COLLEGE, COURTSHIP, MARRIAGE
AND
WORLD WAR II YEARS, 1939-1946
Mable Rumburg and Joseph Meites
College
I was accepted for training as a Medical Technologist at Bethany Hospital in Kansas City,
Kansas in 1935. By 1937 I completed some of the requirements. However, a further requirement was two years of college in order to become certified. In 1937 I became a student at the
University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri. Although Columbia was a relatively small community, it boasted about 6,000 students at the University and several hundred at Stephens and
Christian Colleges for girls.
My goal was to become a Medical Technologist. I enrolled in courses that would lead to
that goal. However, the University of Missouri required that I take liberal arts courses and there
were some electives which I chose. They included music, art, philosophy, religion, history, political and social sciences. Exposure to Liberal Arts courses along with life experiences, brought
new understandings and perspectives to me.
How Joe and I met
I do not remember the exact date Joe and I met. It was sometime in 1939 that I learned
that dance classes were being offered (free) to college students. My parents were strict Methodists and did not believe in dancing, so I did not learn as a child.
I ventured out to the meeting place which was The Knights of Columbus Hall for students.
There were plenty of male college students who attended and some invited me to dance. There
was no instructor, so our efforts to learn were left to chance. I dated a few students but did not
find them to my taste. One of the students who invited me to dance was Isidor Meites. As we
talked about our studies, I found Isidor was working toward an advanced degree in organic
chemistry. He seemed very intelligent. I mentioned that I was studying to become a medical
technologist and was finding my chemistry courses difficult. He offered to see if he could help
me with the assignments in chemistry and Latin.
During Isidor’s tutoring he mentioned he had a brother, Joe, he would like me to meet. I did
not think any more about brother Joe until he appeared at one of the dance sessions and Isidor
introduced us. Joe invited me to dance. He seemed a bit shy. We talked about our studies and
went our separate ways. A few weeks later I received a telephone call from Joe asking for a
date and I accepted. Later someone told me that some of Joe’s friends had dared him to call
me.
Casual Dating
I do not recall what we did on the first date, but I do remember that neither of us had any
extra money for entertainment. These were the Great Depression years and both of us worked
to support ourselves and our education. However, I do vividly remember that we dated mostly
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on Sundays and took long walks, as college students could not afford cars. I found that both of
us were highly motivated to complete our college education. I was a secretary to four Agricultural Economists and I earned 35 cents per hour. Joe was a graduate student of Dr. C. W. Turner,
a prominent scientist, and was in the field of Biology. He received $75.00 per month. Both of us
were being funded through the National Youth Administration (NYA), a government fund to help
youth go to college.
I recall feeling some uncertainty as to whether Joe would be interested in continuing to call
me as the introduction had been a casual event. Sometime later, I asked Joe what Isidor had
said as to why he wanted us to meet. Joe said Isidor thought I was a serious student and there
were some commonalities in our studies. If Isidor had anything else in mind, he never revealed
it to us. Joe did continue to call me. During these walks we had opportunity to get to know each
other. I soon discovered that Joe was very different from anyone I had known or dated before.
He was very intelligent, curious, and adventuresome. He passionately loved life and learning
and wanted to share his knowledge. He loved to talk about art, music, literature, history, politics,
current events, and other interesting topics. I found he had a phenomenal capacity for mentally
cataloguing and remembering, in detail, much of what he had learned. On different occasions,
he gave me lists of outstanding authors and composers, by author, title, and country of origin.
There always was plenty of interesting and informative conversation, and I truly enjoyed being
the captive audience. On the other hand, I was from a farm family and was the practical, downto-earth person who learned from my parents, relatives, and teachers in a small rural village.
Turning Point
Getting to know Joe became another major turning point in my life - and his. We found ourselves getting more involved in each other’s lives. For instance, Joe invited me to attend a Bible
Class (the Old Testament) with him that was being taught by a Jewish professor. There was no
synagogue in Columbia. I had become aware that Joe was Jewish which was a possible reason
he might not continue to call. I knew there was discrimination against Jews. I also knew that
some people frowned upon interfaith marriage. However, I found I was more interested in the
person, what the individual was like, what he/she stood for, and how they viewed me and my
world. I wanted them to be a person with values and to respect me and my values. I had become aware of the fact that my father’s generation considered women unequal to men, and I did
not want that kind of relationship.
I had been exposed to certain kinds of prejudices when I was growing up in a rural community that was homogeneous. However, the prejudices came from how individuals or families
behaved; whether they conformed to the norms of the community and church and whether their
morals met with the approval of the community. On one occasion my brother Willard stopped
by my apartment for a visit. Since Joe was there I introduced them. I had not discussed my relationship with Joe with Willard so I assumed he knew we were dating.
After Joe left, Willard stated that he would never accept Joe. I was very disappointed that Willard was so prejudiced and assured him I did not share his views. There was plenty of discrimination against Germans by 1940 also. Our father was of German origin. I gather Willard had
not encountered any personal prejudice. His contacts were mainly with students from rural
areas, and his professors mostly were from rural areas. Most of them were from very conservative backgrounds.
I lived in a house designated for female students and shared a two room apartment with
Cleo Carson, who was my roommate and good friend during her lifetime. I also was her matchmaker as I introduced her to the man she married. One weekend Cleo was away, and I broke
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house rules and invited Joe to have lunch with me. I remember that I had just received a nice
big piece of home-smoked ham from my parents. I had mashed potatoes, a vegetable and
made a lemon pie. Joe said he really liked the food and told me that was his introduction to
pork.
On one occasion I was hospitalized with a severe cold, and Joe visited me at the hospital. I
was touched by his attention and was very impressed with his thoughtfulness. He also brought
a small bouquet of flowers. I found myself being much more comfortable with Joe and felt that
we were developing feelings for each other.
Joe invited me to visit his apartment (a large attic room in a private home) that he shared
with his brothers Isidor and Samuel (Sam). Joe was working on his master’s thesis and needed
to have some of it typed. Isidor had a small portable typewriter. Since I was a typist, I offered to
type as my time permitted. Joe needed to have several copies made at a time that meant using
carbon and onion skin paper. If I made a typing mistake it took such a long time to correct all of
the copies. What a difference the computer makes! This was my introduction to scientific research and to many words that were entirely new to me: endocrinology, prolactin, neurotransmitters, and the like.
The visit to Joe’s apartment gave me an opportunity to meet and get to better know both of
his brothers, Isidor and Sam. They were very friendly and offered to share their food. Joe’s
parents had sent some dark Russian rye bread and salami that was very good. On one occasion, they invited friends and asked me to cook some rabbits. I had not cooked rabbit before,
and their little stove was less than adequate for the job. As I got to know Joe’s brothers I felt
very comfortable with them. Joe received his Master’s Degree in June, 1940, and I attended his
commencement. He continued his studies and research and worked toward a PhD degree.
We usually dated only on weekends as work, classes, and studying were time consuming.
In addition, Joe was conducting experiments and had to be at the laboratory at required hours.
He also tutored football students and waited tables. On these dates, we continued our walks
and talked. On occasion we went to a movie at the Varsity Theatre. The cost was fifteen cents
each, and there always were lots of news bulletins about World War II, a short Bugs Bunny, a
movie, and some Vaudeville. Afterward we had a coke that cost five cents. For occasional
treats, we ate lunch at the downtown Virginia Restaurant. The menu usually was pot roast, potatoes and gravy, one vegetable and a roll. Cost was fifty cents.
I do not remember how long we had known each other before Joe kissed me. I was surprised and found his kisses were just as full of passion as his passion for life and learning. Although I had had some apprehensions as to whether our relationship would last, I believe that
was the point at which I thought we had reached another turning point in our relationship. My
response was favorable toward his kisses, as I really liked him as a person. I liked the way he
treated me and respected me as an equal. Joe was closer to my age than most college students I had dated and was much more interesting. Isidor was four years younger than Joe. In
retrospect, it felt like both Joe and I had reached a point in our lives when we were ready for
close relationships.
Joe’s Concerns
By sometime in 1940, Joe apparently had begun to think about our relationship and whether to continue dating. He told me that Isidor questioned him about his intentions toward me. He
wanted me to know that he had thoughts of our getting married as he really cared for me. He
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said both he and Isidor were very concerned about what it would do to his parents if he wanted
to marry a non Jew. They were Orthodox Jews who clung to their ideas that Jews should not
marry non Jews. They would expect Joe to marry a Jewish woman. Joe and Isidor were concerned that the parents would be very hurt and might ostracize Joe from the family and from the
Jewish People. He said the family had reacted to his mother’s sister marrying a non-Jewish
Russian soldier, and they had declared her dead to the family. Joe said he was very proud of
being Jewish, had strong connections and feelings to things Jewish, and feared his parents
might do the same thing to him. I asked if we could try to approach his family, as I would like to
meet them. He did not think we should try.
