Bob Mason Letters - Pacific Theater
4/13/45
Friday 13!
Dear Mom:
Just got your letter, and guess I’d better put you straight on a few things. No I don’t wish I was in the Navy. Can’t see any use of spending any more time than I have to on the water. It took quite a while to get here, I have to go back, and will probably be on the water plenty while I’m over here. This is the first camp I’ve been in that I couldn’t see the water. I guess it’s on account of the jungle.
I’m not in a division yet. I may never get in one, but I expect to before too long. I’m not fighting and don’t intend to for a while, anyway I’m not worrying about it.
I didn’t write last night because I was too tired and didn’t get any letters yesterday to answer.
We are supposed to get paid today, and if so I’ll start using air mail so my letters will get there quicker.
I’ve got $20 dollars bet that the war isn’t over by the first of January. Hope I lose. I heard from Mable and Johnny yesterday. Mable had quite a time while Johnny was gone. He has three stallions for next summer.
I’ve been airing my bedding, washed some clothes, sucked some snuff, read some in a book and now have to make my bed and get back to the mess hall to eat and go to work. I’ve got dish water hands and dream about pans.
Remember to have Johnny and Frances into dinner some day for me. She isn’t much older than the girls and is a nice looking girl. I think they’d like her and you know Johnny.
There is nothing new happening here so I guess I’ll close. Don’t worry about me – they can’t kill a thing as mean and ornery as I am.
Your son,
Pvt. Robert W. Mason (USMC)
46th Repl. Draft Co. C Plt. 18
c/o F.P.O. San Francisco, Calif
Friday 13!
Dear Mom:
Just got your letter, and guess I’d better put you straight on a few things. No I don’t wish I was in the Navy. Can’t see any use of spending any more time than I have to on the water. It took quite a while to get here, I have to go back, and will probably be on the water plenty while I’m over here. This is the first camp I’ve been in that I couldn’t see the water. I guess it’s on account of the jungle.
I’m not in a division yet. I may never get in one, but I expect to before too long. I’m not fighting and don’t intend to for a while, anyway I’m not worrying about it.
I didn’t write last night because I was too tired and didn’t get any letters yesterday to answer.
We are supposed to get paid today, and if so I’ll start using air mail so my letters will get there quicker.
I’ve got $20 dollars bet that the war isn’t over by the first of January. Hope I lose. I heard from Mable and Johnny yesterday. Mable had quite a time while Johnny was gone. He has three stallions for next summer.
I’ve been airing my bedding, washed some clothes, sucked some snuff, read some in a book and now have to make my bed and get back to the mess hall to eat and go to work. I’ve got dish water hands and dream about pans.
Remember to have Johnny and Frances into dinner some day for me. She isn’t much older than the girls and is a nice looking girl. I think they’d like her and you know Johnny.
There is nothing new happening here so I guess I’ll close. Don’t worry about me – they can’t kill a thing as mean and ornery as I am.
Your son,
Pvt. Robert W. Mason (USMC)
46th Repl. Draft Co. C Plt. 18
c/o F.P.O. San Francisco, Calif
4/14/45
Dear Florence:
Now listen here my little baby sister. I lost your pencil so I had to borrow this pen to write to you to bawl you out for not writing to me. What’s the matter have you got some boy friend lined up that’s taking all your time. Certainly you haven’t decided to start studying again, Well you’d better get a move on – see?
I got a letter from Muffet this morning telling about the snow and Josey and Shirley not having dates for the Prom. You’d ought to develop a little technique and pick you up a date for the Prom.
Did you go see Jane and give her the picture? If so how was she? She’s sure having plenty of fun in Laramie – has a date with a different boy every time she turns around.
They worked the hell out of me in the mess hall today, but I got 5 letters to make up for it. Two from Mom, one from Grandma D., one from Jane L., and [one] from Aunt Jane.
Tell Mom I’ve been paid, got all my debts paid and have air mail stamps now. Cigarettes only cost a nickel a pack here!
How much did you talk to Mrs. Thompson? A lot I hope, because Gib is sure a
[The remainder of this letter is missing, at least for now.]
