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265 Pajamas wrapped and ready for mailing Navy #3247 (Mil. Govt) FPO San Francisco Wednesday July 4 1945 My dearest darling, Your recent letters may have been ‘skimpy’ (to quote #315 of last Wednesday, received this afternoon, but mine have certainly been skimpier. When I get one which says, “This has been a gray day inside and out, and no mail.” I realize afresh what letters mean and make a renewed effort to write every day. I was glad, at any rate, to get the reply that I've been waiting for - a letter written after you’d seen mine explaining the ‘replacements’ coming out here soon. Was especially please to hear of Coach Hager's and Robinson's visit (can't quite place the latter but think I have met him. When was he on Saipan, and what did he do?) - I'll try to get around to writing Coach a letter one of these days. He himself writes [pg 2] very entertainingly - Don van Koughnet recently received a letter which I read and in which he said some of the same things he told you. They are interesting, to say the least. I am inclined to agree with Coach that if I get back there, there's a good chance I may stay. But, as you say, the future disposition of the Boulder men now at CASA will be a much better clue to my future placement than is the return of certain officers to civilian life, notably Charlie Gary (formerly Economics Officer here) and possibly Andy Lee, who never did return to CASA after his 30 days’ leave. Yes, I think there is some hope for Christmas (which means not only getting home within 3 or 4 months, but also staying there a month or two) I wouldn't count on it, darling, but I think it's likely. I too am awfully glad to have you see men who've been out here - I only wish there were more observers out this way like Walter, only better, who’d seen you recently. It was so good to hear in your last letter [pg 3] that you are feeling better. #313 When you say ‘D- that phone’ (or anything else) please write it out - the - gives it a muted effect as though you don't really mean it, though I know you do. “Houses and People in Japan” sounds interesting - do you recommend it for my later reading? #314 - The letter Helen received from the yeoman who was on the Sea Flasher was interesting to hear about and may explain why I referred to the occasion of Walter's being wounded as an unusual one. I realize, of course, that that isn't the first time such a thing has happened, but it's considerably rarer than getting wounded in other ways - and the latter do not have so many M.G. men marked out as expendable. The Navy Captain's scuttle about CASA and the 600 Navy officers there was also interesting - we are all well aware that joint Army-[pg 4] M.G. has not worked out well anywhere, including here - No, I don't know how much is straight stuff, except that I've heard repeatedly that Japan will be wholly an Army show except for language men; as for them, it's difficult to say and depends a great deal on how extensively we occupy Japan. The Navy certainly will take over all Pacific Islands captured up to now (except Okinawa, an unknown quantity), and it seems likely that some Chinese ports will also be Navy - yes, I suppose it will be a good long wait till I get out of the Navy, but I repeat that it's impossible to tell now. Scuttlebutt reportedly from Washington has it that the Navy plans to assign language officers (in the immediate postwar phase) on a volunteer basis, hoping to get enough men that way. #312 - Isn't it “wee-wee” (rather than ‘we-we’)? Not that it makes any difference. Yes, I can see [pg 5] how it would be difficult to avoid using such a convenient term, especially since its use is so widespread. I think the real criterion, darling, is not what you say but how you say it - avoid the apologetic simpering or childish giggle and simply be straightforward and natural with whatever words you do use. OK, darling, I won't keep talking about the possibility of my staying on Tinian for some time. And don't you pay too much attention to talk about my being replaced - unless you can confirm it in terms of how orders are worded, etc. In that case I’d like to hear about it pronto. #311 - Enjoyed the enclosure from Jean to Muz. It was a good letter. Thank you for the Petunia from our Patio. Loved the enumeration of things Wendy did from 4:30 to 5:30 one afternoon. No Tel is not due for a leave soon. He has served his 18 months but he does come [pg 6] under JICPOA's 24 month policy. And his wife, expecting him home until both of them were disillusioned a month or so ago (when she’d already taken the place) is in a summer home in Michigan. He was chagrined, but by now is adjusted to it and to the compensation of carrying on with his baby the Tinian School. I’d say the odds are about even that he leaves here a month or two ahead of me or that we both leave about the same time. The Marine general I traveled to Hawaii with? (Well, not exactly in his company…) A moment to reach for my billfold and examine my short-snorter - let's see: can't make it out very well, but I think it was Ralph J. Mitchell (Brig. Gen.) #310 Congratulate Gerry for me on her good luck. It really was, wasn't it? Glad you found two more pair of pajamas- I’d forgotten I had them. No, Trumbo and Lewis didn't say anything [pg 7] about movie sets on the Peninsula. They knew Carmel, however, and spoke of it as a delightful place. I've no time left to write and tell you about today's 4th of July (school holiday) track meet and associated events at the school. It was terrific. The Koreans’ lasted from 8 to 11:30 am; the Japanese's from 12 noon to 3:30. After that the Nisei played a team of civilian adults in baseball. Tonight there was a good deal of A. A. fire - the first in several months. Idly wondering what it was for, I never though till just now that it was in celebration of the 4th. Goodnight, darling, - all my love to you and Wendy and then some more (special) for you Warren