It became clearer as to why both Joe and I had had apprehensions about our relationship
all along. Joe said “we should not continue seeing each other, as it would be unfair to me and
my chances of finding a mate”. I assured him that I cared very much for him and would like to
continue. I felt that my family would like him. I did not think his being Jewish would be an issue
with them. I had not told them about Joe, as I felt Joe should be committed to marriage before I
did so. Joe said we should not see each other unless he could resolve his concerns. He assured me that he cared for me, and he needed time to think about it. I said that I hoped to continue our relationship.
I do not remember how long it was before Joe called me again. We again discussed our relationship. He said he wanted to marry me and had discussed it with Isidor again. Isidor had
suggested that we could marry and, if it did not work out, we could then get a divorce. My response was that, if I loved someone enough to marry, I would not enter any marriage with this
solution in mind. I believed the relationship should be strong enough that there should be a lifetime commitment by both parties involved. We agreed that we would stand a better chance of
finding our way if we continued seeing each other. We felt that we were well suited for each
other and needed to see if Joe could resolve his feelings about his family. In retrospect, I did
not fully realize the full impact of Joe’s family ties, his strong identification with the Jewish
people, and the inner conflict he must feel as he was living in a more assimilated world since the
family arrived from Russia in 1920. Joe often mentioned how he loved America, school, the
community, and the local library. He came to the USA and entered grade school at a time
when the concept of the “melting Pot” was paramount. He said the teachers emphasized patriotism, freedom, and becoming an American. Joe had developed a deep love for America. His
adjustment to the USA is covered in the chapter on his early years. Joe also commented to me
that I was representative of how Americans view life and the feeling of freedom in America.
Isidor Enlists
Again Isidor greatly impacted our lives. Isidor completed his Masters degree in organic
chemistry, Summa Cum Laude, at the University of Missouri in June 1941. We thought he
would continue to work toward a PhD. But, he found his major professor was very German and
antisemitic, which made it very difficult to work with him. Isidor chose to leave the university and
seek employment. He was unable to find a job. During this time, Joe had again consulted with
Isidor about our getting married. Isidor suggested that if we got married we should not tell his
parents until after the war. Isidor enlisted in the U.S. Army in September 1941 without telling his
family. After very brief training his infantry unit was sent to the Philippines. Joe was very upset
that Isidor did not consult with him before enlisting. Isidor apparently thought he would be
drafted soon anyway but Joe thought he could have tried to get into a specialized part of the
service through a Direct Commission. Joe had recognized that Isidor was especially bright, had
much to offer, and should find the right place to make his contributions to the war effort and to
society. Joe also recognized the Philippines was a very dangerous place to be. Joe and Isidor
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had been very close and were very similar intellectually and in interests. One of the yearbooks
from St Joseph Central High school has a photo of Isidor and has the caption: “Isidor’s intellectual ability is unexcelled.” Another yearbook had Joe’s photo and the caption: “Name some line
in which ‘the Professor’ is not a success, if you can.” Both had been at the top of their class
throughout high school, grade school, and Junior College. Both had made the National Honor
Society.
The War Years
The reason for Isidor’s impact on us was that War was declared December 7, 1941 and the
Japanese were attacking our troops in the Philippines. Fighting was fierce, and there was no
word from Isidor. The family was very concerned. The US troops were greatly outnumbered
and finally surrendered. This caused much anxiety for the Meites family. Although they had
made contact with the War Department, the only letter I found was dated May 29, 1942 . It
stated, in part:
“I deeply regret that it is impossible for me to give you more information than is contained in
this letter. In the last days before the surrender of Bataan, there were casualties that were
not reported to the War Department. Conceivably the same is true of the surrender of Corregidor and possibly of other islands of the Philippines. The Japanese Government has indicated its intention to conform to the terms of the Geneva Convention with respect to the
interchange of information regarding prisoners of war.... The War Department will consider
the persons serving in the Philippine Islands as “missing in action” from the date of surrender of Corregidor, May 7, 1942, until definite information to the contrary is received. .....
In case of persons having been known to be present in the Philippines will continue to be
carried as ‘missing in action’ for twelve months after which the War Department is authorized to make a final determination. ... Signed, Adjutant General.”
Needless to say, the family was distraught and anxiously awaited further information.
Records kept by Joe indicate answers were not forthcoming until after the war. This caused Joe
to be even more concerned that the family had so much stress and anxiety about Isidor that he
still was uncertain about our getting married.
I do not know when the family knew what happened to Isidor. A letter from the War Department dated July 18, 1945, gives his presumptive death date as May 8, 1942. It further
stated: “An official report has now been received that he died in Camp O’Donnell, a Prisoner of
war camp on Luzon, Philippine Islands, on April 24, 1942 as a result of Malaria. My continued
sympathy is with you in the great loss you have sustained. Signed Maj. Gen, Edward F. Witsell.”
There is an absence of information about Isidor until after WW II ended. The records I have
found are the result of numerous letters the family and Joe wrote to the Army officials and to
survivors of the Death March on Corregidor. A one page report must have been written by one
of the survivors, but it was not signed. I am inserting it here even though we did not know this
until 1945 or 1946. It reads:
“Facts Relative to Private Isidor Meites
Enlisted in regular Army September 27, 1941 for service in the Infantry, P. I. (Philippine
Islands) via Ft. McDowell, California. Sgt. Kevin Godsil, duty sgt., Co. A, 31st Ing. met Izzy (Isi-
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dor) coming off the boat. He remembers Izzy had a portable typewriter. Izzy was assigned to
Co. A for recruitment training, returned to regular duty November 26, 1941 after which a two
week bivouac was intended. From the very beginning, he kept notes of personal observations
and continued to do so during lulls in battle. One time, in training, on an overnight bivouac, he
took out his notebook and designed a bamboo bed. The others laughed. He went into a bamboo thicket with his bolo knife and came out with just the right amount. He successfully built his
bed in quicker time than the rest, who slept on brush.
Company A remained in Manila till December 27, 1941 when they were sent over to Corregidor and remained till December 31, 1941. Corregidor’s first heavy bombing was December
29, 1941 and Izzy and another member of the Co.,Cpl. Sherman Crookshank, were hit by a demolition bomb. They were hospitalized together on Corregidor. After about 10 days, Izzy ran
away to rejoin his unit which was now involved in its first actual battle at Hermosa on Northern
Bataan. During lulls in battle Izzy discussed politics, science, and Joe. Cigarettes were rationed and highly valued, yet Izzy gave his away. Izzy rescued a wounded Filipino, member of
Brasuels squad, under severe mortar and artillery fire. Fifteen minutes later, the Japs occupied
the position. Izzy was wounded a second time while lying in a slit trench, at Abubay Hacienda
on January 25, 1942 and was hospitalized at Bataan Field Hospital #l. Within three days he
again ran away from the hospital to rejoin his comrades. He never complained. Company A
never heard the official surrender notice of April 9, 1942 as communications and supply lines
were disrupted for some time and these gaunt, malarial men surrendered after they could no
longer fight. They were surrounded, could not escape. All had malaria at one time or another,
but there was sufficient quinine to suppress attacks. Company A was in the brush when they
surrendered and began their “march” from there. Before starting, all their equipment and belongings were taken including their helmets. Izzy retained his glasses and a musette bag, containing among other things, his quinine.
The sun beat mercilessly down on their heads. But somewhere on that march Izzy
popped up with fatigue hats for the whole company! They marched five days without food or
water, neither was allowed to sleep during the “rest” periods, 90 miles to Camp O’Donnell,
17,200 died on the march. Some marched for 12 days!
Upon reaching O’Donnell April 14, 1942, they were given questionnaires to fill out. Izzy
was first in the Company to fill one out and gave his honest opinion of the Japs, commenting: “I
won’t be here more than a few days anyway.” He became very sick and wouldn’t eat the little
rice they were given, being satisfied with the little water they were able to get from the one spigot where thousands were lined up. Izzy never thought to take quinine and the others did not
know he had any. Godsil suggested he go to the hospital. He was assisted there by Guelozow
and Brasuel on April 22, 1942. He was covered with a blanket. No medicine, food or water.
Brasuel was the last in the Company to see him alive as he visited him next day, April 23, 1942.
Izzy was not talkative, said: “It is better here.” He died April, 24, 1942. The others were on
forced labor in and out of the camp and heard of his death some days later. Camp O’Donnell
had Filipino “captives” even before the surrender. Although first in his company to die there, the
death rate was already high by the time he died so it is doubtful he was buried in an individual
grave. Bodies were thrown in mass graves and identified where possible. (Many lost their dog
tags). Camp O’Donnell is 50 miles from Manila. The 31st was known as “Manila’s Best.”
After much communication between the family and the Army officials, the family received
the two Purple Heart awards for Isidor’s acts of heroism along with two Ribbons for Military Merit, including the Philippine Defense Ribbon and the Campaign Stars (Bataan) Ribbon.
