6-28-1945

Dearest Mother, Dad, Toots & R
I was glad to get your letter today saying that you got mine describing my meeting with Don. Congratulations too, on paying up the house—that is really something to be proud of.
Something very interesting happened again along the lines that great minds run in the same ditch or something like that—
Anyway—to get to the point—Last night I was thinking how nice it would make the whole house if the window in the breakfast nook were larger—I also thought about it this morning. And then, and then I read your letter saying you are going to make it larger. That is a coincidence.
Well, I am going to try to see Don tonight but I am not sure if I can stay very long as I am due back in the morning. I think my orders will be here tomorrow or so, so I guess I will be going to another California City for a few weeks. I think it will be Frisco. The ship I hope to get is the U.S.S. Clay. It is a flag ship, the same as Richards is going on.
Well, must sign off—
Love, Bill
Xcuse the lack of letters lately
Bill

5-27-1945

Dearest Mother, Dad, toots and R.
Well, I am back at A.T.B. again so I will drop you a line and tell you all about our weeks work. We loafed a lot in between landings—but, when the time came to land we made up for our time of leisure.
We didn’t hit any port all week and we sailed up by Catalina Island & out past there quite a ways.
Our big invasion was Thursday at San Clemente Island—about 40 miles out. We had rocket ships firing, ships bombarding, & planes bombing all day long—of course they were working inland when our boats hit the beach so no one was in danger. I didn’t hit the beach because I was control officer & merely sat on an LCI directing the waves as they left for the beach.
All in all it was really swell. Monty Richards & I were together most of the time so we quite enjoyed that. Ship-board life is really O.K. It is just like a hotel or something like that. There really isn’t much difference in this & ship life except that you can’t go as far. They have movies every evening—ice cream in the afternoon & candy etc. anytime.
I saw Gordie & last evening when we came in and he said he really had enjoyed his leave. Said he saw Dad & was glad to talk with him.
I was also glad to receive your swell bag candy & 4 letters, too. I am glad you had such good luck with bus reservations & even-though it was a hurried up get-away you made it was, nevertheless, best. Sorry you all caught cold while in sunny Cal. But, I guess the change of climate was too rapid.
Really, I can’t get over the fine time we had in those few days. And I am glad you came when you did. The, I thought I would leave in a few days—but now we don’t know when. However, it is still only a matter of days or very few weeks. But, it wouldn’t have done to put off your trip because things probably would heave turned out different.
I’m glad you heard from Don. And glad he is O.K. I’m sure he has seen plenty & it won’t be long ‘til he is back here for good.
I hope to see Bob again today. I was going to D.D. But my blues are in the cleaners & I won’t be able to get them out.
Well, excuse this scrawling but I am trying to write on my knee again.
Hope you are felling fine.
Love
Bill

5-21-1945 Sunday

Dearest Mother, Daddy, Toots & Rhods,
It was surely grand to talk to you all again tonight. But, sorry to hear Shirl has been feeling “punk” –since San Diego
Please don’t feel bad about missing me tues—of course it would have been nice seeing you all for a minute then, but, everything else worked out so “perfect” that we must expect a little bum luck. No kidding, I never will get over what a swell time we had & I hope that soon (after the war of course) we will have a heck of a lot more.
La Mont & I will be on the same ship for maneuvers so we should all come along & see what we do but I guess that is impossible.
Please don’t worry about Don again You all know by now what the mail situation is.
Yes, I spent the Day with Bob. He is a good guy & we had a good time. We came out to my base to see a radio show & then ate in & town & saw San Diego.
Well, perhaps you are getting tired of reading this as I am trying to write on the edge of my knee & it isn’t too stable.
I hope Shirl doesn’t miss too much school & that she feels very well soon—pronto!
I am still enjoying my work as I always have done & I am sure Don enjoys his, too, just as much. So while we work, learn, & enjoy it please don’t you guys worry excessively. We both know—Don & I that we are protected & we both have the required amount of “faith” to back us up.
Best of Love
Willie
xxxoooxxx