Dear Florence:
Now listen here my little baby sister. I lost your pencil so I had to borrow this pen to write to you to bawl you out for not writing to me. What’s the matter have you got some boy friend lined up that’s taking all your time. Certainly you haven’t decided to start studying again, Well you’d better get a move on – see?
I got a letter from Muffet this morning telling about the snow and Josey and Shirley not having dates for the Prom. You’d ought to develop a little technique and pick you up a date for the Prom.
Did you go see Jane and give her the picture? If so how was she? She’s sure having plenty of fun in Laramie – has a date with a different boy every time she turns around.
They worked the hell out of me in the mess hall today, but I got 5 letters to make up for it. Two from Mom, one from Grandma D., one from Jane L., and [one] from Aunt Jane.
Tell Mom I’ve been paid, got all my debts paid and have air mail stamps now. Cigarettes only cost a nickel a pack here!
How much did you talk to Mrs. Thompson? A lot I hope, because Gib is sure a
[The remainder of this letter is missing, at least for now.]
5/13/45
Dear Dad:
Well the “War in Europe” finally ended. I guess there is still some guerilla warfare there, but it sure released a slug of troops for this front. It’s O.K. with me if they make finer hash of the Japs than they did the Germans.
It’s not K.P. in this outfit – mess duty – they generally take a Plt. of men. That’s what happened to me, they got the whole Plt. and stuck me on the pans. It’s a great life!
I can’t remember all you said in your letter so my discussion probably won’t be much account.
I had guard duty and still have it. It’s better than mess duty. Anyway you are out doors most of the time. The main this is to be clean shaven, clean clothes, clean gear, and to stay awake.
I dreamed last night that I was riding a bucking horse bare back. Nobody could figure out where I learned it. I wonder?
What did Uncle Ralph do with my [pal?]? You know the bay mare? If he’s still got her when I get home I’m going to break her!
I got a letter from Pete a few days ago. He didn’t say much except that he had just gotten 17 letters – the first in 3 weeks.
I see you’ve got 3 smart children. I was 3rd, Muffet 2nd and Florence should make first. How long can I go to school under the G.I. Bill of Rights. I think I’ll borrow enough to start a business of some sort.
I guess you probably haven’t heard from me on several weeks. I haven’t written for quite a while and I’m sending this free so it’ll go slow. Don’t worry if you don’t hear for a while again. I’ll try to write often though.
The news from Okinawa sounds good. I hope they get done there soon. It’s been six weeks since they started fighting there. Of course the Marines got their part done in a hurry. I guess they’re giving the army a hand now – they ought to.
Tell Don Hansen hello from me, and to keep that stateside duty rolling, I hope he wasn’t wounded too bad. Any way he’ll get to ride a horse now.
Dutch Lynn is a Marine overseas somewhere!
Bob
Pvt. Robert W. Mason (USMC)
46th Repl. Draft Co. C Plt. 18
c/o F.P.O. San Francisco, Calif.
Dear Dad:
Well the “War in Europe” finally ended. I guess there is still some guerilla warfare there, but it sure released a slug of troops for this front. It’s O.K. with me if they make finer hash of the Japs than they did the Germans.
It’s not K.P. in this outfit – mess duty – they generally take a Plt. of men. That’s what happened to me, they got the whole Plt. and stuck me on the pans. It’s a great life!
I can’t remember all you said in your letter so my discussion probably won’t be much account.
I had guard duty and still have it. It’s better than mess duty. Anyway you are out doors most of the time. The main this is to be clean shaven, clean clothes, clean gear, and to stay awake.
I dreamed last night that I was riding a bucking horse bare back. Nobody could figure out where I learned it. I wonder?
What did Uncle Ralph do with my [pal?]? You know the bay mare? If he’s still got her when I get home I’m going to break her!
I got a letter from Pete a few days ago. He didn’t say much except that he had just gotten 17 letters – the first in 3 weeks.
I see you’ve got 3 smart children. I was 3rd, Muffet 2nd and Florence should make first. How long can I go to school under the G.I. Bill of Rights. I think I’ll borrow enough to start a business of some sort.
