New Guinea
Friday eve.
Oct. 20, 1944
My sober darling;
Here's that man again, honey, with another day done and now I'm ready to sit down for my evening talk with the sweetest girl in the world. Yes, you are so, to me anyhow. I love you.
Another rainy day today so it wasn't quite so hot. It rained a hard rain just before dinner and has stayed cloudy all day. May rain again tonight by the looks of the sky. Contrary to other places in the world I've been we never complain about the rain here. Always glad to see it. At least we have been so far. Wander around out in the rain like a bunch of ducks. So used to wet clothes, rain doesn't make any difference. If we were in some of the sections on N.G. where it rains every day and even several times a day I reckon we would get plenty sick of it. The ground is sandy enough that it doesn't get muddy except in places where it is all cut up. Can play ball a half hour after a rain stops and never see any mud.
The thermometer you sent me is becoming a very popular instrument in camp. Must be the only one 'cause everyone from the brass hats down stop to take a look at it. Mostly they don't believe what they see but they look anyhow. They can't believe that it is only 96 - 100 in the shade and doesn't give us much to impress the folks at home with. The big difference is this is day after day the year around while at home it's a couple weeks at most. The sun temperature is much hotter here however than it ever gets at home.
I guess I didn't say much about the other letters I got last night. The ones from Mom & Pop, you probably know all about them anyhow, were very nice letters. Mom wrote the news and Pop did a very good job of informing me on the political situation. The magazine articles she sent were very good and I take them to be a cross section of the thoughts and beliefs of the nation. I can agree wholeheartedly with Pop's views. I'll answer them over the weekend if I don't get lazy and run off someplace to swim or something.
Jim's was a V-mail and had absolutely nothing in it except that he had moved and hadn't had time to write. It came photographed this time and had been written on Oct. 1st. It must have come by boat instead of air.
Didn't get any letters today, of course not, after getting eight all at once yesterday.
It is starting to rain again right now. Let her rain. Lulls a man to sleep and how I do sleep. Never seem to get too much anymore. Doesn't that sound funny for me to be saying? I can sleep eight hours at night and then sleep at noon hour and be ready to go to bed early the next evening. If you think your sleeping habits are bad what about mine? You'll have to work on me to keep me awake. Think you can? I'd be willing to bet you could keep me awake for quite a spell. Anyhow you got plenty to stay awake for. I'll sure try to break my sleepy head habits 'cause I love you.
Johnny was just in for a while and we shot the breeze and such. I also took the opportunity to show my sober wife's picture. There is so much contrast that he couldn't believe it was really you. Thought it was a sister. I don't think there is that much difference. I'd know it was you anywhere. No one else could ever look you like you, to me. You're my own special wife and the only one like you ever built. I'm a very lucky guy to have caught you before you were found by someone else. I'd have tried but I'm not sure I could have beaten out the competition.
Now I'm going to answer letters for a while. I don't mind a bit, having a gabby wife as you call yourself. You're letters are so much like you that I love 'em all. I always read each one several times and there are lots of parts I can quote almost exactly, from memory. Of course most of the parts I remember so well are the nice things you tell me. I eat that stuff up. I want you to forget all my bad points and think I'm just about right. You don't know how much that means to me. Probably more than to most fellows that didn't have that hard shell to crack before they could react like ordinary human beings. It took you to do it, honey. You're quite a girl. I love you. Wouldn't trade you for even two twenty year old redheads. How's that? Pretty precious aren't you? Darn right you are. It makes me glad to hear you're taking such good care of that "homefront". If it wasn't for that I wouldn't have anything very worth while to look forward to. Take care of my Mummy for me.
I see what you mean, you devil. You don't like for your mail to screw you up. How about it if the word were spelled differently, like male?
I am wondering what the story behind the sober picture is? That black dress is getting in a lot of pictures, isn't it? It should 'cause it really shows you off. In these pictures I have to use my imagination to get the effect of the dress but I can do that. I remember every curve and line of it, of you too. Lot to remember. Now I have a picture to show where you are wearing your hair down. Maybe that will satisfy the ones who object to the upsweep. I like you anyway.
Bub seems to have made himself very handy about the place. Gave you quite a lift with the man jobs about the place. Too bad the weeds wouldn't burn off. That would have been another job off your mind. I sure appreciate him oiling and looking after my tools too. People sure are being nice to us, aren't they?
Referring to your marked paragraph in Oct 5 letter. I guess I have straightened you out on that in other letters. I saw you had the wrong dope, whether I said it wrong or you misinterpreted my necessarily round the bush talking. I don't know, but anyhow, the dope in that paragraph is correct.
I'm not surprised that a little has been cut from my letters. The rules are stricter now and I was wondering when you'd say the cutting had started. I didn't expect it on the sentences that were cut, however. Just forget about it. It was only talk and nothing that you don't already know from the news. That's why I didn't expect that to be cut. Crazy business.
You say your nose is to the trail, another reference to your marked paragraph. Get your brain to work on this. Remember back to the winter of 42 & 43. "Life" carried a series of pictures and story about a place we had never before heard of but then became a famous place and familiar to any tongue that could pronounce the letter B. It's home.
Well, honey, I'm going to say night for now. I'll have to send the kisses and things I'd deliver in person if I only could. Plenty unused ones waiting for that day, getting riper, juicier, and sweeter all the time. I love you.
Your hubby.
Norm
Sunday, July 28, 2013
Tuesday, May 21, 2013
Letter # 502 October 19, 1944
New Guinea
Thurs. eve.
Oct. 19, 1944
My darling wife;
Boy, I sure rated at mail call tonight. Eight letters all at once. Oct 4, 5, &7th from you. One from Mom & one from Pop Kelser, one from Mom & Hazel, and one from Jim. That's seven. The eighth was also from you only it wasn't a letter. It was a picture of a very serious minded girl with big wide set, straight looking eyes. full round face. but showing quite a lot of determination in spite of the soft contours. The most remarkable part of the face is a pair of extremely kissable lips. Nice and full and a perfect Cupid's bow. They look very capable of giving and receiving some very thrilling kisses. Perfect for gooey, wide open ones. I'd go wild if I ran into anything like them at this stage of my exile in N.G. The girl is my wife. I'm very proud of her too. I love her. It is a very unusual picture of you, sweetheart. I've never seen one of you even similar to it. What were you so serious about, darling? I have seen you look exactly like that a few times in person. Usually when we were having one of our very few disagreements. It really isn't you as you usually are but I like it anyhow. I have it mounted on the cover of the other one you sent me so now I can see you in two moods, widely different. The pictures show one thing in common. The likeness of a very beautiful girl. You are so. I'm not prejudiced so much I can't see. I've seen lots of poorer faces on magazine covers and such. Above and beyond looks there is unmistakable character showing in all your pictures and that is one thing usually absent in beauty pictures. Is it any wonder I'm in love with you gorgeous? Gee, I'm glad I gothcha, honey.
There I guess you can gather that I liked your second picture also. I'm getting a lot of my favorite pinup these days. I now have four of you where I can see you all the time. Got another new picture to show off to my buddies.
Mom & Hazel also sent a picture. One of Bob's Jackie. Taken there in town. Very good picture. Jackie surely is a blond. Her hair looks as white as Bob's shirt. I think I can understand your first unfavorable impression of her. I can't say that I am much taken by her looks either. I can't say why. Just an impression. Pictures are a poor way for me to form opinions. I'm not as good as you at it. From your description I know she is small, but in this, she looks as big, if not bigger, than Bob.I expect the heavy legs help that impression along. Bob looks good and very natural. I'm going to take your estimate of her until I have a chance to form a first hand opinion of my own. I sure hope you are right.
Now I guess I'll start on your letters. Oct 4th. I guess we are both having a bit of trouble with our mail lately. Skipping and not coming in rotation. But, what the hell! They get here and that is what counts. The 6th skipped in this bunch.
Yes, honey, I made another little mark on my calendar tonight. I had guessed it but waited to mark it until I had confirmation. Silly, aren't I? I don't care. It's one intimate thing I can still do.
I imagine Bobby is getting to be quite a kid. Six months make a big difference at that age. I can also see why he would be a tough little egg with Ed to play with. Good for him.
I can't believe that Ronnie really remembers all the people that go with the names he remembers. It's cute though and he must be a smart little tyke. Say hi to him for me.
You are a devil but I won't bawl you out about it. Taking my letter in to Baldwin! Such a business. I don't care though, if you don't. If I had had any idea you'd do that I'd have scattered little la-de-das all through it or else been a bit careful of the words, spelling and etc. I can't imagine it being fit to appear in print without a lot of rewriting. As I said though, I don't care if you don't. I'm not ashamed of anything I write to you. It's me. You can do as you please with any of my letters. They're yours. I'm yours too to do as you please with. So there too.
Sixteen boxes already on their way to me. You must spend an awful lot of time packing boxes for me. I sure appreciate it too. How much, I'll someday show you. What are the real Christmas presents you promise to give me when I'm home again? It better be what I'm thinking. You can afford those presents too 'cause they won't cost any money. Only a lot of energy and willingness. Think you can manage?
I'm sure it won't be any fault of yours if I don't have a bigger Christmas than any other soldier over here. Sounds like I'll need another tent for storage. You're so sweet, darling.
You are doing a very good job of wrapping and tying these boxes. They have all been in one piece and only one box has even been damaged very much. Some boxes come in broken open and lots of things lost. Not the way my honey wraps 'em. You're doing swell.
Oh, so I'm going to learn to sing am I? Well I don't know about that. For a teacher that doesn't like teaching you are undertaking a big and hopeless job. John Beck gave it up way back in the third grade as hopeless. I just haven't got what it takes, honey. I won't promise to be an apt or very enthusiastic pupil along that line, certainly not until you've taught me all the other things that are much more important in my mind. When I can listen "To the Colors" and "Retreat" as many times as I have the past months and still not be able to tell them apart, I don't have much hope of any improvement. Afraid I'll always be a dumkoph in music, so don't be getting too enthusiastic about the idea. If you treat me real extra special I may consent to give it a try. May, I said.
Honey! I'd never slap you down, even for that. I'd be more apt to laugh at you and remain unresponsive. Wouldn't that be closer to my reaction? I could give you a beating about now but never beat you. Get what I mean? I love you, you devil.
You don't need to tell me to look at your picture and ask me if you're sweet. I have your pictures where I can see them all the time. I look at them and do a lot of dreaming too. Sweet dreams that make me want to get back with you and start living again. I get along and survive but I'll never live again as long as we're apart. As for you being sweet, I thought I was telling you that so much it would be getting to be an old thing and you'd begin to take it as a line instead of what I really mean. I do mean it so much, honey. I wish I could think of some way to prove it in a letter but I can't seem to. You'll just have to accept protestations until such time as I can get within proving distance. That's a very, very short distance. Can you remember how I used to try to prove it? Night, darling. I love you.
Your hubby.
Norm.
Thurs. eve.
Oct. 19, 1944
My darling wife;
Boy, I sure rated at mail call tonight. Eight letters all at once. Oct 4, 5, &7th from you. One from Mom & one from Pop Kelser, one from Mom & Hazel, and one from Jim. That's seven. The eighth was also from you only it wasn't a letter. It was a picture of a very serious minded girl with big wide set, straight looking eyes. full round face. but showing quite a lot of determination in spite of the soft contours. The most remarkable part of the face is a pair of extremely kissable lips. Nice and full and a perfect Cupid's bow. They look very capable of giving and receiving some very thrilling kisses. Perfect for gooey, wide open ones. I'd go wild if I ran into anything like them at this stage of my exile in N.G. The girl is my wife. I'm very proud of her too. I love her. It is a very unusual picture of you, sweetheart. I've never seen one of you even similar to it. What were you so serious about, darling? I have seen you look exactly like that a few times in person. Usually when we were having one of our very few disagreements. It really isn't you as you usually are but I like it anyhow. I have it mounted on the cover of the other one you sent me so now I can see you in two moods, widely different. The pictures show one thing in common. The likeness of a very beautiful girl. You are so. I'm not prejudiced so much I can't see. I've seen lots of poorer faces on magazine covers and such. Above and beyond looks there is unmistakable character showing in all your pictures and that is one thing usually absent in beauty pictures. Is it any wonder I'm in love with you gorgeous? Gee, I'm glad I gothcha, honey.
There I guess you can gather that I liked your second picture also. I'm getting a lot of my favorite pinup these days. I now have four of you where I can see you all the time. Got another new picture to show off to my buddies.
Mom & Hazel also sent a picture. One of Bob's Jackie. Taken there in town. Very good picture. Jackie surely is a blond. Her hair looks as white as Bob's shirt. I think I can understand your first unfavorable impression of her. I can't say that I am much taken by her looks either. I can't say why. Just an impression. Pictures are a poor way for me to form opinions. I'm not as good as you at it. From your description I know she is small, but in this, she looks as big, if not bigger, than Bob.I expect the heavy legs help that impression along. Bob looks good and very natural. I'm going to take your estimate of her until I have a chance to form a first hand opinion of my own. I sure hope you are right.
Now I guess I'll start on your letters. Oct 4th. I guess we are both having a bit of trouble with our mail lately. Skipping and not coming in rotation. But, what the hell! They get here and that is what counts. The 6th skipped in this bunch.
Yes, honey, I made another little mark on my calendar tonight. I had guessed it but waited to mark it until I had confirmation. Silly, aren't I? I don't care. It's one intimate thing I can still do.
I imagine Bobby is getting to be quite a kid. Six months make a big difference at that age. I can also see why he would be a tough little egg with Ed to play with. Good for him.
I can't believe that Ronnie really remembers all the people that go with the names he remembers. It's cute though and he must be a smart little tyke. Say hi to him for me.
You are a devil but I won't bawl you out about it. Taking my letter in to Baldwin! Such a business. I don't care though, if you don't. If I had had any idea you'd do that I'd have scattered little la-de-das all through it or else been a bit careful of the words, spelling and etc. I can't imagine it being fit to appear in print without a lot of rewriting. As I said though, I don't care if you don't. I'm not ashamed of anything I write to you. It's me. You can do as you please with any of my letters. They're yours. I'm yours too to do as you please with. So there too.
Sixteen boxes already on their way to me. You must spend an awful lot of time packing boxes for me. I sure appreciate it too. How much, I'll someday show you. What are the real Christmas presents you promise to give me when I'm home again? It better be what I'm thinking. You can afford those presents too 'cause they won't cost any money. Only a lot of energy and willingness. Think you can manage?
I'm sure it won't be any fault of yours if I don't have a bigger Christmas than any other soldier over here. Sounds like I'll need another tent for storage. You're so sweet, darling.
You are doing a very good job of wrapping and tying these boxes. They have all been in one piece and only one box has even been damaged very much. Some boxes come in broken open and lots of things lost. Not the way my honey wraps 'em. You're doing swell.
Oh, so I'm going to learn to sing am I? Well I don't know about that. For a teacher that doesn't like teaching you are undertaking a big and hopeless job. John Beck gave it up way back in the third grade as hopeless. I just haven't got what it takes, honey. I won't promise to be an apt or very enthusiastic pupil along that line, certainly not until you've taught me all the other things that are much more important in my mind. When I can listen "To the Colors" and "Retreat" as many times as I have the past months and still not be able to tell them apart, I don't have much hope of any improvement. Afraid I'll always be a dumkoph in music, so don't be getting too enthusiastic about the idea. If you treat me real extra special I may consent to give it a try. May, I said.
Honey! I'd never slap you down, even for that. I'd be more apt to laugh at you and remain unresponsive. Wouldn't that be closer to my reaction? I could give you a beating about now but never beat you. Get what I mean? I love you, you devil.
You don't need to tell me to look at your picture and ask me if you're sweet. I have your pictures where I can see them all the time. I look at them and do a lot of dreaming too. Sweet dreams that make me want to get back with you and start living again. I get along and survive but I'll never live again as long as we're apart. As for you being sweet, I thought I was telling you that so much it would be getting to be an old thing and you'd begin to take it as a line instead of what I really mean. I do mean it so much, honey. I wish I could think of some way to prove it in a letter but I can't seem to. You'll just have to accept protestations until such time as I can get within proving distance. That's a very, very short distance. Can you remember how I used to try to prove it? Night, darling. I love you.
Your hubby.
Norm.
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
Letter # 501 October 18. 1944
New Guinea
Wed. eve
Oct 18, 1944
Hello Beautiful;
Wednesday afternoon again and a half day off. Like it used to be back in civilian life only here I don't have to make up for the time off by working until late on Saturday night. Quite a racket this army life. It may be a racket as far as work is concerned but I'll go back to working at home like I used to anytime they see fit to turn me loose. I don't mind all the crazy and unnecessary stuff they pull so much but I sure do mind being away from my wife so much and so long. I want my Mummy all the time. She's part of me and I can't feel right or satisfied as long as she isn't with me. If that isn't love, honey, it will have to do until the real thing comes along. It's love. I'm very positive of that. I do love you so much darling.
I did work a little more on your surprise but not much. I seem to have quite a bit of time off but, even then, by the time I keep my chores done up, I don't have much time left anyhow. Seems there's always a little mending or repair work about the tent or some other little things to take up my time. It gets dark here so early too. By 4:30 it's necessary to have lights to see in the tents. Our lights aren't very good and I can't do any close work by them. Write is about all. That is a long winded explanation of why I don't seem to be making much progress on the surprises. I know I shouldn't be teasing you about them so far in advance, but you asked for it. You sweet devil. Another thing slowing me down quite a bit is I'm lazy. This constant hot weather is really slowing me down plenty. I've gotten so I like to assume the position of horizontal devotion as often as I can. This afternoon, for example, I had good intentions of getting the chores out of the way quick and working on your surprise. I did go right to work after dinner, had to remark all my clothing and cut some weeds around the tent. When I got that done I lit a cigarette and stretched out on my cot to smoke it. Next thing I knew I had been asleep for over an hour. See where my time goes? Another thing you'll have to teach me, being energetic again. Maybe you'd sooner I wasn't too energetic. How about it?
Woke up this morning to the patter of rain on the tent. I like to hear it rain on a tent [if it doesn't leak]. It stopped soon after daylight as is usual, it very seldom rains during the day, but it stayed rather cloudy and steamy all day. Thundering right now and will probably start raining shortly again. Usual temperature again, 96 in the shade. Don't imagine it will get a lot hotter except occasional days, because the sun is almost directly overhead now. It will pass on over and then come back again in January. It is raining now. The boys got rained out at the show and just came in.
