George Lineberry's Letters
These are letters that were written by George to his siblings while he was in World War II
(sources: Richard Lineberry, Virginia Lineberry, Carol Wolf)
Postcard post marked Fort Sill, Okla. Feb. 8, 1941
Addressed to:
Mr. Johnnie Lineberry
Route 3, box 420
Okla. City, Okla.
Friday Nite
Hello folks,
I am in the 45th Division Batd. D.
I
called up Robert and he was out on a job You can call him at the
field office if you come down here you can find me on Sunday in the
189th Infantry Batd. D.
We will go to Abilene
Geo.
November
20, 1941 Menu for Thanksgiving Day and listed all men, including
George, in the Battery D 189th Field Artillery at Camp Barkeley, Texas
Camp Barkeley, Texas March 9, 1942
Mr. Johnnie Lineberry
4315 N.W. 23 St.
Okla. City, Oklahoma
Box 420, Rt. 3
Sunday
Camp Barkeley
Hi folks,
Will
drop a few lines this morning this is the first day we have not
worked in no telling when how is every little thing is it
cold up there it snowed here last nite it melted as fast as
it fell but it is a nice day not so cold. I wrote Leonard the
other day but no answer yet.
I walked guard the 5th Birthday present maby.
D.
Btry has been changed to B Btry 202 instead of 198 We are G. H.
Q. troops this is not the 45th 90th maby tho score was 92 at the firing
school at Fort Sill the best is the 8th core army We are
speicle troops go where the fighting is the worst. the F.
A. from camp Walton went to java I don’t know if they got there
or not.
We will move in the new camp in a few days nothing there but just the tents cold water.
How
is Julia fine I hop. I am going to rais my insurance to ten
thousand the first of the month I have 5 now it will cost 7.20 a
month chicken dinner today so I better close to get in on
this. with love Geo.
B Btry 202 F. A.
envelope Camp Barkeley, Tex July 9, 1942
on letterhead from Camp Barkeley, Texas
Wednesday
Hello John, Julia,
We
came back from Cherokee last nite that is a nice town I went out to the
Salt Plains the most of it is under water after the government built
that dam.
The battery moves over to Muskogee the 15th my
transfer will come back about the first of August I am sending 45
dollars home if it comes before the 1st will you send this back if I
leave it in my locker some body will steal it as I will have to pay my
own fair when transferring.
Julia can you understand Bobbie yet how is he.
I will have to close for now, answer soon.
Geo.
(it appears as though these two letters were sent together)
letterhead from Camp Barkeley, Texas
Friday eve.
Hello folks,
Will
write a few lines to let y know I am getting along all rite. How
is everything at home how is Bobbie you misunderstood me in that
letter I have asked for a transfer to the parachute troops and it
will be a time before I can here from it I have to pay my fare to Ft.
Benning Georgia if I can not get in that I am going to the Mountain
infantry. We move the 5th maby to Muskogee I am on the morter
section I drive a jeep Not a peep in this, quit filed this
pen, tho first time I have rote since I cam back from Cherokee we had a
nice time the 4th I have not wrote to Jean since I was home and Leonard
I could not say when I heard from him. I am sending 60 dollars if
I go to Ft. Benning I can send a telegram and y can send some back if I
keep it here some body will steal it. better close this time Geo.
letterhead from Camp Barkeley, Texas
Monday
Dear Sister,
Will write again sitting around nothing to do I got a letter from Julie today she sent a picture of the baby.
the
batry is going to Cherokee the 4th of July I am going to school
again on Rifles the same old thing. We move to Muskogee
about the 15th of July. Sister will you tell Jr. to go down to
the pool hall and get me John Garner address he is in the parachut
troops I thing I have asked for a transfer to the par.
troops and kneed his adress to make it, it pays moore money. i’ll
never get no place here looks like.
I asked for a seventy two hour
pass the 26th the top kick started shaking his head no so I asked
for one on the 22nd no pass given at all it beats me will y
run Jr. down and get that adress and sent it back in a hurry.