I guess you probably haven’t heard from me on several weeks. I haven’t written for quite a while and I’m sending this free so it’ll go slow. Don’t worry if you don’t hear for a while again. I’ll try to write often though.
The news from Okinawa sounds good. I hope they get done there soon. It’s been six weeks since they started fighting there. Of course the Marines got their part done in a hurry. I guess they’re giving the army a hand now – they ought to.
Tell Don Hansen hello from me, and to keep that stateside duty rolling, I hope he wasn’t wounded too bad. Any way he’ll get to ride a horse now.
Dutch Lynn is a Marine overseas somewhere!
Bob
Pvt. Robert W. Mason (USMC)
46th Repl. Draft Co. C Plt. 18
c/o F.P.O. San Francisco, Calif.
5/13/45
Dear Mom:
Here’s a little thought by Van Dyke. It’s all I can find today.
Lord Jesus, though has known
A mother’s love and tender care,
And though will hear while from my own
mother most dear
I make this Sabbath prayer.
Protect her life, I pray,
Who gave the gift of life to me,
And may she know from day to day the deepening glow
Of joy that comes from Thee.
I cannot pay my debt
For all the love that she has given;
But Thou, love’s Lord, will not forget her due reward…
Bless her in earth and heaven, Amen.
You often worry over times when I was small. You told me of my birth. I know two sisters followed soon. I know you gave me my education, and how hard you worked at the Hill Ranch. I don’t ever want to hear another word from you about making my life unhappy. I always loved you even in the toughest times. It’s all over now and when I come home again I’m planning on living with you and Dad again for a while.
The reason why some of my mail was sent on was because we stopped over at Pearl Harbor. We got mail there too. That is sure a pretty place – Hawaii – I ate my last ice cream there.
I haven’t written for nearly a week and you will probably not get this for a while unless I find an airmail stamp somewhere.
Is Nancy Lou O.K. now? I wrote her a letter so she should be cheered up a little. Did Florence decide to work at Schmidts or in the Court House? I’ve got to write to Marian too.
I’ll write more soon.
Love on Mothers Day,
Bob
Pvt. Robert W. Mason (USMC)
46th Repl. Draft Co. C Plt. 18
c/o F.P.O. San Francisco, Calif.
Dear Mom:
Here’s a little thought by Van Dyke. It’s all I can find today.
Lord Jesus, though has known
A mother’s love and tender care,
And though will hear while from my own
mother most dear
I make this Sabbath prayer.
Protect her life, I pray,
Who gave the gift of life to me,
And may she know from day to day the deepening glow
Of joy that comes from Thee.
I cannot pay my debt
For all the love that she has given;
But Thou, love’s Lord, will not forget her due reward…
Bless her in earth and heaven, Amen.
You often worry over times when I was small. You told me of my birth. I know two sisters followed soon. I know you gave me my education, and how hard you worked at the Hill Ranch. I don’t ever want to hear another word from you about making my life unhappy. I always loved you even in the toughest times. It’s all over now and when I come home again I’m planning on living with you and Dad again for a while.
The reason why some of my mail was sent on was because we stopped over at Pearl Harbor. We got mail there too. That is sure a pretty place – Hawaii – I ate my last ice cream there.
I haven’t written for nearly a week and you will probably not get this for a while unless I find an airmail stamp somewhere.
Is Nancy Lou O.K. now? I wrote her a letter so she should be cheered up a little. Did Florence decide to work at Schmidts or in the Court House? I’ve got to write to Marian too.
I’ll write more soon.
Love on Mothers Day,
Bob
Pvt. Robert W. Mason (USMC)
46th Repl. Draft Co. C Plt. 18
c/o F.P.O. San Francisco, Calif.
Okinawa
7/6/45
Pvt. Robert W. Mason 982867
Co. L 3rd Bn. 7th Marines
c/o F.P.O. San Francisco, Calif.
Dear Dad:
I got three letters from Mom tonight and I was glad to hear that you finally got a letter from me. How long was it? I remember I wrote a couple of days before my birthday. It must have been at least two weeks before that when I wrote.
