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Dear Mom's...
History is an odd mistress; the importance of letters to research adds color and credibility no writer can attain. Sometimes a gleam of history shines through that we may not even see ourselves nor fully appreciate today; but it adds to the historical record of some research yet to come. There are periods in the Ranger Records that are listed as 'unknown'; at least one of these letters helps fill that gap if nothing else.
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Ft. Sill Oklahoma
(4)From: PVT. Robert L. Cunningham
Barrack 17, Company C.
Reception Center, Ft Sill
US Army
To: Mrs. R.B. Cunningham
Granite Oklahoma
General Delivery
Postmarked: November 20th, 1942, Granite.
(postmarked: 10 am November 19th, 1942, Ft. Sill, Okla
Dear Folks,
Made it here O.K. Like (it) pretty well
Just got thru taking the shots. Am a little
sore. but I'm (no sissy) I will make it. Don't
write me until you here from me again.
Lyle
(ps) write me Vesta Lee's address
________________________________________________
Camp Walters Texas
From: PVT. Robert L. Cunningham
Co. D. 1st Platoon
60th Infantry Training Battalion
Camp Walters, Texas
(Mineral Wells)
(4) To: Mrs R.B. Cunningham
Granite Oklahoma
Box 117
Postmarked:
26 January 1943, 12:30 pm
January 24th, 1943
Dear Folks,
Received your letter just now, sure was glad to get it. I just got
back from a ten mile hike, and have little time to write.
Boy is it cold today, it is sleeting. The ground is nearly white.
Just forget about the money, I got in a war game and I have
enough to tide me over, so forget it.
Sure do hate to see Dad leave again, but maybe he will get
a good job somewhere.
I received a letter from Wynell, they are all doing O.K. she said
that she went with Morris to feed and when she got back Dad was
setting there. I'll bet she was sure surprised.
She said Morris froze his nose, ears, and chin. I sure do feel sorry for
him. How is everybody up there? Is Jo feeling all right now?
What was wrong with the baby? Jo said that she had to take him back
to the doctor. Well we haven't got but three more weeks after this one,
I am going to try and come home before I leave here if I can, if I can make
bus connections they are kind a hard to make from here to Granite. I would
have to go to Vernon, there to Altus, and Lone-Wolf and there into Granite.
I don't know whether I can make it or not.
I think I will go up to Lawton this weekend, if I can get a pass.
Has Basil left yet? Tell him not to get so anxious, that the time will come
too d----- soon, it isn't no gravy train. Tell little Delores to write where I can
read it. Tell all the kids hello; I will close so ans. soon.
Love Lyle
(Basil was Lyle's younger brother who went in the Navy
And Morris was his brother-in-law)
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Shipping Out...
(4)From: PVT. Robert L. Cunningham
Co. B. 8th Training Battalion
Sherrango Pass Replacement Depot
Greenville, Pennsylvania
To: Mrs. Orville Mayrhofen
Granite Oklahoma
Box 117
Postmarked: March 16th,
4 pm, 1943
Dear Bud,
Well boy, how is everything,
did you get the old ford car running
after I left? What was wrong with it?
Are you still working for the people
down at Biggart? I am not on maneuvers,
but, just got this card and thought I would
send it. It still makes my (ass) tired. How is
the kids all making it? Sure wish I could
see little Delores. Ans soon. I will close.
Love Lyle
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3rd Ranger Battalion
(DATES AND UNIT HISTORY US ARMY HISTORY FILES, WASHINGTON DC)
Provided by E. Kathleen O'Bryan
Military Historian
US Army Center of Military History
1982
_______________________________________________
(3)(a post card to home)
From: Pvt. Robert L. Cunningham
ASN 38273718
Co. C. 1st Platoon Infantry
APO 8750-70 Postmaster
New York, New York
To: Mrs R. B. Cunningham
Granite Oklahoma
Box 117
Postmarked: April 3rd, 1943,
New Brunswick NJ
Censored: Lt. HAS.
Dear Moms and All,
Just a line to say hello
and how is everyone down home?
Why don't you write? I have
written several times and haven't
heard a word. I am still doing O.K.
and feeling fine. so ans. real soon.