No mail again today and I have nearly answered all the letters I have. I'll finish this one of Oct 3rd and probably stop there. I don't seem to have much to say again tonight.
You're making a broad statement there, honey. "I'll do anything for you if you were only near me." That could mean a hell of a lot but I don't have any doubt you'd try it. You needn't worry though. Even though I do think N.G. may have a great future I wouldn't want to be a part of it unless I could do it from a long distance. I couldn't, rather wouldn't, stand the climate very long on my own either. You committed yourself and I'll remember that statement just in case I ever do have an idea of some sort that doesn't meet with your approval. At present and I don't expect, anytime, to require any more from you than you gave before this war. You were perfect except for one thing and you've corrected that since. That is if I can judge from the times I've seen you. Perfect in every way now. Know what I mean? If you don't you will be told and shown the first thing when I get home. Best loving ever came down the road, sweetheart.
You would have been scared if you had known about the headhunters, you say. I wasn't very easy about it either when I found out even though there were too many of us and we were too well armed to be in any danger at all. I realized that and still went to sleep with my gun & knife under my hand. I sure didn't care much for their looks. We were kidding Pendelton all the time we were in the area. You can gather from his picture that he's a big boy. Almost exactly like I was before my diet two years ago. Weighs about 220. Well, we were telling him that the natives were all looking at him and thinking what nice soup he'd make. Don't guess it worried him much but we had fun trying anyhow.
We weren't supposed to do any trading with the natives according to the Australian in charge of the school and we didn't on the way up while we were in a big group. These natives and Aussies have a more or less set price for things. Such as, one cigarette for two coconuts, one cigarette for a paw paw, two cigarettes for a bunch of bananas, or the same number of razor blades. Razor blades and cigarettes being about the same value. Watches are worth more and up in the out of the way places the natives go wild for them. The Aussies know Americans are too generous and don't like to have us do any trading 'cause when overpaid once, the native always wants as much the next time. Like anyone else in that way aren't they?
On the way down Mathews was our trader. He seemed to be able to get along with them best of any of us. One village we saw a nice patch of corn and decided to try to buy some. Went in and Mathews asked for corn. The old black acted like he didn't understand but after a little persuasion and a look at matches and razor blades we had, he yelled out something and almost immediately women came with squash, green bananas, and such. The poorest they had and insisted it was good Ki Ki. That means food. After a bit of that Mathews got disgusted and yelled, "To hell with the Ki Ki. We want some corn." We got it too. They are shrewd traders and unless persistent you'll never get what you want. We came away from there with corn, cucumbers, paw paws, bananas, and squash enough to make the six of us a feast and only spent one book of matches and six razor blades. They use the razor blades to make sharp tools, not to shave.
I guess I wrote more than I thought I would. Your questions did it. There are probably lots of things I forgot to tell about the trip. A few questions may get results, honey. I like to have you ask about anything you want to know or you may not understand about what I write. Ask 'em and I'll answer anything I can and not violate rules.
Night, my darling, I love you. Did you know that? Any questions about it? I can answer them without violating any old rules. Here's some more big, thrilling kisses.
Your hubby.
Norm.
Wed. eve
Oct 18, 1944
Hello Beautiful;
Wednesday afternoon again and a half day off. Like it used to be back in civilian life only here I don't have to make up for the time off by working until late on Saturday night. Quite a racket this army life. It may be a racket as far as work is concerned but I'll go back to working at home like I used to anytime they see fit to turn me loose. I don't mind all the crazy and unnecessary stuff they pull so much but I sure do mind being away from my wife so much and so long. I want my Mummy all the time. She's part of me and I can't feel right or satisfied as long as she isn't with me. If that isn't love, honey, it will have to do until the real thing comes along. It's love. I'm very positive of that. I do love you so much darling.
I did work a little more on your surprise but not much. I seem to have quite a bit of time off but, even then, by the time I keep my chores done up, I don't have much time left anyhow. Seems there's always a little mending or repair work about the tent or some other little things to take up my time. It gets dark here so early too. By 4:30 it's necessary to have lights to see in the tents. Our lights aren't very good and I can't do any close work by them. Write is about all. That is a long winded explanation of why I don't seem to be making much progress on the surprises. I know I shouldn't be teasing you about them so far in advance, but you asked for it. You sweet devil. Another thing slowing me down quite a bit is I'm lazy. This constant hot weather is really slowing me down plenty. I've gotten so I like to assume the position of horizontal devotion as often as I can. This afternoon, for example, I had good intentions of getting the chores out of the way quick and working on your surprise. I did go right to work after dinner, had to remark all my clothing and cut some weeds around the tent. When I got that done I lit a cigarette and stretched out on my cot to smoke it. Next thing I knew I had been asleep for over an hour. See where my time goes? Another thing you'll have to teach me, being energetic again. Maybe you'd sooner I wasn't too energetic. How about it?
Woke up this morning to the patter of rain on the tent. I like to hear it rain on a tent [if it doesn't leak]. It stopped soon after daylight as is usual, it very seldom rains during the day, but it stayed rather cloudy and steamy all day. Thundering right now and will probably start raining shortly again. Usual temperature again, 96 in the shade. Don't imagine it will get a lot hotter except occasional days, because the sun is almost directly overhead now. It will pass on over and then come back again in January. It is raining now. The boys got rained out at the show and just came in.
No mail again today and I have nearly answered all the letters I have. I'll finish this one of Oct 3rd and probably stop there. I don't seem to have much to say again tonight.
You're making a broad statement there, honey. "I'll do anything for you if you were only near me." That could mean a hell of a lot but I don't have any doubt you'd try it. You needn't worry though. Even though I do think N.G. may have a great future I wouldn't want to be a part of it unless I could do it from a long distance. I couldn't, rather wouldn't, stand the climate very long on my own either. You committed yourself and I'll remember that statement just in case I ever do have an idea of some sort that doesn't meet with your approval. At present and I don't expect, anytime, to require any more from you than you gave before this war. You were perfect except for one thing and you've corrected that since. That is if I can judge from the times I've seen you. Perfect in every way now. Know what I mean? If you don't you will be told and shown the first thing when I get home. Best loving ever came down the road, sweetheart.
You would have been scared if you had known about the headhunters, you say. I wasn't very easy about it either when I found out even though there were too many of us and we were too well armed to be in any danger at all. I realized that and still went to sleep with my gun & knife under my hand. I sure didn't care much for their looks. We were kidding Pendelton all the time we were in the area. You can gather from his picture that he's a big boy. Almost exactly like I was before my diet two years ago. Weighs about 220. Well, we were telling him that the natives were all looking at him and thinking what nice soup he'd make. Don't guess it worried him much but we had fun trying anyhow.
We weren't supposed to do any trading with the natives according to the Australian in charge of the school and we didn't on the way up while we were in a big group. These natives and Aussies have a more or less set price for things. Such as, one cigarette for two coconuts, one cigarette for a paw paw, two cigarettes for a bunch of bananas, or the same number of razor blades. Razor blades and cigarettes being about the same value. Watches are worth more and up in the out of the way places the natives go wild for them. The Aussies know Americans are too generous and don't like to have us do any trading 'cause when overpaid once, the native always wants as much the next time. Like anyone else in that way aren't they?
On the way down Mathews was our trader. He seemed to be able to get along with them best of any of us. One village we saw a nice patch of corn and decided to try to buy some. Went in and Mathews asked for corn. The old black acted like he didn't understand but after a little persuasion and a look at matches and razor blades we had, he yelled out something and almost immediately women came with squash, green bananas, and such. The poorest they had and insisted it was good Ki Ki. That means food. After a bit of that Mathews got disgusted and yelled, "To hell with the Ki Ki. We want some corn." We got it too. They are shrewd traders and unless persistent you'll never get what you want. We came away from there with corn, cucumbers, paw paws, bananas, and squash enough to make the six of us a feast and only spent one book of matches and six razor blades. They use the razor blades to make sharp tools, not to shave.
I guess I wrote more than I thought I would. Your questions did it. There are probably lots of things I forgot to tell about the trip. A few questions may get results, honey. I like to have you ask about anything you want to know or you may not understand about what I write. Ask 'em and I'll answer anything I can and not violate rules.
Night, my darling, I love you. Did you know that? Any questions about it? I can answer them without violating any old rules. Here's some more big, thrilling kisses.
Your hubby.
Norm.
Sunday, May 5, 2013
Letter # 500 October 17, 1944
New Guinea
Tuesday eve.
Oct 17, 1944
My Sweetheart;
Another hot scorching day gone by. It didn't register so high in the shade, only 98 degrees, but in the sun, oh my but it's hot. Be resting in the shade and be all dried off and step into the sun for a couple minutes and you just melt and run in your shoes. The slightest movement is enough to open the sweat gates and from then on the clothes are soaking wet. Sure is funny weather for the middle of October isn't it? I'd sure like to have some of those snappy, frosty October evenings and beautiful days. I can see it is really going to get quite warm here by the first of the year.
I guess I forgot to tell you. I went to the show Sunday eve. It was "Destroyer". If I remember right it was an old show, but not too bad. Once in a while a show goes pretty good.
The show "Dragon Seed" that you mentioned seeing in Cleveland was put on at the base over the weekend. I was tempted to go but the long dusty ride and the crowd I knew would be there made me decide against it. It was highly recommended by the army, more for education of our ally, China, than anything, I imagine. From your description I imagine it might have been a good show, even if you didn't like it.
Shows are one thing we seem to disagree on occasionally. You always used to go with me if I wanted to see one but you'd squeeze my arm and not look when things started to happen. "I won't look", you'd say, but you usually did anyhow. You sure would hang on to me. I like to have you hanging on to me. I like to hang onto you too. Especially when I walk behind you and reach around under your arms. You know how. That's fun and thrilling. I love you, honey.
You are probably in possession of the correction of your understanding of locations down here. I probably didn't write it the way I mean it. You have the positions reversed anyhow. Steve is north of me.
Now what could you be packing in a syrup can to send to me? The obvious certainly isn't right but yet you say it should be tasty. Well, let her come. I'll find out then what it is. With the Grange boxes and a soldier of your own to send boxes to you should be having a big time getting boxes ready to mail.
Gosh, honey, I never dreamed that anyone would argue about the privilege of who is going to send me the lantern. I'm sorry there aren't enough things I want to go around. It sure is swell of everyone to be so thoughtful. It's nice to be remembered by old friends. It's much more than that to have such a perfect wife pulling for me and not letting anyone forget her husband.
Another sideline job for you. Going out to the hospital in a librarian capacity. Yes, honey, I'd think you would rather enjoy that and as long as it won't take much, if any, extra time, it should break the everyday routine of the library. Maybe you can also pick up some pointers on being a mother. Remember you have big plans of being one as soon as possible. You haven't changed your mind yet, have you? You'd make a swell mother. Nearly as good as the perfect wife you are now.
Ok, ok, honey, I'll hush my mouth about not writing to you. I can see I am forgive, you devil. Teasing me again about the present you had to saw in three pieces to send. I don't know what in the hell it could be or why I should quickly splice it together, but I'll do as you say. You devil. I love you to pieces.
I can see you are being well taken care of honey, and I don't need to worry or even think about it, but darn it, I just have to suggest something once in a while to salve my vanity. I gotta feel that I'm a little bit necessary anyhow. I want to be taking care of you so much you know. I assure you I'm not worrying at all about you anymore. You're a very capable girl. All I do now-a-days is dream and think of what we'll do when we are together again. Fun and more fun.
I'm going to cut you short tonight. I'm tired and need to get a big night's rest. I'll do better tomorrow night.
Night, sweetheart. I'm loving you so much and missing you constantly.
Your hubby.
Norm.
Tuesday eve.
Oct 17, 1944
My Sweetheart;
Another hot scorching day gone by. It didn't register so high in the shade, only 98 degrees, but in the sun, oh my but it's hot. Be resting in the shade and be all dried off and step into the sun for a couple minutes and you just melt and run in your shoes. The slightest movement is enough to open the sweat gates and from then on the clothes are soaking wet. Sure is funny weather for the middle of October isn't it? I'd sure like to have some of those snappy, frosty October evenings and beautiful days. I can see it is really going to get quite warm here by the first of the year.
I guess I forgot to tell you. I went to the show Sunday eve. It was "Destroyer". If I remember right it was an old show, but not too bad. Once in a while a show goes pretty good.
The show "Dragon Seed" that you mentioned seeing in Cleveland was put on at the base over the weekend. I was tempted to go but the long dusty ride and the crowd I knew would be there made me decide against it. It was highly recommended by the army, more for education of our ally, China, than anything, I imagine. From your description I imagine it might have been a good show, even if you didn't like it.
Shows are one thing we seem to disagree on occasionally. You always used to go with me if I wanted to see one but you'd squeeze my arm and not look when things started to happen. "I won't look", you'd say, but you usually did anyhow. You sure would hang on to me. I like to have you hanging on to me. I like to hang onto you too. Especially when I walk behind you and reach around under your arms. You know how. That's fun and thrilling. I love you, honey.
You are probably in possession of the correction of your understanding of locations down here. I probably didn't write it the way I mean it. You have the positions reversed anyhow. Steve is north of me.
Now what could you be packing in a syrup can to send to me? The obvious certainly isn't right but yet you say it should be tasty. Well, let her come. I'll find out then what it is. With the Grange boxes and a soldier of your own to send boxes to you should be having a big time getting boxes ready to mail.
Gosh, honey, I never dreamed that anyone would argue about the privilege of who is going to send me the lantern. I'm sorry there aren't enough things I want to go around. It sure is swell of everyone to be so thoughtful. It's nice to be remembered by old friends. It's much more than that to have such a perfect wife pulling for me and not letting anyone forget her husband.
Another sideline job for you. Going out to the hospital in a librarian capacity. Yes, honey, I'd think you would rather enjoy that and as long as it won't take much, if any, extra time, it should break the everyday routine of the library. Maybe you can also pick up some pointers on being a mother. Remember you have big plans of being one as soon as possible. You haven't changed your mind yet, have you? You'd make a swell mother. Nearly as good as the perfect wife you are now.
Ok, ok, honey, I'll hush my mouth about not writing to you. I can see I am forgive, you devil. Teasing me again about the present you had to saw in three pieces to send. I don't know what in the hell it could be or why I should quickly splice it together, but I'll do as you say. You devil. I love you to pieces.
I can see you are being well taken care of honey, and I don't need to worry or even think about it, but darn it, I just have to suggest something once in a while to salve my vanity. I gotta feel that I'm a little bit necessary anyhow. I want to be taking care of you so much you know. I assure you I'm not worrying at all about you anymore. You're a very capable girl. All I do now-a-days is dream and think of what we'll do when we are together again. Fun and more fun.
I'm going to cut you short tonight. I'm tired and need to get a big night's rest. I'll do better tomorrow night.
Night, sweetheart. I'm loving you so much and missing you constantly.
Your hubby.
Norm.
Friday, April 26, 2013
Letter # 499 October 16, 1944
New Guinea
Monday eve.
Oct 16, 1944
Hello Bubbles;
I did very well at mail call last night. Two missing ones from you and one from Vi. Yours were Oct 1st & 2nd. So now I'm all up to the minute on them again. I've got the 1, 2, 3, to answer yet and I guess it's a good thing 'cause I can't think of anything to write about. I could always write a naughty letter but I don't have the nerve and besides it's against the censorship rules. No bad language and such, is supposed to be let through. You'll have to write those kind of letters until things change, if any are written.
I was amused at Vi's letter. She said you often read them parts of my letters only there were lots of places where you just said La-de-da and skipped to more commonplace things. I guess this is telling tales out of school but you don't need to tell on me unless you want to. Vi said she sure didn't begrudge you skipping those parts but she sure was dying of curiosity. Maybe I had better write her a sample of some of the things you skip over. How about it? It would make rather racy reading if anyone ever got into that pile of letters I've written you. Be like sitting down with an armful of that type of books not sold on new stands or in the libraries. You know the kind I mean.
Anyhow I betcha people could gather that I am very much in love with my wife and think she's the best ever made. Of course they could think. Gosh how these G.I. wolves can sling the line and then wonder how far such a line would get a man. How far would it get me, honey? Do you think it's only a line? You better hadn't, you sweet old devil. I've never meant anything I ever said any more than I mean all I say about you. You're the sweetest, bravest, most beautiful, loving and thoughtful wife I've ever heard about or seen. Gee, how I love you honey.
Here's a little more telling tales out of school that I'm requesting you to keep confidential. I never before this army experience realized how a person's character is reflected in letters. I can sure see it now. Even if I am a bit prejudiced in your favor there is still too much difference between your letters and ones I get from other girls to let pass without a compliment to you. I knew them all more or less intimately before. Vi, Betty, Tib, Mrs. Delaney, Garnett, are most of them. There isn't one of them that can write a really intelligent letter. Usually rather shallow and frivolous. I guess they are a bit handicapped by not being able to talk as freely as you do, but, honey, they just don't measure up at all. I got the best of them all and no mistake. You're the sweetest thing.
Otis was just here on a visit and as usual, I didn't pass up the opportunity to show my pictures of you. They all like you, sweetheart. The only fault I've ever heard anyone find, and, darn it all, most of them seem to find it, is - I bet you can't guess can you? Maybe I shouldn't tell you until the end of the letter or, better yet, make you wait until tomorrow to find out that one objection. Aw, honey, I won't be that mean. I'll tell you. They don't like your hair done up. Say you look much better with it down like in the snaps. I never told you that before 'cause I like you that way and can't see why they all don't. To be very honest, I never did like it that way on any other woman. You may remember I wasn't very enthusiastic when you said you were going to do it. I don't care what other men say. They shouldn't like you too well anyhow. I want you for my own always. I love you.
Who said I didn't have anything to write about? I don't know what started me on that track but there it is. Read it 'n weep. Now I'm going to do some answering on Oct 1st letter.
"That woman's here again." Some opening phrase for a letter. Wish it were only true. She would be more than welcome here anytime no matter how persistent she was. Think I'll answer the usual little persistent questions, "Where you goin", "What you doin". At least for a while anyhow. You'd always say, "I want to know." You'd know 'cause I'd take you with me even if I was only going the usual place. You're going to have trouble with me, sweetheart. I can feel it so plain.