5-1-1945

Dearest Mother, Dad, Shirl & R.
This is another Tuesday and it is really nice outside. It was quite foggy over the week-end but it is clear now.
I received your letter with the check-book in it and thanks very much. I will also send that other $100 as soon as I get it & you can deposit it too.
Well, over the week-end I didn’t do very much –I had the duty so I just stood watch.
Today Gordie T. is shoving off for home. He is flying and will get there tomorrow morning. He is going to buzz out and see you so you can expect him anytime. He is a purty nice fellow.
I am going to try to get up to L.A. again this coming week-end I would like to get up there a couple more times before I shove off.
I really had a good time last night--& I didn’t spend a cent for it. Gordie met me at 1730 on Fifth St. pier after my watch and we walked up town and saw a “Flika.” On the way back we hard a lot of sour music & stopped to see what it was—we saw a bunch of holy rollers really having a big time. They were trying to save everyone & were really having a big time. We watched it for about 20 minutes & then caught the liberty boat for A.T.B.
Thanks for sending my green jacket—it will come in handy.
I hope you are all O.K. & that you are having good weather now.
Love
Bill

4-21-1945

Dearest All;
Well, how are you doing by now? I hope you are all O.K. and that you aren’t mad at me for not writing very often—I know I should but I am so tired when I get finished every day that I just forget about it—it seems. However we will have a little less work from here on out so I will catch up with my writing.
We were out in the boats all day yesterday but it was cloudy and quite choppy so it wasn’t such a good day. We practiced coming alongside large ships which is sort of hard in a heavy sea.
I am glad you received a letter from Don—even though it was a short one.
I finally got my check cashed so I will enclose $400. I will send some tithing next week, but right now I want $400 in the bank all in one piece.
So Collins is in the Army Air Forces as an “air corps st.” The reason I accentuate the air corps is that there is a distinction between an army officer and a air corps officer. You see, here at A.T.B. we work with real Army officers from Infantry school at Fort Benning and West Point. WE work with them and they are real officers. Not like those adolescents in the air corps. Perhaps I’m not an old man but I handle my crews as well as any of these guys.
I also went to our little meeting here at the base—there were 6 of us there but we still have a good little meeting.
I was going to L.A. again this week-end but the weather is working against me. It looks cold & cloudy now so I will go to Tijuana, Mexico instead.
La Mont is back from a training cruise aboard an ATA (attack transport) and we went to a show at the Del Coronado Hotel last night. There, in person, we say Admiral Wilkinson & many other big Navy men. They all hang out at that Hotel—it is really a beauty.
Well, I don’t know how much longer we will be here but it will be a while anyway—
Hope you are all very well, as I am. I am getting fat—
Love, Bill

4-19-1945

Dear Mother, Dad, Shirl, Rhoda, and Mr. Neil,
Well, perhaps you are wondering why I haven’t written for a few days—and really, I have no excuse. I just realized this morning that it had been a few days since I had given a report. However, I went to L.A. as you know, & of course Monday I was very tired—recuperating from my trip. Then yesterday we were in the surf all day making landings and last evening I went to mutual at Hillcrest Ward. They had a dance afterwards—and after that Johnny Stokes invited Gordie and I up to his apartment for some chow. He is married to a “wave” and they only see each other about 3 times a week—but still keep their apartment.
He fixed some bacon & eggs and salad etc. while Gordie and I played records. Johnny Stokes’ father works in the Post Office. He told us his father isn’t too good a Mormon but John shouldn’t be judged by his father –he is really a swell fellow. He is in the Navy and has been over-seas for quite a while. Well, after leaving there Gordie & I were very tired so we came home—and then this morning I realized how long it had been since I wrote—so here goes.
Well, I spent a very fine week-end in L.A. While there I attended Wilshire Ward and saw Mr. and Mrs. Sims. They invited me to dinner Sunday but I already had a date with some very nice people—whose son is stationed here as a seaman. After dinner However I went to see Sim’s and I spent all afternoon with them. They are very fine people & they invited me to stay with them any week-end.
I also called Mrs. Hollen—the Mother of the Ensign that called me up when I was home on leave. They also invited me out but I couldn’t find time to go. He is an Ensign and so am I—we both have exactly the same command. Any way he would be a fine guy to work under.
Well, after a very pleasant Day LaMont Richards called me & we went to the station—and Home to Coronado again—oh yes! La Mont was there too. Well, La Mont & I got very good seats on the very crowded train because his uncle is a passenger agent so we had a purty good trip. I didn’t see much of L.A. but I got my “Social Obligations” cleared up so I can see it next time.
Perhaps that all sounds mixed up but I hope you can make out the “point” of the whole thing.
I received a very nice letter form Shirlee Herzog today so I will have to devise some tactful Epistle and air-mail it to her—keeps up their morale you know.
Mother, you asked if Richards will dictate to me—heavens no!
He is an Ensign & so am I—we both have exactly the same command. Anyway he would be a fine guy to work under.
I guess you are wondering where that money is I was going to send home—well, it is right in my pocket but the bulk is in a check which I am having one heck of a time getting cashed. You see, I don’t get off in time to hit the bank & I haven’t the initiative to go into Diego in the evening—but, I will soon—very soon.
I think I have put on quite a few pounds since I have been here. The weather is so fine that it agrees with everyone—and then, too, we are in the fresh air so much different from N.Y.
I certainly wish all of you could see the things that are going on here all the time. It is really wonderful. I am certainly enjoying my work and I know it is all very fine and necessary.
I was so glad to hear that toots is O.K. and that her check up was 4.0 I think she worries too much –But really, there isn’t a thing to worry about. We are enjoying everything we do & learning a lot. I wouldn’t trade it for a million bucks and that’s no lie. I am sure Don feels the same way, too.
Well, Mr & Mrs. Sims send you their regards & so do La Mont & Gordie
--me too
Bill
P.S. wish I could help “youse” with the house cleaning, but I am trying to keep my boats clean.
Best of Love
Bill

