Recap: We first met Lt. Reichard in January, stationed at McClellan Air Base in Sacramento, where he was in charge of a motor pool unit.  Expecting to be sent overseas, their orders were changed and they became restless to see action.  Lt. Reichard’s sweetheart, Ginny, would write frequently, and he would go to dinner and movies with local girls – Dorothy, in Sacramento, and Marie, when the unit moved to Gowen Field in Boise, Idaho.  The men have spent their days in lectures, and physical demonstrations to try to keep sharp mentally and physically.    But they are getting increasingly restless.

February 10, 1943 Diary Page

Transcript of diary entry   February 10, 1943

Wednesday, February 10, 1943

Gowen Fieid, Boise, Idaho

This morning I got up a little earlier and went over to check the supply records before the Colonel got here. Everything looked in order. Well he came and we covered everything from top to bottom. We got in a report that O.C.S. applicants would appear before the board which gets rid of five of our best men if the are sent to school before we leave here. Also three more men were put on limited service. This meant three more replacements. Well we had six men from another outfit who were over in strength, come over and we interviewed them. We picked three men that look pretty good. The Colonel finished up with us about five o ‘clock and we let out a sigh of relief. He’s a swell guy but sure misses nothing. I think we made a pretty good impression but he doesn’t talk much so I found out little of what he thought. I went over to the gym for a short work out then came back to the office and wrote a couple letters. Tonight I saw an Orson Welles picture. He has a way of dramatizing every incident so that it holds you completely. I didn’t say I like his pictures but I always make it a point to see them. Why? Tonight I should try to write some letters. I’m getting so I dislike the job immensely. I used to like to write.

Good Night

The USS Thatcher (DD-514) was commissioned on this day in 1943. The Thatcher would be heavily damaged by Japanese kamikaze aircraft on July 19, 1945, off Okinawa. (U.S. National Archives)

To view previous diary entries, click here.

The Day That Was: February 10, 1943

• USS Thatcher (DD-514), built by the Bath Iron Works, Bath, Maine, was commissioned. In April and May, Thatcher served as an escort for trans-Atlantic convoys before it was transferred to the Pacific in June where she operated with the fast aircraft carriers during their late-August raid on Marcus Island. She then went to the South Pacific where she participated in the assault on Bougainville at the beginning of November 1943. (http://www.navsource.org/archives/05/514.htm)

• Robert M. Underhill, the secretary of the regents of the University of California, and UC President Robert Gordon Sproul accepted a letter of intent from the Manhattan District of the Corps of Engineers (MED) to operate Project Y—the Los Alamos Laboratory in the development of the atomic bomb. It was similar to another agreement with the university for “certain investigations to be directed by Dr. J. R. Oppenheimer” at a cost of $150,000 covering the period Jan. 1, 1943, to July 31, 1943. (http://www.mphpa.org/classic/HISTORY/H-06c11.htm)

• The German submarine U-519 was sunk by Army aircraft northwest of Spain. (http://www.blountweb.com/blountcountymilitary/wars/ww2/timelines/1943_ww2.htm)

• B-24 Liberator heavy bombers and B-25 Mitchell medium bombers dropped bombs on the enemy camp area at Kiska and on installations at North Head. Seven float-type Zeros were observed on the water, but no attempt to intercept was made. All U. S. planes returned. (http://www.ibiblio.org/pha/comms/1943-02.html)

Production Credits:
Diary transcription: Kathleen Long

Diary photos: Claudia Forbes

Video production: Alison Harder

Narration: Mountain VIsta H.S. Theater Department

Jeremy Goldson, Department Chair; Sean McGill – voice of Lt. Reichard

Recap: We first met Lt. Reichard in January, stationed at McClellan Air Base in Sacramento, where he was in charge of a motor pool unit.  Expecting to be sent overseas, their orders were changed and they became restless to see action.  Lt. Reichard’s sweetheart, Ginny, would write frequently, and he would go to dinner and movies with local girls – Dorothy, in Sacramento, and Marie, when the unit moved to Gowen Field in Boise, Idaho.  The men have spent their days in lectures, and physical demonstrations to try to keep sharp mentally and physically.    But they are getting increasingly restless.

February 8, 1943 Diary Page

Transcript of diary entry   February 8, 1943

Monday, February 8, 1943

Gowen Fieid, Boise, Idaho

Headquarters called up about eleven o’clock this morning and said an inspector general was on his way to inspect us. Well we made a hurried check over to make sure our records were alright then waited. At four thirty he called and said he had just gotten in so he wouldn’t be over until nine tomorrow. That’s the way it goes and we just grow grey hair. This morning we had lectures and the boys are beginning to do a pretty good job of it now. It took them a little time to get confidence as talking before an audience is something new. This afternoon after the regular lecture we went over to the gym for regular work out and I got it. I’m trying to learn how to box and I sure take a beating. I nearly was lifted off the ground by an uppercup and my jaw is still sore. Tonight I stayed in with the purpose in mind of writing letters but for some reason or other I was too restless. I almost decided to go in town but didn’t. I read until about eleven then finally went to bed but couldn’t sleep. Something sure is wrong because I generally go to sleep as soon as I hit the bed. It was about one o’clock before I dozed off.

Good Night

In Operation Longcloth, 3,000 Chindits (a "long range penetration group"), under British Gen. Orde Wingate, began their march into Burma on this day in 1943. (Public Domain)

To view previous diary entries, click here.

The Day That Was: February 8, 1943

• Operation Longcloth, 3,000 Chindits (a “long range penetration group”) under British Gen. Orde Wingate, began their march into Burma on this day in 1943. The original intent had been to use the Chindits as a part of a larger offensive, but it was cancelled. Wingate persuaded Gen. Archibald Wavell to send the Chindits into Burma in spite of the cancellation of the larger offensive. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Timeline_of_World_War_II_(1943))

• U. S. ground forces on Guadalcanal Island advanced to positions one-half mile west of the Segilau River in the vicinity of Doma Cove. On the northwest coast of the island, U.S. troops advanced to the northeast as far as Visale. No opposition was encountered. A large amount of enemy equipment was captured. (http://www.ibiblio.org/pha/comms/1943-02.html)

• Indian nationalist leaders Subhas Chandra Bose and Abid Hasan left Kiel, Germany, aboard the German submarine U-180. (http://www.dkosopedia.com/wiki/1943)

Production Credits:

Diary transcription: Kathleen Long

Diary photos: Claudia Forbes

Video production: Alison Harder

Narration: Mountain Vista H.S. Theater Department

Jeremy Goldson, Department Chair; Sean McGill – voice of Lt. Reichard

Recap: We first met Lt. Reichard in January, stationed at McClellan Air Base in Sacramento, where he was in charge of a motor pool unit.  Expecting to be sent overseas, their orders were changed and they became restless to see action.  Lt. Reichard’s sweetheart, Ginny, would write frequently, and he would go to dinner and movies with local girls – Dorothy, in Sacramento, and Marie, when the unit moved to Gowen Field in Boise, Idaho.  The men have spent their days in lectures, and physical demonstrations to try to keep sharp mentally and physically.    But they are getting increasingly restless.

