Saturday, May 21, 2011

Letter # 368 May 15, 1944

West coast
Monday
May 15,1944
Darling Babe;
No mail again today.  I rather thought when I got the first two they would continue to come.  They probably aren't forwarding them as they come in.  I hope you are getting these that I am writing.  I've written every day since Friday.  Let me know how they come through.  I'm curious about how much they hold them up, censoring them. 
I haven't yet had a chance to get out of camp.  I broke my watch crystal and I intend to get out long enough to have a new one put in, if I can.
We are having a picture of the entire company taken this afternoon.  I intend to buy one and the photo company will send it to you when they have the prints completed. 
I got interrupted.  I was writing this early in the afternoon and now it is evening.  Had mail call and believe it or not I got your two Wed letters with the new address.  The others you wrote will probably be coming along soon. 
Doesn't seem to take any longer than it did for your mail to get here.  Mine will probably be a little slower. 
You needn't worry, if there is even the very slimest chance of getting together, we'll do it.  I know how much you had planned and we both hoped to be together this summer.  I want it as much as you do.  It would be a swell trip for you too. 
I didn't hide anything in the packages.  It was only excess stuff that I couldn't take along. 
The family group picture was of Max Stanisbury.  The fellow from Wyoming.  I told you he had gone "over the hill".  Well he was gone for 25 days before they picked him up.  He is restricted for several months and fined 2/3 of his pay.  I haven't seen him but the boys say he is definitely going bad. 
You can send air mail for six cents but I don't believe it will do much good. 
I'm glad to hear that Marg is going to get her chance for foreign duty.  I know how much she was counting on it.  I don't wonder.  Isn't much use being in if you can't really get in it.  If I was single again, God forbid, I would be as excited as she is. 
The only trouble with seeing Steve is, I don't know where he is and I can't tell him where I am.  Could be in the same camp and never know it.
Gosh, honey, I'm missing you more and more all the time.  You're a very sweet, loving, and entirely satisfactory wife.  A lot too nice to go away and leave for more than a few hours at a time.  When this damn mess is cleaned up you're going to have a hard time even getting out of my sight.  I'll be a pest again. 
Night, sweetheart.  I love you so much.  I'll be dreaming about you.
your hubby.
Norm.

Friday, May 20, 2011

Letter # 367 May 14, 1944

Sunday
May 14, 1944
My darling wife;
Mother's Day again.  How did you like the one I sent you and the little note on the back?  It sure is a different Mother's Day than I remember last year.  Then I was getting so damned disgusted with the army and as near to being homesick as I will probably ever be.  It's different now.  While I'm missing, and as homesick for you as ever, I've become used or adjusted to the rest and we are in a camp that is so much better, there isn't any comparison at all. 
I expect I missed a good dinner at Mom Kelser's, but I sure can't kick on the food here.  Here is what we had for dinner.  It was as good as it sounds too. 
chicken broth                     olives
chicken-a-la-king               radishes
[on toast]                           Dressing
Fresh peas                         cranberry sauce
Flake potatoes                   Lettuce hearts
                   Cup cakes
                   apple jelly
                   Coffee
There now.  How's that.  A few weeks of this and the army would have to re outfit me. 
Baker and I were taking in the camp last night.  It's strictly on the ball.  Good P.X.'s that even sell milk shakes & etc.  Plenty of shows and we didn't have to fight a line to get in either. 
We saw "Once Upon a Time"
I can see now and believe the tales other fellows tell of camps they have been in.  I guess we really did hit the worst of the camps after all.  Maybe that is why I appreciate this one so much.  There are some rather nice ornaments too.  W.A.C.'s.  Haven't seen a redhead yet, but I'll keep looking. 
Now to answer the rest of your letters.
You keep working on that library job if you think you want it.  Looks like you might need it.  The difference between your salary now and that isn't enough to consider. 
How about the tires?  Will you be able to get any for that purpose?  You may want to go home to your folks this winter.  Anything you want to do has my approval.  Leave the place idle, rent it, or sell it, or whatever you want to do.  If you decide in a hurry don't even wait for word from me.  Do as you think best.  You're capable of making decisions for both of us.  I mean this.  Do whatever you want.  Remember it. 
Too bad the school board couldn't have given you the raise this year. 
Honey, you're as egotistical as ever aren't you?  What makes you think that artificial means would guarantee any better results than natural.  Must be you think me the weak link in the chain.  You're a devil, but I love you so much you seem an angle to me. 
Ohio isn't the only place it rains.  It's raining here today.  Not hard, but raining. 
The train fare isn't bad at all.  $146.00 for round trip Pullman.  If it should happen that you can come, that is the way I would expect you to travel.  It's much the best for so long a trip.  The round trip wouldn't be much more than one way anyhow. 
I sure hope you can make the trip.  It still isn't at all impossible, although improbable.  At least it's very possible that sometime in the future you may be able to come.  So hang on to some of your money.
Haven't had a mail call yet today.  I guess this about covers your others.  I have one of Jim's to answer so I'm signing off.  Bye, sweetheart.  I'm loving you and wishing you could be with me.  Sure make a happy man of me.  I love you so much.
Your hubby.
Norm.
 