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It took several letters to Army officials to have Isidor’s remains returned. This finally occurred
sometime in 1947. The coffin, supplied by the army, was buried in the Shaarey Sholem Cemetery in St. Joseph, Missouri. His headstone reads: “Isidor Meites, Hero of Bataan and Corregidor, June 23, l918 - April 24, 1942. Isidor was mourned and revered by the entire family. We
believe he had great ability and could have contributed greatly to society if he had lived. Joe
and I have always been extremely grateful to him for bringing us together. The above detailed
material about Isidor is given in full with a hope the world will remember how heartless, horrible,
harmful and wasteful war is.
In 1945 the family received a letter of condolence from Douglas MacArthur, the Commanding Officer of the Pacific Fleet. There also was an undated certificate from Franklin D. Roosevelt, President of the US, “in grateful memory of Isidor Meites who dared to die that Freedom
might live, and grow.”
Mable and Sam graduate from University of Missouri.
I graduated from the University of Missouri June 9, 1942 with a BA degree in social
science and social work. I changed course after exposure to social sciences and liberal arts
courses. I found I was a “people person” and I had found a direction that suited me. Joe’s
brother Samuel also graduated with a BA in Plant Biology.
By this time I had a definite interest in going to graduate school to earn a Masters Degree in
Medical Social work. Since I had some experience in Bethany Hospital, I could see that combining medical and social sciences was the way to go. To work toward a master’s degree I wanted
to attend the graduate School of Social Work at Washington University in St Louis, Missouri. I
applied for jobs at two hospitals that had social work departments and the County Social Welfare Commission so I could support myself while pursuing the degree. I was offered positions at
all three but chose Washington University Clinics and Allied Hospitals. I chose Washington University as I had learned it was one of the top schools in the country for medical social work. I
also chose Washington University Clinics and Allied Hospitals as its reputation was excellent,
and I would receive good work experience. The hospital job was as a summer substitute, and
would last until September 1, 1942. I took a chance because I hoped to get myself established
and would be able to find something by September. The salary for all the jobs was $100.00 per
month. The starting date was June 15, 1942. This meant I had little time to move.
Joe was within about six months of completing his PhD degree. He still had not fully committed himself to marriage. I felt Joe needed time to sort out his feelings and complete his degree. Although he wanted me to remain in Columbia, he supported my wish for graduate
school. I had reached the realization that I had to be serious and sensible as I needed to prepare myself in case I had to support myself. I did not want to be a secretary all my life. I hoped
that Joe and I would be able to sort things out eventually.
Mable Moves to St. Louis
On June 13, 1942 I moved to St. Louis. The Director of the Social Service Department
had arranged for some temporary housing for me and urged me to take a course in “Medical
Aspects of Social Work” which also started June 15, as it would enhance my ability to do my
job. Since I would not be paid until July 1, the Director arranged for my tuition to be waived. At
the hospital, I was assigned to the Social Service Department in Children’s Hospital.
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Joe Proposes Marriage
It has been said that absence makes the heart grow fonder. Joe and I wrote to each other
regularly. Joe managed to hitchhike to St. Louis on occasional weekends even though he was
preparing for his prelims and working on his dissertation. It was during one of these trips that he
fully committed himself to marriage. He said he could not live without me and wanted us to be
together. I happily agreed. Joe said he had hopes that his family would understand. In any
case, he realized only he could decide about the selection of the person he married. He knew
that person was me. I was committed to my job and the university courses until September, so
we did not set a date. Besides, we needed to determine how we could manage financially.
Three Meites sons in Army
In July 1942 Joe wrote that three Meites sons Isidor, Samuel, and Jerry were in the army.
Joe had been classified as 4F because of limited vision in one eye. He was not subject to being
called. My letter to Joe urged him to write his parents often and try to help them with their fears
and concerns about Isidor and the absence of the other two sons.
Sam had gone to Fitzsimons Army General Hospital in Aurora, Colorado. He was assigned
to the Medical Technological School and became certified as a T/5 Medical Technician until he
received promotions to Second Lieutenant and later became a First Lieutenant. Like Joe, he
served in the Army Medical Corps (in Army hospital laboratories) until 1946.
According to Internet historians, “Fitzsimons Army Hospital was a medical facility of the US military during the 20th century, located on 577 acres. The facility was founded by the US Army
during World War I arising from the need to treat the large number of casualties from chemical
weapons in Europe. It was developed as Army Hospital 21 in 1918 for the treatment of tuberculosis. The hospital was named for Lt. William T. Fitzsimons, the first U.S. casualty in World War
I.
Jerry was honorably discharged from service but details are not available. He moved to
Detroit with his parents, obtained a teaching degree from Wayne State University and taught
high school. He married but lost his wife to breast cancer. He later remarried, had retired and
lived in the Detroit area until he died in 2007, age 82.
Joe wrote that he was trying to obtain information about the American soldiers who were
making the death march on Corregidor, as he sent me an article indicating that some of the men
had escaped from the Japanese, and he hoped Isidor had been among them.
Uncertainties
By August 1942 our letters were full of discussion about getting married. There still were
questions about Joe’s parents, questions as to how we could manage financially, the fact that I
wanted to continue my graduate studies, and Joe’s completion of his PhD.
My August 18 letter to Joe said: I just put off thinking about marriage for the moment as I
realize we must be sensible. Yet, I would so like not to be sensible. It is a wonderful feeling to have the knowledge that you want me to be your wife, darling. I know I want you for
my husband. I know I shall love you so long as I live, but I still am not ready to take the necessary steps. The most important things I wanted to convey are that I love you with all my
heart and that I send you my love and affection.”
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August 25, 1942 the Director of Social Service notified me that my position had been extended until January 1, 1943. This meant that, if I accepted the extension, I would be enrolling at
the University also. I chose to remain until we could get our decisions made about marriage.
Joe Reclassified and Inducted in Army
September 2, 1942 Joe wrote that he had been reclassified from 4F to limited service (non
combatant) and could be inducted into the army at any time. He had already made inquiries
about becoming an officer, prior to being inducted, through a Direct Commission in the Sanitary
Corps. He felt very strongly that he had knowledge and skills that would be valuable and
wanted to be able to use them.
October 17, 1942 Joe was inducted into the army, as a Private, at Jefferson Barracks (near
St. Louis, Missouri). Now the Meites family had four sons in the army. This had to be a very
emotionally upsetting time for the Meites family, especially the parents. Joe kept all of the correspondence and orders relative to his war record and this is the major source of the information
about his war experiences that follow.
I had hoped to be present at the induction, but that was not permitted. However, I was able
to visit Joe at Jefferson Barracks on some late afternoons. Joe said the officer who inducted
them commented “if you got along in civilian life, you will get along in the army.” He learned
not to volunteer. One night the soldiers were asked if they could type. Those who held up their
hands were assigned to KP (Kitchen duty).
According to internet historians, “Jefferson Barracks was once the largest military reservation in America and has been a significant U.S. Military site since 1826. Used by the Army,
Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, National Guard, other federal agencies and the Red Cross it has
been used for induction, recruitment, training, mobilization and separation of troops. It was the
first basic training camp of the U. S. Army and also home of the first U. S. Calvary. It was a major munitions depot for both the Army and the Navy, still is the largest U.S. military hospital and
contains a national cemetery.”
Joe to Camp Phillips, Kansas
Joe soon was shipped to Camp Phillips at Salina, Kansas. It really traumatized both of us
to be unable to see each other and to realize that Joe was now in the army and would have to
go wherever he was sent. Joe wrote that he was in basic training, had again made contacts
about either a Direct Commission or Officers’ Candidate School.
His letters were full of how difficult army life was. November 30, 1942 he wrote: “The
soldiers who make up the majority in my barracks were just arguing as to whether the
United States was composed of 44 or 48 states and whether there were men before
Adam and Eve. To top things off, someone turned on a radio and selected very loud hill
billy music which I find distasteful. I get tired of having to live with people with whom I
have little in common. I did not particularly enjoy my day in the laboratory. I get the feeling that I am putting too much effort into too little. If I were at another camp I could complete my basic training in a month and be ready to move to Officers Candidate School.
As it is, it may take months before I get my basic training here. You cannot imagine
what rotten meals we have. I have never had such poor food anywhere. I have to run to
the PX for a coke to get the bad taste out of my mouth.” Joe later wrote that he wanted
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me to visit him in Salina in December. He wanted me to see if I could get a job and, if I
was ready, we could be married. He thought there were plenty of jobs for secretaries at
the Camp and possibly in Salina which would pay at least $100.00 per month. He had
made inquiries as to whether he could live off the base if he were married. He also
found one of the soldiers who had a car and would provide a ride. As a Private, Joe
would have about $50.00 per month and a spouse would receive about the same
amount. He said he could get a room in Salina, as local families had opened their
homes to married soldiers.
Joe inquired about having an Army Chaplain marry us but found the Jewish Chaplain would
not marry us, as he did not believe in interfaith marriages. Joe said we could have a civil ceremony but he wanted us to have a Jewish wedding later. He wanted me to become Jewish as it
was not desirable to have two religions and I felt the same way. He recommended some books
about Judaism for me to read so I could start learning more about Judaism.
November 29, 1942 Joe’s letter said: “My work at the laboratory is going along OK. We
have a new man in charge, namely, Captain Sayre, formerly of Mayo Brothers. He impresses
me as an excellent scientist and man. He interviewed each of us and I believe I made a favorable impression. He told me that I might expect at sometime in the future a favorable recommendation and that he would try to get a good word on my behalf to Col. Linton who is in charge
of Camp Phillips.”
I went to Salina in December. Joe arranged for a room for me in the home of a nice family.
It was wonderful to see Joe, but he looked like a different person in his uniform, long winter
overcoat, and a large army cap. Since it was only for the weekend, I was unable to look for
work, and Joe was unable to obtain a marriage license. We did explore the area and got some
ideas about living arrangements and places I might obtain work.
According to the Internet Historians, “Salina was settled in 1856 by Preston B. Plum, along
the Smokey Hill Rivers. However, it was founded by William Phillips in 1858. It established
itself as a staging post for prospectors traveling to Pikes Peak, as well as a trading post between native Indian tribes, and Ft. Leavenworth. After the Civil War, Phillips, then a Colonel,
used his influence to extend the Union Pacific Railroad. It was known for transporting meat in
refrigerated cars and by 1870 had become a dominant wheat producing area. They developed
steam-powered flourmills and introduced Alfalfa to Kansas Farmers. In 1940 the population of
Salina was about 21,000. Salina served the surrounding rural areas. During World War II Salina’s air base was one of several notable B-29 training bases.”
I found Joe’s description of Salina to be accurate. He said the homes were fairly small and
mainly of wood construction. There were the usual churches, stores, movies, professional offices, and a fairly large Masonic Temple. The Masonic Temple provided space for the USO, USO
Travelers Aid and a place for soldiers to hang out. Since Camp Phillips (named for Colonel
Phillips) was a new base, it was constantly under construction, which created many inconveniences and muddy surroundings. He mentioned getting up early in the morning to report for
calisthenics in very cold weather. He said the construction of the barracks left cracks in the floor
and snow blew in through the cracks.
When I returned to St. Louis and found that my job had been extended. I was assigned to
the eye service and had a different supervisor. I needed to make a decision as to whether I
would enroll for more graduate courses. So, I wrote to Joe to ask if we could save enough
money to get married. I suggested that I stop graduate studies and get a better paying job.
10
His letter of January 1, 1943 read: “Honey, I am entirely in favor of saving something for
our marriage, but first of all, I think it is necessary for you to live as well as possible. I do
not want you to drop everything and just think about our marriage alone. As long as this
war lasts, we probably will have to live apart - possibly even after I obtain a commission. I
want you to have something of real interest and value to do while I am away. I should have
my commission by spring (or earlier) and we can then be married in an appropriate manner. Of course, dearest, if we can prepare for that time all the better. Remember that I love
you very much, darling, and will always be willing to marry you and in a way that will mean
a lot to both of us. Have faith and all of our dreams will come true.”
These uncertainties caused me to wonder whether to continue my job and classes or join
Joe. I felt I had opportunity at the hospital that also was an excellent connection with the University. I hoped that I might get lucky and be able to work full time. The fact that I was majoring
in medical social work also helped in case I would be available for a position later. I definitely
wanted to work in a hospital. I discussed my situation with my supervisor, Miss Gayford. She
thought that if I talked with Miss Lewis, my major professor, that a tuition scholarship might be
worked out. This was encouraging as it indicated that I had established myself well enough that
I was considered a candidate to continue graduate work. Joe wrote that I should be the one to
make the decision about my situation in St. Louis. He kept writing that he was ready to marry
anytime I was ready. I found a letter in which I wrote:
“I do not think I should make the decision about my situation in St. Louis alone as it effects
both of us and we should decide together. I have two ambitions, one is to be a very good
wife to you and the other is to be the best social worker I can be.”
Joe responded: “I am ambitious too as I want to be the best husband to you and I want to
be an officer. If you are ready to marry now, I will help you get the masters degree later.”
The idea of finishing the degree later struck me as a possibility, and the thought that Joe
would support me in such an effort was a very welcome thought.
I had another reason for not making the final decision about marriage. I was very concerned about the possibility of becoming pregnant and being left with a child to rear without Joe
and without adequate income to do so. Joe also was concerned and we agreed to try to postpone starting a family until after the war. My brother, who was in the Navy had married. They
had a child and his wife went back to her parents. I did not think this an option for me as I had
been on my own for a number of years. My parents were getting much older and my income
would be very limited. I had known a number of people who had been caught in the depression
without finding any way to get out, and I did not wish to let that happen to me.
During this time, Joe wrote to his younger brother, Samuel, and asked his opinion about our
getting married. A letter from Sam dated January 8, 1943, gave his reply:
“I was not quite sure of your status with Mable. It seemed such a shame that a fine girl as
Mable could not be married to you just because of our folks, primarily. I know she will make
an excellent wife. Your only problem is how to tell the folks and when. They are, as you
know, in an insecure position. Mable must for the sake of propriety, become a Jewess, as
you say she is willing. But, until we can do something to make the folks more secure, and,
of course, wait until we get word from the government concerning Isidor, you should not get
married. Of course, your marriage could be kept a secret. Best of luck to both of you, no
matter what happens. Sam”
11
The knowledge that both Isidor and Sam were in favor of our marriage helped to ease the
concern about the reaction of Joe’s parents. It was good for me to know three of the family
members and to find them to be good, caring, and intelligent people. Sam’s mention of the family’s insecurity was based on the fact that their income was not adequate to meet their needs,
and the sons had been helping support them.
Joe wrote:
“I feel an obligation to my family and I will continue to provide what I can for them financially. But, so far as you are concerned, sweetheart, I am committed to you. I want to get married and make it legal so we can live together. My intention is to marry you as soon as
possible. In the meantime, we must both do our jobs and not permit ourselves to become
discouraged. I love you too much to allow anything to stand in the way and I am sure you
feel the same.”
January 11, 1943 I wrote Joe:
“Darling, I have explored all possibilities about staying in school and working. I have decided that I would never be content without you and it is more important for us to be together as long as possible. I will return to Salina soon so we can be married. If I can get a job
there I will stay with you. I know we love each other enough to make everything work out
all right. If it is possible I would like a beautiful wedding including a double wedding ring
service, and I would like flowers and a cake. If your friends can be at the wedding that
would be fine.”
Joe’s letter of January 28, 1943 explained:
“I have not been able to get the license but will do so on Monday, which probably is the day
we will be married. I have asked the Captain for permission to be absent Monday through
Wednesday. I shall be able to get off when I receive your telegram. I know you would prefer to be married on the day you arrive, as do I, but it may not be possible. I hope you wont
mind waiting a day. But, we will get more from it if it is done right. I have asked a friend to
be my best man and it is possible I may ask a few more friends to our wedding - if it is possible for them to do so. This is a very important event in our lives, and certainly will be the
most important step in my life. I am very excited and happy and can hardly wait. I love
you, Joe.”
Obviously I did not envision what it would mean for Joe to work things out as he had to respond to the demands of the Army first. He had to remain in camp on Sunday to receive his
paycheck which was very important. However, he worked things out, based on what was possible.
Marriage
Since the Jewish Chaplain would not marry us, Joe did not want anyone connected to
any religious group to perform the ceremony. Joe arranged for a Justice of the Peace to marry
us on January 30, 1943 at Junction City, Kansas. He had to arrange for a friend who had a car
to take us there. One of his buddies accompanied us. It was not the kind of ceremony we desired but we were happy to be together, and it was not the issue. Joe assured me that we
would have a beautiful Jewish wedding later. We had visited a jewelry store and found two
matching gold band rings for $8.00 each. Joe arranged for a corsage for me. He found a nice
12
room with cooking privileges at the home of Mr. & Mrs. Loomis.
When we were alone Joe said “It gives me great hope now that we are together. I believe in both our abilities. I am sure we will do more together. We both have initiative, intelligence and a zest for living. I know you will help me and I will help you.” I told him that “I am
deeply touched and feel the same way as we have become much more clear about ourselves
and our relationship.”
I was fortunate to find a job with the USO Travelers Aid as a social worker who would be responsible for services to soldiers and their families. The salary was $150.00 per month. Joe
was promoted to PFC (Private First Class) so he was happier and had a slight increase in
pay. Our financial concerns had decreased somewhat. It was wonderful to be together. I found
my job to be interesting, and it enabled me to do something for the war effort.
