5 January 1944

Irani town, Iran

To the Bryant Service Club-

All the thanks in the world for the Christmas package. Same arrived in perfect condition after traveling most of the distance around the globe to reach your truly. We, that is myself plus the remainder of my barracks, proceeded to devour the contents in short order, and all and all were amazed to know that a fellow’s school would perform such a service. When they were them [sic] informed by me that this was the third package received by this soldier from the Bryant Service Club since my entry into the service, their praise for your great work was [?].

To their praises I wish to add that my appreciation for the gracious gesture is beyond words. Just the thought done was worth a million dollars to this fellow’s morale and in this thought I only echo the thoughts of all other Bryant alumni serving their country overseas.

Gratefully Yours
Walter L. Bergquist

[Transcription ends]

February 8th, 1943

Dear Sir—

I am a graduate of Bryant College, 1936 and at present am attending the Army Finance School here at Fort Benjamin Harrison. Insomuch as you have been very gracious to me on several other occasions, I am turning to you once more for assistance.

I am seeking an appointment as a warrant officer in the Finance Department of the Army and my formal application requires a letter of reference, with two signed original copies.

Am hoping that you can assist me in this matter inasmuch as your name on a letter of recommendation would help my application considerably. The only necessary consideration is that considerable urgency is required on my part as my application must be submitted by the 20th of February. Although I realize that you must be quite busy these days, I am hoping that you may be able to spare a few moments in which to grant my request.

Thank you very much for any consideration which you may be able to give me. I also wish to again thank the Bryant Service Club through you, for the thoughtfulness of the Christmas gift. It was a wonderful gesture and makes one feel very good to know that his Alma Mater is still thinking of him.

Very truly yours,
Private Walter L. Bergquist
Company H—2nd Finance Training
Battalion
Platoon 1
Fort Benjamin Harrison, Indiana
[Transcription ends]

Company H
2nd Finance Training Battalion
Fort Benjamin Harrison, Indiana

January 20, 1943
It’s 3:40 in the afternoon

Dear Friends-

I have received your wonderful Christmas package as of yesterday. Nothing you could have sent me could have been of greater use to me. The wind howls like mad out here and the temperature today is 11° below zero.

It certainly was a delightful and pleasant surprise and it is difficult for me to express my thanks and heartfelt gratitude for the remembrance. Every Bryant alumnus in the armed service undoubtedly feels the same warm glow in his heart at knowing that his school has not forgot him.

Very gratefully yours,

Private Walter L. Bergquist [Transcription ends]