Love, Lyle
(4)________________________________________________
3rd Activated 21 May 1943,
at vic Nemours Morocco North Africa.
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Redesignated from 3rd Ranger Infantry Bn
1 August 1943
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3rd Arrived in North Africa, 21 May 1943
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21 May until 10 July 1943
(No records available)
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From: PVT. Robert L. Cunningham
Co. A. 1st Ranger Battalion
APO 464-New York, New York
To: Mrs R. B. Cunningham
Granite Oklahoma
Box 117
Stamped: Released by Base Censor,
not examined, signed for Charles R. Jacobs.
Letter number 566: Undated
Dear Folks,
Just a line to say hello and that I am
still doing O.K. and feeling fine. I got
a new outfit, called the Rangers, so
far I like it real well, me and Daniels
are still together, maybe we will stay
together now. How is everyone back there
are all the kids getting along O.K. Tell
little Deloris hello for me. Has Basil
had to go into the service yet? I guess I will
close for this time. For I'm just about out of
writing space, so write me all the news.
Tell everybody hello for me.
Write this kind of mail, and put an air mail
stamp on it.
Love
Lyle
(Daniels was another Ranger from Lyle's Home town)
(3)Post Card from Lyle to Morris Price
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Postmarked 3 pm June 17th, 1943
From: PVT. Robert L. Cunningham
Co. F. 3rd Ranger Battalion
APO 758-c/o Post Master
New York, New York
To: Mrs R. B. Cunningham
Granite Oklahoma
Box 117
Censored by Lt. Charles R. Jacobs
Dear Moms,
Just a line to say hello and that I am
still O.K. I am still in North Africa.
Calloway and Daniels went down to
a show last night and saw one of the
boys that we was with at Walters.
How is everyone back home? Is dad
still working at Dumas? Is he there
for the duration or can he quit when
he gets ready? What did Basil get in?
The Army or the Navy? He really
wanted the Navy. How is all the kids?
Tell little Deloris I said hello. I guess
I will close for (this) time so write when
you can.
Love
Lyle
Lyle's Dad; Bob Cunningham worked at the Cactus
Texas Army Ordinance Plant just North of Dumas Texas
________________________________________________
From: Pvt. Robert L. Cunningham
Co. F., 3rd Ranger Bn.
APO 758-70 Postmaster
New York, New York
To: Mrs John M. Price
Pampa Texas
Box 554
(Scratched out: c/o Geo. Tubbs inserted)
Passed by Army Examiner: 05442 Lt. Charles R. Jacobs
July 1, 1943
(Arrived at Pampa 7 pm July 19)
Dear Wynell, Price, and Baby,
I am sorry that I haven't written you but
it is really hard to write. You can't say what
you want to. I have written you several times
since I have been over here, I am still in
North Africa, and still doing O.K. That was
really too bad about Floyd getting killed
wasn't it. Aunt Ida's family is gradually dwindling
away isn't it. Where do you think that you will
go if you leave that ranch. Are you going
back to Canadian. Moms said Price had to
go and see the draft board. Are they about
to get him in the Army. How is little Claudine?
I'll bet she is a mess. Moms wrote me
what she said about her hair. Write when you can.
Love
Lyle
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From: PFC. Robert L. Cunningham
Co. F. 3rd Ranger Battalion
APO 758-c/o Postmaster
New York, New York
To: Mrs. R. B. Cunningham
Granite Oklahoma
Box 117
Censored by Lt. Charles R. Jacobs
Date: July 3, 1943, postmarked 8 July 1943
Dear Moms and all,
Just a line or two to let you know I am O.K.
and feeling fine. How is all the kids making
it by now. Moms I have written several letters
home and some to dad and haven't ever heard
from dad and not very many from you. Tell little
Willie when he gets home that there is a guy
in here by the name of Mead from Oklahoma
that said he was in camp with him at Camp Barkley.
If you want to know what the Rangers are,
they are the same thing as Commandos.
Did you ever get the picture and give it to
Mildred Martin? Well, I am nearly out of
writing space so I'll close for now.
