Wednesday, May 18, 2011

The POW Diary of John Teune: Last Days in Europe

The Teune brothers in their Army Air Corps uniforms. John is second from right.


September 3, 1944

Received partial pay of 100 bucks and purchased a few things rom the PX. I read a little, played ping pong and basketball. Went to cemetery to check up on personal effects which were shipped home August 24. Attended chapel service at night and wrote letter to folks.

Monday, September 4, 1944

Briefed and filled out forms and then hitch-hiked to the Squadron. Saw Capt. Sagert, Snee, etc. The boys left this morning. Did quite a bit of talking in the Club.

September 5, 1944

This morning we began to start straightening out our pay and other records. Also checked up on what was sent home of our personal effects. Found my cap and APR of pinks in supply. Also found most of my radio, received B-4 bag and field jacket from supply. John Ter Matt surprised me with his appearance. In MPS, I found out that my brother, Pete, is in India. Received other news. Received Banner of July 7 and learned that John Van Zwieten died in action on May 27. Went to Group tonight, saw Dan Boone. Had some good ice cream. Played ping pong.

September 6, 1944

Learned that a plane was leaving for Rome, so immediately prepared to go. Left here at 9 a.m. with MacDonnell and Hollerback. Arrived at 11:15, rode in truck to town. Had a bite to eat and then went looking for some gifts for home. From 2:1 to 5 p.m. we went on a Red Cross tour of Rome. Visited the catacomb of San Sebastian where Peter and Paul were supposed to have been buried until their bones were removed to cathedrals. St. Paul's Cathedral is very beautiful and massive, plenty of gold. Visited Pantheon. Rom is very impressive, very little damage, modern and clean. War seems very remote. Returned home at 7 p.m.

September 7, 1944.

Received our pay for May in Cerignola. Went to GP for ice cream and a shower. Saw a show at night.




John left Italy on September 13, 1944, and returned to the United States on September 26, 1944.

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