This letter tells me about the change in Gus's special rating. It does sound a lot like it might mean active duty before long, but then, it can be changed back again just as quickly. If he does leave the states it will surely be another Medina boy in the South West Pacific. We know how they feel about it, but Jean can take it, I know. It's tough though, to think about. Actually easier to take than anticipate. I think we found it that way. I'm sure you did anyhow. I can clearly remember an evening four years ago in September. The 15th I believe. I was painting the back of the house and you came over all upset because you had just heard the news of the draft law. I can remember being very reassuring, or at least trying to be, and saying it would never affect me. Another time I was very wrong. I know it had a strong effect on me, seeing you so fearful of having me taken away. I wanted to do like the movies and take you in my arms and reassure you, but I didn't. Didn't know how to do things like that. You must have slipped up in your teaching, honey. Think I've grown enough now to make a try at it, honey? Bet I'd at least lay my paint brush down. wasn't I dumb though?
There's another secret out of my closet. You can sure worm into the most remote corners of me, you devil. I love to have you to tell things like that to. Wonder why I didn't do it when I had you by me. That's a lot of words to make the point. I do believe you were more afraid right then than at any other time. Am I right? I do think Jean will be better satisfied if Gus is really where she can't go to see him. If she can be only half as brave as you have been she'll get along all right. I'm proud of you, sweetheart.
I know you wanted me to like your picture to go to all the trouble you did to get it. Your wants should be satisfied don't you think? I love it. I can't think of any more expressive way to tell you how much I like it.
I won't say another word about being sorry I couldn't write to you but I'll still be sorry. I can't imagine me liking to write letters but I do, to you.
I can't explain why the maple sugar melted in the can or the chocolate either. It must be the nature of the critter or else it was because his was air tight. I imagine the dampness causes it. Sugar or salt just bunches up and gets wet very quickly here. His candy was that white fondant or something like that. I don't have any idea how to spell it or what the word looks like. You'll probably know.
While I'm thinking of it, I forgot to put in my weekly request. I'd like to have anything yo can send me to eat. You can also remember to keep me supplied with generators and mantles for the lantern the Berrys are sending. I could use another box of toothpicks too. I really don't know of anything else to ask for. I'll let it up to your discretion. You do swell. Smart girl.
The cookies really were very good. Even licked up all the crumbs that my pet ants didn't beat me to. The boys are all waiting for more too.
It might be that you are particularly smart about ideas for things to send. It can't be telepathy 'cause I surely never even dreamed of these things you are sending and come in so handy. You're plenty smart as well as beautiful and very useful. I mean useful in lots of ways too.
I don't think your picture looks like a devil. You have a very "come hither" look in your eye and are wanting to be kissed badly, probably a gooey one. If that's a devil I have been under the wrong impression about the devil.
You'll just have to keep wondering about Neice. No can talk. You'll have to keep notes of all these things you want to know, 'cause I know we'll never think of them once we're together again if you don't.
I don't have any suggestions on cataloging your stacks of letters. The only way I can see is by the different places I am. Just like writing history in periods. That must be some stack of writing to look through, trying to find any particular thing. In those nearly 19 months you must have at least 1400 to 1500 sheets. That would be quite a dictionary. If I had kept all yours it would be much bigger. We surely should know
how to write.
Honey, you're getting to be a softie. Only three drinks and you have a hangover the next day. I think you lost track of the drinks or else it was something similar to this jungle juice. I remember when you used to say, "Gosh, that's good" and down it went. "Fill 'em up again." We had a nice walk out in the cold one morning didn't we? I don't want to get pissed either. I like to get just feeling good and don't give a damn, like at Put-in-Bay. When I get pissed I want to sleep and that's no fun when there are lots of better things to do. Just pleasantly rosy is right with me. Then I can celebrate and enjoy it.
Well, honey, it's time to quit and I didn't even answer one letter. Ramble all around don't I? No matter where I ramble I'm always loving you and wanting you right by me. Then I'm happy and contented. I'll get fat and sassy again too. Night, darling. I love you.
Your hubby.
Norm.
Monday eve.
Oct 16, 1944
Hello Bubbles;
I did very well at mail call last night. Two missing ones from you and one from Vi. Yours were Oct 1st & 2nd. So now I'm all up to the minute on them again. I've got the 1, 2, 3, to answer yet and I guess it's a good thing 'cause I can't think of anything to write about. I could always write a naughty letter but I don't have the nerve and besides it's against the censorship rules. No bad language and such, is supposed to be let through. You'll have to write those kind of letters until things change, if any are written.
I was amused at Vi's letter. She said you often read them parts of my letters only there were lots of places where you just said La-de-da and skipped to more commonplace things. I guess this is telling tales out of school but you don't need to tell on me unless you want to. Vi said she sure didn't begrudge you skipping those parts but she sure was dying of curiosity. Maybe I had better write her a sample of some of the things you skip over. How about it? It would make rather racy reading if anyone ever got into that pile of letters I've written you. Be like sitting down with an armful of that type of books not sold on new stands or in the libraries. You know the kind I mean.
Anyhow I betcha people could gather that I am very much in love with my wife and think she's the best ever made. Of course they could think. Gosh how these G.I. wolves can sling the line and then wonder how far such a line would get a man. How far would it get me, honey? Do you think it's only a line? You better hadn't, you sweet old devil. I've never meant anything I ever said any more than I mean all I say about you. You're the sweetest, bravest, most beautiful, loving and thoughtful wife I've ever heard about or seen. Gee, how I love you honey.
Here's a little more telling tales out of school that I'm requesting you to keep confidential. I never before this army experience realized how a person's character is reflected in letters. I can sure see it now. Even if I am a bit prejudiced in your favor there is still too much difference between your letters and ones I get from other girls to let pass without a compliment to you. I knew them all more or less intimately before. Vi, Betty, Tib, Mrs. Delaney, Garnett, are most of them. There isn't one of them that can write a really intelligent letter. Usually rather shallow and frivolous. I guess they are a bit handicapped by not being able to talk as freely as you do, but, honey, they just don't measure up at all. I got the best of them all and no mistake. You're the sweetest thing.
Otis was just here on a visit and as usual, I didn't pass up the opportunity to show my pictures of you. They all like you, sweetheart. The only fault I've ever heard anyone find, and, darn it all, most of them seem to find it, is - I bet you can't guess can you? Maybe I shouldn't tell you until the end of the letter or, better yet, make you wait until tomorrow to find out that one objection. Aw, honey, I won't be that mean. I'll tell you. They don't like your hair done up. Say you look much better with it down like in the snaps. I never told you that before 'cause I like you that way and can't see why they all don't. To be very honest, I never did like it that way on any other woman. You may remember I wasn't very enthusiastic when you said you were going to do it. I don't care what other men say. They shouldn't like you too well anyhow. I want you for my own always. I love you.
Who said I didn't have anything to write about? I don't know what started me on that track but there it is. Read it 'n weep. Now I'm going to do some answering on Oct 1st letter.
"That woman's here again." Some opening phrase for a letter. Wish it were only true. She would be more than welcome here anytime no matter how persistent she was. Think I'll answer the usual little persistent questions, "Where you goin", "What you doin". At least for a while anyhow. You'd always say, "I want to know." You'd know 'cause I'd take you with me even if I was only going the usual place. You're going to have trouble with me, sweetheart. I can feel it so plain.
This letter tells me about the change in Gus's special rating. It does sound a lot like it might mean active duty before long, but then, it can be changed back again just as quickly. If he does leave the states it will surely be another Medina boy in the South West Pacific. We know how they feel about it, but Jean can take it, I know. It's tough though, to think about. Actually easier to take than anticipate. I think we found it that way. I'm sure you did anyhow. I can clearly remember an evening four years ago in September. The 15th I believe. I was painting the back of the house and you came over all upset because you had just heard the news of the draft law. I can remember being very reassuring, or at least trying to be, and saying it would never affect me. Another time I was very wrong. I know it had a strong effect on me, seeing you so fearful of having me taken away. I wanted to do like the movies and take you in my arms and reassure you, but I didn't. Didn't know how to do things like that. You must have slipped up in your teaching, honey. Think I've grown enough now to make a try at it, honey? Bet I'd at least lay my paint brush down. wasn't I dumb though?
There's another secret out of my closet. You can sure worm into the most remote corners of me, you devil. I love to have you to tell things like that to. Wonder why I didn't do it when I had you by me. That's a lot of words to make the point. I do believe you were more afraid right then than at any other time. Am I right? I do think Jean will be better satisfied if Gus is really where she can't go to see him. If she can be only half as brave as you have been she'll get along all right. I'm proud of you, sweetheart.
I know you wanted me to like your picture to go to all the trouble you did to get it. Your wants should be satisfied don't you think? I love it. I can't think of any more expressive way to tell you how much I like it.
I won't say another word about being sorry I couldn't write to you but I'll still be sorry. I can't imagine me liking to write letters but I do, to you.
I can't explain why the maple sugar melted in the can or the chocolate either. It must be the nature of the critter or else it was because his was air tight. I imagine the dampness causes it. Sugar or salt just bunches up and gets wet very quickly here. His candy was that white fondant or something like that. I don't have any idea how to spell it or what the word looks like. You'll probably know.
While I'm thinking of it, I forgot to put in my weekly request. I'd like to have anything yo can send me to eat. You can also remember to keep me supplied with generators and mantles for the lantern the Berrys are sending. I could use another box of toothpicks too. I really don't know of anything else to ask for. I'll let it up to your discretion. You do swell. Smart girl.
The cookies really were very good. Even licked up all the crumbs that my pet ants didn't beat me to. The boys are all waiting for more too.
It might be that you are particularly smart about ideas for things to send. It can't be telepathy 'cause I surely never even dreamed of these things you are sending and come in so handy. You're plenty smart as well as beautiful and very useful. I mean useful in lots of ways too.
I don't think your picture looks like a devil. You have a very "come hither" look in your eye and are wanting to be kissed badly, probably a gooey one. If that's a devil I have been under the wrong impression about the devil.
You'll just have to keep wondering about Neice. No can talk. You'll have to keep notes of all these things you want to know, 'cause I know we'll never think of them once we're together again if you don't.
I don't have any suggestions on cataloging your stacks of letters. The only way I can see is by the different places I am. Just like writing history in periods. That must be some stack of writing to look through, trying to find any particular thing. In those nearly 19 months you must have at least 1400 to 1500 sheets. That would be quite a dictionary. If I had kept all yours it would be much bigger. We surely should know
how to write.
Honey, you're getting to be a softie. Only three drinks and you have a hangover the next day. I think you lost track of the drinks or else it was something similar to this jungle juice. I remember when you used to say, "Gosh, that's good" and down it went. "Fill 'em up again." We had a nice walk out in the cold one morning didn't we? I don't want to get pissed either. I like to get just feeling good and don't give a damn, like at Put-in-Bay. When I get pissed I want to sleep and that's no fun when there are lots of better things to do. Just pleasantly rosy is right with me. Then I can celebrate and enjoy it.
Well, honey, it's time to quit and I didn't even answer one letter. Ramble all around don't I? No matter where I ramble I'm always loving you and wanting you right by me. Then I'm happy and contented. I'll get fat and sassy again too. Night, darling. I love you.
Your hubby.
Norm.
Thursday, April 11, 2013
Letter # 498 October 15, 1944
New Guinea
Sunday morn
Oct 15, '44
Hello sweet and beautiful;
I'm going to write to you this morning instead of at night as is my usual custom. I've been writing my duty letters and have about time enough before dinner to write this one. The packages haven't been sorted yet so you won't know until tomorrow if I got any in this shipment or not.
It's the usual hot, sunny day again today. Ideal to lay around and do nothing much though, wish you were here. Best help I've ever known to do nothing much with. Very nice person to have around at any time. I love you honey.
The boys on guard had a little excitement last night. Killed a baby python. You may think I've got a poor idea of the word baby when I say he was ten feet long and the size of a man's arm. But, after all, baby pythons aren't so small. His momma and poppa were probably thirty feet long and the size of your leg so I guess baby is proper in this case. Dyke got him. He ran over him several times with a peep and it didn't seem to phase him so he drove the peep on him to pin him down and then beat him over the head with a shovel. The boys are having a big time totin' him up and down the camp and taking pictures. I got a couple of Mac holding him. Not me. I don't care much about touching the critters. Anyhow it's the biggest snake I've ever seen outside a zoo up to now. Not many of them around here.
Nothing much else to talk about today so I'll continue on your letters. Yes, sweetheart, you can stop teasing me about the picture and the bracelet. I've got them both and like them an awful lot. I 'm glad you didn't send the larger picture. It would be nice to have but I couldn't carry it without ruining it and I'd hate to do that. This one does very nicely. It's a dandy.
It wasn't the leg picture I took along up the trail with me. It was the one of you squatting under the oak tree in front of the house. I think it's a nice one. Anyhow I had you to look at. If I only could have you with me as much as I have your pictures I'd be a very happy man. I loves you and like to have you by me. You fit there.
I wasn't so dumb was I? I figured pretty well what you had done just to get a nice picture for me. I know my Babe pretty well and know she is sweet enough to go to almost any trouble to do something for me. You're so darn lovable it almost chokes me at times. I want my babe badly. I'm conceited enough to think that no one but me can appreciate you as much or treat you as nice as you deserve. Of course I know you are being very well taken care of but I like to think I can do a much better job of it than anyone else. That's cause I love you so much.
You did a very good job job of keeping your secret surprise so long. I can almost see you popping your buttons. You wanted to tell me about it so badly. You just bubble when you are trying to keep a secret.As you told me, you are still only a kid in lots of ways. Makes you very lovable so don't be trying to change yourself. I love you but when you're just you.
Leckner just came in to show me an identification bracelet his wife sent for his birthday. I had been showing him mine the other night and he wanted to let me know I wasn't so smart, he had one too. It is very nearly like mine only it doesn't have the nice little message on the back. His serial number is there instead. That little message on the back is what makes it so precious to me. Anyhow, mine's best. I like it.
I didn't get any packages in this shipment, darn it. Mac got one small one with some La newspapers in it from his gal. No goodies for us today. They'll probably come in in a few days. The mail clerk says they have stacks of packages at base waiting for someone to get time to sort them. The quantity of packages coming in is unbelievable. I did get one Gazette, Sept 12 and one Colliers Sept 30 and that is all so far. I'm sure glad I get much better service than that on my letters. I'd be hurtin if I didn't.
Now for Oct 3 letter. There wouldn't be anything wrong with the furnace. No need to wait for Carl to check it over. Light her up and let her go. It should be a little easier for you to handle this year. You don't have to leave so soon in the morning. You can run down, fire up and go back to bed until it warms up to your liking. Quite an aristocratic life you're leading these days. Go to work at 11 and don't have any bothersome husband getting you out to get his breakfast at 7 in the morning. No one dirtying up the house all the time or making a lot of dirty clothes to wash and etc. Great life isn't it, honey? Like hell!
Jean should really be getting acquainted with New York soon. I thought it queer a while back when you said Gus wouldn't be home until after Christmas and Jean couldn't go see him. I wondered what was tying her down. I know if it had been us in that situation, I'd have wanted you to come and see me. Make hay while the sun shines is a good motto to follow, honey. When the sun comes out again I'll sure start making plenty hay, or something.
I see that even my girl friends aren't forgetting me even if I am out of sight. You probably don't give them a chance to forget me. My publicity agent. Katy and Dorothy sending me things. Thanks for the warning. I can start to compose some of these thank you notes.
I have the same questions and comments about how I can write you a letter every day and so much too. People just don't understand. I know most of them are much the same as all the rest. Repeat the same things over and over but what's the difference? As you said, we say the same things over and over when we're together and don't seem to mind so why worry about it in a letter? We may be wasting a lot of paper and ink and effort to say the same things but I sure like to read them, even the same ones over and over.
I'm sorry about the books, honey. They are Australian but I never thought they wouldn't be an international publication. If I can find any way to get them over here I'll send them along. Don't know exactly when they were published but I'm under the impression that it's in the past decade.
I'm tickled you can get part of what I was trying to tell you about the trip. I made it rather brief to do a very clear job of description. It would take a volume to even begin to tell it all. Wait until sometime when we have time and the inclination to talk. I'll tell you the rest then.
Well, honey, I'm going to stop now and maybe this afternoon I'll work a little more on my surprises. I'm a tease but all the time I'm teasing, I'm loving you more. I do love you all the time.
Your soldier.
Norm.
Sunday morn
Oct 15, '44
Hello sweet and beautiful;
I'm going to write to you this morning instead of at night as is my usual custom. I've been writing my duty letters and have about time enough before dinner to write this one. The packages haven't been sorted yet so you won't know until tomorrow if I got any in this shipment or not.
It's the usual hot, sunny day again today. Ideal to lay around and do nothing much though, wish you were here. Best help I've ever known to do nothing much with. Very nice person to have around at any time. I love you honey.
The boys on guard had a little excitement last night. Killed a baby python. You may think I've got a poor idea of the word baby when I say he was ten feet long and the size of a man's arm. But, after all, baby pythons aren't so small. His momma and poppa were probably thirty feet long and the size of your leg so I guess baby is proper in this case. Dyke got him. He ran over him several times with a peep and it didn't seem to phase him so he drove the peep on him to pin him down and then beat him over the head with a shovel. The boys are having a big time totin' him up and down the camp and taking pictures. I got a couple of Mac holding him. Not me. I don't care much about touching the critters. Anyhow it's the biggest snake I've ever seen outside a zoo up to now. Not many of them around here.
Nothing much else to talk about today so I'll continue on your letters. Yes, sweetheart, you can stop teasing me about the picture and the bracelet. I've got them both and like them an awful lot. I 'm glad you didn't send the larger picture. It would be nice to have but I couldn't carry it without ruining it and I'd hate to do that. This one does very nicely. It's a dandy.
It wasn't the leg picture I took along up the trail with me. It was the one of you squatting under the oak tree in front of the house. I think it's a nice one. Anyhow I had you to look at. If I only could have you with me as much as I have your pictures I'd be a very happy man. I loves you and like to have you by me. You fit there.
I wasn't so dumb was I? I figured pretty well what you had done just to get a nice picture for me. I know my Babe pretty well and know she is sweet enough to go to almost any trouble to do something for me. You're so darn lovable it almost chokes me at times. I want my babe badly. I'm conceited enough to think that no one but me can appreciate you as much or treat you as nice as you deserve. Of course I know you are being very well taken care of but I like to think I can do a much better job of it than anyone else. That's cause I love you so much.
You did a very good job job of keeping your secret surprise so long. I can almost see you popping your buttons. You wanted to tell me about it so badly. You just bubble when you are trying to keep a secret.As you told me, you are still only a kid in lots of ways. Makes you very lovable so don't be trying to change yourself. I love you but when you're just you.
