New Guinea
Friday
July 28, 1944
Hello Beautiful;
I've been looking at your picture again and I can't help but think, there is as perfect and beautiful a wife as any man could have. I'm very much in love with you too. I went to the show but it was one I had seen. "Thousands Cheer". I came back and will use the time loving and talking to you in this unsatisfactory but better than nothing way. I'm glad I got'cha to write these letters to but I'm sure going to be glad to throw pen and paper away for good and do my talking verbally, and my loving, physically. Don't think I'll ever want to write another letter. I know I won't be needing to write any to you. You will never get that far away from me again. Better like me, honey. You've got me and I'll follow you all over all the time. You're stuck. I was carpentering all day today, using some of the lumber from our mill. One thing sure. I won't loose that knack or get out of practice. Lots of other things I can't say as much for. You'll be a teacher again one of these days but only have one pupil. He'll be an ornery one. It may be necessary to fail him two or three times before he learns it. Twenty minute breaks between classes too for practical application.
Jack Benny is coming to the base camp tomorrow night and we will be furnished transportation to go see the show. Think I'll go if possible. If I do you won't get any letter for Saturday. I'll make up for it on Sunday. Funny. Come way over here to see Jack Benny in person. I see what they mean by "it's a small world after all."
Now I;m going to try to finish answering your letters. I didn't get any today. I'm very glad to hear that Margaret is improving so fast. I missed a letter that probably told if it was necessary to operate or not, so I don't really know what happened. No matter. The important thing is she is getting along so well. Maybe that was why when I was home she had Art on stud pasture.
Honey, just one little thing you may not think of. If it continues to stay so dry, it would be a good idea to occasionally water the shrubs in front of the house. I expect you are way ahead of me on this.
So Harold is on the way to bring pop for the second time. Must be some life in the old boy yet. Yes, I remember the story she told you. Might be our story one of these days. I hope the results will be as gratifying as their first one.
I don't doubt that Steve would like to live at the lake again. He really likes it there. Medina is more home to him than anyone suspects. It was evident in his talk when I saw him in Calif. Steve isn't his own boss, now, however. I would very much doubt that Mrs.Steve would like it there. That is probably why he wouldn't say anything about the house. He doesn't know yet. Harold may yet end up with the whole business. Store and all.
You are not a dud and I will not let you call yourself one. You don't happen to like to swim. Well so what? I can't dance or sing. At least you do go swimming once in a while. I never go to a dance. No, honey, you made the most changes in things we do. Learned to skate, shoot a gun, ride a bicycle?? [ I still say it was your fault we went in the ditch that time at Put-in-Bay. I was trying to kiss you.] go hunting, go for walks, play tennis, go fishing, and lots of other things now. What have I ever learned to do that I didn't do before? I'm the dud, not you. You adapted yourself to me and never complained a bit. You're swell. I can prove it in so many ways.
I was very disappointed about the fishing. The rivers have been blasted so much there isn't a fish in them and to fish the ocean a boat is necessary. Guess the fishing will have to wait.
I haven't started to count days, months, or anything else yet. Can't see how it can last too much longer and yet there really is no end in sight. The thing that is bothering me most is that little phrase "duration plus six months". Being over here when it ends will probably mean at least the six months and possibly more. Especially if we don't see combat. You once said you expected this to end fast now that we are over here. Well I still say the same as I did at home. We may look good on paper but I'm afraid we'll turn out to be a "police up" outfit. I sure hope not. I want to get home to Mummy as soon as it's over. I'm following my usual custom of telling you my guesses. They've mostly been wrong to date.
Well honey, that catches me up on your letters. Came out about right for the paper this time. Guess I'll get my bed ready and dream about you and our plans for a while. I have a lot of fun doing that. It's my loving for the night. Bye, honey. I love you so much.
Your hubby.
Norm.
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Letter # 433 July 26, 1944
New Guinea
Thursday
July 27, 1944
Hello Beautiful and sweet;
I just got your V-mail that you wrote the morning you were ready to leave for New York July 13. That brings the service to 14 days. Apparently you are getting the same or slightly quicker service. You got the 2nd on the 13th. I'm glad they are coming through. So far I've written some sort of letter every day since I've been here. You keep me posted on that too.
It's too late to wish you a very nice trip so I hope you had a hell of a good time. I told Mac you were going to N.Y. and you know anyone from there thinks it's the only place in the world. They are much more prejudiced about their city than fellows from any other part of the country. He said, "Well if she doesn't have a good time there, she'll never have a good time anyplace." I didn't argue with him, but I know darn well we could have a good time any where. Tell me all about it and if it really is so wonderful.
What's the idea of only four days? Why didn't you make it at least a week? You won't any more than get there and have to turn around and come back. Hope you aren't limiting yourself because of money. That would be foolish. I'll tell you again to use what you want. You've earned it and I want you to have a good time. I love you so much.
I haven't much to report tonight so I'm going to answer some of these letters that have piled up on me. Being limited to three sheets on one side is cramping my style to get all I want to say, said. When I get the air mail paper you are sending I can go to town. Send me lots of it. I'll try to use it all writing letters to you. Don't forget the eats and tobacco. There is another request. I don't intend to send too many. I'm afraid you will get too enthusiastic if I send too many. The box you sent sounds good. Can't imagine what the packing around the camera, that you want me to specially note, could be. I'll watch for it. I'm afraid no native women will get hold of it unless they have a lot more to offer than any I have yet seen. Did you mean I should take it out in trade? If you did, thanks for the permission. I'm still several years too particular for that, but of course I might find a native of the U.S. or someplace. I'll keep it in mind.
I'll see what I can do about a couple colored pictures of me. I don't know if the developing is any different than regular or not. If it is I may not be able to get it done here. You see, all pictures must be developed and censored before they can be sent home. Might have to keep them and bring them with me when I come. I do hope the camera gets here in good time.
That proposition of writing to Eastman for film for overseas sounds good only I don't know how I'd pay them. I only have English money and I don't know how much they would be. Maybe if I'd send a request and have them mailed C.O.D. to you they'd do it. Think I'll try that anyhow. I know you did your best to get even that much film and I appreciate it plenty. I'll be able to do something for you someday.
Gosh honey, it sounds like you are sharing my letters with the girls. I'll have to be careful what I say or they'll find out about my weakness. I don't give a damn. I love you and I'm more than proud of it. You're something to be proud of and I'm not kidding. Bet other people can't believe it's really me that writes these letters, can they?
So, Bob Kindig is now a "looey". Good for him.
Honey, I think I could very easily write a naughty, naughty letter now if it wasn't for not being at all private. Nope, guess I hadn't better do it. Read one of the old ones over again and add some to it. It'll be close. I can tell from your actions and also from your letters that you are as much the same mind as I.
I'm not really worrying about you, sweetheart. I know you are being well taken care of. Don't think you need very much care anymore. You're becoming a very self-reliant girl. Still, I can't help but worry a little bit. After all, you are the most precious thing I have. I'll do most of my extra worrying about myself, as you suggest. If there is any possible way to do it you can just bet I'll be looking out for me. I'll see to it I'll come back to you in good shape. I'll be lonesome and need a lot of loving and everything like that there. That will all be very easy for you to take care of. You got the know how.
We did start in almost from scratch to build our camp as you have probably gathered. Lots of work yet to do. Expect we'll get it about done and move out. I'm sure I answered in the negative about a bigger knife. I don't need it at all. We can make them ourselves anyhow. Lots of suitable material at hand.
It wasn't a "tall tale" about the kangaroos. There is a small species of them here. I still haven't seen one but others have. Pretty well scared out now. The bananas are out of season a little. Most of them are only forming and are the size of a man's finger. However, some of decent size have been brought in and they are plenty good. Will be lots of them soon.
Out of space again so - Bye, Bye Babe. I'm fairly bursting with love for you. I do love you so much.
Your dough boy.
Norm.
Thursday
July 27, 1944
Hello Beautiful and sweet;
I just got your V-mail that you wrote the morning you were ready to leave for New York July 13. That brings the service to 14 days. Apparently you are getting the same or slightly quicker service. You got the 2nd on the 13th. I'm glad they are coming through. So far I've written some sort of letter every day since I've been here. You keep me posted on that too.
It's too late to wish you a very nice trip so I hope you had a hell of a good time. I told Mac you were going to N.Y. and you know anyone from there thinks it's the only place in the world. They are much more prejudiced about their city than fellows from any other part of the country. He said, "Well if she doesn't have a good time there, she'll never have a good time anyplace." I didn't argue with him, but I know darn well we could have a good time any where. Tell me all about it and if it really is so wonderful.
What's the idea of only four days? Why didn't you make it at least a week? You won't any more than get there and have to turn around and come back. Hope you aren't limiting yourself because of money. That would be foolish. I'll tell you again to use what you want. You've earned it and I want you to have a good time. I love you so much.
I haven't much to report tonight so I'm going to answer some of these letters that have piled up on me. Being limited to three sheets on one side is cramping my style to get all I want to say, said. When I get the air mail paper you are sending I can go to town. Send me lots of it. I'll try to use it all writing letters to you. Don't forget the eats and tobacco. There is another request. I don't intend to send too many. I'm afraid you will get too enthusiastic if I send too many. The box you sent sounds good. Can't imagine what the packing around the camera, that you want me to specially note, could be. I'll watch for it. I'm afraid no native women will get hold of it unless they have a lot more to offer than any I have yet seen. Did you mean I should take it out in trade? If you did, thanks for the permission. I'm still several years too particular for that, but of course I might find a native of the U.S. or someplace. I'll keep it in mind.
I'll see what I can do about a couple colored pictures of me. I don't know if the developing is any different than regular or not. If it is I may not be able to get it done here. You see, all pictures must be developed and censored before they can be sent home. Might have to keep them and bring them with me when I come. I do hope the camera gets here in good time.
That proposition of writing to Eastman for film for overseas sounds good only I don't know how I'd pay them. I only have English money and I don't know how much they would be. Maybe if I'd send a request and have them mailed C.O.D. to you they'd do it. Think I'll try that anyhow. I know you did your best to get even that much film and I appreciate it plenty. I'll be able to do something for you someday.
Gosh honey, it sounds like you are sharing my letters with the girls. I'll have to be careful what I say or they'll find out about my weakness. I don't give a damn. I love you and I'm more than proud of it. You're something to be proud of and I'm not kidding. Bet other people can't believe it's really me that writes these letters, can they?
So, Bob Kindig is now a "looey". Good for him.
Honey, I think I could very easily write a naughty, naughty letter now if it wasn't for not being at all private. Nope, guess I hadn't better do it. Read one of the old ones over again and add some to it. It'll be close. I can tell from your actions and also from your letters that you are as much the same mind as I.
I'm not really worrying about you, sweetheart. I know you are being well taken care of. Don't think you need very much care anymore. You're becoming a very self-reliant girl. Still, I can't help but worry a little bit. After all, you are the most precious thing I have. I'll do most of my extra worrying about myself, as you suggest. If there is any possible way to do it you can just bet I'll be looking out for me. I'll see to it I'll come back to you in good shape. I'll be lonesome and need a lot of loving and everything like that there. That will all be very easy for you to take care of. You got the know how.
We did start in almost from scratch to build our camp as you have probably gathered. Lots of work yet to do. Expect we'll get it about done and move out. I'm sure I answered in the negative about a bigger knife. I don't need it at all. We can make them ourselves anyhow. Lots of suitable material at hand.
It wasn't a "tall tale" about the kangaroos. There is a small species of them here. I still haven't seen one but others have. Pretty well scared out now. The bananas are out of season a little. Most of them are only forming and are the size of a man's finger. However, some of decent size have been brought in and they are plenty good. Will be lots of them soon.
Out of space again so - Bye, Bye Babe. I'm fairly bursting with love for you. I do love you so much.
Your dough boy.
Norm.
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Letter # 432 July 26, 1944
New Guinea
Wednesday
July 26, 1944
My Precious;
Hi, Tootsie Wuggles! How are you? I'm tired. It isn't the army working me too hard. I was playing too hard. We have two afternoons, Wed and Sat, off duty for organized athletics. I told you the other day they were getting up a ball team and I was going to take a crack at it. Well today the first platoon had challenged our headquarters platoon to a game. There is as much rivalry between such units as between any teams you could find. We had one of those games you always remember. Our team was on the small end of a 5 - 1 score at the beginning of the 9th. Then things happened. Gebby opened up the race after we already had two outs by laying out a triple. Another man, and then another hit singles. Then the old man came up and I hit a single which stretched into a triple by an error on the other side. Next man also hit and I scored the tying run. It went on that way for three more innings and we had to call it for darkness. Not a bad game, huh? I'm still not too old, honey. I can hold my own with most of these youngsters yet.
See what you have coming? As I've heard it expressed, you had better take a good look at the walls and floor before I come home, 'cause you won't see much but the ceiling for some time after.
Bragging again ain't I?
While I'm at it, I might as well make it good. Last night I had been to the show. "Cover Girl". A nice musical with Rita Hayworth. Have you seen it? Well anyhow, in the course of the show, Rita, who is a beautiful redhead called "Rusty" had run out on her sweetheart and was going to marry another man, more for spite than anything else. She leaves this guy at the alter and goes back to her one and only, so everything is fine and dandy.
While walking back to the tent I was commenting about the show to one of the fellows. He asked me if I would take a girl back after she had done that to me. I said I guessed I would, cause my wife would have to do something a whole lot worse to even start a quarrel. He took that up and asked if I meant we had never even had a fight of any kind. "Hell no!" I went with her for four years and we've been married almost that long and never have been close to a quarrel. "That's pretty good." he said. "but I can maybe see why." "You have as good a disposition as anyone I've ever seen." That rather surprised me, however I didn't accept all the credit. I told him you were even better natured than I. Wasn't bragging about you either. How's that for a long story just to blow my own horn? I guess I must be pretty nice. I really didn't think I had been very good natured or easy to get along with since I've been away from you. Without you I don't have as much to keep me happy and contented. There, that evens us up for the time you told about the compliment the Hood boy at the Standard station handed you. "You may not be beautiful but you have a grand personality." I still say he must be rejected because he is nearly blind. I think you are beautiful as well as a lot of other very nice things. I'm so in love with you darling. I'm hurtin plenty. Nice anticipatory hurt though. We'll make up for it somehow, sometime, if it takes the rest of our lives. It'll be an awful long time before I ever again accept you as a good, everyday wife. You're a very special, intriguing, and exciting one from now on. I'm thoroughly wakened now. I sure was a dummy for a long time.
I was a little quick about requesting the Gazette. I got two issues today. May 23 & 26 and while they have the old A.P.O. they have the post office department confirmation so I guess they will come O.K. I also got your July11 air mail letter. Nice one too. At the time you wrote that one you had gotten nearly all the V-mail I wrote. I hope the air mails come to you in good shape. Yours are doing very well. Seem to be about a 15 day proposition. The time and distance as compared with service in the states is very good. Three times as long for about 8 times the distance.
You said in one of your letters that you and Louise thought it funny that neither Mickey or I had said anything about women we saw. well I can't talk for Mick, 'cause I'd think he'd be seeing plenty of them. As for me I think I've mentioned every time I saw anything that I could recognize as female without a very close and repulsive examination. I have seen a few native females with dried up or pendulous bubbles as the case may be, very immodestly displayed. No more thrill at the sight than looking at a side show freak. If these black females looked anything like the girls in "Stormy Weather" with Lena Horne -- well, you would be justified in wondering why I hadn't mentioned them. That kind would probably look very white and attractive after several months away from home. I'm safe as though locked in your closet at home. You're my one and only wife. I'm in love with you.
Your hubby.
Norm.
Wednesday
July 26, 1944
My Precious;
Hi, Tootsie Wuggles! How are you? I'm tired. It isn't the army working me too hard. I was playing too hard. We have two afternoons, Wed and Sat, off duty for organized athletics. I told you the other day they were getting up a ball team and I was going to take a crack at it. Well today the first platoon had challenged our headquarters platoon to a game. There is as much rivalry between such units as between any teams you could find. We had one of those games you always remember. Our team was on the small end of a 5 - 1 score at the beginning of the 9th. Then things happened. Gebby opened up the race after we already had two outs by laying out a triple. Another man, and then another hit singles. Then the old man came up and I hit a single which stretched into a triple by an error on the other side. Next man also hit and I scored the tying run. It went on that way for three more innings and we had to call it for darkness. Not a bad game, huh? I'm still not too old, honey. I can hold my own with most of these youngsters yet.
See what you have coming? As I've heard it expressed, you had better take a good look at the walls and floor before I come home, 'cause you won't see much but the ceiling for some time after.
Bragging again ain't I?
While I'm at it, I might as well make it good. Last night I had been to the show. "Cover Girl". A nice musical with Rita Hayworth. Have you seen it? Well anyhow, in the course of the show, Rita, who is a beautiful redhead called "Rusty" had run out on her sweetheart and was going to marry another man, more for spite than anything else. She leaves this guy at the alter and goes back to her one and only, so everything is fine and dandy.
