 1937 LHS Basketball Squad |
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1937 LHS Basketball Squad |
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Dearest Mom and Dad:
Thought I'd better write and let you now why you haven't heard from me for some time. We have been at a rest camp, and you can't imagine the fun we had, the sights we saw. We went to the Isle of Capri. Perhaps you remember the song. We spent five wonderful days there. I sent you a folder from the place, so you can read about most of the things located there. We covered the island from end to end, so no matter what you read about it, I have been there and seen it. I only wish you and Dad could have been there with me.
My buddy and I had a room all to ourselves with twin beds that were nice and soft, and clean sheets to sleep between. We ate in the dining room of the hotel, where we were served all our meals by waiters.
The view from our room was beautiful and we had a grape vine right on the patio. Fig trees and olives trees grew up to the level of the patio. The island is mountainous, and homes and building are built on the hillsides. Walks have a concrete center and cobblestone sides, and steps leading down to the homes are mostly made of very beautiful marble or tile. Floors in most of the places are also of marble and tile, full of color and have many designs.
One day we visited an old monastery and you can never realize just how beautiful it was. Canvas paintings of the Bible hung from the walls -- some of them were 20 feet long and 12 feet wide. The monastery itself was built in the 13th century, and some of the paintings dated back to 500 years before Christ. We were taken through the place by a Monk, who explained everything to us in broken English as we went along.
We also visited another monastery called St. Mihele, which you will read about in the folder I sent you. In both these places Bible stories are placed in the floors in pictures, all in color. The ceilings are also painted very pretty. Some of the paintings tell of the great battles in the time of Christ and before. I have never before seen altars the equal of the ones in these monasteries and probably never will again. It's hard to realize the work and care with which these decorations were made. Everything was done by masters of art, who have been dead for hundreds of years. The masonry work in the buildings would put our modern bricklayers, etc., to shame.
We also visited the palace of Liberius, a king who lived many years ago. It's easy to see that even in those days, people loved luxury and beautiful things. In places, only a part of the beauty has been preserved, for wars have visited this island many times, and much has been destroyed. If the people of this island gathered up all the works of art, they would all be rich.
All over the island are Red Cross clubs for us, set up in converted private homes which are also very beautiful. Paintings cover the walls, all have pianos and private libraries with just about any book you could ever want to read. All novelties, etc. are hand made and with the coming of the American soldiers, prices went to the limit.
Our room only cost us $1.00 a day and we could get that back if weren't satisfied with the accommodations. It was well worth that -- as a matter of fact, the trip and time spent on the island was priceless.
Gene
M/Sgt. Eugene Ruley, 23, son of Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Ruley of Lowell, has been reported missing by the war department since Oct. 17, in action over Jugoslavia. Gene, a top turret gunner on a B-17, enlisted in the air corps July 17, 1943, and went overseas from New York a few months ago. He had been stationed in northern Italy, just recently returning to his base from the Isle of Capri, where he spent a few days at rest camp.
He is a graduate of Lowell high school with the class of 1939, and previous to entering service, was employed at the local roofing plant.
His many friends here hold high hopes for his safety because of the fact portions of Jugoslavia are held by the Allies and if he managed to escape his plane by parachute he would either land in friendly hands or at worst be a prisoner of war of the Germans.
M/Sgt. Ruley is a cousin of Dorsey Ruley, G.M. 2/c, who went down with the Cruiser Helena near the Solomon Islands about a year ago and later [was] rescued from Vella Lavella island.
This vicinity, which has had more than its share of casualities, now has 9 killed in action, 7 missing, 15 wounded and 2 are prisoners of war in Germany.
Traveled in Yugo, Hungary, Austria, Pomerania and Germany proper.
Left D.L. #4 February 6, 1945; still on the road March 2, 1945. Conditions terrible.
Arrived at Stalag #357 March 29, 1945, after 52 days of hell and starvation. Food situation here is worse than at S.L. #4. Two watery soups a day with the exception of Sunday, when we get pea soup at dinner and barley at night.
At times we are given very small rations of food. Our bread ration: 1/7 of a very small loaf per day and 1/8 of a pound of oleo per week. Rations are being cut regularly. Our bread ration on Sunday is 1/8 of the same very small loaf. I can't possibly lose any more weight (April 2, 1945) for I am skin and bones now, and some times none at all.
