WAR LETTERS - 1944

Footnote asterisk icon

The log entries from Dad's notebook for
January through March, 1944.

Sunday, January 2, 1944
"Passed by Naval Censor" – USS Gatling, Fleet Post Office San Francisco, CA

Dear Mom & Dad:

Suppose you’ve been wondering where I’ve been keeping myself. Well I’ve been here all the while see? But just too busy to write is all. I’m OK but as usual lonesome for a certain little you know who.

Suppose you’re enjoying some nice cold and snow now. Sure wish I could be there to take in some of it too.

This is a new year. Wonder what it has to bring us. Hope its peace real soon. It’s Leap year too. Wonder who will be our new President? Ha Ha. Yes I wonder. I can vote too now can’t I? But for who? Well at any rate it hasn’t got me worried any.

Hope I receive some mail soon, it’s been a long time since I heard from you, nearly a month.

Had a liberty here the other day but didn’t do anything but take in the sites in the city and eat a chow. Just something to get away from this for a while.

Hope this finds you all well at home & hope to hear from you soon. There isn’t any news here or any letters to answer so I’ll close for now.

So Long All,

Love, Teddy

Wednesday, January 5, 1944
"Passed by Naval Censor" – USS Gatling, Fleet Post Office San Francisco, CA

Dear Mom & Dad & all:

Just a few lines to let you know I’m still OK.

Received a letter from mom the other day, one from Herby & Erwin, and two from Julia. So I heard from a quite a few no. Your letter was a "V" mail of Dec 14th.

There isn’t much news here that I can write so before I get too far “Happy Birthday Father”. Guess it will be kind of late for that and I’m sorry I couldn’t send you something even a card.

I’ve went on two libertys here since I’ve been here but not much to do. Just look the place over & get some thing to eat. Next time I go over I want to go to the Lutheran Service Center. I see in the little book I have that there is one over here.

From what I could gather from Julia’s letters you had the flu. I’m sorry to hear that and I hope you got over it OK.

Its pretty cold back home now I guess. Gee here you would think (page is torn off, maybe censored?)… but just to be home now would suit me fine & how.

I do hope Julia will get along OK at home there, please do all you can to cheer her up.

I sure would like to go to church some time. I haven’t been in so long a time and it seems I won’t be either for a while.

Well, I must close & write Herby yet a line or two yet so I hope this finds you all well at home.

Hoping to hear from you soon I’ll close & remain

Your Loving Son,

Teddy

Hello Paul. Write some time. How's school? Take good care of Julia. Your big brother, Teddy

Thursday, January 6, 1944
V-Mail – Passed by Naval Censor

Dear Mom & Dad:

Just a few lines tonite to let you know I’m OK. I got two of your V mail letters today from Dec 21 & 25 but none from Julia. So when you write from now on write “V” mail or airmail. I’ll get them better. Aunt Frieda wrote me too and sent me Ernie’s address for which I asked and she said he’s now Staff Sgt. Doing alright isn’t he?

Yes that was nice hearing from all of us at Christmas, next year we’ll all be home, we hope.

You sure have been making a lot of trips to Snobles lately and it seems you’re enjoying it. Thanks! It does mean a lot to me to know you are so nice to Julia. I’m very thankful to you for what your doing.

Well I must close so I hope this finds you all well. Hope to hear from you soon.

So Long, Love Ted.

Hello Paul

Saturday, January 15, 1944
"Passed by Naval Censor" – USS Gatling, Fleet Post Office, San Francisco, CA

Dear Mom & Dad:

Received your letter from Jan 4th and guess I’d better drop you a few lines. As usual there isn’t any news here that I can write. I’m OK and in general feeling fine.

Received Julia’s fruit cake too & boy was it good too, the whole gang sure liked it. I got a box of caramels from Lucille too, a Xmas card from Snobles and Dorothy and a letter from you and Julia. Julia’s letter was a month old.

I’m sure glad to hear that Herby is on this side again or I should say in the US again. I hope he gets his leave. Conrad is still not well. Gee I didn’t think he was that sick. I hope he gets better and soon.

They just piped turn to so I’ll be going. Hope this finds you all well.

Write soon, Love Teddy

Hello Paul

Saturday, February 5, 1944
"Passed by Naval Censor" – USS Gatling, Fleet Post Office, San Francisco, CA

Dear Mom & Dad & all:

I haven’t written any letters in a long time and now there may be a chance to mail some so I’ll write you. I’ve just written Julia a few lines, not very much but about all I could so I guess I’ better write you too. I’m in good health as always and I aim to always be too.

There isn’t much I can write as usual. I sure hope we receive some mail soon. I sure could go for some.

Where is Erwin now. I’ve never heard from him since I saw him. Did Herb get a leave? Boy he had one coming, no?

I hope this finds you all well. And I also hope to be with you soon. Tell everyone hello from me and I’ll write more when I can.

So Long and Love, Always, Teddy

Friday, February 11, 1944
Somewhere in the Pacific – "Passed by Naval Censor" – USS Gatling, Fleet Post Office, San Francisco, CA

Dear Mom & Dad & all:

Received a letter from Mom today the first in a month, it was a V mail from Jan 6. I also got two from Julia, two from Erwin and one from Herby.

There wasn’t any news in your letters but the part where you said you’d stand by Julia I liked that, Thanks Mom. It’s nice when I now that you will stand by her and make life nice for her at home. I’m so very thankful to you for letting her stay there at home. I hope before too long to come home and take over like I want to.

As usual there isn’t any news here only that I am OK. That’s all I can say.

I sure hope Herby got to come home as he planned to. I suppose it’ll be that long too before I will get back.

Well I guess this is all for now. Will write again soon.

Hello to everyone at home.

Love, Ted

Footnote asterisk icon

Operation Hailstone, 17–18 February 1944, was a massive United States Navy air and surface attack on Truk Lagoon conducted as part of the American offensive drive against the Imperial Japanese Navy (IJN) through the Central Pacific Ocean during World War II.

Saturday, February 26, 1944
Somewhere in the Pacific – "Passed by Naval Censor" – USS Gatling, Fleet Post Office, San Francisco, CA

Dear Mom & Dad:

It’s been some time since I have written you but there just isn’t anything to say. I haven’t received any mail either since last time I wrote so no letters to answer.

I am fine as ever but am getting tired of the climate. How is everything at home? Just as usual I suppose. Did Dad ever finish the garage?

Gee am I ever behind in letter writing. I haven’t written anyone but you & Julia since I left the USA. Guess I better write my brothers pretty soon.

How is grandfather getting along? Have you seen him lately? I haven’t had any news or letters from any one at home for so long it’s hard to keep it up in my mind how it is there.

The first thing I want to do when I get a chance is take a bath and get in a bed with real white sheets & a thick mattress. Boy that will really be a treat & then sleep for a week. So if I ever get home I’ll expect it. Ha! Ha!

Well I hope this finds you all well at home.

Tell the whole family at home hello from me and to write me some time too.

Hope to hear from you soon.

Love, Teddy

Tuesday, February 29, 1944
"Passed by Naval Censor" – USS Gatling, Fleet Post Office, San Francisco, CA

Dear Mom & Dad:

Just a few lines again to let you know I’m OK.

I got a letter from you today two from Herby and three from Julia, three nice ones too. Glad to hear that Herb was home on leave for once.

Yes that’s OK that you gave Rev Greif one of those pictures. Plenty OK by me.

I met a sailor I went to school with the other day, quite glad to see him.

Is Erwin still at TI [NOTE: Treasure Island]? I haven’t heard from him in some time.

Please excuse the short letter, I’ll write more some time.

So Long,

Love to All, Teddy

Monday, March 6, 1944
"Passed by Naval Censor" – USS Gatling, Fleet Post Office, San Francisco, CA – This letter has 6-cent airmail postage stamp, rather than "free"

Dear Mom, Dad, & All:

There isn’t any news here to write, but I just want to write you a few lines to let you know I’m OK and still think of you all.

How is everyone at home? Well I hope as usual. Still taking good care of my good wife? Or don’t she need taking care of? Ha Ha.

Have seen action here and all is well by all. Don’t worry over me. I’ll be OK.

Next time you see grandmother tell her hello from me. I’d write her but there’s nothing to say much.

How’s dad and Julia making out at work? Car still in good shape is it?

Well this’ll be all for this letter.

So hoping to hear from you soon I’ll remain Your Son, Teddy.

Monday, March 13, 1944
"Passed by Naval Censor" – USS Gatling, Fleet Post Office, San Francisco, CA – (V-Mail)

Dear Mom:

Excuse the Vmail but it goes thru faster than free mail and I have but few air mail stamps. Last nite and today I received 42 letters. 21 from Julia, a quite a few from you mostly Vmail and some from Herby, Erwin, Freises, Tony, Jerry, & Williams. The mail finally caught up to me and how. I also got Julia’s package in very fine shape and the newspaper she sent. The cookies & fudge were very good thanks to you & my good wife.

Thanks for sending me those three pictures of Herby too. I’m glad to hear you are all well at home and getting along OK.

I’m very glad to hear that you two women get along so good together. Time passes faster don’t it. Well the end of this sheet so

So Long,

With Love, Teddy.

Monday, March 13, 1944
"Passed by Naval Censor" – USS Gatling, Fleet Post Office, San Francisco, CA – (V-Mail #2)

Dear Mom,

I’m very glad to hear that Herby had a nice time at home but I guess he couldn’t help but have being home. I hope he’s right that I get leave before he does and I hope he gets his soon. Get it? At present tho I don’t expect any very soon, but I do hope its before next year.

