Thursday 1900
6-22-44
Hi Honey:
I started to go to the show tonight, but while we were sitting out there waiting for the show to start it commenced to rain. Not very hard. In fact it was not even a good shower. I kind of thought that it would soon be raining harder though, so I came back. I can enjoy talking to you much better. The rest of the boys are still out there, so it looks as if they think it won’t rain harder.
I was supposed to fly this morning, but when we got ready to go the weather was bad, so it was called off. The weather was good this afternoon, but no one said anything about flying. I believe they wanted to give the ground crews the afternoon to work on the planes.
A few of us took our laundry over to a spot we found today. With good weather it gets done in one day. If it rains we simply have to wait till the sun comes out to dry the clothes. It beats doing it ourselves, even if it is not a good job. It couldn’t be worse than we could do.
Some of the older boys were telling me about a time when they had some of the local natives doing their laundry. They pounded it on the rocks, and stomped on it, ect. and usually it came back dirtier than it was when they sent it. Some fun eh?
While we were seeing about our laundry we stopped to get any mail we might have. I did not get any myself, but a few of the boys did. What I wanted to tell you though was what the guy told us about packages. He said we might get them in 5 or 6 months if we were lucky. Especially since we only have this temporary APO#, and are moving from one outfit to another.
I thought of that the other night when you told me in one of your letters to send you requests for things, so you could send me a package. Perhaps it would be better to wait till we are permanently assigned and I would have a better chance of getting them. Also the man said to tell the folks back home to wrap packages especially well, and sturdily. Most of them arrive over here in terrible shape otherwise. Anyway I better wait a while to start asking for things.
I had a couple of V mail letters from Mary (my sister) yesterday. One could not photographed for some reason, so it was sent regular air mail. The other one was written quite a bit later but they both arrived together.
That is most of all the news of the day darling. Except the big news flash – I love you. That is real headline I mean! O love you – but definitely.
Love George.
Friday, June 11, 2010
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Letter Home 06-21-1944
Wednesday 1815
06-21-1944
Hello Darling:
Since we have been here I have received 6 letters from you. Five in one bunch, and today I got another one. This one was #23. Some day they will get things straight.
I got up in the air today. We had an aerial gunnery mission. Not very many hits in the target, but it was fun just the same. We can’t tell who got the hits either. They do not have the facilities to paint the bullets.
You were asking if we had anything to drink. Up till yesterday we haven’t had any. However they got a bunch of whiskey and gin and brandy in here yesterday. All the boys in the Group chipped in to send to Australia for it. They used on of the bombers to make the trip.
They say we will get beer over here sometimes this year. I will believe it when I see it. It is a rumor that we will be given about 26 cans a month. I hope it comes through.
We can’t drink very much here. So you don’t have to worry about me drinking to excess. I found out today that it can’t be done. I had some brandy last night, and I was all tired out today. In this heat it just knocks the vitality out of a guy. So from now on I am going to keep my drinking down plenty. I would like to get a beer occasionally though.
They just set up a little bar in the “Officer’s Club.” It is a tent with a table in it! They use grapefruit juice and water to mix the stuff in. The chlorinated effect of the water naturally adds to the flavor of the drink. There is a slight charge of one Florien per drink. That is about 32 cents.
You were asking me about the money we use. It is Australian, but it is just like the English use. The value of money is a little different that’s all. I will put a pound note in this letter to let you see what they are like. I don’t have a half pound note right now. When I get one I will send it to you also. One pound is worth $3.22.
A Florien is a coin about the size of a 50 cent piece, and is worth two Shillings, or as they say here, “Two Bob.”
We had a movie last night, or no, that was Mon night wasn’t it. It was a musical comedy “Hey Rookie.” It was not too good, but there was some pretty fair dancing and singing.
I can’t think of much more to say at the moment. Except to tell you that I am very much in love with you. Yes Indeed! I love you –
Love George
06-21-1944
Hello Darling:
Since we have been here I have received 6 letters from you. Five in one bunch, and today I got another one. This one was #23. Some day they will get things straight.
