New Guinea
Sept. 19, 1944
Tuesday, eve
My beautiful and neglected wife;
Hello. Honey. Your wandering man is back again and all in one piece too. Not a bit the worse for wear. The worst part of the whole thing was not hearing from you for so long. I was hurtin in that respect and I don't mean maybe. I was well rewarded though when I got back today. A whole stack of letters waiting for me here. In fact there were seventeen of them from my sweetheart and several others from other people. There were also two packages from my lovely, both with lots of good stuff to eat. Then there was another letter air mail package with a very beautiful ladies' picture in it. Never knew that I believed in love at first sight, but I do now. I just can't help it honey, but I'm so much in love with that girl that I'll never be satisfied until I can be with her and ask her to take over the duties of being my wife. [again]. Will you do it? I'll promise to be good to you and love you all the time. - well, almost all the time anyhow. Gosh, honey, you are a nice looking lady. I love you so much. I gather this picture was one of the surprises you have been teasing me about. I didn't have the fainest idea what it was and didn't expect to get it so soon. It was well worth all the teasing and waiting and curiosity it caused me. Honestly, honey, you look good enough to eat. You'd think I was going to, too if I could have you as close as your picture is. I'm loving the picture as hard as I can and hoping you can get some good from it. Can you? Did you know that you even went up the trail with me? You did. My cigarette case is transparent and I put one of your recent snaps in it so I saw a lot of you every day. Loved you too.
Honey, I suspect you're a devil, of course a very sweet one though. I've been under the impression all along that you weren't wearing your hair up any more and here in this picture it's up again. Did you do it just special for me like you did last summer when you came to Kentucky? Bet you did. You're sweet. I loves you so much. Am I also right in thinking you have your special black dress on too? There isn't quite enough of you showing to be sure but I suspect it. Damn lucky photographer! You look so sweet and happy, just like you were looking at me and, as you say, sending me all your love. Now I'll have to arrange my pictures. This one comes first now. [Even before the bare model girl]. How's that? I do love it, honey. Thanks a million. You can pull that kind of surprise and teasing on me again any time. It's worth it and I'm not kidding.
I realize I was rather dumb not to guess what the surprise was. Laugh, darn you. It was the same procedure, exactly as you pulled last year before you sent the inside pictures of the house and, on top of that, you told me you were going with Marg to have Ronnie's picture taken. Right?
I don't care. I'm glad I didn't guess what it was. I opened the little bag and saw that bill of sale folder from Gibbs and I wondered "what the hell?" Then inside I found the best picture of the best little wife in the world. Grand surprise. I love you, honey. Can't hardly quit looking long enough to write a decent letter. It's so real it seems you must be going to wink at me or say something. Gosh, you look swell sweetheart. I love you.
I hope you haven't been hurtin or worrying too much while you haven't been hearing from me. I know how empty and dull the days without letters are and I'm sorry as hell I saw fit to do you that way. Hope you forgive me. It really was worth a lot to me and I should have hated to miss it very much. I've learned a lot about the island, the natives, the jungle, the "Aussies", and Australia. Other things, too that I won't be able to write about, but can tell you soon, I hope. I will write about all I can as I get around to it. I've so many letters to answer and so much loving to catch up on it may be a few days until I get to it. I still remember that I left my other trip in Los Angeles. Don't worry. I have a fair memory and will someday get around to it when I run out of more important things to talk about.
Honey, you should have seen me when I came in today. You wouldn't have liked me very much I bet. I hadn't seen myself all the time I was gone but I sure felt like I had more hair on my face than on my head. I guess that isn't saying very much, but it sure is true as can be. I almost jumped when I looked in a mirror for the first time. Must be a man 'cause I really had a beard. Could have passed for a Mennonite any day. Those whiskers were at least half an inch long and thick as hell. Not a bit curly though. Straight and bristly. Hell of a job shaving them off. Every half dozen would completely plug the razor. I got playful and left a mustache and goatee and I think I looked pretty good. Different anyhow. You should see me with just a mustache. Gable, himself.
Now don't let it worry you. You can be sure I'll never want to raise any hair on my face. I never was so annoyed with anything in my life. Itches and tickles like a bunch of ants walking over my face all the time. I disposed of them as soon as I got in. First time my face felt really clean in the past two weeks. No sir! No beard for me. You either, if I remember correctly. No matter how much I wanted one, I'd never have it as long as it kept you away from me. I want you close and closer all the time. I love you.
Now, for the boxes. One, July 28 and one, Aug 10. Both in good shape, and , believe it or not, everything was more than fit to eat. The maple candy in the one had suffered most. The ones in the coffee can were all melted and run together. Ate 'em with a fork. Sure didn't hurt the taste a bit. The ones you wrapped in paper were dry and and a bit sugary but still taste plenty good. I'm just telling you this 'cause I imagine you want to know. I'm not complaining you can be sure. Far from it. You can do it again anytime. The other box of cookies was swell. Honest, honey, I'm not kidding. They are as fresh and tasty as though made yesterday and not even broken up. They're swell. I'm sure going for them and so are the boys.
You can send more cookies and candy anytime. That's almost an order instead of a request. Gosh, sweetheart. I guess I'll have to stop and hit the hay. It's late. I'll keep 'em coming again now. Night, sweetheart. You're so darn sweet and I love you so much.
Your lover.
Norm.
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
Sunday, July 22, 2012
Letter # 471 September 3, 1944
New Guinea
Sunday aft.
Sept 3, 1944
My bewitching sweetheart;
I was busy as a beaver all morning getting my equipment ready to take off tomorrow morning. About noon we all got a pleasant surprise. Packages and papers from home. I got the one you sent on July 20. Nice box, honey. Your ideas on things to send are swell. You seem to think of everything. This package was especially opportune. The tea and canned sausage and meat are going up the trail with me. I'll have one over the army's "C" rations. You must have known I was going to need them for such a purpose. A hot cup of tea after an all day struggle through he jungle is going to taste mighty good. The waterproof tobacco pouches are right in the nick of time also. I've got them full of cigarettes and tobacco and etc. All packed for the trip. Two more rolls of film. I'm taking five plain and the colored roll on the trip. If I take all those and get them back undamaged, there should be some mighty good ones. Then the pipe. That was a good choice, honey. Just what I wanted. I was lucky enough to buy another at the PX the other day, and now, with you keeping me supplied with tobacco, I can smoke pipes all I want to. I like to suck on them while I'm writing to you. Some of the tobacco and cigarette papers are also going along. Easier to keep dry than readymades. You see, in the country we'll be in, it rains every day and sometimes more and I'll be sweated wet all the time anyhow.
I'll bet you can't guess what I've been doing since noon. You sent a bunch of funnies. Now can you guess? Caught me up pretty well on them. I found out who "Jungle Jolly" is and lots of things. Earl gets a Sioux City daily and Sunday both so we have been getting some but not all of my favorites.
By the way, Earl is now a T/5. Got it last night. Wren, the boy who said, "Gosh she's a good looking lady." when he saw your picture, is a buck Sarg. Sarg Neice is a pvt. and transferred, from the co. gossip. I thought you'd be interested and I put it in while I thought of it.
I also got four Colliers, a Reader's Digest, and four Gazettes, the latest being Aug 1.
Don't send any more envelopes, honey. They are all glued together when they get here.
The rest of the boys, Mack, "Oil", Baker, and Sam each got two boxes today. I beat them before and now we're even on the packages. Their boxes were mostly candy and tobacco. No one else seems to think of the extras like you do. You're sweet. Did you know it? I love you. You're my B.B.B. girl. Know what it means? Beautiful, beguiling, and bewitching. How's that?
Don't break your neck trying to get film for me. There aren't many cameras over here and lots of the boys are getting film and expecting to use the cameras that are here. I can come in on a cut of all those pictures too. I'll still take what you can get but don't worry if you can't get any.
Here's another little thing you can send me. Pipe cleaners. Earl's folks sent hand made candy and his dad put it in a can and soldered it tight. Came in perfect shape. Baby, if you can manage it sometime, I would like some of yours. Barry & Ritter will do the soldering if you ask them to. I'm a devil ain't I? You told me to ask for anything I wanted so you brought it on yourself. Am I asking for enough? I'd like to ask for lots more but as Gebby's wife said, you can't send it. Well anyhow, you can keep it and someday I'll come and get it. How's that? Is it a deal? If it is you better have plenty. I don't want to travel so far unless it's worth my while. I could always make Australia my new home. They have white girls there and if the couple Aussie girls I've seen are any sample, they would do if my own special girl doesn't want me to come back. I'm teasing you and I even think the little devils came out for a look and danced a bit. They'd sure dance if they could look at you. You're the only music they like to dance to. We all love you so much, honey. Won't ever be the same until you are back with us again.
Now, for a little bit about the pictures Bonnie sent you.