February 7, 1943 Diary Page

Transcript of diary entry   February 7, 1943

Sunday, February 7, 1943

Gowen Fieid, Boise, Idaho

This morning I received a telegram from Sgt. Sanders. “Arrived just in time. Cigars in order. 8 lb 9 oz boy born Friday night. Every thing O.K.” I feel as relieved as if the kid were mine instead of his I’m so proud. This afternoon the music on the radio is beautiful. John Charles Thomas is on now singing all the songs I love. He just finished singing “All the Things you Are.” That song seems like it was written for Ginnie and myself and it it makes me miss her like the very devil. Missing her is something I don’t talk about much any more. It hurts too much and means too much to talk about. Mother thinks I’m forgetting because I don’t write about her any more. Some how I just like to keep it to myself or tell Virginia. This afternoon I stayed in and wrote letters until four thirty when I went in to Marie’s for dinner. As usual we had a delicious meal. We sat around and talked until about eight when we went in town and met Ray & Helen and went to a show. It was a very good show. After the show we went up to the Boise club for a drink and dance. It was getting late so we didn’t have much time. Every thing closes at twelve. Helen remarked that it looked like I was headed for trouble again and I said I had it. She is going to try to tell Marie to lay off the mush. I can see I have to see a lot less of that young lady. Why in the hell do girls get such ideas.

Good Night

A rush was on to buy shoes, as it was announced on this day in 1943 that shoe rationing in the United States would be going into effect in two days. (Esther Bubley, Library of Congress)

To view previous diary entries, click here.

The Day That Was: February 7, 1943

• Across the land bridge to Leningrad, within range of Germany artillery, a Soviet train arrived at a bomb-damaged station in Leningrad. People weakened by hunger and hardship were jubilant over the breakthrough. (http://www.fsmitha.com/time1943.htm)

• In the United States, it was announced that shoe rationing would go into effect in two days. (http://gmu.mossiso.com/689/?p=timeline)

Production Credits:
Diary transcription: Kathleen Long

Diary photos: Claudia Forbes

Video production: Alison Harder

Narration: Mountain VIsta H.S. Theater Department

Jeremy Goldson, Department Chair; Sean McGill – voice of Lt. Reichard

Recap: We first met Lt. Reichard in January, stationed at McClellan Air Base in Sacramento, where he was in charge of a motor pool unit.  Expecting to be sent overseas, their orders were changed and they became restless to see action.  Lt. Reichard’s sweetheart, Ginny, would write frequently, and he would go to dinner and movies with local girls – Dorothy, in Sacramento, and Marie, when the unit moved to Gowen Field in Boise, Idaho.  The men have spent their days in lectures, and physical demonstrations to try to keep sharp mentally and physically.    But they are getting increasingly restless.

February 6, 1943 Diary Page

Transcript of diary entry   February 6, 1943

Saturday, February 6, 1943

Gowen Fieid, Boise, Idaho

This is what most people would call a dull day. When you get right down to it most of the days seem pretty dull now. This business of sitting here on this post doing practicaly nothing is enough to get on one’s nerves. I found out that army life during peace time would never suit me. I have to have a goal to aim for. The one now is to get my outfit ready for overseas. It has been ready for nearly two months and Im restless. In peace time what would the aim be. It only takes so long to train an outfit then what can you do? You can be promoted, but that is too much just a matter of course. I have to have something more interesting. Sitting still, looking handsome in a uniform is not my idea of life. This morning we held a clothing inspection and found the men short very little. This is the only way I can be assured we are ready all the time for an immediate call. We could pull out on a twelve hour notice with little trouble. This afternoon I went over to the gym and worked out for nearly two hours. One thing I’m going to do if I ever get home is set up a small gym. This evening I met Marie about nine and we killed time until twelve. It was a dull evening. I’m going to quit seeing her so much. These girls get ideas to fast to suit me.

Good Night

A lobby poster for the RKO Radio Pictures Disney animated feature, “Saludos Amigos,” which was released on this day

To view previous diary entries, click here.

The Day That Was: February 6, 1943

• RKO Radio Pictures released Disney’s animated feature film “Saludos Amigos” to theaters in the U.S. It cost $300,000 to make and included the animated short films, “Lake Titicaca” (with Donald Duck), “Pedro, El Gaucho Goofy” (with Goofy) and “Aquarela do Brasil” (with Donald Duck). It would take in $1.2 million worldwide in gross theater receipts. (http://www.islandnet.com/~kpolsson/disnehis/disn1943.htm)

Production Credits:
Diary transcription: Kathleen Long

Diary photos: Claudia Forbes

Video production: Alison Harder

Narration: Mountain VIsta H.S. Theater Department

Jeremy Goldson, Department Chair; Sean McGill – voice of Lt. Reichard

Recap: We first met Lt. Reichard in January, stationed at McClellan Air Base in Sacramento, where he was in charge of a motor pool unit.  Expecting to be sent overseas, their orders were changed and they became restless to see action.  Lt. Reichard’s sweetheart, Ginny, would write frequently, and he would go to dinner and movies with local girls – Dorothy, in Sacramento, and Marie, when the unit moved to Gowen Field in Boise, Idaho.  The men have spent their days in lectures, and physical demonstrations to try to keep sharp mentally and physically.    But they are getting increasingly restless.

February 4, 1943 Diary Page

Transcript of diary entry   February 4, 1943

Thursday,  February 4, 1943

Gowen Fieid, Boise, Idaho

This morning I woke up at seven and went to breakfast. We were to go on the range today but it was snowing like the devil. I called Ray and he said we might as well go out there so if it did clear by daylight we be there to take advantage of it. We got dressed and went out. It started to rain so after hanging around a while we decided to leave. First of all though I wanted to take the jeep up some of the hills so Ray, 2 sgts, and myself took off. It was a lot of fun and we pulled some rare stunts. After we nearly took a nose dive off a near cliff we decided to quit. There was no sense in coming back to camp so we decided to ___________ a convoy up into the mountains. We took Route 21 up the canyon for thirty miles and saw some gorgeous country. As soon as we got out of the valley and into the hills it was a lot colder and the higher we went the deeper was the snow. It was about two foot on the level where we turned around. I never in my life saw so many deer. They were everywhere. The canyon is formed by a river so they probably came down to it when it was a little warmer. I did not have my camera but think we will go up again Friday or Saturday and I’ll be sure to have it. We got back about two and had a couple lectures then called it quits for the day. I sent M/Sgt. Sanders to Sacremento where his wife is to have a baby. She is about five days overdue so hes worried. He left this morning on the bus.

