Spitball Army

[Written to Alice in Frankfort, Indiana.  “Frankfort, Indiana” crossed out in ink and replaced with “Oakwood, Ill.”  Return addressed: Richard, Co. G, 2nd Bn., 1st Mar., c/o F.P.O., San Francisco, Calif.  Postmarked at U.S. Navy, on 8 Mar 1945 P.M., and at Frankfort, Ind. on 15 Mar 1945, 2 P.M.  Envelope stamped on front, “Passed by Naval Censor,” and initialed by the Censor.]

Mar. 6, 1945

Hello Sweetheart,

     Well, let’s try it again.  I’ve really been in the letter writing mood yesterday and today.  I just can’t seem to write fast enough.

     One of my buddies has a novel way of keeping up his correspondence.  He boasts at least 6 letters a week to his wife.  That’s all very well and good, but I don’t like the way he does.  I could do it too if I used his method.  As I said before though, I don’t like it.  He mails 6 letters a week – I imagine that is true.  But, he writes most of them at one time.  He will write 2 pages under one date, then write two more for a different date.  As far as his wife is concerned, he writes almost every day.  You know yourself that the only way you can tell how often I write is by looking at the date on the letter.  Nobody can tell anything by the way the mail is delivered.  He can do it that way if he wants, but that’s not for me.  I don’t think that would be quite fair to you.  Anyway, the date I put on the top of my letters is the date I start writing it.  If I don’t finish it that day, I tell you about it.  If you would rather I wrote as he does, just tell me.  It can be arranged.  You would get more letters then, – notes I should say.

     I love you Sweetheart.  When I have to do unpleasant things or things I don’t like to do, I just think to myself that it will end soon and I get my mind as far away from what ever it is as I can.  Funny thing, that always leaves me thinking of you, Sweetheart.  I keep thinking about what a wonderful wife I have – how I glad I am you are my wife – how much I love you and want to be with you.  I remember the good times we’ve had and I think how few they are compared with what we will have when we are together again.  I don’t need pictures of you to remind what you look like or to remind me of good times we’ve had together.  That’s all deeply planted in my memory, Sweetheart.  I want some pictures though.  The others don’t have any picture of you in their mind as I do and I want to show them just how beautiful my wife is.  Pictures speak for themselves.  There can be no argument then.  You’re wonderful, Sweetheart.  I love you with all my heart.

     Well, I had to stop and blow my nose.  My cold is getting a little better but I’m far from being rid of it.  Anyway I lost my train of thought.  I don’t mean that.  I didn’t lose it, I broke it.  So, now I’ll read over and answer some of your letters.  i still have 7 here that I haven’t answered.  Let’s see what they have to say.

     Did I make it clear in yesterday’s letter about the package situation?  Don’t send any more boxes until I write for them, Sweetheart.

     It sounds as if I really have some real admirers in those two kids, R—— and ——-.  I don’t know the other ones name.  It sounds like they are kind of taking care of you for me too.  In their own way of course.  They’re keeping you rather busy, aren’t they? – or should I say occupied?

     You keep pointing out how bad your grammar is.  Mine isn’t exactly as it should be.  At least you can spell.  I’ve forgotten how to do that.  I can see right now I’m really going to have trouble if I go back to school when I get back.  That is also another very small worry.  I just have to get back to you first.  Those inconsequential items can easily be handled later.

     Sweetheart, you asked if I liked ferns.  Yes – I like all kinds of flowers.  I think they would be nice to have in the apartment.  There is only one thing though.  I’ve seen too many places where the idea of flowers was overdone.  I don’t like too many.

     Well, Sweetheart, it looks like you have me beat on the stationery.  Yours is even smaller than mine.  Did you notice?  I won’t be using this small stuff much longer though.  I’m practically out.  I don’t know what kind they have in the PX now.  It looks like we’ll both  find out soon though.  I really like this that I’m using.  If you can find some, get it.  The name of it is “Sky Mail” handipak stationery.

     I didn’t draw the money last pay day, Sweetheart.  At the time I hadn’t heard from you.  They only paid us up to the 20th of Feb. for some reason; and with just that, I couldn’t get together $150.  So, I just left it on the books.  I didn’t draw any.  I’ll send it to you next time we get paid.  Then we can have it drawing a little interest for us in the bank.  O.K.?

     Sweetheart, when I sent you M_____’s wedding announcement, I just wanted to pass the information on to you.  I don’t think they expected a present.  Anyway, all they are going to get (as far as I’m concerned) is that one letter of congratulations.  Wouldn’t that be too bad if they didn’t like that or it made them unhappy?  Tch! Tch!

     You don’t have to worry about my writing to too many people.  There are only you and the folks that I write regularly.  There are 3 (I think) fellows that I write to when ever I get a letter from them.  I don’t even write to Grandma.  I imagine she writes about once a month.  It’s disgusting – I don’t know of one girl to write to.  I’m writing as many people right now as I want to.  I have trouble keeping up with them at times.

     I like this next letter I have in front of me.  It seems to prove that our minds are running right along the same track.  You talked about the debt, my things that are still at home, the bonds, and my folks.  You also told me to give some of the other guys some of the cigars.  I got a big kick out of that.  What did you think I was doing, Sweetheart? – Smoking them all myself?  As I said, our minds are running right together about the folks and all that.

     You asked about how long I would be in service, Sweetheart.  Nobody knows.  All I can tell you is that I am signed up for the duration of the National Emergency and 6 months.  it may not be that long; it may be to the exact day; or it may be longer.

     I think I’ve expressed myself concerning the apartment.  The letter probably hadn’t gotten to you went [sic] you wrote this one.  Anyway, go ahead and get it.  Move as soon as you are ready and I’ll be there to share it as soon as I can.  How’s that?  It had to be short.  This is page #5.  had you noticed, Sweetheart?  I love you.

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