We are all hoping the war will end this month for we can't last much longer under such conditions. With our full trust in the Big Boss above, we all hope to see home again. Area we are in at present is continuously being raided by our own and R.A.F. planes. Today's news told of many allied P.O.W. recaptured by the allied powers. We are all hoping for the same thing to happen to us. I am anxious myself to see what will go through before hitting the states.
April 3, 1945. Last night the R.A.F. pulled a raid so near to us we could stand outside the tent and it was like a ring side seat at a circus. I shall never forget the sight. (April 5th)
April 6 -- received personal parcels and cigs. Dry rations from Jerry. Gala Affair. Explain in full later.
April 7 -- On the road again. What a deal. War seems to be coming to an end.
April 8th. Sunday. Another barn.
April 9th. Marched 9 kilos and slept in the open. Weather was good all day, except for a mist in early morning. We received 1/2 a can of Jerry corned beef per man. It was a surprise to everyone. Saw plenty of evacuees on the road. A British Spit flew over our camping area late in the evening and was fired on by near batteries. We are now traveling with the infantry guards and are getting a much better deal.
April 10 -- Tuesday. Another meat issue this morning -- 3 men per can. All wondered at the sudden goodness. We are supposedly cut off in this area. Rumors saw the town of Stahlingbosted we left was taken. Camp #357 located near Ebstarf.
April 11 -- Wednesday. Marched again even though we were due a lay over. Supposedly because of an Allied drive. We could hear the Jerries retreating past the barn all night and the rumble of heavy guns, bombs and demolition charges were common place. We are supposed to be completely surrounded now and the P.O.W. farm workers expect liberation soon.
Raw spud issue.
April 12 -- Thursday. Since the beginning of this second march we have been doing our own cooking, on the road. It is surprising the number of good soups and etc. we have learned to make.
April 13 -- Friday. A layover. Bread ration due yesterday, but hasn't come yet. Still have a little food for our three man combine.
Will the war never end.
April 14 -- Saturday. Marched again. Nothing of interest with the exception of news of President's death.
April 15 -- Marched again. Weather has been good. I feel the Lord is favoring us quite a bit. Received dry ration, but very little. We'll be recrossing the Elb River again soon. The Russians ran us across the first time; now it's the Yanks and Limeys. What's Jerry going to do when there is no more room to run?
Monday April 16 -- Marched again and the day so far has been beautiful. I'm homesick and sure hope the war ends soon, like everyone else does. Jerry is done for now, but too stupid to overthrow Hitler's rule.
Tuesday April 17 -- Another slim dry ration from Jerry Fine day. Rumor has it we will be marching late tonight.
Wednesday April 18 -- Didn't march as late as we expected. Got more dry rations of meal and raw beef. Had a very good stew. We are in an active battle zone and have been for some time. Fighter planes are constantly overhead strafing and raising hell in general. They have become a part of our everyday life. Looks like the war may be over any day now. Late in the afternoon R.C. was passed out to a group ahead of us. For some unknown reason a Limey got mixed up and strafed the column. Twenty-six men were killed and a number wounded. We expect to lay over tomorrow and have our R.C. ration.
Thursday April 19th. After full particulars had been brought in it was found that only 16 men were killed and between 50 and 60 wounded. We received R.C. last night. Boy, what a deal. It was unbelievable. TWO PARCELS PER MAN. Good food sure tastes good for a change. We lay over here in Gresse today and possibly tomorrow. We hope. No rumors of the war today but the Allied fighters were over early this morning.
Friday April 20. Marched again and for the first time for quite a while it rained. We got another 3rd parcel per man before we left. Sure had a hard time carrying all our belongings and food. Last night we heard the drive for big "B" pass now on from east to west, and the Allied troops are still on our tail. It may be over soon; we all hope so.
Saturday, April 21. Day lost. Revert to yesterday.
Sunday April 22. Lay over. Fair day and rumors of more R.C. at our next stop, but not how much. Any amount is appreciated.
Monday April 23 -- Very poor day of marching. Rain most of the day. Made out OK though.
Tuesday April 24 -- Another lay over. As yet the R.C. we were told would be here hasn't been issued but we did get a Jerry meal. Had a good clean up. Good lay over.
Wednesday April 25th. Marched again. Saw fighters, bombers strafing a short distance away. Beautiful.