#1 is the Fresno, Calif. station. #2 Some Calif park I don't recall where. #3 Tulane station. #4 & 5 Calif mountains. #6 Lt. Colonel David on left and Capt. Spencer. The band to see us off in the background. Taken as we were leaving Polk. #7 Capt. Spencer signing over the company area as we were leaving Polk. #8 Mrs. John Planktikow on left, Bonnie on right. They were waiting as we marched to the train. The big building in the background is the Field House where the basketball games were held. Barracks on left. I'll never forget how lost and forlorn those girls looked as they saw their husbands leaving for someplace. I was glad you weren't there. I didn't know either of them but I sure had sympathy pains.
#9 Here is the picture I had in mind once before, only Kohan still isn't in it. Left to right, back row. Earl Hanson, Mac, Norman W. Effinger, Baker. Front. left to right. Bowman, Clarius, Brown, and Talkington. #10 Taken from train at Polk. #11 Capt. Spencer giving the highball and farewell to Polk. #12 The band again from the old outfit. #13 Marching to the train. #14 Bakersfield, Calif. station. #15 Phoenix, Ariz. Station. # 16 River in Texas. #17 Arizona country. #18 Bridge in Calif. also #19. #20 El Paso power station. #21 Calif. #22 Burning oil well. The rest are all Calif mountains. There, that may make them mean a bit more.
Now I'm going to wait for mail call and see if I don't get a letter. So long for a little while, honey.
I'm loving you.
Hello, my three B girl: I'm back again. I thought I'd get some letters tonight and I wasn't disappointed. Three of them, Aug 20, and two from Aug 21. Another two letter day. Don't see how you do it but I'm not going to kick a bit. Especially this time. It's the last I'll get for a couple weeks. I'm going to miss them a lot but I can't kick. You'll be missing them too. I'll have a pile all at once when I get back and you won't. Can you take it, honey? Hope you don't blame me too much for getting myself in a spot where I can't write to you. I'm mean. I do think it's a worthwhile and necessary training if we get into things. I'm trying to do all I can to take care of myself. Anyhow, I'll gain a few experiences to earn those sandwiches and drinks from Jean. I'll be loving you all the time, honey. You can be sure of that. Might be some comfort.
I'm going to do a quick job on your letters now. Aug 20. There is so a lot of wonderful things about you. In fact everything about you is wonderful. Don't deny it either. There's too much proof against you to make any denial stick. I could enumerate only I can use only one more sheet and that isn't enough to do the job. Not even one of these big sheets. So there too. You'd have to be wonderful or I wouldn't love you so much.
Some of these days I'll get around to telling you some more about the trip to the coast and the trip over. I can talk about most of it now. If I get it on paper before I forget any of it. I can always have notes to elaborate on later when that day comes.
You don't need to tell me that girls are saying you have nice legs. It could be that men don't say so in so many words but they do in looks. I know it and I'm proud of them. Gosh honey, you're nice all over. Believe it? Never saw me trying to get away or turning my back so I couldn't see you, did you?
I won't promise to really get "pussed". I never did like to go quite that far but I sure will be willing to tip a few and get you "floating". You're cute then.
I surely can't answer the question of when I'll be coming home. My guess is much the same as yours. Next summer or fall but it could be sooner and I'm praying all I can for it to be very soon. A year and a half without even seeing you would be a very bitter pill to take. I loves you.
Sweetheart, I hope you aren't bragging when you say you can not only stand all I can give, but will ask for more. That would be a new and I think very nice state of affairs for me. I'm not going to do much bragging but you know I'll try to make you say, "uncle". Good time shaping up there by the sound of things.
You tell me you made a note of this letter of Aug 21. You always did like puzzles and it seems you are having a good time with this one. It's very simple. I know the answer. Your first guess is closest to correct only a little too far west. As you know now. Steve is very close here and not where you thought at all. He is supposed to go back and forth quite a bit. I've also learned that W.A. ,Harold's brother, is in Finchaven.
You may be a devil but I don't blame you a bit. Instead I love you more than anything in the world.
Well, darling, I guess I've got about all the weight I can put in one letter so I'll have to stop. It's going to be quite a while before I can have these nightly talks with you again. I don't like that part of it at all. I should have a lot to write when I get started again as well as a lot of letters to answer. Night, beautiful. Take good care of yourself and I'll do the same for me. I'll be loving you all the time and seeing your face in the moon and on the trail. You'll keep me going when it gets tough. I love you so much.
Your hubby.
Norm.
Sunday aft.
Sept 3, 1944
My bewitching sweetheart;
I was busy as a beaver all morning getting my equipment ready to take off tomorrow morning. About noon we all got a pleasant surprise. Packages and papers from home. I got the one you sent on July 20. Nice box, honey. Your ideas on things to send are swell. You seem to think of everything. This package was especially opportune. The tea and canned sausage and meat are going up the trail with me. I'll have one over the army's "C" rations. You must have known I was going to need them for such a purpose. A hot cup of tea after an all day struggle through he jungle is going to taste mighty good. The waterproof tobacco pouches are right in the nick of time also. I've got them full of cigarettes and tobacco and etc. All packed for the trip. Two more rolls of film. I'm taking five plain and the colored roll on the trip. If I take all those and get them back undamaged, there should be some mighty good ones. Then the pipe. That was a good choice, honey. Just what I wanted. I was lucky enough to buy another at the PX the other day, and now, with you keeping me supplied with tobacco, I can smoke pipes all I want to. I like to suck on them while I'm writing to you. Some of the tobacco and cigarette papers are also going along. Easier to keep dry than readymades. You see, in the country we'll be in, it rains every day and sometimes more and I'll be sweated wet all the time anyhow.
I'll bet you can't guess what I've been doing since noon. You sent a bunch of funnies. Now can you guess? Caught me up pretty well on them. I found out who "Jungle Jolly" is and lots of things. Earl gets a Sioux City daily and Sunday both so we have been getting some but not all of my favorites.
By the way, Earl is now a T/5. Got it last night. Wren, the boy who said, "Gosh she's a good looking lady." when he saw your picture, is a buck Sarg. Sarg Neice is a pvt. and transferred, from the co. gossip. I thought you'd be interested and I put it in while I thought of it.
I also got four Colliers, a Reader's Digest, and four Gazettes, the latest being Aug 1.
Don't send any more envelopes, honey. They are all glued together when they get here.
The rest of the boys, Mack, "Oil", Baker, and Sam each got two boxes today. I beat them before and now we're even on the packages. Their boxes were mostly candy and tobacco. No one else seems to think of the extras like you do. You're sweet. Did you know it? I love you. You're my B.B.B. girl. Know what it means? Beautiful, beguiling, and bewitching. How's that?
Don't break your neck trying to get film for me. There aren't many cameras over here and lots of the boys are getting film and expecting to use the cameras that are here. I can come in on a cut of all those pictures too. I'll still take what you can get but don't worry if you can't get any.
Here's another little thing you can send me. Pipe cleaners. Earl's folks sent hand made candy and his dad put it in a can and soldered it tight. Came in perfect shape. Baby, if you can manage it sometime, I would like some of yours. Barry & Ritter will do the soldering if you ask them to. I'm a devil ain't I? You told me to ask for anything I wanted so you brought it on yourself. Am I asking for enough? I'd like to ask for lots more but as Gebby's wife said, you can't send it. Well anyhow, you can keep it and someday I'll come and get it. How's that? Is it a deal? If it is you better have plenty. I don't want to travel so far unless it's worth my while. I could always make Australia my new home. They have white girls there and if the couple Aussie girls I've seen are any sample, they would do if my own special girl doesn't want me to come back. I'm teasing you and I even think the little devils came out for a look and danced a bit. They'd sure dance if they could look at you. You're the only music they like to dance to. We all love you so much, honey. Won't ever be the same until you are back with us again.
Now, for a little bit about the pictures Bonnie sent you.
#1 is the Fresno, Calif. station. #2 Some Calif park I don't recall where. #3 Tulane station. #4 & 5 Calif mountains. #6 Lt. Colonel David on left and Capt. Spencer. The band to see us off in the background. Taken as we were leaving Polk. #7 Capt. Spencer signing over the company area as we were leaving Polk. #8 Mrs. John Planktikow on left, Bonnie on right. They were waiting as we marched to the train. The big building in the background is the Field House where the basketball games were held. Barracks on left. I'll never forget how lost and forlorn those girls looked as they saw their husbands leaving for someplace. I was glad you weren't there. I didn't know either of them but I sure had sympathy pains.
#9 Here is the picture I had in mind once before, only Kohan still isn't in it. Left to right, back row. Earl Hanson, Mac, Norman W. Effinger, Baker. Front. left to right. Bowman, Clarius, Brown, and Talkington. #10 Taken from train at Polk. #11 Capt. Spencer giving the highball and farewell to Polk. #12 The band again from the old outfit. #13 Marching to the train. #14 Bakersfield, Calif. station. #15 Phoenix, Ariz. Station. # 16 River in Texas. #17 Arizona country. #18 Bridge in Calif. also #19. #20 El Paso power station. #21 Calif. #22 Burning oil well. The rest are all Calif mountains. There, that may make them mean a bit more.
Now I'm going to wait for mail call and see if I don't get a letter. So long for a little while, honey.
I'm loving you.
Hello, my three B girl: I'm back again. I thought I'd get some letters tonight and I wasn't disappointed. Three of them, Aug 20, and two from Aug 21. Another two letter day. Don't see how you do it but I'm not going to kick a bit. Especially this time. It's the last I'll get for a couple weeks. I'm going to miss them a lot but I can't kick. You'll be missing them too. I'll have a pile all at once when I get back and you won't. Can you take it, honey? Hope you don't blame me too much for getting myself in a spot where I can't write to you. I'm mean. I do think it's a worthwhile and necessary training if we get into things. I'm trying to do all I can to take care of myself. Anyhow, I'll gain a few experiences to earn those sandwiches and drinks from Jean. I'll be loving you all the time, honey. You can be sure of that. Might be some comfort.
I'm going to do a quick job on your letters now. Aug 20. There is so a lot of wonderful things about you. In fact everything about you is wonderful. Don't deny it either. There's too much proof against you to make any denial stick. I could enumerate only I can use only one more sheet and that isn't enough to do the job. Not even one of these big sheets. So there too. You'd have to be wonderful or I wouldn't love you so much.
Some of these days I'll get around to telling you some more about the trip to the coast and the trip over. I can talk about most of it now. If I get it on paper before I forget any of it. I can always have notes to elaborate on later when that day comes.
You don't need to tell me that girls are saying you have nice legs. It could be that men don't say so in so many words but they do in looks. I know it and I'm proud of them. Gosh honey, you're nice all over. Believe it? Never saw me trying to get away or turning my back so I couldn't see you, did you?
I won't promise to really get "pussed". I never did like to go quite that far but I sure will be willing to tip a few and get you "floating". You're cute then.
I surely can't answer the question of when I'll be coming home. My guess is much the same as yours. Next summer or fall but it could be sooner and I'm praying all I can for it to be very soon. A year and a half without even seeing you would be a very bitter pill to take. I loves you.
Sweetheart, I hope you aren't bragging when you say you can not only stand all I can give, but will ask for more. That would be a new and I think very nice state of affairs for me. I'm not going to do much bragging but you know I'll try to make you say, "uncle". Good time shaping up there by the sound of things.
You tell me you made a note of this letter of Aug 21. You always did like puzzles and it seems you are having a good time with this one. It's very simple. I know the answer. Your first guess is closest to correct only a little too far west. As you know now. Steve is very close here and not where you thought at all. He is supposed to go back and forth quite a bit. I've also learned that W.A. ,Harold's brother, is in Finchaven.
You may be a devil but I don't blame you a bit. Instead I love you more than anything in the world.
Well, darling, I guess I've got about all the weight I can put in one letter so I'll have to stop. It's going to be quite a while before I can have these nightly talks with you again. I don't like that part of it at all. I should have a lot to write when I get started again as well as a lot of letters to answer. Night, beautiful. Take good care of yourself and I'll do the same for me. I'll be loving you all the time and seeing your face in the moon and on the trail. You'll keep me going when it gets tough. I love you so much.
Your hubby.
Norm.
Saturday, July 7, 2012
Letter # 470 September 2, 1944
New Guinea
Sat. eve.
Sept 2, 1944
My Sweetheart;
Well, honey, it's happened. I am going to jungle training school, starting Monday, Sept 4. I guess that is Labor day, isn't it? I'm tickled about it. Think it's going to be very interesting and at the same time instructive. I'll have a chance to learn a little from fellows who know the jungles and how to live in them. That might some day be a bit of learning I'll need very badly. The instructors are natives and Australians.
They let me trade with Baker after all. We go by truck to a mission in the foothills and from there it's all on foot. About a hundred miles round trip. Think I can walk that far with a pack on my back? I don't know but I will soon. I've been put in as squad leader so I almost have to keep going.
I see Dick Elder is to go along as one of the medics. I wonder how he'll make it?
Here are the boys that are going from our company. You can pick them out in the picture.
Capt. Spencer, 2nd Lt. Williams, [he's a recent addition so you won't find him]. T/4 Effinger [I think you should be able to locate him], T/4 Pendelton, T/4 Plantikoa, Cpl. Almasy, Cpl. Deltaven, Cpl. Dyke,
Cpl. Elslager, Cpl. Fabiny, Cpl. Matthews, Cpl. Mucci, Cpl. Scaffider, Cpl. Schifsky, T/5 Westerman,
Pfc. Caswell, Pfc. McCarty,
I just thought you might like to see who was going on this trip. As I said last night, the only thing I don't like about it is I won't be able to write to you for a couple weeks. No place to mail a letter, where I am going. I hate that a lot, honey, but I'll make up for it when I get back. Should have a lot to tell you. The camera goes along too, so I should have some good pictures.
No other news to tell you and no new letters so I'm going to try to completely answer what I still have here.
It doesn't make me a bit mad to have you keep teasing me about what you're sending and etc. I'll just tease back whenever I get a chance. Honey, that kind of teasing doesn't worry me a bit, but there is a kind of teasing that would make me slightly mad if you did too much teasing and nothing else. Get what I mean? I like that kind of teasing too, only not too much of it. Just so you know.
Stephen is a good name all right. Lends itself readily for shortening up for every day. I really haven't gotten as far as the names yet. I'm inclined to wait and see if and what it is. May have to call it moron or something like that. It is rather funny that we all of a sudden take to this idea and at a time when we can't do anything about it. I've always heard it takes a war to increase the birthrate. Maybe it's a disease of some kind and we've caught it. I really think it's because you are about the only wife in our set that isn't a mother and we don't want to be left too far behind. We had always said, sometime, and thought very little more about it.
I guess I could stand another stretch of buck pasture if you don't do like Marg did this time. That soon and that long a barren stretch would not be very agreeable. If you act as you're supposed to and say you will, I'll probably be ready for a rest. Not as young as I once was any more. Who said that? I've still got young ideas you can bet. I'd prove it if you were anywhere within reach. Gosh, honey, I'm loving and missing you a hell of a lot. I could use a lot of your best brand of loving anytime. I loves my passionate parcel.
Why shouldn't I call you "legs"? I call you "Bubbles" and other things that are descriptive of one of your various good points. That picture showed more leg than anything else. Damn good looking legs too. I'd let them in my bed anytime.
I don't think the question of whether I vote or not is as important as you seem to think. You were sweet enough to get it sent to me so I won't fail you. You send me a little of the dope and I'll scratch my x's on it and send it in.
Here you're hoping I'll always be able to keep writing to you nearly every day and I've just fixed things so you won't get any for a couple weeks. I'm sorry, honey. I'm a meanie. I know how you feel about the letters while I'm gone but, boy, will I have a pile when I come back. Mummy won't have though. Poor Mummy always seems to get the short end of things. Anyhow you can be sure I'll be loving and thinking of you all the way over the trail. I love you so much, honey.
Just happened to think. I'll spend my part of our anniversary on a mountain trail again, only you won't be along this time, damn it. We did have such a nice week didn't we, honey? The beginning of the best life I ever knew.
You devil, telling me now of some special two or three little items you're sending me for Christmas. You're a tease. Don't you know presents are supposed to be a surprise? I don't care, go ahead and tease. I'll love you anyhow, but I'll get even some day. I'll walk away and leave you when you want to love or something like that. What do you think of that? Does it sound like me? I'm afraid that would be too tough a threat to carry out just to get even.
Johnny tells me his wife has sent out all the pictures and that you should have them by now. I guess she had some job. There were 6 hundred and some of them all told. Think of all the sets like the one you got, all going different places, she had to send. She also numbered the backs of each picture and Johnny has the originals all numbered the same way, so I'll tell you tomorrow what they all are. I never expected her to go to all that trouble. I paid John for the pictures.
I'm going to send the pictures John Deelaney sent me. I also found another of the pictures I bought from the Aussie. It had gotten lost in my junk. It's only a picture of native headdresses made mostly of
bird-of- paradise feathers.
I've got one roll of film ready to send in and I'll soon have more. If you wait patiently a while longer there may be pictures coming your way soon. I think this trip should be a good place to use the roll of color film. Oh, yes, I'm still remembering you want a couple of me on that one. I certainly hope it will do a good job on the color. There are some beautiful spots here on the island.
Well, honey, I'm going to quit until tomorrow. I'll see if I can make that a good one, 'cause it'll be the last for a while. Poor Mummy. Empty mailbox again. I do love you ever and ever so much, darling, even if I can't tell or show you. The day is coming when I will be able to do both.
Your hubby.
Norm.
Sat. eve.
Sept 2, 1944
My Sweetheart;
Well, honey, it's happened. I am going to jungle training school, starting Monday, Sept 4. I guess that is Labor day, isn't it? I'm tickled about it. Think it's going to be very interesting and at the same time instructive. I'll have a chance to learn a little from fellows who know the jungles and how to live in them. That might some day be a bit of learning I'll need very badly. The instructors are natives and Australians.
They let me trade with Baker after all. We go by truck to a mission in the foothills and from there it's all on foot. About a hundred miles round trip. Think I can walk that far with a pack on my back? I don't know but I will soon. I've been put in as squad leader so I almost have to keep going.