Leckner just came in to show me an identification bracelet his wife sent for his birthday. I had been showing him mine the other night and he wanted to let me know I wasn't so smart, he had one too. It is very nearly like mine only it doesn't have the nice little message on the back. His serial number is there instead. That little message on the back is what makes it so precious to me. Anyhow, mine's best. I like it.
I didn't get any packages in this shipment, darn it. Mac got one small one with some La newspapers in it from his gal. No goodies for us today. They'll probably come in in a few days. The mail clerk says they have stacks of packages at base waiting for someone to get time to sort them. The quantity of packages coming in is unbelievable. I did get one Gazette, Sept 12 and one Colliers Sept 30 and that is all so far. I'm sure glad I get much better service than that on my letters. I'd be hurtin if I didn't.
Now for Oct 3 letter. There wouldn't be anything wrong with the furnace. No need to wait for Carl to check it over. Light her up and let her go. It should be a little easier for you to handle this year. You don't have to leave so soon in the morning. You can run down, fire up and go back to bed until it warms up to your liking. Quite an aristocratic life you're leading these days. Go to work at 11 and don't have any bothersome husband getting you out to get his breakfast at 7 in the morning. No one dirtying up the house all the time or making a lot of dirty clothes to wash and etc. Great life isn't it, honey? Like hell!
Jean should really be getting acquainted with New York soon. I thought it queer a while back when you said Gus wouldn't be home until after Christmas and Jean couldn't go see him. I wondered what was tying her down. I know if it had been us in that situation, I'd have wanted you to come and see me. Make hay while the sun shines is a good motto to follow, honey. When the sun comes out again I'll sure start making plenty hay, or something.
I see that even my girl friends aren't forgetting me even if I am out of sight. You probably don't give them a chance to forget me. My publicity agent. Katy and Dorothy sending me things. Thanks for the warning. I can start to compose some of these thank you notes.
I have the same questions and comments about how I can write you a letter every day and so much too. People just don't understand. I know most of them are much the same as all the rest. Repeat the same things over and over but what's the difference? As you said, we say the same things over and over when we're together and don't seem to mind so why worry about it in a letter? We may be wasting a lot of paper and ink and effort to say the same things but I sure like to read them, even the same ones over and over.
I'm sorry about the books, honey. They are Australian but I never thought they wouldn't be an international publication. If I can find any way to get them over here I'll send them along. Don't know exactly when they were published but I'm under the impression that it's in the past decade.
I'm tickled you can get part of what I was trying to tell you about the trip. I made it rather brief to do a very clear job of description. It would take a volume to even begin to tell it all. Wait until sometime when we have time and the inclination to talk. I'll tell you the rest then.
Well, honey, I'm going to stop now and maybe this afternoon I'll work a little more on my surprises. I'm a tease but all the time I'm teasing, I'm loving you more. I do love you all the time.
Your soldier.
Norm.
Sunday, April 7, 2013
Letter # 497 October 14, 1944
New Guinea
Sat. eve
Oct 14, 1944
My Sweetheart;
Another week gone. They roll right along don't they? Each one is that much closer to that time when I can again show you I love you instead of tell you in writing.
Very pleasant day today. Not much sun and a very nice breeze so it didn't get over 92 degrees all day. Easy day too. Only worked a couple hours and then stood a clothing inspection and were off for the day. Pretty soft huh?
After dinner Oil, Bake, and I got busy and washed all our clothes. There is a regular detail to do it since we have the washing machine in operation but our clothes are so darn dirty that they don't get them very clean. We had plenty of time so we did it ourselves. Boiled them first and then put them in the machine so they came out good and clean. We're quite the experts on washing clothes these days. Big washing too. We each had four uniforms, a half dozen pairs of socks, two or three towels, leggings, caps, and handkerchiefs. How's that for a wash for a bunch of bachelors ?
The rest of the afternoon I spent patching up some more of these salvage uniforms. I'll have seven complete uniforms when I get my sewing done. I ran into difficulties on one pair of trousers today. They had evidently belonged to someone that spent most of his time off his feet. Anyhow they needed a patch on both cheeks so I thought I'd pull a fast one and put one big patch over the entire seat. Sounded like the real idea but I found out later it didn't work too good. I got a few puckers in the seat now but, by gosh, they'll hold me in. I can use a lot of practice and instruction on my sewing yet. Don't worry. I won't expect you to teach me that 'cause when I get back with you I'm going to forget all about sewing and let someone else do it. Will you? Of course I won't object to keeping a needle and thread down at the workbench and putting on a button or two that you've forgotten, but that is as far as I'll go. I'll keep the washer running but when it comes to using it, that's another thing.
Listen at me sounding off at a time when I'd do any darn thing you asked me to do.
I got two more letters from you and one from Mom & Hazel today. Yours were Oct 1st & Oct 3rd. The second one you wrote on Oct 1st and the 2nd are among the missing at present. They have been coming in order so long that I don't like to have them skipping around. There is also a shipment of packages that will be sorted tomorrow. Maybe I'll have a couple more "bundles for Norm". I hope so. I like 'em. If anyone wants to know if the boys appreciate packages you can assure them they do. Anyhow this outfit sure goes for them. The news that packages have come in goes through camp like an electric shock. The poor mail clerk is badgered to death until he gets them sorted and delivered. Even when there is a big bunch of letters, as there was tonight, the news of packages shadows the pleasure of getting letters. Yes, I'm just as crazy about them as anyone. I've got a wife that keeps them coming too. You're swell, honey. Take good care of me don't you? I'm loving you.
The outfit has gone through the change I wrote about a while back settling down to routine again. I still don't know if we are any better off than before. Time will tell.
Now I'm going on with answering your letters.
This Burnett you speak of is one of our regular customers at the store. I knew him quite well. He lives in that new brick house on the corner of E Friendship & Harmony. He runs a big greenhouse up near Cleveland. His wife is a backyard cousin of mine. I think she works in the Court House. Yes, I knew Hobart Johnson too. He was one of Gibb's mechanics.You're really getting acquainted with lots of people I know aren't you? I can see you are going to miss all that when I come home. It is a made to order job for you isn't it? Not too hard work, lots of people to see and talk to and plenty to keep that mind of yours busy. I sure am tickled about you getting that place. Too bad you couldn't have had it all the time. I love to see you happy and contented as much as possible until I come back.
You see I am conceited enough to think that even though you get along so well by yourself that you'd be a little happier if I was there by you. Right? I'm a kind of nice, handy fellow to have around, I think.
I'm sorry I can't send you a nice big picture of me but I can't seem to locate the photo studio. Maybe one of these snaps will be good enough to have enlarged. If not, maybe it won't be so long until you can have the real thing to look at instead of only a likeness. That's what we both want so much. We're too much in love to be very satisfied with pictures of each other. I like your pictures ever so much and keep them where I can see them all the time I'm at my desk. Proud of my good looking wife and show her off all I can.
Oct 1st letter. I've been waiting to hear that you were getting my letters again. I feel better now that I'm sure you know what I'm doing. I was interested in hearing your reactions and comments on the trip too. When you wrote these you hadn't heard much of it yet but I can gather that you think the trip was worthwhile. I'm very sure it was. I wouldn't have missed it for anything.
Another man all captivated and doing special delivery service for you. My gosh. Bringing letters to you that aren't even yours. Ceasar is a rather rough old boy but has a heart of gold. It is nice of all these guys to take care of you like that. You'll be a public and very popular girl by the time I get back. People, men especially, just can't resist that charm, can they?
The account of the bridge game with Ed & Betty & Jean sounds something like the old days. Think I would have enjoyed being there, especially since Jean wanted to go for a wheelbarrow ride. I started something that night that I wasn't quite in shape to complete. I've thought several times that I'd like to try again and now when the opportunity turns up, I'm way off here in New Guinea. She says it isn't good for any other time but I'll still hope to catch her in the wheelbarrow riding mood sometime in the future. Keep the wheelbarrow in good shape, honey.
I think you were in that floating, hand talking stage that night. Gosh, I bet you'd have been fun to retire with. Always a bit more than willing and able when you're in that shape. I sure missed out on plenty, didn't I?
There'll be another time and I'll make it twice as good. Night, sweetheart. I love you.
Your Hubby.
Norm.
Sat. eve
Oct 14, 1944
My Sweetheart;
Another week gone. They roll right along don't they? Each one is that much closer to that time when I can again show you I love you instead of tell you in writing.
Very pleasant day today. Not much sun and a very nice breeze so it didn't get over 92 degrees all day. Easy day too. Only worked a couple hours and then stood a clothing inspection and were off for the day. Pretty soft huh?
After dinner Oil, Bake, and I got busy and washed all our clothes. There is a regular detail to do it since we have the washing machine in operation but our clothes are so darn dirty that they don't get them very clean. We had plenty of time so we did it ourselves. Boiled them first and then put them in the machine so they came out good and clean. We're quite the experts on washing clothes these days. Big washing too. We each had four uniforms, a half dozen pairs of socks, two or three towels, leggings, caps, and handkerchiefs. How's that for a wash for a bunch of bachelors ?
The rest of the afternoon I spent patching up some more of these salvage uniforms. I'll have seven complete uniforms when I get my sewing done. I ran into difficulties on one pair of trousers today. They had evidently belonged to someone that spent most of his time off his feet. Anyhow they needed a patch on both cheeks so I thought I'd pull a fast one and put one big patch over the entire seat. Sounded like the real idea but I found out later it didn't work too good. I got a few puckers in the seat now but, by gosh, they'll hold me in. I can use a lot of practice and instruction on my sewing yet. Don't worry. I won't expect you to teach me that 'cause when I get back with you I'm going to forget all about sewing and let someone else do it. Will you? Of course I won't object to keeping a needle and thread down at the workbench and putting on a button or two that you've forgotten, but that is as far as I'll go. I'll keep the washer running but when it comes to using it, that's another thing.
Listen at me sounding off at a time when I'd do any darn thing you asked me to do.
I got two more letters from you and one from Mom & Hazel today. Yours were Oct 1st & Oct 3rd. The second one you wrote on Oct 1st and the 2nd are among the missing at present. They have been coming in order so long that I don't like to have them skipping around. There is also a shipment of packages that will be sorted tomorrow. Maybe I'll have a couple more "bundles for Norm". I hope so. I like 'em. If anyone wants to know if the boys appreciate packages you can assure them they do. Anyhow this outfit sure goes for them. The news that packages have come in goes through camp like an electric shock. The poor mail clerk is badgered to death until he gets them sorted and delivered. Even when there is a big bunch of letters, as there was tonight, the news of packages shadows the pleasure of getting letters. Yes, I'm just as crazy about them as anyone. I've got a wife that keeps them coming too. You're swell, honey. Take good care of me don't you? I'm loving you.
The outfit has gone through the change I wrote about a while back settling down to routine again. I still don't know if we are any better off than before. Time will tell.
Now I'm going on with answering your letters.
This Burnett you speak of is one of our regular customers at the store. I knew him quite well. He lives in that new brick house on the corner of E Friendship & Harmony. He runs a big greenhouse up near Cleveland. His wife is a backyard cousin of mine. I think she works in the Court House. Yes, I knew Hobart Johnson too. He was one of Gibb's mechanics.You're really getting acquainted with lots of people I know aren't you? I can see you are going to miss all that when I come home. It is a made to order job for you isn't it? Not too hard work, lots of people to see and talk to and plenty to keep that mind of yours busy. I sure am tickled about you getting that place. Too bad you couldn't have had it all the time. I love to see you happy and contented as much as possible until I come back.
You see I am conceited enough to think that even though you get along so well by yourself that you'd be a little happier if I was there by you. Right? I'm a kind of nice, handy fellow to have around, I think.
I'm sorry I can't send you a nice big picture of me but I can't seem to locate the photo studio. Maybe one of these snaps will be good enough to have enlarged. If not, maybe it won't be so long until you can have the real thing to look at instead of only a likeness. That's what we both want so much. We're too much in love to be very satisfied with pictures of each other. I like your pictures ever so much and keep them where I can see them all the time I'm at my desk. Proud of my good looking wife and show her off all I can.
Oct 1st letter. I've been waiting to hear that you were getting my letters again. I feel better now that I'm sure you know what I'm doing. I was interested in hearing your reactions and comments on the trip too. When you wrote these you hadn't heard much of it yet but I can gather that you think the trip was worthwhile. I'm very sure it was. I wouldn't have missed it for anything.
Another man all captivated and doing special delivery service for you. My gosh. Bringing letters to you that aren't even yours. Ceasar is a rather rough old boy but has a heart of gold. It is nice of all these guys to take care of you like that. You'll be a public and very popular girl by the time I get back. People, men especially, just can't resist that charm, can they?
The account of the bridge game with Ed & Betty & Jean sounds something like the old days. Think I would have enjoyed being there, especially since Jean wanted to go for a wheelbarrow ride. I started something that night that I wasn't quite in shape to complete. I've thought several times that I'd like to try again and now when the opportunity turns up, I'm way off here in New Guinea. She says it isn't good for any other time but I'll still hope to catch her in the wheelbarrow riding mood sometime in the future. Keep the wheelbarrow in good shape, honey.
I think you were in that floating, hand talking stage that night. Gosh, I bet you'd have been fun to retire with. Always a bit more than willing and able when you're in that shape. I sure missed out on plenty, didn't I?
There'll be another time and I'll make it twice as good. Night, sweetheart. I love you.
Your Hubby.
Norm.
Wednesday, April 3, 2013
Letter # 496 October 13, 1944
Friday eve.
Oct 13, 1944
My darling wife;
Hello, sweetheart. How are you? I'm very well thank you. I love you too.
Gosh, honey, here it is. Friday again and the thirteenth too. Nothing bad happened either. In fact, nothing at all happened a bit out of ordinary. I'm going to have to look around for something else like Jungle School so I will have some more material to write on. I can't tell you day by day everything we do like I used to and right now I'm having a hard time getting much but rambling in my letters. Afraid they can't be very interesting when they are like that.
Hold on though, honey, maybe something interesting will happen one of these days that I can tell you all about again. For the present I'll just have to answer your letters and love you a bit.
No use to ask if that was satisfactory to you 'cause even if it wasn't you would tell me they were just perfect. You're so nice that way. Always trying to make me feel good. You do make me feel swell all the time. That's love, I guess, honey.
We did have one unexpected thing happen today. "Oil" had sent some film in the same time I sent mine and, by golly, they came back already today. That would be swell service if it wasn't a freak. Fastest I've ever heard of. Less than three weeks. I'm hoping now that mine will be following very shortly but I'm pessimistic. His must have been the first, of the probably thousands sent in, to get processed. Lucky, and won't happen again, I imagine.
He had taken pictures of the native dance held a while ago near here and they came out pretty good. I'm anxious to see mine. Hope they come out 'cause there are some that could never be gotten again. Should be some good ones of me which you may not recognize because of the beard. There are a couple though taken the first few days and shouldn't show much whisker.
I did have a very devilish desire while I had that beard. Can you guess what the desire was? Well, I just wanted to kiss you and make you like it. Mean aren't I? I can still remember a rather stinging remark you made the first time I kissed you and I don't think I ever got even for it. That would have been a good way to get even, wouldn't it? I think you would even have liked it a little bit. See? I'm still as ornery and devilish as ever. By your letter I see you doubt my ability to even up for your teasing by just walking away when you want to love. Personally, I think that would be an almost impossible threat to carry out but you know me. I do get some devilish streaks. I wasn't thinking about fifty years from now either nor was I referring to the first month or so after I get home. It might be sometime in between. I remember what Ed Ritter said and if he can do it I sure ought to be able to. Fifty years will never be able to make my wife as commonplace and unattractive as his is. I guess it all comes down to an empty statement only made to tease you a bit. Like the ones I always used to make about sending you back to your mother, or trading you for a few new models, or going out and finding me a redhead and lots of others. You knew darn well I didn't mean any of them even if I didn't ever tell you how nice you were and how much I loved you. You seemed to know anyhow. Didn't you, you sweet devil? I can remember how you used to pump me for compliments and now I know you were sure I meant them only wouldn't come right out and say so. Ornery wasn't I? Try me when I get home this time. May be surprising, the results you get. I mean surprising too, 'cause I only think I know how I will act. I've made resolutions too but keeping them is another thing. You can use these written statements of promises I've made to put me on the ball though, if I do forget. I'm consciously in love these days. I woke up after I had to leave you and missed you so much.
I'm having quite a battle writing these letters lately. A colony of small, innocent, little ants, no bigger than fleas have moved into my desk and are trying their best to drive me out. They aren't mean or anything but they keep running back and forth over the paper and getting tangled up with the pen point. A lot of these blurred letters mark [it happened on that "m"] the spot where another of their little clan met its death. From the number I squash every night I should be getting rid of them but instead they seem to gain on me. They have been here for some time now. I get after them with insect repellent and they leave for a while and then move back in again. Getting to be friends like the cockroaches in La. So I guess I'll just charge them rent and let 'em stay. If I can only train them to stay away from the pen point, they won't be any nuisance at all. I'm getting so used to bugs and such that I'll have to bring some home to make me feel natural. The little buggers pay a form of rent too. That may sound like I'm getting a loose screw but I'm not. I've mentioned the fleas that are so bothersome at times. Well, these hard working little fellows do a fair job of taking care of them. As soon as a flea lights two or three ants tackle him and if he isn't very lucky that is the last of Mr. flea. See what I mean? Even fairly large bugs that get singed by the light are disposed of by my clean up squad. I guess they pay their lodging.
I know your chin is up and your head high and a nice smile on your face, honey. You can't realize how much it means to me either. I'm proud of you. I can also assure you I'm doing pretty much the same too. Nothing can get me down as long as I have you, sweetheart.
Did you ever before tell me that Ma Palko had sold out and gone? I don't remember. I did see it in a Gazette recently. Too bad you gals haven't got a hangout any more where you can feel safe to have a beer or two. You'll be all out of practice and float on one or two by the time I come home. Wow! Won't that be fun. You seem to get pleasantly torrid, tempting, and terrific then, don't you?
Jean sure is having a hell of a time with her renters and place. That's something I was afraid of when we were thinking about renting our place. Be constant trouble. It's kind of tough for you to be staying there all by yourself but I do believe that it's a smaller source of worry to us both with you there than if it was rented. You're doing a swell job of keeping things like they were when I left.
When I come back we can just step right in where we stopped and go on without the trouble of getting ourselves settled back in our home and everything. You're really being wonderful about it. As Mom Kelser says you deserve all the help and praise you're getting. I'm not the only one who thinks so either.