I got up in the air today. We had an aerial gunnery mission. Not very many hits in the target, but it was fun just the same. We can’t tell who got the hits either. They do not have the facilities to paint the bullets.
You were asking if we had anything to drink. Up till yesterday we haven’t had any. However they got a bunch of whiskey and gin and brandy in here yesterday. All the boys in the Group chipped in to send to Australia for it. They used on of the bombers to make the trip.
They say we will get beer over here sometimes this year. I will believe it when I see it. It is a rumor that we will be given about 26 cans a month. I hope it comes through.
We can’t drink very much here. So you don’t have to worry about me drinking to excess. I found out today that it can’t be done. I had some brandy last night, and I was all tired out today. In this heat it just knocks the vitality out of a guy. So from now on I am going to keep my drinking down plenty. I would like to get a beer occasionally though.
They just set up a little bar in the “Officer’s Club.” It is a tent with a table in it! They use grapefruit juice and water to mix the stuff in. The chlorinated effect of the water naturally adds to the flavor of the drink. There is a slight charge of one Florien per drink. That is about 32 cents.
You were asking me about the money we use. It is Australian, but it is just like the English use. The value of money is a little different that’s all. I will put a pound note in this letter to let you see what they are like. I don’t have a half pound note right now. When I get one I will send it to you also. One pound is worth $3.22.
A Florien is a coin about the size of a 50 cent piece, and is worth two Shillings, or as they say here, “Two Bob.”
We had a movie last night, or no, that was Mon night wasn’t it. It was a musical comedy “Hey Rookie.” It was not too good, but there was some pretty fair dancing and singing.
I can’t think of much more to say at the moment. Except to tell you that I am very much in love with you. Yes Indeed! I love you –
Love George
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Letter Home 06-20-1944
Tuesday 0900
06-20-1944
Good Morning Honey:
I don’t suppose you can picture your lazy husband doing any work, but that is just what he has been doing since he hit here. We have all been busy getting our happy home fixed up.
Yesterday we worked on fixing up a wash stand. We got a couple of steel helmets to wash in, and a big steel barrel to keep water in. The only trouble is that the barrel used to have kerosene in it, and still has a bit I believe. We tried to clean it out, but I don’t know how well we did.
We too it over to the well where they pump out the water for our showers, and pulled up water to wash it out with. They have a hole next to the well with a big pail, and a long tow rope attached to it. You let the pail down, and when it fills up you haul it up hand over hand. It is about 25 ft deep too, so you have to work a bit.
This morning a gang moved out of an area right near ours here, so we have been over there seeing what we can pick up. We got 3 tables, a couple of cabinets, and enough lumber to build some chairs. We are really fixing up our little tent. It won’t be long in fact till we have more tables ect in here than we have cots.
While we are here we are going to try to live in as much New Guinea luxury as we can. If nothing else we will have some fun, and a lot of laughs out of it.
You said something in one of your letters about people telling you and Mom how awful and smelly ect it is over here. It really isn’t as bad as they make it. The only smelly place I’ve seen was Guadalcanal. It was a bit muddy and not too sweet smelling, but I am not there now, so I can be happy about that.
We find quite a number of things to get a kick out of. For instance, I’ve seen the Milky Way and the Southern Cross. They are some stars you can’t see from the States. Even though the weather gets bad for flying it is wonderful scenery. The big white clouds with mountains sticking up through them, and beautiful sun sets. There is a lot here to enjoy if you look around a bit.
Of course there are times when we (at least I am speaking for myself and I think for the other boys too) don’t feel quite so happy about being here. It gets hot, when it rains everything gets damp and moldy, the mud gets bad, sometimes we get sick of bully beef, and a few other things. If a guy wanted to just find things wrong with the place he could do so plenty, and be griping all the time.
We all grip occasionally, and so on, but little things make it OK. The movies we get. Even if we cuss them for continually braking while they are being shown, and are usually a bit old. Still it is entertainment. The big thing in most of the boys eyes though is mail. A letter from home can do wonders. Usually they are read over and over, but they somehow retain their same freshness even after being read 4 or 5 times. They don’t even have to have much news just to hear your loved ones ramble a bit about the little routine things at home is all that is necessary.