I see Dick Elder is to go along as one of the medics. I wonder how he'll make it?
Here are the boys that are going from our company. You can pick them out in the picture.
Capt. Spencer, 2nd Lt. Williams, [he's a recent addition so you won't find him]. T/4 Effinger [I think you should be able to locate him], T/4 Pendelton, T/4 Plantikoa, Cpl. Almasy, Cpl. Deltaven, Cpl. Dyke,
Cpl. Elslager, Cpl. Fabiny, Cpl. Matthews, Cpl. Mucci, Cpl. Scaffider, Cpl. Schifsky, T/5 Westerman,
Pfc. Caswell, Pfc. McCarty,
I just thought you might like to see who was going on this trip. As I said last night, the only thing I don't like about it is I won't be able to write to you for a couple weeks. No place to mail a letter, where I am going. I hate that a lot, honey, but I'll make up for it when I get back. Should have a lot to tell you. The camera goes along too, so I should have some good pictures.
No other news to tell you and no new letters so I'm going to try to completely answer what I still have here.
It doesn't make me a bit mad to have you keep teasing me about what you're sending and etc. I'll just tease back whenever I get a chance. Honey, that kind of teasing doesn't worry me a bit, but there is a kind of teasing that would make me slightly mad if you did too much teasing and nothing else. Get what I mean? I like that kind of teasing too, only not too much of it. Just so you know.
Stephen is a good name all right. Lends itself readily for shortening up for every day. I really haven't gotten as far as the names yet. I'm inclined to wait and see if and what it is. May have to call it moron or something like that. It is rather funny that we all of a sudden take to this idea and at a time when we can't do anything about it. I've always heard it takes a war to increase the birthrate. Maybe it's a disease of some kind and we've caught it. I really think it's because you are about the only wife in our set that isn't a mother and we don't want to be left too far behind. We had always said, sometime, and thought very little more about it.
I guess I could stand another stretch of buck pasture if you don't do like Marg did this time. That soon and that long a barren stretch would not be very agreeable. If you act as you're supposed to and say you will, I'll probably be ready for a rest. Not as young as I once was any more. Who said that? I've still got young ideas you can bet. I'd prove it if you were anywhere within reach. Gosh, honey, I'm loving and missing you a hell of a lot. I could use a lot of your best brand of loving anytime. I loves my passionate parcel.
Why shouldn't I call you "legs"? I call you "Bubbles" and other things that are descriptive of one of your various good points. That picture showed more leg than anything else. Damn good looking legs too. I'd let them in my bed anytime.
I don't think the question of whether I vote or not is as important as you seem to think. You were sweet enough to get it sent to me so I won't fail you. You send me a little of the dope and I'll scratch my x's on it and send it in.
Here you're hoping I'll always be able to keep writing to you nearly every day and I've just fixed things so you won't get any for a couple weeks. I'm sorry, honey. I'm a meanie. I know how you feel about the letters while I'm gone but, boy, will I have a pile when I come back. Mummy won't have though. Poor Mummy always seems to get the short end of things. Anyhow you can be sure I'll be loving and thinking of you all the way over the trail. I love you so much, honey.
Just happened to think. I'll spend my part of our anniversary on a mountain trail again, only you won't be along this time, damn it. We did have such a nice week didn't we, honey? The beginning of the best life I ever knew.
You devil, telling me now of some special two or three little items you're sending me for Christmas. You're a tease. Don't you know presents are supposed to be a surprise? I don't care, go ahead and tease. I'll love you anyhow, but I'll get even some day. I'll walk away and leave you when you want to love or something like that. What do you think of that? Does it sound like me? I'm afraid that would be too tough a threat to carry out just to get even.
Johnny tells me his wife has sent out all the pictures and that you should have them by now. I guess she had some job. There were 6 hundred and some of them all told. Think of all the sets like the one you got, all going different places, she had to send. She also numbered the backs of each picture and Johnny has the originals all numbered the same way, so I'll tell you tomorrow what they all are. I never expected her to go to all that trouble. I paid John for the pictures.
I'm going to send the pictures John Deelaney sent me. I also found another of the pictures I bought from the Aussie. It had gotten lost in my junk. It's only a picture of native headdresses made mostly of
bird-of- paradise feathers.
I've got one roll of film ready to send in and I'll soon have more. If you wait patiently a while longer there may be pictures coming your way soon. I think this trip should be a good place to use the roll of color film. Oh, yes, I'm still remembering you want a couple of me on that one. I certainly hope it will do a good job on the color. There are some beautiful spots here on the island.
Well, honey, I'm going to quit until tomorrow. I'll see if I can make that a good one, 'cause it'll be the last for a while. Poor Mummy. Empty mailbox again. I do love you ever and ever so much, darling, even if I can't tell or show you. The day is coming when I will be able to do both.
Your hubby.
Norm.
Saturday, June 2, 2012
Letter # 469 September 1, 1944
New Guinea
Friday eve.Sept. 1, 1944
Hello lovely;
I didn't succeed in getting down to try to find Steve today. Oh well, I guess there will be another chance sometime soon. It's too bad he had lost my address temporarily. If he had written as soon as he got here, I'd certainly have seen him. He was in the hospital a week with an upset stomach. Be easy to find there.
No carpenter work today for the first time in weeks. In fact I didn't do a whole lot of anything but putter around. Made a couple new hammer handles and repaired tools and etc. You see, tomorrow will go back to work after our vacation. I bet I've nearly forgotten what I had learned. Five months yesterday since I've worked on them. That was when I came home to you the last time. Wish I could come home to you again. It's as long now as we've ever been apart. I hate to think about how much longer it will be. I won't think of it. It's a very unpleasant subject 'cause I love you and want to see you all the time. You're my wife. Best model ever built too.
I told you before that I was much interested in this jungle school. Well another class is going out and Baker is supposed to go. The old army game you see. I volunteered for it so Baker is told to go. He is crying and bitching about it, little too rough for him I guess, so I told him to see if he could get out of it by me taking his place. Nothing has come of it yet, but I may yet get to go. It's a tough rugged two weeks all right. The first part is easy but the last 10 days is traveling through the jungle and over the mountains. Carry some food and spare clothes, shelter half, raincoat, and all the personal things necessary. Cigarettes and etc. Gun and necessary shells. For the most part they live off the land. Don't shave from the start to the end and get a bath only by fording rivers and streams. You may think I'm crazy to stick my neck out but it's the sort of thing I've always wanted to go on, someday. Good opportunity, if they'd only let me go. I might not be able to keep up but I think I can. The only thing I wouldn't like about it is that I wouldn't be able to write to you for a couple weeks. I hate that and know you will too, but I think you'd forgive me, wouldn't you? You already lived through five weeks of empty mail box and may have more coming, so I guess you could stand it. I think the experience and the pictures I'd get would be worth it. Probably be the only chance I'll ever get to see the interior of N.G. I'm only talking now. If I do go I'll tell you for sure.
Boy, honey, if I keep on with my sewing you won't have to worry about that angle of taking care of me. Of course I won't insist on doing it, if you'll do it for me. I told you about altering my suntans so they'd fit a bit better. My fatigues were even more in need of it. They were 36 waist so I'm taking them in to about 32 and the shirts were way too loose fitting so I'm cutting about two inches out of each side and putting them back together again. Doing a passable if not very good looking job too. Believe it? In this climate I don't want any extra material in my clothes. They get so heavy with sweat they weigh me down anyhow. Gosh, I sure am learning a few new things at that, aren't I? Write letters, draw cards and sew. If I could cook and --- I'd make someone a good wife.
Honey, while I'm thinking of it, here is another little request. I could use some black thread, fairly heavy. What I have is # 24 and is about right. Might send a few needles too. Don't get them too small. Remember, I've got good sized, awkward fingers. The needles I have are getting so rusty all the time, I'll soon have them worn out sandpapering them smooth. I have the most troubles, don't I?
I've been thinking of another thing I could use, but have hesitated to ask for it, 'cause I may not be here to ever get it and it may be too big to mail anyhow. It's a gasoline lantern. Harold had some in the store when I left but they may not be available anymore. Small size with only one mantle. I'll always have vehicles of some sort to carry it around in and it would be nice. If you decide to send one, don't forget extra generators and mantles. I'm really not asking for it, only wishing. You can do as you please about it.
Now I must get at your letters or I'll never get caught up. No new ones today but I still have three or four here to answer. Gosh, honey, I sure do like your letters and want to answer them all in detail. Sweet letters from a much sweeter wife. I'm a lucky man. I loves you, bubbles.
You can go along with Art and pace and smoke cigarettes 'cause if the situation is ever reversed as we're planning on it being, I might like to have someone help me pace. That'll be one experience in connection that I know I'm not going to like a bit. That's two black marks against it, but I think there will be a lot more good ones for it. In case you haven't guessed, the second black mark is the hands off period. Guess I better buy me a black "maid" and bring her home to take care of me when you aren't able.
