Physical Description: 0.04 Linear Feet(1 folder)
Language of Material: English.
Scope and Contents
This series contains 28 correspondence from T/Sgt. J Wilbur Cornwell, USA to his wife Orma during the Second World War. There
are two letters from camps in the United States, two from New Guinea, and the rest were sent from the Philippines. Included
in the correspondence is one Christmas V-Mail to his parents, one letter to his grandmother, and one birthday card to Orma.
Also included is one photograph that was sent with the letter postmarked October 4, 1941 from Fort Sill showing JW and Orma
at Mt. Scott in Lawton, Oklahoma on May 31.
In the correspondence he discusses his daily routine, the weather and heat of the South Pacific, leisure time and friends
and family on the home front. There is also some description of the terrain and the physical nature of his location. Though
in an observation battalion for artillery, many of his letters discuss ease of life during the Philippines Campaign that would
suggest he was in the rear areas. This includes going to the ocean and stopping to see an old pipe organ, swimming, and even
telling Orma that he will not be able to do yard work because his hands are getting soft (May 4, 1945). On April 23, 1945
he mentions casualties in the 14th FA Obsvn Bn with whom he served before, but there is little or no mention of his or his
current unit's (Batt A, 289th FA Obsvn Bn) combat action or casualties.
On June 7, 1944 he is apparently helping Orma fill in a certificate for him and mentions the SS Exiria, but with no context.
On March 26, 1945 he responds to a remark by Orma suggesting that "the kids over there are not getting everything they need."
He assures her that nobody is starving and though there are "shortages of this and that in a deal like this," everyone is
fine as far as supplies.
Most of the letters end with a small "P.S. I love you" in the bottom left corner.
The last parcel is the birthday card from the Philippines, arranged where it is due to Orma's birthday in October and Cornwell's
location of the Philippines at that time.