Is Uncle Paul still at the same place? Boy I’d like to see him once again. Too bad dad & Julia’s shifts were changed. It sure cuts up the day don’t it?

Guess I’ll wish you a "Happy Easter" by Vmail as I can’t get any cards.

Your latest letter was from March the first. Boy I sure was glad to receive some mail even if they overloaded me a bit. But I got my wish. Hope this finds you all well. I’m OK just longing for home & Julia.

So Long, Love Your Son, Ted.

Monday, March 13, 1944
"Passed by Naval Censor" – USS Gatling, Fleet Post Office, San Francisco, CA – (V-Mail #3)

Dear Mom

As I reread some of your letters and Julia’s it seems that your worried or let down by my not writing oftener. Well in the first place there never is any news here to write only I’m OK and that don’t even fill a Vmail and many times also I haven’t time to write after work & watches. I usually am ready for some sack time. So don’t worry about me I’m OK and will be. Just keep writing as often as always. If you wish to have me write an air mail once in a while to you please send me some stamps as they are scarce here & I’m nearly out now.

Take good care of Julia and yourself too. I do hope its not too long before we meet again. Glad to hear all is well in hand at home. Julia writes she loves church very much and I’m glad to hear it. Next year by this time I hope to have taken over. I think of you all very often.

Love, Your Son, Teddy.

Hello Paul.

Tuesday, March 14, 1944
"Passed by Naval Censor" – USS Gatling, Fleet Post Office, San Francisco, CA – (Sent via airmail)

Dear Mom & Dad:

Guess I’ll write you a few lines again – while I have a chance to.

Boy Herby really splurged buying you two new rugs. His last stay must have benefited him considerably finally. I received three letters from him and he told me all about his leave. I sure hope that his wish comes true, and that I get the next leave. But as it sometimes looks, unfortunately, I hope he’s wrong but one can never tell, just keep hoping & praying.

Say – I thought you spent the money I’d sent you. Pulling a fast one on me, huh? But guess the kitchen can use it to a greater benefit.

You and Julia were going to have a snow ball fight! I sure wish I were there, we’d have had one, I’d take you both on in fact, the whole family even if I was beat before I started. Well, maybe next year.

Yes I have had a couple chances to go to church on a different ship but I was too busy. But I won’t be next chance I get I’ll be sure of that. No, I never hear the Lutheran Hour, it is very possible but I have no radio or access to one.

I’m very glad to hear that you and Julia get along so good. It must make it easier for both of you to have her there. And I can say I like it and feel better to have her there than boarding some where. I hope you continue to get along as you have been.

Thanks for the cookies & gum, I understand they were your doing. They arrived in very good condition and were very good.

As usual there isn’t any new here. I’m OK and that’s about all I can say.

How does Dad like the new shift. Not too well I suppose, can’t blame him.

Hope this finds you all well and getting along OK. So I’ll close now and hope to hear from you soon.

Love & Regards

Your Son, Ted.

Wednesday, March 22, 1944
"Passed by Naval Censor" – USS Gatling, Fleet Post Office, San Francisco, CA

Dear Mother & Dad:

I’ve just written Julia a few lines so while I’m still in the writing mood I’ll drop you a few lines just to let you know I’m still OK and say Hi as that’s about all the news I know to write.

Yesterday was the first day of spring and it surely didn’t seem like it here though. Yesterday I also took and passed my Gunners Mate second test, the last one, and passed with a 3.7. So the first of April I’ll draw second class pay. I’m happy I made it but now I’d like to make civilian next. Ha! Ha!

One of the cooks showed me an egg with a girls name on it and address, it was from Guthrie Center Iowa. I told Julia we’d go some day & look her up just for fun. That is if she didn’t mind.

It’s nearly three months now since I’ve been even off the ship saying nothing about liberty. But this is the way to save money, can’t go to the corner drug store & get something just to spend money.

Well guess this is all for today and hope this finds every one at home OK.

Hoping to hear from you soon I’ll say So Long.

Alls well with me just lonesome for home & Julia.

Love, Ted

Footnote asterisk icon

The log entries from Dad's notebook for
April through June, 1944.

Sunday, April 2, 1944
"Passed by Naval Censor" – USS Gatling, Fleet Post Office, San Francisco, CA

Dear Mother:

Next Sunday is Easter Sunday so first of all “Easter Greetings”. No cards available so this’ll have to do, and in two weeks from then your birthday. So here’s wishing you a "happy birthday" too.

I haven’t received any mail in over two weeks, since I got that pile of letters so there isn’t much I can write. As usual no news, only I’m well and safe and at present that’s all that matters I guess.

Oh yes today they posted the rating list for April and I see I’ve made my second class gunners mate, have a cigar – oh excuse me I’m sorry you don’t smoke. Ha Ha. Sure hope I beat Herby just for general principles.

As soon as they call for more war bonds or fellas who want to take them out, I’m going to make out another, a fifty dollar one though this time. That’ll be $75.00 for me & $25.00 one of Julias, it’ll really help out won’t it?

I have a few questions to ask but I guess they’ll be already answered in your letters when I get them so I just leave ‘em out.

I hope this finds you all well at home. Anything new at home? Nothing new here, just the same things every day, the deep sea. How is my sweet wife getting along? Fine I hope. Boy how I do miss her & would like to see her too soon.

Well this is all for today. So Easter Greetings to all and Happy Birthday to you Mother.

Love, Your Son, Teddy

PS Tell everyone at home Hello from me. Ted

Friday, April 7, 1944
"Passed by Naval Censor" – USS Gatling, Fleet Post Office, San Francisco, CA

Received your letter today and was very glad to get it too. It was post marked March 31st. Boy it sure didn’t loose sic any time did it? Yesterday I got three letters from Julia and Vmail from Erwin, the first mail in over three weeks, so you can imagine how glad I was to receive a couple letters. There are a lot missing in between but they’ll get here sooner or later I suppose.

You said that Herby was very proud of his MM2/c, so he got it, nuts he beat me didn’t he? Ha Ha. I told you didn’t I that I got my Gunner’s Mate second the first of April.

Yes Mom you did say where Uncle Paul was in one of your letters, he’s in the medical corps isn’t he? Yes that’s right. Glad to hear that Conrad is a bit better, but its too bad it takes so long. I hope he recovers soon.

Don’t worry about me not recognizing the old place, I’ll never forget it no matter how you fix it up. I think of it & all of you every day and try to picture myself back there.

Gee whiz today is Good Friday isn’t it & Sunday Easter, it sure don’t seem like it here though. Say how did the Easter rabbit ever get mixed up with Easter? Answer that & your good, ha! Ha!.

I get the "Leaguary Digest" regularly and enjoy reading it too. I have as yet never received even a copy of the "Lutheran Witness" but I’d sure like to. I still get the "Loyalty News" but two months late or more, due to the wrong address so I sent them my correct address some time ago. There isn’t any other mail I get just you, Julia, Herby, Erwin, Tony, Jerry & sometimes the Freises but that’s enough to answer as it really is hard to find anything to say if there are no questions in the letters I get and some questions I’m not allowed to answer anyway.

Glad to hear that everyone is OK at home. I’m OK too so we’re even no?

Julia seems to be a bit leery as to the money in the bank and I don’t like it too well, but there isn’t enough to realy do anything with yet. So if she needs or wants any advice help her out. I hope to be home or at least back in the States by Christmas and it ought to be safe that long. I hope. Everything is so high priced now isn’t it?

Well guess there really isn’t anything else I know of to say so I’ll close & hope to hear from you soon again.

I’m in good health and get along OK even if I haven’t been off the ship in over three months, but this is the way to save money.

Hi Everyone at home and Hello Paul, Study hard, Write me sometime. Read that to Paul Mom.

So Long,

As ever, Ted.

Wednesday, April 12, 1944
"Passed by Naval Censor" – USS Gatling, Fleet Post Office, San Francisco, CA

Dear Mom Dad & All:

I don’t believe I’ve received any more letters from you since I wrote last but I’ll write you a few lines, may be all for quite some time.

Received a quite a few from Julia, six today and a couple the other day from Herby. He said I ought to be second class now too not to let him beat me even if he had nine months head start on me. And he wasn’t wrong. He only beat me to it by a month and if I’d tried a bit harder I maybe could have at least tied him.

Yesterday I made out another fifty dollar war bond. Now thats $75.00 of war bonds out of my pay and I still get $30.00 a month cash every pay day. Not bad is it and with Julia’s savings & bond a month we ought to have some thing when this war ends.

I got two letters from Freises. One from Mr. & one from Mrs. Boy what a letter Frank wrote me. A very cheerful letter. He’s full of the devil. Ruth and Paul have been writing a few lines & putting them in Julia’s letters. I’m very glad to receive them too. Tell them thanks from me and to write again.

There isn’t any news here, guess I’ll have to read the newspapers I got from Julia to get the news. Ha! Ha! Hope you are all well at home. I am fine, must gripe a quite a bit at times but who don’t. I’m in good health.

Haven’t been to church yet, gee I’d sure like to go some time. It’s been a very long time since last I went.

Suppose you are putting in some garden about now. Sure wish I could sneak out & pull up some thing to eat, like I used to.

Well I guess I better mail this before they close so it’ll leave soon. Tell Everyone HI from me and that I’m OK.

So till next time, So Long,

Love, Teddy

Hello Paul. Thanks for writing, Ted.

Tuesday, April 25, 1944
"Passed by Naval Censor" – USS Gatling, Fleet Post Office, San Francisco, CA

Dear Mom:

I will try and write you a few lines today being your birthday, and also so long since I’ve written you. But there just hasn’t been any news of any kind to write about. It’s the same old daily routine as ever and very tiresome too.

I haven’t received any mail since I’ve last written you and probably won’t for a while yet I don’t suppose.

I made out another bond allotment about a week or so ago for Julia & I. Now they take out $75.00 worth of bonds out of my pay every month beginning the first of June. I think that’s as safe a way to save it I can think of at present.

Boy I sure do wish I were now where I was a year ago. I was looking at the picture you sent me about this time. How nice home looked to me then, but now, well you can figure it out for yourself. I sure hope I will be home for Christmas, or at least in the good old USA.

Well other than that I’m OK. There isn’t any other news here at present so I’ll close for this time and hope this finds everyone at home well.

Hoping you had a happy birthday and will enjoy many more in good health.

Always thinking of you & everyone at home and hope to see you all soon.

With Love, Teddy

Friday, May 5, 1944
"Passed by Naval Censor" – USS Gatling, Fleet Post Office, San Francisco, CA

Dear Mom & Dad:

Got Mom’s letter of April 6th yesterday, and one from Mom Snoble written the same day. I also got six from Julia, five from Herby, and a letter from Reverend. Got Mar & Apr Leagury Digest and the Loyalty News too. I sure do like them. It’s funny how one can realy hunger for such things. I’d sure enjoy church too, but I haven’t the chance here. There wasn’t much news in your letter but Julia gives me all the first hand dope every day.

You must be taking good care of the little lady for me as Mom Snoble said she gained weight. She seems to be doing alright for herself too. That picture of her in her Easter outfit really looks becoming to her don’t it.

You’re realy fixing up the old shanty huh? Tell Dad to get busy & give the outside a going over or can’t you get paint. Put Alfred on the job scraping it. Ha Ha. A job for you Alfred.

I was sure glad to received those letters from Alfred and Ruth & Paul. Thanks & write again. Mom you look good in that picture Julia sent me & your now coat too. Well I can say you deserve it.

Dad how do you like nite work? How are you getting along, you & Julia? Anything new about anyone I know?

Sure do wish I could be with you all soon again, but I’m afraid it won’t be in ’44 anymore although I still have hopes just the same.

Did I tell you I got a nice card from Grandmother for Easter the other day.

There isn’t any news here, just that I’m OK as usual but getting mighty tired of this life. Haven’t been on land in over four months, nor even saw any one but these sailors. But every day is nearer a victory and what a day to look forward to. In the meant time I’ll save my money & take care of myself.

Hope this finds you all well at home and hope to hear from you all again soon.

Hi Everyone at home from Ted.

So Long, Love, Ted

Sunday, May 7, 1944
"Passed by Naval Censor" – USS Gatling, Fleet Post Office, San Francisco, CA

Dear Mom & Dad:

Well it’s been a busy day and now I’m all cleaned up and smoking a ten cent cigar given me just now so I’ll write you a few lines tonight ok? Oh hey but don’t tell Julia I’m smoking a cigar. Ha Ha. She don’t care I guess only she don’t want to see me in the act or it gives a rolling pin I guess. Ha! Ha!

Haven’t gotten any more mail but a letter from Erwin and April’s Loyalty. May be tomorrow will bring some mail from a certain you know who.

Went to church today, on the next ship, this forenoon and realy enjoyed it too. It was on topside in the open air. Realy felt good to go again. Had lots of work to do but I just worked a bit harder & later to catch up on the time I spent going there.

Is it true that Dad has all of his teeth pulled? Erwin told me in his letter. What’s dad doing breaking the ice for you mom? You know it’s your turn now too & has been for some time. So let’s get going, how about it?

Really getting the old shanty fixed up I hear, well guess it needed it.

How’s the garden getting along? Boy how I’d like to snatch off a ripe tomato or any thing fresh for a change. I’d give five dollars for a half gallon of fresh milk now.

Did I ever tell you there are four other fellas on here from Iowa and when I get those Gazettes Julia sends me they all want seconds on them.

You must be taking good care of Julia for me, she realy looks swell in the pictures she sent me. And very ritzy in her Easter outfit too don’t she?

I hope Dad don’t have too bad a time minus his ivory, how soons he going to get his plates?

Well I guess this will be all for this time. I want to write the "Mrs." Now a few lines. I’m OK just as ever and hope this finds you all well also. Hoping the day we meet isn’t too far off anymore. Good luck to all,

With Love, Your Son, Ted

Monday, May 8, 1944
"Passed by Naval Censor" – USS Gatling, Fleet Post Office, San Francisco, CA

Dear Mom:

Received your letter from May 1st today and another from Herby. Boy he’s sure been writing me lots lately. Wonder why. I got as many from him this time as I did from Julia. I sure hope I get some from her tomorrow. They sure hit the spot I guess you know.

Evidently there are some of your letters still missing as you said you wrote me dad had trouble with his teeth but I‘d found that out from Erwin’s letter yesterday.

Me and Herb are both second now and Erwin said that’s nothing he was second all the time, ha! Ha! Yep, guess he is. Sure wish I were where he is, I guess you know the better half would be there also.

Mom did you ever send me a Christmas package? I was just wondering is all, I have never received it if you have. I just got Julia’s & and a box of caramels from Lucille.

Sure sorry to hear Dad had so much trouble with his teeth. Remember you’re next, see?

That was OK the way you spent the Christmas gift money I sent you. They’ll all benefit by it equally this way. Yes, I’m sure it was alright with all of them. I’d like to have gotten each one a present myself but under the circumstances it wasn’t possible.

I sure missed Grandmother’s birthday. I thought it was May 11th but to it mixed up with Dads I guess. At least I know it was in May some time and when I wrote her I didn’t mention any date. So I guess its OK.

Too bad Grandfather is ill, I figured he’d live to be a hundred. Yes I see Alfred is really stretching out by the picture Julia sent. But so is Paul. His sailor suit is getting very short in the sleeves I saw. I sure wish I could see you all soon, its been over nine months now. Maybe I may make it the first part of 1945, at least I hope so. Maybe this will be ended by then who knows.

There isn’t any news here I can write about so I hope this finds you all well at home. I’m as well as ever so don’t worry over me.

Take good care of the little lady and tell everyone Hello from me.

So Long till next time,

Love Your Son, Ted

Hello Paul! Write me again some time. I enjoy your letters. Still buying war stamps? How are you getting along with the neighbor girls? So long "Butch", Your big brother, Ted.

Tuesday, May 9, 1944
"Passed by Naval Censor" – USS Gatling, Fleet Post Office, San Francisco, CA

Dear Mom & All at home:

Received your letter today from April the 12th and also one from Julia. Nearly a month old but always very welcome you can be sure.

There really isn’t any news here that I can write only I’m OK as ever.

I’m glad everything at home is alright. Also that you understand not getting my letters very often or very many. But I do write whenever there is any news at all.

Glad to hear Uncle Conrad is improving. He’s sure had a time of it poor fella, and I’m sure Grandmother feels better about it too.

Well there were no questions in your letter so I guess this is about all for this time. Must finish Julia a letter now yet.

So hoping this finds everyone well at home I’ll be closing.

I’m OK and think of home very much and especially someone.

Hope to see you all by this Christmas. Sure would be nice to spend a Christmas at home once again.

Best wishes to all,

Love, Ted

Saturday, May 20, 1944
"Passed by Naval Censor" – USS Gatling, Fleet Post Office, San Francisco, CA

Dear Mom & All at home:

Received your letter of April 17th today in which you wrote about Dad having his teeth pulled. It finialy got here, the mail sure comes mixed up but it gets here is all that matters.

Hope this finds you all well at home and getting along good too. I’m OK as always and think of you all very much.

How is Dad getting along without his ivory? And how soon does he plan to get them? Mom now lets get going on yours too, the sooner the better. If you can’t afford it I’m sure me & Julia could spare some to help you out.

I was very sorry to hear that Grandfather passed away, but it wasn’t too much of a surprise after you wrote he had a stroke. Thanks for sending me the remembrance card. I still have Grandmother’s.

Suppose things are realy getting or are nice now, trees, grass, and all. I sure long for it all too. It’s been nearly five months now since I’ve set foot on mother earth. Oh I’ve had a couple of chances but no place to go and its just for a few hours. They have a ball game sometimes and a bottle or two of beer but I don’t drink that so as I never get caught up with my work so I just stay aboard and work.

So long for this time and hope to see you all for Christmas once again.

Love to all, Teddy

Tuesday, May 30, 1944
"Passed by Naval Censor" – USS Gatling, Fleet Post Office, San Francisco, CA

Dear Folks at home:

Haven’t heard from you for some time now and I haven’t written either so I shall say Hi! and let you know I’m still alive and complaining too, ha ha, a good sign they say but I can’t see where it is. I really shouldn’t be though as I’ve received a quite a bit of mail lately.

Gee you know it’s been over five months now since I’ve set foot on land. Sure a long time to stay on the ship, gets old and so do the same faces, too. Sometimes you snap at them for the least things. I don’t know why.

Saw a movie a few nites ago and they also showed us a news reel of us in action out here. We all recognized it and you should have heard the yelling too.

Suppose school is out by now and the kids will be home all day again. Guess Alfred will get a job and may be Ozzy too. Too bad they can’t help dad like I used to do, I sure wish those days were back again.

Are you getting some idea like Julia that I might come home soon and all of a sudden? Oh it could be but I don’t expect to see the United States much before 1945 if not after. I sure would like to be home by Christmas once again.

Dads got his teeth yet? How’s ever thing getting along in general back in Iowa? Very seldom hear any news of any kind except from your & Julia’s letters.

Tomorrow is pay day but don’t mean much as the stuff is absolutely worthless to me here. So will save it for a rainy day and send some home when it piles up a bit.

