January 16, 1945

Jan. 16, 1945

Philippines

Dear Mom & Dad –

Surprised at that heading? Or had you already guessed that I was on my way here. The last two letters I wrote you were scribbled in a rush aboard ship.

Our trip here was really a long one. We had two stop-overs on the way which broke the monotony some. Can’t disclose the names of the stops but at the first one we landed (a practice assault landing) & stayed for three days. We really were treated OK there. We had fresh meat every meal, received all of our back mail, got a ration of beer, & ate ice cream for 3 meals.

At the second stopover we also stayed for 2 or 3 days but this time we only got off ship for one day. We went ashore as a unit and stretched our legs & did a little swimming just to get the old blood circulating again. Until you once take a long ocean voyage you can’t imagine how tired and weak you get from the inactivity.

At this second stop all the officers got off for one afternoon and visited the Fleet Officers club. What a beautiful layout, and they really treated us well – all drinks were free. Boy – did that cold beer taste good after so long a dry spell. That’s all I cared for although mixed drinks were free too. We had both Xmas & New Year meals aboard ship.

During the couple million sea-born hours we had lots of time on our hands. We naturally, as you can imagine, played lots of bridge. Once in a while we would sandwitch in a chess game. We also read a good deal. I read several books and among them the book that Dot sent me for Christmas – Valley of Decision – it was very good. I contributed it to the ship’s library because it was too much added weight to carry ashore.

Of course toward the last part of the voyage all the secret info about the operation was revealed to us & we then had to spend lots of time studying & briefing the men. It was all of course very interesting and we welcomed something to do.

It is now 2 days later since I started this letter & I’m afraid that’s a good indication of how broken up my letter writing will be from here in. We’re on the go all the time. It is now about 20 minutes before dark – all activity has ceased for the day – my fox hole has been made up for the night, so I have a little time to write. Regardless of how far I get with this tonight I’m going to seal & mail it this time so you’ll get is as soon as possible. Then I’ll continue where I leave off in a subsequent letter. I guess the mail is going out regularly – at least they say it is getting priority – hope so. This I know – we certainly aren’t getting any. None of us have heard from home for over a month. When it finally does come we’ll be a happy lot.

On ship I had a cold for a week or so, and it was pretty nasty, but since then I’ve felt better than I have for a long time. I don’t know why – guess it’s the exercise. We’re eating regularly & it’s good chow. For a while after landing we were feeding out of cans & boxes but now we’re set up to cook warm meals.

We’re all enjoying our rugged life and any one of the men here would take it in preference to those boring training schedules. I’m in no danger at all so for gosh sakes don’t worry ‘bout me.

How is everything at home & everyone? I can’t hardly see the paper so must quit. I’ll try to squeeze in a letter tomorrow & as often as I can Good night now.

All my love,

Dorance