November 7, 1944

Tues. Nov. 7, 1944

S. W. Pacific

Dear Mom & Dad:

Well, well this really is a great day! Notice the date – yeah, it’s election day. Good luck, Dewey! We won’t get the returns over the radio here for a day or two.

But it’s a big day today for another reason. “The son” just became a brand spankin’ new first lieutenant! What do you think of that? I’m at last out of the shavetail class & am now sportin’ the “silver” bar. Haven’t seen the order yet, because we’re still out in the field. Gene Eckroth gave me one of his bars however, so at least I look the part. I’ve been giving out big black cigars tonight. Even smoked one myself!

Today I got a letter from Art Jones – he’s still in Italy. It was one of those “eight” copy mimeograph jobs. I guess the lad must have fallen in arrears on his correspondence. According to him, life is pretty sweet over there. He speaks of dances, parties, dates, etc. Sounds nice – too bad I couldn’t have picked that side of the globe. He has certainly seen a lot of the big Italian cities & beauty spots – including Rome.

I’m glad you’re sending the clip board & log book – they’ll both come in mighty handy. And that fruit cake you’re sending – you wonder if I’m fond of ‘em. Well I was just hoping someone would send one. They always arrive in such good condition and are really good. Thanks in advance.

I spose you wonder if I’m writing to any galfriends these days – guess I never mention it. Yeah – you know me – I never give up. Marion Sneen and I have been writing quite faithfully – about once a week. Micky probably mentions her in your telephone conversations with her. I think she’s a pretty nice gal and plan to keep up a good friendship – nothing serious, naturally. Say if some night you & daddy are hard up for some bridge partners – she & Micky play the game. It’d be a lot of fun for all concerned, and make some very good letter writing “material.”

Say while I think of it – Denny Healy & I were discussing the idea of you & his folks getting together sometime & meeting each other. He said he’d write his folks & tell them to visit Mpls. and I said I’d do the same. After all your telephone conversations it might be nice to meet them and really discuss our antics over here.

That Cpl. you met on the Hiawatha has had the sad experience of having someone “pull his leg.” There never has been, certainly isn’t now, and probably never will be a bombing on this very peaceful little island in the blue So. Pacific. You were 100% right in doubting it.

Yes, I’m afraid you’re right about that long, hard, ugly road we have to travel before this scrap is over. But it can’t last forever, and when it’s over just think how wonderful the peace will be in contrast. With that thought I’ll say good night.

Love, Dorance