During all these uncertainties, Joe had been busy completing his basic training, preparing applications for either a Direct Commission or Officers Candidate School, had his physicals, and all
seemed in order. About that time the government announced that there would not be any more
Direct Commissions. He was disappointed but rebounded by saying he would go to Officers
Candidate School, although it would mean being separated for a while and would be a tortuous
experience. It could mean he would be sent overseas. He still was making every effort to get
assigned to the medical field.
Joe’s experience as a research scientist was related to being in the medical field. After he
had been working in the hospital laboratory for a while Joe said: “I have found that working in
the hospital laboratory made me realize more than ever how well suited I am for research work.
I loved to search for the new and miss my work at the University of Missouri. I am proud of the
work I was able to accomplish while there and I am anxious to do more creative work. I had seventeen articles published in scientific journals while I was a student. I want to do something
worthwhile. I hate the idea that I am wasting my life in the army so far. However, I have learned
that the army has brought out all of my fight, perseverance and ability to take it physically. I feel
I owe it to myself to try to improve myself in the army. A Direct Commission would give me self
respect.”
I was very happy to know Joe was defining himself and thinking positively as to how he
could succeed. I encouraged him to keep trying, and I would support him. Joe was promoted to
Corporal, which boosted his spirits a bit. We managed quite well, got acquainted with other
couples and did our respective jobs.
Joe Receives Direct Commission
June 16, 1943, Joe came home very excited and jubilant. He had just received a letter
stating that his Direct Commission in the Sanitary Corps had been approved, and he is now a
Second Lieutenant. He was honorably discharged from the Army on 21 June and became a
member of the Separate Army Sanitary Corps. The Sanitary Corps was formed as a separate
corps in 1941. His assignment was with the Hospital Laboratory Services. The Corps was
made up of medical specialists, including sanitary engineers, bacteriologist, biochemist, entomologists, serologist, parasitologist, physiologists, clinical microscopists, and other scientists.
This was another wonderful turning point for both of us. I was very proud of Joe and happy for
both of us. Joe said he was very proud, as he now thought he would have an opportunity to use
his college training. He spent time getting acquainted with officers and enlisted personnel, as he
13
wanted to be as informed as possible as to what his assignments and duties would entail. It
also meant that his income would be $250.00 per month plus clothing and travel expense.
Joe and I got along exceedingly well. But, I recall one incident when I must have thought
Joe was unjustly critical of me, and I began to cry. This upset Joe, and he went outside for a
while. When he returned, he apologized and explained that it was difficult for him to know what
to do when a woman cries. However, he made a good suggestion that set the tone for our marriage through our 62 years together. He said: “ from now on we must be able to sit down and
talk together until we find the answer for both of us.” I would recommend this for every couple.
2nd Lt. Meites Goes to O’Reilly
June 22, 1943 Joe received orders to go to O’Reilly Army General Hospital at Springfield,
Missouri, for temporary duty pending further orders. The hospital was located in the heart of the
beautiful Ozarks. According to Internet Historians, “Groundbreaking for O’Reilly Army General
Hospital was begun in the spring of 1941. It was named for General Robert Maitland O’Reilly
who was a hospital cadet in the Union Army during the civil war, a field surgeon in the U. S. Army during the Indian Campaigns and Spanish American War, and a researcher on tropical hygiene during the building of the Panama Canal. He was appointed Surgeon General of the Army in 1902 and served in this capacity until 1909.
O’Reilly Army General Hospital was a temporary U.S. Army hospital and was in operation
during World War II. It was known as “The Hospital With A Soul.” The grounds covered about
155 acres and the 248 buildings were of wood barracks-type construction.
Originally, this was a 1,000 bed hospital which expanded to 6,000 beds by the spring of
1945. A total of 50,000 patients were treated at O’Reilly Army General Hospital through August
1946. Joe was assigned to the laboratory during his eight weeks of training. In 1947 O’Rreilly
was reopened as a Veterans Administration Hospital.
Visit to Mable’s Parents
We had decided that I should remain in Salina, KS, as O’Reilly was to be a short term assignment. Joe asked me to join him in Springfield for several days. He was able to get a few
days leave so we could visit my parents at Ellington, MO, which was not far from Springfield.
My parents, Albert and Minnie Rumburg, welcomed Joe warmly, and they seemed comfortable with each other. Joe made a hit with my mother right away. She had a sore on her leg
which was not healing. Joe found a large kettle, filled it with warm soapy water and had her
soak the infected area. Mother’s leg was almost healed when we left. The rest of my relatives
who lived in the area met Joe and recognized his fine qualities. Joe told me he thought my parents had made considerable contributions to the settling of the country, and he admired their
strong character and ability to deal with what had been a hard life. In addition, Joe loved the
natural beauty of the rolling hills of the Ozarks and the many varieties of beautiful trees that
graced the hills.
Lt. Meites to Camp Sibert, Alabama
August 5, 1943 Joe was transferred to Camp Sibert, Gadsden, Alabama. He was assigned
to the Station Hospital Laboratory. He urged me to finish my job in Salina and join him. I im-
14
mediately requested a transfer to the Gadsden USO Travelers Aid, but Joe insisted I join him
then and see about the transfer later.
August 29, 1943, Joe wrote:
“Yesterday afternoon I visited Gadsden and was very disappointed. I expected considerably more of a town of 35,000. Actually it is much less substantial and there is considerably
less in it than in Salina. You really will appreciate Salina after you arrive here. I noticed in
this morning’s Birmingham paper that 51% of Alabama’s inductees thus far have been rejected because of physical and mental difficulties. Only Florida has a higher rate of rejects.
After you have been here a few days you will understand why ‘Southerners’ are synonymous here with mental deficiencies.
But, to return to Gadsden, there is one modern hotel, the Reich. Across the street is a pretty good library. The main street, Broadway, is no bigger than Boonville, Missouri and has
less in the way of shops than Salina. A few of them looked good, however. The usual
chain stores are present, Lerners, Grants, Woolworths. There is one theatre and two little
holes that show only Westerns. The Soldier’s Center (USO) here does not compare with
the one in Salina. I visited the Travelers Aid and inquired about a place to live.
There were several rooms available but no apartments. Since you are not coming today
they suggested I return. I believe the Director said her name was Miss Stanley. She is a
Southerner, about thirty, and seemed nice enough. There was another woman with her
who probably was her assistant. The office is in the Reich Hotel and seemed adequate
enough. While there another lieutenant came in to inquire about a room. Three rooms
were available. I went with him just to get some idea of the kind of rooms and houses in
Gadsden. I would not live in two of the rooms. One was a very dirty attic, hot as an oven,
plus plenty of vermin. The women who showed them to us seemed not the least bit
ashamed. The third house we looked at was fair. I decided I would not try seriously to get
a room through Travelers Aid.
There are very few apartments in Gadsden. I believe I struck a piece of luck later. I met an
officer who had been sharing an apartment in East Gadsden and he had just moved. This
was a house with a room and small kitchen. He described it as being pretty nice. If it is OK
I will move in right away.
I am sure things will be much nicer when we are together and I am sure we will adjust to
this place somehow. I want to make the best of it since I am here and had nothing to say
about it. I daresay we will find a few interesting items since neither of us have lived in the
south before. So, do not expect too much and you wont be disappointed.”
Another letter from Joe said:
“As Assistant Chief of Laboratory Services, I am getting acquainted with the staff that are
not officers. I was uncomfortable with their constantly calling me ‘Sir” all the time so I told
them I preferred to be called ‘Lieutenant’. I am getting to know how each of them functions
personally as well as professionally. I find most of them have a positive attitude and work
well together. I began to look for friends among the officers as enlisted soldiers and officers
are not supposed to socialize.”
15
Mable to Gadsden
I arrived in Gadsden September 8, 1943, after a very hot and unforgettable train ride. The
train was old, fueled by coal and had open windows. The black smoke from the train managed
to penetrate through the windows and caused breathing difficulties for the passengers, to say
nothing of how dirty we felt. I especially remember a woman who passed through each coach
to sell sandwiches. There was not too much choice as she kept singing POKE (pork) sandwiches with MI-O-NAZE (Mayonnaise).
The small apartment Joe wrote about was vacated in time for my arrival. It was located on
the first floor in a family residence. It consisted of one room in which there was a double bed, a
fireplace, a few pieces of furniture and a small area for cooking. We were there during the winter so occasionally needed some heat. The fireplace did a fairly decent job. However, it was a
coal burning fireplace and the homeowner showed us how to ‘bank’ the fire at night so we could
keep the room a bit warm. On occasion, a gust of wind came down the chimney and blew gaseous smelling smoke into the apartment. That was less than pleasant, but we survived. We
shared a bathroom with the family. There were no closets, so we had to make do with storing
clothing.