I am getting all philosophical here aren’t I? One might think I was in the dumps. I am not really. I am just trying to answer some of the wonderings of yours in that letter.
Nearly all of the boys are a swell bunch. There are one or two that none of us enjoy too much, but we just don’t pay too much attention to them. The ones I am living with now are “Eager Beavers.” That is why your lazy husband has been working. Those 3 make the rest of us ashamed to be lying on our sacks watching them work, so we have to pitch in and do some work on fixing up our home.
I had best be doing some work right now too. They are building some chairs ect. I will write more about this Heaven in New Guinea tomorrow.
I love you sweetheart. Always and all ways. Take good care of you for me won’t you? I hope your sore throat is all better too and does not come back again. I love you –
Love George?
06-20-1944
Good Morning Honey:
I don’t suppose you can picture your lazy husband doing any work, but that is just what he has been doing since he hit here. We have all been busy getting our happy home fixed up.
Yesterday we worked on fixing up a wash stand. We got a couple of steel helmets to wash in, and a big steel barrel to keep water in. The only trouble is that the barrel used to have kerosene in it, and still has a bit I believe. We tried to clean it out, but I don’t know how well we did.
We too it over to the well where they pump out the water for our showers, and pulled up water to wash it out with. They have a hole next to the well with a big pail, and a long tow rope attached to it. You let the pail down, and when it fills up you haul it up hand over hand. It is about 25 ft deep too, so you have to work a bit.
This morning a gang moved out of an area right near ours here, so we have been over there seeing what we can pick up. We got 3 tables, a couple of cabinets, and enough lumber to build some chairs. We are really fixing up our little tent. It won’t be long in fact till we have more tables ect in here than we have cots.
While we are here we are going to try to live in as much New Guinea luxury as we can. If nothing else we will have some fun, and a lot of laughs out of it.
You said something in one of your letters about people telling you and Mom how awful and smelly ect it is over here. It really isn’t as bad as they make it. The only smelly place I’ve seen was Guadalcanal. It was a bit muddy and not too sweet smelling, but I am not there now, so I can be happy about that.
We find quite a number of things to get a kick out of. For instance, I’ve seen the Milky Way and the Southern Cross. They are some stars you can’t see from the States. Even though the weather gets bad for flying it is wonderful scenery. The big white clouds with mountains sticking up through them, and beautiful sun sets. There is a lot here to enjoy if you look around a bit.
Of course there are times when we (at least I am speaking for myself and I think for the other boys too) don’t feel quite so happy about being here. It gets hot, when it rains everything gets damp and moldy, the mud gets bad, sometimes we get sick of bully beef, and a few other things. If a guy wanted to just find things wrong with the place he could do so plenty, and be griping all the time.
We all grip occasionally, and so on, but little things make it OK. The movies we get. Even if we cuss them for continually braking while they are being shown, and are usually a bit old. Still it is entertainment. The big thing in most of the boys eyes though is mail. A letter from home can do wonders. Usually they are read over and over, but they somehow retain their same freshness even after being read 4 or 5 times. They don’t even have to have much news just to hear your loved ones ramble a bit about the little routine things at home is all that is necessary.
I am getting all philosophical here aren’t I? One might think I was in the dumps. I am not really. I am just trying to answer some of the wonderings of yours in that letter.
Nearly all of the boys are a swell bunch. There are one or two that none of us enjoy too much, but we just don’t pay too much attention to them. The ones I am living with now are “Eager Beavers.” That is why your lazy husband has been working. Those 3 make the rest of us ashamed to be lying on our sacks watching them work, so we have to pitch in and do some work on fixing up our home.
I had best be doing some work right now too. They are building some chairs ect. I will write more about this Heaven in New Guinea tomorrow.
I love you sweetheart. Always and all ways. Take good care of you for me won’t you? I hope your sore throat is all better too and does not come back again. I love you –
Love George?
