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. Postmarked at U.S. Navy, on 2 Jan 1944, P.M. Envelope stamped on front, “Passed by Naval Censor,” and initialed by the Censor.]

Dec. 31, 1944

Hello Sweetheart,

     I’m going to try to write this letter as you write yours to me.  In other words, I’m laying on my sack.  I don’t feel much like writting but I’ll see what I can do.  I feel more like laying here and dreaming.  I want to think about you, Sweetheart, and then I realize a little but just how much I love you.  It seems like I’d rather think more about the future than the past.  I like to think about the things we will do and how happy we will be together rather than to think about the fun we’ve had.  Of course I can’t keep those memories out of the picture.  That would be impossible.  It would be imposible to forget the Parkmoor.  That was quite a while ago.  We had fun at I.U. and Chicago too.  I suppose you are in Chicago right now or did something happen to your plans.  Hope you and M—- are having fun now.  How is she?  Is she having difficulty with her male yet?  I have a little trouble with my mail ever now and then.  Lafayette is where most of my thinking takes place – both past and future.  Sorry, Sweetheart, it seems like I can’t do anything but dream.  I’m surely not doing so good at putting it on paper.  I guess this just isn’t my letter writting day.

     Well, Sweetheart, I just finished reading your last 4 letters over again.  They are very nice, wished I had more.  There were 3 questions that I could answer so I’ll take care of that right now.  Send the cigarettes.  I’ll use them and the longer you keep them there, the staler they will get.  You asked about the buttons on my dungarees.  I guess they are O.K.  I haven’t worn them since I got off the ship.  We wear khaki around here all the time.  I didn’t get any certificate for being a Shellback.  They didn’t have enough to go around.  That’s why I don’t have it.

     Did you get that roll of films developed?  Why don’t you take some pictures with the little camera?  Those films won’t be good much longer and I sure would like to have some snapshots of you.  You know of course, I only have that one picture of you.

     ‘Fraid I’ll have to give up for now.
          Goodnight Sweetheart
               I love you with all my heart
                    Pleasant dreams
                         ‘Nite Sweetheart