June 16, 1945 (to Marion Sneen)

Luzon

June 16, 1945

Dear Marion:

Gosh, here it is the middle of the “month of love” and what have I done about it? Not even Fifi around to liven things up. Incidentally she hasn’t written me since I shipped-out. Obviously I didn’t create a very lasting impression. Yes, Marion, life overseas is very barren – the best I can do for something sweet is a piece of cake out of the mess tent. (S’cuse me while I take a bite.)

Lucky me – I’m again on duty as air observer and living the life of luxury. When we aren’t on a flight mission we lounge around & generally take life slow and easy. Don’t even feel s’if I earn my pay when I’m here at the strip way back of the lines. The air force fights a gentleman’s war.

Just finished reading a book by Thackeray and am now in the midst of Razor’s Edge by Mangham. I find it very engrossing – I hear it’s a popular favorite in the states. Read it? All the boys are sweating out Forever Amber – most of them have sent for the book. Very studious boys, these GI’s, they all want to increase their knowledge. (grin)

Holy smokes – pardon me while I melt – Dinah Shore’s singing “Saturday Night is the Loneliest Night.” This is Sat. night you know and it is lonely, Marion. For the first two years when I get back, think I’ll try to arrange for an extra Sat. night in the middle of the week. That’s the only way I’ll be able to catch up. Care to join me? Of would the pace be too rough for you?

Tonight we took in a cinema – Merle Overone & Fanchot Tone in Dark Waters – a rather heavy drama but well worth seeing. I always did go for that type [of] picture anyway. Anything dealing with people’s emotions and feelings has always interested me. Didn’t know that did ja?

Marion, I haven’t had any word from you for quite a spell now, so I don’t have anything to answer or talk about especially – I’m just sorta drifting around. The lack of mail is a natural result of our post office being moved up to keep up with the troops.

You’ve probably heard of the battle of “Balette Pass” – I’ll never forget it. Some of the articles state that the “pass” was captured by three divisions. T’ain’t true – in all fairness to our doughboys – such mistakes are a shame. No other Div. was within 5 miles of the “Pass” when we took it. Soon afterwards others passed through, but only after it was secured.

Wish you could hear “Tokio Rose” tonight she’s giving the boys all the latest dope on the point system. A fine thing when a guy has to find out from a Nip when he’s going home.

Say – it’s eleven o’clock and I gotta “hit the sack.” Pardon the slang. Maybe you civilians can stand the night life, but we soldiers are strictly early birds. (And I’m tired of worms, too) Well anyway g’nite & so long ‘til I hear from you.

Dip

P.S. Love (different – but it’s still on paper – curses!)