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Letter Home 06-19-1944
Monday 1600
06-19-1944
Hello Darling:
There seems to be a difference of opinion as to the date, and I do not have the calendar you sent me handy, so I will try the 19th. I am fairly sure it is Mon.
Yesterday I did not write, because we moved. They got us up at 4 o’clock in the morning. The plane we took left at 5:30. Then we had to wait around when we got here to get transportation. We finally arrived in the camp area around 10 o’clock or so.
After seeing about signing in ect. we had lunch. Then we spent the afternoon fixing up our new happy home. We had to go out in the jungle a bit to cut some logs for the tent poles ect. It took all afternoon to get it fixed up.
After we got it ready we had to go get our cots and mosquito nets and all. That took more time to get all that set up, and by that time it was just about shower time.
They have a well here, and a pump. They pump the water up into a big tank, and when it is full it is shower time. It is opened up and runs to three showers till the tank is empty. So you have to be there for a shower when it is running.
They have a schedule for officers and enlisted men. Each of them are allotted about two hours a day. It is some sight when 15 to 25 men out here in the open jungle are trying to hurry up and take a shower, especially when there are only 3 showers.
After supper I was ready for bed. I am not sure whether I would have written last night if we had lights or not. I know I was plenty tired. That was about the first real work I had done in a long time. Besides getting up at 4 in the morning. It was too dark to do anything but go to bed, and that suited me.
Oh I almost forgot that we also had a meeting shortly after supper. We met out Squadron C.O. and the operations Officer. They told us a little about their policies, and what we will be doing here. All we are here for is some more aerial gunnery. We are not permanently part of this Group. After we finish here we will be assigned to the outfits we will stay with. Some of us will stay with this Group, but most of us will go to other ones. I am still hoping to get in the 348th.
I was interrupted here to go eat. Speaking of eating, the food here is swell. It is pretty much the same food we got before, but they certainly can fix it better. It isn’t deluxe or anything like that, but we enjoy it.
I was about to say that I would have to quit writing, because it was getting dark. We did rig up a line for some lights today, but they were not working. Then all of a sudden just now they came on. They have a generator that is not very big, and it does not go on till dark.
All we get per tent is one 25 watt bulb, because of the small generator, but it helps a lot. If we had a radio we could not play it unless it worked on batteries. The guy that was in our hut back there that had the radio did not come with us. Probably when he comes he will live in a different tent, and we still won’t have any radio.
It is time for a movie we are having tonight darling. Do you mind if I wait till tomorrow to finish this story? I love you very much – always –
Love George
06-19-1944
Hello Darling:
There seems to be a difference of opinion as to the date, and I do not have the calendar you sent me handy, so I will try the 19th. I am fairly sure it is Mon.
Yesterday I did not write, because we moved. They got us up at 4 o’clock in the morning. The plane we took left at 5:30. Then we had to wait around when we got here to get transportation. We finally arrived in the camp area around 10 o’clock or so.
After seeing about signing in ect. we had lunch. Then we spent the afternoon fixing up our new happy home. We had to go out in the jungle a bit to cut some logs for the tent poles ect. It took all afternoon to get it fixed up.
After we got it ready we had to go get our cots and mosquito nets and all. That took more time to get all that set up, and by that time it was just about shower time.
They have a well here, and a pump. They pump the water up into a big tank, and when it is full it is shower time. It is opened up and runs to three showers till the tank is empty. So you have to be there for a shower when it is running.
They have a schedule for officers and enlisted men. Each of them are allotted about two hours a day. It is some sight when 15 to 25 men out here in the open jungle are trying to hurry up and take a shower, especially when there are only 3 showers.
After supper I was ready for bed. I am not sure whether I would have written last night if we had lights or not. I know I was plenty tired. That was about the first real work I had done in a long time. Besides getting up at 4 in the morning. It was too dark to do anything but go to bed, and that suited me.
Oh I almost forgot that we also had a meeting shortly after supper. We met out Squadron C.O. and the operations Officer. They told us a little about their policies, and what we will be doing here. All we are here for is some more aerial gunnery. We are not permanently part of this Group. After we finish here we will be assigned to the outfits we will stay with. Some of us will stay with this Group, but most of us will go to other ones. I am still hoping to get in the 348th.