Thursday April 26th -- Another layover. It has been rumored that we will stay in this area until it is over. We move from time to time to get nearer the Jerry rations, which consist almost entirely of potatoes. Haven't been issued any bread for a week. Our R.C. sure came at the right time. This evening fighter and dive bombings so close we could see the bombs leave the wing racks.
Friday April 27 -- Last night a bomb was dropped within 800 meters of us.
Saturday April 28 -- More R.C. 1 per man. More fighters and very close work they are doing. R.C. drivers brought good rumors.
Sunday April 29th. Could hear heavy artillery all night and see the flashes in the sky. Had to move again, too. Doing lots of cooking on this trip.
Monday April 30th. Move again. Very poor weather these last few days. Can hear artillery fire constantly and once we heard part of a shell whiz overhead. Latest rumor is really a joke. They have it the reason we are marching back towards our lines is because Jerry is supposed to be taking us to our own people, due to the Russian drive, and they don't want us or themselves to be taken over by the Russians.
Tuesday May 1 -- Funny day. Snow, rain, sleet, sun and more rain. All kinds of rumors. Most of the men seem over optimistic to me. It shouldn't be too long now though, but we are in a dangerous area.
Wednesday May 2 -- Up to now there have been no entries today, but now is the time. At 3:30 this afternoon an American jeep pulled in to the barnyard where we were staying with the news that we are recaptured. Never thought it would happen this way but thank the Dear Father above my prayers have been answered. WE ARE FREE.
Thursday May 3 -- Am all packed and at present waiting to leave. We are to leave at 8 o'clock. We walk 7 kilos or so and then transportation will be furnished.
Friday May 4 -- At present are waiting for C-47 to fly us to LeHarve. It will mean a chance to really clean up and wear new clothes.
2 hours later: Still waiting for transportation to airport. Have our tickets and are ready to go. Packed up a few souvenirs and hope to get home with them. Should have bought a carload, but no room.
Saturday May 5 -- Awaiting spot for C-47 now. Should be on the way out of Germany in less than two hours.
Sunday May 6. Due to bad weather we were unable to take off today. At least we are free and they do everything they can for us. It seems strange to be treated like a human being again. Of course, there is the minority among us now, as always, that have started griping. You find these types all over the street corners. They actually believe the world owes them a living.
May 7, Monday -- Beautiful day and the chances of taking off look very good.
May 8, Tuesday -- Didn’t get off yesterday as the weather on the other end of the line was poor. Another swell day here so we hope to get off today. We are supposed to go to Brussels.
Saturday May 12 -- In the excitement of the past few days completely forgot diary. We flew out of Germany the 8th. Arrived in Brussels and from then on enjoyed full good food, clean clothes, a chance to clean up and etc. Also went to town in Brussels. People speak the French language but most of us manage. The girls in Belgium are very pretty and very genial towards G.I.s. They do anything for a chocolate bar. At present am in Namur. Expect to leave for LeHarve today. Hope the folks receive my cable soon.
After being released we walked 8 kilos and then confiscated a German Lalf-track and drove it into Lawrenberg. We left the Lalf-track there and confiscated a Jerry truck, with the help of Limey M.P.s. We crossed the Elb on a pontoon bridge and drove to the town of Luneberg, where we were quartered in an empty barracks until we left. A nice place and we saw the cream of Hitler youth was in training in this place.
At some point in time, Gene Ruley was given a book of blank pages entitled A WARTIME LOG. In the front of the book he listed Oct. 17, 1944, as the day he was shot down and May 2, 1945, as the day he was released. He also listed himself as being at Stalag. Luft. #4, Germany, P.O.W. # 4557.
He recorded the states he visited as well as 12 foreign countries he was in during the service, as well as giving an account of D-Day news; words to songs, speeches, and poems of this time period; addresses of friends, and more.
The following, also found in this book, comes from his personal experiences:
Hot water for making coffee from out R.C. parcels.
Dinner
Usually dehydrated sauerkraut. Now & then we were given peas or barley cereal, but not often.
Supper
A soup of spuds, kohlrabi, & at times carrots. The ration per meals came to 1 cup per man.
Bread issue at first was 1/6 of a loaf per day, later dropping to 1/10 of a loaf. We also received 1 tablespoon of sugar per week, & the same amount of Jerry jam. Now & then we received a small ration of syrup. These rations were from Nov. 18th to Feb. 6th/44
Breakfast
Jerry coffee or tea, which was hardly drinkable
Dinner & Supper
A very watery soup of swedest spuds 6 days a week. On Sun., the dinner was peas, & barley soup for supper.
