Finding Aid for the William Vasos Second World War correspondence 2015.123.w.rd

Andrew Harman
Center for American War Letters Archives
6-7-2016
Leatherby Libraries
Chapman University
Orange, CA 92866
speccoll@chapman.edu

Note

Gift of Judith Vasos.


Contributing Institution: Center for American War Letters Archives
Title: William Vasos Second World War correspondence
source: Vasos, Judith
Identifier/Call Number: 2015.123.w.rd
Physical Description: 0.1 Linear Feet (5 folders)
Date (inclusive): 1940 - 1945
Abstract: This collection contains correspondence written both to and from YN3 William Vasos, USN and his wife Irene during the Second World War. Also included are newspaper clippings and various wartime and service ephemera.
Language of Material: English .
Container: WWII 7
Container: 8-13

Conditions Governing Access

This collection is open for research.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Gift of Judith Vasos.

Arrangement

This collection is arranged by material type:
  • Series 1, Correspondence from William Vasos
  • Series 2, Correspondence from Irene Vasos
  • Series 3, Correspondence to William and Irene Vasos
  • Series 4, Publications
  • Series 5, Ephemera and ephemera

Biographical / Historical

Yeoman Petty Officer 3rd Class William Vasos United States Navy trained for the Navy at the United States Atlantic Fleet Amphibious Training Base in Little Creek, Virginia.

Preferred Citation

[Item title], William Vasos Second World War correspondence (2015.123.w.r), Center for American War Letters Archives, Chapman University, CA.
For the benefit of current and future researchers, please cite any additional information about sources consulted in this collection, including permanent URL's, item or folder descriptions, and box/folder locations.

Content Description

This collection is available online in Chapman University's Digital Commons: https://digitalcommons.chapman.edu/wvasos_collection/
This collection contains correspondence written both to and from YN3 William Vasos, USN and his wife Irene during the Second World War. Also included are newspaper clippings and various wartime and service ephemera. Inventory:
56 correspondence, personal 1940-1946
16 clippings
one narrative
one church service program
one election war ballot card (and instructions)
one Honorable Discharge card
one liberty pass
one dues payment receipt
one patient bag inventory
one bunk tag
one disability claim form
one Service Record booklet
three misc. papers

Conditions Governing Use

There are no restrictions on the use of this material except where previously copyrighted material is concerned. It is the responsibility of the researcher to obtain all permissions.

Subjects and Indexing Terms

United States. -- Navy
Correspondence -- World War, 1939-1945
World War II
World War (1939-1945)
World War (1939-1945) -- Homefront
World War (1939-1945) -- Military operations, Naval -- American
Vasos, Judith
Vasos, Willliam
Vasos, Irene

box WWII 7, folder 1

Series 1, Correspondence from William Vasos 1944 April - 1945 November

Physical Description: 0.025 Linear Feet(1 folder)
Language of Material: English.

Scope and Contents

This series contains correspondence from YN3 William Vasos, USN to his wife, Irene Vasos, during the Second World War. YN3 Vasos wrote his letters from stations during training and on the job in the United States in Illinois, Maryland, and Virginia. The series contains 19 letters and one postcard.
In the letters, Vasos expresses desire to return home, a few recounting moments of intimacy between them in the past; "Will be good when I can cuddle up to your nice warm little body and drop off to a nice peaceful sleep." He continually reminds his wife of his love for her and narrates his day-to-day activities.
In a letter dated 26 Feb, 1945, Vasos reveals the one thing he will miss when he gets out of the Navy is going to shows every night. He enjoyed shows inlcuding Billy Rose's Diamond Horseshoe and Christmas in Connecticut.
At the end of every letter, he signs off with Xs on the names of his three children- Don, Judy and Pat.
box WWII 7, folder 2

Series 2, Correspondence from Irene Vasos 1944 April - 1945 June

Physical Description: 0.025 Linear Feet(1 folder)
Language of Material: English.

Scope and Contents

This series consists of correspondence from Irene Vasos to her husband, YN3 William Vasos, USN during the Second World War. The series contains 16 letters.
In her letters, Irene describes her day-to-day activities and attempts to paint a clear picture of the mundane things happening at their home for her husband, almost as though he were present with them. She narrates what their children are up to on any kind of day and includes greetings from grandparents and their housekeepr, Emma. Of Don, their son, she quotes him in a her letter dated April 20, 1944 as saying "Won't daddy be surprised when he sees me?"
She also lets her husband in on their health conditions and shares that another child, Judy has a headache from cutting teeth.
There is a sense of religion that Irene often carries in her letters; constantly reminding her husband of a life centered on Christ and the love of Jesus. She also mentions attending confessions and urges her husband about seeking God- "Honey, I wasn't worried about you going to church, I just wondered if there always was churches around, if it would be hard to find a Catholic church, always."
On November 23, 1944, Irene Vasos discusses how the family is spending Thanksgiving with close friends and relatives, saying "I can hardly believe it was just a year since you left." William Vasos left his family on December 13th 1943.
A letter written by Irene on March 2, 1945 describes a season of scarcity and the rationing of meat; although in a manner that is meant to put her husband at ease.
"I wish so many times that I could have just one good hug and kiss from you." Throughout the letters, there is a common expression of love and the desire to have her husband return home to her and their kids.
box WWII 7, folder 3

Series 3, Correspondence to William and Irene Vasos 1940 May - 1946 February

Physical Description: 0.025 Linear Feet(1 folder)
Language of Material: English.

