Keywords

World War II;John W. Gorman, Jr.

Rights Management

All rights retained by Bryant University

Transcription

[Transcription begins]
Sept. 12, 1942

Chariman of The Bryant Service Club
Bryant Service Club
Bryant College,
Providence, R. I.

Dear Members,

I wish to take this opportunity of thanking all of you for your very fine thought. I was pleasantly surprised early this week upon the receipt of a gift package. Needless to inform you just how happy you made me feel. It is indeed a wonderful organization that you have set up at Bryant College composed of the students and members of the faculty, with the prime thought in mind of helping to make we fellows in the armed forces just a bit more happy. I am sure that all others who have received gifts similiar [sic] to the one I received were made just as happy as the receipt of same made me. Keep up the fine works—same keeps up the morale of all of us.

It is doubly encouraging to know that even though we are many miles, some here in the states and still others in far off places, we are not forgotten. Many members of your fine organization, no doubt, will shortly experience the thrill that I had experienced last week. When, and if they do, their thoughts will revert back to the pleasant days spent at Bryant College. And, too, they will understand only too well just how happy one can be made to feel when they know that folks “back home” still remember.

Incidentally, the package you sent me should have been received by me almost one month ago, if not longer. However, it was unavoidably delayed because I was no longer attached to the camp to which same was sent. I was transferred from Camp Wheeler, Ga. June 1st to help activate a new camp within the vicinity of Durham, N. C. This new camp is well on its way to being activated—and if I must say so, we fellows have done a very fine job here at Camp Butner. I was promoted to the rank of Corporal shortly before my transfer, and at this writing I am looking forward to another promotion.

I am attached to the Quartermaster Corps. My assignment in this particular branch of the army is that of Accounting—Property Accounting. It really is very interesting, and tends to keep my mind on the type of work that I was doing prior to my induction. Of course it is quite different to the ordinary Accounting that is done on the outside, nevertheless the basic fundamentals of accounting must be applied daily. My job is to keep a record of all property and equipment issued to the various organizations on the post, hence the term Property Accounting applies.

I have been in the service almost eighteen months now, being inducted March 18, 1941. However, I was released from active service last September 15th, I being over the twenty-eight year limit at that time. I realize only too well how fortunate I was to have been out at all. Was recalled to active service last January 6th. It was swell while it lasted, but it didn’t last long enough. I am reconciled to the fact that we have a job to do. Once the job is completed we all can go back to normal peaceful living once again. It is my sincere hope and prayer that it won’t be too long in coming.

Before closing let me take this opportunity in wishing all you members of the Bryant unit of the U.S.O. good luck and continued further success. Keep up the morale of we fellows in the service—we are depending on you to do just that. A little rembrance [sic] from time to time by the folks “back home” tend [sic] to give we fellows a big boost in spirits. Good-luck.

Very truly yours,
John W. Gorman, Jr.
Detach. Q.M.C. (W) S-C
Camp Butner, N. C.
[Transcription ends]

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