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 1 February 1944 at 4:30 p.m.]

Jan. 27 – 44.

Dear Ralph –

Don’t worry about me not ever wanting to come home again.  The girls we meet over here are alright for company but they can’t compare with the good old American variety.  The Aussie girls get very tiresome after a while and what few American nurses we run into are all officers and therefore don’t associate with us plain enlisted men.  Sorry to hear about the new cut in gas rationing.  Can you save up your coupons for a month or so and then get enough gas for a short trip?  Perhaps some day you can phone Red & Dot if you can’t get up to see them.  So they’re still having accidents in the yards, are they?  I guess it’s bound to happen now and then.  You better watch your step, my friend!  I understand you’re having some real winter weather over there now.  Snow in Livermore & Orinda!  Brr.  I’ll take our warm weather, if you don’t mind.  Going swimming up in the mountains next Sunday.  Have you seen Al Morrison lately?

So long for now.  Be good –
Bud.