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10 April 1942

10 April 1942

Dear Folks:

This is one of those days that are conducive to letter writing and getting undone things done.  It has been raining since early and now a little after one it is still coming down and seeming to draw one’s spirit down too.  The other fellows are sleeping or writing or just shootin’ the bull over the war or what move we may make next.  Usually on Friday afternoons we have organized athletics but because of the weather is has been called off.

Got your box a couple of day ago.  It was knocked around pretty much but still intact enough not to lose the cookies.  The sweater fits like a Hollywood bathing suit and I’ve already broken it in with the past few nites on guard duty.  A piece of clothing other than a GI issue is like a new suit in civilian life.  As to my suits for a suit you to want to make for yourself take your pick—except the black one—unless that is the one you especially wanted.

My pocket watch seems accurate and the zipper bag is handy as a toilet closet.  I use it every day and have in it my toilet articles that I use to shave, etc.  Formerly I had to scoop them up in both hands and hope I didn’t lose anything on the way so it fits the bill well.

This coast patrol guard duty gets a little tiresome trudging in the sand five or six miles a night.  The OP (outpost) I am at now is housed in a little building with a fireplace and benches that was formerly used by some wealthy dukes for ‘picnics’ and steak frys after a swim.  It is of stone and set between two very large summer homes that are really swanky.  There are big places all along the route.

Guess we start getting our raise this month of $42.  Hope I can send home some of it.  We signed the payroll today.

Got an Easter card from Colson’s.

This is about all there is this time.  Los Angeles had a blackout two nites ago.

I would like to call you up sometime soon say about the 19th—Sunday about 7:30 our time (Pacific Standard Time).

See you in the next letter.

Love,

Harold Moss Signature
5 April 1942

5 April 1942

Dear Folks:

Suppose you are wondering what has happened to me for not writing so long but last week was a busy one with moving and guard duty and I feel off a little.

Last Wednesday thirteen of our battery were transferred to Carlsbad to join another battery in our regiment, to patrol the coastline.   It is about twenty miles from Escondido but a little closer to San Diego.  We are living in tents in a eucalyptus grove just about a mile from the coast back in the hills.  A nice shower room and washstand has been built so it isn’t so bad here.  Carlsbad is about a mile away and Oceanside about four.  We do guard duty six hours at a time, either from six until twelve or twelve until six at nite only.  Each outpost is dug out in the sand and lined with sandbags and equipped with a stove and charts, etc.  Ours sits on a bluff overlooking the sea.  Two stay in the dugout while two walk on patrol, our post is 3 ½ miles so we walk seven miles each nite.  Time seems to go pretty fast though, walking along the beach or highway 101 and watching the surf pound in.  In the afternoon we drill 3 hours.

Well today was big one on the calendar, being Easter.  I got up at nine and hitchhiked to Oceanside and went to the Episcopal church there.  I also took communion.  The church is right on the highway 101 in town and during the sermon he was forced to almost yell while a marriage party went by.  After church I hitchhiked back to my station.

Was in Coronado last Tuesday on a 23 hour pass and had a nice time with the folks there.  I talked to Dick again about the Navy and I believe he will refrain from joining.

Just got Dan’s letter and picture.  Boy, he’s good looking.  He shouldn’t have any trouble with girls.  Also got a card from the Colson’s.  By the way even tho I’m here at Carlsbad still address my mail to Escondido.  It will be sent out daily.

Haven’t heard from Kate for some time.  Believe she owes me the letter.

I just had Sunday chow a few minutes ago—peaches, cheese, cold meat, beets, coffee, and potato salad.  Pretty good.  Guess I’ll read awhile tonite before going out on guard.

Well another Easter has come and gone and for the first time I didn’t have to be particular about what I wore.  Everyone was dolled up in church and was the only soldier there.  Hope I’m not wearing OD’s when the next one comes around.

Sorry I didn’t write in time for the box but I know everything you put in it will be something I can use.

Love,

Harold Moss Signature

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