I was interrupted here to go eat. Speaking of eating, the food here is swell. It is pretty much the same food we got before, but they certainly can fix it better. It isn’t deluxe or anything like that, but we enjoy it.
I was about to say that I would have to quit writing, because it was getting dark. We did rig up a line for some lights today, but they were not working. Then all of a sudden just now they came on. They have a generator that is not very big, and it does not go on till dark.
All we get per tent is one 25 watt bulb, because of the small generator, but it helps a lot. If we had a radio we could not play it unless it worked on batteries. The guy that was in our hut back there that had the radio did not come with us. Probably when he comes he will live in a different tent, and we still won’t have any radio.
It is time for a movie we are having tonight darling. Do you mind if I wait till tomorrow to finish this story? I love you very much – always –
Love George
Monday, June 7, 2010
Letter Home 06-17-1944
Saturday 1600
06-17-1944
Hello Honey:
I may not get this finished before chow, but if not I will do it later this evening. I did not write yesterday, because I had everything packed up to move. Then I did not go. Some of the boys left yesterday morning, and more today.
As I understand it when we do leave here we will not go directly to the Squadrons that we eventually will be assigned to. They say we are going to get some more gunnery first. Of course we never believe anything till we see it, so we are not making any bets till we get there and find out.
They boys are keeping a cat they picked up running in circles here. They have a long piece of cord, and the cat is having a fit trying to catch it. Everyone, including the cat seems to be enjoying it though, so I guess it is OK.
I got 5 more letters from you yesterday. Which reminds me that we should be getting our mail quicker when we get over to our new spot. That is where the boys have had to fly every time we got any. It comes in there. That should make life a lot rosier.
Your letters still come mixed up, and I can’t figure out for sure if you have been sick two or three times, or whether the letters were written during the three or four days you were sick. I finally straightened them up as best I could, considering the ones that are missing, and came to the conclusion that it was just one illness. At least I hope so.
One thing that bothers me occasionally is wondering if you ever got the clothes and money I sent home. I suppose you told me about it in one of the letters I haven’t got yet, and eventually I will know. How about mentioning it again just in case that one got lost, and put my musings at rest?
You mentioned getting a package ready to send me, and asked me to let you know in what condition I receive it. I will of course, and I hope it does not take as long as your letters have. Maybe the post office boys can keep track of something a little bigger than just a little letter.
I don’t think I could use our little radio here. Gould in our hut here has one, but it is a bigger job than ours. It is a portable one equipped for both regular current, and battery. It also has short wave reception. It does a pretty good job.
We can only get one Australian station ordinarily, but occasionally the short wave is working exceptionally well, and we get the U.S. We have even heard a couple of ball games. I remember one was with the Washington Senators and someone else.
The main trouble is the difference in time. The night programs at home come over here at goofy hours during the day, and at night here it is the wee hours of the morning at home, so there is nothing on at all.
However a lot of the big star programs like Bing Crosby, Jack Benny, Kay Kyser, Bob Hope, ect. are relayed through this Aussie station. I guess they record it, and then put it on in the evening here. Once in a while we notice during different programs that there is a break and then it picks right up with nothing lost. That is when they change the record. It still is the same program you hear though, and is usually pretty good.
I got you letter saying Art was home. I hope he got to see Dottie. By now Dottie must have been home too. Or was it the 17th she was coming. I forget at the moment, but I bet everyone has or had a good time while she was or is home! Confusing aren’t I? That’s New Guinea for you. (or me!)
One thing we hear a lot of is old songs. Right now they are playing “Deep in the Heart of Texas” I’ve heard many a song that I though I’d forgotten. A lot of them take me back to different occasions that I was with you. Such as sitting at home listening to “Elmers Tune”. All pleasant memories too I might add.