While walking back to the tent I was commenting about the show to one of the fellows. He asked me if I would take a girl back after she had done that to me. I said I guessed I would, cause my wife would have to do something a whole lot worse to even start a quarrel. He took that up and asked if I meant we had never even had a fight of any kind. "Hell no!" I went with her for four years and we've been married almost that long and never have been close to a quarrel. "That's pretty good." he said. "but I can maybe see why." "You have as good a disposition as anyone I've ever seen." That rather surprised me, however I didn't accept all the credit. I told him you were even better natured than I. Wasn't bragging about you either. How's that for a long story just to blow my own horn? I guess I must be pretty nice. I really didn't think I had been very good natured or easy to get along with since I've been away from you. Without you I don't have as much to keep me happy and contented. There, that evens us up for the time you told about the compliment the Hood boy at the Standard station handed you. "You may not be beautiful but you have a grand personality." I still say he must be rejected because he is nearly blind. I think you are beautiful as well as a lot of other very nice things. I'm so in love with you darling. I'm hurtin plenty. Nice anticipatory hurt though. We'll make up for it somehow, sometime, if it takes the rest of our lives. It'll be an awful long time before I ever again accept you as a good, everyday wife. You're a very special, intriguing, and exciting one from now on. I'm thoroughly wakened now. I sure was a dummy for a long time.
I was a little quick about requesting the Gazette. I got two issues today. May 23 & 26 and while they have the old A.P.O. they have the post office department confirmation so I guess they will come O.K. I also got your July11 air mail letter. Nice one too. At the time you wrote that one you had gotten nearly all the V-mail I wrote. I hope the air mails come to you in good shape. Yours are doing very well. Seem to be about a 15 day proposition. The time and distance as compared with service in the states is very good. Three times as long for about 8 times the distance.
You said in one of your letters that you and Louise thought it funny that neither Mickey or I had said anything about women we saw. well I can't talk for Mick, 'cause I'd think he'd be seeing plenty of them. As for me I think I've mentioned every time I saw anything that I could recognize as female without a very close and repulsive examination. I have seen a few native females with dried up or pendulous bubbles as the case may be, very immodestly displayed. No more thrill at the sight than looking at a side show freak. If these black females looked anything like the girls in "Stormy Weather" with Lena Horne -- well, you would be justified in wondering why I hadn't mentioned them. That kind would probably look very white and attractive after several months away from home. I'm safe as though locked in your closet at home. You're my one and only wife. I'm in love with you.
Your hubby.
Norm.
Letter # 431 July 25, 1944
New Guinea
Tuesday
July 25, 1944
Hello Sweet and lovely;
I told you I was going to write you another letter and a good one too?? Well at least I have good intentions of as much as I can send at one time. I'm on the easy end of the guard detail now and have been writing letters all morning. Work hard don't I? I don't think I'm really lazy, I'm just saving as much of me as I can for the day, when from all you say, I'll need it and probably more. It sounds very attractive though and I'm ready to start anytime. I'm going to use most of this up in answering your letters. I'm getting behind again. If keeping mail coming, and all girls were like you, would help to win this war, it should be over soon. No kidding sweetheart, they help ever so much. They provide the high spots in my day. I love 'em honey. I read them all over several times. Some of the real special sweet ones I've almost committed to memory. Don't think because I'm not keeping your letters that you can back out of anything you've said. You can't. I'll remember it as long as I live. You're stuck with me for good or bad.
You say you could live on kisses and all that goes with it for at least a week and want to give it a try. I do too, and the way I feel now I think it would be possible. That's one side of me talking now. When I really think about it, I'm afraid it's stretching things too far. The spirit is willing but I'm not so sure of the flesh. I'm sure I won't have any weight to spare or excess to use up for energy. I'll need plenty of that fulfilling your expectations and any promises so don't you think we can squeeze out a few minutes a day to fill my belly a bit? Now don't misunderstand. The eating will be purely secondary and only a means to an end. I'll do my damndest, honey, even trying to increase the number of Effingers in the world. Is that a satisfactory promise?
My squeamish wife, as you call yourself, has shown that it was all a case of not knowing how much she was really capable of doing. I know you could do a lot of things you said you couldn't but I never did expect you to be as capable in all ways as you are. You are doing a grand job. I'm so proud of you.
If you like to hear me say we are partners I'll keep on saying it. I always tried to treat you as such only you never seemed to care much about the business end of our partnership. You were doing your part being the best little wife a man ever had. Kept me happy, satisfied and well fed. What more could anyone want? If you want I'll take over the business end again when I come back only I'd just as soon you had your say in it also. I really do think that is the best way. Two heads are always better than one. You are a 50-50 partner in any way you want to participate. It isn't a case of yours and mine. It's ours. Together, we can do anything we want and be so happy it'll be unbelievable. Right?
Now I'm going back a way to your June 29 letter which I got last night. It may be a little old but I like to answer all of them. You say so many sweet things that I just have to comment on. They aren't nearly all true but I'm glad you think they are. Hope you never find out you are wrong.
You're right. There are so many things we had planned to do around our place and were doing when we were interrupted. It's been almost 16 months now. I sure as hell hope it won't be more than a fraction of that time longer before we can start in again where we left off. Of course you may have your hands full with the talked about little ones but I think we can still manage to do all we have planned and more. Did I surprise you by not objecting to your hopes for a little Velma? The objection is a thing of the past. All that remains is the ability??
From your letter you certainly didn't pass up the opportunity of learning all you could about the business while you were at Ed's. The information may be handy. Who knows? I did know most of the mechanics of it. Now we both know.
The code cable address is the one you would use to send an urgent message by wire and get it here quick. You see it is really the same as an A.P.O. The code numbers are used because you don't have an exact address.
I'm glad to know how the package system really works. You don't send much of anything but what I ask for. It has to be small and mostly things that can be disposed of quickly in case of a move. I'll be glad to get anything in the eat line anytime and tobacco etc. I'll mention the Gazette again. If a request is necessary to get it over here, I'm requesting it. Newberry will probably know about it.
Thanks so much darling, for the box already on its way. Hope it doesn't take too long for it to get here. Well I'm about up to weight on this letter. Bye, my darling wife. I'm loving you and waiting.
Your hubby.
Norm.
Tuesday
July 25, 1944
Hello Sweet and lovely;
I told you I was going to write you another letter and a good one too?? Well at least I have good intentions of as much as I can send at one time. I'm on the easy end of the guard detail now and have been writing letters all morning. Work hard don't I? I don't think I'm really lazy, I'm just saving as much of me as I can for the day, when from all you say, I'll need it and probably more. It sounds very attractive though and I'm ready to start anytime. I'm going to use most of this up in answering your letters. I'm getting behind again. If keeping mail coming, and all girls were like you, would help to win this war, it should be over soon. No kidding sweetheart, they help ever so much. They provide the high spots in my day. I love 'em honey. I read them all over several times. Some of the real special sweet ones I've almost committed to memory. Don't think because I'm not keeping your letters that you can back out of anything you've said. You can't. I'll remember it as long as I live. You're stuck with me for good or bad.
You say you could live on kisses and all that goes with it for at least a week and want to give it a try. I do too, and the way I feel now I think it would be possible. That's one side of me talking now. When I really think about it, I'm afraid it's stretching things too far. The spirit is willing but I'm not so sure of the flesh. I'm sure I won't have any weight to spare or excess to use up for energy. I'll need plenty of that fulfilling your expectations and any promises so don't you think we can squeeze out a few minutes a day to fill my belly a bit? Now don't misunderstand. The eating will be purely secondary and only a means to an end. I'll do my damndest, honey, even trying to increase the number of Effingers in the world. Is that a satisfactory promise?
My squeamish wife, as you call yourself, has shown that it was all a case of not knowing how much she was really capable of doing. I know you could do a lot of things you said you couldn't but I never did expect you to be as capable in all ways as you are. You are doing a grand job. I'm so proud of you.
If you like to hear me say we are partners I'll keep on saying it. I always tried to treat you as such only you never seemed to care much about the business end of our partnership. You were doing your part being the best little wife a man ever had. Kept me happy, satisfied and well fed. What more could anyone want? If you want I'll take over the business end again when I come back only I'd just as soon you had your say in it also. I really do think that is the best way. Two heads are always better than one. You are a 50-50 partner in any way you want to participate. It isn't a case of yours and mine. It's ours. Together, we can do anything we want and be so happy it'll be unbelievable. Right?
Now I'm going back a way to your June 29 letter which I got last night. It may be a little old but I like to answer all of them. You say so many sweet things that I just have to comment on. They aren't nearly all true but I'm glad you think they are. Hope you never find out you are wrong.
You're right. There are so many things we had planned to do around our place and were doing when we were interrupted. It's been almost 16 months now. I sure as hell hope it won't be more than a fraction of that time longer before we can start in again where we left off. Of course you may have your hands full with the talked about little ones but I think we can still manage to do all we have planned and more. Did I surprise you by not objecting to your hopes for a little Velma? The objection is a thing of the past. All that remains is the ability??
From your letter you certainly didn't pass up the opportunity of learning all you could about the business while you were at Ed's. The information may be handy. Who knows? I did know most of the mechanics of it. Now we both know.
The code cable address is the one you would use to send an urgent message by wire and get it here quick. You see it is really the same as an A.P.O. The code numbers are used because you don't have an exact address.
I'm glad to know how the package system really works. You don't send much of anything but what I ask for. It has to be small and mostly things that can be disposed of quickly in case of a move. I'll be glad to get anything in the eat line anytime and tobacco etc. I'll mention the Gazette again. If a request is necessary to get it over here, I'm requesting it. Newberry will probably know about it.
Thanks so much darling, for the box already on its way. Hope it doesn't take too long for it to get here. Well I'm about up to weight on this letter. Bye, my darling wife. I'm loving you and waiting.
Your hubby.
Norm.
Monday, November 28, 2011
Letter # 430 July 25, 1944
V-Mail
July 25, 1944
My Beautiful;
Yes, you are too and don't feel let down because this is one of these things after I promised you a good one for today. This is only a little extra and mostly about what you are giving me no chance to forget. Requests. You're a devil, however a very nice, not devilish, devil. Know what I mean? How's this? I love you. I really didn't intend to say that kind of stuff in here but I can't seem to help it.
Now about this other stuff. Writing paper, air mail type. Tobacco and cigarette papers, a pipe or so, cigarette lighters, anything to eat that you think will get here in good shape. The soap doesn't seem to be so important now. We're able to buy it and have a small stock hoarded. I like nice pictures of you too. You know, small ones, not many, but one, once in a while. That is the important items. As I gather from your letter, you only need a request for something and you can spend the allowance on anything else.
I have been told recently that I would probably need to request the Gazette to get it. I haven't yet received any over here and would like it very much. I had sent change of address cards to the Colliers and Digest which act as requests. You might check with Newberry about it.
Your Hubby.
Norm.
July 25, 1944
My Beautiful;
Yes, you are too and don't feel let down because this is one of these things after I promised you a good one for today. This is only a little extra and mostly about what you are giving me no chance to forget. Requests. You're a devil, however a very nice, not devilish, devil. Know what I mean? How's this? I love you. I really didn't intend to say that kind of stuff in here but I can't seem to help it.
Now about this other stuff. Writing paper, air mail type. Tobacco and cigarette papers, a pipe or so, cigarette lighters, anything to eat that you think will get here in good shape. The soap doesn't seem to be so important now. We're able to buy it and have a small stock hoarded. I like nice pictures of you too. You know, small ones, not many, but one, once in a while. That is the important items. As I gather from your letter, you only need a request for something and you can spend the allowance on anything else.
I have been told recently that I would probably need to request the Gazette to get it. I haven't yet received any over here and would like it very much. I had sent change of address cards to the Colliers and Digest which act as requests. You might check with Newberry about it.
Your Hubby.
Norm.
Friday, November 25, 2011
Letter # 429, July 24, 1944
New Guinea
Monday
July 24, 1944
My sweetheart;
This won't be much of a letter I'm afraid. I'm on guard as boss of the first relief so I don't have very much time. I don't know why I'm even writing a note like this when I'll have plenty of time to write tomorrow. I guess it's because I love you and want to keep some sort of letter coming as often as possible. I'll write you a good one tomorrow.
Now the air mail letters are coming ahead of the V-mail. I got your airmail of the 10th and also one of the old ones from June 30. There are still a few missing. They'll probably come along sometime. I haven't anything to kick about according to some articles in Yank. One fellow says he has kept track by months and in some cases had gotten as few as 12 out of 30 letters from his wife. He was also in New Guinea. Guess I'm plenty lucky.
I also got three other V-mails. One from Mom, Hazel and Marg. It's funny. Mom got her change of address notice ahead of yours and apparently ahead of the other letters I sent. I know I had written a couple to her on the boat, V-mail too. I'm sorry I didn't call your attention to the new A.P.O. but I never dreamed the one the army sent wouldn't get there first. Just didn't think. I need you to take care of me and tell me about things I forget or never even think about. Gosh, honey, I sure miss you an awful lot. You're very necessary to me all the time in all ways. I wonder how I ever get along at all now that I don't have you around to look after me. I hope you can read this. I'm writing it on my knee. Bye, sweetheart, I'm loving you so much.
Your hubby.
Norm.
Monday
July 24, 1944
My sweetheart;
This won't be much of a letter I'm afraid. I'm on guard as boss of the first relief so I don't have very much time. I don't know why I'm even writing a note like this when I'll have plenty of time to write tomorrow. I guess it's because I love you and want to keep some sort of letter coming as often as possible. I'll write you a good one tomorrow.
Now the air mail letters are coming ahead of the V-mail. I got your airmail of the 10th and also one of the old ones from June 30. There are still a few missing. They'll probably come along sometime. I haven't anything to kick about according to some articles in Yank. One fellow says he has kept track by months and in some cases had gotten as few as 12 out of 30 letters from his wife. He was also in New Guinea. Guess I'm plenty lucky.
I also got three other V-mails. One from Mom, Hazel and Marg. It's funny. Mom got her change of address notice ahead of yours and apparently ahead of the other letters I sent. I know I had written a couple to her on the boat, V-mail too. I'm sorry I didn't call your attention to the new A.P.O. but I never dreamed the one the army sent wouldn't get there first. Just didn't think. I need you to take care of me and tell me about things I forget or never even think about. Gosh, honey, I sure miss you an awful lot. You're very necessary to me all the time in all ways. I wonder how I ever get along at all now that I don't have you around to look after me. I hope you can read this. I'm writing it on my knee. Bye, sweetheart, I'm loving you so much.
Your hubby.
Norm.
Letter # 428 July 23, 1944
New Guinea
Sunday
July 23, 1944
Hi, Sweet and Lovely;
Sunday again and it isn't a duty day. I have planned to make it just a lazy day. Write a few letters and lay around and read. I had planned that last week and then went swimming all day so all I got done was write your letter. That's the way I usually seem to do. Can't stay quiet as long as there is something I want to do. Guess I'll never change in that respect. I don't think there will be as much difference between us in that respect now, unless you are kidding me about somewhat enjoying getting out and working around the yard. We can divide our time and still be close most of the time. I won't spend all my time out and you won't spend all your time in. Honest, honey, I won't ever object to you following me around every place. I'll like it. I'll need a boss to tell me what to do anyhow after this period of army life. They treat a man like a baby that hasn't yet learned to do anything or think for himself. See what a big job you are in for? Still want me to come home? You better. I want to come home. I love you and love you and love you some more.
Just what I thought. The boys are getting up a ball game and I'm going to play. Hard ball too. Bet I'll be a star at that. Haven't had a hard ball in my hand since high school days. That's quite a long time too. Thirteen years already and I've found out that I've wasted most of that time. I really began to live on Sept 8, 1940. Gosh, I was a long time wising up wasn't I? That makes a lot of years we have to make up for. We'll do it too. Another promise. I'm sticking my neck way out in case I'd ever change my mind about you, ain't I? My usually cautious self doesn't enter into this at all. It's not a matter of thinking. It's a matter of feeling and knowing. I'll never want to change. When you said, "I do", I got the best of all women rolled into one. If you were any better you would have to be imaginary. You're not imaginary by a long way. I can remember! Guess I think you're pretty nice don't I?
Go ahead and dream about Steve all you want to, you devil. As long as they aren't day dreams I don't mind. Someday I'll get even. I'll dream about some peachy red head.
Your tip about writing about the fellows when I don't have anything else to talk about is good. I'll try to remember to do that. Most of them aren't very interesting subjects, but I'll try to tell you anything that is.
Johnny tells me that his wife had another very nice letter from you and you had also sent a picture of us.
She seems to be very pleased. You're nice. Everybody loves you.
I think I know what you mean by, "going through this experience so calmly." I had heard so many fellows say it was so darn hard to go up that gangplank and was all set to feel my knees shake. It really surprised me when it created very little emotional stir, in fact, it was a thousand times easier than saying goodbye to you in front of the Terminal last spring. I was hurtin then. Again, I was surprised at the lack of emotion as the shoreline of the old U.S. faded from sight in the blue distance. Maybe in most ways I'm still hard and unemotional as ever. My own capacity for stirring emotion may be in your direction. I'm plenty stirred and emotional there.
We were well prepared for this to happen. Had been thinking about it for a long time and you weren't there so there really was no separation. I know darn well, if you had been there, like the scenes in the movies, it would have been mighty tough. Only real difference now is, I know I won't have a chance to see you at least once every six months. This will be the longest and better be the last separation.
Gosh, honey, we should get along together. We are so much in love and then everyone seems to be for us. Traditionally, mother's-in-law aren't supposed to be very fond of sons-in-law or daughters-in-law. As you tell me, the whole family seems to be for us. I'm glad. I think my in-law Mom & Pop are very swell too. Like their daughter, couldn't be better.
I'm not half done with this letter yet but my paper is so heavy, I guess I better quit and continue it another time. Tomorrow. You have made some statements and and asked some questions that are going to take a lot of comment. You know, about the homecoming plans and etc. Bye now sweetheart, I'm loving you so much.
Your dough boy that needs an oven
Norm.
