Spitball Army

[Written to Alice c/o Helen M., Encino, Calif. San Fernando Valley. Return addressed: Richard, Plt. 622, R.D.M.C.B., San Diego 41, Calif. Postmarked in San Diego, Calif., on 15 July 1944 at 12:30 PM.]

July 14, 1944

Hi Sweetheart,

     Well, where are you now?  I hope you are at the address on this envelope.  How was the trip out?  You’ll have to tell me all about so I can enjoy it with you.

     There has been a few things happening around here the last couple of days.  We signed the payroll and guess what I get? — I owe the government 88¢ for my first 6 weeks training.  Can you beat that!!  I sure wh would like to know how they figure it, but there is no way I can find out.  Maybe, I’ll get more next month.  I should get at least $5.00 more.  I shot Expert.  I shot 311 out of a possible 340 points.  I was 6th high in the platoon.  Oh yes, and the last thing.  It’s the biggest one of the three.  I may get Mess Duty after we break up.  I hope I don’t get it though.  The ones that get the duty aren’t the ones that don’t do so good.  They just go down the roll and say, “I take him.”  The duty lasts for 30 days.  What I would like to know is what will you do if I get that duty?  I hope I don’t get.  I’m planning on seeing you at the L.A. station 2 weeks from to-morrow.  About the only thing I can tell you is to wait until you get a telegram from me telling when and if I get in L.A.  You see, I won’t know definitely until the 29th.  I get you word at Encino as soon as I can.  If I come, you will have about 3 hours or so to get to L.A.  That’s about how long it takes on the train.  Have I made it so there won’t be any mistakes?  Your next letter, you tell me what we’ll do so there won’t be any mixup.  O.K.?

     I see you soon, I hope.

Goodnight Sweetheart.
     I love you with all my heart.
          x x
               Pleasant Dreams.
                    ‘Nite
                         x x

 

I love you.