Spitball Army

[Written to Alice in Frankfort, Indiana.  “Frankfort” crossed out with ink pen and replaced with “Beaumont, Texas, c/o B—- C——-.”  Return addressed: Richard, Co. G, 2nd Bn., 1st Mar., c/o F.P.O., San Francisco, Calif.  Postmarked at U.S. Navy on 18 Apr 1945, and at Frankfort, Ind. on 23 Apr 1945, 1 P.M.  Envelope stamped on front, “Passed by Naval Censor,” and initialed by the Censor.]

April 14, 1945

Dear Sweetheart,

     I don’t know how much I can write so I won’t write much.  Someday I should be able to tell you all about it.  All I can say is that I participated in the landing on Okinawa.  So far, there isn’t anything to worry about.  As far as I am concerned, The only trouble I’ve had so far was caused by the mosquitoes.  All they can do is bite.

     I received a couple of nice letters from you yesterday.  Now I think you know why I haven’t been getting you letters so regularly.  We just spent too much time outside the regular mail lanes.  It’s hard telling when my packages will ever catch up with me.

     I just noticed how poor this writing was.  The only trouble is that I’m lazy.  I could get to a decent table to write on but I’m too comfortable lying here.  I guess I’m just tired from not doing anything.

     Sweetheart, it looks like Winfield gave you the straight dope.  Even if my letters didn’t sound like it, he was right.

     I can’t seem to get very far at one time.  Today is Tuesday the 17th and I’m going to finish this now, I hope.  Give Louise and Harold my best wishes.  What happened to Lois and her baby.  You told me these babies were on the way but you didn’t give me any indication as to when to expect them.

     I just read over the meal you served to Louise and Harold.  For the last half hour I’ve been drooling.  It sure sounds good.  I’m getting plenty to eat and quite a variety, but there isn’t anything like that home-cooked meal.  Most of our food is rations – packed and compressed for easy carrying.  We manage to satisfy our hunger pretty easily though.  Ever so often we get some canned fruit and juice.  That really hits the spot.

     Did you notice the change in the color of the ink?  Right now I can hardly tell it.  Anyway, it is all I could get my hands on so I’m using it.

     Well, I feel much better now.  I just finished eating my dinner.  It doesn’t compare with the meal you served, but I think I’m just about as full.  Here is my menu: cheese, crackers, coffee, a chocolate bar, and a piece of chewing gum.  It doesn’t sound like much but you put 4 of those crackers in your stomach and add some liquid and they start swelling.  That’s what it feels like anyway, I don’t know just what does happen.  It’s filling, that’s the main thing.

     What’s this about falling downstairs?  You didn’t tell me anything about it.  I don’t suppose it was too bad or I would have heard more about it.  What has happened to those perfect feet of yours?  I hope you aren’t losing them.  God only knows I’m having enough foot trouble for both of us.  They say an army moves on its stomach.  Well, that may be true for the Army but the Marines use their feet.  I’ve a good pair of slightly used feet that I would like to trade in on some new ones.  I only have one heel; the other one is just one big blister.  The Corpsmen had trouble finding a patch big enough to cover it.  I’m sure it will be all right before we start moving again though.

     Well, Sweetheart, in about 15 minutes I’m going to take a bath – in my helmet.  I’m dirty enough for 3 guys.  You should see me.  Last Thursday I got my first hair-cut in 2 months and my first shave in 2 weeks.  I could have gotten them sooner, but I got lazy and just let it grow.  Now I’m going to let it grow some more.  I’m not going to shave till I get a haircut.  it is much easier that way.

     This is it for a while Sweetheart.  It’s hard telling when I’ll get up enough ambition to write again.  Wait for me Sweetheart and always remember that I love you.  I’m coming back to you Sweetheart.  I don’t have any idea as to when, but I’ll be there.

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