Here comes a re-broadcast program now. It is Freddie Martin’s orchestra on the Bandstand program. At least I think that is what he called it. Nope it is “One Night Stand” They just mentioned the name while informing us they were interrupting the program to give a description of another horse race in Australia. Every race is broadcast all afternoon. They must go in for it big around here, because they have enough of them. One good thing about it is that they usually have music in between races.
The race is over now, and here comes “One Night Stand” again. They interrupted it just as a song was being finished, and it cam back right in the same place. Evidently they just lifted the needle off the record while the race was on. They are now playing “You Gotta Talk Me Into It Baby”
Well rather than bore you any longer with a running description of a radio program I think I better knock off for now.
Before I go may I announce that I love you? Honest I do. Very much indeed. I love you
Love George?
P.S. I guess I must love you. Here I’ve practically written a book without noticing it. I get talking to you, and enjoy myself so much I just ramble on and on. Hope you don’t mind. I love you
G.
I do!
06-17-1944
Hello Honey:
I may not get this finished before chow, but if not I will do it later this evening. I did not write yesterday, because I had everything packed up to move. Then I did not go. Some of the boys left yesterday morning, and more today.
As I understand it when we do leave here we will not go directly to the Squadrons that we eventually will be assigned to. They say we are going to get some more gunnery first. Of course we never believe anything till we see it, so we are not making any bets till we get there and find out.
They boys are keeping a cat they picked up running in circles here. They have a long piece of cord, and the cat is having a fit trying to catch it. Everyone, including the cat seems to be enjoying it though, so I guess it is OK.
I got 5 more letters from you yesterday. Which reminds me that we should be getting our mail quicker when we get over to our new spot. That is where the boys have had to fly every time we got any. It comes in there. That should make life a lot rosier.
Your letters still come mixed up, and I can’t figure out for sure if you have been sick two or three times, or whether the letters were written during the three or four days you were sick. I finally straightened them up as best I could, considering the ones that are missing, and came to the conclusion that it was just one illness. At least I hope so.
One thing that bothers me occasionally is wondering if you ever got the clothes and money I sent home. I suppose you told me about it in one of the letters I haven’t got yet, and eventually I will know. How about mentioning it again just in case that one got lost, and put my musings at rest?
You mentioned getting a package ready to send me, and asked me to let you know in what condition I receive it. I will of course, and I hope it does not take as long as your letters have. Maybe the post office boys can keep track of something a little bigger than just a little letter.
I don’t think I could use our little radio here. Gould in our hut here has one, but it is a bigger job than ours. It is a portable one equipped for both regular current, and battery. It also has short wave reception. It does a pretty good job.
We can only get one Australian station ordinarily, but occasionally the short wave is working exceptionally well, and we get the U.S. We have even heard a couple of ball games. I remember one was with the Washington Senators and someone else.
The main trouble is the difference in time. The night programs at home come over here at goofy hours during the day, and at night here it is the wee hours of the morning at home, so there is nothing on at all.
However a lot of the big star programs like Bing Crosby, Jack Benny, Kay Kyser, Bob Hope, ect. are relayed through this Aussie station. I guess they record it, and then put it on in the evening here. Once in a while we notice during different programs that there is a break and then it picks right up with nothing lost. That is when they change the record. It still is the same program you hear though, and is usually pretty good.
I got you letter saying Art was home. I hope he got to see Dottie. By now Dottie must have been home too. Or was it the 17th she was coming. I forget at the moment, but I bet everyone has or had a good time while she was or is home! Confusing aren’t I? That’s New Guinea for you. (or me!)
One thing we hear a lot of is old songs. Right now they are playing “Deep in the Heart of Texas” I’ve heard many a song that I though I’d forgotten. A lot of them take me back to different occasions that I was with you. Such as sitting at home listening to “Elmers Tune”. All pleasant memories too I might add.
Here comes a re-broadcast program now. It is Freddie Martin’s orchestra on the Bandstand program. At least I think that is what he called it. Nope it is “One Night Stand” They just mentioned the name while informing us they were interrupting the program to give a description of another horse race in Australia. Every race is broadcast all afternoon. They must go in for it big around here, because they have enough of them. One good thing about it is that they usually have music in between races.