4-1945 (Monday)

Dearest Mother, Daddy, Toots, and Rhody and Brother Neil.
Today is really beautiful—the sun is really bright and the ocean breeze is really fine. You see, we are just a few yards from the water’s edge—so we hear the breakers all night. I surely am getting used to the ocean. I remember when I was scared stiff of those 15 foot breakers but now they seem like buddies to me—they should, we are in ‘em all the time.
I didn’t do very much this week-end. I didn’t even go to church—I don’t know why I didn’t but I slept in. We go to church every Friday here anyway. Boy, I surely wish you could spend a whole summer here at Coronado. It is the most beautiful place I have ever seen. There are palm trees all over, lilies growing wild and it is surrounded by the ocean.
I just hope Don’s ship come in here before I leave. CVE’s come in all the time and maybe his will be along.
The war in Deutschland is nearly over. But that doesn’t mean very much to us here. We still have the war to win in the Pacific. But, I guess it will be over much sooner now that we can concentrate on the Jap more than ever.
This amphibious work is really something. It is the most scientific of all the fighting units as you can see why it would have to be. Taking a whole army from ship to shore is quite a job and requires a lot of work besides months of planning and preparation.
Well, I hope you are all very well. I’m not sure how much longer I will be here. But it won’t be too long. Write and tell me when and if you are coming to San Diego. It would be best if you could come so that you would have a whole week-end—and the first week-end in each month is the best.
Hope you are all well-------
Love Willie

4-13-1945 (date difficult to read)

Dearest Mother, Daddy, Toots, & Rhoda; (& Mr. Neil)
I was glad to receive another letter, as usual from you today after a day landing thru the biggest surf we have had to land thru. It was really great sport trying to handle those boats in the ocean today. My face is as read as Elias Castle’s from the sun & wind & salt spray. However, I use some good face oil & it helps a lot—I hardly ever get a gad burn when I use it. In fact, I am getting quite tan!
Today while we were in the bay I had the disappointment of my life. You see, CVE 81 is here in repair base and while we were cruising along we noticed another CVE coming in from seaward. Well, I naturally strained my eyes for her and number & finally picked out an eight for her first. The second was quite blurred. Well, I thought that with #81 already in #80 was sure to come. (just hoping) Finally I figured out her number and it was #82—not #80. That shows you how probable it is that Don might tie up here. They come in everyday. I keep check with the CVE base and intelligence repairs, though, so I can tell when, if; he does anchor here. Maybe, I am too optimistic, but nevertheless, I like to be.
That was a very nice article in the paper about Don’s and my promotion. It was an especially good picture of Don.
I just came from a show here with LaMont & his very cute wife. He is a nice fellow and she is a bit conceited but O.K.
My room-mates are all down town so I am just kill time her until I “hit the Sack” .
I also saw Gordie again tonight He was going to pitch a baseball game for the L.D.S. team tonight—he is a very good athlete.
I am going to try to make L.A. this week-end. I surely hope I can get up there and take in Wilshire ward and all once again. Gordie goes up every week-end & attends Wilshire.
Well, I hope you are all very well and that Mr. Neil is O.K. Everything is fine with me and the war looks good!
Best of Love,
Bill

