LETTERS.
Camp Claiborne, Louisiana
June 15, 1941
Dear Ed,
About 2 months ago when I left home, I had many requests for letters. Being impossible to write everyone, I decided to kill two birds with one stone by writing a letter in the Sioux Center News. If you’ll permit, I’ll make an attempt to do so.
Most of you have read the previous letters in the paper of the other fellows at camp, so their isn’t much I can add to that. I’m not a privileged character, so I get up as well as the other fellows at 5:00 A. M., which after you’re used to it, isn’t so bad.
Recollecting a few of the many things having been taught us, I feel it an experience well spent. We all get discouraged at times, but anybody without patience wouldn’t last long. There’s two ways in the army, “The right way” and “The Army way.” We do it the army way.
I find being in the Medical Regiment, a very interesting part of the army. This regiment is divided into three battalions, collecting, hospital, and ambulance. There are three company’s to each battalion, and the company I’m in is in the ambulance battalion. Our job is to transport casualties from collecting station to the field hospital. Possibly it would be a distance of 10 or 12 miles. The collecting company gathers the casualties from the front line to a first aid station, the ambulance company transports them to the clearing station (field hospital) where more care is given, sometimes stay there from 10 minutes to 1 hour. From there they are transported to a large stationed hospital.
The basic training I had consisted first of continual drill and long marches. I’ve been fortunate enough not to go on any march with a “full pack.” We also had a number of lectures on first aid, anatomy, physiology, material medica (pharmacy), bandaging and splinting, and chemical warfare.
Our present training is mostly driving tests, that is, going through forest and swamp areas, up and down steep hills and if a tree of about 4 inches diameter gets in the way, the only practical thing to do is run over it. Those ambulances are “four wheel drive” and pretty hard to stop them from anything.
Last Thursday we went on an all night maneuver, practice driving at night without lights on. This coming week we are scheduled to have a 4 day and 3 night maneuver. These maneuvers are all a preparation for the big six week maneuver in Aug and Sept. This will be an example of actual war conditions consisting of over a half million men.
The much talked recreation we have in camp is very hard to find. When a group of fellows gather in one tent, trying to find something interesting to do, other than talk about the army, we call that a pretty good time. Many of the fellows go to town, but when about 90 percent of the population are soldiers, there isn’t much gain in that. Generally by 9 o’clock most of us are ready to sleep.
The climate here is considerable different from good old Iowa. The last I heard from home, you have some cool weather and lots of rain. We’ve had the rain, but far-be-it from cool. Its rained here for 9 consecutive days, but when the sun comes out, it beats down and burns like sun through a lens. The nights are cool, but very damp. We can usually have a blanket over, but when you get to putting your clothes on in the morning, they are very damp.
I spend quite a bit of time at 133rd Infantry where most of the Sioux Center boys are. When we get together there is quite a number of us, which doesn’t make me feel as far from home as I actually am. There are seven of us from Sioux Center here.
I hope you find this worth your time and reading, and it is always appreciated to hear from friends.
Pvt. John Harold Mulder
Co. F., 136th Med. Regt.
A.P.O. No. 34
Source: The Sioux Center News, June 26, 1941
Seven Members Of One Family Serve U.S. (photos)
T/5 JOHN H. MULDER, JAMES A. MULDER AEM 2/c, BERNARD A. MULDER S 1/c, PVT. ELMER D. MULDER, CPL. GERALD J. SJAARDA & CPL CLARENCE N. SJAARDA, CPL. GERALD R. REINDERS.
Pictured here are six sons and one son-in-law of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Mulder of Sioux Center. The four Mulder boys are Mr. Mulders sons, two Sjaarda boys are Mrs. Mulder's sons and Gerald Reinders is Mrs. Mulder's son-in-law.
T/5 John H. Mulder, or better known as Harold, was one of the first boys to be inducted into the army. On April 24, 1941, he left for Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, but was soon transferred to Camp Claibourne, La. for his training in the medical corps. He was there until the early part of January 1942 when he went to Fort Dix, N. J. From there he left for overseas in the last part of February 1942. The greater part of that year he was in Ireland and about Christmas he went with the army to North Africa. In September 1943 when Italy was invaded, he went there also. At present he is in Italy. He has seen several places of interest.
James A. Mulder AEM 2/c enlisted in the Navy in Sept. 1942 and was selected as Aviation Electricians Mate. He was a short time at San Diego, Calif. from where he was sent to the University of Minnesota at Minneapolis. He also was in Chicago till April 1943 when he was granted a furlough before leaving for Whidbey Island, Wash. where he has been for almost one and a half years. His wife and little daughter Carol Faye have been with him since last November when he was home on furlough.
