Archive for the '9: September, 1942' Category

September 25–30, 1942

Thursday, March 23rd, 2006

Dad's WWII Letters to MomMy Dad is starting to get his romantic legs, finally! I never saw him express himself the way he does in these letters, and as the days, weeks & months pile up, his lonliness and his longing for his Anna Mae gets ever stronger. He’s even learned how to “turn a phrase”, “It is the first time I have had lipstick on my face since the last time I kissed you. I even put a little spot of it on my shoulder so I would feel like I had really been kissed.” Wow — Way to go, Dad!

He also seems to be getting her ready for his first at-sea deployment, hinting that it is now less than 6 months away. I haven’t read ahead so I don’t know when he first had to go overseas, but there is a war on, and he’s not there just to learn how to iron his blues and “drill”. At least I know how this strory ends . . . when they were living it, they didn’t know if they would ever get to see each other again.

My father’s letters, continued . . . (db)

[Postmark: September 25, 1942]

One of Dad's WWII letters to Mom
[Click image for larger view]

[Norfolk, VA]

Sept. 24, 1942

Hello Darling,

Yes, I know, I missed writing to you last night, but if you know what I was doing I don’t think you would care a bit. It sure is hard to get pictures made here in Norfolk, too much business.

First you make an appointment, then you go have them made, wait a week, & go look at the proofs, then pick one & wait two weeks to get the pictures. [& I get impatient with the speed of my digital camera’s memory chip! - Okie]

I also saw a show “Panama Hattie” plenty good, don’t miss it. Red Skelton & Ann Southern.

I looked at some radios while down town. I think I’ll buy one, one of those combination battery & electric sets.

I don’t mind not hearing from anyone else as long as you write me. It doesn’t matter what you say so long as you write.

I haven’t heard from anyone except you in ages, so I don’t know anything that you didn’t tell me about any of our friends.

It is hotter than H _ _ _ here today. I have been sweating all day. It cools off at night but is hot all day.

Aren’t you ashamed of yourself to tell everyone you was coming home, then not go? I wish I could go home, just any weekend. I wouldn’t miss because of a little rain.

I would sure like to see the ice follies. I have never seen them, they say it is quite a show.

We were in Bradford all day today, shot about 2,500 men.

We had drill this afternoon for about 30 minutes. We have a new chief & he thinks we (the medical dept.) should drill, so we drill.

All my Love
Duke

[Postmark: September 26, 1942]

One of Dad's WWII letters to Mom
[Click image for larger view]

[Norfolk, VA]

Sept. 25, 1942

Hello Darling,

Thanks a million for the kiss. It is the first time I have had lipstick on my face since the last time I kissed you. I even put a little spot of it on my shoulder so I would feel like I had really been kissed. You are a darling & I don’t see how I ever got along without you as long as I did. come to think of it, I hadn’t been getting along very well until I met you.

I’ll take my kisses first hand direct if I have any choice, but this is much better than no kiss at all, so I accept it with all my heart and affection.

I got a letter card from my Aunt Zona today, she says everything is fine up there. She also said you wrote to her, I am glad you did, she likes you a lot, which isn’t hard for me to understand, who could help but like you? Look at me, I am goofy about you.

Aunt Zona wants me to come up & see her, but I don’t guess I will, my Uncle won’t let me.

I don’t think I’ll have to go to sea for about 6 mo., most of the boys have about 6 mo. land service before going to sea. I don’t see why I should be any exception.

Guess what? I changed jobs again today. Just like I thought I would. I am now in the record office again. It is easy, but I like the shot hut better.

I am sending you a picture of Bob. He had this taken while he was home on leave, while I am setting here in the shot hut writing, Bob is pressing his blue suit & boy did he ever burn a hole about the size of the iron in the leg. I can’t tell you what he said but you can imagine. It was his best pair of blues & he was getting them ready so he could wear them on liberty tomorrow & Sunday. They cost about $10.00 & they can’t be fixed. Is he ever mad. I don’t blame him, guess I’ll have to teach him how to iron.

I bought some more material for your scrap book, now you can tell what kind of plane is flying over when you see one.

I have fire watch tonight from 2 o’clock till 4:00. boy will I be sleepy tomorrow. I wish you were here to keep me company. It gets lonesome when you have to stay up alone. I don’t know who I am suppose to awake to relieve me so I guess I had better find out where he sleeps before the lights go out.

Good night Darling. XXX_________X (Boy was that one good.)

All my Love
“Duke”

[Postmark: September 28, 1942]

One of Dad's WWII letters to Mom
[Click image for larger view]

[Norfolk, VA]

Sept. 26, 1942

My Darling,

I didn’t get a letter today but I guess I’ll get two tomorrow “I hope”.

Well, my new job isn’t so bad. I am taking care of the officers’ records. I check them in when they report for duty, then check them out when they are moved to another station. There is a lot of red tape to moving them. I know it won’t be interesting, so I’ll skip it. Also, I handle the records of Ships Company men. That is what I am in.

Belive it or not, it is Saturday night & I have liberty, but I am staying home. I just finished washing clothes. Started to go to the show here on the station but I have already seen it, so I guess I’ll just go to bed & get some sleep. I am tired from being on fire watch last night & working all day today.

I am sorry I don’t know what to say, I can’t answer your letter because I didn’t get one.

I think I’ll go over to Portsmouth tomorrow & see Bill. He is on duty so we can’t go to the beach or anywhere, but I’ll go over & chat with him anyway. Bob has gone to town to see his girl friend, & don’t think he will be back till Monday morning. Wish my girl friend lived here. Don’t you?

I have told you a million times how much I love you but I’ll tell you again, you are the one & only & I love you more than anything else. Have faith till this war is over & I’ll prove it.

With Love
Your Sailor Boy
“Duke”

[Postmark: September 29, 1942]

One of Dad's WWII letters to Mom
[Click image for larger view]

[Norfolk, VA]

Sept. 28, 1942

My Darling Anna Mae,

Yes, I know I missed writing you yesterday & got two big wonderful letters today. I went over to see Bill yesterday. We went down to the ship yards & saw some of the Big Ships! They sure are big, almost unbelievable until you see them.

This is the yard where B.H. Alexander works, but I didn’t see him. It sure is a large ship yard & I don’t have any idea how many ships they have. This is where they repair ships that have been in combat at sea. Some of them had holes in them which were being repaired. They have ships from all countries there. The U.S.A. Ships are the cleanest & best looking. We stayed there about three hours & didn’t even get started at getting around to all the ships.

So much for the ships.

I know just how you feel & I feel like crying myself sometimes, but I can’s see that it would do any good so I just grin & bear it.

I am as sure of your love now as I am of life itself & you can depend on me. I hope someday our dreams will come true.

I haven’t heard from anyone lately. I guess it is mostly because I haven’t written to anyone except you.

I would like to send you a picture of myself washing clothes, but it is against the regulations to have a Kodak on the compound. The compound is like the camps except it has a high fence around it & a guard at the gate.

I am sorry to hear you aren’t feeling well, take care of yourself & have a good time while you are home.

I LOVE YOU. XXXXX

All my love
Duke.

[Postmark: September 30, 1942]

One of Dad's WWII letters to Mom
[Click image for larger view]

[Norfolk, VA]

Sept. 29, 1942

My Darling,

Well, how are you this cold weather? I hope your cold is getting better. It turned cold here last Saturday night & has been colder than H _ _ _ ever since. I guess I won’t get to finish my sun tan. We have started wearing our blue uniforms. It was made (the uniform of the day) today. You see, in the Navy they tell you what you can & can’t wear & when you can wear it, so until you are told to wear blues you can’t, unless you sneak out. That is what I did when I had my picture made for you. I will be able to get that picture about Oct. 7. They are so busy & I thought you wouldn’t mind waiting a few more days. I love you for being so patient with me. [Dad, I think you used it all up before I came around! - Okie]

Looks to me like Ophard would at least let me know when he is going to do such an important thing as marry. I wonder if they will send me an announcement.

You don’t suppose it worries him so much or is so excited that he forgot his own brother? Boy, it must be quite a sensation, suppose?

I think that is a good suggestion, about sending you a message by spelling out the place at the beginning of each paragraph. if I can send a letter at all I’ll do just that.

We are moving to Yorktown about October 15th, it isn’t official yet, but that is what they say or is scuttlebutt.

I like my new job in the record office now. I am getting a room to myself, or you might call it an office. It has a desk, typewriter & a filing cabinet.

Maybe I’ll get enough experience sitting at a desk with my feet upon it, that some day I’ll be a big business man.

I know you had a swell time at home & I am glad you get to go home. I only with I could have enjoyed it with you.

Well, I have just about run out of news.

Don’t ever forget that I Love You.

Goodnight, & be good.

All My Love
“Duke”

Duke

Dad’s WWII Letters to Mom™
A celebration of love and discovery by Duke’s son.
Copyright © 2005-2006 — Arthur Dale Baker — All Rights Reserved

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September 19–22, 1942

Thursday, March 23rd, 2006

Dad's WWII Letters to MomMy Dad wasn’t a stranger to me and I always knew that he loved me very much. However, he was not the most open personality, at least to my interpretation, he always had a depth of patience that defied reason, until the bottom of the barrel was reached. Let me explain via three events, two I heard about and one I experienced, although all involve me.

First one, we were visiting one of Mom’s brothers in Blackwell, OK, before he moved his family to Colorado, and they had a swimming pool at their house, which was extremely rare in the mid-’50s in Oklahoma. A bunch of kids were in the pool and I was wading in the shallow end and somehow was knocked down and sitting on the bottom, now too deep to stand and get my head above water. Mom later told me that Dad — who was wearing his good suit — jumped into the pool and rescued me. Not everyone can truly relate that their father actually saved their life, but mine did. He also ruined his best suit and shoes. Sure hope he always felt it was worth it.

The second, I was in the chicken yard feeding grain to the hens when one of the roosters attacked me and knocked me down and started slicing me with its spurs. Mom later told me that Dad grabbed a hatchet, ran into the chicken yard and dispatched the offending rooster with a solid whack! I imagine that we had fried chicken that night, and it was, I’m sure, real goooood!

The third, what it was about I really don’t have a clue. I must have been doing something extremely stupid because I still remember what it felt like for him to give me a swift kick in the butt! When I screw up even now, I can feel his foot kicking me in the ass, and I know that I deserved it then, and also all too often even more so now.

I have so many of his traits. He was a control freak, however he certainly met his match with my Mom. I finally found someone for me that measures up to my penchant for controlling B.S. and she gives me no quarter either.

