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.
Thursday, October 20, 2011
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.
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