Night, sweetheart. I love you so much. Would you like a nice gooey kiss about now? I sure would.
Your hubby.
Norm.
Friday, March 1, 2013
Letter # 495 October 12, 1944
New Guinea
Thurs. eve.
Oct 12, 1944
My lovable wife;
Gosh, isn't this different than a year ago today? The first day of my first furlough. I got home around 7:30 and by this time we had gotten a good start on catching up. We didn't need much time to get reacquainted 'cause it had only been six weeks since we'd been together at Knox. Some different is right. This time it has already been six months since we've been together and instead of being right by you, I am 10,000 miles away. The only silver lining in that cloud is that it's six months closer to the time I'll come home for good and no more good byes ever.
We sure had a lot of fun those fifteen days. We loved and ate, very seldom ate, and loved and loved and cut weeds and went places and loved some more. It was a very busy two weeks and so perfect and sweet, I'll never forget it. This next one will be like it only we'll take the going places slower and spend a lot more time, just you and I. The rest can all wait this time until we have time. Does that meet with your approval? I'm loving you, honey, just as much, even if not as apparent as a year ago. You're my very special wife.
It rained hard most all last night, so we were relieved of the dust today. Very welcome relief too. It even looks like we might have some more tonight. Rather a nice day. The sun stayed under most of the time, only showing for an hour or so at noon. During that hour it got up to 104 degrees but all the rest of the day was around 95 degrees so it was pretty nice.
This morning when I crawled out of bed I thought it unusually cold. Got a surprise when I saw it was only 74 degrees. Felt as cold as a brisk morning in Sept. when it is nearly cold enough to freeze. Guess I've changed to a hot weather man, honey. Maybe you'll have to warm my feet instead of me warming yours. Could you take that? I'd give a nice big sloppy kiss for every time you did it. Now what do you say?
Aw, sweetheart, I'm only kidding and making talk. I'll be the same old me as ever. "I yam what I yam an' thas' all I yam". I love you too. A hell of a lot.
Got another letter tonight. The skipped one, Sept 28th, so now they are all complete again. I'm going to answer it now and if I have room I'll finish the 29th too.
Honey, you're patronizing our competitor. Shame on you. Buying things at Beck's. I'm only kidding. You can buy cans to send things to me anyplace you want to. Poor Art! Getting a lot of soldering business for the boys over these isn't he? I expect he's glad to do it but he is doing so much it seems he must be spending most of his time doing things for others. Sure is appreciated if that is any reward for it.
You must have a whole carload of boxes on the way. Nearly every letter I get tells me there is another on the way. Won't I have fun when they start getting here?
Yes, honey, I should think Bub & Betty or any one else could spend a very enjoyable evening with you. You are very interesting company and not a bit hard to look at either. You're also very nice to most anyone. I'd sure like to be able to spend a Saturday night with you, even if we only talked and looked at each other. We wouldn't though, would we?
Seems like the Navy can change its mind as well as the Army. The last I heard Gus was expecting to stay in New York until after Xmas at least and now he expects to go to Frisco for a while. Sounds like it might not stop there. I guess we both know how Jean feels about it. You certainly should anyhow. It's tough and a hell of a way to treat a couple but it's being done every day, seems like. Being so far away he might almost as well be overseas. She isn't as footloose as you are and it would sure be a problem what to do. She'd almost have to have the kids at home and so the family is still broken up. None of us will be a bit sorry to hear it's all over so we can start to live again.
Yep, you'd surely make a good Mommie to some kid. They all like you. Even bring things to show you when you hardly know them. I don't think I've ever seen Clint's little girl. She can't be more than four or five,is she? Evidently Clint had better luck than I did. I tried to do some engraving on the first ring but couldn't do it. Made me mad too. I can usually manage to do most things I attempt. That beat me. I had a slightly wider and thicker top on this first one and I wanted to engrave the heart with an arrow in it and then our initials on either side. It was a good idea only I wasn't craftsman enough. That's one thing I never saw done but I sure aim to. I'm curious now. Maybe my librarian can tell me how it's done. She seems to be passing out other information just as technical.
Still having Miss Haley trouble I see. Guess the old girl must be like all the rest of us. We all like you. You're nice.
I see you are answering my Sept 2nd letter, so you must still have the 3rd left unanswered. You sure did stretch them out over the bare spots. I was hoping hard that my first letter, the 19th, would step on it and you'd get it quick, but I guess I can't charm the mails like you can. If I was sure that by not having any letters to answer you would continue to write such nice, newsy, sweet and loving letters, I'd be tempted to stop writing to you. They really were nice, honey. Just like an everyday talk. You needn't worry that they weren't interesting. I loved 'em.
I like your anniversary gift too, honey. I'm wearing it all the time even if it is taking a beating. It's rugged enough to take it I guess and that's what it's for. To wear. The scratches can be polished out once in a while. If it doesn't wear out first or get lost I'll still have it on when I come home. Does that prove I like it? I'm proud of it. Guess you know me better than I know myself. The picture also has a place among my dearest treasures. In fact, pictures of you are almost my only treasures these days.
Aw, honey, it's sweet of you to say that all your memories seem to start when we started doing things together. That surely means something. Was ours love at first date only we were too dumb to know it?
I have lots of memories from before that turning point in my life but compared to the ones since, they are rather empty and commonplace memories. Only the unusual things from before are remembered where nearly everything since is very clear and dear. Don't need anything more than you to make everyday things exciting and unusual. I'm not kidding either. I think I could almost write a diary of the past eight years . Want to bet? It would make good reading in spots wouldn't it? Night, honey. I'm more and more in love with you every day.
Your soldier
Norm.
Thurs. eve.
Oct 12, 1944
My lovable wife;
Gosh, isn't this different than a year ago today? The first day of my first furlough. I got home around 7:30 and by this time we had gotten a good start on catching up. We didn't need much time to get reacquainted 'cause it had only been six weeks since we'd been together at Knox. Some different is right. This time it has already been six months since we've been together and instead of being right by you, I am 10,000 miles away. The only silver lining in that cloud is that it's six months closer to the time I'll come home for good and no more good byes ever.
We sure had a lot of fun those fifteen days. We loved and ate, very seldom ate, and loved and loved and cut weeds and went places and loved some more. It was a very busy two weeks and so perfect and sweet, I'll never forget it. This next one will be like it only we'll take the going places slower and spend a lot more time, just you and I. The rest can all wait this time until we have time. Does that meet with your approval? I'm loving you, honey, just as much, even if not as apparent as a year ago. You're my very special wife.
It rained hard most all last night, so we were relieved of the dust today. Very welcome relief too. It even looks like we might have some more tonight. Rather a nice day. The sun stayed under most of the time, only showing for an hour or so at noon. During that hour it got up to 104 degrees but all the rest of the day was around 95 degrees so it was pretty nice.
This morning when I crawled out of bed I thought it unusually cold. Got a surprise when I saw it was only 74 degrees. Felt as cold as a brisk morning in Sept. when it is nearly cold enough to freeze. Guess I've changed to a hot weather man, honey. Maybe you'll have to warm my feet instead of me warming yours. Could you take that? I'd give a nice big sloppy kiss for every time you did it. Now what do you say?
Aw, sweetheart, I'm only kidding and making talk. I'll be the same old me as ever. "I yam what I yam an' thas' all I yam". I love you too. A hell of a lot.
Got another letter tonight. The skipped one, Sept 28th, so now they are all complete again. I'm going to answer it now and if I have room I'll finish the 29th too.
Honey, you're patronizing our competitor. Shame on you. Buying things at Beck's. I'm only kidding. You can buy cans to send things to me anyplace you want to. Poor Art! Getting a lot of soldering business for the boys over these isn't he? I expect he's glad to do it but he is doing so much it seems he must be spending most of his time doing things for others. Sure is appreciated if that is any reward for it.
You must have a whole carload of boxes on the way. Nearly every letter I get tells me there is another on the way. Won't I have fun when they start getting here?
Yes, honey, I should think Bub & Betty or any one else could spend a very enjoyable evening with you. You are very interesting company and not a bit hard to look at either. You're also very nice to most anyone. I'd sure like to be able to spend a Saturday night with you, even if we only talked and looked at each other. We wouldn't though, would we?
Seems like the Navy can change its mind as well as the Army. The last I heard Gus was expecting to stay in New York until after Xmas at least and now he expects to go to Frisco for a while. Sounds like it might not stop there. I guess we both know how Jean feels about it. You certainly should anyhow. It's tough and a hell of a way to treat a couple but it's being done every day, seems like. Being so far away he might almost as well be overseas. She isn't as footloose as you are and it would sure be a problem what to do. She'd almost have to have the kids at home and so the family is still broken up. None of us will be a bit sorry to hear it's all over so we can start to live again.
Yep, you'd surely make a good Mommie to some kid. They all like you. Even bring things to show you when you hardly know them. I don't think I've ever seen Clint's little girl. She can't be more than four or five,is she? Evidently Clint had better luck than I did. I tried to do some engraving on the first ring but couldn't do it. Made me mad too. I can usually manage to do most things I attempt. That beat me. I had a slightly wider and thicker top on this first one and I wanted to engrave the heart with an arrow in it and then our initials on either side. It was a good idea only I wasn't craftsman enough. That's one thing I never saw done but I sure aim to. I'm curious now. Maybe my librarian can tell me how it's done. She seems to be passing out other information just as technical.
Still having Miss Haley trouble I see. Guess the old girl must be like all the rest of us. We all like you. You're nice.
I see you are answering my Sept 2nd letter, so you must still have the 3rd left unanswered. You sure did stretch them out over the bare spots. I was hoping hard that my first letter, the 19th, would step on it and you'd get it quick, but I guess I can't charm the mails like you can. If I was sure that by not having any letters to answer you would continue to write such nice, newsy, sweet and loving letters, I'd be tempted to stop writing to you. They really were nice, honey. Just like an everyday talk. You needn't worry that they weren't interesting. I loved 'em.
I like your anniversary gift too, honey. I'm wearing it all the time even if it is taking a beating. It's rugged enough to take it I guess and that's what it's for. To wear. The scratches can be polished out once in a while. If it doesn't wear out first or get lost I'll still have it on when I come home. Does that prove I like it? I'm proud of it. Guess you know me better than I know myself. The picture also has a place among my dearest treasures. In fact, pictures of you are almost my only treasures these days.
Aw, honey, it's sweet of you to say that all your memories seem to start when we started doing things together. That surely means something. Was ours love at first date only we were too dumb to know it?
I have lots of memories from before that turning point in my life but compared to the ones since, they are rather empty and commonplace memories. Only the unusual things from before are remembered where nearly everything since is very clear and dear. Don't need anything more than you to make everyday things exciting and unusual. I'm not kidding either. I think I could almost write a diary of the past eight years . Want to bet? It would make good reading in spots wouldn't it? Night, honey. I'm more and more in love with you every day.
Your soldier
Norm.
Thursday, February 14, 2013
Letter # 494 October 11, 1944
New Guinea
Wed. eve.
Oct. 11, 44
Hello Sweetheart;
How's my beautiful tonight? Ornery I hope. If you're ornery, nice ornery I mean. I know you're all right. You're cute when you're nice ornery. Like you that way. Better stay that way too 'cause when I come home - well, the first person that interrupts is doing so at their own risk. I'll cut the telephone wires on the way in and barricade the drive. Gonna have you all by yourself for a while and get reacquainted with you fast. I love you, darling.
I'm afraid this will turn out to be rather short again tonight. I had good intentions and was already to start in when I had callers. Brownie and Leckner. We sat and shot the breeze for over two hours. I'm not like you. I won't stay up until 2 or 3 in the morning to write a letter. Lazy ain't I? Anyhow you will fare as good as Leckner's wife. He had her letter all written and came up to verify the spelling of a word. Imagine me telling anyone how to spell. One of my worst subjects.
Well he got into the bull session and when he went back to his tent the candle had burned up and burned his letter to boot. Kinda made him mad so he's going to write a note and tell her his letter burned up and he'll write another tomorrow. I won't do that bad but it will be short. Hope you don't cuss me too much. I know you won't 'cause you're a very sweet girl.
Wednesday and half day off. It rained on and off all afternoon so I had a good chance to get in a little more sewing and also work a couple of hours on one of your surprises. They're coming along, sweetheart. If you can hold your water a while longer, I'll get them on their way. There. I'm teasing a little again but I haven't done so bad. Bet I haven't mentioned them for a week or more. Don't you wish you knew what they are?
Can you guess? I don't think you can even come close, especially to one of them. Idea all my own. I think you'll like them too. Am I getting back at you for all your teasing? If I'm not I will when I come home. I'll tease you all the time, be a different kind of teasing but still teasing. Will you get mad and say, "get it over with." or will you play nice and say, "Lets." You better be nice.
I got a letter today. They mixed them up for the first time in a long time. This was the 29th. The 28th is missing for the time being. This mail business is funny. You say you got a letter from Jim and he was writing me at the same time. I haven't yet gotten it if he did. I suspicioned he was on the move and had even guessed where he was headed for. I don't know exactly any more than you do. His letters sure do seem to get there pretty fast. Seven days is darn good. He must personally put them on the plane himself.
There surely are a lot of fellows down here now that I know and more coming all the time. Never yet one of them, but that isn't so queer. It's like looking for someone on Coney island on a record day in the summer. Busy place.
That Rittman football game sounds like the real thing. The kind I like.You must have forgotten about the touch back. Remember the Wadsworth game two years ago in the snow? Our first score was a touch back there too. It's a touch back when the opposing team is downed with the ball behind our goal line. It can't be a touchdown 'cause we don't have the ball but the rules give us two points for it. You were probably so cold that night two years ago the explanation didn't stick. Remember now? I see I still have a little teaching to do myself when I get home. I'm glad 'cause I don't want it to be all one sided. You'll have plenty to teach me, that I know. Will you be my teacher, honey? I want you to be, so bad. I love you, you know.
There are lots of things I won't need too much teaching to catch on to again. Only some review and practice. Of course you say you have some new steps all figured out and those may take a bit of teaching. I'll promise to be a very attentive and apt pupil. Do you want the job now? The only string attached is that I expect to be teacher's pet and don't want her teaching any special stuff to anyone but me. I'll be jealous if you do.
I'm going to stop now, honey and go to bed. Maybe I can dream up some tricks to play on "teacher". Night, honey, I'm loving you so much.
Your hubby.
Norm.
Wed. eve.
Oct. 11, 44
Hello Sweetheart;
How's my beautiful tonight? Ornery I hope. If you're ornery, nice ornery I mean. I know you're all right. You're cute when you're nice ornery. Like you that way. Better stay that way too 'cause when I come home - well, the first person that interrupts is doing so at their own risk. I'll cut the telephone wires on the way in and barricade the drive. Gonna have you all by yourself for a while and get reacquainted with you fast. I love you, darling.
I'm afraid this will turn out to be rather short again tonight. I had good intentions and was already to start in when I had callers. Brownie and Leckner. We sat and shot the breeze for over two hours. I'm not like you. I won't stay up until 2 or 3 in the morning to write a letter. Lazy ain't I? Anyhow you will fare as good as Leckner's wife. He had her letter all written and came up to verify the spelling of a word. Imagine me telling anyone how to spell. One of my worst subjects.
Well he got into the bull session and when he went back to his tent the candle had burned up and burned his letter to boot. Kinda made him mad so he's going to write a note and tell her his letter burned up and he'll write another tomorrow. I won't do that bad but it will be short. Hope you don't cuss me too much. I know you won't 'cause you're a very sweet girl.
Wednesday and half day off. It rained on and off all afternoon so I had a good chance to get in a little more sewing and also work a couple of hours on one of your surprises. They're coming along, sweetheart. If you can hold your water a while longer, I'll get them on their way. There. I'm teasing a little again but I haven't done so bad. Bet I haven't mentioned them for a week or more. Don't you wish you knew what they are?
Can you guess? I don't think you can even come close, especially to one of them. Idea all my own. I think you'll like them too. Am I getting back at you for all your teasing? If I'm not I will when I come home. I'll tease you all the time, be a different kind of teasing but still teasing. Will you get mad and say, "get it over with." or will you play nice and say, "Lets." You better be nice.
I got a letter today. They mixed them up for the first time in a long time. This was the 29th. The 28th is missing for the time being. This mail business is funny. You say you got a letter from Jim and he was writing me at the same time. I haven't yet gotten it if he did. I suspicioned he was on the move and had even guessed where he was headed for. I don't know exactly any more than you do. His letters sure do seem to get there pretty fast. Seven days is darn good. He must personally put them on the plane himself.
There surely are a lot of fellows down here now that I know and more coming all the time. Never yet one of them, but that isn't so queer. It's like looking for someone on Coney island on a record day in the summer. Busy place.
That Rittman football game sounds like the real thing. The kind I like.You must have forgotten about the touch back. Remember the Wadsworth game two years ago in the snow? Our first score was a touch back there too. It's a touch back when the opposing team is downed with the ball behind our goal line. It can't be a touchdown 'cause we don't have the ball but the rules give us two points for it. You were probably so cold that night two years ago the explanation didn't stick. Remember now? I see I still have a little teaching to do myself when I get home. I'm glad 'cause I don't want it to be all one sided. You'll have plenty to teach me, that I know. Will you be my teacher, honey? I want you to be, so bad. I love you, you know.
There are lots of things I won't need too much teaching to catch on to again. Only some review and practice. Of course you say you have some new steps all figured out and those may take a bit of teaching. I'll promise to be a very attentive and apt pupil. Do you want the job now? The only string attached is that I expect to be teacher's pet and don't want her teaching any special stuff to anyone but me. I'll be jealous if you do.
I'm going to stop now, honey and go to bed. Maybe I can dream up some tricks to play on "teacher". Night, honey, I'm loving you so much.
Your hubby.
Norm.
Tuesday, February 12, 2013
Letter # 493 October 10, 1944
New Guinea
Tues. Oct 10, 44
My Darling;
I don't know how much of a letter this is going to be. I don't have much to talk about and I didn't get any letters so I'll just have to ramble. Bet I get a pile of them all at once again one of these days.
I haven't said anything about the temperature the last few days 'cause it has been about the same all along. No rain now for over a week and the dust is terrific again. It seems to rain here only in spells. I'm told that this area is one of the few dry spots on the island. A few miles on either side of us it rains every day almost. It's the same back in the interior. Rain and more rain.
