April 26, 1945
Philippines
April 26, 1945
Dear Mom & Dad –
I’m on duty at the air-strip again as aerial observer. Is it nice compared to the front line duty! I’ll probably only be here about a week, but I’m really going to enjoy it.
We’re far enough “behind” here to have our Coleman lanterns going at night – also the radio. I just had my sheets washed & slept in them last night for the first time in the campaign. We don’t use them in fox-holes you know. Or did you?
I’m actually writing on a table & sitting on a real chair – my pen doesn’t know what to make of it all – as any fool can plainly see.
I’m feeling perfectly fine these days, altho believe I’ve lost a few pounds in the last month. Expect to gain them back while on duty here. We only fly from 2 to 4 hours a day and the rest is gravy. I’ll probably catch up on some reading too. And writing.
Last night we played a couple rubbers of bridge and listened to sweet music on the radio. I finally heard some of those new tunes everyone talks about. “Don’t Fence Me In” is really nice! Also enjoyed “My Dreams Are Getting…” etc. (your song).
Just took a “15 minute intermission” to get myself a brand new haircut – a native barber was around. As a rule they’re all very good at the art. This one was exceptional – you should see me – a bath & a necktie & I’d be ready to swing out to the Nicollet Hotel.
I’m wondering if you received my Finance Check (4/5) & Money Order (4/14) – be sure to keep me posted with that old financial statement. Guess I’m sort of a miser, cuz I surely enjoy seeing those figures getting longer & wider. The last letter I’ve received is dated April 7th, so naturally you hadn’t gotten either by then.
My Reader’s Digest & Life magazines are still coming thru in good style. (The Dayton News too is regular) They certainly are coveted over here – as is any magazine or book over here. Keeping the G.I. in reading material must be one of the hardest jobs of the war back there. Those little Armed Service Editions they send us are just the ticket. They come to us 40 or 50 at a time – all varied titles & types. Guess you’ve heard of them haven’t you?
The European war just seems to go on & on – doesn’t it? I certainly hope they don’t intend to fight to the last Nazi like these crazy Nips. I gave them credit for more sense than that. Oh well – maybe it’s best that way if it will insure future peace – Then my sons won’t have to sweat out these hills & mountains like their dad. Eh gads – what am I saying – better I should get a wife before I start talking like that!
Sure – I remember John Graham’s boy – sorry to hear he was wounded. Isn’t it amazing how many of those little kids (they were almost in short pants as I remember them) are now fighting in the army.
I didn’t realize that those Japs you talked about roaming Mpls. were American born – that makes quite a difference. I thought they were P.O.W.s I’d just as soon see them settle somewheres else but Minn. tho.
That was sad news about Jimmy Alm’s son being missing in action. I certainly hope he’s a P.O.W. – that’s the best thing that can happen over there. I hear they’re treated O.K.
Well, guess I’ve jabbered enough for now – gotta eat and gain some of those lbs. back. I’ll write again very soon. Happy to hear you’re all feeling OK and please stay that way.
All my love, Dorance
P.S. Hello to Johnsons, Wicklunds, Grandma & just everybody.
Philippines
April 26, 1945
Dear Marion –
Hello again – finally got out of the trees & back to civilization where I can relax & breath with ease again. Hope I didn’t keep you waiting too long this time. Lessee it’s been about two whole weeks since we last chatted together. Thassa long time – maybe it went by fast for you, but I assure you it crawled – over here. Well – happy day – I’m back at the air-strip for duty as aerial observer again. It’ll be only for a week or two, but I’m really going to lap-up this life of luxury here while I can.
Yesterday I collared a native & had him wash up my sheets – I slept between them last night for the first time on this island. What a night – didn’t even dream!
We’re far enuff behind the lines here to use our Coleman lanterns at night - & also the radio. Last night we sat up ‘till the outrageous hour of 11 o’clock playing bridge & listening to sweet music.
Marion you can’t realize how much you miss such things as radio & lights ‘till you do without them for 2 or 3 months. I almost felt like melting away when I listened to all those new tunes last night and several old ones like – I Walk Alone, Don’t Fence Me In, My Dreams Are Getting, etc. To me – life without music would be almost (notice I say almost) as bad as life without women. Of course if I had my choice I could always hum to myself.
This morning after my flight I had one of the native boys cut my hair – they’re all very good at the profession. I’m really spiffed-up now Marion – a quick bath & I’d be ready to take-off (with you on my arm – of course) to the Nicollet. Can I go in fatigues & leggings or should I put on my brown tweed civy suit?
You asked about Bob Coll – think I mentioned him in a prior letter, but in case I didn’t – the lad is in Belgium living like a King in an ex-count’s abandoned chateau. It’s even complete with servants. He didn’t say what he was doing for the war effort but I gathered he’s fine & really enjoying himself.
Rolie also wrote – from Jacksonville, Fla. He says he now is stationed permanently in the U.S. – as far as he knows. He told me all about the deal at the Stensrud’s – said it was the best time he had while he was home. Guess it was pretty much of sad homecoming for him with his mother so ill!
Say – you sorta had me goin’ on that April Fool’s joke – I must admit. For awhile I could see you packin’ your bags for N.Y. It wouldn’t be too bad tho cuz we could still get together. My sister & her husband live out there, and so I plan to take a trip there when I get back – to stay with them for a while. Couldn’t we have a bang-up time in that spot. No holds barred! Well OK then – almost none.
Before I get myself in deep water I’ll change the subject – the European front for instance. Looks pretty good doesn’t it? Right now as I write the Russians & Yanks are just about kissing & Berlin is over half conquered. Gee, I hope the Nazi’s don’t fight to the last man like these fanatical Nips. Another year or two of this overseas life and I’ll be fit to be tied. I’m telling you Marion – I’m gonna be a rough customer when I get back.
What have you heard from Mick & Lee lately? Can’t imagine how Micky can be bored with life after not seeing Lee for so long – no matter who they have to live with. To the two of them the rest of the world shouldn’t matter much – for a while anyway.
Well, Marion, if you’ll excuse me I better go & eat. I’ve lost about 10lbs. that I must gain back somehow while I’m here. I’m hungry enuff to get it back in this next sitting. I’ll see you later. G’bye.
Love, Dip