April 21, 1944 (to Marion Sneen)

S.W. Pacific

April 21, 1944

Dear Marion:

No letter from you for a couple a weeks. How come? Is it you or the rotten mail service? Seeing as I’m the congenial type, I’ll put the blame on the U.S. mail system. I’m probably justified too, cuz I haven’t had a letter from anyone for over a week.

Well – how are ya, Marion? Are you finally getting settled at 3943 once again? I’ll bet by now the word has gotten around that you’re home once again, & the yellow convertibles are stopping in front of your door like mad!

Do you remember, way back there in that “golden past” how some dope used to make you suffer all the way out to Excelsior in a “very breezy” Model A roadster? Bet you’d hate to go thru an ordeal like that again. Personally I’d enjoy nothing better. Don’t think I’ll ever buy anything except a convertible for a while after I get back cuz I’m definitely the fresh air kid.

Say, I just happened to glance at that picture you had taken outside the “Grove” in Cal. & wondered who was taking it. The shadow looks like a “G.I.” with a steel helmet on – it hardly seems likely though with that setting.

Have you been to any good dances lately such as the “Bottle Opener” “Easters Crackin” or the “Sadie Hawkins” affair, or are all those affairs awaiting the end of the war. I suppose most of the cliques are broken up. I guess Excelsior will be opening up soon tho, same as ever.

Did I tell you I saw Lee again last weekend? We took in some boxing matches on Sat. nite & then proceeded to Loper’s club for a few “short ones” & some good music. We “cut-in” on a few of the Majors & Colonels just to get a little taste of dancing once again. Those bands over here are perfect – better than a lot of ‘em back there in the States.

I’m certainly keeping busy these days. The latest addition to my duties is being a member of the Court in all of our Court Martials. I’m the junior member so all the nasty details fall right into my hands.

I’m proud to report that my little War Bond drive really showed results this month. I was officially commended by the Bn. Commander for selling $800 worth which is 125% of my quota. Gosh – aren’t ja proud o’ me?

Another hike in the morn. So I’ll say goodnight & will write again when I hear from you –

Love, Dip

P.S. Where’d you get those Nylons (in the pic) I heard they were rare back there.