In today’s five letters you get the sense that Duke, becoming ever more devoted to his Anna Mae, is starting to worry a little about the future, about whether he will ever get to go back home, and whether his Anna Mae will be there if he does make it through the war. In September of 1942, the war’s outcome is certainly not determined, and we are not sure how much he is thinking about the big picture. Since he and I never got to talk about any of this, I have no insight into his frame of mind at this time of his life. I’m just tripping on getting to know my Dad as a twenty-five year old guy. As a fifty-four year old father of one, I look at him as I would a student in one of the freshman classes I taught at Tulsa University, and also as my Dad. It’s a very Kevin Costneresque experience — as per the final catch scenes in the movie Field of Dreams.

Once again, my father’s letters . . . (db)

[Postmark: September 19, 1942]
One of Dad's WWII letters to Mom
[Click image for larger view]

[Norfolk, VA]

Sept. 18, 1942

My Darling,

I see you haven’t as yet gotten a letter saying I am well, as a matter of fact, I guess I never was very sick.

So, you don’t know how to act in an up town theater, well don’t feel too badly about getting lost. I remember the first larger theater I ever attended. If it hadn’t been for the usher I would have probably gone out the exit & missed the show.

I hope you don’t acquire too many of those big town ideas. I like you just as you are. I am more than glad you got the opportunity to work at a better job but don’t let it change you too much & I’ll do the same.

Didn’t I ever tell you about the way I wash clothes? Well, to start with, we don’t have a washing machine as you probably have already guessed. We use a scrub brush and scrub to beat H_ _ _, then turn the clothes wrong side out & fold them along the seam while they are soaking wet & hang them out to dry without wringing them out. In this way, when they dry, they are pressed. You’d be surprised how good they turn out. Some of the boys have irons but I never use one & my clothes look just as well, believe it or not. Those white suits sure get dirty.

I saw Bill a couple of days ago, he is starting to school in a day or so, I don’t know much about it, I only saw him for a minute.

Bob, my friend here, said to tell you hello & he hung your picture in my locker for me, did a real good job of it too.

He (Bob) still says he is going to send you that picture of him you asked for. I am also going to send you a picture & in the near future too, I promise.

I am still taking my medicine & feel a lot better. I don’t feel like I need it now, but the doctor said to take it so I am.

I am tired tonight. We shot a battalion here this morning & are at Bradford this afternoon. Then I washed my clothes & now I am writing you. It is almost time for lights out so I had better bathe & get to bed. We have inspection by the Captain tomorrow. Everyone dresses in his best & the Captain gives us the once over, just like you have probably seen in the movies. Well, good night darling, & be good.

Yours forever
Love
“Duke”

[Postmark: September 21, 1942]
One of Dad's WWII letters to Mom
[Click image for larger view]

[Norfolk, VA]

Sept. 19, 1942

Hello Darling,

I just got back from Portsmouth Hospital. Took a couple of patients over. On the way back we stopped & bought some ice cream & cookies, sure were good. This is Sunday morning, Sept. 20, 942. I ran out of ink last night & had to wait until this morning to borrow some & write you, notice the difference in color?

We had a long day yesterday, had inspection by the Captain. That is the first time I have ever stood Captain’s inspection. He just gave me the once over & went on, I guess everything was O.K. because he stopped at several of the boys and gave them H _ _ _, & I mean he can do a good job of it too. He also ate out some of the officers, who hadn’t polished their buttons lately.

I have nothing to do today. I am on standby, don’t have to work but I have to stay on the compound. I guess I might as well wash a few clothes & then take a sun bath. I sure have read a lot since I joined the Navy, it is a good way to pass away time. I read every thing I get my hands on except the newspaper.

I had to stand fire watch last night from 12 o’clock till 2 o’clock. This happens every two or three weeks, for the hospital corps. We have to make the rounds through a building where they keep the patients that are being discharged from the Navy. We check to see that they are all there & that they don’t smoke in bed.

Say, about that Civil Service job, if I were you I wouldn’t give up a good job I liked for one I don’t know anything about & besides, don’t get too far away from home, you will always be happier if you stay close enough that you can go home once in a while. I know, & besides, I’ll know where to find you when I do come back.

I don’t know anything about Earl Semons so I can’t say much. It doesn’t sound any too good though.

I can’t figure it out. I write mother letters & all she sends me is cards. I guess that is better than nothing, though.

About that Casa Loma visit, I want you to have a good time, but do be good. I know Lucille & Billy drink & you promised you wouldn’t unless I was along, so have a good time but don’t indulge for it makes you do things you shouldn’t.

By till tomorrow.

Yours for Ever.
Duke.

P.S. I think Ophard is getting married next week.

[Postmark: September 21, 1942]
One of Dad's WWII letters to Mom
[Click image for larger view]

[Norfolk, VA]

Sept. 20, 1942

My Darling Sweetheart,

I don’t understand it, I didn’t get a letter today but I suppose I’ll get two tomorrow. I hope so. I sure missed the one I was supposed to get today.

I got a letter from the Sturgeons. They each wrote a letter and put it in the same envelope. They don’t know what to think about Ophard [Dad’s brother - Okie] planning on getting married. you see, they have never met Gladys & they sort of feel as though they should either approve or disapprove of the girl before Ophard marries.

Ted said he sure needs help on the farm & wishes Ophard & I were there to help him.

