June 18, 1944

From: Lt. D.P. Alquist

8th F.A. Bn. APO #25

June 18,1944

Dear Dad:

Today is Sunday - & if I’m not wrong – it’s Father’s Day. So, Dad, many happy returns of the day! I have a bottle of Schlitz in front of me as I write this letter, and I drink to your continued good health. Your copies of the Minn. News are still coming through as usual. I certainly enjoy reading them – they’re really full of news.

Have you started your regular seasonal golf games as yet? The answer to that is no doubt “yes,” & no doubt you’re now in mid-summer form. Are you still a member of the senior-league at Country Club?

How about your vacation this year – it ought to be coming up soon. S’pose you’ll take a short trip to some lake up north again. I imagine it would be too long a journey to get to New York to visit Dot & Arlo. Too bad travel is so complicated these days. Oh well, wait ‘till after the war & then I’ll make the trip with you. I’ll say so long for now & write again.

Love, Dorance

So. Pacific

Sunday, June 18

Hello Marion –

Was on a convoy detail yesterday – gone all day – ate sandwiches at noon & came back to a cold meal last night. I would really have been a sad sack, but for one star shining thru the clouds – your letter. You did much better this time Marion – only six days since your last one. I certainly enjoyed your various sketches.

The news surely sounds good now – doesn’t it? Things are at last starting to come to a head. Before long I ‘spect we’ll see plenty of action in both theaters. The whole business can end tomorrow as far as I’m concerned – I’m tired of playing soldier. It’s too lonely a life for me, & I think you know what I mean.

It’s really a beautiful day today – like June in Mpls. Went to church at 9 this morning – then played a rugged game of volleyball. I never knew that game could be fun, cuz it’s always looked so simple before. Of course I’d much rather be walking you down the 10th fairway at Hiawatha, but I guess that’ll hafta wait.

Tonight we have a movie on the schedule & I’m very much afraid it’ll turn out to be a “stinker.” You judge – it’s Pistol Packin’ Mamma! With that name it can’t be more than a C-, but I’ll go anyway for lack of a better occupation.

Funny I just can’t think of anything interesting to say right now – my mind is sorta wandering off tonight – if I knew any good jokes I’d tell one now, but I don’t. Guess I’ll read over your letter & see if there are any questions I ought to answer (or ignore).

Yeah, I believe I have gained a little weight lately. But only since leaving New Zealand – the food down there was terrific all right but so was the pace & the latter won out. We’ve been leading such a boy scout life in this spot though that I can’t help but gain in both health & weight. What’s this about you getting chubby’er – take it easy, Marion, you know I like the slim willowy type! I like to put my arms around a girl’s waist & be able to touch both elbows. D’ya think you can stand the test? O.K. Let’s try!________________________________________________ yup, you pass!

Yes, Marion, I’ve given a lot of serious thought to that subject of “after the war.” No doubt things will be very changed & strange when I get back home again, & probably any plans I make now will have to be altered to fit the new life. But I do know I won’t go back to my old job except maybe for a short time (which I doubt strongly). I would like to start the U., but gosh I’m 26 now & who knows how long this mess is going to continue. Then there’s that condition (or should I say institution) called marriage. Gee, if I expect to have six children some day I’ve got to consider that angle too. Boy, have I got worries! Why did you have to bring all this up anyway? Here I was – nice & satisfied on this quiet peaceful Pacific isle. I’ll probably end up by going to night-school while jerking sodas in the corner drug store.

Well, enough chatter for one letter, Marion. I’ll say g’nite. Write & send those pictures.

Love, Dip