On this day, American P-40s, like these three, strafed Japanese installations on the island of Kiska. (U.S. National Archives)

Good Night

To view previous diary entries, click here.

The Day That Was: February 4, 1943

• American P-40s strafed Japanese installations on the island of Kiska. Five enemy bombers attacked American positions on Amchitka. (http://www.sfmuseum.org/war/43.html)

• Harry James’ version of “I Had the Craziest Dream” reached No. 1 on the pop charts.

Production Credits:
Diary transcription: Kathleen Long

Diary photos: Claudia Forbes

Video production: Alison Harder

Narration: Mountain VIsta H.S. Theater Department

Jeremy Goldson, Department Chair; Sean McGill – voice of Lt. Reichard

Recap: We first met Lt. Reichard in January, stationed at McClellan Air Base in Sacramento, where he was in charge of a motor pool unit.  Expecting to be sent overseas, their orders were changed and they became restless to see action.  Lt. Reichard’s sweetheart, Ginny, would write frequently, and he would go to dinner and movies with local girls – Dorothy, in Sacramento, and Marie, when the unit moved to Gowen Field in Boise, Idaho.  The men have spent their days in lectures, and physical demonstrations to try to keep sharp mentally and physically.    But they are getting increasingly restless.

February 3, 1943 Diary Page (click to enlarge)

Transcript of diary entry   February 3, 1943

Wednesday,  February 3, 1943

Gowen Fieid, Boise, Idaho

This morning there was a letter from the War Department addressed to 1st Lt. Raymond P. Seitz. I gave it to one of the men and we set a watch out for Ray. This watch let us know when he came in so as he walked up the stairs we all sang “Happy First to you.” Then a short presentation speech and handed him his commission. Of course we made him give us a speech. He was more excited then when he got his wife. This really came in fast as his recommendation went in three weeks after mine and papers came back ten days after mine. Then he went up to the P.X. and bought a box of cigars.
This afternoon we went over to the gym and practiced Jiu-Jitsu for a couple hours. We don’t have much to work on except what that Sergeant showed us and what we can pick up from a book but we can work on these. After that we had our free for all and really got a workout. F____________ got hit in the head and was sent to the hospital. I was relieved to hear that it was from an old injury he had not told us about and not because we were too rough. He has had this trouble before but never said anything. He may be just on limited service. This evening I went to a show on the Post. It was good. “The Immortal Sergeant.” After the show I went in town to the Boise club. I met a mining engineer who could tell some interesting stories. His mine is in the northern part of the state and its beautiful country.

Good Night

To view previous diary entries, click here.

U.S. Attorney General Francis Biddle (left) established prohibited zones forbidden to enemy aliens. German, Italian and Japanese aliens were ordered to leave waterfront areas across the U.S. Eastern seaboard and the West Coast. (U.S. National Archives)

The Day That Was: February 3, 1943

• U.S. Attorney General Francis Biddle established prohibited zones forbidden to enemy aliens. German, Italian and Japanese aliens were ordered to leave waterfront areas across the Eastern seaboard and the West Coast. (http://www.dkosopedia.com/wiki/1943)

• Hitler’s government could not hide its defeat at Stalingrad. German radio announced three days of mourning for the German troops who died there. A government directive ordered journalists to put a special spin on the loss. Rather than the result of Hitler’s mistakes, the defeat at Stalingrad was to be described “as an example of the highest heroism and complete willingness to sacrifice for the victory of the German people.” (http://www.fsmitha.com/time1943.htm)

Production Credits:
Diary transcription: Kathleen Long

Diary photos: Claudia Forbes

Video production: Alison Harder

Narration: Mountain VIsta H.S. Theater Department

Jeremy Goldson, Department Chair; Sean McGill – voice of Lt. Reichard

Recap: We first met Lt. Reichard in January, stationed at McClellan Air Base in Sacramento, where he was in charge of a motor pool unit.  Expecting to be sent overseas, their orders were changed and they became restless to see action.  Lt. Reichard’s sweetheart, Ginny, would write frequently, and he would go to dinner and movies with local girls – Dorothy, in Sacramento, and Marie, when the unit moved to Gowen Field in Boise, Idaho.  The men have spent their days in lectures, and physical demonstrations to try to keep sharp mentally and physically.    But they are getting increasingly restless.

February 1, 1943 Diary Page (click to enlarge)

Transcript of diary entry   February 1, 1943

Monday,  February 1, 1943

Gowen Fieid, Boise, Idaho

We are getting more & more fed up each day with this business of sitting around. The men as well as Ray and myself are getting restless. I wish we would either go now or stay here and set up a shop. We will get stale sitting around like this. This morning five of the men took our trucks up to the shop and worked them over good. These trucks certainly did needed it. The rest of the men had lectures and drill for the morning. They are losing all enthusiasm for this work and I don’t like it. Its all I can do to keep their interest up. This afternoon we went over to the Gym as usual and played basket ball then did some wrestling. They don’t even do that like they used to. The way things go on this field you no more than make friends before you lose them. A month is the longest they stay at this school. Bob Blake the boy I flew with this past week is leaving tomorrow for his 2nd plane training. I wrote three type written pages home to Chick. I hope I didn’t do too much preaching but he needs some any way. I wrote he could put a year in the army then go back to the farm. It would do him good. Im staying in tonight to write some and get in a little reading.

Good Night

To view previous diary entries, click here.

The Day That Was: February 1, 1943

• The 442nd Regimental Combat Team, composed of Americans of Japanese ancestry, was activated by President Roosevelt, who declared that “Americanism is not and never was, a matter of race and ancestry.” (http://the.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/2007/Jun/17/ln/ln01a.html)

• The U.S. Army’s Signal Intelligence Service, a forerunner of the National Security Agency, began a small, very secret program, later code-named VENONA. The original object of the VENONA program was to examine, and possibly exploit, encrypted Soviet diplomatic communications. These messages had been accumulated by the Signal Intelligence Service (later renamed the U.S. Army Signal Security Agency and commonly called “Arlington Hall” after the Virginia location of its headquarters) since 1939, but had not been studied previously. American analysts discovered that these Soviet communications dealt with not only diplomatic subjects but also espionage matters. (http://timeline.demesnes.net/1943/02/)

• A Japanese force of 20 destroyers, en route to evacuate 13,000 troops from Guadalcanal, was attacked by motor torpedo boats and aircraft from Henderson Field. (http://www.blountweb.com/blountcountymilitary/wars/ww2/timelines/1943_ww2.htm)

