This World War II military postal history item features an original free franked cover accompanied by its complete two-page handwritten letter written by a newly inducted U.S. Navy sailor.

The envelope carries a sharp circular postmark reading "GREAT LAKES / ILL." dated September 22, 1943, at 7:30 AM, with machine killer lines over the manuscript "Free" franking endorsement. The return address indicates it was sent by Apprentice Seaman Robert C. Stanton (Co. 1425, U.S. Naval Training Station, Great Lakes, Ill.) to Mr. & Mrs. A. J. Grosse in Chicago, Illinois.

The included letter is written on two pages of official blue-emblemed "UNITED STATES NAVAL TRAINING STATION / GREAT LAKES, ILLINOIS" stationery, dated September 21, 1943. Writing home during his first days of boot camp, Sailor "Bob" describes receiving his uniforms, taking physicals, and dealing with a C.P.O. who ordered them to reduce the contents of their ditty bags. Most notably, he mentions: "After the physical yesterday I found out that my left eye did not qualify for submarine duty, which is what I wanted - but don't tell Essie I wanted that or I'd never hear the end of it."

• Postmark: Great Lakes, ILL circular machine postmark dated September 22, 1943.

• Franking: Manuscript "Free" WWII military franking.

• Stationery: Complete 2-page handwritten letter on official US NTS Great Lakes blue-crested stationery.

• Content Highlight: Fantastic personal WWII boot camp account detailing physical exams, uniform issue, ditty bag rules, and disqualified ambition for submarine service.

• Condition: Excellent historical condition; clean cover with sharp postmark and light, original letter folding.

• Keywords: Great Lakes US NTS, Naval Training Station, WWII Cover, Free Frank, WWII Letter, Submarine Mention, Navy Boot Camp, Ditty Bag, Chicago Illinois, Military Mail, WWII Ephemera, 1943.

WWII Naval Postal History: Great Lakes Training Station

This authentic 1943 WWII naval cover and letter combination offers exceptional historical value for specialized military mail and naval history collectors:

• USN Free Franking & Boot Camp Experience: During World War II, active-duty servicemen were granted free postage privileges for first-class mail. Letters written directly from recruits during their first week of boot camp at US NTS Great Lakes offer a vivid, candid glimpse into the processing, physical exams, and strict daily routine of newly enlisted sailors.

• Desired Submarine Service Content: Personal letters detailing specific naval branch preferences—especially the Silent Service—are highly prized. Mentioning his disappointment at failing the eye exam for submarine duty (and asking his family to keep it a secret from "Essie") adds a wonderful personal and human dimension to this wartime artifact.