Letter # 366 May 13, 1944

May 13, 1944
Sweetheart;
Your mail is catching up.  I got two today.  Thur & Sat morning ones.  Sure is good to hear from you.  Been almost a week since I've had a letter.  I expect that right now you are finding the mailbox empty every day also.  Even if letters are very unsatisfactory they sure help to fill in the empty place made by you not being with me.  Believe me that is a hell of a big empty place too.  I love you, sweetheart. 
Don't be too shocked at the size paper I'm using.  It's about the only size I can pack and carry very handily.  Anyhow I won't be writing as many words as I used to write.  Not from lack of time, we have plenty of that, but from lack of anything to say. 
Got myself a fairly good sunburn today by playing ball with my shirt off.  Gosh this climate is really swell.  Beautifully cool at night and not too hot during the day.  I sure wouldn't mind being around here for a while.  From what I have seen, I think the kid brother was rather hard to please.  Don't think I would be so anxious to get out as he was.  I've seen almost as much as he did too.  I guess he is a city boy at heart while I am a farmer and lover of the open spaces.  Also a lover of yours.  Believe it?  I'll prove it again someday.                 
For the first time since I've been in the army, we are really being very well fed.  It wouldn't take very long at this rate and I wouldn't be able to wear these 33 inch waist trousers any more.  I can see the old belly coming back already.
Baker, Mac, and I have a room to ourselves now.  Some class, Huh?
I'll start answering your letters now.  Not going to answer them all until tomorrow. 
I see Mickey is finally on his way.  I hope their plans for getting together work better than it looks like ours are going to.  Say hi to her for me.  Hope she continues to take it as well or else stays away from you.  It will probably be hard enough for you to keep your chin up without holding hers up also.  You will though.  You're a good soldier and I love you. 
I can see why Mick & Louise had a good time this winter.  It's a very pretty and interesting city.  We stopped there for an hour or so.
I guess I'll have to cut this short about here.  Only being able to use one side makes a bulky letter.
Bye sweetheart.  You're a very sweet wife and I love you so much.  No matter where I am or what I'm doing I'll always be loving you.  I love you.
your hubby.
Norm.

Thursday, May 19, 2011

Letter # 365 May 12, 1944

Somewhere on the West Coast
May 12, 1944
Friday. Morn.
My darling wife;
Well, honey, we arrived at our destination and I have found out what I can write and what I can't.  Gosh it sure puts a crimp in my style of letter writing.  All our letters will be censored.  In fact any type of communication will pass through the censors.  About all I can tell you is, I love you, and personal things like that.  I don't even feel like writing as personal as I have been in the habit of doing. 
That is a rather long explanation and excuse for the brevity of the letters I will be writing from now on.  I'm sorry, sweetheart, but it's all I can do.
This mail business is the least of the bad news.  I'm very much afraid that all our plans for this summer are now as pipe dreams.  They were fun to dream anyhow.  Of course things can change at any time.  You know the army, but for now you can forget all about being with me this summer.  It's hell honey, but this can't last forever.  We'll be together again one of these days when this business is all over. 
I haven't suddenly gone extravagent.  I'm writing in accordance with regulations.  If some of my letter should be cut out it won't damage the rest of the letter. [He is writing on one side of paper only. His usual  method is to use every bit of both sides of the paper.]
As far as we know now, we will have little if any, liberty.  You may be sure if anything good turns up that I will let you know immediately. 
I imagine that you already have the new address.  Just in case - I'll write it here also.
T/4 Norman W. Effinger 35607651
Co. C  775 Tk. Bn.
A.P.O. 5224 % P.M.
San Francisco, Calif.
We are in a rather nice camp.  Good barracks, well fed, and as happy about the whole thing as I could be under the circumstances.  Anything that keeps me away from you doesn't contribute much to my happiness.  I love you sweetheart.
I'm in the same position as "Funny" Oberholtzer was about six months ago.
I may get a chance to send a wire and end your waiting before you get this.  There won't be much comfort in it, but I know you are waiting to come and can appreciate how you feel. 
I imagine the letters you mailed while we were traveling will catch up in a day or so.  They'll catch up sometime anyhow. 
Well, sweetheart, I guess I have said all I have to say.  Bye for this time.  I love you so much.  You're my darling wife. 
Your Hubby.
Norm.

