Spitball Army

[Written to Alice in Frankfort, Indiana.  “Frankfort” crossed out in black ink and replaced with “Wingate,” and “c/o [Uncle] Art ______.”  Return addressed: Richard, U.S. Naval Hospital, Ward 27, Navy 128, c/o F.P.O., San Francisco, Calif.  Postmarked at U.S. Navy, on 27 Jun 1945, at Frankfort, Ind. on 3 Jul 1945 at 3 P.M., and at Wingate on 4 Jul 1945 at 9 A.M.  Envelope stamped on front, “Passed by Naval Censor,” and initialed by the Censor.]

June 26, 1945

Hello Sweetheart,

     Well, I really had a nice surprise.  I got the letter you wrote June 15.  I sure wasn’t expecting it, but was I ever glad to get it.  I was very surprised that you hadn’t heard the news about me.  Oh well, that doesn’t matter.  Just so I get back to you.  I’m just waiting for my transportation back to the States now.  They haven’t done anything for me here, – – – I’m just waiting.  They took an x-ray and told me I was doing O.K.  There wasn’t any need to change the cast.  I wish they would guit [sic] messing around.

     Yes, I’m now informed about Lois.  Who knows, I may get to visit her in the hospital again.  Do you think we could waste a little time and make a social call when I get out and around?  By the time I get well, I probably won’t want to see a hospital unless I have to.  Then again, I probably won’t want to waste the time on social calls.  Oh well, we’ll see about that when the time comes.  In the meantime, I guess I’ll just keep on loving you and waiting for my transportation.  It will get here.  The big question is “When.”

     I’m getting awfully tired of sitting up but I don’t want to end this letter yet.  I want to tell you how much and how often I think of you while I’m laying here, Sweetheart.  I want to tell you of my love for you.  It’s here, Sweetheart, and it’s all for you.  You are all I’m interested in and I’m all yours.  I love you Sweetheart.

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