I sat in the sun almost all day today, got a little red, but didn’t burn. If I can find time I am going to start on that again, the one I started down in Texas. I have been on the job so much I haven’t had time to complete it, that is, do a good job. I am a lot browner than I was the last time you saw me, but I am far from being satisfied with the job.

I washed again today, just the suit I wore yesterday. I try to wash every other day so there won’t be so much to wash at one time. I have 8 suits of whites, 3 suits of blues, 4 white hats, 1 blue hat, 10 suits of undies, 12 pairs of socks, a over coat, over shoes, two pairs of slippers, 1 pair of black shoes, 2 pair of brown shoes, 2 pair of overall pants, & lord only knows what else. This is more clothes than I ever had in my life before.

Bob is over at the main building making a long distant call to his girl, boy would it cost me to call my girl. I might try it some time, don’t be surprised.

Say, I am getting to where I can write several pages. I get lots of practice, but I love it.

I just got back from the station movie “Bullet Seas”. I don’t know any of the stars & it wasn’t any too good, but it was free.

Well, it is about time for lights out, so good night darling. (I LOVE YOU)

Forever yours,
“Duke”

[Postmark: September 22, 1942]
One of Dad's WWII letters to Mom
[Click image for larger view]

[Norfolk, VA]

Sept. 21, 1942

My Darling Anna Mae,

I certainly do have a wonderful girl. Guess what! I got 2 letters & a card from her today. Darling, I don’t know what I’d do if you didn’t write to me every day. I guess I’d go nutty.

We have sure been busy today. We shot a battalion this morning & have been examining another battalion all afternoon. it is now 9:15 & we just now quit, some days are like this. I have typed so much today I’ll probably type in my sleep. But the way, I am getting pretty good at typing if I do say so myself, practice makes perfect.

You won’t have to ask me to come home if I can, because the first chance I get you’ll be seeing me. boy, what writing, I am tired. I am still out in the shot hut writing this letter. I knew if I went over to the barracks it would be too noisy. I still promise I’ll have a picture made for you & soon, too. you see, I can’t go to town just anytime I please.

I don’t get off till 5 o’clock & by the time I could get to town it would be too late, so I have to wait till the weekend & I only get off every other weekend, Maybe. Sometimes we have to work on Sunday when we are supposed to have liberty, but it is O.K., gets kind of tiresome but I don’t mind too much. It can’t last forever, I hope.

My Darling, I am so lonely tonight. I wish you were here, or I was there. There isn’t anything or anybody that can take your place & fill the spot that you have been in my life. I guess I have it pretty bad. Forgive me, I am supposed to keep up your moral & not break it down.

All my Love
Forever & a day
“Duke”

P.S. thumbs Up.

[Postmark: September 22, 1942]
One of Dad's WWII letters to Mom
[Click image for larger view]

[Norfolk, VA]

Sept. 22, 1942

To My Darling Anna Mae,

I didn’t get a letter today but I got three yesterday, so I didn’t exactly expect one, although I waited in hope all day & it didn’t come.

I haven’t written mother in two or three days, I know I should but I can’t seem to find time, maybe I will tonight after I finish this to you. Your letter means more to me than all the rest together. I guess we feel the same about most things.

I am on duty tonight but we haven’t had a call for ambulance yet. Oh yeah, a call just now came in. I’ll finish this before I go because some papers have to be filled out first on the patient.

We take him over to the Hospital at Portsmouth. That is where I was before I came over here. I am just the helper on the ambulance, I don’t drive because I don’t have a license.

Some of the boys here in ships co. are getting their orders so you never can tell who will be next. I’ll probably have to fill in one of the jobs where the boys are leaving. I don’t know yet, but I’ll bet I will probably be sent back in the records office.

One of the fellows here got a clipping from his wife today. They had his name & a write up about him & the Seabees in his hometown paper, By the way, most of the boys here are married. I don’t see how they figure it, but I guess it is all right, what do you think?

Well, I guess I’d better get ready to go on that trip to Portsmouth.

All My Love
Duke

P.S. Keep your nose clean

Duke

Dad’s WWII Letters to Mom™
A celebration of love and discovery by Duke’s son.
Copyright © 2005-2006 — Arthur Dale Baker — All Rights Reserved

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Posted in 9: September, 1942 | No Comments »

September 12–17, 1942

Thursday, March 23rd, 2006

Dad's WWII Letters to MomMy Dad served the early part of his Navy tour of duty in Norfolk, Virginia during the late summer/early fall of 1942. Lots going on there, but he doesn’t mention anything, such as the battleship USS Alabama that was built in the Norfolk shipyard and was commissioned on that Aug. 16, so he probably didn’t know about it. He actually mentions in this week’s letters that they, he and his buddies, don’t know what is going on in the world or in the war, although maybe he is just trying to keep his Anna Mae from worrying. (Mom was the worrier of the family.)

Nice to know that the ol’ man was arguing for his faith against the secular-humanists in his barracks, guess I am a chip off the old block, after all.

He continues reassuring his Anna Mae that he is not drinking or out carousing around with other women, and is desperately hoping that she is doing the same. Like my Mom would have ever been drunk.

What comes through all these letters is his homesickness and continual loneliness. It’s so hard in these times of cell phones, fax machines and email to get into the mindset of someone whose only contact with the woman he loves is via the 8-day wait provided by the U.S. Postal Service, now affectionately known as “snail mail”! What patience I have, I learned from him.