With love Geo.
Fort Benning, GA Sept 11, 1942
Thursday
Hello,
Well
today was my last day but I was not by myself I fell out that made
about 50 out of 171 When the next 2 week is out they will be
lucky to be 50. When I fell out the instructor cursed wanted to
know what is wrong but I could say nothing. 9 of the men fell
out is over the hill i’ll never do that. outside you
never here how many get hurt or killed I have not lost my nerve
but I am glad, a live coward is better then a dead hero, it will be
K.P. for me the next 6 months maby but iam in good shape for it now
I
would ask for a transfer but this captain is a wreck he’ll pull
his hair when he find out about all of us. I will got the
hospital in the morning for my first cursing
I am glad Virginia
& Tomie moved an I would like to have been there to see Lillian an
the baby. I was at camp Gruber 2 weeks.
If I was Johnnie I
would not join the Navy ask to be deferred there is nothing like
asking. Y said Arthur was home he ort to make Sgt. in 6
months I would like to see him Wonder what he looks
like. Can y understand Bobby 15 pounds is a lot of flours an a
good garden. I better quit for this time. Geo.
My insurance is due in Oct. y can pay it
Tell Sis hello & Va.
Saturday
Dear Brother,
I
will write a few lines to let you know that iam still alive but that is
about all my feet are killing me We had a hike about 60
miles my arches is trying to fall.
How is Bobbie can he
crawal how many teeth does he have. I have 10 days furlough and
spent it at Galax Wesley is crawaling all over the place and can
take 2 or 3 steps. I saw all the kins getting along just fine
taken there pictures but Uncle Thomas and Aunt Cindy I taken it 4
different times it looks like witchery but the rest is good.
Joe is still working but Leonard was layed off while I was there.
Shelton’s
wife fell an broke her leg. iam sending 30 dollars did y pay my
insurance. I have not been payed, only partial pay those
bonds it may be the first of the year before you get them it will be
from September. iam going to ask for a transfer some day it might mean
6 months in the Brig I can not go know where they way it is
an these long hikes. I have not been to town Fayetteville 12
miles the pop. is 17, 000 or so.
Have y heard from the army get the
money Would not be as bad as this I am sure for this outfit
is on the ball. I think we jump next week I have not jumped
up here yet.
I will close for this time so this will go of in the mail hoping to here from y soon.
With love Geo.
envelope empty Fort Bragg, NC Dec 7, 1942
Sunday
Ft. Bragg
Hello Brother,
Will
answer your letter I rec. the other day was glad to here
from y you never said y had a lot of flowers or not has it been
cold there yet it has not been cold here cool in the
morning. I was K.P. the other day and the door slammed shut it
hit on the forehead cut it a little and now iam bandage up head
an foot my feet are sore I can hardly walk from the long hikes I
asked for a transfer the other day I think I will get it but it
will take some time the captain fell out a few hikes and they ran him
out of the para. troop he left yesterday I do not know the com.
that taken his place.
I can not get to a store or town so will y buy
Bobbie a wedding present fore me this will be one xmas I will only see
the day. this outfit only gives 3 passes a week Wednesday
Saturday and Sunday that is what I mean the stores all closed before I
can get in. You did not say y got the $30 I sent or not I
was payed my back pay the other day and I will send 100.00 dollars y
can put it in the bank or bonds.
Dinner is ready an I better get it so answer soon. as ever Geo.
Postmarked Fort Bragg, NC Dec 18, 1942
Geo. Lineberry
502 Para Inf.
101 A/B Div.
Ft. Bragg
NC
Co. F
Mr. Leonard Lineberry
Galax, Virginia
Dec. 18 ‘42
Ft. Bragg
Dear Brother,
Will
answer your letter I rec. today noon before have inspection it is in 30
more minutes. I now ben out in the field all evening in the snow
it about 2 in. deep it fell yesterday if this don’t give
everybody the fever it will fool me.
