September 20, 1944
Same place
Sept. 20, 1944
Dear Mom & Dad:
Looks as if I sorta slipped up this time – haven’t written for about ten days. I’m truly sorry & hope you haven’t worried. The reason is that we’ve been out in the field for the last few days and it’s impossible to write out there.
Naturally, while we were out in the field the weather was rainy & cool. However the days in general are starting to get quite a bit warmer – spring is here. Guess you can’t say the same. I imagine the leaves on the trees up there are now sporting all the colors of the rainbow.
Well, this camp area of ours is finally becoming quite liveable & civilized. We have a big generator now that furnishes us with enuff electricity to light our tents and play the radio. The radios we have were purchased by the P.X. – I don’t have one but the B.C. does and we sorta listen in for no extra charge.
Saw a good movie last night A Guy Named Joe with Spencer Tracy & Irene Dunn. I enjoyed it a lot however it didn’t come up to some of the other good ones we’ve seen lately such as Claudia, Madame Curie, Song of Bern., etc. Don’t know how we’d keep up the men’s (or our) morale if it wasn’t for those precious movies. They certainly are a God-send over here.
Glad to hear about Johnny Holm’s getting the air medal over there – also hope he’ll get his missions in and get home again soon while his luck still holds out.
About that accident – the driver was found L.D. (line of duty) and consequently didn’t have to pay for repairs. Capt. Mitchell who fractured his leg is getting along very well – no complications. I’ve been to visit him a couple of times on the way to see Lee.
I spent last weekend with Roge Loper in town. Roge showed us the floor plan of the big new Hdqs. building they are constructing. If you could see it, you’d realize that the best architects & engineers are no longer civilians. It’s going to be built on the order of the Pentagon Bldg. Roge also took us on an inspection tour of the big Eng. Supply warehouses. It was all very interesting – that guy is certainly doing a big job. He even got a commendation from Wash. for his quarterly Eng. Supply report. Unlike the rest of us clerks, he actually earns his salary.
I’m going to write on all sides of this sheet, cuz it’s borrowed. I ran out of 2nd sheets & they’re not handy at the moment. OK? OK.
Yes, that’s the town where we had our parties and also where Roge is stationed. But for reasons of security I can’t say the name or tell too much about it. Let it suffice to say it’s small, rather dirty, & nothing at all like one you’d find back home.
About the party: Dancing partners were a mixture of French gals, Red Cross gals, and Nurses. Eats – toasted cheese sandwiches & other snacks. Refreshments – beer & “fortified” cokes. Entertainment – a band from our Division. Result – loads of fun!
Sorry to hear you have hayfever Mama. I’ll pray for an early frost. S’pose Elaine is in rough shape these days too. I’m anxious to hear if you & Daddy make the trip to see Dot & Arlo.
On the way back from Loper’s place I stopped in to see Lee and found that he was out horseback riding up in the hills for the whole day. However one of his officers invited us in for a roast beef supper anyway. Too bad I missed Lee but I’ll try to get back soon.
Got to get some sleep now, so I’ll be on the ball in the AM. We’re going out on a shoot with the Infantry and have to plop ‘em in right over the heads of the poor “doughfeet.” A mistake would be costly.
G’nite for now. Hope you’re both fine & healthy.
Love, Dorance
Blue Pacific
Sept. 20, 1944
Dear Marion –
Gosh, there’s a cold wind blowing thru this tent of mine tonight. I’m really shivering my timbers – s’pose you could do anything about that sort of a situation if you were here, or I were there? All you’d have to do is snuggle up close on the windward side – how about it? OK then – I’ll even take the windward side!
I’m a lucky so & so for about three days – the rest of the Bn. Just took to the field on a problem and left me behind as O.D. to take charge of the camp area. Of course I do have the problem of taking care of the 50 or 60 men left back in the rear echelon for guards, but that’s no trouble at all compared to sleeping out on the hard ground with the mosquitos teaming up with the rain to make things uncomfortable.
This morning however I did take a small part in the maneuvers. I took to the air in one of our “grasshoppers” to observe and direct fire on the enemy. The air was the roughest I’ve ever seen it – the pilot & I both felt a bit giddy when we landed after four hours of bouncing around up there. Coming in for a landing we hit a down draft and barely missed a tree. We landed twice that time if you want to count the bounce. Those landing gears are made to take it though, so we and the plane are none the worse for wear. As usual, Marion, someone had me by the hand.
Your letter dated Sept. 5th crawled into the area yesterday after only 14 days enroute. If the mail Sgt. wasn’t such a good friend of mine I’d swear he held it back. But on the contrary – when he sees that 1943 Nokomis on the envelope he brings it right to me – special. Oh well, better late than no.
Very cute stationery you sent in your last letter but where’d you get [it] – you didn’t say. I mean the Dipso-mania stuff – remember?
Yes – I’d appreciate your sending me those Bob Hope communiques – will ya?
Soap on your arms from washing dishes, eh! Hmm. Gee – didn’t know you were so domestic, Marion. Can you cook, too? Can’t boil a good batch o’ water myself. And me a Boy Scout once – can’t see how I ever got the Cooking merit badge!
What do [you] mean, “you butchered your own letter,” – how you talk! I wouldn’t do a thing like that!
And you made me giggle in church – remember. And wasn’t it Henn. Methodist instead of Pres. Lutheran? It all happened so many years ago that I’m a little hazy on the details.
Well, well, to you my most enthusiastic congrats – Marion! “Champ of 2nd Flight” – sounds great doesn’t it! Of course I’m proud – been placing bets on you for next year’s 1st Flight even! No kidding tho – it’s swell, and I’m glad you finally worked out of your early season slump.
I went to visit Lee last Sunday but didn’t get to see him. Seems he had saddled up his bronco and taken to the hills for the day. One of his fellow Officers took care of us in good style tho – in his absence. He fed us a cold brew, a hot roast beef dinner, and sent us on our way. Next Sunday we have a big Division parade, so probably won’t get to see “snoose” for a couple o’ weeks.
My brain? Is already asleep Marion, so excuse me while I throw the blankets over the rest of me. I’ll write soon & be thinkin’ about cha in the meantime. G’night, Marion.
Love, Dip