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 25 July 1944 at 8:00 PM.]

July 25, 1944

Hi Sweetheart,

     What do you say? Shall we start off with the bad news first? Well – here it is! There will be no furlough. It justs looks like we aren’t supposed to have a honeymoon in California. Oh well, there isn’t much I or you can do about it, now. We’ll have to wait until later and see what we can do. Don’t be too disappointed, Sweetheart.

     Now, I have some news you might like a little better. The reason I don’t get a furlough is because I decided I would rather go to radio school without a furlough than take a furlough and go to the infantry. Don’t you think that is the best choice? If you don’t, maybe I can put up more of an argument. Saturday, when we break up, I will catch a train. That train will take me to – guess!! – That’s right. It will take me to Chicago. I’ll be there for a month and then moved someplace else for my schooling. That will last 10 months and I’ll g come out a Technical Sgt.

How will that be?

     As to what you will do – you run right down to the train station and get the best accommodations you can get. I may have a few hours lay-over in L.A. I don’t know how long. But what I would like, is for you to meet me at the station and then if at all possible, to ride to Chicago with me. I say “with me” because the Marines pay for my ticket and they tell me what trains I will ride. I don’t have any ideas as to when I get there or on what train I will leave on. You inquire about it and find out as much as you can. All I know about the time is that I won’t leave the base here until after 10 A.M. Sat. As to what time I get to L.A., nobody knows. I’m just hoping that you can get a ticket, meet me and we can go to Chicago together. Whether you get the ticket or not, meet me at the station. We may be able to see each other for an hour anyway. Then, of course, I want you to head for home as soon as possible.

     I hope you can make the arrangements and we can go back together – even if it’s in the chaircar.

     Goodnight Sweetheart.
          I love you with all my heart.
               Hope you can arrange things.
                    xx
                         Pleasants Dreams
                              ‘Nite
                                   x x

Maybe this will help a little.  [Did Richard enclose some money with this letter?]