It sounds to me like you should like your new job. Just your type. You like to see people and get the low down and you like to read. Good place for both. Good for you, honey. Have all the fun you can while you're working and see lots of people. When I get home again you won't see much but the ceiling for a long time. Remember?
Sweetheart, you may like to see the boxes go but I bet you don't like it any more than I like seeing them come. Like a very special message from you. I love 'em. See why I keep sending the requests?
No need to qualify the assumption I'm safe. I will be always. Even if the letters do stop coming you can be sure I'll be taking plenty good care of Norm. You can't get rid of me that easy honey. I'm coming back to collect on all those promises you've made. That's for sure.
I too am very sorry for Kenny. That would be enough to really break a man. Beside loosing his wife he now has a motherless baby to look out for. Something like that makes a fellow wish he could help in some way.
That is one reason I was never really keen on a family. I didn't and still don't like the risk of anything happening to you. If it wasn't your wish as well as mine, I'd still shy clear. I love you so much, honey. If I'd ever loose you, I'd be lost too. Night, sweetheart, I'm loving you so much.
Your hubby.
Norm.
Friday eve.Sept. 1, 1944
Hello lovely;
I didn't succeed in getting down to try to find Steve today. Oh well, I guess there will be another chance sometime soon. It's too bad he had lost my address temporarily. If he had written as soon as he got here, I'd certainly have seen him. He was in the hospital a week with an upset stomach. Be easy to find there.
No carpenter work today for the first time in weeks. In fact I didn't do a whole lot of anything but putter around. Made a couple new hammer handles and repaired tools and etc. You see, tomorrow will go back to work after our vacation. I bet I've nearly forgotten what I had learned. Five months yesterday since I've worked on them. That was when I came home to you the last time. Wish I could come home to you again. It's as long now as we've ever been apart. I hate to think about how much longer it will be. I won't think of it. It's a very unpleasant subject 'cause I love you and want to see you all the time. You're my wife. Best model ever built too.
I told you before that I was much interested in this jungle school. Well another class is going out and Baker is supposed to go. The old army game you see. I volunteered for it so Baker is told to go. He is crying and bitching about it, little too rough for him I guess, so I told him to see if he could get out of it by me taking his place. Nothing has come of it yet, but I may yet get to go. It's a tough rugged two weeks all right. The first part is easy but the last 10 days is traveling through the jungle and over the mountains. Carry some food and spare clothes, shelter half, raincoat, and all the personal things necessary. Cigarettes and etc. Gun and necessary shells. For the most part they live off the land. Don't shave from the start to the end and get a bath only by fording rivers and streams. You may think I'm crazy to stick my neck out but it's the sort of thing I've always wanted to go on, someday. Good opportunity, if they'd only let me go. I might not be able to keep up but I think I can. The only thing I wouldn't like about it is that I wouldn't be able to write to you for a couple weeks. I hate that and know you will too, but I think you'd forgive me, wouldn't you? You already lived through five weeks of empty mail box and may have more coming, so I guess you could stand it. I think the experience and the pictures I'd get would be worth it. Probably be the only chance I'll ever get to see the interior of N.G. I'm only talking now. If I do go I'll tell you for sure.
Boy, honey, if I keep on with my sewing you won't have to worry about that angle of taking care of me. Of course I won't insist on doing it, if you'll do it for me. I told you about altering my suntans so they'd fit a bit better. My fatigues were even more in need of it. They were 36 waist so I'm taking them in to about 32 and the shirts were way too loose fitting so I'm cutting about two inches out of each side and putting them back together again. Doing a passable if not very good looking job too. Believe it? In this climate I don't want any extra material in my clothes. They get so heavy with sweat they weigh me down anyhow. Gosh, I sure am learning a few new things at that, aren't I? Write letters, draw cards and sew. If I could cook and --- I'd make someone a good wife.
Honey, while I'm thinking of it, here is another little request. I could use some black thread, fairly heavy. What I have is # 24 and is about right. Might send a few needles too. Don't get them too small. Remember, I've got good sized, awkward fingers. The needles I have are getting so rusty all the time, I'll soon have them worn out sandpapering them smooth. I have the most troubles, don't I?
I've been thinking of another thing I could use, but have hesitated to ask for it, 'cause I may not be here to ever get it and it may be too big to mail anyhow. It's a gasoline lantern. Harold had some in the store when I left but they may not be available anymore. Small size with only one mantle. I'll always have vehicles of some sort to carry it around in and it would be nice. If you decide to send one, don't forget extra generators and mantles. I'm really not asking for it, only wishing. You can do as you please about it.
Now I must get at your letters or I'll never get caught up. No new ones today but I still have three or four here to answer. Gosh, honey, I sure do like your letters and want to answer them all in detail. Sweet letters from a much sweeter wife. I'm a lucky man. I loves you, bubbles.
You can go along with Art and pace and smoke cigarettes 'cause if the situation is ever reversed as we're planning on it being, I might like to have someone help me pace. That'll be one experience in connection that I know I'm not going to like a bit. That's two black marks against it, but I think there will be a lot more good ones for it. In case you haven't guessed, the second black mark is the hands off period. Guess I better buy me a black "maid" and bring her home to take care of me when you aren't able.
It sounds to me like you should like your new job. Just your type. You like to see people and get the low down and you like to read. Good place for both. Good for you, honey. Have all the fun you can while you're working and see lots of people. When I get home again you won't see much but the ceiling for a long time. Remember?
Sweetheart, you may like to see the boxes go but I bet you don't like it any more than I like seeing them come. Like a very special message from you. I love 'em. See why I keep sending the requests?
No need to qualify the assumption I'm safe. I will be always. Even if the letters do stop coming you can be sure I'll be taking plenty good care of Norm. You can't get rid of me that easy honey. I'm coming back to collect on all those promises you've made. That's for sure.
I too am very sorry for Kenny. That would be enough to really break a man. Beside loosing his wife he now has a motherless baby to look out for. Something like that makes a fellow wish he could help in some way.
That is one reason I was never really keen on a family. I didn't and still don't like the risk of anything happening to you. If it wasn't your wish as well as mine, I'd still shy clear. I love you so much, honey. If I'd ever loose you, I'd be lost too. Night, sweetheart, I'm loving you so much.
Your hubby.
Norm.
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
Letter # 468 August 31, 1944
New Guinea
Thursday
Aug. 31, 1944
Hi Luscious;
I've got some news tonight to tell you about first of all. I should go on and write the whole letter now and put the news at the end, just to tease you. Deserve it don't you? However, I'm going to be big and pass up the chance. This news probably wouldn't be worth the price to you.
I got four letters tonight. Two from you, Aug 18 &19, and one from Mom and Hazel. The other was from Steve. That's the news part. He's been here for a couple of weeks and only about 15 miles from me and we didn't know it. He had lost my address in his luggage someplace and only found it this week. The letter was written on the 29th and I got it today. When he wrote it he said he was going to be here only a couple days and if he could get any transportation he'd try to find me. The two days are up but I'm trying to get away tomorrow and see if I can find him. I hope so. I'd really like to see him again. He's seen you a lot more recently than I. Maybe I'll get the same feeling you had when he saw you. Remember? Couldn't even talk. My, my, such a girl. I love you even if I do tease you.
If we don't meet this time the chances are very good that we will sometime soon. He expects to be back and forth between here and his base quite often. We get a few letters back and forth and we can come close to locating each other. If the opportunity presents, I may hitch a ride on a transport plane and look him up. All I need is two or three days leave. Planes are always on the go and when there is room you're welcome. It' only a couple hours by plane but a fellow can't be sure of a return the same day. Now don't say anything, honey. You once said I could fly home if I wanted to. I fully intend to take a ride in one of those big fellows
someday anyhow.
He very plainly told me that I was right about married life. Says there's nothing like it and wishes he had made the step long ago only then he wouldn't have had the same gal. Sounds like the real thing doesn't it? Like us, huh? He couldn't have as nice a wife as I have I'm sure. You're perfect.
She was on the pier to see him off. Says he'd have done most anything to keep from leaving her. Can you imagine all that in a letter from Steve? I think his hard shell may be broken now too. It only takes the right woman to soften us hard shells up like putty. We don't regret it a bit though. I love it.
In the letter from Mom there is a little part I think you'll be interested in. She was talking about Bob bringing his wife to be home with him and she says, verbatim, " I hope he is as well satisfied with marriage and has as nice a wife as you." Everyone thinks I'm lucky to have you. I know I'm lucky. I love you.
Her name is Jacqueline Stuck. Blond and 19 years old. Just your age when I started to go chasing you. I don't care much for blonds though. Strawberry blonds are my pick. Of course I like brunettes too. Especially one special brunette. She's my ideal. About 5 feet eight tall, chubby, built like a brick shit house, green eyes that turn black when she is aroused, sweet, full, red kissable lips, very pretty, no, beautiful is more descriptive, and on top of all that, she is sweet, loving, can be passionate, intelligent, faithful and the best little wife a man ever had. Her name is Babe. Know her? I love her so much I hurt all over.
