January 6, 1944 (to Marion Sneen)

January 6, 1944

S.W. Pacific

Dear Marion: -

Well - - - - was - - - - I - - - - surprised - - - - when I got your Christmas present; that very special & beautifully “done up” box of sweets! Marion (pardon my French) but you’re a honey for going to all that bother for just little me. You shouldn’t have done it, but I sure did appreciate it. If you were only here right now I’d thank you “properly.” Guess you know what I mean. Glad you didn’t send the cigars cuz I still haven’t learned how to smoke – figure I’m too young.

Your V-mails of Oct. 8th & Nov. 10th arrived with the package. I guess all three have been touring the islands trying to pick up my trail. I just recently made another long boat trip so my mail is having a h--- of a time catching up. This time the move was away from the front lines for a change. We are now back in civilization for a short rest period.

Everything considered, this is a wonderful spot we’re in now. The people are very friendly & treat us like their own. The food is super. Plenty of fresh milk, vegetables, butter, eggs, & meat. A plate of steak & eggs & French fries in any cafe here costs only 41¢. Can you beat that in sunny California?

We’ve all been having a great time here. The training has been very easy up to now, & we officers have been taking a 3 day pass about every week. The men get one just about every ten days. The big town is only 40 miles from camp – about 2 hours in a command car or jeep. I’m the Btry. Motor officer, so transportation presents no problem to me.

My Christmas was very quiet – I was Bn. O.D. & had to stay in camp all day. We had one of those scrump-shus turkey dinners with all the trimmings here in the Btry. However – on New Years it was a different story. I was in town on pass & somehow managed to get my snoot full. Was at a big Officers dance at the club where we had horns, hats, confetti & Auld Lang Sines. Of course, Marion, I’d sure trade my half acre in hell for one of those Spanish-room-at-the-Radisson-New-Years-Eves with the same old gang.

By the way, Marion, while I’m on the subject, & I’ve meant to ask you a dozen times when I saw you. Do you recall that 1st or 2nd New Years when the Kins got together? Anyhow – during the course of the evening little Miss Sneen got a bit too much & needed some walking in a bad way. So Alquist being the perfect gentleman (or wolf) proceeded to walk her around the mezzanine. Now I could go on into details but I believe I’ll wait & see how much Miss Sneen remembers of the occasion. Gee – I just reread this last paragraph & it surely would sound thrilling to an outsider. Better you don’t let anyone look over your shoulder.

We were all very much shocked & hurt over Mick’s having to lose her baby. I know it must have been an awful blow to Lee, because he was looking forward to the event like any proud husband would. Mickie has recovered tho so we can be thankful for that.

Have been swimming & playing tennis quite a lot lately to keep in shape. But I really miss my golf, skiing, & bowling. One of these days I’m planning to steal a set of hooks somewhere & get in a round of golf. They have quite a few nice links here. That was some sketch of you sliding down the bowling alley on your “tummy.” Would like to have been in the vicinity of the foul line at the time. Hmmm.

How’s your social life in Cal., Marion? Have you a steady B.F. there or are you like me “still on the loose?” I’m afraid my status will not change for a long time to come – at least for the duration & six months. Brutal war.

It is now the 8th of Jan – went to town on a 1 day pass. In the meantime I see the mail orderly has presented me with a “double” V-mail from you dated the 27th of Dec. Well, well Marion, you’re turning out to be quite the faithful correspondent – hope this will continue. I’m willing – and you?

How about a few more details on your proposed trip to Minneapolis. Are you just making a round trip, or are you going home to stay? From your letter I can interpret either way. I sure wish I could be back there with you & take in some of those old sacred spots. Remember – Air O Inn – Cotton Club – Spring Park – Excel – Viking Room – oh me, why even think about it! The night life here is really rough – at 6 p.m. they close up the pubs, roll up the sidewalks, take in their dogs, sheep, & daughters & call it a night!

Guess your kinda tired of reading about now – arencha, so I’d better say g’nite & end this right here.

Be good, Marion, & I hope you have a nice trip back home – bet you can’t wait to see the folks & friends again.

So long – write soon.

As Ever,

Dip

P.S. – Right back atcha. X with pleasure.

P.S.S. – Air mail is faster.

P.S.S.S. – Any recent pictures?