July 7, 1944, Camp Bowie, Texas

From Corporal Robert M. Blizzard to Mr. Thomas Malcolm Hughey

This letter from Bob Blizzard to Tom Hughey (Tom Cartmell’s nephew) was sent when Tom Hughey was one month old, in July of 1944. I found it mixed in with some other letters that my mother, Elaine Hughey, had saved. It was kind and thoughtful of Bob Blizzard to send this, and I have now forwarded it on to Tom Hughey, to whom it was intended, albeit 75 years late.
Friday eve

7 July 1944

 

July 7, 1944, Camp Bowie, Texas
July 7, 1944, Camp Bowie, Texas

Dear Thomas Malcolm:

Yes, you guess you thought that I wasn’t going to wish you a happy entrance into this world. Yes, guess that’s what you thought. And can’t hardly blame you either – here it is almost a month since you came into this world and as up until now, you didn’t hear a word from me.

July 7, 1944, Camp Bowie, Texas, Front
July 7, 1944, Camp Bowie, Texas, Front

I was mighty glad you and mother got along so fine. – and I was tickled to hear your new name – that is a might fine name, and you certainly have something to live up to by having a name with such a meaning as that. But I am certain you will be capable of living up to it.

No doubt Grandpa Cartmell is very proud of you – and Grandpa and Grandma Hughey. Your sisterKaren is going to have a little competition for the attention in your family. You certainly have a sister to be proud of though. And no doubt Grandpa Cartmell will have you on one knee and Karen on the other. Yes, I can picture that now.

July 7, 1944, Camp Bowie, Texas, Back
July 7, 1944, Camp Bowie, Texas, Back

I had a letter from your Uncle Tom the other day and he seems to be getting along fine. He told me all about his flying and all about his furlough at home. Too bad you couldn’t have made your appearance a little sooner so he could have seen you as well as Karen. He certainly talks like a proud uncle – but he has reason.

I am sending you a 1st birthday present in a few days. Not much – just a little remembrance. But we can’t let you enter this world totally forgotten. I’m not much at buying things for babies – but I’ll do my best.

Be sure and tell your mother and Daddy + both pairs of Grand parents “Hello” for me

Sincerely,

Bob Blizzard

A Young Man Went Off to War