I had told you about the garden and how fast things grew. Well I'm beginning to see a fault now. The soil is all humus and grows big healthy looking bushes, vines, and etc. but seems to lack the minerals to produce very well. This soil looks perfect but it would need fertilizer to finish a crop. Since it's getting warmer the lack of rain can be noticed too. Tomato plants were wilted quite a bit at noon today. Still lots of dampness at night but this sun seems to draw that away in no time. November and December are supposed to be the wet months here. I don't know if it will affect this area or not.
I just took a break and heard the final game of the World Series. The Cardinals win the Series. I've heard all the games. Some darn good ones too. I expect you're surprised to hear me taking much interest in baseball. It just seems good to hear about things that I was accustomed to hear as everyday subjects when I was home. Then I got a bit interested in hardball when I was playing down here. Our ball playing has kinda fizzled out now that we're back to work. I haven't played since I went to Jungle School. Little bit hot to get out in the sun and play ball anyhow.
Tonight Johnny got his first pictures back. He had his camera with him you know and he sent these away the 15th of August. Almost two months so you can make a rough guess at when you will be getting some. I sent my first ones the 25th of Sept. That will make it the first part of Dec. before I can get any to you. Long time to wait isn't it honey? While I'm thinking about it. Several of the boys will want duplicates of some of these pictures and they only want to print one over here. If I tell you how many of each I want, will you have them printed and send them back? I won't ask you to do like Bonnie did. That would be a lot of work. Let them send them back home themselves. Then I can collect and send the money back to you.
The pictures Johnny got back were really pretty good. Only slightly dull. It's the paper they have to use over here. The negatives are good and should make good reprints. Haven't taken any more pictures lately. I had the camera along Sunday but it was a bit hazy and I don't want to waste any film. May someday go someplace where I want it bad. I will try to keep some coming though. I know how nice it is to get pictures. They seem to tell so much more than a host of words. I know I can't send as nice pictures as you've sent me but maybe they'll do. Anyhow, I'll be in some of them. I haven't tried the color film yet. Saving it for the opportune time. I did want to use it up the trail but it seemed when I had a worthy subject, the light was poor. Someday on the beach maybe. After I get it taken the next thing will be to get it to you. Maybe I can manage somehow.
Honey, do you remember what was happening a year ago tonight? It was Sunday, and far from being a day of rest, it was one of the most anxious and nerve trying days I ever put in. In case you don't remember, I had finished school at Knox and they were holding us there for further orders. I wanted so badly to get home to my honey and I was very much afraid they were going to cancel my furlough or something like that. I'd go through hundreds of "Michigan" nights rather than another two days like that. I guess you were sweating it out plenty too, weren't you? Didn't it all turn out swell though?
More like that coming, too, only this time it won't be only fifteen days. It'll be months, years, and decades. Nice to think about, huh?
I'm going to cheat you tonight. Can't seem to get on the beam. I'm on your beam though and with the help of your picture I can almost feel you loving me. I'm loving you too, sweetheart.
Your Norm.
Tues. Oct 10, 44
My Darling;
I don't know how much of a letter this is going to be. I don't have much to talk about and I didn't get any letters so I'll just have to ramble. Bet I get a pile of them all at once again one of these days.
I haven't said anything about the temperature the last few days 'cause it has been about the same all along. No rain now for over a week and the dust is terrific again. It seems to rain here only in spells. I'm told that this area is one of the few dry spots on the island. A few miles on either side of us it rains every day almost. It's the same back in the interior. Rain and more rain.
I had told you about the garden and how fast things grew. Well I'm beginning to see a fault now. The soil is all humus and grows big healthy looking bushes, vines, and etc. but seems to lack the minerals to produce very well. This soil looks perfect but it would need fertilizer to finish a crop. Since it's getting warmer the lack of rain can be noticed too. Tomato plants were wilted quite a bit at noon today. Still lots of dampness at night but this sun seems to draw that away in no time. November and December are supposed to be the wet months here. I don't know if it will affect this area or not.
I just took a break and heard the final game of the World Series. The Cardinals win the Series. I've heard all the games. Some darn good ones too. I expect you're surprised to hear me taking much interest in baseball. It just seems good to hear about things that I was accustomed to hear as everyday subjects when I was home. Then I got a bit interested in hardball when I was playing down here. Our ball playing has kinda fizzled out now that we're back to work. I haven't played since I went to Jungle School. Little bit hot to get out in the sun and play ball anyhow.
Tonight Johnny got his first pictures back. He had his camera with him you know and he sent these away the 15th of August. Almost two months so you can make a rough guess at when you will be getting some. I sent my first ones the 25th of Sept. That will make it the first part of Dec. before I can get any to you. Long time to wait isn't it honey? While I'm thinking about it. Several of the boys will want duplicates of some of these pictures and they only want to print one over here. If I tell you how many of each I want, will you have them printed and send them back? I won't ask you to do like Bonnie did. That would be a lot of work. Let them send them back home themselves. Then I can collect and send the money back to you.
The pictures Johnny got back were really pretty good. Only slightly dull. It's the paper they have to use over here. The negatives are good and should make good reprints. Haven't taken any more pictures lately. I had the camera along Sunday but it was a bit hazy and I don't want to waste any film. May someday go someplace where I want it bad. I will try to keep some coming though. I know how nice it is to get pictures. They seem to tell so much more than a host of words. I know I can't send as nice pictures as you've sent me but maybe they'll do. Anyhow, I'll be in some of them. I haven't tried the color film yet. Saving it for the opportune time. I did want to use it up the trail but it seemed when I had a worthy subject, the light was poor. Someday on the beach maybe. After I get it taken the next thing will be to get it to you. Maybe I can manage somehow.
Honey, do you remember what was happening a year ago tonight? It was Sunday, and far from being a day of rest, it was one of the most anxious and nerve trying days I ever put in. In case you don't remember, I had finished school at Knox and they were holding us there for further orders. I wanted so badly to get home to my honey and I was very much afraid they were going to cancel my furlough or something like that. I'd go through hundreds of "Michigan" nights rather than another two days like that. I guess you were sweating it out plenty too, weren't you? Didn't it all turn out swell though?
More like that coming, too, only this time it won't be only fifteen days. It'll be months, years, and decades. Nice to think about, huh?
I'm going to cheat you tonight. Can't seem to get on the beam. I'm on your beam though and with the help of your picture I can almost feel you loving me. I'm loving you too, sweetheart.
Your Norm.
Monday, February 4, 2013
Letter # 492 October 9, 1944
New Guinea
Monday eve
Oct, 9, 1944
Hello Luscious and lovely;
I didn't get any mail from you today so I now have a chance to continue telling you of the trip to the west coast. Don't have anything to report from here either so nothing stopping me.
If my memory isn't fooling me I've covered it as far as L.A. and left it there. The pictures that Bonnie sent have probably given you the general route of the trip. I don't know but it seems I have written about this, did I? I'm slipping too, I guess.
L.A. is a pretty city, anyhow, what little we saw of it was. All the west coast cities are different from ours in that there are very few real tall buildings. The cities are scattered out over a large area and those on the coast, like L.A. and Frisco are built on hills. We think Akron has some hills. Not even mole hills in comparison. Sure is lucky they never have any ice or snow or the undertakers and junk yards would be plenty busy.
From L.A. we went east again back over the coast range and to Bakersfield, Fresno, Merced, and into camp. The trip over the mountains was scenic and interesting. Didn't get very high up, about 4000 feet I guess but it sure was a long slow climb and we had two big mountain engines too. The engineer's cab on these trains is on the front of the engine, so the engineer has a better and quicker view of the tracks on those winding, curving roads. Funny looking things. Seem to be going backward all the time. That must be one of the new things in railroading. Never saw any like them before. I can't get too enthused over what I saw of California's mountains. Didn't even catch more than a couple glimpses of the peaks in the eastern range so I can't say much of them. They say they are the really pretty ones. The coast range is rugged and the roads as steep as any mountain roads I've ever been on but not pretty. Very little timber. What there is is mostly scrub. It's either bare rock or covered with a brown looking grass. Evidently good grazing. Lots of cattle feeding all over the hills, small farms here and there too.
I think I'm right about this figure. 27 tunnels we went through in crossing that range of mountains. Only one was very long. I'd guess it to be a mile. On the way down the east side and into the San Joaquin Valley we had some fun betting if the railroad we could see way below us was the one we were on. It usually was but at the time it seemed impossible. The old story about the engineer and the men in the caboose shaking hands when they go around a sharp curve could almost be true on that trip.
The trip up the valley was a repetition of some of the irrigated lands in Arizona. Lots of fruit, oranges, grapefruit, olives, dates, and lots of garden farms. I remember going past large areas of grapes too. Grains, hay, and such are also grown there, practically all by irrigation from the eastern mountains. It seems that the coast catches all the rain clouds and very little falls in the valleys. The roads, cities, and homes up the valley are typical of any prosperous farming section in Ohio. As we got closer to Frisco we saw snow on quite a few of the mountain tops. Of course that was early in May. 9-10-11-12 to be exact. The days were warm, the sun hot, but the nights cool or almost cold.
Got into camp at midnight and of course, true to Army customs, we must have a short arm and get a couple shots in the arm, before we could go to bed. I had my overcoat on. Remember how heavy it was, and was cold even then. We stripped out in the cold and filed through the examination. You can bet we were cussing at everything and everyone too. Just like the first experience in Army life.
Got settled in time to get up again next morning and do very little but wait and play ball and such for the next two weeks. Had a few little road marches just to keep us in shape you know. One was about a 15 miler back into the hills. That was one march I really enjoyed. You know me and the hills. Just can't stay out of them if there is any way to get into them. Crazy enough to even like going on foot.
I went into Pittsburgh one night out of curiosity mostly. I did go to try to find a crystal for my watch and to see what the possible accommodations for a wife might be. I was sure there would be no chance of you coming but, hell, a man can hope, can't he? I was still hoping until I walked up the gangplank too. Hope, and the things a fellow has to go back to are the biggest factors that keep us going on. I for one, have so much to go back to that I should be able to keep going a long time. I will too, but I don't like it. I want my Mummy with me. I love her and miss her like the devil.
The town was only five minutes from camp and was rather nice for a small place. Not quite as big as Medina, I'd say. Several hotels though and a lot of new "housing project" homes. wouldn't that have been a set up for us?
Nice camp too. More theaters and more and better P.X.'s. Ice cream and milk shakes and cold drinks. Gosh it sure was good by comparison to Polk. The food was swell too. I had nearly regained my pre-war weight while we were there, 190 lbs. That's why you think my picture looked better than I had before. I was me again, then.
You know about my visit to Frisco so I needn't go into that again. Of any big cities I've ever seen, I like Frisco best. Steve really showed me the town too.
Then Saturday the 27th we took off for Frisco by boat and transferred there to our transport. Sunday we sailed out the bay, past Alcatraz and under the Golden Gate Bridge and out across the limitless, blue Pacific. It sure seemed limitless too. Except for a few hazy outlines we never saw land again until the 17th. That was New Guinea. On the 20th we got here and still are here.
The 6th of June we crossed the Equator and had the usual celebration on board. You've read of the initiations and etc. pulled on all landlubbers. I was only a spectator but I am sending in another letter the diploma I received to prove I've been over the Equator. On Friday the 9th we crossed the date line and so missed Saturday entirely. Two of our boys missed having a birthday because of that. Crazy but it's true. Went to bed Friday night and got up Sunday morning.
Well, honey, I guess that brings us up to date on the travels of Sgt. Effinger. For any more you'll have to wait until they happen. Who knows. It may be the Philippines or India or China next. I hope it's the U.S.A. but I doubt it very much.
Night, my lovely. Gosh that look sure gets me, honey. If it was only the real flesh and blood you, I'd be in heaven on earth. I loves you so much. Miss you too.
Your hubby.
Norm.
Monday eve
Oct, 9, 1944
Hello Luscious and lovely;
I didn't get any mail from you today so I now have a chance to continue telling you of the trip to the west coast. Don't have anything to report from here either so nothing stopping me.
If my memory isn't fooling me I've covered it as far as L.A. and left it there. The pictures that Bonnie sent have probably given you the general route of the trip. I don't know but it seems I have written about this, did I? I'm slipping too, I guess.
L.A. is a pretty city, anyhow, what little we saw of it was. All the west coast cities are different from ours in that there are very few real tall buildings. The cities are scattered out over a large area and those on the coast, like L.A. and Frisco are built on hills. We think Akron has some hills. Not even mole hills in comparison. Sure is lucky they never have any ice or snow or the undertakers and junk yards would be plenty busy.
From L.A. we went east again back over the coast range and to Bakersfield, Fresno, Merced, and into camp. The trip over the mountains was scenic and interesting. Didn't get very high up, about 4000 feet I guess but it sure was a long slow climb and we had two big mountain engines too. The engineer's cab on these trains is on the front of the engine, so the engineer has a better and quicker view of the tracks on those winding, curving roads. Funny looking things. Seem to be going backward all the time. That must be one of the new things in railroading. Never saw any like them before. I can't get too enthused over what I saw of California's mountains. Didn't even catch more than a couple glimpses of the peaks in the eastern range so I can't say much of them. They say they are the really pretty ones. The coast range is rugged and the roads as steep as any mountain roads I've ever been on but not pretty. Very little timber. What there is is mostly scrub. It's either bare rock or covered with a brown looking grass. Evidently good grazing. Lots of cattle feeding all over the hills, small farms here and there too.
I think I'm right about this figure. 27 tunnels we went through in crossing that range of mountains. Only one was very long. I'd guess it to be a mile. On the way down the east side and into the San Joaquin Valley we had some fun betting if the railroad we could see way below us was the one we were on. It usually was but at the time it seemed impossible. The old story about the engineer and the men in the caboose shaking hands when they go around a sharp curve could almost be true on that trip.
The trip up the valley was a repetition of some of the irrigated lands in Arizona. Lots of fruit, oranges, grapefruit, olives, dates, and lots of garden farms. I remember going past large areas of grapes too. Grains, hay, and such are also grown there, practically all by irrigation from the eastern mountains. It seems that the coast catches all the rain clouds and very little falls in the valleys. The roads, cities, and homes up the valley are typical of any prosperous farming section in Ohio. As we got closer to Frisco we saw snow on quite a few of the mountain tops. Of course that was early in May. 9-10-11-12 to be exact. The days were warm, the sun hot, but the nights cool or almost cold.
Got into camp at midnight and of course, true to Army customs, we must have a short arm and get a couple shots in the arm, before we could go to bed. I had my overcoat on. Remember how heavy it was, and was cold even then. We stripped out in the cold and filed through the examination. You can bet we were cussing at everything and everyone too. Just like the first experience in Army life.
Got settled in time to get up again next morning and do very little but wait and play ball and such for the next two weeks. Had a few little road marches just to keep us in shape you know. One was about a 15 miler back into the hills. That was one march I really enjoyed. You know me and the hills. Just can't stay out of them if there is any way to get into them. Crazy enough to even like going on foot.
I went into Pittsburgh one night out of curiosity mostly. I did go to try to find a crystal for my watch and to see what the possible accommodations for a wife might be. I was sure there would be no chance of you coming but, hell, a man can hope, can't he? I was still hoping until I walked up the gangplank too. Hope, and the things a fellow has to go back to are the biggest factors that keep us going on. I for one, have so much to go back to that I should be able to keep going a long time. I will too, but I don't like it. I want my Mummy with me. I love her and miss her like the devil.
The town was only five minutes from camp and was rather nice for a small place. Not quite as big as Medina, I'd say. Several hotels though and a lot of new "housing project" homes. wouldn't that have been a set up for us?
Nice camp too. More theaters and more and better P.X.'s. Ice cream and milk shakes and cold drinks. Gosh it sure was good by comparison to Polk. The food was swell too. I had nearly regained my pre-war weight while we were there, 190 lbs. That's why you think my picture looked better than I had before. I was me again, then.
You know about my visit to Frisco so I needn't go into that again. Of any big cities I've ever seen, I like Frisco best. Steve really showed me the town too.
Then Saturday the 27th we took off for Frisco by boat and transferred there to our transport. Sunday we sailed out the bay, past Alcatraz and under the Golden Gate Bridge and out across the limitless, blue Pacific. It sure seemed limitless too. Except for a few hazy outlines we never saw land again until the 17th. That was New Guinea. On the 20th we got here and still are here.
The 6th of June we crossed the Equator and had the usual celebration on board. You've read of the initiations and etc. pulled on all landlubbers. I was only a spectator but I am sending in another letter the diploma I received to prove I've been over the Equator. On Friday the 9th we crossed the date line and so missed Saturday entirely. Two of our boys missed having a birthday because of that. Crazy but it's true. Went to bed Friday night and got up Sunday morning.
Well, honey, I guess that brings us up to date on the travels of Sgt. Effinger. For any more you'll have to wait until they happen. Who knows. It may be the Philippines or India or China next. I hope it's the U.S.A. but I doubt it very much.
Night, my lovely. Gosh that look sure gets me, honey. If it was only the real flesh and blood you, I'd be in heaven on earth. I loves you so much. Miss you too.
Your hubby.
Norm.
Tuesday, January 29, 2013
Letter # 491 October 8, 1944
New Guinea
Sunday eve
Oct 8, 1944
My Darling;
Had a very nice time at the beach today and also have a rather feverish hide. They have been making us wear our shirts all the time lately and even though I still am well tanned, it wasn't well enough to stop this sun. I'm not burned enough to peel or be uncomfortable but only warm. This sun is different than back home. with as much tan as I had I'd never have burned a bit. It bears down here and I guess salt water helps it along too. Partly cloudy most of the day and not as hot as it has been. The water was swell. Nice rollers to play with.
It hasn't rained for several days again now. Kinda looks like we might have some tonight. I like to see it rain often here. Keeps the dust down and it doesn't stay muddy very long. Sure seems out of place to think of October and swimming and sunburn. Should be thinking of getting ready for winter and enjoying the last few warm days of the season.
I didn't expect any letters today and I didn't get any. I've several here to answer and I'm going to get at it now.
It makes me feel good to say you didn't mind your no letter period cause you knew why and what I was doing. I felt a little guilty about it and, in spite of what you tell me, I bet you didn't like having no letters. I love you so much I want to do all I can to make it easier for you. I guess, as you say, I'm only a kid yet and when a chance like that comes along I can't resist it.
I'm glad to hear about Mickey. He is seeing the country and no mistake. I bet Louise was plenty glad to hear after all that time. I'd guess from the things you report that he's doing, that my first guess as to what his new work is, is somewhere near correct. He is evidently following close behind the front. I don't believe he is actually fighting. Anyhow, I'm hoping the best for him. By getting into that scrap, I'd say his chances to come home when it's over there, are fairly good.