4-12-1945

Dear Mother, Dad, Shirlee, & R.—Mr. Neil also
Well, tonight we are all very gloomy because of the President’s death. It surely came to us all as a shock—it seems that no one had even considered the possibility of such a thing. However, his plans were all known by his cabinet and if they do their part we will still have his plan worked out. No one can say that he wasn’t a great man because he was one of the greatest.
The war news, However looks very good and it seems like Europe is almost finished—next will be a full scale job on The Japs and I really believe they will scare out sooner than the Heinies.
Today we had instruction in beach markers, ship to shore movement etc. This is really complicated work but it is very necessary and interesting.
No, Mother, I am not sure how long it will be until we shove off. It won’t be less than a month & it can be 3 months from now.—most of them have been 3 months. La Mont is shipping over about the same time as I so we might go as far as Pearl together. He is a very nice guy but a little different than Joe & George.
I haven’t heard from Shirlee Herzog since I have been here. I wrote once & will try again. If the result is fruitless or even slow I will try another (girl not better) as you know I am not very interested in anything except you guys, the church, & the Navy. But, someday I guess I will find some Female Fuze, but until then I will feel content with my Landing Craft.
One Ensign, as I have probably said, is in charge of a whole wave of boats (9 or 10) and it is a real responsibility but it is much easier to handle than I thought.
I received 2 letters from you today. Glad you heard from Joe—will send his letter back soon.
Hope you are all as well as I—
Love Bill
P.S. Even though Don is in Pearl he may not be able to let you know as that stuff is TOP SECRET—I will try and find out.

4-5-1945

Dear Mother, Dad, Shirl, & Rhoda; (& Brother Neil)
Well, perhaps I had better tell you of a very funny-yet good-experience I had last Sunday.
Well, I thought I would take in a little church so Sunday evening I looked for a church-I inquired around and finally a taxi driver told me he knew where the L.D.S. church was---so, I went there. Well, I went in and they were having a little fire-side discussion before the actual services. I sat down & started to listen to what they were saying They started talking about some delicate subject like the plurality of Gods or something like that & there seemed to be some who agreed with the speaker & some who didn’t. They began arguing back & forth & doing everything but calling each other liars. It really got heated—so hot that one person & her husband & two kids shoved off before the tide went out. Boy, I thought “what the heck is this church coming to”. And then I began to wonder if this was really a Mormon Church—I didn’t see how it could be, and yet they were talking about Joseph Smith the Book of Mormon, Pearl of Great Price, & Doctrine and Covenants. Well, I stuck out the session & then prepared to get out while the getting was good.
But, before I left a few people wanted to meet me---When they found I was from Salt Lake they asked me if there was a very large branch of the Reorganized L.D.S. Church back there. When I heard that I knew it was a mistake & I had ended up in the Reorganized Church.
So, that explained everything.
But, really, I have never seen such a lack of spirit in a place in my life. It was really terrible.
Well, this next Sunday I will find the right one and see if I can’t have a better time.
I am well & enjoying this place a lot. Thanks for mailing my uniforms. Gordie says to tell you hello.
I hope you are all well.
Bill
P.S. I expect to see Don’s carrier in this base soon, because they all come here at one time or another. There are 6 in now.

4-1-1945

APRIL
FOOL

Dearest Mother, Daddy, Shirlee and Rhoda;
Today being Sunday, Easter, “My Birthday”, and April First I fell “purty“! good! Thank you very much for the nice card—it came yesterday.
So far all we have done to celebrate my birthday is loaf—which is fine, as you all know. We slept thru breakfast and just got back from a wonderful chicken dinner.
Since I haven’t written you for a few days I will tell you what we have been doing—well, Thursday we were out on the water all day practicing landings in LCVP’s (Landing craft vehicle & personnel) They are only 36 feet long & carry 40 troops. The crew is 4 enlisted men & one ensign commands 9 boats so you see there is a lot to do. However, they are easy to catch on to, but it takes much practice for landing right. I did “purty” good & had a lot of fun.
Friday I went to L.D.S. services here on the base. There were only 10 of us there—LaMont Richards and I were the only officers besides the chaplain who is also L.D.S. It is really nice when you can do things like that. LaMont is the President & I guess they will make me his counselor. Gordie Tregeagle is also a regular attender but he wasn’t there for some reason Friday.
Boy, you can’t imagine how interesting it is on this station. There is so much doing that it keeps you busy watching it all.
We also have regular classes here in Leadership, lines & tackle, seamanship, & the regular line of stuff so you see my education keeps building up.
I received a letter from Don yesterday in which he said he was well & wished me a happy birthday. He said he was still in port and enjoying it.
You are probably interested in the type of duty we get out of here—well it will probably be aboard an AKA as officer in charge of boats. It is a very good job and very interesting.
From here we go to another such base in Pearl Harbor & we don’t know how long we will be there. It is all a very good deal & I am really pleased with the whole set-up
Well, I was surely sorry to hear that toots was feeling sick again—Tell here to get well quick so she can come to San Diego. I will write & let you know when it would be best to come if you still feel you want to—the transportation is bad but I guess you can make it. Write & tell me if you are still interest in coming to crowded Diego—would surely like you to come.
Well, thank you all for being so good to such a bad boy for the last 20 years and thanks ever so much for being my Mother, Father, & Sister, and I appreciate all you have done for me—I just hope I can live up to your expectations and maybe even make a success of myself in the future—But, seriously, I hope you all realize how much Don & I think of you & Love you ---
Best of Love,
Bill
P.S. Germany will fold up in a few weeks & It looks like Japan will too. At least all of the big officers her thing so.
Bill

