Spitball Army

[Written to Alice in Frankfort, Indiana. Return addressed: Richard, Co. G, 2nd Bn., 1st Marines, c/o F.P.O., San Francisco, Calif. Postmarked at U.S. Navy, on 19 Oct 1944, A.M.  Envelope stamped on front, “Passed by Naval Censor,” and initialed by the Censor.]

Oct. 17, 1944

Hi Sweetheart,

    I was afraid I wasn’t going to be able to write you today, but Mother Nature was on my side.  Last night I heard that we were to start training tomorrow so I decided I would write you while I still had a little spare time.  This morning I was put on an all-day working party.  It started raining around 9:30, so here I am.  No work till no rain.  Hope it rains all day.

     We had a U.S.O. show last night.  It was a concert affair and it wasn’t received very well.  I liked it though.  There were 5 artists and a swing band.  The band was for accompaniment and we didn’t hear much of them.  We had a pianist, a violinist, a soprano, a tenor, and a dancer. (2 women & 3 men)  I enjoyed the music but I thought the dancer was terrible.  She was introduced as a ballerina, but I couldn’t find any connection between her dance and ballet.  She just twisted and wriggled all over the stange stage.  After the show, we had a picture, “Chip off the old Block” with Donald O’Conner.  It was pretty good even if it was the 2nd time I’d seen it.  To-night we have “Standing Room Only.”  Would you care to join me?  You’ll be with me, Sweetheart.  You are always with me whether you know it or not.  I love you Sweetheart.  I’m just living for the day when we can be together back in the “Village”.  You are going to be there waiting for me, aren’t you?  How are you getting along on the farm?  Are your checks still coming in O.K.?  As yet, I still haven’t been paid.  Some of these days they are sure to break down.  I don’t need the money over here, but I would like to know if my name is on the payroll.  There is only one place to spend money here.  That is at the PX.  I have a little money but I can’t find anything I want to spend it on.  Guess I’ll just have to save it.

     The rain is over and I have to go back to work.  I’m still looking for that “first” letter.  It’s about time we were getting some mail.  Hope I have some.

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

A clip from Chip Off the Old Block (1944), featuring Donald O’Connor and Peggy Ryan:

The opening of Standing Room Only (1944), featuring Paulette Goddard and Fred MacMurray: