UNITED STATES NAVY

On Tinian

14 Sept. 1944

1900

Dear Miss Blaney + Bryant Service Club:

After leaving Mississippi we spent a few weeks in California. That was our last stop in the States so you can be sure that a good time was had by all. Our stay there short; I will never forget the last look I got at the shores of California. I then realized that it would be a long time before I saw the states again. The band had marched us to the ship + as we loaded + boarded the transport they played the songs & marches that we wanted to hear. As we pulled out they started playing “The Song of the Islands” – I then was sure that our destination was the Hawaiian Islands. Some days later we docked only to leave the Hawaiian Islands a few weeks later.

While visiting Honolulu I met Herky Goldfield + Donald Rubinstein, two Bryant boys. It was a great day for us as we really painted the town red. We swam at Waikiki, dined at the Royal Hawaiian + really had fun. It was the last time I saw both fellas as I then shipped out.

After spending a good part of my life aboard ship we finally debarked upon reaching Tinian (in the Marianna Group) Struggling down cargo nets with full packs + rifles was the beginning of my life on the Tinian. When I hit the beach my first thought was “I wonder how long it will be before I board a ship headed for the Golden Gate”. My thoughts were interrupted as we then proceeded to climb aboard trucks. We were to be taken to our home.

On the way to our camp site this is what I saw: the town could have been a fairly large one; couldn’t tell because everything was a mass of rubbles; from then on the picture was same. Jap planes + equipment was scattered all over. Twisted steel, melted glass, craters and burned (Jap) equipment plus many other results of a barrage were a common theme.

After arriving at camp we started work immediately. Our camp site was in terrible shape but it wasn’t long before tents went up. It is surprising to observe the progress we have made since setting foot upon our site. K. + C. rations have been our food since arriving. I hope that soon we shall eat a hot meal – on tables. Trying to ward off flies, mosquitos, ants, bugs, lizards, worms + many others, and attempting to eat at the same time is quite a job. Milk + eggs, I mean the real stuff + not powdered, is something I haven’t had since leaving Hawaii + I sure miss it.

Rain + mud is plentiful here. It is getting so that we are making good use of rain. There are no shower facilities here so when it does rain we get our soap + towel + enjoy a good shower. When it doesn’t rain, the sun is out + powers forth with all its might. It gets so hot here that you can easily fry an egg (if you had one) on the tents. Dengue fever is the only disease present on this island. I’m looking forward to trying to pass this one up by covering myself well night + day.

Our recreation is reading + writing. Maybe someday we will have monies- I hope so.

Some of the Japs are in the hills a short way from us, which necessitates carrying a rifle with you. For a while they were sniping from the hills but it has quieted down somewhat. Frequently they are caught stealing into camp in search of food.

Please send me a copy of the “Campus” + other student publications. I am looking forward to hearing from you. Give my best to Profs. Appleby, Vinal, Gulski, Naylor and don’t forget Mac + John. Luck + Success to all.

Sincerely,

James J. LaRussa y2/c

U.S.N.

[Transcription ends]

"Somewhere in the Marianas Islands"
15 January 1945

Dear Bryant Service Club Members~

A heartful of thanks for your swell box of candy. the mates in my hut thank you too~for they helped me eat it. That is a usual occurance~it works both ways. We share & share alike.

Since last writing you things have changed. We no longer have trouble with the Japs who tried to snip[e?] at the camp~that is a relief. Instead we are visited (faithfully) by the Rising Sun bombers. Three months ago I saw my first Jap plane going down in flames. Now, it is not unusual to see 2 and 3 Bogey's go down in flames. Outside of bombings there isn't much more to report in the line of excitement

One of our beaches looks like Waikiki Beach in Honolulu. I like the water here a lot better as it's quite cooler. Diving for shells & cat-eyes is fun. Poisonous aquatic life do not frequent this particular beach, however some poisonous specie have been known to appear occasionally. But that does not stop me from taking a dip

Well, I've got about 8 hours of sack duty to put in so once again~thanks, & I'll be looking forward, when once again, I get a letter from you. The best of luck & success to you

Sincerely,
Jim LaRussa Y1c

[Transcription ends]

James J. LaRussa Y2/c
C. B. M. A. 597
c/o F. P. O.
San Francisco, Calif.
2 June 1944

Bryant Service Club
c/o Bryant College
Providence 6
Rhode Island. U. S. A.

