We've also just begun production of a mine used in combatting tanks.
I do hope that both of you like your new location and find the change interesting. Thank you for the cordial note included with your husband's recent letter, Mrs. Wildish; perhaps some day I shall have the opportunity to take advantage of your kind invitation. Sincerely, Janet
Please if the letter of confirmation gives further details, write me again soon. I shall be eager to hear whether or not mail can be addressed to him too.
I know you gain satisfaction from your connection with the war effort. And I know, too, that is was a sacrifice to forsake your pleasant home for the inconvenience of a defense town. With the construction of a DuPont power plant, and an army supply depot in Terre Haute area, we here are aware of the problems engendered by such booms. However, conditions have improved with the completion of the construction and strangely, after only six months of production, the loading plant has closed.
Columbian (Enameling - where she met Myron) continues to operate about 95% on war supplies. Large quantities of enameled ware are used cooking and serving the forces, of course; and the hospitals require products in enamel, with thousands of life boat cups for the Navy. We've also just begun production of a mine used in combatting tanks.
I do hope that both of you like your new location and find the change interesting. Thank you for the cordial note included with your husband's recent letter, Mrs. Wildish; perhaps some day I shall have the opportunity to take advantage of your kind invitation. Sincerely, Janet
August 13,17,18
Friday-August 13: Unusually hot. 109 degrees in our trailer at supper time. Letter from Prov. Mars. General about Prisoner of War information. We can write to Myron. P.A. Wells and Marin moving to their new house in village tonight.
Saturday-August 14: Frietag drove. Wagner assigned us House #58-R. Drove to Richland and Pasco to see house, get keys, and advise Connie. Back to office about 2:30 PM. Drove pick up truck home with Barge and got desk and dinette set at Kennewick. Connie and I drove pick up to Richland with 1st load. Home in moonlight.
Saturday-August 14: Frietag drove. Wagner assigned us House #58-R. Drove to Richland and Pasco to see house, get keys, and advise Connie. Back to office about 2:30 PM. Drove pick up truck home with Barge and got desk and dinette set at Kennewick. Connie and I drove pick up to Richland with 1st load. Home in moonlight.
Tuesday-August 17: Wrote to Myron. Received letter rent start 8-24-43. No water tonight account broken main. Got small electric plate for cooking. Connie home all day. Bayless wrote orders to put me on permanent status as of 8-24-43.
Wednesday-August 18: Up early to get water as mains were filled. To job in station wagon - home in jeep. Made bench for front porch. Hammered big finger on left hand. Boren and his wife here about 9 PM. Connie to Dr. and with Mrs. Barge.
Wednesday-August 18: Up early to get water as mains were filled. To job in station wagon - home in jeep. Made bench for front porch. Hammered big finger on left hand. Boren and his wife here about 9 PM. Connie to Dr. and with Mrs. Barge.
August 19/20
Thursday-August19: Received travel orders so household goods can be moved. Reviewed list of articles we can send Myron.
Friday-August 20: Packing box for Myron in evening. Rode home with Warneke and wife from Hanford. Joe Schmeidel reported for work. Connie to Doctors.
Rough Draft of Letter Sent to Myron
(Final Draft With Transcription Underneath)
Final Version of Letter
(Mailed August 17, 1943 Received by Myron February 13, 1944)
To: 1st LT Myron F. Wildish, American POW
Osaka Camp Japan
My dear Son: Word has finally been received telling where you are, after months of anxiety by all of us to whom you mean so much. We have never given up hope for we knew you would come through somehow. We knew your character and ability to get along under adverse conditions, would prove its worth under extreme test.
This little note and those to follow, may never reach you but we are hoping, always hoping. They will tell you that we are alive, well, and trying to do our bit in a small way. You will note from address above that we are many mils from the old home we loved so well.
Dave and Don are both in the services are are practically all your friends.
