Spitball Army

[Letter postmarked on 15 October 1942 at 2 p.m. at Alton, Illinois. Addressed to Miss Crystal K., Berwyn, Illinois. Return addressed to Richard N., Portage Des Sioux, Mo.]

October 14, 42
Portage 6:00

Honey

Well, here goes again. I no sooner sat down on the train when a fellow CG from Portage sat down beside me. The train was so loaded it was the only place he could sit anyway. Sooo we both slept on each others’ shoulders all night. The train was 15 minutes ahead of time into Alton. So instead of having an hour to wait for the garage, in which my car was, to open, we had an hour and 15 minutes wait. We returned to Portage with time to spare. I put in a hard day’s work Monday and drew a 10-12 watch at night.

We were up at 6 for exercises Tuesday and hard at work at 8 A.M. Then I had a 12 to 4 in the afternoon watch. After that I hurried and dressed and went to town. Saw 2 good pictures, with another CG, and then went out for some beer. We slept in a private room in the W.M.C.A. for 50¢ apiece. Up at 7 and in to Portage at 8, on time and right to work. When I say work, I mean work till 5:00. Supper now, and I am writing before I go into town to take a shower & shave. You see, I haven’t had much time to write before this.

The boat Bob Gordon was on was de-commissioned, so we are taking its place. We are going on patrol tomorrow. I spoke to the ensign and he said no more boats to Peoria, sooo? Lt. Commander Gray was out here yesterday, but I didn’t talk to him because I don’t know whether any man got to him or not. I suppose it could still be done.

Darling, I have really been busy. It looks like this new patrol assignment will knock my 72 hours out.

I received your letter of the 12th Tuesday so, if I have to write to you in the dark I am going to, Honey. I wish you could have been with me, Honey. I think I will have more time to on patrol. Darling, Sunday still seems like a dream to me.

You are right, Honey. That doesn’t mean we can’t become engaged and we will, Honey. It sure is nice to get your letters, darling. I don’t know what I would do without them. That’s why I try and write as often as I can to you, dear. It’s very hard to write when you haven’t done anything interesting to tell about, though.

Well, darling, it’s 6:30 and starting to get pretty dark down here already. Hon, your cookies are still delicious after a week. I think they will be good another week. Well, good-by now, my darling, remember I love you with all my heart and I will wait for ever if necessary for you, too, Honey.

Love,
Dick xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx