April 12, 1945 Thursday

Dear Harriet,

                Yesterday I got another of those Blue letters, but blue only in color.  Very cheerful otherwise.  It seemed that there was a lot more writing on that sheet than usual and I enjoy every word.  You said you weren’t lecturing me and I know you weren’t, but all the same, I had to smile.  First because I don’t deserve the worry if I may call it that.  But I do appreciate your thoughts for my welfare. Second, because I know that you’re quite sure I can handle things for the best and don’t really get in trouble.  I can’t get out of the same if not bettered.  I’m quite sure I’ll fare well on your cooking.  Never fear, it won’t b too long before I’ll be trying it as you mentioned-one of these years. 

Now for a few words on another subject.  You said you weren’t lecturing about me giving the Division Officer the word.  But I’m saying, this is going to be a short lecture-and not just to be different, because you need it, unless you’re teasing me. 

Susan Russell may be quite a girl but confound it, don’t get the idea that I’d never be satisfied with “a small Home town girl.”  In the first place, I’ve been around some and have never seen a girl you couldn’t give the stiffest competition and I don’t say that to make you feel good.  Like my mums said, “It’s better to be a big shot in a little town than a little shot in a big town.”  Take it for what it’s worth and don’t be too quick to forget it. My mother said the same thing-me not being satisfied with things back home.

About Navy College, it’s a blank-the Division Officer you know.  Say, I haven’t heard anything about M. Bowes-DeMille and Kaltenborn and the FBI.  Can you verify or give me anything else on that noise.  We’re lucky to have election lights out here-let along the news, though we do hear headlines like the Russian Jap noise.

                You’re certainly underway with activities-music and social and school.  You deserve it and more and it’ll be forthcoming.  All the luck I can muster or help I can ever offer.  Write soon and ask questions about anything. I’ll see you after while.  Day dreaming and nothing else.  All my love.

Pablo

p.s. Those cards have seen a bit of territory. They have been on my person almost all the time I’ve been gone.  I guess you know what those punch holes mean? Memories?

(Harriet Johns-invitation to all Weber county Ward, Stake, and Inter-Stake Budget Parties for the 1943-1944 Social Season; Weber High Student Body Card 1943-1944 for Paul and Harriet)

April 2, 1945 Monday Portage Des Sioux MO

Well my lovely land lubber.  I’m at the present-not a dry land sailor.  But never the less the sloppy weather never queered the deal for yours truly to have one elegant weekend that he’ll not soon forget.  I was able to navigate over to the Gold ‘n Green rat race and-oi yoi yoi, what a fiesta.  As you may have guessed, I was with Sue. We went over with Mr. and Mrs. Russel.

                It was held in the Ball Room of the Hotel De Sota.  They had an excellent orchestra and really made with a decent mode of music.  Susan was last year’s queen so she crowned this year’s queen.  We lead the crowning procession down a long plush carpet the length of the ballroom-with everything dark but a spotlight.  Naturally, that made us feel so important we couldn’t get our Easter Bonnets on.  (Sailors changed from blue hats to white ones on Easter).

                There was then 5 soldiers with the Maid of Honor or what you call them and the queen.  It was over all too soon and then the Russels asked two soldiers and myself over Easter to a fine dinner and what with two exceptional Easter church programs it sure boosted this chap’s morals and made him feel glad.  Especially so when the people ask you to take part in things.  Like Bob Petty- a son of Dr. Petty of Ogden-who stuck my tooth in).  He’s a Navy Medical student here studying to be a doctor.  Really a swell lad.  He’s Sunday School supervisor.  He asked me to give the prayer Easter morning then in the evening meeting I sang with the chorus-a couple of pretty songs that you’d probably know if I could remember.

                Lately I’ve been stripping rocket gear from a plane from combat and standing more watches.  I’ve received some enjoyable letters from you lately.  A couple of 3 page ones with all the latest word.  One I carried a couple of days and read much.

                Well mama, “since when” gosh I bet that was swell being able to be home and get the alligator sandals and go to your Sunday church and shoot the breeze with your friends and have your birthday dinner home.  It please me lost to have you speak with my people.  They mentioned it in several letters and I know they enjoyed it.  I like to talk to Lila with you.  She probably enjoyed your company-more than you know.

                Say, did I ever tell you my dad worked at the American Can a few years back? It was when I was about 6 I believe.  Those birthday presents sounded nice and I hope mine won’t be too long from now. Unexpected deals make my blood boil.

                Say, that was quite an escapade-all the goodbye’s Marine and all.  I imagine you find Marines to be quite the boys.  I’ve gone to school with them you know.  The only regret is that such times don’t come often enough.  I got a kick out of that Diamond episode. 

                No more good turns daily.  Sue and I went roller-skating-including once when I skated on three points.  The soldier from Logan is Doyle Egan-Student Body President of South Cache-class of ’43 and one sell Joe.  That sleeping on watch we spoke about would probably mean a Court Martial.  I got caught and felt about as uneasy as I have felt for an awful long time.  The officer was swell and I got off easy.  It isn’t no joke and is a very serious manner.  I had 3 watches in 6 days and accidentally fell asleep.  I don’t think it will ever happen again.  Yes, that one Easter I was near you will always live within me. 

My love,

Paul

March 30, 1945 Friday

Dear Skippy,

                Hardly anything to say but that I think of you lost.  Last night on that 2000-2400 guard, I thought of you an awful lot. I’ve wondered often what the situation will be like when we meet again.  Where will we be? How will we find each other? Change a bit-but for the better or worse?

                Yesterday I tangled with my Division Officer.  It gave me self satisfaction but at my own expense because officers hold the upper hand even when they’re in the wrong which everyone agreed that he was.  I wanted to go to Navy College.  It’s been on my mind for quite a while. The reason why I never mentioned it is because I was sure of myself.  It was in my grasp and I had all the red tape squared away except one unimportant paper which the old man had to sign.  I steered clear of him as long as possible.  He’s a Navy Warrant Officer what has been in 20 some years-all of it spent on the beach and he’s authority conscious.  It’s been said many times that men here would remember him and if he ever shipped to sea, he’d be overboard pronto.  I’m serious Hon.  It’s been known to happen many times and will many more times.  People that are found to disappear just disappear over the side of the ship and no questions asked.  The guys aren’t really killers but you have to live as closely and constantly with your mates as in the Navy.  Even ashore, people like that make it too miserable.  He had no reason particular except that he tried to get a J.G. rating and they wouldn’t give it to him so he’s taking it out on us.  They wouldn’t give it to him because he has no sea duty.  He called me on the carpet 3 times in one day which would be usually equal to suicide, crucifixion, and a few others.  The 2 times I got used to his sorry line and I guess the third my Dutch came up so I “give him the word” in no uncertain terms. The lads patted me on the back for it but I expect the consequences will be my name on the next draft for Smart Field, en exile 40 miles out of the town-300 men, stiff discipline.  Some of the boys I shipped from Jax with are already there.  All I can do is wait.

                We’ve been working hard on the planes lately.  I’m tired again tonight and I’ve lost 10 pounds.  Don’t mention it to mom though.  I’ll get it back after while.  I’ll write again and tell you about the weekend I’ll’ spend starting tomorrow night.  For now, Love ‘n kisses ‘n stuff.

Paul                           

p.s. On the front of the station paper-truer words were never spoken