Spitball Army

[Written to Alice in Wingate, Indiana.  Return addressed: Richard, U.S. Naval Hospital, Ward 46A, Oakland, California.  Postmarked at Oakland on 6 Jul 1945 at 6 A.M, and at Wingate on 9 Jul 1945 at 9 A.M.  “AIR MAIL” written in lower left corner of the envelope face.]

July 5, 1945

Hello Sweetheart,

     I had good intentions of writing yesterday but I didn’t quite make it.  I called you from an outdoor phone and it took about an hour and a half to get through.  I couldn’t leave the phone for fear I wouldn’t get through.  Well, as you know, the call went through but I was really worn out and cold when I came in.  I can only stay up about an hour at a time and be comfortable.  This cast is really heavy and my left arm is raised away from my side so that the weight of my arm and the cast all bear down on my hip.  It rests on a bone, naturally, and at times I think it will cut me in two.  I got warm before bed-time and did I ever sleep.  That was the best night’s sleep I have had in a couple of months.  It was really nice, I only woke up once during the night.

     It was really wonderful to talk to you Sweetheart.  I’m glad I waited.  I love you so much.  Do you believe me or shall I try to prove it when we get together?  Whether you like it or not, I’m going to try to prove it to you and you’d better like it.  Boy, aren’t you scared of my threats?  I love you Sweetheart and I’m all yours.

     I think I’m going to St. Auborns, New York.  I don’t know how to spell it but that is close.  They haven’t told me anything definite as to when I’m going.  It might be this week-end.  I hope so.  Don’t worry, I’ll be on the phone as soon as I get settled down.  I hope it works out and I get there.  You know I would like to see you before much longer.  I want you Sweetheart – now and forever.  I love you.

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