Spitball Army

[V-mail addressed to Ralph N., Richmond, California.  Return addressed to E.R.G., C.M. 3/C, 55th Battalion, Company D, Platoon 4, c/o FPO San Francisco, California. Envelope postmarked 20 December 1943 at 10:30 p.m.]

Dec. 15 – 43.

Dear Ralph –

Got your V-mail this noon so will answer now while I have the time.  What with having liberty every other night, washing clothes and a little reading to keep up on, it pays to stay caught up on your correspondence.  I see now why Harry don’t write you.  Can’t say as I blame him as you’re quite a radical!  Anti-this and anti-that.  I got a Xmas package a few days ago from Red & Dot.  Return address 6706  – Cotton Blvd., Oakland, – their home, so perhaps he was transferred to the West Coast.  You might give that number a try.  As you know, they have a daughter now.  We’re busy as the devil again, working on the base down here.  Don’t know a thing about our next move.  Am working with a Frank Harvey, an old hand at yard #2.  During the yard’s early days he was a big shot in the general whse, later in the material control force.  He knows Don Adams, Tony Lawrence, etc.  At last I can tell you.  In a few days I’ll send you that long awaited picture.  Hope you recognize the old tar.  Gotta close for now Ralph, so best wishes to you and your mother for the Xmas and New Year holidays.  Write again.

So long –
Bud.