• The destroyer USS De Haven (DD-469) was sunk by dive bombers in the Solomons. The Japanese destroyer Makigumo was sunk by a mine off Doma Reef, also in the Solomons. (http://www.blountweb.com/blountcountymilitary/wars/ww2/timelines/1943_ww2.htm)

• Three hundred soldiers appeared in Irving Berlin’s “This Is the Army” at the San Francisco Opera House with Berlin making a personal appearance. Proceeds went to the Army’s Relief Fund. The show was made into a motion picture starring Ronald Reagan and George Murphy. (http://www.sfmuseum.net/war/43.html) (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0036430/fullcredits#cast)

A program from Irving Berlin's "This is the Army," which played at the San Francisco Opera House on this day in 1943. The show included a cast of more than 300 active-duty soldiers and sailors and a personal appearance by Berlin himself, singing “How I Hate to Get Up.” (Quakertown Heirlooms, http://www.goantiques.com/detail,irving-berlins-army,1342662.html)

Production Credits:
Diary transcription: Kathleen Long

Diary photos: Claudia Forbes

Video production: Alison Harder

Narration: Mountain VIsta H.S. Theater Department

Jeremy Goldson, Department Chair; Sean McGill – voice of Lt. Reichard

January 31, 1943 Diary Page (click to enlarge)

Transcript of diary entry   January 31, 1943

Sunday,  January 31, 1943

Gowen Fieid, Boise, Idaho

This morning I had the clock set for eight so I got up. I got over to the office about nine and made arrangements to pay the men off. We had to pay six of them on vouchers so I took them up to the Finance office and cleared that up the same time I picked up the payroll. We came on back to the office and I paid them off. Fifteen minutes later a craps game was going on in one end of the barracks and a blackjack in another. Before night one of the boys had cleaned up nearly $100.00 and that aint hay brother. I can’t see how those men can sit down and lose most of a months pay and than do the same thing next month. Maybe I’m not built right.

About three thirty I had Pvt. Dailey run me in to Marie’s house. Ray and Helen were there as we had all been invited to dinner. They had a fire going so we all sat around the fireplace and talked. Also went outside and took some pictures. We had dinner about six and it was delicious. We had a thick cut steak medium rare plus hot rolls. For dessert we had hot cinnamon rolls. Boy were they good. We sat around the fireplace after dinner until ten thirty talking then Marie ran us down town. I took a bus out to camp and turned in early.

Good Night

To view previous diary entries, click here.

The Day That Was: January 31, 1943
• To Adolf Hitler’s disgust, German Field Marshall Paulus and 15 other generals, trapped in Stalingrad, surrendered the southern group of his army. Two days later, General Schreck surrendered the northern group. The VI Army was no more. (http://www.holocaustresearchproject.org/nazioccupation/opbarb.html)

• Vichy France created the Milice (Militia) under the command of Joseph Darnand, an extreme right-wing World War I veteran, to combat the Resistance. The Milice effectively became an arm of the German occupation forces and reached a strength of more than 20,000 by mid-1944. (http://www.worldwar-2.net/timelines/war-in-europe/western-europe/western-europe-index-1943.htm)

• Finnish leadership was sure that Germany would lose the war and started to think how to make peace with Allies. (http://www.lysator.liu.se/nordic/mirror/sa-int/hist.html)

• The 8th Army took Zuara, near the Tunisian frontier. (http://www.worldwar-2.net/timelines/war-in-the-desert/war-in-the-desert-index-1943.htm)

Production Credits:
Diary transcription: Kathleen Long

Diary photos: Claudia Forbes

Video production: Alison Harder

Narration: Mountain VIsta H.S. Theater Department

Jeremy Goldson, Department Chair; Sean McGill – voice of Lt. Reichard

January 29, 1943 Diary Page (click to enlarge)

Transcript of diary entry   January 29, 1943

Friday,  January 29, 1943

Gowen Fieid, Boise, Idaho

This morning I felt pretty good and a good breakfast set me fine. I had a job to do today I didn’t relish but could see no honest way out of. That is busting a man. Sgt. B________ nearly cost me $200.00 by his carelessness and laziness in his duties as supply sgt. last summer and early this fall. I sent him away to school early in Nov. and put a rookie with a lot of nerve in his place and we finally got the books in order and equipment up to date. It took plenty of work and a lot of broken army regulations but it was done even to the satisfaction of the Post Inspector. Well he came back from school last night and today we sent in a recommendation for his bust. I called him into the office and told him the set up and all details. He had no defense and agreed he had it coming. I’m glad that is over with. I don’t know if that will set him on his feet or not but I hope so because he could be a damn useful man if he got over the careless and lazy streak.

It has tried to snow all day and finally succeeded tonight. I like the feel of this weather. Today we did very little outside of the usual lectures and gym work. Monday I have a Jiu-Jitsu expert lined up to give the men instruction. It is something that will never hurt them to know. A lieutenant came over from headquarters today to check our equipment. I don’t get the point but I guess he knows what he’s doing. I’m going to send out a tracer on that shortage list if I don’t hear from it soon.

Good Night

To view previous diary entries, click here.

The Day That Was: January 29, 1943

• Dr. Ernst Kaltenbrunner took the post in Adolf Hitler’s inner circle vacated by the assassinated Reinhard Heydrich. Kaltenbrunner would oversee the death camps, Einsatzgruppen, SS and Gestapo. (http://history.howstuffworks.com/world-war-ii/russian-army-repels-hitlers-forces14.htm)

• The Nazis ordered all Gypsies arrested and sent to extermination camps. (http://team8-3.pbwiki.com/1943-timeline)

• In the Battle of Rennell Island, a cruiser and destroyer task force under Rear Adm. Robert Giffen, covering the movement of troop transports to Guadalcanal, was bombed by Japanese aircraft near Rennell Island. (http://www.blountweb.com/blountcountymilitary/wars/ww2/timelines/1943_ww2.htm)

• Advance units of the 8th Army crossed the Tunisian frontier from Libya. (http://www.worldwar-2.net/timelines/war-in-the-desert/war-in-the-desert-index-1943.htm)

Production Credits:
Diary transcription: Kathleen Long

Diary photos: Claudia Forbes

Video production: Alison Harder

Narration: Mountain VIsta H.S. Theater Department

Jeremy Goldson, Department Chair; Sean McGill – voice of Lt. Reichard

January 28, 1943 Diary Page (click to enlarge)

Transcript of diary entry   January 28, 1943

Thursday,  January 28, 1943

Gowen Fieid, Boise, Idaho

Today I won’t forget for a while. I went up in a “B17″ a Flying Fortress as it is commonly called and got sick as a dog. It’s the first time I’ve ever been air sick and I hope the last. I don’t think I have ever been sicker in my life. We took off about one on a bombing mission up on the plateau to the east of camp. There is a railroad track up there and a water tower surrounded by a few houses. This we used as our objective. We went up and down that track about three or four hundred feet up for three solid hours traveling about 250 MPh. I was alright for the first hour and a half. In fact I was enjoying myself thoroughly looking the plane over from one end to the other. Then I got the brilliant idea of going up in the top gunner turret. There I played around for about half an hour training the guns on every thing in sight. It was a hell of a lot of fun and I wasn’t thinking about what the training manual said up there might be doing to my stomach until it was too late. I made a bee line for the rear mens and just made it. I was a sick individual for the next hour. The combination of low flying and the turret is probably what did it. The next time I go up I will make sure it’s a high flying mission. This evening you can bet I stayed home and nursed a sick stomach. I did manage to write some letters. I feel much better now and I did put some supper down.

Good Night

To view previous diary entries, click here.

The Day That Was: January 28, 1943

• The War Relocation Authority (WRA) began processing loyalty questionnaires. U.S. Army officially activated the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, composed of the 100th Battalion from Hawaii and Japanese-American volunteers from the mainland internment camps. Nearly 10,000 Hawaiian Nisei (second generation Japanese-Americans) volunteered for military service, but only 1,100 of the mainland prisoners volunteered.

• Nine Norwegian commandos successfully climbed down the steep gorge on one side of the German “heavy water” plant at Telemark and worked their way up a 500-foot, almost sheer rock face to reach the plant on the other side of the gorge. Undetected, they gained entrance and successfully set and detonated their explosives, ruining the plant. All the commandos escaped safely without taking or inflicting any casualties. (http://www.worldwar-2.net/timelines/war-in-europe/scandinavia/scandinavia-index-1943.htm)

• A new conscription law in Germany was enacted. Men between 16 and 35 and women between 17 and 45 were open to mobilization. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Timeline_of_World_War_II_(1943))

• Japan’s Prime Minister Tojo told parliament of his government’s intention to recognize the independence of Burma and the Philippines and to aid India in its liberation from British rule. (http://www.fsmitha.com/time1943.htm)

Production Credits:
Diary transcription: Kathleen Long

Diary photos: Claudia Forbes

Video production: Alison Harder

Narration: Mountain VIsta H.S. Theater Department

Jeremy Goldson, Department Chair; Sean McGill – voice of Lt. Reichard

January 27, 1943 Diary Page (click to enlarge)

Transcript of diary entry   January 27, 1943

Wednesday,  January 27, 1943

Gowen Fieid, Boise, Idaho

This morning was spent getting ready for this afternoon. We must have worked out a little too long on those dives yesterday because we were all pretty sore. We tried a new system today. Instead of diving over sticks we dove over men. You can judge where to take off much better that way. In the morning practice we were diving well over eight feet using five men on their backs and knees as hurdles. We worked out our schedule then took off for the rest of the morning. We went in town about three. We went on at three forty five and I gave an introductory speech trying to put across the importance of physical training then we went into our diving act. They have a swell gym with plenty of room. This diving act went over with a bang. We finally cleared ten feet. The ten foot try mostly stumped me. I got off on the wrong foot and didn’t realize it until I was ready to take off. I went all over the place taking the men I was to go over with me. The next time I made it. Then we had a interesting match between ________ and myself. We made it look rough. After that came the “free for all.” It was a pretty good show and made the papers. This evening I met our four new men at the station. I sent them out to camp then met Marie. We picked up Ray & Helen and saw a show then stopped into the Boise Club for a while. We left early. It was raining most of the evening.

Good Night

To view previous diary entries, click here.

The Day That Was: January 27, 1943

• For the first time, the United States Army Air Force (USAAF) staged a heavy bomber attack on Germany. Fifty Boeing B17 Flying Fortresses of the 1st Bombardment Wing, 8th USAAF, attacked Emden and the large naval base at Wilhelmhaven, causing extensive damage. (http://www.century-of-flight.net/Aviation%20history/aviation%20timeline/1943.htm)

Production Credits:
Diary transcription: Kathleen Long

Diary photos: Claudia Forbes

Video production: Alison Harder

Narration: Mountain VIsta H.S. Theater Department

Jeremy Goldson, Department Chair; Sean McGill – voice of Lt. Reichard

January 26, 1943 Diary Page (click to enlarge)

Transcript of diary entry   January 26, 1943

Tuesday,  January 26, 1943

Gowen Fieid, Boise, Idaho

Well this morning I called the men together and I really worked them over. They have had it coming because they have let down in their military more than just a little. Our set up here has made it quite difficult to carry on as a military unit and the sooner we get to where we belong and get on our regular job the better I’m going to like it. When I finished Sgt. Enright took it up. One thing I’ve put a stop to is this business of everyone coming to me with their troubles. They are supposed to see the field Sgt. then if he sees fit they come to me. They are doing entirely too much complaining. There are a few gold bricks that want to mess the whole thing up. I’ve given orders that those men will be taken care of. I think they will be.

This afternoon we did some tumbling. The running dive type. We had it as process of elimination and the final dive was 7′ 6″. That is quite a dive in any man’s language. This morning they had more lectures. I called Engineers about the packing lumber they were supposed to get us. They don’t have it yet. This is a hell of a field to get anything done. I got a letter from Sacramento today from ________. She says she is going to get a job and work for a month or so. I wonder if all is right. This evening I went in town, saw a bum show and came out early.

Good Night

To view previous diary entries, click here.

The Day That Was: January 26, 1943

• The submarine USS Wahoo (SS-238) sank an entire group of Japanese ships north of New Guinea—two freighters, one transport and one tanker. (http://www.blountweb.com/blountcountymilitary/wars/ww2/timelines/1943_ww2.htm)

• The Stalingrad pocket was split in two and Voronezh captured. (http://www.worldwar-2.net/timelines/war-in-europe/eastern-europe/eastern-europe-index-1943.htm)

• The 8th Army took Zaula in Libya, less than 100 miles from Tunisian frontier. (http://www.worldwar-2.net/timelines/war-in-the-desert/war-in-the-desert-index-1943.htm)

• Japanese aircraft strafed Costantine Harbor on Amchitka Island in the Aleutians. (http://www.sfmuseum.net/war/43.html)

Production Credits:
Diary transcription: Kathleen Long

Diary photos: Claudia Forbes

Video production: Alison Harder

Narration: Mountain VIsta H.S. Theater Department

Jeremy Goldson, Department Chair; Sean McGill – voice of Lt. Reichard

January 25, 1943 Diary Page (click to enlarge)

Transcript of diary entry   January 25, 1943

Monday,  January 25, 1943

Gowen Fieid, Boise, Idaho

Today we had the roughest rough and tumble I’ve ever seen and it lasted for one hour and thirty five minutes without a break. The men are really getting in condition so they can take it. The morning was spent in lectures and demonstrations which are a review of the things we have been going over for the last six months. It is about the only thing we can do here until we find out about our equipment. I think we will all be far happier when we get the news to go. This lying around doesn’t do anyone any good and the boys are getting restless. So am I for that matter. I went in town and at last found a good camera shop. I think I have a light meter lined up but it will be two weeks before I can get it. I hope I’m still here then.

