Bob Hudson Posted January 18, 2009 Share #1 Posted January 18, 2009 This letter was written on October 10, 1941 by Radioman 3rd Class Lyle Carl Curtis to former Arizona shipmate James Zobel who was now on the USS Rathburne (DD-113) in San Diego. Curtis is very ticked off that his old buddy has not written to him and let's him know that. Curtis also mentions that his enlistment is over and he's going out of the Navy even if he has to starve, but he asks Zobel to give him the dope on looking for jobs in San Diego. From what I gather the Arizona is at sea so Curtis can't get out of the Navy until they ship goes back to Pearl Harbor, hopefully by Thanksgiving, he writes. He also writes that until then he is "drawing time and a quarter," which sounds like the Navy is paying him overtime? Was there some sort of special pay bonus for guys had had to serve after their enlistment was up? The letter and envelope were torn in half and I have no idea why - maybe Zobel was upset at Curtis for cussing him out. Or maybe Zobel did it out of anger at himself for never answering his buddy's letter from the Arizona when he had a chance. Lyle Carl Curtis died December 7, 1941. I have transcribed the letter below the images of it. You oooxodsd so & s0 What is your reason for not writing? I don’t believe you!! You’re a fu****ng liar and a no good f**k off. This must be at least the umpteenth letter to you and not a damn word from you - what’s the big idea? I want an explanation and be quick about it. I’m getting pee’d off. People that aren’t even my friends write more often than you. What have you been doing? I hear the defense workers are squeezing you sailors out - Ha Ha - serves you right. You ???? have been living to in life to long. Overstreet went to the Hornet on the East Coast so he should be living a good life too. Say your enlistment is up soon isn’t it? What you plan on doing? Shipping over? Sucker! Mine was up a month ago so I’m drawing time and a quarter. The Exec’s office said I made second so I’ll be drawing (PAGE TWO) down some good dough for a while. The rumor has it we’ll be back for Thanksgiving. Boy do I hope so,I’m going out if I starve to death. I’ve had enough which is plenty. And fellow if you aren’t around when I get back there, I’ll look you up and really beat you into the ground. Write at least and give me the dope. You’ve been there long enough to give me the dope on where to go and who to see first. I’ll be needing a job you know, so I’m open for advice and information. No news here so I will close. I’ll write a decent letter when you write - Even a card will let me know that at least you are alive. Best Wishes Your Pal Lyle P.S. Kenny (my Bro) is on the Fulton in Frisco - Look him up if you get there you so & so - L. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bob Hudson Posted January 19, 2009 Author Share #2 Posted January 19, 2009 Curtis talks about his enlistment having ended and sounds anxious to get out of the Navy, but we know that two months later he was still in the Navy when the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor. Someone asked me today, "Why?" Either he shipped over or there was some sort of mandatory extension of enlistments put it effect before Dec. 7? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
siege1863 Posted January 19, 2009 Share #3 Posted January 19, 2009 Curtis talks about his enlistment having ended and sounds anxious to get out of the Navy, but we know that two months later he was still in the Navy when the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor. Someone asked me today, "Why?" Either he shipped over or there was some sort of mandatory extension of enlistments put it effect before Dec. 7? I suspect it had to do with declaration of war. I was researching a guy in the 37th Infantry Division, which had been the 37th Division, Ohio National, and he expected to be discharge after the one year of Federal service expired. This would have been from October 1940 to October 1941. Because of our pending involvement in the war, the term was extended. After war was declared, he indicated in his letters home that all hope of getting out was gone and that he was in it for good. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now