I started to work at the USO Travelers Aid immediately and the transfer came through later.
The Miss Stanley Joe mentioned in his letter was my supervisor. She had a secretary and
some volunteers. She also had a car, as we had an office in Anniston because it was a major
train stop for soldiers. It was good that I got experience driving a stick shift car while working in
St. Louis as my driving became essential.
It was necessary for me to get to know the community resources (or lack of them). I dealt
with housing, family relationships, financial difficulties, children’s school issues, soldiers departing for overseas, and leaving families to be returned home. When I had a heavy work schedule, I hired a woman to clean the apartment. She was there just before Christmas. I paid her
and started to leave when she asked: “ Mrs. Meites ain't you goin’ to give me no Christmas?” I
was embarrassed, apologized, and gave her some Christmas money.
Joe told me his first assignment at Camp Sibert was to inspect the restaurant kitchens in
Gadsden. The purpose of the inspections was to protect the health of the soldiers who might
eat there. He was so appalled at the unsanitary conditions of the food that he either requested
improvements or closings. The owners were aroused and complained to Joe’s commanding
officer. Joe was transferred to the hospital laboratory, which was where he most wanted to be.
According to Internet Historians, “Camp Sibert was the first large-scale chemical agent
training area in the United States and operated from 1942 to 1945. Infantry units and individual
Soldiers were disciplined in aspects of basic military training and in the use of chemical weapons, decontamination procedures and smoke operations. Mustard gas and other chemical
warfare agents were used in the training. Camp Sibert provided the opportunity for live-agent,
large-scale training that had been previously unavailable. In addition to chemical training, several types and calibers of conventional weapons were fired at the camp. The 4.2 inch mortar
was the weapon most used in training. The camp covered 37,000 acres. At the end of the war,
this became a major item of concern as there are so many clean up problems.”
Joe did not discuss what the camp was like until after the war. Then he mentioned that he
saw soldiers who got contaminated, and had huge blisters from crawling out in these contaminants. The Chemical Warfare Camp was responsible for special protective clothing and masks,
16
chemical decontaminating agents, chemotherapeutic agents, disinfectants, antibiologicals, vaccines, and toxoids, all of which became important on the field of battle.
Also, Joe was assigned to a work detail of POW’s (German Prisoners of War) who had
been captured by American troops. He knew enough German to be able to converse with them.
German Prisoners were brought to the USA and put in work detail camps near American Army
bases, but it was not publicized. Joe talked with some of them about their beliefs. He found:
“some still were strong believers in the Nazi philosophy. They believed they would win the war.
I asked them how they could possibly believe all the Nazi propaganda and their reply was that
they were young and this is what we were told.” They were not mistreated in the American work
camps, unlike their own treatment of war prisoners. They received more than fair treatment
here.”
Joe and I became close friends with another soldier and his wife (Lt. Sam Caplin and wife,
Wilma). We went on picnics and socialized with other couples as everyone was friendly and in
the same boat. Sam Caplin had a small camera and took a photo of Joe and me which became
our favorite one throughout the years. We used it on the invitation to our 60th wedding anniversary to show what the years had brought.
We met one local Jewish family by the name of Weiss. Very few Jewish families lived in
the area. Mr. Weiss asked where we were from, and we told him Missouri. His comment was
“well then you are not a damn yankee.” I assumed there still was some left over feelings between the north and south.
Anniversary in New Orleans
To celebrate our first wedding anniversary, we went to New Orleans, Louisiana. It was a
big city as compared to Gadsden. We found a room in a lovely, large home. We discovered
that houses there were built with very high ceilings because of the intense heat and humidity.
This was before air conditioning. According to Internet Historians, “New Orleans is known as
the most unique city in America. It was founded in 1718 by the French Mississippi Company. It
was named for Philippe II, Duke of Orleans, who was a regent of France. In 1763, the French
Colony was ceded to the Spanish Empire and remained under Spanish control for 40 years.
Most of the surviving architecture of the French Quarter dates from the Spanish period. Louisiana reverted to French control in 1801, but Napoleon sold it to the United States in the Louisiana Purchase two years later. This cultural mix was the basis of it’s uniqueness.
The British tried to conquer New Orleans in 1812 but were defeated. It is a principal seaport and had a leading role in the slave trade. The Union captured New Orleans in the American Civil War and spared the city the destruction suffered by many cities of the South. Over the
20th century, rapid subsistence, both natural and human-induced, left these newly populated
areas several feet below sea level.”
Joe and I explored the French Quarter, the restaurants, Royal and Bourbon streets museums and visited the cemetery where people are, because of flooding, buried above ground.
The museums and historical sites boasted a number of cannons, left over from the civil war,
along with horse drawn buggies of the early American period and paintings and sculpture.
17
Lt Meites to Ft. McClellan, Alabama
April 10, 1944 Joe received orders to proceed to Ft. McClellan, Alabama. When I found his
army record recently, I realized why Joe had urged me to leave Salina instead of waiting for a
job transfer. This order mentioned his next assignment would be Ft. McClellan, but he was not
allowed to tell me. He had been assigned to the newly formed 106h General Hospital as Assistant Chief of Laboratory Services. This was the fifth camp he had been assigned to. He was
not allowed to tell me what was happening there, but I suspected this was his last assignment in
the USA.
According to Internet Historians, “Camp McClellan was originally formed in the mid 1920’s.
It was to develop plans for the permanent buildings for military installations. By 1929 it became
Fort McClellan and was part of the new wave in military post installations. It became a permanent installation and was to be a regular Army post for one regiment of Infantry (1,500 officers
and enlisted men) and would have a standard layout for a summer camp with a capacity for
6,400 civilian trainees.
The first unit of trainees to depart for combat in WW II, the 27th Division, had orders to report overseas 12 days after the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor. The Division fought in the
Marshall and Gilbert Islands, Saipan, Guam, and the Philippines, and was later on occupational
duty in Japan. After the 27th Division left, the 92nd Division, the Army’s second African-American
Division was activated. Two detachments of Women’s Army Corps (WAC) were also formed
there. These women soldiers acted in administrative and clerical roles at the Post Headquarters, handled the motor pool, worked in the bakeries, service clubs, mess and supply.
Thirty P0W (Prisoner of War) camps were built in 1942 to house the onslaught of captured
enemy prisoners of war who were assigned to work detail. Nearly 500,000 soldiers were trained
at the Fort during WWII, including a company of Japanese-Americans who helped familiarize
American troops with methods used by Japanese soldiers. It became an Infantry Replacement
Training Center. At the end of WWII, it became a training center for soldiers assigned to occupation duty.”
106th General Hospital Departs
June 10, 1944 was Joe’s actual departure date. I wrote in what I called My Journal that
read, in part:
“Joe did not want any tears or emotional upset when he left today. He had asked me not to
tell anyone about his departure as troop movements were top secret. We had our usual
early breakfast. Joe gathered up his few remaining belongings and waited for his ride. We
shared embraces, said our farewells and Joe departed. I held back the tears until the car
rolled down the hill and out of sight. It did not seem real. I could not control the feelings of
emptiness. I went back to bed but could not sleep. I finally got up and went to work.Joe
tried to call me from pay phones (at the office as we had no home phone) and barely
missed me each time he called. I tried to reach him but he was no longer at the pay phone.
The troops apparently were enroute. I tried to sleep that night but developed such a reaction to Joe’s absence that I was physically and emotionally ill. I called the Caplins who
sensed that something was amiss. I could not explain anything to them on the phone.
Sam and Wilma came to my apartment. Sam called the camp doctor to get advice as to
how to help me and was advised that I was reacting to Joe’s departure and mentioned
some over the counter sedatives.
18
Sam said he suspected Joe had gone and that he appreciated that I had not told him on the
phone as he was not supposed to know about troop movements. They were most supportive
and I was very grateful.”
Joe’s departure was a heart wrenching experience. At night, I had dreams of boats on the
ocean being attacked, of being in storms, and awakened frightened and worried. It was difficult
to get through the nights. My job kept me more occupied during the day. Some weeks later I
received the first letter from Joe. It was a great relief to know he was safe and located in England. Also, I received a package that he had mailed from New Jersey. It contained an engagement and wedding ring set. Such thoughtfulness was typical of Joe and helped me feel his
presence again.
Joe was pleasantly surprised to find that John Trentin, with whom he had become good
friends while studying in the laboratory of Dr. C. W. Turner at the University of Missouri, was also in the laboratory of the 106th General Hospital. John was an enlisted soldier, which made it
difficult for them to socialize.
Wimbourne, England
After the war, Joe told me the 106th General Hospital troops went by train to New Jersey
and boarded a British ship. They did not know where they were going. The boat started zigzagging down into the Caribbean, then turned into the North Atlantic. It was a lone ship and finally landed at Liverpool, England. They were trying to avoid German submarines. Joe later
wrote that his location was Wimbourne, England which was located about 10 miles inland from
Bournemouth, England. Bournemouth was located on the English Channel.
