Thomas Shelton Brooks

August 26, 1943

Also a letter from Pvt. Leonard Moody in Camp Haan, Calif. He is making it fine and must be getting plenty to eat. He told his father that he has gained several pounds on army chow. He weighed around 180 when he went in. Incidentally, a couple of his old football team mates are in California also. SHELTON BROOKS is at Oceanside and V. W. McKenzie, Jr. is in Los Angeles - - taking some kind of course at some college.

April 13, 1944

SHELTON BROOKS, in the army, also here on furlough, visiting with relatives.

June 22, 1944

We hear that SHELTON BROOKS came in today on a furlough.

September 28, 1944

We have several interesting letters for the column this week. But we will start off with one from S/Sgt. SHELTON BROOKS, with the army in India, and dated September 15. He writes:

"I received my first paper today, although it was dated Aug. 10, it was news to me and I was really glad to get it because it carried me back home for a while anyway. I will be looking forward to getting them regularly from now on.

I suppose you would like to know something about India. Well, the best I can describe this place is that it is more like a circus than any other description I can give it. Yet you see some of the most beautiful buildings here that were ever made, and all of them are made by hand.

Nearly all commercial hauling is done with oxen. The best means for personal travel around cities are rickshaws. There are some horse drawn carriages but the rickshaw, pulled by an Indian, is the fastest. I am enclosing a newspaper picture as proof of that means of travel as being the best for as you know, the ladies always have the best. (Ed Note - The ladies referred to were armed forces personnel).

The climate here now is about like it is down in the southern end of Florida in July but without any breeze

After all, I think I am in a very good place, everything considered, and I would not have missed this trip for anything.

I had better sign off now. Hope to hear from you and looking forward to continue receiving the paper, I am sincerely."

December 7, 1944

Also a nice letter from S/Sgt. SHELTON BROOKS who is in India. He also sent us a souvenir folder illustrating what happens when one hails a taxi. The accompanied wording is: "Over here in Command town, at any time, anywhere, one is served with super service. One calls for a taxi. and lo, everything on wheels comes at once, Taxis, Gharries, Ricks; they all compete in the mad rush, and if one survives the onslaught one soon finds oneself rattling' gaily along." Shelton added that "This is about as true a picture as could be printed."

In his letter Shelton said "Just a few words to say hello to you and to all the many friends I have at home that I can't write to in person for time does not permit me to do so. I am sure by writing it to you, they all will receive the word.

I want to thank you again for the paper for it carries me back home while I am reading it, and believe me, that helps for a fellow surely needs to get his mind off of India once in a while.
Mr. Fuller, if possible, I would like to have the location of Gene Barber and Johnnie Tidwell.

Hope to see all you folks before too much longer. Although I am enjoying this army experience, I would enjoy being back in the States much more.” (Well, Shelt, we certainly appreciate the folder and letter, and we'll try to send you the addresses of Gene and Johnnie. Both are, we believe, in the European theater).

February 15, 1945

One can never tell what may happen in the army! Sgt. SHELTON BROOKS has been in India for many months, and recently he ran into his brother, Lamar, there, learning that they were in camps only about 20 miles apart.

May 3, 1945

And from S/Sgt. SHELTON BROOKS now in Calcutta, India, comes a letter than made record time from that far away place. Shelton mailed the letter on April 20 and it was received here on April 27. He writes:

"Just a few words to say hello and to let you know I have been receiving The Tribune regularly. Received the March 29th issue today. That is almost like getting it off the press for it only had to travel 17,000 miles. Certainly enjoy reading all the hometown news, and especially about the fellows in the service.

It is so hot here now I'm afraid to look at a thermometer - afraid it might burst in my face. Thanks again for the paper. Hope to see you in person before long."

August 2, 1945

We got a change of address this week from Pfc. Lamar Brooks who is now stationed in China.

Lamar had been in India with his brother, SHELTON, for some time.