Somewhere in New Guinea - Part 2

April 18th, 1945

This week the mail situation had been good to my opinion.  In fact most of it is coming within 9 days and I really think that is good.  At the beginning of the week I received the one from you of the 6th and also one from Helen of the 6th.  Then a back mail of Feb. 12th from Larry in England mailed free.  It had 922 for APO yet but free.  

Then today was the letter from you of the 8th and 9th and also one from Carol @ and of the 9th.  But in your letter today it sounded like you were the other way on mail.  I sure hope by this time that it has changed.  

You mentioned about Virgil writing to you and saying he was teasing me that the navy was better than the air force.  Well he can do all the talking and teasing he wants to but I am very proud of what I am in regardless what he says.  

In that letter you also mentioned about going out and getting the interest off that mortgage.  In one way I was satisfied they left that go another year.  We don't need the money now and also you don't have to worry about getting hooked on it.  

Tomorrow I think I am going to the dentist and get my teeth checked over.  I know I have one to fill and maybe two.  Anyhow I am going to get them fixed up.  A person is crazy to leave them go to pieces on you.

April 22, 1945

This week I received another box from you of the Jan.  22nd.  

Today I was doing some trading with the natives.  They have a New Guinea shilling like the Australian but it has a hole in it and also N.G. written on it.  It is the only money that I know of that N.G. has.  So I at last today got some.

For amount of money that these natives get I guess they don't need any bigger coins.  A shilling is worth 16 cents and for a days wages they get 32 cents.  Then the chief get their pay (the way I hear) and I don't think they get much back.  

Last night there was a USO show for this place.  It wasn't so good but it was something different.  We took our own chairs over and park ourselves in the very front of the stage.  One thing I will tell you I would never do back home like I done last night just to see a show.  We carried our chairs over there (and no small distance either) then wait for a good two hours to see it.  

The weather the last few days has really been nice.  We haven't had any rain for some time.  In the after noon it does get a bit warm.  

I don't know but I think you are crazy to put that swing in the back yard.  What good will it do you back there?  Isn't the front porch good enough?  I would load that up and hit a junk yard.  But that is up to you.

April 25, 1945

Here is another Wed has rolled around and feeling as good as ever to be 23 years old.  I was thinking today last year I spent it in Australia and the year before that was Denver.  Good old Denver.  When you think of it the time is really flying around here.  Anyhow it has for me.  It sure doesn't seem like I spent over a year over seas already.  I am hoping the next year will go as fast.  

Yesterday I went to the dentist again and he found another tooth that should be filled.  It didn't look so bad at top but he said he thought it needed fixing.  But thats what I am going for.  I have one more he wants to work on Friday and I think that will be all.  But he may find something else who knows.  The last time I had them worked on was at Hunter Field and they lasted fairly good without having any trouble.  I had them check over in Townsville and that dentist said they were OK.  So I keep the rule as you always hear "see your dentist twice a year".  Well one thing these dentists are really good.  

I sure was glad to hear that the tornado skipped our house.  The newspaper clippings I received from you tonight of the 15th looks like it done it share of damage to Quincy.  One thing it sure did hit the business district and I don't mean maybe.  They always talk about a new court house maybe now they will get one being half of it is destroyed now.  And the churches down town really had the damage also.

Yesterday I received the letter of the 15th and it had 2 air mail stamps on it.  So I thought what is all the new about because I hadn't received the letter of the 13th telling me about it.  So when I opened it I soon found out.  So after reading teh paper I knew the main part of the tornado missed our home.  And with the wind in that direction I know the trees wouldn't hardly fall on the house so I didn't worry about it.  

Last night we had another USO show.  That is two of them we had in the last couple of days.  The one last night was Hellspoppings.  I think you have heard or read about it.  The other one was Mexican Hayride.  The one last night to my opinion was the best.  

In your letter you mentioned about the Yank being sent from New York.  Now I don't know if they will be the same or not like we got here.  It may not because they have them printed for different sections of the country.  So when you get one from them and one of the same date compare them and leave me know.  I won't be able to send you the March 30 and April 13 because I couldn't get them.  

This last week our officers got us some more cookies and candy.  They were American made.  I bought a pound box of chocolate.  I had a hunger for them so that will settle my taste for that.  They cost about $1.30 but what is money when you want something.  I guess its a different story when you don't have the money but now that's a different story. 

Last night we had cream turkey for supper.  That was fixed up the same way we got our cookies  And did it really hit the spot.  Well the way I am going looks like I am trying to write a book but I want you to know everything is going good on the night of my 23rd birthday and sure hope this will find everybody at home the same way.

April 29, 1945

Today is Sunday.  This morning we had to work but it wasn't so bad.  We had the afternoon off.

Went to the dentist Friday again and he finished up my teeth for the time being.  In about 3 weeks I have to go and get another filling for the temporary one he put in. 

In your letter of the 18th you asked me if we have much mutton?  To tell you the truth I can't eat in any more.  I just can't go it any more.  

May 1, 1945

It is very seldom I write to you on Tuesday but the work dropped off a little so maybe I can get another one out this week.  

Yesterday was pay day again.  So now I am all set to go another month.  

Received your 20th and 21st letter.  Sure hope your new tire deal goes through.  Then he should be fixed up fairly good for a year.  And being if he stays off the road this winter and hauls for Blacks that should save a lot on the tires.  And the price for hauling isn't so bad.  

Sure got a kick out of the story you told me about Honey Boy.  SO he doesn't like being kissed.  I was thinking maybe I should add a kiss at the end of my letter for Honey Boy but I don't want him to get mad.  But tell him I still love him and he is the best kid there is.  

That letter from Sonney sure sounds like he didn't want to go out to sea again.  But I don't blame him at all.  I think I will drop him a few lines one of these days soon.  

This after noon I received another package from you of Jan 11th.  So that another box off the list.  It was that box of Moormans.  

Tonight I bought a new fountain pen.  They had some and mine is running a bit bad now but it sure has given me good service.  I don't know how much longer it will last so I can't take no chances.  Because I sure hate to write with pencil.  It is a $5 pen for $2.50 so I don't think that is bad.  Well I must end for now and hit the sack.  It will be good sleeping because it is raining now and that really makes a good night sleeping.  

May 4, 1945

Here it is Friday and I still am feeling good as ever.  The way it looks now I will get a extra letter out to you.

I received another box from you of Feb 8th.  So now the only one I am missing is Jan. 4th  Anyhow that is what I got on my list up to Feb. 8th.  

In that box you had that roll of films packed for this climate.  

In your letter of the 23rd you mentioned about having a fire in the furnace.  I sure think I could be up against a fire tonight.  Last night we had a good rain and today she stayed cloudy and really cool.  Its about 75 now and I put on a undershirt plus my regular shirts.  And I think I will get under a blanket tonight.  

I was looking over my letters tonight and I think I am only minus one letter during the last month or so.  It was the 16yth of April.  IN the letter of the 25th you had your letter also enclosed with your was the one from Daddy and Honey Boy.  You can tell them thanks a million for the letters. 
you mentioned being I turned over 23 it mad you feel so much older.  Well I don't know how you feel but the way I feel I am younger than when I came in this army and when I get home you will probably send me away for being crazy.  

May 6, 1945

No mail since I wrote you the last time so I can't answer any question for you.

Today I had KP again.  It wasn't just so bad but you know what I think of KP.  Not very much.

I just finished fixing up my laundry to turn in to be washed.  That's one thing I sure am glad I don't have to do and when you pay 50 cents a month there isn't anything to kick about.  Lately we turn it in once a week.  Tonight it is a bit damp out so should be good sleeping again.  But lately we really had some nice cool weather.  

Tell Honey Boy I still love him and be a very good boy.

Somewhere in the Philippines - May 8, 1945

Well here I am in a new place again and everything is as good as possible.  

The weather coming up here was good and we really had a nice plane ride.  

I went in to visit Manila tonight a little.  I want to go in again soon.  The people here are really nice as far as I know so for but everybody says that they are really good to us Yanks.  

As you read the town is really torn apart.  We flew over it and it is a pity how the place is all apart in ruins.  

Well, I really don't want to stop now but I thought I would drop you a few lines so you wouldn't worry about me.

I feel like hitting the sack pretty hard tonight.  The weather well is about the same.  Days are hot and tonight it is fairly cool.  But I will tell you more about everything later.  I am just new here and maybe we just hit it cool but I will have you know more later.

So don't worry about me and you can change my address for the paper, etc.  Lots of love to all at home

Wes 

Cpl. W. Hocgraber / 93rd Adrm. Sqd. / 49 Air Depot Group / APO 75 % P.M. San Francisco

May 11, & 14 1945

Here it is Friday afternoon at 2:20 and it is sure hot.  I have today off because I had to work last night.  There is a small breeze blowing now but still its plenty hot.  

I haven't went to town yet to really see what it is like because I haven't much time and the main thing no ambition.  But I think I will try and go in Sunday evening.  

You can fix me up another box and send to me.  Be sure and put some of that paper backing in it then put some kind of food in it.  The food problem here is really bad.  And the prices are really high.  Some of the people around here said that a live chicken will cost you about 10 buck.  And all the people seem to have lots of money but they can't buy anything.  You can see a little kid with a hand full of money that would choke a horse.  Everyone will have over a couple hundred bucks.  They want to buy anything.  Then don't have anything.

Well I guess the war is over in Germany.  Everybody back in the states the way the radio mentioned really had a hot time out of it.  Over here it was just another day.  I was always wondering just what the reaction would be over here but I sure didn't think it would turn out this way.  I thought maybe you would want to know what this end did for the war ending over there.  

The other day I bought one of these straw hats.  I had to get something to cover my head more than a work cap.  I don't know how long we will be able to wear them but I will wear it as long as possible.  

Monday evening 9PM

Well as you can see I am really behind on this letter writing.  But in the next couple days I will get settled down and I assure you I will do better.  I was talking about this food problem at the beginning of the letter.  They put up a list of ceiling prices which we should go by.  The prices which I states was the black market prices.  An egg will cost you 30 cents in black market.  They are starting to knock out this black market here so they gave us notice not to buy anything but for the ceiling price.  One thing sure they will never get that much out of me for anything to eat.

Tonight some small kid was in here trying to bum a pencil so he could start to school tomorrow.  He is starting in the 4th grade.  This is the first time since the Japs took over he has went to school.  We was having him work out a few problems.  He was fairly smart in math.

These people really can tell you sad tales when the Japs were here.  Some of them you can believe but I guess these people did have it hard.  

You see some fairly new automobiles around here and you ask them how they keep them so good.  The story they tell you is that they buried them in caves and in sides of hills.  Then they would patch it up so it didn't loos so off set from the outside.  

I haven't received any mail since I hit here but I am looking for some one of these days soon.  

May 17, 1945

No mail yet from you since I left Guinea but you can't expect prompt service  I really don't know much to say at all.  I do know that the rainy season is coming here.  I think it has started already because it rains every night and the biggest part of the day.  We are walking in much up to our ankle and you don't think a thing about it.  I guess we got used to that in Guinea.  But it is remaining more here than in Guinea.  We don't have wooden floors here either.  We have a ditch running around the tent now so there isn't so much water comes in.  But the wind still blows it in a little.  It seems like every place we move we have to hit the hot weather and rainy season.  We hit Townsville and stayed there the whole summer then moved to New Guinea and there also the summer and rainy season.  It was really getting nice in Guinea the last few weeks there.  

On working I have changed my mind for the time being.  This work I am doing now isn't had at all but runs a few more hours a day.  Maybe later on I will be able to tell you what I am doing.  For the time being I don't know what the censor laws are.  

At noon time I went and fixed up my laundry to get cleaned.  I was going to send it the other day but I keep putting it off.  What makes it kind of bad for me is because part of my clothes are back in Guinea.  I should get them before long.  I had them in the laundry.  

May 23, 1945

Well here is another Wednesday.  I think and still feeling as good as ever.  It is a bit after 7 PM now and I am still on duty.  But I wanted to get this written before the sun goes down.  I moved again to another area and we haven't no lights yet.  But I think in another day or so we should have them again.

Today I heard they sent our mail to some other part of the Philippines so the way that sounds we won't have any for some time yet.  I haven't written to anybody except you and Virgil because we go on duty at 6 AM in the morning and we are on the move altogether.  But we don't have that hard of work to do so a person can't kick.  Well it is getting fairly dark now and I only have little over an hour yet to work.  

May 20, 1945

Here it another Sunday has rolled around.  Of course I was on duty again all day because no more days off for the time being.  That is what I hate about this crash crew job.  But being the work isn't so hard I guess I will make it for the time being.  In the last couple days I have rally received my share of mail.  But most of it has been back mail.  I also received the package of Feb. 16., I believe.  It had a roll of films in it plus a can of pineapple, couple of Life magazines.  On that bottle of tablets you send don't send any more of those.  I received about 50 papers so I have enough to read for a few days.  In fact one of my foot lockers is half full with paper only.  

Also another bunch of films came back.  Two of them didn't come out so good and they keep one so the other five are fairly good.  They are pictures of the natives village by us when we were in Guinea.  We had to ask them from the road so it will give you a fair picture.  

This group of pictures is number 2.  So keep them and I my write for them later.  

May 27, 1945

The mail has started to come through now so I think everything is set on that.  

In your letter of the 7th you mentioned about the bow and arrow.  I was sure glad to hear that it arrived in perfect shape.  On the string to the bow you can use anything.  I don't know but I think that bow will last for awhile.  It is only a piece of bamboo pole.  And it may dry out.  The arrows with 3 and 4 points on are used for birds.  Then the other type is used for fish and wild life - animals.  I see them use it on fish but for wild life I don't know.  But they will shoot a good distance I know for sure.  I don't know how that small box will do but it will be about right for Honey Boy.

I am writing this letter standing up tonight because we still don't have lights in our tent.  So I am writing this in the control tower.  

In the letter of the 11th you had the two pictures of downtown after the storm but they had a V on the top so I wonder if you meant to send them to Virgil instead of me at first?

Well I hate to end this for now but it is about 10:30PM and I get off at 11.  Then I go up and eat and hit the sack some time after 12.  But the hardest thing is to get up again at 5:30.

May 31, 1945

I received a couple more letters from you of the 12th and 15th.  On that print #3 daddy was right.  The pictures of Honey Boy was lots better then the last ones he sent me.  But I was really surprised to see how fat he is.  You can tell who he is going after.  And his knees are really built.  Tell him I think he should reduce a little but the picture was lots better of him.

1PM - Don't pay attention to this paper from being wrinkled because I am writing this in the truck cab and it is really hot.  I just came back from chow and I want to try to finish this letter.  I think I will put a few pictures in this letter showing the 93 at work in New Guinea.  They didn't come out so good but I have 3 more rolls coming yet.  Keep these separated from the other because I may call for them.

June 7, 1945

Another Thursday has rolled around and everything is still going good.  The weather the last few days has really been nice.  I went to town and took some pictures the other afternoon so I am sure hoping they come out good.  There hasn't been any mail for the last few days so I don't know nothing on that end to write about.  

June 10, 1945 - Manila

Here is another Sunday has rolled around and I think I better drop you a few more lines again to say hello.

You mentioned in one of your letters about receiving the letter from Selvy.  Well I will wait to see what he will tell me in my letter.  But I do think that when he gave you the names of all those towns that was places where Ted could be.  

I will still keep writing you twice a week and I think I will try and make it 3 times a week from now on.

The way you write I think Earl is really enjoying his cub meeting.  A you can see now I am stationed at Manila.  The censorship laws changes and that way we are able to say where we are at.  So if Virgil ever hits this harbor he can find me very easy.  

You mentioned about sending money to me.  Listen when ever I want money I will write for it.  Because I am not paying them high prices.  In a few months they have the prices down where you can look at them because a person knows they won't allow this to go on forever because the wages around here don't compare with the prices.  Because the wages around here are running between 62 cents and 72 cents a day.  So you know that isn't very much.  The two pictures you sent me of yourself and Daddy and Earl are really good.  

June 11, 1945 - Manila Philippines

The letters from you today were from May 30th and June 1st.  Also one from Larry and he told me about meeting Rooney.  He said that Rooney drove out to him.

When you mention about Honey Boy being ready to get out of school again you cant believe the time has passed that fast but I just wonder what he will do with himself this summer.

Sure was glad to receive the picture of the house.  I was about ready to ask you for one.  But you beat me to the draw.

You ask me about my job.  Well I won't stay on it so much longer.  I expect to get off just as soon as we get set up better.  But there is no work here in my line so I will have to do some kind of other work.  

I was just thinking I have spent over a month already here.  Time sure has been flying and I don't mean maybe.  

The censorship laws have lifted a little and I can tell you where I was at New Guinea.  I don't think you will be able to find it on every map but I know you can find the next town that was near us.  We were at Nadzab which is 28 miles inland from Lae.  We were living at the bottom of the Stanley mountains.  So if you want to look it up you can.  

June 12, 1945 - Manila Philippines

I think what I will try and do is every time I receive a letter, write a letter.  I guess it sounds all right but I don't know if I can keep up with it.

Today I received the letter from you of the 28th and glad to hear that Alan came out to see you.

So the DC did at last come to an end.  One thing sure Daddy should take it easy for awhile.  And I don't think he should start to work for Ed.  Why don't he hunt for some other type of work instead of staying behind that shovel.

I wouldn't get rid of the trailer for the time being.  You may get a good price out of it but in the long ru I think he would be better off by keeping it.  It won't cost that much to keep it going and it is paid for so what is there to lose.  But when I get back we will talk about a new deal on the trailers. 

It is 9:30 PM now and I want to get a letter out to Virgil yet. then I will eat midnight chow and go to bed.  Also to fill out the letter I will put in a little Jap money from the Philippines.  

June 16, 1945 @ 1AM - Manila Philippines

I just came on duty now as being an alert man.  Nothing ever happens at this time in the morning but a person has to be up anyhow.

Today I did fairly well on mail.  I received two packages from you of Jan 3, and March 3rd.  The packages really came in good shape.  In both packages there were two rolls of films so now I have 5 on hands.  So that should do me fairly well.  I want to take a couple pictures tomorrow and finish off the roll in the camera now of some nice pictures.  They have started to plant their rice and I want to take picture's at different length of time to show the progress.  It may be another month before you can see any change in the field.  Time will tell.

In the one of Jan 3rd you had that cheese, peanuts, pecans, gum and film.  It also had a valentine in it from Honey Boy.  He mentioned in the Val card that he would share in doing my KP also.  Well while I am on this job I don't have to worry about KP or any other sqd detail.

The cheese I haven't tasted yet but being it is in that cover I think it is still good.  Thanks a lot for everything.

The other day I sent out about the 5 pictures of the tornado to Virgil.  The main thing I told him was I was stationed at Manila so he could look me up if he ever hit docks here.  And this big place he may do it.  I had 3 letters from him a couple more of the pictures.  

Sure was surprised to hear about Elmer Noud going to B-29 school.  He may go over seas after he finish that course and he may go back to his old field.  I don't know if he had B-29 there or not but I do know they modified planes there to go overseas.  Again time will tell on him.  You mentioned about that Scheufele kid being around here.  I really don't know how close that is but it can't be too far away because once in a while I see a jeep with that fighter group on it and also see a few of its planes come in.  So I will have to look up the place to be sure.  But it is a few miles from here.  But for anybody being close by here their APO number has to be around 75.  But leave me know if anybody does get around here and I want to see them I will hop a plane to the place.  One thing sure I should run into somebody around here for sure that I know real well.  

June 18, 1945

Well here is another Monday has rolled around and I think I will drop you a few lines again to leave you know everything is still going good.  To start the thing off we have our electric lights going now good and how we have a radio to go with it.  So you can guess how much difference that makes to a tent.  

Yesterday I received a couple of letters from you of the 3rd and 6th.  Then today I had one from Carl Wand of the 9th.  I think that really did make good time.  As I mentioned in the last letter I was hoping to be able to get daddy something for Fathers Day.   Yesterday I looked at a Manila paper and it had a picture of Fathers Day on the front of it.  So tell Daddy I am very sorry that I wasn't on my toes more and sent him something.  But tell him I am still thinking of him as the best.  Well tomorrow I have another day off so another person that works with me is walking into town again to get more pictures.  We want to get some of the Wall City, etc.  The Wall City in Manila is where all the rich people lived but not any more.  The first time I went in we couldn't get to it because the streets were still full of mines.  But I think by no they are cleared out.  And don't worry I am watching where I go.  Then we want a couple more pictures of famous buildings.  The Manila Hotel is one we want to get and also one of its swimming pool which is very pretty.  It is made out of all 1 inch square whie and black marble blocks.  And the diving board is really pretty.  One thing seems so strange is that the pool is not touched but the Hotel is no good.  Thye are now working on it, I don't know what they will do with it but for the place it is setting I guess they will rebuild it.  It is right on the water front and makes a nice place.  

Well here it is 10:45 PM and I think I will close because I want to eat then hit the sack for tonight.  I was on the alert today but nothing happened.  

June 22, 1945

Dearest Folks;

Well here is another day has rolled around and all is still going well.  I wanted to write you sooner but I always keep putting it off.  We have been working on our tent again putting screens around it.  It really going to be nice when we get it finished.  

Received couple more letters from you and from Vir and also some more pictures back from Australia.

You was asking about me work so long hours.  Here is one thing I always told you not to worry about me because here is one guy that is taking care of himself.  The job I got now is no work to it.  We have Philippines to do the work and we just stand alert.  Last night we tried to pop that corn but after this when you send pop corn send enough so you can get a good taste out of it because the first coupe poppers don't come out so good because you have to use to popping it again.  So after this make enough so the tent can get a good fill of it.  

Well last night we had our first ice cream from our own machine.  I told you some time ago about our officers buying it for us.  But being we moved up here we just now got it set up.  We get a canteen cup full for 25 in your money and a cup hold about a pint I would guess.  In town it would cost you nearly 5 bucks.  I haven't bought any in town lately but I guess they still have the high prices on it.  The machine makes 30 gallons a day so that is enough for our outfit.  

June 25, 1945

Another Monday has rolled around again.  First think I want to say is not to send no more boxes to me for the time being.  Because the chow the last few days has turned to the good.  And with the amount you are sending it will satisfy me for awhile.  Because I am looking for them to come in bunches so just forget about them and I will leave you know more later.  

I received some more pictures back from Australia but these didn't turn out so good.  The films was stuck to the backing and the marks on the back of the neg.  One thing I hated was they were of the area in Nadzab and they wee the only ones I took of that place.  But that was the last roll I had that wasn't packed in that tube.  So I don't think I will have to worry about them.  

June 27, 1945

I just got off of work today or in other words I put in my time.  Had a couple flat tires on the Ford today.  We only have 32-6 on them so they weren't so bad.  Nothing like the ones on the truck back home.  When I get back home I don't think I would buy a Ford.  We got the latest ones and we were working on theme all the time.  I think more of them.  Received another letter from you with the paper clippings in it.  I think I will have to look up Earl Gross.  That isn't very far from here.  I was talking to Schlinkman tonight and he sad that Bob Bybee is around some place close.  He was going to look up his outfit and see where it is at.  

In the letter of the 15th you mentioned about Honey Boy running the power mower.  When I think of the last time I seen him he was so small and to think he is doing that now.  You were talking about Winona’s boyfriend. I hate to think about what some kids will end up doing 10 years from now. This war has changed everything, and it’s bound to leave an impact. 

June 29, 1945

Well, here I am again, and I will try and finish this letter now. I just came back from chow—it wasn’t so good, but I had a little jam tonight, which filled the empty spot.

Tonight's mail brought your letter of the 19th, so I have more to respond to. The reason I stopped writing this afternoon was because a light rain came up—it really poured. We had to put on our raincoats to keep dry, but now the sky is clear, and the sun is shining down.

About the two pairs of pants Daddy received for Father’s Day: as you know, I wrote the other day apologizing for forgetting to send something. Virgil had written and asked me about it, but I never heard back from him, so I didn’t know if he followed through or not. Time passed, and I couldn’t send anything myself, but it worked out well with what you got for him. It was really thoughtful and just right for him.

I’m glad to hear from your letter of the 19th that you received all my mail. I guess there will be a little delay now, though.

The Japanese money I sent home is what they printed and used here. When we were in Australia, I even saw money the Japanese had printed for use there, but they never managed to use it. I’ve also seen the money they printed for the U.S., but thankfully, they never got to use it here either. It’s interesting to think about how things have turned out.

I don’t talk much about war news because you hear it at the same time I do, but it seems like things are moving. Some say it will last two more years, but I think another year might see the end of it. In six months, we’re bound to see big changes, maybe even progress on their homeland. I’ll include a few more pieces of Japanese money in this letter.

When we first arrived, we were walking over piles of it, and now the locals are picking it up and selling it to the “Yanks” as souvenirs. They’re really making a profit out of it.

July 3, 1945
First think I want to say tonight that I moved again and doing work in my line of work now. Shea and Laros and Lovvorn and I are all together and do the same kind of work. We are at APO 73 now but when you write keep the same address as always (APO 75) because we are on detach service and it is hard telling how long we will stay here and by sending the mail to Manila it will get here about the same time.

If Virgil ever hits Manila he can find out where I am at easy and can get a ride out to see me because the highways are good and will not take long. The job I have now is less hours than I was putting in at Manila but of course harder work. Here we are working 6 hours and then off the next 12 hours. We are stationed at another town and there isn’t much to it. Looks the same as Manila.

Our camp area has a good view over the front and really is pretty. We haven’t any lights yet or floors but by the end of the week everything should be set up. The food problem here is good and you can buy anything around here in the line of fruit. This place around here is more of farm land. The first I have seen for a long time. Around Manila was mostly rice and here you don’t see much of it at all.

The way it looks around here the main crop is corn. I don’t know how it keeps up with the heat and rain but it does. Well today is Virgil’s birthday again. Last year he was home wasn’t he on a furlough. This is by candle light so I hope you can read this.

July 7, 1945
Yesterday I kind of hit the jackpot on mail. I had 7 letters. First think to start off again is another change of address. New APO 351. Now don’t get the idea that we moved again because we never. Our Sqd is still in Manila but the idea of changing the number is because there is so much mail that is marked for 75 they had to divide it up. They claim it will make our mail service about 3 days sooner. So we will see how fast it does come.

The weather the last days or so has really been nice. But I hate to think what it will be when it starts raining again.

In your letter of the 21st you mentioned about Daddy going to the doctor. Listen if he doesn’t get any better let me know and I will make out an allotment for the 3. Because if it is going to pull his health down he just as well set down and forget about work because I don’t want anything to happen on that end. Because Vir and I can make out OK and we would sooner see take it easy.

July 10, 1945
I received a couple more letters from you of the 23rd and 25th and was sorry to hear that Grandpa passed away. But when you think how long he was in that condition, it is maybe best that he did go. It is hard to see it either way. Sure glad to hear Daddy is getting along good. I would just as soon see him take a good rest and get back on his feet.

July 11, 1945
Yesterday I hit the jackpot on mail again. I had a back mail from you of April 30th. It had a bunch of clippings. Then two more from you of the 27 of June and May 1st. Also one from Vir of the 26th. Then I received 2 bunches of pictures from 923 again. These have really turned out good so I will send them in the next few letters.

July 12, 1945
One thing sure it has started to rain again. Today I received your letter of the 1st and was sure surprised to hear about the storm again. Sure are getting enough of them this year and they all seem to be bad ones.

So Dick is going into the navy. Well I think that is his best bet. And with Jake well I don’t know what to say. I know the problem at home isn’t so good with him but I think someday he will wish he stayed at home. He may get in his line and he may get put in some detail. Well all I do hope is that if he does go he will like it and get a good break. One thing sure, he will see a little country.

July 13, 1945
It is about noon and raining. It has rained all day yesterday, last night and the way it looks now there is no let up at all.

These are a couple more planes that were in our pool. The one where I look like (?) is supposed to be Willie’s Wolf Den but it didn’t come out so good. I think I have another one some place on the line.

July 17, 1945
It is about 11 A.M. now and I want to start this letter now and then when I get off at 6 this afternoon I will finish it.

To start the letter off I received a box the other day from you of May 26th – So it really made good time. It was all can stuff and of course it made it OK. But don’t send me no more eatables any more. Because the PX is very well set up and we can get about anything we want. But I will tell you one thing I wish you would fix me up a little tin box with some first aid stuff in it. Don’t make it too big. You know just a small set to have around.

Then I had a couple more letters from you of the 2nd and 4th. I am going to put a few pictures in this letter. There is 12 all together so don’t send any of them on till you get the full 12. I will tell you later on who to send them to. So until then just keep them in one bunch.

These pictures were also taken in our salvage pool in New Guinea. The two of them taken of the planes isn’t very good because they were taken of the planes after we wrecked them and were laying on the ground.

By the way I received some of my films back and it didn’t turn out very good. I don’t know what was the cause but I am going to try couple more rolls and hoping for them to come out better.

July 23, 1945
Received a couple of letters from you and one from Helen. Sure was surprised to hear about Larry being back in the States already. Before I go on any more I hope you can read this because I'm writing this thing in bed on this small tablet.

I wasn’t surprised to hear what was wrong with Larry because I remember the evening coming home from school when we were playing around and he fell down. He had a little trouble with it then so I guess it came back with some trouble. So I guess he will get a discharge on it.

Well, they have me in bed now. The little bug An got me and I landed in the hospital. But don’t worry because by the time you get this letter I will be out working as hard as ever. This is my third day here and everything is going along good. I really wasn’t that bad but the first was the only day that I felt bad and that wasn’t very much. Now I am feeling as good as ever and just laying around getting a very good rest. I guess I will be in here a couple more days.

One thing sure I got out of a bunch of work. A couple of days before I came up here we really got the work in and I don’t mean maybe. Now when I go back it will be fairly well done and take it easy again.

July 26, 1945
Well, here I am again to drop you a few lines to say I’m feeling as good as ever and taking it nice and easy. I am still in bed and getting my meals served in bed. Never had it so good, ain’t that a laugh.

Really I am good as ever and this morning I asked him to get out tomorrow and he looked at me and said no. He said if you go back you will have to just work and also I would have to worry about another guy coming in. So I am having the time of my life laying here taking it easy and all the sack time I want. And we have good looking nurses that come around in the evening to give us a good back rub, what more could you want?

Here is something I want you to do. You remember that set of pictures I sent you of about 15. Not these last 5 I sent you but the ones I told you to hold back and keep separate. So I hope you know the ones I mean. Then this last bunch I started sending to you. I want you to get an extra set made and keep them till later. Then I will mail you a kid address and you send them to him. He is a good pal I had from the beginning we was in the 93rd and he was in the armament section with me. Well, in Guinea he got hurt in the salvage yard and he lost his leg at the knee and the worst part of it was the idea he lost it on account of a bunch of nonsense what somebody thought of. I am writing him now and asking him. He may not want them but I think he will. It isn’t good memories but I think he will want them.

July 27, 1945
Today they brought me some mail. There were 5 letters from you and 2 from Virgil. They also told me that there was a package or two and some papers back at the camp. In them letters, you mentioned about Daddy making those couple trips. That is the way I like to hear him charge prices. Because you can lay a little back that way, and you never find anybody doing anything for you for nothing.

Just as soon as I get to Manila again I am going to look up this McFarland.

August 1, 1945
You mentioned about Bill being in Manila. Up to this time I haven’t been able to see him. But I am going to write him today and see if we can’t meet up somehow. I know for sure I have to go back to Manila and see all these guys that are supposed to be around there. I was thinking Bill may be going home before long because he has spent a fairly good time over here. But don’t worry I will find him somehow.

Sure glad to hear that Honey Boy is still getting along good and having lots of fun out of his cub scouts.

August 3, 1945
I am feeling as good as ever and can’t complain about anything. I think I told you in the last letter that I had malaria at first and now I have yellow jaundice. But that isn’t anything to worry about. As you know it is your liver on the bum. So all I am supposed to do is take it easy and I can tell you one thing I am doing that and really getting my sack time in. After I get out of here I don’t think I will worry much about a sack.

Your letter of the 21st you mentioned about buying a bushel of apricots. I would give anything for one nice ripe one off of a tree. It would really hit the spot. We have the canned ones but I don’t care for them much.

August 4, 1945
Well, they have moved me today from the 89 Field Hospital to Manila again at the 51st General Hospital. It is just a short way from my outfit maybe 3 or 4 miles. So tomorrow I am going to get in contact with them for my mail, etc. Tonight I am writing Bill again and telling him where I am at. I think he should be able to find me fairly easy.

One thing I sure hated to leave up there and that was my food. Yesterday they handed me 3 boxes you sent me. One of Apr 14 and 2 from June 1st. The ham was in the one box and also that mustard. That mustard really did hit my eye. But I couldn’t carry all the stuff with me so I took the cream cheese, orange juice, and pears. So the only thing I could do was to give it to Lovvorn, Shea, and Laros.  Fairly good way. But one can never tell.

I think I will drop you a few more pictures in here. These are supposed to be with the last letter full I sent you. In the next letter, I will be able to get them all in. And then you can send them on. The one is a picture of a tough battle on the river between Law and Nadzab. The road went across the river bottom. I can't think of the name of it now but it will give you an idea where it is at. The one I have marked Aussie Canteen is at Lae. Once in a while, we would go down there. Then you can see the one is taken along the wood. I tried to get the height of the trees in. Then the last one is a picture on an A-20. I thought it was a fairly good picture so I took it. In the next letter, I will send you the rest of them.

August 6th

Today I received a couple of letters, one from you and one from Carl W. What I was surprised about was the date on them. They were of the 29th. So they really made good service.

I see Honey Boy is still having fun with his cub scouts. I can see him being proud of his fish. Well, I think he should get around and enjoy himself.

I think I will put in these last four pictures and you can send them on. Now these last bunch of pictures I have sent to you have an extra set made and put them to one side for this kid I wrote you about that lost his leg. I think there was around 12 altogether in this bunch. Send this bunch to Lovvorn, Shea, and Laros. Forget about that other bunch I sent you a couple of months ago. But I do want a set of that first bunch made for that kid also. But he is the only one. So I hope I have made myself clear. I haven't heard from the kid yet but I think he will want them. You can have a set made of this last bunch but that first bunch just lay low until you hear from me. The reason I said of this last bunch is because you can mail the prints on to Lovvorn and not leave them lying around.

August 9th

No mail since the one of the 29th but really a person can't expect everything in that fast a service. I did receive a box from you of June 28th and also a couple of papers. I haven't opened the box yet because there is so much food around I hate to look at any more. But the box did come in good shape.

The food now is really all right. I have chicken or turkey just about every other day. And the rest of the time beef. In fact, I am tired of it but I don't know what else I would eat. We also have good soup all the time and right now that is really making a hit with me.

Before I forget about it I want you to take 10 bucks of my money and buy daddy something for his birthday. I know it is coming up soon and make it from Virgil and me. I was going to send it to Helen but I can't get money orders around here. Now listen don't be afraid to spend the money. That is the main reason we sent the money to Helen because you wouldn't want to spend it. So anything is all right.

Well, I don't know much more to say for now but that everything is still going good and don't worry about this end.

Aug. 10, 1945

Well, here is another Friday that has rolled around and the biggest part of that is gone.

For me, I am just as good as ever and can't complain about anything. Well, yesterday I received the back mail up to the 29th. I have 3 complete rolls of film yet plus the one in the camera and then you mentioned about sending me 3 more rolls. So I am going to be careful about what I take and that should last me for a good length of time.

In the letter of the 23rd, you mentioned about Virgil calling home. He wrote me in Pearl Harbor and said he was going back to the states but not for long. So Larry also got a 30-day furlough home. I just wonder how his points are coming out. But after they fix his leg I guess he will stay in the states. But nobody knows.

Tonight I got your 31st letter and a bunch of papers.

Aug. 11, 1945

Right now it is raining outside. The last couple of days it really has been hot and I don't mean maybe. So in the evening, I always try and get your few lines off. But I wish it would rain in the daytime because our ward is made all of tin and has a low ceiling. I think the center may be 10 feet high and then it slopes down and in the daytime the sun really beats on that tin and no breeze makes it fairly warm. Also, the windows are about 2 feet higher than the beds.

Down at the 89 Field Hospital, we had tents and the sides were fairly high and you got all the breeze if there was any.

Then in your letter, you talk about how hot it is back home so I guess both of us are getting our share.

Well, last night we heard the good news about the war. We were all laying in bed and somebody started yelling out about the war being over. Well, I guess we will have to wait a couple of days yet to really see if they accept it. I hear lots of guys in town got hurt and a couple more got worse than that.

Now the big question will be how fast they will get us home and also that discharge. I don't look for my discharge yet but I do plan on a furlough before many months so we will wait and see what turns up.

August 12, 1945
Well here it is Sunday again and I am feeling as good as ever. Today I received another big bunch of paper. They were from mainly the month of June. So I spent the whole afternoon reading them. The weather was a bit cooler today.

August 13, 1945
Well last night I didn't get very far with this letter. I tried to make a letter but just not enough news. Tonight I received 3 letters – one from you of the 2nd and two from Virgil of the 28th and 31st. The one of the 28th he mentioned about hitting the States and calling home and then he said he was sailing the water again. On the 31st he said he wanted to drop me a few lines before they would hit port.

I also have another set of pictures back from Australia.

So you are getting the kitchen all fixed up too. You know to my opinion I think there is too much paint going on the board, etc. And that the next time it should be burnt off and the floors re-sanded.

Sure was surprised to hear about Gauches killing their dog but I guess that was the only thing left to do. I guess she is glad that thing is gone now.

I am enclosing four pictures and neg. They were taken when the lighting was poor and the sky was hazy. I will have to get a couple more good ones. These are of our field and were taken just before I went on D-S.

August 15, 1945
I am starting this letter this morning because it is raining outside and a person really feels like writing. If it keeps this cool all day and I can keep the writing fever I think I will try and catch up on my back mail.

I received another letter from you of the 4th and also some more papers. So yesterday I spent the whole afternoon reading everything from the front page to the bottom lines of the back page. I even went through all the want ads. I got a big kick out of some of those.

This morning after the doc comes around I should know how much longer I will have to stay in. I had a blood test yesterday morning and they should have the report back by now. I only had about 20 points to drop yet and then I am set to go.

The PX has got in a new supply of stock and I hit it fairly hard. They had all kinds of candy and cookies.

FLASH 8 A.M. – The news just came over that Japan gave up. So that is what we were waiting for. I guess I will think up a way to spend my money now but I guess I will have to get back to the States first.

It is 8 A.M. the morning of the 15th and back in the States I think it is the 14th. Then you think about Ted being killed a year ago in France. It is really hard to believe that so much could change in one year.

Now I wonder if I can make it home in a year.

I do get home what I will do but I guess there will be something I can find.

So Larry can't get the parts for the car for 6 weeks. I thought sure they would have that in stock.

You mentioned about having a little accident with the car. Well the main thing is to be sure and get a real good job done. That is the main thing. It would be better to get a new one out of the insurance company but I don't think they make back fenders. I was reading where the back fender didn't have a priority high enough and the front fender was the only one because the headlights were on them. But I do know you will do your best so that is all you can do.

You mentioned about Larry giving you some French money. We have 3 boys in our ward that spent 16 months in Europe and traveled the whole place all the way to Berlin. They are with the Eng. Building bridges and they really tell some real stories. The main thing is what they picked up over there. All the high price jewels, etc. This one kid has a woman wristwatch, white gold, and two large diamonds and about 6 small ones on the face. So you know what that would cost a person.

No doubt the guys that go into Japan on Army of Occupation will be able to pick up lots of things. But for me, I think I would sooner get the other way.

I still haven't heard a thing from Bill so I don't know if I will see him or not. But I sure would like to.

August 16, 1945
Here is a 2½¢ piece in American money. They have another piece of money that amounts to a half cent but is very seldom used.

I just finished my supper and thought I would drop you a few lines again to say hello.

To give you some idea of what my meals are here I will tell you about them. First thing off the bat I am on a special diet. That is on account of the yellow jaundice. My diet is low fat. Every morning I have egg and oatmeal or some cereal. Then for noon meal and evening is mainly steak and chicken. Once I had a hamburger but that is all.

Then in the middle of the morning and afternoon, they bring some cold fruit juice around. So if you can get any better care than that I don't know where you will go.

I got my report back and I only dropped 5 points. So I guess I have 10 more days in here. When you get in one of these places you don't go out until you are completely well and I don't mean maybe. But for me, I am feeling as good as ever but this stuff just has to clean out of your system before they allow you out.

So don't worry about me because there just isn't anything to worry about

The way the news sounds I guess they will discharge the men fairly fast now.  So I am get home before a year from now.  I only have 50 points so if ever you read where they are starting to come down in 50 I should be trailing in some where.  But you don't have to worry that I won't come around for 6 montsh or so.

Today I received a couple more packages from you of April 30th and May 15th.  THey were sent to New Guinea first then came here.  One of them looks like a bunch of Life in it.  I am not going to open them tonight because there is pleanty reading material around now so I think I will open them up tomorrow.  I will tell you more about them then.  I did knock one of those ham jars in the head and it really was good.  It didn't loose any of its taste and really was all right.  SO I know Shea, Lovvorn and Laros enjoyed the other one with the mustard.  I have 4 picutres of the wreckage of Manila but I cna't find out the names of the 3 buildings.  The one I know but the other I don't.  So just as soon as I find somebody that can tell me I will send them to you.

August 17, 1945

Tonight I received your letters of the 6th and one from Helen of the 4th. Sure was glad to hear everything is still going OK.

This morning I opened the 2 boxes I received yesterday from you and one was full of the Lifes and the other one had a large can of peaches and then a jar of cherry jam.

By the way, I heard over the radio where the gas and canned food ration has been lifted. So now if a person has the tires I guess he can go where he wants to. But I don’t think it will be too long before you will be able to buy new tires again easily.

You know that watch I sent home for you to get fixed? I was just wondering if nobody was wearing it and if you thought you could get a decent price out of it, why not sell it. It is too big for me to wear when I get back and I won’t wear it. They are selling some fairly nice ones around here now that are real small and I am going to try and get one of those. They will cost 50 bucks but a person will be able to wear it when you get back and it will look OK on your arm.

I just read the news and it said after V-J day the points system may drop to 50. Well if it drops that low it may not be too long before I get back home. So now I am going to sweat this day out when all the papers really do get signed and then hear the news where they drop the points to 50. I will start marking the days off then.

Right now I lay around in bed during the daytime thinking if this point system does get me home soon, what will I do. But I guess I can find something.

Here is another piece of Philippines money. It is worth 5¢. Each centavos is worth 1¢ in American money.

August 19, 1945

Well, what do you know, Bill walked in on me this afternoon. I was reading a storybook and he came in and sat down on my bed. I was really surprised. You can tell Mrs. Daniels he really looks good and there is nothing to worry about him. He still has his full face like the pictures you sent me of him.

He didn’t stay very long because he really put in a hard day finding me. He had to hitchhike all the way and that is just like going to the mine. The riding is fairly hard to get so he spent the whole morning getting here.

He came in Tuesday and had to go back because he couldn’t find me. There are so many outfits around here nobody knows anything. But at last, we were able to see each other.

If I ever get back to my outfit off of the D.S. I am on now I will be able to see him quite often. I can get a plane ride real easy, and then I would only be a short distance from him.

Before he left I took my camera and had a couple of pictures taken of both of us. I wasn’t just in a very good uniform but maybe I can get my suntans on before long and then get a good picture of him. But tell Mrs. Daniels that Bill really looks good.

You asked me what bug it is that bites you and gives you malaria. Well, I told you An bit me. Over here we use the expression – watch out for An. An is the mosquito that gives you malaria.  Well I told you An bit me.  Over here we use the expression-watch out for An. -An is the mosquitoes that give you malaria.  

By the way, it is late and the lights are on and I am writing this inside my mosquito bar and I hope you can read this.

I really don’t know much to write but being Bill came around I thought I would tell you because every letter I have received the last 4 weeks has been “Have you seen Bill yet?”

Also, I asked Bill how many points he had. He has one less point than I have. But if they recount again on a later date he will have 4 more because he will get credit for the star of this area. Mine was counted in on the last time but he wasn’t here yet so that is why he didn’t. So if we come home on points we should get home about the same time.

Well, I hope you can make sense out of these points systems because it may be all Greek to you but to us, it means getting home quicker.

August 21, 1945

One month ago (31 days) today I came into the 89th Hosp. These 31 days have really rolled around and I don’t know where. But it has passed by.

Tomorrow I will have my report back on my blood test and I will be able to tell you how soon I will get out. I had malaria the first 5 days and the rest of the time on yellow jaundice.

Today I have another bunch of newspapers so I will spend the biggest part of tomorrow reading those.

In Virgil’s letter, he mentioned that he thought by the time I got his letter he should be home. I just wonder what he will do when he goes back if he will stay on the same kind of ship or some other type. Because for a carrier, I don’t think there will be much use. How many more points does he need to get out?

I found out that we just got 5 more extra points for New Guinea. So every 5 means that much more.

August 22, 1945

The weather here is fairly good for the last couple of days. It has rained nearly every evening and in the daytime, it hasn’t been that bad.

One of the guys that was down with me on the D.S. just came in to see me. He hitchhiked up here. And it is really a fairly good way. Lots more miles than Bill had to come.

He was saying that now there isn't much work going on up there.  But I read the other day in the news that no ammunition was coming over and being the war is over (I hope) I guess that will leave us without a job.  

So the next thing I am waiting for is that boat ride.

I wrote you in a letter the other day about that I thought i would get a furlough home.  Well the way everything turned out now I am not signing up for a furlough because I think I can make it home lots quicker for a discharge.  If I signed up for a furlough I have to put in another year of duty and in that time I am sure I can be home fo good.  So I don't know if I did right or not but time will tell.  Because in that extra year you will spend that overseas anyway and by the time you get back it is hard telling how long it will be.

August 24, 1945

I never received no letter from you last night so I didn't know enough to finish it.  SO I will mail it tonight regardless how much I have written.  

Today I did find out that I will be here for another week yet.  They are putting me on a regular diet now to see how I will stand up to it.  As I told you before you will never get out of one of these hospitals without being well.

Aug. 26, 1945

Well, here is another Sunday that has rolled around and I am still feeling as good as ever. Sure hope this will find all at home the same way.

Yesterday I had your 10th, 12th, and 14th letters and one from Jr. and about 10 papers, so I am fairly well fixed for reading.

I guess by now Virgil is thinking about getting home. The only thing is that the distance is so far that a good part of his time is spent on getting home and back. I don’t know what he will do on that girl situation. There is bound to be some trouble someplace, and as you say each one of them would be planning on a big time.

The Howard kid is still in the states yet. I wouldn’t mind it at all to go to that B-29 school. I don’t think he will go all the way through that school but he may. But still, that school won’t do him any good back home.

You mentioned about sitting around the radio and waiting for the good news about Japan signing the papers. If they don’t hurry up and get the papers signed I think Japan will pop up with something new and cause a little trouble. She won’t get very far but she will try it. They say it won’t be until the 6th now to get the papers signed. But what makes Japan mad now is Russia, so it is hard telling just what may happen yet.

You asked about me being discharged from the army being that I enlisted. Well, that doesn’t make a bit of difference. When my points come out, I will get out the same time. If this wouldn’t have ended with Japan, then maybe that would affect the air force from getting out. But now the whole thing is supposed to be over in the next few days and everything will be discharged. And anyhow, my job is ended because there is no more armament work.

Well, I think the picture deal is all mixed up with you. The pictures I wanted for this kid are all with planes pictures that we took in Guinea. If you sent the set on rotation of the planes just get a set of it you have. But that one set I sent you a good time ago I told you to set it aside and not send them to anybody. Then this last set I wanted you to send those on rotation. But if you haven’t got them just get a set of the ones you got at home and keep them to one side. After you get a set made of these last ones send them on as I told you. I haven’t heard from this kid yet so I don’t know if he wants them or not. But I should get an answer fairly soon one way or the other.

A few details on me. You keep asking about me so I will tell you how I feel as good as possible. At first, as I told you I got malaria. Well, I had that about 5 days and was ready to get out when I got this jaundice. I didn’t eat very much when I had malaria and also with this jaundice. But then on that second week, I started to feel better and all I am now is waiting for this stuff to clean out of my system.

You just lay around and take it easy. The only thing it takes time. I started to eat in the mess hall at noon today on a regular diet. The doc says I will be out about Thursday, so I guess I should be able to go back to work with this good rest. So believe me, I am feeling as good as possible.

…and just lying around taking it easy.

For today I think I have written enough so I will close with lots of love to all at home from someone that is always thinking of the dear ones at home.

Aug. 29, 1945

I think it has been 3 days since I wrote you last. But being the mail is slow on coming I really don’t know much to say.

They say the mail will be slow for a few days. But with all the planes being on this Japan deal, I guess there aren’t many extra planes around. But I would sooner see this Japan deal get over fast.

I did receive a letter from Virgil and he was in the states and said he was working fairly hard and planning on leaving for home around the 1st. Well, all I hope is that he doesn’t get hooked out of it some way before his time comes up.

Last night Lovvorn hitchhiked up here and was out last night. He said that there wasn’t anything at all going on up there. Just laying around.

That is the nice thing about being there, that when there is no work you don’t have to worry about inspection, etc. Here in the outfit in Manila they stand inspection every week. Now when this war is over I guess a person will really get his fill on these inspections.

Today the weather has really been nice and cool. Nearly all day the sun has stayed in and I have laid in bed reading books. I read about a book a day here now. I go to the Red Cross once a day and mess around a little. Then come back and hit the sack and read.

When I get out of here I don’t think I will worry about any sack time.

One of the kids just came over and we are going up to see another kid, so here I will close again with lots of love to all at home.

Aug. 31, 1945 – 10 A.M.
Yesterday I received 3 more letters – two from you and one from Virgil (19th).

You mentioned about Wright wrecking a couple of new cars and you were planning to buy some tires off them. Well, all I hope is you don’t pay too high of a price for them because it won’t be long before you can get decent ones and not pay that high price.

Maybe Virgil can give them a big line at the ration board coming home on that furlough and get some.  Listen if you buy two new ones be sure they are 6:50 don't get any smaller ones.  That is if you get two new ones.

It sure does seem funny for you to say get ready for winter.  But I guess it is coming around soon.

Sure was surprised to hear that Mrs. Shea came down.  You know that kid she told you about well if you write to him be sure and put Gus on it.  Because that is what he is known by.  It would probably get to him but I thought I would tell you anyhow.  

I see no way you got mixed up on the pictures that we took on Xmas in Guinea.  I never dreamed of that set at all becuase I bought that set of pictues of the women from another kid.  The reason Shea didn't send any home of the women is because he didn't think his folks would like it. 
Now I am going to start on the old sugject about me being in the hospital again.  You mentioned about Mrs. Daniels receiving the letters from Bill and telling her about me being in the hospital and not to say anything to you until she was sure you heard about be being in the hospital.  Then you ask me if I remembered the promise we made to tell the truth if it was good or bad.  So again, I say I am writing you the truth about how I feel and tat I am getting along good and will be out in the next days or so.  And didn't I write you the 2nd or 3rd day I was in bed and there was nobody else know it before you did.  So Jr. Wand is heading for overseas now. I bet in one way he wishes he would have come over sooner and now he could think about going back home. But coming over now a person won’t be so bad off because the food is getting much better and I don’t think it will ever be as bad as we had in Guinea and now everything is over it won’t be bad at all. The only thing you will be overseas. So I don’t know which would be the best to have it easy in the states all this time or take a roughing it out and be back home a little bit sooner (I hope?) I don’t blame L for trying to get him out because he will have a good chance. What I can’t see is why Virgil didn’t try and get a ride on some army or navy plane home. Because they say now that the ATC is really hauling the furlough troops back and forth across the states. And that wouldn’t cost you very much at all. But maybe he looks in to that already. One thing sure it will get you home lots faster. Tonight I want to send a letter to Helen. I had a couple handkerchiefs made from some silk and I thought I would send them to her for her birthday.

Sept. 2, 1945 8:30 P.M.
Well I just wonder how everything at home is making it with everybody tonight? I sure hope OK. I am sitting in bed with my mosquito bar down and going to try and write you this letter. I wanted to write it this afternoon but I started a story book and it is very interesting and all I wanted to do is just read so tonight I just had to lay the book down and get you this letter out. As you know this is Sunday again and I was really surprised when the ward boy came around and handed my 3 letters from you of the 15th, 21st, and 23rd. The one of the 15th you mentioned about the war being over and how the town acted about it. Well I wrote about what happened in the hospital and also down town. You know if Daddy don’t get them doors on that garage it will be another winter gone and still not finished. But I guess he doesn’t get that much time to his self.

On the Xmas boxes for me this year. Well here is the low down on that. I was planning on writing to you soon about that. First thing and last thing out of this pen I don’t want any packages. Because the food around here is good and I don’t expect it to get any too bad here. They have started regular farm (GI) around here on the Island and we get all kinds of stuff from the farm now. And another thing the boxes may be slow coming over and I don’t plan on being here all my life. As I told you I expect to be out of the army by the first of spring. And if everything goes right maybe I can be getting on a boat a little after the first of the year. I am not planning on it but kind of looking to it so we will wait and see what comes up. One thing sure if they keep dropping this age limit down I won’t make it. I read today where it went down to 35. So I hoped I have made it clear to you.

On sending one to Bill you can if you want to but he has about the same amount of points as I have. I don’t know how soon he figures on getting home but I think he thinks about the same. What I would like to know is why Tomlinson sold their place and moved out of town. But one thing sure they have a nice place and it isn’t that far out of town. I think the Mr. had the main thing to do with that. He always wants to monkey around something. And being he works for Davis Clever he has a good set up. Dutch Gardner bought the place to raise his own chickens for his own places because every time you talk about Dutch it is or to remind you of his chicken dinner. You have seen that big sign out at 12th and Lind. I really couldn’t say if he likes to work all the time around the house or not (might be his wife) anyhow every time I went there he was always working around the house. So lots of people are being laid off of work in town. That is why I always wondered how they could replace all the jobs to everybody in the service. I thought it never would work out. There is one thing makes me mad but I won’t mention it because it will make Daddy blow his top also so just forget it.

On buying a new machine I wouldn’t buy any sooner than I had to. Because these first few will be a great demand for them and the price will be fairly high. But I guess when it breaks down the next time you will just have to get one and there is no use to try and fix it up any more. If they won’t give you much on a trade in I think you would be better off by saving the motor and getting rid of the rest.

7:30 A.M. Monday Sept. 3rd
Last night they turned out the lights before I could finish this letter. So I have to get it off this morning for sure. Well if Virgil wires that garage up be sure they get the right size wire and be sure to put enough bulbs in it so you can see something. So for now, lots of love,
Wes

September 6th, 1945
I don’t know for sure if they have stopped censorship in this hospital or not but in the outfit they have. So if there is no censor stamp on this you know they finished censoring the mail. I am not going to say anything until I am sure. But just as soon as I find out I will write you a nice letter.

I have received about 3 letters from you since I wrote to you last. Before going on to the letter answering I went on an afternoon pass yesterday and went over to the outfit. The place has really changed. I didn’t hardly know the place. The grass has started to grow around the place and everything is really set up. Then I went over to our air field and they really have the supplies in now. What I would like to know is what they will do with all that extra stuff now. I took another picture of the tower and seen all the old guys at the fire station. Then in the evening I topped it off with an nice big cup of ice cream. In fact I had a cup and a half. It was mixed fruit and really good. The price has went down because they have the machine paid for. It is only 15¢ a pint now. The doctor told me this morning that I would be out Saturday he thought and here is to another one of your questions in your letters. You keep asking me what I am going to do when I get out. Well to make it short and sweet I am not going to do anything from now on. And don’t worry about me not taking care of myself because I wasn’t born yesterday. Now the war is over with and I am done with my work. I am just going to lay around and take it easy. Don’t worry about me because I am in as good of health as I ever was.

In your letter of the 25th, you mentioned about sending me some more boxes. Well here for the last time "I Don’t Want Any more".
On the letter of the 31st, you mentioned about Virgil being home.
I was sure glad to hear he was home. I guess I should be getting another letter from you of 25th and 28th telling me when he came home. So he is wiring the two garages up now. Well, I sure hope that I get the one next to the house fixed up on that light switch. All I see is putting in a few lights anyhow. That is one thing that I wanted to see enough bulbs and not have the place half dark.

Going back on the subject of Virgil again if Clyde is gone they should have a fairly good time together.
Last night I also heard the bad news that we won't get the 5 points for our New Guinea star. So that takes off that 5 points. I think I wrote that to you before about the 5 points for the star.

Sept. 10, 1945
Well here it is Sunday afternoon and I am back in the 93rd Airdrome Sqdn. This morning I got out of the hospital and I am laying around here for a couple of days until another kid gets out of the hospital and then us two are going down to Batangas on DS again.
That makes me about 50 days in the hospital. That isn’t bad at all do you think? To tell you the reason I stayed in the hospital that long was to get a good rest and also I stood a very good chance to come home. Well I got my good rest but I didn’t get the ride home. But I didn’t think anything could happen to me like that on being lucky enough to go home.

It sure does seem funny to wear a suit of sun tan now. I can’t hardly keep on my shirt now because it seems too hot. In the hospital I never kept anything on except my pajama bottoms.
I thought I would drop you a few lines and tell you I was out and everything was going good.
This mail should get to you a day sooner now with no more censorship.

Sept. 11, 1945
Here it is Tuesday morning a little after 8 and everybody in the tent went to work so I thought I would sit down and drop you a few lines again.
Last night I did get a letter from you of the 1st of Sept.
First thing off the bat is that the rainy season is really here now and they claim that the month of Oct. is worse than what it is now. I don’t think the sun has showed itself more than an hour in the last 4 or 5 days. Every night it rains all night and I mean it really rains. And during the day it is always raining. It may stop a few minutes but not very long. But again I say who cares I am not out in it.
I lay around in this tent and read awhile then I get sleepy and I put the book down and go to sleep and then somebody always wakes me up to eat. To tell you the truth I really miss that old hospital and I don’t mean maybe on them nice sheets to sleep between and that good old pillow and the good old iron bed that has springs and a mattress. Even now when I sit down on the cot I have to get up every 15 minutes because that cot is really hard.

I guess in the next day or so I will be going back to Batangas on DS. This kid I am waiting for to get out of the hospital should be getting out today or tomorrow. Not hoping him any bad luck I wish he would stay in a day or two longer. If he doesn’t get out by tomorrow morning then I am going over and see when he will get out.

The reason I would like to stay here another day or so is maybe the weather would make a break and then I would go out and see Bill. But as I told you before it is raining too much around here to hitchhike out about 60 miles to see him. I can get a ride from Neilson to Clark but I still would have a fairly good ways to go. Our outfit runs kind of like a bus service from our field out to Clark. But who knows I may get out there yet.

This bus service is a plane that flies back and forth from the two fields. That is what you call fairly expensive riding. But that is another thing we will pay for when we get back home.
They are really flying the Prisoners of War in here now from Japan. They are using every type of plane there is possible.

Last night on the radio it mentioned about the navy allowing a fraction of a point for each month spent on the water. I really have never heard just how Virgil does stand on point on coming up to t 44. I really don’t think much of the way the navy have their point system. I know one thing they are giving too much for a dependent.

Then you told me not to stay in the army any longer than I had to. Well, last night there was a pretty good rumor running around here saying that everybody with 60 and about would be at least on the boat and starting for home by the first of the year. Well if that is so I will beat my mark a little. Because after you are back in the states you don’t stay in the army but a few days. The way I hear after you hit the camp nearest your home it only takes about 48 hours to get out. So again it is the same old saying "Time will tell".

But here is one thing I want to get you straight on and that is being I enlisted I may stay in longer. That doesn’t mean a thing getting out of the army. All they look at and that is your points.

Sept. 12, 1945
I am still just settling around taking it easy and plan on doing for a good time yet.

I think I will go out to the hospital for a while and see how soon this kid is getting out.  There is another kid and me going out so we are going to take some ice cream out to them.

So you are making the trip to Kentucky.  I sure do hope that you make the trip OK and nothing happens on the way.

Then you mentioned about the points being dropped down to 80 now.  Well as I said before I will be satisfied if they keep up the way they are going now.  But if this Congress keep butting in and leaving these older men out that is really going to make me blow my top and I don't mean maybe.  But the way it sounds now I think they will stay at the age of 35 for discharge.  

But listen don’t leave these people get under your skin when they say they will put in for a discharge. If everything doesn’t go the way they like it. Them guys just do that to be talking. They won’t get out until their time comes and that is when they have enough points and not before. You can figure up how many points they got. That is why I said if I would of came overseas sooner I would get home sooner. It is nonsense to let them get under your skin just talking like that. Just forget about it. 

Sept. 14, 1945
I am not at the outfit any more. Yesterday I hitchhiked up from Manila so now I am back on DS. In one of the letters you asked me what DS meant. It means Detached Service. So I am on DS from the 93rd Airdrome.

The reason I came up is because the wheel (Laros) hitchhiked down there and then I came back with him yesterday noon. I got the mail of the 28, 29, 30, 31 that went to the hospital and then I left and they sent it up here. Then I received the one from you of the 4th before I left so now I am up on all the mail to the 4th. I also received one from Helen of the 5th and one from Carl Wand of the 31st.

He should be out of the army by this time. He said he had a clothing check and was waiting to get sent to a separation center.

Laros is leaving this coming Monday and he may lay around a couple weeks in Manila and then by that time should be on the boat. Well, I don’t have to tell you how he feels about it. He has been in for 14½ years. So he has had his share of the army.

Now on his points that is with the recount of VE Day. And you see since VE day and VJ day there has been 8 extra points and this bunch is leaving is 80 and above with the new count. And now I have 63 with the new count so I cannot be too far off. The way I hear the next drop is going to be down to 72. I don’t know for sure but that is the way they say. I sure hope OK.

Another good latrine rumor running around is that all guys with 60 and about will be on the way home by the first of the year. So maybe I will be out of the army by Feb. But I say up till March. But you say for me to come home on furlough. Well, when I come back to the states I will not get any furlough. After I hit camp and in 48 hours they are supposed to have you out of the army. And don’t get the idea in your head that I am staying in the army and that they will send me back overseas. When I come home this time it is for a discharge and nothing else. So quit worrying because you are just harming yourself so forget about it.

You can read what you want to but don’t leave it get under your skin and quit worrying.

You talk about going to the dairy and getting the milk and then you ask me if we get any fresh milk over here. Well the only time I will get fresh milk will be when I hit back in the states. They don’t have any milk cows over here at all. The Japs were supposed to kill all the cows off. All I know you can’t see very many and all the cattle that are standing around are bulls and they use them in the fields for work.

I don’t doubt a bit that Clyde hates to go back to camp. There is no doubt that he will go overseas and he can plan on a few months over here anyhow. But don’t get the idea that we will get caught in army of occupation to Japan. If we did go to Japan you still come back when your points come up. But we won’t even leave this place.

To tell you the truth I would like to see Japan and see what the place looks like. I was halfway thinking about taking a trip to Japan on a plane and then come back right away. Some of the guys in our outfit are flying there with these transports and I thought maybe if I would stay in Manila I would take a hop on one of them planes. They just stay a day or two then come right back but I think I will stay with the Philippines.

In fact, I know I am staying here now since I came back here, to Batangas. So don’t worry now because I mentioned it to you because I have changed my mind altogether. I guess I will stay here until I go home.

You know here is about the same as in Manila to work conditions. We have to answer two roll calls, a day and then we go back to the tent and just lay around. One roll call is at 7:30 AM and the other is 1 PM in the afternoon. So I told you once and will tell you again I am going to take life easy from now on and I don’t mean maybe.

Listen don’t send me no more boxes because it is a waste of time because I may not be here long enough to get them. So just forget about sending any more boxes.

Well, I think I will put the 50 bucks money order in here and you know where to put it at. Now don’t worry that I am cutting myself short of money because I have plenty here.

Sept. 15, 1945

Today I worked around with my stuff a little more and trying to get everything straightened out.

Also today I received a letter from Larry and he was kind of mad because they wouldn't do anthing to his knee.  And now he is in limited service.  If they put him in limited service and don't work on him he will be in the army for some time yet.  He said he is really mad and that nothing is going right with him.  I don't doubt a bit that he had everything figured out on his furlough and now it just isn't working.  He also said he kind of fell in love with another girl already.

This afternoon I put a few more pictures in my album because I am getting ready for when I come home.  It is early but this time is really going to fly around and I don't mean maybe and then I won't have to throw everything together.  I also going to send home a box or two.  I don't think they censor them any more so I will throw everything in them.  I still have this correspondence course and I may read up on it and I may not but I am sure I don't want to carry it home with me.  That way everything I ship home I won't have to carry.  Then also in each of these letters I am sending a few more pictures and neg I have had here for a fairly long time and I just as well send them home.  Keep this at home and don't send them to anybody.  There is 5 neg in this bunch.  I am putting this paper on the neg so it wont scratch them.  From no on send my mail to:  Cpl. W. Hochgraber / 1909 Ord. and Ammunition Co. / AOO 73, San Francisco.

The reason I am changing  the address is because when I was in the hospital they put the address of the outfit we are on DS with.  So don't think I was transferred or anything like that because everything is the same as it always was.  You don't have to change my paper address because it will get to me just the same and just as fast, so don't worry about going to a lot of trouble to change my address because it doesn't man that much at all.

Sept 16, 1945

The weather today hasn't been so nice.  It has rained all day and I wouldn't doubt a bit if it keeps it up all night.

Sept 17, 1945

IT is still raining and I guess it will keep u all night.  They claim that this month is one of the bad months on rain but that next month will be worse than this one.  I don't see how it could be but I guess they know what they are talking aout.  If they don't it won't be long until I will find out for myself.  You know this reminds me of something like back home with this rain and a cool breeze.  It is the sam as fall back home.  One thing that is a bit different I would say it may freeze tonight but over here I don't think it will.  

The wheel (Laros) left this morning on his first step home. He went to Manila to a replacement depot and now waits until he gets on the boat. He is going to write us when he leaves. So I will leave you know more about it later. What I am kind of for is to see how fast he will hit the states and also how fast he will get his discharge. He had 81 points.

Tonight I fixed up my laundry and sent it off. This is the first laundry that I sent off since the last of June that I had to pay to have it clean. I don’t know how they get the clothes dry but I guess they done it before so they can do it again. When we first hit here, we had the GE laundry and they did it free. But now it is broke down and since the war is over, they won’t fix it.

Come to think about it, I don’t know if I will be able to keep up my 60 buck allotment till the first of the year or not. That was what I wanted to do but way we may be going home soon I hope I may have to cut it out. But I won’t mind that.

Here are 6 negs. The two of the natives were taken in Guinea and the other 4 were developed in Manila and didn’t do a very good job. But you can get a print made and see how they look to you.

Sept 19, 1945

The weather today has been a bit better than the last few days.  The sun did come out once but that was for a very short time.  It is still raining off and on all the time.

I just looked into days paper and kind of made me mad.  This Senate etc want to make up a new system for discharging men and the way couple of these guys wants it I may stay in for awhile.  I guess you have to read it also and in the way they want it the single man isn't even listed at all.  So all I hope they keep talking about it a bit longer now and then it will pass me up.  You know now I am beginning to make myself elieve that I will be home for Xmas.  But the men with 70 and above may leave this place by the 1st of the month and then it only has to drop down to 63 and then I ma in.  

If they get these guys out with 70 and above by the first then surely they should get down to 60 by the end of Oct.  Any how fairly close.  Then say I would lay around here in Manila 2 weeks or so waiting for a boat and by then first of Dec or a little later I should be in the states.  And then I think maybe by Xmas I should be out.  Now don't get set on this because this is only a pipe dream that I am thinkin of and I just hope it comes true.  Anyhow it looks good and sounds good and any time it sounds like that makes your morale go up.  And now that is the only think I look at is the coming home.  But wait till this next bunch leaves and if they do leave by the 1st I know then I should be home in a few months.  But I will tell you one thing this setting around waiting for these points to drop is sure hard.  I am really sweating this out.  Each day I sit around here and that is all you can hear is the point system.  That is the only thing anybody talks about now.

These negs were all taken when I was getting ready for the plane.  One of them shows the supply tents and the orderly room tent.  This you can tell by the man walking across in the back of the truck and also the tents are in the left side of the pictures.  It isn't very good but I thought I would send it anyhow.  The pictures that has the test on the right side and the building in the center for the picture is our mess hall.  The neg with that other person standing by the plane is another kid in the outfit.  He flew up with me.  I don't think I will tell you much more about them because they aren't that good and it won't be long until I will be home and then I can tell you about them.  I guess you can see what is on my mind most.

Sept 21, 1945

The weather here is raining again today. Yesterday the sun was out for a while and last night it didn’t rain either. This morning the sun was out for a while but it did not stay out long at all. So the way it looks now I don’t know when it will end.

I sent my laundry the other day and I got it back today. Sure am glad that it was nice yesterday and this morning or else I don’t know when I would get it back. A couple of my towels were even wet. I had 2 suntan shirts, one pair suntan pants, one work pants, one pair of coveralls, one pair socks, 2 hankies and 3 bath towels. I am going to give them a buck for it. So you can see what they pay around here. All of the stuff has a nice press job. I don’t know why they press the things because all we do around here we never need pressed clothes.

I have went back to work again if I should say I really wouldn’t call it work because it is only checking mainly. We have the Filipinos to do all the work. The only thing we do is run the crane and check the number of items we unload from each dock. We are unloading from a couple boats now of bombs and all the other stuff to a bomb and also we are loading another boat up. This is the main bomb dump and everything comes in and goes out of here. But don’t worry because I am not going to do that much. And it is pretty hard to hurt yourself pushing a pencil or operating a tractor crane.

We work one week days and the next week nights. This week I was on nights and we work 6 hours on now and 18 off. So that gives you an idea what the setup is here.

So far the 70 points men haven’t left but I give them up till the first and if they do go by the first, you can have that Xmas dinner waiting for me. I am planning on my Xmas dinner at home if everything keeps going the way they are now. But if they change anything or slow down, I may not make it but it still looks good.

I am still undecided about my allotment. But one thing sure, I have to make up my mind before very long. I was thinking today maybe I would just keep it up until I got discharged. Then I also was thinking I will get it ended for the end of Oct. because if I hit back in the states, I will only get about two bucks a month and I may not be anywhere near a place where I could get any right away. So I will leave you know later on more about it.

I think I will put a few pieces of paper in this letter and also another piece of Japan money used here. These 3 sheets of paper is the kind of stuff they drop in New Guinea and the islands around here. I had had these for a long time and now since the war is over I can mail them home.

Sept 23, 1945

This morning I went to work at 6 and worked until noon. As I said before, I really don’t work. I had 5 Filipinos and they do the work and you make out the reports, etc. This morning I also had to run the tractor crane but I still say it isn’t work.

The point system still sounds good to me. You know I said in a few letters back that I thought I would leave here and go to the replacement depot about the first of Nov and the way it looks now I am going to make it. I still think also I can have my Xmas dinner home.

So if I can have my discharge and be home by then, I think I can really start the new year out right, don’t you think? Well, I think I better get off of this subject again because when I once start it, that is all I can think of.

Sept 24, 1945

Yesterday I started to write and I went to sleep and I never did get around to it again.  The sun did come out again today and it really was hot.

I also went to work again this morning but I didn't do much.  I think we unloaded about 5 docks and that was all.  We didn't take over an hour to do that.  Then at 10 we came in.  The two ships we were loading are just about finsihed and now it is just odds and ends.  I hear we are supposed to unload another one before long.  But it is hard telling when it will come in.  And when you think or I do, I only have the most 5 more weeks in this out fit and Then I am supposed to go to Manila in the Replacement Depot to wait for the boat ride. Anyhow, this is the way it is supposed to go and I am hoping it goes this way. But again, here I am on this subject and we will end with this and see what comes up.

The way things look now I am going to get my share of reading again. Today I started to read a book and I spent the biggest part of the afternoon on it.

Here are four negatives of three Filipinos that are living next to our camp, and we also buy bananas, etc. from them. These kids are 12 years old and they are really smart. They talk about the best of anyone around here for English. I took these four pictures of them, and they came out fairly good. I gave them three of the prints and Laros took one, and the other three I gave to them. But the other guys around here saw them and they wanted a picture of them, so they took them from them.

Well anyhow, I want you to send three copies of each and then send the negatives to Lovvorn’s wife. Just send these four negatives only and only to Lovvorn’s wife, no farther.

Well, tomorrow will find out about my allotment. Will tell you in the next letter.

Sept. 27, 1945

You know the less work a person does around here, it seems like the less writing he does. I haven’t worked in the last three days except this afternoon I went out and unloaded a few one-ton bombs into the bomb dump by the crane. But nobody is working around here at all. Just now and then.

I was going to write yesterday afternoon, but it was raining and I went to sleep and then I said to myself I would write it after chow. Well, when it came time for the lights to go on, the generator wouldn’t work, so we didn’t have lights.

Then this morning I got up and ate about 7 and then came back and laid down, and then I got up and shaved. From noon to 6 tonight was supposed to be the time I was supposed to work, but being no work was coming in, I said I would write you this afternoon.

Anyhow, I no more than laid down to settle my meal when they came along and said that a few bombs were coming in and they wanted me to unload them. When I came in tonight, I had a nice pile of mail from you that was held up at Manila and also the three rolls of films you sent me July 21st. I believe by first-class mail.

The letters were 6th, 10th, 12th, 14th, and 16th. They had everything in them from when Virgil was still at home and when he was back in California and everything was still going good at home. I am, or our shift is supposed to work from 6 till noon, but I don’t think we will work. But anyhow, I will write you another letter tomorrow and get everything up to date.

Well, I guess you will have to cancel my Christmas dinner because everything isn’t going just right on transportation, so you better go back to the first of March as I told you before.

Sept. 28, 1945

This morning I didn’t have to go to work, so I got up at 7 and ate and came back and read a Yank, and now I will start your letter to you as I promised last night when I wrote you.

Today sometime yet I want to turn in a pair of shoes to get a new pair. The instep is broken, so they can’t fix them, so I will get a new pair.

The weather today looks fairly nice out. The sun is shining, but I think we may have a little rain before the day is over. But that never did hurt anybody.

Going back to the subject that I always mention in letters and that is coming home. Somehow everything isn’t going like it was going. It really slowed down, and now these four divisions from over here are coming home that will take up plenty of the boats for the time being. Not that I wouldn’t like to come home just as soon as anybody, but them four divisions did all the hard fighting over here.

So, I guess you better go back to my first prediction of being home for the first of March. That isn’t so far away. That is getting home lots faster than I ever expected to get home six months ago and I don’t mean maybe.

Yesterday I went and saw the 1st Sgt about my allotment, and I guess I will keep it going the way it is now. He talked me out of canceling it. Because he said by the time it went into effect I would be away from here and also I wouldn’t be in the army that long. But he is right, so I will keep my 60 bucks allotment until I get discharged from the service.

I was just thinking, three years today I left home on a Monday morning for St. Louis. Then I laid around at the camp until the 4th of October before I was sworn into the army.

Yesterday I received a set of pictures back from Australia and they came out fairly good. I think I may send another roll down there, but that is about all. The rest of them I am going to carry back to the states.

Don’t send any of the films that you have now on to anybody. I kind of get mad sometimes with these pictures because you are the only one that gets any films at all.

I think Laros had about six rolls the whole time he was overseas, and Shea had about two for Laros’ camera and twice for my camera. All the rest of the films for Laros’ camera and mine were furnished by you.

But what really made me mad, they always would take pictures of themselves when they had films and nothing was said to me. Then whenever I was taking some, “let’s take some of this,” etc.

So from now on I am going to keep my picture-taking to myself or with somebody out for the same purpose as I am, with his own camera.

Since Laros is gone, none of us are living in the same tent and none of us work the same shift. So, we aren’t always looking at each other all the time. Maybe I shouldn’t feel this way, but that is the way for the time being.

Sure was surprised about the Quincy bridge being made free. In the last few papers I received, they had some articles in them about the bridge, and I read it but never thought anything could come about it.

You mentioned about the garage wiring not being right. Well, I think he should have done it a bit differently, but I guess it will wait until one of us comes home and fixes it.

The main thing is that he has some lights and also got the doors on.

So Vir has 22 points out of 44 points.  Well I don't think he will stay in that much longer because they cut it down on the amount of service you have.  He may be in 6 or 8 months but not over that.  I wouldn't be a bit suprised if he wouldn't be home in a few months after I hit there.  Because after they get down to 60 then they are going to leave the guys out with 2 years and over the way I understand it.  Anyhow I will tell you one thing I am glad I am over taht 60 mark because I sure would hate to be in the 50 because there too amny in that bunch and if 60 is the last bunch to be sent out by points it is hard telling when them guys will get out.  But I don't hink anybody will be in that much longer.  

In the letter of the 8, 9, 10 and 11th you sure must of spent some time writing that one.  When I felt the letter I thought you had a bunch of pictures in it but I was wrong.  

The silk you was talking about is made out of parachute.  I have some of it also.  Down in Guinea all them battle weary planes we had all the parachutes in them and we put them up in our tent and then took a reflector out of a plane and with a 200 W bulb reflected it up on the silk and we had indirect lighting system.  If you look at the picture (below) I sent you of the Xmas tree in the tent you can see the chute hanging up.  Everyone of the tents was set up that way.  We also had the radio out of the planes and had the 

Sept 30, 1945

This week we are working nights again. But there isn't much coming in, so only three out of the shift are going to work tonight. They go on at midnight and off at 6 in the morning, but I don't have to go tonight. I went to work yesterday afternoon and stayed out there a short time and came back in.

The weather is kind of on the wet side again. Today it has rained nearly all day, and the wind blew fairly hard also, but it doesn't bother me because I am on the far side, and no rain hits me. In our PX now, they received a new stock of supplies, and in that, we have Kraft cheese spread. It only costs us 20 cents a jar, and we can also get soda crackers, so that is something to change the taste.

Going back to your letter of the 16th, you mentioned that trip and how everything went. Then you mentioned your scare on that plane accident. I can see your point on that, but it seems to me you always look at the wrong side of everything, and then it upsets you for the rest of the day.

The pictures in the letter were very good. I pasted them in the book yesterday afternoon. I haven't any more corners, so that is the only ones I can do. But it still works out good. It won't be long, and I will have my album full.

You were also talking about the point system again. In there, you said you heard the 8th Army was being demobilized. Then you asked me if I was connected with the 5th Army. I am not in the Army; I am in the Air Force. That is two different things, and there are no connections between the two. I was in the 5th Air Force, and now I am in the Far Eastern Air Force. So anything you hear about the Far Eastern in the demobilization plan, then that counts me. This is made up of the 5th Air Force and the 13th Air Force. I will send you one of the new arm patches we have now. It is a combination of the 5th and 13th.

Well, it is a few minutes after 9, so I think I will end and get in a good night's sleep again. This rainy weather really makes a person sleep good. All you do is pull the blanket over your head and saw them off. That is one thing living in a tent; you get plenty of fresh air.

These are just a few odds and ends that I have in my picture box. These negatives are not very good, but I think I will send them home anyhow. These small prints were taken about 21 months ago when we came across the states to California. Most of them were taken in Colorado in the mountains. You can tell that from the pictures. I wouldn't take the trouble to put them in the book because they aren't that good and too small to look at. Where the negatives are, I don't know.

October 2, 1945

Well, here it is Tuesday evening about 10 PM, and I think I will get your letter by 10:30 PM. I am telling you this laying around really makes you lazy. All I do now is lay around all day and read and sleep. I am reading another book now, and it is a detective book, and really, it is good, and you just want to read all the time.

Last night was the first time this week I did anything toward the line of work. I had to take a truck and go to the No. 2 bomb dump and just ride around between 6 and midnight. There were two of us, and we go out there just to see what comes in, etc. Now, tonight I don't have to go because a couple of other guys went out. Only about four of us work on night out of the whole shift. That way, we only go about every other night or maybe one out of every three nights. Next week, we go on days again.

Anyhow, I got up at 7 this morning and ate and cleaned up and laid down and went to sleep. Then after dinner, I went out and started this new book "Spill the Jackpot" and read about two hours, and I got sleepy again and went to sleep until 5 when one of the guys woke me up to eat supper. Then this evening, I went with Lovvorn to the club we have for the outfit and had four cokes, played a few cards, and came back up and started reading again. Then I at last said I had to get this letter out to you.

October 4, 1945

Yesterday, I received some more mail from you of the 18th and 20th and was glad to hear from you.  One thing I was sorry to hear that you wasn't getting my mail.  But I will tell you the reason the mail is slow coming back to the states.  But I wouldn't be a bit surprised to see the last few letters of mine go home by boat.  In our paper the other week it said that if the government keep up in the priority on Prisoners of War that the mail would have to go by boat.  They are rated the highest of anything and the mail come after them.  And there has been so many of them that they took over every plane that came along and all decent boats.  In one day I think that was on Sept 8th at Manila there was 3000 flew in from Japan on B-29s along.  That was when I was out of the hospital and was at the old outfit in Manila.  There was a plane landing every 5 minutes average with 20 PW aboard.  That was on Nicholas Field.  Then on our field that our outfit operated was only the transport planes landing there.  Our big runway wasn't any good and the B-24s could not land on the short runway we were using.  The reason our big runway wasn't any good was because the first 4000 feet was made from Jap cement.  And then with the Yank came back they made it 7000 feet long and after the big planes land on it couple weeks it crumbled up like sand.  It wouldn't hold up to the weight.  But I think by now they should have the biggest part of the PW out and should be running all right on the mail service.  

Last night I though I was going to have to work but I never.  So that makes 1 night I drove around for 6 hours this week.  I may have to go on tonight for 6 hours but there is no work and you just set around and watch the place to see if anything does come in.  But some on got to be around the office all the time. 

Some day in the near future I am going to Bantagus and get a few souvenirs to send home.  The prices are going down fairly fast now.  Things we would have had to pay 20 to 25 pecos (10 to 12 1/2 bucks) you can buy for 8 pacos ($4) now.  So I dodn't think they will go down much more but I am going to wait until these 70 pointers and about have to go home then I am going to look for some stuff.  They have some knives around here.  They call Bantangus knives and they are really nice.  So I want to get couple of them and some other stuff.  

Oct. 6, 1945

To start this letter out, I will tell you a little about the last letter I wrote you. I started writing the letter Thursday morning, and then I kept on writing. Then in the afternoon, some of the guys wanted to go to the mountain and take some pictures. So, I right away jumped up, took my camera and a couple rolls of film, and went with them. This mountain is a short distance from here and was where all the Japs went, and it was a hard battle fought for the hill. I got a couple pictures of a big gun that they shot into the bay at Bantangus with. Its barrel was about 10 to 12 inches in diameter and shot a shell weighing at least 500 lbs. The gun was down in a small valley and was camouflaged by a house. It was really set up good. It was set in this hole there for nobody could see the gun blaze when it went off. Then we went to a Jap motor pool that had a bunch of prime movers. These prime movers are like a big caterpillar tractor that pulls the big guns around from place to place and also hauls the ammunition.

I took one picture of one of them and that was all. I tried to get more, but they were all setting under a tree or something that I didn’t think it would take a picture of good. But I don’t know where they made those engines, but they were really big. It was only a 6-cylinder diesel, but it was really big. So, when I get the pictures back, you can see what I meant by it. I think it took about 2 or 3 men to run it. If one little Jap ran it by himself, I don’t know how he did it. We were going farther, but our time was running short, so we came back. Our shift was supposed to go on at 6 P.M. Well, anyhow, we are supposed to go back someday soon and take some more pictures. I came in after supper and laid around, and then I found out I was supposed to go to work at midnight. Then I told myself I would finish your letter when I went to work. When I went to work, I forgot it, so when I came off of work at 6 A.M., I ate and came back and made a quick ending and looked for a decent envelope, but all I had was them red ones left that I got in the hospital. Then I put the letter in the envelope, and you could read right through the envelope and it was very clear. So then I wrapped that other piece of paper around it. The films were just a bunch of old films I had laying around here and you can put them away. I don’t think there are many that are worthwhile to have printed.

This week so far, I don’t think I have done so bad on work. I only put in 12 hours this week, and that was just playing around the check building, so if anything did come in, you get out somebody to load him. I may go tonight, but I don’t think so. I do know we have some work ahead of us because the ship is setting in the harbor now waiting to be unloaded. I guess they will start in sometime this coming week, but that won’t last but a little over a week, and then we will be finished with that. So, I don’t think we are having it so bad.

The weather around here is fairly nice now and we haven’t had much rain for the last couple of days.

Don’t know for sure or not, but I may go to the beach this afternoon because the water is calm and the sun isn’t that hot. Another thing is to get away from his sack because if I keep up the way I am going now, I will sleep half my life away. I worked the other night as I told you before, from midnight to 6 in the morning, and then I slept all day yesterday and went to bed last night at 9:30 and slept good all last night. This morning, I came back from chow, and before I knew it, I was sleeping again. So, when I woke up, I made up my mind I had to write you a letter before this day passed away.

Well, here it is 10:30 PM now, and I am going to try and finish this letter before the lights go out. They are supposed to go out at 10:30, but maybe they will stay on a few minutes. Anyhow, this afternoon, I didn’t go swimming but went to sleep again.

P.S. This is my last of odds and ends in pictures. (1) Here is a picture of the natives in Guinea. (2) Then the one with me standing by myself looking to the one side makes me look like a jackass. (3) That is one with me standing by a Philippine kid who is 19 years old. He used to ride in the fire truck with me. (4) That other one of me standing by the airplane is fairly good, I think. It was a picture of an A-20, and I thought it was pretty good. This is taken on our field in Manila.

Oct. 8, 1945

I haven’t gone to work since the last Friday and Saturday night, but I think I will go on at noon tomorrow and work till 6, and off for the next few days again. I don’t know why we aren’t unloading the ship yet, but as long as I can sit around like this, it is plenty good with me.

Read the paper tonight, and the number of men sent back home this month sounds fairly good. So, it can’t be too many more months before they get down to the 60 mark.

In your letter of the 25th, you mentioned about the 93 being on the list to come home. I don’t know if I mentioned it to you or not, but they don’t send our outfit home as a unit. They take out the high-point men and send them home and transfer low-point men back into the outfit. So, when my name comes up, I will be transferred into another outfit.

P.S. The picture with the flagpole and the car in front of the building is the City Hall of Manila. The right is all caved in. The one with me is where the buildings were pushed over with bulldozers and hauled away. The building with a jeep in front was a strong point of the Japs. The fourth was just a section that is fairly well damaged.

Oct. 10, 1945, 11:15 A.M.

Everything on this end is going as good as ever, and I still haven’t gone to work this week. Now the quickest I can go to work is at noon tomorrow and work till 6 P.M. So that gives you an idea of what I am doing.

The weather has changed now, and we are having our wet spell again. It really rained yesterday afternoon and nearly the whole night. This morning, it stopped for an hour or two, but it is now raining again. Now, I sure hope we don’t unload that boat in this weather, but if we do, we do. We have done it before, and as they say, we can do it again.

Glad to hear you got my money order in your letter of the 1st. That is something I always like to hear got home OK. This afternoon, I am going to get paid for the three months I have been away at the hospital. When I came back, I just missed signing the payroll, but I don’t need the money.

Around here, then I will get this month's pay at the end of the month. I am going to send you home another 50 at the end of the month. I will get about $36 or $37 today, and then I will get about $15 at the end of the month. I will get a 5 percent increase in pay this month for having three years of service. Every three years, you get a 5 percent increase in your base pay. I am going to keep $10 with me, and that should meet all the odds and ends that come around. Now listen, don’t worry about me having enough money to go on because I am looking out for myself. Where I am earning a few extra dollars is with my beer and cigarettes. I sell that, and that keeps me more than going each month. Next letter, I will tell you how much I make clear each month on that. Well, I will give you an idea. I make as much, if not more, than I get each month here.

Well, Laros has left by now, the way I was told. So, I guess in a week or so, he should be hitting the coast. I don’t know what he will do when he gets out because before he came in, he really didn’t have a real job. His father is an old Navy man, and there is nothing at home for him to do that I know of. But when he gets settled, I guess I will hear from him what the setup was.

On my trip to Japan, it has all fallen through because I am up here now, and I would never run into a chance to go like I was back with the old outfit and right on Nicham Field. Because as I said before, when I was on the field and a chance came up, I could have gone right away, but up here, it just won’t work out. The last few reports I heard about that place said the food must not be so good. I would really like to see Japan, but I guess I will have to be satisfied with the Philippines. It would really be nice if I could get a few pictures of Japan. But being Bill is up there now, he should be able to get some pictures and give us an idea of what it is like.

I was reading the "Red Apple" bill about getting back into the army. They sure have made a good deal for anybody that wants to come back in the army. If I only were in the army and had points down in the 30 or 40, I would enlist for another year. Before I go on any further, I am not going to sign up, but I will tell you what it would give me. Being I am in the army, I would receive a 90-day furlough home with full pay plus my meals, which would allow me about 45 bucks more, and then 150 bucks extra for being in the service for three years. I would keep my rating and also pick what branch I want to be in and where I would want to go overseas. That is really giving you something if you like the army.

Oct. 11, 1945

Here is a piece of goods that I told you about, and I want you to try and make a scarf for me. It is kind of small, but do your best. I brought it up from Guinea with me, so see what you can do with it.

The weather today has been mostly rain, but I didn’t have to go to work, so I didn’t mind it at all.

There was no mail for me at mail call tonight, so there is nothing for me to write on questions to you.

Oct. 12, 1945, 7 P.M.

What do you know? I put in six more hours of work this morning. It has been one week ago today that I worked. That is really putting in the time, don’t you think? Then I did about the same thing as what I did before. I went to the check office, and we had a boat that wanted a few things, so I loaded six trucks. Now, I didn’t load them because I had the Filipinos do the work, and I checked off the stuff. Never had it so easy and good.

On that letter I wrote you yesterday, don’t make a scarf out of that. I will let you know about that later.

Tomorrow I am going to Manila and mess around for a day. I guess I will come back Sunday evening. For one thing, I am going to do is turn in my toolbox. So, when I get back, I will tell you about my trip. I am going to take my camera with me and get a few films. All I am hoping is that it doesn’t rain too much. It has rained the biggest part of the day, and tonight it still looks like there is plenty to come down. You mentioned in your letter of the 2nd about my money. I think I will be able to make my mark of $1,500 by the time I get out. It took me a long time to get it, but I don’t hardly think it will take that long to spend it. 

The paper that came out yesterday sounded a little better again on the point system. All I hope is these men with 70 and about will get out soon, and then I am on the next shipment. This bunch is still supposed to leave this month, and us next month. That is the plan, anyhow. But I don’t think I can make it for Christmas anymore, but I think it will be the beginning of the year. I heard the rumor we may get our furlough time that we missed overseas when we hit the states. So, if we do that, I should get at least a 45-day furlough. But that isn’t for sure yet. I really don’t think we will. If I do, then I have to report back after my furlough for my discharge. In one way, I would like to have it then. I would also love to get out of the army right away. But if I had the furlough, I would be getting paid at home, and I would have plenty of time to decide what I wanted to do. But I am not worrying about it because I can get along either way OK. 

P.S.  These 4 pictures are of Manila also.  The three are taken of the outside of the wall city they are not very clear but will give you an idea of it anyhow.  The one shows where they were making a road through it.  These three pictures were taken on 3 sides of it.  I was facing the sun and put a shadow over the lens but the sun was so bright that it blur the prints.  The other picture is of the Manila Hotel.  This is where McArthur lived before the war and they say he owns it.  I don't know how so it is but that what the rumor.  

Oct. 15, 1945

I wanted to write to you yesterday, but I slept all morning, and in the afternoon, it passed before I knew it.

I had a fairly good trip to Manila Saturday. It did rain part of the way down, and the roads are also a little bumpy. Then, when we hit Manila, we were hunting up one of the guys’ buddies and we fell in a big hole and had to get pulled out. At last, I got to the 93rd outfit. The reason we fell in this hole was because we went through a narrow street to get back on the main road again to go back the other direction. We couldn't turn around because there was too much traffic. It looked like a small water hole, but when the front wheels got in, there was no bottom.

Well, I got to the outfit at about 5, and I got a bed to sleep on from one of the guys that was on a plane trip to Japan.

Sunday morning, I went out on the line and turned in my toolbox that I have carried with me all this time. I didn’t need it up here, so I thought I would turn it in before I would lose it. Then I rode around on the field and also took a few more pictures of different things. All I am hoping now is they turn out good.

I also took the prints of the Manila area back down there and traded some more with a kid that went downtown with me. He would take a picture of one thing, and I would take a picture of another building, etc., to save on films and also get more pictures.

Sunday afternoon, I was planning on going to a football game, but then I decided not to. It was between the Army and Navy, and everybody you talked to was going, and I didn’t think I would get a decent place to see it from, so I stayed at the area. I heard later that the field was so full that they were in the field part of the time. Then at 7 P.M., we started back for here. We got back at about 10:30 P.M. Well, anyhow, I had a fairly good time, and it was something different.

When I came back, I had a fairly good bunch of mail waiting for me and also that First Aid Kit. I had four letters from you from the 29th, 30th, 5th, and 6th.

One of the big wheels down at the 93rd told me when I was down there that he put in Shea, Lovvorn, and my names to be transferred back there to work as aircraft mechanics. I don’t know if that will go through headquarters or not, but if it doesn’t hurry up, I don’t think we will go back for long because we should be leaving for home sometime soon. I would just as soon stay up here now until I get ready to go home. But if the orders go through, I guess I will go back.

Last night, I went to work at 6 and stayed until midnight. I was on the crane unloading bombs. We have two boats out in the harbor now unloading at the same time. We were working mainly on 3000-lb bombs. I hear we have 17,000 of this one kind to take off. So that alone means about a week’s work for two cranes. I got out about 350 in my six hours. So, I guess I will go on again tonight, and I wouldn’t be a bit surprised if it’s the same job. I will tell you more later on what we are doing.

On those pictures from Kentucky, I couldn’t tell if one leg was shorter than the other from walking on the hillsides or not, but their looks were OK. That is one of the things you say to a guy from Tennessee or Kentucky. Or another saying is, “Ask him if he has rocks in his shoes to make him feel at home.” I hope you get the idea.

I was sure surprised to hear about that Ted who was injured in Guam. Just think if I had stayed down there and would be heading overseas now. That would be really hard to look forward to. And just to think he has only 36 points about, and that will take some time before he will get out.

In the letter of the 6th, you had those pictures of these girls around here. I think tonight I will take them to their house. I don’t know if Lovvorn will go with me or not. But there is another kid that always goes over with us two, and he is going along tonight. These three girls are like mascots to an outfit. Everybody knows them and is always giving them something. They are really smart, and after you tell them your name once, they never forget it or you. If they ever see you, they always yell your name out. The one girl lives up the road a bit farther than the other two, and I and this George that always goes over there with me wanted to see what her parents look like. So, we took a candy bar and a bottle of hair oil to her. They can’t get any candy at all, and hair oil to put on their hair, they go crazy over. 

Oct. 16, 1945

Everything on this end is going as good as ever. The weather is fair, but I think sometime this afternoon it will rain.

Last night, I worked from 6 to midnight. I was the crane operator, so it wasn’t so bad. I guess I will go to work at midnight again and work until 6 in the morning.

Here is a piece of cloth I brought up from Guinea, and I want you to try and make me a scarf out of it. It is a fairly small piece, but do your best.

Well, I really don’t know much more for now, so I will end and sure hope everybody at home is OK.

Oct. 18, 1945

It is Thursday morning, and I think I will write you this letter and then write Virgil a few lines also.

I haven’t worked since Monday evening, as I told you in the last letter. They stopped working on the ship, so no more work for us. They may start up anytime.

The weather today is fairly nice. I don’t think it will rain at all for a change. When I think about it being cold back home and warm here, and then I plan on coming home this winter, I guess I will stick close to a fire all the time.

By the way, the point system seems awfully slow, but they still claim that us 60-point men will still leave sometime in November. I don’t see how we will make it, but time will only tell.

Yesterday I received three back letters from you and your roll of films. So that gives me five complete rolls to take yet. When I was in Manila and at the airfield, I took two rolls that are in my footlocker and need to be developed. I guess I will carry them home with me to have developed. I hate to send them to Australia because it will take three to four weeks to get back, and it is hard telling what will happen in that time. If I moved out of here, I doubt if they would ever catch up with me. It costs about $2.50 to get them developed here, and I hate to pay that much. Next week I will be on day again, and I think I will take a roll of pictures of this dump.

At the end of this month, they are going to have a big dance in this area. It is the Philippines having about the same as a fair back home. So I think I will take a few pictures of that also.

You asked me if I’d seen the big brass around here. Well, I haven’t seen the big boy around here, but all the other guys I’ve seen when I was in the 51st General Hospital, he (Kenny) was always around there. In fact, that was his hospital for the Air Force. When we were in Brisbane, Australia, that was Mac’s headquarters, and he was always in town riding around in his big Packard. He was a common person to see around, but then they had censor laws, and I couldn’t tell you about it.

When we went to Townsville to the Depot 2, which was the biggest repair depot in the Southwest Pacific, he would come in often to inspect the place. That is the place where he had his plane repairs and engine changes done. To give you the size of the depot, there were around 10,000 men working there. I could tell you lots more about the places I have been and also here, but I wouldn’t know where to end. So I will wait until I get home.

I don’t know if I ever told you the exact place where I was or not, but the town that is on the map and the second-largest city in Luzon is Batangas. We are about two or three miles west of there at a small town of Bawan. It is right on the waterfront, and we are on a small hill overlooking the town and the waterfront. I am going to take a picture of it, and you can see what I mean when you see the picture.

On that material I sent home, just forget about making anything out of it until I get home. Just forget what is said on the paper.

I counted up my letters Monday, those I sent out and those I received. It doesn’t compare very good at all. I have received 258 and sent 163.

Oct. 20, 1945

Just finished eating dinner, and I was going down to take a shower, but it is raining now. It started about an hour ago, and the way it looks, it may keep it up for a while.

Last night, I went and put in six hours of duty again. There wasn’t much going on, so I just took it easy at the office. They did unload some stuff yesterday, but last night there wasn’t anything

Yesterday I received another letter from you and also one from Virgil written on the 10th.

Virgil wants a camera now also. You mentioned putting an ad in the paper for one. I thought you could buy one fairly easy, but I guess you can’t. I do know that I am going to save at least two rolls to take on the boat and one roll coming across the states. Because going back to the states, I can take a few pictures leaving this place and also when I pull under the Golden Gate Bridge. That will be the big day.

In the letter from Virgil, he mentioned that he was ready to pull out again. You know, I think he will be pretty lucky if he can stay on that boat for the rest of the time he is in the Navy. Because that boat may leave the states, but you know it will make the run back very soon. And if he gets put on a land base someplace, then it is hard telling when he will get back.

In the news yesterday, I read where the big shots thought the Navy was too much unfair about their points and also that they should get discharged faster. I really don’t think Virgil will be in the Navy long after I get out—maybe a couple of months or so.

I don’t know what to say about the point system over here. It seems to be going very slow for us in the Air Force. The ground forces are moving out, but another thing I think that is holding us up is this Navy Day coming up next week. Just as soon as that is over, I think they will head back this way, and it will really take a bunch of men out of here.

I am going to enclose a small piece of string, and I want to know if you could use any of it. It comes about 8 to 10 feet long. The only thing you can use it for, that I know, is to knit it into something, like what you put on the arm of a chair or on the back. Lovvorn made a couple and sent them home to his wife.  I also got 20 inch square but I can't send it through mail and I will have to carry it home I hope.

I am going to enclose some more prints of Manila but I have no neg for these.  The one is of the Gen. Hosp. (Phil).  As you can see there isn't much left of it.  This is the center part of it.  It is on Taff avenue.  Then one again of the City Hall.  This one was taken from teh front.  The was one of the strong points the Jap held to and was a good fight becuase the building is in the open and non close by.  Then the pictures that was taken of the river.  It runs in through town.  It is right by the Red Cross building.  The picture I took at the Red Cross building showing the traffic will the cars and trucks that was heading to the right just are ready to approach the bridge.  You can also see the damage done to the building along the river.  Just received your letter of the 12th and I think that made good time.  

October 22, 1945, 3:45 P.M.

This morning, I went to work again. I went on at about 8 or a little after. Again, it wasn’t work but just telling the Filipinos what to do.

We are starting to go through the whole bomb dump now and pick out all the boxes that are busted or don’t have the factory seal on them. I don’t know what they will do with the stuff, but I wouldn’t be a bit surprised to see it dumped out in the ocean. They may repack it, but I don’t think so.

The mail just came in, and I received the letter from the 14th and your package of June 18th. Everything was in perfect shape.

5:00 P.M.
Here I am again. I just ate chow, went to the PX, and bought a box of soda crackers and read the news.

You mentioned wondering if the hankies were sewn by hand or machine. Well, all that work was done by hand. I want to get a pillow top made with the design like Helen had on one of her hankies with a bamboo house, the fence, and a walk in front, along with a fruit tree in the yard. The only thing I hate is paying $7.50 for it. Not that it isn’t worth that much—it takes a long time to make—but it’s the price. Lovvorn sent one to his wife.

If you would want one, let me know. I may have it made anytime, depending on how I feel. When you get this, answer it right away and give me your opinion. If I haven’t made up my mind by then, I can decide for sure. The writing on it would only say “Philippines 1945.”

Clyde signed up for another year in the Army. Well, really, with his points, he might as well have. He knows he’ll be in for at least another year or two. This way, he can get his furlough again and be on his way. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have gotten his furlough and would have been in just as long.

The rumor tonight about the point system was that they would drop it two at a time. If they do that, you’ll see how fast people are going out. That way, a person won’t lay around in a separation camp for very long.

I was thinking if I ride one of the Liberty ships back to the States, it will take about 26 days to get there on the roundabout way to stay in the warm climate because there’s no heating system on those boats. That sure will be some trip. That’s over a week longer than when I came over. Anyhow, I would know for sure I was heading home and not waiting for a boat here.

I will put the last three pictures of Manila in tonight. They are some I have no negatives of. The one picture with the building on the left with a jeep going by is a nightclub. It was one of the best. I mean, it was burned completely out in the center, and just the framework is standing. But they are repairing it now.

The building that takes up the whole picture was another strong point that the Japs held, and they just shot the building to pieces. The other picture was out by Wall City, which is a pretty good area and was well-to-do with hotels, etc. The building that is standing is burned completely out on the inside.

October 24, 1945, Wednesday Morning, 8:30 A.M.

To start the letter off, I am still taking it easy. I haven’t worked for the last two days, and I don’t think I will have to until the end of the week. I may have to go down and put in six hours at the office, but there is never anything to that you can call work.

The weather has been really nice around here the last couple of days.

What do you know, they dropped the points yesterday again. The rumor was to drop it two points at a time, and that has come true. Now it is down to 77. They claim this way, you’ll get out of the Pacific much quicker.

October 26, 1945, Friday, 2:00 P.M.

Everything on this end is still running good with me, and I can’t complain about anything.  So I guess that is the main thing.  I could talk a little about coming home but they are going to send me home when they get ready to.  

Last night, Lovvorn and I went over to that house again. I made up my mind to get a pillowcase top made because I am going to make about 25 extra bucks this month. But the woman told me she couldn’t make it because she couldn’t get any thread.

Here I go again—I want you to send me some thread by airmail letter so I can get it right away.  To tell you about the price they pay for this thread isn't so. low.  They pay $1.25 for a small bunch that is 9 yards long.  I know you won't have to put over 20 cents in each bunch and you may only have to pay a dime.  Well here what I am going to do.  You send me all you can and I am going to sell it on this end.  This first bunch of stuff I am going to give to this women to make me a pretty pillow top.  THen to get more money out if it I will sell to other people around here and also give her a small supply.  But never too much to cut the price on me.  You know what I mean never get the market at one place over supplied.  They cannont buy any of that thread at all here.  They have to go to Manila to get it and it cost them $10 for a trip down only.  So I figure if I sell it $1 a bunch it will have a good buy for them and also I can get rid of all I can get.  Now here is the main thing be sure this thread does not fade.  That is the trouble around here they can't hardly buy the stuff that doesn't fade out when washed.  So be sure it is fact color.  I think I have 12 different colors here and send me those colors first so I can get my pillow case made first.  I think you can put in at least one color in each letter and maybe two and be sure this thread does not fade. That’s the trouble around here; they can’t buy stuff that doesn’t fade when washed. I think I have 12 different colors here; send me those colors first so I can get my pillowcase made.

Send me all you can, and I will sell it on this end. I will give some to the woman for my pillow top and sell the rest to others. They can’t buy it here and have to go to Manila, which costs $10 for a trip. If I sell it for $1 a bunch, it’s a good deal for them and profitable for me.  Great Britain. And you know how the shipping is nowadays between there and here.

That yellow color fades I got in this bunch, but what I wanted to show you is the difference in thickness. So now I am hoping that you can get the good color, and then we will see how it runs. The reason I want it by letter is because that way I am more sure it will come by air. All I wish I knew some pilot that was flying back and forth to the states, and I could really make some money off of it. One thing's for sure, I know I cannot lose. And when that is the story, there is no use turning it down. When I give her this thread, I am going to tell her I want a perfect one, and I know for sure I will get the prettiest one you will ever see.

Now here is another thing I want you to do, and that is to send me another picture of them girls. The one I want is the girl I took two pictures of. She is the girl that isn’t in the picture of the one where two of them are standing in. I took one picture of her real close by the tent with no hat on, I believe, and then the other one is a full picture of her with her head turned at a small angle and her hands on her hat. Send me a couple more that are enlarged a little. Somebody took her last two you sent me, and last night she wanted to know if I would get another one for her.

The last two days we have been fixing up our home (tent). We padded the sides, and then they gave us a green parachute to hang up on the inside. I would sooner have a white one, but they could not get any of those. The only color we could get was green or red. And red is hard on your eyes at night when the lights are on, so we took green. These chutes are cargo chutes that they drop supplies with from the air. They aren't quite as good as the personnel chute, but they are pretty nice material. Also, this morning, I put up a light switch for the lights. The way the things are wired, you have to turn the bulb to turn on or off the lights. Then I went to Manila and brought back a 300-watt bulb, so you have an idea what light we have for a 16-foot square tent. We used to have a 40-watt. I don't know what we will do when this burns out, and we have to go back to 40-watt. It will be like candlelight compared to this.

We also got some strips of wood and took some waterproof paper, and being we have these stretched on both top and bottom, when it is nice weather, we roll it up. When the wind blows or it rains, we just leave the sides down. One man can leave it down by himself very easily. It is a lot better than putting up our tent half the time. We had a bunch of mail we had to hang the canvas on, and it wasn't so good. Another main thing is whenever it rained and you had to work one of the two places, you couldn’t put it up. Our poncho we also had to use. So really, now we are fairly well set up. We also have two folding GI hardtop tables in our tent and some stools made out of wood.

The best tent I believe I have ever had was in New Guinea because we had all the plane supplies, such as tables and chairs that were built with backs and made really for comfort. We also had indirect light there from the white parachute and a reflector. With this green chute, we can't do that. But I can't complain because I know our tent is damn good and can't be much better.

Here is the news that I don’t care much to write about, and that is work. I just saw the order on two ships that have to be unloaded, I guess starting this next week. And when I say ships, I mean that. Boy, they really have got the stuff in it. I know it will take two weeks of solid work to unload them at 24 hours a day. I can’t kick about a little work because I really won’t be so bad off because I will get on a tractor crane, and that is sitting all the time. Your arms get a bit tired, but that is better than getting tired all over.

What do you know, I received another roll of films from you tonight of the 16th. So I am fairly well set on films now. I am sure glad they made such good time in coming. Thanks a million!

October 29, 1945, Monday, 11:00 A.M.

As you can see, I am a day late in writing this letter. To start the letter off, we will start talking about yesterday. In the morning, I was sitting on my sack, and a couple of guys came along and said they were going to climb this big mountain by us out here, where I told you the Japs made a hard fight out of it. Well, I always said after that first Sunday down in New Guinea, when we went out jungle exploring and mountain climbing, I would never go again. Well, anyhow, I thought I would go anyway and maybe get a few good pictures. We got to this small town at the bottom and went to a priest’s house, and he told us where to get a guide. The other week we went out there, and we met this priest, and he told us if we ever wanted to go up, he would get us the guide. Well, we got there in time to see a wedding. For the fun of it, I took two pictures of the couple. It was nothing back home to compare with a wedding. They had three single-horse carriages to take them away, and the relation of each. Each two-wheel carriage holds two persons. You can pack four in, but two is the best riding. So you can see what they look like when I send home the film. In the next few days, I am going to wrap up a couple of rolls of film in a can and send them home. I am going to really mark the can up with "exposed films" so nobody can miss seeing it. 

Well, after that, we went and got our guerilla guide and headed for the top. Anyhow, the next one I go up, it is going to be by a motor pulling me up. No more of this climbing by foot. I never imagined such a steep path and rugged trails to go up. I will tell you one thing—anybody that had to carry their food and supplies up that hill had the right to live. We had to stop four times in making the top in the two hours it took to go up. We went the first hour without stopping, and we weren't moving slow. They said it would take us three hours to go up at a regular rate, but we had to be different and told the guide we didn’t want to waste any time. I believe he could’ve made it without stopping. Well, the top of the hill was all full of caves and hidden gun mounts. All the way up were traps set, and the guys that took that hill really had a job. And when you read about the Jap living like rats, well, that is really the truth.

We took a flashlight and made us a torch out of wood, etc., and went into about six of the caves. No ventilation at all for the caves, and you could go back a couple of hundred feet. I took a few pictures from the top, and I wanted to get some of the caves, but the trees, etc., made it too dark to take any decent pictures, so I never wasted any film on it. We got back about 3:30 P.M. Anyhow, except for being a bit tired out, I enjoyed the climb OK. It was something different. One thing is sure: if they had made us climb that thing, I would’ve really done some cussing. But that is the way a damn Yank is—will half kill himself doing something crazy like that. I doubt if a person will ever learn.

Then I came back, and the stuff was really coming into the dump, so I went to sleep after supper and went on at midnight and got off this morning. I go on at 6 tonight now and get off at midnight. But being the boss over a bunch of Filipinos, it isn’t so bad. Last night I sat down on the bulldozer we had for lights and never touched a bit of work. So don’t worry about me working too hard.

I received another roll of films you sent me on the 16th by air mail.  On the question about bringing Teds body back to the states.  I believe the same as you do on that subject.  But I think Daddy will not be able to open the casket because the government won't allow that.  I am sure.  And they will probably put a big fine on the undertaker, and you know they won’t take any chances. Another thing, they couldn't have everybody open those caskets.

I told you in the other day’s letter I would make about $25 this month. Well, I don’t think I will be able to go much over $20. But it is still better than nothing.

About Bob Bybee getting that two hours' notice to get on the boat—well, that is the way I would like to do it. The guys that left here last week went down to Manila one morning, got there at noon, and climbed on it the next morning and were pulling out at noon. So that is really going good. They are starting the liberty ships now, and the first one left yesterday with 500 on board. I am looking around the 15th of this next month for the points to really drop in a hurry because by then all the boats from the navy celebration will be over here.

Tomorrow will be the big day around here. They are going to have a big doings here. It is the same as a fair to us, and all the Filipinos are taking the day off. I am sure glad I am on from midnight to 6 because there isn’t as much work done then as the rest of the day. The drivers are on 12 hours and off 12 hours, and after midnight they kind of take it easy. Well, I will have the full day off, so I got to take a few pictures.

P.S. Oct. 30th, 7:30 P.M.

Well, here I am again, and I just wanted to mention to you that I received your letter of the 21st last night. 

Oct. 31, 1945, 3:40 P.M.
We are working fairly hard—or should I say the Filipinos are—but anyhow, what I mean is we are working our six hours a day. As I told you in the last letter, we are unloading two boats now, and they really have the stuff on them. The last two days, I have been working on the same kind of bomb. It is only 100 lbs., but we have 17,000 of those to unload. Then we have about 10,000 of a 250 lbs. size, plus I don’t know how many fuses, etc. All of this stuff came from the States, and I guess it will stay over here until they rust to pieces.

Last night I went on at midnight and worked till 6 this morning. Then I go on at 6 tonight. It rained last night, and it didn’t do us much good because the bombs are so muddy it is hard for the trucks to pull in and out. At the No. 2 dump last night, we had to take a bulldozer and pull them in and out to get the trucks unloaded. They also started to have Filipinos for drivers, and 95% don’t even know how to drive, much less understand what you are talking about.

Yesterday was that big shindig here. They really had a nice morning and part of the afternoon, but around 4 P.M. a big rain cloud came up, and that caused a considerable amount of mud. So last night it kind of wrecked their plans.

To start the thing off yesterday morning, they had a brass band march up and down the main road. Before I go any further, this was a big holiday, which was a Saint’s day for them. Around here, everyone is Catholic, so you know what kind of day it was. They built a church out of banana trees, and they skinned the bark off it, giving it a high gloss. Another thing about these trees is they are very soft, and you can cut them into any size or design very easily. I must say the church they built just for this occasion was really very pretty and showed some skillful work. I got one corner picture of it in the morning and wanted to get one in the afternoon, but it rained. I only got one picture of it, so I am sure hoping it comes out good. I will be sending that film home in the next day or so. Then I took a picture or two of those small girls again. If they don’t tear down that church, I am going to get another picture of it when the sun comes out again and it stops raining.

Then we came back and ate dinner here at the camp and then went back out on the road where they had this big event. Anyhow, the bunch of guys that work around here all know us, and half the time are working under us in a crew. They wanted us to come to their house to eat and drink. I bet I could have eaten 50 meals yesterday if I had wanted to and gotten so drunk I wouldn’t be over it for a month. That’s all they wanted to do—feed you and give you this coconut wine that will really sit you on your ass (should I say). It is so strong with alcohol that you can use it in a cigarette lighter. So that gives you an idea of the kick it gives. Now don’t get the idea that I drank any because I didn’t. This place where I ate my second dinner meal was kind of mad because I didn’t drink any, as the custom is to give you something, and you are supposed to take it, or else they feel hurt. But at last, I got it through their heads that I didn’t want any, but they made me take a bottle of beer. So I downed that anyhow. This beer is the beer that the United States sends over here to the guys, and it costs us about 50 cents a bottle. Then they pay 50 cents a bottle for it when they buy it from the Yanks, and yesterday the Yanks went back and drank it up (for nothing). Now, if that makes sense, it is beyond me.

Now I will tell you what I had at dinner at the house I ate at. The first thing off was one of their specialties called "suman." I didn’t like it at all. It is made of rice, coconut, and sugar rolled up to the size of a weiner and wrapped in a banana leaf and thrown in a fire the day before to cook. It was too greasy, and I don’t care much about rice either. We took off the leaf and started to lay it on the table when they said to throw it on the floor under the table. That was supposed to be good luck. By the way, the three of us that ate there were watched by the whole family. They ate before and served us special. Well, you know how a person would feel with all the people around, but anyhow, we ate. Then we had "tinapay," which is fresh bread and butter. They had four different kinds of bread and buns for us to eat. Then we had "mantikilya," which was fried eggs and tomatoes in a pie form. That was really good, and I don’t mean maybe. Then we had "ulam," which is meat. We had fresh pork, which was killed the day before. All day long, when they were killing those pigs for yesterday, you could hear them squealing. They have an odd way of killing them. They buy one pig and raise it up just for this day of the year. With the meat, we had "serbesa," which is ketchup. Then for drinks, as I said, we had "tasto," which is beer. And they had enough extra stuff to feed six other guys. So that was our meal. I could have gone to other places which had chicken, but I didn’t. It was really a day.

Nov. 1, 2 P.M.
Then we went to the horse racing. Well, yesterday I started this and then had to go to work at 6 and also eat early, so I didn’t get a chance to finish your letter. So I am going to do it now for sure. Anyhow, these horse races they always talk about—well, I thought it was going to be racing, but when they started, it wasn’t. They had a pole across the road, and there was a bunch of ribbons rolled up on them. They would ride the horse under the pole and, at the same time, take the little stick they had in their hand and put it through the little ring that each ribbon was attached to. Each family put on a ribbon, and then they had prizes for them. So whatever ribbon you got, that was your winning. Then the one that got the most ribbons got the bonus of 50 bucks. I took one picture of that also.  Then in the evening, we went back to the show. They had a queen of the area, and so they had a big celebration for that also.

Well, I got tired of standing on my feet, so I came back about 10 o'clock and went to bed until 11 when I got up for work.

Starting Nov. 1st, the 60-point men are eligible for discharge. I am, too, but the only thing holding me up is getting back to the States. But I think this next month plenty of men will be leaving. The guys in the States have the break, but I am getting a big break by being in the 20th Air Force and not the Far Eastern Air Force because there are only a few of us compared to the number in other branches. All of our men with 77 points and above are gone, while the Far Eastern Air Force still has men with 80 and higher points over here, and they don’t plan on leaving right away either. The General that is head of our group here in Manila is really pushing us home, so you know how I feel about that.

By the way, there is talk that the 60-point men and above will be transferred back down to Manila so we can get home sooner because they have lots of last-minute send-offs, and by being up here, you can’t get in on them. The men that left here who were over 35 years old could have left two weeks sooner if they had been there. So, the thread I told you to send me—only send me one set of thread. That will get me my pillow. If it isn’t finished by the time I leave here, I will get Shea to send it to me because he only has 58 points, I believe, and he will stay over here a while longer.

On the 30th, I received a letter from you and also a roll of film. They really have been coming through good. After taking all those pictures of the mountain and the big doings around here, now I have four complete rolls of film and part of one in my camera.

Well, today was payday, and with my $5 increase for being in three years now, it gave me 16 bucks. It makes it about three dollars more.

I am not going to mail this until the morning because it won’t go out by then, and then I can tell you if I received any mail from you or not today out of the evening mail call.

Nov. 2

Well, here I am again. I just finished work and ate. I will end this, mail it, and head off to bed for the morning. I did not receive any mail last night, so I should get some today. 

Nov. 3, 1945
For me, I am just as good as ever and ready to go to work at midnight. It is starting to rain a bit outside now, so I guess this evening won’t be so good. But water hasn’t hurt anybody.

What do you know? This morning some more men left from here. Everybody from 74 points and above went, so that doesn’t sound so bad, does it? I sure don’t think so. And I wouldn’t be a bit surprised if the 70-point men and above will leave within a week or so. So the way the story looks now, I think we will be in the States by the first of the year. These guys got their orders at 4 o’clock last night and left at 3 A.M. this morning for Clark Field. Then they are going to some bay close by to board a ship home. Again, I say we are lucky to be under this setup because when we leave here, we don’t have to monkey around at a replacement depot before boarding the boat. We just get our clothes and get on the boat. I will let you know more as everything rolls along that way. The only thing holding me up from discharge is getting the transportation back to the States. But it isn’t going to be long, and you can forget about writing to me.

OT has only 47 points. You remember when he was back in the States taking it easy, and I was over here with my points adding up. He will be over here another six months after I leave. He is down in the low bracket.

The other night for past time, I took that film from New Guinea and cut up and put a couple more in. Well, I took it to a small town here, and it cost me 50 cents to have it developed. I just wanted to see if it was any good. Well, I got it back tonight, and it turned out OK, so I think I will cut me some more now. I only snapped it off, and the ones I took of the camp area came out fairly good except that I didn’t roll it too well and left a little light on three of the films. Then the other one I took of the inside of the tent didn’t get enough time, so they came out dark. But anyhow, it is good. I can sell it when I leave if I don’t use it.

I am going to send you the three best out of that film. You can see where the light came in on the films. One is of the water tower and our mess hall. That has a couple of bad black spots in it. Then the other one that has spots was taken outside of our tent and facing the orderly room. Then the best one was taken also by the tent and of the motor pool. In the corner, you can see the water towers.  Also tonight, I don’t know much to write, so I will put in a few of those pictures from Manila. I will put two pictures of the "American High Commissioner’s Residence" before the war and after. They kind of made a mess out of it. Also, a picture of the market. It isn’t so plain, but you can see the idea of the market.

Also, the picture of Plaza Sto Tomas that is inside of the walled city, I think. Also, nothing left of that. Then the Raguio Cathedral. I haven’t seen it, but I heard a lot about it.

What do you think about me selling my watch for 25 or 30 bucks before I come home?

Nov. 5, 1945
Well, here it is Monday evening, and I think I will drop you a few lines anyhow. I really don’t know much to say, so I think I will put this goods in, and you can have me a scarf made sometime. It may be a bit small, but I think it will be OK.

No mail from you the last couple of days, so I am looking for some tomorrow.

Nov. 7, 1945
The other day, I messed around and slept part of the day, and I didn’t get you a letter out, so I put that piece of cloth in.

Everything here is going as good as ever. But we are still putting in our full time of 6 hours a day and 7 days a week. But we have plenty of Filipinos around here, so all we do is mainly boss the job. Everybody in this outfit is going home, so they are teaching the Filipinos how to operate the crane now because, after this month, I think there will be very few men left here. Myself, I think I will be leaving at the end of this month or the early part of next month. But time will only tell.

As I believe I told you already, this week we are working days again. I really don’t know what I like best around here—days or nights. The nights are cool, and the days are hot. The only trouble by night is you have a hard time working with light. But I guess the best is day work. Around here, I don’t think it can get cold at all. I always keep thinking about the warm weather here and what it is back home. So when I get home, I guess I’ll turn on the heat pipes and keep warm.