Other hospitals and some air bases were located in the same area. The Normandy Invasion
started June 6, 1944, and the Battle of the Bulge started December 16, 1944. The hospitals sent
ambulances to Bournemouth to pick up wounded soldiers who had been fighting in the Battle of
the Bulge in Belgium.
According to Internet Historians, “The Germans started this offensive so they could reach
the sea, trap four allied armies, and impel a negotiated peace on the Western front. It was the
coldest, snowiest weather in memory. Over a million men, 500,000 Germans, 600,000 Americans and 55,000 British brought the final downfall of the German plans. The 106th Infantry Division was credited with holding action and slowing the advance of the Germans. The losses
were great on all sides.” Joe later mentioned how difficult it was to see so many young men
with terrible injuries and those that did not make it. After the war, he told me that these soldiers
were with new American Divisions that had never been in combat before. It was a very severe
winter, and many of the troops were killed. Many who survived had frostbite and gangrene.
Many lost feet and legs. Joe remembered one soldier who needed a blood transfusion immediately. Since Joe had the same blood type, he volunteered to be the donor. There was no
time to cross match their blood. Joe was placed on a cot beside the soldier as the procedure
took a while. Fortunately, their blood was compatible. He said he would never forget the look of
appreciation on the soldier’s face.
Joe wrote that he made friends with British Officers from a nearby air base and of American
airmen from the 8th Air Force. He later told me they would go on missions to drop bombs over
various parts of Germany, and they knew every time they went they were endangering their
lives, but they knew this was their job. In some instances the whole unit in a particular plane
was shot down, all were killed. There would be four or six people involved, and they were so
19
badly burned or damaged that they could not distinguish one from the other, so they were buried in a common grave. Joe said “the sense of duty these men feel in times of war is unreal. If
a cause has enough meaning, then they fight at all costs to reach their goal.”
The Army hospitals and air bases were located on land that had been owned by the late Sir
Ralph and Daphne Banks and was known as Kingston Lacy. The large landowners found they
were unable to financially maintain such large holdings and finally donated the property to the
British Government, and it became a National Trust. The 17th Century home was a large, three
story building. The government obtained grants from foundations, and Kingston Lacy is now a
fine museum. The grounds were beautifully landscaped, and there was a tall Egyptian Obelisque at the back of the museum. The museum was not accessible to the soldiers, with one exception: When the troops first arrived, they were tired and had not been able to bathe. The
bathroom was made available for the soldiers to bathe. But they were allowed only 2 inches of
water in the bathtub.
Joe wrote of his opportunities to go to London, Oxford, Cambridge, and other parts of England. Travel was mostly by train. He was able to acquire a bicycle and explored places nearby
as time from the laboratory permitted. Sometimes when he was in London, Germany’s V-2
bombs would strike in that vicinity. He experienced how the British people were effected, how
they had to live and greatly admired their courage and determination not to be conquered. Joe
was able to keep somewhat abreast of war happenings as they had an Army as well as British
newspapers.
February 1945, Joe applied to attend a Short Leave Course that was offered by British Universities. He was accepted at Cambridge University. Leave Courses were designed to meet the
intellectual needs of the personnel of American, British Dominion and other United Nations’
Armed Forces. They provided an opportunity to live for a brief time in the atmosphere of a university community, to hear university lectures and to associate with the officers and men of
forces other than their own. This privilege was extended by the Universities and the British
Council. Joe was housed at Magdalene College where he said he was treated royally in that he
was given a room with a fireplace, newspapers, and was seated at the Head Table during
meals. He had seven days of lectures and discussion. The topics included an introduction to
Cambridge, Trinity College, St. Johns College, Principles of Government Control in War, the
Himalayas, France, the British United Nations, Britain’s future, Homer’s Odyssey, Economic
History of England. Joe was able to visit the famous Pepys Library and attend a concert and
play.
Joe thought he was very fortunate, as he heard a lecture by Sir Bertrand Russell. According to Internet Historians, “Sir B. Russell was a controversial figure. He became determined
early in life not to be beguiled by human pretensions to knowledge or by unbacked assumptions
either about the foundations of knowledge or about what may be said to exist. Thus, one of his
primary aims was to inquire, with skeptical and parsimonious intent, how much we can be said
to know and with what degree of certainty and doubtfulness. After a life marked by controversy
(including dismissal from both Trinity College, Cambridge, and City College, New York) Russell
was awarded the Order of Merit in 1949 and the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1950.” Joe was
intrigued by Russell as he had an inquiring mind and spoke in ways to encourage others to
question and examine what was true or false.
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Mable returns to Graduate School
I remained at my job in Gadsden, Alabama, until late August, 1944. Joe kept his promise to
help me obtain the Masters Degree by urging me to return to graduate school at Washington
University School of Social Work in St. Louis. I took a side trip to visit my family in Ellington,
Missouri and reached St. Louis in time to start classes. I found an apartment, which I shared
with a teacher. It was nicely furnished and worked out very well for both of us. This was a considerably improved situation from when I worked and attended classes from June 1942, until
January 1943.
I asked my major professor if my fieldwork assignment could be where I would counsel soldiers and their families. I wanted to contribute to the war effort. I was assigned to the American
Red Cross. I found Miss Eda Houwink to be a good supervisor and was glad she expected
quality performance. There were six graduate students in the same unit with me which meant
we could share knowledge and experiences. My assignments mainly were with spouses of soldiers who were already over seas. One of the hardest situations to handle, emotionally, was
the spouse who had been notified that her husband had been killed. The widow was unable to
believe that her husband was gone and insisted that the Red Cross find his belongings and return them, as proof and as something tangible - believable.
Classes were held at the university on the days I was not in fieldwork practice. It was necessary for me to travel on streetcars. One day I boarded the streetcar, and the conductor
spoke to me, calling me by name. I asked how he knew my name, and he identified himself as
one of my high school classmates. I always wondered what had happened to my classmates,
as I had not kept in touch with them. I could not help wondering what he could have done with
his life if he had gone to college. There was no opportunity to talk with him, but I wondered why
he was not in service.
I had a very active life, as I was taking a full course load. I made friends with classmates,
and we often studied together, socialized, and tried to find our way through the expectations of
our professors. There were two professors who impacted my life the most and made lasting
impressions on me. They were Miss Ruth E. Lewis, Professor of Medical Social Work, and a
Mr. Lewis Towley, who taught social welfare and social policy courses. He was wheel chair
bound and was an excellent teacher. I had courses from two psychiatrists. One taught classes
on the growth and development of children and the other on adult growth, development, and
mental illness. The courses I was less impressed with were research, community organization,
and especially calculus. I did not appreciate their significance at the time. However, I found all
to be extremely important when I later was in practice.
One of Joe’s friends from St. Joseph, MO., Marian St. John, and I met while at Missouri
University. He had moved to St. Louis, so he became a close friend. He was classified as 4F
because of a heart condition. I introduced him to one of my classmates who became his girl
friend and later his wife. They were something of a support system for me. Marian was a good
photographer and made Joe happy by taking photos of me which I sent to Joe.
During Joe’s 14 months in England, I bought large Kosher Salamis, dark rye bread, and
made cookies to send to him, along with some candy bars. I covered the salami with wax and
placed cookies in tins for protection. I found some packages of powdered material labeled ice
cream. It required adding the appropriate amount of water and placing it in the freezer to harden. Joe wrote that it was so popular he decided to increase the amount of water so he could
share it with more soldiers. However, it resulted in liquid ice cream but they enjoyed it anyway.
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It was common practice for soldiers to share the packages they received from home. From
Joe’s letters I was able to learn how the soldiers developed close relationships and how they
looked after each other. This was very helpful to me.
Joe Becomes First Lieutenant
23 October 1944, Joe received promotion to First Lieutenant. The letter stated:
“His manner and performance of duty is excellent, and his professional and military capacity are
both of the highest standard. Wm Strutton, Capt. M.C., Chief Lab. Service. Shortly thereafter
Joe was appointed Chief of Laboratory Services.
War’s End In Sight
By spring, 1945, it was becoming clearer that the war might be ending in the not too distant
future. According to Internet Historians, “by April 25, 1945 Soviet and American troops linked
up, cutting Germany in two. On April 27, 1945 Mussolini was executed, on April 30, 1945 Hitler
had committed suicide. By May 1, 1945 German forces in Italy had surrendered. The Battle of
Berlin ended May 2, 1945. On May 4, 1945 German forces in northwest Germany, Denmark
and Holland surrendered. On May 5, 1945, all U-Boats ceased operations. May 6, 1945 all
forces on the Western side of Germany offered to surrender. May 7, 1945, Jodl and Keitel surrendered all German armed forces unconditionally. It included the phrase ‘all forces under
German control to cease active operation at 2301 hours Central European Time on May 8,
1945. General Keitel and other German OKW representatives traveled to Berlin, and shortly
before midnight signed a similar document, explicitly surrendering to Soviet forces in the town of
Karlshors.