Bernard A. Mulder S 1/c enlisted in the Navy Air Corp and was sent to St. Olaf College at Northfield, Minn. July 18, 1943 until the first part of November when he was at the LeMars Airport for almost a month. From December 1st to the latter part of January he was at Great Lakes Naval Station at Chicago and was then sent to Jacksonville, Fla. where he had training in Radio and Radar. Then he was moved to Hollywood, Fla. where he had practice in gunnery. At the present time he is at Miami, Fla. where he gets practice in radio and gunnery in a T. B. F. Navy plane.
Pvt. Elmer D. Mulder was inducted in the army last March and was selected for the Medical Corps. He has been at Camp Barkley, Texas for some time until about June 1st he was sent to O'Reilly Gen. Hospital at Springfield, Mo. as Surgical Technician. Then he was a short time at Camp Phillips, Kansas from where he left for Texas where he is at present. Watch for his new address.
Gerald John Sjaarda was inducted into the Army on March 18, 1943. He was sent to North Camp Polk, La. where he is with the 8th Arm’d Div. John is driver and mechanic. They were on maneuvers from February 2 until the first of May. Since May he is at Camp Polk, La. John has had two furloughs, one in October 1943, and one in April 1944. Troop B. 88th Cav. Rch. Sq. Mech. Camp Polk, La., APO 258
Clarence N. Sjaarda was inducted on Jan. 3, 1944, and was sent to Camp Robinson, Arkansas, In April they went on maneuvers for six weeks. In June he went to Fort Belvoir, Va. where he is at present. Clarence is with the Engineers. He has had one furlough. Co. B. 259th Engrs. Com. Bn. Fort Belvoir, Va.
Cpl. Gerald Reinders entered the army last December. He is stationed at Ft. Leavenworth where he is an instructor with the Spec. Trng. Unit. Gerald is a son-in-law of Mrs. Mulder. 37467749 W.D. Personnel Center 1773 S.C.N. Ft. Leavenworth, Kansas.
Source: Sioux Center News Sept. 14, 1944, p 2
T/5 John Harold Mulder Writes From Italy
Feb. 5, ‘45 Dear Folks: I have a number of your letters to answer that were sent to me while in the hospital but didn't get to me until a few days ago, after I again reported to my unit. It seems as if I kept moving a day or two ahead of them all the way, and consequently delayed. During the past two months, the holiday season, I received almost 80 letters and cards - most of those yet to be answered. I would like to answer each one individually but that would take too much time. It is a wonderful feeling to know so many friends and relatives are not forgetting me. All seems to be quite normal with me again. I do feel almost up to par - or that way of a few months ago. A few days ago my C. O. again put me to clerking even though there is two of us doing the work of one, which of course doesn't hold either of us down too much. I presume some alteration will be made in the near future in regard to this so I may be assigned to something else with the Company. Gary and I are now together and see a lot of each other. We both miss Teddy but happy he could spend 30 days at home. I can assure you we will be all ears when he returns to give us the lowdown at home. Gary had the fortune to spend about 45 minutes with Irvin Mouw, while Irv was in a rest area. We are looking forward to the time when the three of us, and Teddy if he is back, can have a reunion and talk over those good old days when we ran around together so much. Come to think of it, we always were up to something in those days when a kid gives little consideration to his elders. Many an apple did we steal. Received a short letter from Elmer yesterday that he wrote from France the 23rd of January. His letter indicated that he was fine and his living conditions quite suitable. He seems much nearer to me now, and it is my desire to go to France and see him. Of course that is impossible. Aunt Jess sent me a very nice package and so did LaVonne and her folks. I will write Aunt Jess soon. Also I thought the gift sent by the Girls League of Central Church was a perfect gift. It certainly was a clever idea. Enclosed you'll find a clipping that appeared in a recent issue of the ‘Stars and Stripes’ about our battalion. It kind of gives you an idea of what the medics are doing in spite of the fact that back in the states we are only considered pill rollers. It is not a boast when I say the infantryman who has seen action highly respects the work of the medic, and some have said they would prefer defending themselves with a rifle rather than a red cross band around the arm or on the helmet. Please send the clipping to LaVonne when you are finished reading it as I promised her she would get it. Have you heard from Bernie recently? I'm wondering if he has left the States by now. I shall write him soon because I've neglected doing so lately. I must end this now and maybe write another letter tonight. I hope you are all well and not suffering so much cold. Weather lately here is quite favorable - with not too much snow anymore. Goodnite and God bless you. Love, Harold
