Spitball Army

[Written to Alice in Frankfort, Indiana. Address crossed out in Frankfort, and the following forwarding address written in pencil: c/o Helen M., Encino, Calif. Return addressed: Richard, Plt. 622, R.D.M.C.B., San Diego 41, Calif. Originally postmarked in San Diego, Calif., on 7 July 1944 at 12:30 PM. Secondarily postmarked in Frankfort, Ind., on 11 July 1944 at 5:30 PM.]

July 6, 1944

Hi Sweetheart,

     What have you got to say for yourself today? About all I’ve got to say is I love you.

     Tomorrow we start firing our rifle, the M-1. Up till now, we have just had schooling on how to shoot. Tomorrow we see if we learned anything. We will fire Fri., Sat., Mon., Tues., and Wed. Then Thursday we fire for record. (One week from today – 7/13/44).

     You didn’t say anything about coming out in your last two letters. Are you still coming? Let me know more about what coming off. I’m rather curious – you know that.

     Charlie Barnett and his orchestra [see music clip below] were here the other night. They entertained us for about an hour. There was no troupe with him, just his orchestra. It wasn’t too bad, nothing special. We also had a show last night. It was put on by the San Diego U.S.O. It was all local tallent and did it STINK. We had to go to both those shows and those are the only ones I been to since I’ve been here. I haven’t gone just because I wanted to.

     Tell H. hello for me the next time you write him. I can’t seem to find time to write to him myself.

     I can’t think of much more to write, I just don’t have time to think. Keep your fingers crossed for me next Thursday.

     Good night Sweetheart
          I love you with all my heart
               x x
                    Pleasant Dreams
                         ‘Nite
                              x x

 

     I love you.

[audio:Charlie_Barnet___Cherokee.mp3]
“Cherokee” (1939), by Charlie Barnet & His Orchestra