We know you will try to get word to us when you can. Meantime, my brave son, keep up the old chin and keep on hoping, for the sun will surely shine again. Our prayer is that God will preserve your precious life and bring you to us again.
Mother and Dad
Osaka Camp Japan
My dear Son: Word has finally been received telling where you are, after months of anxiety by all of us to whom you mean so much. We have never given up hope for we knew you would come through somehow. We knew your character and ability to get along under adverse conditions, would prove its worth under extreme test.
This little note and those to follow, may never reach you but we are hoping, always hoping. They will tell you that we are alive, well, and trying to do our bit in a small way. You will note from address above that we are many mils from the old home we loved so well.
Dave and Don are both in the services are are practically all your friends.
We know you will try to get word to us when you can. Meantime, my brave son, keep up the old chin and keep on hoping, for the sun will surely shine again. Our prayer is that God will preserve your precious life and bring you to us again.
Mother and Dad
Small Chess set enclosed in their box mailed to Myron
August 23/24
Cool this morning - Ninneman and I rode with Shephard in station wagon. Connie to Pasco to Dr. and got bunch of mail. Letter from Prov. Mar. General that Myron transferred to Zentsuji Prison Camp, Island of Shikoku Japan. Connie mailed box to Myron before opening letter. (It got to him anyway.)
Second Ltr Sent After News of Transfer
(Sent August 23, 1944 Received by Myron January 15, 1944)
My dear Son: Word just received today from Office of Prov Marshall General at Wash of your transfer to the Island of Shikoku Japan and I will send this little note hoping it may reach you. We wrote to Prison Camp at Osaka but they may go astray.
We got permission from Wash to send a single package to you and mailed it prior to receiving this notice of your transfer. We hope that you will get the box for it contains food that you surely must need. We will send another box as soon as we get permission to do so.
Next Saturday is your 26th birthday and we will be praying for you my dear son. We thot as we packed your box that it would be your birthday present. We sent a small chess set as I live in the memories of the hours you and I played chess together.
There is little I can write except to say we are way out west in the good old USA trying the best we can to hasten the day when the lights come on again and you boys come home.
We know you are keeping a brave heart and making the best of conditions. You always did do that. May God keep you safe dear boy and bring you home again to us some day. We never give up hoping.
Mother and Dad
We got permission from Wash to send a single package to you and mailed it prior to receiving this notice of your transfer. We hope that you will get the box for it contains food that you surely must need. We will send another box as soon as we get permission to do so.
Next Saturday is your 26th birthday and we will be praying for you my dear son. We thot as we packed your box that it would be your birthday present. We sent a small chess set as I live in the memories of the hours you and I played chess together.
There is little I can write except to say we are way out west in the good old USA trying the best we can to hasten the day when the lights come on again and you boys come home.
We know you are keeping a brave heart and making the best of conditions. You always did do that. May God keep you safe dear boy and bring you home again to us some day. We never give up hoping.
Mother and Dad
1941 Ft. Stotsenburg.....1943 Zentsuji
Myron's Words "Zentsuji - A New World"
After Osaka, I was sent to Zentsuji, on the island of Shikoku. I was there for a year or two and it was just like a new world. There were American and Dutch POWs there already. They came out and watched as we lined up when we arrived. They offered us food and cigarettes. I was a smoker at that time, and it was very nice, but we couldn't understand anyone offering us food and cigarettes. We had never had anybody offer us food since the surrender. Then to have somebody come up and say "Would you like a smoke?" was amazing. We hadn't seen any bread for a year, just rice, but they had bread there. A bunch of those men went on half-ration so we could have rations and a half, which was a very good amount of food for us. (Footnote: The Zentsuji Camp was set up by the Japanese to be inspected by the Red Cross as an example of all camps in Japan - it obviously wasn't.)
We were assigned to the second floor of the barracks. I couldn't get up the stairs, but the guys can around and helped me up. They had Army blankets - old ones, but the wind didn't blow through them. We had mattresses with straw. It seemed really first class.
