Bridge (cards) Archives

11 August 1945

Dear Folks:

It’s been sometime since I’ve written so I better settle down and get some written. Events have been transpiring fast and my morale has been improving. Last night I was playing cards when somebody ran down the streets yelling ‘turn on the radio’. We did and heard it say the Japs were ready to surrender. Although our battery didn’t take it hook, line, and sinker apparently the rest of the island did, because searchlights went on, and machine guns and anti-aircraft began firing, and the sky was colored with red tracers. It looked like a Hollywood premier. Although we know this may not be the real thing, something is definitely going on and perhaps this is the first step. The thought of the war being over is too much to grasp at once, and I know just how you would both feel if it is time.

Today I heard on the radio that a Jap emissary was coming here on a warship to discuss negotiations. I understand they want to leave the emperor in his position. Dad certainly called his shots good – Russia coming in and now talk of peace. At least it looks like you are quite the prophet.

Tomorrow is Sunday and I see on the bulletin board that an Episcopal communion [service] is being held at eight-thirty. I better go.

Last night after the excitement and after I had got into bed, the CO had a few of us in for some drinks. The first whisky I had tasted in ages, and it didn’t set too good with any of us. I didn’t feel so hot this morning and had to stand [during] inspection at nine-thirty. But we had the rest of the day off and tonight I feel pretty good. A pretty good show on tonight so I better go down.

A few days ago we worked an afternoon and put a floor in our tent. The first time I’ve had a floor in a long time. Well it makes pretty good quarters. We are having it pretty easy now, no wonder in the afternoons, but it’s almost too hot to work anyway. Played a little softball a few days ago and got a sore, swelled finger out of it. About as big as a weeny.

Men have been leaving every day on readjustment but they are still quite a way from my name. Each morning it looks like a railroad depot with guys shaking hands and saying goodbye. After living together for several years and going through operations together, you sometimes feel a little sentimental about seeing some of them go.

The magazines arrived – two big envelopes and a Free Press today. Also the mimeograph letters and styles came. Unfortunately the paper deal fell through, but we can still use them for other work.

Well this will have to do for another time. Sorry I didn’t write sooner but I’ll try to get on the ball a little more.

Love,

5 August 1945

Dear Folks:

Am burning up a little time waiting for a show so I may as well write. The show is ‘Blood on the Sun’ with James Cagney. Should be good. I’ve heard a lot about it.

Well today was Sunday so I didn’t do much. Went to church this morning at eleven, again tonight at six to a communion service. The chapel is something to be proud of – each Sunday it looks a little better. The chaplain now is a Mormon, and a pretty good one.

We also got paid today and I sent you another twenty bucks. Sounds like a few poker games are going now that some money is in circulation. I’ve been playing mostly hearts and pinochle nowdays.

Had a letter from Duane a few days ago. Wants me to be sure to see him – he has some pictures of Marge and the baby to show me. He also said Jack C. was going to get out of the Army – boy what a deal that is? I don’t see how he can do it. He always has it easy in his outfit and hardly know what combat is. Don’t let his decorations fool you – but when you see an Infantry guy or one like Dick you know they earned it. I heard a rumor today that all over 85 [points] would be off this island before the end of September. But let me warn you it is only rumor and I don’t believe anything until it actually happens. The CO told us again yesterday those of us with 85 would not go into combat and if the outfit left, we would stay. That is a big relief.

The other day we had a bunch of Okinawans come up to do some work in the area and they were all women. But how they can work, better than men. They are short and some pretty pudgy and most of them wear what looks like golf pants. A couple of young ones looked pretty cute but most look like the effects of a life of work and drudgery. Most of the civilians seem pretty cooperative.

Getting dark and that means show time so better get going. So until the next time.

