The letters from "Bucky"
Two letters in this collection were not written by George. They are from Paul N. Simpson — known to the family as "Bucky" — and were written to George's sister Ann.
Paul was close to the Butler family. He and George wrote to each other as friends ("we are going to correspond with each other regular," he tells Ann), and he writes warmly about George's sister Lillian. George, in turn, mentions Bucky again and again in his own letters — wondering where he was posted and hoping their paths might cross overseas.
The first letter was written while Paul was in Army Air Forces basic training at Miami Beach, Florida; the second came from overseas (A.P.O. 696), where he was serving with a photo reconnaissance squadron. Beyond what the letters themselves say, we don't know more about him — they are preserved here simply as part of the family's wartime correspondence.
1943 (approx.) — Miami Beach, Florida
Pvt. Paul N. Simpson U.S. Army 1126 Technical School Squadron (Sp.) Flight No. 498th A.A.F.T.T.C. Basic Training Center No. 9th Miami Beach, Florida
Dear Ann:
I was very pleased to receive your letter. There's nothing else to look forward to in the Army every day than mail, except of course seeing Lillian, and someday getting home. Lillian wrote me in her letter today that the weather is like spring outside up home. I'm glad to hear that, guess everybody up at home is glad that it has gotten warmer.
Glad to hear that George expects to stay in this country for 8 more months. I guess the war may be over by that time. At least we can hope it is. Has George heard anything about his furlough? I got a letter from George a few days ago. He seems to be alright, and we are going to correspond with each other regular. I sent him a letter this week.
I know Ann, that mostly everything Charles says is idle chatter, but it's good to hear any kind of chatter when you're away from home. Everybody seems to be treating Lillian swell, as I knew everybody would. It makes me feel good to know that you keep up her spirit up. Thanks very much, Ann, for the dollar, but you don't need to send much money in the Army. And what I get a month is enough for me to get along on. Although I appreciate your kindness, Ann. I don't expect to be here very much longer. They're shipping more fellows out every day. Hope Ann, pray that I get shipped closer to home.
Well so long Ann Bucky
Undated — APO 696, New York (overseas)
Dear Ann, Charles:
I recieved your letter today of the 10th. I want to thank you for getting me a lighter, I haven't recieved it yet, but Lillian wrote in her letter that you bought me one, & that shes sending it. I haven't heard from George as yet, Lillian wrote that none of you have heard from him for over 6 months. I think it will probably be some time before you see George, or I. But don't worry Inhere ever George is, he is being taken care of. I appreciate it also that you go to church for George, & Ann.
Gee Ann I don't know what to ask for in a package. I have already recieved a package from home. You could send me some cookies, and candy, but you shouldn't as you have been so good to [?] already, I don't [know] [?] [if I can] repay you.
Give my regards to Chas. & his family! Best of [luck] — [signature redacted/illegible]