Love Lyle
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3rd Arrived in Sicily 10 July 1943
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From: PVT. Robert L. Cunningham
Co. F. 3rd Ranger Battalion
APO 758 NY, NY
To: Mrs R. B. Cunningham
Granite Oklahoma
Box 117
Passed by Army Examiner: Charles R. Jacobs
Dated: July 26th, 1943 and postmarked
7:30 pm August 11th in New York
Dear Moms, Dad and All,
Just a line to let you know that I am still O.K.
and feeling fine. I am in Sicily. Don't worry
about me for I will be O.K. How is everybody
back home. What branch of the service did
Basil get in? Write me his address as soon as
you get it. Is Dad still at Dumas or did he go
to Oregon? Has Carl come home yet? I got a
letter from him the other day. I will drop him
a line or two as soon as I can. How is all the kids?
Tell Pat I will write her in a few days. I guess I
will close for this time.
With Lots of Love
Lyle
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Operation HUSKY
________________________________________________
Assault elements supported the Green Beach Assault Force which consisted of the 3rd Infantry Division in their landing at vic Licata, Sicily, Code named Operation HUSKY, which was about mid-island, almost directly across from Tunis on the 9th and 10th of July.
The Rangers reduced the beach defenses, and attacked the port city of Licata.
The 3rd took hill 313 east of Favara and linked up with the 7th Infantry.
Attached to the 7th Infantry the Rangers moved west toward Montaperto along the Agrigento-Favara Road.
At the junction of the Agrigento and Favara Road they destroyed a roadblock, and captured the town of Montaperdo.
From Montaperdo the 3rd moved south, attacked and secured Porto Empedocle.
On the 18 of July the Rangers were out posted two miles southwest of Baffadili.
From the 19th to 23rd they were moved to Mt. Sara.
20 July they provided road junction defense northeast of Calamonaci.
And on until the 23rd they provided defensive forces for the Ribera -Sciacca-Menfi-Castelvetrano Routes for American Infantry forces.
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23 July until 7 August
(no records available)
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(4)Post Card From Sicily
From: PFC. Robert L. Cunningham
Co. F., 3rd Ranger Bn.
A.P.O. 758-70 Postmaster
New York, New York
To: Mrs John M. Price
c/o George Tubbs
Canadian, Texas
August 4, 1943
Censor: Lt. Charles R. Jacobs
Dear Wynell Price and Baby,
Just a line to say hello and how is everybody? Well
I am still in Sicily doing O.K. and feeling fine. I
wasn't surprised a bit when I found out that
you were back at the Ranch. I always figured that
you would go back, the only thing I hate is that I can't be
there with you. But one of these days I will be back
with you, so keep me a place waiting. I thought Geo. Earl
was going to school. How come him (to be) in California.
Is he in the Army or Navy? Is anybody else working
at the ranch besides you? I wrote a letter to you all
the other day but sent it to Pampa. I can't think of
any more to write so I will close for this time
Tell everyone hello for me.
Love
Lyle
The Price family worked the George Tubb Ranch North of Canadian Tx
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7 August the Rangers moved from a bivouac area near vic Menfi to vi Coronia, in support of the 3rd Infantry.
12 August the Rangers secured Popo di Morco four miles south-southwest of Capo d' Orlando.
The Rangers with the help of the 7th Infantry secured the Naso-Capo d' Orlando road. Protecting the east side of the road from attack.
Marching with the 15th Infantry the Rangers moved to St. Angelo di Brolo, then cut-across country toward Patti to the mountain outpost of Mt. Balavaggio.
Relieved from 15th infantry support the 3rd moved to Monaforte.
By 16 August they had crossed the Island of Sicily and were tasked with the reconnaissance mission of the Straits of Messina for a possible fire mission.
17 August they returned to Coronia.
On the 18th they were attached to II Corps, and were bivouacked at Coronia until 21 August.
On 21 August the 3rd moved to vic Corleone to receive and train their replacements.