Letter # 364 May 7, 1944

May 7, 1944
Sunday
My darling wife;
This is probably the last letter I'll write you for several days.  I'll have to take this one to the post office to get it mailed.  I may write some in the next few days but I don't think they will be posted.  I wouldn't be able to say much anyhow. 
I fucked off on you last night and didn't write.  I went to the show instead.  It was "Thousands Cheer".  It was a fairly good musical and sure had plenty of stars and headliners in it.  It's been so long since I've kept up with the movies and the stars are changing so fast I don't even know who took the leads.  The girl had a very pretty cute face but she sure could have used some of your body.  Nothing at all exciting about her.
It's another beautiful summer day.  Plenty warm but not too hot.  Bright sun, blue sky, few white clouds and a nice breeze.  We aren't doing anything.  Whole company is off duty.  Part of the boys are out smelling around and the rest are loitering around camp, playing cards, games, or like me, just taking it easy. 
I did work most all morning on my fatigues.  These new ones we have are sure zoot suits.  Two piece with only two pockets in the trousers.  They are about bushel capacity and one on each hip, not in the back like ordinary pants, but on the side.  Go damn near down to the knee and I almost need a stepladder to get to the bottom for anything.  To make the story short.  There wasn't any watch pocket so I spent most all morning putting in the watch pockets.  Oh, I'm becoming quite a seamstress.  Awkward as hell with a needle but I got it done.
I wore my new suntans last night for the first time.  It sure feels good to have clothes that almost fit again.  First time in over a year that any of my clothes have been even close to a fit.  There isn't room enough for another man in the ass of these clothes.  The shirts could be taken in a little down the sides but otherwise they are O.K.
Hope you get a chance to see them, not because of the clothes but because I want to see you an awful lot.
It really does look and sound like this is "it", but anything can happen.  There is another tank battalion here that has been closer than this, twice already and missed the boat both times.  They have now made a quarter master battalion of them.  Nothing at all sure until it happens so I am still hoping and planning.  If we're
lucky - Boy oh boy - if we aren't, then the Boy oh boy will have to wait a while and then it may be permanent.  Let's hope it's soon.  I've had enough of separation from you to last me the rest of my life.  I've had about thirteen months too much, in fact.  I loves my wife and I miss her like hell.  You're a wanted woman, honey.
I've got two letters here to answer, Tues. & Wed. ones.  They gave us mail today.  Very nice to get letters from mummy.  I'm sure going to be hurtin when I can't get one every day.
I knew you would understand "cousin Bill", but I think you are taking it too completely.  He has moved about four hundred miles north.
The hours at the library do sound about like you.  You can sleep until your 9 or 10 every morning.  That's going to get you in a very bad habit I'm afraid.  You won't want to get my breakfast for me.  I do think it would be a good job for you though.  I'd keep track of it and then if I do go over you will have something to do. 
Don't worry sweetheart. If things even look very good you'll either get a phone call or a wire and I'll have everything you speak of taken care of and written down so I can give you the dope on everything.  Now don't be "hanging" on the phone because I don't have any idea when I might call, if I do.  It will probably be a wire. 
Mickey is on his way.  Well, best wishes to him.  I hope Louise can settle down better than she did last fall.  It's tough but can't be helped, so what the hell?  It won't last forever. 
Too bad Pop is having trouble getting his work done this spring.  It's rather late anyhow.  Maybe I could send him a tank to do his work with.  Don't know where the hell he'd get gas enough to run it though.  I see the Gazette said the weather is swell and the crops are going in.  Gosh, they should be, it's getting along in May already. 
You speak about wishing you could know where I am and what I'm doing and etc.  I don't blame you but I don't think it too good an idea that you do.  That's why we made no arrangements.  I had thought of it.  Look at it like this.  If you knew where I was and also knew that a big battle or a lot of fighting had occurred in that section you would worry more about it than not knowing where I am.  It's terribly uncertain and leaves you at loose ends but I believe it's better this way.  It's a hell of a note, I know, but what isn't about this war?
If this was ten years ago I'd be tickled to death if we did keep right on going, but as it is I honestly believe I'd be glad of a chance to stay here where I can be near you.  I'd give up most anything to be able to have you with me.  It may be unpatriotic but damn it all I'm in love.  Unconditionally in love and you're the whole thing.  Now, don't that make you feel bad?  It doesn't make me feel a bit bad.  I love my wife. 
Well sweetheart, I guess I'm about run down for this time.  Next letter I may know something worthwhile.
I'm glad you could see the resemblance in the nude picture I sent.  I've never seen one that looked better or more nearly like you.  Gosh, honey, it would make any man leave home.  Bye, sweetheart, I love you so much.  You're my wife.  You're gorgeous, luscious, and oh, just all kinds of nice, desirable things.  I love you.
Your lover
Norm.

