March 29, 1944
S.W. Pacific
March 29, 1944
Dear Mom & Dad: -
I suppose you’ve been looking in the mailbox for this one for the last 4 or 5 days without any luck. I believe it’s been a week & a half since I last wrote. Well it’s like this – I’ve been a really busy officer these last two weeks. We’re training like mad.
First-call on weekdays is at 5:30 in the morning & retreat is at 5 P.M. & in between those hours we are constantly on the go. Everyone (including all officers) has to stand both reveille & retreat & by golly that includes Sunday! Daddy – have you ever heard of standing reveille & retreat on Sunday? I never have!
One of our battery officers, Lt. Bolton, was just sent to the Bn. Staff so our Btry. Is now under strength. That makes me R.O. (Reconnaissance officer) in addition to my other title of Motor Off. & Asst. Exec. Naturally, as you can well imagine, my hands are really full with all those jobs. Of course I surely am learning a lot even though I’m kept running around in little circles most of the time.
I feel pretty good tonight, cuz I just gave a War Bond talk & managed to actually sell a few bonds. It’s like pulling teeth trying to get these G.I.’s to part with their hard earned shekels.
Well I finally got down to see Lee & Roger last weekend. Went down on Sat. Night & came home Sun. afternoon. Did we have a time! We went out to the Officers club to which Roge belongs. I only wish you could see it – a truly beautiful place – right on the ocean with a patio right next to the water. They serve any drink you want from Manhattans to beer. They had a band there that could stand up against most name bands in the states. Surprisingly enough there were quite a few women there too – mostly nurses, some Red Cross gals, U.S.O. entertainers & others. I had quite a lot of dances. In case you think I wasn’t out amongst them that night I might mention the fact that there was among those present, a 4 star, a 3 star, a 2 start & two 1 star generals.
Lee & I spent the next morning just sitting in his shack, where I spent the night, & talking about everything that’s happened to us both since we last met. He has very nice living quarters & a job with office hours. Roge, on the other hand, is working like a slave 7 days a week plus about 5 nights. However he’s the type that loves to keep busy, so he’s happy that way. He has a very responsible job – supplying the whole area around here.
Just told Denny that you talked to his sister & told her his whereabouts – he was glad to hear that.
Gosh – I meant to start out this letter telling you how thrilled I was to hear about Dorothy’s having a son! She sent me an announcement of the birth. Gee – talk about getting what they asked for – that sister of mine is certainly a clever girl! Bet Arlo is beaming these days.
Yes I know Marion Sneen is back in Mpls. – we’ve been exchanging letters every week or two. Gosh – I sure hope that little woman doesn’t up & get married, cuz I wouldn’t have anyone to write to then. My “list” is gradually dwindling. Whoop – almost forgot about Dot Daire, as you say she’s still waiting for me!
Yes, Gene is here with me still, altho we’re too busy to get together as much as we did back there. He’s gradually forgetting about his love affair but only with effort.
Yes, you are right in your guess – it happened right on my birthday. What a present! A Coleman lantern is one that uses white gasoline & burns with a very bright glowing mantle.
We each get a case of Schlitz & I don’t have to drink it warm. We have a big box refrigerator for meat & butter – we keep our beer in there also.
Now that I’ve answered your last letter of the 13th I’ll be sayin’ goodnight. Hope you’re feeling fine as usual – I am.
Love, Dorance
P.S. I have a bunch of pics coming from Lillian (the farmer’s daughter) & will send a whole set when I get them. Here are six to hold you ‘till then. Xxx Decided to send them in another envelope.