Sunday
July 23, 1944
Hi, Sweet and Lovely;
Sunday again and it isn't a duty day. I have planned to make it just a lazy day. Write a few letters and lay around and read. I had planned that last week and then went swimming all day so all I got done was write your letter. That's the way I usually seem to do. Can't stay quiet as long as there is something I want to do. Guess I'll never change in that respect. I don't think there will be as much difference between us in that respect now, unless you are kidding me about somewhat enjoying getting out and working around the yard. We can divide our time and still be close most of the time. I won't spend all my time out and you won't spend all your time in. Honest, honey, I won't ever object to you following me around every place. I'll like it. I'll need a boss to tell me what to do anyhow after this period of army life. They treat a man like a baby that hasn't yet learned to do anything or think for himself. See what a big job you are in for? Still want me to come home? You better. I want to come home. I love you and love you and love you some more.
Just what I thought. The boys are getting up a ball game and I'm going to play. Hard ball too. Bet I'll be a star at that. Haven't had a hard ball in my hand since high school days. That's quite a long time too. Thirteen years already and I've found out that I've wasted most of that time. I really began to live on Sept 8, 1940. Gosh, I was a long time wising up wasn't I? That makes a lot of years we have to make up for. We'll do it too. Another promise. I'm sticking my neck way out in case I'd ever change my mind about you, ain't I? My usually cautious self doesn't enter into this at all. It's not a matter of thinking. It's a matter of feeling and knowing. I'll never want to change. When you said, "I do", I got the best of all women rolled into one. If you were any better you would have to be imaginary. You're not imaginary by a long way. I can remember! Guess I think you're pretty nice don't I?
Go ahead and dream about Steve all you want to, you devil. As long as they aren't day dreams I don't mind. Someday I'll get even. I'll dream about some peachy red head.
Your tip about writing about the fellows when I don't have anything else to talk about is good. I'll try to remember to do that. Most of them aren't very interesting subjects, but I'll try to tell you anything that is.
Johnny tells me that his wife had another very nice letter from you and you had also sent a picture of us.
She seems to be very pleased. You're nice. Everybody loves you.
I think I know what you mean by, "going through this experience so calmly." I had heard so many fellows say it was so darn hard to go up that gangplank and was all set to feel my knees shake. It really surprised me when it created very little emotional stir, in fact, it was a thousand times easier than saying goodbye to you in front of the Terminal last spring. I was hurtin then. Again, I was surprised at the lack of emotion as the shoreline of the old U.S. faded from sight in the blue distance. Maybe in most ways I'm still hard and unemotional as ever. My own capacity for stirring emotion may be in your direction. I'm plenty stirred and emotional there.
We were well prepared for this to happen. Had been thinking about it for a long time and you weren't there so there really was no separation. I know darn well, if you had been there, like the scenes in the movies, it would have been mighty tough. Only real difference now is, I know I won't have a chance to see you at least once every six months. This will be the longest and better be the last separation.
Gosh, honey, we should get along together. We are so much in love and then everyone seems to be for us. Traditionally, mother's-in-law aren't supposed to be very fond of sons-in-law or daughters-in-law. As you tell me, the whole family seems to be for us. I'm glad. I think my in-law Mom & Pop are very swell too. Like their daughter, couldn't be better.
I'm not half done with this letter yet but my paper is so heavy, I guess I better quit and continue it another time. Tomorrow. You have made some statements and and asked some questions that are going to take a lot of comment. You know, about the homecoming plans and etc. Bye now sweetheart, I'm loving you so much.
Your dough boy that needs an oven
Norm.
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Letter # 427 July 22, 1944
New Guinea
Sat. eve.
July 22, 1944
My Sweetheart;
Gosh honey but you are a good looking girl. I have the two new pictures here in front of me. Never saw a better looking girl in my life. I mean it too. One of the boys was looking at the pictures and he wondered what a good looking girl like you ever saw in an old man like me. They all like your looks a lot. I sure wish I had you as close to me right now as you were then. I'd hug you and kiss you and look at you for a while and then - Remember the story of the twenty toes? Uh huh. I sure would. Gotta quit thinking of that. I'll have myself in trouble.
We took the afternoon off and went swimming again. I'm surely getting in my swimming this year aren't I? I like it. It was real rough today. Big waves rolling in all the time. They're fun. I like to lay and float, letting the waves pick me up and drop me. Sometimes today they would lift a good fifteen feet. Look around like having a grandstand seat and then I'd slide down into the trough and could see nothing but sky. The tough job is to fight out far enough to swim. No more than get started and a big wave will wash me back to where I started. Really give a fellow a workout in short order. I have plenty of excess energy to get rid of these days anyhow. Nothing but work to use up my strength and you probably remember I never did enough work to completely wear me out. I usually saved enough to take care of you. I'm loving you.
No letters today. I really didn't expect any after the three dandy's I got yesterday. I think I'll answer
them now.
Your hope that your letter would find me in tip-top shape is realized. I'm always in good shape and at present I'm as good as I have ever been. Of course I have a few little irritations such as jiggers and heat rash but they are very minor ailments. I'm afraid I'll never get my chance to go to a hospital and have a nice red headed nurse take care of me. I've seen a few nurses at the beach that would do very nicely. No red heads though. One of them was built on your general lines. I took a good look too. Several of them in fact. She had a bathing suit that didn't seem to want to entirely cover the places it was designed to cover. A wave slap her and she would very close to flop out. Get me?
I don't quite remember if you guessed the date of my first letter or not. I think I wrote one on Sunday but not sure anymore. That was the first day out. The 28th of May, 1944.
I was wondering if you could make out the V-Mail. I try to get as much on one sheet as I can and I thought it might be too small and close to read. You say they are legible so now I know I won't have to change my style. I was also tickled to hear that at least one of the letters written on more than one sheet, came all at once. You tell me it was one of the sweetest letters I have ever written. I don't doubt it. I know if I succeeded in putting half of my feelings about that night on paper it would have to be sweet. Honey, you'll never realize how many times the memory of that night has comforted me. You were so darn brave, sweet, and beautiful. You really gave me a real send off and a lot of sustaining and inspiring memories. I needed the example you set to give me the courage to go back. I was really hating to go back. I'm not kidding either. You're a wonderful help to me even at this distance.
I wasn't worrying a bit about the Life Insurance or anything else about the home or business. I knew you were taking care of everything as well as I could if I were there. I spend all my thoughts of home on something a lot more important and precious than things like that. I'm talking about my beautiful wife and sweetheart.
I hardly expected the birds to like our feeder so well that they would use it in the summer. I was tickled about it because even one bird had used it. The idea may yet work out. As the song goes, We'll have plenty of time for things like that when the lights go on again all over the world. There are so many things that we are going to have fun doing together around our home. Of course those sideline activities will have to be worked in between the more important matters such as getting acquainted again, having our reunited honeymoon, and maybe raising that family we have been thinking about. How's that sound for a good beginning?
Bye now darling. I'm loving and missing you so much. You're my wife.
Your hubby
Norm.
Sat. eve.
July 22, 1944
My Sweetheart;
Gosh honey but you are a good looking girl. I have the two new pictures here in front of me. Never saw a better looking girl in my life. I mean it too. One of the boys was looking at the pictures and he wondered what a good looking girl like you ever saw in an old man like me. They all like your looks a lot. I sure wish I had you as close to me right now as you were then. I'd hug you and kiss you and look at you for a while and then - Remember the story of the twenty toes? Uh huh. I sure would. Gotta quit thinking of that. I'll have myself in trouble.
We took the afternoon off and went swimming again. I'm surely getting in my swimming this year aren't I? I like it. It was real rough today. Big waves rolling in all the time. They're fun. I like to lay and float, letting the waves pick me up and drop me. Sometimes today they would lift a good fifteen feet. Look around like having a grandstand seat and then I'd slide down into the trough and could see nothing but sky. The tough job is to fight out far enough to swim. No more than get started and a big wave will wash me back to where I started. Really give a fellow a workout in short order. I have plenty of excess energy to get rid of these days anyhow. Nothing but work to use up my strength and you probably remember I never did enough work to completely wear me out. I usually saved enough to take care of you. I'm loving you.
No letters today. I really didn't expect any after the three dandy's I got yesterday. I think I'll answer
them now.
Your hope that your letter would find me in tip-top shape is realized. I'm always in good shape and at present I'm as good as I have ever been. Of course I have a few little irritations such as jiggers and heat rash but they are very minor ailments. I'm afraid I'll never get my chance to go to a hospital and have a nice red headed nurse take care of me. I've seen a few nurses at the beach that would do very nicely. No red heads though. One of them was built on your general lines. I took a good look too. Several of them in fact. She had a bathing suit that didn't seem to want to entirely cover the places it was designed to cover. A wave slap her and she would very close to flop out. Get me?
I don't quite remember if you guessed the date of my first letter or not. I think I wrote one on Sunday but not sure anymore. That was the first day out. The 28th of May, 1944.
I was wondering if you could make out the V-Mail. I try to get as much on one sheet as I can and I thought it might be too small and close to read. You say they are legible so now I know I won't have to change my style. I was also tickled to hear that at least one of the letters written on more than one sheet, came all at once. You tell me it was one of the sweetest letters I have ever written. I don't doubt it. I know if I succeeded in putting half of my feelings about that night on paper it would have to be sweet. Honey, you'll never realize how many times the memory of that night has comforted me. You were so darn brave, sweet, and beautiful. You really gave me a real send off and a lot of sustaining and inspiring memories. I needed the example you set to give me the courage to go back. I was really hating to go back. I'm not kidding either. You're a wonderful help to me even at this distance.
I wasn't worrying a bit about the Life Insurance or anything else about the home or business. I knew you were taking care of everything as well as I could if I were there. I spend all my thoughts of home on something a lot more important and precious than things like that. I'm talking about my beautiful wife and sweetheart.
I hardly expected the birds to like our feeder so well that they would use it in the summer. I was tickled about it because even one bird had used it. The idea may yet work out. As the song goes, We'll have plenty of time for things like that when the lights go on again all over the world. There are so many things that we are going to have fun doing together around our home. Of course those sideline activities will have to be worked in between the more important matters such as getting acquainted again, having our reunited honeymoon, and maybe raising that family we have been thinking about. How's that sound for a good beginning?
Bye now darling. I'm loving and missing you so much. You're my wife.
Your hubby
Norm.
Monday, November 14, 2011
Letter # 426 July 21, 1944
New Guinea
July 21, 1944
My Gorgeous Wife;
Gosh, sweetheart I got three air mail letters from you today. July 3, 4, & 7th. There is another case that really goes to show you really can't tell about the speed of the two types of letters. My last V-mail was July 4 and here I have an airmail from the 7th. There are several of each still missing. Gee, honey I sure do like to get your letters. They mean so much to me. You can write as good a loving as lots of girls could put out in person. You're a very wonderful girl. So wonderful that, as I said last night, I can't find a word expressive enough. I love you darling.
I'm going to hit a few high spots on all the letters and then I'll really answer one or two. The pictures were in one of the letters. If I needed any assurance that you are beautiful and all the other things I say, these pictures are it. You're one grand looking girl. That close up is a dandy picture, especially of you. You show more than a suggestion of the things I like so well. It surely proves you have everything when you take a look at me. Nothing but you could make me look so damn happy. I'll have to take a little credit myself, be it right or wrong. You look pretty happy yourself. Guess I'm kinda nice too.
Your little drawing of the twenty toes is cute only it doesn't end quite right. Anyhow, not now. I guess there was a time when it was true but now, nix. My toes wouldn't point away that easily. Even when they did,
it wouldn't be for very long. Remember the warnings or promises I've made. I mean all of them and like you, think I can back them up. I'm loving you honey, and I'm hurtin all ready. What will I be like by the time I get home again.
I can well imagine how you felt when you got all those letters. I only wish they had all been air mail. I know how I couldn't do any other thing until I had read the first bunch I got from you. I think I got either 7 or 9 in the first installment. Gabby said he wasn't going to open any of his until he had them all in rotation. I told him he was crazy and went after mine. He held out for a while and then couldn't wait any longer either.
Mel's question, "What have you got" only goes to prove my, as you call them, prejudiced statements. I'm not much different than any other man and yet they seem to think I write to my wife more than most fellows. It's because I have such a perfect wife. I know darn well I can't replace her so I have to keep her reminded I'm still around. Beside, I like to write to you. You say you like 'em and I would do most anything to please you. If that isn't love, it will answer until I can do more. I bet they don't understand the "la-de-da" you told them I write about as well as I do. If they knew what was in some of my letters they'd have me arrested for abusing the mails.
I'm very sorry to hear about the troubles Art and Marg are having. Art's eye was bad enough and then to add Margaret's to it, especially at so unfortunate a time. Well, it's plain hell. I'm hoping as hard as I can for them. I know if there is anything you can do to help, you'll do it. Give them my best wishes.
All the old standbys at the lake seem to be dying. Hal and now John Skala. He was a good old boy.
You didn't need to send the clipping from the Gazette to prove you are assistant librarian. I believe everything you say. I see by the clipping that the Gazette is as acurate as ever or else I'm crazy. I'm thinking you taught four years at Weymouth instead of two and they started it as though you had never done anything but teach. If anyone thinks that is all you can do, I'll sure tell 'em different. You may be a hell of a good teacher but you're a hell of a lot better wife. I know.
That about covers one letter and I can't answer another without getting too much letter for the price. I'll work on these others over the weekend.
I've been on C.Q. all day so I deserted the saw mill. When I wake the company in the morning I'll be done with this job for a while again and can go back to the mill. I'm getting quite a kick out of it.
I'm glad, sweetheart to hear that you're as happy as you can be with me away. I want you to be happy and it does me a lot of good to hear you say it. Keep the old chin up, and continue being the wonderful, brave girl you are for a while longer. It can't last forever. I'll come back and help carry the load you are managing so well by yourself. The two of us together can take most anything that comes. I love you, honey.
Your hubby.
Norm.
July 21, 1944
My Gorgeous Wife;
Gosh, sweetheart I got three air mail letters from you today. July 3, 4, & 7th. There is another case that really goes to show you really can't tell about the speed of the two types of letters. My last V-mail was July 4 and here I have an airmail from the 7th. There are several of each still missing. Gee, honey I sure do like to get your letters. They mean so much to me. You can write as good a loving as lots of girls could put out in person. You're a very wonderful girl. So wonderful that, as I said last night, I can't find a word expressive enough. I love you darling.
I'm going to hit a few high spots on all the letters and then I'll really answer one or two. The pictures were in one of the letters. If I needed any assurance that you are beautiful and all the other things I say, these pictures are it. You're one grand looking girl. That close up is a dandy picture, especially of you. You show more than a suggestion of the things I like so well. It surely proves you have everything when you take a look at me. Nothing but you could make me look so damn happy. I'll have to take a little credit myself, be it right or wrong. You look pretty happy yourself. Guess I'm kinda nice too.
Your little drawing of the twenty toes is cute only it doesn't end quite right. Anyhow, not now. I guess there was a time when it was true but now, nix. My toes wouldn't point away that easily. Even when they did,
it wouldn't be for very long. Remember the warnings or promises I've made. I mean all of them and like you, think I can back them up. I'm loving you honey, and I'm hurtin all ready. What will I be like by the time I get home again.
I can well imagine how you felt when you got all those letters. I only wish they had all been air mail. I know how I couldn't do any other thing until I had read the first bunch I got from you. I think I got either 7 or 9 in the first installment. Gabby said he wasn't going to open any of his until he had them all in rotation. I told him he was crazy and went after mine. He held out for a while and then couldn't wait any longer either.
Mel's question, "What have you got" only goes to prove my, as you call them, prejudiced statements. I'm not much different than any other man and yet they seem to think I write to my wife more than most fellows. It's because I have such a perfect wife. I know darn well I can't replace her so I have to keep her reminded I'm still around. Beside, I like to write to you. You say you like 'em and I would do most anything to please you. If that isn't love, it will answer until I can do more. I bet they don't understand the "la-de-da" you told them I write about as well as I do. If they knew what was in some of my letters they'd have me arrested for abusing the mails.
I'm very sorry to hear about the troubles Art and Marg are having. Art's eye was bad enough and then to add Margaret's to it, especially at so unfortunate a time. Well, it's plain hell. I'm hoping as hard as I can for them. I know if there is anything you can do to help, you'll do it. Give them my best wishes.
All the old standbys at the lake seem to be dying. Hal and now John Skala. He was a good old boy.
You didn't need to send the clipping from the Gazette to prove you are assistant librarian. I believe everything you say. I see by the clipping that the Gazette is as acurate as ever or else I'm crazy. I'm thinking you taught four years at Weymouth instead of two and they started it as though you had never done anything but teach. If anyone thinks that is all you can do, I'll sure tell 'em different. You may be a hell of a good teacher but you're a hell of a lot better wife. I know.
That about covers one letter and I can't answer another without getting too much letter for the price. I'll work on these others over the weekend.
I've been on C.Q. all day so I deserted the saw mill. When I wake the company in the morning I'll be done with this job for a while again and can go back to the mill. I'm getting quite a kick out of it.
I'm glad, sweetheart to hear that you're as happy as you can be with me away. I want you to be happy and it does me a lot of good to hear you say it. Keep the old chin up, and continue being the wonderful, brave girl you are for a while longer. It can't last forever. I'll come back and help carry the load you are managing so well by yourself. The two of us together can take most anything that comes. I love you, honey.
Your hubby.
Norm.
Sunday, November 13, 2011
Letter # 425 July 20. 1944
New Guinea
Thurs. Eve.
