Sgt. Russell W. Brown
388^th Fighter Sqadron
AAB, Richmond, Virginia

BRYANT SERVICE CLUB
Bryant College
Providence, Rhode Island

July 3, 1943 [Postmark date]

Bryant Service Club:

Again I want to extend my thanks for the 2 flat packs of camels. They were warmly received and thoroughly enjoyed.

I had hoped to come to Bryant soon and look around, but everybody is pretty busy and you just can’t pick up and travel when you want to. Best of luck to you all and may you all enjoy the best of health.

Sincerely:

Russell W. Brown
Class of ‘39

“KEEP EM FLYING”

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Dear Friends,

Spring is here and we are enjoying some good sunny weather which makes all the difference in the world to a Fighter Group. We do love good clear, sunny days, then 'ol Adolph really knows we're around.

The war news sounds swell doesn't it? The way the boys are pushing into Germany, anything can happen now. All we can do is keep on plugging and count off each day as one day nearer VE day.

There isn't much around here for excitement outside of the movies, then some of those shows aren't too hot. But with each day getting longer, the softball games will start along with other outdoor recreations, the business of war permitting of course.

We have a nice area here in the fatherland. Very picturesque except for some of the outlying areas. But after all you can't expect to find things in the pink of condition, which the Heinies are finding out.

Since I started my tour of the old world, I haven't run across one Bryant Alumnus outside of myself. I think it very odd and can't seem to figure it out. Maybe I just don't go to the right places. I know we have them all over the world, but I still have hopes. Maybe after this mess is over we could get together in Paris or some other place and throw a celebration.

I was glad to get your recent letter telling of all the recent changes around Bryant. I can surely see that things are moving along at an ever increasing pace. Some of the names mentioned were unfamiliar but I recalled a lot of them. I had a clipping from a Providence newspaper recently telling all about Chet Desormeaux's recent adventure and he even got engaged too, didn't he? I know Chet real well and wish him all the luck in the world, as well as all the other lads in the service.

Well as you can see, news is scarce, partly due to censorship, so will close with a good good-bye to you all.

Best of luck and good fortune, always,

Russell W. Brown
Russell W. Brown '39
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Somewhere in Belgium
Dec 22, 1944

Dear Friends,

Your Christmas package arrived yesterday and it was a swell surprise. It was in excellent condition and you can be assured that the contents received extra special attention.

Altho [sic] most of us won’t be where we would like to be at Christmas time, we celebrate the best we can.

We have just recently completed building a dayroom for after work leisure. It is a swell place to read, write and relax and listen to the brand new radio. The most important feature is the bar which serves the best beer and cognac. The whole set up is the envy of every other squadron on the field.

Our group also runs an Enlisted Man’s club in the nearby city which is really ritzy. All the modern conveniences of a large hotel and the Saturday nite [sic] dance with the local belles is the highlight of the week. So you can see that things could be a lot worse, at least here.

The weather lately hasn’t been any too wonderful so I won’t take any time to praise this country about that.

This country is just about as good as any of these old countries in this old world. All of them are do far behind the good ol [sic] USA that they never will catch up. One exception might be the gay city of Paris. A visit to that city will never be forgotten, at least I won’t forget my two trips.

I read all about Lt Desormeaux and his recent adventure in a clipping sent to me. He sure led an exciting life for a while there. I still haven’t run into any Bryant Alumni in my journeys around this world. Maybe I will before we all get home tho [sic].

Well, thanks again for the Christmas pkg. It was swell of each and every one of you.

Best of luck, Merry Xmas and the happiest of New Years to you all.
Russell Brown

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S/Sgt R W Brown
33221215
388 7^th Sq 365 7^th 6p
APO 141 PM
N.Y.

Bryant Service Club
Bryant College
Providence, R.I.

Somewhere in France

Dear Friends:

PLEASE ADDRESS ME AS SHOWN BELOW UNTIL OTHERWISE ADVISED

S/Sgt Russell W. Brown 33221215
388 Fighter Squadron 365 Fighter Group
A.P.O. No. 141, c/o Postmaster, New York, N.Y.

The above COMPLETE ADDRESS should be placed on ALL MAIL sent to me
MY CODE ADDRESS IS AMYUKU
Normal signature Russell W. Brown

SPACE BELOW FOR MESSAGE

Everything going pretty good. We are enjoying or putting up with a beautiful layer of snow all over everything. Wish we had the time and items to go skiing or sledding.

Best of everything to you all in 1945.

As Ever
Russell

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March 22, 1943 [Postmark Date]

Chairman of the Bryant Service Club
c/o Bryant College
Providence, Rhode Island

This is to thank you for the latest gift of cigarettes which I have just received. I appreciate the thoughtfulness very much.

I would sure like to come up and visit you all very soon.

Best of Luck and Happy Studying.

Russell W. Brown
Class of ‘39
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Many thanks for the cigarettes at Xmas time. I received them in good condition and in time for Christmas.

I think your [sic] all doing a great thing and I know all the other Bryant Soldiers appreciate it as much as I do.

(Signed) Pvt. Russell W. Brown
Class of ‘39

[Card inscription]:

Best Wishes for a Happy Holiday Season and a New Year of Health and Happiness

Private Russell W. Brown

Pvt. Russell W. Brown
325th Fighter Squadron
Army Air Base
Richmond, Virginia
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