Dad’s WWII Letters To Mom™

My 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]

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[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]

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[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]

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[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]

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[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]

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[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.

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

[tags]World War II letters, WWII, Dad’s WWII Letters, Camp Allen, Norfolk, Navy[/tags]

This 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]

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[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]

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[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]

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[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]

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[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]

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[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.

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

[tags]World War II letters, WWII, Dad’s WWII Letters, Camp Allen, Norfolk, Navy[/tags]

I’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]

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[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]

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[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]

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[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]

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[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]

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[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”

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

[tags]World War II letters, WWII, Dad’s WWII Letters, Norfolk, Navy[/tags]

The day after Christmas, 2002, Mom, who was in cardiac critical care at Northwestern Hospital in Tulsa, shocked us all by refusing any further treatment for her congestive heart failure. It’s 5 am, and the nurse comes in to the CICU waiting room, where about 20 of us are sleeping, and tells me that Mom has had a bad run of V-tack and has refused to take a potassium supplement that could help keep this from happening again.

I’m not going to go through the entire chronology of that day, but suffice it to say, Mom made it clear to all of us that she was ready to go and be with her beloved “Duke” in Heaven, so she would not allow any further treatment or extraordinary measures to be taken on her behalf. This we understood, and I helped her as she worked out her DNR, do not resuscitate, document that would allow her to die the next time something happened with her heart, an event which was certain to come soon.

What my sister and I would not allow was for her to starve to death. We made it very plain to our mother that God could take her whenever he wanted, but if she refused, at the very least, intravenous nutrition, we would have a psych consult come in and have her declared incompetent and do it anyway, so she did agree to allow this minimal step to be taken to prolong her existence. Starving her to death was not conceivable. I so do hope that my Father approved of our decision about that, even though it meant that he had to wait another 10 days to be with her once again. He’s got her for eternity now, we just selfishly wanted a few more days of her being here.

And now once again, my father’s WWII letters to her, continued. (db)

[Postmark: August 23, 1942]

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[Camp Allen — Norfolk, VA]

August 22, 1942

Hell-o My Darling,

I am sorry I missed writing you One day and I will try and not let it happen again. I am now sitting at my desk ###, which won’t be mine very long. I am being moved next Monday. I think I told you that I am to return to my old and first job here , In the Inoculation Hut,.

No wonder I am loosing my job, just look at the mess I am making of this letter, I hope that is not the reason I would hate to think I couldn’t handle any job they have here for PhM2c. The is really the easiest money I have ever made in my life.

I am really happy to hear about your new Job. It isn’t surprising to me but you can bet your life it is pleasing. So write and tell me all about it when you get time, I mean as soon as possible. What I would like to know is what you told them when they asked if you planned on being married any time soon. You told me what you said when they asked if you had a steady boy friend, but there you quit.

You know something? It’s hard to tell just how much you need a person until they are gone. I knew I would miss you something terrible but I didn’t now it would be like this, I can’t seem to get you off my mind, I think about it night and day. I guess that is the reason I am writing you so often, I have never done so much writing before.

So much for my troubles. The real thing in mind now is this new job of yours, I know you will make it OK, so I am not worrying about that, the thing is, what will you do in your spare time. Say, are the WHITEHEADs still living there in Tulsa? It is Tulsa that you are going to, isn’t it? Well, if they do, it won’t be so bad and you can go home on weekends. Well, at least there are other people living there that you know, and by the way, don’t let some of those smart girls over there talk you into any thing foolish. They will you know, if they can. They use the old story about maybe he won’t come back, and look at the time you have wasted. I know, they have one here too, only it is maybe you won’t get back, and look at the fun you have missed. You understand what I mean, don’t you? I am sure you do, maybe you have already had such problems.

WELL LISTEN! I AM COM-BACK AND WHAT’S MORE, IN BETTER SHAPE THAT I LEFT.
-MING
I must ha ##### been excited when I wrote the line above I didn’t complete the word comming.

I haven’t heard from J.T. and I have written him, I didn’t know his address so I just took it from the clipping you sent to me. As a matter of fact I haven’t heard from any one for a long time, not since I have been in N.C.T.C. and I have written to most all of them, but no responce (misspelled).

I have never been aboard a ship, I am a dry land sailor. It looks as though I will go all through this war and never set foot on a ship. I would at least like to look one over. Wouldn’t that be something to tell our children, “That their Paw was a sailor and had never been on a ship.”

Boy, do I rave? Maybe I am only dreaming, but it is fun.

Well, I have another hour to spend here and nothing to do but answer the phone if it rings. The Doctor has already gone home, but I am supposed to stay and keep the office open just in case somebody wants to know something. Yes, I carry a key to the office, I am his secretary. But I don’t sit on his knee. [Thanks, Dad! Glad to hear it! (db)]

Boy, I sure am fast, the hour is up and look what I have accomplished. Practically nothing. Well, I did answer about a dozen phone calls and answered a few questions from several Officers who dropped in to see the Doctor.

So long till tomorrow
WITH ALL MY LOVE.
“DUKE”

[Handwritten]
P.S. I just got back to Camp Allen & on the way I saw an airplane that had just crashed. I don’t think anyone was hurt seriously but the plane was sure smashed.

[Postmark: August 25, 1942]

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[Camp Allen — Norfolk, VA]

Aug 24, 1942

My Darling,

Well, what do you know, two letters today & I got one from Ted yesterday. I must be coming up in this old world.

Say, it sure must take a long time for a letter to reach Oklahoma from here because I answered most all of these questions you have asked here, two or three letters ago. I went to town yesterday & saw “The In??ders”, it was a swell show. If you haven’t seen it, don’t miss it. & guess what? While I was standing in front of the show waiting to get in, guess who I saw? B.H Alexander. Remember, I told you he lived up here. Well, I have been looking for him ever since I have been here, but couldn’t find him so I just gave up, & there I stood & he walked by. He didn’t know me but I hollered at him, & was he surprised, his eyes popped out a foot, well, maybe not quite that far, but he was surprised. He is working in a ship yard & was just starting to work. I am going down & visit with him soon. I think I’ll take him & his wife out to dinner just for old times sake. I haven’t met his wife. If you were only here we would have a real nice party. Oh. Boy.

I am still secretary to the Lt. Commander, was driving his big Buick around today. I think he likes me. I can’t imagine why.

It doesn’t matter about anyone else, just so you are still on my side, that’s what keeps things going smooth.

Bill was O.K. two weeks ago. I haven’t seen him since then, he is Master at Arms at the corpsman quarters, her is supposed to see that the boys keep them clean. I guess we are just lucky.

I won’t get PhM1/e until I have been here in the Navy 4 months.

Well, I have just about told all I know. All the luck in the world to you on your new job. Answer soon.

Love
Duke

[Postmark: August 27, 1942]

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[Camp Allen — Norfolk, VA]

August 26,

Hello Darling,

I can’t understand why you haven’t heard from me in three days. I only missed one day writing to you & I probably won’t miss another day. Today we got the afternoon off, so I have been reading. I just now got your letter so I decided to answer. I don’t have anything to say except I Love you, & always will.

I got a letter from Ted & he is taking the money I am sending & is going to try & make more money for me. I sent it in a payment on what I owe him & Ophard [Dad's Brother] & they both refuse to accept any of it. Boy! There is nothing so swell as true friends, just as you said. I guess we are just lucky. I hope nothing ever happens to separate us. I wouldn’t know how to act without you. You seem to be a part of my life. I am glad to hear from Grandmother. I hadn’t heard from her since I left.

Tell her Hello for me if you see her before you leave for Tulsa. Tell everyone hello.

I Love You.
Duke.

P.S. This may be short, but it has a long meaning. I would give anything to see you.

[Postmark: August 29, 1942]

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[Norfolk, VA]

August 28, 1942

Hell-o Darling,

I received another nice letter to-day, sure was glad to hear from you. Hasn’t anything exciting happened around here lately just work and sleep. I sure get tired of the same old thing every day, but I guess it could be worse.

I received a card from Mother to-day, she says they are going to Indiana. I don’t know who all are going, but I bet it would sure be fun. It is going to be a Casada family reunion, boy what a mess. I hope Grandmother gets to go.