Guess no news here so I’ll close now hoping this finds you all well & to hear from you too.

Hello Butch take good care of the folks & Julia. Write some time. Ted.

So Long, Love, Ted

Thursday, June 1, 1944
"Passed by Naval Censor" – USS Gatling, Fleet Post Office, San Francisco, CA

Hi Everyone at home:

Received Mother’s letter today of May 24, and guess I’ll write and answer it right away. Was expecting one from Julia too but just got moms.

I didn’t quite get what you meant about the demonstration you’re having at your place. Who and why. They are showing your house, maybe it’s in the letter you said you wrote last week and evidently I haven’t received yet. I’d sure like to see the improvement. It must look swell and seems you’re very proud of it too.

Yes I too would like to enjoy one of Rev sermons once again. Thanks for the sermonette you enclosed. It was very interesting to read. Oh Julia has written she likes church and wants to know more about it, but she wants me to explain it to her. I can see why she feels that way and can’t blame her. We decided before we were married she had her own choice and I or no one was to try and force it. But I’m sure all will turn out OK when I get back and me & her can live our lives as we planned.

You said she’s spoiling you by buying you presents always and help on this and that. Well I wish she could try and spoil me too. Ha ha. I imagine she always doing those little things is because she finds enjoyment in giving and being able to save & earn it her self. As I know she realy doesn’t have any real enjoyment like she & I want and she deserves. So I hope she continues to get along first rate at home there till I return. Take good care of her for me. She means to the world to me.

So you tried to blame Julia for those flowers on Mothers day, ha! ha! I fooled you all! I sent the letter special delivery right to Bezdeks. I’d been thinking how to do it so it would be a surprise, so I dug out an old Gazette & got his address and sent him the dope, see? Simple, hey? Neither you or Julia wrote just wondering, asked for a special kind if he found it possible.

I’m sorry Mom I don’t know the chaplains name, I probably will never see him again. I think I’ve told you I’m not as fortunate as Herby to have one aboard, you see my ship is a great deal smaller. It isn’t very often I get a chance to go to church and some times other things just have to be done as this is war they say.

Sorry to hear that dad had so much trouble with his teeth. Remember mom your next on the list now, dad broke the ice, see it don’t hurt ha ha. Daddy done it first.

There isn’t any news from this part of the world at all except that I am OK and still get along pretty good. Have my troubles at times but who don’t. Not having been off the ship in over five months don’t help either but will make out OK I’m sure.

So hoping to hear from you again soon I’ll close. Maybe I’ll see you by Christmas. I sure hope so at least.

So Long Everyone, Love, Teddy

Monday, June 5, 1944
"Passed by Naval Censor" – USS Gatling, Fleet Post Office, San Francisco, CA

Dear Ruth & Paul:

Received Ruth’s and Mary Ann’s letter today and sorry to hear you never received my V mail to you so I’ll write you both at once, OK? Sure made me happy to get that letter from you today Ruth & Mary Ann’s too. I’ve just answered hers now you.

Sorry to disappoint you by not coming home for so long and may not for a long time yet. If I could I surely would but we’re trying to fix it out here so I can come to stay then that’ll be better won’t it?

Suppose you are being a big help to Mother now. She sure waited a long time for some one big enough to help, a girl I mean.

Suppose you went to the carnival when it came. Did Paul go along too. Gee I won’t know you kids when I get home again you’ll have grown so much. Paul’s realy grown aren’t you, you better hurry and grow up and give dad a hand, suppose you help him & mom now do you? Or do you still pester every body, butch?

How are your two neighbor girl friends. Have any fights with them lately?

Here Paul & Ruth is $5.00. Divide it up between you, since Oscar and Alfred earn money here’s a little.

Suppose you are still saving your few cents for bonds aren’t you, at a boy Butch.

Well I sure hope you get this letter. Maybe the other one will show up yet.

So Long then & be good. Take good care of Mom & Dad & Julia and tell them all Hello from me. Write again.

Love, From your big brother, Ted.

Saturday, June 10, 1944
"Passed by Naval Censor" – USS Gatling, Fleet Post Office, San Francisco, CA

Dear Mom, Dad & all at home:

Just a few lines today to let you know that I’m OK other than that there’s no news I can write as it’s the usual story out here and sure gets old too. Haven’t written or received any letters in over a week but have a few minutes time now.

Hope this finds you all well at home and not worrying over me too much. You can know about how things are and I’ll write whenever there is a chance.

Was sure glad to get Ruth’s and Mary Ann’s letter and I answered them. I sent the kids five dollars between them. Hope they use it wisely too. Seems they didn’t get my last letter and hope it showed up by now.

You know when I sit topside at nites on watch I wonder how nice things are at home that come with spring and summer, may be by next summer I’ll be back to see & enjoy it again. The site of this deep blue sure gets old and I’m not fooling.

So long then for this time. Will write as opportunities permit.

Love to all, Ted.

Thursday, June 29, 1944
"Passed by Naval Censor" – USS Gatling, Fleet Post Office, San Francisco, CA

Dear Mom & all at home!

Just a few lines today to let you know that I’m OK other than there just isn’t any news.

Got a few letters the other day five from Julia, one from brother Joe, a Fairfax GI news letter, and the Loyalty news, Leaguary Digest and the devotional booklet you sent me, Thanks a lot Mom. But it’s been over a month ago since I’ve heard from you, guess they’ll show up tho one of these days, I hope.

You know its been six months now since I’ve set foot on mother earth, a long time, no? Guess what I saw the other day, a tree, yep a tree from quite a distance but I saw it, ha! ha!. That is realy a wonder tho out here – no foolin’. Julia said why I didn’t go ashore some time, Gee whiz I will if I ever get to a place where I get liberty. They have recreation parties some times but theres nothing much to do, swim, play ball and they give each guy a couple of cans of beer, but that’s not worth going for, there’s always lots of work to do and letter writing to catch up on. Some day I’ll get liberty tho I’ll bet ya. Wonder how it feels to walk on ground again, bet I’ll walk as if I was drunk. Ha! Ha!

Well how’s everything at home? Everyone well and happy I hope. What’s Alfred and Ozzy going to do now since school is out?

Well now if there was some news I’d continue but there isn’t so I say So Long. I’m OK and sure think of home lots too.

Hope to hear from you soon and see you all soon too.

So Long Love Ted

Footnote asterisk icon

The log entries from Dad's notebook for
July through September, 1944.

Tuesday, July 11, 1944
"Passed by Naval Censor" – USS Gatling, Fleet Post Office, San Francisco, CA

Dear Mom:

Guess what? Yup, finally got some mail, in fact twenty seven yesterday, good no. Now to try and find time to answer them. Of course most of them were from Julia but I got four or five from you and about the same from Herby too. Erwin with his “one in a hurry” one ha ha. Guess who wrote me? Bill Selzer, he got my address from the Fairfax GI news. I was glad to hear from him too. He’s fighting the nips from upstairs and is stationed on the Admiralty Is. (Bill Selzer is the oldest son of a man Dad and Grandpa worked for in construction and was a pilot in the Army Air Corps)

Yup me and Herb have got a feud on. He says he’s tougher than a tin can sailor. Well I’ll bet he’d get sea sick on here in two ways, this is a regular jumping jack in rough water not like his enormous J.2. he writes about. (This is in reference to the USS Thomas Jefferson, a troop transport on which Herb was stationed, and he was in all the major invasions in Europe) And when he ever goes over six months with out liberty and wondering if land is for me to walk on as I used to or if it’s just for Marines to walk on. Boy that out to hold him. Ha Ha.

No news here of any kind so I’ll answer a question or two.

Yes, Mom Julia and I had that question of church settled before we got married or even before I went to the Navy. Her dad and I talked it over too. So we’ll see how it will turn out when I can be back there. She’s asked me to tell her more of it when I get back because now she don’t know how it all goes. I’m sure everything will turn out OK. It always has for us so far. What do you think of our "Love nest"? That’s what we call our savings and a year ago we owed you money. I’m sure we’ll make out OK if I can just get back and we can take our part as we want to.

Glad to hear everyone is well at home and every things OK.

So Butch took off with the $2.50. Ha Ha. I knew he would I could just see him high tail it for the drug store when I enclosed the money & my hint as to if his book was full yet, how about that. Ha ha.

Gee it must realy be nice back home now. I can just picture it & boy how I wish I were there.

This life sure gets tiresome out here and just one liberty would be a God send. But as yet none in sight and it’s a whole half year now since I’ve had one.

I can’t tell you as Herby did & does as where he was & what he did. Our censors don’t allow it. He tells me what he did & where & all I can say some place in the vast Pacific and that I’m OK. So maybe you think he’s got something on me, he hasn’t. I’ve got it on him only he don’t know it.

Well Mother I will close now. Its past midnight and I can’t hardly keep my eyes open. So till next time So Long. Tell everyone HI from me, I’ll write again as soon as I can.

So Long, Love Teddy

Friday, July 14, 1944
"Passed by Naval Censor" – USS Gatling, Fleet Post Office, San Francisco, CA

Dear Mom Dad & all at home:

No more mail but guess I’ll write a few lines any way.

I’m glad you got that five I sent and thanks for going to the trouble of taking care of it for me. It’s about the only thing I could think of out here.

I got a few Lutheran Witnesses from a sailor, he’s from Kansas and get them regular so after he reads them he give them to me. He can talk German too and we talk it some times.

I’ve just wrote Herby & Erwin and intend to write Julia yet too. There isn’t any news much when there are no letters to answer so you understand I guess.

So Mr – what’s his name Dick Burgess’ Grandfather, yes I know them well? The Grandparents I mean.