Monday, May 16, 2011

Letter # 363 May 5, 1944

May 5, 1944
Fri eve.
Darling;
Another week nearly gone.  It won't be long now and maybe we will know something.  Fooled around most of the day doing nothing much.  Played ball for a couple hours this morning and again for a couple hours this evening.  We started cleaning the barracks, washed all the windows but that didn't take long.  About one window per man.  I helped out in the supply room for a little bit and lay around the rest of the time. 
Beautiful day today for a change.  First clear day in nearly a week.  Hope it stays that way for the next few days. 
We had our last mail call this evening.  No more mail until we get where we are going.  If you get this letter before you get the change of address card you might as well not write until you get the new address.  I'd probably get them all at once anyhow.  Of course if you want to write, I sure as hell will read them.  I like your letters even when they are old ones.  Once in a while I find one that I didn't throw away and I always read it over again and enjoy it too.  I'll keep writing as often and as much as I can during this business.
I got your Monday letter today.  You were a little ahead with your feeling that we were on the move.  Not yet honey.  I can appreciate the suspended feeling though.  Army life is very uncertain at any time, but right now there isn't anything at all certain about it. 
I hope you do receive the short notice you are looking for.  You will too if it's at all possible. 
Married life didn't either make a bald head of me.  I had that before I was a married man.  Everything has been so perfect since I've been a married man that I wouldn't be surprised to find I was gaining instead of loosing hair.  I know darn well that if I am still loosing it, it isn't from worry over my wife or from mistreatment.  So there too. 
I'm going to make this a short one, sweetheart.  Night, darling.  I'm loving you so much.
Your hubby.
Norm.

Letter # 362 May 4, 1944

May 4, 1944
Thurs. eve.
Sweetheart;
Another day of just fooling around.  I went to the shop this morning, cut a few stencils and that was all.  This afternoon I had another little carpenter job.  Built a small box to use as a mailbox on the train.  They say we can write and they will be posted on the way, but of course, they will be censored.  Won't be able to say anything about the places we are going through or anything like that there. 
We have been having our share of inclement weather all right.  It's been raining most of the time for the past few days.  All day today.  Not real hard but keeps at it steadily.  This must be a wet spring nearly all over the central part of the states.  The old Mississippi is really on a rampage, I guess. 
I've finally gotten almost all of my clothes, only a couple items that we won't be able to get until we get to the next camp or whatever.  I got it all marked and all stripes sewed on.  I'm on the ball. [ like always].
I got your Sunday letter today and being as how I don't have much to write, I'll answer it and call it a day.
I have an idea that John didn't say a word to Harold about applying for a new job.  I expect that job was given that way.  By application and picked by a committee.  John may not even have known it much before it was printed.  I knew when I was home he was thinking about quitting again.  I would think he would feel rather small, leaving now, for the second time right in the busy season.  The tension you speak of feeling in the store was probably the result of John drinking.  Harold wouldn't miss it and he wouldn't let it pass like Steve did.  I am curious about the details of the situation. 
I can imagine how Mick & Louise feel about the situation.  It's like waiting to be inducted or something all over again.  Be glad to have it happen and get it over with.  Sounds like he must be headed for the north someplace.  He got winter clothes and I got all summer ones with the exception of one set of wools.  We also kept our overcoats. 
Sounds like Tib may soon be a war widow also.  If they keep on there won't be anyone left at home but gals.  Boy, it would be a nice place for a good, healthy 4F.  He'd have all he could take care of.  Too damn bad I'm not at 4F. 
I have been telling you that we may have a chance to be together and I still believe it.  It looks very much like I would be wrong, but it is very unusual for an outfit to move directly to P.O.E. and go without some time between.  Anything can happen.  You can be sure that I will wire you the minute I know anything at all.  We may not have any liberty at all and then again, we may have weeks or months.  I will let you know even if we only have a few days and you can get there in time.  I want to see you as bad as you want to see me.
You better keep telling me you love me, even if it isn't news.  No matter how many times I hear it, I like it as much as ever.  Feels good to know my wife wants me and tells me about it.  I'll never be tired of having you love me and never get tired of loving you.  If you don't believe it, just stop and think.  Have I ever shown any signs of not wanting to love you?  I can't remember any.  We may be getting to be "old married people", nearly 4 years now, but I love you more now than I did when we were married.  I didn't know then but what I might get tired of you or you of me.  I know for certain now.  We'll never get tired of each other.  It's swell to be married and have a loving, faithful wife.  I loves my wifey.  I'm glad I gotcha!
Night sweetheart.  I'm hoping, praying, and keeping everything crossed.
Your hubby.
Norm.
P.S. 
We just heard that tomorrow night would be the last mail call here for us.  The mail that comes between then and the time we leave will be forwarded.
I love you
Norm.