I wish I could have been able to attend your nice birthday party, that chicken sure sounds good, but most of all, I would like to see you. I won’t lie about it, I forgot all about your birthday. I guess I would make an average husband, most of them forget such things.

I had no idea about the things you told me about what you thought when I was going with Margaret Haley, but what gets me most is how I hadn’t found you long before I did. The first thing I remember about you is when you started working at Burnie’s. I said then that I couldn’t figure out how I had missed you, and I still say it. I remember as if it was yesterday, the night I finally got up enough nerve to ask if I could take you home, you seemed so distant that it seemed useless, and besides that, J.T. told me it was useless because you was a man hater. You weren’t though, you was just scared, almost as scared as I was that you wouldn’t go with me.

Well, just as I thought, I have another job now. I am now in the record office, that is where they keep the health records for all the men who are here. I work at the survey desk. When a man is surveyed, he is discharged from service because he is physically unfit for service. I have to see that everything is in order for the survey to go through. They are determined to make a yeoman out of me. They gave no reason for the last mover, but of course, they don’t have to give a reason. They just tell you and you do it.

I think I’ll go over and see Bill next week-end. I hope he is still over there. My best friend here is now pressing his suit, I just finished pressing mine. Bob is this boy’s name, he sure is a swell guy, he is from Ohio, nice looking too.

With Love
“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

[tags]World War II letters, WWII, Dad’s WWII Letters, Camp Allen, Norfolk, Navy, SeeBees[/tags]

It was the Summer of 1942, and less than four months from the first anniversary of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor.

Gandhi and his chief supporters of committee “Quit India” are jailed in India causing mass riots and the Japanese begin operations to reinforce Guadalcanal. The first serious Air attack from the USA with 12 B-17’s (Flying Fortress), from Eighth Air Force, on shunting yards from Rouen, France, escort by British Spitfire. In September the first B-24’s Liberators arrived.

At Camp Allen in Portsmouth, Virginia, where my Dad was assigned, the Seebees were being trained and dispatched to New Caledonia, Guadalcanal, and other hotspots throughout the So. Pacific.

Shortly after the disaster of Pearl Harbor, a new organization known as Construction Battalions was formed. The name “Seabee” developed, a play on the initials letters of the words “Construction Battalions.” Artists were set to work to develop an insignia and the flying bee with hammer in one hand and machine gun in the other became the identifying insignia.

These units were conceived because of the fact that civilian construction men under the terms of international law were not able to bear arms and the Navy, foreseeing that armed, organized builders were to be needed in this all-out struggle, recruited experienced artificers to train them to be active participants in the war. Volunteers joined the new organization and in May, 1942, preparations were made to organize one battalion a week and train them at Camp Allen, Naval Construction Training Center, located at the Naval Operating Base at Norfolk, VA.

In his letters, Dad mentions these battalions being pushed through Camp Allen at a furious pace. However; Dad, evidently always the optimists, doesn’t seem to be aware of the world-wide chaos that is about to engulf him. He is still focused on the day-to-day boredom of being away from home, but not exactly free to do as he pleases. Also, we see that he is struggling with being “true” to his Anna Mae as all his buddies are off on liberty having the time-of-their-lives while he stays behind and does his wash, and writes letters to the “love-of-his-life”.

So without further ado, my father’s letters, continued. (db)

[Postmark: August 16, 1942]

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[Camp Allen — Norfolk, VA]

Aug 14, 1942

Hello Darling,

I don’t know why I just keep writing, I don’t get any answers.

I wonder if you know just how hard it is to really be good. I guess you do because you are doing the same (I hope). The worst part is when the fellows here come back from a big week-end & tell all about how much fun they had. Oh, I could go downtown and mess around & have a little fun but I might be tempted to go a little further, so I just stay here or go over to Portsmouth & see Bill. I don’t want to be tempted & I have promised myself to be good & true to you. I am sure you still feel the same. It seems I get more homesick everyday & it is all to see you.

All my Love
Duke

[Postmark: August 20, 1942]

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[Naval Operating Base — Norfolk, VA]

August 19, 1942

Hello Darling,

Well, was I glad to get two letters two days in succession. Don’t even get the idea that I get tired of reading your letters or that you write too often or too much because your letters are the main thing that is keeping me together. It doesn’t matter what you say, just so you write.