Yes now I understand about the demonstration. At first I couldn’t figure it out.

Boy, I’d have given anything to see Paul take off with the money and get his stamps. I got a letter from him & Ruth and glad to hear from them. That thing he made Julia was pretty clever. Julia & Ted and an explanation for each initial. Julia sent it to me. She also sent me a poem a man wrote in the South Pacific on an island. Guess he lives in Anamosa. Pretty good poem, too.

So Lawrence is out here some place. Could you send me his address maybe I can find him some time. Sure would like to see him.

Seems funny that Herby can say where he is and where he’s been etc and I can’t. We’re both on Navy ships, I asked an officer about it and he only said that’s the censorship regulations here. (Herb and Grandma had a code worked out so he could relay the information on where he was – like mention of "Aunt Gertie" would mean Bizerte in Tunisia as there was an adage of "Aunt Gertie from Bizerte", or mention of "cheap relatives" or "Scotch ones" would mean he was in Scotland)

I’m sure glad Julia & Dad work from 3:30 to 12:00 again now. It’ll be easier to get some sleep in I suppose.

Well guess I’ll close for this time and hope to hear from you again soon & see you all soon too. Gee some dream. So Long then till next timeI think of you all often and certain ones every day. Keep the home fires burning.

Love to all, Ted

Thursday, July 27, 1944
"Passed by Naval Censor" – USS Gatling, Fleet Post Office, San Francisco, CA

Dear Mom & Dad & all at home:

Guess ‘d better write you a few lines letting you know I’m OK at least. Been two weeks since I’ve written and since then no news of any kind. All I’ve got is these Pacific Blue Blues. It’s all I ever see and the closest land is strait down.

Haven’t heard from anyone in quite some time now so there aren’t any letters to answer.

Last year ‘bout this time I’d been home and in a few days I was back again, boy what a leave too. And the way I feel they sure can give me another any time now. Hope the crops are doing OK now. Is there still so much raining? How is the garden doing?

In a few days is pay day again and if they pay us I’ll send home some more money, that probably being all for a while. Julia sure seems to be doing very good at home, sure have a good wife, no? But this vast space between us it sure is hard to believe at times. I’m hoping to return on leave by Christmas or soon after. Just hoping. Well guess this is all for today. Hope you are all in good health and hope to hear from you soon.

Love, Ted

Sunday, August 6, 1944
"Passed by Naval Censor" – USS Gatling, Fleet Post Office, San Francisco, CA

Hi Everyone at home:

Gee I don’t know of anything to write but it’s been quite some time since I last wrote so I’ll at least let you know I’m OK.

Remember a year ago today? Boy I sure do but it seems more like several than just one.

Had a good chow this noon. Chicken and chicken broth, cranberry sauce, mash potatoes, chicken gravy, olives and blueberry pie. Don’t sound so bad, huh? This PM we have holiday routine and they’re showing a movie in the mess hall so I’m writing you while all’s quiet here.

Gee summer is nearly over at home isn’t it? It sure is hard to picture how things look at home. There’s nothing to compare it with here, nothing but the vast blue and in seven months it sure gets tiresome to see, take it from me.

Have all kinds of hopes and one is to have this Christmas in the States at least if not at home. Sure wish I could go to church some time again but they don’t have any floating ones way out here.

Hope this finds everyone in good health and hope to see you at Xmas. Just hoping is all. I’m OK as ever.

So Long as Ever, Love Teddy

Saturday, August 12, 1944
"Passed by Naval Censor" – USS Gatling, Fleet Post Office, San Francisco, CA

Received a Vmail from you yesterday, one from Herby Erwin and a quite a few air mail from my good wife. And as we are requested to write more mail I’ll answer you Vmail all except Julia. I also got two packages from Julia and was I ever glad. Thank you for the gum Alfred and Mom sent.

Gee I’ll bet I won’t know the old home any more since you’ve fixed it up & changed everything around.

How is everyone at home? I am in good healthy but it seems I get so lonely & disgusted at times. Something the little book don’t seem to help very much. It’s nearly eight months now and absolutely all I’ve seen is land distant and water ships and the same faces growing older each day. All those things I get to hate worse as time goes by. I hope I have a chance to go to church next time we have a chance to go to another ship. I don’t have any idea how soon I’ll be back in the USA maybe some time yet or soon. I hope soon.

Hope everything is in A one condition at home and I find everything as I dream they are.

Herby wrote me a very nice letter complimenting me as a best big brother a guy could want. In the picture Julia sent I hardly knew Paul he is so tall.

So hoping to see you at Christmas I’ll close for today. Best of luck to all. Will write again when I find more and not so disgusting words to make a letter.

Love to all, Teddy

The coconut that Dad carved for Mom
The coconut that Dad carved for Mom.
Tuesday, August 15, 1944
"Passed by Naval Censor" – USS Gatling, Fleet Post Office, San Francisco, CA

Dear Mother!

Received your very nice letter of July 26 today and also two from Julia of that day, two very nice letters.

I suppose I haven’t been writing you as often as I should but under the circumstances it is terribly hard to find words. Just "I am OK Love Ted" don’t even fill a Vmail and most of the time there is no more to say.

Thanks very much for taking care of the one dozen roses for me. I was so worried at the time, you wouldn’t get it in time. I haven’t heard yet how she enjoyed it and it does seem so little to give but my deepest feelings came with them for her. After this is over I’ll realy have to make up to her for all she’s doing alone and with out!

There for a while she had me worried with her letters, they were so empty it seemed. But the last few days the mail delivered some very nice ones reassuring me of our promises, etc. I should and don’t have any doubts about her, but out here no news no nothing but the sight of blue Pacific and occasionally land in the distance for nearly eight months now well if you can realize how it could be, no mail for a month at a time and then not just the right kind, figure it out. But I am sure she is true and just was to busy and mixed up. I think the world of her and want no evil to harm her in body or mind, she’s what makes this out here worth while.

I’m also happy that she gets along so nicely at home with you knowing she has a clean place to sleep & eat. I will never be able to thank you for it as it means so much to me way out here.

Yes it’s a year now, over a year since I was home last, when we made that trip to Hazleton to see “the man to tie the knot”. It’s been a long time and I’ve seen lots and am thankful that I am still in excellent health. In a way this just seems as a bad dream to me but the awakening is what is worth it.

Julia wrote she’s changed now she’s a woman not a girl, I knew that from her letters and I too have changed I know now life cannot be taken just for granted. There must be some heartache and sorrow to make the joys of life noticeable and appreciated.

It’s been a long time since I’ve wrote you air mail and now I haven’t told you any news – well no news here at all that passes censorship.

So Alfred is working the railroad? Funny how the boys go, isn’t it one this one that here & there. Erwin says he is expecting leave next month. I sure feel glad for him if he gets it. As for me getting leave? I have no idea, it can come tomorrow or when its all over here and any time between, no idea at all. Just hopes and plans all a stimulant to keep one going.

Has Dad got his teeth yet? Say and when are you going to give in. I will pay or "we" Julia and I will pay for it if money is the problem. I’m sure Julia will see it, she’s so understanding. How about it Mom?

Yes Mother I was at Mom Snobles birthday party, I had many thoughts of it. I’m sure I was there and it sure was nice of you all to have it that way.

Well guess I’ll turn in, had the mid watch last night and a hard days work and another tomorrow & the day after etc.

I’m OK I think of you all often, every day, my prayer is to return to you all safe & soon.

Hello to the Family!

Fix the porch dad so it won’t cave in when I get back and stomp up to the door.

Best of Luck to All,

Your Son & Brother, Love, Teddy

Tuesday, August 22, 1944
"Passed by Naval Censor" – USS Gatling, Fleet Post Office, San Francisco, CA

Dear Mom:

Received your letter today of Aug 15th and also three from Julia dated August the 15th. Sure is surprising how fast they mail service is isn’t it?

Oh that was OK about those gardenias Mom. I just figured cause we had those for our wedding I wanted to give the same again. Thanks a lot.

Yes Mom I remember Mary Jane, too, very well in fact, I’ve seen her often, too bad isn’t it?

Thanks very much for Lawrence’s address too. You see I had one just it was so old I figured he moved around.

Gee there isn’t any thing else much I can say here its just the same daily routine. But I shall try at least to say a bit more ok? Glad to hear the crops are doing fair and hope the spuds are better than last year.

Yes Erwin said he’s to get leave Sept. Sure wish I were in his shoes. But that day will come sooner or later.

You & Julia still hitting off so good? I sure got me a good one huh. Just like the girl that got dad. Ha! Ha! I think of her very much every day, worry a bit but can’t help it. Sure everythings OK though. I think of you all too often, hope you’re OK. I’m in perfect health, just lonesome & blue as hell at times.

So Long, Love Your Son, Ted

Saturday, August 26, 1944
"Passed by Naval Censor" – USS Gatling, Fleet Post Office, San Francisco, CA

Hi All at Home!

Guess as time permits I’ll write you again. There realy isn’t any news but I know how you like to hear from us boys.

Saw a good movie a couple nites ago the name of it was "The Song of Bernadette". I’ve never seen one like it before. Mother if you have a chance to see it go, it’s a religious movie.

The other nite as I looked over the old letters I found the one you wrote me in November I guess about going over the hill. I read it over and kept it. It still does me good. Tomorrow is Sunday maybe I’ll have a chance to go to church, at least I hope so. Those chances don’t come often and some times when they do come I miss it.

