December 13, 1943

S.W. Pacific

December 13, 1943

Dear Mom & Dad:

Hello again! I hope by now you have received my letter which I wrote about 4 days ago & are not worried about me. Yesterday I just got two old letters from you which must have been bouncing around all over the area. One was dated Oct. 9 & the other Oct. 23. The latest letter I have from you is dated Nov. 26 & it came a week ago.

In my last letter I began to answer some of my back mail from you so I guess I’ll take up where I left off.

Thanks for the detailed financial report – I’d be glad if you’d let me have a reading every so often cuz it’s hard for me to keep track at this end. Besides it’s music to my ears. The next time I get to town I’m going to get a money order made out for about $50. That ought to put my total assets up around the $1000 mark – not a bad start toward my first million. Won’t be saving much for a few months now because as you now I’m back in civilization where we can use spending money.

I was interested to read about Byron’s marriage – will write him as soon as I get a little caught-up.

Yes – that’s some flashy stationery you have. Is that supposed to be Swany up there in the Fort bombing h--- out of berlin?

It certainly was a blow to hear about Micky’s illness. Of all the people that could happen to why did it have to be Mick & Lee – it really is a shame. Lee will be heartbroken – he was counting the days ‘till January.

I just had a letter from Roge Loper – did I tell you that he’s permanently stationed on Caledonia near Lee? He & Lee have chummed around a bit together & Roge really likes him. I knew they’d get along cuz they’re two of a kind. He mentioned Lee’s bad luck so evidently he knows the worst by now. Anyway I’m thankful that Micky has recovered.

Yesterday I got my first package from you (the one with the towels & stationery in it that had “Do not open ‘till Dec. 25th” on the outside) Yeah – I know I shouldn’t have opened it but honestly the temptation was too great. And besides I’m running low on stationery so I’m glad I did open it. Thanks – Santa – I can use those towels too. And another thing – it’s not going to be much of a Christmas for me cuz I’m O.D. that day & have to remain in camp. I had a very nice invite to Xmas dinner too – doggone it.

You asked if Roge was an engineer before he went in the service – yes, he was just 1 year short of graduating from Carnegie Tech. He took chemical engineering.

Say that was great of you sending Micky flowers at the hospital – very thoughtful. I really appreciate that because it’s what I would have liked to do myself.

Too bad I didn’t know Jack Shank was on Quadacanal while I was there. I certainly would have looked him up. I was only a short ways from Henderson field.

George W. wrote & said he had talked with Dad in the ticket office. Said he, “your Dad looks just as chipper as usual.”

And now for your last letter dated Nov. 26th. Gee – I was never so surprised as when I read about the Elaine – Dwight split-up. It was really hard to believe at first & still doesn’t seem quite true. I never could visualize Elaine as being anyone else but Mrs. Borne some day. I hope none of you feel bitter toward Dwight tho, even if it was a rather sudden & stunning blow. Those things, no matter who they hurt or how badly they hurt, can’t be avoided or blamed on anyone. Just one of those things. I’m sorry for Elaine, but I’m sure she’s sensible enough to swallow a couple o’ times hard & then carry on. Time heals all wounds & there certainly is plenty of time ahead for her, - & plenty of other fish in the sea.

It was nice that you finally got to see Dot, Arlo, & the baby again after so long. I guess Dot & Nancy were real life savers at Thanksgiving dinner at the Johnsons. Two little rays of sunshine in the fog. I’m anxious to see Nancy again she must have changed a lot since I saw her. I hope I can also see her brother the next time I get home.

Well I’m now up to date & have answered all your letters. I still haven’t told you anything about me but that can wait till tomorrow or the next day. I’ve a lot to tell & it’ll take a long time to write it. Too late to start on it tonight so you’ll just have to wait.

I feel wonderful & am having a wonderful time. I’ve finally wormed my way into the social activities of the battalion & get along great with all the officers. They’re a fine bunch. The fellow officers in “C” battery are especially “good Joe’s.”

Hope everything is perfect at home & be sure to have yourselves the very merriest of Xmas’s & the happiest of New Years.

All my love, Dorance