New Guinea
Friday, June 30, '44
My chubby sweetheart;
The last day of June already. Time is flying and every day, week and month is getting that much closer to the time when I'll be home again. Fifteen months already and when I came in I didn't think I'd be gone any longer than that. I sure didn't know what I was talking about. Yesterday aft. Gebby and I went swimming and while we lay there in the cool water with only our heads above water we did a little wishful thinking or dreaming or whatever you want to call it.
We thought it would be swell if, when we come back, we would land on the west coast and be there a week or so, anyhow, long enough for our wives to get there and then we would be free to go back to our reception centers any way we wanted and with no very definite time to get there. Then we could kinda have a honeymoon trip all the way home. We weren't planning to make a foursome. That was only a way of telling it. Now of course that is only a dream and as improbable as dreams usually are, but it's fun to dream about. Wouldn't a trip like that be something? I know I'd like it. A real honeymoon all over again. I'm sure going to keep it in mind and if the opportunity presents itself in any way, you'll sure get a rush call. Can't waste any time without you if I can have you with me. I'll never again object to your coming anyplace. That'll be up to you and if you can't stand it you can always go home again.
That is all just another way of saying I love you, I'm missing you, I'm thinking of you and I wantcha a hell of a lot. How am I doing, honey?
We got our months ration of cigarettes today. Three cartons, also two cigars, and a plug of chewing tobacco. I immediately traded my cigars and chewing tobacco for that many packs of cigarettes. I guess we can't buy any so they are as good as money. Won't hardly be enough for me but it won't hurt a bit to cut down. I smoke too many anyhow. See, I can't even spend any money even if I want to. I should be able to save a little toward that fifth honeymoon. Gives me thrills to even think of it.
Had another show last night and it waited until the show was over to do its raining. It was "Destination Tokyo" I expect you may have seen it. I thought it very good. Another one tonight. We're doing O.K. on our shows anyhow.
I got three letters from you and one from Vi yesterday. The missing one from June 4 and then June 9 and skipped to June 16. They surely don't come in rotation but they get here and that's what counts. You and Vi must have been having quite a night of it. You were quite a bit more coherent than Vi, however.
You mention hearing from Mick. That wasn't bad and you should have the letters I wrote on the boat by now. You poor war widows waiting for mail, is over. Now all you've got to wait for is me. I love you, sweetheart.
I have been saving your letters to answer when I can't think of anything to write. So far I haven't answered many. Guess I better get on the ball. I'm starting on May 27th now.
I'm glad you and Louise are hitting it off so well this time. She must have been off her feed last winter. No honey, I'm not worrying about the wolf situation in your case. I'd trust you anywhere, anyplace, anytime. I can even feel sorry for the "wolf" that would try to get fresh. You are a husky girl when you want to be. You're my wife and we're in love.
Tell your Mom. Thanks a lot for the Gazette. It hasn't caught up to me yet but when it does I'll have a whole armful to read.
I believe you about the lawn not being too much for you, only I want you to understand I'm not expecting you to keep it up unless you want to.
I can agree with Hood when he said you have a darn nice personality but I can't say I like having him say you might not be good looking. If I needed any confirmation of my opinion I have it in the admiring comments of the boys when they see your picture. To me you are more beautiful than any other girl alive. I mean it. I love you, darling.
your hubby.
Norm.
Friday, August 12, 2011
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Letter # 405 June 29, 1944
New Guinea
Thurs. aft.
June 29, 1944
Hello Beautiful;
I mean that too. Every time I look at your picture, and I do that frequently, I can't help but think you are a damn good looking girl. I wish I had a picture of you the way you looked that last night in April. As you have phrased it, you just glowed. I never thought about it before, but maybe you were glad to get rid of me. I'm only kidding, honey. I know you weren't. You were only being a very brave girl and giving me a good send off. You did. I'll remember that as long as I will some of the times I came home. You were so sweet I had to get away from you fast so I wouldn't be tempted to tell Uncle Sam to go to hell. I guess I told you how close I came to taking you along at the last minute. If I had known we would be there as long as we were I would have too. It's nice to think about but rather useless now that it is all past. Just another mistake I made.
There is no mistake about my loving you and that's for sure. Gee, I'm glad I gothcha. I wancha all the time. If you knew how much I miss you, you would have a fair idea of how much I love you.