July 20, 1944
Hello Sweet & Gorgeous;
I guess I should have a dictionary or something so I could find some different and more expressive adjectives to apply to you. You'll be getting tired of the same old line all the time. I'll tell you what. You can look them up for me and tell me all about them in a letter. Don't take that dictionary as a request. You tell me some new ones that you would like to be called and that will be sufficient. It may be necessary to invent a word or words of my own. I doubt if anyone has yet found a word that exactly expresses what I think of you.
You're so darn sweet, loving, loyal, beautiful, intelligent, efficient, and passionate or comfortable as the occasion demands that it's going to be a problem to find the right ready made word. "Perfect Wife" is as near as I can come to it and, as you can see, it's weak. Can't forget that I love you so much I hurt good all over. That must be in there too. You wrestle with it a while. I can't get anyplace.
I know you'll think I'm silly, but damn it all, you are everything to me so why shouldn't I want something real nice and expressive to call you? In case you haven't realized it, I'm in love with you.
I could go on and on like that and still not fully say what I'm feeling or do justice to the subject. Oh hell! I have to leave it go until I can show and tell you all about it at the same time. Does that make you anxious for the day to come ? It doesn't me. No - not much. I'm hurtin plenty. Almost enough to say to hell with everything and take off swimming back to you. Bet I'd be water logged by the time I got there.
I'm all right, sweetheart. I didn't get any letters to answer so I'm just rambling and saying whatever is in my mind. Seems like a certain very lovely girl is taking up most of my thoughts. It's always that way. When I'm busy I only think of you every few minutes but when I'm at leisure I think of you all the time.
This date, July 20, brings back the start of one of my most beautiful memories. Know what it is? You should. You'll probably look it up to catch me so I'll admit I don't know the exact date but it's darn close. Remember the teasing letter I wrote? I said I had some very good news to tell you in the first part of the letter and then didn't tell you what and asked you not to peak. Then after several pages I told you I was coming to Knox and wanted you to come see me there. Sure, you remember. You read it to Jean and it even gave her goose flesh. Wasn't I a devil? The truth about it is I was so happy and excited at the prospect of seeing you again I couldn't help building up the suspense before I told you the great news. I was missing you so much and slowly finding out how much you meant to me and had no slightest expectation of seeing you so soon that it was the most thrilling suspense I had had up to that time. You probably wonder why I say up to that time. Well, darling, since that time you have given me some very thrilling surprises too. Get me? You know, things like the chair incident at Wilkerson's was expressive of. Gosh, honey, I still get a buzz out of it.
I can't imagine Hartman's thinking I was nervous because the bus was late when I was all jumpy and fluttery and darn happy 'cause I was going to have my wife for a while again. They were teasing you all the way down because of the way you acted. It must never have occurred to them that I could have the same reaction. They just don't know me do they? I loves my wife so much. Then we had to spend time looking for rooms and go out to camp before we could really see each other.
I did sneak, no not sneak, just squeezed you and kissed you and - well can I help it if my hand over your shoulder wouldn't behave? Then we sat and talked on the porch swing. Gosh, honey, everything about that three weeks is as clear as though only a week instead of a year has passed. There are lots of things like that, that have happened to us I'll never forget. I wish I could write another letter with as good news in it as that one. Our day is coming and this time I think we can enjoy it to the fullest. No thought of being separated soon again to mar the perfect relationship. Well, honey, this is it for today. I'll be dreaming of you. I love you.
Your doughboy.
Norm.
Thurs. Eve.
July 20, 1944
Hello Sweet & Gorgeous;
I guess I should have a dictionary or something so I could find some different and more expressive adjectives to apply to you. You'll be getting tired of the same old line all the time. I'll tell you what. You can look them up for me and tell me all about them in a letter. Don't take that dictionary as a request. You tell me some new ones that you would like to be called and that will be sufficient. It may be necessary to invent a word or words of my own. I doubt if anyone has yet found a word that exactly expresses what I think of you.
You're so darn sweet, loving, loyal, beautiful, intelligent, efficient, and passionate or comfortable as the occasion demands that it's going to be a problem to find the right ready made word. "Perfect Wife" is as near as I can come to it and, as you can see, it's weak. Can't forget that I love you so much I hurt good all over. That must be in there too. You wrestle with it a while. I can't get anyplace.
I know you'll think I'm silly, but damn it all, you are everything to me so why shouldn't I want something real nice and expressive to call you? In case you haven't realized it, I'm in love with you.
I could go on and on like that and still not fully say what I'm feeling or do justice to the subject. Oh hell! I have to leave it go until I can show and tell you all about it at the same time. Does that make you anxious for the day to come ? It doesn't me. No - not much. I'm hurtin plenty. Almost enough to say to hell with everything and take off swimming back to you. Bet I'd be water logged by the time I got there.
I'm all right, sweetheart. I didn't get any letters to answer so I'm just rambling and saying whatever is in my mind. Seems like a certain very lovely girl is taking up most of my thoughts. It's always that way. When I'm busy I only think of you every few minutes but when I'm at leisure I think of you all the time.
This date, July 20, brings back the start of one of my most beautiful memories. Know what it is? You should. You'll probably look it up to catch me so I'll admit I don't know the exact date but it's darn close. Remember the teasing letter I wrote? I said I had some very good news to tell you in the first part of the letter and then didn't tell you what and asked you not to peak. Then after several pages I told you I was coming to Knox and wanted you to come see me there. Sure, you remember. You read it to Jean and it even gave her goose flesh. Wasn't I a devil? The truth about it is I was so happy and excited at the prospect of seeing you again I couldn't help building up the suspense before I told you the great news. I was missing you so much and slowly finding out how much you meant to me and had no slightest expectation of seeing you so soon that it was the most thrilling suspense I had had up to that time. You probably wonder why I say up to that time. Well, darling, since that time you have given me some very thrilling surprises too. Get me? You know, things like the chair incident at Wilkerson's was expressive of. Gosh, honey, I still get a buzz out of it.
I can't imagine Hartman's thinking I was nervous because the bus was late when I was all jumpy and fluttery and darn happy 'cause I was going to have my wife for a while again. They were teasing you all the way down because of the way you acted. It must never have occurred to them that I could have the same reaction. They just don't know me do they? I loves my wife so much. Then we had to spend time looking for rooms and go out to camp before we could really see each other.
I did sneak, no not sneak, just squeezed you and kissed you and - well can I help it if my hand over your shoulder wouldn't behave? Then we sat and talked on the porch swing. Gosh, honey, everything about that three weeks is as clear as though only a week instead of a year has passed. There are lots of things like that, that have happened to us I'll never forget. I wish I could write another letter with as good news in it as that one. Our day is coming and this time I think we can enjoy it to the fullest. No thought of being separated soon again to mar the perfect relationship. Well, honey, this is it for today. I'll be dreaming of you. I love you.
Your doughboy.
Norm.
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Letter # 424 July 19, 1944
New Guinea
Wed eve.
July 19, 1944
My Sweetheart;
It's rather late for old, "early to bed" me. I've been to the show again tonight. It was a good musical with dancing and skating. "Lady Let's Dance". That Belita gal can sure use her legs. A lot of the scenes reminded me so much of the Ice Follies and Sona's Ice Carnival that we have seen. Again though I wasn't thoroughly happy. There was something missing as always seems to be the case these days. I find myself thinking you must be there by me and when I look I only see G.I.'s. They are company but not the kind of company I'm wanting. You said in one of your letters that you were getting sick of female parties and thought you wouldn't even want to go to another after I come home. Well, that sure goes on my side of the fence too. I never did go very much without you and I surely haven't acquired any desire to be without you in the past year or so. I'll hang on to you rather tightly. I'm not even sure I'll let you go out without me even if you wanted to. I'm going to need an awful lot of you for a long time.
You may not be able to do a perfect job of taking care of me but that assumption must be based on what a person considers a perfect job. Maybe some of the older people wouldn't think your job too perfect, but they are looking at things from a very different point of view than I am. From my point of view you always did a swell job and you've changed for the better in the only way that I might have thought you weren't quite perfect. Get me? You're better now than any expectations I ever had.
I know I used to sew on a few buttons once in a while or wait while you darned a pair of socks, but I never went hungry or got very hard up. Yes, honey, you are very satisfying any way I think about. Best damn girl a man could ever find if he searched the whole world. I've been over quite a bit of it and have never found one that even came close. No getting around it, sweetheart, you were made for me and I'm going to keep you come hell or high water. That's another promise.
You surely did do a good job. Writing four pages in answer to one V-mail. Wish I could do that good.
I didn't get any letters today. I've been answering your July 2 and wandering around just gabbing.
Gus seems to be doing all right at getting home. If he doesn't have to go any farther from home than he has so far it won't be too bad. More power to them. If they enjoy being together as much as we did they'll have a lot of good times.
I'm run down and my empty cot is calling. I'll imagine you are there. Bye, honey. I'm loving you.
Your hubby.
Norm.
Wed eve.
July 19, 1944
My Sweetheart;
It's rather late for old, "early to bed" me. I've been to the show again tonight. It was a good musical with dancing and skating. "Lady Let's Dance". That Belita gal can sure use her legs. A lot of the scenes reminded me so much of the Ice Follies and Sona's Ice Carnival that we have seen. Again though I wasn't thoroughly happy. There was something missing as always seems to be the case these days. I find myself thinking you must be there by me and when I look I only see G.I.'s. They are company but not the kind of company I'm wanting. You said in one of your letters that you were getting sick of female parties and thought you wouldn't even want to go to another after I come home. Well, that sure goes on my side of the fence too. I never did go very much without you and I surely haven't acquired any desire to be without you in the past year or so. I'll hang on to you rather tightly. I'm not even sure I'll let you go out without me even if you wanted to. I'm going to need an awful lot of you for a long time.
You may not be able to do a perfect job of taking care of me but that assumption must be based on what a person considers a perfect job. Maybe some of the older people wouldn't think your job too perfect, but they are looking at things from a very different point of view than I am. From my point of view you always did a swell job and you've changed for the better in the only way that I might have thought you weren't quite perfect. Get me? You're better now than any expectations I ever had.
I know I used to sew on a few buttons once in a while or wait while you darned a pair of socks, but I never went hungry or got very hard up. Yes, honey, you are very satisfying any way I think about. Best damn girl a man could ever find if he searched the whole world. I've been over quite a bit of it and have never found one that even came close. No getting around it, sweetheart, you were made for me and I'm going to keep you come hell or high water. That's another promise.
You surely did do a good job. Writing four pages in answer to one V-mail. Wish I could do that good.
I didn't get any letters today. I've been answering your July 2 and wandering around just gabbing.
Gus seems to be doing all right at getting home. If he doesn't have to go any farther from home than he has so far it won't be too bad. More power to them. If they enjoy being together as much as we did they'll have a lot of good times.
I'm run down and my empty cot is calling. I'll imagine you are there. Bye, honey. I'm loving you.
Your hubby.
Norm.
Friday, November 4, 2011
Letter # 423 July 18, 1944
New Guinea
Tues. eve.
July 18, 1944
Hello Beautiful;
Got another letter from my sweetheart today. You kind of got twisted up on that one I think. You had it dated July 4 and the postmark was July 3. When I started to read it I found it was written on the Sunday you came back from Bub & Bettys'. It must have been the second of July. You hadn't had anything to drink either. Guess you just had too much vacation. My goodness, going out with men and seeing such people as the Louis Bromfields. Getting kinda snooty aren't you? I'm glad you had a good time honey.
This makes two airmail letters and three V-mail since you heard from me. There are still some from June
I haven't gotten. I didn't say but this one today was airmail. Very sweet, complimentary one too. I'll go into detail on it later in this letter.
It rained a light shower last night. The first in a week. That may be a record for all I know. I don't know which is better, dry or wet weather. When it rains all the time it is so damp and steamy and when it doesn't, it's so damn dusty. The dust is real fine and black. Looks like coal smoke. Take a bath and before I get dried off I'm black again.
I'm still in the lumber business. We sawed some rather unsatisfactory boards and then decided to saw out timbers and etc to rebuild the rig. I think it will work better this time. Anyhow it's fun to fool around with. It is set up right on the edge of the jungle and that makes it more interesting. I always was attracted to the woods and this is new and so strange I'm intrigued. Too bad I don't have a hobby of collecting bugs and worms and etc. This seems to be the original incubator for them. All shapes, sizes and colors. Some of the most beautiful butterflies I've ever seen.
Now I'll go back to your letter. I'm sorry you didn't get the airmail letters along with the V-mail. Oh well, I thought you would get the whole bunch all at once. There must be at least another eight that were mailed at the same time. Some of them were continued on two or three sheets. I thought when I did, that you'd probably get one half and have to wait for the rest. Wasn't a very good idea, only I didn't have any other paper. I wanted to write more than I could on one sheet.
So far your airmail has been coming through nearly as well as the V-mail and gosh, honey, I like 'em so much more. I don't have any trouble at all reading your V-mail.
Don't belittle yourself sweetheart. Your writing is lots better than some I get. Look at Margs'. I bet her
V-mail will be very legible.
I guess I explained that I didn't date some of my letters because I was told I couldn't and then the order was changed.
I'm waiting for the big story about your visit with the Bromfields. I imagine it was interesting. Don't get too high hat, honey. Remember your husband is only a poor working man and won't be able to keep up with you.
From what John [Clarius] says I doubt if you will get much news from Bonnie. He says he only says hello, I'm feeling fine. I love you and goodbye. I guess that is about all I say too, only I use a lot more ink and paper doing it. I don't care. I like to ramble on much as though we were talking. Did I ever tell you, you are a very good listener and fun to talk to. You're darn swell in any way. I love you.
Honey, you think way too much of me. I'm not that good. "You're taking it like the man you are and I'm proud of you." I'm glad you think that way but when any compliments for "taking it" are handed out you deserve the lion's share. I'm really proud of you, the way you keep your chin up and write me sweet letters all the time when I know you aren't having it too easy. You're a much better soldier than I. Keep it up, honey. I'm all for you.
You can bet I can't be taken far enough in this world to keep me from thinking of you and missing you. I'd much rather miss you close though. You know, so I could reach out and feel to see if you are really there. Then you say, "Yes, I'm still here." Remember? That's the way I like to miss you. Night darling. I love you.
your hubby.
Norm.
Tues. eve.
July 18, 1944
Hello Beautiful;
Got another letter from my sweetheart today. You kind of got twisted up on that one I think. You had it dated July 4 and the postmark was July 3. When I started to read it I found it was written on the Sunday you came back from Bub & Bettys'. It must have been the second of July. You hadn't had anything to drink either. Guess you just had too much vacation. My goodness, going out with men and seeing such people as the Louis Bromfields. Getting kinda snooty aren't you? I'm glad you had a good time honey.
This makes two airmail letters and three V-mail since you heard from me. There are still some from June
I haven't gotten. I didn't say but this one today was airmail. Very sweet, complimentary one too. I'll go into detail on it later in this letter.
It rained a light shower last night. The first in a week. That may be a record for all I know. I don't know which is better, dry or wet weather. When it rains all the time it is so damp and steamy and when it doesn't, it's so damn dusty. The dust is real fine and black. Looks like coal smoke. Take a bath and before I get dried off I'm black again.
I'm still in the lumber business. We sawed some rather unsatisfactory boards and then decided to saw out timbers and etc to rebuild the rig. I think it will work better this time. Anyhow it's fun to fool around with. It is set up right on the edge of the jungle and that makes it more interesting. I always was attracted to the woods and this is new and so strange I'm intrigued. Too bad I don't have a hobby of collecting bugs and worms and etc. This seems to be the original incubator for them. All shapes, sizes and colors. Some of the most beautiful butterflies I've ever seen.
Now I'll go back to your letter. I'm sorry you didn't get the airmail letters along with the V-mail. Oh well, I thought you would get the whole bunch all at once. There must be at least another eight that were mailed at the same time. Some of them were continued on two or three sheets. I thought when I did, that you'd probably get one half and have to wait for the rest. Wasn't a very good idea, only I didn't have any other paper. I wanted to write more than I could on one sheet.
So far your airmail has been coming through nearly as well as the V-mail and gosh, honey, I like 'em so much more. I don't have any trouble at all reading your V-mail.
Don't belittle yourself sweetheart. Your writing is lots better than some I get. Look at Margs'. I bet her
V-mail will be very legible.
I guess I explained that I didn't date some of my letters because I was told I couldn't and then the order was changed.
I'm waiting for the big story about your visit with the Bromfields. I imagine it was interesting. Don't get too high hat, honey. Remember your husband is only a poor working man and won't be able to keep up with you.
From what John [Clarius] says I doubt if you will get much news from Bonnie. He says he only says hello, I'm feeling fine. I love you and goodbye. I guess that is about all I say too, only I use a lot more ink and paper doing it. I don't care. I like to ramble on much as though we were talking. Did I ever tell you, you are a very good listener and fun to talk to. You're darn swell in any way. I love you.
Honey, you think way too much of me. I'm not that good. "You're taking it like the man you are and I'm proud of you." I'm glad you think that way but when any compliments for "taking it" are handed out you deserve the lion's share. I'm really proud of you, the way you keep your chin up and write me sweet letters all the time when I know you aren't having it too easy. You're a much better soldier than I. Keep it up, honey. I'm all for you.
You can bet I can't be taken far enough in this world to keep me from thinking of you and missing you. I'd much rather miss you close though. You know, so I could reach out and feel to see if you are really there. Then you say, "Yes, I'm still here." Remember? That's the way I like to miss you. Night darling. I love you.
your hubby.
Norm.