B.O.Q.—A.T.B Coronada
San Diego 55 Calif

3-24-1945

B.O.Q.—A.T.B Coronada
San Diego 55 Calif

Dearest Mother, Dad, Toot, & Rhoda:
Well this is our second day and I can say that so far this is an OK. life. The food is marvelous—and we eat off of the plates etc. just like civilized people.
I went to see Gordie & rie geigle but he wasn’t in at the time—I’ll try again today. It looks like we will be here about 3 months so that is longer than we expected. The training won’t be very difficult but it will be interesting. We have every type of ship here you want and it really is fascination to watch them.
I still can’t get over the wonderful time I had home last week—no kidding, it was wonderful. I just wish everyone could have as good a leave.
This is a very beautiful spot and the weather is fine. A lot of sun shine and cool winds.
We have another chance to go into the air corps if we want but none of us seem to very “hot” on the idea. All of my room-mates are es-V5ers so the air Corps. is well represented here. One of my friends even has his wings but he was grounded for hedge-hopping.
I was disappointed in San Diego as a city—it is quite lousy and dirty. But if you want to come down some-time I’m sure you would enjoy it. I’ll look into the housing situation and let you know.
I hope all is well with you.
Everything is O.K. here---------
Love to you all ------
Bill

11-8-1944

(Ansbury Park, N.J.)

Dearest Mother, Dad, Shirlee, & Rhoda;
I hope you will excuse it if I haven’t written for a day or so, but I have really been on a “fouled up” schedule. I have a watch that is 4 hours on duty and eight hours off—in the eight hours off we have to sleep, eat, clean up, and everything else. It isn’t a hard watch or anything but just clumsy. I stand from 4 P.M to 8 P.M. and from 4 A.M. until 8 A.M. My watch is on he boardwalk along the beach. It is really beautiful to watch the ocean at night and in the morning. It really gets cold out there, too, but you should see the clothing they issue us. It is heavy canvas cover-alls and coats lines with an inch of wool & cotton with a fur collar. We also have heavy mittens, 7 hats with ear pieces that buckle under the chin. When you get all of that on you really are warm.
I don’t know as yet when we will ship out but I guess it will be a while yet. We have no idea where we will go but it will be East of Chicago, because there are no schools west of there.
I received another letter from Shirlee H. and she told me all about the U.of U. etc.
I also rec’d another letter from Don. He said he was getting along O.K. and that all is very interesting where he is and I imagine it is. I surely would like to be with him.
Well, I had better answer Don’s letter and a few others so best of Love and I hope you are O.K.
(This East Coast is Lousy)
Lots of Love
Bill
How is the election going—I hope it is for Roosevelt. (I think, However it will be close
Bill
I forgot to mention that laundry I sent home. Send it to the laundry, Mother, don’t do it yourself because it is too much work. Please keep it “all” at home because I won’t need it. I will also send some more “clean” gear so you can shove it all in that sea-bag and just leave it.
Well, lots of Love again
Bill

10-26-1944

10-27-1944
My Dear Bill—
We rec’d your dear letter which you mailed at Omaha and I suppose by this time you have just about arrived at your destination, hope you have had a pleasant trip and I am sure you did. We arrived home safely at 2330 after our short visit with you. Boy! It was good to see you. You sure looked fine and I am sure you are one of the finest little guys ever born. I am very proud you are my son. I am sure the next few months will be another grand experience for you and I am sure it won’t be long till you get your commission. Talk about a swell letter. I am enclosing it from Don—it came thru 5 days sent it right back won’t you dear. Boy! How I would like to be with him. I am finishing the driveway tomorrow, wish you were here to help me-but I’ll get it done O.K. Bruel is going to help me—take good care of my boy-and God bless you always.
Lots of love Dad--