So, once again, more of my father’s letters . . . (db)

[Postmark: September 12, 1942]
One of Dad's WWII letters to Mom
[Click image for larger view]

[Norfolk, VA]

Sept. 11, 1942

My Darling,

I slipped yesterday and didn’t write you a letter. I was on ambulance duty & boy was we busy, started at 6 o’clock & got through at 1:30. We made two trips to Portsmouth hospital & one trip to Camp Bradford, so tonight I thought I’d write you an extra long letter & just then we got another ambulance call to Portsmouth again. It is now 10 o’clock & the lights in the barracks are out, but I am determined to write you so guess where I am writing this letter. It is a place where they never turn out the lights, by the way, do you smell anything?

I heard from J.L a couple of days ago & wrote right back. I’ll bet he will be surprised.

I am glad none of our friends have forgotten us. It pays to have friends, that is (real friends). I saw my friend Bill while I was over at Portsmouth tonight. He asked me if I was married yet. He sure is a swell guy.

By the way, the trip to Virginia Beach has been called off. I knew something would happen.

All My Love
Duke

[Postmark: September 14, 1942]
One of Dad's WWII letters to Mom
[Click image for larger view]

[Norfolk, VA]

Sept. 11, 1942

Hello Sweetheart,

How are you today, I feel like a million. I am taking my medicine like a man & am trying to quit smoking. I think I can do it, don’t you? I went to town Saturday & guess what I did? Well, you won’t believe it until you see it. [Not a clue, here - Okie]

I am sorry I didn’t write yesterday, but I went to the show & didn’t get back until late. I am not going to town any more so I won’t miss writing anymore. I am sorry about this paper, but it is all I have out here at the Inoculation Hut. You asked me about B.H.. Yes, he was in the Navy before. He and I planned on joining the Navy just after we graduated from High School. Well, he did and served 4 years.

He didn’t like it but he was a seaman. I guess that is pretty rough. I haven’t as yet got to see him. They are changing our liberty & boy is everyone hollering. We used to get off every other night & every other weekend starting at noon Saturday, but now we don’t have anymore weekends off. It won’t bother me in the least except I don’t like to work on Sunday, can you blame me? I am trying to write this and several guys are trying to talk to me so don’t blame me if it don’t make sense. I’ll bet you can guess what they are talking about. Yes, that’s right.

I got a letter from the people in the pictures I sent you. They are still in Corpus Christi. I don’t know if you ever understood who they were or not. They are Ted Sturgeon’s sister & Family.

I’ll have to quit, they are driving me crazy trying to listen & write at the same time.

All my Love.
Duke.

[Postmark: September 16, 1942]
One of Dad's WWII letters to Mom
[Click image for larger view]

[Norfolk, VA]

Sept. 15, 1942

Hell-o Sweetheart,

I know you don’t like typewritten letters but I don’t see how you can read the ones I write with pen and ink, and besides I can write more and better letters when I have time to think, besides I need the practice and how.

I don’t have any contact with the outside world, no papers, and we only listen to music on the radio, this is right, we aren’t interested in what is going on in this war torn world of ours. Boy how I can rave! No fooling, we don’t hear much about the war in here, they just don’t talk about it, and you would be surprised they all seem to want to get in to it, the only thing that seems to make them mad is because they have to stay here so long and can’t get right into the war.

I don’t know if I will ever get this written, every time I start someone comes in for a shot, some of the men were on duty and we have to shoot them when they come in, stragglers we call them. And also, they are building a weather shelter around the hut and of all the noise, hammering, sawing and all kind of noises.

They just brought a man in with a cut in his head and we had to give him a tetanus shot, he acts out of his head, yes, he is a little goofy.

Well, here I am trying to write you and I don’t know what to say. I LOVE YOU.

They are having a show tonight so I think I will go to it. I don’t know just what it (will be), but there isn’t any thing else to do. Oh, if you were only here I would be satisfied and would ask for nothing else.

[handwritten part]

I guess I’ll have to finish this with pen & ink. Say, guess what I just got, another letter from my best girl, You. I was certainly surprised but pleased. I suppose now that I won’t get one tomorrow. Your letters are my main interest.

I am sending you a clipping of an article written about the outfit I am in. It was in Colliers magazine this last week. I hope you get that picture you wanted real soon, I am trying like everything.

I am not afraid of you getting drunk ever, you can’t stand the taste remember, & you needn’t worry about me. I was only kidding.

I wouldn’t feel right going with anyone else & I wouldn’t have any fun, so I am not going with another girl except You.

These guys here are now arguing about the Bible & evolution, can you imagine? Some of them don’t believe in the Bible. Boy, do we have a time arguing.

It sure is hot here, I am wringing wet with sweat.

I can’t think of anything else so By till next time.

All my Love
Duke

[Postmark: September 17, 1942]
One of Dad's WWII letters to Mom
[Click image for larger view]

[Norfolk, VA]

Sept. 16, 1942

Hello Darling,

Well, I finally bought some new stationary. I ran out again. This isn’t much better, but it is all you can get on the compound.

We moved today (the hospital corps), we just moved to a new building, nothing to it except a lot of trouble. I even smashed my little finger in the process, sure does hurt, want to kiss it? Oh, now it feels better. I don’t know what I would do without you. My Darling, you are my life.

We didn’t do much today, we just messed around & shot a few officers.

I didn’t get a letter yesterday I mean today, but I got two yesterday so I guess it is all right.