Guess I’ll write the better half few lines after chow. Boy I hope its good too. I’m hungry. Got a birthday card yesterday from Julia & one from Army Navy Mothers. Julia’s was realy a good one. I’m having fun with it, they think I’m to be a PaPa. Can’t be gone over a year, that’s what’s good. Oh I write often tho it that’d help

So Long, Love, Ted

Tuesday, August 29, 1944
"Passed by Naval Censor" – USS Gatling, Fleet Post Office, San Francisco, CA

Dear Folks at Home:

Just a few lines again to let you know I’m OK as that’s about all there is to say. I went to church Sunday and even tho I had to stand thru the service I enjoyed it. The opportunities don’t come very often and when they do come I try not to miss them.

Guess I’ve answered your last letter of August 15th so there are no letters to answer, that’s the reason for my not writing very much at times. All I’ve seen in about eight months now is the Pacific, the deep blue, some exciting moments have been among the long months I’ve spent out here but they can’t be written. But the letters when I do receive them sure help very much. One gets some very funny ideas about things and it takes the right news from home to put you at ease. But I’m sure when I return I’ll find things will be as I expect to find them maybe better. It isn’t at all easy to be away from home and civilization you might say for so long but at what I’m looking forward to back home a sweet true wife I’m sure this will be worth it in many ways even to what it’s proven to me how much I care and love Julia.

Hope this finds you all in good health and hope its not too long before I see you all again. Don’t worry about me I’m OK in every way, just very lonesome and homesick, but who isn’t.

So Long,

Love to all, Ted.

Saturday, September 9, 1944
"Passed by Naval Censor" – USS Gatling, Fleet Post Office, San Francisco, CA

Dear Mother and all at Home:

Received Mother’s letter and three from Julia a couple days ago, two of Julia’s were so nice ones and also yours. I was realy glad to get them more than you’ll ever know. The third and last one of Julia’s realy hit me hard, I’ve been doing her so wrong in my letters and never knew it. I must have been terribly blind and mixed up but that last letter has done me so much good and I only hope I can make it up to her in some way.

The song I think of often when I feel so terribly blue & lonesome is “Take it to the Lord in Prayer”. It’s the only one I know all by heart or the only one I think of.

The last couple days I’ve realy been in a study of my self and my dear wife and see a new light again, thanks to Julia.

I am OK in good health and am feeling fine physically. There’s no news of any kind here I can write, don’t even know where I am, no fooling. In the Pacific yes but it’s a big ocean I found out.

Hope you are all well at home and continue getting along so well. Hope to see you all very soon God willing.

Erwin must be home by now. Bet he will enjoy the leave. I know I sure would and how.

So Long, Love, Teddy

Thursday, September 28, 1944
"Passed by Naval Censor" – USS Gatling, Fleet Post Office, San Francisco, CA

Hello All:

Guess it’s about time I wrote you again isn’t it? Received Moms letter a few days ago and four from Julia and one from Herby. I do have enough time to write oftener but find very little to write about, and I’ve found out that because of my trying to write so often all I’ve been doing is writing my blues to you. So I’ll say all is well with me and there is absolutely no news I can write from here (as usual).

I enjoyed Mother’s letter very much even though that terrible blue & disgusted state of mind was over when I’d received it. Julia wrote once Bill Zamistel got married, know who she was? I hope Erwin enjoyed his leave as much as I think he did. I’d sure give a lot for one soon and I ain’t fooling!!

So Harold is thinking about chief already? Gee he sure is going up isn’t he? Well I’m going to be satisfied with second class and when I make first it’ll be first class civilian and at present it looks as if it’ll be some time yet.

Fall back home? Gee it sure don’t seem like it. Kids going to school again, a relief I’ll bet huh? Soon it’ll be Christmas again and the third I’ve missed from home. Wonder how many more. I’m dreaming of a White Christmas and dreaming is all too. Next month it’ll be two years since I left for this outfit boy & what a two years two I’ll never forget.

Glad to hear you are all well at home. How is the rationing back there? Still as stiff as it was. I get plenty to eat here usually, beans and rice and if they were realy cooked good I’d even like that.

Julia informed me that we can hit the $2000 mark by October first. Pretty good isn’t it? Last Oct the bank was empty and now that & about $800 in bonds ought to give us some start no?

I’d sure like to invest some of it in some thing but can’t out here guess the bank will have to hold up till I get home.

Well guess this is all for today. I’ll write again soon and be asking a favor OK? Hope to see you all before too long. Don’t worry about me I’m OK & safe.

Love to all, Teddy

Footnote asterisk icon

The log entries from Dad's notebook for
October through December, 1944.

Sunday, October 8, 1944
"Passed by Naval Censor" – USS Gatling, Fleet Post Office, San Francisco, CA (Vmail)

Dear Folks at home:

It’s time I’ve written you again isn’t it? Received Mom’s letters and enjoyed them very much too. Thanks for the devotional booklets. I sure like them.

You sent Conrads address but I don’t know what to say if I write him. Never was any good at writing ill people or even talking to them and needless to say I even hate letter writing but what can you do.

Glad to hear Erwin had such a good time on leave but he or no one will ever enjoy theirs as much as I will. I know you can understand just how I mean.

There is no news here of any sort, same old thing and no liberty of any kind.

Still got hopes so guess I’ll get along OK. I hope to be home by Christmas or at least in the States which will seem some what like home to me. Just hoping is all.

Hoping you are all well and hoping to see you soon.

Love, Ted

Sunday, October 22, 1944
"Passed by Naval Censor" – USS Gatling, Fleet Post Office, San Francisco, CA (USN stationery)

Dear Folks:

Its been some time now since I’ve written you a letter, especially on Air Mail, so today being Sunday and a pretty nice one, mainly because it brought me a letter from better half I feel up to trying to write a few lines to you.

Just finished dinner and boy I’ll bet it was nearly as good as yours. Had mash potatoes, gravy, pork, hot apple sauce, asparagus, bread, butter, and coffee, desert. Oh Boy I can’t believe it yet my self, cake covered with real strawberries and ice cream. If you knew the conditions out here you would know it was nothing short of a miracle, a chow like that. We sure have a good chief commisery stewart aboard here and seeing at times the conditions food must be prepared and what he has to make a meal out of it’s wonderful. Altho we bitch about the food none of us starve, and any way, they say a sailor’s not well unless he’s doing some griping, so we are all well if such is the case.

I sure was glad to get that “Sugar Report” from Julia today. It realy came at a good time. I also heard from Freises first time in four or five months and I hadn’t written them either in that long a time. Ruth and Oscar wrote me too and I sure was glad to hear from them even those few lines. Ozzie’s statement about his “favorite study still being ___ recess” realy tickled my funny bone, yep Ozzie mine was too.

Julia wrote Herby had hopes of being home on his birthday, boy he’s doing OK. And he claims he’s not on a gravy train. Liberty in all those foreign countries. Church aboard ship and oh I could tell you a few more reasons for my claim, that he is on good duty, I’d swap him any day.

Gee you know it’s not long and I’ll be ten months and no liberty, ten months and no land under my feet just this rolling tin can.

Wrote Ruth a letter for her birthday, finialy decided it was hers and not Paul’s birthday. Gee how the kids must be growing. Oscar said he was in the 7th grade and it realy surprised me, bet I won’t hardly know them if I don’t get home soon. Probibly won’t know them any way.

Julia wrote (Oct 3) that we had over $2100 in the bank, boy that’s OK isn’t it. She opened the account last Oct 5 and in a year that’s pretty good isn’t it? Besides over a thousand in war bonds and all the things she’s gotten her and us, paid my insurance, etc. But for some reason it don’t seem like that much money. It’s just “our home” “our farm” the things we’ve been planning and looking forward to so it seems that that day is so far off but it surely can’t be any more.

I sure have hopes in being home for Christmas, but have no reason for such a belief, it’s just my hope. It’ll probably only bring me disappointment as I’ve had so often before, but this is War!

I’m sure glad you get along so nice with your new daughter, it sure is a big relief to know she is in good hands, good clean home and parents. I know its not easy for her, a young woman, with her plans and yearning but so we’ve decided it and promised to be true and clean for each other so when this is all over I know we shall not be sorry for our decisions. And no one can know how proud I am of her for what she is and is doing. "God Bless her"!

As usual, too usual, there isn’t any news here at all, I am well and get along OK. I seem to be able to battle myself through my depressed moments, and they’re many. Do not worry over me when hearing from me so long periods apart. I’m OK and that can’t be helped as I do write as often as I can. It’s due to circumstances beyond our control as they say on the radio. And that reminds me, sure get a kick out of listening to Radio Tokio, they have some good music, but their version of the news sure brings the laughs to us.

Dad it’s about time you fixed mother a wash room in the basement. Bet she’ll realy enjoy it. I’m going to build my wife shelves for fruit too, not like you, ha! Ha!

What’s wrong, the camera broke down? Surely Alfred knows some ropes for getting films he hasn’t spent all this time in the city for nothing has he? Wrote Uncle Conrad a letter a few days ago and it wasn’t an easy job for me as you know how I am. How’d the spuds turn out this year? Julia says Snobles were nearly a failure. Dad still works at La Plant does he? He and Julia have been there over a year now haven’t they?

Sunday today and no church but that isn’t unusual either so I’ll have a service of my own tonite. Said to my self guess I better break down today and write home once, and by the looks of things I realy broke down didn’t I?

Hope to see you soon may be Christmas who knows. Well I’ve got five Christmas cards left from last year so I won’t be completely left in the cold, saving them came in handy.

So Long for Today, hoping this finds you all well at home. Continue to take good care of Julia as you have been, her being welcomed to stay there sure has meant a lot to me.

