The Ely miner. [volume] (Ely, Minn.) 1895-1986, 1943-01-28

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Word comes to the vF'w from Pvt.
Robert ]. Kovall, believed to be some
where In the Pacific, that II wish I
could tell you something about where
I am and what kind Of work I am do
ing. but that is something I cannot
tel at this time"
Belated Christmas greetings come
to the VFW from Sgt. John G. Bel
ancic, stationed somewhere in Green
land.
Didn't receive your letter tfrom
the VFw until about so days after
you sent 1t, Sergeant Belancic said.
Hope you get this one. sooner.
Upon my arrival here in Green
land (the exact location Of which I
cannot reveal due to army regulations>
was surprised and pleased to receive
few copies Of The Miner. Kind of
wondered where they came from and
who sent them. Well I learned from
your letter, and to you who are send
ing them want to extend my thanks.
ats quite mountainous and very
barren here. There are a few eskimo
villages near here, but we are not al
lowed to visit them. The weather has
been somewhat like that in Minnesota
but We have had a few wind storms
gales Of over 100 miles per hour.
very little plant life here. However,
in summer there is green moss which
creeps everywhere. I understand that
Is where the name was derived from
There are also glaciers here.
Greenland has its beautiful
scenes, but not anything compared
with northern Minnesota. That is
Gods country, and hope to see it
again soon"
From John c. Pierce C. M. 1-c, o.
s. naval reserves, stationed somewhere
in the British Isles, comes the follow
ling:
II was In large city and saw Mar
tina Raye, Kay Francis and Mitz May
fair in person. Carole Lands was to
have appeared but she became i'll.
1T seems unusual in the blacked-out
city. Cars have blackout lights and
travel on the left side of the street.
One has to be careful. Buses and street
| cars have double decks
'Tt costs only penny to ride on
the street car.
"a friend and I were on street car
listening to the people talk, but we
couldn't understand thing they said.
When we talked, they just stared at
us, and suppose they couldn't under
stand us either.
I'VE had chicken dinner at ho-
tel the American Red Gross has taken
over that cost us only "A cents. am
now accustomed to the country and
the different money, and I like it
here very much. One has to learn or
get fooled some places. We get gum,
cigars, cigarets, candy, soap, shaving
cream, mouth wash and other articles
| at the canteen so you can see that
Uncle Sam is getting the things
through.
1.-THE people have put q lot into their
homes and the buildings are really
| very nice. 1t has rained nearly every
day and 1t has been miserable for US.
thank The Miner and the VIEW for
taking care Of the boys in the service.
Pierce is a first class petty officer
in the Seabees.
I'VE can't get metal things and II
you looked for two weeks and were
willing to pay 81 for 1t you couldn't
find coat hanger" declares Pvt. Fred
]. Startz, Camp Claiborne. La.
ut Is warm here, and we get our
rainy spells that leave a lot Of mud
and make walking difficult.
There is a chapel here where I at
tend mass. We are given free prayer
books. rosaries, etc. Outside of not
having any whiteness, Christmas was
much like home. Everything was done
for us. Christmas eve we had a joint
party with the officers and their wives.
Christmas day We had an extra special
swell dinner of turkey, chicken, ham
and everything that goes with it. Not
thing was left out.
Il heard lot about officers being
high-hat, but if you go straight, treat
them right. and do your work well, you
are treated with respect and kindness.
IF you ask nae, q soldier Is q busy
person, but we need letters and more
letters to cheer MS ND.
Above all we need The Miner.
Boys, write home. Your parents
live for a word from you. The priest
in the chapel tells us that every time
we go there.
We live quite a normal life here
after all"
Opt. o. E. Snyker, who was IN Ely
last week on 24-hour furlough, has
reported for duty at Randolph Field,
Texas. After tweeks Of training there
and another period of training at a
second base. he win be ready for field
service as a flight surgeon.
Captain Snyker wants to take this
means, he said. of thanking the Ely
people for their greeting cards and
letters which he VIII be unable to an
swer personally.
Just a note to let you know that Il
am feeling fine and in the best of
health" Seaman Anton F. Seine Of
the CRUISER San Francisco sav~ I'm =