I watch the post office every day with anxiety < (misspelled). I love you darling but I don't believe that you are convinced of it yet. I don't blame you though, because of all the things you have probably heard about me & probably a lot of it was true.

By the way, I have moved to a new camp & have changed my job. I don't know how long it will last but I an now assistant to the Lt. Commander. This is really an important job & I hope I can keep it. I take care of all his files & type his letters or orders, not personal letters. It is a snap job, but there is a lot of responsibility attached to it. He is a doctor & a fine one at that. I am more or less his secretary. “Can you imagine.”

I haven’t changed my address, I am still under the branch of Camp Allen, but the name of the place where I work is Camp Bradford. I think I told you about it before. It is about 5 or 6 miles from Camp Allen. I still sleep at Camp Allen & I ride down there on the bus every day & the doctor brings me back.

I work from 8 o’clock till 4 o’clock. I haven’t definitely got this job yet but I went to see about it today, will tell you next time I write how it is working out.

This doctor I am to work for is the big shot, in other words he is second in charge in this district, he only takes orders from the Captain. At least I can get all the inside dope. I go plenty of it today.

I just finished washing my clothes. Then I went to the canteen (a store where you can buy any thing from cigars to magazines) & bought some ice cream (1 pint) & ate it, boy was it good. I also bought some cigars and a pic magazine.

Well, it is time for the lights to go out, 9:30, so I had better sign off.

All my Love
Duke

[Postmark: August 21, 1942]

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[Camp Allen — Norfolk, VA]

August 20, 1942
9 o’clock

Hello Darling,

Say, you don’t do so bad at writing yourself. If you just keep them coming, I’ll keep sending a return even faster.

I just came in from a stage show they had here on the base. It was the well known barn dance. I have heard a lot about it & now I have seen it. It was pretty good. (FREE)

I imagine the last letter I sent you about my job now was pretty complicate, if you don’t understand, just say so & I’ll explain it again. I almost don’t understand it my self. I hope you can read these letters. I don’t have a desk here to write on.

I do work behind a desk & I have a typewriter just like any other secretary.

You asked about the liberty. Well, I only took care of the Medical Department. They are divided into 4 sections, No 1,2,3,4. One night Section 1 & 3 will have liberty & the next night 2 & 4 will have liberty. You see, that way half of the medical department is here every night. (Understand? I don’t.)

When you are due liberty you are put on the liberty list & given your liberty card. If you don’t have this card you can’t get out the gate, or get back in.

When you leave the camp you have to be dressed as the pictures show Bill & I are dressed, hat, black shoes, white shirt & black neckerchief, in the winter we ware blue suits.

Write as often as you can.

All My Love
Duke

[Postmark: August 23, 1942]

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[Camp Allen — Norfolk, VA]

Camp Allen
Aug 21, 1942

Hello Darling,

Well, I just bought some new stationary as you can see. I don’t like it though, It was in such a neat package it had me fooled so I bought it. You see, I write so many letters now days that I keep running out of stationary. It is now about 3:30. I am sitting at the Lt. Commander’s desk writing this letter & smoking a cigar. You see, another PhM2/e is using my desk & typewriter. I don’t think I’ll be here long, the job is too easy. I’ll probably be back at Camp Allen in a day or two. The boy who has been in charge of the inoculation hut is due a leave & there is no one else who knows how to run it. I may be here another week. I don’t know just when he gets his leave.

Aug 22, 1942
5 o’clock

Well, I will now try to finish this letter. Just as I got to the ward leave yesterday a fellow got two fingers cut off, so I had to fix up his papers so he could go to the hospital at Portsmouth & I never did get back to this letter. Then I forgot it this morning so I had to write the other typed letter on Navy paper. I don’t know anything else so I’ll close.

Love Duke

P.S. Ask me anything you would like to know & I’ll try to tell you.

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

[tags]World War II letters, WWII, Dad’s WWII Letters, Camp Allen, Corpus Christi, Navy, SeeBees[/tags]