Spitball Army

[Written to Alice in Frankfort, Indiana.  “Frankfort” crossed out in pencil and replaced with “Attica.”  Return addressed: Richard, Co. G, 2nd Bn., 1st Mar., c/o F.P.O., San Francisco, Calif.  Postmarked at U.S. Navy, on 6 Feb 1945, and at Frankfort, Ind. on 15 Feb 1945.  Envelope stamped on front, “Passed by Naval Censor,” and initialed by the Censor.]

Feb. 4, 1945

Hello Sweetheart,

     I love you.  The regularity of my letters doesn’t show it very much I know, But it does give you a good indication of the scarcity of my spare time.  We’ve been pretty busy lately but I’m afraid the worst is yet to come.  The first of the month always brings me some extra work in the form of the payroll.  You see, we usually get paid around the 5th of the month.  Talking about money, Sweetheart, I want to ask you a question.  I think I’ll be able to send $150 home next month.  Where should I send it?  Do you need it or should I send it to the folks?  $150 would pay off our debt to them and we would be square with everybody.  What do you say?  Shall we put ourselves in the clear or do you need the money?  Don’t hesitate to tell me if you need it.  I’d like to get that little affair off my mind, but there will be plenty of time later.  What do you think?  Be sure and tell me.  I’ll draw the money next pay day but I won’t do anything with it till I get your answer.

     My hands are rather sore tonight.  I’ve been scrubbing clothes off-and-on all day.  I did a pretty good sized washing, as far as the larger pieces are concerned.  I washed 6 pair of trousers, 4 shirts, 1 undershirt, 2 towels, 2 pair of socks sox, and 2 hankerchiefs.  I still have 2 things that are dirty: – a mattress cover and the pair of shorts I was wearing to-day.

     I just noticed something.  This cigar I’m smoking was made in Frankfort, Ind.  Did you ever hear of the place?  I have a faint recollection of the place.  I think I should refresh my menory a little bit.  The most important thing in the world is there.  I don’t mean to refer to you as a “thing” but I sure would like to see you.

     I received another package from you or your Dad or somebody there.  Can’t understand it, the guys in the tent don’t like to walk on nut shells.  They like to eat the nuts though.  I hope there aren’t any more cigars in the mail.  I have 2 boxes now.  I smoke about one a day and 2 boxes in 1½ weeks are more than I can smoke.  Now I’m having trouble finding someplace to keep them.  But Please don’t overdo the thing.  Tell you what, I’ll let you know when I start on the second box, then you can send me another.  O.K.?  That should time it about right.

     About the afghan, Sweetheart, you know I like blue.  You haven’t given me much to go on as to the shade of blue.  The only thing I can say is that I don’t like too much of the light shade of blue.  It makes the article look washed-out.  The pattern sounds pretty nice.  I think I’d like it Sweetheart.  I’ll have to see the finished product before I can pass final judgement.  I’m not worried though.  I’m sure I’ll like it if you make it.  I don’t know whether I’d like knitted anklets or not.  I’ll try anything once.  It won’t hurt me anyway, I think.

     Well, Sweetheart, it’s almost time for taps.  I was doing pretty good on this letter till the guys came back from the show.  Since they got back, I haven’t even been able to think.  They have been raising too much – noisy, aren’t they?  I give up Sweetheart.

     Good night Sweetheart
          I love you with all my heart.
               Pleasant Dreams
                    ‘Nite