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Letter # 422 July 17,1944
New Guinea
July 17,1944
My Darling;
I wish I could put all the expression in that salutation that I'm feeling and would be able to put in the spoken words. I think I'm in a specially sentimental mood tonight anyhow. I've just come from the show. It was
"In Our Time". Ida Lupino playing the lead. If you have seen it you can probably understand my mood. It is one of the best shows I've seen in a long time. The love story mixed into the entire show was very beautiful. It brought a lump in my throat more than once. It reminded me so much of our own love story. Ours is also very beautiful. You're every bit as sweet, generous and understanding as she. Like him, I need you an awful lot. You're my inspiration, my wife and sweetheart.
Now honey, that is over, I'll get back to normal. You say your letters might sound queer or even a bit screwy to me. How must some of these things of mine sound to you? I ramble around a lot and repeat myself time after time and yet never really get things said the way I mean to say them. I mean every word of it though. I hope you can understand what I mean. If you can't here is something you can't mistake. I love you and miss you so damn much I'm hurtin. You're my wife. I love you when I'm happy, I love you when I'm sad. I love you when I'm blue. I'm never very mad atcha so I love you all the time.
I got your July 4 V-mail today. They seem to come a bit quicker than air mail but they make me so damn mad. They aren't at all like you and you can't say much more than hello and goodbye.
I'm surprised at the news that Steve may possibly have been shipped. He really wasn't expecting it at all. If it's true, he'll be hurtin. Leaving a new bride almost before they have time to get acquainted.
I also had a letter from Harold. It was written on May 29 and sent regular mail. It was at the same time that you had been in spreading the news of getting a whole bunch of letters from me at once. He thinks you must be in love the way you bubble over about even getting a letter from me. I can imagine. Your ability to be so pleased and happy over most any little thing is one of the reasons you're so lovable. You're the sweetest thing. I love you.
Johnny got another bunch of pictures from his wife that were taken on the trip to the coast. I have ordered a set, so some time in the next couple months you will get another batch from her. Most of them aren't very good but some are swell. I'll explain them to you some day. Soon, I hope.
Well, sweetheart, it's my bedtime again and another day off the waiting period. Bye darling. I'm loving you and sending lots of squeezes and the kind of kisses you like. I love you.
your soldier.
Norm.
July 17,1944
My Darling;
I wish I could put all the expression in that salutation that I'm feeling and would be able to put in the spoken words. I think I'm in a specially sentimental mood tonight anyhow. I've just come from the show. It was
"In Our Time". Ida Lupino playing the lead. If you have seen it you can probably understand my mood. It is one of the best shows I've seen in a long time. The love story mixed into the entire show was very beautiful. It brought a lump in my throat more than once. It reminded me so much of our own love story. Ours is also very beautiful. You're every bit as sweet, generous and understanding as she. Like him, I need you an awful lot. You're my inspiration, my wife and sweetheart.
Now honey, that is over, I'll get back to normal. You say your letters might sound queer or even a bit screwy to me. How must some of these things of mine sound to you? I ramble around a lot and repeat myself time after time and yet never really get things said the way I mean to say them. I mean every word of it though. I hope you can understand what I mean. If you can't here is something you can't mistake. I love you and miss you so damn much I'm hurtin. You're my wife. I love you when I'm happy, I love you when I'm sad. I love you when I'm blue. I'm never very mad atcha so I love you all the time.
I got your July 4 V-mail today. They seem to come a bit quicker than air mail but they make me so damn mad. They aren't at all like you and you can't say much more than hello and goodbye.
I'm surprised at the news that Steve may possibly have been shipped. He really wasn't expecting it at all. If it's true, he'll be hurtin. Leaving a new bride almost before they have time to get acquainted.
I also had a letter from Harold. It was written on May 29 and sent regular mail. It was at the same time that you had been in spreading the news of getting a whole bunch of letters from me at once. He thinks you must be in love the way you bubble over about even getting a letter from me. I can imagine. Your ability to be so pleased and happy over most any little thing is one of the reasons you're so lovable. You're the sweetest thing. I love you.
Johnny got another bunch of pictures from his wife that were taken on the trip to the coast. I have ordered a set, so some time in the next couple months you will get another batch from her. Most of them aren't very good but some are swell. I'll explain them to you some day. Soon, I hope.
Well, sweetheart, it's my bedtime again and another day off the waiting period. Bye darling. I'm loving you and sending lots of squeezes and the kind of kisses you like. I love you.
your soldier.
Norm.
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Letter # 421 July 16, 1944
New Guinea
Sun. Morn.
July 16, 1944
Hello Sweet and torrid;
Sunday again and a no duty day. Ain't that something? Slept until 7 and had a very good breakfast of French toast, bacon and coffee. Then I sat down, answered Jim's letter and am now starting this one to you. I'll write at it by starts all day I reckon. I know there will be a time out very soon to read a Sunday paper. Imagine that, a Sunday paper, over here in the jungle. It wasn't delivered by a paper boy and isn't exactly new. It's June 4 and arrived in that shipment I spoke of last night. It's the Sioux City Journal. Hanson's paper. I have butts on it as soon as he finishes. Aren't we smart? So far I got the June Reader's Digest and June 17 Colliers'. Lots of things to read. Guess grand pop better get his glasses out. Here's my funnies so I'm taking a break.
There, I've disposed of the funnies so I can come back to this. I haven't changed so much after all. The funnies come first. I know of one thing that would come before them. Can you guess what it is? Yes, that's right. That would probably always have come first if you had been your usual sweet self the first thing in the morning.
I know now that you always have come first with me but it took this final shock of being separated to make me admit it even to myself. I was so stubborn I hated to admit that anything could so stir me from my complacent existence. You have. Am I sorry? I'll say not. I'm tickled pink it happened. I'm very much in love with you, sweetheart. I'm lucky as hell that the only girl for me is such a peach and loves me too.
We have been having beautiful, hot weather for several days. Hasn't rained for almost a week and that is unusual down here. After I again got used to being wet with sweat all the time I don't mind it a bit. Can't work as hard or as steady as I could in the north. Since I've learned to slow down and stop frequently it's not at all bad. It's really swell sleeping too. Sometimes wake up shivering under one blanket. I'm really being a sleepy head too. I was up one night until the very unheard of hour of 11 o'clock. Most of the time I'm in bed sometime between 7 - 9. Get up at 5:30. Means I have from 8 - 10 hrs sleep. One for Ripley isn't it? The nights are so long and very little to do so I go to bed. Close to the equator the days and nights are always of nearly even length. Almost no dawn or twilight period. Only day and night. Boy will I be full of pep and vitality when I come home. Be a wild savage, outdoor man. Think you can like that kind and maybe tame me to civilization again? I'm going to enjoy the process. You'll have little troubles such as trying to get me to keep the window closed and etc. I still sleep raw though.
That's enough rambling. Now back to your letters. I'm glad to hear the rose bushes are finally getting a start and the sheep are letting them alone. Maybe if we give them time enough they will get there yet.
Don't worry about the weeds. Let them go. If you can hire someone late in the fall to cut them it would be a good idea. In the spring they would be a bit of a fire hazard. Not very important. I may be there by spring. I hope. I wouldn't expect you to use that scythe. It's like the lawn mower. Built for a man and a fairly husky one at that. I am proud of the great number of new accomplishments you have acquired. I don't expect and don't want you to become an Amazon. I want my wife just as she has been. She's perfect that way. I love her.
Yes, I knew Mac was engaged. It happened just before we left Polk. I'm wondering if it really means anything or if it was only the pressure of leaving. I know it wouldn't stop him from getting around if there was any getting around to do. Like one of the black boys in the show said, "The theme song of the G.I.'s in New Guinea. I don't get around much anymore." Rather true. That doesn't bother me. I don't want to go places anyhow unless I have you. I'm lost when I do go out. Any time I think of pleasure of any kind you're a big part of it.
Well, honey. I'm run down. I'll quit for today and do some reading and laying around. Oh yes. I would like to have a fairly good world map. At least of all the war fronts. Something you can mail. Not too big and not expensive.
Bye, honey. I'm loving you and missing you.
Your hubby.
Norm.
Sun. Morn.
July 16, 1944
Hello Sweet and torrid;
Sunday again and a no duty day. Ain't that something? Slept until 7 and had a very good breakfast of French toast, bacon and coffee. Then I sat down, answered Jim's letter and am now starting this one to you. I'll write at it by starts all day I reckon. I know there will be a time out very soon to read a Sunday paper. Imagine that, a Sunday paper, over here in the jungle. It wasn't delivered by a paper boy and isn't exactly new. It's June 4 and arrived in that shipment I spoke of last night. It's the Sioux City Journal. Hanson's paper. I have butts on it as soon as he finishes. Aren't we smart? So far I got the June Reader's Digest and June 17 Colliers'. Lots of things to read. Guess grand pop better get his glasses out. Here's my funnies so I'm taking a break.
There, I've disposed of the funnies so I can come back to this. I haven't changed so much after all. The funnies come first. I know of one thing that would come before them. Can you guess what it is? Yes, that's right. That would probably always have come first if you had been your usual sweet self the first thing in the morning.
I know now that you always have come first with me but it took this final shock of being separated to make me admit it even to myself. I was so stubborn I hated to admit that anything could so stir me from my complacent existence. You have. Am I sorry? I'll say not. I'm tickled pink it happened. I'm very much in love with you, sweetheart. I'm lucky as hell that the only girl for me is such a peach and loves me too.
We have been having beautiful, hot weather for several days. Hasn't rained for almost a week and that is unusual down here. After I again got used to being wet with sweat all the time I don't mind it a bit. Can't work as hard or as steady as I could in the north. Since I've learned to slow down and stop frequently it's not at all bad. It's really swell sleeping too. Sometimes wake up shivering under one blanket. I'm really being a sleepy head too. I was up one night until the very unheard of hour of 11 o'clock. Most of the time I'm in bed sometime between 7 - 9. Get up at 5:30. Means I have from 8 - 10 hrs sleep. One for Ripley isn't it? The nights are so long and very little to do so I go to bed. Close to the equator the days and nights are always of nearly even length. Almost no dawn or twilight period. Only day and night. Boy will I be full of pep and vitality when I come home. Be a wild savage, outdoor man. Think you can like that kind and maybe tame me to civilization again? I'm going to enjoy the process. You'll have little troubles such as trying to get me to keep the window closed and etc. I still sleep raw though.
That's enough rambling. Now back to your letters. I'm glad to hear the rose bushes are finally getting a start and the sheep are letting them alone. Maybe if we give them time enough they will get there yet.
Don't worry about the weeds. Let them go. If you can hire someone late in the fall to cut them it would be a good idea. In the spring they would be a bit of a fire hazard. Not very important. I may be there by spring. I hope. I wouldn't expect you to use that scythe. It's like the lawn mower. Built for a man and a fairly husky one at that. I am proud of the great number of new accomplishments you have acquired. I don't expect and don't want you to become an Amazon. I want my wife just as she has been. She's perfect that way. I love her.
Yes, I knew Mac was engaged. It happened just before we left Polk. I'm wondering if it really means anything or if it was only the pressure of leaving. I know it wouldn't stop him from getting around if there was any getting around to do. Like one of the black boys in the show said, "The theme song of the G.I.'s in New Guinea. I don't get around much anymore." Rather true. That doesn't bother me. I don't want to go places anyhow unless I have you. I'm lost when I do go out. Any time I think of pleasure of any kind you're a big part of it.
Well, honey. I'm run down. I'll quit for today and do some reading and laying around. Oh yes. I would like to have a fairly good world map. At least of all the war fronts. Something you can mail. Not too big and not expensive.
Bye, honey. I'm loving you and missing you.
Your hubby.
Norm.
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Letter # 420 July 15, 1944
New Guinea
Sat. Eve.
July 15, 1944
Hello Beautiful;
Another letter from my sweetheart again today. It was an old one June 23. That leaves only the June 20 letter to complete the series up to and including the 25th. I also have three dated June 30. They get here by fits and starts but it isn't so bad. Only two weeks getting here. Of course that means a month for a round trip. A long time to wait for an answer but it could be much worse. One thing I found out today. We don't want to use any regular 3 cent mail. There were sacks of it come in today and all of it was from the last of May and first week of June. That comes on a boat and takes a lot longer. None of that stuff for me. I guess we can stand the expense of air mail stamps. I have an idea there may be a bunch of papers and magazines in this same bunch of mail. They haven't been sorted yet. I haven't had a Gazette for almost two months now. It'll probably look pretty good.
I was reading the July 14 issue of Yank. The "Down Under" publication. I imagine it is the same as yours. Billy Batchelder is mentioned in it. He is still producing plays in Australia. Gosh he has been over here a long time. Hope I don't have to stay as long as that. I'd sure be hurtin. I want and need my wife too much. I loves you, sweetheart.
I got a letter from Jim yesterday. It was on V-mail and just the way he wrote it. I'd sure like to know how far he is from here. He has no A.P.O. so there is nothing to go on to find out. The letter was six days old by his date. No postmark.
We got our sawmill in production today. It's kind of a crude affair and the lumber isn't very even but it is lumber. Isn't all the fault of the mill either. This timber down here isn't much good. Mostly soft and spongy. Guess it grows too fast. Most of it is so full of sap it will hardly float on water. I've seen the sap run from the stump of a freshly cut tree, actually by the quart. Run a steady stream. If maple trees would only do that!
Now I guess I'll answer the missing letter of the 23rd. I'm sorry honey, I can't seem to feel you loving me, damn it. I can dream though and have a very good imagination. I know how nice and sweet you can be. Put all those things together and I can get the best possible results. I'm not very much sold on the results. I'll be plenty glad when I don't have to use my imagination any more. I like to have to pinch myself to be sure I'm still in this world. That's the effect you have on me. I'm sure it's as near heaven on earth as anything can be.
You're silly. Hauling all those old letters of mine along with you. You don't have to guard them so carefully. You'll never need them for blackmail or broken promise suit. If you should loose them it wouldn't be any great loss because I'll be telling you the same things so often you'll get tired of hearing them. Remember? I promised to try and keep telling you what I'm thinking and how I feel rather than let you guess from actions. However, I'm flattered that you think that much of my letters. What must you think of me! I think the same of you and more.
Gosh, honey, you do a lot of worrying about sending me things. There isn't enough that you can send me that you will ever need to send more than your quota of boxes. I've told you the things I can use but I'll list them here again. Smoking tobacco, pipes, cigarette lighters, extra flints and wicks, writing paper, waterproof tobacco pouches, or something similar that I can keep billfold and etc dry. Ungummed cigarette papers, pocket sharpening stone, and of course, I can always stand to eat some of your candy and cookies. The soap situation seems to have cleared up so that isn't necessary anymore. Any film you can get will not go to waste either. There, now you have something to go on again.
Talking of letters, so you can check. I missed writing a few days on the boat, maybe five or six. I don't remember, but since the 20th of June, I have written every day. If any time I don't write, I'll mention it in the next letter.
Now, I guess it's time to go to bed and do a little daydreaming before I go to sleep. Isn't much I can do but dream. As one piece of dough said to the other. I need a little oven.
Night, sweetheart. I'm loving you.
Your doughboy.
Norm.
Sat. Eve.
July 15, 1944
Hello Beautiful;
Another letter from my sweetheart again today. It was an old one June 23. That leaves only the June 20 letter to complete the series up to and including the 25th. I also have three dated June 30. They get here by fits and starts but it isn't so bad. Only two weeks getting here. Of course that means a month for a round trip. A long time to wait for an answer but it could be much worse. One thing I found out today. We don't want to use any regular 3 cent mail. There were sacks of it come in today and all of it was from the last of May and first week of June. That comes on a boat and takes a lot longer. None of that stuff for me. I guess we can stand the expense of air mail stamps. I have an idea there may be a bunch of papers and magazines in this same bunch of mail. They haven't been sorted yet. I haven't had a Gazette for almost two months now. It'll probably look pretty good.
I was reading the July 14 issue of Yank. The "Down Under" publication. I imagine it is the same as yours. Billy Batchelder is mentioned in it. He is still producing plays in Australia. Gosh he has been over here a long time. Hope I don't have to stay as long as that. I'd sure be hurtin. I want and need my wife too much. I loves you, sweetheart.
I got a letter from Jim yesterday. It was on V-mail and just the way he wrote it. I'd sure like to know how far he is from here. He has no A.P.O. so there is nothing to go on to find out. The letter was six days old by his date. No postmark.
We got our sawmill in production today. It's kind of a crude affair and the lumber isn't very even but it is lumber. Isn't all the fault of the mill either. This timber down here isn't much good. Mostly soft and spongy. Guess it grows too fast. Most of it is so full of sap it will hardly float on water. I've seen the sap run from the stump of a freshly cut tree, actually by the quart. Run a steady stream. If maple trees would only do that!
Now I guess I'll answer the missing letter of the 23rd. I'm sorry honey, I can't seem to feel you loving me, damn it. I can dream though and have a very good imagination. I know how nice and sweet you can be. Put all those things together and I can get the best possible results. I'm not very much sold on the results. I'll be plenty glad when I don't have to use my imagination any more. I like to have to pinch myself to be sure I'm still in this world. That's the effect you have on me. I'm sure it's as near heaven on earth as anything can be.
You're silly. Hauling all those old letters of mine along with you. You don't have to guard them so carefully. You'll never need them for blackmail or broken promise suit. If you should loose them it wouldn't be any great loss because I'll be telling you the same things so often you'll get tired of hearing them. Remember? I promised to try and keep telling you what I'm thinking and how I feel rather than let you guess from actions. However, I'm flattered that you think that much of my letters. What must you think of me! I think the same of you and more.
