My grandfather’s dairy starts from when he was inducted into the army in March 25, 1943 and ends in a 2nd diary at war’s end in 1945. Florentino Pena was born a third generation American on the family ranch just outside the city of Alice, TX. He was a farmer and rancher before he was inducted into the Army. My grandfather’s best friends were WWII vets as well. They were my paternal grandfather, Anastacio Barrera (Artillery) and his best friend Alberto C. Nava (INFANTRY 1943-1946.). Growing up I heard a lot of amazing stories from these 3 men. Using the format from the University of Texas WWII Latino memorial, I’ve been trying to interview Mr. Nava for over a year now, but work has keep me visiting him in Alice. (http://www.utexas.edu/projects/latinoarchives/)
Some other notes from Florentino’s diary:
Word Meanings in Northern Africa:
Allied – go away
Massa masel – pretty girl
Cinema – show
Jig jig
Italian
No compri – don’t understand
Manager – good day
Alli – come here
Karmel – candy
Diego – Italian
Army slang –
Dearest one – U.S.A.
My Dearest one – I am across
Sweet one – In action
Hello Darling – Going to be transferred or was
I’m getting Dark – In northern Africa
Spaghetti – Some where in Italy
English – England or Brits
Sugar – Australian
Cold – Alaskan
My grandfather and the 39th left Fort Leonard Wood on Friday Aug. 25, 1943 and by Wed. Sept. 22, my grandfather writes that he passed the coast of Spain and landed in Algiers the morning of Sat. Sept. 25, 1943.
Right now I’m on a project for my company in Oklahoma. When more time is available I will continue sharing more stories and finish scanning the diary. My grandfather also has pictures that he took while he was there of fellow soldiers, towns and bridges they built. I will scan and copy those as well. If anyone has any advise for interviewing Mr. Nava, please let me know.
Thanks
Luis Barrera
GE Energy
Installation & Field Services
Field Engineer/Mechanical TA
T 512 699 9646
E luis.barrera@ps.ge.com
2025 W. Beltline Road Suite 100
Carrollton, TX 75006
General Electric International, Inc.