March 3, 1944

S.W. Pacific

March 3, 1944

Dear Mom & Dad: -

Well – I guess it’s been about two weeks again since I last wrote but since I told you my letters would be spasmodic for a while, I hope you haven’t worried.

Have been busy as a bee these last few days for reasons I can’t explain now. One of these days soon when I can manage to get some free time I’m going to take my jeep & ride over to see my two buddies Lee & Roge Loper. Understand?

We had a real Minnesota downpour here a couple of days ago. It came down for two straight days & nights. Had to put all my equipment & belongings up on boxes to keep them dry as the water flowed freely right thru the middle of the tent. This is the rainy season here you know so we plan on at least one or two showers every day. However most of the showers only last an hour or two – we don’t mind those in the least.

The mail really came in yesterday – all in a big lump – I got roughly a dozen letters. They were from various & sundry friends & included about 4 letters from home. The morale certainly got a nice lift from all of them (except one – I’ll tell you about it later). I’m not going to try to answer all your letters tonight cuz I’m writing by candlelight & it’s kinda rough on the eyes. Tomorrow while the sun is still in the heavens I’ll try to write another.

The one letter that left me kinda sad was the one from Nancy telling me of her engagement to an Air Force Lt. It was an old romance I guess cuz she said she knew him two years ago. He just returned from overseas duty. Gosh – don’t I have the awfulest luck with my romances? Oh well she lived a little bit too far away from home plate anyway so I guess it’s just as well. I wasn’t so broken up about it this time because it’s an old story to me now. A man of many affairs & all that stuff you know! Just the same she was a swell person to know & I’m really sorry she didn’t choose to wait awhile.

Well – this is a good spot to say goodnight. You can expect another letter tomorrow.

Your loving son, Dorance