May 1, 1945

Philippines

May 1, 1945

Dear Mom & Dad –

I’m still OK & struggling along from day to day. Have received about three letters from you in the last “as many” days. Gee, you certainly were a messenger of sad tidings in your latest letters. For a while we were lucky in having no close friends or relatives killed in action. Lately we’ve not been so fortunate. Very sorry to hear about Jr. Elms & Stan Jordan.

I was shocked also about the death of Jeanette – she was always such a picture of health. Yes, come to think of it she did sound rather depressed or queer in her last letter to me. I threw it away after I answered it, as I do all my letters, & now I wish I had saved it. She mentioned nothing about her illness.

I’m still on duty as aerial-observer at the air-strip. Life is pretty sweet here – a series of nightly bridge games, cots with mattresses & sheets, leisure hours for reading, and now & then a flight. Today we went aloft and showered the Nips with propaganda leaflets: about a thousand of ‘em. Quite a trick  getting them to drift & land in the right spot. Sometimes they even try broadcasting to the Japs to induce them to surrender. They seldom do though, because of the threat from their superiors to decapitate them if they do.

For the last 2 mornings we’ve had fresh eggs – one night we enjoyed a steak supper. I believe that’s better than you folks do, Eh?

I received Swany’s announcement too. Isn’t it swell – now we have five members of the Kins who have worked up from the ranks. Congratulate the Lt. for me.

Was glad to hear you & Mrs. Jones went to Rolie’s mother’s funeral. I’m sure Rolie appreciated it.

Well chow is served, so must go and gain a few lbs. – I hope. Will take care of myself so no need to worry ‘bout me. Do the same.

Love, Dorance