From: PFC. Robert L. Cunningham
Co. F., 3rd Ranger Battalion
APO 758-70 Postmaster
New York, New York
To: Mrs R. B. Cunningham
Granite Oklahoma
Box 117
Passed by Army Examiner: 05442,
Charles R. Jacobs
August 20th, 1943
Dear Moms and all,
Just a line to say hello and let you know
that I am O.K. I have seen some action
here in Sicily. How is everyone back home,
and what goes on around home? I guess nearly
all the fellows have gone. How come that
school started so early this year.? Are they
going to turn out for cotton picking? You said
that Bud's job would last about a year longer,
will it be there at home or will he have to move
somewhere else? Do you ever hear from Basil?
I haven't heard a word since he joined the Navy.
Well, I am out of room so I will close until tomorrow.
Love
Lyle
________________________________________________
From: PFC. Robert L. Cunningham
Co. F. 3rd Ranger Battalion
APO 758 c/o Postmaster
New York, New York
To: Mrs R. B. Cunningham
Granite Oklahoma
Box 117
Date: (Jul scratched out) Aug. 31, 43
Dear Moms and all,
Just a few lines to say hello and to let you
know that I am still O.K. and feeling fine.
How is everyone back home? Now to tell you
a little of what I've been doing. I have seen
some action. We landed in a little place in
Southern Sicily, saw some action there, and
a little more on up the way. I didn't like it
much, got shaky at times. Moms I haven't
heard from Mel yet, but I know where he is
at, he is in (blacked out, probably by the censor,
and probably says North) Africa. I saw my first
action about four o'clock one morning. I was a
little scared then, but soon got over it. I lost old
big Daniels he had to go to the hospital, he will
probably be back one of these days. I really missed
(him) since he left. There is no one here but me and
Callaway, that took our training together. What
goes on back home? I guess that place is really dead
since the eighteen year old boys started leaving.
Has Basil ever run into Buddy out there yet? If he
and Buddy can get together they will make it O.K.
I guess I will close for I 'm just about out of space
so don't worry moms, I'll be O.K.
Lots of Love
Lyle
Daniels was wounded in the Action mentioned
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Darby's Rangers: We led the Way. Page 96
"While the 1st and 4th Rangers were fighting for Gela and Butera,
the 3rd Battalion, led by Major Herman Dammer, had landed three
miles west of Licata and marched around Agrigento where they
swung back to the shore to capture Porto Empedocle. (They had left
Nemours earlier than the 1st and 4th. After training for a time at El
Alia near Bizerte, they had been loaded along with an infantry
division on 4 July).
There were no enemy fire to oppose Dammer's men until after they
had landed on the beach near Licata at 0400 hours on 10 July. Machine
guns and 47-mm guns opened on them from the mass of rocks over-
looking the beach. Men scrambled toward the guns, capturing them
one by one. When an infantry battalion landed behind them, the
Rangers had cleared out the defenders. Then pressing eastward along
the ridge running into Lacata, they ran into other small enemy groups
armed with machine guns and rifles." (1)
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(4)Post Card Lyle sent home from Sicily
From: Cpl. Robert L. Cunningham
Co. F., 3rd Ranger Bn
APO 758-Postmaster
New York, New York
To: Mrs. John M. Price
c/o George Tubb
Canadian Texas
Passed by Army Examiner: 05442 Charles R. Jacobs
September 2, 1943
Dear Wynell, Price, and Baby,
Just received your letter this morning
and was really glad to get it. How is every-
thing going back there. I am still in
Sicily, but where to from there I don't know.
How long has George Earl to be home? And how
long has he been in the Army? Boy this Sicily
is about the dirtiest place you ever saw. When
(we) came on this Island people was running every-
where getting you fruit and nuts to eat. It
was amazing to watch them. Sicily is
nothing but Mountains and when we were on the
move they were standing along the trails with
baskets of fruit and nuts waiting for us
They grow nearly every kind of fruits and nuts
to be grown here. Ans. soon.
