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 27 Jan 1945.  Envelope stamped on front, “Passed by Naval Censor,” and initialed by the Censor.]

Jan. 24, 1945

Hello Sweetheart,

     I want to write you but at the present, I can’t think of anything to write.  If this does develope into a half-way decent letter in stead of a note, it will be because things will come to me as I write.  I’ve been sitting here about 15 minutes trying to think of something to write.  As you can see, I finally decided to start writting and then do the thinking.  Do you suppose that will work?  I hope it does.  I don’t like to receive notes and I’m sure you feel the same way.  I wouldn’t go so far as to say that I prefer a letter or nothing.  That is definitely not true.  It seems like if I can write a note, I should be able to take a little more time and write a letter.  It would make you happier, I know.  That’s what I want to do.  I want to make you as happy as I possibly can.  I love you with all my heart, Sweetheart.  If I could only tell you what I’m doing, it would be easier to write.  However, it wouldn’t pass the censor if I wrote it.  It’s not that we are doing anything special, I just can’t write anything about the training we are getting. (That’s what they call it anyway.)  You can write anything you want to and still it’s rather hard at times, isn’t it?  About all I can write is personal matter.  Then I’m mentally restricted.  I don’t like the idea of someone, besides you, reading it.  Oh well, I can’t do anything about that.  I’ll just keep on writting and telling you that I love you.  Each time I try to think of a different way to say it.  Sometimes it take 2 or 3 pages to say it, but it’s there.  Other times, I can’t do any more than just say the 3 little words.  They have all the meaning though Sweetheart.  They sum up everything I try to tell you.  I love you.  In those three little words are is everything I could ever tell you.  They say – I miss you – I love you with all my heart, with all my body, and with all my soul.  I think you are wonderful – you’re the nicest person in the world – you’re the sweetest and best wife anyone could possibly have – I’m so proud that you are my wife – and I love you Sweetheart.

     Goodnight Sweetheart
          I love you with all my heart
               Pleasant Dreams
                    ‘Nite Sweetheart