April 15, 1945 (to Marion Sneen)

Air Mail From Dip

Philippines

April 15, 1945

Dear Marion –

I’ve been too darn busy that’s why! Otherwise I’d a had a letter comin’ your way long time ago. OK?

Well hi you – how are ya? I must say you surely are lookin’ good – and I do mean it. Gee those pictures you sent were swell. You gals look good enough to eat - & I’m hungry! It’s a dirty trick tho sending one like that cheesecake deal, and then saying “uh, uh, don’t look so hard.” Aren’t you being a bit unreasonable? After all I’ve been overseas a long time & not used to that sorta scenery. I’m only sorry I can’t help out on your “Men Wanted” request. Tony says for you to tie up your cousin, & he’ll be comin’ home with me. Here’s one. Remember that little sample dress you sent me? Tony says he’d like to see you in it. I’m worried cuz he didn’t say whether he meant the sample or the dress.

I started telling you how busy I’ve been lately, so I’ll explain. I was unfortunately appointed T.J. A. (Trial Judge Advocate) – the army’s term for prosecuting attorney. So last week I had to “try” three men on AWOL charges. It was my job to investigate the cases, serve papers on the accused, prepare my cases, arrange for the Court Martial, and then actually try the cases. (Too many cases in that last sentence – sorry). Anyway it was a headache of a job and took up all my letter-writing time. And besides I now feel like a heel, cuz the boys were all found guilty and sentenced to cool off for 4 months in the stockade. I’ll bet if I were there you’d really pin my ears back for such a thing.

We just heard yesterday of the President’s death – it was quite a blow. I don’t have too much confidence in Truman, but maybe Congress will take over and run things. At least Stasson will sit in on the San Francisco conference and see that the U.S. gets a good deal.

The European war certainly looks promising now – we’re all sweating out an early end. I think a month or two will turn the tide. Wish I could say the same about this mess over here, Marion. I’m getting mighty sick of it all. The going is still just as rough as it has been. The Japs just don’t know that word “Uncle.”

Oh shucks Marion I’m not in the mood to write a pleasant letter ---- it’ll be a week or so before I get another chance to write, but I’ll be in a better mood then. G’night Marion.

Love, Dip