Since the August 1943 letters, things were just about to get interesting for Kenny.  We have no letters in our collection until July 1944.  But we have his chronology, Naval history, and Big Mamie’s memorial book. Operation Vella Lavella in the Coral Sea was about a month-long operation that ended on 6 October 1943 (per the histories, … Continue reading Letters Home: Gilbert, Marshall, and Caroline Islands

Omaha, NebraskaAugust 20, 1943 Dear Kenny: I kinda feel ashamed of myself for having not written sooner but I have been busy with several house deals and repair work etc. etc. and time slips on before one realizes it.  Your letter of July 26 received directly at my office and was pleased to receive it. Regarding … Continue reading Letters Home: 20 August 1943, a long reply from Dad

Oh my, how time flies heading into the holidays.  Especially when work travel dominates your energies. It has been some time since we heard from Kenny.  His 1942 letters end with his November letter following the U.S.S. Massachusetts maiden battle at Casablanca.  History and a typed carbon copy of a timeline in Kenny’s letter collection, show that Big Mamie returned … Continue reading Letters Home: August 1943 In the South Pacific

Upon returning to the Pacific, the USS Massachusetts, powered by Fireman First Class Kenney Rhoades (and others) took part in more training while the U.S. beefed up her defensive strategy and finalized plans to transition to an offensive-defensive phase.  There are indications that Kenney did write more letters during these months, but these have been lost … Continue reading Letters Home – Russell Islands 1943