News of the surrender broke in the West on May 8 and celebrations erupted throughout Europe. When Americans awoke to the news, they declared May 8, 1945 as V-E Day. Joe sent
me a copy of the Army newspaper that Joe was holding in front of himself. The front page
heading, in huge letters, was “Germany Quits.”
Both Joe and I had been watching these developments with great expectations. The
thought of his return home was exciting, wonderful and it was difficult to wait. A letter from Joe
dated July 6, 1945 said:
“The probable dates of the return of our hospital unit will be August or early September,
1945.”
Lt. Meites Becomes “Dean”
February 19, 1945 Joe was sent to the Staff School, Army Information Education Center at
Fushy Park Teddington, England for a week of training. This training resulted in his being designated as the Plans and Training Officer July 30, 1945 when the 106th General Hospital organized a Unit Training Program. He often said he became the dean of a college which was established to teach all kinds of subjects to the soldiers. They had to find appropriate books, find
faculty, develop classes, and teach the classes. Not only was it important to keep them busy,
but they needed to be learning things useful for their next assignment. They were supposed to
come back to the USA long enough to be given special training so they could go to Japan as a
part of the occupation forces, as Japan still had not surrendered.
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The Unit Training Course Outline included classes about Filariasis, Malaria control. Interior
Guard, Drill, and Calisthenics, Defense vs Air and Mechanical Attack, clothing and equipment,
Japanese language, health of the soldiers, map reading, safeguarding military information,
transporting of sick and wounded, rules of land warfare, and organized athletics.
106th General Hospital Returns
On August 6, 1945 soldiers of the 106th General Hospital were enroute home on the Queen
Elizabeth when word was received that the Atom Bomb had been dropped on Hiroshema and
Nagasawa, Japan. The soldiers were extremely happy as they thought they would not have to
go to Japan. The Queen Elizabeth was carrying over 16,000 troops. It was designed to carry
about 6,000 passengers. They slept and ate in three different shifts. Joe found the ship to be
“one vast gambling den.” In the USA, they took trains to get to their destinations. Joe found me
without difficulty, as I had given him careful instructions. His arrival on August 11, 1945 was
one of the happiest days of our lives. There was much celebration in downtown St. Louis, so
we went by streetcar and joined in the expression of pride and relief that it was over and we had
won.
Joe’s Family, Jewish Wedding
My roommate had married just before Joe arrived, so I kept the apartment until we could
determine the future. After a brief time in St. Louis, Joe contacted his family and then took a
train to St. Joseph, Missouri to visit them. He did not remove his wedding ring. His sister observed the ring and Joe then had to explain about our marriage. I do not know how he handled
it with them, but he asked them to return to St. Louis with him. Only his mother and sister, Renee, came to St. Louis. His father, brothers, Jerry and Morris, and Grandmother did not come.
Since Joe had promised that we would have a Jewish wedding, he and his mother went to the
Shaarey Zedek Synagogue nearby and made the arrangements. I had read books about Judiasm, had tried to learn about Jewish customs and traditions and communicated my knowledge, or lack of it, to Joe. The service was performed by a Rabbi, whose name I cannot read,
on August 27, 1945. We felt this was the fulfillment of our wedding plans. We have kept both
wedding certificates. Joe’s mother and sister remained with us several days so we had an opportunity to begin to know each other. I liked them and they seemed to accept me. Renee and I
related very nicely and have always been very close. His mother wanted to keep busy, so we
supported her if she wanted to do some cooking. She was a very good cook and made wonderful pastries.
Since there was no way to know what orders Joe would receive or how long they would
last, we decided I should stay in St. Louis until he was settled or discharged. In September
1945, he was sent to a Malaria Control Unit at Camp Sibert, Alabama. October 5, 1945, the
106th General Hospital was inactivated. October 21, 1945, he wrote the Surgeon General’s office asking for an assignment near St. Louis. There were no openings in the 7th Command area
so Joe was sent to Omaha, Nebraska.
November 17, 1945 Joe reported for duty at Camp Crowder, near Neosho, Missouri in
Southwest, Missouri, about a two hour train ride from St. Louis. He was again assigned to the
hospital laboratory. This location enabled us to be together on week- ends, which was the best
answer we could get. According to Internet Historians,” this facility originally was known as a
Fort Crowder military installation. The Fort was used for a training Facility by the U.S. Government as a Signal Corps Training Center. By 1943, the Department of Defense had acquired
42,788 acres that provided space for the National Guard training area.
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Past operations included rocket engine testing and manufacturing, aircraft maintenance,
industrial waste treatment facility operations, landfilling, underground fuel storage, burn pits, and
lagoons. Groundwater and soil contamination was identified in various areas of the base’s original property boundaries. Waste material from the former Fort included aviation and vehicular
fuels, oils, greases, metals, paint and solvents.”
The information available about post war concerns make it clear that there still were these
kinds of issues at most camps. The Army handled this by keeping the officers and enlisted men
in service until some of the clean up could be resolved.
Mable Remains in Graduate School
We hoped Joe would be able to be with me in St. Louis, at least on visits. Instead of finding
a roommate to share the furnished apartment, we decided that I would move to a smaller
apartment in the same building. This meant I would have to buy furniture. I found a used couch
and chair and a kitchen table and chairs. A pull down bed from the wall was already there as
were a stove and refrigerator. A few cooking utensils were added.
I had been able to manage the first year on the spouse’s allowance. Since more expenses
were added with the changes in our lives, I took a part time position as medical social worker at
St. Louis County Hospital. I had been assigned to this hospital for my second year of fieldwork
practice, so it was a convenient arrangement (1945-46). My salary was $160.00 per month. I
had a supervisor, Anna Colina, for work and a fieldwork supervisor, Mary Hayes, from the University. Both were excellent. I had a varied experience there, as I worked in the clinic and also
was assigned to the medical floor. I felt I finally had found my niche, as I was in a medical setting again. I was very comfortable there and made more A’s. I worked a lot with children’s
health issues. I was required to do a master’s thesis so chose to research the “Medical Care of
Children in ADC Families.” After I determined the purpose, scope, and method for the research,
I collected the data from the St. Louis County Social Welfare office. Joe and I wanted to spend
more time together so he arranged a motel room in Neosho, Mo. near his camp, so I could
spend time there. I took my research material with me and together we analyzed the findings
and finished writing the thesis. Joe continued his support of my completing the master’s degree
and expressed pride in my accomplishments. I shall always be very grateful as it has filled an
empty spot in my life (without children), has enabled me to have something I very much wanted
to do, and provided more financial security.
Joe visited with me in St. Louis any time he could get a leave - usually on week -ends. We
enjoyed attending the opera, which was held in a bowl shaped open air theatre in Forest Park.
We enjoyed walks in the Forest Park Zoo. We attended plays, went to movies, and found life
most enjoyable, but hoped that Joe would be out of service soon.
Lt. Meites Separated From Sanitary Corps
Joe received a letter dated May 23, 1946, from Commanding Officer of the ASF Regional
Station Hospital, Camp Crowder which read:
“Your industry, trustworthiness and efficiency as Assistant Chief of Laboratory services from
18 November, 1945 to 25 March, 1946 and as Chief of Laboratory services from 25 March
to 23 May, 1946 deserves commendation. This Regional Hospital is being inactivated but
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your fellow officers will remember always the high quality of your professional skills. Wm J.
Carrington, Col. MC.”
Joe received a “Clearance Certificate” to depart Camp Crowder, 4 June 1946. He was sent
to Ft. Leavenworth, KS., Separation Center, where he was separated from the Sanitary Corps
August 17, 1946. His Separation Qualification Record summarized his military occupations as:
“MEDICAL LABORATORY OFFICER; Served with the 106th General Hospital in England; and with the Regional Station Hospital at Camp Crowder, Missouri. Supervised the
administration and operation of laboratories at Station, General and Regional Hospitals. Interviewed and hired qualified civilian technicians; made duty assignments; supervised work
in biochemistry, hematology, bacteriology, and parasitology; and directed training of technicians in these fields. Coordinated and standardized laboratory procedure. Acted as laboratory property officer and conducted inventories and was responsible for all supplies. Supervised approximately 25 military and civilian personnel.”
Joe signed up to remain in the Army Reserves but resigned in 1952.
Mable Graduates
Joe arrived in St. Louis just in time to attend my graduation exercises at Washington University in August 1946. I had attained the Masters Degree in Medical Social Work, so I had
reached that goal. Joe’s new address was given as the same as mine which was 5544 Pershing Ave., St. Louis, MO. He was home at last - after serving four years in the armed services.
The next challenge was for Joe to complete his PhD Degree and for me to find a suitable
job.
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