Dearest Mother, Dad, Shirlee & Rhoda;
Well, we have spent 3 hours walking around Chicago—and what a dirty town. We got some good chow up town and then went out to the lake shore. We spent some time in the museum and the aquarium so we saw quite a bit. I also saw where Don was stationed—at the foot of Randolf street. It looked like a nice place. It was right on the lake shore & close to town. In fact we walked to it from the center of town.
We haven’t stopped very long in any place yet so I don’t know what the other places are like. We did see a little of Omaha but not too much.
As I said before, it was surely swell to see you in Ogden. We really enjoyed the cake and candy, too. I’m sorry Dad didn’t get that deer but maybe later on he will.
Boy, I would certainly hate to live out here. There aren’t any mountains at all—just flat plains. Hell, I would nuts living here long.
The news surely looks swell doesn’t it! The Japs should know by now that they can’t win but I guess they’re too dumb. Heck, if they sink many more of their ships they won’t have any Navy.
I talked to a radio tech who just came back from the receiving ship in the admiralty group. He said it wasn’t bad there at all. He said it is on Mosa or Mona Island. Some funny name like that.
Well, I had better go get aboard & go to New Jersey eh!
Hope you are as well as I.
Love Bill

10-25-1944

Dear All;
Please excuse the poor writing as this thing is rocking like a boat. It is, so far, a nice trip and I imagine it will be all the way back. Boy, it was certainly wonderful seeing all of you for those few minutes in Ogden. I have never been so glad to see anyone in my life. It was surely swell.
I read Don’s letter and I think they are the most sincere and “best said” letters I have ever read. He is certainly a wonderful guy and he is in a good spot. Of course he is in the Islands but soon he will be aboard a Navy ship. From the way he wrote in his letters he likes it quite well—as well as can be expected and he mentioned the chow being good—that is important.
Thanks ever so much for the candy & cake. I really am glad you were so thoughtful—it is really O.K.
Well, we are just pulling into Omha so I will mail these letters. The Ensign wants to meet Shirlee so I gave him our address—he said the next time he’s in Salt Lake he would call her up.
Well, as I said, it was certainly swell seeing you in Ogden—and tell Mrs. Furse & Uncle Sid and Aunt Tess & the gals thanks for coming to the station.
You all looked swell and I am glad you feel good. I wish you could all make this trip with me but as soon as the war is over we will all make it together that way we can enjoy it.
Well, I guess we are about in the station. Best of love to you all & I’ll see you again soon thanks again for the candy & cake.
Best of Love to you all, Bill
(I am writing on my knee, on my bunk, on a train, on a track so you can allow for the bad writing)

10-19-1944

Dear Mother, Dad, Shirlee, & Rhoda;
It was surely swell to talk with you all last night but they sure cut us short. Oh! Well, I guess a lot of other guys were waiting to call home, too. I was glad to hear that you are all O.K. and that you all feel well.
I surely wish I could get home to go deer hunting but I guess I won’t. I surely hope Dad gets a deer or some deer. I think he will—he usually does.
I am surely glad that I will be able to see Elsie this weekend. We get a good big liberty so that will be fine. How do you like all the good news—Boy, we are really giving it to the Japs.
I haven’t heard from Frank or Bob for quite some time. I surely hope they are O.K.
I received a letter from Aunt Lou and she said Freddy was still in Farragut and that there is a lot of sickness up there. Boy, I wish Mrs. Roosevelt had picked a little better place for a boot camp.
How do you think the election will come out? I think Roosevelt will win but it will be close. Dewey is really throwing a lot of dirt.
Well, I have another watch today so I guess I had better sign off. Everything is O.K. here and will continue to be that way.
Lots of Love;
Bill