Letter # 361 May 3, 1944

May 3, 1944
Wed eve.
Sweetheart;
Another lazy day.  Didn't do a thing this morning except lay around the barracks and wait for the officers to inspect our clothes.  The inspection was for the purpose of checking the marking and the shortages, if any.  Our own officers checked first, then the Lt.Colonel himself came in and looked around and then this afternoon another batch of officers checked.   Hell of a lot of checking and double checking, seems to me.  Also looked over all our personnel things to see if there was any identification of any kind among them.  Address, patches, pictures, and everything like that.
Everything of mine was O.K. until they inspected my billfold.  I threw the old one away and had the new one with the pictures.  I damn near lost my two pet pictures of us.  The ones we took at Pop's last fall.  You know, the titty one and the one you had the cards made from.  They showed the armored force patch a little and that is no good according to them.  I finally talked them into letting me scrape the patch off so I could keep them.  I liked those pictures and hated like hell to think of loosing them.  They are darn good pictures of you.  Show you off very good.  I look at them quite often and get a delicious little thrill every time.  Make me long to get hold of you again and squeeze you close.  I love you so much honey. 
I finished my book this morning while waiting for the inspection and so I had to look around for another for tonight.  I found a couple murder mysteries in the waste can and will work on them for the next few days.  This is sure army life as I have heard others talk about.  Not much work and lots of time off to read and fool around.  It's fun for a change but I still prefer to be busy.  The boys are getting so full of piss and vinegar they are hard to keep in control.  They expect to go overseas soon anyhow and they don't give a damn.  Go out and get drunk every night, get in fights and raise hell in general.  The old man is content to lay on his bunk and watch and daydream about his wife and what they will do together when this is all a memory.  No kidding, honey, I spend a lot of time dreaming about us. 
I used to think that I wouldn't have anything to dream about after I was married.  Wouldn't have to dream about what my wife would be like. or what it would be like to be married.  Thought it would be a peaceful, comfortable existence with not too many thrills or much excitement.  It's hard to believe how wrong I was.  I've got so many more things to dream about about now that I can never find time to really catch up on them.  They are very exciting dreams, at times too. 
I really love this married life honey.  If I could only be with you all the time, I'd be as happy as any one ever could be.  See how much you have changed my ideas and how much you did for me when you said "yes".  That was a big day in my life sweetheart. 
This afternoon I was supposed to stay for the inspection, but I fucked off and worked at my carpenter job.  Got it all finished too.  Don't know what I'll do tomorrow.  Have to find something to keep me out of mischief part of the day at least. 
I didn't get any mail again today so I don't have any to answer. 
Can't think of anything else to gas about so I guess I'll clean up and go after one of my murder stories. 
Night, sweetheart.  I love you so much I can't believe it myself.  Can't be me.  Whoever it is, I'm satisfied as long as I have you.  You're my sweet wife.  I  loves you darling.  I love you so much I'd easily turn to stone for you.
Your lover
Norm. 

Sunday, May 8, 2011

Letter # May 2, 1944

May 2, 1944
Tues. eve.
Tootsie Wuggles darling;
Gosh honey, this sure is different from army life as I have seen it most of the time.  Nothing to do!  This morning we were supposed to take a three mile road march for the purpose of breaking in our new pairs of shoes.  When we got up it was raining to beat hell and kept it up until after 9.  Instead of going out, rain or no rain, we sat around in the barracks, doing nothing.  Then when it stopped and we were ready to start out on the march, Brownie told me to go to the garage and cut a new stencil for the detail stenciling our boxes.  That's what I've been doing most of the time, the past few days.  I cut one stencil of three letters and one circle and that was all I did all morning. 
We make all our own stencils for addressing, numbering, and marking our boxes.  That has been my job ever since I've been with Brown.  Draw them out free hand and then cut them from heavy paper.  It's one of those tedious little jobs that no one else seems to want. 
This afternoon it was raining again so they told us to stay in the barracks all afternoon and get our clothes marked, chevrons sewed on and etc.  I only had a couple pair of stripes to put on and was then figuring on spending the afternoon reading.  I've got another western - you know what that means.  I had gotten one set of stripes on and I was drafted for another of my special jobs.  Had to build a couple wood boxes for the supply Sgt.  That carpenter job sure sticks by me wherever I go.  I didn't get my job done so I have a job for tomorrow anyhow.  I quit early and finished my sewing job anyhow.   Got my new clothes all on the ball.  I have most of them now with the exception of suntan trousers.  So far they all fit fairly good. 
We were told today that we would travel in fatigues.  I like that idea.  It's more comfortable than dressed up. 
Yesterday was payday and boy did the fellows go out and spend it.  In fact they have been giving a lot of passes and anyone that could find any money to borrow had borrowed it and spent it.  Even I loosened up and financed a few of them.  I was careful who I loaned to, but in spite of that, I loaned out over a hundred and thirty. I'll have to start charging interest and make a little on it.  I stood outside the office when we got paid and collected as they came out.  Got it all without a bit of trouble.
Well, as I started to say before, they all took out for town last night and almost all of them came back drunk as hell.  Even Brownie came in about midnight and he sure was going round and round.  He had bought a big new hunting knife and we woke the barracks throwing it at cockroaches.  He even got Percy.  That is a pet of Baker's that lives in a crack by our bed.  Don't know how he did it as drunk as he was, but he threw the knife and cut poor Percy in half.  He wasn't very well trained anyhow so we aren't mourning very much.  We usually had to dump him out of a shoe every morning. 
Gebby, Baker and I were about the only stay at homes in the barracks last night.  I can't see much fun in getting tight when mummy isn't with me.  I get as much fun out of watching you as I do from drinking.  Then when we get home, mummy is apt to be very nice loving.  No fun to get tight and go to bed alone. Nothing quite right without you honey.  I love you so much and miss you in everything I do. 
No letter today but I have your Friday one to answer, so here goes. 
You've got the right idea I guess.  I can't think of any better way to describe the uncertainty of things now, than to compare ourselves to puppets.  We sure as hell can't do anything by ourselves.  Someone pulls the strings and controls our movements entirely.  If they would only pull the strings so that you and I would be together.  Golly, honey, that would be fun!
I also noticed the piece in the Gazette about John going to be caretaker at the new hospital.  I knew he was itching again when I was home and wondered how long he would stay.  It leaves Harold in a spot alright, but I suppose that he will make out somehow.  At least this job ought to be something about John's speed.  Maybe he will be satisfied for a while.
I wonder if Mick wasn't sent out because of age?  Doesn't seem possible in a noncombat outfit.  Maybe he will be lucky and get a job at home.
It might have been a dirty trick for Baker to love and leave his red headed school teacher, but not any more so than me loving my school teacher and leaving her.  I did, didn't I?  She could probably pick up another soldier to help her out most any time, but you won't.  You'll just wait and want until I can come back again.  It's hell ain't it honey? 
You are not only soft underneath, you're soft all over.  Deliciously soft and warm and loving.  You may in the past year, have acquired a slightly hardened exterior, but you are the same swell girl I always knew.   I always was soft where you were concerned and probably always will be.  You didn't have any trouble finding the holes in my shell that had always protected me before.  You got in almost at once and you sure split the old shell wide open that 4th at Put-in-Bay.  Since then the door has been wide open for you.  In fact I was afraid it had been too wide open when you didn't act very thrilled when I asked you the question.  It was O.K. when I came back and it sure has been ever since.  I'm in love with you.  You're my wife.  Gosh, but I'm a lucky guy.  Got the nicest wife a man could ever have and she loves me!  Boy, honey, I'm glad I gotcha. 
I guess I'm going to waste some paper again tonight.  I can't think of anything to fill it up. 
Night, sweetheart.  I love you every minute of the day.  I'm missing you like hell too.  Bye, sweetheart. 
Your hubby
Norm.