Somewhere in the Hawaiian Islands

Dear Bryant Service Club:

Moving around, as I have been doing these past few months, have kept me fairly busy--that is why I haven't been able to write. I know Mr. Naylor wouldn't approve of one of his students starting a letter with an aplogy, but this is an exception, so please accept my apologies for not writing to you sooner.

I seems that when we Bryant students, who are in the service, want something they turn to their Alma Mater. If it is possible I would like very much to receive the college newspaper. I haven't received the last 4 issues and if convenient I would like to obtain them.

No doubt Miss Blaney has her hands filled these days, as there must be triple the amount of fellas in the service, who attended Bryant.

Give my regards to Ray Appleby, Mr. Richards and Mr. Vinal, and don't forget Mack and Sully.

Best wishes to all--

Jim LaRussa Y2/c

[Transcription ends]

James J. LaRussa Y 2/c
CBMY 597
ABDRB, Gulfport
Mississippi

April 8, 1944 [Postmark date]

Bryant Service Club
c/o Bryant College
Providence 6
Rhode Island

Dear Bryant Service Club

Thanks a million for the cigarettes – you can be sure they will be put to good use.

By the time you receive this card I will have moved. I will inform you of my new address.

Please send me the college newspaper as I would like to keep up with the news and progress of Bryant students. Certainly miss the place…I hope to be back and finish my studies.

Sincerely
J.J. LaRussa Y 2/c

[Transcription ends]

14 December 1943

Dear Bryant Students--

Many thanks for the candy and cigarettes. It was more than a pleasant surprise. Just the fact that I was remembered, amongst the hundreds of Bryant Service Men, makes me happy.

It is grand to have so many friends--some of which I have never met--once again "thanks," and I would like to wish you all a "Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year."

Loads of Luck,
James J. LaRussa S1c
Class of '44
[Transcription ends]

25 Sept. 1943
Saturday
1015 o’clock

Dear Bryant Students:

I have been in the service now for 4 weeks and I must admit that they have been the most interesting and toughest weeks of my life. I can only recall one week at Bryant which was just as tough as this training, and that was the week of examinations. Truly an unforgettable week.

I am in the United States Naval Seabees. The job of the Construction Battalion (C.B’s) is to build advanced bases in enemy territory and to protect the base from enemy troops until the allied forces arrive.

This branch has grown over-night. From an unknown outfit, it has received praise from the Army Generals and Marine fighters. There are Seabees in and on every battle front at the present time. On lands, of which I cannot reveal, that will shortly become fighting fronts. For anyone who wants to fight and build, the Seabees is the outfit for them.

Camp Peary is far from pleasant, but considering what I am going to get shortly, this is paradise.

I miss Bryant, as you will, when you leave. I’m sure you will not readily forget your days at Bryant. For the fellows there, make the most of that education you are getting cause it means a lot when you get into the service. Because of my education at Bryant I will be given the opportunity to attend Yeoman’s school.

I don knot expect to remain in the U.S.A. long, but I do expect to be up to see Bryant before I leave.

I have almost completed boat training. In one day, I will no longer be called a “boat”.

As any time in the Navy is not yours, I must close this letter and get ready for another walk. To be exact 10 miles.

Lots of luck and best wishes.

Sincerely
James J. LaRussa S²/_^c

[Transcription ends]

FROM J.J. LaRussa
144th Naval Constr. Batt.
Personnel Office
ABD, Gulfport, Miss.

TO-

Bryant Service Club
c/o Bryant College
Providence, R.I.

Dear Miss Blaney:

Sorry that I have not been able to write you sooner, but I have been moved again. This time it is the South…Mississippi to be exact. At first I didn’t quite appreciate the place, but now I really like it. Could you tell me where James Dunn ’44 is stationed? Also I would like to have sent to me the school paper, I’d certainly appreciate it. Do you have an extra list of the fellas who attended Bryant during 1943?

I will write a letter shortly, that is as soon as I can get settled.

Sincerely,
James J. LaRussa Y 3/c [Transcription ends]