This letter writing business is going to get tough down here. There is so little I can tell you. About all I can do is answer your letters and tell you I love you. Write a lot of things I can comment on or I'll have to resort to some naughty letters and that might embarrass someone.
You mentioned seeing Lt. Slack's name on the censor stamp. I don't think I told you before. He is from Cleveland. Rocky River Drive. He is quite well acquainted with the Medina area and occasionally we have a talk about places and things. When I worked for Stevens I used to peddle eggs past their place.
We are on a schedule now that gives us quite a lot of time off so a-swimming we will go. We have an outdoor picture show three nights a week and that comprises most of the things we do. Last night was the first I had gone to the show. It was slightly reminiscent of the old days when we went either to Creston or North Randall to the shows. If it rained then it didn't make much difference but it rained us out last night in the middle of the show. It was "It Happened Tomorrow". I don't know if it was old or new. Never heard of it before.
Sweetheart, I don't care how "stale or cobwebby" my hoard of sugar gets. It will always be good. Beside, it won't stay stale long. I bring home some stale stuff too.
If. as you say, I'm sadly disillusioned about you being beautiful, I'm going to stay that way. To me you are the "best looker" in all ways and all over, I have ever seen. I've done a lot of looking as you well know, so my opinion should have some value.
Anyhow, and regardless, I'm in love with you and getting deeper and deeper all the time. You're a peach and no fooling. Bye now darling. I'm loving your picture, for want and lack of the real thing. I love you.
your hubby.
Norm.
Thurs. aft.
June 29, 1944
Hello Beautiful;
I mean that too. Every time I look at your picture, and I do that frequently, I can't help but think you are a damn good looking girl. I wish I had a picture of you the way you looked that last night in April. As you have phrased it, you just glowed. I never thought about it before, but maybe you were glad to get rid of me. I'm only kidding, honey. I know you weren't. You were only being a very brave girl and giving me a good send off. You did. I'll remember that as long as I will some of the times I came home. You were so sweet I had to get away from you fast so I wouldn't be tempted to tell Uncle Sam to go to hell. I guess I told you how close I came to taking you along at the last minute. If I had known we would be there as long as we were I would have too. It's nice to think about but rather useless now that it is all past. Just another mistake I made.
There is no mistake about my loving you and that's for sure. Gee, I'm glad I gothcha. I wancha all the time. If you knew how much I miss you, you would have a fair idea of how much I love you.
This letter writing business is going to get tough down here. There is so little I can tell you. About all I can do is answer your letters and tell you I love you. Write a lot of things I can comment on or I'll have to resort to some naughty letters and that might embarrass someone.
You mentioned seeing Lt. Slack's name on the censor stamp. I don't think I told you before. He is from Cleveland. Rocky River Drive. He is quite well acquainted with the Medina area and occasionally we have a talk about places and things. When I worked for Stevens I used to peddle eggs past their place.
We are on a schedule now that gives us quite a lot of time off so a-swimming we will go. We have an outdoor picture show three nights a week and that comprises most of the things we do. Last night was the first I had gone to the show. It was slightly reminiscent of the old days when we went either to Creston or North Randall to the shows. If it rained then it didn't make much difference but it rained us out last night in the middle of the show. It was "It Happened Tomorrow". I don't know if it was old or new. Never heard of it before.
Sweetheart, I don't care how "stale or cobwebby" my hoard of sugar gets. It will always be good. Beside, it won't stay stale long. I bring home some stale stuff too.
If. as you say, I'm sadly disillusioned about you being beautiful, I'm going to stay that way. To me you are the "best looker" in all ways and all over, I have ever seen. I've done a lot of looking as you well know, so my opinion should have some value.
Anyhow, and regardless, I'm in love with you and getting deeper and deeper all the time. You're a peach and no fooling. Bye now darling. I'm loving your picture, for want and lack of the real thing. I love you.
your hubby.
Norm.
Monday, August 8, 2011
Letter # 404 June 28, 1944
New Guinea
Wed, June 28 '44
My lovely wife;
Another hot, damp day but nevertheless, it's another closer to that time we are looking for. From what I hear of the news, things are looking up almost all over. Let's hope they continue looking up and this is over quick. I wouldn't kick a bit if it would end tomorrow and I could start home to you. I love you. You're an enchantress or something.
Nothing much new to tell you about today. I have a stack of letters to answer yet so I think I'll work on them today. I just remembered. There are a couple things I wanted to ask you. In one of Marg's letters she said a little about my mother being sick and kind of left the impression it might be rather serious. I have noticed that you have been there frequently and haven't mentioned it, so I gather there must not be anything wrong. I imagine I got a different impression than Marg intended to convey. How about it?
The other thing is another request. I need air mail stationery and can't seem to get it. Only the paper. I can get the stamped envelope easier than the stamps. Send a couple months supply if you think of it. See, I told you you would have to take care of me even though I'm far away from you. It goes without saying that it isn't the kind of care I prefer. I like the more intimate, personal kind of care you used to dish out. I'm going to need an awful lot of that kind of care. I'm hungry for it and will be hurtin bad. Maybe you think you have had trouble with a classroom of kids. Wait until you have to try to disipline me. I'll be worse than all of them and I'll expect to be your pet as well as get some petting. I'm in love with my big, beautiful wife. Need some proof? Just wait a while and you'll get plenty of proof. I'll be wild and hard to tame, so save a little of your energy for that time. I'm betting that time will be for good so it won't be only a week or so and then goodbye again. A couple more like that would nearly kill me. It hurt like hell to leave you this last time. You looked so damn nice, I'll always remember it. Brave girl too. I'm proud of you.
I'm not really worrying about my 27 year old Babe, who says she isn't exactly a baby. But you can't expect me not to wonder a bit. I do think of you a lot and wonder how you are getting along and what you're doing. No, I don't really worry. I just dream. Mostly about you and us and what we will do after.
I hope you didn't wait all this time to take your trip. It would help a lot if you had something like that on while your mailbox continued to be empty. That waiting to hear something must be devilish hard for you. Poor Mummy. Gets all the bumps and I can't help a bit. I can only tell you. I love you.
Those iris you say are so pretty. I don't doubt it, but after the way we treated them, I don't see how they ever did it. If you want them along the west side of the garage, you can sure have them there. I think I told you before that the flowers are up to you. Only now, I'll agree to help you with them as much as I can. I told you I was changing. As for the tennis court, I hope to hell we aren't to old by the time I get home. The way I feel now, I'll be good for 40 years yet.
You better leave the part about it being a good thing for our kids until you have something to go on. Anyhow, you seem to have the idea or desire and I'm rather surprised to find I agree with it now. There's something to look forward to. I'm changed. I think last fall when you scared me, I kinda got used to the idea and rather liked it. I'm still glad, under the conditions, that it was only a scare.
I'm glad to hear that everything is growing so nicely. At least that part of our home is going on uninterrupted.
You damn betcha you're stuck for the duration. We both are and for a long time after that, only I don't think "stuck" is the word. I like this and I surely don't like being stuck. I wasn't either. I got the best of this bargain I'm thinking. I got a perfectly swell wife. Bye, sweetheart, I'm loving and missing you every minute of the day and at night. -- well, you can use your imagination.
Your hubby.
Norm.
Wed, June 28 '44
My lovely wife;
Another hot, damp day but nevertheless, it's another closer to that time we are looking for. From what I hear of the news, things are looking up almost all over. Let's hope they continue looking up and this is over quick. I wouldn't kick a bit if it would end tomorrow and I could start home to you. I love you. You're an enchantress or something.
Nothing much new to tell you about today. I have a stack of letters to answer yet so I think I'll work on them today. I just remembered. There are a couple things I wanted to ask you. In one of Marg's letters she said a little about my mother being sick and kind of left the impression it might be rather serious. I have noticed that you have been there frequently and haven't mentioned it, so I gather there must not be anything wrong. I imagine I got a different impression than Marg intended to convey. How about it?
The other thing is another request. I need air mail stationery and can't seem to get it. Only the paper. I can get the stamped envelope easier than the stamps. Send a couple months supply if you think of it. See, I told you you would have to take care of me even though I'm far away from you. It goes without saying that it isn't the kind of care I prefer. I like the more intimate, personal kind of care you used to dish out. I'm going to need an awful lot of that kind of care. I'm hungry for it and will be hurtin bad. Maybe you think you have had trouble with a classroom of kids. Wait until you have to try to disipline me. I'll be worse than all of them and I'll expect to be your pet as well as get some petting. I'm in love with my big, beautiful wife. Need some proof? Just wait a while and you'll get plenty of proof. I'll be wild and hard to tame, so save a little of your energy for that time. I'm betting that time will be for good so it won't be only a week or so and then goodbye again. A couple more like that would nearly kill me. It hurt like hell to leave you this last time. You looked so damn nice, I'll always remember it. Brave girl too. I'm proud of you.
I'm not really worrying about my 27 year old Babe, who says she isn't exactly a baby. But you can't expect me not to wonder a bit. I do think of you a lot and wonder how you are getting along and what you're doing. No, I don't really worry. I just dream. Mostly about you and us and what we will do after.
I hope you didn't wait all this time to take your trip. It would help a lot if you had something like that on while your mailbox continued to be empty. That waiting to hear something must be devilish hard for you. Poor Mummy. Gets all the bumps and I can't help a bit. I can only tell you. I love you.
Those iris you say are so pretty. I don't doubt it, but after the way we treated them, I don't see how they ever did it. If you want them along the west side of the garage, you can sure have them there. I think I told you before that the flowers are up to you. Only now, I'll agree to help you with them as much as I can. I told you I was changing. As for the tennis court, I hope to hell we aren't to old by the time I get home. The way I feel now, I'll be good for 40 years yet.
You better leave the part about it being a good thing for our kids until you have something to go on. Anyhow, you seem to have the idea or desire and I'm rather surprised to find I agree with it now. There's something to look forward to. I'm changed. I think last fall when you scared me, I kinda got used to the idea and rather liked it. I'm still glad, under the conditions, that it was only a scare.
I'm glad to hear that everything is growing so nicely. At least that part of our home is going on uninterrupted.
You damn betcha you're stuck for the duration. We both are and for a long time after that, only I don't think "stuck" is the word. I like this and I surely don't like being stuck. I wasn't either. I got the best of this bargain I'm thinking. I got a perfectly swell wife. Bye, sweetheart, I'm loving and missing you every minute of the day and at night. -- well, you can use your imagination.
Your hubby.
Norm.
Letter # 403 June 27, 1944
New Guinea
Tues, June 27, '44
My Darling;
Hi, Babe, you old sweetheart. I love you. I was just thinking. As I'm writing this it is noon on Tues. here and you are probably just finishing supper on Monday. We get the new day first and then it comes around to you. Funny isn't it?
Today I had another new and not too pleasant experience. We were out in the jungle hewing a workbench out of a log. We got two nice five inch thick by two feet wide planks all cut out and then started to carry them out to the road. Except for stumbling over logs and vines and getting all tangled up we got it out all right and went back for the other. Instead of going the long way like we had with the first, I thought we could save some work by going another way. All that seemed to be in our way was a narrow tangle of brush which I thought we could throw the plank over and then go around and pick it up. We threw it but it didn't quite go over. Went around and tramped in to where we could reach it and found we were in the middle of an ant hill. The ants are only about the size of ours at home. That's as far as the resemblance goes. They are red and vicious. I think I moved as fast as I have ever moved getting out of there and then I guess I looked like a windmill for the next five minutes, trying to get the ornery devils off me. They bite like hell but no lasting effects. That taught me a lesson I won't forget for a bit. I'll look before I step next time.
Had the afternoon off and took a trip for a swim in the ocean. I wanted to try it once so I went. Nice, sandy beach, quiet, clear water and gosh is it easy to swim in. Bet you could even swim in it. I can lay on my back and float like a log. I think I could stay afloat several hours in salt water. Don't care much for the taste of it though. It was fun and very refreshing. The scenery isn't much in comparison to other beaches I've been on. No cute little tricks to look at and talk about. Only G.I.'s.
When I came back I had two more letters from you. Two of the missing ones, June 6 & 7. That only leaves the one from the 5th and the chain will be complete to the 9th. That isn't so good and yet I guess we can't expect very much more. It's a hell of a long way home and I don't mean maybe.
I'll make a few comments on your letter of the 27th. You can double the cussing you did when you couldn't come to meet me. I was very skeptical but I was hoping up until nearly the last. That was so much to hope for that I couldn't give it up. I couldn't ask for anything better than that three weeks at Knox. The best of my army life by a long way. Gosh, honey, you were so nice to come home to. I even used to miss dinner so I could get there sooner. Gosh what might have been.
I do love you so much darling. I can't begin to tell you how much. You'll have to wait till I can show you and may it be soon. Night, sweetheart, I love you. You're my wife.
Your hubby.
Norm.
Tues, June 27, '44
My Darling;
Hi, Babe, you old sweetheart. I love you. I was just thinking. As I'm writing this it is noon on Tues. here and you are probably just finishing supper on Monday. We get the new day first and then it comes around to you. Funny isn't it?
Today I had another new and not too pleasant experience. We were out in the jungle hewing a workbench out of a log. We got two nice five inch thick by two feet wide planks all cut out and then started to carry them out to the road. Except for stumbling over logs and vines and getting all tangled up we got it out all right and went back for the other. Instead of going the long way like we had with the first, I thought we could save some work by going another way. All that seemed to be in our way was a narrow tangle of brush which I thought we could throw the plank over and then go around and pick it up. We threw it but it didn't quite go over. Went around and tramped in to where we could reach it and found we were in the middle of an ant hill. The ants are only about the size of ours at home. That's as far as the resemblance goes. They are red and vicious. I think I moved as fast as I have ever moved getting out of there and then I guess I looked like a windmill for the next five minutes, trying to get the ornery devils off me. They bite like hell but no lasting effects. That taught me a lesson I won't forget for a bit. I'll look before I step next time.
Had the afternoon off and took a trip for a swim in the ocean. I wanted to try it once so I went. Nice, sandy beach, quiet, clear water and gosh is it easy to swim in. Bet you could even swim in it. I can lay on my back and float like a log. I think I could stay afloat several hours in salt water. Don't care much for the taste of it though. It was fun and very refreshing. The scenery isn't much in comparison to other beaches I've been on. No cute little tricks to look at and talk about. Only G.I.'s.
When I came back I had two more letters from you. Two of the missing ones, June 6 & 7. That only leaves the one from the 5th and the chain will be complete to the 9th. That isn't so good and yet I guess we can't expect very much more. It's a hell of a long way home and I don't mean maybe.
I'll make a few comments on your letter of the 27th. You can double the cussing you did when you couldn't come to meet me. I was very skeptical but I was hoping up until nearly the last. That was so much to hope for that I couldn't give it up. I couldn't ask for anything better than that three weeks at Knox. The best of my army life by a long way. Gosh, honey, you were so nice to come home to. I even used to miss dinner so I could get there sooner. Gosh what might have been.
I do love you so much darling. I can't begin to tell you how much. You'll have to wait till I can show you and may it be soon. Night, sweetheart, I love you. You're my wife.
Your hubby.
Norm.
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Letter # 402 June 26.1944
New Guinea
June 26, 1944
Monday.
My darling wife;
Hello beautiful. How we doing today? O.K. I hope. Might even be that you are on your New York trip. I hope you didn't want to hear from me 'cause if you did you might miss your trip. That would be too bad. Have a good time, honey. You've got it coming.
Don't worry about the army doctor's advice to the soldier. It might be very good advice but as far as my experience goes, not at all necessary. Just not as contented as might be. I'll be the same as I always have been. All for you and you alone. You better treat me nice when I do get home or no telling what I might do. You still don't seem to realize that I love you and am going to keep on loving you. You're a sweet old devil.
I sure would have liked to see you playing ball at the school picnic. I bet that was good. If you're as stiff and sore as you say, I'd think you really got into it. Remember how I used to like to watch you play tennis? For some reason I spent more time watching other things than the ball. Of course, I imagine your kids are a little young to appreciate it like I did.
I was interested to know if I was writing much that could be censored. I didn't think so and from what you say, I must not have been.
Don't be too hard on the "parkers" in our drive. After all it is a good secluded spot and maybe they aren't as fortunate in having trusting parents as we were. Good old days, but we've had better since and will have again.
I thought you should get a little laugh out of the story about cleaning my teeth. That girl dentist was "built" and if you recall how a dentist has to lean over and against you, you can imagine my predicament. I didn't know whether to be a gentleman or take a bite. It was tempting to say the least. Then I remembered I was a married man. I would probably have had all my teeth knocked out anyway, so I didn't. I'll save it until I'm sure I won't be slapped down. Watch out honey, I'm speaking of you.
The reason you see so many censor names is all the company officers take a part in it.
Yes, Decoration Day was a bit different from a lot of them we can remember. I was taking my usual trip but I can't say I was really enjoying it. Not even as much as last year. I went to Lake Charles, remember? It was my first time out of camp and I was lost without you being with me. I still am. I won't feel all together again until I get back to you and know I don't have to leave anymore. That's how much you mean to me.
Well darling, I'm getting a few of your letters answered. Bye, sweetheart. I love you with all my strength and everything.
your lover
Norm.
June 26, 1944
Monday.
My darling wife;
Hello beautiful. How we doing today? O.K. I hope. Might even be that you are on your New York trip. I hope you didn't want to hear from me 'cause if you did you might miss your trip. That would be too bad. Have a good time, honey. You've got it coming.
Don't worry about the army doctor's advice to the soldier. It might be very good advice but as far as my experience goes, not at all necessary. Just not as contented as might be. I'll be the same as I always have been. All for you and you alone. You better treat me nice when I do get home or no telling what I might do. You still don't seem to realize that I love you and am going to keep on loving you. You're a sweet old devil.
I sure would have liked to see you playing ball at the school picnic. I bet that was good. If you're as stiff and sore as you say, I'd think you really got into it. Remember how I used to like to watch you play tennis? For some reason I spent more time watching other things than the ball. Of course, I imagine your kids are a little young to appreciate it like I did.
I was interested to know if I was writing much that could be censored. I didn't think so and from what you say, I must not have been.
Don't be too hard on the "parkers" in our drive. After all it is a good secluded spot and maybe they aren't as fortunate in having trusting parents as we were. Good old days, but we've had better since and will have again.
I thought you should get a little laugh out of the story about cleaning my teeth. That girl dentist was "built" and if you recall how a dentist has to lean over and against you, you can imagine my predicament. I didn't know whether to be a gentleman or take a bite. It was tempting to say the least. Then I remembered I was a married man. I would probably have had all my teeth knocked out anyway, so I didn't. I'll save it until I'm sure I won't be slapped down. Watch out honey, I'm speaking of you.
The reason you see so many censor names is all the company officers take a part in it.
Yes, Decoration Day was a bit different from a lot of them we can remember. I was taking my usual trip but I can't say I was really enjoying it. Not even as much as last year. I went to Lake Charles, remember? It was my first time out of camp and I was lost without you being with me. I still am. I won't feel all together again until I get back to you and know I don't have to leave anymore. That's how much you mean to me.
Well darling, I'm getting a few of your letters answered. Bye, sweetheart. I love you with all my strength and everything.
your lover
Norm.
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Letter # June 25, 1944
New Guinea
Sun. June 25, 1944
Hello Sweetheart;
Another day. It should be Monday by the look of things around this tent. We mechanics have been doing our washing. The first one in nearly a month and boy is it a dandy. All of us had everything we owned dirty. I dumped the old sweaty ones out of a barracks bag and then needed a clothespin on my nose to handle them. They were bad to affect me that way. We cut a gasoline drum in half, set it over a trench, and built a fire under it. Let them boil for about a half an hour and they looked, smelled, and felt an awful lot better. That is wash day.
We had a very good chicken dinner today. In lots of ways we are better off than at Polk,only the powers that be don't seem to realize that we aren't supposed to be a parade outfit. I'm hoping they soon realize that they are only the same as the rest of us. All here to do a job and do that job in the most efficient manner possible. Keep all the "chicken shit" for the home outfits.
That's enough bitching for one day. I guess I'm a little homesick, but not much. I am missing you an awful lot and that is probably the biggest reason I have for discontent. I'm getting plenty to eat, plenty of sleep, and fresh air and am feeling swell.
I've got to go to work now so I'll finish this later. I love you darling. Did you know? I haven't been telling you very much lately, but I do. So there too.
Hi darling;
I'm all through now so I'll try to get a couple more of your letters answered. From the sound of things they must be holding your mail up someplace along the line. I had at that time been writing every day and they shouldn't come in bunches a week apart. Another one of the armies' efficient methods. I guess the main thing is that you get them. Mail has been coming in pretty good over here. I've had two bunches so far. I guess I haven't commented on the birthday cards. They were nice. I can see that you found the one similar to the Christmas one after you had already sent the other one. It's cute. Gee, I'm glad I gotcha, honey. You're a sweet girl and I love you so much.
The explanation about that never to be forgotten night is accepted and I won't tease you very much more about only grunting and going back to sleep. You devil. I never will quite be able to forgive you for disappointing me so much. Good thing it was only a week. Probably wouldn't have been that long if I hadn't gone fishing for a week. You acted as I expected you to when I came back. I'm expecting as nice or better welcome this time too. Think so?
You can rest at ease about my looking on the other side of the fence. Down here one look is plenty. Don't want any more. I'm as safe as though locked up as long as I'm here. In any case, I have never cheated so why start now? Hell honey, I love you and I'll wait for you.
You don't need to worry about me loosing my figure. That belly I started is all gone and will stay gone as long as I'm in the tropics. Hot weather is a mighty fine reducer. I'd sooner take the diet method though. Remember it? 20 lbs in three weeks.
Honey, the beer you talk about sounds plenty good but the reaction you mention sounds a lot more interesting. I'd go without beer or any drinks for the rest of my life for that. Gosh, it gives me the wiggles just to think about it. I could go for a lot of your brand of loving any time now and for always.
I've told you many times. Have all the fun you can. If you can get it from a few bottles of beer, why, go to it. I'm not worrying a bit about what you do. You can be trusted. I know.
I'd have liked to see you in your new green polka dot outfit. You got it for me to see, but - if it looks half as good as that black job, what you would do to me would be something. I still maintain you can be very beautiful and glamorous when you want or be just a homey, comfortable girl at other times. Sweetheart. you'll always be beautiful to me. I mean it. Bye for today my beautiful. I'm loving you as always.
Your hubby.
Norm.
Sun. June 25, 1944
Hello Sweetheart;
Another day. It should be Monday by the look of things around this tent. We mechanics have been doing our washing. The first one in nearly a month and boy is it a dandy. All of us had everything we owned dirty. I dumped the old sweaty ones out of a barracks bag and then needed a clothespin on my nose to handle them. They were bad to affect me that way. We cut a gasoline drum in half, set it over a trench, and built a fire under it. Let them boil for about a half an hour and they looked, smelled, and felt an awful lot better. That is wash day.
We had a very good chicken dinner today. In lots of ways we are better off than at Polk,only the powers that be don't seem to realize that we aren't supposed to be a parade outfit. I'm hoping they soon realize that they are only the same as the rest of us. All here to do a job and do that job in the most efficient manner possible. Keep all the "chicken shit" for the home outfits.
That's enough bitching for one day. I guess I'm a little homesick, but not much. I am missing you an awful lot and that is probably the biggest reason I have for discontent. I'm getting plenty to eat, plenty of sleep, and fresh air and am feeling swell.
I've got to go to work now so I'll finish this later. I love you darling. Did you know? I haven't been telling you very much lately, but I do. So there too.
Hi darling;
I'm all through now so I'll try to get a couple more of your letters answered. From the sound of things they must be holding your mail up someplace along the line. I had at that time been writing every day and they shouldn't come in bunches a week apart. Another one of the armies' efficient methods. I guess the main thing is that you get them. Mail has been coming in pretty good over here. I've had two bunches so far. I guess I haven't commented on the birthday cards. They were nice. I can see that you found the one similar to the Christmas one after you had already sent the other one. It's cute. Gee, I'm glad I gotcha, honey. You're a sweet girl and I love you so much.
The explanation about that never to be forgotten night is accepted and I won't tease you very much more about only grunting and going back to sleep. You devil. I never will quite be able to forgive you for disappointing me so much. Good thing it was only a week. Probably wouldn't have been that long if I hadn't gone fishing for a week. You acted as I expected you to when I came back. I'm expecting as nice or better welcome this time too. Think so?
You can rest at ease about my looking on the other side of the fence. Down here one look is plenty. Don't want any more. I'm as safe as though locked up as long as I'm here. In any case, I have never cheated so why start now? Hell honey, I love you and I'll wait for you.
You don't need to worry about me loosing my figure. That belly I started is all gone and will stay gone as long as I'm in the tropics. Hot weather is a mighty fine reducer. I'd sooner take the diet method though. Remember it? 20 lbs in three weeks.
Honey, the beer you talk about sounds plenty good but the reaction you mention sounds a lot more interesting. I'd go without beer or any drinks for the rest of my life for that. Gosh, it gives me the wiggles just to think about it. I could go for a lot of your brand of loving any time now and for always.
I've told you many times. Have all the fun you can. If you can get it from a few bottles of beer, why, go to it. I'm not worrying a bit about what you do. You can be trusted. I know.
I'd have liked to see you in your new green polka dot outfit. You got it for me to see, but - if it looks half as good as that black job, what you would do to me would be something. I still maintain you can be very beautiful and glamorous when you want or be just a homey, comfortable girl at other times. Sweetheart. you'll always be beautiful to me. I mean it. Bye for today my beautiful. I'm loving you as always.
Your hubby.
Norm.
Letter # 400 June 24, 1944
New Guinea
Sat. June 24
My darling;
I'm going to start writing on regular air mail. I was lucky enough to get some air mail envelopes and I have a few sheets of assorted paper left yet. I expect we'll be able to get some more soon. It's raining now and I'm taking advantage of the time. The days are so short, light at 6 A.M. and dark at 6 P.M. It doesn't give a whole lot of time to write unless I do it by camp fire and that is hot business.
Don't loose any sleep over my living conditions. Getting fed as good as at Polk and I like camping better than barracks. Had pancakes for breakfast. How's that?
Here's an interesting thought. Unless I move I will entirely miss the summer of "44. It is supposed to be winter down here now ??? Not the kind of winter I like by a long way. I'll still take a little snow and ice with my winters.
I expect I'll be sending some money home now and then. No use for it here. Don't think I could spend $10.00 a month. Things like cigarettes are either issued or only cost $.45 a carton.
Now I'm going to start answering a few of your letters before I get so many I can never catch up.
This is funny, just answering your May 23 letter. Bet you can't remember so long what you have written. I'll try to remember and explain. I love you. Does that need any explaining?
Norman W. Effinger
I can well imagine that you are very much relieved to have school over, as you say, for good. You sometimes do a bit of bitching and don't mean it, but I think you did mean part of that. I'm glad you're through and hope you like the library job, ink, glue, dusty books, and all. At least you ought to be able to have most any book you want to read. You can maybe satiate your excess by reading good books. Some satisfaction ain't it?
You speak of your "package" of mail. You should really have a bundle of it this time. I didn't write every day but I have most of them. The trouble is most of them are V-mail and they don't seem very personal to me. How about it?
I can't give you any reason why Carl Wacker is at Fort Knox. Things never seem logical in this business. More power to him. All I can do is envy him and I'm doing that plenty. It hurts to even think of what would be if I was in his shoes. You would be there and I would come home every night. Gosh, what more could a man want. That would be plenty for me. I'm still remembering last summer. Damn it. Boy how nice that was. I guess I'll end this and get it sent off. Tomorrow being Sunday maybe I can really write a letter. Night sweetheart, I'm loving you and missing you like everything. Some day we'll make up for some of what we are missing now. I love you darling wife.
your hubby
Norm.
Sat. June 24
My darling;
I'm going to start writing on regular air mail. I was lucky enough to get some air mail envelopes and I have a few sheets of assorted paper left yet. I expect we'll be able to get some more soon. It's raining now and I'm taking advantage of the time. The days are so short, light at 6 A.M. and dark at 6 P.M. It doesn't give a whole lot of time to write unless I do it by camp fire and that is hot business.
Don't loose any sleep over my living conditions. Getting fed as good as at Polk and I like camping better than barracks. Had pancakes for breakfast. How's that?
Here's an interesting thought. Unless I move I will entirely miss the summer of "44. It is supposed to be winter down here now ??? Not the kind of winter I like by a long way. I'll still take a little snow and ice with my winters.
I expect I'll be sending some money home now and then. No use for it here. Don't think I could spend $10.00 a month. Things like cigarettes are either issued or only cost $.45 a carton.
Now I'm going to start answering a few of your letters before I get so many I can never catch up.
This is funny, just answering your May 23 letter. Bet you can't remember so long what you have written. I'll try to remember and explain. I love you. Does that need any explaining?
Norman W. Effinger
I can well imagine that you are very much relieved to have school over, as you say, for good. You sometimes do a bit of bitching and don't mean it, but I think you did mean part of that. I'm glad you're through and hope you like the library job, ink, glue, dusty books, and all. At least you ought to be able to have most any book you want to read. You can maybe satiate your excess by reading good books. Some satisfaction ain't it?
You speak of your "package" of mail. You should really have a bundle of it this time. I didn't write every day but I have most of them. The trouble is most of them are V-mail and they don't seem very personal to me. How about it?
I can't give you any reason why Carl Wacker is at Fort Knox. Things never seem logical in this business. More power to him. All I can do is envy him and I'm doing that plenty. It hurts to even think of what would be if I was in his shoes. You would be there and I would come home every night. Gosh, what more could a man want. That would be plenty for me. I'm still remembering last summer. Damn it. Boy how nice that was. I guess I'll end this and get it sent off. Tomorrow being Sunday maybe I can really write a letter. Night sweetheart, I'm loving you and missing you like everything. Some day we'll make up for some of what we are missing now. I love you darling wife.
your hubby
Norm.
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