The race is over now, and here comes “One Night Stand” again. They interrupted it just as a song was being finished, and it cam back right in the same place. Evidently they just lifted the needle off the record while the race was on. They are now playing “You Gotta Talk Me Into It Baby”
Well rather than bore you any longer with a running description of a radio program I think I better knock off for now.
Before I go may I announce that I love you? Honest I do. Very much indeed. I love you
Love George?
P.S. I guess I must love you. Here I’ve practically written a book without noticing it. I get talking to you, and enjoy myself so much I just ramble on and on. Hope you don’t mind. I love you
G.
I do!
Friday, June 4, 2010
Letter Home 06-15-1944
Thursday 1100
06-15-1944
Hello Darling:
I think I’ve just got time to dash off a note before lunch. Not that I haven’t got plenty of time for anything these days, but I can’t afford to be late for chow. I might miss out on some good Bully Beef!
We have been playing cribbage most of the morning. I paired up with Baker, and we lost. Then for a while I played him two handed, and beat him. He gets so doggone mad when I do that. Cusses me for not getting the same good hands when we play together.
They had a jungle trip lined up for us this morning, but most of the boys skipped it! They were going in there without any food, and stay all day. There was an Aussie going along to show them what is good to eat in the jungle in case they ever have to take a walk through it. They figure that they would get more out of it if they actually ate some of the stuff. We have all been to lectures to see it, but none of us have tasted it. Personally I don’t want to till I have to, and I hope I never have to.
It is later now. In fact we just finished supper. Right after lunch Baker and I went down to the line, so I did not get this letter finished. His gun barrel had become a little rusty, so he took it down to the armament to see if they could clean it up a bit. However they could not, so I don’t know what he is going to do with it.
There is some program on the radio right now that sounds as if it must be this native lingo. They first started singing the song “The Deacon Went Down In the Cellar to Pray”, only they sang it in their own language. At least we think that is what the song was. The tune was the same!
I don’t think I have much more to say darling. Unless it might be to remind you that I love you very much. That I do indeed –
Love George?
06-15-1944
Hello Darling:
I think I’ve just got time to dash off a note before lunch. Not that I haven’t got plenty of time for anything these days, but I can’t afford to be late for chow. I might miss out on some good Bully Beef!
We have been playing cribbage most of the morning. I paired up with Baker, and we lost. Then for a while I played him two handed, and beat him. He gets so doggone mad when I do that. Cusses me for not getting the same good hands when we play together.
They had a jungle trip lined up for us this morning, but most of the boys skipped it! They were going in there without any food, and stay all day. There was an Aussie going along to show them what is good to eat in the jungle in case they ever have to take a walk through it. They figure that they would get more out of it if they actually ate some of the stuff. We have all been to lectures to see it, but none of us have tasted it. Personally I don’t want to till I have to, and I hope I never have to.
It is later now. In fact we just finished supper. Right after lunch Baker and I went down to the line, so I did not get this letter finished. His gun barrel had become a little rusty, so he took it down to the armament to see if they could clean it up a bit. However they could not, so I don’t know what he is going to do with it.
There is some program on the radio right now that sounds as if it must be this native lingo. They first started singing the song “The Deacon Went Down In the Cellar to Pray”, only they sang it in their own language. At least we think that is what the song was. The tune was the same!
I don’t think I have much more to say darling. Unless it might be to remind you that I love you very much. That I do indeed –
Love George?
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Letter Home 06-14-1944
Wednesday 1600
06-14-1944
Hello Darling:
I was very lucky yesterday. I got two more letters from you and one from your Aunt Martha in Mass., and one from John. Naturally I was glad to get all of it, but mostly I was interested in your letters.
Aunt Martha also mentioned Jack being around this area somewhere, and hoped we might run across each other some time. I already knew he was here from one of your letters.
Speaking of your letters, the ones I got today were #19 and 25. Or I should say I got last night. I got them at suppertime. Just before we went down to the intelligence building for some combat films. When we got back I was going to write, but first we listened to Bob Hope. Then of course there was a big bull session, and in the midst of it the radio quit and the lights went out. We waited for a long time for them to come back on, but finally had to give up and go to bed.