Tuesday, May 3, 2011

Letter # 359 May 1, 1944

May 1, 1944
Monday eve.
"My Wife, what's madly in love with me & me too"
That is some ending for a letter, especially for a teacher.  I can murder the English enough for both of us.  You don't have to do it too.  Never mind honey.  Even if it wouldn't take any literary prize, I know what it means and it's sweet.  Sounds like you too.  I love you, sweetheart.
We are still having our dust storm by spells.  Right now the wind is blowing like hell and the sand is sure flying across the country.  It gathers in drifts in all the ditches and behind buildings, much like snow.  It surely isn't as nice as snow to be out in though.  Stings like hell.  Funny we've never had anything like it down here as long as I've been here.  Guess La. is going to show us all she has before we get out. 
They are still fucking around.  Can't seem to make up their minds when we are going to leave.  Maybe another week or so now.  Hard to tell.  True army style.  Hurry up and wait and wonder.  I'm getting so it doesn't bother me much any more.  I just take it as it comes and don't worry much about it.  Some of these days we'll move and a few days later we'll know where we are.  I suppose then we won't know if we are staying or going over or what.  Almost impossible to plan anything.  Nevertheless, I'm still planning and hoping to see you for a while.  Will too if I can do anything about it. 
I got two very nice letters from you today.  Your Thurs & Friday ones.  That puts the mail on the schedule it used to be on way last fall.  I probably won't get any tomorrow and that is the old "no mail Tuesday" I guess.  I'll answer at least one letter now. 
Honey, it isn't very complimentary when you say you wish I were there so I could mow the lawn for you.  But complimentary or not, I'd be more than glad to mow your lawn or most anything else you wanted done if I could only be by you.  That would be worth almost any hardship I might have to endure.  Then think what I'd do, if necessary, to be treated like you always have.  Honey, I'd do anything for you.  No shit.  I would.
I know that it's hard work to mow the lawn.  When I bought that mower, I thought I was the only one that would be using it.  It's way too big for a woman.  Biggest one made for hand power.  It's a very good idea to get at it early and keep ahead of it as long as you can.  It might be that things won't turn out way and you will be there all summer.  I hope to hell you aren't. 
Sounds like Tony is really on his way.  Glad he got his T/4.  I imagine he feels better about that, at least.  It's tough to leave a wife and go across but I guess it's one of those things.  Can't be helped. 
I want a wife for lots of reasons and the main ones aren't sewing on stripes or cooking either.  I want my wife most for companionship, you know, just having her around, and for loving.  You know that too!  She's the best loving ever came down the road. 
Gosh yes, it is the first of May already.  Time is sure going by.  It begins to look doubtful if we will be settled or know what is what by the time you are through with school.  Maybe you won't have to run out on your picnic.  I hope you do.  I'm ready to see you anytime again. 
I spend quite a lot of time, dreaming about how and when we will meet again.  I get an awful thrill out of thinking back over the times we have met after separation for months and living them over again.  You're always so glad to see me.  Eyes just shoot stars or sparkles or something and you look so beautiful and sweet and comfortable and alluring all at the same time.  Gosh, honey, I love you something terrible. 
Honey, when I get back to stay, you're going to have a hell of a time getting away from me for even an evening of bridge with the girls.  Oh.  I guess I won't be quite that selfish, but you're going to have me following you around an awful lot, pestering you and everything.  You better get your going by yourself out of your system now, 'cause when I come home.  Well, Ive told you what to expect. 
It's sweet hell to love anyone as much as I love you, sweetheart.  Bye now, Chubbins.  I'll be seeing you in my daydreams.  I loves you, honey.  You're my darling wife.
Your hubby
Norm.