I am sending 10. bucks to buy
xmas for the kids Carol Ann Billy, Wesley y can pick out
something as I cannot get to twon I have to do something on Saturday
that is the only time we are of that the stores is open. Only 3
passes a week Sat. Sun. & Wed. I have, it is over now
my rifle was in good shape. I have forget who June married is it
to late to send the pictures I got a card from Clayton Alderman and
answered it yesterday.
I was going to send Sister my wings but I can
not send them from here the post office is to busy she wanted something
to wear on her uniform.
I will send a few scapes of paper to see how far the boys hikes that is whats wrong with my feet.
I better close for this time answer
as ever Geo.
June 29, 43
Evansville, Ind.
Howdy folks,
Will
answer your letter this morning between shivers it rain yesterday
am so cold now I am writing this here in the woods next to a
large lake my tent is 10 feet from the water. I just wore a
pair of shorts sun burnt black about ten miles from town it
is a good size town lot of defense work from bullets, carbine rifle p.
47 planes, sea going boars an so forth.
Is Johnnie still at
Douglass; bet Joe was glad to come back have not heard from
Leonard in a long time guess he is still alive, send me a little
picture of Bobby. I sent Bobbie Louise $50 for wedding present
and have not heard from them I could not buy a thing I should
have stayed another day came back in plenty time well
about 8 hours but the way the buses run you can’t tell. I made my
9th jump in Tennessee some place two weeks ago we rode down
there in planes jump go on a problem an ride a truck back to Bolen
Green, K.Y. where we caught the planes back to Evansville
we leave here for Tenn. in a day will be there a few more
before going back to Ft. Bragg.
I better bring this to a close now hoping to hear from you all soon. as ever George.
April 3
Ft. Bragg
Hello Johnnie
Will answer your letter after so long a time was glad to here everything is fine.
I
am in Hq (?), Co. now to many men in F Co. so I was put over here
on light machine gun it sure is a job to carry they have a para.
artillery an I wanted in it but not a chance was in the kitchen
for two weeks on the account of my feet callous.
We were in the
field over a week the nites cold sleeping out but the days are
warm Maby I can get a furlough next week have asked about 3 times
for one looks like if I get it I will have to take it.
You
were talking about a movie camera I was about to buy one 27
dollars about the size of your hand 8 m.m. do you have a
projector. I could buy one at the P.X. cheaper then you
can. Can you tell the difference in the pin this is a
Sheffer the first a eversharp I lost my other ben trading.
Can’t think of a thing to write so answer soon Geo.
Saturday Nite
Ft. Bragg
Hello folks,
I
will answer your letter tonite to let you know that iam well an hoping
this finds you the same. The bonds will be on sometime if they
don’t it will show up on my service record they are slow or so
many to get out all of the bonds are made out to Johnnie. You can
pay my insurance if you will an I will send the money to you before
long. You can draw my money out of the bank if you have not.
I
went on furlough 5 days up to Galax everybody is just fine Billy
was sick taken him to Roanoke Hospital or did I tell you this: he
is back home now Leonard is doing the best I ever saw him an Joe
is a boss in the powder plant.
Uncle David Wilber will go to the army this month sure has taken a lot of the boys around there.
I have to write to Sister an others so I will close now. You can put these pictures with my others.
as ever Geo.
Oct 31, 1943
Mr. Johnnie Lineberry
4315 NW 23 St
Okla. City, Oklahoma USA
PVT George Lineberry 38018070
502 Para. Inf.
2nd Bn. Hq Co.
A.P.O. 472
U.S. Army
NY City, NY
letter inspection stamp Jan 11, 1944
Somewhere England
Oct 24, 43
Hello folks,
Will answer your letter I rec. them yesterday iam well an hoping this letter finds you the same.
There
are very few things I can say in a letter this is a better place
then I expected, all but the food is just fair, so if you have a cake
cooking, send the, it would be appreciated. Iam going to London
on my first pass when that is hard to say, I want to buy a few
souvenirs fi I can we can’t buy anything around here this will be
a dull Christmas from the looks now.
