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.