It is much warmer today and it is still clear although it looks as though tomorrow will be cloudy. I wish it would stay cold.
Tonight I stayed in and wrote some letters. I went over to the office about eight and Enright, Sanders, Eggleston and myself had a long talk. Tomorrow I’m going to give the outfit a working over. They are getting lax in their Military.

Good Night

To view previous diary entries, click here.

The Day That Was: January 25, 1943

• The Red Army succeeded in splitting the remnants of the German VI Army into a northern and a southern pocket. German forces evacuated Armavir and Voronezh. Stalin’s order of the day said that the Red Army had routed 102 German divisions in the last two months. (http://www.worldwar-2.net/timelines/war-in-europe/eastern-europe/eastern-europe-index-1943.htm
stopped at Novorossiysk and Krasnodar. (http://www.worldwar-2.net/timelines/war-in-europe/eastern-europe/eastern-europe-index-1943.htm)

Production Credits:
Diary transcription: Kathleen Long

Diary photos: Claudia Forbes

Video production: Alison Harder

Narration: Mountain VIsta H.S. Theater Department

Jeremy Goldson, Department Chair; Sean McGill – voice of Lt. Reichard

January 24, 1943 Diary Page (click to enlarge)

Transcript of diary entry   January 24, 1943

Sunday,  January 24, 1943

Gowen Fieid, Boise, Idaho

This morning I woke up a little earlier than is usual for me on Sundays. I rolled out of bed at nine and wrote some letters. This is one thing I’m sure behind on so it was time well spent. I went over to dinner at noon then came back and read for a couple hours. I listened to Andre’ Kostelanetz. That is a program I surely hope we can get on the other side.

About three I got dressed and had Daily drive me in to Marie’s. Her father came home about four and for two solid hours we sat and argued theory and politics, war and peace and just stopped barely short of religion. We both enjoyed it. I had a lot of fun because it is the first time Ive had a chance to talk like that in a year. He is a very interesting man. I also looked over their pictures of their camping trips made through Oregon, Idaho, and California. They have a beautiful collection. It was a pretty wonderful afternoon. Around seven we went over and picked up Ray & Helen and went to the Boise Club for a steak dinner. It was delicious. After dinner we danced, had a few drinks then left for home. It was a pretty nice day. Sunny and brisk and the ground covered with snow. It went down to four below last night.

Good Night

To view previous diary entries, click here.

The Day That Was: January 24, 1943

• Hitler ordered troops at Stalingrad to fight to the death. (http://www.fsmitha.com/time1943.htm)

• The Russians took Starobelskiy, near the Donets River in eastern Ukraine, more than 250 miles to the west of Stalingrad. The offensive by the Soviet Trans-Caucasian Front toward the Kuban bridgehead was stopped at Novorossiysk and Krasnodar. (http://www.worldwar-2.net/timelines/war-in-europe/eastern-europe/eastern-europe-index-1943.htm)

• A bombardment group of cruisers and destroyers under Rear Adm. Walden Ainsworth and a carrier group under Rear Adm. Bertram Ramsey bombarded and bombed the Vila-Stanmore area of Kolombangara in the Solomons. (http://www.blountweb.com/blountcountymilitary/wars/ww2/timelines/1943_ww2.htm

Production Credits:

Diary photos: Claudia Forbes

Video production: Alison Harder

Narration: Mountain VIsta H.S. Theater Department

Jeremy Goldson, Department Chair; Sean McGill – voice of Lt. Reichard

January 23, 1943 Diary page (click to enlarge)

Transcript of diary entry   January 23, 1943

Saturday,  January 23, 1943

Gowen Fieid, Boise, Idaho

Five-Star Saturday.
I got promoted.

This is one happy day today. Why? You’d feel the same way if you had just been promoted from second to first lieutenant. I walked into the office this morning and there it was. A long white envelope from Washington, War Dept. spread over the upper left and my name in the other with “First” spelled out in front of it. I could hardly get it open and when I did it sure looked mighty good for such a little slip of paper. I went up and had my pay voucher changed and above all that new set of silver thread bars put on my blouse. Boy does that look good. It was effective Jan 15, 1943.

This afternoon I went down town and did some shopping and bought a box of cigars for the men. That is an iron clad rule in this outfit. All promotions from corporal up rate cigars to all who want them. Now it’s my turn to pay up.

This evening I met Marie and we went over to get Ray & Helens. They found a place to live at last. It’s in a wealthy woman’s home in the best end of town. This woman has fixed up her basement and rest of the house into small apartments and rooms. It’s right _____ and Ray & Helen love it. They get meals & room for $90.00 a month and the meals are wonderful. Those two are just like a couple of kids just fallen in love.

Good Night

To view previous diary entries, click here.

The Day That Was: January 23, 1943

• The Casablanca Conference ended. Roosevelt, Churchill and the Combined Chiefs of Staff agreed on the invasion of Sicily and a cross-channel amphibious assault on Western Europe. (http://www.blountweb.com/blountcountymilitary/wars/ww2/timelines/1943_ww2.htm)

• The Japanese destroyer Hakaze was sunk by the submarine USS Guardfish (SS-217). (http://www.blountweb.com/blountcountymilitary/wars/ww2/timelines/1943_ww2.htm)

• The 8th Army under Montgomery triumphantly entered Tripoli, the capital of the Italian colony of Libya. The vice governor of Libya and prefect of Tripolitania offered a formal surrender. (http://www.worldwar-2.net/timelines/war-in-the-desert/war-in-the-desert-index-1943.htm)

• The United States seized control of Kokumbona and Mount Austen, Japan’s last two strongholds on Guadalcanal. (http://history.howstuffworks.com/world-war-ii/russian-army-repels-hitlers-forces14.htm)

• The last German airfield in the Stalingrad pocket fell. (http://www.worldwar-2.net/timelines/war-in-europe/eastern-europe/eastern-europe-index-1943.htm)

• The U. S. Coast Guard cutter Natsek was overdue in the North Atlantic for several weeks and presumed lost. The next of kin of Natsek personnel were notified. The Natsek was built by the Snow Shipbuilding Corp., Rockland, Maine, in 1941 and was placed in commission in June 1942. The cutter, which bore the Eskimo name for fjord seal, was 116.9 feet in length with a beam of 23.16 feet and a draft of 11.8 feet. Her gross tonnage was 225 tons, and her net tonnage was 134. (http://www.ibiblio.org/pha/comms/1943-01.html

Production Credits:

