October 11, 1944 (to Marion Sneen)

October 11, 1943 [*1944]

So. Pacific

Dear Marion –

Really haven’t got much on my mind tonight, but thought maybe if you weren’t doin’ anything we could get together & have a little chat. I promise I won’t keep you up late.

Incidently I sure am on the ball writing you twice in only three days. Maybe I’m buckin’ for more return mail.

We just got back from a little maneuver today – am kinda poohed out from it.

Haven’t had any mail now for almost a week, so we should be getting a flock of it one of these days. Some of the boys just don’t write anymore. We used to all correspond with each other quite regularly, but after a year or two everything becomes so commonplace & drab that it’s hard to write anything of interest. Now we just sorta check with each other every couple o months to see that everyone is still around.

However, Marion, don’t get me wrong. There are certain letters that just have to keep coming regularly in order to have some bright moment to look forward to in this otherwise dull existence.

Say do you know, Marion, that I now have over 3 years and 3 months in this mans army. Doesn’t seem that long since I left Mpls. does it? Your proper answer to that question is “Oh yes, Dip, it seems like ages!” Seriously tho – that is a long time, and I can’t think of a more inopportune time for me to be stuck away like this. And no telling how much longer it will be ‘till I get back there. Sometimes I get pretty down in the mouth over my prospective future. Wish you were here right now, gal, I could use some cheering up. I know you could do that very thing, cuz I remember – every date we ever had was a continuous laugh from start to finish. Right now I can’t recall a serious moment we ever had together. Don’t know whether that’s good or bad – but we did have fun – eh?

Taps just sounded – so I’ll be hitting the bunk. Hope tomorrow will bring me one of those coveted notes from “3943.” Any chance? G’night, Marion.

Love, Dorance