June 12, 1944 (to Marion Sneen)

Mon. June 12, 1943

Dear Marion –

Big day today – got a letter from “yours truly” – the one dated May 30th. Your last letter was dated May 7th. That’s only 23 days between – eh gads, Marion!!! How about cutting those letters down by 50% & sending them every 12 days instead. I spose my sarcasm has made you mad now, but I’m not scared cuz you can’t possibly throw anything sizable all those miles. Anyway – maybe if you get mad enough you’ll have to write a letter to tell me about it.

My roommate, Armani, & I spent the weekend in town visiting Lee & Loper. Loper, by the way, is another joker from Mpls. whom you’ll meet someday when we get back. Had a great time – we took in the boxing matches on Sat. night & then went over to Lee’s company to play table tennis & drink some Budweiser.

Lee & I played tennis Sun. morning – we got beat by a couple of other officers in a set of doubles. Neither of us had played for a long time & were stale, else we would have taken them – natcherly! If you doubt that we’re good, wait’ll we get back to trim you & Mickey! There’ll be no love in that game, unless its on your side.

Two weeks from now Lee is coming up this way & we’re going deer hunting. No – Marion, I said deer hunting not dear. That second species is not to be found on this island. That is – not many anyway.

Wed. next we go out in the field on a 4 day maneuver. That means sleeping out ‘neath the stars & chompin’ on K-rations & walkin your damn legs off. I happen to be an umpire on this one so I’m lucky enough to rate a jeep & driver. On the last one – I had to establish & maintain a Bn. OP atop the highest peak I’ve ever seen. Had to climb it with full pack plus water, rations, blankets, & radio. I had 3 G.I.s to help carry things and ended up carrying all 3 of them too. No – I don’t have a picture to prove it – you should know an officer’s word can be depended upon. Anyway we had to live on the peak for 3 days & nights; all the while spying on the enemy. It was sorta fun, but we suffered from lack of food, water, & blankets at night. You can see your breath around here at night now – it’s our winter season you know. It certainly doesn’t seem like June to me. (No one could feel like a June bride in this weather) Just open the nearest window, Marion, you’ll be OK!

Speaking of jokes – did you hear about the two old maids who went for a tramp in the woods?? Tramp got away!

Or – about the moron who sued his wife for a divorce because he came home & found his wife in bed with laryngitis! That’s the best I can do, Marion, we’re sorta out of the know out here.

Hey – that score you said was so awful – that 70 you had at Meadowbrook; that was 9 holes wasn’t it? Or else who are you trying to kid about being a poor golfer?

So George has swung over to Miss Mowser – that’s sorta mean isn’t it. I’ll have to write the lad a note & get him “on the ball.” He used to have better judgement back in the good old days.

We play a lot of volley-ball these days after retreat. Also have a soft-ball game now & then. We get a big kick out of playing against the staff (incl. the Col.) & drubbing them.

Wish you could see this moon we’re having these nights down here, Marion, it’s really wonderful. Would you care to take a ride around Lake of the Isles in my roadster tonight – I’ll be right over to pick you up. Don’t dress – we won’t stop anywhere – just ride. Unless you’d like to linger awhile along one of the lakes to watch for submarines.

No – I’m not tatched Marion, but I’m not guaranteeing anything before this thing is over. Now before I get too close to the bottom I’ll say “g’nite Marion & write!”

Love, Dip

The picture enclosed was taken by Lee on a little camera excursion we took a week ago. The girl in the picture is the only one I have “on the string” at present time. She’s my first “French love.”