8-25-1944

Dearest Mother, Dad, Shirlee, and Rhoda;
I just came back from Treasure Island after spending all day with Don. I helped him lash his gear (tie it up) and all in all we did a good job. He is now in what they call the “Bull Pen” –It is nothing more than a lot of barracks set aside for the men who are leaving the Isle.
Don surely looks swell, and that is the straight dope. He is also about the best fellow you could ever hope to see. He has plenty of brains and uses them a lot, too. I am surely proud of him, as I know you are.
I only wish I could go with him where he is going. I am sure, from what we know, that he is getting a good assignment. Of course, we won’t know what it is until he gets there and finds out himself. They don’t tell them anything—just where they are going and then they can’t tell anyone that. However, I know, so I will tell you when I get home. I would tell you now but it isn’t good to put restricted stuff like that in letters. It might endanger too many fellows.
I will be home Monday evening. I know you are anxious to get your “long lost” son home but I feel that Don needs someone of us here at this time. He doesn’t actually need me by any means—I only meant that it might lighten his load a little more if I were here. So I know you want me to stay as long as possible with him. I will still have a wonderful leave in Salt Lake so everything is turning out just perfect. I will have 23 days at home so that will be swell-won’t it.
Don is with a swell bunch of fellows—I met most of his close pals and they are good guys. He will have a lot of fun with them as he has done in the past. They are all petty officers so they get along fine. Most of his friends that left before are at the same station he is going to so the “old gang” will all be together again.
The fellows, as you could expect, are a little anxious and expectant but they are already planning their trip home—as Don is. He wants us to figure out a business to start in when He & I get home (which won’t be long) and we will make a success of it. He has some good ideas so I think it should work.
There are surely many great advantages for a fellow who is going overseas. Under President Roosevelt’s plan those men will be released right soon after the war is over, whereas, the one’s who don’t get over will form the Army & Navy of occupation—I would much rather get it over with now & not have to do it when the war is won. I am sure that every thing happens for the best and that Don will gain a tremendous amount of education, experience, and superiority over others by this new assignment.
Well, I had better sign off for now and go wash up. I will see Don again tomorrow so will write more then. We are fine & hope you are. We are really getting swell weather here which is a blessing. I hope you are all O.K. and I will see you at the station Monday night.
Best of love;
Bill

8-20-1944

Dear Folks,
Pardon the pencil, I am still out of ink.
I just came on watch again, I expected to be on draft this morning but I wasn’t. I guess that chief was just feeding me a line. I don’t think I’ll be on draft until next Thurs. now, which will be soon enough I guess.
Dear all—
Guess who!—well, I just found Don after a long search. I had almost given him up for gone but he is still around here and I found him. It seems like they don’t want him to leave Treasure Island.
I got a special liberty and managed to sneak on the train so I did O.K.
I have to leave tomorrow at 6:30 but any time with him is valuable. I will still be home next Friday so I will see you then . We are wll & hope you are—Love Bill
(Don) Well I’ll finish this letter now and get it off this afternoon.
Boy I sure was surprised and happy to see Bill Sat. night, I was afraid I wasn’t going to see him before I shove off. Sure glad you were all home yesterday, it was really swell to talk to you.
I rec’d four letters today, three from you and one from Bill. I’ll make out my bonds the way you suggested. I hope I am still here Thurs so I can see Bill.
Well I’ll sign off now, will write again soon.
I knew Fred couldn’t be a 2/c because they froze all rates sometime ago.
Love Don

8-18-1944

Dearest Mother, Dad, Shirlee, and Rhoda;
I know how you must feel about Don’s new assignment but I don’t believe it is what it sounds like, altogether. Sure, it is going over seas possibly, but, it won’t be actual combat for quite some time. His group will probably get to Hawaii or some other “South Sea Isle” to train and learn more of the job they have to do. His is a good, important job, and we all feel proud of him for doing as well in it as he has. He has been pitted against college graduates, highly qualified electricians, and so forth all through his training period—and he has come out on top. Another thing to consider is that it is what don wants—he is happy because it is what he has been training for for so long.
When I was in Frisco he was always talking about how much he wanted to apply his knowledge to the “real thing” and now that it has come I am sure he is more than pleased. Of course, it will be a great adventure for Don and a great experience. He never would have been happy if he had missed this show and I am sure I won’t .
I, as well as you, am anxious to hear where, when and what—but we know that that information is confidential so we will just have to wait. He will let us know just as soon as he can.
I go a special liberty approved today for Saturday and Sunday—so I might be lucky and see Don. I am up against it for reservations on the train but maybe I can coat the porter with a couple of bucks. I am sure I will get up there, and I think I will see Don. I received another letter from him today saying that his bunch had been held over for a little while longer so I think he will be there this week-end. If he is I will get all the dope first hand and let you know as soon as possible. I also have my reservation for SALT LAKE CITY so I will be there soon. You can expect me the night of the 25th on the Challenger. I hope that his time we will meet in the station O.K. If we do it will really be funny-won’t it. Don’t worry if I’m not on that train—oh, hell! I’ll wire you if I’m not so until you hear anything different I’ll be on it. (haha)
So Hubert is going over seas, too. I think I will be going to Middy’s school, too so I can do something worth doing. Hubert must really be a good officer—and I can see why. He is a lot like Don, sincere as the dickens, quiet, and very very intelligent. Both he and Don will do well in what ever they do and both of them will come out of this war with twice as much knowledge, twice as much experience, and the same amount of “faith”—Is say the same amount of “faith” because they both have a maximum amount of it—and that is what counts in the long run.
So please don’t worry too much –“all will be well” with Don, I guess even with me. So, until next week (when I see you all)
Best of Love, Bill

7-31-1944

Dearest Mother, Dad, Shirlee & Rhoda;
I got back from my “swell” trip to San Fran this morning at 0200. Boy, everything worked out just perfect. We spent all day Sat. & Sunday together plus all evening Friday from 1800 on. It was really good to see Don and we enjoyed ourselves a lot. I can also report to you that Don looked better than I have seen him look. He feels swell and eats good. We spent about $20 just on chow for two days.—I gained 3 pounds just over the week end. I weigh 140 lbs normally but I was a little more than that this morning. We also saw some good shows, good bands & a lot of sights.
It was also swell that we got a line straight thru to you. It really sounded good to hear your voices. I guess we were just lucky getting a call thru so soon.
Don took me out to yacht harbor and we watched an army amphibious landing maneuver for about an hour and a half. They practiced taking a beach there from a big transport ship anchored off shore about a half mile. Boy, I wish you could have seen those amphibious ducks (trucks that swim) –they just travel from water to beach like it were a highway. And then we saw an LCT (langling craft tank) pull up on the beach and dump off its cargo of air-craft guns etc. They had blank machine guns firing all over & it really looked like the real thing. I would surely like to be doing something useful like that.
Well, after that we went to a show at the Waldorf & then got some good chow at the Pig’ n’ Whistle & then it was time to go. However, I didn’t feel too bad about leaving this time because Don looked so good & felt so well. He is really O.K.
I hope you aren’t worrying foolishly over his next assignment. You know he will be O.K. wherever he is so why the heck worry, Worrying does no good but a lot of harm. The Phibs is a hell of a good outfit and it is an interesting one. They use a lot of good radio equipment & that’s where the R.t.’s fit in. I only wish I were qualified for it.
Well, I will secure for now—I hope you are all as well as Don & I.
Best of Love
Billy (haha)

5-17-1944

Naval Flt Prep School
Batt. 5A-44, Plt. 3
Wildcat Brks, Room 30
Calif. Polytechnic
San Luis Obispo, Calif

Dear All,
Well, this is the only time during the whole day that I can sit down and scribble out a few letters—or I should say notes.
Our second day of education is over and it is really a hard deal we’re in. However, all of the courses are very informative and we get a standing college credit for most of them.
Our physical training takes up 2 hours of our day and they really pour the coal on during that time. (chow-down-finish-later)
Well, I just got back from chow…it was really good. We had spare ribs, potatoes & gravy, bread & butter, milk, pea soup, corn, jello, pie, lettuce & vegetable salad, and an apple. That is one thing we get good here & that is chow & living room. There are two to each room & they are quite nice—nothing like Sand Point—However, I had a very good time at Sand Point.
As I said before, it was surely swell to see Don again. I am looking forward to a week-end pass as soon as I get settled & we will go all over Frisco together. Got to go study—will finish later.
Well, I just finished with my 2 hr. study period & I accomplished quite a little I now have 30 minutes before tattoo & taps so you can see how they account for every minute.
I guess you would like to know a little more about the set-up here—Well, there are 257 cadets and about 30 officers. It seems that there is an officer to every cadet & they are always watching us. We will be here from 11 weeks to infinity so there is nothing very definite about that. They are trying their darndest to wash us so everything is hard but it is interesting and I know I will do O.K. unless some natural indifference comes up—that can’t be helped.
They emphasize Navigation, Officer aptitude and Physical training. All of which are touchy subjects.
I am with a very good bunch of fellows & we all get along good together so that helps a lot.
Well, I guess I had better say good night to you all & I hope you are all as well as I am-------
Lots of Love, Bell
tattoo