Edward Peter Novak

May 21, 1942

Last week the Tribune published as list of names of men in the armed services from Flagler County, compiling the list from the best sources, but some names were not secured..... two of these were Ralph C. Novak and E. P. NOVAK

November 19, 1942

Pvt. EDWARD P. NOVAK went into the army last April and at present is stationed at Duncan Field, Texas.

January 7, 1942

Pvt. EDWARD NOVAK, of the army, was here on a visit during Christmas and he hoped to see many of his friends but a wire Christmas morning to report back to his station in Texas. He said to give his best regards to all those friends he missed seeing.

September 30, 1943

The first letter is from Cpl. EDWARD NOVAK in Australia. He reads the Tribune and says am glad to learn that all the boys from the old hometown are doing so well. We are doing OK over here. A lot of hard work and little time off for play, but it all helps to pass the time more quickly. I have met several boys that were sent to Florida for their basic training and they tell me that they are going to pay the state another visit after the war. So, you can look forward to a lot of tourists in future.

We have a swell bunch of boys in our outfit and we all kick like a Kangaroo, Australia isn't too bad. I find it very interesting in some ways, but I must say I like our ways a lot better. I rather enjoy Army life, especially the traveling. Always did like to travel. But why doesn’t some inventive genius invent a mechanical KP for us - what a blessing that would be.

(That would he a blessing, Edward, but it certainly wouldn't be the army anymore, eh? )

November 25, 1943

Florian Novak, with the Navy at Jacksonville was home this week for a few days. Florian his two brothers who have been in service for several years - EDWARD with the army and now in Australia and Ralph with the Navy and in New Caledonia.

May 25, 1944

Received a letter this week from Cpt. EDWARD P. NOVAK who receives his mail in care of postmaster, San Francisco, saying: “Just a few lines to let you know we are all doing fine and hoping for the day when we’ll be heading back. Thanks for The Tribunes. It is nice to be able to read about how the other boys are doing. Have had no luck running into anybody I know from Florida."

June 22, 1944

A V-Mail from Cpl. EDWARD NOVAK from "Down Under" which says, "Just to let you know all is well with us here, and to correct my APO number again. I wrote you before telling you my APO was . . . instead of . . . it has been changed again back to …. I want to thank you again for The Tribune. Have been receiving it quite regularly. All is the same here and I hope you all back home are getting along nicely, Will be writing more next time (Don't worry about us here at home, Edward, Everything is OK).

November 2, 1944

From away “Down Under” we received James K. Dils, 1st Lt., Air Corps, special officer the following:

"Cpl. EDWARD NOVAK of Korona is a member of a Far East Air Service Command Depot that recently received a letter of commendation from the headquarters of Gen. George C. Kenney, commander of the Allied air forces, Southwest Pacific area.

Novak, who has been overseas 19 months was among those commended for the part played in making the 'Townsville Depot' one of the best in the world. The commendation referred to amount of work turned out, general overall efficiency, and the ability to expeditiously accomplish any task imposed upon it at any time, have made it the mainstay of the 5th air force effort throughout the campaign."

July 12, 1945

Here is a letter from Cpl. EDWARD P. NOVAK who was in Australia until recently: “Just arrived in Manila a few days ago. So I have a change of address.

I want to thank you again for the paper because I really enjoy every bit of it. Have been receiving it quite regularly in Australia, and am looking forward to it up here.

This place, as you have no doubt heard, is one big mud hole. In fact our tent floors are as sticky as fly paper. Other than that things are all right. The city is just about all wrecked. I don't believe there is a building that hasn't been hit, and the harbor has a few ships sunk in it.

The trip up here was rather interesting. We passed several places of interest.

Hope to run across my younger brother, Florian, as he is around here some place. Brother Ralph I understand is up around the Jap mainland now. There is no danger here of running short of water as it rains about every 15 minutes. Now I must get to work. I thank you again for the Tribune. I'll be writing more soon.

October 4, 1945

“Manila, Sept. 24.
Dear Mr. Fuller:

I want to thank you again for The Tribune in the past and also I want to advise you to discontinue mailing it, if you have not already, as we have been told that we will be on our way home by the first of October. It makes us very happy to hear that we will be home soon. But we are beginning to wonder just what they mean by soon. Two and two does not add up to four anymore, over here. Especially, when one takes into consideration the fact that the men over here have a pretty good view of the whole situation. There are too many proposals and promises going around and not quite enough action. But all in all we still expect to be home some time between now and December.

I have been down at Biak for the past two months on T. D. and have only returned here to Manila about five days ago. Find quite a change in the city in the two months that I have been away.

Must close now and will be seeing you all in the near future.

Cpl. EDW. P. NOVAK, Hq. & Hq. Sq. 12th A. D. G.

(Well, Edwin, all the home folks surely will be glad to see you. And we hope that promise of home in October proves to be true).

January 3, 1946

Discharged from the armed services this week ..... EDWARD NOVAK