What did you do on the 4th of July? I killed a Jap, helped kill another, and wounded another in the arm and leg on a patrol. That night I saw two movies, one with Fred Astaire. What a day!
I got a letter from Eileen day before yesterday, and she said she had written to Florence. She’s sure a swell girl. I guess she and Gib are my best friends.
I was glad to hear about Red. A guy’s pretty lucky to go through what he did and be wounded only once. Not many do it in the war.
I knew about Don Burns being here, but I couldn’t find his Bn. I think Kenny Crowder is in the same outfit, but maybe he’s in some other.
Mom asked me about cigarettes. Well, I’ve had plenty. I could [be] rich if I had them in the States. Luckies and Camels all the time, and Sparkplug chewing gum and candy too. I’ve got mine how are you doing?
I got a letter from Pete too, and I guess he got some scares here too. I’ll bet he’d do some griping if he was sleeping on the ground, and wading in mud. He doesn’t like sea life though.
Well it’s getting dark so I’ll have to close and “??? the breeze” for awhile.
Your Son,
Bob
7/6/45
Pvt. Robert W. Mason 982867
Co. L 3rd Bn. 7th Marines
c/o F.P.O. San Francisco, Calif.
Dear Dad:
I got three letters from Mom tonight and I was glad to hear that you finally got a letter from me. How long was it? I remember I wrote a couple of days before my birthday. It must have been at least two weeks before that when I wrote.
What did you do on the 4th of July? I killed a Jap, helped kill another, and wounded another in the arm and leg on a patrol. That night I saw two movies, one with Fred Astaire. What a day!
I got a letter from Eileen day before yesterday, and she said she had written to Florence. She’s sure a swell girl. I guess she and Gib are my best friends.
I was glad to hear about Red. A guy’s pretty lucky to go through what he did and be wounded only once. Not many do it in the war.
I knew about Don Burns being here, but I couldn’t find his Bn. I think Kenny Crowder is in the same outfit, but maybe he’s in some other.
Mom asked me about cigarettes. Well, I’ve had plenty. I could [be] rich if I had them in the States. Luckies and Camels all the time, and Sparkplug chewing gum and candy too. I’ve got mine how are you doing?
I got a letter from Pete too, and I guess he got some scares here too. I’ll bet he’d do some griping if he was sleeping on the ground, and wading in mud. He doesn’t like sea life though.
Well it’s getting dark so I’ll have to close and “??? the breeze” for awhile.
Your Son,
Bob
Pvt. Robert W. Mason 982867 (USMC)
Co. L 3rd Bn. 7th Marines
c/o F.P.O. San Francisco, Calif.
7/25/45
Dear Florence:
Thanks a lot for the two or three notes I’ve gotten from you in the last 3 or 4 months. What have I gotten 2 or 3 letters, a note on a letter from Mom, and I believe you signed the birthday card. Listen here you’d better get on the ball. I’ll bet my bottom dollar you’ve got time to write 4 or 5 letters every day in the store. You can’t fool me, I know which days the business comes and 9 days out of 10 you’ve got a couple of hrs. in the afternoon. Now are you going to write – you don’t have to be so serious.
Did you go to the rodeo? Or did they have it? I suppose there was a big dance, did you go to that? Who do you dance with? The way you wiggle around you ought to be on the stage.
Now here’s some of the things you can write about – the people that are at the dances, what you do in the evenings and Sun, what you do at the store, who you run around with, and what the kids are doing. No one else I know has less to say than you.
I get a letter from Mom every day, from Pete every couple of weeks, from Eileen about every two weeks or once a month, from Josephine and Shirley pretty often, and that’s not as many letters as I’d like.
I’m still getting my feet treated, but am on duty. Tell Mom to quit worrying. I’ll tell her when to worry.
Now, dammit, answer soon and write often.
Love,
Bob
Co. L 3rd Bn. 7th Marines
c/o F.P.O. San Francisco, Calif.