Gosh, honey, you do a lot of worrying about sending me things. There isn't enough that you can send me that you will ever need to send more than your quota of boxes. I've told you the things I can use but I'll list them here again. Smoking tobacco, pipes, cigarette lighters, extra flints and wicks, writing paper, waterproof tobacco pouches, or something similar that I can keep billfold and etc dry. Ungummed cigarette papers, pocket sharpening stone, and of course, I can always stand to eat some of your candy and cookies. The soap situation seems to have cleared up so that isn't necessary anymore. Any film you can get will not go to waste either. There, now you have something to go on again.
Talking of letters, so you can check. I missed writing a few days on the boat, maybe five or six. I don't remember, but since the 20th of June, I have written every day. If any time I don't write, I'll mention it in the next letter.
Now, I guess it's time to go to bed and do a little daydreaming before I go to sleep. Isn't much I can do but dream. As one piece of dough said to the other. I need a little oven.
Night, sweetheart. I'm loving you.
Your doughboy.
Norm.
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Letter # 420 July 14, 1944
New Guinea
Fri. eve.
July 14, 1944
My darling wife;
I rated at mail call today. Three from you, one from Marg, and one from Jim. Yours were: One from back June 19th and one V-mail and one air mail from June 30. So there we have the two kinds coming together. You sure must have been all stirred up that day you first heard. This makes three letters from the same day. I bet it was good to hear again. I know I was sure glad to get your letters. Even though I don't think much of letters as a means of talking to you, they sure do make you seem a lot closer to me. Your letters are so much like you most of the time that it seems you can't be far away. You're sweet darling and gosh, do I love you! You're my wife. Remember?
I'm going to interrupt this now and go see some sort of show they have for us. Bye, for a while honey. I'll be missing not having you to hang on to.
I'm back again. Saw a negro band that call themselves the "Quarter Master Caravan" . They were good too. Most of the members were from orchestras and bands before they came to the army. Having a picture after the performance but I didn't stay for it. I wanted to write to Mummy and then go to bed and dream. The hell of it is: I never seem to be able to dream of you. I don't dream of other girls either. When I do have a dream it's always some very crazy thing I can't even remember in the morning. I can and do day dream. Good too.
Started on a new project today. We mechanics have our work pretty well in order so today we gathered up a bunch of junk and discarded parts and are building a sawmill. Going into production in a few days to saw out enough lumber to put wood floors in all our tents. I'm perfectly satisfied with the dirt floors but I guess they want to keep us busy. Anyhow, it's a change of work and I always did like that kind.
I see your letter of the 19th needs some comments, some of which I have already answered. This is the letter in which you tell of receiving the pictures from Mrs. Clarius. I had already talked about that last night I believe. You were probably right about seeing the knife on my belt although it could have been my canteen. They were both there. I only saw the pictures for a moment and don't remember much about them. No, I don't care for any bigger knife. I never intend to use it for anything but a hunting knife and it's plenty good. If I ever need a lethal instrument I don't intend to be close enough to use a knife.
Make up your mind about Brown, will you? He's a regular man in most ways. The tall blond fellow you ask about is Pfc. Earl Hanson from Sioux City. He is the driver of our maintenance half track and helps us in the shop. I told him you said he looked like Mickey's friend and he says he had been told that some fellow in Nebraska was his double. I know this friend of Mickey's was from someplace out there. Would be kind of funny if it was the same fellow. Hanson isn't as big though, as you say this fellow is. About the same weight and an inch shorter than I am. That picture of all the maintenance men was taken the morning we left Polk. One of them is Gebhardt. Clarius is more or less attached to us. Part time as peep or truck driver and helps with the mechanic work. Are you acquainted now?
June 26th letter. You did start that letter rather abruptly and surprisingly. "J.C. I've been out with a man." It did surprise me and I wondered who the lucky devil was and then you explained. I wouldn't care if it had been some other man. I know it would be innocent and I'd trust you anytime. Wouldn't even blame you if I couldn't trust you. If I had all the opportunities you must have, I don't know if I would be so worthy of trust or not. It isn't hard to resist temptation if it isn't there.
Don't strain yourself trying to keep up with Steve's estimation of me. I may be a better looking man physically than I was when I left but as far as really being a better man, I doubt it. I though I was a pretty good man then. How about it?
You say you need a lot of taking care of. What do you think I need? We'll have out hands full of taking care of each other. I need you so much. Everything I do seems to have the inspiration in you. That keeps me going and looking forward to the wonderful days coming. May they be soon. Bye, sweetheart. I love you.
your hubby.
Norm.
Fri. eve.
July 14, 1944
My darling wife;
I rated at mail call today. Three from you, one from Marg, and one from Jim. Yours were: One from back June 19th and one V-mail and one air mail from June 30. So there we have the two kinds coming together. You sure must have been all stirred up that day you first heard. This makes three letters from the same day. I bet it was good to hear again. I know I was sure glad to get your letters. Even though I don't think much of letters as a means of talking to you, they sure do make you seem a lot closer to me. Your letters are so much like you most of the time that it seems you can't be far away. You're sweet darling and gosh, do I love you! You're my wife. Remember?
I'm going to interrupt this now and go see some sort of show they have for us. Bye, for a while honey. I'll be missing not having you to hang on to.
I'm back again. Saw a negro band that call themselves the "Quarter Master Caravan" . They were good too. Most of the members were from orchestras and bands before they came to the army. Having a picture after the performance but I didn't stay for it. I wanted to write to Mummy and then go to bed and dream. The hell of it is: I never seem to be able to dream of you. I don't dream of other girls either. When I do have a dream it's always some very crazy thing I can't even remember in the morning. I can and do day dream. Good too.
Started on a new project today. We mechanics have our work pretty well in order so today we gathered up a bunch of junk and discarded parts and are building a sawmill. Going into production in a few days to saw out enough lumber to put wood floors in all our tents. I'm perfectly satisfied with the dirt floors but I guess they want to keep us busy. Anyhow, it's a change of work and I always did like that kind.
I see your letter of the 19th needs some comments, some of which I have already answered. This is the letter in which you tell of receiving the pictures from Mrs. Clarius. I had already talked about that last night I believe. You were probably right about seeing the knife on my belt although it could have been my canteen. They were both there. I only saw the pictures for a moment and don't remember much about them. No, I don't care for any bigger knife. I never intend to use it for anything but a hunting knife and it's plenty good. If I ever need a lethal instrument I don't intend to be close enough to use a knife.
Make up your mind about Brown, will you? He's a regular man in most ways. The tall blond fellow you ask about is Pfc. Earl Hanson from Sioux City. He is the driver of our maintenance half track and helps us in the shop. I told him you said he looked like Mickey's friend and he says he had been told that some fellow in Nebraska was his double. I know this friend of Mickey's was from someplace out there. Would be kind of funny if it was the same fellow. Hanson isn't as big though, as you say this fellow is. About the same weight and an inch shorter than I am. That picture of all the maintenance men was taken the morning we left Polk. One of them is Gebhardt. Clarius is more or less attached to us. Part time as peep or truck driver and helps with the mechanic work. Are you acquainted now?
June 26th letter. You did start that letter rather abruptly and surprisingly. "J.C. I've been out with a man." It did surprise me and I wondered who the lucky devil was and then you explained. I wouldn't care if it had been some other man. I know it would be innocent and I'd trust you anytime. Wouldn't even blame you if I couldn't trust you. If I had all the opportunities you must have, I don't know if I would be so worthy of trust or not. It isn't hard to resist temptation if it isn't there.
Don't strain yourself trying to keep up with Steve's estimation of me. I may be a better looking man physically than I was when I left but as far as really being a better man, I doubt it. I though I was a pretty good man then. How about it?
You say you need a lot of taking care of. What do you think I need? We'll have out hands full of taking care of each other. I need you so much. Everything I do seems to have the inspiration in you. That keeps me going and looking forward to the wonderful days coming. May they be soon. Bye, sweetheart. I love you.
your hubby.
Norm.
Monday, October 17, 2011
Letter # 419 July 13, 1944
New Guinea
Thurs. Eve.
July 13, 1944
My Darling;
I skipped out this afternoon and went swimming again. I wasn't the only one. Brown, Mac, and I all took off. We thought we had been working enough and needed a rest. That isn't really true, but it made a nice excuse. The swimming was wonderful. Big breakers coming in, some as high as seven or eight feet. They are fun. Either dive through them or jump up and swim to the top of them and slide down the other side. Like going down a big hill on a sled. Then again, wait until they get almost on top of you and then start swimming toward shore and let them carry you along. Wash you way up on the beach. I'm really spoiled for fresh water swimming now. The salt water is the stuff. Doesn't even taste bad after the first few times.
Got another bunch of coconuts too. John Clarius has made a pair of climbers like the linemen wear so it isn't any trouble to get them now. I can really eat them too.
My, my honey, such language for a school teacher and librarian and very sweet lady. All over such a small thing as V-mail forms too. However, I feel exactly the same about them. I like to hear you swear anyhow. Tickles me a lot at times. Remember the times you have embarrassed yourself? I bet Hal Burton remembered it until he died. Here's a little secret though. I like the V-mail except when I'm writing to you. Very good excuse to write a short letter.
Ronnie [Nichols] was very right about the boat ride. I sure had a dilly. It is funny that he remembers me. I doubt very much that he does. I expect he hears my name mentioned often enough to get it and connects it with you. He is a cute little bugger. If all kids were like that no one could kick a bit.
I can't imagine what a big turtle was doing in our front yard. Don't suppose he had heard about us planning a lake out back and was coming to see if he could find a new home. He sure was rather out of place there. We surely do have all kinds of wild friends there don't we? That makes me think of the mouse situation. Have you had any more since I plugged up the hole?
Don't be disappointed that your Hawaiian plans didn't work. It really doesn't matter. It's probably a lot wilder over here but no different in any other respect. Safe as in La.
I was in slightly better financial condition than Mickey, but I hadn't spent a couple months with my wife, previous to going over. That costs money as we both know. I never got any more good from money spent than I did from that. I was hoping to spend that $250 I sent you in the same manner. Now it will have to wait but we'll have the good time anyhow. Postponed, damn it, for a time. I love you, beautiful. Yes, you are too. So there. You're the best girl I ever saw. Not only in some ways, but in all ways. One in several million. Go ahead and say I'm prejudiced or anything you want to. It won't change my mind. I have very well set opinions along that line. I'm in love with you.
Your lover
Norm.
Thurs. Eve.
July 13, 1944
My Darling;
I skipped out this afternoon and went swimming again. I wasn't the only one. Brown, Mac, and I all took off. We thought we had been working enough and needed a rest. That isn't really true, but it made a nice excuse. The swimming was wonderful. Big breakers coming in, some as high as seven or eight feet. They are fun. Either dive through them or jump up and swim to the top of them and slide down the other side. Like going down a big hill on a sled. Then again, wait until they get almost on top of you and then start swimming toward shore and let them carry you along. Wash you way up on the beach. I'm really spoiled for fresh water swimming now. The salt water is the stuff. Doesn't even taste bad after the first few times.
Got another bunch of coconuts too. John Clarius has made a pair of climbers like the linemen wear so it isn't any trouble to get them now. I can really eat them too.
My, my honey, such language for a school teacher and librarian and very sweet lady. All over such a small thing as V-mail forms too. However, I feel exactly the same about them. I like to hear you swear anyhow. Tickles me a lot at times. Remember the times you have embarrassed yourself? I bet Hal Burton remembered it until he died. Here's a little secret though. I like the V-mail except when I'm writing to you. Very good excuse to write a short letter.
Ronnie [Nichols] was very right about the boat ride. I sure had a dilly. It is funny that he remembers me. I doubt very much that he does. I expect he hears my name mentioned often enough to get it and connects it with you. He is a cute little bugger. If all kids were like that no one could kick a bit.
I can't imagine what a big turtle was doing in our front yard. Don't suppose he had heard about us planning a lake out back and was coming to see if he could find a new home. He sure was rather out of place there. We surely do have all kinds of wild friends there don't we? That makes me think of the mouse situation. Have you had any more since I plugged up the hole?
Don't be disappointed that your Hawaiian plans didn't work. It really doesn't matter. It's probably a lot wilder over here but no different in any other respect. Safe as in La.
I was in slightly better financial condition than Mickey, but I hadn't spent a couple months with my wife, previous to going over. That costs money as we both know. I never got any more good from money spent than I did from that. I was hoping to spend that $250 I sent you in the same manner. Now it will have to wait but we'll have the good time anyhow. Postponed, damn it, for a time. I love you, beautiful. Yes, you are too. So there. You're the best girl I ever saw. Not only in some ways, but in all ways. One in several million. Go ahead and say I'm prejudiced or anything you want to. It won't change my mind. I have very well set opinions along that line. I'm in love with you.
Your lover
Norm.
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Letter # 418 July 12, 1944
New Guinea
Wed eve
July 12, 1944
Hello Sweet and lovable;
Gee, honey, I'm as thrilled as you were to hear that you had gotten my first letters. Rather that Mom and Jean had them and were sending them to you. I had been waiting to hear that news. While I was practically sure you would hear by the first, it is a relief to know for sure. Of course they are only the ones written on the boat, but the others should follow closely and now we can talk again. You report all six of the first ones to be V-mail. There should be two or three regular air mail coming along with them.
I interrupted this to go to the show. Rather good. "Ladies Courageous". They had too damn many girls in it. Couldn't get them all straight. It was good and I enjoyed it. I'm like you say, Hurts when I see men with their girls or wives. I sometimes wonder if I want to go, for that reason. Makes me realize how much I'm missing being with you. I know it all the time only the feeling is kind of dormant until stirred up by something like that. I am very easily ignited these days. I'd burst plumb into flame at first sight of you.
Now I guess I can get back to the starting theme of this letter. The way mail comes over here it's hard to tell which is faster. Today I got yours of the 25th. I had the V-mail of the 25th three days ago but on the other hand, I also got an air mail from the 27th and a V-mail from the 30th today. There are still several back ones missing. You can make your own guess from that. For my part, the possible few days difference is more than made up by the air mail letter. It takes so long anyhow that a few more days makes little difference. Whenever there is anything really important I'll use V-mail. Otherwise I think I shall stick to this kind. Neither is private in my case, while in yours, airmail is.
Have I told you that I love you? Well, I do love you so much. I hurt good all over. You're the best wife ever built. I won't retract that statement either.
You also mention the letter from New Iberia. It was kind of funny. I didn't get my mail as soon as her
husband did and he had just finished telling me that his wife had received a very nice letter from Mrs. Effinger, thanking her for the pictures and asking her to write. Then I opened yours and you mention hers. It must have been her reply to your request. Here's more proof that you are a very special kind of person. Mrs. Clarius said she thought you must be a very nice person. You can even impress people by your letters. Is it any wonder I love you? I'm damn lucky some other guy didn't get you first. You're sweet.
Now, here is something else interesting. Remember the fellow I told you about? He had gotten caught using Army gasoline and was restricted because of it at the time he was supposed to get married to the girl he had gotten in trouble. This John Clarius is the fellow, and Mrs. Bonnie Clarius is the girl. They were married three weeks before we left Polk and then they found that no baby was coming. They have no regrets and seem to be very happy about the whole thing. I never met her but I saw her close several times. Tiny thing. Weighs less than 100 I imagine. No shape like I like 'em, but she has a very pretty face. Part French. Mass of pretty black hair, black eyes, and light complexion. That's the girl you are corresponding with. Maybe that will make you a bit more acquainted with her.
You keep on planning on our own special day only you can stop planning on what kind of day it will be. It's beyond plans. Dreaming and anticipating is all that I think necessary. I know what, and you better know the same thing. I just had a bad thought. What if you are - well, you know. That would be bad but only a very temporary disappointment. I'm loving you.
So all the boys seem to be going over. Fred Hazen and Tony. You have a lot of war widows now.
You can keep on telling yourself that I'm alright and will be. Still take more than this little business to keep me away from you a minute longer than necessary. I'll be home one of these days none the worse for wear. I'll need an awful lot of loving and tenderness to chase away all the accumulated loneliness and quite a bit of your cooking to replace the old padding on my carcass. Those little things you know how to handle and will do an efficient and very satisfactory job of it in no time. I'm going to love that transformation. I might even play hard to cure in order to make it take longer than is really necessary. I'm thrilling in anticipation already. Night, sweetheart. I love you and love you.
Your hubby.
Norm.
Wed eve
July 12, 1944
Hello Sweet and lovable;
Gee, honey, I'm as thrilled as you were to hear that you had gotten my first letters. Rather that Mom and Jean had them and were sending them to you. I had been waiting to hear that news. While I was practically sure you would hear by the first, it is a relief to know for sure. Of course they are only the ones written on the boat, but the others should follow closely and now we can talk again. You report all six of the first ones to be V-mail. There should be two or three regular air mail coming along with them.
I interrupted this to go to the show. Rather good. "Ladies Courageous". They had too damn many girls in it. Couldn't get them all straight. It was good and I enjoyed it. I'm like you say, Hurts when I see men with their girls or wives. I sometimes wonder if I want to go, for that reason. Makes me realize how much I'm missing being with you. I know it all the time only the feeling is kind of dormant until stirred up by something like that. I am very easily ignited these days. I'd burst plumb into flame at first sight of you.
