Tag Archives: WWII

A WWII Letter

HOLYOKE-DON-LETTER TO HARVERY CROOK FROM ANZIO BEACH

Dear Harvey, Fran and kids,

Just a few lines to let you know that I am still O.K. and think of you folks often. Not much news over here, at least that I can write about. I meant to write more often and received your letter with Jane’s and Mary Ellen’s but we moved out at that time so I couldn’t get to it. This is about the first time I’ve had since then. They are keeping us pretty busy but we aren’t kicking because time passes more quickly that way.

At present I am sitting outside my dugout enjoying the sunshine – the reason – the inside is full of water and besides we don’t get much sun to enjoy. If anyone had told me I would be living like a ground hog, I wouldn’t have believed them but I am now, and liking it. 

I hope Harvey hasn’t been called up yet and that he won’t be, but the Army does funny things so no one knows. I should think it would be much better to take these single men who have these so called defense jobs and like to strike so much. But I am not paid to think so my opinion isn’t worth a damn. I wish they would give us fellows a chance to swap places with the strikers though. If a guy goes on strike over here, it’s his own neck. Well, I guess I’ve mumbled on enough for this time so until next time so long and write when you can.

Love to all,

Don

Donald Holyoke of Brewer married Dorothea Crook of East Orrington on August 17, 1941. He was still a Lieutenant when this letter was written and a Captain when he died. The letter was sent to his wife’s brother and his sister-in-law who lived in Orrington – all Orrington mail had a Brewer address at that time.

This letter was submitted by the Crook family and transcribed by Donna Lathrop.

Circa 1940, Donald Holyoke with Dorothea Crook at the Crook farm, EO before they married in Orrington August 17, 1941 Killed in action 23 May 1944

Don't stone at Mt. Hope Cemetery

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The Life of Raymond L. Perkins, Jr.

The following article has been republished from a 2008 issue of Paper Talks Magazine, “Penobscot County Servicemen and Women Joined the Allied Forces During World War II.”

Raymond L. Perkins, Jr. was born on May 29, 1921, the son of Raymond, Sr. and Gladys Hillier Perkins of Orrington.
He enlisted in the National Guard on 03/12/40, serving with the 152nd Field Artillery, Battery E as a truck driver and machine gunner in the Pacific Theater. He was in combat for 2 months and contracted malaria – losing 40 pounds in 2 months. Ray was medically discharged on 11/02/43 and was honored with the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Ribbon with 2 Battle Stars.
Raymond settled in Orrington where he returned to the family farm. He worked for the sheriff’s department for 12 years and was employed as an R.F.D. carrier for 24 years.

Louise Smith became his wife on December 12, 1943, and they raised three children – Gerald of Orrington, Peter of FL and Diane Mallory of NH.
Mr. Perkins continues to live in the home in which he was born, in Orrington.*

*Raymond Perkins passed away in 2011. 

An album of photos relating to the Perkins family can be found on our Facebook page.

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