We hadn't had a bath since the war started. I'd be lucky if I could wash my face. When we got so we could wander around the camp and look in the bath house we saw a typical Japanese bath. They had a big pool filled about three feet deep with warm water. You could get in and soak after you cleaned the dirt off. So we cleaned off the dirt with a bucket and warm water, scrubbed down. Then we got in to this three feet of warm water. It was wonderful. This was a prison camp? We were dumbfounded and dazed. The only thing was, when it came time for me to get out of the warm water, I couldn't get up. I thought, "Oh gosh, I'm going to drown!" It was all I could do to keep my head above water. Other guys had experienced the same thing, so the original American prisoners were watching. When they saw me struggling, trying to get out, they came and pulled me over the side.
Those fellows, they really shared. They treated us right. Of course, we didn't reciprocate. They had a pretty good working relationship with the Japanese, which we Bataan survivors ruined. First of all, the Japanese had goldfish in a pool, and darned if somebody didn't go down there and grab those fish and eat them. That made the Japanese mad.
We were assigned to the second floor of the barracks. I couldn't get up the stairs, but the guys can around and helped me up. They had Army blankets - old ones, but the wind didn't blow through them. We had mattresses with straw. It seemed really first class.
We hadn't had a bath since the war started. I'd be lucky if I could wash my face. When we got so we could wander around the camp and look in the bath house we saw a typical Japanese bath. They had a big pool filled about three feet deep with warm water. You could get in and soak after you cleaned the dirt off. So we cleaned off the dirt with a bucket and warm water, scrubbed down. Then we got in to this three feet of warm water. It was wonderful. This was a prison camp? We were dumbfounded and dazed. The only thing was, when it came time for me to get out of the warm water, I couldn't get up. I thought, "Oh gosh, I'm going to drown!" It was all I could do to keep my head above water. Other guys had experienced the same thing, so the original American prisoners were watching. When they saw me struggling, trying to get out, they came and pulled me over the side.
Those fellows, they really shared. They treated us right. Of course, we didn't reciprocate. They had a pretty good working relationship with the Japanese, which we Bataan survivors ruined. First of all, the Japanese had goldfish in a pool, and darned if somebody didn't go down there and grab those fish and eat them. That made the Japanese mad.
Myron's Sketch of Zentsuji 1943
Myron's POW Name Tag "Wildish"
August 28
Myron's 26th Birthday. Second spent in prison camp of Japan. Very hot. Brought home desk lamp. Finished making my desk in evening. Schulte moving into house #92 as neighbor.
Rode to and from work with Barge in his car. Quiet day at office. Connie home all day canning fruit. Splady here in evening and later C.E. and Mrs. Barge. Italy surrendered unconditionally.
Another Letter to Myron
My dear Son, Other letters we have sent to you have addressed you as a first lieutenant but we have rec'd word through an Army Colonel and also a Red Cross Nurse that you are now a Captain. So maybe this will reach you if the others have not.
We keep watching the mail hoping that some word will come some day in your own handwriting. The papers often show where some soldier, now a prisoner, has written and been received by his people. We know that you will write when you can so please don't worry about us for a single second.
We are both well and working all the time. Dave and Don are both in the services and are well. We hear from them quite regular.
We get some news about your camp thru the American Red Cross. Many ofyour friends inquire about you. We have written Janet Swearigen each time we get any news and she replies every time. She seems very sincere in her concern about you.
Well, old boy, keep the chin up and a brave heart. I know so well that you are doing just that. May God keep you safe and bring you home some day. Goodbye and a heart full of love and admiration from
Dad.
We keep watching the mail hoping that some word will come some day in your own handwriting. The papers often show where some soldier, now a prisoner, has written and been received by his people. We know that you will write when you can so please don't worry about us for a single second.
We are both well and working all the time. Dave and Don are both in the services and are well. We hear from them quite regular.