Now I guess I can get back to the starting theme of this letter. The way mail comes over here it's hard to tell which is faster. Today I got yours of the 25th. I had the V-mail of the 25th three days ago but on the other hand, I also got an air mail from the 27th and a V-mail from the 30th today. There are still several back ones missing. You can make your own guess from that. For my part, the possible few days difference is more than made up by the air mail letter. It takes so long anyhow that a few more days makes little difference. Whenever there is anything really important I'll use V-mail. Otherwise I think I shall stick to this kind. Neither is private in my case, while in yours, airmail is.
Have I told you that I love you? Well, I do love you so much. I hurt good all over. You're the best wife ever built. I won't retract that statement either.
You also mention the letter from New Iberia. It was kind of funny. I didn't get my mail as soon as her
husband did and he had just finished telling me that his wife had received a very nice letter from Mrs. Effinger, thanking her for the pictures and asking her to write. Then I opened yours and you mention hers. It must have been her reply to your request. Here's more proof that you are a very special kind of person. Mrs. Clarius said she thought you must be a very nice person. You can even impress people by your letters. Is it any wonder I love you? I'm damn lucky some other guy didn't get you first. You're sweet.
Now, here is something else interesting. Remember the fellow I told you about? He had gotten caught using Army gasoline and was restricted because of it at the time he was supposed to get married to the girl he had gotten in trouble. This John Clarius is the fellow, and Mrs. Bonnie Clarius is the girl. They were married three weeks before we left Polk and then they found that no baby was coming. They have no regrets and seem to be very happy about the whole thing. I never met her but I saw her close several times. Tiny thing. Weighs less than 100 I imagine. No shape like I like 'em, but she has a very pretty face. Part French. Mass of pretty black hair, black eyes, and light complexion. That's the girl you are corresponding with. Maybe that will make you a bit more acquainted with her.
You keep on planning on our own special day only you can stop planning on what kind of day it will be. It's beyond plans. Dreaming and anticipating is all that I think necessary. I know what, and you better know the same thing. I just had a bad thought. What if you are - well, you know. That would be bad but only a very temporary disappointment. I'm loving you.
So all the boys seem to be going over. Fred Hazen and Tony. You have a lot of war widows now.
You can keep on telling yourself that I'm alright and will be. Still take more than this little business to keep me away from you a minute longer than necessary. I'll be home one of these days none the worse for wear. I'll need an awful lot of loving and tenderness to chase away all the accumulated loneliness and quite a bit of your cooking to replace the old padding on my carcass. Those little things you know how to handle and will do an efficient and very satisfactory job of it in no time. I'm going to love that transformation. I might even play hard to cure in order to make it take longer than is really necessary. I'm thrilling in anticipation already. Night, sweetheart. I love you and love you.
Your hubby.
Norm.
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Letter # 417 July 11, 1944
New Guinea
Tues. eve.
July 11, 1944
My Sweetheart;
Now that I'm working every day all day I don't have so much to write about. I've caught up on all your letters. None again today. I had been very lucky so far and got mail nearly every day. I'm not complaining, honey. I know you are writing all the time. It's only that they either don't hit a plane or they can't get them all sorted all the time. I'll get a pile of them all at once one of these days. I imagine that when they start coming with the new A.P.O. they will come faster. Gosh, I like your letters. They are all I can have of you, sweetheart. I want as much as I can get. You have done such a swell job all this time. You haven't missed writing every day but very few times. That's what I call a record to be proud of. You're sweet. I love you. You even write after being out all evening and should be getting your sleep. Keep it up, honey. I love 'em.
Gosh, honey, it's three months all ready since I last saw you. Time is rolling by but I haven't by any means forgotten that wonderful nine days or that last night when you were so sweet and beautiful. You were too, beautiful. Most beautiful girl I ever looked at. I loved you so much I could hardly talk. I think I spent most of my time looking at you. Acting like a kid with his first case of puppy love. It is my first case of love but it's way out grown the puppy part.
I must be slipping, honey. I've been trying to remember the date when I gave you the rings and I can't be sure. I think it was the 14th of July. Oh I know the year and month. I'm not that bad yet. I think I surprised you with them too. At least I got all the reaction I expected from them. You practically hugged me to death and weren't a bit stingy with the kisses either. Then you had to run up and wake your folks and show them.
Couldn't wait until morning could you? I really didn't expect you to think that much of them. After all, we had been engaged, verbally, for three years. If I had known they meant so much to you I might have given them to you sooner. You made me feel like I had done something real big.
I don't think I ever told you before. I think it was the Christmas before that. I couldn't think of a thing to get for you. We were over at Ed & Betty's and I asked her for a suggestion. The rings were her suggestion, only, of course she said it in a round about way. When I said, "No, not yet." she wouldn't say another word. I guess I was awful slow in a lot of ways, wasn't I? That was before you had thoroughly cracked my hard shell. I hope I have changed a little now. Not so indendant maybe. I know I'm very much dependant on you. Can't even imagine what life would be like without you. Everything I do, think or plan seems to center around you. Gosh it's swell honey. Wonderful feeling to love and be loved. I'm sure glad I gotcha, honey, even if I don't always act like it. I'll act like it for some time when I come home. I'll hang around you so much you'll get sick of seeing me and wish I was back in the army again.
Night again, sweetheart. I don't think I mentioned it but I love you so much.
Your hubby.
Norm.
Tues. eve.
July 11, 1944
My Sweetheart;
Now that I'm working every day all day I don't have so much to write about. I've caught up on all your letters. None again today. I had been very lucky so far and got mail nearly every day. I'm not complaining, honey. I know you are writing all the time. It's only that they either don't hit a plane or they can't get them all sorted all the time. I'll get a pile of them all at once one of these days. I imagine that when they start coming with the new A.P.O. they will come faster. Gosh, I like your letters. They are all I can have of you, sweetheart. I want as much as I can get. You have done such a swell job all this time. You haven't missed writing every day but very few times. That's what I call a record to be proud of. You're sweet. I love you. You even write after being out all evening and should be getting your sleep. Keep it up, honey. I love 'em.
Gosh, honey, it's three months all ready since I last saw you. Time is rolling by but I haven't by any means forgotten that wonderful nine days or that last night when you were so sweet and beautiful. You were too, beautiful. Most beautiful girl I ever looked at. I loved you so much I could hardly talk. I think I spent most of my time looking at you. Acting like a kid with his first case of puppy love. It is my first case of love but it's way out grown the puppy part.
I must be slipping, honey. I've been trying to remember the date when I gave you the rings and I can't be sure. I think it was the 14th of July. Oh I know the year and month. I'm not that bad yet. I think I surprised you with them too. At least I got all the reaction I expected from them. You practically hugged me to death and weren't a bit stingy with the kisses either. Then you had to run up and wake your folks and show them.
Couldn't wait until morning could you? I really didn't expect you to think that much of them. After all, we had been engaged, verbally, for three years. If I had known they meant so much to you I might have given them to you sooner. You made me feel like I had done something real big.
I don't think I ever told you before. I think it was the Christmas before that. I couldn't think of a thing to get for you. We were over at Ed & Betty's and I asked her for a suggestion. The rings were her suggestion, only, of course she said it in a round about way. When I said, "No, not yet." she wouldn't say another word. I guess I was awful slow in a lot of ways, wasn't I? That was before you had thoroughly cracked my hard shell. I hope I have changed a little now. Not so indendant maybe. I know I'm very much dependant on you. Can't even imagine what life would be like without you. Everything I do, think or plan seems to center around you. Gosh it's swell honey. Wonderful feeling to love and be loved. I'm sure glad I gotcha, honey, even if I don't always act like it. I'll act like it for some time when I come home. I'll hang around you so much you'll get sick of seeing me and wish I was back in the army again.
Night again, sweetheart. I don't think I mentioned it but I love you so much.
Your hubby.
Norm.
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Letter # 416 July 10, 1944
New Guinea
Monday Eve.
July 10, 1944
My Darling;
This is going to be one of my short notes again. I'm working all day now and then this evening I went to the show. It was "Duberry was a Lady". Good music and darn nice looking girls and that's about all. I never did care much about Red Skelton. Even over here I can't appreciate him.
We have gotten a small generator in action and have a place in the recreation section where we can use a radio. Hanson, one of the boys in our tent, has one he brought with him, so we are now able to get some rebroadcasts from Australia and also some news. Heard Jack Benny last night. The news also sounds encouraging, especially in Europe. I'm hoping and praying it will break soon and I can get back home to you again. I love you, sweetheart.
No letters for a couple days now and I'm all caught up on your letters, finally. I have them all up to the 18th and one as recent as the 25th. I hope you are getting mine in good shape.
Honey, I now have another accomplishment. I've turned artist??? At least I'm trying. Last night I didn't have anything to do so I got out a sheet of V-Mail and tried to design a greeting card. Remember we saw some that fellows had done. Well, I got something, even if not very artistic. I'm going to send it to you anyhow. Remember it's only a first try. I may improve. If I'm going to send you any cards they'll have to be "homemade."
Well honey, this is all for tonight. I'll sty at home tomorrow and try to write a better letter. Night, my darling wife, I love you and miss you like hell.
your hubby.
Norm.
Monday Eve.
July 10, 1944
My Darling;
This is going to be one of my short notes again. I'm working all day now and then this evening I went to the show. It was "Duberry was a Lady". Good music and darn nice looking girls and that's about all. I never did care much about Red Skelton. Even over here I can't appreciate him.
We have gotten a small generator in action and have a place in the recreation section where we can use a radio. Hanson, one of the boys in our tent, has one he brought with him, so we are now able to get some rebroadcasts from Australia and also some news. Heard Jack Benny last night. The news also sounds encouraging, especially in Europe. I'm hoping and praying it will break soon and I can get back home to you again. I love you, sweetheart.
No letters for a couple days now and I'm all caught up on your letters, finally. I have them all up to the 18th and one as recent as the 25th. I hope you are getting mine in good shape.
Honey, I now have another accomplishment. I've turned artist??? At least I'm trying. Last night I didn't have anything to do so I got out a sheet of V-Mail and tried to design a greeting card. Remember we saw some that fellows had done. Well, I got something, even if not very artistic. I'm going to send it to you anyhow. Remember it's only a first try. I may improve. If I'm going to send you any cards they'll have to be "homemade."
Well honey, this is all for tonight. I'll sty at home tomorrow and try to write a better letter. Night, my darling wife, I love you and miss you like hell.
your hubby.
Norm.
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Letter # 415 July 9, 1944
New Guinea
Sun. afternoon
July 9, 1944
Hello Sweetness;
How's my lovely today? Sweet and lovable as ever I bet. Wish I could find out by being with you for a while. I love you and miss you so much honey. I'm very well. Just finished all my chores and can spend the rest of the afternoon writing to you and maybe doing a little reading. I had a few books that I hauled off the boat with me. This is the last. It's "Kings Row" by Henry Bellamann. Have you ever read it? If not you might enjoy it. A bit racy in spots. You always liked that kind of book.
This paper is damn poor. It has feathers that catch on the pen point and smear. I stole it so I can't kick.
Worked this morning and up until now this afternoon. I have been doing my laundry. Had quite a lot of it too. I sweat so much I don't like to wear them more than a couple days even if they still look clean. I had five complete sets of suntans and fatigues and lots of socks dirty. I don't wear underclothes anymore [or should I say again] so I save that much washing. I'm not lazy. I don't want any more clothes on than necessary. If it was allowed I think I'd go native and only wear a towel or old feed sack wrapped around the waist. Sure looks comfortable. We are supposed to wear full uniform at all times, even leggings. Only a lot of the time I discard the shirt and that helps a lot. I'm brown as an Indian too. All the excess I put on at home and at Stoneman is gone and I'm like I used to be 10 years ago. You can believe it or not but I now have a 31 inch waist. Aren't I smart? Streamlined again. Don't let that scare you. I'm perfectly all right. Never felt any better, physically in my life. It's impossible for anyone to be active and carry any excess in the tropics. Like I was when you first saw me, almost a year ago in Louisville. Remember? You complained a very little bit about me being bony. I don't think you'll forget and I don't think you minded very much either. Didn't act like it as I remember.
I see in reading over your letter of the 21st that you haven't forgotten much of that grand three weeks. That was only a sample of what is coming for us after this. By sample I only mean it will last so much longer. I'm not braggart enough to mean anything else, although I'm not so sure we won't have a better score this time. The way I feel it could be possible. Then the new Babe and what she seems to have in mind. Well make your own guess and set your own quota. I remember the chair episode, also the bath tub one which wasn't so successful. You're funny but gosh how I love you that way.
You can bet your life I like to remember back to some of those times. The past is all I have to remember and the future to dream about. The present? Well it's kind of a dead period. Only waiting for the day when we can take up that future and make it all as good as the short periods of living we've had in the past year. We will too. I'm confident of that. If I ever kinda forget you can quickly put me straight with a small reference to the army period.
I've been loving you in this letter. Did you feel it? Anyhow, I was and am all the time. Bye, sweetheart. I love you.
Your lover
Norm.
Sun. afternoon
July 9, 1944
Hello Sweetness;
How's my lovely today? Sweet and lovable as ever I bet. Wish I could find out by being with you for a while. I love you and miss you so much honey. I'm very well. Just finished all my chores and can spend the rest of the afternoon writing to you and maybe doing a little reading. I had a few books that I hauled off the boat with me. This is the last. It's "Kings Row" by Henry Bellamann. Have you ever read it? If not you might enjoy it. A bit racy in spots. You always liked that kind of book.
This paper is damn poor. It has feathers that catch on the pen point and smear. I stole it so I can't kick.
Worked this morning and up until now this afternoon. I have been doing my laundry. Had quite a lot of it too. I sweat so much I don't like to wear them more than a couple days even if they still look clean. I had five complete sets of suntans and fatigues and lots of socks dirty. I don't wear underclothes anymore [or should I say again] so I save that much washing. I'm not lazy. I don't want any more clothes on than necessary. If it was allowed I think I'd go native and only wear a towel or old feed sack wrapped around the waist. Sure looks comfortable. We are supposed to wear full uniform at all times, even leggings. Only a lot of the time I discard the shirt and that helps a lot. I'm brown as an Indian too. All the excess I put on at home and at Stoneman is gone and I'm like I used to be 10 years ago. You can believe it or not but I now have a 31 inch waist. Aren't I smart? Streamlined again. Don't let that scare you. I'm perfectly all right. Never felt any better, physically in my life. It's impossible for anyone to be active and carry any excess in the tropics. Like I was when you first saw me, almost a year ago in Louisville. Remember? You complained a very little bit about me being bony. I don't think you'll forget and I don't think you minded very much either. Didn't act like it as I remember.
I see in reading over your letter of the 21st that you haven't forgotten much of that grand three weeks. That was only a sample of what is coming for us after this. By sample I only mean it will last so much longer. I'm not braggart enough to mean anything else, although I'm not so sure we won't have a better score this time. The way I feel it could be possible. Then the new Babe and what she seems to have in mind. Well make your own guess and set your own quota. I remember the chair episode, also the bath tub one which wasn't so successful. You're funny but gosh how I love you that way.
You can bet your life I like to remember back to some of those times. The past is all I have to remember and the future to dream about. The present? Well it's kind of a dead period. Only waiting for the day when we can take up that future and make it all as good as the short periods of living we've had in the past year. We will too. I'm confident of that. If I ever kinda forget you can quickly put me straight with a small reference to the army period.
I've been loving you in this letter. Did you feel it? Anyhow, I was and am all the time. Bye, sweetheart. I love you.
Your lover
Norm.
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Letter # 414 July 8, 1944
New Guinea.
Sat. Eve.
July 8, 1944
My Beautiful Wife;
You are so. Don't just grin and think I'm hopelessly disillusioned. I'm not. We have several very nice pin ups in the tent and none of them look any where near as good as you do. You see, your picture is nailed up right alongside of my cot where I can say good night to you every night and good morning every morning and hello sweetheart, in between. Of course the pictures I have of you don't show as much as the pin ups but they could. Even better. Remember the one I sent from Polk that I said reminded me of you? Almost you, only you're better. Well, I have another of the same girl in a slightly different pose that I can look at whenever my mental pictures fade a bit. As if they ever would. I could live to be a hundred and never forget the smallest thing about you. I got it bad, honey. I'm in love with you, for good and always. You'd have the toughest job you ever tackled if you tried to ditch me now. You're mine. Gee, I'm glad I gotcha. I love you.
Got two more letters yesterday, after I had written your letter. The 21st regular mail and the 25 V-mail. That only made one day different on the two letters you wrote on the 21st. For that small difference I'd much rather have the regular mail. It may not be very patriotic but I doubt if my moral would stay as high on V-mail. I like your nice long sweet letters so much. They seem to have a lot more of you about them. You probably know what I mean since you've had all those V-mail I had to write for lack of other paper. Don't be surprised if some of these days you get letters written on the reverse side of yours. If I run out of any other paper I'm going to use them. It would have some good points also. You could see what you had written. If there is a shortage of stamps and envelopes - well then, V-mail I will have to answer. I bought a Pound's worth the other day. 52 of them so I can write a while at least. A pound is $3.20 in American money.
This money gets me and also driving on the left side of the road. If I'm not thinking about it all the time I drift over to the right and then wonder what the hell the guy coming toward me is doing on my side of the road. Hard to teach an old dog new tricks.
Now for your June 15th letter. I guess I commented on it. That's the day Louise first heard from Mick. He was a piker, only writing one letter on the boat. Sounds like he landed in a pretty good spot. He'll probably like it rather well. Sure is a contrast to here but I'm still satisfied to be over here. I believe it is more interesting to me than England would be. Funny aren't I ? The only thing I envy him is the climate. Whenever you do send me a box, Don't forget to fill any extra space with funny papers. That may be a hell of a request but I'll enjoy them almost as much as anything you can send. The candles could be used but don't send them. They would probably be melted and we build our own lights from a tin can, a piece of rope for a wick, and kerosene or gasoline for fuel. We'll always have those items in profusion.