You can’t believe anything you hear in the Navy, the stuff about changing liberty is a bunch of hooey. In the Navy, they call it Scuttle Butt. In other words, it is just hear say, or rumor.

Well, how is everything in Tulsa by now. I am sure you like your work because it is new & interesting, buy the way, how do you like your boss, or do you have a boss who tells you what to do. This is the best part about the job in the inoculation hut. I have no boss, just do everything more or less as I please, just so I get the work done.

My nose and throat is already feeling a lot better since I started taking this medicine, jut think, that’s all I needed all these years & no doctor was smart enough to know. This doctor is a specialist in eyes, ears, nose & throat.

Well, here I start on my third page, say that’s a record for me, isn’t it?

I could tell you a few more times how much I love you, but I am hoping you know that by now. I even believe you trust me now, & I certainly trust you. If it will only remain that way our life will be a happy one & as far as I am concerned, It will be. I have changed a lot since I met you. I have you to thank for making it better. With your love to guide me, my self control has grabbed hold of me & straightened me out. I am a changed man because I am Very much in love with you, My Darling.

I Love You
“Duke”

P.S. I hope you don’t think me silly, but it is the truth as I see it.

[Postmark: September 17, 1942]
One of Dad's WWII letters to Mom
[Click image for larger view]

[Norfolk, VA]

Sept. 17, 1942

Hello Darling,

I just mailed you a letter not more than 30 minutes ago. The one I wrote last night, & here I am writing another. I just now got one from you. That is the trouble with having to wait so long for an answer. It takes 8 days to get an answer from a letter. In the letter today, you send your regrets because I was sick & I haven’t been sick for a week, but that is the best we can do, & thanks a million for feeling sorry for me. I only wish I had the privilege of getting all my colds from you. I guess you won’t be having colds anymore. I am certainly proud of the outcome of your physical examination. I personally had never doubted it but it is something to be proud of & stay proud of, as long as a person has good health they can get along. It doesn’t matter what you look like, for example, look at me. I could never have gotten in the Navy if I wasn’t in good health. They don’t care what I look like. But you Darling, have Good Health & looks, both. You also have personality plus, as a matter of fact you are just what I want. May I have you? Thanks a million!

Have you heard anything about my little brother in Calif.? I haven’t heard from him in ages. The last I heard about him was from you. Has he & Gladys tied the knot yet, or have you heard. I sure like Gladys, she is a swell person. You can quote me on that.

Tell Pauline Hello & to keep her chin up. I am sorry I hadn’t mentioned her before, but I thought about her & how she was standing this war situation with Paul gone. [Paul was Mom’s older brother who was killed by a sniper in Okinawa, Pauline was his wife and is still active in the family all these many years later, even after remarrying. It’s quite a special family! - Okie] Say, you may get a few pointers from her on how it is to be married & away from your husband, or have you already looked into that matter? My, aren’t you glad you are not tied down, or are you?

You said your old friend Marlene wouldn’t live with you. You didn’t happen to suggest that she live somewhere else did you? I thought so. Shame on you. I really can’t blame you though because I know how she gets on my nerves sometimes, don’t quote me on this, but I think she would like to hook my brother, what do you think? Say, I am not in the habit of gossiping, but I don’t have anything else to talk about, except that I love you & that is the reason I do all of this writing.

With all my Love
Duke.

P.S. I AM LONELY.

Duke

Dad’s WWII Letters to Mom™
A celebration of love and discovery by Duke’s son.
Copyright © 2005-2006 — Arthur Dale Baker — All Rights Reserved

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September 7–9, 1942

Sunday, March 19th, 2006

Dad's WWII Letters to MomThis intro is going to be short and sweet, just like the five letters that are being presented.

Dad’s getting ever more lonely and frustrated, even to the point of fantasizing about just walking away from base to go and see his honey, but he won’t do that. The lure of the bottle is still calling his name — will the love for his Anna Mae be strong enough for him to honor his promise to not drink? Will he ever get the pictures made that he promised her? Will he ever get to do anything in the Navy except stick guys in the hind end with a needle and type memos for his C.O? Stay tuned . . .

[Postmark: September 7, 1942]
One of Dad's WWII letters to Mom
[Click image for larger view]

[Norfolk, VA]

Sept 5, 1942

Hello My Darling,

I am glad you like the new job, I was sure you would & that every thing would be O.K.

I got a letter from J.L. today, he says everything is O.K. down there except he don’t get enough sleep. Well, that’s all we get up here. “Sleep”.

I went over to see Bill today but he had gone some place so I just came back home. There isn’t anything else to do except go to the show & I have seen so many shows I can’t get interested anymore. B.H. has to work when I am off & I work when he is off. I never have got to talk to him. I called him today just before he left for work. He is going to quit his job & join the Navy again.

These guys here sure talk funny, they are from the northeastern states. I can hardly understand them. [Sure Dad, and I imagine they felt the same way about you! - Okie]

I have nothing new to tell you — I miss you Terribly —

With Love

“Duke”

P.S. I forgot to send a card last time so I am sending two this time.

[Postmark: September 7, 1942]
One of Dad's WWII letters to Mom
[Click image for larger view]

[Norfolk, VA]

Sept 7, 1942

My Darling,

Well, another Sunday has passed & I didn’t even leave camp. Say, you aren’t the only one who expects a letter every day & I didn’t get one today.

