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 22 March 1944 at 9 p.m.]

March 16 – 44.

Dear Ralph –

Well here I am back at the old grind again, and find I have a lot of letters to catch up with.  Just got back from Sydney last night after a very nice time there.  I was lucky in catching a free ride down a [CENSORED] and made the [CENSORED].  That was really a thrill for me (my first time up) and to, seeing the beautiful country and sea shore from up amongst the clouds.  That’s the travel for me (if I can afford it later).  Of course you know Sydney was perfect for me, lots of entertainment, a nice girl to keep company with, the best beer in the world, in fact you just forget that there’s a war going on.  Wouldn’t mind at all if they would station us there permanently.  No such luck though, with so much to be done elsewhere.  Yes, all Seabees are now coming from the draft Ralph.  You have your choice.  Say they can start measuring me for a civilian any time now, it would suit me fine.  Heard from Harry.  Guess he is still here in Australia too.  So long for now.

Write again
Bud.