Letter # 358 April 30, 1944

April 30, 1944
Sunday.
Hi Sweetie;
You are a sweetie too and lots more than that.  You're my wife and that says a lot.  I like "wife' and all it means to me.  Very nice thing to have.  Wouldn't be without you under any conditions anymore.  You're sweet and I love you like hell.  As I have read someplace, "I love you so much my feet hurt."  Maybe it's the "half foot", but anyhow, I hurt, and I think it's all over. 
Putting in a lazy day, writing letters and getting clothes in shape.  This afternoon I expect to read all afternoon.  I've got a Zane Grey book, "Twin Sombreros" that is a good shoot 'em up western, so I'll be unconscious most all afternoon. 
So far I have written to Steve, Marg, Mom and now you today.  Afraid I'm almost wrote out so you may get short changed.  I'm getting in the habit of short changing you on letters, lately.  Can't seem to find much to say.  Guess I'll have to go back to writing naughty ones.  The only trouble, they may start censorship any time now.  That would be an eyeful for someone wouldn't it? 
I got your Wed letter today.
Don't worry, honey, I'd keep on loving you even if you didn't write at all, but don't you go putting me to the test on that.  I like your letters too much. 
So Ronnie [Nichols] has gotten Mick and I separated, has he?  He is a cute kid.  In fact most of our friends have had such good luck, I'd be tempted to try our luck.  Probably be a moron or worse.  Did I write that?  Why?  I must be getting old or something. 
Honey you're not very charitable.  Don't you remember that when we dug our basement we worked most of the time by lights and didn't think it half assed?  Of course that was me, and you're not supposed to think me half assed in any respect.  You promised to honor and obey till death do us part.  Didn't you?  You sure have and more.  You're the perfect wife and I'm not kidding. 
Sweetheart, you seem to have your routine twisted.  You should take your exercises in the morning instead of at night.  They wake you up and pep you up for the day's work.  I hope you don't think I'm holding you to this exercise routine.  It's good for you but it was your own idea.  All I ever tried to get you to do was some walking or something like that. 
I agree.  The way things sound anything can happen.  I'm still planning the same old way until I definitely know something.  If things don't turn out right though, I surely don't want you to be a "bitch on wheels" as you say, to the people around you.  Remember how you disliked Louise's attitude just before she went to Texas?  You won't be that way either.  You just think you will.  You're too sweet to be a bitch.  So there too.
Art's offer, if it was an offer, and I expect it was, is surely a generous one, but I don't think we'll even try to take the car that far unless we are sure I'll be there a good while.  That's a long way from home. 
Damn it, Chubbins, I can't think of anything else to write today.  Hell of a note, isn't it?  I can tell you I love you and always will and am waiting for the day when I can show you again.  I might not be able to talk much then either, but I can sure express my feelings in actions.  Bye "Bubbles".  I love you so much.
your hubby.
Norm