Love,

4 May 1945

Dear folks:

Just received a letter from Dad this afternoon and before I do anything, I’m going to answer it. I’m about as happy as you were on receiving my letter on meeting Dick for I know the news would be good to you. Probably by now you have received my letter of a few days describing our afternoon visit. I know how anxious you become as you read the papers but it isn’t as bad as that for me. Last night was hectic and one I would like to forget. The Japs shelled us about all night and so I couldn’t sleep. Boy, that whistle is bad to hear. I’ve felt like sleeping all day but I want to be good and tired for tonight so maybe I can sleep through some of it. We sleep dug in and it’s as safe there as any place. I hope we soon have their artillery silenced.

Censorship has also allowed us to reveal a little about the Special Attack Corps or suicide Divers of the Japanese, those guys that make you pretty nervous when riding on a boat. This is about the only way they can hit anything. I have seen them crash dive ships and once saw a boat in our own convoy hit. That’s about the first thing we think of on a boat when we see a Jap plane. Some time ago I saw a little item in my paper that I picked up from Radio Tokyo. It said the 63 girls and a professor had cut off their fingers and with the bloody ends, prepared Jap flags. Later they were sent to pilots of the Suicide Corps who vowed they would wear them in their caps when diving into American ships. Kind of crazy huh?

As things look from day to day, both here and in Europe, I become more confident of returning home, so now I’m just praying I can preserve myself through this one and then hope my wishes materialize. Surely they must. Perhaps when I get home we can play some of the poker you mentioned—you know poker is a part of the Army. I’ve played very little myself but occasionally to avoid boredom I get in a little game.

Well, I think my foxhole colleagues and I plan to have a little home prepared snack from our recent stock received from the ‘old country’. The ledge on our foxhole is pretty well filled up with canned goods so will probably whip something up if it doesn’t get too hot.

Better stop about here for one more time.

Love,

17 February 1945

Dear Folks:

What a pleasant day this has been. After I got through today there was a small package for me and of course it was the pen and pencil set. It is certainly a nice and beautiful set. I will have much use for it. I am always writing or doing paper work. You are a good shopper and it’s exactly what I wanted, and Schaeffer is my favorite brand.

Also had a letter from Pat and she always writes a long rambling one that is really good to read. She wants to send me something. And also received the October issue of Reader’s Digest. Things are gradually catching up with me. Perhaps all packages will arrive before long. And also had a letter from Mom. I think I’d have a hard time finding that fellow you mentioned, it’s quite a job to locate anyone and tougher to get around. And as he is in the Marine Air Corps, it would be harder yet. But you can never tell. Was glad to hear Gramp is better and especially that the pain has subsided. But I wonder what they will do now – probably wind up back in California. With all the Red Cross work you have, I imagine you will be very busy. But I guess all the Mosses are busy now. How different it must be now from what it was a few years back when the care and maintenance of your brood was more than a full job. I hope it will always be easy for both of you from now on.

It will be suppertime soon and after that will probably drink a beer and play a little cards. Perhaps there will be a show tonight. Got another shot yesterday and today the arm is a little tender. Tried to get a refraction at the hospital a few days ago but they were too busy. I have one pair but you can never tell when you might break them. Well this is all. I wrote this with the new pen – good stuff. Thank you many times.

Love,

14 February 1945

Dear Folks:

Just enough time to write a letter before going to bed. Just finished a bridge game with two officers and luckily we beat them 1200 points. But we screwed up plenty at that. Had a letter from Jay Echelberger a few days ago, he’s a civilian in Los Angeles. Wants me to write him pretty bad so I better do it.

A few days ago got a hold of a nice Philippino bolo knife with a nice case and hope to get it sent pretty soon. But first I’m waiting to get you a pair of woven sandals. They look pretty nice and I’m sure you will like them.

I’ve been hitting darn good on the mail and don’t think I’ve missed one in a long time. You and Dad must be kept pretty much on the move to keep up with all your correspondence.

