May 10, 1944 (to Marion Sneen)

S.W. Pacific

May 10, 1944

Hello Marion –

Just came back from seeing a very good movie – considering the fact that it was a G.I. one. It was Tennessee Johnson with Van Heflin & Ruth Hussey. It was especially interesting to me because Van Heflin was an officer in the same Bn. As I was while I was at Cp. Roberts. I was there such a short time that I didn’t get to know him, but from all reports, he’s a “good Joe.” He certainly is an A-1 actor. Agree?

Well, Marion, I’m wondering how you are & what cher doing. Haven’t heard from you now for a couple of weeks. I’ve got the mail orderly sore at me from pestering so much. How come – are you too busy with spring house cleaning to knock out a letter to poor me over here in the wilds!

In my last letter to you, I sent some pictures (3, I think). Don’t be alarmed if one is missing, because it was sent back by the base censor. It seems there was a certain tree revealed in the background that must not get into the wrong hands. It was only a picture of me tho, so you’re not missing anything.

Censored Photo

I really had a thrilling time this morning. I was up flying with our Bn. Liaison pilot in his “grass-hopper.” It was my second time up so the joker really gave me my schilling’s worth. We did almost every maneuver you can mention – dives, stalls, lazy-eights, spins, hedge-hopping & snap-rolls. The only thing we missed was the loop – he promises me one of those things next time. I was surprised at how little I was bothered by it all – most of the boys lose their cookies early in the game. Guess I’ll have to buy a Cub when I get home & really go in for the sport. Naw – better I should stick to golf it’s much more inexpensive.

Marion – will Excelsior or Spring Park open up this year or are such pleasure spots out for the duration? I don’t remember hearing whether they were open last year or not. Gosh – it surely is a shame to see all these days & nights slip away like this! And we could be having so much fun! Pretty soon it’ll be golf season back there – then you’ll hear me moan. Swimming season is coming too, & I surely wish I were there to let you give me some diving lessons. You’ll have to do that some day you know. It’s something I’ve always wanted to learn.

There’s a big beautiful moon shining right down here past the flap of my tent. Guess I’ll have to go & duck under the covers to escape or my morale will really sag.

So goodnight, Marion, I’ll see you in my dreams (& probably bawl you out for not writing).

Love, Dip