Diary photos: Claudia Forbes

Video production: Alison Harder

Narration: Mountain VIsta H.S. Theater Department

Jeremy Goldson, Department Chair; Sean McGill – voice of Lt. Reichard

January 21, 1943 Diary Page (click to enlarge)

Transcript of diary entry   January 21, 1943

Thursday,  January 21, 1943

Gowen Fieid, Boise, Idaho

This morning I over slept again. One of the boys had borrowed my clock and forgot to pull out the trip on the alarm so he didn’t get up when he was supposed to and when I finally woke up at eight he was still asleep. I image he got in hot water. I got dressed and went over to the mess hall for breakfast then to the office. Capt. Johnson came over around ten and we straighted the situation in a few minutes. We got the authority to cancel all previous requisitions and send in a complete new shortage list. I don’t care for it much because it means we wont see the stuff until we get to the P.E. I’d like to get it ready here and take it with us. That’s out. Sanders came in late last night and ______ came in this evening around four. He called up and I went in town. Well it seems he got things pretty well straightened out down there. It cost me five dollars for nineteen pillow cases we were short.

Helen had some news I did not like much. It seems Dorothy is pretty serious and is under the impression that I intend to marry her when this is all over. That’s bad. I can’t figure any way to break the news without hurting her feelings. Helen tried it but didn’t succeed.

“Good Night”

To view previous diary entries, click here.

The Day That Was: January 21, 1943

• The Combined Chiefs of Staff issued the Casablanca Directive. Its principal aim was to weld RAF and USAAF strategic bomber forces into one mighty air arm able to crush the German industrial, military and economic system. It was also decided to defer the cross-channel invasion until 1944. (http://www.raf.mod.uk/history/rafhistorytimeline1943.cfm)

• Dr. Nahum Goldmann, president of the World Jewish Congress in New York, received a telegram from prisoners in the Warsaw Ghetto. They pleaded for aid and said, in part, that they were “poised at the brink of . . . annihilation” and that they “live with the awareness that in the most terrible days of our history you did not come to our aid.” (http://history.howstuffworks.com/world-war-ii/russian-army-repels-hitlers-forces13.htm)

• Six teachers and 38 students, most under the age of 7, were killed when the Luftwaffe destroyed the Catford Central School for Girls during a bombing raid on London. (http://history.howstuffworks.com/world-war-ii/russian-army-repels-hitlers-forces14.htm)

• The Russians claimed the capture of the Caucasian railway town of Voroshilovskiy and said that 500,000 Germans had been killed and 200,000 captured in the previous two months of fighting. (http://www.worldwar-2.net/timelines/war-in-europe/eastern-europe/eastern-europe-index-1943.htm)

• A naval base and naval auxiliary air facility were established at Corrinto, Nicaragua. (http://www.blountweb.com/blountcountymilitary/wars/ww2/timelines/1943_ww2.htm)

• The submarine chaser SC-709 was grounded and sunk off Cape Breton, Nova Scotia. (http://www.blountweb.com/blountcountymilitary/wars/ww2/timelines/1943_ww2.htm)

• Maj. Gen. Alexander M. Patch, U.S. Army, had recently assumed command of the U.S. forces stationed on Guadalcanal. Patch relieved Maj. Gen. Alexander A. Vandegrift, U.S. Marine Corps, who had been in command since the initial occupation of positions on the island by the Marines in early August 1942. The Marines had been operating jointly with army troops in this area for several months during which time most of the Marines, who made the original landing on Guadalcanal, were replaced by army personnel. (http://www.ibiblio.org/pha/comms/1943-01.html)

Production Credits:

Diary photos: Claudia Forbes

Video production: Alison Harder

Narration: Mountain VIsta H.S. Theater Department

Jeremy Goldson, Department Chair; Sean McGill – voice of Lt. Reichard

January 20, 1943 Diary Page (click to enlarge)

Transcript of diary entry   January 20, 1943

Wednesday, January 20, 1943

Gowen Fieid, Boise, Idaho

Well things sure are quiet now. There is practically nothing to do. I have K_____ and Eggelston giving lectures on sanitation, first aid, and I’m giving some on map reading. We will also carry on a review of all basic military just to refresh our minds. We won’t be ready to go until about the tenth of next month because of our equipment. Capt. Johnson finally arrived about five o’clock this evening so I had dinner with him and we talked over the situation and old timers as well. I had a date with Marie so I left him about eight and went in.

Today has certainly showed a change in weather. The wind came out of the South and it started to rain. This took all the snow off the ground in a few hours. The ground began to thaw and by this evening there was nothing but mud everywhere. It’s a mess. The thermometer must have run up to close to fifty and it seems like a spring day. Tonight was almost as warm. Marie and I went to see a show and really enjoyed it. “Stand By for Action” with Robert Taylor and a damn good supporting cast. After the show we went for a drive to use up some gas as tomorrow is the last time the old book is good and she wanted to fill the tank. It felt good to drive a car again. I got in around 12:30 and went to bed.

“Good Night”

To view previous diary entries, click here.

The Day That Was: January 20, 1943

• Daylight raids over southeast England by the Luftwaffe included bombing a school in London, killing 44 children and one teacher. (http://www.fortunecity.co.uk/meltingpot/oxford/330/time.html#1943)

• The destroyer escort USS Brennan (DE-13) was commissioned at Mare Island, Calif. This was the first ship of this type to be placed in commission. (http://www.blountweb.com/blountcountymilitary/wars/ww2/timelines/1943_ww2.htm)

• Chile’s government saw the handwriting on the wall. It severed diplomatic relations with Germany, Italy and Japan. (http://www.fsmitha.com/time1943.htm)

Production Credits:

Diary transcription: Kathleen Long

Diary photos: Claudia Forbes

Video production: Alison Harder

Narration: Mountain VIsta H.S. Theater Department

Jeremy Goldson, Department Chair; Sean McGill – voice of Lt. Reichard

January 19, 1943 Diary Page

Transcript of diary entry   January 19, 1943

Tuesday, January 19, 1943

Gowen Fieid, Boise, Idaho

On Tuesdays we all have to wear gas masks on the field and there is an alarm at some unexpected time so we put them on for a half hour or so until the all clear sign comes. It’s pretty much a farce but probably a good thing. Today was pretty dull. We got off some reports and some miscellaneous items in the way of correspondence. I called the men together and we had a long talk about getting ready both mentally as well as physically for overseas. Some of them are taking it too lightly and are trying to gold brick. They are taking this training with a grain of salt. I don’t see any sense in restricting or punishing a man for that. If he can’t realize the necessity for being prepared then I have to show him. If I can’t show him then its my fault not his. I have a knack for telling stories that put them across effectively so I think I can instill in their minds the seriousness of this affair. The men had a good work out at the gym that afternoon and I went over for an hour to punch the bag. I’ll have to lay off boxing for a while I guess. This evening I stayed in and wrote some letters and read a little.