Nothing exciting has happened to me lately so in order to make up some kind of a letter guess I’ll have to make a commentary on some of your letters. In the first place question number 1, Aunt Bessie put in candy, some cards, some canned stuff and things like that. Last night I received your letter with Wylma’s address in it so thought I might knock her out a letter, but after I wrote it tore it up and gave it up for a bad job. And then I don’t know if she is a miss either. Sometime ago there was a deal that I was to be transferred to Group Hq as a M/Sgt but a change in commanders changed the deal. Yes I see Dan often, he isn’t very far away and occasionally he strolls in the office ready to talk your leg off and always grinning. Lately he has (been) bringing over stacks of Star-Heralds so I have plenty of reading material. So darned old though, I (have) known most of the news. I sure feel like you do about the Carroll’s and there’s hardly two bits worth in the lot. And I don’t think Margie is much better. And lastly I did faintly know the McVay boy although just by sight. Received a Free Press today and a picture of Ralph Curry, who was killed in action. Received a card and V-mail from Gram and Gramp the other day. Gram is so good to write I must write her soon but you let her know that I think of her often and always hoping Gramp will come through in good shape and soon be around well again.

I wished I could write more and make a newsy letter out of this but I’m getting sleepy and besides there isn’t anything more so just as well quit.

Love,

8 February 1945

Dear Folks,

Just unloosened my belt after a good meal and now before beginning a bridge game better write you a while. I’m in the mood and have some news. All day today I tore down the mimeograph machine and of course I had to get good and black as I usually do. I can remember you wondering how I got so dirty. I had parts all over but I got it back together and pretty good job too. After I finished took a dip and then showered. Feel swell now.

Yesterday three packages came—two from you and one from Mrs. D. A. Grove. Your packages were in perfect condition and everything completely intact. The birthday cakes were in very good condition not even smashed. Ate a little of them last nite and they are right in line with your good cooking. They were especially welcome now that the only eats before bed is what you get from home. In the other box was the Absorbine and olives and tuna. All came thru okay. I’m looking forward to some cake and beer tonight after the show. Of course as always when I get a box from home I get sentimental as the devil and catch a tear coming loose. Mrs. Grove sent me a lot of candy and small stuff. I must write her very soon. And today two letters and 4 Free Presses came. One was a Valentine card from you two and one a letter from Dad. The Free Presses were fairly recent—last November. Perhaps all of our second class (mail) will now arrive.

Finally found two bridge players for me and my partner so tonight will have a game. Probably make a lot of boners. A few of the officers play and I hope we can play them sometime.

I was a little surprised to read about what Dad had to say about the Helmicks and if that’s right I hate ‘em too. If he has no feeling for the war effort I would like to personally slug him but hard. I wish to hell he could get over here for a while and see what the hell’s going on. I have no use for anyone who doesn’t know there’s a war going on. Perhaps he should get a look at some young kids lying in a ditch all blown to hell, he’d change his mind. I’m working to a boil—better slow down.

Had a letter from June a few days ago and I’ll bet she’s very lonesome.

One day my hopes go up for rotation and the next time they go down so I’m staying noncommittal. Today took my hopes up again as I understand all over 30 months are being reported. I complete 30 next month, but I can’t imagine me going home. Just too good to be true. There are no furlough quotas.

I guess this is all, better shape up for the show and bridge game. Boy I’m getting to be a terrible writer. Get in too much of a hurry. Thanks again for the boxes and let’s hope next Christmas you won’t have to send any.

Love,

24 January 1945

Dear folks,

It’s about a half an hour before mess and I’m taking it easy now after cooling off in the creek so I’m in a good mood to write. Occasionally a Jap will be found at the river, but we don’t worry much about it. The day before yesterday we killed one. He was in terrible shape and weighed probably about 65 pounds, probably had been living on coconuts and grass. One more good Jap.

