During World War II, Fort Riley served as a major training and mobilization center for the United States Army. Thousands of soldiers passed through its gates, preparing for deployment overseas. The fort was home to several divisions and specialized units, and its facilities were expanded to accommodate the surge in personnel and activity.
Fort Riley was also notable for its contributions to military innovation and leadership, with many officers and enlisted men receiving advanced training. The base fostered a sense of community among soldiers and their families, despite wartime challenges. Its strategic location and resources made Fort Riley a key asset in the nation’s WWII efforts.
A postcard sent from Fort Riley on July 20, 1942, turned out to have great historical significance. Junction City, Kansas, is the town closest to Fort Riley, and is where the picture postcard was postmarked. A photo on the front shows the Fort Riley Chapel and some soldiers standing at attention.
The nicely penned message within, sent by Tom Kelly to Mr. and Mrs. Guy Bernard in New Orleans, Louisiana, offers a bit of insight into what the new recruit was going through. Unlike some recruits who were unhappy, Tom was just the opposite
“Hello – Army life has added about five pounds of weight and made me feel like a school kid again. If its like this all the way I think its great. – Tom Kelly”
In the upper right-hand corner is Kelly’s rank and the company he was with. It appears he enlisted as a private, but with four years of college, he was quickly moved up to 1st Lieutenant. This was quite common at the outbreak of the war.
The postcard recipients, Guy Bernard and his wife, evidently meant something special to the soldier for him to write them. Guy Bernard was a music teacher, with Thomas Kelly evidently one of his students.
Thomas W. Kelly Jr. attended Loyola University, majoring in music. He went by the nickname “Tom” to friends. Archived newspapers show that he played the trumpet and was involved in numerous college musical presentations.
Prior to enlisting, Tom had been briefly married to Elva Cullen, but sadly, she divorced him before he left for war. Part of Kelly’s training took place at Camp Ibis in California, a mere 60 miles from where I live. Camp Ibis now exists only as a ghost base, with some building foundations still remaining.
Tragically, 1st Lieutenant Thomas W. Kelly, born on July 31, 1917, was killed in action during the Battle of Normandy on November 25, 1944, at the age of 26. He was initially laid to rest in France, with his remains eventually returned to the States and reburied in Texas, most likely at the request of his parents. I would label him a hero.
Records show that his ex-wife, Elva, who was remarried at that time, tried to apply for military death benefits from her late ex-husband. It does not appear that she was successful.
Lt. Kelly was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart, the American Campaign Medal (Europe/Africa), and the WWII Victory Medal (Middle East). A cross atop his tombstone indicates he was a Christian.
The postcard recipient, Guy Frank Bernard, was born May 21, 1905. His wife’s name was Henrietta, although she went by Nettie. Mrs. Bernard was from Texas. Guy Bernard remained a music instructor up until his retirement. Guy died on March 12, 1982, while Nettie passed away on May 14, 1985.
Tom Kelly’s postcard, mailed to the couple 84 years ago, must’ve meant something special to them—for it to have survived!
I like to write junk... 