I think I always talked so much about red heads because they look so warm. My brunette has become plenty warm for me [except for her feet] Hell, honey, you can have blocks of ice for feet for all I care. I'd even love them.
It was pay day again today. The last of Aug! Gosh the time is really going by. My lucky month coming up. I sure wish I was home to share that nicest part of the year with you.
Today we set our clocks back one hour. I suppose because of the coming summer. Everything is ass backward here. That only makes us 14 hours ahead of you.
I guess I forgot to say, I also got a V-mail from Marg. Wood barracks, steam heat, running water, cool weather, and etc. Doesn't sound much like N. Guinea does it? She seems happy about it all.
Now for your letters again. You wonder how I could surprise you. Well, honey, maybe you do know me and my capabilities, but the way I feel now after being away for five months, I think I'd be apt to be more passionate than you've ever seen me yet. Wouldn't that be a surprise? Seven is a pretty good score. Want to bet I can beat it?
I guess you really must have liked the little card I drew for you. You are so sweet and appreciate every thing so much. How could I help loving you? That's what makes me spend time trying to do things like that. Did you like the anniversary one as much? I didn't but it was the best I could think of. You can tell Meryl McFadden she doesn't know what Willie would do if they were separated. Makes a man do strange things. Look at me. Writing a letter every day and even trying to make cards to send you. Does that seem like the old me?
You bet I got a kick out of the pictures. What's the difference what caused all the enthusiasm? What you got or the legs. It's all you isn't it? You know I love everything about you and there is lots to love. I wouldn't say it was mean to send a guy in my position that kind of picture. It is true that it rather arouses slumbering desires and memories but they're such sweet ones. I enjoyed the stab of homesickness they caused. Anyhow I had a lot of training in taking that kind of pain and more or less holding myself in check in the days before you were Mrs. Effinger. Remember the condition I'd be in by the time I went home? I always came back, didn't I? You can send all that kind of pictures you want. I'll love 'em all.
You are not really sorry that the picture caused me a "hard" night and you know it. I'm not sorry. I'm glad I've got a thrilling wife.
Your threat to wake me up is all tucked away in my mind. Not clear in the back either. I'll remember and be waiting. We'll see. When that happens I'd say you've reached your growth.
Night, sweetheart. The last August letter to you I hope. Next year I want to be saying "night" with you right close to me. Closer the better. Won't even make you stay on your side of the bed. I love you.
Your hubby.
Norm.
Thursday
Aug. 31, 1944
Hi Luscious;
I've got some news tonight to tell you about first of all. I should go on and write the whole letter now and put the news at the end, just to tease you. Deserve it don't you? However, I'm going to be big and pass up the chance. This news probably wouldn't be worth the price to you.
I got four letters tonight. Two from you, Aug 18 &19, and one from Mom and Hazel. The other was from Steve. That's the news part. He's been here for a couple of weeks and only about 15 miles from me and we didn't know it. He had lost my address in his luggage someplace and only found it this week. The letter was written on the 29th and I got it today. When he wrote it he said he was going to be here only a couple days and if he could get any transportation he'd try to find me. The two days are up but I'm trying to get away tomorrow and see if I can find him. I hope so. I'd really like to see him again. He's seen you a lot more recently than I. Maybe I'll get the same feeling you had when he saw you. Remember? Couldn't even talk. My, my, such a girl. I love you even if I do tease you.
If we don't meet this time the chances are very good that we will sometime soon. He expects to be back and forth between here and his base quite often. We get a few letters back and forth and we can come close to locating each other. If the opportunity presents, I may hitch a ride on a transport plane and look him up. All I need is two or three days leave. Planes are always on the go and when there is room you're welcome. It' only a couple hours by plane but a fellow can't be sure of a return the same day. Now don't say anything, honey. You once said I could fly home if I wanted to. I fully intend to take a ride in one of those big fellows
someday anyhow.
He very plainly told me that I was right about married life. Says there's nothing like it and wishes he had made the step long ago only then he wouldn't have had the same gal. Sounds like the real thing doesn't it? Like us, huh? He couldn't have as nice a wife as I have I'm sure. You're perfect.
She was on the pier to see him off. Says he'd have done most anything to keep from leaving her. Can you imagine all that in a letter from Steve? I think his hard shell may be broken now too. It only takes the right woman to soften us hard shells up like putty. We don't regret it a bit though. I love it.
In the letter from Mom there is a little part I think you'll be interested in. She was talking about Bob bringing his wife to be home with him and she says, verbatim, " I hope he is as well satisfied with marriage and has as nice a wife as you." Everyone thinks I'm lucky to have you. I know I'm lucky. I love you.
Her name is Jacqueline Stuck. Blond and 19 years old. Just your age when I started to go chasing you. I don't care much for blonds though. Strawberry blonds are my pick. Of course I like brunettes too. Especially one special brunette. She's my ideal. About 5 feet eight tall, chubby, built like a brick shit house, green eyes that turn black when she is aroused, sweet, full, red kissable lips, very pretty, no, beautiful is more descriptive, and on top of all that, she is sweet, loving, can be passionate, intelligent, faithful and the best little wife a man ever had. Her name is Babe. Know her? I love her so much I hurt all over.
I think I always talked so much about red heads because they look so warm. My brunette has become plenty warm for me [except for her feet] Hell, honey, you can have blocks of ice for feet for all I care. I'd even love them.
It was pay day again today. The last of Aug! Gosh the time is really going by. My lucky month coming up. I sure wish I was home to share that nicest part of the year with you.
Today we set our clocks back one hour. I suppose because of the coming summer. Everything is ass backward here. That only makes us 14 hours ahead of you.
I guess I forgot to say, I also got a V-mail from Marg. Wood barracks, steam heat, running water, cool weather, and etc. Doesn't sound much like N. Guinea does it? She seems happy about it all.
Now for your letters again. You wonder how I could surprise you. Well, honey, maybe you do know me and my capabilities, but the way I feel now after being away for five months, I think I'd be apt to be more passionate than you've ever seen me yet. Wouldn't that be a surprise? Seven is a pretty good score. Want to bet I can beat it?
I guess you really must have liked the little card I drew for you. You are so sweet and appreciate every thing so much. How could I help loving you? That's what makes me spend time trying to do things like that. Did you like the anniversary one as much? I didn't but it was the best I could think of. You can tell Meryl McFadden she doesn't know what Willie would do if they were separated. Makes a man do strange things. Look at me. Writing a letter every day and even trying to make cards to send you. Does that seem like the old me?
You bet I got a kick out of the pictures. What's the difference what caused all the enthusiasm? What you got or the legs. It's all you isn't it? You know I love everything about you and there is lots to love. I wouldn't say it was mean to send a guy in my position that kind of picture. It is true that it rather arouses slumbering desires and memories but they're such sweet ones. I enjoyed the stab of homesickness they caused. Anyhow I had a lot of training in taking that kind of pain and more or less holding myself in check in the days before you were Mrs. Effinger. Remember the condition I'd be in by the time I went home? I always came back, didn't I? You can send all that kind of pictures you want. I'll love 'em all.
You are not really sorry that the picture caused me a "hard" night and you know it. I'm not sorry. I'm glad I've got a thrilling wife.
Your threat to wake me up is all tucked away in my mind. Not clear in the back either. I'll remember and be waiting. We'll see. When that happens I'd say you've reached your growth.
Night, sweetheart. The last August letter to you I hope. Next year I want to be saying "night" with you right close to me. Closer the better. Won't even make you stay on your side of the bed. I love you.
Your hubby.
Norm.
Sunday, May 27, 2012
Letter # 467 August 30, 1944
New Guinea
Wednesday
Aug 30, 1944
Hello, perfect and beautiful;
Here's the old pest back at it again. Writing another letter you'll have to read and answer. I like to pest you. You're nice pesting, only I can't do it very well by letter. I can tell you I love you. I do, all the time. You're sweet.
No new letters today so I'll chatter along for a bit and then answer some I have.
Heard a rumor today that sounded very much like I'd be going back to work soon now. I rather hope it's true. This vacation was swell but I can't see it's accomplishing much and that is about the only satisfaction a man can get from the army. If it was to be only a vacation, I'd much rather it was where you are. Vacations just aren't any good without you. I miss you so much more when I'm playing than when I'm working. Why shouldn't I? You're my wife and we've always been together when we were having fun. I love you sweetheart.
There was a ball game today but in view of the fact I may not have much time to waste, I thought I'd better do a little work I'd been neglecting for some time, so I stayed and worked. I told you of the wind and rain blowing in one night so I had a hard time writing to you. Well, I've got that fixed now so I won't have any more trouble unless the tent blows away. I guess you can get an idea of what our tents look like from the little card I drew for our anniversary. I sleep in one corner where, if the rain drives, it comes in a bit, so today I made me three curtains and fixed them so I can roll them up and tie them there until needed. Now, let her rain and blow. I'll be dry. The curtains are of canvas of course. Then I finished my desk and still had a little time left to read a Colliers. Getting a little more handy and comfortable every day.
I heard remarks that are supposed to have come from our Allies to the effect that, give the U.S. Soldier a few pieces of wood and some time and he'll make a mansion in any sort of wilderness. Anyhow it's nearly true. This camp has sure changed since we first hit here. It doesn't look like very much of a place yet but you should have seen it when we first got here. I've got some other little projects in the fire too. I'm not going to tell you a thing about them though. Two reasons. One, to tease you in retaliation, and the other, just in case I don't have time to get them done. So there too. I'll find ways to tease you to get even, you devil. Whatcha sending me, sweetheart?
I guess that about covers my activities for the day so I'll get at your letters. Aug. 15 comes now.
Good thing you say your new job is going to be the most interesting of your business career. If you hadn't put that word "business" in there I'd be disappointed after all you've told me. You always tell me that being my wife is the job you like best. I want it that way and I hope that very soon that will be your only occupation unless being a possible mother is called another occupation. Anyhow, I want you at home and no place else. I love you, darling.
Sounds like Gus and Jean are getting the breaks for the time being at least. They've had quite a bit of time together already. Good for them. I wish it could be us.
So Pop Kelser is telling you stories of a slightly shady nature. Did you tell him one in return? It was a rather cute one and typical of a political year. While I think of it, I got the soldiers ballot you had sent to me. If I can find out enough of what's going on I may use it now that it's here. It's filed away in my desk for now.
I never had asthma either, have you? I've had a taste of the other though and I'm wanting a lot more of it. Best stuff. Gosh, I hope it isn't too long before I can get another taste. Taste, hell. I want my fill.
Can I get it?
Honey, I'll have to admit that most of the stationery I've been using has been pilfered. The small tablet sheets I bought at the P.X. That was all I could buy and I was going to have something to write to you on no matter how I had to obtain it. Do you blame me?
Don't worry, honey. I'm taking care of me for you. You're helping an awful lot with sweet letters and packages. Between us both we'll see that I'm taken care of very well. I intend to come back as much as you want me to. I love you.
I'm glad you're finding my letters so interesting. It cramps my style a bit to be so careful about what I'm saying. By going way around the buck and depending on you to guess what I'm trying to say we seem to be getting along pretty well. At least you seldom question about what I'm talking about. I got a smart Mummy if she can decipher some of these letters.
I can hardly believe it's you saying you'd enjoy a good "chewing" but I'm always willing to be shown. That's fun. Remember how they act and what you'd do when I laughed at them?
I'm sorry about the bawling out, honey. I've already apologized when I found you had answered once before.
All right, honey, it won't be a Velma in name but it better have a lot of your good points. That's what I really meant and not a duplicate name. If our plans develop we can always find a suitable handle for whatever it is.
Gosh, honey, I guess you are writing letters by the pound. Even got a scale so you can write the limit in each one. That's getting right down to cases. You're some girl.
So Marg is in England. May be in France before long. I imagine she is enjoying it over there. She always wanted to travel. In the Effinger blood I guess.
Evidently I was right in thinking you would make a swell mother. When you can be with a kid for a couple weeks and make that big an impression, it's proof a plenty. I've always been told that anyone that kids and dogs take to is an O.K. person. As if I needed any such test in your case. I love you and that's enough for me.
I can sympathize with Art and his wondering what to do with the old thing. He's one ahead of me though. He can still ask Marg what he's going to do with it. I have to solve that problem all by myself. I just let him go till he gives up in disgust. I guess he thinks I'm a hell of a provider. Can't seem to make him believe it isn't my fault either. He's ornery as hell sometimes, at others, only ornery. See? We're still loving you and saving all we can for you. Night, passionate, I love you.
Your hubby.
Norm.
Wednesday
Aug 30, 1944
Hello, perfect and beautiful;
Here's the old pest back at it again. Writing another letter you'll have to read and answer. I like to pest you. You're nice pesting, only I can't do it very well by letter. I can tell you I love you. I do, all the time. You're sweet.
No new letters today so I'll chatter along for a bit and then answer some I have.
Heard a rumor today that sounded very much like I'd be going back to work soon now. I rather hope it's true. This vacation was swell but I can't see it's accomplishing much and that is about the only satisfaction a man can get from the army. If it was to be only a vacation, I'd much rather it was where you are. Vacations just aren't any good without you. I miss you so much more when I'm playing than when I'm working. Why shouldn't I? You're my wife and we've always been together when we were having fun. I love you sweetheart.
There was a ball game today but in view of the fact I may not have much time to waste, I thought I'd better do a little work I'd been neglecting for some time, so I stayed and worked. I told you of the wind and rain blowing in one night so I had a hard time writing to you. Well, I've got that fixed now so I won't have any more trouble unless the tent blows away. I guess you can get an idea of what our tents look like from the little card I drew for our anniversary. I sleep in one corner where, if the rain drives, it comes in a bit, so today I made me three curtains and fixed them so I can roll them up and tie them there until needed. Now, let her rain and blow. I'll be dry. The curtains are of canvas of course. Then I finished my desk and still had a little time left to read a Colliers. Getting a little more handy and comfortable every day.
I heard remarks that are supposed to have come from our Allies to the effect that, give the U.S. Soldier a few pieces of wood and some time and he'll make a mansion in any sort of wilderness. Anyhow it's nearly true. This camp has sure changed since we first hit here. It doesn't look like very much of a place yet but you should have seen it when we first got here. I've got some other little projects in the fire too. I'm not going to tell you a thing about them though. Two reasons. One, to tease you in retaliation, and the other, just in case I don't have time to get them done. So there too. I'll find ways to tease you to get even, you devil. Whatcha sending me, sweetheart?
I guess that about covers my activities for the day so I'll get at your letters. Aug. 15 comes now.
Good thing you say your new job is going to be the most interesting of your business career. If you hadn't put that word "business" in there I'd be disappointed after all you've told me. You always tell me that being my wife is the job you like best. I want it that way and I hope that very soon that will be your only occupation unless being a possible mother is called another occupation. Anyhow, I want you at home and no place else. I love you, darling.
Sounds like Gus and Jean are getting the breaks for the time being at least. They've had quite a bit of time together already. Good for them. I wish it could be us.
So Pop Kelser is telling you stories of a slightly shady nature. Did you tell him one in return? It was a rather cute one and typical of a political year. While I think of it, I got the soldiers ballot you had sent to me. If I can find out enough of what's going on I may use it now that it's here. It's filed away in my desk for now.
I never had asthma either, have you? I've had a taste of the other though and I'm wanting a lot more of it. Best stuff. Gosh, I hope it isn't too long before I can get another taste. Taste, hell. I want my fill.
Can I get it?
Honey, I'll have to admit that most of the stationery I've been using has been pilfered. The small tablet sheets I bought at the P.X. That was all I could buy and I was going to have something to write to you on no matter how I had to obtain it. Do you blame me?
Don't worry, honey. I'm taking care of me for you. You're helping an awful lot with sweet letters and packages. Between us both we'll see that I'm taken care of very well. I intend to come back as much as you want me to. I love you.
I'm glad you're finding my letters so interesting. It cramps my style a bit to be so careful about what I'm saying. By going way around the buck and depending on you to guess what I'm trying to say we seem to be getting along pretty well. At least you seldom question about what I'm talking about. I got a smart Mummy if she can decipher some of these letters.
I can hardly believe it's you saying you'd enjoy a good "chewing" but I'm always willing to be shown. That's fun. Remember how they act and what you'd do when I laughed at them?
I'm sorry about the bawling out, honey. I've already apologized when I found you had answered once before.
All right, honey, it won't be a Velma in name but it better have a lot of your good points. That's what I really meant and not a duplicate name. If our plans develop we can always find a suitable handle for whatever it is.
Gosh, honey, I guess you are writing letters by the pound. Even got a scale so you can write the limit in each one. That's getting right down to cases. You're some girl.
So Marg is in England. May be in France before long. I imagine she is enjoying it over there. She always wanted to travel. In the Effinger blood I guess.
Evidently I was right in thinking you would make a swell mother. When you can be with a kid for a couple weeks and make that big an impression, it's proof a plenty. I've always been told that anyone that kids and dogs take to is an O.K. person. As if I needed any such test in your case. I love you and that's enough for me.
I can sympathize with Art and his wondering what to do with the old thing. He's one ahead of me though. He can still ask Marg what he's going to do with it. I have to solve that problem all by myself. I just let him go till he gives up in disgust. I guess he thinks I'm a hell of a provider. Can't seem to make him believe it isn't my fault either. He's ornery as hell sometimes, at others, only ornery. See? We're still loving you and saving all we can for you. Night, passionate, I love you.
Your hubby.
Norm.
Saturday, May 26, 2012
Letter #466 August 29, 1944
New Guinea
Tuesday eve.
Aug 29, 1944
My darling Librarian;
How's that? You said I could call you that now. Anyhow I like librarians and school teachers. Always before the teachers were in the lead in a close race, now the librarian is way ahead. There was even a time when the hash slinging profession came into the race. Wonder why? Could it be because a certain young lady, who holds the key to my heart happened to be doing that kind of work at the time? You're darn right that's the reason. I don't care what kind of profession you took up, I'd surely be very partial to it. The one I like you best in is housewife, my wife, and that's the one you must have been made for 'cause you do it so perfectly. I love you. No matter where you are or what you do. Gosh you're a peach.
