Letter 3 - Words and Phrases

These are words, phrases and terms from Charlie's second letter.

"Jawbreakers" - these are army biscuits and reference to the quality, or lack thereof. 

"Jerrys" - This term was used by US soldiers in reference to German soldiers. The nickname was originally created during World War I and was again used during the second World War. 

"USO" - Founded in 1941 the United Service Organization is an American nonprofit-charitable organization that provides entertainment to soldiers. Originally established during WWII the organization still exists today.

"Cut a rug" - slang term for dancing.

"The pandemic"- this is in reference to the 1918 flu pandemic. Interestingly, the pandemic was just as polarizing and politicized as the current 2020 COVID-19 pandemic. 

"Retreads" - This is a reference to soldiers who re-enlisted during World War II after also serving in World War I.

"Pasting pictures of hitler" - see if you can spot the Hitler picture in Charlie's letter. Soldiers would paste character pictures of Adolf Hitler around training courses throughout World War II. 

"Dropped a pineapple" - pineapple was used as a nickname for a hand grenade. 

"Rock climbing" - did you know the Army Ranger's trained in rock climbing among other things in preparation for D-Day. The 2nd Battalion (Charlie's Battalion in our story) scaled the cliffs of Port du Hoc the morning of June 6, 1944 - D-Day.

"Brow beater" - This is a reference to someone who is particularly cruel to smaller or weaker people.

"Sugar mail" - This term was used in reference to mail received by soldiers from their significant other. These letters were high points for soldiers.