Spitball Army

[Written to Alice in Frankfort, Indiana.  Return addressed: Richard, Co. G, 2nd Bn., 1st Mar., c/o F.P.O., San Francisco, Calif.  No postmark.  Envelope stamped on front, “Passed by Naval Censor,” and initialed by the Censor.  The letter appears to have been partially eaten by bugs on the left side of each page.]

Dec. 19, 1944

Hello Sweetheart,

     I’ve been looking through your letters and I can’t exactly figure out what questions and letters I haven’t answered.  I think there is just one new one.  I received one you mailed to Oceanside but I believe I’ve answered all those questions before.  If I haven’t, I guess you’ll have to ask them again.  I don’t remember whether I told you anything about the watch or not.  I’ll make sure anyway.  I don’t want one, Sweetheart.  They sure are nice too have but it would be ruined to quick.  I’d rather wait until I get back.

     I’m afraid I disagree with you on something you said in your last letter.  Who cares whether your sentences are grammatically correct.  Just so they are there.  And, just what do you thing is wrong with your letters?  They are the nicest things I now have in my possession.  I can’t say “that I own” because I hope and think (or know) that you fit in that class.  Now I’m confussed more than you are.  I know what I mean, do you?  You have to be a mind-reader because I definitely haven’t said what I mean in this letter.  Let me try once more – – -.  You are the most important and most dear person in the world to me.  Since I can’t have you over here with me, my prized possession is your letters.  I love you, Sweetheart.

     Darn, I did have something to write about.  Maybe I should say that “I felt like writting.”  Now, D— and E— are talking and reading.  Ever now and then they have to read a sentence of what they are reading.  They just read enough to bother my writting and get me interested in the story.  Then they quit.  Very disgusting!

     I received a package today.  That fudge sure isn’t going to last long.  I haven’t smoked any of the cigarettes yet but I thing they are still allright.  They smell a little, but I think they are still O.K.  Believe it or not, I can even use the combs.

     Oh — do my sides hurt.  I’ve been laughing so hard I’m crying.  We had “Sack Time,” the pup, up on the table and was feeding him licorice.  We had more fun watching him.  He would get it caught in his teeth.  Then he looked like he was having a fit.  He had both front paws in his mouth trying to get that candy out.  Boy was he funny to watch.  We would put another piece in front of him and he’d get stuck again.  Finally, he decided he had enough.  Then it seemed like he just realized that we were laughing at him.  So he goes and hides his head under E—‘s arm.  He’s a cute little devil.  We have more fun with him.

     I can see I won’t be able to write any more.  The coffee is ready to drink and there are 4 other guys in here shooting the breeze.

     Goodnight Sweetheart.
          I love you with all my heart
               Pleasant Dreams
                    ‘Nite Sweetheart
                         [censored]