I got two of the back letters today. Aug 15 & 16. When the Sunday Aug. 13 comes they'll be all complete up to and including the 17th.
I'm still carpentering. Today I was making some more chairs and also some fly traps for the kitchen. I still think the army would have done a lot better if they had used me for carpenter or electrician rather than mechanic.
The weather the past few days has been threatening most of the time, but no rain. It's still getting hotter by the day. By the time summer really gets here it's liable to really get warm. Maybe by that time we'll be farther north. Wouldn't have to go far to switch the seasons again and be in winter when winter is supposed to be. Sounds so darn funny to say spring or summer and think of the month as Sept, Oct or Jan. Screwy isn't it?
Got my monthly issue of cigarettes today. Four cartons of Philip Morris. I haven't yet seen a Camel since I've been here. Also ten, penny size boxes of matches. See why I'm always asking for cigarette lighters? Matches are scarce as hen's teeth and aren't very satisfactory because of the extreme dampness. Those two you sent me are swell. Work like a charm. The ever lasting match type don't seem to work on gasoline. Lighter fluid is hard to find and anyhow, gasoline is always in reach. All high powered aircraft type and works swell.
While I have been away from the shop, Brown and the boys have been working on a washing machine. It's almost ready to run and looks capable of doing the job. An old salvaged peep engine furnishes the power. Three gasoline drums laid on side with the top cut open are the tubs. Paddles worked by the engine agitate the laundry. How does that sound? Soon have all the comforts of home, except a wife. Guess I'll spend a five pound note and buy my pick of the only females available. Maybe I could forget she was ugly, black, smelly, and dumb and get to like her. How about it?
Then, after the war, I wouldn't care if I did have to stay here in the army. Nice simple life. No bills to pay and let my wife do all the work about the thatched hut we'd call home as well as raise the family. Wup! Guess I'd better stop there. Can't even keep enlarging on the picture, even to tease you. You've got it coming you know. Watcha sending me for a surprise, Mummy? I forgot to forget all about it. I'll have to think of a better way to tease you than that. You know darn well I'd never consider anything of the sort. You've got me, honey. You're my Tootsie Wuggles.
Now for your Aug 14 letter. I thought you might enjoy the pictures even though I didn't take them. They are all things I've seen anyhow.
It's news to me that Bob Hope had been over here. He must have missed this place. They can't hit 'em all or they'd be here for the duration.
So Mick has adopted an apple tree for his own special shade. That's nothing. I could have a banana tree or a coconut palm only there aren't any nice exciting French girls to sit with. I said sit but - well, a man's a man and a girl's a girl. Explosive combination.
Too bad about Ed Selzer. I hope you can get as good service from someone else. You're wise to get your coal early if you can.
Don't be too hard on Bob for not writing. I don't blame him. When would I have had time to write a letter when I was courting you? I could hardly wait to eat supper at home. Wanted to be at Kelsers. Every night too, and then from closing time Sat. eve. until Monday morning I was with you all the time except for a very few hours of sleep. I often wondered why your folks didn't charge me board. I practically lived there. It sure was fun and I got what I wanted. Wasn't like a lot of things either. Want them bad and upon attainment be rather indifferent. I want you more and more all the time. I love you so much.
As far as I know, Ernie, Schindler, Angie, are still at Polk with the 8th. They are rumored to be about to move. You said Wacker said the same thing. Grafton's outfit, so I'm told, is now in Hawaii. [Darn. I never could spell that] Sounds good for Grafton, huh?
I can remember a time when you didn't like me to tease you about red heads. Remember? Before you found out I was only teasing. I think you actually were a little jealous of them. Wondered what they had you didn't have. Honey, you've got more than they could ever have. I'll probably always tease you about them though.
Yes, you'd better trust me to the ends of the earth. If this isn't the end it's darn close to it. I'd trust you that far too only I wish I didn't have to. I'd much rather trust you where I can see you once in a while. Lot more fun that way. I do so want to get back where you are in a hurry and then we can really start to live again. This isn't even an imitation of living in comparison to what we've known and will know again. We've lots to look forward to and think about.
Night precious, I'm loving you so much. I'm hurtin all over.
Your hubby
Norm
Tuesday eve.
Aug 29, 1944
My darling Librarian;
How's that? You said I could call you that now. Anyhow I like librarians and school teachers. Always before the teachers were in the lead in a close race, now the librarian is way ahead. There was even a time when the hash slinging profession came into the race. Wonder why? Could it be because a certain young lady, who holds the key to my heart happened to be doing that kind of work at the time? You're darn right that's the reason. I don't care what kind of profession you took up, I'd surely be very partial to it. The one I like you best in is housewife, my wife, and that's the one you must have been made for 'cause you do it so perfectly. I love you. No matter where you are or what you do. Gosh you're a peach.
I got two of the back letters today. Aug 15 & 16. When the Sunday Aug. 13 comes they'll be all complete up to and including the 17th.
I'm still carpentering. Today I was making some more chairs and also some fly traps for the kitchen. I still think the army would have done a lot better if they had used me for carpenter or electrician rather than mechanic.
The weather the past few days has been threatening most of the time, but no rain. It's still getting hotter by the day. By the time summer really gets here it's liable to really get warm. Maybe by that time we'll be farther north. Wouldn't have to go far to switch the seasons again and be in winter when winter is supposed to be. Sounds so darn funny to say spring or summer and think of the month as Sept, Oct or Jan. Screwy isn't it?
Got my monthly issue of cigarettes today. Four cartons of Philip Morris. I haven't yet seen a Camel since I've been here. Also ten, penny size boxes of matches. See why I'm always asking for cigarette lighters? Matches are scarce as hen's teeth and aren't very satisfactory because of the extreme dampness. Those two you sent me are swell. Work like a charm. The ever lasting match type don't seem to work on gasoline. Lighter fluid is hard to find and anyhow, gasoline is always in reach. All high powered aircraft type and works swell.
While I have been away from the shop, Brown and the boys have been working on a washing machine. It's almost ready to run and looks capable of doing the job. An old salvaged peep engine furnishes the power. Three gasoline drums laid on side with the top cut open are the tubs. Paddles worked by the engine agitate the laundry. How does that sound? Soon have all the comforts of home, except a wife. Guess I'll spend a five pound note and buy my pick of the only females available. Maybe I could forget she was ugly, black, smelly, and dumb and get to like her. How about it?
Then, after the war, I wouldn't care if I did have to stay here in the army. Nice simple life. No bills to pay and let my wife do all the work about the thatched hut we'd call home as well as raise the family. Wup! Guess I'd better stop there. Can't even keep enlarging on the picture, even to tease you. You've got it coming you know. Watcha sending me for a surprise, Mummy? I forgot to forget all about it. I'll have to think of a better way to tease you than that. You know darn well I'd never consider anything of the sort. You've got me, honey. You're my Tootsie Wuggles.
Now for your Aug 14 letter. I thought you might enjoy the pictures even though I didn't take them. They are all things I've seen anyhow.
It's news to me that Bob Hope had been over here. He must have missed this place. They can't hit 'em all or they'd be here for the duration.
So Mick has adopted an apple tree for his own special shade. That's nothing. I could have a banana tree or a coconut palm only there aren't any nice exciting French girls to sit with. I said sit but - well, a man's a man and a girl's a girl. Explosive combination.
Too bad about Ed Selzer. I hope you can get as good service from someone else. You're wise to get your coal early if you can.
Don't be too hard on Bob for not writing. I don't blame him. When would I have had time to write a letter when I was courting you? I could hardly wait to eat supper at home. Wanted to be at Kelsers. Every night too, and then from closing time Sat. eve. until Monday morning I was with you all the time except for a very few hours of sleep. I often wondered why your folks didn't charge me board. I practically lived there. It sure was fun and I got what I wanted. Wasn't like a lot of things either. Want them bad and upon attainment be rather indifferent. I want you more and more all the time. I love you so much.
As far as I know, Ernie, Schindler, Angie, are still at Polk with the 8th. They are rumored to be about to move. You said Wacker said the same thing. Grafton's outfit, so I'm told, is now in Hawaii. [Darn. I never could spell that] Sounds good for Grafton, huh?
I can remember a time when you didn't like me to tease you about red heads. Remember? Before you found out I was only teasing. I think you actually were a little jealous of them. Wondered what they had you didn't have. Honey, you've got more than they could ever have. I'll probably always tease you about them though.
Yes, you'd better trust me to the ends of the earth. If this isn't the end it's darn close to it. I'd trust you that far too only I wish I didn't have to. I'd much rather trust you where I can see you once in a while. Lot more fun that way. I do so want to get back where you are in a hurry and then we can really start to live again. This isn't even an imitation of living in comparison to what we've known and will know again. We've lots to look forward to and think about.
Night precious, I'm loving you so much. I'm hurtin all over.
Your hubby
Norm
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