Well today and yesterday were occasions for a few small pleasures, as pleasures are measured over here. Probably first on the list is the fact that we had steaks yesterday. Pretty good, and the whole meal was excellent. In conjunction we had butter that doesn’t melt —in other words fresh butter. All meant a great deal. And last nite we popped some corn that the Grove’s sent me and poured that good butter over it. And also we got an issue of 12 bottles of beer and of course it went well with the corn. Quite a treat. And while I was munching away, I had three swell letters to read–two from Mom, one from Dad. They were full of clippings which of course I always enjoy. And the nite before that received a fat letter from Mona containing the Christmas Day pictures. Boy they were really good—and I had to show them around. I’m still looking at them often. So yesterday was slightly memorable. No packages have arrived yet and I want them plenty bad. Surely they will come soon unless the boat they were on was sunk.

I was especially glad to hear Dad had gotten his Purina deal through and from all I can judge from where I am, it smacks of a good solid business. Of course you are welcome to use my funds if you desire.

I know the car you bought will come in handy. You know [it’s hard to believe] I will be home someday and I can find use for it. With Phil’s, yours, this one and the ‘T’ you must have the place looking like a used car lot.

Well now I’m going to dig out your letters and see what I can write about. First off church–it would seem just as good to me to enjoy the quiet atmosphere of our own church. I never before realized the dignity and background of our church before, and the thoughts of what religion can be, really help me, especially in situations of this kind. You can actually realize that there is something far greater than mortals.

And here in the middle of this page something good again, I’m really rating on the mail deal. A letter from Dad and one from Mrs. Dick. Her letters are a remarkable reflection of her life and her orderly ways. At the end she quoted a very inspiring passage. Her letter was indeed a good one and that’s an understatement.

Well I just finished chow and now I can get back to writing. A light meal but we have a ‘special’ planned for tonight. Bananas and cream and sugar–how I’m looking forward to it.

Last nite slept pretty good but a damned Jap plane kept circling over so I had to keep one eye open. More nuisance than anything else.

Thoughts of Johnny Hirasawa put me hot all over. The guts of the guy to enjoy our privileges and then join the Jap army as an officer. His guts will end up a grease spot for the vultures to have.

I’m glad the War Department sent you the picture of Dick. My last letter from him indicated he was feeling better and enjoying himself as much as possible.

I especially liked the shot of the table with the candles and dishes. Gee how wonderful it would have been to have enjoyed it together, but the longer I am away the greater our enjoyment will be at some future time. I hope you will soon receive a telegram from me stating I’m homeward bound. Although it’s bad to be unduly optimistic I feel the end of the European war will institute many changes. Actually I hope I won’t get a furlough but will get back on rotation. Furlough entails coming back while rotation will mean sometime in the states. The letter enclosed is an exaggeration, but nevertheless a glimmer of the truth of how we have developed army habits and how we must re-adapt. Read it over—it should pull a laugh.

Our bridge games are no longer. No players so I’m probably pretty rusty. All these birds play is pinochle.

Every evening has meant a listen to the news and the remarkable Russian drive. The last report I had was that they were 145 miles from Berlin. Surely the Germans can not long resist these pushes. We will soon be celebrating the end, although to us here, although it will be a great bit of news, it will just be another day. Also heard tonight that we are 40 miles from Luzon. Undoubtedly the Philippine campaign is being regarded as past, contemplating greater moves.

I just opened a beer and it is really good. I must ration them to make them last.

Well I’m getting writer’s fatigue so I’m going to lick my chops and get ready for our tent. I believe this letter will reflect our good spirits and we compensate for those that were the other way. Keep my mail up-you are doing great. I am especially awaiting the moccasins and the lighter. They will feel good after taking off these heavy GI’s. I guess this is all. Believe what Mrs. Dick told you for I do myself and someday this will only be something for reflection and an inspiration to do all I can to avoid future debacles.