Love
Lyle
________________________________________________
The following explains the Rangers activities
on the 10th through the 18th of September:
_____________________________________________
BATTLE HONORS: ...During the period 10 to 18th of September 1943...Units, comprising a single Ranger force, landed at Maori, Italy, with the mission of seizing the high ground controlling Chiunzi Pass and securing the left flank of the Fifth Army in its push northward into the plain of Naples. The position held by this force was vital not only for flank security, but also for observation of the plain and of the German supply routes and communications lines to the Salerno battlefront. During this period, the Ranger force was subjected to almost continuous mortar and artillery fire and was repeatedly attacked by a determined enemy. Hostile forces were estimated to outnumber the Rangers and attached units by approximately eight to one, but despite superior enemy numbers, the Ranger force heroically fought off every attempt to dislodge it. Because of its limited strength and the large area assigned to it for defense, the force held the line thinly, marked by strong points with gaps covered by fire. Seven major counterattacks were repelled during the period and numerous enemy patrols were stopped, often in bitter, close-in fighting, with the Ranger Force using its mortars, artillery, automatic weapons, and grenades with devastating effect. The officers and men of these units fought without rest or relief and with limited food and water supplies. The continuous nature of the enemy fire and activity was such as to try the men to the limit of their endurance. Although overwhelming enemy forces drove almost constantly at the sparsely held positions, the determination and courage of the members of the 1st and 3rd Ranger Battalions and their attached units offset the enemy superiority in numbers and made possible the successful accomplishment of a vital mission.
________________________________________________
From: Sgt. Robert L. Cunningham
Co. F., 3rd Ranger Bn
APO 464-N.Y. N.Y.
To: Mrs. John M. Price
c/o George Tubbs
Canadian Texas
Passed by Army Examiner 05442
October 1943
Dear Sis, Price, and Baby,
Received your letter today was really
glad to hear from you. You can tell Claudine
that I am not in Sicily anymore. I am now
in Italy. There isn't much difference in the
places. I just got a letter from Dad and
he said he didn't know whether he was
going to work for Charley or not. Boy I would
really love to be there and help you all
this winter. If this darn thing don't get over
with pretty soon, I'm going to be gray headed.
Some (kind of) old! No kidding you should see my hair
it sure is gray. I feel lost today. The best
buddy I ever had went to the hospital
last night. I sure do miss him. But he (will)
probably be back in a few days. I would have
liked to have been there for the dinner you were
talking about. Tell everyone hello for me.
Love
Lyle
(This was the first indication that Lyle was having health
problems and explains his graying hair)
________________________________________________
From: CPL. Robert L. Cunningham
C. F., 3rd Ranger Battalion
APO 464-Postmaster
New York, New York
To: Mrs R. B. Cunningham
Granite Oklahoma
Box 117
Passed by Army examiner:
Lt. E. O. Parish, 05442
Date: October 16, 1943
Dear Moms and all,
Just a line to say hello, and to let you know
that I am O.K. and feeling fine, I'm sorry I
didn't write sooner but have been pretty busy
the past few days. I can't tell you where I am
at just at the present, but will later on, so don't
worry. I will be O.K. Basil has done O.K. since
he went into the Navy hasn't he. I'm sure glad
he likes. I haven't heard from him a time since
he went in. I got a letter from Mel yesterday. He
is doing O.K. He is in the Ninth Division, Has.
I would really love to see him. You wrote about
Charley Tubbs wanting Dad to take the Ranch.
What is he going to do about it? Is he going to take
it? Let me know. You remember I wrote that Daniels
was in the Hospital, he came back the other day.
Well Moms I will close for this time, for I am out
of writing space.
Love
Lyle
________________________________________________
From: SG Robert L. Cunningham
Co. F. 3rd Ranger Battalion
APO 464-Postmaster
New York, New York
To: Mrs R.B. Cunningham
Granite Oklahoma
Box 117
Passed by Army Censor
Dated: October 26th, 1943
Postmarked: November 13th, in New York
Dear Moms and all,
Here I am again with a few lines to say hello and
let you know that I am still O.K. and feeling fine,
and having lots of fun! I moved around quite a lot
and have seen lots of beautiful country and scenery.
I expect to see lots more. Moms I am going to send a
bed spread in a few days, it is really pretty. You be
sure and write me when you get the money I sent. It
is three hundred dollars. It will probably be sometime
before you get it. I got a letter from Vesta Lee telling
me that her and her old man quit. She wanted to know
what brand of cigarettes I smoke. Well, I smoke Luckeys
so you can start sending a few along. I guess I had better
close for this time so ans. real soon.
