January 24, 1944

January 24, 1944

S.W. Pacific

Dear Mom & Dad: -

Have just returned to camp from a weeks maneuvers. We were up on the range having service practice – it was the first I’ve fired since Sill but did O.K. considering the long lay-off. I found that I’d forgotten a little of the procedure but still got them in there where they count.

It rained almost every day we were up there & we had to stand out on the O.P. & get drenched. Had 3 changes of uniform along & they all got wet. Glad we’re back to our little wooden shacks again for a while.

Our passes have been cut down a lot & the training stepped up. We get a 3 day pass only about once every 3 weeks now. However we still get every other weekend off. Gene & I are going to spend a lot of our off duty hours playing tennis with our two farmerettes, seeing as we can’t run into town very often. We have a tennis date for tomorrow afternoon with them.

I just bought a new watch thru our P.X. – cost only 7 pounds which is approximately $21 in our money. It’s called an Alprosa 17 jewel (retails for $45). It had a lot of nice features – sweep second hand & non-magnetic. Very nice looking too. Now I’ll probably send home my Elgin for safe keeping till after the war.

We have a new radio in our Officer’s mess now so I’ll probably hear some of those radio programs from the states. Right now I’m listening to Gracie Allen.

Just had a letter from Dot telling all about the big Xmas feed she put on for you folks. I guess Nancy really had a big time with all her presents.

I’m glad Elaine is gradually getting over her broken heart. I know she’ll have no trouble getting back into circulation again when a few men get back to the States.

Well it’s late so good night. I’m feeling swell & in good health hope you all can say the same. Write.

Love, Dorance