I have not heard from Sister or
anybody except you iam sure a long way from being caught up on my
letter writing. If I send any more money home don’t buy bonds put
it in the safe or well if I find a diamond I am going to buy it.
Well iam going to quit for now answer when you can.
P.S. is the war still going on I never hear. thanks. as ever Geo.
V-Mail
Nov 6, 1943
a form telling where to mail things to George.
V-Mail
postmarked Nov 6, 1943
Nov 4, 1943
A card that said “Greetings from Britain” and signed George
envelope May 10, 1944
Airmail
May 8, 44
Hello Johnnie,
Just
a few words to let you know I rec. the package this morning, thanks an
you can send another if you will, I want a Kaywoodie pipe, I can’t buy
a thing like that here.
June wrote me a few days ago but I lost her
name so you can send me her address. We are having some nice
weather but the mornings are frosty an cold the leaves are out but it
don’t seem to bother or the flowers, sutch as polyanthers or Viola two
or three more there about like pansies.
Iam sending 150 dollars I had my bonds increased from 18.75 to 37.50 in April don’t suppose you will get them for a while.
the papers say you don’t have Ration on mat all but stakes an beef roast.
Well I better close for now its about time to fall out.
answer Geo.
V-mail postmarked July 17, 1944
an old ammunition dump in France or a Robot plant
Hello Johnnie, Julia and sons,
I will write a few lines to let you know iam still going an hope this finds you the same.
Well
I guess you know we came to France a little after midnite June
5th I was in the first combat tonite to hit the ground to be
exact plane no 9.
We got the presidential citation I can’t say where
or when. there sure are some fine cattle around here brought in
here from Germany we have been getting plenty of milk &
butter but that is all they have, plenty of cider to drink, black bread
only a few eggs.
We all have under estimate our enemy to much I
would not believe another paper. The people here are better off then
they are in England that is what I think. the wooden shoes the
people wear is enough to kill a horse.
Johnnie will you send me some
cakes, candy, Baby Ruth we get enough hard candy and cig this is
the hungriest bunch of men I ever saw.
Did Sister go the visit
Leonard I have just wrote him for the first time. Well how does
it feel to be back in the stand again if they don’t draft men over 26
any more they should turn us a older ones out. I better close as
it is so dark I can’t see 11 p.m. an raining call Virginia tell
her I will write sometime.
as ever
Geo.
August 14, 1944 Dear Virginia,
I will try and answer your letter after so long a time to let you
know iam well and hope this find all the family the same. is Tommy still in the taxi business iam sending Donna Marie a
hankie made out of a para I brought back back from France. Virginia do you have nice flowers an garden, Sister said your house
was very nice would like to see it but, it is out be as long as it has been. I can't think of any thing to write will write more in a few days.
as ever Geo.
envelope Aug 19, 1944
Aug. 13, 44
Dear Johnnie,
I
will write a few lines while I can this is about the warmest day
we have had in England somewhere in the naborhood of 85. I saw
some grapes an ask the price on them sure could have ate some of them
but over 4 dollars a pound changed my mind peaches are about one
dollar each an just any old show will cost from 55 to 15, I don’t know
how these people buy things like that , license for a care like yours
will cost one hundred an fifty dollars a year, an we moan about high
tax. I bought a bicycle when I came back from France it cost me
(pound mark) 4.10 that is about 18 dollars I could sell it for 10
pounds 40 dollars I have rode it all over the country I won
a bet of ten pound on the war ending an I have another bet Sept co. but
why would the Germans quit now there not on the home ground yet.
Oh by the way I will send Julia a hankie, of a para. I brought back
from France with me. I have a watch key wound I will send you
some day an old timer. iam sending 50 bucks for a change John
will you send me a some p.nuts candy I will eat anything. I
better close now hope to here from you soon.
