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 26 Oct 1944, A.M.  Envelope stamped on front, “Passed by Naval Censor,” and initialed by the Censor.]

Oct. 23, 1944

Hello Sweetheart,

     There isn’t much news that I can tell you. We are having some schooling on the different weapons that we may use. It’s been pretty boring so far. I’ve had all but 2 of them before.

     I saw “Guadalcanal Diary” the other night. It was a pretty good show. Oh yes, if you want to know exactly where I am, you can ask Bob Hope. He put on a show here for the outfit just before they hit Peleliu.

     I still haven’t been paid. Maybe they think I’m just here for a vacation. When, and if, they do finally give me some money, you can expect a money order in the next mail.

     I love you Sweetheart. About all I do in my spare moments is dream about you and the little place we’ll have in W.L. after I get back. It’s going to be a swell place and with you in it, it will be perfect. Sweetheart, I just can’t put on paper what I’m thinking – what I’m how I feel. I just can’t put it into words. I want to be with you all the time. On the other hand, I want to be away from you. I want to work for you; and when I come home at night, I want you to be there waiting for me. We are going to have a lot fun and we’ll be very happy together. I’m happy now just knowing that you’re all mine and that you are waiting for me. But I could be much happier. If we were only together, everything would be all right. We’ll have to wait though. I’m afraid there isn’t anything I can do about it. I’ll just see that I get back to you all in one piece. All you have to do is be there waiting in our apartment. Do you think you can manage that? I’ll do my best to keep my half of the bargain – you do the same. And Sweetheart, please write. I know you will and have. I’ve probably got quite a few letters from you some place on the way. The only trouble is, I haven’t received any mail yet. It’s hard to write to you. I don’t wh want to ask the same questions over and over but I want the answers. I can’t remember if I’ve asked them in other letters and just haven’t received an answer yet or whether I’ve just been thinking and wondering without putting it on paper to you. That will all work out too, I know. I’ll just have to wait till my mail starts coming through. How are you getting along there at home? You’re still there, aren’t you? How are the folks – the dogs – the farm – Purdue – the football and basketball teams? What happened to Button? Is she still at Indiana? What’s Marty doing? Do you still hear from Betty & Dorris? How about Dave – Harry – Lois, Jim & Danny – Mrs. Kirner? Boy, when you get this letter, you’ll have a job on your hands answering all the questions. That’s just part of them but I can’t go much farther tonight. It’s getting dark. You’ll just have to start a gossip column for me. I hate to leave now. It seems like I’ve actually been with you in this letter. I can see you and talk to you but you can’t answer. I know you will though Sweetheart. I can hardly wait for your first letter – a letter from my wife – the one person I love with all my heart. I love you so much Sweetheart. I wish we could be together. I miss you. If I could only have you in my arms tonight and always.

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

                         Goodnight Sweetheart

Trailer for Guadalcanal Diary (1943) [Spitball Army loves this movie, and the great William Bendix in one of my favorite roles]: