Dad’s WWII Letters To Mom™

My Dad must have been very lonely in that August of 1942 as he wrote so many letters to Mom that I had to break this up into a two-week presentation. I wonder now if, later in life, he ever saw the movie Summer of ‘42, and if he did, had it ever crossed his mind that Mom could have had a “Jennifer O’Neill” experience. I would say in her case, absolutely not, but I have already been surprised several times by these letters — and we don’t have hers for reference.

One odd note — he has mentioned several times since the beginning of this series that various members of the family never writes to him — but he has never mentioned his second brother, Rollen. Now my uncle Rollen lived just a few hundred yards away from us on our Oklahoma farm, as he and my Dad had bought a 100-some-odd-acres of bottom land to clear for a pecan orchard, so it is very strange to me that his name has not come up as yet.

Only one sister is still living now, Audeen, and I will try and contact her to get some background on a few things. Also, some of Mom’s sisters and her youngest brother might fill in a few blanks, however the letters can actually stand alone.

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

[Postmark: August 04, 1942]

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[Camp Allen — Norfolk, VA]

Aug. 3, 1942

My Darling Sweetheart,

I was certainly glad when I got that letter from you this evening, it took six days for it to reach here by air mail but of course it had to come by the way of Ports mouth.

I will now try to answer some of the questions you asked me, that is if I can. I think I told you in my last letter what kind of work I am doing. I don’t know why they move me so much. A job with the fire department in the Navy is just like a fire department job anywhere, they have trucks and every thing and all the fireman has to do is put out the fire when one starts. You see the hospital in Portsmouth is four stories high and is about a block square, they have better than two thousand patients, then there is all the corpsman quarters which might get afire. I have never as yet been aboard ship and it looks as though I may not get to that is for a long time anyway. The doctor in charge here says I am stuck till Dec. anyway, but of course you can’t tell what will happen. I have made friends everywhere I have been stationed. (boy friends) There are some mighty fine fellows in the Navy. I even met a fellow from Yale, he says he has known Al [my Dad’s stepfather] ever since he (the boy) was just a kid. His name is Charley Bradley. We were sent to different places, I have lost all my old friends, I was sent here alone. I even had to leave Bill. I have made new friends here an every thing is O.K. but they can’t take the place of my old friends.

We eat in a large dining hall which is a block long and has separate stools with plenty of room. We march in single file and as you pass along you help your self or some one dishes it out to you. It is just cafeteria style. When you get what you want go set down any where and you know what next. We sleep on double decker beds, you know one over the other. They are about like a day bed. But over at Portsmouth we had hospital beds with inter spring mattresses. Lights are out at 9;30 over here. They have a bugle boy who plays tapps then plays revelry in the morning. He also plays other things through the day but I don’t as yet know all of them. One is that colors when they raise the flag and when they lower it in the evening.

I haven’t heard from Ophard [Dad’s brother] in a long time, I have written twice since I have heard.

Yes I have rate badge on my sleeve, it consists of an eagle, a red cross and two stripes, each forming a V in you remember the armys stripe is like a V upside down. Our stripes are black on our white uniforms and red on our blue uniforms. One stripe is PhM3/c [Pharmacists Mate 3rd Class] two stripes is PhM2/c and three stripes is PhM1/c. I hope to soon get three stripes, the H.A. has only the cross. No eagle or stripes.

I am really glad that your folks are moving into town and I am sorry you can’t go swimming next Sunday, which was yesterday. I have been swimming several times in the Ocean and in the pools that are provided for us. I have quite a tan, you wouldn’t believe it and my bay window is slowly leaving, thank goodness.

I hope you do learn to drive, I can’t imagine my wife not knowing how to drive. Oh, I forgot we arent’ married, are we. We probably couldn’t afford a car, but it is nice to know how anyway.

Say, I just noticed this on the back of that letter, this is the second one I have received since I have been here, only the other was a card. No, that isn’t right, this is the third, two letters and one card.

I went back over to Portsmouth this last weekend to see Bill, he is coming over to see me next weekend. You see we don’t have liberty the same weekends.

Say, I had quite a time the other night. The ambulance driver got a call to take a sick man over to Portsmouth so I went along as his helper. The first man was O.K. but as we were coming back we saw a wreck, one of the men was a marine from our camp, so we had to take him back over to Portsmouth. He had a broken leg and a broken arm, also a few pretty bad cuts here and there. I had to take care of him till we got over there. He sure did carry on and I am sure he was in plenty of pain.

Will write more next time.

All My Love.
(Duke)

[Postmark: August 10, 1942]

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[Naval Operating Base — Norfolk, VA]

Aug. 10, 1942

Hello Darling,

Well, how do you like my ink. Yours was pretty bad but take a look at this. Well, it was all I could find.

I went over to Portsmouth to see Bill yesterday, had a swell time, some more of the boys form Corpus had arrived & we had an old fashin reunion. I got the pictures while I was over there. I will send them to you, (ONE-AT-A-TIME) that way you will write soon, & I’ll answer sooner. I have a new job. I am (M.A.A.) Master-At-Arms. I assign boys to duty when they arrive, also make out liberty lists & sort of run things. You see the guys go through here so fast that they have to put someone in charge who stays here to see that everything is kept in order.

We are running a new battalion through today & I am on duty. Just sitting here seeing that everything is running smooth. (Writing a letter) You can imagine how hard I have to work, (don’t you feel sorry for me & I only make $96. per mo.)

I have seen some good shows lately, (Mrs. Miniver) (The Goy Sisters) (Beyond the Blue Horizon) & some more I can’t remember just now. Say, by the way, what do you do in your spare time?

This paper is what we write the battalion orders on & the other marked Seebees. I have some stationary I bought here on the compound. That answers the question about the stationary. I don’t have your letter here so I’ll have to wait to answer any other questions you asked.

I hope you can read this, there is so much noise I can’t think or write either.

All My Love
“Duke”

[Postmark: August 12, 1942]

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[Camp Allen — Norfolk, VA]

Aug. 11, 1942

Hello Darling,

I was surely surprised to get another letter today, but I was pleased even more. I hadn’t heard about Dr. Patch. It is unbelievable to think any such thing could happen. They always did seem funny to me.

It sure does rain here a lot. I just finished washing my clothes, 3 prs. pants, 3 jumpers, 6 shorts & 6 shirts, (some laundry.) Oh yes & some socks & a hat.

It is raining so I had to hang them inside. I hope you have a good time on your Vacation. Don’t you plan on going anywhere. What ever you do, be careful & don’t hurt your back.

I haven’t had a large picture made yet, I want to have it made with my Blues on, they are our dress clothes even though they aren’t very dressy, that is what they call them.

Do you know I have never written so many letters in all my life. I have written Mother, Ophard, J.L., you, Audeen, Juanita & almost everyone, & you are the only one who answers.

I would give anything to see you for just a little while, it seems ages since I left.

Forgive me, I guess I have the blues. I always get the blues when it rains & boy is it raining.

Answer Soon

All my Love
“Duke”

[Postmark: August 13, 1942]

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[Camp Allen — Norfolk, VA]

Aug. 12, 1942

Hello Darling,

I don’t have anything special to say but I thought I’d write just the same. I just got off work, this is the second day that I have really worked at my new job. I like it fine but it sure was in a mess. The M.A.A. job I am speaking about.

It is almost like an information desk, everyone who comes on the compound always first reports to M.A.A. office to find out where to go or what to do & I am supposed to tell them & I hardly know anything about it. So you see, it is quite a problem. I also have charge of the mail for the Medical Dept. You see, you aren’t the only postman in this family, but I only have about 200 customers.

Write real soon (every day).

all my Love
“Duke”

[Postmark: August 14, 1942]

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[Camp Allen — Norfolk, VA]

Aug. 13, 1942

Hello Darling,

Well, here I am again. I just finished another busy day & have had my shower & am all curled up on my bunk.

I have just about run out of information & I can’t remember any questions that I haven’t answered. There is sure a lot of noise up here. (I live in a 2 story building, top story) There is two or three radios going & several boys talking & others singing. A few of the boys have gone ashore. They have every other night liberty from 1700 (5 o’clock) till 0745 (7:45) in the morning. I have every night liberty because I make out the liberty lists & I always put my name on it. I don’t go ashore though, there is nothing to do but get drunk & I have decided not to do that, so I just stay here & wash or read. (More fun)

Seems ages since you have written.

I hope you can read this.

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

World War II letters, WWII, Dad’s WWII Letters, Portsmouth, Navy

Every time I slip one of these precious pieces of yellowed paper out of its well-traveled envelope, originally opened via a carefully, clean cut on the right hand side, I wonder how many times each item has been handled. At least three times for sure, when Dad wrote it, when Mom first read it and when she read it again just over three years ago. But how many times in the Summer of 1942 did she read each one over and over again — trying to stay close to him as he was moved ever farther away from her? Another question never to be answered, now that she’s gone, too.

As I have said before, I know virtually nothing about this time in my father’s life, and am experiencing revelations at every point along the way. Case in point, I never knew him to take a drink - not a beer, a glass of wine or any strong spirits. But in this series of letters we learn that he had a taste for that which my mother didn’t approve. And we see his struggle as he tries to balance the loneliness he feels, along with the hard realities of his Navy duties against her wishes that he not partake of alcohol. I doubt that we have read the last of this struggle.

Also, we see an almost desperate attempt at self-delusion as he tries to reassure her that he won’t be seeing duty outside the U.S. Boy was he wrong on that one! So without further ado, my father’s letters, continued. (db)

[Postmark: July 06, 1942]

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[U.S. Naval Hospital - Corpus Christi, Texas]

July 5, 1942

Darling Anna Mae,

I just received your letter yesterday. I am glad you didn’t neglect me as everyone else does. You said I wouldn’t get drunk July 4 (yesterday) & sure enough I didn’t, as a matter of fact I didn’t even take one little drink. I did go to town after my blue suit that I left to be fixed the other day but it wasn’t finished yet, so I will have to go back again next week.

There were liquor stores on every corner & I didn’t even have a desire to drink any, (believe it or not.) They even have some wine & you know how I like wine, but I’ll tell you why I quit. In the first place I love you & you don’t like for me to drink. Second, I have seen some awful things around here caused by drinking. I don’t know what you heard about sailors but what ever it was it was probably true. But I know one sailor it doesn’t & won’t apply to. I am going to try & let the Navy make a man of me instead of tearing me down.

You said something about rain the other day in your letter. Kid, you haven’t even seen rain until you see it rain down here. It started raining here day before yesterday & is still raining like H_ _ _. It was just pouring down last night while Bill & I were in town. We only stayed about an hour. Bill says he has quit drinking too.

You asked me about the women here. Yes there are 15 or so nurses here but you needn’t worry about them, they have an officer rating & we are not allowed to even talk to them except to take orders. (Navy regulations) If this best friend you have is an officer you can’t mix with him unless you get away from the base where no one can see you.

Oh! Yes, there is another thing I would like to tell you. It isn’t very important but I will tell you I am being shipped to Portsmouth, Va. next Sun. I have just been here a month & they are sending me away. I just got to liking it here.

We had a big stage show here yesterday. I have never seen better. I am sending you a bill of the advertising.

I hope you have seen mother & asked you why she wrote me that little dinky card and not a letter. Tell her I am disappointed.

Another special patient just died. I don’t know why but all my patients are dying. It has got to where it doesn’t bother me to handle a dead man. Don’t get me wrong about the deaths, they were old men & it couldn’t be helped.

There is supposed to be 50 boys here today from San Diego. Maybe Ophard (Dad’s brother) will be in the bunch. I haven’t as yet heard from him.

I’ll bet you thought I wasn’t going to say anything more about going away. Well I don’t know how long I’ll be in Portsmouth & don’t know where I’ll go from there. Bill and I are in the same bunch, there is only 11 of us all good boys & Ph. M. 2C. (pharmacists mate, 2nd class) It is the H.A.2C. that cause all the trouble. H.A. is supposed to be Hospital Appropriator but I think it means Horses A _ _. I don’t know what else to say so I’ll sign off.

All My love,
“Duke”

P.S. If you don’t get your next letter in the mail by Thurs. night I won’t get it.

[Postmark: July 20, 1942]

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[U.S. Naval Station - Portsmouth, VA]

Portsmouth, Va.
July 19, 1942

Dearest Anna Mae,

I had a wonderful trip. We stopped in Houston Texas then in New Orleans La. Next in Atlanta Geo. then the next stop was Portsmouth. We didn’t stay anywhere over an hour. I bought some cards and wrote them, then didn’t get a chance to mail them so I think I’ll just mail them from here. This isn’t an air school, it is only a Hospital Corp. training school but I don’t go, it is for H.A.2/e only. I don’t know why they sent me here. I have nothing to do. They have too many now. We have a lot of British sailors here. They sure have funny looking uniforms.

I went to Virginia Beach swimming today. Sure was fine, lots of girls & I’ll swear that I didn’t look at any of them much, but really I didn’t talk to any of them. I haven’t had a date since I left Oklahoma (I love you). I bought you a present while I was there, you may get it before you get this letter.

All My Love
Duke

p.s. Menu for scrap Book

[Postmark: July 22, 1942]

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[U.S. Naval Station - Portsmouth, VA]

July 21, 1942

My Darling.

I thought I would finish the letter I sent to you yesterday. I think I told you I had a wonderful trip. Sure saw some beautiful country. We were on the train 3 nights, 2 days and a half. I haven’t been assigned to duty yet. Sure is hot here even hotter than Corpus Christi. There doesn’t seem to be any breeze & it is awfully dry. I like it pretty well here but not as much as Texas. The chow is fair, at least I haven’t lost any weight. I have no complaints to make except it is so terribly far to where you are. I’d say 1400 miles.

I broke my promise. I drank a little on the train coming up here, but I didn’t get drunk. It was such a long trip & nothing to do.

We get up every morning at 4:45, muster at 5 o’clock & take exercises till 6 o’clock, then we clean the quarters till I have breakfast, then the ones who are assigned to duty go to work. I am on what they call the available list. I just help out where ever I am needed. So far, I haven’t been needed. There are too many here.

We are on the edge of the Chesapeake Bay harbor & I have seen all kinds of ships come & go. Battleships, Destroyers, sub chasers, tug boats, Freighters & etc. We sure have some old salts here since some of them have been in the Navy for 30 to 40 years. They are hard as nails & have tattoos all over them.

Those menus I sent you are from some of the places we ate. They sure were swanky joints.

While we were in New Orleans something funny happened. We were walking down the street looking for the Roosevelt Hotel & a big fat (250 lbs) woman come out of a store just in front of us, she was drunk on something. She was cursing someone as she left the store. When she turned around & saw us she began to sing & shout “God bless the Navy, We Fight” & etc. & threw out her arms & started running towards our chief. When he saw here he ducked and ran down the street & her right behind him. Boy, that was a funny sight.

I will now finish this letter. The Master at Arms just called all available men to muster at the administration building so we did & what do you think? I am now a part of the Fire Department. Not more than 5 minutes ago I had to throw this letter down & run.

The Captain said that this group, of which I am one of, will be the permanent Fire Department for this hospital. If he doesn’t change his mind I’ll be here for the rest of the War.

All My Love
Duke

[Postmark: July 26, 1942]

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[U.S. Naval Station - Portsmouth, VA]

July 25, 42

Hello Darling,

Just a line to let you know I am moving again. I just got my orders today. I am not moving far, just over to Norfolk, that is just across the river. Will write when I get moved.

I haven’t heard from any one since I got here & I have written to everyone.

I am writing this with a U.S.O. pen Just like a P.O. pen.

I love you
Duke

[Postmark: July 30, 1942]

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[U.S. Naval Base, Seabees - Norfolk, VA]

July 29, 1942

Hello Darling,

Well here I am in a new camp. It isn’t as nice as Corpus Christi. That is the bunks aren’t as good because down there we had regular hospital beds. These are O.K. & the chow is fine & plenty of it. This is a construction training center and not a hospital. I am working in what is called Sick Bay. My job at the present is to give the new recruits their vaccination & typhoid shots.

We run from 1000 to 1500 through here every day. There are 5 of us who line up & shoot them just as fast as they come through. We are always through by noon then we just mess around the rest of the day till 5 o’clock. We usually have a few stragglers who drop in for shots. We had about 10 today.

There are only 2 first class Ph.M. (pharmacists mates) here & about 5 2/C Ph. M. so you see they are quite a scarcity of them. Most everyone are recruits & they think I am an old salt because I know a little about the Navy.

Say, I had some pictures taken in Corpus & had them developed over at Portsmouth & I left before they were finished so Bill is going to send them to you. I haven’t even seen them so write & tell me if they are any good.

I don’t believe it but they say I’ll be stuck here for a long time. That’s what they have told me at every station. This is where they get them ready to go to sea, but not me, I am in what is called ships company.

Please excuse this writing, I am writing on my knee & a piece of card board. We just moved into some different barracks today & haven’t a table set up yet.

I probably won’t go to town here if I can find a lock for my locker, because we have a show, pool hall, bowling alley & everything right here on the compound. This recreation hall is brand new. It isn’t completely finished yet, but they have started having shows. I haven’t taken time to go as yet, moving and everything, but I probably will in a day or so.

Say, you ask about my mail. If I should happen to get a letter, send it to me unless it looks like a business letter, then send it to Ted Sturgeon, Box 6, Ames Okla.

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

World War II letters, WWII, Dad’s WWII Letters, Corpus Christi, Navy

The adventure continues and we find my dad in what seems to be quite a fragile frame of mind. I never knew my father to be so full of self doubt, especially about my mother’s love for him, but hey, it’s young love here at this time in their lives.

I’m finishing out June, ‘42 in this post and will have pictures of them posted soon in their bios so all can see who is being written about. So, as the Anchoress says,

Get a cup of coffee or tea, and check in. It’s almost like finding a wonderful packet of dusty old letters, and becoming intimate with strangers.”

[Postmark: June 22, 1942]

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[U.S. Naval Hospital - Corpus Christi, Texas]

June 22, 1942

Dearest Anna Mae,

Just received your letter today. Sure was the best news I had received. It was the first letter I had received from anyone, and I had begun to believe that I had been deserted. I don’t know why mother hasn’t written.

I got a chance at the laboratory, but I couldn’t stay. We had to do hour after hour of microscopic work & it caused me to have a headache.

I like it fine here, you couldn’t ask for anything better. Nice beds & good food & plenty of it. Fried chicken every sunday. No laundry work to do, they have a laundry. Also they have negro help that does all the kitchen work & we have none to do.

I get off every other weekend from Saturday at noon till Monday morning at eight o’clock, then one day I work from 8 A.M. till 12 then off til 4 PM & work till 9 P.M. then the next day I got to work at 8 am & work till 4 P.M. This is every other day.

We alternate with a division called starboard. My division is called port. The weekend that we work, we work from 7am till 9Pm. both Sat. & Sun. I got off this last weekend & went (ashore) to town to see Mr. Sturgeon’s sister, you remember the one you met at Ames that day. (Remember) We went swimming in the ocean, had a swell time. There is a place down here, just like Spring Lake at Okla City. The friend of mine at Norman (Bill) is with me. We are in the same locker, but we don’t work together. There is friends here that I knew at Norman. The patients in the ward where I work are from Navy, Air Corps & Marines. Also there are some patients from last war here. They are the most trouble.

My uniforms all fit O.K. except the legs were too long.

[Sheet two]

I ran out of paper & had to borrow this. You see there are two branches here, one is U.S. Navy |Hospital| & the other Naval Air Station. They are both built as one & you have freedom of the whole grounds. But when you are sent from one place to the other to work, you have to go through the same proceedure as if you were being sent to Alaska or anywhere else & and it is only two or three blocks away. We can go to town anytime when not on duty. We get up at 5:30 & lights go out at 10 o’clock every day.

I got 4 suits of whites & 2 suits of blues, also a dress blue suit & everything else you can think of to wear. 3 pair of shoes, over coat, etc. $118 worth of clothes, that is whole sale prices.

Please excuse this writing, using my knees for a table. Someone is using the real table. I took this picture at the North beach last night. (Picture not here) That’s the name of the place like Spring Lake. You put 15 cents in a machine & push a button & wait a few minutes & out drops your picture. I’ll have a good one made real soon. It’s hard to tell all the new things I have seen but I’ll try from time to time, or letter to letter.

This menu (also not here) is from an outdoor cafe where I stopped and ate a sandwich. The ocean was so close that the water splashed on you everytime a wave came in. When the wind is strong, the waves are 3 to 4 feet high. They cover you up when you are in the water about knee deep. They knock you down if you don’t watch.

Will write more next time.

All My Love
Duke

[Postmark: June 24, 1942]

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[U.S. Naval Hospital - Corpus Christi, Texas]

June 24,42

Dearest Anna Mae,

Surprise again.
I suppose by now you have my other letter, so you know some of the things that happen here. I don’t know just what else to tell you about the activity here so you will have to ask me when you write.

Thanks for the Oilton news. It sure helps to make me feel more at home to hear about folks I know.

Boy, that little statement you made about not letting me forget you. I hope you don’t let me, then I will know you haven’t forgotten me.

Tell everyone Hello & tell mother to answer my letter. & another thing you will have to relay anything anybody want to know about me to them because I probably won’t write to anyone but you. (If anyone is interested)

I have had most all my teeth fixed. The dentist said one more appointment & I’ll be through. He took all the fillings out and put in new ones.
(Boy what a Job)

Mrs. Sturgeon lent me the military set my girl friend gave me. & also sent me a letter from Delmar. He is in San Diego Calif. making $45 per week. I think I’ll write him tomorrow. He said Ophard (dad’s brother) is working in the bag room whre they store the boy’s sea bags.

I am just a little glad you didn’t get to go to Washington. At least I know where you are now & if I should happen to get a leave I could find you.

All My Love forever
Duke

[Postmark: June 29, 1942]

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[U.S. Naval Hospital - Corpus Christi, Texas]

June 27, 1942
Hello Darling,

Sure was glad to hear from you, I was expecting a letter every day & when I didn’t get one I was disappointed but I was more thrilled when I finally did get one.

Sure I like it fine here & am liking it better every day. Bill said to tell you hello even though he didn’t get to meet you down at Norman.

I got a card from mother today & she sent me the fountain pen my girl gave me for graduation. Sure is a dandy — how do you like the way it writes.

I just got almost all my hair cut off today, don’t look much diff. I got my teeth all fixed now, boy sure does does seem diff. It is 10 o’clock have to go to bed.

I will now try to finish this letter. It is now about 1 o’clock in the afternoon Sunday. I am on special watch with a patient who is about to dye. He has already been placed on the critical list. Pardon this writing, I am using a Liberty magazine to write on.

One of my patients died a couple of days ago. I think I told you something about him.

This one that is about to dye now has an abcess on his lungs that’s all I had better tell you. Sure is a mess.

I have to give him 2000 c.c.. (about 2 qts) of Dextrose 5% intraveinously every day. It is given just like a blood transfusion, only it’s called an infusion. It is a method of feeding him because he can’t eat.

A couple of more boys from Norman just came in last night, sure was good to see them.

Bill got off this weekend & when he came home last night he was tighter than a skunk & crazy as the devil, was the first time I had ever seen him drunk, sure was funny.

This is my weekend to work. I work from 7am to 9pm both Sat. & Sun., sure is tough but I don’t care.

You asked me about my sunburn. Well, I haven’t been sunburned but I am brown as an Indian. I have been going out just a little each day. Can stand it just fine now & it doesn’t seem so hot as it did at first.

I have lost a little weight around the belt line. Everything is wonderful except I don’t have you here by me, but maybe it will all work out ok. Keep your fingers crossed.

& remember, I love you.

“Duke”

P.S. I didn’t know what those letters stood for & I couldn’t find anyone who did.

Sure wish I could ask her what letters he is talking about. Just the first of many upcoming mysteries, I’m sure. (dale)

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

World War II letters, WWII, Dad’s WWII Letters, Corpus Christi, Navy

This first letter to his Anna Mae is my father’s last civilian correspondence before his enlistment is processed and he officially joins the U.S. Navy. We get a glimpse of his moral character in his comments about what could, or as he said, would have happened if he had stayed another night in Oilton before heading to Oklahoma City. We’ll learn a lot more about him very soon — apparently he had a bad reputation in his home town, something that I never knew anything about — regardless of the concerns he shows in this letter. Also, there are a lot of typos. After all, this was written a long, long time before instant editing and spellcheck!

In the second correspondence, Dad sends her a hastily written postcard to announce his imminent leaving Oklahoma for Texas, now a Pharmacist Mate 1st class in the U.S. Naval Reserve. The card he sends to her has a picture of the Pensacola Dam across the Grand River in northeastern OK that created the lake known as Grand Lake of the Cherokees. Years later they would have a cabin on that very lake, at least for a little while. I caught a lot of sun perch in the cove that cabin was located on, and spent some fun time as a four-year-old swimming there with the aid of WWII era surplus life preservers, but my best guess is that they had a lot more fun in that cabin than I did!

We’ll never know what “Don’t forget what I said” was — but we can guess.

The third letter details for Mom his first five days in the Navy — he has already witnessed five deaths — and contains the first of many reassurances for her of his devotion. He also expresses the hope that he will not see any ship time — what a naive, Okieboy he was — but not for long . . .

On to the letters, enjoy the journey!

[Postmark: June 6, 1942]

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June 5, 1942

Dearest Anna Mae,

Well here I am sunburned and all. Sure am having a swell time Will leave here monday and go to Okla. city
I dont know where to from there. but will let you know
I would like to have stayed home till time to go to the city but I had some things to do and if I had stayed there we would done things we shouldnt have.

I may be gone a long time so what ever may happen ### ## dont ever forget my heart is with you where ever I may be.

Tell mother hello and I will write her when I get in Okla. City.

With Love
Duke.

[Postmark: June 9, 1942]

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June 9, 1942

James I. Baker
Ph. M. 1C. U.S.N.R.
Corpus Christy, Texas

Dear Anna,

Am leaving OK. City in one hour. Will write later. Don’t forget what I said.

Love
Duke.

[Postmark: June 16, 1942]

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[U.S. Naval Hospital - Corpus Christi, Texas]

June 14, 1942

Dearest Anna Mae,

I’ll bet you are rather angry with me but it really isn’t my falt. I wrote mother & just as I finished I was called on duty at medical ward II & worked from then til 9 oclock at night & have every day till this evening. 14 hours per day.

I signed up in Okla City at 4:30 last tues. night, caught a train at 5:30 & landed here in Corpus at 6 oclock Wed evening. Road in a pullman & was given money for meals. My first meal cost $1.35 pretty high for me but I didn’t care it was on Uncle Sam.

The first 2 days I was sent around & took an examination & given small pox, tetanus, & typhoid shots. Then I checked out my uniforms. Saturday I went to work in the hospital. I check peoples (Men) temperatures, pulse, & Respiration Rate. We are suppose to get paid the 15th. but I haven’t been here long enough to have my record straightened out yet. Won’t be paid til 1st. also where I work I serve the patients their meals.

This is a Naval Air training station there has been 5 men killed in plane crashes since I have been here. There are planes in the air Day & night.

I am trying to get to work in the laboratory where they run blood tests, type blood & make cell counts. I hope I get it. also we run tests for syphillis.

You don’t have to worry about me going with anyone (if you do) they tell me girls don’t even look at a sailor down here. I haven’t been to town yet & may not go for a month or so.

The first time I go to town I’ll have a picture made & send it to you.

Have you heard about the effect of salt petre? Well if you haven’t it reduces your sexual desires & they put it in our food.

If the rumor is true I won’t be sent on ship for 2 or three months & maybe not at all.

We are on the shore of the Gulf of Mexico. It is about 2 Blocks from where I sleep. I think I’ll go down & swim tomorrow. I can’t think of anything to tell you so ask me when you write anything you would like to know.

With all My 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

World War II letters, WWII, Dad’s WWII Letters