Today was cloudy and it looks like we won’t see the sun for a while again. I was hoping Sunday and Monday was the break in the cloudy weather. No such luck. It’s much warmer today although still four below freezing.

“Good Night”

To view previous diary entries, click here.

The Day That Was: January 19, 1943

• The Russians claimed further victories during a 75-mile advance toward Kharkov on the Voronezh front with the Russians claiming 52,000 Axis prisoners on this front alone. (http://www.worldwar-2.net/timelines/war-in-europe/eastern-europe/eastern-europe-index-1943.htm)

• The British 8th Army captured Homs and Tarhuna near Tripoli. (http://www.worldwar-2.net/timelines/war-in-the-desert/war-in-the-desert-index-1943.htm)

• Romania’s foreign minister, Mihai Antonrscu, asked Mussolini to start negotiations with the Allies. (http://www.fsmitha.com/time1943.htm)

• Russian Gen. Georgy Zhukov was promoted to marshal as the Stalingrad struggle ground to a close. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Timeline_of_World_War_II_(1943))

• Japanese forces landed at Wewak, New Guinea. (http://www.blountweb.com/blountcountymilitary/wars/ww2/timelines/1943_ww2.htm)

Production Credits:

Diary transcription: Kathleen Long

Diary photos: Claudia Forbes

Video production: Alison Harder

Narration: Mountain VIsta H.S. Theater Department

Jeremy Goldson, Department Chair; Sean McGill – voice of Lt. Reichard

Transcript of diary entry January 16, 1943

Saturday, January 16, 1943

Gowen Fieid, Boise, Idaho

Today was just an easy one and we took it easy. I received a teletype telling me where my equipment is which does me little good because I have to make up a shortages list and can’t as long as I can’t see the stuff to check it. We are still waiting for Capt. Johnson to get here to see if he can force any action on this damned field. We checked the lumber they tried to give us and I refused it. Its tongue & groove alright but green and full of knots and I’ll be damned if I’ll pack equipment for overseas in any thing like that.

This morning we had some more tumbling and wrestling. I got a beauty of a black eye in the melee. Sgt. W______’s elbow tried to punch its way through my skull. It ought to look pretty nice tomorrow. The afternoon we went over to the gym and worked out. I worked out on the punch bag for over an hour until I could hardly hold my arms up. Im determined that these men as well as myself get in condition physically.

About three in the afternoon it started to snow lightly. When I went in town at six thirty it was snowing so hard the driver nearly went off the road. We went along about fifteen miles an hour. The road was pretty slippery. One of the boys I met out here got me a date. She was pretty nice. Also has a car. I’ve been lucky that way. We went to the Boise Club and danced then went out and got something to eat. She drove me out to the field.

“Good Night”

To view previous diary entries, click here.

The Day That Was: January 16, 1943

• During the first Bomber Command attack on Berlin since November 1941, the RAF used target-indicator marker bombs for the first time. (http://www.raf.mod.uk/history/rafhistorytimeline1943.cfm)

• Norwegian Special Operations Executive (SOE) commandos parachuted into the mountains 40 miles north of the German “heavy water” plant at Telemark. They met up with a reconnaissance party that had arrived the previous October. (http://www.worldwar-2.net/timelines/war-in-europe/scandinavia/scandinavia-index-1943.htm)

• German naval forces announced a blockade of Sweden’s Gothenburg Harbor to protest the ongoing traffic between Sweden and Great Britain. Five months later, the Germans relented and lifted the blockade. (http://www.worldwar-2.net/timelines/war-at-sea/atlantic/battle-of-the-atlantic-index-1943.htm)

• The 8th Army destroyed Rommel’s rear guard at Buerat in Libya and was just 300 miles from the Tunisian frontier. Iraq entered the war against all three Axis powers. (http://www.worldwar-2.net/timelines/war-at-sea/atlantic/battle-of-the-atlantic-index-1943.htm)

Production Credits:

Diary transcription:  Kathleen Long

Diary photos:  Claudia Forbes

Video production:  Alison Harder

Narration:  Mountain VIsta H.S. Theater Department
Jeremy Goldson, Department Chair;  Sean McGill – voice of Lt. Reichard

Transcript of diary entry January 14, 1943

Thursday, January 14, 1943

Gowen Fieid, Boise, Idaho

Today I was told that Ray would have to stay down at McClellan until this other officer left _____. It seems that the commanding officer of that outfit was sent to school almost as soon as he got there leaving the men with out an officer so Ray has to assume command until Lt. D_____ arrives. It should do him good because he will have to figure it out himself. Ray is a swell guy but won’t assume any responsibility. I’ll throw some at him from now on.

Today was almost normal in its passing. All the equipment is signed for and we are ready to get things in shape for our last moment on these shores I hope. I’d like to see some of the other side. We are running into some difficulty on this field that I hadn’t anticipated. Everywhere we go checking on equipment that has been on requisition we are told that it is at the Port of Embarkation awaiting us. They have no proof of that yet won’t start any action. I’m going to call IV ASAC tomorrow to see what can be done to straighten this out. I must have this equipment. This morning I sent the men on a hike so they went jack rabbit hunting. They formed a large circle out in the hills and closed in. They said that jack rabbits were jumping everywhere. They nearly caught several of them but didn’t. This afternoon we put six spare mattresses on the floor and I taught tumbling and falling. Someday knowing how to fall might come in handy. Also did some wrestling so got in good work out.

“Good Night”

To view previous diary entries, click here.

The Day That Was: January 14, 1943

• U.S. President Franklin Roosevelt and British Prime Minister Winston Churchill and Free French Gen. Charles DeGaulle met in Casablanca, Morocco, to discuss the direction of the war. The Casablanca Conference lasted 10 days, during which time Roosevelt and Churchill determined that an unconditional surrender would be the only basis of negotiations with the Axis. Roosevelt and Churchill also decided the first priority going forward was the defeat of the U-boats and pledged maximum aid to the Soviet Union and China in the war. (http://www.foxvalleyhistory.org/WWII/timeline/1943.htm)

• Italian occupation authorities refused to deport any Jews living in their French territories. (http://timelines.ws/20thcent/1943.HTML)

• British Royal Air Force raided Nazi German U-boat ports at Lorient and Cherbourg in occupied France. (http://history.howstuffworks.com/world-war-ii/russian-army-repels-hitlers-forces13.htm)

Production Credits:

Diary transcription:  Kathleen Long

Diary photos:  Claudia Forbes

Video production:  Alison Harder

Narration:  Mountain VIsta H.S. Theater Department
Jeremy Goldson, Department Chair;  Sean McGill – voice of Lt. Reichard