October 17, 1944

Dear Marion –

Just thought I’d write and let you know I got through Friday the 13th O.K. Knew you’d be worried. G’night.

Love, Dip

Tues. Oct. 17, 1944

So. Pacific

Dear Mom & Dad –

First of all I’ll get the business out of the way – enclosed you’ll find (I hope) a money order for one hundred ($100) smackaroos to help pad my little “after-war” account.

I suspect by now you’re both home in Mpls once again. Of course I’m wondering if you got back – how you enjoyed the trip – and if Daddy finally got away long enough to make it. Guess I’ll just have to wait for the next letter.

Training still continues as usual here. We get part of the afternoon off to do what we want. Sleep is very often the order of the day during that time. However we play volleyball pretty often too. Of course you’d like to know how I figure into the current Pacific war step-up, but I really can’t say anything more than I have already – censorship just doesn’t allow any more to pass. Just don’t worry about me – I have the feeling, by the tone of your letters, that you won’t, and that’s exactly how I want it. I’ll be O.K.

Last Sat. I went into town & visited Roge Loper. We went to a dance at his club Sat. night – had a couple of nice dances. Sun. morning we went to church and then took some pictures.

In the afternoon we layed around on the beach & took a few dips into the salt spray. It really is a relaxation to get away from the camp and duties for a weekend. Loper certainly goes out of his way to show me a good time – a real buddy. Maybe next weekend if nothing interferes I’ll see Stensrud.

Our Division was given the honor of showing the “World Premier” of the movie Conflict starring Humphrey Bogard & Alexis Smith. Our Bn. Showed it the other night – it was just fair. Along with it we had Standing Room Only which I enjoyed much better.

I got your Oct. 6th letter today, which I would say made very good time. Strangely enough the stamps weren’t even cancelled out. I looked around for you when I got it – thinking you had brought it over yourself or sumpthin. I’ll send the stamps back & you can use em again.

So Elaine has landed a job at Ozalid – that’s great, I certainly hope she can obtain her release from Strutwear. Yes, I imagine it must have been quite a shock for the Johnson family. Things are certainly happening fast for them these days. They ought to be well calloused against surprise by now. I think it’s a great thing for Elaine tho – a change is what she needs most now. She’ll get along OK on her own.

Yes the weather is getting a bit warmer however the nights are ideal – cool & comfortable for sleeping (or as we G.I.s call it “sacking”)

You certainly did have your hands full taking care of the kids while Dot & Elaine were in N.Y. I imagine it was a wonderful rest for Dorothy though to get away for a few days.

Had a shot in the arm today & it has left me a little giddy in the head & tired. Guess I’ll hit the hay & see how that feels. G’nite.

Love, Dorance

P.S. Daddy – seen any football games this year? I keep up with them in the news broadcast from Frisco.