Love To All Home,

Ted

Sunday, November 5, 1944
"Passed by Naval Censor" – USS Gatling, Fleet Post Office, San Francisco, CA

Dear Mom & Dad and all:

Just a few lines again to let you know I’m OK and still kicking and how!

A week ago today I enjoyed a nice service, church service aboard a larger ship. Just after the sermon the service unfinished we had general quarters. The sermon was a good one too on self pity and he was right. It sure does one good to go to church but the chances are very few and far between out here.

Today is Herby’s birthday and yesterday was Julia’s then come Ruth’s. I finialy decided it was hers and not Paul’s as I got mixed up last year remember? I figured it out by the rabbits we got on Herb’s birthday on Sam Bolands place. Got to thinking often of those old times your advice etc. The things Mom & Dad told me I felt it hard to admit they were right. I remember but once Mother was wrong about me, when I went out so late with Julia and thought I was up to no good. Remember?

How are you all, any colds going around? I haven’t had one in over a year I believe but I keep my fingers crossed because even if it is hot as hell out here some of the guys get colds.

Gee it’s been over ten months now since I’ve set foot on any land or had a liberty. It don’t hardly seem believable but it is true. In 1944 I’ve been on land but five or six hours.

Dad have you finished the floor in the basement yet? Did you get your false teeth yet? How’s carpenter work in Cedar Rapids? Is Herb Staub still in the racket? Ever see him or any of the people we worked for? Sure got started on a few questions didn’t I? Well I get thinking of those every once in a while. How do you like your job at La Plant? Guess I could fill a page of them but that’s enough for this time.

Saw a rainbow at nite the other nite, they are caused by the moon and realy looked nice.

I sure am getting tired of this Pacific that’s all I see is water as far as the eye can see, day after day, this Pacific sure is a big ocean or else we’re going in circles one or the other.

Guess I’ll be sending out those five Christmas cards I had left from last year. I never dreamed when I saved them I’d send them from here.

Suppose it’ll be snowing home soon. Sure hope I can get in on it even tho I’ll probably freeze to death.

Thanks Ruth Oscar and Paul for writing. I’ll try and answer you some time.

Well guess I’ll close for today and hope to be home for Christmas and see you all.

So Long Everybody,

Teddy

Sunday, November 19, 1944
"Passed by Naval Censor" – USS Gatling, Fleet Post Office, San Francisco, CA

Dear Mom and all at home:

I’ve just written my good wife a letter and now its your turn.

Received four letters from her and one from you last nite about eleven, it was the best awakening I’ve ever had in the Navy. Your & her letters made me so happy and I only hope mine can bring to you what yours & Julia’s bring me.

Went to church this forenoon on a larger ship and I realy did enjoy the sermon too, such nice letters from home and able to go to worship once, what more could I ask for out here, besides being able to be home.

Thanks very much for sending that picture of Nellie all covered with snow. It sure does look nice and it makes me feel I’m going to miss a real treat this winter. This heat isn’t so nice, can’t sleep in comfort, sweating all the time, heck I want old Iowa where life is realy healthy. I’ve got heat rash. Gee it is terrible too, itches & stings like a million needles when someone touches you or your touch something. I laughed when other sailors got it but now I laugh no more. Ha! Ha! Yes, guess I do some.

Said you received no letters from me so Julia read you part of hers. That sure was very swell of her, wasn’t it? Mom I’m sorry I don’t write more often, I write Julia a quite a bit and usually can’t find more time to write or anything more to say than I’m OK hope you’re the same and that don’t even fill a V Mail. I’ll try to write more often but I won’t promise I will, I never have broken any promise yet and don’t think I’ll start now. But the circumstances often limit letter writing there are many things like rough sea etc but I’ll do my best. I haven’t written Herby but once in two months and gosh Erwin? Guess it was before he went on his leave. Well all I can see is that one of these days I better find some time to write No?

Everyone is at the movies tonite, that is nearly everyone but I very seldom go haven’t went in at least two months or more. When we are in park we have movies topside at nite but after a days work I always write a letter if I’m not too darn tired.

I noticed in the pictures you’re getting quite fat or heavy shall I say, and Dad looks good but looks older. Paul and all the rest are realy growing up I hardly believed it when Ozzie said he was in the 7th grade. Julia looks well too, and isn’t losing any weight so she says, gaining some even, guess you’re all OK.

I weigh 180 pounds. When I was at Norfolk and also last Jan first I weighed over 190 but I feel fine except very tired after a days work and I don’t have a hard days work often so that’s the reason. The food here is pretty good, the best that can be gotten out here.

Thanksgiving is coming one of these days and I do have many things to be thankful for. I’ve seen a quite a bit of action and am still safe and sound that’s only part of what I can be thankful for probably about the most important too. Then I have a sweet true wife back home, whom I need not worry about that she’ll be untrue to me or be mistreated either as she has such a wonderful place to stay. I stayed there for nineteen years and I sure was satisfied.

I had hopes of seeing you all at Christmas this year but guess not, seems my plans & hopes were shattered some how. Don’t worry about me, I’m OK and safe & well. God is taking good care of us all out here.

Sent out five Christmas cards I’d left over from last year, sure came in handy and bet I’m the only one aboard ship to have any too.

Guess I’ll close now and "hit the sack" and dream land as I’m very tired tonite but I had to write. So Merry Christmas to all and a happy and Victorious New Year! Will try to write again soon. I’m thinking of you all each day.

With Love Your Son and Brother, Ted

PS Thanks also for the devotional booklet, I can’t read each lesson each day but I read a few when time & opportunity of the day permits.

Ted

Wednesday, December 6, 1944
"Passed by Naval Censor" – USS Gatling, Fleet Post Office, San Francisco, CA

Hello:

I’ve received three letters from mother two days ago and as yet haven’t answered them or written in over a week so here goes –

Everything is OK here. I’m in good health haven’t been sick or ill since I was at the Lakes, all that bothers me is the heat rash or prickly heat anyway it feels like a million needles sticking me. Received a letter from Erwin of Oct 31 – wonder where that one was hiding, that’s the way it always goes the mail comes so mixed up but I’m glad they do get here. Your letters were of Nov 9 – 17th and thanks giving day, heck I don’t even know what day that is, since they’ve moved it around so.

In your Nov 9th letter you wrote about Herby arriving in the USA and expecting the longest leave he ever had. You also wrote a few lines to try and cheer me up if I got down hearted because he was home again. Well it was OK but I realy ain’t so troubled about it, I want a leave very bad (and how!!) but guess I won’t get one for some time. I will not be home for Christmas, don’t make any plans for me. I had hopes for a while but no more, maybe I’ll be home for Easter if it don’t come too soon. Herby surely is lucky and he griped about his duty. I’ve been riding this galloping can for nearly a year now and no leave or liberty and on his ship he has more accommodations or has accommodations I should say, canteens and such. But I can’t kick not too much. Ha! Ha! I can do without everything, except things necessary to live, just because there is a someone very important missing.

About that "informative letter" glad you liked it and took it the right way. Yes I do think it is two dangerous!

Oh we have butter most of the time but it gets old and tastes so funny but I can go without butter. What I hate is these dehydrated foods, spuds, cabbage & such. We do have good food most of the time so I can’t complain here either. What I realy crave is milk, fresh milk, boy I’d give $20.00 for a gallon of fresh cool milk, if I ever get home you better be stored up with milk and I am not just fooling you can be sure of that.

Mother thank Paul for that swell poem he sent in your last letter "The Christmas Box". It’s realy a nice poem and I enjoyed reading it, I made out his hand writing OK. That woman you and Julia went to see who had a little baby for 30 hours it sure was sad wasn’t it. But such is life here today and gone tomorrow. I think Julia told me about her she used to work with her is that the one.

One of the boys said his wife heard a broadcast at home about the Gatling, did you hear it? I can’t say what it was about but wondered if you happened to hear it.

I sent Julia a Japanese shell ring I made and a neckerchief also a novelty or a whatnot I made out of a coconut. I hope they get home OK.

In a month it will be Dad’s and Alfred’s birthday. I’m sorry I won’t even be able to get a card for them. So I’ll just say "Happy Birthday, Dad" and "Happy Birthday Brother", hope you have snow six feet deep on that day and 20 below. Ha ha isn’t that a heck of a birthday wish!

I saw a pretty good movie last nite, first one I’d seen in two months and it rained like hell when it was half over, every time I go it rains. The name of it was "An American Romance". It was filmed in Technicolor and quite long too, I know you’d like it. Did you ever see that picture I wrote about you should see "The Song of Bernadette", it’s a religious picture. You’d like it I’m sure.

Suppose Herby is home by the time you receive this and I do wish I were in his place. Hope he has a good time, I know I sure would have. Maybe I’m next now for leave, who knows.

So Long, "Merry Christmas & Happy New Year", Happy Birthday to those concerned and Good Luck to all.

As Ever, Your Son & Brother, Ted

Sunday, December 10, 1944
"Passed by Naval Censor" – USS Gatling, Fleet Post Office, San Francisco, CA

Dear Mom:

Time goes by and here it’s only two weeks before Christmas and I’m still "somewhere in the Pacific" not knowing when I’ll be home. I had hoped it would be this Christmas but now I’m hoping it’s Easter. Received a package from Julia today and one three days ago and still more on the way I guess. Also got a checker board & stationery from “The Army and Navy Mothers” not much but the spirit of a gift at Christmas. Julia’s presents we all nice ones and I sure do enjoy them.

Thanks again for the snow picture of “Nellie” it sure looks nice and I’d like to get myself froze once again. There’s no news here at all as usual, too usual. There is some news that can’t be written of course. Some of the boys have been receiving cut outs from papers back home mentioning this can. Wonder if you saw any thing about it? Did you?