We get some news about your camp thru the American Red Cross. Many ofyour friends inquire about you. We have written Janet Swearigen each time we get any news and she replies every time. She seems very sincere in her concern about you.
Well, old boy, keep the chin up and a brave heart. I know so well that you are doing just that. May God keep you safe and bring you home some day. Goodbye and a heart full of love and admiration from
Dad.
But sadly was...
September 18 - "Broken Spirit"
A hard day. Drove to Pasco for a supposed letter from Myron. Then back to Hanford. 80 mile trip for nothing but a broken spirt. Very busy all P.M. Home in evening late with Riley, Leighton, Wellens. Finished making vanity dresser and stool for Connie.
Rode both ways with Barge. Connie shellaced edges of living room floor. Sprinkled front yard tonight. Connie met Mrs. Wilber, our new neighbor across the street east.
That day Fred cuts out the following full page drawing from the Seattle P.I.:
"HE HASN'T FORGOTTEN"
Copy Reads: He hasn't forgotten! No American soldier prisoner of war - whether he is a captive of the Japanese or the Germans or the Italians - has forgotten his loved ones at home. He hasn't forgotten his flag. He hasn't lost hope that some day American military forces will vanquish our enemies and set him free. But if - in his far-away prison camp - he knew that today's slogan for the Home Front is "Back the Attack - Buy War Bonds," - he would have only one request. That reqeust would be "Back the Attack - Buy Warn Bonds - Set Me Free." ...........Our fighting men now on the battlefront and then men in prisoner of war camps are looking to you not to fail them. It is up to you to "Back the Attack - Buy War Bonds": to free them and bring them home to America.
Myron's Words "So Happy to Have a Bed"
Then there was a bakery outside the compound. Some of our guys dug a hole going underneath the fence and were hitting up the bakery at night. I wasn't one of t hem. I was never up to that sort of thing. I was just so happy to have a bed and something to eat. Of course, the tea was just any kind of leaves they could find, but the hot water made it great.
The Japanese were fairly decent, I guess, until we got there. Then they said, "these guys are a bunch of nuts," and they treated us like nuts. They were more restrictive with us. The Dutch guys couldn't understand our attitude, couldn't understand anything about us. The thing was, they hadn't been through what we'd been through. The Japanese navy had picked up a lot of them and brought them right in to Zentsuji, and they'd been treated decently ever since.
November 10
Drove my car for Wilber on November 3rd. Col M. says can do nothing on obtaining active duty. Clint Henning made Chief of E. Division. Washing machine went hay wire. Spladys here in evening.
November 11
Wilber and I rode with Mr. and Mrs. Collins. 25 years since end of 1st World War.
1943 Wildish Christmas Greeting
December 13 "What Fred Has Waited For"
33 degrees this AM. Drove my car - bought new battery from Sears at noon. Card from Myron dated 29 August 1943. First word in over 2 years from my precious son. Connie to Pasco with Mrs. Wilb
Note card is sent after Myron is transferred to Zensuji. The "cabinet" is what the family called the pantry shelf back at home in Downers Grove. Myron is trying to let them know that he needs food without it being censored out by the Japanese. He is also worried about his dad's health remembering his previous heart attack while he was in college. Myron is also unaware Fred and Connie have left Downers Grove, Illinois for Pasco, WA.
Dear Miss (Janet) Swearingen,
To comply with your request to be advised if any word was received from Myron, we trust that you will be happy to know that on last Monday th 13th, we received a small card from Myron at Zentsuji Prison Camp, Nippon, dated 29, August 1943. It was only 25 words but his signature could not be mistaken and it brot great happiness to us that words cannot express, this being the first word we have received from his since before the war in November 1941.
Myron said that he hoped we would all be together again soon, that he hoped to hear from us and that Dad was alive. He said he was OK.
We believe but do not know definitely, that the car must have come to us on the Gripsholm.