7/25/45
Dear Florence:
Thanks a lot for the two or three notes I’ve gotten from you in the last 3 or 4 months. What have I gotten 2 or 3 letters, a note on a letter from Mom, and I believe you signed the birthday card. Listen here you’d better get on the ball. I’ll bet my bottom dollar you’ve got time to write 4 or 5 letters every day in the store. You can’t fool me, I know which days the business comes and 9 days out of 10 you’ve got a couple of hrs. in the afternoon. Now are you going to write – you don’t have to be so serious.
Did you go to the rodeo? Or did they have it? I suppose there was a big dance, did you go to that? Who do you dance with? The way you wiggle around you ought to be on the stage.
Now here’s some of the things you can write about – the people that are at the dances, what you do in the evenings and Sun, what you do at the store, who you run around with, and what the kids are doing. No one else I know has less to say than you.
I get a letter from Mom every day, from Pete every couple of weeks, from Eileen about every two weeks or once a month, from Josephine and Shirley pretty often, and that’s not as many letters as I’d like.
I’m still getting my feet treated, but am on duty. Tell Mom to quit worrying. I’ll tell her when to worry.
Now, dammit, answer soon and write often.
Love,
Bob
Pvt. Robert W. Mason 982867
Co. L 3rd Bn. 7th Marines
c/o F.P.O. San Francisco, Calif.
7/27/45
Dear Mom:
Send me some cod liver oil. If you keep worrying about me you’re going to be in the nut house, and I’ll be in the K ward from hearing you worry. Instead of worrying buy bonds and send me some cod liver oil and cookies, olives, pickles, and anything else good to eat that’ll carry. Ginger cookies that you make and Ginger Snaps.
We had pretty good chow at noon, and it might not be the best, but I’ll live of you send me some cod liver oil and pogie bait.
[The Marines in China before WW II were issued candy (Baby Ruths, Tootsie Rolls, etc.) as part of their ration supplements. At the time, sugar and other assorted sweets were rare commodities in China and much in demand by the Chinese, so the troops found the candy useful for barter in town. The Chinese word for prostitute, roughly translated, is "pogey". Thus, Marines being Marines, candy became "Pogey Bait".]
I got one of my blankets cleaned, have a good sack to sleep on, a mattress, my pictures from home, and get a few letters now and then; don’t have to work too hard, get a little beer, can go to a movie every night, and go to church on Sun.
My feet still aren’t right, but I hobble around and get to chow and sick bay and to the toilet. Now don’t go making a mountain out of a hole, and trying to assume anything, because you haven’t been assuming anything right. You make this set up a lot worse than it is. I think I’m safer right now than I ever was – I don’t have a car or a bucking horse to get me killed, and right now no bullets are flying over.
Now what I want in my letter is what you used to put in – more detail about little things going on at home. You aren’t cracking up are you? I don’t care if I hear another word about the war, we don’t talk about it here. It’ll get over some day if people at home don’t quit from worrying.
Has Uncle Ralph sold out yet?
Lots of Love,
Bob
Co. L 3rd Bn. 7th Marines
c/o F.P.O. San Francisco, Calif.
7/27/45
Dear Mom:
Send me some cod liver oil. If you keep worrying about me you’re going to be in the nut house, and I’ll be in the K ward from hearing you worry. Instead of worrying buy bonds and send me some cod liver oil and cookies, olives, pickles, and anything else good to eat that’ll carry. Ginger cookies that you make and Ginger Snaps.
We had pretty good chow at noon, and it might not be the best, but I’ll live of you send me some cod liver oil and pogie bait.
[The Marines in China before WW II were issued candy (Baby Ruths, Tootsie Rolls, etc.) as part of their ration supplements. At the time, sugar and other assorted sweets were rare commodities in China and much in demand by the Chinese, so the troops found the candy useful for barter in town. The Chinese word for prostitute, roughly translated, is "pogey". Thus, Marines being Marines, candy became "Pogey Bait".]
I got one of my blankets cleaned, have a good sack to sleep on, a mattress, my pictures from home, and get a few letters now and then; don’t have to work too hard, get a little beer, can go to a movie every night, and go to church on Sun.
