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

Feb. 20, 1945

Hello Sweetheart,

     Well, here it is Tuesday night.  Time has passed very fast for me.  It seems like I just finished writting you, but that was 2 days ago.  It’s a good thing I have a calendar.  There isn’t anything new to tell you Sweetheart.  As each day goes by I seem to get more stuff on my back.  I can’t do anything about it though.

     I wish some of those packages would start coming.  I’m afraid they are all going to come at once.  Why can’t they be strung out – – I’m sure I would appreciate them more.  I’m very happy when I receive anything from you Sweetheart.  First class comes first of course – both with the post-office and with me.  I love you Sweetheart.

     There are a couple of fellows down the street making music.  It sounds pretty nice – guitar and harmonica.  They are pretty good.  Thank goodness nobody is trying to sing.

     I’m going over to the other island and get my glasses tomorrow.  I know I’ll enjoy myself over there and get a good meal.  I told Mundell I’d be sure and look him up.  Don’t worry – I will.  They really have good chow.  The place he lives is much nicer than anything we have here.  I can’t remember if I told you about it or not.  It was funny eating out of a plate with actual Silverware.  It really scared me.  I was afraid I was going to swallow that little fork and spoon.  I didn’t though.  It’s going to be hard to be cvilized if and when I get back to the states.  Little things like that for instance.  I’m used to eating out of my mess gear.  Oh well, we won’t worry about that.  Let’s just get me back.  Those little details such as eating will be simple compared to that.  I’ll be there though.  You just be there waiting for me Sweetheart.  That’s all I care about.  I just want you, all of you, all your love Sweetheart.  I’m looking forward to seeing you in our apartment.  It will be so wonderful with just the two of us.  Then I won’t have to be bothered with writting letters.  I still don’t like to write them.  Don’t worry, I’ll write anyway.  I love you Sweetheart and I have to tell you in some way that I’m sure you will know.  You can’t actually hear me so I’ll keep right on writting.  I love you every minute of the day.  I’m always thinking of you Sweetheart.  Don’t forget me.  I’m still here (loving you more and more) even though the Postman does tricks with our mail.

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