Love,

11 January 1945

Dear Folks:

Just finished a pinochle game then wrote a letter to Dick and after writing to you I’ll about be ready for bed. Get a pretty good night’s sleep too – last night took an amatol and slept soundly. We have cats, so keep off the damp ground, and the evenings are pretty cool. All I worry about is a Jap sneaking in but of course that is watched closely. Didn’t work too hard today, still feel a little groggy but steadily improving.

Two letters came in tonight one from Gram and one from Washington. It must be an effort for Gram to write and its swell of her to do it. Glad to hear Gramp is going to Omaha – perhaps they can do him some good. I should write to June soon – I’ll bet she’s pretty blue and busy as hell with her children. Better write Loyd too.

From the tone of Dick’s last letter he sounded in pretty good spirits so I think he’s alright and probably enjoying what he is doing. He’ll make out okeh.

The natives have been working around the area cleaning up and helping get (everything) arranged. Each one has a bolo knife and with that he can do practically anything – build a house, get a dinner, build a boat or what have you. The girls do our washing and do a pretty good job too, but they always want soap.

I’m fine, have a slight cold, and am getting used to the place. Will write again soon. The bill is a Jap money used when they were here. It is worthless now. A peso is equal to fifty cents of our money. Am getting used to saying guess and centavo now.

Love,

30 December 1944

Dear Folks:

I hope you will excuse all the V-mail I have been using lately but I haven’t much stationery and then this has to travel a hell of a long way, and I think this is the surer and faster way. Had a letter from Dad tonight and good and interesting as ever. You were discussing Dick and his post war future and so I thought I’d write about what I might do. Dreaming of when I get back and what I’ll do is a very important part of my thoughts and I have a lot of time to put to them. I think the first thing is to take a good, independent, lazy rest, with nothing to do. And after that I want to take advantage of this education deal. But when I arrive at the conclusion that this is what I’ll do, I think I ought to get started in something but then I think the best way to do this is to go back to school and pitch in like nobody’s business and get all I can out of it. Of course I’d like to get married too – I’ll probably be thirty before I can get around to it. I was almost a kid when I came in this army but here I am 26 already and will probably be twenty-eight when it’s over. Although I’ve been travelling around quite a bit, I think I’d like to take a honeymoon in Mexico or Panama or Brazil. What do you think of all this? On your letter today I noticed you are still using APO 969 – I thought by now you would surely have my new APO of 235. It’s a fairly nice evening here tonight and pretty quiet. It’s just a littler after supper and some of the boys (are) playing cards and others listening to the GI radio. On this radio we can get almost any station in the world and we listen to the bull from Berlin, London, Tokyo and Japanese controlled China. Australia also has some good programs. After it gets dark there is little to do for there is a pretty rigid blackout and the Japs might come flying over looking around. My work has been going at a good pace and it seems to me the administrative work of the army is increasing. Lugging our typewriters, field desks, and records we sometimes get a rib from the other sections but just the same plenty will depend on these records in the future. I have been thinking of increasing my allotment, but believe I will send treasury checks from ‘Frisco so if you get one it’s from me. There is almost no way to spend money here and lugging it around, it might get misplaced. That is one good aspect to this situation. From where I sit, it looks like the Philippines are shaping up for a good loss for Japan. At the first I guess it was a little tough but things are coming around. The Japanese on the radio are admitting the situation is becoming very serious. I hate the guts of every Jap. One morning a Jap came around the area and he was blasted in a hurry. They’re sneaky as hell. In these grass huts that were burned usually there is several burned, crisp Japs lying around. Some of them are very gruesome, as you can probably imagine. You can certainly tell when any dead ones are around but the terrific stench – boy it’s something awful. Well it’s beginning to get a little dark, so guess I’ll finish off the evening by listening to the radio and maybe some of that good stuff from the ‘old country’. I read about guys getting home everyday but it doesn’t seem to come this way. The same routine every day, and the slim prospects of getting back on furlough sometimes darken my outlook but it will come some sweet day, and like Mom (said), that will be Christmas no matter what day it is. Yesterday we had an issue of four bottles of beer, but don’t worry about us getting too much. I believe this is it for tonight – tomorrow night is New Year’s Eve – wow here is 1945.