I am glad you like the bracelet. It isn’t much, but it carries the meaning of an expensive a present as money can buy.

I haven’t written mother yet. I guess I had better. It seems I only take time to write to you. I worry more about you than any thing else. I know everything is alright, but I keep wondering what you are doing & thinking every minute of the day.

Nothing new today so will close.

Love

“Duke”

[Postmark: September 8, 1942]
One of Dad's WWII letters to Mom
[Click image for larger view]

[Norfolk, VA]

Sept 7, 1942

Darling,

Well, another day has passed & I haven’t received a letter today. You have spoiled me, I now expect a letter every day & I haven’t gotten one for two days. Boy am I blue, if I had liberty tonight I might go down town and buy a pint. I haven’t drank a drop since I arrived here in Virginia & it is dirt cheap. Aren’t you proud of me. & it’s not because I don’t have the money, because I do. It is for you darling, & myself.

I think I’ll go down to Virginia Beach two weeks from yesterday. A couple of the boys here have never been down & I’d like to go down there again, so we are planning on it. Anything can happen though & we may not get to go. It sure is a swell beach, that is where I bought the candy animals, remember?

There is on thing you don’t have to worry about & that is girls. I couldn’t even get a date if I tried. There are so many sailors here even the worst type of girls can be choicie (Mispelled). (Boy am I ignorate)

But I Love You
Duke

(WRITE SOON)

[Postmark: September 9, 1942]
One of Dad's WWII letters to Mom
[Click image for larger view]

[Norfolk, VA]

Sept 8, 1942

Darling Anna Mae,

Well this certainly is nice, two lovely letters & both from you. You know, I guess I bragged too soon about not being sick. I have been in bed all day today. I have what the Navy calls Cat. Fever, or a bad cold. It is another one of those sinus attacts like I have always had. Do you have any idea how many times I have come home from school well & go back sick with a bad cold? You don’t have any idea how I enjoyed getting those colds.

If you were here now I would give you my cold.

I start tomorrow taking Cod Liver Oil, & an Iodine Comp. “Doctors Orders.” He says I have a deficiency of iodine & as long as I have this deficiency I will be subject to colds.

Maybe that is what the trouble has been all the time, if so, maybe I can cure it. I’ll try anything. Enough about me —

What are your impressions of your new job by now, & how was every thing at home? YOu will probably answer these questions before you get this. I ran out of ink & had to borrow some.

No, I probably won’t be lucky enough to go aboard ship. A yeoman in the Navy is a stneogpher (misspelled), by the way, I am back in the inoculation hut again & I saw that Irwin boy you told me about. he is in the 27th Battalion. I gave him his Tetanus (Lock Jaw) shot today. I was surprised to see him.

“All My Love”
Duke

[Postmark: September 9, 1942]
One of Dad's WWII letters to Mom
[Click image for larger view]

[Norfolk, VA]

Sept 9, 1942

Hello Darling,

Well darling, another day has passed & I feel much better. I worked today & enjoyed it, nothing new happened today, they are still talking about moving this camp, so don’t be surprised when you get a letter from me with a new return address. They keep changing their mind, so it may be this month or next month, I don’t know.

I didn’t get around to having my picture made for you last week, but I’ll get it as soon as possible. I know you are getting tired of hearing me say that & I am sorry, but I just can’t seem to get around to it. I’ll try, honest I will.

Say, Bob was complimented by you asking for a picture of him & he says you shall have one. I see you still don’t know B.H. Well, anyway, he is a swell guy.

Darling, I miss you more each day. If it keeps on as it is going, I don’t know how I am going to keep from just walking off. Maybe I’ll get a leave before too long. I hope.

Boy is it hot. I am just burning up. I’ll be glad when it gets a little cooler.

Well, goodbye till tomorrow.

With All My Love.
“Duke”

P.S. I am out of picture cards.

Duke

Dad’s WWII Letters to Mom™
A celebration of love and discovery by Duke’s son.
Copyright © 2005-2006 — Arthur Dale Baker — All Rights Reserved

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September 1–5, 1942

Sunday, March 19th, 2006

Dad's WWII Letters to MomI’ve been thinking of my Dad’s situation in late Summer of ‘42. Here he was, less than a year after the slaughter on Pearl Harbor, away from home, with world events spiraling out of control — death and devastation occurring on a scale previously unknown to mankind — and he is concerned about being homesick, and wanting to be able to spend a few days with his precious “Anna Mae”.

Duke wrote 25 letters plus sent a handful of postcards to her in September of 1942. That’s going to take us 5 postings to get through here. In some of this selection, he tells her that he wishes the war was over already. What he doesn’t know is that there are almost 3 years of terrible conflict to go before his wish will come true, and that before it’s over, my Mom’s oldest brother, Paul, will be killed by a sniper in Okinawa. From both my father’s and mother’s families, many served — only this one maternal brother was lost to the war — although I am most certain that they all left their innocence of youth over there . . . on hostile, foreign soil.

The letters, continued. (db)

[Postmark: September 1, 1942]
One of Dad's WWII letters to Mom
[Click image for larger view]

[Norfolk, VA]

August 31, 1942

Hello My Darling,

Just received Two wonderful letters today. I am sorry I missed writing yesterday. I went to town to see B.H. Alexander, he wasn’t home so I took in a movie & messed around. Believe it or not I went to church yesterday. I was invited out for dinner but I didn’t go, I wanted to see B.H. & then he wasn’t home. I missed a good chicken dinner. Don’t worry, it was some lady about 45 & her mother who asked me to dinner. Everyone came around & shook my hand, I felt so silly. You see, there was only three sailors at church & the preacher talked about it.