This pad I am using is another shipment of supplies we just got in. I got two pads. I don’t know if we will be able to get more later or not. While it lasts you will hear from me though. I also got a new supply of air mail envelopes, so at least for a while I won’t have to use Vmail.
In one of your letters you mentioned sending me some stationary. It would no doubt come in handy, but I don’t think you should include envelopes if you do send some. They would most likely just get all stuck together so I could not use them. And unless they were Air mail envelopes the stamps we get are stuck long before we can use them. A wonderful place New Guinea.
I was just finishing a book today that was all about some sailor that got captured by some natives on one of these South Sea Islands. It is a cinch it was not anywhere near here. Not from the description of such good looking specimens of humanity the natives were. All of them seemed to be big six footers, beautifully built ect. And the girls were all lovely. Well all the ones around here are very much the opposite. They are the homeliest, ugliest bunch of humans I have seen in a long time.
Tonight is our night to have a movie. Last Mon. night it rained, so most of us did not go. Evidently they did not think it was raining too hard, because they still had the movie. I for one do not relish the idea of sitting in the rain for a show and I doubt if I ever will. So I hope it doesn’t rain tonight. Seems like lately it has rained only on days when we have movies, but I suppose it really isn’t that bad.
That is nearly all of the news of the moment darling. I guess I will write to Aunt Martha now. She said she hoped to go to Mich. Some time this year. Perhaps in the fall, and naturally she wants to see you and your family. Seems she has a soft spot in her heart for you. Personally I can’t blame her.
You not only have a soft spot in my heart. You have my whole heart! I love you sweetheart very much. Take care of you for me –
Love George
06-14-1944
Hello Darling:
I was very lucky yesterday. I got two more letters from you and one from your Aunt Martha in Mass., and one from John. Naturally I was glad to get all of it, but mostly I was interested in your letters.
Aunt Martha also mentioned Jack being around this area somewhere, and hoped we might run across each other some time. I already knew he was here from one of your letters.
Speaking of your letters, the ones I got today were #19 and 25. Or I should say I got last night. I got them at suppertime. Just before we went down to the intelligence building for some combat films. When we got back I was going to write, but first we listened to Bob Hope. Then of course there was a big bull session, and in the midst of it the radio quit and the lights went out. We waited for a long time for them to come back on, but finally had to give up and go to bed.
This pad I am using is another shipment of supplies we just got in. I got two pads. I don’t know if we will be able to get more later or not. While it lasts you will hear from me though. I also got a new supply of air mail envelopes, so at least for a while I won’t have to use Vmail.
In one of your letters you mentioned sending me some stationary. It would no doubt come in handy, but I don’t think you should include envelopes if you do send some. They would most likely just get all stuck together so I could not use them. And unless they were Air mail envelopes the stamps we get are stuck long before we can use them. A wonderful place New Guinea.
I was just finishing a book today that was all about some sailor that got captured by some natives on one of these South Sea Islands. It is a cinch it was not anywhere near here. Not from the description of such good looking specimens of humanity the natives were. All of them seemed to be big six footers, beautifully built ect. And the girls were all lovely. Well all the ones around here are very much the opposite. They are the homeliest, ugliest bunch of humans I have seen in a long time.
Tonight is our night to have a movie. Last Mon. night it rained, so most of us did not go. Evidently they did not think it was raining too hard, because they still had the movie. I for one do not relish the idea of sitting in the rain for a show and I doubt if I ever will. So I hope it doesn’t rain tonight. Seems like lately it has rained only on days when we have movies, but I suppose it really isn’t that bad.
That is nearly all of the news of the moment darling. I guess I will write to Aunt Martha now. She said she hoped to go to Mich. Some time this year. Perhaps in the fall, and naturally she wants to see you and your family. Seems she has a soft spot in her heart for you. Personally I can’t blame her.
You not only have a soft spot in my heart. You have my whole heart! I love you sweetheart very much. Take care of you for me –
Love George
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