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