More candy and cookies on the way. Sounds good. Anything like that will always be welcome. Poor Art. I'm sure causing him an awful lot of trouble. Almost think I was his son instead of only a friend. I don't know how I'll ever begin to return all the favors he's doing for us. I sure appreciate it all. You can tell him he need have no fear that I'll cuss him out if the candy is spoiled. I know he did his best. I'll let you do any cussing for me. Remember what you called him over the phone, last spring? He did deserve that and more 'cause he was hoping to do exactly what he did. The devil. I'll remember that "favor" too.
I'd like to see our kitchen table. Wouldn't need to be covered with all kinds of things to send to me. I'd sooner have it like I remember it best. You sitting there with me and asking if I like this or that and why don't I say something is good once in a while. That's the way I want things. You and I living our ordinary everyday lives and loving each other all the time. I'm in love with you, sweetheart.
You certainly are a kid when it comes to presents and packages. I always did get a big kick out of watching you play "Santa" at our Christmas get to-gethers. Would think that they were all for you. You almost jump up and down and get so excited. I love you that way. Sweet and innocent and natural. Nothing artificial or sophisticated about you. My own lovable Babe.
Honey, you're impossible. I bet you've asked me fifty times if I like your picture. I sure do. I love it. I'm inclined to agree with Louise. It doesn't do you justice in some ways. It could be because the print is a bit hazy but it sure is natural even to that look in your eyes. You're not merely smiling at me, you're inviting me. It's the one invitation I'll never turn down either. Now don't say anything. I've never turned it down as long as you've known me, have I? The future and old age may make changes but I'll ever want to refuse that invitation. You look mighty swell to me. I love you. It's a very good job of duplicating the picture I have of you in my mind from that last night. Only trouble is this is only a picture.
You could have been in the next room when I saw the bracelet and your ears wouldn't have burned a bit. All I said, and these are the actual words, as nearly as I can remember, was, "Well, Babe finally got me the bracelet she has been trying to give me for the past year.
I think I know how you felt about it and why you sent it and I'm loving you for it. I like it. Wear it all the time and look at it a lot. It means another tie between us. We need them at this distance.
I sent the ring with the same sentiments behind it. I'm glad to hear you like it so much and that it isn't tarnishing very much. Down here silver takes a beating. Tarnishes rather fast. That was really how that bastard got a chance to steal the first one. I had it laying out just to see how long it would stay bright.
My habits are still the same as they have been. I go my regular three times a day and sometimes more. No laxative ever needed on the kind of food and life we have here. I do rather miss having the funnies to read at the early evening sitting. My old habits aren't broken, but pushed aside for the time. I'm still me only in a different shape package.
There now, I've caught up on your letters again and ready for a new bunch. If I don't get any tomorrow I'll still have plenty to write about. I left the trip stranded in L.A. It should be about time to leave there and continue on to New Guinea. Screwy way to do things isn't it? I do like to always have something up my sleeve to write about when I get those "can't write" spells.
Everything is going along very well and I'm feeling good and ornery as ever. Not a thing wrong with me in any way. I do have one very pronounced ailment but it's a good ailment and can't be cured by medicine, doctors, hospitals, or even red headed nurses. The latter might help a bit but never cure me. The only cure that will help is the cure my wife knows the secret of. She can cure me in no time at all. Very pleasant cure too. One of these days I'll be calling on you to work the cure, so you'd better be ready.
You will be, won't you?
Night my beautiful. I'm loving you and thinking about you a lot. Even dream dreaming about you once in a while. Isn't either funny or childish, so there too. I love you, sweetheart.
Your hubby.
Norm.
Sunday eve
Oct 8, 1944
My Darling;
Had a very nice time at the beach today and also have a rather feverish hide. They have been making us wear our shirts all the time lately and even though I still am well tanned, it wasn't well enough to stop this sun. I'm not burned enough to peel or be uncomfortable but only warm. This sun is different than back home. with as much tan as I had I'd never have burned a bit. It bears down here and I guess salt water helps it along too. Partly cloudy most of the day and not as hot as it has been. The water was swell. Nice rollers to play with.
It hasn't rained for several days again now. Kinda looks like we might have some tonight. I like to see it rain often here. Keeps the dust down and it doesn't stay muddy very long. Sure seems out of place to think of October and swimming and sunburn. Should be thinking of getting ready for winter and enjoying the last few warm days of the season.
I didn't expect any letters today and I didn't get any. I've several here to answer and I'm going to get at it now.
It makes me feel good to say you didn't mind your no letter period cause you knew why and what I was doing. I felt a little guilty about it and, in spite of what you tell me, I bet you didn't like having no letters. I love you so much I want to do all I can to make it easier for you. I guess, as you say, I'm only a kid yet and when a chance like that comes along I can't resist it.
I'm glad to hear about Mickey. He is seeing the country and no mistake. I bet Louise was plenty glad to hear after all that time. I'd guess from the things you report that he's doing, that my first guess as to what his new work is, is somewhere near correct. He is evidently following close behind the front. I don't believe he is actually fighting. Anyhow, I'm hoping the best for him. By getting into that scrap, I'd say his chances to come home when it's over there, are fairly good.
More candy and cookies on the way. Sounds good. Anything like that will always be welcome. Poor Art. I'm sure causing him an awful lot of trouble. Almost think I was his son instead of only a friend. I don't know how I'll ever begin to return all the favors he's doing for us. I sure appreciate it all. You can tell him he need have no fear that I'll cuss him out if the candy is spoiled. I know he did his best. I'll let you do any cussing for me. Remember what you called him over the phone, last spring? He did deserve that and more 'cause he was hoping to do exactly what he did. The devil. I'll remember that "favor" too.
I'd like to see our kitchen table. Wouldn't need to be covered with all kinds of things to send to me. I'd sooner have it like I remember it best. You sitting there with me and asking if I like this or that and why don't I say something is good once in a while. That's the way I want things. You and I living our ordinary everyday lives and loving each other all the time. I'm in love with you, sweetheart.
You certainly are a kid when it comes to presents and packages. I always did get a big kick out of watching you play "Santa" at our Christmas get to-gethers. Would think that they were all for you. You almost jump up and down and get so excited. I love you that way. Sweet and innocent and natural. Nothing artificial or sophisticated about you. My own lovable Babe.
Honey, you're impossible. I bet you've asked me fifty times if I like your picture. I sure do. I love it. I'm inclined to agree with Louise. It doesn't do you justice in some ways. It could be because the print is a bit hazy but it sure is natural even to that look in your eyes. You're not merely smiling at me, you're inviting me. It's the one invitation I'll never turn down either. Now don't say anything. I've never turned it down as long as you've known me, have I? The future and old age may make changes but I'll ever want to refuse that invitation. You look mighty swell to me. I love you. It's a very good job of duplicating the picture I have of you in my mind from that last night. Only trouble is this is only a picture.
You could have been in the next room when I saw the bracelet and your ears wouldn't have burned a bit. All I said, and these are the actual words, as nearly as I can remember, was, "Well, Babe finally got me the bracelet she has been trying to give me for the past year.
I think I know how you felt about it and why you sent it and I'm loving you for it. I like it. Wear it all the time and look at it a lot. It means another tie between us. We need them at this distance.
I sent the ring with the same sentiments behind it. I'm glad to hear you like it so much and that it isn't tarnishing very much. Down here silver takes a beating. Tarnishes rather fast. That was really how that bastard got a chance to steal the first one. I had it laying out just to see how long it would stay bright.
My habits are still the same as they have been. I go my regular three times a day and sometimes more. No laxative ever needed on the kind of food and life we have here. I do rather miss having the funnies to read at the early evening sitting. My old habits aren't broken, but pushed aside for the time. I'm still me only in a different shape package.
There now, I've caught up on your letters again and ready for a new bunch. If I don't get any tomorrow I'll still have plenty to write about. I left the trip stranded in L.A. It should be about time to leave there and continue on to New Guinea. Screwy way to do things isn't it? I do like to always have something up my sleeve to write about when I get those "can't write" spells.
Everything is going along very well and I'm feeling good and ornery as ever. Not a thing wrong with me in any way. I do have one very pronounced ailment but it's a good ailment and can't be cured by medicine, doctors, hospitals, or even red headed nurses. The latter might help a bit but never cure me. The only cure that will help is the cure my wife knows the secret of. She can cure me in no time at all. Very pleasant cure too. One of these days I'll be calling on you to work the cure, so you'd better be ready.
You will be, won't you?
Night my beautiful. I'm loving you and thinking about you a lot. Even dream dreaming about you once in a while. Isn't either funny or childish, so there too. I love you, sweetheart.
Your hubby.
Norm.
Wednesday, January 16, 2013
Letter # 490 October 7,1944
New Guinea
Sat. eve.
Oct 7, 1944
My Darling;
Two more letters from you tonight, 26 & 27th. They are coming in good time now and in order too. Something, ain't it? I also got a brown envelope from you with the Bank Notes and the clipping of Dewey's speech. Is that little paper a new thing with the bank? I don't recall ever seeing it before. It's as good or better than the Gazette. Of course the first thing I saw was Pop all decked out as a singing chef. He apparently is good photographic material. Except for a very few they all look so natural. The other men I know by name only.
Then I proceeded to read every word in the paper. Cliff Mac home. Is it permanent or only a leave? Chuck Thompkins taking his wife back with him, the lucky devil. I didn't remember that Gert, Vi's sister, was working at the bank. All in all it's quite a paper. Seems they are all taking a leaf from Bowman's recipe for advertising success.
If this one speech is an example of what you are hearing all the time, I pity you. That's one part of politics that has always made me so damn disgusted with the whole rotten business. I wish just once that two candidates for the same office could conduct a campaign without all the mud throwing. Guess I won't get into this again tonight. Lot more fun to answer your sweet letters and I'll be happy instead of disgusted. That may be why we don't hear what is going on. It would be bad for fighting morale. A man would wonder if it was worth fighting for a country and ideals that produce such poor specimens of manhood. I still don't know what we are really fighting this war for but this much I do know. I'm willing to fight or do anything else that will end this thing and get me back home to the one I love. Give me that and let the fools do their fighting over things that are all in the past and can't be helped now. Let's quit stalling and do something.
Gosh, something got me started didn't it?
Just another day, this morning. This afternoon I hauled out my sewing kit and did I look domestic. Busy as a bee, sewing patches on salvage clothes the army gave us today. Since I'm back in the grease and wearing suntans you can imagine that I can use more than three sets of clothes. Even if they aren't too dirty in a couple days they smell so bad a man can't even stand himself. Lifeboy or anything else isn't very effective on B.O. down here. I picked out three more sets, shirts & pants, that weren't too bad. Rips and tears here and there, not worn out, so I did me some fancy patching. Don't laugh, darn you. I didn't do too bad a job at that. In fact, I think it's almost as good as you'd do. I don't care if you can't sew, you can sure do plenty of other things. Love is one. Expert at that. Cook is another. Expert at that too. Aw, honey, I could go on and fill this sheet and the greatest part would carry an expert rating too. I'm in love with you.
Did you know it?
Today was P.X. day again. I got the usual candy bar and pack of gum. They were also selling manufactured Christmas cards on V-mail so I guess the story I heard was only another rumor. No official notice anyhow.
Tomorrow morning, bright and early, if it isn't raining, we're taking off for the beach for the day. Brownie, Mac, Sam, and I. Sounds good doesn't it? I haven't been there in quite some time and I don't have much to keep me from going. Only a letter to you and a couple duty letters. I can get yours in the evening and if I don't get to the others they will keep a day or so. Of course that means no progress on the surprises. That's mean isn't it? Always telling you about them and not getting them done. I'll try to hurry them a bit, honey, so hold on.
Now to answer some letters. Sept 24. Gosh, honey, it sounds like a librarian has to be an information bureau and know nearly everything. I can see right now that I'll have a lot of learning to catch up on so you won't be too far ahead of me. You'd better like your dumb old husband though and give him time to catch up to you. I'm pretty nice anyhow. I think. Your work does sound very interesting. Think I'd even like it myself, at least until I got tired of a white collar.
I should think you wouldn't know it all in 6 weeks, you silly. Sounds like you need an even wider range of knowledge than it takes to run a hardware store. I worked at that for ten years and still didn't know it all by a long way. It is slightly similar, isn't it? See all kinds of customers every day and asked all sorts of questions. Nice people, grouchy people, sensible questions and crazy ones. Variety anyhow. I used to sometimes get pretty tired of seeing people and trying to please them but I did rather like it anyhow. Remember? I'd say I wanted to stay home where it was peaceful and I didn't have to see anyone but you. I don't guess it affects you like that though. You're gregarious and I'm not. Only one person I want to be with all the time. A female too. Think of that. She's big, beautiful, intriguing, exciting, sweet, and comfortable to have around. She asks crazy questions and teases me once in a while. Follows me around and wants to know where I'm going or what I'm doing and why don't I just be nice and sit by her and talk or play something with her, but even then I love it all. It's all part of her charm and part of the most idyllic life I've ever lived. I love her so much. She's Mrs. Effinger, my wife! I'll stick by her as much as possible the rest of my life and try to be a worthy husband. Quite a big promise to live up to isn't it?
No, I don't get you, but I do know what you mean by needing a good taking care of. You've got it coming at the first opportunity I get. I need it too, very badly. I hope, as you say, you are big and healthy and won't have any trouble with the little "it". You are the type all right. The kind the Germans want to build up their "super race". Ed's expression, "Built for service" is descriptive and applicable. As for me, all I can say is I'm healthy and plenty willing. We'll prove or disprove the able part of it later.
Don't worry, honey. You can talk as you please. No one but me will ever read your letters. It's like you used to talk anyhow, isn't it?
Honey, your ability to estimate men from their pictures amazes me. You have most of them tagged as good as I and I know them personally. They all made the march with flying colors. Mathews and Pendleton were the only two that didn't keep up the last day. You see the leaders purposely tried to loose us that last day. See if we had any reserve left. We had it. They hurt themselves as much as us. Even the native guides said, " Him bunch of men, not Mary's" this time. This particular school had the highest record and most excellent ratings ever given.
You said the gang looks like a bunch of rugged boys to you. Well, just think, honey, I must be quite a way from dead yet 'cause I had the honor of receiving the highest rating among them. Spence, Mathews and myself were the only men over 30 in the group. Pretty good aren't I?
I guess I didn't tell you that Spencer and Williams came back down the trail with Mathews, Pendleton, Westerman, and me in a party of our own. Spencer and Williams are real trail mates.
They have my respect now.
You may be wondering why I only used their last names. New censorship rules. No rank or duties mentioned.
I guess you'll get along alright. Getting an extra day off for a cold in the head. Different than school teaching isn't it? You don't know how tickled I am about your new job. I wanted you to be doing something you like to do. If being a teacher instead of a librarian for a time had anything to do with my getting you for a wife, I'm selfishly glad you put in those disagreeable years. I'd be hurtin if I didn't have you. Probably be an old bachelor yet. My idea of a hell of a life, now.
I do hope your cold pills do the trick for you. The few dollars they cost are well spent if they work. I think they did a lot for me that last two winters.
More help for you. Gus going to hang the storm windows. You got 'em all charmed, haven't you? I sure am glad I got you first. At the way men do things for you now, I wonder why I didn't have so much competition. I would have had to pull tricks like the boys do to get a date with Boots. Good thing for me they didn't wake up sooner.
If you keep reading books on N. Guinea you'll know all about it and it won't be necessary for us to take time out from more pressing matters to talk about it. That's the stuff, sweetheart, I don't want too many other things to do for a long time. Need all my energy to give you that taking care of you want. Got some taking care of myself to do too so I'm thinking I'll be plenty busy and worn out. Boy, but I'll be happy though. I don't mind a bit wearing myself to a frazzle on something I like so, watch out and be on your guard. No holds barred. All's fair in love and I'm a wild man.
Night, sweetheart. You're being loved and loved and kissed and kissed. Gooey too.
Your hubby.
Norm.
Sat. eve.
Oct 7, 1944
My Darling;
Two more letters from you tonight, 26 & 27th. They are coming in good time now and in order too. Something, ain't it? I also got a brown envelope from you with the Bank Notes and the clipping of Dewey's speech. Is that little paper a new thing with the bank? I don't recall ever seeing it before. It's as good or better than the Gazette. Of course the first thing I saw was Pop all decked out as a singing chef. He apparently is good photographic material. Except for a very few they all look so natural. The other men I know by name only.
Then I proceeded to read every word in the paper. Cliff Mac home. Is it permanent or only a leave? Chuck Thompkins taking his wife back with him, the lucky devil. I didn't remember that Gert, Vi's sister, was working at the bank. All in all it's quite a paper. Seems they are all taking a leaf from Bowman's recipe for advertising success.
If this one speech is an example of what you are hearing all the time, I pity you. That's one part of politics that has always made me so damn disgusted with the whole rotten business. I wish just once that two candidates for the same office could conduct a campaign without all the mud throwing. Guess I won't get into this again tonight. Lot more fun to answer your sweet letters and I'll be happy instead of disgusted. That may be why we don't hear what is going on. It would be bad for fighting morale. A man would wonder if it was worth fighting for a country and ideals that produce such poor specimens of manhood. I still don't know what we are really fighting this war for but this much I do know. I'm willing to fight or do anything else that will end this thing and get me back home to the one I love. Give me that and let the fools do their fighting over things that are all in the past and can't be helped now. Let's quit stalling and do something.
Gosh, something got me started didn't it?
Just another day, this morning. This afternoon I hauled out my sewing kit and did I look domestic. Busy as a bee, sewing patches on salvage clothes the army gave us today. Since I'm back in the grease and wearing suntans you can imagine that I can use more than three sets of clothes. Even if they aren't too dirty in a couple days they smell so bad a man can't even stand himself. Lifeboy or anything else isn't very effective on B.O. down here. I picked out three more sets, shirts & pants, that weren't too bad. Rips and tears here and there, not worn out, so I did me some fancy patching. Don't laugh, darn you. I didn't do too bad a job at that. In fact, I think it's almost as good as you'd do. I don't care if you can't sew, you can sure do plenty of other things. Love is one. Expert at that. Cook is another. Expert at that too. Aw, honey, I could go on and fill this sheet and the greatest part would carry an expert rating too. I'm in love with you.
Did you know it?
Today was P.X. day again. I got the usual candy bar and pack of gum. They were also selling manufactured Christmas cards on V-mail so I guess the story I heard was only another rumor. No official notice anyhow.
