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