P.S. Tell Virginia I will write in a few days
With all my heart
envelope Sept 11, 1944
England
Sept 8
Hello folks,
Just
a few lines to let you know I rec. your letter today was glad to here
from you I rec. your package several days ago the cakes were as
fresh as they were when you brought them out of the oven were
they good. You ask me what I wanted for Christmas - not a thing,
I have plenty of socks an things like that just some thing in the line
of candy.
it has been raining of an on for the last two weeks an cold we are sitting around a fire.
there
are one thing I would like to know are you getting my bonds and money
orders you never say I have sent several money orders I don’t
know if I should send it or not if you don’t get them I wish you would
tell me I sent 29-14-10 - one hundred twenty dollars thats
pounds-shillins & pennies you ask me where I jumped in France
it was between Hirsville an Boutteville north of Carentan.
I have
some more maps to send some day. Well this is about all I can
think of now, an please tell me if you have got May $150 Aug. 50, I
know I sent some before then but have lost the receipt, 37.50 in bond
since April I found 2 more 200.00 in April 100.00 in Dec. 43.
tell everybody hello as ever Geo.
England
Sept. 13
envelope dated Sep 23, 1944
Dear Virginia,
Just a line to let you know I rec. your package that is the first
Baby Ruth I have saw. Did you get the
hankie. I sent Julia said she rec. hers
but Sister has not wrote so I don't know if she and you have or not.
The weather is cold it has not rain for several days now.
Virginia I can't think of a thing to write about, well thanks for
the candy you can send some more when you get around to it, well answer soon
love, Geo.
George was killed on September 18, 1944, so the rest of these letters are about his death.
War Department
The Adjutant General’s Office
Washington 25, DC
AG 201 Lineberry, George
PC-N ETO 204
6 October 1944
Mr. Johnnie Lineberry
4315 Northwest 23rd Street
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Dear Mr. Lineberry:
It is with regret that I am writing to confirm the recent
telegram informing you of the death of your brother, Private First
Class George Lineberry, 38,018,070, Infantry, who was killed in action
in Holland on 18 September 1944.
I fully
understand your desire to learn as much as possible regarding the
circumstances to leading to his death and I wish that there were more
information available to give you. Unfortunately, reports of this
nature contain only the briefest details as they are prepared under
battle conditions and the means of transmission are limited.
I know the sorrow this message has brought you and it is my hope
that in time the knowledge of his heroic service to his country, even
unto death, may be of sustaining comfort to you.
I extend to you my deepest sympathy.
Sincerely yours,
J.A. Ulio
Major General
The Adjutant General
1 Inclosure
Bulletin of Information
Army Service Forces
Kansas City Quartermaster Depot
Army Effects Bureau
601 Hardesty Avenue
Kansas City 1, Missouri
In reply refer to 259769
April 11, 1945
Mr. Johnnie Lineberry
4315 NW 23
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Dear Mr. Lineberry,
The Army Effects Bureau has received from overseas some property of your brother, Private First Class George Lineberry.
This property, consisting of a ring, is being sent to you.
If,
for some reason, it has not been received at the expiration of thirty
days from this date, please notify me so that tracer may be instituted.
I regret the circumstances prompting this letter, and wish to express my sympathy in the loss of your brother.
Yours very truly,
P.L. Koob
2nd Lt. Q.M.C.
Officer-in-charge
SJ Unit
Army Service Forces
April 20, 1945
The Army Effects Bureau has received some additional property of your brother, Private First Class George Lineberry.
These
effects, contained in one carton, are being forwarded to you. If
delivery is not made within thirty days from this date, please notify
me so that tracer action may be instituted.
The action of this
Bureau in transmitting personal effects does not, of itself, vest title
in the recipient. Such property is forwarded for distribution
according to the laws of the state of the soldier’s legal residence.
