July 27, 1944 (to Marion Sneen)

July 27, 1944

Dear Marion –

Hello again – it’s me. I got a few things on my mind tonight, Marion, so instead of tearing out to the Cotton Club or Excelsior let’s just relax on your front-room sofa and have a little chat. Hmmm.

First of all – what do you think of the latest war news? Sounds swell doesn’t it! Gee – those Russians are certainly going places – only 30 miles from Warsaw. Boy, I’ve got all my fingers, toes, & eyes crossed for this war to end soon. Funny thing but it’s really hard to imagine myself as anything but a soldier – it’s been so long.

I’ve been thinking a lot lately about what I’m going to do when I get pushed back into civilian life again. Seems if the Gov’t has set up a pretty nice little post-war educational policy. Every man who was inducted into the armed forces before the age of 24 (and that’s me) is going to be given the opportunity to go thru college for free. Now that sounds mighty good to me – I think I ought to take advantage of an offer like that don’t you? As near as I can figure, I should be in pretty fair financial shape too when I get off the boat. Did you know that I’ll be getting a $300 mustering-out bonus? That will just about pay for all the new clothes I’ll have to buy. Of course it’ll be just my luck to have inflation set in & all my diligent saving will be a big waste of time.

You mentioned you were getting sick of shows – well, move over because there’s two of us. I just got back from seeing half a show tonight. It’s the only entertainment we have out here at night, so we go almost every night. Lately tho, I’ve been walking out in the middle of some of the “stinkeroos.”

Hey – what’s this business about you going after a Civil Service deal in Hawaii? Are you kidding? Hey, Marion, I’m surprised at you & somewhat puzzled to say the least! Only two letters ago you were telling me how much it meant to you to be back in Mpls. again amongst all your friends. Guess you must have a little “Richard Haliburton” in your blood. Of course, Marion, you know your own mind and if it’s adventure you want you have no other alternative but to take-off. I’ve heard a lot about Hawaii from the men in this Division – they were stationed there before the war. They say it’s a beautiful place & a lot of them have wives back there and expect to return & make the island their home. Now there – is that what you wanted me to say? One question – do you plan to make it your home or just go there for a lark & then return? Gosh, I wouldn’t be surprised if you turned up on this lonely isle some day! Hmm, d’ya think you could arrange it?

If you knew what I have sitting here beside me while I write this letter I’ll bet you’d be jealous, Marion? Now I’ve got you guessing, so I’ll tell you & make your mouth water – a highball. None other than a coke fortified with a “neck” of Schenley’s Black Label. The first I’ve had for weeks.

How did the gals make out on Likk’s anniversary party? It certainly sounded like a rugged affair. Did anyone lose their equilibrium? Just wait ‘till all us jokers get back from overseas – will we have a blow-out then! We’ll have to rent the Spanish Room again. If you get too much don’t worry, cuz I’ll be right handy to take you for a walk. And I think you know what I mean.

Well I’m all talked out, so I’ll shut up & let you take over. Write soon. And pray for an end to this struggle in the near future. G’night.

Love, Dorance