Bread was 1/7 of a loaf 6 days a week, & 1/8 pf a loaf on Sun. On Fri., 20 men were given one stick of worst. sugar, 1 tablespoon per week & none after Apr. 1st.
On the march from #4 Feb. 6th to Mar. 29th with R.C. guards. Bread started at 1/7 per day & dropped to 1/15 per day in the first 3 weeks. Once a day we received boiled spuds, very seldom more than 5 per man. In all of that time we had barley cereal 3 times, soy-beans once, peas once, & a soup of spuds & very little meat 2 times. Condition of the men was terrible. Though only a very few died, many had to be left in hospitals or camps that were not being evacuated as yet. We were driven to steal anything edible, & where food was concerned, the men became more like animals than human beings. When men sneak into a barn & steal vegetables from the feed stalls of stock, they are pretty hungry men. When we were caught doing this by the Jerries, they took great delight in calling us swine. It wasn’t so funny after we had been on the road for a few weeks though, for we became so adept with out thieving we could almost strip a farm. Everything from bags of grain to small pigs & sheep became our loot. We slept in barns & were backed in like sardines. The weather was very poor at this time, & to go to sleep at night with dry feet was quite a treat. For most of the trip, we started marching at 8 o’clock & marched until dusk, but there were times when we marched well after dark. On Feb. 14th we started at 7 o’clock. The day was lousy. Rained all day & we were soaked through. About 1 o’clock, Jerry gave us boiled spuds on the road. We ate on the go & everyone knew something was up. At 10 o’clock that night we stopped marching. We were all miserable & dead tired. Jerry said he was sorry no arrangements had been made told us, but he had gotten permission for us to sleep in a field. In the dark & the rain, we made the best bed we could & tried to get some sleep in our water soaked blankets & clothes. Not much success was had by anyone. The more miserable we were the more Jerry liked.
On Mar. 29th we reached camp #357 & were turned over to the infantry. Treatment there was a little better from the guards who were mostly men 50 or over. Food was still a problem. We left this camp Apr. 7th. we started out with 1 small loaf of bread to last us 7 days, & after that we received no more bread. We were given dry rations, so we had to cook our own meals. Meal issues came in handy to make a biscuit of sorts to replace bread. With permission to cook, the vegetables & etc. we managed to steal made some pretty good stews. Due to having old men for guards, our marches were short. We had time to cook two meals a day.
Many things of interest that happened on our march through Germany will linger forever in my mind. The worst tragedy was the incident of April 18/45/ We had been promised Red Cross food parcels after crossing the Elb River. We did receive them on this date, & the issue was 2 1/3 per man. About a 1/2 kilos outside the town of Greese, Ger., where the issue was made, we caught up with a column of our men who had been marching twenty minutes ahead of us. We were informed that only a few minutes before we caught up with them, a British fighter plane had mistaken them for Jerries & strafed the column. A total of sixteen men were killed, & between 50 & 60 wounded. No Americans were among those killed, but nonetheless, the joy we could have had from the Red Cross issue was forgotten. We had been for days, & we stayed in an active battle area until the day of our recapture, which came on May 2/45. To find words to describe that day would be impossible, so it will remain a memory.
Our trip out of Germany began the following day. We walked 5 miles to the town of Gadow, caught a bus that had been confiscated by some Tommies to ___________; from there we took from a Jerry crew their half-track into the town of Laurenberg. We had trouble there, as our confiscated half-track was too heavy to cross the pontoon bridges, which was the only way to cross the Elb. A British M.P. got a light truck for us there, & we drove to Luneberg where we were given clean clothes, delousing, some good meals & etc. British trucks carried us to an airfield near the town of Saltau, & from there, C-47 pilots of the R.C.A.F. flew us to Brussels. We left Brussels via train, & were finally turned over to American hands on May 14/45. American clothes, food, another delousing, & gobs of Yanks to talk with was a wonderful & welcomed change. Yes, even the typhus shot which dare not be omitted was welcomed.
One of my biggest moments came on May 18/45. The worm had turned. I volunteered to work Jerry P.O.W.! It was fun, & believe me, THEY WORKED!
Further details of Mr. Ruley's experience as a POW can be found in the transcript of a 1983 interview he did as a part of an Indiana Historical Society, Military Oral History Section project.
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