June 1, 1944 Postcard

Dearest Skip,

            Sorry I can’t write more. Put barracks ship shape-marched till chow-ate-fell out fo the grinder (drill field)-heard inservice lecture from 9-11—took out $10,000 insurance payable only upon my sojourn with “Davy Jones.” Hit the grinder (drill field) till dinner (12:00) and drilled after chow for 1 hour till we assembled to hear a lecture in the auditorium by our Regimental Commander-and hit the grinder for drill and calisthenics. Boy we really were wet through to the skin from perspiration-but the boys are looking more like “blue jackets.” Well today’s Tuesday and no mail yet although I imagined someone has written-got to march to chow now and practice more. As ever.

Paul 

May 30, 1944 2045 P.M. (8:45) Camp Decatur

Dear Harriet,

            We’re feeling great-stiff necks and writer’s cramp. As I told you yesterday we tested all day today. After putting our bunks ship shape and doing our cleanup detail (mine being still the skipper’s quarters) we fell out and marched over to Regimental Headquarters-from there we marched to a large warehouse sized classroom and I and about 2,000 more gobs took every test in the book from about 6:00 till dinner or chow as you’ve found we call it. Then we went back and took about 4 more hours of tests. I’ll still write when I can but it’s near impossible. I’ll get about 1 hour sleep before I have to get up—you see I have to stand Guard in the top deck Cubicle from 2200 till 2400 (ten till midnight). I imagine it’ll be an ordeal after that test-they’ll correct that test and give us an interview, between the two they’ll determine our future in the navy. Either a trade school or some excitement on the high seas. Well we sent every pair of pants and blouse we own over to the tailors today-4 whites, 3 whit blouses, dress blues, and two blue pants also 2 undress blue trousers. Talk to you after while my dear. Till I’m asleep—toodle oo.

Paul