Christmas for the Boys-- Part 4: "And a Blonde With That Pair of Gloves"

The sick recipients were invited to provide wish lists.  Most weren't too particular, but "one patient added a blonde to his request for a pair of gloves."

About 12,000 readers sent gifts, most of them asking to help more than one ailing service member

The reason for giving among readers was varied, but one Elkhart, Indiana, woman shared a common sentiment:  "The best Christmas present I could wish for is the knowledge that thru my puny efforts some of these gallant boys will realize that we on the home front appreciate what they are doing for us."

Pictures accompanying the article:

World War II Battle of Guadalcanal veterans Bernard Sgilagyl, Varner Johnson, George Stevo, Leland Kimrey and Harry Simonetti open gifts in 1943.

Lt. Mary Wrona, of Ann Arbor, Michigan, plays Santa to Pvts. Ray Radke and Stephen Valenti, both from Chicago, in the hospital at Rockford's Camp Grant in 1943.

A Great Deal.  --GreGen