Source: Sioux Center News March 1, 1945, p 2
Harold Mulder describes recent activities in Italy April 25, ‘45 Dear Folks: I know you understand why I have not written for so long but this morning I have a few idle moments in which to write a short note. Everything is fine so please don't worry if you don't hear too regularly. Things are really going swell here and all of us are having the time of our lives. No doubt you've heard the news reports, and the Germans are now on the run here. We move almost continuously. One of my greatest thrills was getting out of the mountains and entering Bologna and now in the plains which seems like Iowa land. The 34th as you know was the first to enter Bologna and great crowds greeted us in a jovial celebration. When we came in last Saturday the main street was so crowded with people that only a path was kept open for our vehicles to pass through. The people were clapping their hands, throwing flowers, and had we moved slowly enough to be kissed, we would have had that too. The 34th did not move on beyond Bologna immediately because it had to be cleared of snipers and Fascists, so the company moved into a modernistic apartment where we slept that night. All the civilians were very curious and asked such questions as whether we were English or Americans. They felt our clothing from head to foot; they were amazed with seeing the type and amount of equipment we had. I can tell that we are now in the heart of Italy and that part of this country which will leave me with a better impression. The people are better clothed, have more food, and are better educated. Bologna is not ruined too much although the city outskirts and railroad yards were hit with devastating effect. The effectiveness of our planes are shown distinctly. After moving beyond Bologna we see little damage and travel over marvelous roads. The Germans have not had time to blow out the bridges. The terrain is as level as a tabletop and makes me feel like I'm in Iowa again. The Po valley of course is the richest of Italy and I can now see why. Mail is scarce now so I haven't heard from you for about a week. Even as much as I want mail I hope we continue moving so it has a hard time getting to us. Our main thought is to keep moving and getting the war over with. I had better call this all for now. Please don't worry about me if I delay your letters, and tell all the others the same thing. I had a letter from Bernie yesterday. But tell him I'll answer it as soon as I can. I'm well and happy and having a great time. Love, Harold
Source: Sioux Center News May 10, 1945, p 8
Harold Mulder has been promoted to Sgt. in Italy. He has 112 points so hopes to be discharged in the near future. He is the son of Henry Mulder of Sioux Center.
Source: Sioux Center News June 7, 1945, p 8
Sgt. Harold Mulder, son of Henry Mulder of Sioux Center, is reported to be enroute home having sailed from Italy July 8th. Harold left here 3 1/2 years ago.
Source: Sioux Center News July 9, 1945, p 8
Sgt. Harold Mulder Discharged From Service (photo) SGT. HAROLD MULDER
Sgt. Harold Mulder, one of the first Sioux Center boys to leave for the service, arrived home the past week having been given a discharge from the service under the point system. He has a total of 113 points, and has five battle stars to his credit. Harold left for the service on the 24th of April, 1941, and received his training at Camp Claiborne, La. On the 18th of Feb. 1942 he left the states to be sent for overseas service, landing in north Ireland on the 2nd of March. He then spent nine months in Ireland and one month in England and then left England on Christmas Day in 1942 to be sent to North Africa where he took part in the Tunisian campaign from February 14 until May 12. He then had a few months of invasion training, and left Africa on September 9, 1943 and landed at Oran, Italy, on September 21 where his company saw action in all of the major battles. He was a member of the 34th Red Bull Division of the 5th army which has a record of 516 days of combat. While overseas part of his work consisted of driving an officer’s jeep for some time. He was a company clerk for nine months and was also a mail clerk for some time. He also spent four months in a hospital while ill with yellow jaundice and hepatitis. While overseas he met Peter De Stigter in March 1944 who was the only one from this community he ever met, although Irvin Mouw was near him, but they never managed to meet each other. He also met Lawrence Evenhuis of Chicago, a distant relative. Harold left his company on June 8, 1945 and flew to Naples, Italy where he left by ship on the 8th of July arriving at Newport News, Va. on the 18th of July. He received his discharge at Fort Sheridan, Ill. on the 23rd of July and after spending a week with friends at Chicago he arrived at home the past week. He has no definite plans for his immediate future but will first enjoy a well earned rest.
Source: Sioux Center News, August 9, 1945 page one