Monday, May 2, 2011

Letter # 357 April 29, 1944

April 29, 1944
Sat. eve.
My gorgeous wife;
I didn't get any letters today and I haven't much to say.  Afraid this will only be a note.  Nothing new happening at all and it's rather hard to write.  What little I do know I can't tell you about.  I can still tell you that I love you ever so much.  That's one thing that I will always be able to tell you anyhow. 
I took my packages down this afternoon and sent them off.  I sent them by Railway Express instead of parcel post.  One of them was rather bulky and wouldn't go in the mail box, so I thought it better the other way.
You can pick them up sometime when you are uptown.  They'll probably send a card when they arrive and then you go to the express office and get them.  The book I spoke of is in the big package.  I've sent almost all the extras I had.  Couldn't even keep an address book.
I have been trying to find out about taking a camera but they say that is up to the P.O.E. authorities.  In some theaters they allow them and in some they don't.  Anyhow I'm going to have Marg send the camera to you and if I can have it, you can send it or bring it to me.  I hope to hell it will be bring.  There are, I believe, a couple rolls of film in the vanity table drawer and I'll tell Marg to get some if she can.  If you get a chance to buy any, buy it. 
I got a letter from Steve today.  I may be reading between the lines but it seems like he was trying to say that they might be ready to go, at last.  Be funny if we went in the same unit wouldn't it?  The boats he has in his outfit are likely to be some of the same that will land us when we go into action. 
We've been having a regular dust storm here today.  It hadn't rained for a couple days and the sand on top is dry as powder.  Brisk south wind and it sure is driving the dust and sand.  I've wiped my foot locker off three or four times today and I can easily write my name on it again right now.  That's a new experience down here.  I've never seen it before.  It's plenty warm too, even with the high wind and the sun under. 
After I walked to the Express office I was so sticky and crusted with sand I felt like a big hunk of sandpaper.  You wouldn't have liked me then.  I'm all sweet now, though.  Had a shower and am all ready to do some high powered loving only I don't have anyone to love.  Maybe I should go back to DeRidder and see if I can get anyplace with that redhead I saw last week.  Think I have sufficiently recovered from the workout you gave me to be able to stay with her a little while.  Aw, hell honey, it's no use.  I can't even get a thrill out of thinking about any girl but you.  You're just too damn nice.  Even redheads can't compete when they are right here and you are way back in Ohio.  What you got, honey?  Whatever it is it's what I want.  I love you Tootsie Wuggles.  Wasn't the picture I sent a very good likeness of you?  I'm not speaking of the features.  Only the body.  I think if I had only seen that much of it I would have thought sure it was you.  Sure made me tingle. 
Well sweetheart, I'll write some more tomorrow.  Night, lovely, I love you so much.
Your hubby
Norm.

Sunday, May 1, 2011

Letter # 356 April 28, 1944

April 28, 1944
Fri. eve.
Hello Sweetheart;
Damn it honey, I'm bursting with news but I had to pledge my honor not to tell.  They had to tell us mechanics where to address the boxes of tools today.  We at least know where the tools are going.  That's a hell of a way to treat you isn't it?  Tell you I know, and won't tell.  I'm an old meany aren't I?  You just read all my letters and you'll know sometime.
We got a few new tools again today, so we have another box or two to pack tomorrow and then we are all finish.
All evening I have been checking and turning in all my old G.I. clothes and also sorting out things I'm sending home to you.  I have my little furlough bag crammed full and another package beside.  There are two pairs of suntan trousers and one shirt.  It's legal too.  Not charged for them so the Captain said send them home.  If we don't go over or they kick the old man out of combat, I'll be in a little better shape for summer clothes this year.
I've got three shirts to sew stripes on and should do that tonight if I don't get lazy. I didn't gain much by having Hazel sew that set on.  Had to take them off to put them on the new ones.  Hell of a note.  All this sewing to do all of the time and no wife to do it for me.
I got your Tues. letter today and I guess I'll answer it now.   
I'm planning to see cousin Bill one of these days.  [in Mother's hand writing: probably written when she recorded the letters for Sue and I: "Cousin Bill lives in Calif - He's trying to tell me where they are going."]
So Gus went to Great Lakes.  That won't be so bad.  Not too far from home and the navy seems to be generous with passes most of the time.  I'm wishing him lots of luck.  Hope Jean can continue to take it so well.  Poor Gus!  Missed the last "one" he might have had if he hadn't been so hard to wake up.  Maybe he wore himself out the night before.  He don't appreciate that "stuff" as much now as he will in a few months. 
I'm glad you have your eye on a possible job that you like.  It's always good to have a few cards up your sleeve.  I would be willing to bet that I'll be out of the country by fall, if they don't kick me out at P.O.E. on age or something, and that would seem to fit in very nicely. 
I don't see as the $30.00 difference in pay would be any worry to you.  If you like the work, is the main thing.  How about the hours?  Aren't they badly cut up and last until 9 at night?  I think it's swell.  Good place for you. 
Sweetheart, for a long time, I've been trying to tell you, you were as nice looking as any glamor girl.  I finally found a picture in an artist's model book that proves my statements.  This wasn't any cheap newsstand book either.  It had a price mark of $2.50 on it.  One of the boys had this book, it has a hundred or so similar pictures and I cut this one out.  Looks very much like you, I'd say.  You always try to tell me your bubbles are too big and hang a little too much.  Now what do you think about it?  I think they are dandys and would sure love to have them here now.  Boy, would I maul 'em.  I'm getting in a little personal writing while I can.  We may have censored mail in the new place. 
I guess I better quit for now.  Bye, honey, I'm loving you and thinking of you a lot.  I think I should keep this picture.  It looks so much like you.  You're my wife and I love you so much.
your hubby.
Norm.