The other day I was visiting with my 90 yr. old grandmother and the subject matter always turns from Dancing with the Stars to our family history. This time around she brought out three letters from 1945. These three letters were written by her first cousin Yndalecio Polanco Estrada (nicknamed “Lecho”) to her sister Beulah Sierra Estrada (who is sometimes referred to as “Pillar”). Lecho enlisted as Pvt. and was promoted to Sgt. in the 8th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division in WWII. 

Here is the first letter he sent to her on January 7, 1945 from the Philippines:

Some FYI’s:

Margaret- my grandmother, Beulah’s sister

pachuco- slang for a young Zoot Suit type guy

Kate- Beulah’s sister

Mando- Beulah’s brother

Carmen- Beulah’s sister

4F- refers to men unfit for service

Hi “Baldy”:

Hows the ole gal.

I just received your Christmas package. It was swell especially the fruit cake. Did you know it was one of my weaknesses?

I’m inte best of health and hope this letter finds all of you the same.

Give my regards to my aunt, your ma, and the rest of the cousin brood.

You know Margaret never told me how Mando came out with his eyes. All I heard was that he was very sick.

How’s, wind bag, Kate getting along. Is Carmen having any trouble with her pachuco?

Any new scandals around L.A. or vicinity. I’m sure you’d know all the choice morsals.

After the first month the novelty of this place wore off and once again we’re bored.

I’ve gone to a couple dances here. The girls dance the one and two step and o a little four pre war jitterbugging. But it didn’t take long for them to learn the latest we knew, which is now 2 years old back there.

The girls are cute, except for flat noses and are good sports. They’ll dance with any body. Only the bashful ones like myself haven’t danced.

Say I just received a package from Margaret too. I’ll sure give her a piece of my mind sending me, of all people, that kind of a pipe for a gift.

By the way, have you found yourself a 4F yet?

Well, guess thats all for now.

Your Cousin, Lecho

P.S. Enclosed are 3 Jap bills. Sorry thats all I have on hand I’ll look for more and send you the rest of the set when you answer.

I don’t know how to spell Beulah or something so I wrote Pillar.

I’ll post the second letter in the next couple of days….