I would appreciate a picture of you once in a while. They are my most prized possessions. That's no shit either. I look at them all the time. I'm proud of those pictures. You're lovely and you're being loved plenty. [by long distance, damn it.]
. June 16 I'm quite surprised by the reduction in real estate tax and also auto insurance. That kind of surprises can keep up all the time. Maybe they make a reduction for pretty war widows.
Sweetheart, if you want to buy bonds with any of our money, go ahead. It's up to you. I kinda like it in the bank also but don't let yourself get called unpatriotic or anything.
I have the bluebird feather and the rosebud tucked in with your "nice looking lady" picture. Hard to believe that they have traveled over 10,000 miles. Good to have a piece of home. Sentimental. Yes, I guess I am. The army will either make a man that way or hard and bitter. I'm getting soft. It isn't all the army's fault. You are doing most of that. No one could be hard and stay that way around you. You're so sweet and soft and beautiful. Gosh, I love you.
Babe, you old devil. You really seem to be set on this Mom & Pop business. It's agreeable to me so I won't be careful any more. You have something coming. That long vacation is really going to be fun. I wish it was starting right now.
Your letters don't sound a bit screwy to me. I like to have you talk as though I were right there. That makes them so much more like you. You're sweet and so are your letters.
All ten of our little spruce were there this spring. I imagine they are covered by weeds. They'll show up. Don't worry about the weeds and briers. I'll take care of them someday.
I don't know if I'm as satisfactory a lover as you, but I do know I'll try my best and with my new Babe, that best may not be too good. We are going to have some very perfect times for years and years. I'm ready and raring to start in where we left off at any time. May it be very soon. Night, Chubbins. I loves you.
Your hubby.
Norm.
Sat. Eve.
July 8, 1944
My Beautiful Wife;
You are so. Don't just grin and think I'm hopelessly disillusioned. I'm not. We have several very nice pin ups in the tent and none of them look any where near as good as you do. You see, your picture is nailed up right alongside of my cot where I can say good night to you every night and good morning every morning and hello sweetheart, in between. Of course the pictures I have of you don't show as much as the pin ups but they could. Even better. Remember the one I sent from Polk that I said reminded me of you? Almost you, only you're better. Well, I have another of the same girl in a slightly different pose that I can look at whenever my mental pictures fade a bit. As if they ever would. I could live to be a hundred and never forget the smallest thing about you. I got it bad, honey. I'm in love with you, for good and always. You'd have the toughest job you ever tackled if you tried to ditch me now. You're mine. Gee, I'm glad I gotcha. I love you.
Got two more letters yesterday, after I had written your letter. The 21st regular mail and the 25 V-mail. That only made one day different on the two letters you wrote on the 21st. For that small difference I'd much rather have the regular mail. It may not be very patriotic but I doubt if my moral would stay as high on V-mail. I like your nice long sweet letters so much. They seem to have a lot more of you about them. You probably know what I mean since you've had all those V-mail I had to write for lack of other paper. Don't be surprised if some of these days you get letters written on the reverse side of yours. If I run out of any other paper I'm going to use them. It would have some good points also. You could see what you had written. If there is a shortage of stamps and envelopes - well then, V-mail I will have to answer. I bought a Pound's worth the other day. 52 of them so I can write a while at least. A pound is $3.20 in American money.
This money gets me and also driving on the left side of the road. If I'm not thinking about it all the time I drift over to the right and then wonder what the hell the guy coming toward me is doing on my side of the road. Hard to teach an old dog new tricks.
Now for your June 15th letter. I guess I commented on it. That's the day Louise first heard from Mick. He was a piker, only writing one letter on the boat. Sounds like he landed in a pretty good spot. He'll probably like it rather well. Sure is a contrast to here but I'm still satisfied to be over here. I believe it is more interesting to me than England would be. Funny aren't I ? The only thing I envy him is the climate. Whenever you do send me a box, Don't forget to fill any extra space with funny papers. That may be a hell of a request but I'll enjoy them almost as much as anything you can send. The candles could be used but don't send them. They would probably be melted and we build our own lights from a tin can, a piece of rope for a wick, and kerosene or gasoline for fuel. We'll always have those items in profusion.
I would appreciate a picture of you once in a while. They are my most prized possessions. That's no shit either. I look at them all the time. I'm proud of those pictures. You're lovely and you're being loved plenty. [by long distance, damn it.]
. June 16 I'm quite surprised by the reduction in real estate tax and also auto insurance. That kind of surprises can keep up all the time. Maybe they make a reduction for pretty war widows.
Sweetheart, if you want to buy bonds with any of our money, go ahead. It's up to you. I kinda like it in the bank also but don't let yourself get called unpatriotic or anything.
I have the bluebird feather and the rosebud tucked in with your "nice looking lady" picture. Hard to believe that they have traveled over 10,000 miles. Good to have a piece of home. Sentimental. Yes, I guess I am. The army will either make a man that way or hard and bitter. I'm getting soft. It isn't all the army's fault. You are doing most of that. No one could be hard and stay that way around you. You're so sweet and soft and beautiful. Gosh, I love you.
Babe, you old devil. You really seem to be set on this Mom & Pop business. It's agreeable to me so I won't be careful any more. You have something coming. That long vacation is really going to be fun. I wish it was starting right now.
Your letters don't sound a bit screwy to me. I like to have you talk as though I were right there. That makes them so much more like you. You're sweet and so are your letters.
All ten of our little spruce were there this spring. I imagine they are covered by weeds. They'll show up. Don't worry about the weeds and briers. I'll take care of them someday.
I don't know if I'm as satisfactory a lover as you, but I do know I'll try my best and with my new Babe, that best may not be too good. We are going to have some very perfect times for years and years. I'm ready and raring to start in where we left off at any time. May it be very soon. Night, Chubbins. I loves you.
Your hubby.
Norm.
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Letter # 413 July 7, 1944
New Guinea
July 7, 1944
My darling;
Hi my lovely. It's me again. It's raining like hell this morning. Has been all night, so while I'm waiting on it to stop, I'm starting this letter. Rain is nothing unusual down here, but it usually has been raining at night and clears off by day. It's only missed a few nights since I've been here. Sounds nasty doesn't it? It's not all bad. Doesn't get very muddy. An inch or so on top, enough to be slippery and as soon as the sun comes out, the dust is flying again. If it wasn't for the rain I'm afraid it would be unbearably hot. I had goose pimples when I crawled out this morning. Probably not cooler than 70 degrees or 75 degrees but in contrast to the days it was cold. Boy do I sleep. Go to bed at nine or before and sleep to 6. 9 hrs. Can you imagine me sleeping so much? Sleep like a log all night. No one to disturb me. Damn it.
Now for the question of what you can send me. I hardly know what to say. I know you want to do things like that and get a big kick out of it. There is so darn little you can send that would be much use to me. I have no place to keep anything and when I move I can only take what my bags will hold and they are already full of clothes and equipment. Here are a few of the items that I can think of. Tobacco and ungumed cigarette papers. The ones with glue would all be stuck together. It's a fight to keep envelopes so they can be used. Cheap pipe and cheap cigarette lighters. Writing paper of the air mail type. Small carborundum sharpening stone, pocket size. Harold will know. That is all of that kind of things I can think of.
In the eats line. Candy is about all that would get here in any kind of shape and that wants to be of a kind that doesn't melt easily. I imagine that sealing in tight cans would help preserve most things. [Tin cans.]
All the camera film you can buy or steal. [Size 127]. Waterproof tobacco pouches can also be used to good advantage to keep matches, billfold and etc. dry. Now don't be silly, honey and spend much for any of these items. They are apt to be lost long before they are worn out anyhow. I mean that.
There, does that give you anything to go on? Don't make it much unless it's things to eat. That can be disposed of quick.
I wish I could send you something but there isn't anything here to send. You'll have to be satisfied with written declarations of love. I've plenty of that.
I expect unless you changed your schedule that you are back from your visit to Ed & Betty. Hope you had a good time and got acquainted again. I should write to them I guess. Send their address if you think of it. I expect Tiffin, O. would get them. I may try it.
Hello Miss assistant librarian. Next to school teachers I always had a soft spot for librarians. I think maybe they have advanced to first place now. I know one that I love an awful lot. Don't worry about the money. You've plenty to live on. If you like the work is all that is important.
You aren't the only one that can look at pictures. I have yours tacked to the side of my packing box table and can see you all the time. Darn good looking girl too. You had better imagine me without my glasses now, 'cause since I've been here I quit wearing them again. Too much sweat. Need windshield wipers. Never miss them.
I'm glad your days are going by so quickly and easily. That helps a lot. Also glad the lawn isn't so bad this year. I didn't get a chance to fertilize it, may be the reason. You're doing a very good job, honey. I know you are keeping things in very good shape and I'm proud of you. Bye, sweetheart. I love you so much.
Your hubby.
Norm.
July 7, 1944
My darling;
Hi my lovely. It's me again. It's raining like hell this morning. Has been all night, so while I'm waiting on it to stop, I'm starting this letter. Rain is nothing unusual down here, but it usually has been raining at night and clears off by day. It's only missed a few nights since I've been here. Sounds nasty doesn't it? It's not all bad. Doesn't get very muddy. An inch or so on top, enough to be slippery and as soon as the sun comes out, the dust is flying again. If it wasn't for the rain I'm afraid it would be unbearably hot. I had goose pimples when I crawled out this morning. Probably not cooler than 70 degrees or 75 degrees but in contrast to the days it was cold. Boy do I sleep. Go to bed at nine or before and sleep to 6. 9 hrs. Can you imagine me sleeping so much? Sleep like a log all night. No one to disturb me. Damn it.
Now for the question of what you can send me. I hardly know what to say. I know you want to do things like that and get a big kick out of it. There is so darn little you can send that would be much use to me. I have no place to keep anything and when I move I can only take what my bags will hold and they are already full of clothes and equipment. Here are a few of the items that I can think of. Tobacco and ungumed cigarette papers. The ones with glue would all be stuck together. It's a fight to keep envelopes so they can be used. Cheap pipe and cheap cigarette lighters. Writing paper of the air mail type. Small carborundum sharpening stone, pocket size. Harold will know. That is all of that kind of things I can think of.
In the eats line. Candy is about all that would get here in any kind of shape and that wants to be of a kind that doesn't melt easily. I imagine that sealing in tight cans would help preserve most things. [Tin cans.]
All the camera film you can buy or steal. [Size 127]. Waterproof tobacco pouches can also be used to good advantage to keep matches, billfold and etc. dry. Now don't be silly, honey and spend much for any of these items. They are apt to be lost long before they are worn out anyhow. I mean that.
There, does that give you anything to go on? Don't make it much unless it's things to eat. That can be disposed of quick.
I wish I could send you something but there isn't anything here to send. You'll have to be satisfied with written declarations of love. I've plenty of that.
I expect unless you changed your schedule that you are back from your visit to Ed & Betty. Hope you had a good time and got acquainted again. I should write to them I guess. Send their address if you think of it. I expect Tiffin, O. would get them. I may try it.
Hello Miss assistant librarian. Next to school teachers I always had a soft spot for librarians. I think maybe they have advanced to first place now. I know one that I love an awful lot. Don't worry about the money. You've plenty to live on. If you like the work is all that is important.
You aren't the only one that can look at pictures. I have yours tacked to the side of my packing box table and can see you all the time. Darn good looking girl too. You had better imagine me without my glasses now, 'cause since I've been here I quit wearing them again. Too much sweat. Need windshield wipers. Never miss them.
I'm glad your days are going by so quickly and easily. That helps a lot. Also glad the lawn isn't so bad this year. I didn't get a chance to fertilize it, may be the reason. You're doing a very good job, honey. I know you are keeping things in very good shape and I'm proud of you. Bye, sweetheart. I love you so much.
Your hubby.
Norm.
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Letter # 412 July 6, 1944
New Guinea
Thurs eve.
July 6, 1944
Hello Beautiful;
How's Babe today? You can tell her I love her very much. You can also tell her that I want a date for a honeymoon starting the first day I'm out of the army and lasting forever. She'd better accept that date too or I'll - well, I don't know what I would do. Kidnap her I guess.
I haven't anything new to write today so I'm going to spend all my time on your letters. I worked all day so I haven't done anything I can talk about. Didn't get any letters today. I've got several here I haven't answered yet. I'm keeping all your letters now, just in case I have a long period of no mail. I can always read back
over them and enjoy them alot again. You write very nice, sweet letters. I like 'em. I love you.
Now for June 12 letter.
If a shopping trip to Cleveland is a good moral builder for you, you must do it as often as you want. Don't be silly about not wanting to get or wear anything new as long as I'm not there to see it. I'm flattered that you think that much of my opinion. You know I like to see you in new things and then again I would sooner see you in one of my old sweatshirts and a pair of slacks. Look damn good to me in any kind of clothes. Other ways too.
Don't worry about my moral honey. It's in good shape. I have my ups and downs the same as anyone, but for the most part, I'm as near my old self as I'll ever be as long as you and I are separated.
It did tickle me, after all your bragging, that you did dream of Steve again. Such a dream too. That was almost as good as you ever dreamed of him. It's a good thing you went on to say how much you loved me or I would have been jealous. You might be surprised but I was tempted to tell Steve to really carry a message of that sort. The idea struck me once, the day I was with him. It tickled me to think about the surprise all around, but after thinking about it, I decided it wouldn't be so good. He, just a newly married man. I still wonder what would have happened if I had asked him.
You aren't so smart. I also saw the show, "Her Primitive Man" here in New Guinea. That's about what I'll be like when I come out of here. A very primitive wild man only I won't be as conventional as he was. That's a warning as well as a promise.
You aren't only talking for yourself when you say, one day closer to our D day and may it come sooner than we can ever dream of. I'm having an interesting time and enjoying a lot of it, but I sure as hell would make a bee line back to you if I had the chance. Seeing places and things is O.K. only I've changed. I'd be content to never see any place but home and anyone but you. My wandering days alone are over. Definitely. The trouble with me is I'm in love.
I was glad to hear about Funny. So he is in India and on Special Service now. That usually means, in charge of recreation, shows, athletic supplies, and things of that sort. In short, all those little added attractions that make the boys away from home a little more satisfied. I would think that was in his line more than commander of a co.of Negros.
I see the next thing you bring up is the subject of what you can send me. You sure are persistent along that line aren't you? I'll not be ornery and I'll tell you about it in tomorrow's letter. This one is almost bulky enough. Until you hear more you can keep on sending me love. That is what I want most. Night sweetheart. I love you so much.
your hubby.
Norm.
Thurs eve.
July 6, 1944
Hello Beautiful;
How's Babe today? You can tell her I love her very much. You can also tell her that I want a date for a honeymoon starting the first day I'm out of the army and lasting forever. She'd better accept that date too or I'll - well, I don't know what I would do. Kidnap her I guess.
I haven't anything new to write today so I'm going to spend all my time on your letters. I worked all day so I haven't done anything I can talk about. Didn't get any letters today. I've got several here I haven't answered yet. I'm keeping all your letters now, just in case I have a long period of no mail. I can always read back
over them and enjoy them alot again. You write very nice, sweet letters. I like 'em. I love you.
Now for June 12 letter.
If a shopping trip to Cleveland is a good moral builder for you, you must do it as often as you want. Don't be silly about not wanting to get or wear anything new as long as I'm not there to see it. I'm flattered that you think that much of my opinion. You know I like to see you in new things and then again I would sooner see you in one of my old sweatshirts and a pair of slacks. Look damn good to me in any kind of clothes. Other ways too.
Don't worry about my moral honey. It's in good shape. I have my ups and downs the same as anyone, but for the most part, I'm as near my old self as I'll ever be as long as you and I are separated.
It did tickle me, after all your bragging, that you did dream of Steve again. Such a dream too. That was almost as good as you ever dreamed of him. It's a good thing you went on to say how much you loved me or I would have been jealous. You might be surprised but I was tempted to tell Steve to really carry a message of that sort. The idea struck me once, the day I was with him. It tickled me to think about the surprise all around, but after thinking about it, I decided it wouldn't be so good. He, just a newly married man. I still wonder what would have happened if I had asked him.
You aren't so smart. I also saw the show, "Her Primitive Man" here in New Guinea. That's about what I'll be like when I come out of here. A very primitive wild man only I won't be as conventional as he was. That's a warning as well as a promise.
You aren't only talking for yourself when you say, one day closer to our D day and may it come sooner than we can ever dream of. I'm having an interesting time and enjoying a lot of it, but I sure as hell would make a bee line back to you if I had the chance. Seeing places and things is O.K. only I've changed. I'd be content to never see any place but home and anyone but you. My wandering days alone are over. Definitely. The trouble with me is I'm in love.
I was glad to hear about Funny. So he is in India and on Special Service now. That usually means, in charge of recreation, shows, athletic supplies, and things of that sort. In short, all those little added attractions that make the boys away from home a little more satisfied. I would think that was in his line more than commander of a co.of Negros.
I see the next thing you bring up is the subject of what you can send me. You sure are persistent along that line aren't you? I'll not be ornery and I'll tell you about it in tomorrow's letter. This one is almost bulky enough. Until you hear more you can keep on sending me love. That is what I want most. Night sweetheart. I love you so much.
your hubby.
Norm.
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