Love,

20 November 1944

Dear Folks:

I’ve let up on my writing this week for no good reason, so I better resolve to do something about it tonight. I’ll pull up a bottle of beer and maybe I can think a little better. Dan Gettman came in just a few minutes ago, bringing with him an armful of Star Heralds that I was anxious to read. I glanced over them briefly but will read them more carefully tomorrow. The latest one is dated September 8 so the news isn’t very current although it’s all interesting. Yesterday four old Free Presses caught up with (the mail) and I’ve still got them stuck under my pillow to read over a few times more before they find their way into the wastebasket. Well getting papers means also that some packages, the first in several months, came, and I received one from you marked Box 1 on the cards. The popcorn was the first I’ve seen since leaving Oahu, and tonight we plan to pop it after the show, if we can mooch a little butter from the kitchen. We have a small one burner stove that we cook on when the kitchen isn’t operating, and I think the pot will be large enough to do the job. And for supper tonight I enjoyed the olives. You know how I love ‘em, and of course I almost made a meal of them. The mess sergeant just came by and said I could get the butter so we’re set. On the humorous side, the can of Vienna sausages has made me the brunt of several jokes. You see Vienna sausages are about as common on the menu as Spam, and served as often. And knowing the jokes connected with Spam you can see what they’ve been saying to me. But then you couldn’t know about that. But that’s alright you know I can still use them. Quite a sizable shipment of boxes came in so everyone is enjoying eats of some kind or another.

Had a letter from Bill E and one from Glen last week and both of them seemed to like the high life they saw in Paris. At least those guys over there are around people that are about like us and not so foreign to them as the Japs. I see a Jap plane is to be displayed at the County Fair-I wished you would have seen all the ones I did, wrecked ones, that is.

Saw the show “Bathing Beauty” last night and if you saw it too you know the howling that must have gone on. I’d like to see more like it-no army or war in it. Two nights ago a military band came over for a concert, but they were a pretty sick crew in my estimation.

I don’t know what I’m going to write about now, not much exciting has happened. Washed out some clothes and other ‘unmentionables’ as the women say, and then after supper went up to hear the news. From the Philippine station, I heard mention of Arthur Veysey, who used to report for the Star Herald now with the AP, I believe. I can imagine how tonight the guys down there are having it and I hope it is ended before long. Noticed in the Star Herald that Shirley Heldt is married, she had weak knees over J. Conklin for a time. Haven’t played much bridge lately, but would like to get going again. Our cards are getting pretty do-eared, but as long as we don’t lose one we’ll be alright. Pinochle seems to be the big game around here but I’m not interested in it very much. You should get two bonds sometime in November for September and October-they have a new deal on now-sent only when we get paid so if they don‘t come for a month you will know I didn’t get paid. Think I’ll get a couple of GI bonds too. Haven’t heard from Dick for some time-I’ll have to get on him and make him write a little. Would certainly like to see him again. About a week ago we started giving classes in shorthand to the clerks, but I don’t think the effort will be successful. It takes too long and requires too much practice. Don’t use mine much anymore but dabble around once in a while. Was reading in the Star Herald about the university courses-sounds good and how I’d like to be in some of it. I’ll bet I wouldn’t do any fooling around this time and I‘d get down to brass tacks. I didn’t loaf while I was there but I’d get more done the next time. The last few days have been corkers-rained all the time-got everything damp and put mud all over. Aired out a few things today so they won’t mold.

I guess this is the last act-can’t dig up anything more so guess I’ll have to quit. Think I’ve put on a pound or two lately and feel fine. Keep the home fires burning and in church every Sunday when they pray, you add ‘and I hope he gets a furlough’. Thank you so much for the box, and I hope the next ones won’t be far off.

Love,