August 20, 1944 (to Marion Sneen)

Aug. 20, 1944

S.W. Pacific

Dear Marion –

Just lit my little Coleman lantern (incidently it’s made in Albert Lea, Minn.) & now that I have some light I believe I’ll knock out a letter or two. And if you’re a good girl I might even send one of em to you. Yup, I guess I will, cuz I guess you are. I’m going to have trouble though because there are 3 other officers here in my little “Hotel De La Tent” having a big discussion about all kinds of weighty problems, and they are pretty hard to concentrate against.

Gosh, am I proud of you, Marion! Only three days between your last two letters. That’s what I call really being “on the ball”! I hope you’ll keep them coming for, although I’ve said it before, they surely keep my morale in a healthy condition.

I have nothing new to report from over here – life is just a series of reveilles & retreats – nothing new nothing exciting.

Today being Sunday I went to church. It was a special service put on by the division chaplain – a very impressive one. They brought in an electric organ mounted on a trailer – it sounded great and made for a much more churchy atmosphere.

This morning we had one of our monthly Artillery parades at the Division airstrip. As an added attraction this time the liaison pilots came thru with some formation flying over the troops. The whole affair went very smoothly until the band screwed up the beat just as the 8th Field marched past the General. I hope he realized it was the music & not the cracker-jack 8th. Ahem!

The boys are now ribbing Lt. Blineberry for something – excuse me while I get my nickel’s worth in too. He’s a rough & tough little guy (5’4” or thereabouts) who used to be a 1st Sgt. in the regular army. Everyone picks on him – his pet peeve is being called a “Texas sheepherder” which he is naturally called on every occasion. He’s startin’ to burn now – better I should stick to my writing.

My sister & brother in law are set-up at last in their New York home. My sister wrote & described the place. They live on a woody knoll overlooking the Susquehana river. They sent me six rolls of film yesterday, so now I can get my camera into action again.

It was interesting to hear all about your horsemanship. Lady Godiva certainly had nothing on you – or should I say “nothing on” period. We’ll have to get together for a treatment or two out at Eaton’s ranch when I get back. A date?

Was there an Aquatennial this year, Marion, no one has made any mention of it in their letters? I remember those beautiful night parades they used to have down Nicollet Avenue.

Remember when I mentioned in one of my letters – I liked informal dresses? I’m writing this letter on a Life magazine, & on the cover is a picture of a young lovely wearing a type of dress I really go for. Wonder if you like it too – it’s on the July 17th cover. You’ll probably tell me that all my taste is in my mouth, but that’s how it is.

Just heard from Bob Coll. He’s now in France and to quote him, says “everything is well in hand & poppin.” By the sound of the news I can well believe that. I only hope he continues to write that things are going O.K.

Say hello to all of our mutual friends back there for me – will ya. And now good night see you soon.

Love, Dip