My feet still aren’t right, but I hobble around and get to chow and sick bay and to the toilet. Now don’t go making a mountain out of a hole, and trying to assume anything, because you haven’t been assuming anything right. You make this set up a lot worse than it is. I think I’m safer right now than I ever was – I don’t have a car or a bucking horse to get me killed, and right now no bullets are flying over.
Now what I want in my letter is what you used to put in – more detail about little things going on at home. You aren’t cracking up are you? I don’t care if I hear another word about the war, we don’t talk about it here. It’ll get over some day if people at home don’t quit from worrying.
Has Uncle Ralph sold out yet?
Lots of Love,
Bob
Pvt. Robert W. Mason 982867
Co. L 3rd Bn. 7th Marines
c/o F.P.O. San Francisco, Calif.
8/15/45
Dear Mom:
A year ago today I was sworn into the Marine Corps, and today the war’s over. Hurray! It didn’t take me long to win it. I lost 25 dollars because it was over before Jan. 1!, but I’ve won that much this week playing cards.
I guess I’ll see Bob Wansley pretty soon.
I washed clothes all day yesterday. I hadn’t washed since May 10th or some such time. I got a big can, fixed up a fireplace and boiled them.
I’ve got a cold today and yesterday, but it should get cured up soon because I got my throat sprayed tonight, and have some pills to take, and salt to gargle with.
I got a letter from Uncle Dave mailed in Walden, one from Betty Mc, and one from you yesterday. How did that party come out? Maybe I’ll be home to throw a wild party for Eileen next year.
- Aug. 17, 45
I just wrote to Richard.
Got two or 3 more letters yesterday, one from Aunt Jane, and one from Nancy Lou.
An Army band played for us last night. It was pretty good.
The reason I don’t write more about what I’m doing is because I’m not interested and I don’t want you to be.
I’m fed up on military life. Now you’re going to say not to complain. Well, the war’s over so I’m going to catch up a whole yr. of complaining, and when I get home I’ll quit. I can’t see any reason why they can’t get us the hell out of here.
Love,
Bob
Co. L 3rd Bn. 7th Marines
c/o F.P.O. San Francisco, Calif.
8/15/45
Dear Mom:
A year ago today I was sworn into the Marine Corps, and today the war’s over. Hurray! It didn’t take me long to win it. I lost 25 dollars because it was over before Jan. 1!, but I’ve won that much this week playing cards.
I guess I’ll see Bob Wansley pretty soon.
I washed clothes all day yesterday. I hadn’t washed since May 10th or some such time. I got a big can, fixed up a fireplace and boiled them.
I’ve got a cold today and yesterday, but it should get cured up soon because I got my throat sprayed tonight, and have some pills to take, and salt to gargle with.
I got a letter from Uncle Dave mailed in Walden, one from Betty Mc, and one from you yesterday. How did that party come out? Maybe I’ll be home to throw a wild party for Eileen next year.
- Aug. 17, 45
I just wrote to Richard.
Got two or 3 more letters yesterday, one from Aunt Jane, and one from Nancy Lou.
An Army band played for us last night. It was pretty good.
The reason I don’t write more about what I’m doing is because I’m not interested and I don’t want you to be.
I’m fed up on military life. Now you’re going to say not to complain. Well, the war’s over so I’m going to catch up a whole yr. of complaining, and when I get home I’ll quit. I can’t see any reason why they can’t get us the hell out of here.
Love,
Bob
Okinawa
Sept. 12, 1945
Dear Mom:
I guess you quit writing to me; my best girl quits writing just when I quit gambling and drinking. Some days it just doesn’t pay to get up. Hmm – do you think I’ll ever have a serious thought? I’m going to get married August 15, 1946. Don’t know who, but Jane has a herd of sheep.
I am enclosing a map of Okinawa. Where I’ve got X marked is about where I started fighting, and the line shows about where we marched. At that time the Nips were retreating and we very seldom saw any – just a few left behind for harassing elements. This Co. didn’t have but 5 or 6 dead & wounded after I came in. My Group Leader was killed, Squad Leader wounded the day I went to the hospital the first time.
I didn’t do anything today but wash clothes for a few minutes.
I haven’t been getting much mail. Today all I got was the Bible Forest Barry sent.
