July 4, 1944 (to Marion Sneen)

Air Mail From Dip

July 4, 1944

S.W. Pacific

Happy 4th!!

Dear Marion –

Eh gads – I’ll bet you think I’m a cad, blaggard & a scoundrel for not writing! Well gosh, can I help it I had to go out in the field & play soldier for a week? But anyway I’ll catch up & make up for it – you’ll see.

What a week we spent out there playing war – the wettest week since we’ve been on this island. It rained for the first four straight days of the maneuver & then let-up to a slight drizzle. We were soaked from the beginning & wet at the end. Whoops – what am I saying! As though it wasn’t enough that it rained – on the first night a strong breeze came up – our tent came down. There we were running around in our drawers pounding tent stakes – rain coming down to beat h---, & knowing all the time that we were a week or more away from dry clothes. It’s rough Marion – don’t ever join the army!

But now we’re all very much happy again – got back day before yesterday. All my morale needed was a cold shower, clean clothes, & a hot meal. We lived on C & K rations all the time out there.

Today we’re enjoying the first real holiday since coming to this spot. We didn’t have to stand reveille this morning – nor do we stand retreat tonight & no drill. And on top of it all we had real “honest to goodness” fresh eggs – the kind with a shell. They’re also a “first” for us on this island. Guess they’re trying to make-up for the soaking we got last week. Think so?

Haven’t seen Lee for a fortnight now, but will try to get in touch with him either this coming Saturday or next.

Pardon this stationery, Marion, you probably recognize it as the famous “second sheet.” You’re right – I use it to save on weight, cuz my mother tells me my letters come with postage due. She wanted to send me some light stuff, but heck this typing paper is great. So, if you don’t mind –

Your letter of June 7th came while I was out on the problem, & yours of the 14th came today. I sure like your recent step-up in letter-writing – keep it up.

No – I don’t mind your leaving a letter for 20 minutes for something important like eating, but anything else is out.

I’m not letting my hair grow – in fact I’ll probably have it chopped down to ¼” tomorrow again. D’ya like it that way? I’ve had it short for so long now I know it’ll never be combable again.

Your habit of sleeping on the streetcar really tickled me. Can you guess why? Yeah – I do the same thing! At least one evening every month I used to have to walk or take a streetcar (if handy) back from M’haha Falls. My big error was getting too comfortable. I used to slump down & draw my knees up on the back of the seat in front. I’d start out in that position with the good intention of reading but soon discovered it was much more conducive to “end o’ the line” sleeping. I’m lucky – don’t have those “civvy” worries anymore.

Yes, I was home for about ten days as a brand new 2nd Lt. fresh from O.C.S. Didn’t you see me in my glittering gold bars – I thought I had flashed them quite thoroughly? Well anyway, Marion, there’ll come a day!

What do you mean when you say you were confused by my card folder from New Zealand? I don’t get it! I merely bought it as a memento of that fair country.

From the looks of the sketch, I’m sure I’d like the grey & white polka-dot dress & as far as dating you in it you know I’d like to do that! I’m especially fond of the wide shoulders & square neck – very nice. Marion you’re a clever gal! Don’t know if you knew it or not but I definitely favor the informal type of dress. I’d rather see a girl in a sweater & skirt than a formal any day. Am I crazy? I accept your Leap Year invitation for a date in that dress – how’s about wearing brown & white shoes with it – “spics”? O.K.?

Can’t take my fingernail polish off (inspection tomorrow) but I’m going to hit the hay. G’nite.

Love, Dip