March 22, 1944 (To Marion Sneen)

S. W. Pacific

March 22, 1944

Dear Marion:

The letter which I just received from you was written on my birthday – the 27th of Feb. I’m sure you deliberately planned it that way – ahem! Nice of you to think of me on that day even if it was as late as midnight (and on your “tummy” in bed).

I’m enclosing a couple of photos with this letter. They’re nothing fancy, but a couple of fair shots showing my closely cropped locks. They were taken back there in civilization where we were taking a short “rest” period. I put that “rest” in quotes because it’s doubtful if we got any at all. After April 1st the censor will allow us to disclose the name of the place.

By the way, Marion, if you have any pictures of yourself, how about shooting them out here to me. My morale is sagging & needs a boost to get me through these rough days ahead.

Sorry you’re so disappointed in Mpls. & it’s lack of snow. It must be a dirty & sooty place all right by now, although I guess I’d still be darned glad to be there right now. First thing I’d do is call you up & make a date for Excelsior. Oh – wait a minute – forgot it was winter! Guess we’d have to go over & have a quiet game of bridge with the Stensrudes.

There goes “tatoo”, & in fifteen minutes will be “taps” – at 10 o’clock. This is the latest I’ve been up for a week now – believe it or not! We get up at 5:30 A.M. Now do you understand? We usually hit the bunk at 9 or 9:30 – about the time we used to start out on dates. Boy – am I going to be a Grampa when I get out of this army life!

I was surprised to hear about your reason for coming back from Calif. I thought you had a good job there & were really coining money. Ya can’t kid me, Marion, I’ll bet you’re coming away to try & forget some love-affair you had back there. What was he – sailor, marine, or soldier?

You asked me what it was I said in that question that the censor cut out on me. Well it was probably not my business to be askin’ such a question any way but seeing as you asked me – I’ll say again – have you been doing any ****** lately? Now – be truthful about it, Marion.

Be sure to give Dorothy B. & Micky S. a big kiss for me when you see them & any of the other gals that are around. I’ve been hoarding ‘em so I have plenty to go around. You can keep one yourself if you don’t think I’m too bold. Hmmmm!

And now – gosh it’s way after 10 P.M.! I’d better get in bed! G’night, Marion.

Love, Dip

P.S. Hope your tonsils came out without a struggle.

P.S. Hey – don’t forget the picture!