October 26, 1944 (to Marion Sneen)

October 26, 1944

So. Pacific

Hello There!

How are ya tonight, Marion? I’m feeling pretty chipper myself cuz I had a good day. We had a “shoot” today and my survey was right on the nose. The battery really knocked h--- out of the targets, so natcherlee I feel sorta good about it all.

Of course I’m happy mainly because I got a letter from a certain person. Gosh only “4” days between the dates of your last two letters – am I proud of you!

So I gave you a “start” when I began your letter with, Marion. No – its not likely you’ll get any such letter saying “I’ve found my true love” out here. On the contrary – I’m the one who expects that type of a letter one of these days from you. A thing of that nature is almost inevitable considering the situation. After all the opportunities & temptations are all over on your side of the Pacific – I assure you there are none over here. The female species here is almost a non-entity. However only time will tell, so lets change the subject. OK? Gosh, I surely get involved in my letters to you – guess you bring out the fill-o-soff-ic side in me, err, sumpthin.

“Is you is or is you ain’t my baby?” – well that’s what they’re playing on the radio right now. Now they’re swinging into “Straighten Up & Fly Right” – good music.

Had to laugh tonight – one of the officers almost lost his “uppers” taking the report at retreat formation. They dropped down just as he started to report “present” so he just shut his mouth & swallowed his words in the nick of time. I was out in front of the battery & had to keep a straight face – my cheeks are sore from biting ‘em.

Incidently, Marion, while I think of it – if one of these fine days you find I haven’t written you for 2 or 3 or 4 weeks don’t think I’ve deserted you. Just be your little patient self – you’ll hear from me again. You know sometimes a guy misplaces his pen or runs out of ink or paper, or almost anything can happen & probably will.

Say don’t forget to write & let me know how you enjoy married life with your “office-love”. Do you think he’ll be jealous if we continue to correspond? Is he big or little – maybe I can handle him. I’m in good shape you know, cuz I take calesthenics every morning.

Very cute – I mean about the brooms who “swept” together – doubt if there was much “sweeping” done.

Anything new about Lloyd’s whereabouts? I’m sorta worried about Coll – haven’t heard from him for a couple of months. And Swany hasn’t written for about 5 months.

By the way – I skipped a movie tonight to write to you. Are you impressed?

Say, Marion, beware of bosses who feed their private secretaries Fanny Farmers. I’ve seen those kinds operate in the movies. Next thing you know he’ll have you taking dictation from his knee. About that time your “mail” boyfriend would walk in and would you have fun explaining that little maneuver!

I’m out of news now, Marion, so I’ll let-cha go. All those little thoughts & ideas I’ll get as soon as I seal this letter will just have to wait ‘till the next one. I hope your feeling swell & in high spirits. Be sure to say “hi” to all our friends back there. Take care of yourself.

Goodnight now

Love, Dip

PS. Gee, five pages – even I’m impressed!!