Extending every sympathy, I am
Sincerely your,
P.L.Koob
April 27, 1945
Germany
Dear Mr. Lineberry:
So glad to receive your nice letter of 9th April and I’m only too happy to be so some service to you-
Yes,
you are entitled to all of George’s personal belongings including all
medals and ribbons and I’m sure it is on it’s way to you. Of
course you know a great amount of time is needed in such matters but
you can be assured everything possible is being done to get his things
home and as fast as possible. However, I have sent your letter to
one of his buddies to see if he should happen to have any knowledge of
some items not sent to you. If so, we’ll be glad to find some and
get it off.
If at any other time you wish addition information please don’t hesitate to write.
Sincerely,
Jack F. Riggins
Army Service Bureau
May 11, 1945
The Army Effects Bureau has received from overseas some more property of your brother, Private George Lineberry.
This
property, contained in one package is being sent to you for
distribution. If, for some reason, it hs not been received within
the next thirty days, this Bureau should be informed so that tracer may
be instituted.
Yours very truly,
P.L.Koob
May 29, 1945
Advice of Payment of Settlement to Accomapny Check
To Johnnie Lineberry
$35.36 which is 1/5 of his share of George’s back pay.
Armed Service Forces
July 26, 1945
Dear Mr. Lineberry:
The
Army Effects Bureau has received additional property of your brother,
Private First Class George Lineberry, consisting of funds in the amount
of $7.26. A check for this sum is inclosed.
As previously
indicated, such property is forwarded for distribution in accordance
with the laws of the state of the soldier’s residence.
Sincerely,
C. B. Quinn
War Department
Office of the Quartermaster General
Washington 25, DC
2 August 1946
Mr. Johnnie Lineberry
4315 North West 23rd
Oklhaoma City, Oklahoma
Dear Mr. Lineberry,
The
War Department is most desirous that you be furnished information
regarding the burial location of your brother, the late Private First
Class George Lineberry, A.S.N. 38 018 070.
The records of this
office disclose that his remains are interred in the United States
Military Cemetery Son, plot B, row 10, grave 197.
This cemetery
is located six miles east of Eindhover, Holland and is under the
constant care and supervision of United States military personnel.
The
War Department has now been authorized to compy, at Government expense,
with the feasible wishes of the next of kin regarding final interment,
here or abroad, of the remains of your loved one. At a later
date, this office will, without any action on your part, provide the
next of kin with full information and solicit his detailed desires.
Please accept my sincere sympathy in your great loss.
Sincerely yours,
T. B. Larkin
Major General
The Quartermaster General
1948
Western Union Telegram
FWA025 DL Govt PD=Ft Worth, Tex 17 1045A=
Johnnie Lineberry=
DLR and report any charges 4315 Northwest 25 St OKCTY=
We
have been advised remains of the late PFC George Lineberry enroute to
the United States. Our records indicate you with remains
delivered to Capitol Hill Funeral Home. 2801 South Robinson, Oklahoma
City, Oklahoma. Within forty eight hours after receipt of this
message please confirm your original instructions or submit new
delivery instructions and furnish your correct mailing address by
telegram collect to commanding officer, Ft. Worth Quartermaster Depot,
Fort Worth, 1 Texas. Reply is necessary within this period since
it will not be possible to comply at government expense with any
desired changes in delivery instructions received after the expiration
of forty eight hours. While delivery of the remains will be made
as soon as practicable after receipt factors beyond our control may
delay delivery of remains for several weeks. However as soon as
remains are received here and it is possible to schedule them for
delivery your funeral director will be notified by telegram or rail
routing and scheduled time remains will arrive at railroad
stations. Also he will be requested to furnish you this
information so that you may complete funeral arrangements. This
telegram will be sent at least four days prior to actual shipment from
this distribution center. Please instruct funeral director to
accept remains at railroad station upon arrival. Remains will be
accompanied by military escort. If you desire military honors at
funeral you should ask any local patriotic or veterans organizations to
make arrangements. Your prompt cooperation will greatly assist
this office in making final delivery. Please include full name of
deceased in reply telegram=
S H Patridge LT Colonel QMC Chief AGR Division
Dec 17 1948