Lots Love
________________________________________________
Darby's Rangers: We led the Way. Page 128
"We had two wonderful weeks at San Lazzaro. As in similar situations,
I did not allow discipline to be relaxed...All the Rangers joined in discussions
about past battles. Behind us stretched almost a year of hard fighting; Arzew;
then Gafsa, Sened Station, Dernaia Pass, El Guettar, Djebel el Ank and Djebel
Berd in Tunisia; Gela, Butera, Licata, Porto Empedocle, Castelvetrano, Marsala,
Trapani, Patti, Brolo, and Messina in Sicily; and Sorrento's Chiunzi Pass in Italy.
What lay ahead, we did not know..."
________________________________________________
From: Sgt. Robert L. Cunningham
Co. F., 3rd Ranger Battalion
APO 464-70 PM
New York, New York
To: R. B. Cunningham
Etter Texas
(Etter Switch is Cactus Texas)
Passed by Army Examiner: 05442 Lt. E.O Parish, Inf.
Date: November 9th, 1943
Dear Dad,
Thought I would drop you a line to say
hello and let you know I am still O.K.
I got a letter from Jo and she said you
were back in the plant. How do you like
your job? Now, it isn't near as hard on you
as painting is it? Have you heard from
Basil lately? I haven't heard a word
from him since he went in the Navy.
I guess it is getting pretty cold out on the
plains, now isn't it. It isn't very warm
here. You can send me a few candy bars
and not hard candy if you can get it. Where
is Hodges? Is he there with you? an. real soon.
Love
Lyle
________________________________________________
From: SG Robert L. Cunningham
Co. F., 3rd Ranger Battalion
APO 464-70 PM
New York, New York
To: Mrs R.B. Cunningham
Granite Oklahoma
Box 117
Passed by Army Examiner: 05442
November 9, 1943
Dear Moms and All,
Just a few lines to say hello and let
you know that I am still O.K. and
feeling fine. I am sorry I haven't
written sooner but just keep putting
it off and I have been a little busy.
How is all the kids making it in
school. I haven't received a letter
from home in over a month. I got one
from Wynell the other day and they
were doing O.K. said Morris had
50,000 bundles of feed cut, and was
still cutting. George must have planted
the whole place in feed. I guess I had
better close for this time for I have
some more letters to write. So ans. real
soon.
Lots of Love
Lyle
(This is a good example of war production on the home front)
From: Darby's Rangers: We Led the Way
The 3rd Battalion had suffered heavy casualties in the Sorrento
Chiunzi Pass and were left in reserve to refit and to train replacements.
There they would remain until the 12th of December.
The remaining Rangers take positions southwest of the
Village of Ceppagna and San Pietro Infine
along the main road to Cassino. The 83rd Chemical
Mortar Battalion is attached to the Rangers. The 1st and 4th
Battalion engaged in some of the roughest fighting
they encounter in a grinding 35 day campaign...
See pages; 130 thru 141. The Rangers would
suffer 40% Casualties during this period
and it would come back to haunt them later.
Darby wrote;
"...Altogether the Ranger force had spent some five weeks in the
mountains at altitudes of two to three thousand feet. It was close-in fighting,
and the lines were sometimes as little as twenty to forty feet apart. This was
a new type of fighting for us and very costly because of the large-scale
use of grenades and artillery..."
________________________________________________
From: SG Robert L. Cunningham
Co. F. 3rd Ranger Battalion
APO 464-70 PM
New York New York
To: Mrs R. B. Cunningham
Granite Oklahoma
Box 117
Dated: November 12th 1943
Postmarked November 13th 1943
Passed by Army Examiner: 05442, E.O. Parish, Lt. Infantry
Dear Moms,
Just received a letter and the fruit cake you sent. And was I
mad when I opened it. The cake was molded from top to bottom,
we cut into it and we had to throw it away. I'm telling you I was
really mad. You can send another one and put cigarettes and candy
bars in it. This package came pretty fast. It was mailed the 25th
of September. I received a nice package from Wynell and Morris
the other day and it was really nice, some toilet articles. I haven't
written them yet but will in a little while.