My feet are still bad. I have to have them soaked twice a day, and use a lot of foot powder. It’s just on the bottom now. More Athletes Foot than anything.
I still haven’t written to Dix, and I owe Shirley and Betty Mc a letter.
It’s about dark and a buddie is here to see me.
Give Grandma my love and tell her hello.
Lots of Love,
Bob
Sept. 12, 1945
Dear Mom:
I guess you quit writing to me; my best girl quits writing just when I quit gambling and drinking. Some days it just doesn’t pay to get up. Hmm – do you think I’ll ever have a serious thought? I’m going to get married August 15, 1946. Don’t know who, but Jane has a herd of sheep.
I am enclosing a map of Okinawa. Where I’ve got X marked is about where I started fighting, and the line shows about where we marched. At that time the Nips were retreating and we very seldom saw any – just a few left behind for harassing elements. This Co. didn’t have but 5 or 6 dead & wounded after I came in. My Group Leader was killed, Squad Leader wounded the day I went to the hospital the first time.
I didn’t do anything today but wash clothes for a few minutes.
I haven’t been getting much mail. Today all I got was the Bible Forest Barry sent.
My feet are still bad. I have to have them soaked twice a day, and use a lot of foot powder. It’s just on the bottom now. More Athletes Foot than anything.
I still haven’t written to Dix, and I owe Shirley and Betty Mc a letter.
It’s about dark and a buddie is here to see me.
Give Grandma my love and tell her hello.
Lots of Love,
Bob
Okinawa Shima
Sept. 24, 1945
Hello Old Lady:
After 10 days and no mail I finally got 7 letters - 5 from you, 1 from Richard, and one from the preacher.
Richard was in Hawaii. He didn’t have much to say except that he and Josephine weren’t getting along.
I’ll bet Eileen will never speak to me again because I wrote and gave her hell for not writing. Did they have a lot of fun on that camping trip?
I guess I’m in for the duration plus 6. Anyway I plan to be home by June or July. I want to make the rodeo next year.
I never hear from Alfred. I don’t even have his address.
I never took your advice yet, and can’t see starting now so I’m going to be married and have 6 kids by the time I’m 25. And by the time I get home I’ll be able to drink Uncle Henry under the table.
Did you get the money order? Maybe you ought to send it back for me to pay my gambling debt with.
We had a typhoon or something anyway. We had just doubled up in the tents so there were 12 in the tent and it blew them down twice. The second time was in the middle of the night and it was really raining. Five of us went to a native house to sleep and the next morning while we were at breakfast the damn Gooks(?) stole all our blankets. The mud was ankle deep. It’s been raining ever since.
That guy I told Flo to write to is the father of a new baby girl!
Can’t think of more to say now and I’ve got to get this off so I’ve got 26 points.
Love,
Bob
Sept. 24, 1945
Hello Old Lady:
After 10 days and no mail I finally got 7 letters - 5 from you, 1 from Richard, and one from the preacher.
Richard was in Hawaii. He didn’t have much to say except that he and Josephine weren’t getting along.
I’ll bet Eileen will never speak to me again because I wrote and gave her hell for not writing. Did they have a lot of fun on that camping trip?
I guess I’m in for the duration plus 6. Anyway I plan to be home by June or July. I want to make the rodeo next year.
I never hear from Alfred. I don’t even have his address.
I never took your advice yet, and can’t see starting now so I’m going to be married and have 6 kids by the time I’m 25. And by the time I get home I’ll be able to drink Uncle Henry under the table.
Did you get the money order? Maybe you ought to send it back for me to pay my gambling debt with.
We had a typhoon or something anyway. We had just doubled up in the tents so there were 12 in the tent and it blew them down twice. The second time was in the middle of the night and it was really raining. Five of us went to a native house to sleep and the next morning while we were at breakfast the damn Gooks(?) stole all our blankets. The mud was ankle deep. It’s been raining ever since.
That guy I told Flo to write to is the father of a new baby girl!
Can’t think of more to say now and I’ve got to get this off so I’ve got 26 points.
Love,
Bob