Biographical / Historical

One of the authors is Melvin Hausman, the brother of Irene Hausman Vasos, who served with Company C, 110 Medical Battalion and participated in the Battle of the Bulge according to the donor. Also accoring to the donor, he was a medic driver and saw "frightening things during the war," and came back with post-traumatic stress disorder with a nervous tick on his chin.

Scope and Contents

This series consists of letters to YN3 William Vasos and his wife, Irene Vasos, before and during the Second World War. The authors include both friends and family members, some of whom were service members in either the United States Army or Navy. The series contains 26 letters, including post-war correspondence from the military reserves and an unsigned fictional story.
One author, Melvin Hausman, has had a scanned photo included by the donor.
On July 23 1994, Melvin sends a letter to Irene congratulating her on her new babygirl and again, in September of the same year, Melvin writes saying he won't be able to get Irene anything for her birthday because "towns are all off limits for troops over here. Anyone caught in a town, well it is just too bad for them. Anyone entering a house of any kind will be shot on sight. So who am I to stick my neck out?" In 1945, February, Melvin in a letter to one Ceal describes the towns as ghost towns and deserted, saying "This is such a lousy country and they are really sticking to their word of tearing it up."
A letter from the Chaplain of USNR, Herman Soderberg to Irene is also included. Dated 23 Nov 1945, the Chaplain announces that although William, Irene's husband has been discharged from the Navy, it is important that she helps him adjust in his new life: "He must now re-establish himself as a vital part of his family, his church, and his community. This will require sincere and honest understanding of his attitude and outlook during the time of separation."
In addition to this, there's a letter from James Forrestal, Secretary of the Navy wishing William the best in transitioning to civilian life, touting the achievements of the Navy- "You have served in the greatest Navy in the world. It crushed 2 enemy fleets at once, receiving their surrender only four months apart. It brought our land-based airpower within bombing range of the enemy, and set our ground armies on the beachheads of final victory."
box WWII 7, folder 4

Series 4, Publications

Physical Description: 0.025 Linear Feet(1 folder)
Language of Material: English.

Scope and Contents

This series includes various newspaper clippings, undated and from unknown news sources. Included are various details of other service members on their return from duty, leave, or death. The series contains 16 clippings.
On 9 Nov 1944, a publication by James Marlon titled 'Last of Bonus Bonds Mature' covers benefits and the last bonus given to veterans of World War by Uncle Sam. "It will amount to about $273,050,000, all that's left of $3,710,000 orginally set up for them. Their 9-year bonus bonds- this was the second of two plans to do something for them- mature June 15, 1945."
A newspaper article by an NEA Staff Correspondent, Peter Edson, talks about 58,000 U.S. soldiers, sailors and marines known to be prisoners of the Germans or Japanese and some are also reported missing.
Other editorial and news columns include Greeks Tell of Tortures, With Our Defenders, Halbur News, Novena Notes, and With Our Soldiers and Sailors, a column dated Oct 16 1947, which announces returns, promotions, attachments, among others.
box WWII 7, folder 5

Series 5, Service Papers 1943 December - 1946 March

Physical Description: 0.025 Linear Feet(1 folder)
Language of Material: English.

Scope and Contents

This series contains papers pertaining to the service and separation of YN3 William Vasos, USN during and after the Second World War. Inventory:
one honorable discharge card
one receipt, AMVETS, $500 annual dues
one liberty chit
one paper slip, notes written in pencil
one bag inventory
one award of disability compensation or pension
one pamphlet, service record, William Vasos
The Liberty chit shows it beginning at 11:00 on 7/06/45 and expiring 07:45 on 7/7/45.
The Naval Hospital Dispensary Patient Bag Inventory with a clothing list names several articles such as blacking outfit, jumper, trousers, hammock, jack-knife, etc.
A statement on an Award of Disability Compensation or Pension signed by an Adjundication Officer, Pierson Carpenter, indicates an amount of $34.50 monthly as pension to be awarded William after his discharge from the Naval Service on account of his "disability resulting from the skin conditions incurred or aggravated during the World War service.
In a Service Record handbook, William write his remarks- "Didn't think I'd make it. Thought about Irene and the kids. Donnie thought it was great."
The series also includes a composition by an unidentified writer, one who reveals their good friendship with William. In the essay, they narrate their impressions on their first liberty in Washington.
box WWII 7, folder 6

Series 6, Ephemera 1943 - 1947

Physical Description: 0.025 Linear Feet(1 folder)
Language of Material: English.

Scope and Contents

This series contists of various wartime and postwar ephemera pertaining to YN3 William Vasos, USN. Of particular note are his service record booklet and a letter from Secretary of the Navy James Forrestal. Inventory:
one empty envelope
one paper slip, directions to "Defense House"
one Official Election War Ballot--Via Air Mail
one note, "As an American Citizen it is your duty to VOTE"
one church service program
one bung tag