Moms I have the bed spread ready to mail. Will mail it tomorrow.
There will be a few old coins in it so put them away for me. Have
you received the money orders I sent? Write as soon as you get them.
I got a letter from Dad the other day, he said his leg really bothered
him, I sure hope it is O.K. now. He said that Bud was up there. Has he
gone to work yet? If so what is he doing. How come that he didn't stay
down at Ft. Smith. Didn't he like it down (Thar!) I got a letter from
Vesta Lee the other day and she wrote it back in July while her and her
man was living together. She said 'I am almost afraid to write'. Wonder
why (Ha!) She doesn't know what to do, does she. Moms when you get
the money you can send me the Granite Enterprise, if you want to. I am
going to send some money like we are paid over here. The 5 Lire is a nickel,
and the 10 Lire is a dime. I will send some German money. I guess I had
better close for this time so ans. soon with all the news.
Lots of Love
Lyle
________________________________________________
From: Sgt. Robert L. Cunningham
Co. F. 3rd Ranger Battalion
APO 464-c/o Postmaster
New York, New York
To: R. B. Cunningham
Etter Texas (scratched out)
Dated: 14 November 1943
Envelope stamped: December 2nd, New York
Another forwarding stamp:
December 15th, 1943,
and hand forwarded to Granite, Oklahoma
Dear Dad,
Just a few lines to say hello and let
you know that I am still O.K. and
feeling fine. It has begun to get a
little cold over here, and has been
raining for the past few days. I looked
out the other day and saw snow up in
the mountains. It was really pretty,
seeing the sun shining on the peaks.
I got a big fruit cake from Moms the
other day and it was molded thru
and thru, was I mad. How is everybody
up there? Tell all hello for me. I had
better close and get some sleep so ans.
when you have time.
Love
Lyle
(While the 3rd was in for refit the 1st and 4th Battalions
were being chewed up in those very mountains)
________________________________________________
Date: November 20th, 1943
Dear Jo and all,
Just received your letter and was really
glad to get it. Glad to hear that you're
all well. I am still in Italy, doing O.K.
and feeling fine. I guess (the baby) is quite
a case, I would really love to see him. Tell
Deloris I said it wouldn't be long until she
can start to school. What kind of a girl did
Rex marry over there? I mean what nationality
is she? I didn't know you could marry while you
were overseas. I might get me one of these
Italian women (Ha!) Don't you think that would
be a kick. I just got a letter from Basil. So I have
got to ans. it. So I will close for this time, ans.
soon.
Love
Lyle
________________________________________________
From: Sgt. Robert L. Cunningham
Co. F., 3rd Ranger Bn.
A.P.O. 464-70 PM
New York, New York
From: Sgt. Robert L. Cunningham
Co. F., 3rd Ranger Bn
APO 464-70 PM
New York, New York
To: Mrs. John M. Price
c/o George Tubb
Canadian Texas
Passed by Army Examiner: 05442
December 14, 1943
Dear Wynell, Price and Baby,
Just a few line say hello and l
let you know that I am still O.K. and
having lots of fun. Sorry I haven't written
more often but I don't have much time to
write. I just got a letter from home and
said you were buying some cattle. How many
head are you going to get? Are you going to
keep them there on the ranch or are you
going to rent a place? I am having some
pictures made. I will send you one in a
few days. How is every one making it. Tell them
all hello for me. I guess I will close for this
time so ans. soon.
Love
Lyle
________________________________________________
December 18, 1943
(received stateside at Chicago 1 January)
To: Mrs John M. Price
c/o George Tubb
Canadian Texas
Dear Sis, Price, and Baby,
Received your letter the other day and
was really glad to get it. Sorry I haven't
written sooner but have been pretty busy.
I am still in Italy doing O.K. and feeling
fine. I got a letter Ginnie Calvert
the other day and she said that Leland Burns
and Bernice Hawkins are married. That is
marrying quite young isn't it. How is Price
getting along with the cattle feeding? How many
fellows do you have working out there?
Well I guess I will close for this time so ans.
real soon. Tell everyone hello for me.