I forgot to tell you I saw Geld Peden the other day, he was in one of the battalions that left here a day or so ago. He was as surprised as I was, this was one day while I was working in the inoculation hut. I gave him his shots & we chatted a while. I meant to go see him but I never did. I just couldn’t seem to find time. I also saw a boy that I worked with down at Norman, that was just last Saturday.

You asked me about the town of Norfolk. Well, it’s terrible, the town is too small for the population, you have to stand in line to buy anything & everything is sky high! There are no buildings over three stories high.

Maybe after you try to read this letter you will wish I would type more of them.

I am more than pleased with your answer to my question, (about marriage.) I wish this war was over, don’t you?

Well, I don’t know anything else to say, so I guess I’ll close till tomorrow.

I haven’t had a sick day since I have been here, not even a cold. I guess this regular hours are good, long nights are good for me. Sure has been cool here for the past two weeks.

all my Love,
Duke.
p.s. Good luck at your new job.

[Postmark: September 2, 1942]
One of Dad's WWII letters to Mom
[Click image for larger view]

[Norfolk, VA]

Sept. 1, 1942

Hello Darling,

Well, what do you know, I got 2 letters & three cards today, boy did I feel good.

I don’t have anything in particular to say but I’ll answer your questions. Everyone takes exercise every morning before breakfast except the medical department. We sleep till 6:30. We all in the medical department eat at the same mess hall. Each battalion has its own mess hall, cooks & all & they move with the battalion where ever they go. They have battalions at Camp Bradford same as here, mess halls & all, so when I go down there, I eat in their mess halls.

I haven’t been swimming in ages, don’t know when I’ll get to again. Bill is still over at Portsmouth.

I haven’t even as much as talked to a girl in so long, I wouldn’t even know how to act. I go to town about once a week & eat a steak dinner, then go to the show, that’s all.

You see, I don’t have time to do much, work every day from 8-5, then eat & write a letter to you & usually wash some & there isn’t much time left for anything else & every other night I work til 9 o’clock.

With Love,
“Duke”

[Postmark: September 3, 1942]
One of Dad's WWII letters to Mom
[Click image for larger view]

[Norfolk, VA]

Sept 2, 1942

Hello Darling,

Well, just as you said, I didn’t get a letter today. By the way, I just heard today that I, or we (the whole camp), area going to be moved to a new camp in Yorktown, VA. It is about 40 miles from here. I don’t know what way, but it will be two months before we go.

Nothing happened today, just the same old stuff. Oh, yes, Bob, my friend here, got a 5 day leave, he leaves tomorrow & I’ll take over his job till he gets back. I’d have to have at least 10 days before I’d consider leaving.

I am thinking of having my picture made next week-end, at least I am thinking of it.

With all my
Love
“Duke”

[Postmark: September 4, 1942]
One of Dad's WWII letters to Mom
[Click image for larger view]

[Norfolk, VA]

Sept 3, 1942

Hello Darling,

Well, here it is Sept 3 and I haven’t received a letter yet. It seems ages. I should get one tomorrow, I hope.

Boy, it sure it hot here. I am just dripping wet with sweat. It has only been hot for the last couple of days.

Hasn’t anything happened today, just the same, only things. Didn’t work much today, just shot one company of men, about 300, but boy will we have to work tomorrowMonday, have to shoot 2 battalions, about 2200 men.

Well, how do you like your new job by now, fine I am sure.

I am happy for you.

Got a card from Mother today, she is in Ind. having a swell time.

All My Love
Duke

[Postmark: September 5, 1942]
One of Dad's WWII letters to Mom
[Click image for larger view]

[Norfolk, VA]

Sept 4, 1942

My Darling,

Boy was I surprised & pleased today. Guess what, I got three letters & all from you. It sure takes a long time for a letter to reach here from there. I just heard that if N.O.B. is left off the address it will get here a day sooner, let’s try what say.

Boy, it’s just as hot tonight as last night, sweat is just dripping off me, notice how wet the paper is. [I can still see the sweat stains on the stationary - Okie] I can’t help it. Wish I had a table to write on & maybe you could read it.

I am glad that you found a nice apartment & I am sure everything will be alright, & you don’t wish I was there anymore than I want to be there.

I am just waiting for the day
When ______________________________

We had wieners and sour Kraut for supper tonight & boy I can still taste them. They were good, but I don’t care much for them.

Oh yes, you asked me who B.H. is. He is Del Alexander’s brother, the one who used to deliver ice at Oilton, remember? B.H. & I were pals in high school. He went with Margaret Haley, too. He is married now & it has been about 9 or 10 years, & the first thing he asked me was what ever happened to Margaret. Figure that one out. [Dad, things never change! - Okie]

U.S.N.C.T.C. N.O.B. — means.
United States Naval Construction Training Center, Naval Operations Base.

I don’t know anything else except
I Love You.

“Duke”

Duke

Dad’s WWII Letters to Mom™
A celebration of love and discovery by Duke’s son.
Copyright © 2005-2006 — Arthur Dale Baker — All Rights Reserved

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Posted in 9: September, 1942 | No Comments »