Julia seems disgusted blue and down hearted because Herby was on his way home again. He wrote me from Waukegan and said Erwin was to be home too and I know Julia likes that on top of Herby’s two leaves & Erwin’s two too. I’ve tried to cheer her up but wonder how well I did at it. I want ever so bad to be there too but I can’t do a thing about it just make the best of it. I’m trying not to worry so about things it doesn’t do any good any way and I find it’s better & easier to take that way.

Hope you all have a very merry Christmas and A Happy New Year. Hope you had a swell time with Herb & Erwin and hope I’m next on the leaves list in our family, we’ll see.

"Happy Birthday Dad" and "Happy Birthday Alfred"

I’m well and feeling OK, have no ailments at all to bother me except lonesomeness & who hasn’t that.

So Long, Love to All, Teddy

Friday, December 22, 1944
"Passed by Naval Censor" – USS Gatling, Fleet Post Office, San Francisco, CA

Dear Mom & Dad:

Just a few lines again to let you know I’m thinking of you and that I’m OK and most of all to wish you "Best Wishes for your twenty fourth Wedding Anniversary". Hope you live to both enjoy a Golden Anniversary. Beings it on Dad’s birthday I’ll also wish Dad, "Happy Birthday Dear Father".

I’m sorry that I can’t send you but these kind of greetings, no gift or any thing else is available. I know you’ll understand.

There is no news of any kind here as usual and I don’t get to find out much of any thing out here. I get up eat chow go on watch eight hours a day a little work when weather permits and a few hours sleep and so one day is gone by and that’s how I’ve spent over a year now and to me it seems a year I’ve lost in a way as far as civilian life is concerned. Oh I’ve read a few news papers but one can’t keep up on them alone. We have a little newspaper which is printed in large print on about this size paper, two sheets a day about war news mostly and it’s pretty good.

In two days it’ll be Christmas and I’m still some where in this vast Pacific. I had hopes up till some time ago to spend it in the US or somewhere where I could go on liberty once but it seems I was just hoping in vain. So my Christmas will be hot again, the second snowless one for me. Now I’m hoping to be able to spend next year at home as it should be, with my dear wife. But that’s what I said last year Ha! Ha! It’s bound to be one of them soon tho don’t you agree?

The white scarf I had Julia send me last year has never been worn (could wear it as a sarong maybe ha! Ha!) but I may wear it yet this winter. There’s at least three cold months at home yet.

I haven’t received any mail since Dec 5th so I hope to get some of that again soon, outside of coming home it’s all I look forward to. Got one from Herby of Nov 28th the most recent I’ve gotten. Julia’s were the 18th & 19th last I’ve gotten, and a more recent one from you. Herby said Erwin was to come home too again. They’re certainly lucky but I really can’t complain I had more at first than they did. I’m glad I’m well and alive and that’s a lot to be thankful for!

Hope you have a nice Christmas and that you and a certain you know who has a very nice time without me. I’m sure thinking of you all and do hope its as "Merry" as possible.

There’s realy no need wishing my two brothers good time on their leaves but I do any way. If I’m right they just couldn’t help having a super time.

I’m sure glad Julia is getting along so nicely at home with her work and all. Having her stay at your place sure has been a great relief to me. I know she’s disgusted at times and I can’t blame her. I feel sorry for her, married for a year and a half and having but so little out of it, just a day and a half of happiness. Aw! But one of these days will be "our day" and I know it will all have been worth it. We’ve both been true & clean so there’ll be nothing to hide or fear to enjoy complete happiness.

Gee I must go eat and then go on watch again. Hoping to see you all soon in 1945, wishing you all at home a Merry Christmas and a "Happy New Year".

Love, Your Son, Teddy

Monday, December 25, 1944
Christmas Day - "Passed by Naval Censor" – USS Gatling, Fleet Post Office, San Francisco, CA

Dear Mom & All:

Gee here it is 10:00 PM and I’ve just finished reading a bunch of mail, your letter of Dec 8th and the two Christmas cards, on Christmas day, gee it sure hit the spot and a deep soft spot in my heart. That set up "Christmas picture" I realy liked it so, it’s the first thing I’ve seen that realy carried a real Christmas spirit. Out here it is so hot and it’s hard to picture & realize it’s Christmas. I received seven letters from Julia a happy smiling picture from her in the snow with a big snow ball, a card & picture from Grandmother of her & Conrad on the back she had "Keanst due uns/ frohliche weihn achten". I easily made it out ("do you know us Merry Christmas" it means for the censors).

This AM we had a service on the fantail and this evening, our Christmas dinner, for supper for special reasons.

Herby wrote me three letters telling me of his two leaves, first 13 day one and then his 20 dadelayed orders for shore duty for a while. He sure is having luck and here I haven’t even set foot on land in a year, been gone from my dear dear wife & loved ones for seventeen months. It’s hard to swallow but I’ll make out OK have no worry. Some day it will be my day, and then I shall be the happiest man alive, I’ll sure try to be at least if I can forget all I’ve been through out here. It bothers me a lot some times as I’m afraid I can’t forget all this knowing I’ll have to return to it again. It’ll take you at home to help me, and one thing that I’m so very thankful for is that I have a true clean and honest devoted wife awaiting my return. “God Bless Her I Pray !!!!”

I also received a card from Lucille & Harold, Alice Freise & the Freise Family Uncle August and my new cousin Dorothy Roy. That’s all but enough for one day especially Christmas. I wrote Julia a better story of our Christmas out here may be she’ll read it to you, I’m too tired and blue & lonesome to write any sensible letters tonite.

I realy enjoyed the scene picture set up of Christ’s birth. It realy hit the spot, Thanks ever so much I’ll keep it and also the book marker.

The mail I received today was the first in twenty days and I enjoyed it so even if it has made me lonesome & home sick. I do hope I may be able to be home by early spring. All I can do is hope, you have as much knowledge of my leave as I have. I’m hoping & praying sincerely that it will be soon. The longer I stay here doesn’t mean more leave for me but even a few days will surely be welcomed to me.

So now I must leave and get some shut eye, I’ll be thinking and dreaming of home, my beloved wife and folks too. God Bless you all. I’ll write as soon as it is possible again.

So Long, A Lonesome Teddy

A Happy New Year to All and Hoping to See you Soon, Ted

Wednesday, December 27, 1944
"Passed by Naval Censor" – USS Gatling, Fleet Post Office, San Francisco, CA

Dear Mom and All at home!

"How ya all"? Me Oh I’m just as ever, far from home and you know how I like that?

Received your package yesterday and I sure enjoyed unpacking it. All the gifts were so useful the stationery sox comb hankies & all. Thanks so very much. Ruthie Thanks very very much for the handkerchiefs, I sure like them. The catechism Mom was sure a surprise, you see I’ll bet it wasn’t a week ago I was wishing that I had one to read over as I was forgetting or kind of loosing all the things I learned out of it. Mostly just how the words went is all I haven’t forgotten their meaning not by a long way. I’m often so glad and proud I was brought up in the faith and knowledge I was. It’s helped keep me strait and also kept me true & clean for the one who means everything to me. I sure have a fine start in life, and now if I can only keep it up or I mean let me keep it up. I’ve seen so many young fellas ruin they’re whole life, and their families too if they live long enough to have any. They sit & listen to the fantastic stories of others and on liberty with a few drinks get so careless and go out to get what’s available. I’m sure glad I’ve not been so misfortunate, I’ve had the right teaching and the will power to back it up. They think I’m odd, many of them because I don’t drink etc. “What they don’t know don’t’ hurt them”, maybe so but it would hurt me I know. I love fun & good times as well as any one but I’m going to have it my own way, I like fun & a happy peaceful healthy life and I want to live one like that as long as I am able. I’ve got a dear wife who will make it 100% as I dreamed it and I shall never let her down.

This is a tough life out here, a hell of a life, but if I return as I’ve planned & hope none of these days shall ever be regretted because it has proven many things to me. I’ve had one whole year already to sit & think of my past and I feel sorry for none of it. Many critical moments out here sure gives one a chance to think over the past. I ain’t fooling. So far I’m well & safe & healthy and thank God for that! I’ve realized too that you never had much idea of my “fun” as I used to have at home when I went out. I was a rather silent on those things I’ve done but none will I ever regret. I never expected anything but clean fun, oh a few drinks but never enough to hurt. The last time I drank is nearly three years ago and the Mrs is responsible for that. Remember the time you waited up for me one nite when I was out with Julia “in the moon lite” till 3AM and the ideas that in a way haunted your mind of me. I realized I ‘d been too silent about it all, I always wanted everyone to trust me and I always trusted them but trusting I found can’t be did in this day only to a few people, they sure have disgusted me, but who am I? I’m just one of them so what oft times just meets the eye can fool many of them.

Gosh I sure let go didn’t I. Seems when I get started and write some times I just get wrapped up in it and I keep on. You see I‘ve just got to be “in the mood” or I couldn’t do it. I do hope I get to see you all very soon. It’s been so long since I’ve seen you, nearly a year & a half and in 1944 I’ve only been on land but six hours, the rest I’ve spent on the Galloping Gatling. Prince Albert hasn’t anything one me (but a few years) I’ve lived in a “tin can” too. Ha! Ha!

I’ve got plans or dreams of being home by Easter or your birthday and I hope they come true.

Wrote Herby & Mrs Tschopp Jr a letter tonite already and it’s getting late so I’ll have to say "good nite all". Thanks again for all your presents. I sure will enjoy them. Hope I won’t have to write from out here too much longer, but to talk face to face. Keep the home fires burning.

So Long & Good Luck to all

Ted.