Lots Love
Robert L.
(All the Ranger Battalions were assembled at Lucrino Station
near Naples for the Christmas Season; preparing for the Anzio Invasion)
What the heck is V-Mail anyway? 
_____________________________________________
Operation SHINGLE
_____________________________________________
(1 January) the Rangers begin nighttime amphibious training at Pozzuoli.
The Rangers are joined by Company H; 36th Engineer Regiment, the 83rd Chemical Mortar Battalion, and the 509th Parachute Infantry Battalion.
22 January the 3rd arrived on Anzio Beach.
The 3rd reorganized on the beach and moved through the 4th Ranger Infantry Battalion lines and seized and cleared the Port area except for mines.
The Rangers then moved to clear the town of Anzio.
Moving through the town the Rangers traveled north and established a link with the British First Division.
On the 23rd they relieved elements of the 7th Infantry, and made contact with the Scots Guards on the left.
On the 24th and 25th they were held in reserve.
On the 26th they were moved into position so that they could attack objectives to the right of Carroceto. They maintained contact and were in support of elements of the Scots Guard on the left, and the 4th Ranger Infantry Battalion on the right. On the 29th their position was relieved by the 1st Bristish Recon Regiment.
On the 30th and 31st the 1st and 3rd Ranger Battalions were committed to the attack of Cisterna.
News-clip from the Granite Oklahoma Enterprise
Lyle a local sports hero and well liked young man received continued press coverage: Above, The Granite Enterprise copied the MIA telegram from the Adjutant General of the Army; and right the signature 3rd Battalion insignia
Form Letter from Major General Ulio announcing yet another MIA in WWII
Daily Oklahoman April 1944
Eight Sooners
Missing in
Europian Theatre
882 Casualties
So Far in 1944
Eight Oklahoma soldiers wereamong American Servicemenlisted Wednesday by the war
department as missing in Action.
Seaman 2/c Roy Leslie Blott Jr., USNR, 3036 NW 21, and Seaman 2/c Nicholas Frank Lenz, USNR, son of Mr.
and Mrs. Martin George Lenz, Shawnee, were reported wounded in action by the navy department.
Oklahoma Casualty figures
Reported since January 1st
Army:
Killed or died...................139
Wounded...........................421
Missing..............................175
Prisoners............................30
Army total casualties.........765
Navy and Marines:
Killed................................30
Wounded............................40
Missing...............................45
Prisoners.............................2
Total Navy Casualties........117
Total All Casualties............882
Oklahoma Casualties by Name S/SGT Tracy M. Kelly, son of Avery Kelly, of Kellyville. Missing in Mediterranean area: PFC Harold F. Angell, husband of Mrs. Leota M. Angell, Tulsa. PFC Otho C. Birdsong, husband of Mrs Dortha L. Birdsong, Sand Springs. SGT Robert L. Cunningham, son of Mrs. Zadia Cunningham, Granite. PFC. Aubra D. Daniels, son of Ocie A. Daniels, Leedey. Lieut. Kelly R. Moore, son of Mrs Leona M. Moore, Morris PVT. Roy C. Pilgrim, son of Arthur A. Pilgram, Tulsa. CPL. Clyde E. Ray, son of George A. Ray, Wetumka
|
This Card mentioned below would have been
delivered no earlier than June '44
A partial article from the Enterprise
Lyle's Pow Letters from Stalag IIB The Worst POW Camp in Germany
(3)The ticket home probably aboard the Queen Mary. No doubt life raft thirteen was not necessarily received with good humor. but; after being a POW the meals would be very welcome!
(3)Veterans Button Graphic left; On the Cover of; US GPO 1945---O---662387
(3)(1) Darby's Quotes; Source, Darby's Rangers: We Led The Way; ibid.
(2) Official Dates of Record and Military Resources
(3) F.R. Price History Collection; AT&SF Ads: Courtesy F.R. Price Railroad Image Collection
(4) Post Cards Courtesy of Ophelia Hopkins Cunningham WWII Post Card Collection
(5) Provided by Half-track Hobbies: Tom Pace 1979; US Army Special Forces