Tomorrow morning, bright and early, if it isn't raining, we're taking off for the beach for the day. Brownie, Mac, Sam, and I. Sounds good doesn't it? I haven't been there in quite some time and I don't have much to keep me from going. Only a letter to you and a couple duty letters. I can get yours in the evening and if I don't get to the others they will keep a day or so. Of course that means no progress on the surprises. That's mean isn't it? Always telling you about them and not getting them done. I'll try to hurry them a bit, honey, so hold on.
Now to answer some letters. Sept 24. Gosh, honey, it sounds like a librarian has to be an information bureau and know nearly everything. I can see right now that I'll have a lot of learning to catch up on so you won't be too far ahead of me. You'd better like your dumb old husband though and give him time to catch up to you. I'm pretty nice anyhow. I think. Your work does sound very interesting. Think I'd even like it myself, at least until I got tired of a white collar.
I should think you wouldn't know it all in 6 weeks, you silly. Sounds like you need an even wider range of knowledge than it takes to run a hardware store. I worked at that for ten years and still didn't know it all by a long way. It is slightly similar, isn't it? See all kinds of customers every day and asked all sorts of questions. Nice people, grouchy people, sensible questions and crazy ones. Variety anyhow. I used to sometimes get pretty tired of seeing people and trying to please them but I did rather like it anyhow. Remember? I'd say I wanted to stay home where it was peaceful and I didn't have to see anyone but you. I don't guess it affects you like that though. You're gregarious and I'm not. Only one person I want to be with all the time. A female too. Think of that. She's big, beautiful, intriguing, exciting, sweet, and comfortable to have around. She asks crazy questions and teases me once in a while. Follows me around and wants to know where I'm going or what I'm doing and why don't I just be nice and sit by her and talk or play something with her, but even then I love it all. It's all part of her charm and part of the most idyllic life I've ever lived. I love her so much. She's Mrs. Effinger, my wife! I'll stick by her as much as possible the rest of my life and try to be a worthy husband. Quite a big promise to live up to isn't it?
No, I don't get you, but I do know what you mean by needing a good taking care of. You've got it coming at the first opportunity I get. I need it too, very badly. I hope, as you say, you are big and healthy and won't have any trouble with the little "it". You are the type all right. The kind the Germans want to build up their "super race". Ed's expression, "Built for service" is descriptive and applicable. As for me, all I can say is I'm healthy and plenty willing. We'll prove or disprove the able part of it later.
Don't worry, honey. You can talk as you please. No one but me will ever read your letters. It's like you used to talk anyhow, isn't it?
Honey, your ability to estimate men from their pictures amazes me. You have most of them tagged as good as I and I know them personally. They all made the march with flying colors. Mathews and Pendleton were the only two that didn't keep up the last day. You see the leaders purposely tried to loose us that last day. See if we had any reserve left. We had it. They hurt themselves as much as us. Even the native guides said, " Him bunch of men, not Mary's" this time. This particular school had the highest record and most excellent ratings ever given.
You said the gang looks like a bunch of rugged boys to you. Well, just think, honey, I must be quite a way from dead yet 'cause I had the honor of receiving the highest rating among them. Spence, Mathews and myself were the only men over 30 in the group. Pretty good aren't I?
I guess I didn't tell you that Spencer and Williams came back down the trail with Mathews, Pendleton, Westerman, and me in a party of our own. Spencer and Williams are real trail mates.
They have my respect now.
You may be wondering why I only used their last names. New censorship rules. No rank or duties mentioned.
I guess you'll get along alright. Getting an extra day off for a cold in the head. Different than school teaching isn't it? You don't know how tickled I am about your new job. I wanted you to be doing something you like to do. If being a teacher instead of a librarian for a time had anything to do with my getting you for a wife, I'm selfishly glad you put in those disagreeable years. I'd be hurtin if I didn't have you. Probably be an old bachelor yet. My idea of a hell of a life, now.
I do hope your cold pills do the trick for you. The few dollars they cost are well spent if they work. I think they did a lot for me that last two winters.
More help for you. Gus going to hang the storm windows. You got 'em all charmed, haven't you? I sure am glad I got you first. At the way men do things for you now, I wonder why I didn't have so much competition. I would have had to pull tricks like the boys do to get a date with Boots. Good thing for me they didn't wake up sooner.
If you keep reading books on N. Guinea you'll know all about it and it won't be necessary for us to take time out from more pressing matters to talk about it. That's the stuff, sweetheart, I don't want too many other things to do for a long time. Need all my energy to give you that taking care of you want. Got some taking care of myself to do too so I'm thinking I'll be plenty busy and worn out. Boy, but I'll be happy though. I don't mind a bit wearing myself to a frazzle on something I like so, watch out and be on your guard. No holds barred. All's fair in love and I'm a wild man.
Night, sweetheart. You're being loved and loved and kissed and kissed. Gooey too.
Your hubby.
Norm.
Sunday, January 6, 2013
Letter # 489 October 6, 1944
New Guinea
Friday eve.
Oct 6, 1944
Hi Luscious;
How's my baby tonight? I know. You're lovely and beautiful and ornery and everything but I'd sure like to be there to find out for myself. You might not be so beautiful when I got through mauling you. Think I'd be kinda wild and need a lot of taming. Could you add animal trainer to your list of accomplishments? The wildness is only on the surface and once trained and petted a bit, I'd settle down into a docile, household critter. Might even be worth the effort to train me. I think I could be pretty nice and handy to have around. I could be taught to fire the furnace, build fires in the fire place, shovel snow, do odd repair jobs about the place, warm your feet for you at night, and lots of such jobs. Think you could use me? I hope so 'cause I'll want such a place after the war. I want it now only Uncle Sam says he needs me and won't let me go till this job is over. Aw, hell, honey. I want to be your husband and do all the things a husband should do. Now what do you say?
No more letters today and after three last night I didn't expect any. I hardly got started to answer them. There isn't any news of any kind so I'll go to work on them now.
I'm glad you are taking care of the Christmas business for us. I knew you would and wasn't worrying about it a bit. You're a handy thing to have around too. More than handy. You, as I remember it, always had to take care of the Christmas buying when I was home. I wasn't too much interested and didn't have too much time to even think about it. I wasn't much help in a lot of ways was I? I'm not going to promise that I'll improve much along those lines but, who knows, I might even change that much.
I don't have any suggestions for Christmas Cards but I do think you'd ought to keep them up. You like them so much and they are nice. Keep the home front going, honey. I'm not there but that's no reason for you to stop things you did even before I was lucky enough to get you for my wife.
I'm going to try to send at least one Xmas greeting of some sort, if I can get any ideas to make one from. Know who is going to get it? My beautiful, sweet, chubby wife. That's who.
I have heard something about the use of V mail for greetings and cartoons being prohibited. It's only rumor so far. I can't see what difference it makes, but if true, I'll make it and send it raw on other paper.
I don't think you'll need to worry a bit about the road men harming our pines. They assured me last spring that any thing in the landscape line that was already in would be left. The main idea of the project is to sod or hold those big big banks from eroding so much and spoiling all the work they had formerly done on it. They'll have me plenty mad too if they should happen to disturb them. Those trees are very special to me. Brought home from our honeymoon trip. Why wouldn't they be rather special? The wife I brought home is very special. Nothing better harm her either. I loves you, honey.
I haven't seen the "Life" you mention but I have heard a bit about the demobilization plans. Even though I'd like to I can't find too much fault with them and be fair. When they speak of it taking a year to demobilize a million men from the European Theater they aren't planning on the miracle that probably won't happen, that could end both wars at the same time. The war in Europe ending has no affect on us in this area other than the help and concerted effort that will then be thrown at the Japs here. It might relieve some of the boys that have been here fighting for so long. It should. They have earned the right to quit and go home. The same goes for the boys that have been over so long in Europe. The fresh men will all be put over here and stay until it's all over. That is why they will be let out slowly. If both wars end quickly the program will have to be speeded up enormously. If no new legislation is enacted, and I can't see it being allowed in a Democracy, the boys that want out are supposed to be out in six months. Remember, duration plus six months. That is almost an impossible job in so short a time but I do believe it will be as fast as possible. There will be plenty of young fellows that won't want out and that will help us that do.
This war is largely politics and a change in administration may help but I don't look for very much. It'll take time to straighten out in any event. I'm not trying to be pessimistic, honey but you've been trying to give me your picture of it so I'm giving you mine. I'm hoping like hell, the same as you and lots of others, that it will all be over within a year's time and all the boys back home again. I'll never loose that hope but when I look back at the realistic side and with what little I can see first hand, I actually can't even see an end to this damn thing for far longer than I care to think about. That break or miracle or whatever you call such a thing that I'm pinning my hopes on is the only quick end I can see. That break has to come from Germany and Japan, not our end. The proper handling of our resources and all out use of them will help plenty. It's still an awful big job. This, of course, is entirely my own estimate of things in a hard sense manner and isn't any more right than the next fellows. I'm terribly afraid we're going to be hurtin for some time yet. You have been telling me you can take it and I'm giving it straight the way I see it. My heart doesn't see it that way by a long shot. When I went into the army I would have bet money or anything that I'd be home within 18 months at the outside. I was wrong. Let's hope I'm as wrong this time.
No, honey, I haven't got a blue spell or anything like it so don't get upset. I haven't been talking to you about such things and I probably won't again for some time, but I've purposely not answered a lot of your comments about the situation that I just decided to get it all over with at one time. You may get the idea that your political views brought this on but they didn't. I voted the same as you'll vote, so there too. I love you.
That's the first time, I believe, that I ever told you how I voted. Usually I'm nonpartisan so I keep quiet on politics. I'm hard to get an argument out of on either politics or religion. There, I've shown you another dark corner of my head that no one has ever seen before. These letters sure bring things to light that I'd never think of pulling out in face to face talks. Hope you can get what I mean from all this. Anyhow, you can be sure of one thing. I'm on your side 100%. I want to be 100% by your side and damn soon too. I'm loving you, you know.
Gee, I went off on a tangent there didn't I sweetheart ? Now I'll get back to your letters and loving you a bit.
Sweetheart, you may be slipping, so you need notes to get all you intend in a letter, but, if the camera and your letters don't lie, that is the only way you are slipping in the least. That look in your eye! Gosh, honey, I'd follow that anywhere, anytime. You really put plenty in that. Silly. Do I like the picture? I guess you know by now. I love it and look at it and even pet it once in a while. Feel it? I do. Tingles me good. Both of us. Get down "rover". Like my little bracelet too. Wear it all the time. Even in the shower. Darn it all, I can't seem to say it, but I love you and anything you do. So there too, my darling.
I just took time out and ate two whole slices of bread thickly spread with the best strawberry jam. Some nice girl that would make a perfect wife sent it to me. Not red headed either. She is my perfect wife now and am I glad I gotcha. The jam was dandy. Easy to dream of things that were and will be again with that to start on. Hope it's soon.
Don't send me a bigger copy of the picture. I'd like it but it would only get spoiled. Save it till I come home and I'll put it on my dresser to act as a reminder of the times I wanted you so much and didn't have you. Sort of a "resolution keeper". Get me? You will and plenty. You are and can always be my pin up girl only I want you to be a real live pin up. Much better and just as faithful as any paper doll could be. By the way. You are my only pin up now. My others all got spoiled by the dampness, even the bare model likeness. You got 'em beat a mile anyhow.
Here I have used all my space and in two nights haven't covered one of your letters. I guess I can stretch them too. I like to just talk when I can get started even if it is crazy. Sounds like me when I ramble like this? It is anyhow.
Night, my darling, three "B" girl. I'm loving you so darn much I could nearly eat you up. Do a lot of chewing anyhow. Like a demonstration? I love you. You're my perfect wife.
Your hubby.
Norm.
Friday eve.
Oct 6, 1944
Hi Luscious;
How's my baby tonight? I know. You're lovely and beautiful and ornery and everything but I'd sure like to be there to find out for myself. You might not be so beautiful when I got through mauling you. Think I'd be kinda wild and need a lot of taming. Could you add animal trainer to your list of accomplishments? The wildness is only on the surface and once trained and petted a bit, I'd settle down into a docile, household critter. Might even be worth the effort to train me. I think I could be pretty nice and handy to have around. I could be taught to fire the furnace, build fires in the fire place, shovel snow, do odd repair jobs about the place, warm your feet for you at night, and lots of such jobs. Think you could use me? I hope so 'cause I'll want such a place after the war. I want it now only Uncle Sam says he needs me and won't let me go till this job is over. Aw, hell, honey. I want to be your husband and do all the things a husband should do. Now what do you say?
No more letters today and after three last night I didn't expect any. I hardly got started to answer them. There isn't any news of any kind so I'll go to work on them now.
I'm glad you are taking care of the Christmas business for us. I knew you would and wasn't worrying about it a bit. You're a handy thing to have around too. More than handy. You, as I remember it, always had to take care of the Christmas buying when I was home. I wasn't too much interested and didn't have too much time to even think about it. I wasn't much help in a lot of ways was I? I'm not going to promise that I'll improve much along those lines but, who knows, I might even change that much.
I don't have any suggestions for Christmas Cards but I do think you'd ought to keep them up. You like them so much and they are nice. Keep the home front going, honey. I'm not there but that's no reason for you to stop things you did even before I was lucky enough to get you for my wife.
I'm going to try to send at least one Xmas greeting of some sort, if I can get any ideas to make one from. Know who is going to get it? My beautiful, sweet, chubby wife. That's who.
I have heard something about the use of V mail for greetings and cartoons being prohibited. It's only rumor so far. I can't see what difference it makes, but if true, I'll make it and send it raw on other paper.
I don't think you'll need to worry a bit about the road men harming our pines. They assured me last spring that any thing in the landscape line that was already in would be left. The main idea of the project is to sod or hold those big big banks from eroding so much and spoiling all the work they had formerly done on it. They'll have me plenty mad too if they should happen to disturb them. Those trees are very special to me. Brought home from our honeymoon trip. Why wouldn't they be rather special? The wife I brought home is very special. Nothing better harm her either. I loves you, honey.
I haven't seen the "Life" you mention but I have heard a bit about the demobilization plans. Even though I'd like to I can't find too much fault with them and be fair. When they speak of it taking a year to demobilize a million men from the European Theater they aren't planning on the miracle that probably won't happen, that could end both wars at the same time. The war in Europe ending has no affect on us in this area other than the help and concerted effort that will then be thrown at the Japs here. It might relieve some of the boys that have been here fighting for so long. It should. They have earned the right to quit and go home. The same goes for the boys that have been over so long in Europe. The fresh men will all be put over here and stay until it's all over. That is why they will be let out slowly. If both wars end quickly the program will have to be speeded up enormously. If no new legislation is enacted, and I can't see it being allowed in a Democracy, the boys that want out are supposed to be out in six months. Remember, duration plus six months. That is almost an impossible job in so short a time but I do believe it will be as fast as possible. There will be plenty of young fellows that won't want out and that will help us that do.
This war is largely politics and a change in administration may help but I don't look for very much. It'll take time to straighten out in any event. I'm not trying to be pessimistic, honey but you've been trying to give me your picture of it so I'm giving you mine. I'm hoping like hell, the same as you and lots of others, that it will all be over within a year's time and all the boys back home again. I'll never loose that hope but when I look back at the realistic side and with what little I can see first hand, I actually can't even see an end to this damn thing for far longer than I care to think about. That break or miracle or whatever you call such a thing that I'm pinning my hopes on is the only quick end I can see. That break has to come from Germany and Japan, not our end. The proper handling of our resources and all out use of them will help plenty. It's still an awful big job. This, of course, is entirely my own estimate of things in a hard sense manner and isn't any more right than the next fellows. I'm terribly afraid we're going to be hurtin for some time yet. You have been telling me you can take it and I'm giving it straight the way I see it. My heart doesn't see it that way by a long shot. When I went into the army I would have bet money or anything that I'd be home within 18 months at the outside. I was wrong. Let's hope I'm as wrong this time.
No, honey, I haven't got a blue spell or anything like it so don't get upset. I haven't been talking to you about such things and I probably won't again for some time, but I've purposely not answered a lot of your comments about the situation that I just decided to get it all over with at one time. You may get the idea that your political views brought this on but they didn't. I voted the same as you'll vote, so there too. I love you.
That's the first time, I believe, that I ever told you how I voted. Usually I'm nonpartisan so I keep quiet on politics. I'm hard to get an argument out of on either politics or religion. There, I've shown you another dark corner of my head that no one has ever seen before. These letters sure bring things to light that I'd never think of pulling out in face to face talks. Hope you can get what I mean from all this. Anyhow, you can be sure of one thing. I'm on your side 100%. I want to be 100% by your side and damn soon too. I'm loving you, you know.
Gee, I went off on a tangent there didn't I sweetheart ? Now I'll get back to your letters and loving you a bit.
Sweetheart, you may be slipping, so you need notes to get all you intend in a letter, but, if the camera and your letters don't lie, that is the only way you are slipping in the least. That look in your eye! Gosh, honey, I'd follow that anywhere, anytime. You really put plenty in that. Silly. Do I like the picture? I guess you know by now. I love it and look at it and even pet it once in a while. Feel it? I do. Tingles me good. Both of us. Get down "rover". Like my little bracelet too. Wear it all the time. Even in the shower. Darn it all, I can't seem to say it, but I love you and anything you do. So there too, my darling.
I just took time out and ate two whole slices of bread thickly spread with the best strawberry jam. Some nice girl that would make a perfect wife sent it to me. Not red headed either. She is my perfect wife now and am I glad I gotcha. The jam was dandy. Easy to dream of things that were and will be again with that to start on. Hope it's soon.
Don't send me a bigger copy of the picture. I'd like it but it would only get spoiled. Save it till I come home and I'll put it on my dresser to act as a reminder of the times I wanted you so much and didn't have you. Sort of a "resolution keeper". Get me? You will and plenty. You are and can always be my pin up girl only I want you to be a real live pin up. Much better and just as faithful as any paper doll could be. By the way. You are my only pin up now. My others all got spoiled by the dampness, even the bare model likeness. You got 'em beat a mile anyhow.
Here I have used all my space and in two nights haven't covered one of your letters. I guess I can stretch them too. I like to just talk when I can get started even if it is crazy. Sounds like me when I ramble like this? It is anyhow.
Night, my darling, three "B" girl. I'm loving you so darn much I could nearly eat you up. Do a lot of chewing anyhow. Like a demonstration? I love you. You're my perfect wife.
Your hubby.
Norm.
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