It was be a happy Christmas indeed knowing that Myron's alive and well.
Mrs. W. joins me in wishing you a happy holiday season.
Sincerely, FN Wildish
To comply with your request to be advised if any word was received from Myron, we trust that you will be happy to know that on last Monday th 13th, we received a small card from Myron at Zentsuji Prison Camp, Nippon, dated 29, August 1943. It was only 25 words but his signature could not be mistaken and it brot great happiness to us that words cannot express, this being the first word we have received from his since before the war in November 1941.
Myron said that he hoped we would all be together again soon, that he hoped to hear from us and that Dad was alive. He said he was OK.
We believe but do not know definitely, that the car must have come to us on the Gripsholm.
It was be a happy Christmas indeed knowing that Myron's alive and well.
Mrs. W. joins me in wishing you a happy holiday season.
Sincerely, FN Wildish
"Dear Son" - 25 Word Red Cross Postcards
Overjoyed to hear finally directly from Myron via the Red Cross Fred sends two post cards in return the following the two weeks. These Myron does receive although not until May 19 of 1944 which he notes in the upper right hand corner.
Temperature up in the 50's. Out with Wilber for lumber for shelves in basement. We drove to ? Dam and to prefab houses. Wilbers for a big Xmas turkey dinner. We all went riding in our car. To dam, ?? Quarters, Prefabs, River front, 300 area, airport, etc. Supper at Wilbers and played cards in the evening. Clark family pretty well plastered all day.
Myron's Words "That Camp Meant Life"
"That camp meant life to us, but we didn't respond properly. We Bataan survivors were in a group by ourselves and the Japanese began to pick on us. For instance, they didn't like to hear us laugh. They wanted respect. They thought prisoners should show respect to them.
I guess we should have, but we didn't and got in to trouble. I had to stand one day all day in the guardhouse. A guy named Yoder was put in a little cage for a week. It was too small for him, and he couldn't move around much. It was cold, and I guess they didn't give him much food either. That improved his attitude. I have no complaints though about we the way we were treated - at Zentsuji.
One guy there was convinced that grass was the solution for food. "Eat a lot of grass" he said. "Rabbits thrive on it." But I said, "Hey, they're rabbits. I can't eat grass. He was just stuffing in that grass. He was crazy, and I think he didn't make it.
Another guy, Jim Baldwin, had a pain in his abdomen. He saw a Navy doctor who came around to help and said. "There's something wrong and it's getting worse." The Japanese let him operate on Jim. He had a twisted intestine. There was just one light over head. He used a razor blade, and I don't know what they used for an anaesthetic. He had a twisted intestine. The doctor untwisted it and sewed him back up again. But Baldwin lived. His attitude was good. He just said "I'm going to pull through this." I didn't think he had a prayer, but he lived. Attitude - you always hope for the best."
I guess we should have, but we didn't and got in to trouble. I had to stand one day all day in the guardhouse. A guy named Yoder was put in a little cage for a week. It was too small for him, and he couldn't move around much. It was cold, and I guess they didn't give him much food either. That improved his attitude. I have no complaints though about we the way we were treated - at Zentsuji.
One guy there was convinced that grass was the solution for food. "Eat a lot of grass" he said. "Rabbits thrive on it." But I said, "Hey, they're rabbits. I can't eat grass. He was just stuffing in that grass. He was crazy, and I think he didn't make it.
Another guy, Jim Baldwin, had a pain in his abdomen. He saw a Navy doctor who came around to help and said. "There's something wrong and it's getting worse." The Japanese let him operate on Jim. He had a twisted intestine. There was just one light over head. He used a razor blade, and I don't know what they used for an anaesthetic. He had a twisted intestine. The doctor untwisted it and sewed him back up again. But Baldwin lived. His attitude was good. He just said "I'm going to pull through this." I didn't think he had a prayer, but he lived. Attitude - you always hope for the best."
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